What is a Hydroponic Garden?

Want to know how to start a hydroponic garden? It’s a unique way to container garden, for certain. First, let’s chat about what that actually means. Hydroponics means growing plants with water instead of in soil. Plant roots are nourished with nutrient-rich water.  While you could attempt to make your own, let’s focus on some of the fun, convenient and consumer-driven systems on the market. They are a great way to, ahem, get you [plants] feet wet. See what I did there?

Advantages

When considering how to start a hydroponic garden, it makes sense to consider three major advantages of growing without soil.

First, because your plants absorb provided nutrients directly through the water, their root systems don’t have to work so hard to become big. Less time growing roots means more time growing the plant itself.
Second, because your plants are getting such complete nutrition, your plants will grow faster and produce higher yield.  Finally, because there is literally just water and fertiliser, you have tremendous control over your growing environment and can dress issues and see results clearly and quickly. This can be pretty satisfying for both novice and seasoned gardeners.

Disadvantages

The big “ugly” in hydroponic containers used to be the cost. They are an investment, but have become much more affordable in recent years. While you can build your own, consider one of the many styles on the market. Most are user friendly and a great way to get started with container gardening in water.

My Favorite

I’ve had several models over the years and can say that I love Aerogarden the best. Aerogarden relies on a hydroponic technique known as DWC (Deep Water Culture). Basically, The root systems are suspended in a container of water and nutrients. It’s a great method for beginners there’s very little equipment to set up.  I’ve got a few older models that use replaceable bulbs, have water basins with built in pumps and controls that remind you when to add water, nutrients and have specific setting for the plants you intend to grow.

I recently purchased a new model, mainly because I was curious about the updates and specifically the LED lights. I caught a sale, and purchased the “Harvest” model that can houses 6 plants and is literally half the size of some of my older models. It was less than $100 and came with two “seed kits.” 

While you can order empty seed cages (the cages hold a growing medium known as a sponge so it doesn’t fall all the way into the water) and plant your own seeds, these kits are themed and come pre-planted and labeled by the manufacturer. Another nice touch for beginners. I chose a set known as Gourmet Herbs as well as Heirloom Salad Greens.

Getting Started

Once you’ve selected which hydroponic garden to use, you will unpack it, fill it with water (I like to use distilled). Insert your seed pods, taking care to place plants that will grow tallest near the back, medium height plants in the middle and trailing or short plants near the front. Add the appropriate measure of nutrients which come with your machine and plug your machine in. Oh, and lower the lights to the lowest level. As the plants begin to grow, you can adjust the lights accordingly. 

Pro Tips

1. Don’t allow light to reach your water basing (as in, don’t leave the lid off) as light promotes the growth of algae. You don’t want that.
2. Always clean and sterilise your machine between plantings. For instance, your herb plants are spent and you want to try tomatoes. Start with clean equipment.
3. Follow the indicators on your machine to keep plants growing as they should. Pay attention to notifications to add water and nutrients.
4. If you are growing veggies, don’t forget that most of us don’t have pollinators in our homes. You will need to hand-pollinate to have success. NOT a big deal, but you’ll have to do a little reading on it for success.