Basil is a fragrant, delicious, and nutritious herb that adds flavor to several types of dishes, including Italian and Thai cuisine. While many growers can grow basil outdoors, some may prefer to grow it indoors using hydroponics. Hydroponic basil is a perfect option for growers who live in areas with extreme weather conditions and want to grow basil year-round. Hydroponic gardening is a type of soil-less gardening that relies on mineral nutrient solutions to feed the plants. In this blog post, we will provide a complete step-by-step guide on growing hydroponic basil, so let's get started.
Choose the right type of hydroponic system
Before starting to grow hydroponic basil, one needs to decide on the type of hydroponic system that suits the available space and budget. There are six different types of hydroponic systems, including deep water culture, nutrient film technique, aeroponics, drip irrigation, wicking, and ebb and flow. Every system requires different equipment and different levels of maintenance, so it's essential to choose a system that suits the grower's needs.
Choose the right basil variety
The next step is to select the right basil variety for hydroponic cultivation. The most common basil varieties for hydroponic cultivation are sweet basil, Thai basil, and lemon basil. Sweet basil is the most popular variety, known for its sweet and aromatic leaves, making it a perfect addition to pasta and sauces. Thai basil has a robust and spicy aroma and is perfect for Asian cuisine. Lemon basil has a unique lemony flavor that is ideal for teas, marinades, and citrus-based dishes.
Provide sufficient lighting
Basil needs ample light to flourish as it is a sun-loving herb. Growers need to provide 12-16 hours of light to their hydroponic basil, and it's best to use full-spectrum LED grow lights. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and provide ample light to keep the basil healthy and strong.
Provide the right nutrient solution
The third essential requirement for hydroponic basil is a nutrient solution. This solution contains the essential nutrients basil needs, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Hydroponic growers can purchase ready-to-use nutrient solutions from gardening stores or can prepare their own.
Monitor and maintain
The final step in growing hydroponic basil is monitoring and maintaining. Growers need to keep an eye on their plants for signs of stress, including wilting or browning leaves. They should also regularly check the pH level and EC level of the nutrient solution. Growers should perform weekly water changes and drainage to avoid nutrient buildup.
Growing hydroponic basil is an efficient and practical alternative to traditional soil-based gardening. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, growers can enjoy a year-round supply of fresh and delicious basil. Hydroponic gardening provides many benefits, including less water usage, better plant growth, and faster growth rates. We hope that this guide has been informative, and we encourage gardeners to consider growing hydroponic basil for their next project. Happy gardening!
