Introduction
If you are new to hydroponics you might be wondering can i grow herbs hydroponically? Imagine having fresh basil, cilantro, parsley and more right at your fingertips in your own home. With hydroponic herb gardening, this is entirely possible!
Hydroponics is the revolutionary method of growing plants without soil, using water infused with vital nutrients instead. The roots absorb these perfectly balanced plant foods directly from the water to fuel rapid growth and the highest quality crops. Hydroponics allows you to grow herbs indoors year-round since natural sunlight is not required.
With a basic hydroponic herb garden set up in your home, you can:
- Grow herbs faster and harvest more abundantly than with traditional gardening
- Produce crisp, flavorful herbs that surpass store-bought quality
- Have fresh ingredients for cooking right on hand whenever you need them
- Customize your garden with your favorite culinary herbs year-round
- Enjoy productive, rewarding gardening without soil pests, weeds or unpredictable weather
Some of the main advantages of hydroponic herb gardening include:
- Faster growth rate – Herbs grow 30-50% quicker than in soil since more energy goes directly into foliage and herb production rather than root development. You can harvest multiple times during the season.
- Higher yields – Efficient delivery of nutrients and water typically increases herb yields by 20-30% versus soil gardens.
- Controlled conditions – The indoor controlled environment prevents issues with pests, diseases, drought, overwatering or temperature fluctuations that can affect soil gardens.
- Reduced maintenance – No weeding, digging or cultivating required! You only need to check nutrient levels and pH occasionally.
- Year-round production – With the right indoor lighting, hydroponic systems allow you to grow fresh herbs no matter the season.
- Better flavor – Hydroponically grown herbs have more concentrated aromas and flavors perfect for culinary uses.
- Convenience – Everything is easily accessible right at home for harvesting and watering when needed.
What Herbs Can I Grow Hydroponically?
A huge variety of popular culinary herbs grow exceptionally well in hydroponic systems. Some great options to consider include:
Basil
All varieties of basil thrive hydroponically. Sweet basil is a must for making pesto, Thai basil brings unique flavor to Asian dishes, and lemon basil brightens up seafood. The controlled indoor conditions prevent sudden cold shock that can ruin soil-grown basil overnight.
Mint
Spearmint and peppermint grow vigorously hydroponically. In soil, mint can easily take over the garden since it spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes. This is not an issue with hydroponic methods, making mint much easier to manage.
Cilantro
Cilantro bolts and goes to seed rapidly in warm conditions outside. With climate control indoors, you can grow cilantro continuously for a steady supply of fresh leaves for salsa, curries, pho and more.
Parsley
Both curly leaf and Italian flat leaf parsley yield very well hydroponically. The rich flavor amplified by hydroponics makes it perfect for everything from salads to Middle Eastern tabbouleh.
Thyme
Lemon thyme and other varieties have high essential oil content when grown hydroponically, adding intensity to meat, vegetable and egg dishes. Thyme thrives in the warm, dry indoor conditions that hydroponic systems provide.
Oregano
Italian and Greek oregano have the signature pungency for pasta sauces, pizza and many Mediterranean recipes. The controlled climate prevents moisture fluctuations that can diminish oregano’s flavor when grown outdoors.
Sage
Common garden sage and tricolor sage have more pronounced flavors from hydroponic growing, ideal for hearty fall and winter dishes. Year-round production ensures you always have fresh sage on hand.
Rosemary
Upright and prostrate rosemary varieties maintain excellent flavor and aromatics indoors. Use fresh rosemary with roasted potatoes, chicken, lamb and many other foods it complements well.
Other Herb Options
Some other great herb choices for hydroponic gardens include dill, chives, marjoram, tarragon, lemon balm, and cilantro. Think about your flavor preferences, cooking uses for fresh herbs, and favorite varieties you love to include in recipes.
When selecting which herbs to grow hydroponically, keep these factors in mind:
- Climate considerations – Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano thrive in warm, dry conditions. Tropical herbs such as basil need higher humidity levels. Most hydroponic systems allow climate customization.
- Light requirements – Herbs like parsley and basil need 12-16 hours under grow lights per day. Lower light herbs like mint and lemon balm require 10-14 hours. Ensure your lighting provides the spectrum each herb needs.
- Mature size – Bushy herbs like parsley and dill require more space than compact herbs like thyme. Plan your container sizes and plant spacing accordingly.
With the right indoor growing conditions, herbs that are considered tricky to grow in soil gardens flourish beautifully hydroponically.
Hydroponic Systems for Herb Gardening
Several types of hydroponic systems are well-suited to growing lush, productive herb gardens at home. The best options for small-scale home herb production include:
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
Also known as the reservoir method, Deep Water Culture involves suspending plants above a container of oxygenated nutrient solution. The plant roots dangle directly into the liquid, absorbing water and nutrients efficiently. Airstones and air pumps oxygenate the solution to prevent root rot.
Ideal for: Fast growing herbs like basil, mint, cilantro and parsley. Most beginner-friendly option.
Pros
- Very simple, inexpensive and low maintenance
- No growing medium required
- Roots have constant access to oxygen and nutrient solution for rapid growth
Cons
- Requires frequent monitoring of solution level and nutrient strength
- Not suitable for larger plants due to less root support
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
In an NFT system, a thin stream of nutrient solution flows through sloped channels along a grow tray. As the solution flows past the plant roots, they absorb exactly what they need. Excellent oxygenation fuels fast growth.
Ideal for: Fast growing salad herbs and green herbs. Works for larger yields.
Pros
- Roots have optimal exposure to nutrient solution and air for growth
- Takes up less space than reservoir systems
Cons
- More complex setup required
- Constant monitoring required to maintain flow rates
- Not ideal for larger, heavier herb varieties
Wick Systems
With wick systems, a growing medium draws up nutrient solution to the plant roots via capillary action through wicks. No electricity required.
Ideal for: Compact herb varieties like thyme, rosemary, oregano. Great starter option.
Cons
- Very simple and low maintenance
- No electrical parts required
- Lower startup costs than active systems
Cons
- Slower growth rate than active hydro systems
- Only suitable for smaller herb varieties, not big producers
Ebb & Flow / Flood & Drain
Grow pots or trays flood periodically with nutrient solution, then drain it back into the reservoir. Roots get optimal oxygen in between floods.
Ideal for: Larger scale herb production. Can grow any variety.
Pros
- Provides oxygenation that active systems also offer
- Grow medium stays moist but not constantly soaked
Cons
- More complex equipment like pumps and grow trays required
- Needs more space than smaller systems
For beginning home hydroponic gardeners, simple Deep Water Culture and wick systems are the easiest methods to start out with. Nutrient Film and Ebb & Flow systems offer more scaling potential for larger yields.
Setting Up Your Hydroponic Herb Garden
Setting up a productive hydroponic herb garden requires just a few components:
Containers
This refers to the reservoir, pots or trays that will hold your plants and their root systems.
- DWC – Use plastic buckets, tubs or 18+ gallon totes as reservoirs. Must be food safe and non-reactive.
- Wick – Opt for 2-5 gallon nursery pots, grow bags or bins for individual herbs.
- NFT – Use long narrow troughs or trays that create a flow channel.
- Ebb & Flow – Buy flood trays and grow pots to fit your chosen tray size.
Make sure any components that touch water are food grade, not contaminated with chemicals.
Growing Medium (optional)
Some systems like wick and ebb/flow require a medium like coconut coir or clay balls that anchors plant roots and retains moisture.
Popular options:
- Coconut coir – sustainably made from coconut husks, provides great moisture retention.
- Clay pellets – porous clay balls that hold both air and water. Reusable.
- Rockwool – made from molten rock spun into insulating cubes. Tend to be reusable.
Nutrient Solutions
Instead of soil, hydroponic plants receive specially formulated nutrient solutions that contain all the vital minerals they need. The most common options are:
- Two-part formulas – Part A provides macronutrients (N, P, K) while Part B provides micronutrients. Mixed together in a reservoir, they create a complete solution. Widely available from various brands.
- Premixed solutions – Contain both macro and micronutrients in one concentrate that simply gets diluted with water. Slightly less customizable.
- Individual salts – For advanced users, buying individual mineral salts to mix custom solutions with optimal N-P-K ratios and micronutrient levels.
Look for hydroponic nutrient mixes tailored for herbs and vegetables. Follow mixing instructions based on the system type and size.
Lighting
Since natural sunlight is limited indoors, full spectrum grow lights are needed to fuel herb growth and flavor.
Recommended lighting options:
- LED grow lights – Energy efficient, long lasting, and emit wavelengths optimal for plant growth. Provide 12-16 hours of light per day.
- CFL grow lights – Compact fluorescents are economical and readily available. Need closer proximity to plants than LEDs.
- High-output T5 fluorescents – Bright fluorescent tubes that radiate moderate heat. Need 2-4 feet of space above plants.
Ensure lighting provides adequate intensity (measured in lux) for each particular herb variety you choose.
Aeration & Circulation
Active hydroponic systems need air pumps and tubing to maintain oxygenation as well as water pumps to circulate solution in some setups.
- Air pumps & stones – Active aquarium-style air pumps oxygenate reservoir nutrient solutions via air stones. Prevents root rot.
- Water pumps – Submersible pumps control the flow rate and circulation of nutrient solution in NFT and ebb/flow systems.
- Tubing & fittings – Flexible tubing and various nozzle fittings direct flow and connect components. 1/2″ – 1″ diameter recommended.
Proper oxygenation and circulation is crucial for healthy roots and quick herb growth.
Environmental Controls
Maintaining optimal temperature, humidity and air circulation maximizes herb health and flavor.
- Heating mats – Soilless herb roots are more prone to chilling. Heating mats keep water temps in the 65-72°F sweet spot.
- Circulation fans – Gentle fans prevent stagnant, humid air which can encourage pests and diseases.
- Humidity domes – Young seedlings often need higher humidity around 70%. Domes help retain ambient moisture.
- Hygrometers – Monitor relative humidity levels to stay in the ideal 40-60% range for most herbs.
With these essential components in place, you’re ready to start growing herbs hydroponically!
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a DWC Herb System
Here’s a walkthrough on how to set up a simple Deep Water Culture hydroponic herb system:
1. Assemble Components
You’ll need a reservoir container (5+ gallon bucket/tub), growing cups and lids, air pump, air stones, tubing, and full spectrum LED grow light.
2. Mix Nutrient Solution
Fill reservoir with 10-15 gallons of clean water. Mix in hydroponic herb nutrient concentrate per instructions. Test that pH is between 5.5 – 6.5.
3. Install Grow Lighting
Mount LED panel(s) above reservoir. Height depends on strength of lights. Can lower once herbs mature. Provide 16 hours of daily light.
4. Add Growing Cups
Cut holes in reservoir lid to fit plastic growing cups. Insert cups and add a small layer of clay pebbles at the bottom.
5. Transplant Herb Seedlings
Carefully transplant selected herb plants into cups,being careful of the roots. Fill gaps with more pebbles to support stems.
6. Connect Aeration
Run air tube from pump to air stone in bottom of reservoir for constant oxygenation. This prevents root rot.
7. Start Growing!
Turn on the air pump and grow lights. Monitor pH and nutrient levels weekly. Your hydroponic herb garden is now ready to thrive!
Maintaining Your Hydroponic Herb Garden
To keep hydroponically grown herbs healthy and productive, some periodic maintenance is required:
Check pH
Test and adjust the pH of your nutrient solution to remain in the optimal 5.5 – 6.5 range. Doing this daily ensures herbs can properly absorb nutrients.
Top Off Nutrients
Add more nutrient concentrate if reservoir levels drop more than a few inches week to week. This maintains the fertilizer concentration herbs need.
Change Nutrient Solutions
Drain and replace the entire nutrient reservoir every 2 weeks. This prevents salt buildups from old solutions.
Prune Herbs
Prune back herb stems right above leaf nodes to encourage bushier, denser growth. Always sanitize pruning shears between plants.
Clean Equipment
Clean elements like air stones, pump intakes and tubing with diluted hydrogen peroxide to prevent algae or bacteria buildups.
Monitor Conditions
Use a thermometer and hygrometer to maintain ideal temperature, humidity and airflow levels in your growing environment.
By properly attending to these simple maintenance tasks, you’ll continuously harvest the highest quality hydroponic herbs.
Troubleshooting Common Hydroponic Herb Garden Issues
Even well-run hydroponic herb gardens can occasionally run into problems. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Slow Growth
Potential Causes
- Insufficient lighting
- Low nutrient levels
- Incorrect pH
- Low water temperature
- Lack of aeration
Solutions
- Increase light intensity or duration
- Test and adjust pH to 5.5-6.5 range
- Top off nutrient solution concentration
- Use heating mats to maintain 65°F+ water temp
- Check air pumps are running properly
Algae Growth
Potential Causes
-Reservoir exposed to light
- Stagnant, unaerated water
- Tap water containing spores
Solutions
- Clean reservoirs and replace lids to block light
- Improve water circulation with more aeration
- Use filtered or distilled water for nutrients
Mineral Buildup
Potential Causes
- Accumulation of salts and minerals in reservoirs
- Tap water with high mineral content
- Old nutrient solutions not being replaced
Solutions
- Flush systems with plain pH buffered water every 2-3 weeks
- Use reverse osmosis or distilled water
- Change out solutions per schedule
Catching issues early and making suitable adjustments will ensure your hydroponic herb garden stays very productive.
Harvesting and Enjoying Fresh Hydroponic Herbs
The biggest reward of growing herbs hydroponically is getting to enjoy their unmatched freshness and flavor. Follow these tips for harvesting and using your homegrown herbs:
- Snip leafy herb shoots right above leaf nodes. Harvest regularly to encourage more growth.
- Time morning harvests after dew dries for maximum aromatic oils.
- Store freshly cut herbs in glasses of water or loosely wrapped in damp paper towels to retain freshness.
- Freeze excess harvested herbs in oil or water to preserve flavors for several months.
- Enjoy herb flavors at their peak within a week of harvesting. Their intensity fades over time.
- Add chopped or whole herb leaves at the end of cooking as extended heat dulls their flavor.
With the superior quality hydroponically grown herbs offer, every homecooked meal can become a culinary masterpiece.
Conclusion
Growing a thriving indoor herb garden using hydroponic methods is an easy, rewarding way to always have fresh herbs at your fingertips. With a basic DWC setup, anyone can experience the benefits of soilless gardening. Plus you can expand your system over time to increase yields.
The keys to hydroponic herb gardening success include:
- Selecting the best herb varieties to grow indoors
- Choosing an appropriate hydroponic system
- Following best practices for nutrients, lighting, and maintenance
- Properly harvesting at peak flavor and freshness
With a productive home hydroponic herb system, you’ll enjoy garden-fresh herbs conveniently year-round. No more bland store-bought herbs or waiting for the outdoor growing season. Start growing indoors today!
