The definition of hydroponics is growing plants without soil. It derives its name from two Greek words, Hydro and Ponics. The literal translation is: “Water work”. Instead of getting nutrients from the soil, plants receive nutrients directly into their roots. The food that is fed to hydroponic plants is called in various ways. It may be called hydroponic nutrient, hydroponic nutrients, or liquid fertilizer. Hydroponically grown plants can be kept in gravel, sand, water, or even in the air.

Plants traditionally grown in soil are left to “fend for themselves” by having to get the nutrients they need to grow from the soil. Hydroponically grown plants receive food and water directly at the roots. This allows hydroponically grown plants to grow faster and bigger.

Another benefit of growing plants in hydroponic gardens is the space saved. The roots of plants that grow in the soil have to spread far and wide to find nutrients. The roots of plants in hydroponic gardens do not have to spread out as far. They get their nutrients directly from their roots. So they don’t have to spread out that far. Therefore, you can have more plants in the same amount of space using hydroponics.

Plants that grow in the ground have to rely on the natural environment for things like moisture, light, and temperature. Plants in hydroponic gardens can receive whatever amount of light, moisture, and temperature they need on a consistent basis, unlike their soil-based counterparts.

Soil-based plants are susceptible to pests, weeds, and soil-borne diseases. With hydroponic gardens these worries disappear. Pests that live in the soil cannot attack plants. Also, because there is no soil, weeds cannot grow. The same goes for soil-borne diseases. No soil means plants can’t get sick from common soil diseases.

Growing soil-based plants usually requires a lot of hard work. It takes a lot of commitment and a real “green thumb”. Hydroponics, on the other hand, is a relatively simple way to grow plants. Very rarely would you be able to neglect soil based plants for any length of time. They need to be cared for almost daily. This is not true with hydroponic gardens. The process can be fully automated. Another fantastic benefit is; Hydroponic gardens use much less water. Usually, the water from hydroponic gardens is recycled. Traditional agriculture wastes a large amount of water. Water is wasted through runoff and evaporation.

As you can see, the benefits of hydroponic gardening are numerous. The reasons for growing plants hydroponically far outweigh those of traditional farming. Hydroponic gardening doesn’t require you to have a “green thumb.” Hydroponic gardening is easy, safe, and fun.