In hydroponic gardens, pebbles rather than dirt hold up the plant's stem and roots. Just about any plant thrive in this system, especially basil. Hydroponic gardens are easy, clean, odorless and non-allergenic. The need to transplant is greatly reduced. And, there is no more 'over' or 'under' watering resulting in fewer plant losses. Hydroponic plants absorb air pollutants in your home and transforms them into oxygen freshing the air and making you feel better.
Reasons to Consider Hydroponic Gardens
Healthier - no dirt
Reduce allergies; dirt holds spores, mold,mildew.
Pest free - no soil born pests like dirt gnats
Reduce odors
Watering is easier
Fertilize when you water, and less frequently
Over watering and under watering are eliminated
Plants like it
Nutrients are distributed evenly to the roots
Root aeration since pebbles do not compact like soil
Less maintenance for you
Pebbles don't have to be replaced and can be reused
Hydroponic plants have smaller root systems: less transplanting
Plants don't get root-bound as you can usually lift up on the basket to clip the roots
How does it work?
There are five components to hydroponics. Hydroponic container kits are affordable and typically available at your local nursery.
The plant
Pebbles - the plant sits in a pile of clay-fired pebbles
Inner pot and outer pot - the pebbles sit in an inner pot that has slits for water access. The inner pot also has a slot for a water level indicator. The inner pot sits in a decorative non-porous outer pot that is slightly larger.
Water level indicator - a simple float tells you when the pot needs water
Liquid nutrient - plant food
Steps To Transplanting
Preparation - gather all materials at the kitchen sink: a new plant, pebbles (rinsed), inner pot with water level indicator, outer pot.
Remove the plant from its dirt pot. A dry plant is a better starting point. Hold the plant at the base near the dirt and gently wiggle it out, dirt and all. Remove the dirt form the plant. Knock off loose dirt clumps. Hold under gently running, room temperature tap water to rinse of the remainder of the dirt. Touching roots is ok, but gently please. Trim off dead or extra roots.
Plant the plant. Cover the bottom of the inner pot with pebbles, about an inch. Place the plant on the pebbles, and spread out roots. Hold in place with one hand while pouring more pebbles around the plant roots up to the base. Tap the container to settle the pebbles, and then rinse under room temperature running tap water.
Place the inner container in the outer container, and fill the pot with water until the water level indicator shows it’s full. When you are transplanting use water only, no nutrients are added for approximately 4 weeks.
Easy Care and Feeding!!!
Feeding - Tapwater is added to the nutrient solution, follow the directions on the liquid nutrient container.
Root-bound - pick up the inner pot from time-to-time and clip the roots that are extended through the slits.
Light requirements - check the label that comes with the plant for light requirements.
