Gardeners who are always sad to see the growing season come to an end now have another option in gardening that allows them to extend their efforts year round. Hydroponic gardening has received plenty of attention in the gardening community in recent years because of its many benefits, including year round gardening potential through an indoor hydroponic garden. This method of gardening uses a manufactured growing medium instead of soil that allows nutrients and water to get directly to the roots for healthier, faster growing plants. An indoor hydroponic garden can be a simple endeavor when attempted on a small scale, so nearly any gardener can try their hand at this technology.

Getting Started

The easiest way to get started with an indoor hydroponic garden is with a kit from a local garden center. The kit will provide all of the necessary supplies to grow crops, including a growing medium, nutrient solution, artificial lighting and a pump to circulate air and nutrients. Plants are frequently started from seed with an indoor hydroponic garden, and seedlings can be transplanted as needed. Gardeners often find that plants will grow much more quickly and compactly, since energy doesn't need to be used for roots to stretch out in search of nutrients and water. In the case of an indoor hydroponic garden, the roots are given nutrients and water directly, allowing the plants energy to go into growing large and healthy, and producing flowers and fruit more quickly.

What to Grow

There are many flowers, herbs and vegetables that can be grown in an indoor hydroponic garden. Some of the most popular vegetables include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. It is important to look for varieties of these crops that have been proven to do well in an indoor hydroponic garden for best results. Flowers and herbs of just about any type can be grown through this method as well, including many popular flowering house plants. The advantage to an indoor hydroponic garden, besides the ability to grow crops year round, is that the gardener can completely control the environment to ensure the healthiest plants possible.

Wouldn't it be lovely to enjoy a juicy tomato fresh off the vine in the middle of winter? How about a colorful flower garden or a fragrant batch of herbs? Many gardeners are tuning into the many advantages of the indoor hydroponic garden today. Since many nurseries will offer a hydroponic system that comes equipped with everything you need to get started, an indoor hydroponic garden has never been easier. Check out the supplies at your local garden center or go online to find everything you need to get started with your very own indoor hydroponic garden.