Hydroponics Explained

The Basics of Hydroponics…

Hydroponic farming is an ideal modern solution for cultivating and growing plants indoors utilizing primarily water instead of soil. Growing plants hydroponically uses significantly less energy, resources, and water compared to traditional soil methods.  It is a wonderful way to produce a variety of vegetables and herbs, in bulk, year-round, at a lower cost to the consumer and the environment.  It also means locally sourced goods, no matter where you may be in the world.

A Hydroponics Farm…

Our hyper-modern hydroponics farm is a superb facility in which to produce high-quality, pesticide-free, year-round, fresh fruit & veg for the people of Barbados.  A hydroponics farm can solve the many problems facing farmers: climate limitations; pests & disease; seasonal availability; land-size limitations; planting & harvesting difficulties; and the necessary light to grow plants at any time of day, month or year.  It is the perfect solution for many Bajan farming issues.

How Do Plants Grow without Soil?

Hydroponics, by definition, is a method of growing plants in a water based, nutrient rich solution. Hydroponics does not use soil, instead the root system is supported using an inert medium such as perlite, rockwool, clay pellets, peat moss, or vermiculite.  The basic premise behind hydroponics is to allow the plants roots to come in direct contact with the nutrient solution, while also having access to oxygen, which is essential for proper growth.

The Advantages…

Hydroponics comes with many advantages, the biggest of which is a greatly increased rate of growth in your plants. Our plants will mature up to 25% faster and produce up to 30% more than the same plants grown in soil.  All of this is possible through careful control of our nutrient solution and pH levels. A hydroponic system will also use less water than soil based plants because the system is enclosed, which results in less evaporation.

Rockwool…

Rockwool is perhaps the most popular medium used by hydroponic growers today. When you look at the numerous benefits, there is little wonder why. It retains moisture well, so there is less chances of underwatering. It retains oxygen well, so there is less chance of overwatering. It never impedes the development of roots. And it comes in numerous sizes and shapes, so it accommodates just about anything you could want to grow.

Locally Sourced Produce…

Virtually everyone agrees that it is preferable to purchase and consume locally sourced produce.  It is fresher, making it last significantly longer.  It is better for the local economy.  It tastes far better.  It is less expensive than imported items.  It lessens the environmental impact.  The harvest can be more tailored to local tastes and preferences.  The food is generally safer to consume.  And you can have good communication with your local provider, in order to stay informed.

Environmental Benefits…

Hydroponics uses less land because every element of this style of growing can be closely controlled, it can produce larger yields, making the same amount of vegetables in just 1/5th of the space. Also, it allows vegetables to grow anywhere and cuts down on the distance that food may have to travel to reach is destination.  It also uses much less water than traditional farming.  There is also infinitely less land erosion… no need for massive farming equipment… and virtually no requirement for using pesticides.

The End Product…

A local hydroponics farm, like ours here in Barbados, is a perfect solution for the entire community.  We can deliver the biggest harvests, the freshest foods, the best prices and the year-round availability that the island has often lacked.

Swing by our farm and sample some of our products.  We are sure you will find the answer to many of your kitchen’s needs.  And we guarantee that all of your customers will notice the difference.  Shop local.  Shop healthy.  Shop smart.