In hydroponics, plants grow without soil and get all their nutrients from mineral salts dissolved in water. Getting the nutrient solution right is simpler than it sounds.
N-P-K basics: Nitrogen for leaf growth, Phosphorus for roots and flowering, Potassium for fruit quality. Adjust ratios by growth stage.
EC measurement: Electrical conductivity shows mineral concentration. Seedling: 0.8–1.2 mS/cm; Vegetative: 1.2–2.0; Fruiting: 2.0–2.8.
pH control: Keep between 5.5–6.5. Use pH Down (phosphoric acid) or pH Up (potassium hydroxide) to adjust.
Practical recipe: For 10 litres of water, add 5 ml Part A, mix, then add 5 ml Part B, mix. Never mix concentrates directly — precipitation occurs. Change solution every 7–10 days.