This year, we decided to try something a little different on our homestead: growing food without soil.
Hydroponics has always sounded a little high-tech to me—more lab coat than flannel shirt—but the more I learned, the more it seemed like a practical solution for a few of our challenges: unpredictable soil, too much rain, and not enough space to start everything in the ground. So, we set up a DIY Kratky system in the shop using plastic tubs, a little elbow grease, and a lot of curiosity.
Spoiler alert: we’ve already eaten a strawberry. And a whole bunch of lettuce.
Also: we’ve cracked a few tubs, lost a couple plants, and discovered that our drill has opinions about plastic.
But overall? It’s working. Here’s a look at what’s gone well, what hasn’t, and what we’re learning as we go.
🌿 What We’re Growing (And What’s Actually Growing)
We went into this with a mix of practical goals and wild hope. Right now in our Kratky setup, we’re growing:
- Strawberries
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
- Brussel sprouts
- Herbs
The lettuce took off the fastest—it was the first real win we had, and it’s still growing strong. We’ve already harvested some, and it’s crisp and flavorful with zero signs of bugs or rot. One of the strawberry plants produced a single, perfect berry, and we might’ve split it like a couple of kids at a candy store. Tiny harvest, big triumph.
Most of the other plants are also doing well. There’s something almost surreal about watching peppers and tomatoes develop in plastic tubs without a speck of dirt. But the roots are strong, the leaves are green, and the shop smells faintly of basil. Not mad about it.
😬 What’s Gone Wrong (Because Something Always Does)
Of course, it hasn’t all gone according to plan.
A few of the plants died off early. We’re not sure if it was nutrient-related or temperature swings in the shop, but it was a good reminder that even in hydroponics, not everything survives.
We also ran into some equipment fails—specifically with the plastic tubs. We tried using larger ones to give the roots more space, but once they filled with water, they bowed out at the sides, threatening to crack or collapse. Not ideal.
Drilling holes for the net pots turned out to be more trial-and-error than we expected. Pro tip: if you’re using a hole saw on plastic, run it in reverse to avoid chipping. We learned that the hard way—Ryan’s still grumbling about the splinters.
And then there’s the greenhouse.
We were supposed to have it up weeks ago, but it’s been raining so much that our yard has turned into a swamp. Every time we think we have a dry stretch, the sky opens up again. Until it dries out, the hydroponics are staying in the shop—definitely not where we planned, but it’s working for now.
🧪 What We’ve Learned So Far
If you’re thinking about trying hydroponics, here’s what we’d say:
Get a pH and EC meter. It’s not optional. You have to know what’s going on with your water and nutrients. Without these tools, you’re guessing—and with hydro, guessing isn’t good enough.
Keep it simple at first. Lettuce and herbs are great beginner crops. They grow fast and forgive small mistakes.
Plastic tubs work, but size matters. Don’t go too big unless you’re reinforcing the sides somehow. We are using these 5 gallon tubs.
Expect a learning curve. You’ll break stuff. Plants will die. But you’ll learn fast.
Honestly, one of the biggest things we’ve realized is how low-maintenance it is. Once the tubs are set up and nutrients are added, it’s mostly hands-off. No weeding, no tilling, no soil amendments. Just check water levels and enjoy the growth. We used these net pots and used a hole saw to drill out some thick foam to fit into the tops to hold the plant stems in place.
🎶 The Vibe in the Shop
One unexpected joy has been the process itself.
Ryan and I spent a whole afternoon setting everything up in the shop, music cranked, tools scattered, dogs wandering in and out. It was one of those messy, satisfying work sessions where things click into place—literally and metaphorically.
This version of gardening feels different, but no less rooted. There’s still that feeling of “we did this” every time we peek at the roots or see a new sprout unfurl. Hydroponics may not involve dirt under the nails, but it still connects you to the food you’re growing—and to the people you’re growing it with.
🚧 What’s Next
As soon as the rain lets up, we’re moving the hydro system into the greenhouse. That’ll give us more temperature control, better airflow, and a chance to expand the system.
We’re also thinking of adding a vertical system to save space—and maybe playing around with growing microgreens indoors.
But for now, we’re watching and learning. Making notes. Celebrating every lettuce leaf and cursing every cracked tub. That’s gardening, in any form.
💡 Rooted Without Soil
Trying something new on the homestead always comes with a mix of excitement and humility. You can plan, prep, and watch all the YouTube videos in the world—but at the end of the day, you only really learn by doing.
Hydroponics isn’t a replacement for everything we grow in soil. But it’s a brilliant supplement. It’s giving us fresh food even when the ground outside is too wet to walk on. And it’s teaching us that you don’t need a perfect setup to get started—you just need a little time, a few plastic tubs, and a willingness to figure it out as you go.
Whether you’re short on space, battling bad soil, or just curious like we were, this is your sign: give it a shot.
You might end up with more lettuce than you know what to do with—and a lot more confidence, too.
