Beginner's Guide Kratky Hydroponic Tomatoes Outdoors #gardening #hydroponics #tomatoes

🍅 Want to easily grow TONS of tomatoes? In this video, Glenna shares her tried-and-true method for growing absolutely delicious tomatoes using a DIY Kratky hydroponic system outdoors. If you're eager to harvest abundant, flavorful tomatoes, you're in the right place!

Here's a summary of the steps featured in the video:

1. Meticulously measure the ingredients for the perfect nutrient solution, ensuring your tomatoes receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

2. Repurpose old plywood signs to create sturdy lids for your hydroponic tubs. Use a 5.75-inch hole saw bit to effortlessly make holes in these lids, providing the perfect openings for your tomato plants.

3. Utilize 25-gallon cattle feed tubs for the main containers of the hydroponic system, offering ample space for your tomato plants to flourish at no cost to you.

4. Follow Glenna's guidance to mix the dry ingredients in the precise order to create the nutrient solution. Be sure to check the pH level (6.0-6.5) to ensure it's just right for tomatoes.

5. Transfer your tomato plants from smaller hydroponic systems to 6-inch net cups, using LECA pebbles to support the plants in their new environment. PSSSSST! Glenna shares a really cool hint about how to prep your net cups for keeping as many roots as possible intact.

6. Set up your tomato plants in the tubs with support strings, guiding them as they grow skyward. Glenna introduces you to tomato clamps, a handy tool for supporting your tomatoes as they reach impressive heights.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, These steps make growing delicious outdoor Kratky hydroponic tomatoes a breeze. Don't forget to subscribe to Growing with Glenna for more insightful gardening tips and tricks!

Thank you, Pixabay, for the awesome music!

[gdhr]

What an awesome Coincidentally I'm down in our basement grow room pepping a rack we'll be using to grow tomatoes in drip irrigation buckets! Have room for 4 buckets so yeay for free yummy tomatoes! Happy Hydroponics Glenna!!!!

[nektoxyz]

I'm in love with your smile!))
From Russia with Love!

[aks]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

I attempted the same approach here in Bay Area, CA with same size container , but wasn't successful. My problems were as below and hope you can provide a solution based on your experience.

1. The liquid nutrient level went down 1/4 in just 2-2.5 months . I replenished it, but not fully ( like 1/2 way ) to avoid drawning the air roots, but didn't have a convenient and full proof way to ensure the ph / nutrient concentration to the recommended level. The left over liquid must have had very different concentration then what was in the beginning and mixing new liquid ( having 2:1:2 ratio of three components of master blend ) might have resulted in a mix with different concentration. Since I didn't get much fruit even though foliage growth was good, I suspected this as one of the problem. How did you manage liquid level in the container through out the season ?

2. The liquid temperature will go up to 105-115 F during heat wave weeks in Bay Area ( when day high is 105 F and afternoon sun very harsh ) . I suspected this as another problem inhibiting the fruiting. What was your approach to address this challenge ?

[tvideo]

A nice setup but those lid holes were massive and not really necessary for the plant. Plus, the huge hole size lets rainwater in like crazy, diluting the nutrient solution. As long as your tubs are out of direct rain it doesn't matter. But if sitting outside like mine, a 30mm hole is way big enough.