What you can grow in a hydroponic system

What you can plant in a hydroponic system will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of hydroponic system you have, how much space you have available, and your own preferences. Hydroponics provides a lot of options, and you can grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and even certain flowers. These are some of the most common options for hydroponic gardening.

Here's a comprehensive list of what you can grow in a hydroponic system, including types of plants, growing conditions, and success tips:

Leafy Greens

With a hydroponic system, you can cultivate a large number of plants—particularly those with shallow root systems. Here's a breakdown by category:

✅ Vegetables

Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula

Herbs: Basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, dill, oregano

Fruiting vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (bell and chili), eggplants

Cruciferous veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower (more challenging, but feasible).

✅ Fruits

Strawberries, Blueberries, (challenging, requires special pH) Melons (space-sucking, but feasible) Dwarf varieties of fruit trees (only in very large systems).

✅ Root vegetables (difficult but achievable with the proper system).

Radishes, Beets, Carrots, Potatoes (in aeroponics or deep water culture)

✅ Flowers & Ornamentals, Marigolds, Petunias, Orchids (aeroponics) and Lavender.

Top beginner-friendly plants: Lettuce, Basil, Mint, Spinach, Green onions.

Suggested Hydroponic System for Each Type System Type Best For Notes.

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
Lettuce, herbs, strawberries
System Type Best For Notes
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
Lettuce, herbs, strawberries
System Type Best For Notes
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
Lettuce, herbs, strawberries
Employ a shallow stream of nutrient water.

DWC (Deep Water Culture)
Leafy greens, herbs
DWC (Deep Water Culture)
Leafy greens, herbs
DWC (Deep Water Culture)
Leafy greens, herbs
Float roots in aerated water.

Drip System
Fruiting vegetables, root crops
Drip System
Fruiting vegetables, root crops
Drip System
Fruiting vegetables, root crops
Extremely versatile and scalable
Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain)
Medium.

Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain)
Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain)
Medium plants such as peppers
Alternates water to roots periodically.

Aeroponics
Orchids, strawberries, leafy greens
Sprays nutrient mist; very efficient but technical.

Kratky Method

Novices – lettuce, basil
No electricity
No electricity
No electricity required; passive hydroponics.

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