Learn to Grow

Growing your own food at home with a hydroponic tower is more achievable than most people expect. These guides cover everything from getting your tower set up to understanding nutrients, light, and what to grow first.

  • New to FlowGrow? Start here

    Everything you need to get your tower up and running. From assembling the system and filling the reservoir, to planting your first seeds and understanding the basics of nutrients and light. Step by step, in plain language.

    View Setup Guide 
  • Close-up of basil leaves in a hydroponic tower with a blurred background

    New to Hydroponics? Start here

    Learn the basics of home hydroponic growing, including how the system works, what plants need, where to place your tower, nutrients, light, and simple ongoing care.

    Start the Complete Guide 

Explore grow guides

Start with the basics, explore growing tips, and learn how to get more from your tower over time.

Start Here

Start Here

New to hydroponic growing?

Start here
Growing

Growing

Explore what to grow and what to expect.

Explore growing
Setup & Care

Setup & Care

Tips for setting up and caring for your tower

View setup tips
Understanding Hydroponics

Understanding Hydroponics

Learn how the system, water, and nutrients work together.

Learn how it works
View all grow guides
Leafy greens and red lettuce growing in a FlowGrow hydroponic tower beside a dining area in a New Zealand home

IDEAS FOR NZ HOMES

Growing in Small Spaces

Explore practical ideas for growing herbs, greens and small harvests in apartments, balconies, courtyards and compact homes.

Explore the guides

Latest grow guides

View all
  • Person tending a FlowGrow hydroponic tower inside a New Zealand home

    Small Space Gardening for NZ Homes

    Think you need a backyard to grow fresh food? Explore practical small space gardening ideas for growing herbs, leafy greens and compact vegetables in New Zealand homes.

    Small Space Gardening for NZ Homes

    Think you need a backyard to grow fresh food? Explore practical small space gardening ideas for growing herbs, leafy greens and compact vegetables in New Zealand homes.

  • FlowGrow hydroponic tower garden for growing fresh food without a backyard in New Zealand

    Growing Food Without a Garden in NZ

    Discover practical ways to grow fresh food at home without a traditional garden, and see why compact hydroponic growing can suit everyday New Zealand homes.

    Growing Food Without a Garden in NZ

    Discover practical ways to grow fresh food at home without a traditional garden, and see why compact hydroponic growing can suit everyday New Zealand homes.

  • Leafy greens growing in a FlowGrow hydroponic tower through New Zealand seasons

    Growing Through the Seasons in NZ

    Hydroponic towers can run through every season, but plants still respond to temperature, daylight, and weather. Here’s what to expect in NZ.

    Growing Through the Seasons in NZ

    Hydroponic towers can run through every season, but plants still respond to temperature, daylight, and weather. Here’s what to expect in NZ.

1 3
View all

Common questions, answered simply

A few helpful things to know

How does a FlowGrow tower actually work?

A FlowGrow tower circulates water from the base up through the centre, then lets it gently flow back down through the roots.

As it moves, it delivers water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plants. Any unused water returns to the reservoir and is reused again.

Once it’s set up, the system runs on a timer and quietly takes care of itself in the background.

Do I need soil to use a FlowGrow tower?

No, there’s no soil involved.

Plants sit in small support sponges while their roots grow inside the tower where the water flows through.

It’s a clean, contained way to grow, with no digging, no heavy pots, and no mess.

Does FlowGrow need direct sunlight to work?

FlowGrow needs good natural light to grow well.

A bright indoor space near a window, or a sheltered outdoor spot with consistent sunlight, will give the best results.

If light levels are lower, growth may slow down. Grow lights can be used if needed, but many people simply use the brightest spot in their home.

What can I grow in a FlowGrow tower?

FlowGrow works best with everyday plants you’d use in your kitchen.

Leafy greens, herbs, and compact vegetables all grow well. Things like lettuce, basil, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and chillies are great options.

If you’re just getting started, herbs and leafy greens are the easiest and most rewarding place to begin.

How long does it take to set up a FlowGrow tower?

Most people have their tower set up and ready to plant in around 20 minutes.

The process is straightforward, with no complicated parts or tools required.

Once it’s running, it becomes something you check and enjoy rather than something you need to manage closely.

Is FlowGrow suitable if I’ve never grown anything before?

Yes. FlowGrow is designed to feel approachable from day one.

You don’t need prior experience or technical knowledge to get started. Once it’s set up, the system settles into a rhythm and becomes part of your routine.

It’s often more about enjoying the process than learning something complicated.