The Importance of pH in Soilless Gardening

Video Transcript:

Hi I’m Shiran from Aqua Gardening

Many of us know the term pH, its sound very scientific, but it is one of the most important things we need to know about in automatic garden systems that use aquaponics or hydroponics.

Firstly, pH is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water or the media our plants or fish are growing in. There is an ideal pH for all living things that we aim to achieve to keep them healthy.

In the US there is a big trend in drinking mineral water with a pH level of 8 and above. Why is that? Many studies show that with a higher pH level, our body is more resilient to disease and cancer cells cannot reproduce.

A similar thing is seen in plants. Every type of plant has a preferred pH level, and by maintaining the right pH level for the plant will allow it to reach its maximum potential. You can find a link below to a chart of plants and the pH level they each prefer, but generally plants will be stronger, healthier and more resilient to disease when you keep the pH between 5.5 - 6.5.

When the pH is too high, or too low, it will prevent the roots from absorbing certain minerals, which will lead to deficiencies and stunt their growth.

Take for example a garden with a pH of 5. At this level, essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen are locked out from being absorbed by the roots. And without nitrogen for instance, a plant won’t be able to even start growing!

Usually when we see a deficiency in plants, the regular way to fix it is by buying and adding more of the missing mineral. But in aquaponics and hydroponics, simply by adjusting pH can correct the deficiencies and show a remarkable turn-around within days. Before spending money on new products, check the pH and adjust it if necessary.

Adding a calcium supplement with a system pH of 5, is like pouring it down the sink – it will have no effect on the plants!

And to ensure deficiencies from an incorrect pH never occur, you can conduct a simple test that takes just a few seconds on a regular basis – easy!

To find out how to test and adjust your pH level, to maintain a lush garden, follow the link below. I’m Shiran from Aqua Gardening – safe healthy food which grows itself.