GreenAge

WHAT CAN YOU GROW HYDROPONICALLY IN A NFT CHANNEL SYSTEM  ?

People ask frequently, “ what can I grow hydroponically? The answer is really quite simple: You can grow a large variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs hydroponically, with the exception of mushrooms that are a fungi. Following is a listing of many plants that grow well in hydroponic systems,

HERBS

Many herbs will grow very well in a hydroponic setting. Some that do the best include anise, basil, catnip, chamomile, chervil, chives, cilantro, coriander, dill, fennel, lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme

ANISE

Anise is a feathery annual that grows from 1 to 2 feet high, has finely cut serrated leaves and very small, whitish flowers in flat clusters. Both the leaves and seeds have a warm, sweet licorice taste. It grows rapidly from seed and should be planted after all danger of frost has passed. Anise leaves can be used in salads and as a garnish; the seeds flavor confections such as cakes and cookies.

BASIL

In a protected environment, growing basil can be accomplished throughout the year. Once mature, it can be harvested and trimmed weekly. It responds extremely well to hydroponic growing

CANNABIS

A psychoactive herb derived from the flowering tops of hemp plants. Cannabis is controlled under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. It is also called bhang, ganja, grass, hashish, marijuana, pot, reefer, tea, and weed. It thrives and grows to a more vigorous plant in a hydroponic system.

CATNIP

It grows well in hydroponics in full sun or partial shade. It is a perennial herb of the mint family that will grow from 3-5 feet tall. It is easily propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or rootball division. Seed should be sown late in fall or early in the spring. Sow in plugs or seeds 12 to 15 weeks before sale. Seeds to finished plugs, 8 to 10 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 3 to 5 weeks. 

CILANTRO

Cilantro (a relative of parsley) is a very successful hydroponic herb...it tolerates various pH conditions and lower light conditions. It requires little maintenance and reaches harvest stage within six weeks. It must be regularly trimmed or it will go to seed.

CHERVIL

Chervil is a low light cool temperature crop. At temperatures above 70-75 F the plant will grow slowly and bolt to flower at an early age. Cool roots are critical to ensure good growth. Unless shade and special cooling is used, chervil is difficult to grow in the summer. Growing time to harvest is 4 weeks. It is the perfect winter crop. Best grown under low lights.

CHIVES

Chives (a relative of the onion family) require little space and produce a continuous supply of seasoning for salads, and main dishes. Plants are hardy, tolerate a variety of growing conditions, are very aromatic and coveted by gourmet cooks.

CHAMOMILE

It grows well in soilless culture. It is used to make chamomile tea and possesses a number of medicinal qualities. Chamomile grown outdoors prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. From seeds to finished plugs, 6 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 4 to 6 weeks.

CORIANDER

Cilantro is a parsley-type herb. When grown for leaves only, it is called cilantro but if allowed to continue growing to seed, it becomes what is called coriander. Coriander requires cool temperatures or it will bolt. Coriander grows best in full sun. Only the immature leaves are sold. (The mature "feathery” leaves that precedeolting are not desirable.)

DILL

Dill is a flavorful addition for hydroponic herb gardens and it produces new growth when harvested. Replacing spent plants with new seedlings every three to four weeks will insure a constant supply of dill.

FENNEL

Fennel is a perennial (but usually grown as an annual) that grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall. The leaves are finely divided into thread-like segments and are light green and resemble Dill. It grows easily from seed planted in spring and grows best in full sun. Tender flower stalks just before they blossom are best for eating. Fennel seeds are used as a condiment. The leaves have an anise-like flavor and the stems can be eaten like celery. Seeds can be used in cheese spreads and vegetable dishes. 

LAVENDER

Common name for a genus of fragrant herbs or shrubs that is grown as a decorative plant in the garden and for its sweet scent when dried. The dried flowers are used to fill sachets and to perfume clothing or linens. Commercially they, and the green parts, are used for making "oil of spike, " aromatic vinegar, and lavender water. Sow seeds 20 to 26 weeks before sale; seeds to finished plugs, 12 to 16 weeks; plugs to saleable plant, 8 to 10 weeks

MARJORAM

A perennial herb usually grown as an annual for its fragrant foliage used to flavor dressings and meat dishes. It thrives in full sun. Since the seed is very small, it is best sown in flats in the greenhouse and the seedlings transplanted outside after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds to finished plugs, 6 weeks; plugs to saleable plant, 2 to 4 weeks. 

MINT

Though they are usually grown on land, most mints are actually aquatic or semi-aquatic plants, doing their best in shallow water at the edges of ponds and streams. One of its adaptations to water is to spread by stolons that move out along the top of the soil or just under the surface. Spearmint, peppermint, and orange mint are three examples of mints that grow best in or close to water. Mint grown in water tends to have bigger, more lush foliage than land-grown mint, so it is ideal in hydroponic gardens

OREGANO(WILD MARJORAM)

Oregano is a hardy perennial that has sprawling stems that can grow to 2 feet tall. It has small pink or white flowers. Oregano can be propagated by seed or division. Stimulate foliage by cutting back flowers. Oregano leaves are used extensively as a flavoring on pizza, or sprinkled over lamb. Used generously in italian-type sauces. 

PARSLEY

Parsley is an herb well suited for hydroponic growing. Since it has a long tap root, the hydroponic container should be at least 12 inches deep for the best results

ROSEMARY

A hardy evergreen sub-shrub grown mainly for its aromatic leaves that are used in culinary seasoning and yield an oil once used in medicine. Small light blue flowers are borne in April or May. The foliage is white and woolly on the under side and dark and shiny above. Plants can grow to a height of 6 feet and last for years but need protection from the cold.

SAGE

Common name for the hardy subshrub that is extensively grown for seasoning dressings used with rich meats, and for flavoring sausages and cheese. In hydroponics, it can be grown from seeds protected from cold and it prefers full sun. As the plants often exceed 3 feet in diameter, they should be grown at least that far apart. Sage leaves should be harvested prior to blooming and dried in a well ventilated room on screens or in a commercial dryer, away from direct sunlight and then store in airtight containers. 

TARRAGON

A perennial herb the leaves of which are used for seasoning, especially vinegar. Tarragon grows to two or three feet tall and likes moderate sun, preferring some shade during the hottest part of the day. Tarragon, during growth, seems to have little aroma; yet after the leaves or tops are harvested, the oils concentrate and start emitting their unique tarragon sweet smell. Plugs to saleable plants, 7 weeks

THYME

A plant of the mint family long cultivated and valued as a sweet herb. It has small lavender or pink flowers and is grown as a border plant, for ornament, or as an herb to be used for seasoning. Thyme should be planted in early spring. It is very hardy and will grow under most conditions. It prefers full sun. Thyme requires minimal fertilization when grown in a hydroponic system. Sow in plugs 12 to 14 weeks before sale. Seeds to finished plugs, 6 to 8 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 4 to 6 weeks

WATERCRESS

Low growing and trailing European perennial, a member of the mustard family. It is easily grown from seed. Its natural season is from mid-autumn until spring. After its flower buds appear the leaves become too rank in flavor to be edible. It is also easily grown indoors in a hydroponic system. Start plants with seed by sowing lightly in pots filled with a medium. Watercress has many culinary, decorative, and medicinal uses.