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The Fastest Growing Hobby in
New Zealand
The objective of hydroponics is to give plants the chance to reach their optimum potential. Interest in this fascinating hobby has increased in the past few years, largely due to the wide selection of equipment now available from Hydroponic Centres. Almost 70 years after its modern-day discovery, hydroponics has become a sophisticated and successful science, a viable alternative method of growing flowers, herbs and vegetables. It has also, thanks to a tremendous amount of research, become simplified to the extent that even someone with no previous gardening experience can easily become a "green thumb".
But why do we need hydroponics?
If soil in all areas was of a consistently high quality and if all who wished to grow plants had the soil and space to do so, perhaps hydroponics would be no more than a curious experiment. Soil varies greatly in consistency and quality and requires considerable labour to keep it in good condition, and as many now live in cities and suburbs, in small units and flats lacking gardening space, hydroponics is the best and indeed the only logical alternative.
Raising plants hydroponically in pots or containers, or in units tailored to fit whatever size and shape of space you have available, is both easy and cost effective.
Hydroponics is a term covering a wide variety of methods:
Wick or static systems usually used for house plants, herbs and flowers.
Flood and drain - not a desirable method as a relatively large volume of water in relation to plant life is used, making it impracticable for major production.
N.F.T (Nutrient Film Technique) is the most commonly used system. Commercial growers use N. F.T Reduced use of resources, eg. water and fertiliser, makes N. F.T economical and viable.
Hydroponics has many advantages:
- Allowing the gardener to grow crops of optimum quality.
- Hydroponic units remain weed free and largely free of most common pests and diseases. ( No soil - no toil.)
- Crop after crop can be produced with consistently excellent results. ( No crop rotation.)
- Moving house no problem, just take your hydroponic unit with you. (Transportable)
- Out of season cropping makes hydroponics a most attractive proposition. (Extended Seasons)
Disadvantages:
- Setting up a ready built or home made unit costs the average household $250 - $700 (capital cost).
- Mistakes do happen. Incorrect dilution of nutrient or not using food quality materials and human error.
Hydroponic growing is a wonderful leisure activity more rewarding and less demanding than traditional gardening. Fresh produce all year round with minimum physical effort.
Hydroponics - the clean, green way to grow.
Auckland Hydroponic Centre Ltd.
38 St Georges Rd
Avondale
Auckland
Ph 828-2352 |
