Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 1.5
Small home unit using a perlite-vermiculite medium.
of lettuce, beets, herbs, upland cress, arugula, mustards, mizuna, orach,
chard, and spinach to form a mesclun mix.
Over the past 30 years with increasing interest in hobby hydropon-
ics, many small-scale units have been developed to meet market demand
(Figure 1.5). Now it is very easy to visit hydroponic stores in person or
online worldwide to purchase hobby units and all the supplies you will
need to get started. A list of some of the common sites and publications is
given in the last chapter.
The objective of this topic is to make you aware of the types of hydro-
ponic hobby units that are available on the market today and the sup-
plies you need to get started. I shall describe in detail some of the units
available and suggest which crops they are most suitable to growing.
This information I hope will assist you in your decision to enter into
hobby hydroponics.
Hobby hydroponics will provide you with the benefits of pleasure,
rewarding products, clean products, and relaxation. You will achieve
self-satisfaction by growing your own “garden fresh” salads. These
salads will be nutritious and free of pesticides. Nutritional analyses of
hydroponic tomatoes and peppers have demonstrated increases of up to
50% in vitamin and mineral content. These included vitamins A, B1 (thi-
amin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), C, and E. By using
bioagents, beneficial insects, and natural pest control measures, your
product will be free of synthetic pesticides. You will also feel relaxed
and relieved from everyday working stress as you attend your plants in
the hydroponic garden. It will allow your mind to escape from your daily
