Starting off in hydroponics usually means that you are either trying to create a DIY hydroponics set up based off a short checklist, or you are trying out a pre-built hydroponics kits. These kits and project plans generally cover the basics. This means you have the net pots, the water pump, hose, container housing and some growing media. The main component you are missing is the nutrient. Here is what you need to know about hydroponic nutrients before you just grab a bottle and get started.
Know What Nutrients are Meant to Do
The first thing you need to know is what hydroponic nutrients are meant to do. The simplest answer to this is that nutrients are a liquid fertilizer. They give your plants what they need to grow in the environment of a hydroponics unit. A more advanced answer is that the nutrients help to balance the pH levels of your water. This is important because you are using no soil for your plants by using the hydroponic method. Water and the growing media is all you have and if the water is more acidic one week than another, you have to adjust the nutrients for that issue.
Know How to Test the pH Balance of Your Water
In order to make sure you are using the right nutrient combination and amount, you have to start with the pH of the water. This means you will need to test that pH on a routine basis. Some people test on a weekly basis while others will go so far as to test on a daily basis. It depends on you and the type of plants you will be growing. Keeping that in mind, testing the pH is actually fairly simple. You are looking for a neutral reading and you can find this reading by using litmus strips or by using a pH meter. The meter is a digital option that can be placed in the water to get an immediate readout that will also tell you the level of acidity in the water. The litmus paper is just the traditional option, but will give you the same basic results.
Know When to Test the pH and When to Add Nutrients
Once you know how to test the pH and you have either the meter or litmus strip reading, it is time to put that reading to use. Your nutrients will have a graph on the labeling somewhere. This graph or chart works directly with the pH readout. Depending on the readout and levels of acidity in the water, the nutrients dosage will change. Match the readout to the dosage on the graph, mix the nutrients, and add them to your water in the hydroponics unit.
By having the knowledge and putting it to use, you can ensure that your plants will grow in their hydroponic container. You can also ensure that you are getting the most out of your plants and their ongoing harvest. If you aren't sure about the different brands of nutrients or mixing those nutrients for specific plants, such as lettuce, then consult with your hydroponics gardening store for specific mixtures that may be ideal for you.
Share24 April 2017
Hello, my name is Sandra and I live in Australia. This is my new blog which is all about the benefits of planning when operating a business. I am new to the world of business but in the 6 months that I have been running my shop, I have learnt an awful lot. My teacher has been Mr Jones, a local businessman with many years of experience. Mr Jones helped me to plan my budget, source my stock and to negotiate with suppliers. I decided to start a blog to pass on some top tips to others. I hope you find it useful.
