How to Grow Kratky Method Plants: A Passive Hydroponic System
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How to Grow Plants with the Kratky Method? : A Passive Hydroponic System
Are you looking for an easy and efficient way to grow plants? I would suggest you to start with the Kratky method. It is a simple passive hydroponic system with low maintenance, that can help you do just that! Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of time or experience.
I will go through the Kratky method in detail and show you how to set up your system at home! Also, I will share our experience too.
What Is the Kratky Hydroponic Method, and How Does It Work?
The Kratky hydroponic method is a type of hydroponics that does not rely on pumps or other mechanical systems to move water and nutrients to the plants. Instead, the plants can place in a container of nutrient-rich water, and the water is allowed to flow over the roots passively.
The water level in the reservoir will drop as the plants develop and absorb more solution with water and nutrients they require to thrive. The exposed portions of the plant’s roots can breathe, obtaining adequate oxygen.
This simple and low-maintenance method is ideal for small-scale indoor gardening and is popular among home growers.
The Kratky hydroponic method was developed by Dr. Bernard Kratky, a professor of botany at the University of Hawaii. He first began experimenting with Kratky hydroponics in the late 1990s to grow plants without using soil. The method is named after him and has since become popular among home growers for its simplicity and low maintenance requirements.
Related:
How Often to Water Your Plants With the Kratky Method?
10 Advantages of Organic Hydroponic Nutrients in the Kratky Method
How to Set Up the Kratky Hydroponic Method?
To get started with the Kratky hydroponic method, you will need:
- A container for your plants (such as a bucket, bottle, or Kratky hydroponic system)
- The nutrient solution to feed the plants
- Seeds or seedlings for the plants you would like to grow
- A growing medium for the plants (such as Rockwool, clay pebbles, oasis cube, coco coir, or perlite)
The above picture shows what we gathered from our home to make kratky system. If you see above, pH meter and net cups are the only things specifically bought for hydroponics. Others were at home for other purposes.
If you lack resources, you can still purchase from Amazon. Checkout this affiliate link if you need to check the prices and available products such as bottles and lids specially made for Kratky system
Once you have gathered these items, you are ready to start planting by following the steps below!
- Fill your container with a growing medium and wet it thoroughly.
- Adjust the pH level of the water required for your plants. Gather some knowledge before doing this.
- Sow your seeds or seedlings in the growing medium and then pour the nutrient solution over them until they are covered.
- Place your container in a location that will receive direct sunlight and wait for your plants to sprout! You can use lighting setups if you are growing indoors. Do you know the difference between grow light and sunlight? Read this post to learn more.
- Monitor the plant growth for any drastic changes and make sure the aeration is good, and enjoy the yield!
Related
How to Set Up a Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic System?
How to Setup Wick Hydroponics System With 8 Easy Steps?
What Are the Benefits of Using the Kratky Hydroponic Method?
The Kratky hydroponic method has several benefits, including:
- The Kratky system is a simple, passive hydroponic growing system that doesn’t require complex technical set up.
- It is a good option for people who are just getting started in hydroponic gardening.
- Low maintenance requirements – No pumps or other mechanical devices are needed
- Ideal for small-scale indoor gardening and for growing leafy greens, herbs, and other small plants.
- You can easily customize nutrients to meet specific plant needs
What Are the Disadvantages of Using the Kratky Hydroponic Method?
- The Kratky method isn’t ideal for all plant types
- You may also use the Kratky system to produce fruit-bearing plants, tomatoes, and cucumbers. They will require more attention than leafy greens or herbs because you must water them more frequently.
- The Kratky system is not ideal for large-scale production goals.
- Pests can be a problem for the Kratky system, so it’s essential to take precautions to avoid them, especially when you grow outdoor.
- Algae can be a problem in Kratky systems exposed to light, but you can mitigate this by using a solid-colored reservoir and only exposing the top of your system to light. I used the foil sheet to cover the container. It worked well for me and kept the nutrient solution at the level I wanted.
Related
How to Keep the PH Level of Each Hydroponic Growing Medium?
6 Easy Steps to Prevent Algae Growth In Rockwool
What Plants Grow in Kratky?
Crops that can be successfully grown with the Kratky method include various plants, from leafy greens like lettuce to fruiting crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Larger crops like tomatoes may struggle with inadequate oxygen levels in the root zone, but most leafy greens and herbs do well in Kratky systems. For example, you can grow basil, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce, cilantro, dill, and other herbs using Kratky hydroponics.
Where Can We Grow Using the Kratky Method?
Using the Kratky hydroponic method, you can grow plants indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses. Because the nutrient solution might be swiftly diluted or washed away in areas with heavy rain, it’s challenging to utilize a Kratky-style garden outdoors.
Read do rain affect outdoor hydroponic plants? for getting more knowledge.
I suggest you see these two videos by Khang Starr and MIgardner on how to make Kratky hydroponic for tomatoes using a bottle/jar and a bucket.
Videos by Khang Starr
Videos by MIgardner
Related:
Why You Should Use Hydro Towers for Your Vegetables
How Far Should Grow Lights Be From Plants That Are Growing Indoor
Cheap Grow Lights Alternatives Used in Indoor Hydroponics
In Conclusion.
Kratky has some minor downsides that you can mitigate, but this method is perfect for beginners or those looking to get into hydroponics on a smaller scale. With a little extra care and diligence, anyone can use it successfully.
Thank you for reading!
Also, read:
7 Cost-Effective, DIY Hydroponics for Home
The Pros and Cons of Using Oasis Cube in Hydroponics
Pros and Cons of Drip Hydroponic System
