Monday, February 3, 2025

Update - Indoor Hydroponics Garden Review - One Month Later

I have only just learned how rewarding indoor gardening can be with an indoor hydroponics growing system. While a frigid, windy winter swirls outside, I am am having home grown lettuces and kale for dinner. Indoor Hydroponics gardening systems are a great way to grow herbs or vegetables indoors, no matter the season, and my only regret with this purchase is that I didn't try this sooner. 

photo and text of lettuce in an indoor growing systen


In the beginning of January I started my first indoor hydroponics garden. I started my 12 pod Mufga system with lettuce mixes and kale. The only pod that didn't grow was the pod with two, "expired" bunch onion seeds that I hadn't really expected to germinate anyway. 

I was very surprised at how quickly the seeds germinated and how quickly they grew. The Mufga system adjustable grow light are perfect. I have been able to move the light panel so that remains just above the plants as they grow.

Very quickly, I had enough lettuce to harvest. With a pair of scissors, I carefully cut the largest leaves when harvesting. That leaves that remain on the plant continue to grow. 

photo of harvested lettuce


During my first harvest, I attempted to pinch off the leaves with my fingers and that tended to wiggle the grow pods around. I was worried that I'd move that pod out of the range of the watering system that I switched to scissors. For me, cutting works much better than pinching.

Soft Taco with Home-Grown Lettuce

In a very short period of time, I had grown lettuce leaves that were large enough to add to toppings on a hamburger. I didn't have ground beef at home, but I did have all of the ingredients for a delicious soft taco. Including, an impulse purchase of Mango Peach salsa! The soft tacos with my home-grown lettuce were delicious.

Small Salad with Salmon, Olives, Eggs, and Olive Oil

I have been craving smoked fish so I have tried various brands of tinned salmon and smoked salmon from the store for snacks. I have found that I like King Oscar Premium Salmon.      

The Mediterranean style of tinned salmon inspired me to try it on a bed of lettuce with eggs, olives, and olive oil. This lunch salad was a delicious change of pace from my very routine meal choices. This brand of salmon also comes lemon, if you don't care for the Mediterranean style.

photo of salad with salmon


Extra Large Chef Salad; Eggs, Bacon, Cheese, Sunflower Seeds, and Dressing

Chef salads are my favorite. And it wasn't long until I had enough salad mix for a very large bowl of lettuce. I harvest lettuce in my livingroom and added the other ingredients in a matter of minutes. 

photo of chef salad


With very little effort, just adding water so the level doesn't become too low and adding plant food weekly so the plants have the proper nutrients, I have fresh greens through this frigid winter. I am planning on buy a second system for a supply of fresh herbs.

For more information:

My first review of my new Mufga Indoor Hydroponics Garden system in early January - here

This follow-up video includes a photo of the taco with my home-grown lettuce. Feel free to skip ahead in the video to 2:41 as the beginning of the video is a rambling thank you to Mike's Chaotic Gardening (YouTube) for helping me choose my grow system. The photo of the taco is near the end of this short video.

Many styles and sizes of indoor hydroponic growing systems can be found on Amazon.




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


13 comments:

  1. This is so cool! And, congratulations on your success. I love the idea of growing your own herbs & vegetables indoors. My minds eye can just see you dancing around your lettuce. I know I would be dancing over the success. It would be impossible to not look at them daily and get really excited watching them grow.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! It is very exciting. Today was a "snow" day due to an ice storm and I made another HUGE chef salad. I am thrilled.

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  2. So terrific to see garden plants growing inside while the winter snows swirl outside. Brings a bit of Spring/Summer to a cold, gray wintertime. Add in the very real (and delicious) homegrown garden product and you have a winner. Must be so exciting to successfully grow fresh lettuce indoors, in addition to getting to taste the results. Well done, Dawn Rae.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I've never been able to grow much lettuce. Last year was my best year and I just got a small amount before it died from heat and neglect. I just had another huge chef salad again today!

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  3. Growing veggies hydroponically is so easy and satisfying! We’ve been growing microgreens hydroponically for our salads for years. Someday I definitely want to try growing lettuce this way as well.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. At some point, I want to try microgreens. Especially now that I know how easy hydroponics are.

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  4. It is wonderful you can enjoy indoor gardening with this indoor hydroponics garden. It is a real gift in the depth of winter. Well done on your successful growing! It is so exciting growing and harvesting your own food and you made delicious dishes with your produce :)

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  5. This sounds really cool!

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  6. Looks like you're having great success and fun with this.

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  7. Good knowledge to have. One day I'm going to get into this.

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  8. When I get some more room, I will be right in there with you growing hydroponically. I'm glad to know you are having success with the process and eating the results!

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