I was in Mainerds today. They now carry sunshine potting mix. Use to carry pro mix. I browsed the seed racks and bought some. Bought a new to me seed starting tray. The silicone type cells. Itching to grow something.
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Short version: TPS Base A and B don’t publish a full ingredient list, but horticulturally they follow the standard two‑part formula logic: Part A = calcium + micronutrients, Part B = nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) + magnesium + sulfur. This separation prevents precipitation (mainly calcium + sulfates/phosphates). Below is the clearest breakdown based on manufacturer statements and horticultural chemistry.What's in it?
| Part | What It Contains (Horticulture Terms) | Why It’s Separated |
|---|---|---|
| Base A | Calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, organic acids | Prevents Ca from reacting with sulfates/phosphates |
| Base B | NPK macros, magnesium, sulfur | Keeps MgSO₄ and phosphates away from Ca until diluted |
That's good. I was just curious as to why it's in two parts and is it was natural or synthetically sourced.Short version: TPS Base A and B don’t publish a full ingredient list, but horticulturally they follow the standard two‑part formula logic: Part A = calcium + micronutrients, Part B = nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) + magnesium + sulfur. This separation prevents precipitation (mainly calcium + sulfates/phosphates). Below is the clearest breakdown based on manufacturer statements and horticultural chemistry.
The manufacturer does not disclose exact percentages or salts, but their own product pages confirm the functional categories of nutrients in each part.
What’s Actually in TPS Base A & B (Horticulture Terms)
✔ What TPS publicly states
TPS Base A+B provides:
This matches the standard horticultural design of two‑part hydroponic bases.
- NPK (macro‑nutrients)
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Micronutrients
- Low‑molecular‑weight organic acids to improve uptake
TPS Nutrients
Below is the industry‑standard composition for A/B fertilizers and how TPS’s description maps to it.
Horticultural Interpretation: What’s in Each Part?
BASE A (Calcium + Micros Part)
Typically contains:
Why these go in Part A:
- Calcium (usually calcium nitrate or calcium chelate)
- Iron (often chelated)
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Copper
- Boron
- Molybdenum
- Organic acids (TPS emphasizes these instead of synthetic chelators like EDTA)
Calcium reacts with sulfates and phosphates, forming insoluble precipitates. Keeping Ca separate prevents “nutrient snow.”
BASE B (NPK + Magnesium Part)
Typically contains:
Why these go in Part B:
- Nitrogen (nitrate and/or ammonium sources)
- Phosphorus (usually as mono‑potassium phosphate or similar)
- Potassium (potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, etc.)
- Magnesium (usually magnesium sulfate)
- Sulfur (from MgSO₄ or K₂SO₄)
Magnesium sulfate and phosphate salts must be kept away from calcium until diluted in water.
TPS markets Base A+B as:
Why TPS Splits Them This Way
This is consistent with a modern hydroponic two‑part formula designed for coco, DWC, Kratky, NFT, and soil.
- “Energy dense” (high concentration)
- “Bioavailable” (organic acids instead of EDTA)
- “Complete macro + micro”
TPS Nutrients
Summary Table
Part What It Contains (Horticulture Terms) Why It’s Separated Base A Calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, organic acids Prevents Ca from reacting with sulfates/phosphates Base B NPK macros, magnesium, sulfur Keeps MgSO₄ and phosphates away from Ca until diluted
If you want, I can also:
Just tell me what direction you want to go.
- Compare TPS A+B to General Hydroponics Flora, Jacks 3‑2‑1, or Athena Pro
- Break down how to dose A/B in Kratky, DWC, or coco
- Estimate the likely NPK ratios based on plant behavior and TPS feeding charts