NH Cultivation Hub
Starting out in hydroponics was a bit like opening a mystery box—exciting but a little scary. There was so much to learn, from the technical terms to the complex steps involved. It was overwhelming at first, but I knew that if I could figure this out, I could help others do the same. That’s why I decided to create a video series, aiming to show the entire hydroponic process clearly, from preparing the medium and sowing the seeds to harvesting and beyond.
To make the process as clear as possible, I reached out to a few experts. They shared their knowledge about every step—whether it was transplanting, hardening, or the final harvest. Each stage had its own challenges, but also its rewards. By breaking everything down, we turned the journey into something easy to follow and understand, without overwhelming viewers with too much technical jargon.
This video series isn’t just about teaching; it’s about making hydroponics approachable and fun. It’s for anyone who’s curious but unsure where to start. Hydroponics may seem complicated at first, but with the right guidance and a little patience, it’s something anyone can learn. I hope this series sparks your interest and shows you just how rewarding growing your own food can be, no matter where you start from. It’s a learning experience worth taking on, one step at a time!
Phases of Growing Hydroponic Lettuce
1. Medium Preparation
Preparing your growing medium is a critical step for healthy plant growth in hydroponics. This video walks you through selecting the right medium, ensuring proper sterilization, and creating the ideal environment for seed germination and root development.
2. Sowing and Nursery Prep
Sowing seeds in hydroponics requires precision and care. Learn the correct techniques for spacing, depth, and hydration to promote uniform germination and give your seedlings the best possible start.
3. Seedling Stage
The seedling phase is where plants establish their foundational growth. This video demonstrates how to monitor early development, manage light exposure, and adjust nutrient solutions to ensure your seedlings grow strong and healthy.
4. Hardening Stage
Hardening seedlings prepares them for the transition to their permanent growing environment. Learn step-by-step methods to gradually expose plants to new conditions, reducing transplant shock and ensuring successful growth.
5. Transplanting Stage
Transplanting is a pivotal moment in hydroponics. This video provides detailed guidance on how to move seedlings to their permanent system, minimize stress, and ensure they quickly adapt to their new environment.
6. Vegetative Stage
The vegetative phase is a period of rapid growth where plants focus on developing leaves and stems. This video covers how to optimize lighting, nutrients, and environmental conditions to promote healthy foliage and prepare for flowering or fruiting stages.
7. Pre-Harvest Stage
The pre-harvest phase is all about preparing your crops for their peak potential. Learn how to fine-tune nutrient levels, monitor plant health, and avoid last-minute issues to ensure top-quality produce at harvest.
8. Harvesting Stage
Timing and technique are key to a successful harvest. This video explains when and how to harvest your hydroponic crops to maximize freshness, quality, and market value while minimizing damage to the plants.
9. Post-Harvest Stage
Post-harvest handling determines the quality and shelf life of your produce. Explore best practices for cleaning, packaging, and storing your crops to maintain freshness and appeal for customers or personal use.
We appreciate you taking the time to watch our hydroponic video series. This media is intended to help you at every stage, from post-harvest handling to growing medium preparation.
We at NutriHydro are dedicated to equipping growers with the skills and information necessary to optimize productivity and production. These techniques can help you grow crops and able to reach their maximum potential.
Discover further resources, professional analysis, and sophisticated advice on our website. Let’s collaborate to create a future of knowledgeable and competent growers.
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Acknowledgments and Gratitude
Our deepest gratitude goes to Mario Estanislao, Rodger Coronado, Cristina Padua, Fernando Algozo, Arcie King Macapagal, and Jonathan Miguel. Your remarkable expertise and unwavering commitment to the advancement of hydroponics have been the shining lights guiding this article to fruition. It is through your insights and shared vision that this work blossomed into its fullest potential. We are truly honored to collaborate with such passionate and forward-thinking pioneers, and we eagerly anticipate the many more milestones we will reach together in this journey of growth and innovation. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Nathan Miguel, also known as KALIWANAG in some references, is a recognized hydroponics enthusiast and mentor in the Philippines. He is celebrated for his contributions to indoor hydroponic farming, particularly with the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems. His work combines meticulous observation, practical cultivation techniques, and a strong emphasis on scientific principles like photosynthesis and nutrient management.
Nathan is associated with NutriHydro, a prominent hydroponics company, and frequently engages in knowledge-sharing activities such as workshops and seminars. For instance, he is scheduled to lead a training session titled “Mastering NFT Systems” in Quezon City, focusing on urban farming and indoor hydroponic methods. He is also an advocate for community-based approaches, often collaborating with groups like the Nagcarlan Hydroponics Growers to inspire and train aspiring hydroponic farmers
Mario Estanislao is the owner of San Ignacio Agri and Lettuce Farm, known for its hydroponic lettuce cultivation. He participated in the NutriHydro “Showoff Your Lettuce Cultivation System” contest and ranked highly. His farm is one of the notable growers focusing on sustainable, innovative hydroponic farming techniques. His commitment to quality and community engagement in hydroponics highlights his role in the growing movement of hydroponic agriculture in the Philippines.
Rodger Coronado is a member of the Nagcarlan Hydroponics Group in Laguna, a community-driven organization focusing on advancing hydroponic farming practices. His work emphasizes practical applications of hydroponics, such as cultivating microgreens and vegetables in controlled environments, which offer sustainable and efficient alternatives to traditional farming. Through his active participation in the group, Rodger has contributed to promoting innovative agricultural solutions that are accessible and effective, especially for small-scale farmers and urban growers.
Rodger also shares his expertise and passion for hydroponics on social media platforms like TikTok, where he educates and inspires his audience with content about sustainable agriculture and microgreen cultivation. His videos often demonstrate hands-on techniques, showcase successful harvests, and advocate for the environmental and economic benefits of hydroponic farming. This dual approach—both community-based and digital outreach—highlights his dedication to making hydroponics a more widespread and practical solution for modern farming challenges.
Mr. Arcie King Macapagal, owner of Green Pasture Hydroponics, is a recognized figure in the Philippine hydroponics community. He has been actively involved in promoting hydroponic farming through education, training, and consultation. Based in Guiguinto, Bulacan, he is known for combining practical and technical approaches to hydroponics. His journey began approximately four years ago, with significant contributions over the last three years as part of NutriHydro.
Arcie conducts free training sessions, both onsite and online, to help individuals learn hydroponic farming techniques like the Kratky method and the use of pH and TDS meters for optimal nutrient management. He is also a frequent collaborator with schools and community groups, inspiring others to explore sustainable agriculture. His advocacy extends to empowering people with affordable systems and practical knowledge, helping them build sustainable livelihoods.
Engr. Cristina Ramirez-Padua, also known as Cristina Padua, is an agricultural and biosystems engineer and the founder of CRP Hydroponics Farm. Based in Caloocan City, she transformed her rooftop into a thriving urban hydroponic garden using innovative techniques. Cristina specializes in sustainable methods like the Kratky system and collaborates with NutriHydro, where she serves as an endorser and mentor. Her work includes community seminars, online training, and promoting affordable, sustainable agriculture to empower aspiring growers in urban settings.
Don Fernando Algozo is the owner and founder of Alfrea’s Hydroponics & Garden, located in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines. He has gained recognition for his innovative hydroponic farming techniques, including producing lettuce heads weighing up to 400 grams without bolting. His 300-square-meter greenhouse has demonstrated the potential of hydroponic farming, generating significant revenue even before reaching full operational capacity.
Algozo emphasizes the importance of nutrient management, environmental control, and the use of effective hydroponic solutions such as NutriHydro products. His contributions extend beyond farming, as he actively participates in seminars and community events to share his expertise and promote sustainable agriculture.
Author
Leonard Divino
Leonard Divino
NutriHydro is a manufacturer of plant nutrients based in the Philippines. They are known to grow the healthiest, heaviest, and largest lettuce in the country. NutriHydro products are available to purchase from the following e-commerce platforms.
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