Are you curious about how to grow your plants in a safer and healthier way for you and the environment? Have you heard about the Kratky hydroponics method, but are not sure what it is?
This article shares all you need to know in order to begin growing your plants with this innovative but ancient practice.
Previous civilizations have been making use of this method for centuries. The hanging gardens in Babylon, the ancient Egyptians, and the Aztecs of Mexico all show evidence of growing plants without using soil.
Let’s take a deeper look into the Kratky hydroponics method. Starting with what hydroponics is.
What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics by definition means “working water”. The word hydro means “water” and the word Ponos means “work or labor” after the Greek god Ponos, the god of hard labor and toil.
In our modern definition hydroponics is the process of growing plants without soil. This is done by growing plants in nutrient rich water. Some methods also use other materials. For example, the use of gravel, wool, sand, and other materials can also assist with the of growing plants.
Now that we have a better understanding of hydroponics lets see what Kratky hydroponics method involves.
What is Kratky Hydroponics?
As our soil supply continues to deteriorate, more and more people have been searching for ways to grow healthier food for their families and community.
The Kratky hydroponics method is a passive hydroponic process for growing plants. This begins with suspending the plants above a reservoir of nutrient-dense water. Net cups hold the plants along with an un-moving, stable material such as mineral wool or coconut coir.
The net cups are then placed above a water reservoir containing the essential nutrients.
The root tips are the only part of the plant allowed to touch the water. As the plant grows and depletes the water, an area of moist air forms between the gap of the water and the plant.
By the time the water is gone the plant should be ready for harvest.
In summary, Kratky hydroponics is the method of growing plants by suspending the plant above nutrient-rich water allowing the plant to grow without the need for soil.
When would you use Kratky Hydroponics?
If you have concerns with the soil quality in your area, but still want to grow vegetables that can offer nourishment; using the Kratky hydroponics method is ideal.
It can be an alternative for large commercial growers or a backyard grower that wants to supply healthy vegetables to a neighboring farmers market.
Some benefits to using this method are:
- Yielding higher amounts of produce than with a traditional approach of soil-based agriculture.
- Being able to grow and consume vegetables in an area of the world where crops are not supported by soil.
- Avoiding the use of pesticides, consequently making the quality of your grow safer for you, and others to enjoy. At the same time, you are promoting a healthier environment in the process.
The vegetables that are often grown with hydroponics include:
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Beets
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Potatoes
And much more.
How is Kratky Hydroponics different from other forms of the hydroponic culture?
There are many different forms of hydroponic growth.
Some include:
Aeroponics – This approach is different because it doesn’t include any form of growing medium such as a net cup. Instead plants are suspended in a dark enclosed area, where then the plant’s roots are sprayed with the nutrients they need at scheduled times.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) – In this approach to hydroponic growing the nutrients are pumped into channels that store the plants. The channels or holding tanks are on a slant that allows the nutrient solution to flow over the plant’s roots.
Deep Water Culture (DWC) – This method involves the plant’s roots being suspended in a nutrient-rich solution. Then, some air is provided directly to the roots of the plant from an air source.
There are 3 other methods. They are Wick hydroponics, Ebb and flow hydroponics, and Drip hydroponics. All offering a different method of safely growing plants.
How do you get started using Kratky Hydroponics?
If you want to get started with Kratky hydroponics and build a stronger understanding of how to get started HydroKrat.com is a wonderful resource. There you can fill in any gaps you have about the Kratky hydroponics process. And Learn all there is to know to begin your Kratky hydroponic garden with confidence.
Summary
There are many methods you can choose to grow your plants and vegetables without soil.
It’s a method our ancestors have adopted and for good reason. It’s a safe way to grow plants and also shows a caring attitude toward the environment, yourself, and society.
You now understand what hydroponics is and what Kratky hydroponics is.
You also now know its importance and when you would decide to use this method. Furthermore, you understand what makes it different from traditional soil-based agriculture and other hydroponic methods.
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