Getting into hydroponics isn’t as hard as it may seem, but some tricky mistakes are common among new and veteran growers alike. Irrigation mistakes can be critical for the health of your plants, but they’re hard to spot if you aren’t looking for them. It’s important that you research the most common hydroponics irrigation mistakes to avoid and use that knowledge to your advantage. Here we list some of the most critical mistakes that can plague a hydroponic grower’s garden.
Overwatering
One of the biggest draws to hydroponic gardening over a soil or mulch outdoor garden is how much water you can conserve. Because you transport water directly to the roots through your growing medium and irrigation system, there’s no wasted water like there is in a soil garden. However, overwatering your plants can cause their leaves to droop and turn yellow. If you ignore the problem, the extra water will cause root rot, which will kill the plant and require you to completely clean the affected plants’ abodes.
FloraFlex’s hydroponic drip irrigation system is designed to transport enough water to your plants without overwatering, especially if you automate and regulate it. If you fear your plants are being overwatered, turn back how much water they get daily. A good way to test whether your plants need water is to gently touch the top layer of your growing medium. If you don’t see or feel any moisture, it’s time for your plants to have a drink. As long as you catch and fix this error quickly, your plants will be back to normal in no time. Finding the correct amount of water may take a couple attempts, and the environment in which you live will also affect your plants’ specific water needs.
Not Watching pH Levels
Each kind of plant you grow prefers different pH levels. It’s essential that you watch the pH of your water basin carefully and adjust it to match your plants’ preferred pH. Keeping an eye on the pH will also notify you of any significant changes that could signify disease or lowered plant health. Stock up on pH testers when you begin your hydroponic garden, and look for signs of pH imbalance in your plants, such as discoloration or poor stem growth. Keep in mind that using hard water can have a negative effect on pH levels. If you notice your water has a naturally imbalanced pH, consider using filtered water from the store.
Dirty Irrigation Systems
If you don’t care for it properly, your irrigation system can develop harmful algae buildup, which can harm your plants. An unclean garden is one of the biggest hydroponic irrigation mistakes to avoid, as plant disease or pest infestation resulting from dirty irrigation requires a full cleaning and water change. It’s also common for the drippers to clog over time. Schedule regular cleaning to combat dirty irrigation systems.
