Getting started with Hydroponic Basil
The journey towards mastering the art of hydroponic basil starts with understanding what hydroponic cultivation entails. Commonly known as water culture, hydroponics involves cultivating plants in nutrient-enriched water instead of conventional soil.
Basil thrives in a hydroponic system. Hydroponics, being a soilless farming technique, hastens the basil growth rate, reduces disease episodes, and results in high-yield, high-quality basil.
Choosing the Type of Hydroponic Farming System
There are multiple hydroponic systems suitable for growing hydroponic basil, and choosing the perfect one lies in navigating environmental variables and the grower’s resources.
1. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): NFT supports fast-growing, small plants like basil. It supplies nutrient-rich water directly to the plant roots through a downhill slope, ensuring minimal water and nutrient waste.
2. Deep Water Culture (DWC): The deep water culture system suspends the basil plants in nutrient-enriched water, facilitating a continuous supply of oxygen, water, and nutrients.
3. Wick System: This system involves the use of a material like cotton to wick nutrient-rich water from a reservoir to the plant roots.
4. Ebb & Flow (Flood and Drain): This system intermittently floods the roots with nutrient solution and then drains it back.
5. Aeroponics: This system regularly mists the nutrient solution on the plant roots.
6. Drip System: A time-controlled system that performs a slow feed of nutrient solution on the roots.
For basil, NFT and DWC are the most recommended for accelerated growth and maximal yield.
Choosing the Hydroponic Basil Seeds
Basil doesn’t transplant well into hydroponic systems; it’s advisable to start with seeds. Notably, the type of basil seeds chose can significantly affect the hydroponic basil’s quality. The Genovese variety is highly favored for its abundant large leaves, pleasant aroma, and robust post-harvest longevity.
Prepare the Hydroponic Basil Seedlings
Begin by soaking the basil seeds in warm water for 24 hours to boost germination. Place the soaked seeds on a rockwool starter plug or a suitable seedling starter medium. Moisten the medium and maintain a temperature of approx 70°F for optimal germination.
Nutrient Requirements
The perfect nutrient solution for hydroponic basil must accommodate its high nutrient demand. Many nutrient solutions are suited for hydroponics, but a solution tailored for leafy green plants will yield the best result for basil.
Lighting Requirements
Basil under hydroponic systems requires a 10-12 hours of light exposure daily. Natural light is ideal for those growing their hydroponic basil outdoors or in a greenhouse. However, for indoor growers, an LED grow light with a full spectrum is recommended.
Temperature and Humidity
Basil thrives under warm temperatures. A temperature range of 70 – 80°F with a relative humidity of 40% – 60% is ideal for optimum growth.
pH and EC Values
The optimal pH range for the basil in hydroponic systems is between 5.5 – 6.5. To maintain the Electrical Conductivity (EC) level, a safe range is between 1.5 – 2.5 mS/cm.
Pest and Disease Management
Common pests such as aphids, whiteflies and Fusarium wilt can pose a serious threat to hydroponic basil. Introducing natural predators to these pests can help manage them. Regularly observing your crops for symptoms of diseases will help you take actions needed for their control.
Harvesting Your Hydroponic Basil
Basil is a continual harvest crop. Start your first harvest when the plants are about six inches tall and have at least three nodes. Always cut right above a node; this will encourage branching and subsequent growth.
In conclusion, growing basil in a hydroponic system requires careful planning and meticulous attention to details like lighting, temperature, and nutrients. However, mastering this craft will result in healthier, faster-growing, and tastier basil.
