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Growing hydroponic greenery industrial setup. The technology of growing greens in hydroponics at home. Hydroponics - a modern method of crop production

Do you need soil to grow plants? One can argue with this statement, because the roots of plants can receive nutrients in a different way. For example, in the form of ready-made, easily digestible solutions. Cultivation of plants according to this principle, when a special substrate and nutrient solution is used instead of the usual soil, is called hydroponics. This technique, adopted in many greenhouses, can also be used at home for growing indoor flowers, garden crops, or obtaining excellent seedlings for subsequent planting in the ground. In addition, do-it-yourself hydroponics is very simple and very profitable!

Growing plants hydroponically has many advantages over traditional farming. Among them, the most notable are:

1. Less labor intensive. The absence of soil in the process of growing allows you to do without loosening, removing weeds, regular watering, and combating earthen pests.

2. Minimum areas for cultivation. Hydroponics on the windowsill does not require large containers of soil to maintain the viability of the plant's root system, so good crops can be harvested even from such a minimal area.

3. Yield increase. Due to the fact that with hydroponic technology the plant receives all the necessary substances in an accessible form, then, accordingly, there is no need to develop a large root system. At the same time, a powerful upper part is quickly formed, so growing vegetables in hydroponics is guaranteed to allow you to harvest several times more than when growing in the ground. Hydroponics for flowers is also used as a quick forcing method, for example, before selling.

Hydroponic substrates: what can be applied?

With the hydroponic method of growing, the plant is kept in a pot with a special substrate, which is characterized by good moisture capacity and friability. The ability to absorb water allows the hydroponic substrate to continuously wet the roots of plants, and the friability provides good aeration. As hydroponic substrates can be used:

• baking powder - perlite or vermiculite
• expanded clay
• gravel
• mineral wool
• PAA gels for hydroponics

Nutrient Solutions

A hydroponic solution is nutrients dissolved in water. It is best to buy ready-made fertilizers for hydroponics, in which the proportions of the necessary trace elements for specific plants are clearly observed.

Independent production of equipment

We bring to your attention the easiest way that allows anyone to grow plants without soil using the "water culture" system. To do this, it is enough to make a simple hydroponic installation, consisting of:

• plastic container
• foam sheet
• air aquarium compressor

The installation is a plastic container filled with a solution, on the surface of which a foam sheet is fixed, holding hydroponic pots with plants.

It is advisable to purchase a matte black container as a container for a hydroponic installation. If it is transparent, then light, penetrating into the solution, will give impetus to the formation of algae in it. This can be prevented by painting the outside of the container with black paint or by wrapping it in food grade foil, which will deflect the light rays and prevent the solution from overheating.

The plastic container must be light-tight - for this you can paint it black

On the foam sheet, it is necessary to drill holes according to the number of pots with plants. The diameter of the holes should be such that the pots are fixed there and do not fall through. By the way, if you manage to get a container with a lid, then you can do without using foam in the hydroponic business. It will be enough to cut holes in this cover.

It is advisable to purchase special pots for hydroponics - they are a "string bag" of thin plastic strips assembled in the form of a planting container.

Although, nothing bad will happen if you use disposable plastic cups instead, cutting a lot of holes in them over the entire surface.

The roots of hydroponic plants are very demanding on oxygen. With a lack of air bubbles in the water, the root system of plants can rot and die soon.

To prevent this from happening, a homemade hydroponic system uses an aquarium air compressor to allow plants to get the right amount of oxygen directly from the nutrient solution. And in order for oxygen saturation in the medium of the nutrient fluid to occur evenly, it is advisable to use aquarium stones - atomizers.

How to grow hydroponics at home?

After the hydroponics setup is assembled, you can start planting plants. We fill the pots with the selected substrate and place the plants there, trying to spread the roots evenly and not damage them. Seeds should not be planted in gravel, perlite or other large material. For this, use mineral wool or moss, previously moistened with water.

The solution is poured into the container until one third of the pots are immersed in liquid. This will be enough to moisten the entire substrate, transferring moisture to the root system of the plant. Hydroponics at home requires careful control of nutrient solution levels. Every 2 weeks (in the summer - more often) the solution must be topped up, and every month - completely replaced with a new one.

The easiest way to grow herbs hydroponically at home: dill, parsley, lettuce, fennel. The quick forcing of green onion feathers will also please. Fresh cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes - all this can also be obtained all year round from your tiny "site" - the windowsill.

Scientists predict that in the future, hydroponics will become on a par with the prevalence of classical farming, and maybe even replace it. Perhaps you should be among the first to appreciate all the advantages of the future "leader" and try to grow useful plants without soil?

Industrial installation for growing greenery indoors.

The plant is designed for growing the following crops in plastic pots with a peat substrate: lettuce, dill, parsley, basil, mint, lemon balm, cilantro, celery, sorrel, arugula, onion for greens from seeds, turnip feather, radish, strawberry. All of these crops are grown on an agricultural farm in Krasnoyarsk. It is possible to visit the production.

The unit can also be used for growing seedlings, low-growing tomatoes and cucumbers, hydroponic fodder and other crops.

Installation characteristics:

Crop area 60 sq. m. (6 tiers of 10 m2)
Installed electrical power - 5.4 kW (LED lighting - 90 W / sq. m.)
Water consumption - 4.8 cubic meters. m/month
Overall dimensions 10300X1150X2600
On the installation for one month, you can grow 3600 pots of green crops in the proportion of 50% lettuce, 50% greens (dill, parsley, basil, mint, lemon balm, cilantro, celery, arugula, etc.)
Installation is possible in the performance of a multiple - 2 meters and a height of up to 8 tiers.
The cost of installation is determined depending on the location of the Customer and the number of installations.

An example of placing units in a closed room with an area of ​​108 m2:

Calculation of the main economic indicators of Moscow State University - 6 in a closed room.

1. Costs per unit of production:
- a pot - 0.48 rubles.
- peat - 0.52 rubles.
- seeds (for example, dill - 0.54 rubles / pot)
- label 0.58 rub.
- consumer packaging - 2.00 rubles.

Total: 4.12 rubles. / pot

2. Operating costs (per month):
- electricity - 5.4 kW x 16 hours x 30 days x 4.06 rubles. = 10524.00 rubles.
- thermal energy - 1320.00 rubles.
- water - 4.8 kb. m x 23.8 rubles. = RUB 115.00
- ingredients of the nutrient solution - 670.00 rubles.
- the salary of a plant grower is 15,000.00 rubles. x 0.5 pers. = 7500.00 rubles
- taxes on wages (42%) - 3150.00 rubles.
Total: RUB 23,279.00

When growing 3600 pots, one pot accounts for 6.47 rubles.

Total unit cost of production (4.12 + 6.47) = 10.59 rubles. (for greenhouse cultivation, the cost is 14-16.50 rubles)
The average purchase price of one pot of greens in retail networks in Krasnoyarsk is 37.35 rubles.

Net profit of MSU-6 per month (37.35 rubles - 10.59 rubles \u003d 26.76 rubles x 3600 units) \u003d 96,336.00 rubles.

We offer full agricultural support for your business.

The cost is negotiated individually - depending on the consultation (arrival of a specialist, remote consultation)

It is possible to visit the production in Krasnoyarsk.

Launch of a multi-tiered hydroponics project in Anadyr

Installation description:

The installation is assembled from several sections two meters long and one meter wide. Each section can contain up to twelve tiers. The number of sections and tiers is determined by the wishes of the Customer and the characteristics of the premises.

Sections are rigidly interconnected and form a single structure. The installation length is ten meters, width - one meter (the occupied area is 10 sq.m., the sown area is 60 sq.m. - six tiers of 10 sq.m. each). On the upper tier of each section (installation), from 5% to 15% of the total sown area is occupied by seedlings.

Each tier of the section (2 sq.m.) is equipped with economical LED lamps with a special spectrum. Turning the lighting on/off is carried out automatically in accordance with the selected start time and daylight hours.

At the bottom of the unit is a tank with a nutrient solution. Tank volume - 2.5 cubic meters. (Each section accounts for approximately 0.5 cubic meters). Water consumption for the preparation of nutrient solution 4.5 - 5 cu. m / month, depending on the crops grown. In installations watering by a method of flooding is implemented. Watering is performed automatically at the set time. The irrigation system is included in the delivery set, but (at the request of the Customer) it can be made independently according to the attached schemes.

Installation dimensions (number of tiers and number of sections) are calculated individually for each room.

The productivity of the plant depends on the type of crops grown, on their varietal characteristics, temperature and humidity conditions in the room, water quality, compliance with the agricultural technology of cultivation and ranges from 2800 to 5500 pots per month for the plant.

Contents of delivery:

The delivery set includes: elements of construction and equipment (as agreed with the Customer) for growing plants and maintenance of the plant, LED lighting system with a control cabinet, irrigation/discharge system for the nutrient solution, ingredients of the nutrient solution, consumables for the monthly operation of the plant.

Attached equipment for the manufacture of consumer packaging. The equipment allows inexpensive and quick production of consumer packaging, without investments commensurate with the cost of the installation itself, when ordering packaging from specialized enterprises.

Also, a detailed agrotechnological instruction for cultivation is attached, based on practical experience in the use of installations in the agricultural sector of the city of Krasnoyarsk. Consultations are provided on the launch of the plant into production. It is possible to carry out start-up and adjustment works.
Calculation of installation parameters (maximum number of sections and tiers) for a specific room, productivity depending on the crops grown, are performed free of charge.

The cost of commissioning (at the request of the Customer) is determined depending on the location of the Customer, the configuration and the number of installations.

Technological cycle.

The technological cycle consists of several stages. Planting crops, growing and harvesting, seasonal disinfection and preparation for the new season. To ensure daily harvesting, sowing of green crops is carried out daily in accordance with the cultivation technology.

For growing green crops in the total sown area, from 10% to 15% (depending on the crops grown) is occupied by seedlings. Seedlings stay in the seedling compartment for up to two weeks. Then the pots with germinated plants are moved to the working compartment until they reach their marketable condition. The rest of the area is the working section. The density (number per 1 sq.m.) of pots in the working compartment is determined by the type of crop and ranges from 38 (lettuce) to 60 (for example, basil) pieces. The growing season depends on many factors and averages 37 days. Depending on the cultivated crops, sowing proportions, the yield of finished products from 1 sq.m. can make from 47 to 72 pots per month. The proposed equipment and technology make it possible to grow: leaf lettuce, dill, leaf parsley, basil, mint, lemon balm, cilantro (coriander), leaf celery, leaf mustard. The seeds of these crops must comply with GOST 52171-2003.

Room requirements.

!!! Important. Before proceeding with the preparation of the premises for the installation of equipment, it is necessary to determine the possibility of fulfilling the following requirements. All work related to power supply, water supply and sanitation, water treatment, redevelopment and decoration of the premises, installation of the ventilation system must be carried out by specialized organizations.

Ventilation.

The room must be equipped with a forced supply and exhaust ventilation system with at least 10 air changes per hour with filtration, heating of the incoming air and its disinfection with ultraviolet radiation. Exhaust ventilation is designed to maintain the required humidity, supply - to create a temperature regime. The capacity of the heater for heating the incoming air must be determined based on the minimum outdoor temperature and the required room temperature, and exclude the formation of condensate in the room. If the relative humidity of the outside air is high (more than 80%), it may be necessary to install a dehumidifier. The ventilation system must be controlled by a specialized controller.

In accordance with the technological process, the ventilation system must ensure the maintenance of temperature in the range from 12°C to 19°C and humidity from 60% to 80%. It is desirable to take air from the exhaust ventilation system at a height of 1.5 to 2.1 meters from the floor level with gratings or diffusers pointing downwards. Fresh air grilles or diffusers must be located at a height of at least 3 meters and directed upwards.

When designing a ventilation system, it must be taken into account that at least 50% of the electrical power consumed by the lamps is spent on heat generation.

Water supply and sanitation.

The cultivation technology provides for daily correction of pH and EC of the nutrient solution and its periodic change (up to 2 times a month). For the preparation of the nutrient solution, water with parameters pH=7 - 7.5 and EC ≤ 0.2 mS/cm. Water consumption for technological needs is determined by the number and type of MMC installations.

In the absence of a centralized sewerage network in the premises, it is necessary to equip a septic tank.

Power supply. Heating.

For space heating, it is advisable to use electric heaters with automatic maintenance of the set temperature. To ensure the technological process of growing berries and herbs, a three-phase AC network is required. The installed electrical capacity is determined by the number and type of installations. To determine the total power consumption, it is necessary to additionally take into account the power of the supply air heater, the power of heating devices (about 1 kW per 30 cubic meters of room volume), lighting and other electrical equipment necessary for the work of personnel.

general building requirements.

General construction and finishing work inside the premises must be carried out in accordance with SNiPs by specialized organizations. When selecting materials for interior work, it is necessary to take into account the temperature and humidity conditions inside the room. Ceiling, wall, floor materials should provide for regular wet cleaning. Ceilings and walls should be painted with light-coloured water-resistant paint that can be repeatedly exposed to detergents. The floor must be smooth, level and waterproof. It is desirable to use polymer floors.

Infrastructure premises (zones).

Infrastructure premises (zones) are a necessary component of the technological process. These are premises (zones) for changing clothes for service personnel, storing consumables, cleaning equipment, eating, jobs for stuffing pots with peat, sowing seeds, and packaging finished products. The allocation of these zones is possible in the room where the technological equipment is installed.

The issues of growing greenery in hydroponics have long stepped over the boundaries of amateur interest. Today, this is a good idea for small businesses, so there are a lot of developments and schemes. At the same time, it is not easy for a beginner to understand the topic, because there are a lot of speculations and attempts to make money on those who wish to purchase equipment and materials. Consider all the points, the knowledge of which will allow any beginner to take the first steps and get greens at home, for themselves, and then, possibly, for sale.

Is it possible to grow herbs hydroponically?

Many types of herbs can be grown using hydroponics. Far from a complete list of green crops that grow well not in ordinary soil, but in a nutrient solution:

• dill,
• parsley,
• basil,
• cilantro,
• Melissa,
• mint,
• watercress.

Of course, the correct organization of the hydroponic installation is necessary, for example, onions on a feather do not like excessive moisture - the flow method is not suitable for it. But this method is good for dill, lavender, basil and many other spicy annuals.

One of the simplest schemes for organizing a flow hydroponic plant for greenery consists of two buckets, a pump, hoses and several troughs with filler.

The parameters that need to be considered when growing greens are described below. If an ordinary gardener is interested in lighting, temperature, soil, watering, temperature, then a hydroponist is interested in equipment and a nutrient solution. These are two whales that will provide automated cultivation of the desired crop.

How to grow greens in hydroponics: equipment selection

Examples of purchased installations:

1. Installation "Home garden" - compact and visually attractive. This is a completely self-sufficient device for growing greenery. The kit includes: soil for plants, phytolamps, seeds, fertilizers. Cost - 13 thousand rubles.
2. Hydroponic bed "Onion happiness" - the simplest compact plant for forcing onions on a feather without fertilizers. From 20 bulbs - 1.5 kg of fresh herbs. It is unlikely that the unit will be of interest to those who successfully expel onions on a feather in ordinary jars filled with water. This installation differs only in the presence of a compressor that saturates the water with oxygen. It is suitable for those who are faced with rotting bulbs or midges and do not have the ability or desire to independently mount an aquarium compressor in a suitable container. Cost - 1.9 thousand rubles.
3. Aquapot plants are compact and convenient for those who only need one or more greenery pots on the window. Cost - from 1.5 to 7 thousand rubles.
4. GHE systems are more diverse than Aquapot. Suitable for those who are limited by home conditions, but still prefer to see larger plantings, for example, 30 pots. The cost depends on the size of the installation - from 9 to 100 thousand rubles.

Photo gallery: homemade and industrial devices for growing greens in hydroponics

The compact 20 liter Aquapot is suitable for growing one bush of greenery GHE AeroFlo 28 hydroponic plant holds 100 liters of solution and has a capacity of 28 seats The GHE Rainforest 3 hydroponic plant holds 45 liters of solution and can grow 18 bushes Compact Home Garden hydroponic plant - a completely ready-made device for growing greenery The simplest flow hydroponic installation made of handicraft plastic pipe can be placed on the windowsill

Flow method step by step on the example of dill

The most popular for growing greens in hydroponics at home is the flow method. The solution is not just poured into a special container, but circulates through pipes, periodically saturating the plant with nutrients.

Dill is a versatile crop for a fresh table or blanks. In addition, it is the most unpretentious, pests do not like it, it is not affected by diseases, it grows well in flow-through installations. On his example, you can familiarize yourself with the entire sequence of actions.

1. Pre-sowing seed treatment significantly accelerates the harvest.
   1. Dill is soaked in warm water for 1-2 days, the water is regularly changed every 8-9 hours.
   2. The liquid is drained along with the floating seeds - they will not sprout, it is better to throw them away.
   3. The remaining seeds are filtered through cheesecloth, allowed to dry.
2. Prepare pots with large holes in the bottom, pots for seedlings are suitable. Hygroscopic filler: expanded clay + vermiculite moistened with ordinary water. Other loose, well-permeable materials are also suitable:
   • quartz sand;
   • pumice;
   • slag;
   • perlite;
   • ordinary gravel or crushed granite.
3. Sow the seeds in pots and cover the crops with a film. The number of dill, parsley, lettuce seeds per 1 container is from 3 to 6 pieces, lemon balm and mint have smaller seeds - their number per pot can be more.
4. After the seedlings have appeared, the containers are placed in the pipes of the hydroponic installation (more on its arrangement below).
5. Dill shoots will appear on the 5th day, the first week is allotted for the formation of the root system. There will be no noticeable growth of the ground part.
6. The culture loves warmth and abundant light, so they provide lighting for 15 hours. With shorter daylight hours, the plant will bloom quickly.
7. Since several plants were planted in one pot, their growth will be uneven. The leaves of the strongest and most active specimens are cut for seasoning, making room for the growth of weaker ones.
8. If the plants began to stretch, the lamps are lowered - 10-15 cm is acceptable.
9. The dill plant is removed, when it gives umbrellas, a new one is planted in its place.

Not only dill is hard to germinate - mint and lemon balm seeds also contain essential oils that make sprouting difficult. But unlike dill, it is difficult to soak them - they are too small. Be prepared that mint and lemon balm will germinate up to 8 days. You can speed up the process with the help of stimulants: Epin, Zircon.

Equipment required for growing greens by the flow method:

1. Plastic pipes, square in section. Holes of the desired diameter are cut in the upper part. Length - 2 m, width - 10 cm.
2. Plugs with holes for hoses designed to drain the nutrient solution are installed at the ends of the pipes.
3. The nutrient solution itself is located in the tank, to which a pipe with a pump is connected.
4. The compressor is installed. The solution must be enriched with oxygen in a fine spray. Lack of oxygen or stagnant water causes suffocation of the roots, provokes root rot, plants quickly weaken and die.
5. Since the liquid must be warmer than it can be in a room with a normal temperature, a heating element is also installed in the solution tank. The optimum solution temperature is 24–28 °C.
6. To automate processes, you need a timer.

A schematic representation of the main functional blocks of any hydroponic installation demonstrates the principle of operation of the unit: the pump creates a flow of solution through the roots of plants

The pump start period is 1 time per hour for 20 minutes - at this time the plants are saturated with nutrients. The hydroponic system can be open and closed (growbox). For the latter, you can safely use an old chest of drawers or a wardrobe - very convenient to save space. In addition, it solves the problem of increasing humidity in the room.

Fertilizer for greens in hydroponics

For beginners, fertilizing plantings is especially difficult. Ordinary mineral substances intended for feeding plants in the ground are not suitable. It is necessary to purchase specialized mixtures, for example, Flora Nova Grow concentrated liquid fertilizer (2036 rubles for 473 ml). The advantages of such mixtures:

• Saturate the nutrient solution with minerals.
• They contain special substances that exclude overfeeding of plants (humic acid, fulvic acids).
• Remove accumulated salts in the hydroponic system or substrate.
• Activate rooting.
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Stabilize pH.

Underfeeding and overfeeding leads to a rapid death of the plant, because in hydroponic installations, all processes proceed faster.

As for preparing the solution yourself, the necessary concentrations of nutrients are indicated in hydroponics manuals. There are a lot of recipes for solutions, for the same culture there may be several of them. Combinations of substances vary depending on the method of supplying the solution (drip, periodicals), on other growing parameters (greenhouse, natural light, artificial light).

Table: an example of a combination of chemical elements for any herbs

N	P	K	mg	Ca	Fe	Mn	B	Zn	Cu	Mo
210	70	300	67	180	3	1.25	0.5	0.4	0.26	0.06

Other indicators:

• pH: 5.5-6.0;
• EC: 2.0-2.5 mS.

Power Supply Method:

• drip;
• periodicals.

• greenhouse;
• natural light;
• illumination.

The hydroponic method allows you to create an impressive vegetable garden in a small area.

One of the examples of calculation is given by the partnership of entrepreneurs TP "AKT". They developed GUVOSIT equipment - multi-tiered structures for any premises, designed for growing greenery in automatic mode: from seeds to harvesting. Production from 2.5 sq. m. for one production cycle - 14-15 kg of dill or parsley at the cost of electricity for one cycle of 1400 rubles. (4 rubles per 1 kWh). Profitability is about 7 thousand rubles. (14 kg = 700 bunches of 20 g each, the price of a bunch is 10 rubles).

Hydroponics is still perceived as a business for enthusiasts or fans of custom gardening. However, it must be admitted that the very idea - to get fresh, environmentally friendly greens all year round without any hassle - is fully consistent with the modern lifestyle, when time and health are more valuable than money.

Today, in an effort to be healthy, most people choose the right lifestyle and rational nutrition. An important role in this matter is given to the presence of fresh greens in the human diet. So, for example, a small amount of lettuce eaten satisfies a person's need for many vitamins and microelements. With all this in mind, you can hear more and more about growing greens using the hydroponics method, which can be used both for your own needs and in order to create a profitable business.

What is hydroponics?

But before you develop a business plan and purchase everything you need to create a special greenhouse, you need to understand what the hydroponics method is and learn about its pros and cons. In general, the cultivation of greens and other vegetable crops in this way has long been known, but the method has gained particular popularity recently. But so far, social stereotypes have a negative impact on the development of this technology.

Video about what is hydroponics

The hydroponics method is one of the ways to grow greenery without nutrient soil. All the greens necessary for the growth and development of the substance are taken from a specially prepared solution. Moreover, as the plant grows, useful substances are added to the solution, due to which the output is a healthy shoot, rich in vitamins and trace elements. You can grow greens year-round in a soilless way, and due to the fact that the absorption of nutrients is faster, and the plant does not need to spend energy searching for nutrients, it develops somewhat faster than what grows in the soil. This allows you to provide herbs not only for your family, but also to build a profitable home business on the sale of fresh herbs.

Pros and cons of hydroponics

Having decided to build your own, albeit a small business, which will be based on growing lettuce in hydroponics, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of this method. To do this, you need to know all the advantages and disadvantages. So, the advantages of the method include the following aspects.

1. The plant, receiving all the necessary substances in an easy and fast way, grows faster. Therefore, the yield increases several times, which is quite significant if you are going to develop your business.
2. Since water consumption is controlled, there is no need to monitor the degree of soil dryness and water the crop daily. In this case, you just need to add water and add nutrients about 2 times a week. Some types of systems are designed to add water once a month.
3. The plant never suffers from a lack of fluid, its roots are always enriched with oxygen.
4. The hydroponics method avoids the problem of soil pests. Nematode, many types of rot, fungal diseases in this case are not terrible.
5. For those who have implemented a business using this method, it will be important that for growing plants it is not necessary to purchase and prepare a soil substrate every time.
6. At home, hydroponics allows you to get greenery that is cleaner from various substances harmful to human health, which the plant inevitably absorbs when growing in the soil.

Video about the benefits of hydroponics

The disadvantages include the following:

1. In order to assemble a system that allows you to grow lettuce using the hydroponic method, you need to put a lot of effort, it will take a sufficient amount of time to sort out this issue. To purchase a ready-made solution, you will have to pay a certain amount of money. But it is worth saying that if we are talking about how to raise your own business, then all costs and expenses in the future will pay off quickly enough.
2. Stereotypes. You can often hear the opinion that various chemical additives that are harmful to humans were used to grow vegetables and herbs using the hydroponic method. But I must say that after all, more and more people, having become acquainted with this method, understand that this opinion is unfounded.

For cultivation, you can take various types of lettuce. Both pumped and leaf varieties are suitable. First of all, processed and prepared seeds are germinated. It is better if a special chamber is equipped for these purposes, where the temperature will be maintained at 18-20 0 C and the air humidity at 100%. Seeds are placed in cassettes with a substrate, which is usually a peat substrate. Since seeds need light and moisture for the most optimal germination, the substrate is well moistened, and the seeds are sprinkled with only a thin layer of peat or not sprinkled at all. Cassettes with future plants stay in the germination chamber for 1-3 days.

There are several growing methods that make the business quite profitable due to relatively low costs with a large yield of the finished product.

• Flowing nutrient layer. The so-called NFT method, where the roots of the plant are actually in a box through which a nutrient solution is supplied.

This method makes it possible to achieve an even distribution of nutrients, and since they are washed out evenly, the system "rings", requiring only periodic addition of water and microelements in accordance with the load of the box with plants. It should be noted here that most of the root system is in an environment with 100% humidity, only the tips of the roots are immersed in the solution.

For cultivation, you can take various types of lettuce

• floating platforms. As the name suggests, lettuce sits on platforms that float in a pool of nutrient solution.

The obvious advantage of this method is the complete elimination of additional equipment, unless the aerator has to be installed, since the roots are immersed in the solution to a sufficient depth, and in the absence of aeration, the lettuce may die. The obvious drawback is the high rate of moisture evaporation, which will require not only frequent addition of water, but also dehumidification of the air in the greenhouse.

• Dry hydroponics. Unlike many other technologies, this method involves the location of the air pocket between the root system and the "above ground" part of the plant.

The technique predetermines the division of the plant into parts, characteristic of normal natural conditions, which allows you to somewhat increase the "yield" of the crop and the speed of its appearance. However, a significant disadvantage is the need to have two tanks with different microelements, since when they are mixed, a reaction will occur, which will lead to precipitation.

Video about growing hydroponic lettuce

If the business involves precisely hydroponics, then you will have to consider the option of building a greenhouse of sufficient size, since in this way it will be possible to solve the issue of year-round availability of the crop, and three factors seem to be the main thing here - the stability of the environment (both nutrient and air), its temperature and other indicators ; additional lighting as a guarantee of a good harvest in autumn, winter and spring; sufficient space.

Growing lettuce hydroponically at home is also quite simple. This does not require any complex structures and greenhouses. The entire installation is assembled from improvised means quickly and easily. You can grow lettuce and other greens, therefore, all year round on the windowsill.

So, you will need:

1. Plastic pots with holes all over the surface (or special hydroponic pots).
2. Styrofoam sheet.
3. Air aquarium compressor.
4. Black plastic container that does not let light through.
5. substrate.
6. nutrient solution.

Growing lettuce hydroponically at home is also quite simple.

In order to start, you need to prepare a container. If there is no suitable opaque container at hand, then you can wrap the container on the outside with foil or paint its walls black. The fact is that light penetrating through transparent walls can cause algae growth that is completely unnecessary in this process, and can also lead to mold.

The dimensions of the foam sheet must be such that it fits freely into the container. You do not need to take too thick material, it is optimal to take foam plastic 2-3 cm thick. Holes must be made in this sheet according to the number of pots. The diameter of the holes should be such that the pots freely enter inside, but do not fall through.

Using an air filter will provide the lettuce roots with enough oxygen. Before assembling the installation, it is necessary to pour the nutrient liquid into the container. It is better to purchase the solution in a specialized store, since only in this way it will be possible to supply the growing plant with all the necessary substances. Dilute the drug is strictly according to the instructions.

We collect a hydrodrinker with our own hands

After the installation is assembled, the solution is ready, and the cups are filled with the substrate (expanded clay, coke shavings, gravel, etc.) and 2/3 are immersed in the nutrient solution, you can proceed to planting. But do not plant seeds directly on the substrate. It is best to use wet moss or cotton wool, peat cassettes for germination. Adult plants must be transplanted carefully without damaging the root system.

When growing lettuce at home in hydroponics, it is necessary to carefully monitor the nutrient solution, it must be added in a timely manner and it must be completely changed once a month. Do not forget also that plants grown on the windowsill in autumn, winter and early spring need additional lighting, which is easiest to arrange with a simple table lamp. The salad will be ready to eat in 2.5 -3 weeks.

Hydroponics─ a complex of a number of methods for growing plants, without the use of the usual soil and the use of a nutrient medium in the form of artificial substrates. Due to the emergence of this method, crops are enriched with the right amount of nutrients, resulting in a strong root system and intensive growth.

Technology

The technology itself involves placing the root system of the culture in an aqueous solution enriched with vitamins and minerals. Thanks to this, the plant almost instantly receives useful microelements.

The most primitive way to use hydroponics today is to grow green onions. And if you build a simple installation, you can boast of a high-quality and rich harvest from the windowsill.

For its manufacture you will need:

1. Tray with culture;
2. Underwater pump, to provide the plant with a nutrient solution;
3. Pump for supplying additional air directly into the solution;
4. Spray;
5. A tube for the reverse return of useful substances.

A special feature of such a device is the continuous circulation of the nutrient solution. In the upper zone of a slightly inclined pallet, mesh flowerpots with a plant are installed. From a specially selected tank, with the help of a pump, nutrient fluid enters the roots of the plant. It slowly flows into the pan, washing the root system of the planted crop. Reaching the bottom of the pan, it again flows into a common tank with nutrient fluid. A spray gun and a pump for supplying additional air will enrich the solution with the right amount of oxygen.

Advantages and disadvantages

So, let's first consider all the advantages of such an installation:

• This growing method can be used both outdoors and at home. It is important not to forget that each culture needs certain microelements, proper lighting and the right temperature regime.
• Greenery grows very fast And ornamental plants.
• At the exit you can get environmentally friendly products. It's easy to explain. There is no soil, which means that there are no pathogenic and harmful substances entering the root of the culture.
• The plant is not exposed to diseases and practically does not suffer from the appearance of a fungus., again due to lack of soil.

As it becomes clear from the above positive qualities, hydroponics is an indispensable system for the active and painless life of plants.

But, despite such qualities, the installation became famous for its minuses:

• You need to be as well-read as possible in the field of such cultivation.. Without the necessary skills and valuable information, you will not have to count on a rich harvest.
• Some of the types of systems require financial costs, which will hit your pocket well, and due to the lack of experience in this area, they will be unjustified.

Used substrates

The role of the substrate for plant nutrition with useful substances is performed by the following components:

1. Sawdust. This material is advantageous for its cheapness, but it is absolutely not suitable for long-term storage. Sawdust is susceptible to decay, and may also contain harmful substances, due to the characteristics of individual tree species.
2. Hydrogel. Very comfortable material. Due to the ability to retain moisture for a long time, it will provide the plants with the necessary microclimate.
3. Mineral wool. Optimum and inexpensive material. The only drawback is the inability to pass the required amount of air to the root system of the culture.
4. coconut fiber. Quite an expensive material, but it justifies its price. It is valued for its numerous chemical and physical properties and a virtually endless lifespan. Environmentally friendly.
5. Expanded clay. It is widely used in hydroponics and has won a leading position among common fillers. Excellent moisture retention and light weight.
6. Gravel. Due to the low price, it is often purchased by gardeners. But it doesn't justify itself. It is heavy and completely incapable of holding moisture.

Nutritional formulations

For the correct preparation of the nutritional composition, you need to study a number of mandatory requirements:

1. The solution must contain all the microelements required by the plants;
2. To obtain a rich harvest, intensive growth and vital activity of the culture, the correct ratio of the presence of trace elements in the solution must be observed;
3. In order not to additionally engage in unnecessary calculations of the amount of salts in water, purified water is taken to prepare the composition;
4. There will be a problem of determining the acidity of the composition, this is determined using special instruments;
5. To determine the concentration of the composition, it is necessary to measure the electrical conductivity. For this, electrical appliances are also on sale. A favorable value will be from 1.5 to 3 mS.

   So that the error does not take place, and the plant is provided with the elements necessary for life, it is necessary to measure the electrical conductivity every day and, as necessary, add the missing components.

   The solution must be changed once a month;

6. To facilitate your work and efforts, it is easier to purchase a ready-made nutritional composition in a specialized store;
7. With proper observance of technology, fortified greens will please the family very soon.

How to grow greens at home?

Growing herbs at home in hydroponics is easy. If funds allow, it is better to buy a specialized system equipped with all the necessary functions. For budgetary purposes, the installation can be assembled independently.

Regardless of the choice, growing a fortified storehouse in the form of fragrant greens provides for several rules:

1. Decide on the type of greens grown.
2. Choose an artificial substrate based on its quality and benefits. Expanded clay is ideal.
3. Buy special pallets and trays made of plastic for planting plants.
4. Carry out seed sowing.
5. Choose the right concentration of nutrient solution.
6. Provide the plant with the necessary amount of liquid and constantly monitor its level.

As soon as the plant germinates, an intensive process of absorption of the nutrient composition will begin to occur. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the amount of liquid and add it as necessary.

Step-by-step instruction

If you decide to opt for the purchase of a hydroponic installation, then you should carefully read the instructions for its use. The system for growing greens is relatively inexpensive, but it will please you with an endless harvest of various herbs and onions.

So, the automatic installation is purchased, what should I do?

• Step one. To get started, hydroponics needs to be assembled. Complete with all the parts there is always an assembly manual, so this process will not be difficult to carry out.
• step two. It is necessary to fill the tank with settled water to the desired mark, which is indicated on it.
• Step three. Complete with the installation there is always a set of nutrient fertilizers necessary for the intensive growth of crops. They are poured into special portioned vessels, which facilitates dosage calculations. One of the small containers must be poured into a tank of water. As soon as the solution loses its properties and needs to be changed, the installation indicator will signal this.
• Step Four. Fill each temporary flowerpot with a special filler attached to the system. Sow the seeds and close the lids (do not remove until germination). When visible sprouts appear, temporary pots are removed.
• Step five. Greens germinate and gain strength, and will grow intensively, for 14 days. Then the solution must be replaced with a new one, with the addition of a large vessel of fertilizer from the kit. On the installation, select the green mode. All! it remains only to collect environmentally friendly crops.

If you decide to purchase a home automatic installation, you need to remember that soil fertilizers are not suitable for it. Therefore, for growing greenery, nutrients must be purchased specifically for such systems. They are added at the rate of 1 tsp. for 2 liters of water.

Necessary illumination is regulated on the installation itself. There is an auto-off timer.

hydroponic installations

Previously, all the steps for assembling a simple installation at home were considered. But if it is planned not only to grow greenery, but also more complex crops, then you need to consider what the installations are. Only after that, choose the appropriate type of system that will provide the plant with the necessary elements and conditions for active growth.

The most common settings:

• Deep Sea Plant Plant. The system consists of a tank and a pump for water circulation. The root system is completely immersed in the composition with fertilizers, and a special pump enriches it with the necessary amount of oxygen;
• Wick installation. Differs in simplicity in a design and use. The nutrient solution reaches the roots by capillary action, slowly absorbing into the substrate. The system is perfect for growing ornamental plants;
• Installation using the nutrient layer technique. Ideal system for growing herbs and salads. Due to the constant circulation of the nutrient composition, the air comes into contact with the liquid, enriching it with oxygen.

If you plan to study the details of hydroponics, installation methods, types and features of use, you can grow not only greens at home, but also open a small business that will bring a small but stable income.