What Botanicare Hydroguard Puts Into the Root Zone
The active is an isolated form of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, chosen by Botanicare over the more common Bacillus subtilis for work in hydroponic systems. These rhizobacteria colonize the root zone, help break down organic material and may improve nutrient availability. Hydroponic dosing runs 5 to 10 mL per gallon. For a transplant dip, mix 1 to 5 oz into a gallon of water. In soil, 1 fl oz treats about 30 lbs of potting mix.
Running a Bacillus Root Inoculant Through the Whole Cycle
Roots and canopy track each other. That is why growers dose this from seedling through harvest, rather than reaching for it when something looks wrong. It goes in alongside conventional fertilizers, though a jar test first is worth the two minutes. Not every concentrate plays well with a live culture. Shake the container before every use. Shelf life is two years from the packaged date and six months once opened. The larger size only makes sense for a room that will finish it.
Key Features
- Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: An isolated strain selected for hydroponic root zones rather than the common subtilis species.
- 5 to 10 mL per gallon in hydro: The published rate for recirculating and drain to waste systems, straight into the tank.
- Transplant dip at 1 to 5 oz per gallon: Dip the root ball at transplant, which is when a young root system is most exposed.
- Soil rate of 1 fl oz per 30 lbs: Blend it through potting mix before planting rather than drenching afterwards.
- Two year shelf life: Guaranteed two years from the packaging date, and six months once the seal is broken.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKUs | 704080 (1 gal) / 704084 (5 gal) |
| Active | Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, isolated strain |
| Hydroponic Rate | 5 - 10 mL per gallon |
| Transplant Rate | 1 - 5 oz per gallon as a root dip |
| Soil Rate | 1 fl oz per 30 lbs of potting soil |
| Growth Stage | Seedling to harvest |
| Compatibility | Conventional fertilizers, jar test first |
| Shelf Life | 2 years sealed, 6 months after opening |
| Sizes | 1 gallon, 5 gallons |