What does hydroponics mean?

The term hydroponics is derived from two Greek words, Hudor , water and Ponos, work. When combined, these mean "water working" and a reference to the use of solutions of water and fertilizer chemicals for soilless plant cultivation, as opposed to normal growth in soil or geoponics (the care of the earth).  Quite a number of different methods of hydroponics are today in general usage throughout the world, the exact choice depending upon local needs and conditions.  However, they all conform to the same basic principles and all have one common objective: The growing of plants quite independently of earth or organic matter.

This capacity for divorcing the cultivation of flowers, vegetables, fruits and grains from the soil has profound implications for the development of horticulture and farming.  In short, it means that mankind is no longer solely dependent on the land for sustenance and the satisfaction of natural desires for a beautiful environment, because gardeners and farmers can now produce lovely flowers and raise fine crops without any soil in almost any place they may wish.

Given a minimum supply of water, hydroponic units, both small and large, may be set up in towns and cities, for the enjoyment and use of urban populations, while people living in deserts or barren regions can raise quantities of attractive and healthy plants even under the very infertile conditions common in such areas.

Apart from these general considerations hydroponics also offers certain important advantages to the individual gardener or householder, including better quality plants, quicker growth, much saving of time and labour (with the elimination of troublesome tasks like digging, weeding and manuring), lower costs, complete absence of dirt and smells, extremely consistent results and year-round attractive displays of blooms or quantities of fresh green-stuff in the home.

The new simple methods, which are described in this book, make it possible for anyone to raise first-class plants without difficulty, even in the most congested surroundings.  Housewives, flat and apartment dwellers, backyard or window-box gardeners, or those possessing roof space, indeed amateurs of every type, in any land, can now use hydroponics to brighten up their daily lives.