Easiest Plants to Grow Hydroponically: Greens Plus Herbs
The easiest plants to grow hydroponically are leafy greens plus herbs such as lettuce, spinach, kale plus basil. University of Illinois Extension names those as great plants to start with. University of Minnesota Extension notes short season crops that do not produce fruit suit indoor systems, since they need little support.
The short answer
Start with leafy greens plus herbs. University of Minnesota Extension notes lettuce can be harvested in 6 to 7 weeks plus that herbs plus leafy greens suit indoor growing. University of Tennessee Extension notes basil is the second most widely grown leafy crop in hydroponics after lettuce. Fruiting crops need more light, support plus time.
Why do leafy greens grow well in water?
UF/IFAS Extension notes short term crops of 50 to 60 days like lettuce can be grown in a wide array of systems. University of Tennessee Extension notes many leafy crops reach harvest in about six to eight weeks.
| Crop | Time to harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | 6 to 7 weeks | Leaf types resist tipburn |
| Kale, mustard, pak choy | Short season | Grow well in hydroponics |
| Basil | Cut over time | Second most grown leafy crop |
| Tomato | Whole season | Needs support plus more light |
Source: University of Minnesota Extension plus University of Tennessee Extension.
Which herbs are easiest for beginners?
University of Tennessee Extension notes basil is the second most widely grown leafy crop in hydroponic systems. It notes basil likes warmer temperatures plus more light than lettuce. University of Illinois Extension lists herbs with lettuce, spinach plus kale as great first crops.
What makes fruiting crops harder?
UF/IFAS Extension notes crops longer than 60 days are more difficult to produce in NFT or floating systems. University of Minnesota Extension notes tomatoes need an entire growing season plus a container sized to the mature canopy. Fruiting plants also demand support, more light plus more care.
How to: step by step
- Pick lettuce, kale or basil for a first crop.
- Start seeds in rockwool or coir plus move them once roots show.
- Mix nutrients plus adjust pH to 5.8 to 6.2.
- Give plants 6 to 8 hours of light or a grow light.
- Top off with nutrient solution as the level sinks.
- Harvest lettuce at 6 to 7 weeks plus cut herbs often.
Troubleshooting
Lettuce stretches plus looks pale: too little light. Add a grow light.
Leaf edges brown on lettuce: tipburn. Grow leaf or oakleaf types.
Plants bolt: heat or high light. Relocate to a cooler spot.
For related reading see caring for your hydroponic system, growing schedule for your hydroponics plus hydroponic in different mediums. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Leafy crop production in small scale soilless and hydroponic systems (W 844 B), University of Tennessee Extension
- Hydroponics at home, University of Illinois Extension
- Growing lettuce in small hydroponic systems (HS1422), UF IFAS Extension
- Small scale hydroponics, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
What is the quickest crop to grow hydroponically?
Leafy greens are among the quickest. University of Minnesota Extension notes lettuce can be harvested in 6 to 7 weeks. University of Tennessee Extension notes many leafy crops reach harvest in about six to eight weeks, plus mixed baby lettuce can be cut sooner than mature heads.
Can beginners grow tomatoes in hydroponics?
They can, but greens are simpler. University of Minnesota Extension notes tomatoes need an entire growing season plus a container about the size of the mature canopy. UF/IFAS Extension notes crops longer than 60 days are harder in NFT or floating systems. Start with lettuce, then add a tomato.
Do herbs need different nutrients than lettuce?
Some do. University of Tennessee Extension notes basil can be grown in fruiting crop systems with fertilizer levels similar to tomatoes plus cucumbers. It also prefers warmer temperatures plus more light than lettuce. Most leafy greens grow well at the same nutrient level as lettuce.
How long until the first harvest?
University of Minnesota Extension notes lettuce is ready in 6 to 7 weeks. University of Tennessee Extension describes two to three weeks as transplants plus four to six weeks in the system for many leafy crops. Herbs such as basil can be cut over time once plants are established.
Can fruiting crops grow in a home system in summer?
Yes. University of Minnesota Extension notes strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers plus peppers are great summer choices, while herbs plus leafy greens suit winter indoor growing. Summer light plus warmth help fruiting plants. Size the container to the mature plant plus add support before fruit forms.
