7
/
7
Although the sturdy Hydrofarm Root Bucket System can be used indoors with supplemental lighting, this setup really outshines its competitors outside. The rugged deep-water immersion buckets can handle large plants. The powerful pump keeps the water oxygenated and the nutrient solution circulating all the way to the bottom of the five-gallon containers.
“I started using these awhile back and now have four systems running around the clock,” says one Amazon reviewer. “I haven’t had any problems with any part of these systems and my tomatoes are bigger than ever!” By the way, the Lettuce Grow Famstand is another great pick if you’re looking for more options.
ⓘ
What to Look For When Buying a Hydroponic Garden Kit
If you’re considering investing in a hydroponic gardening kit, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First and perhaps most importantly, consider what types of herbs, produce, or plants you intend to grow. Some plants are more likely to thrive and flourish in one hydroponic system over another. Research which system is best suited to the plants you have in mind, and pare down your choices accordingly.
Hydroponic systems can become pricey, so decide on a budget and look for kits that fall within your desired price range. If you’re just getting started you may way to choose a cheaper option to learn the basics before spending a lot of money on a more elaborate system.
Imagine where you will put your hydroponic garden and choose one that will fit within your space without taking over the room. It may be helpful to take measurements and be sure to leave room around to walk around it so you can easily maintain your garden.
Why You Should Trust Us
Rebecca Winke, the author of this piece, is a seasoned contributor to Family Handyman who has written dozens of articles about gardening, DIY and home improvement. Rebecca’s life experiences have influenced her writing: She gained expertise in home improvement while working for her family’s remodeling-focused construction business. She learned about gardening and keeping chickens while living on a small working farm. Rebecca’s travel writing has built her knowledge base on topics including architecture, design and décor.
Nina Derwin is a commerce updates editor for Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home and Family Handyman, with experience researching and reviewing various items to help shoppers find the best products on the market. She researched and updated this piece.
How We Chose the Best Hydroponic Garden Kits
Hydroponic gardening kits are a great choice for those new to hydroponic gardening who wish to start a garden from scratch. We researched and reviewed a wide range of hydroponic garden kits of all sizes and styles in search of those that are the easiest to use and yield the most consistent results. We considered price, size, footprint and growing space. We paid close attention to indoor versus outdoor options and special features like built-in fans and grow lights. Overall, we found that you don’t necessarily have to spend much money to start hydroponic gardening.
FAQ
Are hydroponic gardens worth it?
Hydroponic gardens are a great choice for several reasons. They’re an environmentally friendly method of gardening that uses less water than traditional methods, and they’re a great strategy for growing fresh herbs and produce in environments that are likely to experience water shortages.
What is the biggest disadvantage of hydroponics?
Hydroponic gardening is not without its downsides despite all of its environmental benefits. Hydroponic gardening relies heavily on the use of electricity, and it can be costly to get started. Hydroponic gardens also require added maintenance that traditional gardens do not.
Do hydroponic plants taste better?
Plants and produce grown in a hydroponic environment are grown without chemicals or pesticides, and they have a reputation for tasting better and being more flavorful than soil-grown plants and produce.