I was taught a system of growing that approaches hydroponic yields, but has what I believe are several benefits. Perhaps some of you have heard of it - it's called The Mittleider Method of growing, and it's been proven highly effective in 29 countries for the past 39 years.
some of the benefits to growing this way, particularly as compared to more common hydroponic methods, include 1) very low cost, 2) simplicity and ease of implementation, 3) direct sunshine during warm weather, and 4) plant root access to the natural soil - hence all the natural minerals, etc. that the plant might be able to up-take that are beneficial to man, that might not be available in a commercial mix.
It can be done in containers of planting mix, such as peatmoss, sawdust and sand, in any of several combinations, or other clean organic materials that may be more readily available and thus less expensive.
It is also done right in the soil. In fact, Dr. Mittleider states that anyone using his methods properly can have "a great garden in any soil, in virtually any climate."
I've enclosed a picture below. I have several thousand more, if anyone is interested.
Jim Kennard
