4030 N Setterbo Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 (231) 271-4754 info@tlctomatoes.com
 

The GREENHOUSE
Hydroponic Gardening

We've been growing hydroponic fresh, flavorful and healthful tomatoes and lettuces in our greenhouse since 2000. 

Hydroponics is crop production with mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil containing silt and clay. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel or rock wool.

The term hydroponics is derived from Greek and literally means 'working water'. Many people use the term hydroponics to describe any methods of growing that does not use soil (although some scientists dispute this definition). Ancient peoples such as the Babylonians and Aztecs did use hydroponics in the sense that hydroponics is simply growing without soil. Although the mineral nutrient solutions used today for hydroponics were not developed until the 1800s, these peoples did grow plants without soil, although the nutrients were obtained from other sources.

A few of the many health, production and environmental advantages to hydroponics:

While removing soil-grown crops from the ground effectively kills them, hydroponically grown crops such as lettuce can be packaged and sold while still alive, greatly increasing the length of freshness once purchased.

  • Over and under-watering is prevented.
  • No soil is required.
  • Soil borne diseases are virtually eliminated.
  • Weeds are virtually eliminated.
  • Fewer pesticides may be required because of the above two reasons.
  • Edible crops are not contaminated with soil.
  • Water use can be substantially less than with outdoor irrigation of soil-grown crops.
  • Hydroponics let the plants receive more sunlight.
  • Many hydroponic systems give the plants more nutrition while at the same time using less energy and space.
  • When using hydroponics the plants are less at risk of getting a root disease than plants that are grown in the ground.
  • Hydroponics provides the plant with balanced nutrition because the essential nutrients are dissolved into the water soluble nutrient solution.