Growing With Data US 34 by Garden Culture Magazine

USA - CANADA EDITION · ISSUE 34 · 2020

Making Sense of the Numbers

DATA-DRIVEN CULTIVATION

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A Light In The Darkness

What To Do With All That Data?

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WHO’S GROWING WHAT WHERE

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I N TH IS ISSUE OF GARD EN CULTURE :

9 Foreword

54 Precision Before Decision

10 Author Spotlight

60 Making The Transition To Nutrient Dosing Machines

11 Product Spotlights

68 What To Do With All That Data?

16 Self-Sustainability In The Wake Of A Pandemic

77 Who’s Growing What Where

22 Science Corner: Cation and Anion Exchange

80 Exciting Enzymes

26 Corporatism and Community Rights

84 A Light In The Darkness

34 Plant Steering: Smooth Transitions

90 Medicinal Weeds

40 Feeding The World With Insects

93 A Possible Solution To Food Deserts

44 Mix It Right: Keep It In Proportion

94 5 Cool Ways Gadgets Are Going Green

48 What is Organic Hydroponics? 7

FOREWORD & CREDITS

FOREWORD

n this edition, we learn how data can be used to improve your grow room. When growing indoors, data becomes even more valuable because you take on the role of

Mother Nature. You are in control, for better or for worse.

But when your plants’ needs require more time than you have available, a switch to an automated solution can be worth it, as Everest Fernandez explains in his article, Making The Transition To Nutrient Dosing Machines. The environment can be more challenging. Plants thrive when day and night temperatures and humidity are in the perfect range. Tom Forrest traveled the world meeting some of the best growers. In his article, Precision Before Decision, he explains data-driven cultivation made for the best results. The Plant Steering series continues with Smooth Transitions, a comprehensive article that will surely give you all sorts of new things to think about when it comes to controlling your plants to maximize their potential. Happy growing, Eric 3

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Making Sense

ISSUE 36

your meters, and add pH up or down to be at the desired levels.

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UK EDITION ·

are easy to follow and adjust, like your nutrients. Mix it up, read

UK EDITION · ISSUE 36 · 2020

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CU LT U R E

being observant is enough, but most of the time, monitoring can

Special thanks to: Albert Mondor, Andrew Abramson, Caroline Rivard, Catherine Sherriffs, Cody J Garrett-Tait, Doug Jacobs, Dr Callie Seaman, Evan Folds, Everest Fernandez, Peter Louw, Stephen Brookes, and Tom Forrest.

G A R D E N

How do we know if there is a problem in the first place? Sometimes

CREDITS

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

of the Numbers

DATA-DRIVEN CULTIVATION

E: info@goldlabel.nl

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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 2562-3567 (Print) · ISSN 2562-3575 (Online) Garden Culture is published six times a year, both in print and online.

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

I grow organically! All my plants end up being food or medicine, so I am careful about what I put into my gardens.

Author Spotlight

arden Culture Magazine has a stellar line-up of writers who each offer a wealth of information on various topics. In this issue, we were hoping you could get to know Caroline Rivard a little bit better. She’s our go-to exper t on medicinal plants and growing, helping us learn about and appreciate weeds that hold so much value!

What is your favorite plant to grow? I love Pot Marigold, also known as Calendula (Calendula off icinalis). It’s a prolific and colorful flower to add to the garden, and it’s also edible and a par ticularly useful medicinal plant in my herbal remedy chest.

Where in the world would you like to travel to next? Oh, definitely Corsica. I would love to see the beautiful fields of immortelles, Helichrysum italicum, the “golden sunflowers”. This essential medicinal herb has many powerful health benefits and is distilled to make one of the most expensive essential oils in the world.

Do you grow Organic? Why or why not? I grow organically! All my plants end up being food or medicine, so I am careful about what I put into my gardens. As a result, the plants are vibrant and healthy!

What is your favorite animal/insect? I love bees! They have all my appreciation and respect. They balance the ecosystem and pollinate plants to allow the food chain to sustain us. As if that isn’t enough, they give us delicious honey, medicinal propolis, and useful beeswax. 3

What is your favorite food? A rainbow-colored salad filled with edible flowers, foraged weeds, and vegetables from the garden. A tasty and fantastic way to boost your mood and your immune system!

Caroline Rivard

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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BY ANDREW ABRAMSON

Self-

Sustainability In The Wake Of A Pandemic 16

SELF-SUSTAINABILITY

In both the United States and the United Kingdom, seed suppliers couldn’t keep up with a demand unforeseen since the Great Depression

s food vanished from the grocery shelves this spring, the seed market experienced a renaissance. In both the United States and the United Kingdom, seed suppliers couldn’t keep up with a demand unforeseen since the Great Depression.

Pandemic gardens emerged across the globe, and social media influencers hocked home gardening in the age of the coronavirus. But the idea of self-sustainment is much more than a trend. COVID-19 has put many people on alert and shattered the myth that the first world will always be flush with food.

Early on in the pandemic, meats and vegetables were a grocery store scarcity. You had to line up predawn to have a shot at purchasing necessities. Hoarding was part of the problem, and supply levels only started to replenish as people realized that the coronavirus wasn’t going away soon, but also wasn’t a doomsday virus.

COVID-19 has put many people on alert and shattered the myth that the first world will always be flush with food

Yet, what if the next virus is even deadlier than COVID-19? The novel coronavirus is easily the worst pandemic the western world has experienced in 100 years. Late this summer, the worldwide death toll was approaching one million. In the United States alone, more than 170,000 people were dead by August. The food supply was still threatened, especially in poorer communities.

land, the rhythm of the seasons, the social bonds that hold us together. Developed nations and the developing world must value their farmers, healers and teachers. This virus has shaken the very foundations of our societies. How we build on those foundations is up to all of us.”

While grocery stores in the U.S. have been largely replenished, laid-off people are struggling to pay for food. Six million Americans have registered for food benefits since March, according to CARE. In Britain, one in four adults were struggling to gain access to nutritious food. In the Developing World, it’s much worse. People facing food shortages has tripled in Latin America. In Southern Africa, as much as 90% are dealing with a lack of food.

Imagine what would happen to the food supply in an even deadlier pandemic. In the decade-old movie Contagion, 25% of those infected with a contagious virus ultimately die. Compare that to the mortality rate of COVID-19. Globally, the death rate from COVID-19 is approximately 3.5%. In Contagion, grocery stores are rioted, and people are left to fend for themselves. It’s not quite that dire in the real world, but for the first time in our lifetime, we realize that a virus is a much greater threat to civilization than a nuclear war. And that’s why self-sustainment is suddenly so appealing, both short and long term. It starts with the food supply and pandemic gardens. “After coronavirus, nothing less than a revolution in rural sustainable development can prevent another crisis,” Shanu Hinduja, Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Accelerator, recently told the World Economic Forum. “Like our ancestors, we must learn to heed the call of the 17

SELF-SUSTAINABILITY

In the U.S., it’s led to a massive spike in home gardening. “It’s been ‘all hands on deck’ here just to get the orders out,” Tom Johns, co-owner of Territorial Seed Company, the Northwest’s largest mail-order seed firm, told the Seattle Times.

And that’s why self-sustainment is suddenly so appealing, both short and long term. It starts with the food supply and pandemic gardens

Johns said he saw increases in seed demand in previous recessions and leading up to Y2K, but it paled in comparison to what he’s seen with COVID-19. At one point, he had to shut down all new orders. “This one is the most extreme for us in a lot of ways,” Johns said. “It’s more real and scarier to people.”

However, the coronavirus pandemic has people thinking again about moving away from the crowd – perhaps to even more remote areas than the suburbs. COVID has forced many to work from home, and some businesses might make the shift permanent to lower costs.

Michael Reynolds, a New Mexicobased architect, has spent 40 years planning for this scenario. His “Earthship Biotecture” homes, recently featured in Fast Company Magazine, are made from adobe, cement, and recycled items such as glass bottles and beer cans. The homes generate their own solar electricity, process sewage, collect rainwater, and feature mini-hydroponic planters and greenhouses.

An increase in urban farming has also led to chicken feed shortages as people look to farm their own eggs. The City of San Diego launched a new urban farming website in June, laying out regulations for raising chickens, bees, and goats in residential neighborhoods. “Just because we live in a big city doesn’t mean we cannot become small-scale farmers,” Erik Caldwell, San Diego’s deputy COO, said months after the coronavirus changed the way Americans think and live. And this change in mindset is about more than just what people eat. Following the suburban revolution of the mid and late 20th century, there had been a shift back to big city living. Shorter commutes and a walkable lifestyle appealed to a generation born in the ‘burbs. Territorial Seed Company Owners, Tom & Julie Johns 19

SELF-SUSTAINABILITY

there’s no question some positives have emerged in a time of turmoil

“(People in Earthships) don’t have to pay for heating and cooling,” Reynolds told Fast Company. “They don’t have to pay electric bills. They don’t have to pay for garbage pickup, a sewage bill, a water bill, and they are growing a lot of food. It has reinforced that if we’re observing this in a pandemic, then the future problems that we’re going to have on this planet (can be partially addressed with Earthships).” Earthships aren’t cheap – they run between $180 and $250 a square foot. A two-bed, one-bath model can cost $300,000. But monthly costs are significantly reduced without electric bills and major grocery expenses.

Michael Reynolds

It’s too early to know if COVID-19 will change most people’s long term view on self-sustainment. But there’s no question some positives have emerged in a time of turmoil. In Venice, tourists have disappeared, and the canals are clean for the first time in decades. Carbon emissions are down worldwide. And people realize that since you can’t truly prepare for a pandemic, you need to have a Plan B. “Developing skills in farming and a move towards selfsufficiency in domestic food production must be at the center of every country’s plan for a sustainable recovery,” said Hinduja, the co-chair of the United Nations Global Accelerator. “This will require a reversal of previous trends towards ever greater urbanization and detachment from our food supply.” 3

Andrew Abramson is a South Florida-based journalist. Follow him on Twitter @AbramsonFL 20

Earthship Biotecture home

BY STEPHEN BROOKES, NPK

Science Corner:

Cation &anion Exchange Capacity The Science Corner will help readers learn about complex topics in the hor ticultural and hydroponic industries without the confusing jargon and technical terminology. This ar ticle will tackle the technical topic of cation and anion exchange capacity. The goal is to break things down for you so you can apply that knowledge and achieve bigger yields, improved quality, and lower costs. 22

CATION & ANION

Science Corner

The Cat and the Onion

Cations are positively charged particles and anions are negatively charged particles

ations are positively charged par ticles and anions are negatively charged par ticles. This concept is essential to understand because all of the nutrients used to grow plants are either positively or negatively charged. If we have a high Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), the media can hold onto

more positive nutrients and deliver them to the plant when it’s needed. Anion exchange capacity is the ability to hold onto negatively charged par ticles. Still, it isn’t mentioned as often because being positive is much more critical (and the majority of our feed is positively charged). If you like the simple things in life, know that a low CEC means you have to regularly and consistently add plant food to the media. A high CEC means the media will hold onto excess nutrients and release them when the plant desires. The way I remember my cations from my anions? Cats are nice (that’s positive) and onion’s make me cry (that’s a big negative). I told you science corner wasn’t all jargon and technical statements! Just cats and onions.

If we have a high Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), the media can hold onto more positive nutrients and deliver them to the plant when it’s needed

The Positive And Negative Elements Plant food is mostly made up of 17 essential plant nutrients:

An easy way of remembering whether an element is a cation or anion is that cations are metallic elements, and anions are nonmetallic. Also, the left side of the periodic table will mostly be cations, and the right side is primarily anions.

The Benefits

You may have heard that growing in soil and other complex potting mixes is easier than growing in coco and that growing in coco is easier than growing in Rockwool or water due to the CEC values.

Macronutrients needed in the highest quantities: Nitrogen NO3- Nitrate (Anion) Ammonium NH4+ (Cation) Phosphorus HPO42- (Anion) Potassium K+ (Cation) Micronutrients needed in smaller quantities: Magnesium Mg+2 (Cation) Calcium Ca+ (Cation) Sulphur SO42- (Anion) Micronutrients needed in trace amounts: Boron BO3-3 (Anion) Chlorine Cl- (Anion) Manganese Mn+2 (Cation) Iron Fe+2/Fe+3 (Cation) Nickel Ni+2 (Cation) Copper Cu+/Cu+2 (Cation) Zinc Zn+2 (Cation) Molybdenum MoO4-2 (Cation) Non-fertilizer elements obtained through the air and water: • Hydrogen - H+ and H- Carbon, which can form many anions and cations • Oxygen O-2 23

CATION & ANION

Science Corner Understand what CEC is when choosing your media and know that growing with a buffer for potential mistakes will require a high CEC media Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) Higher CEC offers room for error Lastly, the salt in a substrate has For the beginner without punishment. A substrate minimal bearing on the quality of grower, a soil or with a high CEC will have a lot of clay the media. Run-off tests are useful high CEC substrate and organic matter present. They are to know the EC of a medium generally well-buffered, so you will not during growth or flowering, but will make life a lot be affected by large pH swings. On the provide little benefit with media easier and be far other hand, low CEC substrates are straight from the bag. Some more forgiving lightly buffered, if at all, and therefore, substrates will be very ‘salty’ (high can have dramatic fluctuations in pH. EC), but this can be due to the For the beginner grower, a soil or high CEC substrate will levels of calcium, which act as a buffer and increase make life a lot easier and be far more forgiving. nutrient uptake. Low EC substrates could retain some of the nutrients you are trying to give to your plant and Coco-based substrates are next best as they have good CEC create deficiencies. compared to Rockwool or water. Choosing a media with a low CEC comes down to preference. Frequent irrigations Next, it is crucial to understand how nutrients interact and heavy feed schedules don’t work as well with soil or high with each other, and the effect of adding too much CEC soils because they tend to retain water for longer, which or too little to the nutrient regime. A great place to can decrease root oxygen levels. star t is Mulder’s plant interaction char t, which shows the antagonistic (against) and synergistic (promoting) effects of nutrient interactions. The table makes it Final Message clear why nutrients are needed at cer tain times and Cation exchange capacity and positively or negatively why a grower might be experiencing deficiencies or charged ions are essential for growth, but they can also toxicities. be complicated. Understand what CEC is when choosing your media and know that growing with a buffer for So there you have it; the science of growing easier to potential mistakes will require a high CEC media (such as understand! 3 soil). Frequently irrigated media should have a low CEC.

Sources: •

• • • • •

Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CUCE) (2007) Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Agronomy Fact Sheet Series # 22. Department

Bio

Stephen Brookes is a hydroponics aficionado and loves to apply the scientific method to his articles. He has been the manager of NPK Technology for 10 years, and produces and hosts the world’s number one hydroponics podcast, NPK Live. Stephen is also owner of NPK Media, a 360 media content production agency. He likes to read and enjoys mountaineering in his spare time. Motto: The more you learn, the less you know.

of Crop and Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. Hazelton PA, Murphy BW (2007) Interpreting Soil Test Results: What Do All The Numbers Mean?. CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne. McKenzie NJ, Jacquier DJ, Isbell RF, Brown KL (2004) Australian Soils and Landscapes: An Illustrated Compendium. CSIRO Publishing: Collingwood, Victoria. Moore G, Dolling P, Porter B and Leonard L (1998) Soil Acidity. In Soilguide. A handbook for understanding and managing agricultural soils. (Ed. G Moore) Agriculture Western Australia Bulletin No. 4343. Rayment GE, Higginson FR (1992) Electrical Conductivity. In ‘Australian Laboratory Handbook of Soil and Water Chemical Methods’ Inkata Press: Melbourne. Rengasamy P, Churchman GJ (1999) Cation Exchange Capacity, Exchangeable Cations and Sodicity. In Soil Analysis an Interpretation Manual. (Eds KI Peverill, LA Sparrow and DJ Reuter). CSIRO: Melbourne.

Websites visited: • soilquality.org.au/factsheets/cation-exchange-capacity

BY EVAN FOLDS

This broken system is no longer capable of holding us, and the stress is surfacing and bursting at the seams

CORPORATISM & COMMUNITY RIGHTS

Is the world falling apart, or is it waking up?

e are confronting systemic racism amid a pandemic and, combined with an unprecedented level of growing financial devastation, it has exposed the gaps in our socio-economic order and delivered them to our doorstep. No longer can we afford to hide from the symptoms of a sick society that can’t

afford to be managed by interests that put profit before people.

This is Corporatism Corporatism is the control of a state by large interest groups. It is the sickness at the root of our society, and as I will layout in these words, it is the bedrock upon which the United States has been built. In other words, given the pain and problems surrounding us, the system is working exactly as it should.

We are confronting systemic racism amid a pandemic and, combined with an unprecedented level of growing financial devastation, it has exposed the gaps in our socio-economic order and delivered them to our doorstep

Everyone can now see the challenges we face, and many of us can grasp and even generate solutions. Yet, the changes that we are asking for are rarely discussed at a high level. The angst and unrest that we are experiencing are symptoms of an underlying reality that thrives in the shadows and that preys on our prosperity. Rather than unifying around the resonance of our shared values, the body politic is fractured by a divide and conquer strategy engineered and implemented by the powers that be, which results in a general public that is angry, sick, and tired. We are in a place beyond coincidence and conspiracy theory, in a twilight zone of citizen journalism and self-reflection that will define the future of Earth.

This vision of abundance will not be accomplished by business as usual, and it will not happen for us. It can only be realized by people willing to elevate above fear and find courage in the face of tremendous resistance and uncertainty, and who are motivated to do the work of building a new system that makes the existing one obsolete.

The Bottom Line If we do not change the way that we are engaging the Earth and ourselves, we are facing the inevitable collapse of our species. This is not meant to be fearmongering, more an accurate assessment of our circumstances. Some data: •

Change Is Necessary We cannot continue to do the same things and expect a different result. It is time to step into our agency and begin building the change we want to see with our own hands, hearts, and minds. In social science, agency is defined as the capacity of individuals to act independently and make our own free choices. Collectively, we have walked away from our agency, instead, deferring to “experts” that do the bidding of corporate interests in the realms of health care, science, agriculture, the economy, and beyond.

This broken system is no longer capable of holding us, and the stress is surfacing and bursting at the seams. The pressure may feel like humanity is on boil, but I believe that we are bounding towards an abundant future capable of delivering healthy human life, and supported by ecosystems that have the opportunity to exist, flourish, and thrive.

• • • •

More than 70% of the American diet is processed, and only 1 in 10 eat enough fruits and vegetables. More than 75% of rain and 93% of urine contain the toxic chemical glyphosate. Now more than 50% of people will get cancer in their lifetimes. From 1 in 10,000 in the 1970s, now the CDC says 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism. At 4% of the population in the 1960s, now 54% of children are diagnosed with a chronic disease. 27

#FERTILZERFORTHEFUTURE

If corporations can have rights, why not Mother Nature? Statistics like this communicate a grave threat to our way of life beyond what our economy and public health institutions can handle. The most concerning part is that the metrics are getting worse – faster – and the experts do not seem to have an answer. On all levels, instead of re-evaluating our approach, we double down on treating symptoms. We accept the equation of the lesser of two evils and abandon ourselves in the name of pharmaceutical logic, conventional wisdom, and toxic rescue chemistry. Today, it is plain to see that our republic has been reduced to a theater for the “elite”, yet we choose to check out or look away. Ultimately, we don’t have problems with public health or pollution; we have a democracy problem.

An Eye-Opening Project Recently, I had the opportunity to beta-test a new online course on the topic of Community Rights, a movement that is working to recognize and protect the inalienable rights of natural and human communities. It was a transformative experience to learn the intimacy of our history in this light, and I want to share with you some of what I learned.

CORPORATISM & COMMUNITY RIGHTS

The Occupy movement brought the The word “corporation” is never Even racism has its concept of the 1% to the mainstream. mentioned in the Constitution, yet roots in corporatism, But Howard Zinn writes in his book, somehow, corporatism has maniA People’s History of the United fested corporate personhood and where a small group of States, that the same was true with stacked 150 years of legal precerich white men used colonists even before the birth of dent on top. The corporatist founAmerica. In 1687, there were ~6,000 dation that steered the birth of fellow human beings as people who lived in Boston. AccordAmerica is obscured by the emphaproperty to further their ing to tax records, out of the ~1,000 sis in traditional histories on the landowners, there were 50 or so rich external struggle against England power and profit individuals (~1%) who owned 25% of and the unity of the colonists in the wealth. the Revolution. There is no doubt that this sentiment was alive. Still, according to an honest The Colonial period was like a feudal kingdom where colstudy of history, the American Revolution was championies operated as societies of contending classes jockoned primarily through those interested in its ownership. eying for the spoils and opportunity of a new world. For example, in the 1690s under Governor Benjamin Fletcher Corporations are a human invention. It was not until the of NY, a full ¾ of the land available in the state of New 17th century that they began to focus on making money as York was granted to only 30 people. a means of financing European colonial expansion. Companies like the East India Company and other corporate charters that ran the American colonies were used by the imperial powers to maintain draconian and ruthless monopolistic control of trade, resources, and territory around the world.

In the 1700s, the colonies grew fast, with a population of ~250,000 in 1700 compared to 1.6 million by 1760. Of course, slavery fueled this expansion, with black slaves accounting for ~8% of the population in 1690 and up to 21% in 1770. Even racism has its roots in corporatism, where a 29

CORPORATISM & COMMUNITY RIGHTS

If we do not change the way that we are engaging the Earth and ourselves, we are facing the inevitable collapse of our species small group of rich white men used fellow human beings as property to further their power and profit. Resentment to corporate power from colonists grew, and once we finally declared independence from England in 1776 and pledged allegiance to our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, we moved towards the establishment of our first Constitution called the Articles of Confederation. The Articles gave Congress the authority to generate treaties and alliances, maintain armed forces, and coin money, but states retained broad power and independence.

Breaking rules under threat of being sued by global corporations may sound radical, and in some ways it is, but this is also how the abolitionists ended slavery, women accomplished suffrage, and most recently, how cannabis is becoming legalized

In the Articles of Confederation, the central government could not levy taxes and regulate commerce, and it also did not establish a president or call for a judicial branch. The newly formed citizens saw a single leader as similar to a king in the monarchy they just revolted against and viewed a Supreme Court that could be manipulated by special interests as a danger to their newfound sovereignty. The 1780s were the “Critical Period” where the rules were written as we go, and the swell of national feelings grew. The Federalists Papers of James Madison and Alexander Hamilton served to persuade people towards

the centralization of power in the federal government that culminated in our current Constitution. Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is now the world’s longest surviving written charter of government.

In many ways, the forces that worked from the inside to consolidate power in the federal government were the same forces working from the outside to take advantage of the legal landscape being created by the American Revolution. This impulse was used to write our history right up to the present moment. Coming to terms with this is the challenge of our time. At first, incorporation was granted to enable activities that benefited the public, such as the construction of roads or canals. Still, for the most part, states imposed conditions that allowed them to control the impact of corporate power. Citizens imposed limitations such as forcing charters to be regularly renewed, establishing citizen authority clauses in state laws and constitutions, allowing shareholders to remove problem directors at will and even requiring a company’s accounting books to be given to a legislature upon request. All of this would be unheard of today. 31

CORPORATISM & COMMUNITY RIGHTS

Do the research, dig deeper, tell a friend, and if you want to change the world, vote in local elections and run for local office Corporate Power The story of explicit corporate power starts in 1886 in one of the most severe blows to citizens’ authority in our history from the Supreme Court case called Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad Company. From this point on, the 14th Amendment, enacted to protect the rights of freed slaves, has been used to routinely grant corporations constitutional “personhood”. The rest, as they say, is history. Modern Supreme Court cases such as Citizens United and Hobby Lobby are nothing new; they are simply the icing on the cake of corporate power in the United States. The special interests that serve as the mechanism of decision in society have whipped us up into a political frenzy with a manufactured battle between left and right, while the powers that be sit on the sidelines in the owner’s suite eating popcorn. It is, at the same time, brilliant and crippling.

A Solution? But there is a solution to this seemingly existential problem. The Community Rights movement and a legal precedent called Rights of Nature represent a strategy of law that seeks to dismantle the corporate stranglehold over life and logic. If corporations can have rights, why not Mother Nature? In concept, the strategy involves passing local laws without regard for state and federal laws that protect people in the face of corporate personhood. Breaking rules under threat of being sued by global corporations may sound radical, and in some ways it is, but this is also how the abolitionists ended slavery, women accomplished suffrage, and most recently, how cannabis is becoming legalized. Cities and counties made up their minds by passing local laws, then states followed, and finally the federal government. This is how our system is supposed to work. As they also say, the winners write history. To take control of our history, we have to confront corporate power. Corporatism cannot stand if we are to live in a world of healthy human beings. So let us open and free the colonized mind, and remember that awareness is the necessary first step towards change. Do the research, dig deeper, tell a friend, and if you want to change the world, vote in local elections and run for local office. 3

Bio

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. 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 32

BY DOUG JACOBS

PLANT STEERING

elping your plant cuttings transition into the next stage of growth is critical and will impact the speed of growth, final yield, and quality. It is essential to manage climate, select a suitable substrate, and irrigate properly after transplant and well into the vegetative growth stage.

The environment where cuttings grow will not be the same as after transplant, and so they need to be acclimatized over the course of a few days Climate Conditions Climate conditions have a significant influence on a plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development. The environment where cuttings grow will not be the same as after transplant, and so they need to be acclimatized over the course of a few days. Failure to do so may shock the plants, leading to slower development and quality issues that can carry through the rest of its life cycle. Humidity and temperature must be tweaked. Ideally, lighting intensity should be lower at the time of transplant, especially when switching from LEDs to HPS. When increasing the lighting intensity, do it slowly over a week before reaching the peak intensity for the vegetative grow-out stage. In small indoor rooms, this can be challenging or almost impossible, so consider keeping the cuttings in the veg room on a rack off to the side or under shade cloth. Special consideration should also be given to the water content of the cutting plugs at the time of transplant. The moisture level should be even across the batch of cuttings, in the mid-to-high range of saturation. Avoid moving the plants if the WC is too low; doing so will stress them.

Substrate Size After completing the climate transition, select a growing media type and size. Some growers will go directly from cuttings into a large amount of media, the same volume that they will use to flower the plant. Transplanting into a large amount of growing media, like a 1-gallon (4 liter) container, might simplify the growing process, but can potentially slow initial plant development. Using a smaller volume of growing media, like a 0.125-gallon to 0.25-gallon (0.5 to 1 liter) pot or block, allows for more frequent irrigation without the risk of overwatering the developing root zone. These little blocks can be easily transplanted onto a Grodan slab and can be placed on top of the pot of coco or soil.

Initial Saturation of the new Substrate The initial saturation of the growing media sets the stage for the root development of the plant. When hand watering, the flow rate needs to be adjusted based on the substrate being used. For Rockwool, repeated slow and steady applications ensure proper saturation. Depending on the block size, it may take up to six applications to thoroughly saturate the blocks. Applying too much water too fast can create air pockets in the blocks, leading to dry spots.

Flooding a table or using a large reservoir to soak the growing media is an effective way to saturate the blocks. If saturating multiple batches, dilute the solution and adjust the EC and pH when refreshing the tank between each one. When using hydroponic growing media, it is recommended to add nutrients from the beginning. Ideally, saturate with a nutrient solution between 1.5 to 2.0 EC, with a pH of 5.5. When transplanting cuttings into a new volume of growing media, use the same nutrient solution you were using on the cuttings at a slightly lower concentration. This will help the cuttings root into the growing media. The weight of the plugs, trays, blocks, or pots should be checked at initial saturation. Recheck the weight 24 hours later and at regular intervals to determine the best time to apply the first irrigation.

Rooting-In After transplant into a new substrate, the first few dry backs are the building blocks to creating a healthy new root system. The pictured chart shows the dry backs of a tomato transplanted into a Grodan small block. A Gosens sensor measures the amount of water in the block over nine days. The numbers shown are specific to tomatoes; these two large dry backs not only help the roots extend into the new growing media, but they also steer the plants toward generative growth. In this case, it is best only to go this dry using larger blocks (4â&#x20AC;?+ high). Applying small irrigations frequently during the rootingin and through the veg phase will help keep the plant active, especially when using a larger block. Using an irrigation system makes this much less time consuming than with hand watering. If watering by hand, apply a small amount of nutrient solution using a watering wand. Try applying these small irrigations several times per day. Once the plants have rooted through, add water based on the weight of the block or by measurements taken from a water content sensor.

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PLANT STEERING

When using hydroponic growing media, it is recommended to add nutrients from the beginning. Ideally, saturate with a nutrient solution between 1.5 to 2.0 EC, with a pH of 5.5

NFT Hydroponics System

reservoir

nutrient return

water nutrients air pump

air stone

timer

nutrient pump

The initial saturation of the growing media sets the stage for the root development of the plant

• • •

The blue line is the rootzone WC The red line is the rootzone EC The green line is the rootzone temp

Irrigation for Vegetative Growth An irrigation system is the only way to get consistent and uniform re-saturation. Flood tables and NFT systems that have shallow trays with a small water stream allow for an automatic irrigation process. They also help maintain uniformity. Flood heights or drip times can be adjusted to apply the right amount of water to steer the plant. Hand-watering is possible during the grow-out phase but can create inconsistencies between the blocks that will carry through flower. When selecting an irrigation system for veg, make sure it has a high level of control. Flood systems should be able to flood to at least halfway up the block. However, they should also be able to apply low floods that will not oversaturate the block, thus allowing for more frequent irrigations to speed up growth. With drip systems, growers should be able to apply small micro pulses that can be as low as 30mL per irrigation.

Each irrigation sends a vegetative signal to the plant. Consider how fast plants grow in aeroponic systems! Since the roots are grown in the air, the dry backs are much faster, allowing for more frequent irrigation that drives growth speed. If the goal is to develop the rootzone, dry backs are essential, especially when rooting into a new substrate volume. If the roots are leaving the block, it is most likely caused by too much water. If you want the plants to develop and grow faster, implement a vegetative strategy. Small irrigations, typically 3% or less than the volume of growing media will do the trick. In flood systems, irrigate so water touches the bottom of the block. Ensure dry backs between irrigations (of at least 1 or 2%) and dry backs overnight (about 10% to 15%). The exact specifications depend on the environment, plant variety, size, and the substrate. For growers wanting smaller, more compact plants, a generative steer strategy can applied, which uses larger volumes with less frequency. In ebb/flood systems, flooding higher up the block less frequently is recommended. In drip systems, apply irrigation volumes of at least 6% of the substrate size. The timing of the irrigations will dictate the dry back. To steer toward generative growth, wait longer to apply the first irrigation of the day, and stop irrigating several hours before the lights go off. This should result in smaller, more compact plants with a better root system in the blocks. 37

PLANT STEERING

To steer toward generative growth, wait longer to apply the first irrigation of the day, and stop irrigating several hours before the lights go off

The chart below shows how to apply a vegetative and generative irrigation strategy to Grodan small blocks (4 x 4x 2.5.). While the maximum wet weight (peak WC) stays the same, the dry weight is almost 100 grams less for the generative steering. The rest time between irrigations is used to steer the plants. The ECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of the applied irrigation solutions are also adjusted to steer growth. High EC creates a generative steer, and lower EC a more vegetative one. Climate is also used in conjunction with irrigation as a tool to steer the crop.

Irrigation Steering Strategy

Happy plant steering! 3

Plant Spacing And Structure Finally, the spacing and structure of the plants have a profound effect on uniform development. Keeping the plants too close throughout the veg growth cycle will inhibit side shoot development and create tall, weak, and lanky branches. Plants must be spaced as soon as the leaves touch to prevent conditions for disease. Giving the plants more space allows the side shoots to receive more light and develop more vigorously. Plants structured with different numbers of leaves and branches will uptake water at different rates. Excessive leaf removal and early pinching can create water uptake inconsistencies.

Bio

Doug Jacobs is a Technical Advisor with Grodan. He provides expert consulting on proven Precision Growing methods to optimise 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. 39

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALBERT MONDOR, HORTICULTURIST AND BIOLOGIST

Feeding The World With Insects

C ons umed by a round t w o bil l ion p eop l e, insec t s a re seen by m a n y a s a n en v ironmen ta l ly-f riendly a lt er n at i v e t o red me at c ons ump t ion

EDIBLE INSECTS

hen it comes to the food we eat, more and more people have environmental concerns, including a desire for fairer

treatment of animals.

For example, it is estimated that about one-third of North Americans avoid eating meat at least one day a week. Also, a survey carried out a few years ago reports that 56% of French people say they eat less meat than in previous years. Only 3% have increased their consumption.

credit: Albert Mondor

Mealworms larvae

Producing one kilogram of beef requires 30 to 40 kilograms of grain and fodder. On the other hand, raising one kil ogr am of insec t s involves t h e i n p u t o f o n ly 1 t o 5 kilograms of plants. In France, for example, a company raised a record 110 million euros to finance the world’s largest insect production plant in Poulainville, Hauts-de-France. Entomofarm is a large Canadian company that raises crickets with the support of some big players in the food industry, including Maple Leaf and Loblaws, which markets the products. The province of Quebec is home to nearly 40 companies that raise edible insects. An association of insect breeders and processors has also recently emerged there.

Ecological Breeding Mealworms adults

Rose flowers are edible

Mealworms are among the easiest edible insects to raise.

Insect production is particularly eco-friendly when compared to typical cattle farming. Producing one kilogram of beef requires 30 to 40 kilograms of grain and fodder. On the other hand, raising one kilogram of insects involves the input of only 1 to 5 kilograms of plants. At TriCycle in Montreal, QC, 94% of plant substances used to feed the insects come within a 5 km (3 mile) radius of the farm. Brewery dregs, bakery residues, and fruit pulp from juices make up the bulk of the food for the insects raised on this farm.

Consumed by around two billion people, insects are seen by many as an environmentally-friendly alternative to red meat consumption. Prevalent in the traditional cultures of many populations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, entomophagy - a term referring to eating insects - is starting to generate interest in Europe and North America.

Young entrepreneurs who engage in insect breeding are filled with enthusiasm and ideas to increase the production and consumption of these new sources of protein.

Louise Héneault-Éthier and Didier Marquis, founders of the Montreal-based insect breeding farm TriCycle.

credit: Albert Mondor

It is in this spirit that insect farming is emerging in many places across these continents. The primary insects being raised by these start-up companies are black soldier flies, Buffalo worms, crickets, locusts, and mealworms.

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EDIBLE INSECTS

A t y p ic a l sm a l l fa r m c ov ering a b ou t 50 s qua re me t er s p roduce s 50 mil l ion insec t s e v ery y e a r! Food Galore A typical small farm covering about 50 square meters produces 50 million insects every year! The insects are generally raised in plastic containers arranged on shelves. Insects are fed and moved regularly according to their stage of development. The two most popular products offered by these companies are whole insects and insect powder. The powder can be incorporated into protein bars, burgers, bread, and pasta. And recent years have seen the development of many insect-based recipes for things like tapenade, shepherd’s pie, and dumplings!

Main advantages of rearing edible insects: • • • •

The breeding of insects can be done with organic waste. Raising insects uses less water and produces fewer greenhouse gases than livestock. Insects reproduce quickly and can be raised in small areas. Insects are a healthy and nutritious food resource, rich in fats, proteins, vitamins, fibers, and minerals.

T he t w o mo s t p op ul a r p roduc t s of f er ed by t he se c ompa nie s a r e w hol e insec t s a nd insec t p o w der . T he p o w der c a n be inc or p or at ed in t o p ro t ein b a r s, b urger s, br e a d, a nd pa s ta Fertilizer In addition to producing an impressive amount of insects, a farm also generates frass, a substance composed of manure and insect moults. Insects go through various stages of growth that involve a change in their outer skeleton. These exoskeletons (or moults) are mixed with manure.

Powder and dried mealworms

Frass is a low-odor fertilizer that looks like light brown flour. It contains about 3% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 2% potassium. This fertilizer also contains a significant amount of chitin, a substance that stimulates microbial life in the soil and improves the rooting, growth, and development of plants. Some scientific studies also show that chitin improves the resistance of plants to diseases and drought. 3

BIO Passionate about environmental horticulture, urban agriculture and extreme landscape design, Albert Mondor has practiced his craft for over 30 years and created numerous gardens in North America. In addition to teaching courses and lecturing at conferences across Canada, his weekly gardening column has appeared in the Journal de Montréal and the Journal de Québec since 1999. In April 2018, Albert Mondor published Le nouveau potager, his tenth horticultural book. He is a regular guest and contributor to radio and television programs 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 43

Mix It Right BY CODY J GARRETT - TAIT

Keep It In Proportion 44

HOMEMADE SOILS

he rising popularity of organic gardening and a desire to naturally achieve big, bountiful, quality crops have many people looking to make homemade soils for use in their gardens. The best results require some forethought. What will the mix be made of and how can you formulate

it for the specific plants being grown? Plants have various requirements; a mix for cacti and succulents would be much different from the soil used for annual, fast-growing herbaceous plants. For the crops most indoor growers are interested in, a basic soil recipe requires a base, some aeration, compost, and nutrition.

The Base Ingredients used for base materials include peat moss, coconut coir, and partially composted pine bark. There are pros and cons to each; make a decision based on availability, ingredient efficacy, and the environmental sources and impacts of each option. The base makes up about one-third of a typical mix, so selecting the right balance is essential. Incorporating a blend of ingredients proves superior to choosing just one.

For the crops most indoor growers are interested in, a basic soil recipe requires a base, some aeration, compost, and nutrition

Aeration Many ingredients help with aeration. A suitable drainage portion is critical; a mix that won’t drain is a mix that won’t grow! Common drainage materials include perlite, rice hulls, volcanic rocks such as pumice and Scoria, expanded clay, and granular diatomite. These all have different capacities when it comes to retaining moisture. They also have various physical weights, shelf lives, and micronutrient profiles. Aeration makes up another onethird of the mix. Before adding this component, consider where your garden will be. If you have an attic grow, for instance, and your soil ends up being super heavy, lugging it up the stairs might be challenging. Also, lightweight materials such as rice hulls and perlite are more likely to float to the top of the soil. A blend of elements of various sizes, shapes, and weights will work better than just one.

Compost The selection of high-quality compost for the third portion of the recipe is often one of the more challenging parts of building soil. It is easy to find a cheap, low-grade product, but go the extra mile to source something that is well broken down. The compost should have an even texture and be made with quality inputs. Better quality soil leads to healthier, more abundant crops. Compost inputs vary widely, and building your own provides you with the most control. Plant waste from the garden, such as lawn clippings, fallen leaves, vegetable waste, and manure from cows, poultry, and sheep create high-quality composts that are quite cost-effective. Worm castings are also worth using, but due to their density and weight, you cannot use a lot.

The best-composted materials are aged for a long time. They have gone through the whole range of temperature zones and have been allowed a long maturation period. The final product should be dark, rich, and smell earthy. You can use a well-made compost to make up one-third of the mix volume, but try to keep the vermicast around the 10% or 15% mark to avoid making the soil too heavy.

A suitable drainage por tion is critical; a mix that won’t drain is a mix that won’t grow! 45

HOMEMADE SOILS

Nutrition While the compost provides a lot of nutrients, additional organic amendments and minerals can further enrich the soil and balance the pH of any peat moss or pine bark in the mix. A vast number of amendments can be put to use when building the soil: Plant-based inputs: • Hemp • Soy • Corn • Coconut • Barley • Neem • Alfalfa

Ultimately, building your soil and per fecting it will take time, but star ting with these propor tions will get you in the right ballpark

Alfalfa meal

Animal waste inputs: • Blood meal • Bone meal • Feather meal • Guanos Sea-based inputs: • Kelp • Crustacean waste • Fish meal • Crushed oyster shells

For instance, a predominantly cocobased mix will not require much pH adjustment, so using a less reactive calcium source, like gypsum, and adding a little magnesium makes the most sense. In contrast, a soil made with peat moss or pine bark often requires limestone or crushed oyster shell (which contain calcium carbonate) to raise the pH to an appropriate level. A quarter of a cup of lime per square meter of soil brings the pH from 5 to 7, so an enormous amount is not necessary.

Ultimately, building your soil and perfecting it will take time, but starting with these proportions will get you in the right ballpark. Over time, you can continue to experiment and improve. These days, a variety of high quality, ready-to-use soils are also available at your local hydro store, so if you are pressed for time or lack the space to make your own, these are well worth considering. Happy Growing! 3 Neem

Feather meal

All of the above pack significant amounts of nutrients and natural growth-promoting compounds capable of boosting plants.

Coco coir

Find Balance The trick to using any of these ingredients is not to use too much. Each one on its own is potent and high in nutrients. If the soil is too rich, it will be too hot to grow in. If you plan on using many different ingredients for diversity, it is essential to reduce the total amount of each amendment to achieve the same total volume of fertilizer. The application rate for each component will vary based on several factors. Always err on the side of caution. It is easier to apply less than to remove it when too much has been added. As a starting point, stick to an application rate of around 1% or 2% of the mix volume. Adding a portion of minerals to complement your amendments is a good idea. These help adjust and buffer the pH of the mix while also providing cation exchanging and a backbone of trace minerals that increase the availability of the organic amendments. Limestone, dolomite, gypsum, potassium, magnesium sulphates, and basalt are among the most commonly utilized minerals. You don’t need an enormous amount of these components; it will vary based on what you are growing.

Guano

Crustacean waste

Hemp

Fish meal Blood meal

BIO Cody is the owner of High Powered Organics and a second-gen-

eration 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. 47

BY DOUG JACOBS

What is

Organic Hydroponics ?

ORGANIC HYDROPONICS

The USDA states that food crops are organic if they have grown on soil that has not been contaminated with prohibited substances for three years before harvest

he idea of having an organic hydroponic system might seem like an oxymoron, but it is possible to achieve the terroir of soil growing with the sustainability of hydroponics. Before we find out how this works, it is essential to understand the terms organic and hydroponic.

What Is Organic? The legal definition of organic certification varies depending on where you are in the world. As with most things in America, the rules that govern organic certification are less strict than in other developed nations. The USDA states that food crops are organic if they have grown on soil that has not been contaminated with prohibited substances for three years before harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. When a grower uses a manufactured product, it must have third party certification and meet various criteria that ensure human and environmental health. In Europe and Canada, the rules are much more stringent and encompass the entire cultivation process and its impact on the environment. In the EU, you cannot obtain organic certification if growing in pots or containers rather than in a field. More importantly, they do not allow for the organic certification of soilless hydronic systems like the U.S. has. In general, Canada and the EU have eco-conscious rules in place for the use of precious freshwater in commercial agriculture. They also actively prevent the discharge of waste nutrient solutions into natural waterways by using sustainable irrigation practices. Farmers in the U.S. could learn a thing or two in this regard, especially considering the number of dead zones in natural waterways created by the unchecked discharge of nitrogen fertilizer. American farmers are also the largest consumers of freshwater, leading to wells going dry and land subsidence.

However, for the sake of this article, “organic” will be defined as a product that is naturally derived and falls under the USDA certification.

What Is Hydroponics? Hydroponics means “waterworks” and involves growing plants in media other than soil. Plant food is provided through a nutrient solution, whereas in nature, the earth provides all the food for the plant with water acting as a vehicle. Hydroponics involves growing in different substrates that can be used by themselves or in various mixtures for desired performance. These include Rockwool, perlite, coco, peat, and even aeroponics (growing plants in the air). Deepwater culture, where the roots are suspended in an aerated nutrient solution, is also possible, along with nutrient film technique (NFT), where the plant’s roots grow in a thin stream of moving solution. These systems help save water, as they are mostly recirculating systems, and are extremely clean, spared from the pests and diseases associated with growing in soil. Hydroponic systems allow for a great deal of control in nutrient supply for the plants and allow for higher yield and more crops per year due to the faster growth rates.

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@XTREMEGARDENING

ORGANIC HYDROPONICS

Organic Hydroponics? In the U.S., there are a few hydroponic growers that are organic certified. They are granted the certification because they use living organic substrates like coconut fiber, peat, and more. The process by which their products are manufactured does not change their functional properties, and no synthetic products are added. Organic hydro growers also use biodynamic nutrient solutions derived from other plants (like compost teas) in addition to refined fish and animal by-products. The challenge with these solutions in hydroponic systems is how to deliver them to plants effectively. The simplest is to hand-water pots of organic substrate (other than soil) with a batch of solution mixed at the time of application. At any size farm, it is more challenging to use organic nutrient solutions in drip irrigation systems, as the nutrients can quickly clog a pressure-compensated drip emitter. Most home and small market growers use an open flow irrigation system to allow the solution to pass through the line easily. Unfortunately, this system doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow for a lot of control, so growers have to use larger volumes of growing media with longer feed times to make up for inconsistencies. Ebb and flow tables are also excellent for using organic nutrients, as there is a reduced risk of equipment failure. Still, more regular observation of the reservoir is required, along with frequent exchanges of nutrient mix to avoid imbalances and potential diseases. In commercial organic farms, grade pumps maintain pressure-compensated drip systems that deliver water evenly to all the plants. They use nutrient solutions that are refined and filtered. Following every nutrient application through the irrigation system, freshwater is flushed through the lines and drippers to prevent clogs and diseases that can impact quality and yield. When attempting to use organic solutions on a recirculating system, watch for a build-up of ammoniacal nitrogen in the tank. Consider using a biological filter that grows beneficial bacteria to maintain the delicate natural balance. Change the nutrient solution every two weeks.

Aquaponics Some certified organic hydroponic growers combine aquaculture (AKA fish farming) to provide nutrients to their plants. In these systems, a fish tank is used with a biological filter that maintains naturally-accruing bacteria to break down the fish waste for the plants. Recirculating systems allow the water to flow from the fish tank through mechanical and biological filters to the plants, and then back into the fish tank. It can be challenging to grow with these systems, as you have to keep the fish alive and at a specific size to create enough food for the plants. Also, striking a balance between the plants and fish is not easy. Adding too many supplements or nutrient additives for the plants might hurt or kill the fish. A better idea is to keep the fish and plant systems separate, pulling the wastewater from the fish tankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biological filters and mixing into the hydroponic nutrient solution. Combining the environmental and health benefits of organic growing techniques with the labor and water savings of hydroponics is a great way to grow more food and flowers with fewer inputs. Happy growing! 3

Organic hydro growers also use biodynamic nutrient solutions derived from other plants (like compost teas) in addition to refined fish and animal by-products

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DATA-DRIVEN Cultivation

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DATA-DRIVEN CULTIVATION

odern cultivation facilities are using future farming techniques that are driven by data! Novel digital technologies are helping farmer s and home gardener s make smar ter decisions and prevent expensive critical failures. From microclimate sensing to machine

intelligence tools, this ar ticle will explore fresh technology being used in 2020.

The overall goal with data-driven cultivation is to understand the users’ needs and crop requirements. Data should allow for the continuous improvement of production processes alongside the ability to improve yields, optimize the quality of produce, and prevent costly crop losses.

Tech Terms Data, IoT, AI, MEMS – There are a lot of buzzy tech terms that are being thrown around the agricultural sector these days! These are generally foreign to traditional farmers and can be confusing. Like any new industry, there are wild claims from ‘manufacturers’ and many technological snake oil salesmen. It’s worth doing the extra research to know you’re getting what you need!

Data should allow for the continuous im provem ent of production processes alongsi de the abil it y to im prove yields, optim i ze the qual it y of produce, and prevent costly crop losses

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Home Gardens Affordable sensors and data devices are now available for the hobby and home gardener. Generally, these instruments are aimed at remote monitoring with some limited control functionality. Sensor technology allows users to monitor their environment (i.e. temperature, humidity, VPD, CO2, and light levels) alongside fertigation information (i.e. water pH, temperature and EC monitoring and dosing), and hardware (i.e. digital ‘smart’ fan controllers, lighting timers). Brands such as Bluelab (NZ) and PulseGrow (USA) are specializing in these fields of data functionality. Their devices are sold in hydroponic stores and used by small to mediumsized commercial facilities. These affordable technologies use data to activate pre-set alarms (i.e. a humidity alarm would warn of an irrigation malfunction, and a lighting alarm will let you know if someone accidentally turns on a light at the incorrect time). Data on demand ensures you can watch your facility and conditions even remotely via a smartphone or the interwebs.

Choose Wisely However, like all electronics – you get what you pay for. Nonreputable brands often use cheaper sensors and inferior probes, and these devices can cause more headaches than solutions! Misleading information can be more dangerous if people are changing parameters unnecessarily or adjusting to risky levels.

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As the technology evolves in data for monitoring, this naturally encourages more affordable control systems. Home gardeners can access control systems that can operate several fans, dehumidifiers, A/C, fertigation, and other HVAC components harmoniously. Sounds great right? Lazy, smarter farming! However, it’s not all flawless packets of data whizzing through the air. Technology evolves and scales, as do the cautionary tales!

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If you are look ing into data-driven solutions for your hom e garden – choose carefully. There are a lot of Commercial Gardens As we move into commercial facilities, different novel tech risks with new technology If you are looking into data-driven solutions for your home garden – choose carefully. There are a lot of risks with new technology. Hardware becomes outdated, or the actual business stops operating and hosting an app, and servers or functions may become obsolete. The most frustrating risk? Darn paywalls being added after starting to use the app!

tools are being used for indoor and outdoor gardening. Commercial indoor facilities using controlled environment agriculture (CEA) engage in high-tech monitoring and control systems such as ‘Priva’. These BMS (Building Management System) technologies use hundreds of sensors to precisely operate entire facilities, and multiple grow rooms, or glasshouses.

4 Key Purchasing Questions for Data-Driven Technology

With multimillion-dollar cultivation rooms and glasshouses, these high-tech systems generate gigabytes of data; usually stored on cloud-based servers and internationally supported from the Netherlands or the USA using remote access. These expensive systems offer 24/7 peace of mind with accurate and reliable data. Each system is built to custom specifications for the user.

1. How useful is the data? Are the probes and sensors reliable and trustworthy? 2. How well is the data used? Does the app correctly analyse the data for your purpose? 3. Is the user interface friendly and intuitive? Does the app easily show you what you need to know? 4. How safe is the data retention? Will their servers be secure, reliable and accessible for any future data download requirements and reflective learning?

These commercial systems allow complicated, multi-faceted building and glasshouse HVAC equipment to operate harmoniously. The priority for these systems is generally energy efficiency, alongside preventing critical failures and crop losses. These clever computer control systems are responsible for operating multimillion-dollar facilities almost autonomously; automatically adjusting for climatic extremes and other external factors to keep production maximized.

For the home, hobby or serious gardener or farmer – it pays to ask the following four questions for purchasing datadriven tech:

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Plant Breeding Outdoor Growing When farms scale to outdoor (broadacre) production, the data requirements change significantly. Although farmers still benefit from knowing essential parameters within their crop (i.e. soil moisture levels), the vital data comes from forecasting and macroclimatic data. Using advancing weather sensor technology in combination with AI (artificial intelligence) allows for novel products such as “The Yield” by Microsoft to precisely predict future weather. This lets farmers make smarter decisions with costly inputs such as irrigation and general processes such as the timing of harvest. Large scale farms also use GPS (telematics) to drive tractors, form beds, lay irrigation, and apply chemicals. This removes the potential for human error and allows the farmer to maximize the potential of the farm mathematically. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) Drones also take advantage of GPS and camera technologies to allow for real-time information on crop development, growth, ripeness, and plant health monitoring, plant recognition, soil condition and equipment detection. Data generated by these advanced imaging systems and software allows the farmer to deliver a more productive and sustainable approach to agricultural production, based on the precise use of resources. Robotics and automation then enable the farm to function without excessive labor demands, but that’s a topic for another article!

The other exciting revolution in data science for agriculture is developments in the field of plant breeding. DNA/ RNA assay marker-assisted breeding, speed-breeding, and incredibly powerful imaging technology are allowing faster and more prevalent breeding traits in all crop species. Researchers can analyse a tiny part of plant tissue, even from a newly germinated seedling. Once the tissue is analysed, scientists know whether the plant has desirable genes for breeding, rapidly reducing the time needed for selection. A green revolution is being led by technology. Data allows us to better understand our soil, our environment, and our plants. Data-driven decisions allow you to farm better crops and I implore you to take advantage of this information – no more growing blind! If you are operating in an outdated political environment (where certain plants are seen as dangerous), just remember; “Weather data is not admissible in court.” ;) Happy Gardening, Folks! 3

Bio

Founder of Indicated Technology Pty Ltd,Tom is a certified horticulturalist and paid consultant working in the Australian medical cannabis industry. After finishing studies in production horticulture (hydroponics) and plant biology;Tom has spent the past 6 years working in the protected cropping space.Tom is passionate about sustainable yet economic cultivation methodologies and also teaches cannabis cultivation as part of university and private education programs.Tom is also the Communications Manager for Stealth Garden wholesale supplies. 59

BY EVEREST FERNANDEZ, JUST4GROWERS

Manual to Automatic:

Making the Transition to

Nutrient Dosing Machines 60

NUTRIENT DOSING

Everest Fernandez shares his experiences moving from manual nutrient mixing to letting a Bluelab Pro Controller do it all for him!

’m typically a sucker for gadgets and technology—a marketeer’s dream. Despite this, I must concede that I find even the sight of automatic nutrient dosing machines to be somewhat intimidating. All those tangled tubes going in and out of nutrient bottles and reservoirs, the peristaltic pumps, the elaborate displays, worrisome warning alarms, downloadable apps, and the

price of the units themselves. It’s all conspired to keep me in the familiar world of manual dosing for far too long. If you have more than a few grow lights, mixing up batches of hydroponic feed solution by hand, even if using standard storebought A and B stock solutions, takes time. And all that time adds up. You’ve also got to keep your meters calibrated, remember to perform periodic reservoir change-outs, and let’s not forget, observe and take care of your plants! About 18 months ago, I took the plunge with Bluelab’s Pro Controller. Life was so busy that something had to change. And, short of training and keeping a diligent garden-hobbit creature in my basement to mix the nutrients for me, If you have more deferring some tasks to an automatic doser was than a few grow my only option. The Pro Controller is a brain box, lights, mixing and you also need to up batches of invest in pumping units known as “Peripods”. I hydroponic feed chose two M3 Peripods (three pumps). Along solution by hand, with the Pro Controller brain, this will set you even if using back around $2,400— standard storeno small investment!

bought A and B

What Does An Automatic Nutrient Doser Do? There are two main approaches to automating the process of adding stock solution (concentrated mineral nutrients) to water. The first is the inline fertigation (when the nutrient concentrate is added to the irrigation water as it flows to the plants). The second is making up batches of feed solution in large reservoirs (the method I chose). The doser has a “brain box” with conductivity and pH meters dangled into the nutrient reservoir. Set your target TDS and pH, and the doser takes care of the rest. It uses peristaltic pumps to suck nutrient concentrate from each bottle in your regime (e.g. Silicon, Cal/Mag, Grow A, Grow B, etc.) and drip it into your reservoir. A circulating pump does the job of stirring it in. The doser then retests the conductivity, repeating the dosing cycle if required. The pH of your nutrient solution is also periodically checked, and pH adjuster liquid is dosed if needed.

stock solutions,

Inviting an automatic doser into my life wasn’t takes time me trying to permit myself to take my eye off the ball. It was more about freeing up headspace and giving myself a platform of consistency. More accurate, consistent, and repeat-able nutrient management means I can focus on specific variables and tweak them if necessary. My plants seemed to enjoy a boost in productivity as a direct result of my nutrient solution always being in perfect balance.

NUTRIENT DOSING

Short of training and keeping a diligent garden-hobbit creature in my basement to mix the nutrients for me, deferring some tasks to an automatic doser was my only option But still—the move from the “old world” of manual nutrient mixing and maintenance to the “brave new world” of letting an automatic doser do it for me was a big deal. There are some critical ideas and concepts to learn, and others you need to unlearn. So, I’d like to share my experiences and hopefully get you on the fast-track if you’re planning to make the upgrade. Bluelab’s Pro Controller is the “brain” of the system. It controls the Peripod pumps which do the physical work of actually pumping nutrient concentrate from the bottles into the reservoir. You can connect up the three Peripods, so if you use the 4-pump Peripods rather than the 3-pump units, you can dose from up to 12 different bottles. With the M3s, I can dose from up to nine. The system also comes with pH and EC probes which connect to the Pro Controller and are placed in the reservoir. Position your nutrient doser and pumps near your reservoir! Note that you’ll need an electrical outlet for the Pro Controller and another for each Peripod.

The Transition from Manual Mixing to Automatic Dosing Chances are, you’re already saving yourself a bunch of time by using bottles of liquid concentrated hydroponic nutrients rather than mixing up your own with individual salts and a trace element pack. Most of us go for the bottles—although powders are increasing in popularity. To understand the nitty-gritty of the transition to automatic dosing, let’s run through an example—a basic hydroponic nutrient regime. Say I want to make up a nutrient solution to drive early vegetative growth. My target for total dissolved solids is 600 PPM—that’s an EC of 1.2 milisiemens, and my target pH is 6.0. Let’s also assume I’m using a potassium silicate supplement, a calcium/magnesium supplement, as well as a two-part base nutrient and a pH adjuster liquid.

In a manual mixing world, our task list might look something like this: 1. 2.

3. 4.

Fill the reservoir with water—note volume. Let’s say it’s 100 liters or 26 gallons. Add 0.5 mil per liter of silicon supplement. So that’s 50 mils. Shake the bottle, measure, pour and stir in thoroughly. Wash out measuring container. Add my cal-mag at 1 ml per liter. So that’s 100 mils to add. Shake, measure—pour—stir again. Wash. Base nutrients. 2 ml per liter of each of Grow A and Grow B. That’s 200 mils of Grow A. Pour it in and stir then wash. Then the same for Grow B: 200 mls. Pour that in, mix and rewash the measuring container. Check the EC—or the TDS with a conductivity meter. And—if you’re super talented—you’ll hit your target—600 parts per million—or 1.2 milisiemens. But you’ll likely have to fiddle around a bit. You know the drill—if it’s too high— dilute it down. If it’s too low, make up the difference by adding more base nutrients. Check pH. If it’s 6.0, shout for joy! If not, you’ll be adding diluted pH down, drop by drop, stirring all the time, until it reaches 6.0—hoping it doesn’t freakishly drop from 6.1 down to 3.8 on that final drop. It happens… and I’m glad I’m not the only one.

Assuming the nutrient solution temperature is where we need it—typically 66°F to 72°F —we’re good to go. Note how I dutifully added my undiluted potassium silicate first—and then my undiluted cal-mag—and then my base nutrients—and then my diluted pH adjuster. In this manual mixing world, the order in which we add the different components is vital to minimize the risk of precipitation. Adding potassium silicate at the end of the mixing process instead of right at the beginning means much less silicon would be likely to stay in the solution due to potassium silicate’s high alkalinity. 63

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NUTRIENT DOSING

Note how I dutifully adde d my undilute d pot as sium sil ic ate f irst—and the n my

No More Stirring!

Place a small pump into your reservoir, ideally attached to the side of the tank in the lower half to circulate the nutrient solution and aid mixing. I prefer for my circulation pumps to be on 24/7 so a small pump is preferable, as larger pumps can overheat the nutrient solution if they’re always running. Alternatively, you can connect your pump to a cycle timer, but then you risk the doser starting a dosing cycle when the circulation pump isn’t running.

How do you teach a machine to do all this for you? How do you instruct it to add the various parts in order? The answer is: you don’t. First, I set my target EC to 1.2 milisiemens—that’s 600 PPM— either directly on the Pro Controller brain box itself, or via a laptop computer running Bluelab’s free Connect software. Next, I had to decide on the nutrient dosing “on time”. This refers to how long the doser will pump nutrients during each dosing cycle. This doesn’t take long to dial in, but there is inevitably some tweaking. The critical point is not to dose too much on each dosing cycle. Ideally, you want your EC to go up by no more than 0.1 milisiemens—that’s 50 PPM—each time the nutrient pumps activate—and no more up or down than 0.1 pH each time the pH adjuster pump starts. Any more and you risk overshooting your target. As for PUMP OFF times, try about ten minutes. This should give even a small recirculation pump enough time to mix in each dose homogenously. It’s essential to allow adequate time for proper mixing in between doses so, if in doubt, go long. Find a starting point for the M3s and M4s by taking the number of liters in your reservoir and dividing by 20. So, for my 100L reservoir, that’s 5 seconds. The off-time is how long the doser waits before rechecking the EC and deciding whether another dose is required. Try something between 7 and 10 minutes, more than enough time for my small circulation pump in the reservoir to mix everything up homogenously.

undilute d c al-mag—and the n my base nutrient s—and the n my dilute d pH adjuster. Drill a small hole through the cap of each bottle, wide enough to pass through one of these 1/8 inch tubes. Note that opaque, anti-corrosion tubing is supplied with the Peripods for the pH adjuster dosing. If you’re using highly acidic one-part liquid nutrient formulas, use this tubing for the nutrient dosing. (Both types of tubing are supplied as standard with the Peripods.) Each peristaltic pump corresponds to a bottle. The left tube sucks the liquid up out of the bottle, and the right tube carries it to the reservoir. Each pump on the Peripod unit has two tubes—one needs to be fed into each nutrient bottle—the other should be attached to the reservoir. All your nutrients will be dosed simultaneously. Grow A should not be dosed adjacently to Grow B. Secure the dosing tubes so they’re as far from each other as possible. Make sure the tubes aren’t submerged to mitigate any risk of syphoning. Because the amount being dosed during each cycle in so small, you don’t have the same precipitation concerns as you would manually adding 200 ml of each part at a time.

The High Alarm If my nutrient solution goes above 1.6 milisiemens, call Houston, we have a problem—because I set a target of 1.2. If this happens, it goes into lock-out mode, stops dosing, and an alarm shows. I can receive alerts on my smartphone because I have the Bluelab Connect app downloaded. You can set a low alarm too—which can be handy if you have an auto-top up feed for your water and, say, one of your nutrient bottles run out. Similarly, you can also set your Pro Controller to alert you if, say, it’s dosed fifteen times, but nothing has changed—another indicator that something is awry. pH is easy to figure out. Select the target pH—6.0. I selected an on-time of one second and high and low alarms of 6.5 and 5.5 respectively. I’m dosing pH down as I never need to use pH up—especially when there’s potassium silicate in my nutrient mix. The Pro Controller needs to be set, so it knows the pH dosing direction is down. I diluted my pH down 1:5 with RO water. I also set the pH dosing “on time” to five seconds and the off-time for ten minutes—applying the same principle: make off times as long as you can to allow for adequate mixing. 65

NUTRIENT DOSING

Trickier Ingredients

I rememb er the fe el ing of joy as my Pro Controller

How do the potassium silicate and cal-mag supplements work with the Pro Controller? Pre-dilute these sprang into l ife solutions 1:1 or 1:2 with reverse osmosis water, in the same manner and s t ar te d it s as the pH adjuster. Be sure to use reverse osmosis, not tap water, dosing and pH to dilute any nutrient solution or cycles . pH adjuster down. Be accurate with your measurements. I diluted both my potassium silicate and cal/ mag supplements 1:1 with reverse Don’t Get Lazy! osmosis water—so they’re at 50% normal strength compared Keep an eye on your pH and conductivity probes. It’s easy to forget with straight out of the bottle. You will need to double the about them when you’re not manually testing. Clean the probes dosage rate accordingly to compensate. every week and calibrate the pH meter regularly. If you don’t, the readings will be less accurate, which invalidates the whole premise for auto-dosing in the first place. Conductivity probes can form Setting Dosage Rates deposits of sludge, which can increase the measured conductivity Using the Bluelab Connect software, I select the pod I want between them, giving you a false high reading. to edit. (I’ve got two daisy-chained to the Pro Controller.) For each pump on each pod, choose whether it’s a nutrient pump, a Lift your nutrient bottles and check their weight periodically— pH adjuster pump, or not in use. Start with the bottle with the make sure they’re not getting too low. The Pro Controller will alert highest dose rate. For me, that’s the Grow A or the Grow B— 2 you if it’s trying to dose, but the nutrient solution strength doesn’t ml per liter. The other two bottles, the diluted potassium silicate appear to be rising—a sure sign that a bottle is empty. If some of and the CalMag supplements will be dosed at 1 ml per liter and the bottles are full and others not, then the system will dose what 2 ml per liter respectively. it can—and this can lead to an imbalance. It doesn’t hurt to give them a shake once in a while—especially those “slurry style” one Switch on the reservoir circulation pump and make sure your pH part nutrients. and EC probes are clean and fully submerged. I like them to be close to the bottom of the tank. Many growers use air pumps connected to air-stones to increase dissolved oxygen levels. Fine, but be aware that the nutrient When switching on the Pro Controller for the first time, solution pH tends to rise more quickly. Keep an eye on your logs manually prime the pumps so that the liquids are sucked through and the pH dosing events. the tubing. Calibrate the pH meter using the calibration fluids provided. It only takes a few minutes, but it’s essential not to skip If you’re using a gloopy, viscous one-part nutrient or some exotic this step. additive, calibrate the corresponding pump, so it’s compensated for the increased density of the liquid. Change the mode on the Pro Controller from “Monitor” to “Control” — hit Apply — and we are auto dosing! Woohoo! I remember the feeling of joy as my Pro Controller sprang into life Conclusions and started its dosing and pH cycles. My only regret is not biting the bullet earlier in my growing career. All those hours I could’ve clawed back over the years! It’s time I When I used this system in conjunction with flood and drain can’t get back. Moreover, my plants have never looked healthier— systems and an auto-top-up float valve to top up my reservoir and I spend a lot more time just staring at them, and inspecting for with reverse osmosis water, I made sure my float valve was pests and doing all sorts of other peripheral grow room tasks, that further down to minimize the risk of overfilling during the flood I feel as if I’ve leveled up as a grower. 3 cycle. Also—when you figure out that it’s time to change out your reservoir, I suggest disabling the auto-top off and let your reservoir run itself down some, so you’ve got less spent nutrient solution. Everest Fernandez is a well-respected industry educator, veteran hydroponic The Pro Controller logs every dosing event—and you can save grower, and grow light enthusiast based in France. different nutrient regimens. It’s entirely feasible to create one for He works primarily as a marketing and cultivation each week in the lifecycle. This means you have a permanent consultant and was the founding editor of Urban record of exactly what you fed your plants. This, along with Garden Magazine in the UK, US, and Canada. He environmental data, gives you a pretty thorough picture of what also writes and researches for the popular hobby you did. horticulturist YouTube channel, Just4Growers.

Bio

BY PETER LOUW

Number Crunching What To Do With All That Data? 68

NUMBER CRUNCHING

oday, growers can record pretty much every aspect of their setup, from fertigation schedules and ambient conditions to container size and grow medium (to name just a few). Data loggers, something

that growers used to shy away from, are no longer just for commercial setups and are becoming more commonplace in home grows. If you have recently bought or are thinking about getting your first data logger so that you can get a better idea of what is going on in your grow environment, congratulations! You are making one of the most valuable purchases as a grower yet. Or, perhaps you have one or more environmental data loggers already installed and would like to learn even more.

T he ver y f ir s t time you se e what happ ens when you are not ar ound and how much the env ir onment do es change, DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; T PANIC!

Unlike manual data capture, which may happen multiple times a day, loggers can capture data at sub-second intervals. But what to do with all of the data? Any data logger these days wor th purchasing will provide a way of viewing the information being captured. Some offer a simple interface and provide the basics, while others include more advanced features ranging from statistical visualizations to machine learning algorithms for predictive forecasting.

The built-in features available are usually indicative of the price, and the higher-end features are likely to be cloudbased solutions. That being said, just because your data logger does not come with built-in machine learning and cool visualisations, does not mean they are out of reach. All you need is access to the data.

Data loggers, something that growers used to shy away from, are no longer just for commercial setups and are becoming more commonplace in home grows

PRO TIP: Make sure the data logger you purchase offers a way to download to your phone/laptop/pc, ideally in a .CSV file format. Having all the data and no way of making sense of or accessing it makes it near useless. If accessed and used correctly, data grows in value over time.

Once the data is downloaded, what do you do with it? There are a few options: 1. The most accessible option is likely going to be a spreadsheet program, such as Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. These both allow you to impor t your .CSV file, create char ts and fur ther analyze your data. This option does require you to do a lot of the heavy lifting to get to the insights, but it is more than adequate. Whole commercial operations have been and are run off spreadsheets. 2. Online tools focused on data analysis and visualisation. These are specifically designed for data analysis, providing access to an array of statistical analytics and visualizations which can be used on your data. There are very few free services in this category, but they do provide the fastest way to star t getting more value out of data. (Tableau tableau.com/ / theOracle theOracle.plgrow. systems) 3. Learn a programming language such as Python, and with the plethora of Machine Learning, analytics and visualization libraries now available to unleash the power of the data.

Nastur tiums

TESTED SPECIFICALLY ON CANNABIS 24 MONTH SHELF LIFE TESTS CLEAN 100% ALL-NATURAL (25B EXEMPT) LOW APPLICATION COST EFFECTIVE

FOR MORE PRODUCT INFORMATION VISIT MAMMOTHMICROBES.COM

E WI

ALL-NATURAL FUNGICIDE, MITICIDE & INSECTICIDE

SOMETHING NEW

me O

NUMBER CRUNCHING

Forecasting and ML (with regards to the environment) predict what is likely to happen so that preventative action can be taken before the event Once you have accessed the data, what can you do with it? This is going to fall into two high-level categories:

Historical data analysis to understand what has been going on. This is the most accessible option.

Statistical Visualization & Forecasting / Machine Learning (ML)

Alternative/Statistical visualisations: Simple time series char ts are great, but there are numerous kinds available. The 2D histogram below shows the same temperature and humidity data from the time series char t shown before.

Even the most basic of time series char ts can provide valuaWormwood

ble insights into what is happening when you are not around. For example: • See just how much your environment changes when the lights turn on and turn off. • Rather than just seeing the min/max temperature and %RH your environment hit, you can also see how long they were there. • Improved plant health diagnosis.

PRO TIP:

The very first time you see what happens when you are not around and how much the environment does change, DON’T PANIC! Chances are you have been growing fine, so keep doing what you were doing. You can, however, begin fine-tuning the environment to make it more stable. When making changes, tweak only ONE thing at a time and observe it for 24 to 48 hours before doing anything else.

The histogram is not showing the data over time. It instead shows the distribution of the readings. To infer the same information about the environment from the time series char t is much more time-consuming. This type of char t/visualization is par ticularly useful when trying to get a quick view of the stability of an environment and how rapidly it swings between readings. It also makes it easier to understand a large amount of data. Forecasting and Machine Learning: The use of ML & AI is on the rise! What used to require a PhD has been replaced with tools that put the power of what ML can offer into the grower’s hands. Although the tools have made it a hell of a lot easier, there is still a steep learning curve. There are options, however, that don’t require a high level of commitment, such as the use of alternative char ts and statistical analytics.

NUMBER CRUNCHING

Getting into the data side of things is not why most people start growing, and neither should it be, but those who choose to dive into will be richly rewarded

Everything covered so far is about looking at the recorded past data to understand what has been going on and falls very much into the reactive side of things; actions are taken post the event. Forecasting and ML (with regards to the environment) predict what is likely to happen so that preventative action can be taken before the event. Accurate forecasts require not only plenty of past data about the environment (a minimum of ideally one year of data) but also historical local weather data, lighting cycles, fer tigation schedules, pruning etc. The more inputs available, the better. With the right information, it becomes possible to do 7 to 14 day hourly forecasts of temperature and %RH, making it possible to determine how much that heatwave or cold snap is going to impact the grow if everything is left as is. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is wor th a pound of cure.

The char t above shows the results of three months of historical environment and ambient weather data used to produce a 7-day forecast, which is a tiny amount of data to use. The forecast only improves as more and more data is made available over time. In summary, the revolution is here, and what is currently a trickle of data is soon going to be raging torrent. Some will take advantage and treat the data like another gadget in the toolbox, which is precisely what it is. Other growers insist they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the machine telling them what to do, but view it more as a tool presenting you with additional inputs to help with your decision-making process. Getting into the data side of things is not why most people star t growing, and neither should it be, but those who choose to dive into will be richly rewarded. Right now, machine learning and AI is still in its infancy. The where and what it can be used for is still being explored, but make no mistake, the ability to predict potency, terpene profile, final yield and the like are just around the corner. There are already companies providing some of this as a service, but the tools for doing it yourself will one day reach the masses. 3

Peter is a confessed data geek and a founder of P&L Grow Systems, an IoT (Internet of Things) data insights and analytics platform created to make grow environment data accessible, useful and informative. He helps people make better data-driven decisions in the garden by combining his passion for growing with over 20 years of experience in the field of technology and financial market data. Know More, Grow More. Follow the latest developments @plgrowsystems

Bio

Gold Label Hydrocorn

• The only RHP and KIWA certified clay pebble • Guaranteed low in heavy metals

www.goldlabel.nl

Introducing the Gold Label Dry Soluble Fertilizers

Biuret (Max.) ................................................................................................ 0.05 %

WARNING: This product is to be used only on crops which respond to molybdenum. Crops high in molybdenum are toxic to grazing animals (ruminants).

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Manufactured for and guaranteed by: GOLD LABEL US INC.

Or:

In association with: GOLD LABEL / SPECIAL MIX B.V. Oosteinderweg 303A 1432AW – Aalsmeer – The Netherlands

Distributed by: GOLD LABEL US INC 90 Jarvis Circle Sacramento, CA 95834

Consult your area Gold Label representative for specific recommendations at info@goldlabel.nl.

8 719699 492912

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN DERIVED FROM: Monoammonium Phosphate, Monopotassium Phosphate, Potassium Sulfate, and Soy Protein Hydrolysate. Total Nitrogen (N)......................................................................................... 3.00 % 2.00 % Ammoniacal Nitrogen 1.00 % Other Water-Soluble Nitrogen Available Phosphate (P2O5) ....................................................................... 42.00 % Soluble Potash (K2O) ..................................................................................27.00 % Sulfur (S) .......................................................................................................2.10 %

ULTRA PK GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability: Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html

650

5.75

3.4

2.5

6.2

flush

6.2 maturation

6 final

Consult your area Gold Label representative for specific recommendations at info@goldlabel.nl.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

These Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State California, excluding its conflicts of laws and rules, and many not amended by any oral or written agreement. To the extent permitted by law, neither Manufacturer nor Seller shall be liable for any incidental, consequential or special damages resulting from the use or handling of this product. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE BUYER OR OR USER, AND THE EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY OF MANUFACTURER AND SELLER, FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, INJURIES OR DAMAGES (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED ON BREACH OF WARRANTY, CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) RESULTING FROM THE USE OR HANDLIUNG OF THIS PRODUCT, SHALL BE THE RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THIS PRODUCT, OR, AT THE ELECTION OF MANUFACTURER OR SELLER, THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT.

Concentrated Plant-Fertilizer

Soil A

For chemical spills, leaks fire or exposure, Call CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300. 0.8

5.8

veg

416 3.5 1.6

650

5.25 2.5 6

transition

832

624

5.25

3.2

2.4

6.2 flowering

flush

Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat drink or smoke using this product.

PRECAUTIONAIRY STATEMENTS

flush flush

6.2 maturation

6 final

Consult your area Gold Label representative for specific recommendations at info@goldlabel.nl. Application Soil B dry soluble is your complete mix for concentrated solutions applicable for computerized irrigation management systems.

Harmful if swallowed.

WARNING

Or: GOLD LABEL SOIL B can be used as part of a comprehensive nutrition program for optimizing plant growth, development, yield and quality.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Store away from incompatible materials. Dispose of contents/ container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL FIRST AID

For chemical spills, leaks fire or exposure, Call CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

DERIVED FROM: Calcium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Calcium Chloride, Iron In association with: EDTA, Manganese EDTA and Zinc EDTA. GOLD LABEL / SPECIAL MIX B.V. Oosteinderweg 303A 1432AW – Aalsmeer – The Netherlands Manufactured for and guaranteed by: GOLD LABEL US INC.

Iron shall (Fe). be ...................................................................................................... 0.50 % These Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability 0.50% Chelated Iron interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State California, excluding its conflicts of laws and rules, and many not amended by any oralManganese or written (Mn) .......................................................................................... 0.30 % 0.30% Chelated Manganese agreement. Zinc (Zn) ...................................................................................................... 0.20 % 0.20% Chelated Zinc

Concentrated Plant-Fertilizer

Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat drink or smoke using this product.

PRECAUTIONAIRY STATEMENTS

Distributed by: GOLD LABEL US INC 90 Jarvis Circle Sacramento, CA 95834

5-6-15

IF SWALLOWED: Call a poison center/doctor if you feel unwell. Rinse mouth.

Soil B

Harmful if swallowed.

WARNING

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

WARNING: This product is to be used only on crops which respond to molybdenum. Crops high in molybdenum are toxic to grazing animals.(ruminants). WARNING: This product contains Boron. Do not use on crops that may be susceptible to Boron. DERIVED FROM: Urea, Monopotassium, Phosphate, Potassium Carbonate, Potassium Nitrate, Boric Acid, Copper Sulfate, Manganese EDTA, Magnesium Nitrate, Zinc EDTA and Sodium Molybdate.

Total Nitrogen (N) .............................................................................................. 5.00 % 4.40% Nitrate Nitrogen 0.10% Urea Nitrogen 0.50% Other Water-Soluble Nitrogen Available Phosphate (P2O5) .............................................................................. 6.00 % Soluble Potash (K2O) ...................................................................................... 15.00 % Magnesium (Mg) ............................................................................................... 5.20 % Sulfur (S)............................................................................................................3.80 % Boron (B) ........................................................................................................... 0.20 % Copper (Cu) ....................................................................................................... 0.75 % Manganese (Mn) ............................................................................................... 0.90 % 0.90% Chelated Manganese Molybdenum (Mo) ........................................................................................... 0.014 % Zinc (Zn) ............................................................................................................ 0.45 % 0.45% Chelated Zinc

SOIL B GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Manufactured for and guaranteed by: GOLD LABEL US INC.

IF SWALLOWED:Call a poison center/doctor if you feel unwell. Rinse mouth.

FIRST AID 208

In association with: GOLD LABEL / SPECIAL MIX B.V. Oosteinderweg 303A 1432AW – Aalsmeer – The Netherlands

Store away from incompatible materials. Dispose of contents / container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL www.goldlabel.nl Net weight: 25 pounds (11.34kg)

Distributed by: GOLD LABEL US INC 90 Jarvis Circle Sacramento, CA 95834

11-0-5

To the extent permitted by law, neither Manufacturer nor Seller shall be liable for any incidental, consequential or special damages resulting from the use or handling of this product. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE BUYER OR OR USER, AND THE EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY OF MANUFACTURER AND A GUARANTEED ANALYSIS SELLER, FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, INJURIES SOIL OR DAMAGES Total Nitrogen (N)........................................................................................11.00 % (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED ON BREACH OF WARRANTY, CONTRACT, 10.50% Nitrate Nitrogen NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) RESULTING FROM 0.50% Other Water-Soluble Nitrogen THE USE OR HANDLIUNG OF THIS PRODUCT, SHALL BE THE RETURN Soluble Potash OF (K2O) ................................................................................... 5.00 % OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THIS PRODUCT, OR, AT THE ELECTION MANUFACTURER OR SELLER, THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT. Calcium (Ca) .............................................................................................. 18.00 % Seller warrants that this product confirms to the chemical description on the label. EXCEPT FOR THIS WARRANTY, THE PRODUCT IS FURNISHED “AS-IS.” AND NEITHER SELLER NOR MANUFACTURER MAKES ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE SELECTION, PURCHASE OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT; SELLER AND MANUFACTURER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Buyer and User accept all risks arising from any use of this product, including without limitation us contrary to label instructions, under abnormal conditions, or under conditions not reasonably foreseeable to (or beyond the control of) Seller or Manufacturer. The Directions of Use of the product should be followed carefully. It is impossible to eliminate all risks inherently associated with the use of this product. Crop injury, ineffectiveness, or other unintended consequences may result because of many different factors including, without limitation, manner of use application, weather, combination with other products, or crop conditions. All such risks shall be assumed by Buyer and User, and User agree to hold Manufacturer and seller harmless from any claims relating to such factors. NOTICE: Read the entire Directions for use and Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability before buying or using this product. If the terms are not acceptable return the product at once, unopened, and the purchase price will be refunded.

Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability: Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html

PRECAUTION

ULTRA MG GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warrantyand Liability:

884

7.75

flowering

GOLD LABEL SOIL A can be used as part of a comprehensive nutrition program for optimizing plant growth, development, yield and quality.

These Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State California, excluding its conflicts of laws and rules, and many not amended by any oral or written agreement. NOTICE: Read the entire Directions for use and Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability before buying or using this product. If the terms are not acceptable return the product at once, unopened, and the purchase price will be refunded.

Or:

Manufactured for and guaranteed by: GOLD LABEL US INC.

Concentrated Plant-Fertilizer

Total Nitrogen (N)....................................................................................... 10.00 % 7.0% Nitrate Nitrogen 2.0% Urea Nitrogen 1.0% Other Water-Soluble Nitrogen Magnesium (Mg) .......................................................................................... 7.90 % 0.30 % Chelated Magnesium Sulfur (S) ...................................................................................................... 2.30 % Boron (B) ..................................................................................................... 0.06 % Iron (Fe) ....................................................................................................... 0.20 % Copper (Cu) .................................................................................................0.15 % Manganese (Mn) ...........................................................................................0.15 % Molybdenum (Mo) ........................................................................................ 0.02 % Zinc (Zn) .......................................................................................................0.15 %

2.5

AVAILABLE NOW!

ULTRA

The Directions of Use of the product should be followed carefully. It is impossible to eliminate all risks inherently associated with the use of this product. Crop injury, ineffectiveness, or other unintended consequences may result because of many different factors including, without limitation, manner of use application, weather, combination with other products, or crop conditions. All such risks shall be assumed by Buyer and User, and User agree to hold Manufacturer and seller harmless from any claims relating to such factors.

In association with: GOLD LABEL / SPECIAL MIX B.V. Oosteinderweg 303A 1432AW – Aalsmeer – The Netherlands The Directions of Use of the product should be followed carefully. It is impossible to eliminate all risks inherently associated with the use of this product. Crop injury, ineffectiveness, or other unintended consequences may result because of many different factors including, without limitation, manner of use application, weather, combination with other products, or crop conditions. All such risks shall be assumed by Buyer and User, and User agree to hold Manufacturer and seller harmless from any claims relating to such factors.

650

5.75

transition

Application Soil A dry soluble is your complete mix for concentrated solutions applicable for computerized irrigation management systems.

10-0-0

ULTRA

8 719699 492899

• Easy soluble • Highly Concentrated • Chelated trace elements

Do not ingest. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Avoid breathing dust, vapor or mist.

8 719699 492899

www.goldlabel.nl Net weight: 25 pounds (11.34kg)

PRECAUTIONAIRY STATEMENTS

flush

Prevention: Observe good industrial hygiene practices. Response: Wash hands after handling.

flush

624

Additional information is given in the Safety Data Sheet. This product is not known to be a “Hazardous Chemical” as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. All components are listed on or exempted from the U.S. EPA TSCA Inventory List.

2.4 5.25

For chemical spills, leaks fire or exposure, Call CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300.

final

6.2

832

FIRST AID

6.2

maturation

3.2

650

In all cases, call a poison center or doctor for further treatment advice.

flowering

2.5 5.25

IF SWALLOWED, call a poison center or doctor immediately. Have person sip a glass of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told by a poison control center or doctor. Do not give anything to an unconscious person. IF ON SKIN, take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. IF INHALED, move person to fresh air. If person is not breathing, call 911 or an ambulance, then give artificial respiration. IF IN EYES, hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing.

transition

1.6 3.5

416

veg

www.goldlabel.nl Net weight: 25 pounds (11.34kg)

DERIVED FROM: Urea, Magnesium Sulfate, Magnesium EDTA, Magnesium Nitrate, Boric Acid, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Molybdate, Zinc Sulfate, and Soy Protein Hydrolysate.

208

Biuret (Max.) ................................................................................................ 0.05 %

1.7 veg

0.8 1.75

WARNING: This product contains Boron. Do not use on crops that may be susceptible to Boron.

5.8

lb/1000 Gal. water gr./1000 L water

WARNING: This product is to be used only on crops which respond to molybdenum. Crops high in molybdenum are toxic to grazing animals (ruminants).

442

3.75

1.8

5.8

Distributed by: GOLD LABEL US INC 90 Jarvis Circle Sacramento, CA 95834

Concentrated Plant-Fertilizer

Soil A

www.goldlabel.nl Net weight: 25 pounds (11.34kg)

325

1.25

veg/start

Soil B

Dosage: 0.25 – 0.75 gram / gallon water • 0.45 – 1.25 lb on 1000 gallon water. Gradually increase dosages.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

gr./1000 L water lb/1000 Gal. water

gr./1 Gal. water

Consult your area Gold Label representative for specific recommendations at info@goldlabel.nl.

8 719699 492905

8 719699 492882

Application Soil B dry soluble is your complete mix for concentrated solutions applicable for computerized irrigation management systems.

3-42-27

Application Ultra PK dry soluble is your complete mix for concentrated solutions applicable for computerized irrigation management systems.

Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storage, disposal or cleaning of equipment. Store in a safe manner. Store in original package only and keep tightly sealed when not in use. Dispose of unused product and empty package in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

GOLD LABEL SOIL B can be used as part of a comprehensive nutrition program for optimizing plant growth, development, yield and quality.

GOLD LABEL ULTRA PK can be used as part of a comprehensive nutrition program for optimizing plant growth, development, yield and quality.

In association with: GOLD LABEL / SPECIAL MIX B.V. Oosteinderweg 303A 1432AW – Aalsmeer – The Netherlands

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

gr./1 Gal. water

ULTRA

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Manufactured for and guaranteed by: GOLD LABEL US INC.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

Store away from incompatible materials. Dispose of contents/ container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.

Concentrated Plant-Fertilizer

5-6-15

IF SWALLOWED: Call a poison center/doctor if you feel unwell. Rinse mouth.

Or:

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

Manufactured for and guaranteed by: GOLD LABEL US INC.

FIRST AID

In all cases, call a poison center or doctor for further treatment advice. IF SWALLOWED, call a poison center or doctor immediately. Have person sip a glass of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told by a poison control center or doctor. Do not give anything to an unconscious person. IF ON SKIN, take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. IF INHALED, move person to fresh air. If person is not breathing, call 911 or an ambulance, then give artificial respiration. IF IN EYES, hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing. Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storage, disposal or cleaning of equipment. Store in a safe manner. Store in original package only and keep tightly sealed when not in use. Dispose of unused product and empty package in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

Concentrated Plant-Fertilizer

Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat drink or smoke using this product. For chemical spills, leaks fire or exposure, Call CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300.

FIRST AID

GOLD LABEL ULTRA PK can be used as part of a comprehensive nutrition program for optimizing plant growth, development, yield and quality.

Harmful if swallowed.

PRECAUTIONAIRY STATEMENTS

For chemical spills, leaks fire or exposure, Call CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300.

In association with: GOLD LABEL / SPECIAL MIX B.V. Oosteinderweg 303A 1432AW – Aalsmeer – The Netherlands

WARNING

www.goldlabel.nl Net weight: 25 pounds (11.34kg)

Distributed by: GOLD LABEL US INC 90 Jarvis Circle Sacramento, CA 95834

8 719699 492882

1.75

flush

veg/start

flush

Soil B

flush

2.5 650

Soil B

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

final

6.2 5.75

884

lb/1000 Gal. water

6.2

maturation

3.4 7.75

650

gr./1000 L water

flowering

2.5 5.75

gr./1 Gal. water

transition

1.7 442

veg

3.75

www.goldlabel.nl Net weight: 25 pounds (11.34kg)

Prevention: Observe good industrial hygiene practices. Response: Wash hands after handling.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

1.8 325

PRECAUTIONAIRY STATEMENTS

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

GOLD LABEL ULTRA MG can be used as part of a comprehensive nutrition program for optimizing plant growth, development, yield and quality. Or: Application Ultra MG dry soluble is your complete mix for concentrated solutions applicable for computerized irrigation management systems. Consult your area Gold Label representative for specific recommendations at info@goldlabel.nl. Dosage: 0,5 g/ gallon – 1.0 lb/ 1000 gal

PRECAUTION

5.8 1.25

gr./1000 L water

Do not ingest. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Avoid breathing dust, vapor or mist.

Distributed by: GOLD LABEL US INC 90 Jarvis Circle Sacramento, CA 95834

Do not ingest. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Avoid breathing dust, vapor or mist.

pH lb/1000 Gal. water

10-0-0

PRECAUTIONAIRY STATEMENTS

veg/start

Soil A gr./1 Gal. water

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

3-42-27

WARNING: This product is to be used only on crops which respond to molybdenum. Crops high in molybdenum are toxic to grazing animals.(ruminants).

NOTICE: Read the entire Directions for use and Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability before buying or using this product. If the terms are not acceptable return the product at once, unopened, and the purchase price will be refunded. The Directions of Use of the product should be followed carefully. It is impossible to eliminate all risks inherently associated with the use of this product. Crop injury, ineffectiveness, or other unintended consequences may result because of many different factors including, without limitation, manner of use application, weather, combination with other products, or crop conditions. All such risks shall be assumed by Buyer and User, and User agree to hold Manufacturer and seller harmless from any claims relating to such factors.

Or:

WARNING: This product contains Boron. Do not use on crops that may be susceptible to Boron.

PRECAUTION

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html

Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability:

Application Ultra PK dry soluble is your complete mix for concentrated solutions applicable for computerized irrigation management systems.

DERIVED FROM: Urea, Monopotassium, Phosphate, Potassium Carbonate, Potassium Nitrate, Boric Acid, Copper Sulfate, Manganese EDTA, Magnesium Nitrate, Zinc EDTA and Sodium Molybdate.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

In association with: GOLD LABEL / SPECIAL MIX B.V. Oosteinderweg 303A 1432AW – Aalsmeer – The Netherlands

Prevention: Observe good industrial hygiene practices. Response: Wash hands after handling.

GOLD LABEL US INC 90 Jarvis Circle Sacramento, CA 95834

Consult your area Gold Label representative for specific recommendations at info@goldlabel.nl.

DERIVED FROM: Monoammonium Phosphate, Monopotassium Phosphate, Potassium Sulfate, and Soy Protein Hydrolysate.

Manufactured for and guaranteed by: GOLD LABEL US INC.

Application Soil A dry soluble is your complete mix for concentrated solutions applicable for computerized irrigation management systems.

Concentrated Plant-Fertilizer

ULTRA PK GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Nitrogen (N)......................................................................................... 3.00 % 2.00 % Ammoniacal Nitrogen 1.00 % Other Water-Soluble Nitrogen Available Phosphate (P2O5) ....................................................................... 42.00 % Soluble Potash (K2O) ..................................................................................27.00 % Sulfur (S) .......................................................................................................2.10 %

Or:

Consult your area Gold Label representative for specific recommendations at info@goldlabel.nl.

11-0-5

GOLD LABEL SOIL A can be used as part of a comprehensive nutrition program for optimizing plant growth, development, yield and quality.

FIRST AID

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

FIRST AID

In all cases, call a poison center or doctor for further treatment advice.

Store away from incompatible materials. Dispose of contents / container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.

Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability:

Dosage: 0.25 – 0.75 gram / gallon water • 0.45 – 1.25 lb on 1000 gallon water. Gradually increase dosages.

Concentrated Plant-Fertilizer

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

Distributed by: GOLD LABEL US INC 90 Jarvis Circle Sacramento, CA 95834

IF SWALLOWED:Call a poison center/doctor if you feel unwell. Rinse mouth.

PRECAUTIONAIRY STATEMENTS

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html

FIRST AID

Do not ingest. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Avoid breathing dust, vapor or mist. Prevention: Observe good industrial hygiene practices. Response: Wash hands after handling.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

For chemical spills, leaks fire or exposure, Call CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300.

PRECAUTION

To the extent permitted by law, neither Manufacturer nor Seller shall be liable for any incidental, consequential or special damages resulting from the use or handling of this product. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE BUYER OR OR USER, AND THE EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY OF MANUFACTURER AND B GUARANTEED ANALYSIS SELLER, FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, INJURIES SOIL OR DAMAGES (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED ON BREACH OF WARRANTY, CONTRACT, Total Nitrogen (N) .............................................................................................. 5.00 % NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) RESULTING FROM 4.40% Nitrate Nitrogen THE USE OR HANDLIUNG OF THIS PRODUCT, SHALL BE THE RETURN 0.10% Urea Nitrogen OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THIS PRODUCT, OR, AT THE 0.50% ELECTION OtherOF Water-Soluble Nitrogen MANUFACTURER OR SELLER, THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT. Available Phosphate (P2O5) .............................................................................. 6.00 % Soluble These Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability shallPotash be (K2O) ...................................................................................... 15.00 % Magnesium (Mg) ............................................................................................... 5.20 % interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State California, excluding its conflicts of laws and rules, and many not amended by any oralSulfur or written (S)............................................................................................................3.80 % agreement. Boron (B) ........................................................................................................... 0.20 % Copper (Cu) ....................................................................................................... 0.75 % Manufactured for and guaranteed by: Manganese (Mn) ............................................................................................... 0.90 % GOLD LABEL US INC. 0.90% Chelated Manganese In association with: Molybdenum (Mo) ........................................................................................... 0.014 % GOLD LABEL / SPECIAL MIX B.V. Oosteinderweg 303A 1432AW – Aalsmeer – The NetherlandsZinc (Zn) ............................................................................................................ 0.45 % 0.45% Chelated Zinc Distributed by:

www.goldlabel.nl Net weight: 25 pounds (11.34kg)

Soil A

Harmful if swallowed.

PRECAUTIONAIRY STATEMENTS

Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat drink or smoke using this product.

WARNING

WARNING: This product contains Boron. Do not use on crops that may be susceptible to Boron.

ULTRA

DERIVED FROM: Urea, Magnesium Sulfate, Magnesium EDTA, Magnesium Nitrate, Boric Acid, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Molybdate, Zinc Sulfate, and Soy Protein Hydrolysate.

8 719699 492905

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html

Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warrantyand Liability:

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

www.goldlabel.nl Net weight: 25 pounds (11.34kg)

DERIVED FROM: Calcium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Calcium Chloride, Iron EDTA, Manganese EDTA and Zinc EDTA.

ULTRA MG GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html

Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability:

SOIL A GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Nitrogen (N)........................................................................................11.00 % 10.50% Nitrate Nitrogen 0.50% Other Water-Soluble Nitrogen Soluble Potash (K2O) ................................................................................... 5.00 % Calcium (Ca) .............................................................................................. 18.00 % Iron (Fe). ...................................................................................................... 0.50 % 0.50% Chelated Iron Manganese (Mn) .......................................................................................... 0.30 % 0.30% Chelated Manganese Zinc (Zn) ...................................................................................................... 0.20 % 0.20% Chelated Zinc

Seller warrants that this product confirms to the chemical description on the label. EXCEPT FOR THIS WARRANTY, THE PRODUCT IS FURNISHED “AS-IS.” AND NEITHER SELLER NOR MANUFACTURER MAKES ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE SELECTION, PURCHASE OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT; SELLER AND MANUFACTURER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Buyer and User accept all risks arising from any use of this product, including without limitation us contrary to label instructions, under abnormal conditions, or under conditions not reasonably foreseeable to (or beyond the control of) Seller or Manufacturer. The Directions of Use of the product should be followed carefully. It is impossible to eliminate all risks inherently associated with the use of this product. Crop injury, ineffectiveness, or other unintended consequences may result because of many different factors including, without limitation, manner of use application, weather, combination with other products, or crop conditions. All such risks shall be assumed by Buyer and User, and User agree to hold Manufacturer and seller harmless from any claims relating to such factors. NOTICE: Read the entire Directions for use and Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability before buying or using this product. If the terms are not acceptable return the product at once, unopened, and the purchase price will be refunded.

Conditions of Sale and Limitation of Warranty and Liability: Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html

GROWING PROJECTS

s ’ o Whowing at USA h Gr e W Wher &

Canada

Durham, Connecticut

Plant Passion

Credit: Shadle Farm

Mark and Ami Shadle have taken the term “Farm to Table” to a whole new level. The couple runs an incredibly successful vegan and vegetarian restaurant called G-Zen on Shadle Farm using the organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants grown on their 270-year-old property. The menu at the restaurant changes daily based on what is available for harvest; ingredients have traveled just a few steps to the plate, ensuring maximum freshness. Beyond creating nutritious, plantbased dishes, the couple has a passion for sustainability. Mark and Ami compost the kitchen scraps and give it back to the soil, creating nutrient-dense growing space for the next crops. And the entire property, including the farm and the restaurant, run exclusively on solar power. Shadle Farm hopes to serve as an example of how we can all make a difference and have a significant impact on the planet.

From farm to table, and then back to the farm again. Learn more: g-zen.com/index.php facebook.com/GZenRestaurant @GZenRestaurant gzenrestaurant

Montreal, Canada

An urban gardening pilot project might open a world of possibilities where ‘local’ wine is concerned. Vignes en Ville (Vines in the City) is growing grapes in grow bags on four Montreal rooftops, including the Palais des Congrès. But wine is not the primary goal of this unique endeavor. Montreal’s Urban Agriculture Laboratory is studying the use of crushed glass from a local recycling center as a growing medium! The research group believes glass might work better than sand and soil because it reflects the sun, a quality desired in chilly climates that are not conducive to growing grapevines. Sand is also non-renewable, so finding an eco-friendly alternative is essential. Montreal’s changing seasons mean the grapes don’t have a lot of time to mature and are more acidic, so Vignes en Ville has harvested some of the fruit and made it into a sparkling rosé. The wine is not yet ready for resale, but this urban gardening initiative demonstrates that rooftops in cities everywhere have so much potential to go green! Innovation and inspiration. Learn more: au-lab.ca/recherche/vignes-en-ville facebook.com/vignesenville

Vignes en Ville / Facebook

Vines In The City

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Grow your own â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no matter where you live. Sustainable, efficient gardening. New hints and tips from our blog delivered to your inbox weekly, and be the first to know when the latest print magazine lands in a progressive garden shop near you.

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GROWING PROJECTS

s ’ o Whowing hat Gr W Where

Environmental and Human Health

Songbird Haven Farm grows seasonal fruits and vegetables on a half-acre plot on the ancestral land of the Coast Salish people, but there’s a lot more to it. Farmers Noa Kay and Mark Albonizio want the local community to have a connection with the food they eat. By signing up for the weekly CSA veggie boxes, customers enjoy healthy diets while also getting to know the soil the produce was grown in and the couple that worked incredibly hard to grow it. Furthermore, Noa and Mark have a strong bond with nature and farm in a way that supports creatures above and below the ground. They follow no-till and organic techniques to create healthy soils, produce, and people. The couple also works with the seasons to grow delicious crops year-round. Believing strongly in the parallel between human and environmental health, Songbird Haven Farm has made it a duty to learn regenerative practices to fix a broken food system, boost local communities, and help the climate while doing it. Making a real difference. Learn more: songbirdhavenfarm.com @songbirdhaven

Wentworth-North, Canada

Credit: Songbird Haven Farm

3. Woodinville, WA

USA

& Canada

Porcupine Experimental Forest Farm

Heather Jackson and Regan Moram are no strangers to hard work. After purchasing a property in 2011, the couple turned an empty lot of compacted gravel into a thriving homestead. Following permaculture principals, they built their soil by hand, tirelessly layering leaves, cardboard, mulch, grass clippings, and other organic materials like a lasagna. Their original vision is now a reality, and on just a quarter of an acre, they grow squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, berries, brussels sprouts, kale, gooseberries, nut trees, and more. Moram has a license to grow medical cannabis; four different varieties can be found throughout the garden and greenhouse. Growing flowers is Jackson’s true passion. Working with the Laurentian mountains’ seasons, she tends to tulips and daffodils in the fall, sunflowers, zinnias, and solidago in the summer, and chrysanthemums in the fall. Native plants are her mainstay, but she also experiments with vines like hops and kiwis and includes many medicinal plants in her bouquets. The flowers are excellent companions for the veggies they grow, and the flock of chickens and ducks they keep help with pest control. The homestead is the perfect definition of self-sustainability; when the COVID-19 outbreak forced everyone into lockdown last spring, Jackson and Moram felt they were well-positioned to handle the crisis and resulting shortages in the supply chain. Plans for the future include a pasture for sheep and goats. 3 Feed the soil; everything else falls into place. Learn more: homesteadnomads.com agronomades @agronomades

BY DR. CALLIE SEAMAN

Exciting Enzymes A Basic Introduction

In a process referred to as the ‘lock and key’ hypothesis, only one specific key can activate the enzyme

EXCITING ENZYMES

nzymes are essential organic molecules found in all living organisms, including plants and humans. Without enzymes, the complex reactions within us would take an eternity to happen. More than 2,000 responses can take place within a cell at once, and environmental factors such as

temperature and pressure dictate the rate at which they happen. Reactions tend to slow with decreased temperature, so something more is needed if anything is going to get done.

What Are Enzymes? Enzymes are highly specific proteins made up of chains of amino acids all folded together, also known as catalysis. These proteins help speed up reactions within cells. They do not take par t in the reactions, but rather, move them along and are often reused over again.

More than 2,000 responses can take place within a cell at once, and environmental factors such as temperature and pressure dictate the rate at which they happen

Enzymes have a unique structure that folds back onto itself to form what is known as a ter tiary structure, a specific shape that creates an active site ready to receive a substrate. In a process referred to as the ‘lock and key’ hypothesis, only one specific key can activate the enzyme. The substrate contains the substances involved in the reaction, which come together to form a product. Within the active site, the energy of the response lowers, therefore, allowing the reaction to take place faster in cooler temperatures. The diagram below demonstrates this schematically.

Enzyme type

In a more complicated reaction, there are substances known as co-factors, which also activate the enzyme once the substrate has entered the active site. If the tertiary structure is rearranged or destroyed by heatoxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, the protein will no longer function. This process is known as ‘denaturing’ of the enzyme. Fundamentally, there are six functional classes of enzymes based on the type of reaction they are involved. These can be found in the table below. Function

Ligases

Involved in the ligation process where phosphate ester linkages form between two molecules or two DNA strands.

Oxidoreductases

Increases the rate of oxidation, helping the movement of electrons from one molecule to another.

Transferases

Helps with the moving/transferring of functional groups from one molecule to another.

Isomerases

Involved in the process of changing a molecule from the alpha to the beta form of isomer. It creates a structural shift in the molecule, rather than a breaking down or bonding of molecules.

Lyases

Involved in decarboxylation, dehydration, and the removal of ammonia to create double bonds. They also do the opposite by adding equal carbon dioxide, water, and ammonia into double bonds within the structure.

Hydrolases

Involved in hydrolysis where bonds are cleaved, and water is added to the molecule.

EXCITING ENZYMES

Enzymes can be useful in the garden, particularly when recycling growing media or releasing locked up nutrients

It is easy to spot enzymes on an ingredient list because they almost always end with the suffix “ase” and the beginning of the word usually describes the type of reaction they spark Can You Spot The Enzyme? It is easy to spot enzymes on an ingredient list because they almost always end with the suffix “ase” and the beginning of the word usually describes the type of reaction they spark. For example, protease helps with the break down of proteins. There are always exceptions to the rule, and some enzymes end with the suffix “in”, such as Ficin. Plants contain hundreds of thousands of enzymes and are a source for many raw ingredients used in the manufacturing sector, including dairy products like cheese to drain-cleaning products. Enzymes are used to reduce the haze found in beer and to help break down the wood fiber in paper production. Fungi such as Trichoderma sp and Humicola, algae, and bacteria are often farmed to produce enzymes for commercial purposes. Enzymes can be useful in the garden, par ticularly when recycling growing media or releasing locked up nutrients. The type of enzyme and when it is used will depend on what task you are trying to achieve. If looking to recycle media, use cellulase and pectinase-based products, which help to break down the cell walls of plant tissue. Any remaining roots left in the media can, therefore, be given back to the plant in the next cycle. Phosphates are easily locked up in the media or bind to calcium, making their bioavailability limited. For this type of problem, a phosphatase-based product would be best to help release them.

Below is a list of the most commonly found enzymes in products at your local hydroponic store and a summary of what they do. •

Phenol oxidase – This enzyme is responsible for the browning of fruit by catalyzing the oxidation of o-diphenols to produce o-quinones, along with the hydroxylation of monophenols.

•

Phosphatase – Releases phosphate through a process of hydrolysis phosphoric acid monoesters, which are found in most plant material.

•

N-acetyl-Glucosaminidase – Involved in the hydrolysis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, which helps control the production of the plant hormone gibberellin.

•

Cellulase - Breaks down cellulose, the starchy material in plant matter, through a process known as hydrolysis. Glucose or other sugars are produced as a result.

•

Xylanase - Breaks down one of the major components in plant cell walls, the polysaccharide xylan into xylose.

•

Pectinase - Breaks down pectin, a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls.

•

Beta glucanase - This enzyme aids in autolysis of yeast cells to release polysaccharides and mannoproteins, allowing nutrients to be released back into the media.

•

Ferulic acid esterase (Hemicellulase) - Releases Ferulic acid from cell walls. Ferulic acid helps with cell wall rigidity, acting as a crosslink between the lignins and polysaccharides found in lignocellulose of plant cell walls. This works best if xylanase and other enzymes are present. 3

Bio

Dr. Callie Seaman is a plant-obsessed Formulation Chemist at AquaLabs – the company behind SHOGUN Fertilizers and the Silver Bullet plant health range. She has been in the hydro industry for 15 years in research development and manufacturing and had previously worked on the VitaLink range. She has a Ph.D. in fertilizer chemistry and a BSc (HONS) in Biomedical Sciences and loves nothing more than applying this knowledge to pushing the boundaries of nutrient performance.

GROWER TESTIMONIALS

@ADJUSTAWINGS420

WWW.ADJUSTAWINGS.COM

NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTORS:

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

Edible Landscape Movement

A Light

In The Darkness Turning Lawns Into Mini-Farms Grows Produce And Community

EDIBLE LANDSCAPE MOVEMENT

hen the coronavirus pandemic forced the world into lockdown last spring, a wave of anxiety

came over Linda McDonald of Linlithgow,

COVID-19 has sparked worldwide interest in the grow your own movement. People everywhere are beginning to understand that access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable foods cannot be taken for granted

Scotland. Shortages associated with problems in the supply chain and panic buying made her want to take responsibility for producing at least some of her food. Jen Gates, also a resident of Linlithgow, needed something to take the edge off of quarantine. She decided growing produce was the healthiest way to do it.

McDonald and Gates arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alone. COVID-19 has sparked worldwide interest in the grow your own movement. People everywhere are beginning to understand that access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable foods cannot be taken for granted. Fur thermore, exper ts consistently promote the mental health benefits associated with gardening. Sowing seeds and watching them grow helps people feel positive and take charge when everything else seems to be spiralling out of control. The parallels between human and environmental health have never been so clear. The ladies are both members of an incredible campaign born in their town during the COVID-19 lockdown. Farmily is an initiative launched by Iain Withers, a Scottish farmer who wanted to boost the local food economy by helping his neighbors become more food secure and connect with what they eat. Withers and his team at Narrowboat Farm have helped distribute 500 star ter packs to the community, which include things like pots and star ter trays, compost, seeds, and planting instructions. They have also given 150 raised beds to people in the area. The response has been incredible, and to date, approximately 300 minifarms have popped-up in yards all over Linlithgow. Withers says he can see many of his friends and neighbors are now hooked on growing, swapping seeds, produce, recipes, and advice.

900 PROPAGULES PER GRAM,

YOU WILL NEVER GROW WITHOUT IT AGAIN.

DISTRIBUTED BY:

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EDIBLE LANDSCAPE MOVEMENT

The response has been incredible, and to date, approximately 300 minifarms have popped-up in yards all over Linlithgow

“We know a lot of people will now see this as an annual project and not just a COVID-19 project,” he says. “We can tell by the expansions people are already planning and putting in place for their growing; installing polytunnels and greenhouses, building raised beds, and looking for advice for over-wintering veggies.” Beyond helping residents star t gardens with tangible necessities, Withers has also created a Farmily Facebook group where people can come together vir tually and share knowledge, stories of failures and successes, and ask various growing-related questions. The group is more than 600 members strong to date, and many exper t gardeners par ticipate and guide newbies through the various tasks, from seed to harvest. But Withers doesn’t care about one’s level of experience; he only requires that everyone in the group be respectful and suppor t one another. So far, so good. Sam McFarlane joined the group looking for advice on her quarantine gardening effor ts and has made many friends along the way. “I’m so glad I joined as everyone is so lovely and there’s no question too daft,” she explains. “It’s not often you find such warm communities online.” Every member has their reasons for joining Farmily. Linda Hamilton needed advice after taking over the vegetable garden when her husband passed last year. Caitlin Sedge and Emily Oliver moved to the One is for Biofloral Canadian area during theDistributor lockdown andwith werecannabis looking for a the other for UK Highlight Wholesale no Cannabis way to integrate. Helen Wallace refers to Farmily as image a lifelinethat’s that allowed her to interact with others some other similar not weed. at a time when she couldn’t leave her home. Shona and Colin Cavanagh wanted to introduce gardening to their children and help encourage them to eat more vegetables. Another member needed a source of food for her guinea pig, Calvin! The reasons for joining Farmily vary, but every one of them is valid. After hearing from many of the members, it is clear that Farmily has helped fill many voids and not just hungry bellies.

EDIBLE LANDSCAPE MOVEMENT

The reasons for joining Farmily vary, but every one of them is valid. After hearing from many of the members, it is clear that Farmily has helped fill many voids and not just hungry bellies

Farmily is proving that anyone can grow food for their families, even if they’re just star ting out. Fiona Shields wanted to grow salad greens and potatoes with her two young boys while at home in isolation; after joining the group, she now has a couple of raised beds and a mini greenhouse on her proper ty. The problem, she says, is making sure her harvest makes it the few steps to the kitchen. “My boys keep asking to eat the peas straight from the pod in the garden,” she says. “Seeing the cucumbers grow has been amazing! I never thought I’d be able to grow so many edible things. I’ve never been able to keep a houseplant alive!” From tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, and salad greens to beans, sweet corn, and more, there is an abundance of fresh, organic produce growing around Linlithgow now. Some harvests are big, and others are relatively small, but to Farmily, every single tomato counts. Withers says he’s proud of the sense of community that has grown alongside the fruits and vegetables in his town. While Farmily is open to residents of Linlithgow, he says the concept can be applied in any community around the world. “I think the Farmily model is a cracking model to follow,” he says. “It’s a friendly, suppor tive vibe using social media to connect people and exper ts. It includes very easy-to-follow guides for growing veg which break down the barriers for people to get into growing. Rather than being faced with way too much information on the internet, the group distils it down to personalized information and has the suppor t network to help diagnose problems and suggest solutions when things get challenging.” The group’s members can’t agree more, some of them viewing it as one of life’s most incredible experiences. “The sense of community, achievement, and just the kindness of strangers will stay with me forever,” says Vikki Betty. “A much-needed light in the darkness.” 3 89

BY CAROLINE RIVARD

A Medicinal Gem 90

GARDEN WEEDS

o some people, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

appears

the

perfect

summertime flower. Its bright yellow blooms

It can be used as a massage oil to treat sciatica, strains, and to relax muscle spasms

love hot temperatures, and you can usually find them in gardens, pastures, and roadsides. Named after St. John the Baptist, the plant is always in its full glory on June 24th, which happens to be St. John Feast day. Regrettably, this plant tends to be invasive in many parts of the United States and Canada. St. John’s wort can take over and displace native plant species, which reduces quality forage food for livestock and wildlife. Furthermore, the weed also contains the toxin hypericin, which can cause serious health issues in hungry grazers. On the bright side, St. John’s wort is a valuable medicinal weed from which we can all benefit. Since the 1980s, many scientific studies have shown the plant has properties that can help treat mild to moderate depression. But that’s not all. More recent research suggests that St. Johns wort can treat inflammation associated with several health disorders. Other evidence shows it contains many anti-cancer properties and is also a potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and neuroprotective agent. The gold flowers on this plant may help relieve physical and emotional symptoms of PMS for some women, including cramps, irritability, food cravings, and breast tenderness. There is also some evidence that St. John’s wort -- when combined with the black cohosh plant -- can help with mood swings and anxiety during menopause. This exceptional weed’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties mean it has been used for thousands of years to treat cuts, wounds, and to speed healing. An oil infusion made with the flowering tops of the plant can be applied directly to the skin. Infusing vegetable oil with the plant matter of Hypericum perforatum is an exciting experience; when the plant steeps in the oil, the mixture turns a fantastic bright red! Using fresh plant material is essential, as anything dried is less potent. St. John’s wort oil infusion (for external use only) You will need: • A glass jar big enough to contain the plant material • Some fresh flowering tops of St. John’s wort • Cold-pressed organic olive oil • A cheesecloth or dishcloth • An elastic band • A wooden spoon Harvest the flower tops of the plant as soon as they bloom on a sunny afternoon. Make sure the air is dry, as any water content on the plant matter can turn the oil moldy. When cutting, take about 3” of the plant along with the flowers.

Fill the glass jar with the plant matter, but don’t overpack. Pour in the olive oil, making sure the plants are covered. Use a wooden spoon to push the flowers down into the oil and remove any air bubbles. Take a piece of cheesecloth and secure around the mouth of the jar with an elastic band. Label the pot and let it sit in a sunny window for six weeks. Check the concoction now and then to be sure the plants are still submerged in the oil. After six weeks, strain and filter the oil, discarding the plant material. Add the oil to a bottle, label, and store in a cool cabinet. It will keep for up to a year. Many herbalists use the vibrant red infused oil of St. John’s wort to soothe and ease any pain. It can be used as a massage oil to treat sciatica, strains, and to relax muscle spasms. It works wonders on stressed shoulders and relieves neck and back pain. Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar says this lovely herb is “primarily valued as a treatment for damage to the nerve endings” (Gladstar, 2001, p. 360). Next time you find St. John’s wort taking over your garden or in a field, don’t discard it as a useless weed. Consider all of the health benefits it offers! Grab a basket, some scissors, and invite this beautiful plant into your herbal medicine cabinet. 3

Disclaimer: St. John’s wort is potent and can have side effects when combined with other medications. In some cases, the herb can either increase or decrease the effectiveness of some drugs, like birth control. Ask your health practitioner before adding St. John’s wort to your regiment. St. John’s wort may cause photosensitivity and should not be taken during pregnancy without professional guidance.

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

They’ve come up with a driverless shut tle bus to help people run their errands

A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO FOOD DESERTS

esearchers in Montreal, Canada have come up with a way to help people living in food deser ts access nutritious and affordable food. Food deser ts are urban areas typically loaded with fast-food chains and bare-bones supermarkets. Meals in these areas are easy, cheap, and

unhealthy. Fur thermore, studies have found that food deser ts are often located in low-income and immigrant or minority communities. Looking at the Montreal borough of Little Burgundy where 60-70% of people have to travel more than 500 meters on foot to do their groceries, researchers at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) are proposing a solution to the problem. They’ve come up with a driverless shuttle bus to help people run their errands.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 delayed a pilot project that was set to begin in Montreal this past summer. In the meantime, researchers are receiving feedback from the community and tweaking the proposed route as necessary. 3

Driven by artificial intelligence, the bus would travel at speeds of up to 30 km/hour (18 miles/hour) and bring residents to local grocery stores and community centers offering food and other support services. Researchers say the proposal is a cheaper and faster alternative to large city buses with drivers and multiple stops. It will also significantly help families, older people or those with mobility issues, and people who don’t own vehicles.

Sources: •

CBC News: Could an automated bus solve Little Burgundy’s food desert problem? bit.ly/33COVff

GREEN ADVICE

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

GADGETS ARE GOING GREEN You know what they say: a thriving garden is just a click away. Okay, nobody says that, but maybe they should! The world of technology is coming out with some fascinating ways people can better connect with and understand their plants. Here’s our list of the 5 cool ways tech is going green!

Garden Apps

Need help designing your garden plot? There’s an app for that. Looking for the perfect placement, companion plants, or want to identify various flowers that you come across? There are apps for that too. Any successful gardener will tell you it’s essential to keep a journal of the growing season’s highs and lows. Having a reference to look back on will help you improve your methods and yields for the next year.Technology these days allows you to digitally keep track of the garden tasks you perform, including weeding, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting. Downloading a few chosen apps is an easy way to incorporate technology into the garden and ensures you always have the information you need on your smartphone or computer, saving you from the challenge of having to decipher your scribbled handwriting.

Robotic Pollinators

Pesticides, herbicides, and destruction of natural habitats mean the world’s pollinators are facing an uphill battle. It’s a situation we certainly need to rectify, and while we all do our part to help the bees, butterflies, and other beneficial critters, technology is stepping in to do the job. Developed by researchers at West Virginia University, the BrambleBee is an autonomous pollinator used in polytunnels and greenhouses. The ground rover robot has an arm that moves from flower to flower. A built-in computer estimates flower position, size, orientation, and the actual act of pollination is done by a set of soft brush tips, similar to the tiny hairs on a bee’s body. For indoor and hobby growers, there are also tools like the VegiBee Garden Pollinator to help boost yields. Similar to an electric toothbrush, the gadget uses vibrations to drop pollen onto a spoon, which the gardener spreads to other flowers. Nature is best, but the technology that imitates it is a close second. 94

Credit: Gu et al

GREEN ADVICE

GADGETS ARE GOING GREEN

Weather Predictors

Credit: Credit_ Chris Molliso

We’ve all done it; taking the time to drench the gardens with the hose only to have the skies open up and soak the plants all over again. Frustrating, right? An agricultural technology company in Australia is aiming to help farmers grow healthy crops and save water at the same time. “The Yield” uses Microsoft artificial intelligence, data, and sensors to take the guesswork out of growing; farmers can make better decisions based on the weather and their plant and soil conditions. Sensors measure soil moisture, leaf wetness, light, wind and rain. Advanced analytics create an accurate 7-day weather forecast specific to the farm’s microclimate.The data make it easier to know when to plant, water, protect, or harvest a crop. Less food and water waste? Yes, please! Source: Microsoft News, bit.ly/2E4Ssu5 The Yield

Critter Control

Scarecrows are cute, but do they even scare anything away? Fences, on the other hand, are not cute, and can also fail us from time to time. So what other options are there for people looking to keep Bambi,Thumper, and Punxsutawney Phil out of the gardens? The first order of business is knowing what pest has decided to feast on your plants. If you don’t feel like sleeping on a lawn chair like a crazy person overnight to find out, various trail and garden cams will snap photos of the perpetrators at the scene of the crime. Plenty of retailers offer motion-sensor gadgets that either spray the garden thief with water or make loud noises to spook them. Solar-powered devices also repel rodents with ultrasonic waves. The fun part? Keep the garden camera running to watch the critters scramble. Useful and entertaining! Aspectek Solar Animal Repellent

Music Makers

There are no two ways about it; rocking out with your plants is cool. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention plant music machines as one of the most exciting ways to add technology to the garden. These incredible gadgets read the electrical currents on plant leaves and transform them into music. Some of them use Bluetooth technology; others attach to the plants with nodes. Spend a little more money and buy a synthesizer, and musicians can co-create tunes with their plants! Building connections with nature is paramount in today’s world; listening to their melodies is a fascinating way to do that. For some amazing garden tech advice, check out Tom Forrest’s Precision Before Decision on page 54. 3 96

Credit: Music of the Plants

Pioneering References

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