Here at Futurama.co.za, we are experts in Hydroponics. We have a big range of internationally and locally trusted brands like General hydroponics, Mammoth Pro, Atami and California Lightworks, as well locally loved brands like Freedom Farms and Just Cannabis.

We have a wide variety of grow tents, grow lights, fans, carbon filters, nutrients, growing medium, pots and trays and a whole lot more.

Our Grow Shop doesn’t just stop at Hydroponics, we also have a wide variety of other categories such as Aquaponics, Mushroom Growing, Spirulina Cultivation and Aromatherapy.

Our team can help you find just the right equipment you would need to start your first grow as well as any other advice you need.

 

Hydroponic Systems

What are Hydroponic Systems?

To understand what a hydroponic system is we first need to know what Hydroponics is. Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants without using soil. Flowers, herbs, vegetables and more are planted in soil less growing medium and are supplied with nutrient-rich solutions, oxygen and water. Plants grown in hydroponic systems grow much healthier and produce higher quality yields.

To grow hydroponically you need a hydroponic system. These systems work by allowing you to create the optimal growing environment by being able to control the environmental conditions such as temperature, pH balance and exposure to nutrients and water. A hydroponic system allows you to give the plant exactly what they need for optimal growth.  In this customised and controlled environment plants are free to grow strong, healthy and rapidly.

 

Types of Hydroponic Systems

Deep Water Culture

The Deep Water Culture system is the most modest of all hydroponic systems, it is great for the classroom and is popular with teachers.

The DWC system consists of a deep reservoir filled with a rich nutrient solution, an air pump that supplies air to the air stone which bubbles the nutrient solution and supplies oxygen to the roots of the plants that are suspended above the nutrient solution in net pots. A net pot that is suspended from the centre of the lid, above the nutrient solution, is filled with LECA (Light-Weight Expanded Clay Aggregate), or Rockwool.

 

 

Ebb and Flow

The Ebb and Flow or flood drain systems works by flooding the grow area with nutrient solution and then draining it back into a reservoir. The reservoir contains a pump connected to a timer. When the timer turns the pump on the nutrient solution is pumped through tubing from the reservoir into the growing tray. When the timer turns the pump off the nutrient solution is then drained back into the reservoir.

A variety of growing medium can be used in this system. The entire grow bed can be filled with LECA (Light-Weight Expanded Clay Aggregate), or Rockwool. Some growers use individual pots filled with the growing medium, this makes it easier to move plants around if needed.

Plants in an Ebb and Flow system are vulnerable to interruptions caused by power outages as well as pump or timer failures. This interruption in the flow of nutrient solution will cause the roots to dry out rapidly. Using a soilless medium that is good at retaining water such as Vermiculite or Coco Peat/Coir can somewhat help ensure your plants survive any mechanical complication.

 

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)

NFT or Nutrient Film Technique is popular among growers due to its simple yet effective design. In a NFT system nutrient rich solution is constantly recirculated.The nutrient solution is pumped from a reservoir into hollow channels, usually a tube, and flows over the roots of the plant allowing it to absorb the nutrients it needs. The solution is then drained back into the reservoir.

Because of this constant flow of nutrient solution, there is no need to use a timer for the submersible pump.

Usually the plant is supported in a small plastic basket called a net pot, filled with growing medium such as LECA (Light-Weight Expanded Clay Aggregate) or Rockwool to hold the plants in place, with the roots suspended in the nutrient solution.

Plants in an NFT system are very sensitive to interruptions caused by power outages and pump failures. This interruption in the flow of nutrient solution will cause the roots to dry out rapidly. Therefore, NFT systems are best utilized for fast growing leafy veg such as lettuce or micro greens such as rocket.

 

Aeroponic

The Aeroponic system is seen as the most technical type of hydroponic system. This type of system uses air as its main growing medium. The plant is suspended by small baskets filled with LECA (Light-Weight Expanded Clay Aggregate) or Rockwool that compress around the plant's stem and holds it in place.

The plant's roots hang down in the air and are misted every few minutes with a nutrient solution. Just like other types of hydroponic systems, a timer controls the nutrient pump. The timer however needs to be on a shorter cycle, running the pump for a few seconds every few minutes.

Aeroponic systems are considered the most fruitful because they utilize the fewest resources and produce great results.

 

The Wick System

The wick system utilizes a simple method of transferring mineral rich water from the reservoir to the soilless medium. This can be referred to as a passive system and requires minimal moving parts. The nutrients move up the wick or string from a reservoir and into the plant's root systems through capillary movement.

The ideal grow mediums used in a wick system is a mixture of Perlite, Vermiculite and Coco Peat/Coir. For the wick system to be functional, the medium used must be able to retain moisture, therefore using a mixture of Vermiculite and Coco Peat/Coir will show the best results. The addition of Perlite, which is permeable, ensures that the medium does not become water logged which could result in your roots drowning.

The wick system is ideal for vegetables that do not require high levels of nutrients as well as minimal water such as lettuce and spinach.

 

Drip Systems (Recovery/Non-recovery)

The most common Hydroponic system used worldwide is the Drip System. The function is simple, a submersed water pump placed in a reservoir pumps the nutrient solution through "drippers" situated at the base of each plant via a small drip line.

Recovery Drip System - the excess nutrient solution that runs off is collected back in the reservoir for re-use.

The Non-Recovery System - does not collect the run off

 

Aquaponics

Aquaponics combines conventional Aquaculture with Hydroponic in a symbiotic environment.

Water from the Aquaculture system (the cultivation of freshwater populations such as Tilapia or Koi Fish under controlled conditions) is fed to a Hydroponic system where the by-products are broken down by nitrifying bacteria into nitrites and nitrates that are utilized by the plants as nutrients.

 

Getting Started

Step 1: What are you growing?

Deciding which plants you will be growing is the first step to starting your hydroponic garden. Certain hydroponic systems cater for specific root structures. This will help determine which hydroponic system will best support your plants root growth and where the system should be placed.

For starters, consider these greens; lettuce, spinach, or kale. Or if you prefer herb; basil, parsley, oregano, cilantro, and mint. Still indecisive? Try; tomatoes, strawberries or peppers.

Once your hydroponic system is set up and in place and ready to go, start germinating some seeds.

Step 2: Growing method

There are 7 systems mentioned above. We recommend you take some time to read about each one.

There are a few factors that should influence your decision; the amount of space you have available, the type and amount of plants you want to grow, and finally - your budget. It is recommended to start small when learning and expand later as it can get very overwhelming with too many plants.

Once your hydroponic system is set up and in place and ready to go, start germinating some seeds.

Step 3: Get Lit Up!

To achieve the best results from your hydroponic system you will need a powerful light source, therefore, purchasing the right grow light will amplify your end produce. There are many different types of grow lights each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

When choosing a grow light consider the units cost, the intensity of the light, which light spectrum it emits, and how much area coverage you will need.

If you do not have the adequate space available indoors, consider positioning your hydroponic system outside in an area that offers a fair amount of direct sunlight.

Step 4: Pick a soilless growing medium

The best and most widely used growing medium for hydroponic system include: Rockwool, Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), Coco Coir/Peat, and Perlite or Vermiculite. Choose one that will work best for your system and the type of plants you are growing.

Things to consider when choosing a medium is the cost per litre or kilogram, is it permeable or does it retain water, and pH stability.

Step 5: Plant Food

The three most essential minerals for growth are nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) and potassium (K). Plants benefit from a well-balanced salt-based nutrient mixture the same way humans benefit from eating a well-balanced diet – their bodies become healthier and their production rates go way up.

When purchasing nutrients, you should always check that they are compatible with the growing medium you have chosen.

Step 6: Ready to grow!

Finally, you can hear the soft humming of your air pump and the melodic bubbling of your nutrient solution at the correct pH and EC level. Your seeds have germinated and are ready to be planted. It would be a waste if your system was left unchecked.

Remember to check your Hydroponic System daily for any complications such as pesky pests or plant disease. Check your leaves regularly for any unusual discolouration. Keep your reservoir topped-up and well oxygenated. And finally, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

 

What Can You Grow Hydroponically?

Flowers

Most types of flowers will do well in a hydroponic garden. They can be grown in large numbers and all year round.

 

 

Herbs

Many herbs will flourish in hydroponics. Some that thrive include: basil, chamomile, chives, cilantro, coriander, dill, mint, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

 

Vegetables

Vegetables that excel in hydroponics include: lettuce, spinach, kale, peppers, beans, cabbage, broccoli, beets, artichokes, and peas.

 

 

Fruits

Fruits that grow fruitfully in hydroponics include: strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, and blackberries.

 

Cannabis

There is some speculation that Hydroponically grown cannabis produces larger yields.

 

Why Does Hydroponics Work So Well?

Hydroponics works so well because you are able to create an optimal environment for your plants to thrive in. When you are able to give the plant exactly what it needs, when it needs it and the right amount it needs, the plant will grow as healthy and strong as it possibly can.

In hydroponics plants are grown in a soilless medium and perfectly balanced pH adjusted nutrient solution which is delivered straight to the roots. The plant is able to absorb these nutrients with little effort compared to soil where the roots would need to search for the nutrients. The energy the plant would need to use in this process is better spent on growth and flower production.

Rapid, healthier growth and bigger yields are just some of the many reasons why hydroponics is being used around the world for commercial food production as well as in many homes.

 

What Hydroponic Supplies Do We Offer?

Grow Tents

If you do not have the adequate space to set up your new Hydroponic System in the great outdoors, do not fear, we offer a great solution. Indoor Grow Tents allow you to cultivate your garden inside. These grow tents come in various sizes, from 80x80cm to 300x300cm, providing you with enough space to grow under controlled conditions.

 

Grow Lights

What are Grow Lights?

Grow Lights are an essential part of any indoor grow. The best type of light will always be the sun but when growing indoors you need a grow light that will provide the best quality and amount of light for your plants.

A grow light is an artificial light source that has a specific light spectrum needed to help support the process of photosynthesis in plants. The fact that leaves don't usually appear blue or red means that they absorb those parts of the light spectrum and use them to grow. The effect of blue light on plants is directly related to chlorophyll production. Plants that receive plenty of blue light will have strong, healthy stems and leaves. Red light is responsible for making plants flower and produce fruit.

 

Types Of Grow Lights

HID LIGHTS (Metal Halide & High-Pressure Sodium)

These lights are regarded as the ‘Gold Standard’. Halide bulbs are considered the most trusted and reliable to growers and cultivators.

HPS lights in essence “wake up” plants and get them working for the day. While, metal halide lights’ spectrum encourages photosynthesis and are best for vegetative growth, HPS’s red spectrum stimulates plants to stretch upward and promote bud growth.

MH is best for vegetative growth; they are great for making your plants produce dense and lush canopies with very little inter-nodal spaces.

Both Metal Halide and High-Pressure Sodium bulbs are part of the HID family of bulbs. The primary visual difference between them is that Metal Halide light is white, and the light emitted from a High-Pressure Sodium bulb is amber orange.

Usually they are rated with high lumen output of around 100lm per watt, a lamp life of up to 20,000 hours and decent degradation rates.

What distance should the light be from the plant?
Bulb	Plant Distance	Recommended Area
400W	At least 30cm away from your canopy	Up to 1.1m x 1.1m
600W	At least 45cm away from your canopy	Up to 1.4m x 1.4m
1000W	At least 60cm away from your canopy	Up to 1.8m x 1.8m

 

CMH (Ceramic Metal Halide) or CDM (Ceramic Discharge Metal Halide)

This bulb is a variation of the normal Metal Halide bulb, they have the best PAR spectrum of any HID lamp and the slowest degradation rate. CMH lights provide the highest measures of colour rendering index (CRI) as compared to HPS and MH. CMH grow lights are generally rated between 80 to 96 CRI, the sun is rated at 100 CRI.

By comparison, HID lights waste a good deal of energy producing light at ranges that are not efficiently used by plants. This means that CMH are more PAR efficient than either HPS or MH, making them a better single light solution.

We have the 3000K and 4200K versions, the 4200K has more of an even spectrum which can be used throughout growing and flowering. The 3000K would be recommended more for flowering. These bulbs produce much less heat and have more UV-A and UV-B in its spectrum, which is very beneficial if you are growing cannabis.

 

LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes)

Although growing with LEDs is efficient when it comes to controlling heat, it is still a developing technology. When it comes to selecting the right lighting for growing indoor, more and more growers are turning to LEDs.

Here’s why:

1. LEDs can save you a lot on electricity.
2. LEDs will generate a lot less heat than HID lights.
3. Less heat allows you to get your LEDs much closer to your canopy.
4. LEDs can be optimised to output more of a certain light spectrum.
5. The temperature in your grow room will be much more controllable.
6. You don’t have to water your plants as much when you are using LED grow lights.
7. Their lifespan is +- 50 000 hours.

Unlike other types of grow lights, LED's do not burn a filament, but instead pass light through semiconductors to create their spectrum. LED grow lights are designed to emit proportions of wavelength colours to which plants respond best.

LED grow lights combine a high number of red and blue light emitting diodes to act as a catalyst for photosynthesis during plants vegetative and flowering stages. Honing in on the proper light wavelengths necessary for plant photosynthesis is one primary reason that LED grow lights are a smart choice.

 

CFL (Compact Fluorescent)

The optimal time to use the CFL bulb for growing would depend on the size of the area in which you are cultivating. Using these lights for smaller operations, with a collection of no more than two to four plants within a square meter, is ideal. A CFL lasts longer, uses less energy, and produces approximately 90% less heat than an HID bulb. Therefore, you can reduce the space between your plants and bulb significantly.

This light has 300W and screws into an E40 socket. The E40 socket is incorporated onto a wing reflector that captures and reflects the light’s rays onto the plants. The CFL is divided into two halves; one side is blue, the other is red. The Blue will be used for vegetative growth, and the Red for flowering. True draw of a 300W CFL is 80-85W.

 

T5 Fluorescent Grow Lights

With a lower wattage than high intensity systems, fluorescent grow lights are perfect for seed starting, cuttings, transplants or helping that special houseplant make it through the winter.

Just like LEDs and CFLs, they produce much less heat which means you can hang them quite close to your canopy. This light fixture will also save you quite a bit on electricity. The life span of a T5 is about 20,000+ hours. You can plug this fixture directly into the wall, and unlike the MH/HPS bulb, it does not require a ballast or reflector, it comes fully assembled in the box.

 

Pricing & Feature Differences of Grow Lights
Product	Category	Main Specs 1	Main Specs 2	Watts	Price (R)
MH (Metal Halide) Bulb	High Intensity Discharge	High light output	Highly efficient	400W	From 329.00
				600W
				1000W
HPS (High Pressure Sodium) Bulb	High Intensity Discharge	High light output	Highly efficient	400W	From 369.00
				600W
				1000W
CMH (Ceramic Metal Halide) Bulb	High Intensity Discharge	Highest measures of colour rendering index (CRI)	Slowest degradation rate	315W	From 999.00
				630W
LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes)	LED	Low heat emission	Low power consumption		From 3399.00
CFL (Compact Fluorescent) Bulb	Fluorescent	Produces 90% less heat than HID bulb	No ballast required	300W	From 599.00
T5 Fluorescent Grow Light	Fluorescent	Low heat emission	No ballast or reflector required	4 x 24W lamps	2500.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light Measurement

Light is essentially “waves” of electromagnetic radiation which are measured on the electromagnetic spectrum. There are three ways to measure radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum: frequency (hertz), wavelength (nanometers) and photon energy. Photon energy is the amount of energy carried by a single photon.

LUX

One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter. The amount of light that is cast on a surface is called illuminance, which is measured in lux. This can be thought of as light intensity within a specific area.

PAR

There are two common measures of Photosynthetically Active Radiation: photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) and yield photon flux (YPF). PAR designates the wave band of solar radiation from 400 to 700 nanometers that plant life use in the process of photosynthesis. Leaves absorb mostly red and blue light in the first layer of photosynthetic cells because of Chlorophyll absorbance. Green light, however, penetrates deeper into the leaf interior and can drive photosynthesis more efficiently than red light.

 

Air & Odour Control

What is Air & Odour Control?

When plants are seedlings, slight breezes help them grow sturdier. This is essential for an indoor grow, especially when flowers grow large and plants struggle to support their own weight. Also, airflow is a surprisingly good way of keeping some pests and mould at bay.

 

Types of Air & Odour Control

1. Carbon Filters

Carbon Filters purify the air. Customers will need this if they are growing plants that give off a potent smell when flowering, such as cannabis. Especially cannabis as it is a very distinct smell and neighbours can be very nosey.

How it works:

Carbon filters have something called activated carbon (also called activated charcoal) inside, which is carbon that has undergone a process to make it very porous which increases the surface area. One gram of activated carbon has a surface area in excess of 3,000m2. Activated charcoal ADsorbs (This process differs from absorption, in which a fluid is dissolved by or permeates a liquid or solid. Adsorption is when molecules attach to the activated carbon and do not actually absorb into the carbon) the impurities from the air like odour.

Sizing Guide

Always ask the client how many square meters he needs to purify, as this will determine which size filter to recommend. All carbon filters have a CFM (cubic feet per minute) or in our country, CMH (cubic meter per hour). This tells us how much air it filters in an hour.

Carbon Filter	CMH (cubic meter per hour)
4” x 12” (100mm x 300mm)	340
6” x 12” (150mm x 300mm)	468
6” x 20” (150mm x 500mm)	765
8” x 39” (200mm x 1000mm)	1615

 

2. Axial, Mixed Flow & Centrifugal Fans

The Axial Fan’s CMH must always be lower than the CMH of the Carbon Filter otherwise it will pull air too quickly through the filter which leads to the air not being conditioned properly.

Differences between Axial, Mixed Flow & Centrifugal

Axial - Less pressure, Higher flow rate, Comes in 4 (100mm),6 (150mm) & 8” (200mm), Noise rating: 46dB

Centrifugal - Lower flow rate, Higher pressure, Durable ceramic-coated metal housing, Thermally protected AC motor, High quality moulded impeller

Mixed Flow - High pressure, Good Air Flow Rate, Very little noise, Combines the best properties of the Axial and Centrifugal fans

TD Silent Series Fan - Mixed Flow, Very low noise level (27dB)

Which one to use – Axial, Mixed Flow or Centrifugal?

Mixed Flow would be the best option to go for in most systems, however Axial fans are perfect for smaller start-up systems. Centrifugal fans would be more ideal for bigger systems as it has a higher pressure which helps if you have a lot of resistance (Air-Cooled Reflectors, Carbon Filter, Ducting) in your system.

Configirations

• 80 x 80cm tent – 4” x 12” (100mm x 300mm) Carbon Filter + 4” Axial Fan
• 100 x 100cm tent – 6” x 12” (150mm x 300mm) Carbon Filter + 6” Axial Fan
• 240 x 120cm tent – 6” x 20” (150mm x 500mm) Carbon Filter + 6” Axial Fan
• 240 x 240cm tent – 8” x 39” (200mm x 1000mm) Carbon Filter + 8” Axial Fan
• 300 x 300cm tent - 8” x 39” (200mm x 1000mm) Carbon Filter + 8” Axial Fan

 

Meters & Controllers

Meters and controllers can help growers replicate conditions (and a successful feeding solution) as close as possible. In other words, they allow growers to check and ensure their product is as close to the previous, successful grow and achieve finesse.

Monitoring your pH, EC and TDS is important. Doing so helps you understand whether you’re feeding your plants too much or not enough. If you’re new to growing, using a well-balanced feed is probably a good place to start.

1. Temperature & Humidity Control

Why is temperature and humidity important to monitor throughout your grow?

Certain plants grow best in ideal temperature and humidity conditions. For example, cannabis grows best with a moderate temperature of 24-28 degrees Celsius during the vegetative stage, while humidity is best between 40-60%. Although, temperatures can variate between 22-32 degrees Celsius depending on the strain.

During the flowering stage, temperatures are best kept between 24-26 degrees Celsius, while humidity is best between 40-45% to prevent mould from forming.

Air movement can be used to stabilise the temperature and humidity, while also increasing the transpiration rate (Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers). Water is necessary for plants but only a small amount of water taken up by the roots is used for growth and metabolism. The remaining 97–99.5% is lost by transpiration.

2. pH – Potential Hydrogen

pH up & down are used to change pH levels.

To maximize plant growth, the pH level of your nutrients should be slightly acidic. Experienced growers consider the ideal pH for most crops to fall between 5.5 and 6.5.

It is important to monitor the pH levels of your nutrient solution as well as the water you feed your plants. Before buying and using nutrients, you will need to know the difference between hard and soft water. In contrast, soft water contains much less calcium and magnesium than hard water. Therefore, the pH reading will be lower in soft water and higher in hard water.

3. EC – Electrical Conductivity

EC measures water’s ability to conduct an electrical charge. The higher the solution’s salt concentration, the better it conducts electricity. Growers use EC meters to measure the electrical conductivity of their nutrient solutions. It will give you an idea of the quantity of available nutrients. EC should be kept between 1.2 and 2.0.

4. TDS – Total Dissolved Solids

TDS measures the content of minerals in any liquid. Parts per million is equivalent to milligrams per litre of water; a 300 ppm solution has 300 mg/L of dissolved minerals. Knowing how much nutrients are in your solution is vital to caring for your plants. To obtain an approximate TDS value, multiply the EC reading (in microSiemens/cm) by 1000 and divide by 2. To get an EC value, multiply the ppm reading by 2 and divide by 1000. Thus, if your EC is 1: 1*1000/2= 500 ppm.

 

Nutrients & Plant Care

Plants benefit from a well-balanced nutrient mixture the same way humans benefit from eating a well-balanced diet – their bodies become healthier and their production rates go way up.

Which one to choose: Organic Nutrients or Synthetic Nutrients?

For ages, cannabis cultivators have been debating the pros and cons of their favourite growing method, but what you choose should ultimately be something that you choose by yourself and not based on someone else’s experience.

There can be many reasons you’d prefer growing the one or the other way and the best thing you can do is try it out for yourself to see what works best for you.

1. Salt-based nutrients (Synthetic)

Synthetic (chemical) nutrients contain the minerals that are important for plant growth in a form instantly available to your plants. The three most essential minerals for growth are nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) and potassium (K). Commercial synthetic fertilizers are usually manufactured to contain a specific ratio of these three main minerals, designated by the N-P-K ratio, which stands for the percentage of each mineral that is in the product.

Synthetic nutrients are normally made with an exact ratio of specific nutrients. This means that the grower has more control over giving the precise amounts of nutrients that the plants require during their current growth stage. A rapid intake of minerals and other compounds makes it possible to impact your plants’ health immediately, say if you want to address a nutrient deficiency as fast as possible.

Synthetic nutrients also cause salt build up over time in soil, degrading quality. With poor soil quality comes a higher chance for nutrient run-off, which results in nutrients being wasted.

Pricing & Feature Differences of Salt/Mineral-Based Nutrients

Product	Category	Main Specs 1	Main Specs 2	Growth Stage	Price (R)
General Hydroponics FloraSeries Kit 1L	Salt/Mineral-Based	Ideal balance of primary, secondary and micronutrinets	Promotes vigorous plants, large flowers and enhanced yields	Vegetative, Flowering	619.00
General Hydroponics FloraCoco Kit 1L	Salt/Mineral-Based	Rich in Magnesium and Calcium	Maximise yield and flavour intensity	Vegetative, Flowering	619.00
Green House Feeding Hydroponic Nutrients 1kg	Salt/Mineral-Based	Provides carefully prepared macro and micro-elements in a balanced manner for all phases	Nutrients are provided in the proper ratio for easy absorption	Vegetative, Short/Long Flowering & Hybrids	529.00

2. Organic Nutrients (Bio)

As compared to chemical fertilizers, organic nutrients are normally slower releasing which means there is less of a chance for overfeeding and nutrient burn. This can make organic nutrients safer to use.

Organic nutrients are made of or come from living “organic” sources like plants or animal waste. Organic nutrients are normally slower releasing which means there is less of a chance for overfeeding and nutrient burn. It will have a beneficial effect on microorganisms that are living in your soil, which in turn benefit your plants’ growth.

Organic nutrients usually take longer to be absorbed by the plant. The reason for this is that an organic grow relies on microorganisms that break down nutrients and this is a process that takes some time. This can make it more difficult if you spot a nutrient deficiency, say during flowering, and want to solve the problem as quickly as possible.

Organic substances in your soil can attract insects and pests - plus there can be an increased chance for harmful fungi or algae to appear.

Pricing & Feature Differences of Organic Nutrients

Product	Category	Main Specs 1	Main Specs 2	Growth Stage	Price (R)
Green House Hydroponic Nutrients Bio	Organic (Bio)	Natural-mineral  nutrients are immediately available for the plant	Improves microbial activity	Vegetative, Flowering	From 629.00
BioBizz Pack (Bio-Grow, Bio-Bloom & Fish-Mix) 1L	Organic (Bio)	High nitrogen concentration for vigorous growth	Abundance of trace elements, sugars, vitamins and humic acids	Vegetative, Flowering	749.00
Just Cannabis - Molasses 750mL	Organic (Bio)	Feeds the beneficial micro-organisms in the soil	Enriches the soil with various essential minerals and vitamins	Flowering	69.00
Just Cannabis - Epsom Salts 750mL (Magnesium sulfate)	Organic (Bio)	Increases chlorophyll production and deters pests	Makes plants grow bushier and produces more flowers	Flowering	69.00
Wurmbosch VermiPure Liquid Fertilizer 5L	Organic (Bio)	Natural soil improver	Contaibs naturally occuring micro and macro nutrients	Vegetative	149.00
Wurmbosch Vermigro 10dm3 8.6kg	Organic (Bio	100% organic plant foo	Natural soil improver	Vegetative	89.00

 

Plant Protection

Proper plant protection is important to produce higher quality crops with minimal wastage. We have a vast range of insecticides and fungicides to choose from.

Pests

Perhaps one of the biggest threats to a healthy and abundant harvest for outdoor growers are pests. Pests can come in all shapes and sizes, and many of them attack or affect different parts of a plant’s anatomy in varying detrimental ways. Outdoor grow operations are far more at risk to pest invasions than indoor ones, primarily because they are far more exposed to the elements and the critters that inhabit gardens, fields, and forests.

Companion Planting

Monocultures, or rows upon rows of the same species of plants, goes entirely against the living ecosystems we witness within untouched nature. When walking through a forest, we witness, what are known as polycultures, or many different plant species growing together synergistically. This is what nature intended.

The diversity occurring within polycultures increases local biodiversity and essentially forms a habitat, that is mutually beneficial for many of the species involved, boosting the overall health and vitality of the system.

The strong and potent aroma of the mint plant acts to confuse pests and thus may protect plants. Garlic chives also offer a strong scent, that may act to confuse invaders.

Beneficial Insects

Beneficial insects can be introduced into gardens to act as pest management. These predators feed on many of the insects that may end up damaging your crop.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is essentially a mix of microscopic shards made of fossils, that will inflict damage on insects that come across it. This can be used to create a protective barrier against ground dwellers, such as ants.

Mould

Mould is another big concern. Two types of mould are most common. The first, known as white powdery mould, is easily cleaned off with plain water if it is detected early. The other, known as grey mould or bud rot, is incurable. Infected buds must be removed. To prevent mould issues, keep humidity low.

 

Growing Medium

It is important to differentiate between “soil” and “soilless” mediums. When we, as growers, talk about using soil indoors, we are referring to what is commonly known as “soilless” mediums.

Soilless Mediums

1. Coconut Fiber/Coir

Often referred to simply as “coco,” it is often mixed into soilless mixtures with peat and vermiculite or can also be used as a stand-alone medium for potted plants. Derived from coconut husks, coco is sterile and has good water-retention and buffering properties.

2. Peat

Peat has a high moisture-retaining capacity, being able to hold 15 times its dry weight in H2O and contains small amounts of nitrogen. However, it has high acidity with a pH range of 3.2 to 4.5. Peat is almost always used in soilless mixtures, rather than as a stand-alone medium, with perlite and coco being its primary partners.

 

3. Vermiculite

Chemically speaking, vermiculite is hydrated magnesium-aluminium-iron silicate.

It expands quite a bit when heated, and once expanded, it is extremely lightweight. It is insoluble, inert and can absorb huge amounts of water, which is why it is often a key ingredient in soilless mixes.

4. Perlite

A grey-white mineral mined from volcanic lava flows, perlite is also heated and expanded into small, sponge-like kernels that are extremely lightweight with decent water-retention properties of three to four times its dry weight. It is very neutral with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Perlite is often used as a spread on top of soilless mediums to help keep moisture locked in below.

 

5. LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate)

This clay aggregate is porous enough to give it some decent water-holding ability, though not enough for systems using a single daily watering. Rather, this medium is better suited for continuous-flow or multiple-watering hydro systems. Inert and sterile with neutral pH, LECA offers little to no buffering properties, but it is highly stable and capable of holding seedling or clone plugs in active hydro systems.LECA can also be used as a bottom layer for drainage in pots or as a mixed-in additive for soilless mixtures.

6. Rockwool

Spun from fibres created by melting various rock types, the “wool” is then pressed into various plugs, squares and slabs for growing plants. Rockwool will hold a considerable amount of water while also allowing for good air permeation. It is sterile and inert with a neutral pH, however, it has poor buffering and is generally regarded as a medium for advanced growers.

 

FAQs

How long does it take to grow a plant hydroponically?

This will vary from crop to crop but in general a hydroponic plant will take around 20% - 30% less time than plants grown in soil.

How often should the water in the reservoir be changed?

The water in the reservoir should be changed out once the volume of added top-off water equals the total volume of the tank, usually around every two to three weeks. This prevents the over-accumulation of nutrients, bacteria and fungi. Depending on your system you may change it more or less often to maintain optimal pH and nutrient levels.

Do you use pesticides?

Although hydroponically grown plants have fewer pests and diseases than plants grown in soil, the use of pesticides is sometimes necessary. If you do need a from of pest control, always make sure it is organic.

What is the best water temperature for hydroponics?

Hydroponic water temperature is crucial. The ideal water temperature is between 18 to 26 degrees Celsius.

Does growing hydroponically affect the taste of what is grown?

No, however, there have been studies done on hydroponic tomatoes showing that hydroponically grown they actually taste better than soil-grown varieties.

 

If you have any Hydroponic or Cultivation related questions please feel free to call in on 021 851 3284 and ask for our hydroponics specialists.

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