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 $72 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 $72 to $81 on Amazon. Microgreens are even cheaper to start at around $40. 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. The Mars Hydro TS600 at $59.99 is a great starting point, or the VIPARSPECTRA P700 at $39.98 for a fanless, quieter option.
🧄 How do I stop algae growing in my mason jars?
Algae grows anywhere light reaches nutrient solution. The cleanest fix is blackout jar sleeves that slip over your mason jar in seconds. They are washable and reusable. DIY alternatives include black tape or aluminium foil, but sleeves are easier to remove when checking root health. The blackout sleeves at $14.99 fit standard wide-mouth mason jars and take 2 seconds to slide on.
🔊 What is the quietest air pump for an apartment DWC?
The Tetra Whisper IQ 20 runs under 40 dB and is one of the quietest pumps for a 3 to 5-gallon DWC tote. For the absolute quietest option, a fully submersible internal filter runs with the motor underwater, which dampens nearly all noise. The standard budget air pump works but is noticeably louder.
📏 Do I need a heat mat for microgreens?
Not always. If your apartment stays above 68 degrees F (20 degrees C), most microgreen seeds germinate fine without extra heat. If your space is cool or you want faster, more even germination, the VIVOSUN seedling heat mat at $14.99 sits perfectly under a standard 1020 tray and cuts germination time by 1 to 2 days.
🧪 Why do I need EC calibration solution?
An EC meter that reads inaccurately is worse than no meter because it gives you false confidence. Calibration solution lets you verify your meter reads correctly before every grow cycle. The Bluelab 2.77 EC calibration solution is the standard reference for hobbyist growers. One 250 ml bottle lasts a long time.