Mid to Late Summer Hydroponic Growing: Tips for Success
Hydroponic gardening is a game-changer for plant cultivation. This unique alternative to traditional gardening uses no potting soil, relying solely on water to deliver the nutrients your plants need to thrive. The beauty of hydroponics is that it’s a viable solution for year-round production. However, the heat of summer can take its toll, even if soil isn’t part of the mix! In this blog, we’ll review ways to ensure success during mid- to late-summer hydroponic growing.
Soil-Free Crop Production: Why Choose Hydroponics?
If you haven’t tried hydroponic gardening yet, there’s no better time to start. While traditional soil-based gardening can produce amazing results, hydroponics offers countless benefits you can’t get anywhere else. Here are some of the most noteworthy.
- Less water waste
- No worries about potting soil degradation or erosion
- Faster plant growth
- Better growing space optimization
- Less labor
- Higher yields
- Fewer pests
- No unwanted weeds
- Longer growing seasons
Tips for Successful Summertime Hydroponics Growing
Hydroponic gardening can pave the way to more abundant crop production without the hassles of traditional cultivation methods. However, the summer season presents newer challenges that could threaten the success of your endeavor. Here are a handful of tips you should follow to keep your plants thriving in late summer.
- Be Mindful of Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for hydroponics is 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 25 degrees Celsius). Summer temperatures can slowly increase water temperatures, affecting nutrient absorption.
- Monitor pH Levels: As temperatures rise, pH levels can change and negatively impact the root environment. Check pH levels more frequently to avoid issues.
- Pay Attention to Heat and Sun Exposure: All plants can succumb to heat stress, even those grown hydroponically. Consider building shade structures to prevent burns, stress and excess exposure.
- Prioritize Oxygenation: The amount of dissolved oxygen decreases as temperatures increase. A lack of oxygen can affect nutrient absorption and make plants vulnerable to disease. Consider using additional air pumps, bladders and products available at an online hydroponics store to maintain oxygen levels.
- Take Steps to Control Pythium: Pythium, a fungal-like organism, is notorious for causing problems like root rot in the summer. Use preventative products and focus on increased oxygenation to avoid pythium infections.
- Watch for Bugs: Bugs can quickly take over during the summer, even in enclosed growing rooms. Set up traps and use natural pesticides around your growing area to make them less of a headache!
The Importance of Providing Nutrients for Plants in Hydroponics
Providing proper plant nutrients is one of the most important facets of hydroponic growing. Because hotter temperatures and low oxygen levels impact how plants absorb, you must provide your plants with top-quality food during the summer. The best plant nutrients will help your hydroponics garden cope with the heat while helping it reach its full potential.
You can get many great plant food products at a hydroponics store. Try using options like Supernatural Brand’s Gro Aqua, Bloom Aqua or Super Boost nutrients for plants. These additives promote healthy rooting, growth, flowering and ripening.
Hydroponic gardening can give you a never-ending supply of high-quality crops. However, you must take additional steps to ensure your setup continues to help your plants thrive during the summer. Follow our tips to avoid major issues while enjoying the fruits of your labor.
