Growing Wellness Indoors — What to Know About Hydroponic Gardening

A recent pilot study conducted by researchers from Texas A&M University introduced small indoor hydroponic gardens to cancer patients to assess their effects on mood, nutrition, and overall well-being Over eight weeks, participants showed measurable improvements in emotional health, reduced depression, and higher quality-of-life scores, with notable gains emerging as early as week four of the program Hydroponics offers accessibility but lacks the biological richness of soil, which contains living microbes that recycle nutrients, support plant immunity, and strengthen your own microbiome If you choose hydroponics, use organic nutrient sources like compost tea or seaweed extract, maintain airflow, limit LED exposure, and place it near natural sunlight to support plant vitality and your own well-being For immunocompromised individuals, strict cleanliness is essential when using hydroponics to prevent harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria