A revolution in cultivation that saves up to 90% of water – how is that possible?

In an era where every drop of water counts, hydroponics comes as a hero in a green cloak – or rather in a growing basket. It may sound like science fiction, but believe me, you can grow fresh salads, herbs or tomatoes in your living room while saving a huge amount of water. How does it all work and why is it said to save up to 90% of water compared to traditional soil cultivation ?

What is this famous hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a modern way of growing plants without soil. Instead of digging their roots through soil, plants enjoy the nutrient solution directly at their roots. No more blindly searching for nutrients – in hydroponics, plants have everything served right under their leaves.

But the key magic ingredient? Water. Or rather, the amount of water that is never lost in hydroponics .

Where does water disappear in traditional farming?

To understand why hydroponics is so effective, we need to look at how (un)economically water is handled in traditional watering:

• Infiltration into the soil – much of the water disappears before it reaches the plants.
• Evaporation – especially on hot days, water evaporates at lightning speed.
• Watering outside the roots – how much water ends up outside the beds? A lot.
• Pouring water – if you have never watered a tomato up to the leaves, throw the first watering can!

As a result , only 10-20% of the water is actually used by the plant . The rest is simply lost.

And now hydroponics enters

Hydroponic systems operate as a closed water circuit – the water doesn’t soak into the ground, doesn’t evaporate as much, and most importantly, it circulates . This means it circulates between the plants and the tank over and over again until it is used up or replaced.

Thanks to this:

• You will use almost every drop .
• You can precisely dose nutrients – no fertilizer lost in the soil.
• You only add water minimally.

And the result? Saving up to 90% of water compared to growing in soil – as confirmed by studies, farmers and enthusiasts around the world.

Practical example: Two salads, two approaches

Let's imagine two identical lettuces – one grown classically in a garden bed, the other in a home hydroponic system.

• Lettuce in soil : consumes about 30–40 liters of water during growth (most of it evaporates or is absorbed).
• Hydroponic lettuce : can get by with 3-5 liters of water because it recycles it and almost nothing is lost.

Now imagine growing not just one lettuce, but a whole garden! The difference is multiplied and your water bill will applaud you.

Water rescue in times of drought

With more frequent droughts and climate change, any technology that conserves water resources is a huge benefit. Hydroponics is a sustainable and ecological choice for the future:

• It can also work in areas with limited access to water.
• It is ideal for cities where a garden is a luxury, but water and electricity are available.
• It helps reduce pressure on agriculture, which otherwise consumes up to 70% of the world's freshwater.

Tips on how to start saving water at home

• Start with a DWC (Deep Water Culture) system – it’s simple, inexpensive and ideal for herbs and salads.
• Use opaque containers – this will reduce evaporation and algae formation.
• Check the level regularly - only add what the plants have actually used.
• Recycle water – filter, purify and reuse (advanced option).

Summary: Why hydroponics and not a garden hose?

• 🌱 Water consumption reduced by up to 90%
• 🌱 Faster growth and higher yields
• 🌱 Growing anywhere – even in an apartment
• 🌱 Fewer diseases and pests
• 🌱 Water is not wasted – it is used to its fullest

Hydroponics is not only fun, but also a smart choice for anyone who wants to grow in a modern, efficient way, and with respect for our planet.

So what? 🌿 Save water and grow fresh basil for pasta at the same time? 😄