How to Set Up The Kratky Hydroponics Method (Tutorial)

The Kratky Method was first published in a paper in 2009 by B.A. Kratky, and describes a beautiful method of growing plants in a non-circulating hydroponic system. It's a very simple, yet effective, way to grow plants hydroponically. Great for leafy greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, and a variety of herbs.

I've even seen people do Kratky tomatoes or Kratky cucumbers, though I haven't grown them myself (yet)!

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[dylan-nguyen]

I was able to grow 3 Thai basil plants basically for free!
Ordered some take out pho
Used the soup containers as the reservoir and added a second container on top. There’s about a 2” air gap
Drilled holes in the one on top
Covered the bottom one with aluminum foil
Shaved off some of the stem and stuck it in some rock wool
Bought plant food concentrate and use an old OJ bottle
Fill up the reservoir every 5 days
They’ve been growing strong for 6mo

[victoriadolci]

We have used the Kratky method to grow vegetables through 2 seasons and the yield is amazing compared with soil grown seedlings grown at the same time.

[bnzie]

Epic Gardening is the Khan Academy of the gardening world. Your channel is amazing Kevin, well done!

[deannad]

I've been doing this for 4 years now with Kratky in my small area I have to garden in. I use 3 and 3 1/2 gallon buckets (from Cat Litter and also from a BBQ joint that had them from their BBQ sauce.) I grow both Green and Yellow beans, plus cherry tomatoes (yummiest are Sun Golds)in them. I get HUGE production, add water and nuturients right up to the netcups at the beginning and rarely have to tend them. Mid way, I'll check for nutrient ppms, and water levels, and add if necessary. Talk about LOW maintenance! I've converted my raised beds into 10 gallon units (ones used for cement mixing at HD), and growing strawberries in those. They are prolific too and very yummy! Being perennials, I only add nutrient and water as needed, and I'm getting them year round, here in So Cal. (Ventura). All started when I saw your post a long time ago, and checked it out. Thanks!

[deannad]

I've eliminated algae problems by taping insulation around the buckets which also keeps the water cooler. And I don't let the sun in so it stays dark. I've actually just tested this & found those that had those parameters had none. The others that didn't had bad algae problems. I also drilled a half inch hole in the sides of the buckets at the top level the water should be at so the plants don't drown & get air then too. So if it rains, it never fills the bucket up above that hole. And I just turn the bucket away from the sun. My plants were healthier from this. Hope this helps?

[soilenvideot]

I have been growing plants by this method since early -80! Kratky is just a new name to this old method named passivehydro.

[bokaj]

finally someone who actually explains the idea!

[LiloUkulele]

I have had such great results using the Kratky method...Great

[noelleonard]

In my experiences with the kratky method the only time I was able to only fill it once for the life of the plant is with lettuce and greens, that is if you have a minimum of 1 gallon of nutrient solution per plant, and that was with an inside grow, I only have experience with using masterblend fertilizer. All other plants, like tomatoes and cucumbers will need much more than even a 5 gallon reservoir during the life of the plant with out adding more. You would need to grow plants like those in a 32 gallon trash can for each plant to be able to not have to add water or nutrient for a good amount of time, especially with a plant that is outside, a good sized tomato plant can drink 1/2 gallon or more water per day on a hot sunny day. Pepper plants can be done in smaller containers inside at least due to they are a little less thirsty than tomatoes, I kratky them in 1/2 gallon protein containers inside, have to add nutrient every few days. After I add to them 3 times I change out the solution with fresh due to it concentrates over time and will get too strong. I never fill the container up any more than about 2/3 of the way full as to not drown the roots that uptake air, if I do peppers or bigger plants in kratky again it will not be in anything smaller than a 5 gallon bucket and with much bigger net pots, I used the 2" net cups that I used for greens and had to support the plants when they got bigger as they wanted to fall over.

[erichanastacio]

We can modify the self-watering soda bottle planter in using the Kratky method.

Just put lots of holes in the planter / pot; and no soil and no wick

[Abundantman]

I appreciate Kevin. He is my brother & teacher!! TY

[mommadiane]

Thank you for the Kratky basics. I've subscribed and would lime to kniw more. Thanks!

[NCRealEstate]

Thanks for the video! I assume the reason you can change out the reservoir on a DWC system is because it has an air pump/air stone that oxygenates the water? And the reason you shouldn't change the resvoir in this method is because there aren't those 2 items?

[whits]

Are you able to include information on the nutrient/water and light requirements for different plants? This is a great overview of the method, however, I think a tutorial should include enough information for a person to be able to actually set up their own Kratky method hydroponics. Thanks!

[Daniellextina]

So freaking smart!! Newbie Gardner here and I’m definitely going to use this method!! TY!

[darkenergyhotep]

Kevin, This rocks I am going to start one this weekend.

[webbBrevard]

Put a few drops of Colloidal Silver in the water to keep algae from forming.

[oliverhubbard]

Great video, short, sweet, informative. Long time follower, first time poster. Keep up the good work mate, from Queensland Australia.

[leslieandrew]

Just starting out. Glad I found you. Great info for beginners

[nicholascgoss]

Couple questions. How do you calculate what size tank you need? Too big and the level won’t drop and too big it will drop too fast?
Also, how do you compensate for low humidity? Won’t you get evaporation ?