The tomato is actually a fruit but is often categorized as a vegetable. Growing tomatoes in hydroponics can be easy as long as you follow instructions and properly feed the plants with nutrient. For mixing your own nutrient, follow the mixing instructions below.

Tomatoes Mixing directions based on grams/ 1000 liters CaNO3 765 gr KNO3 580 gr K2SO4 223 gr KH2PO4 220 gr MgSO4 456 gr TE 29 gr HNO3 50 ml

If you do not wish to mix your own nutrients, you can use any standard grow and bloom formula found at your local hydroponics retail store. We suggest using Dutch Nutrient Formula Gro A & B Once flower sites begin to form on the plant, switch your nutrient formula to Dutch Nutrient Formula Bloom A & B. Buy Now: DNF Gro Buy Now: DNF Bloom

Tomatoes are easy to start from seed but like other plants do require light.  Buying already established plants from a nursery will speed up the process and save on your electricity bill. To really see an increase on your flower sites and the overall size of tomatoes growing on each plant, try spraying DNF Enhance 4-1-1 as a foliar spray.
	Buy Now DNF: Enhance

More information about DNF Enhance and its benefits are available here.

Also, to start growing a sweet tasting tomato, try mixing DNF Carbologic, a carbohydrate additive to your nutrient solution. This will not only sweeten your fruits but also help your plant stay healthy and strong for intense flowering periods.
	Buy Now: DNF Carbologic

As is the case with all plants, proper water filtration is important for tomatoes. They require a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.

Gardens and types of Hydroponics gardens to use for Tomatoes

For larger type tomatoes the Expando drip system is the best. This system will ensure each plant receives enough water and provide stems with the root support needed on larger sized plants.

Tomatoes can also be grown on ebb and flow tables using rockwool slabs. Make sure if using this technique to provide support for stems if the plants grow to be too large to support themselves. Plant yo yos or fastening them to a stick will ensure they do not fall over.
	Buy Now: Rockwool Slabs		Buy Now: Tables
	Buy Now: Reservoirs		Buy Now: Plant Yo Yos

NFT or deep water culture work best for Bush type tomato plants which is determinate. This means the vines grow to a determined point then stop, making them compact. The larger types are indeterminate which results in a larger plant.  Although grape and cherry tomatoes have smaller fruit the plants will belarge unless you get a compact variety like Tiny Tim or Patio.

Buy Now: The Garden that Jack Built

Buy Now: Hydro Harvest

When growing indoors proper lighting is required with all the systems listed above. If strong outdoor sunlight is available through a window this may suffice but best results can be achieved through artificial lighting. For more information on the specific lighting requirements your plants
may need please visit our lighting section.

Nutron pots are great for patios and other outdoor spots as well as indoors.  

Click here for an article published in growing edge on growing tomatoes hydroponically.