A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Fresh Vegetables in Water

Growing vegetables in water is a fantastic way to cultivate fresh produce without the need for soil. This method, often referred to as hydroponics, is perfect for small spaces and urban settings. It’s also a fun and educational activity that can yield delicious results. Here’s a guide to the best vegetables you can grow in water and tips for success.

Benefits of Growing Vegetables in Water

Growing vegetables in water offers several benefits:

• It's ideal for apartments and small spaces.
• It uses less water compared to traditional soil gardening.
• It reduces the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases.
• It's great for urban settings and can contribute to sustainable living practices.

Top 10 Vegetables You Can Grow in Water

Obviously, not every single vegetable is suited for this type of growing, but we have compiled a list of the top 10 vegetables you can start growing in the comfort of your own home!

Green Onions (Scallions)

Green onions are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in water. Simply place the white root end in a glass of water, and within days, you'll see new green shoots emerging.

Lettuce

Lettuce can regrow from the base of a used head. Place the base in a shallow dish of water, and it will start to sprout new leaves. Romaine and butterhead varieties work particularly well.

Celery

Celery regrows similarly to lettuce. Place the base of the celery stalk in a shallow dish of water, and new stalks will begin to sprout from the center.

Bok Choy

Bok choy can regrow from the base of the plant. Place the root end in a shallow dish of water, and new leaves will start to grow from the center.

Basil

Basil cuttings can be grown in water. Take a 4-inch cutting from a healthy basil plant, remove the leaves from the bottom inch, and place the cutting in water. Roots will develop within a week.

Mint

Like basil, mint can be grown from cuttings. Place a mint cutting in water, and it will quickly develop roots, making it easy to transplant into soil or continue growing in water.

Carrot Tops

While you won’t get new carrots, you can regrow carrot tops in water. Place the top of a carrot in a shallow dish of water, and it will sprout greens that are great for garnishing.

Garlic Greens

Garlic cloves can be grown in water to produce garlic greens, which have a milder flavor than garlic cloves. Place a garlic clove in water, and it will sprout greens in a few days.

Leeks

Leeks regrow in a similar manner to green onions. Place the root end in water, and new greens will start to grow from the center.

Fennel

Fennel can regrow from the base of the bulb. Place the base in a shallow dish of water, and new fronds will start to sprout.

Tips for Success in Water-Based Gardening

Change the water regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth and use clear containers as they allow you to monitor root growth and water levels. Provide adequate light: place your plants in a sunny window or under a grow light to ensure they receive enough light for photosynthesis. Monitor for pests like aphids that can still affect water-grown plants. Trim and harvest regularly to facilitate new growth and prevent the plants from becoming leggy.