Page 15 - Griffin Gazette Issue 2 - 2018

Simple fertilizer recipes for
hydroponic lettuce and basil
Lettuce and basil have slightly different
nutritional requirements, with basil
requiring higher fertility rates (200 ppm)
than lettuce (150 ppm). Fortunately, both
crops can be grown using the same
three fertilizer products with simple
adjustments to adjust the overall fertility:
A water soluble, hydroponic formulation,
calcium nitrate and Epsom salts. Several
great hydroponic formulations provide
a solid foundation for either lettuce or
herbs, so Griffin’s GGSPro Technical
Team has developed multiple programs
for each crop. In all cases, the fertilizers
are compatible in solution at ready to use
concentrations. If concentrated stock
tanks are used, remember that Epsom
salts can be added to the hydroponic
fertilizer tank, but the calcium nitrate must
be prepared in a separate stock tank.

Hydroponic basil fertility programs (courtesy of GGSPro)
Fertilizer Rate (oz per 100 gal) ppm N EC Value
Option 1
Jack’s Nutrients 5-12-26 17.6 65 1.37
Epsom Salts 1 0 0.06
Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 12.2 135 1.0
Total 2.43*
Option 2
Master Plant-Prod 7-11-27 12.5 65 1.08
Epsom Salts 3 0 0.17
Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 12.2 135 1.0
Total 2.25*
* add the EC of your irrigation water to this value for your target EC.

Hydroponic lettuce fertility programs (courtesy of GGSPro)
Fertilizer Rate (oz per 100 gal) ppm N EC Value
Option 1
Jack’s Nutrients 5-12-26 13.5 50 1.05
Epsom Salts 1 0 0.06
Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 9 100 0.74
Total 1.85*
Option 2
Master Plant-Prod 7-11-27 9.7 50 0.83
Epsom Salts 3 0 0.17
Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 9 100 0.74
Total 1.74*