Plant Gardens 101

It is essential to feed plants regularly but too little food or food in excessive amounts is not advisable. Advising on fertilizing plants is a challenging job. There are many factors that affect the fertilization like soil types, climatic conditions, existing nutrients etc.

A minimum of 17 nutrients are required for survival of all plants. Some of the nutrients come from water, some come from air and others come from soil. Nutrients come from soil when a plant is fertilized. Three nutrients are most essential during plant fertilization. They are potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen and they are known as primary nutrients. Every fertilizer has 3 numbers on the labels for indicating the percentage of the primary nutrients in it. Molecular form, solubility etc are other factors that affect nutrient availability. (more…)

General Hydroponics Inc. is one of the more venerable players in the field, having been around since the 1970s. General Hydroponics nutrients have the distinction of being the first such fertilizers to be used off-planet; General Hydroponics products have been used by NASA for the hydroponic gardens aboard the International Space Station.

Unlike FoxFarm, which caters primarily to traditional outdoor gardeners, General Hydroponics specializes in and markets to hydroponic gardeners, and the company’s products are engineered specifically for hydroponic applications. Located just north of San Francisco in one of the premier agricultural regions of California, General Hydroponics maintains a 45,000 square foot facility where new systems and fertilizers are constantly being tested and improved. In addition, this company offers a full line of equipment and other accessories for the hydroponic gardener, including controllers, pumps and replacement parts for various elements of the hydroponic system. The company website itself is an excellent resource for anyone interested in this type of production, including an online “nutrient calculator” to assist in determining the needs of specific plants.
Consumer response to General Hydroponics nutrients has been positive. One of the features of General Hydroponics products is that unlike many such nutrients, they are simple and easy to use. Whereas many such products are two and three-part solutions that require careful mixing, this company’s products are one-part nutrients, making the overall process much less complicated in general. Hydroponic gardeners who have reviewed General Hydroponic’s products note that they are extremely concentrated; at least one reviewer described the product as “heavy” and “like chocolate tar” – you won’t need to use much, but you will require a blender or a good solid whisk in order to emulsify General Hydroponics nutrients properly. (more…)

Botanicare is a line of products for hydroponic gardeners from American Agritech. Like most hydroponic formulas, Botanicare nutrients are engineered from synthetics as well as organics in order to provide maximum benefit from both. Botanicare products are one of the most comprehensive lines of nutrient supplements available for maximizing hydroponic plant health, yield and quality, and are available all over the world through the company’s international distribution network.

Among American Agritech’s product offerings are Botanicare Cocogro and Botanicare Pure Blend Pro. The former, Botanicare Cocogro, is described by the company as “the world’s most premium coir fiber” that is substantially lower in potassium and sodium. As the name suggests, Botanicare Cocogro is derived from the husks of coconuts. Coir fibers are the layer between the outer shell and the husk of the fruit (they are what give coconuts their “hairy” appearance). Because these have a relatively low cellulose content compared to say, cotton fibers, they are stronger and make for an ideal alternative to peat as a hydroponic medium and is resistant to the types of bacteria and fungi that are often a problem with sphagnum moss. Most of the coir fiber used in Botanicare Cocogro is imported from southern India, where it is allowed exposure to monsoon rains for least three years, and is available in a variety of packages. (more…)

The macronutrients other than nitrogen (chemical symbol N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) needed by plants—namely, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). See also primary nutrients; macronutrients; complete fertilizer.

When shopping around for nutrients for your hydroponic system, you have probably noticed that there are two general options: organic and non organic. Assuming that these nutrient blends are well balanced and come from a reputable hydroponics supply company, they can provide your plants with what they need to grow and thrive well. So why do so many opt for the organic solutions over the synthetic solutions? And why does it seem that organic growing increases in popularity with each passing year? There are several reasons really why people go organic.

Higher Nutrient Levels – Some evidence exists that organic plants grown organically are healthier for you than those grown through more modern conventional methods. Using only organic plant nutrients makes each piece of food denser in dry matter, meaning that there is more food and less water. When you do not use chemical pesticides, it also forces the plant to rely more on its own natural defenses. This means that they naturally produce more of the antioxidants that make fruits and vegetables so healthy for people. (more…)

A well maintained green lawn can enhance the beauty of any house. However for many people maintaining and keeping the lawn in a proper shape is a tough task indeed. This is because they are not aware of the right way to care for their garden. Are you one of them? Then read on as we share great gardening tips with you!

Green plants need water and nutrients. Right lawn fertilizer is responsible for giving proper nutrients to plants and on the other hand irrigation or nature provides water. However, choosing the right lawn fertilizer is quite difficult.

Lawn fertilizers play a great role for proper growth of plants in the lawn. The application of plant nutrients over the lawn seems quite simple. In fact after sprinkling the fertilizer, you should water it so that it penetrates in the underlying soil. So, application of lawn fertilizer is a painless job but what is tough is determining the specific needs of the lawn. (more…)

Indoor gardening is very popular, and especially so for growing food in inhospitable climates or where soil is poor or not available. If you are trying to grow food indoors using hydroponics, many growers favor growing organically. Organically grown food requires that all fertilizers be of organic quality, and this is the case for hydroponic gardening as well. Organic hydroponic nutrients can help you to grow wonderful organic vegetables and fruits in indoor gardening environments.

If you are growing plants in containers using soil as a medium, by the time you water the plant ten times, all of the nutrients from the soil have washed out of the container. This is why it is vital to fertilize container-grown plants.

It is even more crucial with hydroponically grown plants, because they are grown in a soilless medium and receive no nutrition at all from the medium. The plants rely on the gardener to supply them with plant food, which in hydroponics is called nutrient. (more…)

B’Cuzz Company offers a full line of exceptional hydroponic nutrients for you to use with your indoor gardening plants. This includes the popular Bloombastic plant nutrient and stimulant for exceptional growth. b’ cuzz also offers a host of other hydroponic nutrient solutions for you to try.

Bloombastic was formulated to provide the time-released nutrients your plants need for every stage of growth, from seedling through to maturity. If you wish to achieve the quickest growth that produces the nicest flowers and best-tasting fruit, then Bloombastic is a great choice in hydroponic nutrient for your indoor plants.

The company also offers Bloom Stimulant. This is a type of nutrient that will enhance your plants’ flower cell production and also allows for more efficient transport of sugar molecules to the flower itself, leading to beautiful flowers and superb-tasting, sweet fruit produced by the flowers on your plants. (more…)

B’Cuzz is the plant nutrient company that brings you useful plant nutrients and biological stimulants like Bloombastic, a variety of hydroponic nutrients that cause plants to grow quickly to achieve maximum bloom and fruit production. Now you do not have to wait as long to enjoy your flowers or fruits, because your indoor plants can achieve maturity much more quickly with help from bloombastic. (more…)

If you are looking for a versatile nutrient booster that will help your plants achieve more flowers and ripened fruit with a speed not normally seen, Bloombastic could be the nutrient for you. Produced by the B’Cuzz Company, Bloombastic, also known as Atami Bloombastic, is a wonderful nutrient additive that can be used in hydroponics, aeroponics or in traditional soil gardening.

If you are a commercial grower, you know that the sooner you can get a plant from seed to fully mature plant, the quicker you will realize a profit. Even if you are a home gardener, you look forward with fervent hope to the day your plants are mature and in full fig. (more…)

Fertilizing begonias is not food for the begonia; all plants make their own food through process called photosynthesis, the begonia plant utilizes filtered light from the sun this creates sugars from carbon dioxide and water, thus the begonia is feeding its self. Think about it when was the last time you invited Begonia to dinner?

Healthy, begonias require sixteen basic nutrients these are essential for begonias ability to live. The sixteen elements are the same for all living plants. When begonia plant is deprived of any of the sixteen building blocks, the begonia will die over time; this is why you provide fertilizers and bio-stimulants you are providing essential elements so the begonia can live. Three of the sixteen components are Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen these are freely obtained from water, air and those elements are usually available to begonias. (more…)

Mixing Nutrients in a Hydroponics Grow Box

Instructions for adding nutrients to a hydroponics grow box:

We recommend the Flora nova series nutrients from General Hydroponics for best results in the Homegrown Hydroponics line of grow boxes. For assistance in adding the proper amount of nutrients for your hydroponic system, take a look at this link for a nutrient calculator provided by General Hydroponics.

http://www.generalhydroponics.com/calculator/index.html

Flora nova is extremely concentrated. A very small amount the Flora nova mixed with fresh water will provide your plants with proper nutrition. For hydroponics, soil is mixtures, potted plants and soil or for you regarding growing plants. Use Flora Nova grow throughout the structural growth phase and to refer 7 to 10 days of transition. Switch to Flora nova boom for flowering and fruiting growth phase. For best results use a conductivity or PPM meter to monitor water quality and control nutrient strength. Drain discard or place nutrients every few weeks prevent nutrients and balance. Maintain a nutrient pH between five and 6.5. Adjustment may be necessary since while recording and pH vary in both regionally and seasonally change. Contact General Hydroponics directly for technical support regarding using their brand of nutrients. (more…)

Incorporate foliar feeding into your growth program
A more effective method for delivery of essential plant nutrition

The most common method of providing nutrients to plants is through the roots. This is done by placing nutrients in the soil at the base of the plant or through a root drench. Foliar feeding, an alternate method, provides nutrients through the foliage or leaves of a plant. Commercial growers, with the help of scientists, have been studying foliar feeding and incorporating it into their growing programs for many years.

There are many advantages to foliar feeding. Foliar applied fertilizers are three to five times more effective than root nutrition and can successfully reduce the nutritional stress situations of plants. (more…)

Paramagnetism’s importance on earth and in your garden

Remineralize soil through incorporation of volcanic deposits

Since the beginning of time, nature has remineralized the soils of the earth through volcanic eruptions. Part of the remineralization occurs through a process called paramagnetism.

Paramagnetism is a low energy, physical force that has shown beneficial effects on all forms of life. A significant increase in plant growth and vitality is observed when paramagnetic rock is incorporated into the soil or spread across its surface. (more…)

Botanicare is a line of products for hydroponic gardeners from American Agritech. Like most hydroponic formulas, Botanicare nutrients are engineered from synthetics as well as organics in order to provide maximum benefit from both. Botanicare products are one of the most comprehensive lines of nutrient supplements available for maximizing hydroponic plant health, yield and quality, and are available all over the world through the company’s international distribution network.

Among American Agritech’s product offerings are Botanicare Cocogro and Botanicare Pure Blend Pro. The former, Botanicare Cocogro, is described by the company as “the world’s most premium coir fiber” that is substantially lower in potassium and sodium. As the name suggests, Botanicare Cocogro is derived from the husks of coconuts. Coir fibers are the layer between the outer shell and the husk of the fruit (they are what give coconuts their “hairy” appearance). Because these have a relatively low cellulose content compared to say, cotton fibers, they are stronger and make for an ideal alternative to peat as a hydroponic medium and is resistant to the types of bacteria and fungi that are often a problem with sphagnum moss. Most of the coir fiber used in Botanicare Cocogro is imported from southern India, where it is allowed exposure to monsoon rains for least three years, and is available in a variety of packages. (more…)

Advanced Nutrients’ corporate website is probably one of the most complete and comprehensive Internet-based resources for hydroponic gardeners. Even if it’s very dense and a bit challenging to navigate, you can find out about almost anything you want to know about hydroponics there – and in any event, you have to love a product with a name like Advanced Nutrients Voodoo Juice. Advanced Nutrients offers products that result in “Bigger Buds” for “Bigger Yields.”

In fact, one of this company’s product lines is called Advanced Nutrients Big Bud. Consumers can choose Advanced Nutrients Big Bud Bloom Booster Liquid or Powder as well as several other products engineered with a combination of synthetic and organic formulas.

At least as far as hydroponic gardening is concerned, synthetic nutrients are not necessarily a bad thing. Purely organic nutrients such as are offered by FoxFarm are excellent for traditional outdoor gardens, but can cause problems when used in hydroponic systems. The reason is that organic formulas release nutrients very slowly; salt and acid-based formulas are engineered to release nutrients very quickly, which can have a detrimental effect on the soil. However, quick-release nutrients are fine and even desirable for hydroponic gardens – something of which the people at Advanced Nutrients are well aware. (more…)

Elements such as nitrogen and iron that are needed for plant growth. Nutrients released from the soil or supplied by fertilizer get dissolved in water and are absorbed by a plant’s roots. See also macronutrients; micronutrients.

If you have a hydroponic growing system in place, then you will be needing hydroponic nutrients. hydroponic nutrient is plant fertilizer, and because the plants are growing without soil, it is imperative that you provide the plants with all the food they need through the hydroponic fertilizer that you use in the system. Organic nutrients suitable for hydroponic gardening are the best way to go, especially if you are growing vegetables and fruits. These hydroponic nutrients are made without the use of synthetic chemicals, which can be toxic to humans and animals, and thus offer a safer choice for growing food crops in your hydroponic growing system.

In hydroponic gardening, the organic nutrients are used as a liquid fertilizer, because the plant food is mixed into water to form a solution. In deep water culture, the plant roots stay submerged in the hydroponic nutrient solution, and are aerated by a submersible pump and air stones. (more…)