If you have a green thumb and are planning to move to Tokyo or looking to add plants to your hobbies but are worried about your minimal or nonexistent balcony space and limited sunlight, fret not, because there is a modern alternative that many residents are turning to: hydroponics.
Hydroponics is the method of growing plants without soil, only water-based nutrient solutions. You can grow practically anything in a compact, clean, and surprisingly satisfying solution and go soil-free in the heart of Tokyo.
In this guide, we’ll explore beginner-friendly hydroponic systems, where to buy kits and supplies, what to grow, and tips to get you started on your indoor garden – even in a 1K apartment.
Instead of soil, hydroponics uses nutrient-rich water to grow plants. The roots are either suspended in water or anchored in an inert growing medium like coconut coir, perlite, rock wool, or clay pellets for support. You can also use artificial light in case your place doesn’t get a lot of natural sunlight. With the right balance of light and nutrients, you can achieve your gardening goals using less water and space and even faster plant growth.
In a local scale, the Japan Hydroponics Market, according to news outlets, is witnessing rapid growth due to the increasing scarcity of arable land, rapid urbanization, and a bigger focus on food security. Japan’s hydroponics sector was valued at US$345.8 million in 2023 and expected to reach US$582.2 million by 2030. With evolving consumer preferences toward fresh and locally produced food, you can expect this trend to trickle down to consumers and their home gardens.
First, you don’t have to deal with messy soil or the emergence of bugs, especially for indoor plants, which can become an issue. Hydroponics offers a space-efficient alternative as some setups are vertical or wall-mounted. You can control the entire system easily and even automate certain tasks like feeding the solution to the plants. This method also lets you grow plants all year, so you’re not dependent on seasons. Lastly, you get an odor-free and often renter-friendly option with hydroponics.
It might seem daunting at first, but thanks to agricultural advancements, hydroponics isn’t just for professional growers or science classrooms anymore. You can get stylish, small, easy-to-maintain systems that are beginner-friendly.
In small hydroponic setups, you can grow:
This is the simplest and most low-maintenance hydroponic setup. You don’t need pumps or electricity, only a container, a net pot, and nutrient solution. The plant roots grow into the nutrient water, and as the water level decreases, the roots get exposed to oxygen, allowing them to breathe and grow.
Quick facts and benefits:
Best for growing:
This is a hydroponic system where plant roots grow in a nutrient-rich water solution. An air pump is submerged in the container and supplies oxygen, preventing root rot and promoting faster growth. This method allows plants to absorb nutrients efficiently, resulting in higher yields.
Quick facts and benefits:
Best for growing:
A thin stream of nutrient-rich water flows through slightly tilted channels, and plant roots absorb the nutrients as they grow downward. This vertical setup is common in large-scale commercial farms but is becoming increasingly available in small tower formats for home use.
Quick facts and benefits:
Best for growing:
This setup pulls nutrient solution upwards to the roots through a wick (usually cotton or felt). Since no electricity or pump is needed, this is a beginner-friendly option, although not as nutrient-efficient for heavy feeders due to the type of medium used.
Quick facts and benefits:
Best for growing:
With this system, the plants are placed in a tray that’s temporarily flooded with nutrient solution and then drained. You can control it with a timer, making it great for intermediate growers who want higher yields.
Quick facts and benefits:
Best for growing:
Tokyo residents often opt for fast-growing and compact plants that don’t require direct sunlight. Here are a couple of popular picks you can start with:
Pro tip: look for “cut-and-come-again” type of greens, which regrow after harvesting to give you an endless supply
You only need to know where to loo,k and you’ll never run out of hydroponic gardening supplies in Tokyo.
You don’t need a yard or even a balcony to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce in Tokyo. Thanks to compact hydroponic systems and some commitment, you can turn your window area into a thriving mini farm. Whether you’re aiming to reduce waste, eat healthier by incorporating more greens, or just want to enjoy the mental health boost of tending plants (and the joy a new leaf brings), hydroponics opens the door to sustainable living in the city.
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