Most problems with plants are a result of using the wrong amount of fertilizer. If you use too little, your plants will be weak and underfed. If you use too much you risk burning and even killing the plant. In most cases it is a judgment call and requires constant monitoring and adjustment over the lifespan of the plant.
Hydroponic nutrient solutions are typically sold in concentrated forms. They are designed to be diluted and then added to your garden’s water supply at a specific ratio. The ideal concentration for your hydroponic vegetable garden is 150-600 parts per million (ppm). For the majority of plants, that range can be narrowed to 300-400 ppm. The solutions are usually sold in two or three part solutions because some of the chemical components cannot be mixed together directly. In fact, always be sure to mix your nutrient solutions into water and never directly with one another.
The solution is simply water with fertilizer dissolved into it. Always start with good quality water and mix in the fertilizer at a rate dictated by the manufacturer. The pH of the nutrient solution is also very important and must be adjusted as needed using liquid pH adjusters. While the pH requirement is dependent on the plant, a good rule of thumb for the pH is between 6.0 – 6.5 for all growing mediums other than Rockwool. Rockwool requires a pH of 5.5-5.8.
For young plants, the sultion should be mixed at a ¼ to ½ strength of what the manufacturer suggests for full strength. At two weeks of age you can adjust upwards and start using a full strength solution. Remember, you want to keep the growing medium moist, but never saturated, with the nutrient solution.
Check back again for the next installment of knowledge about starting your hydroponic vegetable garden.
Hydroponic nutrient solutions are typically sold in concentrated forms. They are designed to be diluted and then added to your garden’s water supply at a specific ratio. The ideal concentration for your hydroponic vegetable garden is 150-600 parts per million (ppm). For the majority of plants, that range can be narrowed to 300-400 ppm. The solutions are usually sold in two or three part solutions because some of the chemical components cannot be mixed together directly. In fact, always be sure to mix your nutrient solutions into water and never directly with one another.
The solution is simply water with fertilizer dissolved into it. Always start with good quality water and mix in the fertilizer at a rate dictated by the manufacturer. The pH of the nutrient solution is also very important and must be adjusted as needed using liquid pH adjusters. While the pH requirement is dependent on the plant, a good rule of thumb for the pH is between 6.0 – 6.5 for all growing mediums other than Rockwool. Rockwool requires a pH of 5.5-5.8.
For young plants, the sultion should be mixed at a ¼ to ½ strength of what the manufacturer suggests for full strength. At two weeks of age you can adjust upwards and start using a full strength solution. Remember, you want to keep the growing medium moist, but never saturated, with the nutrient solution.
Check back again for the next installment of knowledge about starting your hydroponic vegetable garden.
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