Hydroponics is a term used to describe soilless plant growth systems, wherein nutrients are provided as liquid hydroponic nutrient solutions. This includes Hydro Clay, deep water culture (DWC), ebb and flow, and nutrient film technique (NFT) systems. The benefits of Hydro Clay and substrate-free hydro systems include controlled nutrient supply to plant roots, reduced pests and diseases, and a high degree of aeration and drainage. Additionally, due to the lack of solid substrate, hydro growing gives gardeners more specific control over the degree to which roots are submerged and the duration of the nutrient supply. Hydro systems give gardeners the ability to customise their growth setups to match the plant-specific requirements for robust plant growth. Plants

Plants have traditionally been grown outdoors in the ground or in pots containing soil or potting mix. This traditional substrate provides an effective base nutrient profile and a complex ecosystem of microbes to support plant growth. Soil systems may be enhanced by using nutrient supplements and additives to complement the nutrient profile and encourage the establishment of symbiotic microbes. Soil systems can be integrated into controlled indoor setups wherein the supply of supplemental liquid nutrients may be regulated and automated. Soil gardening is a user-friendly growing style, which utilises natural ecosystems to support healthy and robust plant growth.