With the hefty amounts of pesticides and artificial fertilizers that are being used in commercial crops nowadays, it is no wonder that many consumers are switching to organic. I have personally considered it many times but as we all know, organic foods are usually quite a bit more expensive and I, for one, have not always been able to afford it. But hydro growing opens up a world of new possibilities. If you are interested in growing your own food hydroponically, why not take it a step further and grow your food organically?
One might think that hydro growing can be automatically classified as organic growing, but this is not the case. In hydro growing, a plant can still come into contact with plenty of non-organic chemicals. Therefore, there are steps to be taken to change your hydro garden into an organic one.
Using an Organic Micronutrient Solution
With a hydroponic system, a plant is only as good as the nutrient solution it is sustained by. There are many hydroponic fertilizers on the market that provide the nutrients a plant needs in the right doses and these come in both organic and non-organic types. The difference between an organic hydroponic fertilizer and a regular non-organic one is quite simple. Non-organic fertilizers provide nutrients in a form that is ready for absorption by the plant whereas organic fertilizers require nutritional substances to be in a more 'organic' form that still needs to be broken down by microorganisms before it can be absorbed by the plant. These microorganisms are usually found in soil and are therefore absent in the hydro growing process. For a long time, this posed a problem for hydro growers who wished to opt for organic growing methods. But nowadays organic hydroponic fertilizers are widely available, which make it possible to provide a plant with the ideal mineral solution, without having to resort to non-organic means. One can even make homemade hydroponic fertilizers using organic materials.
Using an Organic Growing Medium
In conventional growing, soil does not only sustain a plant nutritionally but it also serves the purpose of holding it in place. When soil is removed from the equation, another medium is needed for this purpose. This is where the growing medium comes in and when aiming to grow fruits and vegetable organically, this too needs to be an organic material. Coconut fiber or cocopeat is an excellent growing medium to use for both organic and non-organic growing practices. Essentially made of sundried coconut husks that are eventually powdered, it is a 100% natural by-product of the coconut industry. When used in its purer forms, with no additives, this advantageous growing medium does not only aid organic growth but adds a few perks in its own right. It has a unique capability to store larger amounts of oxygen and water than other growing mediums, it is naturally rich in root stimulating hormones, and it also protects plant roots from diseases particularly due to its anti-fungal properties.
Using Biological Remedies if Pest Problems Arise
The need for pest control is quite rare in a hydro growing environment. Hydroponics is a technique that allows a plant to thrive by feeding it the exact nutrients it needs through an optimally designed nutrient solution. Moreover, hydro gardens are usually grown in carefully controlled environments. in fact, closet growing is very popular. A plant is therefore healthier, stronger, and less susceptible to coming under attack by pests. But should the problem arise, there are various ways in which pest problems can be tackled biologically. One of these solutions involves planting another species of plant intermixed with the main crop that repels the damage-causing pest; a practice that is commonly known as Companion Planting. Biological Insect Control is also very effective. In this latter method, a predator insect is released into the crop to eliminate the pest. Both these methods are completely natural, do not introduce poisonous chemicals in the crop, and therefore, completely organic.
Organic hydro growing does take a little bit more effort, but the rewards far outweigh and more than justify the few extra lengths taken. Apart from providing a fruit or vegetable that is free of harmful chemicals, organic hydro growing also provides a product that is rich in nutrients which is more than can be vouched for commercially grown crops that are often products of overfarmed nutrient-deficient soils.
In this case, a little can definitely go a long way. Cultivating a hydro garden and growing your own food is very rewarding. Taking it a step further and growing an organic hydro garden is not only rewarding but the best choice for your health.
