Patrick M So, why are your hydroponic plants wilting or dying? Hydroponic plants wilt or die when their roots aren’t getting enough oxygen, the nutrient solution is unbalanced, or environmental conditions stress the system. Common causes include warm or stagnant water, low dissolved oxygen, pH swings, high or low EC, clogged tubing or emitters, uneven water flow … Read more
If you’re new to hydroponic grow systems, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There’s so many beginner hydro kits out there, and they all promise fast growth and big results…fast. But, some of them are overpriced. Some are poorly made. And a few are just too complicated for most people who are new to growing veggies … Read more
The Kratky method is a low-cost way to grow lettuce, arugula, herbs, and other salad greens without soil or pumps. In a Kratky bucket (or jar, or storage tote), you simply suspend a plant over a nutrient solution and let it grow as the roots gradually reach down for water and oxygen. This system means … Read more
Maybe you’ve always gardened in soil but now live in the city and don’t have much space to grow like you used to. Or maybe you’ve never grown a thing in your life but stumbled across hydroponics and felt drawn to it because the idea of growing your own food just makes sense. If you’re … Read more
If you’re new to hydro growing, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: what are the best Kratky vegetables. Or what veggies grow well with the Kratky method? Unfortunately, most posts I’ve seen online are either unhelpful or straight up misleading. Not every vegetable does well with Kratky, but a handful of them … Read more
Growing in bad soil can be a real pain, sometimes. Maybe you’ve hauled compost, fought off bugs, or watched your tomatoes shrivel in the summer heat. That’s why folks turn to hydroponics, but even then, it’s fair to ask: What’s the point of hydroponics, really? I’ve run both soil and hydro systems here on our … Read more
Hydroponics vs soil gardening, what’s better? A few years ago, I tried growing lettuce in little pots on our windowsill right after we moved to the Kenyan highlands. We had no yard yet, just a cold room with patchy sun. I figured, “Hey, I’ve grown in dirt all my life, it’ll be fine.” But nothing … Read more
When I first started growing indoors, I was drowning in choices. Deep water culture, drip systems, Kratky, and whatnot. Half of it sounded like…school. But once I figured out how each one actually works, choosing the right setup got a whole lot easier. If you’re new to hydroponics and just want a simple way to … Read more