PLAGRON - growing should be fun for beginners and professionals alike
What are your growing goals? If you know them, simply choose your growing style accordingly, from soil through coco to hydroponics, and in this article we will present a complete plant nutrition range from another elite Dutch manufacturer whose products will help you achieve them. This time it is Plagron, with a tradition dating back to 1992. Want even better results? Then all you need to do is combine Plagron base fertilisers with perfectly compatible additives from the same brand. Of course, growing media are also included. Enjoy and experiment! With Plagron, that is no problem, whether you are planning to harvest plants at home in a grow box or outdoors in the garden.
Plagron is a brand that has long been among the best known in the world of gardening. What we really like about it is that for all those years it has been supplying the market with quality fertilisers and substrates certified by independent institutions, with a consistent composition. We also appreciate that each product has its clearly defined place within the entire range, so thanks to the following lines you will know exactly what to reach for and what to expect from it.
Our TIP: If you take a liking to the products of this Dutch brand, the most cost-effective way to test them in practice is with Plagron sets.
At Plagron, each growing style has a clearly defined colour:
- GREEN (100% NATURAL) - natural products (Plagron Alga etc.) for organic plant cultivation and 100% organic flowers or fruits.
- RED (100% TERRA) - mineral fertilisers for easy and fast plant cultivation in soil.
- ORANGE (100% COCO) - everything for plants grown in coco. Two-part base fertilisers and coco substrates.
- BLUE (100% HYDRO) - hydroponic fertilisers relied upon by commercial growers and farmers as well as hobby growers around the world.
- PURPLE (UNIVERSAL) - universal additives compatible with all growing styles. There are not unnecessarily many of them, as is often the case with some manufacturers. We will introduce them all, because they all matter if you are interested in high yields and harvest quality.
Before we begin with the first product range, we should point out that the correct dosage of all Plagron products is made possible by detailed dosage charts. There is nothing better than experimenting according to a growing plan!
100% NATURAL
Organic cultivation is literally green-lit with this range. Is your priority a truly healthy final product in the form of flowers or fruits with impeccable aroma or taste? Plagron products with the green label are a frequent choice among our customers who feel the same, whether they are growing plants at home (indoor) or outdoors (outdoor). At the same time, this is the most suitable choice with regard to people, animals and the environment. And one more thing. When you choose cultivation with 100% NATURAL products, there is no need to measure pH and EC, because the basis of this growing style is rich soil life, which ensures that nutrients remain continuously available to plants and automatically help stabilise pH values. Devices for measuring EC usually cannot measure all biological fertilisers anyway, which is not even necessary. Nature takes care of that.
PLAGRON AND NATURAL PLANT NUTRITION
Plagron produces two basic fertilisers on a purely natural basis. More precisely, on an algae basis. One is intended for the growth phase, or vegetative phase (Alga Grow), and the other for the flowering phase (Alga Bloom). In both cases, these are time-tested classics that have never disappointed any grower.
Not only for this growing style, we also recommend including universal additives in plant nutrition, whose composition also offers environmentally minded growers the possibility of exceptionally effective combinations with basic nutrients. Organic additives are marked with the CU logo on the packaging. What does that mean? That all Plagron organic products are certified by Control Union.
If you are interested in organic-quality cultivation and want to try the powerful combination of basic nutrients with refined additives, there are 2 options:
- Are you planning to care for just one plant first? Or do you want to test Plagron products on only one plant? Then for one growing cycle, Alga base fertilisers and a natural root stimulator will be enough. That is exactly what the STARTER SET contains.
- A larger number of plants and a desire for maximum efficiency in terms of their nutrition? Try the TOP GROW BOX. It contains everything your plants need for one growing cycle on one square metre of growing area. And you are all set!
NATURAL SUBSTRATES
The popularity of organic plant nutrition is logically growing all the time, because the absence of chemicals is absolutely essential for human health. Natural taste or aroma of the final product often wins as well, because products from organic agriculture have time to ripen in a natural way. Sustainable plant cultivation while preserving natural diversity (biodiversity) is therefore relevant for an ever-growing number of growers from all corners of our planet. And a really good soil plays just as important a role in this process as the natural fertilisers mentioned above. Interestingly, in Europe organic vegetables and fruit must be grown outdoors. On other continents, for example in the USA, they have a different policy and indoor production of plant foods in organic quality is possible there even for commercial purposes. Nevertheless, for your own use you can comfortably grow 100% organic fruit, vegetables or herbs inside a grow tent even in our region, that is for sure. In indoor cultivation, however, you need the best possible 100% natural substrate. And this is exactly where Plagron offers more than one solution.
First of all, it is necessary to bear in mind that organic substrates contain far more soil organisms than other substrates. And soil organisms are beneficial for converting organic fertilisers into substances useful to your plants. Therefore, if you want to grow organically, you need the right substrate (with the CU logo, see above) as well as fertilisers.
- Plagron Allmix is a fertilised natural substrate for cultivation with rich soil life. The nutrients contained are sufficient for at least the first 6 weeks of the growing cycle. Its fine structure increases water retention. This soil also stands out for its airiness thanks to the addition of perlite and various types of fibres. In short, a nourishing soil as it should be!
- Plagron Royalmix is a fertilised organic substrate representing a balanced ratio of premium peat and organic plant nutrition for the first 6 weeks of the growing cycle. The nutrients contained are gradually released from the substrate over time based on the actual needs of individual plants. We recommend it if the largest possible yield is your top priority.
- Plagron Batmix is a natural substrate with added bat guano and nutrient content that will also last plants for at least 6 weeks from the start of the growing cycle. However, we recommend this substrate especially if the final aroma and taste are your top priority.
- Plagron Promix contains peat with a fine structure and above-standard absorption properties, with no nutrients, and therefore we recommend this product especially to more experienced growers whose goal is an organic-quality crop, but who want to control nutrient dosing themselves from the very first day of the growing cycle. This substrate also guarantees low electrical conductivity of the solution (= low EC), and thus faster root growth.
You may already know that not all peat is the same. In principle, there are 3 types of peat, which we now list in the order in which they occur in the ground from top to bottom:
- White peat: the upper living sphagnum layer and beneath it dead, yet still unhumified sphagnum remains.
- Transitional peat: in terms of properties, something between white and black peat.
- Black peat: a strongly humified, poorly permeable layer permanently saturated with water.
The peat used by Plagron in its soils, also suitable for flower pots, comes from peat fields in Estonia. The Era peatlands in Märjamaa cover 350 hectares, and the Kalloveen Estonia peatlands (Kraver) in Viljandi cover 850 hectares.
100% TERRA
PRE-FERTILISED SUBSTRATES WITH MINERAL PLANT NUTRITION
We will now introduce this product range in the opposite order. Before we get to mineral fertilisers for cultivation in soil, we still need to introduce a pair of soil substrates that are already part of the 100% TERRA product range:
- Plagron Lightmix with perlite is a lightly pre-fertilised substrate with sufficient mineral content for 1 week of the growing cycle. It ensures a low EC value and rapid root growth. The addition of perlite guarantees perfect aeration of the soil.
- Plagron Growmix with perlite already contains enough mineral nutrition for the first 3 weeks of the growing cycle. Growers therefore have the option to decide on further fertilisation during the flowering phase.
With the table comparing the most important properties of all Plagron substrates, we can leave the topic of Plagron peat substrates and move on to what follows below. Substrates and fertilisers from the 100% TERRA product range provide even less experienced growers with great flexibility so they can cultivate as intuitively as possible according to their own judgement.
Our TIP: For better results, you can also try the original Plagron substrate additives!
- Bat Guano is valuable bat guano that helps achieve the best possible aroma and taste of your harvest. It stimulates growth, flowering and the life of soil microorganisms.
- Mega Worm is a high-quality vermicompost that effectively stimulates the soil microbiome. This substrate additive ensures rapid seed germination as well as vigorous development of the plant root system.
Bio Supermix also stimulates soil life in a big way, thereby improving the natural defence of plants. Given its balanced and purely natural composition, this product can be used either as a natural substrate when growing plants in pots, or as a biological fertiliser.
- Plagron Perlite is one of the best perlite products on the market. A well-known product for ensuring the optimal ratio of water and air in soil. This means a much airier substrate and better drainage.
MINERAL FERTILISERS FOR CULTIVATION IN SOIL AND SOIL SUBSTRATES
First of all, one thing is important to mention. While in the case of organic cultivation in soil with the 100% NATURAL range there is no need for regular and precise measurement of pH and EC, here pH meters and EC meters are already needed. 100% TERRA fertilisers already contain an automatic pH buffer, adapted to the properties of average tap water. In many cases, therefore, the pH value will already be fine after adding 100% TERRA nutrition. But since tap water differs from place to place, it will be up to you to check whether the prepared nutrient solution has a pH value of ideally 6.0. If not, it is necessary to adjust it by adding pH Plus or pH Min. Similar to the 100% NATURAL range, Plagron also produces basic mineral fertilisers in a pack containing complete nutrients for the growth phase (Terra Grow), which is also suitable for mother plants, and in a pack containing complete nutrients for the flowering phase (Terra Bloom). Both variants guarantee immediate nutrient uptake and are also compatible with all irrigation systems.
If you like fast, easy and good results, the 100% TERRA range will certainly suit you. Once again, we also recommend Plagron sets, in this case the STARTER SET TERRA for one plant or the comprehensive set for cultivation in soil on one square metre - TOP GROW BOX TERRA.
100% COCO
This growing style has more and more fans among both more and less experienced growers. Yes, we are talking about growing in coco.
For this discipline, Plagron has developed growing media based on coconut fibres, which stand out especially for the following benefits:
- Simplicity and practicality.
- Stable pH. Plagron coco substrate guarantees that you do not have to expect any rapid fluctuations in pH in the substrate, whereas this can happen with mineral wool and other hydroponic substrates.
- Guaranteed maximum EC value of 0.14 mS/cm. This point is especially important and distinguishes Plagron coco substrates from many competing products. It is proof that you are growing with the purest and best-washed coco substrate available on the market.
- Plagron coco substrates act like a sponge. They retain a large amount of water while remaining perfectly airy, which in practice makes it much easier for you to fine-tune watering to perfection. When growing in coco, you dose nutrients to plants from the very first day, so what more could you want.
- Plagron coco substrates can usually be reused as well.
Plagron coco comes from palms growing on palm plantations in southern India. As for the classic coco substrates supplied in bags, Plagron produces 3 variants in terms of composition:
- Plagron Cocos Premium is a fully buffered coco substrate without fertilisers for easy hydroponic cultivation with a stable pH value. In short, a basic coco substrate of the highest quality (see below).
- Plagron Hydro Cocos 60/40 is a truly ideal mix for hydroponics. The addition of expanded clay ensures perfect drainage and the fully buffered coconut fibres retain water with nutrients excellently.
Plagron Cocos Perlite 70/30 is a coco substrate adjusted to create an airy hydroponic mix with added perlite, capable of maintaining stable pH and low EC.
The coco mats Plagron Cocos Slab and the coco bricks Plagron Cocos Brix are also completely free of fertilisers. They are easier to handle and store, as they are made from coconut fibres in a dehydrated state. They are also commonly reused. Simply clean them after each harvest.
- 1 growing mat Plagron Cocos Slab holds 3–6 plants.
- 1 brick of Cocos Brix is equivalent to 7 litres of ready-to-use coco substrate.
You can also read a separate article: How to use growing mats?
The buffering process
Are you interested in what it means that coconut fibres are fully buffered? Buffering is a process during which a large amount of calcium and magnesium is added to the substrate (see diagram - fig. 1). This ensures that all sodium and potassium content is washed away (see diagram - fig. 2). As a result, the coco is stripped of sodium and potassium molecules. The positively charged calcium and magnesium molecules all bind to the negatively charged coconut structures (see diagram - fig. 3). Therefore, all the calcium and magnesium supplied to the substrate through fertilisers will be readily available to plants and nutrient deficiencies will be prevented. Only after this process has been successfully completed is the resulting coco packed and sold as a growing medium. Quality is guaranteed by the RHP label. Plagron continuously checks quality throughout all the stated steps, and a sample is always taken from each batch. RHP qualification guarantees the following properties of coco substrates:
- Balanced ratio of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
- No sand, weeds or pathogens.
- Physical stability (the coco does not compact).
- Excellent water retention.
Production of Plagron coco substrates under the microscope:
- Decomposed coconut peat, sometimes also referred to as coconut fibre dust, increases the final product’s ability to absorb water and nutrients that the plant can use. In practice, this means you need to water plants less often and nutrients are not lost through so-called leaching.
- The husk of the coconut consists of two parts: fibre and peat. Coconut peat is a dark powdery substance that is a by-product of fibre extraction. Plagron coco substrates contain mostly coconut peat.
- After extraction, the coconut peat is transported to large storage tanks, where it matures for at least half a year. The maturation process takes place on a clean concrete floor to ensure that the coconut peat is not contaminated by sand, weeds or other pathogens. The storage tanks are additionally enclosed by a high wall. Proper maturation under conditions with a favourable temperature, optimal amounts of oxygen and humidity improves the properties of coconut peat. We have already explained the buffering process. To ensure a quality substrate, the coconut peat must also be properly washed with water. Many manufacturers sell their product after a single rinse. One of the reasons why Plagron supplies the market with coco substrates of the highest quality is that it goes one step further, as the coconut peat is transported to the Netherlands, where it undergoes a strictly controlled buffering process again.
Plagron brings growers who have taken a liking to growing plants in coco easily absorbable nutrients across a wide pH range. These are contained in the two-part base fertiliser Plagron Cocos A+B. The advantage of this product is that the fertiliser does not crystallise in the container. The composition of the base fertiliser for coco is enriched with beneficial fulvic and humic acids. If you do not yet know how significant a contribution they can make to the nutrition of your plants, we recommend the separate article entitled Fulvic and humic acids: importance and use in plant nutrition.
100% HYDRO
And now we come to hydroponics! This growing method is exactly what Plagron’s blue product range is dedicated to. Hydroponic cultivation gives experienced growers free rein over nutrient dosing and other aspects of cultivation such as pH. If you own a hydroponic system and want maximum control, the 100% HYDRO range is exactly for you!
What do we mean by maximum control? And why do we recommend the blue range from Plagron rather to more experienced growers?
- In this growing style, the grower determines basic things such as pH or EC values. A single mistake can mean so-called root burn and a ruined crop. With this product range, you should ideally already have pH measurement, including the calibration process of measuring devices, or pH regulation of the nutrient solution in the tank, well in hand. Hydroponic systems also require, among other things, a well-adjusted and reliable timer. A wrongly set timer could drown your plants or, conversely, dry them out.
Our TIP: TechGrow timers: a different league of switching!
- The grower
- The grower also determines the nutrient dosage from the very first day of the growing cycle. However, this applies to experienced growers. In particular, we clearly refer beginning growers again to the dosage charts (see above). If you follow them, you will avoid unnecessary mistakes.
- An incorrect pH or EC value can be corrected within one hour by flushing. Here we are already getting into the necessary experience and also attention. It is important to monitor how the plants in the hydroponic system respond to the chosen dosage and then react precisely to their requirements.
PLAGRON - SUBSTRATES FOR HYDROPONICS
The inert hydroponic growing media Plagron Euro Pebbles are best suited for recirculating systems such as the hydroponic systems Atami Wilma. By their nature, they contain no nutrients. They are also cleaner and stronger than comparable products. They are distinguished by an exceptional ability to absorb water and oxygen molecules.
Do you use plastic pots for cultivation? Even a small layer of Euro Pebbles at the bottom of the pot provides extra drainage and thus protects the plant from drowning!
Euro Pebbles, now also available in a 10-litre pack, can be used for years! Simply soak the clay pebbles after harvest for 24 hours in a solution with Pure Zym at a pH value of 5.5. Then rinse them thoroughly with a nutrient solution with Plagron Hydro A&B (1 ml per litre of water) at a pH value of 5.5.
PLAGRON - HYDROPONIC FERTILISERS
The two-part nutrition for plants grown in hydroponic systems covers both the growth and flowering phases. The high concentration of nutrients contained makes Plagron Hydro A + B very economical to use. Plagron hydroponic fertiliser does not crystallise in the container. And now an important note. It would be a real shame not to use it in combination with Green Sensation! With this tip, we have gradually reached the Plagron products with the purple label, which form a complete range of popular nutritional additives.
UNIVERSAL
All additives from Plagron Universal can be safely combined with all fertilisers and substrates we have introduced today. And as already mentioned, if your goal is an organic-quality crop, you can recognise the organic additives by the CU logo on the packaging.
This powerful 4-in-1 nutritional additive is a chapter in itself within the entire Plagron range and has gradually become an indispensable helper for thousands of growers. If you use Green Sensation, you usually do not need any other PK fertiliser, booster or even enzymes, which means exceptional cost-effectiveness. Why? Because Green Sensation really can do a lot:
- Improves flowering - during the flowering phase, plants generally require more phosphorus and potassium. One of the four functions of this product is therefore to fully replace PK-type supplementary fertilisers and supply both elements in the ideal ratio.
- Increases overall plant resistance - stronger cell walls and more organic material help plants stay in good condition.
- Improves soil properties - the better the soil, the better the harvest. This equation will certainly not surprise you. Some components contained in Green Sensation act beneficially in the immediate vicinity of plant roots, where it is desirable for the soil to be as airy as possible.
- Maximises yields - ensures that the plant sap is rich in the right nutrients to initiate the process leading to the best possible yields.
Are you interested in exactly how Green Sensation works? It contains substances that induce and stimulate so-called salt stress in plants. Although this may sound aggressive, from a gardening perspective it is a healthy process. If the salinity of the substrate is too high, the plant’s osmotic potential increases. The concentration of salts draws moisture out of the plant through the soil. As a result, the plant experiences the mentioned salt stress. A natural reaction occurs, in which the plant tries to prevent itself from drying out. It therefore begins to create and store additional organic elements or solid particles, such as minerals, sugars and aromatic compounds. The plant’s osmotic potential increases further and water returns to its cells. The result is a more concentrated final product when growing fruit, vegetables and medicinal herbs. In other words, Green Sensation makes the plant believe that it must create more plant mass so that it can take in more water from the soil, leading to heavier and more substantial flowers and fruits.
- This amino acid-based product, which contains a truly high amount of them, in turn induces drought stress in plants. But you need not worry about that either. It works by putting the plant into survival mode. As a result, it wants to capture pollen and has only one option to do so: produce more resin. Increased resin production contributes to a significantly better taste of your harvest. If you use Sugar Royal together with Green Sensation, you will achieve excellent taste.
- Sugar Royal also reduces the cultivation time to the necessary minimum.
- A wonderful organomineral base for young plants, created by combining a root stimulator and a growth fertiliser.
- Contains complete nutrients for plant growth and vigorous development of the root system.
- Stimulates the production of chlorophyll, closely related to the plant’s photosynthetic activity. And as you probably know, photosynthesis and plant development are inseparable.
- The ideal product when transplanting plants or rooting cuttings!
- Improves nutrient uptake.
- Improves soil structure.
- An enzymatic fertiliser that speeds up nutrient absorption. If you are interested in what enzymes are and what their importance in plant nutrition is, we recommend the separate article: Enzymes.
- This product also provides protection against the build-up of harmful salts in the substrate.
- It also increases the ability to absorb oxygen.
- Simply put, this is iron in spray form, used by growers during both the vegetative and flowering phases.
- It stimulates chlorophyll production as well as overall growth and flowering.
- It improves plant defence.
- A vitamin spray for seedlings, cuttings and mother plants.
- It stimulates chlorophyll production, branching during growth and, ultimately, the formation of large, juicy fruits.
- The composition of this silicon-based product strengthens cell walls for greater resistance and improves the absorption of phosphorus, calcium and micronutrients.
- Read the separate article: The effect of silicon on plant health.
- This biological fertiliser contains a large number of elements, and is therefore used primarily as a foliar spray during the vegetative phase.
- It is suitable for indoor and outdoor cultivation of plants.
- The result is faster growth, greener leaves (it stimulates chlorophyll production) and an indomitable immune system for your plants.
- It can also be used for mother plants.
- A classic PK additive from Plagron for firmer and more compact fruits.
- Stimulates and accelerates growth and flowering.
We must not forget to mention the additives that allow growers to gain easier control over key aspects of the cultivation process:
- We mentioned Plagron products for pH adjustment on a chemical basis above. Handle them with particular care and bear in mind that, due to their composition, collection in person is the only option.
- However, the brand’s range also includes a safe and organic pH regulator - LEMON KICK, suitable for organic (Alga) as well as mineral (Terra) fertilisers.
- If you use water from reverse osmosis (RO), or if the water you use to irrigate your plants is soft, we recommend CALMAG PRO.
- CALCIUM KICK increases pH value and improves soil structure.
SUCCESSFUL SEEDING AND CLONING WITH THE PLAGRON BRAND
Plagron also thinks of the youngest plants, which are still delicate, and therefore it always pays to support them with a product that makes sense. What does the Dutch manufacturer offer in this regard?
- PLAGRON SEEDBOOSTER PLUS
- A fertiliser developed specifically for the first stage of a plant’s life.
- Used to moisten seeds until they germinate.
- Speeds up germination by up to 40%.
- After application, expect intensive growth of your plants. Just 7 drops per litre of water!
- Suitable for all growing styles.
- PLAGRON SEEDING & CUTTING SOIL
- A seeding and cutting substrate again made with sensitive clones (cuttings) and seedlings in mind.
- It ensures that the youngest plants get a great start in life.
- This is reflected in vigorous root development.
- Plagron cloning substrate is characterised by a very low EC value and an optimal pH value.
Final TIP: The complete kit and, not only from our customers’ point of view, also a hit for safe seedling germination is PLAGRON SEEDBOX.
Plagron knows its craft, so you can never go wrong with it. Whatever growing style you choose. Do not hesitate to ask us anything you are interested in, for example at the well-known e-mail address info@higarden.cz. We look forward to your questions and will be happy to make every purchase easier for you!
We also recommend these products:
- HERCULES aerated pots
- Aqua Master Tools P700 PRO2, pH and EC/CF/PPM meter and thermometer
- ExHale XL CO2 Bag, natural CO2 generator
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