Hydroponics is a method of planting crops without the use of soil. Plants are nourished by using mineral nutrient solutions with the proper dosage and pH. For those who want to start hydroponics, this tutorial is for you! In this tutorial, we will be using the "Kratky Method" as shown on the diagram below :
Diagram from www.trees.com
Part 1 : The Hydroponics Starter Pack (Basic / Advanced)
Buy it here :
Basic Set
- 1pc Katanim Box
- 8pcs 8oz styro cup with slits
- 1kg cocopeat
- 1pc Romaine seeds
- 1pc Big Wave Lettuce Seeds
- Nutrihydro Letuce Nutrient Solution Tryout Kit
- Seedling tray
- 1pc Katanim Box
- 8pcs 8oz styro cup with slits
- 1kg cocopeat
- 1pc Romaine seeds
- 1pc Big Wave Lettuce Seeds
- Nutrihydro Letuce Nutrient Solution Tryout Kit
- Seedling tray
- pH Adjusters
- pH meter
- TDS meter
- measuring cup
Part 2 : Seed Germination(2-7 days)
Sow seeds on seedling tray filled with coco peat, 1-2 seeds per hole (cut the other one once they both sprouted so it wont have any competition on the nutrients).
Keep the cocopeat wet all the time during germination
After ~2-7 days, they should germinate, keep the cocopeat moist all the time.
Pro tip : If you struggle to have the seeds germinated on coco peat directly, you can put the seeds in a closed plastic container with wet tissue inside, this will create a humid environment that will promote the seeds to germinate faster, transfer them one by one on the wet coco peat once the roots emerged.
Pro tip : Introduce the seedlings to sunlight or grow lights ASAP once they begin sprouting; not introducing them to sunlight will make them very tall and fragile (leggy).
Part 3 : Introduce to Half Strength Nutrient Solution a.k.a Hardening (5-10 days)
One week after sowing, the seeds should germinate and be hardened. Hardening is the introduction of a half strength solution so that plants can adjust on waterlogged condition; half strength means you will dillute the dosage of nutrient solution on a half strength basis, meaning if the nutrient solution requires 2ml / L, half strength will be 1ml / L. (Follow your nutrient solution's required dosage / PPM)
In this kit, add 1-2 liters of water and a half-strength nutrient solution to the reservoir so plants can bottom feed.
Part 4 : Transplanting to reservoir (12-15 Days After Sprouting)
Pro tip :(best time to transplant is Afternoon 4pm-6pm when sun is down)
When true leaves appear (12–15 days after sprouting), it is time to start the transplanting from the seedling tray to the styro cup with coco peat and put them in the reservoir (styrobox). Be careful with the roots when transplanting; it is better if the roots are still intact with the cocopeat (shown on the photo) to avoid plant stress.
Add 12 liters of water to the reservoir or until 3/4 inch of the bottom of the cup is submerged in the solution.
Follow the required dosage of your nutrient solution and mix well after adding each nutrient solution (Solution A, B, etc.).
For Advanced Kit Users :
Test the pH of the solution using the pH meter (included for Advanced Kit users). Adjust the pH of the solution when needed (the ideal pH for lettuce is 5.5–6.5). Using the pH down, drop by drop, it will lower the pH of the water; using the pH up, drop by drop, it will make the pH of the water go up.
Test the PPM (parts per million) or the concentration of the nutrients in the solution using the TDS meter (included for Advanced Kit users). To make the PPM higher, just add more nutrient solution. To make it lower, just add water.
For complete list of PPM / TDS requirements per crop, check it here.
P.S : Monitor the water / stock solution level, only refill reservoir when needed or when the water level droped below 1 inch from the flooring. When refilling, maintain an air gap from the roots so the lettuce will not be drowned.
Part 5 : Harvest! (25-30 days after transferring to the reservoir)
Harvest the Lettuce after 25-30 days (depending on the variety)
