Hello,
In an AeroGarden, the roots to a plant are submerged in water pretty much 24/7 (unless you let your Garden run dry which is a no-no). Yet I’ve never had a plant get root-rot.
Yet when you over-water stuff in a plant-pot, the plants are very likely to suffer/die from root-rot. Why?
Thank you!
In: 122
The fungi that cause root rot thrive in high moisture, low oxygen environments. This is why overwatering causes issues; you remove the air pockets that are in normally watered soil.
Hydroponics consistently aerates the water. This removes the lack of oxygen issue associated with root rot. However, if the water isn’t aerated, you can absolutely end up with root rot.
You can! In fact if you look far enough in my post history you’ll find it. I seem d to notice that it happens much quicker if you leave one of the holes open.
Hydroponics, aeroponics especially, you have very oxygenated water, preventing any kind of rot from forming. Something that CAN form however, which can resemble root rot is different forms of algae. That’s why for these forms of gardening dark water tubes, pots, and water reservoirs are used, to prevent algae from forming. Even then, sometimes different kinds of algae can get in that like aerated water and darkness. Soooo, growers can either aim for a sterile environment, typically achieved with a dilution of bleach or chlorine, or they can add bacteria that will outcompete these algae and other bacteria that might try to grow. Basically, the bacteria growers add grows faster than the algae, and it prevents the algae from growing because of how abundant it will become.
Look into kratky buckets. Super simple— just a non-aerated tub of water the roots stay partially submerged in at all times. No pumps, no sprayers, no bubblers.
I’m growing tomato, lettuce, bell pepper, strawberry, and oregano like this with no issues. Just topping off the nutrient mix from time to time.
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