Plant nutrition and metabolism is a concert of many factors.
Not even a single violinist is forgotten.
Selection of a cultivar, environmental conditions, presence of raw materials, and efficient nutrient uptake are vital to achieving any planting goal.
When one begins to think like a plant, it becomes apparent what areas require the most attention.
In general, consider these factors in order of importance:
water quality, plant requirements, growing environment, nutrient properties, soil/medium properties and feeding directions.
Special consideration should be given to the nutritional requirements of your chosen plant...
An organism’s DNA is its blueprint for construction and survival.
If a growing plant was compared to a home under construction and its host environment acted as the building supply yard, one could easily visualize what might happen if a drywall screw was used in place of a lag bolt, or carpet in place of concrete because “nature” was out of stock at that moment in time… Price check on aisle four… Just like a chain, an organism is only as strong as its weakest link and every building block needs to be combined in the right order, the right place and the right time.
A plant’s life cycle is divided into four stages, each with varying needs.
1. Germination:
Young plants require very few nutrients as their seed pods are filled with simple sugars, amino acids, and hormones.
During this stage plants are very susceptible to shock and should be cared for gently.
Germination works best in warm, humid environments and can be accelerated by adding a root stimulating hormone, like the auxin, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) an ingredient in products such as Superthrive and seaweed Kelp extracts.
2. Acclimation:
Once plants have sprouted, it’s time to expose sprouts to the growing environment and nutrient solution.
Young plants require low dose fertilizing because their root systems have not yet fully developed and are not capable of utilizing all nutrients.
Over fertilizing will damage or kill young plants.
3. Vegetative growth:
This stage is marked by exponential growth and large consumption of nutrients and water.
The demand for Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorous (P) increase as they are essential elements primarily required for the formation of amino acids and energy utilization, respectively...
4. Maturation:
A dramatic shift in nutrition, hormone regulation, and water consumption will take place.
Potassium (K) and Calcium ions (Ca2+) play vital roles in maturation as it is a required element in the formation of proteins, sugars, and oils, as wells as proper function of hormones, enzymes, and ion exchange.
To customize the best nutrient solution, a little research on your plant’s needs would be a good start. Many manufacturers make nutrient solutions in single, two, three and even four-part formulations, allowing the motivated grower to fine tune his/her feeding regiment...
Take the time to read labels!
If there is no ingredients label then there are no plant foods in the bottle.
Some products make outrageous claims that are physiological nonsense.
When the biochemistry of photosynthesis, respiration, and electron transport are better understood it becomes easier to cater to your plant’s needs and separate the reality from the TV show going on at the local grow store.
Digested from a long article:
What Makes Your Garden Grow?
By K.Roberto and B.Matthews
Not even a single violinist is forgotten.
Selection of a cultivar, environmental conditions, presence of raw materials, and efficient nutrient uptake are vital to achieving any planting goal.
When one begins to think like a plant, it becomes apparent what areas require the most attention.
In general, consider these factors in order of importance:
water quality, plant requirements, growing environment, nutrient properties, soil/medium properties and feeding directions.
Special consideration should be given to the nutritional requirements of your chosen plant...
An organism’s DNA is its blueprint for construction and survival.
If a growing plant was compared to a home under construction and its host environment acted as the building supply yard, one could easily visualize what might happen if a drywall screw was used in place of a lag bolt, or carpet in place of concrete because “nature” was out of stock at that moment in time… Price check on aisle four… Just like a chain, an organism is only as strong as its weakest link and every building block needs to be combined in the right order, the right place and the right time.
A plant’s life cycle is divided into four stages, each with varying needs.
1. Germination:
Young plants require very few nutrients as their seed pods are filled with simple sugars, amino acids, and hormones.
During this stage plants are very susceptible to shock and should be cared for gently.
Germination works best in warm, humid environments and can be accelerated by adding a root stimulating hormone, like the auxin, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) an ingredient in products such as Superthrive and seaweed Kelp extracts.
2. Acclimation:
Once plants have sprouted, it’s time to expose sprouts to the growing environment and nutrient solution.
Young plants require low dose fertilizing because their root systems have not yet fully developed and are not capable of utilizing all nutrients.
Over fertilizing will damage or kill young plants.
3. Vegetative growth:
This stage is marked by exponential growth and large consumption of nutrients and water.
The demand for Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorous (P) increase as they are essential elements primarily required for the formation of amino acids and energy utilization, respectively...
4. Maturation:
A dramatic shift in nutrition, hormone regulation, and water consumption will take place.
Potassium (K) and Calcium ions (Ca2+) play vital roles in maturation as it is a required element in the formation of proteins, sugars, and oils, as wells as proper function of hormones, enzymes, and ion exchange.
To customize the best nutrient solution, a little research on your plant’s needs would be a good start. Many manufacturers make nutrient solutions in single, two, three and even four-part formulations, allowing the motivated grower to fine tune his/her feeding regiment...
Take the time to read labels!
If there is no ingredients label then there are no plant foods in the bottle.
Some products make outrageous claims that are physiological nonsense.
When the biochemistry of photosynthesis, respiration, and electron transport are better understood it becomes easier to cater to your plant’s needs and separate the reality from the TV show going on at the local grow store.
Digested from a long article:
What Makes Your Garden Grow?
By K.Roberto and B.Matthews
