Possible to refill container when doing Kratky method?
ethanqsimmons
8 years ago
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gardev
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Great method of keeping soil moist in containers!
Comments (2)That's a great idea, I got some beads like that at a craft store but I never thought to mix them in the soil, (I just put cuttings in a glass with them) and they didn't last long anyway. (Fell apart.) I don't know if they were really plant quality either. I will have to look for Soil Moist!...See MoreSelf-watering method for container plants
Comments (8)Actually, the method I read included string, but was only recommended for when we go away for a couple of days. How far is her sink from her balcony? I don't remember where now, but I think possibly Carol Wright or Dr. Leonard catalogs, they have these thin hoses with a spraying nozzle that goes from the sink to plants. Of course, the picture shows someone watering indoor plants, but they aren't in the kitchen, so it must be fairly long. Also, I'm not sure if you mean your Mom can never water, or can't water very often, but there are self-watering containers, which also require a special soil mix to absorb the water below. Depending on the size, they can be kind of expensive, but they hold a quart to several gallons of water (again depending on size.) That way, the plants only need to be watered every few days to once a week, depending on the temperature. (Link to one place that sells them is below, although I keep hoping to find less expensive ones someday elsewhere.) Now if watering is pretty much out for her most of the time and rain hits her balcony, remember there are two kinds of plants that she can still grow, so she just might have to change her selection of plants. Cactus and succulents don't need water too often, and don't need a whole lot of water when they do need watering. They do need fast draining soil, but you can buy the mix for them at Home DePot and Lowes. (If she keeps her plants outside all year round, there are some that grow even up in zone 3, like the Prickly Pear cactus. Although it's an annual, I've just discovered an herb that most folks consider a weed - purslane! It, not only doesn't like a lot of water, but has very pretty flowers in the morning, is quite yummy, and good for you anyway. LOL) And, if she considers native plants (native to her area), unless she has a drought, they don't need watering even half as much as other container plants. It might be overused in the disabled community, but, if it helps your Mom, "disabled is really differently abled." We may not be able to do what we used to do easily anymore, but that usually means we have to find different ways to do things! Giving up is only recommended after all other options have been eliminated (or when it comes to chores?! LOL) Here is a link that might be useful: Gardener Supply Company...See MoreGh flora series and the kratky method
Comments (14)I have had very good kratky lettuce results using minimal nutrient from the GH Flora series. Starting with reverse osmosis and deionized water: When roots reach water (around day 15) add 1.3ml per gallon of each Flora series part and 1ml GH CaliMag. This is good for the delicate young stage of the plant. At approx 20-25 days boost the concentration with 4ml (per gallon) Flora Grow and 2.6 ml Micro. My growing conditions are averaging around 79-81F and 35-45%RH every day so if your conditions are cooler and more humid you can likely use a minute increase in nutrient. I don't measure ppm or ph during a kratky grow. Best to leave the roots and reservoir undisturbed. The picture below is from day 30 of the grow. The container is only about 3/4 gallon so I used even less nutes....See MoreKratky and nutrients settling
Comments (7)learn2read mitchnc :P a couple things.. a) my Kratky plants have done a lot better than my dwc plant. Brown slime can go fly a kite. b) production with minimal cost - better ROI makes wife happier and therefore I am also happier But yea, an airstone would do the job edit Aphids can go fly a kite as well. Who has aphids indoors anyway? ugh....See Moreethanqsimmons
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