Barrie L.

Best Grow Media for Seedlings Growth

A person's hands carefully tending to a freshly potted seedling, demonstrating the care and attention required to provide the best grow media for young plants to thrive.

Some seedlings just look better than others. It’s probably the mix they’re in, not some secret magic. The first weeks are rough, honestly, and what they grow in decides a lot. The medium needs to hold water, but not so much that roots get soggy.  Roots need air, too. No bugs allowed, no strange mold, … Read more

Easy Nutrient Dosing for Large Systems

A greenhouse interior with rows of lush green leafy plants and an automatic nutrient dosing system in the foreground, showcasing precision agriculture techniques for large-scale hydroponic or indoor farming.

Upon entering a vast greenhouse, with its seemingly endless rows of plants, the critical nature of strict nutrient dosing becomes immediately apparent when so much is at stake. It is understood that one cannot simply add a general solution and hope for the best; precision is paramount. Every hour. Every single day. Pumps, sensors, reservoirs, … Read more

Top Tips: Nutrient Dosing for Small Systems

Hands carefully measuring and mixing nutrients in a glass container, with a small hydroponic system visible in the background

Nutrient dosing in small hydroponic setups isn’t forgiving. There’s no buffer, no room for sloppy measurements. Plants in these tight spaces need just the right mix, or you’ll see yellow leaves or stunted growth fast. Most folks use simple tools: measuring spoons, digital scales, maybe a cheap EC meter. Mixing by hand, double-checking every number.  … Read more

Maximizing Growth with Proper Nutrient Balance: Unlocking Your Plant’s Full Potential

A close-up view of healthy, verdant lettuce plants nourished in a greenhouse-like setup, emphasizing the role of nutrient balance in maximizing their growth potential.

Nutrient balance makes or breaks plant growth – that’s what seasoned gardeners know from years of trial and error. When plants get exactly what they need (16 essential nutrients in the right ratios), they transform into powerhouses of production. Too much nitrogen causes weak stems, while too little phosphorus stunts root development.  The sweet spot … Read more

Ultimate Hydroponic Nutrient Feeding Schedules

Hydroponic grow system with various stages of plant growth, showcasing a nutrient feeding schedule.

Nutrient feeding schedules in hydroponics make or break a grow operation. Plants need different amounts of food as they grow – from seedling to harvest. Most leafy greens want 500-700 PPM in veg, jumping to 800-1000 PPM when flowering kicks in. Tomatoes and peppers might need up to 2000 PPM at peak. The basics? Feed … Read more

Preventing Nutrient Imbalances in Hydroponics: Essential Strategies for Healthy Plants

Hydroponically grown leafy greens with monitoring equipment to prevent nutrient imbalances

Preventing Nutrient imbalances wreck hydroponic gardens faster than most growers realize. Plants show the classic signs – yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and weak stems – but by then it’s often too late. Smart growers check their EC levels daily (aim for 1.2-2.4 mS/cm), maintain pH between 5.5-6.5, and replace solution every 7-10 days.  The real … Read more