Hydroponics Basics: The Basics of Soilless Gardening Indoors (George van Patten)

Hydroponics Basics: The Basics of Soilless Gardening Indoors (George van Patten):

• What Is Included in the Book?
• Hydroponics Basics Informative?
• Are Customers Happy with this Book?
• Is It Worth Buying

The world is a big place for anything and everything except for growing plants. Climate is one reason. For instance, no one can grow cannabis during the winter season. And on that subject, there is also the matter of legality. Hence, indoor growing has become a big thing.

As more and more people discover the joys of gardening indoor, a lot more have yet to get started. In reality, a lot more could be planting their own strains if only they knew how.

In the past, we depend on encyclopedias for general knowledge. We only buy reference books if we wanted more details. The Internet changed that. Today, almost all kinds of information are available online. But with so much junk, some people end up being more confused. The solution is to go back to what people used to do in the 70s and 80s – buy a book.

So that is what we are looking at on this post – a book called Hydroponics Basics: The Basics of Soilless Gardening Indoors, written by George van Patten

One big advantage of books is that it is a compilation of everything one needs to know. Unlike the articles on the web which often jump from one topic to another, books are more focused. Besides, one can carry it anywhere and read.

What Is Included in the Book?

As the name suggests – it is about hydroponics gardening. Since marijuana is mostly grown inside the house for personal consumption, this should appeal to those who are thinking of getting started. Unlike fruits and vegetables, it is not like most people have the luxury of growing it in the garden.

At the same time, as mentioned, there are seasons when the plants cannot grow. Cultivating indoor takes care of that problem. And if one were using hydroponics, it also leads to faster growth and better yields in the privacy of the house.

Chapter 1 – Why Hydroponics

Chapter 2 – Atmosphere

• Ventilation and Circulation
• Temperature and Humidity
• Atmospheric Controllers
• Lighting
• Electricity
• Pollen and Fragrance
• Carbon Dioxide
• What Will You Need?

Chapter 3 – Water and Nutrients

• pH
• EC
• Fertilizers
• Hydro-Organic Fertilizers
• Additives
• Nutrient Solution Composition
• Hydroponic System Maintenance
• Mixing Solutions
• Nutrients and Macronutrients
• Secondary Nutrients
• Micronutrients

Chapter 4 – Growing Mediums

• Rockwool
• Coconut Fiber
• Expanded Clay
• Soilless Mix

Chapter 5 – Different Systems

• Wick
• Air Table
• Water Culture
• Ebb-and-Flow Systems
• Top Feed Bucket Systems
• Top Feed Bat Systems
• NFT Systems
• Aeroponics
• Aquaponics
• Build Your Own System
• Reservoirs
• Pumps
• Which System Is Best for You?

Chapter 6 – Let’s Get Started

• Seeds to Flowers
• Starting Seedlings
• Starting Cuttings
• Rooting Hormones
• Taking Cuttings Step-by-Step
• Vegetative Growth
• Flowering and Fruit
• Garden Schedule and Checklist

Chapter 7 – Pests, Diseases, Problems

• Prevention
• Misdiagnosed Disorders
• Spider Mites and Insects
• Diseases
• Controls and Spraying
  

Is Hydroponics Basics Informative?

On the first chapter, they asked for people who are willing to submit photos because they are upgrading their book. It does leave a bad taste as they are supposed to have their own pictures. Even if they did not, they could buy licenses for photos. As such, what people are buying is an outdated book that has not been updated since 2011.

Having said that, let us now take a look at its value to the customers.

As one can see from the chapters and topics covered, it does offer comprehensive coverage. But that does not mean it comes with depth. In other words, the book serves as an excellent reference. And that is why it is called the Hydroponics Basics.

Much about planting crops has not changed. To that point, the book is beneficial to first-time growers. But for seasoned growers, this is not the right book as it does not contain new information since 2011, and there have been new advancements in technology. For instance, LED grow lighting is becoming very popular with cannabis growers.

For beginners, it is often confusing to learn how to plant by researching on the web. Topics jump from one to the other. This is where buying this book becomes an advantage. It has everything one needs to get started in growing. Keep in mind, the necessary information learned here serves as the foundation of knowledge where one can add on later.

A better way to understand this is that this book teaches the alphabets, a prerequisite for learning words, and then later, sentences.

Are Customers Happy with this Book?

Not everyone is happy. In particular, the size of the book is 6″ x 4″. It is small, and the text is tiny. So, that is the main complaint that we gathered. In some ways, it is not the fault of the publisher as it is clearly stated in its description.

Other than that, most agree that the information provided by the author are indeed, basic.

Is It Worth Buying Hydroponics Basics?

Is It WortFirst of all, this is a book that is not written for cultivating cannabis. Having said that, the concept of growing plants is the same. For instance, it is important to maintain the right level of acidity. It is true for vegetables as it is for marijuana.

As much as a book that comes with more depth is highly desirable, it may also not be in the best interest of beginners. Already, there is so much to learn that adding depth may cause one to turn away from gardening thinking it is too complicated.

One nice touch is that there is a section in Chapter 5 which discusses the different systems of hydroponics. It includes a part where readers can build a basic hydroponics setup.

At less than USD $6, the book is quite cheap. While it is small, there is also a Kindle edition available. It should be easier to read using the larger screen of the computer or tablets.

If the goal is to get started in cultivating plants using hydroponics, then this book can certainly help. Just keep in mind that it is ideal for beginners who barely know anything about this exciting method of cultivating plants. Buy Hydroponics Basics: The Basics of Soilless Gardening Indoors (George van Patten) Here!

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