Kratky vs Wick
Kratky and Wick are the two genuinely passive hydroponic methods — no pumps, no electricity, no moving parts. They solve the delivery problem differently. Kratky sets the reservoir once and lets roots follow the water down as they grow. Wick uses a capillary strip to lift solution from a separate reservoir into the growing medium. Both favor small, short-cycle crops and beginners, but they diverge on which crops they can realistically support and whether you can top up mid-cycle.
Side-by-side comparison
| Axis | Kratky Method | Wick System | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity required | None | None | Tie |
| Crop cycle type | Single-cycle — reservoir set and left to recede | Continuous — reservoir refilled as needed | Wick System |
| Suitable plant size | Small to medium leafy greens and herbs | Small plants, microgreens, and low-demand herbs | Kratky Method |
| Refill behavior | Disrupts the air gap if you top up mid-cycle | Refill anytime without disturbing roots | Wick System |
| Setup cost | $10–$50 for jar or tote setups | $10–$40 for container plus wick | Tie |
Choose Kratky Method when
Pick Kratky if your crop fits inside a single grow cycle (head of lettuce, jar of basil, short-cycle herbs) and you want absolute hands-off simplicity until harvest.
Choose Wick System when
Pick Wick if you want a continuously refillable passive setup for microgreens or small herbs, or if you'd rather top up water regularly than commit to a fixed reservoir.
Sources
Data on this page is drawn from the following extension and research sources — the union of what each underlying system cites.
- Penn State Extension — Hydroponic Systems (accessed 2026-04-22)
- UF IFAS Extension — Hydroponic Systems (EDIS) (accessed 2026-04-22)
Last reviewed 2026-04-22.