Working reservoir
≈ 8 galAbout 67 lb of waterIndoor growing studio
Build a hydroponic garden that fits your room.
Choose your space and crops. The planner compares nine growing systems, checks whether plants can truly share water and light, and turns the result into a setup and care routine.
Source-backed starting rangesReal reservoir planningNo brand required
Your indoor plan
Deep water culture
Forgiving volume with active aeration. Roots hang into an aerated nutrient reservoir; an air pump and stone keep the solution moving and oxygenated.
Daily light
12–14 hrBright canopyWeekly routine
≈ 49 minPlus cleaning between cropsStarting budget
$$Accessible setup · regular refillsShared reservoir check
Selected crop ranges overlapStarting target window
- pH
- 6
- EC
- 1.2–1.6 mS/cm
- Room
- 65–72°F
- Solution
- 68–75°F
The overlap is a useful place to begin. Measure consistently and follow the nutrient label and cultivar response.
Crop by crop
2 selectedHow each plant fits
Lettuce
Lactuca sativaLettuce is especially well matched to DWC.
- pH
- 6–7
- EC
- 1.2–1.8
- Support
- None
Basil
Ocimum basilicumBasil is especially well matched to DWC.
- pH
- 5.5–6
- EC
- 1–1.6
- Support
- Optional
Before you buy
Tradeoffs to resolve
- Warm rooms and crowded leaves can reduce quality or encourage disease.
- Basil dislikes cold drafts and can rapidly shade neighboring plants.
Also worth comparing
Two alternate systems
Kratky passive reservoir
A silent, pump-free first garden
Beginner · $ · None power dependenceCountertop pod garden
The simplest all-in-one indoor start
Beginner · $$ · Continuous power dependenceHow recommendations work: Gardening.how may earn a commission from qualifying product links added in the future. Rankings stay based on crop and space fit; this planner currently contains no merchant links.
Safety and harvest basics7 checks for this plan
Separate electricity from water
Use GFCI protection, keep plugs and connections away from splash and pooling zones, keep hands dry, and disconnect power before reaching into a reservoir or servicing wet equipment. Replace damaged cords; do not tape-repair them.
Plan for filled weight and spills
A filled reservoir is heavy. Use a rated, level support and a containment tray, keep the drain path accessible, and anchor tall systems according to the maker's instructions.
Use clean, food-suitable materials
Start with potable water and containers identified as suitable for food contact. Wash hands before system work, keep harvest tools clean, and clean and sanitize reusable wetted parts between crop cycles according to current Extension guidance and product labels.
Treat concentrates as concentrates
Use nutrients and pH products labeled for the intended hydroponic use. Follow their mixing order, protective-equipment, storage, and disposal directions; never improvise combinations or doses from a generic planner.
Handle the harvest like other fresh produce
Wash fresh produce under running water before eating or preparing it; FDA does not recommend soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash. Refrigerate perishable harvested greens and herbs promptly.
Secure concentrates, cords, and moving water
Store nutrient and pH products in their original labeled containers out of reach. Route cords and tubing to avoid chewing, pulling, tripping, and access to open reservoirs.
Dispose locally and responsibly
Follow the nutrient label and local wastewater or disposal guidance when changing solution. Do not assume a concentrated or spent solution belongs in a storm drain or natural waterway.
Sources and range notes6 primary references
Targets are planning starts, not universal recipes. Cultivar, growth stage, source water, nutrient formula, fixture output, and room conditions can change the right value.
University of Minnesota ExtensionSmall-scale hydroponicsHome systems, crop selection, lighting, water management, sanitation, and NFT operation↗U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionWays to Protect Yourself and Others from Shock or ElectrocutionGFCI protection, damaged cords, wet hands, and electrical equipment near water↗Oklahoma State University ExtensionHydroponicsSystem types, nutrient management, aeration, and general operating principles↗Oklahoma State University ExtensionElectrical Conductivity and pH Guide for HydroponicsCrop-specific EC and pH ranges, meter calibration, water quality, and nutrient-solution temperature↗University of Minnesota ExtensionLighting for indoor plants and starting seedsFixture distance, spectrum, and photoperiod starting points for seedlings, lettuce, and herbs↗U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSelecting and Serving Produce SafelyHand hygiene, raw-produce handling, washing, refrigeration, and the elevated risk of raw sprouts↗