Ok, so you’re asking, “What do hydroponics have to do with mental health?”, right? Lots.
First check out my previous post on mental health and nutrition.

If there’s a link between good nutrition and improved mental health AND you could grow food yourself for pennies on the dollar AND it would not be tainted with pesticides or herbicides or any other chemicals AND it could be both a hobby and a source of that good nutrition would that interest you?

According to this article in Mental Health Education,

Some mental health benefits of hobbies:

• Reduced stress: participating in activities during leisure or spare time has been shown to reduce stress levels. For instance, one study showed approximately 75% of participants’ cortisol levels (one of the most widely studied hormonal markers of stress) were lowered after making art. Don’t consider yourself to be an artistic person? That’s okay! This study also showed that prior experience wasn’t needed to reduce stress.
• Enhanced well-being: a study in New Zealand found that engaging in creative activities can lead to an improved sense of wellbeing that may have long lasting effects. Participants felt a higher positive affect or mood and a sense of flourishing after days where they engaged in a creative activity. 
• Improved social connection, decreases in depression and anxiety: while there are many mental health benefits related to hobbies on your own, group or ‘team’ hobbies have also been shown to provide important opportunities for social connection, friendship and support. Research also shows that adults who regularly participate in some kind of team sport are less likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.
• Improved mental health: hobbies that include physical activity have been linked to many health benefits including reduced stress, reduced blood pressure, and a lower heart rate. But if you take physical activity outside, there are many additional positive benefits. Experts agree that spending as little as 10 minutes in nature can lead to improved mood, focus, and overall wellbeing.

Notice the “in nature”. Gardening definitely falls under that category as you are engaging with nature to produce nutritious food.

So, if you’ve never heard of it before (at least not the name of the inventor), I’d like to introduce you to the Kratky method of hydroponic gardening

The Kratky Method: Revolutionizing Urban Agriculture with Water and Innovation

In the world of urban agriculture, where space and resources are limited, innovative solutions are essential to ensure food sustainability. The Kratky Method, a hydroponic growing technique developed by Dr. Bernard A. Kratky, has emerged as a game-changer in this domain. By eliminating the need for complex hydroponic systems and continuous water supply, the Kratky Method offers a simplified yet effective way to grow food in various settings, from small balconies to commercial rooftops.

At its core, the Kratky Method relies on a passive hydroponic approach, eliminating the need for pumps, aerators, or electricity. Plants are grown in containers filled with a nutrient-rich solution, and as they consume the nutrients, the water level in the containers gradually decreases. This creates an air gap at the bottom, allowing the plants’ roots to access oxygen directly, similar to the process in traditional soil-based gardening. By using a single nutrient solution throughout the growth cycle, the Kratky Method reduces the complexity and costs associated with nutrient management.

One of the most significant advantages of the Kratky Method is its versatility. It can be applied in various urban settings, making it accessible to both enthusiasts and commercial growers. This technique is particularly popular among home gardeners and community projects due to its low cost and simplicity. Moreover, the reduced reliance on water and the absence of complex equipment make the Kratky Method an environmentally friendly choice, aligning with the growing global emphasis on sustainable farming practices. As urban populations continue to rise and available arable land diminishes, the Kratky Method stands as a beacon of hope, offering a practical way to cultivate fresh produce and transform urban spaces into thriving oases of green.

Here’s a picture of my experiment with the Kratky Method using a tiny inexpensive greenhouse and grow bins. I learned about this process through the Health Ranger program and put the grow bins together myself.

What you’re seeing are almost full grown zucchini plants. No soil. Just clean water and nutrients. Just to be transparent, I wasn’t able to harvest a crop. I didn’t stay on top of the water level, the Texas heat kicked in, and everything died very quickly. But the majority of the experience was successful and I learned a lot. And my wife thought I was crazier than ever because I was talking to my zucchini plants almost every day. What a great hobby! I plan on trying again as soon as fall kicks in and there’s cooler temps.

Recently I learned that the Health Ranger Store is selling a Kratky Method kit with the grow bins and nutrients. You provide the seeds or small seedlings.

Go to: The Health Ranger Store using this link and search for Grow Box. This will save a lot of work on your end and get you to where you’re growing your own nutritious food faster. Enjoy!