Hydroponics opens up a world of bushfood growing possibilities. It’s particularly useful in the case of modern homes with small backyards and plenty of room indoors (or in the garage).
Not every bush tucker species in our range will be suitable for hydroponic growing. Woody trees and shrubs, for example, will struggle to fit into a tank or vertical garden. Better suited are vegetables, herbs and succulents — like aromatic Bush Basil or flowering Native Violet — which can thrive in a compact setup, providing you with a year-round supply of homegrown native botanicals.
Vertical gardens are a popular setup for hydroponic growing. They look great in homes, offices, decorating walkways down the side of the house, or adding a touch of botany to decks and balconies.
Hydroponics: An Overview
Hydroponics is a form of gardening that involves cultivating plants in nutrient-enriched water. No soil is used, however some setups can include a medium like gravel, perlite or synthetic hydrogels to help keep the plant upright and physically stable.
Plants commonly grown hydroponically for commercial purposes include tomatoes, capsicum, cucumbers, strawberries, lettuces and medicinal cannabis. Although hydroponic growing is all about water, it notably uses less water than even intensive agricultural methods, making it an option worth considering for anyone adapting their gardening practices to the changing climate.
What about aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a type of hydroponic gardening that combines nutrient-rich wastewater from aquaculture (raising aquatic animals) with nutrient-hungry hydroponically grown plants. It’s the ideal way to recycle water “polluted” with animal waste and uneaten feed, and a great way to recycle “cleaned” water once the plants have consumed the nutrients.
Hydroponic and aquaponic systems take some effort to set up, but even a small home unit can produce loads of healthy vegetables and herbs.
Suitable bushfood plants for hydroponic growing
Edible Flower
Common name / Botanical name
Native Violet
Viola hederacea
Herb
Vegetable
Common name / Botanical name
Vegetable, Succulent
Check out our hydroponic display at the 2023 Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival
Come say g’day at the 2023 Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival and check out the Tucker Bush hydroponic display. We’ll run you through the basics of how to set up a hydroponic garden specifically for growing native Australian edibles.
The 2023 Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival at Langley Park, 11th – 14th May 2023. Gates open 10am to 4pm. Get your tickets now.
