Hydroponics is the growing of plants without soil. It is a more efficient way to provide food and water to plants. Soil provides nutrients and serves to anchor a plant's roots. Hydroponics uses an inert medium to serve the same functions.

In soil, plants must grow a large root system to find food. In hydroponics, food and water goes directly to the roots. This enables the plant to spend more energy growing the part above the surface. Plants grow up to two times faster with larger yields. Also, because root systems are compact, plants may be grown closer together. Add to this the fact that there is no weeding, fewer pests and less wasted water, it's easy to see why commercial growers around the world use hydroponics.

Hydroponics can be used anywhere as long as sufficient light is provided. Outdoors much of the work associated with gardening can be eliminated. Add the proper growing lights and you need not be limited by seasons.

Hydroponic systems range from shelf-size to room-size. Most systems we offered are complete and can be set up in minutes. Maintenance is simple; just add water and nutrients periodically. With a little experience, you can enjoy fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers year round.

Hydroponics systems are classified by the way the nutrient solution is made available to the plant's roots. Aeroponics, drip systems and ebb and flow or flood systems are the most common. In aeroponics the roots are suspended in the air without the use of a medium. Although the gardener may avoid the cost of the medium, these systems must be closely monitored. If there is an electricity failure or a pump malfunction, the plants will die quickly. A drip or flood hydroponic gardening system utilizes a medium with nutrient-holding capability that gives the home gardener a margin of safety.