Many people think that hydroponic tomato growing is too complex and expensive and only very experienced gardeners should attempt it. I'm here to tell you that is not the case and with the proper instruction it is no more difficult than regular container planting. I'll show you how the average gardener can make their own systems very quickly and cheaply.
Hydroponics Overview:
Growing tomatoes hydroponically can be very convenient. You can grow them indoors all year round and you don't need large outdoor spaces - which is something of a rarity if you live in a city. In a nutshell hydroponic gardening involves growing plants in a non-organic material known as the "medium" instead of soil and using a flowing liquid nutrient solution to feed the plants. The purpose of the medium is just to support the plant roots and provide drainage with protection. Common mediums include gravel, perlite and rock wool. Hydroponic tomatoes can be grown in several locations which include: outdoors in the garden, on walls and patios, in greenhouses and in enclosed rooms using plant lights.
Hydroponic Systems
There are many hydroponic systems available ranging from small kits for the hobbyist to full-scale commercial modules. As a beginner you can buy hydroponic kits from specialist suppliers - you can find these by searching on the internet and they can deliver by mail order. These will consist of containers and irrigation systems along with any other essentials. It is also perfectly possible to make your own. I'll cover two simple homemade solutions that don't require pumps and are self feeding.
Method #1 - Self Watering Pot
This is a pot with a reservoir at the base filled with a nutrient solution. The pot draws on the solution using capillary action (where water molecules move by attracting each other) this means that feeding and watering occur over a longer period of time. The nutrient solution only needs to be topped up from time to time when it runs low.
Method #2 - Wick System
This system uses a combination of gravity and capillary action to feed the plant. A nutrient solution reservoir is placed at the same level as the plant and connected with an absorbent wick of string or rope to the roots of the plant. Nutrient solution will be slowly drawn down the wick by the plants and the gardener only needs to keep the solution levels topped up.
Many hydroponic systems recycle the nutrient solution and it is important to test and maintain the correct PH balance as this will alter as the plant feeds off the solution.
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