• Grow your own fresh vegetables, hydroponically.vegetables image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  The term hydroponics refers to the method of using a nutrient-rich solution, instead of soil, to grow plants. Hydroponic systems use various mediums, such as vermiculite, sand and gravel to provide mechanical support for the plants. Hydroponic technology conserves water and land and protects the environment. The system is highly productive, and there is no limit to the types of plants that can be grown hydroponically.
  
  

Vegetables

• A wide variety of vegetables can be grown successfully using hydroponics. Vegetables produced through hydroponics are vigorous and healthy, and the process of growing and harvesting them is not only easier than regular soil gardening, but more productive. Using hydroponics takes the worry out of under- or over-watering the plants and worrying about the amount of fertilizer that needs to be applied. There are no problems related to soil texture and consistency. According to the Hydroponic Vegetable Gardening website, vegetables grown in soil tend to develop larger root systems, to supplement their need for nutrition and water. However, since hydroponics supplies all the required nutrition directly to plant's roots, the plant has more energy to develop above the ground, hence growing more quickly and prolifically.
  
  

Fruits

• There are a lot of fruits that thrive in the hydroponics system. The only fruit which are not good candidates for hydroponics are the ones that have low water requirements. Melons, like cantaloupe and watermelons, are water-loving fruits and grow vigorously in hydroponics. A variety of berries, including strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, can be grown in hydroponics, as can many different grape varieties. When placed in the correct lighting and given the right nutrition, hydroponics has been used to successfully cultivate bananas and citrus from dwarf citrus trees.
  
  

Flowers

• Hydroponics is a popular method for growing a number of flowers. The hydroponic system produces some of the best quality, fragrant flowers. There are special aroma enhancers used in hydroponic flower gardening, which help to improve the fragrance of flowers. Hydroponic flower gardening is especially useful in the cultivation of cut flowers. According to the University of Florida Extension, zinnias and sunflowers work particularly well in a hydroponics garden.