Growing your own herbs can be a rewarding and economical way to add fresh flavors to your culinary creations. While many people opt for traditional soil-based herb gardens, there’s another approach that requires less space and maintenance—growing herbs in water. Hydroponic herb gardening is gaining popularity for its simplicity and the ability to grow herbs indoors or in small spaces. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular herbs you can grow in water and provide tips on how to get started with your own hydroponic herb garden.
Herbs You Can Grow in Water
Basil
- Propagation: Begin with a 4-6 inch basil cutting that has a few sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top leaves.
- Rooting Time: Basil typically forms roots in water within 1-2 weeks.
- Gardening Tip: Change the water every 3-4 days and provide bright, indirect sunlight. Once the roots are about 2 inches long, transfer it to a hydroponic system or continue growing in water.
Mint
- Propagation: Snip a 4-6 inch mint stem, ensuring it has a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the upper ones.
- Rooting Time: Mint cuttings usually develop roots in water within 2-3 weeks.
- Gardening Tip: Change the water every 3-4 days and maintain the mint in a spot with indirect sunlight. Once the roots are approximately 2 inches long, it’s ready for transplantation or can be left to grow in water.
Oregano
- Propagation: Start with a 4-6 inch oregano cutting and remove the lower leaves.
- Rooting Time: Oregano will grow roots in water in 2-3 weeks.
- Gardening Tip: Change the water every 5-7 days, and keep it in a location with indirect sunlight. Once the roots are about 2 inches in length, you can transfer it to your hydroponic setup or leave it to thrive in water.
Parsley
- Propagation: Cut a 4-6 inch parsley stem and remove the lower leaves.
- Rooting Time: Parsley cuttings usually form roots in water within 3-4 weeks.
- Gardening Tip: Change the water every 7-10 days, and provide the cutting with indirect sunlight. Once the roots reach approximately 2 inches in length, you can transplant it to your hydroponic system or leave it in water.
Chives
- Propagation: Divide an existing chives clump, ensuring each section has roots attached.
- Rooting Time: Chives will establish roots in water within 1-2 weeks.
- Gardening Tip: Change the water every 3-4 days and keep the chives in a location with indirect sunlight. Once the roots are around 1 inch long, it’s ready for transplantation or can be maintained in water.
Essential Gardening Tips
- Water Quality: Use clean, dechlorinated water to avoid harming your herbs. Let tap water sit for 24 hours or use filtered water to remove chlorine.
- Lighting: Herbs, even in a hydroponic system, need light. Place them near a sunny windowsill or use artificial grow lights for 12-16 hours daily.
- Water Level: Ensure the water level covers the roots but doesn’t submerge the entire plant to prevent root rot.
- Nutrients: Add a diluted hydroponic nutrient solution to the water every 2-4 weeks to provide essential nutrients. Be cautious not to over-fertilize.
- Pest Control: While hydroponic systems reduce the risk of pests, periodically inspect your plants for any issues and take appropriate action.
- Harvesting: Regularly harvest your herbs to encourage bushier growth and enjoy fresh flavors in your cooking.
