All About Hydroponics as a Sustainable Growing Method

Cannabis gardens require consistent monitoring and balanced levels of hydration and nutrition for the best yield. An easy way to grow cannabis is through hydroponic technology. Users can adjust the garden as needed while saving space in the grow room. If you’re looking for a sustainable growing method that will improve your cannabis garden, here’s what you need to know about hydroponics.

What Is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a gardening technique that involves growing plants without soil. The plants depend on nutrient-rich water for direct nourishment. Because of its conservation of resources, cannabis growers of all skill levels can use this method to save on gardening expenses.

How Does Hydroponics Work?

Growing cannabis using hydroponics revolves around replacing soil with a growing medium that supports the plant’s root system. This medium could be materials like clay pellets, rock wool, or even perlite. They work in tandem with nutrient-dense water, so the roots can directly absorb a balanced amount of nutrients for growth.

Why Is It Sustainable?

Hydroponic gardening reduces water waste by recycling the water within the system. Under close monitoring, gardeners can balance the exact volume they need for proper growth without the risk of overwatering or underwatering the crops. The method leaves a minimal environmental footprint compared to traditional gardening because of the minimal water waste.

Who Should Use Hydroponics?

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, hydroponics is a suitable growing method. Its ability to support precise nutrient management makes it perfect for high-yield plants like cannabis.

Hydroponics is also ideal for indoor setups with limited space. Many people create vertical hydroponic gardens to allow more growth opportunities. For small grow rooms, this technique will benefit plant health.

Types of Hydroponic Systems

There are a variety of hydroponic systems you can use that will shift the focus of your cannabis garden. Before choosing a hydroponic system, first determine the typical watering and nutrient levels for the plants to administer the resources effectively. Whether you’re prioritizing the space in your garden or the quality of your crops, these hydroponic gardens are advantageous in their design.

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Deep water culture (DWC) is a simple hydroponic system that submerges the plant roots in nutrient-rich water. An air pump paired with air stones delivers a steady flow of oxygen bubbles into the reservoir.

This mixture serves as the plant’s sole source of water and nutrients. With the constant immersion of roots in the nutrient solution, DWC leads to faster growth and higher yields compared to soil gardening.

Drip System

Drip systems are popular for their ability to tailor the flow of nutrients to each individual plant. First, drip systems use a reservoir solution to set up the cannabis saplings. Once installed, the garden uses drip lines and emitters to pump a controlled flow of water into each cannabis plant.

By using a timer and a drainage system, this hydroponic solution allows gardeners to manage their resources without waste. Drip systems also work well for vertical garden spaces.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

The nutrient film technique (NFT) places each cannabis plant in a slopping channel. It submerges the roots in a constant flow of nutrient-laden water.

These channels are flat, slightly angled tubes or gutters that hold the plants. The gentle slope glides the nutrient solution evenly from one end to the other and back to the reservoir.

As a result, the cannabis plants will always receive fresh nutrients and oxygen while preventing oversaturation. Growers can simply recirculate the water for sustainable growing.

Benefits of Hydroponics for Cannabis Gardens

Hydroponics is a sustainable growing method that can resolve many cannabis cultivation challenges. Whether your garden struggles to maintain a fruitful yield year-round or constantly suffers from invading critters, hydroponics provides numerous advantages.

Increased Yield

When cannabis plants have constant access to nutrients and water, they can focus their energy on growth rather than searching for resources. It also allows you to focus on other areas of the garden such as lighting and humidity. This results in healthier plants and larger yields compared to soil-based gardening.

Year-Round Growth

Hydroponic systems are indoor setups, which means environmental changes won’t disrupt the crops. Rather than combatting heavy storms or severe winds, a hydroponic garden can thrive no matter the weather. This is beneficial for growers looking to produce consistent harvests for year-round supplies.

Reduced Pests and Diseases

Since hydroponics doesn’t involve soil, this process reduces the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases. The water reservoirs protect the roots, and flowing water systems will disperse any infestations affecting the cannabis plants before they suffer from the damage. Additionally, controlled environments make it easy to monitor and prevent infestations to keep your cannabis plants healthy.

Tips for Setting Up Your First Hydroponic Cannabis Garden

Setting up a successful hydroponic system for cannabis might seem complicated due to the equipment and the flowing water channels. These tips will give you the information you need to begin growing healthy crops.

Plan Your Space

Evaluate your grow room or available space. Next, determine whether you want your hydroponic garden to grow horizontally on tables or hanging vertically. Make sure the garden has enough room for the hydroponic system, lighting, and ventilation to create an ideal growing environment.

Focus on Lighting

Lighting provides energy for your plants to promote cannabis growth, especially for indoor hydroponic setups. LEDs, fluorescent lights, and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps support photosynthesis and flowering during the different stages of the cannabis plant growth. Before you start installing the reservoir system, mount the lights and install adjustment systems in easily accessible areas.

Monitor Nutrient Levels

Regularly check and adjust nutrient solutions to make sure your cannabis plants receive the best possible care. This way, you can make any adjustments before your plants start to wilt. For the best results, keep the pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 to avoid nutrient lockout.

Hydroponics is a great way for gardeners to improve their cannabis setup. With the minimal resources required and adjustable features, gardeners can grow healthy plants while saving time caring for the crops.

Browse the products that Shore Grow has to offer to start your cannabis garden. From hydroponic nutrients to indoor LED grow lights, you can find high-quality supplies to build a hydroponic grow room. For more information about healthy cannabis growth, get in touch with our team today!