Beginner guides: start here

Everything a first-time grower needs, in the order you need it. No jargon, no assumptions, no biology degree required.

Read the master guide
Two hands settling a small lettuce seedling and clay pebbles into a black net pot, with a propagation tray on the worktop behind.
Every system starts the same way: a seedling, a net pot and something to hold it up.

Hydroponics for beginners

The master guide. Equipment, your first build, nutrients, best first plants, and what to expect in your first 30 days.

Read the guide

Benefits of hydroponics

Ten reasons people switch: faster growth, less water, no weeding, year-round harvests, and more.

See the benefits

How hydroponics works

The simple explanation. What plants actually need, and how soil-free growing delivers it.

How it works

Common beginner mistakes

The 15 mistakes almost every new grower makes, and exactly how to avoid each one.

Avoid the mistakes

Equipment you actually need

A minimalist checklist. Skip the $300 all-in-one systems and start for under $50.

See the checklist

Build the $10 system

The mason jar Kratky plan. Our most popular free build, and the one we recommend everyone start with.

Build it now