Why grow with hydroponics? The benefits explained

Hydroponics means growing plants in water. It is typically paired with LED grow lights, hydroponic nutrients and a growing medium.

What are the benefits of growing hydroponically?

There are plenty of good reasons to grow food and plants hydroponically.

Reduced water consumption

Most of the water used by plants grown conventionally in gardens or on farms is lost to evaporation and drainage through the ground. Growing in a self-contained vessel, as we do with hydroponics, avoids that waste. Hydroponic systems can use far less water than soil, and some commercial farms report using up to 99% less.

Grow plants faster

A dissolved solution of nutrients, stable indoor conditions, full-spectrum LED grow lights and a consistent watering cycle mean plants often grow faster than those grown outdoors in soil. That can also mean higher yields.

Grow in any lighting conditions

With everything plants need (hydroponic nutrients, LED grow lights and a growing medium), you can grow in any room, whether or not it gets sunlight. South-facing apartments, homes shaded by trees or buildings, and hot or cold climates all work, because your plants are insulated by your home.

Fresher food

Food starts losing nutrients and taste from the moment it is picked. Growing at home lets you harvest as you go, so you eat it fresh, and there are no transport emissions between farm and plate.

Easy, mess-free growing

In conventional gardening, soil provides nutrients and physical support. In hydroponics, plants get an ideal combination of nutrients directly, with less energy spent finding them. For most people the main benefit is simple: you can grow food indoors without carrying soil around or making a mess. We use rockwool cubes and other mediums to hold plants in place.

Fewer garden pests

Growing indoors greatly reduces the chance of common garden bugs reaching your crops, and you do not need pesticides, netting or a greenhouse.

Growing food is fun

Growing food is relaxing, keeps you present and slows down a busy day. There is also something special about sharing your harvest with friends and family.

Start growing

Browse our hydroponic gardens, nutrients and LED grow lights, or keep learning:

• What nutrients do plants need?
• Types of hydroponic systems
• Growing mediums compared
• How much light do plants need?

What we would use

The hydroponic gardens in our range suit beginners.

Written by the gathera team. Last reviewed October 2026.