While maintaining precise EC levels for each vegetable can optimize growth, in public or home-growing conditions, where a variety of crops are often grown together, the focus shifts slightly. Instead of maintaining an exact EC range for each plant, growers usually aim for a middle-range EC that accommodates multiple types of vegetables. This approach helps sustain healthy, mixed crops without the need for constant EC adjustments for individual plants.
In mixed systems, such as those found in community gardens, home setups, or small-scale public spaces, maintaining a balanced EC range (usually around 1.5 - 2.0 mS/cm) allows most leafy greens, herbs, and smaller fruiting plants to thrive together. This middle range meets the general nutrient needs without risking deficiencies or toxicities for any single crop.
Here’s an expanded table with specific EC ranges for various vegetables from www.qpseedlings.com.au:
| 🌿 Vegetable | 🌱 Optimal EC Range (mS/cm) | 📝 Notes on EC Management |
|---|---|---|
| Lettuce (Cos, Oak, Butter) | 0.8 - 1.2 | Prefers a lower EC, ensuring softer leaves. Works well in mixed, mid-range EC setups. |
| Spinach | 1.8 - 2.3 | Needs steady EC but can thrive in middle-range EC when grown with other leafy greens. |
| Kale | 1.4 - 1.8 | Prefers moderate EC; often benefits from a balanced, mixed-crop EC level. |
| Arugula (Rocket) | 1.0 - 1.8 | Thrives at lower EC; flavour can mellow with a mid-range EC in a mixed crop system. |
| Basil | 1.0 - 1.6 | Moderate EC; does well in shared nutrient solutions with other herbs. |
| Coriander (Cilantro) | 1.2 - 1.8 | Maintains flavour in balanced EC; easy to grow with other mixed crops. |
| Parsley | 1.4 - 1.8 | Moderate EC supports growth, making it well-suited for mixed, middle-range EC systems. |
| Broccoli | 1.8 - 2.2 | Prefers higher EC but can adapt to mid-range levels if grown with other leafy greens. |
| Cauliflower | 1.8 - 2.2 | Similar to broccoli; adaptable to middle EC but may affect head density slightly. |
| Tomatoes (Truss, Pinnacle) | 2.0 - 2.5 | Thrives in higher EC; adaptable in middle-range systems with some trade-offs in fruit size. |
| Peppers (Bell) | 2.0 - 2.5 | Ideal in higher EC but can manage in mid-range EC, particularly during early growth. |
| Pak Choi | 1.2 - 1.8 | Stable in mid-range EC, well-suited for mixed vegetable hydroponic setups. |
| Endive | 1.2 - 1.6 | Lower EC preferred but tolerates mid-range levels, ensuring tender leaves in mixed setups. |
| Cucumber | 1.8 - 2.4 | Thrives in higher EC; can be grown in mixed systems with careful pH monitoring. |
Key Takeaway for Mixed Growing
In mixed-crop hydroponic setups, finding a balanced EC range allows various plants to grow together, making it practical for public or smaller home systems. Precision EC is ideal for monoculture setups (single crop), but mixed systems benefit from a versatile EC level that supports diversity and flexibility in growing.
