Homemade Nutrient

Can you make your own nutrient solution from scratch? Of course. It is not an easy process, but if you can find an affordable, reliable source of the fresh salts needed, you can definitely make your own nutrient formula and save a lot of cash in doing so. Mixing your own nutrient solution requires a basic understanding of chemistry and the knowledge that some necessary chemicals contain active components of low explosives such as those in dynamite, fireworks and rocket propellant, qualifying them as hazardous material. Some of the chemicals require special permission to obtain, and most of are highly flammable. Most of the chemicals are various forms of salt peter, and some of the salts needed are as common as Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate). Make no mistake, mishandled or used improperly these chemicals are very dangerous. They can cause chemical burns, are dangerous to inhale and if ingested can cause blindness and/ or death. Always wear proper personal protective equipment when handling these chemicals, including but not limited to: goggles, chemical resistant gloves, and a proper respirator. If used properly they aren't really that dangerous, but I don't want to get involved in any lawsuit, so use at your own risk.


You'll need:
Dry and liquid measuring containers. A mixing device, such as a stir plate would be ideal although not necessary, a spoon or electric mixer will do. An electric current or TDS/PPM meter to insure proper levels in stock solution.


The salts should be dissolved in warm water separately and then added to the solution tank. Reagent or chemical grade potassium phosphate and magnesium sulfate are recommended. Fertilizer grade potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate may be used and are less expensive than the chemically pure forms.

Because amounts of trace elements used is so small, measuring and mixing these tiny amounts is difficult without proper laboratory measuring and distribution equipment. Stock solutions of diluted micronutrients should be made up and added to the solution tank. Use only reagent grade chemicals, which are usually available in hobby shops.

If tap water is used, zinc sulfate and copper sulfate may not be required. The small amounts of zinc and sulfur needed are usually present in the water or as an impurity in the other fertilizer nutrients.


An iron chelate should be substituted for the iron sulfate if your tap water is alkaline. Mix 1 ½ ounces of NaFe EDTA (13 percent Fe203) in 5 quarts of water. Use ¼ pint of this solution for 25 gallons of stock solution. For other chelate products calculate the amount required to result in a final nutrient solution containing 1 part per million of elemental iron.