Masterblend 4-18-38 Tomato Formula and 8-15-36 Lettuce Formula are popular choices for both hydroponic and soil-based gardeners. Professional-grade ingredients and 100% water solubility ensure your plants get all the nutrients they need so they can focus on growing and producing bountiful and flavourful harvests. For best results, it is important to mix Masterblend properly. While you can measure by volume (e.g. teaspoon), for best results, we recommend measuring by weight.
Masterblend is part of a 3-part nutrient system. In addition to Masterblend, you will also need Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt) and Calcium Nitrate. You can order all 3 parts in a pre-measured kit with the recommended 2:1:2 ratios. Order the Tomato Formula 3-Part kit here, and the Lettuce Formula 3-Part kit here.
What You’ll Need:
- Masterblend 4-18-38 Tomato Formula or Masterblend 8-15-36 Lettuce Formula (depending on what you’re growing – Tomato Formula for flowering and fruiting plants and Lettuce Formula for leafy greens and herbs)
- Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt)
- Calcium Nitrate
- A scale (or measuring spoon)
- Container for mixing (at least 4 litres)
- Water (preferably room temperature or slightly warm)
- pH meter (optional, but recommended)
Mixing Instructions:
- Measure Masterblend: Start by measuring the appropriate amount of Masterblend based on your desired final solution volume. Refer to the General Dosing Table on the packaging. A common starting point is 2.5 grams (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) per 4 litres of water.
- Dissolve in Water: Fill your container halfway with water. Add the measured Masterblend and stir vigorously until completely dissolved.
- Add Magnesium Sulphate: Once the Masterblend is dissolved, measure out the recommended amount of Magnesium Sulphate (usually half the amount of Masterblend). Epsom salt is a common source of magnesium and readily available. Stir the solution again until the Epsom salt dissolves completely.
- Add Calcium Nitrate: The final step is adding Calcium Nitrate. This provides essential calcium for strong cell walls and helps prevent nutrient imbalances that cause problems like blossom end rot. Measure the recommended amount (usually the same amount as Masterblend) and stir the solution thoroughly until everything dissolves.
- Top Up and Check pH: Fill the container to your desired final volume with water. If you have a pH meter, test the solution and adjust it to the optimal range for your plants (usually between 5.5 and 6.5 for hydroponics and 6.4 and 7.7 for soil) using a pH adjuster if needed.
Application Instructions:
- Hydroponics – Once mixed, add the nutrient solution to your reservoir. For best results, nutrient concentration levels should be monitored using an EC meter. It is recommended to replace your nutrient solution every 1 to 4 weeks to ensure nutrient levels remain balanced.
- Soil – Once mixed, apply 1 litre of nutrient solution per square foot of soil every 1 to 2 weeks.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t pre-blend: Mixing Masterblend or Magnesium Sulphate with Calcium Nitrate in dry or concentrated liquid form will prevent some nutrients from being available to your plants. While you can pre-mix Masterblend and Magnesium Sulphate, Calcium Nitrate MUST be left out until it is mixed into the final solution.
- Use warm water: Warm water helps dissolve the dry nutrients faster.
- Start diluted: For seedlings or new plants, consider using a weaker solution initially (about 25-50% strength) and gradually increase the strength as they mature.
- Store properly: Keep leftover mixed solution in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Don’t waste used solution: When refreshing the nutrients in your hydroponic reservoir, rather than dumping the old solution down the drain, use it to water houseplants or even your lawn. The residual nutrients will give them a boost.
By following these steps, you can confidently mix Masterblend nutrient solutions and provide your plants with the balanced nutrients they need to thrive.
Happy Growing!
