How to grow hydroponic herbs

First up, open the box and unpack all of the components. This kit will come with everything you need, even basil and coriander seeds! You don't necessarily have to use these – you can also use any of your favourite herbs or short-growing flowers, as long as their growing habit is below 50cm.

Remove the checked plastic covers, and carefully peel back the white foam inserts. The covers come off easiest if you put your finger into one of the holes to pull it off. Be careful not to spill the vermiculite (your soil replacement) in the pots!

Follow the instructions on the packet and open your seed sachets and sow a few seeds onto the vermiculite in each pot. Put the plastic covers back on the pots. Next, you need to fill up the water container under the pots –  there should be a clear fill line to follow.

Insert the grow light at the end of the pot. Plug the power cord into the HydroGarden unit and the plug into the main power. Press the button at the top of the light twice so the red light turns on – this setting is the grow light, which assists in seed germination, root growth, and bulb development. Press the button a third time for your “set and forget” – this setting will be indicated with a purple colour. This is a timer for 16 hours, meaning you can leave the hydroponic system to work its magic!

When you start seeing some greenery, add approx. 1ml of the provided Seasol® and approx. 1ml of PowerFeed® into the reservoir. Repeat at each refill of water until you are ready to harvest.

When your herbs are 7–8cm, start trimming! This will help to bush out your herbs. You have now harvested your first herbs

Now sit back and watch your herbs grow. As they flourish, harvest your herbs by trimming off as they grow and regrow.

It may be tempting to store your herb kit by the window, but this isn't the ideal spot for it. Instead, rest against a wall or in easy reach from your kitchen!