Here are many differences between hydroponic horticulture and soil gardening: Control over your crop by simply adding nutrients in the proper amounts to the water. The system put into place will circulate and recirculate the water, in turn using much less water than a soil garden, while continually feeding your crop as well as nourishing it with the proper amounts of plant food and vitamins. This is equivalent to fertilizer in a soil garden, however, the amount of extra attention that growing plants in soil requires is substantial. The proper amount of watering and care as well as fertilizer, pulling weeds and watching for the pests and insects that might take over your garden in the outdoors could be all consuming.
Premixed store bought nutrients assure that your plants are obtaining the right amount of nutrients from the water to grow properly. The premixed hydroponic nutrients contain the necessary elements that your plants need to grow healthy and strong. Rarely will your plants become deficient in nutrients and start to get yellow leaves, but if this were to occur, all that would be necessary is to dump the water and start with fresh water and nutrients. The nutrients in fertilizer for a soil garden is much more difficult to diagnose. Many times directing you to a reference or resource book or possibly visiting a greenhouse or nursery to look for assistance on how to treat and nurse your plants back to health.