For a plant to grow, it requires the correct temperature and humidity, moisture, light, air, certain mineral salts (nutrients) and the absence of pathogens (disease causing organisms).

Plant nutrition is the science which studies what plants eat, or more to the point which nutrients the plant takes from its surroundings, in what amounts, under what conditions and how what the plant takes is used in growth and development. This is of great importance to anyone who is interested in maximizing the genetic potential of his/her plants.

A hydroponic nutrient solution is composed of water, dissolved air and a dozen or so essential elements in their proper proportions. The essential elements, or mineral elements that must be present for proper plant growth and development are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), copper Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine (Cl). The letters in parentheses are the chemical symbols for each element. In addition to these elements, hydrogen (H), oxygen (O2) and carbon (C) are also essential elements which can be found in the air and the water.

The elements that make up a nutrient solution are broken up into two different categories depending upon their relativity to the total make-up of the nutrient solution. Hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and sulfur are required in relatively large amounts and are so called macroelements (major elements), while iron, manganese, boron, copper, zinc, molybdenum and chlorine are required in relatively small amounts and are so called microelements (minor elements).

Hydroponic nutrients should be complete, containing every essential element, both major and minor, required by all green plants for optimum plant growth. The nutrient should be well balanced containing enough of all essential elements so no deficiency occurs, while not containing too much of any element that might lead to a toxicity. Also the nutrient should be pH balanced and buffered preventing the pH from drifting too high (alkaline) or too low (acid). The last and maybe most important requirement is that the nutrient solution be water soluble with minimal or no residue. The mineral salts used should readily dissociate into elemental ions and not contain any toxic chemicals or elements like heavy metals (lead, mercury or tungsten). This is controlled by the selection and purity of the raw ingredients used.

Minor Elements See our Special Below for Hydro Harvest Minor Element Nutrient Spray

Manganese (Mn) - plays an important role in photosynthesis and chloroplast membrane formation. Needed at only � the rate of iron, its importance cannot be understated. Manganese also enters into the chemical reactions of oxidation and reduction.

Boron (B) - is needed in small amounts. Boron aids in cell division and in transporting sugars through cell walls. It also aids in forming the amino acids - thymine and cytosine, important to DNA synthesis. Deficiency - affects new growth first. Black, brittle areas on leaf tips. Small, burned leaves with dead spots. Stubby brown and dead root tips. "Heart rot" in beets and "stem crack" in celery.

Copper (Cu) - is needed in only small amounts. This metal aids in plant metabolism and general health. It helps ward off disease and pests, aids in the utilization of iron and the manufacture of enzymes. Deficiency - dark green, spindly young leaves. Plants are susceptible to disease and insects, wilt easily and exhibit stunted growth. Toxicity - dark roots, leads to an iron deficiency.

Zinc (Zn) - is needed in small amounts for growth and chlorophyll synthesis. Deficiency - short stem internodes and a condition called "little leaf" or "rosetting" where the young leaves are spindly and twist around each other. Reduced or no bud formation. Mottled dead spots between veins.

Chlorine (Cl) - this element controls water uptake and transpiration. Stimulates photosynthesis and is a major constituent of the anthocyanin molecule. Deficiency - plants wilt easily. Bronze colored leaves with dead or chlorotic spots, stunted roots with club-shaped tips.

Molybdenum (Mo) - a catalyst needed in small quantities. It is involved in nitrogen fixation (assimilation) and in the manufacture of enzymes. Deficiency - causes nitrogen deficiency. Plants are light green, malformed and stunted. Causes the "whiptail" disease where young leaves are long, narrow and severely twisted, but not tightly bunched as in "rosetting" caused by zinc deficiency.

Cobalt (Co) - a constituent of vitamin B-12 and required for the fixation of nitrogen and DNA synthesis. Deficiency - causes pernicious anemia (lack of vitamin B-12) and improper nitrogen assimilation.

The nutrient solution in hydroponics, like the in-the-soil solution for traditional soil gardeners, provides the plant roots with water and essential elements. In hydroponics, the essential elements are added to the nutrient solution, using fertilizer (mineral) salts.

"WASTE NOT, WANT NOT"

"BUY LOCAL, BUY SEASONAL, BUY FRESH"

GREEK PANZANELLA SALAD

Extra Virgin olive oil

1 small French bread or baguette (the small long crispy from the grocery store of choice from the bakery) cut into 1 inch cubes

Kosher salt

1 cucumber unpeeled and sliced into � inch cubes (If a lot of seeds remove or if FARMER JOHN HAS European cucumbers buy those)

1 red bell pepper, diced large

1 green or yellow pepper, diced large

1 pint of cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved or FARMER JOHN SWEET TOMATOES CUT INTO CHUNKS

� red onion, sliced in half rounds

� pound feta or mozzarella cheese cut into �" cubes

� cup black olives, pitted

VINAIGRETTE

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. fresh oregano or any herbs you might have from the farm or FARMER JOHN'S SYSTEMS AT YOUR HOME

� tsp. Dijon mustard

� cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp. salt

� tsp fresh ground black pepper

� cup extra virgin olive oil

Whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, 1 tsp. salt and pepper in a small bowl. While still whisking, add the olive oil and make an emulsion. 

HEAT 3 Tbsp. olive oil in a large saut� pan. Add the bread cubes and sprinkle with salt; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for about 5 to 10 minutes, until nicely browned. Add more olive oil as needed.

Place the cucumber, red, green or yellow peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables. Add the feta cheese, olives and bread cubes and mix lightly. Set aside for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.

Serve at room temperature, also great the next day if there are any leftovers.

CUCUMBER SALAD

3 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and cut into �-inch cubes

5 scallions, thinly sliced in rings

2 jalapeno pepper, minced

1 cup cilantro leaves

3 limes, juiced

� cup honey

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. lime zest

� cup peanuts chopped

In a medium serving bowl, toss together the cucumbers, scallions and pepper.

MARINADE

Place the cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt and lime zest in the bowl of a food processor with a metal blade and blend until smooth. Drizzle the mixture over the cucumbers. Toss to coat. Let the salad stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to marry the flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle with peanuts.

"WASTE NOT, WANT NOT" THIS MARINADE IS ALSO GREAT FOR MARINATING CHICKEN, PORK, OR FISH BAKE OR GRILL.

SWISS CHARD WITH LEMON DRESSING

2 Pounds Swiss chard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

� cup extra virgin olive oil

Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, trim off the white stalks from the green Swiss chard leaves. Cut the stalks into pieces approximately 2 inches long, removing any strings.

Add the stalks to the boiling water and boil for about 5 minutes. Add the leaves and cook for 2 minutes longer. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water so that the leaves remain green. Drain and pat dry with absorbent paper towels.

Arrange the Swiss chard in a serving dish. In a small bowl, whisk salt and pepper to taste in the lemon juice. Sprinkle the lemon juice mixture over the Swiss chard. Drizzle the olive oil over the Swiss chard and stir well. Serve warm or at room temperature.

FRESH TOMATO RELISH

1 Tbsp. olive oil

� tsp. salt

� tsp. cayenne pepper

2 large green bell peppers, diced

� cup sliced green onions (scallions)

2 tsp. finely chopped garlic

2 tsp. ground cumin

4 cups fresh tomatoes, diced

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers, green onions (scallions), garlic, cumin, salt and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir until vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until just heated through.

TIP: SERVE THIS FRESH RELISH WITH SHRIMP, FISH OR OTHER SEAFOOD, ALSO GREAT WITH PORK.

FRIED ASIAN EGGPLANT

3 slender eggplants from the FARM cut lengthwise into 3/8 inch slices

1� cups all-purpose flour or panko breadcrumbs

5 cups extra virgin oil or canola oil for frying

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dredge the eggplant slices in the flour and shake off any excess flour.

In a deep heavy skillet, such as a cast iron skillet. Heat the oil to 350 degrees. A few slices at a time, slip the eggplant slices into the hot oil; do not over crowd the pan. Fry until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, remove the eggplant slices and place on and absorbent paper towel to drain briefly. Continue frying remaining slices in the same manner. Season with salt and pepper.

Arrange the eggplant slices on a warm platter and serve piping hot.

DON'T FORGET TO PICK UP FRESH GREENS TO MAKE A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER SALAD.

I PICKLE THE OKRA FROM THE FARM, I AM TRYING AND EXPERIMENT, I AM PICKLING ASIAN EGGPLANT FROM MY PERSONAL SYSTEMS, WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT.

CHECK WITH FARMER JOHN OR FARMER FRANK TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ANY FRESH FROZEN STRAWBERRIES LEFT?

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THESE RECIPES, LOOKING FOR AND OLD FAMILY FAVORITE RECIPE OR IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL RECIPE FROM PRODUCE OR HERBS FROM THE FARM E-MAIL ANDREA  AT afreebody@verizon.net.

RECIPES COURTESY OF ANDREA FREEBODY, APOLLO BEACH, FL.