The History of Hydroponics in Adelaide

Hydroponics is a new and great way for Australian farmers to grow crops in  the harsh Adelaide weather. Hydroponic systems are the new and modern child to the  ancient and traditional growing of crops, or also known as ‘agriculture’. The Ancient  Egyptians first brought agriculture to civilization. Their entire civilization was built  around the Nile in order to have easy access to water and moist soil for their crops.  This was a great innovation in the forming of civilizations, however, there were many  conflicting natural elements that would make life difficult for the people who  depended on the crops for livelihood and sustenance. The Egyptians would therefore  go for weeks or even months without certain foods that they grew, which was not  only difficult but dangerous as the tumultuous weather would dictate the line between  famine and sustenance.

This sounds like a very dramatic story, one that could even be seen in books  or movie plots, however it is not the reality for today. Growing plants has never been  more beneficial or easier in Australia. Luckily in 2014 and in our developed part of  the world in Australia, we don’t have to worry about such things. Although there are  many Aussie farmers out there who still struggle through droughts, the technology of  hydroponics has definitely changed the livelihood of many Australians. We are no  longer dependent on the turbulent weather of Australia, which we all know can  surprise us with something drastic at any moment! Not only can hydroponics give  you crops, but they can ensure that your crops are bigger and better. However, you  must make sure that your system is working as best as it can for these great results. Hydroponic supplies are essential to running a successful system. Hydroponic  supplies must be taken care of; otherwise there is little benefit in the system versus  older ways of growing crops.

If you are going to use a hydroponic system you must have clean, updated,  working supplies which include: Air pumps and Air stones, water heaters, feedrings,  hydros hoses and drippers. The list goes on, but before you feel overwhelmed, you  should know that there is a way to maintain and buy all these different supplies. Urban Grow is a company dedicated to hydroponic systems and supplies. Urban  Grow believes in the great environmental and lifestyle benefits of hydroponic systems  for Australians as well as their business and families. The completely Australian  owned and operated business is dedicated to this and therefore want to make sure  that their customers at home, and nation wide are satisfied with their products. Urban  Grow is not only dedicated to selling you a quality product, but also in teaching you  the science of how hydroponics work. Through outlining the role of photosynthesis  the team at Urban Grow can help you to understand and make the most out of your  Hydroponic Systems and Supplies. 

So if you want to grow fresh, juicy crops, visit their  website for all your hydroponic supplies and needs at www.urbangrow.com.au.

Hydroponic Systems: Think Global Act Local

Hydroponic Systems were first developed in the early 1980s in Colombia. Hydroponics is the method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. It is highly productive, conservative of water and land, and environmentally friendly. Yet for most of its employees, hydroponic culture requires only basic agriculture skills. Since regulating the aerial and root environment is a major concern in such agricultural systems, production takes place inside enclosures designed to control air and root temperatures, light, water, plant nutrition, and adverse climate. 

Hydroponic projects in Colombia have proved a great success. On average, a single garden made a profit of $90 in two to three months with the initial investment being $355.  Since 1984, projects have been implemented in 12 Latin American and African countries, mostly funded by the UNDP and the UN FAO. Advanced hydroponic systems can be intensive and expensive. But simplified hydroponics can be much simpler and cheaper with low operational and maintenance costs. There are six basic types of hydroponic systems.

•  Wick

This system is the most simple of all hydroponics and does not have any moving parts. The nutrient solution is disseminated into the growing area (root system) from the reservoir with a wick. The wick system uses perlite, vermiculite, pro-mix and coconut fiber as types of growing medium. The unfortunate part of this system is that bigger plants draw large amounts of water from the reservoir, using up the nutrient solution faster than the wick or wicks can supply it.

•  Water Culture

This system is made up of a platform that holds the plants, an air pump and an air stone that bubbles the nutrient solution and supplies oxygen to the roots of the plants. Water culture systems are inexpensive and good for education purposes. So saying, they are not suitable for long-term use.

• Ebb and Flow

Ebb and flow or flood and drain systems work by temporarily flood the grow tray with nutrient solution and then draining the solution back into the reservoir. This system uses a pump that is connected to a timer and may be used for a variety of different plants. The growing medium in this type of system must be water retaining because in the instance of a pump malfunction the roots can dry out very easily.

•  Drip

Drip systems are also known as recover and non-recovery systems where timer turns the pump on and nutrient solution is dripped onto the base of each plant by a small drip line. In a Recovery Drip System the excess nutrient solution that runs off is collected back in the reservoir for re-use. The Non-Recovery System does not collect the run off. The non-recovery system requires less maintenance due to the fact that the excess nutrient solution isn't recycled back into the reservoir. This is the most widely used hydroponic system.

•  NFT Nutrient Film Technique

N.F.T. systems have a constant flow of nutrient solution so no timer required for the submersible pump. The nutrient solution is pumped into the growing tray (usually a tube) and flows over the roots of the plants, and then drains back into the reservoir. Like the ebb and flow system, the NFT system is susceptible to power outages and pump failures. 

•  Aeroponic

The aeroponic system is probably the most advanced of hydroponic gardening. Like the N.F.T. system above the growing medium is primarily air. The roots hang in the air and are misted with nutrient solution. Misting is usually done every few minutes. Because the roots are exposed to the air like the N.F.T. system, the roots will dry out rapidly if the misting cycles are interrupted.

There are two main reasons for investing in hydroponic irrigation systems. One, it saves water and two it saves money. Byron Bay couple George and Sukhjt Singh report on the benefits they have seen from their hydroponic system. “Our nutrigation system has increased productivity by 40% and has paid for itself in just one year through labour savings,” says George Singh.  

If you think that a Hydroponic System in Adelaide could suit your needs, give Urban Grow Solutions a call on (08) 8322 0040 or visit their website http://www.urbangrow.com.au/.

Hydroponic Systems to Make Your Indoor Garden Flourish

Are you new to hydroponic systems? If so, then our team at Urban Grow is more than happy to help you out. We have countless different Hydroponic Systems for you to check out in our store and online. Essentially, hydroponic systems are either described as active or passive. In terms of an active hydroponic system, a pump is utilised to move the nutrient solution. Alternatively, when it comes to passive hydroponic systems, the capillary action of the growing wick or medium is relied upon. 

The wick or medium absorb the nutrient solution and then passes it off to the roots. A down point of passive hydroponic systems is optimum growth is sometime difficult to achieve as the systems have the potential to not supply enough oxygen to the root system because they are often too wet.

If you are interested in having your own hydroponic garden, be sure to visit our store at O’Halloran Hill. Alternatively, you can also examine our Hydroponic Systems in Adelaide  in our online store.

An Impressive Range of Hydroponic Systems

If you are serious about gardening, it’s time you purchased a Hydroponic system. Research has shown there are many advantages of hydroponic gardening over soil gardening. Comparing plants grown in the same conditions revealed a hydroponic plant grew 30-50 per cent faster than a plant grown in soil. It also showed that the yield was increased greatly.

Scientists have come up with numerous explanations for the extreme differences between soil plants and hydroponic plants. Growth is believed to be stimulated in hydroponic gardens by the increased levels of oxygen. Oxygen levels are extremely important for plants and help them absorb nutrients faster and grow.
Overall, hydroponic plants are happier and healthier than those grown in soil. Happy plants ultimately make for bigger yields and faster growing plants.

If you want to enjoy gardening results, be sure to check out our range of products online at Urban Grow. Or come in and visit us in our store in Adelaide to check out our Hydroponic Systems in Adelaide.

Looking for Hydroponic supplies?

Are you growing your own hydroponic garden and need quality Hydroponic supplies? If so, then jump online to see the range on offer at Urban Grow. We are passionate about hydroponic supplies and strive to ensure you produce exceptional results. Often people wonder how on earth hydroponic gardens manage to accomplish such amazing results. Well, we’re going to let you in on a little secret; it’s all about science. In order to become a successful hydroponic gardener, it is essential you understand the process of how a plant grows and produces food. This process is called Photosynthesis.

The process involves creating a fuel for the plants from light energy, which is converted into chemical energy. There is a special element inside the plant, which is called chlorophyll. This substance produces carbohydrates and oxygen, by converting carbon dioxide from water, the air and light energy. Essentially, what a hydroponic garden does is it fuels a plants growing activity by controlling all of these crucial elements. The plant system begins to flourish when you give it a well-balanced nutrition and support it.

For further information about our Hydroponic Supplies in Adelaide, give Urban Grow a call on 8322 0040.

The Leader in Hydroponic Supplies

When it comes to hydroponic supplies, it’s all a matter of science. While many people wonder how hydroponic gardens yield such amazing results, there’s no secret potion. Simply, it all comes down to science. 

In order to be successful in hydroponic gardens, you need to know about Photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a term given to the process of how a plant grows and produces food. The way it works is the light energy is converted into chemical energy, which acts as a fuel for the plants activities. A substance within the plant called chlorophyll, converts carbon dioxide from water, light energy and the air into oxygen and carbohydrates. You may remember from science lessons back in high school, that chlorophyll is the substance that makes the plant green. 

When it comes to hydroponics, rather than relying on these natural processes, the hydroponic system enhances and controls all of these essential elements. In doing so, you have control over the plants growing activity and have the tools to make it flourish. 

If you would like to invest in your own Hydroponic supplies in Adelaide, simply call the professional team at Urban Grown for more information on 8322 0040.