Hydroponic and aeroponic gardens are capable of growing the cleanest, most nutritious

produce available anywhere. These systems enable the grower to avoid many of the pests and diseases common to traditional or soil based methods, not to mention

the ABSOLUTE absence of herbicides on your veggies.

 

I've included some information below to help you get the most out of your hydro or aero setup.

 

 

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

 

     If you are using a vertical arrangment with a reservoir at the base, you should place your system on LEVEL ground so all pots get watered. This is critically important. Most patios have slope built into them to allow for drainage away from structures. You may need to prop up one side of the reservoir to make it level. 

 

     Locate the garden in a sunny location that ideally gets 8-10 hours of direct sunlight everyday. Plants need that much sun for the best yield but they can get by with 6-8. However, they don’t need the full intensity of the summer sun, especially in the Southwest. Use shade cloth in the 40-50% range to buffer some of that solar energy. 

 

     When summer temperatures soar into the high nineties and above, I recommend you set up on the lawn (if you have one), dirt or gravel and away from walls. Concrete patios and walls absorb and reflect heat at temperatures much higher than the air temperature and this adds a significant amount of stress to your plants. Additionally, plants need a 10-15 degree drop in night-time temperatures for the rest cycle and concrete surfaces release energy long after the sun goes down which means little break from the heat. Consider wrapping the reservoir with a reflective, insulated cover or burying most of the tank in the ground. Depending on what you’re growing, you might add some frozen water bottles to the reservoir throughout the day. This will help keep the solution from getting too hot.

 

CHOOSING PLANTS WISELY

 

     While it’s true that most plants can be grown aeroponically, not all are ideal candidates. Do a little research. 

     Many herbs, greens, tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries will thrive in a properly managed aero set-up. Choose plant varieties that are quick to mature and are known to thrive in this style of gardening. MOST IMPORTANTLY, choose plants that are seasonal for your zone. You won’t do well growing cool weather crops in the heat and vice versa.

 

     Plan ahead! Some produce takes a long time to reach maturity, so plant these early enough to reap the benefits. If you are growing from seed, plant more than you will need. This allows you to pick only the healthiest specimens because a weak seedling usually becomes a weak or stunted plant, even in ideal conditions. If a plant isn’t prospering, rip it out of there and replace it.

 

WATER CHEMISTRY

 

     Nutrient solutions are designed to provide your plants with optimal levels of bio-available nutrients. This does not mean that if some is good, more is better. It means there is a range that works well under various conditions and it is your job to keep things in that range. 

     

     When you start with fresh water, correct tonic amounts, and proper pH in your system, plants can do their thing. Over time though, the nutrient solution will begin to drift out of balance, both in terms of mineral concentration and pH, to a point at which leaves may show signs of stress or maybe entire plants just won’t thrive. When this happens, it is time to start with a fresh mineral solution.

 

     I like to completely drain and clean my reservoirs once a month and start with new solution. I pump most of the used liquid into the grass or a planter bed, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to get the rest, wipe, rinse, and refill. My plants thank me with renewed vigor and growth and so will yours. 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

     As the seasons change, recognize that some plants may still look healthy but are past their prime. Tomatoes are a perfect example. They might be green and even flowering at temperatures above 95  degrees or greater, just know they likely won’t set fruit anymore. Plant something else or at least be aware it may be months with no  tomatoes before it’s cool enough again for fruit to set.

 

     Pay attention to changes. Bugs invade very quickly and can cause a lot of damage. Be proactive and launch a counter-offensive immediately. Don’t allow them to establish a beachhead. It’s war! A strong stream of water can dislodge and drown a lot of critters. There are some organic sprays that are pretty effective, just make sure you follow the instructions. One application is almost never sufficient and you have to make sure to spray the undersides of the leaves. Don’t apply in direct sunlight and rinse your produce before you eat it.

 

     Strawberries can be problematic but I think they’re worth the trouble. Good luck if you go down that rabbit hole. My experience has been that they don’t like their roots as wet as other plants so it might be conducive to plant them only with other produce requiring similar water needs. You might need a stand alone system just for strawberries.

 

MANAGING YOUR EXPECTATIONS

 

     Be realistic. Hydroponics are great when used properly, but IT’S NOT MAGIC!  You will lose plants. You will get bugs.

 

     Sometimes it’s your fault, sometimes it’s just Mother Nature letting you know who’s really in charge. But then you get everything right, the planets align, and BAM! You’ll have a bumper crop of sweet, juicy tomatoes or super crisp lettuce exploding with flavor! Eating fresh food that has been allowed to fully ripen before harvesting is crazy awesome and will likely change the way you eat forever.