This is the last step ..

Step 5 - Nutrient Solution:

   There are many options: commercial liquid fertilizer, organic fertilizer, mixing separate nutrient components, etc....I've been wanting to switch over to 'organic' gardening for some time, so for hydroponics, organic fertilizer just seemed like a natural choice for me. One of the websites I observed during my online research suggested a specific brand called 'Maxsea', which contains all necessary organic nutrients -except for Magnesium, which can be added-according to the website- with Epsom salts. I am a big fan of the easy-to-use 'just add water' fertilizers, and since they have three fertilizing ratios (bloom, all-purpose and acid), which makes it easier to switch to organic for all of my gardening needs, I personally chose the Maxsea fertilizer. I had to purchase it online and await delivery (anxiously) to set up my system, but the cost is reasonable, and a jar goes a long way..

   For mixing nutrient solution, my research suggested........

Stage 1: Start with a 3-20-20 fertilizer until seedlings are about ten days old = I mixed 1 level teasponn of the Maxsea per gallon of 'distilled' water ( appx. 400 ppm - for those of you who understand the chemistry); I also added 1/4 teaspoon Epsom salts per gallon to include the missing Magnesium.

Stage 2: Once plants are established, change nutrient solution to a 16-16-16 fertilizer = 1 rounded teaspoon per gallon of distilled water (appx. 600 ppm).

Stage 3: During 'flowering' stage, change nutrient solution to a mix of 16-16-16 and 3-20-20 fertilizers = 1 well-rounded teaspoon per gallon of distilled water (appx. 700 ppm). Use this solution for about two weeks, then...

Stage 4: Switch back to the 3-20-20 fertilizer, this time at twice the strength used for seedlings = 2 level teaspoons per gallon of distilled water (appx. 800 ppm).

Stage 5: It is also suggested for produce to remove nutrient solution and flush with 'plain' water for about seven days before harvest to improve the taste and aroma of the crops. Be sure to change the water daily during the last few days.

   ***Hang a grow light no more than 12" above the reservoir. Fill your reservoir with enough 'starter' nutrient solution to flow about 1" - 2" above the holes at the bottom of the seed pots. Fill pots with growing medium and place in the reservoir lid. Plant your seeds and plug in the air pump. And there you have it...

A simple, yet efficient Reservoir - type hydroponics system for under $100 (see photo 6)

Hydro system photo 6

 Happy Growing!!!!

Chellflower