option to grow basil hydroponically

Question

I have propagated basil cuttings with roots, and want to have the option of continuing hydroponics (In water), or planting in soil…hydro: ph, type (15-30-15?)/strength of fertilizer, how does it stand up straight? In soil: ph, kind/texture/composition of soil, type/strength of fertilizer. I would assume water should be bottled as opposed to CITY water (which is chlorinated/salt w/ water softener). ANY ADVISE IS HELPFUL to grow indoors all winter. Thanks, Sandy

Answer 1

This is quite the complicated subject if this is your first go. This will be by trial and error. Luckily basil does not require strong fertilizer to grow well. They are pretty carefree. If you city water does contain softeners, then you will want to avoid this. Any water will do as long as it is not loaded with salts, such as softened water. Your bottled nutrients should contain a small amount of chlorine to substitute, should you choose to use bottled water. They actually use SOME of the chlorine present in water.

Now, in hydroponics, you will not want to introduce any soil into the system. A hydroponic medium will be best, such as hydroton, grow stone, or perlite. As for standing up straight, it grows so fast hydroponically, that it will not have the ability to stay upright for very long. You can either trellis, or do what I do, which is let it hang over the side.

This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/hydroponic-gardening-indoors.htm