Growing plants hydroponically has many benefits: it can speed up the process of growing plants and reduce the issues associated with bugs and soil. Many herbs are ideal for growing hydroponically; they adapt well to these systems and grow quickly. Growing herbs and selling them is a great way to make some extra money as a business or as a hobby. If you’re interested in the best herbs to grow using a hydroponics system, this article can help. 

Basil 

Basil is a popular herb used in cooking; many Italian and Mediterranean dishes use basil to add flavour and depth to the dish. This herb can be grown easily using a hydroponics system; it doesn’t grow too tall and is compact, so it won’t take up too much space. When grown outdoors, basil must be planted in May, June or July as it requires sun to grow. When using a hydroponics system indoors, you can grow basil all year round as long as you maintain the right conditions; basil needs lots of light in order for it to grow successfully. 

Chives

Chives are great when they’re added to soups, potatoes and fish dishes; they can bring flavour and colour to different varieties of food. In addition, chives can be grown hydroponically and are one of the easiest herbs to grow using a hydroponics system. Chives grow quickly and are one of the most profitable herbs you can grow. You can harvest and sell the chives every few weeks, and more will continue to grow. In terms of PH tolerance, chives have a high range between 6.1 and 7.8, which is perfect for those that don’t have the time or expertise to monitor the PH levels of the system continuously. Chives can live up to four years in the right conditions, so you can get lots of great-tasting herbs throughout these years without ever needing to replace the plants.

Watercress 

Watercress is a fantastic herb for adding to salads and is used as a garnish for many dishes. This water-loving herb is perfect for growing hydroponically. You won’t have many issues as the watercress grows best when the roots are exposed to water. You can buy a basic set-up from a hydroponics shop that will be ideal for growing watercress. Watercress is quick to grow, making it an ideal herb for growing and then selling. You can also grow watercress with an aquaponics system if you want to keep fish at the same time. 

Mint 

Mint is a very easy herb to grow outdoors, and hydroponically inside, you can use it for many dessert dishes as a garnish or to make cocktails and sauces. Mint prefers blue spectrum light and needs around 14-16 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re growing mint for commercial reasons, you can harvest it every 3-4 weeks, and as it’s a perennial, you will have multiple harvests from the same plant. It also spreads very quickly on its own, which can be beneficial for a commercial operation. Mint is also a great-smelling herb that can be used in a variety of homoeopathic medicines as an antiseptic and to treat gastrointestinal distress. Many people drink mint tea to help with digestion. 

Growing herbs hydroponically is a great way to enhance your cooking and also can be a lucrative way to make money. Many people choose to grow herbs this way and then sell them to make extra money at local markets. If hydroponics is a hobby you enjoy, herbs can be very lucrative. Many herbs are perennial, so you can get multiple harvests off the same plant without needing to buy more seeds or plants. Start off with the easiest herbs listed in this article; these are suited to beginners, so you shouldn’t have too many issues. For those that haven’t grown plants hydroponically previously, make sure you do your research before buying the equipment and nutrients you need. Each plant will need a different level of nutrition and will thrive in different setups; if you’re unsure, speak to a professional at a hydroponics shop that will be able to offer you expert advice. 

You can grow many other plants hydroponically; here are 30 plants you can grow.