If cheap is the main factor, I would not do hydroponics. By the time you get done buying what you really need to be successful, you will be far past a few containers and dirt. For example, a ECC/PH meter, baskets, media, air hose, air pump, air stone, and nutrient solution. vs. Containers and dirt. If you just want to get started in hydro, then I would start off growing cheap, easy vegetables like lettuce, herbs and hot peppers. I say cheap because they are fairly easy to grow, and they do not use a lot of water and nutrients. Tomatoes are fun to grow, but use lots of space, water and nutrients. If you want super easy hydro, do a wick or static system where the lid of your Tupperware container becomes the "saucer" under the pot. Just take the Tupperware lid, flip it upside down, then put your Tupperware container on the lid. Fill the lid with water, and viola, static hydroponic system (you would need to put holes in the bottom of the container of course). For media you can use Perlite, and you would not need any baskets. Just fill the tub with Perlite, and your ready to grow. Also this way you can grow carrots, potatoes, green onions etc.

There are probably lots of them but I've been using the Botanicare Pure Blend stuff in my DWC for some time now and been very happy. Full strength for tomatoes and peppers, for lettuce and other green leafy things I use it at half strength. They don't claim to be truly organic but they do claim to be natural and they list their source materials. Here is a link that might be useful: Botanicare

Grow_girl, You should probably post your location, as that sounds like a pick-up-only item. You can also try listing it on Craigslist.

jentsu926, Just to give you a heads up. When you go to the Hydro store they typically will have a lot of options. I normally recommend going with three blend solution (N-P-K) and mixing it according to the directions. Now since you are growing Ivy you will be going through a lot of your N mixture, just as an fyi. Normally a large bottle runs around 15 dollars each and they have some smaller bottles you can buy. I would recommend buy the synthetic fertilizers over the organics just because you won’t be eating the ivy and they tend to be more bang for the buck. There are organic fertilizers that you can buy if you choose and the person at the hydro shop can normally point you in the right direction. I will also mention that they do sell one part solution you can buy. This might work well since you know what solution you want (High N) and it will not be changing to fruit or flower. They should be able to advise you at the store on what they have and price. Just to give you a heads up on the container, once you add nutrients into the water algae will normally shortly follow. You ca do two things: Add hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in little bits, this is a little controversial but typically accepted in the hydro community. Get a less clear container. This will inhibit the light, help the roots out, and still look cool if it is green or something.