🌱 Part 7: What You Can and Can’t Grow in Hydroponics
Not every plant is suited to hydroponic growing. While leafy greens and herbs thrive in these systems, others struggle due to size, support needs, or long grow times.
✅ Best Plants for Hydroponics
- Lettuce – Fast growing, low maintenance, perfect for beginners.
- Spinach – Grows quickly and loves cool water.
- Basil, mint, cilantro, and other herbs – Compact and flavorful.
- Kale and Swiss chard – Hearty greens that thrive in DWC or NFT setups.
- Tomatoes (especially cherry types) – Need support and pruning but do very well hydroponically.
- Peppers – Bell or chili peppers adapt well and produce heavily.
- Strawberries – Require care but reward you with sweet fruit.
⚠️ Plants Not Ideal for Hydroponics
- Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, or potatoes – These need deep, loose soil to develop properly.
- Corn – Too large and nutrient-hungry for most systems.
- Large fruit trees – Size, lifespan, and root mass make them impractical.
- Vine crops like pumpkins or melons – Can work but need lots of space and careful training/support.
🧠 Final Tip
Start with easy, fast growers like leafy greens or herbs to get used to your system. As you gain experience, you can experiment with more challenging plants.