Growing plants in water, without soil is known as Hydroponics. The main idea is that plants will grow in any media that contain all the nutrients of natural soil. Thus it is these nutrients that are the most important factor in the process of hydroponics. When using soil for plants, fertilizers contain only those essential nutrients which the soil may be lacking. However, in the case of hydroponic plants, these fertilizers prove inadequate and so fertilizer formulated specifically for hydroponic systems has to be used.
The amounts and proportions of nutrients a plant needs varies. Best hydroponic nutrients are sold in solutions with simple labels such as ‘grow’ or ‘bloom’ so that even a novice grower can pick up these solutions easily. Change the nutrients along with the growing cycle of your plants. Another reason to change the solution is that the depletion of the elements is subject to the growth stage of the plant. At certain times, important components can run out more quickly. Ideally you should change the solution every two weeks. One must note that the proportion of nutrient solution and water must remain stable. Damage to the roots could occur if the evaporation of water causes on increase in the fertilizer level.
The hydroponic nutrient solutions available are typically sold in a concentrated form. The grower has to mix it according to the instructions and as per the requirement of the plant. For plants that are in poor growing conditions, like overheated flowerbeds or in low lighting, a weaker solution should be used. Even plant cuttings which have just been planted will benefit from a solution which has been diluted. You will want to use a normal (regular) solution for any plant which is normal and healthy. You may be able to use a stronger solution if your garden has all of the requirements for high growth. For example, do you have good air flow and good lighting such as natural sunlight or grow lights like LED grow lights? What about the production and circulation of carbon dioxide? When using fertilizer on your plants you must increase the amount slowly over time so that you to keep the plant from burning up.
Although the concentrate to water ratio is between 150-600 parts per million, most plants require 300-400ppm. Remember that these need to be mixed only with water, and no other part of the solution.
Now that you are aware of the need for different nutrients, you need to know which ones to use. It is important that you know what nutrient you need. Your first consideration should be your growing medium–whether it be stone wool, sand, coco, etc. If you’re using coco, be sure to look for coco that offers specific nutrients like canna coco. Super Veg A or Super Veg B would be ideal, and is a great formula for a vegitable in the crop stage.
The medium determines the kind of nutrients required. Basically the organic or best hydroponic nutrients are made up of different combinations of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Nitrogen is essential for leaf growth and development. Potassium aides in cell production, while phosphorus helps to make roots grow.
