Nutritional Basics, Page 3

In today’s article, we will focus on a matter close to our hearts... and we are certainly not alone in this. The same description could easily be used by many amateur and professional growers and gardeners, because when it comes to organic fertilisers, the VEGANICS range from BIONOVA is hard to beat in terms of value for money.

It does not matter whether you grow at home, in the garden, in a greenhouse or in the field. Whether indoors or outdoors. It does not even matter how experienced you are. And even better, it does not matter what your budget is either. Veganics fertilisers, 100% organic nutrition from the Dutch brand BioNova, are available at a reasonable price, both for the growth phase and during flower formation.

This means that everyone can grow their own crop and harvest in BIO quality right from the start. This is even easier when combined with the renowned substrates from the same brand, whether you grow in soil or prefer coco.

You do not need to be vegan or vegetarian to appreciate a composition entirely free from animal ingredients. In addition to the pleasant feeling that comes from the simple fact that you are supporting the planet you live on, the purely natural composition with its unique formula will above all finally allow you to grow and enjoy fruit, vegetables or fresh herbs with such a natural taste and aroma as you may not have had the chance to experience before...

The basic NPK fertilisers from the Veganics range represent a unique blend of plant-based raw materials and primary sea minerals freed from animal waste and ballast salts. All the organic substances contained are very quickly mineralised and absorbed by plant tissue through the roots, stems and leaves, which improves their physiological activity and natural defence against abiotic stressors.

The best way to get acquainted with the nutrition of the Veganics product range is undoubtedly the practical and comprehensive set, or Hobby pack Veganics, where, in addition to the basic fertilisers for the vegetative phase (grow) and flower or fruit formation (bloom), you will also find a 100% organic product with a higher potassium content, beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi to improve soil properties, which has a great deal to do with the taste described above. VitaSol helps plants of all kinds transport absorbed nutrients throughout the entire plant. You will benefit from it most during periods of increased production and rapid growth. Especially if you grow plants under artificial lighting, VitaSol is an excellent helper.

To make the set complete, we must not forget X-cel Booster, which actively supports growth and flower formation from the very first day of planting!

Hobby pack Veganics - the “dream team” in the category of organic plant nutrition

BioNova Veganics is a comprehensive nutrition range that guarantees the most natural and cleanest possible way of fertilising that you can give your plants. Higher yields will, of course, not be long in coming and will arrive by the next harvest at the latest. If you focus on cultivating plants inside a grow box, you can look forward to a harvest up to one fifth richer and at the same time 100% natural, and even several times a year.

The family of fertilisers and additives with the VEGANICS label also includes the unique product called The Missing Link (TML). It is a blend of organic materials with precious metals and fulvic acid in the main role, which significantly stimulate the natural defences of all conceivable plant species. As a result, they will not succumb to stress, pests or diseases. In addition, you can also use it in hydroponic systems. Together with another representative of this product range, the aforementioned X-cel booster, it forms a perfectly coordinated pair. With perfectly vital plants nourished by natural nutrition, you will probably gain one more bonus in the end - you will save on fungicides and herbicides.

We will be glad if the Veganics range has interested you at least half as much as it has interested us and many of our customers. Be assured that the other half, which consists of your own experience, is well worth it. Do not hesitate to ask us anything. We will be happy to advise you on choosing the ideal organic nutrition. We look forward to your questions at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

- Discounted BioNova Veganics set (Hobby pack)
- 100% natural fertiliser for growth
- 100% natural fertiliser for bloom
- BioNova soil mix

When nutrient concentration for plants takes centre stage, the Dutch manufacturer of biomineral liquid fertilisers offers an exceptionally high proportion of key nutrients for universal use, whether you are growing in soil, coco or in hydroponics.

Metrop fertilisers therefore dispel the myth that every growing medium necessarily requires a different fertiliser. If you use Metrop, you only need to adjust the dosage. Would you like to learn more about highly concentrated nutrition from their own laboratories? Then read on!

As we have already explained, Metrop does not make much distinction between substrates and individual cultivation methods. The unique products are developed in the Netherlands so as to satisfy commercial growers as much as possible, for whom the difference in yields is a matter of livelihood, while also being easily accessible to complete beginners, for whom they will make the entire plant growing process much easier.

The company prides itself on intensive research in its own laboratories. It refuses to adopt information about findings in the field of plant cultivation indoors or outdoors. For several years now, it has followed a path based exclusively on its own experience. Every two weeks, a laboratory analysis of the tested plants is carried out. 

If, from a grower’s perspective, you have been considering for some time that you would like to test fertilisers other than those you are used to, or simply want to try something new, the comprehensive Metrop range has its own specific features that are worth exploring.

INCREDIBLY UNIVERSAL NUTRITION FOR ALL TYPES OF PLANTS

The Metrop brand is represented in our shop by 7 unique products, which we will now introduce in more detail. Their creation is the result of demanding technological processes, especially biosynthesis, which we will also explain.

1. MR1 – a biomineral fertiliser for the vegetative phase of plants, characterised by NPK values of NPK 10-40-20 and containing all macro- and microelements that a plant needs for vigorous growth, regardless of the type of substrate. We recommend it from the second day of growth until the third or even fourth week of flower formation. In addition to the basic nutrients, the composition is enriched with magnesium and chelated trace elements. Chelation is known for being completely natural to plants, which significantly increases the bioavailability of the nutrients contained.
2. MR2 – a biomineral fertiliser designed for maximum yield and huge flowers! Its pure composition allows every grower to maximise yields without the risk of overfertilisation. If you are involved in hydroponics, you will appreciate that the quality of the substances is so high that it does not allow deposits to form in hydroponic systems. This again improves fertiliser management and the service life of hydroponic equipment. We recommend following MR1 with this fertiliser, meaning applying it three, or possibly four, weeks from the moment the plant begins to flower.
3. Calgreen - a unique product containing amino acids and vitamins, developed on the basis of a synergistic combination of calcium and nitrogen. These two elements are also the basic building blocks of plant cell walls. The effect of this product is such that the resulting inflorescence is heavier, holds together beautifully as a whole, and the plants are significantly stronger and more flexible. The Dutch manufacturer also declares an 80% success rate in preventing rot and mould.
4. Root+ - a root stimulator that completely departs from conventional products, containing high-quality amino acids and vitamins. An interesting fact that will please every grower is that, thanks to its own biosynthesis, Metrop is able to define precisely the type and number of individual amino acids in the composition of this product. The Root+ root booster thus gains a kind of extension, because in addition to the roots and rootlets themselves, it also directly stimulates the leaves and stems and affects the formation of important enzymes. The structure of amino acids resembles a spiral that can be measured. The value above which the plant is no longer able to absorb amino acids is stated as 1500 DA (Daltons). It is therefore striking that most organic products commonly available on the market have these values at around 10,000 DA. In the case of Metrop Root+, the length of this amino spiral is only 700 DA! You will notice the difference most on plants exposed to stress.  
5. AminoXtrem - a flower stimulator. When we first saw the presentation of this broad-spectrum amino acid-based product, we were amazed. Its application affects, quite literally, all processes in all types of plants that you can think of. Both the visible ones and those hidden from the human eye. AminoXtrem has a beneficial effect on roots, stems, leaves and flowers, and again uses controlled biosynthesis of amino acids, the advantages of which we described above. In laboratory conditions, amino acids are obtained by fermentation, hydrolysis, or precisely through biosynthesis, which surpasses the other methods in that the resulting product is able to influence more parts of the plant at once. Amino spirals created by biosynthesis measure less than 700 Daltons, and therefore are much better actually utilised by the plant than is the case with ordinary amino acid-based stimulators. Biosynthesis is a technologically very complex process, and Metrop is one of the few companies to have invested both time and resources in it, thanks to which it is now collecting awards and gaining renown in the world of growing.
6. MAM – special nutrition for mother plants is enriched with micro- and macroelements that would otherwise be lacking due to the frequent taking of cuttings. The increased phosphorus content ensures continuous growth of roots. Magnesium, in turn, takes care of chlorophyll production and protein synthesis.
7. Enzymes - When we are talking about proteins, we must not forget the last supplement from the Metrop range, which is this bottle packed with special protein molecules that accelerate a whole range of biochemical processes taking place in the plant body.

If the Metrop brand has caught your attention as it has ours, take advantage of the discounted prices and, above all, the synergistic action of the individual products we have just introduced, namely in the form of comprehensive sets. Before that, however, please do not hesitate to ask us anything. Call or write to the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

Metrop fertilisers

The NPK value indicates what percentage by weight the three basic nutrient components for a plant make up.
The NPK value indicates the percentage by weight of the three basic nutrient components that a plant should have available for optimal growth and development:

• N denotes nitrogen, which is absolutely essential for growth in plants.
• P denotes phosphorus, which supports root formation and the development of buds and flowers.
• K denotes potassium, which ensures the plant’s strength, improves its resistance and protects the plant against possible infections.

Fertilisers containing N-P-K elements are the basic nutrition for plants.

What is the composition of an NPK fertiliser and how should one understand the specific values of a given NPK fertiliser?

If the NPK value is 6-8-6, the plant’s nutrition includes 6% nitrogen, 8% phosphorus and 6% potassium (by weight).

NPK fertilisers containing the basic elements for healthy growth of plants are often referred to as so-called complete fertilisers. The term triple fertilisers is also often used.

A fertiliser containing only phosphorus and potassium - a double fertiliser, or PK fertiliser - is a mineral additive for an extensive root system of plants, and another effect of its use is often the formation of abundant flowers.

Growers also widely use single fertilisers containing only one of the three most important NPK elements. A single fertiliser provides plants with an extra dose of nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium. The number for each type of fertiliser again expresses the percentage by weight.

Fertiliser with NPK content and its practical use:

• The consumption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is considerable in most plants, so single, double and triple fertilisers with different NPK contents are intensively used when growing plants in indoor conditions throughout the cultivation cycle.
• Basic soil fertilisation at the start of vegetation is also important if you repeatedly use a smaller growing area outdoors outdoor (a garden, bed, etc.) for growing fruit or vegetables, for example. Repeated cultivation in the same growing area results in lower soil fertility, as nutrients are gradually depleted from the soil. It is therefore important to add them back into the soil, and this is exactly what complete fertiliser is for.
  

Products from the legendary manufacturer GHE®, known among other things for its intensive collaboration with NASA, have received a new name, just like the company itself. General Hydroponics of Europe is definitively changing to Terra Aquatica.

Let us take a look together at what is changing and what is not, so that you do not unnecessarily look for the popular fertilisers, substrates and hydroponic systems under a different name.

The French leader in hydroponics is now wearing a completely new coat. Since 2015, the General Hydroponics brand had been part of the large multinational horticultural corporation Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. Later, however, it decided to operate as an independent unit and separate from its parent company. That is why a complete rebranding of GHE was launched in mid-2019, which is also approved by the author of the hydroponic bible, William Texier.

The names have changed, but the quality remains the same, namely first-class. Likewise, for all products, in the spirit of “if it works, do not change it”, the original composition and dosage have been preserved.

The labels are designed so that it is immediately clear which product they are based on. The upper half carries the new logo and product name, for example TriPart. Below, each label also states the original name, in this case FloraBloom, while at the bottom there is also a depiction of the identical formula as we knew it from the original product, and right at the bottom we can also see the classic GHE logo.

We also state the original product names in brackets in our e-shop for easier orientation. At least for now, until the gardening world gets properly used to it...

You will recognise most of your favourite products, especially the fertilisers, without any problem, mainly thanks to the graphic and colour design of the label, as shown in the following image.

The hydroponic system AeroFlo has also undergone a change. It now bears the trade name GrowStream and there is much to look forward to. Its improved design was built on the same foundations as AeroFlo, including the irrigation mechanism. However, the new system has rounded corners and larger growing chambers.

The EcoGrower, AquaFarm, WaterFarm, Aerofarm and RainForest systems remain the same.

The change from GHE (G. H.) to T. A. should no longer unnecessarily surprise or confuse you when choosing products from this prestigious brand, which we can only recommend. If there are any further changes on the part of the manufacturer, we will inform you, and if you would like to ask us anything, please do not hesitate to contact us at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

- T.A. fertilisers
- T.A. substrates
- Hydroponic and aeroponic systems

If you want to support your efforts in plant cultivation as much as possible, fertilising is an absolutely essential and key part of it. It may seem complicated to some, but it is not rocket science. Let us look together at the basic rules which, if followed, will have you cheering over your harvest.

Fertilisers usually contain three basic nutrients, abbreviated as NPK (N - nitrogen, P - phosphorus, K - potassium). In the vegetative stage of the plant, a sufficient amount of nitrogen (N) is needed, which supports growth and the formation of strong green parts of the plant, namely stems and leaves. This is made possible mainly by nitrogen’s ability to form chlorophyll, which is responsible for the proper course of photosynthesis. Phosphorus (P) is important in the vegetative stage mainly for healthy growth of the root system. When growing outdoors, the growth stage usually lasts longer; in indoor conditions, it quickly moves into the flowering stage. Plants begin to flower either on the basis of photoperiod (according to day length) or depending on their age. In this case, flowers and fruits begin to form once the plant is sufficiently mature. When moving into the flowering stage, we reduce the supply of nitrogen in favour of potassium (K) and phosphorus, which support abundant flowering and increase yields. Potassium then helps in the formation of important compounds in the plant and at the same time improves overall resistance to disease and stress.

In addition to a lack of nutrients at a given stage, we must also watch out for over-fertilising. In an effort to “treat” their plants, it can easily happen that we over-fertilise them and thereby destroy them. Each plant is only able to absorb a certain amount of nutrients; the rest remain in the substrate and salinise it. It is therefore necessary to follow the recommended doses from fertiliser manufacturers and not try to improve things for the plants in good faith. Moreover, if you use special substrates, they are usually pre-fertilised for the first 2-4 weeks of growth, so fertilising only begins after this period. For the correct dosing of nutrients in certain stages of plant development, it is not necessary to calculate the ratios of individual components in a complicated way, but you can use a wide range of organic and mineral fertilisers exactly according to your requirements and cultivation method.

A new addition to our range is fertilisers from the Dutch company Bio Nova, which are environmentally friendly, easy to use and ensure high yields. The Bio Nova dosing tables will help you with precise fertiliser dosing, so you do not have to worry about over-fertilising or, conversely, a lack of nutrients. We also offer fertilisers from the brands: Plagron, Advanced Hydroponics, BioBizz,Canna and many others.

Unlock the genetic potential of your plants! The innovative British fertiliser manufacturer and proud sponsor of Prague Cannafest 2021 is among the TOP 20 most popular brands among growers from around the world. Unique nutrition for plants of all kinds has just expanded our range, and in this article you will find detailed information about the individual products as well as how to use them in practice.

The SHOGUN company has its own scientific team, and its biochemists under the leadership of Dr. Callie Seaman always work on the basis of practical input from professional growers. All products of this brand, which are used every month by 87 million growers from 190 countries, are thoroughly and independently tested in third-party laboratories to ensure the consistency of every batch. The exceptional technical sophistication and super-stable, reliable composition of these products can also pleasantly surprise with their favourable price, as you can see HERE.

SHOGUN fertilisers stand out for their specific composition, which includes, among other things, original ingredients that stimulate plant development:

- SmartZen®: a maximiser that demonstrably increases yields by up to 8% (compared with nutrition with the same NPK content, but without SMARTZEN) and which was developed over a symbolic 8 years. SmartZen increases chlorophyll density and the photosynthetic activity of plants. Among other things, it also significantly reduces the impact of temperature fluctuations in the growing environment on plants.

- AquaZen®: without this technology, in the case of ordinary fertilisers, nutrients sink to the bottom of the roots with little dispersion and tend to be washed away, which the AQUAZEN component effectively prevents. Thanks to it, nutrients penetrate the growing medium to the maximum possible extent. The result is much better use of fertilisers - your plants absorb much more of them!

Now let us introduce this hot new product on the Czech market in more detail through the individual products, including their key features and ingredients. We will begin with the most advanced base fertilisers (HYDRO, COCO, TERRA) for individual growing methods, followed by other unmistakable preparations for a fantastic harvest, which perfectly complement one another.

- SHOGUN SAMURAI HYDRO: two-component hydroponic fertilisers for the VEGETATIVE and FLOWERING phase. Ideal for more experienced growers who need full control over the entire nutrition process. Growers also appreciate the fact that the SHOGUN range of hydroponic fertilisers is available in versions for hard or soft water.

- SHOGUN SAMURAI COCO: two-component fertilisers for growing in coco throughout the entire growing cycle, synergistically combining the benefits of the above-mentioned original SmartZen and AquaZen ingredients.

- SHOGUN SAMURAI TERRA: for growing in soil and soil substrates, these two-component fertilisers are used for GROWTH or FLOWER. The universal TERRA range is suitable whether you water plants grown in soil with hard or soft water.

SHOGUN START: fertiliser for easy and rapid rooting of seedlings and cuttings, which provides young plants with all the key micro and macro elements in the early stages of development, when they are still weak and vulnerable.

• KEY INGREDIENTS
  • Boron and calcium in an ideal ratio
  • SMARTZEN (see above) - a blend of unique carbohydrate compounds and elements that have remarkable effects on the growth of your crops.
  • Trace elements, which are commonly overlooked but have a fundamental impact on the development of young plants.
  • Humic acids and fulvic acids

• KEY FEATURES
  • Faster germination and root formation
  • Increased movement of auxins from the leaf tip to the root point

SHOGUN KATANA ROOTS: root stimulator for healthy root mass, enabling explosive growth of your plants. A great solution for the process of cutting propagation and cultivation of plants from seed creates the most effective mechanism of absorption of nutrients you could wish for.

• Key Ingredients:
  • Green seaweed extract – a mix of beneficial vitamins (including biotin and thiamine, also known as B12), amino acids and hormones

• KEY FEATURES
  • Faster germination and formation of white roots
  • Extra-fast vegetative growth in every substrate
  • More active roots and more vital crops
  • Complex structure for maximally efficient nutrient uptake
  • Revitalisation of wilting plants by applying spray directly to the leaves

SHOGUN ZENZYM: enzymatic fertiliser for the growth and flowering phase, which speeds up the decomposition of dead roots and continuously keeps your plants' root system healthy and clean. It also releases locked nutrients from dead matter and allows plants to reuse them. This dramatically increases nutrient uptake, which you will soon notice in your crop!

• KEY INGREDIENTS
  • Enzymes or organic molecules that have biological activity and essentially function as a catalyst. Cellulase breaks down cellulose, producing glucose and other simple sugars. Xylanase breaks down the main components of plant cell walls. Ferulic acid supports cell wall strength.

• KEY FEATURES
  • Easy and rapid revitalisation of substrates
  • Significantly higher absorption of nutrients
  • Rapid formation of a strong root system

SHOGUN GEISHA FOLIAR: a unique preparation for a bountiful harvest, whose technically advanced composition allows completely safe use already during the vegetative phase. It supports plant metabolism and increases water absorption. You can then expect exceptionally large and fragrant flowers or tasty fruits. This preparation, which is used every 2 weeks, does not need to be diluted or have its pH adjusted.

Among other additives from the SHOGUN brand is also the indispensable CALMAG, which is hard to find a competitor for among products for calcium and magnesium supplementation (especially thanks to the better ratio of these minerals) and, like armour protecting a samurai warrior, SHOGUN SILICON strengthens your plants and makes them significantly more resistant to pest attacks or the occurrence of plant diseases. Both preparations stand out for their highly refined mineral source. Another additive fertiliser, made using high-quality agrominerals and special organic acids, is called PK WARRIOR 9/18, for increasing the production of fruits and flowers.

The ripening processes during the late flowering stage are perfectly accelerated and supported by the sulphur-based preparation enhanced with nitrogen DRAGON FORCE. It also increases the production of secondary metabolites, raises the calcium content in flowers, increases the concentration of copper in plant tissues and stimulates the natural defence of plants. 

If you are looking for a hydroponic biostimulant whose composition is so effective that it deserves comparison with SUMO fighters, be sure to try SUMO ACTIVE BOOST. This booster is absolutely ideal if you use hydroponic systems. It was created to remain stable in the tank for two weeks. Not only does it bring the taste and overall quality of your crop to the maximum, but through sophisticated technology to prevent fermentation in tanks and clogging of capillaries

• KEY INGREDIENTS
  • Triacontanol (waxy leaf cuticles)
  • Green seaweed extract
  • Plant hormones and brassinosteroids

• KEY FEATURES
  • Emulsion concentrate composed of the natural compound triacontanol and plant extract sustainably obtained from the South Atlantic
  • Stimulation of efficient absorption of nutrients and photosynthesis
  • Higher content of sugars, proteins, resins and terpenes in cultivated crops 

After introducing the comprehensive SHOGUN range, we will now focus on preparing the individual products in practice. Let us start mixing!

How to mix SHOGUN TERRA?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Depending on the development stage, use TERRA GROW or TERRA BLOOM.
3. Shake the bottle well and add the recommended amount of fertiliser to the water.
4. Mix the solution thoroughly.
5. Never mix growth and flowering fertiliser together.
6. Measure the pH.

How to mix SHOGUN HYDRO?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Measure the electrical conductivity of the solution (EC) so that you know which type of nutrition to use.
3. Depending on the development stage, use HYDRO GROW or HYDRO BLOOM.
4. Shake component A well and add the recommended amount of fertiliser to the water.
5. Mix thoroughly and then clean the measuring cup or syringe.
6. Do the same with component B.
7. Measure the pH.

How to mix SHOGUN COCO?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Shake component A well and add the recommended amount of fertiliser to the water.
3. Mix the contents of the tank thoroughly.
4. Do the same with component B.
5. Measure the pH.

How to mix ZENZYM?

1. Create a nutrient solution in the tank using the base nutrition (see above).
2. Take ZENZYM and gently shake it before opening.
3. Add the recommended amount of the preparation to the nutrient solution, then mix thoroughly.
4. Measure the pH.

How to mix START (+KATANA ROOTS)?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Take the START fertiliser and shake it well before opening.
3. Add the recommended amount of fertiliser and mix the solution thoroughly.
4. At this point you can also add KATANA ROOTS and mix thoroughly again.
5. Immerse the propagation medium in the solution and leave it soaked for 15 minutes, or water the plants as needed.

How to mix SUMO ACTIVE BOOST?

1. Prepare a tank with nutrient solution containing base fertilisers (see above).
2. Take SUMO ACTIVE BOOST and shake the preparation well before opening.
3. Apply the recommended amount and mix thoroughly. 
4. Measure the pH.

How to mix SILICON?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Take the SILICON additive fertiliser and shake it well before opening.
3. Measure the recommended dose, add it to the water and mix thoroughly.
4. Measure the pH, which should rise after adding SHOGUN Silicon. The optimal value you need to reach is 7.
5. Add the base nutrition in the recommended amount. Mix thoroughly.
6. Check the pH.

How to mix CALMAG or PK WARRIOR?

1. Prepare a tank with nutrient solution containing base fertilisers (see above).
2. Take the CALMAG preparation and shake it well before opening.
3. The preparation in the recommended amount must first be diluted in a separate beaker with water and mixed thoroughly.
4. Only then pour the contents of the separate beaker into the tank with nutrient solution containing base fertilisers and mix thoroughly again.
5. Check the pH.

How to mix DRAGON FORCE?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Take the DRAGON FORCE preparation and shake it well before opening.
3. Measure the recommended dose, add it to the water and mix thoroughly.
4. Measure the pH.

If you are at least half as excited about the new SHOGUN nutrition as we are, do not hesitate to ask us anything at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

What to read next?

• Growing in soil: advantages and disadvantages
• Keramzit as a growing medium
• Design grow tents HOMEbox Ambient combine the pleasant with the useful

Grow organically! How can you secure a harvest of BIO quality? Nothing complicated. Just avoid synthetic fertilisers and replace chemical plant protection products with purely organic ones. We bring useful tips and information for indoor and outdoor growers and, indeed, for all supporters of ecological agriculture. Vegans will also find something of interest, so read on!

Plants and produce of BIO quality have an exceptional aroma and taste. As they say, it is simply on another level. The same applies to the content of valuable substances, such as vitamins, which benefit your health.

When growing at home in a grow box or greenhouse, you have BIO quality firmly in your own hands from the very beginning, immediately.

It is important to note that if you are growing in a garden where you have previously used a certain amount of chemicals, you must expect that it will take some time before all natural processes are fully restored in the soil. In such a case, it is advisable to use garden compost as a source of organic matter.

Ecological growing with respect for Mother Nature is becoming an increasingly trendy matter. For growers around the world, it also brings a number of benefits, led by the higher nutritional value of harvested herbs and crops.

Organic fertilisers

If you want to show your friends a harvest of BIO quality and truly enjoy it, do not make compromises. Use only high-quality certified organic fertilisers. Such products do not contain pesticides, artificial fragrances, colourings, or preservatives. You will also find them in our range, and you can recognise them easily from the name alone, as in the case of the 100% natural fertilisers from the BIOCANNA range.

TIP: 100% VEGAN

Fertilisers from the BioNova Veganics range for the growth phase and for the flowering phase will fully satisfy all growers - vegans.

Organic substrates

If you decide to take the path of ecological agriculture, choose your substrates accordingly. There is enormous interest, for example, in the lightly pre-fertilised soil substrate from the BioNova brand, which belongs among the absolute organic elite!

For interest, this ecological soil mix from the BioNova brand is so popular among growers that the manufacturer cannot keep up with printing the classic packaging as shown in the image above, and therefore replaces it with white bags, which it compensates for with a lower price. BioNova is selling like hot cakes. At Higarden.cz, this is further reinforced by the fact that for all substrates in our range we guarantee a 10% discount when purchasing 50 pcs and free pallet transport throughout the country when purchasing at least 20 pcs.

Organic additives and plant protection

It is clear at what pace the popularity of “ECO-friendly” products and activities is growing. It is therefore easy for growers to choose, in addition to suitable fertilisers and substrates, also a booster or root stimulator that meets their standards. A good stimulator can moreover breathe life even into plants that have suffered stress and are not doing particularly well.

Within ecological growing, you do not need to restrict yourself in any way (nor would it be advisable) when it comes to plant protection against diseases and pests. It can be done without chemicals!

Did you know that you can also use a bio pesticide? Alongside other excellent products from the BioNova brand, this highly effective cleaning product also has its place in our assortment.

TIP: BIO ALL INCLUSIVE

If you are preparing for your first growing cycle without using chemical or even animal products, you can simplify your selection within the categories above and try organic growing through a value set that contains all the products you need before you harvest the first fruits of your purely organic effort.

If you have just decided to begin, nature will be grateful to you, and you can already look forward to the unique essence of your own BIO food. Do not hesitate to consult us, perhaps via the well-known address info@higarden.eu, so that you have ecological growing under control and it becomes a source of fulfilment and joy for you. We are here for you!

- BioNova soil mix
- 100% natural BioNova Veganics fertilisers
- Biocanna
- BIO plant protection
- Biocanna Rhizotonic

In short, basic fertilisers are those that contain the essential nutrients. In today’s article, we will look at which ones are available and answer a common question: how do you choose the right one from the vast number of bottles on offer?

What are essential nutrients?

Essential nutrients are those that plants need in large quantities. They are therefore also known as macronutrients. These nutrients are absolutely necessary; without them, plants grow slowly or die completely.

Where do plants get essential nutrients from?

The most basic elements that plants need, namely carbon (C), oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H), they obtain from the air and water. They obtain the rest through their roots from the soil. To help them grow better, we add fertilisers, mainly the primary macronutrients known by the abbreviation NPK, namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

Essential nutrients also include secondary macronutrients, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S), which are present in fertilisers in smaller amounts because they are usually available in sufficient quantities from the substrate – naturally, unless you are growing hydroponically.

How do basic fertilisers differ from one another?

Fertiliser manufacturers design nutrition so that it matches the plant’s needs as closely as possible. They take into account different stages of development, plant species, and their own experience. Every manufacturer has its own approach to cultivation and experience from tests (sometimes even its own scientific laboratory!), which is why fertiliser brands differ so much from one another.

1. According to the growth stage

Fertilisers are often tailored to the developmental stage. For beginners, the simplest are universal fertilisers for growth and bloom (you use two or three components at once) or single-component ones for growth and bloom (you first use one component for growth and then the second component for bloom). Multi-component fertilisers divide nutrition into four bottles (two for growth and two for bloom), so you can adjust it precisely according to the genetics being grown and the surrounding environment.

• Fertilisers for growth

Growth fertilisers contain more nitrogen, which plants need in greater quantities during the vegetative phase than at other times. Such fertilisers are usually labelled as the Grow component (Eng. “growth”). Growth fertiliser is also available in two components, marked Grow A and Grow B, because some compounds do not mix well in one bottle - more in the separate article.

• Fertilisers for bloom

Bloom fertilisers contain more potassium and phosphorus to support flowering and ripening. They are usually labelled as Bloom (Eng. “bloom”). Just like growth fertilisers, these can also be divided into A and B components.

• Universal fertilisers

They contain everything a plant needs during the cultivation cycle. The dosage changes according to the current stage the crop is in. Such fertilisers are usually in two bottles, A+B, or even three, most often labelled Grow, Bloom and Micro.

• Fertilisers for cuttings and seedlings

Fertilisers for the youngest plants are usually less concentrated to avoid overfertilisation.

2. According to the growing method

The growing method significantly affects plant needs, so there are fertilisers for soil substrates, coco, hydroponics and aeroponics. For example, in coco plants often lack calcium and magnesium, so fertilisers contain more of these elements. Hydroponic fertilisers tend to be more concentrated because plants cannot take nutrients from the substrate.

Some fertilisers are universal or can be used in more than one method. For example, the world-famous Dutch Formula from Advanced Hydroponics is intended mainly for hydroponics, but at half doses it also works very well in coco or soil.

 3. According to composition

• Mineral fertilisers

These are the most widely used fertilisers today. They contain artificially created compounds, optimised to suit plants as well as possible and to be absorbed well. Mineral fertiliser is effective, concentrated and you usually know exactly what is in it. It does not spoil in a nutrient solution tank.

• Organic fertilisers

Organic fertilisers contain extracts from natural substances. They are closer to what a plant would naturally encounter. We recommend them especially for beginners, because with organics it is almost impossible to overfertilise. They are often suitable for ecological or at least more ecological cultivation, but you cannot use them in hydro.

• Bio-mineral fertilisers

They combine the best of organic and mineral fertilisers. The ingredients must be carefully selected, because some mineral substances can actually do more harm than good to the organic ones.

4. According to form

• Liquid fertilisers

A complete classic of home gardening. The fertiliser is in a bottle and is diluted with water, which is then used to water the plants. Such fertilisers work immediately and higher doses lead to overfertilisation, so it is necessary to dose carefully and regularly.

• Solid fertilisers

Solid fertilisers are usually loose or in tablet form. They are either mixed into water or added directly to the substrate. They release nutrients gradually; one tablet can last for several months. 

So which fertiliser is the best?

The comprehensive description above is meant to help you ask and answer four questions, based on which you will choose the right fertiliser.

1. Do you prefer more or fewer components? In which vegetative stage is the plant?
2. What are you growing in, and how are you growing the plant?
3. Do you prefer organic or mineral fertiliser?
4. Do you want to fertilise regularly or only once or twice?

The choice of a specific brand then depends on your personal experience or preferences. From the Higarden team, we recommend the single-component nutrition from BioNova, which is available in versions for soil, hydroponics and aeroponics. Their range also includes a special fertiliser for autoflowering plants. If, on the other hand, you are interested in the simplicity of solid fertilisers, you certainly cannot go wrong with BioTabs. For coco substrates, we recommend the excellent nutrition from Shogun and, as for hydroponics, Advanced Nutrients or Terra Aquatica stand out.

The range of fertilisers is truly extensive. We will be happy to help you find your way around it and find a fertiliser that suits you perfectly. Just contact us at info@higarden.eu.

We recommend:

• Biotabs Tablets
• BioNova Veganics Grow
• Canna Coco A+B

Further articles:

• What stages does a plant go through and what are the specifics?
• How to fertilise correctly?
• NPK - what is it?