Category: Hydroponic Basics

Hydroponic Gardening

March 2, 2023March 3, 2023 Willy Green No Comments

Hydroponic Gardening

Hydroponic gardening is a method of growing plants without the use of soil, instead using a nutrient-rich water in its place. This method of gardening has many advantages over traditional soil-based gardening, including faster growth, higher yields, and the ability to grow plants in areas with poor soil quality as well as the ability to grow year round. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of hydroponic gardening and provide some tips for growing vegetables with hydroponics.

Choosing a Hydroponic System

There are several different types of hydroponic systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular systems include:

Deep Water Culture (DWC) – In a DWC system, plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich solution with their roots submerged in the water. This is one of the simplest and most affordable hydroponic systems, making it a popular choice for beginners.
Drip Irrigation – In a drip irrigation system, nutrient-rich water is dripped onto the plants from above. This system is easy to set up and maintain, and it can be used to grow a wide variety of plants.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) – In an NFT system, a thin film of nutrient-rich water is circulated over the roots of the plants. This system is ideal for growing plants with shallow roots, such as lettuce and herbs.

When choosing a hydroponic system, consider factors such as the space you have available, the types of plants you want to grow, and your budget.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

Most vegetables can be grown successfully with hydroponics, but some are definitely going to be easier to grow than others. Some of the best vegetables for hydroponic gardening include:

Leafy greens – Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens are easy to grow with hydroponics and can be harvested continuously.

Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a popular choice for hydroponic gardening because they have a high yield and are relatively easy to grow.

Cucumbers – Cucumbers are another popular choice for hydroponic gardening because they have a high yield and grow quickly.

Peppers – Peppers are easy to grow with hydroponics and can produce a large yield.

When choosing vegetables to grow with hydroponics, consider factors such as the space you have available, the amount of light your plants will receive, and the nutrient requirements of the plants.

Setting up Your Hydroponic Garden

Once you’ve chosen a hydroponic system and the vegetables you want to grow, it’s time to set up your garden. Here are the basic steps:

Choose a location – Your hydroponic garden should be located in a spot with plenty of light and a stable temperature. You may need to supplement the light with grow lights if you don’t have enough natural light.
Set up your hydroponic system – Follow the instructions that come with your system to set it up correctly.
Add your nutrient solution – Mix your nutrient solution according to the instructions that come with your system. Make sure to use the correct amounts of nutrients and water.
Add your plants – Place your plants in the system, making sure that their roots are in contact with the nutrient solution.
Monitor your system – Check your nutrient solution regularly to make sure that it has the correct pH and nutrient levels. You may need to adjust the solution periodically to keep it at the correct levels.

Maintaining Your Hydroponic Garden

Monitor Water Quality One of the most crucial aspects of hydroponic gardening is water quality. You’ll need to test your water regularly to ensure that it is free of contaminants and has the right pH balance. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for most hydroponic plants. If the pH is too high or too low, it can affect nutrient absorption, leading to stunted growth and other problems.
Maintain Nutrient Solution Hydroponic plants rely on a nutrient-rich solution to thrive, so it’s essential to ensure that the solution stays well-balanced. Check the nutrient solution’s strength and pH level regularly and adjust it as needed. Over time, the nutrient solution can become depleted, so you’ll need to replace it entirely every few weeks.
Check Water Levels The water level in your hydroponic system should remain consistent. You’ll need to check the water levels daily to make sure that your plants have enough water. If the water level drops too low, the plants will become dehydrated, affecting their growth and health.
Control Temperature and Humidity Temperature and humidity levels are critical factors in hydroponic gardening. Most hydroponic plants thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also need to ensure that the humidity levels in your grow room remain between 50% and 70%. If the humidity is too high, it can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can harm your plants.
Check Lighting Proper lighting is essential for hydroponic plants to grow correctly. Make sure that your grow lights are the correct type and wattage for your plants’ needs. You’ll also need to ensure that the lights are placed at the right distance from the plants. Too much or too little light can harm your plants, so make sure to monitor your lighting closely.
Maintain System Cleanliness Hydroponic systems need to remain clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Regularly clean your system to remove any debris or algae that may have accumulated. You can also use a disinfectant solution to sanitize your system to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

In conclusion, hydroponic gardening is an exciting and unique way to grow plants without soil. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep your plants healthy and thriving. By monitoring water quality, maintaining the nutrient solution, checking water levels, controlling temperature and humidity, checking lighting, and maintaining system cleanliness, you can create a healthy and productive hydroponic garden. Thank you for reading about hydroponic gardening! Here are some other articles you may enjoy reading.

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pH meters – What are they and how are they used?

February 3, 2023February 5, 2023 Willy Green No Comments

pH meters – What are they and how are they used?

A pH meter is a tool that is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of soil or a liquid solution. pH is the unit of measure that describes the degree of acidity or alkalinity of soil or liquid solutions. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 with 0 being more acidic and 14 being more alkaline. When it comes to gardening, our plants are happiest in the range of 6-7. Basically towards the middle or neutral, but just leaning slightly towards the acidic range. A pH meter is exactly what you need to use to measure just where your plants pH is. We will go over how to use a pH meter and adjust accordingly.

This is a combination pH meter / TDS meter. It’s a common item used in hydroponic systems

This 4 in 1 meter will test your soils pH, moisture, sunlight intensity, and temperature

Prepare for Calibration

First you will need to prepare you pH meter for calibration. You will want to clean the electrode. The electrode is the tip or the end of the meter that you put into the soil or liquid solution. Take the electrode out of its storage solution and rinse it with distilled water. Then dry it off and you should be ready to calibrate the pH meter. Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel when drying it off as the tip is very sensitive and you don’t want to scratch it up.

Prepare your buffers. You are generally going to need two buffers for calibrating a pH meter. The first will be a “neutral” buffer with a pH of 7, and the second should be near the expected sample pH. So either a pH of 4 or 9.21. Buffers with a higher pH (9.21) are best for measuring bases, whereas buffers with a low pH (4.0) are best for measuring acidic samples. Once you have chosen your buffers allow them to reach the same temperature as the pH meter because pH readings are temperature dependent. Pour your buffers into individual containers. Usually when you buy a pH meter, it will come with buffers to calibrate your meter.

Calibration

Place your electrode in the buffer with a pH value of 7 and begin reading. Press the “measure” or calibrate button to begin reading the pH once your electrode is placed in the buffer. Allow the pH reading to stabilize before letting it sit for approximately 1-2 minutes.

Set the pH. Once you have a stable reading, set the pH meter to the value of the buffer’s pH by pressing the measure button a second time. Setting the pH meter once the reading has stabilized will allow for more accurate and tuned readings.^[4]Although not necessary, if you stir your buffer before measuring be sure to stir all other buffers and samples in the same way.

Rinse your electrode with distilled water. Rinse and pat dry with a lint-free tissue, like Kimwipes or Shurwipes, in between buffers.

Place your electrode in the appropriate buffer for your sample and begin reading. Press the measure button to begin reading the pH once your electrode is placed in the buffer.

Set the pH a second time. Once your reading has stabilized, set the pH meter to the value of the buffer’s pH by pressing the measure button.

Rinse your electrode. You can use distilled water to rinse. Use a lint-free tissue, like Kimwipes or Shurwipes, in between buffers to dry the electrode.

Place your electrode in your sample and begin reading. Once your electrode is placed in your sample, press the measure button and leave the electrode in your sample for approximately 1-2 minutes.

Set your pH level. Once the reading has stabilized, press the measure button. This is the pH level of your sample

Clean your electrode after use. Rinse your electrode with distilled water and blot or dab dry with a lint-free tissue. You may store your pH meter once clean and dry.

Consult your operation manual for optimal storage practices for your specific pH meter.

Have you ever measured the pH of the soil in your garden? If not, you should, especially if you have added amendments with the hope of changing pH. Testing is the only way to know for certain what the soil pH is. Gardeners have often been advised to put wood ash and other neutralizing compounds in the soil regardless of testing. Reading through this article, you will learn more about why pH matters, how to lower soil pH, and if needed how to raise soil pH.

It can definitely feel slightly intimidating at first when your are trying to understand pH, but once you learn the basics, you will be fine. Plants vary in the tolerability of pH levels. Generally speaking, an optimal pH range of 6.0-7.0 is where you will want to be. Some crops can live outside of this range, but more often than not, a pH of 6.0-7.0 is going to be your target. Certain crops and ornamentals will definitely prefer more extreme conditions on either end of the range though, so always check the requirements for each specific plant before adjusting. The classic examples are blueberries and azaleas. These plants like a pH of 4.5, which is acidic soil.

A soil test is the only way to truly know what your pH is. Looking at the plants and knowing what the history of the soil is can be clues, but testing is the only sure way to know. This can be done at home by getting a good pH meter for soils, using home test kits, or by sending soil for professional testing. Testing several areas at several depths can indicate what practices need to be done, or if action needs to be taken at all. If the pH falls somewhat closely within the desirable range of 6.0-7.0, then you do not need to worry about adjusting the pH. If you find yourself reading above 7.2 or below 5.5, then action should be taken to change the soil.

Natural Factors Impacting pH

Environmental and climatical factors can help us as gardeners understand why the soils we grow on will inherently have the pH they do. Rainfall is one of the more important ones to consider when thinking about pH. Rainfall will wash away more of the basic elements like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. This allows more of the acidic element ions to be present such as hydrogen and aluminum. In climates that do not receive as much rainfall the soils are more alkaline, meaning they have a pH of above 7.

There are several amendments that can be used to amend basic or alkaline soil to increase soil acidity. Mostly compounds containing the element sulfur are used to intentionally reduce soil pH. Elemental sulfur, iron sulfate, and aluminum sulfate are all options that reduce the pH of the soil. In addition, ammonium-containing fertilizers also lower pH. Ammonium sulfate (also containing sulfur), urea, and ammonium nitrate all lower pH. The sulfur-containing compounds are in the soil to create sulfuric acid which is effective at lowering pH. Sulfuric acid is sometimes directly used but would be much harder for the home gardener to use.

Sulfur compounds can be tricky, and trying to lower the pH of your soil is a more challenging process than raising pH in soil. It is less straightforward as there is a difference in how the pH is lowered. Elemental sulfur is one of a few organic soil amendments that can change pH. Elemental sulfur is involved in a biological reaction with soil bacteria to lower the pH. What does this mean? It means that this process takes more time to lower the pH. Be careful when adding this sulfur, otherwise, the pH will be too low and your soil acidic. Also keep in mind that in cooler climates, soil temperature affects biological activity. Soils need to be in the right conditions for bacteria to be active. Iron and aluminum are acidic cations that work to chemically reduce soil pH. This is much different than the elemental sulfur. It cannot be stressed enough that the biological reaction with microbes using elemental sulfur means applying and waiting.

Organic matter breaking down can also release organic acids into the soil, but the amount is much smaller compared to other soil amendments. Organic materials are an important thing to build in the soils but ultimately are not a good choice to change the soil pH. Pine needles and used coffee grounds are sometimes found on the internet as potential acidifying amendments. They do not do anything to acidify the soil. Peat moss and sphagnum peat are common recommendations for the soil. While they may acidify the soil slightly, it is temporary and less effective than these other methods. The same is for most ammonium fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate won’t have as big of an impact if used in lesser amounts. The ammonium phosphates and sulfates have a bigger impact on lowering pH.

Conclusion

Well hopefully now you have a better understanding about pH meters and how to use them. Thank you for reading pH meters – What are they and how are they used? Here are some other articles you may enjoy.

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Basic Hydroponics

September 22, 2022June 11, 2023 Willy Green No Comments

Basic Hydroponics – What exactly is it?

What exactly is hydroponics? Generally speaking, basic hydroponics is the process of growing plants in hydroton (clay pellets), gravel, or sand, instead of using soil. There are many different variations of hydroponic farming and, of course, there are many opinions on all of them. Some are pretty basic and straightforward while others are somewhat complicated. Here is one option if you are looking to try your first hydroponic set up. Overall, no matter which method of hydroponic farming you use, you should see better results than you did with soil. It can feel daunting at first with all of the stuff you will need to buy and set up, but let me assure you that once everything is set up, it will actually be less work than if you had just grown with soil the whole time. This is a great place to start if you are new to hydroponic farming.

Pros – In my opinion, the pro’s will far outweigh the con’s, but nonetheless, lets go over everything so you can really know what you are getting into before you make the investment.

Your plants will grow bigger and at a faster rate than if you had a similar set up with soil. You will have bigger fruits and veggies or whatever it is that you are growing.
I rarely have had issues with pests. More often than not, we will bring bugs into our garden when we buy soil from the stores. Pest problems have been way less of an issue with hydroponics. That’s not to say that you will never have an issue. It’s just less likely to be as much of an issue than it is with soil.
I feel that the maintenance is way less of an issue. Think of it like this. When we grow with soil, we have go to the store and buy it, bring it home, and then use it in our garden. Then after you are done growing, you will end up tossing it. Then go to the store and get some more. With hydro, we are using Hydroton (clay pellets) in place of soil. And Hydroton is reusable. The only other thing we are putting in here is water and some nutrients.

Cons – Yes there are some things to consider here. It’s not all fun and games.

- If you lose power for very long you can lose whatever it is you are growing. If it’s just a few hours, you should be ok. If it’s much longer than that, you could be in for a rough day.
- It costs more to set up at first than soil. This list consists of about ten item’s and that doesn’t even include the light if you are growing indoors. While it can save you money with time, it is definitely not the cheapest way to go especially at first.
- Depending on how big your set up is, it could raise your electricity bill. Now this would be more of an issue in regards to the light fixture that you use if you are growing indoors, but nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning. If you have a small set up then this really should not be an issue at all, but depending on where you live, you could see your bill go up.

Deep Water Culture

D.W.C. or Deep Water Culture is, in my opinion, the easiest of all the different methods of hydroponic farming. Here is a list of everything you need to set up a single plant, but keep in mind that you can add on to this single plant system and make it a multiple plant system very easily. I will explain everything. Don’t hesitate to message me if you have any questions getting started.

A round bucket – Preferably dark or at least thick enough so that light will not penetrate through to the water. You don’t want light to penetrate to the water because light promotes algae and mold growth on the roots. This is something you definitely don’t want to happen. I know they do have food grade buckets as well and I think they are thick so light is not an issue. Just make sure it is thick so light cant penetrate it and it needs to be round not square.

A Net Pot lid – You will need a “Net pot lid” which is the lid that will go on top of the bucket. It has the mesh built right into it. It will hold Hydroton and the plant itself. .

Hydroton – Hydroton is basically just clay pellets. They take the place of soil. They will hold the plant in place while it is growning. And one really nice thing about hydroton is that it is reusable! Just give it a thorough rinsing between uses.

Nutrients – Yes you will need to buy nutrient’s for the water. There are many different varieties of nutrients for all types of different plants. So you are thinking, “where do I even begin?” Well a solid place to start is with General Hydroponic’s Flora series. I have personally used these products for years with excellent results. They are very easy to use. The instructions are right on the bottles. This is a three part system and I know that can sound intimidating, but it’s actually very simple and there are a couple of tools that you will use to guide you along the way so you will know exactly where you stand.

pH tester – You will need a pH tester so that you can keep the pH where the plants need it to be. It all depends on what you are growing, but generally speaking you will want to keep the pH around 5.6-6.0

T.D.S. meter – T.D.S. = Total Dissolved Solids. It basically means exactly how many nutrients are in the water and it is measured in P.P.M. or Parts Per Million. Too little and the plant will be hungry for food. Too much and you will burn the plant and most likely kill it. When just starting out, I prefer to error on the side of caution especially with younger plants or seedlings. Go with 1/4 strength or less. You can always add more if needed. Now generally speaking, you will want to be in the range of 800-1500 ppm (parts per million) depending on your plant and what cycle of plant life you are in at the time. A quick google search of your specific plant will tell you exactly where you will want things to be.

pH up & pH down – Were you wondering how you were going to adjust your pH levels if they are off? Well this is what you will use for that step. It is just two liquids. One will adjust your pH up and the other will adjust it down. Just use whatever the recommended amount is and then mix it up well. Wait a minute or two and then measure your p.H again and see how you are looking.

Air pump – Next on our list is an air pump. Just like the kind you would use for a fish tank. This is how we are going to keep the water / nutrient combination oxygenated. There are many different kind of air pumps so lets make it a little easier. If you are just doing one or two plants or buckets then a single air pump with a single or double outlet is fine. But if you are like most people, you will be doing multiple buckets. So then you will want to get a little bit better air pump with the option to have up to 8 buckets or plants. You will really want something like this. This is something I personally use so I know it works very well.

Air stones & air line – These are the little stones that you would see inside of a fish tank where the bubbles come out of. One air stone per bucket. Make sure you soak them in water for about 10-15 minutes before you start using them. The air line is 1/4″ plastic tubing preferably in black as we don’t want light penetrating the lines because that will promote mold growth.

A Seedling – And finally you will need a seedling or a rooted cutting. You can also you an established plant although you don’t want one that is too big. You will need to remove the plant from the container and carefully remove the soil from the roots. Are you seeing why you want to start with something small?

Ok so now we have a list of everything that we will need to get started. So where do we begin? Lets get that first bucket set up.

Start soaking your air stones in water. They need to soak for at least 10-15 minutes before you start running air through them.
Drill a 1/4′ hole through the top of your bucket about 1″ from the top. You will need this hole to run your air line through to your air stone which will be at the bottom of the bucket.
Once your air stones have soaked for 10-15 minutes or longer, grab one and hook up your 1/4″ black air line to it. Run that line through the hole in the top of the bucket to your air pump. If you bought a pump that has a carburetor in it, make sure all of the other ports are turned to the off except for the one that you are using. This will maximize your air going to the air stone and produce more bubbles. More bubbles equals more oxygen in the water which is definitely a good thing.
Fill your bucket about 3/4 full of water or fill it to just below where the Net Lid bottom sits. Add your nutrients specific to whatever it is that you are growing. If it is a seedling or clone, go with about 1/4 strength. Generally that should be at about 200 ppm on your T.D.S. meter, but it’s ok to go a little less than that at first. Seedlings and clones barely need anything. Once they have been in there for a week or two you can start to increase the amount of nutrients that you are feeding it.
Check your pH. Most plants are happy with their pH being somewhere between 5.5 to 7. But do your homework on your specific plants. You will want to check the pH after you have added nutrients because your pH can change after adding nutrients and you don’t want to do it twice.
Grab your rooted clone or seedling. Be extra careful with this step. Take your clone and gently feed some of the roots through the net pot bottom and at the same time begin placing some hydroton around the clone. Be sure to hold the clone with one hand while using your other hand to put the hydroton into the net pot. You really want to be sure that you don’t disturb the plant too much. Assume that you are performing surgery here. You don’t want to hurt the plant at all. You want to fill the hydroton up enough to hold the clone in place firmly. If you haven’t already placed the lid on the bucket, now is the time. You should have some roots dangling from the bottom of the net lid into the water / nutrient solution.
Plug in and turn on your air pump. You should see a nice healthy amount of bubbles. That’s it! Put it under a light or keep it in front of a window.
Check your pH and water levels daily until you have an idea of just how much things change. Stay on top of it. Early on things won’t change very quickly, but once everything is established, you will be very surprised just how fast one plant can go through water and nutrients in a short amount of time.

Conclusion

Overall, I have really enjoyed solid results with the D.W.C. or Deep Water Culture method. Hopefully you aren’t still saying “hydroponics, what exactly is it? You should now at least have a basic understanding of what hydroponics exactly is. Yes it can be a little bit intimidating at first, but once you see how it works, you see that it’s really not so complicated. It really is a great starting point for anyone contemplating starting their own Hydroponic set up. I promise that you will be amazed at just how quickly your plants will grow. At times, you will literally see substantial growth each day.

Best Hydroponic Nutrients

June 14, 2019July 27, 2023 Willy Green No Comments

Best Hydroponic Nutrients

Hydroponic farming is one of the most lucrative and rewarding farming methods. And as time goes by more and more people are adapting to this new farming method with hopes to get more produce.

However, as much as hydroponic farming is indeed rewarding, you need to be well informed on the best hydroponic nutrients to use. Just like our bodies, hydroponic plants require proper nutrient supply. Without providing the necessary nutrients, your hydroponic garden will struggle and finally fail much to your frustration.

But one thing you need to know is that, not every hydroponic nutrient out there is ideal for use on your garden.

Some of the brands do not meet some of the industry standards which have left many farmers wondering which the best hydroponic nutrient to buy is. But you do not have to worry about all those lengthy research.

We understand how challenging it can be when choosing quality hydroponic nutrients. And for this roundup, we have compiled a list of quality brands that have been tested and surpassed all the industry standards. Before we take you through the featured brands, here is a quick comparison table. Just take a look!

Product Name	Our Rating	Price
General Hydroponics Flora Series Fertilizer	Five Stars *****	$35.79
Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula (Pack of 3)	Five Stars *****	$29.01
General Hydroponics Flora Series Performance Pack	Five Stars *****	$51.29
AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients (1 Liter)	Four Stars ********	$29.48
Advanced Nutrients (Pack of 3)	Five Stars *****	$54.93

Top 5 Best Hydroponic Nutrient Review

1. General Hydroponics Flora Series Fertilizer 3 part set

General Hydroponics is a trusted brand when it comes to planting nutrients. The Flora series is one of their finest.

I recently learned that the series is so great that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Antarctic research use it in their botanical study in space. The researchers choose it because of its superior formulation and reliability.

The package comes in a three-tier system named grow, bloom and micro. But why does GH Flora series sell in packs of three?

Each of the packs contains a specific formula with a combination of different nutrients at various concentrations. The aim is to give you the flexibility of mixing and customizing your hydroponic nutrients to suit the exact needs of your plants at different stages of their growth cycle.

It’s a smart innovation since all plants have unique needs, and these needs change as the plant grows to maturity. GH splits the formulas in such a way that each stage of plant growth gets the optimal nutrients for fast and healthy growth. The product comes with recommendations on how to mix or customize the formulas.

If you use the three parts of the nutrients correctly, you’ll enjoy an enhanced flavor, nutrient content, improved aroma richness, and better essential oils. You can also be sure of getting the highest yields possible with hydroponic systems.

FloraMicro acts as the foundation of the set. It is formulated with a mixture of calcium, trace minerals, and nitrogen. Your hydroponic crops need these things throughout their growth cycle.

When your plant reaches its vegetative stage, the FloraGrow joins the bandwagon. It provides additional nitrogen and potassium to enhance vegetative growth.

The third part, FloraBloom adds nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur. These nutrients are critical to flower and fruit development in plants. It may take you some time to master how to properly use General Hydroponics Flora Grow, Bloom, and the Micro Combo Fertilizer set.

Pros

Enhances yields and improves plant quality
It’s possible to adjust mixtures to match the individual needs of plants
Maximum solubility thanks to highly purified concentrates
It’s PH balanced for effortless use
Superior formulation and reliable

Cons

Higher priced in comparison with competitors
May not be efficient for a commercial scale hydroponic system

2. Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula (Pack of 3)

This liquid nutrient formula for hydroponics consists of three parts that work in synergy throughout the growth cycle of your plants.

Fox Farm optimized this liquid fertilizer to encourage vegetative growth and boost the overall productivity of your hydroponic crops. The trio soil formula includes Grow Big, Big Bloom, and Tiger Bloom. Using them in sequence can guarantee you brilliant blooms and luscious fruits each season.

The Grow Big (6-4-4) part is a water-soluble formulation containing various essential ingredients designed to boost vegetative growth. The active ingredients in this liquid fertilizer include Norwegian Kelp and earthworm castings. These elements will enhance the vigor, growth, and production of your crops.

The Tiger Bloom (2-8-4) part is a brilliant formula that supports the healthy development of your crop’s buds, flowers, and fruits. It’s a high phosphorous hydroponic nutrient that contains earthworm castings and Norwegian Kelp. Tiger Bloom’s low pH means improved nutrient availability and stabilized storage.

The final part, Big Bloom (0.01-0.3-0.7) is a micro-brewed formulation that consists of rock phosphate, bag guano, earthworm castings, Norwegian Kelp as well as other crop-boosting ingredients. This is the last component you apply to support flowering and fruit formation. It will also help you to extend your growing season.

Start your hydroponics growing season by supporting the first crop growth with Grow Big. Follow this by applying the Tiger Bloom when your plants begin to bud. Use the Big Bloom to help the growth of your crops throughout their growth cycle or season to keep supporting the mature plants.

Pros

Highly enriched liquid fertilizer
All-in-one solution for enhanced fertilizer efficiency
Low pH improves nutrient availability to your plants
Guarantees improved yields season after season
The formula is effective and reliable for different hydroponic crops

Cons

Some buyers received damaged or open bottles
Maybe too strong for beginners in hydroponics

3. General Hydroponics Flora Series Performance Pack

You can trust the General Hydroponics brand to give you premium hydroponic nutrients for your garden. The General Hydroponics Flora Series Performance Pack contains: 16 oz. Flora Micro; 16 oz. FloraGro; 16 oz. Flora Bloom; 8 oz. Flora Blend; 8 oz. Liquid KoolBloom; 4 oz. FloraKleen; 1 oz. Rapid Start; 1 oz. Floralicious Plus; 1 oz. pH Test Indicator

This means you get an entire line of top rate organic plant meals as well as dietary supplements. Each of these components has its own function in boosting the growth of hydroponic crops while the cumulative effect results in optimal yield for vegetables, herbs, and fruits.

Designed to excel in coco, hydroponics and soil

The Performance Pack contains an assortment of Flora nutrients and a pH Test Indicator

Flora series is the foundation of the “Building-Block” System Provides Nitrogen, Potassium, Calcium and trace elements

Pros

Premium quality botanical foods and supplements
Excellent startup pack for hydroponic gardener beginner
Supports plant growth throughout the growth season
Formulated from entirely natural sources of plant food
Improves the rate of plant growth and yields
Self-buffering – no need for adjusting pH

Cons

May not do well with certain herbs such as legal marijuana without changing the pH

4. AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients (1 Liter)

If you own any Miracle AeroGarden model, you’ll understand just how expensive nutrients and seed pods can be. A cheaper alternative would be to buy seedless pods and then add the seeds of your choice to the pods. You can then purchase nutrients in bulk. You will save a lot of money.

Choosing this alternative means purchasing a liquid nutrient that is potent, safe and reliable. The AeroGarden Liquid Nutrient offers you 1 liter (about 100 feedings worth of hydroponic nutrients to last you a few seasons.

This patented liquid formulation by AeroGarden will guarantee you better germination, enhanced growth rate and increased productivity. The organic pH buffering system of this liquid fertilizer means you can use it from the seedling stage through to the vegetative and flowering stages.

Does this mean you cannon use this liquid fertilizer if you do not use an AeroGarden system? The answer is NO. You can still use the AeroGarden liquid nutrition if you are seeking a simple and hassle-free fertilizer for your novel hydroponic garden. This plant food is versatile and practical.

To use AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients, mix 4-8 ounces of the concoction to a gallon of clean water. After thorough mixing, apply the solution to your plants similar to the way you sprinkle your houseplants.

Pros

Excellent for all AeroGarden models
Great also for outdoor and indoor plants, trees and shrubs
Over 100 feedings are enough for several growing seasons
Highly effective – a single part nutrient is enough for seedlings, vegetative growth, and flowering
AeroGarden pH buffering system works for any hydroponic applications

Cons

Dispensing from the packaging jag can be wasteful – a pouring spout would be great
Could be too pricey for beginners in hydroponic gardening

5. Advanced Nutrients (Pack of 3)

Another trustworthy brand that produces some of the best hydroponic nutrients is Advanced Nutrients. The brand has created tens of growing formulations to provide your plants with everything they need at different stages of growth and when they need it most. The outcome is what every gardener dreams of – better crops and optimum yields.

The base nutrients in this formula are pH Perfect Grow, Micro, and Bloom. Advanced Nutrients precisely formulated the trio to give your hydroponic plants the precise ratios of different nutrients and at the best concentrations to boost growth and productivity.

If you hate pH meters, pens, and papers, then you’ll love this part. The Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect nutrients automatically balance your pH, so you have no reason to take any readings and make recordings. The Balance-free pH Perfect technology works 24/7 to adjust and calibrate the pH for you. It means you won’t need to add pH regulating chemicals to your hydroponic system again.

Your pH perfect grow, micro, bloom-fed plants will benefit from a wide selection of beneficial amino acids. You’ll see fantastic outcomes from the powerful non-ionic surfactant and fulvic acid. Both these ingredients are parts of a multiple-stage delivery matrix to ensure your crops absorb all the nutrients.

Besides the above nutrient delivery system, the formula has potent chelation which optimizes the bioavailability of all nutrients to the root systems of your plants. You can be sure that this nutrient base is excellent for your crops.

Pros

3-part nutrients provide lush, sturdy plant growth
Automatic pH regulation is intuitive and convenient
A formulation designed to increase absorption and nutrient availability to plant roots
Works with all hydroponic systems and even conventional soil-based methods
Great for beginners and even experienced hydroponic gardeners

Cons

Lacks adequate instruction on how to use
Could be a little bit costly for some gardeners

How to Choose a Hydroponic Nutrient

The growing popularity of hydroponic gardens has awakened nutrient-making companies to try to edge each other out. Such competition is great because you’ll get the best products, prices could reduce, and you have a variety to choose from.

On the flip-side, the overwhelming number of brands can be confusing if you do not know what to look for in a hydroponic nutrient. You’re lucky because that’s what I’m going to share in this section. But first, let’s answer some questions.

Should You Go for Liquid or Solid Hydroponic Fertilizer?

Major plant nutrients, including calcium and nitrogen, come in powdered form. The job of manufacturers is to combine these powders in appropriate ratios to get an optimal formulation of hydroponic plants.

Liquid fertilizers start as powdered nutrients comprising the different ingredients in their ideal ratios. The manufacturer adds a predetermined amount of water as well as other surfactants to allow you to mix them with the water in your nutrient reservoir.

So, which type of fertilizer is best for you? I would go with the liquid fertilizer for two reasons. One, it is already in the form of a liquid. All that’s necessary is to measure the appropriate amount to add to the water in your hydroponic system.

Two, the liquid nutrient is optimally available to plant roots. Besides, the chances of having nutrient residues accumulate in the water are nearly impossible. After all, most brands offer liquid fertilizers that already have no residues in the packaging bottles.

The problem with liquid preparations is that they are more expensive than dry preparations because of shipping costs and storage. That’s why it serves hydroponic hobbyists better than commercial farmers.

If you are a large scale farmer, powdered nutrients are the best. Although mixing them can complicate your work, such nutrients are cheaper to ship and store. Distributors have no problem delivering them in bulk.

Should You Use Organic or Synthetic Hydroponic Nutrients?

Agricultural technology has increased a lot. Today, manufacturers can formulate synthetic nutrients that are as effective as (if not more than) their organic counterparts.

Organic as used here means the active components of the nutrient are derived from natural sources such as animal waste or compost manure. Synthetic means the active elements come from chemical preparations created in the laboratory.

While organic nutrients have excellent safety profiles and many improve yield, you cannot be sure of the actual proportion of each active nutrient.

Conversely, the synthetic nutrient versions are chemical based and, therefore, may interfere with some plants. However, you are sure of the measure of vital minerals and macro-nutrients you are applying on your hydroponic system. You can easily track the way you feed your plants by giving them the same ratio of the crucial nutrients each time.

Some synthetic hydroponic fertilizers may improve yield, but you cannot be sure until you harvest your crops. But I’m confident you’ll get better results because the delivery of nutrients will not be fluctuating. In other words, there will be no over- or under-delivery.

Is it Possible to Formulate Hydroponic Nutrients on Your Own?

It is possible if you have the guts to try. The most important skill you must have before you make such an attempt is research. Tons of information is available online, agricultural books, hydroponic journals as well as scholarly articles.

Use your research skills to concoct your own formulation. However, you might run into a few difficulties. First, you’ll find it challenging to get the raw materials. Synthetic minerals such as calcium are almost depleted after years of mining for industrial use and whatever little that remains is rare and costly.

Second, you may not be able to measure and combine the elements in appropriate ratios. Any slight difference in the concentration of various components can lead to over- or under-delivery of crucial minerals. Any of these conditions will lead to the death of your plants.

Furthermore, you may end up with a barren hydroponic tray and toxic, less stable nutrient tank that is unusable unless you do something. You can either drain it entirely or buffer with a pH buffering solution in order to reuse.

What’s the bottom line? Do not attempt to formulate your own hydroponic nutrients if you are not a professional. Otherwise, weigh your options before you make any decisions. If you get it right, you can have a very productive hydroponic garden.

Is it Necessary to Change the Nutrient Solution of Your Hydroponic System?

You’ll do well to remember that the water in a hydroponic system does not just provide a growth medium for plants. The solution contains several beneficial micro-organisms that will also support the healthy growth of your crops.

It takes about six months for the solution to accumulate enough of the beneficial microorganisms. These bacteria will kill algae and fungi from growing in the medium and supporting the growth of your plants to maturity.

Therefore, it will be catastrophic to change water indiscriminately. Instead, use a more conservative approach. Add water only when necessary and if you must remove, do not drain more than 25 percent of the original amount nutrient solution.

Considerations for Choosing a Hydroponic Nutrient

Type of Nutrient

You’ll need to choose between liquid or dry hydroponic nutrients. Each has its advantages and disadvantages that I discussed earlier. Buy liquid nutrient if you are a hydroponic hobbyist. Dry nutrients that come in bulk are better for commercial hydroponics.

The Number of Components

Hydroponic nutrients come as one-part or multiple parts.

The one-part nutrient system means it comes as a single formula that you need to mix with the right amount of water to form a nutrient solution. It makes your work more comfortable, but it’s only suitable for general use. You cannot customize it to plant needs during different growth stages.

Multi-part nutrients come as a 3-part system comprising of three different formulations. All you need to do is mix different components of the formula at your desired ratios. Or, you can use unique formulations through the various stages in the plant growth cycle.

Multiple part system requires that you know much about your plants and their changing nutrients wants. If you get it correct, customization can help boost the productivity of your hydroponic garden several folds.

pH Regulation

pH (or potential for hydrogen) determines the acidity or alkalinity of your hydroponic solution. It, in turn, determines how well your plants and microbes can use nutrients. You’ll need to test the nutrient solution frequently (perhaps every day) to check the pH levels and make the appropriate adjustments.

The most hassle-free way to go about it is to use a pH pen or an EC (electricity conductivity) meter. An EC-meter helps you to evaluate the concentration of all the components of the nutrient solution. Some smart companies have managed to develop a device that can help you monitor both the pH and EC of the nutrient solution.

If you want the easiest way out, then choose a hydroponic fertilizer with the ability to buffer the pH level of nutrient water against dropping too low or rising too high upon applying them. The top-quality brands such as the ones I have reviewed offer this service.

Final Verdict

It is beyond any shadow of doubts that a quality hydroponic nutrient can increase your productivity. However, choosing the best hydroponic nutrient shouldn’t be a tall order for you if you follow our guide. If by now you have not identified one, you can go back and see if you might have missed something. If chosen properly, all the products reviewed above can be an excellent pick for your garden. Hopefully now you have a better understanding of the best hydroponic nutrients available.

Hydroponic Basics, Hydroponics, Product Reviews

What are some Advantages of Hydroponic Gardening?

March 26, 2019July 23, 2023 Willy Green No Comments

What are some Advantages of Hydroponic Gardening?

Should I embrace hydroponics?

How will it really benefit me?

These are great questions to whet your appetite for new agricultural techniques. According to reports, the market for hydroponics products is expected to grow to impressive rates year after year.

But what accounts for this increasing predilection towards hydroponic gardening and its products? I’m just about to show you eight advantages of hydroponics. First, however, let’s explain what this new horticultural method is to beginners.

What Is Hydroponic gardening?

hydroponic gardening

Hydroponics is involves growing plants without using soil. Instead, plants grow in a mineral nutrient solution in water. Plant roots are suspended in water. Here they find the nutrients necessary for their growth directly by contact.

Isn’t it an impressive agricultural technology?

The conventional soil-based medium has lots of inefficiencies. This makes it challenging for plant roots to get a steady supply of nutrient. The result is a slower growth rate and a lower yield compared to hydroponics.

What Are Some Advantages of Hydroponic Gardening?

I have earlier alluded to two of the benefits of this new horticultural method if you were keen. Now, I’ll be upfront with the rest. Hopefully, you’ll agree with me when I say hydroponics is the best way to go.

1. Space Can No Longer Limit You

Space in urban areas is too limited for soil-based gardening. This may limit you in terms of the number of vegetables, herbs or fruits you can grow – not so with hydroponics.

The nutrient solution used in this system provides and maintains all the needs of plants. Thus plant roots won’t have to expand and spread out in search of nutrients, water, and oxygen.

As long as you have the system, you can pretty much grow anywhere. Use your patio/balcony, spare bedroom, garage or other space. Besides, the spacing is not an issue. You can grow several plants in a small system and still get optimal yield from each of them.

2. It won’t hurt your pocket

My grandfather taught me what all business students know. Human needs are limitless, but the resources to meet them are always scarce. So, I still seize any opportunity I get to save some money. Hydroponics offers gardeners an excellent way to do so.

You will save in many ways. First, there are smaller DIY systems and easy-to-use starter options. There are also advanced hydroponic systems for professionals. You can easily find where you fit based on your budget.

Second, you will spend nothing on soil preparation. There is no tilling, plowing, weeding and watering. You won’t also have to fumigate pests and weeds.

Third, you won’t have to spend money on things like greenhouses, sunshades, fencing and so on if your budget is tight.

3. Water Efficient

It may sound ironical because hydroponics relies heavily on water. However, the system uses very little of it because water and nutrients are recycled and used again.

A hydroponic system only uses 10% of the amount of water consumed in soil-based gardens. It is so even if you grow the same number of plants.

4. Protect the Environment

You can do your part in environmental protection by going the hydroponics way. How?

Some things we do in the name of mending soil fertility can harm the environment. Similarly, we pollute the environment when we apply herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides our outdoor gardens.

In hydroponics, no weeds will grow because you use no soils. Therefore, you won’t need any herbicides to kill weeds. Pest and diseases are also significantly reduced. So are the needs for pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides.

5. You’ll Enjoy Bigger Yields

Who does not want higher yields? Hydroponic systems are far more productive for their sizes. It’s because plants can use nutrients efficiently. Furthermore, plants tend to grow much faster in hydroponics systems than in soil-based gardens.

Consider this – the growth rate of a plant on a hydroponic system is about 30 to 50 percent faster than on soil.

But there’s a catch here. Your plants will do well only if you provide them with the best conditions for growth. Temperature, light, nutrients, and moisture must be optimal for maximum productivity.

Also Read: Best Hydroponic Nutrients

6. Begin Eating Healthier

The world is crazy about living healthy by going organic. Do not miss out on this craze by going the hydroponics way. Due to the minimal use of chemicals on the hydroponic plants, they taste better and have more nutritional value than soil-grown plants.

One study found that hydroponically grown plants are up to 50% more nutritious. It means 50 percent more vitamin (A, B, C, and E) content than those raised in a soil-based medium.

7. Puts You in Control

We all want to be on top of any situation although only a few cares do admit it. Hydroponics gives you that opportunity. You will no longer be at the mercies of soil. You will be in charge of temperature, water, nutrient balance, and even light.

What is the advantage? You’ll rapidly identify any imbalances and deficiencies that can affect the yield of your plants. The system makes it easier for you to flush and start over than traditional methods.

8. Great way to beat the boredom and stress

One of the reasons I love hydroponics is that it offers me a way out of my boredom. You also stand to enjoy that benefit. After a long day of work and daily stress, you can retire back to your hydroponics garden.

The serenity of the fresh green vegetables is irresistible. The bright colors of the ripening vegetable fruits are refreshing. And the aroma of the herbs and spices is rejuvenating. When you are bored, you can just check on your healthy plants and feel happy. All your stress will fly out the windows.

Wrapping it up

Gardeners are quickly choosing hydroponics as their preferred method of home gardening. The reasons for the preference are its many benefits. Will you join other hydroponic gardeners and me in enjoying these benefits? Initial setup costs could range into hundreds of dollars. However, you do not have to start big if your budget cannot allow it. Use the smaller DIY hydroponic systems or better still the beginner options. When you are ready to go full scale, you will have had enough experience to grow a perfect hydroponics garden. Hopefully you have learned enough here that you actually see what are the advantages of hydroponic gardening.

Hydroponic Gardening

Choosing a Hydroponic System

There are several different types of hydroponic systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular systems include:

Deep Water Culture (DWC) – In a DWC system, plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich solution with their roots submerged in the water. This is one of the simplest and most affordable hydroponic systems, making it a popular choice for beginners.

Drip Irrigation – In a drip irrigation system, nutrient-rich water is dripped onto the plants from above. This system is easy to set up and maintain, and it can be used to grow a wide variety of plants.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) – In an NFT system, a thin film of nutrient-rich water is circulated over the roots of the plants. This system is ideal for growing plants with shallow roots, such as lettuce and herbs.

When choosing a hydroponic system, consider factors such as the space you have available, the types of plants you want to grow, and your budget.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

Most vegetables can be grown successfully with hydroponics, but some are definitely going to be easier to grow than others. Some of the best vegetables for hydroponic gardening include:

Leafy greens – Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens are easy to grow with hydroponics and can be harvested continuously.

Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a popular choice for hydroponic gardening because they have a high yield and are relatively easy to grow.

Cucumbers – Cucumbers are another popular choice for hydroponic gardening because they have a high yield and grow quickly.

Peppers – Peppers are easy to grow with hydroponics and can produce a large yield.

When choosing vegetables to grow with hydroponics, consider factors such as the space you have available, the amount of light your plants will receive, and the nutrient requirements of the plants.

Setting up Your Hydroponic Garden

Once you’ve chosen a hydroponic system and the vegetables you want to grow, it’s time to set up your garden. Here are the basic steps:

Choose a location – Your hydroponic garden should be located in a spot with plenty of light and a stable temperature. You may need to supplement the light with grow lights if you don’t have enough natural light.

Set up your hydroponic system – Follow the instructions that come with your system to set it up correctly.

Add your nutrient solution – Mix your nutrient solution according to the instructions that come with your system. Make sure to use the correct amounts of nutrients and water.

Add your plants – Place your plants in the system, making sure that their roots are in contact with the nutrient solution.

Monitor your system – Check your nutrient solution regularly to make sure that it has the correct pH and nutrient levels. You may need to adjust the solution periodically to keep it at the correct levels.

Maintaining Your Hydroponic Garden

Check Water Levels The water level in your hydroponic system should remain consistent. You’ll need to check the water levels daily to make sure that your plants have enough water. If the water level drops too low, the plants will become dehydrated, affecting their growth and health.

pH meters – What are they and how are they used?

Prepare for Calibration

Calibration

Place your electrode in the buffer with a pH value of 7 and begin reading. Press the “measure” or calibrate button to begin reading the pH once your electrode is placed in the buffer. Allow the pH reading to stabilize before letting it sit for approximately 1-2 minutes.

Rinse your electrode with distilled water. Rinse and pat dry with a lint-free tissue, like Kimwipes or Shurwipes, in between buffers.

Place your electrode in the appropriate buffer for your sample and begin reading. Press the measure button to begin reading the pH once your electrode is placed in the buffer.

Set the pH a second time. Once your reading has stabilized, set the pH meter to the value of the buffer’s pH by pressing the measure button.

Rinse your electrode. You can use distilled water to rinse. Use a lint-free tissue, like Kimwipes or Shurwipes, in between buffers to dry the electrode.

Place your electrode in your sample and begin reading. Once your electrode is placed in your sample, press the measure button and leave the electrode in your sample for approximately 1-2 minutes.

Set your pH level. Once the reading has stabilized, press the measure button. This is the pH level of your sample

Clean your electrode after use. Rinse your electrode with distilled water and blot or dab dry with a lint-free tissue. You may store your pH meter once clean and dry.

Consult your operation manual for optimal storage practices for your specific pH meter.

Natural Factors Impacting pH

Conclusion

Well hopefully now you have a better understanding about pH meters and how to use them. Thank you for reading pH meters – What are they and how are they used? Here are some other articles you may enjoy.

Basic Hydroponics – What exactly is it?

Pros – In my opinion, the pro’s will far outweigh the con’s, but nonetheless, lets go over everything so you can really know what you are getting into before you make the investment.

Your plants will grow bigger and at a faster rate than if you had a similar set up with soil. You will have bigger fruits and veggies or whatever it is that you are growing.

Cons – Yes there are some things to consider here. It’s not all fun and games.

If you lose power for very long you can lose whatever it is you are growing. If it’s just a few hours, you should be ok. If it’s much longer than that, you could be in for a rough day.

It costs more to set up at first than soil. This list consists of about ten item’s and that doesn’t even include the light if you are growing indoors. While it can save you money with time, it is definitely not the cheapest way to go especially at first.

Deep Water Culture

A Net Pot lid – You will need a “Net pot lid” which is the lid that will go on top of the bucket. It has the mesh built right into it. It will hold Hydroton and the plant itself. .

Hydroton – Hydroton is basically just clay pellets. They take the place of soil. They will hold the plant in place while it is growning. And one really nice thing about hydroton is that it is reusable! Just give it a thorough rinsing between uses.

pH tester – You will need a pH tester so that you can keep the pH where the plants need it to be. It all depends on what you are growing, but generally speaking you will want to keep the pH around 5.6-6.0

Ok so now we have a list of everything that we will need to get started. So where do we begin? Lets get that first bucket set up.

Start soaking your air stones in water. They need to soak for at least 10-15 minutes before you start running air through them.

Drill a 1/4′ hole through the top of your bucket about 1″ from the top. You will need this hole to run your air line through to your air stone which will be at the bottom of the bucket.

Check your pH. Most plants are happy with their pH being somewhere between 5.5 to 7. But do your homework on your specific plants. You will want to check the pH after you have added nutrients because your pH can change after adding nutrients and you don’t want to do it twice.

Plug in and turn on your air pump. You should see a nice healthy amount of bubbles. That’s it! Put it under a light or keep it in front of a window.

Conclusion

Other articles you may enjoy reading

Best Hydroponic Nutrients

Hydroponic farming is one of the most lucrative and rewarding farming methods. And as time goes by more and more people are adapting to this new farming method with hopes to get more produce.

But one thing you need to know is that, not every hydroponic nutrient out there is ideal for use on your garden.

Some of the brands do not meet some of the industry standards which have left many farmers wondering which the best hydroponic nutrient to buy is. But you do not have to worry about all those lengthy research.

Top 5 Best Hydroponic Nutrient Review

1. General Hydroponics Flora Series Fertilizer 3 part set

General Hydroponics is a trusted brand when it comes to planting nutrients. The Flora series is one of their finest.

I recently learned that the series is so great that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Antarctic research use it in their botanical study in space. The researchers choose it because of its superior formulation and reliability.

The package comes in a three-tier system named grow, bloom and micro. But why does GH Flora series sell in packs of three?

Each of the packs contains a specific formula with a combination of different nutrients at various concentrations. The aim is to give you the flexibility of mixing and customizing your hydroponic nutrients to suit the exact needs of your plants at different stages of their growth cycle.

If you use the three parts of the nutrients correctly, you’ll enjoy an enhanced flavor, nutrient content, improved aroma richness, and better essential oils. You can also be sure of getting the highest yields possible with hydroponic systems.

FloraMicro acts as the foundation of the set. It is formulated with a mixture of calcium, trace minerals, and nitrogen. Your hydroponic crops need these things throughout their growth cycle.

When your plant reaches its vegetative stage, the FloraGrow joins the bandwagon. It provides additional nitrogen and potassium to enhance vegetative growth.

The third part, FloraBloom adds nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur. These nutrients are critical to flower and fruit development in plants. It may take you some time to master how to properly use General Hydroponics Flora Grow, Bloom, and the Micro Combo Fertilizer set.

Pros

Enhances yields and improves plant quality

It’s possible to adjust mixtures to match the individual needs of plants

Maximum solubility thanks to highly purified concentrates

It’s PH balanced for effortless use

Superior formulation and reliable

Cons

Higher priced in comparison with competitors

May not be efficient for a commercial scale hydroponic system

2. Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula (Pack of 3)

This liquid nutrient formula for hydroponics consists of three parts that work in synergy throughout the growth cycle of your plants.