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Home > Blog > The 1936 Hydroponics Breakthrough: Why Soil-Less Growing Is a Survival Essential Today

The 1936 Hydroponics Breakthrough: Why Soil-Less Growing Is a Survival Essential Today

The 1936 Hydroponics Breakthrough: Why Soil-Less Growing Is a Survival Essential Today
by Author Patricia Annicelli
December 1st, 2025

On this day in 1936, inventors Ernest Brundin and Frank Lyon received a groundbreaking patent for a revolutionary idea—growing plants without soil. Their patent laid the foundation for what we know today as hydroponics, a method that has transformed modern agriculture and become one of the most valuable tools for anyone focused on preparedness and self-reliance.

Nearly a century later, hydroponics has evolved into a powerful survival strategy for homesteaders, urban preppers, off-grid families, and anyone who wants control over their food supply.


Why Hydroponics Matters for Survival

Whether you’re preparing for emergencies or simply wanting more independence from the grocery store, hydroponics offers benefits that traditional soil gardening can’t match.

1. Grow Food Anywhere

No fertile soil? No problem.
Hydroponics allows you to grow food in:

  • Garages

  • Basements

  • Apartments

  • Back rooms

  • Greenhouses

  • Outdoor systems

If you can provide water, light, and nutrients, you can produce food—year-round.

2. Faster Growth and Higher Yields

Hydroponic systems deliver nutrients directly to the plant roots.
That means:

  • Faster growth rates

  • Bigger harvests

  • Less wasted resources

In a survival situation, speed and efficiency matter—and hydroponics delivers both.

3. Uses Less Water

Hydroponics uses up to 90% less water than soil gardening.
The water recirculates, making it ideal for drought-prone regions, off-grid homesteads, and emergency setups where water conservation is critical.

4. Year-Round Food Security

Weather no longer controls your harvest.
Hydroponic systems operate:

  • In winter

  • During storms

  • In extreme heat

  • In any climate

When the world outside becomes unpredictable, hydroponics ensures a steady supply of fresh produce.

5. Minimal Space, Maximum Output

Hydroponics shines in small spaces.
Vertical towers, countertop units, and stacked grow shelves can produce:

  • Lettuce

  • Kale

  • Herbs

  • Tomatoes

  • Peppers

  • Strawberries

A few square feet can feed a family.


Hydroponics for Preppers and Homesteaders

For anyone building a preparedness plan, hydroponics offers powerful advantages:

  • Independence from supply chains

  • Reliable access to nutrient-rich food

  • Easy system maintenance

  • Scalable setups—from DIY buckets to full grow rooms

Hydroponics doesn’t just support survival—it supports good health, even during emergencies.


A 1936 Invention That Still Feeds the Future

The 1936 hydroponics patent by Brundin and Lyon was more than a scientific achievement—it was the first step toward a food-growing method that now helps millions create resilient food systems.

Today, hydroponics is more important than ever.
Whether you’re preparing for hard times, homesteading, or simply wanting fresh, chemical-free produce, this soil-less growing method is a modern survival essential.


Ready to Start Your Hydroponic Journey?

Visit www.getreadyandsurvive.com for products to start your hydroponic journey

Tags

  • emergency food supply
  • grow your own food
  • homesteading
  • hydroponics
  • off-grid living
  • Preparedness Tips
  • soil-less gardening
  • survival gardening

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