Where to Buy Hydroponic Gardening Supplies

Hydroponic gardening is steadily growing in popularity. With the reduced quality of grocery store produce, and skyrocketing costs, this gain in popularity should continue to increase. Hydroponics is at its most basic, simply growing plants with out soil. This is accomplished by several methods, but all include the use of nutrient-rich water. There are four general categories of hydroponics, from simple to complex, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These types are Ebb and flow, drip, aeroponic, and nutrient film. The two simplest are ebb and flow, and drip. Ebb and flow is a system in which the containers are periodically flooded and drained, approximately every three hours. Drip, is just as it sounds, a constant low flow of nutrient rich water is steadily provided to the plants. The other two systems are for the advanced grower, and should be avoided until you get the hang of hydroponic gardening.

One of the disadvantages of hydroponics is that the systems are difficult to find in brick and mortar stores, and if you can find supplies, the employees at the store are not usually conversant with the systems. However, there are a number of very good online suppliers. The first of which is Aero Garden (http://www.officialaerogarden.com/). This is an aeroponic system, and contrary to what I had just said, this would be one exception where a beginner could be very successful with an aeroponic system. This is because the Aero Garden is completely self-contained and complete. All you need to do is plug it in and plant. It even includes a built-in grow light. This system will handle smaller plants, up to a small tomato and cost around $150.

Another good place to search is Ecogrow Hydroponic Supplies (http://www.ecogrow.com/). This store seems to have some of the best prices I have found, particularly if you consider their 30-50% off section. This outlet sells everything from plug and grow systems, up to indoor grow rooms. As with any new hobby the price can start low, but if you choose to, you can spend thousands of dollars. As with any new endeavor, however, it would be wise to start small and see how things work before you take out that second mortgage for your garden.

By far, my favorite supplier is Bettergrow Hydro (http://www.bghydro.com/). If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can also visit their facility. Bettergrow has the wide variety of supplies that I have found. In addition, the web site is very informative. If you need help or advice, you can email or call to talk to a live person. They even offer a callback service, and at certain times of the day the have live online support. While the prices are slightly higher that some other outlets, I feel that their expertise more than makes up for it.

Hydroponics is a wonderful way to garden all year round. Imagine having fresh produce or flowers at your disposal whenever you wish! Although there is an initial investment, the cost saving over time should more than make up for the purchase. In addition, did I mention having a tomato that actually tastes like a tomato?