Types of Fruits That You Can Grow Hydroponically
Wouldn’t it be great if you could have your favourite fruit all year round? And wouldn’t it be even better if you could grow them in your backyard or your balcony garden? Now all that is possible with the help of hydroponic fruit growing. Hydroponics is a simple technique of growing plants in water without soil. Suitable nutrients are added to the water to provide the plant roots with the required nutrition and create a conducive environment best suited for their growth. This technique helps in producing a healthier, bountiful, and round-the-year harvest. The produce is also organic and free of harmful chemicals and fertilizers. While many believe that hydroponics is best suited for growing vegetables, it is far from true. Hydroponic growing is equally suited for fruits as they need a lot of care and proper nutrients to grow well. And all that can be easily provided through a hydroponic setup.
Growing fruits hydroponically is not only easy, but it has several advantages that include:
- You can produce more fruits in less space
- Most fruits hydroponically grow well indoors as well
- Growing hydroponic fruits is less messy as compared to soil-based gardening
- Hydroponic growing yields 30 percent more produce
- Fewer pests and pesticides
Fruits that can be grown hydroponically
Hydroponic systems create and stimulate the best possible environment for the growth of fruits and can provide healthy, juicy, and fresh produce. This is why hydroponic fruit growing is gaining popularity the world over. Let’s look at the fruits that can be grown hydroponically:
Strawberries
Growing strawberries hydroponically is easy and fruitful as they tend to grow really well in hydroponic systems. And because it is easy to grow strawberries hydroponically, they are quite popular amongst beginners. Since they thrive in wet conditions, hydroponic systems are ideal for their growth and can be harvested all year round. Once the system is set up, they just require basic caretaking like proper cleaning of the setup, etc.
Blueberries
The pH level and the nutrient supply can be easily controlled in hydroponic systems making blueberries just the right choice for growing hydroponically. This fruit needs high-acidic soil conditions, which can be easily created in hydroponic setups, which is why the hydroponic blueberry crop comes out healthy and bountiful. Since blueberries require 12-16 hours of light daily, you should have a proper grow-light system in place for them to flourish.
Raspberries
These are yet another type of berries that are highly suitable for hydroponic fruit growing. There are two types of raspberries – floricane that produces fruits in the summer, and primocane that produces fruits in autumn. But when growing raspberries hydroponically, primocane is a better option as they yield fruits all year round in hydroponic systems. They also require less space as compared to floricane. All you need to ensure is that you provide them at least 6 hours of light daily and maintain the pH level between 5.8 and 6.5.
Tomatoes
Technically a fruit, tomato is one of the most popular and widely used savory food items worldwide. And it is a delight to grow tomatoes hydroponically as they grow really well in these systems. While almost all kinds of hydroponic systems are well suited for growing tomatoes, ebb and flow is considered to be the most effective. Tomatoes usually need 8-10 hours of light, a pH level of 6-6.5, and a combination of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). So, make sure that your system provides these essentials and is covered properly in the seedling stage.
Watermelons
Many tend to believe that watermelons are not ideal for growing hydroponically due to their large size. But if given enough support, they grow just as well and bear fruit all year round. Watermelons also require a lot of light, so make sure you invest in the right kind of grow lights apart from creating a proper support system for the huge fruit. Use an ebb and flow system for best results.
Grapes
Grapes are versatile fruits, and they grow well if a proper and suitable environment is provided, which is easily possible in a hydroponic setup. One of the most important things to consider while growing grapes hydroponically is that you provide them with enough strings, trellis, or wires to wind up and down. This way, you can produce large amounts of grapes in very little space. Drip irrigation is best suited for grapes. Due to its efficiency, several vineyards are now considering hydroponic growing across the world.
Hydroponic fruit trees
Growing fruit trees might not be the most preferred choice for most growers, but it is highly effective if done well. All you need is to mimic a similar environment that is required in soil farming, which means that the trees should be provided with plenty of light and a warm environment. A few of the best fruit trees to grow hydroponically are mini cherry trees, dwarf banana trees, dwarf apples, and mini lemon trees. Other important aspects to consider are – large enough containers to allow fruit trees to grow, using LED grow lights, drip irrigation hydroponic system, and utilizing a net pot or root bag to keep the roots moist and nourished. Growing fruits hydroponically is not only easy, but it is also a pleasure for your palate. To be able to grow fresh, juicy, and healthy fruits in your backyard or your balcony garden is truly delightful. While most fruits can be successfully grown in hydroponic setups, starting with the ones that are the easiest is recommended. All you need is the right knowledge, proper hydroponic supplies, and some space to set up your fruit-growing hydroponic garden.
