What is included in Hydroponic Gardening Kits

A great way to get started in hydroponics is to purchase a complete hydroponic kit. Depending on your needs or how much you’re willing to spend, hydroponic kits can cost as much as a few thousand dollars or as little as a few dozen.

Some low end kits include little more than what someone could create from common household items. However, they should contain everything you need to get started such as seeds, a tray, some nutrient and possibly some pH testing strips. A manual or guide will most likely be included as well.

Some mid-range kits may cost around a hundred dollars, but they will have higher quality materials. They may include a small watering system and trays specifically designed for hydroponics as well as rockwool blocks for holding seeds.

These kits will probably come with quality nutrients which can certainly help the novice hydroponic gardener get started off right. Since nutrient control can be more difficult in hydroponic gardens, your chances of success are greater with a pre-mixed solution and clear directions.

With higher-end kits you will get a more elaborate watering system. Since ever present water will tend to increase algae, mildew and other fungi, controlling moister in a hydroponic garden is very important. To always keep water at the right level and clean of organisms, a quality watering system is very beneficial.

Those same higher-end kits may include some grow lights as well. The quantity and quality of the lights will depend on price and other factors. The most expensive types of lights are metal halide and sodium lamps which can cost a few hundred dollars. On the other end of the scale, a few incandescent bulbs can cost very little.

Plants will rapidly deplete any oxygen in a water medium, which means that air will have to be pumped into the water. Most high end kits will include tubing and a pump that is designed for hydroponic gardens. You may be able to use an aquarium pump, but the air requirements for fish are different than for a hydroponic system. Since CO2 is also vital to a plants growth, a CO2 injector may also be included.

Another area of environment control that can be more difficult with a hydroponic garden is the regulation of temperature. A good kit will have a water heater. Sometimes heat lamps can be used, but they can overheat plants if not watched carefully. To ensure that the water is kept at the right temperature automatically, a calibrated water heater will work best.

Most kits will have a way to perform pH testing, and higher priced kits will include a digital meter rather than strips. Some will also include a nutrient meter for measuring levels of iron, calcium and other compounds.

Not only will kits include all the needed trays, tubing, solutions and more, but any miscellaneous items needed for assembly. They also include other useful items like hanging chains and strings for supporting plants. Basically, kits are a complete collection of equipment for starting and maintaining a hydroponic garden.

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