Why Hydroponics?

• Hydroponics has many advantages over soil gardening. According to Hydroponics.net, hydroponic plants grow 30 to 50 percent faster than soil plants and yield more fruit. With more oxygen in their root systems, plants absorb nutrients faster. The nutrients go directly to the root system, so the plant can focus its energy on growing faster and producing more fruit. No soil means hydroponic plants have fewer problems with insect infestations, disease and fungi.
  
  

Growth Media

• Growth medium is the material in which the roots of the plant are growing. Some common media include: rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, coconut fiber, gravel and sand. The growing medium doesn't supply any nutrition to the plants, it simply aerates and supports the roots. Nutrition is delivered by the nutrient solution.
  
  

Nutrient Solutions

• Hydroponic plant food, or nutrient solution, includes all nutrients a plant would receive from soil. You only need 2 to 4 teaspoons of nutrient per gallon of water. Nutrients come in liquid or powdered form. Liquids are recommended for beginners. They're slightly more expensive but much easier to use. Powders are difficult because they must be mixed thoroughly and still may not dissolve completely, leaving your plants without all the desired nutrients.
  
  

Proper pH

• Controlling pH is crucial to your growing success. Plants can't absorb certain nutrients when pH fluctuates. Monitoring and controlling the pH in a hydroponic system is much easier than with soil, and it's inexpensive too. pH testing kits in the form of drops cost about $8. Drops are advised for beginners as they're the easiest way to test. pH must be tested at least once a week.
  
  

Systems

• Hydroponic systems may be active or passive. The difference is how the plants are fed. An active system moves nutrient solution directly to the roots, usually by means of a pump.
  
  A passive system uses a mechanism to suspend the plant, letting roots hang into the nutrient solution. Passive systems can be difficult to use. They are too wet and can't supply enough oxygen to the roots for optimal growth.