Table of Contents
1 Introduction 6
What Is Hydroponics? 7
Advantages of Hydroponic Growing 8
Key Features of a Hydroponic System 13
2 Equipment 18
Irrigation 19
Pots and Trays 22
Substrates and Growing Media 24
Equipment for Growing Indoors 28
Grow Lights 29
Pest-Management Products and Equipment 32
Meters 35
3 Hydroponic Growing Systems 38
How to Choose a System 39
Bottle Hydroponics 42
Floating Rafts 50
Wicking Bed 60
Nutrient Film Technique [NFT] 69
Top Drip System 83
Media Beds 92
Flood and Drain 99
Aeroponics 106
Vertical Gardens 115
4 Starting Seeds and Cuttings 136
Starting Seeds in Stone Wool 138
Rooting Cuttings in Stone Wool 142
Rooting Cuttings in a Hydroponic Cloner 146
Transplanting Plants Started in Soil 148
5 Plant Nutrition 150
Plant Nutrient Uptake 151
Fertilizers 152
Measuring Fertilizer Concentration 154
6 System Maintenance 156
Managing the Nutrient Solution 157
Flushing 160
Cleaning 161
7 Common Problems and Troubleshooting 162
Nutrient Deficiencies 163
Infestations 166
Seedling Problems 168
Glossary 170
Appendix: Crop Selection Charts 172
Metric Conversions 186
Bibliography and Photo Credits 187
Index 188
About the Author 192
