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Whether you choose hydroponics or outdoor growing (or a combination of the two), water is a vital component. While water is particularly integral to the success of hydroponic gardening, you cannot grow most outdoor plants without hydrating them.
In Florida, water conservation and proper use are essential. Thus, it is in every gardener’s best interest to implement this important objective whenever possible. Follow these six ways to save water as you cultivate your greenery.
1. Stop Overwatering!
This is one of the top strategies for saving precious H2O while keeping your plant life in good shape. It may seem like an obvious directive, but you might be surprised by how many well-meaning individuals overwater their plants unintentionally. It’s true that by its very nature, hydroponics depends on water; however, you can harm your plants by giving them too much water and not enough air. In fact, as long as you know how to prepare water for hydroponics, this type of growing is a highly efficient way to grow plants and conserve water simultaneously.
2. Recycle Water
You can also make use of water that has already been utilized elsewhere. This type of hydration is known as “gray water”. Gray water might come from such sources as baths and showers, washing machines, and sinks.
3. Drip Irrigation
Another option is to feed your plants with drip gardening, by which a hose system is set up via the sprinkler valves. This replaces the use of sprinklers to water your plants. Instead, much smaller amounts of water are dispersed at intervals throughout the day, and they target certain areas instead of spraying across a broad area. Root Grow Bloom offers drip emitters and a full array of other plumbing supplies to build your drip irrigation setup.
4. Hydrate at the Right Time
Generally, the best time to water your outdoor plants is in the morning. This keeps them hydrated during the hottest times of the day. If you have opted for container gardening, simply apply water until it runs through the bottoms of the containers. Look at your outdoor plants in the evening; if they seem wilted, you can give them a bit more water then as needed.
5. Native Plants
If you select plant varieties that are native to the area, they will grow optimally. This also means that they should not require extra watering. These kinds of plants will have had centuries to adapt to the Florida rainfall, soil, and climate.
6. Use the Right Containers
If the concept of container gardening appeals to you, make sure you are using the best pots for your purpose. Metal containers heat more quickly than other materials, which will cause the soil to dry out faster. Unglazed terracotta has a porous surface, so the soil may become too dry throughout the day. Try an alternative material instead, such fabric pots or grow bags.
Organic outdoor gardening and hydroponics are both excellent growing methods, and you may want to try a combination of both. When you strategize properly, you can save water and cultivate the garden of your dreams.
Have a question about which grow light is best for your gardening and hydroponic needs? Contact the specialists at Root Grow Bloom.
