Many gardeners are turning to hydroponics gardening for a variety of reasons. These gardens are compact, can easily be grown indoors, and are especially ideal for vegetables, like the ever-popular tomato. Plus, the equipment needed for hydroponics gardening is affordable, and the system itself is relatively easy to manage.

Hydroponics gardening, also known as "dirtless gardening," involves growing plants without soil. There are various methods to do this, most of which outperform traditional soil gardening because it’s easier to provide the plants with exactly what they need, when they need it. Since plants in a hydroponics system only receive what you give them, you have full control over factors such as pH, nutrients, nutrient strength, water supply, and light exposure. This makes it essential to research the specific needs of the plants you want to grow.

Hydroponics gardening can be as simple or as complex as you choose. Some gardeners use computerized systems with sensors to monitor water cycles, nutrients, and lighting. On the other hand, it can be as straightforward as using a hand-watered bucket for a single plant. A typical home hydroponics setup includes a few basic components: a growing tray, a light source (either natural or artificial), a water reservoir, a water pump (or some other watering system), and an air pump to provide oxygen to the nutrient solution.

The growing medium for hydroponics gardening can vary widely, with options such as Rockwool, perlite, coconut fiber, gravel, sand, vermiculite, or even just air. You can find instructions for building a system from gardening stores or online, or you can purchase a pre-assembled kit from a gardening supply store.

There are essential micronutrients required for healthy plant growth in hydroponics, including magnesium, sulfur, calcium, cobalt, boron, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc. These nutrients are crucial for producing healthy, nutritious plants. Missing nutrients can lead to less healthy produce or even health problems for those who consume it, so it's important to use high-quality fertilizers in hydroponics gardening.

Another critical factor in hydroponics is maintaining the correct pH balance. If the pH level is off, plants may not absorb the nutrients they need. Fortunately, testing and adjusting pH levels in hydroponics is much easier than in traditional soil gardening, giving it a clear advantage.

Although there are many variations, the six most basic types of hydroponics systems are Wick, Water Culture, Ebb and Flow, Drip, Nutrient Film Technique (N.F.T.), and Aeroponics. Hydroponics gardening is easy, affordable, and allows you to enjoy fresh produce, flowers, herbs, and spices year-round!