Questions Commonly Asked about Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a method of cultivating plants without using soil. Typically, the traditional way of gardening or farming involves sunlight, water and soil. However, with a hydroponic system, this is not the case. In this article we answer questions commonly asked about hydroponics.

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is the Greek word from ‘hydro’ which means water and ‘ponos’ which means work. Therefore ‘working water’ is its original meaning. 

The basic idea behind hydroponics is to allow the plant roots to get in direct contact with the nutrient solution.  Additionally, it has many benefits over traditional gardening or farming and can take place at any time of the year. 

Presently, there is renewed interest in hydroponics thanks to the popularity of living walls and roof gardens. With hydroponics, you, as the gardener, can fully control the nutrition a plant gets. Ultimately, you can give a plant exactly what it needs unlike plants that are in soil. 

Moreover, you can use hydroponics systems indoors. It requires special UV lighting to provide the photosynthesis to plants as well as other equipment. With this in mind, there are different techniques, equipment and systems that you can use.

Basics of Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a fun way to grow fruit, vegetables and plants in the comfort of your own home.  Some people think it is too complicated to try, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be really simple. 

To begin with, you don’t need to put in too much time and effort if you have the right system. Once you have everything you need, you can start growing right away. 

The great thing about hydroponics is that you don’t need to wait for a sunny day. Growing plants or crops with a hydroponics system doesn’t depend on the weather or the environment. Instead, it’s the gardener or grower who controls the nutrients a plant gets, and the amount of light. 

For this reason, how your plants grow depends on what hydroponics system you use. Your equipment can be as simple as a bucket, some nutrients and some styrofoam. Alternatively, you might consider using a system like MEGAPot. 

Common Questions asked about Hydroponics

What PH should I have for my plants?

Ph or potential hydrogen, is used every day. It plays an important role in determining the acidity or alkaline of many sectors like food, pool, hair, soil and hydroponics.  For this reason, all hydroponic gardeners need at least one pH tester. The pH number lets you know how soluble the nutrients are in the water mixture. It determines the plant uptake ability of these nutrients. 

The ideal pH for hydroponics is from 5.5-6.5 This is the ideal spot where plants can take up many minerals in the middle. Your job as a grower is to keep your pH balance in that range. 

When should I have my lights on?

Another key point is that all indoor hydroponics need UV lighting. Although the sun is the ideal lighting source for growing plants, artificial lighting can provide a good substitute. There are plenty of options for lighting. 

Therefore, plan on having at least 14 to 16 hours of bright artificial light. Similarly about 10-12 hours of darkness should follow every day. The darkness is just as important. Like animals, plants need time to rest and metabolise. 

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

If your leaves are turning yellow, it’s a sign of nutrient imbalance in your system. Nitrogen deficiency is indicated by yellowing on new leaves and stems at the base of the plants. Magnesium deficiency will cause yellowing unevenly throughout the plant. 

What is the best system to use?

There are many hydroponics systems on the market. Your choice may depend on how much space you have and how much time you have. For example, if you are a farmer, your choice of system could be very different to that of a beginner gardener. 

With the MEGAPot system, the aim is to make it as simple as possible to start growing with hydroponics. 

What crops can you grow with hydroponics?

Vining plants such as tomotoes are ideal for indoor gardens. In addition to this, it’s easy to grow fruit and vegetables including lettuce, cucumber, peppers, strawberries and blueberries. 

Using the MEAPot system you are able to grow any plant you want. Our customers grow a variety of plants in their systems, including vegetables, fruits and high value crops. MEGAPot gives you MEGA yields, like nothing else before and no other hydroponic system.

Hydroponics and the MEGAPot System

MEGAPot is a great system for growers who want the benefits of a gravity fed system, but prefer growing in larger pots. 

The MEGAPot system allows growers to use 56L pots to achieve bigger yields with fewer plants.  In most hydroponic systems the roots are directly suspended in nutrient-rich and perfectly pH balanced water. With MEGAPot this is not the case. 

The roots are suspended in coco or soil and the system has a base which supports your plant whilst giving you a safety net and making it easier to grow. 

The MEGAPot system features include:

1. Gravity fed, no electricity needed
2. 500mm diameter base to fit 56L fabric pots
3. Half inch white reflective pipe with black inner core to reduce temperatures and stop light penetration
4. Mega-Valve with a masses 10mm inlet hole to prevent any blockages
5. 10mm raised base with channels specifically designed gripair curtains
6. Allows nutrients to be oxygenated at all times and gives the plant a boost
7. Scalable from a single pot to 100’s of modules
8. Circular design allows for the plant to be turned
9. Tapered side walls allow for complete root pruning

To Conclude: Questions Commonly Asked about Hydroponics

In summary, this article hopefully answers some of the commonly asked questions about hydroponics. 

Hydroponics is the focus of growing without soil.  With the right ph balance, equipment, lighting and nutrients, you can get started today.  As a result, it has many benefits over traditional growing. Plants using a hydroponic system can grow about 30% faster than plants in traditional soil.  

As well as this, you are in full control of the nutrients a plant receives.  Furthermore, there’s no more over watering or under watering. In comparison with traditional soil cultivation methods, hydroponics systems can save up to 95% of water. 

The MEGAPot System utilises gravity to water soil, coco or any type of medium to enhance your yields. There are no water pumps or plug sockets required. Even beginners can get started with this system. Consequently, what are you waiting for? Get growing today!