How to Easily Get Started In Hydroponics

So you want to start an indoor garden? There are many ways to get started. But, I say jump into hydroponics. I keep getting this question in groups, so I thought I would write this quick post so I can link to it rather than keep writing or copying and pasting the same thing over and over. 🙂

I mean… you can certainly grow in soil, but in my opinion hydroponics is a better option. My recommendation is to start with a countertop hydroponic unit, unless you are the go big or go home type!

Want to chat indoor and outdoor gardening with me? Come on over to my Facebook group, AeroGarden, Kratky, &Gardening Fanatics. We cover it all! There are tons of tips, tricks, pretty photos, and gardening discounts!

Why Hydroponics?

• Faster Growth & Bigger Harvests – Plants grown hydroponically often grow 25–50% faster than soil-grown plants because nutrients are delivered directly to the roots in the exact amounts they need.
• Less Mess Indoors – No bags of potting mix, spilled dirt, major pests, or muddy floors. Hydroponic systems keep your indoor growing space cleaner and easier to maintain.
• Uses Less Water – Most hydroponic systems recirculate water, using up to 90% less water than traditional soil gardening while still producing healthy vegetables, herbs, and greens.
• Greater Control Over Plant Health – You control the water, nutrients, pH, and growing environment, reducing many common soil-related problems such as nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and inconsistent growth.
• Higher Yields in Smaller Spaces – Hydroponics allows you to grow more food in a compact area, making it ideal for apartments, basements, spare rooms, and other indoor growing spaces where every square foot matters. 🌱🥬🍅

My Favorite Hydroponic Systems

Here are my favorite options for both small systems and large systems…

Countertop Systems

Letpot – LetPot is now my top pick for countertop systems. I have several. They are a newer company, but they seem to be constantly innovating. They listen to problems and fix them in newer models. And they have several models to fit your budget and what you want to grow. For a great starter unit, pick up the LetPot LPH-Air. With 10 growing spaces and a 24w light you can grow herbs, green, micro dwarf tomatoes, or peppers. Clicking my link and using code LTG15OFF will save 15% off all LetPot systems.

AeroGarden – AeroGarden used to be the #1 brand for countertop gardens. And they kind of still are. However, since they went out of business back in 2024 and came back things have been different. They still offer the same great systems, but support is not what it used to be. However, if you get a great deal on one, go for it! The best option is the AeroGarden Amazon store. For details on all models read my post Choosing the Right AeroGarden model.

Vertical Systems

Gardyn – Gardyns are my favorite vertical system. You can choose a Gardyn Studio (16 plants) or Gardyn Home (30 plants). I like them because they take up only 2 feet of space and can go up against a wall. You can grow a variety of plants. And no, you do not need the membership to grow. If you purchase through my Gardyn affiliate link you get 15% off at check out.

Lettuce Grow – The Lettuce Grow is also my favorite. I know, you are like “Whattt?? How???” LOL! Well The LG is my favorite in a spot that has 360 degree of space around it. That is the only drawback. If you put it up against a wall, it takes a bit of work to harvest the plants in the back. But, I have a fix for that! More on that later. you can choose from a big Lettuce Grow Farmstand (customizable from 18-26 plants), or the Lettuce Grow Nook (20 plants). And the big Farmstand can be used outside without lights.

Tower Garden – The Tower Garden is a great unit, but it is my least favorite of the 3. It’s clunky and hard to assemble and disassemble. Unlike the other units you actually need tools! And unlike the other units the proprietary net cups are shaped to fit and snap in, which is good since they will not move. But, bad because you cannot just pop in other 2” net cups that fit the other units in a pinch. This one can also be used outside without lights.

Stacked (Tiered) Units

Growell 54-pod – If you want a system with a lot of planting space that does not take up much room this is a great choice. You can check out my recent unboxing and setup video. There are other very similar models out there, but this is the only one that I have tried so far.

Grow Lights (for DIY Kratky, DWC, or even seed starting)

You do not have to buy a system to get started in hydroponics. It is just the easiest way to get going right out of the box. You can also do Kratky, DWC, or other DIY systems if you are the tinkering type. Kratky is the easiest. Check out my old YouTube Kratky playlist for some getting started tips, and plenty of videos showing what can be done. But, you do this, you need a GOOD grow light, not just the first cheap light that you see on Amazon. Here are 2 good options…

LetPot 60watt Stand Grow Light – These are great because they come with a nice sturdy stand, or you can hang them. I now have 4 of them and use them for houseplants, citrus trees that I brought for winter, and growing veggies. Using my link and code LTG15OFF takes 15% off. 

Viparspectra P700 Hanging Grow Light – These cannot be beat for the price. As long as you have somewhere to hang it, this is a perfect option for all your indoor growing needs.

This is just a bit of information. You can browse this blog, or my YouTube to see some of my videos on hydroponics. No matter how you choose to get started, there are options for most budgets to get you started. If you have any questions please leave a comment below.