kiksroks said:
Why?
I've been thinking of doing a few DWC buckets with my next soil grow to "get my feet wet" in Hydro. If I find it beneficial I will likely change over to an ebb and flow system at some point. I have most of the setup for both and a general understanding of the operating principles. My question is why? What are the benefits of hydro over soil?
Thanks in advance
The following is just my opinion after reading a lot about hydro and organic. Other people may report different experiences.
If you're growing to sell, or to supply your entire extended family, or just love to tinker, then hydro is for you.
Pros:
1. Faster growth.
2. Bigger yields.
3. Less risk of bugs (from organic mixes).
Cons:
1. Higher startup costs.
2. More daily/weekly maintenance.
3. More risk of losing your entire crop due to human error or power outage.
4. Less taste (think of those hydroponic tomatoes you eat in the winter vs. summertime soil-grown tomatoes).
If you grow for yourself and maybe one other person, or want a good earthy taste, then organic is for you.
Pros:
1. Lower startup costs.
2. Lower daily/weekly maintenance.
3. More forgiving of human error.
4. Better earthy taste.
Cons:
1. Slower growth.
2. Smaller yields.
3. More risk of bugs (from organic mixes).
The potency is the same for both hydro and organic, if both are done properly.
My next grow will be done in Subcool's Super Soil. The claim is that if done properly, the entire grow can be accomplished in great fashion using just tap water - no nutrients, and no PH or TDS monitoring. Just plain tap water 2-3 times per week. Although some people report that some nutrient supplements and/or teas are beneficial toward the end of flowering. And it's best if you let your water sit out overnight so that chlorine can evaporate.
My next grow after that will be a DWC, because I love to tinker and try new things.