Category: Soils & Plant Nutrients

Scoria vs Pumice: Pros and Cons for Growing
Today we are going to discuss scoria vs pumice for soil amendment in succulents. They are both minerals that are widely used in gardening, but for different things. Some people argue if they are good for succulents and why. Let us discuss their pros and cons.

Growing succulents is very popular, and I have a soft spot in my heart for them. They are so easy to keep, as they usually prefer negligence rather than constant attention, and they look so nice when correctly displayed. This, though, can be intimidating for an avid gardener, as one may think that it is outrageous to leave the plants be and not care for them that much. But that is exactly what succulents need. The best way to make sure succulents can thrive in your garden is to choose the right soil for them.

What Type of Soil Do Succulents Need?

Growing succulents in areas where the soil is not their preferred type to grow in can be challenging if you do not know what they need to thrive. The main issue you may run into is overwatering.

What happens is that not any soil will work with these plants. They are a type of cactus, so they do not need much water at all to live. If you plant them in moist soil, they will die, although that may seem counterintuitive to some gardeners.

The first thing to know is that you need a well-draining potting mix. That means, it needs to be a porous type of soil and it needs to drain water really well. If it traps water, you will drown the plants.

You can buy a pre-packaged succulent soil mix or a porous soil mix, but it is cheaper to make your own. This way you can also control all the ingredients that go in it and assure yourself you will not overwater the plants.

What is Scoria?

Scoria is a small grain of red lava. It can be found coarsely or finely milled, like sand. It is formed in basaltic magma, which means that it comes from lava that is flowing. It is a type of rock that has many air bubbles trapped in it and that is why, when milled, it remains porous.

Its color makes it very beautiful and it is usually used in landscaping. Many people prefer the flashy red look of it to decorate their gardens.

Is scoria good for planting succulents?

As a soil alternative, 100% scoria is not the greatest idea for succulents. It has higher-than-expected water retention which is associated with the high surface area and little holes that the rocks have. This makes it heavy and can lead to succulents dying from overwatering.

If you are going to add scoria to your planting mix, we recommend using a larger ground and washing all the dust before mixing it into the soil. The dust can prevent airflow and trap too much-unwanted moisture next to the roots.

This could also be detrimental, though, because the larger it is, the more chance it has of damaging the roots of your succulents. It has sharp edges and a heavy root.

What is Pumice?

Pumice is the preferred type of lava rock that is used as a soil amendment for succulents. It is different from scoria in that this rock is formed from the actual eruption of a volcano. Its reaction to air and extreme heat then creates a froth that then becomes a felsic rock. That is pumice.

Felsic means that it is composed of light minerals, so it is lighter than scoria. It is white and that is why many landscapers prefer scoria to finish up their garden look. But this color difference means that it is composed of different minerals and has different, although similar, properties.

Is pumice good for succulents?

Pumice has 70 or more trace minerals that are readily accessible to plants because of its thin layers. It is volcanic glass and not rock. This is why it is lighter than scoria, which is a rock. Pumice will float when first dropped into water, for example.

After a while, it will sink, though. This is because all of its little nooks and crannies will hold water. This is also what happens when you water pumice-rich soil. Pumice will hold water and slowly release it as the plant needs it.

It will seem bone dry to the touch but it’s holding moisture, just not right next to the roots, which can lead to rotting.

What is Scoria and How Does it Differ From Pumice: Scoria vs Pumice

As mentioned, both scoria and pumice are types of volcanic rock. However, scoria is much darker in color and is usually red, black, or brown. The comparison between the two is that while pumice is light in color, scoria is dark in color. While pumice is low in density, scoria is high in density. While pumice has small vesicles, scoria has large vesicles. And while pumice has thin vesicle walls, scoria has thick vesicle walls. However, their similarities are that they’re both volcanic rocks and they both may contain crystals.

Scoria Texture – What is it Like?

You may be wondering what the texture of scoria is like. Both scoria and pumice rock have a vesicular texture. This simply means that it contains holes.

Pumice and Scoria Rock Type – Are Pumice & Scoria Igneous Rock?

There are many types of rock and you may be wondering what types of both pumice and scoria are. Both pumice and scoria are types of igneous rock; which simply means they’re made from molten lava. They’re both vesicular in texture and come from volcanoes. While scoria is usually red, pumice is most often white.

What Plants to Use Scoria For?

You can use scoria in your soil for many plants. However, I’ve found that it works best for garden beds and plants such as tomatoes, flowers, and herbs.

What Plants to Use Pumice For?

You can use pumice in your soil for plants such as succulents and cacti. If a plant needs good drainage, then pumice is sure to help. You can also use pumice for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and flower pots. However, for smaller plants, it’s best to use finely crushed pumice.

Benefits of Using Pumice

There are many benefits when it comes to using pumice in your gardening. Let’s take a closer look at why you should add this rock to your list of gardening essentials.
- Pumice is Heavy. While this may seem like a drawback, it’s absolutely not when you’re working with plants that are top-heavy and need that support and structure to thrive.
- Helps Waterlogging. As pumice is often recommended for plants that require good drainage, they’re great at ensuring your plants aren’t drowning and potentially rotting. Pumice’s main function is that it retains any water your plants do not need to thrive.
- Versatile. Pumice can be used in any type of soil, so is a staple for your gardening needs. As well as this can also be used as mulch, as it’s hardy and can last for long periods.
Benefits of Using Scoria

There are also many benefits of using scoria in your gardening. Let’s take a closer look.
- - Great Water Retention. Much like pumice, it can be helpful for plants that require good drainage. This is an ideal environment for many plants to thrive; particularly if you have a lot of rainfall or waterlogging issues.
  - Protection. As scoria is a hardy rock, it works great as mulch and provides a protective barrier to your plants, from issues such as erosion.
  - Less Care. To keep maintenance of some soil can be hard work, but this is not the case for scoria. It requires little effort at all as it’s so long-lasting.
Conclusion: Scoria vs Pumice

Both of these ingredients will lighten the soil, but pumice will hold more air and water than scoria does, while at the same time providing lightness to the soil and not damaging any roots or leaving the plants open to infections.

Another thing is that scoria is rich in fluoride. Succulents do not like this component in their soil, they are really sensitive to it. This is why it is not recommended to water succulents with tap water, especially if you live in a city.

Scoria is great to use as a topper. It looks amazing and prevents pests, insects, and rodents from coming near your plants -to an extent. Pumice is best to add to your soil because of its many benefits.

Scoria is still going to be a better option to add to your soil than aquarium gravel or pea gravel because it is going to be a lot more porous. These are more space fillers and do not provide aeration.

If scoria is more readily available to you, try it out! Bear in mind that, as it is heavier, if you use it in bigger pots they are going to be more difficult to move around. It should be fine to try in smaller pots. Do not try it with young plants, though, as they need to keep moistened for the first year.

What is your favorite type of additive to grow your succulents or other plants? Leave a comment below with your tips and tricks, we would love to know and share them with the community!

FAQs

Is Perlite or Pumice Better For Succulents?

Both perlite and pumice are great for succulents. However, pumice may a better option only if they are meant for taller plants. Pumice weight will provide an anchor that will prevent your pot or container from being overturned or capsized. Pumice is also durable and heavier material than perlite.

However, pumice may be difficult to purchase and they are higher in price than perlite.

Succulents require adequate drainage; this is where perlite and pumice come in. Both perlite and pumice are soil amendments for succulents mixed with potting soil to enhance soil aeration and excellent water drainage.

Where Can I Buy Pumice Plants?

Here are the following places you can buy pumice for your plants from:

-You can find a vast variety of pumice for your gardening needs from the Amazon online shopping store.
-You can also buy pumice from stores like Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.
-Hess pumice offers various grades of pumice products that you can also buy in various garden centers closer to you.

How Do You Apply Pumice to Plants?

You can notice enough soil improvements by combining as little as 10% pumice with your garden soil mix. To enhance the porosity of plants such as succulents, apply 25% pumice mixed with 25% soil. You should also mix 25% compost and 25% large-grain soil. To improve soil drainage for plants that are susceptible to root rot such as euphorbia, mix 50% pumice with potting soil. Ideally, the general rule is to combine an equal amount of pumice with potting soil for potted succulents. For cacti plants, you can mix 60% pumice with 40% potting soil. You can also use pumice as a top dresser to mop up stagnant rainwater around plants.

Is Lava Rock the Same as Pumice?

Lava and pumice are of both volcanic origins. They are however slightly different. They differ by color, density, element composition, vesicle size, and water retention capacity.

Pumice is lighter because of the air mixed in it, while lava rock is denser. Lava rock also has bigger vesicles and thicker vesicle walls than pumice.

Lava is a type of scoria rock and it is a molten rock released from a volcano during an eruption. The subsequent rock solidifies and cools to result in lava rock, while pumice is a mixture of volcanic ash and rock.

Lava rock, just like pumice, is great for enhancing drainage and they are great for succulents. However, pumice comes in a better size and structure for your plant use.

What Causes the Frothy Appearance of Pumice and Scoria?

The frothy appearance of pumice and scoria is caused by the aggressive eruption from volcanic which shoots the lava out filling it with gas.

Both pumice and scoria are extrusive rocks. They are usually molded outwards of the volcano, especially at the upper part of the lava flow. The upper part of the scoria turns extremely frothy and after they must have cooled down. The air in the lava then expands and breaks free creating an air hole in the rock.

Josephine Brown
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
March 2, 2023
How to Make Potash (Best Step-by-Step Guide)
Potash is derived from the word potassium and it is also referred to as fertilizer potassium. Potash is a natural element or a natural nutrient for both plants as well as human beings. How to make potash is what we would like to talk about.

This natural element is essential for plants as well as humans to get adequate nutrition to grow properly. Historically, potash has been used to make soap and glass. It has also been used as a drying agent in food and as an animal feed ingredient.

Even though potash is fairly easy to make, it can still require a little effort to know how to go about it. Now, in this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make potash, so keep on reading for some insight on this.

But before we look into how to make potash, let’s quickly look into some information on potash.

About Potash

Potash is also known as the potassium salt. It comes from an early production technique whereby potassium was leached from wood ashes. Then the resulting substance was then concentrated by evaporating the leachate in big iron pots (“pot-ash”).

So, in those days, potassium is usually extracted from the ashes of burnt wood. However, this practice is no longer used due to several environmental issues.

The very first patent in the US is potash. It was first patented in 1790 and it still remains an essential product today.

Potash is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer and this is mainly because it is a great source of soluble potassium. This potassium is one of the main plant macronutrients alongside nitrogen and phosphorus (i.e. NPK).

This potash can be used in making soap and textiles softer. Potash can be used as a fertilizer to improve your garden soil nutrient. It can also be used in the prevention of plant diseases or you can use them as an insecticide by applying them to bugs directly.

Sources Where Potash Are Derived From

Since the old way of deriving potash is not safe and unreliable, where then does today’s potash come from? Here are two ways potash is sourced:
1. From Ancient Sea
A time came when an ancient sea dried up. Then the marine salt concentration on the resulting dry land left an abundant residue of minerals and this mineral included potash. This residue is found in the dead sea of Israel and it has produced valuable sources of potash with ICL. They are one of the world’s top producers of potash that sells over 4.5 million tons yearly.
1. Mining
Another source of potash fertilizer is from mining a variety of geological potassium salt deposits around the world. Now, these are then processed to take out impurities and then converted into a variety of fertilizers.

There is also another mining operation that occurs in Catalonia, Spain through its subsidiary, ICL Iberia Suria and Sallent (IBP).

How to Make Potash: Guide to Follow

Follow this procedure to learn how to make potash:

Step 1: Addition of water and nitrate

Use a measuring cup of 100 milliliters to measure water, then use another measuring cup to measure 40mg of nitrate. Then pour it into the cup.

Step 2: Stir completely

Pour the mixed solution above into a beaker and begin to stir slowly until it mixes completely.

Step 3: Get a hot pan to pour into

Use filter paper to sieve the solution and ensure there are no insoluble particles left. Then get a saucepan and pour the solution into it (water and nitrate). Then begin to heat it.

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Step 4: Potassium chloride addition

Get 37 gms of potassium chloride and slowly pour it into the saucepan and begin stirring the solution until all is mixed. Make sure you maintain the heat at a medium temperature range and avoid boiling the solution. Then keep on stirring.

Step 5: Filter then freeze

After properly mixing the solution, get another filter paper and filter the solution into a freezer-safe container. Again, make sure no solid particles are left out.

Step 6: Crystallization

Once you’ve placed the solution into the freezer, crystallization will begin to form. Then you can take out the container from the freezer once you’ve noticed the total solution has turned completely crystal.

Step 7: Excess liquid should be drained out

You should drain out the extra liquid. So, in case you see some liquid residue at the bottom of the container, you should just drain out the extra liquid. This is to further ensure that no liquid is left and all you’ve got is crystal.

Step 8: Dry the crystal

Next, allow the crystal to dry for a while. Then once they are finally dried, the dried crystal can be applied to your plant as a potash fertilizer.

So, there you go. You can see how easy it can be to make potash fertilizer with the right knowledge.

Sources of Potash From Nature

There are some excellent sources of potash from nature, and they include:
- Potassium sulfate (K2SO4)- Sulfate of potash
- Potassium Chloride(KCl)- Muriate of Potash
- Potassium thiosulfate (K2S2O3)
- Potassium-magnesium sulphate(K2SO4-2MgSO4)
- Potassium nitrate (KNO3)
The potash or potassium content present in each of the fertilizers mentioned above is pretty nutritious for plants no matter the source. However, the only difference between each of the fertilizers listed above is the element that follows the potassium compound.

You should also note that each of the added elements has its own function and acts differently when supplied to crops as fertilizers.
How to Make Potash From Wood Ashes

You can make your own potash in a range of ways. While you can buy it, it’s super easy to make yourself and you need very few products to make it happen. While wood ash is the most common type of ash to use, you can also use other plant ashes, such as ashes from vines, bean stalks, ferns, and thistles. For wood ash, the best wood ash to use is either from coniferous or deciduous trees.

This guide will make around 60g of potash. For this, you’ll need the following products:
- 400g of wood ash (either from coniferous or deciduous trees)
- 4L of drinking water
Now all you need to do is:
1. Add both the wood ash and drinking water to a pot and leave for around 10-12 hours. After this time, stir.
2. Next, you’ll need to use filter paper to filter the mixture. Alternatively, you can bring it to a boil in the pot it’s in.
3. Once you have a clear mixture, boil on medium heat and heat until the water has completely evaporated. You should stir often throughout. At this point, a powder should be left behind. This is your potash!
4. Store your potash in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for the best results.
What is the Ash Composition of Potassium Hydroxide?

This is simply the fancy name for potash. Wood ashes contain both potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate. Because of the high amount of potassium and the use of ashes, this is how it gets the name potash.

Advantages of Potash

When it comes to potash, there are many advantages and reasons why you’ll want to add it to your garden. Let’s take a closer look.
- Potash is a natural resource, as opposed to chemical fertilizers, which is one of the main appeals of the product
- You can easily make this natural fertilizer yourself at home
- If you do buy it, it’s much more affordable than other fertilizers
- It’s easy to use on your plants
- It’s considered a nontoxic product
- It’s renewable, which means that it’s much better for the environment than say chemical fertilizers
Disadvantages of Potash

While there are many advantages of potash, like most things in life, it does come with some disadvantages and negative effects too. It can cause problems for both animals and people. Let’s take a closer look.

As the name suggests, it has a high amount of potassium. Unfortunately, if not used correctly, potassium can cause hyperkalemia. This simply means an abundance of potassium in your body. This can cause a range of problems to your body, and in the most extreme cases, can even cause death.

In terms of the problems it can cause with your plants, potash can either make your soil too alkaline or too acidic – yes, it can cause either! If you have too much acid in your soil, it may mean your plants don’t grow as well as they should. And if you have too much alkaline in your soil, they may simply cease to grow, period!

While there are a few disadvantages of potash, I believe the advantages far outweigh the negatives. Just be sure to use your potash correctly.
Final Thoughts: How to Make Potash

Potash is a type of fertilizer that is very useful when added to our garden crops and it can also be referred to as potassium.

Apart from adding them to our plants as fertilizers, there are also other uses for this substance. For instance, it can be used as a drying agent for food, it can be used for making soaps or glass, and you can also use it as animal feed.

In this article, we have given you a step-by-step guide on how you can make potash. So, we do hope we have been able to enlighten you on the question: of how to make potash.

Do you have any tips and tricks when it comes to making potash? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

FAQs

How to make potash fertilizer?

As of today, potash fertilizer comes from either underground or solution mining. Using mining method, a variety of geological potassium salt deposits around the world is mined to derive potash fertilizer. Then from the bottom of the sea when dried up, the residue minerals left from the dried sea contains also potash.

How to make liquid potash fertilizer?

Banana peels with 3 eggshells should be dried. Then combine them with Epsom salt and grind the mixture into powder form. Add water into the powder. Shake and water your plants with this liquid potash.

How to make potash from wood ashes?

Burn some woods in an enclosed area. An extra tip is not making use of any tree branch as this will leave to become black ashes. Then make sure the woods burn to about 2 hours and you can have your potash.

How to make organic potash fertilizer?

You can make organic potash fertilizer from hardwood ashes, kelp meal, and green-sand. Making a homemade organic potash fertilizer reduces wastage and the best part is that it does not require measuring or mixing ingredients.

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Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
March 2, 2023
DIY Hydroponics Nutrients [The Best Recipe]
Let’s guide you on how to make the best DIY hydroponics nutrients recipe. The nutrient solution is an essential component in hydroponic farming. Providing the appropriate nutrient mixture in the right proportion will enhance the growth and yield of your crops.

Usually, most hydroponic growers purchase nutrient solutions from commercial sellers. It will interest you to know that making your homemade hydroponics nutrients recipe is affordable and possible to make with the right knowledge.

Why Make Your Own DIY Hydroponics Nutrients Recipe?

Even though most growers prefer to buy premixed nutrients because they don’t want the stress of calculating the ratios of nutrients required, there are benefits to making your nutrient solution.

The most rewarding advantage you get from making your hydroponics nutrients recipe is that you get to cut down on your expenses. Making your own nutrients can also be a fun thing to do. You would be amazed to know you’ve been buying these commercially made nutrients at high prices when most of the ingredients used are very affordable and easily obtainable.

Now if it interests you to grow plants for a long duration or you’re growing on a large scale, commercial nutrient purchase may not be beneficial to you. Preparing your own formula may be the best way to go. So, if you’re wondering how best to make a DIY hydroponics nutrients recipe, we will guide you into this.

DIY Hydroponic Nutrient Solution Recipe Guidelines

The combination of nutrients and water makes up a hydroponic nutrient solution. Before we look into the nutrient recipe, let us look at the important nutrient elements hydroponic plants require to grow successfully.

Nutrient elements required for making hydroponic nutrients solution

For hydroponic plants to grow adequately, they require both macronutrients and micronutrients present in their nutrient solutions.
- Macronutrients
Macronutrients are higher concentrated elements required by plants to grow appropriately. They include magnesium, carbon, calcium, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, phosphorous, and potassium.
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Nitrogen and sulfur nutrient elements will assist in the production of protein and amino acids for your plant. Potassium and magnesium will produce sugar and starch. While phosphorus is required for plant growth and photosynthesis, and calcium is also required for growth. The production of chlorophyll requires magnesium and nitrogen.

All these elements must be contained in your hydroponic nutrients solution or else it will be rendered futile.
- Micronutrients
Plants also need micronutrients or trace elements in small amounts to develop. Ensure they are present in your homemade hydroponics nutrients recipe so your plants can thrive well. Micronutrients required by hydroponic plants are zinc, boron, cobalt, copper, manganese, iron, chlorine, and molybdenum.

Recipe On How to Make Hydroponic Solution at Home

All types of plants flourish with the presence of both macronutrients and micronutrients. However, the concentrations of these nutrients will vary depending on the type of plants and growth stages. They can be in vegetative, flowering, or fruiting stages.

Guidelines for making macronutrients recipe

Obtain the base of your fertilizer. The base includes nutrient elements such as sulfur, calcium, phosphorous, nitrogen, and so on. They usually come in form of salts and they are mixed with water to form a solution.

These are the amounts of salts you should use for your homemade hydroponics nutrient recipe:
- 4.5 tablespoons of calcium nitrate
- 4 tablespoons of potassium nitrate
- 4 tablespoons of magnesium sulfate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate
- 10 gallons of water
Instructions:
1. Ensure you use clean or filtered water.
2. To your 10 gallons of water, add two tablespoons of salt to each gallon of water.
3. Ensure you mix or add one tablespoon of salt at a time.
4. As you mix the solution, the salts will break down their nutrient elements to make them available to your plants.
Guidelines for adding/preparing micronutrients recipe

Instructions:
1. Using a different container, measure 1 quart of water and add 0.25 tablespoons of boric acid as well as 0.1 tablespoons of manganese chloride. Ensure you stir the mixture adequately.
2. After mixing, pour half a cup of this mixture and add it into the macronutrient solution.
3. Now get a different container and add 1 quart of water and mix 0.5 tablespoons of chelated iron.
4. Then add 3/5 cups of this mixture into the already made macronutrient solutions.
Tips for DIY Organic Hydroponic Nutrients Solution

One of the biggest reasons why people are intimidated by hydroponics is because of the daunting task of having to deal with nutrients. Getting the balance of nutrient balance may seem like a monumental task that can only be done by experts or robots. Store-bought hydroponic nutrients can also be quite pricey. This leaves people wondering if they can be able to sustain nutrient provision to their systems.

There is however a way to avoid all these issues. Here, we are going to show you how you can make your own DIY hydroponic nutrients.

Hydroponics can be organic as well. If you want to have an organic hydroponics system, you can achieve it as long as you refrain from using any chemicals, pesticides, and artificial fertilizers. You can obtain all-natural products from things like manure and plant matter.

The advantage of having an organic system is that you produce better-looking crops, the crops taste and smell better, as well as have better nutritional value.

Some of the most common organic fertilizers that are used for hydroponic nutrients include:
1. Manure based
2. Fish meal
3. Gypsum based
4. Bone meal
5. Guano
6. Blood meal
7. Compost based
8. Plant-based
These materials can be mixed and matched depending on the system that you are using and the requirements of the crops that you are growing.

A basic NPK proportion of 15-15-15 is mostly used by many hydroponic gardeners. Many other macronutrients and micronutrients such as calcium, sulfur, copper, boron, zinc, iron, and manganese are also necessary.

While there are all these options available to make hydroponic nutrients, in some cases it might be best to avoid substances like manure because of the risk of bacterial contamination. Another issue with these kinds of substances is that they can cause other problems such as clogging of pipes.

The best organic fertilizer for your hydroponics system ultimately depends on the system and crops you are growing. With that said, there are many possibilities once you get the hang of it.

Once you have decided on the materials you are going to use for your DIY hydroponic nutrient solution, these are the materials you will need to mix everything all together before incorporating it into your hydroponics system:
- Bucket, tub, or another container
- Accurate scale
- Jug or large measuring cup
- pH test and adjustment kit
- Teaspoon
- Stirring rod or spoon
- An electrical conductivity (EC) meter to measure the total dissolved solutes in the solution
- Gloves
When making your nutrient solution, it is important to monitor the EC and pH as they are essential to water quality parameters. The pH affects the ability of the plants to absorb essential elements from the nutrient solution. Most plants prefer acidic conditions in the pH range between 5.8 and 6.5, you should ensure that you’re solution stays within this range. Make pH adjustments to your system as necessary during the growth of your plants. You can make use of pH up and down to adjust the pH accordingly.

Simple Hydroponics Nutrients

It is easy to make your own, natural fertilizer for hydroponics as we have demonstrated above. It is also possible to make your formula with readily available components. You can do this by using normal hydroponics fertilizer or making your own.

A simple way to make hydroponic nutrients is to purchase some water-soluble fertilizer. Good ones are 20-20-20 or 24-8-16 (NPK), which are available from nurseries, garden supply stores, and even online stores such as Amazon. When purchasing these commercial nutrients, make sure you get the ones that have micronutrients included.

Add two teaspoons of this fertilizer per gallon of water and mix very well. Add one teaspoon of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) per gallon. After mixing these, thoroughly stir the mixture and ensure that everything is well incorporated. And then it is ready for use.

Cheap Hydroponics Nutrients

If you have ever owned a hydroponics system or looking into having and running one, you will know how expensive pre-made hydroponic nutrient mixes are very expensive. If you are running a small system that has not yet reached optimum production, you may find yourself making a loss from having to purchase nutrients.

Here are some cheap hydroponics nutrients for you to try out:

Formula #1

This formula will work for a 5-gallon container of nutrient solution. This solution works best for non-recirculating and small systems, such as DWC and raft systems:
- Masterblend Tomato 4-18-38: 10 g
- Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0: 10 g
- Epsom Salt: 5 g
While using this formula, if you notice any deficiencies in your plants, you should use a supplementary formula for extra nutrition.

Formula #2

This nutrient mix needs a few more components but it is a very easy mix. Once mixed, add 10 g of the mixture for each gallon of water in your system:
- Potassium nitrate: 255g
- Calcium Phosphate: 198g
- Magnesium Sulfate: 170g
- Powdered Ammonium Sulfate: 43g
- Monocalcium Phosphate: 113g
- Iron Sulfate: 1/2 teaspoon
This mixture is highly concentrated, so make sure to wear protective clothing to avoid skin and eye irritations.

Formula #3

This 2 ingredient solution is quite cheap and very easy to make:
- Seaweed (Kelp): 6oz
- Epsom Salts: 5 teaspoons – 1 teaspoon per gallon of water
Wrap your seaweed in cheesecloth and tie it with twine. Add 5 gallons of water into a bucket and add the seaweed bag. Leave this mix outside in the sun for 5 days. Afterward, add 5 teaspoons of Epsom salts. You can either add this entire mixture into your hydroponics tank or in small increments.

DIY Hydroponic Nutrients From Compost

These are the steps to follow if you want to make your own nutrients from compost:
1. Place a gallon of compost into a 5-gallon bucket
2. Fill the bucket with water and stir well
3. Continuously aerate the mixture with an aquarium air pump
4. Let the mixture sit out of direct sunlight for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir the mixture every day
5. Pour the liquid through a strainer to filter out the solids. The resulting liquid can then be used as fertilizer
Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with all you needed to know about DIY hydroponics nutrients. There are many different components you can use to make your hydroponics nutrients, depending on your system and the plant species in the system. We hope the information in this article will help you to become more confident with your next DIY hydroponics nutrient solution.

FAQs

What’s a decent

In the process of making the solution, there are many different methods and processes that can be used to make the solution. The solution can either be made with or without the use of nutrients. If you want to make a nutrient-free solution, it is important to know the amount of water that your plants need to survive.

To make an organic hydroponic solution, you will need some nutrients. You can use a commercial product like Gro-Lite or you can make your own solution. The problem with making the solution is that it requires a lot of time and work. The other problem is that you will end up using a lot of chemicals that will pollute the environment. If you have been growing plants organically for a long time, then you should be familiar with this method. There are many products available on the market that are designed to be used as organic fertilizers. When making the solution, you need to add the fertilizer into the distilled water.

You can use a regular 5 gallon bucket for your hydroponic system. Next, you will need something to use as a nutrient solution. This could be a combination of water, water soluble fertilizer, and some Epsom salt. I usually use 1/4 cup of Epsom salt, 1/2 cup of water soluble fertilizer, and 1 quart of water.

What are the common nutrients for hydroponics?

There are a lot of different types of nutrients available, but I’ve found that the most commonly used ones are:

Nitrogen: N-P-K Phosphorus: P-S-B Potassium: K-Mg-Fe Sulfur: N-P-S Magnesium: Mg-Ca-K Manganese: Mn-Cu-Mn Calcium: Ca-Mg-K Copper: Cu-Mn Zinc: Zn-Fe Boron: B-Mn-Co-Ni Chromium: Cr-Cu-Mn Iron: Fe-Mn-Co-Cu-Zn

There are certain nutrients that will work for all plants, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium. Others are best suited for specific plant families. For example, copper is known to be good for ferns, while manganese is best for flowering plants. Some of these are also more common than others, so it’s important to know what types of nutrients are most commonly used for each plant family. For instance, in a hydroponic system you wouldn’t use manganese for flowering plants because it can have an effect on the colour of the flowers.

There are certain nutrients that will not work for all plants, and will actually have the opposite effect to what you want. For example, sulphur is known to be harmful to ferns and algae, while some flowering plants need potassium in order to flower. Some other nutrients are very specific and can only be used for a certain type of plant, such as calcium, which is only useful for ferns and cacti. Some of these are also more common than others, so it’s important to know what types of nutrients are most commonly used for each plant family.

What type of fertilizer should you use for a hydroponic solution?

Make sure that the fertilizer you use has all of the elements that you want in your solution. When you add too much nitrogen into the solution, you will have more of a root zone which will slow down the growth of the plant. If you want to make your own hydroponic solution, you should know what nutrients to add. When you start growing plants, you will need to fertilize them once every 2 to 3 weeks.

Eunice
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
February 25, 2023
Black Light For Plants – Our Best 4 Picks
Wondering if black light for plants works? Plants require light to grow, be it artificial light or natural sunlight. Now, this light comes in various colors of the spectrum. Different light colors are required by your plants at their various stages of growth.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is also emitted in the light spectrum and some forms of it are absorbed by ozone, water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is the black light that emits UV radiation and we will be talking about its effect on plants’ growth.

Ultraviolet Black Light for Plants Growth

As we said, a black light emits UV light. The types of UV light produced by black lights are UVA and UVB. Various light wavelengths are absorbed by chlorophyll and phytopigments known as photosynthetic pigments. The lights are assimilated and help to carry out the process of photosynthesis.

Among all the colors of light, chlorophyll vigorously assimilates the blue region more. However, chlorophyll also has strong assimilation for some ultraviolet spectrum portions. The longest wavelength which is found in UVA is firmly assimilated by plants.

Effect of Black Light (UV Light) on Plant Growth

The effect of UV light varies with different plants. You need to be cautious if you wish to use black lights to help support your plants’ growth. This is because too much UV radiation can cause great harm to phytopigments.

Growing plants under black lights alone in the absence of white light may be damaging. You will be depriving them of benefiting from other colors of light. Your plants may grow with a blacklight but they will start to grow leggy because they are missing other colors.

Also, your plants’ chances of blooming with black lights are very slim. However, in a safe dose, your plants may benefit from ultraviolet black light.
- Effect of UV light on microorganisms
Microorganisms in plants offer both good and bad effects. There are some microorganisms such as bacteria that affect plants negatively by causing rust and wilting, which give rise to diseases. Ultraviolet light can help kill these harmful bacteria, as well as other pathogens.

Grow Light for Indoor Plants – Upgraded Version 80 LED Lamps with Full Spectrum & Red Blue Spectrum

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However, we also have some beneficial bacteria such as the nitrogen-fixing bacteria present in plants. They help fix the nitrogen used by plants. Ultraviolet light always ends up destroying beneficial microbes which play a vital part in the development of your plants. Thus UV is not ideal for the use of killing microbes.
- Effect of UV light on plant DNA
Generally, it is well known that UV rays are pretty damaging to any life form. Now, UV rays are damaging to proteins, DNA, and lipids. So, if the DNA of a cell gets impaired, the genetic substance depreciates and this may bring about mutations or programmed cell death.

Although the damage done to the DNA may usually not be adverse, it may end up causing mutation in plants. Now, a mutation in plants may give rise to significant diversity which can result in better adaptable plants or even organisms.

But generally, plants don’t really need UV light because it actually brings more harm than good. But in a situation where plants end up getting UV light, it forces a reaction that protects plants and ends up boosting certain properties in them.
- UV resistant crops
The earth continues to experience some climatic crises. This has been causing the ozone layer that protects the earth from the sun’s UV rays to deplete. Our worry is how damaging can this be to both humans and plants.

The good news is that researchers have been working on the effect of UV on crops and how they can be protected. Researchers have conducted laboratory experiments showing that plants are adapting. It shows that outdoor plants exposed to more UV rays have begun generating molecules to obstruct UV lights.

Therefore, plants can now thrive in severe climatic conditions. At the same time, plants can use UV light to their advantage to fight diseases bothering the plant.

However, UV light is generally detrimental to plants and the negative effect of UV black lights outweighs their advantages.

Are Black Lights and Grow Lights The Same?

Grow lights typically contain a good mix of light in different wavelengths that plants need for growth. This is including the black light that emits UV. Some grow lights naturally emit UV through chemical exchange. Grow lights such as HIDs and T5 grow lights. LED grow lights,s on the other hand can be built with specialized UV-B bulbs or diodes to give them the UV (to give off UV-B) they do not naturally come with.

Ultraviolet light is inane wavelengths of between 320 and 400 nanometers. Unlike lights in other wavelengths that are visible to the human eye, many birds and a small number of humans can perceive light in this wavelength.

Do Plants Need UV Light?

There are different perceptions and opinions about the usefulness of UV light for plants.

Plants that are grown with the use of black lights alone usually will suffer from numerous consequences because of being deprived of natural light.

Excessive UV radiation can have negative effects on plant phytopigments. Some studies have found that removing UV light from white light sources would improve plant growth.

Blacklightt emits UV radiation in the UVA and UVB regions. Chlorophyll from plants strongly absorbs long wavelengths in the UVA region. From this perspective, it is safe to assume that black light would not be ideal for any plant. Plants grown under black light tend to grow poorly or fail to grow at all.

There are however certain benefits that have been observed with the use of UV light for plants. Moderate UVC can kill certain plant pathogens. An excess,s however, can kill beneficial microbes that play a positive role in the growth of plants and other important organisms. Some plants have been specifically found to benefit from the use of UV light. One of these plants is Marijuana. In marijuana, UV light increases the production of CBD and THC, as a coping mechanism to protect the plant from harmful UV radiation. CBD and THC are the active ingredients of the plant. Because of this, LED grow lights used by marijuana growers have UV added to them.

Are Black Lights Bad for You?

As we have discusses, there are different types of black lights or UV lights. There is UVA, UV, B, and UVC. Of these three types, the short wavelength UVC is the most damaging to humans. Fortunately, it is filtered by the atmosphere before it reaches the earth’s surface. Medium wavelength UVB is biologically active, but cannot penetrate past the top layers of the skin.

Prolonged exposure to UV light emitted by black light can be harmful. It can potentially be damaging to your eyes and can affect your vision over time, as well as your skin.

For example, long periods spent in direct exposure to UVA light, such as in tanning beds have been found to cause skin damage.

If you have to work with UV lights in enclosed growing spaces, be sure to wear protective clothing or materials to reduce the risk of damage to your skin and eyes.

How Long to Leave UV Light on Plants

All plants differ in the amount of UV that they require, and can cope with. These differences are present even in plants of the same strain.

Because of these differences, the best way to start is to expose your plants to just 2 hours per day of UV light. It might be best to even split these into 2,1-hour stints. You can increase this time by 15 minutes every two days. If you notice that the top smaller leaves are burning a little, reduce the exposure time by about 30 minutes per stint.

Diligently following this procedure will allow you to get the best out of giving your plants UV light, without causing any damage to them.

The Best UV Light for Indoor Plants

If you grow plants indoors, you should be supplementing your plants with some UV light. UV light can help with plant growth in several ways. It can also help with the potency and overall quality of plant flowers.

However, there are only certain types of UV light that are beneficial to plants. Remember, UV is broken down into 3 categories, i.e. UVA, UVB, and UVC. Only UVA and UVB are essential for certain parts of life on earth, but UVC is not.

A bit more about UVA and UVB;
- Ultraviolet A (UVA)
UVA light is in wavelengths between 320 nm and 400 nm. It contains approximately 3% of the photons that are present in natural sunlight that comes through the earth’s atmosphere. This type of UV has no harmful effects on DNA.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB)
This type of UV is in wavelengths between 29 nm and 320 nm. It contains about 1/5 of 1% of natural sunlight. Unlike UVA, UVB can cause damage and can cause cancer in humans and animals.

When it comes to providing your plants with UV light, the best way to do it is to get a high-quality UV-to-grow light. Many full-spectrum LED lights emit just the right amount of UV. They also mimic natural sunlight, so they will be great and make your plants feel as if they are growing outside.

There are other lights that such as ceramic CMH grow lights which emit UV light, this is along with some double-ended bulbs.

With all these options, it can be confusing to know which light to choose. Here are four lights that we recommend for you;
Another factor to consider when using a UV light for your plants is to use it in small doses over the entire life of the plant, instead of using it in high doses. This way, it will be safer and more effective.

Final Note – Black Light For Plants

As you have read from this article, there are specific uses, and ways to use UV light for plants so that it does not lead to damage. It can be beneficial in some cases and detrimental in others. Therefore, before you use any black light on your plants, determine whether or not your plants need it, and how best to expose your plants. If you use black light appropriately, such as in conjunction with other light colors, it has the potential to greatly benefit your plants.

FAQs

Does ultraviolet light help with Plant Growth?

The answer depends on what you are growing. The most common UV wavelengths used for indoor horticulture are 365nm, 390nm and 385nm. If you are growing plants that require a lot of light, such as tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers, then the plant will be able to grow normally with a certain amount of UV light.

However, if you are growing plants like broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, spinach, cabbage, carrots, parsley, basil, lettuce and other leafy greens, then you will need more than the standard UV dose that comes from the sun. If you are growing these plants, you can use an UV lamp, which is available at nurseries and hardware stores. The UV light for horticulture comes in three different wavelengths: 365nm, 390nm and 385nm. These three wavelengths are used for different types of plants. Some plants require UV light at all times while others require it only in the daytime. The most common wavelength used for indoor horticulture is 365nm. This is because the 365nm wavelength has been proven to be the most effective in providing the optimal amount of light for plants.

What’s the relation between UV and plant growth?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes visible light, radio waves and X-rays. It consists of wavelengths shorter than that of visible light, but longer than those of X-rays. Ultraviolet radiation comes from the Sun, and it can also be generated artificially by high-intensity light bulbs. Ultraviolet radiation is important for plant growth and development because it helps in regulating the balance between the processes of photosynthesis and photorespiration.

How sensitive are plants to black lights?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of solar radiation that can cause sunburn, skin cancer and other serious health problems. UV-B radiation causes skin cancer and cataracts; UV-A radiation is responsible for tanning of the skin. Although most plants are sensitive to UV-B radiation, some species have evolved ways to protect themselves against it. The same protective mechanisms apply to UV-A radiation, but they are not as widespread in nature.

Sunlight is composed of visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared light. The spectrum of UV light is divided into three bands: UVA, UVB and UVC. The UVA band, with wavelengths between 320 and 400 nm, penetrates the atmosphere and reaches the earth’s surface.

Does it affect the DNA od plants?

Not always, but it can cause mutations and damages. You should research which plants are resistant to UV rays and which ones are not.

Eunice
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
February 21, 2023
Is Miracle Grow Toxic: Possible Negative Effects
Using the right kinds of feed and fertilizer for your plants is important, but is miracle growth toxic? Can it be used safely within your garden? Let’s take a closer look.

Grasses, plants, trees, flowers, birds, and butterflies. Who doesn’t love gardens? The scent of the lovely flowers, the birds chirping and the butterflies flying around, are all good to look at. But, a fruitful plant cannot be as productive as it could be, if not cared for correctly. Every gardener has their own strategy for growing their plants. One is by using the right kind of plant food.

What is a Plant Food?

Plant food is any substance like animal dung or a combination of nitrates used to make the soil more productive.

What is a Fertilizer?

A fertilizer is a chemical or natural substance added to soil to make it more fertile.

Is Plant Food a Fertilizer?

Plant food and fertilizer are often used interchangeably. Fertilizer indeed helps plants get the needed nutrients to grow and blossom properly. In terms of how they are used, plant food and fertilizer are not the same.

What is Miracle-Gro?

This is a type of plant food by Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company that every gardener knows. It provides readily available materials needed in the production of new cell structures within plants. It quickly feeds through the leaves and roots.

What is it used for?

It is used for flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs.

How do you use it?

Miracle-Gro can be used in two different ways:
- Through a feeder- 1 feeder refill packet can cover up to 500 sq. ft.
- Through a watering can- 1 tablespoon mixed with a gallon of water
There is also a suggested quantity that should be used:
- For roses with small bushes, 1/2 gallon should be used while a gallon should be used for big bushes. Feeding should be done every 7-14 days.
- For all flowers and vegetables, 1 gallon should be utilized for every 10 square feet, every 7-14 days.
- For indoor plants, however, only half a teaspoon should be mixed with a gallon of water. Also, leaf feeding for houseplants is not recommended. This mixture should be applied every 2 weeks.
Is Miracle Grow Toxic to Humans?

There are still no studies conducted to rule out its toxicity to humans. However, some of the ingredients of Miracle-Gro have serious effects on the surroundings and humans, too. As with any product, caution is always a great mindset to adopt.

What are the effects of some of the ingredients of Miracle-Gro on the environment?

The accumulation of nitrates in the soil causes water pollution if exposed to a flowing water source. Excessive use of artificial fertilizers can damage the natural composition of soil eventually.

Plants that grow in such soil will not have enough of their ingredients like iron, carotene, zinc, copper, protein, and vitamin C. It can also burn the roots of the plants when excessively given.

What are the effects of some of the ingredients on the garden itself?

It may harm the plant that it is supposed to strengthen if used improperly. One of the ingredients of the fertilizer is nitrogen which, if given in large quantities, can prevent shrubs and trees from blooming the way they used to.

It also contains a high volume of salt which, as time passes by, ransacks the soil of its natural nutrients and prevents plants from absorbing them. Gardeners tend to overfeed their plants, thinking that this will aid in the fast growth of their plants.

Those who apply it too much compromise not only the depletion of their current harvests but also indefinitely damage their spaces.

What are the effects of some of the ingredients on humans?

Excess nitrate levels in the soil create plants that, when eaten, turn to toxic nitrites in the intestines. Miracle-Gro should not be eaten, but if ingested accidentally can irritate the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach as it contains urea, an irritating ingredient present in plant food.

When irritation occurs, the person will experience nausea and vomiting. In addition, some of its ingredients can harm the soil itself, thus, can contaminate groundwater. Groundwater, as the primary source of potable water in the rural areas of the United States of America, can be greatly affected.

Various adverse health effects on humans can include:
- methemoglobinemia- also known as the blue baby syndrome
- various cancers
- Poor reproductive outcomes- like neural tube defects
- diabetes
- thyroid conditions
Miracle-Gro Came in Contact With My Eyes, What Should I Do?

Immediately flush your eyes with plenty of water and continue flushing for 15 minutes. If irritation further develops, seek medical treatment.

What is Miracle Grow Made of?

If you’re wondering what ingredients are in Miracle-Gro, then look no further. Typically it contains the following derivatives:
- ammonium sulfate
- potassium phosphate
- potassium chloride
- urea
- urea phosphate
- boric acid
- copper sulfate
- iron EDTA
- manganese EDTA
- sodium molybdate
- zinc sulfate
Does Miracle-Gro Have Nitrogen?

Yes, it does. Its high levels of nitrogen are one of the reasons it should not be used in excess for your plants. If used too much, it can cause harm to both your soil and your plants. Miracle-Gro not only contains high levels of nitrogen but also phosphorus and potassium too. This particular type of fertilizer is 15:30:15. This means that it contains 15% nitrogen, 30% phosphorus, and 15% potassium.

Why is Miracle-Gro Blue?

There are two main reasons why Miracle-Gro is blue. The first is because of the use of copper sulfate, which is blue. However, another reason is that synthetic fertilizers are sometimes dyed. This is because it makes it abundantly clear that it should not be consumed and is only to be used for fertilizing. When a fertilizer is darker in color, it usually means it contains more nutrients.

Is Miracle Grow Toxic?

When it comes to Miracle-Gro it is seen as both nontoxic and not hazardous for both humans and dogs. However, this does not mean it’s not harmful to both human and dog health if ingested or if contact is made with your skin. For example, it can irritate if it comes into direct contact with your eyes or skin, and you should contact a vet or doctor for advice, if possible.

If Miracle-Gro is ingested, it can cause gut issues such as sickness and diarrhea. If this happens to you or your dog, you should keep hydrated and seek medical advice from either a vet or a doctor.

Miracle-Gro vs Organic Fertilizer

Miracle-Gro is a type of synthetic fertilizer and there are many differences between organic fertilizers and synthetic fertilizers. Simply put, organic fertilizers are made from natural resources, whereas synthetic fertilizers are man-made in a lab. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between the two.

Synthetic fertilizers feed the plant, whereas organic fertilizers feed the soil and give both the plant and soil nutrition. As well as this, synthetic fertilizers are easy to find and usually cheaper than organic fertilizers. Also, while organic fertilizers are great for the entire ecosystem, synthetic fertilizers usually do little for the surrounding environment or soil; just the plant itself.

It’s also worth mentioning that if used too much, synthetic fertilizers can burn your plants whereas this is unlikely to happen with organic fertilizers. And finally, if you’re looking for exact measurements on nutrients, synthetic fertilizers are precise; whereas organic can vary.

Organic Fertilizers to Use Instead

You may decide that you’d prefer to use organic fertilizers for your garden. If so, you can try one of the following options:
- alfalfa meal
- making your own compost
- leaf mulch
Safety Precautions in Using This Plant Food

Here are some more important reminders when using the Miracle-Gro product:
1. According to its Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, when it is accidentally ingested, immediately rinse your mouth with water. Seek medical attention immediately. Call a doctor or poison control center and do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so.
2. If a person accidentally inhales its powder, take them outside or to a well-ventilated area and monitor for subsequent irritation. If coughing or additional problems persist, call out for medical assistance.
3. If irritation on the skin happens, remove the contaminated clothing. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation occurs and becomes persistent, ask for help for medical intervention.
4. Always wash your hands after handling the product. Avoid inhaling the specks of dust present in the product. Put it in a tightly sealed container and keep it closed when it is not in use.
5. Using the original packaging of the product is still the best way to store the remaining plant food. By doing this, you can ensure that this will not be mistakenly identified as other products, which, in turn, may present a risk to one’s health.
6. Apply the product properly. Read the instructions very well, even if you already know how to do it. The packaging will show you how, when, and where to apply the product properly.
7. Keep this out of reach of children. Store the product away from your home. It is better to store it in your garden storeroom or maybe in the garage. In this way, you will prevent further accidents from happening inside your household.
8. Keep it away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures may damage the composition of the product, thus, altering its effectivity in the growth of your plants.
Conclusion

I hope this post has helped to answer the question: is miracle grow toxic? The truth is, it’s marked as nontoxic. However, it can cause many issues if it is ingested, so it’s important to be extremely cautious with this product when using it; particularly if you have pets. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to using Miracle-Gro? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

FAQs

What’s a good resource on how to use it?

The Miracle-Gro website provides a lot of information on the product, including how to use it and why it’s so effective. There are also links to other Miracle-Gro products that might be better for your plants. The site also has many helpful tips on how to get the most from your Miracle-Gro products. You can learn about how to get the best results with your plants by reading the Miracle-Gro Tips page.

How toxic is Miracle Grow?

Miracle Grow is probably one of the most popular and well-known plants sold at your local garden center. It is also one of the most controversial and toxic weeds to be found in gardens.

Miracle Grow is a very effective herbicide and can be used as a foliar feeder. Many people believe that Miracle Grow is the only way to control this pesky weed. While Miracle Grow does work, it is not the best choice for every situation. In some cases, you will need to use other methods such as hand pulling, mechanical removal, or even using a herbicide.

The problem with Miracle Grow is that it can cause damage to your lawn and even harm your grass. You may also be at risk of having your lawn become infested with Miracle Grow.

Miracle Grow is the third most toxic pesticide on the market. The top two are Roundup and 2,4-D, both of which have been linked to cancer and other health problems.

EWG’s report found that Miracle Grow contains an ingredient called metolachlor which is classified as a probable human carcinogen. According to the EWG, metolachlor is one of the most heavily used pesticides in the country.

Why you shouldn’t use Miracle-Gro?

Miracle-Gro and other chemical lawn care products are not bad for your lawn, but they can be harmful to the environment and your health.

If you don’t have to, don’t. When it comes to plants, there are many ways to make sure your garden is thriving. The best approach is to start with the basics: healthy soil, well-placed and properly sized plants, and a water supply that keeps your garden well-watered.

Generally speaking, you should stop using Miracle-Gro and go organic.

Josephine Brown

Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
February 2, 2023
Perlite vs Pumice – Which is The Better Soil Amendment?
Let’s talk about perlite vs pumice. Both perlite and pumice are great soil amendments, especially for succulents and cacti. However, the question on most gardeners’ minds even the experienced ones is, which is the better soil amendment between the two?

There are some factors to consider that will help determine if perlite is better than pumice and vice versa. So, read on to find out more about these two materials.

Perlite & Pumice

Perlite and pumice are both used to enhance soil aeration and help to reduce waterlogging. They don’t retain water, thereby making them an excellent draining soil material. Potted plants such as succulents and cacti cannot do well with just soil. Their soil needs to be amended with coarse pebble materials to better suit their requirements. Thus, soil amendments like perlite and pumice are used.

First things first, let’s take a look at the characteristics and features of both so we can better understand them. It’s good you understand what they are made of and where they came from so you can decide which is better.

Perlite Features & Uses

Perlite is derived from a mined silicon rock that has been crushed, heated, and expanded. It also contains other minerals like iron oxide, potassium oxide, and sodium oxide.

Perlite is light in weight and color. Before the process of heating, perlite can be brown, red, gray, green, or blue. However, after it has been heated, it becomes light gray or white.

Perlite is commonly used in ceiling tiles, roof insulation, and for plastering. In addition to these household and industrial uses, they are also used in gardening and hydroponics. It is also a great choice for seedling starters as well as root cuttings.

Pumice Features & Uses

Pumice is derived from volcanic eruptions or explosions. It comes from the same type of molten rock that would form granite. Pumice requires much less processing than perlite, so its production is more environmentally friendly.

Pumice is quite soft but not as lightweight as perlite. It is usually referred to as solidified rock foam. Pumice rocks are capable of floating in the water as they contain some air that makes them light enough to float.

Pumice is mostly used for construction and horticulture. Unlike regular concrete blocks, the concrete block that has pumice has a lighter weight and enhanced insulating features. They are used in the garden as soil amendments and they can also be used as a growing medium in hydroponic gardening.

Pumice is especially great for plants that are heavy and predisposed to turning over in the water, as it will keep them rooted in one place.

Perlite Vs Pumice

Let’s compare some features between perlite vs pumice to know our best pick:
- The pumice stone comes in various sizes to suit various requirements and they are lightweight but not as lightweight as perlite.
- Pumice is capable of floating but it is still a little heavier than perlite so it can’t be blown away by wind or storm, unlike perlite.
- Heavy potted plants that are prone to tipping over are better off planted in pumice rather than perlite to keep them steady. Thus, your plants are safe from wind, heavy rain, as well as routine watering.
- Unlike perlite, pumice does not decompose easily. This implies it can last you for a long time without the need for replacement thus, reducing running costs.
- Perlite is not as pricey as pumice. It’s easier to purchase them at your local garden center or nursery.
- Perlite is also easy to access, however, pumice might be expensive in your zone and it might be difficult to get the appropriate sizes that you need. Mostly, bigger sizes of pumice are common. However, smaller sizes may not be always available. The good news is that there are various retailers online where you can obtain the appropriate type and size that you want. All you need to do is to pay a bit for the shipping fee and have your pumice delivered comfortably to your doorstep.
USA Pumice – 1.25 Dry Quarts

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Pumice vs Perlite For Indoor Plants

Both pumice and perlite are excellent for improving soil properties such as drainage and water retention. However, pumice has better porosity and therefore offers better drainage potential. But perlite is better at retaining moisture compared to pumice.

Both products are used for different purposes in indoor gardens. Pumice is better suited for tropical plants that need to retain water, while perlite works better for plants like orchids as a soil supplement.

Pumice and perlite will improve the following soil properties when used properly for the appropriate plants;
- soil drainage
- soil aeration
In terms of having particle size options to fit the size of your indoor plant pots or planters, perlite offers more options. Other advantages of perlite include that it is more readily available for purchase, as well as that it is stable and will not disintegrate over time or release any chemicals into the soil.

Unless you absolutely have to use pumice, we would recommend perlite as our amendment of choice due to the many advantages and choices that it offers.

What is Perlite Made Of?

Perlite is a naturally occurring mineral. It exists as a type of glass in nature, that is formed when volcanic obsidian glass is saturated with water, a process that happens over a long period.

Like all other volcanic rock, it is pretty dense and heavy in its natural form. Typical perlite is made up of the following ingredients;
- 70-75% silicon dioxide
- Aluminum oxide
- Sodium oxide
- Potassium oxide
- Iron oxide
- Magnesium oxide
- Calcium oxide
- 3-5% Water
Before the use of pumice in plants, it has to be processed into the light stuff that we see, which looks like styrofoam.

What is Pumice Made Of?

Pumice is also a type of volcanic glass. It is very porous and is formed when there are explosive volcanic eruptions. The high porous nature of the pumice is caused by depressurization and rapid cooling after the lava gets ejected from the volcano.

Pumice in its natural form has colors that range from white to dark grey, depending on the place where it is mined. Some gardeners use pumice as a top dress for their soil to give it a more attractive look than just the soil or dirt.

Pumice Or Perlite For Succulents?

Both pumice and perlite can be used for succulents. However succulents like pumice more. This is because pumice absorbs and releases water slowly while helping aerate the roots through the soil at the same time.

If you are using organic soil to grow your succulents, we would highly recommend that you add some pumice to it, this will greatly help your plants. You can also grow succulents using only pumice, you will however need to be very careful with your watering frequency, as too much may damage your plants.

Pumice is also a bit heavier than perlite. It will work better for top-heavy plants like some succulents by helping to stabilize them. Because it is heavier, it also means that there will be less waste as you will not use much product through wind, rain, and routine watering.

Perlite Vs Pumice: The Option Chosen

Even though the two are great, we still have one clear winner. So, our pick is pumice! Pumice is an excellent option especially in enhancing the soil in your succulent.

Conclusion – Perlite Vs Pumice

Both perlite and pumice are great for soil amendments in your garden. They will both enhance soil aeration and drainage for your succulents, cacti, and other plants.

However, pumice is of greater option because it is long-lasting, doesn’t decompose easily, will hold your heavy plant steady, and so on. The main downside to pumice is that it’s a bit more pricy than perlite, and not as easily accessible.

All in all, you should go for the one that will suit your needs and plants best.

FAQ’s

What’s the difference between pumice stone and perlite?

Pumice is a volcanic rock that contains many small air pockets. It can be used as a light weight, inexpensive, effective insulation material. Perlite is a lightweight, expanded, non-combustible glassy volcanic rock with excellent insulating properties. Both are used for insulation in building construction. Pumice is often used as a form of insulation because it is soft and easy to work with.

The most common use of pumice is in the production of lightweight building materials. These include lightweight concrete blocks and panels. Pumice is also used as an aggregate in asphalt. It is also used for decorative purposes in garden and outdoor applications. When pumice is combined with water, it becomes a hydraulic cement.

Pumice is pretty good but if you get it from the hardware store it’s often dusty and has grit in it. It’s not as fine as perlite.The grit can be dangerous in certain applications so I’d avoid using it unless you have to.

Perlite is much finer than pumice. It is also naturally non-toxic. You’ll need to test it with a magnet and a metal detector. If you find any iron or other metals, then don’t use it. It could give off harmful fumes when burned.

Can I use pumice instead of perlite?

Yes, it is possible. Pumice has a higher water content than perlite, so you may need to increase the amount of fertilizer you use. Pumice has a low level of nutrients, so you will need to fertilize your plants. It also doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. You can use pumice as a soil conditioner, too. Pumice is one of the best soils for growing plants.

Pumice is used to create a rich, fertile soil by adding it to topsoil. It is said to improve drainage and to prevent the collapse of the soil structure.

It is also used as a mulch for plants that prefer cooler temperatures, such as strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers.

Pumice is a great material for weed prevention. It keeps the soil loose and aerated, which helps to keep weeds from growing. If you are having problems with weed growth, try using pumice.

Is pumice better than perlite?

I have used both, and they work about the same. They both will absorb water, and they both are fine.

The only difference is that perlite absorbs water more quickly than pumice, so if you’re starting a seedling from seed, use pumice instead of perlite. You can also buy hydroponic soil mix. It comes in a bag with nutrients already added. You’ll probably want to add some fertilizer as well, but that’s up to you.

Eunice
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
January 31, 2023
Starting Seeds In Rockwool Cubes – How To Do It Successfully
Starting seeds in Rockwool cubes can be a great process for your plant’s growing experience. Rockwool is a soil-free medium or substrate that can be used for starting seeds. They can as well be used in hydroponics or stem rooting.

Rockwool offers so many benefits to almost any type of plant which makes it popular and best-loved among most growers.

This article attempts to enlighten you on germinating seeds in Rockwool cubes and more, so read on to learn.

Let Us Get To Know What Rockwool Cubes Are

Rockwool is made from spinning chalk and basalt rock, which are then formed into a thick mat of natural fibers. The combinations are made to look like the consistency of cotton candy. The spun fibers are then combined with a binding agent. The materials are pressed and formed into cubes which we know as Rockwool cubes. Mostly, Rockwool cubes can come in one or two inches sizes: although, you can also obtain bigger Rockwool cubes of about four inches.

The smallest Rockwool sizes are the most appropriate for starting seeds, leaf cuttings, and stem propagation. Bigger rock wool cubes are mainly used to grow denser plants.

A Guide On Germinating Seeds In Rockwool Cubes

It is important to know how to germinate seeds for hydroponics with rockwool. Seed germination (whether for hydroponics or conventional soil planting) requirements can sometimes demand careful and precise planning or processes. Take for instance moisture requirements: moisture is an essential factor when it comes to seed germination.

Therefore, a Rockwool cube is a great choice to use in germinating seeds because it can retain moisture. Rockwool cubes will keep your seeds moist while preventing them from sitting in a waterlogged environment. They can retain just the right amount of water to keep your seeds from drying out thereby improving seed germination.

Read more about How to Use Rapid Rooters Plugs

How To Start Seeds In Rockwool
- The first step to take in germinating seeds in Rockwool cubes is the preparation of the Rockwool cubes. Rockwool cubes need to be soaked in pH-adjusted reverse osmosis water before use. They don’t require too much soaking; however, ensure the cubes are fully absorbed in water.
- Soaking is required because rockwool cubes usually have a high pH of about 7.8 but your seeds will require a pH of 5.5 which is a slightly acidic medium. This way, your seeds will have the best chance of germinating and sprouting appropriately.
- Remove the Rockwool cubes from the soaked water and give them a gentle shake to take off the excess water. However, don’t squeeze them. Now your cubes are ready to be placed in your germinating tray.
- Most rockwool cubes have holes in them, so get your seeds and drop them into the holes of the Rockwool cubes. With a toothpick or other identical objects, gently push down the seeds to the bottom holes.
- Now squeeze the rockwool hole to close them or simply break off a little piece of the Rockwool from the sides to cover the top. The seeds need to be placed in a dark environment.
- Next, cover the rockwool cubes with a humidity dome so that they can maintain a humid environment. Keep them at 70 to 80 degrees. Now you can place them in a gentle grow light.
- You can maintain a moist environment by misting them with a spray bottle whenever you notice them drying out. Sprouting should be noticed after a couple of days, depending on the plant seeds that you are germinating.
- When the seedlings are about 2 to 3 inches, they are ready to be transplanted into your hydroponics or traditional soil.
Benefits Of Start Seeds In Rockwool

Here are the benefits your seeds stand to enjoy by using rockwool cubes for germinating seeds.
- Water Retention: Rockwool cubes have excellent water retention capacity which is very essential for the germination of your seeds. At the same time, Rockwool will not waterlog your system. It can drain excess water, retaining just the right amount of water needed by your seeds to germinate.
- Air Circulation: Rockwool cubes will provide good air circulation and oxygenation of the root system.
- Clean: Rockwool is a clean or sterile medium and it doesn’t have any weeds, pathogens, or pests.
- Reusable: Rockwool cubes don’t decompose over time. Therefore, it can be reused over again.
- Safe: they are made from natural materials. Thus, it is very safe to use for your germinating seeds because it doesn’t contain any toxic substances.
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Common Problems With Germinating Seeds In Rockwool

While rockwool is a very reliable medium to use for germinating seeds, it is not without its fair share of troubles. Here are some of the most common problems and how you can tackle them head-on if you ever experience seeds not sprouting in rock wool.
- Temperature
One of the most popular problems associated with seeds not sprouting in rockwool is the temperature. It could be that the temperature is too hot or too cold to support germination. If you investigate and find this to be the case with your seeds not sprouting, move your rockwool cubes into a warmer or colder environment as required. If this is not possible, you can purchase a germination chamber such as this one which comes with a heat mat tray that can be used to attain more favorable temperatures, especially in colder climates.
- Poor seed quality
Sometimes all the conditions may be right in your rockwool cubes, but if the seeds are of poor quality, the rate of germination will be low or completely zero. Poor seed quality is mostly due to the degradation of the seed. This usually happens over time. Seed death or degradation starts to happen as soon as the seed is mature and viable.

Generally, seeds will have high germination rates for the 2-3 years of their lives with an average of 80% success. Once this rate hits about 75%, the seeds start to lose their ability to germinate quickly. As a result, old seeds have poor quality and will not germinate properly. Be sure to use the freshest and newest seeds to germinate in rockwool.

To try and increase the shelf life of your seedlings, carefully store them in airtight glass jars and place them in the refrigerator or freeze them. You can put a little bit of powdered milk or wrap the seeds in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- pH Imbalance
Rockwool has a naturally high pH, which makes it highly alkaline when wet. A lot of seeds germinate poorly in alkaline conditions and prefer slightly acidic ones. To get the right pH for your plants, irrigate the rockwool cubes with an acidic nutrient solution to re-balance the pH of the growing environment.
- Mold
Although rockwool has a high moisture content that prevents plant roots from dying out, this moisture can promote the growth of fungi. These fungi will encourage seeds to mold and rot instead of germinating properly. If you notice mold starting to form, irrigate less.
- Insufficient airflow
Insufficient airflow through the Rockwool cubes can also create problems for seed germination. To prevent this issue from occurring, avoid crushing or compressing your rockwool so that it retains enough air pockets to allow for sufficient airflow.

What Is The Best Time To Transplant Rockwool Seedlings

Knowing when to transplant rockwool seedlings is an important determining factor in getting good survival rates for transplanted seedlings.

Transplant seedlings when they reach a height of about 2-3 inches in height. Also, check that the roots of the seedlings are beginning to poke out at the bottom of the cubes. By this time, they should also have developed a full set of two to three sets of true leaves.

After your seedlings in the rockwool cubes have developed and are ready to transplant, simply plug the cubes and plant them directly into your grow sites and your plants are ready to go!

How To Care For Seedlings In Rockwool

Taking good care of seedlings post-germination is also important to ensure a successful crop. Here are the measures that you need to take to;
- Before you need to transplant the seedlings, place the Rockwool cubes in a nursery tray and cover it with a humidity done to ensure that the moisture stays locked in and the Rockwool never runs dry
- Maintain an environmental temperature of between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Keep the rockwool cubes moist by consistently spraying them with water every few days when you notice them starting to dry out.
- Remove the Rockwool cubes from the humidity cube and place them under the light as soon as the seeds start to sprout
Closing Remarks- Starting Seeds In Rockwool Cubes

Rockwool cubes are a great substrate for seed starters. They are safe and will provide your seed with good moisture and oxygen for optimal germination.

They come in various sizes and shapes and they can blend into different growing systems. So, give your seeds an excellent germinating chance with Rockwool.

FAQ’s

Why won’t my seeds germinate in rockwool?

The problem might be that they are not getting enough light. Rockwool is a great product for growing plants and it has been used for centuries. It’s made from ground-up volcanic rock so it provides nutrients and structure for plants to grow. It also helps maintain moisture in the growing medium. There are many different types of rockwool, each with its own unique properties.

Rockwool is like a sponge and absorbs all moisture from the air. It’s great for storing seeds but if you put them in it they won’t get a chance to germinate. You need to keep your seed starting containers dry and make sure you water the soil before you cover the seeds with the rockwool. I would use vermiculite for a seed starting medium because it’s a bit drier than the rockwool.

Do seedlings need nutrients in rockwool?

As long as they are not sitting in wet rockwool, yes. If you do not want to water them, use a bulb planter and keep them in a shaded area. If you’re going to be transplanting them to larger containers, you can add some nutrients to the potting mix if you want to. If you have the fertilizer that comes with the plant, that will be fine. You could also use a diluted liquid fertilizer such as a 10-10-10.

How often should you water seedlings in rockwool?

Rockwool needs more frequent watering than soil because it does not absorb water as well. It is best to water your Rockwool when the top inch or so of the material is wet, which usually happens within 24 hours. It is important to keep the surface of the material damp, but not wet. If the Rockwool dries out too much, it will crack and become brittle. If you see a rockwool plant that appears to be drying out, cut off the top few inches and let it dry out again before re-watering. Once you have cut back on the water supply, wait for the top inch or so of the material to be wet again, and then re-water. You can also use a spray bottle with a fine mist setting to apply water directly to the Rockwool.

Can I start seeds in rockwool cubes?

It would be fine as long as you keep it moist enough. I think it should be fine to use sand or even peat moss as long as it’s not very wet. As far as keeping it moist, I have a few suggestions:
1. You can put a humidifier in the room where the cubes are.
2. You can put a small fan in the room with the cubes and blow on them.
3. You can use a misting system (like a misting bottle). I’ve heard of people putting plastic bags over their plants and then cutting holes in the bags to spray water into. That way the plant doesn’t dry out.

Eunice
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
January 21, 2023