Growing-Mediums for Hydroponics are a Gardeners Choice
Some hydroponic systems do not require any growing-mediums at all; only water. Various methods are used to support the plants while the roots are directly fed nutrient solution Substitute for soil The growing media, an essential element of a hydroponic growing system, are simply substitutes for soil. Like many other aspects of your gardening ventures, you will have to make some choices because there are a variety of materials available including water, and, they all have advantages and disadvantages. Hydroponics, which is mainly growing plants without soil, is very successful using such materials as clay pebbles, gravel or sand. It comes down to a personal choice. After having tried some of the materials on the market you will find one that you like to work with. Choosing a growing-medium depends on what you grow Although hydroponic gardeners use no soil, a plant’s roots must be supported by growing media. The best growing-mediums are pH neutral, provide sufficient support for the plants, retain moisture, and allow space for the exchange of air. Heydite, clay pellets, Perlite, vermiculite, and Rockwool are the most popular growing mediums The type of mediums used depend on the size and type of plants you wish to grow, and the type of hydroponic system being used. Heydite and Rockwool are popular,but,for continuous drip systems, Heydite (a porous shale) or Hydrocorn (clay pellets) are best. It provides enough drainage and air space to take advantage of continuous feeding when in the pebble form, and, also provides good anchorage for larger plants, it is easy to clean, and can be re-used indefinitely. Which is better, depends on who you ask, and, what types of plants you are planting. Rockwool is a type of basalt specially processed to provide a strong, porous base. The material is mostly inert, so it won't decay or leach compounds into the water. Because it is porous, the material provides good drainage and is lightweight and inexpensive. It cand be used with continuous drip or flood and drain systems and provides plant roots with a good balance of water and oxygen.At the same time it helps regulate the water temperature by being a good heat conductor. Adding rockwool will alter the pH of the environment slightly at first, but this is easily controlled using a pH kit. Cubes and slabs provide flexible use. Rockwool cubes are often used and small slabs are available. These cubes and slabs are usually pre-drilled with holes and allow for placing and growing seeds Any cubes containing plants that don't survive can be easily removed, replanted, or simply sidelined to make more space for growing plants. Different sized cubes are used at different stages of a plant’s life. This way, the hydroponics tray can be regulated easily so that there are a limited number of plants competing for air, light, space and nutrients. Other types of media might be a better choice. Though rockwool has many advantages for a hydroponic gardener, most gardeners will want to experiment with different media at some time. There are many more options available. Sand Although sand doesn’t do as well, and is harder to manage than some of the other products it has some redeeming features. Ordinary beach sand for example is in common use. Sand drains well, and certain plants grow naturally, and well, in wet sand. Gravel Gravel can also be attractive practical. But it can crumble and so will have to be cleaned and filtered well before use. Because it's very heavy, a good pump will be required to keep air and water flowing through the system properly. Otherwise, plant roots may dry out. Perlite Perlite is a more popular alternative. It's a type of volcanic rock that is heated to form small, lightweight pebbles resembling glass beads. Perlite is often uses as a soil additive. It's desirable for its ability to retain air. Since hydroponically grown plants will quickly deplete any dissolved oxygen, perlite will help the pump keep the water oxygenated. Perlite does not provide good anchorage for larger plants and is better mixed with something else. However, small plants and seedlings do well in Perlite. Vermiculite Vermiculite is similar to Perlite. and is used in the same way, and sometimes mixed with Perlite. It is made from heat-expanded mica and has a flaky, shiny appearance. Made into small pebbles it provides a flexible supporting medium for hydroponic plants. It takes up water from passive systems by capillary action, helping automate watering and nutrient feeding tasks. Because it tends to hold even more water than perlite it may exclude air so it needs to be used in moderation. The mixture of perlite and vermiculite is often used for that reason. Your success may depend on your media. Because your plants are not growing in soil, and because water alone provides little or no anchorage for plants your choice of media is fundamental to your success. Which media is better depends a lot on what kind of plants you are growing and from where you get your advice. Your plants have to be well anchored and they must be able to soak up the nutrients they require. Your growing-medium preference can also be peat, coco-husk (coir), straw as well as other organic materials. Try different options. Experiment. Hydroponics is supposed to be fun!
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