Once your hydroponic system is ready to plant, the next important question to answer is, “What should I grow?” Really, there are a lot of options. But, not everything will thrive in a water-based environment. Some plants don’t grow well in hydroponics. Some would never realize their full potential.
In this article, we’re going to make it simple for you to select the ideal plants to grow in your hydroponic garden. Below are some edible plants (veggies, fruits, and herbs) that beginners can easily grow.
Lettuce
Lettuce is arguably the vegetable grown most frequently in hydroponic systems. A great option for beginners, lettuce grows quickly in a hydroponic garden and is relatively simple to care for.
Any type of hydroponics system, such as the NFT, Aeroponics, Ebb & Flow, etc., can be used to grow lettuce.
Lettuce grows about 50% faster in a hydroponic system as compared to soil. It does well in both indoor and outdoor conditions. For a fast-growing, easy-to-care-for option, it is hard to go wrong with lettuce.
Radishes
Radish is another fairly simple vegetable that may be grown in water. Radishes may be grown directly next to lettuce, since they both benefit from chilly temperatures and slightly acidic pH levels. They may be grown directly from seeds. Seedlings should start to develop in three to seven days. Radishes are fast growers! They are often ready to harvest in just one month!
Kale
In a hydroponic system, kale’s environmental requirements are simple to control. Kale simply needs a moderate temperature. Due to its wide range of nutritional advantages, kale is a fantastic choice for hydroponic growing.
Kale also grows rather quickly and may be harvested in up to 30-45 days. Kale can also be trimmed and regrown multiple times to be harvested again. That’s a big benefit to get multiple harvests from one plant!
Tomatoes
Hydroponic enthusiasts and professional gardeners routinely grow a variety of tomatoes, including cherry and conventional varieties.
One thing to remember is that tomatoes need a lot of light and a support structure. So, if you want to grow inside, be prepared to buy grow lights suited for tomatoes and provide a trellis for support.
Spinach
Spinach is a fantastic plant for active hydroponic systems. Spinach thrives in highly oxygenated conditions. It is an excellent option if you want a vegetable that you may harvest in as little as 20 days. For optimal growth, the nutrient film technique (NFT) is recommended.
Strawberries
This may sound surprising, but strawberries will grow very well in hydroponics! In fact, they are one of the greatest seasonal berries for growing hydroponically.
There are different types to consider. I recommend day-neutral varieties for continuous fruiting. These include classic favorites like Albion, Seascape, and Quinault.
Keep in mind, growing strawberries from seed will take considerable time. We recommend using plugs that are a couple of years old to get fruit in 60-90 days!
Basil
Basil is an excellent herb to grow hydroponically. It is a fast-growing herb that thrives in a hydroponic environment.
Basil requires warm temperatures, plenty of light, and a well-aerated nutrient solution to grow well hydroponically.
Basil can be grown in a variety of hydroponic systems, including deep water culture, nutrient film technique, and aeroponics. The advantage of basil is that it can be harvested nearly daily after it reaches maturity!
Peppers
Keep in mind pepper plants may require additional support as they grow. The weight of the fruit can cause the plant to bend or break. Consider trellising, staking, or other support systems.
Beans
Hydroponically grown beans are extremely low maintenance and produce a prolific crop! Beans are another food that can be continually harvested and lends itself to being grown in a number of hydroponic systems. Most believe ebb and flow is a perfect environment for beans.
Some bean varieties will also require support. Remember, beans can become rough if they are left on the plant for too long. Pick the beans when the pods are still young and sensitive before the seeds start to swell.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another very prolific and low-maintenance plant that thrives in hydroponic systems. There are several types of hydroponic systems you can use to grow cucumbers, including deep water culture, nutrient film technique, and drip.
Cucumbers come in different varieties. Choose the one that suits your growing conditions and preference. You can grow either slicing cucumbers, which are great for salads, or pickling cucumbers, which are ideal for making pickles.
There is nothing quite like having fresh, hand-picked produce year around. All of these edible plants are great options and will grow well in a variety of hydroponic gardens.
Need help choosing the right type of hydroponic system? Head over to this article to learn how to choose the perfect one for your needs.
