Indoor Hydroponic Kits - Choosing the Right Kit for You

By Charlie Pearson

The Perfect Indoor Hydroponic Kit Guide

Don't know what to look for when buying an indoor hydroponic kit to grow herbs in your kitchen?

Many people who are new to hydroponics invest in a kit. I'm sure you've seen the marketing photos of a stylish container brimming with beautiful herbs and lettuce. It almost looks like edible art! But is it that easy to grow a hydroponic garden in your kitchen?

Well, yes and no. It is certainly possible to get some great produce out of the kits. But they definitely require some maintenance and commitment. It takes 4-8 weeks to get usable herbs, so you need to be ready to invest that much time.

A kitchen hydroponic kit is a fun way to grow fresh herbs, though. If you are going to buy one, here is what your indoor hydroponic kit should include:

Container

Choose one that fits in your space and you like the looks of.

Reservoir

This is what holds the water. It may be integrated into the container.

Plant Baskets or Pods

Here is where you put your seedlings.

Light

Unless you have great south-facing windows and it is summer, you will probably need a light if you are growing indoors. Your kit should come with an integrated light, and that light must be on a timer. It's better if the light moves up and down, but not mandatory.

Plant Food

Don't try to go it alone when figuring out what to feed your hydroponic garden at first. It's important to get the right mix of nutrients.

Seeds

It's fun to shop for seeds but it's even more fun when your indoor hydroponic kit comes complete and you don't have to shop for anything else.

Directions

Hydroponics is not as easy as sticking a seed in dirt and watering it. Carefully read and follow the directions that come with your hydroponic kit.

Indoor hydroponic kits come at all price points. As long as it includes all the components, you don't have to spend loads. However, the more expensive ones are often more automated and therefore easier to use.

Finally, don't give up! If your plants don't look like the picture in the advertisement, just try again. Just like with any skill, hydroponic gardening takes practice. Plenty of people ruin a first cake by reaching for the salt instead of the sugar, and they still end up baking perfectly good things later on. Same with hydroponics. A kit, like a cake mix, makes things easier. But you still have to put in some effort.