One of the major benefits that hydroponics has over traditional agriculture is that it can be used to create good crops at any time of year. Because it is a controlled environment, hydroponics work day and night, winter or summer, to give you the result you want, whether that be actual fruit and vegetables or just some lovely aesthetic flowers. The only issue is that you may need an extra bit of hydroponic supplies to keep your little set-up working throughout the colder months. Here are a few things you should make sure you have before winter comes around.
Water Heaters
Water heaters are the most obvious of the winter hydroponic supplies that you will need, and it is important that you get one that is big enough to actually heat the entire system. Many people make the mistake of buying a cheaper water heater and then wonder why it is not working to keep their plants alive and well. Figure out how big your hydroponic system is, how much water goes in and out of it on a regular basis and what temperature your plants need to grow at the optimum rate and you will be good to go and buy a proper heater for your needs.
Maintain pH Levels
The temperature has a very real effect on the pH of your hydroponics, so you will need both your pH monitor and other supplies to adjust the pH and get it out of whack. Make sure you check your pH monitor at least once a day during winter, as the cold can swing wildly and this is not good for stability in your pH. If it is very clearly out of the safe zone you want it to be in, then feel free to load up your hydroponics even if it is more than what you would normally give it during summer.
Covers
If you keep your hydroponics outside, then you may not realise it, but there is a good chance your plants will freeze during the night. Just like you see grass with frost on it in the morning, the same thing can happen to your plants if you are not careful. For some vegetables a bit of frost is survivable, but you never want to risk it when you have put so much work into them. Either move your hydroponics inside or find a way to add a safe cover on top of them so they do not freeze overnight.
