What are hydroponic plants and how they are different than regular plants? What are the best fast growing hydroponic plants you can grow?
Hydroponic plants are plants that grow through hydroponic system, which is a method that doesn’t merely rely on soil for nutrients and growth. Instead, water is tremendously used and the nutrients a plant needs are directly brought to the plants.
Although it is the most vital element, hydroponics uses 90% less water. In this method, plants grow much quicker for as fast as a few weeks only.
There is no need to have a backyard or garden for fast growing hydroponic plants. You only need a small space and the right equipment to set up. Others use a wide greenhouse or a storage room depending on the volume of plants of to grow.
This kind of method is more efficient and productive than the regular one as you’re able to plant as 4 times more.
Another advantage of growing plants through hydroponic is that it prevents pests, insects and diseases that are caused by soil.
It is definitely a much safer and more organic way of growing plants and harvesting produce. Furthermore, there is less waste or manure and fertilizer to use during the whole process.
Here Is The List Of Fast Growing Hydroponic Plants You Should Try
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of most popular leafy greens consumed at homes and in restaurants because of its versatility. You can add to your burger, salad and even a smoothie glass. In planting, this is also one of the best and fast growing hydroponic plants.
You may choose to use any variety from Romaine to Boston, bibb to butter crunch, crisphead to looseleaf. Most of these are ready to harvest in three weeks to a month. When you do this, make sure to pick only the outer leaves and leave the inner parts so that you can harvest them the next day.
2. Spinach
Spinach is also a great choice to plant as this is among the fast growing hydroponic plants. Like lettuce, it is also used in many dishes since it’s not only crunchy and delicious but also rich in nutrients.
This is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, K, copper, folic acid, iron, magnesium, protein, zinc and so much more.
*There are other leafy greens that you can grow in your hydroponic garden, such as kale, watercress, arugula, Swiss chard and mustard greens.
3. Cucumber
Cucumber is full of water, about 90%, which makes it a great choice to grow through hydroponic system as well. This fruit has several uses aside from being a part of a meal. It can be used to treat some skin issues and eye bags as well.
4. Tomatoes
It is very easy to grow tomatoes in soil but this can be also sown through hydroponic method. You can definitely make your own supply of tomatoes usable as meals, juice and paste. It is rich in phytonutrients, most notably lycopene.
Can you freeze tomatoes? Read here.
5. Peppers
Included in this list of fast growing hydroponic plants are red, yellow and green peppers. This vegetable is loaded with nutrients. When growing it through this system, it is best to decrease the temperature at daytime, while increase at night once the plant has reached its maturity.
6. Spring Onions
Spring onions are not just a type of spice but a wonderful plant eaten because of its richness of vitamins and minerals. This is very easy to grow through hydroponic system. You can quickly harvest some before they become fully mature.
7. Basil
Most herbs are fast growing hydroponic plants and basil is one of them. This plant is a good source of anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. In short, it is a healthy plant that can help prevent certain diseases and slow down aging.
8. Coriander
Coriander is another herb that can be grown through hydroponic method. It takes only a month to pick some that you can add as seasoning to your dishes. Like most herbs, it has great benefits to the health.
You may choose other herbs, such as peppermint, spearmint, oregano, chives, thyme and marjoram, to grow in a hydroponic garden. Any kind is easy to plant since they grow much faster, 25% more than the traditional gardening method.
These are only a few of the fast growing hydroponic plants you can try for your new garden. Whatever you choose, the whole process can be fun and rest assured very manageable.