Subscribe to Running Gardens Subscribe to Running Gardens's comments

Posts tagged ‘Crops’



Any hydroponics system is based on the same primary principle: you replace the soil with something else to support plant roots, in an effort to give a chance in areas of the world where nothing grows because of poor soil quality, such as sand and ice deserts, high mountain platforms and many more. If we look at the word’s meaning : “hydroponics system”, ‘hydro’ means water and ‘ponos’ refers to labor, so a hydroponics system is defined as the “working water”.

How hydroponics systems evolved and who used them

A hydroponics system was attested to have been created and used for the first time by the Babylonians, and we also know that the Aztecs possessed similar knowledge about building it too. When referring to a hydroponics system as we know it today, we must take into consideration that the actual concept appeared at the beginning of the 19th century.

Over the last several hundred years, horticulturists and many scientists have tried to develop various hydroponics system models attempting to grow crops in regions of the globe where the soil makes traditional agriculture impracticable. A version of a hydroponics system was included in the NASA spacial program bringing fresh vegetables in space and helping astronauts clean the air.

Before the late 1970s very few people were interested in hydroponics system models and those pioneers were scientists or horticulturists. In the years that followed more and more people were attracted by this idea, and many hydroponics system models were bought to be used as a hobby.

Agriculture using hydroponics system models needs very few or no pesticides at all, since almost all the problems plants have are generated by soil, so practically you will have ecological crops at a decent price. If you are a professional horticulturist buying a hydroponics system isn’t an expensive and risky investment, because the need for ecological food has increased all over the world. Thus it is sure fact that there will be buyers for your crops. But not only horticulturists benefit from the advantages of hydroponics system models, teachers also find them very useful especially when teaching children about plants and crops.

What is the potential of hydroponics system models?

As I said before hydroponics system models bring something new, they are an innovation based primarily on technology and electrical power supply. I also have some doubts about those who say that hydroponics system models can bring food in poor countries, in such cases a hydroponic system needs an electric infrastructure first in order to serve community interests.

The potential of this new agricultural opportunity attracted many investors especially after the 80s, when all the hydroponics system components were made out of plastic, which is cheap and easy to replace when needed. Maybe this is the agriculture of the future.



By: Ann Marier

About the Author:
Ann Marier has written many articles on health problems and useful house and garden Topics. Latest articles are about hydroponics and hydroponic systems.





Are you planning a new garden design in Mesa, Arizona? Currently encountering some gardening problems? This article will provide you with remedies to the top 5 most common gardening problems in this day and age. Whether you’re designing your garden for beauty in your backyard or for vegetables that will feed your family, the following information will be beneficial to you.

Avoid the 5 Most Common Gardening Problems in Mesa, Arizona:

1. You don’t need a “green thumb” to raise crops or grow plants. The “green thumb” requirement is nothing but a myth. Peopler aren’t born with gardening skills! Rather, they acquire proper gardening knowledge and they implement what they learn. When we use the words “green thumb,” we don’t mean “talent,” or “flair.” We use those words as a label that refers to developed skills rather than acquired at birth. To solve the “green thumb” problem, which some people consider the most common of gardening excuses, anyone can learn how to grow and cultivate plants.

2. Be certain you have the appropriate landscape for your garden. This is not a precise rule on how to arrange your lawn or backyard to accommodate your garden, save for this: plants you wish to grow should be cultivated in an area where they can enjoy space. At full maturity, plants shouldn’t be close to one another, so much so that their foliage can already be regarded as the same. Plants need their own freedom to grow. Promoting space will ensure that they won’t have to fight for the nutrients they receive, and that diseases won’t spread quickly among the developing crops.

3. If you don’t have enough space for your desired garden, which is another popular problem in the long list of things that keep people from gardening, there are other options for you. In fact, that problem is pretty easy to address! The answer: try container gardening which will allow you to grow plants at home even if you’re living in an apartment or condominium.

4. Put a stop to pest invasion. If pests are left unimpeded, they will destroy your garden quickly. Pests can be eliminated through a variety of methods. You can try to attract useful insects that will feed on the particular pests. Or, you can grow companion plants that will repel the inhabitation of these creatures. You can also try commercial pesticides that will eliminate these pests without harming your plants.

5. Get rid of weeds! Stop thinking about pulling them out one by one or tilling the soil regularly. You won’t get rid of the roots and the weeds will just grow back. Try using mulch or putting a protective cover over your soil. This will deprive weeds of sunlight and they won’t be able to grow and reproduce.



Here’s some information about a popular desert plant that will make a great addition to your garden design in Mesa.

The Red Fairy Duster, also called Calliandra Californica, is a brilliant, puff-like flower that can bloom almost all year long, with peak bloom time occurring in the late spring. Its spectacular bloom makes it a colorful, accentuating shrub for the garden.

The Red Fairy Duster loves full sun. Supplemental water in the summer will increase blooming significantly. Its flowers are favored by hummingbirds and its small, dark green leaves lend this plant to a lush and almost tropical feel that can be used in a desert oasis landscape.

The Red Fairy Duster can grow to be both 4 feet wide and 4 feet tall, but it is particularly easy to maintain. Pruning is not necessary and watering should be done twice a month in winter and once a week in summer. The Red Fairy Duster is susceptible to frost and is both pest and disease resistant.

If you are still unsure about what will work in your garden design and landscaping in Mesa, there are plenty of online resources that can help you. For instance, many local landscaping companies have expertise in garden design and plants that thrive in the area. Hiring a professional garden design and landscaping company in Mesa, Arizona might just be your best bet. They can work with you to pick out the best plants that fit your taste, lifestyle and budget – and they can even help you maintain it!



By: John Waters

About the Author:

John Waters is Principal of Creative Environments Design Landscape, the largest and most respected landscape design company in Arizona. Let our team work with you to develop a garden design in Mesa that will fit your style and budget. Visit our website to request a free consultation.