Strawberries and the Kratky Method
Kratky Strawberries: Growing Strawberries Without Soil
Kratky Strawberries is an independent guide to growing strawberries with the Kratky method of hydroponics: no soil, no pumps and no electricity. We grow them ourselves and share what works, for anyone who wants to try it.
Who We Are
Kratky Strawberries is a small, independent website about one subject: growing strawberries with the Kratky method. We are growers, not a store or a nursery, and we write about what we learn from our own containers.
The Kratky method is passive hydroponics. The plant sits in a net cup above a container of nutrient solution, and as the roots drink, the falling water level leaves an air gap that gives them oxygen. Nothing circulates and nothing plugs in.
What We Do
Practical Help for Kratky Strawberry Growers
Answer Common Questions
Light, containers, nutrient solution, pH, pollination and mold, answered in plain language on one page.
Publish Step-by-Step Guides
Setup, containers, nutrients, pH, lighting, pollination, varieties and troubleshooting, each covered in its own guide.
Who This Site Is For
Kratky Strawberries is for anyone who wants to grow strawberries with the Kratky method, whatever their starting point.
- First-time growers who want a simple project with no pumps or timers.
- People without a garden growing on a windowsill, balcony or countertop.
- Hydroponic hobbyists who already grow lettuce or herbs and want to add a fruiting crop.
- Families and teachers looking for a growing project to do with kids.
If your question is about strawberries and the Kratky method, this site is written for you.
Latest from Our Blog
How Many Hours of Grow Light Do Indoor Strawberries Need?
Run a grow light for 12 to 16 hours a day. Start at 14 and adjust according to how the plant responds. Why So Much Longer Than Sunlight Strawberries outdoors do well on 6 to 8 hours of direct sun. Even a good LED grow light is far weaker than the midday sun, so the...
Can Kratky Strawberries Grow on a Windowsill?
Yes, on a window that gets at least six hours of direct sun. In a dimmer window the plant will grow leaves but few berries unless you add a small grow light. Which Windows Work In the northern hemisphere a south-facing window is best, followed by west and east....
pH Drops vs pH Pen: Which Is Better for a Small Kratky Setup?
For one or two containers, a liquid test kit is the better buy. A pen earns its place when you are testing several containers or want exact numbers. Liquid Test Kits You put a small sample of solution in a vial, add a few drops of indicator and compare the color with...
