Mar 01 2009
Hydroponics pH
The hydroponics pH level is one of the most important factors in growing plants with hydroponics. Most plants need a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5 to grow properly, if the hydroponics pH level gets off, your plants cannot get enough nutrients and will begin to do poorly. You will begin to notice that you are getting mineral deposits on the sides of your container also. The minerals will not stay dissolved in the water if the hydroponics pH is not correct.
The pH scale is divided into acid and alkaline. The average kitchen tap water has a pH of 7 that is considered neutral, which is neither acid nor alkaline. The 6.0 to 6.5 pH level is a little bit on the acid side of the pH scale. You should test for the hydroponics pH level every so often and correct it back to the 6.0 to 6.5 range as needed. This will keep your plants happy and healthy.
Test for the hydroponics pH level by using either a meter or a test strip that you can find at garden supply stores or hydroponics supply stores. They also sell the hydroponics pH adjusters if you need them.
If you use a test strips to test for hydroponics pH are sure to read the results according to the instructions because the test strip will continue to change and could give you a false reading if you wait too long!
If you use a meter to test for hydroponics pH level just stick the probe into the water and take a reading shown on the scale. This is what I use to test. It is so simple.
If you need to adjust the hydroponics pH level up or down, do this very gradually so you won’t send your plants into shock. Hydroponics plants are more susceptible to rapid changes than the plants grown outside in your garden.
While it is critical that the proper pH level is maintained, testing and correcting any problems doesn’t have to be complicated. Just use a meter to test and have hydroponics pH adjusting solutions on hand.
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