What’s Hydroponic Gardening?
In essence, hydroponics is a process for gardening without soil. Plants need some basic elements to grow:
- A growth medium or a material that holds the plant
- Nutrients
- Water
- Light
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
How Does Hydroponics Work?
With traditional gardening, soil functions as the growth medium and holds water, nutrients and oxygen for the plant roots to absorb. In hydroponic gardening, the plant roots absorb the water and food they need from a nutrient solution. Depending on the type of hydroponic system, they may get oxygen from the air or from the solution. In both types of gardening, plant leaves collect necessary light and carbon dioxide.
You can use hydroponics to grow many types of plants, including:
- Greens
- Herbs
- Cherry tomatoes
- Small peppers
- Petunias
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
Benefits of a Hydroponic Garden
A hydroponic garden offers several benefits over gardening in traditional planting beds.
- A hydroponic system takes up less space.
- You can grow plants almost anywhere, any time of the year using an indoor system.
- Plants often grow faster and can produce more fruits and vegetables.
- There are no weeds to compete for nutrients, oxygen and water.
- There are no threats from diseases or pests found in the soil.
- A hydroponic system requires less water, and in many systems the water recirculates.
Types of Hydroponic Gardening
There are several different types of hydroponic systems. While different systems can accommodate different types of plants, good choices for starting out with hydroponics include herbs and leafy vegetables like lettuce, chard and spinach.
Wick System
A wick system is one of the simplest hydroponic setups. The growth medium supports plants above the nutrient solution. The wick, an absorbent material such as a piece of rope or a strip of cloth, draws the solution up into the medium where the roots can pick it up. In its most basic form, a wick system can function with no power. Small, leafy vegetables and herbs are good candidates for growing in a wick system.
Deep-Water Culture (DWC) System
Also known as a raft system, the DWC system is another hydroponic grow system that’s good for beginners. In a DWC system, the plants rest in a tray or platform that floats on top of the nutrient solution, with the roots extending into the solution. A motorized air pump sends air through air stones to create small bubbles that aerate the solution, providing oxygen for the roots to absorb. While this system works well with small herbs and leafy greens, you can scale it to grow larger plants.
Ebb-and-Flow System
In this system, also known as flood and drain, the plant roots rest in a tray filled with the growth medium. A pump sends the nutrient solution from a reservoir through the tray. The roots absorb the water and nutrients, and the solution drains back to the reservoir to be reused. Once the nutrient solution drains, the plant roots have access to the oxygen they need. This system can work well even with some root vegetables, such as radishes.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
In a nutrient film system, plants grow in angled channels that allow water and nutrients to flow through the plant roots. Once the nutrient-rich water reaches the bottom of the system, it’s pumped back to the top to flow through the roots again. Our low-water-gardening hydroponics project has instructions for building a simple hydroponic garden that uses the nutrient film system.
Aeroponic System
This is a more advanced setup where the plants are suspended in the air. In this type of system, the roots can absorb oxygen from the air. You periodically spray a nutrient-rich mist around the roots, allowing them to absorb moisture and nutrients. Aeroponics can work with many types of plants if you have enough space for a large system.
What Do I Need for a DIY Hydroponic System?
Creating your own DIY hydroponic system will take time and effort but it is possible. There are a few basic principles to follow and various methods to consider. To learn more about doing it yourself, read more on DIY hydrogardening below.
What is DIY Hydroponics?
Today, there are many hydroponic systems you can purchase which include all the materials and tools you’ll need to grow herbs, vegetables and flowers anywhere. Start-up costs can get expensive, however, so many people opt for DIY hydroponics which allow them to create their own systems with readily available materials at home. Examples of these systems include PVC pipe systems, bucket systems and vertical towers.
In addition to being more cost-effective, getting started with DIY hydroponics allows for more customization. You can choose to grow whatever plants you desire instead of cultivating the seeds that come standard with a complete hydroponic system. Buy seeds for hydronics separately, or opt for seed pod kits which include pre-seeded grow pods.
Creating your own hydroponic system also offers the opportunity for more hands-on learning. Learning how to grow your own food, herbs, and flowers from start to finish will require time, energy and patience, but the payoff is immeasurable. Not only will you get to learn a new skill, but you’ll be able to enjoy fresh vegetables without going to the grocery store.
Fundamental Principles of DIY Hydroponics or Hydrogardening
To grow, hydroponic plants require a few essential elements: water, sunlight, nutrients and carbon dioxide. Because they don’t have access to soil, hydroponic plants receive nutrients from additions to water, called hydroponic nutrient solutions. Typically, these solutions include vital nutrients such as potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen. Instead of natural sunlight, hydrogardens utilize grow lights. And finally, they receive carbon dioxide from air circulation delivered by some sort of pump.
pH level
Whether you use a hydroponic setup or create your own DIY hydroponic system, understanding optimal water pH level is imperative. Generally, the best pH level for hydroponics is between 5.5 and 6.5. Some plants may require more alkaline or acidic conditions, so it’s important to research prior to planting. Then, adjust the pH of water based on the preference of what you’re attempting to grow.
Light
Many plants, like tomatoes, require ample light to thrive. If you don’t have a spot near a window that gets enough sunlight throughout the day, you’ll need to consider an alternative light source such as a grow light. Artificial hydroponic lighting should imitate the amount of sunlight, direct and indirect, that outdoor plants would receive. It’s crucial to understand the number of hours your specific plants require so you can group them accordingly and supply them with enough light throughout the day. One simple solution for this is to invest in an electric timer which allows you to easily set up and maintain a lighting schedule.
Starting a Hydroponic Garden
The wick system and the DWC system are two simple ways to build your own basic hydroponic garden. We’ve provided instructions for both setups below. For each system, you’ll need:
- Seeds or Seedlings: You can grow your plants from either seeds for hydroponics or seedlings, but starting with seedlings will be easier. Be sure to rinse the roots well to remove any soil so you don’t accidentally transfer soil-borne contaminants or pests to your system.
- Hydroponic Nutrients: Look for nutrient solutions that supply the micronutrients and macronutrients plants need to thrive, as well as a method for pH balancing so you can set your tap water at the proper pH level.
- Water: You can use tap water for your system, but it’s a good idea to let the water sit in the sun for 24 hours to break down any chlorine. You may need to use a water filter with activated carbon to remove chloramine, another additive in some water.
- Nutrient Reservoir: An opaque material is best for the reservoir to reduce algae growth.
- Net Cups or Net Pots: These containers hold the individual plants and have slots or holes that allow the roots to extend into the nutrient solution.
- Plant Tray or Platform: This structure supports the net cups.
- Growth Medium: This material holds the nutrient solution, allowing the roots to access it. Coconut coir, Perlite and vermiculite can work as growth mediums. A mix of perlite and coconut coir or perlite and vermiculite is also suitable.
- Grow Light: You’ll need a light if you’re setting up an indoor hydroponic system. Putting the light on a timer is an easy way to make sure your plants get the right amount of light.
Perlite and vermiculite can generate airborne dust, so it’s a good idea to wear a respirator when working with them.
Instructions
For an alternative wick system that can support more plants, use a couple of storage containers. Use one container for the reservoir and the other for a plant tray. Run the rope through holes in the bottom of the tray and nest it into the reservoir. It’s a good idea to have two wicks for each plant. Add coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite to the plant tray and then add your plants.
Creating a Basic DWC System
For a beginner DWC system, you can use a storage bin for the reservoir and net cups and a growth medium to support the plants. You’ll also need a sheet of plastic foam to act as a platform or raft to hold the net cups. Since the plant roots are submerged in this system, you’ll need an electric air pump, air tubing and air stones to supply oxygen. This is like an aeration setup in an aquarium. You’ll also need a hydroponic nutrient solution.
Instructions
Trying a Hydroponic Grow System
If you don’t want to build your own garden, a hydroponic grow system kit is a simple way to garden with hydroponics. These indoor hydroponic garden kits range from small two- or three-plant systems that can function as starter hydroponic kits to larger systems that can grow up to 24 plants. Small kits for herbs and greens work well on a kitchen countertop, but the larger indoor hydroponic garden kits and those that grow larger plants will need some floor space.
The kits include a growing unit with a reservoir for the nutrient solution and a set of grow lights. They also have complete instructions for setup with tips on getting the most from your plants. Some kits include seed pods and pH-balancing nutrient solutions or plant food. Many systems include light timers, and some even provide reminders for when to replenish water and nutrients.
Caring for a Hydroponic Garden
One of the first factors to consider for your garden care is the pH of the water. If the pH isn’t in the right range for your plants, they won’t be able to take in nutrients properly. The required pH varies by plant, but a pH ranging from 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 will be suitable for most plants. To make it easy to keep the pH in the right range, look for nutrients that offer pH balancing.
You’ll also need to change your nutrient solution periodically. Check the label for recommendations but, in general, plan on replacing the nutrient solution every one to two weeks. You may need to add water from time to time to account for evaporation and keep the solution at the proper level.
Clean the reservoir and air stones with a water and vinegar solution and, if necessary, scrub with a brush to remove any deposits. Rinse thoroughly and make sure everything is dry before refilling.
Learn More About Hydroponic Gardening
With hydrogardening, there are many techniques and nuances. One of the best ways to learn is by doing but it may also be beneficial to connect with other gardeners to learn helpful tips and tricks. Whether you get involved with a local gardening group or join an online forum, there are plenty of resources for useful information in person or on the internet. A few online communities to check out include sites like YouTube, Facebook groups and Reddit, where hydrogardening enthusiasts post practical content to learn from.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydroponic Gardening
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions on hydroponic gardening.
Can you start seeds in hydroponics?
Yes, you can start seeds in a hydroponic system instead of transplanting them from soil. This method typically allows seedlings to grow faster.
What is the best growing medium for hydroponics?
There are several popular growing mediums that work best for hydroponics including coconut coir, clay pebbles, pumice, Perlite and grow stones. Some mediums work best for certain plants so be sure to research best medium for what you want to grow.
Is sunlight required for hydroponics?
No, sunlight isn’t required to grow hydroponically, but you’ll need to replace sunlight for artificial light if growing indoors.
What is the best hydroponics system for beginners?
Two of the most popular hydroponic systems for beginners include wick systems, which use a piece of rope or felt to deliver nutrients to a plant, and deep water culture (DWC) systems. DWC systems utilize net pots which hold plants above water. Their roots suspend into the water below, which an air pump oxygenates.
Where can I buy hydroponic equipment?
Hydroponic equipment, including complete systems, grow lights, water pumps, pod kits, and nutrients can be purchased online or in store at Lowe’s.
What are some common features of hydroponic systems?
A few common features of hydroponic systems include LED grow lights, automatic timers and automatic water pumps. Automatic timers and water pumps allow growers to keep plant feeding, watering, and light exposure on a seamless schedule.
Do hydroponic plants taste different?
It depends on who you ask. Some believe hydroponic plants taste better than soil-grown plants as hydroponic growing offers complete control of the growing environment.
What plants do not grow well in hydroponics?
Any plant that has an extensive root system may not grow well hydroponically. This includes crops such as potatoes, corn, and large root vegetables like garlic, onions, and carrots.