In hydroponics, nutrient solutions are used to feed plants instead of using plain water. This is due to the fact that the plants are not grown in soil. When growing hydroponically, the gardener will need to add all of the nutrients the plant needs to the water. Distilled water will work best for making the nutrients. The natural conditions available outdoors in the summer make it a perfect time to experiment with the various types of hydroponic cultivation. Annual flowers, fruit, herbs, and vegetables do exceptionally well with hydroponics. With hydroponics, important growing factors such as light, temperature, and humidity can be controlled. Hydroponics doesn’t require a large water supply or fertile farmland for growing crops. You can grow vegetables and plants year round using hydroponic techniques. 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. Everyday people have begun to purchase their own hydroponic systems to grow great tasting and fresh food for their family and friends. Educators have also begun to realize the amazing applications that hydroponics can have in the classroom. 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. There is a common misconception that hydroponics produces organic food. While it is possible to grow organic food through hydroponics, this is the exception and not the rule. 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. How can you boost the carbon dioxide content in your hydroponic garden? There are five ways that you can increase the level of carbon dioxide in your greenhouse to increase plant growth. First, the burning hydrocarbon fuels will create carbon dioxide gas. Second, the use of dry ice can aid in the production of this gas.