DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR A GROWER ? Email editor @ maximumyield . com to get an answer . ask a GROWER
by Eric Hopper
Q
a
I ’ ve been growing using hydroponics for the last year and have had okay results . A friend suggested I keep a journal . I am hoping you can advise me on what kinds of things I should be documenting to help my garden be more successful .
— Evan P ., Bend , Oregon
Thank you for your question . A gardening journal is a useful tool for any type of garden , but it is especially valuable for hydroponic gardens . Hydroponic gardening is revered for its rapid speed of growth and efficiency in nutrient solution usage . Things happen quickly in a hydroponic garden and problems are no exception . To minimize or eliminate potential issues , a hydroponic grower must monitor his or her hydro system on a regular basis . Keeping a detailed garden journal is one of the best ways a grower can improve the performance of their hydroponic garden . After collecting data from different grow cycles , a grower is then able to make subtle changes and compare the data to see the effect ( s ) of those changes . For example , increasing or decreasing the PPM of the nutrient solution at various stages of growth may increase or decrease the garden ’ s overall performance . With proper documentation , it is easier to pinpoint which subtle change increased ( or decreased ) the performance of your garden . With hydroponic systems , it is important to monitor / document everything involved with the nutrient solution , such as pH , PPM , water level , water temperature , irrigation intervals , and dissolved oxygen ( DO ) content . The nutrient solution in a hydroponic system is much more than just “ water ” for your plants . The pH , PPM , temperature , and DO content all play major roles in the plant ’ s ability to uptake nutrients . With a good digital tester , these parameters can be tested and documented in less than five minutes . Each time these variables are tested ( preferably multiple times per day ), they should be logged in the garden journal . Close monitoring and documentation of these factors will allow a grower to see any changes and / or any patterns that may develop . Equipped with this information , a grower can adjust the nutrient solution more accurately and proactively . For example , let ’ s say the pH of the nutrient solution always decreases out of the desired range at the beginning of each light cycle . After seeing this pattern develop over multiple days , a grower could preemptively adjust the pH so it remains within the desired range at the beginning of each light cycle . It is also a good idea to record all the major influential components of plant growth in your garden journal for an indoor garden as well . Light , air , water , nutrients , and atmospheric conditions all affect plant growth . Data collected regarding these parameters will help a grower make informed decisions about the optimal ambient temperature / humidity for various stages of growth , when to change bulb / light fixtures , and when to clean / replace air filtration devices , such as carbon filters .
I hope this answers your question .
Keep on Growing , Eric Hopper
EH
Eric Hopper has more than 18 years of experience in the hydroponic industry as both a retail store manager and owner . He continuously seeks new methods and products that could help maximize garden performance . Eric resides in Michigan where he and his family strive for a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle .
14 Maximum Yield