Dragonfly

Beneficial Insects

Dragonflies are graceful, brightly colored predatory insects with four wings and a long body.  Large ancestors of dragonflies, those with a three-foot wingspan, were on this planet longer than we can imagine.  Fossil records show that dragonflies have been here since...

Praying Mantis

Beneficial Insects

Similar to the common names of the gypsy moth and emperor scorpion, which have nothing to do with gypsies or emperors, the praying mantis (Stagmomantus sp.) has nothing to do with praying. The common name praying mantis refers to the typical “prayer-like” posture...

Discover the Secrets of Aztec Chinampas of Central America

History of Hydroponics

An example of hydroponic principles that were being used successfully is that of the Aztecs of Central America.  A nomadic tribe, they were driven onto the marshy shore of Lake Tenochtitlan,   located in the great central valley of what is now Mexico.  Roughly treated...

An overview of Hydroponics

Hydroponics

Definition of Hydroponics Hydroponics is actually the science of growing plants without soil. Rather than soil, plants are grown in solutions containing each of the necessary minerals and elements. Methods utilized to get the nutrients to the roots, combined with the...

Why Use Hydroponics

Hydroponics

The ability to produce higher yields than traditional, soil-based agriculture Allowing food to be grown and consumed in areas of the world that cannot support crops in the soil Eliminating the need for massive pesticide use (considering most pests live in the soil),...