NPK fertilizer - How to formulate your own

[fishmommy]

I have been mixing my own ferts for about 10 years now with great results. I started doing it for my aquatic plants but carried it over to my orchids without problems about 4-5 years ago.
Many mail-order hydroponics places sell the basic chemical ingredients. It is helpful to start with a premixed fertilizer and then adjust from there.
I use Plantex as a base and then add Boric acid, potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate (if needed), and magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) (if needed). I measure out the ratio I want and mix with water to make a liquid fertilizer concentrate, which I further dilute in water when preparing to apply to my plants.

Plantex is a commercial fertilizer safe for orchids and doesn't mess up the PH of your water or hydroponic solution. I also use DynaGro with great success as a base, but it costs more.

[cday2inflorida]

Originally Posted by fishmommy

I have been mixing my own ferts for about 10 years now with great results. I started doing it for my aquatic plants but carried it over to my orchids without problems about 4-5 years ago.
Many mail-order hydroponics places sell the basic chemical ingredients. It is helpful to start with a premixed fertilizer and then adjust from there.
I use Plantex as a base and then add Boric acid, potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate (if needed), and magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) (if needed). I measure out the ratio I want and mix with water to make a liquid fertilizer concentrate, which I further dilute in water when preparing to apply to my plants.

Plantex is a commercial fertilizer safe for orchids and doesn't mess up the PH of your water or hydroponic solution. I also use DynaGro with great success as a base, but it costs more.

Growing aquatic plants, I learned more about ferts then I ever wanted to know!
I use DynaGro, as well. I'm able to get it pretty cheap at Worms way. I've learned over the years to look for non-urea ferts. I think that is something many people overlook.