An Introduction to Mixing Nutrient Solutions for Cannabis

Growing cannabis involves tedious planning and consideration, so you may need to mix nutrients. Here’s a brief introduction to mixing nutrient solutions for cannabis.

Nutrient Mixing Basics

When mixing nutrient solutions, you must create the correct NER, nutrient-element ratio, and EC, or electrical conductivity. Follow supplier feed charts for the ideal NER for your cannabis plants.

Note that not all solution mixing is as simple as it seems; even when following the nutrient supplier feed charts, you may produce an overly strong solution in terms of electric conductivity. Measuring EC ensures the nutrient solution isn’t overly salty, which can lead to plant dehydration.

Tips for Mixing Nutrient Solutions

Mixing nutrient solutions can feel daunting when you don’t have much experience. So, here are some tips for mixing nutrient solutions for cannabis.

Your Starting Water

You may not have access to well water or untreated tap water to mix your nutrients. The ideal EC may help you determine your water quality, as starting water should remain lower than EC 300. Ideally, the lower the EC rate, the better the water.

Using reverse osmosis-filtered or distilled water is the best choice for mixing nutrient solutions. However, well or tap water with less than EC 300 is safe to use.

Nutrient Mixing Order

The order of mixing nutrient solutions is crucial for successful cannabis cultivation. Start by adding silicon to your starting water, and let it sit for at least one hour to dissolve. You can follow up by adding your Cal/Mag supplement and the base nutrients reflective of your feeding schedule and nutrient line.

Once mixed, add additives and supplements, such as the following:

• Bloom boosters
• Enzymes
• Growth enhancers
• Sweeteners
• Sugars
• Humic and fulvic acids
• Vitamins
• Amino acids

Finish mixing by setting the pH of your nutrient solution between 5.8 and 6.8.

Properly Measuring Doses

Accurately measured doses are essential for maintaining the correct nutrient-element ratio. If the EC target sits low, such as in the seedling stage, mix stronger blends and dilute them to the ideal EC level. Using graduated oral syringes can help with accurate measuring, preferably the 10ml measured types.

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