Hydro stores do carry expensive fertilizers, but they also carry good starting nuts. Ask them about powders. They are less expensive and they do a pretty good job. The reason the other nutreints cost more are due to the r and d put into those lines. Also, the grade of nutrients are a much higher in those expensive ones. good luck

Check with your library for the book by Ed Muckle called "Hydroponic Nutrients Easy Ways to make your own"

From Grower's Press (Canada) ISBN 0-921981-33-3

Don't forget to get biological activity in your root zone.

Try the link below. The formulations here are generic. If the raw materials are available in your area, mixing should not be a problem.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mix Nutes

I asked the same question on here and somebody told me about this place it's awsome.

www.hydro-gardens.com

Have been growing Hydro for 5 years ....I use 5-11-26
and Calcium Nitrate . A 25lb bag of 5-11-26 will cost about $27.00 A 40 lb bag of Calcium Nitrate ( from Agway stores less than $10.00. Thats enough solution to last you a life time at the size of your hydro garden. You can get 5-11-26 from "Southern Ag " on the web. I will gice you the mix rate if your interested. Rayjay

Hi there,
That seems like the easiest formula yet. I've been trying to find recipes to mix my own, because the nearest hydroponics supply store is about a four hour drive away. I've been waiting to build a system until I could figure out how to feed it, so it looks like I'm getting closer. If you could send the mix to me, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Holly