Growing Marigolds with an Automatically Watered Kratky Hydroponic Method

A supplementary tank provides nutrient solution via a float valve to a Kratky hydroponic tank which is growing marigolds. This growing system requires minimal maintenance.
This video presents beautiful classical music, marigold flowers, poetry and details for growing marigold flowers by a simple Kratky hydroponic method which does not require electrical power or pumps.

[@JebGardener]

For the "lid" what about a rigid perforated greenhouse tray? This might be able to replace the net cups and fabric.

[@growkratky5558]

That is a great idea, Jeb! It would be easier then what I did here.

[@winwin-ty2jm]

@@growkratky5558 Recommend me plz the nutrient solution composition for growing white cabbage. N P K CA Mg etc

[@growkratky5558]

@@winwin-ty2jm We didn't grow white cabbage, but the ppm for lettuce values are: N-112, P-31, K-142, Ca-95, Mg-29, Fe-1.9, Mn-0.95, Zn-0.24, Cu-0.24, B-0.95, Mo-0.05.

[@winwin-ty2jm]

@@growkratky5558 thank you so much

[@MattGarver]

Appreciate your videos, and you have me wanting to try flowers. Since we corresponded on your ideas a few years back, I have focused on fill and forget, and float valve vegetables. Happy gardening!

[@growkratky5558]

Thanks Matt. In these covid times, flowers, beautiful music and poetry are nice therapies. Yes, definitely, try growing some flowers this summer!

[@winwin-ty2jm]

@@growkratky5558 Recommend me plz the nutrient solution composition for growing white cabbage. N P K CA Mg etc

[@antonispap]

Dr Kratky thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! I would like to know if you have applied your technique for growing strawberries and what nutrient solution you suggest. Greeting from Greece!

[@growkratky5558]

We did try growing strawberries using a strawberry hydroponic fertilizer made by Hydro-Gardens which may be found on their website.

[@antonispap]

Thank you!

[@HappyLeafLEDGrowLights]

This is so much fun Bernie! ❤❤❤❤😍😍😍😍

[@growkratky5558]

I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the youtube!

[@truthbetold2611]

Love Robert Frost, also Dr Kratky!

[@growkratky5558]

Thanks, Ingrid. Robert Frost's poem eloquently communicated the ending of this video and I'm happy to hear that someone appreciated this poem!

[@Metqa]

2:29 I counted 90 flowers!

[@growkratky5558]

Thank you! I think you are the first to post a count of the flowers!

[@gachpagla5341]

awesome as always ... I have learnt many things from you . Thank you

[@growkratky5558]

Thank you.

[@PlantedByChris]

Glad to see you are still growing. Did you retire out of Hawaii?

[@growkratky5558]

Yes, after working 39.5 years for the Univ. of Hawaii, I retired over 11 years ago.

[@richardcupples8757]

Robert Frost also said, "Good fences make good neighbors."

[@growkratky5558]

Thanks for pointing out more of Robert Frost's wisdom!

[@teresaminnick2252]

Marigolds ARE edible

[@jensonlim9907]

Coincidentally I have been growing French marigolds (Harlequin) using the Kratky method. Flowers were few and small. Any suggestions for improvement?

[@growkratky5558]

You might consider varying the nutrient strength, because too high might cause the plants to remain vegetative. They might need to be stressed in some way to encourage flowering. Also, consider experimenting with similar varieties as genetics might provide a solution.

[@rangerunitnumber4788]

Unrelated but do you foresee any issue using a float valve (similar to your design) and 5 gallon bucket resevoir to sub-irrigate zucchini seedlings? I see alot of people using capillary mat or sand and think it would make more sense to cut out the middle man and just use a float valve with the bottom of the seedling tray touching the surface of the water. Would that kind of setup cause soil oxygen issues? Thanks a bunch Dr. Kratky

[@growkratky5558]

If there are at least 2 inches of growing medium above and continuous with the the lower saturated growing medium, then you should be ok. Sub-irrigation is a good way to irrigate.

[@mr.cc97]

I live at tropical climate and I really like kratky hydroponic but i dont know how much water i need to grow one vegetable such as spinach, bok coy, I use paint bucket for nutrient resevior

[@pjanoo6973]

Spinach and Bok choy don't need that much water. Look up Mike van duzee on RUclips to see how he grows Bok Choy in vinyl gutters

[@mr.cc97]

@@pjanoo6973 I know, but how much? Lettuce need 3L of water

[@sinankilinc3635]

Hi nice videos.i wanna grow a lot lettuce in kratky method.what do you think about pvc pipes?its a good option?

[@growkratky5558]

I prefer a polyethylene or polypropylene tank.

[@sinankilinc3635]

Thank u dr.i wanna grow 2000 lettuce thats why i ask the question becouse of the cost.but thanks a lot.