The Healing Beauty of Gardens

Written by Alan Walt

A garden represents both beauty and a deep passion. There's a sense of reverence in planting and nurturing the earth. Being in a garden provides respite from the daily grind, allowing us to naturally unwind in our private sanctuary. Whether it's a large or small garden, dedicated to vegetables or flowers, the effect is often the same – tranquility. Gardening reconnects us with our inner selves.

Indeed, it's true. However, questions can arise. Do we really need to exhaust ourselves in pursuit of this cosmic connection? Must we get dirty and sweaty, with backs aching and hands sore from the toil of weeding, digging, and planting, all in the quest to find our inner peace? Is this the only path to a fruitful harvest? While it's one approach, there are less labor-intensive and equally rewarding alternatives, such as hydroponics.

It's All About the Greek Language The Greeks had a word for everything, and if they didn't, they'd invent one. With the invention of the alphabet, they were free to create words like "hydroponics." This term originates from the Greek words "hydro," meaning water, and "ponos," meaning work. Together, they encapsulate the concept of water at work, which aptly describes the functioning of a hydroponic gardening system.

If you're unfamiliar with hydroponics, take a moment to look it up before continuing with this article.

Mainstream vs. Hydroponic Gardening If you find joy in digging, planting, and tending to your garden, you're not alone. According to the National Garden Association (NGA), approximately 35% of Americans, roughly 110 million people, have their own gardens. Most of these gardens are traditional, featuring a mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and they are typically located outdoors. However, a shift is occurring in the world of gardening as people are discovering the advantages of bringing their gardens indoors.

Let's explore some of the benefits of indoor gardening using hydroponics over traditional outdoor gardening on soil. This isn't to diminish conventional gardening but rather to shed light on an easier way to cultivate while still enjoying the personal rewards that gardening offers.

Adapting to Changing Circumstances Life can change unexpectedly. While the love for gardening may remain constant, circumstances such as limited space, physical constraints, or downsizing can make traditional gardening impractical. However, this doesn't mean you have to give up gardening altogether; there may be a wonderful alternative – hydroponic gardening.

Advantage #1: The Great Indoors Working in the garden, breaking a sweat, and soaking up vitamin D are undoubtedly enjoyable activities, but moderation is key. Excessive sun exposure can pose health risks. Additionally, as we age, the physical demands of gardening become more challenging. With a hydroponic setup, gardening enthusiasts can still plant, grow, and harvest, but with significantly less effort, all within the comfort of an indoor environment.

You can enjoy many emotional rewards similar to those of traditional gardening without many of the drawbacks. That's one significant advantage right there.

In that context, let's explore other advantages of hydroponic gardening. Don't be intimidated by the perception of complexity; there are straightforward systems that can be set up in a matter of hours or less. Some companies even offer installation services. After setup, operation is straightforward and doesn't require extensive expertise.

Additional Benefits of Hydroponic Gardening Hydroponics brings several advantages to the table, starting with the absence of soil. No soil means no need for tilling, planting, or weeding. Moreover, a soilless system eliminates common soil-dwelling pests and insects like grubs and gnats. It's also free from harmful bacteria and microorganisms, offering a cleaner, healthier environment. And being indoors means you have control over the weather – no harsh sun, rain, or early snow to contend with. Instead, you provide consistent light and warmth, creating ideal conditions for plant growth.

From an ecological standpoint, hydroponics is environmentally friendly. It consumes 90% less water than conventional gardening and recycles the water it does use. More importantly, without soil, there's no fertilizer or pesticide runoff to harm water bodies, preserving aquatic life and clean water for all. These are significant environmental benefits.

Protection from Pests Gardens are vulnerable to plant-eating insects that can wreak havoc in no time. From hornworms to aphids and unwelcome creatures like rabbits and squirrels, protecting your vegetation can be an ongoing battle in traditional gardens. Bringing the garden indoors significantly reduces the risk of insect infestations and virtually eliminates rodents. While you still need to check your plants for bugs, an indoor garden allows you to detect and address any pests promptly, often eliminating the need for pesticides.

Hydroponics may not be everyone's cup of tea, but let's recap why this gardening method is gaining popularity among gardeners worldwide:

1. No dirt means no digging, weeding, or bending.
2. No intense sun exposure (less sweating and sunburn).
3. Requires only a small operating area.
4. Produces healthy, organic food in less time.
5. Environmentally friendly with minimal water usage.
6. You control the indoor climate.
7. Chemical-free pest control.
8. 24-hour access to your garden.
9. Expandable – hydroponics is an integrated system that can be easily scaled.
10. You might even learn some Greek along the way.

That's a generous list of advantages to showcase why hydroponic gardening can be a compelling alternative to traditional soil-based gardening.