iDOO Hydroponics System Review: A Beginner Guide to Indoor Gardening

iDOO Hydroponics System Review

I'll be honest when I first unboxed the iDOO hydroponic system, I was skeptical. Could this compact, futuristic-looking gadget really grow fresh herbs and veggies in my apartment? I’ve killed more houseplants than I care to admit, and the whole idea of “high-tech gardening” felt like something destined to collect dust in my closet.

But fast forward two months, and I’m officially a convert. I’m harvesting fresh basil weekly, my lettuce is thriving, and miracle of miracles I haven’t killed a single plant. Truth be told, this little system has become one of my favorite household gadgets. If you're curious about how it stacks up against other setups, check out our guide to the Best indoor Herb Garden with Grow Light for a full breakdown.

Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned about the iDOO system the good, the surprising, and what you really need to know before buying one.

What is the most reliable hydroponic system?

After testing several countertop systems, I've found the iDOO to be surprisingly reliable for its price point. The key factors for reliability in hydroponics are consistent lighting, stable nutrient delivery, and proper aeration and the iDOO delivers on all three.

What makes it reliable? The built-in LED grow lights are on an automatic timer (12 hours on, 12 off), which means I never forget to turn them on or off. The water circulation system is quiet but effective, and the design prevents algae growth by blocking light from reaching the water reservoir. I've had zero pump failures or technical issues in two months of continuous use.

Now, is it the most advanced system on the market? No. But for beginners or apartment dwellers, its set-it-and-forget-it approach makes it incredibly dependable. The peace of mind knowing my plants are getting what they need even when I'm busy? Priceless.

How often should I change the water in my iDOO?

Here's what surprised me: you don't need to change the water as often as you might think. iDOO recommends changing the water every 2 - 3 weeks, and that's been spot on in my experience.

I mark my calendar every time I change the water and add nutrients. The system has water level indicators, which is super helpful for knowing when to top it off between changes. Honestly, the maintenance is minimal maybe 15 minutes every few weeks.

When you do change the water, make sure to clean the tank thoroughly to prevent any slime buildup. I use a mild vinegar solution (as recommended in the manual) rather than harsh chemicals that could harm the plants.

Which type of hydroponic system is best?

There are several types of hydroponic systems deep water culture (what iDOO uses), nutrient film technique, ebb and flow, aeroponics, and more. For beginners, the deep water culture system like iDOO's is arguably the best choice.

Why? It's simple, self-contained, and has fewer parts that can malfunction. The roots are suspended in oxygenated, nutrient-rich water, which promotes rapid growth without the complexity of other systems.

Now, if you're looking to grow larger plants like tomatoes or peppers, you might eventually want to upgrade to a more advanced system. But for herbs, lettuce, and small greens? The iDOO's deep water culture approach is perfect.

How to successfully grow plants with the idoo hydroponic system

Success with the iDOO comes down to a few simple steps:

First, start with quality seeds. I had much better results with name-brand seeds rather than random ones from my junk drawer.

Second, don't overcrowd the pods. I know it's tempting to plant multiple seeds in each pod, but trust me thin them out once they sprout so only the strongest seedling remains in each pod.

Third, pay attention to the nutrient solution. The iDOO comes with plant food packets, but you'll need to purchase more separately once they run out. I've had good results with General Hydroponics nutrients too.

Fourth, keep an eye on pH levels. This was my "aha!" moment. I struggled with slow growth until I tested the water and realized the pH was too high. A simple pH test kit and pH down solution solved the problem immediately.

Finally, prune regularly. Herbs like basil will grow bushier and more productive if you trim them often. My first basil plant got leggy because I was afraid to cut it, but now I harvest confidently every week.

What are the top 3 best things to grow in a hydroponic growing system?

Based on my experience and research, these three categories thrive in the iDOO:

1. Leafy greens: Lettuce, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard grow spectacularly well. They don't require pollination and have relatively short growth cycles.
2. Herbs: Basil, mint, cilantro, and parsley are hydroponic superstars. My basil grows so fast I can't keep up with it!
3. Small vegetables: Dwarf varieties of tomatoes and peppers can work, though they might require hand pollination and more attention to nutrients.

What surprised me was how well green onions regrow from kitchen scraps in the iDOO. I simply place the root ends in the system, and they regenerate incredibly fast!

How do I clean my idoo grower?

Cleaning is straightforward but important. Here's my process:

• Unplug the system and remove the plants (be gentle if they're established)
• Empty the water reservoir completely
• Use a soft cloth or sponge with a vinegar-water solution to wipe down the entire tank
• Clean the pump area carefully debris can sometimes get stuck there
• Rinse thoroughly to remove any vinegar residue
• Let it air dry completely before refilling

I do a deep clean like this every 1 - 2 months, depending on whether I notice any algae or buildup. Regular maintenance prevents problems before they start.

What can you not grow with hydroponics?

While the iDOO is versatile, some plants just aren't suited for it:

Large plants like corn, zucchini, or full-sized tomatoes need more space and support than the iDOO can provide.

Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and radishes typically need soil to develop properly, though I've seen some people have success with modified systems.

Plants with long growing seasons like asparagus or fruit trees aren't practical for indoor hydroponics.

Truth be told, I tried growing carrots once just to see what would happen. The result? Pathetic, tiny roots that weren't worth the effort. Some things are better left to traditional gardening.

What is the easiest plant to grow in hydroponics?

Hands down, lettuce is the easiest plant for hydroponic beginners. Why?

It germinates quickly, grows rapidly, and doesn't require precise nutrient control. My lettuce seeds sprouted in just 2 - 3 days and were ready for first harvest in about 4 weeks.

Basil is a close second it's remarkably resilient and grows like crazy in the iDOO system. I've accidentally neglected my basil for days (oops), and it bounced back immediately after some fresh water and nutrients.

If you're new to hydroponics, start with lettuce or basil. The success will boost your confidence to try more challenging plants later.

Which is the most profitable plant in hydroponics?

While the iDOO isn't large enough for commercial growing, some plants offer better value for home growers:

1. Gourmet herbs: Basil, mint, and cilantro can be expensive at grocery stores but cost pennies to grow at home
2. Microgreens: These command high prices at farmers markets and grow incredibly fast in hydroponic systems
3. Specialty lettuces: Heirloom varieties that cost $4-5 per small head at stores grow abundantly in the iDOO

Honestly, the real "profit" isn't financial it's the satisfaction of growing your own food and the guaranteed freshness whenever you want it.

How long does it take to grow plants in a hydroponic system?

This was my biggest surprise: hydroponic plants grow 25 - 50% faster than soil-grown plants! Here's what I've experienced:

Lettuce: 4 - 5 weeks from seed to first harvest

Basil: 3 - 4 weeks before first trimming

Kale: 5 - 6 weeks for baby leaves

Green onions: Just 1 - 2 weeks when regrown from scraps

The controlled environment, perfect nutrients, and ideal lighting conditions eliminate the stresses plants face in soil, allowing them to focus energy on growth.

Final Thoughts: Is the iDOO Hydroponic System Worth It?

After two months of testing, I can confidently say yes with a few caveats.

The iDOO is perfect for beginners, apartment dwellers, or anyone who wants fresh herbs and greens year-round without the mess of soil gardening. It's surprisingly reliable, easy to maintain, and actually fun to use.

Is it magic? No. You still need to pay attention to nutrients, pH levels, and plant selection. The ongoing cost of nutrient solutions and seed pods adds up over time. And if you're hoping to feed a family of four, you might need multiple units.

But for what it is a compact, user-friendly introduction to hydroponics it's excellent. The joy of harvesting my own basil for pasta or fresh lettuce for sandwiches never gets old. Plus, there's something genuinely therapeutic about tending to my little indoor garden.

If you're on the fence about trying hydroponics, the iDOO system is a fantastic starting point. It removed my fear of failure and sparked a new hobby that I absolutely love. And honestly, anything that gets me eating more fresh greens is worth every penny in my book.

Happy growing!