More about Kratky Hydroponics

In my last post, I wrote about Basil in a Kratky Can, and I want to include the video update we did on this experiment with this post.

The Kratky method of hydroponics addresses a few issues some people might have with hydroponics, one being the need for electricity to run the pumps for the systems. Eliminating that factor makes this method attractive for those wishing to reduce their dependence on these types of energy sources. 

But this method does have some limitations, limitations that may or may not be overcome with certain modifications to the system. For example, the basic concept speaks to growing greens and lettuces – quick growing crops that are harvested within a specific timeline. They're ready to harvest by the time the supply of nutrients is spent.

But for plants such as tomato, cucumber, and squash that have a continuing cycle of production, the Kratky method doesn't seem practical. You would need a container with a 12 inch depth for the roots; you would need to consistently refill that container; and you would need a way to stake the plants.

Well, that just sounds like a challenge to me.

You'll note in the video that I consistently refill my Kratky cans with fish water, and the basil, then, just keeps growing, and I continue to harvest basil leaves. That's a start to addressing one issue, anyway.

So, I'm working on a way to apply the Kratky method to fruit bearing plants. I can work on this over the summer, while my soil garden takes its respite.

In the meantime…

From the top of the ladder

Temperatures are climbing here in Phoenix, and we're reaching the 100 degree mark in the afternoons. Tomato production in the soil garden is slowing down, but the eggplant is going strong, as are the sweet peppers and hot peppers. Not sure what's going to happen with the squash and cucumber though.

The sun shades are up, and though we didn't get to video the installation, I did manage to snap a few photos. From the roof, no less.

Bob adjusts a turn-bolt on the shade

And I purchased a blueberry bush. It's self pollinating, so I don't think I need to get another one for cross pollination, but I just may pick one up anyway. Because I want to. I'll be getting those into the garden next week, and very likely will have a few words to say about it. I'll take some pictures.

Basil in a Kratky Can

Basil in March in Kratky Can

Some time back we tried a strawberry plant in a kind of miniature Kratky hydroponic system, using a coffee can. Though the strawberry plant didn't thrive, I wasn't ready to abandon the experiment. So now we're re-doing the experiment, this time with sweet basil.
The basil is doing well, and I'm already harvesting stems from the plants. The plants do draw up quite a bit of nutrient solution from the limited reservoir, and of course here in Phoenix, the solution is also subject to evaporation.

Basil in April in Kratky Can

To keep the water level high enough to maintain the plants, I simply dip into the fish tank in the aquaponics system and add that nutrient rich water to the can. The basil plants love this stuff.

So I'm counting this Kratky in a Can experiment a success. The leaves are large and flavorful; the roots are dense and of good color; and the plants continue to thrive using the fish water as a nutrient solution.

Back in the Soil Garden

Meanwhile, back in the beds in the soil garden, the veggies are coming in agonizingly slow. I've put up the sun shades so the beds don't get overly warm in the mid-day sun. Just a few weeks ago, I was covering them in blankets to protect them against the frosts.


Sun Shades for the Garden

I've talked with other gardeners here in the valley of the sun, and I'm hearing the same thing. We're looking to start harvesting some of the early veggies - the first batch of tomatoes, an eggplant or two, a few peppers. Instead, our tomatoes are just starting to think about turning red; our peppers aren't fattening up yet; and the squash is still half asleep.

We're all blaming it on the late winter cold snaps.

But the temperatures are climbing quickly now, with daytime temps in the 80s and 90s. The nights, though, are still cool; I'm hoping everything kicks into high gear before the dreaded summer heat settles in.

Thinking about the Fall Garden

Emerging Eggplant

So while I wait for the spring garden to come to harvest, I'm thinking about what I want to plant in September and October, when the weather cools and it's time once again to plant the seedlings started weeks ago, when the weather was so hot we used oven mitts to drive until the air conditioning kicked in.

It's May, so I want to start seeds in about a month. I want to start some pumpkin and spaghetti squash, leeks and broccoli, and of course, tomatoes. I'll use a fast growing tomato, such as Early Girl, to get a harvest before it's a little too chilly.

And I'm thinking about some pinto beans and snap beans, and maybe some peas and carrots, along with cucumbers. I'm thinking the cucumbers just might thrive during the still warm, but not blazingly hot days in September and October. If we have a good November -sunny and warm- I'll have cucumber salad for Thanksgiving.

And by then, I'll be ready to put in the winter garden.