Hydroponic Vegetable Nutrient/EC & PH Levels - Nutrients in Review

PH and EC of Vegetables

Below is a reference on the PH and EC of different vegetables. Start ALL crops off with a lower EC and work your way up with higher concentrations (usually on a weekly bases). When you notice either nutrient burn, or they have reached their maximum EC, STOP at that level and continue feeding.

Plant	PH	EC
Artichoke	6.5-7.5	0.8-1.8
Asparagus	6.0-6.8	1.4-1.8
Basil	5.5-6.5	1.0-1.6
Bean (Common)	6.0	2.0-4.0
Beetroot	6.0-6.5	0.8-5.0
Blueberry	4.0 -5.0	1.8-2.0
Broad Bean	6.0-6.5	1.8-2.2
Broccoli	6.0-6.8	2.8-3.5
Brussell Sprout	6.5	2.5-3.0
Cabbage	6.5-7.0	2.5-3.0
Capsicum	6.0-6.5	1.8-2.2
Carrots	6.3	1.6-2.0
Cauliflower	6.5-7.0	0.5-2.0
Celery	6.5	1.8-2.4
Chives	6.0-6.5	1.8-2.2
Cucumber	5.5	1.7-2.5
Eggplant	6.0	2.5-3.5
Endive	5.5	2.0-2.4
Fodder	6.0	1.8-2.0
Garlic	6.0	1.4-1.8
Leek	6.5-7.0	1.4-1.8
Lemon Balm	5.5-6.5	1.0-1.6
Lettuce	6.0-7.0	0.8-1.2
Marjoram	6.0	1.6-2.0
Marrow	6.0	1.8-2.4
Melon	5.5-6.0	2.0-2.5
Okra	6.5	2.0-2.4
Onions	6.0-6.7	1.4-1.8
Pak-choi	7.0	1.5-2.0
Parsley	5.5-6.0	0.8-1.8
Parsnip	6.0	1.4-1.8
Pea	6.0-7.0	0.8-1.8
Pepino	6.0-6.5	2.0-5.0
Potato	5.0-6.0	2.0-2.5
Pumpkin	5.5-7.5	1.8-2.4
Radish	6.0-7.0	1.6-2.2
Spinach	60-7.0	1.8-2.3
Silverbeet	6.0-7.0	1.8-2.3
Strawberries	6.0	1.8-2.2
Sweet Corn	6.0	1.6-2.4
Sweet Potato	5.5-6.0	2.0-2.5
Taro	5.0-5.5	2.5-3.0
Thyme	5.5-7.0	0.8-1.6
Tomato	6.0-6.5	2.0-5.0
Turnip	6.0-6.5	1.8-2.4
Watermelon	5.8	1.5-2.4
Zucchini	6.0	1.8-2.4

Flushing your system is recommended every 1-3 weeks, depending on the type of hydroponic system.

Nutrients Experience Reviews
From the time I began my hydroponic journey,  Ive used the following nutrients:

  
Technaflora Recipe for Success (3-part liquid)

   Pros - Pretty Stable PH throughout crop. I used these nutrients in a DWC system, so PH swings are pretty common in the beginning. PH became stable after a couple weeks in use. Easy to follow instructions based on the different plant life cycles (seed, veg, flower, harvest).
   Cons - In liquid from, thus kind of expensive in larger amounts. The feeding schedule vs the amounts given in the bottles do not run out all at the same time. Meaning that if you follow the schedule, you WILL run out of something before the rest. I always run out of Sugar Daddy first :(



In conclusion, this is a good product. I LOVE the fact that you can purchase all their products at an affordable price to try them out. Along with an easy to follow schedule. I recommend this product for beginners-to-advanced. Liquid nutrients run at a higher cost, but I learned quite a bit of stuff while using these for the first time. I WILL BE PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT AGAIN.

 GH Floramato(1-Part Dry)

   Pros - Stable PH throughout crop. When mixed with my tap water(PH 8.1), it brings it down to acceptable levels (5.5-6.0)
   Cons - High N to P ratio - seems to be more for vegetative growth. The directions state that it can be used for flowering, but I have found mixed results, mostly flower abortion or dropping. Seemed to cause twisting and curling in some tomato varieties.

In conclusion, GH products are good products. My mistakes must have been user error, not product error. Im going to purchase MaxiGrow next, so I dont think I will be purchasing Floramato again. I did like the fact that I didnt have to adjust my PH when adding nutrients to my water. The PH was usually 5.7 after adding floramato. It seems like a good product, but just not suitable for my varieties of plants. You sometimes just have to see what works for you.

GH MaxiBloom (1-Part Dry)

I just bought these nutrients last weekend to replace Floramato. I seem to be having good results so far. More flower production and fruit already! I will report back at a later date.










Meters
Oakton: PH 2 Meter

 This is a very affordable, reliable, quality meter. I have used this meter for about a year now, and I've never had any problems. Simple to use and calibrate. Calibration needed about every month just to make sure its on point. Simple to clean - I just run mine under tap water for a few secs. To store the meter, simply add a small amount of storage solution in the cap and close it. 100% Water Proof.





Blue Lab: Truncheon Nutrient Meter  

This meter is great. It isnt the type of meter to give you dead on results. It gives you a variety of readings (EC,PH,CF) in a easy to use fashion. No calibration required. Easy to clean - run under tap water for a few secs. Great to use as a stirring stick when adding nutrients. This meter has a 5 year warranty, so for about 100$, that's not too bad.

For my next meter, Im thinking about getting the Blue Lab Combo Meter (EC, PH, Temp), but we will see.