Adding nutrients to your hydroponic system can be a straightforward process. Here are the key components to consider before starting your feedings.
Choose a high-quality liquid fertilizer like our HydraGarden HydraGrow two-part formula.
This type of fertilizer is optimized to provide plants with the necessary nutrients at the right time, ensuring their optimal growth. Ingredients matter, so select a fertilizer that uses only the best components. Next, invest in a reliable pH meter. This tool measures the acidity or alkalinity of your water, and it's crucial to maintain the pH within a suitable range for your garden to thrive. For most crops in hydroponic systems, aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Conduct some research to fine-tune this range if you want optimal results.
Over or under-feeding can harm your crops, so follow the instructions on the bottle.
A measuring beaker or syringe works well, and you can also use a PPM meter to gauge nutrient concentration. PPM, or parts per million, is a metric for measuring the concentration of your nutrient solution. While specific crops may have different PPM ranges, generally aim for anywhere between 400-1500ppm for successful crop growth.
If you don't have a PPM meter, you can still adjust by scaling back the recommended dose on the fertilizer bottle initially. Gradually increase the dose over a couple of feedings to fine-tune your nutrient levels. Remember, sometimes "less is more" in gardening.
Feel free to email me with any questions, andrew@cybelelabs.com. Happy growing!
