Hydroponics

gardening · water · plants · science

No soil needed. Hydroponic plants grow in water mixed with nutrients instead of soil. Their roots soak up everything they need directly from the water.

Roots get support. Since there's no soil to hold plants up, hydroponic systems use materials like gravel, perlite, or special foam to keep roots in place and stable.

Works almost anywhere. Hydroponics happens in artificial environments that can be controlled, so you can grow plants indoors, in deserts, or anywhere you want.

Grows food and medicine. Hydroponics is especially great for growing crops like lettuce and herbs, plus medicinal plants that people use for health.

Works for many plants. Both terrestrial plants (that normally grow on land) and aquatic plants (that normally grow in water) can be grown hydroponically.