A frequent question in hydroponic groups is whether organic nutrients can be used in hydroponic systems. Some people assume that if a nutrient bottle does not have an “organic” label, it is not safe. That is just not true. Hydroponic nutrients are completely safe and do not harm plants or people. Let’s talk about hydroponics and organic nutrients.
Rest assured that wether you choose to use AeroGarden nutrients, MaxiGro, MasterBlend, or other hydroponic nutrients, you and your family will be safe. None of these products is going to hurt you, or your food.
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Here’s the relevant part – In short… The main reason why Hydroponics and soil growing are different is that obviously Hydroponics is growing in straight water with just a medium that holds the plant in place. The roots are suspended in water, or nutrient water runs over the roots. In soil the plant roots are buried in soil and it’s up to us to keep that soil properly moist for the plant’s benefit.
Summary
- Hydroponics differs from soil gardening as plants grow in water, not soil.
- Organic nutrients in hydroponics can cause issues like bacteria growth, bad odors, and pump clogs.
- Hydroponic nutrients are specially formulated to provide necessary minerals without causing system problems.
- Homemade organic nutrients, like fish fertilizer or compost tea, do not break down or absorb well in hydroponic systems.
- Some companies, like VermisTerra, are developing organic hydroponic nutrients, but they are expensive and still in testing.
- Hydroponically grown plants using proper nutrients are safe, natural, and healthier than store-bought produce.
Differences Between Hydroponics and Soil Gardening
- Soil Gardening: Fertilizer is absorbed by the soil, which then slowly distributes nutrients to plant roots. Organic fertilizers like fish fertilizer or compost tea break down naturally in the soil, and the soil also absorbs unwanted bacteria and odors.
- Hydroponics: Plants grow in water, with roots directly exposed. There is no soil to absorb or distribute organic nutrients properly, leading to potential bacterial buildup, unpleasant smells, and system issues like algae growth and pump clogs.
When I first started years ago, before I knew anything at all about the differences in types of nutrients, I put fish fertilizer in an AeroGarden. Day 1 was not so bad. But day 2-3? It was horrible!! And my plants turned sad fast! I quickly learned my lesson. Since then I have learned a lot…
Problems with Organic Nutrients in Hydroponics
Organic materials do not break down efficiently in water, leading to:
- Stagnant water issues
- Bacterial growth
- Clogged pumps
- Bad odors, especially in indoor systems
Using organic fertilizers, like fish fertilizer (which is great for the outdoor soil garden), can cause major problems within a few days, turning water into a brown smelly mess and making plants unhealthy.
Why Hydroponic Nutrients Work Best
Hydroponic nutrients are designed to dissolve in water and provide essential minerals and micronutrients that plants in water need to thrive. They come from natural earth minerals and are not artificial, despite being processed for use in hydroponic systems.
Can You Make Your Own Hydroponic Nutrients?
Creating DIY hydroponic nutrients from organic materials like animal waste is extremely difficult. Unlike soil, hydroponic systems do not have a way to filter out unwanted components, leading to a toxic and smelly water environment.
This cannot be done without some major work. Some will tell you that they have done it. But, if you’re talking about making nutrients from something like rabbit poop, basically just imagine a toilet. Lol! You put that poop in the toilet and it sits there staying in the water, breaking down… and you want to hurry up and flush it away because it’s nasty. Even if you were to strain it out the water is still poop water and doesn’t smell very good. In hydroponics there would be nothing to filter that. In soil once again the soil would absorb the so-called bad parts and distribute to the roots. Homemade nutrients would have to be altered to include all of the nutrients and micronutrients that plants need to truly thrive, and processed to work properly in hydroponics.
Of course if you want to go that route, you can research Aquaponics. Aquaponics uses fish waste to fertilize plants, is an alternative but is generally only practical on a small scale. And those systems are created just for that. You cannot just push fish in an AeroGarden.
Are There Organic Nutrients for Hydroponics?
A few companies, like VermisTerra, are testing organic hydroponic nutrients. You have to follow very specific instructions. However, these products are expensive and still marketed primarily as soil amendments rather than full replacements for traditional hydroponic nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Stop focusing on the term “organic.” Hydroponic nutrients are natural and safe, providing healthy, nutrient-rich plants without pesticides or harmful chemicals. And growing your own produce, even with hydroponic nutrients, ensures fresher, tastier, and healthier food compared to store-bought options.
Looking for hydroponic nutrients? Here are some nutrient suggestions…
AeroGarden Nutrients – As the name suggests, these are the nutrients that come with AeroGarden systems. But, that is not all that they can be used for. I use AeroGarden nutrients in all of my small systems. Some use them in their larger systems as well. The price is high now, but when they are on sale it’s worth stocking up.
MaxiGro – This is a great, complete nutrient for growing leafy greens, herbs, and more.
MaxiBloom – From the same makers as MaxiGro, General Hydroponics, this one is well suited to growing everything, including fruiting plants.
Cal-Mag – Cal-Mag is a useful additive for hydroponics that is mainly used when growing fruiting plants. It adds more calcium, magnesium, and iron to support flowering and fruiting for plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
Happy, healthy growing!
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