Hydroponics24 - Soilless Gardening Explained

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Hydroponics can be a rewarding method for growing plants, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most critical factors to consider is pH management; neglecting this aspect can lead to a host of problems that could jeopardize your entire garden. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a thriving hydroponic system. Neglecting Regular pH Testing One of the biggest mistakes in hydroponics is not checking the pH of your water regularly. The pH level can change more often than you'd think, especially as plants take up nutrients. When you're not keeping tabs on it, plants can start to struggle. Their roots absorb nutrients best when the pH is just right, so skipping pH checks can lead to nutrient lockout, stunted growth, or yellowing leaves. Even if your setup is running smoothly, it’s still essential to check pH regularly—at least once a week. Another issue with not testing pH often enough is that problems can sneak up on you. One

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Nitrate vs. Urea in Hydroponics: Is Urea Worth It? Using nitrate (NO3) for nitrogen in hydroponics is pretty standard, but some people wonder if adding urea—known for slowly releasing ammonia—could give plants a growth boost. Since plants can absorb both nitrate and ammonia, it’s a fair question to ask if urea could help in a hydro setup. How Urea Breaks Down Urea breaks down in water into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which plants can take up, or bacteria can turn into nitrate. This slow-release idea sounds good, but it doesn’t usually lead to better growth in hydroponics. Research shows that pure nitrate generally works better than urea, especially in setups without any growing media. Organic vs. Inorganic Media In systems with organic media like peat moss, urea breaks down into ammonia faster. Inorganic media speeds up the conversion from ammonia to nitrate. But even then, nitrate still outperforms urea when it comes to crop yields. There have been a f

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Vinegar can certainly lower pH in your hydroponic setup. It’s a simple, cheap, and accessible tool that might just save your plants from nutrient lockouts associated with high pH alkaline tap or well water. Using white vinegar is a quick way to acidify your nutrient solution. Just 1 teaspoon per gallon can help bring those pH levels down. If you decide to use vinegar, start with small doses, and you can gradually adjust based on how your plants respond. Why Vinegar is Only a Temporary Fix Vinegar as a hydroponic pH down is only a short-term fix. You’ll want to monitor the pH regularly since the effects can wear off in just a few days. One downside to vinegar is the potential for microbial growth, turning your nutrient solution into a breeding ground for unwanted organisms. Beware of Microbial Growth with Vinegar Biofilms are another concern with vinegar use. These slimy layers can build up in your system. You might think about using lemon juice; unlike

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Can You Grow Peppers in Kratky Method? Let’s Find Out! The short answer? Yes, you can grow peppers using the Kratky method of hydroponics, but it’s not as simple as growing lettuce. If you’re up for a challenge, it’s totally worth trying! Let’s break down what you need to know and why some people succeed while others struggle when growing peppers this way. Peppers Need Big Containers Peppers grow a lot bigger and need way more nutrients than something like lettuce. That’s why many people who’ve had success growing big, beautiful pepper plants in Kratky used massive containers—sometimes 10 gallons or more! The bigger the container, the more nutrients and water your peppers will have as they grow. More Prone to Issues Than Lettuce Unlike lettuce, which is easy-going, peppers can be a bit more temperamental in Kratky. They’re more prone to nutrient deficiencies, water issues, and root problems. It’s definitely possible to grow peppers this way, but there’

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey In traditional Kratky hydroponic systems, plants grow in stagnant nutrient solutions with limited airflow around the roots. This lack of airflow can lead to an accumulation of warm, CO₂-rich air near the roots, which can promote root rot and other issues. The new improvement involves adding a small hole on the side of the container to create a passive ventilation effect, which helps replace the stagnant, hot air with fresh, oxygen-rich air. The Chimney Effect This works through the chimney effect: as the hot air inside the container rises and escapes through the opening at the top (where the net cup sits), it creates a vacuum that pulls fresh air in from any openings near the bottom or side of the container. The air movement happens naturally—hot air rises, and the pressure difference brings cooler air in from the outside. This circulation helps replace the stagnant air inside the container, keeping the roots cooler and oxygenated. Importance of Hole

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey How Citric Acid Can Help Lower pH in Hydroponics Citric acid is a quick and easy way to lower pH levels in hydroponics. It's organic, found in citrus fruits, and does a good job when you need fast results. But here’s the catch—it's not very stable. While it can bring your pH down temporarily, you might see it rise back up sooner than you'd like. If you're looking for a quick fix, citric acid can do the job, but you’ll need to keep an eye on your pH regularly to make sure it stays in the right range. The Problem with Citric Acid in Hydroponic Systems One downside to using citric acid is that it can encourage microbial growth. Since it’s organic, it can help bacteria flourish in your nutrient solution. This might lead to issues like biofilm and cloudiness, making it harder to keep your pH stable. If you’re using a method like Kratky and want low-maintenance, citric acid might not be the best option for long-term use. Citric Acid vs. Phosph

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Adjusting EC or PPM for Hot and Cold Temps Using the same EC or PPM all year? Not always the best move. Plants adjust how much water and nutrients they take in depending on the temperature, so changing your nutrient levels with the seasons can help them grow better. Winter: Higher EC for Slower Growth In the winter, plants slow down since it's cooler, and they drink less water. This means you can bump up your EC or PPM since they won’t be taking in as much liquid. The higher concentration ensures they still get enough nutrients without being overloaded with water. Even though they’re growing slower, they stay fed. Summer: Lower EC for Fast Growth When it’s hot, plants drink a ton of water to stay hydrated. If your EC or PPM is too high, they’ll take in too many nutrients with that water, which could lead to nutrient burn. Keeping those levels lower lets them drink what they need without going overboard on nutrients. Evaporation in Hot Weather In the

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Why is this System Good:   larger tank / reservoir capacity, which means less fluctuations in PH, temperature & EC / ppm.   Easier to check the EC & PH on one system than multiple Kratky containers.   Compact space efficient design.   Easy to change water.   Can grow larger fruiting plants. Why does this System Suck:   Water may be exposed to light which would cause algae.   If the air gap doesn't grow big enough, roots may suffer with low oxygen.   If the water drops bellow MIN level, plants roots may dry. The Bee Hive Passive Kratky System Photos

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey What is Inter-Root Competition? Inter-root competition happens when plants’ roots fight over limited resources like nutrients, water, and oxygen. In hydroponics, where everything is tightly controlled, this competition can sneak up on you if plants’ roots grow too close or too big. When roots tangle or overlap, they start stealing from each other, which means some plants may get starved of what they need to thrive. Nutrient Wars When plants fight for nutrients, the ones with stronger, faster-growing roots can take up most of it, leaving the smaller or slower growers struggling. In hydroponic setups, this imbalance can cause weaker plants to show deficiencies while others thrive. It's basically a nutrient tug-of-war that messes with your crop’s overall health and productivity. Oxygen Hogging Oxygen is another resource plants fight over, especially in deep water culture or flood-and-drain systems. If one plant’s roots dominate the space, they can hog t

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Hydroponics often requires more pH adjustments than soil, even if both setups seem stable at first. This comes down to several differences between how water and soil systems handle pH changes. So, why does pH fluctuate more in hydroponics? No Natural Buffers Like Organic Matter One big reason is that soil naturally has buffers that help keep the pH stable. Things like minerals and organic matter in the soil act like shock absorbers, slowing down how quickly pH changes. In hydroponics, water doesn't have those natural buffers, so any small change in pH can have a bigger impact, and fast. Root Excretions Affect pH More Rapidly Another thing is that roots give off substances that can alter pH. In soil, these root excretions get absorbed or broken down more slowly, but in water, they can shift the pH almost immediately. There’s nothing there to slow down the change like there is in soil. Evaporation Concentrates Nutrients Evaporation also plays a role