Hydroponics literally means the process of growing plants in water using no 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. In a soil based environment, fertilizers do not contain all of the necessary nutrients, because soil already contains a great deal of nutrients. However, in the case of hydroponic plants, these fertilizers prove inadequate and so fertilizer formulated specifically for hydroponic systems has to be used.

Different plants need different proportions of nutrients for different times. Your better hydroponic nutrients are packaged in solutions labeled as ‘grow’ or ‘bloom’, that way even a novice grower can find these solutions without too much of a problem. As the growing cycle of your plants evolves make sure the nutrients evolve along with it. An additional reason for changing the solution is because a depletion of elements is subject during the growth stage of your plant. At certain times, important components can run out more quickly. Ideally you should change the solution every two weeks. Keep in mind that the proportion of nutrient solution and water remains consistent. If a loss of water occurs due to evaporation, the fertilizer levels will increase potentially causing serious damage to root systems.

Usually the hydroponic nutrient solutions that are available are sold as a concentrate. 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 instance a weaker solution should be put for plants in poor growing conditions like overheated gardens, low lighting or just crowded plants. Even newly planted cuttings will benefit from a weaker solution. 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: LED grow lights), ventilation, carbon dioxide production and circulation, you could probably go in for a stronger solution. But it’s advised to increase concentration of fertilizer slowly in order to keep the plant from getting burned up.

Even with a concentrate to water ratio range of 150-600 ppm, the level for many plants is 300-400 parts per million. Remember that this is not to be mixed with any part of a nutrient solution but with water.

Right now, we know we need something more than just soil-based fertilizer, but what do we use?  It is most important 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. While in the crop stage, a vegetative nutrient formula, such as Super Veg A or Super Veg B, is much better suited to for the vegetative stage of the plant.

The nutrient required will depend upon the medium that is to be used. The best hydroponic ingredients are composed of mixtures of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Nitrogen is important for leaf vegetative growth. Potassium aides in cell production, while phosphorus helps to make roots grow.

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