There are a number of supplies needed to set up for hydroponic growing (growing plants without soil). If you are a beginner, a good way to start is to get a hydroponic kit, which will contain all the basic hydroponics you need to get started. But a kit might not be enough for you if you want to set up a bigger space. Thank heavens, hydroponics is gaining in popularity, and there's a large selection of hydroponics supplies to choose from. Let's take a look at some of the most popular supplies required in hydroponic growing:

GROW LIGHTS

Lighting is important in growing plants - and different blends of lights have varying results. Among the most common lights for hydroponics are: metal halide bulbs (ideal for vegetation growth), high-pressure sodium bulbs (great for the flowering phase), and high-output fluorescent bulbs (great and cheaper substitutes of the two bulbs).

HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS

There are different methods utilized to keep hydroponic plants nourished, but they typically follow a similar process of providing nutrient solution to the plant roots, draining and recycling the solution, and keeping the plants properly anchored in a medium. The most popular of these systems are plant growing trays, reservoirs and drainage, as well as water pumps.

MEDIUMS

The main function of soil is to anchor the plant roots; in basic hydroponics, when growing hydroponically (without soil), plants need an alternate medium to anchor their roots. Among the widely-used substitutes to soil are Rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, coconut and expanded clay. Hydroponics supplies retailers should be able to provide you with some help on this.

AIRFLOW SUPPLIES

Fans and blowers are an important component of hydroponic growing because plants need good ventilation and airflow. Never worry, however, as there's a wide selection of these - together with air purification systems and carbon dioxide injectors - available in the market.

NUTRIENTS

This is probably the most perplexing element, because there are so many nutrient combinations and additives available that it can get very confusing. The important thing to know is what sorts of nutrient blends are best for the types of plants you are growing, and what products best serve those specific plants. Your retailer shall be able to assist you in sorting through this information and give you some tips.

There is indeed a host of basic hydroponics supplies that are available to you - the list can be never-ending. The ones presented above are what you need to get you started - as you become more accustomed to this practice, then your need for supplies would also change.