How Much Space Do You Need for Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a system of growing plants without soil, using a growing medium, water and nutrient in solution. It offers several benefits over traditional gardening, including faster growth, higher yields, and the ability to grow plants in limited space. Because of this, it can be a great option for maximising food production at the home scale.

How much space do you need for hydroponics? With hydroponics, proper spacing is crucial for the health and productivity of your plants. Your available space will dictate how productive your hydroponic farming will be. In this article, we explore this question to help you determine if you can grow your food hydroponically with space available. 

You may also like to read another Every Drop Saved article about hydroponics, How Much Water Does Hydroponics Save?

Table of Contents

The Basics of Hydroponics

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a type of gardening that relies on a nutrient solution to feed the plants, instead of soil. The plants are grown in a growing medium, such as perlite or gravel, and the nutrients are delivered directly to the root system through a water solution. This allows the plants to grow faster and produce higher yields compared to traditional gardening methods.

Benefits of Hydroponic Gardening

Hydroponic gardening has several benefits, including water and nutrient efficiency, faster growth rates, and, if you construct your system indoors with growing lights, you the ability to grow plants in any season. Since the plants receive a direct supply of water and nutrients, they can grow more efficiently and require less space compared to soil-based gardening. This makes hydroponics an ideal option for urban gardening or for those with limited space.

Small-scale hydroponics is a great option for saving water in your food production and can be done with limited space!

Factors Affecting Plant Spacing in Hydroponics

Importance of Proper Spacing

Proper plant spacing is essential in hydroponics to ensure that each plant has enough space to grow properly. If plants are spaced too close together, they can compete for resources, such as light and nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth and lower yields. On the other hand, if plants are spaced too far apart, it can result in wasted space and inefficient use of resources. Importantly, the spacing of plants dictates the number of plants that you can grow, which in turn dictates the nutrient requirement of the system. For efficiency, we recommend determining the maximum density for the plant type and therefore adopting the maximum hydroponic production possible for your system. 

Factors to Consider for Plant Spacing

When determining plant spacing in a hydroponic system, several factors need to be considered. These include:

• the type of plants,
• the size of the plants at maturity,
• the type of hydroponic system being used,
• the necessary airflow, and
• the specific requirements of the plants being grown. 

The specific spacing requirement for different crops must also be known to ensure optimal growth and prevent overcrowding. This is beyond the scope of this article but can easily be determined with little internet research.

How to Determine Plant Spacing in a Hydroponic System

Calculating the appropriate spacing for plants in a hydroponic system is done by considering the mature size of the plants, the type of hydroponic system being used, and the specific requirements of the plants. 

Determining the correct spacing for your plant type is an important, but often challenging step. As mentioned, hydroponic plant spacing is different depending on the plant variety you grow, and It’s important to determine the specific spacing recommendations for that specific plant. There is no definitive guide to this, but there are many useful resources online.

As a general rule, leafy greens, such as lettuces and herbs, require around 4-6 inches (100 to 150mm) of space between plants, while fruiting plants like tomatoes may need 12 inches (300mm) or more, depending on the variety. 

We recommend researching this, reading what is available online relating to your plant type, and if there is no specific advice, adopt the rule of thumb spacing provided above. You can always adjust this in future planting cycles.

Types of Hydroponic Systems and Their Space Requirements

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System

The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system is a popular type of hydroponic system that involves a thin film of nutrient solution flowing over the roots of the plants. This system requires a sloping platform or pipe for the plants, with a reservoir for the nutrient solution. The space required for an NFT system depends on the plant spacing required, and the actual design of the system. Pipes can be stacked vertically up to maximise space efficiency. They can also wrap around walls for space efficiency. These systems are very popular for small-scale hydroponics at the home scale.

Drip Irrigation System

A drip irrigation system is another common type of hydroponic system, where nutrient solution is delivered directly to the plants’ roots through small tubes. In this system, the spacing between plants can vary depending on the size of the plants and the specific requirements of the plants you want to grow.

Vertical Farming

Vertical farming systems utilize vertical stacking of plants to maximize space efficiency. They allow water to travel down through the stack via gravity. These can be highly efficient for space and the space requirement depends primarily on the shape and structural design of the system. These systems are very popular at the home scale since they typically take up less space than other systems.

Calculating Space Requirements for Different Crops

Plant Spacing for Leafy Greens

Leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, and herbs require less space compared to fruiting plants. In hydroponics, leafy greens typically need around 4-6 inches (100 to 150mm) of space between plants to allow enough room for proper growth and airflow. This spacing ensures that each plant has access to adequate light, nutrients, and water, resulting in healthy and productive crops. In an NTF system you would locate each plant at about that spacing along the pipe that delivers the nutrient solution and water.

Plant Spacing for Fruiting Plants

For fruiting plants like tomatoes or peppers, a larger amount of space is needed due to their larger size and root systems. In hydroponics, these plants often require at least 12 inches (300mm) or more of space between each plant to allow for proper growth and support. Providing sufficient space between fruiting plants ensures that they have enough room to develop their fruits and prevents overcrowding that can lead to disease and stunted growth. With larger plants consideration is also needed for the structural integrity of the plant. You’ll need to ensure they are supported or provided sufficient root space for them to support themselves. Plant spacing is an important aspect of this. 

Plant Spacing for Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as carrots and beets, need enough space for their underground roots to grow and expand. In hydroponics, spacing requirements for root vegetables vary depending on the specific crop but is often governed by the space required in the growing medium to allow the roots to develop fully, without restriction, therefore ensuring optimal growth and yield.

Optimizing Small Space Hydroponics

Vertical Farming Hydroponics Systems

Vertical hydroponics systems are an excellent option for those with limited space. These systems allow you to grow plants vertically, maximizing the use of space. By utilizing vertical space, you can grow more plants in a smaller area, making it ideal for small gardens or indoor hydroponics setups. Vertical hydroponic systems optimise space by using stackable layers or vertical planter pipes with openings for plants to grow on the vertical face.

Compact Hydroponic Systems

When space is limited, compact NFT hydroponic systems can be a great solution. These systems can be designed to be small and efficient, allowing you to grow plants in tight spaces. They often utilize smaller containers or trays, allowing you to fit more plants in a smaller footprint. They can also use pipes that follow walls or fit into the space that is available. These systems are ideal for apartments, balconies, or any small area where space is at a premium. You can be creative to make it work in the area you have.

Choosing the Right Plants for Small Hydroponic Gardens

When planning a small hydroponic garden, it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited for small spaces. Look for compact varieties or plants that have a growth habit that suits your system. Herbs, leafy greens, and smaller fruiting plants like strawberries or cherry tomatoes are excellent choices for small hydroponic gardens. These plants require less space and can still provide a bountiful harvest in a limited area.

Tips for Successful Hydroponic Gardening at Home

Nutrient Management

One of the keys to successful hydroponic gardening is proper nutrient management. It’s important to ensure that your plants receive the right balance of nutrients for optimal growth. Regularly test and adjust the nutrient solution to meet the needs of your plants and monitor the pH levels to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Following a nutrient schedule and using quality hydroponic nutrients will help to promote healthy plant growth.

Lighting Requirements

Lighting is crucial for the success of your hydroponic garden, especially if you’re growing plants indoors. If artificially lighting the system, choose the right type of lighting, such as LED or fluorescent lights, that provide the necessary spectrum and intensity for plant growth. If growing outdoors, ensure that the plants can access adequate sunlight. Ensure that the light is evenly distributed throughout the garden to prevent shadowing and promote uniform growth. 

Temperature and Humidity Control

The temperature and humidity levels in your hydroponic garden can greatly impact plant growth and health. It’s important to maintain proper temperature and humidity levels for optimal plant growth. Invest in a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor these levels and make any necessary adjustments. Provide proper ventilation and air circulation to prevent the buildup of heat and humidity, which can lead to disease and poor plant growth.

Conclusion

When it comes to how much space you need for hydroponics, proper plant spacing is essential for the health and productivity of your plants. Factors such as the type of hydroponic system being used, the specific requirements of the plants, and the available space will influence the spacing needs. By understanding the factors affecting plant spacing and optimizing small space hydroponics, you can create a successful hydroponic garden that maximizes the use of space and yields abundant crops.

FAQs

Q: How much space do you need for hydroponics?

A: As discussed in this article, it is not straight forward answer. The amount of space needed for hydroponics depends on various factors such as the type of system you are using, the size of the plants you’d like to grow, and your overall gardening goals. Whether you are building a small hydroponic garden at home, or a large-scale hydroponic setup, it is important to plan your hydroponic garden in advance maximise the space you have available.

Q: Why is hydroponic plant spacing different?

A: Hydroponic plant spacing is different from traditional soil gardening because plants don’t need the same amount of space to develop their root systems. In hydroponics, plants grow in a nutrient-rich solution instead of soil, which allows for more efficient nutrient uptake. Therefore, you can grow more plants in a smaller area compared to traditional gardening.

Q: What is the recommended spacing for hydroponic plants?

A: The recommended spacing for hydroponic plants depends on the type of system you are using and the specific plants you are growing. Each plant has its own spacing requirements, and you should research this. You can also adopt rule of thumb spacing and adjust in future growing cycles. Generally, it is important to provide enough space for the plants to grow without crowding each other.

Q: How much space do tomato plants need in hydroponics?

A: Tomato plants grown hydroponically require a bit more space compared to some other plants due to their size and growth habit. It is recommended to provide around 18-24 inches (450mm to 600mm) of space between each tomato plant to ensure they have enough room to grow their roots and foliage. You also opt for miniature varieties and cherry tomatoes for closer spacing.

Q: Do plants grow better in hydroponics compared to soil gardening?

A: Plants can grow exceptionally well in hydroponics if the system is properly set up and maintained. Hydroponic growing allows for precise control over nutrient levels, watering, and environmental conditions, leading to faster growth and potentially higher yields compared to traditional soil gardening. However, it also requires careful design and monitoring to ensure optimal plant health.

Q: Do hydroponic plants need the same nutrients as soil-grown plants?

A: Hydroponic plants have the same nutritional needs as soil-grown plants, but the way nutrients are provided is different. In hydroponics, nutrients are directly added to the water or nutrient solution, allowing for more efficient uptake by the plant roots. It is important to provide a balanced mix of nutrients to support healthy growth.

Q: What are the advantages of building a hydroponic garden?

A: Building a hydroponic garden offers several advantages over traditional soil gardening. Some of the key benefits include faster plant growth, higher yields, reduced water usage, better control over nutrient levels, and the ability to grow plants in limited spaces or urban environments. Additionally, hydroponics can help reduce the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases. It is a more controlled environment compared to traditional gardening.

Q: Do all plants need the same amount of space to grow hydroponically?

A: No, different plants have different spacing requirements when grown hydroponically. Some leafy greens and smaller herbs can be grown in close proximity, while larger plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers will need more space to accommodate their size and root development. It is important to research the specific needs of the plants you intend to grow in your hydroponic system.

Q: How much space does a hydroponic garden require?

A: The amount of space required for a hydroponic garden varies based on the scale of your project and the number of plants you plan to grow. Whether you are setting up a small-scale indoor hydroponic system or a large-scale commercial operation, consider the space needed for the growth area, as well as the space for storage of equipment, nutrient reservoirs, and walkways. Good luck on the journey, and remember you can adjust as you go, in each growing cycle to optimise your system.