Having a small hydroponic system is the solution for home gardeners with limited space. Compact, easy to use, and best of all producing tasty crops, a small hydroponic system delivers big results. In this post, we talk about how to get started growing hydroponically even if you are limited on space.
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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 Is A Small Hydroponic System?
These are systems that use a nutrient-rich solution with a water base to grow plants. In hydroponic gardening, soil is not used to grow plants. Instead, the plant roots are supported by soilless media such as rock wool, perlite, or peat moss. The roots, therefore, get in direct contact with the solution to absorb nutrients.
Hydroponic systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, several that can use for a small hydroponic garden. Each system works in its own way and has its advantages and disadvantages. Before deciding which method is suitable for you, it is good to understand how each system operates and what’s required.
Benefits of Hydroponic Growing
Using hydroponics to grow crops is increasing both commercially and with home gardeners. Research indicates that there is a 30% faster growth rate when using hydroponics compared to soil growing. This is due impart to several factors including nutrient absorption, medium, and growing seasons.
Using the word ‘small” is a little bit deceptive. The systems are of good size and can hold many plants. So if you have limited space or are looking to grow a handful of plants, you should do a small hydroponic setup. These systems are the best when growing small vegetables and herbs since limited space is required.
The small systems include just a derivative of drip hydroponic systems: deep water culture system, ebb and flow system, nutrient film technique, wick systems, drip systems, and aeroponic systems. Much like hydroponic gardening kits, all these systems have their advantages and disadvantages; thus, it is better if you learn how each system works before deciding which one to use.
Where To Buy A Small Hydroponic System
Amazon is one of the best online stores to purchase a small hydroponic system. Many reputable brands are available as well as hydroponic systems for beginners and more advanced home growers. Here are a few small hydroponic systems to consider.
AeroGarden Indoor Small Hydroponic System
This easy-to-use system includes everything you need to begin growing today. Perfect for small countertops, window ledges, and small apartments, the AeroGarden Indoor Hydroponic Garden might be only 12 inches but it produces a big harvest. The kit comes with seeds pods to grow six different herbs including Genovese Basil, Curly Parsley, Dill, Thyme, Thai Basil, and Mint. Its build-in control panel notifies you when it’s time to water and feed. This helps eliminate overwatering and overfeeding. Its full Spectrum 20 watt LED is high efficiency allowing you to grow nearly anywhere.
Freehawk Small Hydroponic System Growing Kit
If you are looking to grow your own fresh herbs, lettuce, or even vegetables, look no further than the Freehawk Hydroponic Growing Kit. Made of highly durable materials, these hydroponic gardening kits can be used both indoors as well as outdoors. At only 16 inches long, the kit works with small apartments and rooms. Everything you need, except saplings, to get growing is included in the kit. The Freehawk’s air pump provides plants with nutrient-rich water resulting in a fast and robust crop.
Yoocaa Indoor Hydroponics Growing System
Perfect for both beginner and expert growers, the Yoocaa Indoor Hydroponics Growing Systems allow nearly any space to become an indoor garden. A built in 20W LED lighting provide ample light for herbs and vegetable to grow. 3 adjustable light modes ensure the proper amount of lighting for each crop. Its build-in water pump ensures you never overwater.
What Are The Advantages Of A Small Hydroponic System?
They are perfect systems for those with limited space and gardeners looking to grow a few crops. A small indoor hydroponic system can be fantastic in greenhouses where environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity are controlled.
They have an appealing look, for they have the same features as the bigger and extensive systems found in the same range. Building a small hydroponic system is an effortless task. The systems are straightforward to install, set up, maintain and run, especially in a small indoor hydroponic garden.
They use small amounts of the growth medium, less water, and fewer nutrients, compared to soil gardening which uses a lot of water during irrigation. The growth rate of plants in hydroponics is fast because roots can absorb vast amounts of nutrients and oxygen in the solution.
FAQs – Small Hydroponic System
One of the fastest and easiest small hydroponic systems to use at home is in mason jars. Easy to source, mason jars are perfect for new home gardeners and ideal for growing smaller plants like bean and alfa sprouts.
Setting up your own small hydroponic system is easier than you think. In addition to the plant saplings you want to grow, all you need is a container, a water source, and a way to support the plants.