Why look after your plants pH levels?
Plants are just like humans. If you were to drink a glass of acid or alkaline, you would be very poorly. So when you are feeding your plants, for best results, it is important that the pH of your nutrient mixture is correct. In this info sheet, we answer some of the pH basics you need to know when growing plants. Incorrect pH affects the absorption of nutrients by the plant’s roots, and if combined with poor temperature control, can encourage bad bacterial growth.
What is the ideal pH level?
Different manufacturers of nutrients will advise you slightly differently on what is the ideal pH level for your plants.
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At Holland’s, we would advise our customers that the ideal pH level of your nutrient solution is should generally be between 5.5 and 6.5. If you stick within these measurements you are providing the best possible solution for your plants to live on.
How to measure your pH levels...
There are many ways to measure your pH levels and the measurement method can depend on what type of growing medium you are using.
Hydroponics (Soilless)...
If you are using hydroponics, you need to measure the pH when you create your nutrient mixture (in a bucket or in your tank). It is also worth noting when buying your growing medium, whether it be Rockwool, clay pebbles or vermiculite, if it is pH balanced. If it is not, you need to soak your growing medium in pH balanced solution before you use it to grow your plants.
Soil or Coco...
If you are using soil or coco, you measure the pH of your nutrient solution in the same way as with hydro. However, you must also check the pH of the growing medium itself. This can be found on the outer bag of the soil or coco (from most manufacturers.) This is because adding your pH balanced solution further adjusts the pH of the medium. For example, if the pH solution of your soil is increased by 0.2 when you add your nutrient solution, then you need to mix your solution by 0.2 less before adding it to the medium.
How can I spot if my pH levels are wrong?
There are many things incorrect pH can cause. We strongly advise you to monitor the pH of your nutrient, and if you haven't done this then there are some tell-tale signs to keep an eye out for...
• Yellowing and / or wilting of plant leaves
• Collection of salts on the top of the growth medium (signifying poor nutrient absorption)
• Speckles on plant leaves (signifying a deficiency)
• Excessive fungal growth in the nutrient reservoir or tank
Methods to measure your pH...
Holland’s sell a variety of pH measuring equipment at different price ranges to suit different budgets and different applications.
pH Pens and Meters
Electronic pH pens are handheld battery-operated devices which offer a digital
readout of your pH level by dipping it into your nutrient solution. We have a wide
variety of pH pens at different prices – you basically get what you pay for. More
expensive pH pens are more accurate and generally are physically more robust.
pH Testing Kits
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The cheapest method of testing pH. Just add some drops of the test
liquid to a sample of the nutrient solution within the vial (or test tube)
supplied, swirl and compare the colour to the chart provided.
(PICTURED: PH TEST KIT GROWTH TECHNOLOGY WIDE RANGE, TWB5197, £3.90)
Soil pH Test Kits
A liquid and powder formula kit for effective quick testing of pH of your soil.
(PICTURED: SOIL PH TEST KIT, XWN4145, £6.65)
Soil pH Meters
pH soil meters are a handheld device with a long electrode which you insert in
to the soil (or coco). The reading is given on a 'needle' meter.
(PICTURED: SOIL MOISTURE METER, GDC3957, £13.25 AND SOIL PH METER, SSB9562, £9.80)
Multi-Meters (For Hydroponics)
Holland’s also sell a variety of multi meters in handheld and
wall mountable forms, which can measure a combination of
pH, EC and temperature. These meters are more expensive,
but save the need to buy individual meters. Some meters can
also sit in the reservoir at all times to keep a constant record of
pH, EC and temperature.
(PICTURED: NUTRADIP TRIMETER PH/EC/TEMPERATURE, JMY4817, £125.00)
Getting the most from your pH testing equipment...
Maintaining...
If you don't look after your pH testing equipment you risk the incorrect measurement of the pH level. At a bare minimum you must ALWAYS wash the electrodes on your equipment with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth after use. For extra care, Holland’s sell various solutions to help prolong the life and accuracy of your equipment at very moderate prices. Ask staff for more details or see the ‘pH and nutrient management' section of our website.
Calibrating...
Like any piece of electronic measuring equipment, pH meters need calibrating from time to time. For this, Holland’s supply solutions called 'pH buffers'. These standard, inexpensive solutions are used to check that the pH is still correctly read on the meter. If it is not, it can be easily corrected.
How to adjust your pH levels...
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DANGER! pH adjustment chemicals are highly corrosive, always use suitable eye protection and protective gloves...
Adjustment of pH is achieved by using solutions usually called 'pH up' or 'pH down'. If your nutrient solution is too high, you can use pH down to correct it. If your pH level is too low, use pH up to correct it. Holland’s sell a range of pH adjusters in both liquid and powder forms. For more information on advanced pH adjustment ask a member of staff. Always adjust your solution one drop of pH up or pH down at a time, as it is very strong. Ideally, mix one drop of your pH up/down with a litre of water prior to adding it to your solution, for gradual pH adjustment.
• ALWAYS store pH up and down separately.
• ALWAYS use protective eye wear and suitable gloves.
• DANGER – Never mix pH up and down together as this can cause adverse chemical reactions!!!
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