Best Hydroponic System

The best hydroponic system for those starting out in hydroponics is obviously the one that is affordable and easy to use. Most people would love their own source of fresh lettuce in January, especially if they don't have much garden space outside. 

But if you have never grown a hydroponic garden, you should start out with something relatively simple and low-cost. Then, once you get the hang of things and if time permits, you can go on to a more complicated system. Here are some of the simpler hydroponic systems to use:

The Best Hydroponic System Is The Wick System

The wick system is the simplest, and one you can do yourself. You'll need a container for your plants, a medium to hold the seeds/plants in place, such as vermiculite, some wick, and a reservoir. Fill the top container with your medium and place your seeds in it. Then put one end of your wick in the medium and the other end in your reservoir, and fill the reservoir with growing solution.

The problem with this system is that your plants don't get the oxygen they would with other systems, and usually the medium remains either too wet if you have small plants or too dry if you have larger plants. So while it is the simplest system, it can also be the most disappointing, because of all hydroponic systems, the wick system is probably the least successful. You are probably better off investing a little money in a better system.

The AeroGarden is a great and simple way to grow lettuce and herbs indoors.

The Aerogarden

If you love the idea of fresh herbs and greens growing in your kitchen, the AeroGarden may be for you. The AeroGarden is a great hydroponic system for those who want fresh herbs or lettuce year-round, and especially in the winter. The nice thing about this system is that it has its own lighting system, so you can keep it in a dark corner of your kitchen and it will still grow successfully.

Plus, the Aerogarden has an alert system to let you know when it needs more water or nutrients. This system is virtually foolproof and great for those who don't have a green thumb or for people living in apartments and who have no garden space.

Its only downside is that it is small. You are limited mostly to herbs and lettuce with this system, but if you only want a small indoor garden, this could be just the ticket. And it will brighten up your kitchen.

Ebb and Flow Systems

The General Hydroponics Eco Grower Max is an example of an ebb and flow system that can grow larger vegetables.

The next up in the ladder of complexity is the ebb and flow system, which is also known as the flood and drain system. This is an active recovery system, meaning that about every 20 minutes, a pump comes on and circulates nutrient solution around your plant's root system.

Once the nutrient solution reaches a certain level, the overflow tube drains the water back into the reservoir. This doesn't take much work to maintain and is the best hydroponic system for beginners who want to grow a larger selection of vegetables.

You will need to provide lighting for your plants with this system, so invest in some good-quality grow lights.

Systems That Aren't Good for Beginners

The Aeroponic System is a bare-root system where roots are suspended in midair. Because they receive a nutrient mist and constant oxygen, plants grow at a huge rate and produce a bountiful harvest. But because these systems are more difficult to maintain, they are for the advanced hydroponic gardener. To keep from getting frustrated, starting small is a much better move.

Learn More

This helpful guide was written by two people who are now growing all their food using hydroponics.

After much trial and error, two hardy, self-reliant folk, Simon and Stella, are growing most of their food using hydroponics and have written an in-depth guide based on what they have learned. 

This helpful guide includes complete plans for five hydroponic mini gardens, detailed instructions for the five most user-friendly, yet prolific full-sized hydroponics systems available, instructions on how to build a Growbox-Bubbler Unit combo, and maintenance schedules, a mixing chart, equipment lists and resources.

About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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