The growth of Hydroponics

This is in part due to the increase in roof gardens, living walls, and other spaces that are not conducive to larger, traditional growing situations. As well as an increased awareness in the agricultural world that something needs to be done to make farming more sustainable.  

So, what is Hydroponics and how can it help?

Hydroponics is the science of growing plants without using soil, by feeding them on mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water (The RHS). The word comes from the Greek for ‘water’ and 'work,’ so it essentially means ‘working water.’ Soil is replaced and instead water, nutrients and oxygen are used to sustain plant life.

The nutrient solution is made up of chemicals such as potassium nitrate and magnesium sulphate, although a pre-made solution can be purchased. The roots of the plant sit in a small pot with the nutrients fed straight into the roots of the plant. Plants can grow faster and more efficiently as the amount of nutrients given to the plant are controlled more easily, increasing the yield.

Over two thirds of the global freshwater supply is used by the farming industry every year. You might be thinking that a growing technique where plants are grown directly in water may use more water than traditional soil based growing methods? But Hydroponics is a next gen agriculture technique that has the potential to save between 70-90% more water than traditional farming techniques. Less water is lost as it doesn’t have to travel through soil to reach the roots. The water is then cleaned and recycled, with the average sized Hydroponic Garden only requiring you to change the water every 2-3 weeks.  

It not only uses less space, but also less water, and it produces a higher yield of food at a lower cost.

But how can you use Hydroponics on a smaller scale?  

Companies, such as Vitae Grow, are making it possible to bring this new farming method into your home, enabling you to grow easier, grow naturally and grow fresh right on your kitchen counter. You don’t have to be green fingered to give it a go! Herbs, salad leaves, and vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes, can all be grown at home using a hydroponic system.  

Using a grow light, to allow for photosynthesis, plants in a hydroponic system can be grown year-round, indoors. What's more is on average hydroponic growing space uses 90% less space than a soil plot. Meaning even if you don’t have access to outside space, you can grow your favourite veggies and plants indoor.  

Hydroponics is a ground-breaking advance in farming and water use. If properly developed and supported, it could change the way we farm and grow food. It could produce higher yields of crops and reduce demand on our most precious resource; water. In a world of climate crises, drought and famine, hydroponics has game-changing potential.