Comment by notepad0x90

All of these things are possible, but the cost difference between “put the plant in the dirt” and “put the plant in a specially constructed climate and humidity controlled box” are why large-scale hydroponics are only really used for high profit margin crops for which there’s a good reason not to just plant them outside.

You can do hydroponics outside, but it will still be warm at night. And with hydroponics, you need to prevent the water from getting too warm -- the roots will rot. So you might have trouble during the day, too.

[This guy][1] does a bunch of hydroponics and hydroponics adjacent projects outdoors.

[1]: https://www.youtube.com/@Hoocho

> why do hydroponics always seem to involve indoor/UV lighting?

Hydroponics and artificial lighting increase density (no/less volume wasted by dirt, and can stack plant beds on top of each other). UV lighting is more power-efficient artificial lighting, so it's the next logical step.

And if you grow plants indoor somewhat densely, they'll leave your apartment in constant semi-darkness if you rely on sunlight. I have this issue with my basil and cherry tomatoes, for example.

do you mean greenhouse?

I guess in this case it would have to be greenhouse with good AC?