neutral mediums , and hydroponic systems all use varying amounts of water , independent of the needs of the plant . If you are growing outdoors , directly in the soil , you are losing a large percentage of your water to evaporation and general runoff . Using pots as opposed to directly planting in the ground allows you to better monitor and regulate your water usage . Pots can also contribute to the overall health of the plant by allowing for increased air flow . You can also mix your soil with things like peat moss , aged sawdust , or vermiculite to increase its water retention . Greater retention means less watering in the long run . Peat moss , otherwise known as sphagnum , is a collection of fibrous materials formed by decomposing mosses . Its pH is similar to soil and it can hold many times its weight in moisture . Vermiculite is also good for reducing water use . It is made of aluminum-iron magnesium silicates , but look like little chunks of wood . Vermiculite and peat moss can be used in conjunction in your soil mixture to maximize water retention and ensure proper aeration as well . Switching from soil to a hydroponic system or hydroponic medium like coco coir is another way to conserve water . Hydroponic mediums act as a soil substitute and can hold high amounts of water . Completely inert coco coir is made from the husks of coconuts and can hold as much as 10 times its weight in moisture . Coco can also be mixed with things like vermiculite and perlite to maximize water absorption . For added protection against evaporation , you can use a basic mulch to coat the top of your pots . This will curb moisture escaping due to heat from your lights . Another solution for potted plants is to condition the soil with a wetting agent . Wetting agents break the surface tension of water , which in turn prevents it from beading up and slows the evaporation rate from your topsoil . Using traditional mediums , the most advanced method of conserving water would be to catch and recycle . Using a reverse osmosis ( RO ) system , you can capture your runoff , send it back into your RO system , and end up conserving upwards of 75 per cent of your water or more . The microfilters will remove nearly all your leftover nutrients , giving you a clean slate from which to start again . Reverse osmosis water filtration systems won ’ t be found in your average gardener ’ s toolbox , but if you have the money to spend , there is simply no better way to cut down on water waste . Closed hydroponic systems like deep water culture also constantly recycle the water within , making them some of the more conservation-minded methods of gardening . Using these techniques , there is no soil or medium . The root system of the plant is submerged in water that is rich with oxygen and nutrients . These systems not only conserve water , but eliminate the need for manual watering all together using a system of automation instead .
Putting together a closed hydroponic system is a snap and will increase yields , cut down on maintenance , and help save the planet in the process .
H w much water you need over the lifetime f a plant will vary depending n what you are gr wing .
grow cycle 99