Julia's Hydroponics Gear List

The gear behind The Soil-Free Farming Revolution.

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Kratky Starter

Net pots + rockwool cubes
Holds seedlings above the water; rockwool is easy for first-timers.
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Clay pebbles (LECA)
Reusable, pH-neutral support around plants in net pots.
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Small liquid nutrient (Kratky-friendly)
Simple dosing for small passive jars and totes.
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Seeds (lettuce, basil, herbs)
Leafy greens and herbs are the most forgiving first crops.
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Small scissors
Clean harvesting and trimming roots or leaves.
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Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Aquarium air pump, air stone & tubing
Keeps roots oxygenated in a DWC bucket or tote.
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Check valve
Stops water siphoning back into the pump if it shuts off.
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Dry nutrient kit
Cost-effective once you grow more than a few plants.
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LED daylight shop light
Affordable indoor lighting for greens and herbs.
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Mechanical timer
Simple, reliable on/off for lights.
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Smart timer / smart plug
Schedule and check lights or pumps from your phone.
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NFT

NFT channel kit
A ready-made starting point for a nutrient film setup.
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Texas Heat Kit

Battery-backup air pump
Keeps roots oxygenated during power outages and heat events.
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Reflective insulation
Helps keep reservoirs cooler and blocks light from algae.
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Aquarium thermometer
Lets you watch reservoir temperature on hot days.
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Meters & Testing

pH drop test kit + pH Down
Low-cost way to check and adjust pH.
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EC/TDS meter + calibration solution
Measures nutrient strength; calibrate for trustworthy readings.
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Shower filter (chlorine/chloramine)
A way to reduce chlorine/chloramine in tap water before mixing; check the product's specs for chloramine.
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Microgreens

New to microgreens? Start with the microgreens page.

Shallow trays (one with holes, one solid)
UF/IFAS suggests a clean container about 2 to 3½ inches deep; a solid tray underneath lets you water from below.
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Coco coir or seed-starting mix
A fine, loose, soilless mix. Coconut fiber and peat-based mixes both hold water well.
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Hemp or fiber grow mats
A tidy soil-free option for small-seeded greens like broccoli and radish.
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Microgreen seeds (radish, broccoli, mustard, pea, sunflower)
Buy seed packed for microgreens, in larger, affordable packs.
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Fine-mist spray bottle
For gentle misting until seeds germinate.
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LED shop light or grow light
For a bright, even light when a sunny window is not enough. See grow lights on a budget.
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Small sharp scissors
Clean cuts just above the soil line at harvest.
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