Hydroponic Edible Gardening: Growing Without Soil For Fresh Produce Year-Round

Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil (Merriam-Webster, 2023). Plants in hydroponic systems have their roots directly submerged in the nutrient-rich solution, allowing them to grow faster and stronger compared to soil gardening.

The earliest forms of hydroponics date back to the hanging gardens of Babylon and the floating gardens of the Aztecs (USDA, 2023). In the 1930s, researchers at the University of California developed modern hydroponic techniques that are still used today.

Hydroponics offers many benefits over traditional soil gardening. The nutrient solution delivers water and nutrients directly to plant roots, resulting in faster growth and higher yields. Hydroponic systems allow year-round production since climate is controllable indoors. Plants grown hydroponically are less prone to disease, pests, and weeds compared to soil gardening. Additionally, hydroponics conserves water and space since systems can be stacked vertically. Overall, hydroponics enables gardeners to maximize crop production in a controlled and efficient way.

How Hydroponics Works

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, the roots are submerged in a nutrient-rich solution that provides everything the plants need to thrive. The basic components of a hydroponic system include:

• A reservoir or tank to hold the nutrient solution
• A submersible pump to circulate the solution
• Growing beds, tubes or pots to contain the plants
• A medium like perlite, clay pellets, or coconut coir to support the plants
• An air stone or air pump to oxygenate the solution
• Tubing and pipes to deliver the solution

The nutrient solution contains all the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements plants need. It flows through the system on a regular basis to “feed” the roots. Grow lights replicate sunlight indoors. The temperature and pH of the solution must be monitored and adjusted as needed. As plants grow, they absorb nutrients from the solution.

Hydroponic systems allow precise control over the root environment. This leads to faster growth rates, higher yields, and healthier plants compared to soil gardening. Hydroponics can be used year-round indoors or in greenhouses since factors like weather and soil conditions do not limit plant growth (Source).

Hydroponic Mediums

Hydroponic systems need a medium to support the roots of plants and regulate moisture. There are several options for hydroponic mediums, each with their own properties and uses.

Some common hydroponic mediums include:

• Perlite – Made from volcanic glass, perlite is an inert, porous medium that doesn’t compact and provides good drainage. It has a neutral pH but lacks nutrient content (Soilless Growing Mediums).
• Vermiculite – This lightweight, spongy material is made from expanded mica. It has high water retention abilities and supplies some magnesium and potassium to plants (The Only Hydroponic Growing Media Guide You Need).
• Coconut coir – Often called coco peat or coir peat, this is made from the fiber of coconut husks. It has good moisture retention, drainage, and aeration. Coco coir has a near neutral pH (Soilless Growing Mediums).
• Clay pellets – These are made by baking clay at high temperatures. The pellets provide an inert, pH neutral medium. They have large air spaces but low water retention (The Only Hydroponic Growing Media Guide You Need).

The ideal medium depends on the type of plants, hydroponic system, and other factors. Many hydroponic growers use a combination of mediums to achieve the desired balance of moisture retention, drainage, and aeration for optimal plant growth.

Hydroponic Nutrients

One of the most important components of a hydroponic system are the nutrient solutions that provide plants with the essential macro- and micronutrients they need to grow and thrive. Hydroponic nutrients come in liquid or powder formulas that dissolve in water to deliver nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and other nutrients to plant roots (1).

Most hydroponic nutrient solutions are designed with specific NPK ratios optimized for different growth stages of plants. For vegetative growth, higher nitrogen levels are needed. For flowering and fruiting stages, higher phosphorus and potassium levels are required. Many 2-part and 3-part nutrient systems have separate formulas for each stage (2).

Hydroponic gardeners can choose between organic and synthetic chemical nutrient options. Organic nutrients derive from natural sources like bat guano, fish emulsion, worm castings, seaweed extract, etc. Chemical nutrients are manufactured for precise NPK ratios. While organic nutrients are preferred by some growers, chemical nutrients tend to give more consistent results (3).

No matter what type of hydroponic nutrients are used, following manufacturer recommendations for mixing ratios and regularly monitoring pH and EC levels is essential for healthy plants.

Sources:
(1) https://www.htgsupply.com/product-category/nutrients/
(2) https://generalhydroponics.com/products/categories/nutrients/
(3) https://modernbotanical.shop/products/hydroponic-liquid-nutrients

Best Plants for Hydroponics

When selecting plants for a home hydroponic system, focus on varieties that thrive with constant moisture and limited space for root development. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard are excellent choices as they grow quickly and can be continually harvested. Herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and oregano also do very well hydroponically since they are naturally compact plants.

Fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans can produce abundantly in hydroponic systems. Choose compact, determinate varieties for the best results. Cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, pickling cucumbers, and bush beans are ideal. Provide adequate structural support for climbing plants like tomatoes and cucumbers.

Root crops like radishes and carrots can be grown hydroponically but require deeper setups to accommodate their longer taproots. Focus on quick-maturing varieties if attempting root crops. When in doubt, leafy greens and herbs are the easiest and most reliable hydroponic plants for beginners. Their modest requirements and fast growth make them ideal plants to get started (The 5 Best Plants for Hydroponic Systems).
With a well-designed system and optimal nutrients, you’ll be amazed at the productivity of hydroponic plants!

Hydroponic System Types

There are several main types of hydroponic systems to choose from. Each has its own advantages and best uses.

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Deep water culture (DWC) systems involve suspending plants in a reservoir of nutrient-rich water. The plant roots dangle down into the water, absorbing nutrients directly. Oxygen is pumped into the water to prevent the roots from drowning. DWC systems are relatively simple to set up and maintain. They work well for fast-growing plants like lettuce, herbs, and tomatoes [1].

Wick Systems

In wick hydroponics, plants are situated above a reservoir while their roots extend down into the nutrient solution. Absorbent wicking materials like cotton ropes provide a pathway for the solution to travel up to the plant roots. Wick systems are passive and low-maintenance but are best suited for smaller plants [2].

Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)

Ebb and flow systems work by intermittently flooding the grow tray with nutrient solution and then draining it away. A pump and timer automates this flood and drain cycle. The periods of dryness allow the plant roots to get oxygen. Ebb and flow systems can work for a variety of plants but require some electricity [3].

Drip Systems

In drip hydroponics, a network of valves, pipes, and drippers slowly feeds nutrient solution to the plant roots. The drops provide water and nutrients while allowing oxygen to reach the roots. Drip systems provide consistent hydration and work well for soilless media like perlite, vermiculite, and coconut coir [2].

Aeroponics

Aeroponic systems suspend plants while nutrient mist is sprayed onto the roots. This maximizes air exposure and oxygenation. Aeroponics requires specialized equipment but facilitates very rapid growth. It works best for leafy greens and herbs that thrive with maximum oxygen [3].

[1] https://sensorex.com/hydroponic-systems-explained/
[2] https://www.nosoilsolutions.com/6-different-types-hydroponic-systems/
[3] https://hydropros.com/blogs/growers-corner/6-types-hydroponic-systems

Building a Home Hydroponic System

Setting up a hydroponic system at home is a great way to grow fresh produce year-round. With some simple materials and basic DIY skills, you can build your own hydroponics system. Here are the main steps for constructing a home hydroponic system:

1. Choose a suitable container. Many DIY hydroponic systems use plastic bins, buckets, or storage totes as the base. Make sure your container is food-grade and at least 12 inches deep.[1]

2. Add drainage. Drill 1-2 inch holes throughout the bottom and sides of the container to allow for drainage and oxygen flow to the roots.[2]

3. Install a lid or cover. Cut holes in the lid or top of the container to hold net pots. Make sure the lid fits snugly while still allowing you to access the interior.

4. Add growing medium. Use clay pellets, perlite, vermiculite, coconut coir, or other non-soil mediums to support the plant roots.

5. Assemble plumbing. Run tubing from the pump to the grow container to circulate the nutrient solution. Make sure tubing is food-grade.

6. Add a reservoir. Attach a smaller bucket or bin to hold the hydroponic nutrient solution. Place this below the main grow container.

7. Install lighting. Hang grow lights above the container to provide full spectrum illumination for plants. LED grow lights work well for home systems.

8. Plant seeds or seedlings. Transplant sprouted seedlings into the net pots filled with growing medium. Make sure the roots make contact with the nutrient solution.

Follow this basic process to construct a simple, low-cost hydroponic system at home using common materials. Always use food-grade components when building home hydroponic systems.

Maintaining a Hydroponic Garden

Maintaining a thriving hydroponic garden requires regular monitoring and care. Three key aspects of maintenance are pH control, adding nutrients, and cleaning the system.

Monitoring and adjusting pH levels is crucial, as most plants thrive in a pH range of 5.5-6.5. pH can drift over time, so test and adjust pH in the reservoir every 1-2 days. Adding pH up or down solutions can stabilize pH at optimal levels.

Hydroponic nutrients provide all the macro and micronutrients plants need. Use hydroponic-specific nutrient blends and follow dosage instructions. Top off the reservoir with nutrients and clean water as needed between full solution changes. Nutrient strength should be monitored with EC/ppm meters.

Cleaning the hydro system helps prevent buildup of salts, algae and pathogens. Fully change the reservoir solution every 1-2 weeks. Scrub down reservior walls, clean pump filters and sterilize components between solution changes. Always follow sanitation best practices.

Troubleshooting issues quickly prevents major crop losses. Check for signs of nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, disease, pests, environment stresses, equipment failures and other problems. Take corrective actions like adjusting nutrients, fixing leaks, controlling pests and more to get the system back on track.

With regular system maintenance and monitoring, hydroponic gardens can thrive year-round. Proper pH levels, nutrient availability, clean equipment and swift problem-solving keeps plants growing vigorously.

Year-Round Gardening

One of the greatest benefits of hydroponic gardening is the ability to grow fresh produce year-round, regardless of weather or season. With an indoor hydroponic setup, you can precisely control the temperature, humidity, lighting, and other environmental factors to optimize plant growth. This allows you to grow a variety of plants indoors that would normally only thrive during certain seasons outdoors.

To enable year-round gardening, you’ll need an enclosed and climate-controlled grow space, such as a greenhouse or spare room in your home. Grow lights will be essential to provide adequate light intensity for photosynthesis since natural sunlight is limited indoors. LED grow lights that provide a full spectrum of light work very well for indoor gardening. You’ll also need heaters and air conditioning to maintain ideal temperatures between 70-80°F for most plants.

With the proper indoor hydroponic setup, the possibilities are endless. You can grow heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers during the winter or cool weather crops like lettuce and spinach through the summer. Herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint also grow exceptionally well hydroponically year-round. The ability to grow fresh produce indoors any time of year is a gamechanger for creating sustainable and local food sources.

Benefits of Hydroponic Gardening

Hydroponic gardening offers several advantages over traditional soil gardening. One of the biggest benefits is faster growth and higher yields. Plants grown hydroponically have access to nutrients constantly which enables them to grow up to 50% faster than in soil. With the proper hydroponic setup, yields can be 2-10 times higher than traditional gardening (https://www.edengreen.com/blog-collection/benefits-of-hydroponics).

Hydroponics also use up to 90% less water than soil farming. The water stays within the system and can be recycled, rather than absorbing into the ground. This makes hydroponics ideal for areas prone to droughts (https://psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/11/9/the-future-of-farming-hydroponics).

Since plants are grown indoors without soil, there are fewer issues with weeds, pests, and plant diseases. The closed controlled environment makes it easier to prevent and manage any potential problems. Growers also don’t need to use pesticides which leads to safer, healthier plants.

One of the biggest advantages of hydroponics is the ability to grow plants year-round. With grow lights and climate control, crop production can continue 24/7 regardless of outdoor conditions. This allows fresh produce to be grown locally even in off-seasons.