A hydroponic system is a system of growing plants without using the soil; instead, plants are nourished by nutrient-enriched water. This new technique offers plants an opportunity to assimilate nutrients directly hence enhancing their growth and productivity. Hydroponic systems are not limited to a single style; there are nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC) and aeroponics to suit the hydroponicist’s choice of location.

Why Choose Basil?

Basil is probably one of the most commonly used herbs in the kitchen around the world. Its leaves can add a good fragrance to pasta, salads, and it is widely used in Mediterranean and Asian cooking. Basil has a number of other uses apart from the culinary, such as it is anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant values. Secondly, basil grown under hydroponic system is usually more flavorful compared to basil grown in soil because of the best environmental conditions.

Here is a Key Supplies for a Successful Start

Before diving into the cultivation process, gather the following supplies:

Hydroponic System: Select a system that is appropriate in your space. The first and easiest to build is the Kratky method or a DWC bucket system.

Growing Medium: Although it is not necessary, you need to provide a growing medium for the seedlings and that may include rock wool, clay pellets or coco coir.

Nutrient Solution: Buy a hydroponic nutrient solution for herbs because most of the nutrients are formulated to meet the needs of herbs. The use of the products should be done according to the instructions given by the manufacturer on the mixture.

Seeds or Seedlings: Basil can be grown from seeds or young plants gotten from a nearby nursery.

pH Meter: It is important to preserve the pH level of the water at a neutral level and it is ranging from 5.5-6.5 so as to facilitate the absorption of nutrients.

Lighting: If you are growing your plants indoors, then you should use grow lights to supplement light in this area since the light spectrum is extremely important for the growth of your plants.

Water Source: Tap water should not be used due to dangerous chemicals that may be present in it, use distilled or filtered water instead.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Hydroponic Basil

1. Setting up Your Hydroponic System

Choose a Location: Choose a location which is light or find a place where there is sufficient light or put the hydroponic system indoors using a grow light.

Assemble the System: Read the manufacturer’s manual to guide you when installing the hydroponic system. Make sure that all parts of the system are well fixed such as the reservoir and the pump.

2. Preparing the Growing Medium

Soak the Medium: If using rock wool or other mediums, these have to be immersed in pH balanced water for at least 24 hours before planting.

Fill the Containers: Pour the water soaked growing medium into your preferred pots or net pots, ensuring that there is ample space for the basil seeds or seedlings.

3. Planting Seeds or Seedlings

Planting Seeds: If from seeds, plant them as directed on the seed packets or by the advice of a professional gardener. Sprout lightly with the growing medium.

Transplanting Seedlings: If using seedlings, carefully transplant them from their pots and placing them into the growing mixture with the roots being concealed.

4. Mixing the Nutrient Solution

Follow Instructions: Mix the nutrient solution as directed by the manufacturer. Test the pH level using a pH meter and alter it if required.

Add to Reservoir: Pour the nutrient solution into the reservoir, mostly the roots of the basil plants should be immersed in the nutrient solution.

5. Light and Temperature

Lighting: When the plant is grown indoors, use grow lights and give it 12-16 hours of light per day. The height of the lights also need to be changed as the basil grows.

Temperature: Basil plants prefer growing in warm environments, that are between 70-80°F (about 21-27°C). It is important that your growing environment remains at these temperatures for the best results.

6. Monitoring Growth

Check Nutrient Levels: It is also important to check frequently the nutrient solution concentrations and to add more as required. Strive for a correct ratio between nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements.

Observe for Pests: It is important to look for signs of pest or disease infestation. It is always good to note that pests are normally not very common in hydroponic systems, but they are always there.

7. Harvesting Your Basil

Timing: Basil leaves are ready to be picked when the plant reaches about 6 inches high or 4-6 weeks after planting.

Method: It is advisable to use sharp scissor or pruning shears while cutting the leaves, but some should be left behind to continue growing. It is suggested that continuous picking promotes more branching.

Best Practices for Effective Troubleshooting

Still, growing hydroponic basil is not very difficult, but there are some problems that you can face. Here are a few common issues and solutions:

• Yellowing Leaves: This may be as a result of nutrient deficiency or over watering the plant. Control your nutrient solution and make necessary changes if needed.
• Leggy Growth: If your basil plant looks leggy, that is, they are tall thin plants, then it might be due to insufficient light. Exposure to light should be increased in order to encourage the bushier growth of the plants.
• Root Rot: This can happen in overly saturated growing media. A proper aeration and drainage of hydroponic system is very important.