From Powder → Liquid Concentrate → Working Solution
There are 3 main steps to mixing nutrients for your plants.
Step 1: Powdered Nutrients
The nutrients come in 3 parts: A, B, and C. This lets you adjust how much of each nutrient your plants get.
- These nutrients are in powder form, so you must measure them by weight (ounces on a scale), not by using a measuring cup.
- The correct amounts are:
- Part A: 8 oz (by weight)
- Part B: 8 oz (by weight)
- Part C: 5 oz (by weight)
Step 2: Make Liquid Concentrates
Next, you turn each powder into a liquid concentrate.
Important: Each part (A, B, and C) must be mixed separately.
Instructions:
- Get 3 one-gallon jugs (one for each part).
- Fill each jug with filtered, dechlorinated water.
- Label each jug clearly:
- “Nutrient Solution Part A – DO NOT DRINK” (same for B and C)
- Pour a little water out of the jug into a glass (to prevent overflow).
- Add the entire powder for that part into the jug.
- Use a funnel if needed.
- Do NOT add powder to an empty jug first—it won’t dissolve properly.
- Close the lid and shake hard for 1 minute.
- Pour the saved water back into the jug (but don’t overfill).
- Repeat these steps for Parts B and C.
Now you have 3 liquid concentrates.
These can last a long time if stored sealed.
Step 3: Make the Working Solution
The working solution is what actually feeds your plants. It goes into your system’s reservoir.
- Measure liquids by volume (fluid ounces).
- For every 1 gallon of water, add:
- 1.28 oz of Part A
- 1.28 oz of Part B
- 1.28 oz of Part C
This creates the correct nutrient strength for plants.
Reminder: Always consider the EC (electrical conductivity) of your water, which affects nutrient levels.
Examples
Example 1: Small System (5-gallon reservoir)
- Add 4 gallons of water
- Add nutrients:
- 1.28 oz × 4 = 5.12 oz of each part
- Total nutrients:
- 5.12 oz × 3 parts = 15.36 oz nutrients
- Final mix:
- About 5 gallons of working solution
Example 2: Large System (55-gallon barrel)
- Add 50 gallons of water
- Add:
- ½ gallon of Part A
- ½ gallon of Part B
- ½ gallon of Part C
- Total:
- 51.5 gallons of working solution
Simple Summary
- Weigh the powders (A, B, C).
- Mix each one into its own gallon of water to make concentrates.
Add small amounts of each concentrate to water to feed your plants.