Hydroponics question

[HunkieDorie23]

OK I have been wanting to try hydroponics for several years. I have finally started with some but I think I have already messed it. I was looking for hydroponic fertilizer and wanted to avoid the complicated mixing. I read, read, read and decided to go with Jacks.... yeah great. Order some through amazon, comes in the mail, open it and get ready to mix and realize I got Jacks classic instead of the hydroponics mix. It has a little different chemical mix. 20-20-20 instead of 20-10-20 but can I still use it?

I was going to use the B.A. Kratky method so I didn't have to fuss a lot. Anyway else doing this?

 

[jackb]

You did not mention what you are going to grow, however, you should be OK. Traditional hydroponic mixes are two part, like 5-11-26 plus calcium nitrate for part two to customize it and bring up the nitrogen. For lettuce and chard I have used Wal Mart Expert Gardener, which is 15-30-15, plus calcium nitrate, plus Epsom salt. Your mix is a little high in potassium, but it still should work. You might consider getting Epson salt from the pharmacy and making a concentrate of 4 tablespoons per gallon of water. Add about two ounces of your concentrate to five gallons of your nutrients for additional magnesium. Also, hydroponic mixes are buffered, so you need to check your pH when using the classic mix. Your pH wants to be about 6 to 6.5. Anything outside that range will have an effect on your nutrient take up. If you don't have a meter you can use a pH kit from the aquarium section at Wally World. Good luck.
jackb

 

[Smart Red]

See, learning the answer to questions I didn't even know to ask. Thanks, jackb.

 

[HunkieDorie23]

Thanks and I have a lot of epson salt already. We are doing some garden experiment in my 8th grade science class. we are comparing different gardening methods for harvest, expense, convenience and whatever. Thanks Jackb

 

[HunkieDorie23]

Jackb, I also tried something different for starting seeds. This is for small cabbages, but instead of buying the rockwool I cut up a small sponge into cubes, poked a hole in it and worked a seed into it. Placed it into some shallow water and am waiting. I just started it last night so I don't know if it will spout, but I think it will.

 

[HunkieDorie23]

OK I have 2 cucumbers, I think 5 broccoli plants growing. I had a couple of spinach plants and some cabbage but they didn't make it. I have NO luck with spinach. I may have a cabbage but I didn't make them and with they are small they look similar. Hoping they do ok.

 

[jackb]

Looking forward to some photos when you have your project underway. Also, what type of system do you plan on using? Presently I am growing early wonder beets for greens in an ebb and flow system and will soon have grand rapids lettuce in an aeroponics system.