If you have been interested in giving hydroponic gardening a try, the easiest way to begin is with a hydroponic grow kit. These kits will provide all the necessary supplies to get you started on an indoor hydroponic garden, taking the guesswork out of the process. However, it is important to purchase a complete hydroponic grow kit to ensure you will have everything you need to grow your crops. Some of the supplies that should come in one of these packages are listed below.

Growing Medium

One of the most important parts of a hydroponic grow kit is a growing medium that you plant your seeds into. This is the substance that takes the place of soil in the traditional garden, and it can come in a variety of materials. Vermiculite, perlite and coconut fiber are often used for this purpose, but two of the most common growing mediums found in a hydroponic grow kit are rock wool and expanded clay. Rock wool is a particularly good choice for the novice gardener, since it comes in sheets and blocks that are easy to plant. However, rock wool is also a bit pricier than other types of growing medium, so it may up the cost of your hydroponic grow kit.

Nutrient Solution

Since the plants in a hydroponic garden do not take nutrients from soil, they need another method of feeding to keep them strong and healthy. This usually comes in the form of a nutrient solution that has been specially blended for the types of plants you are growing. This means that if you want to grow tomatoes, you should choose a hydroponic garden kit specifically designed for this crop to ensure the nutrient solution is appropriate for your plants. It is much easier to use the nutrient solution in a hydroponic grow kit than to mix your own using a variety of fertilizers and an accurate measuring device.

Artificial Lighting

Since most hydroponic gardens are grown indoors, they require some sort of artificial lighting. Look for a hydroponic grow kit that includes an energy saving light, since it will probably be left on your plants all the time. In most cases, a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp will be used, since these lamps provide the most efficient lighting for this purpose. These lights will provide more light than a typical fluorescent bulb so your plants get sufficient light to thrive in any room of your home.

A hydroponic grow kit is an easy way to get started in hydroponic gardening. These kits are available through local garden centers and online through a variety of retailers, so you will find the hydroponic grow kit to grow whatever types of crops you choose.