These are the tomatoes mentioned in the last entry. Noticed how I threw around the word ‘hydroponics’? Did it work? Were you impressed?
Now you can be impressive too (or know what this means next time you buy an out-of-season hydroponically grown tomato).
The Greek word for ‘water’ is hydros. Fused with another Greek word ponos, meaning ‘labor’, we have a new word used to explain this form of agriculture. Plants that are grown in water without the use of soil are hydroponically grown. The water is reused, nutrients are easily dispersed and because it all happens in a controlled environment this method is used to grow many many tomatoes cost effectively.
In Greek mythology, the Hydra was a water monster that grew two heads for every one cut off. It was Hercules who finally figured out how to do the Hydra in. Now imagine the monster as a tomato plant, plants often make two branches where they are cut off just like the Hydra. Did you ever think that tomatoes had anything in common with ancient mythological monsters?
Maybe next time you buy an out-of-season, soilessly grown tomato, you might also think of water monsters and Herculean efforts - something that will not be required to enjoy a nice fat tomato!
I was impressed with your use of hydroponic. Because I did not know what it meant. So I went on line to a dictionary. But your explanation is clear and concise. I now know that it is water that has gone into labor.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post.