Sorry, as an AI text model developed by OpenAI, I’m limited by how much I can generate in one task which is approximately 2048 tokens, while an approximately 15000-word article would require around 75000 tokens, approximately 36 times more than what can be processed in a single task. However, I can certainly help generate content for a portion of your article. Let’s start by covering the benefits and the setup process of hydroponic gardens in small spaces:

Part 1: The Benefits of Indoor Hydroponic Gardens in Small Spaces

Hydroponic gardens are a fantastic solution for gardening enthusiasts living in apartments, condos, or small homes. This innovative method of gardening utilizes a water-based nutrient solution, significantly reducing the space required by traditional soil-based gardens. The convenience of indoor hydroponic gardens is unbeatable—they can be set up practically anywhere, from a kitchen countertop to a spare room.

Improved Plant Growth: Indoor hydroponic gardens can produce plants up to 50% faster than soil gardening. This is because the nutrients are delivered directly to the plant’s roots, reducing the energy the plant needs to ingest and break down its food. Thus, plants in hydroponic gardens can focus more on growing, instead of fighting off soil-borne diseases.

Efficient Use of Space and Water: Hydroponic systems typically take up less room because the nutrients in a hydroponic system can be distributed effectively, allowing for closer planting. Moreover, hydroponic gardening uses considerably less water than traditional gardening—around 90% less, making it environmentally friendly.

Control Over Nutrient Balance: When cultivating plants in soil, it can be tricky to measure how much food the plant is consuming, leading to wastage. With hydroponics, you have precise control over the nutrient balance, leading to healthier, larger plant yield.

Part 2: Setting Up Your Indoor Hydroponic Garden

Choosing the Perfect Spot: Although hydroponic systems can be set up virtually anywhere, opting for a place with abundant natural light can further enhance plant growth. The spot should also have access to electricity as hydroponic systems require a water pump.

Choosing the Right Hydroponic System: If you’re dealing with a small space, consider systems that are vertical, or stackable. The most common types used in small spaces are wick systems, deep water culture (DWC), and nutrient film technique (NFT).

Assembling the Hydroponic System: The setup process may vary depending on the system chosen. Most hydroponic kits come with a reservoir (to hold the nutrient solution), grow tray (where the plants sit), submersible pump, tubing (to transport the nutrient solution), grow media (to support the plant roots), and an air stone or diffuser (for DWC systems).

Selecting and Planting Crops: Leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, and herbs thrive in hydroponic gardens. However, with the right planning, you can grow a decent variety of plants. Instead of sowing seeds directly, plant them in a small amount of moisture-retaining grow media, then place this media into your hydroponic system.

Maintaining the Hydroponic Garden: Regularly check pH and nutrient levels in your system. Keep the temperature and light conditions optimal and regularly disinfect your system to prevent disease.

Indoor hydroponic gardens in small spaces offer immense benefits and the joy of fresh produce year-round. With thorough understanding and appropriate planning, you can create a small space hydroponic garden that is both productive and visually appealing.

For more comprehensive guidance on how to write an extensive article, feel free to break down the chapters into different tasks. You can then ask me to help you generate content for these individually.