How to Start a Hydroponic Garden Inside a Spare Closet, Bedroom, or Basement

If you've always dreamed of growing your own fresh vegetables and herbs but don't have access to a traditional outdoor garden, or simply want to grow plants year-round, hydroponics might be the perfect solution for you. Hydroponic gardening allows you to cultivate plants indoors without soil, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. In this guide, we will show you how to start a hydroponic garden inside a spare closet, bedroom, or basement.

Step 1: Plan and Prepare Your Space

Before you begin, it's crucial to assess your chosen space and prepare it for your hydroponic garden. Here are some important considerations:

1. Space: Ensure your chosen area has enough space for your hydroponic setup. A spare closet, bedroom, or basement can work well, provided it has adequate ventilation and access to electricity.

2. Lighting: Hydroponic plants require adequate light for photosynthesis. You'll need to install grow lights to provide the necessary spectrum of light for plant growth. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and commonly used for hydroponics.

   With the magnitude of products and information available tailored towards hydroponics. We recommend products that are entry level and low costs.

3. Ventilation: Proper air circulation is vital to prevent mold and mildew. Consider installing an exhaust fan and a carbon filter to control odor. In this case, we were mindful to leave the door open with an oscillating fan to simulate wind.

4. Electricity: Ensure there are enough electrical outlets to power your grow lights and other equipment. Consider a surge protector to keep your setup safe.

Step 2: Choose Your Hydroponic System

There are various hydroponic systems to choose from, each with its own advantages and requirements. Some popular options for small indoor spaces include:

1. Deep Water Culture (DWC): In this system, plants grow in a nutrient-rich water solution with their roots suspended in the liquid. You'll need air pumps to provide oxygen to the roots.

2. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): NFT systems involve a constant flow of a thin film of nutrient solution over the plant roots, which are exposed to the air.

3. Drip System: This system delivers nutrient solution to the plants through a network of tubes and pipes, allowing for precise control over water and nutrient delivery.

4. Wick System: The simplest of all, wick systems use a wick to draw nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants' roots.

Choose a system that suits your available space, budget, and personal preferences. The HIsource 6 Slot Aeroponic System combines the best of Aeroponics and DWC in a compact containerized system. We successfully converted a 10x5 closet into a growing area for less than $250!

Step 3: Gather Necessary Equipment

To set up your hydroponic garden, you'll need the following equipment:

1. Grow lights

2. Hydroponic containers or trays

3. Nutrient solution

4. pH testing kit

5. Air pumps and air stones (for DWC)

6. Growing medium (such as clay pellets, coco coir, or rock wool)

7. Water reservoir

8. Timers for controlling lights and nutrient delivery

9. Thermometer and hygrometer

10. pH adjustment chemicals

For our closet build the only additional equipment we needed was Grow Lights, nutrient solution, and trellis net. We repurposed the coat rack to keep the system off the ground, better manage the pump and cabling as well as enable the trellis for vining tomatoes. The products we used can be found in our Recommended Products section.

Keeping the build cheap and flexible we opted for the adjustable “pixar” lamp with a smart bulb. The smart bulb when placed 6 inches from plants generates 1000+ PPFD. Upgrading to a true grow light would be easy to assemble along the coat rack. Additionally, we would have been able to sustain all 6 planting slots.

Step 4: Start Growing Your Plants

Now that you've prepared your space, chosen a hydroponic system, and gathered your equipment, it's time to start growing your plants. Here's a basic process to follow:

1. Plant your chosen seeds or seedlings in the growing medium within the hydroponic containers.

2. Set up your grow lights at the appropriate height and duration for the specific plants you're growing.

   • We use a free app “Photone” that measures light intensity. This ensures light placement is correct and efficient.

3. Maintain the nutrient solution by monitoring its pH and nutrient levels regularly.

   • Electronic PH and EC Measuring Device

4. Ensure proper ventilation and temperature control to create a healthy environment for your plants.

   • I kept the closet door open at night to increase ventilation. This is also a perfect time to manually pollinate if you choose a crop that requires such.

5. Keep a close eye on your plants for signs of growth, and adjust your system as needed.

Step 5: Monitor and Maintain

Hydroponic gardening requires consistent monitoring and maintenance to ensure your plants thrive. Be sure to:

1. Check and adjust nutrient levels and pH regularly.

2. Prune and train your plants as they grow to optimize space and light.

   • Especially true for vining tomatoes! Prune those suckers! Read our blog about pruning tomatoes.

3. Monitor for pests and diseases, which can be less common in hydroponic systems but still a possibility.

4. Harvest your crops when they're ready, and enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor!

Starting a hydroponic garden in a spare closet, bedroom, or basement is an exciting and rewarding endeavor for anyone with limited outdoor gardening space. With careful planning, the right equipment, and consistent maintenance, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, homegrown produce year-round. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your gardening gloves, and get ready to cultivate your indoor hydroponic garden. Happy growing!