The word hydroponics comes from the ancient Greek terms for hydro (water) and pono (labor). It is a manner of growing vegetation without the use of soil through some type of hydroponic system. Hydroponics was chiefly used in countries where the soil was not suitable for growing vegetation and for industrial purposes.

But hydroponics has rapidly increased in popularity for people everywhere. Hydroponics began to make an appearance in the urban areas where there is a shortage of soil and insufficient space to plant a garden. It has now spread from the cities to the countryside and all lifestyles. Hydroponics has made it possible for many people to grow a garden in just a small amount of space. These gardens can provide ample fresh produce to enjoy at harvest time. However, your crop can easily be large enough so you can freeze or can a good portion of it.

A hydroponic garden lets you control the environment and the amount of nutrients your plants receive. When you utilize hydroponic gardening, soil becomes meaningless in the cultivation of plants, both edible and ornamental. Plus it’s faster than it would be even in nutrient rich soil. There is no risk of diseases such as the recurring problem with salmonella in tomatoes. In addition, your harvest will always be consistent in yield and of the best quality. You can even grow fruit trees as well as plants that are out of season. Greenhouses around the world take advantage of hydroponics to produce vegetables and ornamental plants throughout the year.

Some cities are implementing vertical hydroponic gardens. Whereas some towns have garden plots for the community, urban areas will have hydroponic plots for people to grow their own fresh produce. It might even be used on ocean vessels in the future in order to have fresh vegetables easily available during extended voyages.

You can set up a hydroponic garden either indoors in an area with ample light, outdoors, or in a greenhouse. And it’s good for the environment. It uses only 10 percent of the water used by traditional gardening methods. It eliminates the need for herbicides and pesticides. As well, you only need a quarter of the amount of fertilizer utilized by an outdoor garden, and you’ll still get the same size of crop. Hydroponics can produce the same yield as traditional gardens in about one fifth the space and is not dependent on growing seasons. This means that instead of only bearing once, they can bear vegetables or fruit several times a year.

Hydroponics may just change the way the world views farmers in the future and could be the answer to food shortages and hunger worldwide.