The DIY Farmer

Your 1st Hydroponic Garden: What You Need to Know

Hydroponic gardening is a great way to save space and grow fresh herbs and vegetables in an environmentally-friendly way.

For thousands of years, gardeners have been using this technique to create some of the most beautiful gardens in the world in places where nutrient-rich soil is scarce. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Floating Gardens of China are two of the earliest examples.

These ancient gardeners discovered a way of growing healthy, bountiful plants that passed down through generations of growers. They utilized water-based systems that allowed them to focus on optimizing growth rather than controlling outside factors like pests, weeds, and diseases.

Today, hydroponic gardening has taken on an even greater significance as it has become one of the best eco-friendly food production options we have for the future.

Your First Hydroponic-Garden

Top Tips on How to Grow Hydroponic Plants without Soil

What is hydroponic gardening?

The basic definition of hydroponic gardening is growing plants without soil. You can grow plants in two ways in a hydroponic garden: either actively or passively.

In an active system, mechanics and moving parts deliver the nutrients directly to the roots of the plant. These moving parts often take the form of an automatic pump.

Passive systems, on the other hand, rely on capillary action. A wick or the growing medium absorbs the nutrient solution and passes it along to the roots. Passive systems can sometimes provide too much moisture and not enough oxygen, as it is difficult to control how much water is absorbed.

Hydroponic gardens can be outdoors but are almost always grown indoors so that the temperature and humidity of the room can be monitored and controlled.

The benefits are endless when it comes to growing plants hydroponically. Here are just a few of the ways hydroponic crops are superior to conventional ones:

  • Larger harvests
  • Use less water
  • Year-round growth
  • Great for small spaces/apartments
  • Faster growth than soil gardens
  • Fewer pest problems
  • Less disease
  • Little to no weeds
  • Plants can be grown close together, requiring less room than a soil garden

Types of hydroponic grow systems

Your First Hydroponic Garden
Hydroponic plants

There are three basic types of hydroponic systems that you can use to grow your herb or vegetable garden. These systems are available for purchase at most major garden centers and online stores. Or, if you’re feeling creative, you can build your DIY system at home.

The wick system

The wick system is the simplest and least mechanical hydroponic grow system out there. It is a passive setup composed of a candle wick that connects the plant’s roots to the water reservoir. This provides a constant flow of nutrient-enriched water to the roots without needing a pump or moving parts.

While this system is easy and inexpensive to install, it is not the most effective grow system available. Keep in mind that it can only hold small plant varieties like herbs and microgreens. Plants like lettuce and tomatoes will use up water too quickly.

Your First Hydroponic-Garden
The wick system

The flood and drain system

You can create this hydroponic system at home, although it’s a bit more complex. You’ll need to place a submersible pump in the water reservoir. The plants will then sit in a tray or grow tube suspended over a reservoir filled with nutrient-rich water.

Your First Hydroponic Garden
picture creditpowerHouse Hydroponics

For about 20-30 minutes at a time, the tray is flooded with water, allowing the plants to drink in the nutrients through holes in the planter. After the flood cycle has finished, the water drains back out of the tray.

Draining the water prevents root rot from occurring and helps to pull oxygen-rich air into the growing medium around the plant’s roots. A good rule of thumb is to flood and drain the tray 2-4 times daily. The flood and drain system is a highly effective, low-maintenance type of hydroponic grow system.

Water culture system

The third and final hydroponic grow system is best for herbs, lettuce, and other lightweight crops. It is also easy to build as a DIY project at home.

Like the other two systems, plants’ roots are continuously submerged in the water reservoir, which holds nutrient-enriched water. Planters float on “rafts” or hang over the reservoir, so the roots hang into the water. A small bubbler, similar to those found in fish tanks, is also used to aerate the water and prevent it from becoming stagnant.

Your First Hydroponic-Garden
Water culture system

The best mediums for each hydroponic system

There are several types of growing mediums that you can use to start seeds and grow mature plants in hydroponic systems. In fact, different grow systems work best with specific types of mediums. Before we dive into which medium to use, let’s establish what a medium is.

The purpose of a growing medium is to hold and aerate the roots of a plant and channel the water and nutrients. Since hydroponic gardening is soil-free, mediums are also free of soil components. Some standard mediums include perlite, sand, and coconut fiber.

Here are the best types of mediums for each hydroponic grow system:

Wick system

Perlite, vermiculite mix, coconut fiber, and different grades of sand are all popular mediums that are used in the wick system. They are all stable and do not affect the pH of the water.

One downside to these mediums is that they tend to hold too much water and are not the most effective mediums available. Otherwise, they are an inexpensive option that works well with this system.

Flood and drain system

Rockwool and grow rocks (Hydrocorn and expanded shale) are frequently used as growing mediums in flood and drain hydroponic systems.

Rockwool has become a popular growing medium in recent years. It was once used as insulation in construction, but a horticultural grade Rockwool is now available to gardeners. It is made from volcanic rock and limestone, which are melted down at an extremely high temperature, poured into a spinning cylinder, and pressed into blocks and cubes (these are usually one use only).

Although Rockwool works well in flood and drain systems, it excels in any of the three systems as a growing medium. It holds 10-14 times more water than soil does and retains 20% air. However, if you choose to use Rockwool, be aware that the pH of this product is 7.8. Thus, it can raise the pH of the water if not monitored closely.

Hydrocorn, on the other hand, is an expanded clay aggregate. It is a lightweight, airy growing medium that allows oxygen to access the plant’s root system easily.

Expanded shale also works well but tends to break down sooner than Hydrocorn. However, both of these types of grow rocks are stable, fast-draining mediums that do not affect pH.

Water culture system

Any of the above mediums can be used with this type of grow system.

The best plants for hydroponic gardens

Your First Hydroponic-Garden

Hydroponic gardeners have the advantage of being able to grow almost any plant in a hydroponic system. The two most popular types of crops grown in these systems are herbs and vegetables, but the possibilities are truly endless.

For beginners who are just starting on their hydroponics journey, it’s best to stick with easy-to-grow plants. These include species with shallow root systems, which thrive in hydroponic growing situations.

Herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, and basil all have shallow roots, as do vegetables like lettuce, chard, kale, spinach, and watercress. All of these plants are delicious, easy options for beginning hydroponic gardeners.

If you’re up for a challenge or have a large growing area available, try out some more challenging crops like tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, and bok choy. Root veggies like carrots, onions, and potatoes do not do well in hydroponic systems.

Using grow lights in a hydroponic garden

Since hydroponic gardens are usually grown indoors, grow lights are often necessary to meet light requirements. Most edible plants require a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day; 12-16 hours is even better.

Using a grow light can help to maintain a healthy hydroponic garden. There are several types of bulbs available, but fluorescents are a good choice for beginners. They are practical and relatively inexpensive.

You’ll want to get full-length fluorescent grow bulbs in the 6500K range for a large garden. But for most smaller hydroponic gardens, compact fluorescent bulbs will be sufficient – these will provide plenty of light and are easy to use.

Be sure to set a timer on your grow light system so that the lights turn on and off at the same time every day. Ideally, they should be on for 15-20 each day for optimum growth.

You will also need to direct the lights toward your plants with a reflector (usually made of metal or plastic) to ensure they get the most direct light possible.

Caring for a hydroponic garden

Once you have your hydroponic system set up, your grow lights installed, and your crops planted, it’s time to start maintaining the system as your new plants grow.

Water Reservoir

The first step in caring for your system is to add hydroponic nutrients to your water reservoir. These often come in a powdered or liquid form. Follow the instructions on the package to figure out how much of the solution to add.

Next, fill the reservoir with filtered water. Tap water should not be used as it contains elements that may harm your plants. The ideal water temperature for plant health is 65-75 degrees F, with a pH between 5.7 and 6.3. If the water temperature is too high, root rot can occur.

The best practice is to empty, clean, and refill your water reservoir every two weeks. This will keep it clean and running smoothly. You should clean the entire system every time you harvest crops.

Temperature and Humidity

When it comes to air temperature, 68-70 degrees F is ideal. Anything above this can cause plant growth to become stunted. The prime humidity level is 40-60%. If humidity is high and air circulation is poor, mildew may form. You can use a dehumidifier to remove excess water vapor from the air.

Finally, be sure that there is adequate airflow throughout the room where your hydroponic garden is growing. A fan can help to move air through the space if there are no windows. This will allow an ample supply of carbon dioxide to reach your plants so they can thrive.

Fertilizer

The principles of fertilizer that apply to soil gardens are similar to hydroponic gardens. Fertilizer just takes a different form – that of the nutrient solution fed to the plants.

The nutrient solution fed to the plants in a hydroponic system provides all of the elements that soil normally provides. You can also add either chemical or organic fertilizer to the system to boost growth.

If you choose to go the organic route, be aware that organic hydroponic systems are prone to pump blockages. Because of this extra workload, some gardeners prefer to use chemical nutrients as their plants’ primary food source and supplement them with organic nutrients.

Your First Hydroponic-Garden

Summary

Hydroponic gardens are a taste of what future food production may look like. It is a simple way to grow delicious, fresh vegetables and herbs right at home.

This environmentally friendly method of growing plants can save you time, money, and space. You now have the know-how you need to try one of the three major systems that can be used by home hydroponic gardeners. Whether you buy or build a system, you’ll be on your way to home-grown food in no time!

FAQs

1. Is hydroponic gardening suitable for beginners?

Yes, hydroponic gardening can be suitable for beginners as it allows for precise control over plant nutrition and reduces the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases. Starting with simple hydroponic systems and easy-to-grow plants can help beginners learn the basics.

2. What are the benefits of hydroponic gardening?

Hydroponic gardening offers benefits such as faster plant growth, higher yields, water conservation (compared to traditional soil-based gardening), year-round gardening potential, and the ability to grow plants in limited spaces like indoors or urban environments.

3. How often do I need to monitor and maintain my hydroponic garden?

Monitoring and maintenance requirements vary depending on the type of system and the plants being grown. Generally, you’ll need to check and adjust nutrient levels, pH levels, water temperature, and lighting on a regular basis, as well as monitor for signs of pests or diseases.

4. Is hydroponic gardening environmentally friendly?

Hydroponic gardening can be more environmentally friendly than traditional soil-based gardening in terms of water conservation and reduced need for pesticides and fertilizers. However, the environmental impact depends on factors such as energy use for artificial lighting and the sourcing of materials for the hydroponic system.

5. Do I need any special knowledge or skills for hydroponic gardening?

While prior gardening experience can be helpful, it’s not necessary for hydroponic gardening. Basic knowledge of plant care, understanding of nutrient requirements, and familiarity with maintaining pH and nutrient levels in the solution are beneficial but can be learned through research and experimentation.

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Finn Anderson

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