Hydroponic gardening supplies
Systems, lighting, ventilation, and nutrients for the hydroponic garden
One thing the aspiring hydroponic gardener will discover very quickly is that hydroponic gardening supplies are not cheap. Hydroponic gardeners are still something of an exclusive group, so until hydroponics hits the mainstream, the cost of hydroponic gardening supplies will reflect that. Since cost can be prohibitive, doing your research before buying hydroponic gardening supplies is all-important. These are the categories and terms you should know.
Hydroponic gardening supplies: kits and systems
Beginning hydroponics gardeners have the option of building a system or buying a system. Unless you're a self-reliant type who's really done your homework, we strongly recommend buying a hydroponic gardening system, at least until you get your feet (and hopefully the roots of your plants) wet.
A typical starter kit size is about 24 by 24 inches. Prices for that size will vary depending on the type of hydroponic gardening system, but expect to spend around $200 or $300.
Hydroponic gardening systems can be classified as active or passive and as recovery or non-recovery. Active/passive refers to the way nutrients are supplied. Recovery/non-recovery refers to whether the nutrient solution is recycled.
Another term you'll see a lot when shopping for hydroponic gardening supplies is Ebb and Flow. Ebb and Flow is one of the most popular hydroponic gardening systems. It uses a pump to move the nutrient solution from a reservoir to flood the plants, after which the solution drains back into the reservoir. Rockwool is often used as a growing medium with Ebb and Flow hydroponic systems because it is extremely water and air-retentive, though its high pH requires monitoring.
Hydroponic gardening supplies: lighting
Hydroponic lighting systems can vary from simple and inexpensive sunlifts to combination metal halide and high pressure sodium lights that can run $400 to $600 for a 1000 Watt system.
During the growing season, placing your small hydroponic system near a sunny window should be sufficient. But if you have a larger setup or are keen to grow plants year round, you'll want to invest in a quality hydroponic lighting setup with good reflectors.
Metal halides cost more than regular fluorescent bulbs but better imitate natural sunlight. They can also get rather hot, so don't place them too close to your plants. Metal halide bulbs should be replaced annually, fluorescents and high pressure sodium lights every 12 to 18 months. As for wattage, try to provide at least 30 to 35 watts per square foot, though 100 watts or more can be beneficial.
Hydroponic gardening supplies: ventilation
Adequate ventilation is a critical element of hydroponic gardening because it keeps temperature and humidity under your control. Hydroponic gardening ventilation can be as simple as an exhaust blower to combat excessive heat, or there are elaborate hydroponic climate systems available for $600 or $700. Even an indoor fan will serve to strengthen your plants, prevent mold and mildew, and distribute carbon dioxide.
Hydroponic gardening supplies: Nutrients
Nutrients are what make hydroponic gardening possible, so focus a good portion of your research time on this branch of hydroponic gardening supplies. Hydroponic nutrients should be pH balanced and buffered as well as water soluble.
Hydroponic nutrients use the same NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) numerals as standard garden fertilizer. If you're using Rockwool as a growing medium as many hydroponic gardeners do, look for nutrients that are slightly acidic to counterbalance Rockwool's alkaline tendencies.
Hydroponic gardening supplies, etc.
Of course there are numerous other items that hydroponic gardeners will find necessary, such as cutting supplies, water pumps, growing mediums, and pH testers, but then you're going to discover that on your own. If you're like most hydroponic gardeners, you enjoy a challenge and the opportunity to learn something new. You'll find many challenges and opportunities as you shop for hydroponic gardening supplies.