🧪 Hydroponic Leek Regrow Test – Kratky vs Water
In this side-by-side experiment, I tested how store-bought leeks regrow in two simple setups — plain water vs Kratky hydroponics — and the results after just 2 weeks were honestly shocking.
🥬 Leek #1 (Plain Water):
Thin, tall, and already bolting to seed. This plant went into survival mode fast, trying to reproduce before dying off.
💧 Leek #2 (Kratky Hydro):
Thick, lush, and harvest-ready — with a robust root system and healthy new growth. All I used was a recycled bottle, a cup, and nutrient solution. No pumps. No electricity.
✅ Low-tech
✅ Zero-maintenance
✅ Just nutrient water + patience
This experiment shows how even a basic Kratky hydroponic setup can dramatically improve regrowth, especially when working with grocery store scraps.
🎥 Want to see how I built the original setup?
Check out the setup video here:
👉 How I Re Grew Store Bought Leeks in a DIY Kratky Hydro Setup
🛠️ What I Used:
- 🧃 Recycled plastic bottle
- 🥄 Hydroponic nutrient solution
- 🪴 Aquarium gravel as a grow medium
- ✂️ Rotary tool to cut the lid
- 🧊 Cardboard wrap to block light and insulate
🛒 Useful Tools (Optional but Awesome):
🌱 Why This Matters

Whether you garden on a balcony, windowsill, or a full microstead, this method proves you can grow clean, healthy food from kitchen scraps using almost nothing. If you're chasing resilience, sustainability, or just want to experiment with hydroponics, this one’s for you.
📬 Want more DIY experiments like this?
Follow me on Substack: organicmicrogardening.substack.com
Official site: microsteading.org
Join the community: facebook.com/microstead
👉 Subscribe and keep on microsteading! Because self-sufficiency starts with your scraps.