There is no doubt about the fact that a hydroponics setup is extremely beneficial and efficient for growing your own greens at home. But the most common question that comes to mind is what plants can be grown hydroponically and how to best utilize the system for maximum output? While a large part of the answer would depend on some basic factors like what kind of hydroponics set you have at home, the amount of space available, and how experienced you are with hydroponic gardening, there are some basic plants that you can easily grow hydroponically.
Here’s a list of the best plants to grow hydroponically:
Flowers
While most people grow herbs and other plants in their indoor hydroponic gardens, growing flowers is just as fruitful. And they make your garden look beautiful as well. Growing flowers is especially recommended for those who are just starting with their indoor growing systems as flowers are easy to grow and require minimum input. Flowers like amaryllis, dahlias, chrysanthemums, iris, freesia, lily, and gerbera are a few of the best plants to grow hydroponically.
Garden herbs
Herbs are a little trickier than flowers, but if done correctly, they are a delight for any kitchen gardener. Since hydroponics grow plants in water, choose herbs that grow well in moist conditions. Herbs like dill, chamomile, oregano, anise, and parsley are excellent choices. Hydroponics is a great way of growing hydroponic herbs as you can control the temperature, humidity, light, and water, which is crucial in growing these herbs.
Lettuce
Lettuce is fast becoming one of the most favorite vegetables to grow hydroponically as it is easy to cultivate. Lettuce grows in a temperate and tropical climate, which can be easily created and maintained in a hydroponics system. Be it leaf lettuce, romaine, iceberg, Boston, butter crunch, or bibb; all varieties can be grown with equal ease. Hydroponic lettuce grows fast and doesn’t require too much space. So, plant your own lettuce and enjoy this crispy, nutrient-filled salad green.
Leafy vegetables
The most common leafy greens that we use in our daily meals grow really well in a hydroponic system as compared to traditional soil-based gardening. As the plants get all the required nutrients right into the roots, some leafy veggies like arugula, a popular salad green, are ready for harvesting in just three weeks. Other leafy vegetables that can be easily grown in your indoor hydroponic garden are mustard greens, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and watercress.
Strawberries
Grown easily and all year long, strawberries are surely a confidence booster for all gardeners. A garden that boasts of strawberries as its prized possession can be an owner’s delight too. A water-efficient hydroponic system expedites their growth, and the harvest is a lot healthier.
Beans
Beans are one of the most productive and low-maintenance plants to grow, and they harvest really fast as well. Most varieties of beans, including pole beans, green beans, pinto beans, lima beans, are easy to grow in a hydroponics system. Their seeds usually germinate in 3-8 days and can be harvested in 6-8 weeks. The important thing to remember here is that the pH value should be maintained at 6.
Mint
These plants often grow as aquatic or semi-aquatic plants, and thus water-based hydroponics systems are ideal for their growth. If you are a beginner, you can start with growing peppermint and spearmint, as they are the easiest to grow. Mint roots require profound growth, and soil-based gardening might not always provide them with the ideal environment. This is why hydroponic gardening proves to be a highly conducive system for their roots to flourish.
Chives and basil
Both chives and basil thrive in hydroponics systems as the conditions really suit their growth. Both the plants require lots of light for proper growth and a pH level of 6 and 6.5, respectively. The produce is bountiful, and you can grow both plants around the year. The only thing that needs to be kept in mind is the amount of light the plants get. If the light is insufficient, it will hamper their growth to a great extent.
Peppers
Peppers require a lot of light and warm temperature to grow properly. So, make sure your hydroponics system is equipped with enough lights and a temperature control system. Peppers can be grown by using both seeds or small plants available at garden suppliers, and they take 2-3 months to mature. Varieties like jalapeno, mazurka, Cubico, Nairobi, and Fellini can be easily grown.
Choosing the right plant for your indoor hydroponic garden is just the beginning. You will need the right hydroponic supplies to reap the benefits. From choosing the right hydroponic nutrients to selecting productive and high-quality clone and seedling kits, it is important that you get the required equipment for your indoor growing systems. For best-in-class hydroponic supplies and a hassle-free shopping experience.
