To put it bluntly, nutrients are the backbone of hydroponics. Without basic nutrition, a hydroponic garden will have zero chance of survival. The nutrients commonly used in hydroponics contain all of the substances that your plants require in order to grow. These substances all contain primary, secondary and trace nutrients, vitamins and hormones. Of course, the amounts and types of each substance will vary greatly depending on what your requirements are as well as what brand you prefer to buy. Nutrients will also commonly contain additives such as seaweed that assist the plant in the uptake of all of the nutrients and vitamins it requires.
Adding to the complexity of the issue is the fact that your plants will change constantly throughout the growing process and that in turn will mean that the plants nutritional needs will also be changing constantly. While all stages of growing are important and must be monitored and attended to correctly and diligently, the most important stage in the flowering cycle is the vegetative stage. Any weaker plants will die off in this phase, what remains will be the strongest of the lot. The desired end result - good yields, nice appearance, fresh taste, etc - are all determined during this part of the growing cycle. Generally, the strength of your nutrient solution should be increasing by the week and should also be strong in nitrogen.
Regardless of whichever size hydroponic system you set-up, you'll want at least one 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon of nutrients solution available for every plant in the system. Strive to stay within this range and you should be successful in preventing your plants from changing the pH level or TDS (*Totally Dissolved Solids) of the nutrients solution too rapidly. You can also use a TDS meter to assist you in measuring.
The Nutrients are fed to the plants through a reservoir system. One common tactic amongst hydroponic gardeners is to use two reservoirs. One reservoir is used to hold the nutrients solution, the other is to hold water for the next nutrients solution change. Employing this method will ensure that your water is at room temperature (it will also keep the water de-chlorinated). TO maintain the nutrients solution, do the following -
First, check the totally dissolved solids in your reservoir. If the level is too high, add some water - plain water. If it is too low, sparingly add some more nutrients to the solution. Check the solution again.
Next, you'll need to check the pH levels of the solution. You'll want the pH to be on the low side of what is considered the normal or acceptable level. Always check the pH levels last as they will change whenever nutrients are added.
Temperature is also important- optimal temperature for your nutrient solution should roughly be between 68 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower or higher will affect the plants ability to take water and the nutrients solution will not hold as much dissolved oxygen as is necessary.
Gnats and fungus are potential issues any hydroponic gardener will face at some point, but maintaining water temperature is key here - warmer water will kill roots, and dying roots cause fungal infections in the plants. Fungus of any kind will lead to gnats. Keep the reservoir covered or shielded from light as this will also help to prevent the fungus and gnats problems - the light, combined with the water and the plant nutrients will cause algae to grow. Eventually, the algae will die; this in turn will cause fungus and lead once again to a gnat problem.
Also, much like a fish tank, the reservoir needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain freshness. Every two weeks should be sufficient. Refill it with fresh water and fresh nutrient solution. This will also limit the chances of a nutrient imbalance.
While hydroponic nutrients come in three part formulas and are designed to cover the full spectrum of growth cycles, there are some nutrient additives that offer further advantages on desired health and growth levels. Vitamin B1 is a major additive that can enhance and boost root strength and cell division, and as such, it should be in every single drop of water that is fed through your system and to your plants. Seaweed has also been proven to improve plant health, provide a lustrous green color and provide your plants with hormones that assist in controlling plant growth. Silica is also beneficial for plant strength as it helps to improve the core of the plant known as the crystalline matrix. The crystalline matrix is directly linked to the plants immune system, so any boost to the core will help the plant remain insect resistant and will lessen the chances of fungus infections.
Adding to the complexity of the issue is the fact that your plants will change constantly throughout the growing process and that in turn will mean that the plants nutritional needs will also be changing constantly. While all stages of growing are important and must be monitored and attended to correctly and diligently, the most important stage in the flowering cycle is the vegetative stage. Any weaker plants will die off in this phase, what remains will be the strongest of the lot. The desired end result - good yields, nice appearance, fresh taste, etc - are all determined during this part of the growing cycle. Generally, the strength of your nutrient solution should be increasing by the week and should also be strong in nitrogen.
Regardless of whichever size hydroponic system you set-up, you'll want at least one 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon of nutrients solution available for every plant in the system. Strive to stay within this range and you should be successful in preventing your plants from changing the pH level or TDS (*Totally Dissolved Solids) of the nutrients solution too rapidly. You can also use a TDS meter to assist you in measuring.
The Nutrients are fed to the plants through a reservoir system. One common tactic amongst hydroponic gardeners is to use two reservoirs. One reservoir is used to hold the nutrients solution, the other is to hold water for the next nutrients solution change. Employing this method will ensure that your water is at room temperature (it will also keep the water de-chlorinated). TO maintain the nutrients solution, do the following -
First, check the totally dissolved solids in your reservoir. If the level is too high, add some water - plain water. If it is too low, sparingly add some more nutrients to the solution. Check the solution again.
Next, you'll need to check the pH levels of the solution. You'll want the pH to be on the low side of what is considered the normal or acceptable level. Always check the pH levels last as they will change whenever nutrients are added.
Temperature is also important- optimal temperature for your nutrient solution should roughly be between 68 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower or higher will affect the plants ability to take water and the nutrients solution will not hold as much dissolved oxygen as is necessary.
Gnats and fungus are potential issues any hydroponic gardener will face at some point, but maintaining water temperature is key here - warmer water will kill roots, and dying roots cause fungal infections in the plants. Fungus of any kind will lead to gnats. Keep the reservoir covered or shielded from light as this will also help to prevent the fungus and gnats problems - the light, combined with the water and the plant nutrients will cause algae to grow. Eventually, the algae will die; this in turn will cause fungus and lead once again to a gnat problem.
Also, much like a fish tank, the reservoir needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain freshness. Every two weeks should be sufficient. Refill it with fresh water and fresh nutrient solution. This will also limit the chances of a nutrient imbalance.
While hydroponic nutrients come in three part formulas and are designed to cover the full spectrum of growth cycles, there are some nutrient additives that offer further advantages on desired health and growth levels. Vitamin B1 is a major additive that can enhance and boost root strength and cell division, and as such, it should be in every single drop of water that is fed through your system and to your plants. Seaweed has also been proven to improve plant health, provide a lustrous green color and provide your plants with hormones that assist in controlling plant growth. Silica is also beneficial for plant strength as it helps to improve the core of the plant known as the crystalline matrix. The crystalline matrix is directly linked to the plants immune system, so any boost to the core will help the plant remain insect resistant and will lessen the chances of fungus infections.
About the Author:
Green Habitat Hydroponics Supplies are eager to assist with your questions, products and concerns regarding hydroponic systems! They offer full hydroponic systems as well as all the supplies needed for a successful experience. Anything you need - they have! Visit their site for a full list of products.
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