Page 29 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2025

water cool to prevent the oxygen dropping
out (used in 400 Ltr tanks down the field).
When adding extra to the feed still keep
the EC to the same levels and share the
total. eg tomatoes have EC of 2.4, I would
add Calmag to 1.5 liquid seaweed to 1.9 and
then finish off with your regular feed to 2.4.
When the tank/water reservoir becomes
nearly empty, we switch the system off,
empty what’s left in the tank around the
apple tree, this ensures that when re filling
the tank/water reservoir there is no feed
left in the bottom. Re fill the tank/water
reservoir using the same quantities as
before.
We have found an EC (Electrical
Conductivity) pen to be of great benefit,
(There are many different types available,
but I use the Blue Lab “Truncheon”).
If using Coir, ensure that you buy
Buffered coir or it can deplete your calcium
levels and cause blossom end rot.
GROWING MEDIUMS AND FEEDS
THAT WE HAVE USED
Canna Coco. Canna Terra (we do not feed
for first 2 weeks with Terra)
When we used a normal growing
medium 50/50 mix with perlite or similar
we don’t feed for first 3 weeks.
For the Canna range of feed, we ensure
we follow the instructions. Remember not
mix the A&B solutions together to add to
the water reservoir. Add “A” and mix the
water in the reservoir then add “B” and mix
again.
Easy to grow liquid feed is simple, as only
one liquid is used. Again, follow instructions
if no EC pen.
We also use Peters® Professional foliar
feed as per instructions and whatever
NPK is required. There are various types
dependent on your water (soft v hard).
NOTES
In gardening, Electrical Conductivity (EC)
is a measure of the dissolved salts in water.
The salt content of the water can come from
a variety of sources, including fertilizers,
soil, and runoff from pavement. The EC of
the water can affect the plants in a number
of ways, including the uptake of nutrients,
the rate of photosynthesis and/or the
plant’s growth and development. During
the winter months, a higher EC is used as
it is less efficient at drawing water out of
the system. In contrast, a high EC under
high light conditions (summer) will restrict
water absorption. As a result, the crop could
become stressed, and produce fewer fruits.
The pH scale historically stands for
“Potential of Hydrogen” and provides a
measure of how acidic or alkaline your water
is, with 0 to 6 being acidic, 7 is neutral and
8 to 14 being alkaline. It can be measured
in water using a pH meter or soil using a
soil test kit. Most plants do well within a
range between 6.0 and 7.0. Some plants, like
Blueberries and azaleas prefer a more acidic
(sweeter) soil, whereas a few, like ferns
and asparagus prefer a neutral to slightly
alkaline soil. If you test your soil, acidic soil
can be counteracted by applying finely
ground limestone or wood ash, and alkaline
soil can be treated carefully with the mineral
gypsum, or compost. Alternatively, you can
get your soil analysed and obtain advice on
what your soil needs.
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Simply Vegetables 29