understaNDING ph for dummies

[Diamonddss]

ok, as much time as i have invested in learning im a bit embarrassed to say i understand hardly anything about ph, ph meters and i dam sure dont understand the numbers on all the nutes that say 10-04-02 or 10-08-10 or whatever it might say.
Im a slow learner but want to learn so
what is some easy basic reading for someone like me to learn the basics about these things fairly quickly. I did search and will try more but there must be some direct threads or links to just understanding the basics of ph
btw im using promix soiless

i think there are alot of growers who never really learned about ph and might never in the future.

 

[FreezerBoy]

pH, potentiometric hydrogen ion concentration (whatever the hell that means) measures waters acidity, alkalinity or neutrality. 7 is neutral. Lower than 7 is acid. Higher than 7 is alkaline. For Hydro set pH around 5.8. Soil around 6.4. Allow a small swing of.2-.3 in either direction to allow absortion of all nutes.

Because nutes are acidic, always add nutes first, then adjust the final solution.

10-04-02 are NPK ratios (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and represent percentages. Not to be confused with 0-8-16, aka, Lucas formula. This refers to GH 3 part Flora Series nutes in ml per gallon. 0ml of FloraGrow (as in none) 8ml of FloraMicro, 16 ml FloraBloom.

 

[sweetearthboy]

primo explanation FreezerBoy.


I would also like to add a bit more to the nutrient numbers.
During vegetation go for a higher N (Nitrogen) formula, and for flowering, a higher K (Potassium) formula. This is helpful if your local shops don't have bud friendly nutes and you need to explore a little.

Some one correct me if i'm wrong.

Cheers.