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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Miracle-Gro Isn't Made for Hydroponics
Instead of soil, hydroponic gardens grow in water that's been treated with a specially formulated mix of nutrients. But Miracle-Gro fertilizers are designed for conventional, soil-based gardens, and are meant to supplement the nutrients already present in the soil. As a result, Miracle-Gro doesn't contain some of the nutrients and trace elements found in a good hydroponic mix.
On the Other: Lots of Gardeners Do It Anyway
Even though it's far from ideal, many hydroponic gardeners use Miracle-Gro fertilizers in their gardens due to its wide availability and low cost compared to hydroponic-specific mixes. A number of gardeners report better success when adding magnesium and calcium to the Miracle-Gro.
Bottom Line
To get the best out of your hydroponic garden, use a nutrient solution that's formulated specifically for hydroponic use. But if you want to experiment with Miracle-Gro, make certain you choose one of the company's water-soluble fertilizers, or else you'll end up with a clogged hydroponics system.
Source:
HydroponicsOnline.com: Frequently Asked Questions
GrowingEdge.com: Educational Hydroponic Experiment Using Miracle-Gro and Artificial Lighting
"Hydroponics: A Practical Guide for the Soilless Grower;" J. Benton Jones, Jr.; 2004
More Information:
Instructables.com: Creating a Hydroponic Drip Garden for Vegetables, Herbs, or Flowers
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