Hydroponics, combining two Greek words that mean "water working," is a system that allows gardeners to grow more plants in a given space and that produces larger plants in a shorter time. Some advocates say the method improves the taste of garden crops too. What’s more, the plants best suited to hydroponics - cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy plants such as lettuce and fresh herbs - are the very ones treasured by many city dwellers.
Most hydroponics systems are comprised of beds known as "grow modules" that are filled with an inert "substrate," or growing medium such as vermiculite or sawdust, which replaces soil to hold plant roots and moisture. A liquid nutrient solution runs through the beds to feed the roots. These roots are always kept moist, but are aired periodically so they don’t rot.
Commercial hydroponic systems can be intensive and expensive. In some cases, gangs of timers turn elaborate electric pumps and grow light systems on and off several times an hour. But hydroponic growing can also use simple technology. Yields from these "passive" systems are lower than from the intensive ones, but still better than a regular garden’s. Startup costs and maintenance are also lower. And unlike many larger, higher-tech hydroponic systems, the low-tech approach uses no electricity to water the garden.
Source:http://www.alternatives.ca/eng/our-organisation/national-program/the-rooftop-garden-project/article/urban-agriculture-reaches-new?lang=fr
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