Nutrients · 5 min read
Hydroponic nutrients: a beginner's guide
Base nutrients, additives, and how to read EC and pH without overthinking it.
Base nutrients vs additives
A base nutrient — often a two-part A&B — covers the core macro- and micro-nutrients plants need across their life. Additives like boosters, enzymes and root stimulants are optional extras for specific stages. Get comfortable with a solid base before layering anything on top.
Feeding by stage
Plants want more nitrogen during vegetative growth and more phosphorus and potassium during flower. Most nutrient lines publish a feed chart — start at about half strength, watch how the plants respond, and work up rather than down.
EC and pH, briefly
EC (or PPM) tells you how strong your solution is; pH decides whether plants can actually take those nutrients up. In most hydro systems a pH around 5.5–6.5 keeps nutrients available — adjust your EC to the stage and the plant's appetite.
When in doubt, dilute
For beginners, nutrient burn (crispy, clawed leaf tips) is far more common than deficiency. If you're unsure, run a weaker mix — it's much easier to feed more than to undo a burn.
Explore the categories in this guide
Check each product’s specifications for your setup.
