The Best Herbs to Grow Hydroponically
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Hydroponics is a process of growing plants in water instead of soil. Some of the benefits of growing plants hydroponically include:
- Growing plants faster
- Using less space
- No need for soil
- Pests and diseases are less likely to affect plants grown hydroponically.
Also, hydroponic gardens can be indoors or outdoors and are perfect for anyone who wants to grow herbs and vegetables.
Let’s look at which herbs are best suited for this gardening method.
What Herbs Work Best When Grown Hydroponically?
- Basil: It is an annual plant that belongs to the mint family.
- Chives: It is a perennial herb that belongs to the onion family.
- Cilantro: It is an annual herb that belongs to the carrot family.
- Dill: It is an annual herb that belongs to the carrot family.
- Mint: It is a perennial herb belongs to the mint family.
- Oregano: It is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family.
- Parsley: It is an annual herb that belongs to the carrot family.
- Peppermint: It is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family.
- Rosemary: It is a perennial herb belongs to the mint family.
- Sage: It is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family.
- Thyme: It is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family.
- Watercress: It is an annual herb that belongs to the mustard family.
Related:
Best Plants for Hydroponics to Grow Under a Grow Light
Cheap Grow Lights Alternatives Used in Indoor Hydroponics
What Are the Best Hydroponic Systems to Grow Herbs?
There are a few different hydroponic systems to choose from when growing herbs hydroponically. The best method will depend on the herb you are growing and your personal preferences.
The list of best hydroponic systems for growing hydroponic herbs is as follows:
1. DWC system:
The DWC system, or the Deep Water Culture system, is one of the most popular hydroponic systems for growing herbs. This hydroponic system involves suspending the roots of your plants in a solution of nutrients and water.
Related:
How to Set Up DIY Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic System?
How to Set Up a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic System?
2. NFT system:
The NFT, or Nutrient Film Technique, is another popular hydroponic system for growing herbs. This system involves flowing a thin film of nutrients and water over the roots of your plants.
Related: How to Set Up a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic System?
3. Ebb and Flow system:
The Ebb and Flow system is a less common hydroponic system, but you can still use it to grow herbs hydroponically. This system involves flooding the roots of your plants with a solution of nutrients and water and then draining it away.
4. Aeroponic system:
The Aeroponic system is one of the most advanced hydroponic systems and can be used to grow various plants, including herbs. This system involves suspending the roots of your plants in the air and spraying them with a solution of nutrients and water.
5. Wick System:
The Wick system is a simple hydroponic system used to grow various plants, including herbs. This system involves using a wick to transport nutrients and water from a reservoir to the roots of your plants.
Related: How to Setup Wick Hydroponics System With 8 Easy Steps?
6. Kratky system:
The Kratky system is a passive hydroponic system that you can use to grow various plants, including herbs. This system does not require a pump or moving parts and relies on gravity to circulate the nutrient solution.
Related:
How to Grow Kratky Method Plants: A Passive Hydroponic System
How to Make Kratky Method More Efficient and Effective
What Are the Best Hydroponic Growing Mediums to Grow the Above Herbs?
The best hydroponic medium to grow herbs will depend on your growing herb and your personal preferences. However, some of the most popular hydroponic mediums, such as coco coir, coco peat, Rockwool, perlite, and vermiculite, can grow various herbs in general.
What Is the Pollination Requirement of the Above-Listed Herbs?
The pollination requirements of the herbs listed above vary, but most are self-pollinating.
However, some herbs, such as watercress, require cross-pollination from a different plant to produce seeds.
Monoecious & Dioecious herbs
Monoecious herbs have both male and female reproductive organs on the same plant. These herbs include basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme, and watercress.
Dioecious herbs are those that have separate male and female plants. As a result, only female plants will produce fruits or flowers.
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Pollination methods
There are two types of pollination: wind pollination and insect pollination.
Wind pollination is when the pollen is transported from the male organ or stamen to the female organ or pistil by the wind.
Insect pollination is when an insect transfers the pollen from the male organ or stamen to the female organ or pistil. However, insect pollination is impossible in indoor hydroponics.
So it would help if you relied on wind pollination. You can achieve this by using a fan to create a breeze in your grow room or gently shaking the plants to release the pollen. Alternatively, You can pollinate herbs by transferring pollen from one flower to another with a small brush.
Related: How to Choose the Right Hydroponic Pollination Method
Bottom Line
Oregano, basil, chives, mint, rosemary, and thyme are all great herbs to grow hydroponically. These herbs are easy to grow and don’t require much space. They can be grown in a hydroponic system with little to no maintenance.
Now that you know the basics of hydroponic herb gardening, you can start growing your herbs at home. With a bit of time and effort, you can have a thriving indoor herb garden that provides fresh herbs all year round.
Have you ever grown herbs hydroponically? Share your experience in the comments below!
Thank you for reading!
If you are looking to buy any hydroponic systems or any equipment you can select the best one suited for you.
