Hydroponics: An Introduction To Soilless Agriculture; Hydroponics: Set Up, Care And Maintenance

Both of these productions serve as good introductions to the subject of hydroponics, yet the focus in each one is distinctly different. Hydroponics: An Introduction to Soilless Agriculture begins with an historical overview and definition of terms relating to hydroponics, followed by an examination of the pros and cons of three hydroponics growing techniques (tube culture, bag culture, and nutrient filter technique). Interviews with professional growers cover start-up costs, crop choice, light and heating systems, harvesting, packing, storage, and shipping, and the importance of a marketing plan. Hydro--ponics: Set Up, Care and Maintenance, on the other hand, is geared more toward the home hobbyist rather than the professional grower. Opening with an overview of the history and the advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics, the program next offers demonstrations of how to set up a basic system and an automated system from scratch, before exploring various starter kits on the market, and offering suggestions for successful growing techniques. Our only quibble with the program was that just two supply sources are listed for hydroponics-related products. Those same two sources also happen to be listed in the credits as the "technical consultants" for the video. Still, no one system is being pushed, and viewers are shown how to set up their hydroponics systems using household items in addition to using the starter kits. Both titles are recommended. (For availability of Hydroponics: An Introduction to Soilless Culture see AGRICULTURAL FIELD EQUIPMENT.) (Hydroponics: Set Up, Care and Maintenance is available from: Innerspace Adventures, 6074 Hwy 140, Mariposa, CA 95338.)