Hydroponics Growing

 

In the previous article we took a look at organic hydroponics growing and some of the advantages and disadvantages of using this system. We shall examine hydroponic systems, growing media and environmental controls in later articles (just follow the link directly following this article). In this article we shall take a look at nutrients and additives and the actual growing of the plants.

Key to your success is getting your plants to grow as quickly as possible while maintaining the correct structure, you don't want leggy plants when they should be bushy. To do this you will need to understand the complete hydroponics system, how to use it correctly and this involves understanding the following elements; the hydroponics system itself, the growing media, the various nutrients and other additives, environmental control.

Hydroponics Growing Nutrients & Additives

Various plants require differing levels of nutrients and minerals in the growing solution and these are a few different nutrient concentrates available to buy. General hydroponics fertilizer is usually available in a selection of quantities ranging from a single pint to six gallons or more. These mixtures usually contain all of the primary and secondary nutrients as well as micro nutrients required for healthy growth and for many plants it is just a case of applying the correct amount to your reservoir. The most likely constituents are Calcium, Nitrogen, Potassium and trace elements.

One thing that you will really need to check before you get started in hydroponics growing is the hardness of your tap water. If your water has a calcium content over and above 70 ppm you will need to get a special liquid concentrated nutrient for hardwater. If your water contains Calcium below this amount but above 30 ppm it may be possible to use a hardwater concentrate mixed with a general concentrate to get the correct balance for your plants.

Another specialist liquid concentrated nutrient is available for flowers which is slightly different than the more general types. As you will want your flowers to smell incredible you will need a mixture high in Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium and Sulfur. A similar concentrated solution will be suitable for other types of plants if you want to boost the essential oil content.

Organic liquid concentrated nutrient is now generally available and usually contains natural humic extracts to aid the absorption of the nutriments. These mixtures contain natural additives and mineral which help greatly in hydroponics growing systems of all types.

Although liquid is easy to use many people prefer to use water soluble dry concentrates and these are widely available in amounts from as little as a couple of pounds up to fifty pounds or more.

For things like cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and other plants which are almost permanently fruiting you will find a concentrated nutrient and ph buffer designed especially for such circumstances. You will find various other calibration solutions, ph buffers and testing solutions available from most hydroponics stores.

 

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