Finding the best vertical hydroponic system can help you grow plants using less water and chemicals.
Not to mention, vertical systems save plenty of space compared to traditional farming.
This guide will look at some of the best beginner-friendly hydroponic systems to help you build your dream garden.
Below, you will find five top-rated models to kickstart your hydroponic farming.
Whether you live in an apartment or use a small part of your garage to grow plants, we highly recommend these options.
Comparison Chart
Best Vertical Hydroponic System Reviews
1. Gardyn 1.0 Indoor Hydroponics Growing System
The Gardyn 1.0 Indoor Hydroponics Growing System is an excellent option if you’ve always dreamt of having a vertical garden.
It is an all-in-one solution with LED grow lights that don’t require a tent or greenhouse to spread basic nutrients.
Product Highlights
Let’s look at the most exciting highlights of the Gardyn 1.0 Indoor Hydroponics Growing System.
- 30 Plants Included
One thing that makes this option unique is that it comes with 30 plant seed cubes.
The seeds are wrapped in rockwool, helping boost their germination and nutrient resources.
You will find an assortment of fruits and vegetables you can grow immediately after receiving the package.
- Full-Spectrum Grow Light
When it comes to indoor gardening, it’s essential to set up adequate lighting so that your plants can have the best chance for proliferation.
This hydroponics system arrives with a full-spectrum grow light, ideal for resembling light from the sun.
- Built-in AI Technology
The Gardyn 1.0 Indoor Hydroponics Growing System offers a modernized way to manage vertical planters for indoor gardening.
Cameras and sensors are built into the hydroponic planters, allowing you to monitor the progress of your plant growth remotely.
Through the app, you will also receive alerts when it’s time to prune, harvest, or refill the water in your tank reservoir.
- Wi-Fi-enabled
You will need to connect the hydroponic planters to Wi-Fi to get access to all of the AI features built into this unit.
That said, you can also opt to use it without its connectivity features, and the system will still easily grow your plants.
- Space Saving Design
The Gardyn 1.0 Indoor Hydroponics Growing System is one of the most compact vertical planters we’ve found.
It only takes up about two feet of space and five feet of height.
It is a fantastic solution for all sorts of veggies and fruits, especially compared to traditional gardening methods.
What to Like About It
The Gardyn 1.0 Indoor Hydroponics Growing System is a helpful system that is easy to put together and ideal for beginners.
Seeds will proliferate in the vertical planters, primarily if you use the included seed cubes.
Also, the app is filled with essential tips and tricks to help you boost your plants’ growth.
What Not to Like About It
The first concern with this unit is that it is tough to clean and needs to be maintained regularly.
Also, the built-in cameras aren’t real-time, so you can’t have an up-to-date view of your plants.
Pros:
- Very easy to set up
- The seed cubes are fantastic
- Helpful app for beginners to manage food crops
- Helps seeds grow rapidly in planting pockets
Cons:
- Challenging to clean the planting kit
- No real-time cameras on the vertical tower systems
2. ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System
The ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System is an excellent choice for first-time gardeners.
Designed primarily for herbs, you can try a new way of gardening that is space-saving and better for the environment.
This starter kit is easy to install and even more straightforward to use, making it a fantastic all-in-one solution for any type of garden.
Product Highlights
Let’s look at the highlights of the ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System.
- All Season Gardening
The most considerable benefit of this grow kit is that it’s designed for all-season gardening.
You will have everything you need for stimulated growth, including a lighting system that emulates the sun and a nutrient solution.
Overall, it has the potential to offer five times more growth than traditional planting.
- Large Water Tank
Water is essential to tower gardens, and the ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System is well equipped with a good-sized water tank.
You will be able to hold up to four liters of fluid, reducing how often you need to water your plants.
There is also a built-in water level indicator, letting you know when it’s time for a refill.
- Independent Submersible Pump
In the ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System, you will find an independent circulating pump.
It will turn on for 30 minutes and shut off for 30 minutes in continual cycles.
Thanks to this automated system, you can ensure your plants get more than enough oxygen.
- Two Grow Modes
Gardeners will find two growing modes in this kit on 14- and 10-hour cycles.
Because of the automatic timer, the full-spectrum lights will turn on and off as needed, depending on your chosen cycle.
- All-Inclusive Kit
The ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System arrives ready to use out of the box, as it’s already assembled.
In the kit, you will also receive 16 sponges, eight growing baskets, eight water tank covers, a plastic cover, nutrients, and more.
What to Like About It
The ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System makes it easy to start your own vertical garden. It has plenty of space for herbs and microgreens.
With the self-regulating cycles, your seeds will sprout quickly. Also, the lighting is made of multicolor LEDs, providing the ideal spectrum for optimal growth.
What Not to Like About It
The biggest concern with this hydroponic tower is that the pump doesn’t last as long as expected and may fail.
Also, the pods are spaced close together, which isn’t ideal for larger type of plants like sweet potatoes.
Pros:
- Straightforward setup
- Perfect for most types of plants
- Quickly sprouts seeds for vertical gardening
- Built with multicolor LEDs
Cons:
- Tightly spaced pods with limited air circulation
- The pump doesn’t last long
3. VIVOSUN Hydroponics Growing System
If gardening space isn’t a concern for you, the VIVOSUN Hydroponics Growing System is a well-rounded system to have.
It offers ample planting spots, helping you establish a massive hydroponic garden.
Also, because it comes as a kit, you will receive everything you need to start growing your favorite fruits and veggies.
Product Highlights
Let’s look at the impressive variety of features of the VIVOSUN Hydroponics Growing System.
- Timed Circulation System
This kit is ideal if you are searching for a hydroponics system that takes most of the work out of gardening.
It comes with a timed circulation system that engages the pump every 30 minutes for five minutes at a time.
The nutrient solution will easily circulate through the system, nourishing your plants.
The best part of the nutrient film technique system is that you can set it to automatic or manual, depending on your plants’ needs.
As you can imagine, it would make growing leafy vegetables, plant roots, and other crops easier.
- Easily Assembled
Although the VIVOSUN Hydroponics Growing System looks large, it is easy to assemble.
You don’t need much space to house your wide variety of plants, making it great for indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Ample Planting Spots
Compared to a traditional garden, this hydroponics setup triples its growing capacity thanks to its smart and compact design.
With this unit, you will have 108 planting sites to put plants, vegetables, and flowers.
Each tier is connected, helping you maximize water usage across all plants to ensure practical vertical farming.
- PVC Design
There’s nothing better than having high-quality, reusable materials in your garden.
That said, you’ll like that this unit is made of PVC, which is highly resistant to water and UV light damage.
Also, it is very lightweight when used in hydroponic techniques.
- All-Inclusive Kit
Everything you need comes with these advanced systems, aside from seeds and special solutions for nutrients.
If you get this VIVOSUN model, you will receive a germination kit, planting pipes, a water pump, a water pump timer, a power plug, planting baskets, sponges, and more.
There is also an instruction booklet to help you learn how to get the most out of your hydroponics system.
What to Like About It
The general design of the VIVOSUN Hydroponics Growing System is pretty impressive.
To put it simply, it’s a quality 2-in-1 system that doesn’t leak. You will also find the water flow ideal for all plants, allowing for optimal root nourishment.
What Not to Like About It
A notable concern with this hydroponics system is that it’s not for seed starting, which should be done separately.
Also, you may have to tighten some of the piping, as the PVC pipes may fall over time.
Pros:
- Straightforward assembly steps
- Water flows easily through the pipes
- Quickly connects to garden hoses
- Doesn’t leak your nutrient water
Cons:
- No lamp for access to light
- PVC piping may come apart
4. EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System
The EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System is a small tabletop unit ideal for herbs and small fruits and veggies.
With plenty of valuable features, it is a great way to start hydroponics.
Product Highlights
Let’s consider the top features of the EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System for bountiful crops.
- 12 Growing Spots
In this unit, you will have 12 individual spots where you can plant seed starters for fresh produce.
Your veggies, herbs, and fruits can grow up to 21 inches before needing a trim. This is plenty for a small kitchen garden or to begin a farm with acres of produce.
- Built-in Pump
Like most hydroponics kits, this model has a built-in pump.
You simply turn the pump on, and it will circulate the water for 30 minutes. After the first cycle, it turns off for 30 minutes before turning back on again.
- Flower and Fruit Growing Modes
You will find different growing modes when you look at the intuitively designed control panel on the EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System.
Vegetables grow best under “Veg” mode, which contains the most light. For flowering and fruiting, choose the “Flower” mode, which has a red light.
- 80 Integrated Lights
The full spectrum lighting of the EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System is a great feature for optimal growth.
There are 80 individual LED lights, offering 36 total watts of growing power to boost photosynthesis.
What to Like About It
The EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System is a fantastic at-home hydroponics kit with versatile adjustable lights.
Moreover, it is easy to maintain the water level, thanks to the easy-access pour spout and water gauge.
What Not to Like About It
The most significant issue with the EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System is its small size.
As such, you may find that you must regularly prune your plants.
Also, it can be challenging to find replacement tools, like sponges, after the end of the growing season.
Pros:
- Versatile light adjustments
- Easy-to-see water level gauge
- Quick light changes for plants
- Easy-access pour spout
Cons:
- Plants require pruning to prevent overgrowth
- Hard to find replacement items
5. Aerospring 27-Plant Vertical Hydroponics System
Serious gardeners will fall in love with the design of the Aerospring 27-Plant Vertical Hydroponics System.
It is a fantastic commercial system with everything you need to grow an assortment of plants.
With a grow tent, grow lights, and more, it is probably more suitable for experienced backyard gardeners.
Product Highlights
Let’s get into the details of the Aerospring 27-Plant Vertical Hydroponics System.
- Two-in-One System
This hydroponics system is a two-in-one, offering up to 30 percent more growth when the tent is zippered shut.
Alternatively, you can leave it open if you want easy access to your plants.
Whether you wish to use the unit indoors or outdoors, there are built-in LED lights to supplement sunlight.
- 27 Planting Spots
The Aerospring 27-Plant Vertical Hydroponics System offers up to 27 spots for planting fruits, vegetables, and more.
It is an entirely vertical unit, so it helps save plenty of floor space.
- 20-Gallon Water Reservoir
After setting up the hydroponics system, you’ll notice it has plenty of water to run for a while without needing a refill.
When the time comes, there’s a detachable internal hose you can hook up to your water line for quick water changes and refills.
- Wi-Fi Timer
The Aerospring 27-Plant Vertical Hydroponics System has plenty of smart features, including a timer.
When connected to Wi-Fi, you can adjust the irrigation and light automation remotely.
- Built-in Exhaust Fan
This unit has an exhaust fan to maintain the perfect humidity for your plants when the tent is closed.
This feature also helps control the internal temperature for optimal growth.
What to Like About It
The Aerospring 27-Plant Vertical Hydroponics System is great for colder climates and gardeners needing ample planting space.
The smart features help to optimize growth, boosting your plants’ potential.
What Not to Like About It
One possible problem with the Aerospring 27-Plant Vertical Hydroponics System is its sometimes spotty Wi-Fi connectivity.
Also, the system can take up to two hours to put together.
Pros:
- Perfect for colder climates
- Plenty of planting space
- Helpful smart features
- Boosts growth exponentially
Cons:
- Spotty Wi-Fi connectivity
- Lengthy assembly
Buyer’s Guide
When deciding on a hydroponic system, it’s essential to find one with all the best features built into it. If you have no idea how to pick one, here are the most crucial considerations:
Growing Spaces
The number of growing spaces your hydroponics system has is one of its most essential features.
As a vertical system, you will want to ensure there are plenty of planting spots.
Ideally, opting for units with between 20 and 50 spots should be more than enough for beginners.
Water Tank
The water tank on your hydroponics system is another notable thing to pay attention to.
You’ll want to ensure it has a reasonable capacity ideal for all the plants you’ve chosen. Otherwise, you will spend more time refilling the water than anything else.
Another feature to consider with your water tank is how easy it is to refill.
If you can find a unit with a built-in hose, you simply connect the hydroponics system to your house hose and fill the water freely.
Lighting
Lighting is another crucial thing to consider with a hydroponics system, as it optimizes growth.
Your chosen kit should come with high-quality full-spectrum LED lighting.
It will also be for the best if it gives you complete control over how bright the lights must be throughout the day.
Timers
There’s nothing better than having a garden that can maintain itself.
With a hydroponics system, you will need two timers: one for light and one for the water pump.
You should be able to set specific cycles for both, allowing the unit to self-regulate.
Without self-regulation, you will be responsible for nourishing your plants’ roots throughout the day.
Also, you will have to turn the lights off at the end of each cycle on your own.
Assembly
When you’re ready to set up a new garden, the last thing you want is to spend hours putting the system together.
The perfect hydroponic setup should take no longer than several minutes to put together.
Vertical Hydroponic System FAQs
1. What is a vertical hydroponic system?
A vertical hydroponic system is much like any other hydroponic garden in that it allows you to grow plants using water versus soil.
The main difference with vertical systems is you can choose to grow multiple plants in a limited space. You will have planting spots stacked on top rather than side-by-side.
2. How does a vertical hydroponic system work?
Vertical hydroponic systems offer a unique way to grow crops that don’t require soil and help conserve water.
With your plants in their growing spot, their roots are the only part exposed to water.
In this water, you will have a nutrient-enriched solution that circulates on a regular timer.
As the nutrient-rich water flows over the plant’s roots, they latch onto the nutrients and absorb them into their root system.
As a result, your plants are thoroughly fed by continually using water rather than chemicals and soil.
3. How to build a vertical hydroponic system?
You can find many online DIYs for building hydroponic systems, but they might not be worth the time and effort.
Instead, it’s better to invest in an all-in-one kit complete with everything you need to get started.
4. Are hydroponic systems expensive?
A hydroponic system can be expensive, especially if you go for the larger models.
However, most are affordable, especially compared to the time it usually takes to maintain a regular garden.
With automatic processes and timers, the time-conscious gardener can often prefer hydroponics.
5. What can you grow in a hydroponic system?
There are multiple things you can grow in a hydroponic system, just like any other garden.
You can plant fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs in the same growing space.
Our Final Recommendation
Our choice for the best vertical hydroponic system is the Gardyn 1.0 Indoor Hydroponics Growing System.
Not only does it look fabulous, but it’s also built with intuitive AI features to help beginner gardeners become savants.
With automatic timers and lighting schedules you can manage remotely from a Wi-Fi-connected device, it is a futureproof way to own a garden.
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