Aero-Hydroponics - The Wave of the Future?

 

Is it possible that aero-hydroponics is the wave of the future?  Ask any gardener who toils the soil and they may beg to differ.  Aero or hydroponic gardeners will tell you that their favorite method of gardening is with water.  So what is the main difference between the two forms of gardening and is one really better than the other?

 

The main difference between the two forms of gardening is the growing medium.  Farmers typically till the soil in the traditional form of gardening.  Farmers will plow the soil then plant the seeds and hope that their plants grow.  They also fertilize the soil and treat it to kill fungus and weeds that are commonly found in dirt.  With a little luck from Mother Nature, rain provides the water that the plants need to grow and sunlight helps as well.

 

The aeroponic or hydroponic gardener employs similar methods but mostly use artificial methods of light and air circulation to create a growing atmosphere for their plants.  This type of gardening also does not use traditional soil; instead they use a growing medium made of oasis, Rockwool or gravel.  The growing medium they use supports the roots of the plants but doesn't usually carry the fungus and insect problems that traditional soil has.

 

Another difference is the way that nutrients are delivered to a plant.  Traditional gardeners may add growth enhancing additives and chemicals to their soil to create an environment in which plants can grow.  They may also have to water their plants with sprinklers and sprayers when a draught occurs.

 

Aeroponic and hydroponic gardeners may have it easier than a traditional gardener.  This type of gardening requires that nutrients be delivered to the plants around their roots in a water base.  Hydroponic gardeners can also tailor make the nutrient solution for their plants since they garden on a smaller scale than a farmer does.

 

The benefits of hydroponic gardening according to people that use it include healthier plants, less mess, no weeds, no need to repot plants, increased yields and faster growth rates.

 

There are a few drawbacks to aeroponics and hydroponics though.  Root rot is a problem that people may have if they don't have an effective water treatment program.  Using untreated water leaves a gardener susceptible to the organism Pythium that is a virus that attacks and kills plants through their root system.  In addition, hydroponic gardeners that have greenhouses have to be vigilant about outdoor pests that can carry fungal diseases to their plants.

 

A large difference between the two forms of gardening is that hydroponic and aeroponic gardens often have larger plants with larger yields.  This is usually due to the dedication of these gardeners to create an optimum growing environment.  Traditional gardeners do not always have complete control of their garden environment so there are more pitfalls for them to overcome.

 

Aeroponic and Hydroponic gardeners also have to buy a lot of start up equipment to get their hobby off the ground.  The traditional gardener often only buys a few typical hand gardening tools and perhaps a tiller.  The payoff though can only be determined at harvest time.

 

In the end, it is hard to decide which is an easier way of gardening.  One form demands dedication and a lot of equipment but the end result is larger plants and more fruit or flowers.  The other form is a risky proposition but it may be perfect for those that love to play in dirt and like surprises.  Both sides believe that their way is the best way.  Which side will you choose?