i bought my set up from a friend and the nutes i was given were vita-link in the 20 litre tubs. im guessing these nutes are a few years old. ive used them for 3 grows and had good results but should i buy new stuff or keep these. it seems a waste to throw this much away. wot difference will old stuff make?

Throw them away if they are out of date!
They will give you headache after headache the older they become, believe me I've been there.

Nutrients have a use by date for a reason.
The minerals & elements react with each other over time and old nutes can even become toxic to your plants.
(If they are still in date they will be ok).

yep ring the company that makes the nute quote the batch number to get your answer.



i have no problems with using older nute i only buy once a year, its the additives that dont store and last long especially friendliy bacteria and root tonics.


if its canna nute 12 to 18 months max...

i just found a little tag on 1 of the drums and it says 10 02 2004. this could be the use by date. will old mutes make a difference to the plant growth?

I'd sling that mate.Get yourself some fresh nutes.It just isnt sensible to proceed with using something that a question mark hangs over,something that could ruin or seriously effect the final bud.

I brought my nutes in 03, and have only in the past few months started growing. They were never opened and stored in my shed. Hydrotops bioponic range.
And since i've opened and used them, the plants have been fine. Loving it even. You sure it's not like cheese, getting nicer as it matures?
Anyway, thats my experience.

I wouldnt of though so mate. I though that as the nutrients got older they changed to nasty salts and shit.

Although the nutes might be fine you would hear of people who have used old nutes and its ruining their crop. As g-love said is it really worth all the hassle for what its going to cost you to buy new?

Edit: Storage conditions would also effect how long it lasts.

As chemical formulations are different for different nutrients,chemical and organic,you should'nt really take the risk as one type may have a long shelf life whilst others may quickly spoil.

Saving a few quid whilst perhaps risking a grow will probably be fine in most cases but not all.


You don't want to get half way through a grow only to encounter nutrient based problems.

dont chance it mate

ive been there,done it etc etc

just bin them matey dont even take the chance !!

peppi