Getting started with Hydroponics at home: how to Set Up a Simple Hydroponic System
By Giulio Gabrieli
Getting started with Hydroponics at home: how to Set Up a Simple Hydroponic System
Hydroponics is an excellent way to grow fresh vegetables at home, even if you have limited space or live in a climate that is not ideal for traditional gardening. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to set up a simple hydroponic system at home, using basic kits that are available online
Before we get started, it’s important to note that there are many different types of hydroponic systems available on the market, ranging from simple DIY setups to complex commercial systems. If you’re new to hydroponics, it may be best to start with a simple kit that can be purchased online, such as the AeroGarden or the Hydroponic Grow Kit. These kits typically come with everything you need to get started, including the growing container, nutrient solution, and grow lights.
Hydroponic systems can be used to grow a wide variety of vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and many more. However, it’s important to choose vegetables that are suitable for hydroponic growing, as some plants may not thrive in a soil-free environment. Generally speaking, leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach are the easiest and most popular vegetables to grow in a hydroponic system. Moreover, according to the size of your setup, some vegetables may be more or less suitable. For example, a small kit won’t be able to support big plants, such as tomato plants, while it could be perfect to grow different types of salads.
The cost of setting up a hydroponic system will depend on the type of system you choose and the size of your setup. A simple hydroponic kit such as the AeroGarden or Hydroponic Grow Kit can cost anywhere from 50 to 200 Euros, depending on the size and features. You may also need to purchase additional equipment such as additional nutrients, or growing mediums.
If you don’t have a setup yet, and want to give hydroponics a try, what you should start with is an all-in-one setup that includes both growing lights and a water pump, as well as growing mediums and nutrients.
My favorite is the iDoo 12 pods kit. The system comes with a water pump to oxygenate the water, in order to avoid hypoxia, and lights that can be adjusted according to what you are growing, be it fruit or vegetables. The kit also has an adjustable stand for the light, which can be therefore regulated according to the height of the plants during their growth. The kit contains everything you need to get started, including nutrients and growing mediums.
Setting up a simple hydroponic system at home is a great way to grow fresh vegetables regardless of your living situation. With the right equipment and a bit of knowledge, you can set up a hydroponic system that allows you to grow a variety of vegetables year-round, with less water and fewer resources than traditional gardening methods. So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how easy and rewarding it can be!
Cover image by Sharat Arackal on Unsplash