Which greens are more profitable to grow hydroponically?

The hydroponic method of growing plants is gaining in popularity every year. As interest in him increases, logical questions arise as a consequence:

• What plants can be grown hydroponically?
• Which plants should not be grown hydroponically?
• What are the benefits of growing for sale? And many others.

Let's try to understand these issues.

What plants can be grown hydroponically

Best of all, greens grow in hydroponics.

It includes: parsley, dill, basil, sage, rosemary, cilantro, mint, lemon balm, lettuce, etc. It is also not difficult to grow indoor plants by this method, such as: aglaonema, asparagus, aspelenium, cissus, dieffenbachia, hovea, philodendron, phalanx, ivy, ficus, fatsia, common ivy, hoya and many others.

Vegetables, berries and even some fruits are in no way inferior: broccoli, green beans, eggplant, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, strawberries, many varieties of legumes, kohlrabi, banana, bell peppers, onions and much more, will also delight you with a wonderful harvest grown hydroponically.

All of these plants are great for hydroponic cultivation both commercially and at home.

But, there are some plants that are simply not recommended to grow hydroponically. And this is not because they will not grow, but because of their structural features.

For example, it is not recommended to grow plants hydroponically:

• forming tubers or rhizomes. If this type of plant is not properly watered, the root system will begin to rot. These plants include potatoes, beets, carrots, cyclamen, etc.;
• mushrooms; with rapidly growing roots (cyperus, chlorophytum);
• short-lived (exakum); requiring frequent cleaning.Cleaning is needed to remove the remnants of leaves and flowers;
• did not clog the hydroponic system (high begonia, balsam); for flowering which requires a cool temperature during the dormant period (hydrangea, clivia and liazalia). This type of plant responds to changes in temperature by rotting roots.

It should be noted that each individual hydroponic solution corresponds to a specific group of plants.

Which plants are more profitable to grow hydroponically

Before answering this question, you need to think about the purpose of your products. If these are flowers - then for the holidays, vegetables - winter - spring.

Within each category, there are species that are most profitable when grown hydroponically.

For example:

The most commercially profitable vegetables are tomato, bell pepper, eggplant, cabbage, cucumber, radish.

Among the greens are onion feathers, dill, parsley, basil, arugula.

Flowers are generally among the leaders. The most profitable is the cultivation of tulips, camellias, daffodils, gerberas, pasiflora and many others. dr.

The leaders among the berries are honeysuckle and strawberries.

Also very competitive are medicinal herbs - lemon balm, mint, sage, yarrow.

Before settling on one thing, you need to take into account all categories of costs (electricity, water, heating, fertilizer, the hydroponic system itself, seeds, nutrient solution, substrate, etc.). Without such a miscalculation, it is impossible to objectively assess the commercial benefits of growing a particular plant in hydroponics.

The issues of growing greenery in hydroponics have long stepped beyond the scope of amateur interest. Today this is a good idea for a small business; accordingly, there are a lot of developments and schemes. At the same time, it is not easy for a beginner to understand the topic, because there is a lot of speculation and attempts to make money on those who wish to purchase equipment and materials. Consider all the points, the knowledge of which will allow any beginner to take the first steps and get greens at home, for themselves, and then, possibly, for sale.

Is it possible to grow greens hydroponically

Many types of greens can be grown using hydroponics. This is not a complete list of green crops that grow well not in ordinary soil, but in a nutrient solution:

• Dill,
• parsley,
• basil,
• cilantro,
• Melissa,
• mint,
• watercress.

Of course, the correct organization of the hydroponic installation is necessary, for example, onions on a feather do not like excessive moisture - the flow-through method does not suit it. But this method is good for dill, lavender, basil and many other spicy annuals.

One of the simplest schemes for organizing a flow-through hydroponic plant for greenery consists of two buckets, a pump, hoses and several gutters with filler.

The parameters to consider when growing greenery are described below. If an ordinary gardener is interested in lighting, temperature, soil, watering, temperature, then a hydroponist is interested in equipment and nutrient solution. These are two whales that will provide automated cultivation of the desired crop.

How to grow greens in hydroponics: the choice of equipment

Examples of purchased installations:

1. The Home Garden installation is compact and visually attractive. It is a completely self-contained herb growing device. The kit includes: soil for plants, phytolamps, seeds, fertilizers. Cost - 13 thousand rubles.
2. The "Onion Happiness" hydroponic bed is the simplest compact installation for forcing onions on a feather without fertilizers. From 20 onions - 1.5 kg of fresh herbs. It is unlikely that the unit will be of interest to those who successfully cast onions on a feather in ordinary jars filled with water. This installation differs only in the presence of a compressor that saturates the water with oxygen. It is suitable for those who are faced with rotting bulbs or midges and do not have the ability or desire to independently mount an aquarium compressor in a suitable container. Cost - 1.9 thousand rubles.
3. Aquapot units are compact, convenient for those who need only one or several pots of greenery on the window. Cost - from 1.5 to 7 thousand rubles.
4. GHE systems are more versatile than Aquapot. Suitable for those who are limited by home conditions, but still prefer to see larger-scale plantings, for example, for 30 pots. The cost depends on the size of the installation - from 9 to 100 thousand rubles.

Photo gallery: homemade and industrial devices for growing greenery in hydroponics

Flowing method step by step using the example of dill

The most popular for growing greenery in hydroponics at home is the flow-through method. The solution is not just poured into a special container, but circulates through the pipes, periodically saturating the plant with nutrients.

Dill is a versatile crop for a fresh table or blanks. In addition, it is the most unpretentious, pests do not like it, it is not affected by diseases, it grows well in flow installations. On his example, you can get acquainted with the entire sequence of actions.

1. Presowing seed treatment significantly accelerates the harvest.
   1. Dill is soaked in warm water for 1-2 days, the water is regularly changed every 8-9 hours.
   2. The liquid is drained along with the floating seeds - they will not sprout, it is better to throw them out.
   3. The rest of the seeds are filtered through cheesecloth, allowed to dry.
2. Prepare pots with large holes in the bottom; pots for seedlings are suitable. The filler is hygroscopic: expanded clay + vermiculite, moistened with plain water. Other free-flowing, moisture-permeable materials are also suitable:
   • quartz sand;
   • pumice;
   • slag;
   • perlite;
   • ordinary gravel or granite crushed stone.
3. Seeds are sown in pots and the crops are covered with foil. The number of seeds of dill, parsley, lettuce per 1 container is from 3 to 6 pieces, lemon balm and mint have smaller seeds - their number per pot may be more.
4. After the shoots have appeared, the containers are placed in the pipes of the hydroponic installation (more about its arrangement - below).
5. Dill seedlings will appear on the 5th day, the first week is devoted to the formation of the root system. There will be no noticeable growth of the ground part.
6. The culture loves warmth and abundant light, so they provide 15 hours of lighting. With a shorter daylight, the plant will bloom quickly.
7. Since several plants were planted in one pot, their growth will be uneven. The leaves of the strongest and most active specimens are cut for seasoning, making room for the growth of the weaker ones.
8. If the plants begin to stretch, the lamps are lowered - 10-15 cm is permissible.
9. The dill plant is removed, when it gives umbrellas, a new one is planted in its place.

Not only is dill tough-germinating - mint and lemon balm seeds also contain essential oils that make germination difficult. But unlike dill, it is difficult to soak them - they are too small. Expect mint and lemon balm to germinate for up to 8 days. You can speed up the process with the help of stimulants: Epin, Zircon.

Equipment required for growing greens by the flow method:

1. Plastic pipes, square in cross section. Holes of the required diameter are cut in the upper part. Length - 2 m, width - 10 cm.
2. At the ends of the pipes, plugs are installed with holes for hoses designed to drain the nutrient solution.
3. The nutrient solution itself is located in a reservoir to which a pipe with a pump is connected.
4. The compressor is installed. The solution must be oxygenated in a fine spray. Lack of oxygen or stagnant water causes root suffocation, provokes root rot, plants quickly weaken and die.
5. Since the liquid must be warmer than it can be in a room with normal temperature, a heating element is also installed in the solution tank. The optimum solution temperature is 24–28 ° С.
6. A timer is required to automate processes.

A schematic representation of the main functional blocks of any hydroponic installation demonstrates the principle of operation of the unit: a pump creates a flow of solution through the roots of plants

The pump start-up period is 1 time per hour for 20 minutes - at this time the plants are saturated with nutrients. A hydroponic system can be open or closed (grow box). For the latter, you can safely use an old chest of drawers or wardrobe - very convenient to save space. In addition, it solves the problem of increasing indoor humidity.

Fertilizer for greenery in hydroponics

For beginners, fertilizing plantings is especially difficult. Conventional minerals intended for plant nutrition in the ground are not suitable. You need to purchase specialized mixtures, for example, concentrated liquid fertilizer Flora Nova Grow (2036 rubles for 473 ml). The advantages of such mixtures:

• Saturate the nutrient solution with minerals.
• They contain special substances that exclude overfeeding of plants (humic acid, fulvic acids).
• Remove accumulated salts in the hydroponic system or substrate.
• Activate root formation.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Stabilize pH.

Underfeeding and overfeeding leads to the rapid death of the plant, because in hydroponic installations all processes are faster.

As for preparing the solution yourself, the required nutrient concentrations are indicated in the hydroponics reference books. There are a lot of recipes for solutions, for the same culture there may be several of them. Combinations of substances fluctuate depending on the method of supplying the solution (drip, periodicals), on other growing parameters (greenhouse, natural lighting, artificial lighting).

Table: an example of a combination of chemical elements for any herbs

Other indicators:

• pH: 5.5-6.0;
• EC: 2.0-2.5 mS.

Power supply method:

• drip;
• periodicals.

Conditions:

• greenhouse;
• natural light;
• supplementary lighting.

The calculator for calculating the solution will allow you to calculate the amount of substances for the required volume of liquid.

Video: how to properly prepare a solution

Solution indicators

The following parameters are important:

1. pH is the acidity of the solution. A shift to one side or the other greatly affects the growth of plants. Acidity depends on how efficiently the plant can absorb nutrients from the solution. It is also important that the plants themselves, as they develop, affect the acidity level. In the soil, this effect is imperceptible, since it has a high buffering capacity (the ability to resist changes in the acid-base reaction). Therefore, the pH in a home hydroponic plant needs to be controlled. Measure the acidity level with pH electrodes, conduct a "liquid test" or use a digital pH meter. To regulate acid-base balance, use:
   • special liquids;
   • nitric acid (as an option - battery electrolyte) for acidification;
   • settled water for alkalization.
2. TDS is an indicator of the concentration of a solution, or the level of mineralization. Plant roots actively interact with the solution, releasing some substances and absorbing others. Its composition is changing. To monitor TDS, digital TDS meters are used. You can get the same information in another way - by measuring EC, or the conductivity of a solution, using a conductometer. He will show the figure in Siemens. The TDS meter measures the same, but automatically converts the obtained values ​​into other units of measurement - ppm, which show how many mg of substances are dissolved in a liter (1 ppm = 1 mg / l). This is clearer. The table below shows both EC and PPM for various spice crops.

Table: Optimum Nutrient Solution for Various Types of Herbs and Leafy Vegetables

Types, varieties of greens and features of their cultivation

Dill is grown both for greens and for the sake of seeds for harvesting, so the choice of varieties is wide enough. There are no special restrictions on species for hydroponics, usually an early ripening period is preferred, but this is not a strict rule.

Table: the most famous varieties of dill for growing in hydroponics

The Russian giant is good for the balcony culture - it bushes luxuriantly, very tenacious. Gribovskiy has a strong bright aroma, suitable for salting. Kibray is successfully grown hydroponically on an industrial scale. More or less proven hydroponic varieties of dill are Alligator, Hoarfrost, Gribovsky, Amazon, Preobrazhensky.

There are technologies that make it possible to reduce the maturation period of dill, indicated in the table, up to 30 days: carefully calibrated artificial light, a specially selected solution. But the practitioners keep their achievements secret. At the amateur level, it is also enough to choose an early maturing, well-bushy variety.

Any early ripe leafy varieties are suitable from salads, for example, Lola-Rosa or Emerald Lace. Similarly, with varieties of parsley, arugula, basil - choose the earliest. Lettuce, mint is completely cut off 1 month after sowing. Parsley is ready to be harvested in 35–40 days from the moment of sowing in expanded clay.

For yourself and for business

Indoor hydroponics is gaining attention, but no one is in a hurry to share their own work in this area for free. Therefore, it should be understood that hydroponics at home is an attractive hobby, but very expensive in the initial stages. It will take an investment of time and money, or just money for a complete system.

If the goal is to get a few bushes of greenery for yourself and a fresh table, then growing green crops in the usual way, in the ground, is not much worse. Spicy herbs are unpretentious, do not require special care. On the other hand, a purchased hydroponic plant will save time, and a homemade one can become the basis for original developments in this direction, which in themselves are valuable and can become a subject of sale.

In addition, fresh herbs all year round are an interesting idea for your own business. Pros: low prime cost (2.5 rubles per 20 g) with a relatively high selling price (20-25 rubles for the same 20 g).

The hydroponic method allows you to create an impressive vegetable garden in a small area

One of the examples of the calculation is given by the partnership of entrepreneurs TP "AKT". They developed GUVOSIT equipment - multi-tiered structures for any premises, designed for growing greenery in an automatic mode: from seeds to harvesting. Development from 2.5 sq. m. for one production cycle - 14-15 kg of dill or parsley at the cost of electricity for one cycle 1400 rubles. (4 rubles per 1 kW / hour). The yield is about 7 thousand rubles. (14 kg = 700 bundles of 20 g each, the price of a bundle is 10 rubles).

Hydroponics is still perceived as a hobbyist or fan of non-standard gardening. However, we must admit that the idea itself - to get fresh, environmentally friendly greens all year round without hassle - fully meets the modern lifestyle, when time and health are more valuable than money.

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Recently, conversations about a business based on growing greenery can be heard even on public transport and on forums of housewives. Why greens? And because this product is one of the most popular on the market. Greens are bought all year round, and not a single table is complete without dill or parsley, onions or lettuce leaves. And given the fact that even a child is able to cope with growing greenery (qualifications and special knowledge are not needed), this business is becoming more and more relevant for a wide variety of segments of the population. It all depends on the size of the premises and the start-up capital. However, the investment is not that great!

How to grow greens, and can you earn capital from this? Understanding.

How to properly grow greens at home and industrial conditions for sale: the basics of technology

To begin with, we define goals. Why are we going to grow greens? For yourself, for soup and with the subsequent sale of surplus, for sale near a store for 10-20 bunches a day or for selling this greenery on a large scale for greater profit?

It should be noted that in the presence of a summer cottage and land, the cost of fertilizers and planting material will not be tangible. True, given the seasonal nature of the business, significant profits cannot be expected. She needs more rational approach and more significant investment.

So what is the cultivation technology?

Criteria and requirements for a room for growing greens in winter and summer

According to the scale of the business, the cultivation of greens can be carried out in different places ...

1. In the apartment
   That is, on the balcony, on the windowsills, or even in a specially designated room - in pots, special boxes, plastic bottles, etc. Of course, this business will be the most profitable in winter - it is at this time that the price of greenery rises, and allow you to grow dill-parsley - no frosts are terrible. Greens need light 12-16 hours / day. Keep it away from batteries.
2. On the garden plot
   Ideal for the summer. If you have 4-10 acres, you can earn very good money. Cons: after the onset of cold weather, the business can be "twisted", and the cost of greenery in the summer decreases. To make a profit, you need to focus on quantity.
3. In the greenhouse / greenhouse
   If there is a good greenhouse, then even the vagaries of the weather and the season do not matter. True, growing greens year-round in a greenhouse is beneficial only in the southern regions of the country. Otherwise, the cost of electricity will "eat up" all profits. There are glass greenhouses (all year round) and film greenhouses (seasonal). The second option is cheaper, but the first is of higher quality and more cost-effective. To grow greens non-stop, you will need lamps, an irrigation system, heating greenhouses, racks, etc.
4. In the basement, garage
   In the absence of a site - a great option. You can equip it like a greenhouse and grow parsley here all year round. Of course, do not forget about the equipment, and this is lamps, heating, etc. Still, a basement and a garage are not an apartment, and plants need a certain temperature for rapid growth.

Video: How to grow greens in winter and summer - year-round care

Choosing a soil for growing greens: features of seed

Today, 7 basic soil options are used for growing greens.

1. Natural soil
   That is, the earth. The most budgetary option that does not require special investments. The containers are filled with earth, peat with top dressing is added, seeds are planted, plus lighting and heat - that's all. A start. You can buy land already with a complete "set" of fertilizers / fertilizing. Sand, in addition, will not hurt.
2. Sawdust (except for pine, oak and other species harmful to greenery)
   They are treated with boiling water and placed in containers.
   Pros: greens do not rot, there is no smell, dill-parsley grows quickly, sawdust is cheap (sometimes they get it for free).
3. Hydroponics method
   It is a system for growing greens (or other crops), consisting of trays of water. For plants that touch the water only with their roots, nutrient mixtures are fed through tubes.
   Pros: very fast growth of greenery, no need for land, intensive development of foliage (not root system).
   Minus - the price of the device.
4. Gravel
   Pros: practicality, low cost, air permeability.
   Cons - solid weight, does not hold water.
5. Coconut fiber
   There are many advantages: durability, environmental friendliness, versatility, etc.
   The downside is the cost.
6. Expanded clay
   The best material for hydroponic use.
   Pros - price, moisture retention, lightness.
7. Hydrogel
   New material in the form of granules, which, when swollen, retain moisture for a long time.
   Pros: breathability, constant moisture retention, no harm to plants.
   The downside is the price.

A list of the necessary devices, installations and containers that will be needed for growing greenery.

1. Hydroponics
   A system that reduces to almost zero the risk of contamination of plants with any disease and allows you to grow greens all year round. The choice of system depends on the size of the business. For an apartment - one unit, for an industrial scale - another. The assortment is wide.
   In the absence of a large "pod" under the mattress, it makes sense to think about do-it-yourself hydroponics.
2. Insulation materials
   When growing greenery on the site, you need a greenhouse. And if the "holy of holies" will be located in the garage (basement), then you will need flexible insulation, foam, light reflecting foil, etc.
3. Racks
   They can be bought, ordered or made by yourself, taking into account the height of the green plants.
4. Lighting
   You can use regular light bulbs or fluorescent lamps (these are preferred).
5. Irrigation system (or watering can)
6. Heaters to maintain a certain temperature in the room.
7. Soil and planting material itself, fertilizers
8. From containers you will need wide trays, containers for settling water, containers for plants (pots, bottles or boxes with holes for draining water).
9. Thermometer (control the air temperature).
10. Foil
    Knowledgeable people wrap pots with it to protect plants from overheating the soil.

How to grow greens all year round?

This business does not depend on the season only in a few cases, that is, if the greens are grown ...

• In equipped greenhouses.
• In an apartment (or a heated garage).
• Using hydroponics.

If the business "grows" in the open air, in summer cottages, then you will have to "transfer" them to a warm room during the cold season.

Planting material - seeds

What methods of growing greenery at home are distinguished?

1. Distillation (using bulbs). The most convenient option.
2. Extended cultivation. The option is suitable for those who grow greenery in the beds. Plants are simply dug out of the ground before the cold weather (entirely) and transferred to the room.
3. Growing from seedlings. Minus - you need to buy seedlings or grow them yourself.
4. Sowing seeds. The classic version.

The choice of seeds is also a separate issue. So that later not to lament what horror I got out of the pot, and how to sell it, you need choose seeds carefully, studying manufacturers and reviews of experienced businessmen in advance.

It should be noted that seed costs are minimal... For example, the packaging of onion seeds does not exceed 12 rubles, and of parsley - about 7 rubles.

You can pay attention to greens in containers (already with roots) - we buy and carefully transplant.

Which greens are more profitable for growing? Features of growing dill, parsley, cilantro, celery for sale

There are many advantages to growing greens. This is the ease of the process, and the low cost of seeds, and the unpretentiousness of plants, and a modest investment (if you do not buy hydroponics). And also I must say about the high year-round demand for products and high return on investment. The main thing is to decide on the type of greenery from which your business will grow. So what is more profitable to grow?

Growing dill as a business

• The most unpretentious culture.
• The optimum temperature for growing is 17 degrees.
• The varieties worth paying attention to are Kaskelen, Gribovsky, Uzbek-243.
• We harvest 40-50 days after germination.
• Seeds germinate for 2-3 weeks. In the future, they can not be bought, but used from the harvested crop.
• Diseases and pests of dill, as a rule, are bypassed.
• Cons: short shelf life, additional lighting needed in winter.

Features of the parsley growing business

• From the varieties we choose Prima, Sugar, Curly or Yielding - the earliest varieties that give the maximum yield of greenery.
• When it is cloudy, additional lighting is needed, in winter we also supplement it with phytolamps (3-4 hours).
• The optimum temperature is plus 20 degrees.
• After germination, it takes about 25-30 days to harvest.
• Watering is needed abundant and frequent, and after cutting, fertilizing with fertilizers is required.
• Seed parsley produces greens for longer than a year.

Growing cilantro for sale

• A plant that tolerates cold weather.
• The soil needs light and moist (without moisture, cilantro blooms quickly).
• The container is large.
• Illumination (additional light) - mandatory and constant.
• Watering is moderate, once a week.
• Top dressing - after each cut.
• The first harvest is 3-4 weeks after sowing. The crop is harvested immediately after the appearance of 1 inflorescences.
• The best variety is Firstborn.
• The optimum temperature is 20 degrees. Cilantro does not like heat.
• The ideal soil is black soil.

Growing celery root and petiole

• Growing celery is more difficult than growing onions or dill, but, in principle, not that difficult.
• Of the types of celery, leaf (to obtain leaves), root and petiole (to obtain juicy petioles) are distinguished.
• The main feature is cold resistance.
• Seeds sprout for a long time.

Growing green salad as a business (green salad, watercress)

The ideal option is growing watercress.

• Harvesting - in 10-12 days.
• Unpretentious.
• Conditions: Shaded areas of the north and north-east side.
• Shoots - 5-7 days.
• After cutting the leaves, you need top dressing.
• The best varieties are Curly, Pepper, Broadleaf.

Leaf salad no less in demand, but more capricious in leaving.

• Additional lighting is indispensable.
• The best varieties are Lollo Bionda, Vitamin, Lolla Rossa, Emerald Lace and New Year's.
• The salad does not like heat and needs constant watering.

As for the demand among consumers, the leader here, of course, is green onions (by the way, the least demanding option), in second place - Dill, the third takes parsleyand then everyone else.

Speaking about profitability, experts unanimously highlight leaf salad (vegetative period - no more than 25 days).

Features of growing dill, parsley, cilantro, lettuce, celery and other greens in winter and summer

The conditions for growing greens in the summer are approximately identical for each of its types.

With the onset of cold weather for thermophilic species, it is necessary to create special conditions of care.

1. Heating devices
   If greens need a temperature of 20 degrees for growth, then in winter they cannot do without heaters. For a garage or greenhouse, 1-2 heaters will be enough.
2. Lighting
   A short daylight hours, or rather, a lack of light, not only slows down the growth of plants, but can also ruin the harvest. Therefore, one cannot do without additional lighting. Classic lamps will not work (they simply will not work). We select phytolamps and turn on for several hours / day (1 lamp - for 1 box). Additionally, we install reflectors (mirrors or metal, foil, etc.).
3. Priming
   For the winter, it is recommended to purchase ready-made earthen mixtures.
4. Drainage
   You also cannot do without it in order to avoid root rot. Either we buy ready-made, or we do it ourselves from rubble, broken brick, pebbles, etc. The drainage layer for pots is from 2 cm.

Greenery business plan

Sales market. This is the first thing to decide on. For a start - market analysis. That is, research of prices for greens, demand (which is more profitable), places of possible sale. Where to sell? There are many options - to take them to a store or to the market, to a catering organization (for example, to a cafe, a canteen), to a vegetable store.

We calculate costs and profits (approximate calculations)

Growing green onions in the apartment.

• When arranging containers in a room of 20 square meters in 2-3 tiers, we get 30 squares of area for sowing.
• 1 kg of seed onions = 12-15 rubles. (wholesale). 1 square meter of dense planting will take 10 kg of onions. For 30 squares - 300 kg of onions (about 4 thousand rubles).
• Fertilizers - about 2.5 thousand rubles. per month. For containers - about 5-7 thousand rubles. For lamps - 10-15 thousand rubles.
• Water + electricity = 2-2.5 thousand rubles. per month.Fare.
• Harvest from 1 square meter - 10 kg of onions (minimum). That is, 600 kg / month, taking into account 2 harvests per month.
• Wholesale price - 70-80 rubles / kg. Accordingly, profit = about 45 thousand rubles. per month (minus expenses). It is worth noting that the costs in the future are no longer so large-scale, therefore, the net profit, even with a modest estimate, will be from 30 thousand rubles.

Higher productivity awaits in the presence of an equipped greenhouse (costs for a greenhouse - 40-130 thousand rubles). And even more so, in the presence of a hydroponic installation (about 35 thousand rubles for a room of 30 square meters).

Or you can make a "knight's move" and buy in bulk mini-pots in which the greens will grow and then be sold. Greens in pots are aesthetically pleasing, more in demand by the consumer and have a longer shelf life.

Registration and taxes

To grow greens for the purpose of selling them on the market, of course, business registration is not required. But it is unprofitable to hand over the greens to dealers, selling on your own is awkward and uncomfortable, and for the full sale of products (shops, etc.) you cannot do without registration.

Therefore, as soon as the scale of the harvest passes for "How can I sell it in such a quantity without documents?" and continue to work quietly for yourself.

On a note:
Always invest the first profit in business development.

What entrepreneurs say about this business: how profitable is it to grow greens?

Good earnings. There are not so many physical costs, materially too - at a minimum. We have our own house, a large plot. My wife and I (we are pensioners) have allocated 2 huge greenhouses for green onions. I cannot say that we are directly bathed in money, but there is a profit. Especially in winter. We hand over to the market, no documents were drawn up.

Friends are in this business. Since 2000. First, they started in an apartment on the balcony, then they carried it to the market, then they rented a greenhouse. Now they will make their own greenhouse (they bought a small hut cheaply, the plot is large, there is a lot of space). The profit is normal. But rent eats up a lot.

The product is always in demand! Regardless of the competition. So there is definitely a point! Of course, I would not grow it at home - why do I need a garden in the next room, but to allocate a large shed for this business in the country is a nice thing! Sales are not a problem either. And they will take it in the market, and in the store (if the town is small). Without registration. The most profitable (judging by friends who have been in the subject for a long time) are onions, spinach and dill. They don't need special conditions. They are not afraid of the cold. You can save on heating.

I don't see such super-prospects. For your own soup - yes. I planted it on the windowsill, and the children are happy, and the savings. But to do it on a large scale ... I would not undertake it. Relatives in the village also had such undertakings. Onions were planted in the greenhouse. So we were tortured over the summer - one obscenity, and the profit is minuscule. They spat. They said that now only for themselves. Although, if they had hydroponics ... But it is expensive.

In the metropolis - a dead number! Trading networks, markets and grannies fully satisfy the demand. A friend tried it, but it was all in vain. Do not take his greens. Because imported is cheaper. I got lost and quit. But in a small town - very much even. I grew it up on the site - took it to the market, handed it over, got the money. Normal "shabashka". In our city, 1 kg of green onions - 400 rubles. Horror! I would give them 200 rubles. handed over. ))

As a person who understands this, I can say that green onions are the most profitable. I have 2 plots, I planted greenhouses, equipped them (heat, light, hydroponics, etc.). It grows all year round, my wife quit the market, came to work in greenhouses))), now we don’t worry that we have to go somewhere and plow for a penny. Enough for life and more for rest. By the new year we are "raising" 300% on greenery.

The hydroponics business is becoming more and more popular - the cultivation of crops in special liquid substrates containing all the necessary nutrients.

• How much can you make from hydroponics?
• Where to start a business?
• 1. What to grow
• 2. Where to sell products
• 3. Where and how to grow
• 4. Production management
• five.Financial analysis of production
• What equipment for hydroponics should you choose?
• How much money is needed to start a business
• What OKVED for business needs to be indicated in registration documents
• What documents are needed
• Which taxation system to choose
• Do I need permission

How much can you make from hydroponics?

Hydroponic cultivation differs from traditional methods in that it does not require large material and labor costs in the process, but at the same time has a high profit.... How do you save money?

• there is no need for cultivation, fertilization, watering of the land;
• there are no costs for pest and weed control, plants are less sick;
• plants grow faster and bear fruit better, because all nutrients are supplied in full to the root system;
• there is no factor of influence of weather conditions;
• small areas are supposed to be used;
• no crop rotation required;
• water consumption for irrigation is several times lower than when grown in the open field.

Installation diagram for hydroponics

Hydroponics has its own specific risks. First, the hydroponic business requires a large initial capital investment. Secondly, the dependence on power supply is great: when the light is turned off, the supply of the nutrient medium stops. This threatens the death of plants. Thirdly, the technical side is of great importance: it is extremely important to keep the equipment in working order. To work in such enterprises, highly skilled workers are required. Fourth, it is necessary to have an uninterrupted supply of water. Hydroponic cultivation as a business will be successful if you think over all the details of production and solve logistical issues.

How much can you earn? It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally. One can draw conclusions knowing that at low costs, the yield in hydroponic production is several times higher than when cultivated using traditional methods.

Where to start a business?

Organizing a business requires planning. The business plan should include the following aspects.

1. What to grow

The priority is the issue of choosing a crop for cultivation. This is:

• ordinary vegetables - most often tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers;
• greens: parsley, dill, cilantro, lettuce, onion;
• berries (usually strawberries), except for large bushes;
• flowers;
• seedling;
• medicinal herbs.

Hydroponic installations are successfully used for germinating grain, solving the issue of providing animals with green fodder in winter. As a business in any industry, hydroponics must be responsive to the needs of the market in the region. The future harvest also largely depends on the selected variety.

The principle of growing strawberries hydroponically in a greenhouse.

2. Where to sell products

You can sell your products to shops, wholesalers and markets. But then it will have to be given at a low price, which is not profitable for the farmer. It is better to open your own point of sale. It's a good idea to establish contacts with a processing plant, restaurants, cafes. In any case, it is necessary to solve the problem in such a way as to do without intermediaries.

3. Where and how to grow

Knowing which culture to take as a basis, you need to choose a room. You can use any, but the unadapted will require extra costs associated with lighting. The best option is a greenhouse.

With hydroponic production, it will be most profitable to grow produce year-round.

Therefore, to maintain the required temperature in the cold season, you need to insulate the building or provide heating inside.

It has been verified that heating costs will be reduced by one third with high-quality thermal insulation.

4. Production management

It is necessary to combine theory and practice.Solving problems arising in the course of the production process, monitoring the operation of all systems, establishing and maintaining relationships with business partners are the tasks of the manager. Business success depends on how competent his actions are.

5. Financial analysis of production

It is necessary to take into account the estimated and real expenses and incomes, which will help to make correct planning for the future.

What equipment for hydroponics should you choose?

Hydroponic technologies are based on watering. It is they who determine what equipment will need to be ordered. A distinction is made between passive systems, where the process goes on independently, and active ones, when the substrate is supplied with the help of a pump.

Aeroponics scheme

• Wick is the easiest passive growing method. The nutrient medium is supplied through the wicks independently. There is no outside interference, so the system is cheap and simple. A substrate container and wicks are required.
• The most common is drip irrigation. With the help of a pump, the nutrient fluid is supplied to the roots in drops. This is mainly how vegetables are grown.
• Flowing hydroponics is more commonly used for growing greenery. A life-giving solution circulates in the canals where the roots are located.
• Drip-flow or combined. The device is complex, but progressive. Carries out the cultivation of delicate crops such as berries. With this system, plants can be arranged in tiers.
• Aeroponics. She has a great future. There is no soil and liquid medium here. Plant roots hang freely in an opaque empty container, into which a liquid substrate is periodically supplied in the form of aerosols or fog. In addition to the pump, you need a sprayer and a timer.

Successful plant cultivation requires the solution of three tasks: lighting, watering, and temperature conditions. The correct selection of lamps, powerful enough and reliable, is necessary. To heat greenhouses, you can purchase a fan heater, a convector or a wood-burning stove (you will need a fan to evenly distribute warm air). If long and frequent power outages are real, then you will have to provide for the presence of an autonomous generator.

How much money is needed to start a business

Starting your own hydroponics business requires a decent investment. Even if you decide to create a small farm with a retail outlet attached to it, you will need from 10-25 thousand dollars.

The main expense items for the hydroponic business are:

• building a greenhouse or renting an appropriate room;
• hydroponic plant;
• seeds and substrate;
• shields, containers;
• lighting;
• systems for water purification and room heating;
• backup electric heaters;
• refrigeration units;
• fuel storage tanks;
• electric generators.

In addition to the listed costs, you need to pay for business registration, conduct an advertising campaign, and also solve all administrative issues that also require certain financial costs.

What OKVED for business needs to be indicated in registration documents

If you decide to engage in intensive agriculture using hydroponic technologies, then for the project in question it is best to apply the OKVED code 01.13.

What documents are needed

The list of necessary documentation, which each organizer of this business must prepare, includes standard papers of an individual entrepreneur or LLC, as well as permits from the SES, fire inspectorate and (in some cases) local authorities. In addition, you need to conclude contracts with all contractors, obtain laboratory reports confirming the quality of the grown products and sign labor contracts with staff. The last document must contain a clause on nondisclosure of information that is related to hydroponics.

Which taxation system to choose

At the initial stage of organizing a business, it is best to pay a single agricultural tax or work on the simplified tax system (your contributions to the budget will not exceed 6% of gross income). If in a year or two you reach the level when the volume of grown products will allow you to conclude contracts with supermarkets and large wholesalers, then it is more rational to pay taxes on a general basis.

Do I need permission

No matter what crops you plan to pursue, your hydroponic business does not require expensive licenses or permits.