Introduction to Hydroponics | December 2017 Advantage

Quick & Clean: Hydroponic choices made easier ... Quick & Clean: Introduction to Hydroponics [The Johnny's Advantage]( Grower's Newsletter | December 2017 [Hydroponic Lettuce Hero]( [Introduction to Hydroponics Types of systems • How hydroponics differs from growing in soil • Benefits of hydroponic growing • Scheduling what to plant & when • Specialty hydroponic techniques • How to choose varieties for hydroponic production]( The term hydroponics refers to the practice of growing crops without soil, with the plants' roots bathed directly in a complete liquid plant food containing the nutrients they need. Efficiency, yield, and quality are among the more immediate benefits growers cite in making the case for hydroponics, but sustainability may be the underlying long-term advantage. Hydroponic systems can be installed almost anywhere, and scaled to a footprint ranging from acres down to inches, depending on the needs of the grower. In this introduction to hydroponic growing, we touch on these and other benefits; provide basic information on types of hydroponic systems and how they differ from growing in soil; and offer some advice on scheduling hydroponic plantings and how to choose varieties for this form of production. [LEARN MORE]( [Hydroponic Tomatoes Vertical]( [Tomatoes are fairly easy to grow hydroponically. The nutrient inputs and environmental requirements are similar to those for growing tomatoes in soil within a protected-culture setting.]( [We've Made Choosing Varieties for Hydroponics Easier Varieties for Hydroponic Systems]( We've compiled a list of varieties to help you choose those that are most likely to succeed in hydroponic systems. Along with excellent flavor and appearance, varieties that are best suited to hydroponic growing conditions share certain characteristics: • A compact and upright growth habit to maximize greenhouse space • Resistance to tip burn, which can be a problem for rapidly growing leafy greens such as lettuce • Resistance to bolting (going to flower and seed) • Resistance to diseases, such as downy mildew, that are common in indoor growing environments To produce our list we used results from trials with independent hydroponic growers in combination with our own variety knowledge and the information we receive from industry and academic sources. As hydroponic systems vary greatly, we recommend you use these recommendations as a starting point from which you can build and refine your system. [LEARN MORE]( [Tracy Nazzaro, Traders Hill Farm, Hilliard, Florida]( "Johnny's is one of our preferred seed suppliers because they meet our strict food safety protocols, have superior customer service, and offer a wide selection of varieties that grow well in our aquaponics system. Some of their varieties have been real superstars for us! — [Tracy Nazzaro, Traders Hill Farm, Hilliard, Florida]( "Our partnership with Johnny's has provided an opportunity to evaluate their lettuce varieties under the unique challenges of the conditions of the Southeast. Trials have been favorable in our hydroponic environments, and we've shared these results through our educational program, which encourages beginning farmers to grow hydroponically." —[Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida, Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center]( [Featured This Month: New! Hydroponic Performers]( [Blue Droplet Hydroponic Symbol]( New this year, we are introducing a Hydroponic droplet symbol in our catalog and on our website to help you more easily find varieties suitable for hydroponic growing. We’ve also created a new [Hydroponic Performers]( category of Johnny’s varieties recommended for this growing method, based upon trials with independent hydroponic growers, in combination with our own variety knowledge and information we receive from our suppliers. [Look for the little blue droplet symbol in our product descriptions in our catalog (it's a little gray & white droplet under "Product Features" on our website)!]( [SHOP NOW]( [Hydroponic Growing Media]( [Hydroponic Growing Media Tech Sheet Thumbnail]( This new tech sheet describes common hydroponic growing media options and how to select the medium best suited to your needs; how using plugs differs from using a soilless mix in hydroponic production; monitoring salt buildup in different types of media; maintaining medium hygiene; and recommended further reading. [Read our new tech sheet on hydroponic growing media options and hygiene...]( [LEARN MORE]( [Hydroponic Seed-Starting & Environmental Variables]( [Hydroponic Seed-Starting Tech Sheet Thumbnail]( This new tech sheet describes the basic steps of seed-starting in hydroponic systems and introduces the primary variables that affect plant health and productivity in hydroponic systems. Information presented includes steps for seed-starting in hydroponic systems; primary environmental specifications of hydroponically grown crops and how they are maintained and monitored, including temperature, light, daily light integral, pH, and carbon dioxide; and recommended further reading. [Read our new tech sheet on seed-starting and environmental variables in hydroponic systems...]( [LEARN MORE]( Connect With Us [facebook]( [twitter]( [youtube]( [instagram]( [pinterest]( You're receiving this email because you subscribed at [johnnyseeds.com](. We promise to protect your information. For more information see our [privacy policy](. © 2017 Johnny’s Selected Seeds 13 Main Street, Fairfield, Maine 1-877-564-6697 [Unsubscribe from future emails]( | [View in Browser](