18 Plants You Can Grow Hydroponically Indoors Year-Round
Honestly, I’m surprised more people don’t grow food indoors. Growing food hydroponically lets you harvest fresh produce year-round and cut entire categories out of your grocery bill. If I can inspire even a handful of people to start, I’ll consider that a win.
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Why Grow Food Hydroponically?
A good hydroponic system—like an AeroGarden or Rise Garden—can feel like an investment upfront, but it pays for itself over time. Between the savings, convenience, and food quality, it’s one of the easiest ways to become more self-sufficient.
You can also build your own DIY hydroponic system if you’re handy (I’m working on a couple myself and will share soon).
So what can you actually grow indoors, all year long?
18 Plants You Can Grow Hydroponically Year-Round
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest and most productive hydroponic crops. A single head can cost around $3—and if you eat one per week, that’s $150+ per year.
Even better, you can harvest leaf-by-leaf and keep the plant producing for weeks. Just be sure to use a fan for airflow to keep plants strong and healthy.
2. Herbs
Herbs are where hydroponics really shines. Small grocery-store packages are expensive and often go to waste.
Growing your own means fresher flavour, zero waste, and big savings.
Top herbs to grow hydroponically:
Basil (Genovese, Thai, Holy)
Cilantro
Parsley
Dill
Thyme
Mint (be careful—it spreads!)
Oregano
Sage
Rosemary
Chives
Chamomile
3. Bok Choy
Like most leafy greens, bok choy thrives in hydroponic systems. While you typically harvest the whole plant at once, it grows quickly and reliably indoors.
4. Celery
Celery is about 95% water, making it ideal for hydroponics. Instead of wasting a full bunch, you can harvest a few stalks at a time—perfect for soups and stews.
5. Swiss Chard
Chard is incredibly nutrient-dense and grows beautifully indoors. Bonus: rainbow varieties add colour to your setup and your plate.
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6. Tomatoes
Hydroponic tomatoes can be incredibly productive—especially in winter when fresh tomatoes are otherwise unavailable.
Stick with:
Micro or dwarf varieties for small systems
Determinate varieties for larger systems
Tip: Add calcium/magnesium (Cal-Mag) if flavour seems off.
7. Peppers
Peppers are a must-grow indoors. They’re often high in pesticides when store-bought and can be expensive.
They’re also naturally perennial, meaning you can grow them long-term indoors. Since they’re self-pollinating, a gentle shake helps boost yields.
8. Green Onions
Green onions grow well hydroponically, especially when multisown. While yields may vary, they’re convenient and great to have on hand.
9. Mustard Greens
Fast-growing and nutrient-rich, mustard greens thrive in hydroponics. Just give them enough space—they like to spread.
10. Peas
Peas are self-pollinating and grow well indoors—but choose dwarf varieties. Standard types can quickly take over your space (learned that the hard way).
11. Spinach
Growing spinach indoors helps avoid pests like leaf miners. It’s perfect for batch harvesting and freezing for later use.
12. Beets
Beets can be grown hydroponically, but they take up space for a single yield. Best suited if you really love them.
13. Bush Beans
Bush beans are ideal for hydroponics. Avoid pole beans—they grow too large. Bush varieties produce a full harvest at once, making them efficient and manageable.
14. Radishes
Radishes can be grown hydroponically, especially when multisown. Like beets, they’re not the most space-efficient but still doable.
15. Kale
Kale thrives indoors and produces continuously. Harvest regularly or grow full plants to freeze for smoothies and soups.
16. Eggplant
Eggplants are self-pollinating and well-suited to hydroponics. Compact or Asian varieties tend to perform best indoors.
17. Strawberries
Alpine strawberries are ideal for hydroponic systems because they don’t produce runners. You will need to hand-pollinate, but the payoff is worth it.
18. Cucumbers
Look for parthenocarpic varieties (no pollination required) and compact growth habits. Otherwise, cucumbers can quickly outgrow your system.
Final Thoughts on Growing Hydroponically Year-Round
Hydroponic gardening opens the door to growing fresh, healthy food all year—no matter your climate. While not every plant is ideal, there are plenty of options that thrive indoors with minimal effort.
Start small, experiment often, and don’t be afraid to push the limits. You might be surprised at what you can grow—and what you can stop buying.
Growing your own food indoors isn’t just practical—it’s empowering.
