After the first successful application of hydroponics techniques in the 1930s, the stage was set for a shift in crop production from conventional cultivation in soil to hydroponics or soil less cultivation. Among the first crops to be commercially harvested included tomatoes and peppers, but the techniques were soon successfully extended to other crops such as lettuce, cucumbers and more. It was not long before successfull hydroponics techniques were adapted to cut flowers production. In fact, any plant can be grown hyrdroponically.

The extended growing season is not the only advantage to the soaring popularity of hydroponics production with both growers and consumers. Other advantages include the consistent vegetable quality and superior taste, plus the elimination of the use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and other chemicals used in conventional agriculture have an adverse environmental impact; the run off from these chemicals contaminate groundwater supplies. Commercial hydroponics systems eliminate these toxic chemicals and contribute substantially to keeping the groundwater free from contamination.

Often, home hydroponics gardeners miscalculate how much space is needed to produce the quantity of plant material they hope for. It will depend on which crops you intend to grow but the space must be large enough for the plants, reservoir, high intensity lights, ventilation fans, exhaust fans, electrical wiring and more. Certainly,there are very efficient hydroponics systems that fit on a counter-top but realistically, the smallest practical hydroponics garden will be the size of a clothes closet.

Hudro Huts, or grow tents, are about the size of a clothes closet. They are lightproof enclosures designed specifically for an indoor hydroponics garden. A Hydro Hut grow tentg can be erected anywhere there is sufficient space.   Made from 100% lightproof material, it will normally have a highly reflective lining with access holes for intake, exhaust fans and lightproof vents for good air circulation.

Wouldn’t it be lovely if you could harvest your favourite crop of fruit or vegetables all year round? If you are a western hemisphere gardener, imagine having freshly grown and hand picked lettuce, tomato or strawberries on Christmas Day or in mid-January.  Imagine no more – get a hydroponic grow closet.

You can grow your hydroponic fruit and vegetables in small indoor, controlled environments using hydroponic gardening methods. This is of course great news for novices and keen traditional gardeners alike. No matter how bad the weather , no matter how challenging outside conditions are, growing plants the hydroponic way is easy, cheap and hassle free. All you need is water, nutrients and your favourite seeds.  There are plenty of good hydroponic guides to help you.