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INDEX

THE IMPORTANCE OF

HARDENING OFF

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

Garden

Strategies to Cope with

Drought

WHO’S GROWING WHAT WHERE

I N TH IS ISSUE OF GARD EN CULTURE :

7 Foreword

57 Who’s Growing What Where

8 Author Spotlight

60 The Sound In The Silence

9 Product Spotlights

62 Seed Soak Tea

16 Superfoods For Plants

66 Farm City USA

20 From Suits To Seeds

73 The Importance of Hardening Off

26 Ancient Farming Practices

76 Feeding Cities With Urban Farms

30 Exploring Cannabis Cultivation Around The Globe

84 Medicinal Weeds: Mugwort

34 Seed Saving Part 4: Storing Seeds Correctly & Testing Viability

88 Steve Defino:A Veteran On a Mission

42 Growing: Good For The Mind

93 Best of the Blog: Beehaviours - The Waggle Dance

44 Garden Strategies To Cope With Drought

96 5 Cool Ways Plants Are Used For Textiles

52 Discovering The Genetic Potential Of Your Plants 5

FOREWORD & CREDITS

FOREWORD

he reason we write this magazine is to share with you something you might not already know. From new techniques to others practiced for ages, we are

happy to offer information you can take back to your garden and test to become better growers. The world is watching as devastating bushfires continue to burn across Australia. The loss of human lives and thousands of homes is tragic. With millions of hectares of scorched land and more than a billion animals dead, the environmental impact of the fires has been disastrous. Also, drought conditions have gardeners and farmers desperate to keep food crops alive. A resident of Australia, Garden Culture’s Anne Gibson offers valuable advice in Garden Strategies to Cope with Drought. Climate change is a serious threat to how we grow food for the world, and a significant overhaul has to happen to accommodate a growing population. In Ancient Farming Techniques the Way of the Future, Catherine Sherriffs tells us about what a groundbreaking study has found in some of the world’s most fertile soils. And in Feeding Cities with Urban Farms, Albert Mondor introduces us to incredible rooftop garden initiatives bringing nutritious food closer to people. Healthy plants need good food too; in Superfood for Plants, Florian Henrich gives us a glimpse at some of the best substances we can add to our gardens. The real winners are the hobby home growers, who have access to incredible products. I travel all over the world in the search for answers to questions that most growers have asked. The massive global competition in the legal cannabis industry has pushed researchers around the world to help unleash the plant’s full potential in terms of health, yield, phytochemicals, cannabinoid, terpenes, and flavonoid content.

CREDITS Special thanks to: Albert Mondor, Anne Gibson,Caroline Rivard, Catherine Sherriffs, Cosmic Knot, Dr Callie Seaman, Evan Folds, Florian Henrich, Liz Perry, Martyna Krol, Nico Hill, Rich Hamilton, and Tom Forrest. PRESIDENT Eric Coulombe eric@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-233-1539 E XCU T I V E ED I TO R Celia Sayers celia@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-1539 ED I TO R Catherine Sherriffs cat@gardenculturemagazine.com DESIGN Job Hugenholtz job@gardenculturemagazine.com D I G I TA L & SO CI A L M A R K E T I N G CO O R D I N ATO R Serena Sayers serena@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-0062 ADVERTISING ads@gardenculturemagazine.com PUBLISHER 325 Media 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 opportunity of a lifetime, our Tom Forrest also traveled the world to learn about the various practices in cannabis cultivation. I encourage you to watch The Findings of a Churchill Fellowship: A Global Overview of Cannabis Agronomy on YouTube. There is so much we can learn about this incredible plant. Happy growing, Eric 3

@GardenCulture

@GardenCultureMagazine

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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

My real passion is patient advocacy and helping break down stigmas associated with cannabis.

Author Spotlight

Dr. Callie Seaman

arden Culture is proud to boast such an eclectic group of writers. From lighting specialists and cannabis industry experts to environmentalists

and master gardeners, our contributors cover a wide range of topics in informative and entertaining ways. Allow us to introduce you to this issue’s featured author, Dr. Callie Seaman, Formulation Chemist at AquaLabs.

What is your favorite plant to grow? I prefer growing mushrooms; they are so fascinating! But, plant-wise, cacti are up there and cannabis, as most of my research is around it. What is your preferred activity outside of the lab? Going for walks in the forest hunting for mushrooms and wildlife. I also enjoy cooking and can make a mean chili. But my real passion is patient advocacy and helping break down stigmas associated with cannabis. What is on your playlist right now? • Goldie - Drum & Bass life (album) • Talking Heads - Once in a lifetime • Jamie T - Sticks and Stones • Orbital - Halcyon • Siouxie and the Banshees - Spellbound • 21 Pilots - Car radio • NIN - Closure • Fred V & Grafix - Major happy • The Specials - Ruddy • Blur -13 • Underworld - Born slippy • Cypress Hill - Black Sunday 8

Where in the world would you like to travel to next? Prague. Yet to get there, and I love old architecture. Morocco and California, as well (hoping for this next year). What is your favorite animal/insect? I love spiders! Amazing little creatures, making webs from their bums and eating their mate after they have finished with them! But I am also currently going somewhat gooey over sausage dogs. We have two cats. They are so moody, but I love them! 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 Cutting Edge Solutions® Available Exclusively at Hydrofarm In 2001, after over 20 years in crop production research, John Piccirilli created Cutting Edge Solutions nutrients. Based in Santa Rosa, they pride themselves on sourcing the cleanest inputs and evaluate each batch’s quality in their laboratory.The result is a consistent and high standard of plant nutrients.These innovative and unique product lines will enrich your plants with higher terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. Two complete lines: 1. 3-Part conventional/commercial 2. Organic-based 3-Part

Additives 1. Strength Family – Build strength and increase yields 2. Biologic Family – Supercharge your roots, uptake, and pest-resistance 3. Advanced Molecular Family – Take terpene production to new heights Check out Hydrofarm.com for more information.

KOOTENAY FILTERS A New Standard in Air Filtration Kootenay Filter Inc. manufactures and supplies state of the art filters and fans that remove VOCs and eliminate odors from indoor spaces. All KFI filters are machine packed and available in two product lines that range in size from 4” – 16”. Green Line filters use lightweight, 100% virgin activated granular carbon that is derived from renewable resources. Although new to North America, this carbon has years of proven results globally.

Miicrobial Mass

NEW IN CANADA

Miicrobial Mass Non-Concentrate is a microbial product specially developed to maximize plant yield using five different bacterial strains that are shown 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.

Approved for Organic Agriculture by ECOCERT CANADA. Next level plant science. Check out MiicrobialMass.com or follow @miicrobialmass for more information.

Standard Line filters are built with 100% pelletized virgin activated carbon. They have a long service life and a very low-pressure drop. Visit KootenayFilter.com for more information.

Zip Zag Brand Bag The Only Air Tight Solution For Odor Control! Through the use of unique patents and proprietary technology, Zip Zag has manufactured the world’s only truly smellproof, resealable bag with an oxygen transfer rate comparable with heat sealing. Zip Zag Brand bags are air tight, puncture resistant and able to withstand upto 200lbs of internal pressure. Manufactured in Canada using food grade plastics and industry specific quality control procedures. When your privacy matters, Zip Zag Brand bags are the only option. Look for Zip Zag at a store near you. 9

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS Elite 91 Products Now Available at CMP Wholesale:

Elite 91 CLONES Elite 91 ROOTS A popular Elite 91 product, this liquid rooting compound is a winning combination of two potent rootinducing hormones, making it extremely effective. A simple 5-second dip in the rooting compound is all it takes to initiate the formation of strong, healthy roots. Elite 91 CLONES is a liquid formulation for equal distribution and absorption of the root-inducing hormones, which is systemically absorbed directly into the cutting’s plant tissue, immediately triggering the fast response for rapid development of vigorous, white roots.

Another product that CMP Wholesale is proud to be carrying is Elite 91 ROOTS. A unique, proprietary liquid formulation containing the highest quality ingredients. This product boasts high concentrations of multiple, viable beneficial bacteria, fungi, vitamins, plant-derived minerals, protein hydrolysates, polysaccharides, organic chelates and activators. It also boosts health and growth hormones for optimal root development and increased plant vigor. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of diverse free-living bacteria that colonize and construct a protective biofilm around the rhizosphere (root zone) and significantly benefit the root growth and vigor in plants. Order online to try it today! Check out CMPwholesale.com for more great products.

RUCK Fans Ruck is a family business founded in 1992 that has been supplying your favorite and most trusted fans into the North American “Green Space” and HVAC markets for twenty years. Launching Ruck Air Movement in 2019, they are now bringing not only the fans that growers have trusted for decades but new and innovative products, including smart EC motor technology and ultimate controllability and the Optimus oscillating fan. An industry leader in industrial fan manufacturing, Ruck offers fans in sizes from 4” – 28” with airflows up to and exceeding 9,000 CFM as well as ventilation accessories, including fan controllers and particulate filters. Look for quality Ruck products at your local grow shop or visit KootenayFilter.com for more details.

The NextLight Veg8 Switch LED Grow Light An upgrade from their already proven NextLight Veg8, this next gen offers reduced wattage for cloning and acclimation.The switch is located on the bottom of the fixture, so growers can easily toggle the unit between HI (190w) and LO (60w). The Veg8 Switch is designed to meet the needs of commercial and home growers alike. We understand excessive power consumption, bulb replacements, and heat are the biggest problems indoor growers face.The NextLight Commercial Series alleviates all of those issues. Coming in at 2.0 PPF/Watt, the Veg8 Switch is one of the most efficient full spectrum 8 tube T5 replacements. Visit NextLight.com for more great lighting solutions.

GARDEN PRODUCTS

Find Us: FoxFarmFertilizer.com

Call Us: 800-4FOXFARM

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS HASH Controller View real-time data about your indoor garden and make adjustments remotely in a few clicks. Manage, track, and record data from an unlimited amount of environment sensors directly from your smartphone or device. You control PAR, HVAC, lighting, VPD, Temperature, Humidity, and CO2 right from the app. This minute-to-minute data logging gives horticulturalists total operational control of their facility, large or small. ILUMINAR Lighting has created the first controller on the market to run LEDs alongside CMH, HPS, and even T5 fixtures, all on the same channel. Visit iluminarlighting.com for more lighting solutions.

Orca Liquid Mycorrhiza and Bacteria From the same company that brought you Great White premium mycorrhizae, this 100% liquid version contains a diverse blend of endo mycorrhiza and bacteria. No need to buy a separate bacteria blend for your plants. This concentrated and diverse mix of mycorrhiza and beneficial bacteria is designed to be watered in or run through hydroponic or irrigation systems. Mycorrhizae are fundamental in helping supply the water and nutrients needed for enhancing plant vigor. Fantastic for both commercial and retail applications. Available from 100 mL to 5 gallons. For more information, visit PlantRevolution.com and follow @greatwhitemyco and #orcamycorrhizae for inspiration.

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

visit: GCmag.co/Product-Spotlight

BY FLORIAN HENRICH

They are substances that are not necessarily rich in macronutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and yet have a significant influence on plant growth.

I know what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking; superfood for plants? Should I be mixing goji berries into my substrate? 14

SUPERFOOD

he term â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;superfoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has been around for quite some time. In the last decade, marketing agencies began using it to promote certain foods as particularly beneficial for health and well-being. Superfood by no means describes foods with an unusually high content of macronutrients, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates,

because that would make low-fat curd cheese, palm oil, and sugar superfoods par excellence. Instead, the term refers to foods that contain many substances that otherwise occur only in small amounts, and which are said to have a healthpromoting effect, such as omega-3 fatty acids.

How can this concept be transferred to your garden? Like the above definition, I refer to such substances as a superfood for plants whose effect goes beyond the provision of nutrients and has a positive impact on their vitality. They are, therefore, substances that are not necessarily rich in macronutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and yet have a significant influence on plant growth.

When alfalfa and

Ascophyllum are used, plants react to the increased availability of

The brown Knotentang supports the plant on multiple levels. Although it provides little nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it is a reliable partner in organic farming.

phytohormones like an athlete to steroids: with

Alfalfa

Snail clover, better known as lucerne or alfalfa, owes its name to its fruiting bodies, whose shape is reminiscent of a snail shell and is cultivated mainly as a fodder plant. An important but hardly noticed feature of this plant is its high content of the phytohormone triacontanol. This phytohormone accelerates cell division and leads to stronger growth of roots, shoots, and flowers. When used as a foliar spray, it increases the concentration of carbohydrates and enzymes in the plant. Lucerne is an excellent source of nitrogen, micronutrients, and trace elements. When alfalfa and Ascophyllum are used, plants react to the increased availability of phytohormones like an athlete to steroids: with more power!

more power

Similar approaches are largely ignored in conventional agriculture, where nutrient salts are poured over the root ball of the plant to increase yields. For example, stinging nettle manure is denied any effect because it contains hardly any nutrients. However, it is rich in silicates, enzymes, and bacteria, and thus, promotes an active soil life, a robust plant, and improved nutrient uptake. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a look at the various plant superfoods:

Ascophyllum nodosum Brown knotweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) is a brown alga common in the North Atlantic. Along with trace elements, it is rich in cytokinin, a phytohormone that stimulates the cell division (cytokinesis) of plants and regulates the aging process. The name alone indicates that this phytohormone activates the metabolism of the plant and leads to improved yield. In 2011, it was shown that an increased cytokinin level leads to an abundance of large flowers and fruits. The mechanism behind this is related to the control of the aging process: cytokinin delays the development of plant stem cells into flower cells. As a result, they simply continue to grow before differentiating into flower cells. With more flower attachments, more flowers are eventually formed. Ascophyllum is an excellent supplier of alginic acid. Alginic acid gels with calcium to form calcium alginate, which increases the water retention capacity of the soil and promotes root formation.

For this reason, alfalfa has been used in American agriculture for many years with numerous products available for purchase.

Bentonite (silicates) Bentonite is a valuable tool in organic farming. It consists of at least 60% montmorillonite, a silicate that has a surface area of 400-600m2 /gram, and expands in water. Due to its high ion exchange capacity, bentonite easily forms the valuable clayhumus complexes, increases the water retention capacity of the soil, and promotes a healthy soil life. Clay-humus complexes are formed by the binding of clay and humus particles to nutrient particles. The electrical charge of the nutrients is balanced, and thus, the ion pressure on the root membranes of the plant is reduced. Also, the crumbly structure of the clay-humus complexes permanently improves the soil.

The secret of earthworm humus begins in the digestive tract of earthworms.

Earthworm humus Leonardite

superfood

Animal meal

for plants

Bentonite alfalfa

Ascophyllum nodosum

SUPERFOOD

Due to its high ion exchange capacity, bentonite easily forms the valuable clay-humus complexes, increases the water retention capacity of the soil, and promotes a healthy soil life

Bentonite is also an excellent supplier of silicates. Although silicate compounds are among the most frequently occurring groups of substances on our planet, they are not always available to plants at the same time. Sand, for example, consists mainly of silicates, but hardly dissolves in water and is ultimately not available to plants. Soil microorganisms easily convert bentonite silicates into orthosilicic acid, which is rapidly taken up by plant life.

Pl ant s love ear thworm humus! Even a few t ablesp o ons of the s tuf f c an work wonders

Silicates play a vital role in the growth of plants because they are built into the cell walls, increasing the resistance to sucking insects and harmful fungal and bacterial infections. The increased availability of silicates improves the absorption of nutrients, increases the plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stress tolerance to various environmental factors like heat and drought, and also increases the dry weight of the crop.

Earthworm humus Plants love earthworm humus! Even a few tablespoons of the stuff can work wonders. Earthworm humus, like vermicompost, has become increasingly popular in recent years, and not without reason. It is the highest quality compost of all and more fertile than all other humus species. It surpasses garden compost, bokashi, and terra preta by far - not to mention commercially produced humus. It is straightforward to make with the help of a worm farm and is an excellent way to recycle organic waste. The secret of earthworm humus begins in the digestive tract of earthworms. The worms eat the organic substance decomposed by fungi and bacteria, grind it in their intestines, and excrete it again. Vermicompost contains useful fungi and bacteria and is enriched with enzymes such as phosphatase and cellulase. These enzymes help plants release nutrients from the soil and break down cellulose into carbohydrates. The most significant advantage of earthworm humus over other humus species is its richness in clay-humus complexes. In the intestines of earthworms, there are particularly favorable conditions for their development. In clay-humus complexes, the electrical charge of the nutrient particles is balanced by binding them to a humus particle (e.g., leonardite) and one

clay particle (e.g., bentonite). This prevents the soil from becoming salty or over-fertilized with vermicompost! Also, the crumbly structure of the clay-humus complexes loosens the soil and improves its water retention. If you ask yourself now what happens when you feed your earthworms with superfood, then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high time for your worm farm.

Leonardite Virtually every fertilizer manufacturer has a leonardite product in the form of humic and fulvic acids in its range. The use of leonardite intensifies plant and root growth by promoting the metabolism of plants and accelerating cell division. Leonardite also helps improve photosynthesis by stimulating chlorophyll production. Leonardite is produced when organic matter is decomposed and then exposed to high pressure under exclusion of air for millions of years. The expert describes these processes as humification and charring. In the narrower sense, leonardite is high-oxidized soft lignite, which is a by-product of lignite mining. Leonardite is often processed into water-soluble potassium or sodium humate. The fields of application of these humate salts are almost inexhaustible. As permanent humus, they improve soils or substrates sustainably, can be used for wastewater treatment, are used as additives in animal feed, strengthen the immune system, promote intestinal health, are used for the treatment of liquid manure, and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane. The biggest advantage of using leonardite for hor ticulture is its richness in carbon, as well as humic and fulvic acids. These substances promote plant growth and soil fer tility. Humic and fulvic acids are socalled chelates; they can balance the charge of nutrients by cation exchange (cf. clay-humus complexes). This ensures the availability of nutrients and trace elements over a more extended period without the danger of over fer tilising plants. Humic substances also increase the water retention capacity of the soil and act as a pH buffer. They improve the germination rate of seeds, increase the vitamin and mineral content of plants, lead to thicker cell walls, and thus, to greater resistance to pests and higher har vest weight. 17

SUPERFOOD

The superfood concept for plants can be the beginning of a new way of thinking about fertilizers

Animal meal Good thing plants don’t have a nose, because some of these soil amendments can smell horrible. Horn shavings, along with fish, bone, and blood meal are guarantees of success among solid organic fertilizers. Plants love these raw materials because they provide readily available nitrogen, phosphates, calcium, micronutrients, trace elements, and amino acids. The result is robust root, leaf and flower growth, as well as an outstanding aroma of the end product.

Perhaps one day, the principle can be transferred from allotments to agriculture, and we will all cultivate our fields naturally and sustainably, in harmony with nature

Also, the excellent availability of nutrients, especially nitrogen, stimulates the plant’s hormonal balance. More auxins are formed in the shoot tips, and more gibberellins are released. Both substances are phytohormones, whose effect on plants is comparable to that of hormones on the human organism. The high concentration of auxins in the shoot tips not only improves the vitality of plants in general, but it also enhances the rooting of cuttings. Gibberellins are known in research as steroid hormones, so they rapidly boost plant growth. They have long been used in conventional agriculture in a synthetic form with auxins as growth stimulators, doubling the yield performance of some crops. The production of phytohormones stimulated by animal meal cannot keep pace with the results of synthetic auxins and gibberellins. However, there are significant improvements in vitality and yield. Blood meal has hardly been used as an organic fertilizer since the BSE crisis, and the use of fish and bone meal is often viewed with suspicion. Blood and bone meal mostly come from poultry and pig farms, while the horn shavings, which are considered harmless and much more widespread, come from cattle. The processing of animal by-products is subject to 18

strict regulations, and a veterinarian regularly inspects the processing companies. The costly approval of a company to process animal byproducts has also contributed to the fact that they are hardly used as organic fertilizers. The use of animal by-products in the form of organic fertilizers is a good way of recycling them and a sensible alternative to the incineration of these substances.

Conclusion You don’t need to enrich your substrate with chia seeds, nor do you need to soak your seeds in pomegranate juice for germination. Simply pay attention to what is in the fertilizers you buy. If you keep your eyes open, you will surely find a product with the inputs mentioned in this article. The superfood concept for plants can be the beginning of a new way of thinking about fertilizers. Perhaps one day, the principle can be transferred from allotments to agriculture, and we will all cultivate our fields naturally and sustainably, in harmony with nature. 3

Bio

Florian Henrich is the founder and owner of Florian’s Living Organics and is an expert in organic fertilizers for home and allotment gardens. He has many years of experience in the production and application of organic fertilizers and is active in their import and export; he’s also well-versed in animal proteins and organic raw materials. Florian regularly publishes blog entries at: www.florganics.de www.facebook.com/florians.living.organics

BY TOM FORREST PHOTOS: TOM FORREST

BLENDING SUITS WITH DIRT Y BOOTS G ROWING A G LOBAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY FROM THE USA

This unique event celebrates outdoor, sun-grown cannabis cultivation with a strict focus on regenerative agriculture – it’s quite the contrast from the bright lights of Vegas!

MJBIZ

MJBiz is designed to appeal to the highest level of the cannabis industry. Late-night VIP parties, secretive meetings, valuable handshake deals, and business back-scratching were frequent

he week between the 10th and 17th of December is typically a hectic time of year for everyone. Recently, for the cannabis industry, it became genuinely chaotic. Beginning with the largest cannabis event worldwide; ‘MJBiz’ is hosted in Nevada and over 35,000 people descend on the enormous

Las Vegas Convention Center to talk about serious cannabis business. The following weekend, The Emerald Cup is hosted in Santa Rosa California with a true grassroots style. This unique event celebrates outdoor, sun-grown cannabis cultivation with a strict focus on regenerative agriculture – it’s quite the contrast from the bright lights of Vegas! MJBiz combines typical Vegas flair, flamboyance and decadence with a ravenous emerging cannabis industry – making the festivities unlike any other. The event is open for three days and features over 1,300 vendors, lecturers, media rooms, live podcasts, TV broadcasts and a lot of investor confidence. The audience of general attendees (who paid between $300-$1,000USD for their entry ticket) includes cannabis and hemp industry staff, founders, CEOs, researchers, directors and start-up entrepreneurs from around the world.

A competition for the best recreational cannabis products was held at Mike Tyson’s nearby ranch, while other afterparties had VIP rooms with secret door codes for access

Representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, big tobacco companies, and other large-scale economies mingled with hydroponic nutrient manufacturers, extraction chemists and an assortment of LED lighting ‘experts’. The event caters to cannabis agronomy, cannabis flower and hemp biomass processing, packaging, manufacturing, extraction, investing and finances alongside cannabis business, marketing, strategy and legal advisories from around the world. Primarily from vendors, it seemed there was a trend towards varying quality LED lighting displays, multi-tiered cultivation concepts, cannabis packaging and extraction methods alongside novel delivery methods such as new expertise and designs in vaporizer offerings. MJBiz is designed to appeal to the highest level of the cannabis industry. Late-night VIP parties, secretive meetings, valuable handshake deals, and business back-scratching were frequent.

Decadent hotels with afterparties, open bars and primarily middle-aged men in flashy expensive suits seemed to enjoy their time in Las Vegas thoroughly.

Millions of dollars of vendor equipment was displayed over two giant convention center halls. Enormous 6-meter tall stainlesssteel extraction machinery stood near the broadacre hemp biomass processing apparatus. Countless different ingenious products were being introduced to the growing global cannabis marketplace. Some salesmen seemed to have real merit and potential application while others seemed to be trying to capitalize on the perceived limitless budgets of the big cannabis companies. While being a high-level, investor targeted conference - this part of the cannabis industry thrived when combined with the Las Vegas aptitude for panache. A competition for the best recreational cannabis products was held at Mike Tyson’s nearby ranch, while other afterparties had VIP rooms with secret door codes for access. Cirque du Soleil provided PG entertainment for clients, while stories of dance clubs and questionable venues occurred most mornings. The champagne was flowing, and complimentary cigars were rolled at Casino roof-top parties and provided late into the evenings. After three long days and nights in Vegas, it was a quick flight for several attendees of MJBiz over to the Californian sunshine in Sonoma County. Jumping onto our plane, we immediately recognized several tired, smiling faces from the conference. After

a bumpy flight out of Nevada and landing in San Francisco, we navigated the most complicated airport in the world and rented an appropriately USA XL size vehicle. Over the Golden Gate bridge and a quick hour drive north up the 101 to Santa Rosa.

Frustratingly few conversations were being had about the truly desirable traits for new cultivars

The Emerald Cup is a popular event with an estimated 30,000 attendees and hundreds of vendors. Following an enjoyable evening with the House & Garden Nutrients team, we arrived at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds. Immediately, it was apparent there were some strange similarities and other visible differences between this ‘grassroots’ boutique cannabis showcase and the bright LED lights of MJBiz. The Emerald Cup has been operating for more than a decade. The event (and local community) prides itself on producing and promoting organic, sun-grown cannabis. An abundance of ‘breeders’ and ‘legal’ cultivators demonstrated their impressive products with samples and saleable cannabis flowers and seeds alongside paraphernalia and cultivation equipment. Seed companies (with incredible marketing) had long patient queues of adoring fans wanting the latest release strains. Although this is a grassroots event, it was apparent the beneficial economic stimulus that cannabis commodities afford a local community. Comparing the two events found an eclectic mixture of capitalist human similarities alongside severe ethical differences. Although both groups seemingly want the same thing with growth in the cannabis industry, it is clear they have differing opinions on the best path to achieve this goal. Firstly, illustrating the curious similarities. It was remarkable to observe the commanding influence of successful branding and marketing at both MJBiz and the Emerald Cup. It appeared painfully similar to a ‘fashion week’ with punters jostling for the latest release LED lighting or the newest season of ‘exclusive’ genetics from US cannabis breeders. Trendsetting companies successfully used social media marketing alongside celebrity branding to command attention. From seed companies endorsed by musicians to vaporizers certified by Hollywood actors, the influence of these ‘trends’ gains momentum as the cannabis industry emerges from the shadows. Hype companies at both events had a similar appeal to high-end fashion with private buses, branded billboards, and enormous marketing budgets. The extraction market combined chemistry with color palettes. Horticultural lighting merged with creative

design engineering, and gorgeous models promoted high-tech goods. Regardless, if the hype reflects the quality of the product, it will be interesting to observe if the customer service reflects the enthusiasm of the sales pitch. Large companies are investing millions of dollars into these brands and equipment without proven efficacy. Time will tell if they made a smart investment.

At Emerald Cup, thousands of punters stood in lines for hours for the latest strains - whether it be ‘the Mack’ or ‘Wedding Cake Gelato #44 x Gorilla Glue Sherbet Cookies’. Frustratingly few conversations were being had about the truly desirable traits for new cultivars. Breeders were selling from their ‘certified’ COA (Certificate of Analysis) without discussing drought-resistance, pest and disease tolerance or fertigation requirements. The trend-following cultivators are forced to grow whatever is in fashion, as that is what the dispensaries will ask for. Hollywood fashion dictating old fashion farming. The core differences related to their respective approaches to cultivation. Patrons at MJBiz were primarily targeting the medical cannabis space. These groups are aiming for a premium capital expenditure but with a ‘pharmaceutical’ grade of cannabis commodities. Many of the groups in this space are utilizing indoor cultivation methods under horticultural lighting. Mineral chelated fertilizer is commonly accepted as means of fertigation, and the desired outcome is clean and consistent cannabis produce. *(For more information about the different approaches to cultivation, see my Churchill Fellowship report published via The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust). However, in Santa Rosa there was a very different approach to cannabis agronomy. Mineral fertilizers were not permitted at the event. ‘Biological’/ ’organic’ cultivation was the norm. This ‘traditional’ method of cultivation stresses the need for regenerative agriculture and focusses on the ‘terroir’. The goal is to cultivate exceptional produce embracing the seasonal variability and the resulting influence on flavors and cannabinoid profile. Amazingly, with the strong history of cannabis cultivation in northern California, these are now inter-generational operations with many leading grassroots companies and their workers being second or third-generation cannabis farmers.

MJBIZ

Sasha from Stealth Garden Wholesale with the author, Tom Forrest.

credit: Las Vegas Review Jornal

Although both groups seemingly want the same thing with growth in the cannabis industry, it is clear they have differing opinions on the best path to achieve this goal

Tommy Chong Interview at the Emerald Cup

MJBIZ

Although medicinal cannabis requires it to be free from pesticides and herbicides used in other industries, there was a noticeable lack of emphasis at MJBiz for regenerative agriculture and ‘organic’ cultivation. Very few vendors were present from the organic/biological space, but this is reflected in the greater agricultural economy and is a real problem with modern food production worldwide. My takeaway on this turnout is that right now it’s not as profitable to be an ethical organic operation. Fast-revenue commercial opportunities seemingly trump global ethics and the potential influence on climate sustainability. But that’s a conversation for another day. In the same breath, it is worth noting that the price worldwide for certified organic cannabis is significantly higher than conventionally grown commodities. As far as I am aware, there are only two major Fast-revenue commercial Canadian LPs that have successfully opportunities seemingly implemented a commercially viable trump global ethics certified organic regime. Both of these groups are now reducing and the potential their operational expenses, as influence on climate biological input is more affordable sustainability. But and provides more longevity than chemical fertilizers. that’s a conversation

The grassroots industry sets new trends, moves faster and has powerful groups of enthusiastic, young entrepreneurs at the helm. It is mentored by old leaders from the existing cannabis community. Strong lessons can be learned from this space around the future of the cannabis industry.

Contrastingly, the MJBiz ‘big-money’ approach allows for precise economic and agronomic control, provides true advances in peer-reviewed scientific research, commercialization of new large-scale technology and the development of medicines with scientifically proven efficacy.

for another day

Aside from the preferred methods of cultivation, it was undeniable that there was a significant difference in budget between these two events. MJBiz was as decadent as a Las Vegas event could be. At the same time, the Emerald Cup operated with fewer conveniences, less alcohol and had a more comfortable ‘rural’ feel (with a lot more open cannabis consumption!). This reflects the clear difference in their target audience and desired outcomes from the event.

It appears that these industry groups are approaching the market with different strategies. The grassroots industry approach is to grow and make a commodity to sell - primarily cannabis seed, extracts, and manicured flowers. The independent businesses use this limited capital to expand into the commercial market. While the commercial approach preferred at MJBiz is to design and implement large scale facilities or glasshouses for maximum potential return and complete control over product efficacy and consistency. Most planning to build over two or three years and start at a large scale. If I was asked which event is better? Or more productive for business?

Both groups will co-exist and draw knowledge from one another, but the question will remain as to the willingness to share this information across the divide. If you asked me which event was more fun, well that would be a difficult question to answer; you’ll likely find me at both events next year! A huge thank you to the groups that helped to make this trip possible, in particular: Indicated Technology (AUS), Sasha and the Stealth Garden Wholesale family (AUS), House & Garden Nutrients (USA), Greenhouse Seed Co (NL) and Quest DeHumidifiers (USA). Thank you to all of the other friends, suppliers, clients, and colleagues that made this such a fantastic adventure with fantastic cannabis banter! 3

Follow me online @TomForrestCF & @StealthGarden

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

ANCIENT FARMING TECHNIQUES The Way Of The Future

ANCIENT FARMING

o treat somebody or something like dirt is defined as behaving unfairly, rudely, or with very little respect. It’s a common saying in the English language; one that is quite fitting, considering how we treat dirt.

A recent study has European researchers recommending ancient farming techniques to improve soil health, produce abundant and nutritious crops, and absorb greenhouse gases Erosion and deforestation have taken their toll over the years, washing away onethird of the world’s topsoil. Conventional agriculture grows crops for yield over quality, pumping artificial toxic chemicals into the ground along the way. Living soil is being destroyed, stripped of all its nutrients, every single day. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements says intensive farming costs us 30 soccer fields of soil every minute.

“If soil degradation continues, the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)

Ancient Farming Techniques A recent study has European researchers recommending ancient farming techniques to improve soil health, produce abundant and nutritious crops, and absorb greenhouse gases.

says all of the

Led by Dr. Peter Leinweber of the University of Rostock in Germany, the planet’s topsoil team looked at the dark, nutrient-rich will be gone by 2050 soil in 12 locations across Northern Europe, including plots of land in Germany, Norway, and Denmark. If soil degradation continues, the UN’s The earth studied contains incredibly high concentrations of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) says all of the planet’s phosphorus, essential for healthy plant growth. But why is the topsoil will be gone by 2050. That’s right; gone. soil so fertile in those specific spots? We depend on soil for life. It’s a resource that we use to grow Using synchrotron light from the Canadian Light Source (CLS) 95% of our food supply. Damaged soils have also been found to to analyze the soil samples, the researchers determined the release CO2, further contributing to climate change. So why do richness and fertility have everything to do with the organic we treat dirt so poorly? matter ancient farmers had worked into the ground long ago. It hasn’t always been this way. According to Garden Media The testing found inputs of charred material, but other sources Group’s 2020 Trends Report, Seeing 20/20, the soil was healthy of organic matter were also present. The technology at the and organically dense before the 20th century. Food was rich in CLS helped the research team find applications of peat, animal vitamins and minerals, unlike much of what we find in grocery manure, compost and human waste. stores today. In 2004, a landmark study by the University of Texas was published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. After comparing the U.S. Department of Agriculture nutritional data for 43 vegetables from 1950 and 1999, researchers discovered declines in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B2 and vitamin C. The study’s author, Donald Davis, and his team blame declining nutritional content on modern agriculture’s obsession with size, growth rate, and pest resistance. Humans are creatures of habit. But we need to get back to how we did things a long time ago to solve the current soil crisis. By a long time, I mean thousands of years.

“In one case, soils from the island of Fehmarn in the Baltic Sea region showed evidence of biochar and animal manure,” says Leinweber. “Most likely cattle excrements, which is strongly supported by archaeological findings of lots of cattle bones in this region.” The team used carbon dating of the organic materials to determine that the sequence of soil formation took place between the Nordic Bronze Age and the Roman Iron Age in the Baltic Sea region. As for the Norwegian soil samples, the long-lasting tender loving care happened sometime between the Roman Iron Age and the Viking Age.

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ANCIENT FARMING

Leinweber says archaeological literature indicates we have members of a Nordic Early Neolithic farming culture to thank for the ultra-rich soil in these areas. These are people who date back 6,200-4,800 years!

The testing found inputs of charred material, but other sources of organic matter

“Those individuals were responsible for the formation of these humus-rich soils in the Baltic Sea region,” he says. “The Scandinavian inhabitants were mostly fishers and hunters, and later may have adopted those agronomic techniques that led to the humus-rich soils in Norway.”

were also present. The technology at the CLS helped the research team find applications of peat, animal

Published in the journal Soil Systems, these manure, compost and findings are proof that sustainable, organic human waste farming practices can ensure high soil fertility for many generations to come and help feed a hungry world nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Rodale says we can capture 100% of the current global carbon emissions with a widespread switch to organic farming practices. Abandoning chemicals and replacing them with compost and techniques such as pasture cropping, crop rotation, and no-till farming can help bring us back to our roots and solve so many problems we face today. Whether a large scale farmer or a backyard gardener, we are all critical pieces of this puzzle. What are we waiting for? The studies are backing it up; the evidence is there. It’s time we see our ancestors for what they were: visionaries. We inherited soil from them that has been able to remain fertile for thousands of years. Let’s do the same for future generations to come. 3

“We recommend adopting these old-culture techniques for the conservation, and even increase, of soil health and fertility,” Leinweber says.

Soil and the Climate Beyond feeding an increasing population, healthy soils can help reverse the damage caused by global warming. Soils absorb carbon and filter water; a shift from conventional farming practices to more regenerative ones could remove one tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere for every acre, according to the agricultural think tank, Rodale Institute.

Beyond feeding an increasing population, healthy soils can help reverse the damage caused by global warming.

Sources: • • • •

•

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements: ifoam.bio Scientific American - Dirt Poor: Have Fruits and Vegetables Become Less Nutritious?: bit.ly/36CBfkx Garden Media Group, Garden Trends Report, Seeing 20/20: bit.ly/37LG2Ao Canadian Light Source - Ancient Farming Practices Can Improve Crop Production and Offset Climate Change: bit.ly/37NOmQ5 Rodale Institute: rodaleinstitute.org 29

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

EXPLORING CANNABIS C U LT I VAT I O N A R O U N D

THE GLOBE

The legalization of cannabis is taking place in many par ts of the world but to var ying degrees. 30

CANNABIS CULTIVATION

GardenCultureMagazine.com

hat does cannabis cultivation look like around the world? The practices in this industry are remarkably different from one par t of the globe to the next. But one underlying theme translates across all borders: the need for

more research and practical policies. A Golden Opportunity The legalization of cannabis is taking place in many parts of the world but to varying degrees. One of Garden Culture’s contributors set out to learn more about the international cannabis community. In the opportunity of a lifetime, Tom Forrest was awarded the first-ever Churchill Fellowship for cannabis agronomy.

With his passpor t in hand, the research grant helped Tom travel to eight dif ferent countries where he got to explore 50 cannabis farms

With his passport in hand, the research grant helped Tom travel to eight different countries where he got to explore 50 cannabis farms and learn about their methods of cultivation and the challenges they face. If you’ve got 17 minutes, take a look at Tom’s great work. Our Garden Culture team is super proud of him. youtu.be/XJoRfRTqX1Q

Vancouver Tom’s first destination was Vancouver, Canada, where recreational cannabis has been legal for over a year. In this leg of his journey, Tom had the chance to go into Aurora Sky, the world’s most technologically advanced cannabis facility. With 600,000 square feet of canopy space devoted to medical cannabis, the automation level in this building is something out of the future! Three hundred employees also help keep workflow operating at maximum efficiency.

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Nothing’s Perfect Does such a sophisticated facility have many challenges? Of course! Growing cannabis in an urban setting requires tight security and surveillance around the clock. There’s also the issue of cultivating commercial quantities of cannabis and harvesting at regular intervals without any contamination.

And just because it’s home to the world’s biggest and most technology-savvy cannabis plant doesn’t mean that everything is perfect in Canada’s market. While in Vancouver, Tom also attended a massive 4/20 rally in which 120,000 people gathered to protest the country’s current approach to cannabis legalization. His interview with Jodie Emery, co-founder of Cannabis Culture, highlights how many feel Canada is amid “fake legalization.” Emery explains how the law forces people to buy from specific producers while forcing others to go out of business or go to jail. Emery also points out that cannabis is being treated as a new industry when it isn’t at all. She says Canada has failed to recognize the cannabis pioneers; the people who brought the plant to the frontlines at a great deal of risk to themselves. Tom Forrest

Preventing contamination from the outside world is essential to crop health. Much like a hospital’s operating room, anyone who enters the facility ‘scrubs in’. Fancy caps, masks, gowns, and shoe covers are mandatory. Don’t forget the grow room glasses! The massive greenhouse is a hybrid, meaning it has a glass ceiling for natural light but uses grow lights to accommodate for cloudy or rainy days. Beneficial insects and organic sprays are used for pest prevention, and Aurora employees scout the plants regularly to see first if anything is affecting them before building their pest control program.

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CANNABIS CULTIVATION

GardenCultureMagazine.com

In Slovenia, an innovative spirit exists within the blossoming cannabis sector.

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That same restrictive, secretive at titude is seen ever y where in the cannabis industr y Italy

Israel

Frustrations over a lackadaisical entry into the legal market are common around the world. In Italy, for example, Tom learns about the few resources available to those in the industry from world-renown geneticist Gianpaolo Grassi.

Israel is unique in the way that it is at the forefront of medical cannabinoid research. The country’s cannabis sector has been able to get the government onside due to the plant’s medicinal potential.

At the Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Grassi has just a handful of people working with him, including only two people to manage 62 hectares of plants.

Tom tours a lab of 200 scientists working on various projects at the Volcani Institute of Plant Science; only none of what he sees can be shared due to the ‘top-secret’ nature of the industry.

Grassi speaks about how little he’s able to accomplish with regards to the production of cannabis hemp with the few resources available to him. He expresses frustration over the approval of law without any thought into how it would be applied.

Slovenia In Slovenia, an innovative spirit exists within the blossoming cannabis sector. Also faced with a lack of resources, the mini-doc introduces us to farmers who have created a harvester partially built with old machines from WWII. Others have made an extractor that separates the resin from the flowers without the use of any solvents. Tom also meets a brilliant scientist who has developed a way to make CBD water-soluble; a world first!

Code Of Silence That same restrictive, secretive attitude is seen everywhere in the cannabis industry, no matter where you are in the world, thus hindering further growth and development. Problematic legislation and impractical policies have led to a lack of research and knowledge. Without it, unlocking the full potential of cannabis is challenging. What does the future hold? Only time will tell. But your future should include watching Tom’s educational video. youtu.be/XJoRfRTqX1Q 3

Learn more: • www.churchilltrust.com.au/ • www.auroramj.com/ 33

BY ANNE GIBSON

Seed Saving

Part 4

Storing Seeds Correctly & Testing Viability

SEED SAVING

eeds, like all living things, have a lifespan. How long they last depends on factors including the seed variety and conditions during growth

and processing. However, the way seeds are stored has an enormous impact on their vigor and longevity. Correctly preserving them will ensure your efforts to

Inside every seed is a plant embryo surviving on a store of nutrients for the developing plant

save seeds reaps long term rewards.

Alive but Asleep! Inside every seed is a plant embryo surviving on a store of nutrients for the developing plant. Once the stored food is used up, the seed dies and won’t germinate. Jude Fanton, the author of The Seed Saver’s Handbook, explains: “In open-air conditions, the seeds will absorb moisture and the nutriment stored inside the seeds will start to react with the oxygen. With a little temperature rise, the seeds will release carbon dioxide and generate more heat. Soon, their respiration rate will rise to an unacceptable level for safe storage.”

When seeds are stored properly, they are effectively ‘sleeping’ or in a dormant state. They breathe or respirate very slowly but are still alive

So, to extend the life of a seed, the rate at which the embryo uses its food needs to be slowed down, similar to pressing the pause button! When seeds are stored properly, they are effectively ‘sleeping’ or in a dormant state. They breathe or respirate very slowly but are still alive. It’s a balancing act between keeping the seeds inactive until you are ready to ‘wake’ them up and sow them. Do this by keeping the seeds dry in a consistently cool, dark place away from microbes, insects and rodents.

Storing seeds in clear glass jars on a welllit shelf in a warm room will significantly reduce their life and vigor! After years of saving seeds and learning from my mistakes, I’ve realized careful planning is needed to optimize seed storage.

How to Prepare Seeds for Storage

1. Remove Moisture Humidity or high moisture content is the enemy of seeds in storage. It’s vital to ensure the seeds themselves are very dry, and the container they are stored in has as much humidity removed as possible. Seeds can cope with temperature fluctuations much better with low moisture levels. For this reason, the majority of vegetable seeds should be stored at under 10% humidity and ideally at 5%. Moisture in the seed: Seeds that haven’t been dried before storage may attract fungi and bacteria. These microorganisms can cause mold or mildew to grow and eventual decomposition, destroying the seed and turning it into compost. Excess moisture in the seed can also start the germination process if the conditions are right. Vapor in the storage container: If there is excessive moisture inside a sealed container, the seeds may start to sweat and mold. Depending on the thickness of the seed coat and how quickly the seed absorbs moisture, they may begin to utilize their food store, risking germination. If using glass jars, one way to avoid surplus humidity is to minimize the air space between the seeds and the lid.

It’s vital to ensure the seeds themselves are very dry and the container they are stored in has as much humidity removed as possible

2. Keep Seeds Dry One of the simplest ways to absorb any residual surplus moisture from dried seeds is by using silica gel. This is an absorbent granular compound that soaks up moisture from the air and gradually changes color to indicate when it is saturated. Silica gel comes in crystals or sachets that enclose the granules and can be used for seed saving purposes in two ways. i. Final Seed Drying: Add equal quantities by weight of dry silica gel granules and seeds in a tightly sealed jar (e.g., 50gms of seeds to 50gms of silica crystals). The jar should be just big enough to fit the seeds and crystals with the minimum air space possible. Check the gel color daily for 2-3 days to see if it has changed color (e.g., from orange (dry) to green when saturated with water). If you have adequately dried your seeds already, you shouldn’t notice too much change. If the gel rapidly changes color, there is high moisture content. You may need to leave the seeds longer (up to a week). Avoid leaving them too long or the seeds can die. However, if the gel only changes slightly by the second or third day, the seeds are likely dry. Quickly remove them and store in their permanent container and location. ii. In the Storage Container: I use the silica gel in dark or opaque storage containers when I pack my seeds. I add one or two silica gel sachets to each container. If you have the gel crystals, pour about 1cm/0.4” into the bottom of the jar or container and add a layer of cotton wool, then the seeds. This will keep moisture levels stable inside the container. Silica sachets

Silica gel is also reusable. After it absorbs moisture surrounding the seeds, it changes color as it becomes saturated. The crystals can be dried out again and reactivated by heating the granules in a flat tray or baking dish in the oven at 115°C/240°F to 125°C/260°F. When the granules return to their original color, allow them to cool and store in a sealed container until you are ready to use again. The granules are available from chemists and online. The silica gel sachets can be repurposed from tablet bottles or new shoeboxes for small quantities of seeds. I reuse both the tablet bottles for storage and the sachets to keep my seeds dry. I’ve successfully stored my dried seeds with silica gel in the fridge, and they’ve retained good viability for years. If you don’t have access to the silica gel, try using very dry rice or grain. Bake some rice in the oven till it is bone dry and allow to cool in the oven. Then use in place of the crystals in the bottom of a jar or container. Alternately, powdered milk will do the job. 36

Leaving the seeds out at room temperature, particularly in high humidity, while I sorted them or decided what to sow, was potentially causing the sleeping embryos inside the seeds to begin growing and then stop

3. Minimize Light Because many seeds require light to germinate, they should be stored in a dark container or envelope inside a sealed container. Small cheap colored envelopes suitable for seed saving are readily available and can be used in conjunction with self-seal zip lock bags.

How to Label your Seeds Know what you sow! Label the seeds you collect and re-label as you change containers. Basic information to include on the label is the variety name, original source, and the date collected. Record any information you noticed about the crop while it was growing (e.g., days to maturity; plant height and habit; fruit size, color and shape; flavor; yields (kgs); disease resistance or problems; and storage qualities). I note down any special observations such as ‘slow-to-bolt’, ‘drought-hardy’ or ‘sweet flavor’ because it helps me remember why I saved those particular seeds. Labeling seeds from the garden with handwritten notes

4. Keep Seeds Cool Warmth helps seeds germinate, so storing them in a cool place allows them to maintain dormancy. For most vegetable seeds, 5°C/40°F is an ideal temperature. If possible, for longer-term storage, a fridge is a perfect location. If you haven’t got space in a fridge or freezer, then don’t automatically choose your garden shed! Our homes and outdoor structures fluctuate from hot to cold throughout the seasons. So it’s vital to choose a spot where the temperature will likely be consistent all year. That may be a garage, basement, insulated polystyrene box or other space on the coolest side of your house. 5. Prevent Insect Damage Seeds are a food source for insects, especially weevils! I’m used to seeing tiny insects in most seed heads when collecting and processing, so assume they are there. Even if you can’t see them, insect eggs may be present and will hatch when the temperature is favorable. There are three ways to prevent insects from destroying your seeds. 1. Freezing: By adding seeds to a sealed container or zip lock bag and freezing for two days, most insects and their eggs will be killed. Some weevils are pretty tough and may even survive the freeze, so you need a backup plan! 2. Desiccation: Food grade Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.), or natural amorphous silica, is a sedimentary rock made up of aquatic single-cell animal skeletons called diatoms. In a powdered form, D.E. can be used in small quantities to ensure no insects eat the seeds while in storage. It works by causing insects to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from the insect’s exoskeleton. Its sharp edges are abrasive and accelerate the process. It’s economical, easy and safe to use. Add a teaspoon of D.E. to a bowl with your seeds and stir until they are lightly coated in the fine powder. They are then ready to store.

Seed Containers and Storage Location Make sure you pack your seeds on a dry day or at least in a cool indoor environment. A teaspoon and funnel make it easy to measure quantities and slide seeds easily into zip lock bags and narrow containers. I place small quantities and tiny seeds in little self-seal plastic bags with a silica gel sachet in each. As the bags are clear, they are then put into dark seed envelopes and labeled. These are then put in a box or larger zip lock bag. For larger quantities and bigger seeds like peas, corn, and beans, I use tablet containers and recycled screw-top jars with tightfitting lids that are put inside a box to keep them in darkness. Metal boxes with sealed lids and airtight plastic containers are also suitable for seed storage. Use whatever you have easy access to and that will fit in your fridge, freezer or cool location. Take into consideration if rodents are a likely threat and choose your container accordingly. You may need to protect your seeds in thick plastic, glass or metal containers. Paper envelopes are ideal for storing selfseal bags inside to keep them in the dark

3. Sealed Storage: Glass, metal and plastic airtight containers are the final way to prevent insect damage. 37

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SEED SAVING

If stored correctly in cool, dry, dark conditions, most vegetable and flower seeds will last for three to five years

If you keep your seed in the fridge or freezer, try to minimize how frequently you remove them to avoid temperature fluctuations reducing their longevity. When removing them, allow the containers to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation from forming inside them. Then get them back into storage as quickly as you can.

Consistency is Key Author of Seed Sowing and Saving, Carole B Turner stresses the importance of maintaining consistent storage conditions. This was only something I discovered after years of storing seeds. I had failed to understand that even though I was storing my seeds in a cool, dark location in an insect and rodent safe container (in my fridge), I had not taken into consideration the impact that fluctuations in temperature and moisture had when I took seeds out to sow each season. Leaving the seeds out at room temperature, particularly in high humidity, while I sorted them or decided what to plant, was potentially causing the sleeping embryos inside the seeds to begin growing and then stop. Each disturbance initiated wake up signals which were suppressed again when I returned the seeds to the fridge. It was like flicking the switch on to grow and then turning it off again. So basically, the seeds began using up food that was meant to be saved for the germination process. I was accidentally weakening the seeds every time they came out of the fridge and sat around at room temperature for a few hours.

Labeled seeds in self-seal zip lock bags ready for storage

How Long will Seeds Last in Storage? If stored correctly in cool, dry, dark conditions, most vegetable and flower seeds will last for three to five years. Some will stay viable for much longer. Generally, these include beans and peas because the seed coat is thick and the seeds themselves are larger. Smaller seeds tend to have a shorter life span. Not all seeds have a long life, even if stored in perfect conditions. Seeds from the Umbelliferae (carrot) and Allium (onion) families are relatively short-lived. These include parsnip, celery, parsley, dill, coriander, and fennel along with leeks, chives, onions and shallots. These varieties may only have good germination and vigor for a year or two. It is especially important to keep shortlived seeds very cool and dry.

Seeds may start to germinate at 20% moisture. In a humid climate like mine, that doesn’t take long to happen. Variations in hot or cold temperatures and light or darkness can also initiate germination. So to avoid this happening, I now keep a list of my seeds and organize them in the box in alphabetical order. When I am ready to sow, I can quickly grab what I need without potentially reducing the viability of the sleeping seeds. What if you decide not to store in a fridge? It doesn’t matter. The same principle applies. Decide on the best location for them and keep dormant seeds at that temperature consistently – for their entire lifetime. If you start storing them in a wooden box in a drawer in your garage, keep them there! Avoid getting seeds out when conditions are hotter, colder or more humid and when you do, be quick about it! Remove as infrequently as possible.

Germination Tests for Seed Viability No matter how well you store your seeds, the big question is: Are they still capable of germinating and growing into strong, healthy plants? There’s an easy way to test for vigor and seed quality and find out. Take a random sample of at least ten seeds or up to a hundred if you want greater accuracy. Lay a paper towel on a flat surface and spray with water until it is thoroughly damp but not dripping wet. Place seeds in rows (you may need several paper towels for larger numbers). Cover firmly with a second moistened paper towel, sandwiching the seeds in between and roll-up. Store in a sealed plastic bag or container in a warm spot. Mark with the date.

SEED SAVING

With rising seed prices and food security at stake, why not give seed saving a try?

By collecting seeds from your best plants, you can preserve heirloom varieties, save money and breed resilient plants that best meet your needs and climate conditions Leave for a few days or as needed for the germination period for that seed variety. Remove the paper towel and unwrap the seeds gently, so the delicate shoots and roots are preserved. To work out the viability rate, count the seeds that successfully germinated (a healthy root and shoot). Multiply this number by a hundred to calculate the percentage. If nine out of ten seeds germinated, they have 90% viability. If the rate is less than 50%, it’s advisable to sow those seeds soon and regrow a new batch of healthy viable seeds to save. Rotating seeds in your seed bank, especially those with a short lifespan is an essential aspect of seed saving. It’s also good practice not to sow all your seed at once. Hold some back in reserve in case of a failed crop.

What Seeds Should You Star t Saving First?

Materials List for Seed Storage • Dark, airtight containers; clean jars with lids; tablet containers; dark colored plastic or metal tins; self-seal bags and opaque envelopes for seed storage. • Labels and pens to record seed data. • Rodent-free box for long-term storage. • Silica gel crystals or sachets; dried rice or grain; powdered milk to absorb moisture. • Funnels for adding seeds to seed packets. • Teaspoons (for measuring into self-seal bags). Seed Saving Books and Resources • Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties. Carol Deppe. 2000. Chelsea Green. • Seed To Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners. Suzanne Ashworth. 2002. Seed Savers Exchange. • The Seed Savers’ Handbook. Michel & Jude Fanton. 2008. The Seed Savers Network. • The Complete Guide to Saving Seeds. Robert E. Gough & Cheryl Moore-Gough. 2011. Storey Publishing • Seed Saver’s Exchange (SSE) - A network of people committed to collecting, conserving, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants. • Seed Swaps - Gathering of gardeners and seed savers where seeds are freely exchanged.

Eager to get started? Try easy ones like beans, peas, dill, basil, coriander, parsley, chives, leeks, lettuce, tatsoi, mustard, capsicum, chilis, tomatoes, and rocket. With rising seed prices and food security at stake, why not give seed saving a try? By collecting seeds from your best plants, you can preserve heirloom varieties, save money and breed resilient plants that best meet your needs and climate conditions. 3 41

BY RICH HAMILTON

Growing:

Whether raising a couple of house plants or a whole crop of veggies, all forms of horticulture force you to stop and focus on being present in what you are doing, even if only for a few minutes 42

GROWING & MIND

he ar t of growing plants can help improve mental health by uplifting our spirits and gently silencing our worries. Like most hobbies, gardening can take us away from harsh realities for a shor t while as we focus on one par ticular activity.

Researchers have been promoting the benefits of hor ticulture for years, as studies have repeatedly shown that the act of tending to plants can relieve stress and have an overall calming effect. Gardening is so good for the brain; it may even lower the risk of dementia!

Special Connection

Raising plant babies

Raising Plant Babies

Plants are an excellent way to step Indoor gardening provides a sense of can help battle feelings back from the stresses of work and accomplishment and pride for being the technology that comes with it. able to grow something, care for it, and of inadequacy, low They provide a connection to Mother keep it alive! Raising plant babies can self-esteem, and poor Nature that many of us so desperately help battle feelings of inadequacy, low crave. Whether raising a couple of self-esteem, and poor motivation. The motivation house plants or a whole crop of social prescribing movement is taking veggies, all forms of horticulture force off around the world in which doctors you to stop and focus on being present in what you are doing, are suggesting mental health patients participate in activities such even if only for a few minutes. Consider it a kind of mindfulness. as gardening rather than take medications. One recent study asked a sample of people in their twenties to participate in a computer-based exercise before tending to an indoor garden. Researchers found the group experienced a considerable drop in blood pressure and other stress symptoms while focusing on the plants!

Sprawling gardens arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessary; a handful of low-maintenance houseplants in your home or work environment can make all the difference. Office workers are more productive and happy when surrounded by indoor plants, especially in the winter when symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) begin to make themselves known.

Mood-Boosting Scents

As research continues, we will inevitably learn more about the importance and benefits of growing plants indoors. For now, it is clear our bodies and minds are most at peace when surrounded by nature. Any plant that brings you joy and calms your soul is worth growing, so pick the varieties that appeal to you most. They may help you more than you think. 3

Beyond the actual act of gardening, the toxin-absorbing, airpurifying capabilities of many plants also benefit our bodies. Indoor plants can remove toxins and carbon dioxide from the air, release oxygen, and increase humidity, making the air healthier and better for our skin and sinuses. In hospitals, plants have been found to help speed up recovery by lowering blood pressure, pain, and fatigue. Chamomile contains the antioxidant apigenin, which binds to receptors in the brain and may help reduce insomnia. Drinking it as a tea or smelling its scent has also been known to alleviate symptoms of depression and help with insomnia. Smelling jasmine and lavender can lower anxiety and stress and promote wellbeing. Iris also has a distinctive perfume that is soothing and proven to help with relaxation.

Color Therapy The color green promotes emotional stability, and likewise, brightly colored flowers can serve as instant mood boosters! Bright red flowers, such as ruby Ranunculus, are associated with improved concentration and attention to detail, while blue stems, such as anemone or Lisianthus, can encourage creativity and free-thinking.

Gardening is so good for the brain; it may even lower the risk of dementia!

BY ANNE GIBSON

Garden Strategies to Cope with

Drought

How do you grow crops when rain doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come? Not just seasonally, but for months and years on end?

DROUGHT

ustralia. It’s hot, bone dry, smokey, and windy across much of this country. Drought and fires have devastated communities with no respite on the horizon. It’s not that these conditions are unexpected, but when all these harsh weather factors occur at once or in succession, the stress and impacts are

catastrophic. The prolonged drought conditions have impacted farmers and gardeners on so many levels.

How do you grow crops when rain doesn’t come? Not just seasonally, but for months and years on end? It’s tough on the environment, growers and gardeners, animals and ecosystems, and local economies. The emotional toll and impact on mental health in our communities are substantial. Connecting with several farmers recently in different states, I heard the same story. “We can’t supply our customers. We are waiting for rain. The dam is nearly empty. Even the trees are dying. I’m trying to be brave for the kids.” Heartbreaking reality.

It’s not that these conditions are unexpected, but when all these harsh weather factors occur at once or in succession, the stress and impacts are catastrophic

Much of the food bowl of Australia is in dire straits. Recent fires are destroying millions of hectares of bushland, properties, human lives, insects including pollinators, and animals large and small. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes with massive evacuations. It didn’t take long for food and water to run out. Given most cities rely on essential resources being trucked in, rather than being supplied locally, we’re starting to see the harsh impacts of a non-sustainable food system. Roads blocked due to fires slowed supplies arriving until it was safe. Little comfort if you’re sleeping in a car with your children and pets.

Grow Your Own This crisis reaffirmed my conviction; growing at least some of our own food needs in a home garden or community space, supplemented by locally grown produce, is vital to maintain food security. For the majority, we may not ever be genuinely self-sufficient, but learning to be self-reliant with sustainable food gardens can make a big difference. There are many ways we can grow a resilient garden that provides food, medicine, and a sanctuary, even in harsh climatic conditions.

For those lucky enough to have access to town water, this precious resource may have been taken for granted. Turning on the tap and having a reliable watering system for the garden has been easy for some. With drought conditions escalating and water restrictions in place in more cities and towns, this is changing rapidly. Many are reliant on rain to fill tanks or have to buy water. Every precious drop counts. It’s understandable why people give up trying to grow crops or a garden on any scale when the priority is household and animal water needs. While waiting for the rain to break the drought and relieve these extreme conditions, we can still be proactive by applying a few simple, sustainable habits. So when rain does fall, we’ll be in the best possible position to maximize this precious resource.

“Devastating” doesn’t even begin to describe what is happening in Australia. Months of extreme temperatures and drought have fuelled massive bushfires across the country. Dozens of people have died and thousands of homes have been lost. It is estimated that 10 million hectares of land has burned, and over one billion animals have been killed. This is a global crisis that affects us all, no matter where we live in the world.

It makes sense to harvest rainwater and store it in the soil and above ground, so you can manage it wisely and spread the load over time

Rethink Water Management Practices 1. Practice thoughtful observation. Watch where and how water flows on your property. Start at the top or highest point of entry and take note as water moves downhill. Does it trickle or rush? Is it blocked at some points or move quickly next door? The goal is to slow water down, spread, and sink it into your soil for maximum benefit.

Kitchen water from scrubbing potatoes used on leafy greens

Even if you’re on a relatively flat block, get outdoors during rain and observe the entry and exit points. These are opportunities for passive water harvesting and keeping the valuable moisture on your property to maximize plant growth and collection.

2. Save every drop. Even in the driest climates, it still rains. We often get too little or too much at once, which is not ideal for growing crops. It makes sense to harvest rainwater and store it in the soil and above ground, so you can manage it wisely and spread the load over time.

Outdoor opportunities:

Passive rainwater harvesting with a barrel collection system 46

•

Locate swales, berms, or raised gardens on contours to soak up and passively harvest water flowing towards them. Plant roots absorb the moisture and slow it down. I’ve used this strategy very effectively in my kitchen garden with three food forest raised garden beds containing numerous fruit trees, perennials, root crops, herbs, and support species.

•

Install rainwater tanks to harvest and store roof water so you can redirect it to where it will provide the most benefit. Capture rain in large bins and buckets.

•

Use a small container under any air conditioning units to catch drips from condensation that would otherwise be wasted.

•

Connect hoses and sprinklers to greywater systems that redirect wastewater from inside the house for use in the garden.

A multifunctional greenhouse to grow food and collect water

CRDIT: BEST CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

DROUGHT

For the majority, we may not ever be genuinely self-sufficient, but learning to be self-reliant with sustainable food gardens can make a big difference Indoor opportunities: •

When showering, use a bucket to capture and reuse wastewater on your plants.

•

Add a layer of mulch after rain to lock in the moisture and maintain cooler, consistent soil temperature.

•

In our subtropical climate, we use a dehumidifier in summer, which collects six liters (1.5 gallons) of water from humid air in a matter of hours! Even better, there’s no fluoride or chlorine found in tap water that can burn leaf tips on some plants, so it’s much safer to use.

•

Add organic matter and compost to your soil. This acts as a sponge, releasing moisture gradually to plants over time. The higher the humus content of your soil, the more water it holds.

• •

In the kitchen, I fill a large bowl daily with water from cooking veggies, running the tap for various functions, and add cold tea or coffee dregs from cups. There’s often nutrients in this concoction that my plants love!

•

When cleaning out dog bowls, flower vases, and fish tanks, tip this nutrient-rich water into gardens for a boost.

Grow shade traps and windbreaks to protect and filter hot sun and winds from plants. This helps reduce heat stress and transpiration. For example, I’ve found by growing sun-loving fruit trees like citrus on our hot western side of garden beds (southern hemisphere), they create shady microclimates for shade-loving edibles like ginger and turmeric, which I position on the eastern side of the beds. I’ve noticed at least a 5°C (41°F) cooler temperature difference between the beds in the shade!

3. Conserve the moisture you’ve got. Once you’ve captured rainwater, these strategies can help minimize transpiration from plants or evaporation from soil surfaces:

We may be living with climate extremes for some time to come, so utilizing strategies like these may help your garden survive and even thrive.

•

There are other ways we can protect our gardens and help them survive through periods of limited rainfall and hot temperatures while providing us with food.

Grow ground covers or living mulch such as perennial native grasses and low-water needs plants to cover and shade the soil.

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DROUGHT

Baby leaf vegetables and herbs can be eaten as nutrient-dense microgreens in a fraction of the space and time taken to grow mature plants

Garden beds can be mulched heavily to feed soil minimize weeds and retain moisture until it rains

Design and utilize microclimates

Choose plants wisely

For the last ten years, I’ve experimented with creating beneficial microclimates and used the ones already onsite to help mitigate moisture loss and protect plants from harsh weather. In hot, dry, and windy conditions, plants tend to lose moisture faster, so designing in more shade and wind protection can help save your garden. Crop covers, shade from buildings and vertical structures can all make a positive difference. Assess the opportunities and threats around your home and note down any places you could improve your design or make changes.

Plants anchor and protect topsoil from erosion and being lost in dust storms. Careful plant selection and timing can minimize losses to drought and heat. •

Food producing edibles tend to have higher water needs than water-wise native plants. This is especially the case for fruiting crops like eggplant, cucumber, melons, and fruit trees. Ideally, locate these in the areas that collect the most moisture or in self-watering container gardens. There’s no point growing them unless they produce fruit! For example, I planted bananas at the lowest end in my kitchen garden on the boundary where water flows down and pools in times of heavy rain. They soak up any available moisture and continue producing fruit even during drought.

•

Grow robust, drought-hardy herbs and perennials that produce a good harvest with little water. These include rosemary, oregano, aloe vera, thyme, marjoram, lemongrass, savory, chilis, pineapples, and garlic chives.

•

Save your water for edibles with higher water needs like leafy greens, mints, and fruiting crops. Many can be grown in self-watering pots, mulched well, and continue producing a harvest.

•

Choose heat-tolerant, dwarf and low-waterneeds edible varieties. Many compact cultivars are available that need less space, moisture, and time to mature. For example, I grow tiny Cucamelons (Melothria scabra) instead of large cucumbers. The vine produces bite-sized fruits in a fraction of the time it takes to grow bigger varieties. Lebanese eggplants, banana capsicums, and cherry tomatoes also use less water and produce fruit faster than other cultivars.

For example: •

Group plants together to increase humidity and reduce transpiration. Use large-leafed, tall plants to help naturally shade small, short ones.

•

Cluster drought-hardy plants together to avoid wasting water on mixed plantings. Group thirsty plants in a large pot or zone and water more frequently.

Cucamelons (Melothria scabra)

THE PPFD TRAP

My banana and paw paw circle growth after 1 year watering with greywater

Multiple bananas (4 bunches) with paw paws after 2 years utilizing greywater

Group drought-hardy plants like succulents together for infrequent watering

We may be living with climate extremes for some time to come, so utilizing strategies like these may help your garden survive and even thrive

Downscale your Garden to Pots It may be necessary during drought conditions to grow less but still, enjoy a harvest from at least some plants. I save seeds and take cuttings from my favorite edibles, so I have a backup plan to regrow when conditions improve. I leave many of my garden beds to tough it out while carefully selecting other crops to grow in containers close to the house, where they’re easy to maintain.

These are a few strategies you can use to scale back but still grow fresh ingredients:

1. Put low-value garden zones into ‘maintenance mode’ by covering with mulch or a living ground cover. Instead of growing seasonal crops in garden beds, you can still build your soil and prevent weeds until it rains or more favorable conditions return.

2. Prioritize the most valuable and often needed herbs, Drought hardy herbs like rosemary oregano garlic chives aloe vera grouped together

salad greens, and edibles you buy regularly. It makes sense to keep these alive if you have to choose between food and ornamentals!

3. Save seeds and grow seasonally appropriate herbs and leafy greens indoors as microgreens or sprouts. With minimal time, water, and space required, these are highly nutritious fresh ingredients that can be grown year-round in any climate in just 7-21 days.

4. Fast-growing water-wise root crops such as round radishes, compact carrot varieties like ‘Paris Market’, and bulbing spring onions add flavor and color to meals and are perfect for pots. We may not be able to control the weather conditions, but we can still make wise choices about how and what we grow and still enjoy a fruitful harvest. 3 51

BY DR. CALLIE SEAMAN

Di s c o v er in g T he Gene t ic Potential Of Your Plants

mol ecul a r Plant Biol ogy

MOLECULAR PLANT BIOLOGY

ack when I was doing my undergraduate degree, molecular biology would fry my brain. I would dread the three-hour lectures every Thursday morning. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize how useful that course was until recently. Molecular biology is described as the activities and interactions that occur between biomolecules such as DNA, RNA

and proteins within cells and within the whole organism. The synthesis and metabolism of these biomolecules have a lot to do with plant genetics. Please refer to the glossary at the end of this article to help with some of the terminologies.

Studying this branch of biology tells us a lot about the plants we are growing. It helps determine the chemotype (the chemicals and secondary metabolites it will produce), disease susceptibility, drought resistances, phenotype (physical characteristics which are determined by genetics, including plant size, leaf shape, etc.,), sex, heritage or lineage, and diseases present. With recent advances, molecular biology has also been able to quantify microbial contamination such as Aspergillus and Fusarium within a sample.

How Is This Possible?

How Does It Work?

We have all watched CSI Miami or NCIS on TV; I hate to burst your bubble, but labs are NOT moodlit with blue LEDs, and the analysis does not take ten minutes

credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction

We have all watched CSI Miami or NCIS on TV; I hate to burst your bubble, but labs are NOT mood-lit with blue LEDs, and the analysis does not take ten minutes. So much more preparation goes into determining who killed Col. Mustard in the library! One of the critical tools in the chest of a molecular biologist is the polymerase chain reaction, also known as PCR. This technique amplifies a specific section of DNA, replicating it many times so we can more easily identify it.

PCR involves several steps and heating cycles; first, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the extraction of the DNA before splitting it open (Denaturation). Then, specific primers are attached to the known segments of DNA (primer annealing). Finally, the amplification of the target DNA (polymerization) takes place. There is always the risk of contamination with the samples, and false-positive or negatives are possible. There are lovely kits called thermocyclers that are pre-programed with the cycles of heating and cooling and make life a little easier during this process.

When examining genetics, the DNA must be first extracted from the cells using a mixture of ionic salts (sodium chloride) and buffering salts (Tri HCl) which are subjected to a heating cycle. This process breaks open the cells, releasing the DNA. After this, the annealing process begins with specific oligonucleotide primers attached to the target DNA at a lower temperature. The temperature is increased again to optimize the polymerization process and amplify the DNA. An indicator solution is then used to provide a positive or negative result.

PCR: polymerase chain reaction

MOLECULAR PLANT BIOLOGY

Glossary •

[P CR ] c a n s av e t ime by iden t if y ing t he se x of a p l a n t w i t hin a w eek of ger min at ion, w hich in t ur n hel p s t o reduce c o s t s on p ow er, space, a nd t ime How Do We Apply This To Real Life? If, for example, we are looking to see if the plant is infected with botrytis, the genes which are expressed by the plant are particular and would stick to the matching primer we add. This Pritt-Sticked piece of DNA is then replicated many times during a final heating cycle. We now have a soup of one particular strand of DNA, which allows for straightforward detection. If these are not present, then the DNA will not be replicated, and an indicator solution would not react. Further quantification can be done of the sample using qPCR, which utilizes a fluorescent probe/marker that varies in intensity with increased concentration of the DNA of interest and is measured by a qPCR instrument. Real-time PCR (RTPCR), on the other hand, tells us if the gene of interest is present or not. Why use this qPCR technique over traditional microbiology culture plating methods? This is a relatively simple technique to perform in comparison to practices such as microarray or culture plating. When it comes to the genetics of the microbes such as e.coli, salmonella, or powdery mildew, specific species can be identified rather than generalized identification. PCR is fast, accurate, and is also more compatible with a variety of different matrices (the sample you are testing). It gives the grower an advantage, almost allowing them to look into the future and see what the plant’s genetic potential is. It can save time by identifying the sex of a plant within a week of germination, which in turn helps to reduce costs on power, space, and time. It also allows a grower to adapt their growing techniques to help prevent disease outbreaks, for example, by applying extra silicon products to the feed regime if the sample yielded a positive result for botrytis. PCR is not just for microbial identification; it has a wide application, including genetic modification. It is a method with a tremendous amount of potential that is helping growers around the world. 3

What

•

• •

•

Bases – The most basic building blocks of DNA made up of Guanine, Cytosine, Adenine and Thymine/Uracil, pairing respectively (G-C and A-T) Nucleotides – This is what forms when the bases fuse with sugar to form the most basic structure of DNA formed by the building blocks. Oligonucleotide – a small number of nucleotides joined together. DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid and is the chemical code that determines our characteristics from previous generations. It is made up of base pairs, Guanine, Cytosine, Adenine and Thymine/Uracil (G-C and A-T). Gene – a gene is made up of sequences of DNA and can vary from a few hundred strands of DNA to well into the millions. These are what we inherit from our parents. Primer – This provides the starting point for DNA replication to take place and is used in analytical techniques to help replicate DNA. Chromosome – is a molecule of DNA that contains all or part of the genetic info of the organism. They also contain proteins that aid with the structure, and the integrity of the molecule. These contain genes and are specific to each organism. Chromosomes dictate sex.

References • •

•

Charlesworth, D. Plant sex determination and sex chromosomes. Heredity 88, 94–101 (2002) doi:10.1038/sj.hdy.6800016 Leister, Dario, Agim Ballvora, Francesco Salamini, and Christiane Gebhardt. “A PCR–based approach for isolating pathogen resistance genes from potato with potential for wide application in plants.” Nature genetics 14, no. 4 (1996): 421. Ingham, David J., Sandra Beer, Stephanie Money, and Geneviève Hansen. “Quantitative real-time PCR assay for determining transgene copy number in transformed plants.” Biotechniques 31, no. 1 (2001): 132-140. Turner, Phil, Alexander McLennan, Andy Bates, and Michael White. BIOS Instant Notes in Molecular Biology. Taylor & Francis, 2007.

BIO Dr. Callie Seaman is a plant obsessed Formulation Chem-

ist 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 PhD 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. 55

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GROWING PROJECTS

s ’ o Whowing at h Gr W Where USA

& Canada

Palmer, AK

Alaskan Farming

Credit: Seeds and Soil Farm

Seeds and Soil Farm is spreading the word; all Alaskans can and should grow their own food for their health and well-being. Education is essential, and so the farm teaches, informs, and instructs people on how to grow fresh, nutritious produce at home. The founder of Seeds and Soil-ORGANICS, Jennifer Sharrock, is an Alaska Master Gardener and Permaculture Designer with a master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Natural Resources Management. With her help, the farm grows fruits and vegetables for market with a focus on regenerative agriculture and bio-intensive agriculture. The soil is healthy, and the food is delicious and nutritious. With food security a serious issue around the world, the regenerative market farm also teaches Alaskans how to save viable seeds for future crops, and sells only heirloom and open-pollinated varieties.

Teaching health and wellness. Learn more: seedsandsoilorganics.com

Skagit Valley, WA

You won’t find your everyday flowers at Floret Farm! The family-run operation specializes in growing unique, rare, and heirloom varieties that are sure to impress even the most experienced gardeners. From fragrant sweet peas in the spring to dinner plate dahlias in the fall, the property’s fields burst with beauty throughout the seasons. Floret Farm stands behind its blooms; it conducts extensive research to determine the most desirable cut flower varieties and shares that information with people looking to grow beautiful gardens of their own. The farm’s seeds come from banks around the world and are for sale at the farm’s shop along with tubers, bulbs, and more. Hard to believe that the farm was never meant to be a business endeavor. Founder Erin Benzakein fell in love with nature at her grandparent’s country home as a young child. As an adult, her passion yielded beautiful results, and people took notice. The rest is history. Making people’s lives beautiful with flowers. Learn more: floretflowers.com

Credit: Floret Farm

Flower Power

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Truly local. Beyond fresh.

GROWING PROJECTS

o’s ng h t W owi a Gr WhWhere 3.

USA

& Canada

Guilford, Vermont

Growing No-Till

Credit: Milkweed Farm

Preserving soil structure is the name of the game at Milkweed Farm in picturesque Vermont. Founder Jonah Mossberg is committed to the no-till movement and truly believes that biologically active soils with plenty of organic matter grow healthy plants. Although not certified organic, Mossberg never uses GMO seeds, pesticides, or chemicals of any kind in his fields. His reward is nutrient-dense vegetables and flowers free of pests and diseases. Believe it or not, Mossberg’s passion for growing food wasn’t something he was born with; after spending a summer in his college years as a farm-hand, he fell in love with farming and never looked back. Beyond producing food to feed the surrounding population, Milkweed Farm collaborates with other nearby farms, donates to local organizations, and stands in solidarity with many social justice movements. A farm with a conscience. L earn more: milkweedfarmvt.com

Aberdeen, NC

Credit: Flow Farm

Grow with the Flow It’s a small scale farm where everything that grows is harvested by hand, but it has a huge impact. In a state badly polluted by industrial agriculture, Flow Farm has made a name for itself through its veganic growing methods and homemade biochar. Located in a pine and oak forest in North Carolina, when owners Mark Epstein and Jules Latham set out to start their farm in 2008, they didn’t realize their soil wasn’t well-suited for growing fruits and vegetables. Vegans, they chose not to use animal by-products to improve the earth and opted instead to make biochar in a kiln they had built on their property. Along with veganic growing techniques, the biochar has had a tremendous impact on the soil. Today, Flow Farm grows a diverse range of crops for sale at local markets and in subscription food boxes. The plants thrive and produce nutritious yields because the soil is so darn happy. There is an alternative to chemical and animal agriculture. Learn more: flow.farm 3

60 credit: heynadine.com

NATURE

BY TOM WALL, COSMIC KNOT

lants are fascinating, to say the least. They are living, breathing columns of water, elements, and gasses, and they are responsible for conver ting the sun’s energy into a usable form. Their function is one of the most primary known to the existence of life. We regard them as vital to our survival, but do you ever take the time to

wonder if they are conscious?

In the past, plants were at the forefront of medicine. Through various wild herbs, roots and beyond, cures were discovered for many ailments.

Founded in Italy, the people of Damanhur believe plants, like people and animals, are conscious, living, breathing entities and they can learn

Here we are, in the 21st century. Technology is everywhere, and science is moving toward things that, years ago, would have seemed esoteric. We are working toward finding new dimensions and how the deepest realms of space work, yet we’re not even sure what is in the deepest parts of the ocean. We can’t discern how to perfect the mind and body of man or animal, and we sure don’t know the inner workings of the forest as we should. Why go so far out, when we need to go in? It’s all one in the grand scheme of the cosmos, and if we tap into that energy, we might open doors to a new world of information. There are places around the globe that look beyond the veil and see life in all its subtle forms. These communities know the importance of the winds, the rains, and the energetic ethers that permeate all around us. One such place is Damanhur. Founded in Italy, the people of Damanhur believe plants, like people and animals, are conscious, living, breathing entities and they can learn. Most would scoff at this idea and render it absurd, but not so fast. Based on the idea that plants are conscious, people have administered anestesia to plants and put them into an actual state of sleep. People have also developed machines that can allow plants to make music. The plant music machine consists of two electrodes and a converter box. One wire is attached to the leaf, and the other near the base of the roots. Once connected, the plants begin to emit sound through the machine. The gadget measures the electronic impulses of the plant and converts them into a midi signal. The effect can be quite different from plant to plant and can be quite beautiful, as the music flows in patterns humans aren’t used to hearing. Furthermore, when music is played to the connected plant, it adapts to the patterns and begins to play along. If the plant is disturbed too much, it will stop playing music. Once it’s comfortable again, the tunes restart. It seems there is a world of life existing beyond our level of perception. To move forward into a harmonious future, it is fundamental that we get a grasp of what is going on in nature

Based on the idea that plants are conscious, people have administered anestesia to plants and put them into an actual state of sleep. People have also developed machines that can allow plants to make music. and what makes life work. If we overlook this, how can we ever expect to rise above our current living situation? We are pushing deeper into space and farther into technology, yet right here, all around us, there is something lurking that could shake the scientific community to its core. It’s time to open our eyes, ears, and minds, so we can begin to understand that much like us, the plant kingdom is conscious. 3

BIO Tom Wall: Professional Musician, Writer and Gardening Consultant. Cosmic Knot/Therapeutic Horticulture Consultations Growing up on a deer farm located on 79 acres of land along the banks of one of Lake Michigan’s tributaries, Tom grew a love for nature and all the beauties it could hold. Through that passion Tom has channeled his influences into educating the community on sustainable agriculture, becoming an activist, writing for magazines and creating music tuned to nature in his band Cosmic Knot. Follow Tom and all of his passions: www.facebook.com/tom.wall.946 www.instagram.com/cosmicknotmusic/ artistecard.com/cosmicknot

BY NICO HILL

of options d ia r y m a rs ue and ers growe f iq f n o u y a ll g a n ic bli rgan f gime, ena e r Farming o t a fair bit o n r ie e r t t f u a n ly ir b e a th s up (prob to tweak d n e t c plants a ifi h t c e e p g s a r k u c a yo tailored p erfect for p ) r o r r e trial and 62

SEED SOAK TEA SILICON

Want a nice and easy way to give your favorite plants a quick fix of organic loveliness? Look no further than a seed soak tea: taking all the vim and vigor from your young sprouts and capturing it for your own organic plant booster.

veryone loves to tinker about in their garden. If you are anything like me, it is almost impossible to stop yourself from adding something into the mix or tweaking something. It’s a bit like trying to avoid the temptation of opening pandora’s box and probably half the reason why additive sales are so high in the industry. Farming

organically offers growers a myriad of options to tweak their nutrient regime, enabling a unique and tailored package that ends up (probably after a fair bit of trial and error) perfect for your specific plants. Seed soak teas are one-such option to get a quick organic boost for your little green friends.

What’s it all about then? In the beginning, seedlings are packed with energy and nutrition to ensure a successful start. We aim is to capture all that spritely energy and make use of it to enhance another, more mature, plant’s production.

Each seed is rich in its own unique array of enzymes, proteins, amino acids and other such compounds that can provide a boost to a growing plant

You can follow the same process and use distinctly different species of seeds to capture various properties. Examples of commonly used seeds are alfalfa, barley, wheatgrass or rye. Each seed is rich in its own unique array of enzymes, proteins, amino acids and other such compounds that can provide a boost to a growing plant. Wheatgrass is already well-known in juicing bars and health club circles for its nutritionally-dense and amino-rich properties, as well as for having an almost complete vitamin B spectrum. Unsurprisingly, these things are perfect for plants as well, so let’s have a look at how we can make that possible.

Sprout that seed You will need: • Your chosen seeds. • Some water (Ideally, RO). • A container. • Colander or sieve. • Optional germination aids (soluble kelp). First, you need to choose and measure your seeds and get them to sprout. Once you have selected your seeds, grab a container big enough to put them in. Eighty to a hundred grams of seed is usually a good starting point to make a decent-sized batch of tea. Soak the seeds in the container full

of water overnight, or for about 12 hours. Typically, the seeds will almost double their weight during this period from all the water uptake. They should drop to the bottom of the container, and any remaining husk can be scooped from the surface.

After the soaking period, they need to be drained and rinsed in a colander or sieve, then placed in a suitable container (jar, cloth pot, sprouting tray) and left to sprout. Creating a thick layer of seeds will help keep them moist, but you do need to rinse them at least twice a day to make sure they don’t dry out too much. Other than that, it is now just a waiting game. After roughly three days (depending on seed type), little white sprouts will have grown a centimeter or so from all of your seeds and the next phase can begin. Unfortunately, the time has now come for you to kill all of these young little sprouts. Before doing that, you need to decide if you are applying the tea immediately, or whether you want to go for a storable fermented option. The latter does involve a bit more effort, but the extra fermentation process aids with compounds becoming more plant available and also provides the welcome opportunity of a storable concentrate.

If using immediately The rest of the process from here is pretty simple. All you need is a standard kitchen blender. Fill it up with the sprouts, add a bit of water, and blend evenly. Once you have something resembling a dodgy-looking milkshake, you are done. All that is left is to avoid any urges of drinking the concoction before adding it to 10-20 liters of water and pouring it over your eager plants. 63

MUSHROOMS AND BEES

SOAK TEA POLICY SEED INFLUENCERS SILICON

Unfortunately, the time has now come for you to kill all of these young little sprouts. Before doing that, you need to decide if you are applying the tea immediately, or whether you want to go for a storable fermented option If making a storable option Let’s face it, most of us don’t have the time to do this every week, so being able to make a fermented storable concentrate is likely to be a welcome option for most organic gardeners’ toolboxes. From this point onwards, you are mostly following the standard fermentation process used in Korean Natural Farming (check out some of the past issues on making ferments for more details). You will need: • An equal weight of natural brown sugar (plus a bit more) to the seedlings. • A large enough container (Ideally a mason jar). • Optional LAB. • A sieve. Rather than blend the seedlings, at this point, you need to roughly chop them all up, then weigh out an equal weight of sugar and mix it together. If you are cool enough to have made your own LAB, then you can combine an appropriate amount for the volume at this point (1ml per liter).

Once all mixed evenly, pack it into your mason jar and put a 2cm layer of sugar on the top like a cap. Then, use some cloth to cover the top so the mixture can breathe. Leave in a warm area for seven days. After about a week, you will be left with a syrup-like juice that you need to separate from the solid material with your trusty sieve. Once separated, it can be transferred to a breathable container for storing and is usually good to keep for six months.

Get using it You are ready to rock! Although you may feel a tad guilty about sacrificing the souls of young seedlings’ lives for mere selfish greed, it really can provide a beneficial boost to your plants and is fun to make. It barely costs anything and is extremely rewarding, so seriously, go get sprouting some seeds now! 3

Let’s face it, most of us don’t have the time to do this every week, so being able to make a fermented storable concentrate is likely to be a welcome option for most organic gardeners’ toolboxes.

Nico Hill - Hydro Nerd at InfiniteMonkey.com Nico has been a keen gardener for many moons. Bitten by the hydroponic 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. 65

BY EVAN FOLDS

Farm City USA

What would it look like if a city dedicated itself to using agriculture to grow healthy people? 66

FARM CITY USA

t’s true; our agricultural system is not focused on nourishing people. Our doctors, and eaters, and farmers are not on the same page. Doctors treat symptoms, most eaters have no idea where our food comes from, and farmers are simply unappreciated.

to health care and jobs to climate There is a disconnect between Doctors treat symptoms, change, if we find the political food, farming, and public health and most eaters have no idea will, we can leverage agriculture in a clear corporate bias exhibited powerful ways that make progress in science and government. It has where our food comes one of the pressing issues of our resulted in excessive environmental from, and farmers are time. toxicity and is implicated in the epidemic levels of chronic illness simply unappreciated What we have now is a centralized currently being experienced in the agricultural system built to maximize United States. When it comes to profit for shareholders. The way our food system has been painting this picture, the truth doesn’t always reach the constructed, there is no subsidy for vegetable farmers, right data point. and there is no incentive for farmers to grow better food. These modern challenges demand new economic thinking The conventional agricultural system is broken. The and new diversified and decentralized ways of being. commodity farming system implemented through the USDA Farm Bill is failing corn and soy farmers, and the dairy It turns out that a regenerative farm is an ideal model for industry that has long been subsidized is being disrupted how to run a city. One of the lessons of Rudolf Steiner’s with farms failing daily across the country. The enormous biodynamic agriculture is that the farm is an organism. level of toxicity created by conventional agriculture has There is no center to a farm or a human being, just a been tied directly to ecosystem failure, with glyphosate collaboration of different spheres of activity in resonance being found in all sorts of major food brands and our failing as a whole. A city works in the same way. soils attributed to climate change. Conventional agriculture is being exposed for the civilizational drain that it is, and, in By choosing a different perspective to approach our turn, farmers are hurting. challenges, we can go a long way toward developing solutions. We tend to approach dynamic problems The silver lining is that these conditions are ripe for with short-sighted linear thinking, but we can decide to fundamental change in our agricultural policy. The implement techniques such as “true cost accounting,” emergence of regenerative agriculture can be seen in “equity crowdfunding,” and “restorative justice.” We the campaign platforms of 2020 Presidential candidates. already have many of the answers; why do we continue to Both Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have released try the same things and expect a different result? Where detailed and quite radical agricultural policy agendas, and do we go from here? the topic is regularly mentioned in several of the other candidate’s campaigns. Politicians follow; they do not lead, The first step is to realize that not all agriculture is the so this development is a positive sign for the change to same. Family farms grow 70% of the world’s food, but that come. is not how it is done in the United States, the land of the mega-farm. In so many ways, the United States has done There is an impulse towards a revolution in farming and a world-class job of making sure no one wants to be a its place in our way of life that can be seen in places like farmer. This has resulted in farmers getting older and farms Detroit and their urban agriculture movement, or on getting larger. industrial farms transitioning to regenerative methods with the help of groups like Farmers Footprint. There is also Agriculture is one of the largest, if not the largest, industry a rise of homesteaders with movies like Big Little Farm in the world, so the special interests in agriculture are making the rounds in mainstream movie theaters. powerful. Big Ag holds sway over governments. They have successfully patented crop genetics that serve global Planting food is part of who and what we are. Farming markets, and they have a powerful lobby that mainly writes was the first human act and is uniquely positioned to be the rules of farming in the United States. a regenerative therapy for human culture. From hunger

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FARM CITY USA

Family farms grow 70% of the world’s food, but that is not how it is done in the United States, the land of the mega-farm

But Big Ag lives and dies on Conventional agriculture miles from downtown. Atlanta, GA, our buying power. In short, we also recently announced a project is being exposed for the to develop the largest food forest in are served what we eat, or as Wendell Berry put it, “Eating is civilizational drain that it the United States. an agricultural act.” As we wake is, and, in turn, farmers Another idea is a residential “food, up to this, we can begin to change the food landscape. But at the not lawns” initiative. Develop are hurting moment, the billions of dollars protocols and an incentive to grow spent on marketing in agriculture is yard farms where residents are not intended to inform people, but to confuse them. encouraged to stop the use of synthetic fertilizers and And confused we are, with the average American diet pesticides and increase the organic matter of their soil. consisting of 70% processed food and only 1 in 10 Not only would this mitigate the toxicity generated Americans eating enough fruits and vegetables daily. from residential lawn care, but an increase in organic matter of 1% per acre holds 25,000 gallons of water, The renaissance of agriculture starts locally. Due to the which is a big deal to a city stormwater division. litany of special interests baked into it, changing the federal Farm Bill is generational work, and most state governments are bought and paid for by lobbyists and corporate donations. In our city governments, we still can demand human-centered representation. We can be creative and organize around a healthy and equitable policy that raises all ships, and farming can be a potent tool in this work. What would it look like for a city to champion agriculture? An easy place to start is by growing food crops in municipal landscaping. Boston, MA, and Asheville, NC, have impressive reputations for edible landscapes. Seattle, WA, has become a national leader in public food. They have Brandon Street Orchard, founded in 2003, and the seven-acre Beacon Food Forest is a couple of 69

FARM CITY USA

People are waking up to the idea that there are alternatives, and that these alternatives are profitable toward the goal of improving public health and ending the deliberate contamination of the environment

Every city should have a dedicated Other cities are expressing What if we set goals to urban farm where citizens can get their themselves in different track what percentage hands dirty. We need places where ways. Portland, ME, recently children can eat something that they of food eaten in the city implemented a ban on synthetic planted, use the magic of cultivation for pesticides in city limits. This is is actually grown there? no longer a radical idea, as cities mental health and community building, and where we can teach farming as an across the nation learn about the economic development tool. The HUB Farm in Durham, dangers of pesticides to public health. People are waking NC, works this model with a significant impact through up to the idea that there are alternatives, and that these a community-supported agriculture program, high school alternatives are profitable toward the goal of improving internships, field trips, community classes, and more. public health and ending the deliberate contamination of the environment. The farm could serve as an incubator that educated the public on how to develop edible urban landscapes. The Composting is another act for any city that wants to take eggs, honey, and crops could be collected and sold as a farming seriously. Arguably the top composting city in cooperative to local restaurants, farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; markets, and the US is San Francisco. In 2002, San Francisco set a goal grocery stores. This activity is a natural cross-pollinator of 75% diversion by 2010, and in 2003 they committed of energy and ideas that is sure to stimulate even more to zero waste by 2020. Hundreds of thousands of San agricultural development. Franciscans, as well as local restaurants and food-related establishments, contribute more than 300 tons of organic Many cities are taking this a step further and adopting garbage each day, or more than 100,000 tons per year, Directors of Urban Agriculture. The first major city was to be composted and returned to the soil on local farms. Atlanta, GA, in 2015, and, after Philadelphia in early 2019, Washington DC just announced that they would become There are massive opportunities to leverage agriculture the third major city to establish the position. Their goals for good in our cities if we can just focus our intention. include putting 20 additional acres under cultivation in We could incentivize local farm to plate initiatives, ask the DC District by 2032, developing food-producing hospitals to monitor the progress of real food programs, landscaping on five acres of public space distributed and enlist universities to study the social impacts of throughout all eight wards in the city, and supporting neighbors farming in their front yards. What if we set school gardens and garden-based food system education goals to track what percentage of food eaten in the city is in public and charter schools. That is a big deal. actually grown there? So many ideas. What are you doing in your city? 3

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

Bio

He now works as a consultant in his new project Be Agriculture where he helps new and seasoned growers take their agronomy to the next level.What we think, we grow! Contact Evan at www.BeAgriculture.com or on Facebook and Instagram @beagriculture

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BY NICO HILL

The Importance of

Hardening Off

Rather than having to spend months reviving half-dead plants, the best solution is to start from your mother stock or seedlings

HARDENING OFF

aking cuttings and germinating seeds can be a stressful time for plants and growers alike. Find out how to alleviate most of the anxiety and make sure your plants are ready to take off when they hit the main grow room.

In the beginning Star ting a grow can be a daunting prospect. You may have been focusing all your energy on getting everything ready for the main flower room, making sure the expensive equipment is installed correctly, and the whole thing is hermetically sealed. As the last piece of the hor ticultural puzzle falls into place, it dawns on you that you have neglected the very first bit of a plant’s life and have no choice but to obtain some cuttings swiftly. Being late in the afternoon, you whip your phone out and dial a friend’s number to try and get something sor ted before the day is out. After a long period of ringing, the phone is answered.

Humid pr opagator c onditions result in ‘weak’ foliage. Therefore, har dening pl ant s of f c orre c tly is a cr ucial par t of pr opagating a cut ting , and when done c orre c tly, will se t them of f on a path to a highly suc c es s f ul har ves t .

*Muff led noises and groans. “Hello?” you ask. *Muff les turn to a hacking cough, as if someone were attempting to cough out their lungs. “Errrr…. hello?” you apprehensively try for a second time. *Clunking noises and unnecessary expletives, a raspy and out of breath voice f inally materializes from the speaker. “Y’alright, man. Sorry, bro; I’ve just woke up.” “Early bird gets the worm, eh? Well, I was hoping you still had some cuts available.” “Say no more fam; I got you, cuz.” “Because of what?” “Never mind newms; I’ll drop me round later. Safe.”

In general, plants are frickin’ tough

ies and child-like enthusiasm to star t your nursery. However, don’t be too hasty; with all this equipment and total control at your finger tips, it can sometimes be tempting to give your plants too much of the ‘kid glove’ treatment.

Plants are tough SOB’s

In general, plants are frickin’ tough. As an example, you can take a cutting of your favorite fast-flowering annual, put it in a glass of water on a window-sill, and it will happily root after 10 to 14 days, ready to be planted and grow quite rapidly. No need for the propagators, rooting hormones, nursery plugs or environmental control gear you just spent a small for tune on; they only require a small top-up of water every few days. Although, with proper use, these other tools can reap huge benefits. The keywords in that last sentence were ‘proper use’. Propagators and the like are great when it comes to increasing the timeframe and success of rooting clones, but while giving your young plants optimal conditions to produce new roots, it may not be so ideal when it comes to producing its new shoots. Humid propagator conditions result in ‘weak’ foliage. Therefore, hardening plants off correctly is a crucial par t of propagating a cutting, and when done correctly, will set them off on a path to a highly successful harvest.

Upon hanging-up, you immediately regret having made the call in the first place. When the cuttings arrive, they confirm all your paranoid suspicions. Lack-lustre, gangly-looking plants half bereft of life, also spor ting some suspect white specks on the leaves. Also, he decided to travel with an entourage of rudely inquisitive friends.

There is another way Rather than having to spend months reviving half-dead plants, the best solution is to star t from your mother stock or seedlings. After a quick trip to the local hydro store, you whizz back home with all the high-tech necessar73

HARDENING OFF

All leaves are not created equal

A good propagation Once your first roots start popping through, Precisely what is meant by ‘weak’ foliage, routine and nurser y the first thing to do is to begin increasing the though? Well, it all boils down to the numairflow. Fortunately, this is pretty simple in most environment are ber of stomata each leaf possesses. The cases. Just open the vents on your prop lid at one of a grower’s more stomata a leaf has, the higher its increasing amounts over a few days. Once fully most valuable tools open for a day or two, leave the entire cover capacity for transpiration, therefore, the higher its capacity to cool itself. In a nutwhile also being one askew slightly from the base so air can gently shell, the more stomata a leaf produces, start to flow from the bottom to the top of the of the most underthe better. The problem from a propapropagator. After another few days, take the lid rated ones.” gation point of view is that as each new off completely. leaf set is born or produced, it is spawned with a fixed number of stomata and does not provide more as the leaf grows. The amount the leaf produces is relevant Next up, light and temperature to the environment. If those conditions are cool and humid, So, at this point, the leaves have conditioned themselves to lower it doesn’t need many stomata – and won’t produce very humidity by producing more stomata. Your attention should now many on that leaf. be on getting them used to higher temperatures and light levels, ultimately aiming to match the environment of your main grow room. So, this creates a problem when you move the plant into a Over the course of the next week or so, your goal is to increase light room with more light and more air movement. The leaves intensity and air temperatures to get those younglings really pumping. born in luxury the propagator provided are no longer going Fortunately, light and heat usually go hand in hand, so it is relatively to cut the mustard under the new intense light, lower hueasy to get both birds stoned at once. midity, and higher temperatures. It will probably take your Most of the time, depending on your choice of lights, it will merely plants several weeks to settle in, negating all the time you involve lowering your fixture a couple of inches every other day or so saved yourself with the rapid rooting at the beginning. until you reach the natural physical limitations of that fixture. Ideally, end with a good few days (more, depending on circumstance) of switching from your prop lights to a typical HID light or roughly 60Treat them mean, but keep them keen 80% intensity of the main grow room. As an example, moving from From the moment you star t seeing your very first root poke an array of T5’s to a 400W metal halide fixture before going under, out through the jiffy plug, you need to star t toughening the say, a 600W HPS light fixture for full flowering. little blighters up. Do not leave it until they have a thick mass of roots and are already showing significant signs of foliage growth – by then it can be a little too late. Over the Ready to Rock next week or two, the goal is to remove the need for the At this point, your plants will be able to deal with the environmental propagator lid. intensities of a main grow room like a pro and will not result in a lack of growth and yellowing/dying leaves for a tragic few weeks at the start. An excellent beginning builds the foundations for a substantial yield down the line, and who doesn’t want that? Also, you don’t Once your have to deal with some third-party chump that could compromise first roots everything you have worked for by unwittingly gifting unwanted star t popping pests, diseases, genetics or hassle in the process. through, the first thing to do is to begin increasing the air flow

A good propagation routine and nursery environment are one of a grower’s most valuable tools while also being one of the most under-rated ones. It may not directly produce the instantly gratifying fruits in the way a flowering room would do, but it does provide longterm quality. Make sure you aren’t selling yourself or your plants short. 3

BY ALBERT MONDOR, HORTICULTURIST AND BIOLOGIST

feeding

cities

Urban farms 76

URBAN FARMS

e are currently witnessing one of the greatest migrations of all time as an imposing mass of people leaves rural

areas believing that they can improve their life by living in cities. Currently, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas and, according to the United Nations, this propor tion will reach 68% in 2050. For example, the population of Mexico City has grown by more than 10 million inhabitants in only 40 years! In North America, more than 80% of the population lives in cities, while in Europe, it is estimated that around 75% of the population live in urban areas. Unfortunately, with unrestrained urban sprawl, the food used to feed city dwellers has to be produced farther and farther away, hundreds or even thousands of miles from where it is eaten. Food has to be transported to cities by plane, train or truck, generating vast quantities of pollutants and greenhouse gases. According to the Worldwatch Institute, the food that makes up a typical American plate must be transported an average of 1,500 miles before being eaten. Also, the FAO estimates that 45% of all fruit and vegetables produced on the globe are lost or thrown away before they can be eaten, in part due to transportation, handling, and storage. Adding to this their fear of GMOs and pesticides, young city dwellers have decided to grow their own food. They have developed unique ways to produce healthy fruits and vegetables, locally, in the heart of cities.

Urban farms on rooftops Available land is increasingly scarce, and there is a lack of space in cities. It is, therefore, necessary to be particularly creative to practice farming in urban settings, like growing edible plants on rooftops, for example. The Brooklyn Grange Farm, located in New York, was one of the first suspended urban farms in the United States. The roofs of two buildings in Brooklyn and Queens, with a total area of more than one hectare, support one of the largest urban farms in the world. Nearly 25,000 kilos of vegetables are produced there every year!

Currently, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas and, according to the United Nations, this proportion will reach 68% in 2050 Detroit has more than 1,400 urban farms, many of which are located on rooftops, and in Chicago, nearly 400 green roofs are dedicated to the cultivation of edibles. The Chicago Botanical Garden has also set up an urban agriculture training program called Windy City Harvest. Students have the privilege of perfecting their practical learning by growing fruits and vegetables in a garden with an area of nearly 2,000 square meters located on the roof of McCormick Place, the largest congress center of North America. In France, there have been more than 200 urban farm startups in recent years. In the city of Nantes, an urban farm called the Agronaute was inaugurated, while in Paris, the largest urban farm in Europe will soon be built on the roofs of the Parc des Expositions located in the 15th borough. Covering an area of 14,000 square meters, this farm will host 20 market gardeners who will produce up to 1,000 kilos of produce per day during summer! A pioneer in urban agriculture in Canada and North America, the province of Quebec has about 50 commercial urban farms on roofs totaling nearly 300 hectares in cultivation. Du toit à la table, founded three years ago by François Saint-Pierre, began by growing vegetables at the top of an office building in Quebec City. During the summer of 2019, its fruits and vegetables also grew on the roof of a second building located near Old Quebec. In association with the Dallaire Group, the Du toit à la table team is currently working on the design of the largest roof farm in the world. Construction of this seven-hectare urban farm will be completed in 2022 in the new Chauveau Innovation Space in Loretteville, a neighborhood in Quebec City. It is estimated that up to 30 tonnes of food per hectare could be harvested in this project. Lufa Farms is undoubtedly the most well-known Quebec example of an urban farm on a roof. In this case, however, the cultivation of vegetables is done under greenhouses, installed at the top of three buildings in the greater Montreal area. The heat generated by these buildings is reused for the greenhouses. A fourth commercial rooftop greenhouse is opening this spring, covering 15,000 square meters, the equivalent of two soccer fields.

URBAN FARMS

According t o t he W orl dwat ch Ins t i t u t e, t he f ood t h at m a k e s up a t y p ic a l A meric a n p l at e mu s t be t r a nsp or t ed a n av er age of 1,500 mil e s bef ore being e at en

Indoor urban farms Rather than growing fruits and vegetables in fields, some urban farmers have developed various ingenious growing techniques to cultivate edible plants inside buildings. In recent years, several indoor urban farm projects have launched in North America and Europe. The initiators of these urban agriculture projects are renovating old buildings, inside which fruits and vegetables are grown without soil and under artificial lighting. This is particularly the case for Infarm, based in Berlin, Germany, Farm.One, located in the TriBeCa district in the heart of Manhattan, and AeroFarms, based in Newark, New Jersey. About $30 million has been invested in AeroFarms to transform a former steel mill into a stateof-the-art urban farm.

Du toit à la table, Quebec

The majority of indoor urban farms grow edible plants without soil, in stacked shelves lit by LED lamps and watered by an aeroponic or hydroponic system. Infarm has developed a flexible modular cultivation system designed to be installed almost anywhere, which has enabled the establishment of around fifty farms located in warehouses, supermarkets and restaurant kitchens. Some other companies, such as Plenty based in California, use a vertical aeroponic system that requires very little space. The owners of these companies claim that their farming methods use 90 to 95% less water than conventional open-field farming with significantly higher yields! However, although they’re free of pesticides and GMOs, plants grown without soil and microorganisms cannot be certified organic. Another very original way of growing edible plants in an urban environment, without soil, has been developed recently in North America: growing fruits and vegetables in old shipping containers.

GrowUp Urban Farms, London

Credit: GrowUp Urban Farms,

Another urban farming company called Gotham Greens is growing vegetables in nearly 16,000 square meters of greenhouses on the roofs of four buildings in Chicago and New York.

Credit: Freight Farms

Du toit à la table, Quebec

Freight Farms, Boston

URBAN FARMS

Monaco rooftop gardens

T he roof s of t w o buil ding s in Brook ly n a nd Queens, w i t h a t o ta l a re a of mor e t h a n one hec ta re, s up p or t one of t he l a rge s t urb a n fa r ms in t he w or l d. Ne a rly 25,000 k il o s of v ege ta bl e s a re p roduced t here e v ery y e a r! Creating an urban farm on a rooftop

In addition to growing edible plants, GrowUp Urban Farms also practices aquaponics, that is, raising tilapia inside shipping containers. The water from the tanks where the tilapia is raised flows through the columns in which the edible plants are grown so fish droppings can fertilize plants. The fish and vegetables produced are sold to restaurants in the region.

• • • • •

Kimbal Musk’s Square Roots farm

Credit: Food Tank

Kimbal Musk, brother of Tesla founder Elon Musk, started a business called Square Roots. The company’s goal is to produce vegetables, GMO-free and pesticide-free, on indoor farms installed in shipping containers in New York. The harvested crops are delivered directly to offices or drop-off points, where members can pick them up. In addition to supplying New Yorkers with healthy food, Square Roots also aims to train people who want to start their business in urban agriculture. Other companies, such as Corner Stalk Farm and Freight Farms, both based in Boston, as well as Agricool, located in Paris, and GrowUp Urban Farms, from London, also produce food in freight containers.

Several buildings with a flat roof can be entirely covered with soil and edible plants. However, the design and construction of an intensive green roof require patience, since in some cases, the supporting structure needs to be strengthened. It is, therefore, preferable to entrust its planning and implementation to specialists. In addition to the supporting structure, which must be renovated or designed by an engineer, an intensive green roof - entirely covered with soil - generally consists of the following components: Insulation Waterproofing membrane Drainage system Growing substrate Plants

Extruded polystyrene sheets are used to reduce heat loss from inside the house. The waterproofing membrane can be placed over the insulation material or directly on the supporting structure below. The most common membranes are made of elastomer. It is best to entrust the installation of the waterproofing membrane to experts. If this membrane is not covered with an insulating material, such as polystyrene sheets, protect it from possible perforations by covering it with a geotextile membrane. On flat roofs, it is essential to install a drainage system to prevent water from stagnating and affecting the survival of plants. The drainage system can simply consist of a layer of coarse gravel. However, to reduce the weight of the installation, one can instead opt for a drainage system made of honeycomb panels specially designed for this purpose. 81

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URBAN FARMS

This system directs rainwater to the roof drain or the gutters. The drainage system must be covered with a geotextile membrane to retain the fine particles of the planting substrate while allowing the water to drip. This membrane also prevents plant roots from entering the drainage system and reducing its efficiency. The substrate in which the plants grow must be light and resistant to compaction while having a good water retention capacity. Earth similar to that used for container culture can be used. To build an intensive green roof for vegetables and fruit shrubs, you need a substrate thickness varying from 20 to 50 cm. Covering a roof with soil to grow veggies is undoubtedly complicated and expensive. It is much simpler and cheaper to grow edible plants in containers. This reduces the weight that the roof structure has to bear and avoids having to reinforce it at a high cost. Despite this, it is often necessary to have a certified engineer check the maximum load of pots and substrate that can be supported by a roof. It is preferable to use light and easy-to-transport containers such as those made of textile, like the famous Smart Pots, which are partly made of recycled material. Plastic pots can also be an attractive choice since they are light and affordable. On the other hand, their manufacturing requires petroleum and contributes to global warming. It is essential not to place the containers in direct contact with the waterproofing membrane of the roof to avoid damaging it or, worse, puncturing it. It is best to place the

pots on saucers, recycled rubber pads (usually used to cover stairs during the winter) or even reclaimed wooden pallets. There must be easy access to the roof on which you grow edible plants for easy maintenance. Opt for large pots, especially for growing tropical vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers. On a roof, small containers must be watered every day, sometimes even twice in the same day during a heatwave. Make sure there is a drainage hole at the bottom of each container. Avoid putting gravel at the bottom of the pots; this takes up valuable soil space for plants and dramatically increases the weight of containers. Use light and rich growing mix with excellent water and nutrient retention capacity. A substrate made of equal part of compost, peat moss and perlite usually gives outstanding results. For an abundant harvest, add mycorrhizae to the substrate and give it to most demanding plants, such as eggplants, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. Also provide a few handfuls (approximately 100 ml per plant) of a natural slow-release granular fertilizer, rich in nitrogen and potassium when planting. Finally, a drip irrigation system is suitable for most edible plants grown in containers. This economic system includes small drippers which supply water very close to the plant roots, avoiding losses by evaporation. These drippers, which can provide 2 to 9 liters of water per hour, are attached to small diameter pipes connected to a central pipe and an outside tap. The whole system can be equipped with an electronic timer. You can also find irrigation pipes perforated with drippers that have copper plates to keep roots and soil from entering. This type of hose is ideal for watering long containers. 3

BIO Passionate about environmental horticulture, urban agriculture and extreme landscape design, Albert Mondor has practiced his craft for over 30 years and created numerous gardens in North America. In addition to teaching courses and lecturing at conferences across Canada, his weekly gardening column has appeared in the Journal de Montréal and the Journal de Québec since 1999. In April 2018, Albert Mondor published Le nouveau potager, his tenth horticultural book. He is a regular guest and contributor to radio and television programs and his hosting The Trendy Gardener spots broadcasted on Météo Média and online. You can also read his blog called Extreme Horticulture at albertmondor.com. Follow Albert on Facebook: fb.com/albert.mondor

BY CAROLINE RIVARD

A Magical and Medicinal Weed

GARDEN WEEDS

all and robust with dark green lobes for leaves, mugwort, or Artemisia Vulgaris, is a weed that has many wonderful virtues.

This perennial plant grows just about anywhere; find it along roadsides, railroads, and riverbanks to waste places and fields. It is so common that many of us will walk by it without giving it a second glance.

Mugwort, however, has long been used in medicine, around the house, and even by those who believe in magic! The botanical name Artemisia vulgaris honors the Greek goddess, Artemis. Like its namesake, the plant is associated with the moon, cycles, women’s health, and childbirth. Mugwort has been used to help women through all the stages of their lives, from regulating the menstrual cycle and easing its symptoms, to facilitating childbirth and helping to make menopause more bearable. However, this plant stimulates the uterus and menses; pregnant women should never use this plant, as it can cause miscarriage or premature labor.

Aching muscle infused oil recipe Once correctly identifying the weed, harvest the tops of the fresh plant material. It is essential to pick plants from a clean environment, far away from busy roads and polluted areas. • •

•

Mugwort for sore and achy muscles This generous weed has a high magnesium content, which is very nourishing. Combine that with the presence of the active component, borneol, and mugwort is excellent for alleviating muscle aches and pains. Mugwort is used in traditional Chinese medicine as moxa. The aged, dried herb is lit and used above the surface of the skin to create gentle warmth that helps improve circulation and increase blood and lymph flow to areas of the body, reducing pain and inflammation. You can also enjoy the benefits of mugwort by making a herbal oil infusion.

Mugwor t has been used to help women through all the stages of their lives, from regulating the menstrual cycle and easing its symptoms, to facilitating childbir th and helping to make menopause more bearable

•

Allow the mugwort to wilt for half a day and chop the plant into tiny pieces. Put in a glass jar and fill to the top with olive oil. Be sure to remove any air bubbles by moving the mixture around with a chopstick. Add more oil to cover the plant material and cap with cheesecloth or dishcloth and secure with a rubber band. The humidity must evaporate, so avoid using an airtight lid. Place the jar in a sunny window for five to six weeks. Stir occasionally, but it is imperative to make sure all of the plant material is covered with oil so that mold doesn’t form. After five or six weeks, filter the oil, throwing the plant into the compost bin. The infused oil will have a deep green color. The darker the green, the more potent the medicine. Store in a cool, dark place. It will keep for three to six months. Rub and massage the oil into sore muscles or restless legs and enjoy the soothing benefits of mugwort!

In the kitchen and around the house In Asia, mugwort flavors tea and rice dishes; in western cultures, it is often used as a culinary herb for poultry and pork. Before the rise of hops in the beer-making process, mugwort was added to flavor the ale. The herb stimulates gastric juice and bile secretion, promoting digestion, especially after eating fatty foods. The plant also eases gas and bloating, improves the absorption of nutrients, and strengthens the entire digestive system.

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GARDEN WEEDS

In witchcraf t traditions, it has long been used to induce lucid dreaming, for astral projection, and to enhance psychic powers

In the garden

Possible side effects

Mugwort has been historically used in a powdered form to repel moths. Some natural gardeners also use it by laying branches between rows of onions and carrots to discourage the insect and other pests.

Mugwort is a powerful medicinal herb that can do a lot for our well-being. However, some of its active components, such as thujone, can be toxic in excessive doses, causing liver damage, nausea, and convulsions.

A mystical and magical weed Mugwort grows around the world, and so many cultures have different uses for it. The Aztecs considered mugwort a sacred plant and used it for incense. In witchcraft traditions, it has long been used to induce lucid dreaming, for astral projection, and to enhance psychic powers. When placed in a pouch under a pillow, the dried flowering tops of the plant are said to promote vivid dreams. Native Americans also burned mugwort to purify the spiritual and physical environment around them. In ancient China, Japan, and Europe, people would use the weed to ward off evil spirits.

Mugwort belongs to the daisy family, which can cause some people to develop a skin rash upon contact. One of the most common triggers for hayfever is mugwort pollen, so allergic reactions to drinking the herbal tea or consuming a tincture are not uncommon. If you are an allergy sufferer, do not use this plant. Always do your research and consult a physician before taking any herbal medicine. 3

Sources: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology: The Spectrum of Allergens in Ragween and Mugwort Pollen bit.ly/37Yu8TG

A therapist and healer for over 15 years, Carolineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for medicinal plants only began after leaving the city for the quiet country life in Quebec, Canada. Eager to learn, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

BY LIZ PERRY

Only those who have suffered so greatly know how to change the world

Steve Defino:

A Veteran on a Mission

o any person walking by, Steve walks and talks normally. But those people cannot see the scars that he carries - both emotionally and physically - beginning with a 5-inch wound on his back where an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blew through him while he was serving as a 12B Combat

Engineer in 2008. The blast almost ended his life. It took two years of intensive physical therapy to get him to a point where he could walk again (although many doctors said it couldn’t be done). After that, it was another seven years of physical therapy until he could manage his life and function normally. When soldiers enlist to serve their country, the system isn’t always prepared to assist them with the emotional and physical traumas that they sustained and subsequently have to manage upon their return home.

Right: Steve at his brand new Triceraterps Farms. Below: Damage from the IED (Improvised Explosive Device) on the vehicle that Steve was traveling in.

Steve realized he wanted to begin growing his own medicine when the prescribed traditional drugs didn’t have the effects that he needed. He wasn’t getting the necessary pain relief. He knew he could grow his own medical marijuana, and it would be higher quality than anything he could receive from doctors or purchase.

Hitting the Books But Steve didn’t begin his journey as an expert grower, so he set to work building connections with the leaders in the cannabis industry. He dedicated himself to learning all he could to bring his dream of opening his own facility to fruition. He took the knowledge he gleaned from others and began using it along with his own techniques, which, over the years, made him a better grower. As he improved, he started growing for other veterans.

STEVE DEFINO

credit: Colorado Springs Independent

Steve realized he wanted to begin growing his own medicine when the prescribed traditional drugs didn’t have the effects that he needed

“I’ve put in the years to ensure that it’s done right! “Other vets now come to me and tell me that the medicine we grow has helped their seizures stop, or that their PTSD symptoms have stopped, and they ask me, ‘Why?’ “It’s because I know what it’s like on the really bad days, and I know what it’s like on good days. I know what it’s like to be in debilitating pain and not able to function. And I don’t want anyone else to experience the amount of pain and suffering that I’ve gone through. “I owe it all to this medicine - I wouldn’t be here without it.”

Steve has put together a program to help wounded veterans, like himself, reintegrate into society and build the camaraderie that they’ve been missing since they returned. “So many people return and are depressed, and can even be suicidal, not seeing how their life can have a purpose again [post military service]. “That’s what I plan to do: give them that purpose, build that camaraderie, help them meet other veterans like themselves, all the while giving them the tools and the skills they need in order to work in the cannabis industry, in Oklahoma, as well as all over the country.

Grown ByRealized: Veterans,Triceraterps For Veterans A Dream Farms

Oh yeah, weSteve mention that it’saway goingfrom to be grown Now, four and yearsdid later, is a month rolling out by one of the biggest “baddest” veterans? facilities that Oklahoma has ever seen: Triceraterps Farms.

STEVE DEFINO

“I want others to experience that type of life-changing feeling - to get that type of relief. That’s what it’s all about: medicine going to patients and getting them the relief they deserve.”

Giving the Veterans the Pride and Ownership “I want others to experience that type of life-changing feeling - to get that type of relief. That’s what it’s all about: medicine going to patients and getting them the relief they deserve.” Steve chose ILUMINAR Lighting for Triceraterps Farms because the Founder and CEO, Shawn Brissette, immediately understood the need, and showed compassion. From a cloning room to a vegetative room and two flower rooms, he now has a spacious facility with over 200 fixtures from ILUMINAR Lighting. He’s blending the lighting spectrums of Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH), high wattage High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lighting with LED to grow medicinal strains that will best help those in need.

Only the Top Strains He’ll open with his exclusive “house” strains: Original Sunset Sherbet and Chemical Romance (CR) - which is notable for having one of the most complex terpene profiles that he’s seen yet in a cannabis plant. He’s been running Sunset Sherbet (aka Sunset Sherbert, Orange Sherbet, or simply Sherbet), for five years and CR for seven years. All his flowers will be cured in glass. He understands this is a significant undertaking, but he knows it’s essential for patients needing medical relief. Along with the house strains, grows will include: • Hollister Kush • CastleRock Cherries • LemonG13xG13bx • SFV x I-95 • LashKar Gah • Chem Brulee • GunBunny • ...and many more hybrids on a rotation

In the new facility, one entire room will be dedicated to teaching incoming veterans the techniques and processes of growing medicinal cannabis. Steve wants to give back to veterans by passing on the useful information he’s been given along with his years of experience. Each bag of medicine will be signed by the veteran who grew it - allowing that veteran to re-infuse his or her life with meaning.

Man on a Mission Steve is driven by the mission to give back that energy, love, and purpose that veterans often lose after they serve in the military. They lose their community and closest friends when they return home and can become isolated. Through this program, they’ll be able to rebuild fellowship while also serving wounded veterans. That military service comes back full circle. “I was 100% totally and permanently disabled — told I wouldn’t walk again, and now, I walk, and I talk normally. After so many years, I have pushed through it. Cannabis literally turned my life around and gave me the life I never knew I could have. “I know what it feels like to want to kill yourself because you’re in so much pain. And I’m tired of burying my friends. It’s time to put an end to this and help veterans get the assistance they need.” 3

You can follow Steve Defino and his progress at Triceraterps Farms on Instagram: • @ triceraterps • @ triceraterps_farms

BIO:

As the Content Creator, SEO, and Digital Marketing Director for ILUMINAR Lighting, Liz Perry is always looking for the next great story. Blending her background in marketing with her post-graduate studies in psychology and organization development, she enjoys creating out-of-the-box strategies and magnetic content that sticks. Just recently joining the cannabis industry after years with luxury hoteliers, Liz has a passion for learning and is excited about the emerging innovations coming our way.

BY MARTYNA KROL, PHOTOS: STOCK, MARTYNA KROL

Bees do it, so why not try the waggle dance at your next Friday night par ty? Nature has many fascinating ways of communicating, and this is one of them! Learn more about the bees and how we

#FERTILZERFORTHEFUTURE

can help them at GCMag.co.

BEEHAVIORS

GardenCultureMagazine.com

of BEEHAVIORS best the blog THE WAGGLE DANCE

ast summer, we put our apiar y through some major changes. We broke some “traditional” beekeeping rules and tested some new ideas. One of the chances we took was moving a colony from one hive to another, but only two meters away from the original one.

An old saying teaches beekeepers to move the hive less than three feet (one meter) or more than three miles (10 kilometers), and if true, our bees were doomed to die for the sake of that extra meter traveled. Luckily, thanks to their amazing ability to re-orient better than my car’s GPS on a roundabout, they survived! However, upon the grand opening of their new hive, a number of them greeted us with a funky ‘butt dance.’

What we can’t see with the naked eye is that they are exposing their Nasonov gland, located just at the tip of their abdomen. It creates and releases a strong pheromone, which sends a “this is home” message to any other bees which might have been locked out of the hive for the last couple of days. Nobody said it was a smooth move! The same activity happens when worker bees of a newly formed swarm find a hive. They indicate its location by wafting the pheromone towards the swarm. Once the scent reaches the remaining bees, they know in which direction to fly and immediately move into the new home.

Upon the grand opening of their new hive, a number of them greeted us with a funk y ‘but t dance’

Long before Miley Cyrus popularized twerking on stage, similar behavior was observed in the natural world. In birds, this could be a romantic dance; in dogs, it could indicate the presence of parasites. But in bees, this can mean several things. Let’s have a look at some of the messages passed on in the ‘waggle dance.’

Hey, homie!

Check out this new restaurant! The most common use of the waggle dance is for a worker bee to inform the bees in the hive about a food or water source nearby. They change the circular moves slightly, depending on the distance between the colony and the flower.

In our case, a few guard bees perched just outside the entrance, lifting their backsides and shaking them vigorously, while also fanning their wings.

BEEHAVIOURS

There are three different movements of the bee’s abdomen. One is for when the destination is within ten meters of the hive. Another signals up to 40 meters away and a third for when the distance is even greater.

GardenCultureMagazine.com

best of

the blog

The most common use of the waggle dance is for a worker bee to inform the bees in the hive about a food or water source nearby.

The positioning of the sun is crucial, as it’s often used as an indicator of the direction of the food source. However, what I find fascinating is that usually, the waggle dance occurs in complete darkness.

Commercial beehives are often very dark, especially when full of honeycomb. Wild bees, which nest in rock crevices or fallen tree trunks in the woods, have had to develop a system of communication that functions even in the dark, using gravity as an orienteering tool.

Past the church, the third tree on the right, over the houses and down that valley; you can’t miss it! The dance is not just about the twerking movement itself; it is, in fact, a complicated series of moves. While letting others know about a food source, the bee’s body points toward the honeycomb at the same angle as the sun is to the food. All the while, the gentle buzzing of the bee indicates the profitability of the food source. Mindblowing, isn’t it? 3 95

GREEN ADVICE

cool

ways

P L ANTS AR E US E D FO R T EX T I LES

It’s no secret the textile industry is terrible for the environment, linked to high energy and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. According to numbers by Waste Reduction Week in Canada, the global textile industry uses one trillion kilowatt-hours every year; 10% of the world’s total carbon impact. It takes 2,650 liters of water to make a single cotton t-shirt, and dying and treating textiles contribute up to 20% of total industrial water pollution. Brilliant minds are coming up with ways to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. Here’s our list of the 5 cool ways plants are being used for textiles.

Vegetable Cashmere It looks like cashmere; it feels like cashmere; only, it has nothing to do with goats. Vegetable cashmere is an all-natural fabric created from the soybean plant. The 100% biodegradable alternative to animal fiber is made with soy protein spun from the pulp in tofu production; that’s it, that’s all. Soft, silky, and stretchy, the fabric is full of plant proteins that nourish the skin and is currently being used to make yoga, active, and loungewear. Design brand KD New York claims that much like animal-based cashmere, this one keeps you warm in the winter and comfortable in the heat. Learn more about Vegetable Cashmere: bit.ly/347UiBd

SeaCell

Seaweed has long held a reputation as being a superfood; now, the marine plant is breaking into the fashion and textile industry. Producing SeaCell is eco-friendly. Also known as the Lyocell process, it takes place in a closed loop with no chemicals released as waste. Seaweed is pressed into a natural cellulose fiber, preserving all of its beneficial properties along the way. Essential vitamins, amino acids and minerals transfer between the fiber and the skin, helping activate cell regeneration and protect from free radicals. Made exclusively for smartfiber AG, the fabric is described as silky smooth and comfortable, perfect for athletic and loungewear, undergarments, and home textiles. Learn more about SeaCell: smartfiber.de

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NEW

GREEN ADVICE

cool

ways

P LAN TS A RE USE D FOR TEXTILES

Pi ñ atex

Love the luxurious look and feel of leather but want to spare animals and the planet? Piñatex is the perfect guiltfree alternative! Dr. Carmen Hijosa, a leather goods expert, developed the product and founded Ananas Anam after witnessing the environmental destruction associated with leather production. Piñtex is made with the fiber from the leaves of the pineapple plant, which are discarded after harvest, anyway. Once the leaves are stripped of their fiber, the leftover biomass is turned into nutrient-rich fertilizer or biofuel. How’s that for zero-waste? The pineapple fibers undergo a process to become a non-woven mesh that is soft, flexible, durable, and looks just like leather. The product has so far been used in footwear, fashion accessories, clothing, furniture, and car upholstery. Learn more about Piñatex: ananas-anam.com

Flo ra Fur

Inspired by nature for nature, flora fur is the world’s first garden-grown fur combing milkweed and linen to create warm and water-resistant garments.The brainchild of a team of students at NewYork’s F.I.T., the soft yarn is 100% biodegradable and looks and feels just like real fur but without the cruelty. Beyond saving the lives of animals and eliminating the microplastics faux fur sheds into the environment, this alternative is doing a world of good for the depleting population of monarch butterflies.The caterpillars only eat milkweed, and flora fur is encouraging its growth on sustainable farms.The monarchs call the farms home during the spring and summer, and by the time it’s time to harvest the milkweed pods, the butterflies are migrating south.Win-win! Learn more about flora fur: florafur.com

Hemp

Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention hemp in our list of sustainable textiles! It’s used for everything from clothing and fashion accessories to home and hardware products; hemp is even considered a viable and eco-friendly alternative to wood and other building materials.The products made with the plant are soft like linen, are naturally resistant to bacteria, and are 100% biodegradable. Hemp crops grow quickly and without the use of any pesticides or chemicals; its roots stretch deep into the soil and protect it from erosion while also continuing to build and preserve it. From environmental protection to food and textiles, hemp has so many bases covered. Learn more about hemp: hemptrade.ca 98

WE CHOOSE NATURE

Garden Culture Magazine US 31

Articles inside

Ancient Farming Techniques: The Way of The Future

5 Cool Ways Plants Are Used For Textiles

BEEHAVIORS - The Waggle Dance

Steve Defino: A Veteran On a Mission

Medicinal Weeds: Mugwort

Farm City USA

Feeding Cities With Urban Farms

The Importance of Hardening Off

Seed Soak Tea

The Sound In The Silence

Who’s Growing What Where: USA & Canada

Discovering The Genetic Potential Of Your Plants

From Suits To Seeds

Exploring Cannabis Cultivation Around The Globe

Garden Strategies To Cope With Drought

Ancient Farming Practices

Seed Saving Part 4

Growing: Good For The Mind

Superfoods For Plants

Author Spotlight: Dr Callie Seaman