Learn Hydroponics and Grow at Home
Discover how hydroponics can help you grow vegetables, herbs, berries and flowers in a space efficient growing system. This course introduces the science behind hydroponic culture while giving you the opportunity to develop practical knowledge for setting up and managing a basic home hydroponic system.
This course the ideal starting point for those who have little experience in horticulture or hydroponics. This course is NOT intended for commercial growing in any way. You will learn the theory behind hydroponic culture, as well as receive first hand practical experience as you set up your own basic hydroponic system.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for anyone interested in growing plants using hydroponic systems at home and wanting to understand the principles behind successful hydroponic growing.
It is suitable for:
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Home gardeners wanting to grow vegetables, herbs, berries or flowers hydroponically
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Beginners looking to develop a solid foundation in hydroponic growing
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Hobby growers interested in experimenting with different hydroponic systems and growing media
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Urban and small-space gardeners looking for efficient ways to produce plants where garden space is limited
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Sustainable living enthusiasts interested in alternative methods of growing food
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Horticulture enthusiasts wanting to expand their plant-growing skills
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People interested in greenhouse growing and controlled growing environments
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Home food producers wanting to explore hydroponic production of fresh vegetables and herbs
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Students and career changers wanting an introduction to hydroponic principles before undertaking further study
COURSE CONTENT
There are 10 lessons in this course:
Lesson 1: Introduction to Hydroponics & Plant Growth
- Scope and Nature of Hydroponics and terminology (Water Culture, Sand and Gravel Culture, Rockwool, Vermiculaponics, Hydroculture, etc.)
- How it Works
- A Simple Manual System to Create
- History of Hydroponics
- Understanding How Plants Grow
- Understanding Water Requirements and Management
- Photosynthesis
Lesson 2: Basic Chemistry, Nutrition & Nutrient Solutions
- Significance of Understanding Chemistry for Hydroponics
- Understanding Basic Chemistry
- Atoms and Compounds
- The Important Plant Nutrients
- Writing Chemical Names
- What Concentrations of Different Nutrients Does a Plant Need?
- Nutrient Solutions
- Preparing Nutrient Solutions
- Mechanisms of Nutrient Uptake
Lesson 3: More on Nutrient Solutions
- Understanding Differences Between Soil Culture and Soilless Culture
- The Nitrogen Cycle
- Mycorrhizae
- Summary of Fertilizers Used in Hydroponic Nutrients
- Calculating Chemical Formulae
- Hydroponic Nutrition
Lesson 4: Media and Types of Systems
- Classification of Hydroponic Systems
- What Makes Up a System: System Variables, Solution Dispensation, Closed or Open Systems, Drip, Slop, Capillary Feed, Wicks, Misting, Dry Fertilizing, etc.
- Automatic or Manual Operation
- Type of Medium
- Construction Materials
- Rate and Frequency of Irrigation and Feeding
- Air Injection in Water Culture
- Plant Support
- Environmental Controls
- Choosing a System
- Types of Media
- Rockwool
- Vermiculite
- Sand
- LECA (Expanded Clay)
- The Bentley System
Lesson 5: Designing a System
- Nutrient Film Technique
- Alternative NFT Layouts
- Solution Dispensation Options: Closed or Open System, Drip, Slop, Flood, Capillary, Dry, Mist, etc.
- 16 Other System Options
Lesson 6: Problems in Hydroponics
- Pests and Diseases
- Nutrition
- Environmental Problems
- Diagnosis of Nutritional Problems
- Controlling Acidity
Lesson 7: Plant Culture
- Flow Charting a Crop
- Greenhouse Management
- Controllers: Salinity and pH
- Adjusting Solutions Using an Electrical Conductivity Meter
Lesson 8: Solid Media vs Water Culture
- Indoor Plants
- Berries
- Gravel Culture Compared with NFT
Lesson 9: Growing Vegetables in Hydroponics
- Fresh Cut Herbs in Hydroponics
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Review of Other Common Vegetables Suited to Hydroponics
Lesson 10: Growing Cut Flowers in Hydroponics
- Overview
- Roses
- Chrysanthemums
- Carnations
- Review of Other Common Flowers Suited to Hydroponics
Master Hydroponics From the Ground Up
Don’t just grow plants - understand exactly why they grow.
This comprehensive course takes you beyond basic hydroponic gardening to explore the science, systems and practical techniques behind successful hydroponic growing. From nutrient chemistry and plant nutrition to system design, growing media, troubleshooting, vegetables and flowers, you’ll build the knowledge to make informed decisions and grow with confidence.
Learn the principles. Understand the plants. Build the system. Grow better.
Start your hydroponic journey today and turn the way you grow into a skill you can keep for life.