Crop-by-Crop Growing Guides

7 Profitable Crops to Grow in Hydroponics

Hydroponics opens the door to fresh, home-grown produce all year round. But not every crop grows the same way! This guide breaks down step-by-step instructions, ideal conditions, troubleshooting tips, harvesting techniques, and bundling and seasonal strategies for 7 popular hydroponic crops:

  • Lettuce

  • Basil

  • Microgreens

  • Spinach

  • Strawberries

  • Tomatoes

  • Kale

Let’s dive into each crop so you can grow confidently—whether for your family or to sell at the market.

1️ Lettuce

Setup & Growing Conditions

Lettuce is the easiest hydroponic crop for beginners. It grows fast, doesn't need much light, and forgives minor mistakes.

  • System Type: NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), DWC (Deep Water Culture), or Kratky

  • pH Range: 5.5 – 6.5

  • EC Range: 0.8 – 1.2

  • Temperature: 15°C – 22°C

  • Light Requirements: Moderate (12–14 hours/day)

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Germinate seeds in a moist paper towel or seedling tray.

  • Transplant seedlings into your system when roots show.

  • Maintain water temperature below 24°C to prevent bolting.

  • Keep airflow gentle—avoid windburn on leaves.

  • Harvest when heads are firm, usually 30–45 days after germination.

Troubleshooting

  • Tipburn? Nutrient imbalance or heat stress—check EC and temperature.

  • Bolting? Reduce light hours and keep temperatures below 22°C.

  • Yellow leaves? Check for nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalances.

Harvesting & Bundling

  • Harvest heads whole or cut individual leaves.

  • Bundle 3–4 heads for farmer's markets.

  • Chill immediately after harvest to preserve freshness.

Seasonal Strategy

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows in autumn through spring in warm climates or year-round indoors.

2️ Basil

Setup & Growing Conditions

Basil loves warmth and light—ideal for hydroponics.

  • System Type: NFT or DWC

  • pH Range: 5.5 – 6.5

  • EC Range: 1.0 – 1.6

  • Temperature: 20°C – 28°C

  • Light Requirements: High (14–16 hours/day)

Step-by-Step Guide

1.     Germinate seeds in a seedling tray with gentle warmth.

2.     Transplant into the system when leaves appear.

3.     Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.

4.     Avoid overcrowding—basil needs airflow.

5.     Harvest when plants reach 15–20cm tall.

Troubleshooting

  • Yellowing leaves? It could be overwatering. Reduce the nutrient solution.

  • Wilting? Check root health, it may be root rot.

  • Spindly plants? Increase light intensity.

Harvesting & Bundling

  • Pinch off leaves from the top—don't cut the main stem.

  • Bundle 3–5 stems for fresh sale.

  • Ideal for weekly market harvests.

Seasonal Strategy

Basil thrives in summer. Indoors, grow it year-round under lights.

3️ Microgreens

Setup & Growing Conditions

Microgreens are fast, high-value crops, perfect for beginners.

  • System Type: Grow trays with a misting system or passive watering.

  • pH Range: 5.5 – 6.0

  • EC Range: 0.5 – 1.0

  • Temperature: 18°C – 24°C

  • Light Requirements: Moderate (12–14 hours/day)

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Pre-soak seeds for 4–8 hours (optional).

  • Spread seeds densely across trays.

  • Mist daily and avoid overwatering.

  • Harvest in 7–14 days when leaves emerge

Troubleshooting

  • Mould growth? Increase airflow and reduce watering.

  • Uneven growth? Check light coverage and seed density.

Harvesting & Bundling

  • Cut above the soil line using scissors.

  • Package in clamshells or small bags.

  • Offer mixed microgreen bundles for variety.

Seasonal Strategy

Microgreens grow year-round indoors, with no seasonal limits!

4️ Spinach

Setup & Growing Conditions

Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and steady nutrients.

  • System Type: NFT, DWC, or Kratky

  • pH Range: 6.0 – 7.0

  • EC Range: 1.8 – 2.3

  • Temperature: 10°C – 20°C

  • Light Requirements: Moderate (10–12 hours/day)

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Germinate seeds in a cool environment—spinach can be slow to sprout.

  • Transplant when roots appear.

  • Keep temps below 24°C to prevent bolting.

  • Harvest 30–45 days after planting.

Troubleshooting

  • Yellow leaves? Check iron levels, spinach is sensitive.

  • Bolting? Reduce temperature and light exposure.

  • Wilting? Ensure proper oxygenation in water.

Harvesting & Bundling

  • Harvest whole plants or cut and come again.

  • Bundle 3–5 bunches for market sale.

  • Store in cool conditions to maintain freshness

Seasonal Strategy

Spinach thrives in cool seasons, ideal for autumn, winter, and spring.

5️ Strawberries

Setup & Growing Conditions

Strawberries are a high-value crop but need attention.

  • System Type: NFT or Vertical Towers

  • pH Range: 5.5 – 6.5

  • EC Range: 1.5 – 2.0

  • Temperature: 18°C – 24°C

  • Light Requirements: High (12–16 hours/day)

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Use bare-root plants or runners; seeds take too long.

  • Plant in vertical towers for space efficiency.

  • Pollinate flowers by hand or with a fan.

  • Harvest 60–90 days after planting.

Troubleshooting

  • Small fruit? May need more potassium or calcium.

  • No fruit? Ensure hand-pollination and proper light.

  • Root rot? Improve drainage and airflow.

Harvesting & Bundling

  • Pick ripe red berries by hand.

  • Sell in 250g punnets or 1kg bulk packs.

  • Strawberries are a great premium market item.

Seasonal Strategy

Strawberries produce best in spring and early summer; use artificial lighting for extended harvests.

6️ Tomatoes

Setup & Growing Conditions

Tomatoes are a rewarding but space-intensive crop.

  • System Type: Dutch Buckets, Drip Systems, or NFT (for small varieties)

  • pH Range: 5.5 – 6.5

  • EC Range: 2.0 – 3.5

  • Temperature: 20°C – 26°C

  • Light Requirements: High (14–18 hours/day)

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Germinate seeds in rockwool cubes or plugs.

  • Transplant when roots show.

  • Provide support (stakes or trellis) for vines.

  • Prune suckers for airflow and energy focus.

  • Harvest when fruits are firm and fully colored.

Troubleshooting

  • Blossom end rot? Calcium deficiency—check pH and nutrient balance.

  • Leaf curl? It could be heat stress—improve airflow.

  • Yellowing? Nutrient deficiencies or overwatering.

Harvesting & Bundling

  • Pick ripe fruits by hand.

  • Offer mixed-size bundles (cherry, salad, heirloom) for variety.

Seasonal Strategy

Tomatoes prefer summer; they grow indoors or in greenhouses year-round.

7️ Kale

Setup & Growing Conditions

Kale is hardy, nutrient-dense, and grows well in hydroponics.

  • System Type: NFT, DWC, or Kratky

  • pH Range: 6.0 – 7.0

  • EC Range: 1.8 – 2.3

  • Temperature: 10°C – 24°C

  • Light Requirements: Moderate to high (12–16 hours/day)

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Start seeds in rockwool or coco coir plugs.

  • Transplant when roots emerge.

  • Maintain cool temps to prevent bitterness.

  • Harvest outer leaves as the plant grows.

Troubleshooting

  • Yellow spots? Check for pests or nutrient deficiencies.

  • Bitter leaves? Harvest younger leaves.

  • Wilting? Check the water flow and oxygen levels.

Harvesting & Bundling

  • Harvest leaf by leaf for ongoing yield.

  • Bundle 5–7 leaves for market sales.

Seasonal Strategy

Kale grows best in cool seasons but can be grown year-round indoors.

Final Tips: Bundling and Seasonal Strategies

🌿 Bundling for Farmers Markets:

  • Offer mixed herb bundles: Basil + Lettuce + Kale.

  • Create salad bundles: Lettuce + Spinach + Tomatoes.

  • Design seasonal packs: Strawberries + Microgreens in spring.

🌿 Seasonal Planning:

  • Warm season: Basil, Strawberries, Tomatoes

  • Cool season: Lettuce, Spinach, Kale.

  • Year-round: Microgreens (indoors), Lettuce (indoors).

🌿 Harvest Fresh, Sell Fast:

  • Chill produce immediately.

  • Label bundles clearly.

  • Share recipes to boost interest.

Start Growing Today!

This crop-by-crop guide gives you the foundation to grow a thriving hydroponics garden. Whether growing for your family or building a small-scale business, these crops are your ticket to success.

Stay tuned for more in-depth tutorials on system design, pest control, and advanced growing techniques—and don't forget to download your Hydroponics Crop Care Chart to keep your growing journey smooth.

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