For those who enjoy gardening, hydroponics offers a way to grow plants and fresh produce any time of the year.

“The basic concept of hydroponics is growing plants without using soil,” said Dr. Melissa Remley, assistant professor of environmental plant science at Missouri State University. “Instead, plants are placed in a support container and the roots then can grow into a nutrient solution to get all the nutrients they need.”

Items needed

Some essential hydroponics supplies to get started are:

• Trays and containers
• Nutrient solution
• Air pump and stones
• Plastic tubes
• Lights

Why hydroponics?

“A main benefit of growing plants hydroponically is that you can grow them anywhere under any light source,” said Remley.

Other benefits include:

• Ability to grow all year
• Faster growth rate and greater yield
• Full control over nutrient balance
• More eco-friendly as it uses less water and pesticides
• No need for weeding

For more information, contact Remley at 417-836-5090.