Accessories for Kratky Jars

[elainev]

My first Kratky jar. I'm delighted with the jar cover with screw lid I found online. The top actually screws onto the jar and I can simply lift jar and all to check what's going on inside.

Separately, I ordered the black jar mouth cover that has a cut-out that perfectly fits a AeroGarden grow pod. This makes it super easy to transfer plants from my garden to the jar. I tried fitting the lid under the screw cover cap, but it doesn't work that way. The black lid fits on top of the cover. That's good in a way too because if I want to add water, check roots, etc , I just lift the black lid.

Separately, I ordered the replacement AeroGarden grow pods and covers and they fit perfectly as well.

All of these items were 3-d printed by different people, but they all fit well. I'm looking forward the the Kratky hobby and have 3 identical jars to plant.

In the photo, I transferred basil from my AeroGarden into the jar today. I put the nutrient level just at the bottom of the AeroPod sponge.

I hope that's right. Enough roots exposed to air, I think. I wondered if I should put a wick at the bottom of the pod like the Ball herb kits have, but decided to not do that and see what happens.

[Sher]

That is the most attractive Kratky setup that I have seen.

The water level is probably okay for a plant that small, but it will need a larger air gap as it grows.

[elainev]

May 6, 2021 10:00:42 GMT -5 Sher said:

That is the most attractive Kratky setup that I have seen.

The water level is probably okay for a plant that small, but it will need a larger air gap as it grows.

Thanks - as far as the roots, I just don't add water, right? As long as I get "water/nutrient roots" - let the water level come down naturally?  I'll watch it, but don't quite know what I'm doing yet. Your tips always appreciated.

[Sher]

Yes, let it come down naturally. When it starts getting really low, pour the old nutrients out and add fresh ones, leaving at least a 2 inch air gap below the basket.

Kratky is suppsed to be set it and forget it, but that doesn't work in a small container because the plant drinks up the water so fast.

ERR0R1755 may have more helpful tips for you.

[ERR0R1755]

Sher's suggestions cover just about everything, although I would add that it would be good to either wash the container out (or move it to a different/clean mason jar) every 4-5 refills.

With something like basil, you could also run into an issue if the plant gets too tall and tips the container over, but I don't think that will be an issue with a glass jar

[elainev]

I took 6 lettuce Kratky jars to work as we have employee lunches. The lettuce was started in the AG and transferred to the jars. I invited everyone to pick leaves for their sandwiches. Yesterday, we sliced off one bunch of lettuce for tacos. I decided to water them to keep the same level and once per month, clean the jar and begin 5 ml AG nutrients per gallon for a new start. Seems to work fine.

[campingcorgis]

Wow!  How cool is that!?  I hope they appreciated it too!

[Shawn]

Great way to share fresh produce

[Sher]

What a fantastic way to brighten up your office!

And I bet you will get a lot of other people interested in doing their own Kratky systems, too!

dTYNMm

[campingcorgis]

May 26, 2021 13:11:07 GMT -5 Sher said:

Oh, my gosh!!  Too cute that little guy!