Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Pestiside Free Hydroponic: Why Hydroponic Vegetables?

Many people don't know that one of the major advantages to hydroponic vegetables is the ease with which they can be grown pesticide free. Growing vegetables free of pesticides is the first thing that attracted me to the hydroponic growing method.

Bugs like soil. In the hydroponic growing process we leave the dirt, the soil.... Out! That's right. No soil equals fewer problems, fewer pest or bugs means less or no pesticides.

Another major advantage to growing hydroponic vegetables is the added control I have over the nutrients going into the food I or others will one day consume. Being able to fine tune the nutrient solution allows the grower to tweak and improve the flavor of the vegetable being grown. Whether it is making tomatoes and lettuce sweeter or peppers hotter, the hydroponic grower has more control than traditional gardeners.

While most hydroponic nutrients are not organic, the systems themselves are usually closed and won't run off into the soil. Another point to think about is the residual pesticide on the outside of the actual fruit or vegetable. Think about it, if the grower has someone spray for a certain bug then the next day someone harvests, which is common, then you have a pesticide washed tomato on your plate!

What are the Advantages of Hydroponic Vegetables?


In summary, here are some major advantages of growing hydroponic vegetables.

  • Use less pesticides.
  • Have more control over nutrients and flavor.
  • Enjoy a cleaner growing experience.
  • Healthier food can be produce.
  • Your friends will think your cool.
  • You won't need a farm tractor or a rototiller.
  • No pulling weeds.
  • The hydroponic garden can double as a swimming pool. (kidding)
  • You can grow hydroponically in a small area if need be.
I've been growing hydroponic vegetable in commercial greenhouse operation and it has been an interesting and exciting experience. People in the surrounding towns are always asking me how I make the vegetable taste so good, now you have a couple of my secrets.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Growing Healthy Hydroponic Vegetables

I have commercially grown healthy hydroponic vegetables including heirloom tomatoes, lettuce, sweet and hot peppers, arugula, and basil for fun, food and commercial retail. This blog will be a discussion board for any growers or first time gardeners wishing to share info.