General hydroponics nutrient consists of twelve main nutrients called macro nutrients and some micro nutrients. The macro nutrients are available in larger quantities than the micro nutrients. All of the nutrients must form a solution that stays in suspension in order for the hydroponic vegetables to thrive. If any imbalance occurs in any of the nutrients concentration, problems can cause crop loss or total crop failure.
When mixing general hydroponics nutrients in liquid form, be sure to use accurate measurements. A good graduated cylinder or graduated beaker are best, but a measuring cup will usually suffice. It is also good practice to double check the nutrient concentration with a ppm (parts per million) or e.c. (electrical conductivity) meter. These can be obtained through your local hydroponics supply store or from an online hydroponics supply store. All meters are not the same, so do a little research on meters before you buy. Hanna makes excellent commercial grade meters that have many different options. I recommend getting an all in one pH, temp. and e.c./ppm meter. These functions are all necessary components of a meter for any hydroponics grower. The temperature function is also best for calibrating the other settings. Calibration solutions are labeled with adjustments for temperature and having to use a different meter for temp readings is a hassle.
When mixing general hydroponics nutrient in dry or powder form it is best to measure with a scale or an electronic balance, but measuring spoons or a measuring cup will do. It is best to use warm water when mixing dry nutrients. This will help the nutrient to dissolve completely and form a solution that your hydroponic vegetables will love. I have used General Hydroponics FloraMato Dry from Growco in Grand Rapids, MI and I had good success.
Speaking of Growco, Jay and his staff are great! A couple of years ago, I wanted to start growing hydroponic vegetables in my brothers commercial greenhouse. Our family has been in the flower business for 48 years and I wanted to branch off of our already successful business. Growco gave me all of the info that I needed to get started growing with hydroponics. The first time I went to Growco, I was there for about four and a half hours. They answered every question that I had, and I had a lot of questions. Since then I have made several orders and they are always at my house or my greenhouse a day or two early.
Back to general hydroponics nutrient, the hydroponic grower needs to adjust pH on a regular basis. Different plants have different requirements, but a good general rule for nutrient pH is 6.2. Anywhere between 5.8 and 6.5 will do, but I think that for most hydroponic vegetables 6.2 is best. The pH level is very important because as pH drifts certain nutrients will become unavailable to plants. Fluctuations in temperature and changes in nutrient concentration as caused by evaporation of water from the nutrient solution, or the absorption of nutrients by plants are common causes of pH drift for which the hydroponic grower must compensate. General hydroponics nutrient supply stores offer a variety of different products for balancing pH. Phosphoric acid is my favorite, but it is also dangerous to handle as it is a very acidic solution. There are lots of other buffers available, so don't feel like you need to use something that you aren't comfortable working with. Some companies even make organic pH buffers that work pretty well.
Hope someone finds this information helpful!
God bless and happy growing!
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