Hydroponics Pest and Disease Control

Hydroponics need pest and disease control. Without good disease control, your plants might suffer. Even soil-based gardens need pest control to make sure they are okay. Hydroponic plants are trickier than soil-based plants since plants and diseases have it easier with the water setting. Plants are always constantly wet by either being immersed in water or sprayed or reside in a wet medium with either perlite or sand. You can find an array of techniques to maintain the problem of pests and diseases.

One great way to control unwanted pests is to include beneficial organisms like some types of fungi and bacteria. You can control spider mites and other types of bugs by crowding them or eating them away. You can find bugs and other pests that will get rid of the bad guys without damaging the plants themselves.

Pesticides are also available for your plants. You can find pesticidal soaps that are very effective and non-toxic, having been used since the 18th century. Botanicals are another choice, which are compounds released by the plants themselves. You can buy botanicals in easy packages that will help to control your pest problem. These botanicals are natural and will break down with exposure to air and water, leaving no poisonous chemicals behind to bother your plant.

There is one substance that can control over 400 different types of bugs that will commonly be annoying your garden – neem oil. A simple spray to the leaves with neem oil can help you get rid of a number of pests. The bugs will absorb the oil and they cannot then reproduce, which will eventually lead to a decrease in population. Of course, this is a long-term solution and not an immediate fix.

If you have a serious infestation of pests and disease, you will want to look into commercial pesticides. White flies, aphids, mites and other bugs can be a real problem with your hydroponic garden and your soil-based one. If you have powdery mildew, this can be a common problem. Since your hydroponic environment is continuously wet with moisture, powdery mildew loves to hang on to your plants. You can make the environment a little less conducive to mildew, however, by using fungicides and organicides. The sulfur-based compounds can help you keep away the white flies, thrips and mealy bugs.

There can be other safe and effective ways to control your pests. Look into pyrethrum, which sounds like a chemical, but actually derives from flowers. You can use this substance to use the natural compounds released by the plants that are extracted and used in a number of commercial insecticides. Since the dosage is so low, it’s safe to use it with your plants when used appropriately. Azatrol is another broad spectrum insecticide that is easy to control and handles many common pests.

If you have a hydroponic garden, you will have to be extra careful due to the heavy amount of moisture and water in your garden environment.

         

Hydroponics How to Tips and Guide