It’s not easy to understand the ins and outs of hydroponic growing but I decided to start with what I can grow, what crops are best suited for hydroponic growing. After looking around, looking at videos and reading articles online I have compiled the following list (there are of course more and some clame that almost anything can be grown hydroponically.
The most common things people grow using hydroponics include:
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula are some of the most popular leafy greens grown in hydroponic systems due to their rapid growth and relatively easy maintenance.
- Herbs: Basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, and oregano thrive in hydroponic setups. They are frequently grown because they can be harvested continuously and are in high demand for culinary uses.
- Tomatoes: Known for their productivity and the superior taste of hydroponically grown varieties, tomatoes are a common choice for hydroponic gardening.
- Cucumbers: These fast-growing vegetables are well-suited to hydroponic systems, especially in vertical setups, due to their climbing nature.
- Peppers: Both sweet and hot varieties of peppers adapt well to hydroponic environments, producing high yields under controlled conditions.
- Strawberries: Hydroponic strawberries can produce fruit faster than those grown in soil, and they can be cultivated year-round in controlled environments.
- Microgreens: These nutrient-dense young greens from various vegetables and herbs grow quickly and are highly suitable for hydroponic systems, especially for commercial production.
This is as I said by no means a complete list and I have seen examples of people growing for example a variety of berries etc. using hydroponics but it is the most common crop that people seem to focus on.