Forget backyard farming, soil under your nails and playing the gardening guessing game. There’s a way to grow your own produce in the comfort of your home without the backache, without the endless war on pests, and without battling nature’s elements.
Vertical hydroponic gardening is here. Consider it farming’s sleek, space-age sibling. And if you’re picturing some overly complex science fair project gone wrong, stop. According to Amber Bosket, chief operating officer of Energy Tree, an environmental research firm specializing in sustainability, the process is surprisingly simple and incredibly efficient—perfect for those with or without a green thumb.
“In as little as four square feet, you can grow enough leafy greens to feed a household year-round,” Bosket says. “Hydroponics can save up to 95% of the water compared to traditional outdoor farming.” That stat hits especially hard in Southern Nevada, where drought is an ongoing concern.
What is hydroponics?
At its core, hydroponics is just a fancy word for growing plants without soil. Instead, you feed the plants through nutrient-rich water that’s constantly cycled through a system. Pair that with LED lighting tuned to the exact spectrum plants need, and suddenly you’re growing your own salad bar.
“LEDs changed everything,” Bosket explains. “It used to be too expensive, too energy intensive to grow indoors. But now that LEDs are cheap and efficient and the technology can hit the exact light spectrum plants need. We’re seeing a whole new world of indoor farming open up.”
And don’t worry, you won’t need a science degree to pull this off. There are plenty of plug-and-play systems out there now, some no bigger than a coffee maker.
What can you grow?
The MVPs of home hydroponics are lettuces and herbs. “I’ve been really successful with oak leaf, Black Seeded Simpson, romaine,” says Bosket. “One thing that’s cool about growing romaine hydroponically is that it has a softer texture because when it’s not exposed to the elements, it’s almost a different style of lettuce than what you get at the grocery store.”
Beyond greens, Bosket says you can level up to cucumbers, strawberries and even tomatoes if you’re ready to dive into the more technical aspects of hydroponic systems.
“I think every person that I’ve ever seen respond to trying hydroponically grown food for the first time expresses their surprise,” says Bosket. “They always say, ‘Wow, it’s so flavorful and the texture is different.’”
That’s because plants grown indoors respond to their environment differently. No harsh sun, no wind damage, no bugs gnawing at the leaves, just a cushy, spa-like life for your veggies. They grow cleaner, faster, and with fewer problems. Even better?
The system is virtually pest-free.
Homegrown Perks
Aside from saving water and money, there’s another big reason to give hydroponics a try. If you have kids, it can be the secret to getting them to try new veggies and fruits.
“When children are involved in the growing process of their food, you would be surprised how excited they are to actually give that a try,” says Bosket. “They can’t wait for it to be ready to eat.”
Starting your vertical garden: no dirt, no drama
You don’t need to be an engineer, but you do need to understand a few basics before growing food with hydroponics: plumbing, electricity and how to manage a water reservoir.
These systems come in all shapes and sizes, from grow towers to LED-lit boxes,
just make sure to pick one that suits your space and your planting goals.
Here are a few things to consider before getting started.
Smart indoor garden system
Look for a plug and play unit with built-in water cycling and LED lighting.
LED grow lights
Make sure they’re adjustable and full spectrum. Red and blue wavelengths are key.
Reservoir and pump
A solid pumping system keeps water circulating and plants hydrated. Fewer leaks equal happier herbs.
Consider your plant goals
Want herbs like basil or mint? A box-style system with space to grow tall is ideal. Growing lettuce? Vertical towers with tight spacing are great.
Space and size
Match your system to your available real estate. Some are as small as a countertop. Others need a dedicated corner.
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