Best Hydroponic Systems in 2023: Buying The System That's Right For You

One of the most significant decisions in hydroponics is what kind of system you want, need, or will have to install. There are pros and cons to all of them, but with some research and know-how, you can definitely find one that suits most of your needs.

If you're looking for the "done for you" kits for your home, see our guide here: Best Indoor Hydroponic Grow Systems Reviewed

Below, we provide a hydroponic system buying guide and reviews of some of the best and most popular hydroponic systems.

Quick glance at the best hydroponic systems:

Best Hydroponic Systems Reviewed

Ebb and Flow

Active Aqua Ebb and Flow 12 Pack

Active Aqua Grow Flow 12 Site Ebb Flow Hydroponic System

Available here: Hydrobuilder

This all-inclusive package from Active Aqua is an expandible pack with a 55-gallon reservoir and built-in timer.

The construction of this system doesn’t lend itself to the more recognizable ebb and flow system, rather, its pots have a concave bottom that allows for multiple drainage holes and to connect to the piping.

Also, with its submersible pump and unique design, the reservoir doesn’t need to be placed below the system.

The system is also easy to assemble and can have chillers attached if needed. It also has an excellent safety feature that prevents overflowing. And a significant benefit is the inclusion of FloraMicro, FloraGro, and FloraBloom.

Pros

Cons

Hydrofarm MGSYS Hydroponic Megagarden

Hydrofarm MGSYS Hydroponic Megagarden Ebb & Flow System in a 22' x 22' x 10' size Container,Black

Amazon 

Compact and easy to use, this ebb and flow system from Hydrofarm is designed to be functional. Its simple design guarantees that your plants can access exactly what they need from your nutrient mixture, and includes stable pots with potting medium.

The size is one of the best features, as the compact unit only takes up 22” x 22” x 10”, and in that space, you can grow a small and productive garden. Included in the package are 15 five-inch plastic pots. These pots can be filled with lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA), which is conveniently included in the package.

While they state on their Amazon write-up that you can use soil, we’d highly recommend you don’t unless you want your plants to suffer from root rot.

The package includes a submersible pump with a timer, ensuring that flooding occurs on time.

Other items included in the package are germination cubes, nutrients, and a pH testing kit.

Pros

Cons

Nutrient Film Techinque (NFT)

WEPLANT Hydroponic NFT System

WEPLANT Hydroponic NFT 36 Holes Growing System with Special Fertilizer Timing Cycle, PVC Pipe Garden Plant Kit

Amazon 

With space for 36 plants, the WEPLANT system is by no means a small unit and needs to be erected outdoors, unless you have a lot of space indoors. But at 40 inches tall and wide, this will be a tricky fit.

This system is an excellent start for those looking to explore cultivating a grow wall space. The entire system is crafted from food-safe PVC piping and WEPLANT says that this system is sturdy enough to take a knock or two.

The system also comes with its own square net pots. These pots have been designed to ensure that they snap into place firmly. WEPLANT also says this is great for all the growth stages, from sprouting seedlings to fully grown plants.

It also comes with a brushless submersible pump and timer.

Pros

Cons

VIVOSUN Hydroponic NFT Grow Kit

VIVOSUN Hydroponic Grow Kit, 1 Layer 36 Plant Sites 4 Food-Grade PVC-U Pipes Hydroponics Planting System with Water Pump, Pump Timer, Nest Basket and Sponge for Leafy Vegetable

Amazon 

The VIVOSUN system allows for the easy inclusion of an LED grow light. It is made from food-grade PVC-U piping, and its dimensions are 20,5” wide by 38,6” long, and once you’ve added the feet it’s 14,6” tall.

It was designed with urban, indoor growers in mind, containing 36 sites for square net pots but it can be easily set up outside. It is marketed as the perfect indoor NFT system, but at its size, you’d have to be a keen gardener to sacrifice this much space in your house.

The system is easy to set up and will be ready to go as soon as you are. Included in the package is a water pump, timer, square net pots with sponges, tweezers, as well as three sets of instructions. So, no need to Google how to assemble it, set the timer, or how to plant seedlings into the system.

There are also loads of other configurations to choose from, but we think the standard with 36 plants will be sufficient for most growers.

Pros

Cons

Available on Amazon.

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Hydrofarm Root Spa

Hydrofarm RS5GALSYS Root Spa Deep Water Culture Bucket System, 5 Gallon, black

Amazon 

This is arguably the best DWC by virtue of being the most straightforward setup. With water-tight grommets in place, the water level and air pipe feed is a genius method of completing the job.

The net pot is also large at 8”, allowing larger plants to be cultivated. And the net pot comes with a solid rim, which stops evaporation from lowering the nutrient solution.

With its 5-gallon reservoir, there’s plenty of room for root growth. The entry-level package comes with a solid little air pump, but you can spring for a larger ActiveAUQA air pump with four outlets.

One of the best features is how easy it is to expand this setup. This does not come with a growing medium, but general LECA will work just fine.

Pros

Cons

VIVOSUN DWC Hydroponics

VIVOSUN DWC Hydroponics Grow System, 5-Gallon Deep Water Culture, Recirculating Drip Garden System with Multi-Purpose Air Hose, Air Pump, and Air Stone (1 Bucket + Top Drip Kit)

Amazon 

This DWC setup differs from the usual arrangement by including a drip system around the rim of the 8” net pot. The drip irrigation works via a recirculating system where the air pump forces water to the rim.

With this system in place, there’s no need to worry about new seedlings not being unable to reach the water supply with their smaller roots. If you don’t want this in place, it’s a disconnect to get rid of it.

The net pot is also 8”, but the lip isn’t as prominent as the previously reviewed system. The system also has a water level indicator, includes LECA pellets, and more connection pieces to customize your setup, as well as instructions.

Pros

Cons

Drip System

Superponics - 8

VIVOSUN Hydroponic Grow Kit, 1 Layer 36 Plant Sites 4 Food-Grade PVC-U Pipes Hydroponics Planting System with Water Pump, Pump Timer, Nest Basket and Sponge for Leafy Vegetable

Amazon 

A blend of systems like the VIVOSUN’s DWC system, the Superponics - 8 offers ample root space in its large reservoir. Its top feeding drip system is accompanied by two medium-sized air stones.

It also possesses an extra-long drainage tube for more accessible water changes. And we think offering a three-year warranty on the system is pretty unique.

Built from quality plastics, it will also come with eight large net pots.

Pros

Cons

Diivoo Automatic Drip System

WiFi Automatic Watering System, Diivoo Drip Irrigation Kits with APP, Remote Control Auto Plant Waterer, Vacation Plant Watering System Indoor Greenhouse Garden

Amazon 

While not technically an entire hydroponic system, we think that this little drip system has loads to offer.

It’s designed for the indoor plant market. All you have to do is sit your net pots into a drainage tray and this little device will be able to water 10 plants. It has two methods of powering itself, which means it will never miss watering time.

You can program it to start a watering cycle or activate it manually. And if the reservoir does dry up, it will notify you via its app. We also love the deep watering barbs that ensure that water reaches the roots.

The Diivoo range is extensive, and if you need something for your system, we’re pretty sure you can find it on their Amazon store.

Pros

Cons

Side Note: Diivoo offers indoor herb gardens for the kitchen as well.

What Are the Different Types of Hydroponics Systems?

One of the hardest parts of getting started in hydroponics is choosing the right method. Each type of hydroponic growing system has separate pros and cons.

Most systems involve placing seeds in a growing medium suspended above a source of water. Nutrients are added to the water, which feeds the roots of the plants.

However, some systems are small and require minimal maintenance while others are complex and come with a steeper learning curve. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular hydroponic growing methods (or the most common hydroponic systems).

Ebb and Flow

Ebb and flow systems, also called "flood and drain", typically require the use of a growing medium with plants resting in a tray. Ebb and flow hydroponics involves flooding the plant roots with a nutrient solution at a set interval, such as every few hours.

The nutrient-rich water drains into a reservoir instead of having the roots continuously sit in water (Often referred to as a flood and drain cycle).

As the water drains, oxygen is sucked into the grow medium, creating an oxygen-rich environment. These systems are efficient, but often difficult for beginners to set up and maintain due to the extra steps involved.

Wicking Bed

A wicking bed is a type of irrigation system designed for use in arid regions with limited access to water. It is also a convenient way to grow vegetables at home.

With a wicking bed, the plants are placed in soil or a soilless grow medium. As with ebb and flow systems, a water reservoir sits below the plants. However, instead of flooding the plants, the roots use a wick system to suck water up.

A small wicking bed may include a nylon rope. Larger setups require layers of fabric sandwiched between a soilless grow medium and soil or compost.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

The nutrient film technique (NFT) is often used for commercial growing but may be set up for in-home use. The plants are placed side by side in a long channel, which is typically made from PVC piping. A pump circulates the nutrient solution through the channel.

An NFT system may include one or more channels. Large commercial systems may include a winding maze of interconnected pipes. This method takes up less space compared to other commercial approaches and delivers consistent water flow.

Quick takeaway: The NFT method does not work well with certain types of plants, including plants with long root systems and plants that require lots of support.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is another hydroponics method commonly used for large-scale commercial operations. It is also an affordable system to set up at home but requires more space compared to other in-home options.

As with most hydroponic systems, the plants sit in pots or containers with soilless growing media. A drip nozzle connected to a tube is positioned above each plant.

A water pump drip system allows the nutrient solution to gradually drip through the nozzle and over the plant. The excess solution is collected and recycled through the pump.

Quick takeaway: The drip system is cost-efficient but requires extra maintenance and monitoring to ensure the proper distribution of nutrients and water.

Aeroponics

An aeroponic system uses a hydroponics method adopted by many of the in-home countertop kits, such as the AeroGarden.

The plants sit in pots suspended above a water reservoir. Depending on the design, nozzles deliver water over each plant or spray the roots with the nutrient solution.

As the plants are suspended in air, they are naturally aerated. This creates an oxygen-rich environment that allows the plants to thrive. The roots eventually grow down into the water reservoir where they soak up the nutrients as with other hydroponic systems.

Quick takeaway: Aeroponics systems are often compact, easy to operate and allow you to grow many small plants in tiny spaces.

Kratky Method

The Kratky Method is a type of passive hydroponics. With passive hydroponics, you do not use an industrial air pump or any kind of pump to circulate water. The nutrient solution sits in a water reservoir below the plants.

The water level starts high, allowing it to saturate the growing medium containing seeds. As the seeds sprout and roots grow, they soak up more water. The water level gradually decreases as the roots grow and extend down into the reservoir, maintaining an air gap between the water level and the plant.

You do not replace the water or add nutrients during the growth cycle. By the time that the water is fully depleted, the plants should be ready to harvest.

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

A deep water culture system is comparable to nutrient film technique (NFT) systems. Both methods involve placing the root system directly into the water.

The main difference between DWC and NFT is the configuration. With the DWC system, instead of placing the plants in a row in a channel, the plants are suspended in a container. The container may include multiple plants. Tubing connects the water pump to each container.

Quick takeaway: Deep water culture systems are simple to set up, as they do not use cycles of flooding and draining the nutrient solution. The water flows continuously. The drawback is that disease can quickly spread from one plant to the next.

Bottle Hydroponics

A bottle hydroponics system is a type of passive hydroponics, as it does not require a water pump. It involves suspending a plant in a bottle partially filled with water and nutrients.

A wick system may be used to draw water up to the grow media during seed germination. The roots eventually grow down through the media and to the water below.

Bottle hydroponics is a popular choice, as bottles take up less space and you do not need any extra equipment. There are no moving parts to deal with, but bottle hydroponics does require frequent maintenance.

As bottle hydroponics do not typically use water pumps, you need to replace the water about once per week. A straw may also be needed to manually blow air bubbles for proper oxygenation.

How to Choose a Hydroponic System

The price may be a primary concern when choosing a hydroponic growing system. Luckily, most of the systems discussed are available to fit any budget. Other considerations include the types and number of plants you want to grow.

If you just want to grow a few herbs, you can start with one of the basic countertop hydroponic grow systems. If you want to grow enough veggies to feed a family throughout the year, you will require one of the larger setups with space for taller, fuller plants.

After you consider your budget and the types of plants you want to grow, think about your experience level, available space, temperature, and the needs of your plants. Here’s what you should know to make the right choice.

Your Experience Level

If you are new to hydroponics and indoor grow systems, you should start with a simple system. A large-scale commercial hydroponic growing system includes a lot of components and requires frequent monitoring of nutrient levels. Any mistakes could result in dead plants.

Luckily, several of our hydroponics system recommendations are incredibly easy to use. The compact indoor kits, such as the AeroGarden or the Farmstand, allow anyone to start growing.

Space Needed

Think about where you plan on setting up the hydroponic system. If you only have a little bit of space on a counter or desk, consider using a compact hydroponic kit.

For those with more space, you may set up a larger system. Hydroponic systems can be set up in areas measuring a few feet wide and deep or covering an entire basement.

The Ideal Temperature

The ideal water temperature for a hydroponics growing system is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not typically a problem for in-home systems, as the temperature in most homes is within the same range.

Yet, if you plan on placing the system in your basement, or if you live in a cold region, you may need to use a water heater to maintain the best temperature.

Substrates and Nutrients Required

Hydroponic systems require substrate to hold the plants. Most in-home systems use a type of soilless substrate, such as coco coir, peat moss, organic sponges, or perlite.

A liquid fertilizer is added to the water to supply the roots with nutrients. If you want a simple setup, consider using a countertop system that comes with a bottle of plant food and coir plugs for germinating the seeds.

Ongoing Maintenance

If you are the type of person who tends to lose interest in projects over time, choose a hydroponic system that requires minimal maintenance.

You typically need to clean out the entire system at least once a month to remove calcium and iron buildup. Small units may only need an occasional wiping with a damp rag and a thorough cleaning between crops.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Hydroponics?

There are several things you need to consider before thinking about setting up an entire solution of your own or choosing from one of the best hydroponic systems above.

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions that people have.

What Types of Plants Can You Grow with Hydroponics?

Countertop hydroponics kits are often used for growing common kitchen herbs, such as cilantro, oregano, parsley, and basil. Leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, are also good for first-time growers. With experience, almost anything you grow outdoors can be grown indoors with a hydroponic system.

What’s the Best Hydroponics System for Beginners?

A compact all-in-one countertop hydroponics system is the best choice for beginners. The AeroGarden Harvest is a common recommendation. You simply add water, seeds, and plant food. LED indicators let you know when the system needs more water or plant food.

What’s the Best Commercial Hydroponic System?

The drip system and the deep-water culture (DWC) method are two of the most used hydroponic systems for commercial applications. These methods often involve lower costs and less frequent maintenance, making them well-suited for large-scale growing.

What Is the Most Popular Hydroponic Method?

The drip system stands out as the most popular commercial hydroponics method due to its efficiency. It tends to cost less and involves less work compared to most other hydroponics approaches. The setup includes fewer components, which means there are fewer things that can go wrong. However, the aeroponic method is commonly used for in-home kits.

How Do You Aerate Hydroponics?

Aeration is required to provide oxygen to the roots. The easiest method for aeration is to suspend the plants above the nutrient solution to prevent the roots from sitting in water. Air stone and air diffusers may also be used to aerate hydroponic systems. An air stone and diffuser release bubbles in the water to supply oxygen.

Do I Need to Test the pH of My Nutrient Solution?

Monitoring the water culture is necessary for maintaining a healthy environment for the roots. A high pH level means that the water is more alkaline, which reduces nutrient uptake. A low pH level can also inhibit growth. The ideal pH level for a nutrient solution is between 5 and 6.

How Do I Adjust the pH in My Hydroponic System?

Test the pH level after adding the hydroponic nutrients. Adding one teaspoon of baking soda per five gallons of liquid can help raise the pH level. A small amount of white vinegar or citric acid can help lower the pH level.

Along with household items, you can buy commercial products designed specifically for raising or lowering pH levels.

Do I Need to Clean My Hydroponics System?

Algae, bacteria, and calcium buildup can accumulate around nozzles, filters, and pumps. You should change out the water or flush the nutrient solution about every 7 to 10 days. You may also need to clean or replace nozzles and filters.

Are Indoor Hydroponic Gardens Worth it?

Indoor hydroponic gardens are worth it for those without the space or interest in growing plants outdoors. You can grow almost anything using a hydroponic system. Small countertop hydroponic systems are affordable and easy to use. A large-scale drip system is cost-efficient but requires more experience and space.

Final Thoughts

While all these systems are fantastic, the truth is none of them will fully accommodate your needs at your home. Everyone’s garden is a separate biosphere, and the best we can do is to adjust it to suit the plant's needs best we can.

The most comprehensive route would be to build your own system. First, you would decide what crop you wanted to grow it in first, then construct the system to meet its needs.

But if you can’t DIY, these pre-built systems will help you get a head start. If you need to tailor your set, go with a brand that offers a wide variety of products to help you create the perfect system.

But if all of these systems are too complex, you can always start with a Kratky Method, which only needs a net pot and reservoir. There are loads of Kratky potting solutions on Amazon as well.

And when selecting a Kratky attachment, make sure it is as long as possible to allow the roots to take.

But as always, it is totally up to you to make a choice about what system suits you best.

Hydroponic Water - Everything You Need To Know

Utilizing hydroponics for your garden means substituting water for your usual potting and garden bed mix. If you’re looking for a method of horticulture that allows for easy nutrient delivery, saves water, and, when done correctly, produces a larger yield, then this is for you.

On our website, we’ve covered the many kinds of crops you can grow in hydroponic units, which vary from bell peppers to cucumbers, onions, and more.

While there are many ways to grow hydroponically, each method has its own pros and cons. The one thing they have in common is they all operate with water or a nutrient solution.

The go-to type of water to use is distilled water because it contains no harmful contaminants. You can also use distilled water to dilute tap water, which in certain areas can be challenging to work with because it has a lot of minerals that can eventually cause a build-up.

We’d also suggest using captured rainwater or tap water undergoing reverse osmosis filtration.

For those who are new to hydroponics, here are the basic setups to understand.

Basic Hydroponic Setups

With any hydroponic setup, you will need light (natural or artificial), carbon dioxide (just well-ventilated air for roots), and oxygen (again for the roots). All you’re doing with hydroponics is replacing the need for soil.

Soil holds the nutrients, water, and minerals for the plant to tap into and feed on. Soil also helps to hold the plant in position - and in a hydroponic system, this is replaced with an alternative growing medium.

The basic hydroponic setups that most growers will talk about are:

Water Culture

Considered the simplest setup, a water culture is created by soaking the plant’s roots in water, with the plant firmly held in place via some sort of growing medium. The nutrients are in the water, with an air pump allowing the roots to absorb them.

Wick System

A wick system is considered a very basic hydroponic system with the plants drawing water from the reservoir via a string into the growing medium.

This is, in fact, a very useful technique for gardeners who are leaving for a few days and need to water their indoor plants.

Nutrient Film Technique

Usually referred to as NFT, this hydroponics method has the plant potted in net pots, with the roots suspended above a constant flow of nutrients and water.

The flowing water generates bubbles, which aerate the nutrient solution.

Ebb and Flow

Like the NFT setup, the plants are potted in net pots with the roots suspended. But rather than constantly flowing water, this system works by periodically flooding the plant-holding area and wetting the roots when required.

Selecting a growing medium that absorbs and retains the water is critical.

Drip Irrigation System

As the name indicates this requires water drippers to feed your plant's roots. The water solution contains the nutrients that the plant needs, and usually, this is a closed circuit, with the excess water flowing into a reservoir.

This method is used for larger plants and trees.

Aeroponics

This is a technique that promises to deliver outstanding results. But this being said, it is for advanced growers.

With aeroponics, the water is vaporized via sprinklers. By doing this, you’re creating a perfect aeration of nutrients, which is absorbed into the plant’s system very quickly.

While this is a great system, be warned that the sprayers can get clogged.

Now, back to the question at hand, hydroponic water.

What Type of Water Should You Use in Your Hydroponic System?

While watering the garden with tap water is fine, the quality of the water matters when it comes to hydroponics. This is down to the extent of filtration or the water quality from the reservoir or source.

All these variables will affect the chemicals, minerals, and bacteria in the water. This being said, there are a number of methods you can always treat water to ensure that these extra elements are removed.

Treating Water For Hydroponics

When treating water for your hydroponics system, you want to ensure that you’ve removed all impurities, excess minerals, and bacteria.

To remove chlorine, place the water in direct sunlight. The UV rays will do the work naturally over the course of two days. If you’re looking at keeping bacteria to a minimum, you will want to use a UV light.

In larger cities with bacteria issues, water companies will use chloramine. You can use chloramine tablets to remove it from your water supply. These tablets will also remove chlorine.

If you don’t have access to these tablets, you can run the water through a charcoal filter.

As mentioned, if the water from your taps is hard, you can use reverse osmosis to remove excess minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not bad for the plant, these minerals can build up over time, causing issues.

The last measure you can take to ensure the water is filtered correctly is running it through a debris filter.

Once these steps have been taken, your water should be ready for your hydroponic system.

So, what other frequently asked questions (FAQ) are made about hydroponic water?

FAQ About Hydroponic Water?

As you can imagine, there are a million and one questions budding hydroponic gardeners have about the hydroponic water they’ll be using in their systems.

But we will answer the most frequently asked questions typed into Google.

Is Distilled Water The Best For Hydroponics?

The simple answer is - yes. Distilled water has had all the harmful chemicals and excess minerals removed. That means when you add nutrients into your system, you know there’s nothing counteracting the chemical balance.

How is Rainwater in a Hydroponics System?

Rainwater is great, but be aware of how the water is collected. If your roof and gutter’s surface is made from heavy metals or asbestos, you might want to treat the water before putting it into your system. This being said, if you don’t have that kind of roof or gutters, the water should be perfect for hydroponic systems.

Unless your area experiences acid rain…

Could I Use Well Water for Hydroponic Systems?

Again there are many variables at work, but some well points can be heavy in minerals. This, in turn, makes it unsuitable for hydroponic systems.

If treated properly, or if your well point is fed by a clean spring, then there’s no reason not to use it.

Purified Water For Hydroponics?

If the water is treated with a purification process, it should be perfect for any system. We’d highly recommend using purified water.

Now that we’ve answered a few questions, let’s dive into making our own nutrient water for hydroponics.

Start Making Your Own Nutrients for Your Hydroponic System

For most, the biggest concern with starting a hydroponic system is how to feed the plants. While there are many solutions, we’d recommend starting with store-bought and formulated solutions.

We’ve spoken about the best nutrient suppliers in the game, so it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs the best.

These products will have instructions about how to use them. But, one tip they won’t include is adding Epsom salts. The scientific name for this household mineral is Magnesium Sulfate, which is fantastic for plants.

The list of benefits is long, so always have Epsom salts on hand.

For those looking at adding worm tea, or any other natural fertilizer, you will need to ensure that they don’t affect the pH of the water, which is one of the most essential jobs for maintaining a healthy hydroponic system.

But what is the correct level?

What is The Correct pH Level for Hydroponics?

The pH level of your water is vital for the health of your plants in the system. While generally, you want the pH of the water to be a little more acidic at around 4.0 to 5.0, this can vary with certain crops.

Cucumbers want their water between 5.0 - 6.0 pH. And as another rule of thumb, veggies like a higher pH of between 5.5 to 6.0, while berries will want lower levels of around 4.0 - 5.0 pH.

Make sure you do some reading before adjusting the levels.

Now, let’s talk about adjusting these levels.

Adjusting the pH Levels in Hydroponics

It may seem intimidating, but you can adjust the pH levels of your hydroponic system with relative ease.

There are loads of professional products on the market that will give you step-by-step instructions. But adjusting pH levels can be done naturally.

If you’re looking at lowering the pH levels, substances like baking powder will help.

When raising the acidity, squeeze a lemon into the mix or vinegar. Remember, if you are doing it with household products, monitor the levels carefully and only make minor adjustments.

Now that we understand how to adjust the pH of your water, let’s talk about the best methods of circulating and aerating it.

How to Aerate and Circulate Water In Hydroponics

In most hydroponic systems, you need a hydroponic air pump to either aerate or circulate the water. You can have multiple different types of pumps in the system, ensuring that nutrients are absorbed or circulated.

The most common pump utilized in hydroponic systems is a submersible pump. This being said, there are two pump systems that will move water:

Most growers will settle with a submersible water pump as they are the easiest to find and are pretty easy to maintain.

Submersible pumps are also easier to install. While an inline water pump will offer more power for more extensive circulation, a submersible pump will be OK if your system is for home use.

Also, if you have an aeroponic or ebb and flow system, it’s in your best interest to invest in a timer.

While you might be good at remembering tasks, the fact is these systems will work better with a timer that will switch the pump on and off every 20-40 minutes throughout the day.

If you think your plants need more aeration or you are working with a deep water culture, you will have to use an air pump. Getting the correct amount of oxygen into the water will also help prevent diseases and algae.

When a system does start to produce algae, it might be time to change the water. But how often should a grower change their water?

When Should Growers Change Their Hydroponic Water?

The typical home hydroponic system can do with a water change every two to three weeks. If water levels drop, you can top up with the system supply.

However, this schedule can change for several reasons, but it will most probably be from too much algae. You should change the water immediately when a system starts to develop major issues, like abnormal algae growth.

While a small amount of algae is alright, too much will create an environment perfect for breeding bacteria, which will harm your plants.

Another reason for changing the water is if the pH levels are completely unfixable. But just a reminder, when changing the water, make sure to clean the system’s surfaces with a plant-friendly substance.

But what if you want to recycle hydroponic water? Can you?

Can you Recycle Hydroponic Water?

The simple answer again is yes; you can, in fact, reuse hydroponic water. If you do want to use water in your garden, it is recommended to dilute the water with regular tap water.

This water can also be poured down the drain, but it is excellent for general garden use because of the nutrients in the water. However, if you have allowed it to become very acidic, make sure to test the pH of the water first. The neutral pH of water is around 6-7, so change the levels accordingly.

And if you are checking for EC levels, ensure the reading is close to 0 as possible before disposing of it. You can also put the water through a reverse osmosis filter, UV disinfection, or pasteurization setup.

Make sure that you can dispose of the water quickly, as if it is left lying around, it can become a breeding ground for pests. We’d strongly recommend having a schedule in place where changing water aligns with watering timings in the garden.

One of the main reasons why hydroponic water will turn is down to poor temperature. But how do you maintain water temperature?

How to Regulate Water Temperatures in Hydroponic Systems

Temperature control is key to your plants' health in the hydroponic system. Huge temperature fluctuations can cause plant shock, stunting the roots' growth.

Ensure you can monitor your system's temperature and maintain it between 65F and 80F. When a plant’s roots are exposed to harsh temperatures, they can die off, resulting in dead plants.

To ensure your system doesn’t experience significant temperature changes, you should set it up in a shaded area. Direct sunlight on the system will heat up the water flowing through it.

Another point in the system is the reservoirs; these should also be placed out of direct sunlight. To lower the temperature more, you can bury the reservoirs or paint them.

Water chillers will also help, especially for crops that require colder temperatures. Check out our top recommendations: Best Hydroponic Water Chiller

Other methods include covering the system with a shade cloth, painting the system, or investing in a larger reservoir.

Managing water temperature will save you time and money, and it is the easiest aspect to manage.

Another element that will help with temperature control is topping the system’s water.

So, what is the perfect water level to maintain?

Managing Hydroponic Water Levels

Water levels vary between systems. But generally, your hydroponic system’s water level should keep your plant roots wet while your plants’ stems should always be kept dry.

Ebb and flow systems should have a water level of around two inches below the growing medium. This will ensure that the roots are never exposed to too much air.

In deep water culture setups, the water level should be around one inch below the net pot. But if the bottom of the plant becomes too dry, you will want to raise the water levels. Be aware of not over-adjusting and creating a soggy root area leading to root rot.

With systems like NFT, aeroponics, wick, and drip, there are no suggested levels as these deliver water in a different method.

Overwatering can occur in hydroponics and can be caused by,

Generally, when overwatering does occur, simply giving the plants time to dry out is the best solution.

Complete Guide About Hydroponic Water

It’s always important to remember that when building a hydroponic system, you are, in effect, creating a microenvironment.

Everything needs to work together for the plants to thrive, so all elements are essential. And when something does go wrong, a chain of events occurs. You can easily adjust and fix the problem by working backward when troubleshooting.

And if you need to read up about hydroponic water issues, you can always reread this article.

Hydroponic Wheat - Guide To Growing Wheat Hydroponically

Wheat grows well hydroponically. Most plants do. But the main reason to grow anything hydroponically is that your crop will be larger and better controlled than if it were grown traditionally. To get a decent harvest of wheat you would need acres of hydroponic setup, and that's out of the realm of possibility for most people.

So why are we even discussing it? Well partly because it’s just an interesting experiment, and also because lots of universities, government agencies, and research organizations grow it that way.

For instance, NASA has been studying the hydroponic farming of wheat for decades because it’s part of their Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Program. They’re working out how to farm food for long space flights and extraterrestrial projects, as in when we go to Mars. That is pretty fascinating.

Other institutions find it easier to grow wheat hydroponically so they can study it year-round. These research organizations and universities are also looking into vertically farming wheat as a way to expand global production. This is important because as the population increases worldwide, we will need to increase how much food we produce without using more land to farm it.

That being said, they do warn that hydroponic wheat will probably never be economically competitive with traditionally farmed wheat, but it’s still an important way to make more food.

However, there is one way you can grow wheat in quantities that are useful for your household or as a crop for sale: wheat grass. Wheatgrass is the newly sprouted leaves of your standard wheat plant. It has many beneficial properties and is a source of potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and a host of other nutrients. You can grow a lot in a small space, and harvest very quickly. Now that sounds like a job for a hydroponics setup!

So let’s get into it.

Also Read: Most Popular Hydroponic Herbs

What is Wheat?

Firstly, wheat is an extremely ancient agricultural product. We’ve been farming it since farming was invented. But the wheat we all know today is not the same as the plant cultivated in the Levant 10 000 years ago. It has been bred to have much bigger ears, shorter stems, and to be much more disease resistant.

Around 7 species, divided into 20 varieties, are grown around the world. Most farmers won’t be aware of exactly what species they are planting, so unless you get your seeds from a place that specifies, neither will you.

The most common forms are red and white wheat, but you can also get black, yellow, and blue wheat.

Growing Conditions for Hydroponic Wheat

Temperature

In soil, wheat will need 110 - 130 days between sowing and harvest. One experiment found that wheat grown indoors and hydroponically only needed 70 days from seed to harvest if kept at 73 F. Theoretically, this means you could get around 5 harvests a year from the space.

Nutrients

Too much nitrogen and your plants will grow too tall. This could lead to them falling over when the wheat ear grows too big for the stem to handle. However, most varieties grown these days have been genetically modified to prevent this, so it’s not so much of a problem.

However, for wheatgrass, which loves potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, you can just invest in a good fertilizer from your hydroponics goods store. Liquid kelp is highly recommended.

Light

Wheat can be grown under lights 24 hours a day, but that could become expensive and you can still maximize growth with 20 hours a day of light. It was estimated that the largest cost of growing wheat hydroponically was the electricity costs. But if and when large-scale hydroponic wheat farming goes ahead, solar power will bring down the costs enormously.

Growing Medium

You should stick with the growing medium that is recommended for the hydroponic system you choose, but a good start is coco coir.

Best Hydroponic Systems For Wheat

In soil, wheat has roots that can extend six feet, so your best options would include systems with a lot of space for them to spread.

NASA started off by using the nutrient film technique (NFT) because it really maximizes the number of plants you can grow in a given space.

This system is also useful because feeding the plants is easy, as is making sure the water pH stays in the right range. If you need to disinfect the roots, you can access them without much trouble, and your water and electricity consumption costs are lower than with the other methods.

In general, the most economical solution would be to go vertical, which NFT lends itself to nicely, but you can also try an ebb-and-flow system.

This is the simplest method for growing anything hydroponically. And you won’t be pigeonholed into any specific growing medium, because most of them work brilliantly in this system. Ebb and flow setups are also great for plants with large root systems, such as wheat. And if you decided to scale up production, you can easily add on to your current system.

The drawback of growing wheat in an ebb and flow system is that scaling up can get pricey, quickly. Also, if you get a pathogen in your water, you’ll need to take apart the whole system for disinfecting, from flood trays to net pots, grow media, and reservoirs.

The last good option is to go aeroponic. The frame makes it simple to grow vertically and your wheat will grow quickly. The major drawback here is that it costs a lot to get this system going. Thereafter your costs are minimal compared to other hydroponic systems.

However, if you’ve decided to go the wheat grass route, then your options are pretty much endless, but simpler is definitely better.

Wheatgrass needs very little root space, is low on water, and needs barely any nutrients. Your best bet would be to maximize your plant/space ratio, and to succession plant so that you’re getting a regular harvest.

A wicking system might be your cheapest and best option here, but even germinating your wheat seeds in a bed of wet cotton wool will do the trick.

Check out the top-rated hydroponic systems for 2023

Starting Your Wheat Hydroponic Crop

In order to start your wheat or wheatgrass crop, you need to soak your wheat berries for 8-12 hours. This helps get rid of any pesticides on the berries and hydrates them, which makes the seed coat soft. After soaking, drain out the water and rinse off the seeds well.

Next comes sprouting. You can either put your seeds into a grow tray and sprout them there, or you can sprout them directly in your hydroponic system. If they’re in the grow tray, simply wet the seeds well and cover them with cardboard for 24 hours. You can add some liquid fertilizer at this stage. Once they’ve spouted, cover them in coco coir to a depth of about an inch. Make sure to dampen the coco coir, but don’t drown it. It should take about four days before they break the surface of the coco coir.

If you’ve opted for growing wheat grass they can stay in this tray for the rest of their growing cycle. But if you want to grow full-sized wheat now would be a good time to transplant it into your net pots.

If you started the seed in the hydroponic system, combine your grow medium with some sphagnum peat moss or kelp fertilizer and wait for them to sprout to about an inch. You can now move them to a sunny spot or turn your lights on.

Maintaining Your Hydroponic Wheat

If you are growing wheat there are two main systems that are used to determine the stages of growth that it goes through. They are the Feekes scale and the Zadoks Scale. You can use these scales to determine what nutrients are necessary at certain growth stages.

The last leaf on the stem, known as the flag leaf, will determine the quality of the wheat ear. This leaf is highly photosynthetic and provides the carbohydrates the ear needs to grow big and fat. So if your last leaf is healthy, you know you’ll get a good ear out of the plant.

It’s important to keep temperatures stable and low in the period between when the flower has just fully opened (anthesis) and when it reaches maturity. Temperatures that are too high will not be good for pollen formation.

Wheat is a self-pollinating plant, which means it has both male and female parts on the same plant. Because wheat doesn’t make an attractive flower or give off a tasty smell, insects and birds won’t pollinate it. To get the pollen off the stamen and onto the sticky stigma, all you need is wind or you can shake the stems.

If you are growing wheat grass all you need to do is maintain your light and temperatures for about 10 days, or until the wheat is around 10 inches tall.

Harvesting

For full-sized wheat you’ll want to harvest when the stalks are just changing from green to brown. Cut them just above the growing medium.

Next, tie the stalks together with twine and leave them to dry out for about two weeks. You can leave them flat or hang them. You’ll know they are ready if the ears crunch when you bite down on them.

Now spread a sheet on the ground and put your stalks onto it. Beat the stalks with a wooden dowel or stick (known as threshing), then collect the seeds into a bowl. Set the bowl in front of a fan, and let it blow the chaff away. Now your wheat grains are ready for storing.

For wheatgrass, when you’re happy with the length, snip it off as close to the grow medium as possible. Use immediately.

What We’ve Learned About Growing Wheat In a Hydroponic System?

While it’s not financially rewarding to grow full-sized wheat in a hydroponic system, it can be an interesting project. There are a few different systems that lend themselves well to growing wheat successfully, and with improved technology, this could be a great way to grow large quantities to meet global demand.

But as a home grower, you’re better off growing wheat grass. It's easy, startup costs are low, and the reward is a crop that’s great for your health.

Hydroponic Lavender - A Full Guide To Growing Lavender Hydroponically

Lavender is a fantastic plant for those looking to create oils and attract bees, or anyone who want’s to use it as an herb for cooking/baking. But even if you don’t have a use in mind, many just love having lavender around the garden to create borders.

Lavender is easy to grow and perfect for garden beds and pots. With its silvery-green foliage and purple upright flowers, the plants are also wonderful for creating what some may refer to as informal hedges.

But what if you want to grow them indoors using hydroponics? While it might be surprising for some, you can grow lavender hydroponically, as it is a plant perfect for arid climates.

Now, what are the perfect growing conditions for a lavender plant?

Also Read: Best Hydroponic Plants

Perfect Growing Conditions For Lavender Plants

Lavender is a part of the genus of Lavandula, which is part of a larger family of 42 flowering plants in the mint family. Initially, it was only found in the Cape Verde and Canary Islands. But over time, it spread to Africa, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia.

Lavender will sometimes expand its reach outside of the gardening area. But this is usually harmless. However in Australia, the Lavandula stoechas is now considered a pest, and in Spain, it’s also called a weed. Both these environments offer dry, well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soils, with dry heat. Exactly the climate that lavender thrives in.

When selecting a lavender, there are three main types you can grow hydroponically. These are:

Lavender does need good air circulation, as it is prone to root rot and fungus infections in areas with high humidity.

It’s worth noting that fertilizer is not crucial for the success of the plant. And Lavender will need little to none throughout its life.

The perfect soil pH should to be around 6 - 8, although this varies between cultivars.

Now that we understand the optimum growing conditions for lavender, let’s focus on how to replicate that for a hydroponic system.

Growing Lavender In Hydroponics

With a plant like lavender, you need to monitor the amount of water it takes into the substrate around the roots. A growing medium like Rockwool, which is great for germinating seeds, will need to be reduced due to its ability to hold water.

We’d strongly recommend using lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA). LECA will imitate the natural rocks that Lavender roots latch onto in their natural environment.

If you plan on germinating seeds indoors, the success rate is relatively low, with approximately only half growing into a seedling. But this shouldn’t matter as the plant will produce 850 to 1300 seeds per gram - again, this varies depending on the cultivar of the plant. During germination, you will need to maintain a high temperature of between 65°F to 70°F.

Thereafter the plant takes around two years to start bushing out.

But what type of hydroponic setup should you go with? The main two are nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep water culture (DWC). Some also recommend the Kratky method for small plants.

Using the Kratky method, you will be rooting the cuttings, which you’ll be able to plant out when the roots are established.

With a larger crop you’d do better with an NFT setup, as they usually require less space than a regular DWC system. This being said, DWC is the system we’d recommend due to the size of the plant.

A DWC system is usually utilized to grow a single plant, but you can expand on it and create a joint system. Although we recommend you start with one first before expanding to an entire crop.

Check out our top recommendations for hydroponic systems in 2023

The number one cause of lavender dying in the garden is overwatering. This means that growing it in a system that is entirely water-based it’s going to be a tricky grow.

You will want to program the air pump to generate a lot of bubbles and invest in a fan because of the aforementioned root rot and fungus issues; installing fans to ensure that air circulation is constantly moving is key to a healthy crop.

Lavender also needs heat and sun. Its optimum temperature is between 68°F and 86°F. For this you can invest in a heater, as well, to ensure the air is dry.

You could also boost the temperature by investing in a high-intensity grow light. Usually, the heat emitted from the bulb is an issue, but when growing lavender, this becomes a bonus.

However, the energy bill might cause you some concerns as the grow light will need to run for around eight to ten hours a day. Coupled with the fans and heater, this is an expensive operation to run.

To cut down on unnecessary costs, you can ensure that the room you’re using is well ventilated, has ample sunlight to warm the room, and you can switch the high-powered light to an LED setup.

Lavender does not require a lot of fertilizer. You will want to maintain the pH at around 5.5 - 7, and the parts per million (ppm) in the nutrient solution should be around 700 to 980. And if your plant looks a little limp, you can add a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium.

A general-purpose solution will do, or you can go the organic tea route.

Make sure to test the nutrient levels daily and that pruning is done correctly. Lavender needs to be pruned once a year to maintain its structure. If you don’t the plants become overly woody and sprawling. When pruning, make sure to prune back by ⅓ to ½ the height of the stems.

As the plant matures, its lower stems will become woody. Find that woody part and trim above by 2 inches. And when the flowers start to fade, you can trim them off to encourage new growth.

Overall, lavender is not the most difficult hydroponic crop, but it can be expensive, as the daily energy bills can quickly add up. But on the plus side is, if you’re growing it indoors, your home will smell amazing.

Growing Lavender - Smells Lovely - Is Costly

As a hydroponic project goes, growing lavender is going to be a challenge to tweak all the environmental factors just right for a decent crop.

But once you’re in the swing of things, it should be straightforward and only require monitoring.

And as always, it promises to be fun.

Hydroponic Bananas - How To Grow Hydroponically

If growing a banana tree in your garden might seem impossible and mad. Growing one hydroponically will seem worse, but it is vital to the specie’s survival.

Currently, banana production is undergoing a significant crisis.

The industry is reliant on a single cultivar of banana, called the Cavendish. It was bred in the 1950s to beat a deadly fungal pathogen that destroyed the world’s banana plantations, which were called Gros Michelle, and were reportedly better tasting than the Cavendish. Then they were wiped out and the Cavendish was introduced. But this disease has evolved.

Black Sigatoka and Panama diseases are now contaminating soil and spreading rapidly amongst production areas.

While there are estimates that bananas are grown in 150 countries, and there are more than 1,000 different types in cultivation, 95% of Americans eat the Cavendish banana.

However there is hope for your kids favourite fruit: Since the pathogen has spread via soil, this means that growing bananas hydroponically will circumnavigate the issue.

But as you’d expect when growing a tree hydroponically, there are difficulties.

Also read: Best Fruit To Grow Hydroponically

Challenges Of Growing Banana Trees Hydroponically

When growing a banana tree hydroponically, the number one issue is the size. The average height of a banana tree is roughly 16 feet tall. Unless you’re growing in a warehouse, you must select a dwarf tree version.

But if you have the space to grow your banana tree indoors or are planning on growing it outdoors, the next issue is nutrients and water. Trees need loads of water and essential nutrients.

It should be said that a banana tree is technically not a tree but a herbaceous flowering plant in the genus Musa. Banana trees are a vascular plant with no woody stems. And just to be more confusing, the fruit is botanically a berry.

Also, the lifecycle of a banana tree is not the same as other trees.

The tree’s trunk (referred to as a false stem) is what the leaves pop out of. When it starts to fruit, the leaves stop being produced, and flowers spike. This then develops into a bunch of bananas.

One flower from the plant can produce upwards of 60 fruits or berries. The fruit production takes roughly 16-18 months.

Whether or not the fruit is harvested, the trunk dies. They then produce pups (small trees) at the base of the mother plants. And this is how the plant reproduces.

Older species, or cultivars, of the banana tree had hard seeds within the fruit. But with human intervention, they have been bred out. Those little black spots you sometimes see in the banana are all that is left, and they won’t produce new plants.

So it’s up to the pups to create the next year’s crop.

When the tree is producing pups, they need to be maintained to ensure that the nutrients is being used in the correct area. Bananas planted into the ground will require rich soil that drains well.

Bananas are also very sensitive to frost and require heat, humidity, and loads of light.

Those who have built a hydroponic system can attest that these are all elements which require a lot of power and money.

But luckily, when horticulturists discovered how to make dwarf trees, bananas were included. You can order a Dwarf Cavendish, which will now only reach a height of nine feet tall, with the Super Dwarf Version only growing to four feet.

Now that we’ve discussed what will be the main hurdles for growing bananas hydroponically, let’s focus on what is required when growing them this way.

Conditions Needed To Grow Bananas Hydroponically

Bananas originated from, or are native to, tropical Indomalaya and Australia, and were domesticated in Papua New Guinea. This means hot, humid weather, and rainforest type terrains.

When planning a hydroponic setup, you need to take into account that you will need to provide the plants access to loads of water and nutrients. And your pot will need to be big enough to accommodate the extensive roots, or rhizomes, of the plant.

We’d suggest using a container that is between 2.5 to 5 gallons. Depth-wise, you need these containers to be at least 24 inches deep.

The potting medium will also need to support the weight of the plant, as well as the root system.

So we’d suggest using either coco coir, as it is able to hold loads of water and nutrients, or lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA).

LECA is able to hold large plants in place, which is useful when growing banana trees.

As we mentioned, temperature control is key to growing bananas. While they can withstand some temperature fluctuations, you want yours to grow at an optimum level.

Keep your indoor grow area between 70ºF to 80ºF to ensure that the trees grow well. This will mean investing in a heating system, which can be either a mat or a heater.

You will also require a mister to ensure that humidity is kept high enough. If you’re looking at harvesting the best quality bananas, some research suggests a humidity level of more than 

90%. This high humidity will ensure that the fruit doesn’t fall off prematurely.

Water pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5 pH, with a ppm of around 1260 - 1540 because the plant is prone to root rot due to the high humidity and temperature.

As for lighting, the banana plant needs to around four to six hours a day, if you can afford to run your lights for eight hour, that would be the best. We’d suggest using an LED lighting system, as it is more cost-effective to run when compared to old school methods.

We’d also suggest steering clear of using organic fertilizers within the system as they tend to produce pathogens when subjected to these conditions.

Bananas need loads of potassium, especially when producing fruit. It also needs a wide variety of other nutrients such as:

And you should ensure that the electric connectivity reading is around 1.6 to 1.8 so that the plant is able to absorb the high quantity of nutrients it needs to produce good-sized fruit.

The hydroponic system best suited for growing bananas is the deep water culture (DWC). While you could just utilize an adapted drip irrigation system, DWC though will provide enough water and will make monitoring of levels, a daily task, easier.

Now You’re Ready To Go Bananas Hydroponically

Bananas are a fantastic crop and adventure to grow. Also, if you do grow then you will go a long way to ensuring that the world's most popular cultivar is kept alive.

While it is an expensive crop to grow, if it is tweaked correctly, it could be a great earner, specially as you can produce bananas all year round.

So, go on and save the bananas.

Hydroponic Spinach - How To Grow Hydroponically

Spinach is a fantastic crop to grow at home whether or not it is done hydroponically. But if grown in a hydroponic system, it is recommended to beginners as the best plant to learn the craft because it’s fast-growing, lightweight, and nutritious.

And as everyone wants to be able to eat from their own garden, you can grow enough spinach, even in a small space, for your family’s needs. While many might refer back to spinach’s best spokesperson, Popeye, we’re also fans of spinach. Here’s why!

Also Read: Most Popular Fruits and Vegetables To Grow Hydroponically

Spinach Is A Great Homegrown Crop

Spinach is part of the Chenopodiaceae subfamily, which sits in Amaranthaceae's flowering plant family. Beets, chard, and quinoa are all part of this family. But arguably, spinach is the crop you want to grow in your hydroponic system.

This leafy green contains all the vitamins and minerals you need. These include iron, vitamins K, A, C, and folate. Also jammed inside are vitamin B2, magnesium, and manganese. All this is crammed into one high-quality veggie.

In 2020, the world production of spinach was 31 million tonnes. China alone produced 92% of this crop. While it is lovely to see that the world is embracing the production of spinach, the fact that it needs to be transported over such distances isn’t reassuring.

Spinach loses a lot of its nutritional value if it isn’t cooked immediately, and to extend its life, is often packaged with nitrogen gas.

Bearing this in mind, there’s no reason to subject yourself to subpar spinach from the other side of the globe when you can easily grow it in a hydroponic system at home.

Now, let’s talk about the perfect growing conditions for spinach.

Perfect Growing Conditions For Hydroponic Spinach

Spinach loves to grow in conditions that are not too warm or cold.

Too hot, and they will bolt or produce flowers and seeds. When the plant does bolt, it becomes bitter and inedible.

It’s best sown in the early days of spring because frost will also damage the crop. This means growing spinach outdoors gives you only a small window of opportunity. Basically, spinach can only be grown during spring and fall.

From germination to harvest, the plant takes around eight weeks. When sowing the seeds, it is in your best interest to take a temperature reading of the soil. The optimum soil germination temperature is between 45⁰F to 68⁰F.

For atmosphere temperature, you want to avoid anything above 75⁰F, with the best range being between 65⁰F to 70⁰F. Seedlings can tolerate low temperatures around 15⁰F to 20⁰F.

If temperatures do reach 80⁰F, spinach will bolt. And if the temperatures drop quickly, this can also cause the spinach to bolt.

Spinach will require regular watering and fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. There’s also no need for trimming back.

As with all domesticated crops, there are a number of varieties to choose from at the garden center. These include:

Baby Leaf

This variety is great for containers and is heat-tolerant as well as resistant to mildew. The leaves are tender and petite in size.

Savoy Spinach

With curly and crinkled dark-green leaves, this variety is best grown in fall and is tolerant to mosaic viruses.

Semi Savoy

Defined by its slightly crinkled leaves, it is resistant to a number of viruses and mildews. It can also be grown during spring, summer, or even fall.

Smooth or Flat Leaf

As the name indicates, this variety is known for its spade-shaped leaves. Some of these are even bolt-resistant.

Now that we know what the perfect growing conditions are let’s talk about the conditions your hydroponics setup needs to meet.

Hydroponic Needs For Spinach

Spinach is a great crop to grow hydroponically. Also, no system is head and shoulders above any other, as the roots of the plant are very shallow and will flourish in most setups.

Whether you’re using an ebb and flow system, nutrient film technique (NFT), or deep water culture (DWC), spinach will do well.

When transplanting seedlings into a hydroponic system, ensure that the pH of the nutrient solution is between 5.8 to 6.0 pH.

The growing medium can be any of the usual suspects, but make sure that they don’t damage the roots, which are easily damaged. These potting mediums include lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA), Rockwool, and coco coir.

Also, the potting medium needs to be able to retain enough water as spinach wants moist roots.

As for light requirements, your spinach will need light for around 10-12 hours daily to reach its full potential. While you can use traditional high-wattage grow lights, electrical bills and heat are two main issues you want to be aware of.

Rather switch to using a full-spectrum LED grow light instead. They are cheaper to run and don’t give off heat. Maintaining the temperature around 757F is key to harvesting a large crop. Check out our top recommendations here: Best Hydroponic LED Grow Light

When starting your crop in the hydroponic system, it will require little nutrients, and fertilizer that is not too high in nitrogen, as this can burn their leaves. The nutrients spinach mainly needs are calcium and magnesium.

Also, you should lower the amounts of nutrients you are feeding from about two weeks before harvesting, as the strength of your fertilizer can cause the plant to retain some bitterness.

From seed to harvest, your system could potentially produce spinach that’s ready to eat within 52 days. This is lightning quick in the agricultural world.

When honed in, your system could potentially feed a family all year around, which isn’t always possible with some crops.

There’s never been a better time to grow your own spinach.

Growing Spinach Hydroponically is a Must!

With consumerism forcing crops to be packaged far away and sent long distances into urban hubs, spinach is a crop you can simply grow in a kitchen.

Spinach is an easy crop to grow when you control the temperature, and with a hydroponic system, it should be plug-and-play for an organic crop that doesn’t need to be trucked in.

So, get started with the hydroponic crop that will feed your family.

How To Grow Rice Hydroponically

Rice is one of the world’s most important crops as it is a staple for millions if not billions of people. This being said, it is also an extremely tricky crop to grow outside of its natural environment.

The crop requires lots of water, constantly sunny conditions, and heat. These combined elements make it very difficult to grow rice in most regions of the USA. But not impossible. For most growers, growing a rice crop will likely be for self-interest and not for sustenance.

Rice also requires a lot of space to produce enough for a family. If you do have a large area and live in an incredibly humid area with a dramatic amount of rainfall, you could consider growing it in the backyard.

But, this all being said, wouldn’t it just be easier to grow this crop hydroponically? The simple answer is yes. And while it is still in its infancy, we think it would be a great candidate for industrial hydroponics.

Let’s talk more about the perfect conditions for growing rice.

Related: Most Popular Hydroponic Vegetables

Perfect Conditions for Growing Rice Hydroponically

As a staple crop, planting it is not a challenge (harvesting is where it gets tricky). If you are growing your own rice, you will need to plan for at least 40 days of continuous warm temperatures of at least 70°F.

While rice plants don’t need much care when growing, they have certain requirements that must be seen to, such as having at least two inches of water above the soil. When the plants develop over five to six inches tall, you will need to up the water level to four inches.

Then over the rest of the lifespan of the plant, you should reduce the water level slowly until harvest time, when the plant should not be standing in water at all.

However, while many rice varietals need to be grown in water, some don’t require being submerged.

Rice takes around four months to go from seed to harvest ready. When the stalks turn a golden color this is an indication that it is ready to be harvested.

When harvesting, you will want to cut the stalks and wrap them in newspaper and allow them to dry out completely for two to three weeks. Once the rice has dried out, roast them at a low oven temperature for an hour. Finally, you need to remove the hulls by hand, and you will get perfect rice for you and your family.

Even though this is a crop that spends most of its life submerged in water, it is actually quite challenging to replicate that environment within a hydroponic system. So, what elements do you need to be aware of when growing rice hydroponically?

What You Need To Know When Growing Rice Hydroponically

A major bonus for rice to be grown hydroponically is it will use less water and space. According to Rice Today the advantages they discovered were:

And there are multiple types of rice that can be grown.

These include:

All these grains of rice need different growing conditions, but generally speaking, they all require loads of sunlight, heat, and humidity.

They all need at least 10 hours of sunlight.

Rice is pretty resilient to pH changes, surviving well in anything between 3.5 to 8.5 pH. And due to the fact that rice is grass, it thrives on nitrogen. Out of all the nitrogen fertilizer options, the best to focus on is ammonia-based nitrogen, which is abundant in urea and urine.

When feeding your rice, also make sure not to neglect feeding potassium and phosphorous too.

And as it is grass, there’s no need to prune your crop. Rice also loves a fertile growing medium, tapping into rotting material. One plant will produce between 70 to 100 grains of rice.

Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s focus on what hydroponic system you’ll need to grow rice.

Selecting A Hydroponic System For Rice

While most will assume growing rice in a deep water culture (DWC) would be best, it’s not always the most efficient option. In fact, hydroponic systems like the nutrient film technique (NFT) have been highlighted as the method to use.

NFTs allow for the seedling trays to tap into a nutrient-rich solution. In NFT systems, the water levels rise and fall. Mimicking rice’s natural environment. Also, a mixture of water and air makes it a perfect system for rice, protecting the plant’s roots from overexposure to the sun.

Also, NFTs allow for large scalability.

For those not keen to utilize an NFT system, you can also use one of the following hydroponic systems:

Static Solution Culture

The technique’s name indicates that the solution is static, so the plants just float in it. It is the simplest form of hydroponics.

Nutrients are fed into the reservoir and used when the plants need them. The only maintenance required is to stir the solution periodically. While the roots of most plants would suffocate over time, rice is more tolerant to lower levels of oxygen.

This being said, make sure the roots are exposed to some air.

Continuous Flow System

Again, pretty self-explanatory; water is piped around the system for the whole day. You will need to ensure that the roots are in constant contact with the nutrient solution.

This constant motion also ensures that the water is oxygenated.

Ebb and Flow Hydroponics

With an ebb and flow system, the water flow is turned on and off to drench the roots of the plants. The plants are placed on top of a tray, and the water flows underneath.

While you could use aeroponics, aquaponics, and fogponics, these require more maintenance and setup costs. Aeroponics and fogponics sprayers can get clogged and cause issues, while aquaponics requires keeping fish alive.

So overall, we’d strongly suggest sticking with an NFT.

Now, let’s focus on the steps you need to follow to grow rice hydroponically in an NFT system.

How To Grow Rice Via An NFT System

Before setting up the actual system, you need to do some seed preparation. Germinating seeds requires soaking them for at least 36 hours and then allowing them to dry out for an entire day.

Germinating the seeds can take place in a bucket with a potting medium that has a 50/50 split between soil and compost. Germination should take around two weeks.

When the seedlings are around two to three inches high, wash off the growing medium and pot them into the system. The hydroponic growing medium can be rice husks.

Make sure that the temperature is kept at 77°F to ensure that the rice develops quickly, and keep the grow light for ten hours a day. You should invest in a full-spectrum LED grow light to cut down on electrical costs.

When the rice starts to turn golden in color, it’s time to harvest.

Growing Rice Hydroponically Is Possible

While it is possible to grow rice hydroponically, the scale you’ll need to make it profitable is immense. A lot of research is being put into growing rice hydroponically, as it will save water and time.

For now, if you are interested, have fun and experiment.

Best Indoor Hydroponic Grow Systems in 2023: Buying The System That's Right For You

Hydroponic systems can offer faster, fuller plant growth compared to growing plants in soil. Yet, the success of your indoor gardening depends on the method and system you choose. The wrong choice may keep you from growing fresh herbs and vegetables.

The selection of indoor hydroponic growing equipment and approaches can be confusing for beginners. Some systems are complex while others only require a few simple steps.

Here are our recommendations for the top indoor hydroponic systems based on a variety of criteria. We compared performance, ease of use, price, and other factors to narrow the selection. As you compare systems, think about the features that matter most to you, such as size or simplicity.

Whether you want the most popular hydroponic system, the most compact, something for beginners, or the top-of-the-line, we have options to suit your needs.

Keep reading to explore the various types of hydroponics solutions, how they work, and how to find the best hydroponic system for your growing needs.

Related:

Best Indoor Hydroponic Systems Reviewed

Click and Grow Smart Garden 9 - Editors Choice

Click and Grow Smart Garden 9

Available at ClickandGrow.com

The Smart Garden 9 is a self-growing garden that can be used by every household to grow every kind of plant you can think of!

Whether you live in a city, suburbia, on an island or anyplace else, you can enjoy the advantages of having your own garden. Grow 100% organic herbs, fruits, salads, and flowers that are healthier than anything you'll find in stores.

AeroGarden Bounty Elite - Best Overall

AeroGarden Bounty Elite

Check Latest Price

The AeroGarden Bounty Elite is a premium aeroponic system with space for growing up to nine plants. It features a stainless-steel nutrient reservoir and base with a height-adjustable LED grow light.

The system includes a 50-watt LED array to provide a full spectrum of light for optimal growth. After you start a new garden, the system automatically adjusts the LED grow lights to simulate the day/night cycle.

The three-step water level indicator lets you know when the reservoir needs more water while the nutrient indicator lets you know when to add plant food. You do not need any experience to grow big, healthy herbs and vegetables.

Editors note: If quality is your main goal. This is considered the best indoor hydroponic system on the market right now.

Pros

The streamlined menu is easy to operate and understand

Includes Wi-Fi connectivity and supports Alexa voice commands

The stainless-steel base holds up better compared to the plastic options

The adjustable light can be extended to support plants up to 24-inches tall

Empty seed pods and sponges are available for growing other plants

Cons

One of the more expensive countertop units

AeroGarden Harvest - Best For Beginners

AeroGarden Harvest

Check Latest Price

The AeroGarden Harvest is essentially a compact version of the Bounty Elite with a plastic base instead of stainless steel. As with the larger option, the system relies on the aeroponic method to deliver optimal oxygenation. However, instead of supporting up to nine plants, the Harvest unit has space for up to six plants.

The AeroGarden Harvest is a small hydroponic plant system that can easily fit on any counter or desk. It comes with everything needed to start growing common kitchen herbs.

The menu includes just three buttons, including a water-level indicator, plant food indicator, and LED light switch. The indicators light up to let you know when to add water or nutrients.

Pros

It’s an affordable system that comes with everything needed to start growing

One of the easiest hydroponic systems to set up and maintain

Only requires a small amount of space on a counter or desk

The water pump is whisper quiet

Cons

The opening for adding water is small, making it easy to spill water

The design only supports plants up to 12-inches tall

AeroGarden Farm 24Plus - Top Of The Line

AeroGarden Farm 24Plus

Check Latest Price

The AeroGarden Farm 24Plus is AeroGarden’s ultimate in-home hydroponic system. Instead of six to nine plants, you can grow up to 24 plants with a single kit. The setup includes two adjustable 60W LED grow lights.

The set comes with seed pods offering a wide selection of leafy greens and kitchen herbs. As with the AeroGarden Bounty Elite, the Farm 24Plus allows you to grow plants measuring up to 24-inches tall.

It also includes a simple menu with indicators to let you know when to perform necessary tasks, such as topping off the water or adding more of the provided nutrients.

Pros

The stackable design allows you to connect multiple systems for vertical gardening

Includes space for growing up to 24 plants with heights up to 24 inches

The 60W LED grow lights help maximize photosynthesis for faster growth

Comes with 24 starter seeds and pods to quickly start your first garden

Cons

Costs significantly more compared to some of the options

Vegebox Growing System - Most Compact

VegeBox Hydroponics Growing System - Indoor Herb Garden, Smart Garden Starter Kit with LED Grow Lights for Home Kitchen, Plant Germination Kits (9 pods, White)…

Amazon 

The Vegebox Growing System is one of the most compact hydroponic systems available, taking up less space than the AeroGarden Harvest. It relies on an aeroponics system, which includes a continuous flow of water inside the small 1.2-liter reservoir.

The unit includes nine holes for growing up to nine plants. Each plant sits in a small foam sponge placed inside a plastic basket.

Due to the limited space, it may not work well with large vegetables and plants, but it offers an ideal environment for delicate herbs, such as parsley and basil.

Pros

One of the most affordable ways to try in-home hydroponics

The base measures just 14.7 x 17.5 inches and takes up less space compared to others

The design is easy to use, as it includes a single on/off button for the pump and light

The LED light is adjustable to support taller plants

Cons

Does not include any indicators for water level or plant food

Does not come with any seeds to try

The foam sponges may collect mold and algae

Moistenland Starter Kit - Easiest To Use

moistenland Hydroponics Growing System, Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit, LED Grow Light, Plant Germination Kits 12 Plant Pods for Home Kitchen Gardening

Amazon 

The Moistenland Hydroponic System is another aeroponic kit with automated control to reduce the hassle of growing plants indoors. The system automatically turns the lights on and off and controls the flow of water.

The system includes 12 seed pods with biodegradable coir sponges. Unlike the AeroGarden kits, it does not come with seeds or nutrient solutions. However, the design is a little easier to operate.

After adding water, seeds, and nutrients, you just need to turn the device on and select the growing mode. Choose between vegetable and flowering modes to suit the growth cycle of your plants.

Pros

Includes a clear water indicator window for monitoring the water level

The one-touch button operation makes it one of the easiest hydroponic systems to use

Takes up minimal counter space and provides room for up to nine plants

Automatically controls the LED lights and water pump

Cons

Does not come with seeds or plant food

Only offers a maximum grow height of 11 inches

iDOO Indoor Herb Garden Kit - Best For Herbs

iDOO Hydroponics Growing System, 10 pods Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, Auto Timer Smart Garden, Water Shortage Alarm, 15'' Height Adjustable, 4.5L Water Tank

Amazon 

The iDOO Indoor Herb Garden Kit closely matches the Moistenland Starter Kit and AeroGarden Harvest in terms of size and ease of use. It is another countertop unit designed for growing herbs with limited space.

The system relies on LED lights for indicating the current operating mode. It includes a water reservoir and pumps housed in a compact design with an adjustable LED grow light.

The hydroponic kit includes seven plant pods and supports a maximum height of 14.57 inches, which is a little taller compared to the previous countertop kits. You can grow taller herbs, such as sage and lavender, without having to trim them early.

Pros

Cost-efficient option for growing kitchen herbs

Suitable for growing taller herbs, such as sage and lavender

The 24-watt LED is a little more powerful compared to systems in the same price range

Cons

Only provides space for up to seven plants at a time

Does not come with seeds

GrowLED Plant Indoor Garden - Best For Tight Budgets

GrowLED LED Indoor Garden, Herb Garden, Kitchen Garden, Height Adjustable, 20W Grow Light, Automatic Timer, Ideal for Plant Grow Novice Or Enthusiasts, Various Plants, DIY Decoration, White

Amazon 

The GrowLED Plant Indoor Garden is simply an adjustable LED grow light with a tray. The tray measures 7.5 x 17.7 inches, offering space for about four small pots.

The LED grow light includes an automatic smart timer. It automatically stays on 16 hours and off for 8 hours each day. It does not include a water reservoir or pump.

However, you could technically use this grow light with a DIY bottle hydroponics setup. Position the bottles below the LED and adjust the light as the plants start to grow. You can also use the GrowLED Plant Indoor Garden with standard pots containing soil.

Pros

Low-cost LED grow light with a tray for convenient desktop or countertop use

Includes an automatic smart timer to switch the LED array on and off

Suitable for a variety of applications, including bottle hydroponics and potted plants

Cons

It is not a complete hydroponic system, as it does not include a water pump or reservoir

Gardyn Home Indoor Smart Garden - Best Vertical Hydroponic System

Gardyn Home Indoor Smart Garden

Check Latest Price

The Gardyn Home Indoor Smart Garden uses the nutrient film technique (NFT) with a vertical hydroponic gardening configuration to grow more plants with less space. The plants sit in openings on one of two vertical tubes that extend from the base.

The water pump sends water up to the top of the tube, allowing the nutrient solution to travel down the channels and through the plant’s root systems. It is a costly system but offers one of the most efficient options for indoor growing.

The design also accommodates plants of all sizes, making it ideal for growing marijuana and other plants that require more space.

The light comes from two LED tubes that stand opposite the vertical growing channels. The two lights provide the equivalent of 75 watts of power and a full spectrum of UV rays for healthier growth.

Pros

Provides space for growing up to 30 plants

Includes everything you need to start growing, including seeds and plant food

Suitable for growing cannabis and other tall plants

Takes up minimal floor space compared to other systems with the same capacity

Cons

One of the most expensive in-home hydroponic systems

The Farmstand - Simplist Setup

The Farmstand

Check Latest Price

The Farmstand is a compact aeroponics system with a unique design. It has a circular shape with modular trays that hold the plants. The stackable trays include openings for inserting seed pods and allowing the plants to grow.

The plant roots grow toward the center of the tray where they receive nutrients from the water reservoir. The water is pumped from the bottom of the base to the trays for a continuous flow of nutrients.

The innovative design takes up less space and involves less work. You just need to plug it in to start running the pump and remember to add water and nutrients.

Pros

Takes up less floor space compared to some of the other choices

The modular design allows you to add more trays without taking up more floor space

One of the easiest designs to operate and maintain

Cons

Does not come with a grow light for indoor gardening

Miracle-Gro Twelve - Great Design

Miracle-Gro Twelve

Check Latest Price

The Miracle-Gro Twelve hydroponic system features an innovative design for growing a wide range of herbs and vegetables. While it only includes space for growing up to four plants at a time, the design supports larger plants. The LED grow light stands over a foot above the tray that holds the grow pots.

The Miracle-Gro Twelve is built with a steel frame and features a stylish design that should work well in any space, including your living room.

The system relies on an aeroponics setup, with the pots suspended just above the water reservoir. It is also a smart system. The connected mobile app provides notifications and allows you to monitor plant growth.

Pros

The stylish design is perfect for use in any room

The mobile app makes it easy to monitor the growth of your plants

Requires minimal maintenance to keep the system running smoothly

Surprisingly affordable for a hydroponic system that can support a large plant

Cons

Only includes space for growing up to four plants at a time

What Are the Different Types of Hydroponics Systems?

One of the hardest parts of getting started in hydroponics is choosing the right method. Each type of hydroponic growing system has separate pros and cons.

Most systems involve placing seeds in a growing medium suspended above a source of water. Nutrients are added to the water, which feeds the roots of the plants.

However, some systems are small and require minimal maintenance while others are complex and come with a steeper learning curve. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular hydroponic growing methods (or the most common hydroponic systems).

Ebb and Flow

Ebb and flow systems, also called "flood and drain", typically requires the use of a growing medium with plants resting in a tray. Ebb and flow hydroponics involves flooding the plant roots with a nutrient solution at a set interval, such as every few hours.

The nutrient-rich water drains into a reservoir instead of having the roots continuously sit in water (Often referred to as a flood and drain cycle).

As the water drains, oxygen is sucked into the grow medium, creating an oxygen-rich environment. These systems are efficient, but often difficult for beginners to set up and maintain due to the extra steps involved.

Wicking Bed

A wicking bed is a type of irrigation system designed for use in arid regions with limited access to water. It is also a convenient way to grow vegetables at home.

With a wicking bed, the plants are placed in soil or a soilless grow medium. As with ebb and flow systems, a water reservoir sits below the plants. However, instead of flooding the plants, the roots use a wick system to suck water up.

A small wicking bed may include a nylon rope. Larger setups require layers of fabric sandwiched between a soilless grow medium and soil or compost.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

The nutrient film technique (NFT) is often used for commercial growing but may be set up for in-home use. The plants are placed side by side in a long channel, which is typically made from PVC piping. A pump circulates the nutrient solution through the channel.

An NFT system may include one or more channels. Large commercial systems may include a winding maze of interconnected pipes. This method takes up less space compared to other commercial approaches and delivers consistent water flow.

Quick takeaway: The NFT method does not work well with certain types of plants, including plants with long root systems and plants that require lots of support.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is another hydroponics method commonly used for large-scale commercial operations. It is also an affordable system to set up at home but requires more space compared to other in-home options.

As with most hydroponic systems, the plants sit in pots or containers with soilless growing media. A drip nozzle connected to a tube is positioned above each plant.

A water pump drip system allows the nutrient solution to gradually drip through the nozzle and over the plant. The excess solution is collected and recycled through the pump.

Quick takeaway: The drip system is cost-efficient but requires extra maintenance and monitoring to ensure the proper distribution of nutrients and water.

Aeroponics

An aeroponic system uses a hydroponics method adopted by many of the in-home countertop kits, such as the AeroGarden.

The plants sit in pots suspended above a water reservoir. Depending on the design, nozzles deliver water over each plant or spray the roots with the nutrient solution.

As the plants are suspended in air, they are naturally aerated. This creates an oxygen-rich environment that allows the plants to thrive. The roots eventually grow down into the water reservoir where they soak up the nutrients as with other hydroponic systems.

Quick takeaway: Aeroponics systems are often compact, easy to operate and allow you to grow many small plants in tiny spaces.

Kratky Method

The Kratky Method is a type of passive hydroponics. With passive hydroponics, you do not use an industrial air pump or any kind of pump to circulate water. The nutrient solution sits in a water reservoir below the plants.

The water level starts high, allowing it to saturate the growing medium containing seeds. As the seeds sprout and roots grow, they soak up more water. The water level gradually decreases as the roots grow and extend down into the reservoir, maintaining an air gap between the water level and the plant.

You do not replace the water or add nutrients during the growth cycle. By the time that the water is fully depleted, the plants should be ready to harvest.

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

A deep water culture system is comparable to nutrient film technique (NFT) systems. Both methods involve placing the root system directly into the water.

The main difference between DWC and NFT is the configuration. With the DWC system, instead of placing the plants in a row in a channel, the plants are suspended in a container. The container may include multiple plants. Tubing connects the water pump to each container.

Quick takeaway: Deep water culture systems are simple to set up, as they do not use cycles of flooding and draining the nutrient solution. The water flows continuously. The drawback is that disease can quickly spread from one plant to the next.

Bottle Hydroponics

A bottle hydroponics system is a type of passive hydroponics, as it does not require a water pump. It involves suspending a plant in a bottle partially filled with water and nutrients.

A wick system may be used to draw water up to the grow media during seed germination. The roots eventually grow down through the media and to the water below.

Bottle hydroponics is a popular choice, as bottles take up less space and you do not need any extra equipment. There are no moving parts to deal with, but bottle hydroponics does require frequent maintenance.

As bottle hydroponics do not typically use water pumps, you need to replace the water about once per week. A straw may also be needed to manually blow air bubbles for proper oxygenation.

How to Choose a Hydroponic System

The price may be a primary concern when choosing a hydroponic growing system. Luckily, most of the systems discussed are available to fit any budget. Other considerations include the types and number of plants you want to grow.

If you just want to grow a few herbs, you can start with one of the basic countertop hydroponic grow systems. If you want to grow enough veggies to feed a family throughout the year, you will require one of the larger setups with space for taller, fuller plants.

After you consider your budget and the types of plants you want to grow, think about your experience level, available space, temperature, and the needs of your plants. Here’s what you should know to make the right choice.

Your Experience Level

If you are new to hydroponics and indoor grow systems, you should start with a simple system. A large-scale commercial hydroponic growing system includes a lot of components and requires frequent monitoring of nutrient levels. Any mistakes could result in dead plants.

Luckily, several of our hydroponics system recommendations are incredibly easy to use. The compact indoor kits, such as the AeroGarden or the Farmstand, allow anyone to start growing.

Space Needed

Think about where you plan on setting up the hydroponic system. If you only have a little bit of space on a counter or desk, consider using a compact hydroponic kit.

For those with more space, you may set up a larger system. Hydroponic systems can be set up in areas measuring a few feet wide and deep or covering an entire basement.

The Ideal Temperature

The ideal water temperature for a hydroponics growing system is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not typically a problem for in-home systems, as the temperature in most homes is within the same range.

Yet, if you plan on placing the system in your basement, or if you live in a cold region, you may need to use a water heater to maintain the best temperature.

Substrates and Nutrients Required

Hydroponic systems require substrate to hold the plants. Most in-home systems use a type of soilless substrate, such as coco coir, peat moss, organic sponges, or perlite.

A liquid fertilizer is added to the water to supply the roots with nutrients. If you want a simple setup, consider using a countertop system that comes with a bottle of plant food and coir plugs for germinating the seeds.

Ongoing Maintenance

If you are the type of person who tends to lose interest in projects over time, choose a hydroponic system that requires minimal maintenance.

You typically need to clean out the entire system at least once a month to remove calcium and iron buildup. Small units may only need an occasional wiping with a damp rag and a thorough cleaning between crops.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Hydroponics?

There are several things you need to consider before thinking about setting up an entire solution of your own or choosing from one of the best hydroponic systems above.

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions that people have.

What Types of Plants Can You Grow with Hydroponics?

Countertop hydroponics kits are often used for growing common kitchen herbs, such as cilantro, oregano, parsley, and basil. Leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, are also good for first-time growers. With experience, almost anything you grow outdoors can be grown indoors with a hydroponic system.

What’s the Best Hydroponics System for Beginners?

A compact all-in-one countertop hydroponics system is the best choice for beginners. The AeroGarden Harvest is a common recommendation. You simply add water, seeds, and plant food. LED indicators let you know when the system needs more water or plant food.

What’s the Best Commercial Hydroponic System?

The drip system and the deep-water culture (DWC) method are two of the most used hydroponic systems for commercial applications. These methods often involve lower costs and less frequent maintenance, making them well-suited for large-scale growing.

What Is the Most Popular Hydroponic Method?

The drip system stands out as the most popular commercial hydroponics method due to its efficiency. It tends to cost less and involves less work compared to most other hydroponics approaches. The setup includes fewer components, which means there are fewer things that can go wrong. However, the aeroponic method is commonly used for in-home kits.

How Do You Aerate Hydroponics?

Aeration is required to provide oxygen to the roots. The easiest method for aeration is to suspend the plants above the nutrient solution to prevent the roots from sitting in water. Air stone and air diffusers may also be used to aerate hydroponic systems. An air stone and diffuser release bubbles in the water to supply oxygen.

Do I Need to Test the pH of My Nutrient Solution?

Monitoring the water culture is necessary for maintaining a healthy environment for the roots. A high pH level means that the water is more alkaline, which reduces nutrient uptake. A low pH level can also inhibit growth. The ideal pH level for a nutrient solution is between 5 and 6.

How Do I Adjust the pH in My Hydroponic System?

Test the pH level after adding the hydroponic nutrients. Adding one teaspoon of baking soda per five gallons of liquid can help raise the pH level. A small amount of white vinegar or citric acid can help lower the pH level.

Along with household items, you can buy commercial products designed specifically for raising or lowering pH levels.

Do I Need to Clean My Hydroponics System?

Algae, bacteria, and calcium buildup can accumulate around nozzles, filters, and pumps. You should change out the water or flush the nutrient solution about every 7 to 10 days. You may also need to clean or replace nozzles and filters.

Are Indoor Hydroponic Gardens Worth it?

Indoor hydroponic gardens are worth it for those without the space or interest in growing plants outdoors. You can grow almost anything using a hydroponic system. Small countertop hydroponic systems are affordable and easy to use. A large-scale drip system is cost-efficient but requires more experience and space.

Conclusion

A hydroponic system allows you to grow all types of herbs and vegetables indoors, similarly to a grow tent. However, some hydroponic systems require more experience and space.

Beginners should start small. An in-home countertop hydroponics system or grow kit involves minimal work and maintenance and allows you to learn more about the hydroponics growing process. Our top choice for beginners is the AeroGarden Harvest. If you want to grow more plants, try the AeroGarden Farm 24Plus.

If you have a tight budget or limited space, the Vegebox is one of the most affordable and compact choices.

Hydroponic Lemon Tree

Growing trees in a hydroponic system is a tricky project to undertake. But out of all the fruit-bearing trees, growing lemon trees are arguably the easiest.

This is because the lemon trees, and other citrus trees, have relatively easy roots to manage. Also, they are readily available from garden centers as dwarf trees, which are created to be smaller in structure.

As with all plants grown hydroponically, you will need to replace the soil with a nutrient solution that balances all their nutritional needs.

Growing plants hydroponically does normally mean you’re saving space, conserving water usage, being more efficient with nutrients, and protecting plants from soil-borne diseases. But when the plant you’re growing is a tree, these beneficial elements (except the soil-borne diseases) are not as substantial as with other plants like vegetables.

And the fact is citrus trees require lots of water, sun, and root space - no matter if they’re dwarf versions or not.

But growing citrus trees hydroponically is one of the best projects for a keen horticulturist, so it’s worth putting up with the extra work.

Now, let’s investigate the perfect growing conditions you’ll need to mimic when growing hydroponic lemons.

Also Read: 

Perfect Hydroponic Growing Conditions For Lemon Trees

Lemon trees are considered a generally low-maintenance plant, and certain varieties can live in the home during harsh winters.

Citrus trees as a whole love sunlight and will lap up 6 to 8 hours of direct light and more a day. And when potting them outdoors, it is best to do it during early spring to avoid the harsh conditions of winter and summer.

But with hydroponics, you will most likely be growing them in a large indoor space. A generalization with citrus trees is they don’t like having their roots sitting in water and will require good drainage.

The climate you want to mimic is tropical to semi-tropical climates, like those in the USA citrus belt in California and from the Gulf Coast to Florida.

You can grow lemons in colder conditions, but for your hydroponic setup, the key to a large crop is to recreate the perfect environment. Lemon trees are happy between temperatures of 75°F to 85°F.

And as you can imagine, they love a little humidity, so try to get as close to 50% as possible.

Lemon trees are hungry, fruit-bearing plants. They will require a constant supply of nutrients in your system, with a complete NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer. And if they are struggling to produce fruit, a top-up with Epsom salts will help immensely.

Be aware that citrus trees do have sensitive roots. This means adding too much of a nutrient mix to the solution might cause a decrease in access to oxygen in the system. To ensure that the nutrients are balanced, you will need to conduct pH and electrical conductivity (EC) testing, regularly.

Your pH should be around the standard 5.5 to 6.5. Citrus trees are not salt tolerant so when testing EC levels, ensure the readings are below 2,200ppm. This will require flushing the system when levels exceed optimal intensity.

When growing hydroponic lemon trees, the variety can make a large difference. Let’s have a look at some of them.

Different Lemons Trees You Can Grow

There are roughly 30 varieties of lemon trees in the world. Each of these varietals will have certain unique characteristics. Some of these trees will handle the cold better and be smaller in size.

The small size of some of these trees puts them in the top selection for hydroponics.

Lisbon Lemon

One of the most popular lemon trees in the world, these produce the fruit you can buy on the shelf. As a tree, it can tolerate huge swings in temperature and will produce fruit non-stop after its first successful crop.

These can also be made into dwarf trees.

Meyer Lemon

While the fruit of a Meyer lemon tree will be smaller than those on a Lisbon tree, they produce a delicious fruit which is a crossbreed between a sour lemon and a sweet orange, making them popular.

Meyer lemon trees require little space to grow and can be happily grown indoors. And due to their smaller size, they require less water and nutrients, a bonus if you’re growing an indoor crop.

While the Meyer lemon is ready for indoor hydroponic growing, the Lisbon lemon will need to be grown from a dwarf version of itself.

But what is involved in creating a dwarf lemon tree?

Creating a Dwarf Lemon Tree

Lemon trees are perfect candidates for creating dwarf versions of themselves. You can even grow citrus trees from their own cuttings. To root a branch, you need to snip off a branch that is not brand new or too old and established; the best are green, semi-established branches. If it is hyper-flexible, it’s too young; if it snaps, it’s too old.

Cut the branch off and remove the lower leaves. Then place it into a small pot with potting soil with fertilizer, and watch it root. Make sure to put your cuttings in a sunny window.

While purchasing a small lemon tree from a garden center isn’t too much of a challenge, you can also create your own dwarf tree through grafting, which is when you join a cutting (also known as a scion, to rootstock that suits your growing needs.

When mating the rootstock with the scion, you will be blending two different plants with distinct properties. Your rootstock could be excellent for handling colder conditions, while the scion promises to deliver a specific type of fruit.

Grafting takes time to master, and you should expect to fail a few times.

With rooting cuttings or grafting, you will shorten the waiting time for your first fruit. If grown from seed, the tree can take up to 5 years to produce, and the result is not guaranteed.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about what hydroponic system you’ll require.

Hydroponic Requirements for Lemon Trees

When growing lemon trees, most will suggest selecting between a deep water culture (DWC) system or drip irrigation. We’d suggest selecting the drip irrigation system, although others would suggest going with the DWC.

We believe using drip irrigation allows for more flexibility regarding pot size. Also, when it is time to move the trees, it is simpler to do so with a dripper system. Just wheel in a trolly, move the tree, and place the dripper back in place.

A major consideration is also the height of the grow light. With all trees grown hydroponically, the height and size will dictate where and how you install the grow light. If you’re growing trees you’ll need to adjust the grow light throughout the early stages of growth.

The next factor to consider with lemons is they require a lot of sunlight.

Choosing a hydroponic full-spectrum LED light will assist with this. Also, it will help with power bills. Your lemon tree will require at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily, with the optimum level being 12 hours.

Your growing medium will likely be a coco coir substrate, but smaller trees can be rooted in Rockwool. You can vary these growing mediums between stone wool or rice husks, but as long as it allows for good drainage, you should be good.

The constant flow of water can often bring down the temperature in a grow room. For this reason, you might want to invest in a small aquarium heater to ensure the temperature doesn’t drop too low.

Now it’s time to walk through the process of setting up your hydroponic setup.

How To Assemble Your Lemon Tree Hydroponic System

As we mentioned, most will suggest using a DWC system to grow a lemon tree, but the margin for error is more significant with DWC when compared to a more straightforward drip irrigation system.

With a drip irrigation system, you will connect the drippers to the water source, dripping the nutrient solution at the tree's base. And you can always add more drippers if required.

The potting medium should allow quick drainage through the substrate into a catchment area that will flow back into the main reservoir.

Set the water timings at five to eight times a day, with watering intervals of 10 minutes.

Harvesting is a simple process of picking the fruit straight off the tree. You can leave the fruit on the tree for months, keeping them fresh. But the longer you wait, the longer it takes for the next flowering cycle to occur.

And to ensure the fruit does develop, you will need to hand pollinate the flowers on the trees. A paint brush will do to transfer the pollen from flower to flower.

Now You Know How Grow Lemons Hydroponically

Growing a tree hydroponically will mean spending more than usual on your initial setup. You will need more water, fertilizer, space, light, growing medium, and more parts for the system. But we think it’s worth it for the fruit!

But you get it right; you could harvest a crop of oranges all year round. For those lusting for that zesty citrus aroma and fresh is a must, then growing your lemons in a hydroponic system is worth it.

Hydroponic Orange Trees

There’s nothing like the smell from peeling the skin off a fresh orange to put you in a good mood. That spritz of zingy citrus scent is enough to transport you to sun-drenched orchards. But oranges, and other citrus trees, can be grown in an indoor environment all year round, hydroponically.

Growing trees hydroponically will always be challenging as they require loads of water, light, and space. For this reason, all hydroponically grown trees need to be dwarf trees.

When looking for dwarf trees, you must investigate what type you need for your hydroponic setup.

Let’s investigate what type of dwarf orange tree is the best and what rootstock you need to select for the best results.

Related:

Dwarf Orange Trees

Citrus trees have a relatively flexible root system and can conform to suit your needs. This means that dwarf orange trees will be easier to find than other dwarf trees.

Dwarf trees don’t naturally occur and are a product of human intervention. These trees grow to their full size when reaching only 18 - 22 feet. But even at this small size, they will produce full-sized produce.

Commonly, dwarf oranges are marketed toward those living in small homes with minimal space in their yard. Growing them in the soil requires little to no maintenance. As long as the tree has loads of sun, moist soil that drains well, and is fertilized regularly, you should be good to go.

The same is basically true for hydroponics, except that you need to keep a light on the trees and manage the nutrients in your system.

There are several varieties to choose from when considering growing a dwarf citrus tree in your hydroponic system.

These include:

Citrus trees are perfect candidates for creating cloned dwarf versions of themselves. And there’s no need to purchase a new rootstock and graft a cutting yourself.

Young citrus trees, like your hydroponically grown orange, are a perfect candidate for softwood cuttings. These are the branches that are not brand new shoots or a lot older and established; they are green, semi-established branches. If it is hyper-flexible, it’s too young; if it snaps, it’s too old. With cuttings, you will shorten the waiting time for your first fruit.

If you want to clone the plant, just cut these softwood branches off and remove the lower leaves. Then you can place them into a small pot with potting soil and fertilizer and watch them root. Make sure to put them in a sunny window.

But if you can’t find the exact dwarf orange tree you want at your local garden center, you can perform a grafting technique, joining a cutting (also known as a scion) to rootstock that suits your growing needs. This also cuts down the waiting time for fruit.

When mating the rootstock with a scion, you will be blending two different plants with distinct properties. Your rootstock could be excellent for handling colder conditions, while the scion promises to deliver a specific type of fruit.

Make sure to cut the mating branches at 45° and use sterilized equipment to lower the risk of transferring diseases. Bind them together, using plastic tape. Make sure to wrap tightly.

Grafting takes time to master, expect to fail a few times.

The alternative will be growing an orange tree from seed, and it can take up to ten years before it starts producing fruit.

Now that we know the type of plant required for growing oranges hydroponically. Let’s focus on what conditions orange trees love.

Best Growing Conditions For Hydroponic Orange Trees

Originating from the northeastern region of India, they are now grown worldwide. Orange trees have been domesticated for thousands of years. According to research conducted in the 80s, oranges are the most cultivated fruit tree in the world.

Now you can find them in most tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. All citrus trees belong to a single genus of Citrus and are almost entirely interfertile. This means cross-breeding is pretty straightforward and commonplace.

Citrus trees do well at moderate temperatures of between 59.9 °F and 84.2 °F. Oranges are sensitive to frost, but you can move them indoors for the chillier months. To combat this in the early part of the 20th century, farmers developed a smudge pot, which is a pot and chimney device that burns oil to keep the frost from forming. Luckily today, this can be replaced by an intense grow light.

Oranges need lots of water, fertilizer, and a good draining substrate.

Outdoors in an orchard, oranges will require up to 40 to 45 inches of rain annually but they can tolerate up to 60 inches. With extreme downpours, the trees will need the water to drain away. If not, they can suffer from mold and root rot.

In drier conditions, the fruit will develop a more intense color. At the same time, there won’t be as many oranges on the tree.

Now let’s focus on the requirements for growing an orange tree in a hydroponic system.

Hydroponic Requirements for Orange Trees

When growing orange trees, you must choose between a deep water culture (DWC) system or drip irrigation. With growing trees hydroponically, we’d suggest selecting the drip irrigation system.

Drip irrigation allows for more flexibility regarding pot size. Also, if you are required to move the trees, you can with a dripper system.

Check out our top recommendations for purchasing a hydroponic system: Top Rated Hydroponic Systems

A major consideration is also the height of the grow light.

With trees, the height and size of the plant determine how you install the grow light. The gardener will need to adjust the grow light throughout the early stages of growth.

The next factor is citrus trees require a lot of sunlight.

Choosing a full-spectrum LED light will assist with this. Also, it will help with your power bills. Your orange tree will require at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily, but the optimum level is 12 hours.

With citrus fruit, you may be tempted to maintain the pH level reasonably high, but reducing the pH level from 7.0 to between 6.0 and 6.5 results in better absorption of nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, zinc, and iron.

Nutrients need to be an even 20-20-20, so a generic all-around fertilizer will do. The growing medium will likely be a coco coir substrate, with the smaller trees rooted in Rockwool. You can vary these growing mediums between stone wool or rice husks, but as long as it allows for good drainage you should be good.

The constant flow of water can often bring down the temperature in a grow room. For this reason, you might want to invest in a small aquarium heater to ensure the temperature doesn’t drop too low.

Orange trees are also not a fan of high humidity, which will require you to purchase a small fan to circulate the air around the plant. Humidity can lead to mold and fungi forming on your tree.

Now it’s time to walk through the process of setting up your hydroponic system.

How To Assemble Your Orange Tree Hydroponic System

While many suggest using a DWC system to grow an orange system, the margin for error is more significant when compared to a more straightforward drip irrigation system.

With a drip irrigation system, you will connect the drippers to the water source, dripping the nutrient solution at the tree's base. You can always add more drippers if required.

The potting medium should allow quick drainage through the substrate into a catchment area that will flow back into the main reservoir.

Set the water timing to five to eight times a day, with watering intervals of 10 minutes. Also, ensure that the ventilation works so mold and fungi don’t take hold.

Harvesting is a simple process of picking the fruit straight off the tree. You can leave the fruit on the tree for months, keeping them fresh. But the longer you wait, the longer it takes for the next flowering cycle to occur.

And to ensure the fruit does develop, you will need to hand pollinate the flowers on the trees. A paint brush will do to transfer the pollen from flower to flower.

Now You Know How Grow Oranges Hydroponically

Growing a tree hydroponically will mean spending more than usual on your initial setup. You need more water, fertilizer, space, light, growing medium, and more parts for the system.

But you get it right; you could harvest a crop of oranges all year round. For those lusting for that zesty citrus aroma and fresh taste, then growing your oranges in a hydroponic system is worth it.