Hydroponic Magic
Growing Indoors as a Witch and a Crone
When I discovered in December that Aerogarden was going out of business, I couldn’t resist the clearance sale on their hydroponic gardens. It felt like a serendipitous moment—one of those times when the universe whispers, “This is meant for you.” I ordered one, set it up, and now have lettuce, tomatoes, and chives (hidden in the photo behind the lettuce) happily sprouting in my indoor garden. We have so much lettuce that we’ve already been harvesting and eating it on burgers and sandwiches. This venture into hydroponics has felt like a bridge between my witchy practice, my growing Crone wisdom, and my love of nurturing life in all forms.
Hydroponic Gardening: A Modern Twist on Ancient Magic
Hydroponics, the art of growing plants without soil, feels like something straight out of a spell book. Instead of grounding themselves in soil, plants grow in water enriched with nutrients, thriving in a controlled environment. For witches, this method offers a unique opportunity to connect with plant spirits in a different way, focusing on water and air as the key elements of growth.
As a Crone, I also appreciate the accessibility of hydroponics. It’s a manageable way to grow food and herbs indoors during the harsh winter weather (at the moment I am writing this, we have 10+ inches of snow on the ground and several more inches predicted for tomorrow—almost unheard of in my area of the US). There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing green shoots flourish under the glow of a grow light in the dead of winter, and this feels like a continuation of the growing I do in the summer, which I’ve written about here (edible gardens) and here (flowering gardens).
What to Grow Indoors in a Hydroponic Garden
Hydroponic systems are perfect for a variety of herbs, vegetables, and even some fruits. So far, my lettuce, tomatoes, and chives are thriving, but the possibilities don’t end there. I’m hoping to add spinach and strawberries next. (Please note, there is an extra step required to grow “fruiting” plants: pollination.) Other possibilities include:
Basil, mint, parsley, and thyme: Perfect for culinary magic and kitchen witchery.
Other greens, kale, and arugula: Great for nutrient-rich salads and green spells.
Peppers: Jalapeños and mini bell peppers can grow well in hydroponic systems.
Why Growing Indoors is Perfect for Witches
Indoor gardening brings nature into your sacred space, creating an ever-present reminder of the cycles of growth and renewal. For witches, tending to plants is a way to connect with the Earth element, even when snow blankets the ground outside. Hydroponics also allows you to work with the Water element directly, as the system’s lifeblood is a nutrient-rich solution that feeds your plants.
Each sprout and leaf is an act of magic—a collaboration between you and the natural world. And since hydroponics often includes grow lights, you’re also working with Fire (the lights) and Air (the plants’ oxygen exchange). It’s a beautifully balanced practice.
Tips for Hydroponic Growing Success
Nutrient Balance: Follow the system’s instructions for adding nutrients to the water. Your plants will grow best with the right "potion" to feed them.
Pruning and Harvesting: Don’t be afraid to clip leaves and stems. Regular pruning encourages growth and keeps your garden healthy.
Mindful Placement: Position your hydroponic system in a space where you’ll see it daily. This keeps the energy flowing between you and your plants.
Growing as a Crone: Wisdom in Every Leaf
For Crones, growing things—whether it’s plants, ideas, or relationships—reminds us of the cycles of life and the power of nurturing. Hydroponics offers an effortless way to stay connected to these cycles, even when life slows down or mobility becomes a concern. Watching a seed sprout and flourish is a gentle reminder that we’re always capable of growth, no matter our age or the season of our lives.
As I watch my lettuce, tomatoes, and chives reach toward the grow light, I’m reminded of the joy and magic in nurturing life. This little indoor garden is my sacred space, a place where magic, wisdom, and nature meet.
What would you grow in a hydroponic garden? Have you tried indoor growing before? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to swap tips and ideas! 🌱✨