What is hydroponics?

Hydroponic growing is a method of growing plants including fruit, vegetables and flowers, without soil. Hydroponic plants are grown using a liquid solution of all the nutrients plants need to thrive. The plants’ roots are suspended in the liquid nutrient solution using a growing medium and supplied with oxygen, water, nutrients and light. Hydroponics are usually grown inside a greenhouse or grow tent, but they can also be set up outside.

Is hydroponics safe?

Hydroponics is perfectly safe. Typically, hydroponically grown produce has the same nutritional value as traditional soil-grown produce. Hydroponic growing also has the benefit of often requiring less pesticides thanks to greenhouses, grow tents and indoor hydroponic systems taking plants away from marauding insects. Hydroponic plants also don’t require traditional fertilisers as they’re suspended in water, not soil, which makes them not only safe but better for the environment.

Is hydroponic gardening expensive?

Setting up your own home hydroponics system is simple and inexpensive. Once you’ve set up your hydroponics kit, your hydroponics garden will be low-maintenance, time-saving and cost-efficient. You’ll also save on groceries by growing your own with ease at home! If you’d like to start your own hydroponic growing system try our Solo plant systems, starting from $55* for a Solo 11 plant system.

Which plants can be grown hydroponically?

Hydroponic systems are perfect for growing a whole range of fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants including strawberries, lettuce, capsicum, cucumbers, leafy greens, tomatora, basil, mint — you name it! Some of the vegetables less suited to hydroponic planting include root vegetables like carrots, turnips and onions which need a lot of space to spread their roots.

Can I grow different plants in one hydroponics system?

You can grow multiple crops in the same hydroponics system provided the plants have similar nutrient requirements. For instance some crops need a high level of nutrients, while others thrive in a low nutrient environment. For more advice on growing hydroponic crops and which hydroponic supplies you need to grow them successfully talk to our friendly team.

What hydroponics supplies do I need to get started?

To get your hydroponics journey on the road you’ll need the following hydroponics supplies:

• A hydroponic system
• A grow medium
• Hydroponic nutrients
• Plants
• A light source
• A grow tent (for indoor growth)
• An optional EC meter and pH meter

Your hydroponic needs will depend on your goals, for instance how much and which crops you’d like to grow. For personalised hydroponic advice reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team or check out our helpful how-to guides.

Can I use hydroponics outside?

Yes, you can set up an outdoor hydroponics system. Hydroponic systems are usually contained indoors in greenhouses or grow tents, but you can just as easily create an outdoor hydroponic garden. You’ll still need the same hydroponics supplies as an indoor set up, but rather than using a controlled light source, you’ll rely on natural sunlight.

Do I need a grow tent?

We highly recommend you add a grow tent to your list of hydroponic supplies if growing under lighting. A grow tent will give your plants the best chance to thrive. Some of the benefits of a grow tent include:

• Temperature control — perfect for areas which experience temperature fluctuations, a grow tent can guard against cold snaps
• Pest control — keep bugs and disease at bay with a sealed grow tent
• Even lighting — reflective lining found inside grow tents ensures even distribution of light from your grow lights, helping your plants grow and thrive and avoid burnt sections
• Efficiency — the small area created by a grow tent makes it much easier to control in terms of humidity and temperature

In short, a grow tent will help your plants thrive and save you a lot of headaches associated with traditional gardening. Browse our range of grow tents or get in touch for more information.

Do I need lights?

Your indoor hydroponics setup will require lights to replace the sun's rays. There is a wide range of lighting types to choose from including:

• Ceramic Metal Halides
• LED grow lights
• Magnetic Ballast
• High Voltage Ballast
• Gavita
• High pressure sodium
• CFL fluorescents

If you’d rather leave lighting up to the sun you can opt for an outdoor hydroponics setup. Not sure which lighting source is right for your plants? Our friendly team are the hydroponic lighting experts! We’ll happily point you in the right direction. Browse our huge range of hydroponics lighting or get in touch for more information.

What are the benefits of growing hydroponically?

There are many benefits to using hydroponics. It’s fast, nutritious, easy and scalable whether you’re starting a personal herb garden or looking to grow crops commercially, a hydroponic setup will suit you. Hydroponic gardening also required minimal labour, with no digging, weeding or worrying about pest attacks. It’s also space saving, perfect for gardeners in smaller homes, apartments or homes without garden space, or just anyone who wants to maximise their yield!