Customer Reviews

Hydroponics for Home Gardener: Completely Revised and Updated (Gardening S.)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I borrowed this book from the library, learned many useful things from it, but also found it maddeningly sketchy and incomplete. Thinking that a new edition would improve things, I ordered this one, but there is very little difference between versions.

A short, introductory text for beginners can get away with describing "how-to" while going light on "why-to," but only if the instructions are error-free and complete. The authors would have been better to leave out the extensive sections on history and commercial methods and concentrate purely on simple systems suitable for the home. They could also have explained a little more why things are done the way they are.

For example: many pages are devoted to the description of methods for circulating nutrient solution, either by hand or automatically. Why nutrients are circulated is barely mentioned. The reader is left wondering why a constant flow of the same nutrient solution is better than just leaving the solution where it is. (Answer: for the same reason that blood circulates.)

So, a maddening book, but still a useful one. I used it to design some cedar window-boxes, fed by inverted 2-litre soda bottles that look like enormous IVs.

After modifying my design to account for the authors' nearly-fatal omission that their choice of growing medium, perlite, is actually lighter than water (!), the tomatoes and herbs exploding out of my boxes now block the sun, and the neighbours are jealous of my IV-covered walls.

I purchased this book because it had supposedly been "Completely Revised and Updated" in 2005. That is rather hard to believe as most of the methods discussed are no longer appropriate. Also the copyright says 1992. However the book does have its high points. The section on selecting and growing herbs is outstanding. Also included is very good info on which herbs to use with certain foods along with recipes from professional chefs. Using hydroponic systems outdoors is also covered. I would recommend this book as an addition to a collection of hydroponic books. If you only buy one book there are many other better ones such as "How-To Hydroponics" by Keith Roberto. "Hobby Hydroponics" by Howard M. Resh would be another great choce. All in all anyone would probably learn something new from this or any other hydroponic book that would justify the price.

In a world where most hydroponics books talk about the exotic ways to grow things, this book covers a basic approach which would seem to insure success. I don't know about others but it helped me find and correct several misconceptions and problems that I have been experiencing with my hobby level hydro growing (excessive watering, inapropriate nutrient levels, etc.) Overall, a good text for beginning or hobby level hydroponic growing.

VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND BOOK FOR THE BEGINNER, USEFULL TO START A NEW GARDEN.I LOOK FORWARD TO USING STUFF I HAVE LEARNED IN THIS YEARS CROP.
I HAD A BASIC WORKING KNOWLELGE OF THE PRINCIPALS INVOLVED BEFORE BUYING THIS BOOK AND IT ANSWERS ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE, WELL ILLUSTRATED ALSO. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR BEGINNERS.

I enjoyed this book, it is written in a warm style and covers a variety of topics related to hydroponics. Ironically probably my favorite part is the section that talks about the different types of plants grown hydroponically. Which kinds get along with each other and even how to cook with some of them, thats useful information that is not widely availiable.

Good book for an overview on hydroponics. This seems like it would be a good hobby, but the cost must be high. Learned enough to know it was not for me. Good read.