For beginners, choosing the right plants to grow in a hydroponic system can be daunting. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know which plants are the easiest to grow and yield the best results.
In this article, we’ll explore the best hydroponic plants for beginners, highlighting their ease of growth and nutritional benefits.
Whether you’re a novice grower or an experienced gardener looking to try out hydroponics, this article will help you get started on the right foot.
If you are interested in Hydroponic Nutrients, of course, you also be interested in indoor hydroponic systems to help you easily start growing plants and grow tomatoes all year round. Our top articles: Our Picks for the 5 Grow Tent Kits, Picks for the 5 Aeroponics Systems, Our Picks for the 5 Hydroponic Bucket Systems with Buyer’s Guides, and Our Picks for the 5 best indoor vertical Garden, and Led Grow Lights for an indoor plant, and The Best Hydroponic Tower for Indoor Garden.
Best Herbs for Hydroponic Growing
Herbs are a popular choice for hydroponic growing because they are relatively easy to cultivate and provide an abundance of fresh flavors for cooking and medicinal use.
Hydroponic herbs grow faster and produce higher yields than those grown in soil, making them an excellent option for beginner hydroponic gardeners.
Let’s take a closer look at the best herbs for hydroponic growing and explore the unique benefits of each.
1. Oregano
Oregano is a flavorful herb that is widely used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in a hydroponic system with little maintenance.
One great thing about oregano is that it is relatively easy to grow hydroponically, even if you are a beginner.
Growing oregano hydroponically allows you to have fresh herbs on hand all year round, regardless of the weather outside. You can easily control the growing environment by adjusting factors such as lighting, temperature, and nutrients.
Oregano prefers a slightly alkaline pH level (range of 6.0 to 7.0.), which can be achieved by using either tap water or specialized nutrient solutions. Be sure to monitor the plant closely for signs of nutrient deficiencies or overfeeding so that you can make adjustments as needed.
Oregano can be harvested as soon as the plant reaches six inches in height, and the leaves can be dried or used fresh in a variety of dishes, including pizza, pasta, and salads.
2. Basil
Basil is an excellent herb to grow hydroponically for beginners due to its simplicity and short growing season.
It is a great introduction to the world of hydroponics because it requires minimal care, making it less intimidating for beginners.
Plant growth relies on water containing essential nutrients that are delivered directly to the plant’s roots in a hydroponic system, so there is no need for soil, which can be messy and prone to pests and weeds.
Basil typically takes only 4-6 weeks from seedling to harvest, making it an ideal choice for those new to hydroponics who want quick results.
Aside from being easy to grow, basil also has a fantastic flavor and aroma, making it a popular herb used in many dishes worldwide. Basil’s therapeutic properties include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and immune-boosting properties that make it one of the healthiest herbs available.

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3. Thyme
Thyme is a hardy herb that is known for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is a nutrient-dense herb that contains vitamins C, A, and K, as well as iron, manganese, and calcium. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including meats, soups, and stews.
Thyme is also a great choice for beginner hydroponic gardeners because of its hardiness and relatively low maintenance requirements. Unlike some other plants, thyme can survive in a hydroponic system with minimal water and without soil.
In fact, thyme’s ability to grow without soil makes it an excellent candidate for hydroponics. This herb prefers well-draining soil, but can adapt to growing in nutrient-rich water instead.
Additionally, given that it needs only minimal watering, growing thyme hydroponically allows you to conserve water compared to traditional gardening methods.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is known for its medicinal properties and use in culinary dishes. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including meats, bread, and roasted vegetables.
Growing rosemary hydroponically is an excellent choice for beginners because it does not require much water other than natural rainfall. This herb only needs to be watered occasionally to keep the roots moist, which can save water and time.
When growing rosemary hydroponically, it’s essential to provide enough light for the plants to grow adequately. Rosemary requires at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. However, if your setup doesn’t receive enough sunlight, invest in high-quality grow lights that provide sufficient light intensity for healthy growth.
5. Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that is known for its cooling properties and use in culinary and medicinal applications. It is a fast-growing plant that can quickly take over a hydroponic system if not properly contained.
Mint can grow well in various hydroponic systems such as ebb and flow systems or deep water culture systems, without demanding excessive nutrients or water levels.
Moreover, after planting the seeds or cuttings into the growing medium like rockwool cubes or net pots that filled with nutrient-rich solutions circulated by the system pump, they will start to develop roots quickly.
This fast growth rate makes it an ideal herb for beginners to practice their hydroponic skills and learn how to care for plants properly.
6. Chives
Chives are a pungent herb that is known for its use in culinary and medicinal applications. They are a nutrient-dense herb that contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, potassium, and iron.
Chives are a great choice for beginners in hydroponic growing for several reasons. First, chives are relatively easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They are a hardy herb that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including fluctuations in temperature and pH levels.
In addition, chives have a relatively short growth cycle, which means that they can be harvested within a few weeks of planting. This makes them an ideal choice for beginners who are looking for quick results and a sense of accomplishment.
If you’re a beginner at growing chives, it’s best to purchase them from your local garden supplies store rather than start from seeds. This way, you don’t have to worry about germination and can focus on caring for your plant instead.
7. Cilantro
Cilantro is a versatile herb that is known for its use in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisine. It is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested multiple times throughout its life cycle.
The great thing about cilantro is that it has a relatively short harvest time of only 2-3 weeks. This means you can have a continuous supply of fresh cilantro throughout the year if you stagger your planting cycles every few weeks.
Additionally, if you’re growing other herbs or vegetables hydroponically, cilantro can serve as an excellent companion plant because it repels certain pests and attracts beneficial predators like ladybugs and lacewings that will help keep your other plants healthy too.
All in all, whether you’re a seasoned hydroponic gardener looking for new crops to grow or just starting out with this technique, cilantro should be at the top of your list!
8. Parsley
Parsley is a nutritious herb that is known for its use in culinary and medicinal applications. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, both as a garnish and as a seasoning.
One of the advantages of growing parsley hydroponically is that it requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Unlike other herbs, parsley is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, which means that you don’t have to worry about dedicating too much time or effort to keeping your plants healthy.
Another reason why parsley is a great herb to grow hydroponically is that it performs well in compact spaces or small grow rooms.
Since hydroponics eliminates the need for soil-based growth, you can easily accommodate parsley plants in vertical towers or micro-farms, allowing you to maximize space utilization.
Additionally, with proper lighting and nutrient balance, you can harvest parsley throughout the year regardless of seasonality or climate conditions.
Easiest Vegetables That Can Be Grow Hydroponically, Best for Beginners
With the right setup and knowledge, it’s possible to grow a wide range of vegetables hydroponically. However, for beginners, it’s important to start with vegetables that are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. Among them:
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a popular plant to grow using hydroponic methods. In fact, the tomato plant was the first plant that many individuals grew using this method.
One of the main advantages of growing tomatoes hydroponically is the opportunity to learn about the process of flowering and fruiting. By understanding these processes in detail, gardeners can manipulate factors such as light exposure, temperature, nutrient levels, and pH levels to maintain optimal growth conditions for their plants.
Another advantage of growing hydroponic tomatoes is their resilience. Tomato plants tend to produce a lot of fruits, so even if something goes wrong during the growth cycle, it’s possible for gardeners to recover and still obtain some produce.
However, it’s important to provide adequate support for your plants because the weight of the fruit can cause them to tip over or snap branches.
Hydroponic tomatoes typically thrive when grown in hydroponic buckets (bubble buckets) or drip systems, which provide an optimal balance between water delivery and drainage.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a water-loving vegetable that thrives in hydroponic systems. With proper care and attention, cucumbers can produce a bountiful harvest in a controlled environment.
One primary consideration when growing cucumbers hydroponically is the variety to choose. Most cucumber varieties are susceptible to powdery mildew, which can quickly spread throughout a hydroponic garden if left unchecked.
Therefore, growers must select varieties that have high resistance levels against this disease while ensuring they receive adequate circulation and ventilation inside their hydroponic system.
By choosing the right variety and providing an ideal growing environment for cucumbers, growers can grow healthy plants with high yields of crisp and juicy fruits year-round.
3. Peppers
Peppers are a great choice for hydroponic beginners who are just starting out with their indoor gardening projects.
One of the main reasons why they are so popular is because they are relatively easy to grow and do not demand much attention or care. Unlike other plants that have complex requirements, peppers can easily adapt to most hydroponic setups and growing environments, making them perfect for novice gardeners.
Moreover, peppers also offer a wide range of growing options, since they come in different varieties with varied colors and flavors. Whether one prefers sweet bell peppers or hot chili peppers, there is always a suitable option to choose from.
Additionally, they can be grown all year round indoors, regardless of the season outside, which makes them an excellent source of fresh produce for cooking and consumption throughout the year.
4. Radishes
Radishes are incredibly versatile vegetables that can add a unique flavor to any dish. They grow best in cool temperatures with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, ensuring the soil is moist and free of pests or diseases.
One great advantage of radishes is how easy they are to grow, making them perfect for beginners or those with limited garden space. You can grow them in traditional soil or hydroponics systems. Either way, you’ll see seedlings sprout up within three to seven days.
Besides being easy to grow, radishes can also enhance the flavor profile of other vegetables in your garden bed. They make a great companion plant and add depth and complexity when mixed with salad greens or roasted vegetables.
The best part about radishes is their adaptability. They thrive both indoors and outdoors and do not require supplemental lighting, which makes them an ideal choice for those transitioning from indoor gardening to outdoor spaces.
Leafy Greens That are Easy to Grow in Hydroponics
Leafy greens are excellent crops to grow hydroponically, as they have a fast growth cycle and require minimal maintenance. Moreover, growing these greens in a hydroponic system ensures that they are free from soil-borne diseases and pests, resulting in a healthy and nutritious crop.
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is a nutritious and delicious ingredient that has become an essential part of our daily diet. In fact, lettuce is one of the best crops to grow hydroponically as it grows quickly and requires minimal nutrients.
Since lettuce only needs a small amount of nutrients, it’s an ideal crop for hydroponic farming. Additionally, lettuce is an easy crop to grow hydroponically, and it does not require much attention or care, making it a great option for beginners.
Furthermore, it can be grown in a vertical hydroponic system, which makes it a space-efficient crop, ideal for those with limited growing space.
Lettuce has a short growing cycle of around 4-6 weeks, which makes it an ideal crop for beginners who want to see results quickly.
Thus, by growing lettuce hydroponically individuals can have access to this green leafy vegetable throughout the year without any worries about harmful chemicals or difficult maintenance practices required for traditional farming methods.
2. Kale
Kale is an excellent crop to grow hydroponically, particularly for beginners. It is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense leafy green.
Kale is easy to grow hydroponically, requiring minimal maintenance and attention, and can be grown vertically, taking up less space than traditional soil-based methods.
It is a high-yielding crop, and it has a relatively fast growth cycle, typically taking around 4-6 weeks from planting to harvest, which means that beginners can see results quickly.
Hydroponic kale plants are also less susceptible to soil-borne diseases, pests, and fungal infections.
Overall, growing kale hydroponically is a great way for beginners to enjoy a healthy and nutritious crop, with minimal effort and maximum results.
3. Spinaches
Spinach is a versatile and healthy vegetable that can be grown easily in a water-based environment. It thrives in cool to warm temperatures, and prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Spinach is a cool plant, which means it does not require too much light to grow, making it an ideal crop for indoor hydroponic gardens.
One of the great things about growing spinach is the flexibility of harvesting. You can either pick all the leaves at once if you want to use them for salads or smoothies, or you can tear off individual leaves as needed for cooking. A well-maintained crop of spinach can give up to 12 weeks of continuous harvesting under favorable conditions.
4. Celery
Celery is a green vegetable with an excellent texture and flavor. It also happens to be extremely healthy because it is packed with nutrients that can boost our health in various ways.
Growing celery at home using an Ebb and flow hydroponic system can be a fun activity for gardening enthusiasts. This particular system involves periodically flooding the plant roots with nutrient-rich water and then draining it out again.
When growing celery using this method, make sure that the stalks are wet but that the roots aren’t submerged in water continuously as this could lead to root rot.
Overall, growing celery hydroponically can be easy once you have found the right balance between the right amount of light exposure, nutrient density, temperature control and monitoring your system regularly to adjust for any imbalances that may occur over time such as changes in water quality or temperature fluctuations.
Best Berries for Hydroponics Growing
Berries are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet, and they can be grown hydroponically to ensure a consistent and fresh supply all year round.
Hydroponic berry cultivation has gained popularity in recent years due to its many advantages, including higher yields, faster growth rates, and the ability to control the growing environment for optimal plant health.
Let’s explore the best berries for hydroponic growing, including their unique characteristics, growing requirements, and tips for successful cultivation.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can thrive in warm temperatures with a pH level between 4.5 to 6.0.
Though they take longer to produce fruits compared to strawberries, blueberries are an excellent addition to your hydroponics garden.
The most suitable hydroponic system for blueberry cultivation is NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) since it’s designed to supply nutrient-rich water continuously into the roots without soil.
Blueberries do not grow easily from seeds, which means transplants are commonly used instead. As one of the best fruits high in vitamins and antioxidants, growing blueberries will make a remarkable contribution to your meal and yield great benefits for your health.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are a sweet and delicious fruit that many people enjoy. Whether eaten plain, topped with whipped cream or chocolate, or incorporated into various baked goods and desserts, strawberries are versatile and tasty. Furthermore, they are an excellent choice for hydroponic cultivation, especially for beginners.
Hydroponic strawberry plants can be grown vertically, taking up less space than traditional soil-based methods, which makes them ideal for those with limited growing space.
They are a high-yielding crop, and hydroponic cultivation can produce even more significant yields than soil-based growing, making them a great choice for beginners who want to harvest a lot of berries.
Also, hydroponic strawberries grow faster than their soil-grown counterparts, taking as little as four to six weeks to start producing fruit, and they can produce fruit all year round, providing a continuous harvest of fresh berries.
BONUS: How to Choose Plants for Hydroponics System?
By considering these factors, you can choose plants that are well-suited to hydroponic cultivation and maximize your chances of a successful harvest:
List Choose Plants for Hydroponics System
- Growth rate: In hydroponics, fast-growing plants are typically preferred, as they allow for quicker harvests and more frequent cropping. Examples of fast-growing plants include lettuce, spinach, arugula, and herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley.
- Space: The amount of space you have available will influence the types of plants you can grow. Smaller plants like herbs and leafy greens can be grown in smaller spaces, while larger plants like tomatoes and cucumbers require more vertical height and larger growing containers.
- Nutrient requirements: Different plants require varying levels of nutrients, so it’s essential to choose plants with similar nutrient requirements to make it easier to maintain the hydroponic system. For example, leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and kale have relatively low nutrient requirements compared to fruiting plants like tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Lighting needs: Plants have different lighting needs, and the type of lighting you use should match the plant’s light requirements. For example, leafy greens like lettuce and herbs can thrive under low to medium light, while fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers require higher levels of light.
- Temperature and humidity requirements: Different plants have varying temperature and humidity requirements, so select plants that can thrive within the temperature and humidity range of your growing environment. For example, leafy greens and herbs grow best at cooler temperatures, while fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers require warmer temperatures.
Disease resistance:
Choosing plants that are less susceptible to pests and diseases can reduce the need for pesticide use and help maintain a healthy hydroponic system. Some examples of disease-resistant plants include basil, mint, and peppers.