Of all the different growing media, Rockwool has gained in immense popularity, owing to the fact that it is able to retain a significantly larger amount of air and water than soil. It has a pH content of about 7.8, which leads gardeners to be a little cautious about using it, since this can also raise the level of pH in the nutrient solution.

1. Basics of Hydroponics
Abstract: This article discusses some basic information about hydroponic gardening. It starts by giving a
description and historical background, and then goes on to some of the finer aspects that play a role in
hydroponics.
The word hydroponics comes from the Greek language – hydro meaning water and ponos meaning
labor. Hydroponics is therefore a way of cultivating plants, by mixing mineral nutrients
In the 19th century, researchers, researchers discovered that plants imbibe essential minerals mixed in
water, and that soil only acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir. It is therefore not essential for plant growth
The difference between hydroponics and a soilless culture is sometimes confusing. While soilless
culture requires that no soil with clay or silt be used, hydroponics is a subset of the soilless culture –
there is absolutely no role of soil in hydroponics.
The Benefits of Hydroponics
There are several benefits attributed to hydroponics, compared to the conventional way of cultivating
plants. The supply of oxygen that is provided through the growing media is very good for healthy plant
yields. Also as a result of receiving an adequate supply of oxygen, the plants roots are able to imbibe the
nutrition supply more rapidly. Additionally, the plant roots do not have to extract the nutrient solution from
soil, as this is mixed with water, and is supplied directly to them. No wonder that plants grown
hydroponically, cultivate faster and thicker. It has been noted that the rate of plant yield is approximately
30 to 50 percent faster with hydroponics as compared to soil based cultivation.
It should be noted too that hydroponic plants find and break down food more easily, and require
considerably less energy for this. The conserved energy leads to faster growth and significant yields.
Additionally, since there is no requirement of soil, the risk of bug infections and other plant borne diseases
is drastically reduced.
Growing Media used in Hydroponics.
A prominent ingredient used in most hydroponics systems is the growing medium. Examples of these
include Rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, and different types of sand. All of these generally work well with all
Hydroponics systems. The main purpose of growing media is to supply oxygen and facilitate the
passage of the nutrient solution to the rooting system of plants.
Of all the different growing media, Rockwool has gained in immense popularity, owing to the fact that it is
able to retain a significantly larger amount of air and water than soil. It has a pH content of about 7.8,
which leads gardeners to be a little cautious about using it, since this can also raise the level of pH in the
nutrient solution.
The other growing media mentioned above (perlite, vermiculite, and sand) are comparatively more stable
than Rockwool, in that they barely impact the pH level of the nutrient solution. The drawback associated
with these growing media is that they tend to hold excess water, and can prove to be harmful to those
plants that are sensitive to a high degree of moisture. On a better note though, these three media are
relatively inexpensive in comparison to Rockwool.
Nutrients
The nutrition solution used in hydroponics includes all the ingredients that a plant would receive from
soil. Most of the nutrients are rather concentrated, and are available at hydroponic supply stores in either

2. liquid or powdered forms. Usually, two different containers come with them, one to be used for plant
growth, and the other to be used when the plants have blossomed. The liquid form of nutrition solution is
easier to use than it powdered counterpart, although, it is expensive in price. It mixes well in water and
accumulates adequately into the reservoir. The powdered nutrients on the other hand are economical, but
require more effort in dissolved well into water and the reservoir.
pH
Hydroponic plants generally require a maximum range of pH of 6.3. The good news for gardeners it is
much easier to gauge the range of pH in a hydroponic system than in soil. Additionally, there are pH
testing kits available at relatively cheap prices at several hardware set stores.
It is imperative to check for the pH level in growing media, as too much or too little of it can adversely
affect plant growth, rendering them unable to adequately take in their required amount of nutrition. It is
advisable therefore, to check the pH level at least once a week, and to make any necessary adjustments
to its level. If the level needs to be raised, one can use dissolvable potash, and if needs to be reduced,
then phosphoric acid can be used
Welcome to Coast Hydroponics™. Whether you are a hydroponics enthusiast or a seasoned
professional, you will find a great selection and unparalleled value in our hydroponics store. Our
knowledgeable staff is ready to help you select the right growing lights, irrigation system and nutrients to
ensure your success.
Browse our online store for values on individual products or choose one of our discounted complete kits.
Coast Hydroponics is your smartest choice in hydroponics.
Our brick and mortar store is located at 1319 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, Ca 92054 come visit us!