Episode-2626- Simple, Fast and Easy Kratky Hydroponics for Growing Food




The Survival Podcast show

Summary: I consider it quite fortunate that back in late November of 2019 a listener asked me about something called, “Kratky Hydroponics” named for Dr. Kratky who is a professor at the University of Hawaii.  Up until that point I had never really seriously considered hydroponics as I vastly preferred aquaponics because it is a more natural system. When I grasped the true simplicity of Kratky though it would not let go of me.  I first used it to create a very inexpensive and productive seed starting system and even that system grew some things so fast it was producing food for me.  I quickly grew beyond it to my indoor vertical farm system.  Today though we are going to stick 90% to Kratky with just a few ideas on systems that use pumps. My goal is for anyone who listens today to be confident enough to try Kratky at some scale and hence be eating food they grew themselves in under 30 days time from right now. Join Me Today to Discuss… Exactly what is Kratky and why does it work so well The two types of roots it produces and why it is important that you know the difference Why indoor growing under lights is such a great idea especially to get started Why you might not want to do things exactly like I did Ideas for Kratky Contiainers “Rubbermaid Totes” Ball Jars 5 Gallon Buckets Lined Box Frames Kitchen “Tupperware” Garbage Cans If it holds fluid it will work, but think about how much it holds a great deal Container depth needs are subject to the plants, the time of growth and the space My two go to choices for nutrient Texas Tomato Food – Super Convenient Master Blend – It works, you need a scale My go to choices for equipment Barrina Lights for Indoors – Link Rapid Rooter Plugs – Link CZ Net Pots – Link – Pick the Size for Your Application Nice to Have Items EC Meter – Link PH Meter – Link PH Up or Down (pick one) Mortar Mixer – You can get them at any Home Depot, Lowes Etc they are over priced on Amazon but this is what I mean Growing Lettuces and Short Duration Greens Super simple as one cycle and done Cut and come again 1 to 2 times, by then have new starts ready Best for lettuce, arugula, spinach, basil, etc. Growing Long Duration Greens (Chard, etc) May want to treat them like lettuces Might be best to transplant them to soil May do well companion planted with tier two crops (below) Tier Two Crops Fruiting crops like squash, egg plant, tomato, peppers, etc. Require more dense nutrient solution Require larger containers (5 gallons minimum) Would be best to grow outside (with some shelter) May want to employ float valves Some thoughts on plumbing right now The cheap bulkheads I recommend have super long lead times, here is a work around that may work All local building supply, plumbing, garden, ag, etc. stores are still open, many deliver You can design static layouts for plumbing options later on, just have the plan in mind You need a schedule for checking and filling if you don’t have automation Remember the two root types, never top up, fill up to a pre determined “top” once major growth has begun The roots themselves when healthy do act as wicks Some final considerations Block light, grow plants not algae Yes I reuse some of the rapid rooter plugs, here is how Spacing is dependent on the plants and your harvest timing Warm temps really do help especially with germination Yes you can grown in a window, there are limits, lettuce is likely best I have not been hardening transplants, all have lived but some have not been happy at first Use simple solutions and learn, you can always add more to them Start with some fast turn crops even if you really want peppers, tomatoes, etc. Strongly consider some sort of indoor solution in the short term Any shelf will do but consider vertical spacing 2x4s and cinder blocks make quick, strong, cheap, shelving (easy to later repurposed) Kratky is GREAT f[...]