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What is hydroponics?
From the Greek “working water,” hydroponics simply means growing plants without soil by supplying all needed nutrients in the plant’s water supply.
What do seeds need to germinate?
Most seed don’t require light to germinate, but all require the proper soil temperature. The temperatures listed on seed packets refer to soil temperature, no air temperature. If the soil temperature is too low, the seeds will germinate slowly, or not at all.
How do I use a humidity dome?
Seeds require consistent moisture. The soil needs to be moist but not soggy to prevent the seeds from rotting. A humidity dome is an easy way to retain moisture as your seeds germinate.
How much light do my seedlings need to grow?
For best results, seedlings need 14 to 18 hours of light each day. When using full spectrum fluorescents, the light source should be kept 2 to 4 inches away from the seedlings.
How do I know my houseplants are getting enough light?
Plants grow “leggy” when they don’t get enough light. A light meter can help assure proper light level and proper placement of plants in your growing area.
What types of plants can I grow indoors?
Virtually any plant can be grown indoors.
How much space is required to have an indoor garden?
Virtually any space can be converted into a garden. Check with your local Hydroponics store for specific setup information and equipment requirements for your garden space. If this is your first time gardening indoors, you may want to try a couple of different sized plants on the first cycle. This will help you find the proper size and height of plant to fruit or flower.
What is a cutting?
A cutting is an exact genetic duplicate of the donor plant. It will grow almost exactly the same way as the plant you took the cutting from. Cuttings from the tops of the plants seem to root faster and grow hardier than cuttings from the bottoms of plants. A cutting develops and begins to grow much faster than a seedling.
Can I grow vegetables in my basement in December?
Yes, you can as long as you have good light for your garden area and maintain reasonable temperatures for growing.
Why do plants require such powerful lights to grow indoors?
Plants have evolved over billions of years into very efficient factories for converting sunlight and nutrients into food. To help your plants thrive indoors you need to provide them with light of sufficient quality and duration to enable them to accomplish this. Natural outdoor sunlight can be up to one hundred times brighter than artificial indoor light. Although the human eye may easily adjust between indoor and outdoor lighting conditions “in the blind of an eye” it is an entirely different matter for plants. They still require light energy similar to what they have evolved under.
What is the difference between Fluorescent and HID?
Fluorescent lamps are good for starting seedlings and rooting cuttings, but do not have enough intensity to sustain aggressive growth in plants in the later stages of life. Sodium and halide High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs emit a very bright, intense light with a full color spectrum for optimal plant growth. If you plant to grow vegetables or fruits to harvest indoors, these are the choice for you. Halides have a more, well rounded spectrum while sodium’s are used more for supplementing halides or natural light.
What is the difference between Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium lighting systems?
Although both types of lighting systems appear very similar, the main difference becomes readily apparent when you turn them on. A Halide system emits a balanced white light similar to the spectrum of sunlight. This type of light promotes vegetative growth. A Sodium system emits a light spectrum and gives off a warmer colored light. This type of light helps stimulate a plant to produce flowers and fruit.
What wattage high intensity bulb should I use?
Several factors will determine the wattage needed. These include” area to be lighted, hanging height and ceiling clearance and plant light requirements.
How much will my HID light cost to run?
You can calculate the approximate cost by using the following: kWh (Kilowatt/Hour rate in your area) x kW (bulb wattage) x H (hours in use per Day) x D (days used per month)= approximate monthly cost.
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