Hydroponic Grow Mediums & Nutrients

[Blissy1988]

This will be my first time growing and Ive decided to use a hydroponic grow medium rather then soil.

 

Which grow mediums are preferred?

 

I'm assuming that by using a medium i will have to feed the plant with nutrients.

 

Do i mix the nutrients in with my watering system? How often do plants need water and nutrients?

 

Sorry if they seam like silly questions im still trying to get my head around the idea.

 

 

Peace

[Wrangler556]

Hydro mediums contain no nutrients whatsoever, so you have to add them to your water, basically everytime you water.

 

You also have to flush them regularly with plain water, once a week- 2 weeks, otherwise you can get salt/waste buildup etc.

 

As for mediums, Coco coir, Hydroton clay pellets, and perlite are your main options. Coco holds water a lot longer than the other 2 and can watered as little as once every 1-3days depending on size of plant, temp, humidity etc, the other 2 hold bugger all, and have to be watered often, upto 7-8times a day.

 

Depends on how exactly you plan to water them too..

 

I prefer Coco, but its personal preference, each have their pros and cons, and methods.

 

Id suggest having a good look around the site, lots of info here.

Edited June 3, 2009 by Wrangler556

[Blissy1988]

cheers

[bignose007]

This will be my first time growing and Ive decided to use a hydroponic grow medium rather then soil.

 

Which grow mediums are preferred?

 

I'm assuming that by using a medium i will have to feed the plant with nutrients.

 

Do i mix the nutrients in with my watering system? How often do plants need water and nutrients?

 

Sorry if they seam like silly questions im still trying to get my head around the idea.

 

 

Peace

 

 

Hi Wrangler, I use Coco as well , I'm having trouble with it being a bit over wet and fed. do you let them dry out a bit and flush weekly?