Hydroponic Lettuce Harvest at Home. Planting activities are increasingly in demand by urban communities. Limited land is no longer an obstacle to farming. One of the most widely chosen methods is hydroponics, planting without soil using nutrient solutions. The easiest and quickest plant to harvest in this system is Lactuca sativa lettuce. In addition to being easy to care for, hydroponic lettuce can also be a source of healthy vegetables for the family and even an additional income.

Why Lettuce?

Harvest Hydroponic Lettuce At Home. Lettuce is a leafy vegetable that contains a lot of nutrients, fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Its texture is crispy and easy on the whole body, suitable for raw vegetables, salads, or other food mixes. In the market, hydroponic lettuce has a higher selling price than conventional lettuce because it is considered cleaner, pesticide-free, and fresher for longer, which is definitely better quality.

In addition, the harvest period is relatively fast, around 30-40 days from planting, making lettuce an ideal choice for beginners who want to learn hydroponics or for those who want to grow it for daily needs.

Simple Hydroponic System

There are various hydroponic systems that can be used, but for home scale, the NFT Nutrient Film Technique or wick system is the simplest and cheapest. NFT uses gutters or PVC pipes that continuously flow nutrients, while the wick system uses a wick cloth that absorbs air from the bottom to the roots of the plant.

For beginners, the wick system can be made with just used bottles, flannel wicks, and nutrient solution. Lettuce is very suitable for this method because it does not require much nutrition and grows well in the Indonesian climate.

Preparation and Planting

The first step is seeding. Use rockwool as a seeding medium and store in a shady place for 3-5 days. After young shoots appear, the seedlings can be moved to netpots and installed in the prepared hydroponic system.

AB Mix nutrient solution specifically for leafy vegetables can be easily found in agricultural stores or online stores. Make sure the pH of the solution is between 5.5 and 6.5, this condition is very good for nutrient absorption by plants.

Daily Care

Hydroponic lettuce does not require much complicated care. Make sure nutrient pollution is not exhausted and circulation runs smoothly for the NFT system. Clean moss or grass that interferes with lettuce growth. When the weather is very hot, protect the plants with a shade net so that the leaves are not damaged.

Pests and diseases in hydroponics are relatively few, but fungus or aphids can appear. Use natural solutions such as papaya leaf decoction or garlic spray as organic pesticides.

Harvest and Post-Harvest

Around 30-40 days after planting, lettuce can be harvested. Its characteristics are wide leaves, fresh green, and dense stems. Harvesting can be done by pulling out the entire plant with the roots, or cutting only the lower part of the stem.

After harvesting, clean the roots and remaining planting media. Hydroponic lettuce can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days without wilting, as long as it is stored in dry conditions and not too humid.

Business Opportunities from the Yard

Hydroponic lettuce cultivation is not just a recreational activity or for personal consumption. Many urban farmersThe activity that is suitable for planting now makes it a very profitable business opportunity. Lettuce can be sold directly to neighbors, offered to restaurants or cafes, or marketed online through social media. Consumers are now increasingly aware of the importance of consuming healthy and pesticide-free vegetables.

To increase added value, lettuce can be attractively packaged in environmentally friendly plastic containers or sold as a ready-to-eat salad complete with complementary dressing.

Cultivating a Healthy Lifestyle

More than just planting, hydroponics is part of a healthy lifestyle. By getting used to growing and harvesting our own vegetables, we also educate our families about the importance of fresh food, environmental sustainability, and food independence.

Hydroponics in the yard opens the way for anyone to become an “urban farmer.” The capital is small, the risk is low, the benefits are huge. From a small yard, we can reap healthy results every day-fresh lettuce, fresh from our own garden.

In conclusion

Hydroponic lettuce harvest at home in addition to farming, also provides many health benefits if hydroponic lettuce is consumed. Hydroponic lettuce can also be an additional income for urban communities who plant it on minimal land. Good luck trying to plant!