Supplies you’ll need to grow hydroponically indoors

Mason Jars –  The easiest way to get started is to simply buy some quart sized (32-oz) “wide mouth” mason jars.  Each jar creates a contained environment that will store the nutrient growing solution your plants will use to nourish themselves over their lifetime.  I tried using bigger 1/2 gallon sized jars but I found that the plant roots would not grow deep enough to stay adequately hydrated.

1.5-inch RockWool Cubes – RockWool cubes are known as the growing medium.  One or more seeds will be deposited about 1/4 inch into the hole at the top of each dampened RockWool cube.  The hole is then gently covered up and then the RockWool cube is transferred to a mini-greenhouse for germination.

Jiffy Greenhouse (or similar) – This inexpensive mini-greenhouse provides a warm moist environment that triggers the seeds to start growing.  You can even use a small plastic Chinese food container that has a clear top, like the ones from Panda Express.  This Greenhouse comes with peat pellets, but I use the RockWool cubes instead, so sediment is not introduced into the nutrient solution.

3″ Net Cups –Net cups hold the plants above the nutrient solution and allow their roots to grow through the bottom and reach down into the nutrient solution.  3″ net cups fit perfectly into wide mouth mason jars.

Clay Pebbles (or similar) – Once your seedlings start growing in the RockWool cube and are big enough to be moved to a net cup, these porous pebbles will be used to fill in the empty space between the RockWool cube and the net cup.  They will stabilize the plant and also block out excess light from reaching the growing solution, which will help to minimize bacteria.  I’ve seen some people use dark colored glass aquarium marbles instead.

General Hydroponics FloraNova Grow Nutrients – I found this wonderful product that cuts out the hardest part of everyone else’s process!  Simply mix 1 teaspoon (a very small amount) into a 1 gallon jug of tap water and shake it up.  Your plants will love this stuff and they will grow faster than weeds!  1 pint will last you a long time.  You can even use this nutrient solution to bring life back to house plants or yard plants that are struggling.

LED Shop Light – Your plants need a source of light, whether it be natural or man-made.  I grow my plants indoors and I’ve found that they love this 4′ LED shop light!  Having a long 4′ light allows you to place many plants underneath.  The tops of your plants need to remain a few inches from the light source for best results.  You should get a light rated for “daylight” 5,000K color temperature (or higher) and as many lumens as you can find.   The example shown here produces 4,100 lumens and uses only 40 watts of power.

Seeds – What would you like to grow?  Basil and lettuce are very easy plants for hydroponic beginners to try and they are both very tolerant to mistakes.  You can find seeds at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s hardware store or you can order seeds online from a place I trust, such as www.highmowingseeds.com.