The nutrient mixtures and growing mediums used can be very expensive. While research is happening to try and bring the costs down, and there are some promising leads, like the field of aquaponics, hydroponics is currently financially prohibitive for some. There is a common misconception that hydroponics produces organic food. Some of the more popular water culture systems include raft systems, nutrient film techniques, and aeroponics. Hydroponic gardening requires an energy source in order to grow. Usually, natural sunlight is used, but during the shorter and darker days of winter, many hydroponic gardeners use artificial lights to increase the intensity of light or to expand the daylight length. It’s a good idea to take time, and find out how many of your plants are affected. 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. The hydroponic systems also require less space, because the plant roots don’t have to spread and search for food and water. The small space requirement makes hydroponics perfect for limited space home gardeners. The greatest benefit to hydroponics is the ability to automate the hydroponics system with timers and remote monitoring equipment. Gardeners will be able to watch the spectacular improvements that growing hydroponically can bring to their garden. Hydroponics has always been an ecologically sound gardening choice. It uses much less water than conventional gardening and does not erode the soil or add toxins to the environment. Soluble nutrient formulas are re-circulated and used by the plants’ roots, which helps eliminate environmental waste. As both small and large hydroponic farms were established in the late 1970s, it was proven that hydroponic culture could produce premium produce and be a profitable venture. As hydroponics attracted more growers, complete plant nutrient formulas, and hydroponic greenhouse systems were being marketed.