Photo Courtesy of Paradigm Gardens
Basil plants in a hydroponic set up at Paradigm Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska. Hydroponics is a system of growing plants without soil, using nutrient solutions for fertility and recycing water. Indoor hydroponic systems in Nebraska on the commercial scale or home gardener scale allow for year-round production, reduced water use, and protection from the elements.
Can you spot the ladybug on the basil leaf?
Indoor growing systems are still susceptible to pest issues. One common vegetable pest in greenhouses and hydroponic growing systems are aphids. Instead of using synthetic pesticides, Paradigm Gardens encourages natural predators, like ladybugs, to control aphid populations! A single ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime!