Hydroponic gardening's popularity has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years, especially in North America. No matter what you need when it comes to Hydroponic Gardening, we have it all. So whether it be hydroponic systems, nutrients, growing media or just information you be assured of getting from us. Most importantly, you will always get correct information and just what you need.
Preventive Measures
Think
Ahead, Stay Ahead...
Unfortunately, even in a controlled
environment there can still be a problem with deficiencies.
Fortunately there are ways to overcome these deficiencies with the
proper use of certain products. Below are a few things you can do to
help prevent deficiencies. For more tips and ideas please contact us
and one of our knowledgeable staff members will be able to help you.
Nutrients, on the other hand, can get a little tricky, especially if
you're trying to mimic the natural nutrient intake that a plant gets
in a hydroponic system. Hydroponics vegetable gardening nutrients
are amongst the hardest parts of a system to choose, because they
need to be
"optimized" for the particular plants that you're growing.
One of the best ways to prevent problems before they happen is to
talk to knowledgeable people that understand hydroponics. We can
explain all of the do's and don'ts before you start, thus giving
your plants a better chance to succeed and prevent any unnecessary
problems.
Helpful Steps
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Monitor pH Levels: There are lots of things that can cause a
hydroponic nutrient solution to drift outside of the ideal range of
about 5.5 - 6.5. Usually, if a nutrient solution is left unmonitored
for too long, it can start drifting outside of this range because of
bacterial populations. Aerated water at good temperatures (71
degrees or below) will increase in aerobic bacteria, and pH goes up.
Even though the pH needs to be adjusted, aerobic bacteria are good
for plants. If water temperatures get too warm, anaerobic bacteria
will cause pH to drop. Anaerobic bacteria are the microbes that
cause root rot.
Since pH levels can change very rapidly, it is
important to check your pH level daily. The longer your nutrient
solution spends outside of this ideal range, the greater the chance
that your flowers or vegetables will suffer a plant deficiency. Use
a pharmaceutical grade pH adjustment product designed specifically
for hydroponics to make the necessary adjustments.
» Keep Temperature Levels Stable: Your
nutrient solution should be fairly cool to temperate, somewhere in
the range of sixty six to seventy one degrees Fahrenheit. You should
be particularly aware of this if you happen to live in an unusually
warm or cold part of the world. If you feel it is necessary to
prevent plant deficiency, take extra steps to insulate your grow
room against outside elements. You should also try placing your
reservoir directly on the floor, as the floor can be very cool,
which can keep the reservoir cool in a warm grow room.
» Use Supplements: The most common
deficiencies can be cured by adding a Calcium Magnesium supplement
and an organic micronutrient supplement such as seaweed extract.
There are several additional products that can increase the
availability of nutrients for your plants. Beneficial Bacteria are
extremely important to keep roots healthy and clean. Beneficial
Fungus will increase root growth. Enzymes clear out any dead root
cells. All three of those biological additives can assist in
breaking down nutrients for easier uptake by the roots and ensure a
large, healthy root zone. Large roots have an easier time absorbing
nutrients.
Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, and B Vitamins can all increase plant
metabolism and/or nutrient uptake.