Whether you’re thinking about growing your own food in a small garden at home or considering something bigger like farming, hydroponic gardening is a way to grow fresh, healthy food without using pesticides. It’s particularly handy in a world where resources like good soil are becoming scarce. Hydroponics doesn’t rely on soil; instead, it uses water and nutrients to nurture plants.
The great thing about hydroponics is that it can be done in places where traditional gardening or farming wouldn’t work. Small spaces or areas with poor soil quality are no problem. It’s also generally more water-efficient than regular gardening. There are different types of hydroponic systems available, so it’s open to anyone who wants to grow their own food – think year-round salads and herbs!
According to Lance Beecher, a specialist in aquaponics, aquaculture, and fisheries, “Hydroponic gardens are a part of the future of farming. With limited space and mainly water as the resource, hydroponics can fill a gap in agriculture, allowing food to be grown in places we never thought possible and providing fresh produce where it’s needed the most.”
Can you grow a hydroponic garden?
If you’re curious about what’s easy to grow at home or want to set up a container garden or vertical garden, don’t worry – you can grow your own food no matter how much space you have. What exactly is a hydroponic garden?
A hydroponic garden doesn’t use soil. Instead, it uses water to help plants grow indoors, all year round, even in a small space. That means if you live in a tiny apartment or don’t have a garden, you can still grow fresh food like lettuce and herbs. Hydroponically grown plants tend to grow faster, yield more, and use less water. You can either buy a ready-made hydroponic garden or build one yourself.
So, how does hydroponic gardening actually work?
Plants need sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow. Normally, plants get their nutrients from the soil. But in hydroponics, we grow plants in nutrient-rich water. Hydroponic farmer, Alistair Neil, explains it as “growing food in water that’s packed with nutrients.” A hydroponic system can be set up to make sure each plant gets the right amount of water, nutrients, light, and the correct pH level to stay healthy and thrive.
Depending on the type of hydroponic system, the plant roots are either directly in the nutrient-rich water or in a growth medium, like clay pebbles, perlite, peat moss, or coconut fiber, which provides all the nutrients they need to grow. So, if you’ve been interested in organic food, you can grow and harvest your own using a hydroponic garden.
What can you grow hydroponically? You can grow all sorts of foods in a hydroponic garden. Microgreens are some of the easiest to grow. Neil says they’re “tough and cost-effective to experiment with,” making them a great choice for beginners.
If you’re thinking about what you can grow in your backyard hanging garden, Beecher mentions that “the most popular vegetables grown in hydroponics include leafy greens and lettuces.” But with more advanced systems, you can even grow fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and more.
Beecher says, “Hydroponic farms usually support produce that thrives in a nutrient solution and isn’t too heavy to be grown vertically.”
However, if you’re into growing root vegetables like beets, potatoes, or kohlrabi, you’ll need to stick to traditional soil gardening. Beecher explains that it’s nearly impossible to grow tuber vegetables hydroponically, but Neil says his hydroponic farm manages to grow radishes and turnips.
So, what are the benefits of having a hydroponic garden?
Apart from being able to grow food without using soil and in small spaces, hydroponic gardening can help tackle social and environmental issues by providing a sustainable source of food.
In areas where people can’t easily access fresh fruits and vegetables, called food deserts, a hydroponic garden or farm can be part of the solution. Hydroponic gardens can bring fresh produce closer to home, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly, according to Neil. They can also help deal with rising food and farmland costs and offer a better way to grow some of our staple produce.
“Hydroponic plants can grow 40% to 50% faster and produce 30% more than plants growing in soil. They not only produce more food in less time but, in some cases, the food is even more nutritious,” explains Neil.
But are there any downsides to having a hydroponic garden?
Like most things, hydroponic gardening has its drawbacks. For one, it requires regular attention to make sure the plants are getting the right nutrients and enough water.
Beecher adds that the hydroponic system can be complicated and costly. There are also limits to what grows well, so you can’t grow everything. If you want a successful crop of potatoes or other root vegetables, you’ll need to stick to soil gardening. Growing indoor fruit trees is also usually not practical.
“The risk of diseases spreading through the air and the increased electricity use to run the system are two other downsides,” says Beecher.
So, how do you set up a hydroponic garden?
There are different types of hydroponic gardens you can create. Beecher suggests starting with a deep water culture system, which is relatively easy and cost-effective. It involves floating plants on a raft in a reservoir or a bucket.
If you’re more experienced or looking for a creative project, consider other systems.
Neil recommends a horizontal ebb-and-flow shelf rack for beginners looking for a slightly more advanced option. This setup is great for growing microgreens and allows you to experiment more with environmental conditions compared to compact systems.
Before you buy your supplies, here are some systems to think about:
Wick system
The wick system is the simplest to set up. It involves a reservoir, a growing tray, and wicks. In this system, plants sit in a growing medium like perlite or a soilless mix, with the reservoir below. A wick made of string or rope connects the nutrient-rich water to the plant roots. Keep in mind that this system may not provide enough liquid nutrients for plants that need lots of water, like lettuce or tomatoes. It’s better suited for herbs and microgreens.
Deep water culture system
This is one of the more popular and simpler hydroponic systems to set up. Plant roots are submerged in aerated water to ensure they get enough water, nutrients, and oxygen. To make this system work, you’ll need an air pump and an airstone to keep the water oxygenated.
Ebb and flow system
This system is more technical but offers more flexibility. It works by flooding and draining the reservoir periodically based on the plant’s needs, growth stage, and temperature. During the flood cycle, oxygenated water flows through the system, giving plants hydration and nutrients. When it drains, the nutrient solution goes back into the reservoir for reuse. A pump is needed to flood and drain the growing tray.
So, should you build your own hydroponic garden or buy one?
Deciding whether to build or buy a hydroponic garden system comes down to your personal preferences, patience, and time. Think about whether you enjoy DIY projects and have the time for them, or if you’d prefer the convenience of purchasing a ready-made hydroponic garden. If you’re someone who likes to tinker and experiment, building your own system can be a fun, rewarding, and slightly more budget-friendly option compared to buying a pre-made one.
But if you’re eager to start growing right away and want to see if hydroponic gardening is a good fit for you, go for a pre-made system. According to Neil, “Countertop hydroponic systems are a good starting point to explore how light and water affect hydroponically grown plants. These systems are designed for beginners and often include additional nutrients, which is a good way to understand what nutrients are needed for plant growth, why they’re necessary, and at what levels.”
So, what’s the secret to maintaining your hydroponic garden?
Beecher recommends having patience and being willing to learn from mistakes as you get the hang of hydroponics. He and Neil also share some helpful tips for maintaining your hydroponic garden:
“One of the most important things to do to keep a hydroponic system running smoothly is to change the water regularly,” stresses Neil, adding, “It’s also important to regularly check the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH levels to make sure you’re giving your plants the right nutrients.”.
“Always gather as much information as you need before getting started,” advises Beecher. “Getting information from reliable sources and understanding how plants and nutrients interact is key to success. Start with a small, inexpensive system to get used to this new way of growing.”
