From experience
Start Pepper Plants Indoors with Kratky, Then Plant Them Outdoors
One of the best uses of the Kratky method is to start healthy pepper plants indoors. When they are ready, acclimate and harden them, then plant them outdoors in soil.
When to move them
How Long to Keep Plants in Kratky Indoors
Keep the plants in their Kratky setup indoors until they are about 8 to 12 inches tall and need room to keep growing.
We start all of our pepper varieties this way.
Moving Day
About 8 to 12 inches tall, and ready for more room.
Acclimate and harden
Hardening Off Kratky Pepper Plants
Set the plants by an open window, or put them out on a table for the afternoon during the warmest part of the day.
Take the Kratky pepper plants back indoors for the night. Keep repeating this until you think they will be fine left outside overnight.
Open Window or Afternoon Outside
Start with an open window, or a table outdoors for the warmest part of the day.
Back Indoors Overnight
Bring the plants inside each night while they are still adjusting.
Leave Them Out Overnight
Once you think they will be fine, leave them outside overnight.
General guidance: the University of Minnesota Extension pepper guide says to transplant peppers outdoors after nighttime lows are above 50°F, and to move plants outside gradually over one to two weeks, in a spot sheltered from wind. It also says to bring them indoors if nights fall below 55°F.
Into the ground
Planting Kratky Pepper Plants into Soil
The net pot is planted with the plant.
Use Loose Soil
Plant into loose soil.
Top of the Roots at the Soil Line
Set the plant so the top of the roots sits directly at the top of the soil.
Net Pot About 1/2 Inch Above Soil
The net pot is planted with the plant and sits slightly above the soil, about 1/2 inch.
Leave the Clay Pebbles or Rockwool
The clay pebbles and/or rockwool stay in place.
End of the season
Reusing Net Pots After the Season
Once the season is over, dig up and reuse any materials that are still usable. Net pots can be used for multiple seasons.
FAQ
Questions About Starting Pepper Plants in Kratky
How tall should Kratky pepper plants be before moving them?
Keep them in Kratky indoors until they are about 8 to 12 inches tall and need room to keep growing.
How do I harden off Kratky pepper plants?
Put them by an open window, or out on a table for the afternoon during the warmest part of the day, then bring them back indoors overnight. Repeat until you think they will be fine outside overnight.
Do I take the net pot off before planting in soil?
No. The net pot is planted with the plant, sitting about 1/2 inch above the soil, with the clay pebbles and/or rockwool left in place. The top of the roots sits directly at the top of the soil, in loose soil.
Can I reuse net pots?
Yes. Net pots can be used for multiple seasons. At the end of the season, dig up and reuse any materials that are still usable.
Back to How the Kratky Method Works
See the materials, setup and conditions for growing peppers in Kratky.