Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
My $150 DIY Hydroponics Starter Kit
11
items I’ve been obsessed with the idea of growing my own food year-round, but honestly, looking at all the gear was so overwhelming. I spent the last few weeks falling down a rabbit hole of reviews and grower forums to figure out a setup that actually work...
Sections
3
The Under $150 Starter System 🛒
The Non-Negotiable Essentials (The Science) 🧪
Smart Upgrades for Future Growth 📈
The Under $150 Starter System 🛒
If you're just starting, you don't need a huge, complex array. These systems are simple, compact, and virtually foolproof. They prove that you don't need a green thumb to grow incredible food indoors. This is the exact unit I have prioritized in my b...
Everyone seems to have one of these, and for good reason. I looked at a ton of off-brand versions, but the Harvest Slim seems to be the most reliable for just getting started. It fits right on the counter and basically tells you when to add water. It...
AeroGarden Harvest Lite Black, 6-Plant Hydroponic Garden
Seriously, watch this video before you buy anything. It saved me from buying a way more expensive model that I didn't actually need. It's the best honest review I found.
Watch this BEFORE you buy your FIRST AeroGarden!
The Non-Negotiable Essentials (The Science) 🧪
You can skimp on the system, but you CANNOT skimp on these. This is the 'science' side of hydroponics. I cross-referenced three separate expert forums to confirm these are the most reliable, best-value products you need for success, especially for gr...
I kept seeing this 'Masterblend' name pop up on every single pro-grower forum. Apparently, it's way better (and cheaper in the long run) than the liquid stuff that comes in the box. It's a powder that lasts forever, so it’s a big win for the budget.
MASTERBLEND 4-18-38 Combo Kit Fertilizer 2.5lb
I learned the hard way with my house plants that water quality matters. Every expert says that if your pH is off, your plants just die. This kit looks super easy to use even if you aren't a scientist.
General Hydroponics Ph Control Kit
You can't just shove seeds into the pods. These little cubes are what the seeds actually grow in. They're cheap and everyone says they're the best for starting healthy roots.
Rockwool Grow Cubes 1.5 Inch Starter Sheets
is a top-rated choice for hydroponics. It is a 5-variety pack featuring heirloom, non-GMO seeds like Buttercrunch and Romaine. Users report excellent results in indoor machines, with some seeds sprouting in as little as three days.
Gardeners Basics Heirloom Salad Greens Seeds
Smart Upgrades for Future Growth 📈
Once we're successful with Phase 1, these are the mid-tier investments I've planned for. They solve common beginner problems like automated feeding and faster plant growth, making our system more efficient.
This little gadget tells you how 'strong' your nutrient water is. It felt a bit extra at first, but after reading enough horror stories about people accidentally 'burning' their plants with too much food, I'm definitely adding this to my kit.
HM Digital TDS-3 Handheld TDS Meter w/ Case
I know I’m going to forget to turn the lights off manually, so this is just for my own peace of mind. It’s cheap and makes the whole thing automatic.
Mars Hydro 7-Day Programmable Digital Timer for Electrical Outlets
Don't buy the official brand ones! These generic ones are way cheaper and do the exact same thing. Great to have on hand for when you want to swap out your plants.
50pcs Grow Baskets for Aerogarden Hydroponics
Pro tip I found: adding bubbles to the water helps the roots 'breathe' and prevents them from getting slimy. It's a tiny aquarium pump that makes a huge difference in how fast things grow.
Small Air Stone
is a highly-rated, quiet option specifically designed for grow environments. It features automatic oscillation and 10 speed settings, allowing you to provide a gentle breeze for seedlings or stronger airflow for mature plants.
Clip On Fan For Grow Tent