Building an effective fertilizer regimen
the last two or three weeks before harvest. Like the mid-bloom
enhancers, many of these products contain significant amounts
of phosphorus and
potassium. Some
ripening additives target specific
hormones created
during the plant’s
final weeks of life.
The ripening stage
is one of the easiest
stages to identify
because most plants
exhibit significant
visual changes
during ripening.
Many fruits and
vegetables physically change color
during ripening, a
result of hormonal
responses in the
plant triggered by
nutrient composition or environmental factors. If you choose to add a ripening
additive to your nutrient regimen, make sure to add it at the
first sign of color change. If a highly concentrated ripening
additive is used too late it could build up in the medium and
make pre-harvest flushing very difficult.
“
Almost all the fertilizers and
amendments found at your
local hydroponic store are
compatible with one another.
Experiment with different
ratios until you achieve the
results you desire.
Specialty Additives
There are a plethora of specialty additives that can
be used in conjunction with base nutrients, vegetative additives and blooming additives. Carbohydrates, enzyme formulas, amino acids, humic/fulvic
acid, microbes and vitamins are sometimes found
in base formulas but can also be added individually to
maximize performance.
Almost all the fertilizers and amendments found
at your local hydroponic store are compatible
with one another. Experiment with different
ratios until you achieve the results
you desire. And don’t be afraid
to mix and match different
fertilizer manufacturers—the
best results in my garden have
rarely come from using a single
brand of nutrients.
”
Experimentation and observation are crucial in determining
your garden’s ultimate
fertilizer regimen.
Don’t make a lot of
big changes all at
once—make small
changes on every
crop rotation so
you can effectively monitor
the results. Record the amount of
every fertilizer and additive you
use and also any changes you
notice in the garden’s overall
performance—there is nothing
worse than harvesting an epic
crop only to realize you have
no idea what you were
feeding your plants. MY
68
Maximum Yield USA | March 2012