A History of Hydroponics and Home Gardening During Lockdown

It is now more important than ever for people to start growing their own food. Not only because of the current pandemic but also because of the long-term effects that it could have on our food supply. Hydroponics is a great way to do this, and it can be done in even the smallest of spaces. This article will look at the history of hydroponics and how you can use it to create a sustainable food supply during a lockdown and beyond. We will also give some advice from the guys over at Progrow on getting started with a hydroponic garden.

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, the plants are grown in a solution of water and nutrients. This method was first developed by the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians, who used it to grow plants in the desert.

The first modern hydroponic system was developed in the early 1900s by Dr. William F. Gericke, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Gericke created a system where plants were grown in gravel beds that were fed with a nutrient solution. He called this method “the water culture system.”

Gericke’s work was further developed in the 1930s by Dr. Allen Cooper, another professor at UC Berkeley. Cooper created a system where plants were grown in sand beds that were also fed with a nutrient solution. This system is known as the “nutrient film technique” and is still used today.

Advantages of Hydroponics

Hydroponics has several advantages over traditional farming. For example, it requires less water than soil-based agriculture. It also allows for more efficient use of nutrients, as the plants can absorb them directly from the water. Furthermore, hydroponics can be done in smaller spaces, making it ideal for urban areas.

Disadvantages of Hydroponics

There are also some disadvantages to hydroponics. For example, it can be more expensive than soil-based agriculture, as you need to buy the nutrient solution and the equipment necessary to set up a system. Additionally, it can be difficult to fix if something goes wrong with the system.

How to Get Started with Hydroponics

If you’re interested in starting a hydroponic garden, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to choose the right system for your needs. There are many different types of hydroponic systems, so it’s important to research and find the one that’s right for you.

Once you’ve chosen a system, you’ll need to set it up and fill it with water. Then, you’ll need to add the nutrient solution. Again, the folks at Progrow have a great video on doing this.

After the nutrient solution has been added, you can start adding plants. It’s important to start with plants that are easy to grow, such as lettuce or tomatoes. Once you’ve mastered these, you can move on to more difficult plants.

Conclusion

Hydroponics is a great way to grow your own food, even if you don’t have a lot of space. By following the advice in this article, you’ll be able to create a sustainable food supply during a lockdown and beyond.