Without soil, the plant drinks its meals. More exactly, it takes up water mixed with nutrients, which we call nutrient solution. The roots sit in it and get everything they need in one go.
Won't roots sitting in water drown?
They can, which is why hydroponics is not just dropping seedlings in water and walking away. Roots need to breathe, so the solution needs oxygen, and the water temperature and acidity get checked every day. That daily upkeep is where most of the real work in hydroponics goes.
How does our greenhouse grow it?
Our greenhouse in Dounan, Yunlin uses a “recirculating, full-coverage, deep-water” system. In plain words, the nutrient solution is collected and reused, growing boards cover the whole surface, and the roots float in a pool with some depth to it. The greenhouse blocks wind, rain and insects, there is no weeding, and the water supply is automatic.
On water, we estimate that we need only about 6% of the water and nutrients that open-field growing uses. That is our own estimate, and other systems may differ. More detail is on why hydroponics.
So is soil farming worse?
No. Soil has fed people for thousands of years, grows almost anything and costs little to start. Where hydroponics helps is keeping the weather out, which makes leafy green supply a little steadier. The price you pay is the greenhouse, the equipment and the electricity. Both ways make sense.
One more thing. Hydroponic lettuce still needs washing, so rinse it under running water before eating it raw. And if you are not sure which kind to buy, see red, green, frilly or round, which lettuce to buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is hydroponics just growing plants in water?
More or less, except the water is a prepared nutrient solution that supplies everything the plant needs. There is no soil, and the roots are held in place by a growing board or a growing medium.
Does hydroponic lettuce still need washing?
Yes. Hydroponic or soil-grown, it is the same. Rinse any leafy green under running water before you eat it raw. How to wash it is covered on the recipes and storage page.
Does hydroponics use less water than soil?
It depends on the system. One that recycles its nutrient solution can use very little water, while one that does not may not. We estimate that our recirculating system needs only about 6% of the water and nutrients of open-field growing, and that figure is our own estimate.