How To Start Your Seeds For Hydroponic Growing

  1. Start by purchasing rock wool cubes as your planting medium. Rock wool is made from spun basalt, which is a volcanic rock.
  2. Place your seeds, like bok choy, into the pre-punched holes in the rock wool cubes. If the holes aren’t big enough, use a stick to widen them.
  3. Water the seeds using a seedling starter solution. Make sure the cubes are damp but not soaked, as too much water can hinder germination.
  4. Move the tray to a dark, well-ventilated room for about two days. This will help activate the seeds.
  5. After two days, transfer the tray to a location with appropriate sunlight. Adjust the exposure depending on the season and intensity of the sun to protect the seedlings.
  6. Expect lettuce seeds to germinate in about two days, while other seeds may take four to five days.
  7. If you’re using trays, make sure they have drainage holes, especially if you plan to keep them outside, to prevent waterlogging during rainy weather.
  8. Consider using recycled trays, such as those from ground turkey packaging. Just ensure they have enough drainage holes to avoid standing water.
  9. Monitor the trays for excess water. If rain is expected, check to see that water can drain freely to avoid harming the seeds.
  10. Follow these steps to successfully start your seeds hydroponically, and take good care of your plants as they grow.

How To Make a Hydroponic Nutrient Mix

  1. Start by testing the pH of your tap water. If it reads around 9.5, it’s too alkaline for seedlings.
  2. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Maxi Grow to the water. This will supply essential micronutrients and macronutrients needed for seedling growth.
  3. Lower the water’s pH to the ideal range of 5.5 to 6.5 by adding phosphoric acid.
  4. Take safety precautions: Always wear gloves and consider using safety glasses when handling acids.
  5. Dilute the phosphoric acid to control the pH adjustment more precisely, ensuring you don’t over-acidify the solution.
  6. Test the pH again after adding the diluted acid. If the pH is too low, like around 3.4, it needs further adjustment.
  7. Adjust the pH by adding more water to bring it closer to the desired level of 6.
  8. Perform a final check to ensure the pH is around 5.4 to 5.5. This range is suitable for seedlings.
  9. Use the adjusted nutrient mix for your seedlings, and consider repurposing containers to practice sustainability.
  10. Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect nutrient mix for your hydroponic seedlings and ensure their healthy growth.
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