Growing Without Soil — A Smart Fit for Mauritius

Land is limited, water gets scarce in the dry season, and our warm, humid climate keeps pests busy all year. Hydroponics answers all three problems at once. Instead of growing plants in soil, you grow them with their roots in a nutrient-rich water solution on a balcony, a rooftop, a small backyard, or inside a net-house.

It sounds high-tech, but the basics are simple enough for any beginner to try with a few buckets and under Rs 1,000. Here is everything a Mauritian small planter or home grower needs to know to get started.

Why Hydroponics Makes Sense Here

• Saves water — A recirculating hydroponic system can use up to 80-90% less water than open-soil growing, because nothing soaks away into the ground. That matters during our cool dry season (May-October) when rainfall is low and water restrictions are common.
• Grows in small spaces — No garden? No problem. Vertical and table-top systems let you grow on a balcony, veranda, or rooftop.
• Fewer pests and diseases — With no soil, you avoid soil-borne fungi, nematodes, and root rot. Combined with a net-house, this cuts pesticide use dramatically.
• Faster growth, higher yields — Roots get a constant supply of food and oxygen, so leafy greens grow quicker and more tender.
• Clean and easy — No mud, no digging, less weeding. Ideal for older growers or anyone short on time.

Government and FAREI Support

Hydroponics and "sheltered farming" are a national priority in Mauritius, so there is real help available.

• Sheltered Farming / Hydroponics Scheme — Through the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), registered planters can get grants (historically up to around Rs 250,000) towards building a greenhouse or insect-proof net-house. Dozens of planters have already built sheltered farms under this scheme, which cuts pesticide use and protects crops from bad weather.
• Household Gardening Scheme — Aimed at home growers, this scheme helps make mini-sheltered units, mini-hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical-farming structures more accessible and affordable.

Schemes, grant amounts, and eligibility change from year to year, so check the current details with your nearest FAREI service centre or the Small Planters Welfare Fund before you budget. Registered small planters generally get the best support.

Simple Systems to Start With

You do not need an imported kit. Three beginner-friendly methods cover almost everything:

1. The Kratky Method (no pump, no electricity)

The easiest and cheapest way to start. You suspend a net cup holding your plant in the top of a covered container of nutrient solution. As the plant drinks, the water level drops and the roots get more air. That is it; no pump, no power. Perfect for lettuce and herbs.

2. The Wick System

A wick (a strip of felt or cotton rope) draws nutrient solution from a reservoir up into the growing medium. Slightly more reliable than Kratky for small plants, still no electricity needed.

3. NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)

For when you want to scale up. A thin film of nutrient solution flows through PVC pipes past the roots, pushed by a small pump on a timer. More productive, but needs electricity and a bit more setup.

What You Need

• Containers or PVC pipe — Recycled buckets, storage boxes, or 75-110mm PVC pipe.
• Net cups — Cheap plastic cups with slotted bottoms to hold the plant.
• Growing medium — Coco coir (coconut fibre, widely available in Mauritius), clay pebbles, or perlite to anchor the roots.
• Hydroponic nutrients — A two-part "A and B" liquid nutrient from agricultural shops. Ordinary garden fertiliser is not a substitute as plants in water need a complete, balanced mix.
• A pH test kit — Cheap drops or strips. Getting pH right is the single biggest factor in success.
• Seeds or seedlings — Start seeds in a small cube of coco coir or rockwool.

Best Crops to Start With in Mauritius

Begin with fast, forgiving leafy crops before trying fruiting plants:

• Laitue (Lettuce) — The classic hydroponic crop. Ready in 4-5 weeks, loves the cooler months.
• Herbs — Cotomili (Coriander), Basilic (Basil), Menthe (Mint), and Ciboulette (Chives) all thrive.
• Brèdes — Local leafy greens grow quickly and are always in demand.
• Piment (Chilli) and Tomato — Possible once you have some experience; they need more light and support.

Mixing and Managing Your Nutrient Solution

• Aim for pH 5.5-6.5. Outside this range, plants cannot absorb nutrients even when they are present. Adjust with small amounts of pH up/down solution.
• Use clean water. Rainwater is excellent. If using tap water, let it stand for a day so the chlorine escapes.
• Change the solution every 2-3 weeks, and top up with plain water in between as the level drops.
• Keep it cool and shaded. In summer, never let the reservoir bake in full midday sun — warm water holds less oxygen and grows algae. A net-house or light shade helps a lot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the pH kit — Guessing leads to yellow, stunted plants.
• Using the wrong fertiliser — Garden granules will not feed a hydroponic plant properly.
• Too much sun on the reservoir — Causes algae and warm, low-oxygen water.
• Letting roots dry out — In Kratky systems, keep at least the lower roots in solution at all times.

Is It Worth It?

A first Kratky lettuce setup can cost under Rs 1,000 and teaches you the basics in one growing cycle. Once you are confident, you can scale into an NFT system or apply for a FAREI sheltered-farming grant to build a proper net-house. Many planters start on a balcony and end up supplying their whole neighbourhood.

Pair hydroponics with our Drip Irrigation guide and Natural Pest Control tips to grow more food with less water and fewer chemicals.

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Soil-free growing is one of the most exciting ways forward for Mauritian agriculture. When your greens are ready, list your surplus on Ti Bazar and connect with neighbours looking for fresh, local produce.