Alternative Nutrients A and B for Lettuce Grow Hydroponics

I’ve been using the Lettuce Grow tower for four years and have found purchasing alternative nutrients A & B saves me money. So, here’s the supplies I’m using that work great and cost less.

Lettuce Grow Nutrients A & B

Lettuce Grow uses Jack’s Nutrients Part A & B, which sells for $35 for the combo, or $19 each.

I’ve been using ENVY Herb & Veggie Special Combo for the last two years and it works great!

It contains the same nutrients, and you follow the same scooping requirements. I have the six level tallest tower and start a fresh run with four scoops, and then maintenance is two scoops a week.

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I also want to mention that the part B doesn’t liquify like the Lettuce Grow nutrients. I wasted a lot of the nutrients because of that! Every bag I had would liquify after a couple weeks. This stuff does not do that!

What is Part A and B for Hydroponics?

In hydroponics, Nutrients A and B are typically part of a two-part nutrient solution system designed to supply plants with essential elements for growth. These solutions are kept separate to prevent chemical reactions that might occur if all components were mixed together in concentrated form. Here’s a breakdown of what they are and what they do:

Nutrient A

• Primary Composition: Nutrient A usually contains calcium nitrate and sometimes other calcium-based compounds.
• Purpose:
  • Provides calcium, which strengthens cell walls, supports root development, and aids in enzyme activity.
  • Supplies nitrogen in nitrate form, which is essential for vegetative growth, chlorophyll production, and overall plant health.

Nutrient B

• Primary Composition: Nutrient B typically includes phosphates, potassium, magnesium, and trace micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and molybdenum.
• Purpose:
  • Phosphorus: Critical for root growth, flower and fruit development, and energy transfer within the plant (as part of ATP).
  • Potassium: Supports overall plant metabolism, improves water uptake, and enhances resistance to stress.
  • Magnesium: A key component of chlorophyll, crucial for photosynthesis.
  • Micronutrients: Vital for various enzymatic and physiological processes in the plant.

Keep the Nutrients Separate

Calcium (in Nutrient A) can react with phosphates and sulfates (in Nutrient B) to form insoluble precipitates, making the nutrients unavailable to plants. By separating them, these reactions are avoided, ensuring that the nutrients remain soluble and accessible.

This is also why you need to add the separately! Mix them with water and add them individually to your container.

Tips on Adding Nutrients to Lettuce Grow

I use a plastic cup and hot water to dissolve the nutrients before pouring them into a watering container. Then I add cold water to that before filling the farmstand.

I use a large watering container with a spout, but the spout has been sawed off shorter to make it pour fast. You have the stand there forever with a skinny spout!

Remember with nutrients less is more! When in doubt, use less. I have found upping the nutrients does not help and leads to more weird crusty buildup on the farmstand.

So, I use small level scoops, not heaping scoops when measuring the nutrients.

If you have any questions, just leave a comment and I’ll be happy to answer.

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