Organic Hydroponic Culture

Commercial Solutions

• Buy a water-soluble organic fertilizer and use it to make a hydroponic nutrient solution. According to the University of Florida, add 2 tsp. of dry fertilizer and 1 tsp. of Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water to create a hydroponic nutrient solution.

Compost Tea

• Compost tea is a liquid solution made by soaking organic compost in warm water for 12 to 24 hours. Pour the solution into a clean container, using several layers of cloth or fine netting to strain out any solids. The liquid can then be used in a hydroponic system.

Worm Tea

• Worm tea is similar to compost tea, but it makes use of worm castings rather than compost. Since worm castings tend to be of a consistently fine texture, it is easiest to make a bag of loose-weave cloth and fill it with the castings. Tie the top shut, then place it in a bucket of warm water overnight. Remove the bag. The solution in the bucket is a rich, organic source of plant nutrients that can be used for hydroponics.