How to Make Hydroponic Fertilizers

Overview

Hydroponic gardening uses water instead of soil. In soil many of the macro and micro nutrients plants need are already present. Using a hydroponic grow system requires that these nutrients be added to the water on a continuous basis to promote healthy plants. Hydroponic fertilizer can be purchased from a garden center. To have more control over your plants' health make your hydroponic fertilizer. The individual components can be purchased in bulk and stored in a cool, dry environment.

Step 1

Mix together 5 oz. each of sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Add 7 1/2 oz. of superphosphate and 2 1/2 oz. magnesium sulfate. This creates the base formula for hydroponic fertilizer.

Step 2

Place 1/2 oz. iron sulfate, 1/2 tsp. manganese sulfate, 1/2 tsp. boric acid (powdered), 1/4 tsp. zinc sulfate and 1/4 tsp. copper sulfate into a blender. Grind these ingredients into a fine powder. This creates the trace mineral component of hydroponic fertilizer.

Step 3

Mix together the base and the trace mineral mixture in a 2-qt. jar. Shake the jar for at least two minutes to thoroughly mix the both components.

Step 4

Mix 1 tsp. hydroponic fertilizer with 1 qt. water in a jar. Use 1 oz. of this mixture for every 3 gallons of hydroponic nutrient solution. Use the liquid mixture within 24 hours.