Hydroponic Nutrients

1. Nutrients will be the most important component of your hydroponic system, curious since plants need little more than three of them. But it's more complicated than flooding your solution with phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. The wrong balance, or too concentrated a solution, could cause some serious problems.

2. Depending on your goals, you'll need to adjust your nutrients carefully, irrespective of the plant you're growing. For example, looking for quicker growth will require different nutrients than seeking more fruit, even with the same plant.

3. Happily, nutrients come in a pretty wide price range. It is true, the more expensive hydroponics will perform better for a given performance objective than a less expensive nutrient solution, but don't go on price alone. Set yourself a price range and stick to it. Remember, your grow media, tray and lighting scheme also comes into play.

4. After making the nutrient solution, be sure to test your water for a pH between five and six (5.6 if you can be exact) and measures between 71 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature. (Some sources recommend a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, depending on the plant. Follow the advice for your specific plants.)

5. If cost is a primary concern, go with dry hydroponic nutrients. These can be purchased in large buckets, up to 25 pounds at a time. They are just as easy to use as liquid nutrients, but many agree the results can be less consistent.

6. As described, liquid hydroponic nutrients are known for their more consistent results, but they are also better at maintaining proper pH levels. Many liquid nutrients will also come with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in separate bottles so you can properly mix your own solutions.

7. Nutrient enhancers for hydroponic growing are designed for all stages of a plant's life, allowing you to add them during germination, ripening, and rooting. They are also offered in solutions for use with your normal nutrients throughout the plant's life.

8. If you properly set up your soilless garden, you'll be surprised at how little maintenance it requires. When automated, you can focus on reaping the generous harvest of fruit or flowers, or you can focus on arranging the garden entirely for presentation.

Find more in our Hydroponic Nutrients Helpful Information section!