What Happens to Classroom Kratky Over Summer Break and Long Weekends?

Long weekends are easy: Kratky keeps going on its own. Classroom Kratky over summer break is different: time the last crop to finish before the break, harvest it, and close everything down rather than leave plants alone for two months.

Kratky suits classrooms because nothing needs switching on and plants draw solution down at their own pace. The school calendar is the part to plan around.

Long Weekends and Short Breaks

A three- or four-day weekend is no problem for most plants. Before you leave:

1. Check the levels. Top up only part way, so the upper roots stay in the air gap.
2. Move containers away from windows that get hot in the afternoon, especially if the heating or air conditioning is off.
3. Check the light timer is set and the outlet stays on. Some schools cut power to classrooms over breaks.

One- and Two-Week Breaks

Young plants are the easiest to leave, because they drink little. Plan so that the plants are small or have just started when the break begins, or so that a crop finishes just before it.

• Use larger containers for anything that has to last.
• Ask a caretaker or colleague to glance at the levels, with a line marked on each container.
• Note the building temperature: a classroom with no heating in winter break can get cold enough to stall growth.

Timing Crops to the School Year

• Loose-leaf lettuce takes about four to six weeks. Count back from the break.
• Start the last crop of the year at least six weeks before summer break.
• Students can harvest and take plants home in the last week.

Closing Down for Summer

1. Harvest everything. Let students take plants home, roots and all, in a cup of water.
2. Pour the solution away down a sink.
3. Wash containers, lids and net cups with hot soapy water, rinse well and let them dry.
4. Throw away used growing medium.
5. Store nutrients sealed, labeled and out of students’ reach.
6. Note what worked for next year: crops, timing, the window that did best.

Can Plants Go Home Over Summer?

Yes, with an adult’s help. Small containers can go home if they are part-emptied, sealed and carried upright. Send a note on topping up and keeping the container covered. The best plant article lists crops that stay small enough to travel.

Common Mistakes

• Starting a crop two weeks before summer break.
• Leaving full containers in a locked classroom all summer.
• Forgetting that the building’s heating, cooling or power may be off over breaks.

Common Questions

Related guide: running a Kratky classroom project.

Related article: What Supplies Do You Need for Classroom Kratky?