Grow Kale Microgreens with Kratky Hydroponics — Almost Zero Maintenance!
🌱 Want to grow microgreens with almost zero effort after setup? In this video, Mandi walks you through how to grow Red Russian Kale microgreens using the Kratky hydroponic method — a passive, set-it-and-forget-it system that requires no pumps, no air stones, and no constant monitoring after germination. Just set up the tray, add nutrient water on Day 5, and let the plants do their thing until harvest on Day 11.
The Kratky method was developed by Dr. Bernard A. Kratky at the University of Hawaii. It works by suspending plant roots over a nutrient-filled water reservoir — no fancy equipment needed. The short growth cycle of microgreens (4-8 days of root suspension) makes them a perfect fit for this passive hydroponic technique.
🌱 GROW SPECS:
➽ Crop: Red Russian Kale — 25g seed per 10x20 tray
➽ Medium: Silicone Reusable Grow Medium (included with our Kratky Tray Kit)
➽ Total grow time: 11 days
➽ Day 4: Into blackout
➽ Day 5: Into light + 14 cups of nutrient water added to the 2" deep tray
➽ Days 5-11: No additional water added — just checked
Here's what we cover:
✅ How to grow Red Russian Kale microgreens using the Kratky method — full walkthrough
✅ What the Kratky method is and why it works so well for microgreens
✅ Complete setup using our 1020 Kratky Tray Kit and Silicone Reusable Grow Medium
✅ Day-by-day growth progress from seeding through harvest on Day 11
✅ Harvesting and cleaning roots from the reusable grow medium
✅ Why Kratky hydroponics is ideal for beginners and busy growers
Whether you're a seasoned grower or a complete beginner, the Kratky method is one of the simplest ways to grow microgreens hydroponically. No soil, no mess, minimal intervention — just beautiful, nutrient-rich greens.
➽ Learn even more about Reusable Grow Mediums through our blogs on the topic: https://onthegrow.net/blogs/microgree...
🔗 PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO
➽ 1020 Kratky Tray Kit: https://onthegrow.tv/1020KratkyTrayKit
➽ Red Russian Kale Seeds: https://onthegrow.tv/RedRussianKaleSeed
➽ Reusable Grow Mediums: https://onthegrow.tv/ReusableMediumsList
➽ Fertilizer: https://onthegrow.tv/OS203
➽ pH Down: https://onthegrow.tv/pH-Down
➽ Harvesting Knife: https://onthegrow.tv/HarvestKnife
➽ Scraper/Cleaning Tool: https://onthegrow.tv/MediumCleaner
➽ Tray Clip Labelers: https://onthegrow.tv/Labelers
➽ 120mm Fans: https://onthegrow.tv/Fans
➽ 2ft Shop Lights: https://onthegrow.tv/2FTShopLightLED
➽ 30" x 14" x 64.8" Grow Rack: https://onthegrow.tv/SmallGrowRack
➽ Harvesting Scale: https://onthegrow.tv/HarvestingScale
➽ Best 1020 Trays: https://onthegrow.tv/Trays
➽ Watering Tool: http://homedepot.sjv.io/Z9NQ0
📚 MORE RESOURCES
➽ Read Our Blog: https://onthegrow.net/blogs/microgreens
➽ FAQs: https://onthegrow.net/pages/faq
➽ Enroll in our Online Course: https://onthegrow.net/products/microg...
➽ Full Kratky Article: https://onthegrow.tv/HowToGrowKratkyT...
➽ How to Clean Silicone Medium: https://onthegrow.tv/HowtoCleanSilico...
➽ Weight to Blackout Transition Guide: https://onthegrow.tv/WeightToBlackout...
➽ DIY Mold Prevention Spray: https://onthegrow.tv/DIYSprayBlog
➽ Free Seeding Guide: https://onthegrow.tv/OTGseedingguide
➽ Guide to Selling Microgreens: https://onthegrow.tv/SellingMicrogreens
➽ Read Our Book: https://onthegrow.tv/MicrogreenMaster...
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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
00:12 - Kratky Tray Setup Overview
01:06 - Where to Buy Kratky Tray Kit
01:48 - Seeding Tray with Red Russian Kale
02:12 - Trapping in Humidity for Seed Germination
02:29 - Day 3: Growth Update
02:38 - Day 4: Blackout
03:04 - Day 5: Light & Bottom-Watering
03:36 - Day 6: Growth Update
03:43 - Day 7: Growth Update
04:02 - Day 8: Growth Update
04:17 - Day 9: Growth Update
04:27 - Day 10: Growth Update
04:42 - Day 11: Growth Update
05:02 - Inspecting Overall Growth
05:38 - Harvesting Microgreens
06:50 - Removing Roots from Reusable Grow Medium
DISCLAIMER
On The Grow occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. More info on our process: https://onthegrow.net/pages/disclaimer
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