The Spark of an Idea
Last summer, the allure of fresh herbs and the challenge of indoor gardening sparked my interest in hydroponics. Transforming my apartment into a mini-farm seemed like an exciting venture. I started with a basic guide, but as with any good project, I quickly began to iterate and refine, turning my initial setup into something uniquely mine.
My First Foray: Learning the Ropes (and the Leaks)
My first attempt was, to put it mildly, a learning experience. I dove in with enthusiasm, but the setup was far from perfect. Here’s a glimpse into my initial arsenal:
- The Vessel: A 10-gallon glass aquarium tank, ready to house my leafy dreams.
- Oxygenation: A waterfall aerator, aiming to keep the water lively.
- Plant Support: A polystyrene foam panel, holding the promise of sprouting seeds.
- Seed Starters: Rockwool seed mediums, the cozy homes for my future greens.
- Light Management: Mylar light insulation, meant to maximize growth.
- Nourishment: Water-soluble nutrients and reverse osmosis water (because tap water’s fluoride was a no-go).
- The Secret Weapon: Mega Crop 1-Part Nutrients, a hopeful boost for my plants.
My initial selection of herbs was ambitious: Dill Bouquette, Dwarf Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Rosemary, Spearmint, Peppermint, and Dwarf Thyme. I envisioned a lush, aromatic garden.
However, nature had other plans. Despite a promising start, many of the seedlings succumbed, leaving me with only the resilient Dill Bouquette and Spearmint. These two champions, however, thrived, adapting to indoor life after an initial outdoor stint and surviving a complete system overhaul.
The pH Puzzle and Algae Battles
Initially, I relied on pH paper, a method that proved to be both tedious and inaccurate. After a month of frustrating readings, I invested in a 5-in-1 water quality probe. This tool became my eyes and ears, providing accurate readings for pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), salt TDS, and salinity. I diligently recorded these values every other day, adjusting the pH with vinegar and battling algae with hydrogen peroxide.
The Mylar, unfortunately, didn’t quite cut it in the battle against algae. It was a constant balancing act, trying to keep the pH in check while fending off the green menace.
A System Refresh: Lessons Learned
In mid-October, armed with newfound knowledge, I refreshed the system. The algae-infested water was drained, the tank thoroughly cleaned, and the Mylar was replaced with thick black paper, blocking over 95% of light. I also swapped the waterfall aerator for airstones, aiming for better oxygenation. Remarkably, the plants endured this transition, even when briefly exposed while the foam panel was out of the water.
For the past six months, I’ve been meticulously monitoring the plants’ progress and their environment. Ensuring stable pH, TDS, EC, and salinity levels has become a routine. Seeing that only 2 of the original 8 plants where growing, I removed the rockwool that was growing moss and mold, and blocked the holes with ducktape to prevent light from entering the water.
Recent Developments: New Seeds and a First Harvest
On February 22, 2025, I topped up the water with nutrient solution and planted new Cilantro seeds in fresh rockwool. I also harvested some of the vigorously growing Spearmint, attempting to oven-dry the leaves. My first attempt at oven-drying, however, seems to have been too aggressive, potentially removing the essential oils that give Spearmint its characteristic aroma and flavor. This failure was a little disheartening since I’ve been anticipating a successful harvest for awhile. Fortunately I only harvested around 40% and the plant is fast growing, I’ll be back again soon with a redo. In the meantime, I have some matcha-flavored dry spearmint which I plan on using in tea.
This hydroponics journey has been a continuous cycle of learning, adapting, and growing. It’s a testament to the resilience of plants and the satisfaction of nurturing life indoors. I’m excited to see how the new Cilantro fares and to continue refining my system. Stay tuned for more updates as my indoor garden evolves!