We supply the same nutrient for The Salad Table as we use in our commercial operation. We have proven over the years that our nutrient is all that is required to grow anything and everything, all year round. Your nutrient levels are measured in what is called EC and is a very specific and technical process. But dont worry, we have taken all the guess work out for you. All you have do is follow the instructions below and in no time you will be harvesting your own fresh produce.
The nutrient (plant food) contains all the essential elements to keep plants thriving. The difference with soil gardening is that instead of being held in soil, all the essential elements are held in liquid form and fed directly to the root system via The Salad Table. This makes it very simple to have full control over how much food your plants receive which results in faster growing healthy produce. A fast growing healthy plant is less prone to disease and insect attack.
Adding Nutrient
Adjusting pH (VERY OPTIONAL)
It is believed that pH stands for "power of Hydrogen" although this term has been disputed for a long time. Simply put, it means how acidic or alkali something is, be it soil, water and even your skin.
When the pH is not at the proper level, plants will lose their ability to absorb some of the essential elements required for healthy growth. For all plants there is a particular pH level that will produce optimum results. This pH level will vary from plant to plant, but in general most plants prefer a slightly acidic growing environment between 5.5 and 6.5
Lucky for us most herbs and vegetables can survive quite well in a pH environment between 5.0 and 7.5 and it is very rare that your normal pH levels in The Salad Table would ever be outside of these readings.
In my commercial operation my pH levels are measured and adjusted by sensors and computers because there are many thousands of plants fighting for their share of essential elements. This can create large variations in pH levels.
My own Salad Tables have NEVER been pH adjusted and yet I have produced a continous supply of good quality, healthy and nutritious plants for my family and friends and neighbours and work colleagues and strangers for years. The reason for this is the continous addition of nutrient and water. This keeps your pH and EC at optimum levels. We recommend refilling your entire nutrient tank with a new batch of nutrient and water every 3 weeks as discussed above. This will reset the levels for optimum performance.
If you choose, it is very simple to keep an eye on your pH levels and much easier to check and adjust than soil pH. Most hardware stores and nurseries sell paper test strips or liquid pH test kits that are inexpensive. To adjust pH you simply add pH adjusters for up or down changes, also inexpensive and readily available.
Our nutrients contain the following essential elements for plant growth -
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, boron, manganese, molybate and calcium nitrate.
We mix our nutrients on site in bulk and then package in user friendly sized containers. We offer 3 sizes, 2L, 5L and 10L packs. Each pack contains an A and a B that shouldn't be mixed and stored together due to calcification. A and B are mixed when adding to your nutrient tank, or a watering can for soil gardens.