World over, hydroponics gardening has become so popular, and by the look of things, there will come a time when it will be the only thing that every farmer wants to practice.

Why Hydroponics anyway?

  • Does not need a lot of space
  • No weeds.
  • No need to use pesticides.
  • Does not consume a lot of water
  • High yields
  • Hydroponic plants have a high growth rate.
  • You get to know where your food comes from etc.

As you can see, there are so many reasons why hydroponics gardening is the way to go. But it is not that easy.

While there are so many benefits to using hydroponics gardening, controlling the temperature can be a little bit challenging during the winter season. You might end up losing your plants due to the extreme cold. The damage is worse for outdoor gardeners, but extreme cold affects everyone, including those who plant inside the house.

  • So, How Can You overcome this Challenge?

To make the best out of your hydroponics gardening, you must prepare for the winter before it comes. You can do so by doing these three things;

Move your outdoor garden to a closed space.

Prepare a heat source to protect your crops from the cold outside.

Growing winter-friendly crops

The first two options are self-explanatory. However, the last option is the point where most people get lost. That’s why in this article, we will educate you on the best hydroponics plants to grow in the extreme cold season.

  1. Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the best and most popular plants to grow during winter. The crop does well in cold weather than in hot weather and does not require so much light to thrive. It is the ideal choice if you are looking for something easier to maintain.

Apart from that, most people who grow lettuce choose it because it is usually scarce in the market in the winter. Hydroponics creates a perfect opportunity for them to gain an edge in the market. It is more rewarding to grow lettuce in the winter than it is in the summer.

  1. Strawberries

If you are looking for a perfect fruit to grow during winter, this has to be it. Like lettuce, strawberries do well in cold weather than in hot weather, and they are easy to maintain. Hydroponics ensures that you produce healthy fruits and in much higher yields.

An important point to note is that strawberries require some warmth to fruit. Luckily, you are in control of the garden environment and have the freedom to regulate the temperatures whenever necessary.

  1. Kale

Kale is yet another healthy food you can plant during winter and expect to get high yields. For a long time, this plant was not so common and has slowly gained popularity over the years as more and more people realize its health benefits.

Kale belongs to the brassica family and is one unique plant that is very hardy that can survive in conditions that most plants cannot grow. Low temperatures? Low light? You do not have to worry. Kales will still thrive. But planting them under the perfect conditions will help speed up their growth rate. That is why they are an ideal crop to grow hydroponically during winter.

  1. Herbs

During summer, most people grow their own herbs in their backyards or some little space in their compound. But that becomes so hard during winter, and suddenly everyone is looking for alternative sources of herbs. Growing herbs during winter is a perfect chance for you to dominate the hydroponics market. Examples of herbs you can grow during winter include:

  • Parsley

Parsley is one of the best herbs to plant during winter and is commonly known for its amazingly high health benefits. It is rich in Vitamin A, K, C, iron, and folate to name but a few. It is believed to help the kidneys function better and is also the main ingredient in Tabbouleh. Hydroponics will ensure high yields and, as a result, boost your financial well-being and help you maintain a healthy diet for you and your family during winter.

  • Mint

Another perfect crop to grow during the winter season is the mint. The plant does not require direct sunlight to thrive, and that explains why it does so well in cold weather. It’s one of the easiest crops to maintain in this condition.

Mint has a high medicinal value and is usually used to add flavor to salads, drinks, or shakes. Mojito is one example of the drinks that use mint as the main ingredient. Hydroponics will go a long way to ensure that you get the best out of your farming, even in the cold weather.

Conclusion

One of the major advantages of hydroponics gardening is the freedom to control the environment where you grow your crops. It enables you to do your farming all year round regardless of the season. Planting the right hydroponic plants will only maximize your benefits.

You can choose to grow one type of crop or more depending on the scale of your farming and what you intend to achieve.