Growing large amounts of edible plants using water-based nutrient solutions efficiently is more important than ever, as climate change is extending dry spells and turning areas with arable land into deserts. Adopting it is easier because of franchising. Discover what hydroponic gardeners are, the advantages of hydroponic gardening and the benefits of working with a hydroponic franchisor.

What Are Hydroponic Gardeners?

Hydroponic gardeners are individuals or businesses that use hydroponic systems for food production. They can be hobbyists, commercial growers and urban farmers.

Hobbyists grow vegetables, herbs, spices, fruits, or medicinal or aromatic plants for leisure. Commercial growers operate large-scale operations for profit. Urban farmers grow food for personal consumption or profit using space-efficient systems in cities, where the soil is considerably compacted, contaminated or scarce.

What Are the Advantages of Hydroponic Gardening?

Hydroponic gardening has many advantages over traditional farming methods. These six are particularly instrumental in producing food in drought-stricken areas.

1.   Producing High Crop Yields

Hydroponic systems operate in climate-controlled environments, allowing you to optimize the growing conditions for your crops to thrive. Weeds are hazardous and cause about 34% of crop losses, while soil quality, moisture, and temperature fluctuations affect cultivated plants’ survival rates and yields. Exposing your crops to precise amounts of nutrients, water and light accelerates growth, translating to bountiful harvests.

2.   Growing Food Year-Round

Seasonal changes are nonfactors to hydroponically supported crops. Climate control lets you manipulate the environment to suit specific plants’ needs. This way, you can grow diverse produce and ensure an adequate supply to meet demand 365 days a year. Nonstop production generates stable revenue streams while reducing losses linked to weather events.

3.   Conserving Water

Hydroponic systems augment water conservation efforts, especially in arid areas. As a hydroponic gardener, you can irrigate your crops efficiently without losing the water you use to evaporation. Hydroponics also supports water recycling. If you manage your operation properly, you minimize waste and turn a scarce resource into a circular commodity.

4.   Using Less Land

Hydroponically grown crops can yield high output with less square footage. The systems can grow plants vertically so facilities are commercially viable on small land. Small- and large-scale operations can cultivate diverse produce, allowing them to replicate the harvests of vaster traditional farms.

5.   Minimizing Risk of Pest Infestations

Climate-controlled facilities keep pests at bay better than open-air farms with porous fences. Gardening with a hydroponic system empowers you to avoid relying on pesticides and fungicides to grow crops healthily.

6.   Promoting Climate Resilience

Hydroponic systems are sustainable through and through. Many argue that traditional farming techniques aren’t futureproof due to the adverse effects of climate change. On the other hand, every hydroponic facility is a bubble, staying unaffected by extreme weather shifts.

What Are the Benefits of Opening a Hydroponic Franchise?

Getting started with hydroponics is easier than ever because of franchising. It’s appealing to anyone keen on achieving food self-sufficiency in drought-prone locations or wanting to gain a foothold in the food sector.

Business format — an easily identifiable franchising relationship — is common in hydroponics. In this relationship, you can expect your franchisor to:

• Serve as your all-encompassing supplier to get your operation off the ground and sustain it.
• Train you and your staff on the ins and outs of the hydroponic system.
• Extend continual technical support to solve any operational issue as swiftly as possible.
• Assist you in site selection and development.
• Use its marketing prowess to promote your business.
• Develop new products to improve your operations.

Franchise ownership isn’t for everyone. Expect limited autonomy, since the franchisor may control many business aspects and contractually obligate you to comply. Nevertheless, buying a hydroponic franchise helps you manage your business with fewer risks and succeed.

Leverage the Advantages of Hydroponic Gardening

Being a hydroponic gardener is a noble role in the age of climate change. Consider opening a hydroponic franchise to source the necessary system and technical skills to grow crops come rain or shine.