Aeroponics is considered as superior methods of cultivation when compared with the traditional soil-based cultivation methods. This technique enables rapid growth of plants, in addition to contributing for higher yields and minimizes or eliminates the need for herbicides and pesticides.
Aeroponics is an advanced form of hydroponics, and in this process the plants are grown only with water and nutrients. This innovative method results in faster growth, healthier plants, and larger yields, and at the same using less number of resources. In all, an Aeroponics garden or Farm provides an innovative method for growing vegetables/crops or flowers by using an air mist environment without soil.
According to the NASA, water usage is reduced by 98 percent, while fertilizer usage falls by 60 percent and pesticides by 100 percent, using this technique. Because of the Soil-less medium, root aeration is maximum while roots are dry, thus lowering the chances of getting infected from diseases. Seedlings produce are most likely to be healthier as they don't stretch or wilt while roots are forming. Harvesting is also easier, especially for root crops. The plants grow faster in this system therefore the crops can be planted and harvested in Aeroponics garden/farm throughout the year. If you believe in experimenting with farming, then growing plants with Aeroponics method is most likely to attract you, although it becomes difficult to decide what to first grow in one’s Aeroponics garden/farm. Here are the most preferred plants or vegetables that can be grown successfully under Aeroponics.
TOMATOES OR OTHER VINE PLANTS: This method supports the cultivation of tomatoes since it eliminates the problems and difficulties associated with the traditional growing methods. Aeroponics eliminates additional step applied in the usual method of cultivation therefore under this system tomatoes can be harvested at least 5-6 times annually, rather than the 1–2 harvests using the traditional cultivation method.
HERBS: Traditional herb growing is much more labor intensive, and variable in results therefore growing plants under Aeroponics system scores better in terms of generating higher yields and shortening the growth cycle, on a variety of different herbs, in addition to multiple harvests. Herbs which can be grown under this system are chives, oregano, basil, sage, rosemary. Herbs produced under Aeroponics is far less labor intensive than traditional methods, and results in a higher density per square foot of greenhouse space than conventional greenhouse growing. Experts suggest growing chives and mint for the beginners. Mints, skullcap, stinging nettles, ginger and yerba mansa can also be grown successfully in Aeroponics gardens or farm lands.
LEAFY GREENS: Leaf vegetables are also called leafy greens – they may be salad greens, pot herbs, etc. Other examples are Romaine Lettuce, Butterhead Lettuce, Red Leaf Lettuce, Tuscan Kale etc. These are generally the plant leaves eaten as vegetables. Experiments at the Cornell University Cooperative Extension have proved that Aeroponics is the most efficient means of growing leafy greens. Greens can become contaminated with soil pathogens and bacteria like E.coli, but Aeroponics are known to reduce risk for root diseases, which is especially beneficial for those crops that are prone to soil pathogens and bacteria.
Fruits and Vegetables can also be grown comfortably in Aeroponics systems. Lot of vegetables and fruits can be grown like Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Melons, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radish, Raspberry, Strawberry, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes, and Watermelon.
