if you’ve gardened a long time, at some point you will deal with bacteria and fungus. Just as in soil gardening, this can also be a challenge in a hydroponic garden. Keeping a hydroponic garden free of bacteria and fungus can sometimes be a big challenge. But, you can follow these tips to prevent bacterial and fungal infections:
- Proper sanitation: Make sure to clean and disinfect all equipment and surfaces before and after each growing cycle to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and fungi. Need some tips on how to clean a system? Head over to our article that provides a simple way to clean your hydroponic system.
- Proper spacing: Keep plants spaced far enough apart to allow for good air circulation which can help to prevent fungal infections from spreading.
- Proper pH levels: Maintain the proper pH levels for your plants to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Here is a helpful article that discusses managing pH in a hydroponic garden.
- Use a sterilized growing media: Use a sterilized growing medium, such as rockwool or perlite, to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the root zone.
- Use disease-free seeds or seedlings: Start with healthy, disease-free seed or seedlings to reduce the risk of introducing pathogens to your hydroponic garden.
- Monitor for signs of disease: Keep an eye out for signs of disease, such as wilting, discoloration, or mold. Address the issue as soon as possible to prevent spread. The picture at the top of this post is a good example of a diseased basil plant. Quick detection is key!
- Use a preventative fungicide: Hydroponic systems that are enclosed and with high humidity levels may benefit from the use of a preventative fungicide.
- Use a beneficial microorganism: Some hydroponic growers use beneficial microorganisms in their nutrient solutions to outcompete and suppress the growth of pathogens.
Now that you’ve conquered these challenges, go read our other articles on managing pH in your system and how to avoid common mistakes when growing hydroponically!
