Hydroponic Lettuce
Stephanie Olson
This website is dedicated to a basic overview of hydroponic lettuce- what it is, how to grow it, and why. Setting up a personal hydroponic garden can be a delight, and lettuce tasty to eat. Below are a few tips to begin exploring the joys of hydroponic gardening with lettuce!
What is Hydroponics?
In hydroponic gardening, plants are grown in water instead soil. Hydroponics can be used to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs. A system is set up so the plants are suspended in water, and the gardener has direct control over the amount of each nutrient a plant receives and the pH of the growing medium. Hydroponics is a simple way for home owners to enjoy gardening because it can be done inside and does not take up much space, but it can also be employed very effectively on a larger industrial scale.
The Components of A Hydroponic Garden
What Supplies Are Needed
to Begin a Garden?
Remember that hydroponics can be done in large scale production, which can be very complex. For this website though, we will assume that a hydroponic garden is being set up at home, and so all of the tips will apply for the individual gardener. To start, you will need a large, opaque container, probably plastic. (A translucent contain will only encourage algae growth.) You will also need a cover for the container, something that will support the growing plants, but also allow you to cut holes through it, such as the styrofoam board shown here.
What is the Growing Medium?
The growing medium is the material in which the plant roots are growing. Typically, plants are grown in soil, but for the hydroponic garden, you will need inert media with a neutral pH. Rockwool is commonly used and easy to purchase. Lettuce seeds are placed in a square of Rockwool, and the piece of Rockwool is cut to fit into the holes of the container cover. The Rockwool provides no nutrients to the lettuce, but holds the lettuce steady throughout its growth.
What About the Water?
The most important component
of your hydroponic garden is the water and nutrients. The composition
of the nutrient water is vital to plant growth, so you need to be
certain the nutrient balance and pH are correct. Pre-made
hydroponic solutions are convenient or, if you are gutsy, there are
directions available to make your own. One important thing to remember
is that you always want your nutrient solution to reach the top of your
container, so the plants can receive the water.
Do the Plants Still Need
Light?
Yes! Plants always need light to grow. If your garden is inside, you can set up grow lights, or you can keep your hydroponic system outside and the lettuce will receive natural light. Lettuce, specifically, grows best with an even percentage of direct and indirect light, so keep that in mind.
The Lettuce is Growing!
Some Tips to Keep in
Mind:
If your system is outside, keep
it out of exposure to rain or other types of external water. That water
will fall into your hydroponic container and dilute the nutrient
solution, keeping your lettuce from receiving all the nutrients it
needs. The pH of the solution will also fluctuate if other water is
added. 
Check the water solution and pH daily! Stability and nutrients are important to your lettuce growth.
Like their counterparts grown in soil, insects also love to eat hydroponic plants. Monitor your plants to keep the bugs away!
Links:
http://www.k12.hi.us/~ckuroda/Start_hydroponic_garden.html
http://www.simplyhydro.com/whatis.htm
To contact the creator: Stephanie Olson