WHAT IS HYDROPONIC GARDENING?
Cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, basil, parsley, and cilantro thrive indoors. For variety, you can also grow cherry tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries with slightly warmer temperatures and stronger lighting. WHAT CROPS PERFORM BEST IN WINTER?
Simply put, hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Like traditional gardening, the roots absorb the required water, oxygen, and nutrients. However, instead of soil, the roots grow in a solution or growing medium. Hydroponics create a compact, ultra-efficient garden you can grow almost anywhere and in any type of weather.
WHAT TYPE OF LIGHTING IS REQUIRED FOR INDOOR HYDROPONICS?
Light is a major consideration when it comes to hydroponic gardening. Plants need 12–16 hours of full-spectrum LED light per day. This can be achieved with the aid of grow lights. Even simple LED panels can produce excellent results as long as light intensity and timing are consistent. You can buy a pre-built hydroponic system, complete with lighting panels, or add them to your DIY hydroponic setup.
WHERE CAN I PLACE A HYDROPONIC GARDEN?
Hydroponics results in faster growth, higher yields, and less mess—plus offers the major bonus of no weeding. Plants use less water and space than in soil gardens. Because hydroponic systems don’t rely on outdoor soil or sunlight, you can grow year-round indoors with grow lights, temperature control, and nutrient management. The trade-off is that you’ll need to monitor water quality and nutrient balance more closely than you do when gardening outdoors. You may also be limited on the types of plants you can grow effectively. WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF HYDROPONIC GARDENING?
With adequate lighting and temperature control, you can place a hydroponic garden just about anywhere. Consider counter and tabletops, wall mounts, and freestanding units in the corner of a room. Just like traditional gardens, indoor gardens require proper conditions to thrive. While your system may benefit from direct sun exposure, garages and basements work if you can control lighting, temperature, humidity, and air circulation. For example, a small heater and fan can create a stable environment in cool, damp areas. For best results, always use LEDs that run cool and avoid uninsulated spaces where temperatures drop below 60°F.
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February 2026
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