FoliarFeeding?
- Thread starter jb4TWENTY
- Start date
Dr. Who
Well-Known Member
There is value to it.
It is not needed to make a grow great.
It can be a good way to quickly get available nutrient to the plant in def. situations.
It can deliver plant "regulators" to be quickly absorbed by the plant (IF you choose to use any).
There are MANY over the counter foliar sprays out there. Some are great, some work, but contain those plant regulators.
Home made teas can be great foliar sprays. They need to be cut down and generally are "cooked" for less time.
It is not needed to make a grow great.
It can be a good way to quickly get available nutrient to the plant in def. situations.
It can deliver plant "regulators" to be quickly absorbed by the plant (IF you choose to use any).
There are MANY over the counter foliar sprays out there. Some are great, some work, but contain those plant regulators.
Home made teas can be great foliar sprays. They need to be cut down and generally are "cooked" for less time.
Nullis
Moderator
Various liquid nutrients can also be used for foliar; rates are generally lower than for fertigation (from 1/4 to 1/2 the amount per gallon). Many products list rates for foliar application. Nutrients are absorbed through the leaves faster than roots, as mentioned.
Humic\fulvic acids are good for foliar along with nutrients. These are natural chelating agents which complex with various nutrients, they increase their availability as well as their movement within the plant. Blackstrap molasses can be used for foliar (1-2 tsp/gal) and contains minerals along with hydroxamic acids, which are also metal chelators.
Remember, different plant nutrients tend to be more or less 'mobile' within plants, e.g. Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are mobile nutrients which can easily be taken from old growth to support new growth. Other nutrients, like some secondary plant nutrients and particularly trace elements tend to be less mobile (Ca is semi-mobile) or not mobile at all.
So foliar feeding is a great way to treat or to prevent localized deficiencies, especially those related to secondary/trace nutrients. Some plants just tend to have more trouble getting certain nutrients through their roots than others do (even among plants of the same variety). Different strains tend to have different nutrient requirements, and some hog more than others.
If you're growing multiple plants/strains, foliar feeding is a good way to help mitigate the more subtle differences in nutrient requirements between them. It can lessen the need to have to cater to, or provide any specialized treatment for certain fussy plants, e.g. by having to mix multiple fertigation mixtures less frequently. This can actually save you money as well as time, and headaches.
Of course, foliar spraying insecticidal soap, Dr. Bronner's, Spinosad, and even actively aerated compost teas regularly are good for pest prevention and management. Compost teas have the added benefit that they contain live microbial communities, which actually cater to and protect plants when sprayed on leaves.
General Tips:
Humic\fulvic acids are good for foliar along with nutrients. These are natural chelating agents which complex with various nutrients, they increase their availability as well as their movement within the plant. Blackstrap molasses can be used for foliar (1-2 tsp/gal) and contains minerals along with hydroxamic acids, which are also metal chelators.
Remember, different plant nutrients tend to be more or less 'mobile' within plants, e.g. Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are mobile nutrients which can easily be taken from old growth to support new growth. Other nutrients, like some secondary plant nutrients and particularly trace elements tend to be less mobile (Ca is semi-mobile) or not mobile at all.
So foliar feeding is a great way to treat or to prevent localized deficiencies, especially those related to secondary/trace nutrients. Some plants just tend to have more trouble getting certain nutrients through their roots than others do (even among plants of the same variety). Different strains tend to have different nutrient requirements, and some hog more than others.
If you're growing multiple plants/strains, foliar feeding is a good way to help mitigate the more subtle differences in nutrient requirements between them. It can lessen the need to have to cater to, or provide any specialized treatment for certain fussy plants, e.g. by having to mix multiple fertigation mixtures less frequently. This can actually save you money as well as time, and headaches.
Of course, foliar spraying insecticidal soap, Dr. Bronner's, Spinosad, and even actively aerated compost teas regularly are good for pest prevention and management. Compost teas have the added benefit that they contain live microbial communities, which actually cater to and protect plants when sprayed on leaves.
General Tips:
- Focus on leaf undersides. Spray gently. A fine mist is best.
- Use a wetting agent: yucca extract, aloe vera, a drop of castile soap (e.g. Bronner's). A wetting agent will prevent the water from beading on the plant leaves; allow for better coverage of the spray.
- Try a manual-pump pressure sprayer. These are inexpensive, often come with different nozzles and make foliar spraying larger plants or grows a breeze. Also good for pesticide applications and even watering.
- Best time for foliar is just prior to or after lights on.
- Refrain from spraying plants shortly before lights go off. Unless you know what you're doing. (To reduce risks such as powdery mildew).
- Vegging plants in ideal conditions can tolerate foliar prior to lights out, but ventilation is still important.
- Don't spray plants which are more than a few weeks into, or half-way through flowering. (To reduce risk of bud rot.)
hayshayshay
Well-Known Member
Liquid Karma is what I use..it works great! It is organic and basically makes your plant run on super drive!
docter
Well-Known Member
Very viable benefit. But there is some potential for harm if done improperly. My self I find the research phase very enjoyable as well as educating in an expansive exploratory way. Ironically In one way or another it has led me here. And good luck to you sir and please update us with results I look forward to them.
jb4TWENTY
Well-Known Member
i fed them MG nutes via foliar spray. seemed to make one blow up and one stay normal. then i went and got bonide tomato & blossom set spray and gave em a lil spray down. ill be holding off the foliar feedings until the second week of flower and then be done with that stuff..