Hydroponics or Water Gardening

Water gardening has different needs than regular soil gardening, and as long as those needs are maintained, water gardening can be successful in some surprising places. A container that will hold at least 15 - 20 gallons of water can be used for a small garden.

Contrary to some expectations, small plants need to be planted in containers. The nature of the soil will vary depending on the plant that will be in the garden. The plant may also have specific requirements as to how deep it needs to sit in the water.

One can't always fill a gardening container with water directly from the tap. Many communities use chemicals in the water to help keep the water drinkable. Chlorine is one of these chemicals and can kill a plant if it is placed in water with a high chlorine content. Generally, the chlorine will burn off in about 24 - 48 hours, so it is advisable to let the water sit in the container before anything is placed in it.

Water gardening containers may have one, two or three basic kinds of plants. Some plants are placed in the water, but grow above the water line. Some plants grow below the surface of the water. Some plants, called "floaters" for obvious reasons, seem to "float" on the water. How many and which variety of plant will depend on the care the plant needs and the size of the container.