Established in the 1970s by a group of forward-thinking scientists and engineers, General Hydroponics has become a leading force in the hydroponics industry. With facilities spanning North America and Europe, they are at the forefront of hydroponic innovation. Notably, General Hydroponics assists NASA with hydroponic cultivation experiments aboard the International Space Station.
Hydroponics offers a revolutionary approach to soilless cultivation, nourishing plants with nutrient-rich solutions. This method boasts several advantages over traditional soil-based gardening, including healthier, faster-maturing plants, reduced space requirements, and greater resilience during periods of gardener absence. Furthermore, hydroponics minimizes water consumption.
General Hydroponics’ products cater to a diverse range of applications, from high-tech gardening and commercial crop production to agricultural research in universities worldwide. Their team of scientists and nutritionists continuously develops cutting-edge hydroponic systems and refines nutrient formulas to maximize yield, enhance flavor, and improve the nutritional content of crops. The Farm Division at General Hydroponics meticulously evaluates various plant varieties, assessing their growth rate, yield, flavor, nutritional value, appearance, shelf life, and overall suitability for hydroponic cultivation. They are actively experimenting with techniques to cultivate superior crops with enhanced nutritional profiles.
General Hydroponics employs three primary hydroponic techniques. The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) involves suspending plant roots in a shallow trough containing a circulating nutrient solution. Aeroponics, another method, suspends plants in air, delivering nutrients via a fine mist generated by an air pump. The third technique, aggregate systems, supports plant roots within inert materials such as clay pebbles or foam chips, which are saturated with nutrient solution.
Since hydroponically grown plants are not rooted in soil, they depend entirely on nutrient solutions dissolved in water. Standard fertilizers are inadequate for this purpose, necessitating the use of specially formulated hydroponic nutrients like General Hydroponics Nutrients. These mixtures are pH-buffered to maintain a pH range of 5 to 6. The nutrient solution is typically replaced every two weeks, with water added as needed to maintain the appropriate concentration. Maintaining the correct nutrient balance is crucial to prevent root burn. General Hydroponics Nutrients are known for their reliability, adaptability, and pH buffering capabilities. NASA utilizes their Flora-Series for critical space flight experiments.