Hydroponics is a fantastic method for growing plants and vegetables.
However, there can be a learning curve for those transitioning from traditional soil gardening to growing without soil.
And, the same challenges that apply to growing in soil may not apply to growing in water.
Growing hydroponic plants is not always easy. I’ve been growing hydroponically for years and still struggle at times.
I often get questions asking for help with hydroponics. And, they are often related to challenges I’ve dealt with personally.
I wrote this guide to document some of the most common mistakes I make myself and see others making when growing hydroponically.
Let’s get started!
Hydroponics Mistake #1: Not properly cleaning the system
It is important to clean your system thoroughly before planting to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases. Failing to do so can result in poor plant growth or failure.
I’ve found a combination of soap, water, and hydrogen peroxide works well for me.
I wrote a helpful guide to cleaning a hydroponic system. This article talks about an AeroGarden, but the process applies to pretty much any system.
Hydroponics Mistake #2: Not properly balancing and maintaining the nutrient solution
The nutrient solution (or “nutes”, for short) must be properly balanced to ensure your plants are getting all of the nutrients they need.
We are looking for Goldilocks here – not too much, not too little.
Imbalanced nutrient solution can lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicity. Both can cause stunted growth or plant death.
Deficiency occurs when you don’t have enough nutrients a plant needs to thrive.
Toxicity is when a plant gets too many nutrients.
The mix and strength of nutes must also be maintained over time as water is added and the plants absorb nutrients.
Your best bet is to follow the instructions on the bottle of nutrient solution, and use an EC Meter to determine nutrient concentrations in your reservoir.
Hydroponics Mistake #3: Not controlling the pH of the nutrient solution
Improper pH can affect the availability of certain nutrients to the plants. Nutrient deficiency or toxicity can occur if the pH is not within the optimal range.
Managing pH can be one of the more complicated aspects of growing optimally.
To help with this, I have compiled a nice reference guide for monitoring and maintaining pH.
Hydroponics Mistake #4: Not maintaining water levels
Believe it or not, failing to maintain water levels in a hydroponic system is a common problem.
It can be easy to forget to refill your hydroponic system or reservoir. Maybe you go out of town and underestimate how thirsty your plants will be.
Or, you can have a pump fail that causes water to stop circulating in a NFT or ebb and flow system.
Hydroponic plants can suffer quickly and dramatically without water!
Hydroponics Mistake #5: Not providing sufficient light
Plants need sufficient light to grow properly and reach their full potential.
Outside of nutrients, I think this is the next biggest pain point for growers.
I primarily grow indoors. For those growing outdoors, you’ll just want to ensure you place your plants where they will get the right amount of sun.
Indoor hydroponic systems use LED lighting. Plants will suffer and possibly die if the lighting in your hydroponic system is insufficient.
You’ll want to ensure your lights are on long enough each day.
And, be sure your LED lighting is not set too high or too low.
It is also common for some plants in a system to grow so large they block light to smaller or younger plants in that system. This is especially common in systems built on an A-frame.
You should consider this issue when planting multiple varieties in a single garden. Be sure the plants are situated so one big plant doesn’t block light from reaching the others.
Further, not all LED lights on the market provide the same quality of lighting. Do your research if you are building a system from scratch.
Having said all that, the number one challenge I see with lighting is not placing the light close enough to the plant. This leads to leggy plants that are literally reaching up to the light.
Hydroponics Mistake #6: Not monitoring and adjusting the temperature
Plants have specific temperature requirements for optimal growth.
Your plants will be impacted if the temperature in your hydroponic system fluctuates too much or is too high or too low.
Remember, it is important to understand both the air temperature and water temperature of your environment. Tailor the temperatures to your plants’ needs.
For example, lettuce is a low-temperature plant and likes things below 70 degrees. Okra, on the other hand, thrives in warm weather.
I try to get in the habit of using Google to learn about the temperature needs of plants I’m unfamiliar with.
Also, keep in mind your LED lights will naturally increase temps right around your system.
I use a digital thermometer to monitor temps, and I adjust room and water temperatures, as needed.
I also use a seed warming mat for some of my Kratky containers just to give the water a few extra degrees of warmth.
I’ve seen others use an aquarium thermometer to elevate water temps, but that is not something I’ve needed in my setup.
Hydroponics Mistake #7: Not monitoring and maintaining humidity
The humidity in a hydroponic system can affect plant growth and overall health, as well.
The ideal humidity range is generally in the neighborhood of 40-50%, although it can vary by plant.
You won’t get optimal plant growth if humidity is too low. On the other hand, very high humidity can cause problems, such as mold or mildew. Ugh!
My air is pretty dry, so I try to get into the habit of misting my plants periodically.
Hydroponics Mistake #8: Not maintaining ventilation and airflow
Airflow and ventilation are crucial in hydroponic gardens.
Fresh air provides the plants with carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis.
Airflow and ventilation reduce excess humidity to avoid mold and mildew growth.
Finally, airflow can also help maintain room temperature.
Final Thoughts on Mistakes Growing Hydroponically
Whew! That was a lot of problems! Sound daunting? It really shouldn’t!
Many of the tips above reference “optimal growth”.
For the average hobby gardener, “optimal” does not need to be the goal. You can still get great results outside perfect growing conditions! Trust me.
Hydroponics is fun and rewarding. And, at the end of the day, it should be FUN first and foremost.
Try avoiding these common mistakes. But, my best piece of advice is to not stress about perfection.
Happy gardening!
Feeling ready to move to the next step? Head over to this article to learn how to choose the right type of hydroponic system to use for your needs.
