Indoor Hydroponic Garden: Learn About The Types Of Plants To Grow

The idea of having your own garden is very appealing. You can get fresh fruits and herbs from your plant. And follow a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. However, if you don’t have an outside space or backyard for gardening, it might make you disheartened.

But who said you couldn’t grow your own plants if you did not have space? NOBODY! 

On the contrary, you have the option of indoor gardening. And not just any indoor gardening but hydroponic gardening. Yes, you read it correctly.

Hydroponic gardening is not limited to commercial food production. You can create your own small garden for home food production. Seems interesting? Alright then, let’s talk a little more about the types of plants to grow in an indoor hydroponic garden.

What Is Hydroponics?

It is a type of gardening in which NO SOIL is used. Instead, the plants are grown using a water and nutrient solution. In fact, a hydroponic system can help grow plants and vegetables rapidly as compared to traditional techniques. Plus, you can use the system throughout the year. In simple terms, changing seasons does not affect your plants. Not to mention, it requires less space. So, you can easily create one in your house.

What Type Of Plants Can You Grow Hydroponically?

There are numerous plants that root and grow well in a glass jar filled with water. However, by adding the correct amount of plant nutrition and proper lighting, you can easily accelerate their growth.

You must be getting curious to know what these plants are, right? Well, these are distinguished into three categories, i.e., Herbs, vegetables, and house plants.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

Growing Herbs Hydroponically

Herbs are great for promoting health and adding flavor to your food. And if those herbs are home-grown, the benefits will get amplified. You can grow the plant using a seed. But many people also prefer the option of using plant cutting. So, you can use any of the techniques at your convenience.

Nonetheless, in the latter method, the plants grow faster and stronger.

Suitable Herbs for an Hydroponic Garden:

Some of the most suitable herbs that you can grow in this system are:

• Tarragon
• Green mint
• Peppermint
• Basil
• Sage
• Oregano
• Lemon Balm
• Stevia
• Rosemary

Note: You can not get seeds for peppermint and tarragon. Thus, if you wish to plant these two herbs, you have to use the cuttings.

Growing Vegetables Hydroponically

Apart from herbs, you can also grow several vegetables using this system. It generally includes two types of vegetables. One that people usually grow in their outdoor garden. And second, are the vegetables which are specifically developed to grow in a small space.

Many people are of the belief that you need soil for growing vegetables. However, that’s not the case with these vegetables. As long as you provide them with sufficient light, nutrients, and maintain an adequate pH level of water, the veggies will grow.

Suitable Vegetables:

Some of the most suitable vegetables that you can grow in this hydroponic garden system are:

• Spinach
• Bok Choy
• Peppers (or Capsicum)
• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Tomatoes
• Pumpkins
• Lettuce

Note: Large plants like tomatoes generally require something to have a firm hold. For that, it is recommended to use clay pebbles.

Importance of pH level

To obtain the best yield and healthy plants, it is essential to maintain an adequate pH level in the water solution. Needless to say, it is one of the crucial elements for creating an optimal growing environment. Usually, a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5 is suitable for most plants. You can even use grow room timers and meters to help maintain this level. The point is, pH must be maintained at all times for healthy growth and a good yield.

It is noteworthy that plants like pumpkins require a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. So, you must learn about the different requirements of different plants.

Growing House Plants Hydroponically

Gardening indoor plants (hydroponically or not) and not including house plants in it is simply not an option. Even if your house plants are just for decoration, they are in no comparison with self-cultivated plants. Don’t you agree?

Moreover, they also help in cleaning the air by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Suitable House Plants:

You might not know this, but house plants are actually the most suitable for the hydroponic system. So, you can grow any of the following plants there.

• Philodendron
• Female Dragon
• Devil’s Ivy
• Chinese Money Plant
• Arrowhead Vine
• Chinese Evergreen
• Peace Lily
• Spider Plant
• Dumb Cane/Leopard Lily

Tips For Growing Plants in a Hydroponic Garden

As using a hydroponic system is quite different from traditional gardening, we have listed down a few tips to help you grow plants.

• Lightning: Many people have this misconception that plants do not need sunlight just because plants are grown in water. Well, that’s not true. You need to provide them proper sunlight for faster growth. So, you must create your system where it is easier to get at least 6 hours of daylight. Nevertheless, the requirements also vary from plant to plant. So, you need to do a bit of research as well.

• pH level: All the herbs mentioned above require a pH level that is lower than tap water. Not having an ideal pH level of the water can affect the plant’s ability to absorb carbohydrates, nutrients, and vitamins. So, you must check the pH preference of every plant and make adjustments accordingly.

• Climate Control: Generally, the hydroponically cultivated plants prefer a temperature between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why you need to pay attention to how cold or hot the temperature is around your garden. If the temperature is rising, you can turn down or turn off the grow lamps and radiator. On the other hand, if the temperature is falling, you might need to add more lamps to keep the perfect temperature.

Wrapping It Up!

These are some of the plants that you can easily grow in your home. Not to mention, it will give you peace of mind. As you’ll know where the food came from and what nutrients were used. Plus, it is more convenient than traditional gardening.

So, what are you waiting for? Try it out!

Photo by Lettuce Grow on Unsplash