Greenhouses and Hydroponics

Definition

Greenhouses are structures with walls and roofs made primarily of transparent material, in which plants requiring regulated climatic conditions are grown. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil by instead using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.

Analogy

Think of greenhouses as plant nurseries where the temperature, light, and humidity can be controlled to create an ideal environment for growth. Hydroponics is like giving your plants a direct IV drip of all the nutrients they need - no need to search through the soil!

Related terms

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): This is a technology-based approach toward food production that aims to provide optimal growing conditions for crops, often involving methods such as hydroponics or greenhouses.

Aeroponics: This is another method of growing plants without soil, but instead of using water as a medium, it uses air or mist.

Horticulture: This refers to the industry and science of plant cultivation including the process of preparing soil for the planting of seeds, tubers, or cuttings.