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DIY: Turn Your Cat Litter Container into a Kratky Hydroponic System
DIY: Turn Your Cat's Litter Container into a 2.5 Gallon Kratky Hydroponic System. This video shows how to easily upcycle a cat litter container into a Kratky hydroponic system. I'm calling it the 'Catky' system. I'm using the Tidy Cats brand unscented container. It is made of food-safe plastic. Aside from the container, you'll only need a 2-inch net cup, a 1 7/8" hole saw and drill, clay pebbles or something to secure plant, and nutrient solution. I'm using Mega Crop in mine.
I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links.
Drill: https://amzn.to/4bRavPp
1 78" Hole saw: https://amzn.to/42UkuPS
Net cups: https://amzn.to/4fK8g16
Clay pebbles: https://amzn.to/49x3DoP
Mega Crop: https://amzn.to/4bQr9yt
Scale to measure nutrients: https://amzn.to/49urEgg
TDS/EC meter: https://amzn.to/3UXGyHw
pH meter: https://amzn.to/48HeUSk
Grow light: https://amzn.to/3wyTAko
Par meter: https://amzn.to/3wyYopU
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro to Kratky design
1:33 Drilling hole for net cup
2:53 Final Kratky system assembly and plant installation

Create a FREE PDF AeroGarden planting template for Kindle Scribe - Canva Tutorial
Create a FREE PDF AeroGarden planting template for Kindle Scribe - Canva Tutorial. In this video tutorial, I show how to use Canva to easily create a planting template for an Aerogarden seed starting or regular growing deck. This can also be applied to other hydroponic growing systems, and general seed starting growing trays.
Once you create your PDF using Canva's free tools, you can import it into your Kindle Scribe, Remarkable, or any other e-ink type reader/notebook. You can also just print it out and write on it.
I earn commissions from purchases made through the following links.
Kindle Scribe 32 Gb w/premium pen - https://amzn.to/42122Vp
AeroGarden Harvest 360 Elite - https://amzn.to/3tZhbK0
AeroGarden Harvest 360 seed starting deck - https://amzn.to/3tVRMRG
Mega Crop Nutrients (I recommend this over the AeroGarden nutrients) - https://amzn.to/48zgW7s

How to Identify and Eliminate Broad Mites
How to Identify and Eliminate Broad Mites.
Welcome to my guide on identifying and eliminating broad mites. Broad mites can wreak havoc on your peppers. In this video, I'll walk you through the telltale signs of a broad mite infestation, and how to identify them using magnification. I'll also show the methods I use for treating the plants to get rid of the broad mites for good.
I earn commissions from purchases made through the following links.
Sulfur - https://amzn.to/3qkROR5
Pump sprayer - https://amzn.to/3DMNFZi
Jewelers loupe - https://amzn.to/3DOaZWy
AutoPot supplies - 10% off using this link, https://www.autopot-usa.com/?coupon=pepperdactyl10. or just use the discount code pepperdactyl10

How to remove helmet heads (stuck seed casings) from your pepper sprouts
How to remove helmet heads (stuck seed casings) from your pepper sprouts. Often times when peppers seeds sprout, the seed case gets stuck on the leaves. This is commonly referred to as a helmet head. This video shows how to simply and safely remove helmet heads from your pepper seedlings so that they can continue to grow. Stuck seed casings can impede growth. They can be mitigated by keeping the seed case moist, through light misting. Most pepper will shed the seed case naturally, but they are usually a few that don't.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links.
AeroGarden Sprout - https://amzn.to/3C6oUWq
AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 with seed starting deck - https://amzn.to/3IN4d48
Clippers - https://amzn.to/3ICshH9

How to save and transplant out the extra sprouts in your AeroGarden
How to save and transplant out the extra sprouts in your AeroGarden. When multiple seeds germinate in an AeroGarden sponge, you can easily remove the extras and transplant them into something else. In this video, I show how to safely extract the extra pepper sprouts (or any sprout) in your AeroGarden. I show all the tools you'll need. I hope these Aerogarden tricks, tips and hacks are helpful.
Pure Peppers t-shirt (This was Bill Beckham's pepper brand before he passed, and the link is to his teespring page) https://teespring.com/get-pure-peppers?pid=2&cid=576
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links.
AeroGarden Sprout - https://amzn.to/3LOhlIn
AeroGarden sponges - https://amzn.to/3I6zZZz
AeroGarden baskets - https://amzn.to/3BEZUFj
Third party sponges - https://amzn.to/3sOvAEc
Third party baskets - https://amzn.to/3h1oOpd
Nutrients - https://amzn.to/3LOO545
Scissors - https://amzn.to/3IaU7K8
Cleaning pick, for sponge removal - https://amzn.to/3p2XKKE

Easy container mix for peppers - 2021 recipe
Easy container mix for peppers - 2021 recipe.
This is my container mix recipe for this year, for growing peppers. It is almost identical to last year, except this year I added the micronutrients at the beginning, instead of waiting until later.
The base container mix is composed of:
1 x 2.8 cuft bag of well-draining commercial potting mix (I used Sungrow commercial potting mix, aka Fafard 3b)
1 x 1 cuft bag of compost manure (I used Black Kow)
About a large colander full of extra perlite
After adding to the 5 gal bucket, I add:
1 x 1/2 cup of bonemeal
5 x Tbsp of Osmocote 14-14-14 (or slow-release macronutrient of choice)
5 x tsp of Essential Minor Elements (or micronutrient of choice)
I install the plant, water it in, and set it up on my drip system.
The drip system runs for 15 minutes, twice a day. Each 5-gal container has 2 x 1/2 gal/hour emitters.
Also, take a look at how I set up my drip system. Drip System Basics - https://youtu.be/opA4bJ2_tv8
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links. Also, these links will provide information, but you might want to source them locally. The cost of Amazon is a lot higher. They are probably factoring in shipping costs.
Osmocote 14-14-14 - https://amzn.to/3iE87SS
Black Kow - https://amzn.to/3xhjiF3
Essential Minor Elements - https://amzn.to/3xctyOM

How to make a self-watering container for growing peppers - DIY step by step guide
How to make a self-watering container for growing peppers - DIY step by step guide
In this video, I show step by step, how to build a self-watering container. These are also known as sub-irrigated planters. The bucket-in-bucket setup is a very common self-watering container design. They work similarly to the Earth Box and the GroBucket. The GroBucket is actually a lot easier and quicker to build. A lot of folks have asked for the video. I'm doing a comparison now between the DIY self-watering container, and the GroBucket, each growing Olive Rocoto peppers. I make these for growing pepper plants, but you could really grow anything in them.
Materials needed: (as an Amazon affiliate I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links)
- 2 x 5-gallon buckets - https://amzn.to/3fBJqDz
- Drill - https://amzn.to/344EOR0
- 3-inch hole saw - https://amzn.to/3vgLw2b
- 1 1/4 inch hold saw - https://amzn.to/3hMNOCs
- 5/16 inch drill bit - https://amzn.to/3fcilaZ
- 2 x 3-inch net cups - https://amzn.to/3fDuULw
- Zip ties - https://amzn.to/2Sl3IZL
- 3 feet of 1-inch schedule 40 PVC pipe - https://amzn.to/348boRT
or you could just make a GroBucket (I am not sponsored by or affiliated with GroTech)
GroBucket kit (requires a 5-gallon bucket, drill, and a 5/16 inch drill bit) - https://amzn.to/3wqiltJ
My GroBucket setup video - https://youtu.be/AS-X5VaySy0
Watch Khang Starr's video on this same type of self-watering container / sub-irrigated planter build - https://youtu.be/LWkg5ttOm5I

Growing Chocolate Rocoto peppers indoors from seed - How I do it
Growing Chocolate Rocoto peppers indoors from seed - How I do it
I've been growing Chocolate Rocotos indoors for several months. The plants are currently yielding the second harvest of rocoto peppers. In this video, I show how to germinate and start rocoto peppers from seed. I used Rapid Rooter plugs (Root Riot works fine too) and Coco Coir, in one-gallon fabric pots.
Other videos about these Chocolate Rocotos:
Grow update 1: https://youtu.be/j85RvO-c7_U
Grow update 2: https://youtu.be/gUkAGtCnB9o
Grow update 3: https://youtu.be/41BwqMfLWXc
Chocolate Rocoto pod review - https://youtu.be/Y5bv1X909OQ
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links.
Recharge - https://amzn.to/3orH4eh
Mars Hydro SP150 grow light - https://amzn.to/2Edpvw4
Mars Hydro 27 x 27 x 62 grow tent - https://amzn.to/3yiuxyz
One-gallon fabric pots - https://amzn.to/3wgPBUl
Coco Coir - https://amzn.to/3hwNcAr (You can get this cheaper in the grow store)
MegaCrop - https://amzn.to/3eRBteh
CalMag - https://amzn.to/3fqSz1s
Rapid Rooter plugs - https://amzn.to/33NLGC3
Exhaust fan - https://amzn.to/3w5ABs0
Ducting - https://amzn.to/3uSXXRr

2021 Pepper grow update #3 - 03/28/21 + Transplanting from AeroGarden
2021 Pepper grow update #3 - 03/28/21 + Transplanting from AeroGarden
This is my third 2021 pepper grow update for the season.
I'm using the AeroGarden Bounty with seed starting deck to start my peppers, same as last year. I've transplanted several out to root channel nursery pots in wicking cups. I've moved some of those down to the basement in the 4 x 4 grow tent under the Mars Hydro SP250 and ViparSpectra XS1500.
In this video, I also show how plants can be transplanted from the AeroGarden into a wicking setup.
MasterBlend mixing guide - http://bit.ly/2XkJ65W
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commissions for qualifying purchases made through the following links. This is at no extra cost to you.
Mars Hydro SP3000 - https://amzn.to/3m3TLuF
4 x 4 grow tent - https://amzn.to/3cwwApC
AC Infinity Cloudline t4 exhaust fan - https://amzn.to/3kYj6pd
AC Infinity 4 inch duct fan - https://amzn.to/3rtShM5
Oscillating tower fan - https://amzn.to/3br7d87
ViparSpectra XS1500 - https://amzn.to/30ppg8v
AeroGarden sponge removal tool - https://amzn.to/31s6ZIc
Canna Coco Brick - https://amzn.to/39p0drd
Root channel nursery pots - https://amzn.to/2QK3A5j
AeroGarden Bounty - https://amzn.to/3tjtyeR
AeroGarden Bounty seed starting deck - https://amzn.to/3czbTdh
AeroGarden nutrients - https://amzn.to/2O0XcFD
AeroGarden sponges - https://amzn.to/3axfqGa
Equipment used
Handheld camera used in the video - https://amzn.to/3syWChP
Music I use is from Epidemic Sound (affiliate link) - https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/49dd79/
I use Google Sheets to plant my overall pepper grow each season. Here is mine for 2020. - http://bit.ly/2021peppers
Pod reviews of peppers shown in this video.
Lemon StarrBurst - https://youtu.be/dHnoI24D5Vw
KhangSta Yellow - https://youtu.be/y-qLHB9BwU0
Check out Peppers 'n Glowworms - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUtd7th943_LSNzEDqtGtVA

Easy DIY wicking systems you can make at home
In this video, I show an easy way to test and make wicking systems from household materials. I show two easy DIY methods for installing wicks, and a way to test wicking material to make sure that it works properly. For the demonstration, I use a Basil plant and a propagated pepper clone.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links.
Nylon rope for wicking:
1/8" - https://amzn.to/2T6EprV
3/8" (for larger setups) - https://amzn.to/3cCSBkr
Coco Coir - https://amzn.to/3fTSD9y
Nursery pots - https://amzn.to/2Tbr5Tj
Masterblend - https://amzn.to/2Z4sAqd
Calcium Nitrate - https://amzn.to/36aGR6k
Epsom Salt - https://amzn.to/36aGVmA
How to mix Masterblend - https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/everything-you-need-for-mixing-masterblend/

Everything you need to know about mixing 'MasterBlend' (4-18-38 tomato fertilizer)
How to properly mix 'Masterblend'. Masterblend is a brand name for several different fertilizers but the term has become generically known in the pepper growing community as 4-18-38 tomato fertilizer. The same fertilizer to this specification is made by several manufacturers, this causes some confusion. In this video, I show a proper method for mixing Master Blend correctly. If you want step by step written instructions, please visit my website. https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/everything-you-need-for-mixing-masterblend/
My video on pre-mixing MasterBlend concentrates - https://youtu.be/PByaaOBRaGY
Apera Instruments pH meter review - https://youtu.be/wj-3LMHmds0
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links. This is at no extra cost to you.
Tools and materials needed for mixing Masterblend:
Masterblend/Calcium Nitrate/Epsom Salt - https://amzn.to/2Q7FU6D
Gram scales - https://amzn.to/2YvRVpy
Calibration weight - https://amzn.to/2HkCTgr
Plastic funnel - https://amzn.to/2Q4srMR
pH meter - https://amzn.to/2Q7giqz
Probe storage solution - https://amzn.to/35iYIHd
ppm/EC meter - https://amzn.to/2Q4EERP
Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10
https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10
Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

How to change nutrients on large Kratky systems
This video shows how to change nutrients on large Kratky systems. The same principles apply though, to small Kratky systems. My Bih Jolokia in the 45-gallon trash gan was starting to show some nutrient deficiencies. The solution had dropped down by 2/3 the original volume and pH and dropped to 4.1. I replaced with fresh nutrients keeping the same level as before.

how to build a large 60-gallon Kratky hydroponic system - DIY
how to build a large 60-gallon Kratky hydroponic system. I set up a large 60-gallon pickle barrel to use as a mega Kratky hydroponic system. The plant I used was a Butch T Scorpion, that I originally had grown in a 5-gallon DWC hydroponic bucket.
Some of the links below will direct you to Amazon, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Parts shown, used or mentioned in the video:
Truncheon nutrient strength meter - https://amzn.to/2Z81D1j
Dyna-Gro 7-9-5 - https://amzn.to/31IMnJG
6-inch net bucket - https://amzn.to/31MftrD

How to make a Sriracha style pepper powder spice blend (StanRacha)
How to make a Sriracha style powder from frozen peppers. I call this StanRacha, the 'Days Gone By' blend because I used preserved frozen peppers that were over four years old.
This is a recipe and process for using vacuum sealed frozen pepper pods to make a sriracha type spice blend but could be adapted for any kind of pepper spice blend. This process could also be used from fresh pepper pods. You can adjust the recipe to taste of course, but this will give you a starting point. I also show tips on working with frozen peppers, how to dehydrate them and store for short term use and long term preservation.
Some of the links below will direct you to Amazon, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Items mentioned or shown in the video:
Pepper storage tubes - https://amzn.to/2laBT5U
Food dehyrator - https://amzn.to/2jN8v5n
Funnel - https://amzn.to/2lgkclD
Blender - https://amzn.to/2ldFTmc
Vacuum Sealer - https://amzn.to/2jNgUpp
Jar-sealer attachment - https://amzn.to/2lggTed
Weber Grill - https://amzn.to/2leF4tt
Charcoal Chimney - https://amzn.to/2lgd2he
Other videos I've made on pepper food preservation:
How to dehydrate peppers and make powder - https://youtu.be/7N8oyvRkkQ8
How to preserve peppers - https://youtu.be/thyMpy0xZiI
How to vacuum seal dehydrated peppers - https://youtu.be/VsHPi189TDA
Preserving dehydrated peppers long term - https://youtu.be/O32gsdaqpCk

How to make wicking cups - Quick, easy and inexpensive
Wicking is a passive hydroponic method that I often use each growing season. These are small self-watering systems that can be scaled in size. I've used wicking cups and other containers for peppers and herbs. The setup I show in this video is using Styrofoam cups. This is a very quick, easy and inexpensive method. You can buy the cups for this purpose or upcycle used cups. The wicking material I used is microfiber cloth, but any clean material that will wick should be fine.
I earn money from purchases made through the following links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps support my YouTube channel.
Items that are shown or mentioned in the video:
- 20-ounce styrofoam cups ( You can also pick these up in the grocery store or places like WalMart) - https://amzn.to/2Cz2O1m
- Microfiber clothes - https://amzn.to/2WkSLUO
- HLG-100 grow light - https://amzn.to/2HVsCbv
- 48" x 48" x 80" grow tent - https://amzn.to/2U5MxuJ
- Coco coir - https://amzn.to/2TuOi05
- Perlite - https://amzn.to/2uocFm7
- Dyna-Grp 7-9-5 - https://amzn.to/2uqDeH4
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links in this post. This is at no extra cost to you and helps support my site and YouTube channel.