Hydroponics:

Hydroponics is a modern method of growing plants without using traditional soil. Instead, plants are cultivated in nutrient-rich water, which provides all the essential nutrients needed for growth.

This project caught my attention after seeing people online grow vegetables using this unconventional method. It brought back memories of my childhood when my parents and I used to grow vegetables in our backyard. Although those days are long past, I enjoyed the experience so much that I didn’t hesitate to try gardening again—this time using hydroponics. The idea of growing plants in water rather than soil was intriguing. Moreover, it made practical sense: it’s cheaper to grow your own produce, it’s healthier, and the vegetables are organic, making them better for our bodies. Additionally, my mom has always loved growing flowers, and I thought this project would resonate with her interests, despite being a bit different. Unlike some of my other projects, hydroponics requires more responsibility and maintenance, which made it even more appealing as a challenge.

With hydroponics, the possibilities for what can be grown are almost limitless, except for crops with long roots, grains, or plants that require a lot of soil or specific weather conditions. For our household, we primarily grew lettuce because it’s a staple in our daily meals. We also experimented with other vegetables, though the results varied depending on the weather and the careful monitoring of nutrient levels. On average, it takes about 1~2 months for harvest in this system.

We originally received a small hydroponic growing system from a family friend. It worked fine for growing lettuce, but its limited space made it challenging to grow anything else. So, we decided to design and build our own system. Inspired by what we saw online, we opted for a vertical tower system, which better suited our available space. However, as we gained more experience, we found that the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system seemed more effective and less troublesome for our needs.

Lettuce, in particular, is an excellent crop for beginners. It grows quickly, requires minimal effort, and delivers consistent results, making it the perfect starting point for anyone exploring hydroponics.

Vertical Tower:

NFT:

Summary:

Hydroponics offers valuable lessons in efficiency, adaptability, and systems thinking, demonstrating how plants can thrive with minimal water and space. It fosters patience, problem-solving, and responsibility, while providing hands-on experience in sustainability and self-sufficiency. This innovative approach encourages experimentation, learning from mistakes, and a deeper appreciation for nature and food systems. Through hydroponics, I learned to utilize limited resources and space effectively, discovering an alternative and sustainable way to grow vegetables without soil.