Hydroponic gardening has become more popular in recent years, and it will continue to be a viable way to grow your plants.
Always remember that hydroponics means quicker growth and a better yield.
But it does cost money, and many people wonder if that cost is worth it.
Is It Cost-Effective?
The simple answer is yes, hydroponic gardening is cost-effective. As previously mentioned, there will be some up-front investment to get you up and running.
However, after you do, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made the switch to this way of growing sooner.
Now that you have learned it is cost-effective, let’s take closer look at the specifics of this type of set up so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
Set Up Cost for Hydroponics
Hydroponic systems range quite a bit in setup cost, and this can vary based upon the hydroponic system you choose.
A variety of factors contribute to the cost for your setup.
Some people choose to grow hydroponics to start their farming career, while some other people use it for themselves and their family.
Either way, because systems grow in water rather than soil, you will have more equipment.
Hydroponic Systems: 3 Types
As specified, the type of hydroponic system you decide on plays a significant role in determining what the overall set up cost is going to be.
There are three different hydroponic systems:
- Low tech
- Mid-tech
- High tech
Low Tech
This is a wonderful option for budget-conscious consumers.
You have your choice between a DIY set up and purchasing a full unit.
You can buy a whole unit for $50-$200 or complete a DIY project for about the same cost.
Mid-Tech
It is a system you can buy and set up inside your home, or, outside for your garden or back yard.
They usually come with some type of lighting, or have fancier features like water flow controls.
You can expect to pay about $300-$1,000 dollars for the system depending on your chosen size or features.
High-Tech
The advanced technology includes full controls and is suited for farmers who would want to operate a business with it.
These systems will run somewhere in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Additional Factors Affecting Set Up Cost
Aside from the technology itself, there are other elements that contribute to the cost of establishing a hydroponic system in the home.
The four primary factors that affect the price are:
- Type
- Size
- Control
- Additional Materials
We will take a closer look at each one of these below.
1. Type of System
There are at least six distinct types of hydroponic systems. Each system will require a different setup and different maintenance.
For example, if you used the NFT (nutrient film technique), you’d need a water pump, but you wouldn’t need one if you’re using the wick technique.
The type of hydroponic system you use not only impacts setup costs but also impacts ongoing expenses.
For example, if the hydroponic system is a recovery system, your water bill won’t double, because the system recirculates water.
If it’s a non-recovery system, you’ll be required to regularly add new water to the system, as it will not recirculate. As a result, your water bill increases with any non-recovery system.
The Decision: The most affordable low-tech hydroponic option is perhaps the Kratky method; you will have to purchase very little to assemble. With Kratky, you just need to use basic materials and an opaque container with holes for your plants.
2. Size of System
Certainly, the size of your system will greatly affect the cost of a hydroponic system.
If you are simply looking to hydroponic garden for a hobby, then you will only need a small, inexpensive system.
However, if you are attempting to produce for a high volume, you will upgrade to a much larger and more expensive system.
The type of crop grown will also have an effect on what size system is needed.
Some systems will only be able to grow one type of plant per system, so if you’re growing multiple different plant types, you’ll need a system for each plant.
Also consider your space and if you will need a vertical or horizontal system.
For example, a vertical system generally will produce more per square foot than a horizontal system, but will generally be more costly because they are high tech.
3. System Control
Another consideration in the overall expense of your system is how much control you have over your system.
When you have control over things like humidity, temperature, and water pressure, your costs will go up.
Let’s say you wanted to incorporate controlled environmental technology in your system, now you will have even higher monthly energy bills.
Also, if you have a malfunctioning system, those high-tech systems also mean higher long-term maintenance costs as they require professional, specialized parts to repair when they malfunction.
On the flip side, with a low-tech design, you could replace it, if needed.
However, not having control over the environmental factors has its own cost.
For example, you could lose your crops to weather, disease, or pest infestations if you are using an outdoor system.
Final note: Replacing plants, or equipment for that matter, incurs a cost, as does lost profits if you planned to sell crops.
4. Additional Materials
If your hydroponic system requires any additional materials, you will have to pay extra aside from the initial cost of the system.
In a DIY system, all of these costs are bundled together, and your only additional costs would be recurring, such as the growing medium and nutrient solutions.
For a pre-built hydroponic system, there may be various prep work required to setup (and perhaps even a costly professional installation).
For example, even if all the contents needed to run the your hydroponic system are included, you may still require growing mediums (perhaps perlite), pH meter, lighting, and nutrient solution, and all of these require a cost.
On the low end, lighting can start around $20, and can go into the hundreds depending on the number and the type of lights needed or how many you need to purchase.
Finally, you may want to evaluate the space available to work with. It might cause you to consider the option.e of renting or purchasing new property for your hydroponic set-up.
Conclusion
As you can see, a hydroponic system can be economical or very expensive.
There is a number of considerations to take into account to calculate a total cost to set up and potentially it is worth the cost.
You can grow food for your family, or grow it commercially. Then there is the question of whether to grow Hydroponic plants indoors or outdoors.