It's a simple, effective, and sustainable way to grow your own food, especially for those who live in areas with poor soil or limited space. In this essay, we'll break down the Kraken Method, explain how it works, and show you how you can apply it in South Africa to solve gardening challenges.

1. What is the Kraken Method?
The Kraken Method is a variation of hydroponics - a way of growing plants in water rather than soil. Hydroponics has been around for years, but the Kraken Method is a simplified and more affordable approach, designed for small-scale gardening. It uses water, nutrients, and a growth medium (like clay pellets or sponge) to support plant growth.
Key Elements of the Kraken Method:
Water: Plants absorb nutrients directly from the water.
Nutrients: A balanced nutrient solution is added to the water, providing the plants with everything they need to grow.
Growth Medium: This can be something like perlite, clay pebbles, or even a slice cut from a "pool noodle sponge" to anchor the plant roots and provide support.
2. How Does the Kraken Method Work?
Think of the Kraken Method like a giant fish tank for plants. Instead of planting seeds in the soil, you place them in a container filled with water and a nutrient solution. The roots of the plants are submerged in the water, allowing them to absorb the nutrients directly. Over time, the plants grow much faster and healthier, deliver more fruit and with fewer pests than traditional soil gardening.
Here's how it works step by step:
Prepare the Container: Use a plastic container or a tub to hold the water. This could be a simple bucket, tray, or even a recycled container.
Add Water: Fill the container with clean, preferably filtered water. It's important to use water that's free of chlorine or other harmful chemicals.
Mix Nutrients: Use a balanced hydroponic nutrient mix (which can be purchased online or from garden centres) and add it to the water. The nutrients help the plants grow strong.
Add Growth Medium: Place a growth medium like clay pebbles, perlite, or a sponge in the container to support the plant roots. YouTube has many fantastic videos that illustrate the process easily.
Place Plants in the System: You can start with seedlings or even plant cuttings. The roots will grow into the nutrient-rich water.
Maintain the System: Keep an eye on the water level and nutrient concentration, topping up as needed.
South Africa's diverse climates and challenges like water scarcity, poor soil quality, and limited space make gardening difficult for some people. The Kraken Method is an excellent solution to these problems, especially for urban gardeners or those in areas with droughts or poor soil.
Benefits of the Kraken Method for South Africans:
Water Conservation: Traditional gardening uses a lot of water, which can be a concern in many parts of South Africa where water shortages are common. The Kraken Method uses less water because it's a closed system - water is recycled and reused.
Less Soil Dependency: In areas with poor soil quality or limited space (like urban areas or apartments), growing vegetables in water can be a game-changer. You don't need a big garden or rich soil to grow food.
Faster Growth: Plants grown in the Kraken Method often grow faster than in soil because they have direct access to nutrients and water.
Pest-Free: Hydroponic systems, like the Kraken Method, are less prone to soil-borne pests, meaning you can grow vegetables without dealing with issues like root rot or pests.
Space Efficiency: If you live in a small apartment or don't have a large yard, the Kraken Method allows you to grow vegetables in limited space. You can set up a small system indoors or on a balcony.
4. What Vegetables Can You Grow Using the Kraken Method?
One of the best things about the Kraken Method is that you can grow a variety of vegetables in water. Here are some great options for South Africans:
Lettuce and Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard grow very well in hydroponic systems like the Kraken Method. These veggies grow quickly and are perfect for beginners.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a common choice for hydroponic growing because they love the nutrient-rich water, and you can enjoy fresh tomatoes year-round.
Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro thrive in hydroponic systems and are perfect for small spaces or urban gardening.
Cucumbers: Like tomatoes, cucumbers can also do well in the Kraken Method if you have enough space for their vines to grow.
Peppers: Bell peppers and chili peppers also work well in the Kraken Method. They require a bit more space, but they can yield a bountiful harvest.
5. How to Set Up the Kraken Method in Your Home or Garden
If you're ready to start growing with the Kraken Method, here's a simple guide to set up your own system:
Choose Your Container: Find a plastic bin, bucket, or tray that's large enough for your plants to grow and that is not see through. It should be deep enough to hold enough water and nutrients.
Here are containers you should avoid using for the Kraken Method:
1. Toxic plastic (non-food-safe or BPA-containing plastics)
2. Transparent containers (promote algae growth)
3 Non-ventilated or completely sealed containers (lack airflow)
4. Shallow containers (restrict root growth)
5. Low-quality plastic (poor temperature regulation)
Add the Growth Medium: Fill the container with your chosen growth medium, like perlite, hydroponic clay pebbles, or sponges. This will support the plants and keep the roots stable.
Mix the Nutrient Solution: Follow the instructions on your nutrient package. Mix the solution in the water until it reaches the desired concentration.
Plant Your Seeds or Seedlings: Place your plants in the growth medium. If you're using seedlings, carefully transplant them into the container. Make sure the roots are submerged in the water.
Maintain the System: Check the water levels regularly and add more nutrients if necessary. Make sure your plants are getting enough light (either from the sun or artificial grow lights).
Harvest Your Crops: In just a few weeks or months (depending on the plant), you can start harvesting your fresh, water-grown vegetables.
6. Challenges and Considerations
Like any gardening method, the Kraken Method isn't without its challenges. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Nutrient Management: You'll need to monitor the nutrient levels in the water regularly. Too much or too little can affect plant health.
Space and Light: While the Kraken Method is space-efficient, plants still need light to grow. Make sure you have enough space and access to sunlight or artificial grow lights.
The Kraken Method is a simple, efficient way to grow vegetables in water without the need for soil. It's ideal for South Africans looking to save water, grow food in small spaces, and avoid the challenges of poor soil quality. Whether you live in a city apartment or have limited garden space, the Kraken Method can help you grow fresh, healthy vegetables all year round.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!