Beginner Guides
Kratky Method Step by Step: Grow Lettuce Without Electricity
Grow lettuce in 30–38 days without a pump. This Kratky method guide covers container sizing, the air gap rule, nutrient mixing, and 4 common mistake fixes.
Start here
Your path from zero to first harvest
No yard, no experience, no expensive kit required. Follow these four steps in order and you'll be eating food you grew, often within a few weeks.
- 01
Understand the basics
What hydroponics actually is, why it works, and which method fits your space and budget.
- 02
Pick your first system
From the no-pump Kratky jar to a countertop kit. Choose the simplest setup that fits your life.
- 03
Grow your first crop
Leafy greens and herbs are forgiving and fast. Nail the nutrients, pH, and light, then harvest.
- 04
Scale up (or sell)
Once you have the rhythm, grow more, or turn surplus lettuce and microgreens into income.
Good first reads
Beginner Guides
Hydroponic Nutrients for Beginners: Mix, pH, and EC Guide
Mix your first hydroponic nutrient solution right: EC 0.8–1.8 mS/cm, pH 5.5–6.5, step-by-step guide from OSU and MU Extension to avoid nutrient lockout.
Beginner Guides
Hydroponics for Beginners: The Complete Guide (2026)
Hydroponics uses 90% less water than soil farming. This science-backed guide covers systems, costs, crops, EC, pH, and light so you can start growing today.