Beginner Shopping List Builder
Not sure what you actually need to start growing hydroponically? This free hydroponic shopping list builder gives you a personalised kit based on your goal, experience level, and budget. No guesswork, no expensive mistakes, and no buying things you do not need yet.
Answer 3 quick questions and get a complete prioritised shopping list with every item explained, what to buy first, and links to every product on Amazon.
Step 1 of 3 — What do you want to grow?
What do you want to grow?
This determines which system and equipment you actually need.
Your personalised kit
🎯 Buy in this order
🛒 Complete shopping list
📋 How to use this hydroponic shopping list builder
- Choose your goal — herbs and leafy greens, fruiting vegetables, microgreens, or a mixed setup. Each goal requires different equipment.
- Select your experience level — complete beginner, some experience, or ready to level up. This determines how simple or complete your kit needs to be.
- Set your budget — lowest cost, mid-range, or full setup. The calculator builds the best possible kit and shows the real estimated cost based on current Amazon prices.
- Get your list — a prioritised shopping list with every item explained, what to buy first, and direct Amazon links for everything.
❓ Common questions about starting hydroponics
🌱 What do I absolutely need to start hydroponics?
At an absolute minimum for a simple Kratky lettuce setup: a wide-mouth mason jar, a Kratky lid, some clay pebbles, a one-part nutrient powder, pH strips, and seeds. The total cost for a budget starter kit is around $57 on Amazon. Many of these supplies (like the 12-pack of lids and 2 lb bag of pebbles) last for multiple grows, bringing your cost per plant down to just a few dollars.
💰 How much does it really cost to start hydroponics?
A budget Kratky starter kit for herbs and leafy greens costs around $57 to $66 on Amazon. Microgreens are even cheaper to start at around $17 to $26. If you want a proper setup with a grow light and digital meters, expect $170 to $190 for herbs. Fruiting crops like tomatoes need stronger equipment and start around $220 for a minimum viable setup. The calculator above gives you the exact cost for your specific goal.
🧪 Do I need a pH meter to start?
Not a digital meter. pH test strips cost $3.99 and are accurate enough for a beginner Kratky jar. A digital pH and EC meter is the first upgrade most beginners make after their first successful harvest. Once you are running a DWC system or growing in quantity, a reliable digital meter becomes essential.
💡 Do I need a grow light?
For herbs and leafy greens on a bright south-facing windowsill in summer, a window may be enough for your first jar. However, for consistent results year-round, especially in autumn and winter, an LED grow light makes a dramatic difference. Fruiting crops like tomatoes and peppers always need a proper grow light regardless of window exposure. A Mars Hydro TS600 at $59.99 is the best value starting point.
🧫 What is the easiest way to germinate seeds for hydroponics?
Rockwool cubes or rapid rooter plugs inside a humidity dome give the most reliable germination rates. Keep them in the dark and moist for the first 3 to 5 days. Once the seed coat breaks and you see the first sprout, move to light. For simple Kratky setups, you can also germinate directly in the Kratky lid with clay pebbles.
💧 What is DWC and do I need it?
DWC stands for Deep Water Culture. Plants sit in a net cup above a bucket of oxygenated nutrient solution. It is the most common beginner system after Kratky because it is simple, cheap, and produces fast growth. You need an air pump to keep the water oxygenated. DWC is ideal for herbs and fruiting crops. Kratky is even simpler because it needs no pump, but it is passive and better suited to small greens.
🌿 What is the difference between Kratky and DWC?
Kratky is a passive system with no pump. You fill a jar with nutrient solution and the plant grows as the water level drops, creating an air gap for the roots. It is perfect for lettuce and herbs. DWC uses an air pump to actively oxygenate the water, supporting larger plants and faster growth. DWC requires more equipment but produces better results for anything beyond basic greens.
🫙 Can I reuse clay pebbles?
Yes. Clay pebbles are fully reusable. After each grow, rinse them thoroughly, soak in a pH-adjusted solution for 24 hours, rinse again, and they are ready. Avoid sharing pebbles between plants that had root problems like root rot.