Regardless of which plant nutrients you choose from Hyjo one thing is very important, good water!

Plants require six main nutrients that you must supply them with, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).  On most of your nutrient feeds you will notice NPK and this refers to these key elements and the ratios are displayed in the format of 5-6-8.  The other three macro nutrients are calcium, sulphur and magnesium.  All six are found in the correct ratios in nutrient bottles making it easy to feed your plants everything they need.  It is essential to utilise the functionality of a proper plan to feed your plants enzymes & beneficials so they grow healthy.

Most hydroponic nutrients & boosters are mineral based and non-organic.  No matter what growing system you decide on there is one common factor, a beneficial nutrient solution to feed your plants to avoid deficiencies. The nutrient solution contains everything your plant needs to grow fast and strong leading to good plant health.

With hydroponic nutrients, you normally have two types.  One is for recirculating hydro systems like the alien RDWC and the other is for none recirculation systems such as the run to waste dripper system.

Another very important part of hydroponics is the correct pH balance, with hydro you want to be between 5.5 and 6.5.  This is a rough guide but you should learn how to fine tune your pH with time and experience.  Most especially with tap water, hard water.

For me personally, if you are growing in soil media then you should be using organic nutrients as using mineral based feeds just seems like a waste of time.  Regardless of the soil you start with the chances are you will need to supplement nutrients for your plants.  Plants take up nutrients naturally from the soil but most shop bought soil will only have enough nutrients in for about three to five weeks.  Plants rooted in soil should be then fed with liquid nutrients that need a pH of between six and seven.  There is a wide selection of nutrients available for soil growers, from one part to three part mixes but the most common is an A & B.

Coco is probably the most used growing medium in the United Kingdom, therefore you have a vast selection when it comes to coco nutrients. With any type of nutrient, it’s all about finding what works best for plant growth which plays a role.  Some people will grow for flavour and others will grow for alternative metrics.  When in doubt expert advice is recommended.

If you intend on growing for quality, then organic nutrients is a good option for grow rooms and grow tents.  The word organic can be misleading as most liquid organic feeds contain synthetic stabilisers that give them a longer shelf life so how can they be 100% organic, they can’t!  But don’t let this put you off, you will still produce good quality plants.

If you want to go one step further than you need to think about “pure” or “true” organic nutrients like the amazing Dragonfly Earth Medicine, this range as far as I’m concerned is the best on the market for quality and taste… get involved!

These products can be used in conjunction with you regular feeding schedule.  From root stimulators, silicons, mycorrhizae powders, bat dung, PK boosters, plant tonics, fish waste fertilisers, anti-stress products and the list goes on and on.  The hydroponic growing sector of the horticultural industry is awash with products that do all sorts of wonderful things.  For every plant problem, there is a solution including pest control & plant health.

If you decide to try new nutrient additives, it’s always a good idea to try it on one or two plants first rather than risking a full crop as some additives contain PGRs which growers should stay away from.

Nutrient control & plant health is very important for the indoor grower, from monitoring your pH with a pH pen or testing the EC of your nutrient solution with an EC truncheon, everything you will need to keep your plants looking good.  Growers utilise the functionality of grow room tools regularly for nutrient & pH management.

Foliar feeding is key to healthy plants especially when they are young with small root systems. I like to foliar feed every five days when the plants are young all the way through the veg cycle, this keeps the plants top-notch. You can choose from organic and non-organic foliar sprays, some are ready to use and some you have to dilute yourself.  Either way your plants will love it.