Hydroponics Key Terms

Learn important hydroponics key terms

By Heidi Crossman

Naturalist gardeners might raise an eyebrow at hydroponic gardening because of its nontraditional process of planting without the use of dirt. Hydroponics uses a growing solution instead of water, some type of stabilizer instead of water and an alternative light source than the sun. The benefit of this type of gardening is the never-ending growing period as opposed to dependence on the weather and limited growing season of the outdoors. Since it is different from traditional gardening, success with hydroponics does require knowledge of a few key terms.

Organic hydroponics

In hydroponics, since plants are grown in a very controlled environment, growing organic foods is easy. Special growing systems are available for organic growing, as is a particular growing solution that does not contain pesticides and herbicides.
Try: Organic Gardening explores organic hydroponics. Once an organic hydroponic system is set up, Jason's Indoor Guide to Organic and Hydroponics Gardening will be a great source for organic hydroponics nutrients.

Hydroponics system

There are several different ways to grow hydroponically, and each has a specific hydroponics system. The systems are customized to the needs of the plant being sown.
Try: Hydroponics Growing Systems defines the components of a hydroponics system. For the different types of hydroponics systems, visit Futuregarden.

High-intensity discharge metal halide light, HID

Growing plants indoors requires a light source other than the sun. A high-intensity discharge metal halide light, or HID, is a low-heat, energy-friendly light. The HID emits more and better light for growing plants than other light options.
Try: Go to Hydroponics Online to learn about high-intensity discharge metal halide lights.

Heydite

Heydite, made of porous rock, is one of the many options for plant stabilization in hydroponics. Heydite is often used for plants needing a drip method of irrigation.
Try: Simply Hydroponics discusses growing mediums, including this popular choice, heydite.

Rockwool

Rockwool is another of the most commonly used growing mediums used in hydroponics. Rocks are melted, processed and formed into cubes, similar in texture to fiberglass, to make rockwool.
Try: For details on rockwool and other growing mediums, go to hydroponics.com.

Humic acid

Humic acid is a type of additive used in hydroponics. It acts as a stimulant and growth accelerant.
Try: For humic acid information and its benefits, plus a hydroponics encyclopedia, visit Advanced Nutrients.