What Is Hydroponics and Why Should You Care?

_{Estimated Reading Time: 5 mins}

Whenever I tell someone I’m into hydroponics, the response is usually,

Oh, you grow… you know… stuff?

Let’s get this straight: hydroponics isn’t just about growing cannabis (though yes, it’s used there too). Hydroponics is an innovative, soil-free way of growing lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, herbs, and even houseplants, right inside your kitchen or apartment.

And if you’re here, you’ve probably been curious too. So let’s take a quick trip back and understand where all this started.

Hydroponics isn’t new. In fact, some believe the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (8th Century B.C.) may have been one of the earliest hydroponic systems — using nutrient-rich water to grow plants on terraces. No soil. No problem.

The term “hydroponics” came into play in 1937, thanks to a UC Berkeley scientist, William Gericke, who grew 25-foot-tall tomato plants without a single clump of soil. His colleagues didn’t believe it at first. Until they saw the results.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and NASA got involved. Why? Because you can’t grow carrots in space dirt when… there’s no dirt.

Fun Fact: NASA continues to explore hydroponics as a sustainable food source for astronauts. Imagine eating a crisp salad while orbiting Earth. 🍅🚀

Think about it.

Do you:

• Live in a small apartment?
• Worry about pesticide-ridden vegetables?
• Want to grow fresh food year-round?

Then hydroponics is not a “maybe” it’s a game-changer.

✅ No soil = less mess
✅ Grows 30–50% faster than traditional farming
✅ Saves up to 90% water
✅ Can be done in your bedroom, balcony, or basement

🧪 Soil vs. Soilless: The Real Question

“Soil is natural, right?”
Yes.
But natural doesn’t always mean better.

• Soil Farming: Limited control, more pests, water-wasting, and weather-dependent
• Hydroponics: Total nutrient control, less disease, efficient water usage, year-round growing

🌍 Let’s Reset How We Grow

The world is changing. Our climate, our food systems, our space.
Hydroponics gives you control.
It’s the future of growing and it starts right at home.

💌 Want to get started? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Hydroponics with step-by-step help and affordable kits.

Explore More:

• DIY Hydroponic Projects for Your Apartment.
• Which Hydroponic System Should I Choose?
• Best Nutrients for Home Hydroponics.