interested in gardening, but there are more benefits for the grower including cleaner cultivation, more control over the products being fed to the plants and faster yield times. "The biggest thing with hydro is that typically it's a little quicker. Plants usually take off a little faster and finish a little faster with quicker ripening times," McCormick said. Because nutrients are being administered several times a day through the hydro system, and because the plants are able to absorb those nutrients more often and at purer doses, the turnaround is faster for the plants or food being grown, according to McCormick and Odle. Without soil absorbing or blocking some of the nutrient content, more air and space surrounds the roots, allowing for a purer and cleaner concentration of enriched, filtered water to be absorbed in the synergetic system. But not all benefits are scientific; some are socially responsible and environmentally friendly, too. Water conservation is important to helping Kern County's ecosystem, and hydroponics allows for more efficient use of water than conventional gardening as well as large-scale commercial farming, which employs highly efficient methods to
To learn more Green Leaf Hydroponics 3903 Patton Way, Suite 103 588-8269 Patrick Odle Kern Hydroponics 2408 Brundage Lane 323-7333 Daniel McCormick
The Aquafarm watering system
recycle conserve water, according to McCormick. The cultural shift toward a more healthconscious lifestyle has also led some consumers to consider options like hydroponic gardening to substitute their dependency on store-bought produce because of the uncertainty of the chemicals and methods used to grow those products, Odle said. If you're interested in getting started in
hydroponics, introductory kits are available and have everything you need to start growing right out of the box for about $100 - $200. But, more savvy or adventurous consumers may want to explore their local shops to get a feel for the types of plants and edible crops available, as well as the variety of hardware and growing supplies to uniquely personalize the hydroponics experience.
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