Other ways to protect your hydroponic produce against spider mites include using non-toxic yellow sticky cards. The cards are useful for monitoring spider mites and many other small bugs. The bright yellow color will attract the spider mites where they will adhere to the sticky surface. The yellow cards are best for preventing the infestations of spider mites, but can’t act alone in eliminating them. Many of the items you need for hydroponics can already be found around your house so you can save money before you go full tilt into this hobby. The first thing any hydroponic gardener needs is a dedicated area for their gardening. Most newbie gardeners can either purchase an easy to install grow room or build a greenhouse outside of their home. Nutrients are a key factor in a successful hydroponic garden. It’s vital to choose a nutrient solution formulated for hydroponics. Standard fertilizers sold in garden stores are not generally suited for hydroponics, as they do not contain specific trace elements, which are necessary for a balanced hydroponic formula. Throughout the last century, scientists and horticulturists have experimented with different methods of hydroponics. One of the potential applications of hydroponics that helped continue research was for growing produce in non-arable areas of the world. Hydroponics was also integrated into the space program as hydroponics easily fit into their sustainability plans. Most growers used pesticides on their hydroponic crops. Though the pesticides used in hydroponics do not run-off and pollute the surrounding environment like the pesticides used on traditional fields, they are still on the plants themselves. The field of hydroponics is filled with promise, and much research is being devoted to solving the concerns that currently stop more farmers from going hydroponic. Plants that are constantly waterlogged will not thrive and their leaves will eventually fall off. Nutrient solutions can be made by the home gardener or purchased pre-mixed from a variety of sources. If you are a beginning hydroponic gardener you may want to use the pre-mixed nutrient solutions and observe their effects before you begin to make your own solutions.