Four Tips for Starting a Hydroponic System on a Budget
Growing plants hydroponically can be a highly cost-effective method of maximising yields. However, you may feel that the initial outlay prohibits you from taking up this type of gardening. In fact, there are many ways of starting up a hydroponic system without breaking the bank.
System
Firstly, there is no need to buy a ready-made hydroponic system, unless you are happy to spend the money in exchange for convenience. You can easily build your own system once you understand the basics. You can use buckets or plastic trays to contain the plants. Any kind of plastic tubing will be suitable for use, and you can re-purpose an air pump from an aquarium or pond. With a little ingenuity, you can create a system from items you already have in your shed or garage, or that you can buy cheaply from a hardware store.
Lighting
A second way you can save money is to limit artificial lighting. Your plants will need plenty of light, but if you can give them natural sunlight you will save money. You can always try growing them in a greenhouse during winter when sunlight isn't available in huge amounts. If you do need to use artificial lighting, you can try to minimise it by surrounding your system with mirrors or aluminium foil to reflect the light back.
pH testing
You will need to have a good idea of the pH levels in your system, but this does not mean you have to buy an expensive electronic pH reader. Such devices can give you a very accurate reading, but you will probably find that pH drops will be good enough for practical purposes. These are cheap to buy and easy to use and will ensure that the pH levels in your system do not get too high or too low.
Nutrients
Finally, you do not need to buy the most expensive nutrients for your plants to thrive. The cheapest way to buy nutrients is in dry form. Liquid nutrients take up a lot more volume and weigh more. This makes them more expensive to store and transport. Dry nutrients will work just as well and will be much more cost-effective.
As you progress with hydroponic growth you may decide you want to spend more money on more complicated systems. However, it is very easy to get started on a budget. Just ask your hydroponic supplier for advice on how to grow plants hydroponically without costing a fortune.
Visit a hydroponic shop to learn more.
Steve Jobs said, "Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people." As someone who has just begun my own business, I am starting to realise that this is true! My father has always run businesses, but I refused his help and decided I could do it all on my own. Of course, I have now realised my folly and am seeking as much knowledge as I can about all aspects of business. I figured that there would be others out there who want to keep up with current business practices, so this blog was born. I hope you find it practical and informative. I'm Peter Freeman. Thank you for visiting.