How To Use Hydroponic Liquid Nutrients Without Killing Plants

For beginners, it can be intimidating to take the plunge into hydroponics. After all, you’re growing plants without soil, which means different factors, such as hydroponic liquid nutrients, need to be considered.

Don’t worry—I have you covered. This post will cover what they are and why they are essential for a successful hydro garden.

I’ll also go over step-by-step instructions on how to use them and critical considerations for their successful use.

Plus, I’ll provide you with alternatives so you can find the best solution for your needs. 

What Are Hydroponic Liquid Nutrients?

Hydroponic liquid nutrients are specially formulated solutions containing essential macro and micronutrients that flowering plants need for vigorous growth and healthy roots.

Macronutrients

Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

Secondary Nutrients

Calcium Sulfur Magnesium

Micronutrients

Iron Zinc Manganese Boron Silicon Chlorine Cobalt Copper Molybdenum Nickel Selenium Sodium

These concentrated mixtures are explicitly designed for hydroponics—that is, growing plants without soil—and serve as an adequate replacement for soil and its inherent mineral content. 

hydroponic liquid nutrients
General Hydroponics Flora Series Nutrient Package

Reasons You Need To Know How To Use Hydroponic Liquid Nutrients

With more than two and a half decades of experience, I have tried almost every hydroponic nutrient available. 

It has become apparent to me that it is essential to understand how to correctly utilize these nutrients in your indoor gardening set-up for optimal results.

Firstly, you must provide your plants with the right combination of minerals, as too much or too little of any one nutrient could lead to poor or even stunted growth.

Additionally, incorrect usage could cause pH imbalances in your solution, leading to toxicity issues in your garden if left unchecked.

Finally, using the wrong type of nutrient solution could result in an imbalance between vital macro- and micronutrients which could have disastrous effects on your plant growth cycle! 

We are fortunate that some of the best hydroponic liquid nutrients on the market are available in pre-mixed forms, so you don’t have to hassle with properly adding 15 different nutrients by yourself.

hydroponic liquid nutrients
Botanicare Pure Blend Pro Hydro Nutrient Package

How To Use Hydroponic Liquid Nutrients With Your Hydroponic System

Hydroponic liquid nutrients are relatively easy to use if you follow a few simple rules.

  1. Determine what type of system you have
  2. Correctly measure each nutrient
  3. Thoroughly mix
  4. Rinse measuring cup
  5. Repeat steps 2-4
  6. Adjust pH

Determine your system type

The first step is to determine the type of system you have. Hydro systems generally fall into five main categories.

  •  Wick System

  • Deep Water Culture System

  •  Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) System

  • Drip (Recirculating) System

  • Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System. 

My personal preference for growing cannabis is the Recirculating Drip System. 

Once you know your system type, you can determine which type of hydroponic product line is best for it.

Measure

Measure out the correct amount for your specific plants and system type.

Make sure you read the instructions carefully before mixing up the solution so you know exactly how much of each nutrient will be required for the size batch you plan on making up.

For example:

To mix up a 50-gallon reservoir for a grow in its Late Stage of Vegetative growth using General Hydroponics Flora Gro, you would mix in 8ml/gal or 400ml(8×50).

Mix

To ensure optimal results, thoroughly mix the nutrient solution into your water reservoir before adding anything else

It is essential to avoid allowing raw nutrients to come in contact with each other as it can cause a “nutrient lockout,” rendering them useless.

Rinse

Rinse the measuring cup used for the previous nutrient before adding another to avoid raw nutrients coming in contact with each other.

Repeat

Moving forward, repeat steps 2 – 4 for every nutrient type within your selected range of products.

Adjust pH

Now that your solution is thoroughly mixed ensure your reservoir’s pH level is correct and adjust accordingly using a pH meter.

I recommend using a 3-part system like General Hydroponics Flora Series for beginners.

hydroponic liquid nutrients
General Hydroponics Flora Series Basic Nutrient Package

Key Considerations For Successfully Using Hydroponic Plant Food

Having a quality hydroponic nutrient program is vital to your gardening success. 

Keeping these nutrients fresh after purchase can prolong their life and make them last. 

Storing them in an area with as little exposure as possible to nature will ensure maximum freshness. 

Make sure to keep them in a space that’s dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight; this technique guarantees you’ll enjoy your stored nutrients’ full shelf life.

Additionally, regularly change out your nutrient solutions every week to further prevent bacteria buildup. 

Also, consider giving the reservoir a good cleaning when switching out programs.

This ensures everything stays in order should issues or failures occur during your crop development journey.

Taking It To The Next Level: How To Dial In Your Nutrient Solution

Once you get comfortable with your system, you’ll notice that particular genetics require various amounts of food. 

That’s when you’ll want to use a TDS meter to measure your macros rather than a measuring cup.

bluelab combo meter
The Bluelab Combo Meter measures TDS in PPM(parts per million)

A TDS meter measures the total dissolved solids in your nutrient solution, comprised of macro and micronutrients. 

Knowing the exact amount of food you’re providing to your plants can help you dial in your nutrient solution to perfection and save money on over-fertilization.

Alternatives To Hydroponic Liquid Nutrients

powder nutrients
HGV Complete Nutrient Package

For an economical way for hydroponic growers to nourish their plants, hydroponic powder nutrients are the ideal alternative.

Not only do they cost less than liquid nutes due to a lack of shipping fees for water weight, but they also provide equally effective results for healthy plant growth.

Another great alternative to liquid nutes is compost tea. Compost tea is created by steeping nutrient-rich organic matter in water over several hours.

This creates a highly concentrated nutrient water solution that can feed your plants without needing salt-based fertilizers.

Compost tea is a great way to add beneficial microbes and trace elements to your hydroponic system, promoting plant growth and healthier root systems.

Finally, you can create your nutrient solution from scratch with items found at home or any garden center.

There are more convenient options than this, but it can be a great way to save money in the long run.

With enough research and practice, you can find the perfect combination of minerals and organic matter to promote healthy growth in your hydroponic system.

It’s important to note that this method is not recommended for novices.

hydroponic liquid nutrients
CYCO Platinum Series Nutrient Package

Wrap Up And My Experience With Hydroponics

If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your home hydroponic system, then hydroponic liquid nutrients are the key.

Simplify and streamline your gardening processes for maximum results with minimal effort! 

I’ve seen firsthand how they can make a world of difference in my plant’s growth potential. 

With the right nutrient mix, you’ll begin seeing incredible results quickly – cannabis, vegetables, or whatever else you’re hoping to cultivate, you can expect fantastic outcomes.

 So seize the opportunity to try something new and enhance your indoor garden. After all, who knows what kind of rewards await?

Hopefully, this article has provided enough information to try using them yourself and experience their full potential.

Good luck!

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