Indoor Growing US 35 by Garden Culture Magazine

USA - CANADA EDITION · ISSUE 35 · 2020

FREE COPY

EXPOSURE TO MIICROBIAL MASS MAY BLOW YOUR MIND. SHOULD YOUR PLANTS DEVELOP SYMPTOMS OF AWESOMENESS, PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY TO BRAG ABOUT YOUR RESULTS.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you...

AVAILABLE SIZES MIICROBIAL MASS: 125ml, 250ml, 500ml and 1L. MIICROBIAL MASS PRO: 125ml, 250ml, 500ml, 1L, 4L, 10L and 20L.

Next Generation Biostimulant. Utilizing the latest scientific understanding in soil microbiology we have created the perfect biostimulant which contains multiple strains of bacteria that aid in the uptake of Phosphorus, Calcium and Iron like no other product on Earth.

GET YOUR FREE

SAMPLE TODAY!

For more information please check back page.

For soil or hydroponic gardening, outdoor hemp production, field crops and greenhouses. Safe for use with edible crops.

â&#x20AC;˘ Certified Organic instagram @miicrobialmass

â&#x20AC;˘ CFIA Registered facebook.com/miicrobialmass

twitter.com/MiicrobialMass

INTRO

DUCIN

G PHO TOBIO â&#x20AC;¢M

X LED

Exacting Design. Extreme Efficiency. Extraordinary Performance. for serious horticultural growing

Visit us at PhantomBio.com

distributed by Hydrofarm

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

Transitioning from

HID

Grow Lights

58 52

62 WHO’S GROWING WHAT WHERE

THE HISTORY OF HYDROPONICS

A TIMELINE

I N TH IS ISSU E O F GA R D EN C U LT U R E : 9 Foreword 10 Author Spotlight 11 Product Spotlights 16 The History Of Hydroponics - A Timeline 24 Science Corner:VPD 26 Best Of The Blog: Kiss The Ground 28 Going With The Flow 32 Water, Water, Everywhere! 36 Agriculture in Politics 42 Urban Farms in Skyscrapers 47 New Holiday Tradition 48 The Ins and Outs of Organic Cloning

16 52 Nightmare on NPK Street 58 Transitioning from HID to LED Grow Lights 62 Fungi Life Cycle 69 Reviving Old Seeds 73 Pest Prevention: The Itsy Bitsy Spider Mite 76 The Health Benefits of Growing Plants Indoors 85 Who’s Growing What Where 88 Castrated Seeds Explained 93 ROC: Regenerative Organic Certification 98 Medicinal Weeds: Wild Raspberries 101 Acai Berries - Potential Treatment 102 5 Cool Ways To Learn About Sustainable And Regenerative Growing

FOREWORD & CREDITS

FOREWORD

020 has been one hell of a year ; the spring and summer months saw record-level numbers of people turning to their gardens for solace. Sales of

seeds, soil, and gardening equipment also hit record highs. The harvest moon has come and gone, leaving most gardens sitting bare until the warm weather returns.

Gardening is rising in popularity, but only a fraction of the people getting their hands dirty grow indoors. However, more are choosing to bring their growing ventures inside, often because gardening outdoors can be so limiting. Your zone dictates your choice of veg, the weather is getting more unpredictable, and pests of all kinds have easy access. It can take just one big hail storm to decimate your hard work. When you garden indoors, it will never hail. If properly controlled, the environment is always perfect. The team at Garden Culture can help you get there; we can also help with plant nutrition, watering schedules, lighting, and more. In this issue, Stephen Brookes gives an overview of Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD). An industry buzzword these days, VPD is a new way of looking at the relationship between temperature, humidity, and plant growth. HID lighting has been the staple forever, but the new LEDs are starting to fly off the shelves. Different lights require different growing techniques. In Important Concepts for Transitioning from HID to LED Grow Lights, Alex Fraser explains just that. We also look back at one of the oldest methods of gardening indoors in The History of Hydroponics - A Timeline by Jesse Singer and get to know industry legend and founder of GHE, now Terra Aquatica, William Texier a little better. Passionate gardeners can extend their season if they have a space

CREDITS Special thanks to: Albert Mondor, Alex Fraser, Anne Gibson, Ari Singer, Caroline Rivard, Catherine Sherriffs, Cody J Garrett-Tait, Cosmic Knot, Dr Callie Seaman, Evan Folds, Jesse Singer, Martyna Krol, Nico Hill, Rich Hamilton, and Stephen Brookes. PRESIDENT Eric Coulombe eric@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-233-1539 E XECU T I V E ED I TO R Celia Sayers celia@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-1539 ED I TO R Catherine Sherriffs cat@gardenculturemagazine.com DESIGN Job Hugenholtz job@gardenculturemagazine.com D I G I TA L & SO CI A L M A R K E T I N G CO O R D I N ATO R Serena Sayers serena@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-0062 ADVERTISING ads@gardenculturemagazine.com PUBLISHER 325 Media 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.

in the kitchen, an unused closet, or an area in the basement. Help

@GardenCulture

seed the movement. Teach your friends and family. You can start

@GardenCultureMagazine

@Garden_Culture

by giving this magazine along to someone who is anxiously awaiting spring. Happy indoor gardening, Eric 3

D I ST R I B U T I O N PA R T N ER S • Hydrofarm • Stellar Wholesale • pHive.8 • Autopot USA • Biofloral USA • Eddi’s • Biofloral

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

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Author Spotlight

credit: Tom Rust

Growing organic is simple; all of my ingredients come from nearby farms. It’s a marathon rather than a sprint; it takes some building and hard work at first, but long term results are easy to achieve.

rom natural beekeeping, wildflowers, and allotment gardens to guerilla gardening, aquaponics, and avoiding troubles in the grow room, Garden Culture’s Martyna

Krol covers it all! Let’s get to know this writer and gardener extraordinaire a little better, shall we? What’s your growing motto? Never give up! Sometimes the results aren’t as expected, the space too small, the weather too wet and so on, but they can be taken as lessons rather than disappointments. I try to observe and learn, read about it and assess, so when the conditions are better, I can implement what I’ve learned next time. What is your favorite plant to grow? Tricky question! I love them all for their different qualities, but one that’s been close to my hear t recently is Achocha ‘Fat Baby’. It’s a small, cucumber that resembles a hedgehog from South America. It has a remarkable taste and is very easy to grow, even in wet England.

Martyna Krol

Do you grow organically? I do, however, I also used mineral nutrients in hydroponics and I don’t have anything against them. I primarily grow in soil, so I create a sustainable environment for soil animals and other little critters, as they do half the work for me. Growing organic is simple; all of my ingredients come from nearby farms. It’s a marathon rather than a sprint; it takes some building and hard work at first, but long term results are easy to achieve. What is your favorite food? All of it, I don’t discriminate! Mash can be eaten every day (Polish roots are hard to get rid of ), homegrown roasted veg, fresh juices. It would be easier to say what’s my least favorite food: an aubergine. What is on your playlist right now? Oh, dear! Not up to everyone’s taste, but it’s my go-to playlist called ‘The Slaughterhouse,’ which contains equally energizing and relaxing death and black metal classics. Currently on ‘Cannibal Corpse Make them suffer.’ I do listen to ‘normal’ music too, I promise. 3

Are you interested in writing for Garden Culture Magazine? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email introducing yourself with a sample of your work. editor@gardenculturemagazine.com

GARDEN PRODUCTS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS AQUAvalve5 The needs of growers are ever-evolving, served by an increasingly diverse range of nutrients.With a 5mm inlet,AQUAvalve5 rises to the challenge of delivering the broadest range of nutrients in a faster flow for a quicker fill, maximizing system efficiency. Maintenance is reduced and the risk of blockages minimized. AQUAvalve5 has revolutionized how nutrients can be fed through AutoPot Watering Systems. Liquid organic nutrients can now be fed in solution via the reservoir and pipework.Vast as it was, the range of suitable mineral feeds is now virtually limitless. Supplied with all new systems, AQUAvalve5 with its 9mm pipework and fittings also fits existing AutoPot modules - allowing you to upgrade seamlessly. Follow @autopot_global for the latest.

Gro-Silic by GROTEK BIOAVAILABLE SILICA A fully soluble, highly concentrated, and effective silica fertilizer. GroSilic is made of silica in the form of mono silicic acid, the only silica compound known to be bioavailable.

New HortiGreen

LED

FuturVert high performance LED grow lights present the new HortiGreen specially designed for the next generation producer. Perfect for your clones and propagation!

Available in 20w or 30w with ETL and DLC Horticulture certification. Visit FuturVert.com for more lighting solutions.

Monitor Your Key Plant Health Parameters 24/7 With The Bluelab Guardian Monitor The Bluelab Guardian Monitor will continuously monitor the pH, EC/PPM, and temperature of your reservoir. When you consistently track these three fundamental parameters of nutrient uptake, you’ll be able to spot any fluctuations, allowing you to solve issues as they happen. Here are some of the Bluelab Guardian Monitor’s key benefits: • • • •

High and low alarms to alert you when parameters are out of range Large, backlit display for at-a-glance viewing Easy pH calibration with on-screen instructions Flexible mounting options for walls, posts, and racks

Visit Bluelab.com to learn more.

The benefits of using Gro-Silic are many: • •

•

Strengthens plant cells, structure, and reduces the impact of abiotic stress. Reduces plant uptake of heavy metals, increases soil pH, and induces oxidizing capacity of roots. Contains boron that strengthens cell wall synthesis, structure, and lignification to promote growth and development. Features molybdenum to improve plant response and resistance to cold, drought, and salinity.

Visit Grotek.com to learn more.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS DOS Crafted for Simplicity Trade a sea of liquid for two powders. This standalone formula contains all the essential macro and micronutrients that would typically take several bottles of liquid. Specially made for proportionate mixers and fertigation systems, DOS two-part powder maintains a consistent balance as a stock concentrate. Managing EC has never been easier. Streamlining your grow is as simple as adding water. Go to Hydroponic-Research.com/DOS to find out more.

HydroLogic Evolution-RO™ High Flow Reverse Osmosis System

Now Available in California

Ready to step up your grow game?The Evolution-RO can produce over 1,200 gallons of pure RO water per day.Take the guesswork out of nutrient formulas and dial into precise control to maximize your plant’s potential.This best-selling system is the first to come with the NEW ChloraShield™ as standard equipment for 100% chloramine removal. Save water with a 1:1 waste to product water ratio, unbeatable performance for a reverse osmosis system of this capacity. For growers moving from a small to medium-sized operation, the Evolution-RO is the perfect upgrade. Visit HydrologicSystems.com to find a system that’s right for you.

Go to CentralCoastGarden.com

EYE HORTILUX® DE Ceramic HPS Grow Lamps This unique, heavy-red spectrum is now available in DE! The EYE HORTILUX DE Ceramic HPS grow lamps come in 600 or 1000 watts and provide a spectrum unmatched by any other.The additional energy in the far-red range makes these grow lamps an excellent choice for quality flower production while maintaining yield. The DE Ceramic HPS produces a bright white light instead of the orange from traditional HPS and is compatible with e-Ballasts that operate at or above 100 kHz. Each lamp is packaged with a glove for safe handling and has a one-year warranty. Check out EyeHortilux.com for more information.

GARDEN PRODUCTS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS Designed For Cultivation: The Next Generation Dehumidifier Anden introduces the A710 Industrial Dehumidifier - Grow-Optimized with VLGR Technology. This patent-pending Variable-Speed, Low Grain Refrigerant technology modulates the refrigeration system to match environmental demands, delivering maximum performance and efficiency throughout the grow cycle. It removes 710 pints of moisture per day and gives you the power to maintain tight control over Vapor Pressure Deficit. To increase capacity, tighten your environmental controls, and improve your grow room’s stability, rely on the high-efficiency Anden A710 Industrial Dehumidifier. Go to Anden.com to speak with an expert, and find a retailer near you.

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE USA

Miicrobial Mass Miicrobial Mass is a microbial product specially developed to maximize plant yield using five different bacterial strains known to promote plant growth and enhance microbial life in and around plant roots. Equally useful in soil/organic or hydroponic applications. • • •

I ncrease the bioavailability of phosphate and calcium to the plant through the use of phosphate and calcium-solubilizing bacteria. Increase the bioavailability of iron through the use of siderophore-producing bacteria. Promote good soil health with enzymes that hydrolyze substrate into useful byproducts for the rhizospheric microbial communities.

Next level plant science. Check out MiicrobialMass.com or follow @miicrobialmass for more information.

HydroLogic PreEvolution™ High Capacity Pre-Filter for Evolution-RO™ The HydroLogic PreEvolution is specifically designed to extend the life of the Evolution-RO’s filter system. If “set it and forget it” is what you are looking for, this unit will nearly quadruple Evolution-RO’s filter life and leave you with more time to focus on your grow—highly recommended if producing more than 300 gallons per week. Check out HydrologicSystems.com for all your water filtration needs.

The History Of

BY JESSE SINGER

Hydroponics Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without soil and is derived from the words “hydro” (water) and the Greek ponein (to labor, toil) and ponos (labor). While hydroponics has grown in popularity and importance over the last 80 years or so, its origins and some of the modern methods we know today date back thousands of years. For a very complete and in-depth dive into hydroponics, check out the Garden Culture website and our five-part series, “History of Hydroponics.” But for now, you can dip your toes into this fun and fact-filled hydroponics timeline.

HISTORY OF HYDROPONICS

600 BC: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are slightly controversial on a couple of levels. The first is that the gardens, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, might never have existed. Some texts reference them, but no real archaeological evidence has been found. Secondly, when examining the texts, there are multiple references to the use of soil. However, the irrigation techniques used to get the water throughout the “gardens” does have similarities to methods used in modern hydroponic systems.

1100:

Aztec Floating Gardens The Aztec Floating Gardens are also a little controversial. First off, contrary to popular opinion, these islands, or Chinampas, were attached to the land and not floating freely. But more importantly, while the roots of the plants did grow down through the raft and into the water, the Aztecs did use soil on the rafts, so this wasn’t true hydroponic/soilless growing.

The first ‘modern’ book that discusses growing plants without soil is Sylva Sylvarum, written by Sir Francis Bacon and published posthumously the year after his death.

1627: Sylva Sylvarum

1648: The 5-Year Willow Tree Experiment

An experiment conducted by Flemish Chemist Jean Baptist van Helmont that attempts to determine where plants derive their mass. Van Helmont planted a five-pound willow tree in a pot with 200 pounds of soil. Over the next five years, he added nothing to the pot but distilled water and rainwater. After five years, the tree weighed in at 169 pounds, and the soil only weighed 2 grams less than it had five years earlier. Van Helmont concluded that “164 pounds of wood, barks, and roots arose out of water only.”

5 pounds

169 pounds

John Woodward

1699:

Woodward was an English naturalist who, in 1699, published his “water culture” experiments using spearmint grown in different waters (non-pure, distilled). He found that plants grown in less-pure water grew better than those grown in distilled water.

Julius Von Sachs Professor Sachs publishes the first formula for a nutrient solution that can be dissolved in water to grow plants. This standard formula - with just a few minor tweaks - is used for the next 80 years.

1860:

William Frederick Gericke Gericke, the “Father of Hydroponics,” while at the University of California at Berkeley, grows tomato vines 25 feet high in his backyard using only water and nutrients.

1930s:

Wake Island This rocky atoll in the Pacific Ocean was used as a refueling stop for Pan American Airlines in the 1930s. Because there is no soil there, they had to use hydroponics to grow vegetables for the passengers, becoming one of the early successful use-cases of this growing method.

HYDROPONICS

1937:

Gericke coined the term “hydroponics” (supposedly suggested to him by phycologist W. A. Setchell).

1938:

The Chemical Culture Company Businessman Ernest W. Brundin was very interested in Gericke’s work and ended up experimenting himself by growing tomatoes hydroponically. It went so well, he soon was producing tons of tomatoes and had secured contracts to supply several transcontinental trains and steamships. He named his company, The Chemical Culture Company.

Chemical Agriculture System

1938:

In 1938, Brundin also patented the Chemical Agriculture System - the first hobby hydroponic system.

1940: Complete Guide to Soilless Gardening Gericke left the University in 1937, and in 1940, he published his landmark book, Complete Guide to Soilless Gardening. In the book, he lays out his formula for both macro and micronutrient salts for growing hydroponic plants.

WWII Military Bases

During the war, British and American armies use hydroponics to grow food for service members stationed on rocky islands.

1952: 8 Million Pounds

The 1940s:

According to the special hydroponics branch of the US Army, over 8 million pounds of fresh produce is grown for the military using the growing method.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

1965:

NFT is a hydroponic technique developed by Allen Cooper at the Glasshouse Crops Research Institute in England. The method involves a very shallow stream, or a â&#x20AC;&#x153;filmâ&#x20AC;? of water, recirculating past the bare roots of plants in a gully/channel. All of the required nutrients are dissolved in the water.

1976: General Hydroponics Founded by Larry Brooke, General Hydroponics develops hydroponic systems and products.

CREDIT: GREENBOOKPAGES

credit: wikipedia, hydropnicsgardening.com

HISTORY OF HYDROPONICS

AL FIND OUT WHAT RE ING... Y A S E R A S R E W O R G

NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTORS:

HISTORY OF HYDROPONICS

1982:

EPCOT: Gardens of Tomorrow Disney introduces the world to the “gardens of tomorrow” at the brand new Land Pavilion at EPCOT - featuring a number of different hydroponic techniques. The pavilion is still going strong today with interactive hydroponic experiences.

Credit© Corbis.

NASA Over the last few decades, NASA has been doing extensive research into hydroponic growing for its Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS).

The 2000s:

200 Pounds of Tomatoes Eurofresh farms in Arizona sold more than 200 pounds of hydroponically grown tomatoes.

2007: The 2010s:

Organic The USDA has ruled that hydroponically grown plants can be labeled organic: “Certification to the USDA organic standards is currently allowed, as long as the certifier can demonstrate it is certifying in a way that complies with the standard.”

2014:

Aeroponics

Jones Food Company At 17-Stories high, Jones Food Company is Europe’s largest vertical farm. They were founded in 2016 and started growing their first crops in 2018 in their facility in North Lincolnshire, UK. With 26 tennis courts worth of space and growing 365 days a year, they are producing hundreds of tons of produce (fresh herbs, leafy greens, root veggies, soft fruit).

credit: Jones Food Company

Caleb Hunter and his team at the MIT Media Lab discover and develop aeroponics. It is a form of hydroponics - in that it is soilless growing - but instead of the plants sitting in the water, they are sprayed with a nutrient-rich mist. There is no growing medium used either.

2018: 21

HISTORY OF HYDROPONICS

VÄXER

2019:

If you thought this one sounds like something you would find at Ikea, you’re right. In 2018, Ikea introduced their VÄXER line of products, providing all you need to grow some hydroponic herbs or veggies at home.

2018:

World’s Largest Hydroponic Farm Emirates Flight Catering and Crop One Holdings are building the world’s largest hydroponic farm in Dubai. The 130,000 square foot facility will be capable of producing over five tons of produce every day (all free of pesticides and herbicides). Even though it is soilless, hydroponics uses less water than traditional farming. The company claims that the technology will use just 320 gallons of water and 100 square feet of land to produce the same amount of leafy greens that traditional farming would require 827,640 square feet of land and 250,000 gallons of water to produce.

In-Store Hydroponic Farm Just last year, Quality Food Centers (QFC) in Seattle teamed up with a vertical-farming startup from Germany, InFarm, to set up in-store hydroponic growing next to the produce aisle in a couple of their locations. They are producing kale, crystal lettuce, and cilantro. Dubai is also introducing in-store hydroponic farms in a few places, producing about 10kg of fresh herbs and microgreens daily - which would typically require up to 1 acre of farmland.

2025:

Continued Market Growth Hydroponics offers many advantages to traditional farming, including using less water, better allocation of space, no soil needed, no pesticides, climate and environmental control, faster plant growth, and less labor required. And the food it produces is just as tasty and nutritional as it ever was. With all that in mind, and the continued strain population growth is putting on world water and food supplies, some prognosticators are predicting the global hydroponic market to eclipse $16 Billion by 2025 - and to keep going up from there.

Sources: • • • • •

Gardenculturemagazine.com: The History of Hydroponics bit.ly/3iLFBeg USDA.gov: Organic Hydroponics and Aquaponics bit.ly/33MiAUB Time.com: This New Method Of Farming Could Change Where Our Food Comes From bit.ly/34BhYAe Britannica.com: Jan Baptista van Helmont bit.ly/3df6dU2 Ikea.com: Hydrophonics bit.ly/3iIGDrK

BIO

• • •

Jesse grew up obsessed with movies and so it only makes sense that he graduated from McGill University with a degree in Political Science. He then put that degree to good use with a job at a video store. After that, he spent months backpacking around Europe - a continent that he has been back to visit many times since. Jesse is super curious and loves to learn and explore new subjects. For the last 15+ years, he has been writing online for a number of different sites and publications covering everything from film and television to website reviews, dating and culture, history, news, and sports. He’s worn many hats - which is ironic because he actually loves wearing hats and he has many different ones.

Businesswire.com: 2020 Hydroponics Market: Growth, Trends and Outlook -ResearchAndMarkets.com bwnews.pr/3lvB0yN SeattleTimes.com: Growing produce inside the grocery store? Some QFCs try a new approach bit.ly/3jMa3Xg Arabianbusiness.com: Dubai welcomes first in-store hydroponic farm by Majid Al Futtaim bit.ly/30KCBcb

Read the IV Part Series on the History of Hydroponics by Jeff Edwards on our blog. Start at the beginning with Part I: GCMAG.co/ History-of-Hydro-Part-1 23

BY STEPHEN BROOKES, NPK

Science Corner:

Vapor Pressure (VPD) Deficit How does the vapor pressure deficit impact a plant’s growth and the quality of the harvests? In its most basic form, VPD is the difference between the amount of water (vapor) in a room and how much water the room can hold when it’s saturated. Knowing the VPD is essential because, at low pressure, moisture can form on the plant’s leaves and fruits, increasing its susceptibility to mold and rot. At higher pressure, the plant needs to increase its uptake of water to keep up with its water losses to the room (transpiration). When this happens, the stomata (small pores on the underside of a leaf that take in water and CO2) star t to close, and the plant will stop growing.

VAPOR PRESSURE DEFICIT

Science Corner Why Bother With VPD? In 2017, Zhang, D published an article on VPD in greenhouses showing how proper control can reduce stress and help regulate irrigations to save water over a tomato growing season (1). In indoor grow rooms, monitoring and regulating VPD will help solve many problems during the vegetative and flowering cycles. Furthermore, it will also help you achieve show-grade fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Firm fruits, glossy and colorful herbs, and flavorsome vegetables are a product of the environment they are grown in and have very little to do which the nutrients used. In other words, there is truth to the statement that ‘environment is everything’. When you control VPD, you are allowing the plant to uptake water, nutrients, and CO2 in the most efficient way possible, which speeds up metabolism for faster growth and enables the plant to reach its genetic potential for yield and quality.

How To Measure VPD You’ll need a monitoring system, such as the Minder from PL Grow systems, which can tell you the temperatures, humidity, and VPD from anywhere in the world. These units are small, compact, and accurate. If newer technology intimidates you, have a thermometer/hygrometer and an infra-red thermometer handy to measure the plant leaf temperature. Plug the information into a chart to work out VPD, such as this one from Omni: bit.ly/31LZnB2. VPD charts generally all look the same, but it’s essential to pick one that doesn’t overcomplicate things. Google search ‘VPD charts’ and click on the images of one that is color-coded and looks simple to follow. The chart shows that if you manage humidity as the temperature increases or decreases, you can keep the VPD in the green zone (safe) and allow your plants to grow happily. The same applies to changes in humidity, where you can increase or decrease the temperatures to keep everything moving along at a good pace. The numbers in each square may be confusing at first, but they represent the pressure plants are experiencing in kPa (Kilopascal). The numbers are easy when you know what they should be in your room. • • •

Propagation and early veg: 0.8 kPa (+/- 0.2) Late veg and early flower: 1.2 kPa (+/- 0.2) Mid to later flower: 1.4 kPa (+/- 0.2)

These are the basics; once you are happy with the performance in your grow room, you should naturally begin to learn more and explore VPD in detail, such as the leaf temperatures. In a plant that is metabolizing well and in good health, the leaf temperature should be 2-3°C lower than the room temperature. Monitor the temperatures, humidity, and VPD with a data logger consistently over 24 hours and make sure the plant is in the optimum environment during the lights on and the lights off stages. VPD is critical to achieving nutrient-dense fruits and high yields.

How To Control VPD To control VPD, you need to know what the readings are, so whichever method you use (technology or manual measuring), be accurate and consistent with the measurements. Controlling the humidity is where most growers will want to go first to manipulate the VPD. Consider investing in good humidifiers and dehumidifiers with controllers. With these two items, you can maintain a steady relative room humidity, and therefore, have reasonable control over VPD. The control factor can become more challenging during the summer (with plenty of moisture in the air) as well as in the winter (dry air). Altering the room temperatures will help with that issue. Most growers will do this by increasing or decreasing airflow, dimming or boosting the lights, and changing the time of day the lights are on and off. There are hundreds of articles and podcasts that go into more detail on this if you need more information.

Conclusion Too many growers are still spending money on the ‘secret nutrient’ that increases their yields or improves quality. Go back to the basics with nutrients, and concentrate on creating the perfect environment with particular attention to the VPD. Instead of buying fancy nutrients, purchase the right hardware to take measurements. Whether it’s better quality, more vivid colors, or an increase in yields, I promise this will have a far more significant impact on your grow. 3

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.

Reference: (1) Zhang, D., Du, Q., Zhang, Z., Jiao, X., Song, X. and Li, J., 2017. Vapor pressure deficit control in relation to water transport and water productivity in greenhouse tomato production during summer. Scientific Reports, 7(1). 25

SELF-SUSTAINABILITY GardenCultureMagazine.com

best of

the blog

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

he key to solving the climate crisis lies beneath our feet. The documentary Kiss The Ground emphasizes the need to save our soil if we hope to save the planet. Read this review and about other critical environmental initiatives at GCMag.co.

Kiss the ground C

limate change is the most significant problem in our time. Every day we hear dire warnings about the state of our planet as natural disasters sweep across the globe. The news is terrifying, but Kiss The Ground, a documentary on Netflix, offers a possible solution: save the soil, and we might be able to save ourselves.

Cast With A Conscience

Scared Yet?

The doc is narrated by Woody Harrelson, who admits he’s fearful of where the world is heading and has just about given up hope of fixing what we’ve done. I think we can all relate to how he’s feeling.

There is a way out, and the documentary introduces us to real people working in genuine ways to reverse climate change. People like regenerative ranchers raising cattle responsibly, practicing rotational grazing and permaculture. Or farmers who understand the value of cover crops and the need for a radical reduction in pesticides, GMOs, and other synthetic inputs.

Other celebrities with environmental consciences join Harrelson, like Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen, Jason Mraz, and more. But the real stars of the show are the slew of experts, farmers, and regenerative ranchers who are dedicating their lives to ensure a future for our children. Ray Archuleta is a conservation agronomist who travels across the United States meeting farmers. He believes that social problems and a lack of education are blocking us from solving environmental issues. For example, Archuleta says our major food producers don’t understand soil.

Education Is Key Soil contains microorganisms, an entire universe of life right underneath our feet. That universe works to sequester carbon. But after years of tilling the earth and spraying it with chemicals to grow food crops, the soil can no longer absorb moisture and carbon, releasing it into the atmosphere instead. Soil erodes and turns into dust, a process called “desertification.” Every year, 40 million people are forced off their land because their soil is no longer adequate. By 2050, one billion people will be refugees of soil desertification.

And the United Nations estimates we only have about six decades of topsoil left. Kiss The Ground puts it simply: we only have 60 harvests left. After that, we’re done.

The documentary helps viewers understand that renewable energies and electric vehicles will help balance the climate, but those efforts aren’t enough. Soil regeneration is the solution. Making the earth healthy again will lead to annual reductions in carbon in the upper atmosphere. Then what do we get? Global cooling. Imagine that?

It’s Up To Us We can achieve regeneration in our lifetimes. We don’t have any other choice. Watch Kiss The Ground on Netflix and then tell your friends and family to do the same. We can’t depend on governments to do it for us. We need to lead the way. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Need To Grow is another excellent documentary explaining the urgent need for soil regeneration.

Sources: kissthegroundmovie.org

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

Going With The

Flow

In his book, Texier says a grow room is a source of pleasure that everyone should experience

An Interview With William Texier 28

INTERVIEW WILLIAM TEXIER

fter working in an industry for 40 years, many

William Texier (far right), his wife Noucetta, and their friend Larry Brooke

would agree that it’s challenging to remain relevant. But somehow, William Texier has done it. After

meeting him on Skype for the first time, it’s easy to understand why he is still such a large player in the game.The hydroponics innovator and author of Hydroponics For Everybody: All About Home Horticulture has a passion for the growing method; one that translates through the screen and makes you want to grow something in water immediately. He’s accomplished so much in a career that spans four decades, from developing “bioponics” to helping advance growing technology. And yet, he’s still not done. In his book, Texier says a grow room is a source of pleasure that everyone should experience. And

A Brief History

he means it; he will not rest until we all give it a go. He still offers presentations practically begging people to try growing

•

hydroponically.

“You have to beat them until they try,” he says half-jokingly. “You know that when they try it, they will be hooked. Push them to make the first move; really, whatever it takes.” These days, he may not have to push very hard. Like many seed companies, grow shops, and garden centers around the world, Terra Aquatica, Texier’s European growing company, saw its business double in a single day as COVID-19 forced people into their homes. The grow your own movement is surging in popularity, and with the colder months here, people are looking to bring their pandemic gardens indoors. Enter hydroponics. “Food today is really bad, most of it,” says Texier of the produce found in supermarkets. “Giving easy access and an easy way of growing, since the beginning, this is our goal. We want to provide tools to people to grow their own food, even in urban settings.” Texier is particularly proud of a new ebb and flow system Terra Aquatica has released that is powered solely through solar panels. He calls it the perfect eco-friendly growing system for city-dwellers who don’t have a lot of space. The company is in the process of transferring its entire line of growing systems to solar power, including its commercial model, which covers 200 square meters. When it comes to the environment, every little bit helps.

The Planet And Hydroponics With the United Nations sounding the alarm about the state of the world’s soil, hydroponics is undoubtedly a valid alternative to growing food. It’s especially useful in urban settings where food typically travels thousands of kilometers before making it to people’s plates.

•

• •

•

William Texier is a hydroponics innovator and the author of the world-famous book, Hydroponics for Everybody: All About Home Horticulture. Born in Paris, France, he dabbled in hydroponic growing in his 20s, but his experimental work never went far. In 1980, while living in California, he turned his interest into a career and joined General Hydroponics, where he worked until 1994. Texier and GH founder Lawrence (Larry) Brooke developed aerohydroponics together. He credits his mentor, chemist Cal Herrmann, for teaching him everything he knows about manufacturing nutrient solutions. In 1994, Texier moved back to France and created General Hydroponics Europe (GHE) with his wife, Noucetta Kehdi. In 2004, Texier invented and patented “bioponics” (organic hydroponics). In 2013, Texier’s French-language version of Hydroponics for Everybody: All About Home Horticulture was released. In 2014, Scotts Miracle-Gro acquired GH in the United States. GHE was not taken over but was forced to rebrand under the name Terra Aquatica.

“We are not going to save the planet just with hydroponics, but it is one of the really important tools,” says Texier. “In France, Paris especially, we are ahead [in the game]. They give a lot of roofs for people to grow food, parking lots, and underground parking. For a city, [hydroponics] is part of the solution.”

The Canadian Cultivatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knowledge Network

ON JANUARY 21

The Stage is now yours ! LPs

STORES GROWERS

A Virtual Trade Event Designed by and for the People Handling Cannabis Cultivation Business

CONFERENCES LEARNING LABS BRAND LOUNGES WORKSHOPS NETWORKING GIFTS PROMO %

SPONSORED BY:

WWW.THEGROWERSSOURCE.COM

INTERVIEW WILLIAM TEXIER

The grow your own movement is surging in popularity, and with the colder months here, people are looking to bring their pandemic gardens indoors. Enter hydroponics.

A Changing Reputation But Texier says before that happens, hydroponics must be included in a more global vision. While having the reputation of being used strictly for cannabis, the growing method is also excellent for growing tomatoes, peppers, herbs, strawberries, and more. Texier says it doesn’t help that the technique hasn’t been properly used for many years. “This technology, from the beginning, has been really badly used,” he explains. “In Canada, you have the west of Vancouver and that region covered in greenhouses growing absolutely tasteless tomatoes. This is what hydroponics has been for the last 50 years.”

What’s Growing In Texier’s Greenhouse?

Since the very beginning, his vision has been to grow for quality over quantity. He and his longtime friend, Larry Brooke, founder of General Hydroponics, have been able to achieve that by taking great care of what they put into their grows. Whether it be food or medicine (or both!), the plants they produce are twice as nutritious as conventionally-grown products or those grown hydroponically with standard inputs.

“There are a million of other plants that I really like,” he says. “In our greenhouse in France, [my wife and I] have 230 varieties of plants. I grow mostly medicinals and food crops, and she grows mostly nice flowers. All together, it makes a very nice connection.”

Bioponics One of Texier’s most significant achievements has been developing and patenting “bioponics”, which is, essentially, organic hydroponics. His organic solutions are made with the ‘scraps’ from other industries. Think vinasse, which is left over after sugar is removed from a beet, or the part of the aloe vera plant that remains after the gel is extracted. Texier has found a way to make plants our medicine by growing it with the leftovers from other foods; a virtuous cycle that makes hydroponics more appealing to people who are turned off by mineral salts. Texier acknowledges that many people are intimidated by the technology and nutrient solutions involved in hydroponic growing, not to mention the fact that the plant’s roots are exposed, something entirely out of the ordinary for gardeners accustomed to growing in soil. But if you look at it from Texier’s point of view, how could you grow a plant without seeing the roots? For those who want to get their feet wet, he recommends starting with coco perlite and a simple ebb and flow system, which offer excellent results for even beginners. Texier, himself, says it’s his favorite system to grow in, although he points out that there is an appropriate model for every plant.

Texier’s favorite plant to grow has always been cannabis. He is a huge proponent of medical cannabis and belongs to several advocacy groups throughout Europe. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like to grow other things hydroponically.

As Texier talks about his career, it is clear that he is one of the pioneers who has helped build the hydroponics industry. He and his close friends and colleagues took an enormous amount of risk, especially in the early days, because they believed in the growing method. Rather than remain stagnant, Texier has worked tirelessly to help the industry evolve, whether it be by introducing organic nutrients or developing new and improved equipment. And it’s all inspired by a deep-rooted passion for plants and growing in water. “People always tell me that I’m working on new technology,” Texier laughs. “My God; a new technology that comes from the ancient times!” And although Texier jokingly referred to himself as a dinosaur during our chat, unlike hydroponics, he is far from ancient. He’s just a modern-day guy who wants us all to grow healthy things for our bodies in water. And that’s what keeps him so relevant. 3

Catherine is a Canadian award-winning journalist who worked as a reporter and news anchor in Montreal’s radio and television scene for 10 years. A graduate of Concordia University, she left the hustle and bustle of the business after starting a family. Now, she’s the editor and a writer for Garden Culture Magazine while also enjoying being a mom to her two young kids. Her interests include great food, gardening, fitness, animals, and anything outdoors.

Bio

BY NICO HILL

WATER QUALITY

ater is something that we take for granted in the comfor t of modern-day living. It’s seen as pure and clean and something we can pop into the kitchen and drink from the tap when needed. Despite all appearing very similar to the eye, there are significant differences

between water types, which can be essential to growers for a plethora of reasons.

Despite all appearing very similar to the eye, there are significant differences between water types, which can be essential to growers for a plethora of reasons What Reasons? Firstly, the background mineral content. These are minerals that contribute to the overall EC reading and can be varied in their make up. These minerals will chiefly be made up of calcium and magnesium (good) or sodium and chloride (bad). The importance of correct mineral ratios is something that doesn´t need much explanation. Bicarbonates need more explanation. The level of bicarbonates present in water has a direct influence on the pH of both the solution and substrate. In Europe, it is typically measured as dKH(degree of Carbonate Hardness). Analyzing both of these factors can help establish what water you are starting with and what the best way to use it would be.

Why Are Bicarbonates Important? They help to stabilize the pH levels in a solution, such as the one in your reservoir or substrate. Bicarbonates react with the acid in water and temporarily become carbonic acid before turning into water and carbon dioxide. The reaction goes as so:

H+

(Acid) +

HCO3 = H2CO3 = H2O

(bi-carbonate) = Carbonic Acid = (Water) +

+ CO2

(Carbon Dioxide)

By turning acid into water and CO2, the pH of a solution does not drop too low and remains more stable. This acid could come from either a concentrated nutrient (when you add your base nutes and additives) or activity in a rootzone as the plant takes up nutrients such as potassium. Low (or no) bicarbonates results in unstable pH conditions in your reservoir and substrate. This reaction also goes the other way, so watch out for pH fluctuations when oxygenating reservoirs. Ensuring you have the right levels of bicarbonates means a more stable pH throughout your grow, meaning less chance for nutrient lockout.

What Types Of Water Are There? Extreme Soft Water: Characteristics: • EC of <0.1 • dKH of 0-2 • Very low mineral level • Very low bicarbonate level Common Problems: Drastic swings in pH fluctuation. Either on the application of (acidic) nutrients, over time in a reservoir or from changes in the plant nutrient uptake within the substrate during growth.

Mineral deficiencies. Very low starting level of essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Especially bad combined with high humidity/low air movement (common in propagating stage). Soft Water: Characteristics: • EC between 0.1-0.4 • dKH of 2-6 • Low mineral level • Low bi-carbonate level Common Problems: Minor pH fluctuation. Similar as described for extreme soft water, but not as extreme (depending on level). Minor Deficiencies. Again, similar to the description in extreme soft water, but not as extreme (depending on the level.) Normal Water: Characteristics: • EC between 0.4 and 0.55 • dKH of 6-10 • Most nutrients are formulated with this type of water in mind (excluding soft/hard specific versions). • Expected mineral levels, mostly calcium and magnesium. • Expected bicarbonate level, aiding pH stability. Common Problems: Minimal. If issues arise, they’re often brought on by environmental mismanagement (grower error.) Hard Water: Characteristics: • EC > 0.55 • dKH of 10+ • High bicarbonate level. • Very high mineral level, mostly calcium and magnesium. Common Problems: pH continually rising. The bicarbonates react over time, raising the pH in your reservoir, pipelines, and substrate. This eventually leads to a deficiency. Mineral imbalance can be caused by elements being at the wrong ratios (excessive) in the final nutrient solution and/or substrate. 33

WATER QUALITY

Well water can contain unwanted minerals depending on the source, or contain too much bacterial activity if not dug deep enough

Reacts with concentrated nutrients. Particularly when applying a concentrated nutrient, the excess calcium in the water can react with the concentrated phosphor, forming gypsum in the solution and rendering it useless. Bad Hard: Characteristics: • EC > 0.55 • High bi-carbonate level. • dKH of 10+ • High mineral level but wrong minerals! Mostly sodium and chloride. Common Problems: pH continually rising. Similar to the description of hard water. High bicarbonates can also interfere and slow nutrient uptake in an organic substrate. Incorrect/damaging minerals. Rather than useful calcium and magnesium, sodium and chloride make up the majority of the content, posing a risk to your plants, quickly causing toxicity issues in re-circulating systems or substrates with a high CEC.

What To Do? The best thing to do is to bring your water back to a suitable level. Typically, that would be to get it back to ´normal´ water. Normal water has the ideal level of background minerals and bicarbonates, not just for most formulated nutrients, but also for your plant´s long term growth habits. Extreme soft water´s super-low bicarbonate level is tricky. Similarly to most soft waters, you can raise the minerals to an EC of 0.4 with the addition of a decent quality CAL MAG product, although watch for pH issues depending on your (low) bicarbonate levels. For most normal water, do nothing! For most hard and bad water, it is best to treat it using R.O (Reverse Osmosis) water. With most hard water, add R.O water until the overall EC gets down to 0.4, leaving you adequate bicarbonates and useful minerals. With most bad water, use R.O to lower the EC right down to 0.2, then use a calmag product to raise back up to 0.4. This leaves you with a more typical bicarbonate level, and a partially corrected (although, still not ideal) mineral level.

Whatever your source of water, you need to test it to make sure you know exactly what is in it, how suitable it is for growing, and whether you need to do anything before adding any nutrients

High-Quality H2 0

Once you have arrived at this point, you are now perfectly placed to begin adding your usual nutrient regime. This is, of course, on the basis that you are getting your water out of a tap. Other water sources will also bring in their own complications. Rainwater will have virtually no minerals, very low bicarbonates, and have contaminates from falling through the air and any guttering. Well water can contain unwanted minerals depending on the source, or contain too much bacterial activity if not dug deep enough. Using pure R.O water sounds good; however, having zero bicarbonates and zero background minerals in leaves you wide open for massive pH swings and/or mineral complications.

Test, Test, And Test Again Whatever your source of water, you need to test it to make sure you know exactly what is in it, how suitable it is for growing, and whether you need to do anything before adding any nutrients. You can use an EC pen to get an indication, but the cheap and easy-to-use hardness test kits from aquatics suppliers will give more concise information about your water´s content. Other than contacting your local water board, or testing it for yourself, your local hydro store should be well-versed in all things water-related for your local area, so get down there and pick their brains! Doing so could make more difference to your grow than spending hundreds on the swanky new piece of kit is currently hitting the shelves. 3

BIO Nico has been a keen gardener for many moons. Bitten by the hydro-

ponic bug back in 1998, and hasn’t looked back since! After many years as a hobby, Nico’s career in Hydroponics had its start working for Aquaculture in Sheffield, the UK’s largest and most forward-thinking grow shops of the time. He was then hired by Hydromag, responsible for the hydroponic content. From there, he has worked with CANNA, as editor of CANNAtalk, author of the research articles, and delivering seminars throughout the UK to grow shops on the finer details of cultivating in a hydroponic environment. Nico is now writing for companies in the hydroponic industry. 35

BY EVAN FOLDS

AGRICULTURE IN POLITICS

Today, conventional farming methods are doing as much harm as they are good

he story of agriculture maps human history. From the original farmers that planted the seeds of human specialization and culture to the signing of the Homestead Act by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 that granted cheap plots of land to create a new population of family farmers, most of our history has been agricultural.

Farming has historically been an opportunity for prosperity, but agriculture’s politics and landscape have changed radically over the years. Today, conventional farming methods are doing as much harm as they are good. Rather than receiving reverence from eaters for feeding the masses, modern farmers are almost as dependent on politicians’ decisions in Washington, DC as they are on the sun and the rain.

In other words, natural has been replaced by synthetic, and the corporate mega-farm is consuming the small family farm

In the 1800s, more than 90% of the population in the United States lived on farms. Today, that number is around 1%. But it is not only the number of people who identify as farmers at issue. The most radical transformation of our agricultural system has been around policy, particularly the political and economic pressures that have resulted in the loss of diversity and a transition to conventional artificial methods, along with the consolidation of the farms themselves. In other words, natural has been replaced by synthetic, and the corporate mega-farm is consuming the small family farm. The importance of how we approach agricultural policy cannot be overstated. Earl Butz was the Secretary of Agriculture under both Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford from 1971-1976 and is responsible for the policy tact that engineered the transformation to Big Ag under the auspices of economies of scale, or the concept of maximizing production and reducing input costs per acre. This philosophy may make sense for products like cars that can be made more efficient by an assembly line, or when it comes to commodities where quality is not of such vital importance. But when it comes to things like food or health care where quality is the point, economies of scale can do significant damage. Beyond bringing us an era of empty food and toxic rescue chemistry, the result of Mr. Butz’s new policies were the

beginning of the end of any positive collective agricultural identity in the mainstream of our population. The economic efficiencies found in farm consolidation have resulted in lower processed food costs and large corporations’ ability to withstand economic downturns better. It has also resulted in a nation growing sicker by the day, ripping the heart out of the heartland.

Stories hit the news daily of generational farms going under or being consumed by the machinations of Big Ag. The USDA Economic Research Service report, “Three Decades of Consolidation in U.S. Agriculture,” written in March of 2018, tells that over the past 30 years, farms with less than 1,000 acres have fallen from over half of American farms to roughly a third. And farms with at least 2,000 acres have more than doubled over that same time frame. Economies of scale make sense to maximize profit, but at what cost to people? Does it make sense to sacrifice quality in the name of efficiency? Ultimately, does the socioeconomic devastation and chronic disease epidemic that we are experiencing due to the toxic nature of agricultural inputs and the gaps in our nourishment quality result in what we would want if we were asked?

The modern world’s industrialization has taken us further away from our food than ever before, both literally and figuratively. Our collective distance from agriculture and real food is, in turn, generating massive disruption in our social systems and taking us further away from our common sense. We grow more food than ever, yet 1 in 7 children live with hunger in the United States. And up to 25% of fresh food produced in the U.S. is wasted because it is deemed “ugly” by consumers or grown to excess in monocrops that are plowed under in the field. 37

Rise to the top with the new Ascend LED Grow Light Systems from EYE HORTILUX. Our powerful LED spectrum provides energy outside the PAR range to include ultraviolet (UV) and far-red, promoting stronger plant growth with heavier flowers.

LED 700-ES

GREAT FOR FLOWER!

80 70 60 50 40 30 20

UV RANGE

60 50 40 30 20

UV RANGE

Spectral range in nanometers

12%

800

780

760

740

720

700

680

660

640

620

600

580

560

540

520

500

480

460

440

420

400

380

FAR RED RANGE

SPECTRAL ENERGY IN UV + FAR RED

@hortilux | eyehortilux.com/growyourownway HORTILUXÂ® is a trademark of Iwasaki Electric Co., and is registered in USA and Japan.

Spectral range in nanometers

16%

SPECTRAL ENERGY IN UV + FAR RED

800

780

760

740

720

700

680

660

640

620

600

580

560

540

520

500

480

460

440

420

10 400

360

Percent of relative energy

100

380

GREAT FOR VEG!

GROW LIGHT SYSTEM

100

360

LED 450-EVS

Percent of relative energy

GROW LIGHT SYSTEM

FAR RED RANGE

AGRICULTURE IN POLITICS

We grow more food than ever, yet 1 in 7 children live with hunger in the United States

The modern agricultural systems conduct what is called “conventional agriculture.” Less than 1% of farmland in the U.S. is certified organic; the rest involves massive amounts of artificial man-made synthetic inputs in the form of fertilizers and ecocides that are highly extractive and expensive. Conventional agriculture is now recognized as generally hindering resilience across the human story and a contributor to climate change and the carbonization of the atmosphere. Thankfully, with new investment commitments from global corporations and films being produced like the recently released Kiss the Ground, regenerative agriculture is becoming a mainstream concept.

Less than 1% of farmland in the U.S. is certified organic; the rest involves massive amounts of artificial manmade synthetic inputs in the form of fertilizers and ecocides that are highly extractive and expensive

Given the dots that can so easily be connected here regarding agriculture and health and the strength lost in the dilution of diversity, it is inexcusable that the highest levels of government and media have not been rightly engaged in this conversation. Our leaders are ignorant of the damage being done, or worse, ignoring it. For instance, former President Barack Obama gave remarks to a Joint Session of Congress on September 9th, 2009, focused on his plan for health care reform, and in the 5,697 words spoken in the speech, not one time did he mention “food” or “agriculture.” It was not until the 2016 cycle of the presidential election where the concept of regenerative agriculture was even mentioned as a policy issue. Despite this progress, we ended up with a President that believes fast food is a square meal. Big picture, our agricultural system in the United States is built for scale, efficiency, yield, and profit, not to feed and nourish people. Our agricultural priorities are backward

and effectively breaking the social order, producing far-reaching and devastating impacts on the Earth. It begs the question, what is the point of our politics if it is not focused on our people’s well-being?

The problems that we face are heartbreaking and formidable. They cannot be solved solely by the market-based profit motive of capitalism or the self-limiting socialism authority. We must strike a conscious balance that uses science as a tool, not a religion, and places human wellness before profit and power. This is precisely what makes regenerative agriculture so appealing as a solution to the massive problems that we face. Innately, the very idea of growing healthy soil to produce healthy crops that result in healthy people teaches us this lesson. But will our politicians choose to listen?

In general, politicians follow; they rarely lead. Until our political efforts create and a growing number of political candidates that can speak the language capable of inspiring us, we will continue to undermine ourselves. To approach our purpose’s potential, we must recognize that the very concept of a democracy pits a portion of the population against ourselves. Without nurturing and right wisdom, democracies will always consume themselves after a certain length of time due to their democratic nature. It is our responsibility alone as conscious human beings to prevent the math of our great human endeavors from undermining our humanity. The only logical way to do this is through a commitment to biological balance, reverence for the ecosystems that nurture and sustain us, and educating ourselves and, in turn, our politicians.

AGRICULTURE IN POLITICS

farmers making compost on their land are a lot less valuable to Big Ag than those who use fossil fuel-based artificial fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and patented GMO seeds that can withstand their toxic herbicides

Here is the truth: our agricultural system has not changed for the better due to special interests that drive agricultural policy. Another way of saying this is, follow the money. The reality is that farmers making compost on their land are a lot less valuable to Big Ag than those who use fossil fuel-based artificial fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and patented GMO seeds that can withstand their toxic herbicides. People need to hear and know the logic of these concepts and stories, and given the prompt and function of our democratic republic in the United States, there is no better mouthpiece than elected officials. However, this awareness has yet to translate en masse to the voting booth; the political pressure is not being applied by the citizens.

Despite the daunting dialogue here, the political tide will continue to shift towards more logical approaches to human nourishment, social order, and ecological resilience as people continue to eat their values, and voters are presented with the exponential disaster that the corporate stranglehold on agriculture is creating. In the same way that agriculture awakened our consciousness and helped us begin to put down the roots of civilization at the beginning of the human story, agriculture can once again save us from ourselves and lead us into a healthy and abundant future. Ultimately, the most critical and potent work of our time will be around helping conventional farmers transition to regenerative methods. How we wake up and show up for this work, as people and collectively as government, will define our success as a species. 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 40

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALBERT MONDOR, HORTICULTURIST AND BIOLOGIST

credit: Plenty

Urban Farms In Skyscrapers The occupancy rate of office towers in major Canadian and American cities has never been so low, reaching only 25% in some areas

California-based urban agriculture firm Plenty, which recently raised more than $200 million in funding, in part provided by Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon. These indoor urban farms use a vertical aeroponic system that requires very little space.

URBAN FARMS

ith the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic upon us and teleworking being more popular than ever, office buildings in several North American cities are deserted. The occupancy rate of office towers in major Canadian and American cities has never been so low, reaching only 25% in some areas.

Workers aren’t the only people deserting downtown areas since the pandemic hit; more and more city-dwellers are also moving to smaller and rural municipalities. For example, Manhattan had 15,000 empty apartments last august, a new record! Even more surprisingly, many real estate developers and builders continue to erect commercial buildings. But who will occupy these skyscrapers?

Indoor Urban Farms The largest indoor urban farm in North America is located in Newark, New Jersey. AeroFarms is inside a building that housed a former steel mill. This farm uses 95% less water than a conventional farm and provides about 30 harvests of leafy vegetables per year for every square meter of crops.

credit: Aerofarms

What if we gave unoccupied buildings and skyscrapers a new purpose by converting them into urban farms? Read on to see why this project is so relevant and doable!

Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Pasona Group building houses a vast indoor urban farm.

credit: Konodesigns

Around $30 million has been invested in AeroFarms to repurpose a building that housed a former steel mill into a state-of-the-art urban farm.

Another urban farm project called Pasona Urban Farm began a few years ago in Tokyo, Japan. Pasona Group Company grows edible plants in a nine-story building.

Indoor farming More Productive Than Greenhouse Culture Growing vegetables does not have to be done outdoors, inground, or in greenhouses. Large-scale urban agriculture can be practiced inside buildings, without even having sunny windows for light. However, the inner envelope of buildings must be waterproofed to protect them from any mold. It is also necessary to equip grow rooms with proper ventilation and LED lighting systems specially designed for growing plants.

The crop space totals over 43,000 square feet with 200 species grown including fruits, vegetables, and rice. Crops are harvested, prepared, and served in the building’s cafeterias. Pasona Urban Farm is the largest urban farm-to-table agricultural project ever in an office building in Japan.

credit: Konodesigns

Despite these essential modifications needed for an urban farm, the fact remains that the indoor farm’s productivity is much higher than that of greenhouse crops. Inside a building, it is possible to grow plants vertically and increase the growing area. This concept isn’t feasible in a greenhouse without blocking the sun from the plants below. It is estimated that an indoor vertical urban farm can produce up to eight times more food per square meter than a greenhouse. If well insulated, an existing building is significantly less expensive to heat than a double-walled glass greenhouse.

Significant renovations to the existing superstructure included adding a green facade, offices, an auditorium, cafeterias, a rooftop garden, and most importantly, indoor urban agricultural facilities.

See the most recent Product Spotlights right from your phone or tablet.

visit: GCmag.co/Product-Spotlight

URBAN FARMS

Several dozen urban agriculture start-ups have been founded in recent years. The German company Infarm is a firm specializing in the conversion of old buildings into urban farms with a bright future. Infarm’s growing system is easy to set up and quickly transforms any office building into an indoor city farm.

credit: Konodesigns

The indoor growing areas of Pasona Urban Farm have been created with obvious aesthetic concern. A section of the building is entirely dedicated to rice cultivation.

Locally-Produced Food With rapid urban sprawl, food for city-dwellers is being produced further and further away, thousands of kilometers from where it is finally eaten. Food must be transported to cities by plane, train, or truck, generating large amounts of pollutants and greenhouse gases. According to the Worldwatch Institute, the food that makes up a typical North American plate is transported an average of 2,400 kilometers before being eaten.

credit: Infarm

Transporting and storing food also forces farmers to grow varieties of fruits and vegetables that are firm, contain little juice, and have very thick skins so they can withstand frequent handling, shock, and temperature variations.

It is estimated that an indoor vertical urban farm can produce up to eight times more food per square meter than a greenhouse

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 45% of all fruits and vegetables produced around the globe are lost or thrown away before being eaten, and this, in part, is because of food transport and handling. Creating indoor urban farms in buildings is an excellent idea, especially if food is sold locally and if citizens are involved in the management of these businesses. 3

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

Credit: Freight Farms

BIO Passionate about environmental horticulture, urban agriculture and extreme landscape design, Albert Mondor

GREEN CHRISTMAS

NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION:

POTTED CHRISTMAS CONIFERS

t’s that time of the year again -- a time when

A potted conifer will not only live well past the holidays but if trained in their pot, they can live long-term in your home or yard

millions of families rush out to pick a holiday tree to decorate, only to throw it out after a few weeks. The other common alternative is a plastic tree

bound for the same pile of trash. With an ever-increasing knowledge of the environmental impacts of our actions, we have to ask, why are we still disregarding nature to such a degree?

If we look at nature, one thing is sure; there’s a better solution than the throwaway mentality so rampant in our society. Nature is regenerative, fecundating, and life-giving. Why do we push against the natural way of life? There’s a better solution for the holidays, and it only takes a hint from nature to see it—potted holiday conifers. A potted conifer will not only live well past the holidays but if trained in their pot, they can live long-term in your home or yard. Some might even choose to plant a holiday tree annually, creating a ‘forest’ of memories and life for the coming years. Imagine if millions of families went out every year with joy in their hearts and planted their holiday trees instead of chopping them down? We could change the face of the Earth and give future generations positive thoughts about their elders as they walk among forests containing past holiday evergreens. Every home that acquires a cut holiday tree could source a potted conifer. Even if one would like to maintain their tree in a pot, bonsai conifers are known to live for hundreds of years. One particular bonsai is more than 300 years old, and somehow, lived through the atomic blast at Hiroshima! There is a joy that a living tree brings into a home that cannot be imitated by a cut spruce or plastic look alike. A real tree brings with it fresh air, fragrance, and potential for tea if the correct species. Some species will grow into seed-producing trees that are an excellent source of nutritious pine nuts.

BIO

A potted holiday conifer is good for the soul, the family, and Mother Nature herself. No more needles on the floor or storage boxes. And if you source the right species, you can put it outside after the holidays, and it will live on unhindered as nature intended. Our Earth has a finite amount of oxygen produced daily, and combustion is quickly depleting our supply. The air we breathe once contained 33% oxygen. Today, in some inner cities, it’s less than half of that. We can’t go on living with such a disregard for the very thing that allows us to be here in the first place. We can make things better with our everyday actions. Choosing a potted holiday conifer this year and beyond has a never-ending list of benefits. Year after year, the living trees will bring back fond memories of years past, allowing us to pass these precious souvenirs and natural gifts on to future generations. 3

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

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

BY CODY J GARRETT - TAIT

The Ins and Outs of

Organic Cloning

ORGANIC CLONING

here comes a time in ever y organic gardener’s life when they find the remarkable plant that they want to save for future use, whether for breeding or enjoyment. The good news is one doesn’t need to resor t to using hormone gels or other synthetically-derived ingredients to clone their prized

plants. It is possible to achieve reliable replication organically!

It is possible to achieve reliable replication organically! For the best results, it’s essential to understand what is needed for the cloning process. A typical setup usually involves: •

• •

•

A cloning medium such as Rockwool, peat pellets, rooting sponges, perlite and vermiculite blends. Coco and seed raising/propagation mixes are also required. A cloning tray with a cover and a heat mat. A propagation gel that contains either the synthetically-derived auxins INAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic acid), IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid), or a combination of both to help with root proliferation and initial callus development. Foliar cloning nutrients and other adjuncts are also sometimes used to speed up the cloning process.

If your environment is right, you should have ver y healthy, strong clones within about a week

Cuttings of the desired size are cleanly cut and dipped in the propagation gel. After, they’re placed into the medium and the clone incubator so their roots can develop. This approach is time-proven and effective. However, for soil grows, where the goal is to maximize beneficial microbial activity as early as possible, this approach doesn’t cover all the bases and involves the use of synthetically-derived ingredients.

natural methods are at our disposal. The first is the use of silicate compounds, which are useful in aiding natural root proliferation. If you’re searching for a source, you won’t need to look very far. Named after the Salix (willow) tree, which is high in salicin, these natural substances are found in many plant species. Of note is aloe vera, which contains adequate amounts of salicylic acid, a potent plant health promoter. Horticultural aloe-based products will work very well for organic cloning, both in the initial soak phase and as foliar sprays during the callusing and root development phases. In the old days, willow water was commonly used in nurseries. This is easily made by steeping freshly cut lengths of a willow tree in water to extract the natural compounds. But today, most grow stores will have multiple well-formulated salicylate-containing products for purchase.

With a few tweaks, we can easily optimize this process for organics while keeping strike rates high. Without chemical stimulation, we need to attack the problem from various angles. To help keep the vegetative material healthy while roots develop, foliar applications of diluted amino acids and kelp/ seaweed provide readily available nutrients. For root growth promotion and callus initiation, several

#FERTILZERFORTHEFUTURE

Who’s Growing What Where?

See all the urban growers, backyard gardeners, and inspiring communities featured in Who’s Growing What Where over the years.

NEW visit: GCmag.co/WGWW

ORGANIC CLONING

Organic soil growers have an advantage Naturally-derived auxins can also be added for better results. Sprouted seed teas made from corn or legumes such as alfalfa, lentils, and peas are useful, and so is coconut water. These all contain a range of enzymes, biostimulants, and are potent root stimulators. When combined with a seaweed solution or humic and fulvic acid, the combined synergistic effects are quite powerful. By utilizing a combination of the above ingredients as a soak for clones, you can provide the perfect environment for healthy plants.

Putting it all together: •

• • •

Pre-soak the chosen media with a mixture of seaweed, humic/fulvic acid, a silicate source (either aloe or willow water), coconut water, or some sprouted seed tea for auxins. To further enhance, add some microbial inoculants. In a separate container, save some of this mixture and as you cut your clones, allow them to marinate for a few minutes. Carefully remove and dip the ends in microbial powder and insert them into the media. Lightly mist with seaweed and amino acids.

If your environment is right, you should have very healthy, strong clones within about a week. Happy cloning! 3

Growers can also add living microbes to the equation, which will provide further enhancements such as pathogen and disease prevention by crowding out the spots where they would take hold. Microbes such as azospirillum, Trichoderma, bacillus, and mycorrhizal fungal types can influence early root development. They will also allow for rhizosphere colonization at the initial step of the growing process. Organic soil growers have an advantage. It’s quite common to apply a microbial inoculant at planting time. However, there is a bit of lag between the spores germinating and colonizing the root system. By getting the Sprouted seed microbes in early, you are essentially teas made from priming the plants corn or legumes and avoiding the lag, with further applisuch as alfalfa, cations building on lentils, and peas this foundation.

Salix (willow) Kelp powder

are useful, and so

The best way to is coconut water. apply is to pre-soak the media of choice in a combined mixture of the above ingredients and a small amount of the chosen microbial inoculant. After pre-soaking the clones, roll or dip the freshly cut end into the microbe product, just like you would cloning gel before putting it into place. An effective organic cloning method would be the following: • • •

•

A cloning medium; this can be any of the above choices. A cloning tray with a cover and heat mat can be used as with regular cloning. Instead of propagation gel, we can apply silicate compounds, beneficial microbes (fungi and rhizobacteria), as well as seaweed, humic/fulvic acids, and coconut extracts to fill the void for auxins and root-promoting compounds. Foliar sprays of amino acid-based products, aloe, and kelp/ seaweed extracts, to preserve carbohydrate reserves.

Sprouted seed tea 51

BY MARTYNA KROL

Someone’s left the faucet running all night, and someone’s in trouble 52

INDOOR GROWING

s you’re heading to your grow room with a long list of tasks to tackle, you walk through the door, and splat! You look down at your wet shoe and know the shine on the floor isn’t because someone polished while you were away; you have a three-inch-deep pool at your feet.Then, you notice the delicate hum of the tap and the trickle

of water coming down the side of your water tank. Someone’s left the faucet running all night, and someone’s in trouble.

This delightful scene is just one of the indoor growing disasters that no one wants to ever deal with, but unfortunately, they happen more often than they should. Growing indoors should make for the most controlled environment possible. Still, when you’re busy dealing with your plants, multitasking between water tanks, mixing nutrients, and then suddenly the phone rings, the running tap escapes your thoughts like a sweet dream smashed by the alarm clock’s ring. Indoor growing is a lot more complicated than outdoor simply because there are more variables to consider, technology included! While there are dozens of incredibly skilled growers in this issue writing about the success stories and top tips from their grow rooms, I’ll take you on a mini horror trip instead, which will hopefully help you avoid some rookie mistakes. Many indoor accidents can be costly and time-consuming to fix

The Buzz Unlike the great outdoors where a plant’s growing cycle is dictated by natural daylight hours, indoors, we try to imitate various seasons with lights and heat. Take aubergines as an example. We can start the seeds in heated propagators when it’s still freezing outside, then by the time cold April showers whip the daffodils outside, our seedlings are well-established and have started to set their flowers. We’re delighted to see a bounty of purple petals but then are horrified to see them fall to the floor a few days later. At this point, you realize that not all plants are self-pollinating. Fun fact: If you don’t release bees into your indoor grow room, the best time to hand-pollinate an aubergine is between 6 am-11 am. When the flower closes and doesn’t fall off, you’re heading for success.

Indoor growing is a lot more complicated than outdoor simply because there are more variables to consider, technology included! Act Before Problems Arise One of the worst things to happen in a grow room is missing the early signs of a pest infestation. When you notice a tiny web around the leaves with two-spotted mites, it’s probably time to bring the napalm out of the chemical cupboard. At this point, make a mental note to your future self: get the predators before you have the problem. Have a sachet of biological pest control ready when plants are young; this way, any pest entering the grow room will have an unpleasant surprise waiting for them. Unfortunately, many critters are hard to spot. The spider mites are light green when young, almost translucent and invisible to an untrained eye. They turn orange when mature, but by the time you notice the leaves covered in a thick white web, you’ve pretty much lost the battle and have to chop and burn the plants before mites spread onto another crop.

Pollinating stick 53

@greatwhitemyco

714.545.5335 www.plantrevolution.com

INDOOR GROWING

The same applies to other prevalent indoor pests. Before you notice aphids, you may see white parts of their body shed on a leaf, a sticky sap, or black mold on the leaves. Get some parasitic wasps when your plants are still babies and let them patrol the grow room in case an aphid dares enter on your clothing. If the indoor grow is connected to a food hub, consider using one of those UV lamps that attract insects for a quick electric shock and death. Turn them off before you release the wasps; otherwise, you might find yourself wondering why they aren’t working!

Spider mites turn orange when mature, but by the time you notice the leaves covered in a thick white web, you’ve pretty much lost the battle and have to chop and burn the plants before mites spread onto another crop.

Establish A Daily Routine Observation and routine is the key to success with a controlled environment. As soon as you notice discoloration or a leaf curl, go and check all your water tanks to see if your EC and pH are in order, especially if you’re not the only one looking after the plants in your team. In my early growing days, I could not understand how, within a couple of days, a plant could go from healthy to one that was drooping and curling. When I began checking the parameters, I noticed that every water tank had different (and out of scale) EC and pH readings. I learned to double-check my students’ work just in case mistakes were made. If you love technology, invest in a monitoring system like a Raspberry Pi, where all the probes show real-time readings. However, don’t put all of your trust in them; regularly check and calibrate tools, as they may be off the scale. Precision is crucial to indoor growing. Check your system for any leaks, kinks, blockages, sediments, and so on. Verify that lamps are mounted safely and that the plant support system is reliable. Hopefully, the only thing smashed on the floor will be an odd tomato redefining itself as ketchup.

Know Your Animals Many indoor accidents can be costly and time-consuming to fix, but there is nothing worse than knowing that the mistakes made caused an injury or even the death of an innocent animal. When incorporating an aquaponics system into the indoor garden, take extreme precautions as to what chemicals are used and how well the equipment is working. Even the simple soap spray for aphid control can cause severe damage to aquatic life. From the pump and drainage system to the heaters and oxygen pumps, there is a lot that can go wrong in a very short time, so regular observation is critical.

Aphid infestation

Observation and routine is the key to success with a controlled environment 55

INDOOR GROWING

For example, one winter morning, I noticed the tilapia fish we kept weren’t very keen on their breakfast, which was odd, but I assumed they didn’t have the appetite. When none of them came up for food at the second feed, I began to worry. All the pumps seemed to work fine, and the water quality was good, but when I touched the heater, I discovered it was stone cold. It seemed to have failed at night, and the water temperature was far too low for the tropical fish to be comfortable. A quick run to the local hydro store and the purchase of all of the small heaters they had in stock raised the temperature enough for the fish to perk up, but trying to heat a ten thousand liter fish tank in the dead of an English winter is not fun. My advice is to purchase a spare heater before this happens to you. There were no casualties, but I had heard a horror story from another grower whose pump system was blocked when nobody was around. Water overflowed the tank, and the team had a very unpleasant surprise in the morning that resulted in the loss of all their fish.

Even the simple soap spray for aphid control can cause severe damage to aquatic life Harvest Time Growing is so much fun, but after harvest, make sure the produce is adequately preserved, so the fruits of your labor aren’t wasted. Research correct drying temperatures for herbs; I can tell you from experience that drying in full sun to speed things up is a no-go! Master the art of preserving, drying, or even pickling some of those gherkins so you can enjoy them for a long time.

Turk’s Turban squash

The key to avoiding many mistakes in a controlled environment is almost always prior knowledge. By the time you notice a problem you’ve never heard about before, it’s often too late to do anything about it. Research the subject at hand to have half a chance of spotting problems before they happen. Read about the techniques, equipment, varieties of plants and their needs, and use the great vault of knowledge growers around the world have created in many magazines, books, YouTube videos, and podcasts. Most importantly, establish a routine in your grow, no matter what it’s size, so you can reap the benefits for months to come. 3

Growing is so much fun, but after harvest, make sure the produce is adequately preserved, so the fruits of your labor aren’t wasted

BIO

Martyna Krol is a vegetable grower, natural beekeeper, and edible spaces designer. She is a lover of all soil and urban farming techniques and is the former head of growing at Incredible Aquagarden.

BY ALEX FRASER

Important Concepts for Transitioning from

HID

Grow Lights

HID TO LED TRANSITION

ince the introduction of the fir st UFO lights, there have been diehard proponents and detractor s of growing with LEDs. While we can attribute much of the performance increase in recent year s to technological improvements, grower s have come a long way in learning

how to adapt their plants and environment to growing with modern LED fixtures. With a few of the following factor s in mind, yield and quality produced under LEDs can meet and even significantly exceed those made under traditional HID lights.

Before upgrading from HID to LED, it’s important to measure your current light levels to provide a baseline Footprint The first thing that is essential to consider when evaluating any grow light is the dispersion pattern of the particular fixture in question. Just as different HID reflectors are designed with various footprints, today’s LEDs come in a wide array of beam angle options for multiple scenarios. The first LED grow lights directed all the photons downward, often using lenses that focused the light in narrow patterns of 60 or 90 degrees to minimize light wasted on walls and floors. While suitable for hanging in tall greenhouses, these early products failed to provide a uniform light footprint for indoor scenarios. The results were uneven gardens and unhappy growers.

Yield and quality produced under LEDs can meet and even significantly exceed those made under traditional HID lights

Modern LED producers have ditched secondary optics in favor of diodes with a native beam angle of 120 or 180 degrees. These low-power, high-efficiency diodes are laid out in large arrays on bars or boards to provide extremely high light uniformity at the plant canopy. When two or more fixtures are used together, crossover lighting from the LEDs’ wide spread further improves uniformity and canopy penetration. Before upgrading from HID to LED, it’s important to measure your current light levels to provide a baseline. Throw out your lumen meter and buy a PAR meter from a reliable company. Lumen meters only measure the brightness of a light source based on the sensitivity of the human eye. PAR meters give a more accurate representation of light intensity in relation to photosynthesis. Take readings from every part of your garden and make some notes. Once you know the intensities you’re accustomed to growing under, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need to expect from a new LED fixture. For larger spaces, many LED manufacturers will create a custom light plot tailored to your specific needs.

Canopy Temperature For decades, indoor growers have known that the success of their gardens depends heavily upon environmental conditions, most notably temperature. Users of high-pressure sodium lights knew that they grew the healthiest plants whenever their room temperature was between 70°F and 75°F. Surprisingly, rooms outfitted with LEDs need to be in the 80°F to 85°F range to achieve similar performance. This shift in ideal ambient temperature comes down to the differences in how HID and LED light sources produce heat.

HID light sources, whether we’re talking about high-pressure sodium, ceramic metal halide, or anything in between, all work on the same principle. An electric arc heats and evaporates a mixture of metals which emit photons of a spectrum determined by the specific materials involved. Only a small fraction of the electricity used is converted to visible light, while the rest is released in the form of infrared energy. This invisible range of the electromagnetic spectrum heats surfaces directly, which is why sunlight feels warm on your skin, even on a chilly day. Plants grown under a 1000 watt HID light receive massive amounts of infrared energy, and their leaf surface temperature might be 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding air. 59

Compact Commercial Reverse Osmosis • Easy plug & play setup • Super Efficient: 66% recovery • High-Capacity onboard prefiltration • Up to 4,500 GPD capacity with blend valve

HID TO LED TRANSITION

Before upgrading from HID to LED, it’s important to measure your current light levels to provide a baseline

Most LED products designed for growing plants produce little to no infrared energy, which is why these lights don’t heat surfaces the same as HID. Almost all the waste heat from an LED fixture is released into the air, either passively or via builtin fans. Circulating fans and air conditioners easily remove this type of heat, so plants directly under the light might only be 2 or 3 degrees warmer than the rest of the room. What’s important here is leaf surface temperature. This is where photosynthetic reactions take place, and they happen most efficiently in a specific temperature range dependent on plant variety and other environmental factors like humidity and CO2 concentration. In addition to using a thermometer to measure room temperature, try using a non-contact thermometer to measure and control the temperature at the leaf surface. 84°F is a good starting point.

Stretching Another effect of the far-red heavy-spectrum of HPS lighting involves the plants’ shade-avoidance response. In nature, plants can sense when they are being shaded under taller plants by measuring the ratio of far-red vs visible light they receive. Since far-red light (700-800nm) penetrates through plant tissues better than visible light, a high ratio of far-red to visible red indicates shading. Studies have shown that plants exposed to high ratios of farred tend to stretch out, growing longer leaves and stems to outcompete taller plants. Conversely, plants exposed to higher proportions of blue light grow shorter and stockier. LEDs, with minimal far-red and abundant blue wavelengths, tend to produce shorter plants compared to the same varieties grown under HID lighting. This factor should always be taken into account when comparing or planning HID and LED gardens.

highly skilled growers are using LEDs to push the limits of what was once thought possible in their gardens

Dehumidification There’s one final environmental concern that should be addressed. Well-designed LED grow lights are more electrically efficient than the best HID lights on the market, so you won’t need as much air conditioning to fight all that excess heat. Also, the absence of infrared energy we discussed earlier means that grow rooms can be run warmer, and as a result, air conditioners will kick on less often. Many HID grow rooms rely on air conditioners to handle the bulk of dehumidification. With air conditioners doing less work, it might mean you’ll need to install additional dehumidifiers to keep humidity under control in an LED grow room.

Conclusion Although there are many challenges to transitioning a complex, established grow operation from HID to LED lighting, the long term benefits are beginning to outweigh the costs, and ongoing technological advancements mean that LED grow lights are here to stay. Through careful observation and practice, highly skilled growers are using LEDs to push the limits of what was once thought possible in their gardens. It all comes down to understanding the attributes of the light source and the needs of the plant. 3

Water usage Heating plant canopies with infrared-heavy lights, then cooling them off with fans and air conditioners set up a scenario for very high rates of transpiration, and in turn high water usage. We’ve all seen how quickly plants grown under high-pressure sodium will suffer when an irrigation system malfunctions. Growers switching to LED will notice that their plants don’t need to be watered as often, but they’ll still need just as much fertilizer to avoid nutrient deficiencies. If you plan to feed with hydroponic nutrients, you may need to dial up the strength (EC/PPM) of your solution to account for less-frequent waterings.

Bio

Alex Fraser is a product specialist with NextLight LED and the owner of Garden Grove Organics, the Cincinnati area’s oldest hydroponics retailer. Before entering the indoor agriculture industry, Alex spent a decade touring the world implementing lighting and sound solutions for stage applications. His electronics background and love for gardening eventually led him to the world of cutting-edge horticultural lighting and materials processing, where he has consulted clients ranging from hobbyists to largescale commercial installations. 61

BY ARI SINGER

FUNGI LIFE CYCLE

ou’ve decided to add beneficial microbes to your growing process for the first time and are dabbling with the idea of adding mycorrhizal fungi to the mix.You head over to the nearest grow shop and get a recommendation from the sales rep to pick up product X. You excitedly head home and apply the product to your plants. Congratulations! But,

what exactly is in the bag that you purchased? How does it work? How can a living organism arrive in a sealed bag and affect and benefit your plants?

The mycorrhizal fungi penetrate root cells, and from there, branch out into the soil in search of nutrients Let’s talk about the role of mycorrhizal fungi in nature and why adding them to growing media benefits plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associate with approximately 90% of all plants on the planet, can be found on almost every continent, and have been around for over 400 million years. The mycorrhizal fungi penetrate root cells, and from there, branch out into the soil in search of nutrients. Plants exchange these nutrients for carbohydrates they give to the fungi. As a result, mycorrhizal plants can absorb more nutrients and water through the fungi’s hyphal network.

When picking up your first pack, look at what the product contains in terms of fungal species and their concentrations. This is essential since the higher the concentration of propagules, the faster and more likely they are to colonize the roots. Since we are dealing with biological products, it’s important to observe how they were stored and their shelf life. If the product has expired, do not purchase it. If it has been stored outside and not according to manufacturer recommendations, do not purchase it either, as this could certainly affect the viability of the fungi inside the product. There have been cases where products do not meet the label’s claims and get taken off the shelf by regulatory agencies, which can happen due to improper storage that kills off the fungi. In a bag or bottle of a commercial product, propagules can come in several forms. Viable, meaning alive, or non-viable, meaning dead. The viable propagules in the product arrive

and inform each other of pests so that other plants can increase their defence mechanism and much more. credit: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/7/4/75/htm

Fungi in Commercial Products

other through this intricate network

From: Trade-Offs in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis: Disease Resistance, Growth Responses and Perspectives for Crop Breeding

Most commercial mycorrhizal inoculants consist of the following: spores, hyphae, and inoculated root fragments. Propagules are effective inoculation vehicles and can be made up of any of these three elements. Some products contain only spores, while other “whole inoculum” products contain all three. Whole inoculum products tend to be more robust and can inoculate plants at higher rates.

Plants can communicate with each

in a dormant state and spring to life by two factors. Either biotic, through a hormonal signal from a plant the moment the fungi are placed in the growing media, or abiotic, from a change in environmental conditions, i.e., rain, cold, drought, etc. If there is an abiotic factor that caused the fungi to come to life and no plant for the fungi to connect with and create the mycorrhizal symbiosis, the fungi will die.

FUNGI LIFE CYCLE

Whole inoculum products tend to be more robust and can inoculate plants at higher rates Methods of Producing Mycorrhizal Fungi: spores (Powell, 1976; Abbot and In-vitro – This is done in sterile In nature, AMF can connect with Robson 1981), and specifically, vesicles Petri dishes on “transformed root in roots proved to be highly infectious cultures” where the host “plant”, multiple plants, even from (Biermann and Linderman). Therefore, mostly carrot, has been modified to different species, together the benefits of whole inoculum are produce only roots to have the fungi faster initial colonization, and higher grow on. This method provides through their hyphal inoculum potential. uncontaminated fungal propagules but has some disadvantages as well. network. This phenomenon This doesn’t mean a product with only The fungi are produced in sterile, spores is inferior to a product with artificial conditions, and thus, there has been coined the all three types of propagules. There is no interaction with the external “Wood Wide Web” are other factors to consider, such as biological world. Various biotic and the propagules’ viability to that of the abiotic stressors affect the fungi and spores alone. These tests are done at labs where they test the how they will perform in a pot or a field (Vasilis Kokkoris and strength of the inoculant by various methods. Miranda Hart, bit.ly/3kRQBJ1). These stimuli include the fungi’s interaction with various microbes, temperature, carbon Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and more levels, and more. research needs to be done on the subject to fully understand the impact of both approaches in an agricultural setting. In-vivo – This method is done by growing fungi on the roots of living host plants. Since approximately 90% of all plants form a relationship with AMF, the number of potential host Nature vs. Controlled Environment plant species is vast, allowing the fungi to be stimulated by How does growing in a pot compare with what happens in the different growth rates, nutrient uptake cycle, and host nature from a mycorrhizal fungus’ standpoint and role? In nature, plants’ other factors. These plants are grown mostly in pots AMF can connect multiple plants, even from different species, in greenhouses with soil or other growing media. While together through their hyphal network. This phenomenon has they are in a greenhouse, the rhizosphere environment been coined the “Wood Wide Web”. Through this network, is more complicated than in a Petri dish. This means that plants exchange nutrients and water, and even information, there is an interaction between microbes and the fungi, among themselves. Plants can communicate with each other an influence of the nutrients used to feed the plants, the through this intricate network and inform each other of pests watering schedule, the temperature, and more. so that other plants can increase their defence mechanism and much more. When growing a single plant in a pot, this network In a product containing the whole inoculum, the sum of exists, but not to its fullest extent. The fungi’s role is lessened, these propagules is estimated via what is known as Inoculum as they do not transfer nutrients between plants or information, Potential (LIU, R.-J., & LUO, X.-S. 1994). Therefore, by but their part is still enormous. They now will “only” absorb adding more root fragments, the Infection Potential grows. nutrients that the plant can’t access, such as locked up Moreover, studies show that root fragments containing phosphorous, iron, zinc, and others, as well as water. vesicles and hyphae increase colonization speed compared 65

Purest

form of our

award winning

A ZOS

• • • • •

Xtremely Bio-Active Made To Order Increased Root Growth Shorter Veg Times Compatible with All Fertigation Systems

www.xtreme-gardening.com

@XTREMEGARDENING

FUNGI LIFE CYCLE

If there is an abiotic factor that c ause d the fungi to come to l ife and no pl ant for the fungi to conne ct with and create the mycorrhizal symbiosis, the fungi will die Endomycorrhizal Fungi Life Cycle What came first, the chicken or the egg? What’s fascinating about mycorrhizal inoculants is that both the spore (A.K.A. the egg) and the hyphae (the chicken) can start a symbiotic relationship with a plant. Spores sporulate and make their way toward the plant cell, where they construct treelike structures called arbuscules, where the exchange of nutrients and carbohydrates between the fungi and plant occurs. From there, the fungus branches out via hyphae, microscopic root-like structures in search of food for the plant. When inoculating with hyphae and root fragments, the hyphae do not require sporulation and can latch on to the plant roots without sporulating.

Mycorrhizal fungi are obligate biotrophs, meaning they will live only if they have a host plant. If no host plant is around, the spores or hyphae will either remain dormant or ultimately die. Unlike humans, who digest food internally, mycorrhizal fungi secrete powerful enzymes as they spread out in the soil, which break down minerals and nutrients into simpler forms. It is through this method that the fungi feed the plant. As they continue to expand into unchartered territories that the plant can’t reach, they supply the plant with the brokendown matter which the plant needs to grow. In return for this, the plant gives carbohydrates to the fungi. 3

Resources: •

credit: https://www.researchgate.net/

•

Abbott, L. K., & Robson, A. D. (1981). Infectivity and effectiveness of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: effect of inoculum type. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 32(4), 631-639. Biermann, B., & Linderman, R. G. (1983). Use of vesiculararbuscular mycorrhizal roots, intraradical vesicles and extraradical vesicles as inoculum. New Phytologist, 95(1), 97-105. LIU, R.-J., & LUO, X.-S. (1994). A new method to quantify the inoculum potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. New Phytologist, 128(1), 89–92. Powell, C. L. (1976). Development of mycorrhizal infections from Endogone spores and infected root segments. Transactions of the British Mycological Society, 66(3), 439-445.

Ari Singer is a man with a mission: spreading endomycorrhizal fungi spores to benefit plants worldwide. He leads the DYNOMYCO sales team in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and Israel and is passionate about mycology, gardening, and making the world more sustainable.Ari has a B.A. in Sustainability & Economics from the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya. When he is not roaming the globe spreading DYNOMYCO spores, you can find him on his urban garden rooftop growing vegetables and mushrooms or on a slackline somewhere between cliffs and trees.

Bio The image above illustrates how this cycle works and how new fungal growth and reproduction can occur at any stage of the fungus’ life.

The Ulti-Mite Pest Control Solution for Grow Rooms

Thrips + WhiteflyÂ Control Spider Mite Control

Broad and Russet Mite Suppression

Climate Resistant sachets produce up to 3x more predatory mites than the traditional paper sachets

Our Best Sachets Yet! Visit us at www.koppert.ca for Canadian inquiries or at www.koppert.com for all other inquiries

REVIVING OLD SEEDS

BY CODY J. GARRETT-TAIT

REVIVING OLD SEEDS

ORGANICALLY T

here’s something exciting about finding some long-forgotten, rare seeds. Once you have them, the challenge is to revive those genetics, especially considering they’ve been sitting in someone’s tobacco tin,

basement, or garage for decades. While they look like they could germinate, you don’t have many, and you want to make sure they sprout.

Is It Possible? Yes! Even seeds that are thousands of years old can germinate. But proper pretreatment is essential, and the older the seed, the less energy it has left in storage.

Seeds from annual plants aren’t often designed to last many years, part of what makes the germination process so tricky

Seeds from annual plants aren’t often designed to last many years, part of what makes the germination process so tricky. With each trip around the sun, energy declines. Eventually, the embryo doesn’t have any juice left to break the seed coat and push through the soil to the surface. To an extent, we can minimize this through proper storage in cool and dry environments. But even still, the passage of time inevitably wins.

Clean Beans

Aggressive tactics are often needed to give the seed a fighting chance. First, the seeds will need to be cleaned, minimizing any potential mold spores and pathogens that may be on the seed surface. Soaking the seeds in a 1 or 2% hydrogen peroxide solution for a few minutes cleans effectively while also providing slight chemical scarification to the seed coat, which has likely hardened over time.

Chemical Scarification? For germination to occur, the embryo needs to be able to exchange oxygen with the outside world. The issue? Seed coats tend to harden over time, which prevents them from properly absorbing water and oxygen. While H202 can provide a chemical roughing, it’s often necessary to get a bit more surgical. Mechanically scarifying seeds can be as simple as lightly sanding the micropyle (edge) with a piece of sandpaper (being careful not to go too far), or knicking a notch out of the seed coat with a utility knife. Cracking the seed coat carefully between a pair of forceps is another method. Many old-timers used to crack the seeds between their teeth!

For germination to occur, the embryo needs to be able to exchange oxygen with the outside world 69

Once the seeds are ready, place them directly into a quality, organic soil for germination, rather than on a paper towel. The latter makes the seeds more prone to pathogens

REVIVING OLD SEEDS

Scrubbing In

Once the seeds are ready, Soaking seeds in a diluted Sometimes, you have to place them directly into perform surgery to get solution of blackstrap molasses a quality, organic soil for a seed to germinate. Do germination, rather than or even sugar water will bolster this by entirely removing on a paper towel. The carbohydrate levels the seed coat and directly latter makes the seeds germinating the embryo more prone to pathogens. by placing it on top of a quality propagating media kept Good soil should be brimming with healthy microbes. evenly moist in a controlled environment. Steady hands Direct planting also avoids injury to the initial taprootâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and magnification are a must for this; small seeds mean very fine feeder hairs during transplanting, fur ther delicate work! Often, this step alone is enough for seeds enhancing survival rates. and should improve success rates. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up on older seeds; try to germinate them to see if they are as good as you remember. 3

Rejuvenation

To fur ther ensure the best chance of germination, we can attempt to replenish some of the energy and hormones that have been lost over time. Soaking seeds in a diluted solution of blackstrap molasses or even sugar water will bolster carbohydrate levels. When added to the mix, kelp, fulvic acid, B vitamins, alfalfa meal, coconut water, and malted grain (especially barley) provide a considerable array of biocatalysts, including natural enzymes to wake the tired embryos and get them moving. Coconut water is notably used in plant tissue culture as food stock, which proves very useful for these purposes. Germination is an enzyme-driven process, which can be naturally supplemented by the above ingredients.

BIO

Cody is the owner of High Powered Organics and a second-generation Australian grower with more than a decade of experience in the horticulture industry. Cody works closely with growers locally and abroad, creating organic solutions for high output cropping. He achieves maximum results by combining aspects from permaculture, biodynamic farming, and Korean natural farming techniques. Codyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main focus is finding natural, and sustainable ways to produce high-quality plants with a minimum of input.

SPIDER MITE

PEST PREVENTION: BY RICH HAMILTON

challenge that comes with growing plants is deterring garden pests, and the list of potential insect diners wishing to feast on the fruits of your labor is a long one. One of the most destructive problems in the garden is the spider mite.

What are spider mites?

When temperatures reach Spider mites are oval-shaped and above 30Â°C (86Â°F), baby Spider mites belong to the only about 0.4mm long; they come in spider mites are born in as arachnid family and look like tiny spiders. They thrive in colors of red, brown, black, yellow or little as three and a half days. Females can lay 200 eggs in hot, dry environments, and green, depending on the species her lifetime. In just 15 days, especially where there are no new mites reach adulthood predators to challenge them. and then lay eggs of their own. Spider mites hatch at a ratio of 3:1 Spider mites are oval-shaped and only about 0.4mm long; they female to male, so it is easy to see how an infestation can quickly come in colors of red, brown, black, yellow or green, depending take hold before the grower has even noticed. on the species. Red spider mites, glasshouse red spider mites, and carmine spider mites are especially concerning because they are sap feeders, sucking juices from plant leaves. Other spider mite species feed on decayed organic matter and small insects rather than plants.

Lifecycle and Reproduction In a warm and dry climate, spider mates breed at an alarming rate. They can be catastrophic in an indoor grow room, destroying crops in next to no time.

Signs of Infestation Tiny brown spots and yellowing leaves are the first indications that spider mites are present. The mites appear as minuscule colored dots on the underside of leaves. They use spider webs to travel between leaves and branches.

How Plants are Affected Spider mites puncture holes in the leaf and suck the sap out, causing it to turn yellow. The entire plant becomes very weak, and because mites reproduce so quickly, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recover from the relentless attack and will eventually die. Spider mites are super-spreaders when it comes to transmitting disease, as they travel from one plant to another, which poses another threat to crops.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss out? Visit GardenCultureMagazine.com and subscribe now!

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.

Truly local. Beyond fresh.

SPIDER MITE

Neem oil and other horticultural oils are spider mite deterrents.

Prevention Spider mites cannot fly. They arrive via other infested plants or hitch a ride to the growing environment on a gardener or visitor. They can also get into greenhouses or grow rooms through ventilation systems.

In a warm and dry climate, spider mates breed at an alarming rate. They can be catastrophic in an indoor grow room, destroying crops in next to no time

Use fine dust filters in grow room ventilation systems to prevent mites from entering the room. Always change any clothes that have been in contact with other plants or gardens before entering the growing environment. Because spider mites love hot and dry climates, keeping the humidity up can help deter them as well. Neem oil and other horticultural oils are spider mite deterrents. The oil creates a barrier on the leaf, and the mites will struggle to penetrate the surface and starve. The oil also coats the mite, softening their shell, and hopefully, killing them off. Keeping all plants covered in oil is not realistic. The best line of defence is to check plant leaves, especially the undersides, regularly for the abovementioned signs of an infestation. The mites are so small that using a magnifying glass is a good idea.

Curing A Spider Mite Infestation

The key to getting rid of an infestation is to act fast! If caught early enough, neem oil will help. If the infestation is severe, however, then the most effective cure is a nonsystemic insecticide that kills mites on contact. Dousing the plant with water for a few days after will reduce any insecticide residue remaining on the plant. If growing organically, cinnamon clove tea might do the trick. Mix an ounce each of powdered cinnamon and cloves into a gallon of cooled, boiled water. Spray regularly onto the plant. Releasing predator mites into the grow room may also help eradicate the pests. Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of spider mite infestations means organic methods tend to have lower success rates. Prevention is the ultimate cure when it comes to spider mites, or any pests, for that matter. Taking the time to check plants thoroughly and regularly may seem daunting, but it is a chore worth doing versus the hassle of dealing with an infestation. 3

BIO

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

BY ANNE GIBSON

GROWING PLANTS INDOORS

ith more people spending time at home and mindful of health in 2020, it’s time to reflect on the indoor environment and how that impacts our wellbeing. Research studies in recent years have revealed plants can have a positive effect on indoor air quality, how we feel both mentally and physically, and mitigate a

wide range of potential health issues.

VOCs are carbon-containing chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. Some of these toxic gases are easily identifiable from their distinctive smell. Where Potential Dangers Lie Figures from 2019 reveal over 86% of Australians live in urban areas and spend an average of 90% of their time indoors - either at home or work. According to the Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NGIA), “Indoor air is generally more polluted than outdoor air due to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) produced by furnishings, carpets, paints, and outdoor VOCs (mainly fuel emissions) trapped indoors.” House plants help clean improve indoor air quality and provide visual amenity

Health Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality Polluted indoor air contaminated by VOCs is recognized as a major cause of building-related health conditions, including headaches, nausea, lethargy, nose and throat irritation, and loss of concentration. Few people likely suspect an invisible enemy may be contributing to their health issues. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has identified indoor air quality (IAQ) as one of the top five environmental hazards. Research studies have revealed that pollutants indoors might be two to five times, and sometimes over 100 times higher than outdoors (US EPA, 1993). Normal outdoor carbon dioxide levels range between 300 and 500ppm. Indoors, the average CO2 concentration levels range between 500 and 1,500ppm (Seppänen, 2006), primarily from human respiration. Disturbingly, one study (Satish et al., 2012) revealed that rational thinking and reasoning ability reduced at 1,000ppm CO2 concentration levels. Another study (Bluyssen, 2009) showed occupants could suffer from suffocation and tightness in the chest with exposure to CO2 levels at 800ppm or higher.

VOCs are carbon-containing chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. Some of these toxic gases are easily identifiable from their distinctive smell. Cigarette smoke is an obvious one, and most of us recognize that ‘new car’ or ‘new carpet’ scent, but other emissions are odorless. Some of the worst offenders include newly manufactured products, like curtains and flooring, building products, marker pens, varnishes, adhesives, synthetic fabrics, cleaning agents, craft products, scents, and sprays. Office electronics like new computers and printers may emit a variety of VOCs, according to a US Berkeley study. Common VOCs found in our homes include benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, acetone, and styrene. Higher levels of VOCs occur with new products, and off-gassing gradually reduces over time. However, if new VOC-containing products are regularly introduced, concentrations can build up significantly, particularly in warm, poorly-ventilated rooms. Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to avoid all off-gassing. Even if a product no longer smells, it could still be emitting VOCs.

Just one plant can enhance the work environment and improve productivity and mental health Nastur tiums 77

GROWING PLANTS INDOORS

A greener space is not only a cleaner one to live in, but provides a practical strategy for mental health

Houseplants still need adequate natural or indoor lighting to photosynthesize

Indoor Plants to the Rescue There are positive low-cost solutions – and plants hold the key! Indoor plants not only absorb all types of urban air pollution, but an ever-increasing body of evidence confirms they also promote positive mental and physical wellbeing benefits. The findings from a three-year study, “Greening the Great Indoors for Human Health and Wellbeing”, conducted by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) are significant. A series of tests were performed before and after plants were positioned in offices. The results showed people in offices with plants experienced:

Wormwood

• 58% reduction in depression/dejection; • 44% reduction in anger/hostility • 38% reduction in fatigue; • 37% reduction in tension/anxiety; • 30% reduction in confusion; • 4.5% increase in vigor.

Plants Help Remove VOCs and Reduce CO2 In one of the UTS studies, CO2 concentrations were reduced by 10% in an air-conditioned building and by 25% in a naturally ventilated building – another significant improvement in IAQ. Air conditioning indoors is used for temperature control and to refresh the air by removing CO2 to acceptable levels (a maximum of 1000 ppm). During the UTS office plant testing period, it was observed that just three people talking over 10 minutes in an office could increase CO2 concentrations to 800 ppm. Indoor plants could potentially play a major role in reducing CO2 levels under the extra-ventilation cut-in point for air conditioning systems. In terms of reducing VOCs, the UTS research revealed that after an initial period where the plants acclimatise to the unique VOCs in the room, the potting mix bacteria in conjunction with the plant consistently remove VOCs on an ongoing basis. Residual concentrations of VOCs are removed to insignificant levels (< 20 ppb), which is below the detection limits of the gas chromatography instrumentation. Test results from multiple studies revealed that indoor plants were able to consistently remove VOCs and CO2 within 24 hours regardless of the plant species, whether they were in small or largesized pots, in light or dark, in air-conditioning or not. What’s even more impressive, is when the VOC levels increased, the rate of removal rose in response to the challenge. The research revealed, “the bacteria involved (Burchett et al., 2009) are among the normal decomposing microorganisms of soil/potting mixtures, and similar to those routinely cultured for use in bioremediation of oil spills and groundwater contamination.” An invisible workforce we can employ to improve our health!

The research provides strong evidence to support the use of plants in work environments to reduce stress and improve performance. Impressively, just one office plant was enough to make all the difference. Plants Help Improve Wellbeing Plants can relax and energize us, improve our mood, enhance productivity, and aid concentration. The results from many research works confirm that people find plants an effective mechanism for coping with stress just by being around them. A greener space is not only a cleaner one to live in, but provides a practical strategy for mental health. In our homes, plants can give a sense of connection to nature that lifts the spirits and makes us feel more relaxed.

Looking at green plants while working can help relieve stress 79

GROWING PLANTS INDOORS

Polluted indoor air contaminated by VOCs is recognized as a major cause of building-related health conditions, including headaches, nausea, lethargy, nose and throat irritation, and loss of concentration. Indoor plants help us relax clean pollutants from the air and reduce stress

List of indoor plant species UTS laboratory-tested for VOC removal: • • •

• • • •

• The type of plant species used for indoor air phytoremediation is not significant, but rather, it is a healthy microbe population that needs to be cultivated (Leahy and Colwell, 1990). Keeping indoor plants, regardless of species, well-maintained in a moist, well-drained and pH-balanced potting mix rewards us with clean air and healthier homes and workplaces. A win-win! Loving our Indoor Plants It’s clear from this evidence that plants not only play a beneficial role in our outdoor gardens by providing us with greenery, food, and a place to find peace and relaxation, but they also contribute valuable ecosystem services indoors for human health. Indoor gardening is becoming many people’s go-to activity – not only as a hobby to green our homes but also as a way to improve wellbeing through sensory engagement with plants and soil. I have plants in every room of our home including on our desks, bedrooms (where CO2 accumulates overnight as we sleep) and in our living spaces. Not only do they make the house more beautiful to look at by greening our indoor spaces, but they are effectively part of our ‘health insurance’ plan!

African violets are a popular indoor flowering plant that can help lift the spirits as well as clean air

•

Aglaonema modestum (Chinese Evergreen) (Fam. Araceae) Chamaedorea elegans (Parlour Palm) (Fam. Palmae) Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ (Fam. Dracaenaceae; prev. Liliaceae) Dracaena marginata (Fam. Dracaenaceae; prev. Liliaceae) Epipremnum aureum (syn. Scindap(s)us aureus) (Pothos; Devil‘s Ivy) (Fam. Araceae) Howea forsteriana (Kentia palm) (Fam. Palmae) Philodendron ‘Congo’ (Chinese Clone) (Fam. Araceae) Sansevieria trifasciata (Mother-in-law‘s tongue) (Fam.Ruscaceae/Dracaenaceae) Schefflera ‘Amate’ (Queensland Umbrella Tree) (Fam. Araliaceae) Spathiphyllum ‘Petite’ and ‘Sweet Chico’ (Peace Lily) (Fam. Araceae) Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’ (Peace Lily) (Fam. Araceae) Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Zanzibar; ZZ) (Fam. Araceae)

They were all found to be equally effective in removing a standard dose within about 24 hours after a week of acclimatization (induction) to exposure to the VOC.

My houseplants get a weekly ‘spa bath’ treatment with a soak in liquid seaweed for trace elements. They are rotated outdoors for a brief ‘holiday’ in the sun to boost photosynthesis every fortnight and soak up the mineral-rich rain to wash off any dust. I can honestly say my houseplants are thriving and even flowering indoors. They’re like members of our family now and deserve a little TLC in return for the positive health and wellbeing benefits they contribute. Perhaps yours do too? 3

BIO Anne Gibson, The Micro Gardener, is an author, speaker and urban garden community educator on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia. Anne is passionate about inspiring people to improve health and wellbeing, by growing nutrient-dense food gardens in creative containers and small spaces. Anne regularly presents workshops, speaks at sustainable living events, coaches private clients and teaches community education classes about organic gardening and ways to live sustainably. She has authored several eBooks and gardening guides. Anne shares organic gardening tips and tutorials to save time, money and energy on her popular website - TheMicroGardener.com. References: 1) Burchett MD, Torpy F and Brennan J, 2009, Towards Improving Indoor Air Quality With Potted -Plants A Multifactorial Investigation, Final Repor t to Hor ticulture Australia Ltd. Nastur tiums 2) Burchett MD, Torpy F, Brennan J and Craig A, 2010, Greening the Great Indoors for Human Health and Wellbeing, Final Repor t to Horticulture Australia Ltd.

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

Fully expands in 60 ! seconds

Introducing GROW!T® Commercial Coco Coir RapidRIZE™ blocks Made from a premium growing medium designed specifically for the professional grower.

0:00

0:60

Watch the video now! Fabric wrap has been removed to show coco coir.

• • • •

Ultra clean processing for low EC levels Every batch is lab tested for heavy metals Loamy texture for excellent root growth Maintains air content even when saturated

Available now in sizes for all stages Choose from four sizes for vegetative, flowering, and even mother plants. GROW!T® Commercial RapidRIZE™ Blocks GMGP443 – 120 blocks, 4" x 4" x 3" GMGP664 – 40 blocks, 6" x 6" x 4"

GMGP886 – 20 blocks, 8" x 8" x 6" GMGP10107 – 10 blocks, 10" x 10" x 7"

Hydrofarm.com

GROWING PROJECTS

s ’ o Whowing hat e r e Gr h W W 1.

USA

& Canada

New York City, NY

Rise & Root Farm

Credit: Rise & Root Farm

What happens when a group of four women comes together to grow food? Magical things. Rise & Root Farm is committed to connecting the rural and urban communities in the Big Apple through gardening and farming. Karen Washington, Lorrie Clevenger, Jane Hodge, and Michaela Hayes are busy spreading the word: access to fresh and nutritious food is a fundamental human right. Together, they strive for food justice and equality; nobody should go hungry. Unfortunately, quality produce isn’t always easy to find in a big city, especially not in low-income and minority communities. Rise & Root Farm educates people at urban farms and community gardens, building a strong local food economy along the way. They believe that anyone can grow their own, and with a few preservation techniques, it is possible to eat locally year-round. The produce they grow on the farm, including salad greens, herbs, and heirloom tomatoes, are all sold online and at Manhatten’s Union Square Greenmarket. Great food; fantastic message. Making New York City a better place to live. Learn more: riseandrootfarm.com facebook.com/RiseandRootFarm @riseandrootfarm riseandrootfarm

Bedford, QC

When Canada legalized the recreational use of cannabis in 2018, Après La Pluie saw an opportunity. Passionate about the plant, the farm wants to share everything it offers by growing organic artisanal cannabis. In the process of obtaining its license to grow commercially, Après La Pluie has a simple, yet modern vision that will help connect people with cannabis and the soil it grows in. The farm is taking a family-based approach to the venture, moving away from the big industrial models most often used to grow. It has selected a piece of property that has been chemical-free for many years. The location, nestled between a river and a forest of maple trees, is known for its incredible biodiversity and living soil. Furthermore, it is the ideal microclimate for growing cannabis in Quebec, Canada, and varieties are chosen based on the local climate. The cannabis will grow under the natural light of the sun, reducing the farm’s carbon footprint. By working with nature and growing organically, Après La Pluie believes it can enhance each plant’s potential, aroma, and flavor. Beyond that, the environment benefits from such responsible farming practices. Respecting the plant and its environment. Learn more: apreslapluie.ca Après la pluie apreslapluie_cannabis

Credit: Après La Pluie

Après La Pluie

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

GROWING PROJECTS

s ’ o Whowing hat Gr W Where Tyringham, MA

Woven Roots Farm

Healthy soil leads to healthy people; for 20 years, Woven Roots Farm has been nurturing both by respecting the earth and the microorganisms that live in it. Woven Roots uses no-till farming techniques and divides its fields into permanent beds. Compacted aisles discourage weed growth, and seedlings thrive in nutrient-rich handmade plots. Compost, cover crops, mulches, and a whole lot of TLC enrich the soil, and the microorganisms living below the surface are never disturbed. Chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides are strictly forbidden. The result is delicious and nutritious vegetables sold to the local community through a CSA program. The local, regenerative farming operation honors the land of the Mohican Nation. It recognizes that the US is built on stolen land and the stolen labor of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and other people of color. Woven Roots Farm promotes social, environmental, and racial justice, and says everyone is welcome, regardless of color, income, gender, or sexual orientation. We all belong. Nurturing the community through the soil and with strong values. Learn more: wovenrootsfarm.com Woven Roots Farm wovenrootsfarm

Credit: Polyface Farm & @michaelannbrescia

Swoope, VA

Credit: Woven Roots Farm

USA

& Canada

Polyface Farm In 1961, the property Polyface Farm currently sits on was worn-out and eroded. Then, William and Lucille Salatin came along, and by working with nature, they turned the abused land into a flourishing oasis. Three generations of the Salatin family have tirelessly planted trees, built compost piles, dug ponds, and moved cows daily with portable electric fencing. Polyface produces “salad bar” beef, pork, pasteurized poultry and eggs, forage-based rabbits, and forestry products. But first and foremost, the family says it’s in the earthworm enhancement business. They treat the soil like gold; no chemical fertilizers are ever used on the property, and they don’t even own a plow or silo. Polyface is beyond organic and takes pride in its emotionally, environmentally, and economically sound business. The direct marketing farm makes over one million dollars in sales, and yet never advertises. When you call them, a real-life human picks up the phone. Imagine that? As the cattle are moved about the property to graze on fresh ‘salad,’ the chickens follow, scratching through dung and scattering nutrients int the soil. The pigs aerate the compost and finish on acorns in forest glens. The best part? This symbiotic, multi-species production model yields more per acre than industrial farms. Polyface proves it’s all possible. Learn more: polyfacefarms.com @Polyfacefarm polyfacefarm

BY DR. CALLIE SEAMAN

Castrated

Seeds A Granny Smith apple seed has a one in one hundred chance of making Granny Smith apples! 88

CASTRATED SEEDS

o you ever harvest the seeds from the fruit you buy from the supermarket and try to germinate them? Green-thumbed gardeners have a better chance at succeeding than most, but even if the seeds do germinate, the chances of them producing the same fruit as their

parent plant are relatively slim. A Granny Smith apple seed has a one in one hundred chance of making Granny Smith apples! Centuries of breeding and production methods have had a significant influence on the genetics of humanity’s favorite foodstuffs, many of them favorable. But where a fruit farmer at the turn of the 20th century could reasonably expect to influence his crop and perhaps that of his neighbours, food production today is a global enterprise that has a genuine and potentially catastrophic influence on the existence of species themselves.

Feminized seeds are produced by crossing two females with one another. They have the added advantage of preserving the characteristics of their mothers

Anyone seeking a monopoly on food production has to contend with the fact that almost anyone can grow a plant from seed. Patents protect the profit margins of patent holders, but suing farmers is a costly process and success isn’t guaranteed. The less expensive solution is to ‘switch off ’ a seed’s ability to grow. What could go wrong?

Grafting

So, how did we get here? It’s fair to say we’ve been genetically engineering plants for millennia, to varying degrees. Grafting, the process of attaching the upper por tion of one plant (the scion) to the lower par t (the rootstock) of another plant, is believed to date back some 4,000 years. Asexual propagation is common enough in nature and plants do graft naturally to one another in a process called inosculation, but grafting today is far removed from its natural precursor. In commercial terms, grafting has a host of advantages; primarily hardiness, disease resistance, and precocity – the ability to produce fruit without having to wait years for a seedling to mature. Seeds from the fruit of grafted plants contain the genetic data of both the scion and the rootstock. When these seeds are successfully planted, they tend to favor the rootstock. With apples, that often means their fruit will likely be inedible crab apples. Years of hybridization means these seeds often contain the genetic data of numerous varieties and cultivars.

Hybrids Many of the fruit and plant varieties we enjoy today are hybrids born of grafting and cloning. Hybrids are generally sterile as a result of polyploidy; a condition where abnormal cell division results from an uneven number of chromosome sets, preventing the creation of balanced gametes. In a commercial sense, this is fantastic; it means you’re not handing your customer the means to compete with you every time you sell them a piece of fruit full of seeds. Then again, why give them a chance, even if it’s one in a hundred? Grafting

CASTRATED SEEDS

Suicide seeds are billed as a biosafety measure that will prevent GM-crops from accidentally spreading into the wider environment

Look for the Radura symbol on food packaging if you’re wondering whether the food you’re eating has been

cell multiplication necessary for creating life. Look for the Radura symbol on food packaging if you’re wondering whether the food you’re eating has been irradiated.

irradiated Seedless fruits are a product of parthenocarpy; the production of fruit without fertilization. Originally a naturally occurring mutation, highly-prised seedless fruits are propagated through grafting and cuttings, as well as by artificial pollination and through the introduction of external hormones. No more picking seeds out of your teeth or worrying about pesky home growers cutting off your cash; right up until a disease rips through your crop. But that’s someone else’s problem in the future, right?

Feminized Seeds The sale of seeds is a massive industry in itself. Where the fruit and flower of female plants are the prised product at the end of the process, an errant male could easily fertilize your crop. Feminized seeds are produced by crossing two females with one another. They have the added advantage of preserving the characteristics of their mothers. Gibberellins are hormones that induce male flowers in female plants. Silver nitrate modifies ethylene levels in plants, causing the switch to maleness without the disadvantage of male genes. Since neither parent has a Y chromosome, the resultant seeds are guaranteed to be female. With aeons under her belt, Mother Nature always finds the way. None of these techniques can be 100% guaranteed. Humankind has never been one to let anything get in the way of rampant capitalism though, and we’ve still got two big guns to set against the biodiversity that underpins life itself; brutality and sneakiness.

Radiation Strictly speaking, radiation treatment extends the shelf life of foods and prevents the spread of pathogens and fungi. Exposing foodstuffs to gamma radiation isn’t widely discussed, perhaps for obvious reasons, but it is widely practiced. Potatoes, in particular, are a staple around the world and they spend a fair amount of time in storage before they reach your plate or the processing plant. Irradiation irreversibly inhibits cell division and multiplication; which is excellent for preventing breakdown and sprouting, but not so great when it comes to the 90

Radura symbol

Terminator Seeds Genetic Use Restriction Technologies, or GURTs, represent the bleeding edge of genetically modified foodstuffs. Developed in the nineties by the USDA and the Delta and Pine Land Company, a subsidiary of Monsanto, GURTS imbue genetically modified plants with a genetic ‘switch’. The switch induces infertility in second-generation seeds, or only allows them to become fertile in response to exposure to a particular, proprietary agent. Dubbed terminator technology or suicide seeds, names which are incredibly unpopular with their proponents, suicide seeds are billed as a biosafety measure that will prevent GM-crops from accidentally spreading into the wider environment. Around the time that they were being developed, Monsanto was famously suing Percy Schmeiser, a Canadian canola farmer, for failing to pay them royalties for their Roundup-tolerant canola, a product which he had never purchased. It was a costly battle for Monsanto which brought to light the fact that they weren’t above stooping to base intimidation. Widespread outrage and outright horror at the prospect of terminator technology has seen it shelved and outright prohibited in cer tain countries. Today, it remains ‘not yet commercially available’. 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:

The

up to

1,2ns0per0Day

gallo

1:1 ratio

removes up to 96% Parts per Million

www.hydrologicsystems.com

REGENERATIVE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

Inspiring Change

Through Regenerative Organic Certification

What criteria do you look for in the products you buy? Perhaps you check the nutritional value or list of ingredients. Maybe you look for non-GMO, fair-trade, or organic-certified products. As consumers, we are faced with many choices, and we can take a stand on a variety of issues (or not at all) with every item we buy.

There is a new label many people will be looking for whether they’re shopping for food, clothing, or personal care products, and if you see it, you can feel terrific about what you’re buying. It’s called “ROC”, which stands for Regenerative Organic Certified. ROC checks all of the boxes. Although new to the marketplace, it is already being called the highest standard for organic agriculture in the world. Consumers who purchase products with this stamp of approval know that they are supporting soil health, farmworkers, and pasture-based animal welfare.

Already a certified organic and biodynamic property before receiving the ROC stamp, California’s Tablas Creek Vineyards says the focus on employee wellness was a significant attracting factor to the certification.

Regenerative organic farming techniques can help heal the broken food system and as a result, improve human health

The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) is behind the new certification. The group includes various experts in farming, ranching, soil health, animal welfare, and fair trade. The goal of the ROA is to heal a broken system, repair the planet, and empower farmers and consumers through better farming practices.

“What really drew us in was ROC’s commitment to the importance of the Social Responsibility pillar/standard,” explains viticulturist Jordan Lonborg. “In the world of agriculture, all too often are the workers overlooked. This certification ensures that it is not the case on your farm.”

There are three levels to the certification -- bronze, silver, and gold. To make it to the top tier, farms and businesses must strive to include more rigorous regenerative organic techniques. When a product makes it to gold, it truly is the cream of the crop.

First established in 2018, the ROC pilot phase took place last year. The standard is now open for general certification. Before being eligible, farms must be organic-certified by the USDA. After that, they must meet additional criteria to ensure thriving soil life, animal welfare, and social fairness. For example, a USDA-recognized organic farm must also provide a tillage action plan, soil lab test results, and a record of native fauna and flora on the farm to get the ROC. Beyond that, they must also have not cleared any forests for agricultural purposes since 2015. Year-round cover crops and crop rotation are also necessary. These are just a few examples of the environmental criteria ROC farms must meet. Fair labor and social justice are also paramount in the certification process. Businesses who achieve the ROC respect all laws associated with working conditions and the health and safety of their employees. 93

REGENERATIVE EDIBLE ORGANIC LANDSCAPE CERTIFICATION MOVEMENT

Herb Pharm (Williams OR)

Dr. Bronner’s Regenerative Organic Coconut farm in Sri Lanka

The good news is some ROC products are already available for purchase on the marketplace wherever organic products are sold. They include: • • • • • • •

Apricot Lane Farms: Avocado Oil from Moorpark, CA Dr. Bronner’s: Regenerative Organic Coconut Oil from Serendipol Ltd. in Sri Lanka Nature’s Path: Oats from Legend Organic farm in Saskatchewan, Canada Grain Place Foods: Popcorn and Cornmeal from Marquette, NE Patagonia Provisions: Regenerative Organic Chile Mango from Sol Simple, Masaya, Nicaragua Lotus Foods: Brown and White Basmati Rice from Rohini, India Sol Simple: Banana from Masaya, Nicaragua

Other certified farms and businesses with ROC products rolling out shortly include: • • •

Tablas Creek Vineyards: Paso Robles CA Herb Pharm: Williams OR Guayaki Yerba Mate: Misiones, Argentina

We are in both a race against climate change and a fight for human health, neither of which we can afford to lose

The Time Is Now There is no better time for farms and companies to be pushing themselves to meet the standards set out by the ROC. With the United Nations estimating the world population will hit 9.7 billion by 2050, it has become clear that we need to revamp the agricultural system so that future generations have food security and a healthy planet. “Growing food and fiber with industrial techniques and harmful chemicals is having devastating effects on human health and the health of our planet,” says Birgit Cameron, Head of Patagonia Provisions. “This type of farming degrades soil, which over time reduces our ability to grow healthy crops and contributes to the loss of topsoil and water-limited resources we can’t afford to waste. Switching to Regenerative Organic practices builds healthy soil and draws even more carbon back into the ground, turning our agricultural system from problem to solution.” 95

REGENERATIVE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION

Sol Simple farms from Masaya, Nicaragua The COVID-19 health crisis is another wake-up call. The ROA says the outbreak has shown how many inequalities exist in the global food supply. Regenerative organic farming techniques can help heal the broken food system and as a result, improve human health. The Rodale Institute and The Plantrician Project recently released a new white paper called The Power of the Plate: The Case for Regenerative Organic Agriculture in Improving Human Health. The report discusses how farming and healthcare are very much intertwined, and yet the link between them is often ignored. The increased industrialization of our food system has led to environmental degradation, empty food, and unhealthy people. The report above urges the farming and healthcare sectors to work together to create better food and a healthier future. “Let the food be thy medicine, and the medicine be thy food.” (Hippocrates, 400 BC)

Lotus Foods produces Basmati Rice (Rohini, India) We are in both a race against climate change and a fight for human health, neither of which we can afford to lose. By nourishing the land, animals, growers, and consumers, the ROC stamp of approval is a step in the right direction. We can all take a stand with the products we buy. Anything with “ROC” attached to it makes a significant impact and an even greater statement. For more information, visit regenorganic.org.

Sol Simple

Stuart McMillan of Legend Organic Farm Nature’s Path

If you’re looking to shop for ROC products online, check out the Patagonia Provisions website: patagoniaprovisions.com 97

BY CAROLINE RIVARD

Not Just A Sweet Treat...

The Medicinal Benefits Of

d l i W s e i r r e b p s a

R 98

GARDEN WEEDS

few scratches on our hands and forearms are worth it when enjoying sweet and juicy wild raspberries. Incredibly fragrant and tasty, these

plants produce abundant harvests of bright red berries

The nutritious berries help boost the immune system, nourish the blood, and protect against hear t disease and various cancers thanks to their many antioxidants, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins

from about mid-summer to the first frost. Wild raspberry, also known as Rubus idaeus, grows in many different soil conditions and can be found in woodlands, along roadsides, or beside the garden. But despite being a delicious treat, many gardeners consider the raspberry canes to be pesky weeds. The plant propagates quickly, and suckers begin to spread. Flowerbeds and vegetable patches can easily be overcome by it.

From Invader To Medicine Although invasive, it’s not such a bad idea to find some space for wild raspberry plants. The sweet flavor of the delicious fruits and the countless number of recipes we can include them in is reason enough, but wild raspberries also offer many medicinal benefits. Food that grows in the wild is rich in nutrients and tends to be more flavorful than what you find at the supermarket. Wild raspberries are no exception and are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and fiber. The nutritious berries help boost the immune system, nourish the blood, and protect against heart disease and various cancers thanks to their many antioxidants, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins. The wild red raspberry plant is a precious medicine long appreciated in herbalism and folk medicine. Indigenous people foraged the fruit for both food and medicine immediately after the ice age! Dried leaves, picked before the flowers bloom, are delicious when made as a tea. A high tannin content makes the brew similar to black tea but without the caffeine. A wild raspberry infusion contains many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and vitamins B, C, and E. The concoction can help build healthy bones and teeth or can be taken after an illness to help with recovery. A tea made with raspberry leaves is easy to make! Use up to two tablespoons of dried herb and steep in a cup of hot water for 1015 minutes. Add a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, if desired. The raspberry leaves are astringent and anti-inflammatory. These two herbal actions can help to slow diarrhea and tighten mucosal tissue in leaky gut syndrome or general intestinal inflammation. The astringency will help heal wounds and sore eyes. Eye drops made from a cooled, filtered decoction of raspberry leaves has been used as a treatment for conjunctivitis. A mouth wash from the tea will help with bleeding gums, mouth sores, or mouth inflammation.

A Woman’s Best Friend The wild raspberry plant has been used for centuries to support reproductive health in women, and the gentle herb can ease menstrual pain. Although herbal medicines are often discouraged for expecting mothers, raspberry leaves have long been used by midwives to help women through their pregnancies and prepare them for childbirth. A herbal infusion made with the leaves nourishes the body and strengthens and tones uterine muscles, which can help reduce labor pains and their duration. The infusion also helps increase a mother’s milk, relieves nausea, and the high iron content prepares the body for blood loss during childbirth. The uterine tonic made with red raspberry leaves also help tighten and tone the womb. Despite being safe to pregnant women, wait until the second or third trimesters before drinking a wild raspberry tea. There is some concern that the drink may stimulate the uterus and potentially cause a miscarriage. 3

Disclaimer: While raspberry leaves are a nourishing food that is safe to eat, always check with a health practitioner before enjoying the benefits associated with any medicinal herb.

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

900 PROPAGULES PER GRAM,

YOU WILL NEVER GROW WITHOUT IT AGAIN.

DISTRIBUTED BY:

WWW.DYNOMYCO.COM

STUDY LOOKS AT

ACAI BERRIES AS POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR COVID-19

ith a fruity chocolate taste and a whole slew of health benefits, the acai berr y is emerging as a type of super fruit. Native to the rainforests of South America, the deep purple berries are har vested from acai palm trees and are rich in antioxidants. Proper ties in the berries

are excellent for weight-loss and have anti-aging effects. But they are also shown to be good for the hear t, help fight cer tain cancers, and reduce stress and inflammation in the brain. The latter quality is why Canadian researchers are looking at the grape-like fruit as a form of treatment for COVID-19

A clinical trial under way at the Universit y of Toronto is examining whether an early intervention of acai palm berry extract can prevent severe cases of the novel coronavirus

One is for Biofloral Canadian Distributor with cannabis the other for UK Highlight Wholesale noUniversity Cannabisof Toronto is A clinical trial underway at the examining whether earlyweed. intervention of acai palm berry some other similar image that’sannot

extract can prevent severe cases of the novel coronavirus. As the pandemic continues, many patients are developing an acute inflammatory response in the heart and lungs. Because the acai berry is so effective at reducing inflammation in the body, researchers are hoping it might also be an all-natural way to reduce the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations. The study involves nearly 600 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 but are well enough to recuperate

and isolate at home. While some of the participants will receive acai pills, others will be given placebo pills. Doctors will assess their symptoms every 15 days. If proven successful, the treatment will not prevent people from contracting the virus, but rather, keep them off a ventilator and reduce the risk of death. 3

Sources: •

•

CTV News: Canadian clinical trial looks to acai berries in hopes of preventing severe cases of COVID-19 bit.ly/388QhSE Medical News Today: What Are The Health Benefits of Acai Berries? bit.ly/2JzR4BZ 101

GREEN ADVICE

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

TO LEARN ABOUT REGENERATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE GROWING Regenerative and sustainable are two buzz words in the world of growing these days. And they should be; the current climate crisis means we need to be making serious changes and fast. Lucky for us, there are plenty of resources out there that can help us all adopt these practices in our gardens. Here’s our list of 5 cool ways to learn more about regenerative and sustainable growing practises.

The Need To Grow

It costs $7 to watch, but The Need To Grow is a documentary well worth the money.The best part about this flick? It’s inspirational and offers messages of hope; a nice shift from the terrifying news we hear about the environment every day.Yes, the world’s farmable soil is depleting at a rapid rate, but we can find a way out of this mess, and the documentary introduces us to brilliant people who are offering real solutions. Meet a 6-year-old food activist working to ensure her future, a never-say-die micro-farmer, and the inventor of the incredible Green Power House.You will fall in love with the protagonists in this documentary, celebrate their achievements and want to fight for them with every bump they hit on the road. Learn all about biochar as a healing mechanism and vertical hydroponic towers that are a valid alternative to growing in soil. We all eat, so we should all be a part of the solution, right? Check out this documentary to find out how you can help. (To watch: bit.ly/31GrYaI)

Epic Gardening Podcast

If you have five minutes to spare or want something interesting to listen to while you’re driving or making dinner, the Epic Gardening podcast is for you. Host Kevin Espiritu is not only really likeable, but he offers a wealth of information to anyone interested in learning about organic gardening, growing in small spaces, or various growing methods. Hear from experts on straw bale gardening, relay planting techniques, regenerative gardening, and more. Learn how to revive dry or silty soils, grow just about anything in pots, tips and tricks for composting, and how to fight pests and diseases naturally. Espiritu offers a wealth of information on a broad range of gardening subjects and breaks it all down into easy-to-follow guides that don’t take up too much of your time. Worth a listen for anyone looking to hone their craft. (Learn more: epicgardening.com)

102

Credit: epicgardening.com

GREEN ADVICE

The Rodale Institute

Credit: AgFunderNews

TO LEARN ABOUT REGENERATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE GROWING

No matter where you live in the world, the Rodale Institute wants to help you make essential changes for the health of our planet.The organization is all about education and offers a series of webinars (many of them free!), workshops, and online courses, so farmers and gardeners can learn restorative growing techniques. If online meetings aren’t your thing, research and read about a variety of topics ranging from organic gardening, cover crops, and crop rotation to no-till practices, rotation grazing, and compost.There is no better time to educate yourself on this subject; a global switch to regenerative crop and pasture systems could fight the current climate crisis by soaking up 100% of annual carbon emissions! Need some science to back that up? Check out The White Paper, released by Rodale in September. What are you waiting for? RodaleInstitute.org/Climate2020

Good Gardening Reads

Between the pandemic-imposed social restrictions and the upcoming holiday season, chances are you have some extra time on your hands for a few good books. Luckily, there are so many out there that help aspiring and seasoned gardeners be the best versions of themselves. It’s never too early to start planning next season’s garden; The Pollinator Victory Garden, written by EcoBeneficial’s Kim Eierman, helps readers win the war on pollinator decline with ecological gardening tips. Learn how to safely attract and support bees, beetles, butterflies, bats, and other beneficial bugs to your garden.Trusted since the beginning of time(ish), the Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook by The Old Farmer’s Almanac gives the lowdown on feeding the soil for bountiful yields. Another book on our must-read list? Garden Alchemy, by Stephanie Rose of Garden Therapy. Much like a cookbook, this gem provides readers with more than 80 recipes for organic fertilizers, plant elixirs, potting mixes, pest deterrents, and more, all of them made with Mother Nature in mind. No matter what your topic of interest, there’s a book for it. Pick one or two and plan your winter escape!

Kiss The Ground

The message from another powerful documentary is clear: save the soil, and we might be able to save ourselves. Netflix’s Kiss The Ground lays all the cards on the table; destructive farming practices have stripped the world’s soil of nutrients, and we only have 60 harvests to go before growing in ‘dirt’ becomes a thing of the past. Environmentally-conscious celebrities make appearances throughout the doc, but the real stars are the farmers and ranchers devoting their lives to regenerative agriculture while educating others. Learn about the soil structure beneath our feet and how it absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. Discover how essential cover crops are to soil rejuvenation and the simple things we can all do to change our path. Do yourself and future generations a favor: don’t miss this documentary. Read more about it on GCMag. co and page 26 of this issue! 3 104

Pioneering References

ma ma publi sh i n g.com | cannascope.com

Specific for Hemp and Cannabis Production MULTIPLE STRAINS OF BENEFICIAL BACTERIA WORK AS A TEAM TO UNLOCK PHOSPHORUS, CALCIUM, AND IRON FOR UPTAKE INTO PLANT TISSUES FASTER ROOT DEVELOPMENT AND INCREASED ROOT BIOMASS FASTER VEGETATIVE GROWTH INCREASED PLANT HEALTH AND VITALITY THICKER STALKS AND STRONGER BRANCHES INCREASED YIELD HIGHLY EFFECTIVE WITH ALL NUTRIENT PROGRAMS AND GROWING MEDIA EXCELLENT FOR INDOOR GARDENING, COMMERCIAL HEMP PRODUCTION AND FIELD AGRICULTURE

• Certified Organic

• CFIA Registered

GROWERS ARE ABLE TO UNLEASH THE FULL POTENTIAL OF THEIR CROPS WITHOUT MAJOR CHANGES TO THEIR GROWING PRACTICES

GET YOUR FREE

SAMPLE TODAY!

Visit our website and use promo code “ENHANCE” instagram @miicrobialmass

facebook.com/miicrobialmass

twitter.com/MiicrobialMass

One less thing to worry about. Easy to use â&#x20AC;˘ Consistent clean quality input For all growers â&#x20AC;˘ Growing support provided

CANNA is an established and serious partner for the Green Market. We provide solutions for all growing methods and for any kind of grower. CANNA nutrients, additives and growing mediums are manufactured from the highest quality source materials. We understand the importance of a clean and consistent input as well as keeping it simple. CANNA loves to share its knowledge and experience, our team is there to support you.

Indoor Growing US 35

Articles inside

ROC: Regenerative Organic Certification

Castrated Seeds Explained

Medicinal Weeds: Wild Raspberries

The Health Benefits of Growing Plants Indoors

Pest Prevention: The Itsy Bitsy Spider Mite

Reviving Old Seeds Organically

The Fungi Life Cycle

The Ins and Outs of Organic Cloning

New Holiday Tradition: Potted Holiday Conifers

Urban Farms in Skyscrapers

Transitioning from HID to LED Grow Lights

Nightmare on NPK Street

Agriculture in Politics

Going With The Flow

Author Spotlight

Water, Water, Everywhere

Science Corner: VPD