FAQS

Why do I need a grow tent for hydroponic crops?

You don’t have to use a grow tent to grow hydroponics plants, but it helps you to keep a controlled environment, which is required for best results. Generally, plants need a temperature between 24 – 26 degrees C. Humidity should be between 40-60%; too low and the plants will not grow well, too high and you run the risk of disease and infections.

Why do I need to heat my nutrient solution?

Your hydroponics nutrients are the result of years of research, and involve temperature-dependent reactions to provide your plants with the optimum nutrition. Nutrient solutions should be between 18-20 degrees C.

Why is pH important?

You can provide your plants with the best nutrients in the world, but unless the pH is at the right level, they simply won’t be able to absorb them. In hydroponics, your pH should be between 5.5 and 6.2 (this is different to soil-based gardening).

Why do I need different types of grow lights for hydroponics?

You can grow plants successfully with just one light. However, plants require different wavelengths of light to grow and to flower or fruit, so it makes sense to pander to their needs!

When you’re propagating your seeds, choose a cool-running grow lamp that emits blue light, such as a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL).
As your plants put on green growth, use a metal halide lamp to encourage short bushy growth.
When plants start to flower, they require red spectrum light, so it’s best to swap to a high powered sodium light at this stage.

What different hydroponic growing systems are there?

The main methods for growing plants hydroponically are:

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
flood & drain hydroponics (ebb and flow systems)
drippers & pots (Wilmas)
aeroponics

All these systems work on the same soil-less principal; any growing medium involved is simply to provide structure for the roots and a way of keeping the roots in contact with the nutrient solutions.

Which hydroponic growing system is best?

We hate to say it, but it depends! Call us to discuss your requirements, and we’ll point you towards the system best suited for your needs.

Is hydroponic gardening pest-free?

We wish it were! Growing plants using hydroponics eliminates many pests and diseases that are present in soil, as the growing mediums are completely pure and bug-free when you buy them. However, some insects and diseases are air-born and find their way onto plants, including spider mites, thrips, fungus gnats and powdery mildew. See our Disease and Pest Control page for products to help keep your plants pest-free and healthy.