Gardening Methods

Do Romaine Lettuce (and other leafy greens) grow faster, hydroponically, than in potting soil? By how much?

I can’t find any studies/research on this subject. Also, what about rotary (upside down, at times) hydroponic gardens, like the Omega Volksgarden — will these result in getting leafy greens to the dinner table faster? And, are hydroponics greens as nutritious as soil-grown greens? Thanks for all replies.

I don’t have any studies, just my own experience (if anyone does know of any studies I’d love to look). No, plants in general do not come to maturity quicker with hydroponics than with regular gardens. However, since you can control the level of nutrients better, they grow bigger and stronger than outdoor plants. This has been true for strawberries, radishes, celery, and carrots (I haven’t tried leafy greens, although some radishes can have their leafy parts eaten).

If you want your leafy greens faster, just find the varieties that have a shorter growing time (some can be eaten as early as 20 days later as baby greens).

As for nutrition, I don’t know! But you’ve got me curious – anyone out there know?

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