GROW YOUR OWN

I’m aware of the high price of food and how difficult it is for families or even individuals to make it now days.

I watch videos people post of what they are going through and it breaks my heart. I can say that about 90% of their food dollars are spent on JUNK that should NOT be eaten, or even allowed to be sold. They should JERF, Just Eat Real Food. That would save 90% of their food bill.

Everyone should grow their own. It’s a lot easier than you think. Most everyone can have their own INDOOR garden, YEAR ROUND. Where they can grow all the fresh vegetables their family needs. Even in winter. You can do it in a single room or an apartment as well as a house.

Start a Kratky hydroponic garden. I have one and I harvest fresh greens indoors in my pajamas, even in winter. See how I do it.

Kratky Method Hydroponics

The Tanks

It's been a fairly mild winter here in central Kentucky. We did have a short bitter cold spell. I've seen worse. No matter the outside weather I still have an indoor garden in a spare bedroom turned office and now hydroponic room. I use the Kratky Method. It's so simple. No hoses, no pumps. Just set it and forget it. It's so nice to be able to harvest fresh greens in the comfort of your home, in your pajamas. YEAR ROUND.

I've planted many vegetables. A few of my favorites that are so easy are. Kale, Spinach, Lettuce, and Onions. I've planted Tomatoes, Peppers, and even Bush Cucumbers. I love to make my own Kale chips. I'll post more on that.

Here is my Kratky Hydroponic garden. I use 10 gallon Rubbermaid Totes I buy used at Goodwill. New Rubbermaid Totes will cost about $20 each. Used ones from Goodwill run around $3. I found the 10 gallon to be the best size.

Used 10 Gallon Rubbermaid Totes from Goodwill Stores

Used 10 Gallon Rubbermaid Totes from Goodwill.
Color doesn't matter. Make sure you get lids to go with them.

Use a Hole Cutter to cut various size holes for Net Pots

Net Pots

You will need to cut holes in the Rubbermaid tote lids. If you buy used totes from Goodwill stores make sure you buy ones with lids. If you can't find them with lids, you can always use styrofoam sheets cut to size. You can buy the green styrofoam insulation board from a hardware store and cut it to size your self. Use a hole saw the size of the net pots you will be using in the tote. I use 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch Net Pots.

Cut Holes in the Lids for Net Pots

Various Size Net Pots

Nutrients

The next thing you have to consider is nutrients for your tanks. There are many sources of nutrients available. I've tried a few different ones. There are organic nutrients. And you can make your own. Learn more about nutrients here.

Along with nutrients you should have to consider water. I do not recommend tap water. I use rain water. I have several 275 gallon IBC totes hooked to the downspouts on my shop. If you use IBC totes make sure you use food grade.

Grow Lights

LED Grow Lights

The nice thing about hydroponics is you can grow indoors or outdoors. If you have a green house or bright sunroom that's all the light you need.

If you are going to be growing indoors you will need grow lights. I started out with Fluorescent tube grow lights. I still have them. NOW I use LED grow lights. LEDs are much lighter, cheaper and cost about half to operate than the fluorescent lights.

There are many lights to choose from. Click here for a link to lights on Amazon.

Here You See My LED Grow Lights

Planting Medium

You will need Planting Medium to put in your net pots to start your seeds and grow plants.

There are a couple things you can use. Some people use Rock Wool, some use Coconut Coir. I've tried both. I prefer the Coconut Coir. Coir, also called coconut fibre, is a natural fibre extracted from the outer husk of the coconut.

Rock Wool Planting Cubes is made of material formed by spinning molten mineral or rock.

Here is a picture of Coconut Coir in Net Pots, ready to plant and place in the Rubbermaid Tanks