Mike Straumietis discourages growers accustomed to traditional farming from blindly jumping into hydroponics. Otherwise, your crops won’t grow. Plants absorb minerals from the soil, so hydroponics requires a more nutrient-dense feeding system.
Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with plant feeding. Mike Straumietis has worked with growers from 110+ countries, and in most cases, most beginners have no clue where to start. He also helped them jumpstart their crop growth systems.
A good starting point for aspiring growers is to understand the difference between hydroponics and soil growing methods, which include:
SpaceHydroponics requires much less space. A one-acre greenhouse with vertical hydroponic growing systems can produce as many crops as a farm spanning two to three acres. Also, hydroponic beds don’t need soil. You can build them in almost any environment as long as you have the necessary tools for a greenhouse.
Outdoor Contamination
Hydroponic systems in regulated greenhouses are less susceptible to outdoor contamination. Meanwhile, soil-growing farms have to combat various foreign elements, like pests, wild animals, and harsh weather conditions.
Nutrient Needs
Hydroponic systems require more complex feeding systems. You’ll have to compensate for the lack of minerals with nutrient-dense fertilizers and supplements; otherwise, your crops will wilt.
Cost and Maintenance
In theory, hydroponics seems like a more efficient system than soil growing. However, it also costs more. Between the extra supplements and greenhouse construction, you’ll easily spend thousands of dollars on a few hydroponic growing systems.
Hydroponics vs. Soil Growth: Which Option Suits You?
Hydroponics and soil growing methods have their respective pros and cons; there’s no one-size-fits-all horticultural system. Choose one that best suits your lifestyle. For instance, Mike Straumietis advises that urban dwellers can utilize hydroponics since it requires much less space. Meanwhile, soil growing methods suit farmers who need cost-efficient farming.
Of course, note that horticulture is relatively flexible. Feel free to explore any hydroponics or soil growing method you want, regardless of your current environment. As long as you create an efficient feeding system, you’ll see results.