To begin your hydroponic gardening project you will only need a few things to get you off to a great start. 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. Boric acid, manganese chloride, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate and iron sulfate can be used in minute amounts in the nutrient solution. Many people who grow their hydroponic plants in a greenhouse will also find that they need the correct amount of carbon dioxide in the air in order for their plants to flourish. Using hydroponics can grow anything from garden crops to flowers. Hydroponic gardening is considered to be a clean and highly effective method for growing plants. There is less mess and less maintenance. Hydroponic gardening helps to eliminate the need for weeding and helps to cut down on diseases and pests. Hydroponic systems use various mediums that are composed from relatively inert materials that have the ability to retain the food rich moisture and have the ability to physically support the plant roots. Growing media for hydroponics includes, expanded clay, rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, Styrofoam, sand, pea gravel, and other mediums. Pondering the pH Factor in your Hydroponic Garden There are many factors that are important in hydroponic gardening and one of the most important factors is the pH factor. The nutrients, water, trace elements, growing medium, and the gases at the roots have different electrical charges that are all engaged in a constant battle. Usually, natural sunlight is used, but during the shorter and darker days of winter, many hydroponic gardeners use artificial lights to increase the intensity of light or to expand the daylight length. Different types of artificial lighting are selected for specific plant varieties and optimum plant growth characteristics.