Soil V Hydroponics

Author: Homegrown Cultivation Center

Publication Date: 1.18.2024

Growing in soil and hydroponics both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Some benefits of growing in soil include a source of natural nutrients, low cost, easier maintenance, better taste.

Soil is a natural source of nutrients and minerals that plants require to grow. These nutrients derive from decomposing necro mass, biodiversity, and biomass.

A disadvantage in this process is that you can mess up the mixture while amending your soil causing nutrient imbalance that leads to nutrient toxicity throughout the entire grow cycle. 

Soil is generally less expensive than hydroponic systems, and it does not require any complex equipment.

Growing in soil is relatively easy to maintain. You only need to water your plants regularly and the soil will take care of the rest.

A disadvantage to soil is improper water techniques that weaken plant cells which encourage unwanted bacteria, mildew, and fungus to grow.   

Plants taste better soil-grown because enzymes have time to break down heavy minerals that would otherwise be left behind making it easier to flush the plants for a clean taste. 

As for growing in hydroponics, some of the benefits may include better control of nutrients, faster growth, space saving, and water efficiency.

In hydroponics, you have complete control over the nutrient that your plants receive.

This allows you to optimize their growth and yields.

A disadvantage to hydro-growing is that you can also improperly dose your crop with nutrients causing irreversible damage.

Hydroponic plants generally grow faster than soil grown plants because they can receive such a direct and consistent supply of nutrients.

Cultivating in hydroponics can be done in smaller spaces because the plants do not need to spread their root systems out in search of nutrients.

Hydroponics is a more water efficient method of gardening, as water is recirculated and reused with a minimal loss to evaporation.

This may also cause a disadvantage as the water can be contaminated with unwanted bacteria if left stagnate.

In summary, the choice between soil and hydroponics ultimately depends on personal preferences, resources, climate, and specific growing goals. Choose what works for you.