Due to the mild, unpredictable UK climate, many hobbyist gardeners are continuously on the lookout for alternative growing methods to promote the health of their crops. If another year of disappointing yields is on the cards, it may be time to consider indoor crop cultivation.
Hydroponics is a form of horticulture that may seem somewhat futuristic when in fact, it has been around for at least 2600 years. Setting up your own hydroponics gardening system may seem initially overwhelming, as there are plenty of components needed for a successful crop, such as nutrient solutions, grow lamps and air pumps. That said, with enough practice and dedication, your hydroponics system could produce wildly impressive yields. Here are some beginner tips to get you started.
Do Your Homework
The first step in attempting any new method of crop cultivation is research. Fortunately, due to the ever-increasing popularity of hydroponics, there are numerous resources available for information, including growing tips and advice for selecting equipment. Scour online platforms such as YouTube, as well as dedicated hydroponics forums and horticulture sites. You may even find visiting a local hydroponics retailer helpful for detailed face-to-face advice and recommendations.
Select The Right System
There are several types of hydroponics systems available, including:
- Wick System
- D.W.C. (Deep Water Culture)
- Ebb and Flow
- N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technology)
- Drip
- Aeroponics
Each system has advantages and disadvantages, and while there is no clear winner, some are more beginner-friendly than others. Experts advise a Deep Water Culture system as the most accessible and affordable entry point into the world of hydroponics. Additionally, The Kratky Method - similar to DWC - is an excellent, low-maintenance starting point that involves the least amount of equipment.
Start Small And Simple
When it comes to starting a new project, particularly if it’s something you’re passionate about, it can be tempting to try and run before you can walk. As mentioned, it may be worth opting for a simple, low-maintenance system while you’re still familiarising yourself with the basics. This will ensure that you don’t invest large amounts of time and money into a project before success is guaranteed.
Pick The Right Growing Medium
There are numerous advantages to growing without soil, such as the lack of soil-borne pests and diseases. When growing crops hydroponically, in place of soil, plants grow in a nutrient-rich water-based solution and a growing medium to support the roots. You can choose from various varieties of growing mediums, such as rock wool, coconut fibre and perlite. Each growing medium is better suited to a different type of hydroponics system. For instance, lightweight expanded clay aggregate, also known as hydroponics clay pebbles, works best for DWC systems.
Beginner-Friendly Plants
Any plant can be grown hydroponically. By controlling factors such as heat, humidity, nutrient levels and light exposure, you micromanage growing conditions to cultivate a vast range of fruits, vegetables, flowers and fungi. Still, it is always advisable to start with beginner-friendly hydroponic plants that will afford you plentiful yields with minimal effort. Some excellent beginner-friendly crops include leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs and strawberries.
Don’t Be Put Off By Mistakes
As is the case with any new project, you’ll likely experience setbacks and mishaps before you get the hang of things - even experienced hydroponic growers make the occasional mistake. You can increase your chances of a successful crop by familiarising yourself with common beginner hydroponic mistakes, such as not adding enough nutrients to your water-based solution and not providing enough light for seedlings. While hydroponics systems may seem profoundly complex, beginner setups are much easier to manage, so you should be able to avoid rookie mistakes with enough research. That said, gardening of all kinds involves varying degrees of trial and error, so stick with it.
Experiment With Your Set Up
Once you’re confident with your beginner setup, you can start experimenting and investing in more complex, costly systems. For example, aeroponics is far from what is considered the most beginner-friendly setup; however, with a high-quality aeroponics setup, you can cultivate just about any species of plant with a significant increase in yields. Furthermore, aeroponics systems come with environmental benefits such as reduced water consumption and a minimal need for fertiliser.
