Growing in soil presents different opportunities and challenges from a nutrient perspective than hydroponics, and thus it is important to implement specific nutrients for this endeavor.
What nutrients do plants get from soil?
The three most important macronutrients for plants are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These three nutrients make up the N-P-K ratio. Three essential secondary nutrients for plants are magnesium, sulfur, and calcium. All six of these nutrients are readily available in soil, but can be difficult for the plant to absorb, and thus we must feed our plants all of these nutrients.
If you use a nutrient-rich potting soil, like Fox Farm Happy Frog, your plant will have access to nutrition early on. But as you water the soil and your plants eat, these nutrients start to vanish, and before you know it, your plant has developed a deficiency.
This is why you need to be feeding liquid nutrients starting in veg, and through flower.
What are immobile soil nutrients?
Mobility of soil nutrients refers to their ability to be transported within the plant. Deficiencies of immobile nutrients appear first in new growth, since the plant was not able to send adequate amounts up the shoot. Mobile nutrients are the opposite, and you will notice deficiencies of these in older leaves.
Phosphorous, potassium, chlorine, and zinc are examples of mobile nutrients, whereas calcium, sulfur, boron, and copper are not. Knowing which nutrients are mobile will help you diagnose your deficiency.
What are the best nutrients for soil grown plants?
When it comes to soil nutrients for vegetables or any other plant for that matter, you need to make sure you are getting the best ones. Otherwise, you can end up getting poorly formulated, unsafe nutes that not only harm your plants but you as the consumer.
Luckily, here at Hydrobuilder we carry the best selection of soil-plant nutrients from the top brands, such as Botanicare, Fox Farm, General Hydroponics, General Organics, Earth Juice, Emerald Harvest, and more. Plus, you'll get to experience our world-class customer service and our unbeatable prices.
If you want to learn more about the best plant nutrients, check out our year-end review!
What is our recommended nutrient line for both soil or hydroponic gardens? HGV Nutrients!
Why is HGV Nutrients the top-selling and #1 recommend nutrient brand on Hydrobuilder.com?
Better quality, higher yields, and lower cost are just a few of the reasons to make the switch from your current line. Learn more about making the switch to HGV Nutrients here!
While you are in our learning center, check out our article on plant nutrition for a comprehensive understanding of why your plants neet nutrients, regardless of soil vs hydroponics. If you still have questions, give one of our experienced growers a call today at 888-815-9763!