SYSTEM TYPES
Good system design is vital for producing consistent and reliable growth. What works best for you will depend on factors such as climate, plant type, water quality, growing medium availability, maintenance requirements, set-up costs, and whether you are growing indoors or outdoors.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
System components such as nutrient reservoirs, growing containers, feed circuit plumbing, pumps and timers are important for ensuring plants are properly fed.
HYDROPONIC MEDIA (SUBSTRATES)
There are important pro’s and con’s to consider when choosing a hydroponic medium. This is a guide to 5 of the most popular hydroponic media.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING
If you want to grow all-year-round, in many climates it will be necessary to grow indoors under artificial lighting. This requires careful practice because it is difficult to replicate the performance of sunlight.
VENTILATION
Ventilation is a key consideration especially when growing indoors under artificial lighting. The combination of lighting and plants generates excessive amounts of heat and humidity which will harm plants if not properly controlled.
WATER QUALITY FOR GARDENING
Poor quality water can cause toxicity problems, disease, pH problems and the blockage of drippers and plumbing. Instead of using your regular water supply you may need to find an alternate source such as rain or bore water, or treat your regular supply using methods such as reverse osmosis.
NUTRIENT FORMULATIONS
There is much commercial hype surrounding nutrient brands. Despite this hype, it is actually quite simple to make a calculated decision when choosing a brand.
NUTRIENT ADDITIVES
Nutrient ‘additives’ are necessary for supplying substances that are not compatible with concentrated nutrient formulations. Additives provide benefits such as flowering enhancement, disease prevention, root initiation and increased fruit weight.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
To ensure the long-term stability of nutrient solutions, it is important to maintain the pH between 5.0 and 6.5. This helps ensure all nutrients are available for root up-take. It also minimizes the risk of plumbing blockages.
PH MEASUREMENT & CONTROL
To ensure the long-term stability of nutrient solutions, it is important to maintain the pH between 5.0 and 6.5. This helps ensure all nutrients are available for root up-take. It also minimizes the risk of plumbing blockages.
CONDUCTIVITY (EC)
It is important to control the concentration of your nutrient solution. Burning of roots or foliage can occur if the concentration is too high. If the concentration is too low then deficiency symptoms can occur. This chapter explains how to successfully use conductivity as a tool for controlling nutrient concentration.
SYSTEM HYGIENE
Regular up keep of the growing system and surrounding area is necessary to prevent the accumulation of harmful materials and minimize pest and disease problems.
PRUNING & SHAPING PLANTS
To achieve a maximum yield it is essential to maintain a plant’s shape and remove any unnecessary or damaged growth. This is most important when growing indoors under artificial lights.
PEST & DISEASE CONTROL
Check foliage and roots regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Problems can multiply rapidly if left unattended. There are several preventative measures that can be used to minimize the chances of attack or outbreak.
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Monitor plants closely for symptoms of nutrient deficiency. These symptoms can provide a valuable forewarning of serious problems within the growing system. Be aware that there are many factors that cause nutrient deficiency symptoms in a plant. The nutrient itself is usually not the cause.
FOLIAR SPRAYS
Foliar sprays are useful for delivering fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides and PGR’s to plants.
CUTTINGS & SEEDLINGS
Reproducing your own plants from seeds or cuttings provides control over the supply and quality of “seedlings”. Although seeds are easier to plant, cuttings have the capacity to replicate your favourite ‘strain’.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Endeavour to improve your understanding of topics such as plant processes, temperature and humidity. This will empower you to better manage your own operation and become a better grower.
