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I S SU E 24 Â· 2018

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CONTENTS

STEALTH SCIENCE PART II

Recycling Lost Space to Grow Food

WHO’S GROWING WHAT WHERE

INTEGRADING KNF

Mind Your Ps & Ks 23 I N T HIS ISSU E OF GA R D E N CU LTU RE :

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

9 Foreword

60 Top Tips on Flowering Indoors

11 Product Spotlights

62 Plant Training:A Step-by-Step Guide

16 Cannabis, Fertilizer & Heavy Metals

70 Integrading KNF - Stop With All the Walls

23 Mind Your Ps & Ks

74 When Less is More

30 5 Cool Finds

80 Recycling Lost Space to Grow Food

34 The Biology of Flowering

84 Top Tips on LED

38 Let’s Talk Terps

87 Shorties

45 Who’s Growing What Where

88 Best of the Blog: Flower Power

49 A Hollywood Legend,A Watch, and Enormous Responsibility

92 Stealth Science - Part II

56 OMG it’s OHN

97 Shorties 7

FOREWORD & CREDITS

FOREWORD

Have you ever heard the expression, “The devil is in the details”?

hen it comes to growing indoors, and the flowering stage, in particular, this expression applies perfectly. Having an intimate knowledge of

how your flowers grow is vital if you want your plants to reach their full potential. If you make a mistake in the flowering stage, it can severely hinder the quality and quantity of your harvest. Believe me, I know. Underwatering, overwatering, too much of this or not enough of that, too dry when the lights are on and too humid when they go off... I have made every mistake and my plants were the ones to suffer. When comparing damage, errors made in the flowering period always had the biggest effect on yield and quality. The idea, of course, is not only not to make mistakes but provide the perfect environment and nutrition to maximize your plants’ potential. It all boils down to plant science, and who better to explain than Dr. Callie Seaman in “The Biology of Flowering”; Stephen Brookes continues the lesson in “Mind your Ps and Ks”. You may never look at these two elements the same way. If those are a little deep for you, Stoney Tark lays out some of the fundamentals in “Top Tips for Flowering”. I’ve learned over the years that keeping it simple when it comes to plant nutrition works for me. In “Less is More”, Matt Mountain explains nutrient “lock-out” and the precarious relationship between key elements in the flowering stage. This edition is full of great growing tips and straight up scientific knowledge. Although I love all my editions, this one is special. This one made me a better grower. “Cheers” to the biggest, most fragrant flowers you can grow.

Eric 3

CREDITS Special thanks to: Albert Mondor, Catherine Sherriffs, Dr Callie Seaman, Kyle L. Ladenburger, Matt Mountain, Nico Hill, Rich Hamilton, Stephen Brookes, Stoney Tark, and Tom Forrest. PRESIDENT Eric Coulombe eric@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-233-1539 E XCU T I V E ED I TO R Celia Sayers celia@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-1539 ED I TO R Catherine Sherriffs cat@gardenculturemagazine.com DESIGN Job Hugenholtz job@gardenculturemagazine.com D I G I TA L & SO CI A L M A R K E T I N G CO O R D I N ATO R Serena Sayers serena@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-0062 ADVERTISING ads@gardenculturemagazine.com PUBLISHER 325 Media 44 Hyde Rd., Milles Isles Québec, Canada t. +1 (844) GC GROWS info@gardenculturemagazine.com GardenCultureMagazine.com t. 1-514-233-1539

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Specifically formulated to enhance the natural processes within flowering plants that produce flavors, aromas, terpenes, and essential oils. It has no PGR’s, nor does it affect PPM allowing you to use Rezin at full strength with any Base nutrient. This is a key differentiator as most competing products on the market will cause your PPM to fluctuate, forcing you to back-off necessary base nutrients in order to use those products at the recommended application rate. Your plants will love it, and so will you! Visit mygreenplanet.com for more great products.

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BY KYLE L. LADENBURGER

s i b , a F n e n a

y Me t a eav

e r z i & l i H t r

Phytoremediation is the use of plants for the removal of contaminants in soils, other terrestrial lands, and waterways

CANNABIS & HEAVY METALS

There appears to be a misconception that inorganic or synthetic fertilizers contain higher levels of heavy metals than organic fertilizers

n todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, it seems that people are inclined to quickly choose a side, often without looking at all of the information available. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s politics, social issues, religion, or science; we often take a stance one way or another and then blindly discount any arguments from the opposition as not credible or just flat out

wrong. This tendency is as much polarizing as it is unproductive since no progress can be made when each side

Hyperaccumulators are plants The choosing of sides and the that have the ability to uptake creation of intellectual schisms is Hyperaccumulators high amounts of toxins, such as not only found in things like politics heavy metals, without negatively and social issues but in the fer tilizer are plants that have affecting plant growth and world as well. I see it daily. A the abilit y to uptake development. Simply put, these person will proudly boast that only high amounts of toxins, plants have exceptional metalorganic (or synthetic) fer tilizers accumulating capacity while at are the best and that the other such as heav y metals, the same time still being able to side is inferior in every single way. without negatively grow normally. Every plant has the This is a distinctly narrow-minded af fecting plant grow th ability to uptake metal ions, such way of thinking because almost and development as iron and copper which they use nothing in this world is simply black to develop and reproduce, but and white. There are variables only a handful can be classified as that must be considered in every hyperaccumulators. The same mechanisms involved in the case. At the end of the day, a person can lay out pretty root uptake of metals and elements that are essential to basic arguments that show how inorganic or synthetic plant growth are also used in the accumulation of heavy fer tilizers are not all bad, and how organic fer tilizers are metal ions that have no known benefits. What makes not perfect by any means. A great way to illustrate this hyperaccumulators different from an average plant, like point is by looking at the connections between cannabis, a tomato, for example, is its ability to do so and continue fer tilizer, and heavy metals. growing as if nothing was wrong. There are multiple species of plants that have hyperaccumulation abilities - more Phytoremediation is the use of plants for the removal of contaminants in soils, other terrestrial lands, and waterways. A wide range of materials can contribute to this contamination, but the most prevalent and impor tant pollutants of the environment are heavy metals. There are several ways they can leak into the ground, such as through poor soil management and industrial pollution. Regardless of how the materials got there, the impor tance of removing the contaminants and remediating the land is paramount, as heavy metals can be toxic to living organisms. The type of phytoremediation used to remove heavy metals is referred to as phytoextraction, and it is achieved with the help of specialized plants called hyperaccumulators.

credit: sciencedirect.com

refuses to recognize and consider any valid points from what they deem an antagonist.

The cannabis (hemp) plant is a known hyperaccumulator that has been used to clean up contaminated lands for years. Most notably is the use of cannabis to help remediate the radionuclide polluted lands at the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.

nabis , Fe n a

avy Meta He

ilizer & t r

CANNABIS & HEAVY METALS

than 500 to be exact. Most are different types of grasses, ferns, and trees, such as willows. The large majority of fruits and vegetables are not hyperaccumulators, with the exception of some types of brassica plants (cabbages), or wheat and barley. And while heavy metal accumulation in food crops is not a major concern, it should be for cannabis - a plant that many people consume. Gr anul ar

the highest levels of heavy metals; higher than their liquid organic counterpar ts. On the other end of the spectrum, the water-soluble and concentrated liquid inorganic or synthetic fer tilizers almost always have the lowest, and even sometimes non-detectable amounts of heavy metals.

The reason for this contrast lies in the source of the material. Granular organic or ganic fertilizers that are derived from animal f e r tilize r s that ar e The cannabis (hemp) plant is a matter tend to have the highest heavy de r i ve d f r om animal known hyperaccumulator that has metals levels. This is likely linked to the been used to clean up contaminated type of diet they consume. Plant-based mat te r te n d t o have lands for years. Most notably is the organic fertilizers follow, but their levels the hig he s t he av y use of cannabis to help remediate vary depending on the plants used m e t al s le ve l s the radionuclide polluted lands at because not all take up metals in the the Chernobyl nuclear disaster same amounts. Quite frankly, I think site. Cannabis makes for an ideal almost anyone would be surprised at candidate for phytoremediation the arsenic levels of a standard sea because it is relatively fast-growing, has an extensive root kelp extract. Basically, anything that is alive and consuming food system, and is, for the most par t, unaffected by the heavy and nutrients from the surrounding environment will begin to metals and toxins it takes in and accumulates. When the accumulate heavy metals; this is all very natural. plants star t to reach the end of their growth cycle they are uprooted, usually burned, and the contaminated On the other hand, inorganic or synthetic fer tilizers ashes are properly disposed of. usually come from specifically mined mineral sources where heavy metals are found in much smaller amounts. At this point, you may be wondering what all of this has to The levels found in these fer tilizers are often a direct do with fer tilizers. Well, I’ve spent nearly the last 15 years reflection of the purity of the mineral source. Food and of my life working for fer tilizer companies. Throughout the pharmaceutical grade inorganic minerals have a much years, I’ve sent countless fer tilizer materials and blends of higher purity level than cheaply-mined sources, and such all types to well-respected labs to not only determine quality will come at a price, but the difference will be their nutrient contents but heavy metals concentrations extremely noticeable. In turn, they will be more soluble as well. Judging by what I’ve read from others on social in water and have better uptake into a plant’s roots, all media platforms and growing forums, the results we the while having a lower concentration of heavy metals. receive may surprise you. It is also impor tant to keep in mind that some heavy metals, such as zinc and manganese, are also essential There appears to be a misconception that inorganic plant nutrients. or synthetic fer tilizers contain higher levels of heavy metals than organic fer tilizers. In my experience, this is All of this may be on the contrary of what many of you most often not the case. First, it is impor tant to state have heard before, but I urge you to not just take my that nearly all fer tilizers will have some amount of heavy word for it. There are ways for consumers to check the metals. Even if the amounts are below the minimum heavy metals contents for the products they use. Both the detection level of the analysis, there are likely still trace California Depar tment of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) and amounts present. What I’ve noticed is that granular the Washington State Depar tment of Agriculture (WSDA) organic fer tilizer products will, more often than not, have have online databases for all registered fer tilizer products

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Only seven of the 30 states (plus D.C.) actually test cannabis products for their heavy metal contents

nabis , Fe n a

avy Meta He

ilizer & rt

CANNABIS & HEAVY METALS

sold in their respective states. Included on the databases are the heavy metals contents as well as the nutrient analysis. Each company that sells a fer tilizer product into these states is required to submit a heavy metals analysis from a reputable third par ty lab as par t of the product registration process. A consumer can also contact the product manufacturer and request information on the heavy metals concentrations. If the company refuses to supply such information, I would view them as suspect, with possibly something to hide.

In my eyes, the concern about cannabis and heav y metals lies in the fact that it is a hyperaccumulator and that it is of ten grown in the same soil each season (especially outdoors), with many growers using strictly organic fer tilizer inputs. This, coupled with the fact that only a small handful of states actually require that the products undergo testing for heav y metals, is concerning.

How does this all tie in together with cannabis? At the moment, most regulations in states that have legalized either medicinal or recreational cannabis require testing of the end user products for the following: cannabinoids (i.e. THC/CBD), residual solvents, residual pesticides, microbiological impurities (i.e. salmonella/E. coli). However, only seven of the 30 states (plus D.C.) actually test cannabis products for their heavy metal contents. The metals tested are typically arsenic (Ar), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). Unbelievably, some states don’t require producers to test their products for any of the above.

In my eyes, the concern about cannabis and heavy metals lies in the fact that it is a hyperaccumulator and that it is often grown in the same soil each season (especially outdoors), with many growers using strictly organic fer tilizer inputs. This, coupled with the fact that only a small handful of states actually require that the products undergo testing for heavy metals, is concerning.

When hemp cannabis is used for phytoremediation, there is a common understanding that it should not later be used for food or medicine, especially if the plant is to be concentrated into oil or similar products. If a plant is contaminated with heavy metals or other toxins, they will be present in the finished product and even more so in a concentrated material. Oils and other concentrates are steadily becoming more popular than normal flowers, so I see this as a potential issue that should be addressed.

I must be completely clear that I am in no way saying one type of fer tilizer is better or safer than another. In fact, the plant itself technically doesn’t really know the difference between organic and synthetic. At the end of the day, the plant really only sees elemental plant nutrients as ions needed for development. I’m simply trying to illustrate that not every situation is completely black and white. Obviously, there are many variables involved in each given situation. But in this par ticular instance, I see the impor tance of testing all cannabis products for heavy metals as paramount. At the end of the day, the health of the consumer is wor th the extra scrutiny, don’t you think? 3

Bio

Kyle L. Ladenburger is a freelance garden writer who has worked in the gardening/ hydroponics industry for over a decade. As an avid indoor and outdoor gardener, he is well versed in nearly all types of growing methods with an overall focus on sustainability and maintaining healthy soils. He holds a strong conviction that growing one’s own food is a powerful way to change our lives and our world for the better. 21

Mind Your

BY STEPHEN BROOKES, NPK TECHNOLOGY

P’s K’s and

For the majority of growers, all we need to know is that P and K are absorbed by the roots quite well and can also be foliar fed with good results

P&K

The Cold Fire:

Phosphorus The cold fire glows in the dark as it reacts with oxygen in the air to produce a greenwhite light known as chemiluminescence. This is the reaction that Hennig Brand saw in 1669 after discovering phosphorous, which was given its name from the Greek derivative meaning ‘bringer of light’. Others nicknamed it the ‘devils element’ because of how easily it burst into flames, and for its placement as the 13 th element in the periodic table.

Others nicknamed it the ‘devils element’ because of how easily it burst into flames, and for its placement as the 13 th element in the periodic table

The Potash:

Potassium The cold fire was the name used to describe phosphorous in the 1600s, but it is the hot fire that is used to describe potash, from which potassium gets its name. Interestingly enough, the symbol for potassium is ‘K’ from the Latin, Kalium. Potash came from the Dutch word ‘potaschen’ in 1477 when people used to soak plant ashes in water and then evaporate the solution in big pots, leaving a white residue behind called potash. 1,2

global reserves could be gone within the next 50-100 years. The impact of this on the worldwide food industry will be enormous, and we need to star t thinking about how we can correct this. 3

The Use of P and K Fruiting plants require a change of diet from the vegetative growth phase, but it is a common misconception that they need less nitrogen. Actually, we need equal amounts of nitrogen throughout growth and bloom 4 . What the plant really needs during high energy times such as flowering, is more phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). This is because the energy currency of a plant is a molecule called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), of which the central atom is P. More phosphorous means a bigger pool of ATP for energy 5.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP):

Modern industry and agricultural techniques mean we have much more refined phosphorous and potassium available as fer tilizer compared to the 1600s, however, with peak production of phosphorous being hit as early as 2030 and our dependency on phosphate rock (non-renewable), the

with peak production of phosphorous being hit as early as 2030 and our dependency on phosphate rock (non-renewable), the global reserves could be gone within the next 50-100 years. The impact of this on the worldwide food industry will be enormous

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P&K

Potassium (K) is vital for protein synthesis and photosynthesis, amongst other processes

ATP synthase produces ATP in the mitochondria

Potassium (K) is vital for protein synthesis and photosynthesis, amongst other processes. In flowering, the energy requirements of the plant increases, requiring higher rates of photosynthesis. It will also need more nutrients, more water, and more potassium. Believe it or not, potassium has no direct effect on flowering; indirectly, a deficiency can severely hinder yields, and the reason we need more K is for water movement within the plant 6,7,8 .

Uptake of P and K Here’s where it can get a little tricky. For the majority of growers, all we need to know is that P and K are absorbed by the roots quite well and can also be foliar fed with good results. If you’re looking to increase the availability of phosphorus to the plant, using an excellent microbial inoculant can work wonders. However, we need to understand that the movement of phosphorus from the soil into the root, and eventually into a cell, is through a process called active uptake, which is a selective process. This means ions of P are not absorbed because of their ratios in the soil but rather due to plant demand. Therefore, plants do not consume more phosphorus simply because you add more of it. Instead, they will increase their access to P by increasing the volume of roots close to the soil, creating a more extensive root system.

Photosynthesis, water movement, and stomatal regulation, along with the increased requirement of ATP, are the main reasons we like to increase our ratio during flower

When one plant cell requires water, it cannot steal some from another. Water also cannot enter a cell without reason. Plants actually force water to f low by moving charged nutrient par ticles called ions. We call these pathways ‘ion pumps’, and potassium ion pumps will move K+ into a cell to make it salty. The result is a cell with a more signif icant negative osmotic gradient than an adjoining cell, which moves water between the two cells until the osmotic gradients are the same. More K+ pumped adds up to more water moved between cells. This simple feature of potassium is crucial to the function of stomata, which are the gateways to water loss and CO 2 absorption 9,10,11. There are several other processes that P and K are needed for during flowering, but photosynthesis, water movement, and stomatal regulation, along with the increased requirement of ATP, are the main reasons we like to increase our ratio during flower.

It is critical to understand that irrigating with too much P can be a waste of money (i.e. washed away nutrients) and can damage the plant (i.e. nutrient burn). However, not enough P can mean the plant spends more energy on root growth and searching for P than shoot and fruit development 12. The trick is to know your plants, know your environment, and dose P and K as necessary for optimal plant health. Using microbials can help alleviate this potential guessing game and give optimal results. For me, the growing game is a sweet science to achieve consistent, reliable, and highend results, and that’s really all a good grower needs to know. Well, almost everything; symplastic uptake is the primary means of potassium and phosphorus supply to plants... that’s everything! 25

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P&K

Plants do not consume more phosphorous simply because you add more of it

(1) Etymonline.com. (201 8). potash | Origin and meaning of potash by Online Etymology Dictionary. [online] Available at: https://www.etymonline.com/word/potash [Accessed 30 Oct. 2018]. (2) Davy, H. (1808). The Bakerian Lecture: On Some New Phenomena of Chemical Changes Produced by Electricity, Par ticularly the Decomposition of the Fixed Alkalies, and the Exhibition of the New Substances Which Constitute Their Bases; And on the General Nature of Alkaline Bodies. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, 98(0), pp.1-44. (3) Cordell, D., Dranger t, J. and White, S. (2009). The story of phosphorus: Global food security and food for thought. Global Environmental Change, 19(2), pp.292-305. (4) Har tz, T., LeStrange, M. and May, D. (1993). Nitrogen Requirements of Drip-irrigated Peppers. [online] Hor tsci.ashspublications.org. Available at: http://hor tsci.ashspublications.org/content/28/11/1097. shor t[Accessed 31 Oct. 2018]. (5) Mller, S., Hagemann, O. and Ansorge, H. (1986). The effect of various phosphorus fer tilizers on yields, phosphorus uptake by plants and conversion of phosphorus fer tilizers in long-term experiments on different soils. Fertilizer Research, 10(3), pp.231-236. (6) Rao, N. (1986). Potassium requirements for growth and its related processes determined by plant analysis in wheat. Plant and Soil, 96(1), pp.125-131. (7) Har tz, T., Miyao, G., Mullen, R ., Cahn, M., Valencia, J. and Brittan, K. (2018). Potassium Requirements for Maximum Yield and Fruit Quality of Processing Tomato. [online] Journal.ashspublications.org. Available at: http://journal.ashspublications.org/content/124/2/199. shor t [Accessed 31 Oct. 2018]. (8) Pinker ton, A. and Randall, P. (1993). A comparison of the potassium requirements during early growth of Lotus pedunculatus, Medicago murex, M. polymorpha, M. truncatula, Ornithopus compressus, Trifolium balansae, T. resupinatum, Pennisetum clandestinum, and Phalaris aquatica.

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References

Geek Science of P&K As roots mature, the Casparian strip star ts to develop, and this is a band within the root cell (endodermal cell) which acts as a barrier to movement of water and ions. When this develops fur ther, the Casparian strip ensures that water and ionic movement into the plant takes place through the plasma membrane, which ultimately brings nutrient uptake under the metabolic control of the plant 13 . The plant is ultimately in control of the uptake of phosphorous and potassium, which is why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital to watch and understand the plant to see when it requires various elements or changes to be made in its environment. The Casparian Strip

Final Message Find the right PK for you: research PK ratios and the benefits of different ones, understand that adding more of a PK additive will not mean increased uptake and that ultimately, you, the grower, have the control of whether your plants yield to their genetic capability. Become a plant whisperer! Lastly, understand that our resources are finite and we need to take an interest in different aspects of growing if we are to continue the global trend of survival. 3

(9) Wang M, Zheng Q, Shen Q, Guo S. The Critical Role of Potassium in Plant Stress Response. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2013; 14(4):7370-7390. (10) Hirsch, R . (1998). A Role for the AKT1 Potassium Channel in Plant Nutrition. Science, 280(5365), pp.918-921. (11) Lauchli, A. and Pfluger, R . (2018). Potassium transport through plant cell membranes and metabolic role of potassium in plants.. [online] Available at: https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19796731472 [Accessed 31 Oct. 2018]. (12) Greenway Biotech, Inc. (2018). Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the function of Phosphorus (P) in plants?. [online] Available at: https://www.greenwaybiotech.com/blogs/news/whats-the-function-of-phosphorus-p-inplants[Accessed 1st Nov. 2018].

BIO

Stephen Brookes is a science fanatic, hydroponics obsessed bookworm. His experience comes from running two grow shops, an additives company, and NPK Media. Along with obtaining a bachelor degree of Science in Outdoor Education and Geography and an MSc in Nutrition and Scientific Investigation, he is now working on a PhD, researching the effects of different ratios in cannabinoids on the human body. Motto: The more you learn, the less you know!

(13) School of Land, Crop and Food Science, (2018). [online] Available at: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-paper s/tab - content /grdc-update-paper s/20 09/02 /the-science-of-phosphorus-nutrition-forms-in-the-soil-plant-uptake-andplant-response [Accessed 5 Nov. 2018].

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DR. CALLIE SEAMAN

M a n y p l a n t s p roduce f l ow er s, a nd t his is gener a l ly f or one re a s on: t o rep roduce

T he Biol ogy Of

Flowering

BIOLOGY OF FLOWERING

B o t h t he number of hour s of l igh t a nd t he wav el eng t h inf l uence s t he onse t of f l ow er p roduc t ion

ere we are again, looking through our favorite grow mag and all of the interesting things to read. The last issue we discussed vegetative growth together; this time around, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cover the biology of flowering.

Many plants produce flowers, and this is generally for one reason: to reproduce. In every warp of life, be it insects, bacteria, slugs, plants, fungus, or mammals, the general aim of our existence is to reproduce and carry on our genetic line. How we all achieve this can be worlds apart. Within the plant kingdom, reproduction is achieved through the development of flowers, which are then pollinated to produce either fruit and/or seeds. The seeds are then distributed by the wind or via animals either externally or internally!

Always do your research before applying anything to your plants, particularly if you are consuming them in whatever form

So, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have a quick look at the flowering process as a whole. The flower itself originates from the shoot meristem once it stops vegetative growth. The meristem is the site of new cell growth in the plants. Different types of growth are produced throughout various parts of the plant, such as elongation, lateral, root development, or leaf growth. But that is another story for another day. The shoot meristem transforms into a floral meristem through a two-stage process. This begins with induction, where vegetative growth stops and is then followed by evocation, where the functioning flower forms. However, it is not until the structure is mature that it will be able to reproduce and form those all-important fruits and seeds.

The meristem appears to sense this temperature change and sets induction in motion before flower evocation goes into full swing.

As many of us already know, light is a very big factor in the induction of flowering. Both the number of hours of light and the wavelength influences the onset of flower production. Photoperiodism is the term given to the response of a plant to daylight length, in either long day flowering plants, short day flowering plants, or day neutral. This is variety-dependent and is predetermined by the genetics of the plant, so it is always important to know what you are growing before trying to make it flower. Disrupting the dark period can have catastrophic effects on the yield, sending the plant into confusion and, therefore, stopping growth. The changing of the wavelength of light to induce flowering is known as photomorphogenesis (try saying that fast after a long day at work!). This is what a lot of indoor grow facilities will do in order to stimulate the optimal growth and most efficient turn over for the crop.

There are a number of different factors that can trigger a plant to start flowering. The need for external stimuli is often required to bring about the crazy morphological changes that occur. Vernalization, a drop in temperature weeks or months before flowering fully commences, is sometimes needed for more temperate plants. 35

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BIOLOGY OF FLOWERING

Fertilization can also be used to help steer the plant into flowering. As the plant is doing more work and using more energy, its nutritional requirements change. During vegetative growth, nitrogen and sulfur are both in heavy demand to help build amino acids, those tiny building blocks of life. Once the plant has begun flowering (entered induction), a plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demand for potassium often increases while the demand for nitrogen drops. Phosphorus requirement also increases to help drive ATP metabolism, those little energy packages used to transport things in and out of cells.

Once the plant has begun flowering [...] a plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demand for potassium often increases while the demand for nitrogen drops

berellins, such as paclobutrazol, are used to keep plants short but increase mass in the flower sets. However, studies have shown that some of the synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) can cause cancer and birth defects, and are, therefore, only recommended for application on ornamentals. Always do your research before applying anything to your plants, particularly if you are consuming them in whatever form. Well, today we have only briefly covered the biology of flowering. As always, there is so much more that can be explored. Until next time! 3

The demand for CO2 also increases during flowering, with the supplementary helping to increase yields and reduce flowering times. Again, another story for another time. In the commercial production of either ornamental plants, such as tulips, or food crops, such as tomatoes, biostimulators can be used to induce flowering, increase mass, bring on ripening, prevent flower loss, and reduce stress. These types of substances can be naturally derived or be taken from synthetic compounds. Ethylene is a gas that plants naturally emit and helps stimulate ripening in fruit. As the levels around the plant rise, a sudden burst of respiration occurs, increasing the sugar content within the fruit and thus commencing its ripening stage. You may have noticed bags being placed over bunches of bananas to trap the ethylene and helping them ripen faster. Triacontanol is a naturally occurring flowering bio stimulant found on the wax cuticles of all plants. This is found in higher concentration in plants such as alfalfa. It is also found naturally in beeswax, and when applied to plants via the roots or foliar, flowering initiation occurs. Synthetic auxins are used to reduce flower numbers in apples early in the season. They are also used to promote citrus fruit and tomato production. Gibberellins are potent plant hormones that can also initiate flowering and fruit formation. These can be either plant-derived or synthesized via fermentation for commercial production. Synthetic anti-gib-

Fertilization

BIO Dr. Callie Seaman is a plant obsessed Formulation Chemist at AquaLabs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the company behind SHOGUN Fertilisers and the Silver Bullet plant health range. She has been in the hydro industry for 15 years in research development and manufacturing and had previously worked on the VitaLink range. She has a PhD in fertiliser chemistry and a BSc (HONS) in Biomedical sciences and loves nothing more than applying this knowledge to pushing the boundaries of nutrient performance.

BY RICH HAMILTON

Le tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talk Terp s

An Introduc tion To

Terpenes t erp ene s a re a c omp ound simil a r t o c a nn a binoid s bec au se t he y c a n at tach t o recep t or s in t he br a in a nd induce va ry ing ef f ec t s on t he mind a nd b ody

TERPENES

W h at a re t erp enes ? Wh at do t he y do ? A nd how do we m a ximize t hem?

he English Oxford Dictionary defines terpenes as “any of a large group of volatile unsaturated hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of plants.”

In layman’s terms, terpenes (sometimes referred to as “terps”) are aromatic molecules that are present in a majority of plants giving flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs their signature smell and taste.

Most commonly created in the flower’s sticky resin glands (trichomes), terpenes are a compound similar to cannabinoids because they can attach to receptors in the brain and induce varying effects on the mind and body.

How can you increase the terpene levels in your plants if you are not an organic warrior? There are more than a few ways to succeed

Rolling back through evolution to the dawn of plants and biological organisms, terpenes helped to establish the symbiotic relationship between plants and biological (animal) pollinators. Terpenes picked up by the pollinator from the plant, whether through contact transfer or consumption, could have beneficial effects for that animal. For example, the terpene profile from one particular plant could leave that animal with a particular odor on its body, which could then keep ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other parasites at bay.

Additionally, animal pollinators help spread the existence of a plant species by carrying pollen and seeds far and wide. By dropping them in areas further from where they originated, new crops grow where they otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to seed. The pay off of terpenes to living organisms isn’t simply calorific. Terpenes work to entice the best possible pollinators to a plant, ones who are attracted to the riper, sweeter-smelling fruit, while also deterring those who are less suited to maximizing pollination opportunities. It is survival of the fittest at its best.

Terpenes can evoke a wide range of emotions. Lavender, for example, can help you relax and overcome insomnia. A zesty bold citrus scent, on the other hand, can make you feel energized and active. There are over 20,000 terpenes, all of them providing unique aromas and physiological effects. Some of the most common and familiar to us include the following:

Pinene This helps with inflammation, asthma, memory retention, and alertness. Its aroma is a sharp, sweet pine. It can be found in conifers, pine, and sage.

Linalool It has been known to help combat insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety, pain, and convulsions, while also providing a sedating and calming effect. It has a floral, citrus-like and spicy aroma, and is commonly found in lavender, citrus fruits, laurel, birch, and rosewood.

Caryophyllene This terpene works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and helps with muscle spasms, pain, and insomnia. Its aroma has hints of pepper, wood, and spice, and is found in pepper, cloves, hops, basil, and oregano.

Myrcene It works as an antiseptic, an anti-bacterial, an anti-fungal, and an anti-inflammatory agent. Sedating and relaxing, its aroma has notes of musk, clove, herbal, and citrus. It is found in mango, thyme, citrus, lemongrass, and bay leaves.

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Limonene This one is good for gastric reflux while also working as an anti-fungal and anti-depressant. It can help alleviate anxiety, reduce stress, and lead to better moods. The aroma is heavily citrus, similar to lemon and orange. It is found in citrus rind and also juniper and peppermint.

Humulene Provides pain relief while also acting as an anti-inflammatory, an anti-bacterial, and an appetite suppressant. It has a woody, earthy aroma, and is found in hops and coriander.

Lavender, for example, can help you relax and overcome insomnia. A zesty bold citrus scent, on the other hand, can make you feel energized and active

The production and transportation of terpenes within a plant are extremely complex. In the reference book Comprehensive Natural Products II Volume 2, 2010, Chapter 2.06 describes the building blocks of terpenes as being “constructed from five-carbon isoprene units that are combined to produce a great variety of skeletons, which are then acted upon by various enzymes to add functionality and altered oxidation.” It is a topic that is slowly being unraveled but is still somewhat of a mystery. A thesis on Biosynthesis and transport of terpenes published by the Laboratory of plant physiology at Wageningen University, 2014, states that “while terpene’s biosynthesis genes have been well studied, there is still only limited knowledge on how terpenes are transported within the cell and from the cell to the apoplast” (apoplast being the space outside the plasma cell membrane where any material held such as terpenes can diffuse freely). The same

report also states “there are likely multiple mechanisms involved in terpene transport which complicates the analysis of a single transport pathway.” So, how can we get the most out of the terpenes in the plants that we are growing? Is it possible in an indoor environment to maximize terpene output? Of course, there are some factors that we just cannot mimic in an indoor environment, like rain for example; it never rains in my grow room! Precipitation could very well be a factor that possibly effects the levels of terpene production. There are some things we just don’t know yet! So, let’s start with what we do know.

Hydro systems and mediums like coco coir are inert blank canvases that you can pump full of nutrients and additives, however, they lack the rich, diverse, complex, and natural nutrient profiles that are found in soil. Even soil that is specifically made for indoor gardening cannot compete with natural soil because it originates from a certain number of limited sources and contains only a certain blend of soil/organic matter. Therefore, it can’t possibly provide optimal conditions for the particular plant species that we may be growing inside. The soil produces a rich and flavorful end product by drawing from the individual properties held within it. If you’re not using soil, try experimenting with composts. Aerobic tea, organic, or veganic methods are all effective choices. Recently, I have been adding used coffee grounds into my soil mix, which is giving the end product of my plants a whole new depth 41

TERPENES

of flavor I have never personally experienced in all my years of growing indoors. Another known enhancer is Blackstrap molasses. Used during late flower, it is excellent for developing taste and smell by providing essential carbohydrates, amino acids, and minerals. How can you increase the terpene levels in your plants if you are not an organic warrior? There are more than a few ways to succeed. Using a UV-B light throughout flower can stimulate the glands where terpenes produce more oils to shield the plant from the light intensity and heat.

I have been adding used coffee grounds into my soil mix, which is giving the end product of my plants a whole new depth of flavor I have never personally experienced in all my years of growing indoors.

Pruning lower branches (known as lowstress training or LST) not as bountiful as others will send excess energy to key flowering sites, in turn optimizing terpene content. If you find yourself too emotionally attached to your plants (is it just me?) and chopping at them seems too harsh to bear, then the tying down of low branches can create a similar effect, ensuring that an even spread of light is hitting the flowering sites lower down. Once in flower, keep temperatures under 80°F (26.5°C), as high temperatures can “burn off” terpene-containing oils. Night temperatures about 5°F-10°F cooler than the daytime temps will also help. Keep the relative humidity (RH) under 50% throughout flower, and under 30% for the two weeks before harvest. The reason? Dry air causes the plant to produce more oils in response to a stressful situation.

Flushing your plants is essential. Sure, it’s tempting to skip this stage and continue with nutrient feed in anticipation of magnificent results. What you will actually be doing, though, is allowing the nutrients to hijack the final taste profile, losing the natural terpene-related flavor and aroma in the process. Nothing short of an utter tragedy of Shakespearean proportions, if you ask me. To really push a natural terpene taste, try using an organic or veganic feed range. Flushing washes out all the excess nutrients, allowing your plant to let all those complex layers of terpene-infused goodness shine through. Beautiful.

Harvesting at the wrong time is unforgivable, as terpene production will be in overdrive at this stage. My advice here? Read up and equip yourself with knowledge so that you know exactly when to harvest your plants and how to optimise the ripening and flavor-building period. One thing is for sure, terpenes have an amazing ability to transport us into states of nostalgia at a whim. They also add color, flavor, and richness to our day-to-day existence through the foods we eat, the products we buy, the experiences we have, and the environments we live in. Terpenes create a wonderfully diverse range of aromatic molecules that excite the senses and aid our physical and physiological well-being. Mix this in with the advent of genetic modification and cross-breeding, and you are essentially creating the possibility of a limitless number of terpene variations that could have unimaginable outcomes and benefits. The path to understanding terpenes has only just begun. 3

Nutrient feed increases salts in the plant tissue and the root area. EC measures these levels and a high EC indicates excess salts which can disrupt growth, development and final taste. A lower EC means there is less concentration of salts within the plant tissues and forces more water uptake from the roots, which is exactly where you want to be in the last few weeks of flower. An average EC range in flowering is between 1.2-2, but stay closer to 1.2 for best results.

An industry veteran with over 20 years experience in a variety of roles, Rich Hamilton is currently a business development manager for a large UK hydroponics distributor.The author of Growers Guide book series, Rich also writes on all aspects of indoor gardening, as well as being an independent industry consultant working closely with hydroponic businesses worldwide.

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s ’ o Whowing at h Gr W Where 1.

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Seasonal Favorites

Credit: Ruesch Century Farm

‘Tis the season for delicious holiday meals, and one is not complete without cranberries! For more than 100 years, Ruesch Century Farm has been operating under continuous family ownership. It all began as a small dairy operation, and since the 1920’s, maple syrup has been produced each spring on the property’s sugar ridge, which features beautiful maple trees almost three feet in diameter. The first cranberry bog came to be in the early 90’s, and another three beds have been added since then. The one-acre farm is completely organic, recognized by the MOSA organic program. As a result, the bogs are treated with the utmost care; all-natural methods are used to keep the grass under control and kill the harmful insects, such as the cranberry fruitworm. Flooding the area suppresses weed growth and kills the insect eggs. The berries are dry raked by hand, a traditional harvesting method used before the days of heavy machinery. The berries are also sorted and labeled by hand - time consuming, yes, but it’s a labor of love. The yields aren’t high, but the satisfaction of growing organic crops is... Learn more: organic-cranberries.com/home

Maple Ridge, BC

With recreational cannabis now legal in Canada, Tantalus Labs is bringing crops out of the bunker grow-ops and into nature. Founded in 2012, the company designed, built, and operates North America’s first cannabis tailored greenhouse. The greenhouse is modern and technical; it boasts 120,000 sq ft of growing space able to produce 10,000 kg of cannabis a year. Arches of 24 vertical feet allow full growth of the flowering plants. But even more impressive is the fact that Tantalus Labs claim to use 90% less electricity than traditional indoor grow-ops. Rather than using artificial lights, the sun provides full-spectrum light to nurture the plants with the photosynthetic output they need. Watering is handled by the rain; storage containers equal in size to two Olympic swimming pools collect and filter the rainwater before drip-line feeding it to the crops. With the help of the Sungrown community, Tantalus is removing any unnecessary stress on the grid. Moving out of the basement and into the light... Learn more: tantaluslabs.com

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Chances are you’ll get lost walking through the incredible corn maze at the Hunter Brothers Farm in New Brunswick, Canada. It’s absolutely massive; entitled “Lost in Space,” the six-acre maze pays tribute to three spatial milestones: the 20th anniversary of the International Space Station, the 50th anniversary of the debut of the sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the 60th anniversary of the Avro Arrow’s first flight. Brothers and coowners of the farm, Chip and Tom Hunter have been creating corn mazes like this one since 2001. Each year, a new theme is chosen; past mazes have paid homage to various NHL teams, superstar athletes, and Canadian icon Terry Fox. Once a theme is chosen, the brothers have a graphic designer draw up the plans and layout of the maze paths. A survey engineer plots GPS coordinates for the design on a computer, and then corn is planted in the field in a crisscross pattern. In all, 250,000 stalks of corn grown more than three meters high makeup the design. Besides welcoming thousands of people into their jaw-dropping mazes, the Hunter brothers grow sweet corn and fresh vegetables for sale at their own farmer’s market. Enter the maze if you dare... Learn more: hunterbrothersfarm.ca/

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Phoenix, AZ

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Small Scale Farming

Have you ever dreamed of owning a farm but don’t have the space to do it? So did Kari Spencer, but she didn’t let a lack of space stop her. She has turned a quarter-acre parcel of dirt in Phoenix, AZ, into an oasis where fresh foods are grown or produced on the regular. In addition to naturally grown fruits and vegetables, The Micro Farm Project also provides farm-fresh chicken and quail eggs, heritage turkeys, lamb, raw goat’s milk and cheese, artisan bread, as well as jams, jellies, and many gluten-free desserts. Raised in the Midwest, Spencer realized one day that if she didn’t create the farm, her children would never experience the joys of cultivating their own food as she did as a kid. The Micro Farm’s purpose is to nurture the environment and the land, grow wholesome food, and restore the economy, all the while training fellow urban farmers. Public tours are also offered to demonstrate just how much food can be grown on a standard city lot. Spencer says if she can do it, you can too. Learn more: CityFarmingBook.com

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

Industry Underside

A Hollywood Legend, A Watch, and Enormous Responsibility

James and the giant watch

THE FAMOUS WATCH

it wasn’t just any watch; it was world-famous actor Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, and in October 2017, it sold for the highest price ever achieved for a wristwatch at auction.

ames Cox has felt an enormous weight of responsibility ever since selling his watch at auction a little over a year ago. He wants to care for others and do good things in the world, while also finding the right people with the drive and passion to inspire change. That’s no easy feat. A philanthropist with a

keen interest in the environment, the foods we eat, and how we interact with nature, Cox doesn’t just blindly write cheques; he takes the time to make sure he’s doing it right. The obligations he has are all thanks to his former watch. As you may have guessed by now, it wasn’t just any watch; it was world-famous actor Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, and in October 2017, it sold for the highest price ever achieved for a wristwatch at auction.

The Famous Watch

Into the vault, the wristwatch went, but after a few years in the darkness, Cox couldn’t bear to keep it locked up anymore. “I said, ‘I think it’s time.’ If Paul Newman were alive, he’d want me to sell it. He’d say, ‘Well, you’re not going to keep it, kid. You’re going to do something good with that.’”

The Rolex was given to Newman in 1972 by his wife, actress Joanne Woodward. On the back of the watch, Woodward engraved a simple message to her race car-loving husband: Drive Carefully Me.

And boy, did he ever do good.

With one of the most bankable movie stars of the time constantly seen and photographed wearing it, the Rolex Daytona quickly became a sensation in the wristwatch world.

On October 26th, 2017, the wristwatch went up for auction at the Phillips Auction House in New York City. It was introduced by Aurel Bacs, a senior consultant at Phillips, as, “The most iconic Rolex wristwatch in the world, and possibly, the most iconic wristwatch of the 20th century.”

“Because Paul Newman was so cool, this watch he wore became so cool,” explains Cox. “It was the beginning of the vintage watch movement. You can trace it all back to Paul Newman, really.” How Cox ended up being the proud owner of such a desired timepiece was a matter of two paths crossing at the College of Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, in the 1980s. A student of human ecology, Cox fell in love with a girl named Nell, who he eventually discovered was Paul Newman’s daughter. The couple ended up dating for a decade, and during that time, Cox offered to restore a dilapidated treehouse on the Newman family property in Connecticut. Perhaps in a gesture of thanks, the Hollywood legend offered Cox his watch.

That Moment When It Sells For Millions

Without further adieu, the bidding began. If you look up a video of the auction on YouTube, vintage watch collector or not, you can feel the excitement in the room as Cox and Nell Newman look on from the audience in nervous anticipation. After 12 minutes of intense bidding, Newman’s Rolex Daytona sold for a record $17.8 million, including the buyer’s premium. No other wristwatch in the world has ever sold for such a high price. “It was so bizarre. Is this a dream?” Cox remembers thinking after the gavel dropped. “It really showed that we could honour Paul, and it proved that he is, indeed, the coolest.” Cox has felt that weight of responsibility ever since.

“He came over one day and said, ‘Hey, kid, do you know what time it is?’, And I said, ‘No, I don’t have a watch, Paul’” Cox remembers. “And he took the watch off his wrist and said, ‘If you remember to wind it, it tells pretty good time.’” That’s where it all began. Cox wore the watch for the next 30 years, not knowing just how coveted the item on his wrist was and what an impact it was going to have on his life. “Six or seven years ago, I realize my watch has its own Wikipedia page,” recalls Cox. “Only a handful of people knew I had it, and I just kept quiet. People kept offering me money, and I just kept saying no.”

“That was a gift, and I can’t fuck it up. I need to do the right thing,” he explains. “And so the right thing is to do what I learned from Paul, and that is to take care of people.” On-screen, Paul Newman was a critically-acclaimed actor known for his dazzling blue eyes and handsome good looks. But off-screen, he was known for his devotion to his family, his sense of humour, and his philanthropic work. In 1982, he created the Newman’s Own salad dressing brand and famously declared, “Let’s give it all away.” Since then, more than $530 million has been donated to thousands of non-profit organizations around the world. 49

THE FAMOUS WATCH

In this undated photo, Paul Newman is seen wearing the Rolex in his race car

Industry Underside After 12 minutes of intense bidding, Newman’s Rolex Daytona sold for a record $17.8 million

Wanting to continue Paul Newman’s legacy, Cox took a large portion of the money from the watch he sold at auction and donated it to The Nell Newman Foundation, an organization that couples charitable giving with Nell’s passion for the environment. “Without a question, I’m giving the money away,” says Cox. “Money, to me, is the lowest form of energy on the planet. It’s super convenient, but when you think of all the other energy forms on the planet, it’s the lowest. I sound like a total hippie!”

Peace, Love, and the Environment Hippie or not, Cox is in the process of doing some incredible things, all the while shedding light on significant issues. Take his work with Clean Oceans International (COI), for example. Cox is a primary funder of the organization working to solve the issue of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. With the UN sounding the alarm that there will soon be more straws and bottles in the ocean than fish, the non-profit is sailing around the world with a machine on board that is capable of converting plastic into diesel, gasoline, or other petroleum products with a much smaller carbon footprint than how we do it now. Designed by Eco-Fuel Technologies, the unit is clean and quiet. Conversion, done safely using electrical power, is made possible through thermal-depolymerization. The reason COI is converting plastic to fuel is that the organization believes it’s impossible to spark a multinational movement to clean the oceans without there being a way to generate some profit. Sad, but true. Finding the right people to inspire change is key. Cox also saw enormous potential in Celine Cousteau, a documentary filmmaker and the granddaughter of world explorer, Jacques Cousteau. Tracing her grandfather’s footsteps, Cousteau travels the world and highlights major environmental issues along the way. A donation from Cox in her name helped her complete her most recent work, a documentary called Tribes on the Edge. The film highlights the plight of the Indigenous people of the Vale do Javari reserve in the Amazon. Past generations have thrived in the world’s largest rainforest, but with increased industrialization, human enterprise, and deforestation, the tribes are in trouble. Cousteau draws attention to illegal industries that have stripped the ecosystem and the people’s resources, and to their desperate need for healthcare as non-native hepatitis rates soar.

“My job is to make things snowball when a group of right people comes together,” Cox explains. “I can help you, I can give you a grant, and I can find another to match that and give you another grant. It’s exhausting, but in a great way.” In Iceland, Cox is currently helping recruit the right experts and conservation groups to help educate the people on a proposed hydroelectric power plant in the Westfjords. It’s a controversial debate, with many conservationists warning that damming the river system will destroy much of the natural landscape in the area. “I’ve fallen in love with Iceland because the people are beautiful and the climate is beautiful, and I’m so curious about the rapid change in our climate,” he says. “It’s happening all over the world, you can see it with rivers and migrations of people and droughts. If you go to the poles, there’s strong evidence.” As an ecologist, Cox, himself, is analyzing whether the project makes sense for Iceland. He’s also working closely with photographer Ragnar Axelsson, who is taking photos of the area to draw attention to what will be lost if the project goes ahead. The point is to help the Icelandic people build the confidence needed to make good decisions for their future. “Iceland is the heart of the planet, and if we hurt the heart, then we are hurting the whole planet,” he says. Socially, Cox has funded organizations working with Aids orphans in Africa, and those helping young girls to get an education. He and the Nell Newman Foundation have also sponsored beautiful community murals in Watsonville, California, featuring migrant workers. “We are painting murals to show them we care about them,” explains Cox. “Despite political pressures, we want them to know we know who is growing our food; we know who to thank.” Santa Cruz-based graffiti artist Taylor Reinhold is also the mastermind behind a 50,000 sq ft mural that, at first glance, appears to be of various sea creatures. Look closer, and the figures are actually plastic materials and other garbage floating around in the sea. Through Reinhold’s artwork, Cox is hoping to reach broader and younger audiences with important messages. Trying to save the world is exhausting work, indeed, but Cox says we all have the ability to contribute, even without millions of dollars worth of funding. 51

James Cox and Nell Newman stand outside the Philipps building the day before the auction

THE FAMOUS WATCH

Industry Underside The non-prof it is sailing around the world with a machine on board that is capable of conver ting plastic into diesel, gasoline, or other petroleum products

“The cool kids that grow are the visionaries [...] and we’re helping them do their jobs,” Cox says. “It’s the same thing for the pilots.” “Every single one of us has the opportunity to be as cool as Paul Newman; it’s just about making good choices,” he explains. “Generosity is just about doing the right thing. I think buying organic food is being philanthropic because you’re supporting the good people who grew it.”

Ecologist, Philanthropist, and Businessman A typical day for Cox has him out of bed by 6 a.m. so he can spend about two hours reading news headlines from around the world and catching up on his emails. He generally works on his philanthropic projects every afternoon, reserving his mornings for his successful company, Method Seven. He fully admits he’s working on about six businesses or projects and that each one should be its own full-time gig. Method Seven was launched in 2011 and specializes in designing grow room glasses and sunglasses for pilots uses leading-edge technology. The company came to be after Cox’s friend and business partner expressed having difficulty taking pictures in indoor grow rooms. Cox says many of the growers he knew at the time were sparing their eyes and taking clippings from their grow rooms to see if it was time for harvest. He decided he wanted to find a way to balance the bright lights, making the environment safer and more comfortable. “Business is the most influential means of change, but nature the most civilized model of business,” he says. “Stop fighting nature, and look at it for inspiration and common sense. You will find the answers there. Those have been my guiding principals all my life.” Following those principals, Cox found a former glass chemist in Germany and discovered that making grow rooms safer was possible, but that he had to make his own glass by melting seven different elements from the Earth into the lens. After a couple of years of work and a lot of money spent, they finally hit a home run. “Soon after, we discovered all of these added benefits of this glass. There were people who used to get seizures when they went near grow rooms, and they stopped getting them,” Cox says. “[The lens] is blocking a lot of energy that strobes from those lights. It was also blocking out a lot of red heat, which causes fatigue amongst growers. There was a lot more going on than we thought.” Today, Method Seven makes lenses adapted to all kinds of lights, and the growers who wear them say they no longer see spots after leaving their grow rooms.

The idea for making sunglasses for pilots came when the German glass chemist Cox worked with mentioned creating a similar kind of glass for the fighter jet cockpits during WWII. “What the pilots experience at 30,000 ft is similar to what someone growing weed in his basement does,” he says. “The two worlds couldn’t be more different, but they certainly aren’t far apart. We are really on the edge of those two different worlds right now, and it’s nice to see them accepting each other because that wouldn’t have happened 10 years ago.” He credits Method Seven as a way to reach into communities and meet people; he first met the man sailing around the world collecting plastic for diesel conversion by making sunglasses for him. He says his business is a tool to get good things done, and Paul Newman’s watch was a way to open doors.

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility It has been a whirlwind for Cox since selling the watch at auction a little over a year ago, but you can tell he wouldn’t have it any other way. Looking back, he tells me a story about the morning after the auction once the dust had settled. “I remember walking 40 blocks through Central Park and New York City, and I went to Paul’s apartment where Joanne Woodward was staying. I sat with her for a couple of hours and told her what happened and how beautiful it was. That was as cool as the whole night before, and that’s what Paul would have wanted.” She, after all, is a big part of this story too. Nobody could have possibly imagined the frenzy she was going to put in motion by purchasing the Rolex Daytona for her husband and engraving it with a simple message. Cox describes the moment he was given the watch in a backyard in Connecticut as a windfall; one that would present him with opportunities only made possible by Newman and the life that he lived. And despite all of his own accomplishments and philanthropic efforts, Cox remains humble as hell. “I’m no hero,” he says. “I just had a good one as a role model.”

Sources: newmansownfoundation.org · nellnewmanfoundation.org cleanoceansinternational.org · methodseven.com 53

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It is probably the most labor-intensive and fiddly of all KNF techniques to master

Essentially, you are creating a tincture of five particularly potent natural herbs: garlic, ginger, licorice, cinnamon, and angelica.

ORGANIC HERBAL NUTRIENT

ncient homeopathy has certainly gained a lot of traction in today’s society. Herbal remedies have a huge market helping to cure anything from the common cold to an overly flaccid and lazy John-Thomas. There is almost no ailment that an ancient Chinese remedy can’t fix, using all sorts of weird and wonderful things to

do it with. We could all do with a little extra vim and vigor to help re-enforce a waning vitality, and my indoor plants are no different to my failing manhood in that respect.

concentrated. Basically, don’t go ballsdeep and use two-liter mason jars for the fermentation stage, as you will end up with roughly 20 liters of final solution once all combined.

There is almost no ailment that an ancient Chinese remedy can’t fix, using all sorts of weird and wonderful things to do it with

So, what exactly is it then? While OHN stands for Organic Herbal Nutrient, don’t assume that it is in anyway a replacement for an NPK fertilizer or a nutrient-rich organic amendment. It is much more of just a name. Essentially, you are creating a tincture of five particularly potent natural herbs: garlic, ginger, licorice, cinnamon, and angelica. Their individual medicinal properties are combined to form an incredibly potent cocktail that helps ward off pathogenic microbes from your root zone and encourage more beneficial aerobic bacteria to populate the media.

It’s easy to make though, right?

image: robin hill gardens

Enter OHN (Organic Herbal Nutrient). It is an herbal remedy that is produced specifically for plants. It helps boost a plant’s performance much in the same way as an herbal tonic is supposed to improve that of humans: the natural medicinal/beneficial aspects of a plant are extracted into a solution that can be used by your plants to help them suffer all sorts of stresses that the environment can throw at them. Let’s face it, environmental stresses are a big part of growing, so having a viable workaround for them can be a bit of a lifesaver for a lot of lack-luster growers.

Your next task will be sourcing the ingredients. If you can find fresh ingredients for everything here, it would be an incredibly amazing feat. Realistically, you will have to get dry ingredients for a few inputs and rehydrate them. Unless you’re lucky enough to have access to fresh angelica/ cinnamon or fresh licorice root, you will need to begin with a stage of rehydration using a low alcohol beer, so of course, you need to make sure you buy extra for yourself and have a little party for one while you are at it.

Rehydrating stage: You will need: • A few glass jars • Dried Ingredients - twice the amount of angelica than any of the other herbs. • Low alcohol beer or rice wine, enough to fill each jar to two-thirds full. • Labels

Er, no. In fact, it is probably the most labor-intensive and fiddly of all KNF techniques to master. Partly because of the number of separate ingredients you have to ferment and deal with, but also because it requires daily attention for about a month or so. If that’s not enough to put you off, then pat yourself on the back! It is incredibly rewarding to make (and use) and has a fantastic shelf life, essentially improving over time like a fine wine. It is an incredibly effective weapon in a grower’s arsenal for maintaining plant health and can also be used as part of the IMO1 process. So, don’t be lazy; get a batch started while you’re reading this.

Step 1: Prepare Herbs Chop each dried herb into half an inch sized cubes and fill each jar to as close to onethird full as possible. Prepare two jars of angelica; for special Korean reasons, you need to use double the amount of angelica when preparing OHN. Step 2: Add Beer Fill the jar to the halfway mark with low alcohol beer. Pour at an angle to prevent frothing. Step 3: Label Label the jars, then drink all the remaining beer. Step 4: Store Cover with a breathable lid and leave for two days.

Where do we begin?

Fermentation stage

Before anything, think of how much you are going to want to end up with based on the fact that you finish with roughly two times your starting volume of each jar for each input. Also, it has a typical application rate of 0.5-1ml per liter, so it is quite

This is when the action really starts. Two days after beginning the hydrating process of the dry inputs (and ridding yourself of any hangover), you need to begin fermenting. Get your remaining fresh ingredients and arm yourself with a shit-ton of brown sugar. 57

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ORGANIC HERBAL NUTRIENT

You will need: • More glass jars • Fresh ingredients • Loads of brown sugar • Elastic bands • Breathable lids

image: robin hill gardens

Step 3: Stir it up Stir it once a day for 14 days, in a clockwise motion. OHN can be used Step 4: Strain your juice Strain all throughout pretty of the liquid into your separate storage much any stage of container (label it accordingly). Put the growth as a root solids back in your original ferment jar. Step 5: Backfill the ferment jar drench or applied as Step 1: Prepare the fresh Back-fill the ferment jar up to two-thirds a foliar spray ingredients full with the recently strained liquid, then Gently smash and cut up the fresh fill it to the brim again with more fresh material to expose a nice amount of vodka and stir. Then seal each container. surface area for fermentation. Step 6: Repeat till funny Repeat Step 2: Add sugar steps 1 through 4 up to another five Add equal weights sugar to the times and then discard the remaining fresh ingredients and thoroughly ferment and solid ingredients onto your mix together. With the rehydrated compost pile. ingredients, simply add sugar until the Step 7: Form like Vultron volume of the jars reaches the twoRecombine the individually extracted thirds mark. ingredients together and set aside for OHN tea Step 3: Fill the jars storage or usage. Particularly important with the fresh Step 8: Self-Congratulate ferments is the volume you aim for. You want your jars to end Breathe a sigh of relief you needn’t stir anything up on a daily up about two-thirds full after five to seven days. So, make sure basis for a good while. You have now made OHN to fill it so it doesn’t settle below this after fermentation, then Step 9: Use it! Use as and when needed remove any excess if the fermented volume is over this amount. Step 4: Store Alright! Er, but how do I use it? Cover jars and set aside for storage for the next five to seven days. OHN can be used throughout pretty much any stage of growth as a root drench or applied as a foliar spray. Use it at a rate Tincturing Stage of 0.5-1ml per liter, although, if you have managed to age your Now that you have fermented all your ingredients, you can begin OHN, then you can start to slowly decrease that dilution rate as to make them into a medicinal tincture. It involves a great deal it increases in potency over time. Additionally, it makes for one of high percentage alcohol, so get ready to get a mother-freakin’ of the ingredients that can be used in the IMO process, further party started along the way. It isn’t particularly tricky from this enhancing your collection of indigenous microbes. It will improve point, but it does involve daily care, so avoid doing this over a the overall health of both your plant and soil to a dramatic effect time when you’re due to go on holiday or anything. – pushing you ever closer to the perfect harvest. You will need: • Larger containers for the separation process, one for each input. (if using plastics make sure they are HDPE) • Lots of vodka (mixers optional) • Cling film • Labels • Strainer • Stirring tool

Chore time over

Step 1: Add Vodka and stir Add your vodka to each jar, leaving a few inches to allow for stirring. Step 2: Cover Fill to the brim with vodka, then cover with cling film (or lid). This prevents the alcohol from evaporating off.

Anyway, go get yourself onto Amazon or something and get sourcing your dry ingredients! The sooner you get cracking, the sooner you will have your greedy mitts on a unique magical elixir. 3

Ok, so OHN is the most fiddly of all the KNF inputs to make, but it really is an effective one and gives great personal satisfaction after having gone through the entire process. Tinkering with the input list is also possible; you can add almost whatever ingredients you feel may have additional medicinal properties to add to the efficacy of the solution. Just make sure to always do twice the angelica of anything else.

BY STONEY TARK

TOP ON FLOWERING

INDOORS

he flowering stage of growing indoors is generally the most anticipated and is also the par t that can make or break you. Get the most from your indoor garden and enjoy a successful flowering period by following these steps below.

Prune In Advance

Transition Feeding

By pruning your plants prior to the 12/12 light cycle, you will divert all of the much-needed growing energy to its upper parts. As a result, you’ll likely see many benefits including a top-heavy canopy in flower with no lower buds or ‘popcorn’ quality growing. Air circulation will also greatly improve after clearing away the lower shoots and fan leaves, and there will be a noticeable drop in room temperature.

When some plants transition into a light cycle where the days are getting shorter, growth hormones cause them to stretch and pre-flower within the first 14-20 days. Often, growers will switch to a low nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium feed. If the growing medium is close to depletion of primary nutrients, then an aggressive switch from growing nutrient to blooming nutrient can cause problems once the plants begin to flower.

Try Using A Screen or Net

Air Circulation

If you look at a photo of a plant that has been correctly scrogged, you’ll notice how one plant was trained to grow at an even level through a net or screen. The screen is not necessarily for support, but more for canopy management. If you have pruned your plants sufficiently, the spacing in the screen will be filled with a crown shoot, allowing you to produce a dense upper canopy when harvest time comes.

The key to a successful grow room is not always genetics, the grower, or the nutrients used. It can be as simple as how good your air flow is. Good or bad air circulation is determined by how rich the air is with carbon dioxide, how frequently it is being exchanged in the grow room, and by what movement there is around the base of the plants and the inner canopy. A common problem that many growers face late into the flowering period is a build-up of powdery mildew or moldy flowers.

TIPS FOR FLOWERING INDOORS

The key to a successful grow room is not always genetics, the grower, or the nutrient s used. It can be as simple as how good your air f low is

A Custom Made Flowering Mix Organic growers will often make a custom mix that is specifically catered to flowering. As a case of logistics, a smaller pot from veg may be transplanted into a larger pot with the mix already in it. A good flowering mix recipe includes coco, worm castings, bat guano, compost, diatomaceous earth and biochar. This mix is high in micro and macronutrients, and most importantly, is a high carbon-based growing medium consisting mainly of substrates in a state of decomposition.

credit: Big Think

mycelium

Beneficial bacteria and mycelium convert the carbohydrates into readyto-absorb nutrition for the plant’s roots.

Keep Everything On In The Dark A bad habit that many growers fall into is turning all of their fans and filters off at night. There are several disadvantages to this practice. For one, the heat from the grow lights has nowhere to escape and will, therefore, turn into moisture. As moisture settles on the foliage and the flowers, stagnant air and poor circulation will promote pathogens such as mildew and mold to grow on your plants. When the lights are off, keep the fans and exhaust fans on and make sure that the airflow in the grow room is always consistent so the environment remains free of pathogens.

Bat Guano Tea This is a personal favorite of mine and for many reasons. Bat guano really enhances the flavor and aroma of some flowers. Bat guano is also an enzyme which works as an agent to break down existing foods in the growing medium. Rich in beneficial bacteria, a bat guano tea will not only supercharge your growing medium, but it will also improve the longevity and reusability of the growing medium for a later date. For almost instant results, simply brew for a 24 hour period and feed to your plants.

Keep Room Humidity Low How dry your room is will directly correlate with the production of trichomes, cannabinoids, essential oils and terpenes. When the room is too humid, pathogens will also thrive. I personally aim for a temperature of 22°C (71.5°F) and a humidity level of 50% during the transition stages. After about three weeks, I keep the temperature in the room the same but reduce the humidity level to about 30%.

Plants Need Carbs! Finally, and perhaps of the most important things to consider when flowering plants, is to feed them a constant supply of carbohydrate-rich nutrients. These will be utilized by the microbiology that is happening deep down within the growing medium. Beneficial bacteria and mycelium convert the carbohydrates into ready-to-absorb nutrition for the plant’s roots. Feeding the plant a balanced diet of micro, macro and carbohydrate-rich nutrients will ensure the plants have exactly what they need to thrive. The easiest way is to use unsulphured blackstrap molasses, a liquid form of sugar cane press. 3 61

BY STONEY TARK

PLANT

TRAINING: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE FIRST EIGHT WEEKS

lant training is an excellent way to achieve higher yields in your indoor garden, and what grower doesn’t want that? Before we star t, it’s impor tant to

note that this guide is based on using either fabric pots or

WEEK

homemade air pots with holes.

PLANT TRAINING

for the first 28 days, all you need to worry about is growing your plants to be about 9-12 inches high

What You Will Need: • • • • •

A pot that is made from fabric or a plastic pot with air holes throughout Twine or a thick metal wire (for tying down) A sterile pair of tweezers (for topping plants) A spray bottle Small bamboo canes for support (Optional)

Step 1:

Growing Up, Tying Down and Pinching Out (Weeks 1-4)

For the first four weeks from seed (the first two to three weeks from a clone), you will want to grow your plants naturally and normally. Give your seedlings all the nutrients they need so they get off to a good start. Do not oversaturate the growing medium and when you water, trickle your nutrient solution around the sides of the pot to encourage root growth. Hands-on training doesn’t happen at this stage. In fact, for the first 28 days, all you need to worry about is growing your plants to be about 9-12 inches high. During this time, become comfortable with handling your plants and knowing how durable the main stems are; bend them downwards to get a feel for which side doesn’t show any signs of stiffness or weakness. Working directly with clones can be easier, especially if the clone was already 6-9 inches tall. Once you have found the point where the main stem can be easily bent and manipulated, you are ready to perform the first hands-on technique. This involves tying your plant down while also being very careful not to cause any fatal breaks. The plan is to lower the top shoot so it sits under the other shoots. By bending the top shoot downwards, the production of auxin is limited, meaning that the apical dominance is no

longer occurring in the original primary shoot. The remaining shoot between every other internode on the plant will take charge and grow to become the new dominant head of the canopy. With this taking place and the shape of the plant now totally changed, the part that was originally tied down will begin to make its way back up and join the rest of the canopy, likely over a 24-72 hour period. Now that your canopy consists of many heads, spend time over the next seven days pinching out the tops of each shoot. The idea is to create two shoots for every one that already exists. Do not pinch out all of the shoots at once, as it is better to do three every couple of days. By pinching out the tops and waiting for them to recover and grow back as two new shoots, you are halfway to building the ideal shape to grow big, heavy fruits. At this point, how much you continue to pinch is all about the amount of space you have and your overall goals. There is a technique known as fimming that purposely leaves about 30% of the top tip, encouraging the lower growth to enhance in size and become a little bit bushier. This isn’t the purpose of this training guide, so make sure that every time you pinch, the result is a perfectly-formed, new growing shoot.

Step 2:

Pruning and High-Stress Technique

image credit: growerflow.com

By pinching out the tops and waiting for them to recover and grow back as two new shoots, you are halfway to building the ideal shape to grow big, heavy fruits

(Weeks 5-8)

By this stage, you will have bushy, round, vigorous, light-hungry plants. From a side profile, you should have a horizontal growing plant that resembles a Bonsai tree in some way. Now that the plant has firmly established itself as a dense shrub with multiple tops, you want to focus on pruning and super cropping. I recommend you perform these techniques during this growing stage so you have the highest chance of success. Using a pair of sterile scissors, cut all the growth below the top canopy shoots. The starting point for clearing is where the internode splits into two, meaning that any leaf or developing growth can be cut and discarded. When this is done correctly, you should be able to feel nothing but smooth, woody stems with no signs of growth whatsoever. It will be your job until week eight to deter any new growth by rubbing it firmly with your finger and thumb. Heading into week six, you should have a plant that is almost bare below the foliage, with all energy going to the upper parts where it is needed the most. Now it is time for super cropping. If you have not heard of this technique before, it involves popping, twisting or snapping the main stem or branch of a plant to break the inner cell walls. The plant will respond by sending out repair growth hormones to heal the damage and make the stem stronger than ever.

WEEK

Once you do it a few times, you’ll become more comfortable with your grip and pressure on the various branches. There are several different ways to snap a stem and break the inner cell walls. One way can be a simple squeeze of the finger and thumb. Hardwood plants can be twisted and snapped downwards at a 90° angle.

The result is a wooden knuckle very similar to how our knuckle joints lock into our fingers. This is a highly stressful technique for the plant, and therefore, super cropping only needs to be performed once to have the desired effect. A good tip here is to give your plants time to fully recover before attempting to snap and twist any other part of the branches. I have found that super cropping the lower branches over a two week period has allowed me to add a good number of swollen, wooden knuckles to the plant. In week eight, you should now have yourself some super cropped, topped and pruned plants. If you wish to flower your plants now, then the new shape will help you achieve maximum and efficient production. The above description is basically the same guide leading up to the addition of a screen in SCROG, which is used to support the upper canopy.

The Tying Down Part The most difficult part of this guide is gaining the experience to know how durable your plants are. For example, cultivars with thin stems are much more user-friendly than the short stout varieties. I have had experience with some thick-stemmed, stubborn plants that would not bend to the lateral curve originally intended. Other plants are more forgiving; you can really get great results with woody, thin clones or lanky seedlings. I understand it may not be practical for everyone to pin their plants down sideways without suffering irreparable breaks and losses. Without snapping any main stems and disrupting the design of the plant’s final structure, work each day to determine how much bend and stability it has. The truth is, when you have the right genetics, this is a technique that can take minutes to perform.

PLANT TRAINING

Some of the techniques performed may sound harsh to your beloved plants, but remember that most plants are tough, resilient and can take a serious roughing up before bouncing back twice as strong

More Helpful Hints and Tips

L.S.T and The Basic Science Behind It Low-stress training can come under many forms including topping, tying, and fimming. By tying plants down and temporarily disrupting the flow of auxin to the primary top shoot, plants will grow wider and bushier. If a plant is left to grow naturally, then the result will be a single top bud with side branches that are usually lower down. It will usually also have poor biomass and overall weight.

The Benefits Of Stress! Some of the techniques performed may sound harsh to your beloved plants, but remember that most plants are tough, resilient and can take a serious roughing up before bouncing back twice as strong.

Plant Support

What Not To Do!

When following the steps outlined in this article, the result will be a compact plant structure, eliminating the need for extra support. After graduating from this eight-week training program, your plants will be strong, wind resistant, and thickstemmed with a hard-wooded nature. If you do choose to add further support to train the canopy outwards, then bamboo canes are a great option. Insert the canes on the outside of the growing medium and well away from the center point root zone.

Patience is a virtue! Do not ever begin the low stress or high-stress techniques before they are necessary. For example, super cropping early is a big mistake and can cause weaker plants to die. Another mistake many people make is failing to remove the growing tip when pinching the plants. The process should be a clean one where the entire tip is removed, exposing a wet, green flesh that will recover and grow two new identical shoots.

Why Foliar Feeding? This is an excellent way to feed the plants while also giving the growing medium time to air out and dry. Make a very mild nutrient solution and foliar spray once a day, applying a fine mist on the tops and undersides of your leaves. The benefits will be a healthier leaf tissue which can retain more moisture while also developing a waxy appearance.

BIO Stoney Tark is a freelance writer with over 15 years experience in the canna industry. Specializing in plant science, tutorials, how-to-guides, top tips, microbiology, breeding and all fundamentals cannabis-based. Living in Amsterdam and the resident writer for Soft Secrets, as well as Hightimes and Garden Culture Magazine.

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Stop With All the Walls Joining Hydroponic and Organic Practices

HYDROPONIC AND ORGANIC

You can keep all the control and ef ficiency of hydroponic media, whilst integrating organic practices to boost the final qualit y essentially aiming for the best of both worlds

egregation is not usually synchronistic with peace and prosperity. I can’t really think of any point in history when separating and isolating peoples and things have ever had anything other than a negative impact on the overall success of a people. To name just a couple of examples, the Mongolians and Chinese missed out on

countless oppor tunities to elevate each other’s societies, and Germans were separated and even forced to go to the extreme lengths of having to create two football teams. The integration of different cultures is IMO’s/LAB’s (Bacterial) Other than maybe always the way forward. Alexander the The bacterial amendment arm of your lowering your EC Great knew this when he saw the majesty KNF additives. No longer restrict yourself slightly now and of Asia’s trading network on the silk road, to a few species of bacteria/fungi from a again, keep your a melting pot of all things desirable and dusty packet – get the best you can from existing feed regime the natural world around you. Once you useful. Trade routes and the exchange of people/knowledge/resources helped to have made yourself some IMO2 (or LAB), exactly the same, elevate these people to dizzying heights you can add this at any point you wish. The then add MNF bits – a veritable golden age for our ancestors. first watering after a transplant is always in as you see fit The growing media your plants are sitting the most ideal to inoculate any fresh new throughout your in is no stranger to this phenomenon, roots, but a weekly top up can be applied plant’s life cycle par ticularly in relation to a bit of the old to increase biodiversity in your pot at hydro/organic fusion of ideas. You can almost any point. For full effect, you could keep all the control and efficiency of hydroponic media, even inoculate your entire media before planting out, in a whilst integrating organic practices to boost the final quality similar way to how IMO3 is made (see previous issues for - essentially aiming for the best of both worlds. fur ther details).

Ferments

Firstly, you need to think about how you can possibly integrate anything into your pre-existent hydroponic regiment. For example, you might be among the vast swathes of growers who are using drip irrigation systems in coco pots. If you are, then good for you! This is possibly the easiest of all systems to integrate the finer aspects of KNF into. The only thing you will need to do is water your organic inputs by hand every now and again, when and where they are applicable. This same thinking can really be applied to almost any hydro system. In a nutshell, you can hand water through organic amendments at almost any point (within reason).

Ferments can be hand fed into your media almost at any given point. A weekly feed will give you the oppor tunity to cycle through all the ferments you have made, star ting with root ferments in early veg, moving to vegetative ferments in mid-veg, then switching to more flower/fruit ferments as you transition through the flowering stage. The aim of the game here is to match the type of ferment you have made to the stage of life that your plant is in at that time so that the inherent hormones and nutrients meet the demands of your plants at that par ticular time.

credit: Confessions From The Soil

Unless you are amending your media with dry fer tilizers, you are essentially just adding to what you are already doing, so change nothing in terms of the EC and pH levels you normally set your reservoir at. Other than maybe lowering your EC slightly now and again, keep your existing feed regime exactly the same, then add MNF bits in as you see fit throughout your plant’s life cycle. “Easy enough” I hear you say, “I can switch my irrigation pumps off and hand water once a week. So what should I use and when?” Well, dearest fellow, let’s have a quick look at a few of your options so you get the gist.

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Physically how, though?

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HYDROPONIC AND ORGANIC

Other bits and Pieces

(FAA) FISH AMINO ACIDS

FARMING

These are possibly the best two to focus on when integrating KNF into hydro practices. Both of these inputs are fun to make and can significantly change the end result of your crop. As a place to star t, they make a great organic addition to almost any method of growing you currently employ. Of course, you are by no means restricted to just these two or three; other KNF inputs can also be utilized just as well. But keep in mind, they take a lot more effor t in the early preparation stage, something many lazy hydroponic growers tend to be rather fearful of.

credit: youtube: (FAA) FISH AMINO ACIDS KOREAN NATURAL

Ferments can be hand fed into your media almost at any given point

In a nutshell Basically, the world is your oyster. An occasional handwatering allows you to integrate almost any aspect of organic growing into a more mineral programme. Just make sure not to add any extras to your reservoir; organic additives tend not to sit well in a tank over time. Essentially, you are giving yourself the best of both worlds in this scenario – all the efficiency and predictability of hydroponics, with all the quality boosting aspects of organics: win/win. 3

Fermented Fruit Juice

credit: Imgrum: #momsorganismsxl Medias

WSCP/WSCA may not be quite as crucial, as your mineral nutrients should have more than adequate levels of calcium and phosphor (although, an additional bit of organic versions hand watered through won’t hur t). OHN can be used as a foliar spray or root drench to help boost the vitality and immunity of your plant (but it’s a faff to make). FAA can give a huge boost of amino’s for a plant and can be a great food source for fungi.

BY MATT MOUNTAIN

When

less is

MORE Flowering, particularly late stage, easily competes with propagation/start of life as the phase that gives the most customers the most problems 74

FLOWERING AND FRUITING

lowering and fruiting is an exciting time for growers. It’s the pay off for weeks, months, sometimes years of work. So it’s only natural that a large part of the hydroponics and advanced gardening market is dedicated to this phase of life. If explosive growth sounds good - if a little dangerous - explosive flowering clearly sounds better!

With a plethora of PK, CalMag, and PGR based boosters and flowering supplements out there touting oppor tunities for huge productivity and yield gains, it isn’t surprising that many growers use them. Often, with great success.

Flowering problems are compounded by the simple and brutal fact that, well, flowers don’t make the best leaves

At the same time, a quick straw poll of grow shops will confirm that flowering, par ticularly late stage, easily competes with propagation/star t of life as the phase that gives the most customers the most problems. Why is that? And why is it that despite all the products on the market that cater specifically to flowering, problems still often peak during this phase? Whilst a plant is growing vegetatively, all of its available energy is going into duplicating par ts of itself that deliver immediate benefit to the plant: more root to uptake water and nutrients, more leaf to increase gas exchange and energy collection for photosynthesis, or more stem to hold the two together. If you damage a vegetative plant, like tearing a leaf off, for example, whatever the energy cost to effect repairs (i.e to grow a new leaf ), the plant will be repairing something that contributes. You might also notice that if you remove a leaf lower down the stem in an area with less light then the crown, that the plant might choose to replace it slowly, or not at all, sending the energy it has to well-lit areas that can grow higher performing leaves instead. When a plant is in flower, it is trying to reproduce not by vegetative means (budding or via runners etc), but, with the exception of self-fer tile varieties, through sexual reproduction. To do this, it needs a whole new physical set up: new tissues and structures, and often, it needs to do this at new energy levels as many plants are photoperiodic.

This means their development is responsive to day length. For example, a shor t day plant, which will typically flower when day length is less than about 12 hours, will star t to radically change its physiology just as the light and resulting power available to it drops.

So, right out of the gate, a grower who has become used to the responses of their plants to pruning, water availability, or nutrient concentration can be caught off guard and accidentally expose their plants to stress as the plant deals with new demands and less energy availability at the same time. This is one of the many reasons that flowering plants are often said to be more delicate than plants in veg. As if that wasn’t enough, flowering problems are compounded by the simple and brutal fact that, well, flowers don’t make the best leaves. Technically, they are leaves, but they often don’t contribute significantly to photosynthesis, having largely conver ted their chloroplasts into the colorful chromoplasts we grow them for. Flowers also have to produce scent, nectar, resin, pollen, fruits, and seeds. None of these things helps your plant grow bigger or healthier. Basically, flowers are black holes for resources that the rest of your plant is stuck with and has to feed. So, plants are diminished in resilience during flowering, and at the same time, they are being asked to do the hardest work and carry the most vulnerable tissue (i.e flowers). Ever seen a plant with some mold on the leaf ? Not a big deal. Seen one with moldy flowers? Big deal... But, does this explain the massive uptick in “problems” around flowering?

FLOWERING AND FRUITING

About half of them, probably yes. A plant that is suddenly put under more pressure, with less energy available, has less headroom. And that exacerbates any issues that may be lurking. From pest attacks to nutrient deficiencies, a stressed plant going into flower will often succumb to challenges it might have metaphorically shaken off a few weeks earlier. This is why all good shops, and books, and manufacturers, put plant health fundamentals, such as heat, humidity, airflow, light, and the availability of properly oxygenated water first, every time. If a plant is healthy, and growing in the correct environment it will fight disease better, grow better, flower better, and yield better than a plant in a poor environment and all the boosters and supplements in the world. But what about the other 50%? Well, when I ask shop owners about the number one specific problem that customers ask for advice on in flowering, the answer that comes back is almost always “deficiencies”.

Plants are diminished in resilience during flowering, and at the same time, they are being asked to do the hardest work and carry the most vulnerable tissue

Why deficiencies? Because generally, when problems occur during flowering, and customers are using supplements, the plants in question are indeed deficient in one or more primary or secondary nutrient. It’s just that the deficiency has been caused by an excess or unintended interactions between one or more nutrients being delivered. This kind of excess is called a “lock-out” because the affected nutrient is present, but made unavailable to the plant.

levels in the rest of the plant or substrate are sufficient. In fact, in hydroponics, a Ca deficiency is most often due to decreased calcium uptake or transpor t within the plant (Adams and Ho, 1993), and not a lack of calcium in nutrient solution (Morard et al., 1996).

An interesting fact about calcium, for example, is that despite being almost universally paired with magnesium in supplements, the two elements strongly interfere with each other during uptake. As does potassium (Voogt, 1998). This means that an apparent deficiency in one of these elements often means a toxic excess of one or both of the others.

The interplay between just P, Ca and Mg following overapplication of “PK” and “CalMag” can be intense: high levels of potassium in the root environment interfere with calcium uptake (Voogt, 1998; Nukaya et al., 1995; Bar-Tal and Pressman, 1996). And at the same time, excess Ca could inhibit K absorption due to competition between the two ions (Paiva et al., 1998b). Then, you should consider that the rate of Mg uptake can be depressed by Ca levels, and vice versa (Paiva et al., 1998b; Hao and Papadopoulos, 2003).

Another calcium fun fact is that as it is almost entirely distributed via xylem, not phloem, growing tips, fruit, and other par ts of plants that are primarily supplied by phloem often show signs of calcium deficiency when

In shor t, it’s very easy to overload your plants. It is also very hard to accurately diagnose a specific nutrient deficiency in a high EC environment without lab testing because of all these interactions. When you add this complexity to

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FLOWERING AND FRUITING

An interesting fact about calcium, for example, is that despite being almost universally paired with magnesium in supplements, the two elements strongly interfere with each other during uptake

the generally more delicate physiology of a flowering plant, you can see who so many people get into trouble with what appears to be deficiencies in bloom as opposed to veg. So, what is the solution to great yields without drama? First of all, less often really is more. Resist the urge to throw a little bit more nutrient in just to see. Or at least run a test plant for experiments. If you are using a complete range of nutrients, stick to it: donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mix and match nutrient products - especially PK and CalMag supplements. Manufacturers do a lot of testing to ensure a product range works together; trust them on that. If you fancy a change, switch brand for your next grow.

Respect the iner tia of your substrate: nutrients build up over time, and generally out of balance. There is more than one neutral product available to help re-set your substrate. Consider using one at major transitions in your grow. You can also look at the fast developing world of beneficial microorganisms for ways to improve your plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access to the elements it needs and that you have already supplied. And finally, if your local shop ever tells you less is more and tries to not sell you one more booster product for flowering stick with that shop for life; they have your genuine interest at hear t! 3

Resist the urge to throw a little bit more nutrient in just to see

Bio

Matt Mountain - Clearspeech.london With a Bachelor of Sciences degree and background in management consultancy, Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day job is helping everyday people - aka customers, understand and benefit from the developments that researchers and manufacturers in advanced horticulture make every year. Matt manages General Hydroponics Europe and General Organics operations in the UK, and with 20 years of urban gardening experience in France and England, is now particularly concentrated on the practical application of hydroponics in small-scale urban food production with a focus on high value, high carbon cost produce.

credit: AeroFarms

BY ALBERT MONDOR, HORTICULTURIST AND BIOLOGIST

Recycling Los t Space

W To Grow

ith the increasing urban sprawl, food to feed city dwellers must be produced far away from where it is consumed.

Food

Food must be transported to cities by air, rail or truck, generating significant amounts of pollutants and greenhouse gases. According to the Worldwatch Institute, the food that makes up a typical American plate must be transported an average of almost 1,500 miles before being eaten.

RECYCLING LOST SPACE

The founder of AeroFarms estimates that his cultivation method uses 95% less water than conventional farming in open fields with a yield 70 times higher!

The transportation and storage of food also force farmers to cultivate varieties of fruits and vegetables that are firm and low in juice with a very thick peel. This way, the produce is better able to withstand frequent handling, shocks and temperature differences. Furthermore, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that 45% of all fruits and vegetables produced around the globe are lost or discarded before they can be eaten, partly because of transport, storage, and handling. Add an increasing fear of GMOs and chemical pesticides to the mix, and young, urban citizens have decided to grow their own food in order to eat it in its most organic form. They have developed very original ways to produce healthy fruits and vegetables, locally, in the heart of cities.

the food that makes up a typical American plate must be transported an average of almost 1,500 miles before being eaten 81

In addition to supplying citizens of New York City with healthy food, the Square Roots team also aims to train people who want to start their own urban agriculture business

credit: alive.com credit: Square Roots

RECYCLING LOST SPACE

credit: Freight farms

This question certainly deserves to be asked: although it is free of GMOs and pesticides, can vertical hydroponic culture – done without soil and microorganisms – be considered organic?

Farms in old buildings

Food inside shipping containers

Rather than growing edible plants in the ground as it is usually done in conventional agriculture, urban farmers must be creative and find ways to grow food on rooftops and inside buildings. In recent years, the number of projects for growing edible plants on roofs has boomed in North America.

Another creative way of growing edible plants in urban areas without soil has recently been developed in North America. It involves producing fruits and vegetables in old shipping containers with vertical hydroponic systems. The Boston-based companies Corner Stalk Farm and Freight Farms have had great success with this method.

Some urban agriculture projects involve renovating and insulating old buildings in which fruits and vegetables are cultivated in vertical hydroponic systems under artificial lighting. This is the case for Metropolis Farms located in a Philadelphia building and for AeroFarms in Newark, New Jersey. Approximately US $30 million has been invested in AeroFarms to transform a former steel mill into a cutting-edge urban farm.

Recently, Kimbal Musk, the brother of Tesla founder Elon Musk, created a company called Square Roots. This urban farming company grows GMO-free, pesticide-free vegetables in shipping containers right in the heart of Brooklyn. The vegetables produced are delivered directly to offices or drop-off points. More info: GCMag.co/Freight-container-farming* 3

BIO Passionate about environmental horticulture, urban agriculture and extreme landscape design, Albert Mondor has practiced his craft for over 30 years and created numerous gardens in North America. In addition to teaching courses and lecturing at conferences across Canada, his weekly gardening column has appeared in the Journal de Montréal and the Journal de Québec since 1999.

In April 2018, Albert Mondor has published Le nouveau potager, his tenth horticultural book. He is a regular guest and contributor to radio and television programs and hosts The Trendy Gardener spots broadcasted on Météo Média and online. You can also read his blog called Extreme Horticulture at albertmondor.com. Follow Albert on Facebook: fb.com/albert.mondor

BY STONEY TARK

TOP TIPS ON

The most important tip I can offer is to avoid cheap LEDs at all cost

LED

row lights these days are more advanced than ever before, and with a range of impressive HID and CMH lighting available, LED is beginning to emerge as a frontrunner in the world of growing. Here are a few things you should consider before investing in LED grow lights.

Don’t Use Cheap Imitations The most impor tant tip I can offer is to avoid cheap LEDs at all cost. For example, grow lights made in China are very limited in performance. When they are put to the test, they often give other LED manufacturers a bad name. It is easy to get sucked in by the low prices and sleek-looking design, but using these will only cost you in the long run. There are some incredible LED lights out nowadays, and with technology advancing at a fast rate, they’ll only get better!

COB lights are great for spectrum, however, I really believe they lack the power to penetrate deep down into the canopy

Do Your Research New lighting companies pop up on a regular basis but knowing what level of tech they are capable of will always determine how good their lights perform. I have personally used LEDs for the last 5 years and have had the privilege to try the majority of the top companies. While researching companies, find out if they are using basic casing and lights. How are the lights cooled and how efficient are they over a long period of time? How much power do the lights use? What P.A.R do they offer? What spectrum do they make? These are just some of the questions you should be asking.

COB Lighting COB lights are great for spectrum, however, I really believe they lack the power to penetrate deep down into the canopy. The advantage of using the white light from COB over the typical blue, red, and white more commonly associated with LEDs, is that the grower does not need to worry so much about the suspect pink light. COBs get hot, and when there are many of them in a garden,

temperatures can seriously climb. Having passive cooling or a highly efficiently fan will help regulate the room. Many growers are choosing to make their own custom COB boards at home, which can be a cheaper alternative to investing in a high-end expensive COB unit.

Reducing Electricity

If you are a bedroom grower and are currently working with a 600w HPS, my tip here is to think about upgrading to LED. One of the benefits of using LED is that you can dramatically cut down your power consumption without losing on P.A.R. My current set up in a 1.2-meter tent includes three of the SANlight QW6 model. In total, these three lights use 645w of power (215w per unit). With a distance of 40 cm (15.7”) between each light and the same from the tops of the plants to the lights, the entire canopy is fully illuminated. You cannot compare the efficiency of 645w of LED to a 600w HPS. The P.A.R, heat output and spectrum band length aren’t the same, and the plants respond much differently.

Adding Heat In The Grow Room Cooling down your grow room when using LED lights won’t be an issue; the problem is actually the opposite. The temperature of my

LED

TOP TIPS ON

Cooling down your grow room when using LED lights won’t be an issue; the problem is actually the opposite.

One of the benefits of using LED is that you can dramatically cut down your power consumption without losing on P.A.R. indoor grow room using LED grow lights only reaches 20°C (68°F). At the lowest par ts of the tent and around the base of the pots, the temperature ends up being cooler than one would like for soil microbiology to thrive. Roots like to be nice and warm. My tip here is to add a heat source to bump the temperatures up to the 25°C (77°F), while also maintaining the correct humidity. Adding heating cables or a fan heater will help keep the ambient temperatures around the root zone ideal. A cold and damp root zone not only slows growth but can also introduce unwanted pathogens into the growing medium.

Better Coverage Replacing a 600w or 1000w HPS with LED lighting has its pros and cons. As I’ve already mentioned, I have three LEDs replacing a 600w HPS with a reflector inside my 1.2-meter grow tent. The downside? Initial costs are unequivocal to a ballast, bulb, and reflector. LED lights are an expensive game and one that many people are unable to play due to financial restrictions and practicality. If you do want to make the investment, be sure to work out over the long run just how beneficial the change will be. Consider the long-term costs of electric, gram-towatt ratio, P.A.R spectrums, and general efficiency. 3

Add Years To Your Life By Eating Mediterranean

ant to live longer? Then eat as the Mediterranean do! A recent study finds that filling your plate with plenty

of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, lean chicken, and fish can add years to your life. The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that eating mostly plant-based meals led to a 25% lower risk of death among older adults living in the Molise region of Italy. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the Mediterranean diet is also said to be beneficial for overall heart, bone, and brain health. Feel like you’re getting a late start? Not a problem. Researchers say choosing to follow the diet can have a positive impact, even if you’re 65 or older. They followed the health and diets of 5,200 seniors and found a 16% lower mortality risk associated with those who enjoyed more plant-based meals. The key to the diet’s success seems to be the consumption of monosaturated fats, such as olive oil, over saturated fats. Here’s an added bonus: you can still enjoy the occasional steak and glass of red wine. It’s all about moderation. Salute! Sources: CNN: cnn.it/2MPykKL 3

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

GardenCultureMagazine.com

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You can also find this blog and more fresh gardening and growing content on our blog at GCMag.co

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS MAY LOWER WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STRESS LEVELS 88

FLOWERS LOWER STRESS

It’s become pret t y clear that flowers and gardening, in general, can help reduce stress levels and boost moods

hether you like it or not, stress is a fact of life. For everyone. From family life and money matters to tardiness and issues at the office, we’ve all fallen victim to stress at some point. A recent study by Wakefield Research found 68% of people feel stress on a weekly basis, while 32% said they’re

stressed out every single day. Women especially feel it, with 25% saying daily stress is par for the course. The classic physical symptoms of stress include nagging headaches, chest tightness, sleep problems, digestion issues, and even skin problems. When it comes to moods, it can trigger feelings of helplessness, anxiety, irritability, and depression. Stress is serious. But what if I told you there was a pretty simple way of managing it?

Stress is serious. But what if I told you there was a pret t y simple way of managing it?

Flower Power In addition to exercise, yoga, and deep breathing techniques, receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers also apparently do the trick. New research from the University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health shows that having flowers in and around the house significantly reduces daily stress levels. The study, called The Impact of Flowers on Perceived Stress Among Women, lends further credence to the notion that our environments can positively (or negatively) affect our health.

How It Worked 170 women between the ages of 18-65 were divided into three different groups. While one of the groups was assigned to flower home delivery, the second group received a home-delivered luxury candle; the third got nothing at all. The participants were told to take note of their stress levels for 12 consecutive days. The delivery of either the flowers or candles was made on day five or six of the study.

The results were pretty impressive. The average reduction in stress among the women who received fresh flowers and lived with them afterwards was -5.5 points on the Perceived Stress Questionnaire.

Impressive, But Not Surprising There are plenty of studies out there that have examined the positive impact flowers and gardening have on people. In fact, a social prescribing movement that recently swept across the UK has doctors recommending that people who suffer from mental health issues consider gardening rather than medication.

FLOWERS LOWER STRESS GardenCultureMagazine.com

best of Being surrounded by greener y and various blooms can also increase dopamine levels in the brain Recent research projects by Harvard, Rutgers, and Texas A&M University have also found: • • • •

Flowers in the house boost the moods of people first thing in the morning. Flowers can help people feel emotionally satisfied throughout the day. Flowers and plants in the workplace greatly improve employee productivity. Flowers can help ease depression in seniors while also inspiring social networking and refreshing their memories.

Gardening And Refugees It’s become pretty clear that flowers and gardening, in general, can help reduce stress levels and boost moods. But they can also be crucial to social integration.

A 2018 study on the Myanmar former refugee community in Australia’s regional city of Coffs Harbour found that gardening has a wonderful impact on the mental health of people who have experienced trauma by being displaced from their native countries.

the blog

Not only were the refugees able to grow healthy foods similar to what is traditionally eaten back home, but the garden was also a place for them to feel safe and happy.

The Garden And Your Brain I recently received a beautifully-written and photographed book called The Wellness Garden: Grow, Eat, and Walk Your Way to Better Health. In it, author Shawna Coronado explains how gardens and flowers in general impact our brain neurotransmitters in very positive ways. She explains how the bacterium Mycobacterium vaccae triggers the release of serotonin when you have direct skin-to-soil contact. Not only that; being surrounded by greenery and various blooms can also increase dopamine levels in the brain. Both serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure, happiness, and love. Can’t argue with that. So, as we head into the cooler months, it’s important to find some room in the house for vases packed with beautiful, fresh blooms from a local florist, or dedicate some windows or other corners to houseplants. Because one of these days you’re going to need a mood booster or stress reliever. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t. 3

Not only were the refugees able to grow healthy foods similar to what is traditionally eaten back home, but the garden was also a place for them to feel safe and happy

Sources: • Wakefield Research: read.bi/2DOx3Dt • Mayo Clinic: mayocl.in/2PGppBn • About Flowers: bit.ly/2Bmrk5n • The Conversation: bit.ly/2FvNjuX

BY TOM FORREST, STEALTH GARDEN SUPPLIES

Stealth Science

elcome to the second par t of our ‘Stealth Science’ Series! In this ar ticle, we will be discussing how impor tant

and seemingly complicated the consumption of water is within our gardens. Without it, all life on ear th would cease to exist. Plants have cleverly evolved a very unique way of utilizing this precious resource for a huge range of biological processes.

We will start our lesson with the importance of the transpiration stream. This essential concept describes the movement of water from the soil to the atmosphere. The controlling factor for this movement is the gradient of water potential as it amazingly moves upwards like an upside-down waterfall!

What about gravity? How do trees move such vast amounts of water towards the sky? In a brilliant example of evolutionary prowess, plants have evolved a threefold method of mechanisms. Various theories state that plants cleverly use water’s peculiar cohesive and molecular properties to their advantage. This allows the tallest trees to lift thousands of liters of water hundreds of meters into the air. Using a combination of root pressure, capillarity, and cohesion, plants are able to move water even more efficiently than the most advanced human technology. Firstly, root pressure acts to uptake the salts and water by osmosis; through diffusion and the difference in water potential around the root hairs. Capillarity states that water rises higher in smaller diameter pipes and that you can imagine the xylem as tiny, microscopic, thin straws (that use tracheids and vessels). As the root pressure and capillary push the water from the base, cohesion pressure from the leaf surface pulls continuous columns of water upwards. Another theory also suggests that a lack of gasses within the xylem and phloem contributes to the inward movement of water and lack of vertical pressure on the water column within the plant. A majority of the water tension comes from the cohesive pressure of the leaves. This is actually a very easy movement 92

This five-part series delves into plant science to help you understand why a garden flourishes or flops. Over the next five issues, we will discuss the important topics relating to plant biology and physiology, structure and function, covering roots to shoots and everything in between! Understanding the science behind the art of horticulture ensures we can cultivate beautiful, healthier, and more sustainable crops. The Five Classes: • Plant Morphology and Anatomy (see last issue) • Water Interactions • Plant Food and Ionic Relations • Photosynthesis and Phloem • Plant Hormones: The control of growth and development

of water to accurately measure. A potometer (also known as a transpirometer) is a basic device you can make with simple lab equipment to measure the rate of water uptake from a leafy shoot. During daylight hours, the water column within the plant is under the greatest tension as the water potential is much higher. A dendrometer allows us to very accurately measure and observe tree trunks shrinking during the day and actually swelling at night! This occurs as the water column is most stretched while the plant is maximizing transpiration.

How does the water get inside the plant in the first place? Let’s imagine we are looking at the transpiration stream under a potent HP microscope, traveling like a magic school bus through the different organs and processes of the plant. Underground (or underwater in certain hydroponic setups), the water firstly passes through the apoplast (the non-living areas; cell walls and intercellular spaces) of the root cortex along the water potential gradient, and into the root. It encounters an impervious barrier at the endodermis but enters through the symplast (the living areas bounded by different membranes e.g. cell protoplasts) and flows back into the apoplast as it is carried upward by the transpiration pull from the leaves.

STEALTH SCIENCE

Water Interactions Plants have cleverly evolved a very unique way of utilizing this precious resource for a huge range of biological processes

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STEALTH SCIENCE

Water interactions

As it is with humans and all life on earth, water is our key to existence; we need to keep it pure and treat it as our most valuable resource

Near the destination, the water leaves the xylem and travels via the apoplast in the mesophyll cell walls into the substomatal cavity. This is where an exchange of gases occurs and the water brilliantly emerges into the atmosphere as humidity. This is a very oversimplified analysis of the transpiration stream but gives you an idea of how the water moves between different cells and intercellular spaces to get to where it needs to go. Many of us have heard of the stomata, the little bean-shaped things that control respiration. The stomatal opening is an essential organelle for photosynthesis. This is a tiny pore that is bordered by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;guard cellsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that control and regulate gas exchanges from the leaf. As the stomatal opening size increases, so does the transpiration, but the rates will depend on water stress, light, CO2, air toxicities, and several other factors. Stomatal closure is regulated by Abscisic Acid ABA (we will discuss this much more in depth within Topic 5: Plant Hormones) and causes the cessation of the K+ pump. They will close during times of darkness, high CO2 levels, or other poisons in the air. The guard cells have chloroplasts that photosynthesize to help the plant exchange gases (mostly oxygen and carbon dioxide). It is predominantly the environmental factors of a crop that will influence the transpiration levels of a plant. As relative humidity decreases, so does transpiration. But also as the air warms, the plant will transpire significantly more to try to regulate its own temperature. Surrounding the plant, the light intensity and air movement will also have drastic effects on the control of transpiration, as will the soil conditions, soil type, and salinity.

This turgor pressure describes the pressure exerted by the cell wall in response to the expansion of the vacuole (a space within the cell, usually enclosed by a membrane). It keeps the cells solid and structurally able to do their job. Only a small amount of water moves in or out of the cell, but this still has a large effect on its water potential and its turgor pressure. When the guard cells are turgid, the stomata are open and the gas exchange is underway!

Why is water the most important limiting factor for productivity and crop growth? As water moves throughout the plant, it is used in a variety of physiological mechanisms. The three most important needs for water are as a raw material for photosynthesis, for turgor to support and expand cells, and as a solvent for ions and organic compounds. Plant life only actually utilizes 1% of water for metabolic activity; the remaining 99% is transpired and supports the rest of our global ecosystem! Astonishingly, a Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain Ash) can transpire more than 12,000 liters per hectare per day! The soil type and particle size will also influence how much water a plant is able to transpire or use. Depending on the salt/silt/clay ratio, the substrate will have differing field capacities (maximum amount of water) that a plant is able to utilize.

To truly comprehend the influence of water relations in horticulture, we need to look at the cellular aspects of H20. Universal laws state that water potential is determined by three factors: gravity, pressure, and the concentration of dissolved solutes.

As it is with humans and all life on earth, water is our key to existence; we need to keep it pure and treat it as our most valuable resource. Plants have evolved to adapt to changing climates and we can learn from their ingenuity and resourceful nature.

Water movement inside a plant is osmotic; it moves through barriers or semi-permeable membranes as the turgor pressure maintains the structure and shape of a cell.

The next segment of Stealth Science will investigate how plants use this water to consume their food and the ionic relations behind mineral nutrition! 3

BIO Founder of Indicated Technology Pty Ltd, Tom is a certified horticulturalist and paid consultant working in the Australian medical cannabis industry. After finishing studies in production horticulture (hydroponics) and plant biology; Tom has spent the past 6 years working in the protected cropping space. Tom is passionate about sustainable yet economic cultivation methodologies and also teaches cannabis cultivation as part of university and private education programs. Tom is also the Communications Manager for Stealth Garden wholesale supplies. 95

World’s Largest Vertical Farm Coming To Dubai

#FERTILZERFORTHEFUTURE

he world’s largest vertical farm is coming to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and it’s going to completely change how people view

airport food. Construction on the $40 million joint venture between Crop One Holdings and Emirates Flight Catering is set to begin this month. The 130,000 sq ft facility will be double the size of the current largest vertical farm in Newark, New Jersey, and will produce 6,000 pounds (or 2,700 kg) of leafy greens a day. They will be grown in a soilless growth medium and nutrient solutions will help keep the greens healthy. Weather conditions won’t ever hinder the crops; because a vertical farm is a controlled environment, temperature, humidity, and light levels are catered to the plant’s needs. Everything grown inside will be herbicide and pesticide-free, and the facility is also projected to use 99% less water than outdoor fields. How’s that for environmentally-friendly? Continuing on that theme, its location will enable quick delivery of products within hours of harvest, maintaining its nutritional value and reducing deliveryrelated carbon emissions. The farm is expected to be up and running within a year, and its products should start rolling out into the airlines and airport lounges by December 2019. Just another excuse to visit Dubai... 3

Sources: bit.ly/globalnewswire

Festive Poinsettias

ith a bright red, showy display that blooms every December, it’s no wonder poinsettias are used to spread cheer during the holiday season. Native to Mexico and commonly referred to

as the “Flower of the Holy Night”, the poinsettia has been used to decorate churches there for many centuries. Its sap was also historically used by the Aztecs for medicinal purposes, such as controlling fevers. Interestingly enough, what most people believe to be the plant’s flowers are actually red-colored bracts or modified leaves; the actual flowers are the tiny yellow buds resembling stamens. Despite its reputation for being poisonous, it actually isn’t. It can, however, upset the stomachs of the pets or children who eat them, so be sure to keep them in a safe spot. Although traditionally red, there are actually more than 100 varieties of poinsettias available today that range in color from white, pink, burgundy, marbled and speckled. Poinsettias are some of the most popular potted plants out there; In 2014, more than 8 million of them were sold in the UK in just two months! In the US, the 2013 USDA Floriculture Statistics repor t shows that over 34 million of them are sold every year. California is the highestproducing state with over 6 million pots grown a year. Nor th Carolina, Texas, Florida and Ohio round out the top 5. Keep these beauties blooming beyond the Christmas season by placing in a well-lit room with temperatures of 60°F-70°F. If it gets too hot or too cold, the leaves will begin to wilt, and then it’s too late. It’s also impor tant to keep the soil moist, never soggy. And if you don’t have enough to celebrate already in December, add this to your calendars: International Poinsettia Day is December 12 th . Happy Holidays! 3

Sources: University of Illinois: Floral Daily: University of Vermont: ScienceDirect:

bit.ly/2N7qFHV bit.ly/2OTBY81 bit.ly/2QeWYX3 bit.ly/2DAuJAF

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