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Hydroponics at Home – A Complete Guide for Beginners and Growing Enthusiasts | Herbova Academy

Hydroponics is a modern, soil-free and efficient way to grow herbs, salads and vegetables indoors. It is especially well suited to Finnish conditions, where the winter months are dark and the outdoor growing season is short. When done correctly, hydroponic growing is clean, controlled and often easier to manage than traditional soil-based growing.

This is Herbova Academy’s most comprehensive guide to hydroponics. We go through everything you need to know: what hydroponics is, why it works biologically, what you need to get started, how germination works, how nutrients are used, the most common mistakes and how to improve your chances of success from the beginning.

Table of contents

1. What is hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a growing method where plants are grown without soil. Instead, the roots receive the water and nutrients they need from a nutrient solution. The roots can be directly in water or in a porous growing medium such as rockwool.

Many people are surprised to learn that plants do not actually need soil itself. They need:

  • Water
  • Nutrients and minerals
  • Oxygen for the roots
  • Light for the leaves

In nature, soil acts as a storage system for water and nutrients. In hydroponics, this is managed in a more controlled way.

2. Why does hydroponics work biologically?

Plant roots absorb nutrients as dissolved ions in water. This means that a plant does not “eat soil” – it takes up minerals such as nitrogen, potassium and magnesium from water.

In hydroponic growing, the nutrients are already dissolved in the water, so the plant does not need to search for them in the soil. This can make growth faster and more efficient when the conditions are right.

The root system also needs oxygen. In a well-designed hydroponic system, the roots receive both water and oxygen, which helps support healthy growth.

3. Benefits of hydroponics compared with soil

  • No soil mess indoors
  • Fewer soil-based pests
  • More even watering
  • Potential for faster growth
  • Possibility to grow indoors throughout the year
  • Efficient use of water

Hydroponics can be a clean and practical option, especially in kitchens and small indoor spaces.

4. Different hydroponic methods

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

The roots hang in a nutrient solution. This is one of the simplest and most efficient hydroponic methods.

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)

A thin flow of nutrient solution continuously passes by the roots.

Wick system / passive hydroponics

Moisture moves into the growing medium through capillary action without a pump.

Smart indoor gardens

Devices such as Bosch SmartGrow and similar indoor gardens combine light, water and timing in an automated system.

5. What do you need to get started?

  • A hydroponic device or growing system
  • A growing medium, such as a rockwool grow capsule
  • Seeds
  • Nutrient solution
  • Light, if it is not built into the system

A ready-made starter kit makes the first growing experience easier.

6. Germination in hydroponics – step by step

  1. Place the grow capsule in the device or system.
  2. Sow the seeds according to the recommended amount for the plant variety.
  3. Keep the capsule evenly moist.
  4. Keep the temperature warm and stable, often around 20–24 °C for many herbs and leafy greens.
  5. Provide light once the first seed leaves appear.

One of the most common mistakes is letting the capsule dry out during the first few days.

7. Light in hydroponics

Most herbs benefit from 12–16 hours of bright light per day. During winter, additional grow light is often very helpful or even necessary indoors.

  • Too little light → weak and stretched seedlings
  • Too much heat → stress for the plant
  • No dark period → weaker growth rhythm

8. Nutrients and water quality

A hydroponic nutrient solution contains important minerals for plant growth:

  • Nitrogen for leafy growth
  • Phosphorus for root development
  • Potassium for overall plant growth
  • Calcium, magnesium and trace elements

Start with a mild nutrient solution and increase the strength gradually as the plant grows, always following the product instructions.

9. Temperature and humidity

  • A good temperature for many herbs is around 20–24 °C
  • Temperatures below 18 °C can slow down growth
  • Air humidity of around 40–60% is a good balance for many indoor growing situations

10. Best plants for beginners

  • Basil
  • Leaf lettuce
  • Parsley
  • Coriander
  • Rocket
  • Mint
  • Chives
  • Marjoram
  • Spinach
  • Chilli, which is slightly more demanding

11. Hydroponics in Finland during winter

The main challenges in winter are:

  • Low natural light
  • Cold windowsills
  • Dry indoor air

The solution is to use sufficient grow light, keep the temperature stable and avoid cold draughts.

12. Common mistakes

  • Too little light
  • Too much nutrient solution
  • A growing environment that is too cold
  • No dark period
  • Roots not getting enough oxygen

13. Frequently asked questions

Is hydroponic growing healthy?

Yes. Plants receive minerals from the nutrient solution in a similar way to how they receive minerals from soil.

Do plants need sunlight?

Not necessarily, if you use a suitable LED grow light.

How often should the water be changed?

Usually every 1–3 weeks, depending on the system, plant type and nutrient use.

Does hydroponic growing smell?

No, not when the system is working correctly and the root system stays healthy.

14. Where to go from here?

Next steps:

Hydroponics makes home growing more controlled and predictable. Once you understand the basic principles – light, nutrients and oxygen for the roots – you have a much better chance of succeeding.

Explore Herbova’s starter kits and start your own indoor garden today.

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