Do you need soil to grow plants? One can argue with this statement, because nutrients Plant roots can be received in another way. For example, in the form of ready-made, easily digestible solutions. Cultivation of plants according to this principle, when a special substrate and nutrient solution is used instead of the usual soil, is called hydroponics. This technique, adopted in many greenhouses, can also be used at home for growing indoor flowers, garden crops or obtaining excellent seedlings for subsequent planting in the ground. In addition, DIY hydroponics is very simple and very profitable!

Growing plants using the hydroponic method has many advantages over traditional farming. Among them, the most “noticeable” are:

1. Less labor intensity. The absence of soil during the growing process allows you to do without loosening, removing weeds, regular watering, and controlling soil pests.

2. Minimum areas for cultivation. Hydroponics on the windowsill does not require large containers of soil to maintain the viability of the plant root system, so good harvests can be harvested even from such a minimal area.

3. Increase in yield. Due to the fact that with hydroponic technology the plant receives all the necessary substances in an accessible form, there is therefore no need to develop a large root system. At the same time, a powerful upper part, therefore, growing vegetables hydroponically is guaranteed to allow you to harvest several times more than when grown in the ground. Hydroponics for flowers is also used as a quick method of forcing, for example, before selling.

Hydroponic substrates: what can be used?

With the hydroponic growing method, the plant is kept in a pot with a special substrate, which is characterized by good moisture holding capacity and friability. The ability to absorb water allows the hydroponic substrate to continuously wet the roots of plants, and its looseness allows it to provide good aeration. The following can be used as hydroponic substrates:

• leavening agents - perlite or vermiculite
• expanded clay
• gravel
• mineral wool
• PAA gels for hydroponics

Nutrient solutions

Hydroponics solution is nutrients dissolved in water. It is best to buy ready-made fertilizers for hydroponics, in which the proportions of the necessary microelements for specific plants are strictly observed.

Self-production of equipment

We bring to your attention the easiest way that allows anyone to grow plants without soil using the “water culture” system. To do this, it is enough to make a simple hydroponic installation consisting of:

• plastic container
• foam sheet
• aquarium air compressor

The installation is a plastic container filled with a solution, on the surface of which a sheet of foam is fixed to hold hydroponic pots with plants.

It is advisable to purchase a black matte container as a container for a hydroponic installation. If it is transparent, then light penetrating into the solution will give impetus to the formation of algae in it. This can be prevented by painting the outside of the container with black paint or wrapping it food foil, which will reflect light rays and prevent the solution from overheating.

The plastic container must be lightproof - for this you can paint it black

It is necessary to drill holes on the foam sheet according to the number of pots with plants. The diameter of the holes should be such that the pots are fixed there and do not fall through. By the way, if you manage to purchase a container with a lid, you can do without using polystyrene foam in your hydroponic business. It will be enough to cut holes in this cover.

It is advisable to purchase special pots for hydroponics - they are a “string bag” of thin plastic strips assembled in the form of a planting container.

Although, nothing bad will happen if you use disposable plastic cups instead, cutting many holes in them over the entire surface.

The roots of plants grown using the hydroponic method are very demanding of oxygen. If there is a lack of air bubbles in the water, the root system of plants can rot and soon die.

To prevent this from happening, a homemade hydroponic system uses an aquarium air compressor, allowing plants to receive required quantity oxygen directly from the nutrient solution. And in order for oxygen saturation in the nutrient fluid to occur evenly, it is advisable to use aquarium stones - sprayers.

How to grow hydroponics at home?

Once the hydroponic setup is assembled, you can begin planting. We fill the pots with the selected substrate and place the plants there, trying to spread the roots evenly and not damage them. Seeds should not be planted in gravel, perlite or other large material. For this, use mineral wool or moss, pre-moistened with water.

The solution is poured into the container until one third of the pots are immersed in the liquid. This will be enough to moisten the entire substrate, transferring moisture to the root system of the plant. Hydroponics at home requires careful monitoring of the level of the nutrient solution. Every 2 weeks (on summer period– more often) the solution must be topped up, and every month it must be completely replaced with a new one.

The easiest way to grow greens at home using hydroponics is dill, parsley, lettuce, fennel. You will also be pleased with the quick forcing of green onion feathers. Fresh cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes - all this can also be obtained all year round from your tiny “plot” - the windowsill.

Scientists predict that in the future hydroponics will become as widespread as classical farming, and perhaps even displace it. Perhaps it is worth being among the first to evaluate all the merits of the future “leader” and try to grow useful plants without soil?

The issue of growing greens hydroponically has long gone beyond the scope of amateur interest. Today this is a good idea for small businesses, and accordingly, there are a lot of developments and schemes. At the same time, it is not easy for a beginner to understand the topic, because there is a lot of speculation and attempts to make money on those who want to purchase equipment and materials. Let's consider all the points, the knowledge of which will allow any beginner to take the first steps and get greens at home, for themselves, and then, possibly, for sale.

Is it possible to grow greens hydroponically?

Many types of greens can be grown using hydroponics. This is not a complete list of green crops that grow well not in ordinary soil, but in a nutrient solution:

• dill,
• parsley,
• basil,
• cilantro,
• Melissa,
• mint,
• watercress

Of course, proper organization of the hydroponic installation is necessary, for example, onions do not like feathers excessive humidity- the flow method does not suit him. But this method is good for dill, lavender, basil and many other spicy annuals.

One of the simplest schemes for organizing a flow-through hydroponic installation for greenery consists of two buckets, a pump, hoses and several gutters with filler

The parameters that need to be taken into account when growing greens are described below. If an ordinary gardener is interested in lighting, temperature, soil, watering, temperature, then a hydroponist is interested in equipment and nutrient solution. These are two pillars that will ensure automated cultivation of the desired crop.

How to grow greens hydroponically: choosing equipment

Examples of purchased installations:

1. Installation " home garden» - compact and visually attractive. This is a completely self-sufficient device for growing greens. The kit includes: soil for plants, phytolamps, seeds, fertilizers. Cost - 13 thousand rubles.
2. The “Onion Happiness” hydroponic bed is the simplest compact installation for forcing onions to grow without fertilizers. From 20 bulbs - 1.5 kg of fresh herbs. It is unlikely that the unit will be of interest to those who successfully harvest onions in ordinary jars filled with water. This installation differs only in the presence of a compressor that saturates the water with oxygen. It is suitable for those who are faced with rotting bulbs or midges and do not have the ability or desire to independently install an aquarium compressor in a suitable container. Cost - 1.9 thousand rubles.
3. Aquapot installations are compact and convenient for those who only need one or several pots of greenery on the window. Cost - from 1.5 to 7 thousand rubles.
4. GHE systems are more varied than Aquapot. Suitable for those who are limited by home conditions, but still prefer to see larger-scale plantings, for example, 30 pots. The cost depends on the size of the installation - from 9 to 100 thousand rubles.

Photo gallery: homemade and industrial devices for growing greens hydroponically

The compact Aquapot installation for 20 liters of solution is suitable for growing one bush of greenery. The GHE AeroFlo 28 hydroponic installation holds 100 liters of solution and is designed for 28 seats The GHE Rainforest 3 hydroponic installation holds 45 liters of solution and allows you to grow 18 bushes. The compact hydroponic installation “Home Garden” is a completely ready-made device for growing greenery. The simplest flow-through hydroponic installation made from a home-made plastic pipe can be placed on a windowsill. Home-made flow-through hydroponic design from plastic pipes you can make it yourself and place it in the utility room

Flow method step by step using dill as an example

The most popular method for growing hydroponics at home is the flow method. The solution is not simply poured into a special container, but circulates through the pipes, periodically saturating the plant with nutrients.

Dill is a universal crop for the fresh table or for preparations. In addition, it is the most unpretentious, pests do not like it, it is not affected by diseases, and grows well in flow-through installations. Using his example, you can familiarize yourself with the entire sequence of actions.

1. Pre-sowing seed treatment significantly speeds up harvesting.
   1. Dill is soaked in warm water for 1–2 days, the water is regularly changed every 8–9 hours.
   2. Drain the liquid along with the floating seeds - they will not sprout, it is better to throw them away.
   3. The remaining seeds are filtered through cheesecloth and allowed to dry.
2. Prepare pots with large holes in the bottom; pots for seedlings are suitable. Hygroscopic filler: expanded clay + vermiculite, moistened with ordinary water. Other free-flowing, moisture-permeable materials are also suitable:
   • quartz sand;
   • pumice;
   • slag;
   • perlite;
   • ordinary gravel or granite crushed stone.
3. Sow the seeds in pots and cover the crops with film. The number of seeds of dill, parsley, lettuce per container is from 3 to 6 pieces; lemon balm and mint have smaller seeds - their number per pot may be greater.
4. After the seedlings have appeared, the containers are placed in the pipes of the hydroponic installation (more details about its arrangement are below).
5. Dill shoots will appear on the 5th day, the first week is devoted to the formation of the root system. There will be no noticeable growth of the ground part.
6. The culture loves warmth and abundant light, so they provide lighting for 15 hours. With shorter daylight hours, the plant will bloom quickly.
7. Since several plants were planted in one pot, their growth will be uneven. The leaves of the strongest and most active specimens are cut off for seasoning, making room for the growth of weaker ones.
8. If the plants begin to stretch, the lamps are lowered - 10–15 cm is acceptable.
9. The dill plant is removed when it produces umbrellas, and a new one is planted in its place.

Not only is dill slow to germinate - mint and lemon balm seeds also contain essential oils, which make germination difficult. But unlike dill, it is difficult to soak them - they are too small. Be prepared that mint and lemon balm will take up to 8 days to germinate. You can speed up the process with the help of stimulants: Epin, Zircon.

Equipment required for growing greens using the flow method:

1. Plastic pipes, square in cross-section. Holes of the required diameter are cut in the upper part. Length - 2 m, width - 10 cm.
2. Plugs with holes for hoses intended for draining the nutrient solution are installed at the ends of the pipes.
3. The nutrient solution itself is located in a reservoir, to which a pipe with a pump is connected.
4. The compressor is installed. The solution must be enriched with oxygen in a fine spray. Lack of oxygen or stagnation of water causes suffocation of roots, provokes root rot, the plants quickly weaken and die.
5. Since the liquid must be warmer than it could be in a room with normal temperature, a solution is installed in the solution reservoir and heating element. Optimal temperature solution - 24–28 °C.
6. To automate processes, you will need a timer.

A schematic representation of the main functional blocks of any hydroponic installation demonstrates the principle of operation of the unit: the pump creates a flow of solution through the roots of the plants

The pump start period is once an hour for 20 minutes - at this time the plants are saturated with nutrients. A hydroponic system can be open or closed (growbox). For the latter, you can safely use an old chest of drawers or cabinet - very convenient for saving space. In addition, this solves the problem of increased humidity in the room.

Fertilizer for hydroponic greens

For beginners, fertilizing plantings poses particular difficulties. Conventional minerals intended for feeding plants in the ground are not suitable. You need to purchase specialized mixtures, for example, concentrated liquid fertilizer Flora Nova Grow (RUR 2,036 per 473 ml). The advantages of such mixtures:

• Saturate the nutrient solution with minerals.
• They contain special substances that prevent overfeeding of plants (humic acid, fulvic acids).
• Remove accumulated salts in the hydroponic system or substrate.
• Activate root formation.
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Stabilize pH.

Underfeeding and overfeeding leads to the rapid death of the plant, because in hydroponic systems all processes proceed faster.

As for preparing the solution yourself, the required concentrations of nutrients are indicated in hydroponics reference books. There are a lot of recipes for solutions; there may be several of them for the same crop. Combinations of substances vary depending on the method of supplying the solution (drip, periodicals), on other growing parameters (greenhouse, natural light, artificial lighting).

Table: example of a combination of chemical elements for any herbs

N	P	K	Mg	Ca	Fe	Mn	B	Zn	Cu	Mo
210	70	300	67	180	3	1.25	0.5	0.4	0.26	0.06

Other indicators:

• pH: 5.5-6.0;
• EC: 2.0-2.5 mS.

Power supply method:

• drip;
• periodicals.

• greenhouse;
• natural light;
• additional lighting

The hydroponic method allows you to create small area impressive vegetable garden

One example of calculation is given by the partnership of entrepreneurs TP "AKT". They developed GUVOSIT equipment - multi-tiered structures for any premises, designed for growing greens in an automatic mode: from seeds to harvesting. Output from 2.5 sq. m. for one production cycle - 14–15 kg of dill or parsley at an electricity cost of 1,400 rubles per cycle. (4 rubles per 1 kW/hour). Yield is about 7 thousand rubles. (14 kg = 700 bundles of 20 g each, price of a bundle is 10 rubles).

Hydroponics is still seen as something for enthusiasts or fans of unconventional gardening. However, we must admit that the idea itself - to receive fresh, environmentally friendly greens all year round without the hassle - fully meets modern style life when time and health are more valuable than money.

Hydroponics - modern technology soilless growing of house plants. It began to be actively used in recent years. In such conditions, vegetable and berry plants, as well as herbs, are cultivated. The main advantage is that parsley, sorrel, cilantro, dill, and other similar crops can be obtained on your site much earlier than with classical way growing. Technology requires equipment. It is easy to assemble with your own hands. Experts advise how to do this using available materials and a diagram. Photos and videos will help beginners.

Hydroponics at home: basic technology

The soilless method of growing crops was used even before our era, although widespread he received it only at the end of the 20th century. When using hydroponics, the plant's roots are in the substrate, but nutrients are obtained not from it, but from a solution. Externally it looks like this:

• greens are planted in a pot with a special substrate;
• it is placed in a container of larger diameter (aquapot);
• the outer container is filled with a liquid nutrient solution;
• the roots of the plant are attached to their substrate, but all the necessary substances are drawn from the aquatic environment;
• The composition and volume of the nutrient medium is adjusted depending on the needs of the plant.

The liquid solution surpasses even the best soil substrate in fertility. The plant does not need to develop a massive root - it receives all valuable minerals “on a silver platter”. The saved forces are directed to the growth of the above-ground part, which is important when growing garden herbs. Hydroponics allows you to artificially control and regulate the amount of CO2 in the air, providing good conditions for photosynthesis, as well as the feeding regime of the roots, humidity and air temperature, and other parameters. All this has a beneficial effect on the development of cultures.

Advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics

Growing using hydroponic technology is less labor-intensive and more economical than using classical technology. And here's why:

1. Despite the constant participation of water in the process, its total consumption for the season is lower.
2. Nutrients are consumed in smaller volumes. Almost 100% of them go to feeding plants, and do not partially go into the ground. You can control the dosage of fertilizers with high precision.
3. Greens ripen faster. Productivity is higher.
4. The supply and replenishment of the liquid solution in the aquapot is easy to automate.
5. The likelihood of weeds appearing is reduced to almost 0.
6. Greens do not need watering. The system allows you to control drying out and waterlogging of the soil.
7. Crops are protected from pests and diseases, and therefore there is no need to use chemicals during the maintenance process. Greens grow environmentally friendly and harmless to the body.
8. Plants are easy to transplant if necessary.
9. The roots are always visible. You will be able to monitor them for pathogens and abnormal development.

There are many benefits to using hydroponics. But it’s easy to cross them all out if you violate the technology even just once: set the wrong mixture of minerals, too high level acidity, etc. Ordinary soil will, to a certain extent, protect the root system from such incidents, liquid - most often not. Also, hydroponics is only suitable for crops with strong, coarse roots. Another disadvantage of the technology is the tendency of the liquid to heat up.

Attention! The root system develops best at +18…+22 °C. Allowable maximum for efficient cultivation— +26 °C. If the temperature is higher, the solution will begin to actively lose dissolved oxygen. This will have a detrimental effect on the development and viability of the plant.

Hydroponics equipment

The cost of factory-made hydroponic systems could also be considered a disadvantage if they did not pay for themselves quickly. In addition, you can make aquapots and related installations yourself. Equipment requirements:

1. The material from which the container is made should not allow water to pass through or enter into chemical reactions. reaction with mineral elements of the liquid solution.
2. The outer container should isolate the roots from light. Otherwise, the liquid will bloom, and unnecessary waterborne organic matter will appear on the roots.
3. The roots should be completely covered with the substrate.

Clay ceramics are best suited as a material for parts of an aquapot. But it’s easier and cheaper to build an installation from plastic pots. The main thing is that one fits easily into the other. An important part of hydroponics technology is the circulation of water and its saturation with oxygen. To do this, you need a small air compressor, like the ones used in aquariums.

Vessels for hydroponics can be made from a plastic bottle:

• cover it with spray paint so that light does not penetrate inside;
• cut crosswise approximately in the middle;
• make 2 rows of holes in the place where the base of the bottle meets the neck;
• insert the upside-down section with the neck into the bottom.

Another option for the base for an aquapot is a tetrapack package:

• prepare a regular pot of small diameter;
• lay it flat;
• cut a circle along the diameter of the pot;
• insert container.

Advice. Mineral wool, expanded clay (the smallest fraction), vermiculite, coconut fiber, and coarse sand are suitable as soil for greenery.

Preparing the solution and planting greenery

A special concentrate from the store is used as a medium for hydroponic greens. The required dose for different types of plants is indicated on the label. Usually one bottle is enough for an extensive harvest. The container with the substrate is immersed in the liquid by about 1-2 cm. Try to maintain this level constant in the future, adding water as necessary. One hydroponic bed needs a complete change of solution every 3 months.

Advice. A tube with a float will help control the liquid level.

You can make the solution yourself:

• prepare clean water at a temperature of +18…20 °C;
• take several syringes for dosage accuracy;

• use a complex of minerals like “Kemira-hydro” as the main ingredient;
• add other nutrients: potassium and calcium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, etc., depending on the individual needs of the plant you planted;
• The outlet pH should vary between 5.8-6.5.

Planted in aquapots ready seedlings, which was obtained using the classical method. The sprouts are transplanted into a hydroponic setup after a pair of true leaves appear. The optimal air temperature is +15...17 °C, the nutrient solution is +18 °C. Plant plants a little deeper than usual. You can even add a dose of fertilizer. Keep an eye on the solution, give the greens more light and expect a harvest.

Hydroponics is a progressive technology. Thanks to it, greens and other crops can be grown even in extreme climatic conditions.

Technologies for growing greens: video

Let's figure out how to grow greens at home in a DIY hydroponic setup? The bottom line is this: plants feed on their roots, drawing moisture from the soil, which contains dissolved compounds chemical elements, necessary for the growth of greens, vegetables and other plants. Thanks to the content of these chemical elements, active growth and development of the culture occurs. The soil serves as the source of these chemical elements and the foundation for the plant's roots. As the practice of hydroponics has shown, there is a substitute for soil in the form of a nutritious “soup”.

• Types of hydroponic installations for growing greenery at home according to the method of supplying the nutrient solution
• Hydroponic systems and types of their installations, simple circuits for making a house with your own hands
• Home hydroponic installations for vertical gardening
• Advantages of hydroponic installations for growing greens at home
• Disadvantages of hydroponic setups when growing greens at home

Types of hydroponic installations for growing greenery at home according to the method of supplying the nutrient solution

“Hydroponics is a way of growing vegetables, herbs, flowers and other crops without using soil”

Instead of soil, water is used in which nutrients are dissolved and mixed. This mixture is usually called “brine” or “soup”. This brine is forced to the roots of the crop. To keep the plant in an upright position, the roots are attached to crushed stone, gravel, expanded clay or other substrates that do not have their own nutritional value.

“Substrate - various natural components and their substitutes, used as a medium for placing plant roots”

Currently, hydroponics is used not only to produce greenery at home, but also on farms and even in agro-industrial production.

Hydroponic installations are used both in large farms and at home. Despite the relative youth of hydroponics, many different installation systems for this growing method are already known. Some of them are not complicated and can be made at home with your own hands. Structurally, hydroponic installations are divided into two according to the method of delivering the feeding “brine”:

1. The active - nutritious “soup” is delivered to the roots of the greenery forcibly, by creating pressure in the irrigation system (nutrient layer technique, aeroponics method, deep-water culture, periodic flooding method, drip irrigation);
2. Passive - the nutrient liquid reaches the roots of the plant without the use of mechanical equipment; it is delivered through capillary forces arising due to the porosity of the material used; it is often called wick, by analogy with the principle of using a wick in a kerosene lamp.

Examples of active and passive hydroponic setups

Hydroponic systems and types of their installations, simple schemes for making a house with your own hands

System "Wick" or wick— along belts made of porous material, the substrate is fed from the container to the culture root sponge. For this installation, it is ideal to use coco soil as a substrate; vermiculite is also well suited.

"Coco soil - natural fiber made from coconut"

An example of a simple do-it-yourself wick installation

Water culture system- an installation in which the roots, together with the substrate, are constantly in water, and air is delivered to the roots forced injection(aerator). Applicable to crops that consume large amounts of moisture.

Growing lettuce greens using the water culture principle

Periodic flooding system(the so-called “ebb&flood”, which is translated as “ebb and flow”) is one of the popular hydroponics installations, which has become especially widespread in industrial scale growing herbs, vegetables and other crops. The roots, placed in an inert porous substrate, are periodically flooded, after which the liquid drains by gravity, leaving the substrate and roots wet. When liquid drains from the substrate, a draft occurs, which delivers oxygen-saturated fresh air to the roots and removes gaseous emissions of the crop from the root zone. Vermiculite, expanded clay or coco soil are used as a substrate.

Periodic flooding installation diagram

“Vermiculite is a mineral of volcanic origin with a layered structure (hydromica)”

Nutrient Layer Technique (NFT)- the substrate with roots is washed with the solution constantly or periodically. Increasingly, this growing method does not use a substrate, which is why the name of this technique is controversial. Typically, the root system is placed in a long irrigation channel. The nutrient solution is pumped from one side, flows through a series of plant roots and is removed from the other. The nutrient layer, having washed the roots, drains and flows back into the reservoir with the solution. An installation with a cyclic liquid supply is preferable, although it is more difficult to implement.

Installation diagram based on the nutrient bed principle (NFT)

Installation drip irrigation - an installation in which the root substrate is wetted with moisture entering dropwise through dispensers-droppers or nozzles. The remaining moisture that flows down goes back into the tank. In this case, it is recommended to place the plant in a moisture-intensive substrate (vermiculite, mineral wool or their analogues).

Drip irrigation installation diagram

“Aeroponics is the process of growing plants in the air without the use of soil, in which the nutrient solution is converted into an aerosol mist”

With this growing method, no substrate is used at all. The suspended roots are sprayed with a finely sprayed nutritious solution. The frequency of spraying prevents them from drying out. Acts as the most complex hydroponics setup.

Aeroponic installation diagram

Home hydroponic installations for vertical gardening

Very often, hydroponic installations are used for vertical decorative gardening. Most of the vertical green “phytowalls” are based on this principle.

“Phytowall is an interior element made from living plants, a vertical panel in the pockets of which living plants are placed”

Option for hydroponic installation of phytowalls for landscaping an apartment

Device principle phytosten hydroponics is simple - plants are placed in pockets made of felt or similar nonwovens. The root system grows directly into this material. Watering is carried out directly onto the fabric, excess moisture flows into the container and is used again for watering. Can be equipped automatic system glaze. At home system automatic watering turn on for 10-15 minutes in the morning and evening. Once or twice a month, nutritious fertilizers are added to the water.

Phytomodule somewhat more complex than phytowalls. It is made up of several horizontal rows separated from each other by partitions and sides. The bottom of the rows is covered with drainage (expanded clay). The roots are wrapped in sphagnum moss and secured to shelves on top of expanded clay. Sphagnum retains moisture perfectly for a long time and the roots in this state do not dry out. Watering is carried out 1-2 times a day. The phytomodule is notable for its ease of replacing a dead or diseased plant.

“Sphagnum or peat moss is a genus of mosses, common inhabitants of raised and transitional bogs”

Hydroponic installation - phytomodule

Advantages of hydroponic installations for growing greens at home

• Space saving due to the fact that, with this method of cultivation, a compact root system is formed.
• With this growing system, the roots of green plants are least susceptible to waterlogging or drying out, which in turn leads to water savings (up to 80%).
• Due to the timeliness and balance of nutrients received by the plant, their development occurs much faster than in classical farming, which achieves maximum productivity and the possibility of year-round harvesting of herbs and vegetables.
• There is no danger of saturating greenery with dangerous toxic compounds, nitrates, heavy metals, radionuclides, which is not excluded when growing in soil.
• Labor costs for caring for green crops are minimal, there is no dirt or unpleasant odors. The likelihood of pests is minimized. There is no threat of soil rodents.

Disadvantages of hydroponic setups when growing greens at home (one so far)

The disadvantage remains the cost of purchasing equipment for a finished installation, or the cost of producing it yourself. No other shortcomings were noticed.

What do you think about using hydroponic systems for growing fresh herbs at home? Have you found a use for these settings for yourself?!? Share your experience in the comments.

See you in new articles!

Hydroponic systems

Hydroponics- a system that allows you to grow plants. Its peculiarity lies in the presence of a special solution from which the fruits receive nutrition directly.

Hydroponics at home is in increasing demand. The reasons for the increase in popularity are the simplicity of the method and phenomenal results. The basis of all plants is water, its content reaches 80%, and the hydroponic system is considered the best medium for growing them. The fruits have to give up their “energy” to obtain everything they need from the soil; the discussed growing method allows them to be saved for harvest and growth.

When using the method, all nutrients are in a state that is easily soluble in water. It is this that is the most accessible for grown fruits. Hydroponics at home may become a “source additional income”, since plants obtained using this method end up on store shelves much earlier than soil-grown fruits. Another advantage is that nutrients are not spent on the growth of the root system.

Theory and practice of hydroponics, smaller quantities throughout

Water costs, in this case, are significantly lower than when growing fruits in soil. Fertilizers for hydroponics are also used in minimal quantities. The main impact falls on the root system of plants, the upper part remains at full disposal environment. The method not only helps to grow plants, it plays a big role in their development. The last advantage of hydroponics is the minimum number of weeds, sometimes it is reduced to zero.

Additional equipment

Only correctly assembled and used home hydroponics can produce amazing results. To do this, you will need additional equipment that will enhance the effectiveness of the method. The “basic package” of the system already brings good results; if you do not want to be limited to this, we recommend purchasing various add-ons to improve the quality. For example, hydroponic solution, for its preparation, nutrients necessary for plants are used, they dissolve in water. Any additional element makes it easier to care for your garden.

Manufacturers of hydroponic systems

1. GHE. The manufacturer has established itself well in the hydroponics and fertilizer market and is known throughout the world for its effective and unique solutions.
2. AquaPot. A company with a narrow specialization, produces exclusively hydroponic systems. Its products show excellent results in terms of soilless growing of plants.

Hydroponic equipment allows you to use a rich nutrient medium for growing and realize natural potential plants 100%. With us you can buy a hydroponic system, optimized for specific needs: plant type, growing area, technical capabilities, as well as fertilizers and nutritional supplements developed specifically for hydroponic growing.

Hydroponics. Features of growing vegetables, herbs, strawberries

Main indicators of the nutrient solution

Features of growing vegetables

Features of growing tomatoes

Features of growing cucumber

Growing greens

Growing strawberries

Can't find the splinter? Place a piece of adhesive tape on the place with the splinter, and then yank it off - the splinter will come out.

Growing plants using hydrocultures.

Hydroponics is a method in which the root system of plants develops not in traditional soil, from which they receive all their nutrients, but in solid rocks that do not contain nutritional components. Therefore, they require frequent watering, saturated minerals, in quantities required by a particular plant individually.

For hydroponics, a composition made of fine expanded clay is most often used, since it retains moisture very well, but it has one drawback, which is that the pores of expanded clay accumulate salts over time, which have a depressing effect on the plant. Perlite and vermiculite are also very often used as substrates. Often there are compositions containing granulated polyethylene or glass.

But the greatest interest of scientists is in studies of substrates containing ion-exchange materials. They allow themselves to be charged with ions of substances necessary for plants, which independently pass into the nutrient solution as needed.

A high-quality composition should be easily ventilated and allow the solution to pass through, absorbing it well. Its components should not enter into chemical compounds with the substances of the solution. And also this substrate must have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.

If the substrates are used correctly, then granite or quartz compositions will last for 10 years of use, expanded clay and perlite will last from 6 to 10 years, and vermiculite will last only 2 or 3 years.

Methods of growing plants hydroponically.

The roots of the plant are placed in a special container filled with a nutrient solution, and water is added as it evaporates.

After a certain time, in order to avoid a proportional imbalance of nutrients, the solution is completely replaced. When growing plants this way, it is difficult to supply the root system with oxygen, therefore, it is not suitable for all plants.

The following method uses two pots different sizes, and the smaller one should have many holes. Plant roots are placed in a smaller container and covered with substrate. Then all this is placed in a larger pot, the free space of which is filled with a nutrient solution. It is necessary to ensure that the solution covers the roots no more than 2/3 of its size. As the solution needs to be changed, the small pot is removed, the old solution is poured out, and after installing the small pot back, a fresh solution is poured into a large container.

Among flower lovers who use hydroponics when growing plants, the second option is the most popular.

Hydroponics - a modern method of plant growing

Special pots can now be purchased in stores. The outer container can be made of various materials, but is always waterproof.

This pot also plays a decorative role. The container installed inside is made of plastic and has a three-level indicator that helps determine the required volume of liquid. So much solution must be poured so that the float is at the average, that is, optimal level. If there is a need to leave the plants without watering for a long time, for example, in connection with a vacation, then the liquid can be poured to the maximum level.

How to transplant plants from soil to hydroponics.

The root system of plants grown under certain conditions has significant differences in shape.

Before planting a plant in the ground, it is usually placed in water so that roots appear. Once the plant has established roots in water, it is much easier to grow it hydroponically. The roots of such plants are much lighter in color and contain a lot of fine fibers.

If there is a need to transfer a plant from a soil mixture to hydroculture, then there are some conditions on the fulfillment of which the further successful development of the plant will depend.

First, you need to thoroughly water the soil so that when removing the plant from the ground, you do not damage its roots. In order to separate the soil remaining on the roots, the plant must be lowered into a small bucket with warm water and rinse well, then carefully remove the remaining soil with your hands. If after this the lumps have not separated, they, as well as the damaged areas, can be carefully cut off with scissors.

If there are too many damaged areas on the roots, then it is better to place the plant for a couple of days in a vessel with warm water in which it is dissolved activated carbon, at the rate of 10 tablets per liter of water.

As soon as the plant is ready for replanting, you need to pour a little washed filler into the inner pot and install a liquid level indicator. After that, you need to place the roots of the plant in the same pot, carefully straightening them, and fill the remaining filler to the top of the vessel. Then the pot with the plant is placed in a larger pot, and the space between them is filled with warm water until the float stops at the middle level.

You should not place the plant directly from the soil into a nutrient solution, as it needs to adapt by standing in ordinary water. Once the first batch of liquid has evaporated, after about a couple of weeks, and the float has dropped to its minimum level, only then should the nutrient solution be added.

It must be remembered that the nutrient solution is selected individually for each group of plants. At the same time, some amateur gardeners, instead of specialized nutrient solutions, use highly diluted complex fertilizers. But, in order to understand whether the solution is chosen correctly, it is necessary to observe the growth and development of the plant.

The Plantation device allows you to grow crops in a suspended upside-down state, which will save space. Ideal for growing tomatoes, strawberries, peppers and other crops. Grow fresh food right at home or in the country - just place the seedling in the hole in the cylinder, add soil, water and hang it. With every watering or fertilization, the root system of the plant grows from top to bottom. immediately receives all the beneficial substances and warms up better in the sun.

How to choose equipment for growing hydroponics?

This unique device will turn the entire process of growing vegetables on its head! In the literal sense of the word! Now you will no longer need to bend over and strain your back, digging and cultivating the beds, watering the plants daily and spraying them against insects and diseases. Now the process of growing vegetables will be exactly 10 times faster and easier! — This device is perfect for growing juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini and herbs. It can be hung at any height - on a porch, ledge, pole, balcony. Your family and friends will be amazed at the size of the vegetables you grow. All you have to do is plant, hang and water! — In the device for growing crops “PLANTATION”, the roots are better warmed up in the sun, which due to this quickly gain strength. And since growth occurs from top to bottom, water and nutrients go directly from the root to the fruit, which allows you to get up to 15 kilograms of selected juicy vegetables from one seedling. — “PLANTATION” eliminates problems with mold, bacteria and garden pests. Now nothing will stop you from enjoying fresh homemade vegetables in salads and sauces throughout the season. — Made of high-quality plastic, the body of this device will serve you reliably and for a long time. — Due to its unique design, this device allows you to save space on your summer cottage. You can grow crops above, in hanging “PLANTATIONS”, and create a small bed or flowerbed below, thereby significantly saving space. It is also possible to grow and harvest fresh crops not only outside the city, but also on your balcony or veranda.

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We offer to grow green onions from onions (selection) on GPU-MKL hydroponic installations of our design and production, which are protected by Russian patents No. 40697 and Ukrainian patents No. 2814 and “KNOW-HOW”. It is one of the main sources of vitamins, micro and macroelements and phytoncides necessary for a person to increase immunity and resistance of the body to diseases, especially during periods of epidemics of colds and flu.

Nature provides the bulb with all the necessary resources for forcing green feathers. You just need to create necessary conditions for growth. That is, to provide food (nutrient solution), the desired temperature (heating) and lighting (photosynthesis). The most acceptable and accessible technology for these purposes, in our opinion, is the technology of hydroponic production of green onions and other greens for people. The introduction of this technology allows us to solve the problems of greenery production without excessive financial and capital costs and refuse not only to import it, but also to become exporters of these products.

Hydroponics equipment

Moreover, hydroponic technologies make it possible to grow environmentally friendly (organic), fresh greens for people every day, all year round, anywhere in the world, especially in areas with increased technogenic and climatic stress, even at the poles.

HYDROPONICS INSTALLATIONS OF MODULAR DESIGN (GPU-MKL) are designed for year-round, daily production of environmentally friendly, high-quality and cheap natural protein-vitamin-mineral food supplements for people, regardless of the time of year, weather and climatic conditions.

Operating principle The installation is based on soilless growing of plants using the hydroponic method (hydro - water, ponos - work). Nutrients necessary for growth are dissolved in water, and this solution is supplied to the plants in precise doses and at specified time intervals.

GPU-MKL is a set technological equipment, placed in any heated room with a height of 2.75-3 m, with natural and (or) artificial lighting, water supply and sewerage. The high reliability and simplicity of the design of the GPU-MKL allows it to be serviced even by one or two workers without special training. The operating mode of the GPU-MCL is continuous, conveyor.

Technical characteristics of the GPU-MKL modular series:

The advantages of GPU-MCL are:

High quality and performance, quick payback;

An irrigation system that reduces water consumption by 2-3 times;

Possibility of growing greens without midges, mold and rot;

The ability to simultaneously produce green onions, other greens and sprouted grains (mixtures) without additional costs for heat, electricity and water;

Possibility of ventilation, aeration, fertilizing and disinfection of plants on each pallet;

Possibility of increasing the production capacity of GPU-MKL without stopping technological process production;

Possibility of placing a hydroponic installation in any available, adapted room.

Economic justification for the introduction of GPU-MCL:

1. The productivity of the growing area of ​​GPU-MKL is 1.5-2 times higher than that of a greenhouse, and the cost of hydroponic greens is comparable to the cost of greens in open ground.

2. Return on investment in the first year is 150-200%.

3. Payback period 6-8 months.

First days

Mid term

Harvest on the 15th day

Result A

Result B

Home > Home and family > Cottage and country house> Plants > Hydroponics

Equipment for growing crops on substrate

Recently, progress has been made in hydroponics with the introduction of latest achievements science and advanced technologies. Developments in the field of designing cultivation systems make it possible not only to place plants on the same level, but also to fill the entire volume of premises used for this process, thereby saving working space and increasing productivity.

Let's take a look at some of the hydroponic growing systems available on the market today. The list is far from complete.

Pot system

This installation includes:

A small tray where pots for planting are placed;
. a pump that operates automatically, providing access to the nutrient solution to the roots of the plants and distributing it evenly;
. pots;
. growth control mats (fabric liners at the bottom of the pot prevent roots from germinating and the substrate falling out of the pot);
. tubes.

Installation is quite simple, reliable and takes up little space. For a hydroponic system like Autotray, various substrates are used: coconut, mineral wool, perlite, vermiculite and their combinations. If a plant is transplanted into another system, its growth is not disrupted. The device is made of very durable plastic and will last quite a long time.

EcoSystem

The cylindrical EcoSystem design consists of several levels.

Selection of equipment for growing using hydroponics

Plants are grown on mineral wool using drip irrigation and a regular spray system. The system has built-in fans that provide the plants with carbon dioxide and oxygen and generate gusts of air that simulate wind, which strengthens the stems to support large fruits. The lighting system evenly distributes light to the plants. All this creates optimal conditions necessary for the development of plants and makes it possible to plant up to 200 units at a time.

The EcoSystem system is equipped with a humidity control module and temperature regime.
Installation is easy to use and takes up little space.

Capsule garden

A capsule garden is used as a mini-garden for small plants. The seeds (a set of seeds is usually included) are placed in a nursery, watered abundantly and placed in a sunny place. The substrate actively absorbs moisture and swells, creating an ideal environment for the healthy development of the root system. In such mini-gardens, seeds germinate extremely quickly, which cannot but please the owner.

A capsule garden can also be used as a nursery for larger crops. After the seeds germinate, the plant is transplanted into another more suitable container.

Installation "Tri-System"

The Tri-System installation includes the Dutch Pot Aero, Dutch Pot Hydro and AeroFlo units. Each pot in this installation is irrigated separately, thus allowing you to care for each plant as needed. Any plant can be moved and the installation rebuilt if necessary.

This device is intended to demonstrate the capabilities of hydroponic systems and methods of growing various plants.

Multi-level installations

The device (using the example of Greenfood-3/150) is a 3-tier rack, on the tiers of which 150 plastic trays are installed for placing plants in special pots and an artificial lighting system. Below the first tier there is a seedling block with its own lighting system and a tank with a nutrient solution. The supply of nutrient solution to the growing trays and the control of lighting systems are automated.

The installation is intended for growing vegetables and herbs, as well as for growing seedlings of flower crops. Manufactured in two modifications:

1. basic option - for growing vegetables and herbs, for example: lettuce, parsley, dill, basil, etc.;
flower version - for growing seedlings of tuber crops: tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, etc.

Panda Hydro installation

The Panda Hydro hydroponic system with drip irrigation system on the Panda platform consists of eight independent sealed tanks with removable pots. The Panda platform is a nutrient solution tank that is black on the inside to prevent any light penetration and white on the outside to reflect heat rays. Thus, the nutrient solution is reliably protected from direct sunlight.

Increased compactness makes it easy to maintain the system and transport it even when assembled.

Spinners

A spinner is a closed hydroponic system in the center of which there is a light source that evenly illuminates each plant due to the automatic rotation of pots with plants around its axis.

In addition, transparent walls allow you to use sunlight. Due to uniform lighting, plants remain completely healthy, and the specific qualities and properties inherent in a particular species are enhanced. The nutrient solution is supplied automatically to the plant roots, its volume can be controlled. The microclimate is regulated using a special fan.

These spinners have multiple landing spots. This reduces the cost of planting material. The system allows you to control the microclimate and regulate the amount of carbon dioxide inside it.

Mega multi-tiered structures

An example of such a design is the unique Pi Rack / 240 installation.

It is designed for 240 units of plants. Each place is controlled separately and the supply of nutrient solution to each pot with a plant is automatically ensured. Required climatic conditions provided with an automatic ventilation system.

Taking up little space this installation capable of producing high yields. The installation is ideal for both home use, and for growing plants for commercial purposes.

EcoGrower hexagonal systems

The EcoGrower hydroponic installation is a hexagonal RainForest2 tank equipped with a Spider drip irrigation system (due to air pressure, an oxygen-enriched nutrient solution rises through a tube to the Spider distribution system and flows back into the tank along the roots). The device has six sockets independent from each other. Pots with a diameter of 15 centimeters allow you to grow quite large plants in them.

With minimal maintenance, this device provides rapid growth and abundant flowering and fruiting, which, combined with reliability, durability and affordability, makes EcoGrower a very attractive system for amateur growers.

Vertical hydroponic systems

Fytogreen vertical walls are placed on a vertical surface, such as a wall, fence or balcony. Before installing the walls, the plants are grown and prepared for vertical growth. The supply of nutrient solution is carried out for approximately 10 minutes per day and is interrupted as soon as a small amount of solution flows out from below.

Fytogreen vertical walls are designed to be sustainable, water-efficient and reliable in all conditions. All vertical gardens require maintenance and regular inspections with pruning and weeding, as well as pest control.

Phytowalls are reliable, lightweight and environmentally friendly.

LECHUZA pots

These pots are quite convenient and easy to use. Thanks to the solution level indicator, it is very easy to monitor the solution and add it as needed, as indicated by the indicator. Thanks to the irrigation system, the plants provide themselves with water for up to 12 weeks, which eliminates a lot of hassle.

The set with pots also includes a substrate with a stable structure LECHUZA-PON, which is inorganic and almost sterile (consists of pumice, zeolite, lava, fertilizer). The structure of the substrate is stable, does not settle, can supply a sufficient amount of air to the plant for several years, and ensures a stable pH level. The substrate has the property of accumulating excess fertilizer and does not transfer it to the plant.

Hydroponic installation AquaFarm

Plants grow in a container filled with expanded clay. The container is placed above the tank with the nutrient solution. The solution rises under air pressure through a pump pipe from the lower container to the capillary ring and irrigates the roots. This mechanism enriches the nutrient solution with oxygen and irrigates the roots, stimulating vigorous growth. This is an independent system ready to work, without any additional devices.

The AquaFarm system can be used to grow large shrubby and tree-like plants. The roots of such plants are securely fixed in the upper container.

This system provides good performance while remaining reliable, easy to use and inexpensive.

Having examined these installations for growing plants using the hydroponic method, one can only be surprised at how wide the possibilities for using this method are and how different are the ways to solve the main problem - to increase the yield of plants on a minimum area in the shortest possible time and accelerate their growth, ensuring the environmental purity of the product.

Every specialist and amateur has the right to choose a hydroponic growing system based on their goals and capabilities, but I would like to remind you that the effectiveness of installations should be determined not by individual, isolated indicators, but by a system of criteria that ensure rational use this technology.

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Home > Home and family > Cottage and country house > Plants > Hydroponics

Tomatoes, beloved by many, can delight with their natural quality and excellent taste not only in season, but all year round. Hydroponics provides all the conditions for growing most types of vegetables at home. In its arsenal there are many devices and equipment, special preparations and fertilizers that work effectively to produce a harvest. This article describes the method of obtaining tomato seedlings, invented by V.P. Sharupich, as well as the features of other stages of crop growth.

How to grow tomato seedlings using a plant

The principle of the method is based on the construction of multi-tiered (usually 5-tiered) hydroponic systems and planting seedlings in individual containers of varying volumes. The first plants are placed on the upper tier, after a while they are discarded and moved to a lower level. Checks for defects are carried out every 4 days. This happens until the first containers are on the lowest tier, where they will remain until the products are removed. The figure schematically shows the method of placing seedlings on the installation.

This method allows you to grow tomato seedlings in favorable conditions while maintaining uniform lighting, air access, and disease prevention. Growth activity, quality and quantity of the future harvest in such an environment always increase. The yield of berries cultivated by this method reaches 1200-1700 kg/m2.

How to grow seedlings from seeds

Home hydroponics involves planting seeds in special substrates (mineral wool plugs). These products are not damaged during operation and can be used repeatedly. Various shape- disks, cubes - allows you to select suitable option for any conditions. Careful placement of the root system in such devices ensures the establishment of strong, healthy plants.

At first, the plugs with seedlings are located vertically, and after a week - horizontally. This is done to strengthen and give flexibility to the stems. After another 14-16 days, the plugs are installed in substrate cubes, which are pre-moistened and maintained at an optimal level until they are moved.

Equipment for growing hydroponics at home

For this period, additional lighting is required, up to 21 days, even if the seedlings are on glass loggia during the summer months.

Once the bushes reach a height of 20-22 cm, they can be finally replanted. A grown tomato sprout ready for transplantation requires about 1 m2 of space for its development. The distance between containers should be 0.4 cm in rows, 1.8 m between rows. To be on the safe side, two seedlings are transplanted into each container.

The most common method of growing hydroponics is drip irrigation. The system of droppers, fittings and other elements is delicate in the literal and figurative sense. It requires carefully thought-out installation, as well as compliance with the nuances of vegetable production technology. Particular attention should be paid to the appearance and chemical composition nutrient solution, irrigation regime, care of elements. It is better to start creating such irrigation using professional equipment, completely ready for use.

Coconut substrate is universal and effective. It provides excellent drainage, complete aeration of the roots, does not contain impurities, and therefore is completely safe for the future harvest. The use of fertilizers and stimulants in such conditions should be 100% successful.

How to care for tomatoes and pollinate them

After planting in separate pots, the plants definitely require garter. This is done using various devices, the main one being a cord or rope. They are mounted at the top, on the lid of the grow box or the ceiling of the room. As they grow (about once every 7-10 days), the tomatoes are tied higher in a new place. At the same time you need to delete lower leaves two to three sheets per week. These actions are carried out until the berries ripen.

In addition to tying and trimming leaves, it is necessary to regularly loosen the soil if a soil substrate is used. Inspect all parts, stems and leaves for possible diseases and, if present, remove such specimens so that the pathogen or pest does not move to neighboring bushes.

To achieve a truly high-quality and tasty harvest, when tomatoes bloom, they need to be pollinated daily.

A prerequisite is to do this in daytime days. The procedure is easy to carry out using an electric toothbrush or brush. The brush is held for a few seconds behind each inflorescence, and the brush is used to transfer pollen from flower to flower.