Garden Culture Magazine UK 34

FREE COPY

UK EDITION · ISSUE 34 · 2020

We could easily market our new power pack technology to look sexy and exciting.

But what you really need to know is that it is Genuine Quality that makes this Power Pack so popular.

High-quality magnetic power-pack technology may not be quite as sexy and exciting as all the new developments in plant lighting currently hitting the shelves, but they do offer something that this new breed are yet to prove: consistent reliability. Practically bomb-proof, these tried and tested ballasts will last you almost a life-time, almost never

leaving a section of your room without light from a fixture having failed. Metal-Cased, vented ballasts to ensure a constantly cool operation, the Lotus 600W ballast will power any 600W 240V HPS or MH lamp and not let you down in the process.

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Find the Organic in you

CONTENTS

MICROBIAL PRODUCT

34 I PRODUCT

Beneficial

n recent years, we have seen an enormous surge in the amount of microbial-based products available to growers. These, undoubtedly, have added a third dimension to standard nutrient programs and increased the productivity of organic gardens.

SPOTLIGHTS

In s e c t

Mycorrhizal Fungi

When used correctly, these types of additives can provide massive benefits over a range of crops, such as increases in yield, speed of growth, plant resilience, and drought resistance. They can turn standard growing media and potting soils into thriving natural systems.

This group has two main types, Endomycorrhizae (VAM), which are symbiotic and Ectomycorrhizae, which are non-symbiotic.

15

If you think of your plant’s roots as a net, a root system enhanced by mycorrhizae is many times larger, meaning more food is broken down for use by your garden.

However, when overused, just like fertiliser, they can have a detrimental effect on soil and plant health.

When you see Rhizobacter, various species of Glomus, Rhizopogon, Pisolithus, and Scleroderma on a product, these are what you are using.

There is a diverse range of fungal and bacterial inoculants available in many products, sometimes in isolation, but more often as blends. What do they do?

And when is it appropriate to use them?

Nitrogen Fixing bacteria These little guys take nitrogen from the air (N2) and fix it into the root system in the form of Ammonia, which is readily useable by plants. The main types available are the non-symbiotic types, such as Azotobacter, that live alongside a plant’s roots. Then there are symbiotic types, such as Azospirillium, which are associated with cereal crops and Rhizobium, which are associated with legumes. These latter examples physically attach and invade the root hairs, stimulating the growth of nodules, within which the bacteria can perform the conversion directly.

The caveat with these products is that there has to be nitrogen in the air to fix; they cannot make it from scratch.

So, if you have a closed-loop grow room with little to no outside air exchange, you might find the atmospheric levels too low for these additives to have a noticeable effect. The main gardens that will benefit are outdoor gardens, and indoor gardens vented with filtered air from outside.

Nitrogen Fixing bacteria

credit: wikipedia

40

BY EVAN FOLDS

Mycorrhizal Fungi In the symbiotic kinds of Mycorrhizae, such as Glomus and Rhizobacter, there is a two-way flow of nutrients. These fungi attach to the roots and feed on exudates, which are simple carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. In turn, the fungi mineralise nutrients and provide them to the plant.

Ectomycorrhizae can only grow when attached to a living root system, but they can lay dormant as colonised root fragments or spores ready to populate new roots as they appear.

Ectomycorrhizae grow in and around roots, indirectly providing the plant with nutrition. These can propagate in the absence of a root system, having the ability to feed on soil carbon and nutrients; in fact, many common mushroom varieties are species of Ectomycorrhizae.

FOOD & FARMING

34 34

28

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

WHO’S GROWING WHAT WHERE

I

n my work as an agriculture consultant, I make the argument all the time that the way we are growing and eating food is the central problem that we face in the world today.

It is no small statement. Indeed, issues ranging from hunger and environmental toxicity to health care and

climate change can be positively impacted by finding points of collaboration within and between our diet, the way we grow food, and the way we approach public health.

The challenge that we face is that our decision-making processes have been siloed and calibrated linearly, and we cannot solve dynamic problems with linear, compartmentalised thinking.

The answers and solutions lie in a systems-based approach that seeks resonance within and between human and natural living ecosystems and implements strong incentive between the spheres of food, farming, and human health.

We are trying to make things better, but we are actually making things worse, and this is now obvious to the average person. In simple terms, we need new ways of doing things

101 22

Agriculture is about so much more than growing crops. It is also the distribution system that delivers food to the market; all of the food products manufactured and sold around the world; the restaurant that is serving food, and the eating.

The great Wendell Berry reminds us, “Eating is an agricultural act”.

Collectively, we are further away from the sources of agriculture than at any time in human history. Food travels a long way, and the majority is manufactured out of sight and out of mind. When we are not involved in preparing our food, and we are not communicating our concerns through our votes and our food choices, we get what we got – an artificial, corporate agricultural system compromised for common sense.

I N TH IS ISSU ETheO F great GA R D EN C UWendell LT U RBerry E: 11 Foreword 12 Author Spotlight

reminds us, “Eating is an agricultural act”

15 Product Spotlights 28

Over the last century, the way food is grown and eaten has been altered by corporate interests that consolidate wealth, patent life forms, and put profit before people. It disrupts the global economy and undermines the fundamental public trust in government. Our policies don’t reflect what we would want if we were asked. We are trying to make things better, but we are actually making things worse, and this is now obvious to the average person. In simple terms, we need new ways of doing things.

Rural communities and farm-based economies are collapsing, food and water are toxic and no longer our medicine, and the general public is in the midst of widespread and growing epidemics of chronic disease, hunger, malnutrition, and more.

Conventional Agriculture is destroying the very fabric of life - the soil food web - and it is devastating the microbiome in our gut that, in turn, is undermining our health, the social landscape, and the future of our species.

68 Book Review

69 Hello, Houseplants!

The answers live in agriculture.

Regenerative Agriculture utilises methods like no-till farming and using cover crops for living roots.

It recognises natural rhythms and builds processes around them, manages for diversity and balance, and focuses on nutrient density.

Most importantly, it brings the intention of using less to get more and a perspective and reverence for dynamic living systems that need to be nurtured, not controlled.

Through the implementation of Regenerative Agriculture, we can improve farmer profitability, reduce environmental toxicity, and clean our waterways. We can also generate higher nutrient density in food capable of improving public health, begin to sequester carbon in the soil to address climate change, and, in the process, grow thriving people— all while growing food.

A new approach to agriculture can fix the big problems.

There is no more potent way to bring positive impact to the challenges that we face than seriously engaging Urban and Regenerative Agriculture. What we need are public buy-in and political will.

One strategy is to implement high-level Urban Agriculture projects in cities and counties all over the country and establish a Farm Core that motivates the youth to participate in agriculture in return for good incentives. We need a real effort to bring agriculture to the people. There are now “teaching farms” popping up all over the country integrating educational farming with entrepreneurship where kids grow crops for school cafeterias. Some teaching farms are even integrating mental health engagement, community gardens, and economic development.

Conventional Agriculture is failing both urban Democrats and rural Republicans, voter turnout is dismal, and people in all parts of the urban/rural divide are struggling to make ends meet. Agriculture is a uniquely positioned political issue that positively impacts both rural and urban communities and represents a real opportunity to generate a political consensus that crosses party lines.

70 Vintage Veggies

21 #FeedYourself

76 The Forest City

22 Introduction to Crop Steering

80 Florganoleptic Music

28 Food, Farming, and Human Health

84 Temperature in Organic Grows

34 Microbial Products - When,What,Why

86 Mullein:A Virtuous Weed

40 Beneficial Insect Loss a Threat to Growing Food

90 Diving for Treasure

48 Trending Now

98 Best of the Blog

54 Heat - The Basics

101 Who’s Growing What Where

60 Small Space Food Gardening

104 5 Cool Ways Food is Upcycled

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

29

66 Lead in Water

7

FOREWORD & CREDITS

FOREWORD

has changed. Covid-19 has shaped our reality in ways no one could have predicted. “Social isolation”, “quarantine”,

and “pandemic” were words I knew from movies, and not

E: info@goldlabel.nl

Martyna Krol shares her thoughts in a blog post, originally shared in April, called COVID-19, A Planetary Reset Button? Furthermore, this edition is packed with insightful articles about our relationship with food and agriculture, along with practical and inspiring projects and ideas.

In Small Space Food Gardening, Anne Gibson, The MicroGardener, helps us understand how to work with the space we have around our homes.

Catherine Sherriffs explores the Ugly Truth About Dumpsters, and Rich Hamilton looks into the Forest City concept.

If you are planning on setting up an indoor space to grow year-round, prepare for HEAT. It’s one of the biggest challenges to all indoor gardeners and can create a myriad of problems. Everest Fernandez has eloquently explained what heat is and how to make it work for you and your plants.

There has never been a better time to hone your skills in the garden.

The Idea of plant steering is not new; indoor commercial agriculture has been doing it for ages. Nothing is left to chance; control is everything. I have had the privilege to see Doug Jacobs, a technical advisor at Grodan, speak twice on the subject, and I am happy to say that he will be sharing his wisdom with you. He clearly explains how and when to do just about everything in all plant stages. In the next edition, he covers mothering and

WWW.GARDENCULTUREMAGAZINE.COM

ED I TO R Catherine Sherriffs goldlabel.nl cat@gardenculturemagazine.com

ISSUE 33

new norm?

·

be the beginning of a cultural shift where self-sustainability becomes the

Gold Label Coco (70%) and Perlite (30%) is a very porous and light substrate that combines tremendous air volume with great water retention and capillary action. Supercharged with nutrients and slow release calcium. Pure, washed, and buffered ready to give your plants the best possible start in life.

UK EDITION

at the end of a dark tunnel. Gardening is trending worldwide. Could this

UK EDITION · ISSUE 34 · 2020

THE ART OF GROWING

a welcome reprieve. They are our friends, gyms, therapists, and a light

Introducing the new

E X C U T I V ECocoPerlite E D I T O R70/30 SUPERCHARGED Celia Sayers celia@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-1539

CULTURE

For so many people (myself included), their gardens have been more than

PRESIDENT Eric Coulombe eric@gardenculturemagazine.com Premium Quality Hydroponic Substrates +1-514-233-1539

G A R D E N

from my own life.

SPECI A L TH A N KS TO: Albert Mondor, Anne Gibson, Caroline Rivard, Catherine Sherriffs, Cody J Garrett-Tait, Doug Jacobs, Evan Folds, Everest Fernandez, Martyna Krol, Rich Gellert, Rich Hamilton, and Tom Wall.

FREE COPY

I

originally wrote this in February. Since then, the world

CREDITS

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 INC 44 Hyde Rd., Mille-Isles QC, Canada J0R 1A0 GardenCultureMagazine.com ISSN 2562-3540 (Print) ISSN 2562-3559 (Online) Garden Culture is published six times a year, both in print and online.

clones along with an exhaustive checklist for storing all your data.

Practice doesn’t make perfect if you don’t know what you are doing wrong. While we wait for the world to hit reset, your garden is going to love all the attention!

@GardenCulture

@GardenCulture

@GardenCultureMagazine

@Garden_Culture

Happy Gardening,

D I ST R I B U T I O N PA R T N ER S • Maxigrow • HydroGarden • The Growers Wholesale • Highlight Horticultur e

Eric 3

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from 325 Media Inc.

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

11

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

I focus on nutrition and aim for production, not perfection

Author Spotlight

T

he team of writers at Garden Culture is all about helping you become the best grower possible.

Our contributors know what they’re doing, and

this issue’s featured author is no exception! Introducing Anne Gibson, garden consultant and creator of The Micro Gardener blog.

Is there a motto you grow by?

Absolutely! ‘Garden by sustainable principles’, the key one being to ‘work WITH nature’. I focus on nutrition and aim for production, not perfection. My goal is to design space wisely and make every element count, strive for balance and biodiversity, utilise all onsite resources, be observant, and maintain a well-stocked soil pantry.

What is your favourite plant to grow?

Garlic. It’s easy, low-maintenance, grows in pots and the harvest provides flavour and medicinal benefits for around 10 months.

Do you grow Organic? Why/why not?

I follow organic and biodynamic methods, testing my nutrient levels for high Brix or sugar levels, which are achieved by growing without any chemicals and encouraging soil biodiversity and remineralisation. Foods grown with high Brix have optimum nutrition, texture, and flavour, and are highly resistant to pests and diseases because they’re abundantly healthy. That’s the kind of food I want to eat!

The best value ‘health insurance policy’ I can grow at home.

What is your favourite food?

Mmm. Tough to play favourites! I’d say a tie between homegrown peas, which I look forward to planting every autumn, and sweet juicy mulberries. I have two mulberry trees grown from cuttings that I coax each year to produce

12

Anne Gibson five harvests and bucketfuls of berries using moon gardening techniques. My husband rarely gets to eat peas because I snack as I pick. Shh! What is your favourite animal/insect?

The stunning attired Blue-banded bees that are highly efficient pollinators in my garden. Love the ‘zit zit’ sound they make as they shake the flowers for a second and the job’s all done. 3

Are you interested in writing for Garden Culture Magazine?

We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email introducing yourself with a sample of your work. editor@gardenculturemagazine.com

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GROWING PRODUCTS

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The new Street Light LED XT uses high-quality Samsung LED chips to fuel plants from the vegetative stage through to flowering.

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Plant Magic Organic Try-Pack If you’re a flavour hunter, then make sure you pick up a Plant Magic Organic Try Pack. Perfect for growers looking to go organic, the Oldtimer Tri-Pack contains everything you need to grow an organic crop packed with flavour. Each pack contains a 1L Oldtimer Organic Grow, 1L Oldtimer Organic Bloom and 1L Oldtimer Organic PK4-8, so you have everything you need for a more natural tasting crop. Plus, there’s enough nutrient for you to complete a full grow for up to 4 plants.

Make sure to ask your retailer for one on your next visit.Visit Plant-Magic.co.uk for details.

FishSh!t Probiotics for your Plants FishSh!t is exactly what it says on the tin. A biologically active, full ecosystem in a bottle designed to help populate your rhizosphere (roots) with beneficial bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, lichens, and protozoa. Why settle for anything less than a full ecosystem in a bottle?

FishSh!t has been proven in side-by-side testing to increase terpene production, essential oil production, increase yield, and enhance flavours. Fully OMRI-certified and available in sizes from 1litre down to 120ml.

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Ask your local store to get you some FishSh!t and take your grow to the next level. Available now from all good hydroponic stores.

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

15

GROWING PRODUCTS

Plagron Hydro Cocos 60/40 substrate | non-fertilised

Plagron Cocos Perlite 70/30 substrate | non-fertilised

Hydrological growing with an ideal mix

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Plagron Hydro Cocos 60/40 is a combination of two high-quality substrates: Euro Pebbles and Cocos Premium.The mix contains 60% clay pebbles and 40% coconut fibre. It’s well suited for growing in pots and recirculation systems.

The clay pebbles have high water and oxygen capacity. The fully buffered Cocos has a stable pH value.

It’s an ideal mix for the growth and flowering of your plant!

• Clay pebbles lead to perfect drainage.

• Fully buffered coco fibre retains water and nutrients.

• Low initial EC-value (0.34 - 0.51 mS/cm) guaranteed.

Plagron Cocos Perlite 70/30 is a combination of two high-quality substrates: Cocos Premium and Perlite. The mix contains 70% coconut fibre and 30% perlite. It’s well-suited for growing in pots and recirculation systems.The fully buffered Cocos has a stable pH value.

Perlite provides an airy substrate and improved drainage. It’s an ideal mix for the growth and flowering of your plant!

• Completely buffered and flushed.

• RHP approved, stable pH and low EC. • Fast drainage.

Plagron Hydro Cocos 60/40 is read-to-use for planting and transplanting flowering plants. Start adding fertiliser from day one.

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Plagron Cocos Perlite 70/30 is ready-to-use for planting and transplanting of flowering plants. Start adding fertiliser from day one.

Plagron Cocos Perlite 70/30 can be reused.

Visit Plagron.com to learn more.

Biobizz All·Mix When it comes to organic potting soils, Biobizz All-Mix arguably wears the crown, proving with exceptional results for countless growers, time after time. Being a certified organic substrate, it helps contribute to maximising the genetic expressions in your plants, bringing out appearances and aromas almost impossible to achieve from your flowers in a more typical hydroponic substrate.With enough nutrients to sustain plant growth for a good couple of weeks, make sure to use Biobizz All-Mix in combination with the full Biobizz range to get the best results possible from your plants. Do not allow your plants to settle for second best.

Available in hydroponic stores nationwide, check out Maxigrow.com for more details.

16

Biobizz Bio·Grow The undisputed cornerstone of the Biobizz range of liquids, Biobizz Bio-Grow offers organic gardeners an exceptionally high performing, complete organic fertiliser that is to be used throughout the entirety of a plant’s life cycle. Bio-Grow is a certified organic extract, starting life as Dutch sugar beet. From its vinasse base, a potent, naturally fermented extract is produced that is an ideal supply of vital nutrients and compounds that contribute to exceptional plant growth. On top of this, it provides a rich food source for microbial life in the soil, boosting their populations and effectiveness. As a result, any nasty pathogens are kept at bay swiftly, and you are rewarded with unparalleled quality and quantity of your final harvest.

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GROWING PRODUCTS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS ‘The new Dutch lightweight champion’ Gold Label proudly introduces CocoPerlite 70/30 mix Supercharged. This lightweight hydroponic substrate combines tremendous air volume with great water retention and strong capillary action! The substrate has growth characteristics that surpass the expectations of hydroponic growers.The water and nitrogen balance are easy to maintain, thus reducing the chance of overwatering. A supercharge formula with time-release fertilisation in a nitrogen and Cal/Mag composition that provide rapid development in the early stages.

In short, this premium substrate is like a fixed match; you’ll always be the champion!

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Gavita Pro 1700e LED With the same performance that makes Gavita the world’s leading horticultural lighting brand, an LED light fixture designed to deliver more usable energy to your plants while consuming less power.The Gavita Pro 1700e LED is a full-term light fixture that provides consistent, energy-efficient results.

• High efficiency (2.6 μmol s-1 per watt) • High output for high intensity • CE and CB compliant • IP56 wet rated • Top bin LED’s • Reduced HVAC requirement (30-40% less) • Balanced, full-spectrum light output Available now. Visit Gavita.com for more information.

The Hydro Chronicle

A new podcast brought to you by UK author and industry veteran, Rich Hamilton.This exciting new podcast features a wide array of guests from all corners of the indoor growing community, talking about a broad range of topics in a laid back conversation. If you have any interest in indoor gardening, then you will love this! Listen now!

The entire first season is available for free download on Apple iTunes. If you are not an Apple person, visit TheHydroChronicle.com to download direct and/or stream for FREE.

Powerhouse 4,6 and 8-Way Control Unit With Heater Socket

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Heavy loads require safe and careful handling. Nowhere is that truer than in your grow room. Powerhouse timers safely control and operate your HID lights AND heating equipment to make sure night-time temperatures don’t plummet too far and stunt your beloved plants. An easy and safe option, the additional socket for the heater can comfortably power up to a 9AMP heating capacity, keeping temperatures adequate when your lights turn off. The new 4-way and 6-way models now accompany the hugely successful 8-way version, offering a range of options to cater for almost every hobby grower. An affordable way to safely control your high electrical loads, Powerhouse relays ensure peace of mind for every grower.

Ask in your local hydro store or visit Maxigrow.com for more details.

An all-round tonic that boosts your crop in multiple areas by harnessing the raw power of natural plant extracts. Add it to your routine, and you can expect to see faster, healthier growth from the root zone up. Use along with Moonshine Foliar Spray for an even greater effect.

Moonshine is used in both the grow and bloom phases, but the effects are most apparent during late flower. Moonshine can shave time off the flowering cycle for a quicker turnaround and a more productive garden overall. It will enhance aromas by boosting terpene production and will also increase the size and density of fruits - thanks to the inclusion of an array of sugars and amino acids.

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GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

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FEED YOURSELF

Self-sustainability is a trend that isn’t going anywhere

in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic

and

worldwide

lockdown. As we learn to cope with our new realities, people around the globe are turning into homesteaders, focusing on healthy culinary creations and growing their own food. Self-sustainability is a trend that isn’t going anywhere.

As people reconsider their priorities, the team behind the UK’s largest hemp & cannabis expo – Product Earth – is partnering with Garden Culture to encompass all aspects of progressive and urban gardening, food security, and sustainable production. It’s all part of a new movement called Feed Yourself.

ROOFTOP GARDENS

CON TA I N NER GAR VEGETABLE PATCH D E N

GARDENS

COMMUNITY GARDEN

O

ur lives have changed significantly

VERTICAL GARDENS

F L E S R U O Y D E #FE URBAN

GROW GREEN ROOM HOUSE ROOFTOP GARDENS

BALCONY GARDENS

From education to innovation and everything in between, this is one movement that we should all get behind. The first show is planned for the 27th28th February at the NAEC in Coventry. Until then, there is much to be excited about with this refreshing take on self-reliance.

Garden Culture will be with you every step of the way, helping you grow things like lettuce, herbs, microgreens, and more, even if you don’t have a garden. As part of the launch of this movement, Feed Yourself will be providing hydroponic setups for 20 vulnerable groups across the UK. “Our commitment to the vulnerable shows that Feed Yourself is not just about putting food in your bellies, but feeding the hearts, minds, and souls of the entire community,” says Matt Clifton, CEO of Product Earth.

Join the #feedyourself movement now on Facebook & Instagram. 3

@feedyourselfuk @gardenculturemagazine.uk 21

BY DOUG JACOBS

From temperature and humidity settings, light intensity, irrigation volumes and frequency, to the way we defoliate our plants, every action matters.�

22

CROP STEERING

I am happy to have Doug Jacobs, one of Grodan’s top technical advisors, writing this series on plant steering. This is a term I first heard at the ACT Summit at the 2018 MJBizCon. When growing indoors, the environment significantly affects the quantity and quality of the harvest. It encompasses all aspects of gardening: lighting, watering cycles, EC levels, pruning, and most of all, VPD, which is, of course, the relationship between temperature and humidity. How and when to manipulate these variables is the key to getting the most out of genetics. Some of it may seem complicated, but it isn’t. There are several controllers on the market that can easily be set and provide optimal VPD.You might need some new equipment to dial it in all perfectly, but isn’t that the point of indoor gardening? To be perfect takes knowledge, work, and investment, but it is possible.

Enjoy this great read.

Eric

A

s indoor gardeners, we have the benefit of controlling climate and irrigation, which play significant roles in how our plants grow. From temperature and humidity settings, light intensity, irrigation volumes and frequency to the way we defoliate our plants, every action matters.

By changing environmental conditions, growers can steer the plant growth toward vegetative or generative It is essential to understand how all of these factors affect plants to use them to your advantage. Combine taking regular measurements of climate and rootzone conditions with tracking plant growth, and you can achieve the best crops possible in the garden.

response from the plant. By changing environmental conditions, growers can steer growth toward vegetative or generative. Crop steering can be used at every stage of growth, including with mother plants, propagation, and more.

What Is Crop Steering?

What is vegetative and generative growth? Vegetative is the growth of leaves and stems, while generative is the development of fruits and flowers.

Crop steering is a method of managing plant growth by adjusting irrigation and climate to force a desired

Steering With Irrigation

Examples of irrigation steering. These are specific to particular crops and varieties. In some cases, something that creates a generative action in one type of plant might be a vegetative action for another. It’s essential to test them and measure how the plants react.

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CROP STEERING

Crop steering is a method of managing plant growth by adjusting irrigation and climate to force a desired response from the plant

Crop steering can be achieved in par t through irrigation.

The amount, frequency, and timing of irrigation influences the plant’s response and steers growth. Adjusting the irrigation strategy specifically for the environment, genetics, and stage of development will lead to ultimate plant growth and improve final product quality. If you want your plants to grow faster, you can implement a vegetative irrigation strategy by doing the following: • • •

Maintaining a higher overall WC in the root zone.

Having smaller dry backs between irrigations as well as overnight.

Using small shot sizes at a high frequency of irrigation, lower EC at the dripper and in the root zone, and higher root zone temperatures.

These steps help the plants grow and recover faster while maintaining vigour.

If you want to slow down growth and be more generative, you need to decrease the overall WC in the root zone.

Do this by: • Increasing the dry backs between each irrigation and overnight by delaying the first irrigation of the day and stopping before night.

• Decreasing irrigation frequency while increasing the volume of each shot.

• Increasing dripper and rootzone EC with lower substrate temperatures.

It is critical to test these strategies while taking regular crop registration of plant height, node spacing, overall plant development, and health.

Adjusting the irrigation strategy specifically for the environment, genetics, and stage of development will lead to ultimate plant growth and improve final product quality.

Steering With Climate Like irrigation, the climate has a profound impact on how plants grow and can be used as a steering tool. Again, climate steering techniques shown in the char t below should be tested to see how they affect each cultivar.

For some plants, switching the day-night cycle to 12 hours on and 12 hours off are used for inducing flower. Like the change in photoperiod, other climate factors can be changed to steer the plants’ growth toward vegetative or generative. Having overall high temperatures, for example, is more vegetative. Keeping the plant more active with lower temperatures slows the growth. It mimics the natural seasonal changes the plant would experience at the end of its lifecycle, steering it toward generative.

Changes in the difference between day and night temperatures can potentially control stretching, with significant differences increasing inter-node spacing and smaller differences decreasing it. Other factors that help steer the plant include: • • •

The speed of the temperature changes from day-tonight and night-to-day.

Increasing or decreasing humidity.

The number of air exchanges in the room.

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CROP STEERING

Keeping the plant more active with lower temperatures slows the growth. It mimics the natural seasonal changes the plant would experience at the end of its lifecycle, steering it toward generative

In greenhouses, the heating temperature used (pipe temperature) also helps steer the plant.

Examples of irrigation steering. These are specif ic to particular crops and varieties. In some cases, something that creates a generative action in one type of plant might be a vegetative action for another. It’s essential to test them and measure how the plants react.

How And When To Steer Plant Growth Indoor gardeners know how much they grow per light and how successful they were doing it, but knowing how they achieved the results and how to do it again is vital.

Take notes on how the plants develop and react to climate and irrigation conditions. These observations will help with every subsequent grow. At every stage of growth, watch the following: • • • • • •

Root development speed.

Quality of the plant and its height.

Stem diameter.

Leaf/stem colour and node spacing.

The amount of time it takes flowers to develop and how they fill out.

Rootzone WC and EC measurements in relation to climate conditions.

Remember; the more you know, the better you grow. All of these recommendations will help you determine the optimum irrigation and climate strategies for your plants in every stage of growth. 3

Bio

Doug Jacobs is a Technical Advisor with Grodan. He provides expert consulting on proven Precision Growing methods to optimize crop production with Grodan Rockwool growing media and proper irrigation, producing the best quality plants using the least amount of inputs. He has experience with indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse hydroponics, vertical farms, aquaculture, and CEA system design, helping to design farms across North America. Doug showcases his passion and expertise as a feature writer in various national industry publications and as a conference speaker at US events.

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BY EVAN FOLDS

The great Wendell Berry reminds us, “Eating is an agricultural act” 28

FOOD & FARMING

I

n my work as an agriculture consultant, I make the argument all the time that the way we are growing and eating food is the central problem that we face in the world today.

It is no small statement. Indeed, issues ranging from hunger and environmental toxicity to health care and

climate change can be positively impacted by finding points of collaboration within and between our diet, the way we grow food, and the way we approach public health.

The challenge that we face is that our decision-making processes have been siloed and calibrated linearly, and we cannot solve dynamic problems with linear, compartmentalised thinking.

The answers and solutions lie in a systems-based approach that seeks resonance within and between human and natural living ecosystems and implements strong incentive between the spheres of food, farming, and human health.

We are trying to make things better, but we are actually making things worse, and this is now obvious to the average person. In simple terms, we need new ways of doing things

Agriculture is about so much more than growing crops. It is also the distribution system that delivers food to the market; all of the food products manufactured and sold around the world; the restaurant that is serving food, and the eating.

The great Wendell Berry reminds us, “Eating is an agricultural act”.

Collectively, we are further away from the sources of agriculture than at any time in human history. Food travels a long way, and the majority is manufactured out of sight and out of mind. When we are not involved in preparing our food, and we are not communicating our concerns through our votes and our food choices, we get what we got – an artificial, corporate agricultural system compromised for common sense.

Over the last century, the way food is grown and eaten has been altered by corporate interests that consolidate wealth, patent life forms, and put profit before people. It disrupts the global economy and undermines the fundamental public trust in government. Our policies don’t reflect what we would want if we were asked. We are trying to make things better, but we are actually making things worse, and this is now obvious to the average person. In simple terms, we need new ways of doing things.

Rural communities and farm-based economies are collapsing, food and water are toxic and no longer our medicine, and the general public is in the midst of widespread and growing epidemics of chronic disease, hunger, malnutrition, and more.

Conventional Agriculture is destroying the very fabric of life - the soil food web - and it is devastating the microbiome in our gut that, in turn, is undermining our health, the social landscape, and the future of our species.

The answers live in agriculture.

Regenerative Agriculture utilises methods like no-till farming and using cover crops for living roots.

It recognises natural rhythms and builds processes around them, manages for diversity and balance, and focuses on nutrient density.

Most importantly, it brings the intention of using less to get more and a perspective and reverence for dynamic living systems that need to be nurtured, not controlled.

Through the implementation of Regenerative Agriculture, we can improve farmer profitability, reduce environmental toxicity, and clean our waterways. We can also generate higher nutrient density in food capable of improving public health, begin to sequester carbon in the soil to address climate change, and, in the process, grow thriving people— all while growing food.

A new approach to agriculture can fix the big problems.

There is no more potent way to bring positive impact to the challenges that we face than seriously engaging Urban and Regenerative Agriculture. What we need are public buy-in and political will.

One strategy is to implement high-level Urban Agriculture projects in cities and counties all over the country and establish a Farm Core that motivates the youth to participate in agriculture in return for good incentives. We need a real effort to bring agriculture to the people. There are now “teaching farms” popping up all over the country integrating educational farming with entrepreneurship where kids grow crops for school cafeterias. Some teaching farms are even integrating mental health engagement, community gardens, and economic development.

Conventional Agriculture is failing both urban Democrats and rural Republicans, voter turnout is dismal, and people in all parts of the urban/rural divide are struggling to make ends meet. Agriculture is a uniquely positioned political issue that positively impacts both rural and urban communities and represents a real opportunity to generate a political consensus that crosses party lines.

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FOOD & FARMING FOOD

Agriculture has lost touch with equitable priorities.

Politics rarely leads, so we must educate ourselves and get organised to hold our elected officials accountable.

The agricultural solutions at hand are not politically divisive issues; they are potent political opportunities. Politicians who educate themselves and work to inform the general public of these insights and opportunities will be in a position to bring people together.

Conventional Agriculture is destroying the very fabric of life - the soil food web - and it is devastating the microbiome in our gut that, in turn, is undermining our health, the social landscape, and the future of our species

The way we are doing agriculture now is not working. If we think about agriculture as an organism, the vital organs of food, farming, and human health have been compromised, and, like cancer, are operating without communication to the rest of the agricultural organism.

The agricultural landscape is being dictated by money, not nourishment, which leaves half the world starving, and the other half trying to lose weight. Agriculture has lost touch with equitable priorities.

The majority of food eaten in the United States is processed.

Chemicals have been added in an effort to enhance or preserve the food product so that it has more marketability and does not spoil. When we alter food in this way, it diminishes the nutritional value, and when combined with the toxins from chemical agriculture and the sugars and additives used in food chemistry, the result is empty, toxic food that does a poor job of nourishing people.

This reality is at the root of our public health crisis, but it is also a result of inferior farming methods. Higher crop yields can be achieved using synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, but the petrochemicals used to manufacture them are

getting more expensive and doing environmental damage. Weed and pest resistance means farmers are either using more of them to achieve these yields or switching to new, more costly chemicals. When it comes to the performance and value of agriculture, the answer is not in heavier artillery.

In Conventional Agriculture, we take this assault on Mother Nature to another level with genetically modified organisms (GMO) designed to withstand the application of broadspectrum synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Even if genetic engineering was a good idea, it is resulting in a massive increase of these biocides being sprayed globally with an untold negative impact on public health.

The man-made farming practices championed by industrial agriculture and baked into the Conventional Agriculture system leave farmers stuck in a rut of cultural and chemical dependency, with no effective social or economic safety net to help them climb their way out and get ahead. For context, based on the most recent CDC data, the suicide rate for male farmers is double that of veterans.

Given the reality of how we are eating and growing our food, marketing plays a big part in agriculture.

Trillions of dollars are spent annually by corporations and industry to convince eaters to purchase from them.

Unfortunately, the focus is more on how to confuse and manipulate the eater than it is on how to inform.

What happens when the word “natural� does not mean natural? Consider why we drink orange juice in the morning or a sandwich for lunch?

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FOOD & FARMING

When people start eating differently, farmers start farming differently, and, ultimately, politicians start making different decisions

The answers live in agriculture. Regenerative Agriculture utilises methods like no-till farming and using cover crops for living roots.

It recognises natural rhythms and builds processes around them

The Conventional Agriculture industry - including Fast Food, Big Ag, and Big Pharma - is capitalising on a confused market and generating record profitability through farm consolidation, parasitic land practices, synthetic agronomy, food science, and effective branding. All of this is supported and subsidised by the federal government. We are feeding plants and ourselves food products that Dr Vandana Shiva calls “fake cheap�, then attempting to manage our agricultural and human health symptoms with chemicals so that we can use and eat more of the food products.

It is a vicious cycle.

There is hope. The public health crisis that we are experiencing as a result of artificial farming and empty food is forcing millions of people to rethink the conventional diet, and the agricultural industry is poised for trans-

formational change. When people start eating differently, farmers start farming differently, and, ultimately, politicians start making different decisions.

Our social order is written by narrative and incentive; if we can tell the true story and motivate the right actions, we can change the big problems for the better.

We can do this by recognising that we all have a seat at the table of agriculture; we are all capable of making an impact.

Rather than excuse or resist these changes to the status quo, we must embrace them, and move our politics and social order to new norms by bringing this story of food, farming, and human health to the mainstream. Only then can we start moving mouths and minds in new directions and change the world for the better. 3

Evan Folds is a regenerative agricultural consultant with a background across every facet of the farming and gardening spectrum. He has founded and operated many businesses over the years - including a retail hydroponics store he operated for over 14 years, a wholesale company that formulated beyond organic products and vortex-style compost tea brewers, an organic lawn care company, and a commercial organic wheatgrass growing operation.

Bio

He now works as a consultant in his new project Be Agriculture where he helps new and seasoned growers take their agronomy to the next level.What we think, we grow!

Contact Evan at www.BeAgriculture.com or on Facebook and Instagram @beagriculture

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BY CODY J GARRETT - TAIT

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MICROBIAL PRODUCTS

I

n recent years, we have seen an enormous surge in the amount of microbial-based products available to growers. These, undoubtedly, have added a third dimension to standard nutrient programmes and increased the productivity of organic gardens.

When used correctly, these types of additives can provide massive benefits over a range of crops, such as increases in yield, speed of growth, plant resilience, and drought resistance. They can turn standard growing media and potting soils into thriving natural systems.

However, when overused, just like fertiliser, they can have a detrimental effect on soil and plant health.

There is a diverse range of fungal and bacterial inoculants available in many products, sometimes in isolation, but more often as blends. What do they do?

And when is it appropriate to use them?

When used correctly, these types of additives can provide massive benefits over a range of crops, such as increases in yield, speed of growth, plant resilience, and drought resistance

Mycorrhizal Fungi This group has two main types, Endomycorrhizae (VAM), which are symbiotic and Ectomycorrhizae, which are non-symbiotic.

If you think of your plant’s roots as a net, a root system enhanced by mycorrhizae is many times larger, meaning more food is broken down for use by your garden.

When you see Rhizobacter, various species of Glomus, Rhizopogon, Pisolithus, and Scleroderma on a product, these are what you are using.

Nitrogen Fixing bacteria These little guys take nitrogen from the air (N2) and fix it into the root system in the form of Ammonia, which is readily useable by plants. The main types available are the non-symbiotic types, such as Azotobacter, that live alongside a plant’s roots. Then there are symbiotic types, such as Azospirillium, which are associated with cereal crops and Rhizobium, which are associated with legumes. These latter examples physically attach and invade the root hairs, stimulating the growth of nodules, within which the bacteria can perform the conversion directly.

The caveat with these products is that there has to be nitrogen in the air to fix; they cannot make it from scratch.

So, if you have a closed-loop grow room with little to no outside air exchange, you might find the atmospheric levels too low for these additives to have a noticeable effect. The main gardens that will benefit are outdoor gardens, and indoor gardens vented with filtered air from outside.

credit: wikipedia

Nitrogen Fixing bacteria

Mycorrhizal Fungi In the symbiotic kinds of Mycorrhizae, such as Glomus and Rhizobacter, there is a two-way flow of nutrients. These fungi attach to the roots and feed on exudates, which are simple carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. In turn, the fungi mineralise nutrients and provide them to the plant.

Ectomycorrhizae can only grow when attached to a living root system, but they can lay dormant as colonised root fragments or spores ready to populate new roots as they appear.

Ectomycorrhizae grow in and around roots, indirectly providing the plant with nutrition. These can propagate in the absence of a root system, having the ability to feed on soil carbon and nutrients; in fact, many common mushroom varieties are species of Ectomycorrhizae.

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It has been demonstrated in studies that as total P goes up, the grow th and ef fectivit y of these fungi goes down

A potential issue in many systems is that these fungi are made dormant or outright killed off by too much phosphorous. It has been demonstrated in studies that as total P goes up, the growth and effectivity of these fungi goes down.

So, if you are using these types of inoculants, it’s probably best to skip the applications of fertilisers with very high phosphorous levels, as one will cancel out the other.

S o, if yo u have a clos e d-lo o p grow ro o m wit h l it tle to n o out si de a ir exchan g e, you mi ght f in d t h e at m osp h e ri c level s to o low fo r t h es e addit ives to have a n ot i ceable ef fe ct

Remember, even though you won’t be bombarding your plants with large amounts of P, the total amount made available to them by a more efficient root system will mean your garden still has ample supply.

Rhizobacteria In this group, there is a range of different types that are capable of performing many useful tasks.

Bacillus is the primary type utilised in many products and is usually provided in a variety of strains. Some of these are capable of performing nutrient solubilisation of phosphorous (B.subtilis) and potassium (B.Megaterium); these are capable of making P and K, found in rocks and other very slowly available sources more available to the plant. Others, such as B.amyloliquefaciens and B.coagulans, provide potent root promoting and probiotic effects, being able to protect the plant and help them recover from pathogens like Pythium.

Rhizobacteria

Other types (Beauvaria bassiana, Bacillus thurigiensis, Metarhyzium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii) act as highly effective insect pathogens, while types such as Pochonia chlamydosporia and Anthrobotrys species are pathogenic to nematodes.

These bacteria quickly and efficiently populate the root system, so the best results are achieved when applied early in the crop cycle.

Trichoderma Another example of symbiotic fungi commonly found alongside Mycorrhizae, and when used in the right proportions, it can have synergistic effects.

Trichoderma is some of the most prolific and easily found fungi in the natural environment. Have you have ever left moist coffee grounds to sit around too long and witnessed the white, then green growth? More likely than not, it was a kind of Trichoderma.

Because they grow rapidly and efficiently, they can control soil pathogens by successfully competing with them for space and nutrients; they are also powerful root growth promoters.

The rapid growth of Trichoderma can be a double-edged sword, though. If too much is applied, it can overwhelm other slower-growing beneficial species crowding them out. So, in general, stick to the minimum amount of applications necessary to see results.

Credit: IntechOpen

Trichoderma

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MICROBIAL PRODUCTS

The key to getting the best results is resisting the urge to go overboard Beneficial anaerobic bacteria If you are familiar with the Japanese Bokashi composting system, then you have already used these.

It encompasses Lactobacillus (milk bacteria), Rhodopseudomonas (purple non-sulfur bacteria), Streptococcus, which are often the most common bacterial bloom found in soils, and Saccharomyces, which is a type of yeast.

These microbes thrive in low oxygen conditions and rapidly reproduce, readily digesting organic matter into nutrients the plant can assimilate. Because these microbes can thrive in situations that would typically be hosts to pathogenic bacteria, they create more healthy roots by filling these areas with plant-friendly microbes instead.

So, here’s the thing: there is only so much food and space, especially in containers, to provide nutrition to the plant and feed microbes. You can, to a certain extent, boost the amount of food available to them through the application of microbe foods like molasses and fish hydrolysate. However, if this is overdone, you can end up with a dominance of microbes that prefer the fast to digest food sources at the expense of ones that prefer organic matter. Ideally, we want to reduce inputs of fertilisers through the use of these additives, rather than having to add more to keep huge populations alive that are just existing to exist.

The way these products work is akin to growing mushrooms, where the media is inoculated either through drenching or preferably directly mixing the powder in before planting. You can also dust seeds and cuttings so that right from the start, the roots are populated.

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BIO

Keep in mind is that microbial inoculants aren’t like nutriLactobacillus ents and additives that need to be applied with every single watering; they are living organisms capable of growing and reproducing. Once you have performed the inoculation, there is little to be gained by continually making more and more applications. So long as you are not killing these populations off with heavy applications of salt-based nutrients, high phosphorous levels, or chlorinated water, then they should continue to increase in the soil or grow media even after one application.

Like many things in growing, usually less is more, and this is a perfect example of that. The key to getting the best results is resisting the urge to go overboard. You might be working against your goals by using too many of these products too often. Not only will your gardens be better but you’ll save a few dollars too!

Keep it green and stay groovy. 3

Cody is the owner of High Powered Organics and a second-generation Australian grower with more than a decade of experience in the horticulture industry. Cody works closely with growers locally and abroad, creating organic solutions for high output cropping.

He achieves maximum results by combining aspects from permaculture, biodynamic farming, and Korean natural farming techniques. Cody’s main focus is finding natural and sustainable ways to produce high-quality plants with a minimum of input.

MICROBIAL PRODUCTS

ew N !

BY ANNE GIBSON

Beneficial

Insec t a Threat to Growing Food

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INSECT LOSS

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ost gardeners are well aware that insect populations are in trouble in many countries around the world. However,

the extent and impacts of such losses could be much worse than many of us imagined. Based on recent research studies, it appears the decline in numbers and diversity is accelerating, so it’s wor th examining why this is happening and what we as individual gardeners can do about it.

“Evidence of geographicspecific declines have been reported in many studies, but several key factors appear to be simultaneously affecting global insect populations and biodiversity.”

Insect populations wax and wane for a variety of reasons.

Concerns raised by many scientists revolve around the scale and common causes. Evidence of geographic-specific declines have been reported in many studies, but several key factors appear to be simultaneously affecting global insect populations and biodiversity.

events, on top of other issues bees are dealing with including diseases and poisoning from chemicals, surviving bees may now be starving due to habitat loss on a grand scale.

The nearest food may be further than they are capable of flying. Our insect populations need healthy ecosystems to survive and thrive.

Major Causes of Insect Decline

Working Towards Solutions

In a 2019 global review, “Worldwide decline of the entomofauna: A review of its drivers,” scientists revealed the leading causes of insect declines in recent decades based on examining data in 73 different studies. The most influential factor is habitat loss from intensive agriculture and urbanisation, particularly over the last 60 years. Next on the list is agrochemical pollutants primarily from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers; biological factors that include introduced species and pathogens; and climate change.

Many research scientists involved in the studies in this global review take the stance that a multi-faceted approach is needed for insect populations to recover and maintain biodiversity. This requires a big picture approach. To mitigate the loss of habitat and insect decline, change needs to happen in the environment and particularly in the farming industry. Actions that can make a positive difference include preserving wildlife corridors; insect-friendly agricultural practices; banning or minimising pesticide use; farmer education regarding sustainable agricultural practices; and ecosystem regeneration.

The review sheds light on the alarming status of insect biodiversity around the world with nearly half the species in rapid decline and a third in threat of extinction. The review states “The conclusion is clear: unless we change our ways of producing food, insects as a whole will go down the path of extinction in a few decades.” A sobering thought, indeed.

While these factors may be influential on insect decline, recent climate events take this dire situation to a whole new level. Catastrophic fires in Australia along with years of drought have wiped out much of the habitat insects require for shelter, breeding, and forage. Flowering plants and trees provide nectar and pollen as food sources for a wide range of insect species. With millions of hectares burned or dead from lack of rain, insect populations across diverse ecosystems have not only been wiped out, but their closest forage supplies are also destroyed.

Bees, for example, travel on average about 4 kilometres or 2.5 miles from the hive to find food in the local flora. While they can fly longer distances, their preference is to visit sources closer to the colony where flowers are in abundance, as this conserves their energy. With hundreds of native and commercial beehives destroyed in these recent

Most of the advice conventional farmers use to make decisions on pesticide use comes from both government agriculture departments and the agribusiness industry. Both have a vested interest in profits, whereas scientists can share the impact of such decisions, and biological farming educators can provide hands-on advice on sustainable and eco-friendly alternative strategies that boost farm income.

The global review urges “a rethinking of current agricultural practices, in particular, a serious reduction in pesticide usage and its substitution with more sustainable, ecologically-based practices, is urgently needed to slow or reverse current trends, allow the recovery of declining insect populations and safeguard the vital ecosystem services they provide. In addition, effective remediation technologies should be applied to clean polluted waters in both agricultural and urban environments.”

The report has advice that farmers and market gardeners could take on board to reduce their use of chemicals while managing pest problems and increasing yields. The researchers state “Habitat restoration, coupled with a drastic reduction

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in agrochemical inputs and agricultural ‘redesign’ is probably the most effective way to stop further declines, particularly in areas under intensive agriculture. For example, flower and grassland strips established at the field edge enhance the abundance of wild pollinators, and rotation of crops with clover boosts the abundance and diversity of bumblebees, which in turn boost crop yield and farm profitability. These ‘ecological engineering’ tactics not only favour pollinators but also conserve natural insect enemies that are essential for keeping at bay the herbivorous pest species of many crops.” These principles can also be applied in small-scale growing applications, including backyards and community gardens.

Positive Action Required The continuing increase in human population and demand for industrial-scale farming uses vast amounts of land, energy, and resources. The farmed dairy and meat industries alone contribute to this ever-growing problem of habitat destruction to provide food that offers insects no significant benefits. Whereas growing plant-based crops and diets focused on consuming fruits, vegetables, and herbs provide large numbers of flowers for insects to eat. The choices we make and what we eat is food for thought alone.

While we may not have direct control over government decisions on tackling some of these issues, we can demand political action, eat fewer intensively farmed meat and dairy products, consume more organic food, and take action at a local level.

For example, new housing developments are typically associated with loss of habitat. However, I’ve seen in my local community that residents have voiced their concerns and had positive outcomes that have ensured new estates include vegetation corridors to encourage insects and wildlife to repopulate.

Working with our neighbours and communities to revegetate our suburbs with native flora via local Landcare groups and attending working bees at community gardens can also make a positive difference. Many councils offer free native plants to taxpayers every year, and adding these to our verge gardens or front yards can provide vital habitat for hungry pollinators. We can also encourage our local councils to use natural alternatives to chemical herbicides and insecticides used in public spaces.

Urban Opportunities for Attracting Beneficial Insects Allow space for wild and weed flowers for pollinators

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A 2015 UK study* involving a team of over 50 people spent two years collecting data on pollinating insects and flowering plants in various cities and rural areas. Although expanding urbanisation has been established as one of the major causes of insect decline due to the loss of food and nesting sites, the researchers found that urban habitats can house significant numbers of pollinator species in a condensed area. For example, a single garden in the UK recorded 35% of the country’s hoverfly species – an insect vital for both pollination and preda-

INSECT LOSS

T he re v ie w shed s l igh t on t he a l a rming s tat u s of insec t biodi v er si t y a round t he w orl d w i t h ne a rly h a l f t he sp ecie s in r a p id decl ine a nd a t hird in t hre at of e x t inc t ion tion on pest insect populations. Other studies involved in this research revealed a concentration of specific types of bees in urban neighbourhoods.

This report found that in urban areas, public community gardens, and home gardens could provide a vital sanctuary and chemical-free flowering species for pollinators. The study established that if “urban areas are able to support good populations of insect pollinators, they could act as important source areas, refuges, and corridors of favourable habitat.”

The researchers, led by scientist Katherine Baldock from the University of Bristol, were able to identify which flowers were visited most often by bees, hoverflies, and other pollinating insects. Some of these included flowering weed species, including dandelions. As gardeners, we can play a vital role in choosing plants that are most attractive to pollinators and creating a chemical-free environment for them to forage.

While native plants are ideal for including in any bee-friendly garden, the researchers found some of the most attractive flowers included herbs like lavender and borage as well as marigolds and butterfly bushes. The research also highlighted the importance of growing a diverse variety of flowering species throughout the seasons, because not all pollinating insects can access the pollen and nectar in every plant. Just like we have our favourite cuisine, some pollinators are very species-specific too.

Urban Threats to Insects However, urban areas also have a concentration of hazards for these vital beneficial insects. “The presence of Wi-Fi, cellphone towers, and EMF from human technology can cause debilitating harm to bee populations. Radiation and electric waves damage and interfere with the bees’ natural compass. This interference makes it very challenging for them to travel correctly or safely” says Molly Brecken of the Bee Keeper Center. Mobile phone towers are installed in most suburbs and especially those with high-density living close to cities.

Molly highlights another danger insects are exposed to. “The widespread use of pesticides that contain neonicotinoids in commercial nurseries can disrupt their natural patterns and behaviour, as well as their ability to forage efficiently.” Many home gardeners also use a wide range of chemicals on their lawns and gardens.

A 2013 FOE US Report** cautions that “unfortunately, pollinator-friendly nursery plants sold to unsuspecting consumers carry neither a list of pesticides used nor do they carry a warning that these pesticides could harm pollinators.” Many gardeners may be innocently buying bee-attracting plants with the best of intentions but in reality, bringing home plants that have been pre-treated with neonicotinoid pesticides. These toxic poisons may harm or kill bees and other pollinators and beneficial insects that are critically important to our food production and healthy ecosystems.

A wilderness corner weed flowers feed bees

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®

®

INSECT LOSS

Kale and vegetables interplanted with nasturtiums and flowering herbs to attract pollinators in my garden

Ju s t l ik e w e h av e our favouri t e cuisine, s ome p ol l in at or s a re v ery sp ecie s-sp ecif ic t oo Consumers can avoid these issues by purchasing organic seeds and raising their seedlings or buying plants from sources where they can ascertain no chemicals have been used. Many permaculture and seed saving groups, gardening clubs, and organic gardeners in local communities are a good starting point for obtaining organically grown plants and seeds. By avoiding all chemicals and using integrated pest management strategies instead, harmful herbicides, insecticides, and other toxic substances can be eliminated from home gardens. This makes them safer places for insects, wildlife, humans, and pets.

The Big Picture – Systemic Changes Needed The research paper ‘Moving on from the insect apocalypse narrative: engaging with evidence-based insect conservation’ provides insight into other imbalances that occur stating: “Habitat removal and landscape modification are also key drivers of change in local insect populations. In particular, the increasing amount of land converted to homogeneous crop production can provide ideal environments for more pest insect outbreaks and have detrimental effects on populations of beneficial insects (Haddad et al. 2011; Nicholls and Altieri 2013). Broad-scale land clearing and agricultural intensification reduce the diversity of habitats and resources available to insects at the landscape scale (Tscharntke et al. 2012).”

It’s arguable that to reverse habitat loss, regenerate local environments, increase the diversity of species, and prevent toxic chemicals in our landscapes requires systemic change at government and local levels in many sectors. We may not be able to effect big changes, but regardless of where we live – in urban city areas, semi-rural or rural zones, we can each make a positive difference in a small way. We can play a part in improving the environment for our vital pollinators and beneficial insects in our gardens and communities by supporting local initiatives, avoiding chemicals, and planting more native species.

Home Gardens as Havens My work involves helping gardeners design and plant small urban spaces to grow food. As I drive around new estates with large homes taking up the majority of the footprint on tiny blocks, I often see fake turf and fences with very little in the way of planting front or back. Many homes have NO gardens at all! No self-respecting bees and beneficial insects will venture into desolate landscapes devoid of habitat, shade, water, shelter, and flowering species with nectar and pollen. Even those attempting to grow small kitchen gardens often try to do so in isolation of providing such necessary elements in their design. This is one of the reasons many home gardeners in such situations struggle with pollination and achieving successful harvests.

When I first started my kitchen garden on land that had previously had chemical use for horticultural purposes, I knew I had to work hard to restore a healthy ecosystem and environment.

I built soil from scratch with raised garden beds, never used any chemicals, carefully selected locally grown heirloom and organically grown seeds, and planted a diverse range of flowering species and natives. I included bee hotels, shallow bee baths and birdbaths, planted fruit trees for shade, and patiently waited for insects and birds to move in.

The first year, I noticed bees were pollinating my crops, but there were virtually no pest insects. It took three years before I noticed the perfect equilibrium appear in my kitchen garden.

With the fruit tree canopies in place, underplanted with colourful perennials, annuals, herbs, and natives, the balance was evident. Birds started to visit in ever-increasing numbers and seek out shade and food. They also provide free pest management services. The garden is never without flowers, even in winter. The diversity of insect life exploded with dozens of different native and solitary bees as well as honeybees devouring pollen and nectar all over the garden year-round. Sometimes, the sound of hundreds of bees is deafening with their buzz in just one perennial basil plant.

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INSECT LOSS

Honey bees sipping water from rocks so they don’t drown in bath

Marigolds attract a wide diversity of native solitary and honey bees I’ve sacrificed some space just so my insect populations can have their domain to feed, drink, bathe, and shelter. I allow little wild areas for ‘weeds’ like ageratum or blue tops to self-sow. Their bright blueish purple flowers provide a yearround feast for greedy pollinators seeking safe food. I allow edibles like basils, parsley, mints, thyme, oregano, sages, rocket, mustard, broccoli, and nasturtiums to flower and go to seed. I’ve often witnessed eight different insects on the one parsley plant in flower at the same time: different bee species, hoverflies, and other pollinators and beneficial insects. As a result, I have no problem with successful pollination and reap abundant harvests.

Likewise, vegetables in flower not only provide food for our kitchen but also play host to beneficial insects seeking nectar and pollen. The predatory insect to pest insect ratio is in a beautiful balance, so I rarely need to intervene to “manage” pest problems. Spiders, wasps, hoverflies, dragonflies, ladybirds, mantids, and many more beneficial insects take care of business before I’ve even noticed pests in residence.

Creating a safe environment in which to grow food for ourselves has a flow-on benefit for insects as well.

With bees encountering so many challenges, growing chemical-free forage in our home gardens has never been so important. For home gardeners like myself, I rely on local pollinators and beneficial insects to ensure I get a good harvest and to maintain a healthy balance and ecosystem. The productivity of our kitchen garden has increased with each year, and so do the bees and beneficial insect numbers and varieties. I’m a big believer that ‘if you build it, they will come’!

Being a good steward of our plot or garden, be it big or small, can make a difference to the beneficial insects and pollinators that help put food on our table. Perhaps our legacy for the next generation is to ensure we do our bit to safeguard these tiny lives that have such a big impact on our own. 3

Sources •

* Baldock KCR et al. 2015 Where is the UK’s pollinator biodiversity? The importance of urban areas for flower-visiting insects. Proc. R. Soc. B 282: 20142849. [bit. ly/3bY8SAC]

•

** FOE US Report ‘Gardeners Beware: Bee-Toxic Pesticides Found in “Bee-Friendly” Plants Sold at Garden Centers Nationwide’ 2013 [go.aws/2SKXfp1]

BIO Anne Gibson, The Micro Gardener, is an author, speaker and urban garden community educator on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia. Anne is passionate about inspiring people to improve health and wellbeing, by growing nutrient-dense food gardens in creative containers and small spaces. Anne regularly presents workshops, speaks at sustainable living events, coaches private clients and teaches community education classes about organic gardening and ways to live sustainably. She has authored several eBooks and gardening guides. Anne shares organic gardening tips and tutorials to save time, money and energy on her popular website - TheMicroGardener.com.

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BY MARTYNA KROL, PHOTOS: MARTYNA KROL

COVID-19 A Planetary Reset Button?

We are living in difficult and scary times, but the coronavirus pandemic may be forcing us to change our ways for the better. Find this story and so many other environmental tidbits on our blog at GCMag.co.

“M

ay you live in interesting times ” is a phrase I have read more lately than ever before. Said to be an ancient Chinese curse (published in my adopted county’s own Yorkshire Post), it implies that ‘uninteresting’ times are peaceful and tranquil, while the ‘interesting’ ones are those of troubles.

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Indeed, these days are interesting. Nothing like this has ever happened before. The so-called ‘Spanish Flu’ of the early 20 th century ravaged the human population to the extent that we hope will never be repeated. However, the globalised response to COVID-19 made possible by modern communication media is unlike anything in human history.

We can only speculate what will happen next.

A short period of fearful madness and then business as usual? Reversed globalisation?

A drastic decline in fossil fuel production?

Hyperinflation and collapse of monetary systems?

The British food industr y is in trouble.

The situation is raising questions about how strong this network is and whether we can sur vive solely on our own resources

All these scenarios sound scary, but only because, as a species, we’re afraid of change. Maybe this change was inevitable, and we must make the best out of it. In the words of a good friend of mine, “without coronavirus, ‘business as usual’ would continue until global ecosystems collapse. Now, we may have a chance to prevent it, and to design and create a different future.”

We must embrace the change and adapt to the new lifestyle quickly.

were given to foreign workers making minimum wage. Between Brexit and the current pandemic, there has been a lack of interest from overseas workers this year.

Fast forward to mid-May, and there were still 40,000 positions to fill with serious concerns about food shortages.

Many other growers have been complaining that they have to waste their produce as the cafes and restaurants they normally supply are still closed. The charities distributing ‘waste’ food from the supermarkets like The Real Junk Food Project are working around the clock to pass it on to people who can’t afford food in these difficult times.

The British food industry is in trouble. The situation is raising questions about how strong this network is and whether we can survive solely on our own resources. What will the impact be and how will people adapt? How will we build a more resilient system?

I see an excellent opportunity. Around the globe, people are being introduced to the art of growing their own food, sowing seeds for the first time. Friends of mine are turning their front lawns into herb borders and raised beds, planting microgreens on their window sills, and seed-bombing derelict land with wildflowers.

Food Our food system is overwhelmed. At the beginning of the pandemic, the supermarkets were unable to prepare for the sheer volume of customers stockpiling goods, delivery slots were booked weeks in advance, and food production forecasts sounded increasingly pessimistic.

In early April, there was a recruitment call out for people to work on food farms in the southern counties of England.

There were 90,000 jobs to fill with harvests only weeks away.

In previous years, these jobs

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Tirol Part of the beauty of food sovereignty is that it can begin at any age or with any size growing space. Hundreds of revolutionary groups like Incredible Edible Todmorden have already begun transforming ordinary town spaces into food islands, with fruit, veg, and herbs for everyone to share.

Being in control of our own food supply is empowering.

As a species, we can and must do bet ter on the other side of this.

We owe it to both nature and our fellow humans

Dependence on a food system over which we have no control is replaced by community connection – a network of growers, producers, farmers, and neighbours who care about resilience more than profits. The value of local, small scale food production is now greater than ever. Hopefully, this lockdown will give many people time to reflect upon the state of their local system, pushing them to continue growing once this is over.

Kindness While it’s not always easy to keep positive, I find that focusing my energy elsewhere and helping others is energising. It could be anything from an offer to share some seeds with neighbours and offering growing advice to firsttimers to a quick video call to a friend who lives on their own. All these seemingly small actions make an impact, enriching us as humans, friends, or even strangers.

In the UK, the mood has started to shift. What we first perceived as a couple of weeks off is now feeling a little claustrophobic. It is essential that we collectively keep up a good spirit and don’t lose hope.

On another note, it’s incredibly heartwarming to see so many ordinary people suddenly notice the importance and

sheer bravery of our shop cashiers, bin men, postmen, and many others without whom we’d now be in a much bigger hole of misery. I sincerely hope that all of us, rich or poor, will take the opportunity to appreciate and thank those who keep the world going despite putting their life at risk.

Inequality This unprecedented time has exposed several inequalities worldwide. The architecture of our towns and cities and how income dictates what you’ll be looking at while in isolation is one of them. People who can self-isolate in the peace of their personal gardens are the lucky minority.

Many others are deprived of outside space.

Perhaps, in the future, designers and architects will incorporate more greenery and natural design into our surroundings. Even a high rise flat might bring some joy if it overlooked a lower building with a green roof. Maybe we will one day see more green walls, vertical growing, and fruit trees growing in the city landscapes.

As a species, we can and must do better on the other side of this. We owe it to both nature and our fellow humans.

Consider this a reset for the planet. We can’t carry on as we did before COVID-19. Let’s slow down and think how, together, we can make this world a better place to live. 3

BIO Martyna Krol is a vegetable grower, natural beekeep-

er, and edible spaces designer. She is a lover of all soil and urban farming techniques and is the former head of growing at Incredible Aquagarden.

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The new Maxibright HPS and MH 600W Special Chemistry lamps are unique due to their enhanced spectral output.

PAR lock feature, maintaining the ideal spectral distribution when used on either a lower, or overdriven power level. Having optimised light outputs, the 600W HPS delivers 29% more red and the 600W MH delivers 53% more blue light than comparable lamps on the market. Combined with a more than ample total output of light, these lamps make sure you get the most out of your plants.

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BY EVEREST FERNANDEZ

THE BASICS Sure, we can attempt to manifest our concept of “heat� into something objective and physical, such as vibrating atoms and molecules, but, as growers, we would do much better to focus on the primary phenomena that serve to raise temperatures in our grow rooms

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HEAT

Bruce: “How did it feel to you?”

Student: “Let me think….”

Bruce: (Face-slaps student) “Don’t think! Feeeeel! It is like a finger pointing the way to the moon…”

(Slaps student again.) “Don’t concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all the heavenly glory!”

O

kay—forgive me if I sound like a wannabe botanical kung fu master snatching that opening gambit from Enter the Dragon, but Bruce’s finger is not entirely unlike the heat in your grow room. If you want to gain an understanding, you first need to forget all about it. But wait, what?

(Imagine I just playfully slapped you.)

Don’t look at the finger!

To put it another way, we need to stop thinking about “heat” as if it were a “thing”. It’s not. Allow me to repeat: “heat” does not exist. What we feel and describe as “heat” is a side effect of several other things, and it’s these primary “heat creators” that we need to get our heads around. Sure, we can attempt to manifest our concept of “heat” into something objective and physical, such as vibrating atoms and molecules, but, as growers, we would do much better to focus on the primary phenomena that serve to raise temperatures in our grow rooms.

Our grow lights produce lots of convection heat, and reflector design can play a significant role in how this convection heat is distributed, or not.

Radiant Heat

Grow lights vary considerably in the type of radiation they emit. It’s interesting to note that many LED grow light companies used to tout the lack of infrared in their products as a selling point. More recently, some LED manufacturers are incorporating infrared diodes into their lighting arrays. After all, incident solar radiation is made up of nearly half infrared, so it makes sense that plants have gotten accustomed to it.

Moreover, radiant heat increases the internal temperature of your plants, and this sets the tempo for all sorts of metabolic processes. However, radiation is just one heat-generating phenomenon.

Decades past, one of my lighting mentors—a delightfully crazy genius named Gerald Garrison—would yell at me: “Everest! The sun is not a heater!” (I’m grateful that he did not accompany each of his lesson points with a face slap.)

This salient point could be expanded like this: the sun is 93 million miles away, deep in the vacuum of space. The “heat” that we experience when the sun’s rays reach the nerves on our skin is a product of this radiation. Photons radiate out from the sun—tiny quantum packets of energy—and, as Ear thlings, we’re primarily concerned with ultraviolet, PAR, and infrared photons. This energy travels through space at the speed of light and, when it hits our faces, we absorb some of that energy. Nerves sense this, and our brains declare “HEAT!”

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HEAT

It’s important to remember that “heat” is neither good or bad—entirely appropriate for something that doesn’t exist!

It’s all about finding the right balance Convection Heat Convection heat differs from Now, while the sun admittedly Another “quick f ix” radiant heat in that it requires generates its energy by nuclear gas or liquid as the transpor t fusion, I don’t want to discuss for l ack of infrare d/ mechanism. Convection heat, by this par ticular form of heat, as it’s radiant heat, definition, cannot travel through not relevant to our grow rooms. a vacuum, unlike radiant heat. In Suffice to say, radiant, convection, esp e cially in the our grow rooms, air molecules and conduction are enough to ve get ative cycle, is bounce off one another and, in so consider. The internal temperature doing, they transfer energy. We of plants is where it’s at; think of it to add c al mag also use oscillating fans to force as the aggregate effect of different the bulk flow of air to homogenise types of heat generation. So, if our temperatures in our grow grow lights lack infrared, we may rooms—and there’s also free convection which occurs well need to dial-up another kind of heat to compensate— naturally in response to differences in air density. Our that’s why some LED aficionados advocate for higher air grow lights produce lots of convection heat, and reflector temperatures in their grow tents and grow rooms. It also design can play a significant role in how this convection explains why plants sometimes seem to do better under heat is distributed, or not.

LED grow lights in “side by side” trials (where HPS and LEDs are in the same room) than when just LED grow We can feel convection heat when we hold our hands lights are used in the same space. In the side by side trial, above the heat syncs in LED grow lights, or an electronic HPS lights could be doing a great job of heating the air ballast, or an HPS lamp. Sure, hot objects will emit radiant (and thus providing convection heat to compensate for heat too—but when my old lighting mentor Gerald the lack of IR). In contrast, LED grow lights used solo, declared “the sun is not a heater!”, what he meant was especially by growers in colder climes, fail to produce the “the sun is not a convection heater!”. goods without heaters.

Conductive Heat Conductive heat is the transfer of heat within a material— or between materials that are touching. Think of a copper pan sitting on an electric stove. Molecules bump into each other and transfer some of their energy to others nearby.

An example from our grow rooms: plant pots transfer conductive heat to the growing media and roots within them.

Another “quick fix” for lack of infrared/radiant heat, especially in the vegetative cycle, is to add calmag. The low transpiration rates associated with cooler internal plant temperatures lead to less calcium being up-taken. Of course, too much calcium in the nutrient solution causes its own issues, such as competing with phosphorus, which is why growers who rely on this band-aid often become unstuck during the flowering phase when phosphorus is in higher demand. Similarly, merely dialling down your extraction fans to keep some of the heat in a grow tent, for example, might work okay in veg when plants are small and CO2 needs low, but you’ll come unstuck in the flowering stage.

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HEAT

So, if our grow lights lack infrared, we may well need to dial-up another kind of heat to compensate—that’s why some LED aficionados advocate for higher air temperatures in their grow tents and grow rooms It’s impor tant to remember that “heat” is neither good or bad— entirely appropriate for something that doesn’t exist! It’s all about finding the right balance. So, just because a grow light produces less heat (in whatever form), it doesn’t automatically make it better. Sure, it’s a beautiful thing if more electricity is being conver ted into potentially plant-usable photons. Still, if we also need to plug in a 750-watt heater to raise air temperatures sufficiently to generate an internal plant temperature of 25°C, surely this energy also needs to be factored in. Of course, you won’t find it mentioned in any LED grow light’s system efficiency claims.

Think about your plants and grow room as an interconnected living system—the heavenly glory. Most importantly of all, grab as much data as you can along the way and never stop learning!

I’ll finish with some practical advice. We all know that summer time can be a par ticularly challenging period for us indoor growers, especially those of us growing heat-sensitive species. This is a great time to consider LED lighting, or maybe a mini-split air conditioner. If big investments are financially out of reach, try increasing the humidity in your room to lower the transpiration rates.

Dim or raise grow lights to reduce radiant intensity. Run them at night—obviously. Lower nutrient concentration to offset the higher transpiration rates. Consider adding sea kelp extract or silicon to your nutrient solution to help your plants deal better with heat stress and strengthen plant cells. Tomatoes don’t up-take much silicon at all, but many other plant species do. Resist any temptation to point oscillating fans directly at your plants.

Yes, we humans like to sit in front of a fan to cool off on super hot days, but the air movement will only serve

to exacerbate the transpiration pressure on your plants. Move the air between the lights and the canopy, and also underneath the canopy. Chill your nutrient solution to 18 – 20°C. Try more air exchange, but remember— ventilated grow rooms can only cool as much as the temperature of the input air allows. Meanwhile, over-ventilating your grow room, especially if you live in arid climates during the vegetative period, can dry your plants too much and cause high transpiration stress.

Remember, focusing on just one element in your grow room (whether it’s a heat producer or otherwise) is missing the point here. (You’re not still looking at my finger, are you?). Think about your plants and grow room as an interconnected living system— the heavenly glory. Most impor tantly of all, grab as much data as you can along the way and never stop learning! 3

Bio

Everest Fernandez is a well-respected industry educator, veteran hydroponic grower, and grow light enthusiast based in France.

He works primarily as a marketing and cultivation consultant and was the founding editor of Urban Garden Magazine in the UK, US, and Canada. He also writes and researches for the popular hobby horticulturist YouTube channel, Just4Growers.

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Sm a l l

BY ANNE GIBSON

Space Food Gardens

W

ith more people concerned about their health and food security, many are now

prioritising growing a food garden in urban spaces. There’s increased interest in small space gardening for many reasons: to be more self-reliant and sustainable, have greater control over the source and quality of food, and reliable access to fresh ingredients.

One of t he bigge s t ch a l l enge s m a n y ga rdener s face is under s ta nding how t o work w i t h t he space a round t heir home. No one’s space is p erf ec t

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SMALL SPACE GARDENS

Consider swapping ornamental plants for edibles. It may be tough to part with them, but they certainly can’t feed you!

One of the biggest challenges many gardeners face is understanding how to work with the space around their home. No one’s space is perfect. Some of the most common problems are being overshadowed by neighbouring buildings, poor soil or no soil for apartments and high-rises, and making poor plant choices. Many people also have limited budgets to get started, so every cent and decision counts.

Expand Your Available Growing Space Don’t accept the limitations of the space you have; assess the opportunities as if you were a visitor to your home. Try to see your garden through a new ‘lens.’ Consider swapping ornamental plants for edibles. It may be tough to part with them, but they certainly can’t feed you! Along with nutritious food, many edibles have beautiful flowers, colours, and textures. A few suggestions include: • • •

•

Tips for Small Food Gardeners Healthy soil yields the best results. Whether you’re growing in pots or a garden bed, soil quality plays the primary role in the health and volume of your harvest. In terms of priorities, make sure your soil or growing medium: • is alive with microorganism; • has good structure, drainage, and aeration; • contains organic matter like compost to feed your plants; • has moisture-holding capacity.

Plants with consistent access to adequate sun, nutrients, and moisture can produce to their optimum capacity.

Dwarf fruit trees with a compact growth habit like kumquats and calamondins or prune citrus to shape.

Blueberry bushes, Rosellas, Goji berries or Feijoas.

Camellia sinensis – use the leaves and leaf buds of this attractive flowering shrub to grow your own tea. It also makes a beautiful hedge or privacy screen.

Flowering herbs like pineapple sage and perennial basil. They look as good as they taste and smell.

Grow up. Sunlight may not always reach the ground, mainly where buildings are close together, so the ideal place for planting may be vertical. Growing up on a fence or wall where there’s more sunlight can open up new opportunities to grow more edibles in a small space. There are a wide variety of vertical garden options from wall planters, hanging baskets and trellises, to arbours, pergolas, posts, balcony railings, and window boxes. Vines and climbing crops are ideal for maximising your space.

Vertical stackable planters maximise planting space

Think outside the box. Sometimes there are opportunities literally on or over the fence. By looking beyond the space inside your boundary fence, there can be endless possibilities if you think creatively. One of the first things I do when visiting my clients’ gardens is to assess the ‘borrowed landscape’ on all sides of neighbouring fences. I discuss how well they know their neighbours, whether they’d be prepared to create a living green wall vertically or utilise the overhanging shared tree canopy.

Community garden plots and verges. If you have minimal space, it may be worth expanding your growing area by renting a raised garden bed at a local community garden. If you don’t have one, perhaps a neighbour has an unused garden bed or space they are willing to let you use in return for a share of the harvests. Front verges may also be a possibility if your council is agreeable. Think collaboratively and win-win!

A rented plot in a Community Garden

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AL FIND OUT WHAT RE G...

IN Y A S E R A S R E W O GR

SMALL SPACE GARDENS

Whether you’re growing in pots or a garden bed, soil quality plays the primary role in the health and volume of your harvest.

Compare costs. Seedlings save you These crops also valuable growing time, but seeds are gift you an cheaper to sow. A bunch of herbs may cost you $3 at the supermarket, but a pot abundance of free with a mature herb may only be $5, and seeds so you can you can start picking immediately with no more food waste. Grow food you love to start the cycle eat or costs the most in your weekly shop. again without ‘Cut-and-come-again’ lettuces and Asian greens are fantastic value because you can spending money pick continuously over the growing period, not just harvest once. One head of lettuce may cost around $3; you’ll save money sowing seedlings instead and save free seeds so you’ll never have to repurchase lettuce.

Harvest swaps. One way to access food you don’t grow at home is to share what you have with others in return for what you need at a Crop Swap. This simple bartering system is a way to leverage everyone’s time, skills, and space. Whether you attend a formal group in your neighbourhood that gather regularly to swap and share surplus produce, preserves, plants, seeds, and cuttings, or connect with your gardening friends and neighbours, it’s incredible how you can expand what you can access. It’s also an excellent opportunity to learn how to grow or use foods you may not be growing yourself.

Herbs growing in a vertical wall garden on a balcony

Select Your Plants Thoughtfully Roots and greens. There are many vegetables that you can harvest multiple parts for food. For example, you can pick the young tender leaves of beetroot and sweet potatoes as leafy greens, as well as enjoying the mature root crop when ready to harvest. Coriander leaves, roots, and seeds are all edible and picked at different stages of growth.

Be content with smaller harvests. Sometimes you need to lower your expectations of picking a big volume of vegetables and be prepared to compromise. Compact cultivars may not yield as many vegetables as larger varieties, but at least you can grow them in a small space. You may only be able to have one pot of tomatoes, so pick a high-yielding variety with a long harvest period. Dwarf or miniature plant varieties are still nutritious but offer the advantage of saving you space.

Beetroot tops and roots can both be harvested to optimise food potential

Berries and vine crops are ideal to grow along a fence trellis

Choose fast rather than slow-maturing varieties.

It makes sense for many small space gardeners to grow a wider range of edibles, so there’s a continuous supply of ingredients each week, rather than waiting long periods between harvests.

Some vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli take months before you can put them on the table. Whereas radishes, bush peas and beans, leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, rocket, and baby beetroot are ready for harvest in much shorter timeframes.

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SMALL SPACE GARDENS

Grow food you love to eat or costs the most in your weekly shop. ‘Cutand-come-again’ lettuces and Asian greens are fantastic value because you can pick continuously over the growing period

Heavy croppers in pots. Tomatoes, capsicums, potatoes, and eggplants are all in the same plant family and provide a great yield-to-space ratio. Capsicums and eggplants are grown as perennials in warm climates so provide long term value.

Long-lived edibles like perennial leeks, perpetual spinach, and asparagus will last years

Grow space hogs and slow crops as microgreens. Some vegetables that take up too much space and time to mature in the garden like broccoli and red cabbage can be grown as microgreens and harvested for their baby leaves. You don’t miss out on the nutrients, but you certainly save on the space and time waiting for fresh ingredients!

Microgreens and Sprouts. Sowing seeds in tiny containers or trays and harvesting as baby leafy greens saves a huge amount of space while allowing you to grow a diverse range of vegetables and herbs. Sprouting seeds can be done in a jar on the kitchen bench indoors for quick fresh ingredients year-round. No need for a garden at all.

Leafy greens harvest in bowl with herbs salad ingredients

Cut and come again salad leaves can be harvested multiple times

Leafy greens for salads and stirfries. There are so many varieties of lettuce, spinach, kale, chard, silverbeet, rocket, and Asian greens that provide quick picks for short and long harvest periods. Spinach and kale freeze well, extending the harvest.

These crops also gift you an abundance of free seeds so you can start the cycle again without spending money.

Plants with big yields and space requirements. If you want to grow your favourite foods like zucchinis or cucumbers that need more room, you may feel you can justify allocating the extra space because they are long croppers and produce a lot of vegetables in return. You may have to sacrifice other crops to grow the ones you spend the most money on or those you can’t squeeze in. One healthy tomato plant can yield several kilos of fruit and is a good choice if you enjoy salads or cook with tomatoes regularly.

Perennials vs annuals. Long-lived edibles like perennial leeks, perpetual spinach, and asparagus will last years. Annual crops like beans and peas produce a crop over several months and then die off, so you have to replant. Understanding the lifecycle of each crop is essential so you can decide which plants to prioritise growing in the space you have. Quick ‘in and out’ vegetables can fill in spaces around those you plant in a permanent position.

Growing a food garden in a small space can be just as pretty and productive as larger gardens when you apply good design principles and make careful choices. With a little creative thinking, your edible garden can provide an abundance of food throughout the seasons – both indoors and out. 3 65

BY RICH GELLERT

In the USA alone, over one million miles of lead pipe transporting “safe” water to public taps remain in use 66

LEAD IN WATER

W

ith all the safeguards and regulatory laws of the modern world, we tend to think of lead problems as isolated incidences, most famously the Flint, Michigan disaster that made headline news worldwide in 2014. And while it is true that Flint is nearly a worst-case

scenario when identifying potential weak links in the US regulatory chain, there’s a strong argument that lead poses a much higher threat to public drinking water than most people realise. In the USA alone, over one million miles of lead pipe transporting “safe” water to public taps remain in use.

The reason why these dangerous In the USA alone, pipes are not considered an emergency was the unplanned over one million benefit of what is now known as miles of lead pipe “biofilm”. Biofilm is an accumulation of organic and inorganic, living and transporting “safe” dead material collected on the interior pipe surface, which can water to public taps effectively sequester lead par ticles remain in use that would otherwise contaminate the water. What happened in Flint was pure negligence: switching water sources, and therefore, water chemistry, disrupted the integrity of the biofilm lining, releasing incalculable amounts of lead directly into residential home drinking water. As of 2018, 7,600 lead pipelines in Flint have been replaced, leaving half a million pipelines to go. The city reassured its residents that in the remaining lead pipes, the biofilm had returned, so not to worry.

There is a well-documented human cost to lead consumption, including hear t disease, stroke and most tragically, low IQ in children. There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects. One of the reasons growers use water filters for lead (and other heavy metals) is that these compounds can be transmitted from plant to human through consumption: some plants

Biofilm is an accumulation of organic and inorganic, living and dead material collected on the interior pipe surface, which can effectively sequester lead particles that would otherwise contaminate the water CREDIT: THE CONVERSTAION

Lead pipe concerns are cer tainly not just an American phenomenon. Although banned in the UK for many years, homes built before 1970 used lead pipes for their water main. In Canada, the results of a multi-year long study across 11 cities found that 18% of water tests given produced results over the US limit of 15ppb. This shocking result is even more disturbing knowing that Canada has the third-largest per-capita freshwater reserve on the planet. It is estimated that old lead pipes service about half a million homes across the county.

bio-accumulate metals, and when consumed, transfer concentrated amounts of the toxic substance. The easiest way to prevent waterborne lead from entering your body (or your garden) is to use a reverse osmosis filter to produce water for washing and consumption. 3

Bio

Richard Gellert is an adventure-seeker; he loves wilderness, biking, and hitting the slopes - the steeper, the better. Also an avid gardener, Rich has created extensive gardens to grow fruits and vegetables for his family year-round.

He is the president of Hydrologic Purification Systems, a company delivering top-shelf hydroponic water filtration systems to consumers. Speaking five languages, and with as many advanced degrees, Rich has become the industry’s leading expert in water quality, facility discharge, reclamation systems, and regulation compliance. His articles have appeared in Max Yield, HydroLife, Garden Culture, and Urban Garden.

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BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS GardenCultureMagazine.com

book review

BOOK REVIEW:

FIELD GUIDE TO URBAN GARDENING

U

rban gardening is an upwards trend that definitely won’t be going anywhere! According to the United Nations, 55% of the world’s population currently lives in cities, and by the year 2050, 68% of us will. City-living often comes with less space, but that doesn’t mean growing delicious food

isn’t possible. The Field Guide to Urban Gardening: How to Grow Plants, No Matter Where you Live, is an excellent read for beginner and exper t urban gardeners alike!

From cover to cover, author Kevin Espiritu, of the popular Epic Gardening website, guides readers through the ins and outs of urban gardening, proving that growing fresh, nutritious food is possible for us all.

Through a series of beautiful photographs and step-by-step guides, Espiritu gives practical advice on starting gardens on balconies and rooftops, in raised beds, containers, vertical structures, and even ventures into the world of kitchen gardening and hydroponics.

Espiritu knows his craf t and relays information in a way that’s easy to follow

Chapters feature recipes for various soil mixes and inexpensive DIY projects ranging from simple raised beds and mason jar gardens to vertical jungles and hydroponic systems. Readers will learn about the best growing materials, the plant varieties best-suited for small areas, and how to maximise every square inch of space.

credit: Epic Gardening

Espiritu knows his craft and relays information in a way that’s easy to follow. Beyond being excellent for the environment and a way to produce fresh food, he wants readers to know

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Kevin Espiritu

that urban gardening is fun and provides a connection with Mother Nature in an increasingly disconnected world.

No matter what your skill level, Espiritu’s guide is a fantastic resource and a fun read.

Your urban oasis awaits!

Buy it online and at most major bookstores.

HELLO,

HOUSEPLANTS!

W

ork is a fact of life, and many of us spend the better par t of our days in an office. Does your job ever make

you feel anxious? A pretty little houseplant on the corner of your desk might help!

A recent Japanese study says houseplants in the office can dramatically reduce stress in the workplace. Published in the American Society for Horticultural Science Journal, the experiment measured the pulse rates of workers twice a day; once while caring for the plant on their desk, and once without the plant present.

Results showed the pulse rates were much lower during the break with a little green in it, proving, once again, that plants can help cure what ails us!

Uplift your mood and boost productivity with this little gem: Name: Snake Plant (AKA mother-in-law’s tongue)

A recent Japanese study says houseplants in the of fice can dramatically reduce stress in the workplace

Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata Why we love it: This beauty is a showstopper; it’s long, flat leaves come in a variety of exciting shades and colours and resemble the skin of a snake. The plant produces multiple crowns and can eventually be separated to make more plants.

Growing conditions: Darker green varieties will do well in low-light situations, making them perfect for many offices. However, snake plants prefer medium to bright light. Water infrequently; too much moisture will cause the plant to rot!

Size: Be sure to check which cultivar is coming into the home or office. Some varieties grow to over 6 feet tall!

Generally speaking, they range in size from a few inches to three or four feet tall.

Sources: • •

Other facts: Snake plants are toxic to pets but have an excellent reputation as air purifiers.

American Society for Horticultural Science: bit. ly/2Shmf6M Grow In The Dark: How to Choose and Care for Low-Light Houseplants, by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, Cool Springs Press 69

ALBERT MONDOR, HORTICULTURIST AND BIOLOGIST

70

VINTAGE VEGGIES

D

o you dream about your grandmother’s vegetable garden? If you are a lover of all things vintage, then consider growing ancient fruits and vegetables! These old cultivars will add pops of colour to the unique, farm-fresh meals you cook next summer.

Growing heritage vegetables is not only a way of honouring the richness of our horticultural heritage but also of protecting and enhancing biodiversity Among the hundreds of varieties currently available on the market, the ancestral vegetable cultivars created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are now being rediscovered by amateur gardeners. Robust and vigorous, some of these old varieties offer exciting shapes and characteristics while yielding excellent results in the garden.

‘Burpee’s Golden’ Beet

Growing heritage vegetables is not only a way of honouring the richness of our horticultural heritage but also of protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

• • •

Eggplant ‘Turkish Orange’

• • •

It is believed that this eggplant cultivar has been grown in Turkey since the 15th century. It produces spherical, orange fruits streaked with green. Each plant, which reaches a little over 50 centimetres (or 20”) in height, can produce up to 15 fruits!

• • • • • •

The ‘Burpee’s Golden’ beet produces round, orange-yellow roots. The vibrant and pretty colour remains even after cooking. Sow these seeds closer together than other beet varieties, as the germination rate of ‘Burpee’s Golden’ is somewhat lower.

Space between plants: 5 cm (2”) Sowing depth: 13 mm Sowing period: in the ground, two to three weeks before the last frost date Number of days from sowing to harvest: 70 Light: full sun Soil: rich, light, and well-drained

Space between plants: 45 cm (18”) Sowing depth: 6 mm Sowing period: indoors, eight weeks before the last frost date Number of days from planting to harvest: 85 Light: full sun Soil: rich, loose, and well-drained

Eggplant ‘Turkish Orange’ ‘Burpee’s Golden’ Beet

Crapaudine’ Beet

‘Crapaudine’ Beet

Of French origin, this vintage beet variety is distinguished from all the others by its long cone-like root, which sometimes measures more than 30 centimetres (12 inches) in length. The vegetable’s wrinkled peel has a texture similar to that of tree bark. The dark purple-red flesh has a delicious, sweet flavour.

• • • • • •

Space between plants: 5 cm (2”) Sowing depth: 13 mm Sowing period: in the ground, two to three weeks before the last frost date Number of days from sowing to harvest: 70 Light: full sun Soil: rich, light, and well-drained 71

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VINTAGE VEGGIES

‘Brown Russian’ Cucumber

Robust and vigorous, some of these old varieties offer exciting shapes and characteristics while yielding excellent results in the garden

‘Oka’ Melon This melon cultivar was created in 1910 by the Trappist father Athanase, director of the Agricultural Institute of Oka in the Canadian province of Quebec. He created this melon with a tasty orange flesh by crossing the famous ‘Montreal’ melon with the older ‘Banana’ cultivar. The ‘Oka’ melon does very well in cold climates, making it possible to grow in most of the northern regions of North America and Europe.

‘Yellow Obtuse du Doubs’ Carrot

• • • • • •

Space between plants: 60 cm (24”) Sowing depth: 15 mm Sowing period: indoors, four weeks before the last frost Number of days from planting to harvest: 90 Light: full sun Soil: rich, loose, and well-drained

‘Gogosári’ Pepper

‘Yellow Obtuse du Doubs’ Carrot ‘Yellow Obtuse du Doubs’ is a carrot cultivar from France that was developed in the 19th century. Its roots have a beautiful golden colour.

• • • • • •

Space between plants: 5 cm (2”) Sowing depth: 1 cm (0.5”) Sowing period: in the ground, three to four weeks before the last frost date Number of days from sowing to harvest: 75 Light: full sun to partial shade Soil: loose, light, and fresh

This ancestral pepper cultivar has been grown for over a hundred years in Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania. After the Second World War, when Communist agriculture took off, other varieties were favoured, but some farmers continued to produce this traditional pepper. ‘Gogosári’ presents curious ribbed and flattened purple-red fruits. They have a thicker, crunchier, and juicier flesh than most other varieties.

• • • • • •

Space between plants: 30cm (12”) Sowing depth: 6 mm Sowing period: indoors, nine weeks before the last frost Number of days from planting to harvest: 70 Light: full sun Soil: rich, loose, and well-drained

‘Oka’ Melon

‘Brown Russian’ Cucumber ‘Brown Russian’ is a unique cucumber whose taste cannot be beaten! Developed in Ukraine around 1879, this heritage variety produces fruits with a brown peel and crisp white flesh. Its flavour is mild and slightly sweet. Harvest about two months after transplanting outdoors and when the fruit reaches 12 to 18 centimetres (5-7 inches) in length. Fruits can also be harvested younger when their peel is still yellow.

• • •

• • •

‘Gogosári’ Pepper

Space between plants: 50 cm (20”) Sowing depth: 13 mm Sowing period: indoors, three weeks before transplanting outdoors (after the last frost and when the soil temperature is 15°C (59°F) or higher Number of days from transplant to harvest: 60 Light: full sun Soil: rich, light, and fresh

73

@greatwhitemyco

VINTAGE VEGGIES

‘Corno di Toro’ Pepper Developed in Italy, this ancestral cultivar produces narrow and elongated fruits, resembling bovine horns. The fruits, which can be more than 20 centimetres (8 inches) in length, are sweet and have a thin red skin.

• • • • • •

Space between plants: 30 cm (12”) Sowing depth: 6 mm Sowing period: indoors, nine weeks before the last frost Number of days from planting to harvest: 75 Light: full sun Soil: rich, loose, and well-drained

‘Corno di Toro’ Pepper

‘Russian Blue’ Potato

‘Russian Blue’ Potato This unusual cultivar produces tubers with purplish-blue skin and flesh. Baked, steamed, or fried, this potato retains its unique colour.

• • • • • •

‘Brandywine’ Tomato

Space between plants: 30 cm (12”) Sowing depth: 10 cm (4”) Sowing period: in the ground, two to three weeks before the last frost (put tubers in the ground) Number of days from sowing to harvest: 100 Light: sun Soil: rich, light, and deep

‘Golden Sweet’ Snow Peas

‘Golden Sweet’ Snow Peas Some historians say Gregor Mendel used this ancient cultivar from India in his experiments with genetics. ‘Golden Sweet’ produces very sweet, pale yellow pods and purple-pink flowers that contrast sharply with each other.

• • •

• • •

‘Marvel Stripe’ Tomato

Space between plants: 2 cm (0.7”) Sowing depth: 25 mm Sowing period: outside in April or May, 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, or at the end of summer for an autumn harvest Number of days from sowing to harvest: 50 Light: full sun Soil: light, fresh, and well-drained

‘Brandywine’ Tomato

‘Marvel Stripe’ Tomato

The ‘Brandywine’ tomato has been cultivated since 1885 and produces large, juicy, irregularly shaped red fruits. This popular tomato is said to be one of the tastiest.

Native to Mexico, this ancient cultivar produces large yellow and red fruits that are sweet and not very acidic. ‘Marvel Stripe’ does best when planted in a warm and very sunny place.

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

Space between plants: 50 cm (20”) Sowing depth: 15 mm Sowing period: indoors, eight weeks before the last frost Number of days from planting to harvest: 80 Light: full sun Soil: rich, loose, and well-drained

Space between plants: 50 cm (20”) Sowing depth: 15 mm Sowing period: indoors, nine weeks before the last frost Number of days from planting to harvest: 85 Light: full sun Soil: rich, loose, and well-drained 3

BIO Passionate about environmental horticulture, urban agriculture and extreme landscape design, Albert Mondor has practised 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 published Le nouveau potager, his tenth horticultural book. He is a regular guest and contributor to radio and television programmes and his hosting 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

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credit: stefano-boeri-architetti

BY RICH HAMILTON

The

Forest City

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THE FOREST CITY

T

he idea of a sustainable world is becoming more and more essential as fossil fuels are running out and the damage we have caused is close to beyond repair. How are we going to make a change?

Revolutionising the places we live, such as our homes and our cities, and making them more in tune with nature is one way of doing it. Architect Stefano Boeri has drawn up plans for the world’s prototype forest city, a hypothesis which, if successful, could become the template for how we build habitats in the future and improve old ones.

The for es t cit y is China’s f ir s t at tempt to addr es s it s terrible pollution pr oblem as well as ac c ommodate it s increasing popul ation

Boeri and his team are well-known for creating green projects around the world, namely the very successful ver tical forest in Milan, Italy. The forest city they have planned for China, however, is the most elaborate project they’ve ever designed.

Construction on the world’s first forest city is expected to star t this year in China’s Liuzhou region, a city of about 1.5 million residents in the province of Guangxi. It will go up along the Liuzhou river with a 225-hectare urban area; the surrounding green space, however, will total 25,000 hectares.

lem, as Chinese authorities must find a way to build more efficient cities for its growing number of inhabitants. Currently, China has 160 cities with a population greater than one million, all of which are plagued with substantial smog issues from coal, power plants, and vehicle pollution.

China is also the country with the highest rate of urbanisation in the world.

Over 14 million inhabitants are migrating to China’s packed cities each year. With this in mind, Boeri plans to use his famous skyscraper design to accommodate more people in the new city’s geographical footprint. Meanwhile, the land will be maximised for farming and outdoor leisure. Dozens of tall and middle-size buildings will stand in the city, surrounded by trees (ranging from 3-9 metres in height), shrubs, and flowering plants. Each ver tical forest will have 20,000 square metres of plants grafted upon it.

Once completed, the Liuzhou forest city will accommodate up to 100,000 residents. They will benefit from more than 40,000 trees and one million plants of different species. The extensive plant life will absorb 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 57 tonnes of pollutants, while also producing approximately 900 tonnes of oxygen annually.

credit: stefano-boeri-architetti

The forest city is China’s first attempt to address its terrible pollution problem as well as accommodate its increasing population. It seems like an excellent solution to the prob-

Architect Stefano Boeri has drawn up plans for the world’s prototype forest city, a hypothesis which, if successful, could become the template for how we build habitats in the future and improve old ones

The Forest City

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

77

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As water issues continue to become a global problem and the quality of tap water declines, it is unlikely that chlorine and chloramines will be removed from the largest sources of public water. Cities even switch between using chlorine and chloramines throughout the year, making water quality unpredictable. As bacterial/organic contamination becomes more of a threat, so will the use of multiple antibacterial measures to help ensure municipal water is safe for consumption.

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THE FOREST CITY

credit: stefano-boeri-architetti

The forest cit y will be selfsuf ficient and help decrease the average air temperature, improve air qualit y, create noise barriers, generate habitats for wildlife, and improve local biodiversit y.

The forest city will be self-sufficient and help If successful, the decrease the average air temperature, imLiuzhou Forest Cit y prove air quality, create noise barriers, gencould become the erate habitats for wildlife, and improve local biodiversity. The entire city is also planned to model by which all run on renewable energy, especially solar and Chinese cities are geothermal. The Liuzhou authorities want to built in the future build about 70 buildings cascading with foliage, which will be a mix of homes, hospitals, hotels, schools, and offices. There are even plans to connect the new city via a highspeed road line system to make it compatible for use with electric cars.

Boeri says he believes Chinese officials have finally come to terms with the need to find a new and more sustainable model of urban living.

“They have created these nightmares,” he says. “They have to imagine a new model of the city that is not about extending and expanding but a system of small, green cities.”

If successful, the Liuzhou Forest City could become the model by which all Chinese cities are built in the future. A second project is already in the planning stages for Shijiazhuang, an industrial hub in northern China that is consistently among the country’s ten most polluted urban areas.

How we are living in the developed world is unable to sustain itself for much longer.

We should all be hopeful that this first forest city is a success, so we can replicate it elsewhere in a bid to save our planet for future generations. 3

BIO An industry veteran with over 20 years of

experience in a variety of roles, Rich is currently a business development manager for a large UK hydroponics distributor.The author of the Growers Guide book series, Rich also writes on all aspects of indoor gardening.

He is also an independent industry consultant, working closely with hydroponic businesses worldwide.

credit: pisobcn.com

Architect Stefano Boeri

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

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Florganoleptic

Music

Nature’s Favourite Genre

Flor-ga-no-lep-tic

P

lant music; it’s an incredibly profound subject, as it is a question of consciousness rather than impulse. It’s a feeling that some have

/ˌflôrɡənōˈleptik/ Definition from the Urban Dictionary: 1.

inherently suspected their entire lives, but only now are we exploring it. As we move forward and look to the future, it is clear that we are unaware of so much that

2.

3.

4.

exists around us.

Since ancient times, people have shared a deep connection with their land and crops. Today, however, it seems many are losing sight of that natural connection.

Taking a step back and digging into the roots of our past, we can begin to see patterns that help us think Who would have outside the box and fur ther develop guessed that our understanding of Mother Nature. Who would have guessed technology today that technology today is nowhere is nowhere close close to catching up with nature’s capabilities? to catching up

with nature’s

A genre of music describing the art of plants creating music with people, with the aid of an electronic device.

The art of plants creating music.

Plant sensory controlled music/lights/etc.

A person’s ability to understand how to create harmonious music with a plant that is creating improvisational music with the aid of an electronic device.

Working in cooperation with Mother Nature, recently developed technology allows us to dive into the hidden abilities of the plant kingdom and nature itself. There have been many discoveries that would have seemed like a fantasy, not so many years ago. Many topics that used to be science fiction are now par t of our regular understanding of how nature works.

From computers, smar tphones, and capabilities? beyond, technology pulls us away from our actual reality. With the apparent need for a better way of A recent discovery has been raising eyebrows in the life, the focus needs to be on the interrelationship that scientific community. Researchers have learned that most exists between technology and nature. After all, strangely, plants and trees can create beautiful music with the aid technology is nature. of special electronic devices that measure their internal fluctuations.

When humans lived out in the wild, there weren’t any unnecessary distractions. Things were evaluated for the The study of plants and trees creating music is a hot possibility of food, danger, a potential mate, or something topic these days, due to musical plant collaborations with new to learn. Modern technology continuously distracts bands such as Cosmic Knot. A new genre of music called us with a plethora of useless information, adver tisements, “Florganoleptic music” has been born. and opinions. The distractions are never ending. How do we find a release?

Florganoleptic music, by definition, is music that is created by measuring the fluctuations within a plant or There are people in this world who are still turning tree and conver ting those measurements into a musical to nature to find the answers. They are exploring the format. The genre gives the plant kingdom a platform to potential of consciousness in living organisms beyond perform not only solo musical compositions but tunes humans or pets, such as in plants and trees. In recent with humans and other plants as well. times, works like the Ringing Cedars Of Russia have helped outline a new way to positively view nature, while also hinting that there is much more beyond the veil that we don’t know.

A new genre of music called “Florganoleptic music” has been born

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Researchers have learned that most plants and trees can create beautiful music with the aid of special electronic devices that measure their internal fluctuations The current way to manifest music from plants requires a device that measures the electromagnetic resistance between the plant’s leaf and root. Through those electromagnetic measurements, a wave pattern is formed, much like a lie detector test. From the wave pattern, a musical note is assigned to each specific wavelength. Once each wavelength has a set musical note, it is translated into music that can be heard by human ears.

When florganoleptic music is heard, the average listener feels calm. Thankfully, the devices are not restricted to scientific research and can be introduced into any home garden. It only takes one plant to produce music and get the human brain thinking in a way it never has before.

Experiments have shown that the plants respond when a musician or a different plant are playing music in the same room. The relationship between plants and musicians, however, cannot be explained with algorithms. The questions remain; are plants conscious? If so, how aware are they? Where do thoughts come from if not from a brain?

These are fundamental questions that need fur ther investigation. Who knows what Mother Nature may hold for science if she were viewed in the right light and treated with proper respect? While we need to experiment more to understand the scope of florganolepticism fully, it has the potential to help fur ther develop the fields of science, biology, and technology.

For now, sit back, plug in our favourite plants, and relax to whatever melodies they decide to create. If you’re feeling ambitious, pick up an instrument and jam along. How’s that for connecting with nature? 3

BIO Tom Wall: Professional Musician, Writer and Gardening Consultant. Cosmic Knot/Therapeutic Horticulture Consultations Growing up on a deer farm located on 79 acres of land along the banks of one of Lake Michigan’s tributaries, Tom grew a love for nature and all the beauties it could hold. Through that passion Tom has channeled his influences into educating the community on sustainable agriculture, becoming an activist, writing for magazines and creating music tuned to nature in his band Cosmic Knot.

Follow Tom and all of his passions: www.facebook.com/tom.wall.946 www.instagram.com/cosmicknotmusic/ artistecard.com/cosmicknot

BY CODY J GARRETT - TAIT

W

hether you’re gardening indoors or outdoors, the temperature can have a profound impact on the quality and quantity of the produce you grow. When growing in the dir t, there is a complicated interplay between the plant, soil, and the environment.

Temperature is a significant factor in the success of organic living-soil type growing, as it directly governs how active the microbes responsible for mineralising organic nutrients are. Without these microbes, the nutrients in the soil are mostly unavailable to plants. It also alters the balance of bacteria and fungi present, as different species thrive at varying ranges than others.

In general, higher temperatures favour bacterial growth, whereas fungi seem to be better suited for lower temperatures. The balance for coexistence has been demonstrated in studies to be between 20°C (68°F) and 35°C (95°f ) for most crops. Too far south or nor th

84

of these numbers can shift the balance toward either bacterial or fungal dominance. This alters the type and quality of nutrient solubilization occurring.

The temperature range of 20°C-35°C is where beneficial microflora is most active and making the most useful compounds for a garden. As the mercury dips, everything slows to a crawl. Similarly, when we look at temperatures outside the upper limits, conditions can star t to favour the development of pathogens. As the temperature rises into the more extreme levels, it hits an unsustainable tipping point, causing a collapse of cer tain species, and subsequently, less desirable types can takeover.

TEMPERATURE

The temperature range of 20°C-35°C is where beneficial microflora is most active and making the most useful compounds for a garden.

As the mercury dips, everything slows to a crawl.

Bacterial growth can occur at reasonable levels in temperature ranges of 0°C (32°F) to 45°C (113°F). Fungal growth doesn’t have as high a threshold, topping out at 40°C (104°F), but it can develop further below zero by a significant margin.

Temperature is a significant factor in the success of organic living-soil type growing, as it directly governs how active the microbes responsible for mineralising organic nutrients are

For a thriving garden, it is essential to control the climate and find ways to shield the soil from the heat in tropical locations and trap the warmth in colder ones.

wetting agents such as Yucca extract or Soapnut can also be beneficial.

Colder temperatures are more challenging to tackle. Still, by applying insulating layers, or employing solutions such as heat mats and buried heat cords, optimal conditions can be maintained year-round. The use of compost teas and liquid organic fertilisers is also excellent in colder climates to make sure plants are getting what they need, even when the microbes are sluggish.

Simple changes can be effective at mitigating many problems. Reflective materials can be applied to plant pots to redirect heat away, or fabric pots can be used for the evaporative, cooling effect they provide. Paying careful attention to watering and employing the use of natural

By working to maintain a stable environment from start to finish, we can provide the ultimate environment for microbial life to flourish and feed our plants. The key to reaping significant benefits in the garden is consistency and attention to detail. 3

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BY CAROLINE RIVARD

A Vir tuous Weed

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GARDEN WEEDS

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ou almost can’t miss it; mullein, or Verbascum thapsus, is a lovely plant with yellow spikes as flowers that can grow up to seven feet

tall! The bi-annual weed begins its life cycle as a lowgrowing rosette with fuzzy, felt-like leaves. Quite the transformation!

Mullein will grow in any soil as long as it has been disturbed; sunny roadsides, ditches, dry open fields, and even burned or logged areas and gardens. If the ground is dry, this robust weed is happy. Each plant can produce up to 175,000 seeds, which remain dormant for decades or hundreds of years. Only once the soil is disturbed will their yellow flowers bloom.

Mullein is considered invasive in many parts of the world and is nearly impossible to eradicate once established. However, this weed has many benefits to our health, making this invader a very welcome friend.

Great mullein, or common mullein, is also referred to as flannel leaf, candlewick plant, and lungwort. In Roman times, the dried stalks were dipped in wax, pine sap, or suet and used as torches. Historically, the plant’s broad leaves were used as insulation in shoes to keep feet warm. And when added to hot water, the flower extract was used as a hair dye for those looking to go golden blonde.

Folklore Medicine Little modern scientific research has been done on Verbascum thapsus, but there is some evidence that suggests it can help rid the body of various flu-causing viruses. Further investigation is needed.

In herb lore, however, there is plenty of information concerning the benefits of mullein. This majestic plant has been naturalised all over the world, and several different cultures have used it to develop medicines and remedies.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Greek physician, pharmacologist, and botanist, Dioscorides, recommended mullein for breathing problems. In Ireland, tea was made from the leaves of the

Each plant can produce up to 175,000 seeds, which remain dormant for decades or hundreds of years plant to cure lung diseases in both human and livestock. Native Americans also used mullein for several ailments. The infusion of the leaves was given to babies to regulate their bowels. They used the plant to heal wounds and smoked the leaves to treat a fever, cough, or for ceremonial purposes. During the Civil War, mullein was used as an antiseptic. The leaves were soaked in hot vinegar and water to treat wounds, and they were also made into a tea to soothe a soldier’s lungs.

Mullein is a wonderful ally of the respiratory system. A tea made with the leaves will help reduce inflammation and relax respiratory muscles while also soothing the membranes and relieving dry cough and spasms. Moreover, mullein helps expel mucus and phlegm. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive.

The plant helps relax the body and has been used to treat muscle cramps, spasms, and joint pain. Because it helps with swelling and irritation, a strong tea applied as a poultice can help with haemorrhoids.

Mullein has also been used to treat ear infections in both children and adults. The flower’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-bacterial properties work wonders in an oil infusion.

Warm mullein flower oil soothes pain and helps patients recover quicker.

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Historically, the plant’s wide leaves were used as insulation in shoes to keep feet warm. And when added to hot water, the flower ex tract was used as a hair dye for those looking to go golden blonde

Earache Mullein Flower Oil This remedy is simple to make and is an excellent addition to the medicine cabinet. However, it requires patience.

Collecting flowers takes time as they don’t bloom all at once on the mullein stalk. While some flowers will open on a given day, others will remain closed. Here’s how to make it: •

•

• •

•

Collect as many mullein flowers as you can every day, and then spread them on a paper towel; let them wilt for about half a day. Place the wilted flowers in a glass jar. Cover them with a good quality olive oil and secure a cheesecloth around the top of the jar with an elastic band. Place on a sunny windowsill.

Add more wilted flowers and oil daily, making sure the plant material is completely covered. When your flower harvest is finished, stir the herbal oil infusion. Add more oil if needed, and put the jar back on the windowsill for at least two weeks so the oil can extract the beneficial properties from the mullein flowers.

After two weeks, pour the oil through a coffee filter and transfer to a sterilised glass dropper bottle.

To use, warm the oil by setting the dropper bottle in a cup of hot water. Test the temperature on your wrist before applying three drops to the ear. Seal the ear with a cotton ball and rest for anywhere between five and 15 minutes before allowing the oil to drain.

NOTE: if you have a ruptured eardrum, do not use ear oil.

Consult a physician!

A tea made with the leaves will help reduce inflammation and rela x respirator y muscles while also soothing the membranes and relieving dr y cough and spasms. Moreover, mullein helps expel mucus and phlegm Some might find the plant’s hairs from the leaves and flowers irritate the skin and mucous membranes. For this reason, it is best to strain the tea or the infused oil through a fine-weave cloth or a coffee filter.

Mullein is considered safe, and the roots, flowers, and leaves can be used. However, the seeds should never be ingested, as they contain rotenone and coumarin, which are potentially harmful and toxic. As with all medicinal herbs, it is essential to research and ask a health professional if mullein is suitable for you. If you forage the plant yourself, be sure you know what you’re looking for, as the first-year mullein rosette can be confused with toxic Digitalis (Fox Glove).

Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid the use of any herbal product containing mullein. The plant should only be used for up to seven days. 3

A therapist and healer for over 15 years, Caroline’s passion for medicinal plants only began after leaving the city for the quiet country life in Quebec, Canada. Eager to learn, she’s never looked back, using forests and wildflower fields as her classroom ever since. In a time where reconnecting with plants and nature is badly needed, she spreads her love for herbalism by holding teaching workshops about the powers of medicinal herbs and natural remedies.

Bio

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BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

T he U gly T ru t h A b ou t Dump s t er s 90

DIVING FOR TREASURE

I

n the dark of the night, Cameron Macleish grabs his flashlight and crate, ready to carry out his work. He stops his van and approaches a large dumpster, hurdling himself over the edge and into the pile of trash inside. While many people would look on in horror, Cameron knows there’s a good possibility he’ll strike gold.

If you haven’t guessed already, Cameron is a dumpster diver. As he sifts through the mounds of garbage, he finds plenty of discarded food. Only a lot of the time, most of it is entirely edible. It’s a dir ty little secret where the problem of food waste is concerned.

“My initial reaction was, ‘what the heck am I doing? This is disgusting,” Cameron says as he recalls his introduction to ‘diving’. “And then, when I opened up the dumpster for the first time, I was just blown away. It was literally like opening a treasure chest; you find all this perfectly good food.”

If you haven’t guessed already, Cameron is a dumpster diver. As he sifts through the mounds of garbage, he finds plenty of discarded food.

Only a lot of the time, most of it is perfectly edible

Dumpster diving is a gamble; you never know what you’re going to find.

Some nights, Cameron will strike out on every single trash can he hits. Other times, he walks away with a week’s wor th of meals. Regular finds include fresh ar tisanal bread, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and spices. Beyond food, he’ll also gather brand new clothing items, shoes, pet supplies, and even furniture.

The world has a severe waste issue, and everyone is at fault.

We live in a consumer-driven, throwaway society. People often buy too much and let the food spoil. The David Suzuki Foundation says best before dates on packages are also a driving force behind the world’s food waste problem. For example, yoghur t with a best before date of today is safe to eat for another seven to 10 days. Best before dates are not to be confused with an expiration date; they refer to the product’s peak freshness, and not to its quality or safety.

“This is a major issue that we are facing, and really, nobody knows about it,” he says. “I believe we have become disconnected from the food system [...] In the U.S., people don’t think there is a crisis. Nearly 40% of the food that’s being produced is being wasted on a yearly basis.

This is ridiculous. How many Americans are food insecure?”

“I believe we have become disconnected from the food system”

Food found during one of Cameron’s dives

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DIVING FOR TREASURE

According to the United States Depar tment of Agriculture (USDA), 11% of American households were food insecure at some point during 2018. In Canada, research by PROOF finds 1 in 8 families struggle to put food on the table; and in the U.K., the FAO estimates that 2.2 million people face the same challenges.

The First Time

Cameron’s mother, Ellen, is a souschef in the Florida area, and together, they have created a YouTube series called Cooking with Trash

A resident of Florida, Cameron first contemplated dumpster diving while going to school in London, England. He noticed grocery stores car ting loads of food to the garbage at the end of the day, and he asked store managers if he could make use of it instead. Liability issues always made that impossible.

“I know where they are taking this food.

What’s stopping me from going into the dumpster and grabbing it?” Cameron remembers thinking. “But I didn’t have the courage at the time.”

He finally took the plunge while backpacking through Australia and New Zealand, feeding himself three square meals a day off the food other people had carelessly discarded. Upon his return to the U.S., he discovered the dumpsters in his home country were also overflowing with treasures.

“It’s one thing to create awareness, like these climate strikes that are happening,” Cameron says. “But at some point, we need to stop waiting for somebody to solve it. If you have the capacity, then you should go for it.”

And so, he decided to do something about it.

One of Ellens 100% dumpster-certified creations

Guajillo Citrus Plantains with a micro basil garnish

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Sky high marketing There’s high, and there’s high, and to get really high - I mean so high that you can walk on the water, that high-that’s where I’m going.

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DIVING FOR TREASURE

Cameron and his mother, Ellen

The cooking show is just the beginning.

Cameron is currently working with charitable organisations to launch a fleet of food trucks across the country

Not Your Average Cooking Show Cameron’s mother, Ellen, is a sous-chef in the Florida area, and together, they have created a YouTube series called Cooking with Trash. Every episode begins with Cameron searching through commercial trash containers for food. He takes what he finds back to his mother, who makes it into a gourmet, 100% dumpster-certified meal.

While the idea may turn many stomachs, the entertaining, eye-opening episodes feature some delicious and innovative dishes. Think frittatas with butternut squash and avocado sauce; bagel tacos with sweet potatoes and ground beef; peach cobbler with a cashew nut crust; and vegetable and mozzarella quiche, to name just a few of the recipes.

Of course, not all of the food collected from a dumpster is going to be edible, and Cameron always avoids items covered with unidentifiable substances or meat and dairy that have changed colours and whose packages have started to bloat.

In one episode, Cameron comes back from his most successful dive yet with crates full of asparagus, peppers, onions, squash, grapes, pomegranates, eggs, cheese, flour, and so much more. He estimates the loot is worth about $123.

But it’s not all about the money.

“My mindset has shifted; it’s almost like an obsessive-compulsive disorder,” he says. “I can’t let that food go to waste.”

Cameron also donates a lot of the wasted items he collects to various charities and food banks. Always honest about where it comes from, he says some organisations take it; others don’t.

The cooking show is just the beginning. Cameron is currently working with charitable organisations to launch a fleet of food trucks across the country. He’s designing his business plan, but essentially, unwanted food will be collected from various grocery chains and farms. A creative chef with the ability to improvise based on the donated items will then prepare meals to be delivered to people living in food deserts.

Any food scraps leftover on the trucks will be brought to organic farms for compost. Cameron is hoping to eventually plant community gardens where people can be educated on how to grow food. It’s a circular economy at its best.

Officially registered as a non-profit in the state of Florida, a team of attorneys is currently guiding Cameron through the process of obtaining charity status so he can receive food donations. If all goes according to plan, he hopes to have his business up and running by the end of 2020.

For The Aspiring Divers While the act of collecting food from a garbage can is simple enough, Cameron warns aspiring dumpster divers to be extremely cautious. Beyond potential food safety issues, people need to be aware of the laws where they are diving.

He recommends wearing long pants, shirts, and headlights, and warns there are often sharp objects hidden in the trash heap.

Cooking with Trash and Cameron’s business vision aim to give power back to the people. But he admits that not all fellow dumpster divers are happy about him exposing the ugly truth sitting at the bottom of the world’s trash bins.

“What’s more important?” he says in response to any criticism he receives. “Your hobby, or ending food waste and potentially rerouting [it and feeding] the food insecure?”

It’s hard to argue with that. 3

Find Cooking with Trash: • YouTube: bit.ly/32tTYNW • Instagram: @cookingwithtrashshow • Facebook: facebook.com/CookingWithTrash GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

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Hydroponic Nutrient Enhancer

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Double your root size.

Increase Sugar content.

Spectacular hardier growth.

Faster maturity & increased yields.

Available in 500ML, 1L, 5L, 10L & 20L. How Hydroponic Moonshine helps to increase plant growth

Moonshine is an all-round tonic that boosts your crop in multiple areas by harnessing the raw power of natural plant extracts. Add it to your routine and you can expect to see faster, stronger growth from the root zone up. Use along with Moonshine Foliar Spray for an even greater effect.

Moonshine is used right the way through the grow and bloom phases, but the effects are most obvious during late flower. Moonshine can shave time off the flowering cycle, for a quicker turnaround (and a more productive garden overall). It will enhance aromas by boosting terpene production, and will also increase the size and density of fruits - thanks to the inclusion of an array of sugars and amino acids.

What ingredients are used in Hydroponic Moonshine?

Cedar oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, corn oil, dextonic acid, diammonium salts, ethyl lactate, extracts of garlic, geranium oil, gluconic acid, jojoba oil, karanja oil, lemongrass oil, lily extract, mint oil, organic alcohol, peppermint oil, phosphate salts, pine chemicals (tall oil fatty acids), processed extracts of sugar cane, processed kelp extract, sapodilla, sodium coco poly glucoside citrate, soya (glycerides) and soybean oil (methyl ester)

How to use Hydroponic Moonshine effectively

Moonshine can be used alongside your regular feeding routine in any growing medium and with any grow system. It has no effect on EC levels and is pH stable. Apply at a rate of 1 ml per litre of nutrient solution.

Please note

Hydroponic Moonshine maximises the effectiveness of your nutrients. For this reason, you’ll need to reduce any mineral based feeds and additives by a third. Moonshine works so well that, if you don’t do this, you will risk burning your plants.

Moonshine Foliar Spray Moonshine foliar feed is a non-carcinogenic, non-toxic and 100% biodegradable plant stimulants.

Foliar feeding is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to there leaves.

Plants are able to absorb essential elements through their leaves.

By using Moonshine Foliar your plant will be more uniform, faster growing and you will have all round healthy plants that are less susceptible to disease.

Directions for use: Spray Moonshine® foliar until run off occurs in low light to avoid burning every 5 -7 days until fully formed flowers occur on open fruits or until harvest on closed fruit.

Available in 1L, 5L & 10L.

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Contact us on

0116 286 7297 www.thegrowerswholesale.co.uk

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

n w o r w you

Gro

Growing A

Rainbow In The Garden For Health And Happiness

During the COVID-19 health crisis, rainbows have emerged as a symbol of hope. We’ve long been told to eat one every day, but why not try growing one? Find easy DIYs like this one and so many others at GCMag.co.

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riving through the deser ted streets of my neighbourhood at the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak, I noticed pictures of colourful rainbows hanging in the windows of many homes. As people around the world entered self-isolation, the rainbow emerged as a symbol of hope.

GROW A RAINBOW GardenCultureMagazine.com

best of The idea is to spread some joy amid the coronavirus outbreak; let others know that we are all in this together. In so many different languages, the message is clear: everything will be alright.

My kids have painted their rainbows and living in the French province of Quebec, their message reads “ça va bien aller.”

I have to admit, looking at their beautiful pictures does lift my spirits. We will get past this. We just need to sit tight and ride this thing out.

Eat A Rainbow The rainbow pictures got me to thinking about the saying “eat a rainbow” and how important it is to eat a variety of colours every day.

From red, orange, and yellow to green, blue, and purple, each hue offers different minerals and vitamins that the other one does not.

Long story short, for your health, make your meals colourful!

Grow A Rainbow With the kids home from school indefinitely and gardening being an educational and healthy way to spend time together, why not try growing a rainbow?

This project can be as big or as small as you want it to be; the fruits and vegetables can be planted in the ground, raised beds, or in pots.

Plant by colour and label each section accordingly. If you choose, you can also try this growing experiment with flowers only, making for a very colourful display!

Sources • • • • •

WebMD: Red Foods: The New Health Powerhouses? wb.md/2YkokT3 Dietetic Directions: Three Orange Food To Boost Your Health bit.ly/2yTxSKe NDTV Food: The Power Of Yellow Fruits And Vegetables For Beautiful Skin bit.ly/2yYKK1o Have A Plant: Fruits And Vegetables For Better Health: Go Green bit.ly/2VOmWq5 Healthline: 7 Delicious Blue Fruits With Powerful Benefits bit.ly/2YmzrLs

If you decide to go with edible crops, here are some ideas for you:

the blog

Red fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that help fight heart disease and some forms of cancer. Examples include: • • • • •

Strawberries Raspberries Tomatoes Beets Red peppers

Orange food crops help boost immunity while supporting eye health, healthy bones and joints, and may even help prevent diabetes. Examples include: • • • • •

Carrots Sweet potatoes Butternut squash Dad’s Sunset tomatoes Pumpkins

Yellow fruits and veggies are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants that help maintain healthy skin and may even fight cancer. Examples include: • • • • •

Corn Yellow peppers Lemons Yellow wax beans Yellow potatoes

Green foods are loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium, fibre, phytochemicals, and folate. Examples include: • • • • •

Kale Spinach and lettuce Broccoli Bush beans Sugar snap peas

Blue fruits have a high antioxidant count and help heart health, reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers. Example include: • • • • •

Blueberries Blackberries Blue tomatoes Blue potatoes Concord grapes

Purple food crops are all the rage these days; be sure to look for a blog post next week putting purple power in the spotlight! They boost immunity and prevent many chronic illnesses. Example include: • • • • •

Purple cabbage Kohlrabi Eggplant Turnips Purple cauliflower

Have fun, and remember, ça va bien aller! 3

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CANNA CANNAZYM Clean roots; mean fruits

Clean roots; mean fruits Without a fully functioning and productive root system, it´s a struggle to achieve record breaking fruits.

Microscopic, decaying root matter takes up crucial space in your substrate and can lead to low oxygen levels, offering diseases an easy way in. With every watering, CANNAZYM breaks down dead roots, frees up air pockets and releases nutrients bound up in the dead organic matter back as available nutrition.

The most powerful and effective enzyme product your plants could ask for, make sure you keep your roots squeaky clean and yields at their maximum, with CANNAZYM.

WHAT’S GROWING ON

s ’ o h W Growing

WhWahte

in the U Kreland

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& I

Oxford, South East England

Community Growth

Credit: Barracks Lane Community Garden

Who says you need a yard to enjoy gardening?

Barracks Lane Community Garden has an open-door policy; all are welcome to enjoy the vibrant green space in Oxford. Many events and activities are held at the garden year-round, which has plenty to offer visitors. A large, octagonal eco-cabin features a wood-burning stove, a bonfire and barbeque area, a kitchen, a wood-fired bread oven, as well as cob and tandoor ovens. Many environmentally-friendly initiatives exist at Barracks Lane, including a living green roof and solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, a compost system, a wildlife corridor, and a bug hotel. Members of the community have sponsored and built the space from the ground up, giving people a place to come and learn about healthy living and growing food, recycling waste, cooking, and renewable technologies. The project is described as a place where art meets science across generations and cultures, and you can see why.

Community matters. Learn more: barrackslanegarden.org.uk Facebook: facebook.com/ BarracksLaneCommunityGarden

2.

Wicklow, Ireland

It’s a small farm with a significant impact; Wild Birch Farm sits on a onehectare plot of land and specialises in growing certified organic salad greens. The micro-farm delivers the goods by enhancing soil biology and sustaining the ground’s fertility. Seeing is believing, and Wild Birch Farm has proof that soil health is critical to growing nutritious, diseasefree produce. Taking a step back in time, the farm employs horses to reduce carbon emissions while also avoiding soil compaction and tilling.

Crop rotation, compost and compost teas are also used to enrich the soil. Once thought to be extinct, native Irish honey bees are bred on the property. They live in hives, and occasional swarms are permitted so they can live in the wild. Animals and insects are encouraged to live on the land, with over 3,000 native tree species planted to grow into hedgerows; 70% of the farm is left wild with flowers local to the area.

A salad with a conscience. Learn more on their Facebook page: bit.ly/2uRXp4b

Credit: Wild Birch Farm

Good for the Earth

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ALL PHASE Craft Powder Base Nutrient & Additives VEG+BLOOM features 3 revolutionary one-part base powder nutrients and 2 additives in the UK. Catering to soft or hard water EC’s. We’ve also extensively researched in-house which mediums work best with our formulas. Our ingredients are locally sourced, refined and always batch tested for quality assurance to ensure consistency.

Our all-phase one-part base powder formula was fabricated so that you could simply use your local water source as long as it fell between 0.0-0.7 EC. No other company offers this as they always recommend using RO water, which can be costly.

Base Nutrients: RO/SOFT is our most universal and popular one-part base nutrient. A hybrid of synthetics and organics; a pH stable formula for those who have small or large containers and a start water of 0.0-0.3 EC. It is completely soluble in RO water and built for coco, rockwool, or soil.

TAP/HARD is a revolutionary pH stable formula for farms that have hard water 0.3-0.7 EC. No other company offers this as “water chemistry” is difficult to educate. With TAP/HARD you can potentially skip the costly RO water filter system and also save on the cost of water. Due to a higher pH in hard tap water, this formula is buffered appropriately so the use of large amounts of pH down can be avoided. Best used in coco and rockwool.

DIRTY is a comprehensive formula for those who have a start water of 0.0-0.7 EC and are growing in soil or peat based mediums indoor or outdoor. Enhanced with humics, fulvics, crab meal extract and compost tea powder, this base was intended to provide the benefits of both synethetic and organic additives giving you extra bag appeal.

Craft Powder Base Nutrient & Additives

VEG+BLOOM encourages growers to spend less on extra additives and less time on the mixing and measuring (less human error) and more time on the plants, resulting in exceptional and consistent harvests. Save water, shipping costs, shelf space and minimize human error. Are you ready to reduce your variables?

Additives: PUSH is our foliar spray additive used during vegetative growth that includes bio available calcium, silica, plant stimulants and kelp. The plant hormones allow for cells to divide faster, reducing your overall veg cycle, while increasing cell wall strength and vigor.

SHINE is our best product, a flowering bloom additive formulated with phosphites and organics such as compost tea powder for enhanced terpene and resin production. SHINE can be used not only in conjunction with our full nutrient line but can also be used with other base nutrient lines.

Distributed in the UK by:

hydroponic-research.com

WHAT’S GROWING ON

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3.

ere

Buckfastleigh, Devon

a nd rel I &

Healing people and the planet. Learn more: riverford.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/riverford Instagram: @Riverford

Credit: Torre Cider Farm

4.

Washford, Somerset

Credit: Riverford Organic Farmers

Fantastic Flavours Growing food as nature intended with minimal intervention is the name of the game at Riverford Organic Farmers. The food box service was born in 1987 with a wheelbarrow and a farmer named Guy Watson who delivered fresh food to 30 of his friends and neighbours in Devon. Today, Riverford has more than 47,000 subscribers from across the UK! From the flavourful fruits and vegetables to the meat and dairy, everything grown and sold by the various regional farms is certified organic. Animal welfare comes first, and the chemical-free environments allow wildlife to thrive. Earthworms aerate the soil, and a vast network of microorganisms naturally feed the plants. The pollination of the food crops is never a problem; bees, bats, and rare butterflies all call the pasturelands and surrounding hedgerows home. Food waste is minimal; the occasional batch of fruit or veg that can’t go into boxes is donated to charities, given away to staff, or enjoyed by the dairy cows. Beyond growing good food, Riverford believes in thoughtful packaging, fairtrade, and closing the gender pay gap. You’d be hard-pressed to find a social or environmental cause the organisation doesn’t support!

in the UK

Fermenting Apples

On eight acres of land in the picturesque countryside of West Somerset, Torre Cider Farm produces cider and apple juice from traditional cider trees. The six-acre orchard boasts more than 1,200 trees and 16 varieties of apples ranging from cider apples, dessert apples, and cooking apples. Guests are invited to stroll through the orchard and visit the property’s tearoom, farm shop, farm animals, and cider production facilities, getting an up-close and personal view of how it all comes together. All of the cider is made from real apples, no concentrate, and the methods used are traditional, such as wild yeast fermentation. Along with fresh apple juice and traditional scrumpy ranging from dry to medium cider, the farm also sells cider vinegar, which has many healing qualities. With a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2022, Torre has already installed a borehole and filtration along with solar panels.

An apple a day… Learn more: torrecider.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/Torreciderco 3

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GREEN ADVICE

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

FOOD IS UPCYC L ED Upcycling is when a discarded item or product is ‘saved’ and turned into something useable, and food waste is no exception when it comes to the environmental trend. Many companies and research groups from around the globe have come up with some novel ways to promote the circular economy; here’s our list of 5 cool ways food waste can be upcycled.

1

Potato Gin

From potatoes and grains to gin! Loop Mission, a company based out of Montreal, Canada, is making headlines for its innovative way of recycling food scraps. Its latest venture is an eco-friendly gin made with leftover potatoes and grains from chip factories. Every bottle of Loop gin has eight upcycled potatoes in it along with lime and ginger from rescued produce. The company also offers a line of soaps made with overstock vegetable oil and organic sunflower oil, a tangy beer made with leftover bread from bakeries, and cold-pressed juice from unsold produce. To satisfy the entire family, Loop Mission gives all of its high-fibre pulp to a company that transforms it into dog treats! To date, Loop says it’s saved nearly 900,000 slices of bread and 4,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables destined for landfills.

Giving new life to the food outcasts. Learn more: loopmission.com

2

Barnana

Did you know that 50% of all bananas grown in the world go to waste? Barnana is on a mission to end food waste on banana farms. The company is partnering with Latin American producers to save the ugly ducklings that never make it to market. Bananas that are a little too ripe, have scuffs on them or are misshapen are transformed into delicious snacks, such as plantain chips, banana bites, and banana brittle. To date, Barnana has upcycled 85 million bananas! A healthy snack you can feel good about on so many different levels.

Good for the body and the planet. Learn more: barnana.com

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PIONEER

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NEW

GREEN ADVICE

FO OD I S UP CYC L E D

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Shri lk

What happens to all of our discarded shrimp shells? A lot of it ends up in landfills. According to sciencenews.org, the food industry generates up to 8 million metric tonnes of shrimp, crab, and lobster shell waste annually. A major scientific breakthrough has found a way to reduce shrimp shell waste and combat the world’s plastic problem at the same time. It’s called “shrilk”, and it’s a fully biodegradable plastic made with shrimp shells and silk protein. Researchers from the Wyss Institute have taken chitosan from the shells and formed a laminate with silk fibroin protein; the result is a durable plastic that rapidly biodegrades in a compost heap!

Researchers say shrilk may also be helpful in surgical procedures to close and heal wounds, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Great minds coming up with positive solutions. Learn more: bit.ly/38yuQIl

4

Rubies in the Rubble

Imperfect produce sure does have a bad rap, but not because it tastes bad. In today’s world, we tend to focus too much on size, shape, and colour. A company in the UK, Rubies in the Rubble, doesn’t care about a fruit or vegetable’s appearance. It makes condiments such as jam, chutney, ketchup, relish, and more with delicious, nutritious ingredients that otherwise would have been wasted.The products are made with fresh crops directly from farms, and natural sugars and vinegar are added to the ugly produce to extend the shelflife by up to three years.The company is hoping to combat food waste further by having its line of sustainable sauces in cafes, pubs, restaurants, and supermarkets across the UK. Great food and sustainable living. Learn more: rubiesintherubble.com

5

Agraloop

Circular Systems has developed an incredible technology that takes food waste and transforms it into top-quality ‘biofibre’ for the fashion industry. Think pants made with banana tree trunks or a t-shirt spun with oil-seed hemp crops. Other crops used in the Agraloop process include oil-seed flax, rice straw, pineapple leaves, and sugar cane bark. Combined, the aforementioned crops can produce 250 million tonnes of fibre a year, which is 2.5 times the current global fibre demand! Incredibly, use has been found for the crop residues, which are too abundant to compost. In fact, crop waste is usually left to rot or is burned, both of which are terrible for the environment. No wonder the Agraloop was 2018’s Global Change Award winner!

Turning waste into a resource. Learn more: circular-systems.com/agraloop

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new! plagron

cocos perlite 70/30.

new! plagron

hydro cocos 60/40.

Check www.plagron.com for more information.

Premium Quality Hydroponic Substrates Introducing the new

CocoPerlite 70/30 SUPERCHARGED Gold Label Coco (70%) and Perlite (30%) is a very porous and light substrate that combines tremendous air volume with great water retention and capillary action. Supercharged with nutrients and slow release calcium. Pure, washed, and buffered ready to give your plants the best possible start in life.

E: info@goldlabel.nl

goldlabel.nl