Hydroponic Tomatoes

Hydroponics, which aims to grow plants without soil, is a field of agriculture that has been undergoing research and experimentation for the last few centuries. With the development of plastics in the 20th century, greenhouse technology and hydroponics returned to prominence. Hydroponic tomatoes are one of the most common vegetables grown in hydroponics due to their high commercial demand in all four seasons.

Hydroponic technology is often prohibitively expensive for many incomes, and growing tomatoes the old fashioned way in soil can be more cost effective in warmer states. While small home hydroponics kits exist, a greenhouse hydroponics setup for moderate production for a small farmer costs anywhere from $10,000-$20,000. A supply of soil nutrients effective for growing hydroponic tomatoes is also a large bulk of additional cost. The technical knowledge and experience necessary to grow tomatoes hydroponically is also a definite factor in reducing this growing method's popularity.

On the plus side, hydroponics technology is growing cheaper as time progresses and technological advances are made. Greenhouse conditions produce crops that are more resistant to disease. Hydroponic tomatoes are often ripened on the vine and may taste better than most store bought varieties that have been picked while still green. However, hydroponic tomatoes are inferior to soil grown tomatoes picked when ripe when it comes to nutritional value and taste, as they lack the vitamin C provided by direct sunlight and natural soil nutrients.

If you live in a colder climate and lack the funds to build a greenhouse, growing tomatoes in pots inside is always a cheap option. Just make sure to place the pot near a windowsill.