Using Proper Nutrients in Your Hydroponic Garden

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November 2nd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Hydroponics can be defined as a method for growing plants in water rather than soil. The idea behind this is for various media, which carry all of the nutrients in natural soil, to support plant growth. Thus it is these nutrients that are the most important factor in the process of hydroponics. When using soil for plants, fertilizers contain only those essential nutrients which the soil may be lacking. However, in the case of hydroponic plants, these fertilizers prove inadequate and so fertilizer formulated specifically for hydroponic systems has to be used.

The amounts and proportions of nutrients a plant needs varies. If you are looking for hydroponic nutrients for your plants, look for the ones with easy to read labels. The best ones are the ones that just say “grow” or “bloom” or some such. With this type of mixture, even a new gardener knows what to pick! As the growing cycle of your plants evolves make sure the nutrients evolve along with it. Another reason to change the solution is that the depletion of the elements is subject to the growth stage of the plant. At certain times, important elements get depleted faster. In an ideal word, the solution should be changed every two weeks. Bear in mind that the proportion of the nutrient solution and the water stays consistent. If the fertilizer level increases due to evaporation of water, it could cause extensive root damage.

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Concentrated forms are the most typical way to buy plant growth solutions. Please follow the instructions to get the best results. Some plants will require a higher dosage than other plants. This dosage is indicated by species on the package. If you are unsure of the dosage consult your local nursery. For plants that are in poor growing conditions, like overheated flowerbeds or in low lighting, a weaker solution should be used. Even plant cuttings which have just been planted will benefit from a solution which has been diluted. Use a regular solution on your normally growing healthy plants. If your garden has the capability of handling high growth – such as natural sunlight or good grow lights (for example: HPS grow lights), ventilation, carbon dioxide production and circulation, you could probably go in for a stronger solution. However, it is advisable to increase the concentration of the fertilizer gradually to save the plant from burning up.

Though the concentrate to water ratio is in the range of 150 – 600 parts per million, the level for most of the plants is 300 – 400 ppm. Keep in mind that these must be mixed with water and not with another part of nutrient solution.

Right now, we know we need something more than just soil-based fertilizer, but what do we use? The essential thing is to know which nutrient to look for. Your first consideration should be your growing medium–whether it be stone wool, sand, coco, etc. For example, if you are utilizing coco, look into the particular nutrients such as canna coco nutrients. Super Veg A or Super Veg B would be ideal, and is a great formula for a vegitable in the crop stage.

The medium determines the kind of nutrients required. Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are all elements that make up the organic or best hydroponic nutrients. Nitrogen is essential for leaf growth and development. Potassium will aid in the processing of cell production and phosphorus is the agent responsible for developing roots and flowering.

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