Translated from Greek, this word means "working solution". This concept means the cultivation of crops without the use of soil composition, using only nutrient solutions containing the necessary components for the life of plants. Crop roots are formed and retained in substrates. Both cucumbers and tomatoes can be grown in DIY hydroponics.
What is cucumber and tomato hydroponics
This is a kind of system that helps to grow and cultivate various plants. year-round... The nutrient is supplied by a special solution that is individually selected according to what needs to be grown.
The liquid used to transfer nutrients to plants, does not contain unnatural substances... It completely lacks stimulating compounds that can harm the human body. If we consider the liquid from the point of view of chemistry, then it consists of organic additives that help in the growth, development and ripening of fruits.
Experienced experts assure that such a system at home is available to every gardener.
There is nothing difficult in it, especially if you do not use pumping units. With the help of hydroponics, it is possible to grow onion feathers, herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. You just need to equip the pots or purchase special installations for growing. Pumps are installed if large yields are expected.
Advantages and disadvantages of growing vegetables in hydroponics
If we talk about the merits of this system, then in the first place should be determined crop growth... They develop well and do not get sick, as they receive all the substances necessary for growth, give good yields. There is no need to water every day, make fertilizers. If necessary, the plants are easily transplanted to another place.
In fruits unnecessary and dangerous elements do not accumulate, since everything necessary for growth is supplied in dosage form. Even the question of protection from harmful parasites and diseases also disappears, as well as weeding from weeds. Using hydroponics for growing cucumbers and tomatoes does not require a lot of free space.
It is gratifying that this method has practically no drawbacks. You will have to spend a little money on the necessary equipment and familiarize yourself with the features of the technological process.
This method does not imply the use of soil composition, which is especially important for areas where there is a lack of fertile land.
In addition, to obtain good indicators, you will need to study the composition of the nutrient medium for cucumbers and tomatoes, control the temperature, check the roots of plants and monitor the liquid level.
System types
Today, a large number of systems are known, which can be reduced to six main types:
- wick irrigation... The simplest option, working on the principle of capillary force, in the complete absence of mechanical influences. The solution flows to the roots through special wicks. The system is designed for breeding not very large plants that do not particularly need moisture;
- water system... One of the simpler options. The plant is kept on a platform floating in the solution. The roots are immersed in liquid. To supply oxygen to them, aeration is performed with a pump, otherwise the nutrient solution will have to be periodically renewed;
- nutrient layer... A solution from the container is pumped into the box on which the cultures are fixed. It flows through the root system and goes back into the reservoir. The stream is constant, it turns on automatically. The roots receive oxygen from humidified air above the surface of the nutrient fluid;
- flood system... A feeding solution is periodically supplied to the root systems in the substrate, which then goes back into the container. The liquid is driven by a timer-driven pump. Root flooding is performed several times a day, their number is determined by the crops grown and the characteristics of the substrate;
- drip irrigation... The timer turns on the pump, which supplies the feed liquid through the tubes to the base of the plant.
This system is divided into two subspecies:
- in the first case, the excess solution goes into the reservoir, can be used a second time;
- for the second option, the timer should be set as accurately as possible so that the excess solution does not cause root rot;
- aeroponic system... It is considered the most technologically advanced. The plants are fixed on the lid of the container, in which the sprayers are inserted, which begin to work from the action of the pump and the timer. After a certain time, the roots are irrigated with an oxygen-enriched nutrient.
How to do it yourself at home
Let's consider the simplest option. To make a house with your own hands you will need:
- foam sheet;
- capacious container made of plastic material;
- cups for hydroponics;
- aquarium compressor.
The container must be dark so that the roots did not get sunlight... Otherwise, it can be wrapped in foil. Holes are arranged in the foam, which must match the size of the cups.
In this case, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient interval so that the cucumbers or tomatoes can develop normally.
The compressor is lowered into the container, the nutrient fluid is poured in, the foam is laid. It remains only to add the mixture as it evaporates. The equipment is ready, it remains only to purchase the nutritional composition in a special store.
How to transfer seedlings to a hydroponic system from soil?
The plants are carefully removed from the cups, immersed in heated water for an hour to get rid of the soil residues. After that, the seedlings must be kept in a manganese solution for several minutes in order to disinfect.
The lower container is filled with clean warm water, the plants are planted in the substrate. Tomato and cucumber seedlings should be kept in water for a week, after which the nutritional composition can be poured.
In the first month of growth, it is recommended to use a weakly concentrated solution so as not to burn the root system. Then you can arrange meals according to the instructions.
Harvesting and storage rules
Tomatoes must be harvested as they matureas soon as they turn pink. This will make them easier to store and transport. They keep the crop in a warm place, laying it up with the stalk in boxes and sprinkling it with sawdust or shavings.
Cucumbers are also removed in a timely manner so that the growth of the culture does not slow down. Otherwise, the plant will direct all efforts to ripening the seeds.
Hydroponics can be arranged for cucumbers and tomatoes not only in the home, but also in the greenhouse and even outdoors. It is important that the yield will be influenced by illumination, maintaining the desired temperature, humidity.