Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. The technique involves growing hydroponic plants directly in a mineral nutrient solution. A medium such as gravel or Rockwool offers physical support to the plants. If you have the right system in place, you can grow a variety of plants, vegetables, and herbs this way at home. These are the best hydroponics plants for home, with tips on how to get started growing.
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Want to start a hydroponic garden at home easily? Check out our recommendations for Best Hydroponics Starter Kits for Beginners.
What Are Hydroponic Plants
Hydroponic plants are vegetables or herbs grown in a water-nutrient solution without soil. Hydroponics is a way to produce various plants, vegetables, and herbs indoors all year round. Hydroponics allows you to grow plants despite the weather and other environmental conditions.
Hydroponic grow tents offer the best environment for fast-growing hydroponic plants. The tents allow you to control environmental factors such as temperature and lighting. You are thus able to provide the ideal conditions for your hydroponic plants.
Hydroponic growing does not require a lot of space. You can use hydroponic pots or planters to grow your hydroponic vegetables and herbs in the kitchen, garage, or any other space available.
Hydroponic gardening is becoming very popular because it is easier and cleaner since you grow plants without soil. You can also practice hydroponic growing throughout the year, irrespective of the weather conditions.
In order to grow, hydroponic plants draw all their nutrients and oxygen from water. Roots directly grow in water mixed with a nutrient solution. Plants, therefore, have easier access to the nutrients that they need. Hydroponic plants grow in conditions where it is difficult for pests and diseases to thrive. Eliminating soil also eliminates the problems associated with the soil.
Growing Hydroponic Plants Indoors Vs. Outdoors
There are many places where you can do hydroponic growing. You can grow on rooftops, garages, or anywhere you have a bit of space.
When it comes to hydroponic gardening, there are a few things you have to decide. One of the most significant decisions is whether to grow indoors or outdoors.
You can decide to grow indoors and have complete control of the environment. On the other hand, you can grow outdoors and reap the full benefits of what Mother Nature has to offer.
There is no clear winner of either outdoor or indoor hydroponic growing. However, each method has advantages and disadvantages.
Pros Of Outdoor Hydroponics
- Natural light. Outdoor hydroponics will allow you to utilize natural light giving you access to the best light source, the sun, at no cost. You don’t have to worry about the quality or intensity of the light.
- More working space. Outdoor hydroponic gardens offer more space than growing indoors. Outdoor systems allow you to grow taller and longer hydroponic plants that may be impossible to grow indoors. More extensive and taller plants will make harvests more abundant.
- It has reduced building costs. Building hydroponic grow tents and greenhouses can be expensive. You will need to fix lighting appliances, ventilation, fans, and other appliances that you do not need in outdoor hydroponics.
Cons Of Outdoor Hydroponics
- Extreme weather conditions – Extreme heat and cold can affect several key inputs for hydroponic plants. Nutrient solutions are affected by extreme weather conditions. Air temperature also affects hydroponic plants.
- Shorter growing seasons. Indoor systems allow you to grow hydroponic plants throughout the year. Growing throughout the year is not possible with outdoor hydroponics.
- Hydroponic systems wear and tear more. Most hydroponic systems are plastic. When these systems face the elements of outdoor farming, they suffer and degrade more.
- Lack of control – Indoor hydroponic farming allows you to control several conditions and elements. Controlling light and temperature is impossible with outdoor hydroponics.
- Pests – Pests will quickly attack hydroponic plants if they are grown outdoors. Indoor gardening, especially when using hydroponic grow tents, deters pests.
The Best Hydroponic Plants For Growing At Home
You can grow many plants indoors at home hydroponically. Vegetables and herbs are among the best plants for hydroponics.
Growing Herbs Hydroponically
Hydroponic herbs will give you a fresh supply of herbs whenever you need them. The herbs will change the nutrient content and taste of the food you prepare. The best way to grow your herbs hydroponically is through cuttings. Cuttings will grow the herbs stronger and quicker.
Growing Vegetables Hydroponically
Many types of vegetables grown in your outside garden can also be developed hydroponically. However, there are some specific varieties for hydroponics. All you will need for these vegetables is the right nutrient mix and some light.
Some larger vegetables will need some medium to offer physical support to the roots. A typical medium for vegetables is clay pebbles that allow roots to have a firm hold.
The 7 Best Hydroponics Plants You Can Grow At Home
Herbs and vegetables are the best plants for hydroponics. Below is a list of the seven best hydroponic plants to grow at home.
- Lettuce – Lettuce has a shallow root system. Lettuce is also short and has several varieties that are ideal for hydroponic growing. This makes them easy to grow lettuce hydroponically.
- Spinach – Spinach grows fast and is among the best plants for hydroponics. They also use very little water.
- Strawberries – Growing strawberries hydroponically allows you to have this seasonal fruit throughout the year. Strawberries are also very easy to harvest.
- Bell Peppers -Bell peppers are suitable for home hydroponics though they are slightly advanced. You will need to prune them at about eight inches to spur their growth. Do not let them grow to their full height.
- Herbs – Growing herbs hydroponically gives them more flavor and aroma than herbs grown in the garden. There are also a wide variety of herbs that you can produce hydroponically.
- Tomatoes – Many varieties of tomatoes can grow hydroponically. Tomatoes require more light which you can artificially supply.
- Radishes – Radishes are one of the easiest hydroponic plants to grow. They grow well in cool temperatures and do not need light. They also grow fast.
Hydroponic plants are easy to grow and best of all they grow fast. Additionally, these plants can grow indoors or outdoors. You can choose to produce any of the seven best hydroponic plants. You can also choose to combine a few if your space allows.
FAQs – Hydroponic Plants For Home
Not ALL house plants can be grown hydroponically. That said, it is possible to grow the vast majority of house plants using hydroponics. This can be done using the cutting from an existing house plant or from saplings or seeds.
This is a tricky question. Many factors must be considered including available space, both indoors and out, gardening skills, and budget. If you are starting from the beginning, one of the best hydroponic systems for the home are starter kits.
Absolutely yes! Hydroponic plants grow quicker and more full than plants grown in soil. The work great in small places such as apartments and dorms. They can be grown indoors as well as outdoors.