What is Hydroponics?

• The ability to produce higher yields than traditional, soil-based agriculture. Allowing food to be grown and consumed in areas of the world that cannot support crops in the soil.
• Eliminating the need for massive pesticide use (considering most pests live in the soil), effectively making our air, water, soil, and food cleaner.
• Popularizing indoor agriculture in areas where it would be difficult, if not impossible to grow crops outdoors (deserts, high altitudes, cold regions).
• Food being grown indoors allows for a more steady supply year-round. This is an important aspect of food security for many developing countries that rely on imports from outside their borders.
• Hydroponic systems can also be run by a single operator in the comfort of their own home. In parts of the world where natural light levels are low, hydroponic systems can provide a level of artificial lighting that just isn’t possible outside.
• Finally and most importantly, providing the highest standard of living for farmers with a high level of efficiency.

Typically farmland is in short supply and expensive. Hydroponics allows for more space to grow crops and provides an opportunity for commercial farming that would normally not be financially feasible on land without expanding the size of the farm or buying more land and paying higher costs.

One of the biggest reasons we are invested in Hydroponics is because of our mission to find innovative ways to solve “world problems” with technology.

Why do we need hydroponics?

Some cities are now requiring their citizens to use grey water from washing machines and showers to water their landscapes. If you’re not on a municipal water system or have access to grey water, you can use rainwater from your roof and filter it for safe irrigation.

More signs of the times: In Washington D.C., in an effort to supplement the nutrition of hungry children, local food banks provide “backyard gardens” to needy families who are growing fresh food at home.

Many rooftop gardeners are realizing the benefits of hydroponics and using the technology, to harness sunlight for plant growth better than traditional gardening methods. This is resulting in plants that have less disease, more flavor, and greater nutrient density. Hydroponic systems can improve yields up to 50 percent or more while reducing water use up to 80 percent.

Finding its Way into Restaurants…

One of the best ways to showcase how fresh and delicious food can be grown is for restaurants to use hydroponics. That’s happening more and more as chefs appreciate the benefits of a system that forces them to think outside the box. Chefs love using growing systems because they allow them to experiment and be creative.

Rising Prices of Meat…

As the price continues to increase for meat, there will be more demand for fresh food sources such as vegetables and fruits. Growing these produce items at home or in an urban garden becomes a viable alternative that may save money while producing higher quality foods. It’s important to consider this as we move forward in the future.

Hydroponic systems will continue to improve and provide better growing techniques for the consumer at home or a commercial grower. One thing is certain; hydroponics is on the rise around the world and there’s no better time than now to learn about this fascinating technology.

So why not get ahead of the curve? Start growing with hydroponics today and give yourself the healthy lifestyle you deserve. Remember, good health forever!