Last Updated on April 26, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Hydroponic is a common technique for individuals who are into home gardening or commercial farming. This idea has existed for a while, during the ancient times in creating hanging gardens of Babylon.
With this technology, you can grow anything at your place with few resources. You don’t need to own a huge tract of land to grow food; indoor farming will excel with a hydroponic garden. So what is a hydroponic garden? What are its benefits? Read on to learn more about this fantastic farming technology you can embrace on a small land.
Hydroponic garden
An indoor hydroponic garden is a planting technique that doesn’t use soil as a medium for plant growth. In other words, it can be defined as growing plants without soil. One can grow various edible plants on this media, like fruits, veggies and herbs, at any time of the year.
The technique doesn’t require huge space, not unless you want it to; it is a flexible planting system. Your plants will grow at a first rate compared to those on the ground. Gardyn is the place to go. Visit them to get hydroponics to save you from the hectic pesticides and weeds.
For a plant to grow effectively, it requires carbon dioxide, sunlight, water and nutrients. In traditional farming, plant roots must search for nutrients deep in the soil. Well, that is not the case for an indoor hydroponic garden. Minerals are dissolved in the water surrounding the plants, making it easier for them to absorb them. The availability of nutrients is the contributing factor to rapid plant growth.
Gardyn’s technology and benefits
Gardyn is a smart indoor gardening system that uses advanced technology to allow users to grow fresh produce in their homes with ease. The Gardyn system is designed to be simple, convenient, and efficient, and it offers a range of benefits for users. Here are some of the key features and benefits of Gardyn:
- Automated Growing: Gardyn uses advanced technology to automate the growing process, which means that users don’t need to have any gardening experience to use the system. The technology controls the light, temperature, and humidity levels, and it also waters the plants automatically. This makes it easy for anyone to grow fresh produce at home.
- Space-Saving Design: Gardyn’s vertical design takes up minimal space, making it perfect for urban environments and small living spaces. It can be easily installed in a corner of a room or even in a closet, and it doesn’t require any soil or mess.
- Fresh and Nutritious Produce: With Gardyn, users can grow a wide variety of fresh produce, including herbs, greens, and vegetables. The produce is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals, and it’s also packed with nutrients.
- Sustainable: Gardyn is an eco-friendly solution for growing produce at home. It uses minimal water and energy, and it doesn’t require any transportation or packaging, which reduces the carbon footprint of the produce.
- Cost-Effective: Over time, Gardyn can save users money on their grocery bills, as they can grow their own produce at home. Additionally, the system is designed to last for years, which makes it a worthwhile investment.
- Convenience: Gardyn makes it easy for users to access fresh produce whenever they need it. They can simply pick the produce they need from the plants growing in the system, without having to leave their homes or worry about going to the grocery store.
Benefits hydroponic garden
There are so many advantages which are associated with this farming technique. Below are the significant benefits of hydroponic gardens:
Rapid plant growth
Plants grown in hydroponics grow faster because the farmer controls the environment needed for crop growth. A farmer can control moisture, light, temperature and nutrients.
Once a farmer can regulate the planting environment, the plants will have ideal conditions and nutrients for growth. Since nutrients are available in the water provided, plants will not need to look for the nutrients deep within the soil. They can focus on thriving and boosting overall productivity.
Zero weeds and pests cases
Weeds are one of the major obstacles to plant growth. Those who have tried conventional farming can attest to how pesky weeds can get. It is not easy to remove these unwanted plants from the field; they require regular hoeing, ploughing and tilling.
Weeds are common plants on the soil, meaning as a farmer, you will not have to deal with them in soilless hydroponic gardening.
In hydroponic, plants are also free from soil-borne pests, so you will not need to use insecticides and herbicides. The system enables you to grow healthy and clean food. Additionally, herbicides are expensive and you will save on production by not using them.
Saves water
Plants grown in hydroponics tend to use 10% water compared to the ones grown in the soil. The water used in hydroponics is due to recirculation. In this system, plants acquire the required water and recirculate the excess amount. There is minimal water loss in hydroponics. To prevent unwanted leaks, assign a professional to set up the structure.
Setting Up a DIY Hydroponic Indoor Garden
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of hydroponic indoor gardening let’s dive into the steps required to set up a DIY hydroponic indoor garden.
Step 1: Choose the Hydroponic System
There are several types of hydroponic systems you can choose from when setting up your indoor garden. The most common types are:
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
- Deep Water Culture (DWC)
- Drip Irrigation System
- Aeroponic System
Each system has its own set of advantages, so it’s important to research and select a system that suits the type of plants you want to grow and the environment they will be in.
Step 2: Choose a Location
Once you have decided on the type of hydroponic system you want to use, you need to choose a location to set up your indoor garden. A location with adequate light exposure that is free from drafts and temperature fluctuations is essential for the success of your indoor garden. Some ideal places include windowsills or shelving units close to windows.
Step 3: Choose Your Plants
Choosing the right plants is crucial for the success of your hydroponic indoor garden. Consider the types of plants that grow well in the type of hydroponic system you have chosen, as well as the amount of space you have available. Leafy greens, herbs, and small fruits are popular choices for hydroponic indoor gardens.
Step 4: Gather Your Equipment
Once you have chosen your hydroponic system, location, and plants, you need to gather your equipment. The equipment will vary depending on the hydroponic system you have chosen, but some essential pieces you will need include:
- Hydroponic reservoir
- Net pots
- Growing medium
- Nutrient-rich water solution
- Water pump
- pH testing kit
- Light source
Step 5: Set Up the Hydroponic System
Once you have gathered all of your equipment, it’s time to set up your hydroponic system. Detailed instructions for setting up each type of hydroponic system can be found online or in gardening books.
It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you set up the system correctly and provide the right environment for your plants.
Step 6: Maintain Your Hydroponic Indoor Garden
Maintaining your hydroponic indoor garden is essential for the success of your plants. You need to monitor the water levels, pH levels, and nutrient levels daily. You also need to ensure that your plants are receiving adequate light and temperature conditions. Regular pruning and harvesting are also essential to keep your plants healthy and productive.
One of the benefits of hydroponic gardening is that it requires less maintenance than traditional gardening. However, that doesn’t mean you can neglect your plants. Regularly checking on your garden and making any necessary adjustments can help prevent issues and ensure your plants thrive.
To maintain your hydroponic indoor garden, set a daily routine to check and adjust the water, pH, and nutrient levels as needed. Keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels, as well as the amount and quality of light your plants are receiving. Pruning can help prevent overgrowth and promote healthier plants, and regular harvesting will help keep your plants productive.
Incorporating maintenance into your daily routine can ensure that your hydroponic indoor garden remains healthy, productive, and a source of joy for years to come.
Tips and Tricks:
If you’re looking for an efficient and easy way to grow your own veggies, then a DIY hydroponics indoor garden might be just the thing for you. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:
Choose the Right Plants
Not all plants are suited for hydroponic systems. Choose ones that are well-suited for indoor environments, such as lettuce, kale, and herbs.
Keep the Water Level Consistent
Hydroponics requires a consistent level of water to be maintained. Make sure to check it regularly and keep it at the recommended level.
Monitor pH and Nutrient Levels
Testing your nutrient solution and pH levels regularly is important to ensure that your plants are getting the right nutrients and environment to thrive.
Use Grow Lights
Since you won’t have access to natural sunlight, invest in a good quality grow light to ensure that your plants are receiving sufficient light.
Proper Airflow and Temperature is Key
Ensure that the environment in the indoor garden is well-ventilated and at the proper temperature to prevent any issues.
Best Plants to Grow in a Hydroponic Indoor Garden:
When it comes to setting up your own hydroponic indoor garden, choosing the right plants is crucial. Luckily, there are plenty of options that thrive in this type of environment.
Some of the best plants to grow in a hydroponic indoor garden include leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach – which grow quickly and require only a small amount of space.
Herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley also do well in hydroponic systems, providing a fresh supply of flavorful additions to your meals.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, fruiting plants like tomatoes can also be grown hydroponically, offering a bountiful harvest of juicy produce.
Finally, adding succulents or decorative plants can add a touch of greenery to your home or office, without requiring much maintenance.
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get started with your own DIY hydroponic indoor garden and enjoy the many benefits of growing your own plants, from fresh produce to a sense of satisfaction and well-being.
Harvesting Yields:
Once your plants have matured and produced fruits and vegetables, it’s time to harvest them. Harvesting should be done when the plants are fully ripe for the best flavor and nutrient content. You can use a sharp pair of pruning shears to gently cut off the ripe fruits and vegetables.
As your plants grow, you’ll want to prune and trim them regularly to promote healthy growth and a higher yield. Pruning can also help control the growth of the plant and prevent it from becoming too bushy or overgrown.
Once you’re ready to harvest, you can use your fresh herbs and vegetables in home-cooked meals, smoothies, or salads. The possibilities for usage are endless; be creative and experiment with your homegrown produce. There’s nothing more satisfying than cooking and enjoying a healthy meal made from ingredients you’ve grown yourself.
Conclusion
To conclude, hydroponic is a good indoor farming technique. It is a system where you can have more yields in a small area. The system has endless advantages. Now that you have read about this impressive farming criteria, why don’t you try it at your place?