Truleaf Insights

Lavender thrives without soil when you get the system, media, and nutrients right. This research-backed guide covers system selection, stage-by-stage nutrient management, the vernalization trick for indoor flowering, and the mistakes that cause root rot — so you can grow fragrant, oil-rich lavender year-round.

Mint is the easiest herb to grow hydroponically -- it roots in days, thrives in every system, and produces continuous harvests for months. This research-backed guide covers system selection, stage-by-stage nutrient targets, propagation from cuttings, and the common mistakes that limit yield.

One simple cut doubles your basil's growth instead of killing it. Learn the science-backed pinching technique, ideal timing, bolting prevention, and storage — so one plant feeds you all summer.

Learn how to calculate NPK ratios and read a fertilizer label — with research-backed nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium targets by growth stage for tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, basil, and herbs. Includes the PPM math and a link to our free interactive calculator.

El Niño is projected for 2026. This zone-by-zone guide covers 7 science-backed strategies to protect your crops from drought, flooding, and heat stress.

Set up a Kratky mason jar in under 10 minutes. No pumps, no electricity, under $10. Step-by-step guide with pH, EC, and plant-specific data from university research.

Complete science-backed guide to growing hydroponic tomatoes. Covers best systems, stage-specific EC/pH charts, LED lighting, pollination, varieties, and troubleshooting — with university research data.

Learn how to grow lavender successfully — from choosing the right variety and planting to pruning, harvesting, and hydroponic cultivation. Science-backed guide with peer-reviewed nutrient data, seasonal care calendar, and troubleshooting tips.

Learn how to grow oyster mushrooms at home with this science-backed guide. Covers substrate preparation, pasteurization, spawning, fruiting conditions, and harvesting — plus a comparison of blue, pink, and pearl oyster varieties for beginners.

Discover the 17 essential nutrients your hydroponic plants need — from NPK basics and mixing your first solution to pH, EC management, and the mistakes most beginners make.

Science-backed guide to growing hydroponic strawberries at home. Covers best systems, varieties, pH/EC ranges, pollination, and troubleshooting — with university research data.

Explore 4 proven passive hydroponic methods — Kratky, wick, semi-hydro (LECA), and hempy buckets. No pumps, no electricity, under $20. Science-backed guide with academic sources.