11 Must-Have Tools and Supplies for Hydroponics Gardening

Hydroponics gardening is an innovative and efficient way to grow plants without soil – not to be confused with the simpler version of no-soil gardening, semi-ponics.

While it may seem intimidating to start, with the right tools and supplies, anyone can become a hydroponic gardening master.

In this article, we’ll explore eleven must-have tools and supplies for hydroponics that will help you get started on your journey toward successful hydroponic gardening.

From nutrient solutions to lighting systems, we’ve got you covered – now, let’s dive in!

The Essential Tools and Supplies for Hydroponics Gardening

Once you get going with hydroponics, you’ll find that it isn’t nearly as complicated as you thought.

That said, to truly master the art of hydroponics, there are several must-have essentials you’ll need to get your hands on – and learn to use properly.

Here are the eleven most essential tools and supplies you’ll need for successful hydroponic gardening:

1. Nutrient solution

Nutrient solution products, also known as hydroponic solution, is a mixture of minerals and nutrients that provide the necessary elements for plant growth – and hydroponic plants can not survive without them.

There are different types of nutrient solutions available, for the various different types of hydroponic crops you may grow, including organic and synthetic options.

Read up on how to mix a hydroponic solution to come up with the proper NPK for your system.

2. pH testing kit

Since hydroponic gardening doesn’t involve soil, it’s crucial to test the pH level regularly to ensure that the nutrient solution is at the right acidity level for your plants.

Even more, once you test your hydroponic systems’ pH level, you will sometimes need to adjust it. That’s why the best pH testing kits include both the equipment to read your water’s pH level and pH adjusters.

3. Growing medium

This is what your plants will grow in instead of soil. Some popular growing mediums include:

• Clay
• Rockwool
• Coconut coir
• Perlite
• Vermiculite

We highly suggest a combination of Rockwool cubes to start your plants in, and LECA to help anchor them into your netted pots.

4. Reservoir

A reservoir is a container that holds the nutrient solution for your plants. It should be large enough to hold enough water for your plants’ needs.

If you are building a DIY hydroponic setup, there is no need to purchase a reservoir – you can use an old bucket or tote.

5. Grow lights

Plants need light to grow, so investing in high-quality LED grow lights can help ensure they receive sufficient light even if you don’t have access to natural sunlight.

If you’re interested in an entry-level pro-grade growing light for your hydroponics, we suggest the SF1000 by SpiderFarmer.

6. Air pump and air stones

Air pumps and stones help oxygenate the nutrient solution in your reservoir which ensures healthy root growth among other benefits.

Just about every type of hydroponics you can practice at home requires an air pump, some tubing, and air stones.

7. Net pots

These are used as containers for your growing medium and allow roots to reach through them into the nutrient solution below.

Not sure what size or type you need? Check out our guide on choosing the right net pots for your hydroponic garden.

Additionally, if you prefer, there are ways to make DIY net pots rather than buying them new – such as using a skimmer basket or drilling holes in small gardening containers.

8. Water pump

Used to circulate water through the system, hydroponic water pumps help distribute nutrients evenly throughout all plants in the system.

Most hydroponic systems require a water pump, though some of them don’t need one. For example, kratkyponics and deep water culture systems don’t need water pumps.

9. Timer

Used to automate lighting cycles or when feeding times occur, a timer helps maintain a consistent environment for optimal plant growth.

Further, with a timer, you can turn almost any hydroponic system, including DIY setups, into fully automated hydroponic gardens.

10. Thermometer and hygrometer

Thermometers and hygrometers help monitor temperature and humidity levels within your hydroponic garden environment ensuring ideal conditions are maintained.

Without a thermometer and hygrometer, you are leaving things up to chance – which is a great way to cause a disaster with your hydroponic system.

11. Pest control

As with any type of garden pests can be an issue so having some form of pest control like insecticides or neem oil on hand can prevent infestations from taking over.

There are also plenty of organic pest control methods you can apply to prevent pests from damaging your hydroponic crops.

A Final Word About Essential Hydroponic Tools and Supplies

That concludes our list of must-have tools and supplies for hydroponics. We hope the info helps you master your hydroponic garden!

Of course, there may be additional helpful tools and supplies for hydroponics depending on the specific setup you choose, but these eleven items will give you a solid foundation for successful hydroponic gardening.

Do you practice home hydroponics? If so, what do you think about our list? Would you add anything to it? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for reading – good luck with hydroponic gardening!

Suggested Reading: Deep Water Culture Hydroponics (And DIY Tutorial)