Thriving in Water: A Guide to What Grows Best in Hydroponic Gardens

If you are new to this method of gardening, you may be wondering what plants grow best in hydroponic gardens.

I’ve been hydro gardening with a Lettuce Grow Farmstand and a Gardyn for a couple years now both outside and indoors, and have tried many different greens, herbs and veggies. There are a few plants that are almost always a success and a few I’ve found to be fickle.

In addition to traditional hydroponic systems, a Hydroponic Tower is also a great way to maximize your growing space and increase the efficiency of your setup.

Click here to check out Lettuce Grow on Amazon!

The hydroponic garden pictured above is my garden after about a month of growing outdoors. I loved it, but later moved it inside so I didn’t need to worry about fighting pests so often.

Whether you’re a seasoned hydroponic enthusiast or a beginner exploring this innovative approach, choosing the right plants is crucial for a successful harvest. Join us as we delve into the lush world of hydroponic gardening and explore what grows best in these water-based systems.

Leafy Greens: Bringing Hydroponics to Life

Lettuce:

Known for its versatility and variety, lettuce, especially butterhead, romaine, and loose-leaf varieties, thrives in hydroponic gardens. Enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, crisp leaves that you can cut as it grows and come back for more!

I’ve found lettuce to be the easiest to grow both indoors and outside, and it’s almost always a success.

Spinach:

Popeye’s favorite green should do exceptionally well in hydroponic setups, offering a nutrient-packed addition to your harvest. However, I haven’t had the best luck with spinach yet and it keeps staying small compared to other greens varieties.

Herbs: Aromatic Delights

Basil:

Herbs overall do really well, but a few are always winners. Basil grows fast and will get tall and flower. You can let it go to seed and save the seeds to grow even more basil.

Mint:

Peppermint, spearmint, and other mint varieties flourish in hydroponic systems. The neat thing about the mints is that they also transplant well outside when they get to be too much for your hydroponic system.

Chives:

These versatile and flavorful herbs add a delightful touch to hydroponic gardens, providing a steady supply for your culinary creations.

Cilantro/Coriander:

Both cilantro and coriander, with their distinctive flavors, grow well in hydroponic systems.

Dill

Dill always grows so well that I had to look up recipes and ways to use it more. It will get quite big if you don’t keep cutting it back.

Tomatoes and Peppers: Compact Marvels

Cherry Tomatoes:

Compact cherry or grape tomato varieties thrive in hydroponics, delivering bursts of flavor in every harvest. Look for self-pollinating varieties or you will have to get two plants and hand pollinate. Cherry tomatoes can also get a bit crazy, and you’ll have to trellis depending on your set-up.

Trellising was done on my hydro garden above. You can see the twine coming down from the top of the Farmstand and holding up the cucumber vines and tomato branches.

Sweet Bell Peppers:

Miniature bell pepper plants, tailor-made for hydroponic growth, promise a colorful and sweet addition to your garden. They will usually get so big and tall that you’ll need to transplant them outside, where they will continue to grow.

Cucumbers and Berries: Vertical Wonders

Dwarf or Bush Cucumbers:

Compact cucumber varieties, when trained to grow vertically, make efficient use of hydroponic spaces. Mini cucumbers grow great outside, but the grow lights don’t reach far enough to have them really flourish indoors. I have had some luck getting a few cucumbers though!

Everbearing Strawberries:

I know strawberries are supposed to be great in hydroponic gardens, but I haven’t had any luck with them yet! I do plan on trying again. The only ones I managed to grow were the tiny Alpine Berries.

Nutrient-Packed Greens: Kale and More

Kale:

A nutritional powerhouse, kale takes well to hydroponic environments, providing a continuous source of hearty leaves.

Swiss Chard:

With vibrant colors and health benefits, Swiss chard adds visual appeal and nutritional value to your garden.

Click here to check out Lettuce Grow on Amazon!

Embarking on a hydroponic gardening journey opens doors to a world of possibilities. Whether you’re cultivating leafy greens, aromatic herbs, or vibrant berries, hydroponics offers a space-efficient, water-saving, and innovative approach to gardening.

Selecting the right plants, as highlighted in this guide, sets the stage for a thriving hydroponic garden that brings fresh, flavorful, and nutritious produce straight to your table. As you dive into the watery realms of hydroponic gardening, may your harvests be plentiful and your gardening adventures endlessly rewarding.