On this page, we are checking out the best hydroponic systems for your home. Without further ado, welcome to the modern garden! You can grow any terrestrial plants with hydroponics, efficiently and quickly. Hydroponics is also a rapidly growing technique in the fields of biology research and instruction. If you are interested in finding new and innovative ways to garden indoors, look no further.
We’re going to provide you with all of the information and gear you need to get started on your new hobby. In our first section, we’ll take a look at some of the best hydroponic systems you can purchase to get started quickly. These include all the components you need to create a fully functional hydroponic system.
Best Hydroponic Systems: Comparison Table
All of our picks for the best hydroponic systems are in one easy to browse place in this comparison table. We’ve got them in order of price range – lowest to highest.
If you’re on a smaller screen or smartphone, you probably see an optimized version of the table. Simply click the small green plus signs to view more information about each hydroponic garden such as Cost and Popularity.
| Image | System | Sizes | Pods | Light | Popularity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | TopoLite Grow Tent Hydroponic Growing System | 16″ x 16″ x 48″ ; 20″ x 20″ x 48″ ; 24″ x 24″ x 48″ ; 48″ x 48″ x 80″ | N/A | 300 Watt LED |   |   |
  | PowerGrow Deep Water Culture Hydroponic System | 5 Gallon Buckets (x4, x8) | 4 | Not Included | | |
  | Back to the Roots Hydroponic Garden and Fish Tank | 13.4″ x 13.4″ x 9.5″ | 3 | Not Included | | |
  | AeroGarden Sprout LED System | 5″ x 11″ x 10.5″-15.5″ | 3 | 10 Watt LED | | |
  | Hydrofarm Hydroponic Megagarden System | 22″ x 22″ x 10″ | 16 | Not Included | | |
  | Mr. Stacky Indoor Vertical Hydroponics Tower | 18.5″ x 18.5″ x 49″ | 20 | Not Included | | |
  | Miracle-Gro Aerogarden ULTRA | 17.25″ x 11.25″ x 15″-34″ | 7 | 30 Watt LED | | |
  | Aeroflo 30 Hydroponic System | 2’6″ x 7′ | 21 | Not Included | | |
  | AeroGarden Farm Plus Hydroponic Garden | 36″ x 12″ x 34″ | 24 | 2 x 60 Watt LED | | |
  | Grandma’s Secret Garden | 20″ x 16.5″ x 36″ | 4 | 150 Watt LED | | |
10 Best Hydroponic Systems
Here are the most popular hydroponic systems currently on the market.
Note: Due to heightened demand for home hydroponic systems, many of our favorite options are out of stock. We have added in some links to comparable products, which you can find highlighted throughout our list.
1. TopoLite Grow Tent Hydroponic Growing System
- Size: 16″x16″x48″ ; 20″x20″x48″ ; 24″x24″x48″ ; 48″x48″x80″
- Pods: N/A
- Pump: Not Included
- Light: 300 Watt LED
- Colors: Black
These hydroponic grow tents from Topo Lite are perfect for home growers that want a large space to grow that will be easy to move or take down for storage. These long lifespan tents are made in a few different sizes, and you can buy them with either the full kit (LED light, Filter, etc), or just the tents.
The tents are made out of coal based carbon activated materials, nylon, and mesh that allows breathability and increased air flow. The kit also includes a fan, to help regulate temperature- which is part of why we highly recommend buying the kits instead of just the hydroponic tent itself.
2. PowerGrow Deep Water Culture Hydroponic System
Low Inventory: If this item is out of stock, we suggest checking out Atwater Hydroponics 4-bucket kit as an alternative. Check the Price.
- Size: 5 Gallon Buckets (x4, x8)
- Pods: 4 Full Size Plants
- Pump: 6.5 Watts
- Light: Not Included
- Colors: Black
This is a really cool system that has garnered a lot of attention because of the tech behind it. You get 4 five gallon buckets allowing you to grow 4 distinct plants all at the same time. These 4 growing sites are powered by the DWC hydroponic bubbler system: air pump, airlines, air stones, basket lids, all backed by a 1-year warranty.
You can also upgrade to a system of 4 ten gallon buckets, or 8 buckets. It all depends on how big you want your garden to grow!
3. Back to the Roots Hydroponic Garden and Fish Tank
- Size: 13.4″ x 13.4″ x 9.5″
- Pods: 3
- Pump: Included/Power Not Listed
- Light: Not Included
- Colors: White
People often buy a fish for their child as a “first pet” to help teach responsibility. Why not take that to the next level, and also use that opportunity to teach them how to garden? This self cleaning tank recycles the fish waste as fertilizer for the plants, and the plants in turn clean the water.
Back to the Roots has promised as a company that this system is 100% Guaranteed to Grow, making it the safe choice for beginner gardeners and kids. The microgreen seeds that are included will be ready to go within just 10 days.
4. AeroGarden Sprout LED System
- Size: 5″ x 11″ x 10.5″-15.5″
- Pods: 3
- Pump: Included/Power Not Listed
- Light: 10 Watt LED
- Colors: Black, White, Red, Teal
Get the best advanced hydroponics system in a Garden Unit small enough to fit on your kitchen counter! Available in four different colors, you can grow up to three different plants at once in this unit. The control panel is simple to read and use, and the LED light is 10-watt, meaning that you can grow worry free.
As a bonus, AeroGarden includes a 3-Pod herb seed kit to get you started. Grow Basil, Parsley, and Dill right in your own home. Users report seeing sprouts within the first week of planting!
5. Hydrofarm Hydroponic Megagarden System
- Size: 22″x22″x10″
- Pods: 16
- Pump: Included/Power Not Listed
- Light: Not Included
- Colors: Black, Terracotta
It you are looking for a bulk option, look no further. This hydroponic garden system comes with 15 plastic grow pots to get you going fast. The 7.5 gallon reservoir has a water level indicator and it comes with a submersible pump and timer for automatic flood and drain irrigation.
Also included in this kit are illustrated instructions, seed starter cubes, nutrients, pH test kit, and fired-clay/pebble grow media.
6. Mr. Stacky Indoor Vertical Hydroponics Tower
- Size: 18.5″ x 18.5″ x 49″
- Pods: 20
- Pump: 250 GPH
- Light: Not Included
- Colors: Stone, Black, Terracotta
You’ll find a cool vertical option in the Mr. Stacky Hydroponics Tower. This has a small footprint and will help you save space. It has 6 tiers, so you can grow quite a bit of vegetables, herbs, and fruits with this guy. It comes with an automatic watering mechanism which you can set a timer on to keep things completely hands free.
This hydroponics tower comes with a base reservoir, pressure regulating head, pipes, pump, rotating saucer, and timer.
7. Miracle-Gro Aerogarden ULTRA
- Size: 17.25″x 11.25″x 15″-34″
- Pods: 7
- Pump: Included/Power Not Listed
- Light: 30 Watt
- Colors: Black
The Miracle-Gro Aerogarden Ultra is one of the most popular and best selling hydroponic systems out there. Their saying is ‘advanced hydroponics made simple’. This is arguably the fastest way to get an indoor, soil-less garden up and running in no time.
The kit includes 3 full spectrum CFL grow lights, gourmet herb seed pod kit, an LCD display control panel, and the unit itself. This system boasts the ability to grow plants and herbs 5 times faster than soil grown plants.
8. Aeroflo 30 Hydroponic System
Low Inventory: If this item is out of stock, we suggest checking out WePlant’s Hydronic Racking as an alternative. Check the Price.
- Size: 2’6″ x 7′
- Pods: 21
- Pump: 120 Pump
- Light: Not Included
- Colors: Tan
This is a massive hydroponic system with room for 30 sites, 77 pounds total, and features a 17 gallon reservoir. General Hydroponics is the manufacturer of the Aeroflo 30, and even though it is more expensive than the other options, it is more the price if you plan on doing a lot of hydroponic growing. This is ideal for growing lettuce or basil type plants and other plants up to three or four feet tall.
9. AeroGarden Farm Plus Hydroponic Garden
Low Inventory: If this item is out of stock, we suggest checking out OPCOM Tabletop Farm kit as an alternative. Check the Price.
- Size: 36″ x 12″ x 34″
- Pods: 24
- Pump: Included
- Light: 2 x 60 Watt LED
- Colors: White, Black
Another great option from AeroGarden is the Farm Plus hydroponic system, that comes in both 12″ and 24″ grow heights, as well as two different colors. If you are committed to indoor herb and vegetable gardening, this is a great option for you. The light heights are adjustable to give you maximum light at every stage of the growing process.
Because of its size and sleek appearance, the Farm Plus Hydroponic Garden will make a great addition to your home decor. We promise with this system you’ll never want to buy a store bought salad again. There is a digital control panel as well as a smartphone app for you to be able to keep a close eye on the growth process from start to finish.
10. Grandma’s Secret Garden Hydroponic Grow Box
- Size: 20″ x 16.5″ x 36″
- Pods: 4
- Pump: Included- power unlisted
- Light: 150w LED
- Colors: Black
A well-deserved newcomer to our list of best hydroponic gardens is the cleverly named Grandma’s Secret Garden. This classy looking black cabinet features high powered Mars LED lights, 4 growing pods, and includes everything you need to get started on growing right away.
Though it features a high price, you won’t be needing to buy a lot of extra supplies. Every hydroponic grow system comes with lights, a submersible pump, pots & moss plugs, lockable latches, and nutrients to help your plants thrive.
What is Hydroponics and How Does it Work?
Hydroponics is the craft of growing plants using water and nutrients without the need for soil. Most of the time plants are grown with their roots simply moving down into a nutrient-enriched water. However, some plants need a little support so instead of the roots being left in water alone a non-soil component such as coconut husk, gravel or perlite is provided into which the plants roots grow and spread.
In hydroponics, these soil delegates are called growing mediums. Hydroponics is growing in popularity because it means that any plant can be grown anywhere. All you need to do is to create the correct temperature and give the plant the sun or shade that it needs.
Virtually any plant can be grown using hydroponics because the plant only needs nutrients and water to grow. In nature soil merely acts as a sponge that holds or suspends nutrients within its structure. Plants do not need the soil itself to grow just the nutrients suspended within it.
Start By Studying
Research is the important thing to using the best hydroponic kit properly. Start with looking into the nutrient ratios and normal sizes of the chosen plants. By an example, tomatoes have to have a 13 to 18 percent nutrient concentration. Many varieties will certainly grow to 3 feet or more in height before setting out fruit.
Seeking to grow tomatoes in a hydroponic grow system that has only six inches of space between the rack and the lights undoubtedly will not work. Get a home best hydroponic system that permits the lights to be moved up and down in the various parts of the growing cycle. It pretty much goes without saying that you’ll want to find a company that provides the widest range of relevant products.
Another powerful reason people employ hydroponics is that it can produce very healthy and large plants. Using hydroponics all of the plants being grown can be fed whatever you want to give them whenever you want to give it to them. Meaning it is possible to meet exactly the plants needs at any point, provided you feed the plants correctly throughout the growing process you can produce totally healthy plants 100% of the time. There are no failed harvests; no rotten fruit and the plants are as nutritionally rich as possible.
Find The Right Equipment
The right hydroponics supplies will offer an extensive selection of hydroponic and indoor growing equipment and other products, including hydroponic, grow lights, hydroponic systems, plant nutrients and additives and grow tents, in short, anything and everything that you could require growing your favorite plants successfully.
For more detailed information you can check out the Wikipedia page on hydroponics.
Types of Hydroponic Systems
A home hydroponics system tends to use some non-soil medium to support the roots of the plant. With regards to easy growing, the ideal hydroponic system uses something fairly porous or loose. This enables the gardener to plant seeds directly into the racks rather than attempting to transfer a plant once it has sprouted.
Good soil-free mediums consist of peat moss, porous clay pellets, rock wool and inorganic foam. Rock wool is a unique material that is made by heating rocks until they melt, after that stretching and spinning the material into a fine thread. Nests of rock wool give plants a good amount of openings as a way to anchor their roots in.
Water Culture
The water culture hydroponic system growing is the most basic of all best hydroponic systems. With this method, you place your plants on Styrofoam platforms that float on the surface of the water rich in nutrient. The roots are submerged in the nutrient, so an air pump is required to provide oxygen. The water culture method works good for growing lettuce, but unfortunately, it is usually not effective for growing larger plants.
Flow and Ebb
One of the best hydroponic systems is the flow and ebb method. It is usually cost-effective and usually easy to set up. With the ebb and flow system, you put your plants in pots, which you then put into flood trays. The trays are filled with nutrient-rich water that has been pumped up from the storage. The water and nutrients then travel up through the pots and in the roots of the plants.
After the plants have immersed for a certain amount of time, the water is then drained back into the storage. This enables your plants to oxygenate and dry before the next round of flooding. The flow and ebb system recycles water and, therefore, is more efficient than most other systems. It is also a good option and a pretty low-maintenance for beginners.
Wick
Wick method is another hydroponic system which is simple. It is similar to flow and ebb, but it doesn’t reuse water, and it is not capable of sustaining plants that require a lot of water. In a wick hydroponic system, the roots of the plants are always submerged in nutrient-water. To oxygenate the plants, a special air stone pump is usually needed.
Drip
The drip system is probably the most frequent method used in the hydroponic system. Drip systems are very efficient. A timed tap sends the required amount of nutrient solution and drops it at the base of each of your plants. The system needs less maintenance, but it usually does need precision. You have to monitor carefully your plants and time when to do watering cycles to make sure that they are receiving enough nutrients.
How to Get Started: 5 Steps to Setting Up the Best Hydroponics System
With just a little research and patience anyone can grow plants using hydroponics. All you need is the right equipment and a little space. You can even get started with hydroponics with a bucket, a few seeds, and some water. However, the key to growing healthy plants is the right balance of nutrients, so ideally you need some hydroponics fertilizer to ensure the plants you keep in the bucket are getting the right balance of nutrients tap water alone does not always contain enough nutrients.
But before starting, it is important that you learn about hydroponics as much as you can. Hydroponics could be a complex growing method, and having enough knowledge before you start will make the entire process more enjoyable and a lot easier.
1. Cuttings or Seeds?
Are you going to use seeds or cuttings? This is the first decision you’ll have to make. Seeds are readily available and low-cost. However, they grow slowly and don’t always produce healthy plants. With cuttings on the other hands, results are more consistent compared to that of seeds. But they could also be susceptible to disease due to lack of diversity.
If one cutting develops a disease, most likely it will spread to the rest of the cuttings. Sometimes it’s best to try both. Discover which method works best in your hydroponics garden.
2. Decide on Your Target Yield
The yield is also of the highest quality and standards when you follow the hydroponics techniques, in your garden. The organic yield does not contain any pests as in the case of inorganic farming which is done in the conventional farming techniques as such.
Hydroponic system types are also of a different kind. Make sure that you understand the good benefits of the best hydroponic nutrients that are going to give the plants the best nutrients with a great deal ease. Then you can pay the money which is completely worth in doing so.
The pesticides that you are using and the insecticides and the harmful chemicals are sucked in by the plants along with the nutrients from the soil, and it is causing adverse effects on the people who consume these type of fruits and vegetable as such.
Make sure that the benefits of hydroponics systems are understood in the best possible manner so that you can start to buy the needed accessories right now ahead of the implementation of the tasks to total perfection. Ideally, the hydroponic system types are of a wide variety as such.
3. Get the Right Equipment
Learn about the different types of hydroponic systems and then decide which technique you’d like to set up.
Are you willing to spend more money to have a hydroponic system that will deliver greater yields? How much time and effort are you willing to spend on your hydroponic garden? The hydroponic system you choose will dictate the type of equipment you have to purchase.
Proper lighting is important to the success of your hydroponic garden. You won’t be able to get the results you expect if you use standard incandescent lights. Invest in HID or high-intensity discharge lights, and you’ll notice that your plants are sprouting up a lot faster than you expect.
4. Control the Growing Environment
One of the primary advantages of hydroponic gardening is that you have full control over the growing environment. Capitalize on this. Know what humidity levels and temperatures are best for the crops you’d like to grow. Learn how to improve carbon dioxide levels in your growing room and other aspects related to air flow or ventilation.
Also, know whether or not your growing environment is susceptible to pests and insects. When a gardener plants vegetables or flowers in the ground, the plants absorb the nutrients they need from the water they take in from the soil.
The soil holds the nutrients, but it also disrupts with the absorption rate of the plants. The most effective hydroponic system uses no soil. This permits the gardener to control entirely some nutrients fed to their plants. Also, it enhances the absorption rate, letting all plants grow quickly. Hydroponic plants usually mature faster and stay healthier.
5. The Internet
It’s a portal for such an astonishing range of products and services, so why shouldn’t you use it to find great deals on hydroponics, too? Any hydroponics retailer that is even worth bothering with will have an online presence of some form, and what’s more, the Internet makes it easy to find such companies, simply by typing ‘hydroponics’ into a search engine such as Google.
You should look for an online hydroponics store that combines an incredibly comprehensive range with the very highest standard of customer service. Such a firm should have prominently placed contact details on its website, and should also offer a wide variety of payment methods to ensure that you never need to search for another online hydroponics store.
Once you’ve gained enough knowledge about hydroponics and hydroponic gardening and you feel you’re ready to start, make sure you don’t forget just to have fun. Though it needs a lot of labor hours, hydroponic gardening is truly enjoyable to a person with a green thumb. There is joy in watching your plants grow from seeds into healthy, productive crops. True, hydroponic gardening involves very careful measuring of hydroponic nutrients but seeing the results makes you appreciate this art of growing more.
Other Tips to Engineering the Best Hydroponics System
Many growing mediums for a home hydroponics system let the nutrient-filled water flood the roots evenly. This is how the nutrients will be delivered to the plants. Feeding the plants at the proper time and with the right mixture of nutrients will allow them to grow without the threat of over and under watering or disease.
Only a few plants require the same feeding schedules, but a majority use the basic hydroponic nutrient blend. The concentration of the nutrient mix in the water is exactly what deviates between plant species the most. The incorrect concentration could burn the roots of the plants and kill them.
Growing of plants using the hydroponic systems is becoming an increasingly common practice among most gardeners. There are many advantages to using hydroponics over the ancient soil-based growing system. Less water is used, it takes less time to grow plants, and you will get high yields from the plant. There are some different ways of growing the plants using hydroponics systems, and each way comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages.
Plenty of advantages and positive results can be achieved when you can efficiently cultivate a range of hydroponic plants. Hence, see to it that you know precisely what needs to be implemented and also those habits that you better refrain from doing. Unsurprisingly, some people continue to do some things which are detrimental to their plants or system without them recognizing it. So for a more successful endeavor, gather more information about the proper treatment and maintenance of hydroponic plants.