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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→ The Original Paper: www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hawaii/do...
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[@b3nzie]

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

[@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

[@photoquig7036]

This is peak Vietnamese tech, and I absolutely love it. Gonna give it a try!

[@user-xe4fp3tn3t]

So glad to see that I'm not the only one that grows basil plants from my pho. 🤣

[@seanleith5312]

Kratky is a stupid word, whatever it meams, just stupid.

[@grannysweet]

im growing it in yogurt containers. i put basil in everything.

[@tomevers6670]

What the Pho

[@stevec.1319]

The best gardening videos on the web.

[@LiloUkulele]

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

[@oliverhubbard2545]

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

[@10bokaj]

finally someone who actually explains the idea!

[@victoriadolci6463]

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.

[@vinstriker5984]

how often do you change then water or theres no need?

[@user-ex3zx9zv6r]

My question too

[@mommadiane7312]

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

[@leslieandrew8236]

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

[@EarlyDev]

Thanks for the awesome video Eric!

[@NCRealEstate919]

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?

[@deannad2978]

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?

[@epicgardening]

Very helpful, thanks for sharing that with everyone!

[@tspiderkeeper]

Without sunlight getting to plants photosynthesis can not happen. And they eventually can not survive without any sunlight and die

[@earlschultz7880]

Do you have any pics? What type of insulation? this year if the first time I have tried this method, and have bad algae problems. I have tried to paint the pails, put black ground cloth around the pails, but don't know what to do with the algae on the roots. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@tspiderkeeper]

@@earlschultz7880 They most likely are referring to denim insulation. Though i would recommend you try a algae eliminator. As insulation is designed for homes businesses air ducts and walls etc. Not a great solution to a algae problem. That needs phosphorous and nitrogen levels taken down by a preferably eco friendly algae solution like this www.biosafe.net/shop/pond-care/greenclean-granular-algaecide/

[@kylewissenberg2231]

The drain hole is an awesome idea for outdoor growing, though I don't understand how they could be in the dark but still impacted by rainfall.

[@sakesama1]

Kevin, Thanks this is exciting for me Than k you fort all the valuable info.

[@gary1739]

Very informative step 1!! I'm on it

[@rosewood513]

Thank you, looking forward to watching your others. I'll find them :)

[@darkenergyhotep5793]

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

[@epicgardening]

Let me know how it goes for you my friend!

[@Daniellextina87]

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

[@jonathanmcmullen8001]

Thank you so much for sharing this info!

[@Kirilys]

Hi epic gardening, would you recommend any good forums to discuss hydroponics and other growing methods?

[@eddiesanders2719]

Great! I've subscribed. Thank you.

[@Abundantman777]

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

[@jerialice]

Perfect timing!

[@deannad2978]

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!

[@epicgardening]

Wow, your Kratky setup sounds amazing for tomatoes! Love your maintenance schedule as well. Very impressed with it. Thanks for reading and watching!

[@samiamm5764]

DeAnna hello from Santa Barbara. My question is how do u keep ur water from getting slimy and funky? Do u add anything to prohibit algae growth?

[@AndrewKofink]

Just make sure you use a container that doesn't allow light to get in. Then no algae will grow. This is especially important for growing potatoes because you don't want potatoes to go green or they're poisonous.

[@abdulwaiz]

DeAnna D Hi DeAnna this Waiz from Pakistan I am interested in Kratky method of hydroponics. Issue I am facing is getting ready made nutrients here I will highly appreciate if someone can guide me how to make my own hydroponic nutrient from basic fertilizers like Urea, Diammonium phosphate etc or from 1:1:1 NPK.

[@james98731]

do we need to change the nutrient water? ..if yes than in how many days?

[@soilenvideot]

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

[@epicgardening]

Yes, I agree - it's the name of the author of a paper on the subject. Catchy though!

[@maryoleary4284]

How do you flush

[@kylewissenberg2231]

@@maryoleary4284 You don't need to until after the harvest, so you'd just remove the lid and dump everything out.

[@jonothanwilliams942]

Hi tyres it for the first few weeks my vegg grows well but when it starts to push flower buds the plant go's back ward's the leaves turn yellow and do not know wether short of nutriants or to much nutrients is there any thing to test for this.

[@bryce909]

Great vid was wondering where to start my water level at, thank you happy growing 🙂

[@fyrftr521]

To the rim

[@harmonysalem9377]

Merci from Montreal, Canada.

[@erichanastacio9695]

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

[@lorddaluman]

hi there, i wonder if it is okay to put small wick for this system? maybe a short one? or does it stopping the root from going down? im just started using 1 liter mineral water bottles and other trash i can find.

[@tejas8992]

Hi can I try tomatoes using this technique for the first time? And can they grow under LED?

[@Arx9845]

Thanks Kevin!

[@ThirdCoastGardening]

I want to try this. What would be the ballpark price to do this for a chili plant?

[@EricArbour-]

Hi, someone know if that can work with plant like Salvia Apiana (White Sage), because that kind of plant is recognized not taking often water in the soil. Thanks so much for time to answering me !

[@yanalalaqabaniempoweredsel7830]

Thank you so much!

[@noelleonard2498]

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.

[@epicgardening]

I agree. Kratky works best with non-flowering/fruiting plants like leafy greens and herbs in my experience as well. I have seen people do well with them, but I personally only use Kratky for greens. Great to have a nearly zero-maintenance hydro greens setup!

[@abdulwaiz]

I am from Pakistan here we don’t get master blend.4:18:38, what we get here is 20:20:20: the proportion of nitrogen and phosphorus are alright but sodium is on the lower side specially during fruiting stage. Can you suggest what I should do to over come this. I will be using NPK 20:2020 ...12 gm per 5gallon water and 6 gm epsom salt per 5 gallon water.

[@theycallmetheboss]

@@abdulwaiz ooOOoo

[@mommadiane7312]

Thank you. This was really helpful information!

[@user-vg5kl4xc4w]

Thank you for that information. What you said is exactly what I have been looking for in information on growing larger items. My tomato plants and zucchini plants looks great until I had to add more solution then the leaves got brown and I dont know if they will produce any fruit now. I only filled about 2/3 full. Still a learning curve for me. Thanks for the great information!!!

[@cesarbaratas5612]

Is this same solution with yamasaki,, same din po ba yung pag gaawa ng solution

[@KhalifaK7]

What if i live in a warm climate and the water evaporate so fast? is there a way around that, or it does not work in warm climate ?

[@mytech6779]

add more water

[@animalhouse320]

Does it matter if the barrel is in full sun? or does it need to be in shade?

[@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 ?

[@mentalarson]

If you cut 2-3" holes for the plants, the mostly sealed lid helps trap the humidity inside the bucket which further helps the roots that are suspended in the air. If you use a foam noodle instead of typical grow media (search YT) that would seal the plant port even more and trap the water inside the bucket.

[@mytech6779]

@@mentalarson And then the roots would run out of oxygen and the plant would do very poor just as if it was in swamped soil.

[@mentalarson]

@@mytech6779 It's not an air tight bucket. The method works well with any sort of collar to gently hold the stem of the plant. Regular net cups work fine, and some plants require partially refilling the water.

[@mytech6779]

@@mentalarson The oxygen absorbed and used up by the roots. If the humidity is not exchanged the oxygen not exchanged, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

[@chibigirl8545]

Could you use this method to establish a perennial and then transplant it? Or would the roots be too weak to survive in soil?

[@michelleanderson6085]

How does this keep stagnation and bacteria from forming though?

[@LiveLike21]

Thank you very much.

[@mizzythe1949]

How does the Rockwell work from seedling? I don't understand if I have to keep the tank full to keep the rockwell wet or if it will obsorb the water?

[@bens4295]

I clicked on this video without looking at the channel. Then I heard your voice and thought, "is that dude"?? Turns out, it is dude. Cheers.

[@deborahsilver6331]

My kratky jars are not as successful as growing in the IDOO system. The only difference is the light. I don’t have a suitable window, so I bought a blue/red light. Can you recommend a better light for a small setup. Is it better to use a white light along with the red and blue? I am in Australia. Thanks.

[@JustHereToHear]

Thank you for the concise and information vid!

[@epicgardening]

You're welcome!

[@Stephankerby]

I have the nutrients you recommended but I am unsure if you what you would add? Big bloom or grow etc. Please any advice on the right nutrients to make it work would be great. thanks

[@valeriesanchez3074]

Go on walmart and search masterblend. Get the combo kit

[@fayevirtucio-espocia2788]

I have covered Mason jars with seedlings on a bay window, so I still need grow lights?

[@deseneanimateeducative]

Pretty cool, but how about natural (homemade) nutrients? do exist?

[@chefe2152]

So for this method,do I need to adjust the water ph?

[@nnbodens]

Your Amazon nutrients link isn't available. Can you please identify the exact nutrient products needed? I will go directly to General Hydroponics to order. Thank you!

[@edwinbarredo4484]

As far as I'm CONCERN YOUR VIDEO HAS THE BEST ILLUSTRATIONS AND EXPLANATION ON HYDROPHONICS et al ....I'M Recommending THEM (HYDROPHONICS ENTHUSIASTS HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES ) TO WATCH AND SUBSCRIBE YOUR CHANNEL.... VERY INFORMATIVE.. 👍👍👍

[@MABO07]

What brand is nutrients do you use? Or what kind of nutrients go into the water? How often?

[@tjfrost5355]

Check every few days, if the level has dropped add back the amount lost to evaporation and plant usage. Some Kratky containers have buoys that give you a sight indicator of when to add or top off your nutrient/h20 levels. Happy growing!

[@DrWho2008t101]

thanks

[@bedzanka8665]

I would like advice on what to do with plants that move to the cold for the winter, stop watering,....they should have their own winter biorhythm. I am in Europe where the plants are allowed to "rest" for the winter. What should I do if I convert them to hydroponics?

[@adamzandarski8933]

Is there any way to do this organically as well like are there even water soluble organic fertilizer?

[@eBysta]

Short answer: no.

[@cindersspace5011]

Thank you 😊

[@ramelsofranes21]

Loved it

[@lovelyjogno1624]

is it good for strawberry plant?

[@rockinroadways5626]

But why the pvc pipe system need to use the pump to run the water. If I use 4" x 8' pvc pipe with 10 plants by using kartky method should be ok , right!! Because I don't want to hear water pump running all night when I was sleep. Thx

[@Jupiter__001_]

rockin roadways The only problem might be that the water does not have a long height to reduce due to transpiration, meaning that the water levels will essentially drop too fast, and you may need to refill the pipe a few times. To put it simply, the pipe is quite a shallow container, and so less water can be stored in it.

[@onejazzedpeach]

Are there different sized Net Pots? Say for example you were going to grow in the Home Depot buckets.

[@davidreed6070]

I have a plant growing with this method. I am impressed. So how full do you fill the res. When you have to change it

[@kylewissenberg2231]

I think it's designed to just be one fill per crop cycle. The plant should be ready for harvest before you run out of nutrient solution.

[@alexspafford2873]

Around 25% of the roots you should cover if empty tip use a bigger container next time haha

[@littlenugs9942]

Can this way be used to grow medicinals.

[@anar3156]

What specs of LED lights do I need to grow indoors?

[@Expressiton]

I'm just a beginner, I want to grow organic herbs like mint, basil....the nutrients(organic?) look scary because of the colors. How do I know this is even good for me? Is there another 'organic' alternative?

[@HouseHunterLA]

Can I do this outdoors?

[@mariogreco6576]

interesting where I find the video x the nutrients? thanks

[@MihaSinkovec1981]

Has anyone tried this method for a decorative (flowering plants) garden? If so, which plants are best for something like that?

[@paulludwigewaldvonkleist4039]

Any Decorative plant is possible but for larger plants either you use a bigger net pot (3 inch instead of 2 or even larger) or plant in soil

[@webb4Brevard]

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

[@felixchao1329]

I have read some where that EC & pH has to be monitored periodically. How could we say it practically hands free!??

[@Jan-fb6fd]

Can tomatoes be grown uusing this mthod?

[@afeminame]

@EpicGardening what black material did you use as a cover to the 5 gallon bucket? Is it rubber and you cut out the center? Where did you purchase it from?

[@epicgardening]

It's a net pot, they sell on amazon

[@afeminame]

@@epicgardening Cool!! I didn't realize that they made net cups that large. This will be our first year doing a mix of soil gardening and the Kratky method. Kratky method seems very promising. Now, that I know about this lid net cup thing, it opens the door even wider.

[@mspahn1967]

What I'd like to know is how you keep ph correct? I have basically same set up and ph water every time and check it 3 days later and it's up over 7 ph?

[@jungleman4800]

Can you root tree cuttings like this?

[@smiley2477]

How do I know what plants will grow hydroponically?

[@janenguyen9796]

Does anyone in here use Click & Grow/Aerogarden? Would you mind if I ask if it is much easier for you to grow vegetables with these setups or it works just fine? A comparison between cost of buying these setups vs cost of setting a DIY setup? Also, does growing your plants at home really cheaper than buying the vegs in stores, including the plant pots, power for the lights and water usage? Lastly, does using Click & Grow/Aerogarden easier/less labor/less things to take care of than setting up your own hydroponics setup?

[@ludovicdhonow3398]

Hi.. No clay pebble or coco pits or rock as media in this systeme please??

[@basicsteps]

Leaving the container outside with the heat, water will evaporate over time. The question is, do the nutrients evaporate as well or will the solution become more concentrated? When it becomes low do you top it off with fresh solution or just water?

[@justjohn2011]

Did you find your answer?

[@tjfrost5355]

The answer to this is the use of an ec/ppm meter to check your nutrient concentrations. Happy growing!

[@veganchiefwarrior6444]

have you actually tried it yourself because u dont fill the water to the brim at the start or it wouldnt work very well if at all without the oxygen

[@epicgardening]

Yeah, I have. I have Krakty lettuce going almost all of the time!

[@leefiz]

Is the plant gonna be OK during the early period cause the pot will be sinking inside the water. The media will be soaking wet. Thanks

[@epicgardening]

I keep the pot slightly above the water surface. I have another video on it if you're curious

[@leefiz]

@@epicgardening Thanks

[@deadave6127]

Why not start with flowering plants? Would the nutrients need to be changed?

[@methissamagowi3978]

So I been looking for something to do in gardening for a long time. I live in the city of chicago and have a small backyard with limited space. I was wondering about how this would work for me. Can I sit this baby out in spring / summer only.. Are there ways to do this in house during cold months? I am literally trying to do basic stuff at home.

[@samanthaweyandt8366]

im in a pretty similar situation, and i have tried it but from what ive gathered from other people, you should be able to bring them indoors as long as temperature stays appropriate, and id assume that there isnt ample sunlight indoors during the winter for you, so you could get a grow light for the plants!! i know they sell grow lightbulbs for decently cheap

[@discipledad6047]

Other soil mediums??

[@leighgraham5873]

Ag, hierdie video het my laat glimlag, dankie! 😀

[@mlissgay5054]

Where do you buy the nutuents? Can u make your own? ❤ aloha from big island 🏝️

[@NEOProjectTX]

Hi. Your link for the hydroponic nutrients is out of date. What nutrients do you use?

[@chrissilliker8633]

How does it grow with no light ?

[@vikrantdhanavade8005]

What's about TDS and PH of water? How to maintain it through entire process?

[@fireno.5582]

excuse me, will these hydroponic fertilizer feed vegetables be poison? i tried this method and ate the lettuce grew but caused vomiting and badly sick, almost went to hospital for that. i think i got the fertilizer poisoned. makes me scare to use fertilizer any for fruit growing. but from your video and other related video, everyone is doing fine. and this method seems no problem to grow food for consumption. so how was that happened? the brand i used is called

[@larissah8529]

Do you have to adjust the PH when growing with this method after the set-up? Because my res goes from 5.5PH to 7PH within 2 days and it affects the lettuce...

[@redjellonian8126]

Add your nutrients to water and pre dissolve them entirely before adjusting your PH

[@coozeecooze7671]

does the amount of plants in one reservoir and size of the reservoir make any kind of difference?

[@epicgardening]

Eventually the roots will grow to be so big that they will start taking up too much volume in the reservoir, meaning less water in there and less ability for you to control the nutrient solution. But when starting out I wouldn't worry about it.

[@moseslam]

If using a smaller reservoir, can we just refill it when the water gets too low? (leaving some air to not drown the roots)

[@ApacheFPV]

I do this method but with airstones as well and the nutrient solution 4"-6" below the net pot, its essentially and RKWC system lol

[@tjfrost5355]

What size pump do you use, what size airstone or airstones do you use and what does RKWC stand for? Thanks for any info you may share.

[@dannyHighfruit]

Are net pots really necessary? Can we just use glass bottle with thin neck and either let plant hang or fix it in place?

[@JimmyBHarvests]

That will work fine. A net cup allows you to better cover the hole and stop light from getting into your reservoir though

[@Meleeman011]

what if i wanted to use pumps?

[@RampagingRn]

I'm using 10 gallon totes using the kratky method and Masterblend as my nutrient solution. i'm getting root rot on alot of my plants and wondering if its something I'm doing wrong or something I should be doing but not. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@epicgardening]

Hmm...could be a temperature issue in your reservoir. Is it excessively hot?

[@lisat9707]

while learning I stumbled upon someone mentioning drilling a small hole at the top to allow better air flow... maybe try that?

[@14chstr]

Question, can you refill the tank if your plant is like tomato or eggplant?

[@JimmyBHarvests]

Yessir!! Add water/nutrients to top up the reservoir as your plant needs it. Make sure to always leave about 10% of the roots exposed to air though and you’ll be good!

[@jimmiejones1992]

I do some classes for school kids and Boys and Girls Club - I would like to snip a couple of photos and graphics for use in these classes. Do I have permission?

[@shunsticks]

How do you find out what a plant needs (& their amounts) over 30 days ?

[@tjfrost5355]

Chase, this information should be generally available from the nutrient manufacturer for various types of plants, follow their recommendations, then start a hydroponic garden and practice careful personal observation as there is no replacement for hands on learning and experience.

[@NCRealEstate919]

If using a store bought plant that has roots already, how much of the roots themselves go into the water? How much stay out?

[@vectorization]

NCRealEstate919 it is okay to have the roots submerged in the water with nutrients. You might be surprised how much the roots will drink up that water. That’s what you want, an air pocket. A gradual air pocket.

[@mytech6779]

Half in half out if small, one or two inches in air if large.

[@stefano5080]

That's the most rudimentary system in hydroponics; plants drink more water than they do eat fertilizers, deeply depending on weather conditions, with a consequential concentration of the solution that can easily lead to fitotoxicity and/or radical asphyxia. If you wanna try hydro's potentiality with simple setups use dwc.

[@be.A.b]

Thats the appeal. It’s rudimentary, yet it still works.

[@rockinroadways5626]

Can I use this method with pvc pipe?

[@epicgardening]

Yes, should work just fine