Community
26 October, 2023
Growing plants without soil
THE term hydroponics was first coined in the 1900s to describe the method of growing plants in a water solution.
Cairns Hydroponics owner David Mills said in the modern age the term had been broadened to include any method of growing plants without the use of soil.
“There are many ways of growing using hydroponics from simple hand watered and passive systems through to more technical fully automated systems,” he said.
“Hydroponics can be done outdoors using the natural light of the sun or indoors in a protected environment using grow lights. “Scientific studies have proven that hydroponically grown plants grow faster, yield higher and produce higher quality harvests than plants grown in soil.
“Cairns Hydroponics (formerly Northern Hydroponics) has been operating in the local area for 16 years.
“Our sales staff has in depth knowledge of hydroponic and organic growing methods and products.
“We also have one of the largest ranges of hydroponic and organic growing products in Australia.
“Cairns Hydroponics, not only specialises in hydroponic gardening equipment, but has an extensive range of organic gardening products such as living soils and organic nutrients.
“It is even possible to combine the two methods and do organic hydroponics.
Facts and figures
1. Needs no soil
The first and most clear benefit of hydroponics is that this growing method needs no soil.
2. Conserves water
Water conservation is a primary concern in today’s world. It may seem counterintuitive to replace soil with water in a hydroponic system. In reality, such a system uses far less water than traditional, soil-based growing methods because the water used can be recycled repeatedly.
3. Predictability and seasonality
Crops grow all year long, regardless of weather or climate.
4. Crops grow faster
This speed is most prominent in green leafy vegetables, but there are gains for nearly every variety of hydroponic plant.
5. Maximises space
You can grow more at one time in the same amount of space
6. Produces higher yields
Hydroponic greenhouses grow crops faster and maximize the use of space.
7. Requires less labour
Soil-based growing is labour intensive and can be gruelling. While hydroponic greenhouses also use human labour, the compact nature of the facilities allows these tasks to be done more efficiently
8. Produces higher quality food
They are not subjected to pollutants, pesticides, and other contaminants.
