The Complete Beginner's Shopping List
Everything you need for your first hydroponic build. Start growing fresh herbs and greens for under $50. No experience needed.
Why This List?
Most "starter kit" lists online include 30+ items and cost $200+. You do not need all that. We built this list around the Kratky method -- the simplest hydroponic technique that uses no pumps, no electricity, and no timers. Just nutrient solution, a container, and sunlight.
Setup time: ~15 minutes | First harvest: 3-4 weeks | Total cost: under $50
Your First System
Mason Jar Hydroponic Herb Garden Kit
6 self-watering mason jars, 6 planting baskets, 6 pre-sown growth plugs, 6 absorbent cores
Budget alt: Any wide-mouth mason jar works. Wrap it in foil to block light, cut a hole in the lid for the net cup, and you are in business for under $5.
Wide-Mouth Mason Jars (Quart)
32 oz wide-mouth mason jars with lids, 12-pack, perfect for Kratky method
3-inch Net Cups
VIVOSUN 3-inch heavy-duty net cups with plant labels, 25-pack
Budget alt: You can make DIY net cups from plastic drinking cups by poking holes in the sides and bottom with a soldering iron.
Nutrients & Media
Hydroponic Nutrients (Flora Series)
General Hydroponics Flora Series 3-part liquid nutrient kit, 1 quart each
Budget alt: Masterblend 4-18-38 is a great dry nutrient option at a fraction of the cost per gallon. Our Nutrient Calculator supports both brands.
Seed-Starting Plugs
General Hydroponics Rapid Rooter seed-starting plugs, 50-pack
Budget alt: Rockwool cubes or even a damp paper towel will germinate seeds. Rapid Rooters are a convenience, not a necessity.
Expanded Clay Pebbles (Hydroton)
Hydroton original expanded clay pebbles, 4 liters, lightweight, pH neutral
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Monitoring
pH & TDS Meter Kit
VIVOSUN digital pH meter + TDS/EC meter combo kit, 0.01 pH accuracy
Lighting
Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights (2 ft)
24W full-spectrum LED grow light, 2 ft, linkable, 6500K daylight, 4-pack
Budget alt: A sunny south-facing window provides enough light for lettuce and herbs from spring through fall. Grow lights are only essential for indoor setups without natural light.
Programmable Outlet Timer
BN-LINK 24-hour mechanical outlet timer, 15A, grounded, ETL listed
Seeds
Culinary Herb Seeds Variety Pack
12-pack heirloom herb seeds — basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, dill, chives & more
Frequently Asked Questions
You can start a basic Kratky (passive) hydroponic system for under $50 using mason jars, net cups, nutrients, and seeds. A more complete setup with grow lights runs $50-$100.
The items on this page are everything you need. Skip the expensive kits until you know you enjoy it.
The Kratky method is the easiest hydroponic system. It requires no pumps, no electricity, and no timers. You simply fill a jar with nutrient solution, place your plant in a net cup, and let it grow.
It is ideal for herbs (basil, cilantro, mint) and leafy greens (lettuce, spinach). Take our quiz to find the best system for your goals.
It depends on your space. A sunny south-facing window (6+ hours of direct light) works for herbs and lettuce. For consistent year-round growing, or if you lack window space, a basic 2-foot LED grow light ($25-40) makes a big difference.
We included a grow light recommendation in the list above for growers who want the best results.
Ready to Build Your First System?
We have 30+ free step-by-step building plans with materials lists and diagrams.
Why We Recommend Kratky
- No pumps or electricity needed
- Costs under $10 per jar
- Perfect for herbs and lettuce
- Impossible to over-water
- Great for apartments and small spaces
- Harvest in 3-4 weeks
Best First Crops
Free Starter Email Series
5 emails over 2 weeks covering setup, nutrients, pH, and your first harvest.