What Is the Best Vegetable Hydroponic System?

Here are the benefits of the nutrient film technique hydroponic system:

• Low water consumption.
• Easy to set up, even if you have limited space.
• Fast growth of crops.
• Zero to no risk of diseases and pests.
• 100% maximum crop yield with a flavorful taste.

While this hydroponic system offers so many benefits, it is also important to maintain it. You need to check the pH and nutrient levels so you can get your favorite vegetables throughout the year. In this blog, we will guide you through the most popular hydroponic vegetable systems used and reviewed by expert gardeners.

Best Hydroponic Systems to Grow Vegetables

Hydroponics is the technique of growing fruits and vegetables without soil by using nutrient-based water or any kind of growing medium like perlite or coconut coir. Here are some of the best hydroponic systems to grow vegetables:

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

It is one of the most popular, safest, and recommended hydroponic systems. NFT system works by continuously supplying a nutrient-rich solution to the roots of the plants. It has a channel where the roots are suspended in the air and get the required nutrients and oxygen.

This system has no growing medium, so the plant roots have direct and maximum access to nutrients. This feature makes it more efficient than the others. NFT hydroponic system works best for lightweight vegetables but isn’t the best option for fruit-bearing and heavy vegetables.

Ideal vegetables to grow:

• Lettuce
• Basil
• Arugula
• Kale
• Celery
• Parsley
• Coriander
• Swiss chard
• Mint

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

This is another of the simplest hydroponic systems and comes with an air pump. You suspend your plant roots in nutrient-rich water, and an air pump supplies oxygen to the roots. Due to its simplicity, plant roots will always have access to nutrients and oxygen. The best part is that it needs minimum maintenance.

Ideal vegetables to grow: 

• Strawberries
• Peppers
• Tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Leafy greens or culinary herbs.
• Butterhead, romaine, oakleaf, and multi-leaf.

Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) System

It is one of the most flexible hydroponic systems that you can use to grow your vegetables. You can use it with different growing mediums such as clay pebbles, rock wool, and coco coir.

This hydroponic system comes with a timed pump. The function of this pump is to flood the grow tray with the nutrient water solution and drain it back into the reservoir. It will do this repeatedly in a cycle so that plants receive all the essential nutrients and oxygen needed to grow.

Ideal vegetables to grow: 

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Microgreens
• Beans
• Broccoli
• Radish
• Peppers
• Cucumbers

Drip System

This vegetable hydroponic system is one of the most widely used and comes with small tubes and emitters. The function of these tubes and emitters is to directly deliver the nutrient solution to the plant base.

Because of this feature, it is also said to be an efficient system among expert growers as it requires less water and provides a controlled nutrient supply. Another great benefit of using this system is that it comes with two types of setup that manage the water and nutrient solutions.

One is a recovery system, and another is a non-recovery system. In the recovery system, excess water and nutrients not absorbed by the plants are collected and reused.

However, in the non-recovery system, any excess nutrients and water not used by plants are discarded. It is easier to manage because it doesn’t need any care. You can choose the one that suits you the best as both offer great benefits.

Ideal vegetables to grow: 

• Carrots
• Onions
• Brassicas
• Melons
• Eggplants
• Lettuces
• Strawberries
• Sweet Potatoes

Aeroponics

It is one of the advanced hydroponic systems that uses mist to supply the plant roots with nutrients and water. In this system, the roots hang in the air, and a mist is sprayed on them at regular intervals. This way, the plant gets enough nutrients and oxygen for healthy growth.

Aeroponics uses less water but offers faster growth results than traditional growing methods. Although it’s a useful hydroponic system for growing many vegetable crops, you still need to check it carefully and maintain it regularly.

Ideal vegetables to grow: 

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Kale
• Basil
• Parsley
• Mint
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Cucumbers

Wick Hydroponics System

This hydroponic system is also the easiest to set up among expert growers. Even beginners can easily set it up. The Wick system uses a simple wick, such as a rope or fabric strip, to pull the nutrient water from a reservoir to the plant roots.

It doesn’t require pumps or electricity, so it is cost-effective and works well for small plants like herbs and lettuce. However, it can be avoided for heavy vegetables that require more nutrients and water.

Ideal vegetables to grow: 

• Basil
• Mint
• Parsley
• Cilantro

Kratky Method of Hydroponics

It is one of the passive hydroponic systems. This setup also works without pumps, electricity, or moving parts. All you need to do is place your vegetables in a container filled with water and leave an air gap between them so the plants will get an oxygen supply.

As the plant consumes water, the air gap increases. This is the sign of proper oxygenation to the plant roots. You can use this hydroponic system for leafy green vegetables and herbs without constant monitoring and changes.

Ideal vegetables to grow: 

• Lettuces
• Spinaches
• Herbs
• Larger plants like tomatoes or peppers

Indoor Hydroponics Options to Grow Vegetables

Indoor hydroponics is a modern farming of vegetables and fruits without using soil. In this system, roots are submerged into a container that is filled with water and nutrient-rich solution. Here are some of the best indoor hydroponics options that you can use but not limited to:

AeroGarden Bounty: Ideal for growing large plants with its adjustable light and water schedule touchscreen.

Moistenland Hydroponics Growing System: It has good air and water flow and biodegradable pods for easy use.

Gardyn Home Indoor Vertical Hydroponic System: Large capacity with Wi-Fi-enabled smart features. It is perfect for beginners.

Back to the Roots Water Garden: It combines a fish tank with a garden and is easy on your budget.

VIVOSUN Hydroponic Grow Kit: Easily grow up to 90 vegetable plants. It is perfect for the serious vegetable gardeners.

Dreamjoy Ebb & Flow Hydroponic System: Beginner-friendly hydroponic system that works both indoors and outdoors. It offers fast growth of the vegetables.

How to Set Up and Scale Up Your Vegetable Hydroponic Farm?

First, you need to choose the vegetables that grow fast. This may include:

• Lettuce, spinach and Kale
• Herbs like basil, cilantro and mint.

These fast-growing plants are best for both personal and commercial hydroponic setups. You can also use tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries, but they may need a complex and larger setup but are more profitable.

Once you have selected your vegetables, next choose the easiest hydroponic systems. The most common and easy to use are the NFT, DWC, and aeroponics. All of these are easy to build and offer quick growth. Next, you need to maintain an optimum temperature and humidity levels between 65°F and 75°F with 50-70% humidity.

At this level, you can also use growing mediums like jute mats, coco coir, rock wool, and perlite. These growing mediums are helpful in promoting the strong growth and health of your vegetables. Next, you need to provide the right levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The right ratio of NPK plays a huge role in plant growth and development.

Also, keep the pH between 5.5 and 6.5 because this range shows that nutrients are getting absorbed optimally. When all is set, you need to keep it clean to prevent any algae and fungus growth.

Starting a hydroponic system can be rewarding. It requires less space and reduces the risk of infections. Hydroponic plants mature 50% faster and use 90% less water than soil-grown vegetables.

But the safest option is to start small and then expand later. Once you have the experience and confidence, you can easily move on to grow the large vegetables. This way, you can also understand the market trends of hydroponics without any financial risks.

How Fast Do Vegetables Grow Hydroponically?

The growth rate of hydroponic vegetables depends on the type of crop and hydroponic system you’re using. Environmental conditions and the growing stage of the vegetable you’ve chosen also affect the growth.

Even with these factors, hydroponic plant crops grow faster than soil-grown vegetables. This is because they have optimized conditions, less exposure to stress, and high nutrient availability.

In order to grow hydroponic vegetables fast, you must choose crops that have shorter growing cycles, like lettuce, spinach, and tomato. These vegetables easily mature in 1- 3 months.

But, if you’re not in a hurry and have a lot of time, the vegetables with medium growing cycles are the best choice. This may have coriander, bok choy, kale, cucumbers and peppers. You can also select some of the fruits like watermelon and pumpkin.

Here is the estimated growth rate of some vegetables that can be grown hydroponically for your reference:

Factors Affecting the Growth of Hydroponic Vegetables

Temperature, light, variety of plant species, nutrient solution, and the type of hydroponic systems can affect the growth of hydroponic vegetables. Here’s how the factors affect the growth rate:

• If the temperature is higher, the growth rate will be higher. You need to provide the plant with its optimum temperature to maintain its growth.
• Light and the duration of light can both boost the growth of your vegetables. If you’re growing your vegetables in indoor hydroponics, you need to use LED lights to increase their growth rate.
• Different crops have different growth cycles. There are 3 types of varieties you may find for each plant species such as early-maturity, medium-maturity, and late-maturity varieties. By considering these types, you need to find the one that is well-suited for the type of hydroponic system you’re using.
• Nutrient solutions rich in nitrogen and calcium can increase the growth of hydroponic vegetables, such as leafy green crops.
• The type of hydroponic system you’re using greatly affects the growth of your crops. This is because all hydroponics systems come with their own requirements of light, temperature, pH, nutrients, and fertilizers.

Above all these factors, regular fluid changes, increased oxygen levels, and rooting agents can also boost or reduce the growing period of hydroponic vegetables.

Can You Grow Different Vegetables in the Same Hydroponic System?

Yes, you can grow various vegetables in the same hydroponic system by measuring their pH, EC, and nutrient levels. Electrical conductivity is the level of nutrients in the system, and pH is how well crops absorb those nutrients.

First, group the plants based on their EC and pH levels. For example, lecture and herbs can easily mature at lower EC levels (0.9 – 1.2), whereas tomatoes and cucumbers need higher EC levels (2.0 – 5.0) to grow.

After this, select the compatible vegetables. Instead of choosing crops with different EC levels, select the ones with similar or low EC requirements. You already know that lettuce has low EC and tomato has higher, so if you choose both of them to grow in the same hydroponic system, it may be difficult because they have different EC needs. The most compatible crop options with similar EC needs are:

• Basil, parsley, and mint.
• Peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

It’s important to note that it doesn’t mean that a vegetable can never grow outside its ideal range, but you may need to pay careful and strict attention. If you’re growing the plants out of their range, watch out for the burnout signs, which may indicate high EC, or stunned fruit growth, which may indicate low EC levels.

However, with proper planning and nutrient balance, different crops can easily be grown in the same hydroponic system.

Common Problems in Hydroponic Vegetable Gardening

Root rot, mold and mildew, leaf diseases, and pests are the most common problems in vegetable hydroponics. Although it provides a clean and soil-free way to grow crops, it doesn’t mean it’s not without challenges. If you ever deal with root rot or pest infestation, you can try these tips to protect your vegetables:

• Keep the nutrient solution below 75°F to aerate the roots and sterilize the tools before use.
• Use the hydrometer to control the humidity.
• Improve the air circulation.
• Clean your system regularly.
• Avoid the cross-contamination.
• Use natural insecticides like neem oil to avoid any infections.

How Can You Prevent and Manage Hydroponic Pests and Diseases?

Regularly check and clean your hydroponic system. Identify pests like aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites and their signs of infestation, such as discoloration of the leaves and damage. If you notice such signs, remove them immediately before the infection grows.

You can also use biological control agents. These helpful insects, like predatory mites and ladybugs, can reduce the pest level without harming your plants.

Another way to protect your hydroponic system is to use the chemicals. But you have to be very careful because you can only use those chemicals that are approved for your system. You need to apply these chemicals with great responsibility so it won’t disturb the hydroponic environmental conditions.

Is Hydroponic Vegetable Gardening Worth It?

Yes, hydroponic vegetable gardening is totally worth it. You can get a supply of your favorite vegetables all around the year. If you select the right system, you can even grow over 25 lbs of fresh food every 28 days.

Here are some of the benefits of growing vegetables hydroponically: 

These benefits make hydroponic systems more reliable and affordable than conventional and soil-grown methods. They also give you complete control over the system, allowing you to set it up according to your needs and budget.

Final Thoughts

Every vegetable hydroponic system offers various eco-friendly ways to grow crops. Whether you’re starting with a simple system like the Wick system or an experienced grower using an advanced Aeroponics setup, it provides a solution that fits your gardening needs.

To enjoy a fresh harvest of your favorite vegetables, you only need to choose the right system, manage nutrient levels, and maintain the growing conditions. So, do not wait—start your modern gardening with hydroponics.

Read this content for more info : Best Hydroponic Growing Systems: Top Picks for Indoor Gardening Success