flushing. you leech the nutrients out of the soil by flushing them out. I'll go out an a limb here. If, you use properly phd water that you have let sit for 24 hours before using and mix your nute properly, using good soil with proper drainage, and get a proper run-off when you water them, then you wouldn't have to flush them. Some folks still do, I haven't heard of any outdoor growers flushing thiers. Most flush for at least a few days just before harvest. VV