Building a Hydroponic Nutrient Regimen One of the biggest contributing factors to a successful hydroponic garden is the nutrient regimen. Unlike soil, which usually has various organic ingredients that provide nutrients as they break down, hydroponic systems rely solely on soluble nutrients within a solution to provide the plants with essential elements. Soil also acts as a buffer system for the nutrient solution. In other words, the pH and temperature of a nutrient solution are somewhat regulated by the soil or medium. In a hydroponic garden, the cultivator must create a nutrient regimen that not only provides the essentials of nutrition, but also can be buffered and regulated to keep the pH and temperature within the desired ranges. There are many hydroponic-specific nutrients and/ or fertilizers available to today’s horticulturists. When building a hydroponic nutrient regimen, a grower can experiment with various additives to enhance specific attributes of his or her crop. However, before the experimentation with nutrient additives begins, a hydroponic gardener needs to build a solid nutrient regimen foundation. Water Source Before adding the essential elements needed to sustain plant growth, a hydroponic grower should examine their water source. The water source and the nutrients and/or elements already contained within the water will have a significant impact over the nutrient regimen. For example, well water with ample calcium will require less calcium to be added to the nutrient regimen. Getting a water analysis of the water source is a good first step for any hydroponic grower. A water analysis will provide valuable insight as to what nutrients the water already contains and what type of filtration or treatment will be necessary. Carbon adsorption filters and reverse osmosis devices are two of the most commonly used water filtration systems for hydroponic gardens. After a filtration system is installed, an additional water analysis of the filtered water should be performed. This way the hydroponic grower knows exactly what is in the water before he or she starts adding nutrients. One reason why so many growers opt for reverse osmosis filters is that, if used correctly, the filtered water should have a pH of seven