1. Soil Feeding (Organic or Synthetic)
“Feed the soil to feed the plant.”
How it works: Nutrients are mixed into or applied on top of the soil, then absorbed by the plant through the root zone as needed.
Types:
- Organic: Compost, worm castings, kelp, bone meal, teas, living soil, etc.
- Synthetic: Liquid or powdered nutrients (e.g. General Hydroponics, FoxFarm)
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Forgiving (nutrients buffer in soil)
- Rich flavor (especially organic)
Cons:
- Slower to correct deficiencies
- Build-up/salt issues with synthetic nutes
Best for: Outdoor grows, hobbyists, organic growers
2. Hydroponic Feeding
“Feed the roots directly, no soil involved.”
How it works: Roots are suspended in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution (or inert medium like clay pebbles or rockwool). Plants get direct access to water and nutrients.
Common hydro systems:
- Deep Water Culture (DWC)
- Ebb and Flow
- NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
Pros:
- Rapid growth and yields
- Total control over nutrients and pH
- Clean, efficient setup
Cons:
- Less forgiving (mistakes hit fast)
- Requires monitoring and equipment
Best for: Advanced growers, high-tech indoor setups, fast turnarounds
3. Coco Coir Feeding
“The best of soil and hydro combined.”
How it works: Plants grow in coco coir, an inert medium made from coconut husks, and are fed with liquid nutrients similar to hydroponics.
Pros:
- Fast growth like hydro, but with soil-like feel
- Great oxygen-to-water ratio
- Easy to flush and correct issues
Cons:
- Must feed with every watering (coco holds no nutrients)
- Needs Cal-Mag supplements (coco binds calcium)
Best for: Indoor growers who want speed and control with less hassle than full hydro
4. Foliar Feeding
“Feed through the leaves.”
How it works: Nutrient solution is sprayed directly on the leaves and absorbed through the stomata.
When to use:
- During vegetative stage (not flowering)
- To correct deficiencies quickly
- As a supplement, not a main feed
Pros:
- Rapid uptake of micronutrients
- Great for early-stage growth
- Helps fight off pests and mold (when mixed with neem, silica, etc.)
Cons:
- Can burn leaves if done wrong
- Shouldn’t be used during flowering (mold risk, residue on buds)
Best for: Spot-treating deficiencies, boosting veg growth, foliar pest management
Bonus Tip: Combo Feeding
Many pro growers use a combo of these methods:
- Organic soil + teas + foliar in veg
- Coco + bottled nutes in flower
- Hydro for fast, high-volume runs