How to Grow Hydroponic Tiny Tim Tomatoes from Seed to Harvest: Kratky vs. DWC

The seed to harvest process of growing Tiny Tim tomatoes hydroponically two ways, using the Kratky method, and Deep Water Culture or DWC. Both produced sweet delicious tomatoes, although one grew bigger and faster than the other. Surprisingly the Kratky setup won out over DWC, the opposite result to when I grew sweet bell peppers.
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[@theosmits1141]

Ive been watching a lot of your videos, i love how clear and informative you are. Your personality seems so humble and down to earth. You are a perfect person for a teacher

[@tmyk2843]

Definitely need to get sponsored by folgers

[@TikkiOOO]

Ha Ha....the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup!!! Thanks Ants Thailand!

[@martyrose]

Great job Tikki! Nice, clear instructions. Your eye for detail is amazing and your plants look fabulous! Thanks!🍅🍅🍅👍

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Marty Rose, and the reward I get is nice juicy tomatoes in the middle of winter!!!!

[@martyrose]

@@TikkiOOO Yes. You do! Lucky you! I love some of the heirloom tomatoes but Tiny Tim is definitely my favorite cherry tomato!

[@pawlet]

Ripe tomatoes in February, my mouth is watering. 💐🍅

[@TikkiOOO]

Yup....keeps me happy until summer! Thanks Paw Lette!

[@guybrock837]

This is a GREAT video. Thank you for sharing. Wifey and I are setting up a system, inspired by you. How much water did you add each time you added? I have read that if you add to much water, you could drown the plant, as some of the roots are for oxygen. Have you experienced any problems from adding to much water? BLESSING UPON YOU.

[@TikkiOOO]

Yes, you can drown the plant if you add too much water, keep a gap between the net cups and the top of the water. In these totes I usually add a gallon at a time, one time plain filtered water, then next time with nutrients, switching on and off, not nutes each time. Kratky needed more refills than DWC did. I know this doesn't sound 'scientific" but it works for me. So when I see the water level drop I add, not on any schedule. The water level doesn't drop much at the beginning, but once the plant starts to flower and fruit then it needs to be topped off more often. Hope that helps, and thank you for your kind comment!

[@02121978able]

@@TikkiOOO Ok👍

[@raymondbelanger278]

Hi Tikky I am Quebecois but I speak English well enough. I listen to a lot of video but honestly your videos are the best and they are very well explained, you are calm, calm and very interesting to hear your a real pro. thank you for these beautiful and good videos. Ray

[@ThePhrenik]

Your videos are such a pleasure to watch for first time gardeners. You get straight the point and explain things in such simple terms. Keep up the good work!

[@SamsungLe-vz2uy]

you must have somewhere did something wrong cause kratky now way can outgrow dwc , is there something wrong with your pump ?

[@khatzeye]

I’ve been watching your indoor gardening videos for like a month (I’m new to the hobby). What I absolutely adore about your videos is how authentic they are and how new and just average gardeners can relate! No expensive equipment, willingly to show failure, and my favorite no shouting out sponsors several times in a video. You also have a great sense of humor! I’m enjoying your channel so much. Thanks for all the great information.

[@suzy5973]

Also how long does your grow light turned on?

[@naodiva7]

Tikki, thank you so much for this informative comparison! I appreciate your careful methodology and thoughtful comments. I'll give kratky tomatoes a try!

[@kamranki]

Most lovely video! Great start to finish too! I have started growing peppers in both DWC and kratky and was wondering if it is wise to keep the air pump running 24/7 for DWC tank? Thanks for the inspiration!

[@weiye701]

Very interesting experiment and fun to watch the tomato grow in time series! Thanks so much for videoing the process and sharing the learning!

[@johnwilliams8184]

i love your voice and your smile and your style thanks so much for all the knowledge

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks so much !

[@1984AEG]

New to hydro and looking to grow microtomatoes. I have everything but an air pump - and wasn't even sure the tomatoes would do well to begin with. Your guide answered so many questions for me and gives me confidence to try this out! So informative and to the point with a real control group. Thanks 😊😊😊

[@edwardsmith9256]

I have to say you are awesome! I loved the way you explain each step in your procedure. I took notes and ready to get going. My tomatoes are just starting to germinate and I have each part of the whole. I see that this video is over 2 years ago. Have you upgraded your lighting or made any changes. Have tried hydroponic growing outside? I live in Florida, so we have a longer growing period, but also have lots of chomping creatures, especially caterpillars that love tomato leaves.

[@SuperLaplander]

Cheers Tikki. Do you measure Ph in the nutrientsolution? Ive been told that airation/ airstones in the nutrientsolution will make Ph lower over time. Would be interesting to compare PH in the two vessels. Best regards from Sweden!

[@northeasttexasgardener]

I can't explain it, but I've had better luck with the Kratky method growing several different plants. Tomatoes = Kratky won, Lettuce = Kratky won, Heatless Jalapeno Peppers = Kratky won, and Basil = Kratky won. I wonder if the aeration causes nutrient lockout issues. Just a thought.

[@patrickwilson9783]

I can dwc relies on the oxygen within the water where as kraty doesn't , in dwc the water needs to be at certain temperature for the water to hold the dissolved oxygen so if the temperature is to cold or to hot you get no oxygen or it's not nowhere as optimal where as the kraty gets its oxygen by hanging partly in the air

[@sageslarres]

@@patrickwilson9783 this is prob the correct one. Also a test of just 2 plants isn't enough to give you a proper result

[@souravpal4636]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Can you please tell me the ambient temperature of your solution approximately??

[@nb_pt]

Thank you very much for this amazing video! Im going to experiment this year, but I woukd like to ask you some questions if that's ok. I wonder if 1 plant per box or 4 would generate the same amount of tomatoes in total. Why did you choose 2 per box? The other one js about refilling (kratky). What is the height you used? Would half the heigh between the bottom of the cup and the bottom of the box be a good reference? Thank you!

[@elizabethbrown1276]

After watching a couple of your videos I subscribed because you provide thorough and detailed information. Although I appreciate the videos from other content providers you never leave me wondering with a lot of unanswered questions. So glad I found your channel. Thank you.

[@rockyusa2012]

Hi Tikki O. Another great video. I want to try the DWC method. Great outcome.

[@TikkiOOO]

Kratky won this round......thanks Rocky USA!!!

[@paulohagan7364]

I've learned so much from your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@lydiacalderon1124]

Thank you for all your work. I love watching your videos.

[@MsLaRuby]

Odd question. Do you replace the water with the Kratky method, or continue to replenish it? Really loved those pictures and the music...

[@francoiselandry3388]

I woulk like to know about the complete change of water in the 2 systems as well. Good question!

[@JudiintheKitchen]

Excellent comparison! Great job, Tikki. Thanks for sharing :)

[@TheLghayward]

Great video. Are you able to suggest a different brand of Tiny Tim that will work. I can't find Survival? Thank you.

[@greythax]

Percolating air into water can create carbonic acid. It's possible you are lowering the ph of your water.

[@FXNorm]

Lol carbonic acid hahaha you're reading it folks.

[@brandonminiman]

Great video. If you lighten up on nutrients, it will force the plant to focus more on fruiting and flowering.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Brandon, great advice!

[@rauldelafuentejr.2376]

Tikki, there is a tendency to grow, hydroponically, tomatoes, lettuce and peppers at home. However, these can be bought inexpensively in most grocery stores. What about bushy chiles that are not available in most grocery stores? Can you grow Chile Pequins, etc. hydroponically?

[@02121978able]

What is, end result, which method better, kretaky or dwc, method?, clear one line answer, please🙏, if possible, I belong to North India🇮🇳, up, state, 🙏🙏

[@goto8438]

Hi Tikki What was the air temperature? The DWC could have had coolish air being injected into the water lowering its temperature. Maybe a cheap aquarium heater and thermometer might help. Love your videos too.

[@FnLn55]

Aquarium heater - sounds like a great idea!

[@KevinSmith-dq9tz]

Yep. 👍

[@suzy5973]

Do i still need to measure the Ph and the TDS? If so, what PH level should it be and what level for tds is good for tiny tim tomato?

[@viviancutler3918]

I Love your videos. Great Job!!!! I was wondering after you havest tomatoes, do they more blossoms pop up and do they have another set of tomatoes popping up. I have two Tiny Tim plants I have grown from seeds. They blossomed, grew tomatoes, they are turning red, I am taking them off when they are fully ripe. They are still turning red, no more blossoms are popping up. Did yours go through another season of tomatoes? Or will that be it? This crop with be the end? What happened to yours? Thank You So Much ❤❤❤ Oh I am growing these with the Kratky Metbod in 1/2 Gallon Ball Jars...

[@colleenakaleeannrogers1486]

I ordered the Rockwool from Amazon, I opened the package and was about to separate the cubes with scissors, but they started to fall apart. I mean literally crumbled, I got maybe four or five two whole cubes.

[@chuckmilliken505]

I'd be curious what a circulating (water) pump would do instead of an aeration pump. Just mixing the water instead of aerating it. Maybe like running for 5 minutes every hour.

[@gmascagni]

Great videos. I'm learning so much. Curious if you took PH readings of both plants when you started? Were they the same?

[@Jacksirrom]

Is there anywhere to buy these masterblend type fertilizers without buying a whole pound of each one? I have never grown much of anything in soil without killing it quickly. Want to try kratky since I can just measure it and leave. But the likelihood of me becoming a hydroponics person long term seems very low to me. Just want to try it without having pounds of chemicals left over.

[@mattgithens1979]

From what I've been reading... deep water culture is supposed to be a liter of air per minute per gallon... those air stones appear to be maybe 5-10% of what it should be.

[@marcjtdc]

MAYBE? the temp in kratky is lower in resovour allowing better root growth holding more oxygen.

[@Katya-zj7ni]

I love Kratky, in decent sunshine it’s totally off grid xx

[@eagl3seyes]

I can only imagine that the tomatoes, being a different species entirely then bell peppers, prefer not to have so much oxygen in the water

[@unmeaninglessly143]

Probably the air pump /aeration wasnt enough. Try getting finer bubbles or use water pump venturi

[@lightheirart5521]

Great videos. All of them. Could you tell us when you change plant location. I try to guess from stopping video to note when appears on wire shelves with Mylar curtain or other times on counter top.

[@ArtisticLogic]

Too much moisture, along with a lack of proper lighting and imbalanced humidity creating a hostile environment for the seeds to propagate

[@berghauss]

Light is probably Mars Hydro TS1000 - 150W, not 1000W?

[@cherrymarie7852]

So in Kratky method, you never replace the water? How do you feed the plants?

[@smokerzchoise]

Maybe the PH value of the water is different for the 2, i don't know if aereation affects PH?

[@wmedwardroever9876]

My understanding about the Kratski technique it's effectiveness depends on the ratio of plant absorption of water and the volume of water in the container. The plant needs air from the roots. If the water level drops too slowly, the plant will not do well.

[@Des420]

Two years too late, but your issue on this run was the amount of oxygen in the tote. The stones were too small, so the air lines kept them near the surface until the roots were big enough to keep them under. I’m not sure the pump had enough air flow either way. You want an abundance of tiny, tiny bubbles breaking everywhere, but especially underneath the plants when they are young.

[@RRan-dk7ct]

Tiki can you still get those self pollinating tomatoes and where ???

[@cristinalicmo-an1057]

You explain things pretty clearly. Can you be my teacher?

[@leslimcquaig1875]

Could be the plants. The difference between tomatoes and peppers

[@jackiewest2817]

is there a list or formula that shows how many gallons does each plant require, ie: lettuce, tomatoe etc. thanks

[@sptheartist1803]

6:33 😄😄👍 Love watching your videos. Fun and straight to the point explanation My target cart is already filled with two hefty containers. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@bobbib5779]

i cant believe i missed this three months ago lol so odd great video i love the way your voice hits me . im so alert while watching your videos . some youtubers voices put me to sleep so i cant learn anything i get too tired lol

[@littleme3597]

I don't know what that green stuff is or black holders? Can we start at the beginning?

[@IndoorHydroponic]

in my opinion the plants are grwoing betther wihout a airpump. greetings ;)

[@samscharping7319]

Did you add water or nutrients along the way? Check ph?

[@destitute8493]

There's probably a difference in pH between the two methods.

[@emichael06]

Can the plants be trimmed along the way?

[@steladdineva]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm planning to grow some myself and took some notes, hope I will make it work as well. Something I would be interested to know if you are willing to share: How tall and wide your Tiny Tim plants have becomе? And how much space you provided them?

[@SiDPT15]

Where did you buy the tiny tim seeds? Is it available at home depot?

[@fionalodge236]

Once they were growing - how often did you need to add water?

[@mariecorona09]

Can you please do a video on your lighting set up❤❤

[@tsubbebikers]

mam. can i use t5 led lights for growing tomatoes? thanks

[@jenc5547]

Do you put the seeds under lights or do they need to be in the dark to germinate?

[@RRan-dk7ct]

Thanks...how long have you used over time the master blend mix......how long does it last or how long is it effective over time in years?

[@TikkiOOO]

Good question R. Ran, I've had Masterblend for 2 years without problem, I believe as long as its kept cool and dry it should be fine. But its just a guess on my part, if there are any chemists here who want to chime in....please do! Thanks for the question!

[@caseycooper9320]

hows the ph on the one with the airstone tends to cause fluctuation

[@thersgarden3144]

Great comparison. I look forward to trying the two methods out. I'll start with kratky.

[@TikkiOOO]

Good luck! Kratky has always done well for me with greens, herbs, but DWC has worked better for me for fruiting plants....until this grow! Thanks for the comment!

[@thersgarden3144]

@@TikkiOOO Thank you.

[@gth042]

Fantastic test and presentation, thank you!! I suspect some roots don't like to be moved or agitated by the bubbler -- flexing cell walls might shake loose or confuse new growth? Certainly not worth replicating the test with a circulation-only pump. Another mystery (myth) solved by your efforts. Thanks again, Toto of the Greenhouse!

[@TikkiOOO]

Hello gth042, interesting speculation that the roots don't like the movement from the pump. I am very surprised at the Kratky plant, it is producing tons of juicy tomatoes, big ones too! Thanks for your kind comment, I appreciate it!

[@kbbacon]

I converted my Kratky tomatoes to DWC and the difference was very dramatic. Kratky to get started and then DWC. Your results are, indeed, puzzling.

[@TikkiOOO]

I agree...puzzling! I just unplugged the air pump on the DWC. It could be Tiny Tim variety doesn't like its roots bothered, that was a thought in the comment section. Good luck with your tomaotes!

[@sinulariasin4887]

Hi ! This is Howard....just wondering...did you need to line the lids with aluminum foil to counteract the electro magnetic forces ?

[@TikkiOOO]

Only if you are sensitive

[@FXNorm]

lol

[@treymurphy6398]

how com you only use the grow big in kratky

[@michaelanderson1026]

Your air stones are kind if small

[@johnmirbach2338]

😁👍👌✌🖖😎😁👍👌✌🖖😎this was an amazing vlog my dear , really ingenious 😁👍👌✌🖖😎😁👍👌✌🖖😎

[@firozosman]

Loved that thoroughly! Really appreciate your systematic method of explanation. Exactly how I need to understand. Thank you

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you firoz, I appreciate that!

[@sandram5664]

Great experiment Tikki! Thanks for sharing your tomato adventure.😊

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Sandra, I appreciate your comment!

[@baneverything5580]

I ordered Tiny Tims and they got lost in shipping.

[@cocopunch]

Hi do you know how tall the tiny tim grew?

[@ryandavis4689]

I have the blue Labs pH Pan and the blue Labs blue truncheon, it says specifically not to use distilled or reverse osmosis water with these devices. My question is is how are you using that and if I use that like you do will it mess up my sort of expensive equipment?. I mean I don't see how it would make a difference but it does have warnings not to use that so....

[@TikkiOOO]

That is interesting, I guess the equipment is very sensitive. The question is, will it mess up the reading, or will it destroy the pen? You can use old fashioned pH strips, I think I made a video on how to use those, they are really easy and I find them reliable enough. Thanks for the question Ryan!

[@magdalenastopka]

Tikki you love your Folger coffee, they should sponsor you!

[@TikkiOOO]

That would be a dream come true 👍!

[@laticecarpenter5887]

I just started the kratky method, and have been following you, and I have to say, I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! AND WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW YOU!!! THANKS!!

[@jockojohn3294]

Great video. You should be recording audio books......maybe how to books. Your voice is easy to listen to and pronunciation is very good. Don't know anything about the process, just that if you are good doing this on videos, with proper gear and a little training, you could have a home based career with what you already are good at....... :)

[@TikkiOOO]

Hello jocko john thanks for the really nice comment I appreciate it. I actually have a full time job outside of the house that I love, I teach statistics at a local university and I'm so happy that we are back in the classroom! I hope my students like my voice too.....thanks for the comment, I appreciate it!

[@FXNorm]

@@TikkiOOO You're students are lucky.. You're one of the best educators on utube.. very precise!

[@katherinem2072]

Thanks so much for this very clear video! A question for you...do you ever change the water/nutrient solution in both totes?

[@TikkiOOO]

Hello Catherine, I don't change out the water completely, I know people do. Rather I "top it off" with fresh water when I see the water level drop, and then the next time I see the level drop I top it off with nutes, alternating each time. There is no schedule because in the beginning the plants don't use up as much water as they do at the end when they are flowering and fruiting, so you need to look at the water level. If you are not sure, then my motto is "less is more", but if the plants look like they need something more, then give them some nutes. Hope that answers your question, The water level stayed fine for the first month or more, so it was really towards the end that I needed to add. Thanks for the question and comment!

[@katherinem2072]

Thanks Tikki. I see now that if I'd only been patient, I would've learned the answer to my question! But in any case, I really appreciate you getting back to me and for all of your videos. You've been such an inspiration. We now grow all types of lettuce, parsley, basil, and now tiny tim tomatoes indoors with a lot of success. Keep drinking that Folgers coffee!

[@mattwall563]

Air pump adds heat to the water. Especially with those small crappy air stones. Pump has to work harder to push the air trough those stones causing even more heat to be generated by the pump.

[@FXNorm]

Wow! careful, a fire may start at any time.. run for the exits..

[@ritualerniea.6295]

Good day po ma'am . Pwede po ba magask . About sa frequency of application nung nutrient solution?

[@joellandry8407]

where did you buy the hefty totes?

[@annem2576]

great video! so quick and efficient, you have taught me well ... thanks. and God bless. from Canada.

[@exie4ever]

I'm just wondering if you've checked the PH levels of the water, if the PH is off, it will lead to nutrient lockout. and also... temperature of the water in the reservoirs could be different, in different seasons, producing different results.

[@bridgetr7166]

I'm new here I love your videos Thank you so much for sharing. What is the "cracky, " method growing.

[@Omey731]

I wonder if your air pump is changing the temperature of the solution ie make it colder which in turn affects the growth rate

[@FXNorm]

BINGO!

[@Splendid123456789]

I love your videos Tikki, thank you! Do you have a video comparing Fox Farms Grow Big to Master Blend for Tiny Tim tomatoes? I'd like to try FF because it seems easier than MB, but not sure if it's a good idea or not. What are your thoughts? Thanks again!

[@glennflake5732]

Wish you had commented on the nutrient level you tried to maintain and how often you added nutrients. That’s the only thing i don’t know? I’m growing mine outdoors so levels drop quicker due to evaporation. I think I have a tendency to fill too high??

[@potschochterpotschochter2403]

This is really awesome. Thank you for sharing. I am starting with hydroponics. so cool. Maybe I will give it a try. But I think I will start with something different. Just to get the hang of it.

[@WTF_BBQ]

Well, the DWC method is lacking oxygen to the roots. This makes sense why those plants weren't growing as fast.

[@FXNorm]

WRONG.. Cold air injected into the water slowed the growth.

[@shaneschuller2513]

You're an interesting lady. I love your empirical process. It is very helpful, thank you 🙏

[@PATRICKOBRYAN]

I've watched a few of your video's and wondering if you have kept track of the temps and humidity inside your growing area. Have been growing Kratky lettuces with great results and working on tomatoes but noticed the leaf drying out only to realize my humidity was down under 30%.

[@julieth3699]

Grea video! Thanks so much for sharing. Your method and explanation were very clear and easy to follow. Can’t wait to try it myself.

[@drtek1329]

Super video! I am just trying 'Tiny Tim' in my 3-pod Aerogarden. Also will grow: 1 pod Basil, 1 pod Flat-leaf Parsley. Would you share your water parameters? pH, ppm/EC... Many Thanks! David

[@ExtraKanin]

Tikki, I can see that your tubes are producing color. Could that be a contributing factor? 8:59