Nutrients, Supplements & pH Control for Hydroponics

Hydroponic Nutrients, pH and Supplements

Nutrients, maintaining pH levels and supplements are essential for plant growth in a hydroponic setup. If you are planning to grow plants without soil, whether because you do not have access to a garden or because you live in a region that is mostly cold, it is important to invest in the right supplies. When searching for the right hydroponic products for your garden, be sure to consider their ease of use and affordability.

Liquid vs. Powder

Liquid hydroponic nutrients come premixed for convenience, and thus, they are easy to work with. Because they come highly concentrated, it is important not to let them come in contact with your skin. On the other hand, powder or dry-form nutrients, while often more time consuming, offer a longer shelf life and are typically cheaper than liquid nutrients are. The latter are generally used for commercial purposes, as they are more economical. It is possible to find premixed powder, however, which is a great alternative for those who prefer powder but desire ease of use.

pH Level

A balanced pH level to your hydroponic setup is essential during the growing period, as it ensures plant health and vitality. Ideal pH levels fall between 6 and 6.5, although this varies between plants. To test the pH, simply use a pH meter to monitor your plants' levels.

Plant Growth

The proper nutrients must be added in the right amounts to ensure optimal plant growth. As such, each bottle of nutrients is labeled with three numbers, which provide the nutrient percentage of the product's ingredients. The first number indicates the per cent of nitrogen, the second the per cent of phosphorous and the third the per cent of potassium. The nutrients needed varies in each stage of plant growth, and thus gardeners must use these numbers to determine the right nutrients.

Hydroponic Supplements

Hydroponic supplements are used to stimulate plants' growth and to increase fruit production. These supplements each offer their unique benefits, include growth-enhancing bacteria, B vitamins, helpful fungi and humic and fulvic acid.

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