cium for accelerated plant growth and proper development. Nutrient Additives Once a hydroponic grower has established a solid base fertilizer and a specific calcium additive, he or she can begin experimenting with various nutrient additives. Experimenting with nutrient additives is the fun part of building a hydroponic nutrient regimen. The base fertilizer is like the “meat and potatoes” of a meal and is important for providing a foundation for general health. Nutrient additives are like the side dishes of a meal and can enhance various aspects of the garden. For example, there are many vegetativespecific nutrient additives which are designed to enhance the vigor and structural integrity of the plants. There are also specific blooming nutrient additives that are designed to promote the onset of blooming, increase flower and/or fruit size, and enhance the entire ripening process. In addition to growth stage specific additives, there are many general additives devised to promote overall plant health. Many of these additives contain beneficial microorganisms, enzymes, hormones, amino acids, or other beneficial, but not essential, elements. Mix and Match The vast majority of hydroponic nutrient additives are compatible with one another. In other words, don’t be afraid to mix and match additives from various manufacturers. In fact, that is how most hydroponic growers end up with their own unique blend of nutrients for fertilization. That being said, it is important to monitor the concentration of nutrients in the nutrient solution. It is also important to pay close attention to the manufacturer’s suggested application rate for each additive and/or fertilizer. A good rule of thumb is to introduce a new additive to the regimen at half of the recommended dose and then slowly increase the dosage until the desired result is achieved. If a grower decides to mix and match two or more of the same type (for the same purpose) of additive or fertilizer, he or she should not use them at full strength. For example, if a grower wants to add two different blooming additives at the same time, he or she should add each at 1/4 or 1/2 strength of the recommended dose. This ensures that, on a whole, the regimen stays somewhat balanced and won’t become over concentrated. Hydroponic growers should also take note of the way each additive affects the pH of the solution. Maintaining a pH within the desired range for hydroponics (5.5-6.0) is imperative to getting the most out of a fertilizer regimen. There are certain elements that plants must have in order to sustain healthy development. A hydroponic nutrient regimen must, at the very least, provide the plants with the essential elements for general health. A good base fertilizer and a calcium supplement are all a hydroponic grower really needs to cultivate a crop successfully. However, experimenting with various nutrient additives is how a hydroponic grower can differentiate him- or herself from other hydroponic gardeners. Whether it’s to enhance flavors and/or odors or to increase the size and density of the flowers, nutrient additives can be the factors that influence the subtle differences in the finished products. As long as the grower monitors (and adjusts, when necessary) the nutrient concentration and pH of the solution, he or she can get creative when mixing a cocktail of specialized additives. The more harvests a grower has under his or her belt, the more they will be able to fine-tune a nutrient regimen to a particular crop. In the end, experience and experimentation will be the two largest factors in determining the ultimate nutrient regimen for a hydroponic garden. GG