There are various factors you need to take into consideration for the best productivity of your plants in a hydroponic garden system. These factors are: absence of soil, temperature, and water.

Absence of Soil

Soil is never a good factor for a hydroponic garden. In fact, the absence of soil is ideal for this set-up. Soil should never be used in a hydroponic garden system. If transferring a plant from a soil garden to hydroponic garden, make sure to remove all traces of soil from the roots of the plants.

The reason for getting rid of soil is that it holds microbes that would contaminate your hydroponic garden. It will likewise contain seeds of weeds that would parasitize your plant, slowing the plant’s growth.

Temperature

Temperature is another important factor as it is one of the major factors contributing to the growth of the roots and the absorption of water and essential elements. Plants have an ideal germination and growing temperature ranges for optimum growth but this was found to vary from plant to plant.

Make certain to check references of the intended plant’s temperature growing requirements. Note the minimum and maximum temperature levels for suitable temperatures at different stages of the plant’s life and at various seasons. The optimum temperature, in general, should be around 20 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. These limits are not exact but most plants grow at their best at such temperature range.

Water

Water is the source of life for all living organisms including the plants in a hydroponic garden. All plants have the capacity to absorb water freely through its root system. Water quality is therefore very important. Make sure to only use uncontaminated water in your hydroponic system. Plants require clean water to produce its very own food supply.

Make it a habit to test your water source. Take this step to economize with your fertilizer and preventing overabundance of a certain element in your nutrient solution. By testing the water, you will not further add the elements that are already present in your water. In small garden systems, it is recommended to use distilled water free from minerals. When planning a large-scale hydroponic garden, it is a good recommendation to conduct a water analysis for various substances such as sodium chloride or salt content. In addition, testing the hardness, the presence of various mineral salts, of the water is proven to be very beneficial for gardeners as well