Hydroponics is the method of growing plants without soil, using a combination of water, a growing medium and nutrient solution. As a method of horticulture Hydroponics offers exceptional levels of control over the growing and although it might sound unusual, many of the foods we eat—including tomatoes on the vine—are grown hydroponically. Space scientists are particularly interested in hydroponics, because there’s no soil in space. If we want to grow food away from Earth, hydroponics may be the best way to do it.

Conditions such as nutrients, light, water, temperature and other environmental factors can be closely controlled and adjusted for optimum effect, allowing gardeners to optimise their growing and maximise productivity, even in limited space. This also means that horticulturalists and gardeners are no longer limited by climate or season and are free to grow their favourite plants when and where they choose.

Because hydroponically grown plants dip their roots directly into nutrient-rich solutions, they get what they need much more easily than plants growing in soil, so they need much smaller root systems and can divert more energy into leaf and stem growth. With smaller roots, you can grow more plants in the same area and get more yield from the same amount of ground.

At Garden Alchemy we have everything you could need to get started with hydroponics and are able to offer products and advice to both beginners and experienced indoor gardeners.