Course CodeAHT107Fee CodeS1Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Learn how to grow plants hydroponically at home! Hydroponics can be used by gardeners to produce vegetables and herbs in small spaces such as balconies and apartments as well as in greenhouses for out-of-season production of certain crops. This course is a good starting point for those who have little experience in horticulture or hydroponics and whose main interest is in growing AT HOME. Unlike our other courses, 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. A course for home gardeners with limited space or a passion for applying technology. Learn the theory behind this space efficient method of growing. Start any time, work at your own pace, grow anything from vegetables and berries, to cut flowers and herbs. Lesson Structure There are 10 lessons in this course: 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 the Water Requirements and Management Photosynthesis 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 More on Nutrient Solutions Understanding differences between Soil Culture and Soil less Culture The nitrogen Cycle Mycorrhizae Summary of fertilizers used in Hydroponic Nutrients Calculating Chemical Formulae Hydroponic Nutrition Media and Types of Systems Classification of Hydroponic Systems What Makes up a System; system variables; Solution Dispensation, Closed or open, Drip, slop, capillary feed, wicks, misting, dry fertilizing etc, Automatic or Manual Operation, Type of Medium, Construction Materials, Rate & Frequency of Irrigation & Feeding, Air Injection (In water culture), Plant Support, Environment controls. Choosing a System Types of Media Rockwool Vermiculite Sand Leca, (Expanded Clay) The Bentley System 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 Problems in Hydroponics Pest and Disease Nutrition Environmental Diagnosis of Nutritional Problems Controlling Acidity Plant Culture Flow Charting a Crop Greenhouse Management Controllers (Salinity, pH) Adjusting Solutions using an Electro Conductivity Meter Solid Media vs Water Culture Indoor Plants Berries Gravel Culture compared with NFT Growing Vegetables in Hydroponics Fresh Cut Herbs in Hydroponics Lettuce Tomatoes Cucumber Review of all other common vegetables that are suited to hydroponics Growing Cut Flowers in Hydroponics Overview Roses Chrysanthemums Carnations Review of many other common flowers that are suited to hydroponics What is Hydroponics? Hydroponics is the process used to grow plants without soil and literally means ‘working water’. The grower is taking ‘control’ of the plant's root environment, and losing the benefit of ‘mother nature's’ finely-tuned mechanisms which normally control that part of the plant's environment. So therefore when you remove the soil from a plant and take control of its roots, it is essential that you have a good understanding of how it grows. Hydroponics is not an easier way to grow plants! It is a more controlled way of growing plants! However it is not a magical way to grow plants either. Anybody can grow plants in soil with reasonable success, but to grow plants in hydroponics, you must understand how the plant grows, so that you can control the light and the temperature, water, oxygen and nutrients in the root zone. These elements are all vital elements in the health and growth of the plants growing in the system. How Can This Course Benefit You? This course aims to develop a solid grounding in the principles of soilless cultivation of plants in a HOME hydroponics situation. HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side -follow instructions. IF YOU NEED ADVICE - click here to use our FREE ADVISORY SERVICE