Hydroponic systems for every grower

What can you grow with hydroponics?

Hydroponics suits leafy vegetables grown at home, in the garden or at the office, such as lettuce, herbs, celery and cabbage, and growers also use it for vegetables, herbs, melons and berries. The nutrient solution and oxygenated water go straight to the roots.

Plants need plenty of light. Place a system where it gets at least 4 hours of sunshine a day, or add a grow light; without enough light, plants grow slowly and weakly.

Lettuce is a top choice for hydroponic gardeners because it needs little space and little attention, and you can harvest the leaves as it grows. Your first crisp harvest can come within a matter of weeks.

Vining plants such as tomatoes suit indoor gardens because they take up little floor space and can be trained upwards. Being able to watch and control the nutrients your plants receive lets you keep a harvest going all year.

How to maintain the hydroponic reservoir

Cleaning a hydroponic system regularly is an important part of keeping it running well, because it helps keep pests and disease out.

Clean the nutrient solution reservoir by emptying it, filling it halfway and using a diluted bleach solution, making sure there is no solid build-up in the tubing. Most growers clean the reservoir every two to three weeks, depending on how busy the system is. Opening the valves for a few seconds once a week helps avoid clogging.

Scrub buckets and grow trays too, to stop pathogens building up: apply a 10 percent bleach solution, scrub until clean, then rinse well. This is usually done after each harvest or growing season.

Keep a healthy growing environment, look after your water quality, feed your plants well, choose a suitable growing medium and clean the system regularly, and your system will be set up for success.

Hydroponic supply: a guide to choosing what you need

Hydroponics lets gardeners grow plants in smaller spaces than soil gardening, and one of the biggest factors in your success is the quality and reliability of your hydroponic supply. Whether you are searching for hydroponics suppliers near me or choosing a hydroponic company to buy from, this guide walks you through what to look for.

Understanding hydroponic supply needs

1. Hydroponic systems: from deep water culture (DWC) to nutrient film technique (NFT) and beyond, each system has its own requirements and suits different plants and spaces.
2. Nutrients: hydroponic plants rely on a balanced nutrient solution delivered to their roots, so use water-soluble nutrients made for hydroponics.
3. Grow mediums: hydroponics often uses inert mediums such as rockwool, clay pebbles or coco coir to support the roots.
4. Lighting: indoors, good lighting is essential. LED grow lights are a popular choice.
5. Environmental controls: temperature, humidity and pH control help plants grow well.

Finding hydroponics suppliers near me

• Online directories and maps: search online and read customer feedback to get a sense of a supplier's service.
• Gardening clubs and social media: local clubs and groups can share their own experience with suppliers.

Choosing the right hydroponic company

1. Product range: look for a supplier that covers the systems, lights and accessories you need.
2. Support: a good supplier answers questions and helps you pick the right products for your setup.
3. Quality and reliability: check what each product includes and how it is made.
4. Shipping and availability: check shipping costs, delivery times and the returns policy before you order.

Understanding what you need, and buying from a supplier that is clear about what it sells, gives your hydroponic garden a good foundation, whether you are growing greens in your kitchen or a wider range of crops.

Frequently asked questions