Why use hydroponics?

Using hydroponics gives faster growth rates and bigger crops.  Plants in a hydroponic system grow more quickly because they have food and water available to them all the time. They produce bigger crops because they can devote their energy to producing their crop rather than producing large roots such as would be needed in soil to seek out water and nutrients. Hydroponically-grown plants have smaller root systems because the roots do not need to go out looking for nutrients and water. Some systems use an inert growing medium to support the plant.

As well as getting the water and nutrients to the roots of the plants, the growing system must also provide oxygen, which is very important to the health of the plant roots. 

The Achiltibuie Garden uses different methods of hydroponic growing including their hydroponicum wick system.