Buffalo Rising Online

Dec 30th 2006, 9:16pm By queenseyes

What is hydroponics? It all depends on who you talk to I guess. The guys at Hydroponics of Buffalo will tell you (in a roundabout way) that it is "The movement of water", or "Working with Water". Regardless of the exact definition, the point is that water is involved. That's funny because even though I know that 'hydro' is water I always think of a grow-lamp when I think of hydroponics. Eric Samul (left), an employee at the store, suggested that the first step towards learning about the fascinating hobby is to buy a book. "We have a few books that can get you up and running in a snap. There are so many things to learn... like, did you know that a plant is healthier if the air is circulating around it? What we teach people here is how to simulate an outdoor environment indoors."

I asked the owner of the store, Jerry Van Volkenburg (right), how he started his shop eleven years ago and he told me, "I've always been interested in plants and found that recreating a plant's natural habitat was what I wanted to do... that and I knew that this was an up an coming industry. The products have absolutely exploded onto the scene over the years. Both hobbyists and commercial enterprises are growing markets, and I supply to both. You can grow very large plants in very small containers if you learn how to do it properly. Drip emitters and trickle sticks are used to keep the plants constantly hydrated. They grow faster and healthier."

Another employee at the shop, Rocky 'n Bullwinkle (that's his name), pointed out some of the different systems that were operating at the front of the shop. He showed me how an electric aerator circulated air and water through the heat-expanded clay pebbles in a nearby pot. The nutrients of the clay pebbles were being released around the roots of the plant, and were creating perfect growing conditions that the plant would thrive in. "Instead of letting your tomato plants die in the fall, hydroponics users can continue to grow them year 'round. The plants have a lifespan of three years. I harvest fruits and vegetables in the middle of winter and constantly have the ability to pick the freshest foods when most people must buy them." Rocky continued, " It's a great hobby - very rewarding. The best part is that it is gloveless gardening in a totally controlled environment. That means that there are fewer pests and fewer diseases."

Hydroponics of Buffalo has some pretty elaborate systems set up to show their customers how to go about learning for themselves. They even have a mascot; a red-eared pond slider turtle, who goes by the name CooCoo. There are many ways to incorporate hydroponics into your life. These guys will guide you towards the best artificial light sources, whether to use soils and fertilizers (or neither), and even how to use an outdoor system. Also, listen to their ads on the radio - they are just about the funniest stories you have ever heard. There are different episodes like The Adventures of Guano Man, and another super dude named Spinach Man. The entire atmosphere at Hydroponics of Buffalo is laid back and cool. The characters that inhabit the store are larger than life, and make visiting the business as much fun as it is learning about the art of hydroponics. Rock on spinach dudes, and look out for the guano... wow, if only Frank Zappa could have seen these guys in action! Hydroponics of Buffalo is located at 1497 Hertel Avenue. 716-838-3545