Who Needs Soil?

It is very possible and relatively easy to grow your favourite herbs, some ornamentals and vegetables for your use and enjoyment in water. This is known as hydroponic gardening.

Growing herbs in water does not in any way reduce the flavour.

These can be grown on the kitchen counter or window sill, for example, using glass or even plastic bottles.

Coloured bottles such as amber or green coloured ones are best suited as roots like to grow away from light and the plants will therefore grow better if the roots are kept in the dark.

Reduced light also repels the growth of algae on the root surface and also on the walls of the containers.

Clear bottles can be used but with paper wrapped around them to reduce the light and encourage greater root growth.

Narrow mouthed containers are better than those with wide mouths because they offer some support for the cuttings.

However, the mouths should not be too tight fitting around the cuttings as the roots need to breathe and there should be free movement of air into the bottles.

What type of water should be used? Tap water may be used. However, it must be left to “air” overnight in a wide mouthed container. Of course, rain water and spring water are very suitable. To this water add a water soluble fertiliser in the amount of one quarter the manufacturer’s recommendation and fill your bottles.

Planting from cuttings is easier to get started. Cut the stem about six inches from the growing tips of your favourite herb or ornamental and place these cuttings in the bottles you have prepared.

The roots should be kept away from light, but the plants need light to grow, so choose where you place your plant with this in mind. Cuttings may also be obtained from herbs bought in the market or supermarket. To do this, wash the plant, cut off the roots and trim any lower leaves.

No leaves must touch the water as they will rot and reduce the amount of oxygen in the water.

Change the water/fertiliser solution about once a week to once a month and add an appropriate household insecticide to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching.

Herbs which can be grown effectively in water are Spanish thyme, peppermint, spearmint, basil, tarragon and rosemary. Chive may also be grown in water; clean the roots of cuttings of all soil and place in water. Of these, rosemary will take longer to take root as the stems are woodier so be patient.

Growing herbs in this way is very convenient as they are within easy reach when cooking.

Some ornamentals which can be grown in water are ivy, philodendron, dracaena, spider plant, peace lily, dieffenbachia, among others.

Care must be taken when handling dieffenbachia as its sap is caustic and can burn or irritate the skin.

Happy Gardening! For further information contact the Eastern Horticultural Club at 357-5033, 764-9125 or 720-2698 or easternhorticultural@hotmail.

com The club meets on the first Saturday of every month (except public holidays) at 3 pm at the Moreton Hall, Aramalaya Presbyterian Church, Cochrane St, Tunapuna.