If you are thinking about having a hydroponics garden, then you should understand the proper hydroponic nutrient solution ratio. Every plant can benefit from nutrient solution. The problem is: how much is the right one for your garden. Whereas most people think that nutrient solution can be applied to all kinds of plants, that’s not the case. In fact, there are some determining factors that lead to proper nutrient solution provision.
The Importance of the Right ‘Portion’
Why should you fuss so much about the correct hydroponic nutrient solution ratio? For a starter, providing the right nutrient level can be a huge difference in your gardening success or failure. If you have too little fertilizer, your plants won’t be able to reach maximum growth. But if you have too much, you can end up frying them.The first thing to consider when providing the solution is to know the size of your pot or container. Naturally, you don’t pour the whole nutrient into the pot. You need to fill out the pot with water. Using the tap water? Then let the chlorine dissipate first before you can add the fertilizer.
As a rule of a thumb, you need around 1 cup (to 2 cups) of premixed liquid solution for 16 gallon water. But then again, this rule isn’t set on the stone. It means that you should monitor and observe your plants’ condition. Each plant has a different ability and capability to absorb nutrients.
Contributing Factors
When managing hydroponic nutrient solution ratio, you should also consider several factors. First of all, a plant’s growth stage should be considered. Different stages within the plants’ life cycle require different numbers of nutrients. Whether you buy the premixed solutions or you make your own potion, you need to pay attention to the plant’s growth stage. In some cases, you may need some solutions to finally get the right ratio that you want.But if you do use the prepared solution, make sure that you follow the directions on the product. In most cases, you only provide little solution when your plants reach the early life cycle. When they start growing big, then it’s time to add up the solution. What if you see some obvious burning signs? It means that you use too many solutions. Cut it back. Start again with little less. Having little less is always better than having too much.
Another factor to consider is the plant’s type. Leafy greens don’t need too much solution, while peppers and tomatoes need a bit more. The best source to find out the details of your plants is the nursery when you buy the plants. They should be able to provide you with the right information and proportion. Of course, you also have the freedom to do ‘experiments’ with your plants, so you can come up with the most ideal result – at least for your plants.
The Proper Nutrient Ratio
You probably have heard (or read) about NPK ratio, which refers to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. The ratio should be balanced and the solution itself should have all of these crucial nutrients. In most cases, the ideal ratio would be 5:5:5, which means that each of them should be included within the 5% level.Careful Considerations
Keep in mind that nutrient dosing isn’t set on stone. There are many contributing factors that can make the plants grow perfectly with a huge harvest. There is no need to worry about having it perfect. What’s important is that your plants are growing well and healthy. And they should also be happy.Final Words
If you don’t really know where to start, the nursery or the local store can be the perfect starting place. It doesn’t hurt to ask around either, especially from the experts concerning the right hydroponic nutrient solution ratio.Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash