New Grower Just how important is PPM?

[PDTheGreat]

So I've heard a lot of things about keeping the pH at a certain level, and I have been. But just recently I've started hearing more things about PPM and keeping it between a certain level too.
How do you test your PPM, and is it really necessary to do? This is my first grow, and I'm basically learning as I go along.

Also, how important is it to check the pH runoff after you water?
I've always wanted to, but every time I water, none ever comes out the bottom and I feel like I'm watering a good amount.

 

[peaceloveandbud]

To answer your first question, VERY.

Too high of a PPM can kill your plants. Too low can cause def.

I am a hydro grower so I don't test runoff.

Peace man.

 

[RebelRoy]

Hi budd

i think its more that u can check ur run of hp if u notice anything is wrong with u`r plant. to check if everything is how its suppose to be there.

U`r growing in coco mate? u should have about 20% runoff. important

 

[PDTheGreat]

Growing in a soil mix. With some lava rocks on the bottom

 

[PDTheGreat]

To answer your first question, VERY.

Too high of a PPM can kill your plants. Too low can cause def.

I am a hydro grower so I don't test runoff.

Peace man.

And how can I test the PPM? With a reader, like a pH reader?

And even then, what if it is too high or too low, how do you fix that?

 

[Muddy]

PPM is an indication of the strength of the nutrients you are feeding. The more you give, the higher the PPM. Yes, you would need a meter to test it. I use a Hanna Combo, which tests pH, PPM and EC/TDS. The starting PPM of your water also factors in. Mine is around 200 to start. I generally start feeding with a solution of around 400, slowly working up to around 1,100 - 1,200 maximum. Above that most strains start to show signs of over feeding.

Checking run off is very important as it tells you where the pH of your soil is. If you're not getting any run off, then you're not giving enough water. Weed likes to go through wet/dry cycles. Water enough so that about 10% runs out the bottom of the pots. Capture and test it. Ideally the pH of the run off should be close to the pH or your feeds. That run off also helps to flush out any salts that have accumulated in the soil. Salts are a bi product of nutrient break down and if not flushed out, can build up and cause nutrient lock out issues.