Plants need nutrients, air, water and light with a little warmth to survive. Traditionally these have been provided by soil, but hydroponic techniques allow plants not only to survive but also to thrive by gaining the perfect balance of nutrients from a regulated solution. Offering step-by-step instruction on how to build you own hydroponic systems, this straightforward guide demonstrates how to arrange and automate a greenhouse and advice on how to grow a variety of plants and control pests. It covers the flood and drain method, drip feed, nutrient film technique, aeroponics and aquaponics. It also contains a detailed examination of nutrient content and the strength of solutions. Without the need for stooping or weeding, hydroponics is ideal for anyone with back problems or mobility impairment, and superb for children who can follow and monitor the plants' growth.