Your first hydroponic tray in 7 steps

Growing without soil is simpler than it looks. A small tray, a pump, and a nutrient solution are enough to start.

What you need

• A shallow tray or tub with a lid
• A small air pump and air stone
• Liquid nutrients made for leafy greens
• A pH test kit and an EC meter

The 7 steps

• Fill the tray with water and add nutrients to about 1.2 EC.
• Adjust the pH to between 5.8 and 6.2.
• Place net pots with seedlings in the lid.
• Run the air stone around the clock.
• Check pH and EC every two days.
• Top up with plain water, not new nutrients.
• Replace the solution every two weeks.

What to log

Track pH, EC, temperature, and leaf color. Small notes beat memory when something goes wrong.