Hydroponics at home: Gardening minus the soil

Gardening is a popular hobby among people across countries, and age groups. Some lucky hobbyists have homes in the country side with rolling open spaces for them to plant in. But some of us enjoy the vicinity of the city and yet long for ways to indulge in our hobby. But balcony gardening has its limits. Also, if winters are harsh, you have to worry about bringing your plants indoors with their pots and soil and invariably some insects.
Is there any other way? Well, it turns out, there is. It is called hydroponics or aquaponics which basically involves growing plants in water. Not aquatic plants, but the regular ones. Though it sounds impossible, there is a reasonable explanation.
For years, we held the notion that plants require sunlight, air, water and soil to grow. Well, some scientists have shown that plants need the nutrients and support from the soil and not the soil in itself. So, it stands to reason that if we are able to provide the support and nutrients then there is no need for the actual soil.
This method has been tested and apparently it works. Actually, it's not all that unusual, come to think of it. We have all, at some point of time or the other, rooted a cutting in water. It just so happens that if you add hydroponic fertilizers to that water, you can keep your rooted cutting in there even after it starts growing. The water roots are a little different to the soil roots but they serve the plant just fine.
It's a fairly simple process. You place your jar or vase of water in a place where the plant gets sunlight and give it plant food from time to time and you are all set. Also, add more water every now and then for the water tends to evaporate. So, if you don't want dirt in your house but would like a spot of greenery, try hydroponics. Some common house plants like Pothos or money plant and even herbs like mint are said to do well with hydroponic systems. Some don't even need very many added nutrients and are easy to look after.
If you have a small fresh-water fish tank, you might try to make a self-sustaining aqua-farm; with the roots of the plant cleaning the water for the fish and the fish waste providing nutrients. But just be careful to check that your fish species isn't fond of chomping on plants or you might end up with no plants and overfed fish. Also, don't add plant nutrients or fish medicines without taking into account the effect on the other resident of your aqua-farm.
Beginners may not want to risk the lives of their pet fish so it might be a better idea to have a trial run in an old jar or old glass bottle. It's easier to with hardy plants which won't grow too big. Even a sprig of mint from that bunch of mint you bought at the grocery store to make chutney will work.
It's worth a try, for it's eco-friendly, sustainable, dirt-free and easy.