So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Getting Started with Hydroponics

By John Baker

Hydroponic gardening is becoming increasingly popular among people who don't have a backyard in which to grow plants. It is also a favorite pastime of year round gardeners who like to grow plants throughout the winter months, not just in the summer.

Hydroponic gardening isn't a simple undertaking. But it also offers many benefits for both the plant and the gardener. With hydroponics, you'll get bigger plants and a bigger harvest. And you can achieve that with less effort than required for outdoor gardening.

Weeding, for example, is much less of an issue in the typical hydroponic setup. The growing medium makes it hard for the weeds to get started and they're easily pushed out when they do.

However, water and nutrient control is more difficult. You have to pay special attention to lighting and constantly monitor the pH levels. In a soil-based garden, many of these factors are self-regulating. But in hydroponics, they need a little extra care from the gardener.

An easy way to get started with hydroponic gardening is by purchasing a hydroponics kit. These kits are especially good for the beginner because you don't have to figure out what you need and then buy all the items separately. Everything you need is included: trays, nutrients, lights and the feeding system.

However, your plants will still require a lot of care. You need to feed the proper nutrients to your plants. You'll have to set up a feeding system and monitor it regularly. You'll have to set up a watering system.

Just like with your outdoor garden, you have to pay attention to pests and disease in a hydroponic setup. Constant moisture provides a fertile environment for bacteria, mildew and other harmful organisms. There will still be a variety of typical garden pests that you'll have to monitor.

Hydroponics offers an interesting variety of grow media. Some hydroponic gardeners prefer an all-water system. Trays that hold roots and solutions are fitted with supports from which strings hold the plant upright. Perlite and rockwool are other media that are popular among hydroponic gardeners.

A convenient way to grow a hydroponic garden is in a greenhouse. It makes it much easier to monitor various growing conditions such as water, light and air.

Another option is using hydroponic grow boxes, which are also known as grow tents. This is a compact, completely enclosed unit that contains everything your plants need to thrive. This includes lighting and a ventilation system. These systems make gardening easy, and allow you to create the perfect environment for your hydroponic garden.

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