captain
Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2023
- Messages
- 33
I would like to experiment with growing cannabis using the Kratky method. Does anyone here have experience or can tell me what issues might prevent a successful Kratky grow? The basic Kratky formula is adding 10 grams of Masterblend (4-18-38), 10 grams of Calcium Nitrate (15.5-0-0) and 5 grams of Epsom Salt per 5 gallons of water. After blending these ingredients one at a time, with the Epsom Salt being the third ingredient to add, the PH needs to be adjusted to be between 5.8 and 6.2. After using tap water mixed with these ingredients, my PH is typically 7.1, so I add 10 grams of absorbic acid which eliminates any existing chloramine and lowers the solutions PH level to 6.0-6.2. This is an inorganic method, so more pure chemistry is involved.
Here is a basic Kratky grow video:
The beauty to this method is that it requires less attention to watering, and during flowering, need draining and cleaning the bucket and adding about a gallon a week of fresh solution. A quick rinse using hydrogen peroxide will keep the solution and changing will remove any condensed solids from the previous solution which can interfere with root health.
This is my first attempt using this method, so as all first timers, I expect to learn enough so my future attempts will have even better results. I would like input from others who have used this method, in case there are issues which I've yet to encounter and need to keep an eye on.
I am planning to use 16-18 hours of light on/6-8 hours of light off until the plant reaches 8 weeks of growth and I will switch lights to 12/12 for flowering. Make sure that the grow container, in my case a 5 gallon bucket, is translucent so no light can get to the roots and the solution which tends to promote algae growth. A good light is essential, and I am using a Spider Farms LED lighting system that give me a 4x4 sweet spot for light. I will still maintain a humidity sensor and humidifier, as I try to keep humidity between 60-70% and temps between 60-80 degrees.
I will try to post photos of progress using this method, but since I haven't germinated the seeds for my next crop, I'm sill 4-5 weeks away from moving seedling to 5 gallon containers to begin the Kratky grow.
All comments and advice are welcome.
Happy Growing!
Here is a basic Kratky grow video:
The beauty to this method is that it requires less attention to watering, and during flowering, need draining and cleaning the bucket and adding about a gallon a week of fresh solution. A quick rinse using hydrogen peroxide will keep the solution and changing will remove any condensed solids from the previous solution which can interfere with root health.
This is my first attempt using this method, so as all first timers, I expect to learn enough so my future attempts will have even better results. I would like input from others who have used this method, in case there are issues which I've yet to encounter and need to keep an eye on.
I am planning to use 16-18 hours of light on/6-8 hours of light off until the plant reaches 8 weeks of growth and I will switch lights to 12/12 for flowering. Make sure that the grow container, in my case a 5 gallon bucket, is translucent so no light can get to the roots and the solution which tends to promote algae growth. A good light is essential, and I am using a Spider Farms LED lighting system that give me a 4x4 sweet spot for light. I will still maintain a humidity sensor and humidifier, as I try to keep humidity between 60-70% and temps between 60-80 degrees.
I will try to post photos of progress using this method, but since I haven't germinated the seeds for my next crop, I'm sill 4-5 weeks away from moving seedling to 5 gallon containers to begin the Kratky grow.
All comments and advice are welcome.
Happy Growing!
