Hydro 101

Ebb & Flow gardens flood and drain a tray of plants with a nutrient solution at regular intervals
Drip gardens provide a nutrient solution to each plant through tubes & emitters (drip stakes)
Aeroponic gardens mist an oxygenated nutrient solution directly to the roots of its plants
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique gardens flow a slow moving nutrient solution over the plants roots
Organics are possible using many methods, and are often grown in container gardens

Water quality is essential to plant growth
PPM (parts per million) or EC (electrical conductivity) measure salts in a solution
Start off with a low PPM or EC and add nutrients specific to your plant variety requirements
A Reverse Osmosis system can reduce PPM/EC
pH (potential hydrogen) measures acidity of alkalinity in a solution on a scale of 0-14
Nutrient "lockout" occurs in too high or low pH levels

Growing mediums act as the root anchor system
Coco is made from the husks of a coconut, is PH stable, and provides moisture retention/aeration
Expanded clay pebbles provide moisture retention/aeration and are reusable if sterilized
Rockwool stone is heated and spun into fibers then compressed, provides an excellent oxygen to water ratio, though flushing/conditioning is recommended
Silica helps slow transpiration, provides moisture retention/aeration, and is reusable if sterilized
Peat mixes can be altered to varying air/water ratios

Key components include relative humidity, temperature, CO2, and air circulation/exchange
Ideal humidity is between 40%-60%
Some plants like higher humidity, but that can lead to problems with fungus and disease
Ideal temperature is between 68-75F
Plants need CO2 to grow - with good air circulation and exchange, a room will naturally have between 300-400 PPM without supplemental CO2

Liquid/Dry nutrients can be organic or synthetic
Over or under fertilizing can cause burning, curling or yellowing of plants
Most nutrient bottles are labeled with N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium)
Additives/supplements can bolster microbial activity at the root zone, strengthen plant cell walls, increase flower sites, shorten length to harvest, increase size, flavor and aroma of fruits and flowers and more
When used together, nutrients and supplements will help you achieve maximum results

T5 lamps are high-output fluorescents with low heat/energy consumption ideal for cuttings, mother plants, and short growth cycles
DE (Double Ended) lighting is a full spectrum HID lamp with a higher par reading than single ended
Full spectrum LED's have come a long way - paving the way for lower power consumption, higher light output and increased production
Plants in vegetative stage need 15-18 hrs. of light
Plants in bloom stage need 10-12 hrs. of light