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 to Make a Kratky Strawberry Tote From a Storage Bin
A lidded storage tote is the easiest way to grow several strawberry plants in one Kratky container. It holds plenty of solution, the lid is simple to cut and the whole thing can be built in under an hour. What to Buy An opaque tote with a firm lid, somewhere between...
How Many Strawberry Plants Fit in a 5-Gallon Bucket?
Two plants is the comfortable number for a 5-gallon bucket in a Kratky setup. Three or four will fit in the lid, but you will be topping up constantly once they fruit. Why Two Two things limit the number: lid space and solution volume. A standard bucket lid is about a...
Can You Grow Strawberries in a Mason Jar With the Kratky Method?
Yes, but use at least a half-gallon jar, cover it to block light and expect to top it up often. A quart jar is too small to carry a fruiting strawberry plant for long. Why Jar Size Matters A fruiting strawberry plant drinks a lot. In a quart jar that can mean the...
