Our Top Hydroponic Products

Our latest article.

Hydroponic gardening is a great way to grow produce without using any soil. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just getting started, there are many different options for hydroponics that can be used as growing mediums. The best natural hydroponic grow mediums will depend on the type of plants you want to grow and how much time and effort you want to maintain your garden.

One of the most popular hydroponic growing mediums is vermiculite. Vermiculite is a natural mineral that has been heated until it expands into tiny, spongy pellets. It retains water well and is often combined with other growing media like perlite or gravel. Another option for hydroponic gardening is coconut coir. Coconut coir is made from the fibrous husks of coconuts and is an excellent choice for plants that need high moisture levels. It also contains beneficial nutrients that help to promote plant growth.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance hydroponic garden, pea gravel may be your best choice. This article includes information about some of the most popular types of hydroponic systems, including their advantages and disadvantages, so that you can choose which one is right for your needs.

Oasis Cubes

An Oasis Cube is a type of hydroponic garden made up of individual cubes that can be used to grow various plants. The cubes are filled with an inert growing medium like perlite or vermiculite, and then water is added to the system. Plants are placed in holes in the top of the cube, and their roots will grow down into the media, where they will receive all the nutrients they need to thrive.

Oasis Cubes are great for both novice and experienced gardeners because they can grow a wide range of different plants. The cubes also allow you to take your plant with you if you want to move it or keep it inside during the winter months. Oasis cubes need very little maintenance, but there is no draining system, so water must be added regularly to prevent root rot. You should also check each cube daily for pests like spider mites that could harm your crop.

One advantage of using an Oasis Cube is that you can move it around easily if you need to relocate your garden. They are also lightweight, so they can be moved even if they are full of plants and soil. Another advantage is that they are easy to set up and use; add water, and you are good to go.

One disadvantage of Oasis Cubes is that they aren't very deep, so if your plants need a lot of growing space, this may not be the best choice for you. They also require more frequent watering than other types of hydroponic systems because water evaporates quickly from them. If you don't add enough water daily, the cubes will dry out completely, which can lead to root rot problems.

Another drawback of using an Oasis Cube garden is that it doesn't have drainage holes. So nutrient solutions should only be added until they come through the bottom; otherwise, roots could get burned by soaking up too much fertilizer solution at once.


Growstones

Growstones are another type of hydroponics that is made up of small cubes. However, these don't require an inert medium like perlite or vermiculite because they are filled with clay pellets instead.

They also have many drainage holes so the nutrient solution can drain freely and flow back into the reservoir below for recycling. Growstones typically come in two different sizes large blocks, which hold around three gallons each, and small chunks, which only hold about one gallon of water apiece.

One advantage of using grow stones as a growing media is that it has excellent moisture retention properties, so you won't need to add extra water very often before your plants run out again.

Another benefit is that since there are no holes in the bottom of each stone, you don't need to worry about them drying out. Since there are drainage holes on all four sides plus one more at the top of each block or chunk, your plants will always have access to fresh water and fertilizer solutions when they need them.

One disadvantage is that Growstones can be expensive, so this may not be a good choice for beginners who aren't sure if hydroponics is something they want to invest their time and money into yet.

However, once set up properly with an adequate reservoir system underneath these stones, the maintenance time needed is very minimal since roots will reach down into nutrient-rich solutions without much help from you. Another drawback for some people is that even though Growstones are porous, they can still become waterlogged if the reservoir is overfilled.


Coco Peats

Coco peat is a natural growing medium that has been used for centuries in South American countries. It's made from the husks of coconuts, and it retains water very well, so you won't have to add extra water often. Coco peat also contains nutrients already, so your plants will get all they need without needing special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions added to them.

One advantage of using coco peat as a hydroponic medium is its natural properties. Being made from coconut husks, this type of media contains essential nutrients for plants which negate the need for special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions.

Another plus side to coco peat is its water retention capacity. You won't have to add extra water as often as you would with other types of inert hydroponic media because this organic growing medium will hold water for your plants.

One drawback is since this hydroponic medium isn't inert like vermiculite or perlite are, it can be difficult for roots to grow through when starting, which leads some people back into using another type of media instead.
However, if allowed time (about three months), then roots should eventually break through the surface of your Coco Peat block.

Another disadvantage is that you have to be careful when harvesting so roots are not damaged during removal from their cubes or blocks. If they get ripped too much, it could lead to transplant shock for the plant, which can ultimately kill them if no action isn't taken quickly enough.

You also need to make sure you don't let coco peat dry out because this type of medium has a very low water retention capacity compared to other types like vermiculite and perlite do.

Peat Moss

Peat moss is a natural media used for horticultural purposes for centuries. It's made from partially decomposed, dried plant material, and it retains water very well as coco peat does. Peat moss also contains essential nutrients for plants which negate the need for special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions.

One advantage of using peat moss as a hydroponic medium is that it's inert, so unlike coco peat, roots will have an easy time growing through it when starting. Another plus side to this type of media is its water retention capacity.

You won't have to add extra water as often as you would with other types of inert hydroponic media because this organic growing medium will hold water for your plants. Peat moss can also absorb large quantities of nutrients, perfect for hydro gardening.

One advantage of using peat moss as a hydroponic medium is its natural properties. Being made from partially decomposed, dried plant material, this type of media contains essential nutrients for plants, negating the need for special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions.

Another plus side to peat moss is its water retention capacity. You won't have to add extra water as often as you would with other types of inert hydroponic media.

One disadvantage is that since this hydroponic medium isn't inert like vermiculite or perlite are, it can be difficult for roots to grow through when starting, which leads some people back into using another type of media instead! However, if allowed time (about three months), then roots should eventually break through the surface of your peat moss block.

Another disadvantage is that you have to be careful when harvesting so roots are not damaged during removal from their cubes or blocks. If they get ripped too much, it could lead to transplant shock for the plant, which can ultimately kill them if no action isn't taken quickly enough.

You also need to make sure you don't let peat moss dry out because this type of medium has a very low water retention capacity compared to other types like vermiculite and perlite do.


Perlite

Perlite is an inert, volcanic rock that has been used for horticultural purposes for more than 100 years. When heated to a high temperature, it expands to form very small, white spheres, making it a great hydroponic medium because of its air and water-holding capacities.

Perlite is also pH neutral and contains no nutrients, so you will need to add your water-soluble fertilizers for optimal food absorption. If too much fertilizer is added, it can leave a residue that blocks oxygen flow in the soil not good.

It's important that when using perlite as a hydroponic medium, you monitor levels closely because having too little of this additive could cause root rot, while an excess amount may damage roots.

One advantage of using perlite as a grow media is its ability to hold both water and air at the same time throughout its whole structure. Another plus side with this type of inert hydroponic substrate would be that there wouldn't be any runoff or drainage issues if used correctly. Since perlite is pH neutral, it's also perfect for hydro gardening beginners.

One advantage of using perlite as a hydroponic medium is its inert properties. Being made from volcanic rock, this type of media doesn't contain any essential nutrients for plants negating the need for special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions. Another plus side to perlite is its water retention capacity. You won't have to add extra water as often as you would with other types of inert hydroponic media.

The advantage of Perlite is that it doesn't contain any essential nutrients for plants negating the need for special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions. Another plus side to perlite is its water retention capacity. You won't have to add extra water as often as you would with other types of inert hydroponic media.

One disadvantage is that since this hydroponic medium isn't inert like vermiculite or coco peat are, it can be difficult for roots to grow through when starting, which leads some people back into using another type of media. Instead. However, if allowed time (about three months), then roots should eventually break through the surface of your perlite block.


Another disadvantage is that you have to be careful when harvesting so roots are not damaged during removal from their cubes or blocks. If they get ripped too much, it could lead to transplant shock for the plant, which can ultimately kill them if no action isn't taken quickly enough. You also need to make sure you don't


Rockwool

Rockwool is an inert, spun mineral that has been used for horticultural purposes since the mid-1950s. This type of medium retains water well and provides good aeration to plant roots, making it a popular choice for hydroponic gardening.

It's also pH neutral and can be used for all kinds of plants, making it a popular choice amongst hydroponic gardeners. One advantage is that if you do not have space to spare in your home or greenhouse, Rockwool cubes are perfect because they pack together tightly so take up very little room.

Another plus side with this type of inert hydroponic substrate would be that there wouldn't be any runoff or drainage issues if used correctly. Since Rockwool is pH neutral, it's also perfect for hydro gardening beginners.

One advantage of using rock wool as a hydroponic medium is its inert properties. Being made from spun minerals, this type of media doesn't contain any essential nutrients for plants negating the need for special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions.

Another plus side to rock wool is its ability to retain moisture at higher rates than other types like peat moss do, which means you won't have to add extra water as often when growing your plants.


One disadvantage is that since this hydroponic medium isn't inert like vermiculite or coco peat are, it can be difficult for roots to grow through when starting, which leads some people back into using another type of media.

However, if allowed time (about three months), then roots should eventually break through the surface of your Rockwool block.


Parboiled Rice Hulls

Parboiled rice hulls are a sustainable and biodegradable option for a hydroponic growing medium. This is because, unlike other materials like Rockwool or perlite, the rice hulls will eventually break down and return to the earth after use, meaning you won't have any extra waste to deal with at the end of your gardening cycle.


One advantage of using parboiled rice hulls as a hydroponic medium is a sustainable and biodegradable option. Unlike other materials like Rockwool or perlite, the rice hulls will eventually break down and return to the earth after use, meaning you won't have any extra waste to deal with at the end of your gardening cycle.

Another advantage is that this media is lightweight, which makes it easy to work with, and holds a good amount of water, so you won't have to add extra often. A disadvantage is that rice hulls can be dusty when disturbed, so wear a mask and gloves when handling them.

One disadvantage is that since this hydroponic medium isn't inert like vermiculite or coco peat are, it can be difficult for roots to grow through when starting, which leads some people back into using another type of media instead. However, if allowed time (about three months), then roots should eventually break through the surface of your rice hull block.

Pumice

Pumice is a great inert hydroponic medium to use for your plants! This type of media is made up of volcanic glass that has been crushed into very small pieces.

One advantage of using pumice as a hydroponic medium is its inert properties, meaning it doesn't contain any essential nutrients for plants. Therefore, it doesn't need any special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions.

Another plus side to pumice is that it retains water well, which means you won't have to add extra water as often when growing your plants.

One disadvantage is that this medium can be dusty when disturbed so make sure you wear a mask and gloves when handling it. Pumice also doesn't hold onto water as well as other hydroponic mediums do, so you may have to add extra more often.

One disadvantage is that this type of media can be dusty when disturbed so make sure you wear a mask and gloves when handling it. Pumice also doesn't hold onto water as well as other hydroponic mediums do, so you may have to add extra more often.

Expanded Clay Pellets/Pebble Stones

Expanded clay pellets or pebble stones are a solid choice for your next hydroponic growth. This medium is made from slowly heating raw materials to very high temperatures.

One advantage of using expanded clay as a hydroponic growing media is its ability to retain water at higher rates than other types like perlite, which means you won't have to add extra water as often when growing your plants.

Another benefit of this type of medium over others, such as rock wool and coco coir, is that it doesn't hold onto roots meaning they will be able to grow with ease into the new space provided by transitioning between different layers in an ebb-and-flow system.

Keep in mind that because this hydroponic growing medium is made from clay, it can be heavier than other types, so make sure you have a sturdy system of your own established before adding the weight of water and plants.

One disadvantage of using expanded clay pellets as a hydroponic medium is their tendency to shrink when drying out after getting wet. This means they may need more frequent watering or something like vermiculite mixed with them rather than just regular perlite added on top for drainage.

Another thing to consider about these stones is their ability to hold onto roots easily could mean extra root-bound diseases if not grown properly.

This type of media also doesn't hold onto water very well either, meaning you may have to add more often.



Rocks and Gravel

Last but not least, rocks and gravel are always a solid option when choosing a hydroponic growing media. This type of inert media doesn't contain any essential nutrients for plants as pumice does and therefore doesn't need any special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions.

One advantage to using rocks and gravel as a hydroponic medium is that it retains water well, which means you won't have to add extra water as often when growing your plants.

Another plus side to this choice of medium is that since it doesn't hold onto any roots, they will grow with ease into the new space provided by transitioning between different layers in an ebb-and-flow system. Rocks and gravel are also very affordable choices for your hydroponic growth.

One disadvantage to using rocks and gravel as a hydroponic medium is that it can be dusty when disturbed so make sure you wear a mask and gloves when handling it! Rocks and gravel also don't hold onto water as well as other hydroponic mediums do, so you may have to add extra more often.


FAQ'S


What is the cheapest hydroponic growing medium?


Rocks and gravel are always a solid choice when choosing a hydroponic growing media! This type of inert media doesn't contain any essential nutrients for plants as pumice does and therefore doesn't need any special fertilizers or pH-balancing solutions.


What is the best growing medium for the drip system?


Rockwool is. Rockwool is a great choice when it comes to drip systems. This type of hydroponic growing media is made from melting rocks and minerals with sand, then spun into fibers formed into blocks or slabs called "slabs."


Conclusion


Choose the hydroponic growing medium that is right for you by considering the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Expanded clay pellets or pebble stones are a great choice because they retain water well, don't hold onto roots easily, and are affordable. Rocks and gravel are also a good choice because they retain water well and are affordable. Remember to consider how often you will need to add water to your hydroponic system when deciding. Medium is not the only important component in the system you must have a good place to grow, a good hydroponics air pump and watering system.