Hydroponics is a technology whereby plants are grown without using soil. Nutrition of the roots occurs in an artificial environment. It can be both humid air, highly aerated water, and solid (porous, moisture and air consuming). With this method requires frequent or constant drip irrigation using a working solution of mineral salts, the composition of which depends on the needs of a particular plant. Today we will talk about how to grow tomatoes hydroponically.
Growing tomatoes hydroponically
Tomatoes are a relatively unpretentious crop that many people love and would love to see on their table all year round. Self-grown vegetables are known to be both tastier and healthier. But not everyone has a plot for such a thing, and even happy owners will not be able to harvest in any season. Thanks to hydroponics, this has become quite realistic for both the greenhouse and the house. Growing tomatoes on a hydroponic plant is a matter, though not simple, but rather interesting and even a novice hydroponist can. 
Did you know? The term “hydroponics” was coined by Dr. William F. Gerick. He is also considered the founder of modern hydroponics, who transferred this method of growing plants from a laboratory to industry.In tomatoes, the root system is superficial, which is a positive quality for this method of cultivation. Most often, when growing tomatoes in a hydroponic way in small volumes, at home, it is supposed to apply the method developed in the 60s of the last century. For it, the washed and disinfected substrate is used (crushed stone and gravel of a small fraction of 3-8 mm, slag, moss, coarse sand, expanded clay, mineral wool, coconut chips). They are filled with small pots (10-12 cm), which, in turn, are placed in larger containers filled with a special solution for hydroponics (which can be prepared either with your own hands or purchased as a finished product).
The temperature on sunny days should be maintained at + 22 ... + 24̊ С, on cloudy days - + 19 ... + 20̊ С, at night - not below + 16 ... + 17̊ С. For the fruiting period it is increased by 4 С, and the substrate temperature is maintained at range + 18 ... + 20̊ C.Important! When the temperature drops to + 15̊ С, the root system is preserved, which leads to a decrease in growth and a decrease in plant productivity. And if the air warms up above + 32̊ С, then the pollen will become sterile and the flowers will fall.The growth of the root system of tomatoes should be controlled. For this, smaller pots should be removed from time to time. When the roots of the plant penetrate through the hole in the bottom, reduce the amount of solution for the hydroponic system to such a level that an air gap of 4-8 cm is formed. This method favorably affects the growth of both the aerial part of the plant and its root system.
Nutrient solution is the main component for growing not only tomatoes, but also other crops, by the method of hydroponics. You can purchase it at a specialty store, or prepare it yourself, as it is easy to make a solution for hydroponics. You can use various complex fertilizers, adding them as needed. Acidity should be within the range of 6.0-6.3 pH.Did you know? Hydroponic systems can be divided into 2 main types: “Active” (need to be circulated by means of pumps) and “Passive” (or wick, without mechanical impact).
Selection of varieties for cultivation
First of all, it is necessary to determine what kind of tomatoes you want to grow. Although, theoretically, any varieties of tomatoes are suitable for hydroponic cultivation, but you will get higher yields by choosing special greenhouse varieties. It is also recommended to choose early ripe tomatoes.
- Gavrosh. Does not need a garter and pasynkovanii. The grade is resistant to a fitoftor. The mass of fruits, with a sweet taste, reaches 50 g. From germination to fruiting in hydroponics takes 45-60 days.
Friend F1. High-yielding variety (3.5-4 kg per plant). Rarely affected by viruses and diseases. From germination to fruiting takes 55-70 days.- Alaska. Has the same term of ripening as the previous variety. Grown without forming a bush. The yield is 3-3.5 kg per plant.
- Bon Apeti. Cluster variety of tomatoes. Needs a garter. Fruits are large - 80-100 grams. Productivity is high - 5 kg from a bush. Variety resistant to viruses and diseases.
Friend F1. High-yielding variety (3.5-4 kg per plant). Rarely affected by viruses and diseases. From germination to fruiting takes 55-70 days.What you need to grow tomatoes hydroponically
For hydroponics, it is necessary to acquire pots for plants, which were mentioned earlier (smaller internal and external large sizes). In internal tanks it is worth installing the index of level of liquid. Also need a substrate selected at your discretion. Since the nutrient concentration of a solution for a hydroponic tomato is measured by its ability to conduct electricity, you will need an electrical conductivity indicator.
Important! The nutrient solution should contain 1.5-3.0 mS (units of conductivity). This indicator should be monitored every day. After some time, the level of concentration will begin to fall, and when it goes beyond the permissible norms, the solution is replaced or all the necessary elements are added. The solution must be changed 1 time in 3-4 weeks.If you are interested in the question of how to prepare a solution for hydroponic installation, so that this method has an advantage in nutritional value relative to the soil, then we note the importance of accuracy in the preparation of such compositions. Every gram of all essential minerals should be used. Improperly prepared mixture can greatly harm and even destroy the plants. Also note that at different stages of tomato growth, the recipes for hydroponic solutions will differ slightly. As we see, it is necessary to buy either a ready-made solution, or all the components necessary for it.
A very important factor is the intensity of clarification. Tomatoes need a lot of light. At home, fluorescent or ultraviolet lamps are suitable. At the beginning of the growing season, plants require up to 20 hours of intense illumination, and during the fruiting period - up to 17 hours. The composition of the necessary items for hydroponics tomato also necessarily includes the system itself. It can be with the technique of the nutrient layer, drip irrigation or periodic flooding.
Did you know? Recently, a new and very interesting hydroponic industry has emerged that is rapidly gaining momentum. It is used in interior design, decoration of facades and roofs. So plants not only decorate, but also work as insulation, absorb carbon dioxide and purify the atmosphere.
Hydroponic tomato growing technology
To grow tomatoes hydroponically at home you need to adhere to some rules. And it is worth starting with sowing seeds for seedlings.
How to grow seedlings
Soak the seeds in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for 15–20 minutes just before sowing. Then rinse thoroughly. Many agronomists recommend the use of a special cork for planting seeds of the selected variety. After a week, corks are laid sideways to strengthen the stems and roots. After another 7 days, the tomatoes are transplanted into special cubes and so grow another 3 weeks. Then the cubes are well moistened and spread on the pan, pre-washed with bleach. Next, the seedlings are transplanted into a hydroponic system, adhering to the intervals (in the calculation of 0.9-1.2 m² for each seedling). 
Care seedlings, how to get a rich crop of tomatoes
As already mentioned, the solution is especially important when growing plants in a hydroponic way. Without it, they die. Too concentrated, it leads to burns of the roots, and weak - to a low yield. Therefore, carefully calculate the amount of mineral fertilizer for hydroponics of tomatoes.
When plants grow to 20 cm, they must be tied up. This applies even to stunted varieties, since without a soil the plants are deprived of support. For the formation and ripening of fruits, flowering tomatoes must be pollinated (you can use a brush). Observe the temperature and light conditions described above and a rich harvest is provided for you.
Advantages and disadvantages of the hydroponic method of growing tomatoes
Hydroponics technology for growing tomatoes has a number of advantages:
- Optimization of space, water and fertilizer consumption.
- Nutrients are digested completely, rather than dispersed in the soil.
- Plant growth is faster compared to those grown in the usual way.
- Improved growth control.
- Reduced labor costs (you do not irrigate, do not fight with weeds, do not feed).
- Improving the yield and quality of fruits.
We have presented you a basic information about tomato hydroponics, how to determine the variety, equipment, make a solution for tomato hydroponics, grow seedlings. They told about the pros and cons of this method, and whether it is worth the risk, to try something new in the cultivation of tomatoes - the decision is yours. We wish you only high yields.
