These beautiful lettuces were bought at a university in Caracas, Venezuela. Here it's a bit more expensive than in supermarkets or farmers markets, but totally worth it.
What Are Hydroponic Crops?
Hydroponic crops are also known as crops without soil, and are grown on a mineral solution that "feeds" the plants. Nonetheless, to be considered hydroponic, crops only have to be grown on soils without clay or silt. In this case, farmers also use mineral solutions.
Note that hydroponics are always a crop without agricultural soil, but not all crops without soil are hydroponic.
These types of produce also attract people who care about the environment, since they use less water and need less pesticides and fertilizers than with traditional farming techniques.
What's so Good About Hydroponic Crops?
Because the roots receive a nutritious and balanced solution dissolved in water, crops are very nutrient dense and they grow beautifully.
It's also a simple, clean and low cost way to produce fast growing vegetables. This technique of small-scale agriculture uses the resources that people have on hand, such as waste materials, unused spaces and free time.
