Hydroponics is a well-known scientific method commonly used for growing the fruits, vegetables and some other plants in water. There is no use of soil in the hydroponics system. The nutrients and minerals are added and well mixed in the water. The addition of mineral fertilizers is done according to the requirement of the crop so that the plants can grow well without suffering from any stress of nutrients deficiency. By the proper management and controlled conditions, higher yields of fruits and vegetables can be produced.
Almost anything can be grown in the hydroponics system. In this article, the most commonly grown vegetables and fruits in the hydroponics system will be discussed.
Tomatoes
The vining plants like the tomatoes are best suited for indoor gardening conditions. These plants require only a little space and there is enough room for training them to the ceiling. One can easily check and control the requirement of nutrients according to the different growth stages and growers can enjoy the fresh taste throughout the year without any compromise on the taste. Tomatoes are highly nutritious as they contain a good amount of vitamin C, vitamin A, and folic acid. They also contain a significant number of antioxidants that offer great protection against heart diseases, cancer, and diabetics.
Lettuce
For the hydroponics gardeners, the growing of lettuce is the best choice, as it only requires little space and less attention. The leaves can be harvested even some days after growth. Usually, the first harvesting can be done, only a few weeks after growing and can easily enjoy the crispy and fresh crop. The number of calories is very low in the lettuce as they have a good number of phytonutrients which offers disease preventing, and health-promoting properties. Lettuce is rich in vitamins C, K, and A and also contains some minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron which are significantly essential normal functioning and body metabolism.
Cucumber
The water-loving crops such as cucumber are the best choice for hydroponic gardening. By giving them enough support and space the cucumbers can grow well, and higher potential can be achieved. Cucumber contains a good number of micronutrients such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and sodium. Cucumber also has a good amount of vitamin C, B, and folic acid. Due to the presence of these elements, cucumber is highly efficient for removing the cholesterol from the body, thereby, it is greatly helpful to regulate the metabolism of the body and slows down the aging process.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are categorized as young onions and generally, they are harvested before the start of bulb swelling and growth. From one-pot dozens of onions can sprout and their harvesting can be done after every 3-4 weeks. The antioxidants are also present in the spring onions that strongly help to prevent the damage caused by the cellular and DNA damage due to the formation of free radicals. Enough vitamin K and C are also present that are extremely important for maintaining the health of bones. Due to their natural properties spring onion is commonly used for the treatment of viral infections such as colds and flu. A good number of vitamin B and A are also present in the spring onions.
Peppers
The growing conditions for pepper are very similar to the tomatoes but fruit production can be enhanced by decreasing the temperature during day-night and by increasing the night temperature. Peppers are significant as they are widely used for adding the spice and flavor to the food. The number of calories is very low in the pepper and they contain a high level of nutrients and minerals. Peppers are a good source of vitamin, C, A, potassium, folic acid, and fiber which offers great disease-fighting, and health properties.
Spinach
Spinach is leafy vegetables like lettuce, and it can best grow in the hydroponic system. The growth of spinach is very fast and prolific. Spinach is given the status of incredibly green and healthy leafy vegetables and is well known due to its excellent antioxidant properties. It contains a sufficient amount of minerals, vitamins, iron, and protein. It also provides folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, and vitamin K, C, A, and E. Due to the presence of antioxidants and nutrients spinach is a healthiest leafy vegetable. It offers great resistance against heart diseases by lowering the cholesterol level improves digestion and reduce the aging process.
Strawberries
Strawberries are the ideal ones for growing in the wet conditions and their excellent growth is observed in the hydroponic conditions. In the hydroponic conditions, the bigger size of fruits can be obtained as compared to the soil conditions. The production of strawberries all-round the year can be obtained by growing in the hydroponic system. High levels of vitamin C and antioxidants are present in the strawberries which cause great boost-up in the immune system. They are also helpful for lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Blueberries
Generally, highly acidic growing conditions are required for the cultivation of blueberries and thereby they can grow very well in the hydroponic conditions. By controlling the level of nutrients and pH contents the healthier and uniform crop stand can be easily obtained. A high level of antioxidants is present in the blueberries that offer great protection to the nervous system and brain. They have a high rank among the fruits for the provision of vitamins and antioxidants for maintaining body health.
Basil
To produce herbs like basil, only a little care is required to produce the impressive crop. Herbs provide good taste and fragrance but there is wide variation in their health uses. Various research studies have shown that the use of basil can greatly reduce the swelling and inflammation as it is a rich source of antioxidants and offers great protection against the deleterious effects of free radicals.
Coriander
Coriander is one of the widely used herbs, and it only takes 4 weeks to grow. From a single crop, the coriander can be harvested for 3-4 times. There is no special requirement to produce coriander. If it is grown in the proper light conditions, a good harvest can be obtained. Consumption of coriander offers many health benefits. It contains a good amount of vitamin K, C, proteins, fiber, iron, and magnesium. It is well known for reducing the higher level of cholesterol, treatment of mouth ulcers, and inflammation. Additionally, its use also improves digestion.