question about feeding frequency when soil dry slowly...

Endur0xX

Well-Known Member
I believe most people here water their plants on this cycle:

day1: water+nutrients
day2: nothing
day3: plain water
day4: nothing

and then the cycle is repeated ... so lets say the plant grows for 94 days before harvest. so out of 80days (considering last 2 weeks are plain water) you would give 20 times a mixture of water and nutrients. Now what if the soil dries very slowly (low temp at night and high humidity) and you only get to do the water+nutrients every 8 days... does the plant get enough nutrients?
should I consider making a stronger mixture of nutrients than what is recommended on the bottle?
 

Endur0xX

Well-Known Member
what about giving the water+nutrients twice in a row before a plain water watering, so like water-nuts water nuts just water ...
 

Ledhed

Well-Known Member
If they are responding well, I don't see a problem. It all depends on how the plants react to the nutrients. That's why you will always see recommendations to start at half or even quarter strength nutrients. It gives you an idea how the plants will react to being fed, how quickly the uptake is, and any possible negative effects of the nutrients.I really only water mine about once every 4-6 days, depending on heat, humidity, plant uptake, etc. There is no hard and fast rule as to the regularity of watering, you do it as the plants need it, same with nutrients. You don't try to force-feed a month old baby a steak, they are not developed enough or equipped to handle it, you start slowly with mushed carrots and peas or whatever, and as they grow and get stronger, then you introduce them to the better stuff. Same with plants. Lots of people try to fertilize seedlings, then wonder why they withered and died. They simply are not equipped to handle the onslaught of what is being given to them.
As for nutrients, I try to only feed when they appear to be lacking something, I try not to overdo the nute thing. Good water, good soil, and fresh air and they will thrive.
 

stlmatt

Active Member
Watering really depends on several things, plant size, pot size, temps and RH%. I like to let me soil get pretty dry before watering, you could use a hydrometer or just stick you finger down in the soil to check itl. I really think most people overwater thier plants, I like to let my plants search for water every once in awhile, lets the roots spread out in search of water (provides oxygen to roots as well as breaks up soil). It also depends on your soil, some soils can really hold alot of water and some dont. I use a mixture of Fox Farms Ocean Forest, Light Warrior and perlite. It drains well, but still retains pleanty of water due to the perlite. I would NOT mix you nutes on the strong side, what kind of soil are you useing? I use the complete line of Fox Farm Products and mix no stronger than the general feeding amounts. I also add Cal/mag+ to all of my RO water. I do feed one time then the next time I just use water (plus cal.mag+) I water untill I get about a 10% runoff out the bottom of the pot, but when I feed I like to stop once water starts to comes out the bottom........no need to waste anything. So to really answer your question. Water when it gets dry, Feed every other time or as needed by reading your plants. I really think when it comes to watering and nutes (soil growers) less is good......its so easy to overdue it with both. Use a good soil that drains well but holds some water, good water with trace minerals added, and some good nutes (I like them on the organic side) and I think you will see good results. Just my .02$

Good luck: Stlmatt
 
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