Which Glass Jars are Best for Hydroponic Gardening?
One of the most popular pastimes of the Summer season is gardening. But what if you could grow fresh produce to spice up your meals all year long, using glass jars? It is possible using the Kratky Method of hydroponics.
Growing food in glass jars is a cheap alternative to some of the higher priced hydroponic systems you can find for sale. Another benefit to hydroponic gardening in glass jars is that it takes up a lot less space, which means you can place your plants almost anywhere that is convenient for you.
What plants can I grow in glass jars?
A variety of plants can be grown using this method. Leafy greens, such as lettuce, and herbs are popular plants to grow in glass jars using the Kratky Method of hydroponics, but other produce can be grown in glass jars. Some of them may surprise you.
- Lettuce and other leafy greens, such as spinach, are some of the easiest vegetables to grow using the Kratky Method. Many of these plants can be harvested all year long, because they will continue to grow even after you cut off some of the leaves.
- Green onions, or scallions, can also be easily grown in glass jars using the Kratky Method. Gardeners have seen success with this plant starting them from seedlings, and even picking up a bunch of green onions from the grocery store and placing the roots in a hydroponic glass jar.
- If you think that tomato plants are too large for glass jars, think again. While a larger container might be ideal for tomatoes, a large glass jar would provide enough space for your tomatoes to grow. But tomatoes grow up instead of out, making a glass jar a feasible option. You can also choose smaller varieties of tomatoes, such as Cherry, Tiny Tim, or Yellow Pear tomatoes.
- Some fruits can also thrive in glass jars, using the Kratky Method. One of those is blueberries. Blueberries need specific conditions in soil to develop properly. Growing them in a hydroponic system allows you to more easily control the pH levels and the nutrients your plant receives.
- Another fruit that does well in a hydroponic system is strawberries. Strawberries develop best in wetter conditions, which makes them a popular choice for the Kratky Method.
- Of course, herbs are the perfect plant to grow in a Kratky Method system of hydroponics. Herbs do not require a lot of space to grow, and they can be clipped and harvested all year long. Some of the more popular herbs to grow in glass jars include basil, rosemary, cilantro, parsley, lavender, sage, and thyme.
Gardeners are not limited, however, to only growing fruits and vegetables in mason jars. There are a number of other houseplants that can be grown using this type of container, as well. That includes succulents and cacti.
Choosing glass jars
When it comes to type of glass jar you use for your hydroponic garden, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Jars come in a variety of sizes. Smaller plants, such as herbs, can be grown in jars as small as 14 ounces, while larger plants, like tomatoes or peppers, should be grown in larger jars that can be 2 L or more.
- Mouth Size. While regular mouth jars can work for this method of hydroponics, experienced gardeners suggest wide mouth openings are best. That is because you will need as much space as possible for your net cup, which will hold your plants, as well as their growing medium. A wider mouth will also give you more room to clean your jars when the harvest is over, or you decide to start some new plants.
- Clear glass jars allow you to watch your plants grow from seed to fully developed plant. However, that could affect the temperature of your nutrient solution, which could be detrimental to your plants. Experts recommend painting the jar, so that light cannot get through, or covering with some kind of tape to block the light. If you choose to paint your jar, you may need multiple coats. One way to test is to open the jar and hold it up to a source of light. If you can still see light through the jar, you need more paint.
- Also, it is important to keep in mind that glass jars do not have holes for drainage. To provide this, you can place rocks in the bottom of your jars, which will help prevent damage to the roots of your plant due to excess water.
Once you have your glass jar chosen you only need a few more items to get your hydroponic garden started. In addition to the container, you will need your plants/seeds, net pots, a nutrient solution, growing medium and a pH tool & control kit.
Whichever size or type of glass jar you decide to grow in, always ensure it is placed on a level surface. If you do not, you could end up with an uneven harvest. Some of your plant’s seeds could drown if the solution is too high, while at the other end your plants may wilt due to the lack of nutrient solution.
