Hydroponics

1. Introduction to hydroponics

Hydroponics is a modern and practical way to grow herbs, vegetables and selected edible plants without soil. Plants grow with the help of water and nutrients, which provide the essential elements they need for healthy growth.

Hydroponic growing is well suited to modern homes because it is clean, space-saving and easy to manage indoors. With Herbova grow capsules and a Bosch SmartGrow 3 device, getting started is simple even if you have no previous growing experience.

  • A soil-free and clean way to grow fresh herbs and edible greens
  • A practical method for growing indoors in controlled conditions
  • A way to grow fresh ingredients at home even when outdoor space is limited
  • A green and living addition to the kitchen, windowsill or home

Whether you are a beginner or already enjoy growing plants, hydroponics makes home growing simple, rewarding and easy to fit into everyday life.

2. Supplies you need

You only need a few carefully selected products to start hydroponic growing. Herbova offers practical products that help you grow herbs, vegetables and selected edible plants at home.

Supply list

  1. Bosch SmartGrow 3 hydroponic system: A smart indoor garden with automatic LED lighting and watering. A compact and easy-to-use option for home growing.
  2. Herbova grow capsules: Rockwool-based capsules that work as a growing medium for seeds and help maintain a suitable moisture balance.
  3. Seeds: Choose suitable seeds from Herbova’s selection. Herbs and leafy greens are often especially well suited for hydroponic growing.
  4. Nutrient solution: A liquid hydroponic fertiliser added to the water to provide nutrients for plant growth. Always follow the product instructions.

3. How to get started

Step 1: Prepare the device

  1. Fill the water reservoir with clean tap water and add nutrient solution according to the instructions.
  2. Place the grow capsules in the device.
  3. Add seeds to the centre of each capsule. The suitable amount depends on the plant variety.

Step 2: Cover and wait for germination

  1. Cover the capsules during germination to help retain moisture.
  2. Place the device in a suitable location and use the device lighting according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 3: Follow the growth

  1. Remove the covers once the seedlings have emerged.
  2. Check the water level regularly. Many indoor growing devices also remind you when water is needed.

Depending on the plant variety and growing conditions, the first harvest can often be enjoyed within a few weeks.

4. Plant-specific tips and harvesting

Herbs

  • Basil, parsley and lemon balm: often germinate within 5–10 days, depending on conditions.
  • Cress and dill: usually germinate quickly and can produce an early harvest in suitable conditions.

Tip: harvest leaves regularly to encourage the plant to branch and grow more densely.

Leafy vegetables

  • Lettuce: grows well in many indoor growing systems and can be harvested leaf by leaf.
  • Spinach and chard: can be grown for young leaves when the growing conditions are suitable.

Tip: harvest the outer leaves first so the centre of the plant can continue growing.

Chillies and peppers

  • Jalapeño, Cayenne and Habanero: need warmth, strong light and a longer growing period than most herbs.

Tip: chillies require patience. Good lighting and warmth are important for strong growth.

Special and decorative plants

  • Coleus, tomato and chard: can grow in hydroponic conditions, but they may need more space, light and nutrients than smaller herbs.