What Can You Grow in a Hydroponic Tower?

Hydroponics towers are transforming small-scale farming and urban gardening by providing an effective and sustainable way to raise fresh vegetables all year round. These vertical gardening systems are perfect for both inexperienced and experienced gardeners since they not only make the most of limited space but also use less water and don't require soil.

To maximize yields and guarantee a successful harvest, it is essential to know what to plant in a hydroponic tower. Because of the regulated atmosphere and nutrient-rich water, leafy greens, herbs, and some fruits flourish in these systems.

In order to help you create a thriving vertical garden, we'll examine the top plants for hydroponic towers in this article, taking into account things like growth patterns, nutritional demands, and light requirements.

Leafy Greens to Grow Hydroponically

Lettuce

This is one of the easiest plants to cultivate in a hydroponic tower. Although hydroponic lettuce may be produced without soil, the plants still need a growth medium. Rockwool cubes, perlite, coconut coir, and other inert medium that promote enough root aeration are popular choices. The ideal pH range for lettuce growth is usually between 5.5 and 6.5. Plants require 14–16 hours of light each day, enough oxygenation, and optimal daytime and nighttime air temperatures of 68–75°F (20–24°C). Nitrogen, calcium, and potassium are important nutrients to pay attention to.

Kale

Keep your hydroponic tower garden between 60–75°F (16–24°C) in order to cultivate nutritious kale. Kale has a wide spectrum of electrical conductivity. As a result, it is less vulnerable to changes in nutrient levels making them a very forgiving plant to grow. The EC should be between 1.6 and 2.5 for the kale plants to develop as best they can. For optimal plant development, the pH of the fertilizer solution should be between 5.5 and 6.5. For your hydroponic farm, you need to include an appropriate grow light. For artificial illumination, a mix of infrared and green light can also be very beneficial. Young kale can be harvested 20 to 30 days after transplanting. However, harvesting fully grown kale can take two months or more. Growing time relies on the type of kale and the growing environment.

Spinach

It might take seven to twenty-one days for spinach to sprout. Spinach is a cool-weather crop that thrives in temperatures between 65–70°F (18–21°C) during the day and between 60–65°F (16–18°C) at night. After spinach seedlings are moved into the hydroponic system, you can begin their nutrient regimen. Commercial growers advise starting with a lesser hydroponic fertilizer solution (about ¼ strength) and progressively increasing the strength. When growing spinach hydroponically, keep 12 hours of light every day for best development. Blue light is ideal for hydroponic spinach production because it encourages leaf development.

Cabbage

Hydroponic cabbage prefers a pH in the upper range of 5.5–6.5, more like 6.0–6.5, with 12–16 hours of light per day. Make sure the system has enough room and support for the huge plants and their root systems, and keep the temperature between 60–70°F (15–21°C). Provide light for 12 to 16 hours per day, preferably from a full-spectrum LED grow lamp. To keep the plant from breaking, use a system that can sustain the weight of the developing cabbage heads. Given their capacity and strong build, the ALTO Garden GX Garden Tower can be a smart choice to grow cabbage.

Arugula

Arugula (Eruca sativa), often known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy green that grows quickly and is prized for its somewhat nutty, peppery flavor. Arugula seeds should first germinate for seven to ten days in a cool place (around 65°F). In a seedling tray, use a grow media such as coco coir or rockwool. Once sprouted, give arugula 12 to 14 hours of light every day. Strong growth is best supported by LED grow lights with a balanced spectrum. To replicate the chilly weather that arugula like, keep the temperature between 60–70°F (15–21°C). Keep plants healthy and productive by regularly checking the pH of the water and making necessary adjustments to nutritional solutions.

Herbs to Grow Hydroponically

Basil

Growing basil requires high-quality hydroponic plant nutrients with the appropriate levels of calcium, nitrogen, and potassium. A robust harvest is also encouraged by regular trimming and appropriate humidity levels (below 60%). Make sure your basil plants receive 14–16 hours of full-spectrum light every day to increase leaf output and oil content. If natural light is scarce, LED grow lights can be useful. In only a few weeks, you may enjoy full, delicious basil leaves with the proper arrangement.

Cilantro

Cilantro germinates readily and swiftly. In seven to ten days, it can be prepared for transplantation into your hydroponic system. To promote lateral development, place cilantro seedlings 8 to 10 inches apart. Growing cilantro requires 12 hours of light and grow room temperatures should be maintained at or below 75°F because the plant is prone to bolting in the summer. The plant will produce for a longer period of time before bolting if you can keep it colder.  About 50 days after planting, or when the plant is 5 to 6 inches tall, cilantro is ready to pick. To extend the plant's life and yield, cilantro can be partially picked and pruned as well.

Chives

Chives are an excellent "cut-and-come-again" crop that can be cut several times on the same tower. Although they don't require as much light as many other plants, more light will usually yield the fastest development. Healthy nutritional levels, between 1.8 and 2.4 EC, are preferred by chives. For best development, maintain a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. In four to five weeks, chives are usually ready to harvest. They will be ready to cut when they resemble big, thick, robust grass blades. Your chives will grow back rapidly if you cut them about an inch from the bottom.

Oregano

Oregano is another herb with tiny seeds, so be cautious not to lose them when you begin planting.   It may take 1-3 weeks for these seeds to germinate, so be patient. It will be perfectly content with as little as 12 or as much as 16 hours of light every day. Your oregano loves a pH range on the higher side, between 6.0 to 6.8. It will be easy to cultivate them with your other hydroponic plants. It takes 4-6 weeks from the moment your plants sprout before you can harvest modest amounts of oregano. And, after a few months, your oregano should be flourishing, allowing you to pick more regularly.

Thyme

For thyme seeds to germinate, use an appropriate hydroponic growth media. Rockwool cubes, coconut coir, or a soilless seed-starting mixture like coco peat are typical choices. On the prepared growth medium, carefully plant the thyme seeds. Because thyme seeds are small, try your best to equally distribute them. Make sure there is good seed-to-medium contact by gently pressing the seeds into the medium with your fingers or a utensil. To promote germination, keep the temperature steady between 70–75°F (21–24°C). The perfect temperature may be achieved by using a seedling heat pad. Thyme germinates well in darkness so light is not necessary. During this phase, you can keep them in a low-light or dark environment until they sprout.

Final Thoughts

Growing plants in a hydroponics tower opens up a world of opportunities. The diversity is astounding, ranging from delicious fruits and fragrant herbs to lush green veggies. All year long, you'll benefit from increased yields and nutrient-rich vegetables.  Your tower garden will thrive and provide both beauty and abundance with proper maintenance. Adopt this cutting-edge gardening technique for a productive and satisfying experience.