What Is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is growing plants in water instead of soil. The roots sit in or are regularly fed a nutrient-rich water solution, which gives them everything they need to grow — often faster and more efficiently than soil.
No soil means no weeds, no pests from the ground, no digging, and no mess. It also means you can grow indoors year-round, which is a big deal on Vancouver Island where winters are long and grey.
Hydroponics vs. Aquaponics
Hydroponics uses synthetic nutrients mixed into water. Aquaponics uses fish waste as the nutrient source. Both grow plants without soil — but aquaponics is a living ecosystem, while hydroponics is more like a controlled nutrient delivery system.
Which System Is Right for You?
| System | Best For | Pros | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tower Garden (Aeroponic) | Spare room / indoors | Space-efficient, fast growth, easy to start | Beginner |
| Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) | Herbs & leafy greens | Low cost to build, uses little water | Beginner |
| Deep Water Culture (DWC) | High yield greens | Very productive, simple design | Beginner |
| Kratky Method | Windowsill / no power | No pump needed, zero electricity | Beginner |
| Ebb & Flow (Flood & Drain) | Root vegetables | Versatile, works with many plant types | Intermediate |
Our recommendation: Start with a tower garden or a simple NFT system. Both are beginner-friendly, space-efficient, and give you quick results.
The 3 Things Every Hydroponic System Needs
Nutrients
Plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a range of micronutrients. In hydroponics, these come from a liquid nutrient solution mixed into your water. We use General Hydroponics Flora Series — it's reliable, widely available, and not too expensive.
Water & pH
pH is the most important thing to get right. Most plants grow best at pH 5.5–6.5. Too high or too low and they can't absorb nutrients even if they're present. Test your water before every nutrient top-up.
Light
Indoors, you need a full-spectrum LED grow light. Look for something rated 300–600W equivalent. Run it 14–16 hours per day on a timer. This is the single biggest factor in how fast your plants grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydroponics expensive to run?
The main ongoing costs are nutrients ($30–50 every few months), electricity for your grow light ($20–40/month depending on size), and water. Most homeowners find they save money compared to buying produce.
What can I grow hydroponically?
Almost anything — but start with leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale), herbs (basil, cilantro, mint), and maybe strawberries. These grow fast and give you quick wins. Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are possible but need more space and support.
Do I need a greenhouse?
No. A spare room, garage, or basement works perfectly with grow lights. Many people grow in a closet or under a staircase.
How is hydroponics different from just growing in pots?
In pots, roots have to search for nutrients in soil. In hydroponics, nutrients are delivered directly to the roots in water. This is why hydroponic plants grow 2–3× faster — they spend less energy searching and more energy growing.
