Hobby Hydroponics

by Howard M. Resh

Hydroponics as a hobby can provide enjoyment, stress relief, and the gratification of creating your own fresh, pesticide-free garden. The increased interest in hobby hydroponics over the last 30 years has created market demand and, therefore, widespread availability of small-scale hydroponic units. Hobby Hydroponics, Second Edition is a guide to all aspects of home hydroponic culture and systems, providing the most up-to-date information on hobby hydroponic growing, including the numerous advancements in concepts, technology, and products since the first edition.

The book presents an overview of typical hobby hydroponic units available, describing representative systems including water culture—for example, aeroponics and nutrient film technique (NFT)—and soilless culture, such as coco coir, perlite culture, and vertical plant towers. The author discusses culture practices and the tools necessary to care for plants and provide optimum growing conditions by regulating variables including lighting, temperature, and carbon dioxide, as well as monitoring pH and electrical conductivity. He also provides information on nutrients, natural pest control, and symptoms of pests and imbalances to assist growers in being aware of and controlling these issues. The book instructs readers on how to start plants, recommends crop varieties, and even describes how to construct some systems in lieu of buying them, for readers who choose to do so.

New this edition:

Discusses new hobby units and components including lights, CO2 generators, and testing equipment
Updates available nutrients and new products such as mycorrhizae
Includes many new photographs
Provides up-to-date references, suppliers, and websites

Making hydroponics accessible to everyone willing to learn and apply the knowledge, this book provides the information necessary to start, grow, and reap the rewards of having your own hydroponic crops.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dane Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for understanding the science of hydroponics and how to grow and maintain different plants in the various systems available. Not only does it have invaluable information on the topic of each chapter, but Howard Resh sprinkles the book with wisdom learned from his years as a hydroponic farmer. I highly recommend this book to anyone just getting started with the hobby.

[Jelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit old, but a good start. Resh tells you a lot about the basics and gives very specific examples of useful equipment. Written in 2003, I'm not sure if specific aspects of the technology (especially lighting) hold up to modern times, but nevertheless a very interesting summary of hobby hydroponic equipment and practices.

[Justine Oh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's quite an informative book for Hydroponic beginners hobbyist.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This helped a little, but I wish there was more information about exactly how to start the seeds. It describes the type of planting mediums, but how do you start the seeds, & how long do you keep them before you transplant to the hydroponic pots? The book had a list of where to buy seeds, but not a growth list. And what about outdoor hydroponic systems? I live in a tropical area, but I'm still not sure how to use this system outside. It was better than other books I've read, but I still need more help.