Hydrophonics is a method of growing plants in liquid nutrients cultures rather than in soil. In hydrophonics method, plants may be grown directly in the nutrient solution or in sand or gravel to which the solution has been added. The nutrients used in hydrophonics are chemicals that are essential for plant growth and are the same as those found in fertile soil, because of this hydroponics plants are healthier and more vigorous because all of the necessary growth elements are readily available. The plants can mature faster, yielding an earlier harvest of vegetable and flower crops.

The yields of plants grown by hydrophonics method are high but don't differ much to those which are planted in good soils. The nutritional quality of the plants and their requirements for water, air, light and temperature are also about the same as for plants grown in soil. Moreover, the plants grown in solutions are just as subject to attack by diseases and insects and just as influenced by climate as are soil-grown plants.

Advantage of Hydrophonics method: The main advantage of hydrophonics method is high yields can be obtained in places where soils are infertile or harmful to plants. Hydrophonics can be practiced also in places where there is lack of large supply of water, because of its limited need for watering.

This method is also ideal for small area (condominium) home gardening, because hydroponics gardens use less space since the roots do not have to spread out in search of food and water.

Advantage of Hydrophonics for Commercial Planting: Hydrophonics eliminates the need for vast farmland and allows crops to be produced in greenhouses or even in the desert sands.

Disadvantage of Hydrophonics method: The main disadvantage of this method is high cost. Hydroponics can be practiced economically only on a large scale where highly valued crops, such as vegetables and flowers, are needed in an area with infertile or disease-infested soils.

Hydrophonics Fertilizer: It is necessary to use a fertilizer formulated for hydroponics methods, hydrophonics fertilizer are sold in some specialty garden shop. Make sure to follow the dilution rate recommended on the label and to test the solution to be sure that the pH is between 5 and 6.