The no-circulation Kratky hydroponic method requires no pumps, electricity, or wicks. Let’s do a little recap of this post by answering some interesting questions about canning jar hydroponics. I also consider the hydroponics of mason jars to be a wonderful alternative to indoor hydroponic gardens, such as those from iDoo or AeroGarden. By some, it is considered the 7th hydroponic system, the cheapest and easiest of all.
What can you grow with the Kratky method?
While most tomatoes are harder for the Kratky method, cherry tomatoes are great for the hydroponic system. Before you buy an expensive system with timers, regulators, grow lights, and more, you can test hydroponics with the Kratky method. However, reputable commercial producers tend to choose more complex and sophisticated methods for their business. These are more of an intermediate maintenance, as they need to be pollinated daily, but otherwise strawberries are pretty easy.
Do you need nutrients for the Kratky method
The most common Kratky setup uses a reservoir (5-gallon buckets, mason jars, or other reused items) that holds a nutrient solution. Dry nutrients (also known as soluble or salt nutrients) are the industry standard for hydroponic nutrient solutions. At a rate of 8 ml per 4 liters (1 gallon), add the remaining volume of the nutrient solution (not the initial solution volume you started the plants with). Animal or plant inputs that are relatively inert in origin, such as bone meal, would not be problematic, but their ability to release nutrients will be limited in a Kratky solution.
