Pros and Cons of Hydroponic Vegetables

A big advantage of these hydroponic growing systems is that they allow gardeners to grow tomatoes anywhere from cold climates to arid deserts to temperate zones. This is because hydroponic systems are usually incorporated into greenhouses.

However, a key disadvantage to the system is pests. It may be assumed that hydroponic systems would reduce the amount of pests and insects by being enclosed, as in a greenhouse, but this enclosure also encourages pests by shutting out their natural predators. Some frequent species of pests that can pose a problem in hydroponic systems include whiteflies, tomato fruit worms, tomato pinworms, leaf miners, cabbage loopers and two-spotted spider mites. A potential way to ward these off is by introducing their natural predators to the environment.

Did you know???

Plastic helped the development of hydroponics; it'd water proof qualities, durable, reuseable, lightweight and translucent. In the 60s and early 70s, plastic helped fuel the petroleum based technology that drives hydroponics. But with rising oil costs and increasing regulation on chemical pesticides, interest dropped for another 20 years or so until hydroponics again became a viable technology, especially in regard to protecting ground water and soil from pollutants.

Growing Hydroponic Vegetables

Growing hydroponic tomatoes, is technology that uses solutions of water and fertilizers in order to grow crops. The plant roots do not get any other sort of support like soil or dirt. And the solution, once delivered to the plant, is not recycled back through the system. Hydroponic technology can be found in greenhouses, which control water, pests and temperature.

Growing Hydroponic Tomatoes Eliminate Gardens

There are many ways to grow tomatoes. One of the most interesting is hydroponics, in which the plant is grown in a nutrient solution without any soil, sand, or other medium. This method helps produce the greatest possible amount of tomatoes from a crop. 

A Helpful Tip

Misting the leaves with Organic All-Phase can help eliminate mold & mildew on the foliar and leave the plants looking great. A weekly misting regimen of Organic All-Phase and water will help your plants thrive, yielding healthier and better fruits.

Growing Good Tomatoes

Tomatoes are tolerant of a wide variety of growing conditions, including those imposed upon the plants by our gardening mistakes. If we pay just a bit of attention to their unique needs, we can all grow great tomatoes.

The first consideration is choosing a variety. Beginning gardeners should pick a popular, tested type. Some possibilities are Early Girl, Better Boy, Beef Master, Yellow Pear, Super Sweet 100, Roma, or Tiny Tim. An experienced gardener can move on to the exotics, such as Amana Gold (resembles a pumpkin), Banana Legs (bright yellow and shaped like a banana), Black Cherry, Evergreen, Garden Peach, Texas Wild, or White Rabbit. Among the thousands of named cultivars available, one or more will suit your fancy. Be sure to choose a tomato suited to your climate and growing season.

The best plants are started at home. Sow the seeds in peat cups or in a shallow box filled with clean, new soil. The plants can be kept in a sunny window and watered on a regular basis to ensure steady growth. In most areas of the country, tomato plants are set out in late May, so starting eight to ten weeks before planting is a good idea. If you don´t have the time, space, or inclination to start your own, the plants available from local nurseries often do just as well. Even a poor quality plant might surprise you and recover and thrive in your garden.

The important aspect of setting out the plants is timing. All danger of frost must be past. Plant your tomatoes in full sunshine, and away from the shade of trees, buildings, and so on. Tomatoes do best in soil that holds moisture but is well drained. Plant carefully to avoid shock. The tomatoes should be spaced at least 24" apart to promote good air circulation and to discourage the spread of disease from one plant to another. 

Organic All Phase

Adding Organic All-Phase to the soil will greatly increase the speed at which seeds begin to germinate. Beneficial microbes competitively eliminate harmful pathogens establishing populations of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Our product improves plant vigor and tissue-density through numerous valuable enzymes, organic acids, growth stimulants, bioflavinoids and amino acids. Our liquid nutrient dramatically improves overall health of your plants allowing for fuller, more robust results.