Pests and diseases

 Diseases and pests are prevalent problems with any form of gardening, such as hydroponics. Hydroponic systems can help limit the risk of some soil pests, but no system is invincible to other pests and diseases. It is necessary to institute preventative practices and early detection strategies to guard your hydroponic crops. Following are some frequent hydroponic pests and diseases and methods for their management.

Common Hydroponic Pests:

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants, leading to stunted growth and deformation. They breed very fast, so early detection is important.

Whiteflies: Tiny, winged insects that feed on plant sap and lead to yellowing and wilting of leaves. They are well known for spreading plant viruses.

Thrips: Small, elongated insects that consume plant sap and create silvery stripes on leaves and buds. They also spread plant diseases.

Spider Mites: Arachnids that are microscopic and feed on plant sap, resulting in yellowing and speckling of leaves. They spin webbing on the surface of the plant.

Fungus Gnats: Flying insects that are small, and they deposit eggs in the growing medium. The larvae consume plant roots, resulting in weak plant health.

Common Diseases in Hydroponics:

Pythium (Root Rot): A widespread root disease produced by the water mold Pythium, causing root rot and wilting of the plant.

Fusarium: A fungal disease in soil that infects plant roots and causes wilting and leaf yellowing.

Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease manifesting as white, powdery patches on leaves and stems, inhibiting photosynthesis.

Downy Mildew: A fungal disease that results in yellow spots on the top leaf surface and a downy, fuzzy growth on the bottom leaf surface.

Botrytis (Gray Mold): A fungus that results in grayish-brown spots on plant tissues and can cause quick plant rot.

Management and Prevention:

Keep it Clean: Keep your hydroponic system, containers, and equipment clean to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

Quarantine New Plants: Keep new plants segregated for a couple of days and check for the presence of pests or diseases prior to introducing them into your core hydroponics system.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Apply IPM techniques, which include utilizing good insects (such as ladybugs) or discharging predator mites to fight pests.

Good Hygiene: Clean hands first before working around plants, and don't cross-pollute plants with insects from the yard garden.

Monitor Regularly: Inspect your plants regularly for any pest or disease symptoms. Early detection enables immediate action.

Isolate Infected Plants: Remove any infected plants from the hydroponic system immediately to avoid further infection.

Optimize Growing Conditions: Keep your hydroponic system in the best possible conditions for plant health, such as temperature, humidity, and light.

Use Disease-Resistant Varieties: Use disease-resistant plant varieties when available.

By being careful and taking appropriate preventive measures, you can reduce the effect of pests and diseases on your hydroponic plants and have a successful and healthy hydroponic garden.

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What you can grow in a hydroponic system

What you can plant in a hydroponic system will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of hydroponic system you have, how much space you have available, and your own preferences. Hydroponics provides a lot of options, and you can grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and even certain flowers. These are some of the most common options for hydroponic gardening.

Here's a comprehensive list of what you can grow in a hydroponic system, including types of plants, growing conditions, and success tips:

Leafy Greens

                                                                      

With a hydroponic system, you can cultivate a large number of plants—particularly those with shallow root systems. Here's a breakdown by category:

✅ Vegetables

Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula

Herbs: Basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, dill, oregano

Fruiting vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (bell and chili), eggplants

Cruciferous veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower (more challenging, but feasible).

✅ Fruits

Strawberries, Blueberries, (challenging, requires special pH) Melons (space-sucking, but feasible) Dwarf varieties of fruit trees (only in very large systems).

✅ Root vegetables (difficult but achievable with the proper system).

Radishes, Beets, Carrots, Potatoes (in aeroponics or deep water culture)

✅ Flowers & Ornamentals, Marigolds, Petunias, Orchids (aeroponics) and Lavender.

Top beginner-friendly plants: Lettuce, Basil, Mint, Spinach, Green onions.

 Suggested Hydroponic System for Each Type System Type Best For Notes.

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
Lettuce, herbs, strawberries
System Type Best For Notes
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
Lettuce, herbs, strawberries
System Type Best For Notes
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
Lettuce, herbs, strawberries
Employ a shallow stream of nutrient water.

DWC (Deep Water Culture)
Leafy greens, herbs
DWC (Deep Water Culture)
Leafy greens, herbs
DWC (Deep Water Culture)
Leafy greens, herbs
Float roots in aerated water.

Drip System
Fruiting vegetables, root crops
Drip System
Fruiting vegetables, root crops
Drip System
Fruiting vegetables, root crops
Extremely versatile and scalable
Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain)
Medium.

Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain)
Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain)
Medium plants such as peppers
Alternates water to roots periodically.

Aeroponics
Orchids, strawberries, leafy greens
Sprays nutrient mist; very efficient but technical.

Kratky Method

Novices – lettuce, basil
No electricity 
No electricity 
No electricity required; passive hydroponics.

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Guide to Hydroponic Nutrient Solution

In hydroponic systems, without soil, plant growth is dependent on a nutrient solution being able to directly supply all mineral requirements via the water.

There needs to be the proper blend of macronutrients—for example, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—for overall plant development, flowering, and root establishment. It must also contain secondary nutrients such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S), in addition to trace elements including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B). 

The nutrients have to be dissolved in water in appropriate quantities and properly controlled so that the plants get the best uptake. pH and EC (electrical conductivity) are two parameters of paramount importance that decide the efficacy of a nutrient solution. The optimal pH level for the majority of hydroponic crops is between 5.5 and 6.5, which provides maximum availability of nutrients.

 EC, expressed in mS/cm, is a measure of dissolved salts concentration; for the majority of vegetables, an optimal range of 1.2 to 2.0 mS/cm is recommended. Monitoring and adjustment of pH and EC levels on a regular basis are important to avoid nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.

 Properly blended and stored nutrient solutions result in more rapid growth, more robust plants, and greater yields in hydroponic crop production.

                                                           Mixing a nutrient solution

 Guide to Hydroponic Nutrient Solution

✅ 1. Nutrients that are absolutely necessary
Macronutrients (required in large quantities):
Nitrogen (N): Develops leaves and stems.
Sources: Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), Potassium nitrate (KNO3)

Macronutrients (required in large quantities):
Nitrogen (N): Develops leaves and stems.
Sources: Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), Potassium nitrate (KNO3)

Phosphorus (P): For root growth, flowers, and fruits. 

Source: Monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4)

Potassium (K): Supports general health, water balance, and fruit growth.
Sources: Potassium nitrate, Monopotassium phosphate.

Calcium (Ca): Strengthens cell walls and stops blossom end rot.
Source: Calcium nitrate.

Magnesium (Mg): Central component of chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
Source: Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt).

Sulfur (S): Assists in the formation of amino acids and enzymes.
Sources: Magnesium sulfate, Potassium sulfate.

Micronutrients (required in small quantities):

Iron (Fe): Necessary for chlorophyll formation.
Source: Chelated Fe (Fe-EDTA, Fe-DTPA, Fe-EDDHA)
Manganese (Mn): Activator of photosynthesis enzymes.
Source: Manganese sulfate (MnSO4)
Zinc (Zn): Growth regulation and production of hormones.
Source: Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4)
Copper (Cu): Critical to reproductive growth.
Source: Copper sulfate (CuSO4)
Boron (B): Reinforces cell walls.
Source: Boric acid (H3BO3)
Molybdenum (Mo): Assists in nitrogen metabolism.
Source: Sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4)
Chlorine (Cl): Maintains osmotic pressure. Ordinarily available in tap water.

 2. Sample Recipe for Nutrient (Per 10 Litters of Water)
Base Nutrients:

Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO3)2): 10 g
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3): 5 g
Monopotassium Phosphate (KH2PO4): 2 g
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4·7H2O): 5 g
Micronutrient Blend:
Iron (Fe-EDTA): 0.5 g
Manganese Sulfate (MnSO4): 0.2 g
Boric Acid (H3BO3): 0.2 g
Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO4): 0.05 g
Copper Sulfate (CuSO4): 0.05 g
Sodium Molybdate (Na2MoO4): 0.05 g
 If available, use a pre-mixed micronutrient solution for convenience and precision.

 3. Mixing Instructions

Utilize clean water (reverse osmosis or distilled is best).
Dissolve Calcium Nitrate in 5 liters of water (Solution A).
Dissolve the remaining salts in another 5 liters (Solution B).
Pour Solution A, then Solution B into the reservoir.
Micronutrients add last, once the major nutrients dissolve completely.
Check and balance pH to 5.5 – 6.5.

Keep an eye on EC (electrical conductivity) between 1.2 – 2.0 mS/cm depending on crop.
EC (Electric Conductivity) and PPM (Parts Per Million) are both measurements of strength in nutrient solutions for hydroponics, but they are not equivalent. The conversion factor will be based on what conversion factor your EC/PPM meter uses.

What is EC (mS/cm) in Hydroponics?

✅ Definition:

EC stands for Electrical Conductivity, and it indicates how well electricity can travel through a solution. In hydroponics, this informs you about how concentrated your nutrient solution is - because more dissolved salts (nutrients) carry electricity better.

✅ Typical Conversion Factors:

EC (mS/cm)\to PPM (500 scale)\to PPM (700 scale)
1.0\t500 ppm\t700 ppm
➤ So:
1.0 EC = 500 ppm (if your meter uses the 500 scale)
1.0 EC = 700 ppm (if your meter has the 700 scale)

 Note: Always verify your meter to determine if it operates off the 500 or 700 scale (also referred to as the NaCl or 442 scale).

Would you like an easy chart of EC to PPM values over a range?
 
Here is an easy EC to PPM conversion chart for 500 scale and 700 scale meters:

EC to PPM Conversion Chart;

EC (mS/cm) PPM (500 Scale) to PPM (700 Scale):

                                                                PPM (500 Scale)  (700 Scale)    

0.2 100 ppm to 140 ppm

0.4 200 ppm to 280 ppm

0.6 300 ppm to 420 ppm

0.8 400 ppm to 560 ppm

1.0 500 ppm to 700 ppm

1.2 600 ppm to 840 ppm

1.4 700 ppm to 980 ppm

1.6 800 ppm to 1120 ppm

1.8 900 ppm to 1260 ppm

2.0 1000 ppm to1400 ppm

2.2 1100 ppm to 1540 ppm

2.4 1200 ppm to 1680 ppm

2.6 1300 ppm to 1820 ppm

2.8 1400 ppm to 1960 ppm

3.0 1500 ppm to 2100 ppm

What Is pH? :

pH is a reading of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a liquid is. In hydroponics (and soil gardening), it informs you about how efficiently plants are able to uptake nutrients from the water.

✅ Optimum pH for Hydroponics:

The majority of hydroponic crops have a preferred range of 5.5 to 6.5.

Too acidic: nutrients such as calcium and magnesium become unavailable.

Too alkaline: nutrients such as iron and phosphorus become inaccessible. 

4. Crop-Specific EC and pH Guidelines

Crop\EC (mS/cm)\pH Range

Lettuce EC  1.2 – 1.8 pH 5.8 – 6.2
Tomatoes EC 2.0 – 3.5 pH 5.5 – 6.5
Strawberries EC 1.4 – 1.8 pH 5.5 – 6.5
Spinach EC1.8 – 2.3 pH 6.0 – 7.0
Basil EC t1.0 – 1.6 pH 5.5 – 6.5

 5. Tips for Success

Always test and know your water quality.

Store nutrient solutions in cool, dark areas.

Mix and stir nutrients well before using.

Clean hydroponic systems regularly to prevent diseases.

Use quality EC and pH meters and calibrate them often.

Avoid mixing calcium nitrate with other nutrients directly—it causes precipitation.

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Hydroponic nutrient formulas

 Creating hydroponic nutrient formulas involves carefully balancing the essential macro and micronutrients required for plant growth. While there are various commercial hydroponic nutrient products available, some hydroponic growers prefer to customize their nutrient solutions to meet the specific needs of their crops or hydroponic systems. Below are two commonly used hydroponic nutrient formulas: a simple one for general use and a more comprehensive one with additional micronutrients for more specialized needs.

General Hydroponic Nutrient Formula (N-P-K):

This basic formula provides the three primary macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). It is suitable for a wide range of plants and is often used as a starting point for many hydroponic growers.

Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) - 15 grams per gallon of water

Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom salt) (MgSO4) - 5 grams per gallon of water

Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) - 10 grams per gallon of water

To use this formula, dissolve each component in the specified amount of water, and then mix the solutions together to create the complete nutrient solution.

Comprehensive Hydroponic Nutrient Formula (N-P-K + Micronutrients):

This formula includes the primary macronutrients (N-P-K) and additional micronutrients essential for healthy plant growth. It provides a more comprehensive nutrient solution suitable for a wider range of crops and growth stages.

Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) - 15 grams per gallon of water

Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom salt) (MgSO4) - 5 grams per gallon of water

Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) - 10 grams per gallon of water

Monopotassium Phosphate (KH2PO4) - 2 grams per gallon of water

Iron Chelate (Ferric EDTA) - 0.1 grams per gallon of water

Micronutrient Mix (containing iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, etc.) - Follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage based on water volume.

As with any nutrient solution, it is crucial to measure the ingredients accurately and dissolve them completely in the specified amount of water. Additionally, adjust the nutrient solution's pH to the desired range (usually between 5.5 to 6.5) to ensure optimal nutrient availability to the plants.

Remember that different plants and growth stages may require variations in nutrient concentrations, so it's essential to monitor the plants' health and adjust the nutrient solution as needed. Customizing nutrient formulas can be both an art and a science, and growers may fine-tune their formulas based on their experience and specific plant requirements.

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The quality of nutrients used in hydroponics

The quality of nutrients used in hydroponics is crucial for the health and growth of plants. Since hydroponic plants rely entirely on the nutrient solution for their essential elements, it is essential to use high-quality nutrient components to avoid nutrient imbalances, deficiencies, or toxicities that could harm the plants. Here are some factors to consider when assessing the quality of hydroponic nutrients:

Purity: Ensure that the nutrient components, such as calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, and others, are of high purity and free from contaminants. Impurities in the nutrient solution can lead to adverse effects on plant health.

Water-Solubility: The nutrients used in hydroponics should be easily water-soluble, meaning they dissolve completely in water without leaving residues or precipitates. This ensures that the plants can effectively take up the essential nutrients.

Balanced Formulation: Look for hydroponic nutrient products that offer a balanced formulation of essential macro and micronutrients. The nutrient components should be provided in the proper proportions to support healthy plant growth and development throughout different growth stages.

Chelated Micronutrients: Chelated micronutrients are essential for hydroponic systems, as they keep micronutrients in a soluble form, making them readily available to plants. Look for nutrient solutions that include chelated forms of micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, and others.

pH Stability: Some nutrient products may have a natural pH that is too acidic or alkaline for hydroponic use. Check if the nutrient solution's pH is stable and within the suitable range for hydroponic cultivation (usually between 5.5 to 6.5).

Plant-Specific Formulations: Some nutrient manufacturers offer specialized formulations for specific types of plants or growth stages. These formulations are tailored to meet the specific nutrient needs of particular crops, which can lead to improved growth and yields.

Reputable Brands: Choose nutrient products from reputable brands or manufacturers with a history of producing high-quality hydroponic nutrients. Read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced hydroponic growers.

Solubility and Residue: Test the nutrients' solubility and check for any residue left behind after mixing the solution. High-quality nutrients should dissolve easily and leave minimal or no residue.

Nutrient Analysis: Check the nutrient analysis label on the product to ensure it provides the necessary macro and micronutrients in the correct ratios.

Nutrient Stability: Some nutrient solutions may degrade or become less effective over time. Check the shelf life and storage recommendations to ensure the nutrients remain stable and potent.

Using high-quality hydroponic nutrients is essential for achieving optimal plant health, growth, and productivity. Properly balanced and well-maintained nutrient solutions will support vigorous plant growth, strong root development, and healthy crops, ultimately leading to successful hydroponic gardening.

 

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