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www.maximumyield.com
TACOMA NOVI SAN FRAN BOSTON
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10 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
DEPARTMENTS
CONTENTSDecember 2013
12 From the Editor
14 MaximumYield.com
18 Letters to the Editor
20 Ask the Experts
22 Max Facts
34 Product Spotlight
84 Avant Gardening
100 Tips and Tricks
114 Beginner’s Corner
126 Trends and Technology
154 Green Thumb Gardening
160 Growers Know
162 10 Facts On...
163 Book Review
164 Talking Shop
166 You Tell Us
170 Do You Know
171 Max Mart
172 Distributors
186 Coming Up
FEATURES
50 Aquaponic Worms F.A.Q.by Sylvia Bernstein
58 Bringing the Forest Inside: A Closer Look at Christmas Tree Careby Chris Bond
64 Lumens are for Humans, PAR is for Plantsby David Kessler
70 Seeds and Meristemsby Grubbycup
76 What’s Your Hydration Status? Examining the Hydration Status of Softwood and Semi-Hardwood Cuttingsby Bill DeBoer
86 The Evolution of Hydroponic Nutritionby Eric Hopper
102 Breaking Down Biocharby Spencer Bath
116 Permaculture Principles: Sustainable Practices for Permanent Solutionsby Helene Isbell
128 A Delicacy from the Dark: Hydroponic Forcing of Witloofby Dr. Lynette Morgan
138 Stunning Succulentsby Karen Wilkinson
142 Mychorrhizae: The Straight Story, Part 2by Dr. Robert G. Linderman
150 Building an In-Ground Hydro Systemby Charles Winslow and Madelyn Ritrosky
156 Friendly Floraby Russell Landry
50 58 70 128 138
12 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
December is a time for celebration, but also a time for reflection, when you find yourself thinking about the year's trials, tribulations and accomplishments. From a hydroponics perspective, Eric Hopper takes this concept even further in his latest article, “Evolution of Hydroponic Nutrients”, and examines the improvements made in hydroponic nutrients over the last decade or so, an area where he says some of the most incredible advancements in the industry have been made.Speaking of industry advancements, Dr. Robert
G. Linderman returns with the second install-ment of his three-part series on mycorrhizae, the symbiotic relationship between specialized soil fungi and the roots of plants, a topic he's spent a good deal of time researching. This install-ment evaluates the various mycorrhizal products available on the market today and also discusses inoculating plants and cultural practices that enhance or harm the formation of mycorrhizae.As for industry trends, we've included an article
on biochar, a charcoal produced for use as a soil amendment or a component of a soilless mix that is believed to have a profound effect on soil
dynamics. And we revisit the age-old gardening practice of companion planting. To round out the issue, we've included articles on proper hydration of cuttings,
building an in-ground hydroponics system, caring for a cut or living Christmas tree over the holidays, the hydroponic forcing of witloof and an introduction to perma-culture—a sustainable approach to designing and growing edible landscapes.Be sure to check out the extensive New Products section, where we showcase
some great holiday gift giving ideas to keep you growing strong into 2014!Wishing everyone Happy Holidays from all of us here at Maximum Yield!
Linda Jesson
Message from the
Editor
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FROM THE EDITOR | LiNda JESSON
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim JessonGENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores
BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson
eDitoriAl [email protected]
editor-in-chief Linda Jesson Assistant editor Julie McManus
Assistant editor Jennifer McGarrigle
ADVertiSiNG SAleSSales Manager
Ilona Hawser - [email protected]
Account executivesKelsey Hepples - [email protected] Montague - [email protected]
Jed Walker - [email protected] Dale - [email protected]
DeSiGN & ProDUCtioN [email protected]
Art Director Alice JoeGraphic Designers
Jennifer EvertsDionne Hurd
Jesslyn Gosling
ACCoUNtiNG Tracy Greeno - [email protected]
Katie LaFrance - [email protected]
USA DISTRIBUTIONAurora Innovations • BWGS • General Hydroponics
Humbolt Wholesale • Hydrofarm National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply
Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply Tradewinds
CANADIAN DISTRIBUTIONBrite-Lite Group • Biofloral • Eddis Wholesale
Greenstar Plant Products Inc. • MegaWatt Quality Wholesale
UK DISTRIBUTIONDirect Garden Supplies • Growth Technology
Future Harvest Development Europe Dutch Bio Power
Nutriculture UK • Dutch Pro • Maxigrow
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply • House N Garden
Futchatec • Growth Technology
VOLUME 14 – NUMBER 9 December 2013
Maximum Yield is published monthly byMaximum Yield Publications Inc.
2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687No part of this magazine may be reproduced
without permission from the publisher. If undeliverable please return to the address above.
The views expressed by columnists are a personal opinion and do not necessarily reflect those of Maximum Yield or the editor.
Publication Agreement Number 40739092
Printed In Canada
14 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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CONTribuTOrS
COMiNG uP ON THE WEb
Sylvia Bernstein is the author of Aquaponic Gardening: A Step by Step Guide to Growing Fish and Vegetables Together. She is also the president of The Aquaponic Source, and the co-founder and past vice chairman of the Aquaponics Association. Before discovering aquaponics, she was the vice president of marketing and product development for AeroGrow International.
chris Bond is the horticulturist at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His primary role is coordinator of the university’s Farm Food Program. His research interests are benefi cial insects, biological pest control and alternative growing methods. He is a certifi ed permaculture designer and nursery technician in Ohio and a certifi ed nursery p rofessional in New York.
Grubbycup has been an avid indoor gardener for more than 20 years. His articles were fi rst published in the United Kingdom, and since then his gardening advice has been published in French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czech and German. He is also considered one of the world’s leading authorities on crochet hydroponics.
Bill deBoer is a laboratory scientist at Indiana-based steadyGROWpro. A master gardener intern, Bill is responsible for the company’s laboratory operations, including the design and execution of research projects, plant propagation, seed germination and overall plant care. Bill has a BS and MS from Purdue University, and was previously a research technician for the US Department of Agriculture.
Eric hopper has more than 10 years of experience in the hydroponic industry as both a retail store manager and owner. He continuously seeks new methods and products that could help maximize garden performance. Eric resides in Michigan where he and his family strive for a self-suffi cient and sustainable lifestyle.
Spencer Bath is a soil alchemist, anarcho-capitalist and promoter of biological and organic growing techniques. He is also the proprietor of Ecological Farming LLC of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and a purveyor of the world’s fi nest soil amendments. Spencer can be found at agri-charge.com
helene Isbell has a passion for plants. A California native, Helene resides in San Diego where she promotes urban agriculture and sustainable living. She has also been a dynamic player in the hydroponic industry for the past decade. She has incorporated her love of horticulture with hands-on experience, arts and culture, integrated marketing and education. She is the southern California rep for High Caliper Growing/Smart Pots.
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 fi ve hydroponic technical books. Visit suntec.co.nz for more information.
dr. robert linderman is a retired research plant pathologist and former research leader at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon. He is also a courtesy Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University. He’s been in the industry for nearly 50 years and is currently the science guy for two companies: Plant Health, LLC and Santiam Organics, LLC.
russell landry is the former vice president of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth and its competitive weigh-off sites held worldwide. He is now the current president of the Giant Vegetable Growers of Ontario (gvgo.ca). Russ grows giant pumpkins, tomatoes and squash. He has written numerous articles featuring methods to increase vegetable size and fruit yield.
charles Winslow, CEO of GW Worldwide LLC, has a BS from Cal Poly. He has been principal in multiple start-ups and expansions including BWGS/Sunleaves, Penhall International, Furrows. He currently works with international companies developing JV’s, Co-ventures, and new technologies for energy reduction for horticulture, lighting and building. Contact [email protected]
Karen Wilkinson is a budding gardener with previous experience working in the hydroponics industry. Her background includes daily reporting, technical writing, marketing and promotions. After spending years living along California’s northern coast, she made her way to Sacramento where she currently lives and breathes the yoga lifestyle.
Announcing our 2014 indoor Gardening expo lineupWe’re pleased to announce the dates for Maximum Yield’s 2014 Coast to Coast Grow Like A Pro Indoor Gardening Expo Tour. We’ve got four exciting locations stretching from coast to coast in the United States: Tacoma, Washington (April 5 and 6); Novi, Michigan (May 31 and June 1); San Francisco, California (July 26 and 27); and Boston, Massachusetts (Oct. 18 and 19). Stay tuned to indoorgardenexpo.com for details so you can plan your 2014 vacation.
Ask an expert Maximum Yield’s resident experts are ready to answer your modern gardening questions. Email [email protected] or fill out the Ask the Experts form on maximumyield.com
We Want Your Feedback!Help us continue to create an informative and exciting product for the indoor gardening industry for years to come, and earn a chance to win one of three $200 cash prizes to spend at your favorite indoor garden retail store, by participating in the Maximum Yield Reader Satisfaction Survey. Visit maximumyield.com to fill out the survey. Thank you for helping us keep Maximum Yield the No. 1 indoor gardening magazine in the world!
i’m a Fan Contest ContinuesTell us why you are a fan of Maximum Yield and you could win a $100 gift card to your favorite indoor gardening shop and also have a chance at the grand prize of a $1,000 gift card to be drawn Dec. 15. Visit maximumyield.com to enter online.
Free Digital SubscriptionReceive Maximum Yield in your inbox every month. Simply subscribe to the digital edition of Maximum Yield by filling out the form at maximumyield.com/subscriptions
maximumyield.comindoorgardenexpo.comfacebook.com/maximumyieldtwitter.com/max_yieldyoutube.com/maximumyieldmagazine
CoNNeCt With US
Tenth I’m a Fan Winner AnnouncedKevin Swisher from Michigan is the 10th winner of Maximum Yield’s I’m a Fan Contest! Kevin said, “I really love Maximum Yield. It’s helped me out a great deal with hydroponics and understanding things that you don’t find anywhere else. I’ve grown in soil for years, but over the last few I’ve really jumped into hydro and have had suc-cess. Now, after finding your magazine about two years ago, I’ve taken it to another level. Keep up the great work, and I will keep reading and being proactive in horticulture.”
Thank you for the great response, Kevin, and congratulations on winning Maximum Yield’s 10th I’m a Fan contest! We hope you enjoy your $100 gift certificate at your favorite indoor gardening shop, Ultra Green Hydroponics in Redford, Michigan. Tell us why you’re a fan of Maximum Yield and you could be the next winner. Visit maximumyield.com for full contest details.
Kevin Swisher
Maximum Yield Publications Inc.Snail-mail: 2339 Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9Email: [email protected]: twitter.com/max_yieldFacebook: facebook.com/MaximumYield
We WANt to heAr FroM YoU!
Nice ResearchI’m a fan of Maximum Yield because it does an honest job researching and reporting on cutting edge information.Rob H, via webform
Thanks for the InfoI’m a fan of Maximum Yield because after reading my first issue, I was blown away with all the information you provide us. Thank you for all the effort you put into each issue, it’s well worth it. This magazine is turning average growers into super farmers. George Z, Pueblo, Colorado
Way to Win Big!Congratulations to William from Rochester, New York, for being selected as the winner of Maximum Yield’s Win Big Grow Big contest for The Green Pad CO2 Generator prize pack. William will receive full packs of Green Pads that include our Innovation in Propagation, The Green Pad Jr., a full pack of our Original Green Pads and a Grand Daddy Pad. We are also including cop-ies of The Grow Book And Equipment Guide featuring The Green Pads. Also Green Pad spray bottles so you can “Hang, Spray and Walk Away!” Thanks to everyone who entered!Mark with Green Pad CO2
Tweet It@Max_Yield came across your website. What a great #Hydroponics resource. Keep up the great work! #indoorgardening #growathome(via Hydroponic Supplies @hydroponicsgear)
Always a Great Show at the Expo!Great times at the Long Beach Expo this weekend! Thanks to everyone who came out and visited our booth! Rx Green Solutions
Atom the World’s Fastest Painter, free kittens and Max Fans. Never a dull moment at the Can-Filters booth! Can-Filters
We had a blast at the show! NPK Industries
The Raw=Soluble booth was happening this weekend! Thank you Maximum Yield Magazine for putting on a great show as always! Raw=Soluble
Great turnout for the Xtreme Nutrients booth. Thanks! Xtreme Nutrients
18 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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LETTErS TO THE EdiTOr
Hi Bharat, Here is a short answer: We recommend waste water be used on lawns, mature trees, shrubs and other non-sensitive plants. Reuse of waste water is somewhat dependent on the contamination of source water; source water with high ppm levels (more than 400) will produce much higher ppm waste water than source water with a lower ppm. The question posed mentioned the possibility of increased salinity; this would only be an issue if source water had salinity to begin with, which is relatively rare, or if the RO system was being used to filter water from a water softener. The only way to remove softener salts is to use reverse osmosis, the process of which would definitely concentrate that salt and could potentially build up in soil, causing damage even to non-sensitive plants. If you have a softener, it’s best to send the RO waste water down the drain. If you do not have a softener, try using it on trees, shrubs and lawns. Avoid using it for washing the car or clothing or dishes, as concentrated, hard water can cause spotting and wear out clothing.Kindest Regards,Jennifer Casey
Jennifer Casey is the marketing coordinator for Hydrologic Purification Systems. Part of her job includes attending trade shows, writing articles and finding new ways to let people know how important pure water is. Jennifer loves her two dogs, her husband, the amazing garden he grows and living in the country—in that order. Crafting, reading and cooking from the garden are her favorite ways to spend her time.
I have a question for Jennifer Casey about making the most out of waste water. I have been using reverse osmosis (RO) water for some time and am worried about the amount of waste water that comes out of it. I would like to find a use for this water and have a few options and ideas: leave it in the soil (which I think might increase the salinity of the soil, resulting in unproductive soil); use it for washing clothes or utensils; or recycle in another filter for further treatment. While researching ways to reduce the waste water and reuse the water that comes out of the RO treatment, I came across one of your articles and was impressed by the way you deal with issues and explain things so precisely. Can you help with my issue? Thank you, Bharat
20 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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aSK THE ExPErTS
excellent Grape exportsPromotions are stepping up to support the late California grape season. The late season period (October through January) sees large volumes of California grapes exported—last season, product shipped after October 1 represented 35% of total exports for the entire season, which runs from May until January. To meet the late season export demand, there are plentiful supplies of green, red and black grapes, as a larger crop is expected this year over last season.(Source: freshplaza.com)
Protecting hawaiian PapayasWhile the debate rages on about the pros and cons of genetically modified crops, a research facility in Hawaii is working on developing a ringspot virus-resistant papaya—the old-fashioned way. The Oahu-based Hawaii Agriculture Research Center has received a federal grant to assist in cross-breeding a hybrid that will be resistant to the disease that ravaged the Big Island papaya industry in the 1990s. Stephanie Whalen, the center’s executive director, says the effort involves what she describes as a distant cousin of the papaya that is native to South America. Vasconcellea pubescens, also known as the mountain papaya, has shown resistance to the virus. Researchers hope to find an offspring of that match that is fertile and carries the virus-resistance gene.(Source: bigislandnow.com)
California Kiwi Crop reportCalifornia’s kiwifruit crop is expected to be
similar to last year. The preliminary crop estimate for the 2013/14 crop is 7.1 to
7.5 million 7-lb. tray equivalents. All growing regions experienced strong
winds in early summer, resulting in broken canes and crop loss. All growing regions received sufficient chilling hours for the 2013/14 season.
(Source: kiwifruit.org)
22 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Max FaCTS GrOWiNG TiPS, NEWS aNd Trivia
MAXFACTS GROWING TIPS, NEWS AND TRIVIA
Chicago embraces Aquaponic Greens An online retailer will offer organic, aquaponic greens in the Chicago area from local indoor farmer FarmedHere. Peapod plans to offer FarmedHere’s salad mixes, baby arugula, sweet and Thai basil, mint and vinaigrettes. FarmedHere has the only USDA organic-certified aquaponic indoor growing system. The company does not use chemicals or pesticides, and its vertical farming methods result in 12 times the yield of traditional agriculture.(Source: supermarketnews.com)
exports Grow organicallyThe United States and Japan have formed a partnership that will recognize the two organic programs as equivalent and allow for access to each other’s markets. The United States Department of Agriculture continues to expand markets for American organic products abroad, works aggressively to break down barriers to trade and assists US businesses with the resources needed to reach consumers around the world. American organic exports to Japan are currently estimated at $80 million, with growth due to the arrangement expected to reach at least $250 million in 10 years. (Source: usda.gov)
Creating a Cranberry CravingGrowers of Wisconsin’s largest fruit crop will get some help from the federal government to conduct research industry leaders say will help promote cranberries to markets across the globe. As part of $52 million in US Department of Agriculture grants to support specialty crop producers, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will
partner with University of Wisconsin researchers to help cranberry growers reduce pesticide use and environmental threats. Leaders with the Wisconsin
State Cranberry Growers Association, as well as the US Cranberry Marketing Committee, have been working for several years to draw international interest in
the tart fruit, especially in Wood County, which boasts the largest concentration of cranberry marshes in the state and the world’s largest cranberry processing plant.
Wisconsin also is the largest cranberry-yielding state in the nation.(Source: postcrescent.com)
24 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Max FaCTS GrOWiNG TiPS, NEWS aNd Trivia
Pitcher Plants Pitcher plants are car-nivorous plants whose prey-trapping mechanism features a deep cavity filled with liquid, known as a pitfall trap. Foraging, flying or crawling insects such as flies are attracted to the cavity formed by the cupped leaf, often by visual lures such as anthocyanin pigments and nectar bribes. The sides of the pitcher are slippery and may be grooved to ensure that the insects cannot climb out. Through a mecha-nism of digestion, the prey is converted into a solution of amino acids, peptides, phosphates, ammonium and urea, from which the plant obtains its mineral nutrition (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus). Carnivorous plants occur in locations where the soil is too poor in minerals or too acidic for most plants to be able to grow.(Source: sciencedaily.com)
Connecticut’s largest Urban GreenhouseBoot Camp Farms founder and CEO Antonio St. Lorenzo will oversee the construction of a flagship farm and community training center on Central Avenue in the East End of Bridgeport in Connecticut where the company will turn blighted brownfields into sustainable urban farms with 80,000 sq. ft. of computer-controlled greenhouses to produce 800,000 lbs. of fresh produce per year for local consumption. The urban greenhouse will also add 40 full-time green collar jobs to the community and will be the largest hydroponic farm in Connecticut when complete.(Source: bootcampfarms.com)
26 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Max FaCTS GrOWiNG TiPS, NEWS aNd Trivia
the root of the MatterLateral roots, as the name implies, are secondary roots that grow laterally out of a plant’s main root, much like branches grow out of the trunk of a tree. The arrangement of these roots is determined by a complicated combination of environmental signals based on the availability of nutrients and water in the surrounding environment, hormonal signals and external stimuli. The presence and strength of each of these signals act as a cue to the plant, which can then make a decision about when and where to form a lateral root. A new study on nitric oxide, commonly thought to be an important regula-tory and signaling molecule in plant root formation, has found that nitric oxide may in fact have the opposite effect as previously found and might actually inhibit root branching.(Source: sciencedaily.com)
hydroponics industry on the increaseIn the last five years, revenue for the hydroponic crop farming industry has maintained positive growth, states a report from IBISWorld. In the last five years, the number of people shifting to healthy eating and organic produce steadily increased and due to extreme weather conditions damaging many crops for field farmers, grocery stores and farmers’ markets turned to hydroponic farmers to meet this growing demand, states the report. (Source: leamingtongrower.com)
taking a Good Foodie PhotoConsidering taking and posting pictures of your hard-earned yields? The one thing you can do to make your food photos look better is to use natural light. Don’t use overhead lighting, which casts a yel-low greasy-spoon look to a plated dish, and definitely don’t use an on-camera flash. Set your dish near a window and turn off any nearby artificial lights. The indirect light from a window will illuminate your food just right. Try to photograph with the light at your back or to the side of a dish, so that the shadows are to the side or behind it. If you have a window that lets in loads of direct sunlight, you can cover it with a white sheet to soften the light. You can also use a white sheet or white poster board facing the window to bounce light back on the shadowed side of the food, filling in those shadows with a little bit of extra light. (Source: mnn.com)
28 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Max FaCTS GrOWiNG TiPS, NEWS aNd Trivia
Speeding Up Sweet Potato harvestsA machine designed by a group of Mississippi State University researchers could help sweet potato farmers reduce skinning injury to potatoes and speed up harvest. The undercutter prototype, made from off-the-shelf components, shows early potential to help lower harvest and post-harvest losses caused by skin-ning, says Jason Ward, assistant extension professor in MSU’s Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department. Problems stemming from skin abrasions that happen during digging and handling account for 20 to 25% of storage losses. The
undercutter digs below the surface with a V-shaped blade to cut the roots that feed the potato from the soil. This stops the flow of nutrients and water to the potato and induces a state of shock that causes the skin to toughen.(Source: freshplaza.com)
Nation’s First Non-profit Supermarket opensA hunger-relief agency’s pledge to build America’s first non-profit supermarket was greeted skeptically at first. However, Philabundance may be confounding local doubters. Its Fare & Square grocery store, seven years in the making, recently opened its doors in Chester, a low-income area lacking ready access to healthy food. Usually in the business of distributing donated food to pantries in the Delaware Valley, Philabundance has augmented its mission and become a store owner, charging prices eight to 10% lower than small urban grocers. Anyone can shop at the 16,000-sq. ft. store, but low-income people will be offered an advantage. Shoppers with annual incomes equal to or less than twice the federal poverty level of around $23,000 for a family of four can accrue 7% store credit each time they shop, to be applied toward future purchases. (Source: articles.philly.com)
30 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Max FaCTS GrOWiNG TiPS, NEWS aNd Trivia
NeWCoMPANY NAMe
iSlAND(SAleS)
A Goodwill GreenhouseGoodwill’s latest classroom doesn’t have desks—it has plants. Goodwill’s Good-to-Grow Greenhouse will be a part of the organization’s job training program. David Tobiczyk, vice president of marketing and development for Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, says the greenhouse is a one-of-a-kind thing for the organization. “Usually greenhouses are not what people think of Goodwill for, but we know that there’s an opportunity to let people know more about how greenhouses work and maybe get a job in that area,” he says. According to Goodwill, the greenhouse will teach workers how to grow fresh pro-duce and flowers, and will help prepare them for careers in the horticulture, food service and retail industries. The 18-ft. by 30-ft. green-house is expected to be in full operation by the first week of December.(Source: wesa.fm)
Small PotatoesLong fries and large baked potatoes
might be less plentiful this holiday season, thanks to Washington’s hot
summer. The year started out with wonderful growing conditions, says Chris
Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission. Then in late June, it got hot and stayed hot, causing potato plants to wither starting August 1, a month sooner than normal. But while the size of this year’s spuds is expected to be smaller than last year’s, quality is good and the prices farmers will receive for fresh market potatoes are better. (Source: thenewstribune.com)
32 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Max FaCTS GrOWiNG TiPS, NEWS aNd Trivia
iPonic 614The iPonic 614 from Link 4 is the ultimate growroom controller. With this fully programmable, versatile and easy-to-use controller, you will be able to monitor, schedule and co-ordinate all of your various growroom equipment, including CO2. Take control of your growroom from anywhere in the world using the Internet, and the results will be better yields, less headaches and big-time money savings. The iPonic 614 offers you complete peace of mind with its web-based control and monitoring capabilities. The controller can even alert you to problems before they become emer-gencies via text or email. The days of being chained to your growroom are over. Free yourself with the iPonic 614. To learn more, visit an indoor gardening retailer.
Aquatic life’s KDF 85/Catalytic Granular Activated Carbon CartridgesAquatic Life’s KDF 85/Catalytic Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) cartridges are designed to reduce and remove iron and hydrogen sulfide from municipal and other water supplies. Effective in controlling the build-up of bacteria, algae, fungi and scale, the KDF 85/Catalytic GAC cartridge is ideal for use as an inline carbon filter. The high-quality media, consisting of a mix of KDF 85 and granular activated carbon, reduces the taste, odor and dissolved organic chemicals from water sup-plies, resulting in the removal of 99% of dissolved metals. Additionally, the high surface area of the cartridge results in an exceptionally high capacity and efficiency. The KDF 85/Catalytic GAC cartridge is a great complement to the RO Buddie and other reverse osmosis systems where there are high levels of chlorine, chloramines and water-soluble heavy metals in the tap water. For more information, visit a specialty gardening store.
QUeSt Dual 155 Perfect for indoor growing, the QUEST Dual 155 will remove approximately 155 pt. (80ºF/60%RH) in a typical growroom. Using minimal energy, at only 8.0 amps, the Dual 155 is nearly 50% more energy efficient than many Energy Star-rated dehumidifiers (the QUEST 155 Dual performs at 7.3 pt. per kWh). By consuming less energy, the QUEST Dual 155 creates about 22% fewer BTUs than most alternatives. Second only to the QUEST Dual 105, the Dual 155 is one of the most energy ef-ficient dehumidifiers out there. In addition to the estimated annual electrical savings exceeding $1,200 a year, the QUEST Dual 155 includes a five-year warranty and is made in the United States. Visit an indoor gardening retail store for more information.
Autopilot 8-light and Autopilot 12-light ControllersNow available from Hydrofarm, Autopilot 8-Light and 12-Light Controllers are de-signed to safely control modern digital ballasts. These commercial controllers feature an integrated time delay to soft start each bank of four lights, reducing the start-up load. External breakers allow the user to easily shut down power to attached equipment. The Autopilot 8-Light and 12-Light Controllers are built to last, with steel construction and heavy-duty relays. They are designed to oper-ate multiple HID or fluorescent lamps. To find out more, visit a local retailer.
34 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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PrOduCT SPOTLiGHT
YOUR GUIDE TO THIS MONTH’S
hotteSt iteMSAsk for them at your local indoor gardening store
SuperCloset BubbleFlow Buckets SuperCloset’s BubbleFlow Buckets and BubbleFlow Bucket Rings com-bine deep water culture and bottom flow hydroponic methodologies to promote even nutrient circulation and eliminate uneven pH and nutrient pockets. The size of the BubbleFlow Buckets encourages greater root expansion and ultimately increases overall yield per plant. In addition, the adjustable connections on the buckets allow for various configura-tions that can suit any grow space. Because of the custom-designed drain valve and tube configuration, BubbleFlow Buckets drain and fill incredibly easy. Overall maintenance on BubbleFlow Buckets is minimal and the system can be stacked and moved easily and efficiently. The BubbleFlow Buckets 6 is sold as six BubbleFlow Buckets, a control reservoir, a 185-gph pump, and all fittings, connections, tubings and air stones. Visit an indoor garden retail store for more details.
36 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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PrOduCT SPOTLiGHT
hurricane After BurnerSunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of The Hurricane™ After Burner™ High Output Mixed Flow Fans. These fans offer superior performance and outstanding efficiency at an affordable price. This premium lineup of fans are manufactured to the highest degree of ventilation standards. The After Burner motor was designed to produce intense CFM’s to supply powerful airflow for multiple reflectors and carbon filters in the growing environment. Installa-tion is simple and each fan comes pre-wired with a 7-ft., 120-V power cord. For more information, visit a nearby indoor garden center.
Xtreme Gardening CalCarb Foliar Booster CalCarb is the key to dense fruit and flower development. CalCarb is a unique form of calcium carbonate plants are able to absorb through foliage and quickly convert into calcium and carbon dioxide. Calcium is critical to plant health, contributing to the strength of cell membranes and regulation of nutrient use. CO2 is basically jet fuel for photosynthesis, allowing for higher growth rates and heavier yields. Unlike other sources of CO2, CalCarb does not require machinery or regulators, just simply spray the underside of plant leaves once a week and watch your plants take off. CalCarb works from inside the cell wall of leaves, meaning it does not require a sealed room. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. CalCarb helps shield plants from powdery mildew by raising the pH on foliage and can be used with any nutrient line. Use Cal-Carb and Spray on the SunshineTM. Now available in 15-lb. bags. Visit a local retailer for more information.
titanium Precision Pruners and titanium Bonsai ShearsTitanium Precision Pruners and Titanium Bonsai Shears are two new offerings from Hydrofarm. Both items feature a titanium blade coating three times harder than steel, making for more durable blades that stay sharper longer. This allows for clean and precise cuts on plants. The Titanium Precision Pruners are ideal for cutting flowers and snipping herbs without bruising delicate stems and leaves. The spring-action feature opens the blades after each cut to reduce hand strain, as do the ergonomically designed, ultra-lightweight, double density comfort grip, anti-slip soft gel handles. The curved-blade shears are 6.5-in. long and come with a convenient holster, a safety lock and a high-quality spring. Titanium Bonsai Shears are designed for making clean and precise cuts on bonsai and other smaller plants, with angled blades for easier access to tight spots. The shears feature ergonomically designed, ultra-light comfort grip, anti-slip soft gel handles. They have a 1.5-in. cutting capacity and are 6-in. long. To find out more about these products, visit your nearest garden or farm supply store today.
38 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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Grozone Control lS8 light SwitcherGrozone Control is proud to announce the newest addition to its high-quality controller family, the LS8 Light Switcher. This unit is powerful enough to switch up to eight 1,000-W, 240-V HID lights. This convenient switcher can activate eight lights with one single trigger input, or two 4-light zones with two trigger inputs. The
LS8 is expandable and includes a 120-V service outlet for accesso-ries and daisy chaining up to four units. The LS8 is built with reliable, ballast-grade relays for long-term use, and industrial-grade breakers to protect your equipment. Easy to use and built to last, the LS8 is also ETL listed. Switching your lights with Grozone LS8 is a bright idea. For more information, visit a local indoor gardening store.
have a Bountiful harvest with a Bountea hydrateThe easy-to-use Bountea Hydrate water purification and enhancement system delivers exceptional water quality without wasting electricity or water. Using patented FDA- and NSF-certified technology, this system decon-taminates, purifies and enhances water, making it the key to better compost tea brewing and optimal plant yields. In addition to remov-ing chlorines, chloramines and other chemicals, the Bountea Hydrate enhances water with ions that improve water’s ability to deliver nutrients. And when your system needs a refresh, refill cartridges are also avail-able. Visit an indoor gardening store to learn more.
Can-Filters Adds Max-Fan Pro SeriesSome people copy, we innovate. At Can-Filters, we have developed fans that are even more efficient and even stronger than our original Max-Fan™ design. The Max-Fan Pro Series™ has a more robust housing due to the fiberglass reinforced plastic compounds that meet all UL and CSA requirements. The Max-Fan Pro Series is quieter and stronger and features three-speed control for true performance. For more information and contact details, visit a local retailer. The Max-Fan Pro Series is available in the following capacities:
• Max 6-in. Pro Series 420 CFM—EZ Mount, 66 W• Max 8-in. Pro Series 863 CFM—EZ Mount, 179 W• Max 14-in. Pro Series 2,270 CFM—3.5 Amps, 349 W• Max 16-in. Pro Series 2,299 CFM—3.5 Amps, 349 W
Santa’s Favorite Pot Christmas Posters from Smart PotIt’s that time of year again—Christmas. It’s one of our favorite times of the year here at High Caliper Growing because, as we all know, the Smart Pot® is Santa’s favorite growing container. To celebrate the season, we are proud to announce the release of our new 2013 Smart Pot Santa’s Favorite Pot Christmas poster. We think this year’s poster is the best one yet. Look for it at your favorite hydroponic shop, or you can find it on our website (smartpots.com). If your favorite store doesn’t have one yet, let us know and we will send them one. If you would like one, they can be purchased on our website, or check out our Facebook page for giveaways. From all of us here at High Caliper Grow-ing, we would like to thank all of you for making Smart Pot number one, and we would like to wish you and yours a very merry Christmas!
40 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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Adjust-A-Wings Double ended large reflectorSunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of the Adjust-A-Wings Double Ended Large Reflector. This reflector was made specifically for double-ended 1,000-W HPS horticulture lamps (not included). Full spectrum DE Lamps used in the fixture focus on the red component for increased photosynthetic response. They offer improved PAR values and increased PAR/lumen maintenance (up to 90% PAR at 10,000 hours of operation). Unmatched in output, uniformity and performance, you can’t afford not to have this reflector in your growroom. This great new reflector features all the great Adjust-A-Wing attributes gardeners have grown to love. Your plants will thank you! Visit a local retailer for more information.
Xtreme Gardening’s Giant Pumpkin Kit: Growing the Big oneAfter helping shatter seven world records and dozens of state records for plant growth, Xtreme Gardening has created a way for anyone to try their hand at growing the big one. The Xtreme Giant Pumpkin Kit is a take-home kit containing all the essential tools needed for gardening at a competi-tive level. It includes the three go-to products for maximum growth: Mykos faster and stronger mycorrhizae, Azos growth-promoting microbes and CalCarb foliar booster. It also includes four top-genetic, GPC-certified seeds from proven giants, as well as a how-to book describing and depicting the steps necessary to ensure your pumpkins reach their full potential. Although tailored for giant pumpkins, the kit includes products proven to enhance all plant growth, from tomatoes and pep-pers to flowers and herbs. Visit the nearest indoor grow store for further details.
QUeSt Dual 105When it comes to energy efficiency, the QUEST Dual 105 is tough to beat. At only 4.9 amps, the QUEST Dual 105 uses less than half the energy of many Energy-Star rated dehumidifiers (the QUEST 105 Dual performs at more than 8.8 pt. per kWh). Perfect for indoor growing, the Dual 105 will remove approximately 105 pt. (80ºF/60%RH) in a typical growroom. The QUEST Dual 105 was designed to be installed overhead, can be placed on a small shelf, or even set on the floor for immediate plug-and-play performance. If additional space is required, an optional duct kit is available, allowing the unit to be installed outside of the growroom. In addition to the estimated annual electrical savings exceeding $1,200 a year, the QUEST Dual 105 includes a five-year warranty and is made in the United States. Visit an indoor garden retail store for more information.
SuperCloset’s SuperroomThe crown jewel of SuperCloset’s SuperRoom collection is the 10-ft. by 20-ft. SuperRoom. This behemoth of a tent enclosure features eight lighting systems powered by Lumatek ballasts and housed in the new Blazer Air-Cooled Reflectors, which are air-cooled by an 8-in. Hurricane Inline Fan. The internal air is exhausted by a 12-in. Hurricane Inline Fan and filtered through a 12-in. Phresh carbon filter. The heart of the system is the Bubble Flow Bucket hydroponic system that supports 48 large plants spread evenly throughout the SuperRoom. A nutrient starter kit, thermometer/hygrometer, TDS meter, pH kit and other accessory components round out the complete SuperRoom package. If you want the best large-scale, commercial-grade grow tent package, the 10-ft. by 20-ft. SuperRoom will delight again and again. For more information, ask a local retail store.
42 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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See the light with a 600-W Sunleaves Simple hPS BallastGardeners looking for an economical ballast to power their indoor gar-den will love the 600-W Sunleaves Simple HPS Ballast. This magnetic ballast features durable steel housing, UL-listed components and a two-year warranty to ensure reliable operation. The ballast includes a 120-V power cord but easily switches to 240-V input with a dedicated cord (sold separately). Learn more at an indoor gardening retail store.
44 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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Choose Your Climate with a Utopian Systems Portable DehumidifierThe UL-listed Utopian Systems Portable Dehumidifier is perfect for removing excess humidity from indoor spaces, and now it’s available in a larger capacity. The new 6-pt. per day model is ideal for areas up to 4,000 sq. ft. and allows users to set the desired humidity level between 35% and 85% relative humidity in 5% increments. When the water tank reaches capacity, the unit automatically shuts off until the tank is emptied. For convenience, the unit has the option to attach a hose for continuous drainage. A remov-able, washable filter helps ensure good output air quality. The portable dehumidifier also features auto-restart after a power interruption, a 24-hour programmable timer, two fan speeds and a one-year warranty. Visit an indoor gardening store for more information.
Corona tools Now Available from hydrofarmAn authentic American brand, Corona Tools were born in the orange
groves of California in the 1920s. Since then, generations of agricultur-ists, gardeners, landscapers, arborists and construction professionals
have turned to Corona for high-quality performance tools that work as hard as they do. With decades of tool design and innovation,
Corona Tools are the preferred choice for skilled professionals right up to the budding novice. The right tool for the job saves,
time, energy and money! To find out more, visit your favorite indoor gardening shop.
Progress earth’s Vortex Brewer for Compost teaThe unique Vortex Brewer® Compost Tea System design and proprietary organic and BioDynamic compost tea formulas from Progress Earth help farmers and gar-deners grow nutrient-dense produce and plants with amazing results. Brewing compost tea is the act of growing beneficial micro-organisms, or microbes, to extraordinary concen-trations using premium compost, mineral catalysts, biological food sources and aeration. The air allows the mi-crobes to breathe and replicate, similar to how aeration works in an aquarium. Microbes bring balance to the soil food web and perform miraculous functions in the garden, including resistance to stress and draught, mitigating pests and disease and making per-fect plant food. Ask about the Vortex Brewer at a local garden store.
ecoPlus Adjustable Flow rate Water PumpsSunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of EcoPlus Adjustable Flow Rate Water Pumps. This new line of adjustable water pumps offer an energy efficient magnetic rotor with a ceramic shaft, vastly improving the GPH and head pressure that is needed in hydroponic systems and outdoor fountains. These pumps are manufactured with a built-in flow regulator, allowing full adjustability of water movement. Included with each pump are three sizes of fittings that easily attach to the outside threaded distribution outlet. The 172-gph through 370-gph models include a 6-ft., 120-V power cord. The 528-gph through 1,269-gph models include a 15-ft., 120-V power cord. Every model comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty. Visit the nearest indoor gardening store for more information.
Xtreme Gardening once & Done 3-PacksOnce & Done is a new, unique way of feeding new plant starts. Once & Done is available in biodegradable packets filled with premium organic and natural plant food. The design keeps nutrients near the roots where they need to be and the slow release source of food continuously feeds for up to four months (unlike liquid and soluble fertilizers that leech out almost immediately). The effectiveness of Once & Done for slowly feeding plants makes it ideal for tender new starts that are often overfed and can easily burn. Once & Done also provides Plant Insurance™ by preventing many of the deficien-cies that may occur during a plant’s life cycle. Packets are ideal for indoor and outdoor container gardens and can be combined with any other nutri-ent program (use only one to two packets per plant site). Once & Done is especially great for soil and coco. Visit a local grow shop for more information.
Secondary optical lens for KiND leD’s K3 SeriesKIND LED has added a secondary optical lens onto the K3 series to provide maximum photosynthetic penetration of plant canopy all the way down to the stem. Now indoor gardeners will be able to mimic the sun’s natural photosynthetic progression of rays as they strike a plant across its entire body. Photosynthetic penetration is important for overall plant health and vitality and the new secondary optical lens on the K3 series does an excellent job of facilitating this penetration. The K3 series is helping to revolu-tionize the LED grow light industry with all new features, including the secondary optical lens. Visit a local retailer for more information.
46 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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technaflora launches the easy-Pour SpigotTechnaflora Plant Products is thrilled to introduce our easy-pour spigot made to function in harmony with our 5.28-gal. carboy product line. Technaflora’s carboy line incorporates a new cap with 0.75-in. threading, purposed to accommodate our easy-pour spigot and ultimately offers the end user a more convenient and mess-free way to distribute our products that eliminates unnecessary waste and overflow. The spigot can be used with a variety of Technaflora’s other products supporting the new cap, such as BC Hydroponic Nutrients™, SugarDaddy™, Thrive Alive-B1™ Red & Green and MagiCal™. For more information, visit your favorite grow store.
Pondmaster Clearguard Pressurized Pond FiltersThere is now a great filtration device available for ponds at an affordable prize through Danner Manufacturing. Pondmaster Clearguard Pressurized Pond Filters are easy to use and versatile, having seven functions including filtering, backwashing, rinsing, winterizing, emptying, circulat-ing and closing. The filters feature reusable pads to remove fine debris and polish water fast, and a combination of biological and mechanical media for maximum water clarity and healthier ponds. Pondmaster Clearguard Pressurized Pond Filters are available in 2,700, 5,500, 8,000 and 16,000-gal. sizes and are available with or without a UV clarifier. Filters include both slip and barbed fittings and can be used with the Clearguard Backwash Air Kit to obtain the ulti-mate backwash performance. Ask a gardening supply store for more information.
ozone environmental technologies’ Uvonair room Model Ozone Environmental Technologies has been a leader in hydroponic ozonation since 1994. The company’s extensive line-up of Uvonair products are manufactured in North America using only the highest quality components on the market. In an effort to continue to improve its products, the company has developed a new and improved room model, which has a slightly newer design. This new design, built using a stronger polycarbonate plastic, achieves a more aerodynamic design and will increase durability and air flow, which will add an increase of 15 % in ozone produc-tion. All models conform to UL safety standards. Ask a local indoor gardening supply store for more details.
royal Gold Coco Royal Gold is proud to be one the largest coco fiber soil and soilless producers in North America. Ready for use right out of the bag, Royal Gold Coco is processed and rinsed in Humboldt County, California, with the utmost care and attention. The finest grade of coco fiber is imported from consistent and repu-table sources for all Royal Gold products. The Royal Gold crew then washes the select fibers to remove any residual salt content with pure Humboldt rainwater from our in-house water catchment sys-tem. We then begin our proprietary buffering process. This gives the grower a ready-to-use product of unparalleled purity and consis-tency. Royal Gold does all this right here on North American soil, with pride! Use as a stand-alone medium or to enhance the perfor-mance of any native or bagged soil you prefer. Visit a local retailer for more information.
General hydroponics’ AzaMax AzaMax is a broad spectrum botanical insecticide, miticide and nematicide. It is made from Azadirachtin, which is extracted from neem, a tree known for its innumerable benefits. Multiple modes of action eliminate current pests and prevent future generations from forming. The special feature of AzaMax is that it does not use hard chemical solvents and instead uses food-grade formulation ingredients. AzaMax is OMRI listed and licensed in all 50 states. For more information, ask a local indoor gardening store.
48 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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Aquaponic Worms
F.A. . by
Sylvia Bernstein
Many people are surprised to hear that worms are an important part of an aquaponic system. Sylvia Bernstein explains why and answers a
few frequently asked questions.
QAD
50 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Anyone who has taught courses or given presentations about media-based aquaponics has experienced the unique reaction people have when they are told that worms are an important part of the ecology of an aqua-ponic system. The expression that spreads over their faces reveals a mental connection being made between the futuristic coolness of aquaponics and the comforting familiarity of traditional, soil-based gardening. For many, this linkage is the final piece they needed to become convinced that aquaponics truly is a natural system.But often you will see that expression fol-
lowed by a frown of skepticism. How can a creature that normally lives in terra firma possibly survive and thrive in the watery environment of an aquaponic grow bed? We get a lot of questions like this about worms and their use in aquaponics, so I thought it was a good idea to dedicate an article to the most frequently asked questions about aquaponic worms. Here goes…
Q: How do worms benefit my media-based aquaponic system?A: They break down the solid waste from the fish, and excess roots and other materials that plants slough off, and make nutrients from these materials available to the plants through their excrement—vermicompost. This additional
AQUAPONIC WORMS
Worms are an important part of the ecology
of an aquaponic system."
metabolic layer in media-based systems is what allows media growers to avoid both the requirement to filter out solid waste and the requirement to frequently clean out their grow beds. A 12-in. deep grow bed with a healthy population of worms will probably only need to be cleaned out every few years. Vermicompost, and the tea that results from soaking vermi-
compost in highly oxygenated water (such as the conditions AD
52 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
A 12-in. deep grow bed with a healthy
population of worms will probably
only need to be cleaned out every
few years." when you pull out a plant. They will be intertwined in the roots taking
care of sloughed-off dead root material.
Q: I heard that worms can carry E. coli. Is this true?A: No. Only if it is present in whatever media they are living in. In fact, worms have been shown to mitigate pathogens that affect humans. An April 15, 2010 article in the Journal of Environmental Protection titled “Earthworms: Charles Darwin’s Unheralded Soldiers of Mankind” stated: “The earthworms also release coelomic fluids that have anti-bacterial proper-ties and destroy all pathogens in the waste biomass [13]. They produce ‘antibiotics’ which kill the pathogenic organ-isms in the waste and soil where they inhabit and render it virtually sterile. It was reported that the removal of patho-gens, fecal coliforms (E. coli), Salmonella spp., enteric viruses and helminth ova from sewage and sludge appear to be much more rapid when they are processed by E. fetida. Of all E. coli and Salmonella are greatly reduced [14].”
found in an aquaponic grow bed), have been studied exten-sively by the Soil Ecology Lab at Ohio State University and found to aid in the following pest and disease issues: • Suppresses plant diseases, including pythium, rhizoctonia,
plectosporium and verticillium• Suppresses parasitic nematodes• Suppresses insects and pests such as tomato hornworms,
mealy bugs, spider mites and aphids
Q: How do worms survive in an aquaponic grow bed? Don’t they drown?A: We have all seen worms crawling out onto the sidewalk after a soaking rain, seemingly gasping for air. That they choose exposure to the sun and hungry birds over the water-logged soil seems to tell us that worms don’t like soaking wet environments. And what is an aquaponic grow bed if not a soaking wet environment? The difference with aqua-ponics is that they do not remain constantly full of water, but rather flood, and then drain. This allows for a drying-out period between soakings that also encourages air circulation within the grow media. This brings me to the most important reason why worms thrive within aquaponics—oxygen. The reason why those worms crawl from the soil to their death on the sidewalk is not because of the water, but because the water has forced the oxygen out of the soil. In aqua-ponics, not only does the flood and drain action pull oxygen into the grow bed media, but the water that is circulating throughout the system is highly oxygenated. In fact, I’ve found worms thriving within my sump tanks.
Q: Can you ever have too many worms?A: Sadly, no. My fish certainly wish there were too many worms! But the fact is that worms naturally adjust their popu-lation to match the conditions within their environment and as soon as those conditions no longer support additional worms they slow down or stop reproducing.
Q: I’m considering a system inside my home. Will they escape?A: Again the answer is no. Worms hate the light and are hap-piest in the moist darkness of your grow beds. The only time you will see your worms once they are in your grow bed is
AQUAPONIC WORMS
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54 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Q: How do I introduce the worms into my grow beds?A: You should exercise common sense with the introduction of anything into your aquaponic system, whether that be a pest control spray (even if it is organic), new fish (quaran-tine first!) or a new source of water or media. Accidentally introducing manure from warm-blooded animals that might harbor diseases such as E. coli. into your aquaponic system would not be smart. However, I have been told by our worm vendor that most responsible vermiculturalists rinse their worms after removing them from their compost home, at least twice, and then they use peat moss to ship them. He said that it doesn’t make sense to ship worms in manure or compost because it gives off heat and high heat is the biggest risk when shipping worms. That said, if you buy your worms from a less-than-professional source, or you harvest them from your own compost pile, you should clean the worms of
anything sticking to them before introducing them to your aqua-
ponic system. Better yet, purge their systems (guts) by putting them in wetted-down cornmeal for 24 hours (or use oatmeal or wetted-down Cream of Wheat). Then wash off the worms, and introduce them into the aqua-ponic system by laying them on top of the grow beds. They will quickly crawl into the media to escape the light.
AQUAPONIC WORMS
Most responsible vermiculturalists rinse their worms after removing them from their compost home."
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56 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Bringing
Inside:A Closer Look at Christmas Tree Care
Forest the
For those who opt for a cut or living Christmas tree during the holiday season, the care and culture of the tree while it is indoors is critical for
its prolonged use, and possibly its future life in your landscape.
by Chris bond AD
58 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
The debate over buying real versus fake Christmas trees has become almost as cliché as choosing paper or plastic, boxers or briefs. Whichever side you are on, there are a lot of facts that are lost in the debate. A live tree refers to any tree that is grown as a crop on a farm or plantation for the purposes of either being cut down (a cut tree) and used as a Christmas tree, or a tree that has its roots intact (a living tree), and has been dug out of the ground with the intent of transplanting it into another location at another time. A fake tree is manufactured out of synthetic material. If you opt for a cut or living tree, the care and culture of it while it is in your home is critical for its prolonged use, and possibly its future life in your landscape.
BRINGING A CUT TREE INSIDE THE HOMEYour cut Christmas tree is going to be a part of your family for several weeks. Even though your tree does not have roots anymore, it will still take up water and respire as if it did for a short time, and you can help to prolong this state. Clear an area for your tree that is away from any heat source such as a
fireplace, wood stove, radiator or register. These speed up the drying out process of your tree and reduce its useful life as well as increase its chance of becoming a fire hazard. If you cut the tree yourself, you can take it inside right away.
If the tree has been bound with twine or subject to the ele-ments for a while after being cut, you may need a period of acclimation for your tree. While the tree is still outside, cut the twine so branches can settle. This allows a chance for any chipmunk or other animal that may have taken temporary residence in your tree to scamper away. It also allows any ice or snow to melt and any field debris and dead needles to fall out before bringing it in. Next, make sure your tree stand has an adequate water reservoir.
Your tree may drink as much as 1 gal. of water per day at first, and reduce its consumption as the days and weeks progress. If your tree ceases to take up water, and you still require its services prior to Christmas, it may be necessary to remove it from its stand and give it a fresh cut along the bottom. The sap may have clogged up the tree's pores and blocked its ability to take up water.
BRINGING ThE FOREST INSIdE
“If the tree has been bound wIth twIne or subject to the elements for a whIle after beIng cut, you may need a perIod of acclImatIon for your tree.”
60 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
USES FOR YOUR CUT TREE AFTER THE HOLIDAYSOnce your tree has executed its duty faithfully, it can still serve useful purposes that will keep it out of a landfill. A dis-carded Christmas tree can become shelter and a habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife. You can stake it up in the yard and hang a bird feeder from it. You could also just toss it aside and let the animals find it themselves.Christmas tree branches can be cut up and placed over top
of overwintering perennials. The added insulation can help get them through the winter and provide structure to col-lect falling snow if you live in a northern climate, which adds protection from freezing temperatures. The trunk of your tree can be used as a fence post or stake
and the branches could be added to a compost pile. If you are so inclined, a formerly loved Christmas tree may add an element of whimsy to your garden.
CARE OF A LIVING TREE IN THE HOMEIf would rather purchase a living tree so you can plant it in your yard later, there are a series of steps that will help to make sure your tree survives. Living, coniferous evergreen trees are not conducive for prolonged life inside your home. They need to be acclimated to your home’s environment prior to being brought inside, and can only stay a few days so they do not break dormancy and begin to grow inside. If possible, bring the tree into a garage or unheated porch for several days prior to being brought in and then repeat the process on the tree's way out. Before you bring it in the house is the time to prepare its home for after the holidays. It is good practice to dig the planting hole before you bring the tree inside. You don’t want the tree’s roots exposed to freez-ing temperatures by being above ground once it is outside. If you cannot properly plant the tree until the spring, putting the tree’s roots in the ground and heavily mulching will keep it alive and healthy until it can be planted.
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BRINGING ThE FOREST INSIdE
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CULTURAL PRACTICES INSIDELike a cut Christmas tree, keep a living one away from heat sources. Avoid tricking the tree into thinking that it is now spring to prevent it from breaking bud and start growing for the year. Do not allow the tree to dry out, but do not over-water. Unlike a cut tree, which should be taking up a large volume of water over the course of its time in your stand, a living tree should be moistened before coming into the house, but then watered only if there is risk of the roots drying out. To determine this, insert a knife or other object four to six inches into the root ball and check to see if the soil is moist. Do not rely on the apparent moisture of the outside of the roots. You can keep a living tree inside the home for longer periods if you keep it in a cool environment.
POST-HOLIDAY CAREAfter you have acclimated your tree back to colder tempera-tures, take the tree out to the pre-dug hole. If the ground is not frozen, plant the tree as you would in
the spring or fall. If the ground is frozen, it is critical to keep those roots insulated. Mulch around the tree’s base with pine bark, straw, wood chips or anything you can mound at least 3 to 4-in. thick. The excess can be removed in the spring, and aesthetics should not be the concern at this time. Water the tree as soon as it is practical. If the roots are dry and allowed to freeze, there is a good chance your tree will not emerge out of the winter alive and well.
OTHER LIVING TREE OPTIONS FOR GROWING INSIDEIf you want a live or living tree, but cannot use a traditional evergreen tree, you have several options, many of which are suitable houseplants year-round in any climate. The Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is an excellent substitute and can be grown indoors. It is not an actual pine tree, but it is a coniferous evergreen, and can be decorated and lit up for the holidays just like any other traditional tree. They are quite common in garden centers and anywhere houseplants are sold.Rosemary plants, which are often pruned into a conical
shape, are becoming a popular alternative and can live on inside the home for many years as an addition to your kitchen garden. Many other herb plants can be used as well.There is no law that says your Christmas tree has to have
needles. A jade tree, an arboricola or any member of the fig family could be made jolly with the addition of some lights and ornaments, and return to service as your household foli-age plant after the holidays.
GROWING YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREESStarting your own mini Christmas tree plantation can be a fun way to ensure you will have a supply of varieties you like for many years. You will not be able to raise them indoors (if using traditional evergreen species), but you could get them started inside.Evergreen seedlings are often plentiful in early spring. If
you buy them in bulk, they can be obtained for as little as a dollar or two per piece. Create a potting mix that is acidic and drains well and pot each one individually in a gallon-sized
“If you cannot properly plant the tree untIl the sprIng, puttIng the tree’s roots In the ground and heavIly mulchIng wIll keep It alIve and healthy untIl It can be planted.”
nursery container. Water them as you would a house plant, until it is warm enough to place them outside. They can spend their first full year in the pot. Allow them to go dor-mant in the winter by placing them in a garage or by burying the pot for the winter to protect their roots. Seedlings can be planted in the field (or your yard) in early spring. Allow 8 to 10 ft. between each tree and shear them in mid-summer to keep their growth compact and conical.
A FINAL NOTEChristmas trees are a crop, just like corn, pumpkins or ber-ries. They are planted to be harvested. Because they stay in the ground an average of seven to 10 years each, they do a lot of good for the environment. They help to control erosion, act as a wind block, help to clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. And, since Christmas tree farm-ers are business people, for every tree that they sell, they will be planting at least one, and maybe five to 10 trees to replace those sold. Buying a real tree helps the environment and sup-ports small agri-businesses in your community. The process of selecting and cutting down a tree or taking one home with its roots intact can also be a fulfilling family event to add to the celebration of the holidays.
“chrIstmas trees help to control erosIon, act as a wInd block, help to clean the aIr by absorbIng carbon dIoxIde and gIve off oxygen.”
63Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Lumens are Humansfor
PAR Plantsisfor
What works best for us humans is not always best for the plants we are growing in our gardens. David
Kessler explains light from a plant's perspective.
by DaviD KessLer
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64 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
LUMENS ARE FOR hUMANS
It blew my 10-year-old mind when my all-knowing grand-mother told me that the blue jay we were watching was in fact not blue. She explained that light is composed of many colors, and it is the colors that are reflected, not absorbed, that our eyes perceive as the color of an object. This is a necessary reminder that what is perceived might not be what it appears to be. For decades, the indoor gardening community has used lumens as the standard increment for the measurement of light. Lumens were unfortunately a poor choice, and here’s why.
Lumens are essentially a measure of brightness based on human perception. A lumen is equal to the light emitted by one candle falling on one square foot of surface located one foot away. This mea-surement presumes a human is the perceiver of the light. Plants perceive light differently; from a plant’s perspec-tive, light that is useful for photosynthesis is not necessarily bright. Light– more specifically, visible light– is made up of wavelengths of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from 380 to 770 nm (nanometers). Plants use wavelengths from 400 to 700 nm for photosynthesis. Brightness does not accurately describe if the light will be more or less useful to a plant.
Light can be characterized in other ways when discussing its benefit to plants. Color temperature is often referred to in the horticultural industry on lamp boxes to describe the color of the light emitted by the lamp. Does 4,000 K grow a plant better than 7,500 K? Color temperature is listed in Kelvin (K), which is a measurement of temperature. The temperature of what you might ask? It is a description of the relative whiteness of a piece of tungsten steel when heated to that particular temperature in degrees Kelvin. This accu-rately characterizes the color of the light as we perceive it, but color temperature again fails to address how effective a particular light source will be at providing the energy neces-sary to drive photosynthesis.
“lumens are essentIally a measure of brIghtness based on human perceptIon. a lumen Is equal to the lIght emItted by one candle fallIng on one
square foot of surface located one foot away. ”
“color temperature Is often referred to In the hortIcultural
Industry on lamp boxes to descrIbe the color of the lIght
emItted by the lamp.”
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66 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
When trying to quantify how effective a light source is beyond the total output of μmol/second, you must con-sider one last piece of information– the size or area of your garden. Inevitably some of the photons produced will not reach your garden, so the most accurate representation of a light source’s ability to drive photosynthesis will take into account the area being lit and how many photons reach that given area per second. The formula that represents the effectiveness of a light source for photosynthesis is written as μmol/sq. ft./s. This descriptor is actually referred to as pho-tosynthetic photon flux density, or PPFD for short.
In light of all of the information above, let’s remember that lumens are not a useful descriptor of a light’s ability to drive photosynthesis. I think I will sit back with a drink and digest all of the information about PAR and PPFD while I watch the not-blue blue jay outside my window.
LUMENS ARE FOR hUMANS
But not to worry, there is in fact a measurement that pre-cisely describes how effective a particular light will be for growing plants– PAR, or photosynthetic active radiation. PAR spectrum accounts only for light, or more precisely, photons emitted between 400 to 700 nm. Scientists have concluded that it requires about nine photons to bind one CO2 molecule in photosynthesis. Even though blue photons have more energy, scientists have also found that there is little difference between the effectiveness of red versus blue photons at driving photosynthesis as long as the photons are within the 400 to 700 nm range. This leads to a direct correlation between the number of photons produced in the PAR spectrum by a given light, and the photosynthetic potential of that light.
Photons are emitted by light sources in large numbers so we do not talk about billions or quadrillions of photons; instead we refer to them using the multiplier moles, which stand for 6.0221415 x 1,023. To make the numbers even more accessible, the number of moles is often divided by one million, resulting in micro-moles. Light sources emit photons continuously over time so the number of micro-moles is more accurately described as μmol per unit of time (most commonly, seconds).
“there Is In fact a measurement that precIsely descrIbes how
effectIve a partIcular lIght wIll be for growIng plants—par, or
photosynthetIc actIve radIatIon.”
“when tryIng to quantIfy how effectIve a lIght source Is beyond the total output of μmol/second, you must
consIder one last pIece of InformatIon— the sIze or area of your garden.”
David Kessler heads research and development at Atlantis Hydroponics and writes for their popular blog. David has more than two decades of experience and multiple degrees from the State University of New York. He’s also an accredited judge for the American Orchid Society and travels the world judging orchid events. Follow his blog at atlantishydroponics.wordpress.com
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68 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Seeds and Meristemsby Grubbycup
Inside each seed is a small plant, living and waiting for conditions to initiate sprouting. Each seed usually includes a pair of growing tips known as apical
meristems. Grubbycup has the details on why meristems are so important throughout the life cycle of the plant, from germination to flowering.
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70 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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Seeds are amazing storage containers that allow a plant to travel through space and time. Inside each protective casing is a tiny plant held in stasis until it is exposed to condi-tions that initiate development and growth, along with some stored energy (endosperm) for the plant to get started with. The miniature plant inside often
has either one seed leaf or a pair of seed leaves. Along with the seed leaf (or leaves), the miniture plant inside the seed shell also usually has a pair of growing tips (apical meristems), one at the top of the stem (hypocotyl) that develops into the first true leaves at the top of the sprout, and one at the tip of the root (radicle) used for root development. Meristem cells are unusual in that they are a basic building block cell that can differentiate to become different types of cells depending on need and environement. Meristem cells can divide and generate new cells, an ability that becomes lost when they differentiate into the type of plant cell they ultimately become. Stems, leaves, roots and flowers all start as undifferentiated meristem cells that have differentiated into the vari-ous cells needed to form the plant parts and organs. Although meristem cells can transform into differ-ent cells, once a cell type is determined, it loses the ability to become one of the other types. In a nutshell (pun intended), a seed coat
protects a tiny plant that already has a root, stem and a leaf or two. The metabolism of the plant is slowed dramatically, and dehydration stalls development. The embryonic plant is well developed and alive in a viable seed. If the plant dies, or is fatally malformed, then the seed is dead and will not sprout. Some varieties of plant seeds remain viable for years; others are best used the following season.In general, moisture is bad for seeds unless they
are being sprouted. Moisture can enter into the seed through small holes in the seed coat called micropyles where it can stagnate and encourage anaerobic bacterial and fungal growth. Most seeds prefer to be stored in a dry, cool location until used.Under proper environmental conditions, mois-
ture entering the micropyles will induce sprout-ing. If the micropyles are deformed or blocked, germination may be difficult. To assist in sprouting such seeds, they may be soaked in water before
planting, or a small nick may be made in the seed coating (scarification). A small cut opposite
the hinge side of the seed can be made to allow mois-ture to be absorbed. An alter-native to cutting the
seed coat is to weaken it by scraping the seed against a bit of sandpaper or emery board.As the dried plant takes up the water, it starts to
grow. Since the tiny plant is no longer in stasis, it begins to need warmth, moisture and air. In fact, it becomes dependent on them. One way to reduce the number of weeds in a garden plot that relies on irrigation is to water an area so the weeds sprout, and then kill off the tender sprouts by allowing the area to dry out. Once seeds have started to sprout, they must either grow or perish.As the tiny sprout grows, it bursts through the
seed coat. The radius spreads under-ground to become the root
system. The seedling leaves will unfurl, the
seed coat will drop off and the shoot
apical meristem (growth tip) will develop the first true leaves and begin normal growth. Shoot
meristems are usu-ally indeterminate
and will continue to grow as long as condi-
tions permit and flower-ing is not triggered. Primary
meristem cells add to the height of the plant and the length of the roots, while secondary (lateral) meristem cells add to the girth of the trunk, branches and roots. Many plants have the ability to
not only produce a main apical meristem, but also develop lateral
growth tips. Plants that exhibit apical meristem dominance will produce a dominant shoot off the trunk that will inhibit the development of the side branches. By removing or pinching off the main apical meristem, lateral growth is encouraged.
“In general, moIsture Is bad for seeds unless they
are beIng sprouted.”
“InsIde each protectIve casIng Is a tIny plant held In stasIs untIl It Is exposed to condItIons that
InItIate development and growth.”
SEEdS ANd MERISTEMS
72 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
This is often done to encourage bushier growth. Catnip is an example of a plant that responds well to pinching. While catnip's normal growth habit is a long shoot with a large floral cluster at the top, if pinched back, lateral growth is encouraged, and it will produce several smaller clusters, making for a bushier and more attractive plant. Another important use of the apical meristem
is in vegetative propagation (asexual reproduc-tion). In many plants that have multiple growing tip nodes, undifferentiated meri-stem cells in the stem can develop into root tips. Air layering is one method used. In air layering, a branch is bent downward and a section of it is buried. The growth tip on the end of the branch is allowed to develop normally, but the buried meristem cells develop into root tips. Once the branch has estab-lished roots of its own, it can be cut from the parent plant and become independent. When taking cuttings from plants, remove a growth tip and branch from the parent plant and bury the stem for a similar result. The main differ-ence between air layering and cut-tings is that with air layering the branch continues to receive support from the parent plant, whereas with cuttings the growth tip is separated from the parent plant before the roots are established. Cuttings tend to need a lot of moisture to
survive, at least until they have developed a root system of their own. Cuttings are particu-larly sensitive to drying out and terminally wilting. They must not be kept too wet or fungal problems such as rots can develop
before the plant can become established. To assist in rooting, sometimes a rooting hormone auxin such as indolebutyric acid or naphthale-
neacetic acid is used. Although many cuttings will take directly
in soil, it is not uncommon to start cuttings in a deep water culture, aeroponic or hybrid system. Tomato plants are usually easy to reproduce by cut-tings and can be helpful in “proof of concept”
attempts at rooting cut-tings. Note that taking
cuttings of certain patented life forms may be illegal, so
only take cuttings from heirloom or other legal issue-free plants.
Some plants naturally use a reverse air layering technique to self-propagate. They send out shallow roots (runners) that can become exposed, triggering root meristem cells to become shoot meristem cells. This will cause new shoots to develop from the root, which may remain connected to the parent plant, or develop independently if the root connection becomes severed. When a plant becomes sexually mature
during flowering, the meristems at budding nodes differentiate into floral meristems. It is the floral meristems that create the flowering and reproductive organs that are used in normal sexual reproduction in plants. To summarize, inside each seed is a small
plant, living and waiting for conditions to initiate sprouting. Germination triggers meristem cell division, used for plant growth. Meristem cells are the stem cells of the plant world. They are impor-tant throughout the life of the plant from the tiny, embryonic plant encased in a seed coat, to a mature plant forming flowers and fruits.
“plants that exhIbIt apIcal merIstem domInance wIll produce a domInant shoot off the trunk that wIll InhIbIt the development of the sIde
branches. by removIng or pInchIng off the maIn apIcal merIstem, lateral growth Is encouraged.”
SEEdS ANd MERISTEMS
“merIstem cells are the stem cells of the plant world.
they are Important throughout the lIfe
of the plant from the tIny, embryonIc plant
encased In a seed coat, to a mature plant formIng
flowers and fruIts.”
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74 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Hydration StatuS? by Bill
DeBoer
What’S Your
Examining thE hYDration StatuS of SoftWooD anD SEmi-harDWooD CuttingSProper hydration is paramount to an individual’s success
rate with cuttings. Softwood cuttings are especially
sensitive, but semi-hardwood cuttings should be regarded
as well. Here is Bill DeBoer with some good tips on how
and why to rehydrate those precious, delicate cuttings.
76 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
“a Cutting ExpEriEnCing
WatEr StrESS or loWEr hYDration
Will havE a SmallEr ChanCE
of root formation rElativE to onE that iS
fullY hYDratED.”
hydRATION STATUS
Most green thumbs who propagate plants by cuttings are concerned with relative humidity, temperature, rooting hormones and media type. While all of these factors play an integral role in the success or failure of rooting, there is one factor that growers may be overlooking: water status. It is so simple and ambigu-ous that I would argue it is rarely, if ever, addressed by the propaga-tor. So, why do we care about how much water is retained in cuttings? In the case of softwoods, and to a lesser extent semi-hardwood cut-tings, proper hydration will directly impact turgor pressure. When the turgor pressure of a softwood cutting is high (in hydrated plants), the cuttings will feel rigid. Cuttings with low turgor pressure (as a result of water stress) will have a soft feel and will be noticeably wilted. A cutting experiencing water stress or lower hydration will have a smaller chance of root formation relative to one that is fully hydrated. Let’s explore some reasons why proper hydration is so important to the success of root formation on cuttings.
no rootS anD lEavES? WE maY havE a proBlEmRoots are a plant’s organs that take up water and nutrients. A combi-nation of water and nutrients is pulled up the plant through the evaporation of water from the leaves. Therefore, a plant’s cuttings will pump water out and become desic-cated quickly. Water stress will lead to biochemical signaling events that can partition energy away from reserves that would go toward root formation. In addition, the stress response can lead to the abscission or dropping of leaves in an effort to reduce water loss. Collectively, both factors will significantly reduce the odds of successful root formation.
lEaf aBSCiSSion (Drop)If the leaves are the source of water loss, why should it matter if they drop off? Won’t that help reduce water stress? Plants are certainly adaptable to certain stressors, and dropping leaves is a natural response
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78 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
to water stress. But things are not so black and white when we are deal-ing with a section of a plant. As you might already know, a plant’s main energy source (sugar) is produced in the leaves by using light energy, carbon dioxide and water. Eliminate the energy producing factories and the cutting will not have sufficient reserves to manufacture roots. Total failure will result. While saturated photosynthesis running on all cylinders is disadvantageous due to nutrient requirements (no roots to take them up), you do not want a complete shutdown either.
or cessation (during prolonged and extreme drought conditions) of a plant’s metabolism or the biochemical reactions needed to sustain normal functioning. Maintaining adequate hydration throughout the rooting pro-cess will reduce these negative events. Fortunately, there are ways to level the playing field and make sure all of the cuttings start off on the right foot.
hoW WE Can rEhYDratEIs simply placing the cuttings in a beaker of water enough? That may be adequate, but let’s look to the world of the florist to understand what factors will help promote fast, efficient water uptake. Cut flowers are often treated with hydration solutions. A hydration solution may contain any or all of the following chemicals: water, an acid, a germicide and a surfactant. The role of water is obvious, while acids have a two-fold purpose. Lowering the pH level to between 3 and 5 facilitates an opening of the conductive tissue (xylem/phloem), as blockages to the xylem will greatly slow down or completely block water uptake. To this end, make sure you re-cut each plant cutting underwater so that an air embolism or bubble does not form. Lowering the pH also helps to reduce microbial growth, which may or may not be paramount in this application. Next, a germicide will help sanitize microbes that have colonized the cut end or stem of the cutting. Using a germicide may provide dividends down the road in preventing fungal or bacterial infection that can rot the cut-ting. Lastly, a surfactant may accelerate the speed of water uptake by reducing surface tension. While this may help, I personally don’t believe it is necessary for re-hydrating plant cuttings.
hoW long to WaitWhile there are significant anatomical differences across plant species, the total length of the cutting will be the largest determining factor in deter-mining how long rehydration will take. As a general reference, a 2 to 3-in. cutting should fully rehydrate within 15 to 30 minutes.
“plantS arE CErtainlY aDaptaBlE to CErtain StrESSorS, anD Dropping lEavES iS a natural rESponSE to WatEr StrESS. But thingS arE not So BlaCk anD WhitE WhEn WE arE DEaling
With a SECtion of a plant.”
hydRATION STATUS
StrESS iS CoStlYTo ensure the highest probability of successful rooting of plant cuttings, a grower must minimize energy sinks and water loss while promoting fac-tors leading to root formation. Water is a lifeline to all levels of proper plant health, and water stress can be viewed as a decline in health. Think of the times when you are fighting a cold. How energetic do you feel, or how well do you perform other tasks? In this example, your body is expending considerable resources trying to fight off these invaders. Water stress will cause a slow down
80 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
in ConCluSionProper hydration is paramount to an individual’s success rate with cuttings. Softwood cuttings are especially sensitive, but semi-hard-wood cuttings should be regarded as well. The purpose of this article is to stress the importance of maintaining proper hydration of plant cuttings. If a plant is fully hydrated, subsequent rehydration will be of little use. Remember, the role of water in cuttings is multi-dimensional. Water accumulation within plant cells exerts pressure against the cell wall, which cre-ates the rigidity that keeps a plant upright. Loss of water pressure due to dehydration leads to wilting. Since cuttings do not have roots to uptake water, and a callus will eventually block uptake from the cut portion, the leaves will quickly become a major source of water loss, resulting in wilting and failure of the cuttings to root.Stressors like dehydration can
promote undesirable consequences like leaf abscissions or drop that will also decrease root formation. Stress is metabolically costly in that partitioning of resources to allevi-ate the stress will ultimately be taken away from the energy pool needed for rooting. While some cuttings will respond favorably to simply being immersed in water for rehydration, others will benefit from the addition of an acid or a surfactant to keep the conduc-tive tissue clear and to accelerate water uptake. Even though it is not commercially available, rehydra-tion solutions for cuttings could offer a potential vehicle, reinforc-ing leaves and thereby reducing leaf drop as well as delivering water soluble compounds promoting root initiation. While the traditional factors of
relative humidity, temperature, rooting hormones and media type are quite important when it comes to growing using cuttings, make sure those thirsty cuttings are fully hydrated, and I know you will be happy with the results!
hydRATION STATUS
“WhilE SomE CuttingS Will rESponD favoraBlY to SimplY BEing immErSED
in WatEr for rEhYDration, othErS Will BEnEfit from thE aDDition of an aCiD or a SurfaCtant to kEEp
thE ConDuCtivE tiSSuE ClEar anD to aCCElEratE
WatEr uptakE.”
82 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Christmas CaCtus plants
AVANT GARDENING
By heather rhoades
With its brilliant blooms providing
a splash of welcome color over the
holiday season, a Christmas cactus is a
pleasure to have around the house in
the winter. But what if it grows too big
for the space you've allotted for it? We
have the solution...
Because Christmas cactus plants are so easy to care for, it is not uncommon for a Christmas cactus to eventually grow to a monstrous size. While this is lovely to see, it can create problems for a homeowner with limited space. The solution is to prune the plant. Christmas cactus pruning is not just for large plants, either. Pruning a Christmas cactus, large or small will help it to grow bushier, which in turn results in more blooms in the future. So whether you are looking to simply reduce the size of your plant or make yours look even more beautiful, keep reading to learn more about how to trim a Christmas cactus.
Trimmi
84 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
When to prune Christmas CaCtus plantsThe best time to prune a Christmas cactus is right after it has bloomed. At this time, the Christmas cactus will be en-tering a growth period and will start to put out new leaves. Pruning a Christmas cactus right after it blooms will force it to branch out, which means the plant will grow more of its distinctive stems. If you are not able to do your Christmas cactus pruning right after it blooms, you can prune the plant anytime from after it blooms until late spring without doing harm to the Christmas cactus plant.
hoW to trim a Christmas CaCtusBecause of the unique stems, pruning a Christmas cactus is perhaps one of the easiest pruning jobs there is. All you need to do is give the stems a quick twist in between one of the segments. If this seems a bit harsh on your plant, you can also use a sharp knife or scissors to remove the segments. If you are pruning a Christmas cactus to reduce its size, you can remove up to one third of the plant per year. If you are trimming Christmas cactus plants to make them grow in more fully, you only need to trim one or two of the end seg-ments from the stems. The really fun thing about trimming a Christmas cactus is that you can easily root the Christmas cactus cuttings and give the new plants to friends and family.
ngTrimmi“you can prune the plant
anytIme from after It blooms untIl late sprIng
wIthout doIng harm.”
85Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
86 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Evolution of Hydroponic nutrit ion
tHE
by
Er
ic H
op
pEr
ovEr tHE last
dEcadE or so,
tHErE Has bEEn
a lot of
dEvElopmEnt
tHat Has
influEncEd tHE
way wE viEw
Hydroponic
nutrit ion.
EvEr wondEr
wHy tHat is?
EvOLUTION OF hydROPONIC NUTRITION
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88 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Indoor gardeners have witnessed many technological advancements over the last few years. While strolling through almost any indoor gardening retail store, grow-ers see various new lighting technologies, state-of-the-art atmospheric controllers, complex, ready-to-use hydroponic systems and ventilation and filter equipment. As a hydro-ponic store owner, I witnessed many new customers walk in and quickly become mesmerized by the various high-tech gadgets. These newcomers did not even realize they were walking right past some of the most incredible advance-ments in the industry. This is because these products didn’t have flashing lights or colorful boxes. Although many have fancy labels, all are destined to be stored in a plain container on a shelf with many other plain contain-ers that appear no different at first glance. I am, of course, talking about the bottles containing hydroponic nutrients that line the walls of the local hydroponic store.
Growers often walk by bottles of nutrients as they gaze at the latest and greatest inventions to hit the indoor horticulture market because nutrient bottles lack a cer-tain satisfaction that only a tangible object can give. I am not saying that gardeners don’t understand the impor-tance of using quality nutrients, but sometimes develop-ment of those nutrients is taken for granted. After all, hydroponic nutrients, like indoor gardening hardware,
“ NUTRIENT MANUFACTURERS ARE PAyING CLOSER ATTENTION TO ThE WAy ThEIR PROdUCTS INTERACT WITh EACh OThER.”
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90 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
have evolved immensely over the last 10 years. There have been major breakthroughs in the methods used to extract, create and culture various nutrients and supplements. Nutrient manufacturers are paying closer attention to the way their products interact with each other.
“ ONE OF ThE dISCOvERIES ThAT GREATLy AFFECTEd ThE hydROPONIC NUTRIENT INdUSTRy WAS ThE INvENTION OF ChELATEd NUTRIENTS FOR PLANTS.”
cHElatEd plant nutriEntsOne of the discoveries that greatly affected the hydroponic nutrient industry was the invention of chelated nutrients for plants. Many growers use fulvic and humic acids because of their ability to chelate organic compounds and aid in nutrient absorption. Scientists figured out a way to take this naturally occurring phenomenon and re-create it in the laboratory. This occurred in the early 1990s and since then has changed the way our plants take in nutrients, especially micronutrients. The process of chelation describes a way that particular ions and molecules bind with metal ions. Many of the essential micronutrients found in a plant’s diet are metals that, when chelated, can be absorbed more easily and used more efficiently by the plant. To create chelated micronutrients for hydroponics, the desired micronutrient is combined with fulvic acid, ammonia and hydroxy acid, and in some cases heated, until the desired metal chelates form. After the chelates are formed, a stabilizer is added and the chelated nutrients can be added as an ingredient to a fertil-izer or supplement. Chelated plant nutrients are stable and can be used in any hydroponic system, includ-ing high oxygen systems like aeroponic or top-drip systems. Chelated nutri-ents can also be used effectively in a foliar feeding program.
EvOLUTION OF hydROPONIC NUTRITION
In other words, more attention is being placed on how combining nutrients affects the end nutrient solution. Manufacturers are paying closer attention to the habits of the growers as well, which influences the way hydroponic nutrients are designed. There have also been major discov-eries regarding the microscopic world in and around the plant’s root mass. These discoveries have had a tremendous impact on the evolution of hydroponic nutrients. Many hydroponic nutrients and supplements now include ben-eficial micro-organisms in their formulation. Over the last decade or so there has been a lot of development that has influenced the way we view hydroponic nutrition. Each of these developments deserves its own recognition as being a major contributing factor in the top-notch fertilizers avail-able to today’s indoor horticulturist.
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92 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
pH stabil izErsFew parameters affect nutrient uptake in a hydroponic system as much as the solution’s pH. In fact, there is a desired pH range that hydroponic gardeners must stay within for their plants to uptake nutrients at all. One of the biggest frustrations for hydro-ponic gardeners is the constant battle trying to stabilize the nutrient solu-tion’s pH. Nutrient manufacturers are start-ing to understand that creating a pH-stable product is as important to creating success for the hydroponic grower as anything else. Some nutrient manufacturers have begun to add pH stabilizers to their nutrients to help curb undesired pH fluctuations. Other nutrient manufacturers are constantly test-ing and reformulating their products so they work synergistically without causing pH stabilization issues.
“ SOME NUTRIENT MANUFACTURERS hAvE BEGUN TO Add Ph STABILIzERS TO ThEIR NUTRIENTS TO hELP CURB UNdESIREd Ph FLUCTUATIONS.”
amino acidsAmino acids are essentially the building blocks of plant life. They are required for virtually every plant function to occur and are directly linked to a plant’s metabo-lism. Many amino acids are produced by the plants themselves and contribute to the synthesis of cellular molecules, including chlorophyll. Plants grown in less than desirable conditions experience stresses that
cause amino acid production to be hindered, which, in turn, causes stunted growth or reduced yields. By supplementing amino acids, a grower can help to negate the effects of many of the every-day stresses that may occur in an indoor garden,
before they affect the plant. Hydroponic nutrient manufacturers are not only adding amino acids to many fertilizers,
but are also creating specific amino acid supplements so the grower can add
them as needed or desired. It wasn’t neces-sarily the discovery of amino acids themselves that
influenced the evolution of hydroponic nutrition, as much as the discovery of how to effectively extract the desired amino acids. Enzymatic hydrolysis extraction of amino acids is one of the most influential discoveries to affect plant health in hydroponic systems. It allows for the separation and concentration of L-form amino acids that can be used to amend existing fertilizers or create powerful stand-alone additives.
EvOLUTION OF hydROPONIC NUTRITION
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94 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
bEnEfic ial micro-organismsOur further understanding of the complex symbiotic rela-tionships between a plant and the micro-organisms living around the plant’s roots has played a pivotal role in shaping modern hydroponic nutrition. Some of the hydroponic nutri-ents are broken down into a readily available form and actu-ally bypass the need to be broken down by a micro-organism. This does not mean that the plant does not benefit from supplemental beneficial micro-organisms. Aside from aiding in breaking down nutrients, micro-organisms stimulate root growth and defend a plant’s root zone from pathogens. Many hydroponic nutrient companies offer micro-organism supplements. These can range greatly and be either specific (sometimes containing one particular strain or one type of micro-organism for a specific purpose or benefit) or more generalized (containing a mix of various micro-organisms for a more general benefit). Micro-organisms used for indoor horticulture can be
broken down into three categories: mycorrhiza, trichoderma and bacteria. Each category contains many individual strains or varieties that can have varying benefits to plant growth. Each discovery made regarding these beneficial microbes and how they interact with plants (and each other) has con-tributed to our current understanding of plant nutrition and will contribute to the future of hydroponic nutrients.
EnzymEsEnzymes are specialized catalysts responsible for numerous chemical reactions happening in and around a plant at all times. Catalysts are substances that accelerate the rate at which a chemical reaction occurs. Enzymes, like other catalysts, are able to increase the rate of chemical reactions by lowering the energy required for the reaction. What makes enzymes dif-ferent from other catalysts is their selective nature—enzymes only react with one particular substrate. Some of the special-ized reactions created by enzymes are of great interest to the indoor horticulturist. Root stimulation and breaking down organic matter (dead root matter) are probably the two most common reasons indoor horticulturists use enzymes in a hydroponic system. Enzymes have become intertwined with many fertilizer regimens so growers could be using enzymes and not even know it. Some nutrient manufacturers sell enzyme formulas for a specific purpose, such as controlling or treating pythium, or for more generalized supplementation, such as root stimulation or maintaining root health.
“ By SUPPLEMENTING AMINO ACIdS, A GROWER CAN hELP TO NEGATE ThE EFFECTS OF MANy OF ThE EvERydAy STRESSES ThAT MAy OCCUR IN AN INdOOR GARdEN, BEFORE ThEy AFFECT ThE PLANT.”
EvOLUTION OF hydROPONIC NUTRITION
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96 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
nanotEcHnologyOne of the newer technologies sure to influence hydroponic nutrition in the future is nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. It is possible that some day all of our hydroponic fertilizers could be greatly influ-enced by this type of technology. The future uses of nanotechnology in indoor horticulture could include improving the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and the molecular treatment of diseases and pathogens.
tHE Evolution continuEsHydroponic nutrition is in a constant state of evolu-tion. Over the last couple of decades, we have seen our heightened understanding of plant nutrition, how pH affects nutrient uptake and how the relationship between plants and micro-organisms influence the way hydroponic nutrients are designed and used. There are always new technologies or discoveries just around the corner. Although the various hydroponic nutrient manu-facturers are competing against each other, they are all inadvertently working together to bring the grower the latest and greatest breakthroughs in plant nutrition. It is not just the manufacturers that play a crucial role in the evolution of hydroponic nutrients. The growers them-selves test and experiment with various combinations to find the best nutrient regimen for their individual needs. There is no sole determiner but instead it is the combi-nation of the scientific discoveries, the manufacturers and the growers that together shape the continuous evolution of hydroponic nutrition.
“ThE FUTURE USES OF NANOTEChNOLOGy IN INdOOR hORTICULTURE COULd INCLUdE IMPROvING ThE PLANT’S ABILITy TO ABSORB NUTRIENTS ANd ThE MOLECULAR TREATMENT OF dISEASES ANd PAThOGENS.”
EvOLUTION OF hydROPONIC NUTRITION
100 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
The Myth of
Night LightTrue or False? Unless you’re a poinsettia, increased light can’t hurt. Read on to find out...
by Dr.Linda Chalker-Scott
TIPS AND TRICKS
101Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
The MythAnyone who grows poinsettias and Christmas cacti knows that controlled light exposure is crucial for flower bud development. I heard a nightmarish story last year about a student intern who inadvertently turned on the lights of a greenhouse dedicated to poinsettia production; the entire crop was ruined as flower initiation was delayed past the holiday season. Other than these specialty flowering plants, however, the effects of artificial lighting on plant materials are rarely considered. Two of the high-quality characteristics of an urban or suburban environment are healthy green spaces and substantial night lighting. These two characteristics are most noticeable along streets and in parks. If anything, one might expect that this additional light (especially high-intensity lights) would aid nearby trees and shrubs by prolonging photo-synthesis. This is certainly effective in greenhouses—why not landscapes?
The RealityPlants that have evolved under a regime of seasonal changes are exqui-sitely adapted to these changes. While temperature and water levels can fluctuate dramati-cally throughout the year, the changes in
day length are constant and predictable. Summer solstice represents the longest day of the year—or, in the case of plants, the shortest night. As the summer con-tinues, day length shortens and nights lengthen. Temperate plants cue into this shift and at a particular light-to-dark ratio will initiate biochemical changes to prepare for winter dormancy. An uninterrupted dark period is critical for this process as well as for flower bud initiation in certain plants. In general, the harsher the winters, the earlier these changes occur, thus allowing native trees in colder environments plenty of time to become cold hardy. When urban trees, especially street trees, are exposed to extended light periods, those leaves and buds nearest the source perceive an endless summer—and keep on grow-ing. While this phenomenon is difficult to see initially, in the autumn it is quite distinctive: affected leaves retain their green color while those leaves under natural conditions have already started to senesce and change colors. When the first autumn frosts arrive, these green leaves die and the tree loses the resources that normally are scavenged during senescence. Recent research has demonstrated that high-intensity light
sources, such as high-pres-sure sodium lamps,
have the great-est impact on
delaying leaf
senescence and subsequent dormancy of landscape trees.What does this do to the health of the
tree? While the long-term effects of altered light periods on street and other urban trees have not yet been studied, the loss of resources puts a small but repeated strain on the tree. This could be manifested by reduced growth com-pared to similar trees in more naturally lighted environments, or by a die-off of roots most closely associated with the affected branches. Trees in optimal settings probably won’t be affected, but those in marginal areas with poor soil conditions are more likely to become susceptible to other stresses or opportu-nistic diseases. And, of course, flowering can be disrupted in landscape plants as well as in poinsettias.
The Bottom Line• Artificially prolonged light periods
can interrupt flowering cycles and delay winter dormancy.
• Marginally hardy plant materials should never be exposed to inter-rupted dark periods.
• Consider the location of high-inten-sity light sources (such as street lights and security lights) before installing shrubs and trees.
• The effects of high-intensity lights can be partially moderated by installing deflectors on the lights.
The Myth of
Night LightWhen urban
trees, especially street trees, are exposed to extended
light periods, those leaves and buds nearest the source
perceive an endless summer—and keep on growing.”
Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D., is an extension horticulturist and an associate professor at Washington State University’s Puyallup Research and Extension Center. She can be found online at theinformedgardener.com
BiocharBiochar, or charcoal
produced for use as a soil amendment or a component of a soilless
mix, is believed to have a profound effect on soil dynamics. Read on to learn all about the benefits of biochar.
Breaking Down
by Spencer Ba
th
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102 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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104 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
The rediscovery and ongoing experi-mentation with biochar, a charcoal specifically produced for use as a soil amendment and soilless mix compo-nent, is one of the most fascinating dimensions of contemporary horticul-ture. Fueled in part by research on terra preta in the Amazon Basin, or ancient soils cultivated by pre-Columbian aboriginal populations, interest in this unique material is expanding exponen-tially worldwide. Academia, industry and individuals alike are investigating various methods of producing, processing and incorporating biochar into various soil ecologies and growing methods.
Properly manufactured biochar has a set of distinct and unusual properties believed to have a profound effect on soil dynamics, with benefits includ-ing increased nutrient availability and uptake; reduced watering and nutrient requirements; suppression of soil-borne disease; stimulation of systemic plant disease response; increased overall plant growth, vitality, health and yields; improved aeration, drainage, and poros-ity; improved soil flocculation and struc-ture; prevention of nutrient leaching; stabilization of pH; and increased cation exchange and water-holding capac-ity. Biochar can also decontaminate soil and is being studied and used for
remediation efforts. Biochar will iso-late and detoxify soil contaminants by absorbing heavy metals, allelopathic (plant-produced) and pathogenic (bacterial/fungal-produced) toxins, and chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. This list is far from com-plete, and many of the more ardent and vocal advocates hail biochar as the ultimate horticultural, energy and climate panacea. Overall, biochar is best understood as a catalyst that continues over time to modulate and improve soil dynamics. Biochar is being studied for its poten-
tial ability to sequester large amounts of CO2 gas, mitigating the effects of global warming by acting as an effec-tive and long-term carbon sink. The scientific research is hardly 10 years old, and although there remains an adequate number of credible, peer-reviewed studies to validate the claims, some of the published literature shows conflicting results. This ability to boost agricultural productivity without additional petrochemicals while ame-liorating climate change has led to an increasingly impassioned debate. The pyrolitic process used to produce bio-char can also be harnessed to provide cleaner energy, but aside from whether biochar might be the Achilles’ heel of global warming, it is scientifically verifi-able and practically demonstrable that it does benefit overall plant health. This multi-faceted material deserves
increased focus and study. Without doubt, what is known about biochar pales significantly in comparison to what is not known; the science at this point has identified causative effects, but not necessarily the under-lying modalities and mechanisms responsible. This scientific deficit opens the door for opportunity and
experimentation by the individual grower. Contemporary attempts to rec-reate terra preta soil, or engineer new versions, is known as terra preta nova. Use of biochar in hydroponic systems is a fledgling practice, virtually untouched by academia, but it is safe to assume many of the same results can be attained by using it in the grow substrate, mixing biochar powder in the reservoir, or using it as a foliar feed. Pyrogenic, carbon-based agriculture
is not a recent development—it has a long and storied history as a method used by indigenous cultures in many parts of the world including Africa, Australia, Europe and, most notably, by the pre-Columbian peoples in the Amazon Basin. For decades, scientists and archeologists remained perplexed as to how these cultures could sustain such massive populations given the rapidly declining soil conditions imme-diately following removal of the native rainforests for swidden agriculture.
“bIochar Is best understood as a catalyst that contInues over tIme to modulate and Improve soIl dynamIcs.”
A biochar kiln can heat organic matter to maximum of 900°F in some cases.
<Biochar is known to isolate and detoxify soil contaminants by absorbing heavy metals.
BREAkING dOWN BIOChAR
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photo submitted
106 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Scientists found patches of soil ranging from one to several hundred hectares in size and 7- to 10-ft. deep that exhibited exceptionally high fertility—some of the most fertile soil ever discovered on the planet. These areas stood in stark contrast to the nearly infertile reddish or yellowish clays left following removal of the rainforest. After years of intensive research and analysis, scien-
tists determined that these soils were intentionally cultivated by these pre-Columbian populations using waste agricultural biomass, fish and animal bones, pottery sherds, excrement and charcoal. It was also determined that these peoples manufactured biochar specifically for amending soil, and did not simply include remnants from fire pits. They were practicing what we now know as organic, ecological or biological agriculture, far in advance of what their European counterparts were capable of at the time.
“bIochar Is beIng studIed for Its potentIal abIlIty to sequester large amounts of co2 gas, mItIgatIng the effects of global warmIng by actIng as an effectIve and long-term carbon sInk.”
The dark earth of the Amazon exhibits near-mystical properties, including elevated levels of nutrients, minerals, active bacterial and fungal biomass, soil humus, humic and fulvic acids and elevated paramagnetic and cation-exchange capacity. The terra preta also demonstrated the ability to regenerate and grow after mining and removal, and even the ability to support years of continuous crop cultivation without additional fertilizer inputs. That the exceptionally high fertil-ity remained despite 2,000 years of latent inactivity and exposure to unrelenting, torrential rains con-founded scientists at the time. Ultimately, investi-gations into terra preta led to the identification of biochar as the principal change agent, although the research and debate continues. Contemporary research has identified the proper-
ties that most likely make biochar so beneficial to soil ecology, though much remains to be learned. It is a light but solid material made up of 90% carbon, produced through a specific process known as pyrolysis, or the chemical decomposition of organic matter in an oxygen-deprived environ-ment. Organic matter such as dead plant refuse, weeds, leaves, manure, bones and wood chips pro-vide the biomass from which the charcoal is made.
BREAkING dOWN BIOChAR
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108 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
In a biochar reactor or kiln, the organic matter is heated to anywhere between 450 and 900°F, and due to the lack of adequate oxygen, the organic matter does not fully combust. During the thermal process, numer-
ous physical and chemical changes take place. The cellulose of the plant material becomes fossilized, captur-ing the carbon that would otherwise decompose and enter the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. The process is not as complicated as it may sound—biochar can be made in the backyard, though it can be dangerous due to extreme heat and open flame. Plans for backyard or small-farm biochar reactors can be found online and are typically con-structed from 50-gal. steel drums.Research suggests that the feedstock,
firing duration and temperature play a significant role in determining the resulting physical-chemical structure and composition. After firing, what was organic matter becomes a pitch-black, crystalline, lightweight and somewhat brittle material. Under the electron microscope, charcoal reveals a com-plex lattice structure with extensive nano, meso and macroporous tun-neling throughout, from which the
numerous desirable benefits originate. It is this subsequent porosity and the accompanying surface area, which can range from 4,000 to 12,000 sq. ft. per 0.04 oz. of char, from which the sorptive capacities are derived. This powerful action allows biochar to absorb and store copious amounts of nutrients, minerals, humic substances, plant root exudates, oxygen, water and other essential elements for micro-bial and plant nutrition. The carbon structure of the char is highly resistant to decomposition, providing favorable habitat that is readily colonialized by beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizae. It is believed that biochar can last thou-sands of years in the soil with minimal erosion, decomposition or lability.
“organIc matter such as dead plant refuse, weeds, leaves, manure, bones and wood chIps provIde the bIomass from whIch the charcoal Is made.”
BREAkING dOWN BIOChAR
After firing, what was organic matter becomes a pitch-black, crystalline, lightweight and somewhat brittle material.
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110 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Many of the profound benefits resulting from the inclusion of biochar in soil blends are directly related to the powerful, dynamic relationship it has with soil microbes.Following pyrolysis, the char is cooled with
water but remains sterile. Whether you have made your own, or purchased raw char, several steps are necessary to accentuate the many properties that make it an exceptional catalyst for the rhizosphere-plant con-tinuum, or the microscopic area at which biology, soil particles and roots interact. It is not advisable to use raw char without
first inoculating it with beneficial biology (mycorrhizae and bacteria). Methods of inoculation include blending biochar with compost and letting it sit for three or four weeks, soaking it in properly brewed com-post tea or mixing in commercially available inoculant powders, the latter of which is my preferred approach. This is a critical step, known as loading or charging, as the biology acts as a buffer to the extreme sorptive capac-ity of the char. Beneficial bacteria and mycor-rhizae will immediately colonize the porous carbon structure and begin digesting residual tars and resins leftover from pyrolysis. Use a
carbohydrate such as black strap molasses and rock pow-ders to supply ample food for the microflora. Minerals in the rock powders will be broken down from the oxides into a form available to plants. Other beneficial materials that can
be integrated into the char are lim-ited only by imagination. The resulting designer biochar is a
highly advanced material containing virtually every element both plants and microbes need. Think of it as a technologically advanced compost, or biological growing on steroids. Biochar can be intimately tailored to address any specific growing need, or to create a complete, slow-release plant and microbe fertilization system packaged in an ideal delivery module. Growing with char, you’ll notice plant root tips also penetrate the
“thInk of It as a technologIcally advanced compost, or bIologIcal growIng on steroIds.”
Beneficial materials that can be integrated into the char are limited only by the imagination.
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112 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
carbon, likely gorging on the cache of nutrients, air and water while form-ing symbiotic relationships with their microbiological accomplices. The most important aspect is verify-
ing quality of material. As biochar is often made from refuse, it is essential the biochar you select is free from contaminants. Biochar is easily crushed or broken into various sizes, from 1-in. pieces down to powders, and all sizes are useful for indoor growing. I favor the 3-mm size down to the powder simply for ease of use. Biochar can also be added to existing plants by grind-ing it into a powder and mixing it with water, and there is some anecdotal evidence that it is useful as a foliar in this form. It is better to add char con-servatively, as even a small amount of powder can have a significant effect. There are few standard recommenda-
tions for quantity when blending soil-less media, as the bulk of the research is centered on outdoor agricultural environments. In reviewing the avail-able literature, biochar may constitute
up to 20% of the total growing media, although in my personal experience, the benefits can be realized at far lower rates, even at 1%. In addition, I have experimented with adding 5 to 10% topsoil or clay to indoor grow medias, thereby more accurately replicating what would be found in natural envi-ronments. The pH of biochar varies depending on feedstock, but typically has a pH of between 8 and 9, and has a stabilizing effect on soil pH. Growers using conventional nutrients should use caution when fertilizing—biochar will absorb and store these salts. I recommend conventional growers cut back fertilizer use by 50 to 80% if using biochar in the soil media, which can save lots of money in the long run.Biochar is a fascinating develop-
ment in horticulture, with enough evidence to prove results, but also with limitless possibilities left to the individual indoor grower to experi-ment and develop. I recommend all growers try tailoring their own terra preta nova or designer biochar.
BREAkING dOWN BIOChAR
Biochar is easily crushed or broken into various sizes, from 1-in. pieces down to powders.
photo submitted
To foliar feed or not to foliar feed? We have the answer... Foliar feeding is the practice of supplying nutrients to plants through their foliage. It involves spraying water-dissolved fertilizers directly on the leaves. Many believe that foliar feeding is favorable over soil application and it is associated with higher yields and better fruit quality. However, much uncertainty still surrounds this practice.
by Guy Sela
114 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
BEGINNER’S CORNER
UndEr WhIch condITIonS ShoUld YoU USE FolIar FEEdInG?Under certain conditions, foliar feeding has the advantage over soil applications.
Limiting conditions: A foliar feeding is recommended when environmental conditions limit the uptake of nutrients by roots. Such conditions may include high or low soil pH, temperature stress, too low or too high soil moisture, root disease, presence of pests that affect nutrient uptake and nutrient imbalances in soil.For example, micro-nutrient availability is greatly reduced in high soil pH. Under such conditions, foliar application of micronutrients might be the more efficient way to supply these nutrients to the plant.
Nutrient deficiency symptoms: One of the advantages of foliar feeding is the quick response of the plant to the nutrient appli-cation. The efficiency of nutri-ent uptake is considered to be 8 to 9 folds higher when nutri-ents are applied to the leaves compared with applying nutri-ents to soil. Therefore, when a deficiency symptom shows up, a quick but temporary fix would be applying the deficient nutri-ent through foliar application.
In specific growth stages: Plants require different amounts of nutri-ents in different growth stages. It is sometimes difficult to control the nutrient balance in soil. Foliar applications of essential nutrients during key stages can improve yield and quality.
lImITaTIonS oF FolIar FEEdInGLimited dosage: Nutrients applied in foliar application cannot meet the entire nutrient requirements of the crop.
Phytotoxicity: Applying high concentrations of nutri-ents by foliar application might result in leaf burn, as water evaporates and salts remain on the leaves.
High cost: Due to phytotoxicity considerations, small amounts of nutrients should be applied at a higher frequency. However, frequent applications at lower concentrations are costly and impractical.
hoW To ImprovE ThE EFFEcTIvEnESS oF FolIar FEEdInG. Various factors affect the effectiveness of foliar feeding.
The pH of the foliar spray solution: Nutrients must be in their soluble form for the plant to be able to absorb them. The pH affects the solubility of nutrients and their interaction with other com-ponents in the water. Generally, acidic pH improves the penetration of nutrients through leaf surfaces. In addition, pH affects foliar absorption of nutrients in three other ways:
1. The pH affects the charge of the cuticle (a waxy layer covering the leaves) and therefore its selectivity to ions.
2. The ionic form of nutri-ents is pH dependent, and therefore pH can affect the penetration rate.
3. The pH might affect the phytotoxicity of the sprayed compounds.
We can conclude that the pH of the spray solution must be adjusted according to the applied nutrient.
Use of surfactants: Surfactants contribute to a more uniform coverage of the foliage. They increase the
retention of the spray solution by reducing the surface tension of the droplets.
Time of the day: The best time to foliar feed is early morning or late evening, when the stomata are open. Foliar feeding is not recom-mended when the temperature exceeds 80°F.
Droplet size: Smaller droplets cover a larger area and increase efficiency of foliar applica-tions. However, when droplets are too small (less than 100 microns), a drift might occur.
Spray volume: Spray volume has a significant effect on the nutrient absorption efficiency. Spray volume must be sufficient to fully cover the plant canopy, but not too high that the nutrients run off the leaves.
115Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
permaculture BY HELENE ISBELL
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR PERMANENT SOLUTIONS
PrIncIPleSPermaculture is more than just a buzz word. It’s a sustainable
approach to designing and growing edible landscapes. There’s a bit more to it than that
though, as Helene Isbell explains…
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116 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
PerMAculture Is a sustaInable
approach to desIgnIng and growIng edIble
landscapes.”
PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES
The organic food movement has secured a noteworthy posi-tion for itself in American culture, and it continues to gain momentum. Consumers, both domestic and international, are becoming privy to the importance of eating clean, organically grown food. While this is a tremendous step along the path to a greener and healthier future, large-scale organic farming can still produce many of the same side effects caused by industrial agriculture and still threatens ecological welfare. Permaculture offers an integrated, responsible solution that brings organic gardening back into the hands of individual citizens. Permaculture is a sustainable approach to designing and grow-
ing edible landscapes. Derived from the terms permanent agri-culture and permanent culture, permaculture borrows practices from indigenous cultures, bridging the gap between ancient knowledge and modern horticulture. It places emphasis on working smarter rather than harder, bringing a fresh approach to intelligent garden design. A permaculture farmer focuses on building healthy soil structure rather than using chemical fertil-izer, using smother weeds with mulch in place of herbicides and combating pests naturally without pesticides. The practice encourages gardeners to plant and eat what grows locally, plan for long-term sustainability, maximize the potential of small spaces of land and treat the planet respectfully with regard for future generations. Formalized in the 1970s by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, permaculture has spread globally as an ecological alternative to conventional farming practices.
118 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
core ethics of PermaculturePermaculture revolves around three core tenets that charac-terize the foundation of the practice:
1. Care for the planet: Regard for our physical Earth is essential to maintaining the integrity of global prosperity. This includes regard for all living systems, from microscopic, such as the intricate soil web, to entire biospheres, such as forests and prairies. Without the plankton that makes up the bottom of the ocean’s food chain, there would be no fish, seals or dol-phins. The well-being of humanity is dependent on the care of all life, as everything trickles down from this vital concept.
2. Care for humanity: Provide not only for oneself, but also for family, friends and neighbors. Take others into consider-ation in all that you do. Our society has been stripped of this notion, as increasing importance is placed on the accumula-tion of personal wealth. It’s time to look towards the ways of ancient cultures and revisit a tribal community mindset where people work together to meet common goals.
3. Share surplus: In a permaculture, it’s possible to grow a good number of fruit and vegetable varieties. This, however, doesn’t mean that it will be possible to produce every food you want to eat. This is where trade with other growers comes into play. By communicating with one another and sharing surplus, variety and abundance is distributed amongst many people and everyone is satisfied. Sharing is caring.
regArd For our physIcal earth Is
essentIal to maIntaInIng the IntegrIty of global
prosperIty.”
PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES
120 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Principles of PermaculturePermaculture is more than just a set of technical rules to follow; it invites the gardener to interweave creativity into their relationship with natural ecosystems. Because nature differs from region to region, each garden design will be unique, adapting to local environmental conditions. Each system will take on its own appropriate characteristics while adhering to the three core tenets of permaculture. In addi-tion to these overlying values, there is a set of 12 design prin-ciples that help further define what permaculture embodies:
Observe and interact: Use common sense and follow the path of least resistance when planning a garden. Observe natural surroundings and pay attention to local conditions. Take note of seasonal patterns and the flow of wind, rain and sunshine. Try to plant what grows effortlessly in your area. This will help the garden grow with ease and minimal complications.
Catch and store energy: This principle can be applied in so many ways. The idea is to conserve resources when they are in abundance for use in times when they are scarce. Examples include storing energy from the sun with solar panels so it can be used later in the form of light and heat. Catch rainwater run-off and store it in barrels for times with-out rain. Can and dehydrate fresh produce to preserve it for use when it is out of season. Get creative.
Obtain a yield: While producing food is generally the promi-nent goal of a garden, it’s not the only way that you can yield something positive from the experience. By working with others, you can learn what they know and share your own knowledge so that everyone walks away that much wiser.
Apply self-regulation and listen to feedback: Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from starting a garden—accept advice and feedback. Learn from each process and make improvements each time around. You may have to fix the mistakes of previous land users, such as build and reme-diate depleted soil. The goal is to use the land responsibly so it can be preserved for future generations.
Use renewable resources: Use resources that can be regener-ated naturally. Our society has become too dependent on non-renewable resources such as plastic and oil. Not only do these resources pollute the environment, but once they are used up, they are gone forever. Incorporate materials into your garden like bamboo—a fast growing grass—or hemp, which is industrially as strong as plastic, yet renewable and non-polluting. Both can decompose rather than sit in a land-fill for thousands of years.
Produce no waste: A permaculture garden produces no waste. It operates in a closed loop system and all elements get used. For example, remnants from previous harvests, along with kitchen scraps, turn into compost to fertilize future crops. Worms consume plant matter and break down nutrients making them bioavailable to new growth. Imagine having no waste.
Design from natural patterns: Pay attention to patterns in your natural surroundings. Nature is not angular, but rather curvy, soft and fuzzy around the edges. Garden beds don’t need to be symmetrically shaped rectangles placed at evenly spaced intervals; they can be round, oblong, spiraled or flower-shaped. Crops don’t have to be planted in rows. Mimic nature for a truly beautiful individual garden design.
Integrate rather than segregate: Strategically planting crops together encourages co-operation among species rather than competition. A polyculture is several plant varieties growing together, versus a monoculture (a single large crop), and helps with the natural give and take of nutrients, rather than quickly depleting the soil. Companion planting is the practice of plant-ing different plants in the same bed that will mutually benefit each other. A great example of companion planting is the trio known as the three sisters used by Native Americans through-out North America and consisting of corn, beans and squash. Beans fix nitrogen into the soil for the corn to use in its vigor-ous growth, and the shallow-rooted squash provides natural mulch, preventing moisture evaporation. Corn provides a natural pole for the beans to climb, creating a harmonious combination. Food forests are an example of polyculture on a larger scale known as agroforestry. A food forest would include many fruit trees, shrubs and other edible plants growing in unison for a multi-layered harvest.
Use small and slow solutions: Patience is a virtue, and per-maculture teaches this. Permaculture relies on long-term solutions rather than the quick fix, paying off with greater
the goAl Is to use the land
responsIbly so It can be preserved for future
generatIons.”
PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES
122 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
value in the end. An example of this is planting perennials rather than only annuals. Perennials are plants that return every year on their own. Once established, this means less work for the gardener and less disruption of the soil micro-sphere. Another example would be to save seeds rather than buy them every time. Make sure to select organic, non-GMO varieties to ensure that they will reproduce. Use and value diversity: Planting many varieties will help ensure the overall survival of the garden by decreasing vulnerability. With fewer crops, they are more susceptible to disease and fungi and if infected, the whole garden could suffer. Integrate beneficial insect attractors and natural pest deterrents throughout the garden to naturally balance insect populations that share the habitat. This is called integrated pest management (IPM) and it is permaculture’s alternative to chemical pesticides.
Use the edges: This can be interpreted in a number of ways, but basically, make use of all available growing space. Take advantage of walls and fences to grow vertically, and the sides of garden beds or dark nooks and crannies to grow mush-rooms. Get innovative with small areas to maximize potential.
Creatively use and respond to change: Change is inevi-table, not only in the garden, but in society as a whole. Being able to creatively adapt to changing conditions is an important aspect of being able to survive what the future holds. Just as weather patterns may change, so too may the political and social environment of a community. Be prepared to shift and adjust accordingly so that slight variations, in any form, won’t interrupt your course.
It requires inquisitive and thoughtful individuals to incorporate the ethics and principles of permaculture into their mindset. It takes patience, understanding and humility to experiment and grow throughout the process. But it does get easier with time. Permaculture is more than a sustainable approach to creating edible ecosystems; it builds community, promotes sharing and brings people closer together. It can be implemented virtually anywhere, on any scale. Furthermore, it can be a deep-rooted solu-tion to many of the environmental crises our planet faces in the name of agriculture. Besides that, what is more liberating than being able to grow your own food in an ecologically and socially responsible way? So dig in, start your garden and get downright dirty.
IntegrAte benefIcIal Insect attractors and natural pest deterrents
throughout the garden to naturally balance Insect populatIons that share
the habItat.”
PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES
124 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
126 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY
is there a
at the
of the
tunnel?End
lightby david Kessler
Is the future of LED (light-emitting diode) technology for the horticulture industry bright? David Kessler has the answer...
We have all seen the plethora of advertisements in magazines about LED grow lights. When LEDs first hit the horticulture market, they were little more than Light-Brite™ toys with expensive price tags and big promises. They claimed that each watt of LED lighting was equivalent to more than 10-w of HID lighting, on top of which they asserted LEDs would produce no heat, have better penetration of light through the canopy and that the technology would revolutionize the growing industry. Unfortunately, the early LEDs were unable to deliver on most of their promises.
LED stands for light-emitting diode. Unlike traditional light sources with delicate filaments, electrodes or pressurized, gas-filled lamps, LEDs are solid state electronics, and as such are more robust and longer lasting. Solid state by its most simple definition means made without any moving parts. A flash memory card is a solid state device, whereas a typical hard drive is not. By not incorporating moving parts into the design, solid state electronics are less likely to break, wear out or malfunction.
127Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
This added level of reliability is one of the biggest benefits of LEDs. Current LEDs are rated for as many as 70,000 hours of operation before they reach the point where replacement is advisable. Although they will still be working at that point, at 70,000 hours of operation they will have reached a 30% reduction in luminous output, making it cost effective to replace them. Seventy-thousand hours means that a grower using LEDs will not change the diodes for almost 16 straight years, running 12 hours per day, every day.
LEDs have not always had the longevity and reliability they are able to deliver today. The history of LEDs being used in horticultural applications started in the late 1980s with crude arrays of red-only (660-nanometer) LEDs. Early experimentation with LEDs in horticulture was driven by their potential for use in growing food for space travel. In the late 1990s, the crops research group at the Kennedy Space Center conducted several studies on the yield and physiological response of several crops to LED lighting. LEDs became even more promising with two critical advances in LED technology: the advent of blue LEDs and high-output diodes. The advances in LED technology keep on coming.
Each decade, LED prices have fallen by a factor of 10, while their performance has grown by a factor of 20, a phenomenon known as Haitz’s law. So it seems the future of LEDs is getting brighter!
“ SEvENTy-ThOUSANd hOURS MEANS ThAT A GROWER USING LEdS WILL NOT ChANGE ThE dIOdES FOR ALMOST 16 STRAIGhT yEARS.”
David Kessler heads research and development at Atlantis Hydroponics and writes for their popular blog. David has over two decades of experience and multiple degrees from the State University of New York. He’s also an accredited judge for the American Orchid Society and travels the world judging orchid events. Follow his blog at atlantishydroponics.wordpress.com PanelNEW
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A Delicacy From the Dark:
Hydroponic Forcingof Witloof
Belgian endive, also known as witloof, is unlike any other vegetable grown hydroponically and its unique value and
sophisticated flavor are two reasons why it is gaining popularity in gourmet vegetable markets.
by Dr. Lynette Morgan
128 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Ever wondered what those creamy white leaves were in your gourmet salad? Or the bullet-shaped, leafy, pale veg-etable grilled and served at a fancy restaurant? Chances are these pale delicacies are Belgian endive (Cichorium endiva), also known as witloof, which, despite its name, is actually a type of chicory—something we are more famil-iar with as a leafy salad green.
Belgian endive goes by many names depending on where it is being sold. These include French endive, white endive, Dutch endive and witloof chicory. While this is a relatively little known crop in the United States, it has a long history of cultivation in Europe, where it has been produced and valued as a delicacy since the 1800s. Witloof is unlike any other vegetable we grow hydroponi-cally and its unique value and sophisticated flavor are gaining popularity within gourmet vegetable markets.
“ WhILE ThIS IS A RELATIvELy LITTLE kNOWN CROP IN ThE UNITEd STATES, IT hAS A LONG hISTORy OF CULTIvATION IN EUROPE.”
Witloof must be grown in the dark during the second stage of production to remain blanched.
129Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
What makes witloof such a fascinating crop is that it has two stages of produc-tion. The first takes place as with other salad greens, growing the chicory plants through to maturity. Under commercial production, this is done out in the field from spring to fall. This particular type of chicory develops a large tap root, similar to a thickened parsnip that is cut, harvested, washed and placed into refrigerated storage until it is required for hydroponic forcing. The second stage involves stacking the bare, clean chicory roots into hydroponic trays, through which nutrient solution flows. This process takes place entirely in the dark so that the shoots that form on the roots are blanched white in colour. The white buds (called chicons) are
harvested at certain stages, depending on market size requirements, and
packaged into cartons to maintain complete darkness. Any light during the growing or shipping
process will result in the chicons developing green pigmentation,
making them unmarketable.
“ WhAT MAkES WITLOOF SUCh A FASCINATING CROP IS ThAT IT hAS TWO STAGES OF PROdUCTION.”
Developing chicons arise from the apical buds on the tap root system under hydroponic forcing conditions.
A dELICACy FROM ThE dARk
130 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Witloof history and usesBlanched witloof is a crop that was discovered by accident. In the 1800s, a farmer in Belgium discovered the chicory roots he was storing in his dark cellar over winter to be ground into a coffee substitute sprouted pale buds with creamy colored leaves and a delicate flavor. Early on, long before the development of hydroponic methods, the witloof roots were forced using a soil or sand medium piled over the top of the harvested and trimmed tap roots. The sand excluded light so the chicons formed in darkness. At harvest this had to be scraped back, and the resulting witloof carefully washed. Hydroponic forcing eliminates the need to cover the roots with any granular substrate, so the process of chicon forma-tion can be easily viewed and the resulting buds are free from any grit contamination and don’t require washing. The additional nutrition provided from a well-balanced hydro-ponic nutrient solution also assists with flavor, quality and prolonged shelf life of the harvested chicons.
“ hydROPONIC FORCING ELIMINATES ThE NEEd TO COvER ThE ROOTS WITh ANy GRANULAR SUBSTRATE.”
Under commercial production, witloof is produced in a tiered hydroponic tray system to maximize yield from the growing area.
131Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Witloof flavor is unique and highly valued in a range of different dishes. While green leafy endive and chicory foli-age typically has a bitterness that some find unpleasant, the blanched chicons lack any strong flavors and are described as mild, but distinctive, tangy, tender and unique. Generally, the whiter the witloof is, the milder the flavor. Used as a raw vegetable, the small inner leaves can be added to baby leaf salads and larger leaves are used as elegant wrap-pers for fillings of crab, caviar, tuna or shrimp, or served with a range of dips. Witloof is also served cooked in a wide range of dishes, includ-ing soups, and a simple entrée can be created by cutting the chicon directly down the middle lengthwise, brushing with olive oil, grilling until tender and serving with lemon or vinaigrette.
Hydroponic witloof: first stageWhile large-scale, commercial production of witloof roots for forcing typically takes place out-doors, the plant can easily be grown hydroponi-cally during both the first and second stages of production. Witloof chicory grows in much the same way as the endive and chicory plants com-monly grown as salad crops. A deep-bed hydro-ponic system is required to ensure the large, thickened roots can develop without restriction. Suitable growing mediums are fine-grade coco fiber, perlite/vermiculite mixes, granulated rockwool and similar substrates in a growing bed or container at least 1.5-ft. deep.
Whitloof chicory is grown from seed that can be obtained from many vege-table seed suppliers. Suitable varieties are Zoom, Flas and Totem F1. Seed is sown directly where the plants are to grow as transplanting can damage the young tap root system. Seedlings need to be thinned to 4 to 5-in. apart when large enough to do so. This is an important step as overcrowding of the plants will reduce the size of tap root that develops, which in turn reduces the yield and quality of chicons that develop during the later forcing stage. Witloof plants can be given a standard grow hydroponic nutrient formulation during the first few weeks of development, followed by a bloom formulation or P/K booster as the tap root starts to develop. Ideal day length is 12 to 16 hours with moder-ate temperature conditions needed to produce the highest quality root
system (55 to 77°F). These conditions replicate the outdoor conditions received by the plants, which are typically sown in spring. Tap root production usually takes around 110 days, but this may be sped up under the controlled conditions of an indoor garden. Harvesting of the chicory roots can take place as soon as they are mature and of a sufficient size. Maturity can be determined by examining a vertical-cut sec-
tion of the root, just below the plant crown. Mature roots will have a white section, approximately a quarter-inch thick in this region. If the white region is smaller than this, the root is not mature enough for later hydroponic forcing. The best quality roots will be 1.5 to 2 in. in diameter at this stage.
“ WITLOOF FLAvOR IS UNIQUE ANd hIGhLy vALUEd IN A RANGE OF dIFFERENT dIShES.”
Witloof roots are stacked side by side in hydroponic trays.
Nutrient solution flows through the tiered trays and out the base in a recirculating system.
A dELICACy FROM ThE dARk
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132 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
At harvest, the green tops are cut from the plant to remove as much foliage as possible without harming the growing buds at the top of the tap root. The root system can then be removed from the growing substrate and lifted, with any loose media brushed off. In preparation for storage, the roots can then be washed. They may also be treated with fungicide to help prevent rotting if they are to be kept for several months before forcing. Witloof roots can be refrigerated for up to 10 months before being removed and bud growth forced, as they remain dormant under cool conditions. Once given warmth and moisture in the form of a nutrient solution, the dormant apical buds will start to grow during the forcing process.
Hydroponic witloof: second stageHydroponic forcing of witloof to produce chicons must take place in complete darkness if high-quality, creamy white, blanched chicons are to be produced. Any light will result in greening of the chicons arising from the produc-tion of chlorophyll, which changes the flavor and lowers the quality of the witloof. Under commercial production, hydroponic systems are run inside enclosed sheds with double-door entries to prevent any light from entering. In an indoor garden, witloof production can take place under benches or enclosed, lightproof boxes used to cover the developing buds. Hydroponic systems for witloof forcing set up in dark cellars or other areas can also work, particularly if an indoor garden is being lit to grow other plants and can’t be used for this process.
“ WITLOOF ROOTS CAN BE REFRIGERATEd FOR UP TO 10 MONThS BEFORE BEING REMOvEd ANd BUd GROWTh FORCEd.”Chicon development typically takes around 20 to 22 days under ideal conditions.
A dELICACy FROM ThE dARk
134 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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Once the witloof tap roots are removed from cold storage, they are trimmed to a consistent length of 6 to 8 in., packed side by side into deep trays, and a nutrient solution is applied so that it flows through the roots and out the base of the tray. Nutrient solutions used during the forcing process provide essential nutrients for healthy bud and foliage development, giving a higher quality har-vested product. At this stage, temperature is vital as it breaks the dormancy of the apical buds on the tap root system and starts the forcing process. Nutrient solutions are typically warmed to 61 to 72°F, while the air tempera-ture is kept a little cooler at 55 to 65°F with a high relative humid-ity of 90% (conditions often easy to maintain in a cellar). Under these conditions, the buds present on the roots will start to develop into short, compact shoots of white leaves. This nor-mally takes 20 to 22 days under ideal conditions. During this
time, air flow is required around the hydroponic system while at the same time maintaining high humidity. For this reason, fogging or misting is often used to help keep air temperatures down and prevent the chicons from drying out and developing physical disorders such as tipburn.Under commercial production, each 110 lbs. of roots
being forced will produce approximately 18 lbs. of chicons, although not all buds may be of marketable quality. This yield ensures that harvested witloof chicons are considered a high-value delicacy and a niche market crop. At harvest, the chicons are carefully snapped from the roots and any loose outer leaves removed. At this stage, witloof should be 4 to 8-in. long and 1 to 3-in. wide, a whitish yellow color, compact and bullet shaped. Once harvested, the tender chicons must be cooled immediately to prevent desiccation and prolong shelf life if being stored. Commercially pro-duced chicons are wrapped in moisture-proof paper that excludes light and stored under refrigeration at a high relative humidity of 95 to 98%. Typically these will store for a maximum of two to three weeks under these conditions.
SummaryIdeally, home-grown, hydroponic witloof should be eaten within a few hours of harvest as this is when sugar levels will be highest and flavor and texture optimized. Freshly harvested whitloof chicons are a delicacy that few ever get to sample, and are a great reward for the time and effort invested in this unique crop.
Witloof is prized for its pale creamy color, delicate flavor and tender texture.
“ ThIS yIELd ENSURES ThAT
hARvESTEd WITLOOF ChICONS ARE
CONSIdEREd A hIGh-vALUE dELICACy
ANd A NIChE MARkET CROP.”
136 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
A dELICACy FROM ThE dARk
Stunning SucculentsWhile succulents are drought-resistant plants known for their hardiness, that
doesn’t mean you can leave them to their own devices. Here are some tips and tricks
to keep your plants green and healthy.
by Karen Wilkinson
138 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Succulents are plants with thick, fleshy water storage organs that have adapted to survive arid, desert-like cli-mates throughout the world. But you can’t ignore them for too long or stick them in a dark corner and let them wither away. Succulents need love just like you and me.Succulents thrive on sunlight and heat, but too much
of anything can have undesired outcomes. They’re the ideal plant if you’re looking for something inexpensive and pretty that doesn’t require lots of plant know-how. The best part is succulents can easily be propagated or cloned, either by sticking a clipping directly into soil, or by setting it in a glass of water and allowing roots to pop. From watering to the perfect potting soil, whether to
plant in pairs or to simply leave them alone, I’ve com-piled some of the best practices for growing succulents indoors. Because when you don’t have a back or front yard, and are stuck in urban apartment dwellings, plants can serve as a reminder that it’s not so bad. And taking care of something other than yourself just feels good and provides a sense of purpose.
“They’re the ideal plant if you’re looking for something inexpensive and pretty that doesn’t require lots of plant know-how.”
ClimateSucculents thrive in hot, dry environments where sunshine is abundant. Avoid placing them in a dimly-lit corner—go for the windowsill that receives the most natural light in your apartment or home (test out a south-facing window). Ventilate to prevent rotting of the foliage, and to take some moisture away from the soil. High humidity and poor ventila-tion are not ideal conditions, so open the windows, throw on a fan and use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Find the right light It’s all about balance, right? Succulents don’t like dimly-lit corners, but they also can be hurt if exposed to direct sun-light for too long. While they prefer bright light, you don’t want to scorch them, which can happen to some species if exposed to direct sunlight. A south-facing windowsill will hopefully be a good home, as will an east-facing windowsill. Signs of too much direct light include leaves turning brown, black or white as the soft tissues die off. If this happens, move it somewhere that doesn’t receive as much direct light. While too much light can kill, so can not enough. Under-
lit succulents will start to stretch (known as etiolation) and become really tall with lots of space between leaves as the plant stretches out in search of more light. The best remedy for this is to provide better light and prune the plant back to its original shape. Another tip for optimal health when it comes to lighting is to rotate the taller varieties, as they will often lean toward the sun. Keep them standing upright by periodically rotating the container.
Go greenWhen growing indoors, the greener the better. So when choosing a plant, make life easy on yourself and your plant and go green. Gravitate toward crassulas, agaves and aloe plants, while keeping the purple and orange-colored varieties for the outdoors. Some popular indoor succulents include the funky burro’s tail, the beautiful jade, the resil-ient snake, the ponytail palm, the fuzzy panda plant, the cheerful Christmas cactus, the medicinal aloe plant and the adorable hen-and-chicks.
Go green
Climate
Find the right light
139Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Don’t crowd themIn outdoor settings, succulents can thrive when planted beside one another, but when indoors and fighting for all the light possible, it’s best to space them apart, preferably in separate pots. This allows the maximum amount of sun-light to reach them. If you decide to combine succulents in the same container to create a dish garden, the secret lies in plant selection. Basically, be sure you find plants with similar growth and care requirements, so as to not disrupt their patterns.
Go easy on the wateringThis may be the key to your plants’ livelihood—water sparingly and allow the soil to dry completely between cycles. To prevent them from becoming water-logged, plant succulents in unglazed plant-ers, which will help them drain completely between waterings. The thicker the leaves on the succulent are, the less water it needs. This is because water is stored there. If leaves become droopy and skinny, it’s time to give your plant a drink.
Overwatered plants become soft and discolored, with leaves that turn yellow or white, or simply lose their color. Once in this condition, the plant may be beyond repair, but you should make sure. Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots; if they’re brown and rotted, cut away the dead roots and repot into drier potting soil, or take a cutting and clone the plant. Just as overwatering can be a death sentence, so can under-watering. During the growing season (spring and summer), succulents prefer to be watered well. Signs of an under-watered plant include stunted growth, shedding of the leaves and brown spots on the leaves.Watering is dependent upon the season—in the winter,
water less frequently, and if the air is cool and dry, cut back
watering to every two or three weeks, or even once a month. Don’t water too much at once; just give the plants enough to pacify their thirst. The general rule is to overwater during the summer and under-water in the winter. Shove a finger into the soil two knuckles deep to make sure it’s dry before watering, water enough so that the water runs through the drainage holes and empty the drainage saucer so plants don’t sit in the water.
Find the right fitWhile it’s OK and encouraged to pot some plants in contain-ers that are larger than necessary, that’s not the case with succulents. They prefer a snug fit and holes on the bottom. Ideally, the pot should be at least 4-in. deep and 0.5- to 1-in. wider than the plant’s base. A terracotta clay pot is perfect for the needs of these plants.
TemperatureJust because succulents are desert plants, doesn’t mean they can’t weather drastic drops in temperature. These beauties are more cold-tolerant than people may think, and in the desert survive dramatic temperature changes between day and night. Ideally, succulents like daytime temperatures between 70 and 85°F, and nighttime temperatures between 50 and 55°F, but can even thrive when the thermometer drops down to 40°F.
SoilSucculents generally have shallow roots that form densely just below the soil surface. Therefore, succulents prefer a fast-draining mixture specialized for cacti and succulents. If you can’t use such a soil, you can always modify regu-lar potting soil with inorganic matter such as perlite to increase aeration and drainage. What you’re looking for is well-draining soil that allows your succulent’s roots to dry out between waterings.
Follow these tips and your reward will be healthy, vibrant plants that provide a welcome touch of green to your home!
“Signs of too much direct light include leaves turning brown, black or white as the soft tissues die off.”
Don’t crowd them
STUNNING SUCCULENTS
140 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
PART 2Last month, Dr. Robert G. Linderman described how mycorrhizal fungi
bene� t plants. In part two of his three-part series, he talks about evaluating mycorrhizal products, inoculating plants and cultural practices that enhance or harm the formation of mycorrhizae.
by dr. robert G. Linderman AD
142 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Evaluating productsThere are many mycorrhizal fungi products on the market. How do you decide what to buy? Some of the claims are complete bogus, some are misleading. For example, microbial content and spore numbers of mycor-rhizal fungi are often confusing. Some products include both endo and ectomycorrhizal fungi, plus a lot of other bacteria and fungi.
Depending on which plants you plan to inoculate, such as tomato transplants, for
example, only the endomycorrhizal fungi will associate with tomato, and the
ectomycorrhizal fungi are wasted. On the other hand, if you are planting
hazelnut trees, the ectomycor-rhiza part is needed and the endomycorrhizal fungi are wasted. And don’t be deceived by the spore numbers listed, which are often a combina-tion of all the fungi.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal spore numbers are usually much
higher than endomycorrhizal fungi numbers. To determine the
endomycorrhizal fungi numbers for your tomato plants, consider how many
spores per gram of product are listed. I have seen labels listing several endomycor-
rhizal fungi but with a total of less than one spore per gram—not enough to do much good! Different endo-mycorrhizal fungi species have different soil preferences, so providing a mixture of species allows the plant and its soil
The increased number of antagonistic bacteria against a root rot pathogen in the rhizosphere soil of plants inoculated with a holistic mycorrhizal product (red bars) compared to non-mycorrhizal plants (green bars).
Greetings again, plant people. Dr. Bob Linderman here, a retired research plant pathologist with a 50-year career focused on ornamental and nursery crop diseases and emphasizing the epidemiology and control of soil-borne, root-infecting, fungal plant pathogens, and the biology and application of beneficial micro-organisms, especially mycorrhizal fungi and antagonistic rhizobacteria. This is the second installment of a three-part series giving the straight story on mycorrhizae based on my knowledge and experience on the subject. In the first installment last month, I
described what mycorrhizae is—the symbiotic relationship between specialized soil fungi and the roots of plants—and how this relationship benefits the growth and health of plants. Given that these relationships have been helping plants grow for some 460 million years, they definitely have proven their worth. An important point to remember is that there are three main types of mycorrhizal fungi and each type forms with different plant groups. The largest group, the endomycorrhizal fungi, form an asso-ciation with many different plants, including most crop plants. The second group, the ectomycorrhizal fungi, colonize
roots of pines, firs, oaks, eucalyptus, hazelnut and birch. The last group, ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, associate only with ericaceous plants like rhododendron, blueberry and azalea. And don’t forget that some plants simply don’t form mycorrhizae, so don’t bother to inoculate cabbage, broccoli, beets, tur-nips, radishes and carnations.The most important part of last month’s
article was to describe the benefits that mycorrhizal fungi give to their host plant partner: improved root development, improved transplant success, increased yield and quality, greater tolerance to plant diseases, improved soil structure due to aggregation, improved fertilizer-use efficiency, improved tolerance to soil drought and improved tolerance to soil toxicities, like salinity. So now, let’s address how to evaluate mycorrhizal fungi products from the label, how to inoculate your plants and what cultural practices may enhance or harm the formation of mycorrhizae and thus the benefits you seek. These comments are largely for endomycorrhizal fungi.
Microbial content and
spore numbers of mycorrhizal fungi are
often confusing.”
MyCORRhIzAE: ThE STRAIGhT STORy
AD
144 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
environment to determine the best of the lot.Often the label includes a long list
of other bacteria and fungi, sup-posedly ones that could help your plant. The truth is that most of those microbes are thrown in to convince you that the combination would be good. Many on that list may be of little or no benefit to the inoculated plant. Products that are truly holistic are the ones where the endomycor-rhizal fungi are produced in such a way that the end product contains a team of microbes grown up with the fungi from the beginning. I call that the mycorrhizosphere phenomenon and the resulting benefits to plant growth and health are the results of the team effort.Back to spore numbers, sometimes
the spore number listed can be in the hundreds of endomycorrhizal fungal spores per gram. Such high spore numbers are not likely the product of pot culturing, but rather the spores are produced in vitro (on roots grown under sterile conditions); those spores may form mycorrhizae but without the benefits that would result from spores produced on plant roots. This topic is the focus of current research, but initial studies seem to indicate that higher spore count doesn’t always mean better results.
How to inoculateI have heard stories of people being told to coat seeds with endomycor-rhizal fungal spores. In fact, that is bad advice. First of all, the fungi don’t produce millions of spores, so what might get stuck on seeds would be very few spores at best. You don’t want the spores stuck on the seed coat, anyway; you want them to be near or in contact with the plant roots. To deliver the spores to the roots, you could use a root dip approach with soluble products. That method gets the inoculum right to the roots. Or you could dust the roots while
In vitro antagonism of bacteria streaked at the top of a petri dish against the root rot fungal pathogen on the bottom. When the fungus grows near the bacterium, it is inhibited by chemicals produced by the bacterium.
transplanting with granular products. Finally, you could place granular products under
or around the root ball of transplants or in the furrow under the seed at
planting. Those methods seek to place the inoculum where new roots will make contact with spores and initiate the
mycorrhizal symbiosis as quickly as possible. In that process, spores near the roots will germinate, and the germ tube will grow toward the root, contact it, and grow into the root. The fungus will spread inside the root, but will also grow out from the root into
the surrounding soil to mine the soil for mineral nutrients
and water. The microbial associ-ates then begin to assemble the
team due to the selective influence of food leaking from both the roots and
the endomycorrhizal fungus.If the product already has those
team members included and waiting, the team can form and function right from the get-go. Products that have only endomycorrhizal fungus spores take a long time to assemble a good team of microbial associates. Failure to form an
effective team could mean failure to reap
To deliver the spores to the roots, you could use a root dip approach with soluble products. that method gets the inoculum right
to the roots.”
MyCORRhIzAE: ThE STRAIGhT STORy
146 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
the potential benefits of the mycorrhizal association.Once mycorrhizae have formed, the fungal partner will go
where the roots go. So the earlier the association is estab-lished, the sooner plant growth will be enhanced, and the sooner the plant will yield its products. In these cases, more inoculum is better than too little, so use enough that will ensure early and thorough root colonization.Some people want to inoculate plants already in the soil
or potting medium. This can be difficult because you cannot easily deliver inoculum to as many roots as with pre-plant inoculation. Drilling holes around the plant and filling them with inoculum mixed into the soil could result in some mycorrhizae establishment, but not as much as any pre-plant treatment. Injecting fungal spore suspensions into the root zone is also possible, but mycor-rhizae formation would be limited to the injection sites, and it would take time to spread to other areas of the root system. The fungus will eventually spread, but it takes longer before plant benefits are recognized.
Endomycorrhizal fungi (stained blue) showing internal colonization of root and external colonization of soil (washed away) with new spores produced at the end of the fungal hyphae (upper left corner).
147Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Cultural practicesOnce you have inoculated your plants with mycorrhizal fungi, there are some things to keep in mind as you manage your plants, specifically fertilization and pesticide appli-cations. For most crop plants grown in soils or potting mix, fertilizers with a high amount of available phosphorous can be inhibitory, so choose fertilizers with low phospho-rous in their formulation. This is truer for potting mixes than for soil. Better yet, choose organic fertil-izers instead of inorganic fer-tilizers. And if you think you might have some root diseases, choose a fungicide that will not inhibit the mycorrhizal fungi; if pythium or phytophthora root rots are involved, most of the fungicides that target those fungi do not harm mycorrhizal fungi. For other root diseases, however, the fungicides of choice are often inhibi-tory. I can tell you which ones are good and those that are not good,
so contact me. And if you want to know if you have formed mycorrhizae, I can help you there, too.
We analyze roots sent to us to determine the level of mycorrhizae formation.
If you suspect a root disease, I can analyze roots for pathogens and recommend treatment (if pos-sible) that will not interfere with
the mycorrhizae.
Next installmentIn my third and last installment, I will introduce some exciting
products built around the mycor-rhizosphere phenomenon. My
hope is that you will have come to better understand what mycor-
rhizal fungi are all about, and how to better harness their power in growing
healthier plants that yield more high-quality products with superior flavor and
nutritional value. I will conclude with some cautions about mycorrhizal products that
are on the market, and guide you to the ones you need to use. Just know-ing that folks want to use mycorrhizal fungi pleases me and makes my stud-ies and teaching worthwhile.
Photos courtesy of the author.
A close-up of arbuscules (nutrient exchange sites) within root cortical cells. Mineral nutrients are delivered from the soil to the roots by the endomycorrhizal fungus and carbon nutrients, resulting from plant photosynthesis, are provided to the fungus by the plant.
If you think you might have some root
diseases, choose a fungicide that will not inhibit the
mycorrhizal fungi.”
MyCORRhIzAE: ThE STRAIGhT STORy
148 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
149Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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Hydro System
BuildinganIn-Groundby Charles Winslow
& Madelyn Ritrosky
Simple in-ground hydroponic systems can be an extremely cost-e� cient solu� on for hydroponic growing.
Read on to fi nd out what you’ll need to get started.
150 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
ComponentsIncluded with this article is a photo I took (left) illustrating everything you need to build an advanced, solar-run system (excluding the solar panels). We have built several of these on retaining walls so you can walk up to the wall and pick vegetables at chest height. We have also built some of these systems inside greenhouses.
The base system uses 1.5-in. PVC plumbing pipes and standard fittings. The configuration can be as intricate or simple as you want. The fittings do not need to be glued. The feed system we use is a standard garden drip system or
spaghetti tubes connected to half-inch tubing. The hydro-ponic pots we use are buckets designed specifically to be fed by drip emitters. Rough plumbing can be found at any hardware store. The drip system, reservoir and buckets can be purchased at your favorite hydroponics store, online or at select hardware stores.
“ WITh WATER ThAT COOL, yOU
REALLy NEEd TO BE A dIE-hARd
ENThUSIAST TO SOAk IN ONE
OF ThESE RESERvOIRS.”
Hydro System
BuildinganIn-Groundby Charles Winslow
& Madelyn Ritrosky
Simple in-ground hydroponic systems can be an extremely cost-e� cient solu� on for hydroponic growing.
Read on to fi nd out what you’ll need to get started.
Building an in-ground hydroponic system can be a fun, easy, low-cost and efficient solution for producing crops. So, we’re here to help you build your very own in-ground system! Outdoor hydroponic systems are often much easier to run than indoor systems and they tolerate much more fluctuation in pH, total dissolved solids and electro-conductivity. Outdoor systems are also kinder to your energy bill and are often not as space constrained.Installing an in-ground reservoir for your
outdoor hydroponic system is beneficial in many ways. The reservoir stays cooler, increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the solution, and thus what’s available for root intake. Dissolved oxygen drops signifi-cantly as temperatures rise over 70°F. The solution stays more temperate when buff-ered in an in-ground reservoir in either a greenhouse or outdoors because the ground always gravitates toward an ambient tempera-ture of around 57°F. With water that cool, you really need to be a die-hard enthusiast to soak in one of these reservoirs. When he was younger, our son Jared enjoyed initiating new reservoirs. Brrrr!
Everything you need to build an advanced, solar-run system.
151Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
The author’s son Jared chilling out in a resevoir.
Trellises can be made of hog fence or wire mesh with metal fence posts, all of which can be purchased from the hardware store. Solar panels can be purchased at certain hardware stores, online and possibly at select hydroponic stores.
Tips for building the unit To figure out the specific items required on your material list, first measure out the run of your pipe for your overall system. Next, you’ll need to figure out your count of con-necting components, such as T’s, elbows and caps, for both the system pipe and the drip tubing. The connecting components are relatively cheap, so buy a few extra to avoid multiple trips to the store. If you have an odd angle, you can use special 1.5-in. adapters.Once the pipe is laid out and the connections determined,
drill 0.87-in. holes for the buckets. You will need either a 0.87-in. spade or drill bit for drilling holes in the 1.5-in. PVC main pipe. If you count on a long growing season or large plants, position the holes 16-in. to 24-in. apart. Big plants need space to grow. I’ve grown habanero pepper plants using this system, and they reached 3 ft. in soil! As a side note, one of those peppers actually seared a hole in a rubber glove, and we burned out every last person at a Thai restau-rant for which we grow produce. Now that’s hot.
Next, find the lowest point of your system and dig a hole for your plastic, food-grade storage bin (reservoir). Spread sand to level out and set your reservoir. Simultaneously fill the bin with water and support around it with soil. Next, drill or cut out a 1.75-in. hole near the top for the 1-in. return pipe, and add your float valve if you want auto water. The float valve must be plumbed with 0.25-in. Pex tubing. The Pex tubing can be run in another white tube to protect it from the sun.
Any time you can use white tubing it helps lower the tem-perature. Keep in mind that ultraviolet sunlight will degrade Pex tubing over time if it’s not covered. For an access port in the reservoir’s lid, determine your
size/plug cap requirements and cut with a hole saw or knife. You can always lift the lid rather than cut an access port. If you want a heavy-duty reservoir, ask a clerk at your favorite hydro store. If you live in a region when temperatures will drop to freezing during the winter, either drain the reser-voir, or drop in a piece of Styrofoam board to keep it from freezing and cracking.
An outdoor hydro system.
Buckets required for the set-up.
“ I’vE GROWN hABANERO PEPPER PLANTS USING ThIS SySTEM, ANd ThEy REAChEd 3 FT. IN SOIL!”
IN-GROUNd hydRO SySTEMS
152 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
ExtrasJust like standard hydro systems, in-ground systems can have added features such as solar-powered auto water-ing, water level sensing, TDS readouts, auto feeding and solar-powered nutrient pumping. They can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. The more automated the system, the less work once the system is set up. I gave up packing water and hoses a long time ago; plants going through a gallon an hour per plant is a lot of water to move. Certain solar water timers on the market right now have a water sensing adjustment and can be purchased as solar or bat-tery powered and the water sensing functions can also be used for drip organic soil production.
In-ground hydroponic systems can also be run in con-junction with organic soil gardens. The solar 12-V, 380-gph bilge pump will need a deep cell battery and solar panel system. If you skip the solar pumping, you can use a small mag-drive pump to run the system with low energy consumption. It’s amazing how small these pumps can be, from 280 to 500-gph, depending on the size of your system. My small solar 12-V pump ran roughly 40-ft. of hydroponically connected plants along with three tiers of organic gardens—all powered from the sun.
ConclusionSimple, in-ground hydroponic systems can be an extremely cost-efficient solution for hydroponic grow-ing. With a little elbow grease and a bit of ingenuity, you can create a really wonderful, productive unit that can be easily modified and expanded over the years. Don’t forget to incorporate solar as you experiment and grow. Happy growing!
The authors wish to express their thanks to those who contributed to the work and development of this product: Vee from Grodan for her many contributions to the industry and their research; Maggie from Ancnoble for her incredible solar water sensing timer; Neil for his New Millennium nutrients; EZ FLO for its fertigation systems; and Roberts Manufacturing for its float valves that automate the many systems the authors have built over the years. Photos submitted via authors.
“ ThE MORE AUTOMATEd ThE SySTEM, ThE LESS WORk ONCE ThE SySTEM IS SET UP.”
153Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
A How-To
Soaking Seeds:
Sometimes it seems to take forever for seeds to germinate. Want to speed up the process? Try soaking them first.
by Heather Rhoades
“Seeds have developed over millions of years with defenses
to survive awful conditions.”
154 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
GREEN THUMB GARDENING
Soaking seeds before planting is an old-time gardener’s trick that many new gardeners are not aware of. When you soak seeds before planting, you can significantly decrease the amount of time it takes for a seed to germi-nate. Let’s look at the reasons for soaking seeds and how to soak them successfully.
Reasons for Soaking SeedsWhat happens to seeds when you soak them? Why should you soak your seeds? The short answer is because your seeds were designed to be abused. Mother Nature is not kind to a little seed. In the wild, a seed can expect to encounter harsh heat and cold, wet or dry conditions and may even need to survive through the acid-filled digestive tracts of animals. In short, seeds have developed over millions of years with defenses to survive awful con-ditions. But, in your modern day garden, a seed is rela-tively pampered. Soaking seeds before planting helps you to break down the seed’s natural defenses against what it expects from Mother Nature, which then allows it to germinate faster.While Mother Nature actively assaults
seeds, she also gives those seeds an internal gauge to help them know when they should grow. For most seeds, moisture levels play a big role in alerting a seed to optimal grow times. By soak-ing the seeds, you can quickly boost the mois-ture content around the seeds, which signals to the seed that it is now safe to grow. Lastly, some types of
seeds actually contain germination inhibitors that are designed to prevent a seed from germinating inside the fruit. These inhibitors must be leached away before a seed
can germinate. In nature, relying on rainfall, this process can take some time. Soaking seeds can speed this process up.
How to Soak Seeds Before PlantingSeed soaking at a basic level needs two things: seeds and water. Some methods for seed soaking may substitute the water for slightly acidic solutions, such as weak tea or coffee or even acidic chemicals. These acidic solu-tions are meant to imitate loosely the stomach acid of an animal, but these solutions are not necessary in most cases. For most seeds, water will work just fine.Take a small bowl and fill it with water from your tap, as
hot as your tap will allow. Some seeds can tolerate boiling water, but as the tolerance for heat can vary greatly from species to species, hot tap water is safest for seed soaking.Once your bowl is filled with hot water, place your seeds
inside and allow the seeds to stay in the water as it cools down. Common questions at this point include, “How long should seeds be soaked?” and, “Can you over-soak seeds?” Yes, you can over-soak seeds. Too much soaking in water and a seed will drown. It is recommended that you only soak most seeds for 12 to 24 hours and no more than 48 hours. The seeds of some species of plants can survive longer soakings, but you should only do this if the specific instructions for this species recommend it.There are things you can do to improve how well your
seeds react to soaking. Large seeds or seeds with particu-larly hard coats can benefit from scarification
before soaking. Scarification means damaging the seed coat in some
way so that the water is better able to penetrate the seed.
Scarification can be done in several ways, including
rubbing the seed on fine grain sandpaper, nick-ing the seed coat with a knife and even gently tapping the seed with a hammer to help crack the seed coat.After soaking your
seeds, they can be planted as directed. The benefit of
soaking seeds before plant-ing is that your germination
time will be reduced, which means you can have happily-grow-
ing plants faster.
“When you soak seeds before planting, you can significantly decrease the amount of time it takes for a seed to germinate.”
155Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
FriendlyFlora
Companion planting is a form of polyculture where certain types of crops are planted in close proximity to one another to boost crop yields or deter pests. Read on to learn more about this age-old gardening practice...
by Russell Landry
AD
156 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
AD
Companion planting is defined as the planting of certain crops in close proximity to each other to aid or boost crop yields and productivity. It is a type of polyculture where mul-tiple crops planted adjacently or in close proximity can be used to promote or enhance the growth of all of the plants.
The practice of companion planting has proven that some types of plants do in fact grow better when they are near other specific plant species.
Friendly types of plantings have been in use for thou-sands of years. First thought to be practiced by the ancient Egyptians, companion planting was practiced before herbi-cides and fertilizers changed our well-seasoned views about natural and effective plant propagation. Native Americans had the most well-known system of com-
panion planting—the Three Sisters method of planting corn, beans and squash was used to augment each plant’s growth while supplying beneficial nitrogen, support and shade. Corn was planted first and allowed to grow several inches high. The corn stalk was then used as a support to hold up the beans. Climbing beans are legumes that fix nitrogen and feed nitrogen-consuming plants like corn. Lastly, squash was planted between the rows of beans and corn. The squash, being shade tolerant in the shadow of the corn, also protects the soil surface as a ground cover. Moisture conservation is achieved along with weed inhibition and reduced heat stress to all three crops. Besides the favorable aspects of companion planting, it must
be appreciated that some plants cannot be effectively planted close to each other. It is known that some plants do indeed deter insects, but they can also hinder, contaminate or slow the growth rate of nearby plants. Hindering growth of companion plants is called negative allelopathy. Interfering with the growth of a neighboring plant can be problematic for the grower. However, knowing that certain plants also exude objectionable compounds that hinder root growth or seed germination is advantageous. The negative allelopathic effects of corn gluten meal in controlling the germination of weed seeds is now widely used in gardens to control weeds.The outcome of companion planting in modern gar-
dens can go beyond protecting plants—it can reduce the need for modern control methods. The opportunity to reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertil-izers lowers production costs while increasing yield. Maximizing yield and fruit quality is time and again the primary goal of many gardeners. The contemporary use of monoculture, or single crop
growth, has discouraged the use of companion plant-ings, but this narrow field of view has changed in recent times. Growers today acknowledge the limits and potential harmful effects of modern pesticides. They are becoming keenly aware that co-plantings will enhance a backyard garden plot in a more naturally effective manner while protecting the environment, and in turn they are fostering ever-increasing harvests. In some cases, companion plants are used as bait to
trap unwanted insects while protecting a primary crop, often referred to as trap cropping. Growers use the pest-attractive, sacrificial crops to protect a main cash crop from
“Native Americans had the most well-known system of companion planting—the Three Sisters method of planting corn, beans and squash was used to augment each plant’s growth while supplying beneficial nitrogen, support and shade.”
FRIENdLy FLORA
158 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
infestations. For example, marigolds are often planted with tomatoes to fend off harmful, root-feeding nematodes or tomato hornworms. Hubbard squash is commonly used as a trap crop for other cucurbit-type vine crops to attract striped cucumber beetles. The beetles vector bacterial wilt or mosaic virus and can cause greatly reduced yields. Companion plants can also be planted to provide a nursery area and habitat for beneficial insects. These advantageous, incubated predator insects then move on to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting, harmful pests that feed on the primary crops. Pest-attractive plants can be used in concentrated zones in which pesticides may be used only sparingly. Insect traps and pheromone lures can also be used amongst these plantings to further reduce harmful insect populations. Hunting the harmful pests on the sacrificial crops can allow for a more targeted and efficient use of chemical controls.Planting flowers amongst the main crops can persuade pol-
linators to visit gardens. Honey bees, butterflies and hum-mingbirds will come to forage the blossoms. Vegetables like squash and cucumbers that need pollination greatly benefit in these types of plantings. Placing herbs and flowers within your vegetable patch is one of simplest ways to create this natural kind of companion planting. Cover crops can also be used as in-season companion plants. They are grown to reduce pathogens and insects or to supply nutrients. Giant vegetable growers have discovered in recent years that companion plants help boost weight gains. One of the main factors that improved fruit size is inoculating the sacrificial plants with mycorrhizal fungi.The main plant roots are colonized much faster by these
beneficial fungi because the primary plant’s roots grow into the sacrificial plant’s roots and soil areas that have already been colonized by the fungi.Early season companion crops can also be returned back
into the soil to increase organic matter and nutrient stor-age for future plant growth. The fresh organic matter then becomes food for the myriad of various and beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere. These stored nutrients will not leach away, become insoluble or get tied up in the soil. They are available when plants are actively growing and serve to boost productivity. Plants such as buckwheat sequester calcium and phosphorus. The companion cover crop can be plowed down into the soil ahead of the main plant’s growth. This supplies the developing crop with a readily available source of root-building phosphorous and fruit-bulging calcium. Nutrients are vitally important to developing plants and in-season cover crops such as legumes can supply nitro-gen. Beans planted around nitrogen consumers such as cab-bages and corn greatly benefit the nitrogen consumers.Nature will always endure as it fosters living communities
that stand the test of time. Observation and common knowl-edge indicate that many vegetables and herbs have natural compounds in their roots, flowers and leaves. These com-pounds may deter or fend off harmful pests and attract ben-eficial insects. Some plants assist other plant varieties to thrive and grow by providing shade, fungi, bacteria or conservation of water and soil moisture.
The essential growth requirements of a thriving garden plot can be influenced by companion plantings. Essentially, companion planting helps harmonize the garden’s flora and fauna, allowing the grower to use and maximize the skills that modern controls and nature provide.
“Companion planting helps harmonize the garden’s flora and fauna, allowing the grower to use and maximize the skills that modern controls and nature provide.”
159Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
160 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
GROWERS KNOW
on PaPerGetting it Down
A journal can help a gardener keep track of the progress of plants and compare the results of using different techniques, tools and nutrients. Matt LeBannister has the
details about how keeping a garden log will make you a better gardener.
by Matt LeBannister
161Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
When I managed a hydroponic retail store, I would be hit with a litany of questions involving nutrients, media and equipment. The overall theme of the questions were, “What’s the best?” There were some things I could say with confidence that were better. Hydroponics will give you higher yields compared to soil; horticulture lamps produce better plants with larger yields than industrial lamps; and high-grade plant fertilizer will give you better results than the run-of-the-mill 10-10-10 fertilizers. But a lot of other hydroponic store items are up for debate: whether one nutrient works better than the other, which soilless mediums are ideal for each crop, and whether your plants grow better with certain additives or if you’re better off spending that money elsewhere. These questions are difficult and often impossible to answer accurately. To know exactly what result you would get, I always recom-mended that people experiment and keep a plant journal.
Plant journaling will allow you to track progress and com-
pare various techniques, gear and nutrients. It will allow you to document the
progression of nutrient deficien-cy, toxicity, insect and disease symptoms and eventually come up with a strategy to maximize the potential of your garden.
There are many different aspects of your garden that can be documented in your plant jour-nal. The first thing I like to check and keep a written record of is the condition of all my gear. Check your pumps and make sure that your table is flooding and even record how long it takes to flood and drain. Make sure that any drippers you are using aren’t clogged. Check your ballasts for burns and heat marks. Make sure your reservoir is not leaking and that your lights are all in working order. It is important to re-cord when your lights need replacing and change them so your plants are not starved for light.
You should make notes in you plant journal every time you water you plants or change the nutrient in your reservoirs. Record exactly what nutrients and additives you are using, how much of each and which plants are receiving what. Measure and record the pH level of the nutrient solution before water-ing and then measure the pH of the runoff water. Also, check and record in your journal the EC, TDS or ppm of your nutrient solution so that you can accurately adjust this if you notice any signs of toxicity or deficiency.
At each plant feeding, one to two times per week, you also want to take a close look at the overall health of your plants. Check for signs of nutrient deficiencies and toxici-ties such as yellowing leaves, leaf curl, leaf tip burning and yellowing veins. You should also look closely for any signs of disease, molds or insect infestations. Catching any of these problems before they become too severe can rescue your plants and save you a lot of time and money.
Plant journaling allows you to scientifically compare the ef-fectiveness of different nutrients on your plants. First you need control plants—plants that aren’t being fed the nutrient or additive you wish to test. Then you must have plants that are
being fed a measured and recorded amount of the nutrient or additive throughout its life cycle.
Then you have to record the growth and overall yield of both the control plants
and plants being fed the nutrients and additives to accurately gauge whether the plant growth has exceeded the growth of the control plants or not.
No matter what, it is always im-portant to measure your overall yield just to get an idea of how your
plants are doing. If you start to no-tice a drop in yield from harvest to
harvest, you can make adjustments or replace your bulbs. Diminished yields are
often caused by the gradual decline of lu-men output by your bulbs. This just happens as
the bulbs are used each day.
Don’t leave your garden to guess work. Plant journaling is the most effective way of gaining first-hand knowledge of what makes your plants grow well and is certain to make you a better gardener.
Matt LeBannister developed a green thumb as a child, having been born into a family of experienced gardeners. During his career, he has managed a hydroponic retail store and represented leading companies at the Indoor Gardening Expos. Matt has been writ-ing articles for Maximum Yield since 2007. His articles are pub-lished around the world.
A journal can help a gardener keep track of the progress of plants and compare the results of using different techniques, tools and nutrients. Matt LeBannister has the
details about how keeping a garden log will make you a better gardener.
PLANT jOURNALING
will allow you to track progress and compare
various techniques, gear and nutrients.”
10 FACTS ON... CARBON DIOXIDEBY PHILIP MCINTOSH
1
2
34
56
789
10
Carbon dioxide (CO2), as you may have heard, is the gas taken in and used by plants, through the process of photosynthesis, to make glucose. It’s kind of a big deal.
as the ConCentration of CO2 rises in the atmosphere, it might be good for some, but not all, plants. Too bad it is not so good for the planet, as CO2 contributes to global warming via the greenhouse effect.
Carbon dioxide consists of one carbon atom covalently bonded to two oxygen atoms to form a rather stable molecule.
the Co2 concentration in the atmosphere was fairly stable at around 280 ppm up until the mid 1800s, at which time it started to rise, and it has been rising faster and faster ever since.
the atmospheriC CO2 concentration has remained above 350 ppm since the late 1980s.
is more carbon dioxide actually good for plants? Under greenhouse conditions, increasing the CO2 concentration does indeed increase the growth rate of some plants. But it also increases the need for water and other nutrients.
studies show that plants can handle as much as 10,000 ppm CO2 in the air with no ill effects.
plant uptake of CO2 is limited to about 2,000 ppm, and the plant growth rate can be as much as doubled at that concentration.
most people believe plants have “carbon dioxide in, oxygen out” systems that help recycle and maintain the balance of carbon and oxygen in the environment. This is true, up to a point.
plants, being eukaryotic organisms, have mitochondria in their cells and mitochondria use glucose to synthesize the energy molecule ATP. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of this process. So, plants are releasing CO2 all the time and in the dark they release much more than they absorb.
162 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
In his recent book, The LED Grow Book, author Christopher Sloper shares
insights gained from years of researching and growing indoors with LED grow lights. He shines the light on how LED lights work, how to pick them and how to use them in your indoor garden. The second half of his book outlines every-thing you need to know to create a thriving indoor garden in a beginner-friendly fashion.Sloper’s practical, conversational style of writing makes it easy for
those new to the industry to follow along, not to mention simply an enjoyable read for anyone. He starts off by describing how many
developments and trends make LED grow lights
the right choice for indoor gardeners now, from better emitters and improved second-ary optics to higher electrical rates— Sloper claims that using LED grow lights can cut a grower’s electric bill in half or more. He also emphasizes that growers need to adjust their
gardening styles to work with these lights—replac-ing an HID grow light with an LED grow light means you need to re-examine everything about your garden set-up and practice. For example, because the LED light produces less heat, you may need a different fan, a revised watering schedule and a different nutrient solution due to your plants’ slower transpiration rate in lower temperatures.After explaining the why now, Sloper goes on to
debunk some myths about grow lights, describes how LED lights work and what to look for when choosing one. At the end of chapter five, he includes a helpful checklist that covers off all of the elements of selecting an LED grow light, which you can bring into a gardening store or use to ask retailers about different products. For the beginner gardener, whether you are
planning to use LED lighting technology or not, the second half of Sloper’s book is a must-read. He outlines everything someone building an indoor garden needs to know, including planning your grow space, the different grow systems, feeding plants and pest prevention. Throughout the book, Sloper includes plenty
of helpful tips to benefit both beginner and expe-rienced gardeners and he rounds things out with handy charts, lists and diagrams.To pick up your copy of The LED Grow Book
today, please go to amazon.com
Christopher Sloper’s
The LeDGrow Book
Christopher Sloper’s new book, The LED Grow Book, is an
illuminating read for many reasons...
Christopher Sloper received his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Loyola Marymount University, then earned a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University.
Christopher is focused on making gardening easier, both indoors and out. He thinks that everyone should grow their own fruit, veggies and herbs, and that society should collectively work to convert the food mile into the food meter. When he is not glued to his computer screen, Christopher enjoys riding his bicycle and working in his front-yard garden in Long Beach, California. Christopher is available for consulting engagements.You can reach him at [email protected]
book review
163Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
CompanyThe Green box
ownerdavid ventura
Location495 9th ave, New York, NY 10018
Phone1-212-967-4777
Websitethegreenboxhydro.com
MottoLive Within Nature
AT A GLAnCE One of the principle goals of The Green Box in Manhattan is bringing sustainable growing to the confined spaces common in New York City. Its owner David Ventura founded the store in 2011 after realizing hydroponics could be more than just a hobby.Amid the bright lights, concrete and skyscrapers of mid-town Manhattan is a small storefront with an inconspicu-ous green awning. The awning catches the eye of most people who walk past it, often beckoning them to look inside and find out what lies behind the window it hangs over. What they find is an unexpected and unique sight in New York City—a hydroponics shop and consulting agency.The Green Box is the only hydropon-
ics store in Manhattan and one of only a few that exists in New York City. The store opened in 2011 after owner David Ventura decided to turn his hobby into his profession. After 12 years in
the fashion industry, David decided he needed a change in his life, and since he was passionate about growing, he decided to open The Green Box. “I was losing interest in the fashion industry, and had been growing my own veg-etables for several years. Over the years I had gained a good amount of knowl-edge about the growing industry and had plenty of retail experience from working in the fashion industry. It only made sense to turn my passion into my job, so I opened a hydroponics store.”Since there were few hydroponics
shops in New York City, David felt it was important to provide the growers of Manhattan with a reliable place to
The Green Box owner David Ventura (left) and store manager Adam Sussman (right). Hector L. Santiago, stock manager.
TALKING SHOP
164 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Providing the supplIes and knowledge of
how to grow In small spaces Is Integral to lIvIng a
sustaInable lIfestyle In bIg cItIes, wIth the added bonus
of allowIng people to experIence food rIght off the plant who would not
otherwIse have that optIon.”
purchase their hydroponic supplies, gain knowledge about hydroponic and indoor growing, and get advice on hydroponic systems. Opening a storefront in Manhattan
came with its own set of unique chal-lenges, particularly those of size restric-tions, which have not slowed David one bit. The store itself is not large, but this matches the typical spaces its customers grow in. One of the principle goals of The
Green Box is to bring sustainable growing to the confined spaces of New York City. Providing the supplies and knowledge of how to grow in small spaces is integral to living a sustainable lifestyle in big cities, with the added bonus of allowing people to experience food right off the plant who would not otherwise have that option. The store also provides its customers a place to interact with other growers and increase their knowledge base. It is a common event to have several people in the store discussing their methods and sharing ideas with one another. This has created an environment where people come to not only to buy their supplies, but also to learn and share. The learning does not stop with the customers: “I am constantly learning about new techniques and products every day,” says David.In 2012, manager Adam G. Sussman
joined The Green Box team. Adam brought new insights and experience to the company, having spent 10 years studying and working in the theatri-cal production industry as well as the restaurant industry. It was this combina-tion of technical knowledge and food
knowledge that led him to the world of hydroponic and indoor gardening. This varied background provided Adam with a unique view of the possibilities in urban gardening and he is working towards a bachelor’s degree in biology.The most current addition to The
Green Box team is Steven Meyer as operations manager. Steve has come to the team from the hospitality industry where he specialized in operational development and IT solutions. His background is integral to the current success of The Green Box as he main-tains the website, helps keep the store’s technology up to date and generates consulting leads.The Green Box places a strong
emphasis on bringing gardens to the urban environment and educating those living in urban areas. Working with schools in and around the New York City area is one way The Green Box has encouraged the education and implementation of urban garden-ing. “Our work with the schools is some of the most rewarding work we are doing,” shares Adam. “Education in urban gardening and hydroponics provides young people with the skill sets to help them become part of a quickly growing professional industry.” Some of the current projects The
Green Box is involved in include building a hydroponic system grow-ing greens at the W Hotel of New York, implementing a rooftop garden at Lenox Hill Hospital, building a medicinal plant garden with Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and con-tinual consulting with Fountain House in Manhattan. All of these projects
have a common focus: bringing sustainability and gardening into the urban environment. Food can often be the focus of urban gardening, but it is far from the only reason to garden in urban spaces. These projects also highlight the therapeutic, health and environmental benefits of hydropon-ics and indoor gardening.The future is looking bright for
David and The Green Box. In an industry that is growing at a rapid pace, The Green Box is always looking to stay ahead of the curve and provide its customers with the best products and service it can offer. There are always new products and techniques to be developed and discovered, and it is this continual evolution of the indus-try that excites The Green Box team to no end. “We are looking forward to growing along with our customers for years to come,” says David.
165Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
YOU TELL US
Tell us a little about how your company started.Xtreme Gardening was born from an idea to inspire a new generation of gardeners and growers looking to maximize yield through organic inputs. John Anderson, founder of Xtreme Gardening, had learned through experience gardening with his father and mother (Neil and Maria Anderson—owners of Reforestation Technologies) that nature’s models, her designs and her processes, were the key to unlocking the true potential of plants. Neil had, over the course of his life, pioneered new develop-ments in the forestry, restoration and agricultural fields, the crown-ing achievement of which was the commercial production of arbrus-cular (endo) mycorrhizae. John recognized the importance of his father’s technologies and decided it was time it was shared with the world. John’s father had for more than a decade, been supplying res-toration companies for bioremedia-tion, forestry services for replant-ing, government and city agencies for landscaping and municipalities, transportation companies for erosion control, and even a small community of competitive pump-kin and fruit growers, helping them
Xtreme Gardening
RTIReforestation Technologies
International
“We Don’t Add the Biology, We Start with It!”
From its home base in Gilroy, California, Xtreme
Gardening/RTI is one of the world’s largest producers
of mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial microbes. Here’s Ryan Miller, vice president
of global sales, sharing details about the company.
break World Records for plant growth, but he had not yet brought these amazing products to the doorsteps of everyday Americans. John set out with the goal of bringing this new technol-ogy, a sustainable and organic means of successful gardening, to every backyard and indoor garden in America. Little did he know, it would soon grow to reach nearly every corner of the globe.
Dan’s son applying Mykos in his garden.
Dan and John farming fungi.
Xtreme Gardening’s Pumpkin Contest winners’ entries on display.
166 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
Tell us about your products and the benefits of mychorrizae?The backbone of the product line is the Mykos, Azos and Tea Brew trifecta. We also have CalCarb, a foliar booster for density and weight; Kryptomite to battle mites and mildew and Once & Done, a new and unique way of feed-ing new plant starts that involves using biodegradable packets filled with pre-mium organic and natural plant food. Mycorrhizae is the Internet super high-way of the soil, absorbing and transport-ing nutrients and water from different areas of the soil food web to the modems (roots) and hosts (plants) that require them. There is an old adage that if you garden organically, you get a higher quality and more nutrition, but lower yield and if you grow chemically, you get a higher yield, but lower quality (less nutrition). This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is that organic-based nutrients are plant and animal based and are not easily absorbed by plant roots. A fish, for example: if thrown in a hole and planted over, nutrients from the fish cannot be readily absorbed by plant roots. It must first be broken down by fungi and bacteria in the soil. How are your products unique?They enhance all stages of plant growth, from rooting to flower, and may be used or combined with any nutrient program organic or synthetic alike.
Can you explain how your products have helped achieve seven world records for fruit and vegetable yield?The big secret is in the roots. Competitive growers bury all their nodes (sites below the broad leaves on pumpkin vines that can take root) with Mykos and Azos. These microbes spark new root devel-opment, deep within the soil. Utilizing these microbes, a single pumpkin can form more than 150 separate and unique root sites to mine nutrients and mois-ture from the ground and put them to use (adding up to 50lbs of growth a day during peak growth). There hasn’t been
harvest. We have dozens of machines, conveyors, loaders, mixers, driers and packaging machinery. From small-scale to large-scale packaging, we manufac-ture all of our products in house. We have made this growth over the last 12 months thanks to our successes in all divisions of our company, from hydro-ponics and garden marketplaces, to res-toration, forestry, agriculture, landscap-ing and sport turf maintenance.
What else should we know about Xtreme Gardening?We are currently taking the agricultural market by storm. Our biologicals are negating the need for numerous appli-cations of chemical fertilizers, costing farmers less money, while improving their yield (fruit number and weight) and quality of harvest. In tomatoes alone, the Mykos/Azos combination has increased lycopene content (an essential antioxi-dant) by more than 300% in indepen-dent field trials. With all the new regula-tions in California and across the country on the use of phosphates, nitrates and pesticides, we are helping both organic and synthetic farmers save their farms and out-produce their conventional-farming competitors. Strawberries, which usually have a hollow and pithy center, are now growing full—red inside and out and bursting with flavor, thanks to our biologicals. Many of the strawberries, tomatoes and other produce that reaches your plate are now grown using our unique biology.
a single record-breaking pumpkin in the last six years that has not used these two microbes. The top growers have used these, as well as our Tea Brews and CalCarb foliar spray.
Is there anything happening at the R&D stage you can tell us about?We are in the process of develop-ing new means of producing organic mycorrhizae in a concentrated form. This new technology we are pioneer-ing has never been seen and the results and effectiveness of this process are unparalleled. I am not at liberty to dive further into this, but there has been much talk of mycorrhizae on the market, which boasts huge spore counts but are not delivering the expected results. These products are developed using genetically-modified carrot roots in labs. Essentially they are grown on “Frankenroots” that have no carrot or fruiting body attached, in a chemical hormone solution. They are able to get large spore counts, but the spores have never been exposed to real world conditions such as temperature, humidity and other microbes, and have never actually grown a plant to harvest. They are sterile and effectively impo-tent—most are unable to survive in the garden and have a low rate of inocula-tion. What we have found is a way to organically produce mycorrhizae in a fashion that has taken our spore counts to astronomical numbers. More infor-mation will be available as we get closer to bringing this product to market.
How are you able to pull all of this off? What are your facilities like?We recently moved into a state-of-the-art 16-acre facility with a 96,-000-sq.-ft. warehouse, two huge labs for bacteria culturing and microbial research, one of which rivals Stanford University’s stem cell research lab, as well as two light deprivation automated green-houses for trials, more than 16 offices and conference rooms, and enough room to grow over more than mil-lion pounds of mycorrhizal fungi per
One of two new light deprivation automatic greenhouses with water walls at Xtreme’s facility.
167Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
AD AD
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8.
6.
3.
4 . 5.
1.
7.
Diminished yields are often caused by the gradual decline of lumen output of a light’s bulbs.2.
Many of the essential micronutrients found in a plant’s diet are metals that, when chelated, can be absorbed more easily and used more
efficiently by the plant.
Primary meristem cells add to the height of a plant and the length of the roots, while secondary (lateral) meristem cells add to the girth of the trunk, branches and roots.
When adding worms to an aquaponic system, a grower should clean the worms of anything sticking to them before introducing them to the fish.
Companion planting is defined as the planting of certain crops in close proximity to each other to aid or boost crop yields and productivity.
Foliar feeding is not recommended when temperatures exceed 80°F.
Derived from the terms permanent agriculture and permanent culture, permaculture bridges the gap between ancient knowledge and modern horticulture, placing emphasis on working smarter rather than harder.
Belgian endive goes by many names depending on where it is being sold. These include French endive, white endive, Dutch endive and witloof chicory.
170 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAX-MARTDO YOU KNOW?
MAX-MART
171Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAX MART
ALABAMAAlabama Organics3348 Bethel Rd.Hammondville, al 35989256-635-0802
Hydro-Ponics Inc. (of Birmingham)2969 Pelham Pkwy. Suite. 3PelHam, al 35124205-358-3009
ALASKAFar North Garden Supply2834 Boniface ParkwayancHorage, aK 99504907-333-3141
Southside Garden Supply AK12870 Old Seward Hwy., Unit 114ancHorage, aK 99515907-339-9997
Holmtown Nursery Inc.1301 - 30th Ave.FairbanKs, aK 99701907-451-8733
Home Grown Hydroponics2401 East Baseline Rd.gilbert, aZ 85234480-633-2100
Ground Control Hydroponic & Garden Supplies1392 Ocean Dr.Homer, aK 99603907-235-1521
Northern Lights Greenhouse & Garden SupplySuite 105-9737 Mud Bay Rd.KetcHiKan, aK 9901907-225-GROW (4769)
Alaska Jack’s Hydroponics and Garden Supply1150 S. Colony Way, Suite 9Palmer, aK 99645907-746-4774
Peninsula Garden Supply AK44224 Sterling Hwy., Suite 4 soldotna, aK 99669907-420-0401
Alaska Jack’s Hydroponics and Garden Supply244 S Sylvan Way, Unit 25Wasilla, aK 99654907-373-4757
Far North Garden Supply300 Centaur StreetWasilla, aK 99654907-376-7586
ARIZONAHappy Harvesters Hydroponics1400 S. Arizona Ave. Suite 11cHandler, aZ 85286480-857-8878
Arizona Hydroponics3900 E Western Dr. #DcottonWood, aZ 86326928-649-1138
Sea of Green Flagstaff204 East Route 66FlagstaFF, aZ 86001928-774-7643
Home Grown Hydroponics2401 East Baseline Rd.gilbert, aZ 85234480-633-2100
The Hydro Closet5826 West Olive Ave. #106glendale, aZ 85302602-361-2049
Mesa Hydroponics1720 W. Southern Ave. Suite C7mesa, aZ 85202480-969-4769
The Grow Shop LLC1733 E. McDowell Rd.PHoenix, aZ 85006602-340-7591
Home Grown Hydroponics1838 W. Bell Rd. PHoenix, aZ 85023602-368-4005
Sea of Green West2340 W. Bell Rd., Suite 116PHoenix, aZ602-504-8842
Show Low Hydroponics1400 E. Deuce of Clubs #2sHoW loW, aZ 85901928-537-4606
ACI Hydroponics1325 South Park LanetemPe, aZ 85282800-633-2137
Home Grown Hydroponics1845 East BroadwaytemPe, aZ 85282480-377-9096
Sea of Green Hydroponics1301 E. University Dr.temPe, aZ 85281800-266-4136_________________________
Gonzo Grow10297 W Van Buren St., Suite 8
tolleson, aZ 85353623-780-GROW (4769)
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Sea of Green Hydroponics402 North 4th Ave.tucson, aZ 85705520-622-6344
Sea of Green Tuscon East7955 E. Broadway Blvd., #151.tucson, aZ 85710520-751-7745_________________________
Tucson Hydroponics & Organics
4235 W. Ina Rd., Suite 131tucson, aZ 85741
520-395-2052_________________________
ARKANSASMickey’s Mercantile1303 Hwy., 65 Southclinton, ar 72031 501-412-0214
Old Soul Organics and More1771 Crossover Rd.Fayetteville, ar 72701479-444-6955
Growfresh Organics & More2900 Zero St., Suite 106Fort smitH, ar 72901479-648-8885
Fermentables3915 Crutcher St.n. little rocK, ar 72118501-758-6261
Anuway Hydroponics2711 W. Walnut St.rogers, ar 72756479-631-0099
CALIFORNIAHydroponics and More Inc3519 Vandyke Rdalmont, ca810-798-2524
Greenleaf Hydroponics1839 W Lincoln Ave.anaHeim, ca 92801714-254-0005
Grow It Yourself Gardens401 Sunset Dr., Suite FantiocH, ca 94509925-755-GROW
High Desert Hydroponics13631 Pawnee Rd., #7aPPle valley, ca 92308760-247-2090
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A Fertile World5565 W End Rd
Arcata, CA 95521707-825-0255
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American Hydroponics286 South G St.arcata, ca 95521800-458-6543
Let It Grow160 Westwood Centerarcata, ca 95521 707-822-8733_________________________
Northcoast Horticulture Supply
639 6th St.arcata, ca 95521
707-826-9998_________________________
Sweet Harvest Hydroponics & Organics1041 E. Grand Ave.arroyo grande, ca 93420805-473-0004
Auburn Organic4035 Grass Valley Hwy.auburn, ca 95602530-823-8900
Quail Mountain Ranch230 Palm Ave. auburn, ca 95603530-889-2390
Tell 2 Friends Indoor Gardening62 Sutherland Dr.auburn, ca 95603530-889-8171
Bakersfield HydroponicsbaKersField, ca 661-808-4640
Green with Envy3903 Patton Way #103baKersField, ca 93308661-588-8269
Kern Hydroponics2408 Brundage Lane, Suite BbaKersField, ca 93304661-323-7333
Super StartsPO Box 732bellmont, ca 94002650-346-8009
Berkeley Indoor Garden844 University Ave.berKeley, ca 94710510-549-2918
Berkeley’s Secret Garden921 University Ave.berKeley, ca 94710510-486-0117
The Hydroponic Connection Berkeley2816 San Pablo Ave.berKeley, ca 94702510-704-9376
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Brentwood Hydroponics & Organics
560 Valdry Ct Suite B-1brentWood, ca 94513
925-634-6704_________________________
Hydro Galaxy 3314 W. Burbank burbanK, ca 91505800-818-6128
Good To Grow & Global Garden Supply1350 Rollins Rd. burlingame, ca 94010650-733-4420
Advanced Garden Supply3113 Alhambra Dr., Unit Fcameron ParK, ca 95682530-676-2100
Sky High Garden Supply3081 Alhambra Dr., Suite 105cameron ParK, ca 95682530-676-4009
Precision Hydroponics132 Kennedy Ave.camPbell, ca 95008408-866-8176
Advanced Hydroponics17808 Sierra Hwy.canyon country, ca 91351
Myron L Company2450 Impala Dr.carlsband, ca 9210-7226760-438-2021; 661-299-1603_________________________
San Diego Hydroponics North County Coastal 6352 Corte Del Abeto #Jcarlsbad, ca 92011
760-420-8934_________________________
The Greenhouse Garden Supply
7619 Fair Oak Blvd.carmicHael, ca 95608
916-515-9130thegreenhousegardensupply.com
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NorCal CreationsPO Box 28 cedar ridge, ca 95924_________________________
The Hydro Shop of Cerritos15961 S. Piuma Ave.
cerritos, ca 90703562-653-0700
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Chico Garden Center3028 Esplanade Ave. Unit EcHico, ca 95973
Garden Connection, The 629 Entler Ave. #32cHico, ca 95928530-342-7762
Hydro King2540 South Whitman PlacecHico, ca 959282530-893-GROW (4769)
Grow4Less Garden Supply & Hydroponics320 Trousdale Dr., Suite LcHula visa, ca 91910619-425-GROW
Mothers Earth871 Harold Place. #108cHula vista, ca 91914619-240-3235_________________________
San Diego Hydroponics North
645 Marsat Court #101cHula vista, ca 91911
619-737-9272_________________________
Citrus Heights Hydrogarden8043 Greenback Lanecitrus HeigHts, ca 95610916-728-4769
Green Thumb Hydroponics6412 Tupelo Dr.citrus HeigHts, ca 95621 916-721-6969
Conrad Hydroponics Inc.14915 Unit E, Olympic Dr.clearlaKe, ca 95422707-994 3264
Under The Sun13361 East Highway 20clearlaKe oaKs, ca 95423707-998-GROW
G & G Organics and Hydroponics901 W. Victoria Street Unit DcomPton, ca 90220310-632-0122
Concord Indoor Garden2771 Clayton Rd.concord, ca 94519925-671-2520
Hydroponics Plus2250 Commerce Ave., Suite Cconcord, ca 94520925-691-7615
123 Grow2175 Sampson Ave. #123,corona, ca 92879951-280-9232
Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics1307 W. Sixth St., #211corona, ca 92882951-479-8069_________________________
The Hydro Spot21785 Temescal Cyn Rd.corona, ca 92883
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A+ Hydroponics & Organics1604 Babcock St.costa mesa, ca 92627949-642-7776
The Hydro Source671 E. Edna Pl.covina, ca 91723877 HYDRO 82; 626-915-3128
Let It Grow1228 2nd St.crescent city, ca 95531707-464-9086
Pacific Coast Hydroponics4147 Sepulveda Boulevardculver city, ca 90230310-313-1354
Dr. Greenthumbs Hydroponic Garden Supplies566 San Ramon Valley Blvd.danville, ca 94526 925-314-9376
Constantly Growing - Davis123 D St. davis, ca 95616530-756-4774
Central Valley Gardening 9884 Stephens St.delHi, ca 95315209-668-2178
Constantly Growing6200 Enterprise Dr., Suite Adiamond sPrings, ca 95619530-642-9710
Appleseed Hydroponics6650 Merchandise Way, Suite Bdiamond sPrings, ca 95619530-622-5190
Victory Garden Supply1900 N Lincoln St., #100dixon, ca 95620 707-678-5800
Watch It Grow Hydro9453 Firestone Blvd.doWney, ca usa562-861-1928_________________________
East County Garden Depot1529 North Cuyamaca Stel cajon, ca 92020
(619)270-8649_________________________
Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego1591 N. Cuyamaca St.el cajon, ca 93612 619-749-6777
Indoor Garden Solution Inc.12424 Exline St.el monte, ca 91732626-453-0443
Encinitas Hydroponics463 Encinitas Blvd.encinitas, ca 9202
Go Green Hydroponics15721 Ventura Boulevardencino, ca 91436818-990-1198_________________________
A Fertile World (Eureka)6th St.
EUREKA, CA 95501707-444-0200
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Bayside Garden Supply4061 Highway 101 Ste 6eureKa, ca 95503 707-826-7435________________________
Humboldt Hydroponics1302 Union St.
eureKa, ca 95501707-443-4304
_________________________
Northcoast Horticulture Supply
60 West 4th St.eureKa, ca 95501
707-444-9999_________________________
Happy Green Lawn Care3890 Walnut Dr.eureKa, ca 95534707-497-6186
Constantly Growing4301 Hazel Ave.Fair oaKs, ca 95628916-962-0043
Fallbrook Hydro208 E Mission Rd., Suite BFallbrooK, ca 92028760-728-4769
Tulare County Growers Supply435 W. Noble Ave., Unit A Farmersville, ca 93223559-732-8247
Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - North6241 Graham Hill Rd.Felton, ca 95018831-335-9000_________________________
Eel River Hydroponics & Soil Supply164 Dinsmore Dr.
Fortuna, ca 95540707-726-0395
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The Shop8635 Mirabel Rd. Forestville, ca 95436 866-223-0198; 707-887-2280
Dirt Cheap Hydroponics17975 H Hwy. 1Fort bragg, ca 95437 707-964-4211
Headlands Garden Supply630 North Franklin St. Fort bragg, ca 95437707-964-4447
Hydrogarden Mendocino County1240 North Main St.Fort bragg, ca 95437707-962-9252
172 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
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A Fertile World (Fortuna)610 7th St.
FORTUNA, CA 95540 707-725-0700
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Northcoast Horticulture Supply
357 Main St.Fortuna, ca 95540
707-725-5550_________________________
Nature’s Secret Garden and Supply41451 Albrae St.Fremont, ca 94577510-623-8393_________________________
Gro More Garden Supply
& HydroponicsGro More Garden Supply
& Hydroponics2686 Clovis Ave., Suite 109
Fresno, ca 93727559-348-1055
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Roots Grow Supply1330 North Hulbert, #101
Fresno, ca 93728559-840-0122
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North Side Garden Supply4529 N. Marty, Suite 102Fresno, ca 93722559-495-1140
Full Scale Soil & Hydro2501 Business Park, Suite AFresno, ca 93727559 292 ROOT
Valley Hydroponics207 E. Sierra Ave.Fresno, ca 93710 559-449-0426
Grow Wurks Hydroponics765 S. State College Blvd., Suite J Fullerton, ca 92831714-253-Grow (4769)
SB Hydro1109 W. 190th St., Unit #Fgardena, ca 90248310-538-5788
Golden Gecko Garden Center4665 Marshall Rd.garden valley, ca 95633530-333-2394
Probiotic Solutions20889 Geyserville Ave.geyserville, ca 95441707-354-4342_________________________
Hydroponics Outlet320 Kishimura Dr., Unit #3
gilroy, ca 95020408-848-0884
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Zen Hydroponics1801 Victory Blvd.
glendale, ca 91201877 ZEN Grow; 818-806-4500
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Laid Back Gardens340 Pine Avenuegoleta, ca 93117805-845-2471
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Grass Valley Hydrogarden12506 Loma Rica Dr.
grass valley, ca 95945530-477-2996
grassvalleyhydrogarden.com_________________________
AG Natural403 Idaho Maryland Rd.
grass valley, ca 95945530-274 0990
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West Coast Growers Hydroponics13481 Colifax Hwy.grass valley, ca 95945888-924-4769
530 Hydo & Soil10021 Wolf Rd. C-16grass velley, ca 95949
Joy’s Green Garden Supply 340-A Elm Ave.greenField, ca 93927 831-674-1416
All Seasons Hydroponics17614 Chatsworth St.granada Hills, ca 91344818-368-4388
Dirt Cheap Hydroponic151 N 7th St. #4grover beacH, ca 93433805-473-3478
Growers Choice Hydroponics42089 Watkins St.HayWard, ca 94544510-278-6200
M.G.S.22540 D FoothillBlvd.HayWard, ca 94541510-582-0900
American Ave Hydroponics1208 W. Winton Ave.HayWard, ca 94545510-785-4376
Thrive Hydroponics30-A Mill St.Healdsburg, ca 95448707-433-4068
Hydro Zen3518 Tanya Ave.Hemet, ca 92545951-392-5016
Bear Valley Hydroponics & Homebrewing17455 Bear Valley Rd.HesPeria, ca 92345760-949-3400
Emerald Garden13325 South Hwy. 101HoPland, ca 95482707-744-8300
Surf City Hydroponics7391 Warner Ave., Suite B Huntington beacH, ca 92647714-847-7900
Hydroluv Hydroponics16582 Gothard St.Huntington beacH, ca 92647714-916-0428
Dutch Garden SuppliesPark Circle, Suite 12 irvine, ca 92614949-748-8777
West Coast Hydroponics, Inc.27665 Forbes Rd., Unit 10laguna niguel, ca 92677949-348-2424
Hydro Life Hydroponics18109 E Valley Blvd.la Puente, ca 91744626-581-8800
La Habra Hydroponics1301 S Beach Blvd., Suite O la Habra, ca 90631562-947-8383
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Grass Roots Hydroponics31875 Corydon, Suite 130
laKe elsinore, ca 92530951-245-2390
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South County Hydroponics22511 Aspan St., Suite A
laKe Forest, ca 92630949-837-8252
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Clover Hydroponics & Garden Supply43 Soda Bay Rd.laKePort, ca 95453707-263-4000_________________________
San Diego Hydroponics East County
11649 Riverside Dr., Suite 141laKeside, ca 92040
619-562-3276 _________________________
Total Hydroponics Center Inc4820 Paramount Blvd.
laKeWood, ca 90712562-984-GROW (4769)
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Room to Grow43511 13th St. Wlancaster, ca 43511661-940-5599_________________________
Hydro Bros.1471 B St., Suite F
livingston, ca 95334209-394-7319
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Big Daddy Garden Supply42400 Hwy. 101laytonville, ca 95454707-984-7181
Weather Top Nursery44901 Harmon Dr.laytonville, ca 95454707-984-6385
Livermore Hydroponics22 Rickenbacker Crl. Slivermore, ca 94551925-454-9376
DL Wholesale6764 Preston Ave., Suite Dlivermore, ca 94551510-550-0018_________________________
National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply
6485 Brisa St.livermore, ca 94550
888-570-4678 (Southern CA)_________________________
VIP Garden Supply203 Commerce St., Suite 101lodi, ca 95240209-339-9950
Valley Rock Landscape Supply2222 N H St.lomPoc, ca 93436805-736-0841; 805-735-5921
562 Hydro Shop717 East Artesia Blvd. long beacH, ca 90805562-726-1101_________________________
Green Coast Hydroponics2405 Mira Mar Ave.
long beacH, ca 90815562-627-5636
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Grow Light Express5318 East Second St., Suite 164long beacH, ca 90803888-318-GROW_________________________
Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics
1772 Clark Ave.long beacH, ca 90815
562-498-9525_________________________
Atwater Hydroponics3350 Glendale Blvd.los angeles, ca 90039 323-663-8881_________________________
Green Coast Hydroponics16705 Roscoe Blvd.
los angeles, ca 91406818-672-8880
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Green Coast Hydroponics3865 Grand View Blvd.
los angeles, ca90066310-398-0700
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Green Door Hydro and Solar830 Traction Ave.los angeles, ca 90013212-625-1323
Hardman Hydroponics3511 Youree Dr., Shreveportlos angeles, ca 71105318-865-0317
Hollywood Hydroponics & Organics5109 1/2 Hollywood Blvd.los angeles, ca 90027-6105323-662-1908
Hydroasis2643 S. Fairfax Ave.los angeles, ca 90232888-355-4769
LAX Hydro10912 S. La Cienaga Boulevardlos angeles, ca 90304 310-337-6995
Nirvana Hydroponics340 South San Pedrolos angeles, ca 90013 310-795-2914_________________________
Sunland Hydroponics4136 Eagle Rock Blvd.
los angeles, ca 90065323-254-2800
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Superior Hydroponic Supply5651 Hollywood Blvd.
los angeles, ca 90028323-465-grow (4769)
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Green Giant Hydroponics7183 Hwy. 49 Unit Blotus, ca 95651 530-622-4465
Big Momma’s11455 Clayton Creek Rd.loWer laKe, ca 95457707-994-1788
California Green Hydroponics16491 Rd., 26, Suite 101madera, ca 93638559-674-1400
Grow22333 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 101malibu, ca 90265310-456-2910
Deep Roots Garden Center & Flower Shop207 N. Sepulveda Blvd.manHattan beacH, ca 90266310-376-0567
B & S Gardening Supplies592 Commerce Courtmanteca, ca 95336209-239-8648
Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply218 Reindollar Ave., Suite 7Amarina, ca 93933831-38-HYDRO
Two Chix Garden Supply1230 Yuba St.marysville, ca 95901530-923-2536_________________________
Northcoast Horticulture Supply
1580 Nursery Way, Suite DmcKinleyville, ca 95519
707-839-9998_________________________
Mendocino Garden Shop44720 Maint St. (at Hwy. 1) mendocino, ca 95460707-937-3459
Hooked Up Hydroponics1004 W. 15th St. Suite B & Cmerced, ca 95340 209-723-1300
Indoor/Outdoor Garden Supply1501 W. Main St.merced, ca 95340209-580-4425
The Urban Farmer Store653 E. Blithedale Ave.mill valley, ca 94941415-380-3840
Hydroponics Inc.3811 Wacker Dr.mira loma, ca 91752951-685-4769
Mission Viejo Hydroponics 24002 Via Fabricante Suite 502 mission viejo, ca 92691949-380-1894
Central Valley Gardening509 Winmoore Way, Suite Tmodesto, ca 95358209-537-GROW
Coca’s Central Valley Hydroponics116 West Orangeburg Ave.modesto, ca 95350209-567-0590
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Hydro Bros.521 Winmoore Way, Suite A
modesto, ca 95358209-537-8220
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Growers Choice Hydroponics1100 Carver Rd. #20modesto, ca 95350209-522-2727
Hydro Max664 Bitritto CTmodesto, ca 95356209-491-2816
Year Round Garden Supply11000 Carver Rd. #20modesto, ca 95350209-522-2727_________________________
Green Light Hydroponics
2615 Honolula Ave.montrose, ca 91020
818-640-2623_________________________
247 Garden 1101 Monterey Pass Rd., Unit Bmonterey ParK, ca 91754323-318-2600
South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View569 East Evelyn Ave.mountain vieW, ca 94041650-968-4070
Murphys Hydroponics & Organics785 Murphys Creek Rd., Suite C2murPHys, ca 95247209-728-8058
Redwood Garden Supply55 Myers Ave.myers Flat, ca 95554707-943-1515_________________________
Endless Green Hydroponics25 Enterprise Court, Suite 3
naPa, ca 94558707-254-0200
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Wyatt Supply 4407 Solano Ave.naPa, ca 94558707-251-3747_________________________
Conejo Hydroponics3481 Old Conejo Rd., #106
neWbury ParK, ca 91320805-480-9596
_________________________
Vital Landscaping Inc.204 Gold Flat Ct. #7
nevada city, ca 95959530-273-3187
_________________________
Big Momma’s2581 Stokes Ave.nice, ca 95464707-274-8369
Foothill Hydroponics10705 Burbank Blvd.n. HollyWood, ca 91601818-760-0688
173Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
One Stop Hydroponics12822 Victory Blvdn. HollyWood, ca 91606818-980-5855
Lumatek Digital Ballasts33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite Bnovato, ca 94949415-233-4273
Marin Hydroponics1219 Grant Ave.novato, ca 94945415-897-2197
Roots Grow Supply 40091 Enterprise Dr.oaKHurst, ca 93644559-683-6622
3rd Street Hydroponics692 4th St.oaKland, ca 94607510-452-5521
Grass Valley 1920 E 12 St.oaKland, ca 94606
Medicine Man Farms1602 53rd Ave.oaKland, ca 94601707-980-0456
Plant-N-Grow1602 53rd Ave.oaKland, ca 94601707-980-0456
Hydrobrew1319 South Coast Hwy.oceanside, ca 92054760-966-1885; 877-966-GROW
Socal Hydroponics1727-B Oceanside Blvd.oceanside, ca 92054760-439-1084
Cultivate Ontario2000 Grove Ave. #a110ontario, ca 91761909-781-6142
Flairform1751 S Pointe Ave.ontario, ca 91761213-596-8820_________________________
Green Coast OntarioUnit 102-103 1920 S. Rochester Ave.
ontario, ca909-605-5777
_________________________
National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply
1950 C South Grove Ave.ontario, ca 91761
888-888-3319_________________________
Palm Tree Hydroponics2235 E 4th St., Suite Gontario, ca 91764909-941-9017_________________________
RH Distribution1751 S. Pointe Ave.
ontario, ca 91761888-545-8112
_________________________
Green Coast Hydroponics496 Meats Ave.
orange, ca 92865714-974-4769
_________________________
Greenback Garden Supply9341 Greenback Ln., Suite Corangevale, ca 95662530-391-4329
Igro Hydro2280 Veatch St.oroville, ca 95965530-534-4476 _________________________
Advanced Soil & Garden Supply
350 Oro Dam Blvd.oroville, ca 95965
530-533-2747_________________________
Orville Organic Gardens5250 Olive Hwy., Suite 1oroville, ca 95966530-589-9950
Amazon Garden Supply29 Ridge View Laneoroville, ca 95966530-589-5054
Amazon Greenlight521 Cal Oak Rd.oroville, ca 95966530-534-4769
Amazon Growing Needs5369 Old Olive Hwy.oroville, ca 95966530-589-9850
US Orchid & Hydroponic Supplies1621 South Rose Ave.oxnard, ca 93033805-247-0086_________________________
America’s Best Hydroponics &
Gardening Center641 W. Palmdale Blvd., Unit D
Palmdale, ca 93551661-266-3906
_________________________
Hydroponics Unlimited641 W. Palmdale Blvd., DPalmdale, ca 93550
661-266-3906_________________________
DNA Hydroponics Inc19345 North Indian Canyon Dr.,
Suite 2-Fn. Palm sPrings, ca 92258
760-671-5872_________________________
Green Bros Hydroponics14072 Osborne St.
PANORAMA CITY, CA 91402818-891-0200
_________________________
Mission Hydroponics1236 East MissionPomona, ca 91766909-620-7099
New Leaf Hydro34150 123rd St.Parablossom, ca 93553 661-944-2226
Alternative Hydro3870 East, Colorado Blvd.Pasadena, ca 91107888-50-HYDRO
365 Hydroponics2062 Lincoln Ave.Pasadena, ca 91103626-345-9015
Garden All Year Inc.3850 Ramada Dr., Unit D2Paso robles, ca 93446805-434-2333
Supersonic Hydroponic & Organic Garden Supply3850 Ramada Dr., Unit D2Paso robles, ca 93446805-434-2333
Foothills Hydrogarden3133 Penryn Rd.Penryn, ca 95663916-270-2413_________________________
Four Seasons Landscape Materials
17115 Penn Valley Dr.Penn valley, ca 95946
530-432-9906_________________________
Deep Roots Hydroponics830 Perry LanePetaluma, ca 94954-5320707-776-2800_________________________
Funny Farms Hydroponics963 Transport Way, #12Petaluma, ca 94954
707-775-3111_________________________
House of Hydro224 Weller St., #BPetaluma, ca 94952707-762-4769
Hydrofarm, Inc. 2249 South McDowell Ext.Petaluma, ca 94954800-634-9990
Wyatt Supply1016 Lakeville StPetaluma, ca 94952707-762-3747
JNJ Hydroponics 4774 Phelan Rd., Suite 2PHelan, ca 92371760-868-0002
Turbo Grow1889 San Pablo Ave.Pinole, ca 94564510-724-1291
All Elements Hydroponics & Gardening Supply5623 Motherlode Dr.Placerville, ca 95667530-642-4215
Hillside Hydro & Garden4570 Pleasant Valley Rd.Placerville ca 95662530-644-1401
IGS Hydroponics & Organics57 California Ave., Suite 1Pleasonton, ca 94566925-426-GROW
Best Yield Garden Supply3503 West Temple Ave., Unit APomona, ca 91768909-839-0505
Mission Hydroponics1236 East MissionPomona, ca 91766909-620-7099
Hand’s On Hydroponics3320 North Cedar Ave.Presno, ca 93726559-222-7770
Emerald Garden8249 Archibald Ave.rancH cucamanga, ca 91730909-466-3796
The Growbiz3127 Fite CirclerancHo cordova, ca 95827916-315-3580
Shadow Valley Aquatics75 Kimick Wayred bluFF, ca 96080530-526-0479
Bare Roots Hydroponics1615 East Cypress, #5redding, ca 96002530-244-2215
Hydro King105 Hartnell Ave., Suite C and Dredding, ca 96002888-822-8941_________________________
The Hydro Shop of Redondo Beach
1304 S. Pacific Coast Hwyredondo beacH, ca 90277
310-540-2005_________________________
Radiant Roots Gardening & Hydroponics1394 S Pacific Coast Hwy.redondo beacH, ca 90277 310-540-2005_________________________
Dazey’s Supply3082 Redwood Dr.
redWay, ca 95560707-923-3002
_________________________
Humboldt Hydroponics2010 Tunnel Rd.redWay, ca 95560707-923-1402
Redway Feed Garden & Pet Supply290 Briceland Rd.redWay, ca 95560707-923-2765
Sylvandale Gardens1151 Evergreen Rd.redWay, ca 95560707-923-3606
Orsa Organix111 Willow St.redWood city, ca 94063650-369-1269_________________________
Mendocino Greenhouse & Garden Supply960 East School Way
redWood valley, ca 95470707-485-0668
_________________________Hydro Hills Hydroponics19320 Vanowen St.reseda, ca 91335
Hi-Tech Gardening5327 Jacuzzi St., #282ricHmond, ca 94804510-524-4710
The Urban Farmer Store2121 San Joaquin St.ricHmond, ca 94804510-524-1604
All Ways Hydro2220 Eastridge Ave., Suite Criverside, ca 92507888-HYDRO98
Calwest Hydroponics11620 Sterling Ave., Suite Ariverside, ca 92503800-301-9009_________________________
Discount Hydroponics4745 Hiers Ave.
riverside, ca 92505877-476-9487
_________________________
Green Forest Hydro570 E La Cadena Dr., Suite #1Driverside, ca 92507951-784-5733, Fax 951-704-4633
Hydro Depot5665 Redwood Dr., #BroHnert ParK, ca 94928707-584-2384
Constantly Growing 1918 16th St. sacramento, ca 95811916-448-1882
Green Acres Hydroponics1215 Striker Ave., Suite 180sacramento, ca 95834916-419-4394
Greenfire Sacramento3230 Auburn Blvd.sacramento, ca 95821916-485-8023
Green Thumb Hydroponics1537 Fulton Ave.sacramento, ca 95825916-934-2476
Green Thumb Hydroponics35 Quinta Court, Suite Bsacramento, ca 95823916-689-6464_________________________
KY Wholesale8671 Elder Creek Rd. #600sacramento, ca 95828
916-383-3366_________________________
Hydro City 8510 Morrison Creek Dr. Suite 200 sacramento, ca 95828916-388-8333
J Street HydroGarden2321 J St.sacramento, ca 95816916-444-4473
Mystic Gardens8484 Florin Rd., #110sacramento, ca 95828916-381-2464
Sac Hydroponics9529 Folson Blvd., Suite Csacramento, ca 95827916-369-7968
Skywide Import & Export Ltd.5900 Lemon Hill Ave.sacramento, ca 95824916-383-2369
Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies1235 Striker Ave. #180sacramento, ca 95834888-557-8896
Green Joint Ventures61 Tarp Circlesalinas, ca 93901831-998-8628
_________________________
Reforestation Technologies International
1341 Daton St., Unit Gsalinas, ca 93901
800-784-4769_________________________
Xtreme Gardening1341 Dayton St., Annex B
salinas, ca 93901800-784-4769
_________________________
National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply
1900 Bendixsen St., Bldg. 1samoa, ca 95564
800-683-1114 (Northern CA) _________________________
Sanger Garden Supply725 Academy Ave.sanger, ca 93657559-259-7597
Greenmile Hydroponic Garden Supply1480 South E. St., Suite Dsan bernardino, ca 92408909-885-5919
Pure Food Gardening/Microclone830 H Bransten Rd. san carlos, ca94070-3338_________________________
Green Gopher Garden Supply679 Redwood Ave., Suite Asand city, ca 93955
831-899-0203_________________________
Best Coast Growers4417 Glacier Ave., Suite Csan diego, ca 92120800-827-1876
City Farmer’s Nursery4832 Home Avesan diego, ca 92105619-284-6358
Home Brews & Gardens3176 Thorn St.san diego, ca 92104619-630-2739
Indoor Garden Depot1848 Commercial St.san diego, ca 92113619-255-3552
Innovative Growing Solutions (IGS)5060 Santa Fe St., Suite Dsan diego, ca 92109858-578-4477_________________________
Mighty Garden Supply4780 Mission
Gorge Pl. #A-1san diego, ca 92120
619-287-3238_________________________
Miramar Hydroponics & Organics8952 Empire St.san diego, ca 92126858-549-8649
174 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
_________________________
Oracle Garden Supply5755 Oberlin Dr., Suite 100san diego, ca 92121
858-558-6006 _________________________
San Diego Hydroponics Beach Cities4122 Napier St.
san diego, ca 92110619-276-0657
_________________________
Direct Hydroponics Wholesale1034 W. Arrow Hwy. #Dsan dimas, ca 91773888-924-9376_________________________
House of Hydroponics732 W. Arrow Hwy.
san dimas, ca 91773877-592-5111; 909-592-5111
_________________________
Liquid Gardens1034 West Arrow Hwy. #Dsan dimas, ca 91773888-924-9376_________________________
Grow Your Own Hydroponics & Organics - West
3401 Taraval St.san Francisco, ca 94116
415-731-2115_________________________
Hydro Depot2090 Cesar Chavez St.san Francisco, ca 94124415-282-5200
The Hydroponic Connection Warehouse1995 Evans Ave.san Francisco, ca 94124415-824-9376
The Hydroponic Connection San Francisco1549 Custer Ave.san Francisco, ca 94124415-864-9376
Nor Cal Hydroponics4837 Geary Blvd.san Francisco, ca 94118 415-933-8262
Plant It Earth Warehouse1 Dorman Ave.san Francisco, ca 94124415-970-2465
San Francisco Hydro123 Tenth St.san Francisco, ca 94103
Urban Gardens1394 Lowrie St.san Francisco, ca 94080650-588-5792_________________________
Urban Gardens. 704 Filbert St.
san Francisco, ca 94133415-421-4769
_________________________
The Urban Farmer Store2833 Vicente St.san Francisco, ca 94116415-661-2204
US Garden417 Agostinio Rd.san gabriel, ca 91776626-285-5009
Inland Empire Hydrogarden1301-C South State St.san jancinto, ca 92853_________________________
Glow Hydroponics 124-H Blossom Hill Rd. san jose, ca 95123
408-455-7720_________________________
Hahn’s Lighting260 E. VA Suite 1san jose, ca 95112408-295-1755
Plant Life32 Race St. san jose, ca 95126408-283-9191_________________________
Rasa Hydroponics 5725 Winfield Blvd., Suite 8
san jose, ca 95123408-227-7272
_________________________
Sunny Tool580 Parrott St.san jose, ca 95112408-278-1800
South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose1185 South Bascom Ave.san jose, ca 95128408-292-4040
Urban Gardens1999 Monterey Rd.san jose, ca 95125408-298-8081
Beach Cities Hydroponics33155 Camino Capistrano Unit F.san juan caPistrano, ca 92675949-493-4200
D&S Garden Supplies17-130 Doolittle Dr.san leandro, ca 94577510-430-8589
Hydrogarden Delight13762 Doolittle Dr.san leandro, ca 94577510-903-1808
Central Coast Hydrogarden1951 Santa Barbara St.san luis obisPo, ca 93401805-544-GROW
Healthy Harvest Hydroponics and Organics2958 S. Higuera St.san luis obisPo, ca 93401805-596-0430_________________________
Gro Pro Garden Supply841 Racheros Dr.
san marcos, ca 1906760-735-8604
_________________________
San Diego Hydroponics North County Inland
802 N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd #108san marcos, ca 92069
760-510-1444_________________________
Murphy’s Hydroponics & Organics799 W. stocktan st. sanora, ca 95370209-532-2022
Marin Hydroponics721 Francisco Blvd. Eastsan raFael, ca 94901415-482-8802
San Rafael Hydroponics1417 Fourth St.san raFael, ca 94901415-455-9655
55 Hydroponics1727 Boyd St.santa ana, ca 92705714-259-7755
Nutes Int’l204 N Quarantina St.santa barbara, ca 93103805-687-6699_________________________
Green Coast Hydroponics135 Nogal Dr.
santa barbara, ca 93110805-898-9922
_________________________
Planet Earth Hydroponics102 East Haley St.santa barbara, ca 93101805-899-0033_________________________
Urban Grow Systems204 N Quarantina St.
santa barbara, ca 93103805-637-6699
_________________________
Modern Gardens26620 Valley Center Dr., Unit #104santa clarita, ca 91351661-513-4733_________________________
Santa Clarita Valley Hydroponics
25835 Railroad Ave. #26SANTA CLARITA, CA 91350
661-255-3700; 661-255-3701
_________________________
Hydro-Logic Purification Systems370 Encinal St., Suite 150 santa cruZ, ca 95060 888-H2O-LOGIC
Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - West Side815 Almar Ave., Unit Ksanta cruZ, ca 95060831-466-9000
Hydrofarm Southwest12991 Leffingwell Rd.santa Fe sPrings, ca 90670800-634-9990
California Hydroponics600 N. Broadwaysanta maria ca 93454805-614-9376
Big Daddy Garden Supply3236 Dutton Ave.santa rosa, ca 95407707-535-0996
Garden Spout, The1236 Briggs Ave.santa rosa, ca 95401707-528-3500
Deep Roots Hydroponics3715 Santa Rosa Ave. Suite A2santa rosa, ca 95407707-540-0773
Gottagrow Garden Supply769 Wilson St.santa rosa, ca 95404707-544-7782_________________________
Green Logic Garden Supply860 Piner Rd, #38
santa rosa, ca 95403707-843-3156
_________________________
Hydro Depot13 West 3rd St. santa rosa, ca 95401707-542-3866
Organic Bountea1919 Dennis Lanesanta rosa, ca 95403800-798-0765
Sonoma Hydro LLC3535 Industrial Dr., Suite B2-3santa rosa, ca 95403 707-544-3383
_________________________
Santa Rosa Hydroponics4880 Sonoma Hwy.santa rosa, ca
707-595-1340
Santa Rosa Hydroponics4130 S Moorland Ave. santa rosa, ca
707-584-9370 _________________________
Wyatt Supply 747 Yolanda Ave.santa rosa, ca 95404 707-578-3747
Next Generation Hydroponics10658 Prospect Ave., Suite Asantee, ca 92071619-438 2415
Santee Hydroponics7949 Mission Gorge Rd.santee, ca 92071619-270-8649
Gardening Unlimited60 Old El Pueblo Rd.scotts valley, ca 95066831-457-1236
Deep Roots Hydroponics2661 Gravenstein Hwy. S #EsebastoPol, ca 95472-8200707-829-7668
Hydro Depot6731 Sebastopol Ave.sebastoPol, ca 95472707-829-1510
loom Brothers Garden Supply, Inc.3293 Industry Dr.signal Hill, ca 90755562-494-0060________________________
We Grow Hydroponics3350 East Los Angeles Ave.simi valley, ca 93063
805-624-4566________________________
Green Universe Inc.19618 8th St. Esonoma, ca 95476707-320-0554
Valley Hydro and Organics19230 Sonoma Hwy. sonoma, ca 95476707-396-8734
Motherlode Hydroponics and Organics799 W Stockton St.sonora, ca 95370209-532-2022
Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - East Side4000 Cordelia Lanesoquel, ca 95073831-475-9900
________________________
Advanced Garden Supply2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Building C, Unit 9s. laKe taHoe, ca 96150
530-541-4769________________________
Farm Hydroponics, The1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3s. laKe taHoe, ca 96150530-541-3276
East County Hydroponics9903 Campo Rd. sPring valley, ca 91977619-825-5097________________________
Orange County Hydroponics12797 Beach Blvd.
stanton, ca 90680714-893-9493
________________________
HomeGrown Indoor Garden Supply
681 A Grider WaystocKton, ca 95210
209-477-4447________________________
Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48stocKton, ca 95210209-951-3550
M&M Garden Supply2509 West Lane, Suite BstocKton, ca 95205209-939-0664
Pacific Ave Indoor Garden Supply4633 Pacific AvestocKton, ca 95207209-955-0945
Hydroponics Depot8712 Sunland Blvd.sun valley, ca 91352818-771-0600________________________
Sunland Hydroponics8300 Foothill Blvd.
sunland, ca 91040818-352-5300
________________________
South Bay Hydroponics & Organics - Sunnyvale1205 W. El Camino Realsunnyvale, ca 94087650-968-4070
Beyond Hydro Inc. 12639 San Fernando Rd.sylmar, ca 91342818-362-5373
Tahoe Garden Supply645 Westlake Blvd., Suite 2 taHoe city, ca 96145530-581-3200
The Otherside Hydroponics19425 Ventura Blvd.tarZana, ca 91356818-881-HYDRO (4937)
________________________
Grass Roots Hydroponics27250 Madison Ave. Suite C
temecula, ca 92590951-296-1090
________________________
Hydroponics 4 Less41669 Winchester Ave.temecula, ca 92590800-A1-HYDRO
Inland Empire Hydrogarden28822 Old Town Front St. #206temecula, ca 92590886-74-HYDRO
805 Hydroponics & Organics1785 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.tHousand oaKs, ca 91362805-494-1785
Green Thumb Lighting & Garden1647 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Unit 5torrance, ca 90501888-326-GROW
Los Angeles Hydroponics & Organics3007-3009 W. Artesia Blvd.torrance, ca 90504310-323-4937
Growers Choice Hydroponics470 W. Larch Rd. #1tracy, ca 95304209-833-1212
Tracy Hydroponics543 W. Grant Linetracy, ca 95376209-207-9065
Anything Grows10607 W. River St., Bldg. 3 Suite CtrucKee, ca 96161530-582-0479
Aloha Hydroponics225 Lander Ave.turlocK, ca 95380209-667-6653
Garden Depot Hydroponics1460 Freitas ParkturlocK, ca 95380209-250-0101
Hooked Up Hydroponics339 S. Golden State Blvd.turlocK, ca 95380209-668-1300
Big Daddy Garden Supply310 Mason St.uKiaH, ca 95482707-467-9234
Emerald Garden307 East Perkins St.uKiaH, ca 95482707-463-2510
HydroPacific - Hydroponics & Garden Supplies351 C Hastings Ave.uKiaH, ca 95482707-467-0400
Northcoast Hydrogardens3450 North State St.uKiaH, ca 95482707-462-7214
Wyatt Supply 2200 N. State St.uKiaH, ca 95482707-462-7473
TNC Supply9490 Main St., P.O. Box 763uPPer laKe, ca 95485707-275-9565
175Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
________________________
North Bay Hydroponics1650 Lewis Brown Dr.vallejo, ca 94589
707-647-0774________________________
Green Coast16705 Roscoe Blvd.
van nuys, ca 91406818-672-8880
________________________
Hydroponics Market15816 Arminta St.van nuys, ca 91406818-305-6261; 886-72-HYDRO
Blazzin Hydroponics6650 Cresent St.ventura, ca 93003805-644-9376
Kinney Nursery4115 Rowles Rd. vina, ca 96092530-839-2196
The Green Shop66420 Mooney Blvd., Suite 1visalia, ca 93277559-688-4200________________________
BWGS-CA7530 W. Sunnyview Ave.visalia, ca 93291
888-316-1306________________________
Kaweah Grower Supply1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Wayvisalia, ca 93293559-625-4937
Greentrees Hydroponics Inc.2581 Pioneer Ave., Unit Dvista, ca 92081760-598-7551
Home Life Hydroponics and Organics1745 East Vista Wayvista, ca 92084760-643-2150________________________
Specialty Garden Supply7 Hangar Way, Suite B
Watsonville, ca 95075831-768-0420
________________________
Evergreen Farm Feed and Garden1131 Main St.Weaverville, ca 96093530-623-2884
Art of Hydro5740 Corsa Ave. #102WestlaKe village, ca 91362818-865-2227
California Hydro Garden1043 S. Glendora Ave., Suite AWest covina, ca 91790626-813-0868
No Stress Hydroponics7543 Santa Monica Blvd.W. HollyWood, ca 90046323-845-9874
Hydronation2491 Boatman Dr., Suite BW. sacramento, ca 95691916-372-4444
Flower Hut Nursery603 4th St.WHeatland, ca 95692 530-633-4526
GreenWay Hydroponics11510 Whittier Blvd.WHittier, ca 90601
Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More14626 East Whittier Blvd.WHittier, ca 90605562-945-0909
Garden Spout, The260 Margie Dr.Willits, ca 95490707-456-0196________________________
Jolly Rancher Hydroponics399 Business Park Ctr., Suite 205
Windsor, ca 95492707-838-0842
________________________
Green Acres20946 Victory Blvd.Woodland Hills, ca 91367
Sparetime Supply208 E. San Francisco Ave.Willits, ca 95490-4006
Farmer Browns Garden Supply80 country club rd. WilloW creeK, ca 95573 530-629-3100
Urban Gardens22516 Ventura Blvd.Woodland Hills, ca 91364818-876-0222________________________
Ultra Lo Hydroultralohydro.com
937-252-8224_________________________
Garden Highway Garden Supply598 Garden Highway #22yuba city, ca 95991530-755-2877
Golden Valley Hydroponics870 W. Onsott Rd. Suite Fyuba city, ca 95993 530-763-2151
Southern Humbolt Garden Supplies31653 Outer Highway 10yacaiPa, ca 92373 909-794-6888
Yucca Valley Hydroponics56825 Twentynine Palms Hwy. yucca valley, ca 92284760-369-0300
COLORADOSouth Park Hydroponics42 E Buckskin Rd.alma, co 80420719-836-1533
Green Spot Garden Center & Antiques711 State Ave.alamosa, co 81101719-589-6362
The Hydro Store6695 Wadsworth Blvd. #Carvada, co 80004720-328-3746
The Grofax25797 Conifer Rd. #A-8asPen ParK, co 80433303-838-5520
Aurora Hydroponic LLC4250 S Chambers Rd. aurora, co 80014303-400-6941
_________________________
The Big Tomato Indoor Garden Supply
14440 E. 6th Ave.aurora, co 80011
303-364-4769_________________________
National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply3550 B Odessa Way
aurora, co 80011866-877-4188 (Northeast)
_________________________
Nick’s Garden Center2001 S. Chambers
aurora, co 80014303-696-6657
________________________
Rooted Hydroponics & Organics – Vail910 Nottingham Road Unit N-11 & N-12avon, co 81620970-748-1222________________________
\
Black Dog LED2885 Aurora Ave. #38boulder, co 80303
________________________
Boulder Hydroponics1630 N 63rd St. boulder, co 80301303-415-0045
Candy Shop Hydroponics LLC2740 Canyon Blvd.boulder, co 80302 303-444-3355
One Love Garden Supply3620 Walnut St.boulder, co 80301303-586-1715
Polar Ray5171 Eldorado Springs Dr.boulder, co 80303303-494-5773
Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics2125 32 St.boulder, co 80301 303-996-6100
Way To Grow6395 Gunpark Dr.boulder, co 80301303-473-4769
Deep Roots Garden Supply1790 Airport Rd., Unit 1brecKenridge, co 80424970-453-1440
Mile High Hydroponics37 Strong St. brigHton, co 80601303-637-0069 ________________________
ACME Hydroponics300 nickel st., suite 3
broomField, co 80020 720-524-7306
________________________
Hydrofarm Mountain400 Burbank St.broomField, co 80020800-634-9990
J&D Organic Growing Solutions217 1/2 clayton st. brusH, co 80723970-310-5408
BIG BloomZ1011 Caprice Dr.castle rocK, co 80109303-688-0599
Indoor Garden Warehouse8100 S Akron St., Suite 322centennial, co 80112720-496-2110
Indoor Gardener, The3225 I-70 Business Loop, Unit A10cliFton, co 81520970-434-9999
Garden Tech737 Garden of the Gods Rd.colorado sPrings, co 80907719-278-9777
Grotools2408 East Platte Ave.colorado sPrings, co 80909719-475-7699
Greenhouse Tech917 East Fillmorecolorado sPrings, co 80907719-634-0637
Hydro Grow Supply644 Peterson Rd.colorado sPrings, co 80915719-596-2600
Purple Mountain Hydroponics LLC1530 S Nevada Ave.colorado sPrings, co 80906719-635-5859
Room To Grow LLC422 South 8th St.colorado sPrings, co 80905719-633-8682
Roots and Rocks Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply1014 S. 21st St.colorado sPrings, co 80904719-634-1024________________________
High Tech Garden Supply5275 Quebec St.
commerce city, co 80022720-222-0772
_________________________
Grow Your Own27051 Barkley Rd.coniFer, co 80433 303-816-groW (4769)
Happy Grow Lucky11873 Springs Rd.coniFer, co 804331-303-838-8700
Whetstone Garden Supply300 Belleview Ave.crested butte, co 81224970-349-9666
Global Organics & Hydroponics11 N BroadwaycorteZ, co 81321970-564-8100
Joy of Growing1410 Valley View Dr.delta, co 81416970-874-2550_________________________
BWGS-CO 11685 E. 55th Ave.
denver, co 80239 888-316-1306
_________________________
Chlorophyll3801 Mariposa St.
denver, co 80211 303-433-1155
_________________________
Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics666 S. Buchtel Blvd.denver, co 80210303-954-9919
Greenlight Garden Supply7741 E Colfax Ave.denver, co 80220720-389-8320
The Grofax7540 East Colfax Ave.denver, co 80220720-328-2127
The Grofax755 South Federal Blvd.denver, co 80219720-328-5164
The Grow Outlet4272 Lowell Blvd.denver, co 80211 303-586-5543_________________________
Grow Your Own2118 S Bellaire St.
denver, co 80222303-990-1929
_________________________
Hydro Terra Corp3893 Steele St.denver, co 80205954-260-3377
HyGrow Indoor Gardening Supplies6271 Beach St., Unit Fdenver, co 80221303-396-1420
Indoor Paradise Denver7100 N Broadway, Suite 3D & Edenver, co 80221303-428-5020
NoDo Urban Garden Supply1330 27th St.denver, co 80205303-296-3424
Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics1717 39th Ave.denver, co 80205800-58-HYDRO
Ultimate Hydroponics & Organics2380 S. Broadwaydenver, co 80210303-282-0034
Way To Grow301 East 57th Ave.denver, co 80216303-296-7900_________________________
All Seasons Gardening434 turner dr., suite 2b
durango, co 81303 970-385-4769
_________________________
Blue Sky Hydroponics1301 Florida Road Unit Cdurango, co 81301970-375-1238
DHL Garden Supply178 Bodo Dr.Unit Bdurango, co 81303970-247-1090_________________________
The Grow Store South5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37,
engleWood, co 80110303-738-0202
_________________________
Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics439 Edwards Access Rd Unit B101edWards, co 81632970-926-2100
Bath Nursery & Garden Center2000 E. Prospect,Fort collins, co 80525970-484-5022
Gold Coast Hydroponics West8101 S.W. Frontage Rd. Suite 300Fort collins, co 80528970-232-3220
The Grow Shop LLC1711 S. College AvenueFort collins, co 80525970-484-1042
Indoor Paradise Hydroponics309 S. Summit View, Unit 17,Fort collins, co 80524-1462970-221-3751
Way To Grow3201 E. Mulberry Street,Fort collins, co 80524970-484-4769_________________________
Hydro Shack, The753 10 Mile Drive
Frisco, co 80443970-668-0359
_________________________
Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics7800 Colorado 82 #203glenWood sPrings, co 81601970-947-9551
Green Head Hydroponics809 E. Jasper Courtgranby, co 80446970-557-3031_________________________
Desert Bloom Hydroponics445 Pitkin Ave.,
grand junction, co 81501970-245-6427
_________________________
Greeley Nutrients700 11th Street Unit 101greeley, co 80631970-673-8302
Green Thumb Garden Supply Co.2830 W 27th St.greeley, co 80634970-506-1711
The Grow Shop LLC1701 Greeley Mall Rd.greeley, co 80631970-352-5447
_________________________
Your Grow Bud6801 South Emporia St., Suite 106greenWood village, co 80112
303-790-2211_________________________
Green Gardens133 E. Tomichi Ave.gunnison, co 81230970-641-1161
Grow in Peace1241 Mine Rd.idaHo sPrings, co 80452303-567-GROW
GroWize3225 S. Wadsworth Blvd.laKeWood, co 80227303-986-2706
176 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
_________________________
The Grow Store 8644 W. Colfax Ave,laKeWood, co 80215
888-510-0350_________________________
MileHydro355 S. Harlan St.
laKeWood, co 80226303-935-4769
_________________________
Way to Grow11989 West Colfax Ave.laKeWood, co 80215303-546-3600
The Flower Bin1805 Nelson Rd.longmont, co 80501303-772-3454_________________________
Victory Hydro Gardening1387 E. South Boulder Rd.louisville, co, 80027
303-664-9376_________________________
WarHammer Supply1112 Munroe Ave.loveland, co 80537970-635-2602
Colorado Hydroponics & Organics2740 Commercial Way, Unit 1montrose, co 81401970-252-7450
Greener Mountain Indoor Gardening20 Lakeview Dr., Unit 210nederland, co 80466303-258-7573
Grow in Peace176 Hwy. 119 S.nederland, co 80466303-258-3520
Grow Depot1434 W. 104th Ave.nortHglenn, co 80234303-459-7878
Four Corners Organics & Hydroponics LLC68 Bastille Unit #3, PO Box 627Pagosa sPrings, co 81147 970-731-1685_________________________
Majestic Hydro-Gardening860 Hwy. 105
Palmer laKe, co 80133719-481-0777
_________________________
Pueblo Hydroponicss and Organics - Downtown113 W 4th St. Pueblo, CO 81003719-542-6798
Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics- South2704 S Prarie Ave., Suite CPueblo, co 81005719-564-2660
Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics609 E Enterprise Dr.Pueblo West, co 81007709-647-0907
Salida Hydroponic Supply1242 C St., salida, co 81201719-539-4000
Little Shop of Growers2560 Copper Ridge Dr.steamboat sPrings, co 80487970-879-8577
Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics7615 W.38th Ave., Suite B111WHeat ridge, co 80033303-954-9897
Hydro Planet5022 Kippling St.WHeat ridge, co 80033303-279-6090
CONNECTICUT_________________________
CT Home Grown45 South Canterbury Rd.
canterbury, ct 06331860-546-6161
_________________________
Grow Crazy11 Berlin Rd., Unit 2cromWell, ct 06416203-660-8486
Harvest Moon Hydroponics775 Silver Lanee. HartFord, ct 06118860-568-4067
LiquidSun® CT10C South Main St.e. Windsor, ct 06088860-254-5757_________________________
Rogue Hydroponics160 Broadway
Hamden, ct 06518866-277-4432
_________________________
Organix Hydroponics749 Saybrook Rd., (Tradewinds Plaza)middletoWn, ct 06457860-343-1923_________________________
Good To Grow335 Westport Ave.
norWalK, ct 06851203-956-5600
www.goodtogrowct.com_________________________
Grow with Us10 Middle River Dr.staFFord sPrings, ct 06076860-684-1595
DELAwARE1st State Seed And Garden SupplyPeople’s Plaza Suite 950neWarK, de 19702302-834-0440
Sunny Day Organics1867 Coastal Hwy. reHobotH beacH, de 19917302-703-2538
FLORIDAUrban Sunshine1420 E. Altamonte Dr.altamonte sPrings, Fl 32701407-830-4769
Full Bloom Hydroponics1489 W. Palmettoboca raton, Fl 33486888-725-4769
Best Hydro4920 Lena Rd.bradenton, Fl 34211941-756-1928
Palm Coast Hydroponics4490 N Hwy US1, Suite 108bunnell, Fl 32110386-246-4119
East Coast Hydroponics & Organics461 Forrest Ave., Suite 105coca, Fl 32922321-243-6800
GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc.5011 S State Rd. 7, Suite 104davie, Fl 33314954-316-8815
Absolute Hydroponic Garden Center Inc336 North Boundary Ave.deland, Fl 32720386-734-0696
Organic Grow Hut 2780 Deltona Blvd. #107deltona, Fl 327251-888-574-GROW; 386-259-5777_________________________
Biofloral6250 NW 27th Way
Ft. lauderdale, Fl 33309877-735-6725
_________________________
Gold Coast Hydroponics1539 SW 21st Ave.Ft. lauderdale, Fl 333121-800-780-7371
Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies13482 North Cleveland Ave.Fort meyers, Fl 33903239-997-4769
Gator Hydroponics4460 SW 35th Terrace, Suite 310gainesville, Fl 32608352-301-5383_________________________
Florida Garden Supplies2692 W 79 St.
HialeaH, Fl 330161-800-931-5215
_________________________
Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North)3642 South Suncoast Blvd.Homosassa, Fl 34448352-628-2655_________________________
Grower’s Choice & Hydroponics
11855 North Main St.jacKsonville, Fl 32218
904-683-4517_________________________
Growers Choice South8535 Baymeadows Rd., Suite 13
jacKsonville, Fl 32256904-647-7156
_________________________
Hydroponics International Inc.7029-10 Commonwealth Ave.jacKsonville, Fl 32220904-693-6554
Urban Organics & Hydroponics5325 Fairmont St.jacKsonville, Fl 32207904-398-8012
Simply Hydroponics & Organics7949 Ulmerton Rd.largo, Fl 33773727-531-5355
GrowSmart Indoor Garden Centers14587 Southern Blvd.loxaHatcHee, Fl 33470561-429-3527
Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – West14703 Southern Blvd. loxaHatcHee, Fl 33470561-296-8555_________________________
High Tech Garden Supply2975 West New Haven Ave.melbourne, Fl 32901
321-821-0853________________________
Advanced Hydro Gardens4960 NW 165 St., Suite B-4miami, Fl 33014305-474-4376
All Star Hydroponics Inc8901 SW 129th St.miami, Fl 33176800-842-8582
Blossoms Experience, The7207 NW 54th St.miami, Fl 33166866-452-4769 _________________________
Florida Garden Supplies9545 Sunset Dr.
miami, Fl 33173800-931-5215
_________________________
Future Farms Inc., The14291 SW 120th St., Suite 105miami, Fl 33186305-382-2757
Gold Coast Hydroponics4241 SW 71st Ave.miami, Fl 331551-800-780-6805
Growing Garden Inc., The12811 SW 42nd St.miami, Fl 33175305-559-0309
VitaOrganix7921 NW 67th St.miami, Fl 33166786-845-8633
3D Hydroponics and Organics7139 US Highway #19neW Port ricHey, Fl 34652727-847-3491_________________________
Florida Garden Supplies8442 Tradeport Dr., Unit 200
orlando, Fl 32827_________________________
Urban Sunshine6100 Hanging Moss Rd., Suite 50orlando, Fl 32807407-647-4769
Urban Sunshine6142 S. Orange Ave.orlando, Fl 32809407-859-7728
Vertical Food Growers10964 dearden circleorlando, Fl 32817407-671-4241
Green Winters Inc.147 Tomoka Ave.ormond beacH, Fl 32174386-235-8730; 800-931-5215
The Healthy HarvestSuite 126, 21113 Johnson St.PembroKe Pines, Fl 33029954-538-1511
_________________________
Atlantis Hydroponics8042 N. Palafox St., Suite CPensacola, Fl 32534
850-912-8796_________________________
Eden Garden Supply3111 N. Davis Hwy.
Pensacola, Fl 32503850-439-1299
_________________________
Healthy Gardens and Supply of Florida, Inc.196 East Nine Mile Rd., Suite FPensacola, Fl 32534850-912-4545_________________________
National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply455 S. Andrews Ave.
PomPano beacH, Fl 33069877-649-3567 (Southeast)
_________________________
Hydroponic Depot II2395 S Tamiami Trail #19Port cHarlotte, Fl 33952941-255-3999
EZ Grow Green604 S.W. Bayshore Blvd.Port st. lucie, Fl 34983772-807-7755
Urban Sunshine Organic & Hydroponic Gardening2841 South Nove Rd., Suite 5s. daytona, Fl 32119386-236-9989; 386-492-6978
Avid Brew Company1745 1st Ave s. st. Petersburg, Fl 33712727-388-6756
Avid Brew Company1745 1st Ave. S. St.st. Petersberg, Fl 33712727-388-6756
Mr. Nice Guy Hydroponics1800 NW. Federal Hwy.stuart, Fl 34994772-934-6785
Esposito Garden Center2743 Capital Circle NEtallaHassee, Fl 32308850-386-2114
Evershine Hydroponics1519 Capital Circle NE Unit #35tallaHassee, Fl 32308850-765-0040
Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center8877 North 56th St.tamPa, Fl 33617813-514-9376
Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center8707 Temple Terrace Hwy.tamPa, Fl 33637813-514-9376
Hydroponics of Tampa120 W. Bougain VilleatamPa, Fl 33612813-333-6828
Schiro’s Barn-N-Garden Supplies Inc.7812 Causeway Blvd.tamPa, Fl 33619813-626-0902
Stoney Hydro @ Schiro’s Barn-N-Garden Supplies7812 Causeway Blvd.tamPa, Fl 33619813-626-0902_________________________
Worm’s Way Florida4412 North 56th St.tamPa, Fl 33610
800-283-9676; 813-621-1792_________________________
Happy Planet Hydroponics1179 E. Alfred St.tavares, Fl 32778352-253-1001
365 Hydroponics13054 W Colonial Dr.Winter garden, Fl 34787407-656-GROW(4769)
Monkey Hydroponics940 West Oakland Ave., Unit A1Winter garden, Fl 34787407-574-8495
Cultivating Eden Hydroponic Supplies946 18th Ave. SWvero beacH, Fl 32962772-564-8880_________________________
Florida Garden Supplies8020 Belvedere Rd.,Unit 4
W. Palm beacH, Fl 33411800-931-5215
_________________________
Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – East968 North Congress Ave.W. Palm beacH, Fl 33409561-296-6161
GEORGIA_________________________
Atlantis Hydroponics1422 Woodmont Lane, #4
atlanta, ga 30318404-367-0052
_________________________
Flora Hydroponics Inc.2475 Jefferson Rd., Suite 600atHens, ga 30607866-404-0551
Flora Hydroponics, Inc.195 Paradise Blvd.atHens, ga 30607800-470-6881
Atlantis Hydroponics2561 West Point Ave.college ParK, ga 30337678-510-0032
Alpha Hydroponics and Garden Supply Inc. 3904 N Druid Hills Rd., Suite 247decatur, ga 30033404-590-4769_________________________
Savannah Hydroponics & Organics
4107 Eighth St., Suite Cgarden city, ga 31408
912-349-4030_________________________
Atlantis Hydroponics5182-B Brook Hollow Parkwaynorcross, ga 30071770-558-1346
177Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
Flora Hydroponics, Inc.1239 Fowler St.nortH West atlanta, ga 30318404-532-0001
HAwAIIEco-Island Supply810 Haiku Rd., #394HaiKu, Hi 96708808-575-9171
Aqua Plant Hawaii / Kahala Hydroponics4224 Wailae, Suite 1AHonolulu, Hi 96816808-735-8665
Green Hands of Aloha1713 Mary St.Honolulu, Hi 96819808-847-4263
Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply300 Hukilike St. #2M,KaHalui, Hi 96732808-871-6393
Aiyah’s Garden4558 Kukui St.KaPa’a, Hi 96746
Aiyah’s Garden3-3122 Kuhio Hwy. Unit B-2liHue, Hi 96766808-245-2627
Pahoa Feed & Fertilizer15-2754 Old Government Rd.PaHoa, Hi 96778808-965-9955
IDAHOBoise Hydroponics614 North Orchard St.boise, id 83706208-344-3053
Four Seasons Garden Supply 6218 Overland Rd.boise, id 83709 208-377-3030
Greenthumb Greenhouses5895 Ensign Ave.boise, id 83714
ILLINOISAerostar Global824 South Kay Ave.addison, il 60101
Aerogro502 N Prospect, Suite 18bloomington, il, 61704
Brew and Grow181 Crossroads Parkway bolingbrooK, il 60194847-885-8282
Let it Grow - CarbondaleWest Main St.carbondale, il 62908573-450-5401
Versaponics.COMBox 166 West Main St.carbondale, il 62901573-450-5401
Alternative Garden Supply615 Industrial Dr., Unit Acary, il 60013800-444-2837
Brew and Grow3625 N. Kedzi Ave.cHicago, il 60618773-463-7430
Brew and Grow19 South Morgan St.cHicago, il 60607312-243-0005
Chicago Roots Hydroponics & Organics4020 W. Irving Park Rd.cHicago, il 60641773-545-4020
Fertile Ground463 West MacArthur Dr.cottage Hills, il 62018618-259-5500
_________________________
Midwest Hydroganics20647 Renwick Rd.
crest Hill, il 60403815-838-0100
_________________________
Alternative Garden Supply Brew and Grow- Crystal Lake176 W. Terra Cotta Ave.crystal laKe, il 60014815-301-4940_________________________
Goldman’s Grow Shop910 Greenwood Rd.
glenvieW, il 60025847-657-7250
_________________________
Grow Masters4641 Old Grand Ave.gurnee, il 60031224-399-9877
Big Grow Hydroponics9225 Trinity Dr.laKe in tHe Hills, il 60156847-854-4450
Grow Big Hydroponics7817 B North 2nd St.mancHesney ParK, il 61115815-637-4769
Green Fields8137 N. Milwaukeeniles, il 60714847-965-5056
Prairie House Garden Center15151 South Harlem Ave.orland, il 60462708-687-3131_________________________
Autumn Bloom Alternative Indoor Gardening
1020 Derby St.PeKin, il 61554
309-642-6943_________________________
GroUp Gardening221 N. 5th St.
PeKin, il 61554 309-349-4407
_________________________
Grow Shop of Peoria2621 N UniversityPeoria, il 61604309-299-0953 _________________________
Heartland Hydrogardens7403 Broadway St. quincy, il 62305
217-214-GROW(4769)_________________________
Brew and Grow3224 South Alpine Rd.rocKFord, il 61109815-874-5700
Rock Valley Garden Center785 N.Bell School Rd. rocKFord, il 61107815-398-9419
Brew and Grow359 W. Irving Park Rd. Unit Eroselle, il 60172630-894-4885
Organic Garden Center9223 Skokie Blvd.sKoKie, il 60077847-675-2722_________________________
Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center3427 Old Chatman Rd.
sPringField, il 62704217-341-0821
Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center2110 North Grand Ave.
sPringField, il 62702 217-341-0821
_________________________
Water Works Indoor Gardening1900 South Dirksen ParkwaysPringField, il 62703217-553-6929
Joe Dirt’s Organics & Hydroponics760 Heartland Dr.sugar grove, il 60554630-466-8346
INDIANASunleaves Garden Products7854 North State Rd. 37bloomington, in 47404888-464-9676_________________________
Worm’s Way Indiana7850 North State Rd. 37
bloomington, in 47404800-598-8158
_________________________
Worm’s Way Mail Order7850 North State Rd. 37
bloomington, in 47404800-274-9676
_________________________
Frogs Lilly Pad, The706 Citation Rd.carmel, in 46032317-846-4610
Hops & Harvest4616 E. DuPont Rd., Suite QFort Wayne, in 46825260-918-3035
Harvest Moon Hydroponics1336 East Washington St.indianaPolis, in 46202317-780-8020
Magic Bulb Garden Center6221 Allisonville Rd.indianaPolis, in 46220317-202-2852_________________________
Maximum Grow Gardening6117 E Washington St.
indianaPolis, in 46219317-359-GROW (4769)
_________________________
Next Generation Gardening & Hydroponics6805 Madison Ave.indianaPolis, in 46227317-786-0066
One Stop Grow Shop2326 E.44th St.indianaPolis, in 46205317-546-GROW_________________________
Maximum Grow Gardening140 Frontage Rd. Suite D
LAFAYETTE, IN 47905765-464-6689
_________________________
The Wine-N-Vine Inc.1524 East McGalliard Rd.muncie, in 47303765-282-3300_________________________
BWGS-IN1400 Hancel Pkwy.,
mooresville, in 46158800-316-1306
_________________________
Five Point Gardens56555 Oak Rd.s. bend, in 46619574-287-9232
KANSASKan-Grow Hydro Farm LLC5555 S. Meridian Ave.WicHita, Ks 67217316-214-3022
KENTUCKYGarden Grove Organics29 East 7th St.covington (cincinnati metro), Ky 41011859-360-1843_________________________
Worm’s Way Kentucky1360 Donaldson Hwy. Suite A
erlanger, Ky 41018800-669-2088
_________________________
Grow Shop, The of Lexington2320 Palumbo Dr., Suite 130lexington, Ky 40509859-268-0779
Success Hydroponicslexington, Ky 4505859-294-4769
Louisville Hydroponics3471 Taylor Blvd.louisville, Ky 40215502-366-4000
New Earth Garden Center9810 Taylorsville Rd.louisville, Ky 40299 800-462-5953
Bluegrass Organic Grow Shop125 Quinn Dr.nicHolasville, Ky 40356859-887-0677
Bluegrass Hydro Garden13529 S. Dixie Hwy. uPton, Ky 42784270-369-9000
LOUISIANALaughing Buddha Nursery4516 Clearview Parkwaymetairie, la 70006504-887-4336
Urban Organics285 St. Claude Ave.neW orleans, la 70117504-352-4709
Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics201 Angus Dr.yungsville, la 70592337-303-6146
MAINEThe Urban Garden Center600 Wilson St.breWer, me 04412207-989-2020
LiquidSun of Maine51 West Gray Rd.gray, me 04039 207-657-8033
Natures Palate Indoor Garden Store1321 Mercer Rd. (route 2) mercer, me 04957877-587-4150; 207-587-4150
Newfield Farms122 Water St.neWField, me 04095207-956-3334_________________________
Evergreen Garden Center301 Forest Ave.
Portland, me 04101207-761-2800
_________________________
High Tech Garden Supply Maine 178 Rand Rd.
Portland, me 04102207-899-4387
_________________________
The Urban Garden Center659 Warren Ave.Portland, me 04103207-347-2350
Here We Grow30 Parsons St.Presque isle, me 04769207-SOY-BEAN (769-2326)
Green Thumb Indoor Gardening19 Stage Rd.st. albans, me 04971207-938-5909
New England Horticulture Supply125 John Roberts Rd., Suite 1s. Portland, me 04106207-899-0510
Urban Garden Center235 Lewiston Rd.toPsHam, me 04086207-373-0990
Greenlife Garden Supply611 US Route 1yorK, me 03909207-363-0844
MARYLANDEast Coast Organics2800 Sisson St.baltimore, md 21211
Healthy Gardens and Supply5001-F Harford Rd.baltimore, md 21214443-708-5144
Eco Greenworks7814 Parston Dr.Forestville, md 20747301-278-7541
Maryland Hydroponics Inc.10051 North 2nd St. laurel, md 20723301-490-9236
Meadowview Feed & Garden Center1202 Meadowview Rd.Pasadena, md 21122443-817-0018_________________________
Montgomery Hydroponics8950 Brookville Rd.
silver sPrings, md 20910301-588-1935
_________________________
Purple Mountain Organics100-7010 Westmoreland Ave.taKoma ParK, md 20912877-538-9901
MASSACHUSETTSGrow it Green122 Pulaski Blvd.bellingHam, ma 02019508-883-GROW
Greenlife Garden Supply481 Boston Rd., Unit 4billerica, ma 01821978-262-9966
Mass Hydro1753 Main St.brocKton, ma 02301
GYOstuff – Grow Your Own2400 Massachusetts Ave.cambridge, ma 02140617-945-1654
Mass Hydro390 Rhode Island Ave.Fall river ma 02721704-GO-HYDRO
Harvest Moon Hydroponics29 Washington St., Route 1Foxboro, ma 02035800-660-6977_________________________
New England Hydroponics855 Worcester Rd. Route 9
FramingHam, ma 01701888-529-9025
_________________________
Here We Grow123 Russell St. (Route 9)Hadley, ma 01035413-584-FARM (3276)
LiquidSun® MA8 Lynwood Ave.HolyoKe, ma 01040413-539-6875
Cape Cod Hydroponics195 Ridgewood Ave.Hyannis, ma 02601508-737-2555
Indoor Garden Center236 Mystic Ave.medFord, ma 02155781-874-1693_________________________
Rootdown Hydroponics Indoor Garden Center
236 Mystic Ave.medFord, ma 01255
781-874-1693_________________________
Green Path Garden Supply276 West Main St.nortHborougH, ma 01532508-393-4181
178 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
LiquidSun® RI1179 Central Ave.PaWtucKet, ma 02861401-722-2724_________________________
Evergreen Garden Center216 Newbury St.
Peabody, ma 01960978-854-5541
_________________________
Hydroponics N More Garden Center331 Centre Ave.rocKland, ma 02370781-421-3356
Mass Hydro679 Washington St.s. attlevoro, ma 02703508-761-4937_________________________
Tru Bloomz Hydroponics1201 Fall River Ave.
seeKonK, ma 02771508-336-4443
_________________________
High Tech Garden Supply560 Boston Turnpike (Route 9)sHreWsbury, ma 01545
508-845-4477_________________________
Nor’easter Organic Life515 College Highway Unit JsoutHWicK, ma 01077413-998-3951_________________________
New England Hydroponics15 D College Hwy. (Route 10)soutHamPton, ma 01073
888-529-9025_________________________
Nor'easter Organic Life515 College Highway Unit JsoutHWicK, ma 01077413-998-3951_________________________
Worm’s Way Massachusetts121 Worc-Providence Turnpike
sutton, ma 01590800-284-9676
_________________________
LiquidSun East12 Bay St. Unit 105 WILMINGTON, MA 01887978-447-5442
MICHIGANGet Growing Urban Garden Centre142 S. Main St.adrian, mi 49221
Allegan Hydroponic Supply1177 Lincoln Rd.allegan, mi 49010269-355-1595_________________________
Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The
6540 Allen Rd. allen ParK, mi 48101
313-383-1766_________________________
Cultivation Station2734 Jackson Ave.
ann arbor, mi 48103734-213-7740
_________________________
U Can Grow Hydro2247 W. Libertyann arbor, mi 4810734-369-3387_________________________
Discount Hydro & Indoor Garden Supplies
Gro Blue Discount Hydro and Indoor Garden Supplies
4072 Packard Rd.ann arbor, mi 48108
734-913-2750_________________________
Grow Show, The4095 Stone School Rd. ann arbor, mi 48108734-677-0009; 734-677-0509
HotHydro®5245 Jackson Rd., Suite Fann arbor, mi 48103734-761-5040; 877-893-0716
All Things Good and Green501 E. Michigan Ave.augusta, mi 49012269-978-8550
Battle Creek Indoor Gardening1125 E.Michigan Ave.battle creeK mi 49014269-282-0554
BIG Green Tomato1775 E. Columbia Ave.battle creeK, mi 49014269-282-1593
Homelight Gardens3471 S. Huron Rd.bay city, mi 48706989-922-0088
Grow Supply Center3131 Benzie Hwy. BENZONIA, MI 49616231-882-9270
J&L Growco206 S. Michigan Ave.big raPids, mi 49307231-796-1528
Hydro Vision11820 Bellevillebelleville, mi 48111734-325-6210
One Stop Grow Shop Inc., The397 main st., suite a. belleville, mi 48111734-325-7242
Let’s Grow It!225 S. Michegan Avebig raPids, mi 49307231-792-2775
Growers Outlet7720 Clyde Park SWbyron center, mi 49513616-878-4444
Happy Harvesters Hydroponics4410 South Saginaw St.burton, mi 48529810-496-3005
Hydroponic Gardening4204 Davison Rd. BURTON, MI 48505810-406-3355
Two Guys and a Grow Shop3374 Atherton Rd. BURTON, MI 48509810-820-4275_________________________
Hydro Giant #46199 Haggerty Rd.
West bloomField, mi 48322248-668-6100
_________________________
Caledonia Gardens9750 Cherry Valley Ave. SEcaledonia gardens, mi 49316616-891-0706
Greenway Gardens 916 W 13th St.cadillac, mi 49601231-775-7075
Indoor Grower’s Edge8998 E. 34 Rd., Suite Bcadillac, mi 49601231-468-3343
Easy Growing5748 N. Canton Centre Rd.CANTON, MI 48187734-451-4500
Hydro Helper6445 Canton Center Rd.canton, mi 48187734-354-3900_________________________
The Great Lakes Hydroponics Co.5998 US.31 South
cHarlevoix, mi 49720231-237-9153
_________________________
Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden30504 23 Mile Rd.cHesterField, mi 48047586-741-8805_______________________
Cultivation Station 3 Inc.46912 Gratiot
cHesterField, mi 48051586-949-7453
________________________
Horti-Toad Hydroponic Supply21323 Harper St.clair sHores, mi 48080586-944-0650
Hydro 411411 West 5th St.clare, mi 48617989-941-4157
Michigan Hydro Depot571 E. Chicago St., Suite BcoldWater, mi 49036517-278-9600
All American Indoor Gardening Warehouse11504 N. Saginaw Rd.clio, mi 48420810-640-1156
Clio Cultivation11394 N.Saginaw Rd.clio, mi 48420 810-686-4769
HydroMaster36345 Grosebeck Hwy. clinton tWP, mi 48035586-792-0277
Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden20560 Hall Rd.clinton toWnsHiP, mi 48038586-263-5793
H2O Grow Supply3364 arent ct. coloma, mi 49038 269-468-3890
Lets Grow Hydroponics1141 W RandallcooPersville, mi 49404616-997-0420
Van Hydro7480 N Statedavison, mi 48423810-653-8267_________________________
The Grow Station5670 Telegraph Rd.
dearborn, mi 48127313-406-5147; 800-797-4769
(GROW)_________________________
Hydro Giant #114455 Ford Rd.
dearborn, mi 48126313-216-8888
________________________
Cultivation Station – Eastern Market, The
2518 Market St.detroit, mi 48207
313-394-0441________________________
Growers R Us19317 West Warrendetroit, mi 48228313-633-1617_________________________
Hydro Giant #321651 W. 8 Mile Rd.(8 Mile &
Lahser)detroit, mi 48219
313-387-7700_________________________
Hydro Heaven73647 W 8th Mile Rd.detroit, mi 48235313-861-0333; 877-823-2076_________________________
Ultra Lo Hydroultralohydro.com
937-252-8224_________________________
Urban Gardening Center, The2520 22nd St.
detroit, mi 48216313-898-0200
_________________________
_________________________
Superior Growers Supply4870 Dawn Ave.
e. lansing, mi 48823517-332-2663
_________________________
Sunnyside Hydroponics24930 Gratiot Ave.eastPoint, mi 48021586-777-2528
GroMart Indoor Gardening Solutions68991 M-62 Suite QedWardsburg, mi 49112269-414-4385
Bay de Noc Hydroponic & Garden Supply1501 Sheridan Rd.escanaba, mi 49829906-553-7006
Hydro Vision495 Fenway Dr.Fenton, mi810-714-1719
Green Thumb Garden Center22963 Woodward Ave.Ferndale, mi 48220248-439-1851
Urban Garden Supply4516 Pasadena Ave.Flint, mi 48504810-733-0420
Urban Garden Supply3410 S. Dort Hwy.Flint, mi 48507810-875-9580
Granny Green Thumbs103 W. Grand RiverFloWerville, mi 48836517-223-1302
Indoor/Outdoor Garden Shop105 n. seymour rd. FlusHing, mi 48433810-867-4351_________________________
The Grow Shop of Garden City
28505 Ford Rd.garden city, mi 48135
734-956-5400 _________________________
Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC
799 S. Wisconsin Ave.gaylord, mi 49735
989-731-8800 _________________________
Growco Garden Supply1042 Michigan St. NE
grand raPids, mi 49503877-939-6900
NEW 2nd LOCATION!4640 West River Dr.
comstocK ParK, mi 49321 _________________________
_________________________
Home Grown Hydroponix5333 Plainfield, Suite C
grand raPids, mi 49525616-361-2924
_________________________
Horizen Hydroponics1614 Leonard St., NW
grand raPids, mi 49504866-791-1664
_________________________
Grand Rapids Hydroponics Inc.524 Leonard St.grand raPids, mi 49504616-454-2500 _________________________
Garden Doctor 2974 28th St. SW
grandville, mi 49418616 530 2500
_________________________
Holland Hydroponic Outlet 604 N. Beacon Blvd.grand Haven, mi 49423 616-847-1277
BSS Garden Supplies8899 Peck Rd. Unit #2 greenville, mi 48838616-225-7000
It is Green Ville Gardens11500 Morgan Mills Rd., NEgreenville, mi 48838616-745-0500_________________________
Hydroharrys- HP24047 Dequindre Rd.
HaZel ParK, mi 48030248-541-0099
_________________________
Garden Doctor2974 28th St. SW GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 616-530-2500
Holland Hydroponic Outlet 1220 Phoenix Rd.s. Haven, mi 49090269-637-5941
Absolute Wholesale Garden Supply3255 Highland Rd.HigHland, mi 48357248-714-6558_________________________
Flower Factory, The2223 East Highland Rd.HigHland, mi 48356
248-714-9292_________________________
Holland Hydroponic Outlet 587-40 East 8th St. Holland, mi 49423616-298-7395
Mr. Grow it All6660 Blair Lane Holland, mi 49424616-392-3028
Hydro Grow Room15201 N. Holly Rd., Unit BHolly mi, 48430248-369-8333
179Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
Holland Hydroponic Outlet 1220 Phoenix Rd.s. Haven, mi 49090269-637-5941________________________
HGR Garden Supply15231 N. Holly Rd.Holly, mi 48442
248-369-8333_________________________
J&W Farm & Garden Center10906 Main St. HONOR, MI 49640231-325-3433_________________________
Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC
705 S. LoxleyHougHton laKe, mi 48629
989-422-2800_________________________
Hydro Vision1247 E. Grand RiverHoWell, mi 48843517-552-4965
Grow Fast Gardens5015 South Straits Hwy.indian river, mi 49749231-238-4113_________________________
Aric’s Indoor Garden SupplyW. 8065 US Highway 2
iron mountain, mi 49801 906-828-2000
_________________________
Grow Maxx1220 S. Stephenson Ave.iron mountain, mi 49801920-447-2211
Hydro Magic595 South Cedar St.imlay city, mi 48444810-721-7232
Ionia Hydroponics & Indoor Garden Supply2555 N. State(M-66) Rd.ionia, mi 48846616-523-6111
Hydrocapitol258 Cooper St.jacKson, mi 49201517-795-2633
Mighty Grow2418 West Michigan Ave.jacKson, mi 49202517-962-4822_________________________
High Tech Garden Supply1745 West Main St.
KalamaZoo, mi 49006269-978-8697
_________________________
_________________________
Horizen Hydroponics4646 W. Main St.
KalamaZoo, mi 49006269-567-3333
_________________________
Kalamazoo Indoor Garden450 W. Maple
KalamaZoo, mi 49001269-344-2550
_________________________
Plainwell Indoor/Outdoor Garden Center8201 Douglas Ave. KalamaZoo, mi 49009269-532-1167
Zoo City Grower Supply3514 S. Westnedge KalamaZoo, mi 49008269-903-2450
Halms Hydro2368 S. Huron Rd. KaWKaWKlin, mi 48631989-402-1296_________________________
High Tech Garden Supply2815 East Grand River Ave.
LANSING, MI 48912 517-580-0555
_________________________
Howz It Growing1290 S. Lapeer Rd.laKe orion, mi 48360248-693-5747
Capital City Growers2208 E. Michigan Ave.lansing, mi 48912517-853-9988_________________________
Horizen Hydroponics5425 W. Saginaw Hwylansing, mi 48917
517-323-ROOT_________________________
Superior Growers Supply Inc.3928 West Saginaw Hwy.lansing, mi 48917
517-327-1900_________________________H2O Hydroponics5210 W. Saginaw Hwylansing, mi 48917517-703-8120
Edenz Hydro560 Oak St.laPeer, mi 48446248-291-6691
Howz It Growing700 Main St. Suite 101BlaPeer, mi 48446810-245-8687
Two Guys and a Grow Shop11917 E. Lennon Rd. lennon, mi 48449810-621-3790_________________________
Superior Growers Supply Inc.292200 Seven Mile Westlivonia, mi 48152
248-473-0450_________________________
The Barefoot Gardener11635 Fulton St. Suite 300B LOWELL, MI 49331616-987-3457
Plant Paradise4593 W. us 10 ludington, mi 49431231-843-3000
Edenz Hydro1411 West 14 Milemadison HeigHts, mi 48071248-291-6691
Northern Lights Hydroponic & Garden Supply29090 Campbell Rd.madison HeigHts, mi 48071248-439-6269
Hypnotic Hydroponics321 Deer St.manistique, mi 49854906- 341-GROW
BIg Creek Hydroponics555 Old Little Lake Rd.marquette, mi 49855906-249-5297
Sweet Greens Hydroponics113 Fifth St. micHigan center, mi 49254517-764-9232
Stealth Hydro14630 King Dr.milan, mi 48160734-961-4333_________________________
The Grow Shop2609 Telegraph Rd.
monroe, mi 48162734-384-4769
_________________________
Cedar Garden Wholesale132 North Bound Gratiotmt. clements, mi 48043586-738-0030
Cedar Garden Wholesale132 North Bound Gratiotmt. clements, mi 48043586-738-0030
Green Grow LLC9046 N. Dortmt. morris, mi 48458810-687-9500
Indoor Grower’s Edge2410 S. Leaton Suite 5mt. Pleasant, mi 48858989-317-0944
Sunshine Supply Co. 5800 East Pickard St.mt. Pleasant, mi 48858989-775-3700
Big Blue Hydroponics590 Ottawa St.musKegon, mi 49441231-571-9400
Growing Consultant Hydroponics & Things2260 Apple Ave.musKegon, mi 49442231-773-5600_________________________
Green Lantern H2O1383 E. Laketon Ave.
musKegon, mi 49442231-722-0420
_________________________
Third Coast Horticulture Supply
1965 Holton RdmusKegon, mi 49445
231-288-1762_________________________
Harbor Country Hydro17648 US Highway 12 neW buFFalo, mi 49117269-469-2242_________________________
Flo-N-Grow Hydroponics Co.214 North 2nd St.niles, mi 49120
269-683-1877 www.FNGhydro.com
_________________________
HGR Garden Supply200 E. Main St.
oWosso, mi 48867989-472-4999
_________________________
Owlyn Solutions for Growers2398 Jolly Rd., Suite 300oKemos, mi 48864517-203-5070
Watch it Grow Hydroponics407 W. Center St. OMER, MI 48749989-653-2141
Happy Harvesters Hydroponics1772 S. Ortonville Dr.ortonville, mi 48462248-793-3357
Healthy Harvest Garden Supply233 South State St. oscoda, mi 48750989-569-3006
Hydro Grow Source10609 East Lovejoy
Perry, mi 48872517-376-8583
_________________________
Hydro Giant #5290 S. Telegraph
Pontiac, mi 48341248-706-7600
_________________________
Super Grow288 W. Montcalm
Pontiac, mi 48342248-24SUPER (78737)
Green Earth Hydroponics8127 Portage Rd.
Portage, mi 49002269-342-4190
_________________________
Hydroponics Highway Inc.2708 14th Ave.
Port Huron, mi 48060810-982-4769
_________________________
Ultra Green Hydroponics9300 Telegraph Rd.
redFord, mi 48239313-534-9377
Hydro Vision66783 Gratiot Ave.
ricHmond, mi 48062586-430-1956
_________________________
Garden Wise16010 King Rd.
rivervieW mi 48193734-225-6414
_________________________
Happy Gardening20840 Telegraph Rd.
romulus, mi 48174734-486-4115
_________________________
Growers Edge175 Marcell Dr.
rocKFord, mi 49341_________________________
_________________________
Green Thumb Hydroponics & Organic Indoor Supply
8460 Algoma, Suite GrocKFord, mi 49341
616-884-5500_________________________
High Tech Garden Supply28000 Groesbeck Hwy.
roseville, mi 48066586-435-2335
_________________________
Plant Paradise7657 Michigan Ave.rotHbury, mi 49452231-843-3000
GrowMart2137 Warwick St.SAGINAW, MI 48603989-799-6330
Home Grown Hydroponics4880 Gratiot Rd., Suite # 2saginaW, mi 48638989-781-1930
Third Coast Garden Supply LLC2327 Auburn Rd.sHelby toWnsHiP, mi 48195586-997-2700_________________________
Superior Growers Supply, Inc. 5716 South Pennsylvania Ave.
s. lansing, mi 48911517-393-1600
_______________________
Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The
23529 Little Mack Ave.st. clair, mi 48080
586-775-9485_______________________
Horti-Toad Hydroponic Supply21323 Harperst. clair sHores, mi 48080586-944-0650
Advanced Hydroponic Growers705 N. US 27st.joHns, mi 48879989-227-0408
Hydro City LLC34863 Schoenherrsterling HeigHts, mi 48312586-883-9075
180 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
________________________
Hydro Giant #219363 Eureka Rd.
soutHgate, mi 48195734-281-8888
_________________________
High Tech Garden Supply7889 Telegraph Rd.
taylor, mi 48180313-908-7554
_________________________
Hydro Grow, The8210 Telegraph Rd.taylor, mi 48180313-633-0641
Cultivation Innovations6652 Lewis Ave. Suite 7temPerance, mi 48182419-725-4769
Great Lakes Green Horticultural Supply757 S. U.S. Highway 131tHree rivers, mi 49093269-278-130
Grow Depot9 North Main St.tHree rivers, mi 49093269-273-4769_________________________
Cultivation Station1990 US-31 N. Suite C
traverse city, mi 49686231-421-8118
_________________________
Grow Store, The90 N U.S. Highway 31 Southtraverse city, mi 49685-7923231-421-5191
_________________________
High Tech Garden Supply720 South Garfield Ave.
traverse city, mi 49686231-668-6913
_________________________
Woodland Shore Garden Center956 W. South Airport Rd.traverse city, mi 49686231-421-5901
Hydro Vision1910 West Rd.TRENTON, MI 48183734-301-3745
Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden45410 Van Dyke Ave. utica, mi 48317586-803-0966
Forever Green340 S. Main St.vassar, mi 48768989-882-9177
H2 Hydro702 N. Pontiac TrailWalled laKe, mi 48390248-669-6063_________________________
Hydroharrys – WL1138 E. West Maple Rd.
Walled laKe, mi 48390248-896-0099
_________________________
Greco’s Nursery & Garden Supplies12219 E. 11 Mile Rd.Warren, mi 48093586-759-1335
Hydro King Indoor Garden Supply32000 Van Dyke Ave.Warren, mi 48093586-939-0518_________________________
The Grow Stop7380 Highland Rd.
WaterFord, mi 48327248-599-9231
_________________________
Indoor Garden Superstore2570 Dixie Hwy.WaterFord, mi 48328248-673-2200; 877-22-HYDRO
Happy Harvesters Hydroponics5720 Highland Rd.WaterFord, mi 48327248-599-9761
Light Green Water3661 Highland Rd.WaterFord, mi 48329248-681-0001
Bubonic Hydroponics38540 Michigan Ave.Wayne, mi 48184734-331-2316_________________________
Hydrospot34236 Michigan Ave.Wayne, mi 48184
734-722-1285_________________________
B&B Hydro Supply28974 Warren Rd.Westland, mi 48185734-469-280
Ultra Green Hydroponics8067 N. Wayne Rd.Westland, mi 48185734-425-1000
G.C. II1006 E. Colby St., Suite AWHiteHall, mi 49417231-893-2400
_________________________
Indoor Eden9281 East-M 36
WHitmore, mi 48189810-355-1465
_________________________
AAA Hydroponics LLC22 50th St.Wyoming, mi 49504616-249-8338_________________________
Cultivation Station – Grand Rapids, The
4907 S. Division Ave. Wyoming, mi 49548
616-855-4440_________________________
Stealth Hydro15 E. Cross St.
yPsilanti, mi 48198866-998-1916
_________________________
MINNESOTADuluth Hydroponics26 W 1st St.dulutH, mn 55802218-341-7253
The Interior Tomato, LLC519 N. Central Ave.dulutH, mn 55087218-260-5167_________________________
Indoor Gardening10 NE 3rd St.
Faribault, mn 55021507-209-1546
_________________________
Brew and Grow8302 Highway 65 NE.minneaPolis, mn 55432763-780-8191
Interior Gardens115 -1620 Central Ave. NEminneaPolis, mn 55413800-498-4178; 612-870-9077
Eden Indoor Organic Gardens831 Highway 75 N.moorHead, mn 56560218-477-EDEN (3336)
_________________________
American Garden Supply601-6th Ave. N.
Princeton, mn 55371763-631-0543
_________________________
Still-H2O Inc.1266 Frontage Road WstillWater, mn 55082651-351-2822_________________________
Midwest Hydroponics5825 Excelsior Blvd.
st. louis ParK, mn 55416888-449-2739
_________________________
Eco Garden Supply800 Transfer Door 25 in rearst. Paul, mn 55114651-647-1896
MISSISSIPPIUrban Organics2217 E Canal St.Picayune, ms 39466504-352-4709
MISSOURIVersaponics LTD879 South Kingshighway caPe girardeau, mo 63703573-450-5401_________________________
Heartland Hydrogardens705 vandiver dr., suite g columbia, mo 65202
573-474-4769_________________________
Advanced Garden Supply901 Missouri Blvd., Suite CjeFFeson city, mo 65109573-635-7878
Grow Your Own Hydroponics3617 Saint John Ave.Kansas city, mo 64123816-241-2122
U-Grow1724 North, 13th St.st. louis, mo 63106314-452-6368_________________________
Worm’s Way Missouri1225 North Warson Rd.st. louis, mo 63132
800-285-9676_________________________
Green Thumb Organics249 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.
st. Peters, mo 63376636-397-4769 (GROW)
_________________________
MONTANAHeightened Harvests3103 Harrison Ave.butte, mt 59701406-494-4222
One World – Life Products906 Broadwaterbillings, mt 59101406-839-9969
Heightened Harvest1415 S 32nd St. Westbillings, mt 59102406-656-1156_________________________
Butteopia127 Main St.
butte, mt 597011-406-782-8476
_________________________
Alpengrow Nursery Supplies238 Highway 93 S.eureKa, mt 59917406-882-4496
Big Sky Garden Supply528 West IdahoKallisPell, mt 59901406-755-1465
Box of Rain INC860 North Meridian Rd., Suite B #19&20KalisPell, mt 59901406-755-RAIN (7246)
Cornucopia Grow Your Own127 Stoner Creek Rd.laKeside, mt 59922406-709-1076
Dr. Green Thumbs1106 West Parklivingston, mt 59047406-222-7440
Bizzy Beez LLP5785 Highway 93 SouthWHiteFisH, mt 59937406-863-9937
NEBRASKABodhi Organic Garden Supply1438 S1 St., Suite 6lincoln, ne 68502402-438-6785
Patio-Ponics3255 Cornhusker Hwy., Suite 4lincoln, ne 68504402-466-9218________________________
Paradigm Gardens8949 J St., Suite 5
omaHa, ne 68127402-339-4949
_________________________
NEVADACarson Valley Hydroponics2520 Empire Ranch Rd.carson city, nv 89701775-884-4769
Lorraine Indoor Gardens290 Spear CourtFernley, nv 89408775-575-7757
Hydro Store, The1014 W. Sunset Rd.Henderson, nv 89014702-434-7365
AAA Indoor Organic Garden SuperCenter2101 S. Decatur Blvd. #21las vegas, nv 89102702-450-4769
Advanced Gardens Hydroponics7850 Dean Martin Dr., Suite 506las vegas, nv 89139702-247-4769
All American Hydroponics2675 East Patrick Lane, Unit 8las vegas, nv 89120702-894-9888
Best Hydroponic Supply6818 W Cheyennelas vegas, nv 89108702-750-9300
Grow Hydro Gardens5870 S. Decatur, Suite 11las vegas, nv 89148702-997-7053; Toll Free 866-568-4769
Hydro Store, The7145 W. Ann Rd.las vegas, nv 89130702-434-9376
Nevada Hydroponics4700B Maryland, Suite 1las vegas, nv 89119702-798-2852
Anything Grows190 West Moana Lanereno, nv 89509775-828-1460
Everything Green Hydroponicsreno, nv 89533
The Hydro Store 121 Woodland Ave #160reno, nv 89523775-787-2760
NEw HAMPSHIREThe Beez Kneez Garden Supply180 Emerald St.Keene, nH 03431603-903-1488
Greenlife Garden Supply 885 Second St.mancHester, nH 03102603-782-8259_________________________
Hydro101545 Hooksett Rd. #24
mancHester, nH 03104603-782-8894
_________________________
181Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
Natural Roots Hydroponics24 crown st. nasHua, nH 03060 603-204-5528
Four Seasons Horticulture Supply2076 White Mountain Hwy.n. conWay, nH 03860603-733-5444
NEw JERSEYGarden State Hydroponics511 Avenel St.avenel, nj 07001888-300-8711
Boyer Indoor Gardening57 Crescent Blvd.gloucester city, nj 08030856-456-5000
Bergen County Hydroponics70 Essex St.HacKensacK, nj 07601201-342-2001
Garden Indoors of New Jersey600 Meadowlands Pkwy., Suite 25secaucus, nj 07094201-865-1616
East Coast Horticultural Supply1652 Hurffville Rd.seWell, nj 08080856-228-5290
77HYDRO37 Fairfield Pl.W. caldWell, nj 07006877-774-9376
Claraqua4 Redwood CourtW. Windsor, nj 08550
NEw MEXICO_________________________
AHL Year Round Garden Supply
1051 San Mateo Blvd. S.albuquerque, nm 87108
505-255-3677_________________________
All Seasons Gardening3600 Osuna Rd., Suite 406
alburquerque, nm 87109505-508-4292
_________________________
Common Shaman1319 San Mateo N.E.albuquerque, nm 87110505-255-6463
Heavy’s Grow Supply1325 San Mateo Blvd. NE.albuquerque, nm 87110505-315-4573
Dr. Green Hydroponics129 E. Idaho Ave.las cruces, nm 88005575-524-6751_________________________
All Seasons Gardening1228 Parkway, suite e. sante Fe, nm 87507
505-438-groW_________________________
New Mexico Hydroponics923 W. Almeadasanta Fe, nm 87501505-316-5855
Santa Fe Hydroponics851 W. San Mateo Rd., Suite 4santa Fe, nm 87505505-467-8454
Taos Gardening Supply120 Berthataos, nm 87571575-758-9131
NEw YORKOrganica: Garden Supply & Hydroponics296 Delaware Ave.albany, ny 12209518-618-7666
The Grow Room32-32 49th St.astoria, ny 11103718-218-GROW (4769)
Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply19 Front St.ballston sPa, ny 12020518-885-2005; 800-850-4769
The Grape Vine4020 Hempstead TurnpikebetHPage, ny 11714516-731-1100
Bronx Hydro & Garden39 Bruckner Blvd.bronx, ny 10454718-993-3787
Bklyn Hydro & Garden316 McGuiness Blvd.brooKlyn, ny 11222718-383-0095
Brooklyn Farms51 Hicks St.brooKlyn, ny 11231347-725-3491
Indoor Outdoor Gardener8223 5th Ave.brooKlyn, ny 11209718-836-2402
Buffalo Roots Hydroponics and Organics3231 Main St.buFFalo, ny 14214716-240-9075
Hydroponics of Buffalo1497 Hertel Ave.buFFalo, ny 14216716-838-3545
Harvest Moon Hydroponics340 West at 59central nyacK, ny 10960
California Hydroponics27 Corporate Circlee. syracuse, ny 13057315-432-9387
Upstate Hydroponics2026 Lake Rd., Unit Belmira, ny 14903607-483-9199_________________________
FutureGarden Inc.59 Central Ave.
FARMINGDALE, NY 11735516-420-0884
_________________________
Sunflower Supplies, LLC176-18 Central Ave.Farmingdale, ny 11735631-651-8281
East Coast Hydroponics14649 Horace Harding Exp.FlusHing, ny 11367718-762-8880
Healthy Harvest Organics & Hydro163 BroadwayFort edWart, ny 12828518-480-4698
Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply10 Saratoga Ave.s. glen Falls, ny 12803518-798-820
Hydroponic Shops of America2568 Western Ave.guilderland, ny 12009518-355-1503
Hydroponic Shops of America720 Willow Ave.itHaca, ny 14850607-697-0199
Greentree Garden Supply606 Elmira Rd.itHaca, ny 14850607-272-3666
Mike’s Nursery & Grower Supplies199 E. Fairmount Ave.laKeWood, ny 14750716-763-1612
Crossroads Hydroponics and Organics181 South Plank Rd. (Route 52)neWburgH, ny 12550845-561-4769
KG Garden Supply4575 Commercial Dr.neW HartFord, ny 13413877-KG-HYDRO
Harvest Moon Hydroponics217 Route 32 N.neW PaltZ, ny 12561845-255-3633_________________________
The Green Box495 9th Ave.
neW yorK, ny 10018212-967-4777
thegreenboxhydro.com_________________________
Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics2045 Niagara Falls Blvd., Suite 13niagara Falls, ny 14304888-GROWBOX
The Grow Room 8 Bridge St.nyacK, ny 10960800-449-9630
Revolution Hydroponics309 West State St.olean, ny 14760716-373-GROW (4769)
Mor Gro Hydroponics5680 State Route 104 EosWego, ny 13126315-877-8725
Environmental Gardens8 John Walsh Blvd., Suite 310PeeKsKills, ny 10566800-254-0507; 914-736-6676
Harvest Moon HydroponicsHenrietta Townline Plaza 3047 West Henrietta Rd.rocHester, ny 14623716-865-7353
________________________
Hydro Garden Center1069B Lyell Ave.
rocHester, ny 146061-800-277-1322
________________________
Sunset Hydroponics & Home Brewing1590 West Ridge Rd.rocHester, ny 14615866-395-9204
Hydroponic Garden Centers Inc146 49 Horace Harding Exp.rusHing, ny 11367718-762-8880
LiquidSun of New York1702 Fiero Ave.rotterdam, ny 12150518-952-4654
Hydroponics Shops of America2606 Erie Blvd.syracuse, ny 13224315-251-2516_________________________
Green Zone Hydroponics2148 Niagara Falls Blvd.
tonaWanda, ny 14150 716-693-9663
_________________________
Green Zone Hydroponics2928 Southwestern Blvd.orcHard ParK, ny 14127716-677-9663
Harvest Moon Hydroponics147 Fourth St.troy, ny 10960
Follow The Sun1185 B Yonkers Ave.yonKers, ny 10704914-237-2760
NORTH CAROLINAAdvanced Hydroponic Garden55 Shiloh Rd. #6asHeville, nc 288031-828-277-3488
Fifth Season Gardening Company21 B Westside Dr. asHeville, nc 28806828-225-5007
Fifth Season Gardening Company45 Banks Ave.asHeville, nc 28801828-253-4112
Fifth Season Gardening Company106 South Greensboro St.carrboro, nc 27510919-932-7600________________________
BWGS-NC4045 Perimeter West Dr., Suite 400
cHarlotte, nc 28214800-316-1306
________________________
High Tech Garden Supply2712 B Freedom Dr.
cHarlotte, nc 28208704-697-0911
________________________
Flow & Grow Hydroponics & Organic Garden Center4521 Cumberland Rd.Fayetteville, nc 28306910-423-FLOW (3569)
Hydro Garden Zone2222 Patterson St. Suite #1green grove, nc 27407336-854-0788
Fifth Season Gardening Company1616 D-3 Battleground Ave.greensboro, nc 27408336-271-3373
Good Harvest Garden Center 629 Oakridge Farm Hwy.mooresville, nc 28115704-658-9136
Fifth Season Gardening Company5619-A Hillsborough St.raleigH, nc 27606919-852-4747
New Age Gardens2236A US Highway 70sWannanoa, nc 28778828-299-9989
Progressive Gardens6005 Oleander Dr.Wilmington, nc 28403910-395-1156
LiquidSun East12 Bay St., Unit 105Wilmington, nc 01887978-447-5442
OHIOAkron Garden Center434 W Wilbeth Rd.aKron, oH 44314330-724-2700
Summit Hydroponics1030 Kenmore Blvd. aKron, oH 44314-2114330-753-5222
Hydro House of Ohio2234 South Union Ave.alliance, oH 44601330-680-4014_________________________
Purely Hydroponic, LLC1507 Lear Industrial Pkwy.
avon, oH 44011866-787-5060
_________________________
Campbells Indoor Gardening Supplies1721 Greenville Rd.bristolville, oH 44402330-889-0049
Magic Home Gardens209 Cemetery Rd.canal WincHester, oH 43110614-837-2440
Dumont Seed Co. 619 30th St. N.W.canton, oH 44709330-492-0204
_________________________
Dayton Hydroponics4920 Provident Dr.
cincinnati, oH 45246513-942-7111
_________________________
Eastside Hydroponics834 Ohio Pike #318cincinnati, oH 45245513-528-4769
_________________________
The Bubbling Bucket11156 Kenwood Rd.
cincinnati, oH 45242513-469-2825
_________________________
Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic10740 Reading Rd.cincinnati, oH 45241513-769-0159
Cleveland Garden Center Inc.727 East 185th St.cleveland, oH 44119216-481-7868
The Grow Wizard5700 Denison Avenue,cleveland, oH 44102216-961-2500
Herb-N-Garden Center14901 Puritas Ave.cleveland, oH 44135216-252-2001
Garden Indoors of Ohio4720 Indianola Ave.columbus, oH 43214800-833-6868
Magic Home Garden4538 Indianola Ave.columbus, oH 43214614-263-2440
_________________________
Dayton Hydroponics3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.
dayton, oH 45449937-859-3999
_________________________
Miami Valley Hydro8220 N. Dixie Dr.dayton, oH 45414937-280-4468_________________________
Ultra Lo HydroDAYTON, OH 45431-2046
937-252-8224ultralohydro.com
_________________________
USA Hydrogarden542 Griswold Rd.
elyria, oH 44035440-324-4769
_________________________
Garden Connections3341 Centerpoint Dr.grove city, oH 43123614-871-0707
Advanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center5204 Darrow Rd.Hudson, oH 44236234-380-1287
Sweet Greens5540 Brecksville Rd.indePendence, oH 44131800-421-7084
182 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
_________________________
Hydro Gardens Wholesale1144 N Memorial Dr.
LANCASTER, OH 43130 855-210-5599
_________________________
Carefree Garden Center134 West Dr.lodi, oH 44254330-302-4203
CropKing134 West Dr.lodi, oH 44254330-302-4203
USA Hydrogarden7450 Industrial Pkwy., Suite Alorain, oH 44053440-282-4880
The Grow Shop165 Davids St. marion, oH 43302740-223-7467_________________________
Urban Gardens3665 Likens Rd.
marion, oH 43302740-375-2800
_________________________
Top Garden Products8600 East Ave., Suite Cmentor, oH 44060440-290-8773
_________________________
USA Hydrogarden - West11001 Route 250 Suite B9
milin, oH 44846419-499-0480
________________________
Green Garden Indoor Garden Center1664 North Main St.n. canton, oH 44720330-494-1234_________________________
Gardening-Indoor5851 Youngstown-Warren Rd.
niles, oH 44446 usa330-932-1023
_________________________
Pet Finatics LLC3150 Navarre Ave., Suite Aoregon, oH 43616
USA Hydrogarden542 Griswold Rd.elyria, oH 44035440-324-4769
USA Hydrogarden - West11001 Route 250 Suite B9milin, oH 44846419-499-0480
Indoor Gardens1222 Hill Rd., N.PicKerington, oH 43147614-866-6065 _________________________
Trinity Hydro Organics465 Woodman Dr.
riverside, oH 45431937-252-GROW
_________________________
Hot Hydro ®855 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd. #2toledo, oH 43615419-866-1266
Organic Garden Center5215 Monroe St.toledo, oH 43623419-517-8110
Toledo Hydroponics Ltd.855 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Suite 2toledo, oH 43615877-893-0716_________________________
Plant Lighting Hydroponics2201-A Pinnacle ParkwaytWinsburg, oH 44087
888-258-0670_________________________
Greenleaf Hydroponics1805 Elm Rd.Warren, oH 44483330-372-1039
Dayton Hydroponics3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. W. CARROLTON, OH 45449937-859-3999_________________________
Gardening-Indoor9215 Market St.
youngstoWn (nortH lima), oH 44452
330-758-0272_________________________
Indoor Garden Worx304 West Monroe St.Zanesville, oH 43701866-900-9679
OKLAHOMAAeroponic Tower Garden204 W. 5th St. PO Box 712beggs, oK 74421918-221-4630; 1-877-213-8868
Tulsa County Hydro-Organics1928 W. AlbanybroKen arroW, oK 74012918-259-HYDRO
AAAAHA! Hydroponics UnlimitedP.O. Box 74oaKHurst, oK 74050
Organics OKC Garden Supply2800 N Pennsylvania Ave.oKlaHoma city, oK 73107405-528-GROW
The OKC Urban Gardener3711 N. Western Ave. oKlaHoma city, oK 73118405-521-9300
The Mad Farmer Tulsa LLC11630 E. 51sttulsa, oK 74146918-615-3735
Urban Garden3141 E. 15th St.tulsa, oK 74104918-289-0018
OREGONIndoor Hydroponic Garden & Lights5990 SW 185th Ave. ALOHA, OR 97006503-848-3335
Astoria Indoor Garden Supply1343 Duane St., Unit Castoria, or 97103503-468-0606
_________________________
Aqua Serene465 Applegate Way,
asHland, or 97520541-482-7600
_________________________
Rogue Silicates Inc. POB 21aZalea, or 97410541-837-8590
American Agriculture9966 SW. Arctic Dr.beaverton, or 97005503-641-3500_________________________
B.I.G.S.35 NW Bond
bend, or 97701541-385-5222
_________________________
Northern Light & Garden9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy.beaverton, or 97005503-297-7331
Westcoast Organic & Hydroponic Supply12410 SE 282nd Ave., Unit Cboring, or 97009503-512-7710
The Good Earth Organics30088 Redwood Hwy.cave junction, or 97523541-592-4496
Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply93779 B Troy Lanecoos bay, or 97420541-266-8822
Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics5490 SW Philomath Blvd.corvallis, or 97333541-738-2820
Emerald Valley Gardens Inc.88680 McVay Hwy. corvallis, or 97405541-636-3763_________________________
Aqua Serene2836 W. 11th Ave.
eugene, or 97402541-302-9073
_________________________
Aurora InnovationsPO Box 22041
eugene, or 97402866-376-8578
_________________________
Vital Organics Northwest457 River Ave.eugene, or 97404541-688-0028
Oregon’s Constant Gardener2385 West 11theugene, or 97402541-636-4220
Advanced Indoor Gardens17831 S.E. 82nd Dr. gladstone, or 97027503-305-6341
Northern Light & Garden1203 Rogue River Hwy.grants Pass, or 97527541-474-1700
Paradise Supply LLC560 N.E. “F” St., Unit Cgrants Pass, or 97526541-955-7293
Redwood Nursery1303 Redwood Ave.grants Pass, or 97527541-474-2642
Vital Organix932-B S.E. “M” St.grants Pass, or 97526541-226-9283_________________________
Healthy Harvest Indoor Garden
Suite #1, 1635 S.E. Tualatin Valley Hwy.
Hillsboro, or 97123 503-640-0995
_________________________
Gorge Garden Center1203 12th St., Suite HHood river, or 97031541-386-4769_________________________
In & Out Gardens 93484 Hwy 99 South
JUNCTION CITY, OR 97448 541-234-2342
_________________________
Basin Indoor Gardening417 N. Spring St.KlamatH Falls, or 97601541-273-2023
Just the Tip Gardening631 Main St.lebanon, or 97355541-258-3234
Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies1845 S.W. Hwy. 101 Suite 3lincoln, or 97367 541-994-7070
Green Thumb Hydrogarden & Organic Supply2021 West Main St.medFord, or 97501541-779-8600
Growing Crazy (Hooked On Hydroponics)817 W. 2nd St.medFord, or 97501
_______________________
In & Out Gardens1574 skypark dr.
MEDFORD, OR 97501541-858-3333
_________________________
Ladybug Indoor Gardens3960 W. Main St.medFord, or 97501541-618-4459
Advanced Organics & Garden Supply290- B Merlin Ave.merlin, or 97532541-659-1466_________________________
Wizard’s Garden, LLC621 Spruce St., Unit C
myrtle Point, or 97458541-572-2333
_________________________
Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies454 S.W. Coast Hwy. NEWPORT, OR 97365 541-265-8252
_________________________
Gorilla Garden Supply2011 Union Ave
n. bend, or 97459541-756-5005
_________________________
Green Garden Indoor Garden Center1664 North Main St.n. canton, oH 44720330-494-1234
Indoor Garden Depot3260 SE Oak Grove Blvd.oaK grove, or 97267-1421503-786-2445
All About Hydroponics633 Claude Rd.ontario, or 98914 208-731-9823
Phoenix Organics4543 S. Pacific HighwayPHoenix, or 97535541-535-1134
American Agriculture9220 SE Stark St.Portland, or 97216800-433-6805
Bloom Garden Supply518 N.E. 20th Ave.Portland, or 97232971-255-1336_________________________
BWGS-OR18201 N.E. Portal Way, Suite 104
Portland, or 97230888-316-1306
_________________________
Cascade Horticulture19959 E. BurnsidePortland, or 97233503-661-1700
Evergreen Garden Supply3393 SE 21st Ave.Portland, or 97055503-206-5670
Evergreen Garden Supply8830 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Unit CPortland, or 97220503-408-6635
Everybody’s Garden Center2701 S.E. 14th Ave.Portland, or 97202800-669-5483
Garden Spout, The4532 SE 63rd Ave.Portland, or 97206503-788-GROW
Indoor Hydroponic Garden & Lights1409 S.E. 82nd Ave. Portland, or 97216503-445-2250
Jantzen Beach Hydroponics909 N. Tomahawk Island Dr., Suite 103Portland, or 97217503-546-3185
Lights Distributing9843 S.W. 55th Ave.Portland, or 97219
Rain or Shine13126 N.E. Airport WayPortland, or 97230503-255-1981
Roots Garden Supply5426 North Gay Ave.Portland, or 97217503-285-4768
Urban Flora2865 South EastPortland, or 97214503-236-3344
BIGS Warehouse2606 S.W. 4th St., Unit Bredmond, or 97756541-504-8886
Green Solutions Garden Supply628 SW Glacier Ave.redmond, or 97756541-504-2604
Indoor Garden Supply536 S.W. 6th St. (rear alley) redmond, or 97756 541-504-7750
DC Hydroponics & Organics7275 Green Siding Rd. roseburg, or 97471 541-679-3700
Roseburg Hydroponics853 SE Stephens St. roseburg, or 97470 541-229-1420
Indoor Garden Center1697 SE 25th St. salem, or 97302 503-566-7888
Northern Light & Garden Salem1915 Lancester Dr.salem, or 97305503-364-4769
Grow Big Inc.16572 SE 362nd Dr.sandy, or 97055503-826-8277
Greener Side of Life623 West Centennial Blvd.sPringField, or 97477541-636-3552
Oregon’s Constant Gardener2053 Laura St.sPringField, or 97477541-747-8170
Moonshine Park Farm135 South East 62nd, Unit FsoutH beacH, or 97366541-444-2298
Rogue Farmers1007 S. Pacific Hwy. talent, or 97540 541-512-4600
Samurai Greenhouse Supply32067 Old Hwy. 34tanget, or 97389541-928-3431
Grow America Garden Supply LLC11511 S.W. Pacific Highwaytigard, or 97223503-841-6868
Portland Hydroponics & Organics11564 S.W. Pacific Highwaytigard, or 97223503-746-4303
Pharmer Hydroponics11135 S.W. Industrial Way, Bldg 10-4tualatin, or 97062503-486-5751
Splatt Hydroponics23842 NE Halsey St., Suite B Wood village, or 97060-1002503-912-0231
183Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
PENNSYLVANIAPocono Hydroponic Solutions25 Route 611BARTONSVILLE, PA 18321570-730-4544
Green Solutions Hydroponics1700 Orange St.BERWICK, PA 18603570-752-1530
Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania208 Route 13bristol, Pa 19007800-227-4567
422 GROW1775 North Main St. Ext.butler, Pa 16001-1327724-561-3777________________________
High Tech Garden Supply20232 Route 19, Unit 6
cranberry tWP., Pa 16066724-473-1113
________________________
Hydrofarm East270 Canal Rd.Fairless Hills, Pa 19030888-780-4567
Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh830 Route 119greensburg, Pa 15601724-836-1118
Buds to Blooms Garden and Supply Co., LLC509 Orchard Ave.Kennett square, Pa 19348610-388-0100_________________________
The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St.
KutZtoWn, Pa 19530610-683-9676
_________________________
The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St.KutZtoWn, Pa 19530610-683-9676
FlairformPO 1417lansdale, Pa 19446215-395-6353________________________
RH DistributionPO 1417,
lansdale, Pa 19446888-545-8112
_________________________
Esbenshades Greenhouses546A E. 28th Div HwylititZ, Pa 17543717-626-7007
Hydro Ponics of Harrisburg310 S. 10th St. lemoyne, Pa 17043877-684-3808
Always Green Garden Supply4400 Old William Penn Hwy., Suite 106monroeville, Pa 15146412-646-1243
New Stanton Hydro150 Post Ave.neW stanton, Pa 15672724-635-0297
Full Bloom Hydroponics84 South 24th St.PittsburgH, Pa 15203888-872-3602_________________________
Gardening-Indoor20550 Rt. #19 Cranberry Twp.
PitsburgH, Pa 16066724-591-8086
_________________________
Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh2008 Smallman St.PittsburgH, Pa 15222412-232-7030
Healthy Gardens and Supply1008 Lincoln Ave.ProsPect ParK, Pa 19076866-32-HYDRO
Northeast Hydroponics & Homebrewing221 Scranton Carbondale Hwy.scranton, Pa 18508570-209-7924
Full Time Garden Supply1011 Ritner Hwy.sHiPPensburg, Pa 17257717-477-0350
Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh9 N. Main St.WasHington, Pa 15301724-222-0200
Western Pennsylvania Innovative Gardening1177 Pittsburgh Rd., Suite 103valencia, Pa 16059724-903-0800
Organic Garden Center1307 Park Ave.WilliamsPort, Pa 17701570-322-3120_________________________
National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply
450 Grim Lane yorK, Pa 17406
877-779-7111 (Northeast)_________________________
PA Hydroponics & Home Gardening Supply20 Quaker Church Rd.yorK sPrings, Pa 17372717-528-4175
RHODE ISLANDOakworld Garden Center39 West St.barrington, ri 02806401-245-5705
Solar Seed Hydroponics, Inc.2406 Putman PikecHePacHet, ri 02814 401-710-9010
Organically Grown768 Atwood Ave.cranston, ri 02920401-944-0549
GrowRI184 Admiral Kalbfus Rd.neWPort, ri 02840401-619-0776
Hydro-Earth1243 Mineral Springs Ave.nortH Providence, ri 02904401-305-5520
The Organic Grow Hut375 Putnam Pike, Suite 13 SMITHFIELD, RI 02828401-349-4141
_________________________
Good To Grow51 Old Tower Hill Rd.
WaKeField, ri 02879401-783-1733
_________________________
Grow With Us709 Warwick Ave.WarWicK, ri 02888401-270-6998
Live to Grow719 Bald Hill Rd.WarWicK, rl 02886401-615-5122
Mother Nature Hydroponics1268 Post Rd.WarWicK, ri 02888401-780-0600
GrowRI105 Franklin St., Unit # 38Westerly, ri 02891401-596-0904_________________________
\
Good To Grow34 Nooseneck Hill Rd.
W. greenWicH, ri 02817401-392-3100
_________________________
Growin’ Crazy93 Kingston Rd.Wyoming, ri 02898401-284-0810
SOUTH CAROLINAGreenSpirit Hydrogarden1864 Meeting St.cHarleston, sc 29405843-225-1GRO
Skyes the Limit455 B Fleming Rd.cHarleston, sc 29412843-566-2121
247 Garden Supply535 D Clemson Rd.columbia, sc 29229803-788-4445
The Urban Garden Hydroponics9557 Two Notch Rd., Suite Ecolumbia, sc 29223803-788-9313_________________________
All Seasons Indoor & Outdoor Supplies
1350 Hwy. 501 Business, Store 3&4conWay, sc 29526
843-347-9266_________________________
Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More1230 Rutherford Rd.GREENVILLE, SC 29609864-271-8830
SOUTH DAKOTA_________________________
Green Earth Products Inc.5700 Highway 79 S., Unit 1raPid city, sd 57702
605-342-1307_________________________
TENNESSEEInnovative Hydroponic Supply Inc.3286 North Park Blvd., Unit G ALCOA, TN 37701865-984-0280
_________________________
Atlantis Hydroponics1800 Rossville Avenue, #3
cHattanooga, tn 37408423-752-5400
_________________________
Advanced Hydroponic Garden783 French Mill Rd.dandridge, tn 37725800-521-1643
Perpetual Harvest75 Riverport Dr.jacKson, tn 38301877-422-3391
Advanced Hydroponic Garden6912 Clinton Hiwy.Knoxville, tn 37921866-938-3318
Grow Green Garden Shop3625 Fairmont Blvd.Knoxville, tn 37917865-249-8259
Sun City Hydroponics2235 Whitten Rd., Suite 104memPHis, tn 38133901-372-8100_________________________
National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply
126 Belinda Parkwaymt. juliet, tn 37122
888-265-9005_______________________
All Seasons Gardening and Brewing Supply Co.924 8th Ave. S.nasHville, tn 37203800-790-2188_________________________
Worm’s Way Tennessee901 Main St.
nasHville, tn 37072 800-397-4153
_________________________
TEXASAbundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics3101 Ave. E.arlington, tx 76011817-649-0100
Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics4201 South Congress Ave., Suite 310austin, tx 78745512-444-2100
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Central Austin)5605 Burnet Rd.austin, tx 78756512-459-4769
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (South Austin)2125-A Goodrich Ave.austin, tx 78704512-440-4769
Third Coast Horticulture Supplies 7010 Burnet Rd. austin, tx 78757512-459-4353
Jolly Green Hydroponics (Greenhouse Horticultural Supplies)13628 Neutron Rd.dallas, tx 75244866-WE-JOLLY; 469-341-5555
Lone Star Hydroponics & Organics10550 Markinson Rd.dallas, tx 75207214-634-9376
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Deep Ellum)2715 Main St.dallas, tx 75226214-745-4769
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Dallas)2606 Manana Dr.dallas, tx 75220214-744-4769
Earth Organics1360 Lee Trevino Dr., Suite 105el Paso, tx 79936915-591-9500
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Ft. Worth)2501 Airport Frwy. Ft. WortH, tx 76111817-834-4769
Hydrofarm Central950 Ave. S.grand Prairie, tx 75050-1133800-634-9999
Botani Garden15120 Bellaire Blvd.Houston, tx 77083281-575-1999
Houston Discount Hydroponics9380 Richmond Ave.Houston, tx 77063713-464-9406
HydroShack 1138 W. 20th St.Houston, tx 77008713-292-1921
Hydroponic Nation9001 Frey Rd.Houston, tx 77034713-943-1115
Progressive Garden3582 W T.C. Jester Blvd.Houston, tx 77018713-681-7764
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Houston)2420 Rusk St,.Houston, tx 77003713-641-4769
Ultimate Hydroponic Garden Supply6125 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. #206Houston, tx 77041713-856-8425
Texas Growers Supply5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #602Humble, tx 77396281-441-3739
Hydro Mart3841 Main St.roWlett, tx 75088972-475-6114
Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics5121 Crest Way Dr., Suite 203san antonio, tx 78239210-248-9309
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (San Antonio)3412 Copelandsan antonio, tx 78219210-226-4769
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (San Antonio West)6729 Bandera Rd.san antonio, tx 78238210-684-4769
Innergrow Hydroponics24451 Interstate Hwy. 20Wills Point, tx 75169866-475-4769
UTAHWasatch Hydroponics60 W 3300 S. Suite #6salt laKe city, ut 84115801-716-4133
VERMONTGreenthumb - Vermont394 Route 15jericHo, vt 05465 802-899-4323_________________________
How’s It Growing193 Route 15 West
joHnson, vt 05656802-635-9931
[email protected] _________________________Peak Hydroponic Garden Supplies20 School St.PlainField, vt 05667802-454-8000
LiquidSun® VT1 Bellows Falls Rd. (Route 5 North)Putney, vt 05158802-387-1100
Green Thumb GardeningP.O. Box 235, Route 15underHill, vt 5489800-564-9376
VIRGINIAFifth Season Gardening Co.900 Preston Ave. cHarlottesville, va 22903434-293-2332
Clean & Green Technologies196 Corning Dr.cHristiansburg, va 24073866-694-1628
Maryland Hydroponics1061 West Broad St.Falls cHurcH, va866-324-9376
Lucky Roots612 North Sheppard St.ricHmond, va 23221804-377-3020
Blue Ridge Hydroponics & Home Brewing Company5327 D Williamson Rd.roanoKe, va 24012540-265-2483
Inside-Out Garden Supply6517 Backlick Rd.sPringField, va 22150703-451-3259
184 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
MAXiMUM YielDdistributors Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.
I Love Hydroponics368 Newtown Rd. #105virginia beacH, va 23462757-490-5425
Hydroponics & Growlights13400 Occoquan Rd.Woodbridge, va 22191703-490-0700
wEST VIRGINIAPanhandle Hydroculture800 East Moler Ave.martinsburg, Wv 25401304-240-7587
Mountaineer Gardening and Hydroponics258 Kingwood St.morgantoWn, Wv 26505304-290-2460
Almost Heaven Hydroponics3476 University Ave.morgantoWn, Wv 26505304-598-5911
wASHINGTONAJ’s Indoor Gardening1317 Summit St.aberdeen, Wa 98520360-533-1170_________________________
Island Horticulture Supply 8608 S March Point Rd.
anacortes, Wa 98221360-293-0000
_________________________
Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply6121 172nd St. N.E. #Aarlington, Wa 98223360-474-1900_________________________
Pro Grow Horticulture Supplies
3411 169th Pl. N.E. Suite Carlington, Wa 98223
360-925-6358_________________________
Belfair Garden & Lighting24090 N.E. State Route 3 #FbelFair, Wa 98528360-275-2130
Green Gardens Distributing12738 Bel-Red Rd.bellevue, Wa 98005425-454-5731
In Bloom2119 Lincoln St.bellingHam, Wa 98225360-778-1668
Northern Lights Gardening4159 Hannegan Rd.bellingHam, Wa 98225360-715-8585_________________________
North West Hydro Supply5659 Guide Meridian St. BELLINGHAM, WA 98226
360-778-3254_________________________
Liquid Sunshine Hydroponics5087 Lincoln Rd.blaine, Wa 98230
Kitsap Garden & Lighting2130 6th St.bremerton, Wa 98312360-377-1277
M & R LightingUnit C 22914 Hwy 410bucKley, Wa 98390360-707-5999________________________
Island Horticulture Supply 1500 Port Dr.
burlington, Wa 98233360-707-5999
_________________________
Indoor Tropics5930 sunburst lane #b casHmere, Wa 98815
509-470-7782_________________________
Indoor Gardening111 W. Main
centralia, Wa 98531360-807-4259
_________________________
Sauk Solutions7460 S Dillard Ave.concrete, Wa 98237360-853-8498
Grow Center, The615 South FirdeerParK, Wa 99006509-276-GROW
Cascadia Garden Supply188 A St.eastsound, Wa 98245360-376-6040_________________________
Indoor Tropics801 N. Prospect
ellensburg, Wa 98926509-933-4441
_________________________
Healthy Grow Indoor Garden Supplies10 S.E. Everett Mall Way, Suite Beverett, Wa 98208425-374-2227
Indoor Garden Depot8630 Evergreen Way, Suite Beverett, Wa 98208425-347-0700
Indoor Garden Depot1401 S. 324th St.Federal Way, Wa 98003253-874-1112
Fife Indoor Garden Center1422 54th Ave. E.FiFe, Wa 98424253-922-5352
Good 2 Gro3507 W. Clearwater Ave. KenneWicK, Wa 99336509-737-1313 _________________________
Indoor Garden & Lighting714 South Central Ave.
Kent, Wa 98032253-373-9060
_________________________
Kent Garden Supplies Ltd.18817 East Valley Hwy.Kent, Wa 98032425-251-9299
Grogro Hydro12403 N.E. 124th St.KirKland, Wa 98034888-7-GROGRO; 425-820-6200
Hefty Harvest Garden & Hydroponic Supply2825 Marvin Rd. N.E., Suite Mlacey, Wa 98516360-628-8964_________________________
KP Indoor Garden Store8912 Key Peninsula Hwy. N.
laKebay, Wa 98349253-884-SURE (7873)
________________________
Indoor Gardening1158 Commerce
longvieW, Wa 98632360-353-3851
________________________
Indoor Garden & Lighting20505 Highway 99
lynnWood, Wa 98036425-673-2755
_________________________
Go-N-Green Hydroponics1241 State Ave., Suite #102marysville, Wa 98270360-386-8230
Green Acres Indoor Garden & Lighting514 State Ave, Suite #102marysville, Wa 98270360-658-GROW (4769)
Island Hydroponic & Supplies1515 5th St. #Bmarysville, Wa 98271425-299-5855
Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply1204 East Wheeler Rd.moses laKe, Wa 98837509-766-5856
M & R Lighting17238 Memorial Dr.mt. vernon, Wa 98273360-848-1080
Northern Lights Gardening 1524 Riverside Dr, #2mt. vernon, Wa 98273360-982-2217
Poulsbo Indoor Garden and Lighting22275A Stottlemeyer Rd.Poulsbo, Wa 98370360-930-0853
________________________
Indoor Garden & Lighting8606 Preston Fall City Rd. S.E.
Preston, Wa 98050425-222-9661
________________________
Linda’s Gardening & Hydroponics11522 Canyon Rd. E.PuyalluP, Wa 98373253-531-9641
Purple Spring Horticulture Supply711 Nesses Corner Rd.Pt. HadlocK, Wa 98339-9411360-344-2500
Renton Indoor Garden Center329 Wells Ave. S. renton, Wa 98057425-917-9000
Eco Enterprises1240 N.E. 175th St. #BsHoreline, Wa 98155800-426-6937________________________
Aqua Serene3839 Stone Way N.SEATTLE, WA 98103
206-547-GROW (4769)________________________
Grogro Hydro12316 32nd AVE N.E. #103seattle, Wa 98125
Hydro-Tech2121 Aurora Ave. N.seattle, Wa 98109206-547-2202________________________
Seattle’s Hydro Spot917 N.W. 49th St.
seattle, Wa 98107206-784-2161
_________________________
Sodo Hydro1727 1st Ave. S.
seattle, Wa 98134206-682-9377; 888-90-HYDRO
(904-760)_____________________
Northwest Horticulture Supply161 Hooker Rd. #1sequim, Wa 98057360-582-0702
SnoGro Indoor Gardening Supply502 maple ave. snoHomisH, Wa 98290360-863-6935
509 Grow2718 N. DivisionsPoKane, Wa 99207509-327-GROW (4769)
Grow Center, The2808 W. Sprague sPoKane, Wa 99202509-456-GROW
River City Hydroponics1514 East Francis Ave.sPoKane, Wa 99208509-464-0246
Rootz Indoor Garden Supply923 E. HoffmansPoKane, Wa 99207509-443-5999_______________________
\
Spokane Organic & Hydroponic Supply
4823 East Sprague Avenue E.sPoKane valley, Wa 99212
509-534-4055________________________
Spokane Organic & Hydroponic Supply8701 North Division, Suite DsPoKane valley, Wa 509-468-4800
Garden City Hydroponics14103 Pacific Ave.s. tacoma, Wa 98444253-301-3985_______________________
Indoor Garden & Lighting3839 6th Ave.
tacoma, Wa 98406253-761-7478
________________________
Waterworks Hydroponics5039 S. Washington
tacoma, Wa 98409 253-301-4343
[email protected]________________________
Solar Shop306 West 4th St.tonasKet, Wa 98855509-486-4508
Indoor Garden Depot6400 N.E. Highway 99, Suite Hvancouver, Wa 98665360-993-7779________________________
National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply
4525 N.W. Fruit Valley Rd.vancouver, Wa 98660888-478-6544 (Northwest)
_ _______________________
_________________________
National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply
5408 N.E. 88th St. Building Avancouver, Wa 98665
888-478-6544_________________________
Indoor Garden Supply LLC1250 Atlantic Ave.Woodland, Wa 98674360-841-8055
Artificial Sun Hydroponics3506 Summitview Ave.yaKima, Wa 98902509-823-4026
wISCONSIN_________________________
Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply1104 West Wisconsin Ave.aPPleton, Wi 54914
920-574-3258
_________________________
Grow BIG Hydroponics954 S. WestlandaPPleton, Wi 54914920-749-4769
2oGrow1150 Madison Rd. beloit, Wi 53511 608-289-1852
Brew and Grow285 N. Janacek Rd.brooKField, Wi 53045262-789-0555
Sustainable Growth LLC218 N. Dewey St.eau claire, Wi 54703715-901-0511
Garden Supply Guys752 Memorial Dr., Suite Agreen bay, Wi 54303920-857-9493
Hydro Your Own8501-75th St. Unit CKenosHa, Wi 53142262 697 6112
Brew and Grow1525 Williamson St.madison, Wi 53703608-226-8910
_________________________
Paradigm Gardens4501 Helgesen Dr.
madison, Wi 53718608-241-3800
_________________________
Spread Eagle Garden Center4413 N. Lake Rd.s. Florence, Wi 54121715-696-3910
Brew and Grow2246 Blue Mound Rd., Suite BWauKesHa, Wi 53186262-717-0666
PUERTO RICO______________________
Tecno-HydroAve Campo Rico GJ17, PO Box 1450
carolina, Pr 00982787-752-8252
_________________
185Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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CoMiNG UPNEXT ISSUE
Diving into Deep Water CultureAfter making the decision to grow hydroponically, the next step is deciding on a specific hydro system. One of the easiest and most effective methods for the first-time hydroponic gardener is the deep water culture system, sometimes called the direct water culture sys-tem. Matt LeBannister shares a few pointers on this popular method of growing hydroponically.
Growing Stevia at homeHave you heard of the natural sweetener called stevia yet? Currently, Europe is leading the world in the stevia market, but in March of 2013, the US FDA officially approved stevia extracts for the beverage industry. Stevia use is a trend that promises to continue as consumers search for improved substitutes for processed sugars and artificial sweeteners.
the Benefits of Activated Carbon Activated carbon is one of the most important tools for cleaning up our world and is standing center stage for most technologies used for clean-ing our environment in the future. Dr. McLaughlin talks about how acti-vated carbon works in relation to air filters for the gardening industry.
186 Maximum Yield USA | December 2013
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