MarijuanaNutrients And Marijuana Grown In SoilNutrient (or fertilizer) is food for plants. Marijuana plants need a certain amount of food in order to grow properly. The primary nutrients in plant foods are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium also called Potash (K). In addition to nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium, marijuana plants require a lesser amount of secondary nutrients and trace quantities of other elements. Secondary nutrients are calcium, sulphur, and magnesium. Trace elements are small quantities of boron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. Plant foods are measured in an N-P-K format A 7-4-3 plant food contains: A 30-15-15 plant food contains: The percentage of the solution not used by nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium is secondary nutrients, trace elements, and/or inert material. An all purpose nutrient with secondary nutrients and trace elements will get you through all stages of growth. But during different stages of life, you can adjust the nutrient levels to optimal quantities. Regardless of the nutrient you choose, during the first 1-2 weeks of life and the first 1-2 weeks of flowering, use half the amount (or less) of nutrient solution the manufacturer recommends. That is, if the nutrient package says to mix one tablespoon of nutrient to every gallon of water, you should add less than half a tablespoon of nutrient to every gallon of water for the first 1-2 weeks after germinating or cloning, and when flowering is initiated. This is not essential when flowering, unless the plants have just been transplanted, but it is for seeds and clones. Some marijuana growers don't add any nutrients to the water for the first 1-2 weeks. They then use a 50% solution for 1-2 weeks, then go to a 100% solution. During seedling/vegetative growth the plants need lots of N (nitrogen). They also need a fair amount of P (phosphorus) and K (potassium), 7-4-3, or 30-15-15, or something with a similar ratio of N-P-K, and secondary nutrients, and trace elements will work. During flowering the plants need more P (phosphorus) and more K (potassium) than they did during vegetative growth. They need some N (nitrogen) but not as much as they did during seedling/vegetative growth. They also need secondary nutrients and trace elements. If you used: If you can't find nutrients containing the proper combination for your needs (or you are not sure what kind of nutrient to get), look for a soil nutrient recommended for growth when the plant is in the first stages of life Look for a soil nutrient recommended for blooming (or flowering) when the plant is in the flowering stage. Make sure the nutrients you use contain secondary nutrients and trace elements. Two and three part nutrient solutions, that allow you to custom blend the amount of the different components, are recommended. Organic nutrients are available but they can be harder to find, and expensive. Do not give your plants extra nutrients thinking it will make them grow faster. Too much will kill your plants. If you under fertilize, plant growth will be slowed but they will stay alive much longer than if they got too much. Follow the mixing instructions on your soil nutrient package, if you aren't sure, use less rather than more. My plants have been very happy with vita grow dry. Part A (SuperMicro Dry 4-14-24) contains 4% N, 14% P, and 24% K as well as the secondary nutrients sulphur and magnesium. It also includes the trace elements boron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. Part B (FastGrow Dry 17-0-0) contains 17% N as well as the secondary nutrient calcium. Part C (GiantBloom Dry 0-51-34) contains 51% P and 34% K. By adjusting the amount of each part, you can optimize the proportions your plants get during different stages of plant life. There is also an alternate Part B (SuperGrow Dry 15-0-0) designed for light sources under 400 watts, available in the Combination Dry box. It is mostly comprised of nitrate nitrogen. The plant takes more time to digest the nitrate nitrogen at low light levels. This keeps stem cell growth paced with the accumulation of micro-nutrients and calcium. Otherwise, plant stretching with spindly weak stems occur. Dry Powder vs Liquid NutrientsIf you are buying nutrients, think about getting the dry powder kind that you mix with water. They are much cheaper over the long run when you compare with already mixed liquid solutions. Already mixed liquid solutions are just as good, but many are primarily water and a good portion of the price you pay is to cover shipping water that you can add at home for free. There are some concentrated solutions that may be cost effective but I've always saved money using dry powder nutrients rather than already mixed liquid solutions. Stop all plant food at least 14 days before harvesting when growing in soil. The last few times you water the plants, don't add any nutrients. You can repeat this water only 'feeding' several times in the 2 weeks prior to harvest. When growing in a hydroponic garden, stop all plant food at least 7 days before harvest. This is so N-P-K and other elements can be removed from the plants before harvesting. This will ensure that your weed is easier to ignite, doesn't taste like plant food, and you are ingesting a minimal amount of N-P-K, secondary nutrients, or trace elements. See when to harvest your marijuana crop for more info. Related Books Marijuana Grower's Handbook Marijuana Horticulture |
It's a 3 part nutrient that can be employed for both hydroponic and soil growing. A 1 pound box of each part will last at least a year when growing for personal consumption. Commercial growers will probably require larger amounts.