The Best Hydroponics Starter Kits

Hydroponic gardening is a far cry from traditional back-breaking work in the field. Rather than using soil and a dependence on naturally occurring nutrients, the hydroponic gardener acts like a chemical engineer, designing the nutrients his crop receives through a mineral solution. Hydroponics is well-suited for people living in cramped urban spaces or those who just don't want to get their hands dirty. For those looking to get started in hydroponics, here are a few products that can help.

Garden of Ease

Not everyone wants to mix chemicals and perfectly calibrate solution all day. The Garden of Ease is for hydroponic beginners who want a self-contained system that helps you start growing right away. The Garden of Ease costs $59.99, as of 2010.

Recipe For Success

The Recipe For Success starter kit teaches you nutrient mixtures by using simple and colorful instructions. It's an excellent pick for educating children and putting them on the path to future gardening excitement. The Recipe For Success is also a great deal at $32.

Quality Professional Kit

If you're looking to commit to hydroponic growing on a larger scale, then you might want to consider looking across the pond at Quality Professional Kit. While you'll need to order it from England, the Quality Professional is tough to beat, with lights, timers, drain systems, nutrients and 16 pods included in the kit. All of this comes at a steep price, however, with the Quality Professional Kit currently retailing for 1,070 pounds.

Hydrofarm MGSYS

The Hydrofarm MGSYS Hydroponic Megagarden System is a great way to start off with a bang, without shelling out the big bucks for a larger package. At $179, the Hydrofarm MSGSYS is still an investment, but you get a lot for your money. The starter kit comes with pumps, grow medium, pots, pH testing strips, nutrients, water reservoir, watering timer and an illustrated guide to starting your hydroponic garden on the right foot.