Strategies for Warding Off Pests in Hydroponic Systems
In the realm of homemade hydroponics, maintaining a healthy garden is vital. Stella and Simon, a couple who have successfully embraced this innovative method, have chronicled their greenhouse creation in the book "Simon's Super Simple On-the-Grid, Off-the-Grid Hydroponic/Aquaponic Survival Greenhouse**.
Cleanliness is Key
Cleanliness is the simplest and most effective means of maintaining a healthy hydroponic garden. After cleaning, rinse and disinfect the grow room walls and floor, if appropriate. Washing hands before entering the garden and between crops, and removing dead leaves and plant debris, are crucial for cleanliness. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the entire hydroponic system after each growing season, using mild dish soap, rinsing well, and flushing with a 10% bleach solution.
Preventive Measures
Preventive pest control is easier in a hydroponic garden compared to dealing with pests and diseases later. Avoiding outdoor activities before entering the grow room, not visiting the hydroponic garden after a trip to a plant nursery, and not bringing houseplants or soil-planted specimens into the room can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Monitoring and Checks
Regularly inspect the hydroponic system for signs of pests or diseases, using a 10x magnifying glass. Check the reservoir for sufficient solution and the pH level. Maintaining proper growing conditions, such as low humidity (50-60%), cool temperatures (75°), proper ventilation, and avoiding over-watering, can help prevent mold, mildew, and fungus.
Prevention is Key
Experts advise maintaining strict hygiene by regularly cleaning and sterilizing all tools and surfaces, controlling humidity and temperature precisely, and using pasteurized or sterilized growth media to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens and pests in a hydroponic lab. Additionally, monitoring environmental conditions and isolating infected plants helps avoid contamination and promotes a healthy cultivation environment.
Other Considerations
Consider using disease-resistant strains of plants to help prevent pest and disease invasions. Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and that all plants are receiving their fair share of nutrients during flood or feed cycles. After harvesting crops, dispose of or compost them, and use any leftover nutrient solution on trees and shrubs. Smoking is not permitted in the grow room, and smokers must wash their hands thoroughly before touching hydroponic plants.
Checking the Health of Plants
Inspect the health of the plants, looking for new buds and fruit setting. Squish any visible bugs, except for caterpillars. After taking these precautions, you can enjoy a thriving hydroponic garden, free from pests and diseases. Remember, prevention is key to maintaining a healthy hydroponic garden.
