Can I use flower fertilizer for vegetables? I mean, it’s toxic?

I find, and I have no certainty this is at all correct it’s just what I’ve noticed, that EC doesn’t seem to be linear. Eg hypothetically I add 2 litres of nutrients to 1000L of water and get an EC of 1.0. If I then add another 2 litres I might get a reading of 1.4 - seemingly not linear. Also, I find that the reading will increase over a couple of days so initially am cautious not to add too many nutrients. EG initially it may read 0.8 but if I leave it a couple of days it may rise to give a reading of 1.4. I assume it dissolves in more perhaps… is this correct or am I imagining things?

Some kid was trying to show that there were sources of calcium, for fertilizer solutions and came up with these answers, not taking into account the cost, the acidity, the water's solubility, right or any other chemical characteristics beyond the calcium. Can you analyze these and give me a result

Certainly! Please provide the list of calcium sources the kid suggested, and I can analyze their suitability for use in fertilizer solutions by considering factors like cost, acidity/alkalinity, water solubility, and chemical characteristics.

e is a list of water-soluble calcium sources that plants can utilize, along with their estimated prices per pound:

1. Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂)

Description: Provides both calcium and nitrogen; highly water-soluble; commonly used in hydroponics and fertigation.

Estimated Price: Approximately $0.47 per pound. For example, a 50-pound bag is priced at $23.40.

1. Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂)

Description: Water-soluble and fast-acting; often used to address acute calcium deficiencies.

Estimated Price: Around $0.70 per pound. For instance, a 50-pound bag is available for $34.99.

1. Calcium Sulfate (Gypsum)

Description: Sparingly soluble in water; provides calcium and sulfur; used to improve soil structure and supply calcium.

Estimated Price: Approximately $0.12 per pound. A 40-pound bag is priced at $4.99.

1. Chelated Calcium (e.g., Calcium EDTA)

Description: Calcium bound to chelating agents for enhanced solubility and uptake; used in foliar applications and hydroponics.

Estimated Price: Varies widely based on formulation and concentration; typically more expensive due to processing.

1. Calcium Acetate (Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂)

Description: Soluble in water; occasionally used in specialty fertilizer formulations.

Estimated Price: Approximately $2.00 per pound.

1. Calcium Lactate (Ca(C₃H₅O₃)₂)

Description: Water-soluble; used in some foliar applications.

Estimated Price: Around $3.00 per pound.

1. Calcium Gluconate (Ca(C₆H₁₁O₇)₂)

Description: Soluble form used for foliar feeding or in liquid fertilizers.

Estimated Price: Approximately $4.00 per pound.

1. Monocalcium Phosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂)

Description: Provides both calcium and phosphorus; soluble in water; used in some fertilizer blends.

Estimated Price: Around $0.50 per pound.

1. Calcium Citrate (Ca₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂)

Description: Soluble in water; occasionally used in agriculture for targeted calcium delivery.

Estimated Price: Approximately $2.50 per pound.

1. Calcium Amino Acid Chelates

Description: Calcium complexed with amino acids; used in foliar feeds and hydroponic systems for improved uptake.

Estimated Price: Varies based on formulation; generally more expensive due to specialized processing.

Note: Prices are approximate and can vary based on supplier, quantity purchased, and market fluctuations. It's advisable to consult local suppliers or agricultural stores for current pricing and availability

CHAT GPT ANSWER

Here's an analysis of the listed calcium sources for their suitability as fertilizers, taking into account cost, solubility, and practical agricultural use:

Analysis by Source

1. Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂)

Advantages: Highly water-soluble; provides nitrogen in addition to calcium. Suitable for fertigation and hydroponics.

Drawbacks: Higher cost than gypsum; adds nitrogen, which may not be desirable in all applications.

Best Use: Hydroponics or fertigation systems where nitrogen is needed.

Verdict: Practical for specialized systems, cost-effective for dual nutrients.

2. Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂)

Advantages: Very water-soluble and fast-acting for acute calcium deficiencies.

Drawbacks: Can increase soil salinity if used excessively, potentially harming plants in long-term soil applications.

Best Use: Quick correction of calcium deficiencies, particularly in foliar sprays.

Verdict: Effective for emergencies but less ideal for long-term soil improvement.

3. Calcium Sulfate (Gypsum)

Advantages: Improves soil structure, supplies sulfur in addition to calcium; very affordable.

Drawbacks: Low water solubility limits its use in fertigation or hydroponics.

Best Use: Soil amendment to improve structure and correct calcium/sulfur deficiencies.

Verdict: Best for soil-based agriculture; not ideal for liquid fertilizers.

4. Chelated Calcium (e.g., Calcium EDTA)

Advantages: Highly soluble and bioavailable; works well in foliar applications or hydroponics.

Drawbacks: Expensive and not practical for large-scale field application.

Best Use: High-value crops or specific deficiency corrections.

Verdict: Use for targeted, small-scale applications.

5. Calcium Acetate (Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂)

Advantages: Water-soluble; relatively neutral pH effect.

Drawbacks: High cost limits large-scale use.

Best Use: Specialty fertilizers in niche agricultural applications.

Verdict: Cost-prohibitive for general use.

6. Calcium Lactate (Ca(C₃H₅O₃)₂)

Advantages: Water-soluble and bioavailable.

Drawbacks: Expensive and rarely used in agriculture.

Best Use: Foliar sprays for high-value crops.

Verdict: Limited to specialized or experimental use.

7. Calcium Gluconate (Ca(C₆H₁₁O₇)₂)

Advantages: Soluble and effective for foliar feeding.

Drawbacks: High price; limited use in mainstream agriculture.

Best Use: Niche applications for specific calcium deficiencies.

Verdict: Not practical for most growers due to cost.

8. Monocalcium Phosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂)

Advantages: Provides phosphorus in addition to calcium; water-soluble.

Drawbacks: Adds phosphorus, which may not always be required.

Best Use: Blends for crops needing both calcium and phosphorus.

Verdict: Good for specific nutrient needs but situational.

9. Calcium Citrate (Ca₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂)

Advantages: Soluble and neutral pH impact.

Drawbacks: High cost limits agricultural scalability.

Best Use: Specialty or experimental applications.

Verdict: Not cost-effective for most farming systems.

10. Calcium Amino Acid Chelates

Advantages: Highly bioavailable and soluble; ideal for foliar or hydroponic use.

Drawbacks: Very expensive due to complex processing.

Best Use: High-value crops in controlled environments.

Verdict: Best for small-scale, premium applications.

Summary Recommendations

Cost-Effective Options: Calcium nitrate and gypsum stand out for large-scale, general agricultural use. Gypsum is ideal for soil improvement, while calcium nitrate is better for systems needing nitrogen.

High Solubility Needs: Calcium chloride is a quick, soluble source but should be used sparingly to avoid salinity issues.

Specialized Use: Chelated calcium and amino acid chelates are best for targeted applications in foliar feeding or hydroponics but are too expensive for large-scale farming.

Avoid for Large-Scale Use: Calcium acetate, lactate, gluconate, and citrate are impractical due to high cost.

Would you like a deeper dive into any specific source or comparison?

Hi! I’m new.

Wanting to start an in home grow system. To off load my recurring grocery items. Mainly lettuce and herbs for 2 people.

I was looking at the Gardyn Studio. 16 plants. Grow lights. Sounds like everything needed. I’m new to all this.

How do you experience growers feel about it? I def want to make it a hobby too. So it’s an enjoyable experience. Maybe it’s lacking something I might need? Would love any and all advice. Before I make any purchases. TIA !

So I see a lot of misinformation about fertilizer compounds. The easiest way to understand what you're using is start with 1 gram per liter The reason is this is direct correlation to parts per million ppm 1gram in 1 liter = 1000ppm 1 liter = 1000 ml or gram 1 ml = 1 gram

But let's start with 1 gram of a fertilizer 20-20-20; This is so simple. Everyone will be stunned when they realize they can read chemical formula ridiculously easy. So if your bottle says that it has 20% N Then at 1 gram/cc/ml per liter that is 1000 ppm x 20 % = 200ppm That's it. Do you have 8% P ? Then 8% of 1000ppm = 80 ppm P

Ok , but maybe you want 231 ppm P ? That sounds pretty complicated but it's not. If 1 gram per liter of your 8% P = 80 ppm Then 231 ppm ÷ 80ppm P = 2.89g If you add 2.89g/cc/ml of your 8% P solution that gives you 231ppm P I mean, this is like elementary school math. Just go look at the side of the bottle. Does it say eg: N 5% P 2% K 6% ? Then literally just put a zero next to those numbers. So 5%;N = 50ppm N 2% P =20 ppm P 6% K = 60ppm K It's literally that easy. If you drink a bottle of carbonated water and it says it has 300ppm CO That literally translates 0.3 gram

Anyway, here's how to do it with calcium nitrate. Smoke a spliff read it You will be making your own nutrient solutions.By the end of that spliff. That will allow you to read through all of the bullshit. They are trying to sell you when they try to sell you something for a hundred dollars a bottle and now you can read the side of it.And you realize that it's got fifty cents worth of magnesium sulfate in it, and maybe a dollars worth of calcium nitrate or something.

HOW TO UNDER STAND THE INGREDIENTS IN THE FORMULAS YOU USE : -calcium nitrate

I break down various fertilizers I can find. So people can have a more act set opinion when buying fertilizer products. Even if they don't understand everything, everyone can see when a company claims BIG BUDs, but it's just mono potassium phosphate. Something is probably already in your feed.

There are about 20 or so compounds, 100% of all fertilizer . Calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate,ammonium nitrate, potassium sulfate , mono potassium phosphate, and magnesium sulfate are easily the most used components as far as the MACRO ELEMENTS are concerned , Nitrogen. N , phosphorus P , potassium K , calcium Ca , magnesium Mg, and suphur S . Calcium nitrate is the #1 source of calcium at 24.4% Ca and 17.1% N . The percentage of each element is based on atomic weight, which can be found under the elements symbol on the periodic table.

This is the calculation for calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)2.

• Find atomic weight on a periodic chart.

Ca=40 N =14, and there are 2 so 28 O = 16, and there are 6 so x 6 =96 96+28+40=164 atomic weight of calcium nitrate 40/164=24.4% Ca 28/164=17.1% N % So, each gram of calcium nitrate per liter water will provide : N 171 ppm Ca 244 ppm

Calcium nitrate is generally 90% pure . It's coated in a carbonate prill. That extra ten percent is carbonate with some iron and sodium chloride**. So if the math says you need 1000 g calcium nitrate, then add +10% or 1100g

**This is why you don't need to add chlorine as it is an impurity in a lot of things, including calcium nitrate

John cGSg

Could anyone please tell me what the humidity should be inside of a grow tent in the stage of late flower? Mine is 50 to 60 keeps fluctuating. and I’m not sure if it’s right and how to make it lower.

calmag is a manufactured product made with several mineral compounds that are probably already in your feed . They are usually calcium nitrate and magnesium sulfate, but some use magnesium nitrate and/or iron supplements or whatever. Calcium and magnesium are usually the main minerals along with nitrogen.
Now , some minerals are MOBILE and some IMMOBILE. 1)- IMMOBILE, so ONLY starts at the top.which is calcium 2) - and at least 2 are MOBILE. ( nitrogen and magnesium), so ONLY start at the BOTTOM .

So you can have a calcium deficiency, and you can have a magnesium deficiency. You can have a calcium and magnesium deficiency at the same time. but you CAN'T have a calcium/magnesium deficiency any more than you can have a copper nitrogen deficiency or a phosphorus sulfur deficiency. They are separate compounds with no connection other than being sold as a product for PRE CONDITIONING coco but NOT as a fertilizer supplement. It was not until later, after a few years, that companies started deconstructing their fully complete feed formulas, breaking them into their base components, and selling them individually to make more money. If your formula requires you to add calmag or any other mineral supplement, then you need a better formula. There is very little reason they should not be in a 2 part formula to begin with. If your formula requires you to use calmag and/or any other assortment of supplements, I would suggest getting a different formula. John cGSg

Hey guys,

I think i have a CalMag Problem. PH: 6 - 6.5 EC: 1000ppm Watertemp: 20°C I habe an rdwc setup and i'm using terra aquatica tri Part + calmag + silcate. I Start from rainwater with Ec 0.

So I'm about to start growing my own fruits and veggies, I'm completely new to this, but I want to get started. I'm interested in growing tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers, spinach, and cilantro, apart from the hydroponic system I'll be growing garlic, onions, and sweet potatoes. What equipment should I purchase? What is y'all's recommendations. Thanks for the advice.

Hi everyone! I'm growing tobacco plants in a floating root hydroponic system, and I want them to grow tall. However, due to the weight of the stem, they're starting to bend and grow more horizontally than vertically.

I need to tie the plants to a tall trellis for support, but I’m unsure which rope material to use. I’m looking for something that:

1. Won’t damage the plant stems.
2. Can handle high humidity without promoting mold or fungi.
3. Is durable enough for the entire growing cycle.

Has anyone faced a similar issue? Which type of rope or string worked best for you? Thanks in advance! :)

Can't find food grade hydrogen peroxyde in my country !!!! And it is also government regqulated!

Kanna, Sceletium Tortuosum. Using an aero garden bounty with miracle gro nutrients

Just got my ec pen and I’m looking for someone to break it down like a third grader for me on how to use it. Thank you in advance. I promise I’m just a little special.

Just need a spot for a little cloner and to get rid of the soil set up for my reapers.

Wanting to add another little PVC shelf to have my air pump and humidifier off the floor as well.

Haven't added Nutes in 3 months

I’m a bit new to indoor plants but got super keen. The growers I buy from suggest using 50% perlite and 50% course coconut coir a growing medium. Is this a hydroponic mix and do I need to add nutrients to it?

I need an air stone huh