How to Buy Hydroponic Gardening Supplies

To buy hydroponic gardening supplies, you will need peat, sand, gravel, rock wool, or vermiculite, a premixed nutrient solution, a pH testing kit, and artificial light. You can find hydroponic gardening kits and supplies at gardening centers and hydroponic specialty stores.

Hydroponics is a method of cultivating plants in liquid nutrients without using soil. It allows for indoor year-round gardening.

Some hydroponic systems include ebb and flow, which uses a pump to deliver nutrients, and the wick system, where plant roots absorb nutrients via dangling ropes. Ebb and flow can produce a heartier yield, while the wick system is easier to maintain.

In an ebb and flow system, use porous materials like peat, sand, gravel, rock wool, or vermiculite. These materials deliver liquid nutrients to the roots.

To test the pH of a nutrient solution, you will need a pH testing kit. If pH levels are too high or too low, plants won't be able to absorb nutrients. You can get a water pH test kit at a pool or aquarium store.

For flowering plants, consider using High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights. For leafy vegetables, Metal Halide (MH) lights are a good option. Artificial lighting is important for indoor hydroponic gardening.

In 1938, early hydroponics experiments occurred on Wake Island, which was a Pan-Am Airways refueling stop. Hydroponic vegetables were used to feed the airline's crew.