
Lettuce
- Start seeds in rockwool cubes
- transplant when roots emerge. Keep plants 8 inches apart.
- 4-6 weeks
Lettuce is a fast-growing leafy vegetable, ideal for hydroponic systems due to its low root mass and quick harvest cycle.
- Maintain water pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Ensure nutrient solutions are well balanced.
- Keep the system cool, around 60-70°F.
- Rapid growth cycle
- Requires minimal space
- Can be harvested multiple times
- Sensitive to high temperatures, which can lead to bolting
- Requires consistent monitoring of water quality

Spinach
- Sow seeds directly into the system or in rockwool cubes. Space plants about 6 inches apart.
- 5-7 weeks
Spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy green that grows quickly in cooler temperatures, making it perfect for year-round indoor hydroponic cultivation.
- Keep temperatures between 60-70°F.
- Regularly check and maintain nutrient levels in the water.
- High yield in a small space
- Can be harvested leaf by leaf
- Thrives in cooler temperatures
- Prone to leaf diseases in overly moist environments
- Requires careful management of nutrient solutions

Kale
- Plant seeds in rockwool cubes; transplant when roots are visible. Space 10 inches apart.
- 2-3 months
Kale is a hardy and versatile vegetable that adapts well to hydroponic systems, offering multiple harvests from a single planting.
- Prefers cooler temperatures (60-70°F)
- Ensure adequate nutrients, especially nitrogen.
- Monitor pH and keep it around 5.5-6.5.
- Multiple harvests from a single plant
- Nutrient-dense and versatile in recipes
- Hardy and resilient to pests
- Can become bitter in higher temperatures
- Larger plants require more space

Basil
- Start in rockwool cubes and transplant after 2-3 weeks. Plants should be 8-10 inches apart.
- 5-6 months
Basil is a popular herb in hydroponics, known for its fast growth, aromatic leaves, and versatility in culinary uses.
- Requires warm temperatures (70-75°F)
- Keep light levels high and ensure consistent moisture.
- Fast growth rate
- Intense flavor compared to soil-grown
- Can be harvested continually as needed
- Sensitive to cold temperatures
- Requires regular pruning to prevent flowering

Cucumber
- * Start seeds in rockwool
- transplant to system. * Use trellises for support. * Space plants 18 inches apart.
- 3-4 months
Cucumbers grow well in hydroponic systems, producing high yields of fruit in a controlled environment, though they require more space and support.
Keep temperature around 75°F. Support plants with trellises. Manage nutrient levels carefully, especially potassium and magnesium.
- High yield potential
- Can be grown year-round in controlled conditions
- Suitable for vertical farming
- Requires more space and structural support
- Higher risk of pests and diseases compared to some leafy greens

Tomatoes
- * Start in rockwool cubes; transplant when 6 inches tall. * Space 12-18 inches apart.
- 5-6 months
Tomatoes are a hydroponic favorite due to their suitability for different systems and the variety of types that can be grown, from cherry to beefsteak.
Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F. Support plants with stakes or trellises. Balance nutrients, focusing on potassium.
- Wide variety of types can be grown
- Suitable for vertical hydroponic systems
- High nutritional value
- Requires staking or trellising for support
- Prone to diseases like blight and root rot in poorly managed systems

Peppers
- * Plant in rockwool cubes; space 18-24 inches apart. * Use support structures as plants grow.
- 4-6 months
Peppers, both sweet and hot, adapt well to hydroponic systems, offering vibrant fruits and a range of flavors for culinary use.
Prefer warm environments (70-80°F). High light levels are beneficial. Monitor and adjust nutrient levels regularly.
- Produces vibrant, flavorful fruits
- Can yield a large harvest from a few plants
- Resilient to many pests and diseases
- Requires more space as plants grow large
- High light and nutrient requirements

Strawberries
- * Start from runners or seedlings; space 6-12 inches apart. * Ensure adequate light and pollination.
- Perennial (1-3 years)
Strawberries in hydroponics can produce fruit year-round, requiring more care but offering the reward of fresh berries out of season.
Keep temperatures between 65-75°F. Ensure high light levels and pollinate flowers manually if indoors.
- Year-round production possible
- Higher yield and fruit quality than soil-grown
- Less pesticide use required
- Requires manual pollination for indoor setups
- Sensitive to light and temperature variations

Bok Choy
- * Plant seeds in rockwool cubes; * space plants 6-8 inches apart.
- 4-5 weeks
Bok Choy is a fast-growing Asian green that's compact and ideal for hydroponic systems, especially for those with limited space.
Keep temperatures cool to moderate (60-70°F). Monitor water pH and nutrient levels.
- Compact size fits well in small systems
- Fast growth cycle
- Nutrient-rich and versatile in cooking
- Can bolt in higher temperatures
- Sensitive to pests like aphids in poorly managed systems

Herbs
- * Start in rockwool cubes; transplant when established. * Keep 6-8 inches apart for adequate airflow.
- Varies (perennial)
Herbs like mint, thyme, and oregano thrive in hydroponic systems, growing faster and with more intense flavors than their soil-grown counterparts.
Prefer moderate temperatures (65-70°F). Keep light levels high and maintain consistent moisture.
- Continuous harvest of fresh herbs
- Intense flavors and aromatic leaves
- Efficient use of space in hydroponic systems
- Some varieties can be invasive if not managed (e.g., mint)
- Requires regular pruning to encourage growth and prevent overgrowth