Easy to Grow Spinach Hydroponically Using the Kratky Method

Follow along as I grow Spinach Hydroponically using the Kratky Method. Spinach is so nutritious and delicious to add to salads, soups, and smoothies. The Kratky method is easy since you don't need an air pump, and if you have a sunny window you are good to go. If not, use a light that is on the blue spectrum, 5000 to 6500 Kelvin works best. Have fun, and thank you for watching!
Amazon links to items used in the video:
Rockwool Cubes: amzn.to/2HU0bdD
Grow Big Hydroponic Formula: amzn.to/2I9CgWk
6000K Screw in Light Bulbs: amzn.to/2QE20xQ
Clamp Lamp: amzn.to/2MmrnFZ
Wide Mouth Mason Jars: amzn.to/2W50ciF
3 inch Net Cups: amzn.to/2WE8Vwm
Hydroponic Clay Pebbles: amzn.to/2HPsjOJ

[@dalecovercomedy]

She has given the most precise and well explained instructions I've seen yet!!!

[@MaLiArtworks186]

You are one of favorite new KZbin channels. I am sharing your channel!! 👍🏿

[@jeng1395]

I’m obsessed with your easy to follow videos!

[@judithjay9312]

Thank you Tikki. I am starting this today. I am so happy to see that your grow light is similar to mine. With your help I know I will be very successful. 😊

[@TikkiOOO]

Good luck Judith, Bon Appetit!

[@terrhub8115]

I have had problems sprouting spinach seeds. Has anyone else had problems? Love your vids Tikki. Thanks for keeping it simple and repeatable. I harvested my first lettuce leaves this week after watching your other videos.

[@roxane1237]

Spinash takes a lot of time and moisture to sprout. I've heard you can try to put them in a cup of water for a day or two before planting them.

[@jamieevans1387]

I have yet to successfully grow spinach but I will try again, first by soaking the seeds. Maybe that'll help

[@loganmackay46]

I’m in the same boat. I have great success with chard, romaine, kale and basil. But spinach never germinates! I have three varieties of fresh seed packs, planted them two weeks ago with this exact method and they are yet to sprout. Room temp is ~62F, no heat mat. Ideas, anyone?

[@sagacioustradez3049]

​@@roxane1237 try sprouting several seeds at once and then remove extras.

[@ivorykeys1566]

Go check out "Aero garden Experiments" channel about the wet paper towel method of sprouting spinach. He did a big experiment of trying to grow spinach in 3 diff models... personally myself after trying repeatedly of trying to get spinach to germinate in my Aero garden sponges, I seriously think I'll try the Kratky Method. That method seems to work for Tiki on her channel. It was really BIG after ?56 days..

[@drtrance]

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with your video! I have been trying so many ways to do this and definitely you did it great! Thank you!

[@lisaboudreau5390]

Your videos are simply the best. So clear and to the point. I learn so much from you. Thanks

[@bigbadword]

Excellent work

[@Nelly54ify]

I love to watch all your videos, the most informative videos without wasting our time talking about irreverent subjects. Have you ever used organic fish fertilizer in your experiment? If yes, can you please make a video ? Thanks so much🌱🌷

[@lauralbriar]

I've watched several of your videos now and because of you, I will be trying the Kratky method too - excellent videos - thank you! I am waiting for my ordered materials to arrive! :D

[@independentthinker9113]

I love the information about plant growth that you provide. I'm learning a lot. Thank you.

[@Leahh823]

This is another great video. I just wanted to clarify, do you only use water, not the plant food during germination? On a side note, your videos are so encouraging to a person like me who NEVER, has grown any plants. Thank you for your great explanations!

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Leahh823, when I germinate the seeds in rockwool I use just plain water, but when they are growing in the jars I mix up a hydroponic solution. The easiest one to use is the Grow Big formula from Fox Farms, but there are others. I'm glad that my videos are helping to inspire and motivate people to try growing something. Thank you for the nice comment!

[@matthewfarrell317]

Thing about Spinach is, if you don't take all the leaves they will keep growing, and it also encourages the plant to grow more leaves. My ones in the garden go for months, and if you plant enough you can have a constant stream of fresh spinach

[@rishavkothari1672]

could you tell us more about it

[@SuperAntyfan]

@@rishavkothari1672 Just dont cut out all the leaves - leave some of them so plan can recover and grow new ones in place of those that you took. Its like with chive you plant one onion and it will keep giving you more of chive).

[@ievgenmakarenko3030]

Great video. Thank you that you find a time to share your experience.

[@johnleduc1463]

Totally awesome!! My goal is to grow spinach & lettuce & eventually, cherry tomatoes!! I’ll keep watching & reviewing your methods! Thank you for sharing your skills!! 🙌👍🏻😊

[@nacs]

Lots of clear practical advice. Thanks!

[@darugla]

Thank you so much for this video. I love hydroponic and this system is so humble and rich at the same time.

[@amyspross1385]

I have successfully grown broccoli spouts using paper towels method from your video, now i’m gonna try this method for spinach. I can’t get them to sprout in the wet paper towel. it has been weeks. just subscribed your video. thank you so much....

[@reneehill4645]

Thanks for this video. You answered the question I had about growing spinach hypoponicly.

[@mariangie1544]

Thanks I’ve learned a lot. You have a very pretty voice. Calming. I’ve enjoyed your videos.

[@JudiintheKitchen]

Thank you, Tikki! I appreciate your informative, well-organized videos :)

[@elizabethgomez3361]

Wow, this looks so easy!

[@jeanrogers8665]

I’ve had difficulty starting spinach. I watched the video and planted more today. Fingers crossed.

[@jasminestephens6274]

Did it end up working?

[@mohammedgolam17]

I learned growing hydroponic lettuce from your video. It's doing very good and I'm really encouraged to continue with. Thanks a lot

[@simonesevero6761]

I love your videos!! I am new to hydroponics and I am enjoying very much to learn from your experiments with mason jars :) Thank you, Tikki!

[@PatrickBalsamo]

I have come to really look forward to your videos coming out. You have so much good information and I love that you always do an experiment when growing something. I'm the same way.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Patrick, I appreciate the feedback!

[@melanieallen8980]

Im excited to try this

[@deborahtemptingtanglesdesi1511]

Another wonderful and helpful video! Thank you.

[@mdevorah6833]

Love this. I do most my house plants via hydroponics. I gotta try this! Thank you

[@alexarcher1601]

Hi Tikki. I just wanted to say thank you for your excellent videos. I'm just embarking on growing my own spinach. I'm trying Kratky hydroponic system and your explanation and tips are making it all the more enjoyable. I'm also growing spinach in my garden in Somerset, UK so I can compare traditional and hydroponic methods..... I am having so much fun! Alex

[@ItsOurLife143]

Nice explanation n clarity....!!

[@donnastarnes3104]

Watched one of your videos the other day and subscribed. I so appreciate that you do not beat around the bush with idle prattle! What we need to know, visual on how to do it brief precise videos. Perfect! Thank you!

[@allanedgar8499]

You're the best!!

[@grow-with-R-and-S]

Thanks for your Videos, I am in the process of purchasing what I need to star our winter kale and spinach garden as by your vids. Keep up the great work

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Randy. You will learn what works and what doesn't work only by doing it yourself. Its a learning process, enjoy the journey!

[@halohalo7425]

Your great in tutorial! I understood didn’t have to rewind and go back. I can grow anything with you. I’m subscribing, thanks

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Kiki, I appreciate that!

[@tysonmayberry1208]

thank you finally an intelligent video!

[@reformersaravanakumar8767]

Good explanation mam... Respect from India.

[@1-QuackUp-Now]

Very nice video, Tiki. You explained things well; it was an excellent demonstration and I am going to try it. I already grow lettuce and some herbs. Hydroponically, so it will be interesting to see how my spinach experiment turns out.

[@TaylerKnox]

Excellent channel.

[@bccabernet]

Another great video! I just received a idoo hydroponics system and I knew nothing about growing plants because I've always lived in an apartment. My first crop is called freckles romaine lettuce. Your videos are very instructional and easy to follow/understand. I just subscribed!

[@beautifulfretboard2299]

Beautiful

[@kimmyc3779]

I love your videos. I have a teeny spinach growing now. I can see after watching your video that I will have to wait a while before harvest day!

[@festuswilliams9428]

Hi Kimmy.

[@TheChromePoet]

thanks

[@forageforage3520]

Very Nice Tiki!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Forage Forage!!!

[@siopaoman37]

awesome!!

[@rachelshomemakeithomestead2826]

this has me thinking that this way of growing might be a good idea here in Australia if i was only solely on tank water. thankyou, from a new subscriber

[@TikkiOOO]

Welcome Rachel Barbour! If you mean less water is wasted this way rather than the soil method, I think you are right. Its almost set it and forget it, but with soil you need to water, and water, and water. Give it a try, good luck!

[@fiftysomething7199]

I enjoy your videos, they are short and to the point. I am curious about which grow lights you prefer. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@joseortiz5965]

Awesome

[@ohio4285]

fast growing trees ...they are great and the shipping was exceptional..if your'e looking for a tree.

[@jpreilly1769]

Great video's, only question or comment would be how you harvest the plants... thanks for taking the time to do these.

[@phyllisfussaro1609]

Really enjoy your videos. Have tried growing Bib, Buttercrunch, Romaine, & Basil. Seeds saved them from last year's outside harvest. Started in all seeds Rockwool in clear container at about 71 degrees on west side window. Only Basil grew. Very discouraging.

[@joharris8212]

I was going to start some more swiss chard today because I have one and it's white. From a pack of colors I get the white one. I have two kinds of spinach so I'll try those again. I planted some and waited but when they didn't germinate I gave up. I now see I should have waited a bit longer. Thank you! Also my dwarf Red Robin tomato plants have flowers now!

[@TikkiOOO]

Good Luck Jo Harris! Let us know how they turn out!

[@crook810]

I learning from your video.i just started hydroponic From india..

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks for watching Anil Sah, good luck with your growing!

[@dancint]

Really enjoyed your video. TFS! Oh and the clay pebbles also keep algae from growing on the rockwool cubes. I also use a square of a new black sock.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Omilade, thats true too..algae will grow on the rockwool without the clay pebbles....Where do you use the sock? On the rockwool? Thanks for the feedback!

[@Martintbramsen]

Hey Tikki, you have great videos! After i´ve seen you videoes i bought 25 jars that i am gonna spray-paint black with 1,8 liters in each. Maybe bit to much, but i want to be able to fail some of them ;-) - I would like to request a video, that describe the best 5 lettuce for beginners with the Kratky Method. (Like grow fast, can harvest many times, great succes rate for anyone :D) Wish you good luck on you channel and on your plant- growth and your harvest. :) - Martin

[@MattGarver]

Thanks Tikki for your video. Spinach is a plant that many say is not well suited for hydroponics, but yours seemed to do well. Seems that 50+ days is needed to make a nice dense plant, but unlike a head of lettuce it takes more spinach plants to make a meal. Very informational, I liked your details.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks for the comment Matt!

[@IndoorHydroponic]

Nice Video :) Cool idea! our kids loves spinach.greetings from germany.

[@johne.osmaniii7217]

Indoor Gemüse, Guten Tag, ... I spent 17 months in West Germany, ... plus 13 months in West Berlin, ... 1 October of 1972, with C Company, 2nd/33rd Armor/1stBde, at Ayers Kaserne, Kirch Göns, West Germany, ... then in West Berlin, with Co F/40th Armor”Patton”, Berlin Brigade, .. from February, 26 1974 until March 10th, 1975, ...

[@IndoorHydroponic]

Oh thats great! Maybe you can watch my german videos and understanding somthing. big greetings from germany.my name is manuel :)

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Indoor Gemuse.....we love spinach too, but lettuce grows more easily....

[@IndoorHydroponic]

Yes ! Salad growing faster like spinach i mean.

[@SynfulMemory]

I just bought seeds to do this very thing. I was thinking of adding an air pump and growing them in a 22 gallon tote, but Just to develop my confidence I'm going to follow your instructions and try Kratky first. Thanks for sharing.

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Frann R, for leafy greens the Kratky method works fine....herbs too. For tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers I have had better results with an airpump, but have still been able to get a crop. Start by growing lettuce, that is the easiest, best of luck!

[@SynfulMemory]

@@TikkiOOO yup I've been doing lettuce for about 7 months. Husband asked if we could do spinach in Feb. And Tomatoes just recently so I've been doing a bit of research. I really appreciate how clear your videos are.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Frann, I appreciate it!

[@forhisglory1539]

I love your videos. I do have a question. When germinating the spinach do you put it in a dark place we’re just on your countertop?

[@marilynryan7822]

So excited to see this ....your such a good teacher... explanations are spot on ..thx.I look forward to more videos, PLEASE! Curious, do you have a garden outside ? Look forward to seeing more.

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Marilyn, thanks for the comment! We had a beautiful vegetable garden outside with corn and tomatoes and peppers, etc. and then the deer came.....their population has been growing and growing, they eat EVERYTHING. We have other wild animals, but the deer are the biggest nuisance, We started a raised bed garden this summer with an enclosure made from pvc pipes, lets hope we are successful until the very end, so far so good....but they know when to come and strip the garden, so hopefully the enclosure we built is strong enough....stay tuned....

[@marilynryan7822]

Thank you answering my question. I am so looking to more exciting videos. Good luck with your garden

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Marilyn!

[@C123abc]

@@TikkiOOO Irish Spring soap will keep the deer away!

[@joelack2976]

I love your show ,there is something about y I dont know why I like watching y and show ,the most ,I want to say the grow big formally y are use i try it ,i dont know i feel it doesn't do what the masterblend does, maybe the grow big is missing the Epsom salt, so i try and it work great for me hun

[@mikeandjan4him]

Tikki, I love your videos! I'm just getting started with hydroponics. Can you please tell me about the area you have them in. It looks shiny or reflective. What is the material? Also, on your video about growing lettuce you have your jars in white containers that look like they hold the jars perfectly. Can you tell me where to find something like that? Thanks so much! .

[@steve_frenchcougar1747]

i wouldnt call it organic but very good job non the less and still way better than store bought

[@LamneYokaMou]

You should also try checking the pH of your water after adding the grow big. Then use pH up or down to aim for a pH of 6.0.

[@gtube1477]

Thank you so much for your video! I'm just getting into hydroponics. Is it also possible to germinate the seeds in eazy plugs before putting them into the net cups?

[@gabbyvela]

Do you have a video on your set up of the shelf you're using? What is the silver lining you're using around your shelf?

[@dkroen17]

Very cool. When you clip and eat them, do they grow back or die?

[@judyharff8411]

thank you for this very helpful video. Have you ever made malabar spinach before? That grows vertically?

[@TikkiOOO]

No I haven't Judy, ....thanks for the suggestion!

[@turtlesrock9586]

These are just notes for me: 3 inch net cups

[@angelasheppard7197]

Have you tried growing kale this way?

[@snowmiaow]

Leaf curl may be Pythiosis, a common infection brought on the feet of fungus knats.

[@virginiajames2447]

Could you sit the jars outside in sunlight?

[@Kriistall7]

How far down do you make the hole in rockwool?

[@MrWhaatay]

I planted some spinach seeds 30 days ago that the packages says they are ready to harvest in 30 to 45 days. They are about 2 inches tall with 2 leaves and don't seem to be growing. I am using a 3' x 3' MarsHydro grow tent and a 100 watt HLG LED light. I can't figure our they won't grow. Also planted a lettuce seed two weeks ago and it is just behind the spinach in size. I am going to try the Kratky method and get rid of the soil which I bought from a nursery. I saw your video comparing hyrophonics to soil and the soil plant was so far behind.

[@mojave7025]

Thank you for making these videos. I made a mistake and bought the 644 instead of 326 for Fox Farms. Can the 644 be utilized at all with the Kratky method if the amount is reduced since the 644 is essentially just a double dose of nitrogen and phosphate and the K20 is a 6/4 ratio? Thank you

[@waiyujack1]

Thanks Tikki! Really like your videos! I have a few questions on growing in this kind of system. 1.) I know you are using rock wool for this one. From your experience, what growing medium is the best for spinach in a hydroponic system? 2.) Have you ever had mould appeared in the rock wool? How do you treat the mould or save the plant? Thanks!

[@rohithpamidighantam2423]

Hi Tikki, I've tried growing the spinach with a rockwool. After a healthy seedling and transferring it to a mason jar, the spinach started wilting and eventually died. Any advice? Thanks

[@TheForgivenessClub]

How oftenu add fertilizer

[@slurpyterpy447]

thanks for the video. BTW just wanted to point out you mention its full organic but you use chelated salt bottled nutrients and Rockwool cubes, both unsustainable and not full organic methods that have more sustainable substitutes. Using organic nutrients in hydro is not the easiest though as you can quickly get contaminated reservoirs.

[@dexxxxxxxx]

What TDS you prefer for spinach? (500 TDS= EC) Mine was too bitter and very light leaf color... Your spinach is very deep green and attractive.

[@leightonboothroyd1971]

Do I have to use a grow light or can I put it in a window?

[@timetravellist1930]

What happens after harvest? Do you start over? Or the plant re-grows?

[@kartiksudan4192]

how many times can you harvest it??

[@juliusj65]

from seed to 3 leaf how long?temperature?

[@Banstargue]

That's pretty good. In Canada we pay about $5/lb of spinach. After seeing this video, I think it would end up costing me much more than $5 Cdn to grow a pound of spinach hydroponically. But it would be organic, I have to admit. How much would you say it has cost you to grow 1 lb of hydroponic spinach Tikki?

[@Chris-dw6cu]

Ate you using quart sized jars for these and if so have you found this the ideal size for spinach plants? (Link in description no longer works)

[@nohwan3713]

Does indoor vege save to eat ?

[@SiCaRiI_DaGgEr]

Hi Tikki O, I know this is a sorta old video, but just want to share info in case you aren't aware Foxfarm was purchased by Scotts Miracle Gro with Scotts being owned by Monsanto / Bayer. Considering the ties to Monsanto I figured you may want to be aware of this.

[@TikkiOOO]

I had no clue, thank you Gr8D2ceptiOn!

[@Gabibey]

Is there a trick to germinating the spinach. Seems spinach has a low germination rate especially in hydroponics.

[@joelack2976]

I was wondering if y can help me ,i planting spinach in rockwool and roit plugs and still nothing grew ,I got the seeds from Amazon this is a nightmare

[@AlexxxxAlpha]

Upon using aluminum foils for cover, does it also help regulate the heat? or is it just for light purposes

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Don, I use it to keep the light out to prevent algae growth. But it also reflects light, so the other plants around it benefit as well from the light bouncing off it, I suppose. Really.....I use it because I always have a roll in my kitchen and its easy to cut and form around the container.....so convenience is a factor too though paper sleeves would be cheaper, but the main reason is to prevent light from hitting the water and roots. Thanks for the question!

[@joelack2976]

Hello ,I just wanted to say I use your link and order the lamp fixtures and bulbs 💡, I have one 2 ft fixture 6500k,and i order what y use so I hope those fixtures y use Will be good for 19 total lettuce/spinach plants ,what do think will it be enough, both 2 totes will be on the same steel shelve so it will help all three light fixtures will aline on the same shelve on all 19 plants will those weak watt that those plants need compare to other plants

[@myriadcorp]

That looks like my spinach too. I grew several batches in mason jars just like that. It's disappointing because it never seems to fill out like lettuce does. It was hard to get my spinach seeds to germinate. I found this method that works great. You went a paper towel and put it in a ziplock bag. Put the seeds in it folded up. Then put it in the refrigerator for 12hrs everyday until you see the seeds germinate. Once you get some life put them in a rockwool cube. The seeds get started so much faster using that trick. I wonder how spinach would do in a DWC container.

[@TikkiOOO]

Good tip, I use the paper towel in baggie method also when I'm having a hard time with seeds. Spinach is more difficult all around compared with lettuce. I will give the DWC a shot with the spinach and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for your comment and sharing your tips!

[@wakkywabbit5446]

Lettuce produces twice as much in half the time ... most varieties, usually. It takes way too much time and effort to get one man-sized spinach salad. I keep 4 large tubs of lettuce going and it's enough for me to eat a large chopped salad 3-5 times a week, or more. Jethro Bodine large.😲

[@merraleemoffitt3649]

I have had less than a 10% germination rate on my spinach seeds in y AG. Temp of the water is about 80F. Planted the seeds outdoors Apr 4 and they did well here in PA. But now too warm outside too. Now trying again to germinate in my basement where it is about 65 degrees. Wish me luck. I am also trying NewZealand spinach in the AG since it is supposed to be heat tolerant. Curious what the temp is in your grow area and if you have found any kinds that are better than others. I would like to grow year round if I could.

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Merraa Lee, my spinach has about a 75% germination rate, the seeds are old, the fresher seeds have a better germination rate. I can't plant outdoors until I build something to keep the 4 legged animals out of the garden, I'm working on that. My temp in the kitchen is around 72 degrees. I wish you luck in ALL your plantings!

[@nikkismom857]

Tikki, how do you 'neutralize' your rockwool cubes? I found some information that said to add 1 oz. of lemon juice to 1 gal. of water and soak the cubes in that. Do you have a video on how to treat the rockwool cubes when you first unpackage them?

[@TikkiOOO]

I soak the rockwool the day before, that works for me. I don't treat them in any other way, just a 24 hour soak.

[@Chris-dw6cu]

Why do they need to be neutralized? I have always simply hydrated them and used them immediately

[@sto2779]

do not germinate on rockwool, you first germinate it in a damp paper towel covered in a dark bag. let it germinate in the paper towel. after 3 days check if any seeds sprouted, if any sprouted transfer it to the rockwool.

[@mannybee3139]

Hi Tikki. What do you do when algae grows in the water?

[@TikkiOOO]

I don't have algae problems in the water, sometimes it grows on the rockwool. I cover my jars so the light doesn't get in.

[@Chris-dw6cu]

Add some hydrogen peroxide to the system at the same time as nutes to prevent algae root rot and other issues

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Diced and sautee onion, and garlic in butter and olive oil. Throw in spinach stir fry briefly.

[@TikkiOOO]

Yum, thanks Red!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

@@TikkiOOO no worries. A secondhand recipe from a workmates wife. If it helps one eat more greens then I'm all for it !!

[@TikkiOOO]

@@redtobertshateshandles garlic is always

[@TikkiOOO]

garlic is always a winner!

[@rockyusa2012]

How many watts is the bulb?

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Rocky USA, it is 65W LED, I'm not sure LED consumes electricity the same way as regular 65W, I believe it uses much less electricity.

[@nikitavadsaria5262]

Can you please help me as my swizchard, kale, parsley and spinach is not growing they are a bit dangling. I also don't get germination in kale and parsley. I grow them indoor. Temp for both germination and growth is 25°C and for germination normal RO water without nutrients is used onec germinate nutrient strength is 200-400ppm and when grown is 700-800ppm the light that I have used is T5 and pH is kept 5.5-6.humidiya is kept 50% and for germination it's 85 -90%

[@TikkiOOO]

Hard to diagnose without seeing the patient. Could be you seeds, water, air, too many variables. Try different seeds, see if that is the problem.