Hydroponic is a plant cultivation using water as the growing medium. Recently, many people have implemented this method as self-love in an eco-friendly lifestyle. In addition, the method is widely chosen because it is considered easy. 

Moreover, hydroponics can support the economy. A study published by the Indonesian Community Development Journal revealed that hydroponics managed by mothers in Cirebon City has increased the community’s economy and brings hundreds of thousands of profit every harvest time. 

If you want to try this method, but still do not know how to do it, chill out! Read how to grow hydroponic plants for beginners below. You can also utilize used products to be more eco-friendly. 

How to Grow Hydroponic Plants for Beginners

A hydroponic system does not need wide land and can be done using simple equipment. By growing crops hydroponically, you can enjoy fresh vegetables grown by yourself, save money, and utilize various used plastics found around the house.

However, you had better learn more about how to grow hydroponic plants for beginners. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Prepare the Equipment

The first step is preparing the hydroponic equipment. You may need containers, nutrients, and growing media like rockwool or hydrogel. You must also prepare the hydroponic seedlings, such as lettuce or spinach. 

2. Arrange the Hydroponic System

Next, you need to arrange the hydroponic system. There are various systems you can try, but if you are still a beginner, using the wick system is the easiest method. 

Wick hydroponic uses flannels as the wick to absorb the nutrients from the water to the plants. In this system, you can place a seed in a plastic cup with flannel in it. Then, you can put the cup in the container filled with nutritious water. 

3. Place the Seeds

Now that you already have your system, you can begin growing your own hydroponics. You only need to place a seed into the growing media and make sure the position is stable. Then, you can water the plants with enough nutrients. I

It is important to note that the seed’s quality affects your harvest. Thus, make sure to choose the best seedlings for optimal harvests. 

4. Maintain Continuously

Maintenance is the key to success in growing hydroponics because the plants cannot grow optimally without the right care. 

If you use a hydroponic system inside a room, ensure that your plants get direct sunlight for 4–6 hours a day. In addition to lighting, nutrient levels and pH of the solution must be checked regularly to keep them balanced. Ideally, the pH of a hydroponic solution is about 5.5–6.5 to make the plants grow well. 

5. Harvest Time

If all steps are done correctly, your hydroponic plants are ready for harvesting in several weeks. During harvest time, you had better use sharp scissors to prevent damage to the roots. Once harvested, the plants can be consumed directly or sold.

Read also: Here’s How Moms Can Help Save the Earth from the Climate Crisis

Used Goods You Can Use for Hydroponic

To make an affordable and environmentally friendly hydroponic system, you can utilize used products at your home. Here are some goods that you can use:

1. PVC Pipes

PVC pipes are commonly used to grow hydroponic vegetables thanks to their strong and durable shape. Moreover, you can turn these pipes into a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system that allows your plants to get optimal nutrients. 

2. Flannels

Flannel cloth works as a wick in the hydroponic system. Why should it be flannels? This material can absorb and channel water and nutrients to the roots. Because of its high absorption capacity, flannels are good for planting simple hydroponics with a wick system.

In the wick system, you will cut the flannels lengthwise to allow the nutrients to seep into the net pot where the plant roots are. 

Later, the nutrients will be absorbed by the roots based on their need. A wick is necessary for the nutrient solution to flow in the wick system because it is separate and does not overflow the plant roots.

3. Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles are widely used in a hydroponic system. You can cut the bottles to be the growing container in a simple hydroponic system. 

4. Plastic Cups

Aside from plastic bottles, you can also use plastic cups to be a growing container. All you have to do is punch a hole in the bottom of the plastic cup so that the wick comes out and the plant roots can absorb the nutritious water.

Read also: Deriving benefits from household waste

Finally, you already know how to grow hydroponic plants easily and simply. You can invite your friends to manage hydroponic gardens to be more sustainable and fun. 

Are you interested in creative ways of preserving the environment? Join Indonesia Asri! Here, you can learn how to implement a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle!

Indonesia Asri also has many fun activities, one of which is #SiPalingSustainable. You can participate in simple and fun challenges to support a sustainable lifestyle. 

Want to be part of Warga Asri? Register yourself now and start contributing directly to Earth preservation. Visit our website for more information, and let’s maintain the environment for a greener future!

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