Routine operation and maintenance of a hydroponic system

Welcome to our family of growers! In this article you will find all the information about the ongoing maintenance of the system, what to do and what to avoid.

Checking the water level

Make sure that the water level in the reservoir exceeds the height of the pump, as it may burn if it is working on air.

If the water level drops - add water and fertilizer in equal proportion according to the fertilizer instructions on the back of the fertilizer bottle

(X ml of fertilizer to every 1 liter of water).

Read the instructions for fertilization and acidity balance.

For maximum output from the system it is recommended to balance the acidity of the water.

In summer and on hot days, check the water temperature. Too hot water (above 30 degrees) can kill the plants! It is recommended to keep in the freezer a few bottles of frozen water that can be put in the reservoir in order to cool the water when needed. You can also purchase a wooden reservoir cladding that helps maintain an ideal temperature (between 20-30 degrees).

Periodic inspection of the plants

In order to enjoy a fruitful and abundant edible garden, it is recommended to monitor the development of the plants on a daily basis and look for yellow/dry /rotten leaves. these leaves consume a lot energy from the plant that effects its growth rate. In addition, the leaves tell us about the condition of the plant and if we identify yellow leaves, we will know that it is a phenomenon of lack/excess of fertilizer in the system water.

Search for pests

If aphids have appeared, the plant can be removed and washed using the home tap stream. As a preventative treatment, it is recommended to spray the plants with water and a little vinegar that removes the aphids.

Important - do not spray the plant leaves during the sun peak hours.

Roots treatment

When growing "fruity" plants (cucumber, tomato, pepper, zucchini, etc.), make a periodic root pruning once a week or two. Fruity plants have a very large root system, which can block the passage of water in the system and raise the level in the growth channels until a leak is formed. It is recommended to prune up to a third of the circumference of the roots and try not to damage their length. The pruning of the roots should be accompanied by pruning of some of the leaves of the plant in order to facilitate the adaptation process of the plant.

Monitoring new plants and how they adapt

Make sure that the cup/growing medium touches the water until a primary root reaches the water. If it seems that a plant does not touch the water, it is recommended to simply water it manually several times until it adapts and takes out a root that will touch the water.

Periodic preventive treatments

Make sure that the growing medium blocks all the growing spaces in order to prevent light from entering the system, which creates alga and leads to water warming.

It is recommended to add antiseptic to prevent alga and bacteria once or twice a week.

Replace the reservoir water once every one or two months and perform a complete cleaning of the system every 3 months or a year.

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