Hydroponic gardening is one of the best ways to grow fresh vegetables year-round. It is also a great alternative for growing a variety of plants in smaller spaces, such as indoors. Hydroponic gardening is simply a means of growing plants without soil. The re-circulating irrigation system also means you can grow fresh, healthy plants in a much cleaner environment. Indoor Hydroponic systems are not only easy to use but designed to limit contamination and algae growth, all without the need for pesticides or herbicides. The result is fresh, clean, and healthy plants that are fun to grow and quick from mini-farm-to-table.
Some examples of leafy greens that you can grow hydroponically in our systems are hydroponic lettuce, hydroponic mint, hydroponic eruca sativa, and hydroponic spinach.
Benefits of growing hydroponic leafy greens
Increased yields: Hydroponic systems provide precise control over nutrients and water, which can lead to higher yields compared to traditional soil-based methods. This is because hydroponic plants have direct access to the nutrients and water they need, and they are not limited by the nutrients and water that are available in the soil.
Improved quality: Hydroponic plants are often higher quality than soil-grown plants because they are not exposed to soil-borne diseases and pests. For example, one study found that hydroponic lettuce had higher levels of vitamin C and potassium than soil-grown lettuce.
Reduced water use: Hydroponic systems use up to 90% less water than traditional soil-based methods. This is because hydroponic plants are grown in nutrient-rich water, and they do not need to be watered as often as soil-grown plants. For example, one study found that hydroponic lettuce could be grown using 90% less water than soil-grown lettuce.
Year-round production: Hydroponic systems can be used to grow plants year-round, regardless of the climate or weather conditions. This is because hydroponic systems can be controlled to provide plants with the ideal growing environment, including the right temperature, humidity, and light. Lettuce, spinach, and cabbage are all relatively cool-season crops, but they can be grown hydroponically year-round in a controlled environment.
Reduced labor costs: Hydroponic systems can be automated, which can reduce labor costs. For example, hydroponic systems can be automated to water, fertilize, and light plants.
Less environmental impact: Hydroponic systems can be more environmentally friendly than traditional soil-based methods because they use less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. For example, one study found that hydroponic lettuce had a 90% lower environmental impact than soil-grown lettuce.
Source: Usman Sultan