Nutrients and Feeding

Feeding is giving plants the minerals they need in the right amounts at the right time. The core rule never changes: start light, watch the plant, and change one thing at a time.

The nutrients that matter

Plants need large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, plus smaller amounts of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and trace minerals. Nitrogen drives leafy growth, phosphorus supports flowering and roots, and potassium supports overall strength and water regulation. A balanced base feed covers all of them.

Feeding by stage

Seedlings need very little food. Vegetative plants want more nitrogen for growth. Flowering plants want less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium. Following a stage-based schedule beats feeding the same mix all season, but any schedule is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription.

Deficiency, excess, and recovery

Yellow lower leaves, dark curled leaf tips, and stalled growth can all point to feeding problems, but they can also point to watering or environment problems. Check water and environment first, then feed. When in doubt, flush with plain water and restart at a lower strength rather than adding more products.