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Step 5: Add Water And Nutrients

Video #1 - How to add water and nutrients and the amount you want to add during each stage of the plants life

Video #2- How to make sure the water you give your plants will not kill them

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The shocking truth about hydroponic water: 

What about Tap Water and Well Water?

Tap water can be used in hydroponics, but it may not be the best option depending on where you live and the quality of the water. 

Most tap water comes from a treatment facility that uses chemicals and microbes like chlorine and chloramine to treat the water. 

While these chemicals are safe for human consumption, they can have negative effects on plants in a hydroponic system.

 Simply add more solution to the system when the water level gets low, and you can go for weeks at a time without needing to add more.

Water is a crucial component of your hydroponic system, and the quality of water you use can greatly impact the outcome of your garden.

Water dissolves and transports nutrients to your plants, but it also dissolves impurities that may not be visible to the naked eye. 

These impurities can be harmful to your garden, which is why it is important to use high-quality water.

You may think that clear and odorless water is safe to use, but this is not always the case. 

There may be impurities, chemicals, and minerals in the water that are safe for humans, but not for plants. 

For instance, tap water is often treated with microbes and chemicals such as chlorine, which can affect plant growth.

Adding nutrients to your hydroponic system can seem daunting, but it's actually pretty simple. 

First, it's important to always add water and nutrients together - they work as a duo.

The amount of nutrients to add will depend on the amount of water you add. 

A minimum of 10 liters of reverse osmosis water solution is recommended. 

For every 1 liter of water added add...

•  3.5ml of grow
• 2ml of bloom
•  1ml of micro.

Video #1 

How to add water and nutrients and the amount you want to add during each stage of the plants life

Video #2 

How to make sure the water you give your plants will not kill them

The amount of nutrients you add will depend on the stage of the plant and the amount of water you're adding to the system.

 Each nutrient type - grow, micro, and bloom - has a specific ratio that you'll need to follow. But don't worry, it's all outlined in the instructions.

Plants have 3 stages of life 

• germination
• vegetative 
• fruiting and flowering

Germination Stage:

This is the stage when the seed begins to sprout and the roots and stem start to develop. 

During this stage, the plant needs a good source of phosphorus to develop strong roots, potassium to help regulate water uptake, and nitrogen to support the development of leaves and stems.

During this stage you will want to use vegetative ratio when starting out. 

Vegetative Stage:

During the vegetative stage, the plant grows rapidly and develops leaves, stems, and branches. 

The focus during this stage is on building a strong and healthy plant structure. The plant requires higher levels of nitrogen to promote leafy growth, as well as potassium and phosphorus for root development and overall plant health.

During this stage you will want to use vegetative ratio when starting out. 

Fruiting/Flowering Stage:

In this stage, the plant starts to develop flowers or fruits. The focus shifts from growth to reproduction, and the plant requires a different set of nutrients to support this process. The plant needs higher levels of phosphorus and potassium to encourage flower and fruit development, and lower levels of nitrogen to avoid excessive leaf growth.

During this stage you will want to use the fruit/flowering stage

In general, during each stage, the plant's nutrient requirements change as its growth and development progresses.

 It's important to provide the right balance of nutrients at each stage to support healthy growth and maximize yields.

What do you do when you have a mix of plants in various phases?

from blooming tomato plants to germinating seeds, and leafy greens and herbs in full growth.

 It's a common conundrum for many gardeners, but don't worry, there's a solution to make your garden thrive.

The nutrient ratio you use will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and the plants you want to favor and grow more of. 

For instance, if you have a lot of leafy greens and herbs in your system and a few flowering plants , you will want to stick to the vegetative ratio. 

This will promote growth in those plants, while still allowing flowering plants to bloom and produce fruit.

On the other hand, if the majority of your plants are flowering, it's best to switch to the blooming ratio of nutrients.

 This will encourage your plants to produce more flowers and fruits, but will slowing down the growth of leafy greens and herbs.

Here is a Trick...

In the end, finding the right nutrient ratio for your plants is all about experimentation and observation. 

By taking the time to understand your plants' needs and making adjustments as necessary, you can create a thriving garden that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

Want to go back to the HUB?

Tap Water

Chloramine, another chemical used in water treatment, is even worse for hydroponics than chlorine. It is harder to remove and can have a more significant impact on plant health.

Tap water may also contain other elements like calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that can cause your water to harden, leading to a buildup of salts and minerals that can harm your plants.

Chlorine is a micronutrient that plants require, but they only need it in very small quantities. 

When adding nutrients to tap water that already contains chlorine, you risk having too much of it in your system. 

This excess chlorine can negatively impact root health and kill off beneficial bacteria and fungi that are essential for healthy plant growth.

When it comes to hydroponics, tap water can be utilized effectively, provided that its pH falls within the range of 5.5-7. 

However, if you encounter any difficulties while growing your plants, the issue might be attributed to the water's quality. In such cases, considering a switch to reverse osmosis or distilled water could be beneficial." 

What about well water?

Well water may seem like a good option for hydroponics since it's natural and untreated, it can actually contain harmful bacteria, minerals, and other elements that can negatively affect your plants.

One of the main concerns with well water is its mineral content, which can vary widely depending on the specific well and location. For example, well water may contain high levels of calcium, which can affect the pH of your nutrient solution and lead to nutrient imbalances.

 Additionally, well water may contain other elements like iron, magnesium, and sulfur, which can also throw off the nutrient balance and make certain micronutrients unavailable to the plant.

Another issue with well water is that it may contain harmful bacteria that can affect the health of your plants. 

Unlike tap water, which is typically treated with chemicals to kill off any bacteria, well water is not treated and may contain E. coli, coliform bacteria, or other harmful microorganisms. 

This can be particularly concerning if you're growing crops that will be consumed by humans, as these bacteria can cause illness.

It summary, do not use well water in your hydroponic garden as it will lead to many problems and actually kill the plants.

What is the best water to use for your system 

Filtered water or reverse osmosis water is the best option for hydroponics because it removes impurities, chemicals, and minerals from the water, ensuring that the water is clean and safe for the plants. 

When using filtered or reverse osmosis water, you can control the quality of the water that your plants are receiving, without the worry of harmful impurities or minerals affecting the nutrient solution.

 Additionally, the pH of reverse osmosis water is neutral, which means that you can adjust it to the desired level for your specific plant species. 

This provides a consistent and ideal growing environment for your hydroponic plants, resulting in healthy and robust growth.