How I can grow hydroponic herbs at home: a step-by-step guide, tips, and best kits for growing herbs indoors

Growing a hydroponic herb garden at home requires some effort when compared with the classical process. However, there are a few tips that will make the job much easier. Everything will be discussed in more detail in this article.

Features of using hydroponic herb gardens

If you decide to grow an indoor hydroponic herb garden at home, then you will have the ability to precisely control the environment. To get started, you do not need to prepare a large amount of space. If you follow the tips in this article, your hydroponic herbs grow quickly and efficiently.

Pros of hydroponic gardening

You first have to spend a lot of money on growing hydroponic herbs. However, all your efforts will be worth it. The main advantages of using hydroponic growing include:

1. Active growth rates. Plants will receive water and nutrition directly, so this will have a positive effect on growth rates. On average, growth rates will be 30-50% better than when grown in normal soil.
2. The best taste and aroma qualities. If your hydroponic herbs grow well, they will always be fresh and of high quality. You will have the ability to control the nutrients that penetrate the roots. Therefore, the fresh herbs will be much tastier.
3. No need to mess around in the ground. You do not have to constantly clean up the formed mess.
4. No negative impact on the environment. After all, you will not use pesticides or herbicides that provoke soil erosion.
5. Independence from the weather. You don’t have to constantly panic if the weather turns bad. After all, plants will actively develop, regardless of weather conditions. The main thing is to provide the right conditions for growth.
6. Control of growing conditions. You can independently adjust the indicators of humidity, light, and temperature. Therefore, you can grow different types of greens at the same time.

An important advantage is that all the costs that you make in the beginning will pay off pretty quickly. Ultimately, you will have the opportunity to save money. After all, the harvest hydroponic herbs will be excellent, even with minimal use of water and nutrients.

Varieties of hydroponic herbs

Different types of hydroponic systems can be equipped in the house. However, ebbs and flows are the most popular. Deep water systems, nutrient film technologies, drip irrigation, wick systems, and aeroponics deserve considerable attention.

You can create your system if you are not intimidated by working with tools. However, you can also buy a ready-made system. If you are planning to grow herbs for sale, then the hydroponics area should be suitable for the level of production.

Ebb and flow system

The essence of such a system is that you need to prepare a special tray that is filled with soil and water. After the plants are planted, the roots are immersed in water. After, the pump supplies water and fertilizer to the root system.

When the timer goes off, the water will flow back into the pan. This will keep the growing medium dry, so the roots can breathe. After the timer expires, the process is repeated.

Nutrient film technique

This option is different in that a little water will flow through the roots. Often, PVC pipes are provided for this, inside of which there are holes. After that, the herbs are planted in mesh pots that lean against the pipes. The roots will constantly be in contact with water rich in nutrients.

This is why you need to be careful about what kind of growing medium you use. The Nutrient Film Technique works best with a medium that retains nutrients and water well. In this case, air will seep into the roots.

The nutrient film technique will be appropriate for all types of hydroponic herbs. You can use it even when growing vegetables and fruits.

Deep sea systems

This option is a bit like a system of ebb and flow. However, there are several differences, including the presence of a large area.

After all, plants grow in water, not in soil. At the bottom, there are special stones that contribute to the passage of oxygen through the roots.

Aeroponics

The essence of this method is that the plants need to be suspended, and then the root system should be treated with water and nutrients. Thanks to this, many plants can be grown in a small area. Therefore, this is the best solution if you grow herbs for sale.

Drip irrigation system

This is the best solution if the hydroponics will be indoors. The delivery of water and nutrient solution is carried out through a small drip system that borders the roots.

You won’t need much water. However, you can prevent drought or the overwater of plants.

Wick system

This option is considered one of the easiest. This is the best solution for beginners. Plants must be placed inside the container.

A cotton wick is inserted into the nutrient medium. It must be placed in such a way that it is in contact with water. As moisture is absorbed by the wick, water will be delivered to the root system of the hydroponic herbs.

What herbs are suitable for hydroponics?

In such conditions, it makes sense to grow herbs used in cooking. It can be parsley, basil, dill, and thyme. Some housewives grow sage, cilantro, chamomile, mint, and lemon balm. At first, you need to plant only a few bushes to understand their behavior. If all is well, you can scale up.

It is best to grow several different plants at the same time so that you have greens for any dish or drink. It is important to remember the need for lighting.

Therefore, you need to install the prepared system so that the plants are illuminated for at least 6 hours a day.

Of particular note is the control of the pH of the water. It must match all plants. Almost all types of growing hydroponic herbs do it well at a pH of 6-7. However, it is better to know the exact parameters for each variety so as not to run into numerous problems.

If you grow hydroponic herbs, you have the opportunity to plant different types of plants at the same time.

It does not matter where exactly the herb garden will be located. If you do not have the opportunity to put the system in the yard, then hydroponic herb does not require it.

Growing herbs hydroponically is a fairly efficient and easy process. However, you need to properly care for and maintain all plants. This is the only way you can prevent problems.

How to successfully grow own hydroponic herb garden: tips

If you want that hydroponic growing develops well, you should provide them with the right care. The regular cleaning of the hydroponic systems deserves special attention. Washing is carried out using a mild detergent and water. You need a special environment for growing herbs. It can be mineral wool or oasis cubes.

Choose a medium that is free of chemicals, as this will damage the plant’s root system. In the process of care, you need to use a high-quality nutrient solution and water.

In the process of growing herbs in hydroponics, you will not encounter diseases or parasites. However, care must be taken to ensure that there are no contaminants or algae in the water. Nutrient components intended for hydroponics are sold in almost all stores.

You can also prepare the solution for the herb garden yourself based on what is written in the instructions for the system. The plants must be constantly kept between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the key to a successful harvest.

Install a fan that rotates near the system. It will not allow moisture to accumulate and will provide good air circulation.

Which hydroponics kits for a home with herbs to choose from?

There are ready-made hydroponics kits for the home on the market. More details about most herbs grown will be discussed below.

Aero Garden Harvest

This is the best option, which is compact. The herb garden set can be installed in the kitchen. Up to 6 different herbs can be grown at the same time. To get started, you need to fill the garden with water, and throw pods into it, which do not contain GMOs.

After that, add a little liquid fertilizer. The design is complemented by special LEDs that mimic natural light. The soil does not need to be used because the plants will grow well anyway. You don’t have to use herbicides or pesticides or do any preparation.

Inside the hydroponic system, some sensors will automatically turn the light on and off. They will also give a signal that watering or top dressing should be done.

Click and Grow Smart Hydroponic Herb Garden

The hydroponic system is characterized by automation and is ideal for growing fertilizers indoors. The manufacturer has already taken care of water, lighting, and top dressing. You need to fill the containers with vegetable pods. There are already minerals and nutrients inside the pots to feed the plants.

There will be an even distribution of water across all plants. As soon as the tank is empty, the system will give a signal that you need to replenish the water. There is a lamp that works 8-16 hours and will ensure optimal hydroponically grown herbs.

FAQ

Growing herbs in hydroponics can come up with several issues. The answers to them will be presented below.

Results

As you can see, growing herbs in hydroponics are not difficult. Hydroponic systems can be placed in the kitchen so that aromatic and fresh herbs are always at hand during the cooking process.