So how do you tell

Watering vs Feeding

So I definately know when the plants want water, but can and how do you tell the difference between when the plants need water and when they are ready for food, I mean before the leaves start changing color, is there characteristics of the plant that change that I should look for or is it a timing thing?

I look for leaf colour..

Light green color or slowed growth = needs N

If the tips start to yellow you're way past due on food

kalen2 said:

If the tips start to yellow you're way past due on food

Click to expand...

if the tips are yelowing then uve fed to much!
nute burn begins form outside
a N def which you are trying to refer to starts form the middle

You'll see the leaves get lighter when it's running out of Nitrogen. The good thing is that N is very mobile and the plant will recover quickly. If you see burnt leaf tips, that's another big sign of N deficiency.

they want food every time you water, question is,,,is there still food in there for em? when should add/suppliment?

Thanks Riddleme........Ya man that is what I'm getin at......
I know water feeds em......i'm just trying to learn how quickly they use the nutes from the soil and how often to replenish, obviously the bigger the plant the more food it'll need and the quicker it'll absorb the nutes.....so before the leaves start changing.....as I never let em get to that point, is there another method that grower use, and not testers either......like when the plant need water it is obivious due to the leaves saggin and looks different from overwatering.....so what i'm trying to find out does the plant do somthing miniscule that u can look for or is it simply just trial and error to get it right??

Why I like a soilless mix, cause then you are in total control of what is in there, no wondering involved

but no there are no sign's other than color of new growth

Cool thanks man...you are a wealth of great knowledge!!...gunna go hydro....just the first grow.....soooontime!!!