Hydroponics

[Must Be Losing It]

Have any of you ever dabbled into hydroponics?

I'd be curious to hear your experiences. My husband and I visited a store that specializes in organic fertilizers and pesticides and hydroponics yesterday and we're considering dabbling a bit in it. But would love to hear from others who may have looked into this or are actively involved on the pros and cons.

Julie

 

[Catalina]

It's the most efficient way to grow plants, but the supplies can be expensive and it takes a lot of work/time.

When I was in school I did hydroponics vs. conventional (dirt) methods, as a science experiment.
I went to a very competitive school

That same year a boy built a 20' x 7' multi level water purifier ---- on wheels, so he could bring it to school.

I broke down the growth patterns of different types of plants grown in the 2 different substrates - sterilized potting soil and perlite.
All the plants grew faster in the perlite. I fed them the same liquid fertilizer. And I had 2 control groups that were fed with tap water. The hydroponic control group still grew faster and bloomed sooner.

 

[Wifezilla]

I am doing a bit of an experiment along those lines...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=146829

I also found some really cool CHEAP hydroponics set-ups on instructibles.com

 

[NancyDz]

I have to say I think vegetables taste better in the ground, I know there's lots of benefits to hydroponics but my taste buds tell me different....

 

[Must Be Losing It]

Very interesting info. From what I can find and the info above supports as well the plans grow exceptionally well w/ fewer in no pests/fungal problems.

Very interesting.