Best Tips For Growing Tomatoes Using Hydroponics

Hydroponics is an advanced and popular way of growing plants. In this technique, plants are grown in a nutrient solution rather than soil. Growing tomatoes hydroponically allows the grower to raise them in a controlled environment without weeds, insects or soil-borne diseases. Hydroponic systems recycle water and nutrients, and optimize space. In this way tomatoes grow faster than soil-grown plants, and their yield is greater.

Seeds

Several tomato varieties have been specifically developed for hydroponic production in controlled environments. Some of the more popular varities are Apollo, Belmondo, Caruso, Dombito, Larma, Perfecto, Trend and Trust.

Starting Media and Nutrients

There are many different propagation media available. Any propagation medium must be thoroughly soaked before seeds are sown for uniform distribution of moisture.

A soil less mixture mainly peat and perlite can be filled in seedling trays. This mixture contains enough nutrients for first few weeks of growth. So it can be watered with fresh water initially. In contrast, inert medium like rock wool or oasis will require nutrient solution from starting.

Rockwool blocks comes in several sizes. Seeds can be placed directly into the cubes and later on as plant grows, these cubes can be inserted in to larger blocks making "pot in a pot" system. This also reduces chances of transplant shock, as both blocks are made up of same material.

Oasis horticubes are similar to rockwool cubes. They are also inert and sterile blocks having excellent drainage. Cubes made up of urethane and paper fiber can also be used. 

Tomato seeds should be sown ¼ to 3/8 inch deep. Cover the germination cubes or pots with a large piece of clear plastic to conserve moisture at the surface. Avoid the use of plastic if the cubes receive direct sunlight, as high temperature formed due to plastic can hamper germination. The plastic must be removed as soon as sprouting begins.

Seedling system design

One popular system is Overhead watering. The water is sprinkled uniformly over all seedlings to avoid uneven growth. It is important that seedlings are at proper temperature and in full sun. Plants should be checked often to assure that they are not water stressed.

Another system is - Flood and Drain (ebb and flow). Tray containing the sown cubes or pots is flooded with nutrient solution or water. It provides moisture from bottom which diffuse throughout the propagation block by capillary action. Once the blocks are evenly moist, the tray is drained allowing cubes to drain. The process is needed to repeat throughout the day. No need of doing it in night. Evenly moisturized seedlings, low labor cost and no physical beating of leaves and young plants are some of its advantages.

During the process, maintain the temperature of irrigation solution at minimum 18° C (64° F). Temperature lower than this will slow down the growth. In winter, in Northern latitudes, a continuous supplemental light for 14-18 hours per day may be required for proper growth.

Transplanting

Transplanting should be done within 2 weeks. Once true leaves appear, seedlings should be transferred into larger growing blocks (pots) from the original seedling cubes. Evenly space them to maximize light to each plant, without any crowding or shading. The transplants must be spaced so as not to touch one another, and may need to be spread several times during their growth.