Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture involving growing plants (usual crops) without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent. Terrestrial plants may grow with their roots exposed to the nutritious liquid.
Benefits of Growing Ginger Hydroponically
Growing ginger in water is more beneficial than growing it in soil because it requires extra maintenance. Some of these benefits are listed below –
Herbicides and pesticides aren’t needed: This method is environmentally friendly, which is a big requirement nowadays. There is unquestionably no need for herbicides or pesticides, which are usually applied in soil gardening.
Consuming less water: You can reuse the water you have used in the hydroponic system, reducing the need for freshwater use every time you start a new plantation. In comparison to the field-grown plants, less than 10% of water is consumed by hydroponic systems.
Faster Growth: When grown in water, the plant grows 50% faster than they normally grow in soil. Moreover, plants that are grown hydroponically are not affected by seasonal variations, which allow any crop to be cultivated throughout the year.
Control of temperature: Regardless of what the weather may be, it does favor cultivating ginger throughout the year, as it provides perfect control of temperature, humidity, light intensity and maintains an even air composition in comparison to the soil growing plants.
Available space: There is a scarcity worldwide when it comes to the availability of suitable land for gardening. So, if there isn’t enough space for a large garden, hydroponics is the ideal method because it adapts itself to indoor gardening apartments, city life, and small residences.
Method of Hydroponically Growing Ginger
- Although the plant will be cultivated in the hydroponic system for most of its growth, it will not be rooted in water. So, it is advised to first root a piece of rhizome in compost before moving it to the system.
- With a fine knife, slice the rhizome into several pieces, each piece having a bud. The point of having several pieces is to plant multiple seeds to ensure germination. Fill a pot halfway with compost and plant those pieces at a depth of about one inch or 2.5 cm. Water the pot frequently and thoroughly.
- Keep a regular check on the rhizomes to see if they have germinated. After germination, remove the strongest ones from the dirt and rinse their roots once they have developed their stems and some leaves.
- Fill the hydroponic container with 2 inches or 5cm of growing medium. Then lay the new ginger plants on top of the medium and spread out the roots such that they are spaced a foot apart. To keep the plants in place, cover the roots with growth material.
- Connect the hydroponic system to water and feed the plants with a hydroponic nutrition solution every 2 hours. The pH range should be maintained at 5.5 to 8.0 in the fluid. After 18 hours of light, allow the plants to rest for 8 hours.
- Approximately in 4 months, the plants will develop rhizomes and will be ready to harvest. After this duration, harvest the rhizomes, wash and dry them and keep them cold and dry.
Everyone have a happy farming season!