Here are some tips for growing a tower garden in Arizona during the winter:
Location: Place the tower garden in a sunny location to give crops as much sun as possible.
Water temperature: Use a submersible heater to maintain the water temperature at a higher level, especially when temperatures fall below 50°F.
Insulation: Cover the tower garden with insulation to help crops last longer.
Tower tonic: Use full strength tower tonic when temperatures are below 85°F.
Airflow: Place a dolly or thick rubber mat under the reservoir to allow air to flow underneath and reduce cooling.
Move indoors: If possible, move the tower garden indoors during the winter.
Tower gardens can produce winter crops, but they don’t perform well in freezing conditions or temperatures above 90°F. Some tower farm owners only operate outdoors seasonally from spring to fall.
The best water temperature for hydroponics can vary depending on the specific plants you are growing and the stage of growth they are in. However, as a general guideline, most hydroponic systems maintain a water temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is considered ideal for many common hydroponic crops like lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs. Here are some factors to consider:
Hydroponic Plants That Prefer Warmer Water
Some hydroponic plants tend to thrive in warmer water temperatures, typically toward the upper end of the recommended range (between 70°F to 75°F). These plants include:
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are warm-season crops and generally perform well in hydroponic systems when the water temperature is in the upper range. Warmer water can encourage robust growth and fruit production.
Peppers: Like tomatoes, pepper plants prefer warmer conditions. Maintaining a water temperature in the 70-75°F range can help peppers grow well in hydroponic setups.
Cucumbers: Cucumber plants are also warm-season crops. They benefit from slightly warmer water to support healthy growth and fruit development.
Eggplants: Eggplants, or aubergines, are another warm-loving crop. They tend to do better when the water temperature is in the upper range of the recommended temperatures.
Squash: Various types of squash, such as zucchini and summer squash, prefer warmer water temperatures for optimal growth.
Basil: While many herbs can tolerate cooler water, basil tends to thrive in slightly warmer conditions, making it a suitable choice for hydroponic systems with elevated water temperatures.
Cilantro (Coriander): Cilantro is another herb that may benefit from warmer water temperatures, especially during the vegetative growth stage.
It’s important to note that while these plants may perform well in higher temperatures, they still require proper care, nutrient management, and attention to other environmental factors like light and humidity to achieve their full potential in hydroponic systems. Additionally, be mindful of the specific varieties or cultivars of these plants you are growing, as individual preferences may vary slightly. Always monitor and adjust the water temperature based on the specific needs of your plants and the recommendations of your chosen hydroponic system.
Hydroponic Plants That Prefer Cool Water Temperatures
Cooler water temperatures can help inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens and reduce the risk of root diseases. Warmer water temperatures can promote the proliferation of pathogens, potentially leading to root rot or other diseases that can stunt plant growth.
Certain hydroponic plants thrive in lower temperatures, generally within the lower end of the recommended range (between 65°F to 70°F). These plants are often referred to as cool-season crops, and they include:
Lettuce: Lettuce is one of the most popular hydroponic crops, and it prefers cooler water temperatures. Keeping the water between 65°F and 70°F helps prevent bolting (premature flowering) and promotes the growth of tender, crisp leaves.
Spinach: Spinach is another cool-season leafy green that performs well in hydroponic systems with cooler water.
Arugula: Arugula, with its peppery flavor, is well-suited for hydroponic cultivation in slightly cooler water.
Kale: Kale is a robust cool-season crop that can thrive in hydroponic setups with water temperatures on the cooler side.
Swiss Chard: Swiss chard is a versatile leafy green that can tolerate cooler water temperatures, making it suitable for hydroponic gardening.
Bok Choy: Bok choy, or Chinese cabbage, prefers cooler conditions and can be grown successfully in hydroponic systems with cooler water.
Cilantro (Coriander): While cilantro can tolerate slightly warmer water, it can also grow well in cooler conditions.
These cool-season crops are well-suited to hydroponic gardening because you have greater control over the growing environment, allowing you to maintain consistent and optimal conditions, including water temperature, for their growth. When growing these plants hydroponically, it’s important to monitor and adjust the water temperature as needed to ensure they remain in their preferred range for best results.
Vegetables that grow well in Hydroponics:
1. Lettuces
2. Tomatoes https://joybileefarm.com/hydroponic-tomatoes/
3. Radishes
4. Kale
5. Cucumbers
6. Spinaches
7. Beans https://igworks.com/blogs/growing-guides/growing-hydroponic-beans
Fruits
8. Strawberries https://www.simplegreenshydroponics.com/blog?tag=hydroponics
9 Blueberries
10. Peppers
Growing melons: Fruits https://benchmarkhydroponics.com.au/blog/hydroponic-fruit
11. Strawberries
12. Blueberries
13. Peppers
Lettuce in Hydroponics
Lettuce (and most other leafy greens) should be your first plant to try with a hydroponic system. These plants have a shallow root system that matches their short above-ground height. That means there’s no need to tie stakes or set guides for the plant. Instead, you just let them grow while regularly changing their nutrient solution. Eventually, they will look good enough to eat, and you can!
Grow time: About 30 days
Best pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Tip: Stagger plantings so you have a continuous supply of lunchtime lettuce!
Variety options: Romaine, Boston, Iceberg, Buttercrunch, Bibb
Spinach in Hydroponics
Spinach grows quickly in a hydroponic system, particularly when using the Nutrient Film Technique or other methods that keep the nutrient solution highly oxygenated. You’ll also use far less water than an in-the-ground garden. It’s easy to start these plants from seed and a week after sprouting, move them into your system.
Grow time: About 40 days
Best pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Tip: For sweeter spinach, keep your grow temperatures between 65 degrees F and 72 degrees F. The lower temperatures may slow grow time, though.
Variety options: Savoy, Bloomsdale, Smooth Leafed, Regiment, Catalina, Tyee, Red Cardinal
Strawberries in Hydroponics
The worst thing about strawberries is how seasonal they are. If you don’t get them locally when the crop is ready, you’re relying on trucked-in berries that begin deteriorating as soon as they’re picked. With hydroponics, you can have a ready-to-eat crop of strawberries all year long. Harvesting is super-convenient as well – no bending over! Strawberries seem to do best with an ebb and flow system, but deep water culture or nutrient film technique can do for a small crop.
Grow time: About 60 days
Best pH: 5.5 to 6.2
Tip: Don’t buy strawberry seeds, which won’t be berry-ready for years. Instead, you want to buy cold-stored runners that are already at that stage.
Variety options: Brighton, Chandler, Douglass, Red Gauntlet, Tioga
Bell Peppers in Hydroponics
Bell peppers are a slightly more advanced hydroponic plant. Don’t let them grow to their full height, instead, prune and pinch plants at about 8 inches to spur pepper growth. Deep water culture or ebb and flow systems are best for peppers.
Grow time: About 90 days
Best pH: 6.0 to 6.5
Tip: Plan to provide up to 18 hours of light for these plants each day, and raise your light rack as the plants grow, keeping plants about 6 inches from the lights.
Variety options: Ace, California Wonder, Vidi, Yolo Wonder
Herbs in Hydroponics
There are a wide variety of herbs that work wonderfully in hydroponic gardening. Studies have shown that hydroponic herbs are more flavorful and aromatic than those grown in the field. What herb do you want to grow? Basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and watercress are all great options. Herb production is another great way to test out your new hydroponic system, and nearly every system style is suitable for a round of herbs as you learn the ropes!
Grow time: Varies by plant
Best pH: Varies by plant
Tip: Flush your growing medium about once a week to get rid of any extra nutrients that your plants haven’t (or won’t) absorb.
Medicinal herbs:
https://www.reiziger.com/15-medicinal-herbs-you-can-grow-hydroponically/
Flowering herbs: https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/blogs/hydroponics/hydroponic-edible-flowers-how-to-grow-edible-flowers-without-soil
Regrow used produce
https://www.mygardenlife.com/recipes-edibles/the-garbage-garden