Hydroponic Gardening "The Kratky Method"

For years, I have been interested in Hydroponic Gardening and this summer I got around to trying it first hand. All hydroponic systems do not use any earth, and most use pumps to circulate the nutrient-filled water through the various pipes where the plants are being grown.

Most systems I have seen have been done indoors, and I don't really have the intention of setting up space in the house to grow plants over the winter so this year's experience has been outdoors only.

The set up was easy and all the supplies are reusable with the exception of the nutrients. I bought three five gallon pails with lids from a big box store, two to grow the plants in and one to mix the nutrients ($20.00). The package of nutrients is designed to maximize the growth of the cucumber and tomato plants. It set me back $50 but will last at least five years based on the amount of plants I intend on growing in the future. Note that I chose to buy the five gallon pails (as I am an overachiever) but you can use whatever container you want that may already be in your home.

I purchased four cucumber plants and four tomato plants. This is not any different than what I would plant in the ground so I don't consider that an expense specific to this "Kratky Method". When you buy these regular plants from a traditional greenhouse, they come in little cells with earth and you have to wash the earth off and that is a little bit of a pain. Next year I will try the plants from seeds and that should be faster and a little less expensive.

I chose a very sunny location and raised the containers on patio stones . The area already had existing gravel on the ground so I didn't need to build a trellis (although that would be an improvement for next year).

Admittedly, I got started late this year (for various reasons) and will plan for an earlier start next year. This weekend I expect to start harvesting cucumbers and expect the yield to be about 35 (more than what our household can use). Tomatoes are coming along nicely and the harvest (remember I was late starting) will be late August.

This system does require a lot of checking on the nutrients. I have a system in mind to drip water and nutrients daily so I would only have to refill water once a week. I will let you know how that works out. If you want more information, go to Youtube and search for "Kratky Hydroponics".