Kratky Jar Hydroponics: The Ultimate Hydroponic Method for Beginners

This is a quick and simple guide to making a hydroponic mason jar using the kratky method. This is one of the easiest home hydroponic set ups you can make and most, if not all of the supplies can be bought in your local gardening store. Whether you are a beginner or just looking to add something to your windowsill garden, these easy to make kratky jars work great!

You will need:

1. Wide Mouth 3" mason Jar (32 Oz)
2. Measuring Bottle (1 L)
3. Distilled or Reverse Osmosis Water (1 L)
4. Hydroponic Mix (In this case Advanced Nutrients 3 Part Mix) Many Mixes Work
5. Proper Measurment tools (Scale for dry powder and 10 mL syring for liquid fertilizers)
6. 3" Net Cups
7. Plant Seedling with Substrate. We used the largest Jiffy Coco Plugs we could find (3 Weeks Old from Germination)

     Step 1:
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How to Mix Hydroponic Solution for Kratky Method

Start by filling your 1L bottle half way with distilled or reverse osmosis water. Measure out your nutrients to get the preferred concentration for your crops. In this case I use 4 mL/L of Advance Nutrient 3 part grow. Follow your specific instructions for 1 L of nutrient solution and it will work. Measure each component in the correct order and shake well between additions. Make sure all nutrients are dissolved.

If you are not using a pre-made nutrient mix and will be using individual nutrients, add them in the following order in (g/100 L). Close Cap and shake well between additions. Use as soon as you make it, and discard the excess in your houseplants for some great growth!

1. Potassium Nitrate (50)
2. Magnesium Sulfate (40)
3. Monopotassium Phosphate and Monoammonium Phosphate (10 each)
4. Calcium Nitrate (70)
5. Micro Nutrient Mix (Recommended on the Specific Mixture)
6. Iron (11% Fe-DTPA) (5)

Shoot for a pH of 5.4-6 and an E.C. of 1.4-2

     Step 2:
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Prepared Hydroponic Mixture 1 L.

Fill the rest bottle up with your distilled or reverse osmosis water and shake the hydroponic mixture once.

     Step 3:

Finished Kratky Hydroponic System. Simple Home Garden!

Simply place net cup into mason jar with the top lid removed. Fill the mason jar up so that 1/4th of the net cup is submerged in the nutrient rich hydroponic solution then place your plant in. Almost done!
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     Step 4 Final Touch
Add a sock or makeshift covering for your jar to keep the light out. Light in the jar will lead to algae growth. Algae is a sure way to have your nutrients stolen from your crop!

Arugula in Kratky Method Mason Jar

Fresh and beautiful lettuce in 1 L Plastic Bottle Kratky Hydroponics

Hydroponic Strawberries Using the Kratky Method and a 32 Oz Mason Jar

Spicy arugula with a peppery kick in 1 L Plastic Bottle Hydroponics

There you have it! Once you get the hang of the kratky method, every recycled jar has the possibility of becoming a small hydroponic system! 

If you would like some extra help starting your own home hydroponic kratky jar then take a look at our Zen Jar! It is a DIY kit that includes all the materials needed for you to get started from home. It even includes an interactive plant growing calendar so you can easily keep track of how many days your plant has been nursing and how much longer until you start seeing flowering or fruiting depending on your choice of seed. Get started today and happy growing!

Zen Jar - Teal and Copper Color

Zen Jar - Gun Metal Color