Nutrient Questions for Tower Garden
Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:41 am
I recently built a DIY hydroponic tower garden and I have a couple of questions on nutrients that I'm hoping someone can help answer. I have been using AeroGarden Liquid Plant Food (at the advice of the DIY guide I followed) in amounts a bit above what is recommended for the 12-pod garden since my tower has 18 pods. I have been measuring my pH, EC, and ppm however and am getting values which are way outside the target ranges I've read about and while some of my plants have been growing really well there are others which are showing signs of yellowing/browning in some areas so I'm concerned.
My system holds 7 gallons of water, which I'm sure is more than the AeroGarden units hold so part of me worries I might be way too diluted and hence the low readings...but I've also read all the warnings above using too much nutrient solution so I'm wary of just adding more. My recent readings are as follows: pH 3.85 (should be 5.7-6.3?), EC 1110 (should be 1,800?), ppm 540 (should be 800?), and I have been adding ~30ml of the solution every two weeks when I top the water off with around 1 gallon.
With that said, can anyone advise on my nutrient situation? Are those measurements as far out of line and as concerning as they look? Is the answer to simply use more nutrients since I have more water in my system, or should I be using different nutrients? Do I need to use pH-up in addition to the nutrient solution I'm using? Any advice on my situation is greatly appreciated!
My system holds 7 gallons of water, which I'm sure is more than the AeroGarden units hold so part of me worries I might be way too diluted and hence the low readings...but I've also read all the warnings above using too much nutrient solution so I'm wary of just adding more. My recent readings are as follows: pH 3.85 (should be 5.7-6.3?), EC 1110 (should be 1,800?), ppm 540 (should be 800?), and I have been adding ~30ml of the solution every two weeks when I top the water off with around 1 gallon.
With that said, can anyone advise on my nutrient situation? Are those measurements as far out of line and as concerning as they look? Is the answer to simply use more nutrients since I have more water in my system, or should I be using different nutrients? Do I need to use pH-up in addition to the nutrient solution I'm using? Any advice on my situation is greatly appreciated!