The Gardener's Future: An Introduction to Hydroponics

As New Zealand families face challenges like smaller back yards, large water bills, the use of pesticides on commercially grown crops, and growing food costs, innovative gardening methods have become crucial. Hydroponics—a method of growing plants without soil—is one such game-changer that’s revolutionizing agriculture. In this blog, we’ll explore what hydroponics is, how it works, its benefits, and why it’s a sustainable solution for the future.

What is Hydroponics?

At its core, hydroponics replaces traditional soil with a nutrient-rich water solution to grow plants. By delivering nutrients directly to the plant roots, this method optimizes growth and reduces waste. Hydroponics can be used to cultivate a variety of crops, from leafy greens and herbs to fruits like tomatoes and strawberries and vegetables such as chillis, capsicums, leeks and spring onions.

How Does it Work?

Hydroponic systems come in several types, each with its own approach:

• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): A thin film of nutrient solution flows over the plant roots, providing constant hydration and nutrients.
• Deep Water Culture (DWC): Plant roots are submerged in a nutrient solution, while an air pump ensures oxygen supply.
• Drip Systems: Nutrients are slowly delivered to the roots via a drip system, making it water-efficient.
• Aeroponics: Plants are suspended in air, and a mist of nutrients is sprayed onto the roots.

Our My Greens Hydroponic garden towers use a NFT system.

Benefits of Hydroponics

• Water Efficiency: Hydroponics uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming, making it ideal for water-scarce regions. This can be achieved by delivering the nutrient-rich water directly to the roots, no need to hydrate soil.
• Year-Round Growth: Use the seasons to produce year-round bounties that can be canned or frozen for year-round use. 
• Space-Saving: Vertical hydroponic systems maximize the use of space, making urban farming a reality. Our My Greens hydroponic tower can grow 48 lush plants in just 1.7m2 of space. That's an equivalent to 9m2 of soil based gardening!
• Fewer Pesticides: Since our hydroponic tower is off the ground and away from soil, there’s less risk of pests and diseases as it's harder to reach the plants and less places to hide.
• Faster Growth: Plants grow up to 25% faster due to the direct delivery of nutrients, water and all-day sunlight.

Sustainability and the Future

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or an urbanite dreaming of fresh produce, hydroponics offers something for everyone. It’s not just a method—it’s a movement toward a greener, more sustainable world.