Due to industrialization, with the help of fertilizer, it is easy to grow crops. But the main issue is the chemical-rich these vegetables, crops affect our health badly. With the increase of diseases, more people need fresh and chemical-free diets.
The hydroponic system helps you to grow organic, fresh, and chemical-free vegetables, herbs, and fruits in your garden.
That is the reason why people love and start growing plants inside their homes with the help of hydroponics systems. I will share some knowledge, on why should you adopt a hydroponic planter in your life.
What is a Hydroponic Planter?
A hydroponic planter is a system that helps to plantation without the use of pesticides, chemicals, and soil. The soil is not used to grow the plants.
Instead of soil, water is used as a source of nutrients for the plants. The word hydroponics is derived from the Greek words “hudor” for water and “ponos” for work.
It has become very famous in the US and worldwide because of the benefits offered by the hydroponics systems. Here are some benefits of hydroponics system are:
- You can get 20% more yield than soil cultivation.
- You don’t need the expertise to grow plants in a hydroponics planter.
- You can control the pH value of water.
- Lower water consumption: Hydroponics systems use less water and you can reuse the water with the help of a pump.
- There is no need for sunlight, you can make an indoor garden in your home.
hydroponic planter how it works
Let’s discuss how the hydroponic system works.
In hydroponic, you need a system that is available online. You can purchase and set up without any expertise. After the setup, plants grow without the soil.
Instead of soil, nutrient-rich water is used and fills in the hydroponic system. There are holes in hydroponics systems which are known as PODS.
In the pods, the seeds of plants are placed. After seeding, plant roots are suspended in a water solution. The roots receive oxygen directly from the air, which is essential for their growth.
What is the equipment needed for a Hydroponics planter?
1. Nutrient Solution
Hydroponics solution is a water solution in which nutrient is mixed that is required for the plants. The nutrients may vary and depend on the plants that you want to grow.
- This solution contains essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- The plants absorb nutrients directly through their roots.
2. Growing Medium
There is no soil is needed for the hydroponically grown plants, so support is needed for the roots. Here are the examples of the growing medium:
- Rockwool: A mineral-based material that holds moisture and provides stability.
- Perlite: Lightweight volcanic glass that aids in drainage.
- Coco Coir: Derived from coconut husks, it retains moisture well.
how to use a hydroponic planter
I will share some steps to use a hydroponics planter in your indoor garden.
1. Choose a hydroponic planter as per your need
You can buy any hydroponics for your kitchen, room, or drawing room.
Common systems include Deep-Water Culture (DWC), Drip System, and Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain). Some are available in Vertical and tower-like systems.
2. Set Up the Planter and Prepare the Nutrient Solution
As I discussed above, you don’t need expertise to install it in your home.
After installing, you need a nutrient solution for the plantation. Mix a hydroponic nutrient solution as per the requirement for the plant.
The last step is to Adjust the pH level of the solution (usually around 5.5 to 6.5) using a pH testing kit.
3. Plant Your Seeds or Seedlings
There are pods in the hydroponics planter, which looks like a hole. Now, Place seeds or young plants into the growing medium. Make sure their roots are in contact with the nutrient solution.
4. Provide Adequate Lighting
Light is the most essential part for the growth of any plant, Without the lights, a plant cannot survive so ensure enough lightning around the plants.
In Modern hydroponics, LED lights are already built. Otherwise, you can purchase the LEDs for your plants.
Note: Ordiany LEDs are not used to grow for plant. So buy Grow Plant LED light for your indoor garden.
Do plants grow better in soil or hydroponics?
In the hydroponics system, you have the option to check the pH level of the water solution, temperature, and nutrients. In the soil, there may be a lack of nutrients which is required for your plants. To check its nutrient value, you have to do soil testing.
As a result, in a hydroponics planter, you can get more crop yield than soil plantation. As per research, 20% more crop yield compared to the soil plantation.
Also, you can control the humidity around the plants, so it helps to reduce the risk of root rot.
What plants can be grown hydroponically?
There are the plants that can be grown hydroponically:
Plant Type | Examples |
---|---|
Leafy Greens | Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard, Arugula |
Herbs | Basil, Mint, Cilantro, Parsley, Chives |
Tomatoes | Cherry, Beefsteak, Roma, Grape |
Peppers | Bell Peppers, Jalapeños, Habaneros |
Cucumbers | English Cucumbers, Pickling Cucumbers |
Strawberries | Various Strawberry Varieties |
Herbs | Basil, Mint, Cilantro, Parsley, Chives |
Microgreens | Radish, Mustard, Sunflower, Broccoli |
Flowers | Marigolds, Nasturtium, Violas |
Fruit Trees | Dwarf Citrus Trees (e.g., Lemon, Orange) |
Beans | Green Beans, Snap Peas, Lima Beans |
Zucchini | Zucchini, Yellow Squash |
Eggplant | Italian, Asian, Mini Eggplants |
Melons | Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Watermelon |
Strawberries | Various Strawberry Varieties |
Cannabis | Various Cannabis Varieties |
5 Tips Before Buy Hydroponic Planter
Aspect | Description |
---|---|
Space and Location | Determine where you’ll set up your hydroponic system. Consider available space, indoor or outdoor location, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. |
Budget | Define your budget for hydroponic equipment, supplies, and ongoing operating costs. Hydroponic setups can range from simple and affordable to complex and expensive. |
Plant Selection | Decide what plants you want to grow hydroponically. Different plants have varying requirements, so choose ones that suit your experience level and space limitations. |
Hydroponic System | Research and select the type of hydroponic system that best fits your needs. Options include Deep Water Culture (DWC), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Drip Systems, and more. |
Knowledge and Training | Invest time in learning about hydroponics, including nutrient solutions, pH control, lighting, and pest management. Consider attending workshops, reading books, or taking online courses. |
What are the 5 best types of plants grown in hydroponic systems?
1. The Smart Garden 9
- App-controlled light features & light schedule
- Automatic watering
- Perfect amount of light thanks to pro-grow lights
- Perfect amount of nutrients and oxygen at the root level
- Grow 365 days a year
2. DUESI Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System
Product Dimensions | 16 x 8.5 x 6.8 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 4.8 pounds |
Manufacturer | DUESI |
ASIN | B0B4W72DJZ |
Item model number | Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System |
Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
DUESI Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System
12 Pods Plant Germination Herb Kit with LED Grow Light, Hydroponic Planter Grower Harvest Vegetable Lettuce for Hydroponic Gardeners
3. Inbloom Hydroponics Growing System
Package Dimensions | 15.7 x 6.69 x 6.3 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 4.4 pounds |
Manufacturer | inbloom |
ASIN | B0CFQNMHVL |
Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Inbloom Hydroponics Growing System
12 Pods Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light and Pod Kit, Plants Germination Kit with 4.2L Water Pump Accelerate, Height Adjustable
4. URUQ Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden
Product Dimensions | 15 x 10 x 7 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 5.38 pounds |
Manufacturer | URUQ |
ASIN | B0C4LLFD59 |
Item model number | HP-GC201/GC202 |
Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
Hydroponics Growing System Indoor GardenV
URUQ 12 Pods Indoor Gardening System with LED Grow Light Height Adjustable Plants Germination Kit Quiet Smart Pump – Hydroponic Planter Fresh Harvest Black