guide · Beginner
Your first hydroponic grow
A measured path from clean water and a simple system to a first leafy harvest.
Key takeaways
- Start with one forgiving crop and a small reservoir.
- Measure water before adding nutrients.
- Change one variable at a time.
Choose a manageable first crop
Leaf lettuce or basil makes a practical first crop: both stay compact and reveal problems quickly. Start with a small deep-water culture or passive Kratky setup rather than automating every task.
Prepare the system
Wash food-contact surfaces, check for leaks, and keep light away from the nutrient solution. Record the source-water EC before mixing fertilizer. Follow the fertilizer label rather than combining concentrates directly.
Before you start: A calibrated pH meter and a written log are more useful than a box of additives.
Establish a routine
Inspect roots, leaves, water level, temperature, pH, and EC on a regular schedule. Trends matter more than one isolated reading. Replace or correct solution gradually, then record what changed.