Farmers who produce their crops hydroponically have been successfully doing their work. Pesticide-free production, soil-less growth conditions, limited or no insect entry, efficient resource utilization, and a regulated environment make hydroponic crop cultivation more profitable than traditional farming.
What are the crops to avoid Growing Hydroponically?
Though some may claim that any crop can be produced hydroponic systems, this does not imply that it should. Onions, radish, beets, potatoes, and other root vegetables are unlikely to be lucrative. These crops rarely grow effectively in a hydroponic system, and even if you find a system that allows for effective growth, you will likely be unable to compete with traditional or even organic farmers who grow them in the soil.
Top 3 Types of Cash crops to Grow Hydroponically
The following three crops, on the other hand, can be produced hydroponically and, if cultivated consistently of good quality, should provide a profit possibility in most marketplaces. It should be emphasized that if one or more of these crops have already been successfully produced hydroponically in your region, you may need to carve out your specialty.
Mushroom
Mushrooms are a profitable crop no matter how they're produced, but growing them hydroponically allows you to stand out from the crowd. Mushrooms aren't planted with roots, although they can be cultivated "hydroponically" if the term is used broadly.
They need moisture and are cultivated in a soilless medium. They may be cultivated using a fully prepared kit or by growing mycelia from the beginning. They do not need much light and, unlike the other indoor-produced crops, do not utilize light for anything other than a trigger to start fruiting because they do not photosynthesize.
Strawberries
Fruit is usually a success at farmers' markets, and many food retailers can't keep up with demand when it's in season. You may gain a market edge by producing strawberries hydroponically, if not all year, then at minimum for the 10 or so months a year when conventionally produced strawberries do not gain market share.
Hydroponic farmers have reported yields that vary from less than field-grown kinds to up to four times as productive. The type of strawberry grown accounts for a large part of the vast range. Some types are more suited for hydroponic cultivation than others, so do some research before choosing. Some indoor growers have had remarkable success using Red Gauntlet.
Aside from the ability to manage climatic conditions and the absence of soil-borne pests, another advantage of cultivating hydroponic strawberries is that they can be grown vertically, many plants high.
Basil
Herbs are a very profitable crop. Basil is one of the few herbs that can be successfully cultivated hydroponically. Basil is sensitive to freezing temperatures, therefore growing it hydroponically makes sense because, like strawberries, it is only accessible for a few months each year if grown in soil. In comparison to most other crops, it may also bring a high dollar amount per pound.
Basil grown in a hydroponic system offers the added benefit of increased taste. It contains 20-40% more oils than field-grown basil, according to multiple university-led research.
You may broaden your market by cultivating many different varieties of basil (there are over 100). There are giant-leafed basils, variegated-leafed basils, and a variety of flavors and textures to choose from.
