The best hydroponic media options for growing herbs are: Provides excellent drainage and aeration for plant roots. It's lightweight. Coconut coir. Made from coconut husks, so provides some buffering capacity for roots and naturally has antifungal properties. Holds some water. Clay pellets. These porous pebbles allow great oxygen flow. They're reusable and heavier than other media, especially suitable for larger plants. Created from molten rock spun into a wool-like material. It holds a lot of moisture yet gives excellent drainage too. The high pH may need to be amended.