Kratky's passive hydroponic approach: Growing without pumps or electricity

Hydroponics is one of the most simple, interesting and productive gardening out there, it refers to growing plants in water based nutrient solution without soil. Often it is seen that in hydroponics lots of moving parts like pumps, wicks, bubblers, timers and in addition electricity is involved to supply power. This requires high maintenance and monitoring.

But, did you know that there is a method that is completely close to a "hands-off" technique, with no requirement of any electronic device nor electricity. This method is called as -

The Kratky Method

The Kratky's hydroponic method is a type of hydroponic method that does not rely on pumps, or any electronic device instead the plants can be placed in a container of nutrient rich water, and the water is allowed to flow over the roots passively. 

This is ideal for indoor gardening and is popular among home growers. 

This method is considered passive hydroponics, as no pumps are required to circulate nutrients and water, neither is there a need to change the water for rejuvenating oxygen, as the plant grows, the water level drops and creating air space for roots. By the time the plant water level is depleted the plant is ready for harvest. This is by far the most simple, inexpensive and low maintenance method of hydroponics. It is like- 'set it and forget it' and is basically a living plant in a jug. 

Why is it known as the Kratky's method?

This method was first proposed by a researcher at the University of Hawaii, named Bernard Kratky, in the journal Acta Horticulture,2009. This technique is designed for leafy vegetables that doesn't consume lots of water.

Steps for setting up Kratky's hydroponics:- 

1) Getting a container for holding water and nutrient solution. A mason jar can also be used for setting up a single plant, a 5 gallon bucket or any opaque container can be used, depending on size of plant.

2) Cut or drill a hole in the lid container large enough to fit a net pot/cup.( A net pot is a webbed plastic hydroponic container that has holes in the bottom that allows the solution to drain and nutrients to reach the roots). 

3) Fill the container with water and add hydroponic nutrient solution, check and adjust the pH meter, if possible fill the container until the water touches the bottom of the net cup. 

4) Place the growing media along with seeds or plant in the net pots and place it onto the drilled lid. (Coconut fibre, rockwool, perlite or clay aggregates can be used as growing media).

Below are the things required for setting up Kratky's hydroponics along with the setup:-

Leafy vegetables like lettuces, spinach and other herbs are best with this method as these plants have fast - growing rate. Plants like tomatoes can also be grown but they require large container and moreover their pH, nutrient and temperature levels have to be controlled, so it is quite difficult to grow root crops and tomatoes in Katky's method. 

Pros and Cons of Kratky's method:

Pros:

• Minimum maintenace
• Low electricity needed 
• Low cost
• Best for indoor gardening

Cons:

• Stagnant water can attract pests, and has aeration problems
• Harder to control temperature
• Viable only for few plant varieties

Conclusion

It is undeniable that with the help of Kratky's method one can have a garden growing without soil, this being the very reason why Kratcy has gained good momentum over the years. This method has its charms and is a great starter for anyone new to hydroponics. On the whole it can be said that Kratky's method is great for home gardeners and also for very small scale commercial gardening.