Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Why Hydroponics?

People often seem to be amazed at the high yield of product that comes from a relatively small space. They are also amazed at the quality, size and flavor that Eden Farms hydroponics produces compared to traditional herb sources that use cuttings or are grown in soil. Many people just don’t understand the technology behind hydroponics and assume that it is not a natural or earth-friendly way of growing. In actuality, there are many advantages to using hydroponics as opposed to traditional ground farming.

Hydroponics is a year-round, space effective, soil-less means which allows for a much more sterile and controlled growing environment that limits insects, micro-organisms, disease and weather issues. In situations where insects or disease need to be dealt with, only natural, non-toxic means are used. Growth can be controlled and the exact amount of nutrient can be supplied with no use of pesticides and much more pure fertilizers than even organic growing, leaving no residue in the cultivated produce. Hydroponically grown fruits, vegetables and herbs typically offer a much higher amount of vitamins and minerals than do soil grown produce therefore offering advanced nutrition.

Hydroponics is also good for the environment in several ways. Obviously soil is not needed and so soil is not being eroded. The space that hydroponics takes up is much more economical and productive and doesn’t use up massive spreads of land. Therefore, more people can be fed with less area and ecological impact. Less fuels are burned in hydroponic operations and farms can be located closer to markets which reduces emissions from transportation of product. The amount of water used is less than soil farming and it can be reused as well as controlled more so that there is less waste.


Both hydroponics and organic farming methods stay away from harmful chemical fertilizer and pesticides and seek to be environmentally friendly. It has been found that materials used in hydroponics actually offer a higher standard of purity than those permitted for use in organic farming. Organics (not that there’s anything wrong with it) has, after all, done wonders for keeping chemicals and pesticides out of our food in comparison to traditional farming. However, we must keep in mind how freely and unregulated the word “organic” can be used on produce. Being labeled “organic” is a matter of bureaucratic red tape and its definitions can vary from state to state and country to country. Also, there are 36 non-governmental organizations which can certify produce as organic. It is a myth that only certified organically grown produce is of good quality, nutrition and flavor, but the trend to buy only produce with the organic lableis likely to continue if they don’t understand the benefits of hydroponics.

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