Base Nutrients for Hydroponics, Coco & Soil

Base nutrients are the foundation of any feeding program, providing all the essential macro and micronutrients plants need for healthy growth and abundant yields. Whether you’re growing in hydroponics, coco coir, or soil, choosing the right base feed ensures your crop gets balanced nutrition from start to finish. We stock a full range of single-part bottles, two-part A+B formulas, and soil-specific base nutrients to suit every system.

What Are Base Nutrients?

Base nutrients supply the essential building blocks plants can’t go without — nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and trace elements. Unlike additives or boosters, base feeds are used every watering throughout the entire growth cycle.

Types of Base Nutrients

Two-Part A+B Nutrients

These come in two bottles (A and B) to prevent elements like calcium and sulphates from reacting and forming sediment in the bottle. Both parts are applied together in the feed water. Common in hydroponics and coco systems where precision is key.

Single-Part Nutrients

All-in-one solutions where everything is pre-balanced in one bottle. Simple and convenient — great for beginners or smaller grows. Best suited for soil or basic hydro setups.

Soil Base Nutrients

Designed specifically for plants growing in soil. These are usually gentler, with added organic components or buffers to work in harmony with the nutrition already present in the medium.

Choosing the Right Base Nutrient

• Hydroponics: Go for a clean, soluble A+B formula that keeps reservoirs stable and lines clog-free.
• Coco coir: Choose a coco-specific base with added calcium and magnesium to balance cation exchange in the medium.
• Soil: Use soil-specific nutrients that are slightly lighter, sometimes with organics included, to complement existing nutrition.
• One-bottle simplicity: Ideal if you want a no-fuss feeding routine.

Base Nutrient FAQs

What’s the difference between A+B nutrients and single-part feeds?

A+B nutrients split elements into two bottles to avoid chemical lockout. Single-part feeds combine everything in one bottle for simplicity but may be less precise in hydroponic systems.

Can I use hydroponic nutrients in soil?

You can, but soil-specific feeds usually work better. Hydro feeds are stronger and designed for inert media, whereas soil feeds are buffered to account for existing nutrition in compost.

Do I need base nutrients if I’m already using boosters?

Yes. Boosters only supplement certain elements like PK. Base nutrients are essential for providing the full spectrum of nutrition throughout growth and bloom.

Are coco nutrients different from hydroponic nutrients?

Yes. Coco-specific bases add extra calcium and magnesium to balance the way coco binds nutrients. Standard hydro feeds can leave coco-grown plants deficient if used alone.

Shop our full range of base nutrients — from trusted A+B hydroponic formulas to convenient single-part and soil-specific feeds. The Hydro Bros ship fast, discreet, and worldwide 🌍.