The Kratky Method: Getting Started

[ERR0R1755]

This guide is originally from a site called Green and Vibrant that no longer exists - I've removed some information, simplified the steps, and broke it up into separate images for easier viewing.

[ERR0R1755]

[ERR0R1755]

You can also use gallon jugs as a substitute for a container, with the AeroGarden pod as a substitute for the net cup, and an AeroGarden sponge as a substitute for the growing media.

[ERR0R1755]

Step 1 can be skipped if you're using a container that already has an opening, such as a bottle, jug, or mason jar.

[ERR0R1755]

Depending on what you're growing, you will want to refill with water and nutrients from time to time.

One gallon of water + nutrients is enough for an entire lettuce plant, but if you're growing tomatoes in a gallon jug, you'll have to refill it multiple times.

Never refill the container more than 3/4 of the way, or you'll drown the plant.

[ERR0R1755]

[Sher]

Excellent introduction to Kratky, ERR0R1755!

[Shawn]

Wonderful post ERR0R1755

[elainev]

I'm trying to figure out "How much fertilizer/nutrient?"

Start off with 1/2 nutrient like AeroGarden says, then after 1 month, empty 1/2 again and later increase fertilizer to the full amount?

or>?

Start off with the maximum fertilizer?

My farm holds 2 gallons of water per side, so I was going to calculate how much nutrient to put into a gallon of water to begin Kratky jars.

Do I think correctly on this: Begin the jar with nutrient and only "top up" with water until the time you empty the jar and refill with fresh nutrient, then "top up" again only with water?

[airscapes]

This should be helpful!  It explains the process and why you only use a low dose of nute. With true Kratky you don't change the solution or add water.

scienceinhydroponics.com

[Sher]

That was a good explanation.

I wondered why Khang Starr only starts with 5 ml AG nutriemts per gallon and never increased it.

[ERR0R1755]

I have been using 1ml of CALiMAGic (only needed if you're using RO or distilled water?) and 5ml of AG nutes per gallon.

With the original Kratky method, you did not refill the container - so people would grow things like tomatoes and cucumbers in 50-60 gallon containers

That is still the easiest method if you have the room, but if you don't, then you want to be careful not to refill the container too much (and drown the plant). It also helps to clean out the container with plain water every once in a while to remove any salts that have been building up from the nutrients.

If you want to use the original method and you are struggling to figure out how large of a container to use (how much water), I found this site where someone records all of the plants they grow including water usage:
buckethydroponics.wordpress.com/plant-index/

[elainev]

I bought/read Kratky's book and still don't understand the fertilizer. I don't want to invest in expensive meters for ppm etc. I bought a Ball herb growing kit - jar and all, hoping to find the correct fertilizer ratio in the instructions. Fertilizer was included, but I don't know what type it is. I'm left wondering.

The reason I want to use AeroGarden nutrients is that I read it's already adjusted for pH (if using the right water. I've read a lot about using a combination of Masterblend 4-18-38,   Calcium Nitrate and Magnesium Sulfate (1 gram) per gallon. BUT it always says to adjust the pH. Sorry, but I don't want to get that complicated for a first try. Maybe I'm asking too much.

The Ball instructions do say top up with water, but to never go above the original water level. Says to let the solution gradually go lower and lower with each top-up with water. Says after a month, drain and replace the nutrient to the lowest water level reached.

[ERR0R1755]

For the nutrients included with the Ball Herb Growing Kit, it sounds like you want to use 1/8 tsp per two cups of water. (or 1 teaspoon per gallon)

I got that information from the instruction manual, but I don't know if yours differs.

As far as nutrients in general goes - each formula or brand is different, so there's no precise way to find out without experimentation, someone else's experimentation, or meters. 5ml per gallon has treated me well for AG nutes

[elainev]

"5ml per gallon has treated me well for AG nute"

Sounds good to me. I'll try it! Thanks so much.

[elainev]

In the video, I found what the Ball herb growing kit used (basil). The kit comes with Schultz 20-20-20 and used 1/8 teaspoon per 2 cups!

So it would be Schultz 20-20-20:

1 teaspoon per gallon water

(2 cups = 1 pint and there are 8 pints to a gallon. Multiply 1/8 teaspoon x 8 and it's 1 even teaspoon)

[elainev]

Thanks for that! -----> "I wondered why Khang Starr only starts with 5 ml AG nutriemts per gallon and never increased it."

I found his video and he said that Dyna Gro is already buffered (no ph test required) and he used

5 ml (1 teaspoon) of the 7-9-5 Dyna Gro to one gallon of water.

So, another alternative!

Cool!

[elainev]

I bought the Dyna-Gro 7-9-5 liquid plant food and it says in the directions

"Use 2 to 3 teaspoons grow per gallon of water in recirculating systems

or use 1 teaspoon Dyna-Gro per gallon water for non-circulating systems"

So it's definitely 1 teaspoon Dyna-Gro nutrient per gallon of water for Kratky jars. (1 teaspoon = 5 ml)

When I transplant my tomatoes to the EarthBox, I'm going to use 1 teaspoon per gallon water to "water them in"

[Shawn]

ERR0R1755 would know as he is our resident Kratky Expert

[ERR0R1755]

I have not used Dyna-Gro before, but Kratky is a non-recirculating method so that sounds right to me.