Hydroponic gardening is a method for growing plants without soil, indoors or out — plants get their nutrients directly through the water instead. Benefits include higher yields and fewer pesticides.
If you are thinking about starting your own hydroponic garden, you might have wondered, “what are the best plants to grow in a hydroponic garden?”
In this article, we break down which plants are best for your home hydroponic garden.
Lettuce
Lettuce should be your first plant to try with a hydroponic system. These plants have a shallow root system that matches their short above-ground height. That means there’s no need to tie stakes or set guides for the plant. Instead, you just let them grow while regularly changing their nutrient solution.
Spinach
Spinach grows quickly in a hydroponic system, particularly when using the Nutrient Film Technique or other methods that keep the nutrient solution highly oxygenated. You’ll also use far less water than an in-the-ground garden. It’s easy to start these plants from seed and a week after sprouting, move them into your system.
Strawberries
Strawberries are seasonal fruit, so it can be hard to get the best batch of strawberries. If you don’t get them locally when the crop is ready, you’re relying on trucked-in berries that begin deteriorating as soon as they’re picked. With hydroponics, you can have a ready-to-eat crop of strawberries all year long. Harvesting is super-convenient as well – no bending over! Strawberries seem to do best with an ebb and flow system, but deep water culture or nutrient film technique can do for a small crop.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a slightly more advanced hydroponic plant. Don’t let them grow to their full height, instead, prune and pinch plants at about 8 inches to spur pepper growth. Deep water culture or ebb and flow systems are best for peppers.
Herbs
There are a wide variety of herbs that work wonderfully in hydroponic gardening. Studies have shown that hydroponic herbs are more flavorful and aromatic than those grown in the field. What herb do you want to grow? Basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and watercress are all great options. Herb production is another great way to test out your new hydroponic system, and nearly every system style is suitable for a round of herbs as you learn the ropes!
Garden Grove Hydro and Nursery Supply
