Hydroponic Fertilizer : What I Use & How to Mix It

I get a lot of questions about the fertilizer that I am using in my hydroponic setups for growing lettuce and tomatoes. This is a thorough explanation of exactly what I am using. But keep this in mind, there are many different fertilizers on the market, some commercial, some organic. As long as you choose one that allows you to provide the proper nutrients for the plants, you should do just fine. Have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment. ;)
***** March 29,2013... I did an experiment to see if it was possible to use Miracle Grow in a hydroponic setup successfully. After comparing the results to what I got from using the Masterblend, I would not recommend using Miracle Grow in a hydroponic setup. Here are the final results... • Final Results - Hydrop...

[@jnc07res]

These videos might be pretty old now, but I can't thank you enough for explaining how to do simple hydroponic gardening. As a guy just getting started your videos have helped me greatly.

[@anthonyperez4898]

If they would've told me this is what chemistry was used for in high school, i would have tried a little harder

[@prachaitsaxena1958]

Me too |

[@worcesterexchange554]

I agree - Why do schools have to make subjects so boring. It was only when I calculated how fast I would have to drive my motorbike to stick upside-down to a 10m inverted loop that I started to realize that maths and physics could be useful after all.

[@CoolKoon]

Anthony Perez Not quite. The chemistry you had in high school was just the veeery basics which is barely enough for this topic. Nutrients absorption and antagonism of various elements (e.g. K and Mg) during absorbtion (in plants) are a discipline on their own.

[@ylsemza7623]

I discovered a good collection of videos that may help on Fast track grower

[@HighVoltageKits]

Worcester Exchange That is truly outstanding sarcasm.

[@morsecodealpha4116]

Only hydropoinc gardener I have seen that actually takes the time to explain his experiences... very well done mhpgardener... keep up the good work

[@RaymondLohengrin]

After following the instructions on this video I was able to grow lots of beautiful tomatoes for the first time in my life! Thank you!

[@guiller2371]

One of the best videos on hydroponic mixing I have seen so far.

[@theguywholoveshouse]

"y'all hold on I got sum splainin to do" thats how all videos should start

[@mhpgardener]

Before the plants go in the buckets, they get a diluted nutrient mix. Once they are big enough for the buckets, they get full strength from that point on. If your plants are very small, it wouldn't hurt to dilute the mix a little bit. I think this formula would do ok in most hydro setups.

[@jameslong296]

I hope you can start making more videos, more often. You do a great job of explaining the complicated stuff in a simple way without sounding dumb. You seem to me to be more of an "everyman" hydro gardener than most of the other KZbinrs. Really like you stuff, thank you for all the education.

[@mhpgardener]

Don't feel bad. It took me a long time to understand how the roots could be in water all the time and not drown. It just didn't makes sense. Then one day it clicked. Ah ha ! I think I was fortunate to select a good fertilizer the first time, so I didn't have to do a lot of searching. ... I looked all over the place for a pointer, finally settled on a stick, LOL ;)

[@carol5606]

Haven't figured that out yet. I hope it clicks. Waiting. :)

[@GrowingDreams]

I LOVED that a gardener would use a stick for a pointer. 😂

[@larrylhall]

I love your channel Bobby you do a fantastic job and try everything that is what is so great and you are a total joy to watch!

[@ChrisCross2014]

This is one of the best thought out hydroponic presentation that I have found on KZbin. Thank you sir for sharing your knowledge. Masterblend should make you a spokesperson.

[@ahuramazda323]

but his calculations are wrong. he does not understand how to work out the final n,p,k ratios. you just cannot add the ratios to get the final result. you have to work it as a ratio of the overall weight of the added components.

[@whaszupp_01]

@@ahuramazda323 could you explain?

[@ahuramazda323]

@@whaszupp_01 lets say you have 15 5 35 , the percentage of nitrogen ids 15%. so if you have 100grams it will contain 15 grams nitrogen. if you have 12 12 17 the percentage nitrogen in 100 grams is 12% or 12 grams. adding equal amounts of each fertilizer together say 100 Grams of each will result in 27 grams nitrogen in 200 grams of fertilizer. this will actually be 13.5 grams or 13.5% nitrogen in 100 grams of fertilizer. by his working he is saying you get 27% nitrogen. he is saying you just have to add the N P and K values to get the resulting strength of the fertilizer. this is wrong. it is worked out on a percentage basis to get the correct result. with unequal amounts of different fertilizers, the working is done similarly but you have to take into consideration the original amounts and calculate to 100% to get the correct answer.

[@168tsai8]

Best video ever on mixing nutrient for hydroponic gardening. Love the easy to follow explanation and precise measurements provided for a mixture.

[@mhpgardener]

Good question Jon. By adding Calcium Nitrate separately, the grower has the option to adjust the N without changing the P-K. Their mix instructions call for a lesser amount of CalNitrate for seedlings, and then more as the plant progresses. In this manner, the same fertilizer can be used at all stages of growth. What I do is just water down the mix a bit early on. I'm not very scientific about it..obviously. ;)

[@rlmediashare]

I purchased the Master blend from Amazon and already see the positive difference! I like many has been asking what would be the concentration per gallon. I just checked. At 2.4 grams of Master Blend 4-18-38 + 2.4 grams of Calcium Nitrate + 1 gram of Epson Salts the ppm is approximately 555 I subtracted this from 720 ppm because the water here is 165 ppm. I used a scale but a gram of the ingredients comes very close to a 1/4 teaspoon. I hope this helps!

[@nldcam]

Thank you for this. I'm not new to this channel but went elsewhere to try to get ratios for lettuce...the researchers drove me batty. Your explanation is direct, simple and quick. I'll leave the researchers to their universities...thanks again!

[@mhpgardener]

Hey Ed, I've only done peppers and cucumbers one time, and I used the same formula that I used for tomatoes. The plants did pretty good, with no problems at all. It might not be an ideal formulation for everything, but it's close enough to get decent production.

[@jerryhendrix4888]

Do you use the same ratio of nutrients for peppers and cucumbers that you use for the tomatoes? And do you use the 20-18-38 for the entire growing period?

[@kreechur4054]

Thank you for getting me interested in gardening you are the man god bless and till next time see ya again

[@mhpgardener]

Hey Mary, unlike some of the typical hydro fertilizer applications, I don't change anything once the plants get going. I give them the same thing the whole time. It's a lot simpler, and works very well for me. Thank you mam.

[@kyleb6616]

Miss your videos my friend. You are the one that inspired me to start growing many years ago. I often to refer back to your videos to help me.

[@mhpgardener]

The reason for me using the tomato formula versus the lettuce formula was simple.... I started out growing tomatoes first. After I saw how well they did, I decided to try the same stuff on lettuce, just at a reduced rate. I felt like the nutrients levels would be close enough to get decent lettuce without having to buy the other blend. It worked out pretty well. Lettuce and leafy greens are much easier to grow, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding something that will work locally.

[@kemobam]

Within the next week, most likely this weekend, I am building a 10 bucket system with the specifications of your vid from Oct. 8, 2012. I have watched this video a few times and am not sure on one issue. If I want to plant 5 buckets tomatoes, 3 buckets peppers and 2 buckets cucumbers will I be able to use the 19.5/18/38 solution mixture in the reservoir for all plants? I don't want to grow only tomatoes, but I can't set up 3 different complete systems. Thanks for all the great videos! K.H.

[@mhpgardener]

That's good to hear. I was trying to get all of the questions answered. :)

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you sir. Mr Kratky's writings explained the grow process quite well. The primary variable is the fertilizer. I use a commercial type, but there are plenty of options available.

[@mhpgardener]

When I tried peppers, it was in the same setup as the tomatoes. Same formula for both.

[@ric572]

I taught fertilizer materials calculation at a State College. Corey P reply is correct in the fact The combined Master Blend and Calcium Nitrate is actually 9.75 - 9 - 19. See his post below for a explanation. You forgot to divide by 2 since you had twice as much weight. By using a EC meter to measure Part Per Million you can better adjust your Fertilizer to the Variety of plant you are growing. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and 1200 PPM of fertilizer is a about right for growing Tomatoes. Lettuce grows nice in 400 to 500 PPM. Too much or too little fertilizer will stunt growth. Remember to start with a Base line of PPM before adding the need PPM of Fertilizer. The way I deal with the objection below about Magnesium (Episom Salts) not mixing in, to use Chelated Magnesium Nitrate 7 - 0 - 0 which is a Liquid. I also use a small submersible fountain pump to keep the fertilizer agitated.

[@pinksalt1057]

What if you don't use a pump?

[@babitaramesh5316]

Yep he suppose to divide by 2 that is correct

[@chris432t6]

Thank you for sharing information about the fertilizer you use. The way it is presented is easy to follow and I enjoy all the honest, no fluff videos on this channel.

[@mhpgardener]

For the most part yes. That was the one that I started with for tomatoes, and just cut it back some for lettuce. I tested the Hobby Formula from Hydro Gardens recently, and it worked well too.

[@mhpgardener]

When I tried peppers last year, I used the same thing I used for the tomatoes and they did fine.

[@warrensuton9066]

mhpgardener Im trying squash and i thought the formula for tomatoes would be a good start. im in Florida and on my third try for lettuce. its just so hot. I'll get there. Thank you for all your help. i show off my plants like my grandchildren. lol.

[@mhpgardener]

No sir, I buy the CalNitrate at the local feed store in 20# bags. It's much cheaper that way.

[@patrickgrimes8964]

Great videos mhpgardener. I really appreciate how you leave nothing to the imagination but explain and film every detail. These are the best videos on hydroponics I have seen. You are a gifted educator.

[@adamtombar]

You are the best teacher i have ever seen . Thanks for your amazing detailed video and information.

[@larrylhall]

Totally great video! I have got to try this I love the idea that you like to try all methods of growing!

[@letaureauduforex6876]

Hey everyone, the greatest success that i've had was by following the Keiths Ponics Site (i found it on google) without a doubt the best info that I have ever tried.

[@bobfre1]

I love your videos. Tons of info in an easy to understand video. I just have a small correction to your math... You can't simply add the numbers of two types of fertilizer when you blend them. Assuming you are adding equal amounts of each type of fertilizer, you need to divide your totals by the number of blends. If you could just add the numbers, it would mean that if you added 17-17-17 to some more 17-17-17, using your math, you would end up with 34-34-34. -- a chemically impossible blend since it represents more than 100 percent. The numbers on the bag are percentages of the NPK in the bag. What that means is that in 100lbs of 4-18-38, there are four pounds of nitrogen, 18 pounds of phosphorus, and 38 pounds of potassium. If you add two bags together you would get 4 - 18 - 38 +4 - 18 - 38 _____________ 8 - 38 - 76 The math is correct, but it represents the number of pounds of each chemical in 200lbs of product, not 100lbs. Obviously, the fertilizer hasn't gotten stronger.... you simply have more of the same. To correctly represent the ratio, you must divide your answer by 2. In your example, if your are adding equal amounts of 4-18-38 and 15.5 - 0 - 0, the result would be 4 - 18 - 38 +15.5 - 0 - 0 _______________ (19.5 - 18 - 38 ) / 2 = 9.75 - 9 - 19. That is a very long winded explanation of something that is effectively pretty trivial. Your ratios were exactly correct, but the result is half as 'strong' as you think --- not really a big deal once you figure out how much you need. You're doing some pretty cool stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewyalowitz9077]

+bobfre1 Maybe I'm being stupid here, but if you add the NPKs, but keep the water amount the same, aren't you are effectively doing the divide by 2 operation your math is showing?

[@bobfre1]

+Andrew Yalowitz Actually, by keeping the water the same and adding fertilizer you are doubling the concentration, not dividing by two, but I see what you mean. You are absolutely correct in thinking that as long as you keep the volume of water the same, you can increase the concentration in the solution by adding more fertilizer. Effectively, that is what he has done. My only point was that the numbers don't accurately represent the true volume or percentages of each chemical in the final fertilizer blend -- that could be a problem down the road... What we know from this video is what he has successfully used and therefore must be a pretty good ratio AND concentration for this application. Like I said, assuming he adds equal amount of the fertilizer and the Calcium Nitrate, the ratios are correct, but the concentrations are represented as double their real values. If you only followed this set of instructions, I'm sure you could be very successful. Let me give you a different example. Where I live, a pretty common lawn fertilizer for mid summer is 16-20-0. But suppose I could only find bags of 4-5-0. Let's assume that I have a big lawn and need one regular 100lb bag of 16-20-0 for one feed. What that means is that over the entire area, I need 16 lbs of Nitrogen, 20 lbs of Phosphorus, and no Potassium. To get 16 lbs of Nitrogen and 20 lbs of Phosphorus from the 4-5-0, I would need to apply 4 - 100lb bags. And like you suggested, I would use the same amount of water. Quadrupling the amount of fertilizer In his case, he has figured out the right mix and concentration, but his real mix is 9.75-9-19. Now for the potential future problem....If you WERE able to buy 20-18-38, could be just as successful, but you would need to use it at half strength to avoid burning the plants. Regardless of how you measure it --- lbs per acre --- grams per litre, you ultimately must know the true mass of each chemical and not just the ratios. At the end of the day, once you've figured out the concentration needed, the size of the numbers don't really matter.

[@sujithsom5459]

to dilute the ratio just add proportionate amount of water.

[@Powergrowsystems]

MasterBlend also has a lettuce formula, with the following mixing instructions per 100 gallons of water. 8oz (.5lb) MB 8-15-36 6oz (.375lb) Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 4oz (.25lb) Epsom Salt 0-0-0 When combined at these fractional parts, what would the end NPK ratios be per pound of fertilizer?

[@CP-cu6pb]

I know this is old but... First off, where is he telling anyone to add 4 - 18 - 38 + 4 - 18 - 38? He is stating to use 12 gr. of 4-18-38 + 12 gr. 15.5-0-0 which comes out as stated, 19.5-18-38. NPK is calculated by the percentage of NPK required to cover **** sq. feet. not the weight of the bag. If that were the case 4+18+38= 60% 10-10-10= 30%, 40%-70% filler? So by your calculations I should buy the bag with the highest amount that the numbers add up to so I get the best bang for my buck. His math is correct. (Look at the results.) By the way listen to the people that tell you to desolve the individual products seperately and then combine. I keep them seperate until I am going to add them to the Reservoir, a Tbls, Cup, or whatever at a time. JMHO! You do what you want.

[@ldougls2465]

I enjoy watching your videos and I come back to them often. I am very interested in hydroponic and have been for a long time. I have a small patio garden at the moment. I utilize a small portion. I brought a 4 tier stack able plastic stand from homedepot. I successfully collected a large variety of plants consisting of Pearl onions (grow bags) Green onions (grow bags) 4 tomatoes plants (grow bags) 14 Aloe vera plants 1 Rosemary plants 2 Basil Mother Plants 1 Oregano Plant 1 German Thyme

[@mhpgardener]

Sounds like you have it all planned out. Looking forward to seeing the results. Happy New Year !

[@davidnewton3064]

It looks like Master Blend has started selling a 20-18-38 product since you made this video. So adding the calcium nitrate would be unnecessary just as a means to raise the nitrogen content. However tomatoes need the calcium to prevent blossom end rot. Would you still suggest using the 4-18-38/calcium nitrate mix to provide that calcium or would you use the newer formula with supplementary calcium? It would be awesome to see you do a test for this. Also, in your experience what is the difference in calcium requirements between tomatoes and the greens that you grow? Love your videos. Thanks in advance. ####UPDATE#### Scratch that. Turns out that you and your videos have made an impression there at Master Blend. The new formula is exactly as you recommend in this video. The Calcium and Epsom salt is already mixed in.

[@HeartlandFamilyDesigns]

+David Newton I need to see how I can order that blend. Shipping for 50# of each to my area is nuts!

[@samcockrell5427]

FYI - I called Masterblend to order 20-18-38 and Masterblend does NOT make this formula. If you buy this "online" (Ebay, Amazon, etc...) it's been opened, repackaged, and marked up. Be careful what you buy.

[@davidnewton3064]

Yeah I've since learned that. On top of that, that Masterblend repackage you get from Amazon just won't dissolve completely. The darker brown component is insoluble. I tried boiling water, letting it soak for hours and days, and mixing it in a shaker bottle. Just wont dissolve. Perhaps if you ground it up with a pestle and mortar.

[@samcockrell5427]

Hey David, thanks for the info! I live in Caribbean Panama and it's hard enough as it is without adding more problems...Plus, I'm just getting started (newbie) here on a HOT Tropical island!

[@davidnewton3064]

Well I can make a recommendation in that case. Ive switched to General Hydroponics Maxigrow. Its a single parts nutrient and it dissolves completely. Its good for greens and such. There is a sister product called Maxibloom that you can switch to on your flowering plants once they start to bloom. Or some people just use the Maxibloom for everything. Its about 15 USD for a 2.2 pound bag from Amazon.

[@MrDjRinzo]

how often do you add the fertilizer? is that once per crop for the tomatoes?

[@CoolKoon]

As often as the EC meter that you surely have indicates you to do so....

[@asharnaeem3653]

What is a ec meter?

[@msbrunell]

Thanks for all of this great info. I have been experimenting with the Kratky method for lettuce and brassicas (mostly turnips, kohlrabi, and Asian greens). I have seen some potential issues. I have used both large (22 gal) and small (9 gal) tanks, and the size does seem to have an effect. Also the number of plants per set up seems important too. Lettuce doesn't seem to mind these effect much, and the 10-10-5 formula seems good. Brassicas in the small tank, with plants at about a 7 inch grid spacing, get chlorosis (yellowing between veins) pretty fast. I have not tried them with the large tank. I am trying on boosting the formula up to about 12-12-6 for the brassicas...hopefully that will cure the problem.

[@1mtstewart]

your videos have saved me a fortune! thank you so much for the ordinary gardener's Research & Development! I will be growing my own food this year as an Rx for my family's health.

[@Kapok6]

OK, So, are you using the tomato formula 20-18-38 for everything you grow hydroponically, just at different concentrations depending on what you are trying to grow? Like you said, you take the 20/18/38 for the tomatoes and per 5 gallons, you use 12g of the MB, 12G of the Calcium Nitrate, and 6g of the Mag Sulf, then for the lettuce you use the same 20/18/38 but at 10g MB, 10G CN, 5g Mag Sulf, per 5gal of water, but then what do you do about peppers, herbs, cucumbers, etc? How do you know how much of the 20/18/38 to use for those, as well as how much of the Calcium Nitrate and the Mag Sulf?

[@Kapok6]

+Kapok6 For instance, you recommend 11-11-40 for peppers, but here is a 27-11-40 for herbs and peppers. So would the 27-11-40 be better, or would using the 20-18-38 at a modified concentration be better? Sorry for all the stupid questions. I am new to this and am really trying to not screw things up as I start growing for the first time.

[@Kapok6]

+Kapok6 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CLSI07O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00 this is what I was talking about.

[@shantiagrotech]

please remember one thing 4-18-38 consists of micro nutrients also.If you use 227-11-40 you need to add micro nutrients separately.

[@Johnnychi123]

you are the Walter White if Hydro my man

[@ScottEvonLewis]

You are a fantastic teacher and please keep up the great work! You're very inspiring to those of us getting started in these areas, and thank you very much!

[@mhpgardener]

I potted up a bunch of tomatoes today for the early indoor crop. Always something to do in a greenhouse. Thanks, and Happy New Year to you too !

[@robertduggan7073]

Technically your white board is wrong when you are combining your fertilizers, it's not really 19.5-18-38. When calculating the percentages you need to take a weighted average of each fertilizer into account. A formula for this is(W1N1+w2N2)/W1+W2... W1 being weight of fertilizer 1, N1 being % Nitrogen in fertilizer 1, W2 is weight of fertilizer 2, N2 is % Nitrogen in fertilizer 2. This formula works for all nutrients just make N into what ever nutrient in question. Also you should use all the fertilizers mixed (ie 3 different fertilizers would be (w1N1+W2N2+W3N3)/W1+W2+W3) regardless if it has the nutrient in question or not. So yours (tomato and lettuce) is actually 7.8-7.2-15.2, that happens to be the same ratio as your 19.5-18-38 but it's in actual terms (as if you were to mix the dry ingredients together in your 12g 12g 6g or 10g 10g 5g). God forbid anyone from doing that, it's not a good choice, they should be mixed in water. Note if you used a different weight ratio of your three fertilizers (2g:2g:1g) it would result in a N-P-K that would never be in a 19.5-18-38 ratio like the 7.8-7.2-15.2 was. Sorry for the long reply on a fairly minor thing

[@choclatthunda69]

My head just exploded!!!!

[@robertduggan7073]

This video inspired me to make an excel sheet to decide the exact amounts of each fertilizer to get a specific ppm of each nutrient. A middle step is calculating this "complete" fertilizer mix nutrient %. For a good reason research writes amounts of nutrients in ppm. This accounts for any fertilizers used since there is a lot of variations in nutrient content. So mixing and matching your fertilizers is easy if you know the math. My excel sheet also estimates the EC level added with the fertilizers, but no idea if it's accurate since I don't have a hydroponic system currently. If someone wants to run there befor/after EC of adding the fertilizer to the water, fertilizers nutrient %s, weights (oz, g, lb....) you use of each fertilizer and amount of water they mixed everything in (gal, liter...). Let me know.

[@acebailey5126]

Two questions: why should't I pre mix my 12 12 6 in a baggie? Is it the precursor to fertilizer bombs? Secondly can I ignore your math and just use his 12 -12 -6 not worrying about what is in there or do I need to adjust the 12 - 12 -6 based on your weighted averages? Thanks!

[@robertduggan7073]

No it's not because it makes fertilizer bombs. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer and other chemicals make those. It's because you can have chemical reactions between fertilizers which causes nutrients to precipitate out in water and become permanently unusable by the plant. If you are using the same fertilizers as him and same quantities then you don't need math, he's done it for you. But if you are using different fertilizers and or want a specific/different amounts of nutrients then yes my math will get you there accurately. I have an excel sheet that does the math for you if you want it.

[@scotts.2624]

Robert Duggan I would be interested in that spread sheet if you dont mind.

[@richardwilson117]

Your mix comes out to actually be N 7.6, P 9.2 and K 15.2 it's a math thing you are mixing FIVE parts total and must divide the concentrations to get the finished solution. Remember mixing red with white gets you pink and mixing red with red does not give you dark red. When mixing by weight you divide by the portion of each product in the mix.

[@TheGuruStud]

His numbers are correct, b/c he never claimed solution level.

[@mhpgardener]

For a true NPK analysis, you're correct. In this case, since we're using both portions, it's creating the "equivalent" of the higher ratios. By varying the amount of CaNO3, the grower is able to adjust the N levels while keeping the P and K consistent.

[@mhpgardener]

I maintain the same formulation for the life of the plants... about 30-45 days for lettuce, and 100+ days for tomatoes. I change out the reservoir for tomatoes at least every 30 days, if not sooner. During the summer when the plants consume so much water, it wouldn't hurt to top off occassionally with plain water. By changing out the reservoir, I think it cuts down on potential salt buildup.

[@user-ks3ru9tp7h]

Hey Mhpgardener, the math on this isn't quite right, my friend. You're adding ratios, not actual whole numbers. So, when mixing a fertilizer with 4% Nitrogen, and a fertilizer with 15.5% Nitrogen, you don't get 19.5%. You actually get 9.75% (assuming you have the same size bags of both parts). You get all the denominators to match then you add the parts and divide by the number of parts. So, 4+15.5=19.5 and 19.5/2= 9.75%. Same goes with the other two parts. If the Masterblend and the Calcium Nitrate are both the same sized bags before you mix them, the actual N-P-K is 9.75-9-19. I'm surprised no one else has said anything on this yet. Love your videos though.

[@sifukd]

Corey P Hi Corey, that is a good understanding of NPK ratios there, i'm a novice but i agree with you. What is hard is to determine the size of the bags and the concentration ratio exactly. If indeed parts is being used the ultimate calc needs this concentration ratio example: 2:1:2 (43) which gives NPK 17%-9%-17% and it is better to work out percentages. I wonder what is the parts ratio for the Masterblend Tomato 4.18.38. It can also be derived from g/kg or oz/lbs but i cant find any information about it anywhere.Something to think about: Masterblend website uses percentages and uses words like garuantee analysis. I wonder what the concentration levels is cause its hard to belive it can be a 4:18:36 (100) concentration.

[@59acres]

The numbers on the NPK are NOT RATIOS they are percentages.I've been a farmer over 30 years and if you cared to look on ANY container of fertilizer you would see the % symbol by the NPK numbers.I hope you haven't ruined any ones plants with your misinformation.

[@59acres]

59acres www.greenviewfertilizer.com/articles/reaguaranteed-analysis-label/

[@user-ks3ru9tp7h]

59acres Well, actually, you're wrong. A percentage is a RATIO with a denominator of 100. And the formula I mentioned remains correct. Sounds like you need to stick to farming and leave the math to others.

[@59acres]

Corey P Agreed but not many people understand that fertilizer is not 100% fertilizer and saying it is ratio will be confusing for them.Maybe better to explain that a 10kg bag of fertilizer would only contain 1.95 kilos of N and go from there.My apologies for my former snarky reply. MHP is doing some great work.

[@feitur]

You call it "crappy water" when something has a higher Ph than 7, but everything above 7 is preferable for human consumption, that guy should be happy getting 8.0 out of his tap, but lettuce likes slightly acidic water, humans do not.

[@bradyrobertson23]

Alex Brynhildarson dumbest comment ever

[@feitur]

Enlighten me.

[@CoolKoon]

Alex Brynhildarson "everything above 7 is preferable for human consumption" - Do you have any source/evidence for this? Because that statement pretty much makes you sound like you have no idea what you're talking about....

[@oncebefore3671]

i have watched this video several times --- it never gets old --- so clear and concise --- if there are any updates to your formula or new formulas, i hope to see you share them --- thank you

[@gopik8128]

Hello Bobby, Your videos are very informative, especially for beginers like me. Really appreciate more videos on hydroponics and your experiments.. tnx once again.

[@mhpgardener]

Excellent. I'm hearing from a lot of people that are new to hydroponics and things are going very well.

[@phyl1283]

That information is just what I needed to set up my Hydroponic garden. Thank you for the detailed info.

[@55nublet]

mhpgardener Hi Sir, I was wondering if you use the same amount 20-18-38 during the entire cycle of the suckers to the end process( tomato)? And thank you for the recipe.

[@mhpgardener]

Yes, you can use it for container feeding. But take into consideration any other nutrients you may have in the soil mix. It might be best to use this about half strength once a week, and let the plants tell you if they need more.

[@mhpgardener]

For people who want to grow indoors, or don't have a place to grow outside in the soil... hydroponics is a great alternative. I'm fortunate to be able to do both. :)

[@mhpgardener]

From what I've read, yes. It seems to work well in drip irrigation.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. For simplicity and ease of growing, the Kratky method is hard to beat. As long as you get the fertilizer levels correct, it's pretty much automatic from then on.

[@mhpgardener]

Hey Larry, Epsom Salt is used to supply the needed Magnesium for the plants. It's one of the micro nutrients and doesn't figure into the NPK. Hope that helps.

[@ChrisWarWalker]

i love how you just give detailed info.you even tell us how, who and where to get it; the page number,phone number,sku number.lol your are awesome.

[@thallium200]

The best information in detail so far I have come across about the proper fertilizer for hydroponics systems. Along with the comments below it gives you all you need to start.

[@LiliansGardens]

I watched this when the video was new and I will come here when I want to try my hands at it. Well explained thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

While it's so cold outside, hydroponics is a neat way to still keep some vegetables going. Happy New Year !

[@jacquelinesmith6883]

Fabulous explanation...I followed you right through the entire video. Those Chemistry courses I took way back when, came in handy to understand your presentation. I'm attempting spinach and Tom Thumb lettuce in a 4.5 gallon food grade bucket with 4 net pots in the lid. Indoors since it is still winter here in upstate NY. I selected one of each type of plant : 1 brand new spinach seedling ready to grow its true leaves, and a 2 week old lettuce plant in Jiffy peat plugs. The plugs are supported by a 3 inch net pot with expanded clay pellets above and below the Jiffy peat plug. They are just barely touching the nutrient solution to prevent shock. They are the 'guinea pigs' for my mixing attempt. When I went to get the nutrient ingredients, I chuckled because there was the exact formula printed on the tomato food 4-18-38 component. Your video took all the guesswork out of figuring out the right amounts for my water volume and type of plants, confirmed on the package. THANK YOU !!!!

[@Mr123greg123]

Thanks so much! You have made hydro-gardening easy and understandable for everyone...BEST HOW TO VIDEOS...God bless you and your family!

[@billkaroly]

Thanks for all your hard work. Your information has helped me put together my own dutch bucket system growing peppers. I started the plants on May 9th and they are doing great. Today I am changing out the nutrients.

[@billcoley8520]

I DONT THINK I HAVE EVER. Seen anyone go into depth explaining their knowledge as well as you just explained this video . I took a photo because I can, keep it with me

[@M0D0C42]

Thank you for taking the time to post the formula and explain the details of it. Much appreciated! When the snow melts in five months, I hope to give this method a try. :)

[@rchopp]

This is by far some of the best info I've ever seen, you did a marvelous job Thanks you very much my friend.

[@JDHannah1122]

Very helpful! I’m just learning the chemistry of hydroponics. Thanks for taking the time to provide this info. I ordered sone Masterblend for my small Kratky set up.

[@mikehodapp1044]

thank you for explaining the numbers and how you got them. I'm getting a lot of good info from your videos, Planning on starting next spring.

[@mhpgardener]

This is what I do. I ALWAYS mix it up in a 5 gal bucket using the specified ratios. Make sure all of the fertilizer is completely dissolved and mixed thoroughly, then use whatever amount you need to fill smaller containers. The margin for error is much smaller when you try to mix it by the gallon.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Simon. I looked up the Drip Clean. Sounds like something worth looking into.

[@DOLFINOWOLF]

mhp THAT WAS the most Inteligent, and well presented KZbin video ever for me... I have learned a great deal & I feel EVERYONE can learn the BEST of the basics from this video CLASS on Fertilizers PERIOD!!!! Will be seeing lots more from your channel. Thank You very much for taking the time & as a fully disabled Vet I do not have the words Brother.... God Bless.....

[@brianlipsey9883]

Another great video. You make the best Hydroponic videos on youtube hands down. thank you for the info and your time.

[@mhpgardener]

I bought a small digital scale from Walmart. It has an option for measuring in grams. I think it was about 10-15 dollars, not expensive at all.

[@GerryStilton]

Hi Bobby, thanks for this great video you made, I had to come back and reference it a few times. Hope you and your are well and hope you will be sharing new videos of you growing again soon.

[@harrywilliams2005]

Awesome video. Thanks for breaking things down so well. Very detailed and easy to understand. Blessings to you.

[@soupy4099]

Thanks a ton for this! We are making a hydroponic system at my school and we are going to be using this formula.

[@mhpgardener]

There is a simple explanation for the 4% nitrogen. This formula is adaptable to both seedlings and mature plants. Having the option to add Calcium Nitrate at varying levels allows you to adjust the amount of Nitrogen in the overall mix. This would also allow you to adjust the Nitrogen levels for growing other types of vegetables based on specific needs.

[@buynsell365]

GREAT VIDEO !!!! I have learned a LOT from your videos......especially this one. Very well explained. Keep up the great work. You are amazing.

[@theresareid7049]

what should the EC and PH readngs be at? I have a 40 gallon tank for tomatoes and lettuce and a 10 gallon tank for lettuce as well, I am going to start a 5 gallon bucket for cucmbers

[@ericb5711]

I'm doing my first ever hydroponic grow and this is the most informative video I've seen so far!thank you!! I have a good veg liquid nutrient but I was trying to figure out how to use miracle grow bloom in a hydro set up...yes sir you explained that well.

[@mhpgardener]

I wish I had a place really "indoors" to grow some plants. A place where the temperatures were very stable and predictable. That would probably be a bad thing though, cuz between the greenhouses and an indoor grow room, I'd never get any sleep ! Thanks Brock.

[@RichardsWorld]

Question. I mixed the 12G 12G 6G in 5 gallons for tomatoes, but the PPM is about 1,000. When looking up charts for tomatoes it says it should be 1,400 - 3,500 PPM. I added a lot more nutrients to get to 1,400 PPM. Should I have just stuck to 12G 12g 6G, or add the nutrients until I got to 1,400 PPM? Our first test is already at the 1,400 PPM. I guess we can do one wit the 12G 12G 6G. I'll keep my eye out on the tomato plant. Seems OK for now, but it has only been 24 hours.

[@kathywind1584]

I'm new to hydroponics. My question is I am using Envy Part A 7-0-5 Part B is 2-6-6 I added them up but that not enough food for my plants how do I get my numbers high enough to feed tomatos and bell peppers.

[@mhpgardener]

Yea, there is a difference in the nitrate levels as labeled. I guess it depends on the feeding schedule for the liquids. It varies quite a bit. For growing lettuce, I wait until the growth cycle is complete, then I top off or empty and refill. For the dutch buckets, I try to change out at least once a month.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks friend. I tried my best to cover everything. :)

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. I'm glad they've been helpful.

[@mhpgardener]

That's a neat idea Jamey. Good luck with it.

[@ThunderLightenBolt]

Thanks..this cleared some things up for me. I'm new to this so your video explaining the N-P-K was very helpful . Thanks again for all you do and have a Happy New Year !

[@mhpgardener]

Hey Fred, the first thing I would do is check the Triple 18 to see whether it is designed for hydroponics or for soil growing. Then, if it is for hydro, I'd be looking for a water soluble source of K. How much to add would depend on what you were able to find.

[@tlynne7963]

Awesome! Thank you for this breakdown & very informative information. Best I have found so far. God Bless you.

[@mhpgardener]

You're welcome. Hope it was helpful.

[@Sinha.ritesh]

I have watched your video more than 5 times till now

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks bro. And a safe Happy New Year to you too.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

THE most important info for any container gardening!! Thanks.

[@armedmariner]

I continue to watch your videos over and over and over. You are a true teacher and you are a kind fellow. May God bless you and your every endeavor. You are helping to feed His flock sir!

[@kccustomuph]

Can't tell you how many times I have referred to this video. Very helpful. Thanks so much.