The True Cost of Growing with Hydroponics vs. Soil

Fresh, homegrown veggies on the table — that’s the dream for many families, home growers, and retirees. But when people start comparing hydroponics vs. soil gardening, the first question that usually comes up is:

💭 “Isn’t hydroponics more expensive?”

The truth is, while hydroponics does require an upfront investment, it can actually save you money in the long run — all while making your gardening easier, cleaner, and more rewarding. Let’s take a closer look.

 

The Hidden Costs of Soil Gardening

Soil gardening feels simple, but the ongoing costs add up faster than most people expect:

- Buying compost, fertilisers, sprays, and soil conditioners every season.

- Water bills — soil gardens use far more water than hydroponics.

- Tools, gloves, and garden maintenance.

- Lost crops from pests, weeds, bad weather, and even the family cat or neighbourhood rabbit having a nibble.

- The “physical cost”: bending down, hours of weeding, and battling unpredictable seasons.

For a small soil garden, start-up costs vary based on garden bed types, how much soil you'll purchase and initial composting and products required. Ongoing, it’s easy to spend $300–$500+ per year once you add up inputs, replacements, and wasted produce.

 

The Costs of Hydroponic Growing

Hydroponics flips the script. Instead of fighting nature, you’re working with a controlled, efficient system that looks after your plants.

Startup Investment

- A hydroponic tower system (like the My Greens Hydroponic Tower)

- A Hydroponic Grow Kit, for seed germinating media and managing your water pH and Nutrients

- pH and EC measuring tools such as Bluelab Pens

Ongoing Annual Costs

Nutrients and pH lower (surprisingly affordable per plant).
Nutrients per year (on average for 3 full grow cycles) $105
pH Lower $38.

Water (used up to 90% more efficiently than soil)
Soil watering in Summer = 4,500-7,000L per week vs hydroponic watering 75-150L per week.

Minimal electricity (For water pump to circulate the water). 
Power usage similar to an LED light bulb

Seed germinating media (Stonewool + Vermiculite/Perlite blend)
Perlite/Vermiculite = $10.50
Stonewool = $34.50

TOTAL = Approx $188 per year and upto 192 greens, herbs, strawberries (and much more) per year

And the hidden savings?
No bending – great for retirees.
No weeding – your time is worth something.
No pests – rabbits, cats, and slugs can’t reach your plants.
48 thriving plants as any given time – a constant stream of produce.

Cost Comparison: Hydroponics vs. Soil vs. Supermarket

Here’s a simple look at what it costs to grow one of the most popular crops: lettuce, if purchasing one lettuce per week.

👉 With just lettuce, your hydroponic tower has saved you $240! Add herbs, strawberries, or tomatoes, and the savings grow even faster.

 

Why Hydro is the Better Long-Term Investment

Hydroponics isn’t just about saving money on groceries — it’s about investing in:

Reliability: Fresh produce, year-round.
Health: No pesticides or chemicals.
Ease: No weeding, no bending, no heavy lifting.
Family Lifestyle: Kids love watching food grow.
Sustainability: Uses less water, less space, less waste.

It’s gardening reimagined for the modern world.

When you compare costs, hydroponics doesn’t just hold its own — it wins. But the real value is in the lifestyle it creates: walking outside, picking fresh lettuce, herbs, or strawberries, and knowing exactly where your food came from.

💚 With the My Greens Hydroponic Tower, you’re not just saving money — you’re gaining freedom, health, and the joy of growing your own food.