Read by Matilda Longbottom

Winter can feel like the end of the gardening season, especially for those of us who rely on fresh produce from our backyard plots. But for the dedicated gardener, Winter doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying homegrown vegetables, herbs, and even edible flowers. With a hydroponic garden, you can keep your green thumb active all Winter long—right inside your home.

I have been dabbling in hydroponic gardening with the use of several different systems for a decade now, and I have to say there’s nothing like having a dining room wall that’s a bright beam of light illuminating 20 heads of lettuce. Because yes, folks, that’s what my hydroponic system looked like for several years until I got too tired of cleaning the tubes between growth cycles and went more simple. But still, produce grown in any hydroponic system is still my favorite produce of all, and mostly because it’s generally free of pests and poo!

Now that you’re totally appetized, let’s discuss how it’s done.

What Hydroponic Gardening Looks Like on a Consumer Level

Hydroponic gardening at home isn’t as complex or large-scale as the commercial setups used in agriculture. In fact, consumer hydroponic systems are designed to be compact, user-friendly, and efficient, allowing anyone to grow fresh produce in their home without much fuss. Most consumer hydroponic systems are small enough to fit on a kitchen countertop, a sunny windowsill, or in a corner of a room with enough light.

These systems typically use water as the primary medium for nutrient delivery. Instead of soil, the plant roots are suspended in water or a lightweight growing medium like coconut coir or clay pebbles. The water is enriched with a nutrient solution, which provides the plants with everything they need to thrive. Many systems are automated, meaning you don’t have to worry about managing the water levels, nutrient balance, or light—perfect for busy gardeners or beginners.

Brands like Gardyn, AeroGarden, and Click and Grow are well-known for offering stylish, functional systems that come with pre-seeded pods, making it as easy as plugging in the device, adding water, and letting the plants do their thing.

Now, let’s dive into the best edible plants to grow hydroponically in a small consumer-sized device, starting with an obvious favorite: lettuce.

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is by far one of the easiest and most practical plants to grow hydroponically. It thrives in water-based systems and grows rapidly, making it ideal for home gardeners who want a continuous supply of fresh greens. One of the key benefits of growing lettuce hydroponically is that there’s no risk of bird droppings or soil contamination, which can sometimes be an issue when growing lettuce outdoors. Plus, you can trim the outer leaves as needed for salads, and the plant will keep producing new leaves. After a few rounds of harvesting, the leaves might start getting smaller or lighter in color, signaling it’s time to replant. But for the first several harvests, you’ll have fresh lettuce on demand without having to re-seed.

2. Spinach

Spinach is another excellent leafy green that grows well in hydroponic systems. Like lettuce, spinach loves the constant access to water and nutrients that hydroponics provides. You’ll find that spinach grown hydroponically tends to be more tender and flavorful than soil-grown spinach. Another bonus is that there’s no risk of soil-borne pests, and you can enjoy multiple harvests from the same plant, just by trimming off leaves as you need them. This makes it a convenient and low-maintenance crop for Winter gardening.

3. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Cilantro, and Parsley)

Herbs are some of the best plants to grow hydroponically due to their small size and fast growth. Basil is particularly well-suited for hydroponics—it grows quickly, and the more you trim it, the more it produces. Fresh basil is a great addition to Winter soups, sauces, and salads, and growing it hydroponically means you can avoid the disappointing limp basil from the grocery store.

Mint and cilantro also thrive in hydroponic systems. Mint can grow aggressively, even in water, so you’ll have a steady supply for teas, desserts, and savory dishes. Cilantro, which has a shorter lifespan, benefits from the consistent moisture and nutrients, growing faster and with less chance of bolting prematurely.

Parsley, though a slower grower, benefits from the same conditions and can be harvested continuously throughout the Winter months.

4. Kale

Kale is another leafy green that does well in hydroponic systems. It’s resilient, and like lettuce and spinach, you can trim the outer leaves while the plant continues to grow new ones. Hydroponic kale tends to be more tender and less bitter than kale grown outdoors, especially in the cooler months. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, making it a healthy and versatile addition to Winter meals.

5. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is another hardy green that grows beautifully in hydroponic systems. It’s colorful, nutritious, and thrives in water-based environments. The plant’s striking red, yellow, and white stems add a vibrant touch to any indoor garden, and like kale, chard is great for clipping and growing multiple harvests. Hydroponically grown chard is particularly tender and less prone to pests than outdoor varieties.

6. Edible Flowers (Nasturtiums)

For those who enjoy adding a pop of color and a peppery bite to their salads, edible flowers like nasturtiums are a wonderful addition to your hydroponic garden. Nasturtiums are not only beautiful, but they also grow well in water-based systems. They add a unique visual and flavor element to your meals, and because you’re growing them indoors, you don’t have to worry about pests or weather damaging their delicate blossoms.

7. Strawberries

Strawberries might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hydroponic gardening, but they’re surprisingly well-suited to it. Hydroponic strawberries can produce fruit year-round when given the right conditions. Since strawberries are typically grown outdoors in the Spring and Summer, having them indoors in the Winter feels like a treat. Plus, growing them hydroponically means you avoid soil diseases, and the fruits are often juicier and more flavorful.

Let There Be Light!

The amount of light needed for a hydroponic garden varies depending on the type of plants you’re growing, but in general, most edible plants need between 12 to 16 hours of light per day to thrive. This is because, indoors, you’re trying to replicate the sunlight they would get outdoors. Hydroponic systems often come with built-in LED grow lights, which are energy-efficient and designed to provide the right spectrum of light for plant growth.

For leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and herbs, 12 to 14 hours of light is typically sufficient. Fruiting plants like strawberries may need closer to 16 hours of light to promote flowering and fruit production.

If your hydroponic system doesn’t have built-in lights, place your garden near a bright window, or invest in full-spectrum LED grow lights to ensure your plants get the light they need, especially during the shorter daylight hours of Winter.

Nutrient Solutions

1. Choose the Right Nutrient Solution: Use hydroponic-specific nutrient solutions that provide a balanced mix of essential nutrients. Brands like General Hydroponics or Botanicare are great options.
2. Monitor pH Levels: Keep the pH of your solution between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal nutrient absorption. Use a pH test kit or digital meter and adjust with pH up or pH down solutions as needed.
3. Change the Solution Regularly: Replace the nutrient solution every 2 to 4 weeks to avoid nutrient imbalances. Always mix fresh nutrients when you change the water.
4. Adjust for Growth Stages: Use lower nutrient concentrations for seedlings and increase it as plants mature. Look for “Grow” and “Bloom” labeled solutions for different plant stages.
5. Check for Deficiencies: Watch for signs like yellowing or browning leaves, which could indicate a nutrient imbalance. Adjust the solution if necessary or do a full water change.
6. Oxygenate the Water: Ensure your system has a pump or air stone to keep the water oxygenated, helping roots absorb nutrients efficiently.

These simple practices will help keep your hydroponic garden healthy and productive.

Hydroponic Gardening: A Winter Lifeline

Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of gardening if you’ve got a reliable hydroponic system. With the right setup, you can continue growing fresh, delicious, and healthy produce all Winter long, without the hassle of soil, pests, or unpredictable weather. Brands like Gardyn, AeroGarden, and Click and Grow offer compact, efficient systems that take the guesswork out of indoor gardening. These systems are designed for busy gardeners who want a steady supply of fresh food without constant replanting or maintenance.

So, as the temperatures drop outside, your indoor garden can thrive, keeping you connected to the joys of gardening—and filling your kitchen with fresh, homegrown produce year-round.

What do you grow indoors in the Winter? I’d love to know!