Hydroponic plants can be grown in basements, on an apartment balcony, or in almost any small space. Of course hydroponic plants can be grown in greenhouses and nurseries as well. The sterile medium used in hydroponic systems give home gardeners the benefit of not having to remove weeds, and minimizes soil-borne pests and diseases. Hydroponics is proven to have several advantages over regular soil gardening. The growth rate on a hydroponic plant is 30 to 50% faster than a soil plant that was grown under the same conditions. The yield of the plant is also greater. There are many reasons for the drastic differences between hydroponic and soil plants. It can be used outdoors in a greenhouse but the bug problem and their potential diseases need to be addressed in order to save your plants from their adverse effects. The most popular method of generating carbon dioxide for your hydroponic plants is the use of a pressurized carbon dioxide system. The equipment is relatively inexpensive (under $500) and the operating expense is low. Biological insect control is another method of pest management through the introduction of predator insects to eliminate spider mites. Using enemy insects is a safe and poison free way of controlling spider mites. Natural enemies will feast on the spider mites until there aren’t enough for the predator to survive, then they will die off or leave in search of more food. Many gardeners have made their dreams come true by making their living in their backyard greenhouse and selling their produce to local restaurants and markets. The potential of hydroponic culture is incredible, but commercial hydroponics in the United States was held back until hydroponic systems that were economical to build and relatively easy to operate became available in the marketplace. The basic items you need after you decide on either a grow room or greenhouse include a temperature control unit, exhaust fan, heating mats, light fixtures for your blue and red spectrum lights, an aeration system (an aquarium system works well for small gardens), pearlite, marble and Styrofoam work well as a beginning medium and rockwool, oasis or Rapid Rooters.