Kratky Hydroponics
Kratky is a type of hydroponics where you suspend plants at the top of a container, and have the roots of the plants dangle down into a nutrient solution. It can be used to grow plants outdoors and/or indoors.
Equipment:
- Container: to hold everything. Ensure it is a container that is not clear, or that you wrap or paint the container (to prevent algae growth).
- Note: You can convert plastic containers by cutting or drilling a hole the same diameter as your insert into the lid.
- Plant inserts. You can buy them online, or 3d-print them.
- Growing Solution.
- Rockwool seed-starting squares
- Clay balls
Note: if you want to avoid plastic as much as possible, this method is still possible with a clay pot and a wood lid with holes drilled for the inserts.
About:
- Start the seeds in rockwool seed starters(Rockwool is natural basalt rock and recycled slag). Note: if you use soil anywhere in the setup, it will likely lead to root-rot.
- Once the seedlings are big enough to transfer, place them in the inserts with clay balls. You can use a thick cotton string between your seedlings and into the water to help bring moisture to your seedling, and help lead the roots to the solution. Otherwise, wait to put the insert into your container until the roots are long enough to reach the solution.
