Hydroponics for Beginners

The world of hydroponics is fascinating and overwhelming at the same time. From the ancient Aztec’s raft gardens to NASA’s life-supporting systems, hydroponics has a rich history. It can cost $20 (like our bottle garden) or $2000. So what does it mean for your indoor garden? In this blog, we’ll help you understand when it makes sense for you and how to set up the simplest effective system.

Which Plants Grow Hydroponically?

From potatoes to bananas, almost any plant can grow hydroponically, though some require serious equipment like high-pressure nozzles, UV sterilizers, and cation exchange filters. Which plants can grow in a relatively simple system is another question. The right question is: Which plants grow better in hydroponics vs. soil?

Basil and lettuce are two plants that grow significantly faster in hydroponics. Out of all the edible indoor plants, only these two show notably quicker growth in hydroponics. If you want lots of these leafy greens, hydroponics can double their growth rate compared to soil.

Other Reasons You Might Want Hydroponics

While we recommend CSWP for nearly all plants in an indoor edible garden, hydroponics might make sense if you’re a:

• Mad Scientist: There are loads of tech gadgets and lively forums where people experiment, share, and push hydro systems forward. This might be what you’re looking for!
• Clean Freak: Hydroponics is undeniably less messy than soil-based gardening. Just water and nutrients when you start, and everything can be washed down the drain.
• Commercial Grower: With economies of scale, hydroponics becomes cost-effective. Managing a large area is easier with the controlled nutrients, disease, and waste management hydroponics offers.

What’s The Best Type Of Hydroponics For Lettuce And Basil?

The first experiment we ever did was testing the four most common types of hydroponics, and we were impressed with the low-tech “Kratky” method – this is how our bottle garden works. However, if your goal is to harvest large amounts of basil and lettuce, investing in something slightly more advanced makes sense. There are many options, but the important feature to look for is something that agitates the water. Our favorite off-the-shelf system is the Aerogarden, used with Urban Leaf replacement pods and liquid plant food, of course.

For more information on hydroponics and setting up your own system, check out our detailed guides and resources.