cost effective to grow with hydroponics.
 

How much water does your garden take up a day. In the long run do you find it cost effective to grow with hydroponics. I currently have a ebb&flow garden. I am using 20 to 25 gallons of water per hot day (85+). I have 16 tomatoes plants. Nutrient is $30 per gallon. Using 2 cups per 25 gallons. While I have been able to produce large amounts of tomatoes, there per unit cost seems high.

Because of the cost factor I am going to use commercial grade nutrient solution this season. I bought a 25 lb. bag of Hydroponic Special 5-11-26 for about $30.00 which makes 400 gallons of nutrient solution. I still have to add Calcium Nitrate and Magnesium Sulfate to that to get a balanced hydroponic solution. See chart below. Ron

Seedling Plants
A - 50 gallons Water
B - 5 ounces Hydroponic Special 5-11-26 or Miracle-Gro for Tomatoes 18-18-21
C - 2 ounces Calcium Nitrate
D - 1 ounce Magnesium Sulfate (Epson Salt)
E -Adjust pH


Mature Plants

A - 50 gallons Water
B - 5 ounces Hydroponic Special 5-11-26 or Miracle-Gro for Tomatoes 18-18-21
C - 4 ounces Calcium Nitrate
D - 2 ounce Magnesium Sulfate (Epson Salt)
E - Adjust pH