Proper use of fertilizer and water is essential to ensure your plants get the nutrients and moisture they need when growing in soil. Here’s a guide on how to use fertilizer and water effectively for best results.
1. Follow our fertilizer schedule and remember to add fertilizer at every watering
The first step to success is to follow our fertilization plan carefully. Many growers tend to under-fertilize their plants for fear of over-fertilizing, but remember that your plants need nutrition with every watering. Following the fertilization schedule will ensure that your plants receive the right amount of nutrients throughout the growth cycle.
2. Use our greenness scale to assess plant growth
A good way to ensure that your plants are getting the right amount of fertilizer is to use our greenness scale. This scale helps you assess whether your plants are over- or under-fertilized by looking at the leaf color.
3. Dark green leaves: Signs of overfertilization
If you notice that your plants’ leaves turn very dark green, it could be a sign that they are over-fertilized. In this case, apply clean water 1 to 2 times to flush out excess nutrients. After this rinse, you can continue to fertilize as normal, but be careful not to over-fertilize.
4. Bright Leaves at the Bottom: Signs of Malnutrition
If the leaves at the bottom of the plants turn light, it is a sign that the plants are not getting enough fertilizer. In this case, you need to increase the amount of fertilizer you give depending on which phase the plant is in. Use our BIG GROW fertilizer in the growing phase or BIG BLOOM in the flowering phase to ensure that your plants get enough nutrition.
5. Adjust Watering in Weeks 4-5 of Flowering
In weeks 4 to 5 of the flowering phase, start giving clean water more often. This helps avoid the build-up of salts and nutrients in the soil, which can affect plant health and flower development.
6. Water Quantity: Adjust according to plant size
When your plants are small, they don’t need large amounts of water. Start with small amounts and gradually increase as the plants grow. The goal is to provide enough water to keep the soil moist, but not so much that the pots feel heavy for several days. If the pots feel heavy for a long time, it’s probably a sign of overwatering or using pots that are too large for the size of the plant. Make sure the pots are not too heavy so the roots can get the oxygen they need and avoid root rot.
7. Be careful not to cut back too much on fertilizer at the end of flowering
Towards the end of the flowering period, it is important not to cut back too much on fertilizer. Although it is tempting to reduce nutrients, plants still need sufficient nutrition to complete the flowering phase strongly.
Conclusion
Growing in soil requires a careful balance of watering and fertilizing to achieve healthy and productive plants. By following these tips and closely monitoring your plants’ needs, you can ensure a successful grow every time. Remember to use our fertilization schedule and greenness scale as tools to fine-tune your approach and optimize your results. With the right amount of water and nutrients, you can create the ideal environment for your plants to thrive.