Maximum Yield USA November 2018 | Page 45

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Plant Height and Support
However, this time frame can be drasti-
cally influenced by how much nutrient
your plants take up, water temperature,
water filters and pumps, and aeration,
alongside the variable factors from
your home water source.
Ideally, I’d suggest changing out the
solution every one to two weeks to
maintain a fresh and healthy solution.
This also deters the accumulation of
harmful bacteria and pathogens that can
cause havoc if left to breed uninhibited.
Plants will grow significantly faster in DWC
systems, meaning they may require some inno-
vative structures and supports. Some store-
bought hydroponic systems have custom-de-
signed cages to aid heavy fruiting plants and
are extremely useful in attaining optimal
plant spacing. If you’ve designed your
own system, consider the available netting
options you can install and efficiently access.
Alternatively, the classic “yo-yo” solution is
always adaptable for a variety of arrangements.
When transplanting into any hydroponic system, it can be easy
to damage fragile seedlings. Most hydroponic systems will use
expanded clay, perlite, or a recycled glass medium to support
the initial developing root system. You can also use stone
wool and keep an eye on the bottom of the cube until a healthy
white root mass looks ready to burst into the DWC system.
Always ensure your seedlings or cuttings have strong, estab-
lished roots before transplanting into a hydroponic system.
Solution Changes
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Automation
Seedlings and Substrates
When it comes to changing the nutrient solution, it’s a cost
verses reward calculation. Good modern hydroponic nutrients
are designed to be pH stable and allow for effective uptake for
one to three weeks. The solution will be at its most effective
when used for the duration designated by the manufacturer.
Deep water culture systems can be automated to reduce
labor. Systems can be programmed using clever dosing
units that control the input of nutrient and pH adjustment,
while water temperatures can be maintained using reliable
hydroponic chillers. Float valves can be used to refill the
main reservoir. It depends on your budget as to the level of
automation you can achieve in your DWC garden. However,
optimized gardening requires constant vigilance, and auto-
mation equipment needs to be checked regularly to ensure
everything’s working.
Deep water culture is a fun, seriously rewarding method
of hydroponic growing that teaches new growers valuable
lessons about the importance of root health, water quality,
and contents. Just keep on top of the basics and you’ll be
amazed at what you can grow.
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Maximum Yield
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