Hydro vs. Organic

[SmokeyMacPot]

I have to respectfully disagree that hydroponics will yield higher than organics. There is a difference between growth rate and the yield. Because something grows faster does not mean it yields more in the same space. If you factor in time for veg growth, hydroponics will have the edge in yield. If you have a separate veg area, that timing issue is irrelevant.

Having greater aromatics is a matter of opinion and relative to growing skill and methods. When done correctly, organics (organic nutrients, soilless mixes) produce buds that smell just as strong as those grown hydroponically. I will concede that hydro-grown plants do have a slightly faster growth rate, but to solidly state that they yield more overall, I believe is misleading.

The reason that I switched to organics was because I didn't see enough difference in either growth or anything else to warrant the need for so much monitoring and expensive meters and nutrients. I think that the only provable plus to hydroponics is growth rate.Whereas the cons are chemical aftertaste in the flavour of buds, extreme susceptibility to over/under fertilization, very high initial investment, many things to break and clog, etc.

If grown in a nice airy organic soil mix and watered with good organic amendments, growth enhancers and beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae), you will easily compete with that of a hydroponic system. Your end result will be full flavored, non-chemical tasting buds. They can be arguably, slightly more potent due to the fact that, as of now, science cannot compete with Mother Nature and naturally occurring elements.

Bottom line - unless you are obsessed with fittings, toys and technology (and many are) organics can grow nearly as fast, just as big (if not bigger), better tasting and IMHO more potent buds. And they do this with very little initial investment, and are very forgiving of newbie mistakes.

Author: glass joe

[Jessdroeblunt]

foshowly, very much helpfull sir.

[grandpastoner]

I too have learned something tonight. Many thanxxx bud.

[grandpastoner]

The beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae) you mentioned...where might I come accross that ? And is MiricleGro potting soil a good base for White Widow ?

[tintala]

One CAN grow organic hydro though, which will produce the taste , aroma, and burn factor us med patients are looking for.

[Labtech]

i only go natural but has anyone ever tried a flood table outdoors ?

[Got Humboldt?]

I'd like to add that hydro has a way faster turn around time. And also requires a quite a bit less work with gardens that house anything over 15 plants.
a 99 plant grow takes a tremendous amount of soil preparation, potting, and disposal.
None of which are required with hydro. I've seen Hydro gardens get clipped and put back in motion within 12 hours. Time is money.

[tintala]

Originally Posted by Got Humboldt?

I'd like to add that hydro has a way faster turn around time. And also requires a quite a bit less work with gardens that house anything over 15 plants.
a 99 plant grow takes a tremendous amount of soil preparation, potting, and disposal.
None of which are required with hydro. I've seen Hydro gardens get clipped and put back in motion within 12 hours. Time is money.

agreed. soil seems way labor intensive. I like my hydro and don't think i would ever go to soil . just put everthing on a timer, flush every now and then and your set. AT least in hydro when you have a problem you can flush instantly, and isololate any problems.

[Daragon21]

very interesting guys. This guide is full of cool things to learn. kudos to this one especially on a very informed article!

[MJ-SwEeTbUdZ]

O no im in limbo again... but good advice thanxs.

[tintala]

according to ADVANCE NUTRIENTS, one can now get the yield and organic potentcy of organic soil by using : ORGANIC ADVANCE NUTRIENTS IGUANA LINE UP. THey also have a calculator to personalize for your very own "ORGANIC HYDRO GROW".. they swear that you'll get "SOIL" derivatives from this organic lineup.. just throwing that in the fire.

[Frog]

and they are ...(checking sponsor page)
'er were a sponsor,
I thought?

[hd07]

i think you made my mind up for me,hydro. looks like way too much going on,too many bells and whistles not to mention the price,also i like the more natural approach.plus i always wondered what happens if you have to shut down your op.really quick. thanks

[wdmickjr]

if you are going soil less (compost) please remember that it may not have any nutes at all to speak of. after germination and before seedling you may want to consider a nute recipe of 20% of the specified recipe and then move up to 50% next week or so...then 100% of the manufacturer's recipe.
i did not realize that in my first soil less grow and my plants begged for nitrogen

[PitViper]

hydro is my thing, I have grown in both,but that is where my comfort level is, I think its a preference on what you like.also how much money you would like to spend.But i am sure of this i will just about double a plant the same age in hydro then soil in veg.I grow big plants so hydro is my choice i can also ajust my nutes instantly to fix any problems.keep all my levels a constant.