Mixing MaxiBloom

MaxiBloom: your popular go-to for an inexpensive Hydroponic fertilizer. This, however,  comes with the unfortunate fact that mixing Maxibloom is surprisingly difficult. Additionally, it lowers the pH of the fertilizer solution to a place where only dandelions will grow.

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Since it is a pain to mix, especially in large containers, most people place it in a smaller container then shake vigorously over the course of 15-20 minutes to get it to dissolve. While this works for 1-2 gallons worth, mixing becomes nearly impossible in for larger batches using smaller jars that are easy to shake.

This video shows our experiments in mixing MaxiBloom:

The short version:

• pH to 9.0 or so before you begin. Make sure you add any silica or CalMag supplement at this time
• Add up to 1/2 teaspoon per 24 Oz of water
• Optionally, add a 1/2 tsp of 29% H2O2 per gallon to prevent anaerobic bacterial growth, or aerate the mix. If you are using chlorinated water, you can probably skip this step
• Let it sit for 1 day per teaspoon of fertilizer
• Use it

If you’re on a schedule, it’s easiest to make up your batches a few days ahead of time, and fine tune the pH just before adding to the reservoir or feeding to your plants.

The fast way

If you are looking for the fastest way to dissolve MaxiBloom/MaxiGrow, use a stir plate with 70C-80C water and go up to 1tsp per 400ml of water. It mixes in about 1 minute. As much as I love the heated plate for many processes, heating in a microwave is the better way to go in this situation.