Adding Plant Food for the First Time - Day 10
| Usage | Plant Food | Water |
| Adding plant food to full tank | 3 tsp | 6 gallons (full tank) |
| Topping off the tank | 1 tsp | 2 gallons |
General Recommendations:
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Dissolve plant food in warm water before adding it to the tank to improve its uptake by the plants.
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Make sure to refill the water tank regularly to ensure greater stability in plant food concentration. For optimum growth, we recommend not letting your water level go below 50%.
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Change the water with new water and plant food every 30 days to maintain a healthy pH balance (Learn more about changing the water).
Starting a new Gardyn with no plant food:
Plant food can hinder germination and burn the tips of your plants leaves if it becomes too concentrated. Make sure you do not add more than the recommended amount and at the right time--Kelby will let you know what you should do and when in the app.
Topping off the tank:
Whenever you top off the tank with fresh water, you should also add plant food to maintain the correct ratio of plant food in your Gardyn tank. After premixing 1 tsp per 2 gallons of water (or ½ tsp per gallon), if you fill your tank to full capacity and have any plant food and water mixture remaining, you can keep it for up to one week or dilute it slightly to repurpose for indoor or outdoor plants.
Can I use organic plant food?
Mineral plant food provides the same nutrients as organic plant food, but without generating excess waste that will clog your pump. Since there is no soil present in a hydroponic setup, mineral plant food is always preferred because it is cleaner and will prevent biofilm from developing in your tank and columns. Your plants will still be organic, so no worries!
Disclaimer
Some Gardyners have received scoops that amount to more than a teaspoon due to COVID supply issues.The guidelines above have been approved by our Lead Grower. Because plant food concentration is measured on a spectrum, these guidelines will work for both a true teaspoon as well as a larger scoop. The true teaspoon will put you at the lower end for ppm, and the larger scoop at a higher end. Both will keep your plants healthy and happy!