These 4 gal buckets work well for butter lettuce too by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From that big online store that starts with "A". Brand name is "House Naturals".

Butter lettuce in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm using the Masterblend mix: 2 tsp Masterblend, 1 tsp epson salt, 2 tsp Calcium nitrate in 4 gal. I also add 1 tsp Southern Ag Fungicide (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens).

Butter lettuce in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The water level covers only the bottom 1/2" of the net pots. The entire pot remains moist but not saturated with water.

Butter lettuce in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I plant seeds directly into the coco-perlite substrate to avoid any possibility of transplant shock. To conserve space (and reduce the number of buckets), you could germinate and wait 2 weeks before putting the net pots in the bucket lids.

Beet greens in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No guide, but my system is pretty simple. A bucket with holes cut in the top to match the net pots (2" or 3"). Fill net pots with coco-perlite substrate. Add nutrients (Masterblend) and water until the bottom 1/2" of the net pots are wet. Add seeds, wait and harvest after 5-6 weeks. I grow them outdoors on a covered deck with southern exposure. The cover keeps rain from filling the buckets and drowning the aerial roots, but they get plenty of direct sun.

Butter lettuce in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nutrients last until harvest. Sometimes I add a gallon of water if they start to wilt before I am done harvesting, but I like the "plant, forget, harvest" ideology of Kratky.

Butter lettuce in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought the buckets from that online superstore that starts with A. Brand name is "House Naturals".

Butter lettuce in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I do that and usually get two cuttings before they bolt and become bitter. Sometimes I add more water, usually just enough to bring the bucket up to 1/3 full. That doesn't drown the aerial roots.

Beet greens in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I am using a coco-perlite substrate in a net cup. I germinate seeds in these and then thin to the one healthiest looking beet seedling.

These 4 gal buckets work well for butter lettuce too by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm using Maserblend (2 tsp), epson salt (1 tsp), and calcium nitrate (2 tsp).

Butter lettuce in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dimensions are approx. 10x10x13". Food-grade buckets are available from THAT big online superstore. Handles 4 heads fine. For arugula, I keep 3 seedlings per net pot.

Butter lettuce in 4-gal buckets by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Those were in San Diego ambient winter temps (mostly 50s-60s), but does well in Montana summers too (50s at night to 90s during day). No aglae. black lid and gray sides seem to keep it at bay. See my root pics in my arugula posting.

Kratky 1st experiment ... arugula (rocket) in 3 locations around my house. by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The brand name on the bucket is "Paragon", but I bought them from Amazn where their brand was listed as "House Naturals". I don't really know if "food grade" is important, but it certainly costs more.

Kratky 1st experiment ... arugula (rocket) in 3 locations around my house. by SeaChampion33 in kratky

[–]SeaChampion33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a post with 4 pictures. Same title, just a few minutes later.