Buying a hydroponic system is exciting, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for before you start. There are many different types of hydroponic systems that use different methods, offer specific advantages, or work better for growing certain plants.
Here are some of the things you should consider when buying a hydroponic system.
What Do You Want To Grow In Your Hydroponic Garden?
The first thing to consider is what you want to grow. This is because some plants grow better using certain methods of hydroponics or systems.
For example while possible, growing a tomato plant in an NFT system would not be ideal. If you know from the start you want to grow several different types of plants you can purchase or make a system set up to do so instead of having to purchase a 2nd one later. Don’t get me wrong though, I can always use another hydroponic system!
Matching the best system for the type of plant is not only great for your plants but saves you time and money spent altering your system to make it work.
Check out these simple How-To articles on growing different plants using hydroponics!
What’s Your Budget?
Cost may be the most important factor when looking into buying a hydroponic system. Deciding on your budget ahead of shopping will save you time by allowing you to remove from consideration those systems that are out of your budget.
There are many different types of hydroponic systems to fit every budget. To know more about cost, you can check out this short article I put together on how much hydroponic systems cost.
How Much Space Do You Have For Your Hydroponic Garden?
The amount of space you have will affect the type and size of the hydroponic system you can set up. Luckily there are hydroponic systems on the market to fit every space need, so you shouldn’t have any trouble when it comes to buying a hydroponic system to meet your space requirements.
When determining space, also keep in mind things like water changes and maintenance. You will need to drain the water out of the hydroponic reservoir and then refill it, so make sure it’s in a place where this is easy to do.
How Much Do You Want To Harvest From Your Hydroponic Garden?
Deciding how much you’re looking to harvest will help you decide how big of a hydroponic system you need to purchase. This can also help you be aware of cost efficiency, is what you’re paying going to be worth what you’re getting.
Systems can be designed to grow more plants, but take up the same amount of square footage as other systems. Usually, this is done by growing vertically.
How Much Garden Time Do You Have?
Instead of spending time watering and weeding your garden like traditional gardeners, you instead will be taking measurements and making adjustments.
Some systems require more maintenance than others. For example, for those looking for the least hands-on setup, there are hydroponic systems that can constantly monitor and adjust things like pH, EC, and temperature.
Conclusion
A little time and planning ahead of time can really save you some headaches when it comes to purchasing a hydroponic system. With the flexibility that hydroponic systems can have, you’ll for sure be able to find one that meets your needs!
September 25, 2019 at 10:27 am
My mother wanted to grow plants through the Hydroponic method, but she’s unfamiliar with the system. It’s interesting to know that when it comes to space, it’s a necessity to drain water out f the hydroponic reservoir; so space would be easier to maintain. It’s best if we’ll start looking for a Hydroponic shop that will cater to my mother’s needs.