hloro phyll .”
“ when growing indoors , it might be beneficial to formulate a nutrient mix that promotes the development of
There are numerous reasons , like climate and space , that influence the decision to either grow indoors or outdoors . No matter which location you choose , however , there are significant differences in the techniques for each situation . This is especially true when it comes to the types and amounts of nutrients you use and at which frequency you apply them . There are several issues that determine some changes between indoor and outdoor nutrient formulas .
Soil and Grow Media
Before we discuss the nutrients themselves , let ’ s look at grow media and soil , as they directly impact feeding . ( Note , when we discuss indoor hydroponic systems in this article , we are not talking about hydroponic water culture , as this is a subject of its own .) Though the amounts of individual nutrients used by crops grown in outdoor soil and indoor potting media don ’ t differ , the nutrient levels remaining in these grow mediums do . As outdoor soils are often very slow to percolate , the nutrients tend to remain much longer . When these soils also contain high clay content , the nutrients are not leached off or washed through as quickly . Also , the plants ’ root systems are below ground level , so gravity works to maintain moisture and nutrients . However , when outdoor grows use raised beds or raised rows , these will effectively drain faster and require possible changes to the nutrient formula and application timing . Indoor grow media generally lacks the sand , silt , and clay particles that make up outdoor soil ( sand does not in itself bind nutrients and hold water well , but clay does have that ability ). This has a real impact on the kind of nutrient formula to use . Grow media used for indoor application also often percolate quicker . This allows for faster drainage , as well as an accelerated dilution and rinsing away of nutrients . This in turn may reveal the benefits to be found using slower-release nutrients . The root systems in indoor gardens are always elevated , so gravity accelerates leaching . Add to this the enhanced percolation rate of the grow media themselves and the result is that the nutrients applied indoors are more quickly washed through and eliminated . Indoor grow mediums also differ from each other . For example , the various indoor grow media have substantially different water retention rates . These things affect how often your indoor crops require watering and feeding . As such , any discussion about nutrient formulas for indoor grows must take into consideration which medium is used .
Environmental Considerations
Most , but not all , outdoor grows will receive more photosynthetic active radiation ( PAR ) than indoor ones . There are , of course , some awesome indoor lighting systems available that can provide just as much of this valuable light as there is outside . Still , when growing indoors , it might be beneficial to formulate a nutrient mix that promotes the development of chlorophyll to compensate for the synthetic light . Remember that chlorophyll is at the heart of photosynthesis . Also , most outdoor soil has been subjected to rain , wind , animals , and every other aspect of nature for an immeasurable amount of time . Because of this , outdoor soil is generally loaded with many minerals and nutrients . However , the amount of these naturally available nutrients varies so dramatically , it is very important to know the composition and nature of your outdoor soil before deciding what nutrient formula to use . grow cycle 59