The sterile medium used in hydroponic systems give home gardeners the benefit of not having to remove weeds, and minimizes soil-borne pests and diseases. If your plants are grown hydroponically, they will be healthier than plants grown in soil, because all of the growth elements and nutrients are made readily available during growth. The nutrient mixture is the right one for the plant, in the right ratios, every time. The fear of soil-based diseases is eliminated, because, of course, there is no soil. These two factors come together to make hydroponics an extremely efficient method of food production. Hydroponics is also environmentally sound. Determining the number of spider mites in your garden, the size of the area they cover, and the size of the infestation will give you an idea of how to eliminate them. Identifying the spider mites will be easier if you use a garden microscope, which will give you a better view of the tiny bugs. Many think using pesticides to eliminate spider mites in their hydroponic gardens is a good idea, but the use of pesticides in hydroponic gardening is discouraged and usually not necessary. Important “Must-Haves” When Buying your Hydroponic Supplies Gardeners that are new to hydroponics often go overboard buying items that they may need in the future but will not need in the beginning stages of hydroponic gardening. To begin your hydroponic gardening project you will only need a few things to get you off to a great start. Many different civilizations have utilized hydroponic growing techniques throughout history so they are not a new method of growing plants. Giant strides have been made over the years in this innovative area of agriculture. Throughout the last century, scientists and horticulturists have experimented with different methods of hydroponics. Many formulas also contain buffers to help prevent extreme swings in the pH level. PH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the nutrient solution or water is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, 7.0 neutral, and 7 to 14 alkaline. General plants prefer the pH to stay in the 5.5 to 7.5 ranges as going beyond this range inhibits certain nutrients to become less available for the plant to absorb.