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Hydroponics: The Kratky Method: The Cheapest And Easiest Hydroponic System For Beginners Who Want To Grow Plants Without Soil

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Are you interested in gardening but your favorite plants don't grow well in your climate? Do you want to eat organic veggies all year round without busting your household budget? Are you wondering if there's a beginner-friendly alternative to hi-tech hydroponics systems? Read carefully because you're going to learn something new right now.
You've probably heard of hydroponics, a way to grow plants without soil by providing them with liquid nutrients. It almost sounds too good to be hydroponics lets you grow anything in any climate without even using a drop of pesticides. However, a quick internet search for hydroponics can be utterly discouraging. You'll probably find pictures that look like stills from a sci-fi movie, and you'll quickly see that hydroponic equipment can easily cost thousands of dollars. As a beginner, how are you going to operate all that hi-tech equipment? And do you really need to invest thousands just to grow some lettuce? Well, here's the honest truth. Hydroponics doesn't have to be expensive or complicated - you can set up a fully functional system for as little as $80. And you can literally grow your favorite veggies in mason jars. This book will show you how.
But what if you're a complete newbie? Well, this book is written for people just like you - it patiently explains every step and carefully helps you avoid typical pitfalls. Even if the only plant that survived your current gardening skills is a plastic flower, you'll nail hydroponic gardening on the first try! Yes, you've read it the Kratky method isn't just the easiest hydroponics method - it's also much easier than conventional gardening! No guesswork, no tedious maintenance, no digging around in dirt - that's why the Kratky method is also known as the "set-it-and-forget-it" method.
As long as you know which end of a plant should be facing up and as long as you follow the instructions closely, you'll be harvesting your favorite veggies in no time - without the hassle of weeding and watering, and without spending a fortune on equipment!
Are you ready to get started?

159 pages, Paperback

Published March 23, 2020

147 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

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Demeter Guides

3 books1 follower

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5 stars
43 (51%)
4 stars
18 (21%)
3 stars
20 (24%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
1,818 reviews807 followers
May 25, 2020
B. A. Kratky is a horticulturist at the University of Hawaii. He developed this easy method of hydroponics. I found the book interesting and it provided an overview of the various methods in use today. The audiobook format was adequate for what I wanted; a quick overview and introduction of this method. If I wanted to try this method, I would prefer the written format of the book. I was surprised there are so many different methods of hydroponics. I understand hydroponic are starting to make inroads into commercial farming. Years ago, I used the drip method with some success and was curious about the Kratky method.

I read this as audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is three hours and twenty-seven minutes. Joe Wosik does a good job narrating the book. Wosik is a voice-over actor and audiobook narrator.
Profile Image for Sugarpuss O'Shea.
430 reviews
July 4, 2020
This book was a nice introduction to the Kratky Method (KM) of hydroponics, but if you are looking for more of a step-by-step guide, you're going to have to research that on your own. This book is more about the nuts & bolts of hydroponics, and the different tools you will need for the KM, but not a seedling to harvest type of guide.
Profile Image for Tiara  (Wisteriaxxlove).
121 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2020
Planting is Cool!

I never thought that there was another way to plant! This book does a great job introducing readers to what hydroponics is and why the Kratky method is the best l, especially for those who have never tried it before. It’s informative and easy to follow from explaining the process of hydroponics, the types of plants used for this method to the assembly of this mechanism to make sure your hydroponic plants thrive. This is a great read for anyone interested in planting indoors without the mess.
Profile Image for Lisa.
99 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
good beginner guide for hydroponics

I’ve skim read a few books on hydroponics looking for a more beginner’s guide. This one fit the bill as it doesn’t spend forever on the science or on building a market-garden-sized infrastructure. It’s simple but also goes into enough detail about the plants you can grow, pests that may occur and so on to cover all bases that a beginner may need to know. I have a kitchen side based kit that was bought for me and this book provided the info that ones on “proper” hydroponics couldn’t.
Profile Image for Yaasmiyn  Johnson .
319 reviews17 followers
June 19, 2020
Very informative

This book was very good. For someone who has never had a green thumb and even managed to kill a cactus, I liked how the author broke down the types of hydroponic gardening, and how they made it very clear that anyone can do it. The book didn't seem to drag on, and got to the point.
1 review
May 7, 2022
Great info for beginners like me!

I started using a hydroponic garden last year that uses electricity and pumps which lead me to discover the Kratky method of growing method. This book contains a ton of great info to get you started. I've already compiled a list of the things I need to get going!, this is worth the read!
447 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2020
Easy and informative read

This book was informative while still being easy to understand. It explains the 6 types of hydroponic gardens. Then it gives the pros and cons of the Kratky method. I recommend for anyone thinking of getting into hydroponics.
Profile Image for Daniele Blasi.
13 reviews
June 7, 2025
Quite comprehensive but at times remains at a superficial level of details. A good entry level manual but must be ‘completed’ with further reading if you want to develop beyond the ‘it’s just an hobby’ phase.
20 reviews
June 15, 2020
Recommended!

A great book for beginners who want to start Hydroponics method of gardening. The author explain very well how each system of hydroponics works.
6 reviews
June 16, 2020
Interesting

I found this book to be helpful and informative. It's definitely something you want to read if hydroponics interest you.
Profile Image for Chasetta.
31 reviews
June 27, 2020
The Krarky Method

I was not a fan of this book at all. This wasnt what I expected at all. If your into this then maybe you like it but give it a chance if you are.
Profile Image for anthony williams.
3 reviews
August 12, 2020
Basic book

A short book on the basics. Ideal for those who have no chloe about hydroponics or the kratky method. Basic book.
12 reviews
December 5, 2020
Great read

I ended up liking the book even more than I thought I would.
There was a lot of good information given.
A book worth reading.
Profile Image for Janine Pestel.
Author 16 books47 followers
June 23, 2022
Great for beginners

This is a great book for anyone who wants to start learning how to garden with hydroponics. I would highly recommend it!
15 reviews
October 15, 2023
Good introduction to easy way to begin hydroponics. A little short, but it has me interested in learning more.
Profile Image for Leonardo.
7 reviews
June 19, 2024
Quick and to the point. Could have a little bit more of visual explanations but otherwise, very practical.
Profile Image for Tami Lewis.
80 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2025
The s shows the reader the simplest form of the methods and you learn all you need to know.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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