Are you familiar with hydroponic systems, which can make growing your plants without soil possible? Get to know the best hydroponic system available in the market by reading the information below.
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Top Pick
Best Value
Premium Choice
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. AeroGarden Harvest - Indoor Garden |  | | |
2. Moistenland 20 Pods Hydroponics Growing System |  | | |
3. Nutrabinns Hydroponics Growing System Vertical Tower |  | | |
4. WePlant Hydroponic Growing Systems with 36 Holes |  | ||
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6. Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bucket Kit | 
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8. Click & Grow Indoor Smart Fresh Herb Garden, Kit | 
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9. AeroGarden Bounty Basic - Indoor Garden |  | ||
10. AeroGarden Bounty Elite - Indoor Garden |  |
Reviews of the Best Hydroponic Systems
1. AeroGarden Harvest - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light
Source: aerogarden.com
AeroGarden Harvest is the best small hydroponic kit for indoor gardening, with an incredibly easy to use control panel, full-spectrum LED lighting and an easy-fill reservoir.
What AeroGarden does better than any other brand, is provide gardeners with proper full-spectrum lighting. Most hydroponic kits come with some UV lighting or heat lamps, but it’s great to have proper lighting included in a small-scale hydroponic system like this.
AeroGarden are often criticized for their price point, with similar models costing much, much less, but most hydroponic systems that are capable of housing 6-12 plants are much larger and don’t look as good.
And, at the end of the day, anything you have on display in your home should look great. AeroGarden hydroponic systems look incredible.
Pros
- OK value
- Good looking indoor planter
- Easy to use
- Water & fertilizer reminders
Cons
- Small
2. Moistenland 20 Pods Hydroponics Growing System
Source: Amazon
Moistenland are a pretty new brand on the hydroponics scene, but they make great water timers for the garden as well as indoor hydroponic grow kits.
The 20 pods hydroponic system is aimed at germinating stronger plants with healthier roots, and for kids to learn about hydroponics, but it’s really well built and is more than capable of growing healthy salad crops for the kitchen too.
This really is one of the best hydroponic systems for indoor gardeners on a budget.
Pros
- Great value
- Automatic timer
- Adjustable full-spectrum LED lighting
- 20 planting pockets for salad or seedlings
Cons
- Small
3. Nutrabinns Hydroponics Growing System Vertical Tower
Source: Amazon
The hydroponic water pump on this growing system is outstanding. It’s designed for indoor use and looks brilliant in the corner of the kitchen, or in front of a bright window as a feature, but even in dark spaces, you can add hanging, full-spectrum, LED lighting that doesn’t get in the way and looks great in the evenings.
The water pump is water-saving too, so you don’t need to water your plants even close to as often as you would with a standard garden tower, or plantable composter.
If you’re considering aquaponics, it’s not ideal as the water tank is completely blocked off from light, so any fish would need to be completely dark tolerant deep-sea fish to avoid mistreating the animals, but you shouldn’t need fish to keep this clever hydroponic tower system fed as it’s really easy to fertilize and add water when needed too.
Pros
- Looks great
- Detachable lighting, for multiple positions
- Rotates for full natural light
- Full spectrum lighting
- Easy to use
- Easy to plant
- Easy to water
- Compost floor space
- Moving water
Cons
- Expensive
4. WePlant Hydroponic Growing Systems with 36 Holes
Source: Amazon
The WePlant hydroponic growing system is a brilliant way to get to know hydroponics for beginners, proving that you don’t need a degree in biology to get hydroponics right.
The simple tube system uses a basic water pump to keep water moving, ensuring constant filtration by the roots, into a basic bucket at the base.
No one’s going to try to convince you that the WePlant looks good in its raw form, but for a practical kitchen garden, it gives you loads of growing space and has enough root space to support full-sized lettuces and mature soft herbs.
Pros
- 36 planting pockets
- Moving water
- Easy to set up and install
- Great value
Cons
- Not good looking
5. Back to the Roots Water Garden
Source: Amazon
Back to the Roots Water Garden is equipped with 3-gallon tank with a closed loop and an ecosystem that is self-cleaning. The waste of the fish will then help the plants to be fertilized naturally. In return, the plants will assist in cleaning the water for the fish.
The Back to the Roots Water Garden is perfect for growing organic and fresh herbs, and as well as excellent in caring for pet fish that is small.
The Back to the Roots Water Garden features an aquaponics, which is a combination of hydroponics, fish farming, and aquaculture.
The fish will excrete the ammonia, which can become toxic for the fish in the regular bowl. But in this hydroponic system, the rich will be pumped up to the bed and will be absorbed by the plants.
Another good thing about this hydroponic system is that your kids will surely love growing their plants since they will also be taking care of a fish that can be their pet as well.
Pros
- Seeds can grow fast
- Water is clearer
- Grow rocks are included
- Low maintenance system
Cons
- No thermometer or heater included
- Not enough gravel
- Can cause problems with growing herbs
- Pump is not durable
6. PowerGrow Water Culture Hydroponics Kit 5 Gallon
Source: Amazon
PowerGrow Deep Water Culture Hydroponics Kit 5 Gallon is an inexpensive way to grow your plants hydroponically. It is also very easy to use and can help you in growing your plants in no time.
This hydroponic provides you with everything that you need in a system, so you no longer have to worry about anything. The roots of the plants will be immersed in water that is infused with oxygen and a nutrient rich one.
The PowerGrow Deep Water Culture Hydroponic Bucket Kit 5 Gallon is offering more stations for growing and can easily be expanded. The bucket is approved by the FDA, so it is safe to use for any types of plants.
The hydroponic system includes Rockwool Seeds Starting Plugs, Growing Medium, Air Stone, Air Tubing, and Air Pump that is 44 GPH.
Another good thing about the Deep Water Culture is that it has a blue level indicator, so you don’t have to check it now and then.
Pros
- Provides a lot of space for growing
- Affordable
- System does not lock into monoculture
- System is designed for it to become easy to use
Cons
- Issues with the air pump
- Problems with customer service
7. PowerGrow Deep Water Culture Hydroponic Bubble Bucket Kit (4)
Source: Amazon
PowerGrow Deep Water Culture Hydroponic Bubble Bucket Kit (4) provides the simplest way to grow your plants hydroponically.
It is also very affordable compared to other types of system, so if you are on a tight budget, then this should not be a problem. With a minimal effort, you can grow your plants almost immediately.
With the use of a deep water culture system, the roots of the plants will be immersed in a water server that is infused with oxygen and one that is rich in nutrients.
The PowerGrow Deep Water Culture Hydroponic Bubble Bucket Kit (4) includes 4 buckets that measure 5 gallons each and are all approved by the FDA.
There are also a bucket lids that measures 6 inches, air tubing, air pump outlet, air stones, and a blue level water indicator with drain.
Pros
- Good hoses
- High-quality buckets
- Durable air pump
- Can easily be set up
Cons
- Needs separate water pump for the feed
- pH test kit, nutrients, and growing media are not included
8. Click & Grow Indoor Smart Fresh Herb Garden, Kit
Source: Amazon
Click & Grow Indoor Smart Fresh Herb Garden Kit will provide you with the freshest flowers, fruits, or herbs without putting in too much effort.
All you have to do is to insert the capsule plant and fill the tank before plugging it in for the system to start working.
This hydroponic system has a built-in and smart soil sensors to ensure that the configuration of the nutrients, oxygen, and water are optimal for the growth of the plants.
The Click & Grow Indoor Smart Fresh Herb Garden Kit is equipped with a technology that is innovative, which will help your plants to grow faster and will have the nutrients that it needs to grow healthily.
This smart herb garden is designed to last for a long period, which means that you can reuse it after harvesting your plant.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Can work almost on its own
Cons
- Replacement pods are expensive
- Light can burn out
9. AeroGarden Bounty Basic - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light
Source: aerogarden.com
AeroGarden was originally part of Miracle-Gro but the success of the home hydroponic systems has seen them branch off into a separate venture, with wider ranges for every price tag.
AeroGardens are absolutely top-end hydroponic systems for the kitchen, with built-in full-spectrum LEDs providing growing space even in the darkest parts of the house, and an intuitive setup so you can leave it running and basically just forget about your plants until they are ready to harvest.
The grow kit reminds you when you need to add water or feed your plants, so it’s almost impossible to fail.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good looking planter
- Water & fertilizer reminders
Cons
- Expensive
- Small
10. AeroGarden Bounty Elite - Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light
Source: aerogarden.com
The AeroGarden Bounty Elite is the best hydroponic system you can buy for a small kitchen if you’re not on a budget, with nine planting pockets, full-spectrum LED, and (you guessed it) full smart compatibility for Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.
The smart hydroponic system is a big step in the right direction for AeroGarden who have taken home hydroponics to a new level with this system.
The Bounty Elite is not only easy to use but it looks incredible. Any kitchen would look better with this on the windowsill, or in the center of a kitchen island.
Pros
- Wi-Fi & Alexa hydroponic system
- Full-spectrum LED lighting
- Easy to feed 7 water
- Watering and feed reminders to your phone & on the built-in screen
Cons
- Expensive
- Small
Hydroponic Systems Top Picks for 2024
Our Top Pick Hydroponic System
Source: aerogarden.com
AeroGarden’s Harvest Model is a simple hydroponic system, which fits 6 plants. Six plants might not seem like much, but it’s enough to keep you eating fresh cut-and-0come-again salads throughout summer, or to provide you with herbs all year round.
The full-spectrum LED lighting is perfect for darker spaces, making growing veg indoors easy and intuitive. My favorite thing about the AeroGarden harvest is the price, at around half the price of their next model up.
You do lose smart functions, but the clever built-in display panel tells you when to water and when to feed, so you can’t go wrong.
Best Value Hydroponic System
Source: Amazon
If you’re looking for an experimental hydroponic kit, and want to get your kids more involved in gardening, or if you’re doing more serious hydroponic gardening and need a tool to get cuttings started indoors, then the Moistenland 20 Pods Hydroponics Growing System is the tool for you.
It’s not as high-tech as some other models, but it’s a fraction of the price so this is the best budget hydroponic system right now, giving you twenty growing pods at a lower price than most similar hydroponic systems with just six pods.
Premium Choice Hydroponic System
Source: Amazon
For anyone thinking of indoor gardening as part of a kitchen re-design, Nutrabinns Hydroponics Growing System Vertical Tower is the best hydroponic tower you can buy.
I’ve fallen slightly in love with this quirky pillar-box hydroponic system, with optional full-spectrum lighting, and a 360-degree planting tower with eighty planting pockets.
To put this into perspective, most outdoor salad beds can fit thirty plants maximum, so to be able to grow eighty plants in a fraction of the space, and indoors, with less water in a really clever design.
What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a technique wherein you can start growing plants even without using soil. For people who don’t know, hydroponic systems are becoming more and more popular because of their ability to help gardeners grow their plants.
The nutrients that are being provided to the plants, including the fertilizer and water are being given by the system, which means that you no longer have to worry about anything at all.
Be sure to check our list of the best hydroponic vegetables, herbs, and fruits you can grow at home.
Benefits of Using a Hydroponic System
We gathered a list of hydroponic benefits which will enlighten you on the ways and actions of growing indoors with hydroponics in both stages of bloom & grow.
Provides Direct Nutrient Solutions to the Plants
One of the best things about using a hydroponic system is that the nutrients that your plants need will be given directly to the plants. These nutrients include a mixture of fertilizer and water, which means your plant will surely get the solution that they need to grow well.
Unlike the typical growing process, the roots will have to work extra just to get the nutrients that it needs. Directly feeding the plant will have a great effect on the plant’s growth.
Accurately Adjust the Level of pH
When it comes to the conventional way of growing plants is that it can be time-consuming and very difficult to test the level of pH. It is also very complicated to adjust the needed level of pH by your soil.
When it comes to using a hydroponic system, maintaining, balancing, and testing the level of pH is simpler. Every adjustment that you need to do is already made in the nutrient solution, so you no longer have to worry about anything at all.
Helps in Making Transplanting Easier
Transplanting is easier because the seedlings of hydroponic can easily be grown in different kinds of propagation. This will also help you to save ample of time in propagating when you are growing your plants using soil.
Now that you know the benefits that you can get from using a hydroponic system, it would be best to know the types to choose from.
Zero Erosion and Natural Disasters
One of the best hydroponic benefits is that the system of hydroponics eradicates erosion among other natural disasters. Erosion is typically linked to soil, and hydroponics have zero soil which might cause erosion.
Based on this fact, hydroponics plants maintain the maximum number of nutrients in the container fluids. This, in turn, gives great plan yield without interruption. Soil is a naturally occurring figure which has various compositions to support plant growth.
For example, tobacco thrives in certain parts of the world and not in some places. This is because of the soil composition. With hydroponics plantation, this error can be avoided, and farming is possible anywhere.
Grow Food that Doesn't Grow in Your Region
Have you ever wished you could have fresh citrus in the winter? Citrus is a winter fruit that grows well in regions that don't have weather below freezing. A hard freeze equals death to an orange.
Hydroponics makes things like Minnesota oranges possible. Plants and grown indoors in climate-controlled systems. You never have to worry about how the weather impacts your produce.
Added bonus: because you grow your plants indoors in climate-controlled rooms, you don't have to worry about using pesticides to get rid of bugs!
Hydroponic Farming Nutritional Benefits
Some plants react to the exposure of chemicals, among other features. Chemicals can be favorable or disastrous to the exposed plant. This is directly related to the kind of chemicals involved.
The level of preserving soil from exposure to soil pollution cannot be compared to the conservational means of hydroponics plants. Often, the contamination of plants on soil comes naturally. And this is due to human factors, pollution, animal wastes, among others.
Meaning, without much interaction of humans with the soil, it is natural that the soil gets overwhelmed and fades in nutrients. Also, soil cannot escape pollution even if the human factors are held constant.
Therefore, hydroponics farming largely contributes to high-end and conserved nutrients among all the choices of indoor cultivation. This gives a qualified mode of growth and development among all the crops in a hydroponics plantation.
Water Conservation
Watering a soil plant leads to excess absorption, wash away, and puddles. No matter the type of plant cultivation, some of the water contents must be washed away.
Well, this is limited to soil cultivation, among other practices, and the typical difference between an indoor hydroponics system and a soil-based system. Water is perfectly conserved in all diversification of indoor hydroponics, even from the primary growth stage to maturation.
Although indoor hydroponics uses a water-based system to grow plants, it is monitored in a well-confined system. And this supersedes the traditional means of growing plants.
Practically, the system allows the recycling of water. Due to advanced technology, some indoor hydroponics are built in the medium of water cycling. Such that the nutrients are replenished after a long time of cycling.
Following this, it is easy to trace errors in growth and development. Also, it is effortless to make immediate changes in the nutrients that might cause complications.
If you live in the west, you have probably heard a lot about the constant need to conserve water because of the drought. And while states like California are in a better place now, climate scientists predict that California and the west will continue to be plagued by water conservation issues.
One complicating factor is that California's central valley is home to a significant portion of the nations agriculture. That's where hydroponics comes in.
Plants use the same amount of water no matter which method you use to grow them, but hydroponic systems are efficient at delivering water to the plant, meaning you need less water overall to grow a plant hydroponically.
If you live in a region in which water conservation is an issue, then this is a huge benefit.
Higher Plant Yield
Hydroponic systems also produce higher yields due to their ability to grow closer together when in a bath of nutrient-rich water.
In soil gardens, plant roots need to spread out in the soil to soak up the water and nutrients that are in the soil. But in hydroponics, the nutrients and water are readily available, so plants don't need much space to get the nutrients they need.
That's a huge space savings which allows you to grow more plants in the same amount of space. It also means that you can grow larger and taller plants, which produces a higher yield for crops like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers or other vegetables.
There's no need for roots to stretch out as far to find water and nutrients.
Fewer Pests and Diseases
There are fewer pests and diseases in hydroponics than with soil gardening, because well, there's no soil. Soil attracts all sorts of pests and plant diseases that can lead to more problems for the gardener.
Hydroponics on the other hand takes soil out of the gardening equation, so no pests and diseases. This means there's less work involved in maintaining hydroponic gardens than with soil gardening, because you don't need to deal with weeds, bugs, etc.
I don't know how many times I've had to deal with tiny yellow bugs and annoying plant diseases when gardening in soil. There's less of a chance for this to happen with hydroponics because there isn't any soil!
Time Savings
With hydroponics, it's all about maximizing your time. It is much faster than soil gardening for many reasons, so if you're looking to spend less time with your garden- then this may suit you better.
There's no need to deal with weeds, bugs, and diseases that you're often dealing with in traditional soil gardens. And because plants grow in a more controlled environment, you can be assured that they are getting the right amount of light and nutrients to reach their maximum potential without having to worry about outside factors like rain or wind being an issue.
Instead of spending time on maintaining the soil, you can spend that same harvesting herbs and vegetables, because hydroponic plants grow faster and produce more yield.
Different Types of Hydroponics
Nutrient Film Hydroponic System Technique
The nutrient film hydroponic system technique can deliver a continuous flow of nutrients to your plants with the use of a pump.
The plants will usually be suspended in a tray that is plastic, while the roots are dangling in the nutrient solution. This does not require you to use a medium, which will, of course, save you money.
But you should know that this type of hydroponic system is high maintenance, and if something goes wrong, the roots might start to become dry.
Aeroponic Type of Hydroponic System
This hydroponic system is the newest one in the market and is equipped with higher technique method when it comes to growing plants.
Just like the nutrient system, the roots are in the air, since the plants are usually suspended. The moisture and the nutrients are then supplied in a mist form every minute.
Lastly, it is strongly advisable to check the pump often to ensure that it will function the way it should be to avoid the roots from drying out.
Drip Hydroponic System Irrigation
This hydroponic system has a timer wherein it will help in delivering the needed nutrient solution of your plants.
Source: Sdhydroponics.com
Since this is a continuous dripping system, the solution can be returned to the system’s reservoir, but it can also become a waste.
Wick Type Hydroponic System
The wick system is technically the least expensive and simplest type that one can use. This is the reason why beginners are choosing this kind of system because of its ease of use.
Source: Soilless.org
All the needed nutrients of the plant will be drawn from its reservoir. The wick should only be used for plants that are small and ones that do not require much moisture and nutrients.
Get the Best Hydroponic System for 2024
Start choosing the best hydroponic system that you want for you to be able to start growing your hydroponic plants.
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