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AUSTRALIA/NZ EDITION
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • maximumyield.com
M O D E R N G R O W I N G
HYDROPONIC HYDROGELS
FOOD IN THE FINAL FRONTIER | LIGHT PLANNING | NET-ZERO ENERGYLEGUMES | TRIPLE C MICRONUTRIENTS
agradehydroponics.comONL INE & IN STOR E - MELBOUR NE
HYDROPONIC CONSULTANCYCOMPLETE GROW PACKAGESCUSTOM BUILT SYSTEMS
6 first feed
28Food in the Final Frontierby Lee Allen
With the colonisation of other planets becoming more plausible, researchers are starting to experiment with controlled-environment growing to feed those willing to make the trip.
24Hydroponic Hydrogelsby Shannon McKee
Already used in biomedical, environmental, and pharmaceutical industries, hydrogels—which act as a solid even though they absorb vast amounts of liquid—also have a place in your hydroponic set-up.
NOV/DEC 2017 | VOLUME 15 NUMBER 4
FEATURES
M O D E R N G R O W I N G
7first feed
grow cycle38 The Importance of Light Planning
by P.L. Light Systems
46 Triple C Micronutrientsby Monica Mansfield
52 How to Create a Net-zero Energy Greenhouseby Lindsey Schiller
58 Legumesby Dr. Lynette Morgan
groundbreakersyou tell us
64 Valley Hydro
66 Distributors
70 10 Facts on Jasmonates
first feed8 from the editor
10 contributors
10 #maximumyield
tapped in12 ask the experts
14 max facts
18 good to grow
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL [email protected] Toby Gorman Jessica Skelton
ADVERTISING SALES 250.729.2677
TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS P.L. Light Systems
SALES MANAGER Katie Rey - [email protected]
ASSISTANT SALES MANAGER Jed Walker - [email protected]
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michelle Fraser - [email protected] Erik Duivenvoorde - [email protected] Courtenay Althouse - [email protected] Hailey Woolgar - [email protected] DESIGN & PRODUCTION [email protected]
ART DIRECTOR Alice Joe
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jennifer Everts Dionne Hurd Samira Saoud
ACCOUNTING Tracy Greeno - [email protected] Katie LaFrance - [email protected]
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply • Holland Forge House N’ Garden • Hydroponic Generations Growlush • Way to Grow • Nutrifield UK DISTRIBUTION Easy Grow Ltd. • Erith Horticulture Nutriculture UK • DutchproCANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group • Eddis Wholesale Green Planet Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. • Growers ParadiseUSA DISTRIBUTION BWGS • Florida Hydroponics • General Hydroponics Humbolt Wholesale • Hydrofarm • Grow Green MI Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply Tradewinds • Urban Agricultural
VOLUME 15 – NUMBER 4 November/December 2017
Maximum Yield is published monthly by Maximum Yield Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. If undeliverable please return to the address below. The views expressed by columnists are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Maximum Yield or the editor.
2339 A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687
The technology and research that has already gone into determining how those chosen pioneers will feed themselves will not only benefit humans in space but on Earth as well.”
We’re definitely feeling the love from our readers here at Maximum Yield.
We’ve had a lot of great feedback via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, which you can read on page 10 in our #maximumyield segment. We invite you to follow us on any of those platforms if you aren’t already, or subscribe to our newsletter and digital version of Maximum Yield. Our team of expert contributors have been working overtime to bring readers up to date on the latest trends in growing, modern growing techniques, plant biology, grow systems, and virtually anything else related to indoor and outdoor growing.
This issue of Maximum Yield is no exception. One of our main features this month strays a little from our typical how-to format, in that it is more of a news story. Arizona-based writer Lee Allen used his contacts to explore food’s final frontier: Space. It’s amazing to think that humans are even considering travelling to and inhabiting distant planets like Mars. As Allen notes, even travelling more than 56,000 kilometres per hour, it will take humans eight months to reach the Red Planet. The technology and research that has already gone into determining how those chosen pioneers will feed themselves will not only benefit humans in space but on Earth as well.
As always, thanks for reading Maximum Yield and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
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first
feed from the editor
DO YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED? Send your email or post to:
[email protected]@maximumyield
@max_yield@maximumyield
@maximumyieldmaximumyield
Thanks to @Max_Yield for spreading the word... #bokashi #compostingGood Green Earth Co.@Loveyourdirt
Everyone here at Garden In Minutes loves your magazine, we are glad Bryan could contribute! Garden In Minutes
Sharin’ the Love
A huge thank you to @max_yield for naming me on their list of top #hydroponics Twitter feeds. I’m honored! Joe Swartz @HydroConsultant
Thank you for the love!HydroponicLife.com @HydroponicLife1
Thanks to @hydro2grow for sorting me out with a couple of copies of Maximum Yield.@saladgroove
What do I need to do to carry your magazine in our new grow store that is opening in the future?@McGrow
Editor’s Note: Maximum Yield is distributed via your inventory suppliers, including General Hydroponics, Hydrofarm, BWGS, Tradewinds, Sunlight Supply, Nickel City, and Humboldt Wholesale. Just let them know you’d like a box every month and they’ll deliver it with your shipments!
Mealybugs are white, fluffy looking insects that attach themselves permanently to the leaves. TheHydroponicsStore@THS_NI
Study shows regular gardening activity can prolong life by as much as 30% in 60-plus age group.Gardener’s Friends@gardenerfriends
Grow Tip Tweets
Ever tried to grow citrus? We’ve been inspired to post this after seeing the feature in a recent issue of Maximum Yield. She’s looking strong! Holland Hydroponics
Your magazine is great and helps out a lot of our customers. We’re happy to carry it! GrowSmarT
We’d like to give special shout outs to shops like Panhandle Hydroponics, Year-Round Garden, and Grow Masters for regularly sharing our posts with their Facebook followers. For a full list of shops that carry Maximum Yield, check out our distributors guide starting on page 141.
Shop Shout Out
MONICA MANSFIELD After owning an indoor garden store for 5 ½ years, Monica sold the business and started a seven-acre homestead with her husband, Owen. Monica
is passionate about gardening, sustainable living, and holistic health. She writes about these topics and her homestead adventures on her blog thenaturelifeproject.com.
LINDSEY SCHILLER studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center before delving into sustainable greenhouse design. She is a co-founder of Ceres
Greenhouse Solutions. She writes extensively on greenhouse technology and year-round growing through Ceres’ blog. She is also the author of The Year-Round Solar Greenhouse: How to Design and Build a Net-Zero Energy Greenhouse (New Society Publishers).
SHANNON MCKEE lives in Ohio and has been a freelance writer for several years now, including on her blog, whyiwah.blogspot.com. Nicknamed by loved ones a garden hoarder over the past
few years, she grows a wide variety of plants in her urban garden.
PHILIP MCINTOSH is a science and technology writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany and chemistry and a master’s degree in biological science. During his graduate research
he used hydroponic techniques to grow axenic plants to study the uptake of metals by roots. He lives in Colorado Springs, CO, and teaches mathematics at Challenger Middle School.
LEE ALLEN is an award-winning reporter of both electronic and print media and a struggling backyard gardener.
GRUBBYCUP has been an avid indoor gardener for more than 20 years. His articles were first published in the UK, and since then his gardening advice has been published in French, Spanish, Italian,
Polish, Czech and German.
DR. LYNETTE MORGAN holds a B. Hort. Tech. degree and a PhD in hydroponic greenhouse production from Massey University, New Zealand. Lynette is a partner with Suntec International
Hydroponic Consultants and has authored several hydroponic technical books. Visit suntec.co.nz for more information.
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Q
A
Hi there,
I recently started a job that requires some travel, so I need to autodose my indoor garden. It seems quite involved. Do you have any advice for the set-up and dosing? It looks like it will be pretty efficient once it’s set up and running.Thanks,Corinne C.
Hey Corinne,
At first glance, autodosing does seem complicated, but let’s make it simple.
You probably know how it works: you set up tanks of your pH adjustor and fertiliser concentrates (you should store your calcium nitrate solution separate from the other fertiliser or it will precipitate) and hook the tanks up to peristaltic pumps. The autodoser acts like a thermostat; define the levels you want for pH and EC, and it will pump in solutions to keep it at those levels. Growers can “set it and forget it,” saving several hours per week of maintenance and freeing themselves up to focus on growing healthy crops.
Here are a few other questions that are often forgotten:
How much maintenance is actually needed? Growers will want to calibrate the probes about once a week and occasionally check the water manually, just in case. You’ll want to check the concentrate levels once a week so that empty tanks don’t sneak up on you.
How much does it cost? Monitoring-only units will typically cost between US$250 and $400. For instance, an all-in-one handheld meter may run $280. When you add dosing and remote login capabilities, the price runs closer to $2,000. The benefit of a monitoring unit is that you could simplify the dosing task for someone taking care of your farm. If you want to leave it without extra help, however, you’ll need the complete version.
Don’t forget that although the autodoser will manage pH and EC and sometimes temperature, you might need a water top-off as well. If your sump doesn’t hold enough water, you’ll either want to upgrade it or install a tank to top off the water when it gets low.
The latter can function in one of two ways. The first is to use a sealed tank and an open valve just under the ideal water level. As the water level decreases, the open valve will let water into the tank. The second is to have a secondary tank (you can use this for return water if you’re running a recirculating system) with a float valve that turns a pump on or off.
If you’re using aquaponics, a solids-lifting overflow in the fish tank(s) can also safeguard against low water levels.
Note on travelling: It’s wise to still have a trusted friend check in on your system if possible. Autodosing takes care of pH and EC, but problems like leaks, pest outbreaks, or power outages could still prove cata-strophic if left unattended for a few days.
We hope that helps, Corinne!
Happy growing and safe travels!Amy M. Storey
Amy Storey is the content coordinator at Bright Agrotech, a company that manufactures vertical high-density farming equipment. Amy and the Bright Agrotech team provide modern growers with ZipGrow technology to build a
fresher, more distributed food system.
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Dedicated Coordinator to Manage TPP The National Management Group (NMG) for tomato potato psyllid (TPP), comprising all Australian governments, affected industries, and Plant Health Australia, has agreed to a transition to manage the ongoing impacts of TPP and risks of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) in Australia. AUSVEG, the peak industry body for the Australian venetable and potato industries, will manage the project with Mr Alan Nankivell acting as National TPP Coordinator. Mr Nankivell has an extensive background in horticulture, including previous roles as CEO of Vinehealth Australia and as a Research Coordinator for the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre. The transition to management phase of the response plan, which will conclude on 11 May 2018, will improve the capacity of the horticulture sector to manage TPP and build confidence around the status of CLso in Australia. This follows an earlier decision by the NMG that it is no longer technically feasible to eradicate TPP in Western Australia.
— hydroponics.com.au
Refugees Cultivate Community Through Wollongong Farming InitiativeOnly 31 per cent of humanitarian visa recipients have jobs after five years, but many have skills as subsistence farmers, which could turn unproductive land into market gardens. At Mangerton in Wollongong, Karenni refugees are transforming a steep hillside next to Saint Therese Primary School into a traditional terraced garden. According to University of Wollongong geographer Ananth Gopal, community gardens could help refugees avoid the sort of isolation that comes with long-term unemployment. “Growing food is a way out of the loneliness and isolation that besets loads of refugee communities,” he said. The Karenni community garden is being developed on less than half a hectare of land with poor soils, but its volunteers are rapidly transforming it into a traditional food garden. Mr Gopal is doing a
doctoral thesis on the relationship between cultural diversity and
agricultural diversity and believes small urban farms may be a creative solution to unemployment in refugee communities.
— abc.net.au
Gene Bank to Preserve Australian AgricultureIn February 2018, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in the remote Norwegian Arctic will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Among the gifts it will receive are two collections of precious seeds and grains from the Australian Pastures Genebank and the Australian Grains Genebank, to be deposited into the vault as an insurance policy for an uncertain future. Between them, the Australian Pastures Genebank and the Australian Grains Genebank are a record of Australia’s agricultural past, a resource for its present, and an insurance policy for its future. The Australian Pastures Genebank stores close to 84,000 seed types across more than 2,000 species of pasture plants. “Our whole industry is predominantly based on improved species that have been introduced from overseas…and they are constantly at threat from pests and disease and climate change, drought, and salinity,” says Steve Hughes, leader of the Australian Pastures Genebank.
— theguardian.com
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growing news, tips, & trivia
New Zealand Farm Cuts Water and Energy Consumption with IoTNew Zealand agriculture technology company WaterForce is providing an Internet of Things-based water management and irrigation system for New Zealand farms using sensor technology and software from Schneider Electric, built on a Microsoft Azure and Azure IoT technology platform. The technology, adopted this year by BlackHills Farm, has reduced water consumption by 30 per cent, according to Schneider Electric. The SCADAfarm system consists of a cloud-based software platform that captures and manages data from wireless sensors and weather stations to help the farm view information related to conditions and thereby adjust water use accordingly. Since being taken live, the farm reports, the system has reduced not only water consumption, but also energy costs by 50 per cent. With the technology, BlackHills Farm can determine the level of moisture in the soil and air, as well as the water conditions, and adjust the operation of irrigators, pumps, and sprinklers for each field of crops.
— rfidjournal.com
Tips for Coping with Rising NZ Vege PricesThe spike in vegetable prices need not impact your health—there are plenty of delicious
alternatives available. While vegetable prices have risen a record 31 per cent in the past year, according to Statistics New Zealand, just a handful of favourites are affected. Broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, kumara, and avocados are significantly
more expensive than they were this time last year. But carrots, leeks, celery, potatoes, beetroot, pumpkin, and many more remain plentiful and affordable. Shoppers need to think beyond their tried-and-true choices, experts
say. Frozen and canned vegetables are useful stand-ins for fresh produce. “There are always vegetables in season and there are always vegetables that
are cheap,” says Christchurch-based registered nutritionist Bronwen King, who suggests substituting cabbage for lettuce in salads and bulking them out with spiralised carrot and bean sprouts. New Zealand’s wet autumn, which damaged crops, was responsible for the price hike, according to Statistics NZ consumer prices manager Matthew Haigh.
— stuff.co.nz
New Zealand’s Wild Conifers Threaten FarmingNew Zealand’s Mackenzie Basin could lose $1.2 billion in farming production annually if the spread of wilding conifers is not brought under control, says Ministry of Primary Industries wilding programming manager Sherman Smith. “Few species would survive if the basin was smothered by wildings,” says Smith. An estimated 20 per cent of New Zealand will be covered in unwanted wilding conifers within 20 years if their spread is not stopped. Wilding conifers already cover more than 1.8 million hectares. A four-year programme looks to spend $4 million a year for four years on combatting the spread of wilding conifers that invade 90,000 hectares each year. Areas being targeted by the initiative include Craigieburn, Porters, and Lewis in North Canterbury, Hakatere in Mid Canterbury, and Four Peaks in South Canterbury.
— stuff.co.nz
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max facts
Bio Diesel Aloevate A 100 per cent natural plant tonic that contains hundreds of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, Aloevate is made from blended desert plant extracts. It contains natural salicylic acid (silica), auxins, amino acids, saponins, and enzymes that enhance micro-life, protect your root zone, and break down any dead roots and unused mineral salts to keep the plant roots clean and functioning at peak performance with healthy microbe colonisation. Aloevate improves your plants’ size, vitality, and overall growth rates while protecting them from disease. Plants become stronger with thicker cell walls with a higher water holding capacity. Aloevate is also an amazing
foliar Spray as it creates thicker, stronger cell walls and activates the plants’ systemic required resistance response to deter pests and disease. It can also be added to any other foliar spray as a natural wetting agent and chelating agent to aid in mineral transportation. Available in one-litre, five-litre, and 20L sizes.
KIND LED Bar Lights KIND LED has once again redefined what growers can accomplish with LED grow lighting. The new series of KIND Bar Lights caters to just about every imaginable application in indoor cultivation, from commercial vertical farming to unsurpassed under-canopy illumination. The simple yet revolutionary design allows the lights to be mounted in virtually any configuration, whether it be from the top, side, or even vertically from either end. This next generation of Bar Lights from KIND LED builds on the proven success of the original line by providing an even broader spectrum and significantly increased PPFD. Available in three different models and varying sizes, there is a Bar Light from KIND LED that will meet and exceed your needs and expectations.
Reiziger Bud BoosterDeveloped in Holland over 20 years ago for the commercial grower to help medicinal plants build extremely large, crystal-laden colas indoors, outdoors, or in the greenhouse, in hydroponics and soil. Reiziger Bud Booster is a chosen favourite of Dutch craftsmen for all short-cycle plant strains. The element-rich liquid is brimming with over 90 different organic compounds including carbohydrates, gibberellins, auxins, cytokinins, phenols, vitamins, amino acids, and polysaccharides, which help to produce consistent, powerful blooms with a dense growth pattern and the desired combination of increased weight, colour, flavour, and potency. Alive with pioneering know-how, it is one of the most innovative boosters ever made.
Upgraded Flo-N-Gro SystemsFlo-N-Gro hydroponic growing systems continue to evolve as new features are developed, like the innovative bottom drain that is now included in all Flo-N-Gro buckets. A distinctive notch in the bottom of the bucket captures every bit of water, which results in total drainage, eliminates standing water, and makes cleaning easier and more effective. The built-in bulkhead fitting in the bottom drain is ideally suited to Hydro Flow’s ½- or ¾-inch tub outlet fitting. It easily screws in and requires only a single washer for a leakproof seal. This built-in tub outlet bulkhead is threaded in such a way that it allows the fittings to screw in and tighten, leaving the fitting in the optimum operating orientation. The bottom of the bucket has been elevated off the floor, which keeps the bucket clear of the floor and prevents the root zone water temperature from being affected by the floor temperature.
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ask for these products at your local hydro shop
Gorilla Grow Tent Accessory Line Gorilla Grow Tents, with their incredibly strong industrial zippers and nearly indestructible 1680D-thick fabric and all-steel interlocking frame, are by far the best option for those looking for an easy-up enclosure with all the features of a fully custom-built growroom. However, grow tents have always had the stigma of falling short when it comes to adding on the extra components that complete your growroom. Now, with the Gorilla Grow Tent Accessory Line, those concerns are a thing of the past. The GGT Gear Board allows growers to easily mount components like ballasts, wall fans, AC units, and more to the side of their tent, keeping these essential items from cluttering their grow space and placing them in a convenient, easy-to-reach area. The Gear Board is joined by the High CFM Kit, which keeps your inline fans from pulling in the walls of your tent, and the Net Trellis Adapter, which gives growers the perfect tool for controlling the growth of their plants.
Bio Diesel Bloom StimulantThe original natural bud enhancer designed to increase essential oil and terpene production. Bio Diesel uses a mix of fully digested vegetable proteins, amino acids, auxins, and complex carbohydrates in a micronised guano base, which is proven to increase biological processes and greatly add to overall quality and finished yield. Bio Diesel will also provide larger post-harvest extraction yields and medicinal values in herbs and flowers. Use in weeks one through six of the bloom stage. Growers are consistently reporting massive yield increases of over 30 per cent and higher-quality finished flowers with more essential oils and weight. Bio Diesel is very easy to use and pH friendly. It will only raise your final EC by 0.2 (100 ppm) and is compatible with all major nutrient programs. Find out why everyone’s switching to Bio Diesel and experience heavy, quality yields without chemicals. More trichomes, more bud, more flavour!
Reiziger Peat MixPower, performance, respect. Reiziger Peat Mix is not only the most technologically advanced peat blend ever made, it is also the most effective. Its formula is remarkably effective, providing your plants with the optimum balance of air and water, resulting in strong roots to grow healthy, beautiful plants. This is a substrate for the inquisitive, the confident, and the intrepid. Exceptional performance is united with fine-
tuned ingredients, all delivered in a style that exudes a sense of mystery and refinement. Intended to push the boundaries of design and manufacture, Reiziger Peat Mix is the quintessence of The Seed Bank of Holland’s dream: Take the greatest that exists and make it greater.
SuperCloset Dryer Tent Kit Introducing the new SuperCloset Complete Dryer Tent Kit. This system comes with everything you need for your post-harvest success. The strength of the award-winning Gorilla Grow Tent protects your crop from light penetration while a Phresh Carbon Filter and Hurricane Inline Fan promote healthy airflow for humidity control and odour scrubbing for discreetly eliminating pesky aromas. The custom drying rack assembly is sturdy enough for your most plentiful harvests and is easily adjustable to allow for custom spacing to suit your needs. The included hangers offer a convenient way to hang your drying plants to evenly space them for an even cure. An adjustable internal circulation fan assists in keeping your environment fully circulated, eliminating the dangers of high humidity. It works in tandem with your odour protection to keep your dryer system fresh from mold and mildew. The Complete Dryer Tent Kit is the best, all-in-one turn-key system for your post-harvest. Easy to set up for when you need the perfect environment, and the most efficient way to keep your perpetual grow on schedule.
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Reiziger Bloom Minerals This ultra-potent elixir has been celebrated among Dutch craftsmen for decades thanks to its ability to deliver remarkable benefits. Reiziger Bloom Minerals is a luxurious formula that enriches blooms with the energy they need to thrive. Rich in pure, rapidly absorbable proprietary phosphorus and potassium minerals, you’ll instantly notice visible increases in size, weight, and quality. The formula will push your plants into generating an additional flowering phase, delivering quick harvest increases of up to 35 per cent in bloom size, weight, and quality. The formula can be used in every cultivation system in combination with every kind of feeding. This formula will delight even the most experienced craftsmen, as it essentially unlocks a new flower layer bursting with increased biomass that directly transform to increased potency, heavier harvests, and quick flowering, bud set, and formation.
AgroLED Sun FixturesEach AgroLED Sun fixture features white “daylight” LED channels. The two-foot SUN 28 GROW LEDs (#960439 & 960441) use only 6500K daylight LEDs and are great for growing. The VEG LEDs (#960442 & 960443) offer separate channels for your veg and
propagation growing cycles: white 6500K daylight LEDs, blue LEDs, and UV LEDs. All three are independently switched for easy operation. The BLOOM LEDs (#960446 & 960444) offer three separate channels: 6500K daylight LEDs, red LEDs, and far red LEDs, which is perfect for the fruiting and flowering of your plant’s life. Like the VEG LEDs, these are independently switched for easy
operation. AgroLED SUN fixtures come standard with white powder-coated steel housing for durability, louvers to ensure proper thermal management, V-hangers that allow for the fixture to hang vertically or horizontally, and the daisy chain feature for an ideal installation of multiple fixtures plugged together.
Titan Controls Spartan Series Complete Digital Environmental ControllerThis controller will allow you to precisely monitor and control the environment in your growroom. Featuring an easy-to-use analog interface, this digital controller is easy to program and use. Each set point (temperature, humidity, and CO2) is programmed using a set of dedicated knobs. Readings are displayed on easy-to-read digital displays. The sensor that measures the temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels in your room attaches to the controller with a 15-foot cord. The enclosure resists dust, rust, and moisture. The controller specs are 14.5A maximum/120V/60Hz.
Bio Diesel Marine CaMg+ An amazing new growth enhancer, Marine CaMg+ is designed specifically for medical cultivation. With naturally derived ingredients from the sea, including crustacean-derived chitin for high levels of natural micronized calcium and trace elements. Marine CaMg+ also provides fast-acting nitrogen and 100 per cent natural growth stimulants from the sea for faster, lush, growth and much larger, heavy-yielding branches. Encourages plant cell division and growth rates, and increased tolerance to stress and insects. Marine CaMg+ contains natural growth regulators for faster growth rates and can quickly correct nutrient deficiencies of Ca, Mg, or N in as little as 24-48 hours. Available in one-litre and 5-litre sizes.
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HYDROPONIC HYDROGELS
Hydrogels can be found in many common applications, but how can they be employed when it comes to your hydro-
ponic garden? Already used in biomedical, environmental, and pharmaceutical industries, modern hydrogels have a longer service life, more strength, a higher water capacity, and can be designed with controllable responses to expand or shrink depending on the surrounding environment.
What Are They?Hydrogels, also called hydrophilic gels, have been used since the 1970s in horticulture. Prior to the ’70s, they were made of natural materials. Then, they were synthetically engineered with three-dimensional, ultra-absorbent polymers, usually proteins such as gelatin and collagen, and polysaccharides like agarose, alginate, and starch. Water can be absorbed at several hundred times the structure’s own weight thanks to the strong polymeric backbone within the hydrogel.
Hydrogels, strange products that act as a solid even though they absorb vast amounts of liquid,
have a wide range of uses in the modern world. As Shannon McKee
tells us, they also have a place in your hydroponic set-up.
BY SHANNON MCKEE
hydroponic hydrogelsfe
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Once water is absorbed, it can seep with regulation into the surrounding environment, making hydrogels an attrac-tive tool for gardeners. Not only can they absorb water, they can also absorb liquid nutrients that are then released in a predictable fashion.
What Makes This Special? So, the technology is cool, but how can it be practically applied to gardening? For starters, in areas where water is hard to come by or there is drought, a slow release of water will reduce evaporation, allowing more of the water to benefit plants while conserving resources.
Also, even the most enthusiastic gardeners enjoy some vacation time. Employing hydrogels creates a worry-free method of keeping plants hydrated while you’re away without having to bother the neighbours.
When discussing the future of growing, hydrogel water is being used on the International Space Station (ISS). Hydroponics is great for growing fresh produce for astronauts, but water can be cumbersome in the tight quarters of the ISS. This is sure to be studied more as plans to put humans on Mars and other space explorations are fleshed out.
BenefitsWhen it comes to your grow set-up, there are a few benefits that can be gained from using hydrogel water or gel crystals. • Water is slowly released• Nutrients can be slowly released• Easily replenished• Conserves water• Is good for people that forget to water or cannot
water plants regularly • Can be added to soil or used in hydroponic systems• Can be a fun way to get kids involved
with growing produce• Future applications are exciting
Drawbacks When it comes to drawbacks, there really is only one: they release a restricted amount of moisture. Hydrogel water and gel crystals work rather well with seedlings, grass, leafy greens, and other similar plants because they can keep up with the needed moisture levels. However, hydrogels just don’t have the capacity, at least not yet, to water heavily fruited plants like tomatoes and peppers, which require much more water to grow. Large crops would also pose a challenge.
This may change in the future, however, as scientists are already working on ways to improve using these materials for growing. In Japan, high-tech polymers were used in a thin sheet to maximise the benefits and minimise the issues with growing in this fashion. This experiment worked as a way to spread nutrients and encourage root growth while working as a medium. Scientists grew tomatoes, melons, and spinach using this method, but only the smaller plants were success-ful. While not a complete win, it’s a step in the right direction.
Bottom LineDepending on your current growing set-up, hydrogel water can be a convenient, inexpensive addition for releasing water and nutrients into your system. This method may not work for everyone, but it at least offers another tool in your hydro set-up.
“Employing hydrogels creates a worry-free method of keeping plants hydrated while you’re away without having to bother the neighbours.”
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As humans look to colonise distant planets in our solar system and beyond, work has started to figure out a way to feed those
willing to make the trip both during their travels and once settled. Lee
Allen takes us closer to one program experimenting with
controlled-environment growing for space travel.
According to Universe Today, depending on orbital rotation, the average distance
between Earth and Mars is over 225 million kilometres. Even traveling at over 56,000
kilometres per hour, such a trip could take up to eight months. Hence the need for the Mars-Lunar Greenhouse project at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC)in Tucson, a fully functional prototype greenhouse that has been growing crops for years under the auspices of a NASA Steckler Space Grant collaboration.
Story and Photos by Lee Allen
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growing food in space
www.biodieselnutrients.com.au
The edibles—everything from strawberries to sweet pota-toes, peanuts, and peppers—are of the type that could grow on a trip to the moon or the Red Planet. They’re housed inside a large cylinder that would ride along with either robots or astronauts on their extended journey.
Because a hydroponic system and a controlled-environ-ment grow area can provide yields of up to 10 times higher than an open field, feeding a crew of space explorers for months on end isn’t just science fiction. That kind of inge-nuity is already being applied to earthbound applications, such as enhancing global food security and providing fresh, locally grown food to large urban centres.
“Growing ‘Martian food’ is our day job,” says horticultural engineer Gene Giacomelli, co-principal investigator for the grant that reached a tentative terminus a couple of months ago. “At some point, people will travel to live and work on another planet, and when they do, they’ll need to grow their own food. That’s what we do here every day.”
Or did. The grant funding was depleted at the end of September. “We’ve been cobbling money together piecemeal since 2000,” says Giacomelli. That’s when NASA considered about 20 proposals for grant funds and the CEAC Extreme Climate Laboratory received about US$70,000 from the Ralph Steckler Space Grant Colonization Research and Technology Development program to get started. In Phase II funding, the University of Arizona made the short list for US$250,000, with another US$275,000 that followed in Phase III.
“When we first applied, we sent data and photos of how our controlled-environment unit was already built and working, so we requested to be allowed to continue and expand our effort,” says Giacomelli. “We took the capabilities of hydroponics, controlled environments, and their computerisation and put it together in a format that created an 18-foot-long by 8-foot-diameter structure that is lightweight—300 pounds when empty—and in a cylindrical shape that NASA could appreciate.”
The unit can be auto-deployed and tended to by a robot. It’s collapsible and stowable so it can be shipped, and in the distant future, be automatically deployed anywhere before human beings from this planet arrive to inhabit a distant land. Once landed, the unit would activate itself, inflate, and water would be turned on to start seeds sprouting.
This is a robust fibre factory, a very workable food production unit. “You could call it a Food Robot if you want to because it’s automated,” says Giacomelli. “We’ve developed a control system that turns it on and off with minimal work required from any living being. In fact, we only go inside once a week for an hour to harvest nutrient-rich crops filled with vitamins and minerals.”
Each technological advancement became a stepping stone to the next. “We could show how much effort, cost, and need for automation was required to make this food system most efficient to the point that it used minimal resources and could function on another planet.”
Sadler Machine Company built the lunar greenhouse. Phil Sadler is a veteran of prototype production, having previously built CEAC’s South Pole Growth Chamber, where many ideas used in the lunar greenhouse were developed. The South Pole grow structure supplies fresh food to the research station that is cut off from the outside world for half a year at a time, so production, recycling, and an efficient use of resources are just as important at the South Pole operation as they will be on other planets.
Mars-Lunar Greenhouse project coordinator Gene Giacomelli says, “Growing ‘Martian food’ is our day job.”
BECAUSE A HYDROPONIC SYSTEM AND A CONTROLLED-ENVIRONMENT GROW AREA CAN PROVIDE YIELDS OF UP TO 10 TIMES HIGHER THAN AN OPEN FIELD, FEEDING A CREW OF SPACE EXPLORERS FOR MONTHS ON END ISN’T JUST SCIENCE FICTION.”
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growing food in space
LED lighting produces an eerie aura on potatoes being grown in the Mars-Lunar Greenhouse.
The use-it-up-and-then-use-it-again concept is imperative. For instance, a dozen 1,000W sodium vapour lights generate a lot of heat, which can then be siphoned away by each lamp’s cooling system and used to heat the station. Their goal is to minimise labour needs, reduce resource use, and recycle everything to operate as efficiently as possible.
The lunar greenhouse contains about 220 pounds of wet plant material that provides several dozen litres of potable water and close to a pound of oxygen during a 24-hour period.
As they close out the NASA contract, Giacomelli says, “Here’s a workable structure, or rather, a possible series of four structures joined by an interconnecting hallway. Phil’s contention was that you don’t generally send one astronaut, but perhaps four, so that each one of these capsules can supply half the calories, as well as oxygen and fresh water, for one astronaut on a daily basis.”
The prototype is covered with a specialised polyethylene commercially available to greenhouses. “We just used it to create an envelope around our crop production. Someone else will have to develop a thick durable multi-layer material to surround the unit, like a space suit for veggies instead of people.”
There are many lessons learned, including, surprisingly, an “aha!” moment involving esthetics more than pure science. “Our greenhouse validated the importance of fresh vegetable colours that can’t be duplicated and the effects of a green plant or a ruby red fruit, like a tomato or a strawberry, for people living and working in an extreme environment such as space,” Giacomelli says. “Think of the fact that they’ll be living in a contraption, an artificially lit structure where they’ll seldom see the sun. Here, they can go into a garden space, which is also their food and water supply, their life support, and it gives them psychological benefits. Even as we automated the process, people still want that connection to be part of the cycle… to touch the plants and breathe in the aromas in an otherwise lifeless environment.”
Adds Sadler, “Humans can go into the growth chamber and smell vegetables and flowers and see living green things… a necessity to break up the monotony of thousands of square miles of desolate terrain surrounding their completely man-made environment.”
With good science developed over the life of the Mars-Lunar Greenhouse Project and so many questions remaining to be answered, it seems a shame to just power it down and let the plants shrivel. But that’s one potential reality.
“Do we just give up?” asks Giacomelli. “I don’t think so. We may not move ahead the way NASA had wanted us to, but we still have a large-scale laboratory for others who have ideas on how to improve such a system. We know how to stretch dollars, so it’s not like we’re disappearing completely. We’ve got Band-Aids we can apply to keep the lights and power on, like a small grant from Philips Lighting Company to put their LEDs in the chamber, but if we have to shut down, major recon-structive surgery would have to await further funding.
IT’S COLLAPSIBLE AND STOWABLE SO IT CAN BE SHIPPED, AND IN THE DISTANT FUTURE, BE AUTOMATICALLY DEPLOYED ANYWHERE BEFORE HUMAN BEINGS FROM THIS PLANET ARRIVE TO INHABIT A DISTANT LAND.”
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“Turning things off today would be like setbacks in the mid-1990s, where it took 15 to 20 years for groups to start to put the pieces back together again. We created a whole operational system that is in jeopardy of continuation in the short term because there’s no one stepping forward to pick up that ball,” says Giacomelli.
As godfather to the operation, Giacomelli is stoic. “This is my baby and you want all babies to grow up and succeed as much as possible. I’m proud that we moved the ball forward, and there’s enough information we’ve developed so the idea won’t be lost. This is a child that had a unique childhood, grew up and got its first job, started being productive—and then got laid off. It’s waiting for a new job opportunity to present itself.”
Systems engineer and principal technical investigator for the project, Roberto Furfaro, adds, “We’ve been in similar situ-ations before where we phased down to a minimum to keep things working while we looked for future funding to continue the project and return to full research status.”
While there has been a lot of talk, but no commitment to this point, discussions continue with the HI-SEAS project in Hawaii, a simulated Mars base camp where astronauts wear protective suits over extended time periods. “They are mission oriented, rather than worrying about life support systems,” Furfaro says, “but if consideration turned to the element of food production, there’s a possibility that one of our chamber units could be included in their program.”
Even as the LED and high pressure sodium lamps are being turned down to dim in the Arizona desert lab, similar programs are underway elsewhere in the world. Giacomelli is an advisor to the German Space Agency EDEN greenhouse project (a part of the European Space Agency) for a demonstra-tion Mars-Lunar structure being constructed in the extreme environment of Antarctica, where a researcher will live for a year starting in January to further demonstrate the viability of such a food production unit. “These researchers will be using technology we developed during our grant,” he says.
That technology is expected to also play a part in the European Space Agency’s project in Spain where they have also put together a closed food production facility.
Food and the future are also centre stage in China where four students are already living in something called the Lunar Palace. “I saw it before they closed the doors and sealed off the researchers to experiment with food production and waste recycling,” Giacomelli says. “They’ll be gaining a lot of practical, real-person, real-time experience that we are not able to do now.”
Top: Side-by-side Mars-Lunar greenhouse chambers are illuminated by LED (left) and sodium vapour lamps. Bottom: At 18-feet long and eight-feet wide, each Mars-Lunar Greenhouse can produce half the caloric requirements of an astronaut every day.
OUR GREENHOUSE VALIDATED THE IMPORTANCE OF FRESH VEGETABLE COLOURS THAT CAN’T BE DUPLICATED AND THE EFFECTS OF A GREEN PLANT OR A RUBY RED FRUIT, LIKE A TOMATO OR A STRAWBERRY, FOR PEOPLE LIVING AND WORKING IN AN EXTREME ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS SPACE.”
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growing food in space
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growing food in space
THE IMPORTANCE
OF LIGHT PLANNING Your grow lights are designed to work at maximum efficiency and effectiveness when a number of variables are considered. What are those variables? Glad you asked. The folks at P.L. Light Systems are here to help us lay out the elements of a lighting plan.
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TIP WHEN CALCULATING THE ANTICIPATED CROP HEIGHT, DON’T FORGET TO FACTOR IN THE BENCH HEIGHT.
• Physical obstacles like AC units, fans, heating/irrigation pipes, framing, shade cloth, etc. can not only create a physical obstacle to the mounting of the luminaires, but also create shadowing on the crops below. A good light plan will always factor these obstacles into the plan to ensure that the spacing and orientation of luminaires is designed to deliver optimal light intensity uniformly across the entire surface of the crop. Another consideration that is often overlooked in a light plan is the lighting in relation to walls and walkways. The symmetric light distribution from a typical luminaire results in a lot of light being projected onto the outer walls or walkways, where it is wasted. A carefully considered light plan should include luminaires with optics that are designed to direct light only where you need it—the plant canopy. So, consider a luminaire/reflector with an asymmetric distribution for these areas.
(W) Width of room(M) Desired mount height(L) Length of room
(H) Height of ceiling(C) Anticipated finished
crop size, floor to canopy
Successful grow lighting begins with a carefully considered light plan. A light plan calculates the best possible
coordination of luminaires in terms of their distance and orientation from one another, as well as the crop. The trick lies in determining the ideal combination of these factors to ensure that you will achieve optimum light yields—with as few fixtures as possible
WHAT COMBINATION IS BEST?The accuracy of the light plan depends on a thorough analysis of several factors—including the desired light level, the light distribution, the most effective mounting height, environmen-tal conditions, and the construction of the growing facility.
The target light level (at the crop canopy) should always be the starting point of any light plan. All the other factors that will affect the layout and performance of the luminaires should be considered to determine how to achieve the desired light level with optimal uniformity and efficiency.
These factors include:
• The dimensions of the grow facility, with the most critical dimensions being the length, width, and ceiling height of the space—as well as the anticipated finished crop height. These dimensions will be used to establish the number, spacing, and orientation of luminaires required. The anticipated crop height is important in calculating the available distance between the mounted luminaires and the surface of the crop canopy. This distance will determine what luminaire and/or reflector will deliver the optimal performance in that particular application. For a facility with a low ceiling height, for example, a low-profile luminaire—that is, designed for optimal thermal management—will allow for a greater distance between the light source and the crop. Similarly, a reflector that delivers a wide distribution of light can enable growers to achieve optimum light intensity evenly across the surface of the crop with fewer luminaires.
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In this first example, the combination of an ample ceiling height and a tall vine crop presented an ideal application for the use of P.L. Light Systems’ NXT2 luminaires with the Beta reflector to deliver optimal, uniform light intensities to the crop, deep within the canopy. The luminaires along the walls were equipped with the Asymmetric reflector to prevent the light from being directed onto the walls where it would be wasted.
Application example #1 of how the dimensions of the grow facility and the crop can affect the luminaires and reflectors specified in the light plan. TIP
LOOK AT THE COST PER MICROMOLE (μmol) OF LIGHT DELIVERED (BASED ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LUMINAIRES THAT WILL
BE REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE REQUIRED LIGHT LEVEL IN THE SPACE) FOR A TRUE COMPARISON.
• The type of crop will also impact the light plan significantly in terms of optimal light intensity, light distribution on the canopy, and eliciting a particular plant response. For taller crops, directing light deep within the canopy to reach the lower leaves is typically a challenge. For these types of applications, the light plan should specify a luminaire/reflector that delivers a more focussed field of illumination between zero and 45 degrees in the lower hemisphere of the distribution curve, producing uniformly deep light penetration into the canopy below. When including LED luminaires in a light plan, the crop and the desired plant response will determine the spectral recipe of the luminaire. Blue light, for example, inhibits stem elongation and can enhance leaf pigmentation, whereas red light promotes stem elongation and is essential for flowering.
• Energy and temperature considerations are also something to take into account when developing a light plan. In many applications, LED luminaires consume significantly less electrical energy than traditional lighting technologies, and also produce less heat so they can be placed closer to the plants, enabling higher light intensities without excessive heat. Oftentimes, however, two (or more) LED luminaires will be required in a particular application to produce the same light output as a single traditional (1,000W HPS) luminaire. Growers should always do their due diligence when comparing light plans based on a variety of solutions (traditional/LED/hybrid) before deciding on which is the best fit for their particular application.
This second example shows a facility with limited ceiling height. In this application, P.L. Light Systems’ NXT-LP luminaires with the Alpha reflector were specified in the light plan, as the low profile housing is specifically engineered to allow for more space between the luminaire and the surface of the crop. Again, the luminaires along the walls were equipped with the Asymmetric reflector to prevent the light from being directed onto the walls where it would be wasted.
Application example #2 of how the dimensions of the grow facility and the crop can affect the luminaires and reflectors specified in the light plan.
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Optimal light distribution (top) vs. sub-optimal light distribution (bottom).
TIP
Reputable lighting manufacturers will guarantee the light levels presented in their light plans—provided the luminaires are installed in accordance with the recommended plan, of course. If you are comparing light plans from multiple lighting suppliers, be sure that the data being presented to you is a true indication of the actual performance you can expect. A new lighting system is a big investment and can significantly impact your yield, so ask questions. Is the proposed light output of the luminaire based on the lamp’s maintenance factor (end of life) for the best indication of actual performance? Does the light plan include reflectances? If it does, it can be used to artificially boost the projected light levels.
1. A TRUE HORTICULTURAL LIGHTING SUPPLIER WILL ALWAYS SPECIFY LIGHT LEVELS IN MOL/M2/S (that is, PAR photons delivered per
square metre per second). This is a measure of the light that plants react to, rather than lumens, lux, or footcandles, which are measurements based on the wavelengths that the human eye can detect.
2. LIGHT UNIFORMITY (an indication of how uniformly/evenly the light intensity is distributed across the surface of the crop) is a key metric to consider in a light plan. Always look at the min/max ratio on the light plan for a true indication of light uniformity, rather than the min/average uniformity.
3. ALTHOUGH YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSIDER THE CUMULATIVE OPTOMETRIC PERFORMANCE OF THE LUMINAIRES in a given application, the polar distribution curve of a luminaire can provide a good initial indication of the type of distribution expected from the luminaire. Look at the ratio of highest (A) to lowest (B) illumination points on the curve. The closer the ratio is to one, the more uniform the distribution. An added advantage of lighting systems that deliver high-uniformities, is that they enable wider row spacing, meaning you can achieve the desired light levels with fewer light fixtures.
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Macronutrients get most of the attention when feeding your garden, but the little guys are just as important to plant
growth, health, and yield. Trace elements, or micronutrients, play critical roles in plant development. They are needed in very small quantities. Too little or too much of these elements can cause a great deal of harm to your garden. Three often overlooked micronutrients are cobalt, copper, and chromium.
THREE MICRONUTRIENTS THAT CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR GARDEN
by Monica Mansfield
Cobalt, copper, and chromium don’t get much attention when it comes to nutrient discussions, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Monica Mansfield explains how each of these under-the-radar micronutrients factor in to your garden’s health.
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With such a critical role during plant growth, cobalt defi-ciencies should be corrected immediately. A cobalt defi-ciency will manifest as reduced or stunted plant growth and reduced seed germination. It may present as redden-ing of the leaves, stems, or petioles. In legumes, you may notice yellowing leaves or small root nodules.
Cobalt toxicity is more common than a deficiency and usually results from excess cobalt in irrigation water or excess nickel in the soil. High levels of cobalt create an iron deficiency, so be on the lookout for symptoms of iron chlorosis. The leaves will turn yellow while the veins stay green, stunting the growth of the entire plant.
To ensure your plants are taking up the proper amount of cobalt, make sure your soil has a neutral pH and contains plenty of organic matter. If the deficiency is not corrected, then you can add a fertiliser that contains cobalt.
COPPERCopper is another essential micronutrient necessary for plant growth. It facilitates respiration, photosynthesis, and plays a significant role in plant metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Copper affects the strength of cell walls as well as the sugar content and shelf life of fruit. It plays a part in several enzyme processes, including the formation of chlorophyll.
Some plants benefit from copper more than others. For example, sunflowers, lettuce, spinach, beets, onions, and tomatoes have higher copper requirements than cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, mint, peas, and potatoes. Copper is what gives onions their brown papery skin.
Copper is needed in very small quantities by plants. There is a thin line between copper deficiency and
copper toxicity. It is important to note that under organic food laws, copper may not be added as
a nutrient unless there is a documented soil or tissue deficiency. The normal range in a growing
medium is 0.05-0.5 parts per million (ppm), and the normal range in most plant tissues is three to 10 ppm.
COBALTCobalt is classified as an essential micronutrient and plays a critical role in the overall growth process of plants. Cobalt is necessary for the processes of stem growth, elon-gating the coleoptiles, and expanding leaf discs. It is a critical element needed for a plant to reach maturity and for healthy bud development. It is a primary constituent of vitamin B12 and propionate. Vitamin B12 is essential for cell division during growth, while propionate serves as one of the prime energy sources during growth. In legumes, cobalt aids the plant’s ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere.
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“COBALT IS NECESSARY for the processes of stem growth, elongating the coleoptiles, and expanding leaf discs.”
triple c nutrients
Copper deficiencies and toxicities are both rare, but they do happen under certain conditions. A deficiency will present itself as slow growth, chlorosis, reduced starch formation, delayed flowering, and sterility. Seeds saved from plants with copper deficiency will have a hard time germinating. Legumes will not be able to fix nitrogen as well as they would normally, leading to chlorosis. The upper portion of broad-leafed plants will wilt and the top leaves will turn a bluish-green colour.
Copper deficiencies occur most in sandy, alkaline soils. High alkalinity and waterlogged soil reduce the availability of copper to plants even if it is present in the soil. Organic matter that has not been broken down enough will tie up copper until it is fully decomposed. Excess zinc, nitrogen, and phosphorus also reduce copper uptake.
The most effective way to fix a copper deficiency is to fix your soil. Copper’s ideal pH range for proper uptake is 5.5 to 6.5. Be sure to improve your soil drainage by adding fully decom-posed organic matter. You may also want to test your soil for excess zinc, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The quickest fix to correct this problem is to transplant your sick plants into a raised bed or container with proper drainage and pH, being careful not to damage the root system.
Copper toxicity can stunt the growth of your plants and restrict root growth by burning the root tips. It can reduce seed germination and lower iron availability. You may not catch copper toxicity at first because new growth will initially be greener than normal before plant health starts to decline and show signs of iron or other micronutrient deficiencies.
The most common causes of copper toxicity are excessive use of copper sulphate fungicides and industrial activity, such as mining, that releases copper into the soil.
CHROMIUMAlthough chromium is a trace element widely distributed in the soil, you should be aware of potential chromium toxicity in your garden. In low doses, chromium is an essential element in human and animal nutrition. However, large quantities can have devastating effects on humans, animals, and plants.
Although there are a couple of studies from the early 1900s that found it might be a stimulant for plant growth, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that shows it does more harm than good for your garden.
Chromium is more of a health concern in modern times due to industrialisation. Harmful forms of chromium are used in industry for plating, alloying, tanning animal hides, textile dyes and mordents, pigments, ceramic glazes, refractory bricks, and pressure-treated lumber.
Large amounts of chromium have been found in agricultural soils due to the use of organic wastes as fertilisers and the use of waste water for irrigation. Chromium does not degrade biologically and will remain stable for several months in the soil without changing its oxidation state.
The most toxic form of chromium, hexavalent chromium, is easily accumulated by plants. When too much chromium is absorbed, there will be reduced seed germination, chlorosis, photosynthetic impairment, and eventually plant death.
If you suspect a high concentration of chromium in your garden’s soil, it is a good idea to get it tested to be sure. The 2007 Canadian Soil Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Environmental and Human Health recommends soil should contain less than 64 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of total chromium, and 0.4 mg/kg of the form hexavalent chromium.
If you do have high levels of chromium in your soil, beneficial myccorhizae can ameliorate nutrient deficiencies caused by chromium toxicity. This also means you should dig the soil as little as possible so that mycorrhizal colonies can establish themselves. Your best bet would be not to grow in that soil at all. Instead, install raised beds with healthy soil or grow in containers.
Cobalt, copper, and chromium aren’t talked about much in the gardening world, but they can make or break your garden. Use this information to correct deficiencies and toxicities as soon as they occur for healthy, happy plants.
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“SOME PLANTS BENEFIT from copper more than others. For example, sunflowers, lettuce, spinach, beets, onions, and tomatoes have higher copper requirements than cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, mint, peas, and potatoes.”
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Growing in a normal greenhouse year-round can be an expensive and environmentally iffy endeavour . Net-zero energy greenhouses,
however , produce as much--or more--energy than they consume. Lindsey Schiller explains this alternative solution.
How to Create a Net-Zero Energy
Greenhouse
Getting Everything for Nothing:
by Lindsey Schiller
Glazing materials facing sun
Heat exchanger
Photovoltaic panels
Well-insulated walls
Insulated foundation
Thermal storage
Ground-to-air heat exchange
Wind energy production
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Growing year-round in a greenhouse can require substantial heating and cooling. Glass and thin
plastic are horrible insulators, making traditional greenhouses notoriously inefficient structures. Even though greenhouses collect vast amounts of solar energy during the day—usually too much—they lose all heat very quickly at night due to the lack of insulation. Thus, an unheated greenhouse will normally dip down to the outdoor temperature at night. In climates with freezing winters, that makes growing difficult, if not impossible.
With more interest in producing local food, growers are looking for ways to do it sustainably by reducing the fossil fuels that it takes to grow year-round. Net-zero energy greenhouses, which produce as much or more energy than they consume, could be the solution.
The first step in creating an independent and abundant year-round greenhouse is to design an energy-efficient structure. Passive solar greenhouse design is the typical go-to strategy for those looking to grow more sustainably year-round. Passive solar greenhouses incorporate a series of design principles that aim to maximise the use of free solar energy and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
Elements of a Passive Solar GreenhousePassive solar greenhouses have been around, growing abundantly, for several decades. They vary in almost every way imaginable, but they do share some basic principles. The first is to orient most of the glazing materials (translucent materials like glass or plastics) toward the sun.
Net-zero greenhouses have most of their glazing materials oriented toward the sun.
“Growers can also become more creative, integrating a range of sustainable systems that provide fossil-free heating and cooling.”
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For greenhouses in the Sourthern Hemisphere, most of the glazing should face north, which is the direction of the sun year-round. The north side of the greenhouse plays a small role in collecting light and heat. (The exception is very cloudy climates, where cloud cover diffuses incoming light.) This wall can be insulated much like a home, with rigid foam insulation is installed between wall studs, to reduce unnecessary heat loss. In this way, the greenhouse becomes more like an energy-efficient shed than a leaky and non-insulated greenhouse.
Other principles of passive solar greenhouse design include insulating the foundation of the structure and angling the north-facing glazing area so that transmits the maximum amount of light during the day.
Storing Solar EnergyIn some climates, a passive solar greenhouse can grow year-round without any additional heating or cooling. For those in harsher climates, however, additional systems are required to maintain sufficient temperatures for good year-round growth.
There are numerous options in this arena, from simple water barrels used as thermal mass to advanced heat exchangers. Most rely on the simple fact that most greenhouses collect far too much heat during the day, even in winter. Typically, the grower must vent this excess heat outside, essentially wasting it. Smart greenhouse owners, on the other hand, utilise this free solar energy to heat the greenhouse at night. Most sustainable heating/cooling methods in solar greenhouses are thermal storage methods: they store excess heat from the greenhouse when it is plentiful during the day and use it for heating at night and through colder periods.
The oldest of these strategies is integrating thermal mass, materials that passively warm up during the day and slowly radiate this heat back into the greenhouse when the temperature drops. Water is the most common. By stacking barrels of water along the north wall of the greenhouse, a grower can create a cheap and highly effective thermal “battery” to stabilise temperatures.
Other thermal storage strategies include a ground-to-air heat exchanger, which uses the thermal mass of soil. Often called a climate battery, a ground-to-air heat exchanger circulates air through a network of pipes buried in the soil. The system transfers excess heat from the greenhouse air to the soil, which stays a warm and constant temperature (also, remember that the earth is a stable temperature deep underground). When the green-house requires heat on winter nights, the system draws this heat back into the greenhouse. Thermostats operate the fans so the system only works when the greenhouse gets too hot or too cold.
Growers can also become more creative, integrating a range of sustainable systems that provide fossil-free heating and cooling. Compost heaters, rocket mass stoves, even saunas and hot tubs are some of the many strategies backyard gardeners have used to grow year-round. Which system is right, however, depends on your climate, greenhouse size, desire for automation, available resources, and mainly, personal preference.
Inside a residential net-zero greenhouse.
“Most sustainable heating/cooling methods in solar greenhouses are thermal storage methods: they store excess heat from the greenhouse when it is plentiful during the day and use it for heating at night and through colder periods.”
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Going Off-GridOnce you have created an energy-efficient greenhouse and equipped it with proper heating and cooling systems, the final step of net-zero energy greenhouse is supplying, or offsetting, electricity usage.
Not all greenhouses require electricity. Some growers forgo it and use thermal mass and passive systems for climate control. Instead of ventilation fans, solar vent openers provide air circulation and cooling without electricity. Going this route is an excellent option for growers in milder climates or those who may only want to grow cold and hardy crops through the winter. The major downside is limited control and hands-on operation as electric fans, back-up heaters, lights, and automated irriga-tion systems are not possible.
Most growers who plan to grow year-round, however, rely on the helpful automation of fans and other electric appliances to facilitate. Exhaust fans are usually the most useful electric equipment, as overheating the greenhouse is very easy. (On a related side note, try at all costs to avoid electric heaters, which are extremely energy-intensive to run and make it difficult to create a net-zero energy structure.) To supply these power loads, one can integrate a solar panel system into the greenhouse. The specifics of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system depend on your goals and the power requirements of the greenhouse. Like a home PV system, there are options: connecting the panels to the grid (grid-tied), adding battery backup (grid-tied with battery backup), or creating an off-grid system with battery storage.
Most growers who want to be completely disconnected from the grid opt for an off-grid system with batteries. With the proliferation of small solar panel kit systems, owners of small greenhouses with limited electric demand can quite easily generate and store enough energy to operate an exhaust fan and low-power equipment. For larger systems, this is usually much more expensive than grid-tied, given the added cost of an extensive battery bank. An important consideration early on is whether your home is a better location for the panels. Houses usually have more space for panels, allowing for a larger and more cost-effective system, and can be eligible for tax credits. They still allow for a net-zero energy greenhouse, since the power generation is the same, and can supply power for your home at the same time.
Putting it All TogetherCreating a net-zero energy greenhouse usually depends on these three strategies: designing and building a highly efficient greenhouse that maintains more stable temperatures to begin with, adding sustainable climate control, and, if applicable, off-setting energy usage with a solar panel system. With this triple-threat combination, gardeners can enjoy homegrown fruits and vegetables year-round. A net-zero energy greenhouse is a source of local, nutritious, and sustainable food. Net-zero greenhouses come in many different designs and configurations.
“With the proliferation of small solar panel kit systems, owners of small greenhouses with limited electric demand can quite easily generate and store enough energy to operate an exhaust fan and low-power equipment.”
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DELICIOUS & NUTRITIOUS FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR HYDRO SYSTEM
legumes
While pulses like dried lentils are cheap enough to buy at the grocery store, fresh legumes have a place in your hydroponic garden. Not only are they delicious and nutritious, but their nitrogen-fixing properties can benefit your system. | by Lynette Morgan
Germinating pea seeds.
Leguminous plants—which include peas, beans, lentils, alfalfa, chickpeas, carob, tamarinds, soybeans, and
peanuts—are staple food crops worldwide and are consumed almost daily in a range of different forms. While commodity crops such as pulses (which are part of the legume family, though “pulse” refers only to the dry seed) are cheap and readily available, the tender and gourmet fresh versions of legumes are well worth a place in a hydroponic garden. In fact, they are often grown as commercial greenhouse crops. A legume is a plant in the Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) family, which produces seed pods and have the important characteristic of forming a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria contained in nodules on the plant’s root system. Thus, in soil production, legumes can play an important role in crop rotation and nutrition and this benefit is not just limited to outdoor farming systems.
LEGUMES AND NITROGEN FIXATIONNitrogen fixation by legume plants occurs when symbiotic bacteria known as Rhizobia colonise the root system and take up residence within visible root nodules. These bacteria can absorb nitrogen gas (N2) from the air and convert it into ammonia (NH3) to be used by the plant. In return, the bacteria receive a carbohydrate food supply from the plant.
The bacteria’s contribution is particularly useful for crops where nitrogen may be limiting in the soil or growing medium as it provides a source of free nitrogen fertiliser. In a well-fed hydroponic crop where we can supply plentiful nitrogen in a highly soluble and immediately available form, the use of nitrogen fixation may not seem to be that beneficial.
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However, with the increasing interest in organic nutrients and hydro-organic systems, nitrogen-fixing crops do have a major advantage. Organic nutrients and systems often experience issues with nitrogen nutrition, as plants have a high requirement for this element and can deplete it from organic solutions and systems very rapidly under rapid growth conditions. Nitrogen availability is dependant on the rate of microbial conversion of organic materials to plant-available forms of nitrogen, and this may not keep pace with high-density, vigorous plant growth.
Even though there is no soil present to act as a plentiful source of inoculum in hydroponics, Rhizobia symbiosis does often occur naturally. To speed up the process, plants can be inoculated with the correct species of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These are widely available as microbial products or incorporated as seed coatings.
Also, keep in mind that the root nodules that form on hydroponic legume crops are visible and appear as knobbly, rounded growths that can reach the size of a pea, firmly attached to the root system. These have sometimes been mistaken for root pathogens or other diseases by inexperienced growers, but they are a perfectly natural occurrence.
GOURMET LEGUMESThe legume crops commonly grown in hydroponic systems tend to exclude commodity crops such as pulses and instead focus on the higher-value fresh vegetable, garnish, and gourmet baby produce types. The development of new, dwarf, or “container” varieties of peas and beans are particularly advantageous to indoor gardens and small hydroponic systems, as they produce high yields on relatively small and compact plants that don’t require trellises or supports like the tall climbing types do. Both peas and beans are also used as micro greens and sprouts, taking even less space than mature plants and requiring only a few days from seeding to harvest.
Hydroponic systems suitable for growing peas and beans include substrate and solution culture, but large, deep growing containers are recommended for taller varieties and longer-term crops such as climbing pole beans, fava beans, and soybeans due to the extensive nature of the root system. Bush/dwarf beans, dwarf pea varieties, and snow peas can be grown in larger-sized nutrient flow technique (NFT) channels.
Pea seeds grown to produce pea shoots and mung beans grown as sprouts can be produced on plastic trays, on mats or pads of stone wool or other substrates, and misted with dilute nutrient solution once the first seedling leaves have expanded. While mung bean sprouts can be grown in the dark to produce the white/yellow pale shoots, pea shoots require a moderate level of light to form the green leaves and tendrils these are harvested with. With shoot, sprout, or micro green production, it is essential that strict hygiene measures are followed. This includes the use of sterilised trays, high-quality water, and clean, untreated seed. For some seed, surface sterilisation in a diluted bleach solution followed by rinsing with water helps prevent fungal pathogens and reduces food safety risks during sprout or micro green production. Peanut plant seedlings.
To speed up the process, plants can be inoculated with the correct species of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.”
59grow cycle
Pole or runner bean grown in a hydroponic greenhouse.
BEANSFresh beans are a popular vegetable and commonly grown in commercial hydroponic greenhouses year-round. While the green pole or runner bean are the most commonly grown, other beans grown hydroponically include fava (also known as broad bean), lima, and the increasingly popular soybean.
Fava beans have the advantage of being more tolerant of cold than most other beans and thus can be grown in unheated conditions in many climates; however, the plants are large and tall at maturity and more suited to roomier hydroponic systems.
Soybeans grown for edamame (in which young, immature beans are eaten fresh, often lightly steamed) produce well under hydroponic conditions and are perfect to eat immediately after picking. There are many varieties of soybean, so be sure to select a suitable breed if growing for edamame; for example, Envy, which grows to two feet and requires temperatures of around 28°C for optimum germination.
For smaller systems, bush or dwarf snap beans, also known as French beans, are easily grown and take up little space. These are self-supporting and highly productive, and come in a range of pod types and colours from green to yellow, and even dark purple. Ranging in height from one to two feet, bush beans generally self-pollinate in indoor environments; however, temperatures over 32°C can restrict flowering and pollination.
PEASPeas are an extremely versatile crop for hydroponic systems. Not only are there varieties with edible pods, but the flowers, shoots, and tendrils can all be grown as either gourmet fresh vegetables or as attractive garnishes and additions to salads. Fresh shell peas can be produced in hydroponic systems; however, they take up considerable space for the yield of young peas produced. Instead, snow peas, snap peas, and pea shoots are typical speciality hydroponic crops.
Snow peas, be it the yellow, purple, or traditional green varieties, are often a highly priced fresh produce item and thus are grown in hydroponic greenhouses year-round. These are easy to grow but must be harvested at the correct stage before the young seeds inside the pod begin to develop. For edible pea flowers, there are the common white flowered types, as well as red flowered varieties. Afila type pea varieties, which produce vines with many tendrils but few leaves, are useful pea shoot/tendril culti-vation, but they can be used to harvest pods as well.
For hydroponic systems, either tall or shorter varieties can be grown. Taller vines need some form of support, while shorter cultivars are up to two feet in height and are often self-supporting. Indeterminate, shorter varieties of peas are the preferred choice for those with limited space, as these can be planted in double rows or groups so that plants support each other without the need for trellising. Choosing pea varieties with powdery mildew resistance is recommended and many of the new and improved cultivars are worth trialling in hydroponic systems.
Peas prefer lower overall growing temperatures than beans, with optimums in the 13-18°C range for most varieties.”
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Peas prefer lower overall growing temperatures than beans, with optimums in the 13-18°C range for most varieties. Temperatures above 29°C can lead to minimal vegetative growth and poor flower development and fruit set. Peas also benefit from good air flow around the base of the plants and avoidance of overcrowding, which can promote the development of fungal diseases.
PEANUTSPeanuts are another legume crop that performs well in hydroponics and makes an attractive, interesting, and unique addition to an indoor garden. The peanut plant produces its pods on the ends of pegs, long stems that develop from the aerial portion of the plant after flowering and then burrow down under the growing media to develop the young fruit (peanut seeds inside brown pods). For this reason, hydroponic systems for peanut plant production need to have substrate that is soft, friable, and light, and with the surface under the plant exposed for the pegs to grow down into. Finer grades of sterilised coconut fibre or blended coconut fibre and perlite make ideal substrates for this crop. A well-grown peanut plant can have up to 30-40 pods, so a growing container or bed that holds at least 9.8 litres of media is required when growing hydroponically. Also, peanut plants need a warm growing environment with reasonably high light levels for maximum growth and good air flow up and under the crop, as damp conditions favour fungal pathogen development.
Crop timing under ideal growing conditions is usually around 140 days, although this is somewhat variety depend-ant. Outdoors, peanuts are harvested when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die back; however, in a hydro-ponic system, it is possible to dig back some of the growing substrate, observe the development of the young pods, and determine when the peanuts are large enough to harvest some or all from the plant. Harvested peanuts then need to be dried inside the pods in a warm place for about four weeks before they can be stored.
Hydroponic peanut crops can easily be started from seed. There are a number of varieties, but the large Virginia types seem to perform particularly well in hydroponics, followed by the smaller Spanish peanut types. To obtain peanut planting stock, purchase raw—that is, non-heat treated—seed that is still contained in its outer husk or pod, as this prevents drying out. (You’ll shell them just before planting out.) It’s best to get large, plump peanuts free of any signs of deformity or rot. Before planting, germinate the peanuts on a heat pad or at 22-29°C. The essential step with growing peanuts is to surface sterilise any nuts used as seed, as these are prone to fungal attack during the germination stage and damping off disease as young seedlings. Dusting peanut seeds with a fungicide before planting is also highly effective with getting the crop started with minimal problems. Peanut plants self-pollinate once the yellow flowers have formed and the peg outgrowth is visible within a few days.
Whether it’s trying your hand at a few peanut plants, producing some beautiful pea flower and tendril garnishes, or fresh edamame, legumes have a huge potential as hydroponic crops. Attention to the important aspects of these crops such as cultivar selection, tall or dwarf growth habit, disease resistance, and intended purpose is worth investing some time and research into to obtain those perfect fresh pods. Drip-irrigated peanut production system.
The peanut plant produces its pods on the ends of pegs, long stems that develop from the aerial portion of the plant after flowering and then burrow down under the growing media to develop the young fruit.”
61grow cycle
What did you and your partners do before opening your store?Before opening our store, both myself and Steve worked in a hydroponics and home brew shop. Steve managed the store for four years and I worked there for three.
What made you decide to combine selling hydroponic equipment with home brewing supplies?We got the idea from the previous business we worked at. Originally, we were going to do just hydroponics, but the pairing with home brew was just a great combination and after working in the other store, it didn’t feel right not having the home brew.
When and where did you open the store?We opened in March this year (2017) in Traralgon. We are in a great location with highway frontage.
WWW valleyhydrobrew.com1st Year in Business(03) 5164 2297166 Argyle St., Traralgon VIC Australia
After working for another hydroponics and home brew company for several years, Steve Nash and Nathan Barrett decided to break off and open their own shop. Their goal: give customers good advice instead of telling them what to do. We sat down with Nathan to see how their first year is going and if the new philosophy is working for them.
Whether it is Hydroponics or Home Brew, We’re Here for You.
64 groundbreakers
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We are very passionate about what we do and we want to pass that on to our customers.”
“What has your start-up year been like?So far, the response we have had has been excellent; we did not expect things to pick up as quickly as they have. The biggest struggle we had at the very start was getting people to find us. There has been only one shop in this area for so long; everyone was just so used to going there. To gain market share, we advertised heavily via social media and on the radio. The advertising has paid off because we now have a large customer base that is growing every day. In our previous experience, we got the impression that a lot of people didn’t feel looked after and were being told what to do and what products to use. We set out to change this, so our philosophy is to make sure our customers are always happy and leave with the best products and advice. To make sure our customers are always happy, we stock a variety of products so we can provide exactly what they want. We are very passionate about what we do and we want to pass that on to our customers.
What product lines do you carry and why?The main product lines we carry are Cyco, Nulife, House & Garden, Green Planet, and Nutriponics. Before opening the store, we did a lot of research into the products that we would stock, especially the nutrients and additives. We aimed to have quality products while also providing a variety to choose from. As for lighting, we stock all your basic HPS and MH along with Hipar Sunstorms, Gavita, and Revolution lighting. All our customers have been extremely happy with these products.
What are your company’s strengths?Being able to provide quality advice. We find no matter how much experience someone has, they will always encounter something that they have never seen or dealt with. We feel it is our job to be able to provide our customers with an an-swer and a solution. If do not already know the answer, we will do everything we can to find it.
What sets you apart from your competitors?One of our goals going in was to make things easier for our customers. We feel that one thing that sets us apart is not only do we offer delivery, we also offer on-site help. Whether you have an issue or just need a hand with something, we will come out to you and help with your system. We also custom build systems and install them. We will go to great lengths to provide you with what you need.
What is your biggest success so far?Our biggest success so far is how quickly our business is growing. Our customer base is constantly increasing and so is our range of products. We never thought things would take off this quickly and we are extremely grateful for the response we have had.
What significant things have you learned so far about the industry? The big thing we have learned about the industry is how willing everyone is to help us. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Cyco, Growhard, and Stealth Garden for their continued support and in helping us grow our business.
65groundbreakers
ACTSouth Pacific Hydroponics#2 - 84 - 86 Wollongong St. Fyshwick ACT 2609(02) 6239 2598
South Pacific Hydroponics70 Oatley Crt. Belconnen ACT 2617(02) 6251 0600
NEW SOUTH WALES24/7 Hydroponics151 Wine Country Dr., Nulkaba NSW 2325(02) 4990 4291 [email protected]
99 Trading57 Hoskins Ave.Banks Town NSW 2200(02) 9790 1525
Accent HydroponicsUnit 1/5 Clerke Place, Kurnell NSW 2231(02) 9668 9577 accenthydroponics.com
ASE HydroponicsFactory 10/45 Leighton Pl. Hornsby NSW 2077 (02) 9477 3710
Ballina Hydro3 Ray O’Niell Cres. Ballina NSW 2478(02) 6686 7321
Criscete Hydroponics and OrganicsUnit 2/15 Kam Close Morisset NSW 2264(02) 4973 5779
Dubbo Hydro & Tobacconist42c Victoria St. Dubbo West NSW 2830(02) 6885 1616
Earth & Colour Vertical Gardens and Hydroponic Supplies1/43 CorporationCircuitTweed Heads South NSW 2486(07) 5523 9565 earthandcolour.com.au
Favgro Hydroponics Growers107 Glenella Rd. Batehaven NSW 2536(02) 4472 7165
Felanza - Hydroponics140 Princess Hwy. Arncliffe NSW 2205(02) 9556 1494
General Hydroponics7/14 Sunnyholt Rd. Blacktown NSW 9676(02) 9676 8682
Grow Your OwnUnit 6/34 Alliance Ave. Morisset NSW 2264(02) 4973 5179---------------------------------------------
Holistic Hydroponics Pty. Ltd.Unit 21/322 Annangrove Rd.
Rouse Hill NSW 2155+61 (04) 8803 8807
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Home Grown Aquaponics8A-8B 13 Hartley Dr. Thornton NSW 2322(02) 4028 6388 home-grown.net.au
Hong HungD5 303 The Horsley Dr. Fairfield NSW 2165(02) 8764 1083
Hunter Hydro2/44 Alliance Ave.Morisset NSW 2264(02) 4972 6872
Hyalite Kingsgrove1/4 Wirega Ave. Kingsgrove NSW 2208(02) 8068 5896
Hyalite Moorebank6/376 Newsbridge Rd. Moorebank NSW 2170(02) 9824 3400
Hyalite Villawood2/21 Birmingham Ave. Villawood NSW 2163(02) 9723 7199
Hydro Experts34/2 Railway Parade Lidcombe NSW 2141(02) 8041 7959 [email protected] hydroexperts.com.au
Hydro Masta100 Station Rd. Seven Hills Sydney NSW 2147(02) 8812 2845
Hydro Place1/68 Nelson St. Wallsend NSW 2287(02) 4965 6595
Hydro Shop Pty LtdUnit 1/5-7 Channel Rd. Mayfield West NSW 2304(02) 4960 0707
Hydro Supplies57 Flinders St. Darlinghurst NSW 2010(02) 9326 0307
Hygrow Horticulture (Greenlite)252 Oxford St. Bondi Junction NSW 2022(02) 9369 3928
Indoor Sun Shop745 Victoria Rd. Top Ryde NSW 2112(02) 9808 6511
Indoor Sun ShopUnit 2/109 Junction Rd. Moorebank NSW 2170(02) 9822 4700
International FansPO Box 120 St. Mary’s NSW 2760(02) 9833 7500
Kyper’s Tools and HydroponicsStuart & Tincogan Sts. Mullumbimby NSW 2482(02) 6684 4928
Lismore Hydro1/106 Canway St. Lismore NSW 2480(02) 6621 3311
Lismore HydroponicsRear of 28 Casino St. South Lismore NSW 2480(02) 6621 3311
Lux CuttingsShop 2/273 Anzac Parade Kingsford NSW 2032(02) 9663 0473
North Coast Hydroponics2/5 Wallis Ave.Toormina NSW 2452(02) 6658 7932 northcoasthydro.com.au
Northern Lights Hydroponics6/46 Through St.South Grafton NSW 2460(04) 3110 5882
Northern Nursery Supplies Pty Ltd14-16 Nance Rd. Kempsey NSW 2440(02) 6563 1599
Nowra Hydro68 Bridge Rd. Nowra NSW 2541(02) 4423 3224
Nutriflo Hydroponic Systems 19/5 Daintree Pl. Gosford West NSW 2250(02) 4323 1599 nutriflo.com.au
Outside in Hydroponics & Organics2/595 Main Rd.Glendale NSW 2285(02) 4956 5676
Parkview Plants250 Princess Hwy. Nowra South NSW 2541(02) 4423 0599
Port Pumps and Irrigation20 Uralla Rd. Pt Macquarie NSW 2444(02) 6581 1272
Quik Grow510a Great Western Hwy. Pendle Hill NSW 2145(02) 9636 7023
Quick Grow823 King Georges Rd. S. Hurstville NSW 2221(02) 9546 8642
Quik Grow Pty Ltd.490 Parramatta Rd. Petersham NSW 2049(02) 9568 2900
Richmond HydroponicsUnit 3/84 Bells Line of Rd., North Richmond NSW 2754(02) 4571 1620 richmondhydroponics.com.au
Simple GrowHassall St. & WindemWetherill Pk NSW 2164(02) 9604 0469
South Pacific Hydroponics84-86 Wollongong St, Fyshwick NSW 2609(02) 6239 2598
Sydney Garden Supplies187 Waterloo Rd., Greenacre NSW 2190(04) 1460 9241
The Green Room Hydroponics & Organics2/6 Davids CloseSomersby NSW 2250(02) 4340 0339
The Grow Shop5/5 Forge Dr. Coff’s Harbour NSW 2450(02) 6651 9992
The Petshop BoyzUnit 1/ 5-7 Channel Rd., Mayfield West NSW 2304(02) 4960 0708 petshopboyz.com.au
TN Hydroponics1/43 Chadderton St, Cabramatta NSW 2166(02) 9724 5692
Tweed Coast Hydroponics2/58 Machinery Dr. Tweeds Head South NSW 2486 (07) 5524 8588
Uncle Wal’s Gardenland31 Cres. Ave. Taree NSW 2430(02) 6550 0221
VN Hydro8 Robert St.Belmore NSW 2192
Home Grown Aquaponics13/8a-8b Hartley Dr. Thornton NSW 2322(02) 4028 6388
Warrawong Hydroponics CentreShop 2B - 72 Cowper St. Warrawong NSW 2502(02) 4274 8001 [email protected]
Westside Lighting & Electrical (Ezi Range)PO Box 274 Mascot NSW 1400 1 800 661 475
Wollongong Hydroponic Centre318 Crown St. Wollongong NSW 2500(02) 4225 8773
NORTHERN TERRITORYDarwin Hydroponics5/8 Andrews St, Berrimah NT 08280478 735 165 darwinhydroponics.com
Katherine Hydroponics Centre17 Rundle St. Katherine NT 0850(08) 8972 1730
Top End Hydroponics1785 Leonino Rd.Darwin River NT 0841(08) 8988 6076
QUEENSLANDA Happy Medium HydroponicsUnit2/10 Central Crt. Browns Plains QLD 4118(07) 3809 3322
Advanced horticultural Supplies - Gold Coast6/68 Blanck St.Ormeau QLD 42080435 255 856 adhs.com.au
Advanced Horticulture Supplies - NoosavilleShop 3 11 A Venture Dr.Noosaville QLD 4566(07) 5641 1256 adhs.com.au
Allgrow Hydro13 - 58 Bullock Head St. Sumner Park QLD 4074(07) 3376 7222
Aqua GardeningShop 3/73 PIckering St. Enoggera QLD 4051(07) 3354 1588
Aquatic OasisUnit 2/33 Smith St. Capalaba QLD 4157(07) 3245 7777
Billabong HydroponicsLot 1 Billabong Crt. Childers QLD 4660(07) 4126 3551
D-Bay Hydroponics Shop5/404 Deception Bay Rd. Deception Bay QLD 4508(07) 3204 8324
E.T. Grow HomeUnit 1/4 Windmill St. Southport QLD 4215(07) 5591 6501
Eye Lighting Australia Pty Ltd.PO Box 306 Carole Park QLD 4300(07) 3335 3556
Frans HydroponicsShed 3 1191 Anzac Ave. Kallangar QLD 4503 (07) 3285 1355
Gold Coast hydroponics42 Lawrence Dr. Nerang QLD 4211(07) 5596 2250
Grow Hydro22 Mining St. Bundamba QLD 4304(07) 3816 3206
H2 Gro Pty Ltd2 Sonia Crt. Raceview QLD 4305(07) 3294 3253 ---------------------------------------------
Home Grown Hydroponics4/9 Barnett Pl.
Moledinar QLD 4214(07) 5571 6666
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Hyalite Varsity5/11 John Duncan Crt. Varsity Lakes QLD 4227(07) 5593 7385
Hydrocenter Hydroponics26 Spencer Rd. Nerang QLD 4211(07) 5527 4155
HydroMart Hydroponics4/12 Natasha St.Capalaba QLD 4157(07) 3823 3169 & (04) 3127 8211
Hydroponic Roots & ShootsLot 3 Herberton Rd. Atherton QLD 4883(07) 4091 3217
Hydroponics & Garden Supplies93 Cook St. Portsmith QLD 4870(07) 4035 5422
Hydroponics TodayPO Box 785 Stanthorpe QLD 4380(07) 4683 3133
Indoor SolutionsUnit 2/79 Oxford Tce. Taringa QLD 4068
J&K Hydroponics387 Progress Rd.Wacol QLD 4076(07) 3271 6210
KY Garden3/31 Argyle Parade Darra Brisbane QLD 4076(07) 3375 9098
Logan Hydroponics13/22, Allgas St.Slacks Creek QLD 4127(07) 3299 1397 loganhydroponics.com.au
North Queensland Hydro SuppliesShop 2B/20-22 Fleming St. Townsville QLD 4810(07) 4728 3957
Northern Hydroponics383 Mulgrave Rd. Cairns QLD 4870(07) 4054 5884
NQ Hydroponics31 Casey St.Aitkenvale QLD 4814(07) 4728 3957
Pioneer Hydroponics194 Doyles Rd.Pleystowe QLD 4741(07) 4959 2016
Simply Hydroponics Gold Coast42 Lawrence Dr. Nerang QLD 4211(07) 5596 2250
Slacks Creek Hydroponics#13/22 Allgas St.Slacks Creek QLD 4217(07) 3299 1397
Sunstate Hydroponics7/10 Fortune St. Geebung QLD 4034(07) 3265 3211------------------------------------------
Sunstate Hydroponics10/13 Kerryl St.
Kunda Park QLD 4556(07) 5445 3499
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Town & Country HydroponicsShop 1/8585 Warrego Hwy.Withcott QLD 4352
Tumbling Waters Hydroponics 2 Clarkes Track Malanda QLD 4885(07) 4096 6443
Walsh’s Seeds Garden Centre 881 Ruthven St. Toowoomba QLD 4350(07) 4636 1077
SOUTH AUSTRALIA---------------------------------------------
Adelaide HydroShop 3.267 Goodwood Rd.
Kings Park SA 5034(08) 7230 5907
adelaidehydro.com.au---------------------------------------------
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Advanced Garden Supplies3/8 Bredbo St.
Lonsdale SA 5160(08) 8382 1191
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Amazon Aquariums & GardeningUnit 5 16 Research Rd. Pooraka SA 5095(08) 8359 1800
Ascot Park753 Marion Rd. Ascot Park SA 5043(08) 8357 4700
Barry’s HardwareSaints & Main North Rd. Salisbury Plains SA 5109(08) 8281 4066
Back Street TradersUnit 6/8 Lindsey Rd.Lonsdale SA 5160(08) 8322 4383
Bloomin’ Hydroponics5/535 Martins Rd.Parafield Gardens SA 5107(08) 8281 6395
Bolzon Home & Garden103 Tolley Rd. St Agnes SA 5097(08) 8265 0665
Chocablock Discount Variety Store15-17/1220 Grand Junction Hope Valley SA 5090(08) 8396 3133
Complete Hydroponics1581 Main North Rd. Salisbury East SA 5109(08) 8258 4022
Country Hydro434 Saddleback Rd. Whyalla SA 5600(08) 8645 3105
D & W Dependable Hardware45B Kettering Rd. Elizabeth South SA 5112(08) 8287 6399
Every Thing HydroShop 2/494 Main North Rd.Blair Athol SA 5084(08) 8260 3335
Festive Hydro2 Kreig St. Evanston Park SA 5116(08) 8523 5100
Fulham Gardener Nursery597 Tapleys Hill Rd. Fulham SA 5024(08) 8235 2004
Future Garden Concepts NorthShop 2 21-23 Kreig Rd.Evanston Park SA 5116(08) 8523 5100
Futchatec Distribution4 Symonds St. Royal Park 5014(08) 8447-1122
Glandore Hydroponics644 South Rd.Glandore SA 5037(08) 8371 5777 www.glandorehydro.com
Greener than Green52 - 54 Cliff Ave.Port Noarlunga South SA 51(08) 8386 2596
Greenhouse Superstore Lonsdale35 to 37 Aldenhoven Rd. Lonsdale SA 5160 (08) 8382 0100
Greenhouse Superstore Royal Park4 Symonds St. Royal Park SA 5014(08) 8447 5899
66 groundbreakers
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retail stores listed alphabetically by state
Tasmanian Hydroponic Supplies99 Lampton Ave. Derwent Park Tas 7009(03) 6272 2202
The Hydroponic Company69 Charles St. Moonah Tas 7009(03) 6273 1411
The Hydroponics Company289 Hobart Rd. Kings Medow Tas 7428(03) 6340 2222
VICTORIA99 Garden ServicesUnit 31 12-20 James CourtTottenham VIC 3012(03) 9314 8088
AAA Lush Hydroponics2-4 The Arcade, Junction Village Melbourne Vic 3972
Albury Hydroponics/ Cappers Hydroponics62 Thomas Mitchell Dr.Springvale Vic 3171 (02) 6024 4029
All Seasons Hydroponics3 Springvale Rd. Springvale Vic 3171(03) 9540 8000------------------------------------------
A-Grade Hydroponics60/148 Chesterville Rd.
Cheltenham Vic 3189(61) 422 064 904
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Aquamatic299 Monbulk Rd.Monbulk VIC 3793(03) 9756 6666aquamatic.com.au
Banksia Greenhouse and Outdoor Garden530 Burwood Hwy. Wantirna Vic 3152(03) 9801 8070
Barb’s Hydro and Nursery15 Wallace Ave. Interverloch Vic 3196(03) 5674 2584
Bayside Hydroponics5/9 Rutherford Rd.Seaford, Vic 3198(03) 9775 0495
Belgrave Hydroponics 5/ 60-68 Colby Dr.Belgrave Heights Vic 3160(03) 9754 3712
Brew ‘N’ Grow 4 - 479 Nepean Hwy.Edithvale Vic 3199(03) 9783 3006
Casey Hydroponics12 The Arcade St.Cranbourne Vic 3977(03) 5996 3697
Casey Hydro78 Spring Square Hallam Vic 3803(03) 9796 3776
Central HydroFactory 3/9 Mirra Court Bundoora VIC 3083(03) 9466 7635centralhydroponics.com.au
Chronic Hydroponics31 Anderson St.Templestowe Vic 3106(03) 9646 8133
Complete Garden Supplies580 Ballarat Rd.Sunshine Vic 3020(03) 9311 9776
Crown Garden Supplies8 Glencapel Crt.Hillside VIC 3037045 996 6344
Discount Hydroponics18 Princes Hwy.Doveton Vic 3177(03) 9792 2966
Echuca Hydroponic Nursery & Supplies23 Ogilvie Ave.Echuca Vic 3564(03) 5480 2036
Echuca Pump Shop128 Ogilvie Ave.Echuca Vic 3564(03) 5480 7080
Gro Pro Hydro3 Kelly Rd.Willaston SA 5118(08) 8522 7761
Ground-Up Service Nursery3 Copinger Rd. Pt. Pirie SA 5540(08) 8264 9455
Gully Hydro32 Famechon Cres. Modbury North SA 509208 8264 9455
Hackham Garden & Building Supplies32 Gates Rd, Hackham SA 5163(08) 8382 4754
Harvest Time HydroponicsShop 3/146-148 Findon Rd. Findon SA 5023(08) 8244 0222
Hindmarsh Hydroponics39a Manton St. Hindmarsh SA 5095(08) 8346 9461
Highland Grow & Flow14/1042 Grand Junction Rd. Holden Hill SA 5088(08) 8395 4455
Hong Kong Hydro13 Research Rd. Pooraka SA 5095(08) 8260 2000
Hush Hydroponic Wholesalers25 Charlotte St.Smithfield, SA 5114(61) 8 8254 1585
Hydro HeavenKane Motors-Hunt Rd. Mount Barker SA 5251(08) 8391 1880
Hydro Sales & Service1 Salisbury Cres. Colonel Light SA 5041(08) 8272 2000
Hydro Technics321 South Rd. Croydon SA 5008(08) 8241 5022
Hydro Technics North22 Peachey Rd.Elizabeth West SA 511308 8252 7988
Hydro Warehouse181 Seacombe Rd. South Brighton SA 5048(08) 8377 1200
Hydro Wholesalers181 Seacombe Rd.South Brighton SA 5048(08) 8377 1200
Hydro World40 Folland Ave. Northfield SA 5085(08) 8262 8323hydroworld.com.au
Koko’s Hydro WarehouseUnit 2/2 McGowan St. Pooraka SA 5095(08) 8260 5463
Larg’s Bay Garden Supply239 Victoria Rd. Largs Bay SA 5016(08) 8242 3788
Martins Rd. Hydro# 5- 353 Martins Rd. Parafield Gardens SA 5107(08) 8283 4011
Mitre 10 Dr. In152 Hanson Rd. Mansfield Park SA 5012(08) 8445 1813
New Age Hydroponics135-137 Sir Donald Bradman Dr. Hilton SA 5033(08) 8351 9100 newagehydro.com
Owen Agencies17-19 Railway Terr. Owen SA 5460 (08) 8528 6008
Palms & Plants175 Salisbury Hwy. Salisbury SA 5108(08) 8285 7575
Professional Hydro4/522 Grange Rd. Fulham Gardens SA 5024(08) 8353 0133
Professional HydroShop 5/645 Lower North East Rd. Paradise SA 5075 (08) 8365 5172
Professional Hydroponics113 Maurice Rd. Murray Bridge SA(08) 8532 3441
Rob’s Garden CentreShop 3/364 North East Rd.Windsor Gardens SA 5087(08) 8369 2498
Seaton Hydroponics129 Tapleys Hill Rd. Seaton SA 5023(08) 82682636
Soladome Aquaculture & Hydro44 Chapel St. Norwood SA 5067(08) 8362 8042
South Coast Hydroponics6/25 Gulfview Rd. Christies Beach SA 5165(08) 8384 2380
State Hydroponics & Homebrew Supplies174 Semaphore Rd.Exeter SA 5019(08) 8341 5991
Tea Tree Gully Hydro32 Famechon Cres. Modbury North SA 5092(08) 8264 9455
Two Wells Hardware86 Old Port Wakefield Rd. Two Wells SA 5501(08) 8520 2287
Urban Grow Solutions1/111 Main Sth Rd. O’Halloran Hill, S.A 5189 (08) 8322 0040
Waterworld Home & Garden Supplies9 Aldershot Rd.Lonsdale SA 5160(08) 8326 2444
Warehouse of Garden89 Helps Rd.Burton SA 5110(08) 8280 3314 warehouseofgarden.com.au
West Garden CentrePeachey Rd. Elizabeth West SA 5113(08) 8255 1355
TASMANIAAdvanced Hydroponics26 Mulgrave St. South Launceston Tas 7249(03) 6344 5588
Aqua HydroponicsRear 45 Burnett St.New Norfolk Tas 7140(03) 6294 9233
Ezy Grow625 East Derwent Hwy. Lindisfarne Tas 7015(03) 6243 9490
Garden World 717 West Tamar Hwy. Legana Tas 7277(03) 6330 1177------------------------------------------
Green Acres Hydroponics 46-48 Bingalong Rd. Mornington Tas 7018
(03) 6245 1066sales@greenacreshydroponics.
com.au------------------------------------------
Growers Choice225 Main Rd. Derwent Park Tas 7009(03) 6273 6088
Hydroponics Systems131 Main Rd. Moonah Tas 7009 (03) 6278 3457
Hydroponic World322 Bass Hwy. Sulphur Creek Tas 7316(03) 6435 4411
Lifestyle Gardens167 Gilbert St.Latrobe Tas 7307(03) 6426 2003
Organic Garden Supplies17 Don Rd. Devonport Tas 7310 (03) 6424 7815
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Epping Hydroponics 10 Dilop Dr.
Epping Vic 3076 (03) 9408 4677
eppinghydroponics.com.au------------------------------------------
Excel Distributors Pty Ltd2/41 Quinn St.Preston Vic 3072(03) 9495 0083
F.L.O.W. Plants and Environments66B Chapel St.Windsor Vic 3181(03) 9510 6832
Fruits of Nature Pty Ltd T/A Westside Hydroponics202 Main Rd.Ballarat, Vic 3350(03) 5338 7555
Gardensmart/ AutoPot Systems810 Springvale Rd.Braeside Vic 3195(03) 9701 8811
Global Hydroponics10 Knight Ave.Sunshine Vic 3020(03) 9356 9400
Greenleaf Hydroponics9a Church St.Traralgon Vic 3844(03) 5176 0898
Greenleaf HydroponicsFactory 7, Ind. Pk. Dr.Lilydale Vic 3140(03) 9739 7311
GreenLite - Ringwood291 Maroondah Hwy.Ringwood Vic 3134(03) 9870 8566
Grow 4 XSRear 24 Simms Rd.Greensborough Vic 3088(03) 9435 6425------------------------------------------
Growlush Australia830-850 Princes Hwy. Springvale Vic, 3171
(03) 9546 9688www.growlush.com
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Guerrilla Gardensfactory 1/4 Wren Rd. Moorabbin VIC 3189(03) 9912 6090guerrillagardens.com
Holland Forge Pty Ltd.5 Hi-tech Pl.Rowville Vic 3178(03) 9764 1372
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Hydroware1/54 Lara Way.
Campbellfield Vic 3061(03) 9357 8805
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Hyalite Airport West Unit 4/504-506 Fullarton Rd. Airport West 3042(03) 9331 5452
Hyalite Bayswater 4/19 Jersey Rd. Bayswater Vic 3153(03) 9720 1946
Hyalite Global 10 Knight Ave. Sunshine N Vic 3020(03) 9356 9400
Hyalite Westend 3 Third Ave. Sunshine Vic 3020(03) 9311 3510
Hydroponic Central110 Dynon Rd.West Melbourne Vic 3003(03) 9376 0447
Hydroware1/54 Lara Way, Campbellfield VIC 3061(03) 9357 8805
Indoor Garden Company29 Glasgow St. Collingwood Vic 3066(03) 9416 1699
Inner City Hydroponics155 Dardbin Rd.Thornbury Vic 3071(03) 9480 1078
Impact DistributionPO Box 2188 Salisbury Downs 5108(08) 8250 1515
JB Lighting492 - 500 Neerim Rd. Murrumbeena Vic 3163(03) 9569 4399
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Just Hydroponics Deer Park Shop 11, 29/39 Westwood Dr.
Deer Park (Ravenhall), Vic 3023(03) 8390 0861
justhydroponics.com.au------------------------------------------
Just Hydroponics GeelongShop 1, 22 Essington St.
Grovedale (Geelong) VIC 3216(03) 5421 6046
justhydroponics.com.au------------------------------------------
Just Hydroponics Hoppers Crossing
3, 8 Motto Ct.Hoppers Crossing Vic 3029
(03) 8742 2830justhydroponics.com.au
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Latrove Valley Home Brew SuppliesPO Box 802 Morwell Vic 3804(03) 5133 9140
Living Jungle345 Sommerville Rd. Footscray West Vic 3012(03) 9314 0055
LTM Co12/87 Hallam South Rd.Hallam VIC 3803(03) 8712 2421
Magick Brew205a Bayview Rd.McCrae VIC 3938(03) 5981 1160
Melton Hydroponic Supplies 18/10 Norton Dr. Melton Vic 3194(03) 9746 9256
Midtown HydroponicsFactory 1, 821B Howitt St. Wendouree Vic 3355(03) 5339 1300
Mirror Paints110 Dynon Rd.W. Melbourne VIC 3003(03) 9376 0447 mirrorpaints.com.au
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Monster Crop Hydroponics567 Waterdale Rd.
Heidelberg West Vic 3081(03) 8528 3474
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One Stop Sprinklers1 Burwood Hwy. Wantirna Vic 3152(03) 9800 2177
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Pakenham Hydroponics1/27-31 Sharnet Circuit
Pakenham Vic 3810 (03) 5940 9047
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Pam’s Home Brew & Hydroponics61 McArthur St. Sale Vic 3850 (03) 5143 1143
Prestige Hydroponics Pty. Ltd. S 2.10 Level 2, 343 Little Collins St. Melbourne Vic 3000(61) 4187 81083
Shepparton Hydroponics87A Archer St. Shepparton Vic 3630(03) 5831 6433
Simple GrowFactory 9/1-3 Burke Rd.Braybrook VIC 3019
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Simply Hydroponics5/ 411-413 Old Geelong Rd.
Hoppers Cros. Vic 3029(03) 9360 9344
------------------------------------------Smart Hydro Garden3/4 Lacy St. Braybook VIC 3019(03) 9318 8110
St Albans Hydroponic55 St Albans Rd. St Albans VIC 3021(03) 9366 7788
Sunlite Hydroponics1/104 Shannon Ave. Geelong West Vic 3281(03) 5222 6730
Sunray Hydro157 Tenth St. Mildura Vic 3500(03) 5023 6422
Supply Net International P/L PO Box 171 Highbury Vic 5089(08) 264-3600
The Hydroponic Connection 397 Dorset Rd.Boronia Vic 3155(03) 9761 0662
Urban HyUnit 1-59 Gilbert Park Dr.Knoxfield VIC 3180(03) 9764 9400
Valley Hydro and Home Brew166 Argyle St.Traralgon, VIC 3844(61) 3 5164 2297
Vic Garden Pty31B Slater ParadeKeilor East VIC 3033(04) 3160 5025
Waterworks HydroponicsUnit 1, 5 Brand Dr. Thomastown Vic 3074(03) 9465 1455
Westside Hydroponics202 Main Rd.Ballarat VIC 3350(03) 5338 7555
WESTERN AUSTRALIAAccent HydroponicsUnit 2/141 Russell St. Morley WA 6062(08) 9375 9355
Aqua PostUnit 2B 7 Yampi Way Willetton WA 6155(08) 9354 2888
Aquaponics WALot 12 Warton Rd.Canning Vale WA 6155(18) 0064 0222
BloemPO Box 1816 Subiaco WA 6008(08) 9217 4400
Bunbury Alternate Growing Supplies8/13 Worcestor BendDavenport WA 6230(08) 9725 7020
67groundbreakers
Creative GRow Store1/95 Dixon Rd. Rockingham WA 6168(08) 9528 1310
Great Southern Hydroponics Shop 1, 21 Hennessy Rd. Bunbury WA 6230(08) 9721 8322
Greenfingers World of Hydroponics MaddingtonShop 1, 6-8 Emerald Rd.Maddington WA 6109 (08) 9452 0546
Greenfingers World of Hydroponics Midvale22 Elliot St.Midvale WA 6056(08) 9274 8388
Greenlite Hydroponics4/91 Wanneroo Rd. Tuart Hill WA 6060 (08) 9345 5321
Growsmart Hydroponics47768 South Coast Hwy. Albany WA 6330 (08) 9841 3220--------------------------------------------
Hydro Hill Hydroponics9/35 Biscayne WayJandakot WA 6164
(08) 6461 6816 hydrohill.com.au
---------------------------------------------Hydro Nation41A Rockingham Rd. Hamilton Hill WA 6163 (08) 9336 7368
Hydroponic Xpress295 Warton Rd.Canning Vale WA 61551 800 640 222
Hydroponic Solutions1/1928 Beach Rd. Malaga WA 6090 (08) 9248 1901 hydroponicsolutions.com.au
Hydroponic WarehouseUnit 7/627 Wanneroo Rd. Wanneroo WA 6065 (08) 9206 0188
Hydroponica317 Guildford Rd. Maylands WA 6051 (08) 9371 5757
Isabella’s Hydroponics66 Jambanis Rd. Wanneroo WA 6065 (08) 9306 3028
Johnson’s Nursery Garden Centre30 Blencowe Rd. Geralton WA 6530 (08) 9921 6016
Neerabup Organic & Hydroponic SuppliesUnit 1, 21 Warman St. Neerabup WA 6031 (08) 9404 7155
INTERESTED IN CARRYING MAXIMUM YIELD IN YOUR STORE? Distribution is available by contacting: • Dome Garden Supply• Holland Forge• House N’ Garden• Hydroponic
Generations• GrowLush • Way to Grow• Nutrifield
Already a distributor? Call 1-250-729-2677 to update your listing.
One Stop Hydroponics11 B Beechboro Rd. S.Bayswater WA 6053 (08) 9471 7000
Perth Hydroponic CentreShop 4, 171-175 Abernathy Rd. Belmont WA 6104 (08) 9478 1211
Reptile and Grow Store Unit 7 - 117-119 Dixon Rd. Rockingham WA 6168(08) 9527 2245 reptileandgrow.com
Richo’s 4 HydroUnit 7/22 Franklin Ln. Joondalup WA 6027(08) 9301 4462
Southwest HydroponicsLot 29, Pinjarra Rd. Mandurah WA 6210 (08) 9534 8544
The Grow Room1/1451 Albany Hwy. Cannington WA 6107 (08) 9356 7044
The Great IndoorsUnit 1/25 Gillam Dr.Kelmscott WA 6111(08) 9495 2815
The Watershed Water Systems150 Russell St. Morley WA 6062 (08) 9473 1473
The Watershed Water Systems 2874 Albany Hwy. Kelmscott WA 6111 (08) 9495 1495
The Watershed Water Systems1/146 Great Eastern Hwy. Midland WA 6210 (08) 9274 3232
TolesasNo. 6 Abbey Rd. Armandale WA 6112(08) 9497 3527tolesasgrowsmart.com.au
Tru Bloomin Hydroponics7/36 Port Kembla Dr.Bibra Lake WA 6163(08) 9434 5118
Water Garden Warehouse14 Drake St. Osborne Park WA 6017 (08) 9443 7993
NEW ZEALANDEasy Grow New Lynn3018 Gt North Rd. New Lynn, Auckland (09) 827 0883
Easy Grow Manukau15/69 Wiri Station Rd. Manukau, Auckland (09) 263 7560
Guru Gardener 14 Molesworth St. New Plymouth (06) 758 6661
Otaki Hydroponics1083 S.H. 1 South Otaki (06) 364 2206
House of Hydro221 Waiwhetu Rd. Lower Hutt, Wellington
Pet and Garden10 Fitzgerald Ave. Christ church (03) 377 2507
Grow and Brew14a Flexman Pl. Silverdale, Auckland (09) 426 2095
Green Day Hydroponics Cnr of Maunganui Rd. & Tawa St. Mt Maunganui (07) 575 4090
Hyalite Christchurch240 Annex Rd.Middleton(03) 338 3762
Hyalite Dunedin313 King Edward St.Dunedin(03) 456 1980
Hyalite Glenfield7/67 View Rd.Glenfield(09) 443 0106
Hyalite Hamilton1C Sunshine Ave. Te TapaHamilton(07) 850 8351
Hyalite Hastings513 Heretaunga St.West Hastings(06) 876 7885
Hyalite HendersonUnit 159 Central Park Dr.Henderson(09) 837 1210
Hyalite Linwood9 Buckleys Rd.Linwood(03) 381 0937
Hyalite Manukau57 Cavendish Dr.Manukau(09) 263 4336
Hyalite Nelson3 Pascoe St.Nelson(03) 546 4769
Hyalite Tauranga427 Cameron Rd.Tauranga(07) 579 9840
Hyalite Upper Hutt1060 Fergusson Dr.Upper Hutt(04) 526 3913
Hyalite Wellington62 Kaiwharawhara Rd.Wellington(04) 472 5265
Hyalite Whangarei189 (Lower) Dent St.Whangarei(09) 438 0223
68 groundbreakers
distributors
METHYL JASMONATE is a volatile organic compound used in plant defence and many diverse developmental pathways such as seed germination, root
growth, and flowering. But can it help plants communicate?
JASMONATESby Philip McIntosh
THE JASMONATES, typified by jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), are plant hormones, which, not surprisingly, have wide-ranging effects on plant growth and development.
IN THE TRADITION of naming compounds after their source, the first isolate was found in the ornamental vine commonly known as jasmine (Jasminum sp.), although some jasmonates are produced by fungi.
JASMONATES are synthesised in various locations in the plant and are transported to sites of action in the phloem, the sap-conducting tissue of plants.
THE ACTION OF JA is thought to be limited to the cells in which it is made, but MeJA is more volatile and more mobile within the plant.
DERIVED FROM linolenic acid, jasmonates are fatty hormones, structurally related to other small lipid molecules.
JASMONATES ARE implicated in fruit ripening, root growth, tendril coiling in climbing vines, and plant resistance to insect predators and microbial pathogens.
THE MOST STUDIED aspect of jasmonate function is with respect to wound response, which helps plants defend against damage and attack.
JASMONATES EXERT their effects in several ways, one of which is by binding to the promoter regions of genes to turn those genes on or off.
A HIGH PERCENTAGE of genes activated to combat herbivory are controlled by jasmonates.
AN INTERESTING HYPOTHESIS involving MeJA is that it is a signal molecule allowing plants to communicate with each other over a distance.
10 facts on... gr
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