Breaking the Rules with the Best Hydroponic System for Beginners

Growing pak choy in the best hydroponic system for beginners. Here is the growth after two weeks. We also go over some common problems and misconceptions with the Kratky method of hydroponics so that you will get a fantastic crop, not fail and then quit. I want you to get excited about growing your own food and will help you through the rough spots. In the end, you will fall in love with DIY hydroponics and never look back.
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Nutrient Level and Algae in the Best Hydroponic System for Beginners
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[@ironrose888]

I love how you teach people how to grow their own food. It might come a day when we have to grow some of our own food because the grocery stores might not have fresh food available to buy. I’m building a grow lab in my basement for my bok choy, kale and green onions.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That's awesome Anne, keep me updated on how your garden goes. Yes, the empty shelves in the grocery stores last year was a wake up call for sure.

[@leannekenyoung]

Isn’t it terrific fun to grow different things once you get the basics down. Mind you after watching this recent video I think I got really lucky over two years ago with my sweet red pepper plant because it’s been grown consistently for that time and it’s been going through it’s cycles of putting on peppers and growing and I have been filling the water up pretty full every time because I do ha e an air stone in the water and I’ve never cleaned the container that it’s in because there is no algae growing at all because I’ve kept it extremely dark inside where the roots are so my concern now is I would like to transition it into a new container because I found one with a black bottom so no need for it to be wrapped in time foil and while I’m at it I’m going to put it down on the floor because it’s turning into an enormous tree. I plan to do this in another week or so while the current peppers on it ripen and I can harvest them and then the plant should be entering its growing cycle. I’m going to cut back it’s roots as well because it’s also been my experience when I do a pretty aggressive trimming of a plants roots it’s encourages them to grow and to somehow sort it’s environment out pretty fast and it rebounds really fast. I don’t know if it’s because it’s able to then take in the nutrients with the fresh cuts the way fresh cut flowers need their stems recut so they can absorb their plant food or what it is. Anyway that will be my approach and as I mentioned I’ve had this particular plant for well over two years now and I sure hope and pray I don’t shock it too much. Have you tried growing other things besides greens?🥰🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@donnainmt]

I live in the mountains in Montana and we have a small-town decent size grocery store. Its the only one in 25 miles. Chain stores are 100 miles away. The past week the produce area is only about 1/4 full!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

@@donnainmt Woah, that's scary.

[@catherinegrace2366]

I think we are there. Makes these videos that much more valuable to me. So appreciative!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

He's right, more people need to be feeding themselves, especially now. This is a slightly older video from when I'm watching it on Jan. 26, 2023, but things have only gotten worse. When you can't even buy chicken eggs, or have to pay 8 times what they usually cost, and everything else is out of whack with no end in sight, I'd be thinking about trying to become as self-sufficient as possible. Thanks for the videos. I just found your channel and I like it.

[@rosaliesemrau1293]

I love the way you explain everything and break it down so everyone can understand. I am excited to start working this system.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! I am excited to hear this!!! 😎👍🌱

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I know I've mentioned this is many of your videos but I started out watching you and Mr khang and a couple other videos on kratky and I started out with quart yogurt containers with smaller kid yogurt cups to hold the plants! And my first big mistake was I overfilled the nutrients and drowned a couple plants. But I did get a few good sandwiches off them. I had to watch a couple times before I realized I was drowning my plants. So I don't think repeatedly mentioning this is bad. I had a few big kratky get too warm water wise last summer and my hubby mentioned that this year he will grab me some of the shiny bubble wrap to cover my big buckets out back in the greenhouse. I will never grow cucumbers any other way but hydroponically. I grew 4 types of cucumber plants in kratky buckets and the same 4 out in the ground. And I also fertilized with the nutrients the ones in the ground and I have a big sprinkler system so I know they got water as needed, the in ground cucumbers did just meh. I mean I got a few but they just never thrive for me and almost everything else I grow is like weeds. The 4 plants inside the greenhouse in the kratky buckets thrived. I ended up with more of those long Japanese burpless cucumbers than we could eat one was a green bumpy one called Jin and the other was a white burpless called white angel. The white one quickly became our family favorite. The little burpless cucumber called muncher just went completely bonkers and would have 7 or 8 on it at any given point. The pickling cucumbers I ended up getting in late as I had forgotten them and well they still produced well for me and I got about 12 off the plant at perfect pickling size right before frost hit. Plus there were about 20 itty-bitty cucumbers trying to grow from the size of my pinky to about 3 inches. They all went right in the pickling jar too lol. So outside each group of cucumbers had 4 plants. I got barely 3 to 5 cucumbers from each group of 4 plants. But one plant in a kratky bucket of each of these cucumbers out produced the 4 in the soil. I will be doing about 4 to 6 buckets of the pickling cucumbers this coming season(I just found the packet they are National Pickler type) my family loves my garlic half sours and I always buy cucumbers from the farm stands but I so want them to all be mine this year. I will be 2 of each of the others and I might stick one bucket of mouse melons in to see even tho they grow like weeds for me. I love watching this channel and wish the best for you and all the other viewers for this upcoming garden season. My hubby has asked me to grow more and he will help(he works very hard job so don't think badly of him, I'm handicapped so am not working other than limited daycare for our grandchildren) We are going to concentrate on growing way more and putting more in our freezer/pantry/canning/dehydrated stocks. Prices just are not getting better.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! You got it going on! I hope others see this, lots of people ask about cucumbers.

[@cootason]

I really enjoy the learning process of growing plants. I got into this learning about raised garden beds which then lead onto hydroponics.

[@undercoverbird8592]

Burn incense- cockroaches hate the smoke and smell. I got rid of all cockroaches from my boyfriend apartment. Haven’t seen one in almost 2 years. My issue is aphids but I am a lazy indoor gardener. 😂 at this point I’ve made it a sport to just squish them with my fingers as a meditation. Me and the kids probably eat a few aphids and don’t notice- more protein. 🤷🏾‍♀️😂🙏💜🪴

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks for the tip!!! I appreciate that! I have probably ate my share of aphids too, lol.

[@undercoverbird8592]

@@KeepOnGrowin 😂👍😂💙🙏

[@undercoverbird8592]

@@KeepOnGrowin an extra tip is put the incense on the floor- I burn 2 or 3 times a week- but I place them near the fridge on the floor and any trash can. I just love the smell but roaches do not like smoke. They suffocate! Lol 😂🤷🏾‍♀️ better than spraying raid. I got kids and plants and do everything as organic as possible. Thanks for your videos!

[@urbanpioneer5326]

Which kind of incense works best.

[@dustind3502]

Great video, thanks. Our second harvest was a success. Moving on to 3rd and ready to show my parents and brother how to do it. It's working, being the change.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That is awesome Dustin! You rock brother!

[@uscitizen5656]

Mike: Thanks for the tip. I am putting in an additional air stone for my hydro system, right where the water line runs in, along with 2 stones at the nutrient tank

[@shawnsnana1]

MIKE!--I have Chinese Spinach growing in one of the food grade containers! Thanks so much for inspiring me on this food growing adventure!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

So cool Susan!!! This makes me happy!!

[@MemphisGranny]

Is that what he’s growing Chinese spinach I thought he was saying bok choy but maybe I’m hearing him wrong

[@kathysmith7885]

@@MemphisGranny he is saying Pak Choi

[@kenp8991]

I have used the kratky method for my ghost peppers for two years now and it has produced far more peppers than growing traditionally in soil. Last year I wrapped the bucket with landscaping fabric but the sunlight still went through and caused algae but didn’t affect the production much. This year I used 2 black garbage bags and it worked so much better. Did the same thing with my kratky basil and my young avocado tree. My lettuce grows with the kratky method in individual containers but I wrap those containers with foil to block the sun and keep the containers cool.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

So awesome Ken!! Keep up the great work!!

[@sewitseams5632]

Great idea! I don’t want to paint, I might contaminate the container by accident. You idea is perfect, thank you so much!

[@apeacefulgrower]

Great Tips 👍 Happy Growin Mike and Thanks for sharing 👍

[@guyh.4121]

I’ve tried the air bubbler system on 2 containers and the plants really like it.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks GH!

[@BoardsportsGroup]

International thanks shoutout from the U.K :-)

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! I love it!

[@LouveniaMusic]

Thanks for thinking of the impulsive, impatient beginners such as myself!

[@baneverything5580]

Thank you Mike for all these great ideas. I recently started learning this and it`s incredible. I live very far from stores in a rural area and can only go to a store when I see my doctors each month. So this is how I get my fresh lettuce and greens now. I recently bought a couple of bok choy varieties and will be planting it next after I move. Gonna try yellow squash in a 5 gallon food grade bucket in hydroponic solution too. Vine borers are terrible here so I`m trying it in my camper. LOL!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That's great! I am glad it helped. When I first started, we were farmhands on a 300 acre ranch in the middle of nowhere. I know what you mean about making the most of your trips to town. Happy gardening!

[@baneverything5580]

@@KeepOnGrowin For whatever reason I had it in my head that hydroponic gardening was a gimmick. Then I was offered a couple of the tabletop gardens for an honest review to help improve products and tried. WOW was I surprised at the results! I`m hooked now and am very excited about this new hobby and tell everyone who will listen about it. I bought a fancy hydroponic garden for my sister in Texas to give to her when she comes to visit. I know she will go crazy over it too, she just doesn`t realize it yet. We grew up on a 5 acre farm and both love gardening so she`s gonna really like the garden I bought for her. I put a bunch of heirloom seeds in the box too.

[@stevingutierrez9314]

Your videos are inspiring. Very informative. Thank you.

[@MamaCARINGSGarden]

Thanks for guiding us on how to grow food easy.. i will surely try this.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome!!!

[@patriciaramsey9899]

I happened to stumble across one of your videos this morning on Facebook and started following you, then I thought I’ll try to see if you’re on KZbin and here you are. I’ve watched several videos this morning and I’m thinking I’m going to give this a try. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, wish me luck!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Welcome Patricia! Good to have you here. Good luck and happy gardening!

[@martysgarden]

Nice one Mike, just started my lights recently to get plants up early before Spring

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome!! I can’t wait for Fall and the temps start to drop here.

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

Best dang teacher on the net is all I can say. Thank you Mr. Mike for helping so many. Stay safe and have a great week. Headed out for week two of my treatments. Wish me luck!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Take care CB. Best wishes from me and Keely. 👍

[@Junzar56]

CB, we hope you are doing better! You have our prayers.

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

Thank you!

[@valeriesanchez3074]

Was excited growing a watermelon in kratky last year. Was a challenge but I enjoyed watching the progress.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

So cool Valerie!

[@jenniferwalters579]

Valerie how did the watermelon do? HOW!??

[@pauladyer9845]

Thank you….I like your ideas very much…have a few flower beds…so this will expand my capacity for growing

[@cajunvegan7716]

The water 💧 😍 that's what I needed to know 🥰

[@lazyroo6734]

LOVE THE VIBE GREAT EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL. KEEP SPREADING KNOWLEDGE BROTHER

[@sandyweaver6686]

I'm just starting learning about H-ponics because I want to eat greens all year around and I live in Florida too. The summers are brutal on vegetable gardening here. So thanks!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! Keep me posted!

[@porkfied]

Same here not much luck growing stuff down here in Florida the soil quickly turns into dust,that is why I am doing hydroponics.

[@Junzar56]

Great video! I am so tickled to see how well these did! Plant a little seed, grow something delicious!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks Jeannie. They did a lot better than I thought too considering the heat. Have an awesome week! Keep on Growin'!

[@gotoflooring81]

Great video. Great information.

[@diannadima7082]

thanks I am so excited going to do it. I can't afford to keep buying vegtables. this is a big help.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That's great to hear!

[@melanin4267]

I love and appreciate all your videos love and abundance thank u 💜💜💜💜💜

[@michealradd264]

Interesting, very honest approach, I likey.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you Michael!

[@nikanj6]

Another terrific video. Very informative. 🙏

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you! Have a great day!

[@culinarygurly987]

Just got the hydroponics bug, been dirt gardening for a while but visited a tower farm in Merritt Island, FL and was in AWE of their system but I cannot afford their system. so I am DIYing it with help from your videos (and book) and a few others that I am combining. Maybe one day I can get to the great big hydro farm but for now I will be happy learning and experimenting thanks

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome!! Happy gardening!!

[@audreycampbell-rf1gq]

🐝 thank you for bee ing the garden game changer.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you! Love that!

[@lorrainepisano5646]

Thank you!

[@floridasaltamerica4440]

Excellent videos. He’s the Bob Ross of hydroponics.

[@tonyamahurinrhodes3126]

thank you for good common sense info.. i appreciated the info about the ecosystem of the tank. i only started my hydro journey less than a yr ago and the instructions(with the knock off aerogarden type tank) to dump the tank every week or 2 and starting with a fresh nute set up made NO sense to me... so i stopped doing that and just topped off. got so much better results... when i started researching - one of the big appeals for me was that hydro is supposed to save on water.. well how the hell was i saving on water if i was dumping it every week or 2? so again thank you... i feel validated.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! Good on you for experimenting and trying different ways. That is what I have been doing for 10 years. Always learning.

[@kajolacharya2957]

Thank you so much for your help❤ your tutorial is simply best 🥰 new subscriber hope i will learn much more things from you🌸🌺🌷🤗🥰🙏🏼

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks so much 😊 Keep on Growin'!

[@calmperson101]

Om Ah Houm Thanks for these great episodes! Lots of yummy knowledge and wisdom... One day, we shall be food secure, so no one is to starve, ever! Cheers!

[@MemphisGranny]

When I use jars I just put a black work sock over it. And it worked wonderful after I spent expensive money on spray paint. I wouldn’t throw those away if they were outside all kinds of bugs are crawling on them just wash them and use them

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you Laura! 😀🌱

[@carolynharris1127]

Thanks! Couldn't figure out why my hydroponically grown plants were not thriving. I think I know why now.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! Thank you very much!

[@TNBushcrafter]

Yeah tomatoes and peppers can be a little more effort for sure in kratky. Very doable but like ya said learn the process first with greens. Late season pepper and tomato plants can easily suck up 2-3 gallons a day, when loaded with 50 fruit. Cukes and squash are even worse, 5 gallons a day per plant is nothing out of the ordinary. Keep on keepin on, Mike. TC and ATB, Cris.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks Cris! Keep on Growin' my friend!

[@LouveniaMusic]

I literally shivered in fear when I saw the cockroach. I live in Florida and the struggle is real. I’m allergic and innately AFRAID. lol

[@Metqa]

I looked at the Kratky float valves and I made a float valve for my mushroom mister out of a medicine bottle, some packing foam, the fancy sealing foam, tubing, a Yogurt container, and some leftover drips from an outside drip line. . I drilled holes in the medicine bottle in the bottom, so the water could flow in and I used the packing foam to cut a column that would float with the water. Then I put the sealing foam on top of the packing foam plug. I drilled a hole in the cap of the medicine bottle and put the drip down into it. Then I ran tubing from the dripper to a big yogurt container that I filled with water. I put the medicine bottle into a container that i was using to make mist for my mushrooms; water needed to stay above the minimum water level to keep the mister on. When I put the yogurt container on a block above the container, the water started flowing into the misting container and the mister came on. Once it reached the max level, the packing foam plug floated up and pushed the sealing foam against the drip and the water stopped flowing. I was then able to refill the yogurt container without it overflowing the misting container. Whenever the water got lower, it just filled it up again until eventually all the water in the yogurt cup was gone. It was a neat little rig. I have Mr Kratkey to thank for the plans. I guess If I try to grow inside, if use my mini float valve for maybe keeping nutrient solution high enough without having to lift the lid to refill as much. BTW, the only reason I went through so much trouble was that I had mushrooms growing on a tall shelf that I made into a mushroom tent and it was a drag to have to climb a ladder multiple times a day to add water to the mister on the top shelf. This way I could check it only once a day and it was a big relief. My mushroom pins stopped drying out and I got a good harvest even in the hot summer outside in Georgia. I'm one of those people who try to do the big stuff, too. I am growing tomatos kratky style in Georgia heat. But the Kratky is the least hard part. My demons have been caterpillars and deer! When I keep those in check, and refill the buckets often enough, I got a pretty nice harvest from the two plants I had. I am still trying to get the much "simpler" bok choi to work with the gutter boxes outside and I think I will have to bring it inside for any success. Thanks for all the help and advice and encouragement.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Wow! All that sounds awesome, you certainly got it going on. Keep up the great work. I hope one day to try my hand at mushrooms.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

If you can afford it try Bt for caterpillars on tomatoes. A local organic farmer taught me it. He uses it on his broccoli/ corn/tomatoes and cabbage and squash. Its a natural chemical that only targets caterpillars. It was about $12 a pint and I only used about 2 tablespoons per gallon and sprayed about every 2 weeks. I have enough from last year to probably get me through this year. I had no problems with hornworms or the brown chewing caterpillars on my tomatoes and no cabbage loopers on any of the cole crops and no dreaded vine borers on my squashes. It is a game changer for me. I think the whole spelled out name is Bacteria Thurengensis. Often seen in stores as Bt. I ordered off Amazon of course as I live in the boonies and by the time I made a special trip to town it would have cost the same. Its 100% safe for people and animals. Hope this helps a bit. Oh and I'm super jealous I love mushrooms. I've done the tiny oyster mushroom kits and I just got brave and have 8 shitakii logs out back from where my mum lost part of a tree. She let me have the logs so I ordered 2 sets of spawn plugs(not sure if thats what they are called) and just went for it. Cross your fingers for me 😁

[@Metqa]

@@Emeraldwitch30 thanks for the tip. I knew about BT but never tried it, and I always get cabbageloopers and tomatoes hornworms. I just put some lettuce out and less than 24 hours a worm had already found em. I don't have enough room insude for a grow room so I should try the BT. I use it already use something similar in my water tank for mosquito control.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

@@Metqa i want to try the floaty mosquito dunks too. We have a couple little plastic preform ponds with gold fish in them in summer but we still get mosquitoes. I think ill try them. Thanks for the reminder. I'm heading to garden store for potting mix this weekend and just jotted it down. Have a great growing season. Its finally warming up here in michigan.

[@northeastslingshot1664]

Getting set up for this in next week. Thanks Mike! I have a few questions for you if you have the time. I want to ask you about possibly doing a video for me on my lights. I have new line coming out. Your video production is so great. If you think you may have an interest let me know. 🙏😃

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Anything you need brother. I am free most evenings. Are you still on Instagram where you can DM me or you could email me at [e-mail]

[@charliecuts2527]

Hello to all I have been watching dozens if not hundreds or maybe more videos on this subject. I love the simplified method of dr. Kratky method. I also live in Florida where it's very hot. I have several questions. Where do you buy your seeds. What lighting are you using in your garage. If any pesticides what do you recommend. And do you grow in soil. I have been gardening outdoors and just recently wanting to start indoors

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Link to seeds in the description below. I use Hidden Harvest Grow Lights. Unfortunately he is shutting his business down. He is giving free shipping on the remaining lights that he has.

[@cannabiswithcheapleds]

good job

[@harmonysalem9377]

Great!

[@hazelkagey6739]

I am new to this channel. Thank you for arriving in my feed. I have dreamed about building a hoop house for years, had a few healt setbacks. Could you tell me if you start plant out in dirt or a little basket with stones. Where do I purchase nutrients and is distilled water necessary? I subscribed today. Never tried boc choy. I love spinach.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! You can start your seeds any way you like. I use my self watering grow box. The nutrients are from Amazon or you can get a small sample in my Etsy shop for $5. I do not use distilled water, just water from my tap.

[@rachelsommerville4383]

Wow! Thank you! This is why my pepper 🫑 🌶 plants are starting to die!

[@scottsinfl]

Hi Mike I live in Fl also and cant get my tomatoes to grow past 90F degrees in the ground they just die. Is there a heat-resistant strain or will hydro help with the heat transfer? Thanks, Scott

[@rhondag5895]

Great video and thank you for sharing. Just curious why you don't show exactly how much nutrient solution and what it is, to use in that size container? I'm going to go through your other videos to try and find it but would be awesome if it was in this. Seems like that is the only missing step this rest is very informative. Thanks again.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you. It's because I have one video with the nutrient mixture. It's the only one I use. I always fill the containers in the beginning to where they will touch the roots and from there keep it between half and three quarters full. I try to keep it simple.

[@GinaBeana_Tootsie]

I’m sure the bug surprise was upsetting to Keely thankfully just in the garage not the house 😁😺🐾🐾✌🏼

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Lol😂Right!!

[@carolburnett8372]

I am looking for the video where you show how to start these greens from scratch, and, I cannot find it.... can you send the link please ??

[@MemphisGranny]

Ok I went to your online Amazon to get the Master been fertilizer do you have a video you can post for me to learn how to use it I’ll have arrow Gardens and other hydroponics but I also set up some cracky jars which did OK but I don’t think I did them right. If you have a link to how to use that I couldn’t find anything thank you

[@KeepOnGrowin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKxZ3eim5ebeck

[@takecare4697]

White vinegar works to avoid algae and it doesn't harm plants or roots. Also try Epsom Salts. half tsp to a gallon of H2O.

[@sabbyjones2308]

I learned a valuable lesson i didnt check my level on my beautiful squash that was growing so good spread several feet with fruit so was sucking up nutrients fast i added too much solution back and i drown my plant😢😞

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I'm sorry to hear that Sabby. I did it several times when I first started out.

[@hooahextreme]

Such great info. I have been too busy to experiment so it is great seeing your experiments.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks man, I've been pretty busy too. Take care.

[@bjpuutelburg]

Think you for the great video's. 1 thing I do not understand is how long do you let the air flow ?? Is it constant or a few hours a Day? Greeting from Holland

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Hello! It's constant

[@thereserioux2178]

Great video, thank you so much for your detailed infos. I am puzzled with the Master blend order, as I planning to grow Asian greens, lettuces and tomatoes can I use the Master blend for tomato for all the vegetables or I also need to buy the blend for lettuce and greens? I have tried hydroponic growing before, 7 or 8 years ago in my garage. I ran into problems with the high humidity level in my garage and stopped as I was afraid to get mold on my walls. What do you do to prevent this problem? I live in Quebec, we have a very cold climate in the winter. I am planning to grow hydroponic again and hopefully all year around as I find it easier to handle than an outdoor garden. We have very hot and humid summer, lot of pests and criters. Over the past years, the summer weather have been too cloudy and rainy. It was disappointing, so much effort for very little result. With the climate change, it is now very unpredictable. I have been successfully growing microgreens and bean sprouts for over 10 years on my kitchen counter mostly during the winter and I will continue to do so. I am hoping to grow a lot more with the hydroponic system. The cost of most vegetables have risen drastically in Canada over the past two years, lettuce, broccoli and celery sell for around 4 to 5$ each. Buying groceries now cost around 200$ a week for two persons. My husband and I cook most of our meals from scratch, we avoid all processed food as much as possible. You have encouraged me to try it again. 😊 we are hoping to become more self sufficient.

[@carolburnett8372]

I stumbled across this good video - and I want to know how long it takes to make this bowl of greens.....

[@KeepOnGrowin]

A little over a month.

[@soniacheek6768]

Wait a minute so what do I do about the algae. Do I leave it and add more nutrients? Or what

[@potschochterpotschochter2403]

Wow, thank you very much. This is a game changer. I knew about the air roots. but to keep it at the same level, was new to me. Yes they adopt. This really is a very crucial info to me. I guess that is why my plants do not look that nice. One question remains. Do you use H2O2 as well in ths kratky set up?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I do not but I know several people who do.

[@Mary-uz2tz]

Question??? What variety of pak choy do you seed?? I have discovered there are a lot of different ones.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

My favorite is Shiro, thick white stems😃

[@virginiahawkins4276]

When you speak of the shock when you clean algae out of container with low water but still not ready for harvest, do you leave the level low or refill to 3/4 without cleaning algae out?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

If it gets low, just refill a little higher but not all the way back up to 3/4. Plants like little changes. Try not to let it get too low.

[@teemomain8268]

I want to start growing small indoor pepper plants hydroponically for my hot sauce,I'm finding nutrients to be cost prohibitive any solutions? I don't know if a standard miracle grow solution will serve all my plants needs.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I get Masterblend 3-18-38 in bulk from Morgan County Seeds. You can also find the kit with calcium nitrate and epsom salt on Amazon.

[@LG-gw6xw]

So since these plants are now used to the lower water level, should you just maintain this new lower water level? Thanks. I have bok choy growing like crazy outside but I would like to bring it inside now for winter. Although I could probably do almost year round here.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I keep everything between 1/2 to 3/4 full. You are correct.

[@frankmaranville9549]

I get some algae on my lettuce root but does not seem to bother it. I havest and just rewash the container and do it again.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Nice Frank!

[@nancywee8911]

have to harvest it. trim and let it grow further or change over start from seed?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I harvest and start over

[@Cheryl-Miller]

Do you have to use a air stone when you put the microplants in I am hoping to do it with no electricity

[@KeepOnGrowin]

No, most stuff I grow has no air stone.

[@GP-MB-Baden-WurttembergDeutsch]

Hi my big brother I just hit your video and before I watch your 💯 of videos. Still your videos are awesome 👌 👏 👍. My question is what nutrients I should to give or the best is for herbs and vegetables 🤔. Thank you for your this video and I really appreciate I you can let me and others know ❤️ 😊😉

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKxZ3eim5ebeck My next video is actually on nutrients and some new ones I am trying out.

[@RebelionFiscal]

Great video Mike!!! Quick question, do you harden the seedlings? Do you wait until they are a certain size to expose them to direct sunlight? Do you gradually increase the time they are exposed to the sun over a week or so?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

When I first put them out, they stay in the shade for a week or so.

[@RebelionFiscal]

@@KeepOnGrowin Great! Thank you!

[@travelnc2g]

That video link goes by too fast. If i rewind it does not redisplay it. So... i cannot access it. Please put it in the description

[@KeepOnGrowin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/roCvcn9sd86jjas

[@margaretoconnor874]

Can you spray outside of container with black spray vinyl paint? To meet algae out???.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

yes you can

[@shellygray6197]

Every time I try and grown indoors they grown the die. I made sure the ph was perfect ec was good came out today to another withered plant. What am I doing wrong? This is the 4th time.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

It could be a number of things from the temperature to the amount of sunlight. Are you squeezing the plants too hard. The pool noodle is only supposed to hold them in place gently.

[@manjulk8418]

Please help. My plants aren't growing. Not sure what I have done wrong. Have hydroponics fertiliser and hydrogen peroxide in the solution.

[@Isaiah41_10]

So....I'm a new subscriber and just researching all this but I have a very naive question 😬 Does each set of plants, like the bok choy in this video, produce just 1 crop and then you throw them out? Or will they keep producing after you harvest the leaves?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

If you cut the whole plant, it is done. If you just harvest some of the outer leaves, you can keep harvesting until it bolts.

[@lacucinadipapa3932]

When do we put nutrients in the water after the seeds germinate? I heard you should wait until they have adult leaves is that correct?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Yes. I usually wait until the first true leaves appear and then transplant them into nutrient solution.

[@longdong3889]

@@KeepOnGrowin what ppm range are you aiming for?

[@milescabia]

When inserting the seedling to a pool noodle, does it matter when it's too tight or loose? Is there a need to adjust the tightness as it grows because the stem is getting bigger?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Not too tight in the beginning, no adjustments needed as it grows.

[@milescabia]

How long should the nutrient solution be replaced?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

@@milescabia I never do

[@josefpanerio]

good day. what is the PPM you used for pechay?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I never measure

[@MaLiArtworks186]

We call them waterbugs...lol! Spray Raid Max inside perimeter one day and then exactly 3 days later spray the outside perimeter. They will stay away for months. Run them out. Keep them out!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you!

[@aliciaistre2233]

I would like to purchase sees from you. They are not in your store. Do you still have them available?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Sorry, no,

[@Servants_Heart]

Hi Mike, do you have any indoor hydroponic towers videos? I live in Texas and insects are a major issue.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

The new off grid ones I am using right now would work.

[@Servants_Heart]

Can you pls send me the link?

[@margaretoconnor874]

How do you add water when level gets low? Can you take cover off(beginner here!)

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Yes, the cover comes off. Welcome!

[@lanetteprice7508]

I have a problem my salad greens don't make it to a bowl. I eat them before. I have most of my salads.if it rains I love going out as soon as I can and eat my greens.

[@monicahatting8459]

How much micronutrients do you put in? Where to buy? As I'm sure you can tell first time. Thanks.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I have a sample pack that makes 10 gallons to experiment with: www.etsy.com/listing/633423616/2-pack-hydroponic-nutrient-sample Here is the kit on Amazon that I use: amzn.to/3EmTv3m And, there is a video how I mix the nutrients in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLk4IGbDM3vfpcIun8y_EXqmavitXEqA8h Let me know if you have questions, my email is [e-mail]

[@joetrino8366]

Where do I buy the nutrients in bulk I want to get started

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I get the masterblend from Morgan County Seeds in bulk. The Cal Nitrate I get on Amazon, there is one listed in my Amazon store linked below.

[@IAMGiftbearer]

I never knew that roaches ate live plants. Luckily I haven't had that problem, as the roaches that come into my house seem to want to stay in the kitchen. I have an old house with some cracks between floor and wall so I do sometimes get millipedes when it rains alot. It looks like you don't have your plants in net cups. How do you hold them in place? I couldn't really see from the angle you showed.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

With a slice of pool noodle

[@myrnabyfield8247]

What are good varieties of bok Choi? Thankd@

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Shiro and Asian Delight

[@Mimeh53]

Mike, if there IS algae on the roots, will it destroy the plant? Also, can plants started in soil be switched over to Kratky?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

A little algae is no problem. Yes, I use transplants a lot. Be careful when washing off the roots.

[@Mimeh53]

@@KeepOnGrowin Many thanks!

[@donnainmt]

I don't mean to sound ignorant, but what is bok choy? I just never heard of it until I began watching your videos. What does it taste like and how do you use it?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

No problem Donna. It is used in many Asian dishes. The green leaf wilts like spinach and the white stem stays crunchy. The taste is very mild and picks up the flavors of whatever sauce you use. I just like to cut it up and toss it in my hot soup.

[@donnainmt]

@@KeepOnGrowin Thank you! I'll have to give it a try!

[@liamduncan5511]

I wish I could get things in Order as this phone is awful for your course

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I will figure something out. Can you view videos on Google Drive?

[@liamduncan5511]

@@KeepOnGrowin I will try but this phone may not conform to Google

[@ariannalicourish4541]

Do you test ph and ppm levels?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Never do. You can if you like, I like to keep it simple.

[@gumballbreath9466]

I drowned my air Roots daily with half strength nutrient low ph 5.5 change weekly

[@jenniferwalters579]

What are the nutrients?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKxZ3eim5ebeck

[@happycustomer3448]

Book choy is a good meat stew plant. .

[@thetruthnevertold]

Where do you buy these seeds

[@KeepOnGrowin]

www.pntra.com/t/SENITklPRk5DSEdOSU9GQ0dLSUdOSw

[@thetruthnevertold]

@@KeepOnGrowin thanks

[@leannekenyoung]

Hey Mike as always great info!! Wow a cockroach in your bok choy, I’d be like your wife toss them out and start again. LOL! It isn’t even rational to think like that I wonder why us women tend to have those ways of dealing with bugs. I guess it’s how we’ve managed to keep our families going for so many years and with our vigilant attitudes we always err on the side of caution. But you are absolutely right it’s no different then if your plants grew outdoors in the dirt something will eat them…and I always think about the bugs we can’t see that are transferred from other folks in the grocery store on to the produce we purchase from there just because we can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Knock on wood I’ve been very lucky I’ve not had any issues like that with any insect pressures at all but again I’m growing indoor my home. Actually I’m pretty excited because today my broccoli that I’m growing inside a 5gallon bucket finally began to put on a head today! I can’t believe it, it’s super exciting and I’m not sure the day when I transitioned it to this 5gallon bucket but the first picture I have is from May 26,2021 and after what feels like forever August 16,2021 and there is the beginning of a flower head. Mike, do you have any idea how long it will take for the broccoli head to fully form? If you want to see my photos check out my Facebook page facebook.com/102612257789570/posts/598865548164236/?d=n

[@denisemajor9470]

Sorry, newbee here... do you add nutrients fortnightly?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Yes, here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKxZ3eim5ebeck

[@denisemajor9470]

​@@KeepOnGrowin thankyou lots will watch now :)

[@MiscMitz]

👍

[@microwavedmetal]

I own a iguana and I'm trying to get him/her (I don't know their sex yet) fresh veggies instead of non organic packaged vegetables with pesticides in it. My iguana's name is wip btw.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That's so cool!