Hydroponics is now more popular than it's ever been. Many people in Australia and all over the world use hydroponic systems to grow vegetables and a variety of other plants in a well-controlled environment. If you love gardening and want to try something new, hydroponics might be a great idea—however, there are some potential drawbacks as well. Read on to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of hydroponics.
The Benefits of a Hydroponic Growing System
Hydroponic growing systems can vary considerably, but they have several important advantages in common. These include:
- More flexibility: Hydroponic systems can be used in any climate.
- Easier watering: A hydroponic system requires far less water than traditional gardening in soil does.
- No pest control: Since you control the hydroponic environment, it's sterile—no pesticides needed.
- Conservation: You can capture the water you use and recycle it, thereby conserving considerable water.
- Less labour: A hydroponic garden requires less physical labour than a soil one—you'll be able to skip weeding!
Whilst these benefits are quite enticing, you'll also need to consider some of the potential disadvantages attached to hydroponic gardening systems. Keep reading to learn about those.
The Drawbacks to a Hydroponic Growing System
The drawbacks to using a hydroponic growing system can include the following.
- The cost: A hydroponic system can be quite costly, at least initially.
- The maintenance: A hydroponic growing system requires more maintenance than a traditional, soil-based garden does.
- The space: Whilst your yield per centimetre can be larger with hydroponics, you'll have much less space to use overall .
The Learning Curve: Both Benefit and Drawback?
One thing that could be considered both a benefit and a drawback is the learning curve connected to a hydroponic growing system. You'll need to learn a whole new system of caring for plants with hydroponics, and it will take some time to adjust to this change. Whilst it does require time and effort, many people actually say that this learning process is a great deal of fun and highly educational as well. You'll be a far more experienced and well-rounded gardener in the long term by learning how to manage a hydroponic system today.
You can purchase a beginner's hydroponic kit at a hydroponic shop if you want to make the learning process as easy as possible—and they'll also have useful advice as you begin your hydroponic growing journey. Enjoy the hydroponic adventure!