Are you in search of the best hydroponic starter kits for beginners to plant all year round? Does the idea to grow fresh homegrown foods in the comfort of your home excite you?
If that is the case, we will help you select the best hydroponic starter kit by providing you all the details to make your indoor gardening dreams a reality.
Various hydroponic setups allow people without a garden to grow food in a mess-free and fuss-free environment inside their homes by using a hydroponic kit.
Moreover, another reason for its popularity among growers is that you can have more control over the growth process of the plant.
So, if you are willing to purchase one, let’s take a closer look at what hydroponic is and what are its different systems before jumping into the details of the best hydroponic kits for beginners.
Grow Equipment
What is Hydroponics?
To put it simply, hydroponic refers to “water gardening.” The hydroponic system grows plants by using water and nutrients without the use of soil as a growing medium.
However, many plants require support in hydroponic systems. A small quantity of non-soil growing media such as perlite, coconut husk, Rockwool, or clay pellets supports the root systems which enable them to grow and stand upright.
Moreover, the hydroponics growing system allows the suspension of plants roots in a perfectly balanced pH and nutrient-rich water. A nutrient solution feeds the roots directly; hence, it will enable the plant to grow more quickly to produce a more bountiful harvest.
You can cultivate a wide array of plants by using hydroponic systems, for instance, vining plants, fruits, flowers, marijuana, herbs, root crops, and greens.
You must be thinking: it looks like a lot of effort to grow hydroponic plants. Why shouldn’t I just grow my plants in the soil?
Well, hydroponic plants thriving in a hydroponic growing medium produce higher yields and grow thirty percent faster. Also, in hydroponic systems, you do not have to worry about under and over-watering your plants.
What are the Different Hydroponic Systems?
There is a broad range of hydroponic systems available; therefore, it can become quite challenging for you to buy the right one.
This section covers the typical kinds of hydroponic systems that you will most probably bump into. Scroll down to read the description of each hydroponic system.
Drip Systems
The drip system is one of the most common and frequently used methods. It is an ideal hydroponic system for experts and beginners alike.
This system is very efficient and does not require a lot of maintenance. It uses a powerful pump that connects to the timer and delivers the nutrient-enriched water to the plants intermittently.
Moreover, it uses a drip line to deliver water to every plant. The excessive water goes back into the reservoir; thus, it reserves water for recycling.
Furthermore, there are some drawbacks to drip systems such as:
- The drip line can clog frequently
- The method can be quite time-consuming
- It requires a powerful pump to push the water via the drip line
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
Out of all the hydroponic systems, the deep water culture method is one of the basic, easiest, and simplest to use.
In this method, you use styrofoam bases on which you place your plants. These plants float on the surface of nutrient-rich water. In the reservoir, the roots of the plant grow directly.
Moreover, in the container, an air pump connects to the air stone, which produces bubbles to keep the nutrient-enriched water well-oxygenated consistently.
The water culture system uses less electricity since they rely mostly on air pumps. Hence, it makes this system economical.
Furthermore, this system is ideal for growing water-loving plants, for example, herbs, lettuce, etc. However, it is not very efficient for growing large plants.
Wick System
The wick system is simply passive. It means that it does not demand any moving parts. Since it is inactive, this hydroponic system is best for windowsills.
In a wick system, the nutrient solution goes into the growing medium with the help of capillary action or a wick from the reservoir.
The plant’s roots will be submerged in nutrient-rich water. Moreover, you will require an air stone pump to provide oxygen to the plants.
Also, the wick system uses a broad array of growing medium such as vermiculite, perlite, coconut fiber, or pro-mix to retain moisture.
Furthermore, a plus point about this hydroponic system is that it is very straightforward to use. However, it is not capable enough to sustain plants that require ample amounts of water; therefore, it only lets you grow small herbs or plants.
Ebb and Flow Systems
The ebb and flow systems are designed to work in large hydroponic setups. This system is cost-effective, is more specialized, has low-maintenance, and has an easy set-up.
This hydroponic system works by flooding the grow tray with the nutrient-rich solution temporarily.
Moreover, the timer controls this cycle by switching it on and off periodically. When the grow tray fills up with the nutrient solution, the pump switches off, then water and nutrients travel through the plant roots.
It saturates the growing media, and plants remain immersed for a period. Then, it drains the solution to go back to the reservoir; thus, it recycles water.
This system allows your plants to become dry and well-oxygenated.
Also, this system is risky in a way that the plant roots may dry-out if the pump clogs or fails to work.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
NFT is a robust hydroponic system that is perfect for beginners. This system supplies a constant flow of water and nutrients; hence, it does not require a timer.
It simply works by pumping the nutrient solution into the grow tray, usually through the tube. The water flows over the plant roots.
Moreover, the water clings at the tray’s bottom, where the root generally grows and becomes a thick mat. Then, the excess water goes back to the reservoir. Furthermore, in the NFT system, there is no growing medium other than the air.
The inconvenience of this system is that it is susceptible to power failure. Also, the pump can fail; thus, the plants can wither away once the root mat dries out.
Best Hydroponic System Cannabis
Aeroponic System
The aeroponic system is a high-tech and innovative method of hydroponic gardening. This system also uses air as a growing medium.
The plant roots dangle in the air, and the constant mistings deliver nutrients to the plants. Moreover, a timer is responsible for controlling the nutrient pump.
Furthermore, the method is dependent on tiny spray heads that can clog easily, needs high-end maintenance to run correctly, and failure of the pump can cause plants to wilt are the most significant downsides.
Best Hydroponic Starter Kits for Beginners of 2020
There is a constant debate among marijuana growers, whether the hydroponics or the soil is the best way to grow plants. Regardless of what your opinion is, it is an undeniable fact that hydroponics have their advantages.
Here are some of the best hydroponic kits for beginners to grow plants and to have your indoor hydroponic garden in no time.
SavvyGrow DWC Hydroponic System Growing Kit
Pros
- A low-maintenance grow kit
- Straightforward set-up
- Uses deep water culture system
- It grows plants three to five times faster
- Do not use toxic fertilizers or chemical pesticides
Cons
- The instruction manual is vague
- Leakage may occur in the reservoir
DWC hydroponic system enables you to cultivate your plants by using a water culture system. This kit has everything you will need. It is ideal for beginners and an excellent hydroponic starter kit for those who love indoor gardening.
This package contains a 6-gallon container, a sachet of clay balls that acts as a growth media, an air pump, six net pots, and two air stones for the provision of air bubbles.
Moreover, this unit contains a lid that locks to prevent algal growth. Also, this grow kit works perfectly if you have a grow light already, or you can place it near the window or other sunny spots.
Hydrofarm GCSB Box Kit
Pros
- Easy to clean and use
- Requires no pumps and electricity
- Affordable
- Compact size
- Plants grow fas
Cons
- Cannot grow plants in large volume
The Hydrofarm salad box is perfect for growing a small soil-free garden of herbs and greens either inside your house with grow lights or outdoors in natural light. This salad garden kit requires zero maintenance and easy to clean and use.
Moreover, this hydroponics starter kit uses a passive method to grow; hence, it does not require any electricity or air pumps.
Furthermore, it comes with a reservoir tray, one top-off bottle with cap, top plate lid, eight net cups, eight root wrappers, a fifty-gram nutrient packet, and six drain plugs.
Aunifun Hydroponics Grower Kit
Pros
- Affordability
- Straightforward setup
- Can support six plants
Cons
- Extremely small in size
- Does not come with seeds or hydroponic nutrients
Aunifun hydroponics is a window hydroponic garden kit; thus, it does not involve a lighting system. For this grow kit, you can use natural light by placing it near the window or a grow light.
Moreover, it is recommended to use lights because it will help hydroponic plants to grow more efficiently.
Also, this hydroponic starter kit has an easy set-up. This grow kit contains a plastic container with a lid, six slots for growing herbs and greens, a tweezer, an air pump, and an air stone for the provision of oxygen.
XiR Hydroponics Growing Gardening System Starter Kit
Pros
- Possess full-spectrum LED lighting system
- Can support twelve plants
- Automatic fan and water pump
Cons
- Susceptible to power failure
Hydroponics growing gardening system starter kit is designed with a highly effective 20-watt lighting system that can work for 16-hours per day to grow indoor plants.
Moreover, it has an automatic lighting system that turns on and off. Also, it has a touch control panel that helps you to adjust grow lights.
This hydroponics starter kit needs electricity to work, have a fan and a water pump, and have twelve pots to grow soil-free natural and green fresh herbs and vegetables.
HTG Supply Bubble Brothers 6-Site DWC
Pros
- Stellar DWC system
- Simple and easy set-up
- Great product at affordable price
- It is durable to help grow plants for several months
Cons
- Comes without drain
- The pump can be too loud
The HTG supply bubble brothers 6-site DWC gives professional results. It is very economical, requires low-maintenance, and delivers big yields.
Moreover, this hydroponics starter kit can accommodate six medium plants at once. Also, it comes with high-quality clay pebbles.
Furthermore, it comes with six net pots with lids, commercial air pumps, an air stone, and an electrical type of air pump.
Getting Started: Essential Indoor Hydroponics Tips
With a little patience, anyone can grow hydroponic plants by using hydroponic kits for beginners. It is essential to keep these tips in mind to grow greens and herbs indoors successfully.
Use Plant Clones
If it is your first time to grow plants hydroponically, then you should make things easier for yourselves.
That is why you should use a live plant or herb seedling after removing it from the soil. Make sure to wash its roots to prevent contamination.
In contrast, seeds available readily at low cost do not always produce a healthy plant. Cuttings, however, show more consistent results.
Check the Quality of Water
Two factors affect the delivery of diffused nutrients to your vegetation. These are mineral salts and pH.
If there’s high mineral content in hard water, the nutrients will not absorb effectively. However, water with low mineral content tends to absorb more nutrients.
Moreover, the ideal pH level is slightly acidic in hydroponic systems, i.e., 5.8-6.2. pH issues can create a hassle; therefore, it is crucial to buy a pH testing kit to test your water frequently.
Choose the Best Nutrients
The fertilizers or nutrients required in hydroponic systems are readily available in both dry and liquid forms, as well as in both synthetic and organic. Moreover, an organic yield is free of pests.
Select proper hydroponic nutrients after studying its benefits. This will give your plants the best nutrients with great ease.
Plants Require a Good Lighting System
Your hydroponic garden needs proper lighting for its success. So, it is vital to invest in the best lighting system for your hydroponic plants to help them grow faster.
The excellent lighting systems include HID light fixtures, HPS or MH bulbs, and T5 fluorescent light bulbs.
Indoor aquaponics
Your Vegetation Needs Right Environment
The critical elements of growing plants in a hydroponic system are humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and air circulation. The ideal humidity level for growing your plants indoors is 60-70%.
Moreover, in indoor gardening, higher humidity levels with poor air circulation may create mildew and fungal problems.
Furthermore, your hydroponic plants need an ample amount of carbon dioxide; thus, make sure your room has a constant flow of air.
We hope from this article, you learned something cool, and this detailed information about hydroponic kits for beginners has benefited you!
Table of contents