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FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

July 2010CONTENTS

4848 High Yields in Tight Spaces: Where a Little Can Mean a Lot

by Aubree Gail Gagné

56 Root Zone Chilling: Handling the Heatby Dr. Lynette Morgan

70 Is Germinated Brown Rice an Answer to Hunger?by Peggy Bradley

80 LED Technology: Paving the Way for a Spectral Revolutionby Brian Chiang and Josh Puckett

90 Whipping Up a Culinary Gardenby Lee McCall

94 Sea Energy in Agriculture - Part 2: Renewing the Soil with Sea Solidsby David Yarrow

102 Growing Guide: Lucky Bambooby Therese Cressman

110 Defining Green: Learning the Languageby Donald Lester

116 Plant Nutrient Elements - Part 2by Philip McIntosh

124 Root Pruning 101by Gaby Bronzstein

130 Water as a Substrate: Aeroponics and Aero-Hydroponicsby Noucetta Kehdi

136 TDS and EC Meters for Hydroponics Explainedby Rob Samborn

162 Indoor Gardening Techologies: The Last Couple of Decadesby Erik Biksa

10 From the Editor

12 Letters to the Editor

14 MaximumYield.com

18 Simon Says

20 MAX Facts

34 Product Spotlight

88 Growing for Health

100 Beginner’s Corner

108 Avant-Gardening

122 Green Thumb Gardening

152 Tips & Tricks

154 How It’s Made

160 Talking Shop

176 Max Mart

180 Coming up in August

181 Do You Know?

182 Distributors

136102

9MAXIMUM YIELD USA - July 2010

10 MAXIMUM YIELD USA - July 2010

FROM THEeditor jessica raymond

Lee McCall graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a concentration in Culinary Arts. Culinary school opened the door to research and work with hydroponics and organic production. Currently, Lee attends business school in Denver and focuses on continuing advancements with Maximum Yield and indoor gardening technology.

contributors

Jessica Raymond, [email protected]

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 five hydroponic technical books. Visit www.suntec.co.nz/consultants.htm and www.suntec.co.nz/books.htm for more information.

Erik Biksa holds a diploma in agriculture with majors in fertilizer sciences and crop production. Erik has amassed over 18 years of indoor gardening experience and intensive research. Since first appearing in Maximum Yield in 1999, the “Ask Erik” column and numerous articles have reached growers throughout the world.

Peggy Bradley is the executive director for Carbon Question International. She has a master’s degree in civil engineering and works in the field of hydroponics, specializing in using the technology to help humans reduce their impact on the earth. She was nominated for the Japan Institute of Technology Environmental award and completed the Children’s Hydroponic Exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Noucetta Kehdi is the co-founder and administrator of General Hydroponics in Europe. Noucetta got involved in hydroponics in the early 1990’s and in 1996 she moved to the southwest of France where she took care of a greenhouse educating herself on all things hydroponics.

Rob Samborn is the director of sales and marketing for HM Digital, a manufacturer of water testing instruments, including handheld testers, inline monitors and controllers for TDS, EC, pH, ORP, temperature and volume. He can be reached at [email protected]

Brian Chiang has worked for DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc., an advanced technology company based in California, for the last 13 years. Brian received his bachelor’s degree in physics from UC Berkeley and master’s degree in physics from UC Davis. He is currently the managing director for Kessil Lighting, a DiCon business division.

Philip McIntosh is a science and technology writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany and chemistry and a master’s degree in biological science. During his graduate research he used hydroponic techniques to grow axenic plants. He lives in Colorado Springs, CO. where he teaches mathematics at Challenger Middle School.

Donald Lester is the plant products manager at JH Biotech, Inc., a California based agricultural technology company with 27 OMRI certified products. Donald has a master’s degree in agronomy with an emphasis in entomology. He is an agricultural scientist with over 10 years of research experience and 50 scientific publications to his credit.

Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Maximum Yield is the largest free-to-consumer indoor gardening magazine in the world. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.

Get ready for this month’s MONSTER issue of Maximum Yield USA - our biggest to date! Practically EXPLODING with close to 200 pages of content, tips, spotlights, products, news, contests and more, this issue is sure to be a collector’s edition. New products and exclusive promotions from our advertisers will make this issue a great indoor gardening refer-ence for the upcoming 7th Annual San Fran-cisco Indoor Gardening Expo (July 25-26).It’s definitely been a year of advanced

technology: exacting light, ventilation, CO2

enrichment, new-age nutrients, environmental controllers, modern instrumentation and much more. Worldwide interest in growing your own food, growing organically and growing year round has spurred rapid growth in the industry. Read up on the latest tricks, tips and technology in the fol-lowing pages and then pack your bags for San Francisco where 100+ companies from around the world will be showcasing and demon-strating the latest technologies to make your garden grow! Check out www.indoorgardenexpo.com for times, directions and more.We are proud to welcome Simon Hart this issue with the premiere of

our new “Simon Says” column. Simon’s knowledge and love for gardening, both indoors and out, will be highlighted each month as he passionately

answers your questions. Simon welcomes you to send your ques-tions to [email protected] and look for his response in an upcoming issue.

Put your feet up and enjoy your read! See you at the end of the month at the San Francisco Expo. Be

sure to stop by the Maximum Yield booth and say hello.

Maximum Yield Now on Your Smartphone!Connect to MaximumYield.com instantly from your Smart-phone with our all-new Quick Response (QR) Code, found on the cover of every issue of Maximum Yield. Now you can access the best products, the most in-depth articles and information and the latest news at high speeds. Simply download your choice of QR software to your Smartphone, scan the QR Code and your phone’s browser will automatically launch, redirecting you to www.maximumyield.com. It’s that simple!

Josh Puckett earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis on plant biology from Sonoma State University. He currently works at the UC Davis Foundation Plant Services. He has years of experience in the horticulture and agriculture industries. He also serves as an advisor for the Kessil Research team.

http://www.foxfarmfertilizer.com


LETTERS TOthe editor

Maximum Yield reserves the right to edit for brevity.

We want to hear from you!Write us at:Maximum Yield Publications Inc.2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9or Email us at: [email protected]

Experimenting Indoors– High Yields the CEA WayI love the articles in Maximum Yield. I will be using Erik Biksa’s experimental CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) model detailed in the 2007 issues of Maximum Yield USA. This will be an ongoing process. I really like the idea of using the space outside the CEA room to act as a lung. Maximum Yield is doing great work. Your articles are educational and inspiring. I've learned a lot from your magazine. Keep up the great work.

Hubert Young

Growing Green in CaliI am so excited to have won the Green Air HyperGrow hydroponic kit in your Win Big…Grow Big contest. I can’t wait to try out my new grow pot. Your magazine is great and you have very informative articles. I really look forward to reading your upcoming issues. I always learn something new. Keep up the good work and thanks for having this contest and giving out some great free stuff.

Paul GarcesModesto, California

Eastbound and DownHello! I first want to thank you for your magazine. It has provided me with lots of information and creates a better understanding of the topic for the indoor grower. I have just moved from California to Colorado. I would pick up your magazine religiously out in Cali whenever I made a trip to the local store but I can’t find any stores in Colorado that carry them. What is going on?

Stormey CummingsDenver, Colorado

Every issue of Maximum Yield contains contact information and locations of indoor gardening retail stores across the US that distribute our magazine. Simply flip to the back of the magazine to locate a store in Colorado (currently 29), and hurry to the nearest location to pick up Maximum Yield for free! If your favorite grow shop doesn’t carry it, have them call us (1-250-729-2677) to start distributing today.

Blacking OutA few months ago, there was a great article titled "Are you Afraid of the Dark?" about growroom lighting or more specifically the dark period. Can you tell me where I could get it as an electronic file?

Thanks,Russell Winnett

The article you’re looking for is from Maximum Yield USA September 2009 by Jonathan Valdman.

To view this article electronically, simply visit www.maximumyield.com and search for Jonathan in our author archive. You can also search by article and check out this month’s feature articles.

Impatient PatronI’ve been looking forward to the San Francisco Expo since the last show ended. You guys have not once disappointed me, so I expect great things. This will be my third year gardening indoors and I finally feel ready to really ramp up my system. I’ve taken in so much information throughout the past year, thanks in part to Maximum Yield, and I hope to supplement that information with hands-on product interaction at the show. Last year I spoke with a variety of nutrient guys and finally decided on a sweet line of liquid plant food. This year I will be checking out fans and controllers. I’m counting down the days. See you soon!

Daniel MaharajDetroit, Michigan

http://www.superthrive.com


PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim JessonGENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores

BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda JessonSALES DIRECTOR - Lisa Lambersek

EDITOR - Jessica Raymond [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES 250.729.2677

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USA DISTRIBUTIONAurora Innovations

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I N D O O R G A R D E N I N G

VOLUME 11 – NUMBER 4 July 2010

Maximum Yield is published monthly byMaximum Yield Publications Inc.

2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687

No part of this magazine may be reproducedwithout 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.

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Printed In Canada.

Tell us what you think at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

Coming upon the Web

Featured Articles

DEFInInG GrEEnDo you know the difference between “green” terms in the market? Organic, natural, sustainable and green are defined here.

rOOt ZOnE CHIllInGWith hydroponics you can actually manipulate a plant’s physiology to boost yields and keep crops happy by controlling root zone temperature.

lOOkInG BACkImagine what you can accomplish today that was impossible or unheard of just 15 to 20 years ago. Take a look back in time and see how far we’ve come.

2010 nOrtH AmErICAn ExPO tOurThe countdown is on to the BIGGEST show of the year, the 7th Annual San Francisco Expo July 24-25. Whether you’ve just started gardening or are an aficionado,

there will be something for everyone at this year’s expo. And don’t forget about our long-awaited 1st Annual Long Beach Expo Oct. 16-17. Make plans to stop at each one of these pre-eminent events. Visit www.indoorgardeningexpo.com for full details.

Have you signed up for Maximum Yield’s monthly E-Newsletter? If so, you know that every issue is overflowing with the latest local and global news, expert advice, website reviews, contest updates, sneak peeks, event details and so much more. If not, what are you waiting for? Sign up today at http://maximumyield.com/newsletter.php

ClICk & WInEvery time you visit maximumyield.com is just one more opportunity to be eligible to win. Make the most of your visit to your favorite website and check out our latest contests with new prizes added every second month all year long. Link directly at http://maximumyield.com/contests.php


http://www.t-nou.com

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SIMONsaysHi Simon,I’ve noticed references in several articles to bio-filters being used with hydroponic systems, and how they can provide stability for water cultures. I’m very much into DWC systems, and would love more information on this equipment. Could you point me in the right direction as far as reliable manufacturers and information? Also, how would these differ from a bio-filter for an aquarium?Faron

In a Deep Water Culture (DWC) system, a net pot rests inside a larger water-filled bucket. The plant’s roots are suspended in the nutrient-rich water, which is oxygen-ated with an air stone, for example. The void between the basket and the water surface increases oxygen to the roots. However, pathogens can spread rapidly between plants if a common reservoir is used.A (biologically active) bio-filter removes or introduces dif-

ferent organic compounds or organisms into a water based system. In an aquarium, bio-filters remove certain elemen-tal compounds, such as nitrates and phosphates, with the use of specific bacteria. This important mechanism prevents algae blooms from accumulating in the tank, helps fish evade health problems and restores system balance.Aquaponic bio-filters are slightly different because in this

case the hydroponic garden is used as the filtering system. The plants use organic compounds in the waste water as nutrients prior to being recirculating into the fish farming component of the system. Again the purpose is to decrease the accumulation of unwanted nutrients.Hydroponic bio-filters are quite different, controlling

pathogenic organisms from proliferating and harming the plants, particularly in a recirculating DWC system. A more involved option would be developing a filter for the secretion of specific organic acids and growth regulat-ing substances.The substrate used in the filter is the key to success. Initially

bio-filters in hydroponics were based on sand (a physical filter). The use of micro-organisms increased the benefits but also changed the material used in the filter. The key property is usable surface area. Remember, as organic material or sedi-ment passes over the material it can clog it. Passage diameter (open spaces) is very important. Material could include aquarium products like biological media. Porous materials such as rinsed lava rock, diatom chunks or lassenite provide a higher initial surface area. A pre-filter layer at the top of your bio-filter would be beneficial to clean out some particulate

prior to moving through the bio-filter substrate.You must inoculate

your filter with diverse biology. Include some powdered or liquid inoculants with differ-ent bacteria and fungi. Consider the use of a quality aerobic compost tea, which will be more microbially-diverse than available inoculants. Sending your solution into a lab for analysis gives you a specific look at the microbial popula-tion, and demonstrate which products to reapply based on their success or failure to colonize the bio-filter system, saving you money in the long term.Remember that as microbes secrete organic acids and

enzymes, pH fluctuation can occur and can stabilize at a dif-ferent value than you are used to in a sterile water system. Don’t be scared of this drift as it should stabilize and is unlikely to affect nutrient availability.Applied biology must be kept alive with organic matter. Plant

roots will slough off some organic material from the rhizo-sphere but additional components in your solution can help. Consider kelp extracts and humates. I would experiment with insoluble granular humates within the filter as a source of microbial feedstock. This would help you avoid some of the issue related to excessive organic compounds within the water system such as foaming and particulate build-up.

Good luck in your garden.Simon Hart MY

Do you have a question for Simon?

Send it to [email protected] with the words

“Simon Says” in the subject line, and your answer will be

printed in an upcoming edition.

http://www.botanicare.net


Edu-tainment at EarthFest BoulderIn celebration of Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary, the Boulder Earth Day Festival, sponsored by Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics in Golden, Colorado, brought the community together via education, music and environmental experience. Edutainment served as the festival’s key vision with a focus on sustainability. The crew from Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics were on hand to discuss sustainable gardening techniques and offer advice on growing big, healthy yields with the General Organics nutrient line. According to the crew, the event was a fantastic success.(Source: www.generalhydroponics.com/blog, http://earthfestboulder.net)

Volunteerism Farming making a ComebackConceived originally as a means for landless farmers to get farming, Crop Mob has grown and flourished in little over a year. Volunteers get together once a month and descend on a local farm or garden, and work together to get a big job done. No money exchanges hands. And everyone shares a meal at the end of the day.Crop Mob is really a return to a tradition that has been absolutely central to viable, sustainable farming in regions all

across the Globe—and that tradition is community participation.There was a time when wheat thrashings, corn schuckings and barn raisings were common place in every farming

community. Nobody back then questioned the viability of farming. In fact, it was taken as a given that many hands make light work— so why the heck wouldn’t you pitch in to help your neighbor? (Source: www.treehugger.com)

hydroponic news, tips and triviaMAXfactsGrowers Can Boost Benefits of Broccoli and tomatoesA University of Illinois study has demonstrated that agronomic practices can greatly increase the cancer-preventive phytochemicals in broccoli and tomatoes. The highest levels of detoxifying enzymes were found in rats that ate selenium-treated broccoli. The amount of one of the cancer-fighting compounds in broccoli was six times higher in selenium-enriched broccoli than in standard broccoli powder.Selenium-treated broccoli was also most active in the liver, reaching a level of bioactivity

that exceeded the other foods used in the experiment. Broccoli and other plants of the brassica family are unique in having a methylating enzyme that enables plants to store high concentrations of selenium.In a previous study, tomato and broccoli powders eaten together were found to be more effective in slowing

prostate cancer in laboratory rats than either tomato or broccoli alone. In their current research, they are experimenting with ways to increase the bioactive components in these foods in order to test the efficacy of enriched broccoli and tomatoes in a new prostate cancer study.(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

Eating Dirt: the latest Culinary trendAnyone who has grimaced as they bite down on sandy lettuce may find this one perplexing. But eating dirt is the latest thing in restaurants around the world. It seems some chefs are so keen on communing with the soil that they are putting it in their dishes deliberately.Some chefs are creating imitation dirt from ingredients like dehydrated beets, or crushed

dried-mushrooms. But others are using high tech devices like the Rotavapor—more commonly used in the perfume industry—to distill soil, the essence of which is used to create an earthy foam. The trend isn’t just confined to chefs—installation artist Laura Parker asks gallery goers to sniff soil samples, and then taste vegetables that were grown in that soil.(Source: www.treehugger.com)


hydroponic news, tips and triviaMAXfacts

Continued on page 26

new retailer in los Angeles – lAx HydroTired of having to go to two, three or even four different indoor garden stores to find everything you need? LAX Hydro is dedicated to providing our customers with the largest selection of inventory available in Los Angeles with unbeatable prices and excellent customer service. Our 3,600 square foot warehouse is well suited to handle the demands of large volume customers and small hobby farmers alike. Our expert staff can answer questions on lighting and environmental issues to nutrients, fertilizers and pest/disease control. Come into LAX Hydro, your indoor garden warehouse! Located at 10912 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045; Tel: 1-310-337-6995; Fax: 1-310-337-6992; Web: www.laxhydro.com

kerala Starts 10 Year Conversion to All-Organic FarmingThe southern Indian state of Kerala has officially announced a new farming policy that aims to convert all agriculture in the state to organic methods over the next 10 years. In the first phase 30,000 hectares will be converted.There is need for ensuring organic farming approach in

all the watershed development areas and extend support. Facilitating the transition, the policy highlights the need to provide interest-free loans to small and marginal farmers.The Kerala Agriculture University and other research

institutions should develop suitable crop combinations and locally suitable technology through participatory research with the farmers. The policy calls for ensuring the availability of biomass in the organic farm itself, through programs such as crop rotation, tree crops, cover crops, leguminous crops and green manure.Separate and decentralized storage facilities for farm

produce have to be established to protect their organic integrity and help the farmers in certification processes. A state-led insurance scheme for small and marginal farmers may also be introduced.(Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com)

http://www.continentalfan.com

http://www.aurorainnovations.com




Factory Fish Farming in Hawaii Expected to ExpandAccording to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, 75 per cent of the world’s fisheries are now either overexploited, fully exploited, significantly depleted or recovering from overexploitation. Twenty years ago Hawaii became the nation’s testing ground for factory fish farming and though documented environmental repercussions are coming to light, the industry plans to expand 900 per cent by 2013, according to Food and Water Watch.A recent report outlines how expansion of more

sustainable fish farms could successfully fill necessary quotas in a sustainable manner. The alternatives include Loko ‘ia, traditional fishponds and land-based recirculating aquaculture systems.Loko ‘ia, traditional fishponds are semi-circular walls

made from lava boulders and coral that keep the fish inside while allowing the sea water to ebb in and out. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are a series of culture tanks and filters where water is continuously recycled. This is much better than traditional factory farming where the fish become damaged because they are packed so closely that their fins rub against each other. Also, factory fisheries often add dyes and antibiotics to the fish that can be harmful to the end product.(Source: www.treehugger.com)


Continued from page 22

Herbal Essence: Should You Buy Fresh or Dried Herbs?In a perfect world, we would all have beautiful, healthy herb gardens. But for those that aren’t growing their own herbs at home, or hobby indoor gardeners that just can’t grow enough the alternative is to buy. If we buy dried herbs, we lose out on flavor. If we buy fresh herbs, they can go bad before we’ve had a chance to use them all. So is it better to buy fresh or dried? The answer lies in knowing which herbs are worth buying fresh, which dried herbs you can use to cut corners and what do with all those bunches and bottles to maximize their effectiveness once you’ve brought them home.Best when fresh: basil, cilantro/

coriander, dill, parsley, mint, chervil and tarragon. Fine when dried: oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage and bay leaf. (Source: www.divinecaroline.com)

Seed Bomb Vending machinesBeloved by guerrilla gardeners everywhere, these little balls made from clay, compost and seeds are the secret weapons to transforming barren and neglected urban corners into colorful spaces of living greenery.A Los Angeles-based design duo has created Greenaid,

a quarter-operated, fire-engine red candy machine that dispenses custom-made seed bombs tailored for your local neighborhood’s ecology. This public awareness campaign also serves as a lucrative fundraising tool.Schools, businesses and individuals can purchase

any number of Greenaid machines and Common Studio will develop a “strategic neighborhood intervention plan” specifically adapted for your area and they will continue to supply the seed bombs.Greenaid machines are already a hit in parts

of Los Angeles. It’s an original way of repackaging guerrilla gardening for the masses so that even kids can get in on the game.(Source: http://thecommonstudio.com)

SharedEarth.com: linking Gardeners with GardensIn urban and suburban jungles around the country many people are eager to garden but have nowhere to indulge their green thumbs. And plenty of homeowners have gardens in need of tending. SharedEarth.com took the Craigslist model to gardening, matching up prospective gardeners to those with gardens, for free.Consider less wasted land, lower

greenhouse gases, more local, homegrown food, stronger community bonds and perhaps the chance to make some extra cash. The site has already shared almost 26 million square feet of land.The site launched on Earth Day of 2009 in Austin, Texas

and interest grew from there. Sharecropping was a model that fell into favor during economic upheavals, the last time during the Great Depression. The concept of sharecropping has been around for centuries. It is evident in Islam, French and Italian societies since the beginning of recorded history.If the amount of hours spent on the popular Internet game

FarmVille were spent on actual farming, imagine what we could achieve.(Source: www.treehugger.com)




Fertilizer use not Always Helpful in revegetation EffortsCompanies and communities trying to restore vegetation on damaged northern landscapes should think twice about using fertilizer to stimulate growth according to new research.Ecology researchers found that a top dressing of organic

fertilizer had virtually no impact on the plants while mineral fertilizer showed mixed results.Dune grass performed well to the addition of fertilizer,

the reaction of spike trisetum was mixed, while the beach pea was impacted negatively.Based on the results, researcher do not recommend

beach pea be used in revegetation efforts in areas with similar soil. Dune grass is a much better choice. Not only does it respond well to regrowth efforts, its roots can extent to a few feet, which helps to keep sandy substrate in place.(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc. Grows Soil and Fertilizer Donations

As victory gardens continue to rise in popularity and food banks all over the country are running low on items, especially fresh produce, Sun Gro Horticulture, manufacturers of Black Gold® potting soils, amendments and fertilizers, has been hard at work. Multiple pallets of product have already gone to small non-profit organizations and world-class hospitals, all with the same

mission—to help those in need.Recently Sun Gro Horticulture donated four pallets of

product including Black Gold Natural and Organic potting soil to the Portland, Oregon based non-profit, Growing Gardens. Sun Gro Horticulture continues to donate much needed product to benefit those in need.

http://www.growstone.com

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MAXfacts

Cityscape Farms On top of the WorldCityscape Farms’ mission is to grow food where it is going to be eaten. The idea is to capitalize on unused urban roofs. The produce would be grown hydroponically and the absence of soil means the quality and taste will be drastically improved. Taste is largely a function of ripeness, and hydroponic produce is picked at its ripest. Most produce in this country is transported thousands of miles from farm to fork. So in order to ensure shelf life and transportability, that produce is picked long before it’s ripe. It is later blasted with ethylene hormone to give it the appearance of ripeness—this is why tomatoes can often be red and tasteless. Localized farming bolsters food security and creates jobs, and provides the freshest food possible to a community. It drastically reduces the carbon footprint associated with food production and helps make cities cleaner, greener places to live. Interest is pouring in from residential and commercial landlords and even city governments. Cityscape Farms will launch in San Francisco.(Source: www.good.is)

Corporate Pressure trumps Science on methyl IodideDespite significant cancer and reproductive health risks, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) proposed the use of a new and highly toxic pesticide, methyl iodide, for widespread agricultural use in California. If registered, methyl iodide will be used primarily to gas and sterilize the state's strawberry fields, although the pesticide will also be used in nurseries and nut tree production.A formal review of the chemical was conducted in 2009-

2010 that concluded any agricultural use "would have a significant adverse impact on the public health."Opposition from Californians has measured in the

thousands. Alternatives to fumigants exist and are in use in California. These methods include solarization, anaerobic soil disinfestation, crop rotation, biological controls, selective breeding, soil steaming, hydroponics and steam treatment for containerized plants.DPR is accepting comments on the proposed use of

methyl iodide for 45 days, ending June 14, 2010.(Source: www.lavidalocavore.org) MY

http://www.smartpots.com


http://www.hygrozyme.com

http://www.hygrozyme.com


PRODUCTspotlightSee it. Want it. Find it at your local indoor gardening store.

Grow naturally - Vital Earth’s liquid GrowVital Earth’s® Liquid Grow fertilizer is a special formula extracted from seabird guano, fish solubles and potassium sulfate. This unique blend is designed to give your plants nitrogen and other essential nutrients for vegetative growth. Enzymatically processed to achieve the most absorbable nutrients for your plants. This all-natural liquid organic fertilizer contains no additives, no fillers and is 100 per cent organic. Liquid Grow may promote vigorous vegetative growth and is excellent for vegetables, herbs and shrubs.Use in conjunction with Vital Earth’s® 2-5-0 liquid fertilizer and complete line of Vital Earth’s®

soil building products. Available in one quart, one gallon, 2.5 gallons and five gallons. Visit an indoor gardening shop for more information.

Protect Your motherPlantMotherPlant two-part nutrient formulas provide balanced nutrition for stock and motherplants. Exacting N-P-K ratios are calibrated to meet the nutritional requirements of the motherplant without excess nitrates. Rich bio-organics are added to improve the uptake of nutrients and strengthen the plant’s natural immunity to environmental stress. MotherPlant uses the highest quality minerals combined with bio-organics and provides high carbohydrate-to-nitrogen ratios in shoots. An increase in calcium produces stronger cell walls. You can expect faster rooting and sustained root growth. MotherPlant produces stress-tolerant daughter plants. To learn more visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

White Flood table Covers Fit like a GloveHydrofarm’s Active Aqua white tray covers fit Hydrofarm’s flood tables like a glove. These white lids are designed to reflect light to minimize heat build up. Made of sturdy ABS plastic, these covers are made to withstand the rigors of many seasons of growing. Available in multiple sizes: two by four feet, three by three feet and four by four feet. Ask for Hydrofarm White Flood Table Covers at an authorized Hydrofarm retailer near you.

Green Growing SolutionsThe Ultimate Plant Cage™ (UPC) from Global Garden Friends, Inc. is an American made, green certified innovation, made from EcoPure. EcoPure is a 100 per cent organic, non-destructive, biodegradable plastic. UPC opens up the plant allowing light to penetrate all the way to the base so fruit grows large and healthy from the top of the plant to the bottom. The UPC reduces mold, fungi and pests and increases airflow to the entire plant. To learn more about the Ultimate Plant Cage™, visit Global Garden Friends at the San Francisco Indoor Gardening Expo July 24-25 or ask for it at your favorite indoor gardening shop.


PRODUCTspotlight See it. Want it. Find it at your favorite indoor gardening store.

Grow naturally - Vital Earth’s liquid BloomLiquid Bloom is a special formula extracted from seabird guano and fish bone meal to supply phosphorous and other essential nutrients to your fruiting and flowering plants. Enzymatically processed to achieve the most absorbable nutrients for your plants. This all-natural liquid organic fertilizer contains no additives, no fillers and is 100 per cent organic. It may improve flavor in vegetables and fruits and may promote intense fruiting, flowering and blooming.Use in conjunction with Vital Earth’s® 4-3-4 liquid fertilizer and complete line of Vital Earth’s® soil

building products. Available in one quart, one gallon, 2.5 gallons and five gallons. Visit your nearest indoor gardening shop for more information on Liquid Bloom.

nutrifield® pH up and DownpH Up and pH Down are tank controllers that will adjust your solution to the desired pH (the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution). The pH scale ranges from 1.0 to 14.0. pH 7.0 is considered neutral and is based on pure water.Solutions with a pH less than 7.0 are considered acidic, while those above 7.0 are considered basic

(alkaline). pH affects nutrient uptake for most plants. The optimum pH range for plants is from 5.8 to 6.5.pH Up and Down comes in both concentrated and ready to use (RTU) forms. Available in concentrated

sizes: 8.5 ounces, one quart and one gallon. Available in ready-to-use: 17 ounces, one quart and one gallon. For more information about pH Up and Down please visit your local indoor gardening store.




Grow naturally with Ancient Forest from General OrganicsAncient Forest from General Organics is a natural soil amendment consisting of 100 per cent pure forest humus. Derived from thousands of years of naturally decomposed forest litter, it contains a wide spectrum of organic compounds. It contains a high diversity of micro-organisms, including more than 35,000 species of bacteria and over 5,000 species of fungi. It aids in the retention of water and nutrients, creating stable, long lasting soil. Ancient Forest’s immense biological activity also makes it the ideal inoculum for actively aerated compost teas. Ask for Ancient Forest from General Organics at your favorite indoor gardening store.

Premium Beneficials for maximum Growth PotentialGreenGro Ultra-Fine Mycorrhizae is a new, highly soluble endomycorrhizae. Since most vegetables and garden plants use endomycorrhizae exclusively, there is no need for other forms to take up space in this premium mix. This blend provides four potent, hand-selected strains that have been proven in the agricultural industry.GreenGro Mycorrhizae contains the highest proportion

of viable mycorrhizae per gram on the market today while maintaining a high degree of solubility! The number of viable whole spores in a mycorrhizal product is crucial for ensuring proper host plant inoculation. It works well in hydroponics and indoor/outdoor soil.Four strains of beneficial microbes have been selected to

help aid in more robust and flavorful fruits and flowers. Additionally, we have added a powerful seaweed extract combined with rare earth humates to finish off this elegantly crafted blend.GreenGro, Breathe Life Into Your Soil. GreenGro

Mycorrhizae is now available at indoor gardening stores across the country.

Zip-Zag re-sealable Bags keep Freshness and Flavor In

Formerly known as BC Bags, Zip-Zag Bags have taken the term re-sealable to a whole new level. Zip Zag has been working on preventing leakage at a molecular level and has achieved amazing results.When you’re losing aroma, you’re losing flavor and

that isn’t all that’s going wrong. Oxygen is getting in and oxidizing sensitive oils. The oxygen transfer rate of Zip Zag Bags is up to 450 times less than that of the leading zipper locking bag making them completely odor and leak proof! Zip-Zag Bags are great for herbs, opened pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other chemicals.Zip-Zag Bags are manufactured in Canada and are made

of high quality, North American food-grade plastics. Their proprietary method of manufacturing and a patented zipper make these bags second to none.Zip-Zag Bags are available in boxes of 10 and 50 bags.

Visit your local hydro shop for information on these and more great products.


mobility and Strength – Active Aqua tray Stands with light Hanging BarActive Aqua Tray Stands offer strength and mobility for all scenarios involving use of specific propagation flood tables. The reinforced steel structure with casters is easy to assemble, features an attached light hanging cross bar and supports flood tables for even tray balance, equal water distribution and proper drainage. The low profile design ensures trays are positioned directly over reservoirs so more vertical space is available for plant growth.Tray stands are 75.5 inches tall

from the floor to the top of the light hanging cross bar. They perfectly hold the Active Aqua flood tables. Flood tables sold separately. Available in multiple sizes: two by four feet, four by four feet and four by eight feet. Ask for them now at an authorized Hydrofarm retailer near you.

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PRODUCTspotlightContinued from page 38

Being two Faced Isn’t necessarily BadC.A.P. Two Faced Poly is a waterproof film that is black on one side and white on the other. The white side is very reflective (over 90 per cent) and can be used on the walls and floor of your growing area to reflect light back to plants. The black side provides a lightproof layer. Two Faced Poly is available in 10 by 10 foot sheets and 10 by 100 foot rolls. For more information contact your nearest retailer.

Ventilate to the max with Active Aqua Flood table DomesThe Active Aqua humidity domes fit perfectly with the Active Aqua flood tables. They feature three way ventilation for superior temperature

and humidity control with vents on the top and on the side. These tall (8.5 inches high), heavy duty domes accommodate larger plants for increased growing volume. Available in three sizes: two by two feet, three by three feet and two by four feet. Ask for Active Aqua Flood Table Domes at an authorized Hydrofarm retailer near you.

F2000tSm-CO2 for ultimate ControlTongdy Control Technology and Intellisenc introduce the F2000TSM-CO2 Carbon Dioxide Controller designed specifically for greenhouse applications. This unit has six easy to read LEDs indicating CO2 level. It is accurate and features a self-calibrating zero to 2,000 ppm range NDIR CO2 sensor, an on/off control output and LED set points preset from the factory.The set points may be ordered to your specifications or

user adjustable with optional RS-485 communications. A touch-button controls the on/off output. 24VDC/VAC powered. Power supply and analog outputs are available. Ask for the F2000TSM-CO2 Greenhouse Controller at your local indoor gardening retail store.

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Scientific Expertise in Every Ounce of Sunshine® AdvancedSunshine® Advanced is formulated with earth-friendly ingredients to retain moisture, provide improved root aeration and drainage and develop strong, healthy root systems for maximum stem, flower and foliage. The peat moss and coconut fiber retain water and nutrients, and increased perlite provides excellent drainage. The organic nutrient package found in Sunshine® Advanced provides a supplemental charge after three to four weeks and the endomycorrhizal blend enhances the plant’s ability to access the nutrients in the root zone. A full list of features can be found at www.sunshineadvanced.com Contact your favorite indoor gardening shop to learn more.

PRODUCTspotlightthe ultimate in Instrumentation is HereThe Ultrameter II still delivers the most accurate dissolved solids measurements of any instrumentation and the greatest degree of accuracy available for pH, ORP and temperature measurements, but has been redesigned to include an LSI/hardness calculator, free chlorine measurements and Bluetooth® data transfer.

The hardness calculator is an analyzer that generates a Langelier Saturation Index value useful in determining how to modify hardness, pH or alkalinity to achieve balanced water. The user can accept inferred LSI calculations or input known values for pH, hardness or alkalinity to allow the calculator to determine the LSI value precisely. The user can also select from grains and ppm hardness units within the calculator.ORP readings can be displayed as mV or ppm free

chlorine. This new feature allows the Ultrameter II to measure a dynamic range of sanitizer concentrations wider than that of a colorimetric test kit. Ask for the new Ultrameter II at your local hydroponics shop.


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In urban centers across the United States, space is tight for everyone. With over 300,000,000 people populating just more than 3.5 million square miles, it is difficult to visualize using space for anything but the essentials. With the majority of the population living in houses, condos and townhomes that lack even an inch of additional space, luxuries such as an indoor garden seem impractical and unattainable.Do not give up just yet, though. Within the small space that you occupy

is a bevy of opportunities for indoor growing that you may not have even considered possible. Not only are these options inexpensive, they will not have you painted into a corner with no room to move about.

HigH Yields

WHere alittle CanMean a lot

in TighT SpaceS

by Aubree Gail Gagné

Untapped Urban SpaceEver wish you could better utilize that overcrowded attic, messy basement or disorganized closet? These spaces are ideal, offering just enough room for a petite indoor garden. Because closets and basements usually lack a window to allow some natural sunlight to pour in, you will need to use a portion of your budget on an indoor specific light set-up. You are in luck though, as the options for indoor growing lights are limitless with a variety of options for the grower on a tight budget and those of you who have extra cash to spend. Attics will usually have the benefit over a closet or basement, as they tend to have a small window to let some natural light in. On the downside they may be lacking an electrical outlet.



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ADvANtAgeS: What was once the cause of a headache can be transformed into a serene, fresh space with clean air making for an all around feel good setting.How to Do It: Your grow space will need access to electrical outlets and vents. Shelves placed within the room can be used to maximize the space. Make sure to use the best growing medium you can get your hands on with good draining properties and avoid highly acidic mediums. Discuss the best lighting options with a professional at your local hydroponic retail store as well as any other tools or equipment you may need to be successful.

Innovative IdeasEver consider container or vertical gardening? Container gardening is an intriguing option for anyone living in tight quarters, as they are compact and easy to move around. Indoor container gardening is a natural extension of an outdoor garden. Any size home is a great space that will accommodate all kinds of plants.

Container garden with shallots, lettuce, and spinach.

A relatively new method of growing, vertical gardening takes up less floor space making it ideal for small areas. Currently, very few companies have contributed products to the vertical gardening phenomenon but they do exist. And because there are so few, it makes for an easy choice.

ADvANtAgeS: Container or vertical gardening is an attractive option. Consider a small display organized to your liking in beautifully decorated pots or a wall of green in your living room. What could be more tranquil?How to Do It: Container gardening can be as simple as taking unused pots, pails and planters around the house and filling them with your fruit or vegetable of choice. Place them near a window or under a light and water and feed as needed.

High Yields in Tight Spaces

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For a vertical garden purchase your system of choice and start growing immediately. There has also been a wave of vertical garden builders or green architects who will come into your home and build you the perfect vertical garden for your needs and within your space constraints.

Consider CompactA variety of compact plant options exist that can be grown indoors in tight spaces. These include baby watermelon, cherry tomatoes, small potatoes, carrots, onions, chives, garlic, herbs and spices, kale and broccoli to name a few. Cantaloupes and strawberries make great options that do well in confined spaces. Look for high yielding plants that will make the most of your tiny garden. One indoor gardening trend is to use miniature and dwarf plant varieties, as they are perfectly suited to small spaces.

ADvANtAgeS: A variety of compact plants exist that are not only beautiful, but also refreshing and functional as a tea time menu option. It is possible to design a garden layout that contains all of the fresh produce that you need while not losing too much living space.How to Do It: As with any growing venture, you will need good growing medium, plenty of light and a reliable water source. As mentioned above, it is a good idea to design a layout that includes all of the produce you would like to eat this year and place them wherever you have space or desire a hint of greenery.

No matter where you live, fruit and vegetable gardening can be accomplished. Above all, do what you can with the space that you have. The options are limitless. MY

High Yields in Tight Spaces

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HHeat loading in indoor hydroponic gardens is a common problem. The combination of high intensity lighting, small enclosed spaces, limited air exchange and sweltering summers all take their toll on plants. Small volumes of recirculating nutrient and restricted growing containers also make a contribution to heat build-up in the root zone, often to the point where roots can cook without the grower even being aware of the problem. A hot environment is hard to handle, often rather expensive to keep cool, and if combined with high humidity, the tropical conditions have some nasty consequences for plant growth and development. However, hydroponic systems can offer some significant advantages when it comes to a little manipulation of a plant’s physiology to boost yields and keep crops happy. Root zone temperature strongly affects shoot growth. In fact root zone temperatures play more of a role in growth and development than that of the air surrounding the plant. This is because the root tissue sends numerous `non hydraulic’ messages to the shoot, which influence the way the shoot responds to the environment. So with many plant functions under the control of what goes on down in

the roots, temperature in the root zone becomes an extremely important factor to be keeping an eye on.

Ignorance is not blissMany of us have probably seen the effects of high air temperatures of crops—wilting, reductions in growth, tip burn, premature bolting, loss of chlorophyll (leaves going pale and yellow), flower and fruit let drop, overall losses in yield and increases in root disease pathogens such as pythium that prey on stressed root tissue. At high temperatures, plant tissue has a rapidly increased rate of respiration that burns up sugars produced during

“...we know a cooler nutrient solution holds more dissolved oxygen for root uptake, so that oxygen starvation is likely to be far less of a problem than it would be with a warm nutrient.”

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

Root Zone Chilling

Handling the Heat


photosynthesis, leaving much less for growth and development.While most growers keep a regular check on the air

temperature surrounding their plants and aim to keep this within an ideal range for the species being grown, few realize the potential of root zone temperature control. Nutrient temperature build-up can be surprisingly fast and become excessive under hot lights and in systems with very limited root zones, so regular root zone temperature checks are a good idea. Research has shown that even a short duration, less than 30 minutes of root zone heat build-up, can have a very negative effect on many crops, which can not be compensated by having a low daily temperature average. Just a few minutes a day of root zone temperatures over 86°F have been shown to retard the growth of some heat sensitive crops such as lettuce and parsley.

Root zone temperature physiologyIt seems that chilling in the root zone via the nutrient solution affects the plant’s physiology in a number of different ways, which allows the aerial portion of the plant to withstand higher than optimal temperatures. Firstly, we know a cooler nutrient solution holds more dissolved oxygen for root uptake, so that oxygen starvation is likely to be far less of a problem than it would be with a warm nutrient. Secondly cooling of the roots to well below ambient air temperatures seems to allow higher assimilation rates by reducing both photo inhibition and stomatal closure that typically occur once the plant becomes temperature stressed. What is even more interesting is that the

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positive effects of nutrient chilling seem to be largely the result of changes in the production of plant growth hormones abcissic acid (ABA) and cytokinins that control a range of plant responses. Cytokinins are mainly synthesized in roots and any environmental stress in this tissue such as high temperature, results in a shortage of this hormone being sent up to the shoots. Very low cytokinin concentrations in the roots of even warm season crops have been found after only five days at 90 to 100°F suggesting that the response of cyctokinin deficiency to high temperatures is very rapid. Cytokinins are important as they stimulate cell division, cell enlargement, chloroplast formation, synthesis of chlorophylls and proteins and in general, drive plant growth and development. The small leaf area, stunted growth and leaf yellowing often seen in heat stressed plants may be at least particularly attributable to a reduction in cytokinin synthesis in the roots. ABA is known as a stress hormone and has been found to increase in leaves when roots are exposed to high temperatures. ABA is inhibitory to growth and results in stomatal closure and the reduction in photosynthesis that results as the plant starts to shut down.

tricking plants into handling the heatApart from keeping a close check on root zone temperatures to make sure they are not over heating and cooking the roots, there is a well proven technique that can be used to fool the physiology of many plants into handling higher then optimal air temperatures. Root zone chilling of the hydroponic

Root Zone Chilling: handling the heat

Lettuce being grown in a deep flow system with chilled nutrient solution under tropical conditions. (Inset) Showing the impressive root structure of aeroponic production.



nutrient solution is a technique being used commercially by many growers in warm or tropical climates, most often with cool season crops such as butter head lettuce, herbs and other vegetables. In Singapore NFT, aeroponic and deep flow culture systems are utilized with extensive nutrient chilling to grow butter head and Romaine lettuce, crops that otherwise do not grow or yield well at ambient air temperatures. Chilling the nutrient solution down to as low as 61 to 64°F, allows the cool season vegetables to crop well at ambient air temperatures that are often well above optimal for these crops (82 to 97°F). Without nutrient chilling, the root zone usually warms to the level of the air and this give numerous growth problems including slow growth, lack of heart formation, bolting, tip burn and low marketable yields. Other researchers have reported that nutrient chilling of lettuce also reduces the occurrence of the fungal root disease Pythium aphanidermatum. Chilling the nutrient tricks the physiology of the plant into growing in air temperatures that would otherwise not be economic. However, trials have shown that while root zone chilling via nutrient cooling can have these effects, the root zone cooling




must be applied soon after early crop establishment and maintained for the life of the crop for maximum effect.While this technique of root zone chilling is

perhaps more economically viable with high value crops in tropical climates such as cool season lettuce, herbs and other vegetables, it has also proven to be beneficial for other species. Warm season plants such as capsicum and cucumber have also been shown in research trials to respond in a similar way to root zone chilling when ambient air temperatures are higher than optimal for their growth and development. Cucumber is a warm season plant whose optimal root zone temperature lies around 77°F; once root temperatures increase to 95°F, severe reductions in shoot growth can begin to occur. Cucumbers grown at high air temperatures (100°F) have been found to have a larger leaf area and higher yield when the root zone was cooled to below 77°F. Capsicum (sweet pepper), another warm season crop has been found to respond to nutrient chilling when grown under warm aerial conditions in tropical Singapore. It was found that capsicum plants grown at a root temperature of 68°F had more leaves, greater leaf area and dry weight than plants grown at ambient root zone temperatures of 77 to 104°F even though both were under the same ambient tropical conditions of high temperature and light intensities. Under normal growing conditions for capsicum (71 to 79°F), having a nutrient solution temperature of 68°F would result in growth reductions, however, under the high temperature tropical conditions, root zone chilling to 68°F had significant benefits to crop growth and development via altering the physiology of the plant to handle the temperature stress.

Tropical lettuce production using DFT and chilled nutrients.

“Root zone chilling of the hydroponic nutrient solution is a technique...with cool season crops such as butter head lettuce, herbs and other vegetables.”

Even some warm season crops such as capscium have been shown to produce well under high heat and humidty with a certain degree of root zone chilling.

Continues on page 64

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full


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Red basil plants, while normally considered to be a fairly warm season crop, have been found to have increased vegetative growth, more intensive development of purple anthocycanin pigment as well as increased development of aromatic compounds in the leaves when grown in a chilled nutrient at 77 to 79°F under tropical conditions.

Cool season vs. warm season crops and nutrient chillingObviously for the technique of root zone chilling via the nutrient solution to work effectively the correct temperature needs to be constantly maintained and this optimal temperature is likely to not be the same for all species. Cool season crops such as lettuce may benefit from nutrient chilling to a cooler temperature than warm season crops and there is evidence to suggest that root zone chilling is only beneficial when ambient air temperatures are consistently higher than optimal. Furthermore, as with any technique or treatment, overdoing it can have some fairly drastic results—chilling the nutrient in a crop that is not under high air temperatures could potentially result in growth reductions or chilling damage, particularly with warm season plants. Such over chilling results in root tissue damage and decay, reduction in nutrient ion absorption and water uptake.

“Capsicum (sweet pepper), another warm season crop, has been found to respond to nutrient chilling when grown under warm aerial conditions.”


Chilled roots tend to be whiter, thicker and larger in mass than those grown at higher than optimal temperatures.


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Best systems for nutrient chillingVarious studies on the effect of nutrient or root zone chilling for hydroponic crops under high heat conditions have shown that deep flow water culture gives the best results for many crops such as lettuce, herbs and other vegetables. Aeroponics and nutrient film techniques are also commonly utilized for root zone chilling; however, these seem less effective than deep flow methods. It is possible that the larger volume of chilled nutrient solution in deep flow systems maintains cooler temperatures for longer, while the thin (two to three millimeters deep) flow of NFT and fine mist of aeroponics tend to heat up more during application. Another possibility is that the more of the root system that is submerged in the chilled nutrient, the greater the effect on the physiology of the plant. In general, however, solution culture methods are the only effective way of providing consistent chilled nutrient solution and in insulated systems can be reasonably cost effective. MY


Even some warm season crops such as capscium have been shown to produce well under high heat and humidty with a certain degree of root zone chilling.

ReferencesHe J, Lee SK and Dodd IC., 2001. Limitations to photosynthesis of lettuce growth under tropical conditions: alleviation by root zone cooling. Journal of Experimental Botany Vol 52(359): 1323-1330.

Thompson HC, Langhans RW, Both AJ and Albright L D., 1998. Shoot and root temperature effects lettuce growth in a floating hydroponic system. Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Science Vol.123(3) 361-364.

Dodd IC, He J, Turnbull CGN, Lee SK and Critchley C., 2000. The influence of supra-optimal root zone temperatures on growth and stomatal conductance in Capsicum annuum L. Journal Of Experimental Botany Vol 51(343) 239-248.

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Is Germinated Brown Rice an

Answer to Hunger?

Rice is the most important food in many developing countries and is a staple food for nearly half of the world’s population. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the world rice crop production in 2007 to 2008 to be about 432 million tons. In 2005 the area used for harvesting rice was approximately 387 million acres.Research is now being conducted on

raising grass hydroponically for livestock as is research on the value of hydroponically-grown germinated brown rice, which is now a part of the food revolution.Pioneering work by Derek Cuddeford,

author of “Hydroponic Grass” (1989) and others in the 1980s led to an understanding that sprouted and newly germinated grains have higher food value than dormant seeds. This led to the introduction of hydroponics to grow food for livestock and then further research into germinated food for humans.In 2004 at a United Nations Conference,

a paper from Japan announced to the world a new food product called Germinated Brown Rice (GBR) or GABA rice (Shoichi & Yukihiro, 2004).

by Peggy Bradley

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Brown riceBrown rice is higher in nutrition than white rice. Brown rice has only the outer layer of the grain removed. White rice, no longer a viable seed, has been stripped resulting in the loss of vitamins, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids.The process of milling brown rice to white rice results in a loss

of about 10 per cent of the product. If the population started consuming brown rice instead of white, there could be 38.7 million acres removed from production or 43 million extra tons of food available.Globally, it is estimated that there are 850 million hungry

people. Of this total, at least 550 million are in Asia. Asians consume on average about 300 pounds of rice a year. The extra rice available from the switch to brown rice could be an important step in solving hunger.Brown rice gained some popularity in the 70s with the

macrobiotic diet, which advocated brown rice. The chief problems were that brown rice took much longer to cook and had a slightly disagreeable flavor. The popularity diminished and most rice sold worldwide was still white.

Germinated Brown Rice an Answer to Hunger?

“The process of milling brown rice to white rice results in a loss of

about 10 per cent of the product.”


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germinated Brown RiceThe new brown rice from Japan is actually any brown rice that has been pre-germinated before cooking. The rice is kept at a temperature of about 100°F for eight to 24 hours to begin the sprouting process.Most studies into the nutritional benefits are made with rice

that has just started to show a slight bit of bud (0.5 to 1.0 millimeters tall) from the kernel, also known as Germinated Brown Rice (GBR).

Finer flavorGBR rice has been softened through processing and now can be cooked in less time. It is also easy to digest and has a wonderful nutty flavor. In Japan it has wide appeal and is establishing a market with a few companies starting to market GBR globally.

growing protocol for gBR riceSome research on GBR now exists to help us understand the steps to provide the highest level of nutrition. The highest amino


“The highest amino acid food values are obtained when the

bud just starts to show.”

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acid food values are obtained when the bud just starts to show. Germinating the rice longer reduces the food’s value.When testing different pH values

(from 5.5 to 9.0) there was little difference in the nutritional food values. The temperature is important; cooler temperatures require longer times or may not allow germination at all. Short grain brown rice seems to have the highest increase of GABA.

the scienceSaikusa, Horino and Mori (1994) found that Gamma-Amirobutyric acid (GABA) increased dramatically when brown rice was soaked in 104°F water for eight hours to 24 hours. The enzyme Glutamate decarboxylase turns Glutamic acid into Gamma-aminobutyric acid.Germination softens the outer layer of

the rice, which makes it just as easy to cook and eat as polished rice.

Nutritional benefitsThe germination process activates enzymes and allows the rice to develop higher levels of some amino acids, particularly Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). GBR has more fiber, three times the amount of lysine, an essential amino acid, and 10 times the amount of GABA.

Health benefitsOkada et al. (2000) reported intake of GABA for eight weeks improved the most common mental symptoms during the menopausal and presenile period such as sleeplessness, somnipathy and depression. Jeon et al. (2003) found that GBR may be effective for suppressing liver damage.There is currently much research being

done on the health benefits of GBR. It appears that eating GBR can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, restore kidney function, repair liver, reduce fatigue and anxiety and may prevent cancer.


100g /per dry weight Germinated brown rice White riceEnergy 345Kcal 363Kcal

Protein 7.3g 7.0g

Total fat 2.9g 0.9g

Saturated fat 0.58g -

Cholesterol 0mg -

Carbohydrate 77g 78g

Dietary fiber 2.8g 0.4g

Sodium (Na) 2.1mg 4mg

Calcium (Ca) 8.1mg 5mg

Iron (Fe) 1.1mg 0.3mg

Magnesium (Mg) 74mg 22mg

Zinc (Zn) 2.1mg 1.4mg

GABA 16.5mg 1.5mg

Vitamin B1 0.3mg 0.08mg

Vitamin E 1.7mg 0.4mg

Inositol 452mg 96mg

Source: AsiaRICE Biotech., Inc.

The nutrition analysis of Germinated Brown Rice and White rice

“Germinated Brown Rice has more fiber, three times the amount of lysine, an essential amino

acid, and 10 times the amount of GABA.”

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The scientific research on GBR shows that this simple change in our daily diet might help reduce chronic illnesses and improve quality of life.It’s clear that we may have caused a lot of our modern

day chronic illnesses by allowing white rice to be produced and eaten.

Dominant enzymes within the rice that supply the nutrition for growth are activated when brown rice is germinated. This further activates enzymes and increases amino acids such as L-lysine (a necessary building block for all protein in the body) and ƒÁ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Vitamins and antioxidants are increased, as is the amount of digestible fiber.New nutritional components not found in un-germinated

rice are released during germination, particularly the protylendopetidase inhibitor, which has implications in the prevention and early treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

gBR germinated and cooked in green teaThere is discussion on the Internet that germinating and cooking GBR rice in green tea enhances its nutritional quality even more. So far there appears to be no actual experiments or data to justify this claim. However, the green tea does not appear to harm the process and may improve the flavor. Watch for more information on this new idea. MY


“The scientific research on GBR shows that this simple change in our daily diet might help reduce chronic illnesses and improve quality of life.”

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80 MAXIMUM YIELD USA - July 201080 MAXIMUM YIELD USA - July 2010

Light and NutritionTwo of the most important factors that contribute to a plant’s well being are light and nutrition. Plants thrive in fertile soil and under bright light. Healthy farmlands are found in areas where both are in abundance. Over time, humans have accumulated knowledge on how to provide plants with better and more nutrients. The science behind nutritional additives for plants has become a huge and very specialized field, spanning the traditional approach of composting to creating complex chemical compounds that are injected. The advancements in nutrient development continue to provide better plant growth and higher yields.In contrast, progress in lighting has been very limited.

Farmers still rely heavily on the sun in open spaces, which can be unreliable as weather is capricious. When gardens moved indoors, people applied their knowledge of how plants respond to light. For example, most growers know that plants are more responsive to red light in the flowering stages of growth, and blue light for the vegetative phases. However, artificial sunlight options for indoor growers are fairly restricted to high pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH) and fluorescent lamps. These are all broadband sources, meaning they emit a full spectrum of light, from the usual red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet to more harmful rays, like UV and IR. Some lights, such as HPS, contain more red, while others, like MH emit more blue. These limited choices mean that growers have to be satisfied with the spectrum offered, because there are no means to obtain the desired wavelengths.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are cause for excitement in the indoor gardening world. Growers are ecstatic about energy savings and big returns on electricity and air conditioning bills. They are elated by the longevity of LEDs and the prospect of never having to change light bulbs. However, most people don’t realize that with LEDs, reduced operating costs and extended lifetimes are just the beginning of a long list of advantages for the horticulture industry. LEDs possess the ability to shape spectrums, and thus, will fundamentally alter how grow lights are used, in the same way that fertilizers changed farming.

LED Technologyby Brian Chiang and Josh Puckett

Paving the Way for a Spectral Revolution


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Spectrum SelectionAdvancements in lighting, particularly in LED technology, have proven that artificial sunlight is not restricted to standard broadband sources (HPS, MH, T5, etc.) anymore. With LEDs,

better spectrums can be developed. LEDs have been around since the early ‘60s, used mostly

in indicator lights, but only recently has the technology progressed to the point where it can be

used as general illumination. LEDs are made with different semi-conductors, and when electricity is applied to the compound, they emit a particular color,

depending on the chip. Already LEDs have permeated our everyday lives: LEDs are in traffic lights; LEDs are in cell phones; finally LEDs are lighting up our indoor gardens. The ability to produce particular wavelengths is the biggest advantage of LEDs. Because they can emit specific wavelengths, growers can now optimize lights for plant growth. By mixing various LED chips, a complex light spectrum can be created for different growth conditions. LEDs are opening up a brand new dimension for growers to accelerate or slow down growth, improve yields and morph the shape of their plants by offering blue light, red light or a combination of different colors.

Less Heat, More LightLEDs actually allow more useful light to be projected onto plants. Broadband sources are generally larger and require bigger reflectors to make efficient use of the light. On the other hand, the light from LEDs is directional, so it only takes a simple reflector to direct the light to where you need it

to go. Broadband sources, including the sun, also emit more than what is required for photosynthesis. Much of this light results in heat, which is crippling to plant performance if the temperature of the environment is elevated beyond what plants can tolerate. Another added nuisance to the indoor grower is that artificial sunlight sources create heat on their own, due to their inefficiency in converting energy from electricity to light. Although plants could benefit from having more light, the heat from these broadband sources has long limited the amount of light supplied to plants. Place them too close and the plants will burn, whether from convection or radiation. With LEDs, users can now pick out specific red and blue wavelengths ideal for photosynthesis, thereby eliminating the excess light that produces unwanted heat. This combined with cleverly designed optics allows growers to project more light onto plants than ever before, while still keeping the environment cool.

Plants and LightThe portion of the light spectrum utilized by plants falls within the range of 400 to 700 nanometers, referred to as Photosynthetically Active Radiation. Aside from chlorophyll and the photo pigments that drive photosynthesis, plants contain a variety of photoreceptors that sense and utilize light. These include crytochromes, phytochromes and phototropins. Each react to different wavelengths and the ratio of their active and inactive forms cause different reactions in plants. At various stages of plant development different light conditions are required for different lengths of time. By studying the effects of particular wavelengths and combinations of wavelengths on the various cycles of plant development we can combine them in such a way that we promote maximum vegetative growth and crop yield.


LED Technology

typical PAR action spectrum shown beside absorption spectra for chlorophyll-A, chlorophyll-B and carotenoids

the tomatoes under the first blue light (B1) had rapid elongation and few leaves. the second blue light (B2) showed shorter stems and more leaves. Peak wave lengths = 15 nm


http://www.mygreenplanet.com


Red light promotes flowering in plants. It is commonly associated with the elongation of internodal lengths, a function driven by phytochromes. This elongation was dramatic in both the stems and the petioles of the tomatoes grown under the Red LED treatment. The tomatoes under this treatment produced fewer leaves, and as a result were less photosynthetically capable. Flowering was expedited under this light treatment, but the number of flowers produced by each tomato was relatively few. These results coincide with expectations for tomatoes grown under a primarily red light treatment.Blue light encourages vegetative growth in plants. It often

increases leaf production and vegetative density. For this reason plants are grown under lights high in blue wavelengths during the initial stages of development. A high leaf number count and low internodal lengths are expected in plants grown under blue light treatments. This was not the case in the tomatoes under the first blue light, B1. Instead rapid stem elongation and a relatively low leaf number was observed. However, the second blue light, B2, with only a 15 nm difference in peak wavelengths as demonstrated in the spectrum graph, showed a shorter stem and higher leaf count.The slight variation in spectrum resulted in drastically different

performances. The plant under B1 continued to stretch as though it was straining to find more light. B2 on the other hand, had a stronger vegetative growth. To the eye, the two blues looked the same, but the 15 nm difference caused a huge disparity between the performances of the two plants. Just like how two liquid fertilizer solutions may look identical, but their separate chemical contents will result in variations in plant performance, two LED lights with the same color may seem no different than the other, the actual “spectral content” of the LED will determine plant performance.

LED Technology

experiment 1: Single Color Spectrum testExperiments were conducted with the effects of isolated red and blue wavelengths on plants, primarily tomatoes, using innovative high power LED grow lights with a custom spectrum formula as the source. Research in the field of artificial light for the promotion of plant growth and production has traditionally used tomatoes as an indicator of light performance because they are day neutral—meaning the length of photoperiod has little effect on their growth and development—and they reach the fruiting stage relatively quickly. Tomatoes also serve as an ideal candidate crop due to their indeterminate growth, which exaggerates, and facilitates the analysis of qualitative results. The tomatoes grew for four weeks from when they were small plants with few leaves.This initial experiment focused on the wavelengths associated

with photosynthesis, one red light spectrum (625 to 650 nm), R1 and two different blue light spectrums (425 to 470 nm), B1 and B2, centering on vegetative growth, without which crop yield would be limited. A variety of tomatoes grew under isolated blue and red LED treatments and tracked light performance on the parameters of plant height, internode length, leaf number, leaf area/plant and days to flowering. Without disturbing the plants, daily measurements were taken from the date of transplant, at four to five leaves, to early fruit development.

Under a red light (625 to 650 nm) the tomatoes produced few leaves and few flowers.

http://www.solatel.com


http://www.humboldtwholesale.com


experiment 2: Red Blue Mix testIn response to the above experiment, two red-blue mixed spectrum lights, M1 and M2, were created and the performance of combinations of red and blue light were analyzed. M1 treatment contained a higher degree of blue light than M2.

LED Technology

The experiment tested the performance of M1 and M2 in promoting vegetative growth. Pictured are three plants grown under B2 (from the previous experiment), M1 and M2, from the left to right. As stated before, B2 demonstrated strong stems and closely set leaves. The tomatoes grown under M1 treatment also displayed a denser pattern of vegetative growth with higher leaf area and some stem and petiole elongation. With the added red spectrum, M1 had better growth overall when compared with B2. M2 demonstrated taller stems, but more scattered leaf development than the other two. The progression from blue to red spectrum is clearly observed in this side-by-side comparison.

the Spectral RevolutionWith the ability to tune spectrums, a whole new dimension of possibilities has opened. Though there is still much knowledge to pursue, a huge lighting revolution for the growing industry is anticipated. Countless groups will search for the optimal spectrum recipe. Indoor gardening will quickly leap forward at lightning speeds with advancements that have never been seen before. It’s a spectral revolution! MY

B2 from the previous blue light experiment, plus M1 and M2, red/blue spectrums, clearly show the progression from blue to red spectrum.

http://www.rosecitywholesale.com/my

http://www.mavericksun.com


GROWING FOR HEALTH

HYDROPONICS by Charlotte Bradley

for Citrus FarmsSystems

Citrus GreeningCitrus greening is a disease carried by a tiny insect, the psyllid. Southern Florida has a huge population of these insects. The disease, once inside the plant, wreaks havoc on fruit production. Greening causes citrus fruits to grow in deformed shapes, have a salty, bitter taste and stay green. As housing developments and urban sprawl encroach on former citrus orchards, some farm-ers have abandoned farming because they can no longer afford

property taxes on their land. One part of controlling the spread of greening is to remove old citrus groves that are not managed, as they provide safe havens for psyllids. Another method proving to control greening is the use of open hydroponics systems.

Open Hydroponics Systems (OHS)First implemented at citrus farms in South Africa, open hydro-ponics systems are different than traditional hydroponics

Starting the day without orange juice sounds unthinkable to many, but could become a reality. In the not-so-distant future, orange

juice could become unaffordable due to challenges on citrus farms. In Florida, one of the largest citrus producing areas in the world,

farmers are experimenting with hydroponics to help reduce problems with “greening,” an increasingly prevalent disease of citrus trees.


systems. Plants in these systems are planted in the ground with specialized drip irrigation systems. By providing a con-stant, non-limiting, specially measured stream of water and nutrients to plants, the trees can grow faster, healthier and closer together. Trees grown in OHS conditions also produce fruit at a younger age.Plants under stress succumb to pests and diseases more easily

than healthy plants. Open Hydroponics Systems reduce plant stress by providing a constant source of water and nutrition. Pests are much less likely to attack plants growing in Open Hydroponics Systems.

Costs of Switching SystemsTraditional citrus farms include rows of large trees that are mechanically pruned, sprayed and harvested. Establishing a traditional farm is relatively simple compared to establishing a farm with Open Hydroponics Systems. Citrus farms using OHS must be hand-pruned and maintained to gain the most fruit. The irrigation systems are also more expensive to install and maintain.Farmers will save costs in the long run, as they will spend

less money on water and fertilizer. By delivering carefully measured portions of water and nutrients to the plants via OHS irrigation tubing, costs for water and fertilizers are dramatically reduced. Open Hydroponics Systems have also proven to reduce incidence of greening in citrus groves, and the ability to harvest full crops also helps recoup the initial investment.Farmers around the world discuss their ideas for using

micro-irrigation systems like the Open Hydroponics System to reduce water use, prevent disease and improve crop yields. Hydroponics systems are the future of agriculture. MY

http://www.capcontollers.com

A Culinary GardenWhipping Up

Indoor gardening is as much a hobby and passion for me as food exploration is for Anthony Bourdain, or fine dining is for Thomas Keller. It was culinary school, after all, that led

me to discover this now booming industry. Food production is as important to the chef as it is to the cultivation artist (grower). Growing your own is a rewarding practice providing mental stim-ulation and usable quality crops. It can also be a sustainable hobby saving you dollars in the kitchen. This month I reveal my favorite techniques for enhancing your fare’s flavor, countertop style.

by Lee McCall



A variety of greens—including lettuce, spinach, micro-greens, arugula, Swiss chard, kale and wheatgrass—can be easily grown on a kitchen counter top using a simple fluorescent light. Having a fresh supply of your favorites year round means you will spend less at the grocery store. Plus when you grow your own you can control the flavor and nutrient profiles. A countertop garden for greens is inexpensive to set-up and maintain and requires minimal power. Organic soil, hydroponics or soilless media are all

great options for countertop cultivation. Leafy kitchen crops are easy to germinate, grow fast and regenerate quickly once established and harvested. High intensity discharge light systems are also available in lower wattages of sodium and halide performance, to increase production in miniature fruit and flowers like strawberries, micro tomatoes and pep-pers and other exotic foliage that don’t exceed one foot in height. Several small one gallon planters filled with medium and placed directly under a two foot, two bulb T5 fluores-cent light system is perfect for herbs, low light edible flowers, lettuce, micro-greens, radishes and other small leafy edibles. A time-released organic granular nutrient makes fertilization schedules easy if liquid nutrients are not desired. Self-water-ing planters are also available that deliver nutrient solution instantaneously to the plant as it is needed through capillary (wicking) action, and make the use of liquid fertilization autonomous regimens.

“Leafy kitchen crops are easy to germinate, grow fast and regenerate

quickly once established and harvested.”

“A two foot, two bulb T5 fluorescent light system is perfect for herbs, low

light edible flowers, lettuce, micro-greens, radishes and other small leafy edibles.

http://www.capcontollers.com

Several versions of automated plug-n-play hydroponic kitchen gardens currently exist in the market and most come complete with seeds; enough nutrients to complete at least one crop cycle; a height adjustable, built-in compact fluorescent daylight spec-trum light system; a reservoir with automated nutrient delivery system via submersible pump or sprayer/mister manifold; and a pre-molded lid for specific planting sites to allow for optimal light availability and crop uniformity. The hydroponic technol-ogy used in most of these systems usually is a cross between a deepwater culture and aeroponic system that keeps nutrients well emulsified, and encourages prolific oxygen concentrations to the root zone. Nutrients for these systems are available in tablets. These are added to the water source in the reservoir and dissolve like an Alka-Seltzer tablet. Liquid concentrate formulas also exist that easily dilute in water. Most hydroponic nutrients will work in these systems. These novelty gardens make excellent gifts and are attractive in the home, kitchen or office. These versatile systems are extremely user friendly so anyone who lacks a green thumb can operate them successfully. If well maintained, they will yield enough fresh produce to feed two people. To achieve the best results, monitor and adjust the pH values and nutrient solution concentrations before the reservoir is filled. Certain models will contain a self adjusting pH nutrient, but if a different brand of fertilizer is used, invest in a simple pH adjuster kit to attain the optimal level of approximately 6.0 for hydroponics and 7.0 for soil applications.

Individuals who are not restricted by countertop space or wish to embark on a larger version of an automated kitchen garden will benefit from setting up a customized hydroponic or organic soil system. A location near a sunny window or in a corner under a bank of T5 fluorescents or an HID light system will provide the necessary means for productivity. Depending on the size of the vegetative area, enough fresh produce could be grown to supply a single family on a daily basis.Encouraging the entire family to participate in maintaining

the garden will encourage social awareness and educate them on the benefits of growing their own food. Those who use a desk light or table lamp in their office environment could easily adapt this space to support vegetation. Many plants—specifically flow-ers and herbs—will grow easily on an office desk, and provide

a soothing visual and aromatic effect. Since most offices are climate controlled to suit the preferences of employees, the con-ditions are ideal for plants and all that is needed is a small grow light. A surplus of grow bulbs are available that will operate in any standard desk lamp socket or fixture. Compact fluorescent lamps exist that are energy efficient, long lasting and provide a suitable spectrum that promotes plant growth. If you are a reader who falls into this category, try germinating seeds in a small container with a high quality potting soil under your desk lamp and see what happens.These portable and attractive automated gardens are fun and

easy to use and provide the growers with basic indoor garden-ing knowledge. Growers may start off small and progress into a larger and more productive indoor garden. Similar to cook-ing, all of the ingredients are available to customize the perfect recipe. Every scenario will slightly differ from the other, yet the same methods are used to achieve the end result: a bountiful harvest or the perfect tasty dish.

Whipping Up a Culinary Garden


“Compact fluorescent lamps exist that are energy efficient, long lasting

and provide a suitable spectrum that promotes

plant growth.”

“The hydroponic technology used in [plug-n-play] systems usually is a cross between a deepwater culture

and aeroponic system.”

MY

http://www.atami.com

2Part

RENEWING THE SOIL WITH SEA SOLIDS

by David Yarrow

Sea Energyin Agriculture

Principle of Proportion“From the start,” Murray recorded, “my sea solids experiments produced excellent results. It conclusively proves the proportions of trace minerals and elements present in sea water are optimum for growth and health of both land and sea life.”



Growers quickly criticize Murray, insisting that salt will kill plants as quick as any pesticide or poison. This is true of table salt, but Murray found that if sodium is blended with all of the other elements in the same ratios as in seawater, plants aren’t injured—instead, they thrive.Murray learned a key principle: each essential element must

be present in certain precise proportions relative to the others.“Tomatoes serve as example of this need for balance,” he

explained, “Tomato growers know potassium has a major function in plant growth. Potassium is added to soil in quan-tity by growers. Yet the tomato itself has only a minor amount of potassium.“My experiments proved conclusively a small amount of

potassium, as in its proper balance in seawater, grows unusu-ally healthy, outstanding tomatoes. It’s unnecessary to fertilize heavily with one element if an adequate balance of elements is available.”To evaluate qualitative effects, the total amount of minerals

is less critical than the proper ratios among them. Individually, one mineral in excess can be toxic and make other elements seem to be in deficit. Blended in balance with all the ele-ments in seawater, they enhance and enliven each other.

Trace Elements: Least as MostIn Murray’s time, knowledge of trace elements was mini-mal. Only 20 elements were known to have specific roles in human physiology. Several more were known to benefit plants and animals. Heavy metals were suspected of positive roles. Even poisonous elements (e.g. arsenic) were ben-eficial if ingested in organic form, and in trace amounts. Only nine trace elements were listed in “Recommended Dietary Allowances,” and few enzymes had their trace ele-ments identified, yet thousands of enzymes were identified. Undoubtedly, many more enzyme and trace element func-tions remain to be described.So, while Murray could write little on trace elements,

he grasped how the least can exert the most influence. An element needed in micrograms or less can have dramatic biologic effects by activating enzymes and hormones. Murray knew that we need all of the elements available, not a few in excess amounts.

“Poisonous elements (e.g. arsenic) were beneficial if ingested in organic

form, and in trace amounts.”

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SeaponicsMurray realized that farmland is a limited resource and came to believe that hydroponics was humanity’s best bet to expand food production. He began experiments with this method in his cellar to supply his family with year-round fresh produce. Later, he collaborated in this research with commercial-scale growers. In 1958, he bought a Florida farm and became a commercial grower, with 178 beds, each 100 feet by four feet.About 112 pounds of dried, natural sea

solids were dissolved in up to 10,000 gal-lons of water. The only fertilizer that experi-mental crops received was this solution of sea solids (and sometimes nitrogen), which bathed their roots a few times each day.In a typical test, tomatoes were planted a foot apart

in three foot by 100 foot hydroponic beds. The beds were flooded with the nutrient solution, which was then drawn out and returned to a tank three times a day. Experimental

beds received 112 pounds of sea solids to 5,000 gallons of water; controls received conventional hydroponic solution.Tobacco Mosaic Virus, lethal to tomatoes, was sprayed on

all plants. Experimentals didn’t contract the disease, while all the controls died. In trial after trial, sea solids seemed to confer greatly enhanced disease resis-tance—near immunity.Murray asserted, “All essential

nutrients can be supplied in proper proportions by a single dilute solution of sea-water, plus nitrogen. Dissolving complete sea solids in fresh water formed dilute solutions

of 1,000 to 8,000 parts per million.”Eventually, he operated a successful five-acre

hydroponic farm in south Florida, growing toma-toes, lettuce, cucumbers, celery and other produce

in intensive beds. Because he grew superior yield-ing crops of healthy, tasty, disease-free plants, market

demand for his crops was high, and his farm very profitable.“My experiments proved adequate supplies of food can be

developed if man recycles the sea,” insisted Murray.


Sea energy in agriculture: Part 2

“Adequate supplies of food can be developed if man recycles the sea.”



Animal TestingMurray’s most remarkable tests were trials feeding animals with foods grown using sea solids. Cattle feeding behavior provoked his excitement. Corn grown on this fertilized soil was marked by wrapping tape around a stalk, which was then mixed with conventional cornstalks and dumped in a pasture.Astonished, Murray recalled, “As animals munched away,

immediately they preferred sea-solid stalks. After once sam-pling an experimental stalk, animals would nuzzle and burrow the pile to find another, ignoring control stalks until they had no other choice.”In further proof that animal instinct knows best, Murray

treated a 100 square foot section of clover with sea solids. When the clover was six inches tall, sheep were allowed to graze. They walked and grazed until they came to the treated spot, then ate until the clover within the treated area was nubbed to the ground.Results urged larger, elaborate studies of animal feeding.

Murray designed a series of trials with various feed grains and types of animals. Working with several farmers, he devoted years to studying the benefits of sea solid-fertilized feeds.

He reported, “In 1954, three staple feeds—corn, oats and soybeans—were grown, and subsequently fed to animals under controlled conditions: four parts corn, two oats, one soy. Not only were experimental crops superior, but effects on animal physiology and pathology were delightfully amazing.”Feeding experiments with cattle showed greater weight

gain after eating less experimental feed. Chickens were particularly partial to sea solid-grown feeds; they grew more quickly, hens produced more and larger eggs sooner, and at slaughter, their meat was of better quality.Murray wrote, “Chickens, pigs and cattle fed sea solids

produce reached maturity sooner than controls, and resisted diseases common to their species better. Experimental pigs carried benefits into a second generation; there were no runts in litters.”

“As animals munched away, immediately they preferred sea-solid stalks.”

http://www.hydrohuts.com

Cancer: Nutrition or Genes?Murray’s most astonishing tests were with lab mice: “A first animal experiment was on C3H mice, which get spontaneous cancer of the breast. We hoped sea solids grown food could build resistance to the virus or cancer.“C3H mice were divided in two groups. Controls were fed

regular cereal grain, while experimentals were fed cereal grain raised on sea solids-treated soil.“Instead of cancer in

90 per cent of controls, experimental animals’ rate dropped to 55 per cent. Second generations born to parents fed sea solids food had cancer in only two per cent of the population.”This single experiment caused Murray to reconsider the con-

ventional causes attributed to this dreaded disease. He repeated his experiment in variations. Each time, sea solid-fertilized feed seemed to impart resistance, perhaps immunity, to cancer.

Nutrition-deficiency DiseasesMurray faced facts compiled in experiment after experiment, and realized that nutrient deficiencies are a key element contributing to degenerative diseases: “My research clearly indicates Americans lack complete physiological chemistry because balanced, essential elements of soil have eroded to the sea; consequently, crops are nutritionally poor, and animals eating these plants are, therefore, nutritionally poor.“Minerals have departed from our soils due to continuous

taking of crops and erosion. Most crops require 40 elements from the soil. In no case do fertilizers add more than 12, most add six.”Unlike technicians who see only their own small problem,

Murray’s lifelong work with oceans, farmers, hydroponics and medicine gave him a broad view. He recognized that a new

pill won’t resolve the real problem. Only addressing the root source can relieve disease. Murray correctly saw agriculture as the real root cause, and called for changes, not in medicine, but in farming and food processing.

Sea Energy AgricultureIn 1976, Murray published a small book titled “Sea Energy Agriculture”—a remarkable testimony to a natural approach to soil fertility, and a nutritional approach to medicine. Murray wrote hopefully, believing he had important news to report: “This is my lifelong search to open doors to a provocative new arena of science and technology called sea energy agriculture. Quite possibly this could lead to the end of disease and famine.”Murray’s one chapter on organic farming reveals weak insight

into ecology—a prevalent shortcoming in his day. He believed that plants feed directly on inorganic ions in watery soil solu-tion—no matter whether a nutrient was natural (organic) or man-made (synthetic).The physician knew little of how bacteria, fungi and microbes

affect plant feeding—that roots and soil organisms form intimate communities, wedded together in tight symbiotic dependencies.

Actually, the medical doctor saw microbes mostly as unfriendly and dangerous.Nonetheless, Murray’s

conclusion states: “Today’s organic farmers realize a giant commercial farmer, special-izing in one crop, using only

chemical fertilizer, is destroying soil’s ability to produce food. If this continues, soil will be ruined and lost through erosion. To prevent this, and reclaim soil already destroyed, organic farming must be used.”Thus, Murray cast his lot with the tiny minority to challenge

the chemical orthodoxy of his times. Like every other small voice of reason, he was ignored in the petrochemical rush to pump up yield with synthetics.Murray’s conclusion also states, “Research reported is in the

nature of pilot projects. Tremendous further research needs to be done to render conclusive the appealing results and provocative trends indicated to date.”The book ends with Murray musing on the human implica-

tions of his findings. He cautioned against extrapolating his observations into human nutrition and health, yet recognized it to be a key issue of our time—a key to renewing America’s soil, food and health:“For man to continue to live on earth, he must make funda-

mental changes. He must look to oceans as a source of needed elements. These elements must be returned to soil so better quality, more healthful foods can be produced.

Sea energy in agriculture: Part 2

“A first animal experiment was on C3H mice, which get spontaneous cancer of the breast. We hoped sea solids grown food

could build resistance to cancer. ”



Reprinted with permission from Acres U.S.A., P.O. Box 91299,

Austin, Texas 78709 1-512-892-4400,

Subscriptions: $27/year. For a sample copy of Acres U.S.A. call 1-800-355-5313 or

visit www.acresusa.com

“Man must stop destroying soil. This requires basic changes in our

agricultural system.”

“Man must stop destroying soil. This requires basic changes in our agricultural system. Large commercial farms probably must be broken up and small regional farms using organic methods take their place.“We have the means and ability to make these changes.

We need now only the desire.”Yet, Murray’s voice fell on deaf ears. The narrow chemi-

cal mindset of his time couldn’t embrace views differ-ing from dominant paradigms. His data on nutrition and disease, soil minerals and food quality, and trace elements and health were lost, his warning to renew all the minerals needed in topsoil, ignored.

Dr. Maynard Murray was fond of saying, “Nature can teach us so much, if we would only listen.” He died in 1984, not sure whether his message had been heard or understood.A quarter of a century has passed since “Sea Energy

Agriculture” was published. Perhaps the time has arrived for the insights of this 20th century bioneer to be recog-nized and put to proper use. Certainly the need has never been greater. MY

For more information about Dr. Maynard Murray, including excerpts from “Sea Energy Agriculture,” visit the website www.championtrees.org/topsoil/seaponics.htm

http://www.organicairfilter.com


BEGINNER’S CORNER

Cloning Your Favorite

Plant

WHAT PART OF THE PLANT CAN BE CLONED?The cutting should be three to five inches long and taken from the newest shoots. Cut the shoot just below the second set of leaves, counting the ones at the tip of the shoot. A clean, sharp blade should be used to reduce any possible trauma to the plant. Place the new shoot immediately into a room temperature solution that is a diluted mixture of nutrients and water.Sometimes, air bubbles get trapped in the stem and may

prevent absorption of the nutrient solution. To avoid this, hold the cutting under the solution and make a slit at a 45 degree angle to the original cut.Remove from the solution and dip the cut end into a rooting

compound. It is now ready to be placed in the rooting environment of your choice: a nutrient solution, a

starter rooting cube or growing medium.

Step 1. The ideal cutting is taken from the newest shoots.

Step 2. Dip the cut end into rooting compound.

Step 3. Place cutting in your choice of rooting environment.

by Charlene Rennick

Clonex propagation sequence supplied by Growth Technology.


You don’t have to be a scientist to make a clone. Cloning at home isn’t appropriate for humans, but it’s perfectly acceptable for plants.Cloning means that the new generation of plants has the same

genetic fingerprint as the parent, as it was not the result of a new male/female combination of seeds. You don’t have to know this to perform the procedure, though. Cloning can be as easy as cutting a shoot from a plant that gave you the best harvest, the nicest color or the tastiest fruit. The shoot can be rooted in water or a growing medium.The air flow, temperature, light strength and humidity levels

should be the same as they would be for germinating seeds. In addition, dipping the end of the cutting in a rooting hormone and mixing in a 25 per cent nutrient solution to 75 per cent water helps to speed up the growth rate.

Good to knowShoots that have been rooted in water transplant easily into hydroponics systems; so do shoots that have been germinated in a moist growing medium. Plants that have been started in a water solution don’t frequently survive the move to a dryer environment.

This is because shoots that develop in a moist area have extra, tiny, hair-like fibers on the roots. These delicate tendrils get damaged in the transition to a dryer medium. Shoots that develop roots in a dryer compound don’t have these tiny fingers. What do you need to remember out of all this? Wet shoots transplant to wet growing mediums and dry-grown roots can handle the move to a dry envi-ronment. Mixing it up can damage the new roots.Roots should develop in one to

three weeks. For optimum results, try making the move to the final growing place gradual. Cuttings that are used to a higher humidity level, softer light and more water need a transitional phase to avoid shock. Try a happy medium between the nursery and the environment where strong lights are the real deal. Advanced gardeners now have the option of utilizing clone machines to optimize root formation. MY

http://www.biobizz.com

Growing Guide:by Therese Cressman, TipNut.com

LuckyHow would you like a thriving green plant in that dim and colorless office of yours or how about adding a touch of modernity to your home decor? There’s a popular indoor plant that even the most novice of green thumbs can make flourish, and it’s believed to bring good luck too!I was introduced to lucky bamboo by a family member and

although it has been a very popular houseplant for a few years now, this plant was totally new to me, so of course I had to investigate. Here’s what I’ve learned about growing and caring for this elegant plant.

What is Lucky Bamboo?Guess what? It’s not bamboo! Lucky bamboo is a member of the lily family (Dracaena sanderiana) and grows in rainforests in parts of Asia. It has become such a popular houseplant that you should have no trouble finding it in local department, grocery and hardware stores, and of course, garden nurseries and indoor garden retail shops. If you want a large, luxurious or shaped arrangement, you can order them through a local florist and even online.Lucky bamboo is a favored indoor plant because it grows

easily and is easily cared for. No need for potting soil, these plants are happy to grow in water, hydroponically. If you have a

windowless office, this is one plant you should try. It thrives in both natural and artificial light.

How to Choose a Good PlantThis plant comes in the form of a stalk. When determining which one is healthy and good to purchase, here are a few tips:The water and the plant should smell fresh. If there’s a funky

odor, don’t buy it.Look for a firm stem and healthy white roots; black or brown

spots on the tips are not good.Choose a stalk with leaves that are bright green.You may notice wax on the cut end of the stalk; this is to

prevent fungus from getting into the stalk and helps the plant thrive.If you want a plant that’s curly (some believe the luck is

stronger), your best bet is to buy it already curled since it’s time consuming to train the plant to grow that way. These plants can get quite expensive the more elaborate the growth so you may opt to grow your own curled lucky bamboo. This can be done, but you’ll need to be patient since it’s very time consuming.Keep in mind that the height of the stalk you buy is as large as

the stalk will get. The shoots that develop off the plant (sides) will grow taller, but not the stalk.

Water tip:You can use tap water instead of distilled but it’s important to let the water sit uncovered for at least 24 hours before allowing the stalks to sit in it. This will help remove the chlorine, fluoride and other minerals from the water, which can cause the plant to suffer.

COntainer tip:Clear glass containers are popular because you can see the stones or marbles and the fresh water. However, direct light encourages algae growth

in water. If you choose a clear container, be diligent with changing water regularly. If you want to change the water less, choose a solid colored container. The disadvantage of this is that you won’t be able to see the rocks or monitor the water quality and amount as easily.

SOil tip:You can grow lucky bamboo in soil, but you need a good draining mixture to help it stay healthy. Use a mix of sand, peat moss and soil (equal ratio) and keep the soil moist rather than sopping wet. Plant the stalk at least two inches deep. Make sure to have a few drainage holes in the pot as well as shards of pottery or rocks underneath the soil to ensure good drainage. Prevent root rot by allowing the top bit of the soil to dry out between watering.



How to Plant Lucky BambooTake the stalk and rinse the stem and roots. Look for any •signs of decay and snip those off. Pinch off any yellow leaves.Fill the container you wish to grow the plant in with rocks •or marbles (or a mixture of both) at least two inches deep. The container can be anything from a tall glass, a dainty vase or a decorative jar.Place the stalk in the container and settle it into the rocks •for support. Add room temperature distilled water about one inch deep.Do not place the plant in direct sunlight, direct heat •or chill.You can plant several stalks together in one container •if you wish.

How to Care for Lucky Bambooplanted lucky Bamboo with StonesThe plant needs to have fresh, clean water on a regular basis to prevent bacteria growth. Change the water weekly, or bi-weekly. Keep an eye on the water; if it gets murky or cloudy or starts to smell, you know it’s definitely time for a change.When changing the water, inspect the roots of the plant and

snip any that are starting to decay. Wash the container and the rocks well. Maintain the same level of water each time you fill the container, the water line is where the roots will form.

Give your lucky bamboo a treat by occasionally misting it with distilled water. This will help the leaves from getting too dry and will simulate its natural habitat.Keep the plant out of direct sunlight, direct heat and cool drafts.You can trim the plant to keep

it neat and from getting top heavy, but don’t cut the stalk. When doing any trimming or cutting of the plant, make sure to use sterile scissors. You can wipe them clean with rubbing alcohol and once dry, use to snip. Trim shoot growth to about one inch from the main stalk.You can occasionally feed the

plant with a mild fertilizer (every other month or so).

How to PropagateThis plant propagates very easily. Simply take a cutting that has at least one leaf node and place in a cup of distilled water. New roots should appear after a few weeks. While waiting,

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sun pulsehalf

Growing Guide: Lucky Bamboo

make sure to replace the water frequently to keep it clean.Once the roots have appeared and the cutting looks healthy,

place it in the container with the other stalks or plant it on its own using the instructions.If you want the main plant to grow another shoot where you

cut it, spray the cut daily with water. If you want to prevent growth, apply a bit of melted paraffin wax to seal the cut.

Cutting the StalkIn some cases, it may be necessary to cut the top healthy part of the plant from the sick or rotting bit at the bottom of the stalk. You can try rooting the top healthy stalk by the method above. Roots may appear after some time (no guarantee).

How to Make Lucky Bamboo CurlThis plant grows straight up. Getting it to curl is a test of patience and some skill. When you buy a plant with a curl, it’s been trained to do so by expert growers. The plant will naturally grow toward the light, so the trick is to expose the plant to light from one direction only (curling will only happen with new growth). If you’d like to give it a shot, here’s a common method:

Curling lucky BambooKeep the plant in the container you have been •growing it in.Select a box that is large enough to cover the plant and •give it some room for growth.Cut out the bottom and one side of the box.•Place the box over the plant; this will cover the plant in •darkness with the exception of the one side you cut out.Position the opening of the box to face the light. After •some time the plant will start growing towards the light (forming a bend).Once you notice a bend, rotate the box an inch or so. The •plant will adjust and grow with a deeper bend.Continue until the desired curl has been achieved.•

It will take about a year to achieve one curl, sometimes longer (that’s why these plants with a curl can be so expensive).

Why is it Considered Lucky?Lucky bamboo is associated with the practice of Feng Shui and because the plant is so hardy, it symbolizes good health. It’s considered luckiest when received as a gift. A curling plant is also believed to hold great luck.

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Growing Guide: Lucky Bamboo

Meanings for the Number of StalksFeng Shui lucky BambooLucky bamboo grows in single stalks. Some believe that arranging a certain amount of stalks together in a container holds special meaning and levels of luck. I’ve come across many lists, some suggesting different things for each amount but they generally follow this guide:

One Stalk: Simple Life•Two Stalks: Love; Double Luck•Three Stalks: Happiness; Good •Luck; LongevityFour Stalks: Death (avoid). The •word four sounds nearly the same as the word death in Chinese, that’s why it’s avoided.Five Stalks: Wealth; Health; •Creativeness; ExcitementSix Stalks: Health; •Happiness; HarmonySeven Stalks: Health•Eight Stalks: Growth; Wealth; •Prosperity; Abundance; Prospering BusinessNine Stalks: Good Fortune; •Most Lucky10 Stalks: Perfection; Complete•21 Stalks: Powerful Blessings•

Careful: This plant needs to be kept out of reach of children and pets—it is toxic when consumed.

Troubleshooting Tipsleaves turning Yellow:• Remove leaves immediately before it spreads to the rest of the plant; Too much light, move the plant; If you are using tap water, change to distilled; too much fertilizer, stop feeding for awhile.leaf edges are Brown: • The air is too dry; occasionally mist the plant with distilled water; water is not filtered enough; too much fertilizer, stop feeding for awhile.Stalk turning yellow: Too much •fertilizer, stop feeding for awhile; remove stalk from container if growing with other stalks and let it grow on it’s own for awhile, return if stalk regains health. This is to prevent affecting the other stalks in case the stalk is dying.Stalks Mushy Or Brown: • The stalk is rotting, remove from container immediately and change container water if holding other stalks (prevents spreading to other stalks); you can try saving the top of the stalk by cutting it off and rooting.algae Water: • Too much light or fertilizer, move plant and stop feeding for awhile.plant is thin and Spindly:• Not enough light, move the plant to a brighter location. MY

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http://www.naturescontrol.com

Recent news stories about global warming, pollution, recycling and renewable energy reflect the public’s increasing awareness of environmental issues. And all of this awareness has prompted businesses to generate a flurry of new marketing terms to capitalize on this interest. This influx of new terms into the market can be confusing. However, these terms fall into four main categories that have been around for decades: organic, natural, sustainable and green. Once you know the differences between these categories then you can better understand the new marketing terms coming into the marketplace.In most polls consumers don’t know the difference between

these four terms. But to the groups that support these environmental causes there are significant differences. All of these terms relate to the environment in a general way but each has a different emphasis.

Defining GreenLearning the Language

by Donald Lester

ORGANICMost people think the term organic refers to foods or products that do not have any synthetic pesticides or

hormones. And they are correct. But there is much more to it. The term

organic is regulated and its use on labels has legal implications. The term organic (and its uses) is overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). This program is the umbrella program administered by the U.S. government. All other organic certifying programs fall under this standard and must meet or exceed these standards. There are some 45 organic certification organizations in the U.S. and many have their own emblems or logos for manufacturers to use on their products to indicate compliance.


ORGANIC NATURAL SUSTAINABLE GREEN


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The organic certification of a product involves several criteria. For example, organic products cannot contain any genetically modified organisms or genetically altered ingredients, no sewage sludge derived materials, no chemically synthesized ingredients and no chemical pesticides, plus many other criteria too numerous to mention here. For more information see the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) website: www.omri.org

As a rule organic materials command a higher price in the marketplace than their conventional counterparts mainly because a farmer needs to stop using conventional pesticides and chemicals for three years before he can grow an organic crop. It

is because of this expense, and the non-regulated status of the term natural, that companies are switching to natural

to command the same high price premium without all of the regulations and costs

associated with using the term organic.

“The term organic is regulated and its use on labels has legal

implications.”

NATuRALThe term natural refers to the popular belief that synthesizing a food item results in a loss of its nutrients and beneficial health properties. Health conscious people

tend to gravitate towards natural and organic labels. But, the term natural is not a

regulated term. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated it has no plans to establish a formal definition of the term natural because it has other priorities for its limited resources. However, in terms of food the FDA established some broad guidelines in 1993 that still hold today: The product must not contain added color, artificial flavors or synthetic substances. And use of the term natural is not permitted in the ingredient list, with the exception of the phrase natural flavorings.

Several industries are trying to establish criteria for using the term natural. The personal care products industry has established national certification standards for use of the term. But, because

“People tend to gravitate towards natural and organic labels. But, the term

natural is not a regulated term.”

Defining Green: Learning the Language

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Defining Green: Learning the Language

there is no regulation, an increasing number of manufacturers are using the term natural to capitalize on its popularity. For example, 23 per cent of all new products launched globally in 2008 featured the term natural according to the market research organization Mintel. The marketing term “100 per cent natural” scored the highest on a survey by EcoPulse as the most identifiable marketing term.

SuSTAINABLeThe term sustainable relates to production processes and practices that can be maintained without harming the environment or depleting natural resources.

In the case of farming, some environmental groups believe that the conventional use of

synthetic chemicals is not sustainable because the land becomes worn out and over time loses its ability to support crops, micro-organisms, insects and other life. For farming and horticultural businesses, processes like composting, using cover crops and water recycling are all considered sustainable processes and farms and nurseries that utilize these practices would be regarded as sustainable. In general, this term is not limited to processes anymore; businesses in all sectors are now claiming they are sustainable.The term ‘’sustainable agriculture” is more broadly defined

by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term: satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture

economy depends; make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality

of life for farmers and society as a whole.

GReeNThe term green (also known as eco-friendly, nature friendly and environmentally friendly) refers to the impact of the product

on the environment. In general, green products are those products deemed to have

less of a direct negative impact on the environment, or are less detrimental to human health than their conventional equivalents. Green products might be manufactured from recycled components, or be manufactured in a more energy conservative way, or be supplied to the market with less

packaging or less shipping to reduce pollution. Green products might also reduce the production of waste products compared to their conventional counterparts. Using the term green in marketing materials is also referred to as Environmental Marketing,

Ecological Marketing and Eco-Marketing.Determining whether or not a product is green is not

always straightforward. For example, in the energy sector nuclear power might be considered a green source of energy because it does not contribute to air pollution. But critics argue that the negative environmental impact of radioactive waste far outweighs any benefits gained from the reduction in air pollution.In a survey of 1,000 consumers EcoPulse found that 60 per

cent of Americans indicated they are looking for greener

“Green products might be manufactured from recycled

components.”


products. But green is another unregulated term. As you might expect, green industries claim they are easier on the environment than their competitors. Although the public wants green products there is some skepticism of green claims, mainly because a few unscrupulous companies have made green claims that were false. The practice of presenting a product or service as green when it isn’t is called greenwashing. If a company is found to be greenwashing, its reputation in the market is severely tarnished.

SyMBOLS, eMBLeMS AND LOGOSMost eco-labeling is voluntary and not mandatory by law (with the exception of organic claims). Because many eco-terms are not regulated by the government, several third-party entities have emerged to create their own guidelines. Each entity has its own emblem that a manufacturer can use to certify its compliance. There are literally dozens of emblems in the marketplace. A searchable database of these emblems is featured on the Consumer Reports website at www.greenerchoices.org MY

The market, the public, politicians and even the U.S. economy are all moving toward more environmentally safe products, practices and

services. Now that you know a little about the differences in the eco-labeling terms used in the market today

you can make better choices about which produces to purchase and which companies

to support, such as those that employ environmental philosophies and

adopt environmental practices.

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The Micronutrients Cl, Fe, Mn, B, Zn, Cu and Mo

by Philip McIntosh

Plant Nutrient Elements Part 2This article is the second in a series about nutrient elements in plants. The first installment discussed the major nutrient ele-ments nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S). These elements are called “major” because they are found in plant tissues in the high-est concentrations. Although the so-called “micronutrients” do occur in much lower concentrations, they are just as important for the normal growth and development of plants.Some of the micronutrients are needed in very minute

amounts; typically only at 1/10,000 the concentration of the major elements N, P and K. For example, molybdenum makes up only about 0.00001 per cent of the dry weight of a healthy plant (compared to one to two per cent for nitrogen). That’s not much, but the key word here is “healthy” plant. By definition, an element is essential if it is required for the growth and successful com-pletion of a plant’s lifecycle. If it’s needed, it’s needed, no matter how small the required amount.As would be expected, proof of the essentiality of the micro-

nutrients came after the discovery of the essential major mineral

elements. This is because researchers had to wait for improved technologies and laboratory methods before the necessity (or not) for such small amounts of matter could be established. Interestingly, chlorine, the most concentrated micronutrient in plant tissues, was the last to be declared essential in 1954.As was mentioned in the previous article, some plants require

elements that most plants do not. However, it is possible that further refinement in plant growth and analytical techniques will yet prove the wider essential nature of the elements cobalt (Co), nickel, (Ni), silicon (Si) and vanadium (V)—all of which

are known to be essential in animals. Even though they may not be “essential” according to the strictest application of the defini-tion, it can do no harm to add these elements to a nutrient solu-

tion in miniscule amounts. Indeed these elements are sometimes called “beneficial.”Now, on with the details of the essential micronutrients:

chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo).

“By definition, an element is essential if it is required for the growth and successful

completion of a plant’s lifecycle.”


ChlorineRole in Plants. Chlorine is used by plants in its anionic form Cl-. Chloride ion is important in regulating the opening and closing of stomata. When the electrical potential in stomate guard cells become sufficiently negative, K+ channels open causing an inrush of K+ cations, which causes the guard cells to flex in such a way as to open the stomate. Most plants use the Cl- ion to balance the K+ in the guard cells to maintain the negative potential needed to keep the stomate open. Chloride is also used during photosynthesis and, for reasons that are not well understood, it protects plants from fungal attack.Hydroponic Source. Chlorine is a normal additive in some form in many municipal water supplies and usually exists in small amounts as a contaminant in other reagents. For those reasons, it is usually unnecessary to ensure adequate chlorine in nutrient solutions by intentionally adding it. It may be included as KCl or CaCl

2, but usually not for the specific addition of chlorine. If

these reagents are used, care must be taken to prevent too high a chlorine concentration, resulting in inhibition of uptake of other negatively charged ions.Deficiency Symptoms. There is seldom a shortage of chloride either in soils or especially in hydroponics solutions, so true chlorine deficiency is rare. However, if it does occur, it will manifest as interveinal chlorosis and wilting of young leaves.Excess Symptoms. Most plant species likely to be found in hydro-ponic culture are tolerant of chlorine and will not show any ill effects from an excess. If it does occur it will show up as leaf burn and leaf drop.

IronRole in Plants. Iron (Fe) is very important in plants, and plays a role in both the Fe2+ and Fe3+ forms. It is involved in energy metabolism, electron transport during photosynthesis and it is required for chlorophyll synthesis.Hydroponic Source. Since Fe is not very soluble at neutral pH, iron is commonly added as a chelate. This means that Fe ions are surrounded by an organic molecule that keeps it in solution. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) or diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) are in use for this purpose. Iron citrate and iron tartrate are organic compounds that can also be used as Fe sources. Iron salts of sulfate, chloride and ammonium

Chlorine Deficiency.



sulfate were used before the chelates came into standard use, but are not recommended because of iron solubility concerns. According to one source (Jones, 2005), addition of iron filings to aggregate substrates (sand, gravel, etc) is effective.Deficiency Symptoms. Since iron is not mobile in plants, deficiency symptoms show up in the youngest leaves first as interveinal chlorosis. If the deficiency is severe or not corrected, the leaves will take on a whitish, bleached appearance, as chlorophyll synthesis is severely inhibited. In all but the most severe cases, iron deficiency is reversible by the addition of available iron. Iron is not soluble in alkaline conditions so it is important to keep the solution pH from rising to neutral, and a chelating agent should be used to sequester iron and keep it

available. Deficiency symptoms should be confirmed by tissue analysis to avoid mistaking symptoms for lack of some other element (when in doubt this is true for any abnormality).Excess Symptoms. Too much iron, which can occur especially at low pH (around 5.0), results in brown spots on leaves, speckling of leaves with small necrotic or bronze-colored lesions, dark green or purple-tinted leaves and stunted growth. Even though Fe is required for photosynthesis, photosynthesis is depressed in some species in the presence of too much Fe.

ManganeseRole in Plants. Manganese (Mn) is used in the Mn2+ form, and like Fe, it is important in oxidation-reduction reactions and in electron transport during photosynthesis. It is an enzyme co-factor. Manganese and Mg are interchangeable in some plant functions.Hydroponic Source. Tetrahydrates of manganese sulfate (MnSO

4•4H

2O) or manganese chloride (MnCl

2•4H

2O) are used to

formulate nutrient solutions.Deficiency Symptoms. Manganese deficiency symptoms are similar to those for Mg and Fe. Interveinal chlorosis of younger leaves is the first indication, and if the lack is severe, older leaves are affected as well and plant growth is inhibited. Leaves may take on a metallic or purple shine, and interveinal necrotic spots may form.

Iron Deficiency.

Plant Nutrient Elements Part 2

http://www.trimpro.ca


Excess Symptoms. Differentiating between Mn deficiency and toxicity can be tricky, since at first the symptoms are similar. Eventually brown spots on older leaves, accompanied by dark spots (called “measles”) on stems and fruit appear. Leaf tips become dry and bubble-like puckering may appear between veins. These symptoms are often accompanied by chlorosis

indicating Fe deficiency, since Mn is also important in photo-synthesis. Manganese uptake is facilitated by phosphorus (P), so Mn toxicity can be induced at high P concentration if Mn is readily available.

BoronRole in Plants. Boron (B), unlike most other micronutrients is used by plants as a polyatomic ion BO

3- and as the acid H

3BO

3.

It is important for transport of sugars and starch, carbohydrate synthesis, pollen formation, cell division, respiration, cell wall formation and many other plant processes.Hydroponic Source. Boric acid (H

3BO

3) and borax

(Na2B

3O

7•10H

2O) are common boron sources.

An agricultural preparation called Solubor® – disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (Na

2B

8O

13•4H

2O), which is offered as a

spray on foliar source of boron, can also be used in solution.Deficiency Symptoms. Boron deficiency symptoms are highly species specific. Some of the general symptoms of B deficiency include slow growth, followed by stunting and distorted new growth. In severe cases the shoot and root tips die. Because of the need for B in cell wall formation, deficient plants will be brittle and easily broken. Fruit formation will be poor or cease altogether.Excess Symptoms. Leaf margins are the first place to look for B toxicity. Margins turn brown and necrotic eventually result-ing in tissue death and leaf drop. Boron tolerance varies quite widely by species.

ZincRole in Plants. The main role of zinc (Zn) in plants is as an enzyme cofactor. Zinc is physiologically active in the Zn2+ form. It is important in many biochemical pathways including synthesis of chlorophyll, carbohydrates, auxin (a plant hormone) and in general protein synthesis.

Manganese Deficiency.



Hydroponic Source. Zinc sulfate heptahy-drate (ZnSO

4•7H

2O) is the most common

source of nutrient zinc.Deficiency Symptoms. Interveinal chloro-sis of young leaves followed by stunted growth and leaf drop are symptoms of zinc deficiency. These symptoms are similar to those for deficiencies of Fe, Mn and Mg, so the only way to confirm the true prob-lem is with tissue analysis. In many plants, leaves take on a miniaturized appearance and the internodal distance (distance

between branches) is notably shortened. Insufficient tissue Zn concentration reduces cold tolerance.Excess Symptoms. Most plants are tolerant of excess zinc and will exhibit no toxic-ity symptoms. For Zn-sensitive species, or in cases where the zinc concentration is exceedingly high, chlorosis and browned leaf tips, overall diminished growth and stunted root development have been reported. For Zn and Fe sensitive species, a high Zn con-centration can induce Fe deficiency.

CopperRole in Plants. Copper, as Cu2+ cation, is important in photosynthesis, and is a co-factor needed for the proper function of some enzymes.Hydroponic Source. Copper sulfate pen-tahydrate (CuSO

4•5H

2O) is the reagent

of choice. If the feed system includes a significant portion of copper pipe, no addition of copper may be required.Deficiency Symptoms. Copper deficiency causes stunted root and shoot development, leaf curl, a light overall chlorosis in young leaves and net-like green veins in older leaves. Fruit may be deformed and stunted or have tip death.Excess Symptoms. Abnormally thick-ened, short and stubby roots will result if too much copper is present in the nutrient solution. Leaves may be darker green than normal.

MolybdenumRole in Plants. Molybdenum (Mo), like boron, is found in plants in polyatomic ion form, in this case the molyb-date anion MoO

42-. Molybdenum is

essential in phosphorus metabolism, and is important in nitrate reduction since it is a co-factor for the enzyme nitrate reductase. Plants that have access to ammonium (NH

4+) as a nitrogen

source have a reduced need for Mo.

Boron Deficiency.

Plant Nutrient Elements Part 2

http://www.ecogrow.com


Hydroponic Source. Ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate [(NH

4)6Mo

7O

24•4H

20] is the commonly used source of Mo.

Deficiency Symptoms. Yellowing of leaves, easily mistaken for N deficiency, is one symptom of Mo deficiency. In fact, if nitrate is the principle N source, lack of Mo may actually result in N deficiency. Sometimes the leaves will give little indication of insufficient Mo, but some combination of overall chlorosis, upward leaf cupping and mottled regions, leaf distortion and poor fruit set will be indicative.Excess Symptoms. Confoundingly, yellowing of leaves and leaf drop are symptoms of Mo toxicity, accompanied perhaps by browning of leaf margins. At high concentrations, leaves may turn a distinctive orange color.

Zinc Deficiency.

Referencesanonymous. “the Spectrum analytic series of library articles

on plants, fertilizers, and mineral nutrition.” http://www.

spectrumanalytic.com/support/library/articles/ (accessed January 10,

2010).

Barack, phillip. essential elements for plant Growth (1999). http://

www.soils.wisc.edu/~barak/soilscience326/essentl.htm (accessed

January 10, 2010).-

Barry, Wade. “Symptoms of Deficiency in essential Minerals, in a

Companion to plant physiology.” 4 (2006). lincoln taiz and eduardo

Zeiger, Sinaur associates, Sunderland, Ma. http://4e.plantphys.net/

article.php?ch=3&id=289 (accessed January 10, 2010)

eyster, Clyde. “requirements and Functions of Micronutrients by

Green plants with respect to photosynthesis.” (1962). Charles F.

Kettering research laboratory, antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH.

Jones, J. Benton “Hydroponics: a practical Guide for the Soilless

Grower.” (2005). CrC press, Boca raton, Fl.

Boron Deficiency.

MY



GREEN THUMB GARDENING

Introduction toBokashi Composting

“The compost will provide the plants with nourishment while also enriching the medium with

beneficial micro-organisms.”

Enter Bokashi composting. The Japanese word “Bokashi” translates as fermented, organic matter or shading off, grada-tion. Bokashi composting occurs in an airtight container, so the process can be carried out inside the home.It’s a pretty simple process—a layer of kitchen scraps is placed

into a special bucket and then a carrier medium such as bran, which has been fortified with suitable micro-organisms, is sprinkled on top. The micro-organisms are usually lactic acid bacteria, yeast or phototrophic bacteria.The bucket is then sealed with an air-tight lid and the com-

posting process is carried out in an anaerobic environment (meaning without oxygen).

Food being dumped in landfills is such a terrible waste. Instead of throwing our scraps out, we should be composting them or adding them to a worm farm.Of course, having a compost heap or worm farm in the

backyard isn’t for everybody. If you live in particularly cold conditions, in an apartment or simply don’t have a backyard, composting may seem challenging.

by Michael Bloch


The layering process is repeated until the bucket is full, after which, the contents are allowed to ferment for a further 10 to 14 days. Given the fermentation time, two buckets are often used so there’s always a batch on the go.The buckets used in Bokashi

composting also have a tap to drain off the Bokashi juice. Like the leachate from a worm farm, this juice makes a great liquid fertilizer.Once fermentation is complete, the food retains some of its

original appearance, but will have a pickled look, and unlike the earthy smell of traditional compost, will have a cider vinegar type of odor.

The Bokashi compost can then be dug into garden beds or planter boxes. It will be acidic for about a week and will totally break down within a couple of weeks, after which planting can begin. The compost will provide the plants with nourishment while also enriching the medium with ben-eficial micro-organisms.A wide range of scraps can be

used in a Bokashi composting system, including fruit and vegeta-bles, meat, dairy products (exclud-ing milk), eggs, bread, coffee grinds and tea bags.Bokashi composting has been rapidly gaining popularity in

recent years, so it’s quite likely you’ll find Bokashi buckets and the EM (effective micro-organism) starter material at indoor gardening shops, larger hardware stores and garden outlets. Bokashi composting kits may also be available.So even if you have no backyard, live in a small apartment

or reside in a cool climate, you too can save your food from the landfill and compost it.

MY

http://www.ushio.com


RootPruning

101


growing larger. Branching occurs as a result of the constric-tion. This system of root pruning has been used for years in tree farms. The benefit of using this system is that not only do you create a fibrous root system in the container but the roots grow into the ground making it easier to feed and water the plants while not having them blow over. Plants are moved by simply lifting the container from the ground, stripping away any roots growing through the container and then removing the in-ground container. This creates minimal stress as most of the roots are still in the container and those removed are small.

Air root pruningAir pruning of roots is accomplished with the use of containers that direct the root towards air where the root tip is dehydrated, facilitating branching. Next, the roots are directed to an opening where they are pruned. The first attempts at air pruning con-tainers involved putting holes or slices into normal containers. While increased growth rates were seen, roots were still wrap-ping and no root pruning was evident. Increased growth was attributed to more O

2 in the root zone. What was learned from

this was that the roots needed to be directed to the air holes.The first effective air pruning containers where bottomless

milk cartons on a wire bench. The first trials were conducted

Plant roots are out of sight and for many indoor growers this means they are also out of mind. This is quite unfortunate as optimal root health is critical if plants are to achieve their genetic potential.

The following are the most common methods of root pruning:

ClippersIf done properly, root pruning with clippers can be effective.

However, it is not practical for obvious reasons, primarily the shock to the plant, which results in delayed

growth. Cutting roots leaves an open wound that can serve as a pathway

for pathogens.

ChemicalsSprayed copper containers

have been used success-fully to prune roots. When the root tips

reach the copper-lined pots the roots are forced to branch as the copper can burn the root tip. While this method is quite effective at pruning roots and preventing circling, copper toxic-ity can be a problem.

Root constrictionThis method of root pruning uses material that allows the root tip to grow through the material yet it constricts the plant from

by Gaby Bronzstein


http://www.kessil.com


impossible for the tip to escape being pruned. The angled protrusions on the containers also provide shade for the entire container keeping them much cooler than standard containers. These containers may dry out a little faster indoors, but they actually conserve water.

Root tip-trappingIn situations where water conservation is critical, root trapping bags are a great option for root pruning. Root trap-ping bags work by trapping the root in the fabric and forcing it to branch.

Root Pruning 101

This plant is experiencing severe circling roots, a condition which can cause serious damage and even death.

with seedlings. The tap root grew down to the bottom of the container, through the wire bench and was exposed to air. Branching would occur back along this root for about four inches—known as the four inch rule.The newest versions of air pruning

containers offer unparalleled perfor-mance and create extremely fibrous roots. One option is shaped in such a way that when the roots hit the side wall they get directed downward into

an air hole. This is where the air prun-ing takes place. This process is repeated again and again with the branching roots creating extremely fibrous root systems. Other air pruning containers have many more holes all around the container at the end of downward facing protrusions. This design allows the roots to find the air holes immediately when reaching toward the container wall. The downward protrusions direct the roots so that when they reached the air hole it is virtually

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Over 100 root tips can be pruned in just one square inch of fabric! Some root trapping bags are lined in white on the outside of the bag making it more durable and reflecting heat in the form of solar energy.These containers can

also be used with media like hydroton or perlite. This is because gener-ally these systems get irrigated too often to allow hydration of the root tip in order to prune the roots.Root tip-trapping is also shown to be extremely effective

when placed under propagation media. Numerous experi-ments with a number of media and containers have shown that simply placing the root trapping material under rock-wool or even a standard cell pack, for instance, will prune the roots that hit it forcing massive side branching of roots.

Proper root pruning is an extremely valuable tool for grow-ers that grow at home. It has taken over 40 years to fully understand the best way to care for roots and today the options are virtually limitless. MY

Root Pruning 101

“Fibrous roots create faster growing plants that have less transplant shock and greater yields.”

— Dr. Whitcomb

Dr. Whitcomb Ph.D. is an expert on plant root systems. He is the author of four books, including "Know It and Grow It" and "Plant Production in Containers.” He has been researching the benefits and methods of root pruning for

over 40 years. One of his main goals was to research ways to prevent root wrapping. Root wrapping in container-grown plants

causes a decrease in productivity. In some cases wrapped roots can actually kill plants. For this reason it is necessary to cut the circling roots before transplanting. If you don't cut the roots, they will continue to wrap even after transplanting into a larger container.When roots are properly pruned, the root system branches and becomes

fibrous. This is similar to what occurs when you prune some plants from the top. The secondary roots can also be pruned. When this process is repeated frequently an extremely fibrous root system forms. The fibrous root systems created are much more productive due to the increased number of root tips. Studies show the increased surface area of root tips equals an increase in nutrient and water uptake.

Above: Three days after germination this cucumber is showing healthy white roots.

Top: A modern air pruning container keeps this Japanese Maple cool and thriving.

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Water as a Substrate: Aeroponics and Aero-hydroponics

by noucetta Kehdi

“The role ofthe substrate is

about 15 per cent in the plant’s growth,

the other 85 per cent being in the hands of

the grower.”

When choosing a hydroponic system, one of the important factors to consider is the substrate. a variety of options exist for the soilless gardener; among the most common are rockwool, clay pebbles, coconut fiber, several peat mixes, lava rock, perlite and vermiculite. it is important to choose the best option for your growing method.But do you really need a substrate?

What does the substrate do? What is its action?there remains a misconception

among growers that the substrate alone handles the relations of air and

water within plants’ root systems. in reality the substrate’s role in plant growth is about 15 per cent, the other 85 per cent being in the hands of the grower.a substrate is the medium in which

a plant grows. it can be one material, or a combination of materials, that provide support, aeration, plus water retention and distribute moisture to the plant. Basically, as far as the plant is concerned, the substrate must hold water, oxygen and nutrients, drain correctly and stay neutral so that it does not interfere with the plant’s development.


http://www.suretogrow.com


The substrate must also

respond to several other factors: it needs to be dependable, economical

and light. It must be easy to

handle and easy to dispose of. Ideally

it should be non-polluting and biodegradable. And if you grow green, you will want something that is all-natural.Some find all these parameters too

tedious to sort through. So the next question is how necessary is the substrate? Can you do without it or can you at least reduce it your dependence on it to a minimum amount?This is where aeroponics and aero-

hydroponics come into the picture. These technologies respond exactly to these issues, and require little or no substrate. No more carrying bags up the stairs; no more dumping loads of used material to the rubbish; no more substrate-related pests and diseases.


“Substrate musthold water, oxygen and nutrient supply, drain correctly and stay neutral so that it does not interfere

with the plant’s development.”

What is aeroponics and what is aero-hydroponics?

Have you ever seen growing systems that mist the solution at the root level in a fog? These are aeroponic systems, a technique where water is delivered to the roots as a high-pressure fog.This technique is not often used

in its pure form. Although some companies like to call their systems “aeroponic” systems, you will generally find them only in research laboratories and universities.Aeroponics has its advantages and

inconveniences. It saturates the nutritive solution with oxygen, which gives the plant’s roots the healthiest of environments. Its most interesting application is plant propagation. But if you want to keep the crop all the way to maturity, you will notice that the root zone will develop too fast and too much, at the expense of the aerial portion of the plant. This is not what we are generally looking for except in the case of root crops. Even then, it is not always practical because the roots often stay soft from being immersed in water, and won’t offer the firm characteristics needed, like in the case of licorice root.

Aero-hydroponics is an adaptation of aeroponics. It really started in the mid 80s in California, where Lawrence Brooke of General Hydroponics decided to bring aero-hydroponics into the mainstream market. He started with the “EGS” (Ein Gedi System), a unit invented at the University of Davis in California, which was used essentially to study the content of oxygen in water, and transformed it into one of the best propagation systems around. This unit will spew out mist to the roots, not in the form of a fog system, but rather as a “vortex” spray. Today there are loads of aero-hydroponic growing systems on the market, some very efficient, some less, depending on the experience and the know-how of the manufacturer. You can even build your own with a little help from the many magazines and books found in hydro shops.

“eGS” (ein Gedi System)

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In aero-hydroponics water fills with oxygen through different methods: spray, injection and cascade. It relies on a pump that pushes water through different sprayers and irrigation tubing, and falls back down into the reservoir. A well-conceived aero hydroponic system must offer a good balance among its different components, and proper ratios between the different flows of water and the shapes of its different components (tubes, reservoirs, sprayers and irrigation devices).Both aeroponics and aero-hydroponics need little or no

substrate. They use only plant supports in the shape of coconut

Find Noucetta Kehdi’s articles at www.maximumyield.com under our

author archive.

pots, plastic net-pots or just neoprene rings, leaving water as the only substrate.With aeroponics and aero-hydroponics you have eliminated

the most gruesome problems of substrates, but you may wonder if you have switched to others that are just as difficult to address? No, not really. To safely eliminate the traditional substrates, you must ensure water is available to the plant. You must also ensure there is good aeration, and a neutral environment. In aeroponics and aero-hydroponics these are the basics. Well oxygenated water is presented to the roots and drainage is ideal.Once this is said and done, the rest is in the hands of the grower.

He or she must ensure a well-balanced and comprehensive nutritive solution, a correct level of EC and pH, good ventilation, temperature, humidity and cleanliness, as you would generally do for any plant, and with any other growing technique.The advantage of the substrate is its buffering capacity, which

means that contrary to water where parts of your roots hang bare in the air, the substrate surrounds the root zone completely, and thus protects it from environmental variations like temperature, humidity and accidents. This is why it is often recommended that a beginner start with substrate systems and switch to aero-hydroponic systems once they have acquired a little more experience. Some manufacturers will offer “dual” growing units, with special kits that allow you to switch from one substrate machine to a machine that doesn’t require substrate, as soon as you feel more confident. And they will guarantee fast and free technical advice and follow up with their customers.You can even choose aero-hydroponics as a beginner, if you

wish. Just follow the instructions that come with your growing unit, and you’ll see how simple it is. And don’t forget that, whichever technique you choose, it is not the system nor the fertilizer alone, but the gardener who ensures the plant of a healthy development.A few weeks ago in Berlin, I had the good fortune, and the

pleasure, to meet Melchior, from High Five in Holland. As most Dutch growers, he used the traditional rockwool and drip system, and was quite happy with it. Last year, an Australian friend of his left him with a small aero-hydroponic system. Melchior played with it for a few months and was definitely persuaded. His plants looked perfect, uniform and harmonized. His harvest was great—much better than any other he had in years. His greatest accomplishments are the excellent yields he achieved, and the fact that he was ridden from substrate and all the hassles related to it. Let’s see what we can accomplish with aeroponics and aero-hydroponics. MY

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As technology advances, questions inevitably follow. Due to the rapid growth of the hydroponics and indoor gardening industry, it is important for growers to be familiar with the technology, in this case instrumentation.

There is a myriad of nutrients and fertilizers available to help you cultivate the best possible plant yields, but what is consistent among all of them is they need to be measured to ensure proper dosage. Equally important is the measurement of water to know what you’ll be mixing with, and there is no better way to measure nutrient solution or water than with a digital TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or EC (Electrical Conductivity) meter.There are times when the instructions for a

nutrient don’t correspond with the instructions for a meter. This can certainly be frustrating, but refrain from pulling out your hair just yet. This article will help you navigate the challenges.


TDS anD EC METErS for HyDroponiCS

ExplainEDby rob Samborn


http://www.hydrodynamicsintl.com


an expensive instrument, take the time to learn the basics of the science. It’s easy and will help you get the most out of your meter.A parameter is the characteristic of a

substance that is being measured. For the purpose of this article, it’s either TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or EC (Electrical Conductivity). Other parameters you

could be testing for are pH, temperature, light and humidity.A scale is a particular

range applied to the measurement of that parameter. For example, temperature is a parameter.

Fahrenheit or Celsius is a scale.TDS is most commonly measured in

ppm (parts per million), PPT (parts per thousand) or mg/l (milligrams per liter). EC is most commonly measured in µS (micro-Siemens) or mS (milli-Siemens).If your nutrient mix is calling for 1.0

EC, this is an incorrect determination, and you may find this confusing when using a meter. What this is most likely referring to is an EC reading of 1.0 mS; 1.0 mS equals 1000 µS.

WHy arE THErE So Many WayS To MEaSurE nuTriEnTS?Our industry lacks standardization, the fault resting on the instrument manufacturers and the nutrient companies. Rest assured there is a movement to standardize everything, but until a standard exists, the best way to look at it is as a cooking recipe.Open any cookbook and you’ll find

that some ingredients call for teaspoons, others call for ounces and others call for cups. Each requires a different measurement tool. Your nutrient mixture is a recipe, so it’s important to use the right measuring tool.

These meters can be found under the following names: nutrient meters, “ppm” meters, TDS meters or conductivity meters.

Let’s get to the facts. These meters are either TDS meters or conductivity meters, with the majority being TDS meters. There is no such thing as a “ppm meter,” so strike it from your lexicon immediately. PPM is an acronym for “parts per million,” a scale used for parameters, including TDS, chlorine, carbon dioxide, etc. We’ll address scales and parameters in a moment.

These meters measure your nutrients, but they are really measuring substances in water, whether a beneficial nutrient or a harmful metal. Other industries aside from hydroponics use these products as well for fish, pools, industrial processes and perhaps most importantly, your drinking water. So instead of referring to the meters as nutrient meters, most instrument companies will often refer to the meters by their true names: TDS or conductivity meters.

paraMETErS anD SCalES Water testing is scientific. The majority of us would rather be harvesting our bountiful crops than remembering our high school science, but if you’re spending your hard-earned cash on

TDS and EC Meters for Hydroponics Explained

“our industry lacks standerdization, the fault resting on the

instrument manufacturers and the nutrient companies.”

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WHaT’S THE DEal WiTH EC anD TDS? WHaT arE THEy anD iS THErE a DiffErEnCE?TDS and EC, while related, are two different parameters.TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids,

and in layman’s terms, is essentially any inorganic, dissolved substance in water, other than the pure H

2O.

TDS includes salts, minerals or metals dissolved in water. As mentioned above, TDS is most commonly measured in ppm on an ascending scale. The higher the ppm, the more TDS there are in the water, with pure water being 0.0 ppm. Pure water can be obtained through filtration, purification, distillation or collecting raindrops on your tongue. TDS does not include particles that are

floating in water. (These are known as suspended solids).Conductivity, or electrical conductivity

(EC), is the ability of a substance to conduct electricity. While you may not typically equate water with electricity (unless you’re at the Hoover Dam), most

elements other than hydrogen and oxygen will conduct electricity to a certain degree, no

matter how minute that conductance might be. Therefore, since water is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, measuring conductivity is an easy and quick method of determining the purity level of water.Now that we understand TDS and

conductivity, that brings us to the next burning question:


“Total Dissolved Solids is essentially any inorganic, dissolved substance in

water, other than pure H2o”

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HoW iS TDS MEaSurED?TDS is measured as weight (mg/L) or quantity (ppm). As discussed above, ppm stands for parts per million, so if you add 2,000 ppm of nutrients to pure water, that means that out of 1,000,000 parts of water, 2,000 of those parts are the nutrients. Or for the mathematically inclined, that’s 0.2 per cent. The only true method of measuring TDS is to weigh a water sample, evaporate the water and then weigh the remains. Not only is this very difficult to

do, evaporation would defeat the purpose of measuring nutrients in a solution. Therefore, companies have developed TDS meters that determine the nutrient content and display that amount on a digital screen for ease-of-use.


“Due to the abundance of salt, seawater will be far more conductive

than fresh water.”

WHaT arE TDS METErS anD HoW Do THEy Work?A TDS meter works by measuring the electrical conductivity of the water. As mentioned earlier, most elements, other than the hydrogen and oxygen, will conduct electricity to a certain degree. A TDS meter will measure the EC and convert that electrical charge to an estimated TDS level, thereby telling you the nutrient quantity.EC is measured by determining the amount of electrical

charge between two sensors. The greater the charge, the higher the EC (and the higher the TDS level).

WHaT’S a ConvErSion faCTor anD WHy arE THErE So Many of THEM?Since TDS meters work by first measuring the EC level, that EC level needs to be converted to a TDS level (hence a conversion factor). A conversion factor will allow the meter to make the best possible estimate of the true TDS level. Since there are different types of water in the world that are more or less conductive than others, it’s necessary to use different conversion factors for different water. For example, due to the abundance of salt, seawater will be far more conductive than fresh water.

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So THEn SHoulD i uSE a TDS METEr or an EC METEr?Technically, when measuring nutrients, it’s better to measure the TDS level, but don’t forget that the true method of measuring TDS is very difficult and TDS meters are actually measuring the EC and then converting that EC to TDS. Confusing? Perhaps. The answer to this question is: use the

meter (and conversion factor) that is recommended by the nutrient company. If your preferred brand of nutrients recommends you measure the nutrients using EC, then buy an EC meter. You’ll have much more accurate results than if you purchase a TDS meter and attempt to do the math. If you don’t know which meter you should use, give your nutrient company a call and ask.

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TipS

& Tr

iCkS

read the user’s guide!1. for the most accurate nutrient level reading, always start with 0 2. ppm water (or close), such as distilled, reverse osmosis (ro) or deionized water (Di).If you don’t have access to a filtration system, always measure 3. your tap water prior to adding the nutrients. add the tap water TDS/EC level to the recommended nutrient level.always lightly swirl a TDS/EC meter in the solution to remove any 4. air bubbles.Give a meter about 10 seconds to stabilize for the best reading.5. Temperature greatly affects TDS and EC. Therefore, always 6. use a TDS/EC meter that includes automatic Temperature Compensation (aTC). The aTC program will automatically adjust for temperature discrepancies, so you don’t have to.not all meters are waterproof! always check before fully 7. immersing your meter in water.Most meters are factory calibrated, but may require 8. recalibration depending upon usage. Always follow your specific meter’s instructions for calibration.

THE loWDoWnNutrient solutions are best measured with TDS or EC meters. TDS meters will give you an accurate nutrient level in water, expressed in ppm (parts per million). Ideally, a grower should filter his or her water down to a pure or near-pure level, prior to adding the nutrients. Pure water will be 0.0 ppm. Therefore, you will know what you’re starting with when adding the nutrients and have the perfect solution. If you do not have access to a water filtration or purification system, you can use tap water, but you will need to add the appropriate TDS level of the nutrients to the TDS level of the tap water. For example, if your blooming stage

nutrient calls for adding 1,500 ppm of nutrients and your tap water is 250 ppm, you should be looking for a nutrient solution level of 1,750 ppm.

CoMMon MiSpErCEpTionSConfusing a parameter with a scale.1. Calling a TDS meter a “ppm meter.”2. Quantifying a nutrient by EC. 3. As mentioned above, EC is the parameter Electrical Conductivity.

Therefore, if a nutrient recipe calls for water with 2.0 EC, this is an incorrect determination. Most likely, the application is calling for an EC level of 2.0 mS;

2.0 mS = 2000 µS.

DEfiniTionS on page 148

http://www.ledinnovationdesign.com



DEfi

niTi

onS TDS = Total Dissolved Solids

EC = Electrical Conductivity

ppM = parts per Million

ppT = parts per Thousand

µS (or µS/cm) = micro-Siemens

mS (or mS/cm) = milli-Siemens

naCl = Sodium Chloride (EC-to-TDS conversion factor that is an average of 0.5)

kCl = potassium Chloride (EC-to-TDS conversion factor that is an average of 0.55)

442 = 442 natural Water™ (EC-to-TDS conversion factor that is an average of 0.7) (442 is a registered trademark of the Myron l Company, developed by them to simulate the properties of naturally occurring fresh water. it’s the abbreviation for 40 per cent sodium sulfate, 40 per cent sodium bicarbonate, 20 per cent sodium chloride).

ConvErTinG bETWEEn DiffErEnT SCalESppM ppT: Divide by 1,000 (1,000 ppm = one ppt)

ppT ppM: Multiply by 1,000 (one ppt = 1,000 ppm)

µS mS: Divide by 1,000 (1,000 µS = one mS)

mS µS: Divide by 1,000 (1,000 µS = one mS)

ppM µS: This depends on the conversion factor of your TDS meter (see above). The easiest method is to acquire a meter that reads in the parameter and scale of your preference (or both).

µS ppM: This depends on the conversion factor you wish to use (see above). The easiest method is to acquire a meter that reads in the parameter and scale of your preference (or both). MY

http://www.hydrofarm.com


http://www.vitalearthsproducts.com

http://www.dutch-glory.com

http://xtremenutrients.com

152 MAXIMUM YIELD USA - July 2010152 MAXIMUM YIELD USA - July 2010

TIPS & TRICKS

Most of us are familiar with the advantages of raised bed gardening. A raised bed not only defines the growing space, but makes it more comfortable for working. Most importantly,

a raised bed warms up the medium faster, promoting healthy root growth and plant vitality. One of the disadvantages of raised beds is they can limit the layout

and potential use of your garden. Relocating a raised bed or changing its orientation can be a burden if it’s made of bulky material. In

addition, many of the materials for creating raised beds are either vulnerable to deterioration or they are rather

expensive.

by Clair A. Schwan

- An Alternative Approach

RAISED BED GARDENING

Trellis

Bok Choy


Enter the steel barrel, also known as a 55 gallon drum. Steel barrels make excellent raised beds. I’ve been using steel barrels cut in half as raised beds in my outdoor gardens and in my greenhouses for many years. Let’s look at the advantages of steel barrels and how they can be used to create unique raised beds.Steel barrels can be obtained as scrap mate-

rial from various sources. That means they are only as expensive as the cost of hauling them. I get mine from a local shop that has its water-based paint shipped to them in the barrels. The two disadvantage of using scrap steel barrels are they need to be cut and cleaned out. I make short work of them by cutting out the bottoms with a plasma torch and then burning them out with a wood fire. I then cut them in half with a plasma torch so I have two short barrels about 18 inches tall, both with no top and no bottom.Another advantage of steel barrels is they are

portable. If you don’t like where they are one year, simply lift them off of the ground and relocate them.Steel barrels offer a rather small gardening space, so working

inside of them isn’t convenient. Yet, they’re easy to till using a potato fork or small shovel. The strong steel sides allow you to pry against them without fear of damaging the material.The biggest advantage of using steel drums

as raised beds is that they have a tremendous amount of surface area for the amount of medium they contain. And, nearly all of this surface area is exposed to warm air that helps warm up the roots. In addition, steel is a wonderful conductor of heat, so the medium inside warms up quickly.If you want to see a model of the sur-

face area-to-volume relationship associated with steel drums, simply place six canned goods of identical size together in a tight double line configuration. Look down from the top and you’ll see spaces in between the sides of the cans where warm air will promote quick heating of the medium. This warm and moist medium also allows them to serve as greenhouse “ther-mal batteries” wherein the moist medium can release heat through the steel walls to help keep the indoors warm during the night.Lastly, if you use 55 gallon steel drums without cutting them in

half, you’ll have beds that are three feet tall and can be worked without bending over at all. And, just think of the thermal capacity that all of the moist medium will have! Placing them on the north

side of the greenhouse will create a wall of thermal storage drums out of which you can grow more vegetables.Using steel drums as a raised bed for

gardening isn’t for everyone, but I certainly appreciate the advantages offered. As scrap material that is easily moved around and strong enough to last for many years, I’m sold on the idea. Whether you use them indoors or out, they have all the advantages of a more traditional raised bed, and then some.About the Author: Clair Schwan is an

avid vegetable gardener who grows more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables in homemade greenhouses of his own design and construction. See his homemade greenhouses at www.frugal-living-freedom.com and learn more about his approach to growing and harvesting produce year round at www.vegetable-gardening-and-greenhouses.com

RAISED BED GARDENING

Chard

MY

http://www.dyna-gro.com


HOW IT’S MADE

1. A Strong Foundation

The foundation of the growing mix is Canadian Sphagnum peat moss, sustainably harvested from carefully managed bogs in rural Canada. The peat moss is screened to remove large clumps and sticks and is blended with horticultural grade perlite and coir (a by-product of the coconut indus-try). Peat moss reduces the leaching of nutrients from the growing mix allowing them to release slowly over time. Perlite keeps air spaces open while coir combined with peat allows for good water retention. This provides a balance of air and water that results in optimal root growth and the foundation for strong stem and flower growth. Dolomitic lime, a starter organic fertilizer, mycorrhizae and an organic wetting agent are added to complete the mix. Lime adjusts the pH for optimum fertilizer availability; the starter organic fertilizer helps transplants establish; mycorrhizae assists in fertilizer uptake and the organic wetting agent helps peat moss absorb water better.

2. Progression

The mix is created using state-of-the-art production equip-ment. Peat is moved into the production plant with large front end loaders. Perlite ore is ‘popped’ at 1600oF at many of our sites and compressed coir is expanded or ‘fluffed’ by adding water on site.All of the raw materials are placed into dosing hoppers

and, via computer control, are dispensed onto a conveyor belt per the specified formulation. The conveyor belt loads

Beginning with carefully selected ingredients and formulated by a team of professional horticulturists, the Sunshine Advanced #4 Growing Mix is made from high quality raw materials and provides an ideal grow-ing mix for your indoor and outdoor growing needs.

SunShine AdvAnced #4 Growing Mix

Sunshine Advanced Mix #4 after all the components have been added and mixed, in preparation for packaging.


3. Quality ControlQuality control is an important part of what allows growers to achieve success with Sunshine Advanced #4. We check each raw material prior to use and we also examine the finished

4. Grow Eco

Sustainability is considered during all phases of the production process to ensure raw materials are used wisely and will remain available for future genera-tions. For more information on Sun Gro’s commitment to sustainably, go to www.sungro.com

the mix into an angled blending drum and then out onto another conveyor belt, which moves the finished product to the packaging area. using auto-matic packaging equipment, the mix is loaded into bags and compressed at an approximate 2:1 ratio. The bags are then placed on a pallet and stretch wrapped. Compressed mixes are popu-lar since they are an efficient use of volume while still retaining all the ben-eficial attributes of the growing mix. Sunshine Advanced Mix #4 is available in one cubic foot, 2.2 cubic feet and 3.0 cubic feet packages.

growing mix. The science of growing good plants requires that the plants are grown in a mix that has the correct pH, eC as well as good air and water capacities.Once Sunshine #4 Advanced is pack-

aged, it is shipped to a store near you. Sun Gro takes pride in the entire devel-opment process of our products, and this ensures that our mixes will work well for you. In fact, if you purchase Sunshine Advanced and you are not completely satisfied, we will refund your money.

As part of their industry leading quality processes, Sun Gro has on-site labs for quality assurance testing.

Peat moss is harvested at a bog and transported to the mix plant via a bulk truck.

Sun Gro Horticulture uses a computer controlled continu-ous mixing line to manufacture our growing mixes.

http://www.nature-technologies.com




Deliver Intense and Efficient Light with the Max-Light Reflector and Philips Ecotone CFLThe Max-Light has been designed specifically to deliver maximum light to where it’s needed most. The fully enclosed hammertone shade ensures the highest reflectivity, while the deep enclosed shade design creates intense penetrating light, ideal for smaller areas.Philips has released their new ecotone High Output 80

watt CFL. This lamp is super power efficient and delivers more lumens than 130 watt and even 250 watt CFLs. The coiled design ensures that light can escape from all areas of the lamp. The Philips ecotone also has a built-in air

pump for longer, brighter lamp life.The Max Light reflector/Philips ecotone

is the perfect combo for any grower looking to use lower wattage lamps and brightly illuminate small areas with little heat. This kit requires no extra ballast or adapter and plugs straight into your standard 240 volt wall socket. Visit your favorite hydro shop for information on these and more great products.

Full Flowering with Intense PenetrationHydro Grow has fixed all of the conventional problems our competitors are still experiencing with LeDs. The spectral outputs from our Penetrator LeD Grow Lights match all four chlorophyll absorption peaks required for photosynthesis, guaranteeing the highest possible conversion rate from electrical energy to plant energy, with little to no energy wasted. Our products deliver this light more efficiently to your plants vs. any of our competitors, by using a unique 60° lens. Our lens distributes light at four times the intensity of their 120° lens, which enables full penetration comparable to HID. Independent grow tests have proven our LeD Grow Lights to be at least 60 per cent more efficient when compared with HIDs, and up to 70 per cent more efficient than our competitors’ LeDs. experience for yourself the world’s most efficient horticulturalgrow light! Visit your favorite hydroponics retailer for more information.

Simple and Effective – Nutriculture Gro TanksIn a Nutriculture NFT Gro Tank the nutrient solution is contained. your plants sit on a tray above the tank and nutrient solution flows over the roots of your plants. unused nutrient solution drains back into the tank to be re-used. With Nutriculture Gro Tanks, you can expect faster growth rates and four times the yields achieved with traditional soil methods. No complicated delivery systems, no feeding schedules to calculate, very little maintenance involved. Harvest sooner and get more

crops per year. No waste runoff in re-circulating hydroponic systems. No chance of over or underwatering. Clean and minimum waste produce – no heavy bags of medium to carry around. Reduced

chance of disease and reduced use of pesticides. Ask your local retailer to order Nutriculture Gro Tanks for their store today.


http://www.phosphoload.us


http://www.indoorgardenexpo.com



TALKING SHOP

AT A GLANCE


When Nick Lemmo, owner of 805 Hydroponics and Organics, first developed the retail concept for his hydro store, he determined customer service would set his store apart from the crowd. Providing superior and personalized customer service has always been his number one goal.

Everything stems from the customer’s point-of-view; every product ordered, service provided,

decision made is a result of the customer’s wants and needs. Exclusive offers, exceptional products, value

pricing, professional support and free delivery make 805 Hydro the best choice for all your gardening needs.In addition to carrying a wide selection of the best

products in hydroponics, 805 Hydro encourages sustainable growing by offering organic, non-GMO seeds, organic nutrients and organic growing mediums. Nick’s team of professionals constantly reviews the latest in cutting edge indoor gardening technology. With over 50 years of collective growing experience the team offers unparalleled advice to beginner hobbyists; helps commercial experts push the limits of growing indoors; and assists any level of indoor gardening enthusiast in between. If you ever find yourself displeased with a purchased product, 805 Hydro offers an industry first, over-the-counter exchange on every product they carry. They also provide a comprehensive low price guarantee: not only will they beat any price, but they also accept competitor and manufacturer coupons!

Company: 805 Hydroponics and Organics

Owners: 805 Holdings LLC

Location and Phone: 1785 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, California (805) 494-1758

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.805hydro.com

From left: Paco Riviera, Dylan Walters and Steve Sanders.


Pricing is only one component of the customer service experience they offer. Their product selection is updated daily, capturing the industry’s best. They anticipate the needs of their customers and react to their feedback accordingly. The staff recognizes that every situation requires a solution as unique as the garden and grower. At 805 Hydroponics and Organics you’re experience will be second-to-none. You can expect a well stocked showroom, professional sales counselors and design advice and consultation from experts in CAD (computer-aided design).Customers can enjoy an online relationship

with 805 Hydroponics and Organics. Simply visit www.805hydro.com for direct access to the entire catalog of 6,000+ products. You’ll also find a wealth of valuable knowledge including: grower to grower feedback, calculators and tips and tricks from some of California’s best and biggest product manufacturers from Humboldt to San Diego. They cater to all types of growers from a one light hobbyist to a 50 light commercial expert. Our 805 Hydro lowest price guarantee is extended to online customers!

Once you register at www.805hydro.com you’ll have access to monthly online newsletters and exclusive coupons and special offers.At 805 Hydro customer service and value are taken to the

next level. Free delivery in Los Angeles and Ventura County is available on qualifying orders. They are the first shop in Southern California to offer this service. The friendly delivery staff is incredibly knowledgeable and happy

to help customers get the most out of their purchases. Imagine shopping at a gardening store that will actually carry your products to your car. 805 Hydro also offers professional, nationwide grow room and greenhouse installations backed by a CAD-trained design team.If you can dream it, they can build it at an affordable

price. Open Monday through Saturday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.At 805 Hydroponics and Organics, unparalleled customer

service, a virtually limitless product selection, the industry’s best pricing and a hard working, professional team will ensure you have an exceptional experience.

Their product selection is updated daily, capturing the

industry’s best.

Sometimes in order to move forward, you need to glance back to see where you came from. It has been incredible watching the hydroponics scene evolve into a blooming industry. At one time only a handful of dedicated product manufacturers and grower support services existed. As growers, we now have lots of available choices. Not 10 years ago a grower had to be part engineer, electrician, builder, plumber and a whiz at sourcing hard-to-find items in order to set up an indoor garden. Today we can visit any number of dedicated hydroponics retailers in our area and browse through a myriad of plug-and-play, purpose built, high-tech indoor gardening supplies and equipment.

Indoor Gardening Technologies:

The Last Couple of Decades

by Erik

Biksa


http://www.phatfilter.com


While skilled and seasoned growers of decades ago were able to pull off some pretty respectable yields given the gear they had to work with, it was a steep learning curve. If you couldn’t shadow an experienced grower who was willing to teach, you often had to take the plunge on your own. This meant piecing together information from a variety of books, magazines and other growers to figure out where to begin on such an endeavor. After that came the tedious task of trying to source the gear that you could only hope would serve the purpose you had in mind. It was often expensive too, and worst of all it was not purpose built; early growers often had to adapt industrial technologies to make them suitable for growing indoors. More often than not, new growers faced mini-disasters and financial set-backs finding out what worked and what didn’t.

We still can’t purchase a green thumb off the shelf, but we’re getting close. Taking advantage of the many informative resources—books, magazines, Internet chat forums, etc.—means it’s much easier to make informed decisions in determining what kind of set-up is going to work for you. For experienced growers, it means being able to improve and streamline their grows for increased production and efficiency, and less work.After a plan is developed, it can be more consistently

executed due to the variety of user friendly technologies available. Let’s have a look back and compare, shall we?

Indoor Gardening Technologies

“Taking advantage of the many informative resources—books, magazines, Internet chat

forums, etc.—means it’s much easier to make informed decisions...”



BluelaBfull

http://www.getbluelab.com


Your Grow SystemThEnYou built it yourself, and it may have looked awfully close to something Rube Goldberg might have sketched. It likely involved lots of different couplers, plumbing components and fittings and other such items that allowed you to jerry-rig a home-built hydroponic system. You probably had to iron out a fair amount of flaws and leaks to determine which of the parts had become toxic to your plants. Or you may have spent much of your time recovering your hands and wrists from learning to use a hole-saw. Back then, there were no plans available on the Internet or working templates to follow; you were on your own. However, it was rewarding once you got it dialed-in, as should anything that takes way too long to build, and re-build while costing you every spare dime.

nOWCruise down to your local hydroponics shop or browse an endless variety of hydroponics systems, configurations and sizes through the Internet. Before you buy, you can easily find help and feedback from experienced indoor gardeners or check through the back issues of your favorite grow magazine to ensure you’re making the right choice.Today, a grower can set up a system and be running in less than

an hour. Everything is engineered and supplied to work and fit together perfectly. Detailed assembly and operation instructions are supplied, and if you need additional assistance, you can call support toll-free. Set-up, plant, press start and voila…you’re growing!Even if you decide to build it yourself, you can find just about

anything you might need at your local home building store or one-stop hydroponics shop. You no longer need to source from six different suppliers to set up one little hobby system. The DIY gardening enthusiast can also find clear and concise instructions and grow journals online.


http://www.plantrevolution.com


http://www.deepwaterinnovationcs.com


Your Crop LightingThEnYou cleared out the entire fluorescent lighting section at your local home building store or ventured forth to industrial lighting suppliers who specialized in parking lot or warehouse lighting if you dared to make your own HID (High Intensity Discharge) crop lighting system. Back then you used regular floros and were happy you harvested something, or you put on your electrician/stuntman’s hat and learned how to wire together a ballast core, capacitor and igniter in an attempt to provide intense lighting for bigger yields. Before you did that, you had to figure out what a ballast, capacitor and igniter was, which specs were compatible or incompatible and where the heck you were going to find them!Grey metal boxes with often un-secured components buzzed

loudly, produced lots of heat and were attached to lamps that had the most rudimentary reflectors, if any, to direct light down to the crop. Early growers often used the high-bay lighting systems for warehouses; all lighting components wrapped-up into one extremely heavy, hot-running and

non-adjustable crop lighting fixture. Amazingly, some of the earliest growers did all right, although yields and quality were often on the lower side when compared to today’s crop yields and qualities.You would have been considered a real Da Vinci if you

owned and operated both HPS and MH lighting in separate growth stages; maybe even a Rockefeller too, because HID lighting systems were very expensive.


http://www.solis-tek.com


http://www.eelriverhydroponics.com


nOWGrowers have the knowledge and means to efficiently and cost effectively deliver the exact amounts and the right types of light for each stage in their plant’s development: next generation fluorescents for cloning and early veg, metal halide (MH) for veg and early flower and high pressure sodium lamps for the bloom phase. A variety of plant-specific spectrum bulbs are available for each phase to maximize growth rates


and the desired quality of growth for any part of the growing cycle.Reflectors now come in just about

any shape and size, and are available as horizontal, vertical, air-cooled and water-cooled. Some of the available reflectors available are created with computer programs to optimize light delivery.Even more recently, digital ballasts have

replaced heavier, power hungry, loud and hot conventional core and coil ballast systems. An emerging growing renaissance

also includes space age LED (light emitting diode) lights that were only used for growing by NASA researchers until very recently.You don’t have to shop from halfway

around the world either; just drive down to your local hydroponics supply store. The lighting options of today are likely to be safer to operate, will produce better results and will cost you a lot less money than the lighting systems available just 10 to 20 years ago.

Your nutrientsThEnEarly indoor gardening enthusiasts often had to make due with less than perfect nutrient formulations for hydroponics, largely because of the lack of quality products. Since hydroponics wasn’t as popular or widespread as it is today, there was no real established market for nutrient formulations.Crop fertilizers used 10 to 15 years

ago often lacked the required supplies of critical elements like calcium and magnesium. This gave way to the inclusion of nutrient additives, for example the earliest calcium-magnesium supplements intended for use in hydroponics.It was also more difficult to find specialty

nutrients and supplements for other aspects of the growing process, like cloning. Cloning gels, B-vitamin supplements and other nutrient growth co-factors were not readily available and the knowledge of their use did not go far beyond very small circles of growers.Crop feeding programs were virtually

non-existent, although earlier growers who developed their own programs over time led way to a new standard in yields, plant health and harvest quality. Some early growers may have been fortunate to receive some helpful advice, although

http://www.sunlandgarden.com


http://www.hydroponics101.com


most played a hit-and-miss game when feeding their crops, occasionally resulting in set-backs or disasters.Before the information highway

known as the Internet was fully loaded with information, it was often difficult to obtain any research as to the type of growing that was being conducted indoors in hydroponics versus conventional outdoor methods.Some resourceful growers were able to

work directly with the few experts that were available and developed “six pack” systems that consisted of six raw fertilizer components that could be weighed out in varying portions to create one of the early forms of crop feeding programs.

Nutrient monitors for EC, PPM and pH were not easy to come by and were very expensive. Furthermore, little information was available to most new growers about what the optimal pH and TDS levels were for their indoor crops.

nOWAn overwhelming variety of nutrients are readily available to indoor growers. There are also a variety of crop feeding programs available. Growers can choose between organic and bio-enhanced synthetic nutrient programs for different skill levels. These programs and their components are now widely available through hydroponics retailers and online suppliers across the globe.Indoor growers now have a much

better understanding of the nutrient requirements of indoor grown crops under high intensity grow lights than they had previously, largely due to pioneering research and a culmination of knowledge in a rapidly expanding growing culture.

Growing programs today include the use of beneficial fungi and bacteria, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and bloom boosters that allow plants to achieve in three to four months what used to take outdoor plants four to six months to accomplish, and in some instances achieve even better quality. The next step in nutrient sophistication is actually more of a simplification, although the technology behind it is mind-boggling. Growers may soon be using nutrient programs that self-adjust pH levels and offer a constant stream of balanced nutrients

for fast plant uptake, increasing growth rates and creating a more consistent and reliable

growing experience for growers of any skill level. Nutrient monitors are readily available and affordable.The then-and-now comparison

discussed barely scratches the surface in terms of the monumental industry changes that have occurred. Additional advancements include reverse osmosis water purification systems, ventilation, environmental controllers, carbon dioxide enrichment systems, pre-fabricated grow tents and split or water-cooled air conditioners.What’s next? While few of us are

able to predict the future, I feel quite certain that gardening indoors will continue to explode for hobbyists and professionals alike. What kind of grower do you want to be? Will you be at the forefront, pushing the technology to the edge and expanding on proven practices, or are you happy doing the same thing the same way? Remember that if you do things the same way, you can expect the same results. Today’s results are incredible, especially when looking back to the standards that were set nearly 20 years ago. Can you imagine where they could be in another 20? MY


“Indoor growers now have a much better understanding of the nutrient requirements of indoor

grown crops....”

http://www.aristabc.com


http://www.gronatural.com




MAX-MART


LLC

13762 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577

Phone: 510.903.1808 Fax: 510.764.1246

www.hydrogardendelight.com


MAX-MART

GROWCO GARDEN SUPPLIES

Max Double Spot



COMING UP INaugust


will be available August 1 for FREE at selected indoor gardening retail stores across uSA and on maximumyield.com

I N D O O R G A R D E N I N G

Science and HydroponicSDetermine the effects of different products and methods on your plants through accurate testing and trials.

ProduCT Mixing The righT WayChemical incompatibility can manifest itself in many different ways, damaging your plants in the process. These simple suggestions and tests will help you avoid the dangers and save your plants.

advanCed aeroPoniCSThe technology behind the latest aeroponic systems is compressed air, a growing art form that helps you conserve nature’s most precious resource, fresh water.

induSTry MeeT and greeT PLuS exPerT adviCeMaximum yield uSA features manufacturers, retailers and growers form this ever-expanding industry. Get to know your indoor gardening comrades in Talking Shop, you Tell us, How it’s Made and your Best Advice.


Although the term natural is not regulated by the u.S. Food and Drug Administration, they have established some guidelines: the product must not contain added color, artificial flavors or synthetic substances.

Some micronutrients are needed in very minute amounts; typically only at 1/10,000 the concentration of the major elements N, P and K.

Research has shown that even a short duration, less than 30 minutes of root zone heat build-up, can have a very negative effect on many crops.

The first attempts at air pruning containers involved putting holes or slices into normal containers.

Aero-hydroponics, an adaptation of aeroponics, is a technology that started in the mid 80s in California.

If the population started consuming brown rice instead of white, there could be 38.7 million acres removed from production or 43 million extra tons of food available.

Chlorine, the most concentrated micronutrient in plant tissues, was the last to be declared essential in 1954.

Although many name exist for nutrient meters, there are really only two: TDS meters or conductivity meters.

Lucky bamboo is not actually a bamboo. It is a member of the lily family (Dracaena sanderiana).

The positive effects of nutrient chilling seem to be largely the result of changes in the production of plant growth hormones abcissic acid (ABA) and cytokinins that control a range of plant responses.

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ALABAMAAlabama Organics3348 Bethel Road,Valley Head, AL 35989256-635-0802

ALASKABrown’s Electrical Supply365 Industrial Way,Anchorage, AK 99501907-272-2259Far North Garden Supply300 Centaur Street,Wasilla, AK 99654907-376-7586Far North Garden Supply2834 Boniface ParkwayAnchorage, AK 99504907-333-3141Holmtown Nursery Inc.1301 - 30th Avenue,Fairbanks, AK 99701907-451-8733

ARIZONAACI Hydroponics1325 South Park Lane,Tempe, AZ 85282800-633-2137Homegrown Hydroponics601 east Broadway Road,Tempe, AZ 85282480-377-9096Homegrown Hydroponics1702 east Prince Road,Tucson, AZ 85719520-323-1212Natural Pools & Gardens2143 North Country Suite C,Tucson, AZ 85716520-323-2627Sea of Green Hydroponics815 W. university Drive, Suite 110,Tempe, AZ 85281800-266-4136Sea of Green West2340 W. Bell Road, Suite 116,Phoenix, AZ 85023602-504-8842Sea of Green Hydroponics402 North 4th Avenue,Tucson, AZ 85705520-622-6344

ARKANSASFermentables3915 Crutcher Street,N. Little Rock, AR 72118501-758-6261Mickey’s Mercantile1303 Highway 65 South,Clinton, AR 72031501-412-0214Old Soul Organics and More1771 Crossover Road,Fayetteville, AR 72701479-444-6955

CALIFORNIA3rd Street Hydroponics636 3rd StreetOakland, CA 94607510-452-5521805 Hydroponics & Organics1785 e. Thousand Oaks BoulevardThousand Oaks, CA 91362805-494-1785 A+ Hydroponics & Organics1604 Babcock Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627949-642-7776A Fertile World (Eureka)65th Street, eureka, CA 95501707-444-0200

A Fertile World (Fortuna)610 7th Street,Fortuna, CA 95540707-725-0700 Abundant Hydroponics LLC1611 Shop Street, #1-A,South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150530-54 HyDROAdvanced Garden Supply2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard,Building C, unit 9,S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150530-541-4769 Advanced Garden Supply3113 Alhambra Drive, unit F,Cameron Park, CA 95682,530-676-2100Advanced Hydroponics17808 Sierra Highway,Canyon Country, CA 91351661-299-1603AG Natural403 Idaho Maryland Road,Grass Valley, CA 95945530-274 0990All Seasons Hydroponics17614 Chatsworth Street,Granada Hills, CA 91344818-368-4388Alternative Hydro3870 east, Colorado Boulevard,Pasadena, CA 91107888-50-HyDROAlways Sunny Hydroponics708 W. Swain RoadStockton, CA 95207209-473-9827All Ways Hydro2220 eastridge Ave. Suite CRiverside CA 92507888-HyDRO98 American Hydroponics286 South G Street,Arcata, CA 95521800-458-6543Anthony’s Garden & Lighting Supply30 Ridge Road, Suites 8 & 9Sutter Creek, CA 95685209-267-5416Anything Grows10607 W. River Street, Building 3 Suite C,Truckee, CA 96161530-582-0479Atlantis Garden Supply2851 A Whipple Road,union City, CA 94587510-487-8007Atwater Hydroponics3350 Glendale Boulevard,Los Angeles, CA 90039323-663-8881Auburn Organic4035 Grass Valley Highway,Auburn, CA 95602530-823-8900B & S Gardening Supplies590 Commerce Court,Manteca, CA 95336209-239-8648Bakersfield Hydroponics2408 Brundage Lane, Suite BBakersfield, CA 93304661-323-7333Bare Roots Hydroponics1615 east Cypress, #5Redding, CA 96002530-244-2215Beginning HydroponicsPO Box 1232,Corona, CA 92787951-735-4446Berkeley Indoor Garden844 university AvenueBerkeley, CA 94710510-549-2918

Berkeley’s Secret Garden921 university Avenue,Berkeley, CA 94710510-486-0117 Best Coast Growers4417 Glacier Avenue Suite C,San Diego, CA 92120800-827-1876 Best Yield Garden Supply3503 West Temple Avenue, unit A,Pomona, CA 91768909-839-0505Better Choice Hydroponics610 S. Washington Street,Senora, CA 95370209 533 2400Better Grow Hydro Pasadena1271 e. Colorado Boulevard,Pasedena, CA 91106626 737 6612 Better Grow Hydro Los Angeles5554 Bandini Boulevard,Bell, CA 91106323-510-2700; 877 640 GROW Brentwood Hydroponics & Organics560 Valdry Ct #85Brentwood, CA 94513925-634-6704 BWGS West2247 North Plaza DriveVisalia, CA 93291888-316-1306California Hydro Garden1043 South Glendora Avenue, Suite AWest Covina, CA 91790626-813-0868California Hydroponics310 Coral Street, Suite CSanta Cruz, CA 95060831-423-4769Central Coast Hydrogarden1951 Santa Barbara Street,San Luis Obispo, CA 93401805-544-GROWCitrus Heights Hydrogarden8043 Greenback LaneCitrus Heights, CA 95610916-728-4769City Farm Hydroponics8903 Laurel Canyon Boulevard,Sun Valley, CA 91352818-767-2076City Farmer’s Nursery4832 Home Avenue,San Diego, CA 92105619-284-6358Clover Hydroponics & Garden Supply43 Soda Bay Road,Lakeport, CA 95453707-263-4000CNG Garden Supplies22 Ricknbacker Circle,Livermore, CA 94551209-836-5550 Coca’s Central Valley Hydroponics116 West Orangeburg Avenue,Modesto, CA 95350209-567-0590Concord Indoor Garden2771 Clayton Road,Concord, CA 94519925-671-2520Conejo Hydroponics3481 Old Conejo Road #106Newbury Park, CA 91320805-480-9596Conrad Hydroponics Inc.14915 unit e, Olympic Drive,Clearlake, CA 95422707-994 3264

MAXIMUM YIELDdistributors


Constantly Growing6200 enterprise Drive, Suite ADiamond Springs, CA 95619530-642-9710Constantly Growing4343 Hazel Avenue,Fair Oaks, CA 95628916-962-0043Constantly Growing - Davis123 D StreetDavis, CA 95616530-756-4774D&S Garden Supplies17-130 Doolittle DriveSan Leandro, CA 94577510-430-8589Dazey’s Supply3082 Redwood Drive,Redway, CA 95560707-923-3002Direct Hydroponics Wholesale14228 Alberts Way,Chino, CA 91710909-606-5885Dirt Cheap Hydroponics17975 H Highway 1,Fort Bragg, CA 95437707-964-4211Discount Hydroponics4745 Hiers Avenue,Riverside, CA 92505877-476-9487 Dr. Greenthumbs Hydroponic Garden Supplies566 San Ramon Valley Blvd.Danville, CA 94526925-314-9376Eel River Hydroponics & Soil Supply164 Dinsmore Drive,Fortuna, CA 95540707-726-0395 El Centro Hydro & Brew Supply Inc.591 main Street, Suite N-2el Centro, CA 92243760-235-4985Elite Horticulture Supply22330 Sherman Way, C13,Canoga Park, CA 91303818-347-5172Emerald Garden8249 Archibald Avenue,Ranch Cucamanga, CA 91730909-466-3796Emerald Garden13325 South Highway 101,Hopland, CA 95482707-744-8300Emerald Garden307 east Perkins Street,ukiah, CA 95482707-463-2510Endless Green Hydroponics25 enterprise Court, Suite 3Napa, CA 94558707-254-0200 Evergreen Hydroponics923 N. Central Avenue, Suite B,upland, CA 91786909-946-7100Everything Green Hydroponics915 Texas Street,Fairfield, CA 94533707-432-0774Everything Green448 Georgia Street,Vallejo, CA 94590707-647-0774Extreme Hydroponics11479 San Fernando Road C,San Fernando, CA 91340818-898-0915EZ Green Hydroponics7017 Reseda Boulevard,Reseda, CA 91335818-776-9076Farm Hydroponics, The1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3,S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150530-541-3276

Foothill Hydroponics10705 Burbank Boulevard,N. Hollywood, CA 91601818-760-0688 Foothills Hydrogarden3133 Penryn Road,Penryn, CA 95663916-270-2413Full Sun Supply3535 Industrial Drive, unit B-3Santa Rosa, CA 95403877-FuLL-SuNFunny Farms Hydroponics963 Transport Way, #12Petaluma, CA 94954707-775-3111 G & G Organics and Hydroponics901 W. Victoria Street unit D,Compton, CA 90220310-632-0122Garden Connection, The 2145 Park Avenue, unit 2Chico, CA 95928530-342-7762Garden Depot, The203 Commerce Street, Suite 101Lodi, CA 95240209-339-9950Garden Highway Garden Supply598 Garden Highway #22yuba City, CA 95991530-755-2877Garden Shed, The1136 el Camino RealSan Carlos, CA650-508-8600Garden Spout, The44800 Highway 101,Laytonville, CA 95454707-984-7260Garden Spout, The630 S. Main Street,Willits, CA 95490707-456-0196Garden Warehouse6355 Scarlet Court, #2,Dublin, CA 94568925-556-3319Gardening Unlimited60 Old el Pueblo Road,Scotts Valley, CA 95066831-457-1236Go Big Hydroponics4501 Van Nuys Boulevard,Sherman Oaks, CA 91403818-789-3341Go Green Hydroponics15721 Ventura Boulevard,encino, CA 91436818-990-1198Golden Gecko Garden Center, The4665 Marshall Road,Garden Valley, CA 95633530-333-2394Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48,Stockton, CA 95210209-951-3550Gonzo Grow2550 Guerneville Road, Suite C,Santa Rosa, CA 95401707-546-1800 Gottagrow Garden Supply769 Wilson Street,Santa Rosa, CA 95404707-544-7782Grass Roots Hydroponics31875 Corydon, Suite 130Lake elsinore, CA 92530951-245-2390 Grass Valley Hydrogarden12506 Loma Rica Drive,Grass Valley, CA 95945530-477-2996Green Acres Hydroponics1215 Striker Avenue, Suite 180,Sacramento, CA 95834916-419-4394

Green Coast Hydroponics3560 State Street,Santa Barbara, CA 93105805-898-9922 Green Coast Hydroponics2405 Mira Mar Avenue,Long Beach, CA 90815562-627-5636 Green Coast Hydroponics496 Meats AvenueOrange, CA 92865714-974-4769 Green Coast Hydroponics11510 Whittier BoulevardWhittier, CA 90601562-699-4201 Green Door Hydro and Solar830 Traction Avenue,Los Angeles, CA 90013212-625-1323Greenfire Sacramento3230 Auburn Boulevard,Sacramento, CA 95821916-485-8023Green Gopher Garden Supply679 Redwood Avenue, Suite A,Sand City, CA 93955831-899-0203Green Joint Ventures61 Tarp Circle,Salinas, CA 93901831-998-8628 Green Lady Hydroponics4879 Newport Avenue,San Diego, CA 92107619-222-5011GreenLeaf Hydroponics2212 Artesia Boulevard,Redondo Beach, CA 90278310-374-2585 Green Light Hydroponics2615 Honolula Ave.Montrose, CA 91020818-640-2623 Green Logic Garden Supply860 Piner Road, #38,Santa Rosa, CA 95403707-843-3156 Greenmile Hydroponic Garden Supply1480 South e. Street, Suite D,San Bernardino, CA 92408909-885-5919Green Thumb Hydroponics35 Quinta Court, Suite B,Sacramento, CA 95823916-689-6464Green Thumb Lighting & Garden1647 W. Sepulveda Boulevard, unit 5,Torrance, CA 90501888-326-GROWGreentrees Hydroponics Inc.2581 Pioneer Avenue, unit DVista, CA 92081760-598-7551GreenWay Hydroponics11510 Whittier Boulevard,Whittier, CA 90601562-699-4201Grodan Inc.5152 Commerce Avenue,Moorpark, CA 93021541-646-8245 Gro More Garden Supply2937 Larkin Avenue,Clovis, CA 93021541-646-8245 Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego1591 N. Cuyamaca Street,el Cajon, CA 93612619-749-6777Growers Choice Hydroponics1100 Carver Road,Modesto, CA 95350209-522-2727Growers Choice Hydroponics16754 east 14th Street,San Leandro, CA 94578510-278-6200


Grow It Yourself Gardens401 Sunset Drive, Suite L,Antioch, CA 94509925-755-GROWGrow Light Express5318 east Second Street suite 164,Long Beach, CA 90803888-318-GROWGrow Your Own3401 Traval Street,San Francisco, CA 94116415-731-2115 Grow Zone718 Willow Rd. Menlo Park CA 94025650-326-4769Grunder Family Organics & Hydroponics12321 Magnolia Avenue, Suite C,Riverside, CA 92503877-468-7974H20 Gardening355 West 7th Street,San Pedro, CA 90731310-514-1416Hahn’s Lighting260 e. VA Suite 1,San Jose, CA 95112408-295-1755Harvest Hydroponics6650 Merchandise Way Suite B,Diamond Springs, CA 95619530-622-5190High Desert Hydroponics13631 Pawnee Road, #7Apple Valley, CA 92308760-247-2090High Street Hydro180 Cleveland Avenue,Auburn, CA 95603530-885-5888Hi-Tech Gardening5327 Jacuzzi Street, #282,Richmond, CA 94804510-524-4710Hollywood Hydroponics and Organics5109 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard,Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105323-662-1908Home Life Hydroponics and Organics1745 east Vista Way,Vista, CA 92084760-643-2150 Hooked Up Hydroponics339 S. Golden State Boulevard,Turlock, CA 95380209-668-1300House of Hydro224 Weller Street, #B,Petaluma, CA 94952707-762-4769Humboldt Electronics2547 California Street,eureka, CA 95501707-443-9408Humboldt Hydroponics1302 union Street,eureka, CA 95501707-443-4304 Humboldt Hydroponics2174 Pine Street,Redding, CA 96001530-241-7454Humboldt Hydroponics601 I Street,Arcata, CA 95521707-822-3377Humboldt Hydroponics2010 Tunnel Road,Redway, CA 95560707-923-1402Humboldt Nutrients65th Street,eureka, CA 95501888-420-7770

Hydroasis2643 S. Fairfax Avenue,Los Angeles, CA 90232888-355-4769Hydrobrew1319 South Coast Highway,Oceanside, CA 92054760-966-1885; 877-966-GROWHydro Depot5665 Redwood Drive, #B,Rohnert Park, CA 94928707-584-2384Hydrogarden Delight13762 Doolittle Drive,San Leandro, CA 94577510-903-1808Hydrogarden Mendocino County1240 North Main Street,Fort Bragg, CA 95437707-962-9252Hydro King105 Hartnell Avenue, Suite C and D,Redding, CA 96002888-822-8941Hydro King2540 South Whitman Place,Chico, CA 959282530-893-GROW (4769)Hydro-Logic Purification Systems2825 Mattison Lane,Suite 103,Santa Cruz, CA 95065888 H2O LOGIC HydroPacific - Hydroponics & Garden Supplies351 C Hastings Av.,ukiah, CA 95482707-467-0400 Hydroponic Connection Warehouse, The1995 evans Avenue,San Francisco, CA 94124415-824-9376Hydroponics 4 Less41669 Winchester Avenue,Temecula, CA 92590800-A1-HyDROHydroponics Plus2250 Commerce Avenue, Suite CConcord, CA 94520925-691-7615Hydroponics Unlimited.com2728 e. PalmdaleBoulevard #121Palmdale, CA 93550661-266-3906 Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics1307 W. Sixth Street, #211,Corona, CA 92882951-479-8069Igrow Hydro2280 Veatch Street,Oroville, CA 95965530-534-4476Igrow Hydro9000 Atkinson Street,Roseville, CA 95678916-773-4476Inland Empire Hydrogarden1301-C South State Street,San Jancinto, CA 92853886-72-HyDROInland Empire Hydrogarden28822 Old Town Front St. #206Temecula, CA 92590886-74-HyDROInnovative Growing Solutions (IGS)7922-B Miramar Road,San Diego, CA 92126858-578-IGS7Kaweah Grower Supply1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Way,Visalia, CA 93293559-625-4937

Kern Hydroponics2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B,Bakersfield, CA 93304661-323-7333LAX Hydro10912 S. La Cienaga Boulevard,Los Angeles, CA 90045310-337-6995Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More14626 east Whittier Boulevard,Whittier, CA 90605562-945-0909Let it Grow1228 2nd Street,Crescent City, CA 95531707-464-9086Let it Grow160 Westwood Center,Arcata, CA 95521707-822-8733Liquid Gardens21752 Devonshire Street,Chatsworth, CA 91311818-718-7624Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics1772 Clark Avenue,Long Beach, CA 90815562-498-9525 Lumatek Digital Ballasts33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite BNovato, CA 94949415-233-4273M&M Garden Supply2509 West Lane, Suite BStockton, CA 95205209-939-0664M&M Garden Supply22540 D Foothill Boulevard, 2509 Westlane Suite BStockton, CA 95205Marin Hydroponics1219 Grant Avenue,Novato, CA 94945415-897-2197Medicine Man Farms1602 53rd Avenue,Oakland, CA 94601707-980-0456Mendocino Garden ShopPO Box 1301, 44720 Maint Street (at Hwy. 1),Mendocino, CA 95460707-937-3459Mendocino Greenhouse & Garden Supply900 east School Way,Redwood Valley, CA 95470707-485-0668Merced Hydroponics1809 east 21st Street,Merced, CA 95340209-726-4769M.G.S.22540 D Foothill Boulevard,Hayward, CA 94541510-582-0900Mighty Garden Supply4780 Mission Gorge Pl. #A-1,San Diego, CA 92120619-287-3238 Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply224B Reindollar Avenue,Marina, CA 93933831-38-HyDROMonterey Bay Hydroponics and Organics81 Hangar Way, #1,Watsonville, CA 95076831-761-9999Myron L Company2450 Impala Drive,Carlsband, CA 9210-7226760-438-2021Mystic Gardens8484 Florin Road, #110,Sacramento, CA 95828916-381-2464



National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply1950 C South Grove Avenue,Ontario, CA 91761888-888-3319Nature’s Secret Garden and Supply41469 Albrae Street,Fremont, CA 94577510-623-8393New Leaf Hydro34150 123rd Street,Parablossom, CA 93553 661-944-2226NorCal CreationsPO Box 28,Cedar Ridge, CA 95924Nor Cal Hydroponics4837 Geary Boulevard,San Francisco, CA 94118 415-933-8262Northcoast Horticulture Supply60 West 4th Street,eureka, CA 95501707-444-9999Northcoast Horticulture Supply357 Main Street,Fortuna, CA 95540707-725-5550Northcoast Horticulture Supply1070 Highway 101,Crescent City, CA 95531707-464-1200Northcoast Hydrogardens3450 North State Street,ukiah, CA 95482707-462-7214No Stress Hydroponics7543 Santa Monica Boulevard,West Hollywood, CA 90046323-845-9874One Stop Hydroponics12822 Victory BoulevardNorth Hollywood, CA 91606818-980-5855Oracle Garden Supply5755 Oberlin Drive, Suite 100San Diego, CA 92121858-558-6006Orange County Hydroponics12687 Beach Boulevard, unit H,Stanton, CA 90680714-893-9493Organic Bountea1919 Dennis Lane,Santa Rosa, CA 95403800-798-0765Orsa Organix111 Willow Street,Redwood City, CA 94063650-369-1269Pacific Beach Hydroponics1852 Garnet Avenue,San Diego, CA 92109858-274-2559Pacific Coast Hydroponics4147 Sepulveda Boulevard,Culver City, CA 90230310-313-1354Pacific Garden Supply128 H Carlos Drive,San Rafael, CA 94903Palmdale Hydroponics2728 east PalmdaleBoulevard Suite 108,Palmdale, CA 93550661-266-9908Palm Springs Hydroponics4651 Ramon Road,Palm Springs, CA 92264760-327-ROOT Plant It Earth2279 Market Street,San Francisco, CA 94114415-626-5082Plant Life32 Race Street,San Jose, CA 95126408-283-9191Plant-N-Grow1602 53rd Avenue,Oakland, CA 94601707-980-0456

Precision Hydroponics132 Kennedy Avenue,Campbell, CA 95008408-866-8176Pro Gardening Systems3715 Santa Rosa Avenue #2,Santa Rosa, CA 95407707-585-8633 Pro Gardening Systems4936 Highway 12,Santa Rosa, CA 95472707-538-8402 Pro Gardening Systems765 Petaluma Avenue,Sebastopol, CA 95472707-829-7252 Redway Feed Garden and Pet Supply290 Briceland Road,Redway, CA 95560707-923-2765Redwood Garden Supply55 Myers Avenue,Myers Flat, CA 95554707-943-1515Reforestation Technologies International1341 Daton Street, units G&ISalinas, CA 93901831-424-1494; 800-RTI-GROW RH Distribution1751 S. Pointe AvenueOntario, CA 91761888-545-8112 Roots Grow Supply1330 North Hulbert, #101Fresno, CA 93728559-840-0122 Sac Hydroponics9529 Folson Boulevard, Suite CSacramento, CA 95827916-369-7968San Diego Hydroponics East County11649 Riverside Drive,Suite 141,Lakeside, CA 92040619-562-3276 San Diego Hydroponics Beach Cities4122 Napier Street,San Diego, CA 92110619-276-0657San Diego Hydroponics North802 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road #108San Marcos, CA 92069760-510-1444 San Francisco Hydro123 Tenth Street,San Francisco, CA 94103Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - West Side815 Almar Avenue, unit K,Santa Cruz, CA 95060831-466-9000Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - East Side4000 Cordelia LaneSoquel, CA 95073831-475-9900Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - North6241 Graham Hill Road,Felton, CA 95018831-335-9990Santee Hydroponics7973A Mission Gorge Road,Santee, CA 92071619-270-8649 SB Hydro1109 W. 190th Street, unit #F,Gardena, CA 90248310-538-5788Seaside Hydrogarden1070 Highway 101 North,Crescent City, CA 95531707-465-3520Shadow Valley Aquatics75 Kimick Way,Red Bluff, CA 96080530-526-0479Skywide Import & Export Ltd.5900 Lemon Hill Avenue,Sacramento, CA 95824916-383-2369

Socal Hydroponics1727-B Oceanside Boulevard,Oceanside, CA 92054760-439-1084South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View569 east evelyn Avenue,Mountain View, CA 94041650-968-4070South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose1185 South Bascom Avenue,San Jose, CA 95128408-292-4040South County Hydroponics22511 Aspan Street, Suite eLake Forest, CA 92630949-837-8252South Valley Hydroponics320 Kishimura Drive, #3Gilroy, CA 950201-866-848-GROW Sparetime Supply208 e. San Francisco Avenue,Willits, CA 95490-4006707-459-6791Specialty Garden Center1970 east Vista Way, Suite 10,Vista, CA 92084760-758-4769 Stop N Grow340 Pine Avenue,Goleta, CA 93003805-685-3000 Stop N Grow4160 Market Street, unit 11Ventura, CA 93003805-639-9489 Stop N Grow640 S. Frontage Road,Nipomo, CA 93444805-619-5125 Sun-In Hydroponics1257A Cleveland Avenue,Santa Rosa, CA 95401707-578-5747Sunland Hydroponics8300 Foothill Boulevard,Sunland, CA 91040818-352-5300Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply850 Shasta Avenue, Suite BMorro Bay, CA 93442805-772-5869Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply3850 Ramada Drive, unit D2Paso Robles, CA 93446805-434-2333Super StartsPO Box 732,Bellmont, CA 94002650-346-8009 Surf City Hydroponics7319 Warner Street, Suite BHuntington Beach, CA 92647714-847-7900Sweet Leaf Hydroponics1611 Sebastobol Road,Santa Rosa, CA 95407707-575-GROW (4237)Sylvandale Gardens1151 evergreen Road,Redway, CA 95560707-923-3606Tahoe Garden Supply645 Westlake Boulevard, Suite 2, PO Box 487Tahoe City, CA 96145530-581-3200Tell 2 Friends Indoor Gardening62 Sutherland Drive,Auburn, CA 95603530-889-8171The Green Shop66420 Mooney Boulevard, Suite 1Visalia, CA 93277559-688-4200The Hydro Source671 e. edna PlaceCovina, CA 91723877 HyDRO 82; 626-915-3128


The Hydro Shop3980 Saco RoadBakersfield, CA661-399-3336 The Shop6542 Front Street,Forestville, CA 95436707-887-2280The Urban Farmer Store653 e. Blithedale Avenue,Mill Valley, CA 94941415-380-3840The Urban Farmer Store2833 Vicente Street,San Francisco, CA 94116415-661-2204The Urban Farmer Store2121 San Joaquin Street,Richmond, CA 94804510-524-1604Thrive Hydroponics70 A West North Street,Healdsburg, CA 95446707-433-4068Thunders Hydroponic Center1729 yosemite Boulevard,Medesco, CA 95354TNC Supply9490 Main Street, P.O. Box 763upper Lake, CA 95485707-275-9565Tower Garden Supply & Organic Nursery403 W. Olive Avenue,Fresno, CA 93728559-495-1140Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies1235 Striker Avenue #180,Sacramento, CA 95834888-557-8896Tulare County Growers Supply435 W. Noble Avenue, unit A,Farmersville, CA 93223559-732-8247 Turbo Grow1889 San Pablo Avenue,Pinole, CA 94564510-724-1291Two Chix Garden Supply1230 yuba Street,Marysville, CA 95901530-923-2536Under The Sun12638 Foothill Boulevard,Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423707-998-GROW (4769)Urban Gardens22516 Ventura Boulevard,Woodland Hills, CA 91364818-876-0222Urban Gardens Unlimited704 Filbert Street,San Francisco, CA 94133415-421-4769US Orchid & Hydroponic Supplies1621 South Rose Avenue,Oxnard, CA 93033805-247-0086Valley Garden Solutions Inc.15650 Nordhoff Avenue, Suite 104,North Hills, CA 91345818-336-0041Vital Landscaping Inc.12817 Loma Rica Drive,Grass Valley, CA 95945530-273-3187 Wai Kula Hydrogardens5297 Linda Vista Road,San Diego, CA 92110619-299-7299Weather Top Nursery44901 Harmon Drive,Laytonville, CA 95454707-984-6385

We Grow Hydroponics3350 east Los Angeles Avenue,Simi Valley, CA 93063805-624-4566 West Coast Growers Hydroponics13481 Colifax Highway,Grass Valley, CA 95945888-924-4769West Coast Hydroponics, Inc.27665 Forbes Road, unit 10Laguna Niguel, CA 92677949-348-2424Western Auto1156 Main Street,Fortuna, CA 95540707-725-1189

COLORADOBath Nursery & Garden Center2000 e. Prospect,Fort Collins, CO 80525970-484-5022Big Tomato, The14440 e. 6th Avenue,Aurora, CO 80011303-364-4769 Big Tomato, The3000 Main Avenue,Durango, CO 81301970-375-1238 Boulder County CaregiversPO Box 7406,Golden, CO 80403303-495-2195Boulder Hydroponics1630 N. 63rd Street, #5,Boulder, CO 80301303-415-0045Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics7777 W. 38th Avenue, #A120A, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033303-954-9897 Denver Hydroponic & Organic Center6810 North Broadway, unit DDenver, CO 80221303-650-0091Desert Bloom Hydroponics445 Pitkin Avenue,Grand Junction, CO 81501970-245-6427Ever Green Hydroponics Inc.1131 Francis Street, Suite A,Longmont, CO 80501303-682-6435Garden Tech737 Garden of the Gods Road,Colorado Springs, CO 80907719-278-9777Go Green Hydro1005 Caprice Drive,Castle Rock, CO 80109303-688-0599Greenhouse Tech917 east Fillmore,Colorado Springs, CO 80907719-634-0637GroWize3225 S. Wadsworth Boulevard,Lakewood, CO 80227303-986-2706Grow Store South, The5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37,englewood, CO 80110303-738-0202Grow Store, The8644 W. Colfax Avenue,Lakewood, CO 80215888-510-0350GWS Hydroponics7025 Highway 82 Building 4B,Glenwood Springs, CO 81601970-384-2040

Head Start Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Emporium34500 uS Highway 6, unit B-9,North edwards, CO 81632970-569-3139Hydro Grow Supply644 Peterson Road,Colorado Springs, CO 80915719-596-2600Hydro Planet711 Washington Avenue,Golden, CO 80401303-279-6090Hydro Shack, The220 Main Street, Suite eFrisco, CO 80443970-668-0359 Indoor Garden Warehouse8100 S Akron St., Suite 322,Centennial, CO 80112720-496-2110Indoor Paradise Hydroponics309 S. Summit View, unit 17,Fort Collins, CO 80524-1462970-221-3751Lyons Indoor Gardening138 Main Street,Lyons, CO 80540720-530-3828Mile High Hydroponics37 Strong St. Brighton, CO 80601303 637 0069Olympic Hydroponics Supply LLC.1530 S Nevada Avenue,Colorado Springs, CO 80906719-635-5859Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics15985 S. Golden RoadGolden, CO 80401720-475-1725Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics7100 N. Broadway, Suite 3DDenver, CO 80221303-428-5020Way To Grow3201 e. Mulberry Street,Fort Collins, CO 80524970-484-4769Way To Grow6395 Gunpark Drive,Boulder, CO 80301303-473-4769

CONNECTICUTHarvest Moon Hydroponics775 Silver Lane,east Hartford, CT 06118860-568-4067LiquidSun® CT10C South Main Street,east Windsor, CT 06088860-254-5757Organix Hydroponics749 Saybrook Road, (Tradewinds Plaza)Middletown, CT 06457860-343-1923

FLORIDA3D Hydroponics and Organics7139 uS Highway #19,New Port Richey, FL 34652727-847-3491Advanced Hydro Gardens4960 NW 165 Street, Suite B-4,Miami, FL 33014866-97-HyDROAtlantic Hydroponics430 Count Street,Melbourne, FL 32901321-821-1535Best Hydro4920 Lena Road,Bradenton, FL 34211941-756-1928



Blossoms Experience, The7207 NW 54th Street,Miami, FL 33166866-452-4769Cultivating Eden Hydroponic Supplies946 18th Avenue SW,Vero Beach, FL 32962772-564-8880East Coast Hydroponics & Organics461 Forrest Avenue, Suite 105Coca, FL 32922321-243-6800 Eden Garden Supply5044 N. Palafox Street,Pensacola, FL 32505850-439-1299Esposito Garden Center2743 Capital Circle Ne,Tallahassee, FL 32308850-386-2114Falero Hardware & Hydroponics6758 W. Flager Street,Miami, FL 33144305-266-8878Florida Garden Supplies2692 W 79 Street,Hialeah, FL 330161-800-931-5215 Florida Garden Supplies8020 Belvedere Road, unit 4, West Palm Beach,FL 33411561-333-1088 Future Farms Inc., The14291 SW 120th Street, Suite 105Miami, FL 33186305-382-2757Gardener’s Edge Gainesville5000 NW 34th Street, Suite 13,Gainesville, FL 32605352-375-2769Gold Coast Hydroponics1539 SW 21st Avenue,Fort Lauderdale, FL 333121-800-780-7371Gold Coast Hydroponics4241 SW 71st Avenue,Miami, FL 331551-800-780-6805Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center8877 North 56th StreetTampa, FL 33617813-514-9376Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies13482 North Cleveland Avenue,Fort Meyers, FL 33903239-997-4769GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc.5011 S State Road 7, Suite 104Davie, FL 33314954-316-8815Green Winters Inc.147 Tomoka Avenue,Ormond Beach, FL 32174386-235-8730Grower's Choice & Hydroponics11855 North Main Street,Jackonsonville, FL 32218904-683-4517 Growing Garden Inc., The12811 SW 42nd Street,Miami, FL 33175305-559-0309GrowSmart Indoor Garden Centers14587 Southern Boulevard,Loxahatchee, FL 33470561-429-3527Harvest Time Hydroponics14414 N. Florida Avenue,Tampa, FL 33613813-264-7101Healthy Gardens and Supply of Florida, Inc.196 east Nine Mile Road, Suite F,Pensacola, FL 32534850-912-4545High Tech Garden Supply2975 West New Haven Avenue,Melbourne, FL 32901321-821-0853

Hydro For Less9545 Southwest 72nd Street,Miami, FL 33173305-598-4311Hydroponics International Inc.7029-10 Commonwealth Avenue,Jacksonville, FL 32220904-693-6554Hydroponics of Tampa120 W. Bougain Villea,Tampa, FL 33612813-333-6828Hydro Terra Corp.924 North Federal Highway,Hollywood, FL 33020954-920-0889Palm Beach Hydroponics Supply, Inc.968 N. Congress Avenue,West Palm Beach, FL 33409561-296-6161Simply Hydroponics & Organics7949 ulmerton Road,Largo, FL 33773727-531-5355Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North)3642 South Suncoast Boulevard,Homosassa, FL 34448352-628-2655Stoney Hydro @ Schiro's Barn n Garden Supplies7812 Causeway Boulevard,Tampa, FL 33619813-626-0902Sunshine Hydroponics Garden Center1420 east Altomonte Drive,Altamonte Spring, FL 32701407-830-GROW Sunshine Hydroponics Garden Center5561 S. Orange Blossom Trail,Orlando, FL 32809407-859-7728 Sunshine Hydroponics Garden Center6100 Hanging Moss Road,Suite 500,Orlando, FL 32807888-833-GROW Urban Organics & Hydroponics5325 Fairmont Street,Jacksonville, FL 32207904-398-8012Worm’s Way Florida4412 North 56th Street,Tampa, FL 33610800-283-9676; 813-621-1792

GEORGIAAtlantis Hydroponics1422 Woodmont Lane, #4,Atlanta, GA 30318404-367-0052 Atlantis Hydroponics2561 West Point Avenue,College Park, GA 30337678-510-0032 Flora Hydroponics Inc.2475 Jefferson Road, Suite 600Athens, GA 30607866-404-0551Savannah Hydroponics & Organics4107 eighth Street, Suite CGarden City, GA 31408912-349-4030

HAWAIIAqua Plant Hawaii / Kahala Hydroponics4224 Wailae, Suite 1A,Honolulu, HI 96816808-735-8665Eco-Island Supply810 Haiku Road, #394Haiku, HI 96708808-575-9171Green Hands of Aloha1713 Mary Street,Honolulu, HI 96819808-847-4263Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply300 Hukilike Street, #2M,Kahalui, HI 96732808-871-6393

Pahoa Feed & Fertilizer15-2754 Old Government Road,Pahoa, HI 96778808-965-9955

IDAHOBoise Hydroponics614 North Orchard Street,Boise, ID 83706208-344-3053Greenthumb Greenhouses5895 ensign Avenue,Boise, ID 83714

ILLINOISAerostar Global824 South Kay Avenue,Addison, IL 60101Alternative Garden Supply615 Industrial Drive, unit ACary, IL 60013800-444-2837Big Grow Hydroponics9225 Trinity Drive,Lake In The Hills, IL 60156847-854-4450Brew and Grow359 W. Irving Park Road unit e,Roselle, IL 60172630-894-4885Brew and Grow3625 N. Kedzi Avenue,Chicago, IL 60618773-463-7430Brew and Grow3224 South Alpine Road,Rockford, IL 61109815-874-5700Brew and Grow2379 Bode Road, Schaumburg, IL 60440630-771-0555Brew and Grow181 Crossroads Parkway, Bolingbrook, IL 60194847-885-8282Fertile Ground463 West MacArthur Drive,Cottage Hills, IL 62018618-259-5500Goldman's Grow Show910 Greenwood Road,Glenview, IL 60025847-657-7250Green Fields8137 N. Milwaukee,Niles, IL 60714847-965-5056Grow Big Hydroponics7817 B North 2nd Street,Manchesney Park, IL 61115815-637-4769Hydrocork20647 Renwick Road,Crest Hill, IL 60435815-838-0100 Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center3427 Old Chatman Road,Springfield, IL 62704217-341-0821 Let it Grow - CarbondaleWest Main Street,Carbondale, IL 62908573-450-5401 Prairie House Garden Center15151 South Harlem Avenue,Orland, IL 60462708-687-3131Water Works Indoor Gardening1900 South Dirksen Parkway,Springfield, IL 62703217-553-6929

INDIANABWGS7854 North State Road 37,Bloomington, IN 47404800-316-1306


Five Point Gardens56555 Oak Road,South Bend, IN 46619574-287-9232 Frogs Lilly Pad, The706 Citation Road,Carmel, IN 46032317-846-4610Harvest Moon Hydroponics4200 S. east Street,Indianapolis, IN 46227317-780-8070Hops & Harvest4616 e. DuPont Road, Suite Q,Fort Wayne, IN 46825260-918-3035Magic Bulb Garden Center6229 Allisonville Road,Indianapolis, IN 46220317-202-2852Sunleaves Garden Products7854 North State Road 37,Bloomington, IN 47404888-464-9676Worm’s Way Indiana7850 North State Road 37,Bloomington, IN 47404800-598-8158

KANSASGreen Circle Hydroponics6890 W. 105th Street,Overland Park, KS 66212913-642-3888

KENTUCKYGarden Grove Organics29 east 7th Street,Covington, (Cincinnati Metro), Ky 41011859-360-1843Grow Shop, The of Lexington2320 Palumbo Drive, Suite 130,Lexington, Ky 40509859-268-0779Louisville Hydroponics3471 Taylor Boulevard,Louisville, Ky 40215502-366-4000New Earth Garden Center9810 Taylorsville Road,Louisville, Ky 40299800-462-5953Worm’s Way Kentucky1360 Donaldson Hwy. Suite A,erlanger, Ky 41018800-669-2088

LOUISIANAGeaux Hydroponics!2126 O’Neal Lane,Baton Rouge, LA 70816225-751-4769Laughing Buddha Nursery4516 Clearview Parkway,Metairie, LA 70006504-887-4336Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics201 Angus Drive,yungsville, LA 70592337-303-6146Urban Organics285 St. Claude Avenue,New Orleans, LA 70117504-352-4709

MAINEGreen Thumb Indoor Gardening19 Stage Road,St. Albans, Me 04971207-938-5909Urban Garden Center235 Lewiston Road,Toposhan, Me 04086207-373-0990

MARYLANDEast Coast Organics2800 Sisson Street,Baltimore, MD 21211Healthy Gardens and Supply5001-F Harford Road,Baltimore, MD 21214443-708-5144Maryland Hydroponics Inc.10051 North 2nd Street, Laurel, MD 20723301-490-9236Maryland Hydroponics Inc.12130 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD 20852240-551-4625Meadowview Feed & Garden Center1202 Meadowview Road,Pasadena, MD 21122443-817-0018Purple Mountain Organics100-7010 Westmoreland Avenue,Takoma Park, MD 20912877-538-9901

MASSACHUSETTSGreenlife Garden Supply481 Boston Road, unit 4,Billerica, MA 01821978-262-9966Green Path Garden Supply276 West Main Street,Northborough, MA 01532508-393-4181Harvest Moon Hydroponics29 Washington Street, Route 1Foxboro, MA 02035800-660-6977LiquidSun® MA8 Lynwood Avenue,Holyoke, MA 01040413-539-6875 New England Hydroponics15 D Coolege Hwy. (Rt. 10),Southampton, MA 01073888-529-9025 Worm’s Way Massachusetts121 Worc-Providence Turnpike,Sutton, MA 01590800-284-9676

MICHIGANBIg Creek Hydroponics555 Old Little Lake Road,Marquette, MI 49855906-249-5297Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The23529 Little Mack Avenue,St. Clair, MI 48080586-775-9485 Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The6540 Allen Road,Allen Park, MI 48101313-383-1766 Cultivation Station 3 Inc.46912 Gratiot,Chesterfield, MI 48051586-949-7453 Flo-N-Grow.214 N. 2nd Street,Niles, MI 49120269-683-1877Gro Blue Indoor Gardening Supplies270 W. Liberty Street,Ann Arbor, MI 48104734-913-2750Grow Store, The721 W. Blue Star Drive,Traverse City, MI 49684231-421-5191

Growco Garden Supply1042 Michigan Street, Ne,Grand Rapids, MI 49503877-939-6900 Growing Consultant2260 Apple Avenue,Muskegon, MI 49442231-773-5600Home Grown Hydroponics8075 Gratiot Road, unit C,Saginaw MI 48609989-781-1930Homelight Gardens3471 S. Huron Road,Bay City, MI 48706989-922-0088Horizen Hydroponics1614 Leonard Street, NW,Grand Rapids,MI 49504866-791-1664 Horizen Hydroponics4646 W. Main Street,Kalamazoo, MI 49006269-567-3333HotHydro®5245 Jackson Road, Suite FAnn Arbor, MI 48103734-761-5040; 877-893-0716Hydroharrys.com24500 Dequindre,Warren, MI 48091800-461-8819Hydro Heaven73647 W 8th Mile Road,Detroit, MI 48235313-861-0333; 877-823-2076Hydro Grow, The8210 Telegraph Road,Taylor, MI 48180313-633-0641Hydrospot34236 Michigan Avenue,Wayne, MI 48184734-722-1285 Indoor Garden Superstore2570 Dixie Highway,Waterford Twp., MI 48328248-673-2200; 877 22 HyDROJ&L Growco206 S. Michigan Avenue,Big Rapids, MI 49307231-796-1528Kalamazoo Indoor Garden450 W. Maple,Kalamazoo, MI 49001269-344-2550Light Green Water3661 Highland Road,Waterford, MI 48329248-681-0001 Stealth Hydro15 e. Cross Street, ypsilanti, MI 48198866-998-1916 Sunnyside Hydroponics24930 Gratiot Avenue,eastpoint, MI 48021586-777-2528Sunshine Supply Co.5800 east Pickard Street,Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858989-775-3700Superior Growers Supply19582 Middlebelt Road,Livonia, MI 48152248-473-0450 Superior Growers Supply4870 Dawn Avenue,east Lansing, MI 48823517-332-2663



Urban Gardening Center, The2520 22nd Street,Detroit, MI 48216313-898-0200 Van Hydro7480 N State,Davison, MI 48423810-653-8267Wild Child7740 M 72 east,Traverse City, MI 49690866-711-GROW

MINNESOTAAmerican Garden Supply601-6th Avenue, North,Princeton, MN 55371763-631-0543 Brew and Grow8179 university Avenue,Fridley, MN 55432612-780-8191Duluth Hydroponics26 W 1st StreetDuluth, MN 55802218-341-7253Eco Garden Supply800 Transfer Door 25 in rearSt. Paul, MN 55114651-647-1896Eden Indoor Organic Gardens831 Highway 75 NorthMoorhead, MN 56560218-477-eDeN (3336) Indoor Gardening10 Ne 3rd Street,Faribault, MN 55021507-209-1546 Interior Gardens115 -1620 Central Avenue Ne,Minneapolis, MN 55413800-498-4178; 612-870-9077Midwest Hydroponics3440 Belt Line Boulevard, Suite A, Minneapolis,MN 55416888-449-2739 Still-H2O Inc.14375 North 60th Street,Stillwater, MN 55082651-351-2822

MISSISSIPPIIndoor Garden Shop LLC1310 Bienville Boulevard,Ocean Springs, MS 39564228-875-3725

MISSOURIDivine Hydroponics301 North Bishop Avenue,Rolla, MO 65401573-426-2348Grow Your Own Hydroponics3617 Saint John Avenue,Kansas City, MO 64123816-241-2122Green Circle Hydroponics12 east Missouri,Kansas City, MO 64106816-421-1840 Green Thumb Organics249 Mid Rivers Mall Drive,St. Peters, MO 63376636-397-4769 (GROW) Heartland Hydrogardens5695 e. Clark Lane, Suite L,Columbia, MO 65202573-474-GROW (4769) HYDROGARDENS

Let It Grow - Springfield2519 e. Kearney Street,Springfield, MO 65803417-862-GROW Let It Grow - Girardeau879 S. Kings Highway,Cape Girardeau, MO 63703573-803-0628 U-Grow1724 North, 13th Street,St. Louis, MO 63106314-452-6368

Worm’s Way Missouri1225 North Warson Road,St. Louis, MO 63132800-285-9676

MONTANAAlpengrow Nursery Supplies238 Highway 93 S.,eureka, MT 59917406-882-4496Bizzy Beez LLP5875 Highway 93 S,Whitefish, MT 59937406-863-9937Cornucopia Grow Your Own127 Stoner Creek Rd.,Lakeside, MT 59922406-709-1076Dr. Green Thumbs1106 West Park,Livingston, MO 59047406-222-7440Heightened Harvest2018 Main Street #4,Billings, MT 59105406-252-4311

NEBRASKAAdvanced Hydro-Ponics10711 Mockingbird Drive,Omaha, Ne 68127 (108th and L-Q)402-991-6630 Paradigm Gardens8949 J Street, Suite 5,Omaha, Ne 68127402-339-4949 Patio-Ponics3255 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 4Lincoln, Ne 68504402-466-9218

NEVADAAAA Indoor Organic Garden SuperCenter2101 S. Decatur Boulevard, #21,Las Vegas, NV 89102702-450-4769Advanced Gardens Hydroponics3111 South Valley View, (on Desert Inn West of Valley View) Suite V103Las Vegas, NV 89102702-257-4769 All American Hydroponics2675 east Patrick Lane, unit 8,Las Vegas, NV 89120702-894-9888Anything Grows190 West Moana Lane,Reno, NV 89509775-828-1460Carson Valley Hydroponics2520 empire Ranch Road,Carson City, NV 89701775-884-4769Lorraine Ink290 Spear Court,Fernley, NV 89408775-575-7757Nevada Hydroponics4700 B Maryland, Suite 1,Las Vegas, NV 89119702-798-2852

NEW HAMPSHIREHydro World17 White Birch Lane,Lincoln, NH 03251603-745-3030

NEW JERSEY77HYDRO37 Fairfield Place,West Caldwell, NJ 07006877-774-9376Claraqua4 Redwood Court,West Windsor, NJ 08550East Coast Horticultural Supply1652 Hurffville Road,Swewell, NJ 08080856-228-5290

Garden State Hydroponics511 Avenel Street,Avenel, NJ 07001888-300-8711Green Touch 2 Hydroponics Inc.888 Route 33, unit 1,Hamilton, NJ 08619609-570-8829 H Y D R O P O N I C S I N C .

greentouch2

NEW MEXICOAHL Year Round Garden Supply1051 San Mateo Blvd. Se,Albuquerque, NM 87108505-255-3677AHL Year Round Garden Supply9421 Coors Blvd. NW Suite K,Albuquerque, NM 87114 505-899-0592 Common Shaman1319 San Mateo N.e.,Albuquerque, NM 87110505-255-6463

NEW YORKBronx Hydro & Garden39 Bruckner Boulevard,Bronx, Ny 10454718-993-3787California Hydroponics27 Corporate Circle,east Syracuse, Ny 13057315-432-9387East Coast Hydroponics14649 Horace Harding exp,Flushing, Ny 11367718-762-8880Environmental Gardens8 John Walsh Boulevard, Suite 310Peekskills, Ny 10566800-254-0507; 914-736-6676FutureGarden Inc.59 Central Avenue,Farmingdale, Ny 11735516-420-0884 Greentree Nursery308 elmira Road,Ithaca, Ny 14850607-272-3666Grow Room, The8 Bridge Street,Nyack, Ny 10960800-449-9630Harvest Moon HydroponicsHenrietta Townline Plaza, 3047 West Henrietta Road,Rochester, Ny 14623716-865-7353Harvest Moon Hydroponics340 West at 59,Central Nyack, Ny 10960Harvest Moon Hydroponics147 Fourth Street,Troy, Ny 10960Healthy Harvest Organics and Hydro163 Broadway,Fort edwart, Ny 12828518-480-4698Hudson Valley Hydroponics217 Route 32 North,New Paltz, Ny 12561845-255-3633Hydro Garden Center1069B Lyell Avenue,Rochester, Ny 146061-800-277-1322Hydroponics of Buffalo1497 Hertel Avenue,Buffalo, Ny 14216716-838-3545Hydroponics Shops of America2606 erie Boulevard,Syracuse, Ny 13224315-251-2516Indoor Outdoor Gardener8223 5th Avenue,Brooklyn, Ny 11209718-836-2402KG Garden Supply1327 Floyd Avenue,Rome, Ny 134401-877-KG-HyDRO


Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply19 Front Street,Ballston Spa, Ny 12020518-885-2005; 800-850-4769Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics2045 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Suite 13,Niagara Falls, Ny 14304888-GROWBOXSunset Hydroponics & Home Brewing1590 West Ridge Road,Rochester, Ny 14615866-395-9204

NORTH CAROLINABe Well Hydroponics & Urban Gardening4732 Monroe Road,Charlotte, NC 28205704-344-8010BWGS East4045 Perimeter West Drive, Suite 400Charlotte, NC 28214800-316-1306Fifth Season Gardening Company21 B Westside Dr. Asheville NC 28806828-225-5007 Fifth Season Gardening Company45 Banks Avenue,Asheville, NC 28801828-253-4112Fifth Season Gardening Company106 South Greensboro Street,Carrboro, NC 27510919-932-7600Fifth Season Gardening Company1616 D-3 Battleground Avenue,Greensboro, NC 27408336-271-3373Fifth Season Gardening Company5619-A Hillsborough Street,Raleigh, NC 27606919-852-4747Flow & Grow Hydroponics & Organic Garden Center4521 Cumberland Road,Fayetteville, NC 28306910-423-FLOW (3569)High Tech Garden Supply2712 B Freedom DriveCharlotte, NC 28208704-697-0911New Age Gardens2236A uS Highway 70,Swannanoa, NC 28778828-299-9989Progressive Gardens6005 Oleander Drive,Wilmington, NC 28403910-395-1156The Family Tree Nursery & Garden Center6033 Ocean Highway e.,(on mile marker 35)Winnabow, OH 28479910-253-9200

OHIOAdvanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center5204 Darrow Road,Hudson, OH 44236234-380-1287Akron Garden Center434 W Wilbeth Road,Akron, OH 44314330-724-2700Cleveland Garden Center Inc.727 east 185th Street,Cleveland, OH 44119216-481-7868CropKing134 West Drive,Lodi, OH 44254330-302-4203Carefree Garden Center134 West Drive,Lodi, OH 44254330-302-4203

Dayton Hydroponics3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, West Carrolton, OH 45449937-859-3999Garden Indoors of Ohio4720 Indianola Avenue,Columbus, OH 43214800-833-6868Greenleaf Hydroponics1805 elm Road,Warren, OH 44483330-372-1039Harvest Moon9215 Market Street,youngstown (North Lima), OH 44452800-776-8399Garden Grove Organics29 east 7th Street,Covington, (Cincinnati Metro), Ky 41011859-360-1843Grow Wizard, The5700 Denison Avenue,Cleveland, OH 44102216-961-2500Herb-N-Garden Center14901 Puritas Avenue,Cleveland, OH 44135216-252-2001Indoor Garden Worx906 Blue Avenue,Zanesville, OH 43701866-900-9679Indoor Gardens1222 Hill Road, North,Pickerington, OH 43147614-866-6065Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic10740 Reading Road,Cincinnati, OH 45241513-769-0159Magic Home Gardens209 Cemetery Road,Canal Winchester, OH 43110614-837-2440Magic Home Garden4538 Indianola Avenue,Columbus, OH 43214614-263-2440Summit Hydroponics1030 Kenmore Boulevard Akron, OH 44314-2114330-753-5222Sweet Greens5540 Brecksville RoadIndependence, OH 44131800-421-7084Super Harvest5956 A Colerain Avenue,Cincinnati, OH 45239513-385-5999Toledo Hydroponics Ltd.855 S. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 2Toledo, OH 436151-877-893-0716Trinity Hydro Organics435 Woodman DriveRiverside, OH 45431937-252-GROW Urban Gardens671 e. Center StreetMarion, OH 43302740-375-2800 Worm’s Way - Greater Cincinatti / N. Kentucky1360 Donaldson Road(Route 236), Suite A,erlanger, Ky 41018800-669-2088

OKLAHOMAAAAAHA! Hydroponics Unlimited P.O. Box 74,Oakhurst, OK 74050

Organics OKC Garden Supply3620 N Pennsylvania Avenue,Oklahoma City, OK 73118405-528-GROWTulsa County Hydro-Organics1928 W. Albany,Broken Arrow, OK 74012918-259-HyDROUrban Garden3141 e. 15th Street,Tulsa, OK 74104918-289-0018

OREGONAmerican Agriculture9220 Southeast Stark Street,Portland, OR 97216800-433-6805Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply93779 B Troy Lane,Coos Bay, OR 97420541-266-8822Aqua Serene2836 W. 11th Avenue,eugene, OR 97402541-302-9073 Aqua Serene465 Applegate Way,Ashland, OR 97520541-482-7600 Aurora InnovationsPO Box 22041,eugene, OR 97402866-376-8578 Basin Indoor Gardening1221 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601541-273-2023B.I.G.S.155 SW Century Drive, Suite 401,Bend, OR 97702541-385-5222BIGS Warehouse2606 SW 4th Street, unit BRedmond, OR 97756541-504-8886Cascade Horticulture39570 Pioneer Boulevard,Sandy, OR 97055503-668-8242Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics5490 SW Philomath Boulevard,Corvallis, OR 97333541-738-2820Everybody’s Garden Center2701 Se 14th Avenue,Portland, OR 97202800-669-5483Forever Green Organic Hydro Gardens7530 Crater Lake Highway,White City, OR 97503541-826-2946Garden Spout, The4532 South east 63rd Avenue,Portland, OR 97206503-788-4769Gorge Garden Center1203 12th Street Suite H,Hood River, OR 97031541-386-GROWGorilla Garden Supply1810 Virginia Avenue,North Bend, OR 97459541-756-5005 Garden Supplies

Green Thumb Hydrogarden and Organic Supply2021 West Main Street,Medford, OR 97501541-779-8600Grow America Garden Supply LLC11511 SW Pacific Highway,Tigard, OR 97223503-841-6868Growing Crazy (Hooked On Hydroponics)817 W. 2nd Street,Medford, OR 97501



H2organic LCC620 Ne 3rd Street,McMinnville, OR 97128503-434-6107Herb N’ Jungle Hydroponics930 Se Textron Drive,Bend, OR 97702541-382-4010Homegrown Garden Supply7112 Ne Gilsan Street,Portland, OR 97213877-eZ2-GROWIn and Out Gardens1574 Skypark DriveMedford, OR 97501541-858-3333 Indoor Garden Center1697 Se 25th Street,Salem, OR 97302503-566-7888Indoor Garden Depot15828 Se McGloughlin Boulevard,Milwaukie, OR 97267503-786-2445 Indoor Garden Supply536 SW 6th Street (rear alley),Redmond, OR 97756541-504-7750Island Flowers & Indoor Garden Center909 N. Tomahawk Island Drive, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97217503-546-3185J-N-B Hydro 2 Go155 West Central Avenue,Sutherlin, OR 97479541-459-9211Ladybug Indoor Gardens3960 W. Main Street,Medford, OR 97501541-618-4459Lights Distributing9843 SW 55th Avenue,Portland, OR 97219Liquid Sun1845 Southwest Highway 101,Lincoln City, OR 97367541-994-7070Moonshine Park Farm135 South east 62nd, unit FSouth Beach, OR 97366541-444-2298Northern Light and Garden Beaverton9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton, OR 97005503-297-7331Northern Light and Garden Grants Pass1203 Rogue River Highway,Grants Pass, OR 97527541-474-1700Northern Light and Garden Salem1915 Lancester Drive,Salem, OR 97305503-364-4769Oregon Rainforest Co.19949 e. Burnside Street,Gresham, OR 97233503-465-9909 Paradise Supply Inc.1409 N. Highway 99,Ashland, OR 97520541-552-1037Paradise Supply LLC560 Ne. "F" Street, unit C,Grand Pass, OR 97526541-955-7293Rain or Shine13126 Ne Airport Way,Portland, OR 97230503-255-1981Roots Garden Supply5426 North Gay Avenue,Portland, OR 97217503-285-4768Roseburg Hydroponics853 Se Stephens Street,Roseburg, OR 97470541-229-1420SunInside Gardening Co.665 Conger, unit F,eugene, OR 97402541-686-9966

The Good Earth Organics30088 Redwood Highway,Cave Junction, OR 97523541-592-4496Urban Flora2865 South east,Portland, OR 97214503-236-3344Westcoast Organic and Hydroponic Supply12410 Se 282nd Avenue, unit CBoring, OR 97009503-766-4106Wizard's Garden, LLC621 Spruce Street, unit C,Myrtle Point, OR 97458541-572-2333

PENNSYLVANIA422 GROW1775 North Main Street extensionButler, PA 16001-1327724-561-3777 Full Bloom Hydroponics84 South 24th Street,Pittsburgh, PA 15203888-872-3602Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania208 Route 13,Bristol, PA 19007800-227-4567Harvest Moon Hydroponics1239 South Airport Road,Allentown, PA 18103610-432-4949Healthy Gardens and Supply1012 Lincoln Avenue,Prospect Park, PA 19076866-32-HyDROHigh Tech Garden Supply20232 Route 19, unit 6,Cranberry Twp., PA 16066724-473-1113Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh2008 Smallman Street,Pittsburgh, PA 15222412-232-7030Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh830 Route 119,Greensburg, PA 15601724-836-1118Hydro Ponics of Harrisburg310 South 10th Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043877-684-3808PA Hydroponics & Home Gardening Supply20 Quaker Church Road,york Springs, PA 17372717-528-4175RH DistributionPOB 1417Lansdale, PA 19446888-545-8112

RHODE ISLANDGood To Grow34 Nooseneck Hill Road,West Greenwich, RI 02817401-392-3100 Hydro-Earth1243 Mineral Springs Avenue,North Providence, RI 02904401-305-5520LiquidSun® RI1179 Central Avenue,Pawtucket, MA 02861401-722-2724Oakworld Garden Center39 West Street,Barrington, RI 02806401-245-5705

SOUTH CAROLINA247 Garden Supply535 D Clemson Road,Columbia, SC 29229803-788-4445All Good Hydroponics & Gardening6729 Two Notch Road,Columbia, SC 29223803-708-4819

GreenSpirit Hydrogarden1864 Meeting Street,Charleston, SC 29405843-225-1GRO; Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More1230 Rutherford Road,Greenville, SC 29609864-271-8830

SOUTH DAKOTAGreen Earth Products Inc.5700 Highway 79 S.,unit 1,Rapid City, SD 57702605-342-1307

TENNESSEEAdvanced Hydroponic Garden783 French Mill Road,Dandridge, TN 37725800-521-1643Advanced Hydroponic Garden6912 Clinton Highway,Knoxville, TN 37921866-938-3318All Seasons Gardening and Brewing Supply Co.924 8th Avenue, South,Nashville, TN 37203800-790-2188Atlantis Hydroponics1800 Rossville Avenue, #3,Chattanooga, TN 37408423-752-5400National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply126 Belinda Parkway,Mt. Juliet, TN 37122888-265-9005Perpetual Harvest75 Riverport Drive,Jackson, TN 38301877-422-3391Sun City Hydroponics2235 Whitten Road, Suite 104,Memphis, TN 38133901-372-8100Worm’s Way Tennessee707 Rivergate Parkway, Suite eGoodlettsville, TN 37072800-397-4153

TEXASAbundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics3101 Avenue e east,Arlington Road, TX 76011817-649-0100Airline HydroponicsP.O. Box 980904, Trader’s Village #363,Houston, TX 77098713-942-0484Botani Hydroponics & Organics7730 Highway 6 SouthHouston, TX 77083281-575-1999Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics4360 S.Congress Avenue, #310,Austin, TX 78745512-444-2100Earth Organics1360 Lee Trevino Drive,Suite 105el Paso, TX 79936915-591-9500Field of Dreams Indoor Growing Supplies5302 Slide Road unit B,Lubbock, TX 79414806-793-2901GreenMaker Nursery3030 Northwest Loop,Stephenville, TX 76401254-965-7273 GroGreen Hydroponics4015 Main Street,Dallas, TX 75226214-370-9984Happy Harvest Hydroponics & Organic1500 Crescent Drive, Suite 202Carrollton, TX 75006972-466-1300


MAXIMUM YIELDdistributorsHouston Discount Hydroponics9384 Richmond Avenue,Houston, TX 77063713-464-9406Hydro Mart3841 Main Street,Rowlett, TX 75088972-475-6114Hydroponic Nation9700 Almeda Genoa Road, Suite 108,Houston, TX 77075281-501-9636Innergrow Hydroponics24451 Interstate Highway 20,Wills Point, TX 75169866-475-4769Jolly Green Hydroponics (Greenhouse Horticultural Supplies)13628 Neutron Road,Dallas, TX 75244 (866) We-JOLLy; 469-341-5555 Lone Star Hydroponics and Organics1302 Motor Circle,Dallas, TX 75207214-634-9376Sol Organics & Hydroponics1634 Babcock Road,San Antonio, TX 78229210-366-9082Texas Growers Supply5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. e. #602,Humble, TX 77396281-441-3739Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Central Austin)5126 Burnet Road,Austin, TX 78756512-459-4769Texas Hydroponics & Organics (South Austin)2125-A Goodrich Avenue,Austin, TX 78704512-440-4769Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Dallas)3400 elm Street,Dallas, TX 75226214-744-4769Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Houston)7730 A Park Place Boulevard,Houston, TX 77087713-641-4769Ultimate Hydroponic Garden Supply6125 West Sam HoustonParkway, North Suite 206Houston, TX 77041713-856-8425

UTAHSalt Lake Plant & Hydro60 West 3300 S. #6,South Salt Lake, uT 84115801-488-3200

VERMONTGreen Thumb GardeningP.O. Box 235, Route 15,underhill, VT 5489800-564-9376Greenthumb - Vermont394 Route 15,Jericho, VT 05465 802-899-4323LiquidSun® VT1 Bellows Falls Road, (Route 5 North)Putney, VT 05158802-387-1100Peak Hydroponic Garden Supplies20 School Street,Plainfield, VT 05667802-454-8000

VIRGINIABlue Ridge Hydroponics & Home Brewing Co.5524 Williamson Road, Suite 11Roanoke VA 24012540-265-2483

Clean & Green Technologies196 Corning Drive,Christiansburg, VA 24073866-694-1628Fifth Season Gardening Company900 Preston Ave. Charlottesville VA 22903434-293-2332 Hydroponics & Growlights13400 Occoquan Road,Woodbridge, VA 22191703-490-0700I Love Hydroponics612 N. Sheppard Street,Richmond, VA 23221804-377-3020I Love Hydroponics368 Newtown Road, #105,Virginia Beach, VA 23462757-490-5425Inside-Out Garden Supply6517 Backlick Road,Springfield, VA 22150703-451-3259

WASHINGTON509 Grow2718 N DivisionSpokane, WA 99207509-327-GROW(4769)Aqua Serene3839 Stone Way North,Seattle, WA 98103206-547-GROW (4769) Eco Enterprises1240 Ne 175th Street, #BShoreline, WA 98155800-426-6937Garden Smart500 Bond Drive,Castlerock, WA 98611360-274-7960Green Gardens Distributing12738 Bel-Red Road,Bellevue, WA 98005425-454-5731Hydro-Tech2121 Aurora Avenue, North,Seattle, WA 98103206-547-2202Indoor Garden Depot6400 Ne Highway 99, Suite H,Vancouver, WA 98665360-993-7779 Indoor Garden Depot1401 S. 324th Street,Federal Way, WA 98003253-874-1112 Indoor Garden & Lighting3839 6th Avenue,Tacoma, WA 98406253-761-7478 Indoor Garden & Lighting23303 Highway 99, Suite A,edmonds, WA 98026425-673-2755 Indoor Garden & Lighting714 South Central Avenue,Kent, WA 98032253-373-9060 Indoor Garden Supply LLC1950b Belmont Loop,Woodland, WA 98674360-841-8055Island Hydroponic & Supplies1515 5th Street #B,Marysville, WA 98271425-299-5855Kent Garden Supplies Ltd.18817 east Valley Highway,Kent, WA 98032425-251-9299Kitsap Garden & Lighting2130 6th Street,Bremerton, WA 98312360-377-1277

Linda’s Gardening & Hydroponics11522 Canyon Road east,Puyallup, WA 98373253-531-9641Liquid Sunshine Hydroponics5087 Lincoln Road,Blaine, WA 98230M & R Lighting17238 Memorial Drive,Mt. Vernon, WA 98273360-848-1080M & R Lightingunit C 22914 Highway 410,Buckley, WA 98390253-891-4190Mike's Indoor Garden Supply6121 172nd Street Ne #A,Arlington, WA 98223425-346-6481National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply5408 Ne 88th Street, Building A,Vancouver, WA 98665888-478-6544Northern Light and Garden Vancouver6305 Ne Highway 99,Vancouver, WA 98665360-993-7779Northern Lights Gardening4159 Hannegan Road,Bellingham, WA 98225360-715-8585Northwest Horticulture Supply161 Hooker Road, #1,Sequim, WA 98057360-582-0702Renton Indoor Garden Center207 Sunset Blvd. N, Building A,Renton, WA 98055425-917-9000River City Hydroponics1514 east Francis Avenue,Spokane, WA 99208509-464-0246Sodo Hydro1727 1st Ave. South,Seattle, WA 98134888-904-9376Solar Shop306 West 4th Street,Tonasket, WA 98855509-486-4508Spokane Organic and Hydroponic Supply4823 east Sprague Avenue e.,Spokane Valley, WA 99212509-534-4055

WISCONSINAric's Indoor Garden Supply1104 West Wisconsin Avenue,Appleton, WI 54914920-574-3258 Brew and Grow285 N. Janacek Road,Brookfield, WI 53045262-789-0555Brew and Grow3317 Agriculture Drive,Madison, WI 53716608-226-8910Grow BIG Hydroponics954 S. Westland,Appleton, WI 54914920-749-4769Paradigm Gardens4539 Helgesen Drive,Madison, WI 53718608-241-3800

PUERTO RICOTecno-HydroAve Campo Rico GJ17,Carolina, PR 00982787-752-8252



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