One of the most confusing things in my research about growing, was the usage of nutrients. The other things was how to keep bad things out of my growing environment. Keeping the environment clean of bad things is probably something I'll learn during the process. What I'm curious about now, is how to use nutrients. During my first trip to the hydro store, I picked up three bottles of the Flora series from General Hydroponics (GH).

The three that I picked up were the FloraGro, FloraMicro, and FloraBloom. In addition to those, I also picked up SUPERthrive, which I believe is for getting seedlings started (at least that's what was handed to me when I asked for something to help get seedlings started). From what I can tell, I will need to add a portion (according to the charts on the back of the bottles) from each of the three bottles throughout the the growing cycle. The portions vary for each solution during different stages. If that's correct, then how do I increase levels of phosphorus (P), to help increase the chances of females (I believe that was one of the suggestions I heard from Zandor's podcast)? Is there something I am missing that contains only phosphorus? How about the SUPERthrive - should I add that throughout the growing cycle? Based on the experiences of some of you existing growers out there - will 1 pint of each of these nutrient solutions be sufficient for an entire grow cycle, if I'm changing the nutrients/water every two weeks?

In addition to the above nutrients, I received two bottles with the Garden of Ease aeroponics garden kit I picked up. These are marked 'EN' and 'EA', and are labeled 'mycorrhizal and bacterial inoculant'. Do I need this? If so, when?

Just to confirm, in order to provide a flush of the nutrients, I should use something like FloraKleen during the last two weeks of the flowering stage, right? Should this without any other nutrients, and just water and the FloraKleen?

Finally, about changing the nutrients/water in the aeroponics planter. According to the directions, I should connect a hose to the pump which normally sprays the roots of the plants. There is a hole in the center of the planter to run this hose to the pump. What if that does not clear out the entire planter? Should I make sure it is completely empty, before I refill it with a new supply of nutrients & water? If so, what do I do with the plants while I'm emptying the planter? I would have to remove the tray where the baskets sit, so that I can dump out the reservoir. I've heard that roots should not be exposed to light. Should I do this while it is dark in the room? Also, what should I do with the nutrients - how should they be disposed? I read somewhere on the boards that it's not a good idea to just dump them down the sink, or funky things might sprout up down there.

Thanks for dropping by! Other than responding to answers/questions from others, there's not much more I'll be able to post until my next shopping trip. I don't want to start my seedlings until I get a warming pad, since it's getting colder here. As soon as I get those started, I should be able to post some photos from then on.