Grower Today

Category: Soils & Plant Nutrients

  • How Often Should I Give My Plants Nutrients

    How Often Should I Give My Plants Nutrients

    Nutrients are essential for the development of plants. If you’re wondering how often you should give your plants nutrients, we will let you know in this article.

    Nutrients are supplied to plants to enhance growth and maximize yield. You need to be aware of how often to give your plants nutrients the right way.  This way, you don’t predispose your plant to underfeeding or overfeeding which can both be detrimental to your plants’ health.

    So, read on to discover how often to feed your plants.

    Get To Know How Often To Add Nutes During Flowering

    How often you should give your plants nutrients will depend on many factors. Be it manure, worm casting, plant food, etc. fertilization of your plant does not have to be too complex.

    In a soil-based plant, if you begin your planting with soil that is already abundant in nutrients, there’s not much to be done in giving your plants more nutrients. This implies mainly for growing foliage such as lettuce and parsley.

    Get To Know How Often To Add Nutes During Flowering

    However, if you are planting for comprehensive stages such as flowering, maturing of fruits, etc. they will require some nutrient boost.

    How To Supply Plant With Nutrients

    Always apply fertilizer moderately from the start. The nutrient scheme that follows your nutrients can be followed from the start. Then monitor your plant closely and adjust or apply nutrients as required.

    We recommend you don’t totally go by the nutrient scheme given to you by the manufacturers. Some manufacturers may clearly want you to run out of nutrients so you can buy more. As such, their direction may usually be on the high side.

    You can begin with half portion or 70% portion that was recommended then continue adjusting or adding more portion as needed.

    Also, take note not to apply too much nutrient or fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen. Too much fertilizer which is rich in nitrogen can supply your plants plenty of foliage but minimal fruits or flowers.

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    Other Factors When Water Nutes

    Other factors to consider on how often you should give your plants nutrients are to consider the stages of their growth and grow medium used.

    • For the stages of growth, the younger will demand few nutrients. But as they mature into vegetative, flowering, etc, they will require more nutrients.
    • Most grow medium used are usually inert and does not contain nutrients. Thus, it is required to provide them with optimal nutrients.

    Can I Water & Apply Nutrient To My Plants?

    Watering your plant and applying nutrients to your plant will depend on some factors.

    For instance, the size of the container will tell how often you give your plants nutrients whenever you water. The watering requirement for a bigger container is not much. Watering can be done once weekly or once every other week. Therefore, nutrient feeding is required anytime you water.

    In a smaller container, watering several times weekly may be required. So, do you apply nutrients every time you water?

    It’s okay if you apply nutrients every time you water. All you need to do is to calculate how often you water every week. Then go ahead and portion the nutrients that will last every week you water. This way, each time you water, you supply your plants’ nutrients in the right amounts without overfeeding or underfeeding.

    Another alternative is to portion the nutrients into two watering. You have to water and apply nutrients the first two weeks and water only the subsequent week. This way, you give your plant a chance to rest from nutrient applications.

    FAQ’s

    Should I use nutrients when I water?

    Yes, the nutrients are only added when you water your plants. You should not water a plant with nutrients, then add them to the soil afterwards. They will just sit on top of the soil and do nothing. The nutrients are for your plants when they are actively growing. Soak your fertilizers in water before adding to the soil. Your plants will need nutrients at different times during the growing season.

    Your plants may need them every week, or once every two weeks. For example, if you plant tomatoes, you’ll want to fertilize with a tomato fertilizer. This will give your plants the nutrients they need when they are actively growing. If you have a lot of young plants, fertilizing every two weeks will be fine. If you have mature plants, you may want to fertilize once a month. The best time to fertilize is when your plants are actively growing. In the fall, it’s important to start thinking about fall cleanup. It is tempting to wait until the end of the season to deal with garden debris. That’s a mistake, as there are often a few weeks left in the season when fall cleanup can be done successfully. You can do it now, and avoid doing it later when it may be too late to save the season’s harvest. Soil moisture is also essential for healthy plants. If soil is dry, plants have to work harder to get water and nutrients.

    How often should I feed my plants?

    I’m here to tell you that it depends on what you want to achieve. To answer this question, we need to understand the difference between a plant and a tree. A plant needs to grow up into a tree, so it needs to be fed and watered regularly throughout its life.

    I’ve been told that it’s not necessary to feed every week, but it is recommended to feed at least once a week.

    I don’t fertilize the soil, but I do fertilize my plants. I fertilize my plants once a month, usually with fish emulsion. It’s not a bad idea to fertilize once a month, though. A good way to find out if you need to fertilize more frequently is to look at your plants’ growth. If you see any wilting or yellowing, then you should fertilize more frequently. You can also look at the color of your leaves, and see if they are becoming duller. If they’re turning brown, then you should fertilize more frequently. I just use a small bucket with about an inch of fish emulsion in it, and add that to the soil.

    How long does it take for fertilizer to work on plants?

    Fertilizer should be applied as soon as the soil is ready to receive it. This is usually within a few days of planting but there are some crops that can tolerate waiting longer. There is no specific length of time that will work for all types of plants, it just depends on the type and age of the plant, its growth stage, the amount of fertilizer you’re using and how much water the soil is getting.

    Should I Use Nutrients Every Time I Water My Indoor & Outdoor Plants

    Indoor and outdoor plants’ nutrient requirements differ. Outdoor plants have the opportunity to dive in and search for nutrients in the soil even if the nutrient supply is limited. There is also the additional benefit of rainwater which contains some nutrients and also allows plants to take in nutrients optimally.

    However, for indoor plants, there’s no privilege of nutrient-filled rainwater and soil content is also restricted. The good thing about indoor plants is that they are less exposed to outdoor pests. There is also the advantage of not being disturbed by the forces of nature such as wind, scorching sun, etc.

    Now when it comes to how often you should give your indoor or outdoor plants nutrients, it will solely depend on how your plants are kept, i.e. their condition. But generally, you should always monitor your plant and decipher if they look like they require addition or boost of nutrients.

  • How To Fix Nutrient Burn

    How To Fix Nutrient Burn

    A couple of growers may face nutrient burn sometimes during the course of their growing period. The thing is do you know how to fix nutrient burn?

    Drying out leaves, curling of leaves, browning of leaves, etc are common issues seen among indoor growers and the most probable cause are nutrient burns. It is crucial you recognize the signs and act fast to save your plant from severe or irreversible damage.

    If you’re experiencing nutrient burn on your farm and you’re looking for how to fix or solution we will put you through this.

    Nutrient Burn During Flowering Info

    Nutrient burn is the over-fertilization or overfeeding of nutrients to your plants. When you supply your plants with their required nutrient in excess, they tend to absorb all of them thus resulting in nutrient burn. Plants are not equipped to handle over-fertilization therefore, they will simply absorb the entire nutrient you supply them.

    Causes Of Nutrient Burn

    Mostly, nutrient burn is caused when you feed your plant with too much nitrogen. Nitrogen is one of the components in plants’ nutrients and it’s mostly used during plants’ vegetative phase. Nitrogen needs to be in the right proportion with other nutrients to avoid the presence of excess nitrogen.

    However, it’s not only excess nitrogen that can cause nutrient burns. Overfeeding of other nutrients can as well cause this.

    Nutrient Burn Leaves Signs

    The first step to fixing nutrient burn is identification. Be sure your plant is suffering from a nutrient burn by looking at the signs. Some early signs can point out if your plant is suffering from nutrient burns. They are:

    • Leaves will give a very deep green coloration.
    • You may notice the tip of your leaves bending at 90 degrees.
    • Yellowish or brownish coloration of the tips of the leaves.
    • The branch or stalk may start to turn purple or red.

    Advanced signs to look out for when it comes to nutrient burns:

    • The signs of the tip of leaves turning yellow will spread back and inwards throughout the leave until it dies off or withers away.
    • You may also notice leave twisting.
    • The edge of the leaves starts to curl. This curling of leaves usually indicates the presence of too much nitrogen.
    • Yellowish patches that separate themselves from the green-colored leaves.
    Nutrient Burn Leaves Signs

    Learn How To Fix Nutrient Burn

    Once you’ve identified that your plant is suffering from nutrient burns, it’s time to take action. The good thing is if you can detect nutrient burn early, it can be resolved before it gets any worse.

    Follow these guidelines to successfully fix your plant:

    1. Remove Damaged Parts: The first step and fastest way to fixing nutrient burn is to do away with the damaged plant leaves, buds, flowers, etc. When your plant leaves have become yellow there’s nothing you can do to make them green. The only solution is to carefully remove the yellowed leaves or the entire affected part and allow them to regrow.
    2. System Flushing: Next step is to flush the entire system so the excess built-up nutrient can be washed away. With a hydroponics system, wash your growing medium with clean and balanced pH water. To your hydroponic nutrient reservoir, pour out all the content and replace it with pH-balanced water. Use this balanced pH for about 24 hours in your hydroponic system. Then gradually introduce a small concentrated nutrient for about a week and balance it later when the plant is able to welcome the appropriate nutrient amount. In a soil-based system, simply water in the soil using pH-balanced water to flush out excess nutrients. Water your soil slowly and wait a bit to allow the water to assimilate between each watering plan.

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    A nutrient burn may be minimal, gradual progress, or severe. In the case of very severe burns especially during the vegetative stage, it’s usually best to start over-planting. This is because recuperation may be unachievable or may take a longer time to recover and it will be better to just start over.

    FAQ’s

    Can plants recover from nutrient burn?

    The short answer is no. Plants can’t recover from nutrient burn, because nutrients are not lost, they are just changed in their form. The longer answer is that it depends on the plant species and the amount of nutrients in the soil. There is some evidence that plants can recover from nutrient burn, but this is not always the case. In general, plants will not grow in nutrient-deficient soils, but if the soil is rich enough, the plants will grow fine.

    What are the signs of nutrient burn?

    Plants are more sensitive to nutrient deficiencies than we are. Plants respond to low nutrient levels by making a number of adjustments. These may include:

    • Decreased growth rate

    • Diminished photosynthetic capacity

    • Decreased yield

    • Less or no flowering

    • Poor quality fruit

    • Loss of vigor and death

    How do you reverse plant nutrient burn?

    Plant nutrients are essential for your plants to grow. However, when the nutrient level is too low, the plant will have a hard time growing. Too much of a good thing is not healthy either. You may see this as a condition that can be corrected by increasing the plant nutrient levels.

    If you notice that your plants appear to be suffering from nutrient burn, the following actions should be taken:

    • Evaluate the soil for nutrients and pH.

    • Monitor the amount of fertilizer used. • Evaluate the irrigation schedule.

    • Correct the deficiencies.

    If you want to get your garden growing again, I recommend adding more organic matter (such as compost or manure) to the soil.

    Does nutrient burn affect new growth?

    Nutrient burn isn’t really good for anything. The only reason it is often mentioned is because the term nutrient burn is so often used by gardeners who are not very knowledgeable on the subject, and they don’t know any better. Nutrients are needed in the plant in order to grow, and when they are missing or are present at too high a concentration, they can cause serious damage to the plant. Plants that have been deprived of nutrients for a long period of time will often experience stunted growth and lower yields.

    How do you fix fertilizer burn on plants?

    There are a lot of ways to fix fertilizer burn. It depends on what the cause of the burn was and the severity of the burn. If it is a very deep burn, there are some treatments that will actually get rid of the burn. If it is just a slight discoloration, you can cover the plant with a plastic bag and keep it in place for a day or two. The light will help it heal.

    If you use a bag, make sure it is the clear type so you can see what’s going on. If you want to get rid of the burn, you can do one of two things. You can either put the fertilizer on top of the soil (which will keep it in place until you want to remove it), or you can mix specialized burn fertilizer with water and apply it directly to the burned area. It will penetrate the burned area and help it heal. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on this, you can always add some liquid kelp to your fertilizer solution. That will help heal the burn. Liquid kelp is available at most garden centers.

    Nutrient Burn Recovery Prevention

    The best thing to save your plant is to prevent nutrient burns from happening in the first place. Do all you can to reduce the chances of nutrient burn from occurring. The excess nutrient can be catastrophic to your plants if not detected on time.

    Ensure you use the appropriate amount of nutrients in their correct proportion for each growth stage. You should also monitor the pH of your solution or soil with a good pH reader.

  • How Far Should Seedlings Be From Grow Light

    How Far Should Seedlings Be From Grow Light

    Light is one of the most crucial requirements for growing plants indoors. Positioning your grow light in the perfect area is important to ensure your plants get the appropriate grow light quantity. Now, when it comes to seedlings, we would like to know how far seedlings should be from grow light.

    Seedlings are fragile and require proper care as they develop. We will be discussing how far should your seedlings be from grow light so they can grow appropriately.

    Get To Know How Far Grow Light Should Be From Seedlings

    Although a couple of seed varieties require darkness to grow, some plant seedlings do require light for seedlings’ development. The seedling phase is a very fragile phase and they usually require less light intensity. Thus, the distance from your grow light to seedlings should be far enough to reduce light intensity.

    Some may think that supplying optimal light to your plants will increase plant growth and yields. This is true, but have in mind that this applies to only matured plants. Your seedlings will be too delicate during this stage, so they will require tender care. When your plants are established, you can go ahead and feed them with optimal light intensity.

    Let’s take a look at various types of grow light and how far you should place them from your plants.

    LED Grow Seedling Light & Wattage

    Generally, you should position your LED to grow light around 24 to 36 inches above the canopy seedlings.

    Also, how far you should position your grow lights towards your seedlings will solely depend on the power or wattage of the light bulb. A bulb that is bright and far away from the plant could supply a similar light intensity with a dimmer or low light bulb closer to the plant.

    Grow light with lower wattage of around 200 should be positioned between 12 to 20 inches above the plants’ canopy. On the other hand, grow light with higher wattage should be placed 34 to 46 inches from the plants’ canopy.

    LED lights release mostly red and blue wavelength, thus there are appropriate for plants early stage such as seedlings. They are also great for the flowering phase and fruiting phase as these stages require more intensive light for optimal yield.

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    Fluorescent Grow Light

    Fluorescent growth light comes in 3 types namely T5, T12, and compact fluorescent lamps. The added advantage of using fluorescent grow light is that it rarely causes light burn. This is because it does not produce too much heat. Notwithstanding, ensure you keep a close eye on the light heat and intensity.

    Fluorescent growth light should be positioned between 6 to 12 inches for seedlings. For the vegetative and flowering phase, position your grow light between 12 to 16 inches for maximum production.

    Other Plant Stages Grow Light Distance

    Let’s take a look at other plant stages to grow light distance requirements:

    • Vegetative Phase: the LED grow light distance for the vegetative phase of a plant is between 12 to 24 inches above the plants’ canopy. The light position is closer to the plant because optimal light is required during photosynthesis for rapid plant growth. The light intensity will also help in the development of stronger and healthier stems and roots.
    Other Plant Stages Grow Light Distance - Vegetative Phase
    • Flowering Phase: when the vegetative stage is complete and the plant advances into the flowering phase, the light intensity requirements diminish. The distance from the top of the plant to the grow light should be between 18 to 24 inches. In the flowering phase, plants start to grow in height and develop fruits. As your plants grow taller, you can decide to change or not change the distance of the grow light. Usually, if you don’t want your plant to grow too tall, you should leave the grow light distance the same.

    Disadvantages Of Too Much Light

    As we have pointed out earlier that light is one of the key factors to seedling development, we would also point out what too much light can cause your plants.

    If your seedlings receive too much light, it can cause stress to your plant. To know if your plant is taking in too much light, look for any sign of light burns, leave discoloration. Abnormal or stunted growth is another sign to look for.

    Once you see these signs, it’s a call for action. Adjust the distance of your grows light accordingly to fix the problem quickly.

    Disadvantages Of Too Much Light

    FAQ’s

    How close should I keep my seedlings to their grow lights?

     If you are in a spot with good sunlight, then you may be able to get away with having them closer. I would say that if they are on a tray, then you should be able to get away with putting them as close as the tray allows. As far as lighting goes, you will probably need a full spectrum LED grow light. I am not sure what kind you have, but I know that the HID bulbs are really only effective when there is no direct sunlight, otherwise it will not light up.

    I’d say at least 18″ apart for optimal growth. If you’re doing it right, you shouldn’t need much more than a 2-3 foot gap, depending on the height of the lights. If they’re too close together, you’ll be wasting energy and possibly burning your plants.

    Does the type of light matter in terms of the distance?

    Yes. You’ll need to figure out what the light spectrum is that you are growing for. If you’re trying to grow plants that are grown for eating then you will need to know how much of the spectrum they are best at consuming.

    Then you will need to calculate the amount of light that is needed to provide that amount of light to your plant. For example, if you are growing tomatoes, you would use a combination of red, blue and yellow lights to simulate sunlight. The more red light, the more heat, and the more yellow light, the more light but also more energy. You can get away with less red light if you have enough blue and yellow light. For example, if you had two 5500K fluorescent tubes, one blue and one yellow, it would be able to produce about 1.2 times as much light as a single fluorescent tube of similar wattage. If you had two of the same tubes but they were only 5500K then you could get around twice the amount of light. It’s best to figure out what the light spectrum for your plant is going to be before setting up the grow room. You don’t want to grow plants in the wrong light spectrum.

    Can they be too far apart?

    My understanding is that it’s not a problem to put the grow lights too far away from the seedlings. However, you may want to get closer so that the light is more diffused and even. It’s easier to keep a grow light in a plant than a human. You could also try to use LED grow lights. These are much more energy efficient, and will last a lot longer. 

    Conclusion: How Much Light Should Seedlings Get?

    How your grow light should be far from seedlings will depend on the type of grow light you’re using and the wattage or light intensity. With the information we have given above, we hope you have learned the right distance to place your grow light from your seedlings.

  • PH For Hydroponic Lettuce

    PH For Hydroponic Lettuce

    You might be interested in growing lettuce hydroponically. If you’re wondering what’s the best pH for hydroponic lettuce, we will let you know in this post.

    Leafy greens such as lettuce are some of the most common crops to grow in hydroponics. They are especially great for hydroponic newbies. Lettuce is pretty easy to grow and you will derive lots of healthy benefits from incorporating it into your diet.

    Now growing hydroponic lettuce has some requirements such as a balanced pH, nutrient solutions, accurate temperature range, etc. We will cover the best pH for hydroponic lettuce and other requirements you need to know. So, read on to learn.

    Lettuce Hydroponic System

    The lettuce hydroponic system is a method of growing lettuce without the use of soil. Water solutions dissolved in nutrients are used to grow lettuce plants.

    With a lettuce hydroponic system, you enjoy faster growth, higher yield, healthier crops, and many more benefits. You can commence lettuce hydroponic by purchasing a complete hydroponic system or go for a DIY unit.

    Required pH For Hydroponic Lettuce

    Constant monitoring of your lettuce nutrient solutions is paramount in maintaining a smooth and running system.

    The required pH for hydroponic lettuce ranges from 5.6 to 6.2. This pH range is acidic enough to reduce the activities of algae and at this pH range, plants can absorb nutrients adequately for their growth.

    The pH range for seedlings should be adjusted to 6.4 and as your plant matures, the pH should be adjusted to 6.0.

    However, if the pH goes high on the pH scale, it falls into the alkaline range which is not good for your plant. The alkaline range that’s too much or too high can cause a nutrient lockout. Nutrient lockout causes the inability of your hydroponic lettuce plants to absorb nutrients.

    When nutrient lockout occurs, your lettuce plants will start to show signs of nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms such as yellowing of leaves, wilting of plants, stunted growth, and so on will be seen.

    Required pH For Hydroponic Lettuce

    You may end up losing your lettuce plants if action is not taken fast. Hence, ensure you always monitor your pH levels at least once a day.

    You should also note that plants absorb nutrients at various pH ranges. Hence, the pH level is borne to change constantly. The only thing you can do is to make sure they fall in between the lettuce plant’s recommended pH range which is 5.6 to 6.2.

    Making use of pH up and pH down products are great to maintain a steady and balanced pH range.

    Hydroponics Nutrient Solution For Lettuce

    The recommended hydroponic nutrient solutions to successfully grow lettuce are those that contain majorly calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and they are needed in high quantities.

    Calcium is especially crucial for the growth of lettuce because a calcium deficiency can cause lettuce leaf tip burns. This issue is very common so ensure the levels of your calcium are accurate.

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    The nutrient solutions must provide all necessary key elements for maximum production at their vegetative stage. At the same time, these nutrient solutions must not push the lettuce into its flowering or bolting stage. Flowering only causes bitter lettuce and we want to avoid that.

    Although lettuce has different varieties and some are more or less sensitive to nitrogen: always ensure the nutrient solution that you are buying suits the type of lettuce variety you will be growing. Read the nutrient pack instructions for better directions and use.

    Other Requirements For Hydroponics Lettuce

    • Temperatures: The recommended temperatures should range from 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that all varieties of lettuce love cool temperatures. If the temperature is high, bolting or flowering will take place. We however want to prevent bolting from occurring because it always gives rise to bitter lettuce leaves. Temperatures that exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit will cause bolting.

    • Light Requirements: Lettuce plants do not require much light. Light duration from 10 to 15 hours daily is enough. They can be supplied with moderate or low light.

    Other Requirements For Hydroponics Lettuce - Light

    • Aeration: Some lettuce varieties can tolerate low oxygen levels. However, we recommend you always maintain a well-aerated system as this will boost the healthy growth of roots. We recommend dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) to be around 8 ppm.

    • Growing media: Lettuce will do well in most growing media such as rock wool, coco coir, etc. However, the main growing medium is the nutrient solution. It is the nutrient solution that provides most of the support for lettuce growth.

    Can Vinegar Be Used to Lower pH in Hydroponics?

    Vinegar, also known as acetic acid is a weak acid that can be used to lower pH in hydroponics systems. It can however be used only as a temporary solution as it does not remain stable for long.

    The pH in hydroponics changes constantly so it would be better to use an acid with more stability, such as phosphoric acid.

    How Do You Use a Hydroponic pH Meter?

    A pH meter is a very important tool to have and use if you are running a hydroponics system. It is more important than it would be if you were growing plants in the soil. The reason for this is that pH fluctuates more in aquaponics than in a soil-based plant-growing medium. 

    Soil has what is referred to as a buffering capacity. What this means is that it can correct for pH changes to be the in the right pH range for the plants that you are growing. Soilless growth media such as those used in hydroponics systems lack this ability and advantage.

    To be able to manage the pH in your hydroponics system, a pH meter like this one is an absolute necessity. You will need to monitor the pH of our system daily to avoid any adverse consequences. The thing with unfavorable pH changes is that you want to catch them as early as possible before they cause any problems which may damage or even kill your fish. Here is how you use a hydroponic pH meter:

    • Using test strips

    Using test strips is by far the cheapest way to test your hydroponic pH. Test strips are covered with a pH-sensitive dye that will change color when dipped into the water. You will then compare this color to the color chart to determine the pH of your hydroponics solution

    • Liquid test kits

    This is another popular method used to test for pH. It is also more accurate than the test strip method, so if you are looking for more accuracy this may be the choice for you. These test kits are commercially available and can be purchased from various distributors. The way this work is that you put a few drops of pH-sensitive dye into a vial containing your water or nutrient solution. The color of the solution will change, and you will compare this color to a color chart to determine the pH, just as you would do with the test strips.

    • pH meter

    The best and most efficient way to test pH in your hydroponics system is with the use of a digital pH meter. They come in different types and price ranges. You can find one to suit your needs as well as your pocket. Digital pH meters are very easy to use, simply insert the electrode into the water and it will give you a pH reading. Remember to calibrate your meter regularly so that it will give you accurate readings. 

    Can You Use Hydrochloric Acid to Lower pH in Hydroponics?

    Hydrochloric acid can be used to lower pH in hydroponics. It can however be dangerous in high concentrations, as it can damage your plants. So you need to be careful if you use it, or use safer acids such as phosphoric acid which can even be beneficial to your plants by adding phosphates which are plant nutrients.

    Conclusion

    We hope that you have learned all you needed to know about the required pH for hydroponic lettuce. Remember to always monitor your hydroponic nutrient pH constantly and adjust when you notice any slight change.

    Happy growing!

    FAQ’s

    What is the best hydroponic fertilizer for lettuce?

    When grown in soil, lettuce does not need to be fertilized. As long as the plants are getting enough water, they can get their nutrients from the soil. If you are growing in a greenhouse, you should add fish emulsion or compost tea to the soil, which will provide the nutrients needed for your plants.
    Lettuce needs a lot of water to grow well. Keep the soil moist, but do not let it get soggy. Water thoroughly when the weather is warm and the soil is dry. A small amount of fertilizer can be applied at this time. Once temperatures cool down in fall, water less often. In order to grow the best-tasting lettuce, plant seeds about 3 weeks before the last frost date. The lettuce seeds will germinate once the temperature warms up in spring. After they have germinated, thin the seedlings so that there is only one or two plants per square foot. This will allow them to grow large and have plenty of room to spread out.

    Lettuce needs a slow-release fertilizer to grow, and it also needs high levels of nitrogen. The best time to fertilize lettuce is in the fall. The leaves should be dark green, shiny and crisp. If the lettuce leaves are yellow, they need more nitrogen.

    What pH should water be for hydroponics?

    The pH of the water is one of the most important factors in growing plants.

    There are many different ways to measure the pH of a solution, and there are many different theories as to how much the pH affects plant growth.  However, it is safe to say that a pH of around 5.0 is ideal for growing healthy plants. If you use distilled water, you can adjust the pH of the solution easily by adding more or less H2O. However, if you use tap water, you will need to buy some chemicals to make the pH of the water exactly what you want. pH is measured on a scale of 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic, and 14 being the most alkaline.

    What happens if pH is too low in hydroponics?

    There are a few things that can happen when pH is too low in a hydroponic system. Most of the time, you won’t even notice anything. Your plants will be fine, and you will have a healthy crop. If you’re growing in a soil based hydroponic system, you will need to change your water to ensure that it’s not too acidic. This is important because soil contains many beneficial microbes that are essential for plant growth.
    These microbes work with the roots of your plants to absorb nutrients, and they also help break down organic waste in the soil. If your pH is too low, these beneficial microbes will not be able to do their job. Instead, your plants will suffer from nutrient deficiencies and may even die. You can lower the pH of your hydroponic solution using a simple pH test kit. You’ll find that most of the time, the pH of your solution is fine.

  • Types Of Rooting Hormones

    Types Of Rooting Hormones

    Let’s discuss types of rooting hormones. Plants cuttings are easy to propagate. However, for successful propagation, they require a key element known as rooting hormones. Rooting hormones are great to kick start your propagation and they will assist in accelerated root growth.

    If you’ve never tried rooting hormone for your cuttings then you’re missing a great deal. Rooting hormone will never have a negative impact on your propagation so there’s no harm in trying it.

    We will be looking at the various types of rooting hormones you can use for your cloning. So, let’s dive in and find out the various types of rooting hormones.

    What Is Rooting Hormone?

    Rooting hormones are gel stimulants which contain natural chemicals for plans and it’s used to signal root growth especially for cuttings. These rooting hormones are produced by plants naturally for root growth. Now scientists have generated a way of synthesizing this hormone in the lab for the use of plant cuttings.

    Plants naturally produce hormones for the development of roots and shoots. We have different types of these hormones such as cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins. The hormone used for rooting is auxins. It is these auxins that stimulate and enhance rooting in plant cuttings.

    What Is Rooting Hormone

    Although auxins are produced by plants for root development, auxins are also synthesized in the lab. The synthesized auxins are the ones commercially available as rooting hormones and they are generated from plants.

    Apart from enhancing root growth, the rooting hormone also maintains a sterile surface for your cuttings. Thus, you also enjoy healthy overall growth.

    Plants cuttings rely on rooting hormones or they might not root properly. Hence, it is an essential key for cloning plants.

    Types Of Rooting Hormones

    There are 3 major types of rooting hormones namely: liquid rooting hormone, gel rooting hormone, and powder rooting hormone.

    1. Liquid

    The liquid rooting hormone is one of the most common types of rooting hormone. The liquid comes in two types: the concentrated and the standard strength (ready to use). The concentration requires diluting before application. The standard strength can be used right away. Note when making use of the ready-to-use liquid rooting hormone, pour the one to be used in a separate container. Do not insert your cuttings directly into the bottle. This is to prevent contamination. Once it’s in a separate container, dip the stem of your cuttings in the liquid rooting hormone. You can now put your cuttings in your growing medium.

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    2. Gel

    Out of the various types of rooting hormone, the gel is the most loved among growers. It is pre-mixed and convenient to use. Simply put the portion you wish to use in a container and insert your cuttings into the gel. The gel will comfortably stick to the cuttings giving the stem a thick coat that serves as protection and they won’t wash away easily. With that, your cuttings are ready to go into your growing medium.

    3. Powder

    Powder rooting hormone lasts longer as it offers more shelf life. You can make use of the powder for several growing seasons if stored in the right conditions. To use, pour the powder rooting hormone in a separate container to prevent contamination. You can insert the cuttings into the water to encourage the powder to stick to your cuttings. Now insert the wet cuttings into the powder rooting hormone and give it a little shake to take off excess powder. Then it’s ready to go into your growing medium.

    Homemade Rooting Hormones

    You may be surprised you may have a rooting hormone in your house. Honey is one perfect example of homemade rooting hormone. Although it may not produce quick results as a commercial rooting hormone. You just need to give it a little time to work.

    Honey has some naturally occurring rooting hormone. In addition, it offers anti fungi and antiseptic features to protect your cuttings from infection. The gel nature encourages a consistent steam coating that sticks.

    FAQ’s

    Which is the best rooting hormone?

    We are all aware that rooting is necessary in order to achieve a successful plant. But we often wonder what is the best rooting hormone to use. Rooting hormone is a compound that is added to the soil mix and helps the roots to grow and penetrate through the soil.

    It is important to understand that there are different types of rooting hormones and they are used in different ways. Rooting hormone is also known as root growth stimulator or root growth promoter. The most common type of rooting hormone is Ipomoea. This is a fast growing plant that can be easily grown indoors. It is not recommended to use Ipomoea when the plants are growing outdoors. You should use it when the plant is in the soil or pot. It is available in different types such as powder, gel and liquid. The powder and gel is available in different concentrations. You can easily dissolve them in water and apply on the root area. The liquid is available in different concentrations and it can be diluted with water and applied on the roots. The powder and gel are easy to use and can be used in both hydroponic and soil based growing systems.

    Are there different types of rooting hormone?

    There are many types of rooting hormones available on the market, and they all do a job for which they were designed. Rooting hormone has two basic functions. First, it promotes the uptake of nutrients into the root by loosening the soil around the roots. Second, it helps the roots to absorb water.

    In the past, the main type of rooting hormone was the so-called “growth hormone,” which was sold as a liquid, or in capsules. Today, most companies sell a combination of growth hormone and a form of calcium that has been shown to be just as effective. When purchasing rooting hormone, always look for one that contains both types of hormone. You can also buy a pre-made combination of growth hormone and calcium in a concentrated form that will dissolve when watered. If you are growing vegetables and flowers indoors, the best thing you can do is to use a product that contains calcium and growth hormone. These products are available from many garden centers and mail-order outlets.

    What is a natural rooting hormone?

    Rooting hormones, also known as root stimulants or growth stimulants, are chemicals used to promote root development in plants. Rooting hormones are often added to the soil around seedlings and plants to encourage root growth. These chemicals can be organic or synthetic.  Organic rooting hormones are made from natural materials, such as plant extracts, and are less toxic than their synthetic counterparts.

    Is banana a rooting hormone?

    Bananas aren’t really a rooting hormone. They are actually quite high in gibberellic acid (GA), a plant hormone that promotes growth. This is why bananas are often used as houseplants and why you see them in nurseries.

    Additional Note On Types Of Rooting Hormones

    Growers depend on rooting hormone for propagation cuttings and it has been showing great results ever since. Rooting hormone is a key element that will stimulate the growth of roots to give you a successful propagation and there are various types of rooting hormone to choose from.

    Apart from making use of rooting hormone for successful propagation, you should as well take some other important factors into consideration for great results. Things like selecting only cuttings from plants with good traits. Avoid infected plants or plants that have no good quality growth features. This will ensure your cloned plant gives excellent propagation at the end.

  • Transferring Soil Plants To Hydroponic

    Transferring Soil Plants To Hydroponic

    Transferring soil plants to hydroponic is quite possible if you follow the right steps. Rather than waiting on germinating seeds and growling seedlings, you can simply send them into the soil. So, when they reach about 3 to 4 inches long, they are set to be transferred into your hydroponics.

    However, you need to get the process of transferring soil plants to hydroponic correctly or they won’t come out successful.

    This is why we’ve put together this article to enlighten you on the steps to successfully transfer soil plants to your hydroponics system. So, read on to learn.

    Materials Needed For Transferring Soil To Hydroponic

    The following materials are required for transferring your soil plant into a hydroponic system:

    • A plant from dirt.
    • Water to wash off the root system.
    • Growing medium.
    • Net pots.
    • Hydroponic system.

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    Steps On Transferring Soil Into hydroponic

    Even though transplanting traditional soil plants into the hydroponics system looks pretty easy, it’s important you get the steps right. This way, common errors that some growers make are avoided and you get an accurate result at the end.

    Transferring soil plants to a hydroponic system is pretty easy. Just follow these steps to achieve a smooth transition:

    1. Use Matured Plants Only

    The first thing is to obtain your plant or seedlings and make sure they are fit enough for the transition. Use seedlings that are at least 3 inches tall.

    1. Remove Plants From Soil

    With care, remove the plant from the soil and ensure you don’t pull it out. Make sure the roots are safe and intact as you carefully take them out.

    Remove Plants From Soil
    1. Remove Soil And Clean The Plant

    Next, carefully give the root a little tap and remove the dirt around the plants still ensuring the root is safe. After doing this, go ahead and rinse the plant with water. Try to dip the whole root into the water and rinse carefully.

    If you notice any pests around your plant, rinsing them will take them out. However, you can make use of neem oil to further rid them off.

    1. Place In Hydroponic Net Pots

    Now, get your net pots and put a little growing medium. Gently spread the plant root into the net pot and fill it up with the growing medium of your choice.

    1. Add Appropriate Nutrients

    Supply your plants with the appropriate nutrients. Try not to overfeed or underfeed the nutrient.

    1. Leave Set Up In The Dark

    Allow the plant to adjust its new environment by leaving it in a dim light area for a couple of hours. The root does not really require light to develop.

     

    Additional Tips To Avoid Shock

    Plant shock when it comes to transferring soil plants to a hydroponic system is not unlikely, especially among beginners. If your transplant fails to develop after transplanting, you might be wondering what you did wrong. Just do a bit of check and try again carefully this time.

    Also, take note of the following tips so you can prevent plant shock as your plant transition into your hydroponics system:

    • Make sure the plant to be transplanted is healthy and matured enough.
    • Prepare your growing medium-well.
    • Sterilize the new environment your plants will be transitioning to. Remember they are vulnerable, so try to keep them healthy.
    • It helps to pick plants to be transplanted during their vegetative and seedlings periods. Never allow them to reach or near their flowering period before transplanting.
    • Make sure the temperature is maintained optimally. Nutrient water temperature should fall between the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Try to select roots with more hairs or long hairs. This is so the roots are capable of reaching the nutrient reservoir and absorbing adequate nutrients for growth.
    • Try to balance the soil conditions and hydroponic conditions as your plant transition. For example, you need to supply your transplanted plant with the right nutrient for its healing and growth. If you can, it helps to measure the soil nutrient before transplanting so you can keep the same nutrient levels when you transplant.
    Additional Tips To Avoid Shock

    Plants That Has High Chance Of Smooth Transition

    You should know that not all types of plants will transition successfully. Some plants have a higher tendency for the smooth transition than others. Examples are Pepper, tomatoes, spinach, mint, spring onions, basil, parsley, cilantro, and so on.

    Conclusion

    The transition of soil plants into a hydroponic system needs to be done accurately to avoid plant shock. If you follow our guidelines, you can be sure of a successful transition.

  • Rootech Cloning Gel Review

    Rootech Cloning Gel Review

    Cloning in a hydroponic garden is common and rooting hormone is one way to boost the success rate of your cloning. You might be wondering which rooting hormone to go for with so many options in the market. This is why we have put together the Rootech cloning gel review.

    Rootech cloning gel is pretty easy to use compared to most cloning gel. Cloning is a common method among farmers that prefers not to start plant propagation with seeds.

    Cloning is a quicker and more efficient technique of plant propagation even for beginners. Now, the application of rooting hormones such as Rootech cloning gel will improve the success rate of your plant propagation.

    Info On Rootech Cloning Gel

    Technaflora Rootech cloning gel is an amazing rooting hormone for cloning. It is a ready-to-use rooting hormone gel in optimizing rapid, healthy, and substantial root development.

    Rootech cloning gel is formulated with a high concentration of rooting hormone supplying your cloned plant with the right ingredient it can make use of immediately when applied. Therefore, it is one of the best in the market and it works for various plants.

    Info On Rootech Cloning Gel

    Rootech Cloning Gel Success Rate

    Rootech cloning gel success rate is top-notch even for the most difficult plant. We will give it a 95% success rate. We love the fact that it is easy to use and it comes in a thick gel with no mess. Even a small amount will do the job perfectly as it is highly concentrated and it can as well be diluted. It also comes in various sizes.

    Advantages & Features Of Rootech Gel

    You enjoy the best features while using Rootech cloning gel. Some of them are:

    • Rootech cloning gel is made of ultra-thick and smooth gel which has no hot spots. Therefore, there’s no worry about plant tissues and young roots burns.
    • It accelerates healthy root growth.
    • There’s no worry of washing off when watering as it is made of thick and rich ingredients that will hold on to your plant cuttings even with top watering.
    • If you wish to dilute it, be rest assured it mixes well with water for smooth dilution.
    • Even the most difficult plant can be successfully propagated with Rootech cloning gel.
    • Rootech cloning gel works amazing when cloning plants for vegetative propagation. Your cloned root should begin to root in about a week of using this rooting hormone gel. It can be used in various growing mediums such as Rockwool, rapid rooter, etc. The resulting plants should be ready to be transplanted in about 2 to 3 weeks of using Rootech cloning gel.

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    Rootech Cloning Instructions

    As we have mentioned earlier, Rootech cloning gel is pretty easy to use. Let’s take a look at how you can use Rootech for your plant propagation.

    The materials required for cloning with Rootech in plant propagation are growing medium, propagation tray, cuttings from the stem, humidity dome, heating pad, and Rootech cloning gel.

    1. Get your Rootech gel and put some amount in a separate clean container. Store the rest of the unused Rootech cloning gel in the refrigerator.

    2. Next, obtain your growing medium such as Rockwool. Drill a small hole in the Rockwool plugs where the bottom of the stem will enter.

    3. Cut the plant to be cloned with a sharp sterile cutting tool and cut directly under the node. Prepare the stem by dipping each bottom of the cuttings with Rootech cloning gel.

    4. Now, put your set up in the cube holes of the propagation tray and water your plugs in a little to soak water.

    5. Then place your set up under a heating pad and cover it with a humidity dome. Feed them with grow light as they begin to grow.

    6. Spray mist your set up to prevent them from drying out and monitor daily. You should begin to see the first root coming out in about a week. In 2 to 3 weeks, the roots should be developed enough to be transplanted into your hydroponics or traditional soil.

    Using Rootech Cloning Gel

    FAQ’s

    What is Rootech cloning gel?

    Rootech cloning gel is a solution that is used to clone or produce multiple plants from a single seed. This gel can be used for any type of plant such as trees, shrubs, and herbs. The gel is available in a tube or a spray can. It comes in different colors such as red, yellow, green, blue, etc. The cloning gel is the best tool for cloning because it is the most effective. If you want to get the highest percentage of success rate, this is the only way to go. Using cloning gel will help to remove the seed coat and make a small cut in the seed. This will help the new plant to germinate easily. The gel is made from the root cells of the mother plant. The gel is used to separate the seed coat from the embryo or seedling. Once the gel has been applied, you can then plant the seed into the gel. The gel will protect the seedling from getting wet while you wait for it to sprout. Is rootech cloning gel safe for plants? Yes, it is 100% safe. There are no harmful chemicals or toxins in this gel. You can use this gel for any type of plant. It is not only safe for vegetables and fruits but it is also safe for flowers and trees. It is safe to use for any type of plant. Is rootech cloning gel expensive? It is not very expensive at all. You can buy this product from your local garden center for about $15-20.

    Is cloning gel necessary?

    The reason you would use cloning gel is to get the plant cuttings to root quickly. You want to get the cuttings as close to the time of transplanting as possible, which means that you don’t have to wait for them to grow roots before you can move them into a larger pot. If you are using soil, then you will want to start them in something like Miracle-Gro Root Booster (or equivalent) as it will give them the right amount of nutrients. Potting mixes will work but if you’re starting from seed, it’s best to avoid potting mixes as they contain too much sand, which could cause problems with the seedlings’ root systems.

    What can I use instead of cloning gel?

    You can use a regular petri dish with a thin layer of agar or gelatin.

    The agar or gelatin will act as the substrate that supports the roots of the plant. You can also use regular soil if you want to be more accurate with your measurements. I would suggest that you make sure that you are measuring the depth of the pot to make sure it is the correct size.

    Final Say

    The Rootech cloning gel is definitely an excellent rooting hormone for accelerating root development. The powerful rooting hormone can work even with the most challenging type of plant.

    You will enjoy massive root growth and it is easy to use especially for beginners. Therefore, it is the choice for most gardeners and we would highly recommend it for hydroponic cloning in plant propagation.

    We do hope you enjoyed our review on Rootech cloning gel.