Hydroponics — growing plants in nutrient-rich water rather than soil — might seem like a fairly modern idea, but people in China have used the technique to grow rice since at least the 13th century.

As land for growing crops becomes more scarce, people are looking for smarter, more efficient ways to grow foods. One such method is growing crops without the use soil, otherwise known as hydroponics.

A frequent question in hydroponic groups is whether organic nutrients can be used in hydroponic systems. Some people assume that if a nutrient bottle does not have an “organic” label, it is not safe.

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Imagine a world where fresh vegetables and herbs sprout in the heart of our cities without the need for sprawling farms. Hydroponics – a method of growing plants without soil – uses a nutrient-rich ...

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