If you love the idea of growing your own food, but you’re short on space, short on sunlight, or just tired of messy soil, hydroponics might be your new favourite gardening technique.
Hydroponics is a way of growing plants without soil. Instead, the roots sit in water (or an inert medium like clay pebbles or rockwool) and get fed with a balanced nutrient solution.
Think of it like this: you’re controlling the plant’s buffet, with water, nutrients, light, and temperature, so growth is often faster and more consistent than traditional growing.
How hydroponics works (in plain language)
Plants don’t actually “eat” soil. Soil is mainly a delivery system, as it holds moisture and nutrients so roots can access what they need.
Hydroponics skips the soil and delivers those nutrients directly through water. That’s why many hydroponic setups can grow plants quickly, with less guesswork once everything is dialed in.
Depending on the system, roots may be:
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sitting directly in nutrient-rich water
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supported in a medium like clay pebbles while water flows through
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misted or trickle-fed in a controlled setup
Why hydroponics might interest you
1) Grow year-round (especially in winter)
Hydroponics is perfect for indoor growing when outdoor gardens are asleep. It’s especially great for:
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herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
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leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach)
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microgreens
…and even some fruiting plants indoors if you have enough light.
2) Faster growth + quicker harvests
Because nutrients are always available at the roots, many plants grow efficiently and can be ready sooner than soil-grown versions, especially lettuce, basil, and microgreens.
3) Less mess indoors
No bags of soil. Fewer spills. Cleaner setup.
Hydroponics can feel a lot more “kitchen-friendly” than traditional potting mix, and many growers notice fewer issues with fungus gnats too.
4) More efficient watering
Hydroponic systems often use less water than traditional gardening because water is recirculated instead of soaking into the ground or evaporating from large soil surfaces.
5) Small-space friendly
Hydroponics can fit into real-life spaces:
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kitchen counters
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basements
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garages
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greenhouses
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shelves with a grow light
Even a small setup can keep you stocked with greens.
6) Fewer soil problems
No weeds. No soil-borne pests and diseases. No compacted soil. No guessing if your mix is “right.”
You still need to keep things clean, but it removes a lot of the common soil-based frustrations.
Hydroponics might be for you if you’ve ever said…
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“I kill houseplants.”
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“My seedlings always get leggy.”
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“I want fresh greens in winter.”
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“I don’t have garden space.”
Hydroponics can be a great entry point because it’s structured: once you understand the basics, you’re repeating a simple routine.
Ready to try it?
Start small with something easy like lettuce, basil, or herbs, and build from there as you get comfortable.
Shop hydroponic growing supplies on our website HERE
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