Benefits of Growing Hydroponically Compared to Conventionally
Hydroponic cultivation has several benefits compared to conventional planting, mainly because:
Not hindered by place and weather conditions
Hydroponics planting can be done on a roof or a narrow space. During extreme weather conditions, it can be done indoors.
Save on fertilizer and water
Hydroponics gardening saves you water and fertilizer. Water use is less, and the fertilizer uses hydroponic nutrients only when needed.
It’s cleaner and pests-free
Plant pests are unlikely to attack hydroponic plants. And the roots are always clean.
As a source of income
Growing hydroponic plants at home can be used as a source of income. Find out the hydroponics benefits and costs to start.
Better quality, higher profit
Hydroponic plants are healthier and better in quality. Also, hydroponic plants can be sold for twice the price of conventional plants. So, the profits are higher.
Benefits of Starting Your Own Hydroponics Business
Apart from the benefits of hydroponic growing mentioned above, these are the benefits of doing home hydroponic business:
Funding
You don’t need to spend much money to start this business, especially when you already have your own space. Funds are needed to purchase various materials and hydroponic seeds.
Public awareness of healthy living
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, public awareness of their health has increased. People are switching to eating healthier veggies. This makes the hydroponic plant business grow bigger.
The business functions
This business usability also has more functions. You can sell healthy hydroponic vegetables and fruits. And you can also become a sales agent for business materials and equipment.
The Drawback of Hydroponic Business
Meanwhile, behind the benefits of home hydroponic business, it also has a drawback, including:
Market Competition
The hydroponic business level of competition is very high. You need to have one that is different from the others. You can choose to cultivate fresh vegetables, fruits, or plants that are open due to a lack of supply in the market.
High cost to start
Hydroponic cultivation may be quite expensive since you’ll be spending money on containers, a greenhouse, and the expenses of water, electricity, rent of land or space, and others.
However, home-based hydroponics gardening will cost less since you use your own space without a greenhouse. Also, there is an inexpensive and simple hydroponic way of planting.
For example, use containers out of bottles, so it doesn’t require pump power and electricity.
Simple Tips for Planning Your Hydroponics Business
The hydroponic plant business is a good prospect. Here are useful tips to help you plan your own hydroponic business:
Plan in advance
Make sure you understand the importance of hydroponics benefits and costs as you plan your business ahead of time.
Understand how long it will take to make a profit out of it. Also, choose your target market wisely.
Choose your hydroponic plants
From green vegetables (cucumber, spinach, etc.) to chilies, and tomatoes, which do you think has a better prospect and with a minimum supply in the market?
With your choice of hydroponics plants to cultivate, make sure they meet your hydroponics benefits and costs analysis.
Digital Marketing
Most businesses market their products online through social media. Opening an online store will also make it easier for you to market and the consumers to buy your hydroponic vegetables and fruits.
Global Facts on Hydroponics Costs
Planting your own home-based hydroponic business, you should know about the hydroponic benefits and costs you will need to spend.
The benefits have been described in detail above. Now, in terms of anything that needs financing, here are some facts for inspiration:
- Broadly, a hydroponic shed or greenhouse installation cost somewhere between $50-$200 (low-tech), $500-$1,000 (medium-tech), or $10,000 (high-tech).
- In 2021, the global value of the hydroponic cultivation market will be $2.1 billion and is expected to grow to $13-$16 billion worldwide by 2025. The countries most successful in hydroponic technology are the United States, Canada, France, Australia, Britain, Israel, and the Netherlands.
- In Australia, hydroponic production of vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers is worth about $300-$400 million.
Simple Estimation of Hydroponic Benefits and Costs for Success
When running a hydroponic business, you can start with easy work steps. This can be done on home-based gardening with a small but quality hydroponics benefits and costs analysis.
Here’s an example of a simple hydroponic cultivation estimation:
- Simple hydroponics sets— $25-$100
- Utilities (water, electricity, natural gas, etc.) — $150 per month.
- Materials (seeds, fertilizers, trays, nutrients, etc.) — $10-$100 per item.
- Labor— $8-$12 per hour
- Equipment compensation/extra expenses— $200 per month
That’s a little review of the estimated costs needed for this business. So, how to make it successful?
- Be diligent and open up to learning new things about hydroponics cultivation.
- Find a mentor near you for guidance.
- Understand marketing strategies and techniques for hydroponics benefits and costs.