The Kratky method is ideal for beginners as it requires no pumps or electricity. Gather a dark, opaque container (like a food-grade bucket), net pots, growing medium (like rockwool or coco coir), and your chosen seedlings or seeds. Fill the container with a pre-mixed hydroponic nutrient solution and place the net pot with the seedling so that the roots are submerged, but the base of the stem is above the water. As the plant grows and consumes water, an air gap will naturally form, providing oxygen to the roots. For a starting point, try growing leafy greens like lettuce using a pre-mixed nutrient solution from a reputable supplier. You can find detailed guides and starter kits at websites like GrowAce: https://www.growace.com/blogs/news/kratky-method-hydroponics-guide

Hydroponic plants rely entirely on the nutrient solution for all their needs. Research the specific nutrient requirements for the plants you intend to grow. Nutrient solutions are typically sold as multi-part concentrates that you mix with water. Crucially, you must monitor and adjust the pH of your solution, as plants can only absorb certain nutrients within a specific pH range (usually 5.5-6.5 for most plants). Invest in a reliable pH meter and pH Up/Down solutions to make adjustments.

While hydroponics is soil-less, plants still need support. Common growing mediums include rockwool, coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, and clay pebbles (hydroton). Each has different properties regarding water retention, aeration, and pH neutrality. For beginners, rockwool cubes are excellent for starting seeds, and clay pebbles are popular for supporting larger plants in net pots.

Start with plants that are known to thrive in hydroponic systems and are relatively forgiving. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale, as well as herbs like basil, mint, and parsley, are excellent choices for beginners. Fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers can be more challenging and may require more complex systems and nutrient management.

The Kratky method is ideal for beginners as it requires no pumps or electricity. Gather a dark, opaque container (like a food-grade bucket), net pots, growing medium (like rockwool or coco coir), and your chosen seedlings or seeds. Fill the container with a pre-mixed hydroponic nutrient solution and place the net pot with the seedling so that the roots are submerged, but the base of the stem is above the water. As the plant grows and consumes water, an air gap will naturally form, providing oxygen to the roots. For a starting point, try growing leafy greens like lettuce using a pre-mixed nutrient solution from a reputable supplier. You can find detailed guides and starter kits at websites like GrowAce: https://www.growace.com/blogs/news/kratky-method-hydroponics-guide

Hydroponic plants rely entirely on the nutrient solution for all their needs. Research the specific nutrient requirements for the plants you intend to grow. Nutrient solutions are typically sold as multi-part concentrates that you mix with water. Crucially, you must monitor and adjust the pH of your solution, as plants can only absorb certain nutrients within a specific pH range (usually 5.5-6.5 for most plants). Invest in a reliable pH meter and pH Up/Down solutions to make adjustments.

While hydroponics is soil-less, plants still need support. Common growing mediums include rockwool, coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, and clay pebbles (hydroton). Each has different properties regarding water retention, aeration, and pH neutrality. For beginners, rockwool cubes are excellent for starting seeds, and clay pebbles are popular for supporting larger plants in net pots.

Start with plants that are known to thrive in hydroponic systems and are relatively forgiving. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale, as well as herbs like basil, mint, and parsley, are excellent choices for beginners. Fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers can be more challenging and may require more complex systems and nutrient management.