How to Start Hydroponic Farming at Home?

Things have changed a lot over the years. Today, we live in a world where modern problems are met with smarter solutions, making life simpler, quicker, and often more sustainable. Even something as old-school as gardening has taken a futuristic turn.

Let me introduce you to a method that’s quietly transforming how we grow our greens: hydroponics. It’s so different and does not include the common growing medium. I sometimes wonder if plants themselves are adapting to the new lifestyle! Hold your chairs, and imagine growing lush, healthy plants without using a pinch of soil—just fluid with nutrients, and a bit of care. Does it sound magical? Let’s dive in.

What Is a Hydroponic System?

In simple terms, a hydroponic system is a way of growing plants without soil. Instead of getting nutrients from the earth, the plants are fed through water-based, nutrient-rich solutions. This setup allows crops to grow faster, cleaner, and in a more controlled environment, making it ideal for those who want to garden smartly.

Why Hydroponics Is Perfect for Indian Homes?

We love traditional gardening, but we agree that for some, it might require more space, unpredictable weather conditions, and time constraints. That’s exactly where hydroponics steps in as a game-changer. 

1. Minimum Effort, Maximum Output

You can start hydroponic farming at home. Forget digging, tilling, and weeding. Since hydroponics uses little to no soil, you can skip the thought of having muddy hands. No more worrying about weeds stealing nutrients or soil infused with diseases. Hydroponics is a clean, efficient, and easier-to-maintain method.

2. Grow Organic, Eat Healthy

With hydroponics at home, you control what goes into your plants. That means no harmful chemicals or pesticides—just fresh, home-grown produce for your body and the planet.

3. Year-Round Harvests

Home hydroponics farming also lets you grow your favourite herbs & veggies, or even fruits all year long. Since you can control the temperature, light, and water, you're not dependent on the changing seasons.

4. Ideal for Small Spaces

Whether you live in a flat, an apartment with a balcony, or an urban home with no backyard, hydroponic systems can be customised to fit your space. Vertical gardens, tabletop setups, or balcony-friendly designs—there’s something for every Indian home.

How does the Hydroponic System Work? 

Hydroponic systems require nutrient-rich solutions to help plants thrive. This solution is passed through the roots of the plant and provides the basic nutrients, such as NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium), along with other essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium, which contribute to the plant's growth in some way. Any interference in this flow and the plant might not survive. 

These systems are of different types and help different kinds of plants thrive. You can use them indoors and outdoors, depending on the requirements of the plants. 

What are the different kinds of home hydroponic system Methods?

1. NFT (Nutrient Film System)

This hydroponic method is ideal for lighter plants like herbs and strawberries. In this setup, plants are placed in tubes—easily available at hardware stores—with their roots suspended in air. What happens here is that a nutrient-rich solution is transferred through it in the form of a thin tube. It helps in carrying all the essential nutrients to the roots of the plant. This constant flow prevents root rot and supports healthy growth. It is one of the most recommended options if you want to switch the method of gardening in Indian households. It can be easily established with the help of an expert on terraces and balconies.  

2. Drip irrigation system

If you're thinking of going big—or at least bigger than balcony gardening—drip irrigation is worth considering. Commonly used in commercial hydroponic setups, this method is known for its scalability and precision.

Here's what happens: Nutrient-rich water is stored in a reservoir and then delivered directly to the plant roots drop by drop using an emitter. This slow and steady process allows for better control over pH levels, temperature, and nutrient supply. You can grow heavier and larger crops like tomatoes, pumpkins, and cucumbers. While it may require a bit more setup and know-how, the results are definitely worth it.

3. Ebb and Flow System 

This is a simple and space-efficient method, great for beginners. Now, this unique concept requires plants to be placed in a growing medium like cocopeat, etc. The nutrient solution is then passed periodically through the container from a specific source and drained out after a specific period. With the help of this, a time-based flow is ensured, and roots get proper hydration and nutrients without being waterlogged. It’s a smart and easy way to manage small-scale indoor gardening.

4. Deep Water Culture (DWC)

The plants in this kind of arrangement are suspended above the container containing the nutrient-rich solution. A pump is used to continually oxygenate the fluid. It helps provide a regular supply of oxygen through the roots of the plant, along with other required nutrients. It is perfect for small-scale or home-based planting and does not require much investment. 

5. Wick Setup

Another addition to inexpensive hydroponics types is wick systems. They require a very simple installation, which we also shared in our blog on how to care for plants when on vacation. You can also use this for plants in soil. All you need to do is place a wick (made with cotton or synthetic, etc) in the growing medium and the water reservoir. Whenever the soil or the growing medium dries, it will fulfil the need for moisture and nutrients. It’s perfect for the plants that do well in slightly moist conditions, but not with vegetables. 

How to start Hydroponics at home? 

To start hydroponics at home, begin by choosing easy-to-grow plants such as lettuce, spinach, basil, or mint. Then, select a suitable system, which is a simple, soil-free technique that doesn’t require pumps. You'll need containers and a growing medium such as coco coir, a liquid nutrient solution, and a pH meter to ensure the water remains in the optimal range of 5.5 to 6.5. Place your plants so their roots touch the nutrient solution and position the setup in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight, or use LED grow lights indoors. Regularly check the water level, add nutrients when needed, and keep the system clean to prevent algae or root rot. With minimal effort and a small investment, hydroponic farming lets you enjoy faster plant growth, conserve water, and harvest fresh, organic produce right at home.

Start Your Gardening Journey with Urvann

Hey there, explorer! If talking about plants is something that follows your everyday conversations, then you’re at the right place. Here we write about all kinds of interesting topics, from how to start hydroponic farming to starting a yoga garden. If you're a plant parent who loves what we write. We urge you to find a weekend and practice hydroponics yourself. You can start your journey by making a choice from amongst 5000+ plants available on our website. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Hydroponics Farming

• Do you think hydroponic farming is profitable?

Yes, hydroponic farming is beneficial. It might require a higher investment depending on which scale you’re doing it on. The profit it yields expands year-round production, business opportunities, and healthy eating. 

• What are the different kinds of hydroponic farming?

There are about six types of hydroponic farming methods: aeroponics, drip irrigation, deep water, ebb and flow, and nutrient film technique. 

• What are some problems in hydroponics?

Despite the benefits that hydroponics offer, there might be problems like nutrient imbalances and algae growth if the container is not taken care of. 

• What are the diseases that can affect plants in Hydroponics?

Hydroponics may be exposed to Pythium and Phytophthora, a kind of water mould. These are the reasons why the containers must be regularly checked, as if these are not detected early on, it may lead to the death of the plant. 

• How much does a hydroponic farm cost in India?

Depending upon the technology and the size of the farm, it may cost somewhere between 10 lakhs to 90 lakhs. However, if you are starting a small system at home, it can cost up to Rs 5000.