Getting started with hydroponics: what to decide first

Before buying any equipment, decide what you want to grow and who will run the system day to day. Leafy greens and herbs are the most forgiving starting crops.

Choose a system type to match your space and skills. Nutrient film technique (NFT) suits leafy greens; deep water culture is simple and stable; towers save floor space.

Check your water quality and power supply. A reliable pump schedule and clean water matter more than any single piece of equipment.

Start small, keep records of pH and EC, and expand once routines are working.