Now that we have an alternative, let’s find out which, when, & how hydroponic vegetables can be grown at home.
With the advent of home hydroponic systems, the concept of vegetables needing spacious areas with careful watering and soil conditions to grow is now turning old school.
For the curious hearts, hydroponic vegetables are grown in a nutrient-rich solution. Since everything right from the temperature to the nutrient feed remains under your control, hydroponic vegetable gardens are known for their:
- Higher plant growth rate
- Higher yield
- Off-season produce
- Less water intake
- Low land requirement
- No weather dependency
- No soil usage
- Pest-free produce
Hydroponic vegetables are, thus, ideal for people living in metropolitan areas with busy schedules and lesser space. But what vegetables can be hydroponically grown? Let’s find out.
List Of Hydroponically Grown Vegetables
1. Lettuce
If you’re just starting on your hydroponics journey, lettuce is the perfect first plant for you to grow. That’s because there’s nothing that can go wrong with it. You can start with almost no experience and a meagre budget. Besides this, lettuce is perfect for home hydroponic systems. It requires cool temperatures and grows within 30 days or less. Grab your batch of lettuce seeds here to get started.
2. Spinach
“I'm strong to the finich, Cause I eat my spinach, I'm Popeye the Sailor Man!” This 90s cartoon show has done enough to explain the immense uses of this leafy vegetable which is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Just like lettuce, spinach is one of the most hydroponically grown plants. However, make sure to buy fresh spinach seeds to avoid bitter produce. Also, sow 4-5 seeds per hole so you have at least 1 healthy plant per cube.
3. Kale
Kale is a nutrient-rich plant that grows well hydroponically because of its adaptability. It can, thus, grow well in a variety of hydroponic systems. The best part about Kale, however, is the wide electrical conductivity range that allows it to grow with other crops as well. Consequently, the produce is much higher and better. Curly Kale seeds are the most used seeds for hydroponics because they are easy and grow faster.
4. Basil
Basil’s intoxicating aroma and classic Italian flavour is something foodies go gaga over. This woody herb is used for a variety of purposes, both culinary and medicinal. Be it stomach spasms, kidney conditions, or worm infections, basil treats them all. To grow Basil hydroponically, you will have to prune it daily and maintain a high temperature for best results. If given the ideal conditions, the crop time can be as low as 28 days.
5. Chives
The most-used method to grow chives hydroponically is through vertical towers. They are pretty common among growers and work well. Their year-round growth is what makes them popular. However, they must receive considerable sunlight exposure or grow lights to sustain. Chives grow hydroponically within 2-3 weeks when they are planted from roots. Also, with every harvest, they grow thicker.
6. Coriander
Coriander is considered one of the easiest plants to grow hydroponically. If the nutrient concentration is apt and the water quality is good, the plant grows faster and flourishes more. The best part about coriander growing in a hydroponic home system is that it doesn’t need much space. A steady yield of coriander ensures the growth of a medicinal herb that cures toothaches, heart issues, & even brain issues.
7. All Baby Leaves
Baby leaves are harvested after the leaves turn into a considerable size, attain a great colour, and have a nice texture. Hydroponically grown baby leaves can produce year-round produce. They grow faster and better, giving a great yield. The use of no soil and artificially controlled conditions are the two main reasons why people prefer growing baby leaves hydroponically.
8. All Microgreens
Microgreens are small plants that are big on nutritional value and carry an intense punch of flavour. Since they can be harvested within 6 to 14 days, they can be easily grown over and over. If grown hydroponically, microgreens won’t need much light and this makes them one of the most favourable hydroponic plants.
Can Root Veggies Be Grown Hydroponically?
Root veggies like carrots, beets, or bigger curds like cauliflower may be difficult to grow in a small hydroponic system and might require an elaborate setup.
Well, it’s time to try your hands at growing hydroponic plants!
It’s going to be fun! Good luck planting.
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