The Complete Guide to Hydroponics: Year-Round Harvests with Practical Techniques and Creative Solutions for Visually Stunning Urban Gardens (The Urban Farming Blueprint)

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What would you say if you could double, even triple your harvest…without the need for acres of land and more raised beds? With the global population growing at such a fast rate, it’s estimated that we will need to produce 70% more food by 2050. This is a massive challenge considering current environmental issues and political issues. When we visit a supermarket only to see full shelves of crops, it’s hard to see where the problem is. That is, until you look at the prices, and then a closer look at the quality of these fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Traditional gardening is a great solution but plenty can go wrong and that’s even if you have the space to grow your own food. The biggest downside to traditional gardening is the need for soil. After decades of harmful commercial farming practices and the use of harsh chemicals, even this precious resource is in trouble. But what if you could grow more in less space and without soil? What if you could do this on a budget and even make it a creative feature in your home? All of this is possible thanks to hydroponics, the practice of growing food in water fed with nutrients rather than soil. The result— nutrients are more easily absorbed by the roots and plants flourish. Nevertheless, it’s not just a case of sticking a plant in some water and giving it some nutrients. There is a little science and a few strategies that will ensure you get the most out of your hydroponics system. Rather than overwhelm yourself and make mistakes so many others have made, you have all the answers to hydroponics, what to grow, and how to grow it in one simple guide. In this handbook to creative hydroponics, here is just a fraction of what you will discover: Why the essential switch to hydroponic gardening not only increases your sustainability with an abundance of fresh food but also helps our struggling environment 7 simple hydroponics systems , the pros and cons of each, and the best uses so you can choose the ideal setup for you Essential components for hydroponics for thriving food crops—plus some handy extras A detailed look at macro and micronutrients to ensure your plants get everything they need, without a single sprinkle of soil How to take advantage of vertical gardening for limited spaces …or just to grow more delicious food A step-by-step guide to choosing your hydroponic plants and how to get seeds started— or start new plants with a simple cutting Smart gardening techniques like succession planting to extend your harvest for fresh food year-round Troubleshooting 101: All the answers for when plants don’t grow as expected—and what to do with those inevitable pests How to incorporate design and creativity into your hydroponics system for visual appeal as well as sustainability Case studies of blooming hydroponics systems from around the world to impress and inspire And much more. You might be asking, “Can a hydroponics system really make that much of a difference? Or am I about to invest time and money for a few extra salad leaves?” Studies from Nature Tech show that an average tomato plant can give you 8 pounds of fruit in one season. A hydroponics system can provide an outstanding 48 pounds of fruit! And it’s not just about more. The taste is better, it’s completely organic, and it’s convenient. If visually stunning hydroponics food is something your family, home, and budget needs, then scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now. Review: Hydroponics explained with care and attention - Clearly written by someone who is not only an expert in the science and craft of hydroponics, but someone who respects the value of the aesthetics of hydroponic gardens. The book assumes that the reader is willing to invest care, time and money into the venture. It therefore prepares you for the advantages and challenges at every stage and from every perspective. The second last chapter on Problem Solving teaches the reader what symptoms to watch out for, their causes and solutions. You might emerge thinking that hydroponics is a full-time job. To counteract this reaction, the final chapter relates some inspirational cases. A well-written and well-structured holistic overview that includes a detailed glossary. Review: Fun read and very informative - I enjoyed this and learned a lot. Wel structured, easy to follow this is a great resource for both beginners and intermediates