Cheap Hydroponic Nutrients

Hydroponic nutrients must mix well with water to be effective.

Hydroponically grown plants have the same nutritional requirements as plants grown in soil. The main difference is that plants in a hydroponic system must have all of their needs met by the liquid they are in. A complete nutrient solution does not need to be expensive, but it must contain all of the essential elements.

Requirements

Any hydroponic nutrient solution must include the basic necessities for plants, including nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in significant amounts. Trace elements that need to be included are zinc, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, molybdenum, copper, manganese, iron, chlorine and boron.

Components

The basic components of a hydroponic nutrient solution can often be purchased inexpensively and then dissolved in water. Elements that must be included are calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, superphosphate, manganese sulphate, boric acid powder, iron sulphate, copper sulphate and zinc sulphate.

Simplified Solution

A simple nutrient solution can be made quickly and inexpensively by combining a good-quality water-soluble commercial fertilizer with water at the rate of 2 tsp. per gallon of water. Also add 1 tsp. of Epsom salts per gallon. Mix well to dissolve.

References

• Texas A&M University Extension: Hydroponics as a Hobby
• The Mother Earth News: Hydroponic Nutrients: Fertilizer for Your Hydroponic Garden; Stewart Kenyon; February/March 1993
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Nutrient Solution for Hydroponic Tomatoes in Florida; George J. Hochmuth; Nov. 2008
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Building a Floating Hydroponic Garden