The plant roots are suspended within the water by various designs and the crop obtains the food nutrients directly from the water, or from an air mist sprayed directly unto the plant roots. Hydroponics also requires the use growing media. Hydroponic systems use various mediums that are composed from relatively inert materials that have the ability to retain the food rich moisture and have the ability to physically support the plant roots. The key is to monitor the nutrient solutions on a regular basis to make sure the pH is at the right level. Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants without soil as hydroponics cultivates plants in nutrient-rich water. This is an advantageous method of gardening for home and for commercial use. There are no weeds to deal with and hydroponic plants are typically healthier, mature earlier, and use less space. The word hydroponics comes from two Greek words, “hydro” meaning water and “ponics” meaning labor. This concept has been around for thousands of years and many countries, including China, Holland, Germany, and Australia have used hydroponics for crop production with results that are quite amazing. The Benefits of Gardening the Hydroponic Way Gardening has been considered to be one of the most therapeutic rewards for North Americans. Gardening stimulates all of the senses, giving great satisfaction and pleasure. Hydroponics is the growing of plants without the use of soil. There are a variety of benefits associated with hydroponic gardening. The more plants you have the hotter your greenhouse will usually be. A temperature control unit can be set to turn fans or blowers on and off at pre-determined intervals. They can also be set up to open and close air ducts in your greenhouse or grow room. As you progress in your hydroponic garden hobby you may also want to switch from an aquarium pump or bubbler system to a more advanced irrigation and drainage system for your garden. Commercial growers are changing to hydroponics like never before as the ideals surrounding the growing techniques touch on subjects that interest most people, including world hunger and making the world cleaner. Everyday people have begun to purchase their own hydroponic systems to grow great tasting and fresh food for their family and friends.