Do you want to have your little garden at home, but the thought of messy soil and complicated gardening techniques makes you drop the plan? Well, there is no need to worry!
Today, a new plant-growing technique is becoming popular is hydroponic growing! This is an efficient, space-saving method of cultivating plants without soil. This soil-free gardening technique is perfect for those who want to grow fresh produce year-round, even in limited spaces. This is probably the most clean and convenient way to bring your green thumb dreams to life.
However, you need to know what kind of plants and care are required to build this hydroponic plant garden on your terrace or balcony. The best thing is that it needs minimal maintenance, but still, it is thriving. This blog consists of a list of the top hydroponic plants, specifically vegetables, that you can grow in just water. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious first-timer, this guide will help you learn how to grow and take care of these plants effortlessly.
Let’s get started.
Why Choose Hydroponic Growing?
Before we check out the list of the top hydroponic plants, let’s look at the advantages of growing these plants:
- You can install hydroponic systems in small spaces, making them ideal for apartments and small houses.
- No more dirt or messy potting mixes to contend with.
- Hydroponic plants use up to 90% less water than traditional soil gardening, making it an eco-friendly option.
- Plants grown hydroponically often grow faster than traditional plant growing methods.
- With proper lighting and temperature control, you can grow these vegetables, regardless of the season.
Now let’s check out the easiest vegetables to grow in just water.
1. Lettuce
Grow time: About 30 days
Variety options: Romaine, Boston, Iceberg, Buttercrunch, Bibb
One of the most commonly grown vegetables is lettuce. It’s easy to grow with minimal maintenance requirements. These plants have shallow root systems that make them grow quickly in water. Simply place the root end of a store-bought head of lettuce in a shallow container of water and watch new leaves emerge in a few weeks. Make sure the plant has a consistent light and nutrient supply. You can even try growing lettuce varieties like romaine, butterhead, or red lettuce, which thrive in hydroponic systems.
2. Spinach
Grow time: About 40 days.
Variety options: Savoy, Bloomsdale, Smooth Leafed, Regiment, Catalina, Tyee, Red Cardinal
We all love eating spinach in different forms, whether it be salad or spaghetti. The best part is that you can grow it at home using a hydroponic system. Yes, this leafy green vegetable grows really well and quickly and can be harvested multiple times. Simply place the root end of a store-bought bunch of spinach in a shallow container of water. You’ll notice that in just a few weeks, it grows fully, and you can harvest them as needed. However, this leafy green plant prefers cooler temperatures, so for rapid growth, use a balanced nutrient solution.
3. Kale
Grow time: 30-40 days
Variety options: Curly Kale, Lacinato Kale, and Red Russian Kale
Kale is a nutrient-rich plant that grows well hydroponically because of its adaptability. It is also a common ingredient for salads, smoothies, and more. The best part about Kale, however, is the wide electrical conductivity range that allows it to grow with other crops as well. You have to grow them vertically due to their large size. To keep your kale vegetable healthy, ensure that the temperature is cooler and there is plenty of light. Also, always harvest the leaves from the bottom up.
4. Bell Peppers
Grow time: 60-90 days
Variety options: Sweet Mini Peppers and snacking Peppers
Bell peppers are vibrant and nutritious vegetables that do well in hydroponic systems. Choose varieties like mini peppers or sweet snacking peppers that are well-suited for smaller hydroponic systems. However, as compared to other vegetables, they require a bit more attention than leafy greens but are worth the effort. Also, provide them plenty of light and good support as they grow; otherwise, they’ll fall and don’t grow properly.
5. Tomatoes
Grow time: 60-90 days
Variety options: Cherry Tomatoes, Cocktail Tomatoes, and Bush Tomatoes
The last easy vegetable on the list of top hydroponic plants is cherry tomatoes. These plants are compact, and even beginners can try them. However, they require support structures like trellises, which you can get from the Survival Island shop. Along with this, plenty of natural sunlight is needed for proper growth. Another thing to keep in mind is pruning, as it is essential to encourage healthy growth and prevent diseases.
Final Thoughts
Hydroponic growing is an excellent way to cultivate fresh vegetables and herbs with minimal space and resources. With the right setup, you can enjoy a continuous supply of leafy greens, herbs, and more. The Survival Island shop offers all the supplies you need to get started on your hydroponic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these easy-to-grow vegetables will provide you with fresh, nutritious produce and the satisfaction of growing your own food. So, what are you waiting for? Start your hydroponic plants garden today!
Leave a Reply