Growing plants with the Kratky method is a great way to create your own produce at home, even when you don’t have much space or time. This simple technique involves placing plant cuttings directly into water with nutrients and allowing them to grow without any soil. Unline some hydroponic systems, it doesn’t require electricity.
It’s simplicity and the ability to use it off-grid made it ideal for hydroponic growers who want to experiment with different plants, and for anyone looking to get started with hydroponic growing without investing in a lot of equipment.
The Kratky method can be used to grow a variety of plants, including leafy greens and other produce. With this method, you can save time and money while still growing delicious food in your own home.
Before growing any plant you should know that the larger the plant is – the larger the container should be. Leafy greens and herbs can grow in smaller containers than tomatoes and strawberries.
All these plants can be grown using the Kratky hydroponic method. How many did you know are possible and how many have you tried?
Salad Royalty
Lettuce
This one I’m sure you knew. Everyone beginner hydroponic gardener knows you can grow lettuce this way. But do you know all these 20 types of lettuce? Some are crunchy, some are softer, they come in shades of green, purple, white, and yellow – and they will make your food richer in flavor.
5-8 weeks in a small to medium container with nutrient-rich water and you have yourself a fine source of fiber, iron, folate, and vitamin C.
Celery
Another plant you can easily grow with the Kratky method is celery. This flavorful and nutritious plant is a great addition to any kitchen, whether you use it fresh in salads, or cooked in soups and stews. It takes hydroponic celery 2-3 weeks to grow before it’s ready for harvest.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another well-known hydroponic crop that can thrive using the Kratky method. With this easy technique, you can grow an abundance of delicious tomatoes right at home, no matter how much space you have. Whether you prefer heirloom tomatoes or small and juicy cherry tomatoes, the Kratky method is an excellent way to get started with hydroponic growing.
Cucumbers
Another popular crop that can be grown hydroponically using the Kratky method is cucumbers. These crisp, refreshing veggies are perfect for snacking on fresh or adding to salads and other dishes. It can take a few months, usually around 3, from sprouting until you get to eat your very first seld-grown cucumber.
Whether you grow long, thin cucumbers or smaller varieties like pickling cucumbers, hydroponic growing with the Kratky method is a great way to get started.
Spinach
Spinach is a great leafy green to grow hydroponically with the Kratky method. This nutrient-dense vegetable is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin A. You can start harvesting its leaves within just a few weeks of planting and continue harvesting for several months.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers are an excellent addition to any home garden, and they can easily be grown hydroponically using the Kratky method. With this technique, you can experiment with a wide range of different colors, shapes, and sizes of bell pepper plants – all without needing a lot of space or investment in equipment. Simply place your sprouts in the water and watch them grow to full maturity.
Jalapeño
Yes, I know it’s pepper. Still, I couldn’t ignore them. With the Kratky method, you can easily add these spicy peppers to your home garden and use them whenever you want! They are great for chilies, salsa, pizza-jalapeños and so much more. It takes them 1-2 weeks from seed to sprout and 7-11 weeks to grow. They are easy to grow too since they don’t need a lot of water or nutrients.
Herbs and leaves
Growing herbs hydroponically using the Kratky method is a great idea for gardeners of all skill levels. This easy technique allows you to grow your favorite herbs with minimal effort and investment, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to start their own home garden. The only thing you will need to purchase is a nutrient solution. These herbs have a small root system, so you won’t need a large container. A used and clean coffee jar wrapped in aluminum foil should be just enough.
Whether you want to add fresh herbs to your favorite dishes, or are looking for easy-to-care-for plants to decorate your home, these herbs are easily grown hydroponically:
Mint
Mint is a versatile herb that can be added to almost any dish for an extra burst of flavor. The crisp and cool herb is easy to grow hydroponically using the Kratky method, and it can take as little as 2 weeks from seed to sprout! Whether you use fresh mint in salads or tea (try using fresh leaves and don’t dry them out) this nutrient-rich herb is a great addition to your garden.
Basil
Basil literally means “of the king”. This royal plant was good enough to be served at a king’s table. With its fragrant and slightly sweet flavor, basil is the perfect herb for adding a burst of fresh flavor to any dish. It’s also easy to grow with Kratky, making it a great option for anyone just starting out with hydroponics. Basil is a fast-growing plant that can take about 2 weeks to reach maturity, though it will also depend on the variety you choose. When harvesting, don’t forget to leave some leaves for photosynthesis and not use the whole plant.
Whether you prefer sweet basil, Thai basil, or even purple basil, this versatile herb is sure to be a hit in your kitchen!
Dill
Dill is a key ingredient in Eastern European cuisine and you use it in soups and stews, or as a garnish for salads. With its deep green color and slightly sweet, nutty flavor, it is a fun herb to add to any dish. And with the Kratky method, you can grow this delicious herb right at home! It only takes 1-2 weeks from seed to sprout, after which it will take about 2 months for your plant to grow to its full size.
Chives
Chives are a versatile and nutritious herb that is easy to grow with Kratky. Whether you use them fresh in salads or soups, sandwiches, omelet, or dried for added flavor later on, these green onion-like plants are an excellent choice for any home gardener. They take about 3 weeks from seed to sprout and less than 2 months to grow to full size, making them a quick and easy option for hydroponic growing.
Sage
With a pungent, earthy flavor and beautiful silvery color, sage is the perfect herb to add an extra burst of flavor and freshness to any dish. And with the Kratky method, it’s easy to grow this versatile herb at home! Sage usually takes about 3 weeks from seed to sprout and less than 2 months to reach full maturity. Whether you use it fresh in dishes or dry it for later, this nutrient-rich herb is sure to be a favorite addition to your garden. You can add it to your tea, fish, or stew (it goes great with bay laurel), and if you haven’t tried butter-sage sauce for pasta or gnocchi – you’re missing out.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another versatile herb that is perfect for adding a fresh burst of flavor to any dish. With its piney and slightly lemony aroma, this nutrient-rich herb is a great addition to your home garden. It takes about 2 weeks from seed to sprout with the Kratky method, and usually only takes about 3 months to reach full maturity. You can use rosemary to season meat and fish dishes, or add it to baked goods for a delicious flavor and aroma. Whether you choose fresh or dried rosemary, this herb is sure to be a favorite in your kitchen!
Lavender
If you’re looking for a fragrant, eye-catching plant to grow at home, choose lavender! With its pale purple color and delicate aroma, this wonderful herb will add a fresh burst of flavor to your home garden. Growing it with Kratky takes about 2 weeks from seed to sprout and only 3 months to reach full maturity. You can use lavender fresh or dried, and it adds a beautiful flavor to almost any dish – from salads and soups to baked goods and desserts. Whether you’re looking for a natural way to soothe stress or just love the smell of this herb, lavender is sure to be a winner in your garden.
Green onions
Last but not least, green onions are a great choice for hydroponic growing with the Kratky method. Whether you use them in salads or as a garnish for other dishes, these flavorful veggies are easy to grow at home and provide you with consistent harvests throughout the season. They can be started from seed and will reach maturity in as little as 2 weeks. With the Kratky method, you can have fresh green onions whenever you need them!
Root Vegetables
Not all root vegetables can be grown hydroponically. Some will grow better under the ground, in soil. But if you have a large container for the large root system, and some experience and resourcefulness – you will probably see fruit in your labor. These root vegetables can be grown with the Kratky method.
Beets
Beets are a popular root vegetable that can be grown with Kratky. Whether you use them in salads, pickled, or roasted – these bright red veggies are sure to be a hit at your next meal. They take about 2 weeks from seed to sprout and only 3 months to reach full maturity.
Carrots
Carrots are another delicious root vegetable that can be grown with Kratky. With their bright orange color and sweet, earthy flavor, carrots add a burst of freshness to any dish. If you feel edgy, try growing purple, yellow or white carrots. This versatile veggie takes about 2 weeks from seed to sprout and only 1-2 months to reach full harvest. Whether you use them raw , roasted, or pickled – these nutrient-rich veggies are sure to be a welcome addition to your garden.
This is a fabulous video of a guy who grew Kratky carrots and you should at least scheme through it:
Onions
Looking for a quick and easy way to grow onions at home? Look no further than Kratky! Whether you use them fresh in salads, as an aromatic garnish, or dried for later use, these flavorful veggies are easy to grow with the Kratky method. Onions usually take about 3 weeks from seed to sprout and less than 2 months to reach full maturity. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or white onions – Kratky makes it easy to have your favorite variety at home. So why wait? Start growing your own onions today!
Garlic
Garlic is a key ingredient in my kitchen. It can be grown hydroponically with the Kratky method. It usually takes about 3 weeks from seed to sprout, and less than 2 months to reach full maturity. You can start by taking one clove, placing it in a small jar (only the roots should touch the water), and then transferring it to deeper water.
It is easy to grow at home and can be used in a wide variety of cooking styles and dishes. Whether you enjoy the mild, sweet flavor of elephant garlic or prefer the sharp bite of traditional garlic – this versatile herb is sure to become your go-to for adding a flavorful burst to your meals.
Bush fruit (mostly berries!)
Many fruits grow on trees, and you wouldn’t grow trees hydroponically. The roots are too big and need too much space and depth. But berries grow on a bush, which makes them a great choice for hydroponics. As I previously mentioned, if the plant has fruit – plant it in a large container. The more room the root has to grow, the more fruit you will have.
If you can monitor the climate, you don’t have to plant them in their season. But if you can’t or won’t control the growing climate, make sure to plant them in their season or you won’t see fruit.
Strawberries
Looking for delicious and easy-to-grow fruit for your hydroponic garden? Look no further than strawberries! These sweet and juicy berries are perfect for snacking or adding to jams, pies, and other baked goods. With the Kratky method, you can easily grow these tasty fruits at home. They usually take about 3 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to reach full maturity. The ideal season to plant strawberries is in the fall, but they can be planted in spring if better divisions are available.
Blueberries
From smoothies to muffins and everything in between – blueberries are fantastic or snacking, baking, eating with yogurt, or adding to smoothies. It is both healthy and delicious. With the Kratky method, you can easily grow these tasty berries at home. They typically take 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to reach full maturity. The ideal season to plant blueberries is in the spring, but they can easily be planted in the fall as well.
Cherries
Growing hydroponically, cherries typically take 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to fully mature. There are many different varieties of cherries – including tart or sour, Bing, Rainier, and more – so you can easily find a type that is perfect for your tastes. Whether you like to eat them fresh, add them to salads or baked goods, or make jams – cherries are sure to be a delicious and nutritious addition to your hydroponic garden. Just be sure to plant them in their season: late spring to early summer!
Raspberries
Raspberries are one of the tastiest berries around, and they are also super easy to grow with the Kratky method. Typically taking 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to fully mature, these delicious fruits can be harvested throughout the growing season. Whether you enjoy them fresh or frozen, raspberries make a great addition to your hydroponic garden. Just plant them in the late spring or early summer and you will be enjoying these sweet berries in no time!
Blackberries
With the Kratky method, you can easily grow tasty blackberries at home. They typically take 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to fully mature. The ideal season to plant blackberries is in the early summer, but they can be planted in the late spring as well. Whether you like to eat them fresh or use them to make jams and other preserves, these delicious berries are sure to become a favorite in your hydroponic garden.
Watermelon
It’s no berry (although I wish there was a watermelon berry) but it is a bush. Since the fruit is huge, You will need an extra large container for it, but still, the branches should touch the ground to support the fruit’s size.
It takes fruit 2-3 months before it’s ripe, but once it does, you will be enjoying plenty of delicious watermelons. Just be sure to plant them in their season: early summer!
Other Vegetables
Broccoli
As another nutritious vegetable, broccoli is a great choice for your hydroponic garden. With the Kratky method, you can easily grow this tasty veggie at home. It typically takes 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to reach full maturity. The ideal season to plant broccoli is in early summer or late fall, but it can be planted in spring as well. Whether you like to eat it fresh or add it to soups and other recipes, broccoli is an easy and nutritious plant to grow hydroponically.
Green beans
With the Kratky method, you can easily grow tasty green beans at home. green beans typically take 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to fully mature. The ideal season to plant green beans is in early summer or late fall, but they can be planted in spring as well. They are great to sautee, roast, or add to a stir-fry – making them a delicious plant.
Pro-tip is to chop them finely and add them (raw or cooked) to your salad.
Eggplant
Another delicious and nutritious vegetable, eggplant is not only tasty but also great for your health. Click here to read how you can grow Kratky eggplant at home. It typically takes 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to fully mature. The ideal season to plant eggplant is in early summer or late fall, but it can be planted in spring as well. It’s a staple in the Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines, but don’t try it raw.
Zucchini
Another vegetable you can use in plenty of different ways is zucchini. With the Kratky method, you can grow this tasty veggie at home. It typically takes 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to reach full maturity. The ideal season to plant zucchini is in early summer or late fall, but it can be planted in spring as well. Whether you like to eat it fresh, grill it, or add it to your favorite zucchini recipes, this versatile vegetable is an easy and healthy addition to your hydroponic garden.
Okra
Have you ever had okra? This unique vegetable might be new to you, but it’s a fantastic addition to your Kratky garden. It typically takes 3-4 weeks from seed to sprout and 2-3 months to reach full maturity. The ideal season to plant okra is in early summer or late fall, but it can be planted in spring as well. Okra is a staple in many Asian and African cuisines, but you can also enjoy it fried or baked for a delicious and nutritious snack.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to grow herbs, root vegetables, or other delicious produce, the Kratky method is an easy and effective way to get started with hydroponic gardening. With consistent harvests and minimal maintenance, this simple gardening technique will help you grow your own fresh and healthy foods right at home. So why not give it a try? With a wide variety of tasty plants to choose from, there’s something for everyone in the Kratky garden.
