Advanced Hydroponics - the choice of professionals

The Dutch manufacturer Advanced Hydroponics has been helping the most demanding growers achieve their cultivation goals for more than a quarter of a century. Throughout that time, even within advanced hydroponics, it has managed with a significantly narrower range than other world-famous brands with a long tradition. The simple use that distinguishes these liquid fertilisers and nutritional supplements for plant cultivation is appreciated by growers of all categories. It is not for nothing that they say a winning line-up does not change. And organo-mineral fertilisers Advanced Hydroponics simply have a timeless composition. You can find out more details in this article!

The brand’s story and philosophy

In 1993, founder Jay Jackson committed himself to finding an alternative to the commercial fertilisers available on the market at the time, which he and many other growers used. He wanted to find a formula, or rather a combination of these qualities:

• EASY TO USE
• HIGH EFFICIENCY
• COMPETITIVE PRICE

Today it is clear that he found the solution, even if it did not happen immediately. But those who search, find. First, he sought out plant nutrition experts at a research centre in the Dutch town of Aalsmeer. Then the now world-famous “Dutch Formula” was created, which you can read about a few lines further on. Jay and his colleagues first tested the resulting products on his own crop, and given where the brand stands today, it is also clear that the results were astonishing. Then things moved quickly. In 1996, he presented the “Dutch formula” to the world at a trade fair in Germany, and the unique composition of his products triggered a boom among professional growers from across Europe. Soon after, Jay Jackson also introduced the “Natural Power” range of nutritional supplements. Today, Advanced Hydroponics products are widely sold in 22 countries around the world, not only in Europe but also, for example, in Japan.

Hydroponics and growing in soil

Liquid fertilisers from Advanced Hydroponics are suitable for all types of growing media. This immediately allows us to refute a fairly common assumption, which the brand name itself somewhat encourages, that this organo-mineral plant nutrition can be used only as hydroponic fertilisers. The opposite is true, and for use when growing plants in soil there is nothing easier than preparing a nutrient solution using only half the dose of fertilisers. For safe and effective application, a detailed Advanced Hydroponics dosing chart is available to you: Advanced Hydroponics dosing chart.

Advanced Hydroponics even produces dehydrated substrate for growing in coco, which is extremely popular among growers who prefer coco as their growing medium. This is the AH Coco Advanced XL 70 L product - coconut bricks containing Trichoderma, measuring 30 x 31 x 11 cm and weighing just under 5 kg, which expand to the declared volume of 70 litres after adding 30 litres of water, making the Advanced Hydroponics coco substrate ready for immediate use. It allows easy oxygen flow, retains water better than ordinary soil, and supports better root growth. It contains no salts, odour sources, stones, roots or other impurities.

Dutch Formula

Yes, this is exactly the formula Jay Jackson was searching for a quarter of a century ago and found! Do you still remember the first of the three points? To make use as simple as possible, it was necessary to present the components in a way that allows easy mixing, so that every grower could easily adjust the amounts of the most essential nutrients according to their needs. This is how the special three-component plant nutrition was created, whose original composition carries the well-known “Dutch Formula” designation and provides plants in different stages of the growing cycle with exactly what they need most at that moment. This applies to all types of plants, from herb cultivation to agricultural crops.

Basic nutrition

The basic liquid fertiliser consists of 3 components: Grow, Bloom and Micro, which are mixed in the following ratio depending on the plant’s current developmental stage:

• 2:1:1 during the growth period
• 1:2:1 in the pre-flowering period
• 0:3:1 during full flowering

GROW

• The first of the three components ensures rapid growth and perfect plant condition during the vegetative phase.
• In newly planted plants, we may notice a healthy root zone and deep green leaves.
• An important effect is the creation of optimal conditions for later bud production during the upcoming flowering phase.

BLOOM

•  The second component follows on beautifully from the first, while stimulating the production of large, heavy buds in the flowering stage.

MICRO

• The third component is the key to success because it contains all the essential microelements for healthy plant development.
• The contained microelements are in chelated form for maximum bioavailability.
• The Micro component ensures during both the growth phase and the flowering phase that plants always absorb enough important micronutrients.

Advanced Hydroponics developed the “Dutch Formula” nutrition on the basis of more than 25 years of experience in plant cultivation and close cooperation with leading research institutions. All you need to do is follow the dosing charts and you are set for excellent results, whether in soil or if you use a hydroponic system for plant cultivation, not to mention the huge potential of aeroponics.

Our TIP: Are you interested in hydroponics, but not yet even at the starting line? Then be sure to read the separate article: Hydroponics – what does it involve and how do you start?

You will see that as your experience grows, you will soon work out for yourself how best to fine-tune your own specific combination, and in practice you will discover the strengths of the three-component Dutch Formula nutrition, especially when it comes to the growth (Grow) and flowering (Bloom) components. These three highly concentrated nutrients provide effective and balanced, complete “food” for regularly achieving above-standard yields.

Nutritional supplements Natural Power

The Dutch manufacturer does not overdo its range of nutritional supplements unnecessarily, so it includes only those additives that you will genuinely need in practice and that will help you achieve better results when growing plants in any growing medium.

While the above-mentioned basic Advanced Hydroponics fertilisers are characterised by an organo-mineral composition, all the additives listed below are 100% biological, which is also reflected in the name of the product range NATURAL POWER. What can you expect from it?

• It ensures a natural connection between nutrition and healthy plants.
• Natural Power is a very nutritious cocktail of essential natural ingredients that gives your plants an exceptionally resilient immune system.
• Increased resistance that helps protect the plant against diseases and fight damage caused by aphids, thrips or other insects.
• When using products from the Natural Power range by Advanced Hydroponics, your plants will be healthier and stronger, rich in flowers, and will provide higher yields with excellent natural flavour.
• Another advantage of the Natural Power range is undoubtedly its universal use. All products are designed for growing both indoors and outdoors. At the same time, they deliver excellent results when growing in soil, coco, rockwool and hydroponic systems.

Root Stimulator

• Countless experienced growers use this original root booster!
• In short, we can say that it speeds up root development and strengthens roots. If you are interested in what root boosters like this can do, we recommend the separate article: Root stimulator - what is it for?
• The product is applied directly to the roots or to the place where roots begin to form.
• It is intended for young plants and cuttings (clones) without roots.
• The result of application from day 1 until a strong root system is formed is also a highly resilient plant immune system and increased resistance to diseases.
• For the best possible results when growing plants outdoor and indoor, we recommend the combination: Root Stimulator + Enzymes+.

Enzymes+

• A special enzymatic additive, enriched with a blend of herbs, activates beneficial microorganisms in the growing substrate. It thus helps remove residual salts and break down dead plant roots.
• It improves the plants’ ability to absorb various nutrients, thereby allowing healthy development.
• It makes the plant root system stronger, which is why a synergistic combination with the root stimulator Root Stimulator, or also with Growth/Bloom Excellarator, is recommended.
• The Enzymes+ product improves oxygen flow. 
• Enzymes+ is added to the watering almost throughout the entire growth phase.
• For more information, we also recommend the separate article: Enzymes.

Growth/Bloom Excellarator

• This nutritious cocktail, very suitable for the ongoing enrichment of the watering, primarily strengthens the formation of green mass and flowers.
• The product is ideal especially for plants with a well-developed root system that are moving into the flowering cycle.
• In cultivation practice, it often helps growers solve problems with plant diseases or harmful insects, because among other things it significantly strengthens the plant immune system.
• Depending on the variety, the product can be added to the watering throughout the entire growth phase, except for the last 1 or 2 weeks.

Final Solution

• A product proven over the years and by tens of thousands of growers for flushing plants just before harvest in order to achieve the cleanest possible harvest with wonderful aroma and flavour, which washes away excess nutrients and dead plant residues.
• We also discuss the practical importance of flushing in more detail in a separate article: How to flush?
• Final solution helps break down and remove the last residues of fertilisers in the growing substrate and also acts as a prevention against mould formation.
• The product can be used with any type of growing substrate as the only substance added to the water.
• Warning: do not use Final Solution in combination with Enzymes+.

Additives

Advanced Amino

• By its composition and effects, this additive belongs among the so-called biostimulants, which increase the supply of energy to plants and their overall vitality.
• It has the highest content of free and absorbable amino acids.
• It is suitable for all plants and can be combined with solid and liquid fertilisers.
• Through enzymatic (natural) hydrolysis and microfiltration, active, biological amino acids are directly available to the plant.
• Improved growth and flowering occur under all circumstances.
• Plants become naturally more resilient. More effective photosynthesis and better absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) can be observed. At the same time, they are much less susceptible to various stress factors, their roots grow better and they have fuller flowers and fruits.
• Experienced growers use this additive, among other things, shortly after pruning (more about pruning, or defoliation, in a separate article: Does removing leaves make for a better harvest?)

Advanced Silica

• More than one scientific study has already shown that plants generally thrive better in soil with a high silicon content. Silicon simultaneously stimulates the absorption of other essential nutrients (for example phosphorus), thanks to which plants have more energy, are more active and have healthier and more vital roots, which is reflected in higher yields.
• That is why the composition of this product is dominated by a very high-quality silicon dioxide solution (SiO2 - hydrolysed silicon), which is a well-absorbable and important nutrient that strengthens the cell wall and skin of plants. It thus provides more natural protection for plants against fungi and protection against infections.
• We also recommend the separate article: The effect of silicon on plant health.
• The high silicon concentration in Advanced Silica is easily absorbed by the plant both through the leaves and through the roots.

Advanced PK

• A supplementary fertiliser with a balanced ratio of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which is an essential helper during the flowering phase and fruit development.
• Phosphorus provides plants with more energy (sugars) for the development of an active and healthy root system, and potassium improves water distribution so that the buds can fully develop.

pH regulators 

The Advanced Hydroponics range of additives also includes pH regulators, or concentrated substances for increasing or, conversely, reducing the acidity of the watering:

• pH minus for flowering
• pH minus for growth
• pH plus for growth and flowering

If you are just starting out with growing, an article will also help you with pH regulation, in addition to the regulators themselves: What pH of nutrient solution should you choose?

Final TIP: We often recommend getting to know a brand that interests you through discounted sets containing the manufacturer’s fertilisers and additives for the entire growing cycle. Advanced Hydroponics Starter Kit for all types of growing substrates rightly belongs among the best-selling ones. Judge for yourself and let us know!

If you would like to ask us anything, we are here for you at the familiar e-mail address info@higarden.cz. We look forward to your questions!

We also recommend these products:

• LightRail 4.0 AdjustaDrive Kit, lighting rail
• T.A. GrowStream 20
• Aqua Master Tools P700 PRO2, pH and EC/CF/PPM meter and thermometer

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