DIY Hydroponics: 10 Dos and Don'ts
Emma Horne 6/10
Don’t Spring for an Expensive Setup
If you’re just starting out with hydroponic gardening, you don’t need to invest in a costly system. There are simple hydroponic bucket kits for less than $40 that are ideal for dipping your toe into soil-less gardening. Even considering the added cost of a grow light and nutrient solution, you still won’t spend more than $100 to be up and running. If you catch the hydroponic bug, you can invest in more bucket kits to expand your home hydroponic garden. These systems are great for urban gardens.
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Don’t Use Regular Fertilizer
Hydroponic nutrient solutions are specially formulated to properly dilute when pumped through a growing system, keeping the setup running smoothly and delivering the right amount of nutrients to your plants. Regular fertilizers, on the other hand, will not dilute completely and can damage the pumps and other equipment. They should never be used for a hydroponic garden. Even with a nutrient solution specifically made for a hydroponic growing system, be careful not to fertilize too often.
“Over frequent fertilization can be deadly not only for your plants but also for the entire hydroponic system as the particles may clog up the pump and ruin everything,” cautions McKenzie.
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Don’t Neglect Your Plants
Hydroponic gardens need a certain amount of TLC, from the systems to the plants. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of burns, fungal or bacterial infection or pests and intervene promptly at the first sign of trouble. Prune and trim your plants to promote vigorous, hearty growth and check to make sure they’re all getting enough light.
“Pay close attention to any plants that are in danger of getting less light,” advises Stark. “Plants that are behind other plants, in the corner or smaller than your other plants can suffer from light deficiency that can stunt the plant’s growth.”
