Why are nutrients and plant boosters important for hydroponic gardening?
Nutrients play a vital role in biological processes such as plant growth, photosynthesis, metabolism and root development. Essential plant nutrients include potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium, plus trace elements such as manganese, and iron.
Nutrients and plant boosters are a crucial aspect of plant maintenance in hydroponic gardens and indoor farms. Since hydroponics is a growing technique that relies on soilless systems, plants don’t have access to nutrients found within soil. Instead, they need to be fed critical nutrients necessary for each stage of growth within the water itself. Nutrients are mixed with water into a solution and poured into a reservoir from which it is delivered to the root zone via various methods depending on the hydroponic system used.
Nutrients for Soil
Growers using more traditional soil-based cultivation methods such as container gardening need to ensure their plants receive the correct levels of nutrients too. This is because the nutrient content in soil can become quickly depleted, especially for plants grown in small containers.
All plants need essential macro and micronutrients to thrive and the amounts they require will vary depending on the species. For example, some might need more nitrogen than others while another type of plant may need higher levels of phosphorus for flowering and fruiting.
We sell a wide range of nutrients to ensure your crops stay healthy and blooming. Nutrients kits for soil grown plants such as the Biobizz complete kit for soil includes all the nourishment your plants need through all growth stages from rooting to blooming.
Vegetative Boosters
Vegetative boosters are plant supplements engineered to promote vigorous growth throughout the vegetative stage. These boosters promote strong roots, robust stems and lush, green foliage. Containing a mix of essential elements, micronutrients, hormones, amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes, these boosters prepare your plants for a healthier harvest. With a huge range from top brands, we have vegetative boosters for all plant species so you can achieve bountiful yields.
Flower & Bloom Boosters
Flower and bloom boosters contain carefully selected nutrients and hormones that enhance the flowering stage. As well as increasing flower size, quantity and quality, these plant boosters will promote uniform fruit formation, enhanced flavour and aroma and can extend the flowering period.
If you are looking for ways to generate bigger more bountiful yields then flower boosters are well worth investing in. Some options also contain ingredients that fight off stress, drought and disease. We stock all the top boosters including Advanced Nutrient’s Overdrive, specially formulated for the late flowering stage to promote stronger development and increased flowering.
pH balancers for plants
Plants need a delicate balance of pH levels to remain healthy. Nutrient deficiencies can occur if the pH is too high or low.
Poor pH levels can cause what’s known as nutrient lockout. This is a condition that can impede a plant’s ability to absorb certain nutrients and minerals. pH balancers prevent nutrient lockout by regulating the levels within the appropriate range for the plant.
But what causes an imbalance of pH?
There are several factors that can impact the pH levels of soil or hydroponically grown plants. These include soil composition, the pH of the water, microbial activity, and over fertilisation.
There are many pH balancers available to buy that to either increase or decrease acidity. Biobizz Bio-pH Down is a specially formulated pH regulator designed to reduce pH levels to help plants absorb maximum nutrients. BioBizz Bio-pH Up is ideal for raising levels if they get too low.
At London Grow, we sell a wide range of pH regulators from all the leading brands including Dutch Pro, Vitalink, and Growth Technology.
Organic plant nutrients
Many growers like to opt for organic plant nutrients, and it’s easy to see why. Environmentally friendly, they promote health growth, sustainability, and produce excellent results.
Organic nutrients fall into two categories; organic nutrients for soil based growing systems, and hydroponic growing.
Organic nutrients and fertilisers for soil-based growing
Nutrients for soil based cultivation are derived from natural resources such as organic matter, compost, seaweed, bone meal, manure, worm casts, minerals, fish emulsion, and more. Added to the soil, organic mixes slowly decompose to provide a steady supply of nutrients to plants. This slow release can help to avoid nutrient leaching when watering the plants.
As well as releasing essential nutrients and promoting the growth of beneficial microbes through microbial activity which improves the overall health of the soil, organic mixes and composts also improve soil structure to promote aeration, water retention, and can improve drainage. Organic matter can also help to buffer pH levels which can help the substrate become more resistant to harmful pH fluctuations.
Dr Forest produces a wide range of premium organic fertilisers, such as the All Purpose 5-4-3 that improves the quality of soil for better overall health and bigger yields. Guanokalong Complete Organics is another 100% organic all in one fertiliser perfect for improving soil quality.
Organic nutrients for soil are also available in liquid form such as the BioBizz Nutrients Kits and Hydrotops Solo Bloom.
Organic nutrients for hydroponic growing
Organic nutrients for hydroponic growing methods are derived from organic material but are processed into liquid form for easy application. Specially formulated to form a sterile feed, they support the different developmental stages of plant growth and facilitate easy nutrient uptake. Simply mix with water to form a nutrient rich solution.
Often organic hydroponic nutrients will contain pH balancers to help stabilise the pH level within the optimal range for your plant species. A benefit of liquid nutrients is that it is easier to control nutrient concentrations for precise dosing.
Big Bud by Advanced Nutrients is a popular organic nutrient for hydroponic growing, ideal for achieving excellent flowering and huge yields.
Additives & Nutrients that protect plants from pests and disease
Well nourished, healthy plants are naturally more resistant to pests and disease. There are many nutrients available to buy that are specifically designed to not only strengthen overall plant structure, health, and promote better nutrient uptake, but will also protect plants from pests and disease.
For example, CANNA CANNACURE, is a specially formulated plant protector that not only stimulates growth and blooming but also fights pests and mildew. It is toxin free and comes in a spray bottle for easy application.
Other additives such as Silver Bullet Roots are designed to fight organisms, fungi, and diseases that can develop in hydroponic systems. In addition, this additive also stimulates growth through its oxygenating properties.
Shogun Silicon is another popular additive made from highly concentrated potassium silicate that stimulates healthy development and resistance to pest attacks. Potassium silicate can help to enhance natural defence mechanisms and improve plant cell wall structures by creating a barrier, making it harder for pests and disease to penetrate plant cells. It also promotes nutrient uptake and overall plant health.
Allicin, derived from crushed garlic is known as one of nature’s most potent antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiviral compounds. It is beneficial to plants due to its ability to help protect crops from pests and disease. Biogreen Garlic is an allicin based product that can be used as a preventative against infestations and disease or as a cure.
Buy Plant Nutrients, Boosters and Additives Online
At London Grow, we sell an impressive range of nutrients, boosters and additives to suit all types of growing methods. Visit our grow shop in Enfield where you will find racks of top quality nutrients from the best brands. Otherwise order online with confidence for fast UK delivery.
As with all nutrients, we advise following the directions on the packet carefully to avoid overfeeding your plants. Overfeeding can lead to nutrient burn and other issues. If you need help choosing the right nutrients for your plants, get in touch for expert advice.