Click & Grow Energy-Efficient Nursery Herb Hydroponic System, 3-Pod

Hydroponics is the science of growing plants with a growing medium other than soil, water and nutrients. The medium can be vermiculite, perlite, coconut coir or other natural materials.

Believe it or not, hydroponic plants often grow 20% faster than those grown in soil, with higher yields. This is because there are fewer barriers between the plants’ roots and the water, nutrients and oxygen that they need to thrive.

Indoor hydroponic garden systems have become quite popular amongst consumers. These often can use LED lights, which are efficient and do not emit as much heat as other types of bulbs.

Some of these gardens also employ so-called smart technology, so little effort is needed to keep the plants growing after the initial set up. You can find systems that pump the water and nutrients and adjust the light and oxygen levels for you. Other indoor gardens do even more.

The systems are not inexpensive, but the initial investment can really pay off once the garden is in bloom. They are semi-permanent fixtures (though they can be moved), so you will need to allow some space for them in your kitchen or wherever else you want them to be located.

First-timers can start out with a smaller hydroponic garden, as some accommodate fewer growing pods. Some of these systems are expandable, so look for that feature if it interests you.

If you are on the fence about getting an indoor hydroponic garden, here are some more reasons to jump on board. Aside from the faster growth rates, these gardens allow you to grow plants throughout the year instead of only in the spring and summer. In addition, you don’t have to deal with the dirt, insects and fungal infestations that come from growing plants in soil.

• When shopping, look for the garden’s exact dimensions and compare that to the space you have available. Plan for extra height if you want to grow taller plants.
• Some hydroponic gardens may have timers or reminders to tell you when the plants need to be watered or fed. This is a helpful feature.
• Certain indoor gardens are easier to set up than others, so see if you can find online instructions before buying.
• If you want to go all out, some of the systems have voice assistants that you can control through Google Assistant or Alexa. You will have to cough up more money for these, though.