Measure and adjust pH and EC correctly: soil pH 6.0–7.0, coco/hydro 5.5–6.5 — high pH causes iron deficiency, low pH blocks calcium uptake.
pH VALUE BASE:
Soil: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Coco: 5.5-6.5 (acidic)
Hydro: 5.5-6.5 (acidic)
pH TOO HIGH (over 7.0):
Symptoms: Iron deficiency, yellow new leaves
Solution: Add pH-Minus (phosphoric acid) drop by drop
pH TOO LOW (below 5.5):
Symptoms: toxicity, brown leaf tips
Solution: Carefully add pH-Plus (potassium hydroxide)
EC VALUE (nutrient concentration):
Seedling: 0.4-0.8 EC
Vegetative: 0.8-1.4 EC
Flowering: 1.4-2.0 EC
pH meter: 20-50€, calibrate daily
EC meter: 15-30€, with TDS display
Drop tests: €5, less accurate
1. measure and adjust pH value
2. Add nutrients
3. Check EC value
4. Check pH again
PROFI-TIP: Always pH first, then nutrients! Measure daily for hydro.
To measure the pH of your soil, mix a sample of soil with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. You can then determine the pH using a pH meter or pH test strips.
The ideal EC value varies depending on the growth stage: During the vegetative stage, it ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 mS/cm, while during the flowering stage, it should range from 1.5 to 2.5 mS/cm.
A pH level that is too high can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow. It is important to check the pH level regularly and adjust it as needed.
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