Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Hydroponic Garden

My godfather recently told me that it is good that I have so many interests. Sometimes, I think I have too many. I doubt I will do everything I want to do in my lifetime but it all keeps me busy and out of trouble.

My newest venture is hydroponics. I’ve read several books and articles on the topic over the last five years but wasn’t up to building a tank with pipes as suggested. My daughter, Lisa, introduced me to a better solution, an affordable tank that I could purchase and manage.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water rather than soil. It’s a practice utilized by commercial businesses and homeowners. The advantage is that the plants can be grown indoors and year-round, which is important to me since I live in the Midwest and can’t plant outdoors for another five months. An LED light panel replaces the sun and supplies the rays needed for plant growth.

I purchased a small 8-pod product by GardenCube from Amazon. The set included the tank, light, 8 grow sponges, 8 baskets to hold the sponges, 4 covers for any open holes to prevent insects from getting into the water, 8 tags, 8 domes to cover the seeded sponges until they are stable, nutrients and refills of nutrients, rods for mature plant support, and a power adaptor.

The unit is quiet, has a light that remains on for 12 hours and then off for 8, and a pump to keep the water moving. The small size of the 8 pod GardenCube fits on my countertop without taking it over and hopefully will allow me to grow enough produce for a fresh salad every day once the plants reach maturity.

The GardenCube cost $46 without seeds. I’m optimistic it will be worth the expense after seeing my daughter’s abundant garden. Her system is twice the size of mine and is ready to harvest.

The growing system was easy to set up and plant. The tomato seeds arrived the same day as the GardenCube, so I went ahead and planted them considering that they will take longer to mature than the lettuce and herb seeds I’m waiting for.

All I need to do now is watch the water level in the tank, which appears to be sufficient to last a few weeks, and feed the plants once they sprout.

I’ll keep you posted on my hydroponic progress. In the meantime, my outdoor gardening withdrawal is being satisfied.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

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Responses to “Hydroponic Garden”

  1. Looking for the Light

    I had looked at and got very excited about a tank until I realized I have nowhere to put it and the fact we don’t cook. I can’t wait to see how your’s goes.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Maybe you’d like a small one like mine and grow flowers, Melinda. It doesn’t need sun. You can put it anywhere, even in a bathroom.

      Reply
      1. Looking for the Light

        I thought about it but I’m am loaded on things on the counter.

        Reply
  2. P. J. Gudka

    Very interesting. I think it’s great to keep ourselves busy, it keeps our mind fresh.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re right, Pooja. And we need things that are playful, fun. I hope you are doing well, Sweetie.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        I am, thanks so much and hope you’re well too.

        Reply
  3. Kevin

    Very cool, Mary! Looking forward to seeing how it comes out!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kevin. It’s not pizza, but I could use the tomatoes and basil on a pizza I make.

      Reply
  4. kagould17

    Looking forward to your updates Mary. Have a great Monday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Allan. I hope I have some significant growth to show in the coming weeks/months.

      Reply
  5. Escribir Y Sanar

    That sounds amazing, and for the cost, it’s definitely worth trying! I’ve heard so much about it, and now that you’re posting about it, I’m starting to get interested too. LOL

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I do think that it is reasonable enough to try. You can grow flowers, also. I live alone, so I thought this size container is just large enough to produce enough lettuce for me.

      Reply
  6. Laura

    I love this, Mary! I want to start doing this too. I love growing plants. I’d love to see how this comes out. I may have to check into purchasing that GardenCube off of Amazon. Happy Monday and new week to you! 😊 ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Laura! It would be fun for you. Do you think you can have plants with your cat? Maybe you can grow catnip. 🙂

      Reply
      1. Laura

        Thank you for the idea, Mary! 😊 I’m sure they will love that! I have managed to keep plants with cats around but it can be a bit of a situation if they catch sight of it lol 😆 so I always keep some that won’t harm them…nevermind they still chew on them 🤣…the catnip is a perfect idea!

        Reply
  7. Indira

    Good luck for your new venture, Mary! Growing plants in whatever method is so relaxing!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is fun to watch it grow. Thank you, Indira.

      Reply
  8. Ilze

    There is no such thing as too many interests 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks! We think the same, Ilze.

      Reply
  9. gustavo_horta

    Somente lamento você ter se retirado da jardinagem ao ar livre.
    Como uma pessoa que vive em um povoado muito pequeno, meu shangri-la, ainda sigo com as plantas diversas, os pássaros ao meu redor.
    Beijo grande, minha amiga.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is too cold here to plant outside until mid-May. I miss it, Gustavo.

      Reply
  10. FlowIntoWords

    Wishing you luck 🌱 I was gifted one for Christmas, and it’s growing so well!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Really? That is wonderful. How big is yours, and what are you growing?

      Reply
      1. FlowIntoWords

        Mine has 6 pods. It came with 2 forms of basil, mint, dill, thyme(only one not to sprout) and I think rosemary.

        I’ve already used the basil in an Italian soup I made. So good!

        Keep us updated on yours 👀

        Reply
  11. CJ Antichow

    Ooooh this is cool! I always thought hydroponics meant growing marijuana lol….I might look into this!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I bet we could grow marijuana in it, CJ. It’s legal to do that in Illinois. 🙂

      Reply
      1. CJ Antichow

        I think it is here too 🤭

        Reply
  12. Nancy Homlitas

    Upon reading your post about hydroponics, this nursery rhyme immediately came to mind:

    Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
    How does your garden grow?
    With silver bells, and cockle shells,
    And pretty maids all in a row

    Good luck, Mary, Mary! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hahaha. Nancy! I haven’t heard that in a long time. Hugs to you.

      Reply
  13. PradP

    That looks so nice and interesting, update us with newly grown plant pictures.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I will, Prad. It will be fun to see what happens.

      Reply
  14. Awakening Wonders

    I’m so happy you are a curious one and enjoy taking on gardening challenges – wishing you much positive success with you garden! I have heard lots of good things about hydroponic gardening!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, good to know, Mary. I saw it once in a doctor’s office. It was massive with lots of greens. Mine is tiny but I should still get some goodness from it.

      Reply
      1. Awakening Wonders

        I believe you will!

        Reply
  15. macalder02

    I just learned the meaning of this word. You have a very complex task to solve. I hope you have success in your cultivation. Just looking at the photo, I deduce how complex it must be to manipulate it.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So far, it is easy. We’ll see in the end if it is worth it. Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Reply
      1. macalder02

        I hope your experiment goes well Mary.

        Reply
  16. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    It will be very interesting to follow this venture! Good luck! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ronit. My daughter’s little garden is certainly doing well, so I’m hopeful.

      Reply
  17. festo_sanjo

    That’s so fascinating, Mary. I’m here to learn as you keep us posted..

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Festo. I look forward to showing the results.

      Reply
  18. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Congrats on your new venture, Mary! I look forward to learning more about your experience with hydroponics cultivation. I tried growing potted herbs indoors, but gave up after my small apartment became infested with tiny flies.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I hope that I don’t get any flees, Rosaliene. I’m not sure if the water is less of a problem than soil. I do have potted plants in the house and have learned no to water them often. Thank you for commenting, my friend.

      Reply
  19. myallaboutyou

    Keep us posted.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I will. Thank you for your interest!

      Reply
  20. joannerambling

    My eldest daughter was telling me on Boxing Day that she is looking into having a hydroponic garden, me I have heard of them but no bugga all about them

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      What is Boxing Day, Joan? Do you watch boxing on that day?

      Reply
      1. joannerambling

        Boxing Day is the 26 December and it has nothing to do with boxing but dates back to long ago in Britain and had something to do with the rich giving a small gift in a box to their staff on the day after Christmas Day or so I have heard

        Reply
  21. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Well, this looks like a fun project!
    I know what you mean about too many projects! But at least we’re never bored!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s for sure, Dorothy.

      Reply
  22. Kym Gordon Moore

    I have a few friends who used hydroponic systems and housed them on their decks in the spring. But that is ideal for having indoors, especially when the weather outside is not kind to our tender plants, herbs, and flowers. Good luck my friend. 🌿🌱🌾

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ms. Kym. This answers my need to produce, garden, create . . . We will see what happens. Love you much.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Oh Mary, I think you are going to do just fine. Look, you already have the system, so now it’s time to get that garden going. (How does your garden grow?) 🌽🍅🥦 Besides, your daughter won’t allow you to go dormant! 😜 Love you more! 💋😘💖

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Love, love, love you, dear Kym.

          Reply
          1. Kym Gordon Moore

            Love you more Mary! Like I said, keep us posted on your progress! Whooohooooo!!! 🍅🌾🥦

  23. Stephanie

    My grandfather made a little hydroponic garden on my balcony when I was married/raising the kids, but back then I had so many other things to do. I’ll look forward to seeing how your adventure goes!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That is cool, Stephanie. This was easy to set up, so we will see.

      Reply
  24. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    That’s Cool 😎 Mary.
    Looking forward to the updates.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, T’.

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        My pleasure.

        Reply
  25. Garden Bliss

    What a great idea, Mary. It’s always good to find new projects. I’m sure it will be a great success.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m receiving positive replies from other people who have tried it. In any event, it’s fun to anticipate what can be. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  26. Edward Ortiz

    Well, I know exactly what I’m going to be adding to my basement garden now. Thank you for sharing, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I thought you would like this, Edward. How is your garden coming along?

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        Great! I checked the temperature, and it’s about 68°F, so it should be okay for the avocado plant, but I moved it to a new spot so it can stay warmer. I’m probably going to buy one of those to grow more herbs.

        Reply
  27. SiriusSea

    I’m so fascinated by this, Mary ❤ … Fun and informative project! You’ll never be blamed for being boring (lol)! Wish you a happy and bright week ~ 😀

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Siri. I like the compliment. 🙂 Have the very best day.

      Reply
  28. Joseph Glidden

    I want to try this too. I can’t wait to see your progress.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joseph. I hope I have good things to report.

      Reply
  29. johnlmalone

    it’s good to do quiet things: they keep us nurtured 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      They sure do, John. Thank you for your presence here.

      Reply
  30. arlene

    Gosh, I couldn’t view your photo Mary.😍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Arlene, I’m sorry you are having so many issues with WordPress. Have you been able to get into your account?

      Reply
      1. arlene

        It is not yet fixed Mary…sad!😕

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I wonder if WP is under new management. They sure have disrupted our ability to navigate.

          Reply
          1. arlene

            Now, I could see all photos on other posts Mary. Thanks.😍

  31. vermavkv

    Great gardening..
    All the best.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.

      Reply
  32. Hazel

    Oh, thank God, there’s a substitute for green fingers who can’t plant outside. Hydroponics sounds interesting to me, too. I love lettuce, and I wish I could grow them, but it’s unfit for our soil here. All the best for your gardening, Mary. Keep us updated.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s interesting, Hazel. You also have a lot of humidity and heat. Lettuce grows best outside here in early summer and the fall. It doesn’t like hot and dry.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        Yes, it’s so unfit for the climate in in my place, that’s why we buy lettuce here. It’s expensive.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Thank you for sharing this information, Hazel. I hadn’t thought about it before.

          Reply
  33. mamamorozov

    So exciting! I can’t wait to watch your journey!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. It wasn’t that expensive, and certainly not much work, so I’m hoping it will be well worth it.

      Reply
  34. Destiny

    all the best , Mary … a great way to keep in touch with nature indoors…🤍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re right, Destiny. Walks outdoors are always possible, but I can only garden indoors right now. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  35. The Introverted Bookworm

    Congrats, Mary! Sounds like an intriguing new venture!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ada. How is your new blog going? Please send the link when it is up.

      Reply
  36. Eternity

    Thanks for your continued likes of my posts; “you are very kind.”

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Your posts are interesting. Do you read mine?

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        I certainly do.

        Reply
  37. Dawn Pisturino

    Thanks for sharing this! I’ve been interested in trying hydroponics. I’ll happily follow your progress.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn. We will see how it goes. Have a great day.

      Reply
  38. Karen

    A nice way to grow veggies, especially in cold weather. Is the lighting system adjustable for when the plants grow taller than the light?

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Karen, yes, it is adjustable. The pole easily slides up. The light also tips.

      Reply
      1. Karen

        That is very convenient.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Yes, Karen. It is small and easily accessible. Thank you for commenting.

          Reply
  39. Darryl B

    Wow, cool idea and project! 😎

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Darryl. I like projects that deliver a benefit–like quilting and gardening.

      Reply
  40. Anonymous

    I like that idea. Where did you buy your hydroponic garden?

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello, I purchased the garden from Amazon. If you click on GardenCube in my post, you will go to Amazon.

      Reply
  41. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

    Sounds like a wonderful project, Mary. I’m not a gardener, but I love the results. Keep us posted!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Lauren. I’m one of those who need a pay-off for my efforts, food on the table being one of those benefits. Have an awesome day.

      Reply
  42. Barbara Gingerich

    I am getting interested in hydroponics as well. I may try aquaponics, if I can find a spot for the tanks. Thanks

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello Barbara, Good to see you! Let me know if you try it and how it works for you.

      Reply
  43. hubertprevy

    My wife is using some hydroponic equipment in the greenhouse, although one of a different construction.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      How is your wife’s hydroponic garden coming along?

      Reply
      1. hubertprevy

        I guess it’s doing well, though the yield is barely enough to cover the demands of our family of five. She’s encountered a few setbacks along the way, but she seems to have tackled them through selective hybridization – a method that, while slow, appears to have worked out quite well.
        At the moment, about half or more of the vegetable yield comes from soil-based greenhouse planting.

        Reply
  44. hubertprevy

    Anyway, I like the idea quite much.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  45. hubertprevy

    This reminded me of us building our greenhouse, it was a nice project to do.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I wish I could build a greenhouse. I’m in a townhouse with too many rules and little outside space. It’s all fine for me since I’m alone.

      Reply
      1. hubertprevy

        Where I live, having a garden is even more complicated. Since my wife wished for one, we had to opt for an unfinished house at the time, as it was the only financially viable option. The house was quite far out in the countryside, making commuting challenging, and even then, the mortgage pushed us to our financial limits. We had no choice but to finish the house ourselves, without a contractor – an experience that could easily inspire an entire story 🙂
        In Germany, it is quite more expensive and less likely to buy a house, the regulations and red tape even more stifling.

        Reply
      2. hubertprevy

        As for your solution, I find it quite practical, even excelent.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Thank you.

          Reply
  46. Thobile Simelane

    Mary, It’s great that you’re exploring hydroponics and your daughter’s introduction to a more manageable system has made it accessible. The benefits of indoor, year-round growing are fantastic especially in the Midwest.Your detailed description of the GardenCube system is helpful and I’m sure many of us will be interested in learning more. It’s wonderful that you’re optimistic about the potential harvest and I’m looking forward to hearing about your progress

    Thanks for sharing your new adventure!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Thobile. This is important for us in the US and especially the Midwest right now. New Trump tariffs will increase produce prices considerably. Thank you for truly reading and thinking through this post, my friend.

      Reply
  47. noga noga

    😍Fun. Well done. I wish success, happiness and success, my love, Mary, gives you wellness 💞💞💞💞💞

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello Nougat. Thank you for commenting. Have a great day.

      Reply
  48. design on thesofa

    thanks for sharing this

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are welcome. Have the best day.

      Reply
  49. Adarsh G

    This is very interesting Mary 💓

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Adarsh. We will see what happens with it.

      Reply
      1. Adarsh G

        It would be an amazing experience Mary 💓

        Reply
  50. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    An indoor garden can be a good alternative to a year round garden no matter the season!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m interested to see how much it produces. It’s very easy to set up and monitor. Thank you for commenting!

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        Yes – keep us posted!

        Reply
  51. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    This is very exciting! I have daydreamed about venturing into hydroponics:)

    Reply

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