Short answer: pour a little calibration standard of known value, commonly 1.41 mS/cm, into a clean cup, dip the rinsed probe, and set the meter to match the standard's value (Oklahoma State University Extension). Then rinse the probe again. Why calibration matters...
Short answer: multiply EC in mS/cm by 500 for the 500 scale, or by 700 for the 700 scale. An EC of 1.2 mS/cm is 600 ppm on a 500-scale meter and 840 ppm on a 700-scale meter (Bluelab). Why there are two scales PPM meters do not measure parts per million directly. They...
Short answer: divide the label's per-gallon rate by four for a quart jar and by eight for a pint jar. For accuracy, it is easier to mix a full gallon and fill several jars from it. Jar sizes as fractions of a gallon JarVolumeFraction of a US gallon Half gallonabout...
Short answer: hard water raises the starting EC of your solution and pushes pH up. You can usually still use it, but you may need to add less nutrient, lower the pH more and check it more often. What makes water hard Hard water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium,...
Short answer: usually not. Most Kratky growers use ordinary tap water without problems. If you prefer to remove the disinfectant, how you do it depends on whether your utility uses chlorine or chloramine. Why tap water contains disinfectant Water utilities add...
Short answer: it is possible, but it is harder than using a mineral hydroponic nutrient and it fails more often. Organic fertilizers depend on microbes to release their nutrients, and in a still Kratky container that microbial activity can use up oxygen and cause...
Short answer: because calcium reacts with phosphates and sulfates when they are concentrated together. The reaction forms solids that settle to the bottom of the bottle, and the plant can no longer use those nutrients. Keeping them in separate bottles prevents it....
Short answer: the three numbers are the percentages by weight of nitrogen (N), phosphate and potash in the product, always in that order. A label reading 8-15-36 contains 8% nitrogen, 15% phosphate and 36% potash. Phosphate and potash are not pure P and K By...
Short answer: a hydroponic nutrient is designed to supply every element a plant needs from water alone. Most garden fertilizers are designed to top up soil, which already holds calcium, magnesium and trace elements. In a Kratky container there is no soil, so those...
The Kratky method offers a simple, low-maintenance approach to hydroponics, but success depends heavily on the quality and preparation of your nutrient solution. Even small errors in mixing or maintenance can impact plant growth and yield. To help you achieve optimal...
