Imagine a garden without any soil, where plants grow faster and healthier. Too good to be true. Not anymore. With the use of hydroponics, you can now achieve this dream. So, what is hydroponics? And why is it getting more of a trend now?

Hydroponics is the cultivating method of using nutrient-rich water instead of the traditional soil. So even if you live in the city in a small apartment, having a garden doesn’t have to be limited. You can cultivate fresh produce in your space year-round with the help of hydroponics. In this article, we’ll explore hydroponics, its advantages, its systems, and how to get started with your hydroponic garden.

This method of growing plants uses nutrient-rich water solution and no use of soil. The plants in this system get all their nutrients from water through a controlled delivery system. The plant roots are supported using inert mediums like coconut coir, vermiculture, and rock wool. This is to ensure that the plants are stable but also no obstruction in nutrient absorption.

This technique of cultivating plants has been around for centuries. The earliest evidence dates back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Hydroponics is the best way of combining technology and precision to produce high-yield plants in minimal space.

Hydroponics uses 90% less water than traditional soil gardening. It does this by recirculating the water, reducing waste, and is a sustainable way of gardening.

Hydroponics is especially beneficial in urban settings. Space is limited, but it is not an issue. With designs like vertical hydroponic systems, multiple plants could be cultivated in a small area. This is the perfect addition to balconies or rooftops.

Plants grown hydroponically receive nutrients at a controlled and faster pace, helping them grow 25–30% faster than in traditional soil gardening.

With hydroponics, you can control environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity. This allows for continuous gardening regardless of any season. This brings in year-round produce.

Without soil, the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases is reduced. This makes hydroponics a cleaner and better way of cultivating.

With a hydroponic system, plants grow in controlled environments. This ensures optimal plant growth and results in higher yields compared to traditional gardening methods.

In this system, the plants are suspended above a nutrient-rich water reservoir, their roots are submerged in the solution, and an air pump provides oxygen to the roots. DWC is a very beginner-friendly hydroponic option. It has been proven to work best for leafy greens like lettuce and herbs.

In the NFT system, a thin film of nutrient solution flows through a sloped channel. The plant roots absorb the nutrients as the solution passes by. NFT is a space-efficient system of hydroponics, often used to cultivate lettuce and strawberries.

In this hydroponic system, nutrient-rich water is directly delivered to the plant roots. Small emitters are used for this. This system works efficiently for both small and large plants. A drip system is used primarily to cultivate tomatoes and peppers.

In this hydroponics system, plants are placed in a tray that periodically floods with nutrient solution and then drains—thus the name. This allows the roots to absorb nutrients and oxygen. This system is suitable for a wide range of plants.

Plant roots are suspended in the air in aeroponics and misted with a nutrient solution. This is regarded as a high-tech system. It also promotes rapid growth of plants. It is deemed ideal for high-value crops. However, you need to understand that this system requires precise management.

The first and foremost step is to decide whether you want your plants to grow outside or indoors. Indoor setups usually take longer to set up, as you need lights to mimic sunlight. On the other hand, outdoor setups need protection from extreme weather.

You need to choose the perfect hydroponic system from the different variants mentioned above. Consider your space, budget, and needs while you do so. For beginners, we suggest the Deep-Water Culture (DWC).

Pick your inert growing medium like coconut coir, perlite, or rock wool.

You must now buy a mixed hydroponic nutrient solution or create your own by blending many macronutrients and micronutrients.

Start with herbs, leafy greens, or small vegetables. These are easier to manage in hydroponic systems. Some ideal options include lettuce, basil, spinach, mint, and cherry tomatoes.

Now that the system is assembled and working, you need to check it regularly. The pH levels need to be kept between 5.5 and 6.5. The nutrient solution concentration should also be checked. Make sure to clean the system to prevent algae growth.

This is a new way of cultivating plants. You don't need acres of land anymore to start cultivating your fresh produce—just the right system of hydroponics. Understand the basics and choose the right system and plants. Your thriving garden will be ready in no time. So, why take the plunge and start your hydroponic journey today?