Maximum Yield USA January 2014

USA

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2014 the

future is growing!

Rules of Growing

|

Reverse Osmosis

|

Ozone | Activated Carbon

2014 INDOOR GARDENING EXPO TOUR TACOMA www.maximumyield.com

April 5-6

NOVI

MAY 31 - JUNE 1

SAN FRAN july 26-27

BOSTON october 18-19

USA

www.maximumyield.com

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Happy ! s y a d i l o H 2014 INDOOR GARDENING EXPO TOUR SEATTLE April 5-6

NOVI

MAY 31 - JUNE 1

SAN FRAN july 26-27

BOSTON october 18-19

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CONTENTS January 2014

FEATURES

50

68

50 Spear a Thought for Asparagus

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

60 Understanding Air Purification and Activated Carbon Filters

76

THe rULes oF

116 Take a Trip Along the Calcium Highway

138 Seed Saving

128 Ozone: A Growroom Supertool

148 Getting Hoppy

GrowING

by Russell Landry

68 Brew Up a Batch of Compost Tea

by Spencer Bath

by Peyam Barghassa

84 Reverse Osmosis in

Hydroponic Gardening

by Marianne Brizio

88 The Rules of Growing

by David Kessler

104 Mycorrhizae: The Straight Story Part 3

by Dr. Robert G. Linderman

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Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

by Chris Bond

by Kyle L. Ladenburger

by Baron Wasteland

by Dr. Hugh McLaughlin

76 Growing Saffron Hydroponically

188 138

by daVId

Gardening is an activity for everyone. It is a reconnection with nature and a time where we can think in peace. No matter your schedule or living situation, there is a type of garden that will fit your lifestyle, and the rules on how to run it are the same from garden to garden.

KessLer DEPARTMENTS 12

From the Editor

158

Book Review

14

MaximumYield.com

160

10 Facts On...

18

Letters to the Editor

162

Movers & Shakers

20

Ask the Experts

164

You Tell Us

22

Max Facts

168

Do You Know

36

Product Spotlight

169

Max Mart

100

Beginner’s Corner

170

Distributors

136

Green Thumb Gardening

184

Coming Up

146

Tips and Tricks

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FROM THE EDITOR | Linda Jesson It’s a new year and I bet many of you have resolved to grow better crops this year. If so, then this issue of Maximum Yield is for you.

Our articles this issue include a feature on the basics in David Kessler’s Rules of Growing.

We have also included articles on how to go about seed saving for future generations, an understanding on air purification and exploring a growroom super tool. From brewing up a batch of compost tea to growing asparagus, hops and saffron, our January issue offers a broad spectrum of growroom possibilities that will help you get on your way to growing some bumper crops.

To make your garden chores easier this year, we also showcase a great assortment from the of new and interesting products. Be sure to ask for them at your favorite indoor garden shop. Congratulations to our 2013 Maximum Yield I’m a Fan grand prize winner. A prize Linda Jesson of $1,000 to be spent at his favorite indoor gardening shop goes to Steven Van Vranken.

Congratulations to all 13 winners throughout 2013 and a big thank you to everyone who sent in their responses. We are pleased to announce we are continuing our I’m a Fan contest for 2014, so keep those letters coming in for your chance to win a monthly $100 cash prize to spend at your favorite indoor gardening store.

Message Editor

VOLUME 14 – NUMBER 10 January 2014 Maximum Yield is published monthly by Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

If undeliverable please return to the address above.

The views expressed by columnists are a personal opinion and do not necessarily reflect those of Maximum Yield or the editor.

Publication Agreement Number 40739092 Printed In Canada PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson editorial editor@maximumyield.com Editor-in-chief Linda Jesson Assistant Editor Julie McManus Assistant Editor Jennifer McGarrigle ADVERTISING SALES Sales Manager Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Account Executives Kelsey Hepples - kelsey@maximumyield.com Katie Montague - katie@maximumyield.com Jed Walker - jed@maximumyield.com Sarah Dale - sarah@maximumyield.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION ads@maximumyield.com Art Director Alice Joe Graphic Designers Jennifer Everts Dionne Hurd Jesslyn Gosling ACCOUNTING Tracy Greeno - accounting@maximumyield.com Katie LaFrance - ar@maximumyield.com USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations • BWGS • General Hydroponics Humbolt Wholesale • Hydrofarm National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply Tradewinds CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group • Biofloral • Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. • MegaWatt Quality Wholesale UK DISTRIBUTION Direct Garden Supplies • Growth Technology Future Harvest Development Europe Dutch Bio Power Nutriculture UK • Dutch Pro • Maxigrow AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply • House N Garden Futchatec • Growth Technology • Growlush Australia

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Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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contributors Peyam Barghassa was born in Iran,

Spencer Bath is a soil alchemist,

Chris Bond is the horticulturist at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His primary role is coordinator of the university’s Farm Food Program. His research interests are beneficial insects, biological pest control and alternative growing methods. He is a certified permaculture designer and nursery technician in Ohio and a certified nursery professional in New York.

David Kessler heads research and

Kyle L. Ladenburger is a passionate

Russell Landry is the former vice

Dr. Robert Linderman is a retired research plant pathologist and former research leader at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon. He is also a courtesy Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University.

He’s been in the industry for nearly 50 years and is currently the science guy for two companies: Plant Health, LLC and Santiam Organics, LLC.

Dr. Hugh McLaughlin is based just outside of Harvard in Massachusetts and is a specialist in activated carbon and biochar. He is a leading expert in the area of biochar properties and biocarbon processing with more than 25 years of experience with activated carbon and its applications. He teaches and consults around the world.

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B.

but grew up in Spain and New York City. He earned an MS in soil science at Texas A&M University as well as a BA in humanities and a BS in agronomy from North Carolina State University. He traveled to Guatemala with the Peace Corps to work on agricultural projects from 2005-2007. Peyam has been Hydrofarm’s Southeast and Mid-Atlantic territory manager since January 2012.

anarcho-capitalist and promoter of biological and organic growing techniques. He is also the proprietor of Ecological Farming LLC of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and a purveyor of the world’s finest soil amendments. Spencer can be found at agri-charge.com

development at Atlantis Hydroponics and writes for their popular blog. David has over two decades of experience and multiple degrees from the State University of New York. He’s also an accredited judge for the American Orchid Society and travels the world judging orchid events. Follow his blog at atlantishydroponics.wordpress.com

indoor and outdoor gardener. He is also a freelance garden writer. With nearly 10 years in the industry working for Age Old Organics, he is well versed in numerous growing methods with a focus on soil health.

president of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth and its competitive weigh-off sites held worldwide. He is now the current president of the Giant Vegetable Growers of Ontario (gvgo.ca). Russ grows giant pumpkins, tomatoes and squash. He has written numerous articles featuring methods to increase vegetable size and fruit yield.

Hort. Tech. degree and a PhD in hydroponic greenhouse production from Massey University, New Zealand. Lynette is a partner with SUNTEC International Hydroponic Consultants and has authored five hydroponic technical books. Visit suntec.co.nz for more information.

Baron Wasteland has more than 20

years of experience working with team members at a horticulture company in the United Kingdom, during which time he has contributed to the company winning awards at RHS Chelsea Flower Shows. A natural green thumb and gardening proponent, Baron has studied plants and hydroponics extensively throughout his career.

Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout USA, Canada, UK, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Maximum Yield is the largest free-to-consumer indoor gardening magazine in the world. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.

COMING UP ON THE WEB 10th Annual 2014 International Trade Directory Now Available Maximum Yield’s highly anticipated, comprehensive 10th Annual International Trade Directory has been compiled and will be available at maximumyield.com by the first week of January 2014. This one-ofa-kind, annual indoor gardening directory offers the most complete and up-to-date listings of manufacturers, distributors and retail shops globally. Be sure to check out our biggest issue ever!

Now Even More Social Media Activity Maximum Yield now has more Facebook and Twitter activity than ever before. Look out for us on your news feeds as we’ll be asking followers from around the world for their best indoor gardening tips and tricks. Some of the things we learn might find their way into our print editions.

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Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

2014 Indoor Garden Expo: Get Your Grow On! The Indoor Garden Expo Tour is booked and we are excited to announce our exciting locations for 2014: Tacoma, WA (April 5-6) Novi, MI (May 31-June 1) San Francisco, CA (July 26-27) Boston, MA (October 18-19) Stay tuned to indoorgardenexpo.com for more details.

We Want Your Feedback!

Help us continue to create an informative and exciting product for the indoor gardening industry for years to come, and earn a chance to win one of three $200 cash prizes to spend at your favorite indoor garden retail store, by participating in the Maximum Yield Reader Satisfaction Survey. Visit maximumyield.com to fill out the survey. Thank you for helping us keep Maximum Yield the No. 1 indoor gardening magazine in the world!

Free Digital Subscription Receive Maximum Yield in your inbox every month. Simply subscribe to the digital edition of Maximum Yield by filling out the form at maximumyield.com/subscriptions

Scan It Connect to maximumyield.com instantly from your smartphone with our Quick Response (QR) Code found on the cover of every issue of Maximum Yield.

Connect with US maximumyield.com indoorgardenexpo.com facebook.com/maximumyield twitter.com/max_yield youtube.com/maximumyieldmagazine

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Eleventh I’m a Fan Winner Announced

Sarah Herman

Sarah Herman from Foxboro, Massachusetts, is the 11th winner of Maximum Yield’s I’m a fan contest. Sarah said, “I’ve been into landscaping and gardening both professionally and as an avid hobbyist for more than 20 years now.

Maximum Yield is a superb tool for valuable information, as well as learning about new and innovative methods and products. The articles and features are useful, and can be easily understood. The info can be used equally by the everyday hobby gardener, right up to serious professionals. Thank you, Maximum Yield!”

Thank you for the great response, Sarah, and congratulations on winning Maximum Yield’s 11th I’m a Fan contest. We hope you enjoy your $100 gift certificate at your favorite indoor gardening shop, Mass Hydro in Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Great Work I love Maximum Yield. That’s pretty much the only thing you can say about them. Each and every person there is such a superstar! Keep up the great work and thanks for the awesome tour of your headquarters. It’s amazing to see so many people so hard at work to bring us the magazine we all look forward to seeing. All the best to you guys and girls in the future.

Brandon A., via Facebook

From One Contributor to Another I thoroughly enjoyed reading Harley Smith’s article in the newest Max Yield entitled Do You Know What’s in Your Water? (November 2013). It was an excellent topic!

Kyle Ladenburger, via email

Rock On Rockin’ it as always Max Yield!

Skyler Sprugel, via email

Going to Give it a Try We just read your wonderful article from Joseph Hackenberg (Introducing Quackuaponics, September 2013). My husband and I are seriously going to create this awesome and creative system.

Janet and Jon Gibbens, via email Editor’s Note: That’s great news, Janet. Hopefully Joseph has been in touch with you regarding more information on how to get started.

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Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

Useful Resource I just found out that Dr. Lynette Morgan, who is one of your contributors, wrote a book on the hydroponic production of lettuce.

I am interested to know how I can purchase a copy of this book.

I also appreciate if you can provide me with some guidelines or suggestions for basil production as well. I also wish to express my appreciation for Maximum Yield magazine. It is really a nice, useful and informative source for beginners as well as for professional growers. Keep up the nice work.

Dr. Paymon Roustaian, via email Editor’s Note: Happy to help! For Lynette’s books, we recommend starting with the publisher, touchwoodbooks.co.nz. Also, we just covered basil growing techniques in November 2013’s issue!

Stephen Kasas wrote a primer called Sea of Green Basil that can be found online at maximumyield.com

Re-thinking Chelates Your readers need to be aware that the chelate, EDTA, can be toxic to some plants; therefore, I would recommend that fertilizers that contain EDTA should be avoided. The article, “The Chelation Effect” by Molly Sweitzer (October 2013) is interesting.

Chelation is a complex physio-chemical process influenced by pH and ion concentration in solution. It is true that some organic molecules can act as chelates, which can have beneficial effects on the availability of some essential plant nutrient elements, but the processes involved are very complex, and therefore results can be inconsistent. The primary value of chelates relates primarily to the micronutrient iron when either the soil pH is alkaline, or the rooting media is organic.

Chelates for the other micronutrients (copper, manganese and zinc) frequently have little effect on availability. Chelates have no place in nutrient solutions, therefore not to be used when growing plants hydroponically.

J. Benton Jones, Jr., via email Editor’s Note: Thank you for the feedback, JB. Whenever in doubt, we always recommend beginner growers seek out second opinions, starting with their retail store clerks and by consulting other experts in the field.

We want to hear from you!

Maximum Yield Publications Inc. Snail-mail: 2339 Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 Email: editor@maximumyield.com Twitter: twitter.com/max_yield Facebook: facebook.com/MaximumYield

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ASK The Experts

I am attempting to air cool two light fixtures (1,000 W and 600 W). I am cooling these with a 4-in. centrifugal fan drawing from outside air.

Temperatures are around 70°F. The issue I am having is the temperature from the inlet of the first light is close to the temperature from the air exiting the second light—these lights are in a straight run. Would slowing my fan down help me transfer more heat or will it work better with a bigger fan? —Nathan Campbell Nathan, Good day! In your situation you are best off slowing the fan.

The air needs to move slowly enough to exchange with the heat. A bigger fan will of course move more air faster, but your problem is heat exchange within the reflector. You can play with the speed for optimization. It is important to realize the overall efficiency of the heat reduction will be predicated by the reflector’s design in regards to cooling capacity, how the air is designed to run through the fixture. If you find the fixture is not cooling well after your experimentation with speed, you may be able to increase the efficiency with a damper directing the air within the reflector. This will depend on the design inside the reflector.

Regards, Charles Winslow

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Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

Nathan: Thank you for your help. I ended up going from a 4-in. centrifugal to a 6-in. and that made a huge difference. Everything I was reading explained I needed more than 200 cfms to cool a 1,000-W light. I’m way under that and I am cooling 1,600 W. I have one last question: How often should I do air exchange when running a portable A/C unit?

Charles: Nathan, you may be better off looking at the equation from an energy savings perspective. It will all depend on if you are running any CO2 injectors because if you are, the more you turn the air, the more CO2 is wasted to the outside, so less turns and higher growing temperatures can be justified—you can play with how high the plants will tolerate, although I would not go over 90°F. If you’re not running CO2, set the temperature between 74 and 80°F depending on how much you want to spend on cooling. The plants can tolerate higher temperatures but like it more temperate.

Charles Winslow, CEO of GW Worldwide LLC, has a BS from Cal Poly.

He has been principal in multiple start-ups and expansions including BWGS/Sunleaves, Penhall International, Furrows. He currently works with international companies developing JV’s, co-ventures, and helps develop new technologies for energy reduction for horticulture, lighting and buildings.

Contact gw.worldwide@yahoo.com

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MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Magnificent Micro-organisms A micro-organism or microbe is an organism that is microscopic—too small to be seen by the human eye. The study of micro-organisms is called microbiology. Micro-organisms include bacteria, fungi, archaea and protists, but not viruses and prions, which are generally classified as non-living.

Most micro-organisms are single-celled, or unicellular, and these organisms live almost everywhere on Earth where there is liquid water, including hot springs, on the ocean floor and deep inside rocks within the Earth’s crust. Micro-organisms are critical to nutrient recycling in ecosystems as they act as decomposers and because some micro-organisms can also fix nitrogen, they are an important part of the nitrogen cycle.

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

MAXFACTS Growing tips, news and trivia Learning the Alphabet the Healthy Way The goal of Robert Orchanian’s VEDGE Kids Project, which stands for Vigorous, Educated and Good Eaters, is to instil healthy eating habits in children between the ages of two and five.

His book, The ABCs of Nutrition: Learning the Alphabet the Healthy Way encourages healthy habits while teaching children the alphabet. Robert, a father of five, explains that kids younger than five years old are in a highly formative state, essentially metabolically programmed to eat the food they will crave for the rest of their lives. “We felt we needed a different approach to get kids to eat healthy, so we went for something that’s fun and entertaining, as opposed to something that’s fact based,” he says. The ABCs of Nutrition introduces each letter of the alphabet with a VEDGE Kid and a colourful illustration of a fruit or vegetable.

(Source: freshplaza.com)

Bananas are Best Some horticulturists suspect that the banana was the Earth’s first fruit. One of the first records of bananas dates back to Alexander the Great’s conquest of India where he first discovered them in 327 BC. The average American consumes more than 28 lbs. of bananas each year. Three medium-sized bananas weigh approximately 1 lb. A cluster of bananas is called a hand and consists of 10 to 20 bananas, which are known as fingers. Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber and are ranked America’s No. 1 fruit. They are available year-round and are harvested every day of the year. Finally, bananas contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium. They are good for you as long as you don’t slip on a discarded peel.

(Source: bananasaver.com)

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MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Organic Grapes Awe Sum Organics, the largest importer of organic apples and organic kiwifruit in North America, will become the first importer to supply organic red and green seedless grapes to the United States beginning in late December. These Peruvian grapes, the first ever organic seedless grapes to arrive in the northern hemisphere during winter, will be available through to the end of January. Awe Sum Organics will also have a supply of Peruvian organic red globe grapes, with exceptional size, color and flavor.

(Source: freshplaza.com)

Greenhouse Certified for Sustainability The Macfarlane Greenhouse facilities at the University of New Hampshire have received a top grade for sustainability from The Milieu Project Sierteelt Group in the Netherlands known for its global greenhouse sustainability certification program. The Greenhouse was graded on energy, water and fertilizer use; crop protection methods; and waste management—including CO2—procedures. The UNH facility is the first research and teaching greenhouse in the world to participate in this certification program. During review, Macfarlane Greenhouse operators were commended for cleanliness, organization and recycling practices. They were recognized for their value in providing students with a venue for hands-on experience with industry-relevant research. The 25,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse facility, built in the 1940s, recently switched from fluorescent fixtures to LED lighting and has plans to implement a rainwater catchment system that uses gutters to transport water into a submerged tank.

(Source: unh.edu/campusjournal)

Growing Marketable Hydroponic Greens What is a speech therapist doing growing vegetables hydroponically for market? It might sound odd, but for Patty Phaneuf, it is the result of a lifelong passion for both gardening and finding the most sustainable way to grow vegetables commercially. “Hydroponics is the way of the future,” says the Lafayette, Louisiana, resident, who decided to start her own business, Specialty Greens, once her kids went to college a year ago. She grows high-quality greens, chard, spinach, kale, micro greens, gourmet lettuces and herbs in a 1,500-sq.-ft. area indoors. Patty delivers to businesses in Lamorinda and adjacent Bay Area cities free of charge and sells hydroponic systems to hobby growers. She is working on a home delivery system for her produce and is also looking for retail partners.

(Source: lamorindaweekly.com)

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MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Produce Prices on the Rise The average price per pound of fresh produce in the United States for the 52-week period leading up to October was higher than that for the previous 52-week period. Sales of both fruit and vegetables were also up. According to data from FreshLook Marketing, the average price per pound of fruit for the period rose by 4.4% compared to the previous period. The top seller in the fruit category, berries, accounted for 18.4% of all fruit sales for that time period, and sales for berries rose by 7% when compared to the previous period. Similarly, the average price for a pound of vegetables rose by 3.6%. Lettuce was the largest seller, in terms of dollars in the vegetable category, and total sales for vegetables rose by 7% when compared to the previous period.

Standing Pine Nursery is growing flowers and profits by experimenting with an irrigation (Source: freshplaza.com) system designed for field crops. This past summer, Geoff Denny, an assistant extension professor of horticulture in Mississippi State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and a few horticulture students installed a small test of the system at the Raymond nursery. Denny modified the system especially for potted plant crops.

The system consists of an injector pump that mixes fertilizer and water. Pipes carry the mixture to each greenhouse bay or table.

The pipe holds valves that secure one end of the rubber irrigation tubing. The tubing is stretched tightly over a row of potted plants and secured on the opposite end. The low-pressure drip irrigation system has helped increase the nursery’s efficiency and sustainability by reducing labor demands and water usage. It’s even helped curb certain plant diseases.

(Source: msucares.com)

Do the Drip

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MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Tasty Tomatoes Tomatoes are a $2 billion crop in the United States, but a common complaint is that the varieties in supermarkets often lack the flavor of locally grown varieties. To improve flavor, breeders need to know more about the types of tomatoes that hold the greatest potential for enhancing taste. USDA researchers are exploring the tomato’s diversity in a study designed to help breeders develop tastier tomatoes. The team raised 173 varieties on test plots in North Carolina, trained 10 volunteers in sensory analysis and asked them to rate the varieties on a scale of one to five in four sensory areas: odor, taste, flavor and texture. Findings show that although thousands of compounds go into determining flavor and other characteristics, two components play a key role: the amounts of sugar and acid.

(Source: ars.usda.gov)

Aquaponics Leads to Fish Tacos A portion of Rob Handler’s tilapia harvest from his aquaponics set-up at Michigan Technical University was recently used to make fish tacos served at a residence hall.

“Tilapia are a hardy fish that grow well in a controlled environment,” says Rob, whose aquaponics research is a combination of biology, chemistry and engineering. In his system, pipes galore run between fish tanks, storage tanks and the plant beds, which are made up of small clay pebbles. Roots of his tall cherry tomatoes plants don’t have to branch out as far because all the nutrients are delivered right to them.

The fish tacos that resulted were a resounding success, says Judy Klutts of Wadsworth Hall Dining Services. “We combined them with coleslaw made with carrots and cabbage from our garden, so it really was a sustainable meal.”

(Source: mtu.edu)

Hooked on Hawaiian Aquaponics The Hawaii Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Aquaculture Program of the University of Hawaii, is surveying grocery retailers and restaurants in Hawaii to explore the viability of aquaponic farming in the marketplace. They are looking at several factors, such as market acceptance, demand level, preferred product form, packaging and price points for produce and fish produced by aquaponic farms. Research will help farmers better understand the benefits and viability of aquaponics as a method for raising fish and specialty crops simultaneously. This is the first aquaponic project ever awarded a grant through the USDA’s Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program. A wide variety of foods, such as lettuce, beans, broccoli, cucumbers, peas, herbs, strawberries, melons and tomatoes, all flourish through aquaponic farming.

(Source: blogs.usda.gov)

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MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Stepping Up Strawberry Shelf Life Most retailers use a first-in, first-out system to rotate produce put out on display. But Jeffrey Brecht, a University of Florida, Gainesville, horticultural sciences professor, and his team have found this system increases the possibility of consumer waste. Strawberry shipments with short shelf lives are kept in storage while ones with longer shelf lives are put out for sale. The result is fruit going bad soon after consumers buy it—across the United States, more than half of all produce is wasted. Brecht and his group have developed a shelf life computer model that accounts for variables such as temperature at harvest, heat exposure during shipment unloading and cooling systems in distribution centers and stores. For the National Strawberry Sustainability Initiative, the researchers will measure temperature variability in at least 15 Walmart strawberry shipments from Florida and California to different parts of the country and use the model to determine which shipments to put on shelves first.

(Source: thegrower.com)

Hydroponic Houseplants Hydroponics has carved out a $600 million portion of the food-growing industry in the United States and is already the focus of many farm operations in New Jersey.

Houseplant production using the same water-based nutrient systems is a smaller, less well-developed industry in the region so far. Dragonfly Farms home and garden store in Hamilton is now experimenting with houseplants that can put hydroponic technology into the homes of local plant lovers. The store was searching for a way to shake up its product selection when its managers stumbled on hydroponic houseplants at a tradeshow last summer. They believe hydroponic houseplants will last longer for many customers because they only have to be watered every few weeks.

(Source: nj.com)

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MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Greenhouses Underground A more affordable and effective alternative to glass greenhouses is the walipini (an Aymara Indian word meaning a place of warmth), also known as an underground or pit greenhouse. First developed more than 20 years ago for the cold, mountainous regions of South America, this method allows growers to maintain a productive garden year-round, even in the coldest of climates. The walipini uses nature’s resources to provide warm, stable, well-lit environments for year-round vegetable production. Locating the growing area 6 to 8-ft. underground and capturing and storing daytime solar radiation are the most important principles in building a successful walipini. This earth-sheltered greenhouse taps into the thermal mass of the earth, so much less energy is needed to heat up the walipini’s interior than an aboveground greenhouse.

(Source: treehugger.com)

Where are the Berries?

Raspberry harvests in Southwest Washington fell by 16% this year, with the most likely reason being growers turning to more profitable crops, according to a new crop assessment report from the Washington Red Raspberry Commission.

Nearly all of the state’s berries are sold for the frozen food market, says Henry Bierlink, executive director of the commission. Meanwhile, blueberries have proven profitable as the industry has succeeded in educating consumers about the health benefits of antioxidants, which blueberries delivery.

(Source: columbian.com)

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MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Catch More Zs with Tart Cherries With nearly one-third of Americans suffering from sleep disturbances and sales of over-thecounter sleep aids on the rise, Dr. Carol Ash, director of sleep medicine for Meridian Health in New Jersey, believes it is time for America to rethink sleep and consider more natural ways to get a good night’s rest. “Getting proper sleep has never been more important —inadequate sleep is considered a risk factor for obesity, heart disease and other chronic diseases,” says Ash. “Instead of shopping for solutions in the pharmaceutical aisle, consider switching up what you eat and drink. Simple steps, like adding tart cherries to your daily diet, may help you to be a better, more efficient, sleeper.” Research has shown that tart cherry juice may help improve the quality and duration of sleep, reduce the severity of insomnia and increase overall sleep efficiency.

(Source: freshplaza.com)

Hydroponic Charity Produce grown hydroponically at Winterberry Gardens in Southington, Connecticut, was recently donated to charity. Winterberry Gardens’ managers shared six large bags of fresh lettuce and other goods to Southington Community Services, where it was distributed to local families when they came to pick up their weekly groceries. “We usually get our produce from Target, ShopRite and WalMart,” says David Harrington, Community Services employee.

“We give out groceries to about 50 to 70 families every day. Winterberry Gardens’ fresh lettuces were very much appreciated,”. Approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of one of the numerous greenhouses on the 16-acre property were recently outfitted for hydroponic gardens. The first planting was last June.

In addition to numerous varieties of lettuce and cabbage, parsley, green peppers and tomatoes were also grown.

(Source: articles.courant.com)

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT YOUR GUIDE TO THIS MONTH’S

HOTTEST ITEMS Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store

Awesome Pot Open and Closed Top Grow Bags The Awesome Pot®is an advanced grow pot for producing thriving plants and bountiful harvests. Our breathable fabric self-prunes if planted above ground, and allows roots to grow through when planted below. Users can also transplant into larger vessels without removing the pot, eliminating transplantation shock. Roots will grow through the pot wall unimpeded. The bags feature eight cinchable attachment points at the top and base for training branches, staking, hoisting, anchoring and connecting bags together. The grow bags are patent-pending, recyclable, BPA-free and made of breathable fabric. The closed top design allows 20% greater root zone for single-stalked plants. Cords can be used as handles or tie-downs. The bags are easy to move without disrupting the root zone and are made with 80% less plastic than conventional containers. Visit an indoor gardening store and ask for Awesome Pots.

Ensure Airflow in Your Indoor Garden with DuraBreeze Inline Pro Fans

MyGrowPonics Cal-Mag Formula

DuraBreeze Inline Pro Fans use a powerful mixed flow fan design to efficiently ensure airflow in indoor gardens. Available in 6, 8, 10 and 12-in. flange sizes and CFM ratings ranging from 390 to 1,708, these fans are fit for demanding applications. Durable housing encases a motor with automatic thermal-overload protection for reliable performance. A 120-V prewired power cord and a mounting bracket make installation a breeze, and a five-year warranty guarantees quality. For more information, ask a local indoor gardening retailer.

Calcium, magnesium and iron are major elements necessary for healthy plant growth. Although these elements are abundant in tap water, the molecular structure might not be suitable for absorption by plants. Deficiencies can lead to stunted plant growth, interveinal chlorosis, stunted and woody stems, brown spots and dead edges on leaves, falling blossoms and even blossom-end rot. The MyGrowPonics Cal-Mag formula is a scientifically designed supplement that has been specifically formulated for stability and solubility to supply plants with the required calcium, magnesium and iron required for vigorous growth. The formula assists plant growth rates to maturity and increases absorption of nutrients provided in a liquid nutrient system. Visit an indoor gardening store for more information.

Super Sprouter Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Sunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of the Super Sprouter® Digital Heat Mat Thermostat. The Super Sprouter® Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is easy to use; simply plug the heat mat into the thermostat and place the temperature probe in desired location. The temperature control range is 68 to 108°F. Temperature is easily viewed in the digital display, allowing users to accurately set ideal germinating or rooting temperatures. Maximum current rating is 8.3 amps/1,000 W. The Super Sprouter Digital Heat Mat Thermostat comes with a one-year warranty and is ETL listed. For more information, visit an indoor garden store near you.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Clonex Rooting Gel Clonex Rooting Compound has been registered with the EPA. With this registration, Clonex is now approved for use on all plants, including food crops, in all 50 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Going forward, this product will be labeled as Clonex Rooting Gel to differentiate it from the non-registered version. There has been no change to the product itself. Clonex is a high performance, waterbased, rooting compound. It is a tenacious gel that will remain in contact around the stem, sealing the cut tissue and supplying the hormones needed to promote root cell development and vitamins to protect the delicate new root tissue. Clonex has a full-spectrum of mineral nutrients and trace elements to nourish the young roots during their important formative stages. For more information, stop by an indoor gardening store.

Pondmaster Clearguard Pressurized Pond Filters

The Neutralizer now Available Exclusively from Hydrofarm

There is now a great filtration device available for ponds at an affordable price through Danner Manufacturing. Pondmaster Clearguard Pressurized Pond Filters are easy to use and versatile, having seven functions including filtering, backwashing, rinsing, winterizing, emptying, circulating and closing. The filters feature reusable pads to remove fine debris and polish water fast, and a combination of biological and mechanical media for maximum water clarity and healthier ponds.

Pondmaster Clearguard Pressurized Pond Filters are available in 2,700, 5,500, 8,000, and 16,000-gal. sizes and are available with or without a UV clarifier. Filters include both slip and barbed fittings and can be used with the Clearguard Backwash Air Kit to obtain the ultimate backwash performance. Ask a gardening supply store for more information.

Available now exclusively through Hydrofarm, The Neutralizer is a revolutionary odor neutralizing system. Winner of the prestigious Best Product of 2013 European Product Award, The Neutralizer is the result of years of careful research and development. The Neutralizer is compact, easy to use and cost effective, costing a maximum of 6¢ an hour to run. It does not mask unwanted odors, it completely eliminates them. The system consists of a plug-in sized electronic vaporizer that activates a cartridge containing a combination of natural essential oils. You just plug the vaporizer into a wall outlet and let the system take effect, which takes place in an hour or less depending on the size of the room. The essential oil cartridges will last six weeks with 24 hour-a-day usage, and replacement cartridges are also available through Hydrofarm. For more information, visit an indoor gardening store near you.

Bloom: Phosphorous Energy from Rx Green Solutions Bloom: Phosphorous Energy (2-6-2) provides nutrient inputs to promote photosynthesis within the plant. The sugars created from photosynthesis supply the energy to power many of the internal plant processes. Our unique blend of ingredients combines nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium into a true solution for optimal performance. Ammoniacal nitrogen provides a slower release of nutrients, optimal for reproductive development. It also limits internodal growth, redirecting nutrients into flower formation and fruit set, and provides essential components for biosynthesis and transportation of plant growth hormones. Phosphorous is essential for plant energy metabolism, energy storage and plant flowering. Bloom: Phosphorous Energy enhances overall plant growth and rooting, provides the nutrients and energy required for photosynthesis, improves root development for enhanced water and nutrient uptake, reduces recovery time after transplanting seedlings and cuttings and delivers calcium for overall improved plant resilience and leaf quality. Visit an indoor garden retail store for more details.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT SuperCloset’s Improved SuperFlow-20 and SuperFlow-32 SuperCloset has improved the SuperFlow-20 and the SuperFlow-32 to supplement its product line of SuperPonics hydroponic systems.

The SuperFlow-20 is a 20-plant system spread across 4-ft. trays and the SuperFlow-32 is a 32-plant system spread across 6-ft. trays. Both systems combine ebb and flow and aeroponic hydro methodologies in one system. A central control reservoir feeds the ebb and flow system that spans the four-tray arrangement.

The aeroponic hydrosystem is a simple air stone configuration that will not clog. The SuperFlow is compatible with organic nutrients and promotes rapid root growth because of the custom-molded, thick-gauge, HDPE-food-grade, UV-resistant reflective reservoir and trays. The SuperFlow is easy to operate, clean, fill and drain due to its customized valve and tube array. For more information on these improvements, stop by an indoor gardening shop.

Hyperion 1 from Titan Controls Titan Controls is proud to announce the latest addition to its pro series controller line, the Hyperion 1. The Hyperion 1, a wireless environmental/lighting controller, will monitor and operate your growroom from up to 150-ft. away. It features day and night control of temperature, humidity and CO2, and operates as a fully functional lighting controller (as a stand-alone) or activates trigger cord(s) of 4-, 8-, 16- and 24-light units. The Hyperion 1 also includes a high-temp shut-off/15-minute delay and comes with pre-set and custom light timing schedules. The Hyperion 1 even tells you when to change your grow bulb for maximum lighting efficiency in your garden. A fully functional growroom controller that is super easy to operate is what makes this product the ultimate controller. For more information, visit an indoor gardening retail store.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Ultimate Wash from NPK Industries Over the past few years, NPK Industries/OGD has received numerous requests from gardeners to remove the food coloring from Mighty Wash. We have heard these requests and created a new Plant Wash called Ultimate Wash, with no dyes. Ultimate Wash is the next generation of plant wash and can be used up to and including the day of harvest. Mighty Wash is clean, but Ultimate Wash is the cleanest. For more information ask for NPK Industries/OGD your nearest grow store.

Xtreme Gardening’s Mykos Wettable Powder Mykos Wettable Powder is for use on established plants. Simply mix with water and apply around the base of each plant. It’s great for use in hydroponic reservoirs. Mykos is a specific species of mycorrhizal fungi that works faster and stronger. It grows the biggest and best fruits, vegetables and herbs and also helps leap start new transplants and shield roots from shock and disease. When it comes to mycorrhizae, Mykos can’t be beat. Best of all, it’s affordable on any budget. Mykos is a beneficial additive and may be used with any nutrient line. Application is suitable for soil and other media, hydroponics and irrigation. Mykos Wettable Powder—Water-in, Rootsout. For more information, visit an indoor gardening store.

New Dark Propagator Models from Secret Jardin are Perfect for Cloning and Seed Propagation Get all the benefits of a Secret Jardin grow tent in their new Dark Propagator tents specifically designed for propagation. The tent is lined with 95% reflective Mylar fabric to increase light intensity and improve light distribution to young plants and herbs. An easy-to-assemble Dark Propagator includes stronger corner joints, thicker bars and a StrapIT accessory to securely support reflectors, carbon filters and other equipment. This tent also features waterproof Mylar trays, strong zippers, improved lightproofing, ports for air intake/exhaust and electrical cords. The Dark Propagator DP90 can accommodate around 77 clones, while the DP120 has enough room for close to 600 clones. Visit an indoor gardening retail store to learn more.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT MyGrowPonics Three-Part Series Fleur de Lis Hydroponics developed the MyGrowPonics three-part series, myGrow/myMicro/myBloom, as a complete and balanced nutrient system that provides growers of all skill levels with dependable results time after time. This premier formula was hand crafted to provide the specialized hydroponic grower with a superior nutrient solution and to provide the traditional home gardener a better option to typical plant fertilizers. The MyGrowPonics three-part system supplies the essential nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) needed, plus additional micronutrients for optimal plant quality. Combined with a perfected blend of chelates, including EDTA, DTPA and EDDHA, the system ensures nutrients are released exactly when they are needed to promote optimal plant growth. The results are strong, healthy plants with vigorous growth and high yields. Visit an indoor gardening store for more information.

K3 KIND LED Series The K3 KIND LED grow light series features a 12-per-diode panel band perfect spectrum that encompasses the most plant-friendly photosynthetic active radiation wavelengths. The KIND K3 spectral bands almost exclusively reside between 440 and 480 on the blue side of the spectrum, and between 620 and 680 on the red side.

The K3 mainly focuses intensity in these segments of the overall spectral range as the peak photosynthesis during the vegetative phase occurs in the blue range and the flowering phase occurs in the red range. KIND K3 LEDs also offer some coverage in the 510 to 610 green light range as plants readily use 80 to 90% of green light that is absorbed deeply by carotenoids, encouraging leaf thickening.

This coverage across the entire spectral range in between 400 and 700 is what the 12 Band Perfect Spectrum is comprised of. Check out the KIND LED at an indoor gardening retail store near you.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Grow: Vegetative Nitrogen from Rx Green Solutions Grow: Vegetative Nitrogen (2.7-0.7-0.7) uses protein-based organic ingredients such as sea kelp, yucca extract and humates, as well as more traditional ingredients such as calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate for rapidly accessible nitrogen sources, enhanced nutrient uptake and cell formation in vegetative development.

Sea kelp is a rich source of vitamins, trace minerals and enzymes essential to plant health. Yucca is known to increase permeability of compact soils, which increases water penetration, fertilizer utilization and nutrient uptake. Humates act as a buffer against salts and harsh chemicals, enhancing nutrient uptake, drought tolerance and promote seed germination, as well as promoting beneficial microbial activity and stimulating the roots. Grow: Vegetative Nitrogen enhances rooting and soil structure, reduces transplant shock, improves stress recovery, promotes early plant growth and protein synthesis, provides carbon for overall plant quality, and stimulates and builds soil microbes. For more information, stop by an indoor gardening store near you.

Measure Master Graduated Measuring Bucket Sunlight Supply is pleased to announce the release of the Measure Master Graduated 5 Gallon Measuring Bucket with a comfort grip handle. Made with heavy-duty food-grade material, this bucket works well for blending small batches of nutrient solutions, or it can be used for adding nutrients to large reservoirs. It is clearly marked in liter, quart and gallon increments and is simple to clean. Handle your solutions with the Measure Master Graduated Measuring Bucket. With our general purpose measuring tools, we substitute the need for estimation and guesses with precision and accuracy. Our mission is to bring calculated order to the world of finite measure. Visit a specialty garden center near you for more information.

Beneficial Insects Straight to Your Door with Orcon Mail-Backs Orcon Organic Control Inc. mail-back postcards are a convenient, hassle-free way to take advantage of the natural, organic pest control methods offered by beneficial insects. If you’re sick of pests but equally sick of pesticides and other extreme options, mail-back insects such as predatory mites, beneficial nematodes and ladybugs can help. It’s as simple as mailing in the postcards or registering online to have your insect orders shipped directly to your door at no extra cost. Visit an indoor garden retailer near you for more information.

Gorilla Grow Tent’s 12’x12’ Indoor Growroom The Gorilla Grow Tent line just expanded to include the 12’x12’ indoor growroom. The 12’x12’ complements the existing grow tent line, adding to the impressively massive 10’x20’ Gorilla Grow Tent. Gorilla Grow Tents are known as the tallest, strongest, thickest and most durable line of grow tents and accessories. Engineered with a patentpending adjustable extension system, Gorilla Grow Tents enable the indoor home gardener to increase the height and size of their grow tents up to 3-ft. higher than the standard height. All standard features, including double reinforced structural poles for no-stress accessory and component suspension, 10-in. port holes that zip up on both ends and tool pouches are found on all Gorilla Grow Tents.

Ask a local indoor indoor gardening retailer for more information.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Micro: Carbonutrient from Rx Green Solutions Micro: Carbonutrient contains essential micronutrients, including copper, zinc, manganese and iron, combined with activated carbohydrate technology to protect minerals.

The technology uses a barley-based polysaccharide compound as a complexing agent to protect the micronutrients and improve bioavailability. These encapsulated micronutrients enhance the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, which mimics the root excretions by the plant. Copper is important to photosynthesis and is essential for enzyme function and cell wall formation. Zinc is involved in protein and hormone synthesis, as well as carbohydrate metabolism. Manganese is important in the photosynthetic reaction of converting water to oxygen. Iron is a major component in many enzyme functions, plant metabolism and photosynthetic reactions.

Micro: Carbonutrient protects nutrients until they are used by the plant. It also supplies foliar and soil absorption of minor nutrients, provides energy for microbial stimulation and aids with nutrient retention.

Stop by an indoor gardening store near you for more information.

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The Grower’s Handbook The Grower’s Handbook, written by the Garden Sage, is a concise grow guide that is direct and to the point. It specializes in high-energy plants that produce fruit and flowers and is available in both print and digital formats in English and Spanish. The book’s author has been guiding gardeners to their greatest successes for more than 15 years. Working full-time on the retail floors of busy hydroponic stores has allowed him to deal with wide variety of challenging situations. Highly sought out for his valued consultation, the Garden Sage has improved countless yields and directed the set-up of thousands of different gardens.

By being on the front lines of the hydroponic revolution, the Garden Sage has helped many growers build and perfect their systems and has had the advantage of getting feedback from thousands of growers on all levels. The Grower’s Handbook is already available at select hydroponic retail stores, with more to come in 2014.

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By Dr. Lynette Morgan

Fresh, locally grown asparagus doesn’t need to be a seasonal treat. It can be grown year-round provided the right conditions and plant management techniques are applied.

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spear a thought for asparagus Fresh asparagus spears are one of the earliest delights of spring. While asparagus is often shipped long distances from faraway lands to provide a year-round supply of this delicacy, nothing beats locally harvested spears—particularly those grown in your own hydroponic garden.

Along with the common green form of this vegetable, white and purple asparagus spears are relatively easy to grow. White asparagus is the blanched (grown in the absence of light) version of the green form, while purple asparagus cultivars produce sweet spears with a deep coloration. Indoor gardening offers great opportunities for producing all three asparagus types for a yearround harvest.

The asparagus plant is fascinating to grow. Often considered a temperatezone crop that becomes dormant through winter, the plant doesn’t actually require cold conditions as part of its life cycle. If sufficient warmth is provided, the plant won’t need to go into dormancy to survive

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a cold winter and will produce spears that develop into a ferny foliage yearround. A warm indoor hydroponic garden is a perfect environment for small-scale asparagus production, as the plants can be easily grown in bags, buckets or beds of hydroponic substrates such as coconut fiber, perlite or rockwool.

Seeds or Crowns When starting out with hydroponic asparagus, there are two options for obtaining planting stock: seeds or crowns. Asparagus crowns are usually sold as planting stock consisting of a central fleshy crown and root system.

While crowns give a quicker harvest, they are often produced in the field and could carry soil and soil-borne disease into the hydroponic garden.

Fortunately, growing asparagus from seed with plenty of warmth and good light doesn’t mean a three-year wait for that highly anticipated first spear harvest. Modern hybrid plants will produce the first few edible spears within 10 to 12 months if well grown,

“A warm indoor hydroponic garden is a perfect environment for small-scale asparagus production, as the plants can be easily grown in bags, buckets or beds of hydroponic substrates such as coconut fiber, perlite or rockwool.” and will be in full production within 18 months. Plants should then continue to crop for many years provided they are not overharvested and are able to produce sufficient assimilate from mature fern growth.

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spear a thought for asparagus Asparagus seeds typically germinate within 10 to 14 days under ideal temperatures between 71 to 79°F. The seedlings are fairly hardy and although lower temperatures will slow growth, the plants can handle cool conditions and are tolerant of high salinity. As with many crops grown hydroponically, genetics are vital to ensuring a good crop and high yields of edible asparagus. Older varieties of asparagus are much slower to start cropping than modern hybrids, are lower yielding and prone to a number of root rot diseases and also produce both male and the less desirable female plants. Most commercial hybrid asparagus varieties produce all-male plants, as female plants will at some stage flower and set fruit (berries), which drains reserves from the plant crown and lowers the yield of spears. Female plants, if they do occur in asparagus plantings, are typically culled as soon as they flower and are replaced with male plants. Good hybrids of asparagus that can be grown from seed include Jersey Supreme F1, Jersey Knight F, UC157 and the purple cultivar Purple Passion F1.

After germination, young plants can be potted into progressively larger containers as they grow and the root system develops. At this stage, warm conditions between 75 to 86 oF speeds up the rate of development of the fern (foliage) and the young crown. Light levels can be increased as the plants mature with intensities similar to those provided to capsicum or tomato crops applied. At around 10 months, the plants should be settled into a deep grow bed or

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“Since asparagus can be grown in a pot or container, plants can be moved outdoors for some of the year and shifted back into the heated indoor garden once dormant during winter.” container at least 1-ft. deep, with the young crown positioned 2 or 3-in. beneath the surface of the substrate.

A well-balanced vegetative nutrient solution can be applied throughout the active growing stage. Recommended EC levels are in the 2.4 to 3.0 range for mature plants, although higher levels can be run for this salinity-tolerant crop. Asparagus fern can grow quite tall and may need staking to keep it contained in small spaces. The older yellow fern can be cut and removed as it ages to help maintain air flow around the base of the plants.

As the plants mature, the spears (new shoots) sent up from the crown developing beneath the substrate will gradually increase in diameter until they are of edible size. Although the thin spears of young asparagus plants can be harvested, it’s best to leave these to develop into foliage, which in turn produces assimilate for plant growth.

Try to refrain from harvesting until the plant is more mature and spear diameter has increased.

Hydroponic asparagus can be grown in pots, beds or containers, in either a greenhouse or an indoor garden.

Asparagus plants are easily grown from seed and mature rapidly under warm growing conditions.

Young, container-grown asparagus crowns ready to plant out into a hydroponic system.

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spear a thought for asparagus

Asparagus Plant Management Outdoors in temperate climates, the normal cycle of asparagus crop production is to allow the plants to grow only fern through summer, building up carbohydrate reserves in the crown. During fall and early winter, the plants stop producing fern and the foliage dies back as the crown goes into dormancy. Once conditions begin to warm up in spring, the crowns re-activate and start to send up new spears that are harvested for a period of six to eight weeks, and then plants are permitted to go to fern again for the summer. With a heated indoor garden, there are several ways the plants can be managed to either produce spears year-round, as they do outdoors in tropical areas, or as a managed system of forcing spears out of season. Since asparagus can be grown in a pot or container, plants can be moved outdoors for some of the year and shifted back into the heated indoor garden once dormant during winter to force early spear growth long before any local outdoor crops are ready for harvest. The application

“there has to be a balance between the amounts of shoots harvested as spears, and those allowed to fern to keep the plant healthy and growing.”

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of heat and moisture will start the dormant, crown-producing spears relatively quickly once indoors. At this stage, green asparagus can be produced if the plants are positioned under artificial lighting. If white asparagus is being produced, a dark room or lightproof covering over the dormant crowns will ensure the spears become blanched with no green colouration. Once spears have been harvested for around eight to10 weeks, the grower should stop cutting new shoots so the plant can generate sufficient foliage to replenish the reserves in the crowns that support spear growth.

For a year-round asparagus production system, plants need to be managed a little differently. There is a trade-off between harvesting spears and future yields, or strength, of the plant. Harvested spears don’t get a chance to develop into fern and produce assimilate for the plant, so over-harvesting can weaken the plant to some degree. For this reason there has to be a balance between the amounts of shoots harvested as spears, and those allowed to fern to keep the plant healthy and growing.

When the plant does not become dormant at any stage, the mother fern or mother stalk method of harvesting can to be used. In this case, the plants first produce some foliage (at least four or five large shoots of fern), then successive spears are harvested (usually around 6 to 8-in. long) for a period of time, then a further three or four shoots of fern are permitted to develop, then further harvesting of spears. Older foliage is removed as it

Eight-month-old asparagus crowns about to go into dormancy.

One-month-old asparagus seedling, UC157 hybrid cultivar.

Asparagus seedlings of a purple variety being germinated on a heated propagation mat.

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spear a thought for asparagus

ages and turns yellow so that the plant always maintains four or five healthy shoots. The mother fern method allows the mature foliage left on the plants to provide assimilate for the spears that are cut for eating, thus preventing the plant from becoming weakened by continual harvesting. This means there are always some mature ferns on the plants that have to be carefully parted during the harvesting phase to find and cut the new spears as they emerge.

While this is a little more time consuming than cutting from crowns as they come out of dormancy (and don’t have any canopy of foliage to negotiate), it does ensure year-round cropping that vastly extends the traditional eightweek spring harvest period.

Mature plants can always be forced into dormancy if they need to be shifted out of the indoor garden for a period of time, or as another method of managing spear growth and harvesting. This is done by inducing drought conditions by withdrawing

irrigation for a month, which has the same Plants can then have the dying foliage effect on the plant as when temperatures cut back are kept in this dormant state drop in fall and winter outdoors. until growth needs to be resumed with warmth, nutrients and moisture.

Commercially, all these methods of asparagus production are carried out in different climates, although early spring spears produced from plants coming out of winter dormancy are often considered of higher quality than those grown in tropical environments where spear growth is more rapid and may be thinner and more spindly. With an indoor garden, where temperatures can be easily controlled, the problems of excessive heat as experienced by asparagus in tropical growing regions and cold winter dormancy can be avoided and top-quality spears produced. As an added bonus, hydroponic spears grown with advanced nutrition; control over moisture, light and temperatures; a clean, grit free medium (coco fiber is excellent); and a protected environment are extra Freshly cut and ready for cooking, hydroponic tender and succulent as compared asparagus spears only need a few minutes in to those grown outdoors. boiling water to be at their best.

“With an indoor garden, where temperatures can be easily controlled, the problems of excessive heat as experienced by asparagus in tropical growing regions and cold winter dormancy can be avoided and top-quality spears produced.”

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Understanding

Air Purification and Activated Carbon Filters

by Dr. Hugh McLaughlin Activated carbon filters capture odor-causing vapors and take them out of circulation.

Considering using these filters in your growroom? Here’s what you need to know.

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Activated carbon filters are widely used to reduce odors and control emissions from greenhouses and other growing operations. The ambient air is circulated through the activated carbon filter and returned to the greenhouse or discharged outside. Understanding the basic guidelines of how activated carbon filters work will help growers use the technology with greater reliability and lower overall cost.

For starters, activated carbon is basically a sponge that captures odorcausing vapors and takes them out of circulation. The level of odor-causing chemicals is lowered and thus the odor, which is the nose’s detection and quantification of the presence of non-air molecules, is reduced. At some level, called the odor threshold, a typical nose cannot detect the presence of the odor compound in the air and the odor is considered absent, although the chemical is likely still

there at a reduced level. This can be a problem, since the slightest increase in the level of the odor compound in the air brings it above the odor threshold and suddenly the odor is detected.

Furthermore, smelling most odors leads to odor fatigue, where the nose’s sensitivcalled the odor threshold, a ity decreases with typical nose cannot detect extended expothe presence of the odor sure. Someone compound in the air and the entering the odor is considered absent, room can clearly smell the odor, but although the chemical is the person who has likely still there at a been there for a while reduced level.” cannot. If you want to check for the presence of an odor in a grow space, you must leave and breathe in some fresh air for long enough to clear the background sensitivity of your nose to the odor you are checking for.

At some level,

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air purification and activated carbon filters Figure 1

The amount of odor removed by the filter is the difference between the entering level of odor compound and the level exiting. In Figure 1 that is the area above the C-out curve, since the C-in level is depicted as constant.

called displacement, can basically drive every compound that passes Activated carbon works by a pheone crazy, since odors seem to come through falls in a hole nomenon called adsorption, out of nowhere when a lightly adsorbed and is retained. where the odor compound odor compound is knocked off the Over time, the is trapped inside the carbon filter by a heavier compound, empty holes fill activated carbon and whether that compound smells or not. up. The molretained, but the There is no way to program activated ecules that material doing carbon works by a carbon to take out one compound and are adsorbed the adsorption phenomenon called leave the rest alone. with higher does not change adsorption, where the odor The technical term for the first time energy, sort size. Adsorption compound is trapped inside an adsorbable compound is sensed of like weighdiffers from the activated carbon and at the exit of a carbon filter is called ing more, can absorption, which breakthrough and when the filter is displace the also removes retained, but the material full, this is called saturation. When it lower-energy things, but the doing the adsorption does comes to odors, and especially because molecules that result is swelling. not change size.” of odor fatigue, these benchmarks are less tightly Both adsorption and are in the eye—or nose, I guess—of held, leading to absorption media have the beholder. Activated carbon filters molecular musical fixed capacities, meaning are a bit like oil filters on a car—they chairs. This phenomenon, they hold just so much, since they are storing the material removed from the air, not destroying it. It is easier to tell what is going on with absorption, since the size increase equals the amount of material removed; with adsorption, there is a weight gain, but it is hard to measure and we need to use other means to gauge the remaining life of a carbon filter.

Activated carbon removes odors by offering the odor-causing compound a more attractive place to reside than circulating in the air. The adsorbed state—when the odor compound leaves the air and gets retained inside the activated carbon—is called a lower-energy state and it is as if the molecule falls into a hole and cannot get out. New activated carbon has Adsorption differs from absorption, which also removes things, but the result is swelling. lots of unoccupied holes and virtually

Activated

Adsorption vs. Absorption

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remove a certain percentage each time through the filter until they get full, at which point they remove essentially nothing. Depending on the design of the filter, how fast air is passing through it, what is in the air and many other factors, the odor of the exiting air is determined. Figure 1 on page 62 shows a representative life of a carbon filter, with the exiting concentration of the odor compound shown as a function of time over the life of the filter. The breakthrough and the time odor can be sensed at the exit of the filter may be quite early in the overall filter’s operating life. The end of the filter’s usable life is the point where the amount of odor removed each time through the filter is too little to justify continued operation, at which point the carbon filter should be replaced.

The amount of odor removed by the filter is the difference between the entering level of odor compound and the level exiting. In Figure 1 that is the area above the C-out curve, since the C-in level is depicted as constant. A lot of removal occurs after breakthrough and after the odor threshold is exceeded.

The activated carbon filter continues to remove a portion of the odor compound all the way to saturation.

Depending on the acceptable level of odor in the greenhouse or exiting air, it may be necessary to take a carbon filter offline well before saturation is reached.

Filter manufacturers know this and strive to supply filters that approach the ideal filter performance, as shown in Figure 2 on page 64. The sharper the breakthrough and the more vertical the rise, the easier it is to use the entire capacity of the activated carbon filter. In general, the slower the flow rate through the filter, the closer the filter will operate to the limit of ideal performance. Thus, if odor is exiting the filter above the acceptable level, the recommended strategy is to slow the flow rate thorough a filter (using a fan speed controller) to cause the exiting concentration of odor compound to decrease to below

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air purification and activated carbon filters Fig. 2

The sharper the breakthrough and the more vertical the rise, the easier it is to use the entire capacity of the activated carbon filter.

the acceptable level. Over the life of the filter, a series of flow reductions will allow the largest total amount of odor to be removed while maintaining an acceptable odor level in the growing space.

Ultimately, the capacity in an activated carbon filter is determined by how much carbon there is and the quality of that carbon. It is relatively easy to make an activated carbon filter that looks good right out of the blocks— carbon filters are a bit like all the availoil filters on a car—they able holes are empty remove a certain percentage and they each time through the grab the first filter until they get full, at thing they which point they remove encounter, but the ultiessentially nothing.” mate value of an activated carbon filter is how long it provides ongoing improvement of the air passing through it.

Activated carbon quality is like octane in gasoline; you can definitely pack more of it into a given amount of weight or space. Activated carbon quality is determined on a weight basis, per pound of material, through a number of tests, such as iodine number, BET surface area and butane activity. Activated carbons differ in density, or how much weight per unit volume. Thus, one can have a really high capacity (like octane) times a really low density (like popcorn), and one ends up with much less in the tank, so to speak.

Activated

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When selecting an activated carbon filter to purchase, look for quality measurements, which go by names like CTC number, iodine number, butane activity and BET surface area. Note that different labels use different measures a­ nd how much of one equals how little of another is application specific. Truth be known, most of the metrics measure the wrong thing, but it is true that more is better, no matter what is counted.

The next step is how much carbon is in the filter: too little of a good thing is, frankly, too little. On the label, carbon may be listed in either weight or volume. If the quality is in units of weight, one must hope that the quantity number is in similar units, or you know nothing. For example, simply stating that 10 gal. of some number of good stuff per ounce means you are lost if you don’t know the density (ounces per volume). If the calculation has a favorable answer, it will be on the label.

The volume available for activated carbon is how much media the filter will contain, but it is basically the weight of that media that matters. Weight is either how much the filter holds in activated carbon, or the available volume times the density or specific gravity of the carbon.

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air purification and activated carbon filters The specific gravity—the ratio of the weight of a volume of carbon compared to the weight of the same volume of water—is a good indication of quality: the higher the specific gravity, the better. Good carbons have a specific gravity of 0.45 to 0.55. Specific gravity is easy to measure, just fill a container with the activated carbon, weigh it, then fill the same life of the filter, a series of container flow reductions will allow with water and weigh the largest total amount that. The of odor to be removed ratio of the while maintaining an two weights acceptable odor level in is the specific the growing space.” gravity.

At the end of the day, for a given amount of activated carbon of a given quality, there are few tricks that will make any difference. The flow rate through the filter should be adjusted to provide an acceptable level of odor exiting the filter, and being comfortably below that flow rate is better. Having more filters is better since they help each other keep the odor level below the acceptable level.

Activated carbon does not go bad over time and there is no clever way to use it up faster that leads to increased capacity. When one is buying an activated carbon filter, one is basically buying a certain amount of odor removal capacity and that capacity is directly related to the quality and quantity of activated carbon in the filter, not all the bells and whistles.

Over the

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Compost Tea Brew up a Batch of

by Spencer Bath

One of the most effective ways to boost microbial populations in your soil or hydroponic systems is the periodic application of compost teas. We’ve got the why and the how.

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Compost Tea Organic horticulture is often referred to as the biological approach to growing. This is because organic growers dedicate as much or more attention to microbial ecology in soil as they do to any other aspect of plant growth and vitality. One of the most effective ways to boost microbial populations is the periodic application of compost teas. Actively aerated compost teas are an economical and effective means to improve all aspects of plant growth, including health, pest and disease resistance, water and nutrient uptake, produce quality and total yield. They are also equally useful in hydroponic systems and can be customized to meet specific goals.

Much like yogurt fosters helpful bacterial colonies in the human digestive tract to help digest food and support the immune system, compost tea aids soil dynamics. In soil, bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi (beneficial fungi) work to suppress pathogens in several ways and both can form a biological barrier at the root and foliage zones, preventing disease-causing pathogens from getting a foothold. They also produce antibiotics and enzymes that kill pathogens.

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Since this

plant-microbial relationship is so essential, scientists estimate that 40% or more of plant energy produced through photosynthesis is converted into root exudates used to feed soil micro-organisms.�

Bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi work symbiotically with plants, providing numerous essential functions in exchange for carbon sugars (exudates) secreted by plant roots. Since this plant-microbial relationship is so

essential, scientists estimate that 40% or more of plant energy produced through photosynthesis is converted into root exudates used to feed soil micro-organisms. In a highly complex ballet choreographed by seemingly

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Compost Tea

Mother

Nature has developed these highly complex, closed-loop ecological systems, and integrating and cultivating these natural systems is the heart of the biological growing technique.”

near-sentient plants, individual species of bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi are chosen for the service they can provide plants, simply by altering the exudate compounds offered through roots. Mycorrhizal fungi form networks that produce acids to digest insoluble minerals, and scavenge nutrients and water to be shipped to connections at plant root tips, increasing the absorptive capacity and surface area of roots. Bacteria also colonize plant roots and other areas of soil, producing slimes that break down organic matter into soluble nutrients. Dead bacteria and bacterial fecal matter act as soluble fertilization packets for plants. Bacteria become food for protozoa and nematodes, which excrete even more fertilizer and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as azotobacter, that convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant usable forms and amino acids. Plants can even select certain microbes to alter pH at the rhizosphere as a selfdefense mechanism against invading pathogens or to make nutrients more or less available.

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These fascinating interactions are the reason why supplementing forests and natural ecosystems is entirely unnecessary. Mother Nature has developed these highly complex, closed-loop ecological systems, and integrating and cultivating these natural systems is the heart of the biological growing technique.

Compost tea feeds the soil with countless microbes that work symbiotically with plants, providing accessible nutrients from otherwise insoluble minerals.

The benefits of using compost tea include reduced water and fertilizer requirements, increased root and foliar growth, and improved soil tilth, porosity and nutrientholding capacity.

Compost tea exponentially multiplies the microbes found in the relatively small amount of compost used to make it. Although compost teas have been used for centuries, the modern technique of active aeration (brewing with oxygen) results in vastly superior tea. Modern compost tea is teeming with beneficial aerobic

organisms including mycorrhizal fungi, bacteria, nematodes, protozoa, ciliates and yeast.

The most important factor in brewing teas is the compost that is used.

Good compost can have up to 25,000 species of bacteria, 10,000 species of fungi and many species of protozoa and nematodes. Immature or improperly composted material can be a vector for pestilence, containing high numbers of pathogenic bacteria and fungus. It is critical that you evaluate your own compost before using it or locate a source with verifiable quality. I recommend vegetarian composts, as manures can be high in salts and are more likely to carry pathogens. Depending on the requirements of the plants you’re growing, a fungal-dominant tea is made by using compost high in materials such as wood chips or dried leaves. Bacteria-rich tea can be made by using compost with less woody material and by adding more sugar, such as organic black strap molasses.

Exceptional compost tea can be brewed with a 5-gal. bucket, an aquarium air pump and an air stone. As you become more proficient in brewing, more complex apparatuses can be tested. Making compost tea is a fun project for both new and well-seasoned gardeners. Fill a 5-gal. bucket with water and allow the chlorine to dissipate by leaving the water out overnight.

Add one-quarter cup of un-sulphured blackstrap molasses or one cup of cane sugar. You may also add one-quarter cup each of liquid humic acid, seaweed extract and rock dust for a powerful vitamin and mineral-rich solution. Fill a cheesecloth, old tube sock or panty hose with one dry gallon of compost and submerge in the bucket.

Use a small aquarium air pump and air stone to aerate the tea for 18 to 24 hours, then remove the compost bag and your tea is ready.

During the brewing process, microbes found in the compost will use the oxygen, humic acid, sugar and minerals as a food source to

compost tea rapidly reproduce. The tea will then contain more microbes than the compost originally supported.

Good compost tea may have up to 100 trillion bacteria in a tiny drop of solution. When the tea is finished brewing, it should have a pleasantly rich, sweet smell, and there may be significant foaming. Should you notice any foul odors, do not use the tea, as noxious odor is symptomatic of anaerobic conditions and it may harbor pathogenic bacteria that can be harmful to plants. Thoroughly clean the equipment with a light bleach solution and begin another batch with greater attention to higher quality, properly finished compost.

Aerobic compost tea should be used immediately after brewing as the useful shelf life is limited to 24 to 36 hours.

For both hydroponic and soil gardens, the tea can be used at full strength or diluted with non-chlorinated water at a rate of one-tenth parts water to one part tea. Typically, compost tea is diluted to increase the coverage rate in greenhouses or large agricultural applications. Undiluted or diluted compost tea can be poured directly on plants as a drench, or applied through a sprayer. Run the tea through a filter bag if you intend to use a sprayer to avoid clogging the nozzle with compost particles.

For hydroponic gardens, compost tea should be added to the reservoir at a rate of about one to two quarts per 10 gal. of reservoir water, although application rates are highly elastic. If adding tea to hydroponic reservoirs, it is important that your system maintain some form of constant aeration. Stagnant reservoirs can result in an abundance of anaerobic bacteria when available oxygen is depleted.

Periodic applications of sugars, such as un-sulphured blackstrap molasses, palm or raw cane sugar, will provide the food to maintain bacterial populations, while supplements such as rock dust, humates and humic acid, sea salt minerals or seaweed extract will provide mineral nutrition to both bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, and in turn, to plants.

One important consideration when using biology for hydroponic growing is including a structure that serves as a microbe habitat much like a coral reef does in the ocean.

Depending on the individual hydroponic system, the grow substrate already used may be perfectly adequate, as soil microbes can colonize a wide variety of materials. Some of my favorite materials include silica stone, coco coir, biochar or growstone, based upon the structure, porosity and mineral content. If your system uses only rockwool or is without media at all, structure can be added simply by filling a net bag of your chosen material and placing it in the reservoir.

This gives the microbes something to colonize and proliferate. So far I’ve found that biochar is the most conducive to microbe habitat. While mycorrhizae are dependent on plant roots for survival, it has been demonstrated that given proper nutrition and oxygen, mycorrhizae will colonize and proliferate in and on biochar despite the absence of plant roots.

Powdered biochar added to the reservoir or chunky biochar held in a net bag is an excellent material for microbial housing structures in hydroponic systems.

So that’s what you need to know to brew up your own batch of compost tea—the biological approach to growing.

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GROWING

Saffron

HYDROPONICALLY

by Peyam Barghassa

Saffron, the world’s highestpriced spice, lends a distinctive and highly prized flavor to many dishes. For saffron lovers hoping to save some money, it turns out the crocus sativus plant can thrive in a hydroponic system, as Peyam Barghassa explains.

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growing saffron hydroponically

Saffron bulbs.

Being of Iranian background, I use saffron in practically every dish; let’s just say my family is addicted to the stuff.

So the thought of growing my own saffron, a spice that costs more by weight than gold, exhilarated me! I was inspired to embark on this journey after reading “Strands of Gold: Growing Saffron,” written by Dr. Lynette Morgan and published in the August 2009 edition of Maximum Yield. The article explained there is no one way to grow saffron indoors and that I would need to experiment to find out what method would be best for me.

I’m an avid hydroponic gardener, so I was happy to learn saffron can indeed thrive without soil. A controlled environment is preferred so delicate stigmas (the part we harvest and eat) will be protected. I also learned you plant the bulbs and harvest the stigmas in the fall, which is when the crocus sativus plant flowers. After you’ve harvested the stigmas, you let the corms (the bulbs) overwinter outside, then dig them up before the next summer.

In 2012, I began by purchasing some corms from a local garden center as well as a Kashmiri type from odysseybulbs.com. I grew them on my flood tables in my 14-ft. by 20-ft. greenhouse with natural light. I first planted the corms in 1.5-in. starter plugs, following all the directions on how to properly condition rockwool. Once they were rooted, I transplanted them into 3-in. rockwool blocks. For nutrients, I initially chose to use root building and micronutrient-providing mixtures at an EC of 1.0, then switching the root building nutrient to one that stimulates flower development at an EC of about 1.5 as soon as the flower buds began to appear. I top watered with fresh solution each time, allowing the blocks to get close to 50% dry before watering again.

The thought of growing my own saffron, a spice that costs more by weight than gold, exhilarated me!”

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Preparing the rockwool cubes.

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growing saffron hydroponically

Bulbs, including crocus bulbs,

The plants did well, but I realized I didn’t need much rockwool because the corms didn’t root into the block much. After harvest, I transplanted the corms outside in my plant bed so they could overwinter. I added some bulb starter to the soil before planting. I actually removed the starter plugs from the blocks, and then transplanted the corms in the plugs outdoors.

Here in North Carolina, the crocus grew well throughout the winter—it’s a pretty hardy plant and should withstand the cold even in northern climates. At the end of May, I dug up the corms and dried them on a drying rack, then stored the corms in a box and kept them in a well-ventilated area for my 2013 cultivation.

In 2013, I decided to grow my saffron a little differently. Since I discovered the 3-in. rockwool blocks were overkill, I am now growing them directly in 2-in. mini-blocks. I also decided to experiment with different nutrients this time. I had good results with the former series, but I wanted to see what another type would do for a crocus bulb that produces an aromatic spice. Bulbs, including crocus bulbs, prefer heavy phosphorous and potassium for good growth.

I ensured my nutrients would provide lots of phosphorous and potassium, and just the right amount of nitrogen. I am hoping the change in nutrients will induce more production of safranal—the organic compound responsible for the aroma of saffron.

I started by soaking the 2-in. blocks in pH 5.5 water. I used the excess water on some plants outside, and then soaked the blocks in a 1.0 EC nutrient solution. I then lined the blocks up on my flood table and began top watering with fresh solution every time, a method I prefer over ebb and flow for growing saffron.

As this is my second crop, I sorted through the corms I had been storing, and chose only the ones an inch or more in size. Anything smaller might not flower. I’ll plant the smaller corms outside in my plant bed to allow them to grow bigger for my 2014 cultivation.

prefer heavy phosphorous and potassium for good growth.”

The author grows saffrom plants in 2-in rockwool blocks.

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growing saffron hydroponically

Use just one rockwool cube per bulb.

the corms in their blocks into my outdoor plant bed for the winter. I’ll harvest the stigmas using tweezers, and then I place them on a paper towel and dry them in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time for up to a minute. That does the job, or you can dry them in a dehydrator. Then I store in a cool and dark place with a packet of desiccant to keep the stigmas dry.

Just before summer, I will once again harvest the corms and store them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant them again next fall. The only drawback is that I may run out of room for all the corms, since they duplicate over the winter. Not a bad problem to have!

So there you have it, growing saffron hydroponically is a viable way to ensure a steady supply of this spice for your culinary needs.

I sorted through the corms I had

Saffron in full glory.

been storing, and chose only the ones an inch or more in size. Anything smaller might not flower.”

I pressed each of the larger corms into one of the 2-in. blocks and continued to water with nutrients formulated to stimulate roots and the vegetative state of flowering plants, gradually increasing the EC. As the leaves broke open on the corms, I switched to nutrients designed to pack on extra size and weight and encourage flowering at an EC of 1.4.

In my North Carolina climate, my greenhouse stays warm enough in the fall during the day so plants flower before winter sets in. Those growing saffron further north may need a heated greenhouse or an indoor operation under grow lights. Another idea would be to use heat mats placed under the saffron and perhaps a clear plastic propagation dome over the flood table to keep the plants warm. Just make sure it doesn’t get too hot under the dome—you want to keep good air circulation and temperatures in the 60°F range.

As I write this, I’m just about to start harvesting the stigmas. Then I’ll start the cycle all over again by transplanting 82

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Photos submitted

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Reverse osm o sis In

Hydroponic Gardening In her first contribution to Maximum Yield, engineer Marianne Brizio provides a simple explanation as to why growers should be using zero TDS water (water without the presence of total dissolved solids).

Total dissolved solids (TDS) refers to the dissolved solids found in water, including calcium, sodium and metal ions, often measured and referred to as parts per million (ppm). These materials remain after the evaporation of all liquids. This can be problematic for growers who have a reservoir and add water with a TDS level of 500 ppm. If half of the water evaporates, the remaining water will have a TDS of 1,000 ppm. Then, when it is refilled, the new TDS level is 750 ppm. When that water evaporates, the new TDS level after replenishing will be 1,250 ppm, and so on.

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by Marianne Brizio

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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Reverse Osmosis

Water

Nutrient

Solute Water Molecule Molecule

Higher Water Concentration

Higher Nutrient

Figure 1

What we strive for instead is zero TDS water, which refers to water without dissolved solids, sometimes also referred to as zero ppm water. There are basically three ways to remove dissolved solids from your water: reverse osmosis (RO), distillation and through resins. RO is the most common and cost-effective way, and is preferred by many growers. Osmosis is the force that moves water and nutrients throughout a plant, and osmotic pressure always moves the lower solute to the higher solute concentration.

During reverse osmosis, we need a semi-permeable membrane and added pressure (osmotic pressure plus)on the higher TDS water, forcing it through the membrane.

We create two streams, a concentrate (normally wasted) and permeate (extremely low TDS water). The concentrate should never be consumed by mammals.

To understand why zero TDS water is recommended for hydroponic gardening, there are a couple of terms one must know. A solute is a substance dissolved in another substance (Figure 1). In a hydroponic garden, we are talking about nutrients in water. Remember, osmosis is the force that moves water and nutrients throughout a plant, and osmotic pressure always moves the lower solute to the

higher solute concentration. In the next diagram (Figure 2), we see an example of a plant being fed hydroponically using RO, or RO/de-ionized (DI) water. We see that as water moves up through the plant, it carries nutrients.

The water will evaporate, leaving the plant drier at the top. As long as there is a lower TDS fluid available, this plant will remain hydrated. All the cells of a plant want to be at the same concentration of water and nutrients, but they never are when there is always osmotic pressure forcing the purer solution to the higher concentration.

In another example (Figure 3), there are two simplified hydroponic solutions. One with zero TDS water plus nutrients, and the other with tap water plus the same amount of nutrients added. Notice how much higher the concentration of TDS is when using tap water to make your solution.

Looking at the plant with a higher TDS concentration, you can see the added TDS, measured in ppm, from the tap water concentrating in the roots and drawing water from the top of the plant (Figure 4). The osmotic pressure is actually pulling moisture from the plant.

Simplified Hydroponic Solutions

Zero PPM water

water

Zero PPM water plus nutrients (generally 800 to 1500 PPM)

Nutrient

Tap water up from 100 to 800 PPM

TDS in Tap (PPM)

Figure 3

Only water evaporates, all else concentrates

Leaves, fruit, buds and flowers

Direction of lower concentrated solute

Stems

Zero ppm water plus nutrients (generally 800 to 1500 ppm) Root system

Figure 2

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The reason your nutrients call for zero ppm water is, if at any point the water in the reservoir has higher TDS levels than the plant, the water will be pushed out of the cells, leaving a dehydrated plant. This can happen overnight, and the following symptoms would occur: • Healthy plants will appear wilted • There will be a rotten smell or feel • Roots are still firmly attached to stalk • Upon cutting the plant, the stems will be noticeably dry Freshly harvested plants, when cut, contain visible and tactile water. Figure 5 represents what happens when the solution the plant is in is denser than what is in the cells of the plant. In this picture, the solution is brown only to make the point; it could be clear with high salts and the same wilting would occur.

Leaves, fruit, buds and flowers

Now, the osmotic pressure is actually pulling moisture from the plant.

You can see the added TDS (PPM) from the tap water concentrating in the roots drawing water from top of plant.

Stems Tap water plus nutrients now with the same amount of nutrients added (900 to 2300 PPM)

Root system

Figure 5

always read the ingredients list on nutrient labels, and follow the label’s directions to see the most success.

Figure 4

You must monitor TDS levels in your solution tank. This can be done using a hand-held TDS meter that measures the ppm of the solids. Starting with tap water will raise your TDS levels before you add your nutrients, potentially dehydrating your entire crop. RO water is much lower in TDS, giving a grower room to add nutrients and see a successful yield. Remember to

Marianne Brizio holds a bachelor of science degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Central Florida. While studying, she spent five years with the US Geological Survey Water Resources Division. She has spent the last 14 years as the president of Aqua Engineering & Equipment, Inc. in Winter Park, Florida, (hydroponicswater.com) and is the co-creator of the Crucial Elements Hydroponic Reverse Osmosis Line.

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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THe rULes oF

GrowING by daVId

KessLer

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Gardening is an activity for everyone. It is a reconnection with nature and a time where we can think in peace. No matter your schedule or living situation, there is a type of garden that will fit your lifestyle, and the rules on how to run it are the same from garden to garden.

Maximum Yield USA  |  January 2014

The rules of growing

No matter

your schedule or living situation, there is a type of garden that will fit your lifestyle.”

Achieving the proper temperature inside this cave garden took six months.

Many of us live a technology-packed, fast-paced life with constant notifications influencing our behavior as we walk down the street—our pockets constantly buzzing, dinging and ringing as we sync our busy schedules from phone to tablet to desktop. It is no surprise that more than a few of us have lost touch with Mother Nature. Whatever the excuse for our lack of connection with the Earth, the fact remains that sometimes what we need most is our hands in the dirt as a reminder that all of our scientific innovations and accomplishments still pale in comparison to the magic of a seed sprouting and growing into food that sustains our bodies. Gardening is for everyone.

It is a reconnection with nature, a time where we can think in peace, pound our frustrations into the soil and regain a Zen state of being. No matter your schedule or living situation, there is a type of garden that will fit your lifestyle.

Traditional Gardening The Backyard Garden – Simple and easy. Find a sunny spot in your yard and dig away. Any size plot will do, just stick your shovel in the ground and start turning the soil. Add plants or seeds and you have a garden.

The Raised Bed Garden – For the DIYer, or those of us who have less than ideal soil, simply buy or build a raised bed, fill it with soil and start your seeds.

The Square Foot Garden – For the space challenged, the urban gardener or the balcony bound, just select a container, or a few 3-gal. and 5-gal. pots of soil along with a little planning and some organic seeds, and you are on your way to food self-sufficiency.

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The rules of growing

Urban Gardening The Closet Garden – For anyone with a closet to spare. Protect the floor, reflect the light (more on that in a minute), add grow lights, soil and some seeds, and you can be a year-round farmer.

a grow tent will make your garden a lush cornucopia in no time.”

The Grow Tent Garden – The simplest and fastest way to create a garden that meets your needs, as well as the needs of your plants. A perfect fit for every space (they come in many different sizes), with all of the forethought already built in, a grow tent will make your garden a lush cornucopia in no time.

The Vivarium – These terrarium-style gardens can be designed to meet the needs of more exotic plants, and are designed to be tiny working ecosystems behind glass.

Attractive and compact, a vivarium is a perfect fit for a highrise apartment overlooking the concrete jungle, adding a bit of nature back to your brick bastion.

A rose grower has chosen to use high-pressure sodium lights to grow roses indoors.

The Out-of-the-Box Garden The Trailer Garden – Although not every gardener’s cup of tea, this type of garden is proving to be perfect for doomsday preppers and businessmen alike. It’s essentially a re-purposed shipping container transformed into a cash cow, or an endof-the-world Eden. Check out our friends at podponics.com in Georgia for a more in-depth exploration of this contemporary take on farming.

The Cave Garden – I admit this one is a bit of a stretch as most of us do not have a vacant cave in our real estate portfolio, but this is really cool. What can you do when your mine shuts down, and you are left with a maze of tunnels winding inside the earth? One option is to turn it into an underground farm. Look to birdsbotanicals.com to see how this gardener made an environment without sunlight into a horticultural oasis.

The Rooftop Garden – With a strong movement towards locally grown produce and a desire to reduce carbon footprint, many gardeners have transformed their urban rooftops into productive and profitable farms.

So what do these different gardens have in common? Basic needs. All plants require five basic needs be met: light, air, water, fertilizer and substrate. Let’s now examine how these needs are met by growers using the various gardening methods previously mentioned.

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The rules of growing

many gardeners

have transformed their urban rooftops into productive and profitable farms.”

This rooftiop herb garden relies on rainwater for irrigation.

Light Light provides the input of energy for the chemical process of photosynthesis that turns carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen. Outdoor gardeners simply use the sun as their light source because it is free and effective on all but the cloudiest of days. Indoor growers, such as the closet gardener, may employ a variety of light sources to provide energy to their gardens, including fluorescent, HID, LED, MH and plasma lights. All of these will work for providing the energy necessary for photosynthesis, but some might be better suited to your needs. Talk to the associate at your garden or local hydroponic store to find the best light for you.

Air Air is a category that encompasses several factors including carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity. All of these are critical to plant growth and are all important to account for in any type of garden. Carbon dioxide naturally occurs in the air we breathe (and by the air we exhale), but the more than 400 parts per million in the air might not be sufficient if there is not enough air exchange or air movement in the garden. Outdoor gardeners have it pretty easy in that the natural movement of air ensures they always have enough CO2.

Indoor growers who have constructed rooms, as well as grow tent gardeners, must actively work to ensure their plants receive adequate levels of CO2. For a grower just starting out, a grow tent can be a good option. Grow tent manufacturers build in all of the same universal and necessary features of a growroom, affording a novice grower a well-designed grow space without the years of experience necessary to design a growroom on their own.

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One of the best things about grow tents is that the manufacturers know that CO2 is necessary and have designed ventilation holes for both the intake and exhaust of air. Exhausting the air with an inline fan creates negative pressure inside the tent and allows for the passive (or active if a second fan is also used) flow of fresh CO2 rich air from outside via the intake flaps. A gardener can also choose to supercharge their indoor garden by using either bottled CO2 or a CO2 generator to increase the available amount of CO2 in the room to 1,500 ppm.

Temperature requirements vary with the plant, and although most plants can survive for a short time outside of their ideal temperature range, longer exposure to extreme temperatures will slow growth and possibly kill them. Some orchids like the Phalaenopsis, which is the second most popular potted plant in the world, prefer a minimum of 65°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F will cause severe damage or even death. That is why I must tip my hat to the ingenuity of David Bird, the cave gardener.

He knew that the ambient temperature of the cave, being in the mid 50s, combined with HID lights would increase the temperature by more than 15°F, providing ideal temperatures for his tropical plants. Cooling is accomplished with fans pulling colder air from unheated areas deeper inside of the cave, while simultaneously exhausting the warm growroom air.

Humidity is sometimes overlooked by gardeners, but a necessary factor to be aware of and mitigate. Plants will grow in a wide range of humidity but some are more finicky than others. High humidity can result in an environment that is overly hospitable to mold and bacterial infections, while low levels of humidity can stress a plant as it tries to replace moisture constantly lost to transpiration. The vivarium gardener must keep a watchful eye on humidity as the small volume of air in the garden allows for rapid swings in humidity with slight increases in temperature. Often both a humidifier, used to raise the humidity, and an exhaust fan, used to lower humidity, are built into the design of a vivarium.

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The rules of growing

An impressive garden built inside of a shipping container.

Water Water is necessary for all life. Fresh water can be provided from any number of sources including streams, reservoirs, ponds, aquifers and wells. One of the simplest and best sources of water is rainwater. Using a simple rainwater collection system and a rain barrel allows our rooftop gardener or square-foot gardener to provide fresh water to their garden. When it comes to water, the question isn’t just the source, but how to use it. For plants growing in either soil or soilless mix, the best advice comes from

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a sage old orchid grower who said, “You can never water too much, only too often.” What he meant by that is, if you water a little bit every day, the growing medium will stay wet and the roots will rot. If you water a 1-gal. pot with 20 gal. of water, the growing medium will be fully saturated and as long as you wait until the growing medium dries out appropriately, your plant will not suffer. In fact, heavy watering will help prevent fertilizer build-up in your growing media.

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The rules of growing

Fertilizer There are 16 elements that plants must have, although some would place that number at 20 or more. There are many brands and formulations of fertilizer to choose from, and none of them are “the best.” That is because different plants, growing mediums and growing environments all require different fertilizer choices. So, what do our square-foot and backyard gardeners do? Many make their own fertilizer using grass clippings, leaves and organic kitchen waste by tossing it into the compost bin. It takes just a few months for free, super-charged, rich compost for their gardens that feed the plants an organic diet rich in minerals and nutrients, while improving the quality of their soil.

No time or ideal space to make a compost? There are plenty of mixes available from your favorite gardening stores.

Substrate The chosen growing medium can have a significant impact on the success of any garden by influencing several factors: moisture, pH, drainage, fertilizer retention (CEC) and oxygen content in the root-zone. There are many growing mediums to choose from, such as soil, soilless, LECA stone,

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diatomite, perlite, vermiculite, coconut, redwood fiber, sawdust, recycled glass, volcanic rock, gravel, rockwool and even air. Each of the growing mediums listed above—and by no means is this an exhaustive list—have attributes and differences that will make them more or less effective in a particular application. However, sometimes you just do not have many options, like the two inventive youths from Swaziland who took the limited materials they has access to (sawdust and chicken manure) and used them as the media for a hydroponic science experiment, winning $50,000 and the Scientific American’s inaugural Science in Action award.

A Final Note Regardless of the type of gardener you are, the style of gardening you practice or the crops you grow, the five basic needs of plants will always need to be addressed. The better you are at meeting the fundamental needs of your plants, the greater amount of attention you can devote to the details that differentiate a good gardener from a great one. With so many gardeners and innovative methods of farming coming into practice, remember the basics of growing remain the same.

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beginner’s corner

Growing Mushrooms Indoors

by Heather Rhoades

Ever wanted to try cultivating your own edible fungi? Here's how...

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Many gardeners wonder if it is possible to grow mushrooms at home and the short answer is yes. These curious but tasty fungi are typically grown indoors rather than in the garden. You can purchase mushroom growing kits, but it is also possible to set up your own area for growing mushrooms. Let’s learn a little about how to grow mushrooms.

Choosing a Mushroom to Grow Mushroom growing at home starts with choosing the kind of mushroom you will be growing. Some popular choices when growing mushrooms at home are: • shiitake mushrooms • oyster mushrooms • white button mushrooms You will need to buy spore or spawn of your chosen mushroom from a reputable dealer. For the purposes of mushroom growing at home, you can think of spores as seeds and spawn as seedlings. Spawn is easier to handle and grow into mushrooms at home. Different mushrooms have different growing mediums. Shiitake mushrooms are normally grown on hardwoods or hardwood sawdust, oyster mushrooms on straw, and white button mushrooms on composted manure.

How to Grow Edible Mushrooms at Home After you have chosen which mushroom you will be growing and have gotten that mushroom's preferred growing medium, the basic steps for growing mushrooms are the same. Mushroom growing requires a cool, dark, damp place. Typically, this will be in a basement, but an unused cabinet or closet will also work—anywhere you can create near darkness and control temperature and humidity.

Place the growing medium in a pan and raise the temperature of the area to about 70°F (a heating pad works well for this). Place the spawn on the growing medium.

In about three weeks, the spawn will take root—the filaments will have spread into the growing medium. Once this occurs, drop the temperature to between 55 and 60°F. This is the best temperature for growing mushrooms. Then cover the spawn with an inch or so of potting soil. Cover the soil and the pan with a damp cloth and spray the cloth with water as it dries. Also, spritz the soil with water when it is dry to the touch.

In three to four weeks, you should see small mushrooms appear. Mushrooms will be ready for harvesting when their cap has fully opened and has separated from the stem.

Now that you know how to grow mushrooms at home, you can try this fun and worthwhile project for yourself. Many people agree that growing mushrooms at home produces a tastier mushroom than what you will find at the store.

Shiitake

mushrooms are normally grown on hardwoods or hardwood sawdust, oyster mushrooms on straw, and white button mushrooms on composted manure.”

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ParT 3

by dr. robert G. Linderman

Dr. Robert G. Linderman continues his discussion of mycorrhizal fungi in the garden. This time he touches on the mycorrhizosphere phenomenon.

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Mycorrhizae - Part 3 In the first two installments of this series, I described what mycorrhizae are and how they can benefit the growth and health of plants. I described the three main types of mycorrhizae. Just as a refresher, ectomycorrhizae are associated with the roots of pines, firs, oaks, eucalyptus, hazelnut and birch. Ericoid mycorrhizae are associated with ericaceous plants like rhododendron, blueberry and azalea. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) make up the largest group and are associated with the most varieties of plants on the planet, including most crop plants. Given that AM have been helping plants grow for some 460 million years, they definitely have proven their worth. Also remember that some plants, like cabbage, broccoli, beets, turnips, radishes and carnations simply don’t form mycorrhizae.

Mycorrhizae provide many benefits to their host plant partner, including improved root development, transplant success, soil structures, tolerance to soil drought and soil toxicities and fertilizer-use efficiency. All of this leads to increased yield and quality, which might leave you wondering, how does mycorrhizal fungi do all that?

In this final part of the series, I want to explain what this symbiotic relationship is, and how it develops and functions. Such a discussion embraces something called the mycorrhizosphere phenomenon.

Ericoid

mycorrhizae are associated with ericaceous plants like rhododendron, blueberry and azalea.”

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Mycorrhizae - Part 3

Mycorrhizae Formation

Figure 1: Diagram of a comparison of rhizosphere soil (yellow) around roots and the mycorrhizosphere soil (yellow and blue) showing the increased amount of soil influenced by both the mycorrhizal fungal (hyphasphere) and root exudates. Diagram by C. F. Scagel.

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As you might recall, AM fungi begin their association with plant roots when spores in the soil germinate near roots and colonize the roots, penetrating the root cortex but without causing any damage to the cells. The fungal and plant cells are communicating as this symbiotic relationship develops in the root. The root allows the fungus to grow between the cells and into the cells without causing any damage, much like pressing your hand into a balloon without breaking it.

That close interface between the fungus and cell cytoplasm is where chemical exchanges take place—mineral nutrients provided by the AM fungus to the plant, carbohydrates from the plant to the fungus. Eventually, the AM fungus grows out into the soil to mine for mineral nutrients that it can then contribute to its plant host partner. That fungal growth is dependent on the carbohydrate nutrients that the plant partner provided. Eventually, the fungal growth into the soil results in the AM fungus reproducing itself by making new spores that allow it to survive through time and until a new host plant root comes near enough to start the cycle all over again.

But the story is just beginning. The AM fungus has now colonized the soil, producing an amazing amount of biomass in the form of hyphae (tiny tubes) that are connected to the host root, but are also interfacing with a myriad of other microbes in the soil. Those hyphae exude or leak nutrients into the soil, as do the roots themselves, and the combination of fungal and root exudates are available for

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Mycorrhizae - Part 3 other microbes to use. Some will like the exudates and thrive, others will not. Thus a new equilibrium of microbes will become a team that can grow and function in tandem.

And so, the mycorrhizosphere is created (Figure 1).

How the Mycorrhizosphere Works In the mycorrhizosphere, there is a new set of microbial players that have formed a team. Those players were recruited from the bulk soil by the AM fungus and the altered root exudation pattern. The team leader is the AM fungus, like the quarterback of the football team. The other members of the team have various functions, some of which can affect plant growth and health. They perform their functions by growing and producing metabolites, as by-products of their growth, and those materials can be absorbed by the AM fungus and transported to the roots. Once in the root, the plant can respond to those chemicals, directly or indirectly, in ways that optimize plant growth and health.

Some of those chemicals may trigger genetic responses by the host plant. For example, host disease resistance genes may be turned on. Some of the action also takes place in the mycorrhizosphere directly between different microbes.

For example, some bacteria that have been favored by the AM fungal exudates may produce antibiotics that inhibit the growth of deleterious root pathogens, averting potential diseases. Other microbes produce hormones that can stimulate more root development. A plant with a bigger, healthier root system will produce more yield than a plant with a smaller, weaker (possibly root rot infected) root system. Still other microbes may capture atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into

Figure 2: Above is a diagram (from Miller and Jastrow) showing AM hyphae growing out from the root into the soil and entangling soil microaggregates and making soil macro-aggregates. Soil tilth is improved by increasing macro-aggregates, allowing better percolation of air, water and nutrients. Below is an actual water stable aggregate of soil resulting from AM fungal hyphae binding soil particles. The aggregates contain high levels of P-solubilizing bacteria.

Once in

the root, the plant can respond to those chemicals, directly or indirectly, in ways that optimize plant growth and health.” plant-usable nitrogen fertilizer. Some produce enzymes that can destroy the cell walls of fungal pathogens, thus preventing root infections. Some produce acids that can dissolve phosphorous precipitates, making the phosphorous readily available for uptake and plant use.

In most soils, phosphorous is tightly bound and therefore immobile in the soil, so it cannot flow to the root. AM fungi can grow into the tiny spaces of the soil and mine it for such bound elements like phosphorous. But, the real miners are the phosphate-solubilizers that associate with the AM fungal hyphae.

We have measured increased population of phosphoroussolubilizing bacteria directly within the soil aggregates created by AM fungal hyphae in soil (Figure 2). What this means is that the fungal exudates, some of which are sticky 110

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Mycorrhizae - Part 3 and bind the soil particles, release nutrients into the soil that favor the buildup of phosphorous solubilizers. The latter dissolve the phosphorous, making it now available for the AM fungus to transport it to its plant partner.

How cool is that?

Recruiting Microbial Associates Where do the good players in the mycorrhizosphere come from? In time, they can be recruited from the bulk soil, assuming the soil has some good ones. But what if there are no or few good players to be recruited? Soilless media or potting mixes are likely to have none; fumigated soil may have few as well. Microbial diversity in soilless potting mixes is likely to be low, and soils with low organic matter will also have low microbial diversity.

If you inoculate your plant roots with a mycorrhizal product that has been produced in a soilless medium, or produced in vitro, what are the chances for recruiting any good players in time to help the plant grow? The AM fungi in those products may colonize the roots, but without good teammates, a quarterback cannot function well. Many commercial mycorrhizal products that were not produced in soil often are laced with other microbes, added at the last step before bagging. Some may be good ones, but might not fit well into the team.

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soils

with low organic matter will also have low microbial diversity.”

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Mycorrhizae - Part 3 Many will not even survive or are at low population levels, too low to affect plant growth.

If you want a full-functioning microbial team that can function in tandem, you want one that has grown up together.

You want a holistic product. Using a mycorrhizal product that has a good blend of AM fungal species—an organic matrix that provides microbial diversity of good microbial players—and organic materials that are known to stimulate root development is the way to go.

Maximum Yield If you are interested in maximizing yield from any crop, and having the product be the highest quality possible, consider everything you might do to make that happen. I have read and reviewed research papers and much of what I have said about the benefits and mode of action of mycorrhizal fungi has been gleaned from those readings, in addition to my own work with students and colleagues. In general, all those studies pooled together indicate that maximizing yield and quality comes as a result of all the efforts to increase soil quality. Soil quality is maximized by balancing the three main soil a full-functioning microbial components: soil chemistry, soil physics and soil microbiology. Of course, environmental team that can function in conditions that provide appropriate levels of tandem, you want one that has light and temperature are critical, too.

Outdoors, we have to rely on what Mother grown up together.”

Nature gives us. Indoors, we can manage nearly, if not all the variables. The last component of soil microbiology seems to be the most difficult. We have to suppress the bad guys, and encourage the good guys. That Giant pumpkin patch (below) and (above) world record-breaking pumpkin means keeping pathogens at bay, and encouraging those ben(1,502 lbs.) produced by Ron Wallace (center). Ron embraced the eficial microbes to do their thing. With mycorrhizae, that means benefits of inoculating with mycorrhizal fungi, and has since established inoculating young plants with the best possible product, properly a new world record of over 2,000 lbs. placed to contact roots early, and not doing the things that may suppress them. A plant with no root or foliage diseases, with balanced fertilizer, growing in a well-aerated soil or medium, and A good example is the production of giant pumpkins, an interwith the aid of mycorrhizal fungi and their microbial associates, nationally occurring competition where growers try to optimize should be the path to success. (Figure 3). all the parameters they can to grow larger and larger pumpkins.

Genetically-superior seed is used, environmental conditions are modified as much as possible, chemical products are applied to prevent diseases and everything possible is done to enhance the quality of the soil. When mycorrhizal fungi were first applied, in part as a result of my interaction with a grower from Rhode Island, Ron Wallace, the results were amazing. The world record was broken the first year with a pumpkin he grew that weighed 1,502 lbs. Wallace has continued to refine his techniques, and this year he established a new world record of more than 2,000 lbs. Mycorrhizae were a part of that story!

If you want

In Conclusion Figure 3: Inoculation of bunching onions with (left to right): (1) AM fungi plus microbial associates, (2) non-inoculated controls, (3) microbial associates only, and (4) AM fungi only. The greatest response, under low P fertilizer conditions, was with the combination of AM fungi and their microbial associates (1).

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This ends my three-part series on mycorrhizae, but I hope it will not end the opportunities to interact in the future, whether dealing with mycorrhizae, root pathogens, soil quality or any other plant growing processes that will result in growing crops for maximum yield. Until then, I can be reached at bob.linderman@planthealthllc.com

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Take a trip Along the

Calcium Highway

by Russell Landry There is still so much to learn about the role of calcium in plants, but this common metallic mineral certainly already has applications for preventing and treating blossom-end rot and other problems in the growroom.

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calcium highway The metallic mineral substance known as calcium (Ca) remains rather ambiguous. It is silvery, dull gray and has little monetary value to mankind. Nevertheless, calcium is the fifth most plentiful element by mass in the Earth’s crust and is found largely in limestone and gypsum. It’s an essential component of bones, teeth, insects and sea shells. Calcium was quickly put to use by plants and their cells as they colonized the Earth’s early land masses.

While it is not considered a major plant element required for growth, calcium is essentially a macro element in the garden patch. It is an alkaline metallic mineral known to moderate and neutralize acids and soils. This obscure mineral holds the super power of kryptonite in growing vegetables and fruit. A grower risks destroying the best fruits if they lose even a small quantity of calcium from a plant. And, since the sight of fruit that is deformed, split or blackened and rotting at the blossom end can send a grower reeling, minding calcium levels comes highly recommended.

However powerful and abundant in soil, calcium is often highly susceptible to localized restrictions that prevents its uptake into plant root systems. This can be caused either by poor soil moisture levels, salinity, displacement of competitive cations or lock-up caused by bicarbonate molecules.

Highly water soluble, calcium moves within a soil solution around the root zone as it awaits transport up a plant’s calcium highway—the xylem. After calcium is taken in by the

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“Calcium was quickly put to use by plants and their cells as they colonized the earth’s early land masses.”

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calcium highway

“Highly water soluble, calcium moves within a soil solution around the root zone as it awaits transport up a plant’s calcium highway—the xylem.” plant, it is transformed into calcium pectate and distributed amongst a plant’s many components. It then accumulates within the fruit’s cell walls, where it eventually provides strength, structure and elasticity to the cells.

Today, calcium supplements are available in an assortment of compounds and mixes for use in gardens. As limestone, it is used to moderate and raise low pH, often boosting the soil’s component of calcium upwards of 70% or more. Applied as gypsum, it helps raise the soil’s proportion while maintaining pH at a desired level with the addition of a secondary element, sulfur.

Calcium is often blended in modern chelated liquid versions that can contain a host of fertilizers or micronutrients, and it has become so popular in gardening circles, it is often included in the same breath as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK). Most are keenly aware of the balance of power that calcium plays in the soil. It helps nullify the effects of soil acids by lowering pH and it competes with other cations in the soil, helping to maintain an appropriate balance. Reduced calcium uptake into the fruit sink is a grower's main cause for concern, and results include fruit abnormalities, blossom-end rot (BER) and other problems like reduced fruit weights and lower harvest yields.

Calcium is typically mobile in moist soil conditions. It is easily absorbed by young, adventitious and unsuberized roots through the casparian strip. Calcium is then transported within the xylem through evapo-transpiration.

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calcium highway

The fresh supply is carried up this one-way highway to the evaporative parts of the plant. It is often the leaves that tend to transpire larger amounts of water, thus receiving the lion's share of the mineral.

Young, developing blossoms and fruits suffer during periods of high canopy evaporation, or calcium uptake stress. Xylem flow diverted to the leaves sets the stage for a grower’s blossoming demise. Blossom-end rot is not caused by parasitic organisms, but by physiologic disorders associated with lowered calcium soil availability and water stress conditions that ultimately affect the fruit’s interior structure at its distal end.

Environmental factors causing high evapo-transpiration rates of the leaves also enter into the equation by limiting the availability of nutrients sent to the fruit sink, fostering the development of BER. Nutrient imbalance often plays a major role in the inhibition of calcium uptake into the plant. Factors affecting uptake of calcium are often caused by excessive levels of other nutrients. All of these soil components need to be held in balance and kept in moderate proportions for good fruit development.

Calcium is required in relatively large concentrations for normal cell growth. When a rapidly growing fruit is deprived of necessary calcium, tissues break down. The process of blossom-end rot and exterior wall case cracks begins when

“The circumstances causing restricted calcium availability during fruit formation is referred to as pedicel hydraulic resistance.”

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demand for calcium exceeds supply. The occurrence of BER is usually preceded by a period of water and calcium supply stress that hinders or stunts the fruit at critical stages of growth.

New fruit in the beginning stages develop internal distribution networks of cells and pathways within the pedicle, stalk or peduncle called vacuoles or membranes. Development of adequate membranes for distribution of xylem flow into the fruit just after pollination is vital. Plants grown at low water availability in the root environment have been found to have xylems with higher resistance, diminished pathways and membranes leading into fruit. The circumstances causing restricted calcium availability during fruit formation is referred to as pedicel hydraulic resistance. This basic limiting factor might eventually progress to the early demise of many fruit near or at maturity. This assumes young developing fruit deprived of calcium during rapid growth are left crippled with reduced xylem flow and limited calcium importation abilities. This translates into deformation of the calcium highway that transports flow into the fruit. The condition is thought to persist into the fruit’s maturity.

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calcium highway

“Avoiding drought stress and wide fluctuations in soil moisture by using mulches and irrigation is important.”

Drought stress and soil moisture Soil moisture content plays a critical role in the movement of calcium in the soil and its uptake by roots. Without sufficient soil moisture, calcium mobility will be lost in the root zone.

On the other hand, soil that is too wet results in anaerobic conditions, further restricting intake. Calcium is absorbed only by young adventitious root tips in which the cell walls of the epidermis are unsuberized. Suberin is a waxy, corklike substance through which water and nutrients cannot move. Formation of suberin layers serve to protect plant root surfaces from water loss. Once the suberin layer develops in these cells, water and calcium can no longer be absorbed in sufficient quantities necessary to sustain increased fruit size.

Avoiding drought stress and wide fluctuations in soil moisture by using mulches and irrigation is important. Even a brief soil-water deficit can disrupt water and nutrient flow in the plant. If this occurs while fruit is developing, future blossom-end rot will likely develop. Plants generally need about 1 in. of moisture per week from rain or irrigation. Even more is required during drying winds to ensure proper growth and development. Additionally, excessive evaporative leaf canopy stress from warm days with low humidity and drying winds contributes to BER by increasing the demand for xylem flow.

Suitably tested, quality irrigation water should be used during this time. Irrigation water might be a required treatment, with a pH as low as 5.5 to release the calcium bond of bicarbonates. Commencing irrigation at the beginning of the dry spell ensures proper soil moisture throughout the intermittent climatic cycle. Slowing down sudden evaporative transpiration loss by shading plants or misting with water at frequent intervals might also lessen risk of BER. Mulching serves to maintain an even level of soil moisture and should be practiced where feasible. Caution is required as some mulches containing high ammonium nitrogen should be restricted. Leaves and straw high in carbon make the best mulches. Restrictions that limit calcium supply for transportation to the fruit ultimately lead to the demise of the plant’s offspring. Reduced uptake and movement of calcium into the root zone and fruit sinks are therefore major concerns. When compared with hot, humid days, the warm, sunny, low humid and windy days wreak havoc with the plant’s internal moisture regulation systems. This is especially true if the plant is not accustomed to the sudden change in weather.

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calcium highway

“Nitrates or calcium chelated supplements with high soluble nitrogen sources should be used sparingly, applied via foliage or the root zone by drip irrigation at low strengths, or eliminated entirely during fruit formation.”

Ammonium nitrogen and organic matter Rapid, vegetative growth due to excessive soil-applied ammonium nitrogen fertilization can cause blossom-end rot. These forms of nitrogen enhance growth, photosynthesis and fruit quality. However, ammonium ions might compete with calcium and significantly restrict its uptake.

Plants evolve in environments that normally contain less than 5% organic matter. In most of the modern, amended garden patches, soils may contain levels in excess of 10% or more. High garden soil concentrations of organic matter and the sudden influx of ammonium nitrates released from the decaying organic matter may begin to swing the soil out of balance. This, combined with the decaying beneficial microorganisms accelerating the release of competing nitrates, results in a rapid expanse of the leaf canopy. Increased photosynthesis and sudden carbohydrate production can also result in BER. Increased sink deposits enlarge fruit deprived of calcium, thereby placing stress on expanding cell walls as seen in splitting distal ends of fruit.

Avoiding fertilization of ammonia-cal forms during and prior to fruiting stages may help ease this condition. Nitrates or calcium chelated supplements with high soluble nitrogen sources should be used sparingly, applied via foliage or the root zone by drip irrigation at low strengths, or eliminated entirely during fruit formation.

Supplemented phosphate and phosphite fertilizers with calcium drenched into the root zone ensure availability and offer some protection.

Foliar applications of calcium, which are often advocated, are of little value because of poor absorption and movement to fruit where it is needed. It is not mobile and does not move from leaves to the fruits. Thus, foliar canopy sprays of calcium are generally ineffective in controlling BER. Much is yet to be learned about the role of calcium in plants, but enlisting these prevention tools can effectively combat the frustrating fruit calamity known as blossom-end rot.

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e n o Oz A Growroom

Super Tool

by Baron Wasteland Ozone is a wonderful tool for the hydroponic gardener, and if treated with respect, it will solve many growing problems and maximize efficiency in a growroom. Here is first-time Maximum Yield contributor Baron Wasteland with the full scoop on how

added ozone

can help grow great yields.

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Ozone generators are becoming more affordable and are a common feature in larger commercial growrooms. Domestic and industrial use of ozone is not new, but translating the many benefits into a grow operation deserves a little attention.

An inexpensive ozone generator is capable of saving crops from molds, battling predators, oxygenating root zones, sterilizing equipment, disinfecting entire growrooms and more.

We’ve all heard about ozone, and how the lack of it in the atmosphere caused by pollutants is a problem, so one might ask, “Isn’t using an ozone generator just going to compound climate change?” The simple answer is no. The ozone we generate in growrooms is the same stuff that protects us in the ozone layer of Earth’s atmosphere, but it won’t harm the planet.

Ozone (O3) is a triatomic molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms (instead of two in regular oxygen).

Oxygen is one of the most powerful oxidizing agents in the world, and a potent natural disinfectant 3,000 times more effective than chlorine bleach in broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Ozone is not just another cleaner, ozone is a true sterilizer. It can completely destroy impressive amounts of spores, bacteria, viruses, mold, fungus, mildew, smoke particles and other contaminants while at the same time oxidizing any dead organic materials in its path. Because ozone

has a spare, unstable oxygen molecule, as soon as it touches a pathogen, the spare atom breaks off and attacks the cell walls of the pathogen, rupturing them and killing it instantly, without hesitation or mercy.

Ozone is

not just another cleaner, ozone is a true sterilizer.”

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ozone

Ozone Safety

Get everything else completely ready before you switch on your generator. It should be the last thing you switch on before quickly leaving the growroom.”

Ozone is used in low atmospheric doses in hospital wards, offices, veterinarian rooms, commercial kitchens and factories to keep the air sterile, sterilize bedding, prevent the spread of airborne pathogens and keep the place smelling clean. People occasionally use it at home to sterilize dishes, treat various ailments and make their homes a little fresher. Because ozone is so powerful, it can be harmful to humans and pets if precautions are not taken. Ozone can be harmful to the respiratory system if breathed in in high concentrations, but the fact that it breaks down quickly allows us to work with it in relative safety. The safety aspects in this article are overly cautious, but it’s worth taking the extra care.

Fortunately, people can start to smell ozone before it becomes hazardous. The familiar smell of it is like that fresh smell after a heavy storm, which is the ozone created by electrical energy in the clouds and brought down in rain.

Choosing an Ozone Generator Choosing the correct ozone generator is important. Too small an output will be ineffective, too large will be dangerous. For an average-sized grow space, a generator with an output of around 200 to 400 mg per hour will be fine.

Huge commercial operations will need upwards of 1 g of output per hour, and micro-grows can get by with under 100 mg per hour. These are only guidelines. To really make the most of ozone, look for a generator to ozonate water, too. These models have a silicone tube attached with an air stone at the end. Most are wall mountable, but

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it is more convenient to be able to move them around.

Using an Ozone Generator Safely

You need to be switched-on and alert to safely use ozone. As a general rule in the growroom, you should never be able to smell ozone from your generator while it’s switched on. If you can smell it strongly, you are generating more ozone than you need. Switch off the machine and leave the room for at least 45 minutes while it disperses back into plain oxygen. Next time, don’t run the machine for so long.

Keep all pets away from the ozone generator while it’s running, and for at least 45 minutes after it’s been switched off. Get everything else completely ready before you switch on your generator. It should be the last thing you switch on before quickly leaving the growroom. Always connect it to a timer to switch it off after it’s finished. Some have a built-in timer, but experience says they are not always reliable.

If you need to re-enter the room while the generator is running, hold your breath.

Ozone is safe for humans if it’s not breathed in. It’s a good idea to make sure a friend is around, just in case.

Consider buying an ORP (oxidation reduction potential) sensor to monitor safe ozone levels in your growroom.

If just using the generator to oxygenate water or oil, consider running it in an outbuilding. Close the door of your growroom to keep the ozone contained. Tell anyone else in the house before you use ozone, so they can also stay clear of the room.

Practical Uses of Ozone Sterilizing Your Room and Kit Sterilizing your room and equipment

is one of the biggest hassles of being a grower. Ozone acts as a magic bullet that cuts out such soggy labor. You will still have to manually clean up debris with hot water first, but that’s the hard part done. Let equipment dry, and then stack it up so air can circulate freely around it. Include things like scalpels, pruners, pH meters, screens and fans because ozone sterilizes everything.

Position your generator in the center of the room and switch on some circulating fans. It doesn’t have to be blowing a gale in there, but the air needs to circulate around the entire room. If you have a generator with a tube attached for ozonating water, great! You can set up your nutrient tanks and hydroponic system now, and run the pumps with plain cold water. Attach the end of the generator’s tube to an air stone and put it in your nutrient tank. Now you can sterilize the entire room and your nutrient delivery system in one easy move.

Set up a timer to switch off after 30 to 45 minutes. Plug your generator into it and turn it on. Hold your breath to avoid breathmake the most of ing the ozone in as ozone, look for a you quickly check the generator to ozonate air stone is bubbling ozone into the water, water, too.” and then leave the room immediately. The generator will switch off after one hour, and the room will be safe to re-enter an hour harmful to the after that. If your respiratory system if growroom is in breathed in in high the main part of concentrations, but the the house, then fact that it breaks down it’s probably a quickly allows us to work good idea to open

To really

Ozone can be

with it in relative safety.”

the windows to allow any leaking ozone to escape. That’s it! Your room will smell incredibly clean and is now completely sterile, ready for your next grow.

Inline Odor Control The most common use of ozone by growers is inside the ventilation ducting with a carbon filter. This gives an extra insurance against unwanted odors escaping. This works great and is a belt-and-braces addition to odor control. This method is also completely safe because the ozone is immediately extracted through ventilation into the outside, leaving no possibility of ozone buildup inside the growroom. For this set-up you need a medium output inline generator to place inside your ducting. Here the ozone molecules mix with the smelly

The ozone we

generate in growrooms is the same stuff that protects us in the ozone layer of Earth’s atmosphere, but it won’t harm the planet.”

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ozone plant terpenes inside the pipe. In an ideal world, you would have this inline ozone system paired with a portable ozone generator.

Ozonated Water If you buy a generator with a tube and air stone option, then you can ozonate water. This is a fantastic way to ensure your root zone stays healthy and lets you disinfect a hydroponic system with your plants still installed.

Working with ozonated water is much safer than using it in the air. When ozone is bubbled through water, the unstable molecule behaves as it does in the air, attaching itself to any singlecelled pathogen and killing it instantly.

The by-product of this is pure residual oxygen in the water. Once all the pathogens are gone, the ozone actually starts to be absorbed into the water too, where its power can be harnessed.

When using a 400-mg ozone generator, place the air stone at the bottom of the water container and ozonate for

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around two minutes per liter of fluid.

If possible, do this in open air as to not breathe ozone. Use the water right away, as the ozone starts to break down into oxygen over 30 minutes. Once you have ozonated water you can really do some amazing things with it, such as: • Spray it directly on your plants to kill any spores, rust spots, fungus, powdery mildew or bud rot. It is safe to use at any time in the flowering period because there are no chemicals.

• Immediately dip fresh cuttings in the solution for 30 seconds to sterilize them before dipping in rooting hormone.

This improves strike rate dramatically.

• Dip pots, syringes, pipettes, meters, drippers, pumps, connectors and anything else that goes near your plants in the solution for one minute to sterilize safely.

• Pour it straight into your root zone to give a massive oxygen boost and sterilize the rhizosphere.

• When you change your solution, ozonate the fresh nutrient solution

thoroughly before running it through the system, disinfecting everything and giving the plants a huge oxygen boost.

Working with ozonated water is more forgiving than ozonated air. You can safely handle it, and people with skin complaints may actually find it helps a lot, as it gently keeps skin sterile.

There is no point in using organic nutrients or supplements in freshly ozonated solution, as the ozone will kill any beneficial bacteria too, including trichoderma. If your supplement isn’t compatible with liquid oxygen, it’s not compatible with freshly ozonated water. But, because ozone only remains active in water for up to 45 minutes before turning back to oxygen, you can still use organics if you wait for an hour or so after running the ozone through your system, and get the best of both worlds.

No More Bud Rot An ozone generator can save crops from botrytis and other pathogens,

even if it’s already started to weave its gray web around plants. It does this quickly without adding any toxic chemicals at all. Here’s how to go about it: • At the first sign of mold, physically remove any infected material from the room.

• Switch off your extractor fan but leave your circulation fans running. (You will need to set a timer to switch your extractor back on in about 15 minutes).

• When using a 400-mg per hour generator, try running it for 30 to 45 seconds per square meter of enclosed grow space and then switching it off. If you have a machine with a tube outlet, you can attach it directly to a circulation fan for maximum spread.

• Leave the extractor fan off for 15 minutes afterwards, but make sure the circulation fans are moving lots of air around inside.

building up

too high a concentration of ozone in a room can cause plant damage to the stomata, resulting in burnt leaves, especially at the tips and wider shade leaves closest to the generator.”

When ozone is

bubbled through water, the unstable molecule behaves as it does in the air, attaching itself to any single-celled pathogen and killing it instantly.”

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ozone

• After the extractor fan has been on for 15 minutes, open your tent and look at the mold. Instead of looking a vibrant, fluffy gray, it should now look brown, crusty and dead.

• If mold is more progressive, you may need to run the ozone for longer. For serious infestations, run for up to an hour without the extractor on.

• Dispose of any previously infected matter. Although the mold is no longer active, it shouldn’t be ingested.

Inspect every plant thoroughly, and if there is any mildew alive, repeat the process. Be aware that building up too high a concentration of ozone in a room can cause plant damage to the stomata, resulting in burnt leaves, especially at the tips and wider shade leaves closest to the generator. There have also been reports of it damaging the delicate trichomes with major overuse.

Tread carefully, using it sparingly yet often to prevent contamination, and you will be OK. You might have to toss a few plants if they were infected already, but it will not spread and you have saved your crop from death or early harvest. Check your plants for new mold thoroughly every day for a week, and if you spot any new stuff, repeat the process.

Battle Spider Mites Spider mites spread fast and are tough to beat. A higher level of ozone will break down the respiratory systems of spider mites and kill them. Be warned that the levels you need to run ozone at to kill spider mites may cause plant damage, but spider mites will cause worse damage.

In Conclusion Ozone is a wonderful tool for the hydroponic gardener.

If treated with respect, it can troubleshoot many problems and maximize efficiency in a growroom.

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AD

Green thumb gardening

Deep water culture is a method of growing plants hydroponically where the plant’s roots are suspended in a solution of nutrient-rich, oxygenated water. Here’s everything the first-time hydroponic gardener needs to know about this growing system.

by Matt LeBannister

A Deep

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Look At Deep Water Culture

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Making the choice to garden using hydroponics is an easy one. The advantages of hydroponic gardening over traditional methods using soil and soilless mediums are numerous.

Plants grown using hydroponic methods grow faster and healthier, meaning larger yields and quicker crop rotations. Hydroponics is a cleaner way to grow—keeping soil out of the growroom means less root-borne insects, less work keeping your room tidy and no more trips to your local hydroponic retailer for large, cumbersome bales of soil/soilless mixes, which also means more money in your pocket. Hydroponic methods also use less water than traditional methods.

The difficulty once you have decided to grow plants hydroponically is choosing which method is right for you. There are so many options out there, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. One of the easiest and most effective methods for the firsttime hydroponic gardener is the deep water culture system, sometimes called the direct water culture system.

Since the roots are directly in the hydroponic nutrient solution, you need to match the plant area with an equally large reservoir.”

What is DWC?

Deep water culture is a hydroponic method of gardening. There are various DWC systems, but the basics remain the same. Some are single plants in individual buckets while others have drilled out trays that fit multiple plants above a larger reservoir. The hydroponic solution is aerated by an air pump and an aquarium air stone. Like all hydroponic systems, you must balance the pH of your water between 5.8 and 6.4.

Start your seeds or clones in a hydroponic medium such as rockwool. Once there is significant root growth—an inch or two out the bottom of the starter cube—the plant can be placed in a grow basket and surrounded by another hydroponic medium such as expanded clay, volcanic rock or diatomaceous earth.

These mediums are inert and will anchor the plant and wick up water. The basket containing the plant is placed directly above the reservoir containing the

hydroponic nutrient solution so that the baskets are barely in contact with the water and roots are slightly submerged.

At first you must mix your nutrient solution at quarter strength. This will keep plants from burning, but it will also coax the roots to grow downwards into the reservoir in search of nutrients.

As the roots grow you can gradually increase the nutrient dosage to half strength then to full strength.

DWC Pros

There are numerous reasons to try a DWC system.

These systems are compact, making them a great choice for people with limited space to grow, like a closet or a small countertop.

DWC systems can be more affordable for the first-time hydroponic grower. You don’t need a water pump since the roots are directly in the water, the systems can be easily made from buckets, kiddy pools or anything else you can cut a hole into and suspend a plant from, and growing mediums such

as expanded clay can be cleaned and reused.

DWC systems are easy to use and maintain. Other methods such as flood and drain tables require the grower to make sure they are flooding often enough so the plants don’t dry out, but not so often the plants drown. Expandable drip and aeroponic systems also require closer attention than DWC. You must make sure the drippers and sprayers are not becoming clogged and that they are all spraying and dripping evenly.

DWC Cons

There are a few drawbacks to DWC systems. The main limitation is the size of the system. Since the roots are directly in the hydroponic nutrient solution, you need to match the plant area with an equally large reservoir.

For instance, if you want to grow in a 4-ft. by 4-ft. space, you need a 4-ft. by 4-ft. reservoir. The tray and reservoir must be together, so weight can be an issue if you want to keep the system off the floor.

DWC systems are not expandable—the plants are fixed in place and they cannot be spread out to prevent crowding or shading, whereas other systems like flood and drain and expandable drip systems can be expanded. The roots of plants grown in DWC systems will inevitably become tangled with each other, making moving them around without causing root damage impossible.

For those adventurous gardeners looking to take the leap from traditional container gardening to hydroponic gardening, deep water culture systems are the logical first step.

You will get great results and begin to amass the knowledge required to become a successful hydroponic gardener.

Matt LeBannister developed a green thumb as a child, having been born into a family of experienced gardeners. During his career, he has managed a hydroponic retail store and represented leading companies at the Indoor Gardening Expos as a marketer. Matt has been writing articles for Maximum Yield for more than five years.

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Seed

Saving

by Chris Bond

A good way to save money and ensure that you don't rely on genetically modified seeds is to start collecting seeds from your own plants.

Chris Bond has the details.

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Seed saving

As concerns about genetically modified organisms continue to rise, the hobby grower may not want to rely on genetically engineered seeds. The solution is deceptively simple, and, like all simple things, can be difficult to implement effectively: collect and save your own seeds.

Before starting your own seed bank, however, know that for all of the benefits, there are some drawbacks to seed saving. For better or worse, seeds are modified to achieve a variety of desirable traits, such as improved disease and pest resistance and increased cold tolerance.

Other traits bred into these seeds include uniformity of size and color.

When you begin to save seeds, make sure that the varieties of plants that you cull your seed from are native or hardy for your area.

Hybrid seeds should not be confused with GMO seeds—hybrid plants are cultivated by crossing two or more species with desirable traits, while GMO seeds have been altered at the molecular level to achieve a trait that would not be achievable through hybridization. Seeds from hybrid plants should not be saved, as they will not yield traits that were displayed by the plant they originated from.

The seed from hybrid plants may develop into either of its parent plants, or some combination of the two. There is nothing unsafe about hybrid seeds per se, but you probably won't obtain the results you are seeking.

Many heirloom varieties of plants fell out of favor with commercial seed suppliers because they are only suited for specific climates. Use this to your advantage and find varieties traditionally grown in your area. These will be cold hardy or conversely heat tolerant to your climatic zone.

Benefits

of Seed Saving • Preserves historic and heirloom varieties of plants that may be facing extinction • Contributes to the biodiversity of flora and fauna in your area • Produces fruits and vegetables of unmatched flavor and freshness • Practice is cheap or even free, as you are taking seeds from plants or fruits that you already have • Can be done year after year

Drawbacks

of Seed Saving • Can lose saved seed to fungus and disease if not properly handled and stored • Fruit may not yield true to type if seeds are saved from hybrid or GMO plants • Plants from saved seeds may not have disease, pest or cold tolerance if they were culled from GMO or hybridized seed • May be illegal if patented seed is saved (only save seeds from heirloom, heritage or non-patented plants)

“When you begin to save seeds, make sure that the varieties of plants that you cull your seed from are native or hardy for your area.”

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Seed saving

“The most widely accepted year serving as the cut-off for whether a plant is considered an heirloom or not is 1951. Many seeds introduced on the market since then are hybrid or genetically modified seeds.”

How to tell if a plant is an heirloom variety

Selecting Suitable Plants Pollination considerations To know when to collect a desired plant’s seeds, it is important to understand how the plant is pollinated and when it develops its seed. When growing indoors, it is especially helpful to know if a plant is self-pollinated or requires some help, since natural pollinators such as birds, insects and wind are not present.

Plants such as beans, peas and tomatoes are self-pollinated.

Seeds from these plants can be collected when they set their fruit, which is the seed-bearing vessel. Other types of plants, including root vegetables like beets and carrots and leafy vegetables such as spinach and Swiss chard are openpollinated, meaning the plants are pollinated by birds, insects, wind or other natural mechanisms. These plants set seed after they flower. Some should be left in the soil and allowed to flower to collect seeds.

The indoor grower can play the role of the hummingbird or honeybee with a small paint brush or an electric toothbrush. When open-pollinated plants are in flower and producing their pollen, gently swab the flowers and do the same from flower to flower.

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If a plant is not readily identifiable as an heirloom, it may take a bit of research to establish its origins. All heirloom plants have some or all of the following characteristics: • The plant's seed has been collected over several generations • It is native to your region • The plant is open-pollinated (some exceptions to this include the legumes and tomatoes mentioned above) The most widely accepted year serving as the cut-off for whether a plant is considered an heirloom or not is 1951.

Many seeds introduced on the market since then are hybrid or genetically modified seeds. Establishing the origin of a plant species is much like establishing the provenance for artwork. It may take some digging (pun intended) for the answers.

If the plant was germinated from a commercial packet of seeds, check the label. If it says F1, F1 Hybrid, F2 or any related term, it is not heirloom seed. F1 means the seed is from the first filial generation of a cross of plant breeds, F2 is from the second generation, and so on.

If you are not sure about the origin of a species, there are several reputable, non-profit organizations that have made it their mission to help retain these heritage and heirloom varieties and maintain vast, publicly accessible records on their websites. Do an online search for heirloom seeds and you will get millions of possible results.

Saving and Storing Seed Collecting and preparing the seed When you have decided which varieties of plants that you wish to save seeds from, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, do not be too hasty. It is better to collect seed from ripe or even over-ripe fruit than from younger fruit. The seeds in younger fruit are not fully developed and may not be viable yet. The same is true for plants that set their seeds in their flowers, though it is harder to collect young seeds from these plants, as they will not come off easily until they are ready to.

Only save seeds from healthy plants. A diseased plant may not produce seeds with acceptable vigor or germination rates. Seeds should be collected from many plants of the same variety if possible to ensure robust and productive seeds.

The process of seed collecting and curing varies depending upon whether wet or dry seeds are collected. Wet seeds are those collected from the center of fruits such as tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkins. Dry seeds are those collected from seed pods such as peas or those collected from flowers such as onions and radishes.

“It is better to collect seed from ripe or even over-ripe fruit than from younger fruit. The seeds in younger fruit are not fully developed and may not be viable yet.”

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Seed saving

Wet seed collecting 1. Scoop out seeds from the desired fruit. Place them in a plastic bag or humid environment to favor fermentation.

A fuzzy mold will appear on the seeds within three to five days. This is normal and should be expected.

2. After the seed has fermented, clean off the mold and wash the seeds.

3. Place the cleaned seeds in a bowl or sink filled with water.

Discard any seeds that float; the desirable seeds are the ones that have sunk to the bottom. These seeds have more nutrients in their storehouse and are more likely to produce healthy, vigorous plants.

4. Collect the seeds and rinse them off in a strainer.

5. Allow the seeds to completely dry before attempting to store them. Adequate air circulation is a necessity. Both sides of the seed need to be devoid of any moisture. A fan can be used to speed up the process.

Dry seed collecting Dry seeds can be left on the plant until ready to be collected. For podded seeds, open the pod and put the seeds into a container. For seeds that develop from flowers, shake off loose seeds into a container. For seeds that are not ready to come off the plant, follow these steps: 1. Tie a bag around the flower head to collect seeds as they fall off of the flower.

2. Thresh the seed after collecting it. This is the process of separating the seed from the protective sheath known as the chaff. This can be done while the seeds are still in the bag. Place the bag of seed on a cutting board or flat surface and gently crush the seeds or run a rolling pin over the bag.

3. Winnow the seed after threshing. This is the process of cleaning off the chaff after threshing. Empty the bag of seed and chaff, and collect the seed only for storage.

Discard or compost the rest.

Seed Storage After your seeds have been thoroughly dried, it is time to store them until next season. For indoor growers, the seed need not be stored, but can be sown right away and the process can begin anew.

All seeds should be stored in a dry atmosphere. A good rule of thumb is that the sum of the temperature and the percentage of humidity should not exceed 100°F. For example, a cellar with a temperature of 60°F and a humidity level of 40% is acceptable. Lower temperatures and a lower humidity will keep the stored seed viable for longer.

Seeds should be separated by variety and stored in envelopes. Label each package with the date of storage and variety of plant the seed was collected from. Many seeds look similar and it can be difficult to separate them by sight alone. Store these envelopes in an airtight container.

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“Place the cleaned seeds in a bowl or sink filled with water.

Discard any seeds that float; the desirable seeds are the ones that have sunk to the bottom.”

Suitable storage areas include the refrigerator, cellars, drawers and even freezers. If there is any risk of insect or pest eggs being collected with the seed, a dusting of an organic material known as diatomaceous earth can be safely applied to the seeds prior to storage. Diatomaceous earth is a rock dust that consists of pulverized fossils. This material acts as an insecticide by wicking away the moisture from insects, causing their death by dehydration. There are no synthetic chemicals in diatomaceous earth and it is fully compatible with organic food production.

Seed viability and germination rates decline over time and even when properly stored, germination starts to decrease after one to two years, so seeds should be planted as soon as the ground can be worked, or when appropriate growing media is prepared.

“Seed viability and germination rates decline over time and even when properly stored, germination starts to decrease after one to two years.”

Summing it all up Seed saving can be a fun and educational endeavor. It is a good tool to teach about heritable traits as well as inherited traits of plants. The practice can be a way to save money every year and help take control of the food you and your family eat. It is also a great way to avoid genetically modified, commercial seeds that may or may not be safe for consumption.

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Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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tips & tricks

A necessary but often cumbersome job between crop cycles is cleaning up your growroom.

We've got some tips to help make this task a little less arduous.

Art

The

of Cleaning: A Tribute to Charlie Watson

by Charles Winslow & Madelyn Ritrosky 146

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

Most of you out there are probably like us when it comes to clean-up. You love to grow plants, but cleaning up the mess afterward? Ha! Get real.

Because clean-up has never been one of our first loves—we're sure it isn’t yours, either—we have outlined several ways to help make the job easier: • Recruit a couple youngsters in the neighborhood. Throw a handful of change into the dirty reservoir units when they’re filled with soapy water for the first washing, and make it into a competition between the kids to see who can grab the most coins.

• Soak everything with an enzyme cleaner for about 20 minutes. This will enable you to remove the stuck-on grunge in the next step.

• Use power tools to fully remove all crusty grime and save time.

Charlie Watson, founder of The Grow Store in Colorado and one of the old-timers in our industry, introduced us to a great enzyme cleaner he brought into the market a number of years ago. The enzyme cleaner will cut through even the toughest build-up. There are several brand names out on the market now, where the enzyme literally eats through the grime. Charlie passed away unexpectedly in 2010, so this article is a tribute to him for his hard work in developing this kind of product. Charlie’s enzyme cleaner has saved us days and days of clean-up. An effective way to apply an enzyme cleaner is with a power or pump sprayer—not a power washer.

Clean up a dirty growroom using tools found in a clean-up kit (pictured second from left), which includes bleach, tri-sodium phosphate, soap, enzyme cleaner, rubber gloves, safety glasses, a power washer, a power or pump sprayer, a rotary cleaner and scouring pads. Top photos submitted.

One of the things we have learned over the years is how important it is to keep your growroom as clean and orderly as possible to help isolate bug problems early on. Never bring in any plants that have been outside.

Never bring in other people’s plants.

If you can start plants from seed or clone, you minimize bug problems.

Sometimes we buy plants, but just remember that means the possibility of bringing along pesky little travelers who have hitched a ride.

It is a good idea to clean out everything between crop cycles. That includes mopping the floor with a 1:10 bleach/water mix. Using rockwool as your growing medium eliminates the need to clean pots, which is always a plus. Power washers work well for heavy-duty trays and reservoirs, but they do not work at all for standard flats, pots, pumps, Bato buckets and tubing.

Power washers are too strong for the lighter plastics and smaller items. We use a hose with different sprayer attachments rather than a power washer, or a hand-held rotary cleaner works well also. If you don’t have a rotary cleaner, you can use scouring pads.

We generally make the reservoir and larger trays into temporary washing and soaking tubs for all the smaller items.

We leave standard flats to soak overnight in a stronger bleach solution, and then dump that solution into the

“Charlie’s enzyme cleaner has saved us days and days of clean-up.” reservoirs for the mass clean-up. Never mix together bleach, ammonia or scouring powders because they form mustard gas, which is deadly to breathe.

Our preferred cleaner is tri-sodium phosphate (TSP), which can be found at any hardware store and many hydroponic stores. TSP is a non-toxic, biodegradable, general purpose cleaner, whereas the purpose of bleach is to sterilize everything.

So, there’s a handy outline for the part we hydroponic gardeners like least— cleaning up. You can incorporate all

or some of these options, depending on the scope of your grime. The key to choosing cleaners and cleaning tools is, of course, choosing the ones that best fit your needs.

Charles Winslow, CEO of GW Worldwide LLC, has a BS from Cal Poly. He has been principal in multiple start-ups and expansions including BWGS/Sunleaves, Penhall International, Furrows. He currently works with international companies developing JV's, co-ventures and helping develop new technologies for energy reduction for horticulture, lighting and buildings.

Contact gw.worldwide@yahoo.com

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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Getting

by Kyle L. Ladenburger

Hoppy

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Hops, the female flowers of the plant Humulus lupulus, are best known for the bitter, tangy flavor they lend to beer.

Kyle Ladenburger has the scoop on how to grow your own at home.

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getting hoppy

“Hops and beer have been rather close companions and it’s hard to think of one without thinking of the other.”

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The story of the hops plant (Humulus lupulus) is deeply rooted in both time and tradition.

Far before hops ever even met beer, there was documented proof of their use by humans. As far back as the time of the Romans, the flowering cones of the female hops plant are said to have been used in helping relieve people suffering from conditions such as anxiety and insomnia. Way before anyone even thought of adding hops to beer, people were adding them to tea for their soothing effects. Thanks to science we now know that this is partially due to the small levels of the chemical dimethylvinyl carbinol, a chemical with slight sedative-like effects, found in hops.

It wasn’t until the year 822 AD that written evidence of using hops in the making of beer came to be. A man by the name of Abbot Adalhard from the Benedictine monastery of Corbie in the Picardy region of northern France set on paper a list of rules by which to run the abbey. Included in this set of rules was the direction to add hops to the beer they were brewing. Since then, hops and beer have been rather close companions and it’s hard to think of one without thinking of the other. Beer without hops is rather sweet and the addition of hops to beer adds a mild bitterness as well as some flavor and aroma. And the good news is that anyone can become a part of this timehonored tradition by growing their own hops at home. It’s rewarding, especially if you brew your own beer, and it’s surprisingly easy to do.

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getting hoppy

The hops plant grows upwards as a vine and is a hardy perennial member of the flowering plant family Cannabaceae. For growing at home, plants breed through asexual reproduction by means of their rhizomes (roots). A rhizome is similar to a bulb, like one would find with a tulip or iris, just different in shape. As the hops plant grows each year, so does its roots or rhizomes. Each year the growers of hops will dig down to the roots and split the rhizomes to prevent the base of the hops plant from spreading too far. These unearthed rhizomes are then sold online and in brewing supply stores for us to grow at home.

The reason they are reproduced this way is to ensure that the gender of the plant will be female because only the female plants will grow the beautiful burr that turns into the hops flower or cone. By splitting a rhizome from a known female plant, the grower removes any doubt of the coming plant's sex.

Usually the only time hops are grown from seed is when the grower wishes to cross-pollinate two different varieties to create a new distinct breed. In the first year, plants grown from a new rhizome will not deliver sprawling monster vines and tons of hops. The plants may not even flower in that first year. But as the years go by, the yields get bigger. The hops plant reaches maturity at around its third year. From

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then on it is possible to grow giant plants with massive yields.

Growing Hops at Home

The first step in growing your own hops is to acquire some rhizomes.

Rhizomes typically start hitting store shelves in March. Keep in mind that you can't plant until the ground thaws and the risk of frost has subsided, so rhizomes purchased that early will have to be kept in a refrigerator to maintain freshness. Be sure to plant the rhizomes as soon as the ground is thawed and ready to be worked because a successful hops crop requires a minimum of 120 frost-free days, so it is ideal to plant them as early in the season as possible, and no later than May. Hops love a well-draining soil, so if needed add soil amendments, like compost, to improve soil tilth. Many growers build small mounds of soil to plant in to ensure proper drainage of excess water. When planting multiple plants of the same variety, space the mounds 3-ft. apart. If the plants are a mix of varieties, space those 5-ft. apart to help avoid getting different vines tangled up together, which can create a real hassle come harvest time. Plant the rhizomes at a depth of around 4 in. or so with the little buds on the rhizomes pointing up. I have had great success incorporating mycorrhizal inoculants at the time of planting.

After the rhizomes are in the ground,

“Be sure to plant the rhizomes

as soon as the ground is thawed and ready to be worked because

a successful hops crop requires a

minimum of 120 frost-free days,”

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153

getting hoppy cover with soil and water thoroughly. The growing vines should breech the soil within a week or so. Most hops plants love sunlight, so plant the rhizomes in a location that gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. And make sure the location for growing has plenty of vertical room because the hops vine can grow very tall.

Caring for a Growing Hops Plant

As little vines begin to emerge from the soil, the first thing a grower should be

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Neptune’s Harvest 800.259.4769 | www.neptunesharvest.com

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worried about is watering, specifically when to water and how much. The root system of a first-year hops plant will be small so it’s important to water frequently but in small dosages. This may mean watering daily if there has been little rainfall. With plants that are two years and older, the root systems are much more established and it is better to water less frequently—only two or three times a week during dry periods—but with a higher dosage level.

Established hops plants benefit from what is referred to as a deep watering. Using a method such as drip line irrigation gives the grower the ability to water slowly but for long periods of time, allowing the water to be absorbed deeply into the soil. As the plants grow bigger and start forming flowers, it may help to increase the amount of water dispersed with each watering, because at the time of maturity the hops flower is composed of around 70% water.

As mentioned earlier, hops like to climb and they are darn good at it. It is imperative that the grower build some sort of trellis or maybe even just a pole in the ground with some strong twine

“make sure the location for growing

has plenty of vertical room because the hops vine can grow very tall.”

or wire tied at the top of the pole going down to the base of the plant. When the vines reach about 1-ft. long, begin training them to the trellis or twine.

It is possible to run vines horizontally, similar to a grapevine, but this method takes much more attention and vine training because they will want, with all their might, to grow straight up. For first-year plants, allow all of the emerging vines to grow. This vigorous growth will help grow and establish the root system and prepare it for the dormant season and, subsequently, next year’s growth. For the years to follow, the most common advice is to heavily prune the plant until only two or three vines per plant are allowed to grow. A hops vine can grow as tall as 25 ft. in one season, so it is beneficial to fertilize. It is a good idea to mix a slow release granular fertilizer into the soil when planting but not a must.

Applying a fertilizer with a balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), like a 10-10-10, once a month will increase growth and yield significantly.

For the organic grower, use a mixture of liquid fish emulsion, sea kelp extract and humic acid. Apply directly to the roots at the base of the plant—not the leaves—about once a month.

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getting hoppy

When to harvest

Hops usually begin forming flowers or cones around middleto-late July but there can be slight variations between different varieties when it comes to harvesting times. Making a note of how long each type will take to mature will give the grower an idea of when they may be ready. The time-tested way to know when hops are ready for harvest is to use and trust one's senses. A ripe hops cone will be a lighter green when compared to one yet to reach maturation. But sight can only show so much. The next step is touch. Remove a cone from the vine—don’t worry, it is a worthy sacrifice when trying to pinpoint the exact peak of ripeness. Give the hops a little squeeze. If they feel somewhat soft and are slow to puff back up after being compressed, then they are not ready.

If that little cone feels more brittle and paper-like, and if, when squeezed, it pops back to its original shape with ease, then that cone may be ready to harvest. But, to be completely sure of its readiness, one must bring in the most sensitive of the senses: smell.

Smashing the cone between one's fingers and even tearing the little cone to pieces should unleash a strong grassy scent. After being smashed and torn, a ripe hops flower will make your fingers sticky from the yellow pollen, known as lupulin.

“Fresh hops can be used for making

both beer and tea, but they must be used quickly before they go bad.”

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Fresh hops can be used for making both beer and tea, but they must be used quickly before they go bad. If the hops are to be used at a later date, which is likely with a large harvest, they should be dried first and then stored in a freezer. They can be dried on a dehydrator but not for too long. On a dehydrator they may only take a couple hours to dry, anything longer may ruin the quality of the hops. Another way to dry them is to build a frame with some two-by-fours, cover the area in the center of the frame with screen, place the hops on the screen and position a fan to blow the air around them.

This method may take more time to dry than a dehydrator but it is an easier way to ensure the quality of the hops. Once they are all dried, place them in an air-tight container and store them in the freezer. Food saver-style vacuum seal bags work great.

After the harvest is done and the hops are either used or in storage, it is now time to sit back, relax and consider yourself initiated into the time-honored tradition that is growing hops.

Warning! The hops flower/ cone can be poisonous to dogs, so to stay on the safe side, keep any four-legged friends away from the plants.

This article is dedicated to the memory of J.T. Holden, a great writer and friend, who always reminded me that it’s OK to be a little weird.

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book review

the

Grower’s HANDBOOK

Teachings of The Garden Sage

At first glance, The Grower’s Handbook by David Robinson, a.k.a. The Garden Sage, appears to be too small to be comprehensive, but contained in its small package is evidence that growing plants doesn’t have to be complex, and success doesn’t require a giant textbook.

The Grower’s Handbook is a concise grow guide specializing in high-energy plants that produce fruit and flowers. Within its straightforward pages, David keeps things short and simple, almost blunt in fact. “We must ensure that the nutrient requirements of our plants are met. I teach that the factors that go into maximum yield are, in order of importance: genetics, environment and cultural practices, [before] nutrients and additives,” David writes.

After 15 years in the industry, David calculates he has spent more than 40,000 of his waking hours dealing with the world of gardening. He decided to wrap up all of that experience into The Grower’s Handbook, which starts off with a brief biology lesson. He follows that with a short discussion on photosynthesis, which he David Robinson represents as has worked the triangle of full-time on the photosynthesis. retail floors of The triangular busy hydroponic diagram simply stores for more shows that all of than 15 years, the components which has of photosyntheallowed him to sis (light energy, handle a wide carbon dioxide variety of challenging situations. Highly and water/nutrisought out for his valued consultation, ents) are equally David a.k.a. The Garden Sage, has improved countless yields and directed the set-up of thousands of different gardens.

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necessary to maintain plant health, and it’s a model that David refers to throughout.

Along with photosynthesis, there are sections devoted to water and irrigation, pH, grow media, nutrients, hydroponics, integrated pest management, propagation, pruning and more. Within each of these sections, David has a few growing mantras that he stresses. Among them are his belief that moving water is healthy water, and that it is easy to put food in, but hard to take it out. Keeping these things in mind, David devotes portions of his book to getting things right from the get-go. But, if things do go wrong, he also includes a chapter called “Problems and What to Do About Them” that is a great guide for those looking for an instant answer to a situation they’ve already identified.

“This book is a must for any beginner to expert indoor gardener. It’s a lifetime of knowledge and dedication to the love of plants.”

—Justin Cooper, Green Planet Wholesale David has paired his simple advice with basic diagrams to assist in showing growers exactly what to do. They are simple sketches that, like the book’s editorial, don’t overcomplicate instructions. If you ever have questions for your indoor garden retail shop operator, but don’t have the time to stop by in person, it’s likely the answer can be found in The Grower’s Handbook, available at select hydroponic retail stores. Visit amazon.com and thegardensage.com for more information on how to get your copy.

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10 FACTS ON... CALCIUM

BY PHILIP MCINTOSH

1.

Calcium, atomic symbol Ca, is a soft, silvery-gray metal with the atomic number 20. It is essential to both plants and animals.

2.

Discovered by Humphry Davy in 1808, calcium is a little harder than lead, and the metal would make a decent electrical conductor if it wasn’t so highly reactive.

3.

The name calcium is derived from the Latin calcis, meaning lime, which makes sense, since calcium carbonate sedimentary rock is called limestone.

4.

Calcium functions in plant cells as the divalent cation (positively charged) Ca2+ and is important for the structure of cell walls and membranes for balancing negatively charged ions and as a signaling molecule.

6.

The concentration of calcium in plant dry matter can range from about 0.5% to as much as 3%.

8.

9.

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7.

5.

Plant requirements for calcium vary greatly, but it is required in a large enough amount that it is not considered a micronutrient.

Sea water contains quite a bit of dissolved Ca, so it is not surprising that seaweeds—especially kelp—contain the most calcium of any plant-based food for humans.

Calcium is most commonly provided in nutrient solutions in the form of calcium nitrate at about 200 ppm. But since calcium can exist in appreciable amounts in hard water, the feed water Ca concentration should be checked first.

Calcium deficiency symptoms include dark discoloration of leaf tips and ragged or otherwise misshapen leaves. Roots are also susceptible with deficiency causing them to turn brown. Blossomend rot of fruit is also caused by lack of calcium.

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

10.

Calcium toxicity is rare but if there is too much Ca available to a plant, it can upset the ionic balance and cause symptoms of potassium or magnesium deficiency.

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15 years and still growing strong.

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movers & shakers

Biobizz staff at a recent tradeshow.

communications director. “We are concerned daily about the research and development of our fertilizers in order to know for sure that we are using the best ingredients available. The fact that we deliver to partners spread out over all continents allows us to make Biobizz products available for everyone.”

Who’s Who Biobizz is one of those companies in the gardening industry that just keeps on growing. Here for Maximum Yield, the company shares more information on its partnership with The Hanze University in the Netherlands, and its support of the JustDiggIt program.

Since its humble beginnings in 1992, the Biobizz name has spread across the world and the company now operates in the Netherlands, Spain, France and North America, serving 50 countries and counting. It has made many positive contributions to the growing scene in just two short decades.

As part of Biobizz’s original commitment to ecological awareness, scientists and technicians produce soil, biological nutrients, fertilizers, stimulants and additive mixtures for plants. These products have been developed for every sensible horticulturalist, gardener or demanding user who makes a conscious decision to reject products containing chemical ingredients—which, if seen in a long-term perspective, will ultimately destroy harvests, land and the planet.

“Our vision is to make organic cultivation accessible for everyone, on every continent, country and within each community, without creating negative effects on the environment.

To achieve this vision we produce biological fertilizers of high quality,” says Astrid Nieuwenhuis, Biobizz marketing and 162

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In the early ’90s, Jetze de Raad, MSC, saw that within agriculture, there was a lack of choice when it came to natural fertilizers and substrates. With his background as a bio chemist, he developed several natural agricultural products and founded Biobizz. In 2002, Jose Luis Pinheiro Bartolo joined the company. His first direction was to develop a global management strategy with a primary task—globalization of the brand. This resulted in rapid growth on all continents and gave Biobizz a market leader position as an organic fertilizer brand in the hydroponic industry.

Nowadays, Luis’ current position is CEO and president of Biobizz worldwide incorporated.

Benefitting the Environment

By producing biological fertilizers, Biobizz contributes to the creation of a better environment for the present inhabitants of the world and for forthcoming generations, but also for all other living organisms in this world, Astrid explains. “This means that our products don’t ruin the Earth, and that the Earth actually benefits from their use.”

By creating awareness of the advantages and results of growing in a biological way, Biobizz hopes to constantly contribute to a sustainable society and world. “We are not only caring for the environment through our products—supporting a greener world is implemented in the whole company,” says Astrid.

Biobizz scientists and technicians are both ecologically aware and socially responsible; as such they use the latest technology available for constant and thorough quality inspections—not only of new products, but also their existing ones. “Each phase of the production process has been 100% developed by computer programs. This approach ensures that all our products offer a perfect, uniform blend,” explains Astrid. “Not only are our products produced as green as possible, we implement ecological awareness throughout the whole company. Our office is as paperless as possible and in all our printed material we use 100% recycled paper. Our brochures, grow schedules, maps and pens are all made of recycled materials and 100% eco paper. In our tradeshow booths, we only use ecological, biodegradable and recycled materials such as cotton, wood and reused shipping pallets.”

Giving Back

The Biobizz society assists the environment and gives back to the community in different ways by supporting projects that are carried out both worldwide and locally, shares Astrid. “One of our most recent sponsorships is JustDiggIt in Europe. JustDiggIt is a foundation established in the Netherlands that digs ditches for a greener world and to restore the climate. The world is turning into one big desert, affecting the climate as a result. The disruption of the natural balance results in water scarcity, hunger and natural disasters.

But, we can stop this process through greenification, which is what the JustDiggIt foundation is involved in.”

In dry areas, soil is so hard that rainwater cannot seep into the ground. Instead, it simply flows across the surface. By digging ditches, the rainwater can be collected and penetrate the soil. The surrounding areas become green, which enables the climate to recover. “Biobizz was inspired by this project because of its simple and effective way to restore the climate. Right now, the program has supported almost one million square meters of digging! We are supporting them during their events, and also on Facebook. For every ‘like’ we receive, we donate to JustDiggIt. So, please like our Facebook page, Biobizz WWO, and you will be supporting this great cause as well.”

Promoting Education

One of the missions of Biobizz is to always be contributing to the education of today’s youth. “It is important to educate young people about the benefits of using natural products and keeping the world clean and green. We believe education is the best investment for the future,” says Astrid. To support this mission, Biobizz has teamed up with The Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, which has invited Biobizz to host the end project of their fourth-year students.

In this project, students of several educational backgrounds have the opportunity to be involved in strategic matters that occur within the walls of Biobizz. “After years of fruitful co-operation between Biobizz and different studies, such as

Through the efforts of the JustDiggIt program, dry landscapes are transformed.

international business, engineering and marketing, we now welcome these students to take a look in Biobizz's backyard,” shares Astrid. “Biobizz is looking forward to a co-operation leading to a green and successful future for both students and the environment. Over the past six years, dozens of interns have had their place at Biobizz in different departments. Students can follow their complete internship at Biobizz, or use the experience to write their thesis.”

Looking Ahead

With such a strong set of operating principles, Biozbizz has a lot to look forward to. “We are proud of many moments over the past 21 years. We are so proud of the growth of Biobizz around the world and of the interest that we see our customers have in our products. It is so satisfying and inspiring to have such positive feedback,” Astrid says of the company’s success so far.

“We are constantly researching our market, but also developments worldwide, to create the best offers for our customers. Of course, we will also keep producing biological fertilizers of high quality and developing new products. In the future, we want everyone to enjoy the benefits of organic cultivation. To achieve this, we will continue to educate people on environmental changes and why choosing organic has many advantages.”

Keep an eye on biobizz.com where a lot of new developments will be coming up.

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

163

You tell us

Glouchester harbour with the Neptune’s Harvest building in the background (maroon building).

AT A GLANCE

Company

Neptune’s Harvest

Location

88 Commercial St., Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone

1-800-259-4769 or 1-978-281-1414

Neptune’s Harvest Organic Fertilizer was created 28 years ago by parent company Ocean Crest Seafoods Inc. to fully Ann Molloy. use the fresh fish by-product from the filleting process. Ann Molloy, director of sales and marketing, shares some information about the company’s line of organic fertilizers, soil amendments, repellents and more.

Website

Tell us a little about how your company started.

neptunesharvest.com

Years in Business 28

Motto

“Products from the ocean to set your plants in motion.”

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We are a fish wholesale company that inadvertently ended up in the organic fertilizer business. Our parent company, Ocean Crest Seafoods, needed a way to dispose of the fish remains, called gurry, which is 60 to 70% of the fish after it is filleted. At first, there was a plant in Gloucester that took the gurry and turned it into pet food, but in the early ‘80s they went out of business, leaving all the fish processors in Gloucester without anywhere to bring the gurry.

We were all paying fishermen to bring it back out to sea and dump it. This was expensive, wasteful and bad for the environment. Ocean Crest Seafoods got together with the University of Massachusetts’ Marine Science Station in Gloucester and developed the process of turning the gurry into fertilizer, which allows us to use 100% of the fish and not waste anything.

Your business is a real family affair. Can you tell us more about that and how it impacts the end product?

My father, Anthony Parco, started Ocean Crest Seafoods in 1965. All five of his children work here, along with several of his grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces. Out of our 45 employees, 16 are family. This family participation has positive impacts on our end products because we have a lot of family dependent of the success of our business, not just for themselves, but for future generations. We don’t want to sell out and leave our kids a trust fund, we want to keep the business going for future generations, like my father and grandfather did for us. Consequently, we all care more about making the best products and giving the best customer service than an average employee would. We have everything at stake.

What are your most popular products?

The Fish and Seaweed Blend and the Crab Shell are the most popular products.

What makes your natural fertilizing products unique?

Neptune’s Harvest is an organic fertilizer made from fresh North Atlantic fish. We use a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones. It also contains all the micro and macro nutrients naturally found in fish. The nitrogen and other nutrients are chelated, so they are readily available for consumption by plants. Unlike fish emulsions, Neptune’s Harvest retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor.

“ Our philosophy is to make the best organic products on the market.”

How are your products environmentally friendly?

First of all, the products are organic. We use what nature has given us, from the mineral-rich North Atlantic Ocean, which is nature’s perfect source for the nutrients plants and soil need, to make our products. Secondly, the company uses every part of each fish and shellfish, so there is no waste that is being dumped back into the ocean or sent to landfills; instead, the waste is used to help grow stronger, healthier plants.

What is your company’s philosophy?

Our philosophy is to make the best organic products on the market so that it shows amazing results and we can stand behind it; to help our customers grow the best crops possible; to give the best possible customer support; to always have a real person answer the phone during normal business hours; to treat all growers with the same respect as our biggest customer, no matter how small; to do everything we can to protect the environment and keep plants and people happy; and to keep this philosophy no matter how big we get.

Is there anything happening at the R&D stage that you’re at liberty to tell us about?

We have just applied for two grants to expand our product line into new areas. We are always listening to our customers and distributors to see what their needs are, and we try to come up with products that will help them.

Is there anything else we should know about Neptune’s Harvest?

An employee uses a vat of herring to plow the driveway at Neptune’s Harvest.

Our products really increase yield and quality of crops.

We are doing more and more tradeshows, so be sure to seek us out.

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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MAX-mART DO YOU KNOW?

1.

Aerobic compost tea should be used immediately after brewing as the useful shelf life is limited to 24 to 36 hours. For hydroponic and soil gardens, the tea can be used at full strength or diluted with non-chlorinated water at a rate of one-tenth parts water to one part tea.

2.

Hybrid seeds should not be confused with GMO seeds. Hybrid plants are cultivated by crossing two or more species with desirable traits, while GMO seeds have been altered at the molecular level to achieve a trait that would not be achievable through hybridization.

4.

When it’s time to clean a growroom, power washers work well for heavy-duty trays and reservoirs, but they do not work at all for standard flats, pots, pumps, Bato buckets and tubing. Power washers are too strong for the lighter plastics and smaller items.

6.

7.

8.

168

3.

Activated carbon quality is like octane in gasoline: you can definitely pack more of it into a given amount of weight or space. The quality is determined on a weight basis, per pound of material, through a number of tests, such as iodine number, BET surface area and butane activity.

5.

Stomata are tiny gates or pores covering a plant. While they are often on the undersides of leaves, they can be found on the upper sides and stems as well.

Hydroponic growing methods, such as deep water culture and ebb and flow systems, use less water than traditional methods.

Asparagus seeds typically germinate within 10 to 14 days under ideal temperatures between 71 to 79°F. The seedlings are fairly hardy and although lower temperatures will slow growth, the plants can handle cool conditions and are tolerant of high salinity.

Calcium is often blended in modern chelated liquid nutrients that can contain a host of fertilizers or micronutrients. It has become so popular in gardening circles, it is often included in the same breath as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK).

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

MAX mART

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors ALABAMA Alabama Organics 3348 Bethel Rd. Hammondville, AL 35989 256-635-0802 Hydro-Ponics Inc. (of Birmingham) 2969 Pelham Pkwy. Suite. 3 Pelham, AL 35124 205-358-3009

ALASKA Far North Garden Supply 2834 Boniface Parkway Anchorage, AK 99504 907-333-3141 Southside Garden Supply AK 12870 Old Seward Hwy., Unit 114 Anchorage, AK 99515 907-339-9997 Holmtown Nursery Inc. 1301 - 30th Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-451-8733 Home Grown Hydroponics 2401 East Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234 480-633-2100 Ground Control Hydroponic & Garden Supplies 1392 Ocean Dr. Homer, AK 99603 907-235-1521 Northern Lights Greenhouse & Garden Supply Suite 105-9737 Mud Bay Rd. Ketchikan, AK 9901 907-225-GROW (4769) ----------------------------------------------

Alaska Jack’s Hydroponics and Garden Supply 1150 S. Colony Way, Suite 9 Palmer, AK 99645 907-746-4774 ---------------------------------------------Peninsula Garden Supply AK 44224 Sterling Hwy., Suite 4 Soldotna, AK 99669 907-420-0401 ----------------------------------------------

Mesa Hydroponics 1720 W. Southern Ave. Suite C7 Mesa, AZ 85202 480-969-4769 The Grow Shop LLC 1733 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85006 602-340-7591 Home Grown Hydroponics 1838 W. Bell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 602-368-4005 Sea of Green West 2340 W. Bell Rd., Suite 116 Phoenix, AZ 602-504-8842 Show Low Hydroponics 1400 E. Deuce of Clubs #2 Show Low, AZ 85901 928-537-4606 ACI Hydroponics 1325 South Park Lane Tempe, AZ 85282 800-633-2137 Home Grown Hydroponics 1845 East Broadway Tempe, AZ 85282 480-377-9096 Sea of Green Hydroponics 1301 E. University Dr. Tempe, AZ 85281 800-266-4136 ----------------------------------------------

Gonzo Grow 10297 W Van Buren St., Suite 8 Tolleson, AZ 85353 623-780-GROW (4769) ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Playground 4235 W. Ina Rd., Ste. 121 Tucson, AZ USA, 85741 520-395-2052 ---------------------------------------------Sea of Green Hydroponics 402 North 4th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-6344 Sea of Green Tuscon East 7955 E. Broadway Blvd., #151.

Tucson, AZ 85710 520-751-7745 ----------------------------------------------

Alaska Jack’s Hydroponics and Garden Supply 244 S Sylvan Way, Unit 25 Wasilla, AK 99654 907-373-4757 ----------------------------------------------

CALIFORNIA

Greenleaf Hydroponics 1839 W Lincoln Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801 714-254-0005 Grow It Yourself Gardens 401 Sunset Dr., Suite F Antioch, CA 94509 925-755-GROW High Desert Hydroponics 13631 Pawnee Rd., #7 Apple Valley, CA 92308 760-247-2090 ----------------------------------------------

A Fertile World 5565 W End Rd Arcata, CA 95521 707-825-0255 ---------------------------------------------American Hydroponics 286 South G St. Arcata, CA 95521 800-458-6543 Let It Grow 160 Westwood Center Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-8733 ----------------------------------------------

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 639 6th St. Arcata, CA 95521 707-826-9998 ----------------------------------------------

Sweet Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 1041 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 805-473-0004 ---------------------------------------------Auburn Organic 4035 Grass Valley Hwy. Auburn, CA 95602 530-823-8900 Quail Mountain Ranch 230 Palm Ave. Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-2390 Tell 2 Friends Indoor Gardening 62 Sutherland Dr. Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-8171

Far North Garden Supply 300 Centaur Street Wasilla, AK 99654 907-376-7586

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

Green with Envy 3903 Patton Way #103 Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-588-8269

Mickey’s Mercantile 1303 Hwy., 65 South Clinton, AR 72031 501-412-0214

Kern Hydroponics 2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-323-7333

Old Soul Organics and More 1771 Crossover Rd. Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-444-6955

Super Starts PO Box 732 Bellmont, CA 94002 650-346-8009

Growfresh Organics & More 2900 Zero St., Suite 106 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-648-8885

Berkeley Indoor Garden 844 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94710 510-549-2918

Arizona Hydroponics 3900 E Western Dr. #D Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928-649-1138 Sea of Green Flagstaff 204 East Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-7643 Home Grown Hydroponics 2401 East Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234 480-633-2100

Fermentables 3915 Crutcher St. N. Little Rock, AR 72118 501-758-6261

The Hydro Closet 5826 West Olive Ave. #106 Glendale, AZ 85302 602-361-2049

Anuway Hydroponics 2711 W. Walnut St. Rogers, Ar 72756 479-631-0099

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----------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------

Brentwood Hydroponics & Organics 560 Valdry Ct Suite B-1 Brentwood, CA 94513 925-634-6704 ----------------------------------------------

San Diego Hydroponics North 645 Marsat Court #101 Chula Vista, CA 91911 619-737-9272 ----------------------------------------------

Hydroponics and More Inc 3519 Vandyke Rd Almont, CA 810-798-2524

Tucson Hydroponics & Organics 4235 W. Ina Rd., Suite 131 Tucson, AZ 85741 520-395-2052 ----------------------------------------------

Happy Harvesters Hydroponics 1400 S. Arizona Ave. Suite 11 Chandler, AZ 85286 480-857-8878

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Bakersfield Hydroponics Bakersfield, CA 661-808-4640

Berkeley’s Secret Garden 921 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94710 510-486-0117 The Hydroponic Connection Berkeley 2816 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702 510-704-9376

Hydro Galaxy 3314 W. Burbank Burbank, CA 91505 800-818-6128 Good To Grow & Global Garden Supply 1350 Rollins Rd. Burlingame, CA 94010 650-733-4420 Advanced Garden Supply 3113 Alhambra Dr., Unit F Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-2100 Sky High Garden Supply 3081 Alhambra Dr., Suite 105 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-4009 Precision Hydroponics 132 Kennedy Ave. Campbell, CA 95008 408-866-8176 Advanced Hydroponics 17808 Sierra Hwy. Canyon Country, CA 91351 Myron L Company 2450 Impala Dr. Carlsband, CA 9210-7226 760-438-2021; 661-299-1603 ----------------------------------------------

San Diego Hydroponics North County Coastal 6352 Corte Del Abeto #J Carlsbad, CA 92011 760-420-8934 ----------------------------------------------

The Greenhouse Garden Supply 7619 Fair Oak Blvd.

Carmichael, CA 95608 916-515-9130 thegreenhousegardensupply.com ---------------------------------------------NorCal Creations PO Box 28 Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 ----------------------------------------------

Victory Garden Supply 1900 N Lincoln St., #100 Dixon, CA 95620 707-678-5800 Watch It Grow Hydro 9453 Firestone Blvd.

Downey, CA USA 562-861-1928 ----------------------------------------------

Citrus Heights Hydrogarden 8043 Greenback Lane Citrus Heights, CA 95610 916-728-4769 Green Thumb Hydroponics 6412 Tupelo Dr. Citrus Heights, CA 95621 916-721-6969 Conrad Hydroponics Inc. 14915 Unit E, Olympic Dr. Clearlake, CA 95422 707-994 3264 Under The Sun 13361 East Highway 20 Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 707-998-GROW G & G Organics and Hydroponics 901 W. Victoria Street Unit D Compton, CA 90220 310-632-0122 Concord Indoor Garden 2771 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94519 925-671-2520 Hydroponics Plus 2250 Commerce Ave., Suite C Concord, CA 94520 925-691-7615 123 Grow 2175 Sampson Ave. #123, Corona, CA 92879 951-280-9232 Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics 1307 W. Sixth St., #211 Corona, CA 92882 951-479-8069 ----------------------------------------------

The Hydro Spot 21785 Temescal Cyn Rd. Corona, CA 92883 ---------------------------------------------A+ Hydroponics & Organics 1604 Babcock St. Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-642-7776 The Hydro Source 671 E. Edna Pl. Covina, CA 91723 877 HYDRO 82; 626-915-3128

East County Garden Depot 1529 North Cuyamaca St El Cajon, CA 92020 (619)270-8649 ---------------------------------------------Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego 1591 N. Cuyamaca St. El Cajon, CA 93612 619-749-6777 Indoor Garden Solution Inc. 12424 Exline St. El Monte, CA 91732 626-453-0443 Encinitas Hydroponics 463 Encinitas Blvd.

Encinitas, CA 9202 Go Green Hydroponics 15721 Ventura Boulevard Encino, CA 91436 818-990-1198 ----------------------------------------------

A Fertile World (Eureka) 6th St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-0200 ---------------------------------------------Bayside Garden Supply 4061 Highway 101 Ste 6 Eureka, CA 95503 707-826-7435 ----------------------------------------------

Humboldt Hydroponics 1302 Union St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-443-4304 ----------------------------------------------

Let It Grow 1228 2nd St. Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-9086 The Hydro Shop of Cerritos 15961 S. Piuma Ave. Cerritos, CA 90703 562-653-0700 ---------------------------------------------Chico Garden Center 3028 Esplanade Ave. Unit E Chico, CA 95973 Garden Connection, The 629 Entler Ave. #32 Chico, CA 95928 530-342-7762 Hydro King 2540 South Whitman Place Chico, CA 959282 530-893-GROW (4769) Grow4Less Garden Supply & Hydroponics 320 Trousdale Dr., Suite L Chula Visa, CA 91910 619-425-GROW Mothers Earth 871 Harold Place. #108 Chula Vista, CA 91914 619-240-3235

Pacific Coast Hydroponics 4147 Sepulveda Boulevard Culver City, CA 90230 310-313-1354 Dr. Greenthumbs Hydroponic Garden Supplies 566 San Ramon Valley Blvd.

Danville, CA 94526 925-314-9376 Constantly Growing - Davis 123 D St. Davis, CA 95616 530-756-4774 Central Valley Gardening 9884 Stephens St. Delhi, CA 95315 209-668-2178 Constantly Growing 6200 Enterprise Dr., Suite A Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-642-9710 Appleseed Hydroponics 6650 Merchandise Way, Suite B Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-622-5190

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 60 West 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-9999 ---------------------------------------------Happy Green Lawn Care 3890 Walnut Dr. Eureka, CA 95534 707-497-6186 Constantly Growing 4301 Hazel Ave. Fair Oaks, CA 95628 916-962-0043 Fallbrook Hydro 208 E Mission Rd., Suite B Fallbrook, CA 92028 760-728-4769 Tulare County Growers Supply 435 W. Noble Ave., Unit A Farmersville, CA 93223 559-732-8247

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Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - North 5980 Hwy. 9 Felton, CA 95018 831-335-9990 ----------------------------------------------

Eel River Hydroponics & Soil Supply 164 Dinsmore Dr. Fortuna, CA 95540 707-726-0395 ---------------------------------------------The Shop 8635 Mirabel Rd. Forestville, CA 95436 866-223-0198; 707-887-2280

Grow Wurks Hydroponics 765 S. State College Blvd., Suite J Fullerton, CA 92831 714-253-Grow (4769)

Thrive Hydroponics 30-A Mill St. Healdsburg, CA 95448 707-433-4068

SB Hydro 1109 W. 190th St., Unit #F Gardena, CA 90248 310-538-5788

Hydro Zen 3518 Tanya Ave. Hemet, CA 92545 951-392-5016

Golden Gecko Garden Center 4665 Marshall Rd. Garden Valley, CA 95633 530-333-2394

Bear Valley Hydroponics & Homebrewing 17455 Bear Valley Rd. Hesperia, CA 92345 760-949-3400

Probiotic Solutions 20889 Geyserville Ave. Geyserville, CA 95441 707-354-4342 ----------------------------------------------

Hydroponics Outlet 320 Kishimura Dr., Unit #3 Gilroy, CA 95020 408-848-0884 ----------------------------------------------

Hydrogarden Mendocino County 1240 North Main St. Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-962-9252 ----------------------------------------------

A Fertile World (Fortuna) 610 7th St. Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-0700 ----------------------------------------------

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 357 Main St. Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-5550 ---------------------------------------------Nature’s Secret Garden & Supply 41451 Albrae St. Fremont, CA 94577 510-623-8393 ----------------------------------------------

Gro More Gard en Supply & Hydroponics Gro More Garden Supply & Hydroponics 2686 Clovis Ave., Suite 109 Fresno, CA 93727 559-348-1055 ----------------------------------------------

Roots Grow Supply 1330 North Hulbert, #101 Fresno, CA 93728 559-840-0122 ----------------------------------------------

Surf City Hydroponics 7391 Warner Ave., Suite B Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-847-7900 Hydroluv Hydroponics 16582 Gothard St. Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-916-0428 Dutch Garden Supplies Park Circle, Suite 12 Irvine, CA 92614 949-748-8777

Dirt Cheap Hydroponics 17975 H Hwy. 1 Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-4211 Headlands Garden Supply 630 North Franklin St. Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-4447

Emerald Garden 13325 South Hwy. 101 Hopland, CA 95482 707-744-8300

Zen Hydroponics 1801 Victory Blvd.

Glendale, CA 91201 877 ZEN Grow; 818-806-4500 ---------------------------------------------Laid Back Gardens 340 Pine Avenue Goleta, CA 93117 805-845-2471 ----------------------------------------------

West Coast Hydroponics, Inc. 27665 Forbes Rd., Unit 10 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949-348-2424 Hydro Life Hydroponics 18109 E Valley Blvd.

La Puente, CA 91744 626-581-8800 La Habra Hydroponics 1301 S Beach Blvd., Suite O La Habra, CA 90631 562-947-8383 ----------------------------------------------

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Hydro Bros.

1471 B St., Suite F Livingston, CA 95334 209-394-7319 ---------------------------------------------Big Daddy Garden Supply 42400 Hwy. 101 Laytonville, CA 95454 707-984-7181 Weather Top Nursery 44901 Harmon Dr. Laytonville, CA 95454 707-984-6385 Livermore Hydroponics 22 Rickenbacker Crl. S Livermore, CA 94551 925-454-9376 DL Wholesale 6764 Preston Ave., Suite D Livermore, CA 94551 510-550-0018 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 6485 Brisa St. Livermore, CA 94550 888-570-4678 (Southern CA) ----------------------------------------------

SweetLeafHydro

Grass Valley Hydrogarden 12506 Loma Rica Dr. Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-477-2996 grassvalleyhydrogarden.com ----------------------------------------------

AG Natural 403 Idaho Maryland Rd. Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-274 0990 ---------------------------------------------West Coast Growers Hydroponics 13481 Colifax Hwy. Grass Valley, CA 95945 888-924-4769 530 Hydo & Soil 10021 Wolf Rd. C-16 Grass Velley, CA 95949 Joy’s Green Garden Supply 340-A Elm Ave. Greenfield, CA 93927 831-674-1416 All Seasons Hydroponics 17614 Chatsworth St. Granada Hills, CA 91344 818-368-4388 Dirt Cheap Hydroponic 151 N 7th St. #4 Grover Beach, CA 93433 805-473-3478

North Side Garden Supply 4529 N. Marty, Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93722 559-495-1140

Growers Choice Hydroponics 42089 Watkins St. Hayward, CA 94544 510-278-6200

Full Scale Soil & Hydro 2501 Business Park, Suite A Fresno, CA 93727 559 292 ROOT Valley Hydroponics 207 E. Sierra Ave. Fresno, CA 93710 559-449-0426

Grass Roots Hydroponics 31875 Corydon, Suite 130 Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 951-245-2390 ----------------------------------------------

South County Hydroponics 22511 Aspan St., Suite A Lake Forest, CA 92630 949-837-8252 ---------------------------------------------Clover Hydroponics & Garden Supply 43 Soda Bay Rd. Lakeport, CA 95453 707-263-4000 ----------------------------------------------

San Diego Hydroponics East County 11649 Riverside Dr., Suite 141 Lakeside, CA 92040 619-562-3276 ----------------------------------------------

Sweet Leaf Hydroponics 523 W Harney Ln #7 Lodi, CA USA, 95240 209-365-6100 ---------------------------------------------VIP Garden Supply 203 Commerce St., Suite 101 Lodi, CA 95240 209-339-9950 Valley Rock Landscape Supply 2222 N H St. Lompoc, CA 93436 805-736-0841; 805-735-5921 562 Hydro Shop 717 East Artesia Blvd.

Long Beach, CA 90805 562-726-1101 ----------------------------------------------

Green Coast Hydroponics 2405 Mira Mar Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815 562-627-5636 ---------------------------------------------Grow Light Express 5318 East Second St., Suite 164 Long Beach, CA 90803 888-318-GROW ----------------------------------------------

Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics

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Green Coast Hydroponics 16705 Roscoe Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 91406 818-672-8880 ----------------------------------------------

Green Coast Hydroponics 3865 Grand View Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA90066 310-398-0700 ---------------------------------------------Green Door Hydro and Solar 830 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013 212-625-1323 Hardman Hydroponics 3511 Youree Dr., Shreveport Los Angeles, CA 71105 318-865-0317 Hollywood Hydroponics & Organics 5109 1/2 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105 323-662-1908 Hydroasis 2643 S. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90232 888-355-4769 LAX Hydro 10912 S. La Cienaga Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90304 310-337-6995 Nirvana Hydroponics 340 South San Pedro Los Angeles, CA 90013 310-795-2914 ----------------------------------------------

Sunland Hydroponics 4136 Eagle Rock Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90065 323-254-2800 ----------------------------------------------

Superior Hydroponic Supply 5651 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028 323-465-grow (4769) ---------------------------------------------Green Giant Hydroponics 7183 Hwy. 49 Unit B Lotus, CA 95651 530-622-4465 Big Momma’s 11455 Clayton Creek Rd. Lower Lake, CA 95457 707-994-1788 California Green Hydroponics 16491 Rd., 26, Suite 101 Madera, CA 93638 559-674-1400 Grow 22333 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 101 Malibu, CA 90265 310-456-2910

M.G.S. 22540 D FoothillBlvd.

Hayward, CA 94541 510-582-0900

Total Hydroponics Center Inc 4820 Paramount Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90712 562-984-GROW (4769) ----------------------------------------------

Long Beach, CA 90815 562-498-9525 ----------------------------------------------

Deep Roots Garden Center & Flower Shop 207 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-376-0567

American Ave Hydroponics 1208 W. Winton Ave. Hayward, CA 94545 510-785-4376

Room to Grow 43511 13th St. W Lancaster, CA 43511 661-940-5599

Atwater Hydroponics 3350 Glendale Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-663-8881

B & S Gardening Supplies 592 Commerce Court Manteca, CA 95336 209-239-8648

1772 Clark Ave.

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Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply 218 Reindollar Ave., Suite 7A Marina, CA 93933 831-38-HYDRO ---------------------------------------------Two Chix Garden Supply 1230 Yuba St. Marysville, CA 95901 530-923-2536 ----------------------------------------------

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1580 Nursery Way, Suite D McKinleyville, CA 95519 707-839-9998 ---------------------------------------------Mendocino Garden Shop 44720 Maint St. (at Hwy. 1) Mendocino, CA 95460 707-937-3459 Hooked Up Hydroponics 1004 W. 15th St. Suite B & C Merced, CA 95340 209-723-1300 Indoor/Outdoor Garden Supply 1501 W. Main St. Merced, CA 95340 209-580-4425 The Urban Farmer Store 653 E. Blithedale Ave. Mill Valley, CA 94941 415-380-3840 Hydroponics Inc. 3811 Wacker Dr. Mira Loma, CA 91752 951-685-4769 Mission Viejo Hydroponics 24002 Via Fabricante Suite 502 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 949-380-1894 Central Valley Gardening 509 Winmoore Way, Suite T Modesto, CA 95358 209-537-GROW Coca’s Central Valley Hydroponics 116 West Orangeburg Ave. Modesto, CA 95350 209-567-0590 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Bros.

521 Winmoore Way, Suite A Modesto, CA 95358 209-537-8220 ---------------------------------------------Growers Choice Hydroponics 1100 Carver Rd. #20 Modesto, CA 95350 209-522-2727 Hydro Max 664 Bitritto CT Modesto, CA 95356 209-491-2816 Year Round Garden Supply 11000 Carver Rd. #20 Modesto, CA 95350 209-522-2727 ----------------------------------------------

Green Light Hydroponics 2615 Honolula Ave. Montrose, CA 91020 818-640-2623 ----------------------------------------------

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

171

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

247 Garden 1101 Monterey Pass Rd., Unit B Monterey Park, CA 91754 323-318-2600

Plant-N-Grow 1602 53rd Ave. Oakland, CA 94601 707-980-0456

Amazon Growing Needs 5369 Old Olive Hwy. Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-9850

South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View 569 East Evelyn Ave. Mountain View, CA 94041 650-968-4070

Hydrobrew 1319 South Coast Hwy. Oceanside, CA 92054 760-966-1885; 877-966-GROW

US Orchid & Hydroponic Supplies 1621 South Rose Ave. Oxnard, CA 93033 805-247-0086 ----------------------------------------------

Murphys Hydroponics & Organics 785 Murphys Creek Rd., Suite C2 Murphys, CA 95247 209-728-8058 Redwood Garden Supply 55 Myers Ave. Myers Flat, CA 95554 707-943-1515 ----------------------------------------------

Endless Green Hydroponics 25 Enterprise Court, Suite 3 Napa, CA 94558 707-254-0200 ---------------------------------------------Wyatt Supply 4407 Solano Ave. Napa, CA 94558 707-251-3747 ---------------------------------------------Conejo Hydroponics 3481 Old Conejo Rd., #106 Newbury Park, CA 91320 805-480-9596 ----------------------------------------------

Socal Hydroponics 1727-B Oceanside Blvd.

Oceanside, CA 92054 760-439-1084 Cultivate Ontario 2000 Grove Ave. #a110 Ontario, CA 91761 909-781-6142 Flairform 1751 S Pointe Ave. Ontario, CA 91761 213-596-8820 ----------------------------------------------

Green Coast Ontario Unit 102-103 1920 S. Rochester Ave. Ontario, CA 909-605-5777 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 1950 C South Grove Ave. Ontario, CA 91761 888-888-3319 ---------------------------------------------Palm Tree Hydroponics 2235 E 4th St., Suite G Ontario, CA 91764 909-941-9017 ----------------------------------------------

America’s Best Hydroponics & Gardening Center 641 W. Palmdale Blvd., Unit D Palmdale, CA 93551 661-266-3906 ----------------------------------------------

Hydroponics Unlimited 641 W. Palmdale Blvd., D Palmdale, CA 93550 661-266-3906 ----------------------------------------------

DNA Hydroponics Inc 19345 North Indian Canyon Dr., Suite 2-F N. Palm Springs, CA 92258 760-671-5872 ----------------------------------------------

Big Momma’s 2581 Stokes Ave. Nice, CA 95464 707-274-8369 Foothill Hydroponics 10705 Burbank Blvd.

N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-760-0688 One Stop Hydroponics 12822 Victory Blvd N. Hollywood, CA 91606 818-980-5855 Lumatek Digital Ballasts 33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite B Novato, CA 94949 415-233-4273 Marin Hydroponics 1219 Grant Ave. Novato, CA 94945 415-897-2197 Roots Grow Supply 40091 Enterprise Dr. Oakhurst, CA 93644 559-683-6622 3rd Street Hydroponics 692 4th St. Oakland, CA 94607 510-452-5521 ----------------------------------------------

Grass Valley Hydrogarden 12506 Loma Rica Dr. grass valley, CA 95945 530-477-2996 ---------------------------------------------Medicine Man Farms 1602 53rd Ave. Oakland, CA 94601 707-980-0456

172

RH Distribution 1751 S. Pointe Ave. Ontario, CA 91761 888-545-8112 ----------------------------------------------

Green Bros Hydroponics 14072 Osborne St. Panorama City, CA 91402 818-891-0200 ---------------------------------------------Mission Hydroponics 1236 East Mission Pomona, CA 91766 909-620-7099

Green Coast Hydroponics 496 Meats Ave. Orange, CA 92865 714-974-4769 ---------------------------------------------Greenback Garden Supply 9341 Greenback Ln., Suite C Orangevale, CA 95662 530-391-4329 Igro Hydro 2280 Veatch St. Oroville, CA 95965 530-534-4476 ----------------------------------------------

Advanced Soil & Garden Supply 350 Oro Dam Blvd.

Oroville, CA 95965 530-533-2747 ---------------------------------------------Orville Organic Gardens 5250 Olive Hwy., Suite 1 Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-9950 Amazon Garden Supply 29 Ridge View Lane Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-5054 Amazon Greenlight 521 Cal Oak Rd. Oroville, CA 95966 530-534-4769

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

Funny Farms Hydroponics 963 Transport Way, #12 Petaluma, CA 94954 707-775-3111 ---------------------------------------------House of Hydro 224 Weller St., #B Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-4769 Hydrofarm, Inc. 2249 South McDowell Ext. Petaluma, CA 94954 800-634-9990 Wyatt Supply 1016 Lakeville St Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-3747 JNJ Hydroponics 4774 Phelan Rd., Suite 2 Phelan, CA 92371 760-868-0002 Turbo Grow 1889 San Pablo Ave. Pinole, CA 94564 510-724-1291 All Elements Hydroponics & Gardening Supply 5623 Motherlode Dr. Placerville, CA 95667 530-642-4215 Hillside Hydro & Garden 4570 Pleasant Valley Rd. Placerville CA 95662 530-644-1401 IGS Hydroponics & Organics 57 California Ave., Suite 1 Pleasonton, CA 94566 925-426-GROW

Vital Landscaping Inc. 204 Gold Flat Ct. #7 Nevada City, CA 95959 530-273-3187 ----------------------------------------------

Deep Roots Hydroponics 830 Perry Lane Petaluma, CA 94954-5320 707-776-2800 ----------------------------------------------

New Leaf Hydro 34150 123rd St. Parablossom, CA 93553 661-944-2226 Alternative Hydro 3870 East, Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena, CA 91107 888-50-HYDRO 365 Hydroponics 2062 Lincoln Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103 626-345-9015 Garden All Year Inc. 3850 Ramada Dr., Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-434-2333 Supersonic Hydroponic & Organic Garden Supply 3850 Ramada Dr., Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-434-2333 Foothills Hydrogarden 3133 Penryn Rd. Penryn, CA 95663 916-270-2413 ----------------------------------------------

Four Seasons Landscape Materials 17115 Penn Valley Dr. Penn Valley, CA 95946 530-432-9906 ----------------------------------------------

Best Yield Garden Supply 3503 West Temple Ave., Unit A Pomona, CA 91768 909-839-0505 Mission Hydroponics 1236 East Mission Pomona, CA 91766 909-620-7099 Hand’s On Hydroponics 3320 North Cedar Ave. Presno, CA 93726 559-222-7770 Emerald Garden 8249 Archibald Ave. Ranch Cucamanga, CA 91730 909-466-3796 The Growbiz 3127 Fite Circle Rancho Cordova, CA 95827 916-315-3580 Shadow Valley Aquatics 75 Kimick Way Red Bluff, CA 96080 530-526-0479 Bare Roots Hydroponics 1615 East Cypress, #5 Redding, CA 96002 530-244-2215 Hydro King 105 Hartnell Ave., Suite C and D Redding, CA 96002 888-822-8941 ----------------------------------------------

The Hydro Shop of Redondo Beach 1304 S. Pacific Coast Hwy Redondo Beach, CA 90277 310-540-2005 ---------------------------------------------Radiant Roots Gardening & Hydroponics 1394 S Pacific Coast Hwy. Redondo Beach, CA 90277 310-540-2005

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Dazey’s Supply 3082 Redwood Dr. Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3002 ---------------------------------------------Humboldt Hydroponics 2010 Tunnel Rd. Redway, CA 95560 707-923-1402 Redway Feed Garden & Pet Supply 290 Briceland Rd. Redway, CA 95560 707-923-2765 Sylvandale Gardens 1151 Evergreen Rd. Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3606 Orsa Organix 111 Willow St. Redwood City, CA 94063 650-369-1269 ----------------------------------------------

Mendocino Greenhouse & Garden Supply 960 East School Way Redwood Valley, CA 95470 707-485-0668 ------------------------Hydro Hills Hydroponics 19320 Vanowen St. Reseda, CA 91335 Hi-Tech Gardening 5327 Jacuzzi St., #282 Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-4710 The Urban Farmer Store 2121 San Joaquin St. Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-1604 All Ways Hydro 2220 Eastridge Ave., Suite C Riverside, CA 92507 888-HYDRO98 Calwest Hydroponics 11620 Sterling Ave., Suite A Riverside, CA 92503 800-301-9009 ----------------------------------------------

Discount Hydroponics 4745 Hiers Ave. Riverside, CA 92505 877-476-9487 ---------------------------------------------Green Forest Hydro 570 E La Cadena Dr., Suite #1D Riverside, CA 92507 951-784-5733, Fax 951-704-4633 Hydro Depot 5665 Redwood Dr., #B Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-584-2384 Constantly Growing 1918 16th St. Sacramento, CA 95811 916-448-1882 Green Acres Hydroponics 1215 Striker Ave., Suite 180 Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-4394

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KY Wholesale 8671 Elder Creek Rd. #600 Sacramento, CA 95828 916-383-3366 ---------------------------------------------Hydro City 8510 Morrison Creek Dr. Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95828 916-388-8333 J Street HydroGarden 2321 J St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-444-4473 Mystic Gardens 8484 Florin Rd., #110 Sacramento, CA 95828 916-381-2464 Sac Hydroponics 9529 Folson Blvd., Suite C Sacramento, CA 95827 916-369-7968 Skywide Import & Export Ltd. 5900 Lemon Hill Ave. Sacramento, CA 95824 916-383-2369 Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies 1235 Striker Ave. #180 Sacramento, CA 95834 888-557-8896 Green Joint Ventures 61 Tarp Circle Salinas, CA 93901 831-998-8628 ----------------------------------------------

Reforestation Technologies International 1341 Daton St., Unit G Salinas, CA 93901 800-784-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Xtreme Gardening 1341 Dayton St., Annex B Salinas, CA 93901 800-784-4769 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 1900 Bendixsen St., Bldg. 1 Samoa, CA 95564 800-683-1114 (Northern CA) ---------------------------------------------Sanger Garden Supply 725 Academy Ave. Sanger, CA 93657 559-259-7597 Greenmile Hydroponic Garden Supply 1480 South E. St., Suite D San Bernardino, CA 92408 909-885-5919 Pure Food Gardening/ Microclone 830 H Bransten Rd. San Carlos, CA 94070-3338 ----------------------------------------------

Greenfire Sacramento 3230 Auburn Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95821 916-485-8023 Green Thumb Hydroponics 1537 Fulton Ave. Sacramento, CA 95825 916-934-2476 Green Thumb Hydroponics 35 Quinta Court, Suite B Sacramento, CA 95823 916-689-6464

Green Gopher Garden Supply 679 Redwood Ave., Suite A Sand City, CA 93955 831-899-0203 ----------------------------------------------

Best Coast Growers 4417 Glacier Ave., Suite C San Diego, CA 92120 800-827-1876 City Farmer’s Nursery 4832 Home Ave San Diego, CA 92105 619-284-6358 Home Brews & Gardens 3176 Thorn St. San Diego, CA 92104 619-630-2739 Indoor Garden Depot 1848 Commercial St. San Diego, CA 92113 619-255-3552 Innovative Growing Solutions (IGS) 5060 Santa Fe St., Suite D San Diego, CA 92109 858-578-4477 ----------------------------------------------

Mighty Garden Supply 4780 Mission Gorge Pl. #A-1 San Diego, CA 92120 619-287-3238 ---------------------------------------------Miramar Hydroponics & Organics 8952 Empire St. San Diego, CA 92126 858-549-8649 ----------------------------------------------

Oracle Garden Supply 5755 Oberlin Dr., Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92121 858-558-6006 ----------------------------------------------

San Diego Hydroponics Beach Cities 4122 Napier St. San Diego, CA 92110 619-276-0657 ---------------------------------------------Direct Hydroponics Wholesale 1034 W. Arrow Hwy. #D San Dimas, CA 91773 888-924-9376 ----------------------------------------------

House of Hydroponics 732 W. Arrow Hwy. San Dimas, CA 91773 877-592-5111; 909-592-5111 ---------------------------------------------Liquid Gardens 1034 West Arrow Hwy. #D San Dimas, CA 91773 888-924-9376 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Your Own Hydroponics & Organics - West 3401 Taraval St. san Francisco, CA 94116 415-731-2115 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Depot 2090 Cesar Chavez St. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-282-5200 The Hydroponic Connection Warehouse 1995 Evans Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-824-9376

The Hydroponic Connection San Francisco 1549 Custer Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-864-9376 Nor Cal Hydroponics 4837 Geary Blvd.

San Francisco, CA 94118 415-933-8262 Plant It Earth Warehouse 1 Dorman Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-970-2465 San Francisco Hydro 123 Tenth St. San Francisco, CA 94103 Urban Gardens 1394 Lowrie St. San Francisco, CA 94080 650-588-5792 ----------------------------------------------

Urban Gardens.

704 Filbert St. San Francisco, CA 94133 415-421-4769 ---------------------------------------------The Urban Farmer Store 2833 Vicente St. San Francisco, CA 94116 415-661-2204 US Garden 417 Agostinio Rd. San Gabriel, CA 91776 626-285-5009 Inland Empire Hydrogarden 1301-C South State St. San Jancinto, CA 92853 ----------------------------------------------

Glow Hydroponics 124-H Blossom Hill Rd. San Jose, CA 95123 408-455-7720 ---------------------------------------------Hahn’s Lighting 260 E. VA Suite 1 San Jose, CA 95112 408-295-1755 Plant Life 32 Race St. San Jose, CA 95126 408-283-9191 ----------------------------------------------

Rasa Hydroponics 5725 Winfield Blvd., Suite 8 San Jose, CA 95123 408-227-7272 ---------------------------------------------Sunny Tool 580 Parrott St. San Jose, CA 95112 408-278-1800 ----------------------------------------------

D&S Garden Supplies 17-130 Doolittle Dr. San Leandro, CA 94577 510-430-8589

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Wyatt Supply 747 Yolanda Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-578-3747

Hydrogarden Delight 13762 Doolittle Dr. San Leandro, CA 94577 510-903-1808

SCV Hydro 25845 Railroad Ave. # 5 & 6 Santa Clarita, CA USA, 91350 661-255-3700 ----------------------------------------------

Next Generation Hydroponics 10658 Prospect Ave., Suite A Santee, CA 92071 619-438 2415

Central Coast Hydrogarden 1951 Santa Barbara St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-544-GROW ----------------------------------------------

Healthy Harvest Hydroponics and Organics 2958 S. Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-596-0430 ----------------------------------------------

Gro Pro Garden Supply 841 Racheros Dr. San Marcos, CA 1906 760-735-8604 ----------------------------------------------

San Diego Hydroponics North County Inland 802 N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd #108 San Marcos, CA 92069 760-510-1444 ---------------------------------------------Murphy’s Hydroponics & Organics 799 W. Stocktan St. Sanora, CA 95370 209-532-2022 Marin Hydroponics 721 Francisco Blvd. East San Rafael, CA 94901 415-482-8802 San Rafael Hydroponics 1417 Fourth St. San Rafael, CA 94901 415-455-9655 55 Hydroponics 1727 Boyd St. Santa Ana, CA 92705 714-259-7755 Nutes Int’l 204 N Quarantina St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805-687-6699 ----------------------------------------------

Green Coast Hydroponics 135 Nogal Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93110 805-898-9922 ---------------------------------------------Planet Earth Hydroponics 102 East Haley St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805-899-0033 ----------------------------------------------

South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose 1185 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 95128 408-292-4040 ---------------------------------------------Urban Gardens 1999 Monterey Rd. San Jose, CA 95125 408-298-8081

Urban Grow Systems 204 N Quarantina St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805-637-6699 ----------------------------------------------

Beach Cities Hydroponics 33155 Camino Capistrano Unit F. San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949-493-4200

Modern Gardens 26620 Valley Center Dr., Unit #104 Santa Clarita, CA 91351 661-513-4733

Hydro-Logic Purification Systems 370 Encinal St., Suite 150 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 888-H2O-LOGIC ----------------------------------------------

Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - West Side 815 Almar Ave., Unit K Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-466-9000 ---------------------------------------------Hydrofarm Southwest 12991 Leffingwell Rd. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 800-634-9990 California Hydroponics 600 N. Broadway Santa Maria CA 93454 805-614-9376

Santee Hydroponics 7949 Mission Gorge Rd. Santee, CA 92071 619-270-8649 ---------------------------------------------Gardening Unlimited 60 Old El Pueblo Rd. Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-457-1236 ---------------------------------------------Deep Roots Hydroponics 2661 Gravenstein Hwy. S #E Sebastopol, CA 95472-8200 707-829-7668 Hydro Depot 6731 Sebastopol Ave. Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-829-1510 loom Brothers Garden Supply, Inc. 3293 Industry Dr. Signal Hill, CA 90755 562-494-0060 ----------------------------------------------

Big Daddy Garden Supply 3236 Dutton Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-535-0996 Deep Roots Hydroponics 3715 Santa Rosa Ave. Suite A2 Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-540-0773 Garden Spout, The 1236 Briggs Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-528-3500 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 3285 Santa Rosa Ave. Santa Rosa, CA USA, 95407 707-433-2333 ---------------------------------------------Gottagrow Garden Supply 769 Wilson St. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-544-7782 ----------------------------------------------

Green Logic Garden Supply 860 Piner Rd, #38 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-843-3156 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Depot 13 West 3rd St. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-542-3866 Organic Bountea 1919 Dennis Lane Santa Rosa, CA 95403 800-798-0765 Sonoma Hydro LLC 3535 Industrial Dr., Suite B2-3 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-544-3383 ----------------------------------------------

Santa Rosa Hydroponics 4880 Sonoma Hwy. Santa Rosa, CA 707-595-1340 Santa Rosa Hydroponics 4130 S Moorland Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 707-584-9370 ----------------------------------------------

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Orange County Hydroponics 12797 Beach Blvd.

Stanton, CA 90680 714-893-9493 ----------------------------------------------

HomeGrown Indoor Garden Supply 681 A Grider Way Stockton, CA 95210 209-477-4447 ---------------------------------------------Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply 8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48 Stockton, CA 95210 209-951-3550 M&M Garden Supply 2509 West Lane, Suite B Stockton, CA 95205 209-939-0664 Pacific Ave Indoor Garden Supply 4633 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95207 209-955-0945 Hydroponics Depot 8712 Sunland Blvd.

Sun Valley, CA 91352 818-771-0600 ----------------------------------------------

We Grow Hydroponics 3350 East Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93063 805-624-4566 ---------------------------------------------Green Universe Inc. 19618 8th St. E Sonoma, CA 95476 707-320-0554

Sunland Hydroponics 8300 Foothill Blvd.

Sunland, CA 91040 818-352-5300 ----------------------------------------------

Valley Hydro and Organics 19230 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma, CA 95476 707-396-8734 Motherlode Hydroponics and Organics 799 W Stockton St. Sonora, CA 95370 209-532-2022 ----------------------------------------------

South Bay Hydroponics & Organics - Sunnyvale 1205 W. El Camino Real Sunnyvale, CA 94087 650-968-4070 ---------------------------------------------Beyond Hydro Inc. 12639 San Fernando Rd. Sylmar, CA 91342 818-362-5373

Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - East Side 4000 Cordelia Lane Soquel, CA 95073 831-475-9900 ----------------------------------------------

Advanced Garden Supply 2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Building C, Unit 9 S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Tahoe Garden Supply 645 Westlake Blvd., Suite 2 Tahoe City, CA 96145 530-581-3200 The Otherside Hydroponics 19425 Ventura Blvd.

Tarzana, CA 91356 818-881-HYDRO (4937) ----------------------------------------------

Grass Roots Hydroponics 27250 Madison Ave. Suite C Temecula, CA 92590 951-296-1090 ----------------------------------------------

Farm Hydroponics, The 1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3 S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-3276

Hydroponics 4 Less 41669 Winchester Ave. Temecula, CA 92590 800-A1-HYDRO

East County Hydroponics 9903 Campo Rd. Spring Valley, CA 91977 619-825-5097

Inland Empire Hydrogarden 28822 Old Town Front St. #206 Temecula, CA 92590 886-74-HYDRO

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors 805 Hydroponics & Organics 1785 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805-494-1785 Green Thumb Lighting & Garden 1647 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Unit 5 Torrance, CA 90501 888-326-GROW

The Green Shop 66420 Mooney Blvd., Suite 1 Visalia, CA 93277 559-688-4200 ----------------------------------------------

Los Angeles Hydroponics & Organics 3007-3009 W. Artesia Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90504 310-323-4937

BWGS-CA 7530 W. Sunnyview Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 888-316-1306 ----------------------------------------------

Growers Choice Hydroponics 470 W. Larch Rd. #1 Tracy, CA 95304 209-833-1212

Kaweah Grower Supply 1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Way Visalia, CA 93293 559-625-4937

Tracy Hydroponics 543 W. Grant Line Tracy, CA 95376 209-207-9065

Greentrees Hydroponics Inc. 2581 Pioneer Ave., Unit D Vista, CA 92081 760-598-7551

Anything Grows 10607 W. River St., Bldg. 3 Suite C Truckee, CA 96161 530-582-0479 Aloha Hydroponics 225 Lander Ave. Turlock, CA 95380 209-667-6653 Garden Depot Hydroponics 1460 Freitas Park Turlock, CA 95380 209-250-0101 Hooked Up Hydroponics 339 S. Golden State Blvd.

Turlock, CA 95380 209-668-1300

Home Life Hydroponics and Organics 1745 East Vista Way Vista, CA 92084 760-643-2150 ----------------------------------------------

Specialty Garden Supply 7 Hangar Way, Suite B Watsonville, CA 95075 831-768-0420 ----------------------------------------------

Big Daddy Garden Supply 310 Mason St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-467-9234

Evergreen Farm Feed & Garden 1131 Main St. Weaverville, CA 96093 530-623-2884

Emerald Garden 307 East Perkins St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-463-2510

Art of Hydro 5740 Corsa Ave. #102 Westlake Village, CA 91362 818-865-2227

HydroPacific - Hydroponics & Garden Supplies 351 C Hastings Ave. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-467-0400

California Hydro Garden 1043 S. Glendora Ave., Suite A West Covina, CA 91790 626-813-0868

Northcoast Hydrogardens 3450 North State St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7214 Wyatt Supply 2200 N. State St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7473 TNC Supply 9490 Main St., P.O. Box 763 Upper Lake, CA 95485 707-275-9565 ----------------------------------------------

North Bay Hydroponics 1650 Lewis Brown Dr. Vallejo, CA 94589 707-647-0774 ----------------------------------------------

No Stress Hydroponics 7543 Santa Monica Blvd.

W. Hollywood, CA 90046 323-845-9874 Hydronation 2491 Boatman Dr., Suite B W. Sacramento, CA 95691 916-372-4444 Flower Hut Nursery 603 4th St. Wheatland, CA 95692 530-633-4526 GreenWay Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Blvd.

Whittier, CA 90601 Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More 14626 East Whittier Blvd.

Whittier, CA 90605 562-945-0909 Garden Spout, The 260 Margie Dr. Willits, CA 95490 707-456-0196 ----------------------------------------------

Green Coast 16705 Roscoe Blvd.

Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-672-8880 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponics Market 15816 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-305-6261; 886-72-HYDRO Blazzin Hydroponics 6650 Cresent St. Ventura, CA 93003 805-644-9376 Kinney Nursery 4115 Rowles Rd. Vina, CA 96092 530-839-2196

174

Jolly Rancher Hydroponics 399 Business Park Ctr., Suite 205 Windsor, CA 95492 707-838-0842 ---------------------------------------------Green Acres 20946 Victory Blvd.

Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Sparetime Supply 208 E. San Francisco Ave. Willits, CA 95490-4006

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Farmer Browns Garden Supply 80 Country Club Rd. Willow Creek, CA 95573 530-629-3100 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 22516 Ventura Blvd

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Indoor Garden Warehouse 8100 S Akron St., Suite 322 Centennial, CO 80112 720-496-2110

The Grofax 7540 East Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80220 720-328-2127

Grow Life Hydroponics 40800 Highway 6 Unit 5 & 9 Avon, CO USA, 81620 970 949 1671 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Gardener, The 3225 I-70 Business Loop, Unit A10 Clifton, Co 81520 970-434-9999

The Grofax 755 South Federal Blvd.

Denver, CO 80219 720-328-5164

Rooted Hydroponics & Organics – Vail 910 Nottingham Road Unit N-11 & N-12 Avon, CO 81620 970-748-1222 ----------------------------------------------

Garden Tech 737 Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-278-9777 Grotools 2408 East Platte Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719-475-7699

The Grow Outlet 4272 Lowell Blvd.

Denver, CO 80211 303-586-5543 ----------------------------------------------

Woodland Hills, CA USA, 91364

818 876 0222 ---------------------------------------------Urban Gardens 22516 Ventura Blvd.

Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818-876-0222 ----------------------------------------------

Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 ---------------------------------------------Garden Highway Garden Supply 598 Garden Highway #22 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-755-2877 Golden Valley Hydroponics 870 W. Onsott Rd. Suite F Yuba City, CA 95993 530-763-2151 Southern Humbolt Garden Supplies 31653 Outer Highway 10 Yacaipa, CA 92373 909-794-6888 Yucca Valley Hydroponics 56825 Twentynine Palms Hwy. Yucca Valley, CA 92284 760-369-0300

COLORADO South Park Hydroponics 42 E Buckskin Rd. Alma, CO 80420 719-836-1533 Green Spot Garden Center & Antiques 711 State Ave. Alamosa, CO 81101 719-589-6362 The Hydro Store 6695 Wadsworth Blvd. #C Arvada, CO 80004 720-328-3746 The Grofax 25797 Conifer Rd. #A-8 Aspen Park, CO 80433 303-838-5520 Aurora Hydroponic LLC 4250 S Chambers Rd. Aurora, CO 80014 303-400-6941 ----------------------------------------------

The Big Tomato Indoor Garden Supply 14440 E. 6th Ave. Aurora, CO 80011 303-364-4769 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 3550 B Odessa Way Aurora, CO 80011 866-877-4188 (Northeast) ----------------------------------------------

Nick’s Garden Center 2001 S. Chambers Aurora, CO 80014 303-696-6657 ----------------------------------------------

\ Black Dog LED 2885 Aurora Ave. #38 Boulder, CO 80303 720-420-1209 sales@blackdogLED.com ---------------------------------------------Boulder Hydroponics 1630 N 63rd St. Boulder, CO 80301 303-415-0045 Candy Shop Hydroponics LLC 2740 Canyon Blvd.

Boulder, CO 80302 303-444-3355 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 2125 32nd St. Boulder, CA USA, 80301 303 996 6100 ---------------------------------------------One Love Garden Supply 3620 Walnut St. Boulder, CO 80301 303-586-1715 Polar Ray 5171 Eldorado Springs Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 303-494-5773 Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 2125 32 St. Boulder, CO 80301 303-996-6100 Way To Grow 6395 Gunpark Dr. Boulder, CO 80301 303-473-4769 Deep Roots Garden Supply 1790 Airport Rd., Unit 1 Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-1440 Mile High Hydroponics 37 Strong St. Brighton, CO 80601 303-637-0069 ----------------------------------------------

ACME Hydroponics 300 Nickel St., Suite 3 Broomfield, CO 80020 720-524-7306 ----------------------------------------------

Greenhouse Tech 917 East Fillmore Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-634-0637 Hydro Grow Supply 644 Peterson Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-596-2600 Purple Mountain Hydroponics LLC 1530 S Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719-635-5859 Room To Grow LLC 422 South 8th St. Colorado Springs, CO 80905 719-633-8682 Roots and Rocks Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 1014 S. 21st St. Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719-634-1024 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 5275 Quebec St. Commerce City, CO 80022 720-222-0772 ---------------------------------------------Grow Your Own 27051 Barkley Rd. Conifer, CO 80433 303-816-GROW (4769) Happy Grow Lucky 11873 Springs Rd. Conifer, CO 80433 1-303-838-8700

Grow Your Own 2118 S Bellaire St. Denver, CO 80222 303-990-1929 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Terra Corp 3893 Steele St. Denver, CO 80205 954-260-3377 HyGrow Indoor Gardening Supplies 6271 Beach St., Unit F Denver, CO 80221 303-396-1420 Indoor Paradise Denver 7100 N Broadway, Suite 3D & E Denver, CO 80221 303-428-5020 NoDo Urban Garden Supply 1330 27th St. Denver, CO 80205 303-296-3424 Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 1717 39th Ave. Denver, CO 80205 800-58-HYDRO Ultimate Hydroponics & Organics 2380 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80210 303-282-0034 Way To Grow 301 East 57th Ave. Denver, CO 80216 303-296-7900 ----------------------------------------------

Whetstone Garden Supply 300 Belleview Ave. Crested Butte, CO 81224 970-349-9666 Global Organics & Hydroponics 11 N Broadway Cortez, CO 81321 970-564-8100 Joy of Growing 1410 Valley View Dr. Delta, CO 81416 970-874-2550 ----------------------------------------------

BWGS-CO 11685 E. 55th Ave. Denver, CO 80239 888-316-1306 ----------------------------------------------

Hydrofarm Mountain 400 Burbank St. Broomfield, CO 80020 800-634-9990

Chlorophyll 3801 Mariposa St. Denver, CO 80211 303-433-1155 ----------------------------------------------

J&D Organic Growing Solutions 217 1/2 Clayton St. Brush, CO 80723 970-310-5408

Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics 666 S. Buchtel Blvd.

Denver, CO 80210 303-954-9919

BIG BloomZ 1011 Caprice Dr. Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-688-0599

Greenlight Garden Supply 7741 E Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80220 720-389-8320

All Seasons Gardening 434 Turner Dr., Suite 2B Durango, CO 81303 970-385-4769 ---------------------------------------------Blue Sky Hydroponics 1301 Florida Road Unit C Durango, CO 81301 970-375-1238 DHL Garden Supply 178 Bodo Dr.Unit B Durango, Co 81303 970-247-1090 ----------------------------------------------

The Grow Store South 5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37, Englewood, CO 80110 303-738-0202 ---------------------------------------------Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 439 Edwards Access Rd Unit B101 Edwards, CO 81632 970-926-2100 Bath Nursery & Garden Center 2000 E. Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-484-5022

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Hydro Planet 5022 Kippling St. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-279-6090

The Grow Shop LLC 1711 S. College Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-484-1042

MileHydro 355 S. Harlan St. Lakewood, CO 80226 303-935-4769 ----------------------------------------------

CONNECTICUT

Indoor Paradise Hydroponics 309 S. Summit View, Unit 17, Fort Collins, CO 80524-1462 970-221-3751

Way to Grow 11989 West Colfax Ave. Lakewood, CO 80215 303-546-3600

Way To Grow 3201 E. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-484-4769 ----------------------------------------------

The Flower Bin 1805 Nelson Rd. Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-3454 ----------------------------------------------

Gold Coast Hydroponics West 8101 S.W. Frontage Rd. Suite 300 Fort Collins, Co 80528 970-232-3220

Hydro Shack, The 753 10 Mile Drive Frisco, CO 80443 970-668-0359 ----------------------------------------------

Victory Hydro Gardening 1387 E. South Boulder Rd. Louisville, CO, 80027 303-664-9376 ----------------------------------------------

Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 7800 Colorado 82 #203 Glenwood Springs, Co 81601 970-947-9551

WarHammer Supply 1112 Munroe Ave. Loveland, CO 80537 970-635-2602

Green Head Hydroponics 809 E. Jasper Court Granby, CO 80446 970-557-3031 ----------------------------------------------

Desert Bloom Hydroponics 445 Pitkin Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-245-6427 ---------------------------------------------Greeley Nutrients 700 11th Street Unit 101 Greeley, CO 80631 970-673-8302 Green Thumb Garden Supply Co. 2830 W 27th St. Greeley, CO 80634 970-506-1711 The Grow Shop LLC 1701 Greeley Mall Rd. Greeley, CO 80631 970-352-5447 ----------------------------------------------

Colorado Hydroponics & Organics 2740 Commercial Way, Unit 1 Montrose, CO 81401 970-252-7450 Greener Mountain Indoor Gardening 20 Lakeview Dr., Unit 210 Nederland, CO 80466 303-258-7573

Grow Depot 1434 W. 104th Ave. Northglenn, CO 80234 303-459-7878 Four Corners Organics & Hydroponics LLC 68 Bastille Unit #3, PO Box 627 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 970-731-1685 ----------------------------------------------

Majestic Hydro-Gardening 860 Hwy. 105 Palmer Lake, CO 80133 719-481-0777 ----------------------------------------------

Green Gardens 133 E. Tomichi Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-1161

Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics- South 2704 S Prarie Ave., Suite C Pueblo, CO 81005 719-564-2660

The Grow Store 8644 W. Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215 888-510-0350 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Crazy 11 Berlin Rd., Unit 2 Cromwell, CT 06416 203-660-8486 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 775 Silver Lane E. Hartford, CT 06118 860-568-4067 LiquidSun® CT 10C South Main St. E. Windsor, CT 06088 860-254-5757 ----------------------------------------------

Rogue Hydroponics 160 Broadway Hamden, CT 06518 866-277-4432 ---------------------------------------------Organix Hydroponics 749 Saybrook Rd., (Tradewinds Plaza) Middletown, CT 06457 860-343-1923 ----------------------------------------------

Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics 609 E Enterprise Dr. Pueblo West, CO 81007 709-647-0907

Good To Grow 335 Westport Ave. Norwalk, CT 06851 203-956-5600 www.goodtogrowct.com ---------------------------------------------Grow with Us 10 Middle River Dr. Stafford Springs, CT 06076 860-684-1595 1st State Seed And Garden Supply People’s Plaza Suite 950 Newark, DE 19702 302-834-0440 Sunny Day Organics 1867 Coastal Hwy. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19917 302-703-2538

FLORIDA

Biofloral 6250 NW 27th Way Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 877-735-6725 ---------------------------------------------Gold Coast Hydroponics 1539 SW 21st Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 1-800-780-7371 Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies 13482 North Cleveland Ave. Fort Meyers, FL 33903 239-997-4769 Gator Hydroponics 4460 SW 35th Terrace, Suite 310 Gainesville, FL 32608 352-301-5383 ----------------------------------------------

Florida Garden Supplies 2692 W 79 St. Hialeah, FL 33016 1-800-931-5215 Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North) 3642 South Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa, FL 34448 352-628-2655 ----------------------------------------------

Grower’s Choice & Hydroponics 11855 North Main St. Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-683-4517 ----------------------------------------------

Growers Choice South 8535 Baymeadows Rd., Suite 13 Jacksonville, FL 32256 904-647-7156 ----------------------------------------------

Urban Sunshine 1420 E. Altamonte Dr. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 407-830-4769

Hydroponics International Inc. 7029-10 Commonwealth Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32220 904-693-6554

Full Bloom Hydroponics 1489 W. Palmetto Boca Raton, FL 33486 888-725-4769

Urban Organics & Hydroponics 5325 Fairmont St. Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-398-8012

Best Hydro 4920 Lena Rd. Bradenton, FL 34211 941-756-1928

Salida Hydroponic Supply 1242 C St., Salida, CO 81201 719-539-4000

Palm Coast Hydroponics 4490 N Hwy US1, Suite 108 Bunnell, FL 32110 386-246-4119

Little Shop of Growers 2560 Copper Ridge Dr. Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 970-879-8577

East Coast Hydroponics & Organics 461 Forrest Ave., Suite 105 Coca, FL 32922 321-243-6800

Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics 7615 W.38th Ave., Suite B111 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-954-9897

Organic Grow Hut 2 780 Deltona Blvd. #107 Deltona, Fl 32725 1-888-574-GROW; 386-259-5777 ----------------------------------------------

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Delaware

Pueblo Hydroponicss and Organics - Downtown 113 W 4th St. Pueblo, CO 81003 719-542-6798

GroWize 3225 S. Wadsworth Blvd.

Lakewood, CO 80227 303-986-2706 ----------------------------------------------

CT Home Grown 45 South Canterbury Rd. Canterbury, CT 06331 860-546-6161 ----------------------------------------------

Grow in Peace 176 Hwy. 119 S. Nederland, CO 80466 303-258-3520

Your Grow Bud 6801 South Emporia St., Suite 106 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 303-790-2211 ----------------------------------------------

Grow in Peace 1241 Mine Rd. Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303-567-GROW

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Absolute Hydroponic Garden Center Inc 336 North Boundary Ave. Deland, FL 32720 386-734-0696

GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc. 5011 S State Rd. 7, Suite 104 Davie, FL 33314 954-316-8815

Simply Hydroponics & Organics 7949 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33773 727-531-5355

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High Tech Garden Supply 2975 West New Haven Ave. Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-0853 ---------------------------------------------Advanced Hydro Gardens 4960 NW 165 St., Suite B-4 Miami, FL 33014 305-474-4376 All Star Hydroponics Inc 8901 SW 129th St. Miami, FL 33176 800-842-8582 Blossoms Experience, The 7207 NW 54th St. Miami, FL 33166 866-452-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Florida Garden Supplies 9545 Sunset Dr. Miami, FL 33173 800-931-5215 ---------------------------------------------Future Farms Inc., The 14291 SW 120th St., Suite 105 Miami, FL 33186 305-382-2757

Eden Garden Supply 3111 N. Davis Hwy. Pensacola, FL 32503 850-439-1299 ---------------------------------------------Healthy Gardens and Supply of Florida, Inc. 196 East Nine Mile Rd., Suite F Pensacola, FL 32534 850-912-4545 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 455 S. Andrews Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 877-649-3567 (Southeast) ---------------------------------------------Hydroponic Depot II 2395 S Tamiami Trail #19 Port Charlotte, FL 33952 941-255-3999 EZ Grow Green 604 S.W. Bayshore Blvd.

Port St. Lucie, Fl 34983 772-807-7755

Gold Coast Hydroponics 4241 SW 71st Ave. Miami, FL 33155 1-800-780-6805

Urban Sunshine Organic & Hydroponic Gardening 2841 South Nove Rd., Suite 5 S. Daytona, FL 32119 386-236-9989; 386-492-6978

Growing Garden Inc., The 12811 SW 42nd St. Miami, FL 33175 305-559-0309

Avid Brew Company 1745 1st Ave S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-388-6756

VitaOrganix 7921 NW 67th St. Miami, FL 33166 786-845-8633

Avid Brew Company 1745 1st Ave. S. St. ST. Petersberg, Fl 33712 727-388-6756

3D Hydroponics and Organics 7139 US Highway #19 New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-847-3491 ----------------------------------------------

Mr. Nice Guy Hydroponics 1800 NW. Federal Hwy. Stuart, FL 34994 772-934-6785

Florida Garden Supplies 8442 Tradeport Dr., Unit 200 Orlando, FL 32827 ---------------------------------------------Urban Sunshine 6100 Hanging Moss Rd., Suite 50 Orlando, FL 32807 407-647-4769 Urban Sunshine 6142 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32809 407-859-7728 Vertical Food Growers 10964 Dearden Circle Orlando, FL 32817 407-671-4241 Green Winters Inc. 147 Tomoka Ave. Ormond Beach, FL 32174 386-235-8730; 800-931-5215 The Healthy Harvest Suite 126, 21113 Johnson St. Pembroke Pines, FL 33029 954-538-1511 ----------------------------------------------

GrowSmart Indoor Garden Centers 14587 Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561-429-3527 Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – West 14703 Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561-296-8555

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Atlantis Hydroponics 8042 N. Palafox St., Suite C Pensacola, FL 32534 850-912-8796 ----------------------------------------------

Esposito Garden Center 2743 Capital Circle NE Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-386-2114 Evershine Hydroponics 1519 Capital Circle NE Unit #35 Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-765-0040 Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center 8877 North 56th St. Tampa, FL 33617 813-514-9376 Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center 8707 Temple Terrace Hwy. Tampa, FL 33637 813-514-9376 Hydroponics of Tampa 120 W. Bougain Villea Tampa, FL 33612 813-333-6828 Schiro’s Barn-N-Garden Supplies Inc. 7812 Causeway Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33619 813-626-0902 Stoney Hydro @ Schiro’s Barn-N-Garden Supplies 7812 Causeway Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33619 813-626-0902 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Florida 4412 North 56th St. Tampa, FL 33610 800-283-9676; 813-621-1792 ----------------------------------------------

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

175

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors Happy Planet Hydroponics 1179 E. Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352-253-1001

Green Hands of Aloha 1713 Mary St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-847-4263

365 Hydroponics 13054 W Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-GROW(4769)

Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply 300 Hukilike St. #2M, Kahalui, HI 96732 808-871-6393

Monkey Hydroponics 940 West Oakland Ave., Unit A1 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-574-8495 Cultivating Eden Hydroponic Supplies 946 18th Ave. SW Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-8880 ----------------------------------------------

Florida Garden Supplies 8020 Belvedere Rd.,Unit 4 W. Palm Beach, FL 33411 800-931-5215 ---------------------------------------------Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – East 968 North Congress Ave. W. Palm Beach, FL 33409 561-296-6161

GEORGIA

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Aiyah’s Garden 4558 Kukui St. Kapa’a, HI 96746 Aiyah’s Garden 3-3122 Kuhio Hwy. Unit B-2 Lihue, HI 96766 808-245-2627 Pahoa Feed & Fertilizer 15-2754 Old Government Rd. Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-9955

IDAHO

ILLINOIS

Atlantis Hydroponics 2561 West Point Ave. College Park, GA 30337 678-510-0032

Alternative Garden Supply 615 Industrial Dr., Unit A Cary, IL 60013 800-444-2837

Alpha Hydroponics and Garden Supply Inc. 3904 N Druid Hills Rd., Suite 247 Decatur, GA 30033 404-590-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Brew and Grow 3625 N. Kedzi Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 773-463-7430 Brew and Grow 19 South Morgan St. Chicago, IL 60607 312-243-0005 ----------------------------------------------

Autumn Bloom Alternative Indoor Gardening 1020 Derby St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-642-6943 ----------------------------------------------

GroUp Gardening 221 N. 5th St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-349-4407 ---------------------------------------------Grow Shop of Peoria 2621 N University Peoria, IL 61604 309-299-0953 ----------------------------------------------

Heartland Hydrogardens 7403 Broadway St. Quincy, IL 62305 217-214-GROW(4769) ----------------------------------------------

Fertile Ground 463 West MacArthur Dr. Cottage Hills, IL 62018 618-259-5500 ----------------------------------------------

Brew and Grow 3224 South Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61109 815-874-5700

Midwest Hydroganics 20647 Renwick Rd. Crest Hill, IL 60403 815-838-0100 ----------------------------------------------

Aqua Plant Hawaii / Kahala Hydroponics 4224 Wailae, Suite 1A Honolulu, HI 96816 808-735-8665

Alternative Garden Supply Brew and Grow- Crystal Lake 176 W. Terra Cotta Ave. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-301-4940

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 2110 North Grand Ave. Springfield, IL 62702 217-341-0821 ---------------------------------------------Water Works Indoor Gardening 1900 South Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62703 217-553-6929 Joe Dirt’s Organics & Hydroponics 760 Heartland Dr. Sugar Grove, IL 60554 630-466-8346

INDIANA Sunleaves Garden Products 7854 North State Rd. 37 Bloomington, IN 47404 888-464-9676 ----------------------------------------------

Maximum Grow Gardening 140 Frontage Rd. Suite D Lafayette, IN 47905 765-464-6689

MAINE

Worm’s Way Indiana 7850 North State Rd. 37 Bloomington, IN 47404 800-598-8158 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Mail Order 7850 North State Rd. 37 Bloomington, IN 47404 800-274-9676 ---------------------------------------------Frogs Lilly Pad, The 706 Citation Rd. Carmel, IN 46032 317-846-4610 Hops & Harvest 4616 E. DuPont Rd., Suite Q Fort Wayne, IN 46825 260-918-3035 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 1336 East Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-780-8020 Magic Bulb Garden Center 6221 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-202-2852 ----------------------------------------------

Rock Valley Garden Center 785 N.Bell School Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 815-398-9419

Maximum Grow Gardening 6117 E Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-359-GROW (4769) ----------------------------------------------

Brew and Grow 359 W. Irving Park Rd. Unit E Roselle, IL 60172 630-894-4885

Next Generation Gardening & Hydroponics 6805 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-786-0066

Organic Garden Center 9223 Skokie Blvd.

Skokie, IL 60077 847-675-2722

One Stop Grow Shop 2326 E.44th St. Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-546-GROW

The Urban Garden Center 600 Wilson St. Brewer, ME 04412 207-989-2020 ----------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------The Wine-N-Vine Inc. 1524 East McGalliard Rd. Muncie, IN 47303 765-282-3300 ----------------------------------------------

BWGS-IN 1400 Hancel Pkwy., Mooresville, IN 46158 800-316-1306 ---------------------------------------------Five Point Gardens 56555 Oak Rd. S. Bend, IN 46619 574-287-9232

KANSAS Kan-Grow Hydro Farm LLC 5555 S. Meridian Ave. Wichita, KS 67217 316-214-3022

KENTUCKY

Chicago Roots Hydroponics & Organics 4020 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60641 773-545-4020 ----------------------------------------------

Eco-Island Supply 810 Haiku Rd., #394 Haiku, HI 96708 808-575-9171

176

Prairie House Garden Center 15151 South Harlem Ave. Orland, IL 60462 708-687-3131 ----------------------------------------------

Brew and Grow 181 Crossroads Parkway Bolingbrook, IL 60194 847-885-8282

Versaponics.COM Box 166 West Main St. Carbondale, IL 62901 573-450-5401

HAWAII

Big Grow Hydroponics 9225 Trinity Dr. Lake In The Hills, IL 60156 847-854-4450

Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 3427 Old Chatman Rd. Springfield, IL 62704 217-341-0821

Aerogro 502 N Prospect, Suite 18 Bloomington, IL, 61704

Flora Hydroponics, Inc. 195 Paradise Blvd.

Athens, GA 30607 800-470-6881

Flora Hydroponics, Inc. 1239 Fowler St. North West Atlanta, GA 30318 404-532-0001

Grow Masters 4641 Old Grand Ave. Gurnee, IL 60031 224-399-9877

Green Fields 8137 N. Milwaukee Niles, IL 60714 847-965-5056

Let it Grow - Carbondale West Main St. Carbondale, IL 62908 573-450-5401

Atlantis Hydroponics 5182-B Brook Hollow Parkway Norcross, GA 30071 770-558-1346

Goldman’s Grow Shop 910 Greenwood Rd. Glenview, IL 60025 847-657-7250 ----------------------------------------------

Four Seasons Garden Supply 6218 Overland Rd. Boise, ID 83709 208-377-3030 Greenthumb Greenhouses 5895 Ensign Ave. Boise, ID 83714

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Grow Big Hydroponics 7817 B North 2nd St. Manchesney Park, IL 61115 815-637-4769

Flora Hydroponics Inc. 2475 Jefferson Rd., Suite 600 Athens, GA 30607 866-404-0551

Savannah Hydroponics & Organics 4107 Eighth St., Suite C Garden City, GA 31408 912-349-4030 ----------------------------------------------

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Boise Hydroponics 614 North Orchard St. Boise, ID 83706 208-344-3053

Aerostar Global 824 South Kay Ave. Addison, IL 60101 Atlantis Hydroponics 1422 Woodmont Lane, #4 Atlanta, GA 30318 404-367-0052 ----------------------------------------------

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Garden Grove Organics 29 East 7th St. Covington (Cincinnati Metro), KY 41011 859-360-1843 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Kentucky 1360 Donaldson Hwy. Suite A Erlanger, KY 41018 800-669-2088 ---------------------------------------------Grow Shop, The of Lexington 2320 Palumbo Dr., Suite 130 Lexington, KY 40509 859-268-0779 Success Hydroponics Lexington, KY 4505 859-294-4769 Louisville Hydroponics 3471 Taylor Blvd.

Louisville, KY 40215 502-366-4000 New Earth Garden Center 9810 Taylorsville Rd. Louisville, KY 40299 800-462-5953 Bluegrass Organic Grow Shop 125 Quinn Dr. Nicholasville, KY 40356 859-887-0677 Bluegrass Hydro Garden 13529 S. Dixie Hwy. Upton, KY 42784 270-369-9000

LOUISIANA Laughing Buddha Nursery 4516 Clearview Parkway Metairie, LA 70006 504-887-4336 Urban Organics 285 St. Claude Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 504-352-4709 Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics 201 Angus Dr. Yungsville, LA 70592 337-303-6146

Full Bloom Hydroponics 502 Wilton Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 207-860-2808 ---------------------------------------------LiquidSun of Maine 51 West Gray Rd. Gray, ME 04039 207-657-8033 ----------------------------------------------

Full Bloom Hydroponics 502 Wilton Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 207-860-2808 ---------------------------------------------Natures Palate Indoor Garden Store 1321 Mercer Rd. (route 2) Mercer, ME 04957 877-587-4150; 207-587-4150 Newfield Farms 122 Water St. Newfield, ME 04095 207-956-3334 ----------------------------------------------

Evergreen Garden Center 301 Forest Ave. Portland, ME 04101 207-761-2800 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 301 Forest Ave. Portland, ME USA, 04101 207-761-2800 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply Maine 178 Rand Rd. Portland, ME 04102 207-899-4387 ----------------------------------------------

The Urban Garden Center 659 Warren Ave. Portland, ME 04103 207-347-2350 ---------------------------------------------Here We Grow 30 Parsons St. Presque Isle, ME 04769 207-SOY-BEAN (769-2326) Green Thumb Indoor Gardening 19 Stage Rd. St. Albans, ME 04971 207-938-5909 New England Horticulture Supply 125 John Roberts Rd., Suite 1 S. Portland, ME 04106 207-899-0510

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The Urban Garden Center 235 Lewiston Rd. Topsham, ME 04086 207-373-0990 ---------------------------------------------Greenlife Garden Supply 611 US Route 1 York, ME 03909 207-363-0844

MARYLAND East Coast Organics 2800 Sisson St. Baltimore, MD 21211 Healthy Gardens and Supply 5001-F Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21214 443-708-5144 Eco Greenworks 7814 Parston Dr. Forestville, MD 20747 301-278-7541 Maryland Hydroponics Inc. 10051 North 2nd St. Laurel, MD 20723 301-490-9236 Meadowview Feed & Garden Center 1202 Meadowview Rd. Pasadena, MD 21122 443-817-0018 ----------------------------------------------

Montgomery Hydroponics 8950 Brookville Rd. Silver Springs, MD 20910 301-588-1935 ---------------------------------------------Purple Mountain Organics 100-7010 Westmoreland Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912 877-538-9901

MASSACHUSETTS Grow it Green 122 Pulaski Blvd.

Bellingham, MA 02019 508-883-GROW Greenlife Garden Supply 481 Boston Rd., Unit 4 Billerica, MA 01821 978-262-9966 Mass Hydro 1753 Main St. Brockton, MA 02301 GYOstuff – Grow Your Own 2400 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02140 617-945-1654 Mass Hydro 390 Rhode Island Ave. Fall River MA 02721 704-GO-HYDRO Harvest Moon Hydroponics 29 Washington St., Route 1 Foxboro, MA 02035 800-660-6977 ----------------------------------------------

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Perpetual Harvest 273 Hanover St. Route 139 Ste.14 Hanover Mas, MA USA, 02339 781 829 6900 ---------------------------------------------LiquidSun® MA 8 Lynwood Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040 413-539-6875 Cape Cod Hydroponics 195 Ridgewood Ave. Hyannis, MA 02601 508-737-2555 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro 101 160 Winthrop Ave. Lawrence, MA USA, 01843 978 794 9376 ---------------------------------------------Indoor Garden Center 236 Mystic Ave. Medford, MA 02155 781-874-1693 ----------------------------------------------

Rootdown Hydroponics Indoor Garden Center 236 Mystic Ave. Medford, MA 01255 781-874-1693 ----------------------------------------------

Here We Grow 123 Russell St. (Route 9) Hadley, MA 01035 413-584-FARM (3276)

High Tech Garden Supply 560 Boston Turnpike (Route 9) Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-845-4477 ---------------------------------------------Nor’easter Organic Life 515 College Highway Unit J Southwick, MA 01077 413-998-3951 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 216 Newbury St. Peabody, MA USA, 01960 978 854 5541 ---------------------------------------------LiquidSun® RI 1179 Central Ave. Pawtucket, MA 02861 401-722-2724 ----------------------------------------------

New England Hydroponics 15 D College Hwy. (Route 10) Southampton, MA 01073 888-529-9025 ---------------------------------------------Nor'easter Organic Life 515 College Highway Unit J Southwick, MA 01077 413-998-3951 ----------------------------------------------

Hydroponics N More Garden Center 331 Centre Ave. Rockland, MA 02370 781-421-3356

Tru Bloomz Hydroponics 1201 Fall River Ave. Seekonk, MA 02771 508-336-4443 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station 2734 Jackson Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-213-7740 ---------------------------------------------U Can Grow Hydro 2247 W. Liberty Ann Arbor, MI 4810 734-369-3387 ----------------------------------------------

Garden Supplies

Gro Blue Discount Hydro and Indoor Garden Supplies 4072 Packard Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-913-2750 ---------------------------------------------Grow Show, The 4095 Stone School Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-677-0009; 734-677-0509 HotHydro® 5245 Jackson Rd., Suite F Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-761-5040; 877-893-0716 All Things Good and Green 501 E. Michigan Ave. Augusta, MI 49012 269-978-8550

Worm’s Way Massachusetts 121 Worc-Providence Turnpike Sutton, MA 01590 800-284-9676 ----------------------------------------------

Battle Creek Indoor Gardening 1125 E.Michigan Ave. Battle Creek MI 49014 269-282-0554 BIG Green Tomato 1775 E. Columbia Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49014 269-282-1593 Homelight Gardens 3471 S. Huron Rd. Bay City, MI 48706 989-922-0088

Emerald City Indoor Gardening 51 Main St. Westminster, MA USA, 01473 978-668-5393 ----------------------------------------------

LiquidSun East 12 Bay St. Unit 105 Wilmington, MA 01887 978-447-5442

MICHIGAN

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Evergreen Garden Center 216 Newbury St. Peabody, MA 01960 978-854-5541 ----------------------------------------------

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Discount Hydro & Indoor

Green Path Garden Supply 276 West Main St. Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-4181 ----------------------------------------------

Mass Hydro 679 Washington St. S. Attlevoro, MA 02703 508-761-4937 ---------------------------------------------New England Hydroponics 855 Worcester Rd. Route 9 Framingham, MA 01701 888-529-9025 ----------------------------------------------

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Grow Supply Center 3131 Benzie Hwy. Benzonia, MI 49616 231-882-9270 J&L Growco 206 S. Michigan Ave. Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-1528 Hydro Vision 11820 Belleville Belleville, MI 48111 734-325-6210 One Stop Grow Shop Inc., The 397 Main St., Suite A. Belleville, MI 48111 734-325-7242 Let’s Grow It! 225 S. Michegan Ave Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-792-2775

Get Growing Urban Garden Centre 142 S. Main St. Adrian, MI 49221 517-920-4833 ---------------------------------------------Allegan Hydroponic Supply 1177 Lincoln Rd. Allegan, MI 49010 269-355-1595 ----------------------------------------------

Growers Outlet 7720 Clyde Park SW Byron Center, MI 49513 616-878-4444 Happy Harvesters Hydroponics 4410 South Saginaw St. Burton, MI 48529 810-496-3005 Hydroponic Gardening 4204 Davison Rd. Burton, MI 48505 810-406-3355 Two Guys and a Grow Shop 3374 Atherton Rd. Burton, MI 48509 810-820-4275 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 6540 Allen Rd. Allen Park, MI 48101 313-383-1766 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #4 6199 Haggerty Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-668-6100 ----------------------------------------------

Caledonia Gardens 9750 Cherry Valley Ave. SE Caledonia Gardens, MI 49316 616-891-0706 Greenway Gardens 916 W 13th St. Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-7075 Indoor Grower’s Edge 8998 E. 34 Rd., Suite B Cadillac, MI 49601 231-468-3343 Easy Growing 5748 N. Canton Centre Rd. Canton, MI 48187 734-451-4500 Hydro Helper 6445 Canton Center Rd. Canton, MI 48187 734-354-3900 ----------------------------------------------

The Great Lakes Hydroponics Co. 5998 US.31 South Charlevoix, MI 49720 231-237-9153 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden 30504 23 Mile Rd. Chesterfield, MI 48047 586-741-8805 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station 3 Inc. 46912 Gratiot Chesterfield, MI 48051 586-949-7453 ---------------------------------------------Horti-Toad Hydroponic Supply 21323 Harper St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-944-0650 Hydro 411 411 West 5th St. Clare, MI 48617 989-941-4157 Michigan Hydro Depot 571 E. Chicago St., Suite B Coldwater, MI 49036 517-278-9600 All American Indoor Gardening Warehouse 11504 N. Saginaw Rd. Clio, MI 48420 810-640-1156 Clio Cultivation 11394 N.Saginaw Rd. Clio, MI 48420 810-686-4769 HydroMaster 36345 Grosebeck Hwy. Clinton Twp, MI 48035 586-792-0277 Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden 20560 Hall Rd. Clinton Township, MI 48038 586-263-5793 H2O Grow Supply 3364 Arent Ct. Coloma, MI 49038 269-468-3890 Lets Grow Hydroponics 1141 W Randall Coopersville, MI 49404 616-997-0420 Van Hydro 7480 N State Davison, MI 48423 810-653-8267

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The Grow Station 5670 Telegraph Rd. Dearborn, MI 48127 313-406-5147; 800-797-4769 (GROW) ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #1 14455 Ford Rd. Dearborn, MI 48126 313-216-8888 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station – Eastern Market, The 2518 Market St. Detroit, MI 48207 313-394-0441 ---------------------------------------------Growers R Us 19317 West Warren Detroit, MI 48228 313-633-1617 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #3 21651 W. 8 Mile Rd.(8 Mile & Lahser) Detroit, MI 48219 313-387-7700 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Heaven 73647 W 8th Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48235 313-861-0333; 877-823-2076 ----------------------------------------------

Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 ----------------------------------------------

Urban Gardening Center, The 2520 22nd St. Detroit, MI 48216 313-898-0200 ----------------------------------------------

Superior Growers Supply 4870 Dawn Ave. E. Lansing, MI 48823 517-332-2663 ---------------------------------------------Sunnyside Hydroponics 24930 Gratiot Ave. Eastpoint, MI 48021 586-777-2528 GroMart Indoor Gardening Solutions 68991 M-62 Suite Q Edwardsburg, MI 49112 269-414-4385 ----------------------------------------------

All Season Garden Supply 1501 Sheridan Rd. Escanaba, MI USA, 49829 906 553 7191 ----------------------------------------------

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

177

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors Bay de Noc Hydroponic & Garden Supply 1501 Sheridan Rd. Escanaba, MI 49829 906-553-7006 Hydro Vision 495 Fenway Dr. Fenton, MI 810-714-1719 Green Thumb Garden Center 22963 Woodward Ave. Ferndale, MI 48220 248-439-1851 Urban Garden Supply 4516 Pasadena Ave. Flint, MI 48504 810-733-0420 Urban Garden Supply 3410 S. Dort Hwy. Flint, MI 48507 810-875-9580 Granny Green Thumbs 103 W. Grand River Flowerville, MI 48836 517-223-1302 Indoor/Outdoor Garden Shop 105 N. Seymour Rd. Flushing, MI 48433 810-867-4351 ----------------------------------------------

The Grow Shop of Garden City 28505 Ford Rd. Garden City, MI 48135 734-956-5400 ----------------------------------------------

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 799 S. Wisconsin Ave. Gaylord, MI 49735 989-731-8800 ----------------------------------------------

Growco Garden Supply 1042 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 877-939-6900 NEW 2nd LOCATION! 4640 West River Dr. Comstock Park, MI 49321 ----------------------------------------------

Home Grown Hydroponix 5333 Plainfield, Suite C Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-2924 ----------------------------------------------

Horizen Hydroponics 1614 Leonard St., NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 866-791-1664 ---------------------------------------------Grand Rapids Hydroponics Inc. 524 Leonard St. Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-454-2500 ----------------------------------------------

Garden Doctor 2974 28th St. SW Grandville, MI 49418 616 530 2500 ---------------------------------------------Holland Hydroponic Outlet 604 N. Beacon Blvd.

Grand Haven, MI 49423 616-847-1277

178

BSS Garden Supplies 8899 Peck Rd. Unit #2 Greenville, MI 48838 616-225-7000 It is Green Ville Gardens 11500 Morgan Mills Rd., NE Greenville, MI 48838 616-745-0500 ----------------------------------------------

Hydroharrys- HP 24047 Dequindre Rd. Hazel Park, MI 48030 248-541-0099 ---------------------------------------------Garden Doctor 2974 28th St. SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-530-2500 Holland Hydroponic Outlet 1220 Phoenix Rd. S. Haven, MI 49090 269-637-5941 Absolute Wholesale Garden Supply 3255 Highland Rd. Highland, MI 48357 248-714-6558 ----------------------------------------------

Flower Factory, The 2223 East Highland Rd. Highland, MI 48356 248-714-9292 ---------------------------------------------Holland Hydroponic Outlet 587-40 East 8th St. Holland, MI 49423 616-298-7395

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

---------------------------------------------Grow Maxx 1220 S. Stephenson Ave. Iron Mountain, MI 49801 920-447-2211 Hydro Magic 595 South Cedar St. Imlay City, MI 48444 810-721-7232 Ionia Hydroponics & Indoor Garden Supply 2555 N. State(M-66) Rd. Ionia, MI 48846 616-523-6111 Hydrocapitol 258 Cooper St. Jackson, MI 49201 517-795-2633 Mighty Grow 2418 West Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202 517-962-4822 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 1745 West Main St. Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-978-8697 ----------------------------------------------

Horizen Hydroponics 4646 W. Main St. Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-567-3333 ----------------------------------------------

Mr. Grow it All 6660 Blair Lane Holland, MI 49424 616-392-3028 Hydro Grow Room 15201 N. Holly Rd., Unit B Holly MI, 48430 248-369-8333 Holland Hydroponic Outlet 1220 Phoenix Rd. S. Haven, MI 49090 269-637-5941 ----------------------------------------------

HGR Garden Supply 15231 N. Holly Rd. Holly, MI 48442 248-369-8333 ---------------------------------------------J&W Farm & Garden Center 10906 Main St. Honor, MI 49640 231-325-3433 ----------------------------------------------

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 705 S. Loxley Houghton Lake, MI 48629 989-422-2800 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Vision 1247 E. Grand River Howell, MI 48843 517-552-4965 Grow Fast Gardens 5015 South Straits Hwy. Indian River, MI 49749 231-238-4113 ---------------------------------------------Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply W. 8065 US Highway 2 Iron Mountain, MI 49801 906-828-2000

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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Superior Growers Supply Inc. 3928 West Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, MI 48917 517-327-1900 ---------------------------------------------H2O Hydroponics 5210 W. Saginaw Hwy Lansing, MI 48917 517-703-8120 Edenz Hydro 560 Oak St. Lapeer, MI 48446 248-291-6691 Howz It Growing 700 Main St. Suite 101B Lapeer, MI 48446 810-245-8687 Two Guys and a Grow Shop 11917 E. Lennon Rd. Lennon, MI 48449 810-621-3790 ----------------------------------------------

Superior Growers Supply Inc. 292200 Seven Mile West Livonia, MI 48152 248-473-0450 ---------------------------------------------The Barefoot Gardener 11635 Fulton St. Suite 300B Lowell, MI 49331 616-987-3457 Plant Paradise 4593 W. US 10 Ludington, MI 49431 231-843-3000 Edenz Hydro 1411 West 14 Mile Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-291-6691 Northern Lights Hydroponic & Garden Supply 29090 Campbell Rd. Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-439-6269

Kalamazoo Indoor Garden 450 W. Maple Kalamazoo, MI 49001 269-344-2550 ---------------------------------------------Plainwell Indoor/Outdoor Garden Center 8201 Douglas Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49009 269-532-1167 Zoo City Grower Supply 3514 S. Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-903-2450 Halms Hydro 2368 S. Huron Rd. Kawkawklin, MI 48631 989-402-1296 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 2815 East Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 517-580-0555 ---------------------------------------------Howz It Growing 1290 S. Lapeer Rd. Lake Orion, MI 48360 248-693-5747 Capital City Growers 2208 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 517-853-9988 ----------------------------------------------

Horizen Hydroponics 5425 W. Saginaw Hwy Lansing, MI 48917 517-323-ROOT ----------------------------------------------

Hypnotic Hydroponics 321 Deer St. Manistique, MI 49854 906- 341-GROW BIg Creek Hydroponics 555 Old Little Lake Rd. Marquette, MI 49855 906-249-5297 Sweet Greens Hydroponics 113 Fifth St. Michigan Center, MI 49254 517-764-9232 Stealth Hydro 14630 King Dr. Milan, MI 48160 734-961-4333 ----------------------------------------------

The Grow Shop 2609 Telegraph Rd. Monroe, MI 48162 734-384-4769 ---------------------------------------------Cedar Garden Wholesale 132 North Bound Gratiot Mt. Clements, MI 48043 586-738-0030 Cedar Garden Wholesale 132 North Bound Gratiot Mt. Clements, MI 48043 586-738-0030 Green Grow LLC 9046 N. Dort Mt. Morris, MI 48458 810-687-9500 Indoor Grower’s Edge 2410 S. Leaton Suite 5 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-317-0944 Sunshine Supply Co. 5800 East Pickard St. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-775-3700

Big Blue Hydroponics 590 Ottawa St. Muskegon, MI 49441 231-571-9400 Growing Consultant Hydroponics & Things 2260 Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 231-773-5600 ----------------------------------------------

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Hydroponics Highway Inc. 2708 14th Ave. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-982-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Ultra Green Hydroponics 9300 Telegraph Rd. Redford, MI 48239 313-534-9377 ---------------------------------------------Green Lantern H2O 1383 E. Laketon Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 231-722-0420 ----------------------------------------------

Third Coast Horticulture Supply 1965 Holton Rd Muskegon, MI 49445 231-288-1762 ---------------------------------------------Harbor Country Hydro 17648 US Highway 12 New Buffalo, MI 49117 269-469-2242 ----------------------------------------------

Flo-N-Grow Hydroponics Co. 214 North 2nd St. Niles, MI 49120 269-683-1877 www.FNGhydro.com ----------------------------------------------

HGR Garden Supply 200 E. Main St. Owosso, MI 48867 989-472-4999 ---------------------------------------------Owlyn Solutions for Growers 2398 Jolly Rd., Suite 300 Okemos, MI 48864 517-203-5070 Watch it Grow Hydroponics 407 W. Center St. Omer, MI 48749 989-653-2141 Happy Harvesters Hydroponics 1772 S. Ortonville Dr. Ortonville, MI 48462 248-793-3357 Healthy Harvest Garden Supply 233 South State St. Oscoda, MI 48750 989-569-3006 Hydro Grow Source 10609 East Lovejoy Perry, MI 48872 517-376-8583 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #5 290 S. Telegraph Pontiac, MI 48341 248-706-7600 ---------------------------------------------Super Grow 288 W. Montcalm Pontiac, MI 48342 248-24SUPER (78737) Green Earth Hydroponics 8127 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 269-342-4190

Hydro Vision 66783 Gratiot Ave. Richmond, MI 48062 586-430-1956 ----------------------------------------------

Garden Wise 16010 King Rd. Riverview MI 48193 734-225-6414 amgardensupply@yahoo.com ---------------------------------------------Happy Gardening 20840 Telegraph Rd. Romulus, MI 48174 734-486-4115 ----------------------------------------------

Growers Edge 175 Marcell Dr. Rockford, MI 49341 ----------------------------------------------

Green Thumb Hydroponics & Organic Indoor Supply 8460 Algoma, Suite G Rockford, MI 49341 616-884-5500 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 28000 Groesbeck Hwy. Roseville, MI 48066 586-435-2335 ---------------------------------------------Plant Paradise 7657 Michigan Ave. Rothbury, MI 49452 231-843-3000 GrowMart 2137 Warwick St. Saginaw, MI 48603 989-799-6330 Home Grown Hydroponics 4880 Gratiot Rd., Suite # 2 Saginaw, MI 48638 989-781-1930 Third Coast Garden Supply LLC 2327 Auburn Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48195 586-997-2700 ----------------------------------------------

Superior Growers Supply, Inc. 5716 South Pennsylvania Ave. S. Lansing, MI 48911 517-393-1600 ----------------------------------------------

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Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 23529 Little Mack Ave. St. Clair, MI 48080 586-775-9485 _______________________ Horti-Toad Hydroponic Supply 21323 Harper St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-944-0650 Advanced Hydroponic Growers 705 N. US 27 St.Johns, MI 48879 989-227-0408 Hydro City LLC 34863 Schoenherr Sterling Heights, MI 48312 586-883-9075 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #2 19363 Eureka Rd. Southgate, MI 48195 734-281-8888 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 7889 Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI 48180 313-908-7554 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Grow, The 8210 Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI 48180 313-633-0641 Cultivation Innovations 6652 Lewis Ave. Suite 7 Temperance, MI 48182 419-725-4769 Great Lakes Green Horticultural Supply 757 S. U.S. Highway 131 Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-278-130 Grow Depot 9 North Main St. Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-273-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Woodland Shore Garden Center 956 W. South Airport Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686 231-421-5901

G.C. II 1006 E. Colby St., Suite A Whitehall, MI 49417 231-893-2400 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Vision 1910 West Rd. Trenton, MI 48183 734-301-3745 Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden 45410 Van Dyke Ave. Utica, MI 48317 586-803-0966 Forever Green 340 S. Main St. Vassar, MI 48768 989-882-9177 H2 Hydro 702 N. Pontiac Trail Walled Lake, MI 48390 248-669-6063 ----------------------------------------------

Midwest Hydroponics 5825 Excelsior Blvd.

St. Louis Park, MN 55416 888-449-2739 ---------------------------------------------Indoor Eden 9281 East-M 36 Whitmore, MI 48189 810-355-1465 ---------------------------------------------AAA Hydroponics LLC 22 50th St. Wyoming, MI 49504 616-249-8338 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Store, The 90 N U.S. Highway 31 South Traverse City, MI 49685-7923 231-421-5191 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 720 South Garfield Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686 231-668-6913 ----------------------------------------------

Eco Garden Supply 800 Transfer Door 25 in rear St. Paul, MN 55114 651-647-1896

MISSISSIPPI Urban Organics 2217 E Canal St. Picayune, MS 39466 504-352-4709

MISSOURI Hydroharrys – WL 1138 E. West Maple Rd. Walled Lake, MI 48390 248-896-0099 ---------------------------------------------Greco’s Nursery & Garden Supplies 12219 E. 11 Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48093 586-759-1335 Hydro King Indoor Garden Supply 32000 Van Dyke Ave. Warren, MI 48093 586-939-0518 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station – Grand Rapids, The 4907 S. Division Ave. Wyoming, MI 49548 616-855-4440 ----------------------------------------------

Stealth Hydro 15 E. Cross St. Ypsilanti, MI 48198 866-998-1916 ----------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA The Grow Stop 7380 Highland Rd. Waterford, MI 48327 248-599-9231 ---------------------------------------------Indoor Garden Superstore 2570 Dixie Hwy. Waterford, MI 48328 248-673-2200; 877-22-HYDRO

Duluth Hydroponics 26 W 1st St. Duluth, MN 55802 218-341-7253 The Interior Tomato, LLC 519 N. Central Ave. Duluth, MN 55087 218-260-5167 ----------------------------------------------

Versaponics LTD 879 South Kingshighway Cape Girardeau, Mo 63703 573-450-5401 ----------------------------------------------

Light Green Water 3661 Highland Rd. Waterford, MI 48329 248-681-0001 Bubonic Hydroponics 38540 Michigan Ave. Wayne, MI 48184 734-331-2316 ----------------------------------------------

Hydrospot 34236 Michigan Ave. Wayne, MI 48184 734-722-1285 ---------------------------------------------B&B Hydro Supply 28974 Warren Rd. Westland, MI 48185 734-469-2805 ----------------------------------------------

Ultra Green Hydroponics 8067 N. Wayne Rd. Westland, MI 48185 734-425-1000 ----------------------------------------------

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Butteopia 127 Main St. Butte, MT 59701 1-406-782-8476 ---------------------------------------------Alpengrow Nursery Supplies 238 Highway 93 S. Eureka, MT 59917 406-882-4496 Big Sky Garden Supply 528 West Idaho Kallispell, MT 59901 406-755-1465 Box of Rain INC 860 North Meridian Rd., Suite B #19&20 Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-RAIN (7246) Cornucopia Grow Your Own 127 Stoner Creek Rd. Lakeside, MT 59922 406-709-1076 Dr. Green Thumbs 1106 West Park Livingston, MT 59047 406-222-7440

Heartland Hydrogardens 705 Vandiver Dr., Suite G Columbia, MO 65202 573-474-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Bizzy Beez LLP 5785 Highway 93 South Whitefish, MT 59937 406-863-9937

NEBRASKA

Advanced Garden Supply 901 Missouri Blvd., Suite C Jeffeson City, MO 65109 573-635-7878

Bodhi Organic Garden Supply 1438 S1 St., Suite 6 Lincoln, NE 68502 402-438-6785

Grow Your Own Hydroponics 3617 Saint John Ave. Kansas City, MO 64123 816-241-2122

Patio-Ponics 3255 Cornhusker Hwy., Suite 4 Lincoln, NE 68504 402-466-9218 ----------------------------------------------

U-Grow 1724 North, 13th St. St. Louis, MO 63106 314-452-6368 ----------------------------------------------

Happy Harvesters Hydroponics 5720 Highland Rd. Waterford, MI 48327 248-599-9761

Paradigm Gardens 8949 J St., Suite 5 Omaha, NE 68127 402-339-4949 ----------------------------------------------

NEVADA Indoor Gardening 10 NE 3rd St. Faribault, MN 55021 507-209-1546 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Missouri 1225 North Warson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63132 800-285-9676 ----------------------------------------------

Brew and Grow 8302 Highway 65 NE. Minneapolis, MN 55432 763-780-8191 Interior Gardens 115 -1620 Central Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 800-498-4178; 612-870-9077

Cultivation Station 1990 US-31 N. Suite C Traverse City, MI 49686 231-421-8118 ----------------------------------------------

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Eden Indoor Organic Gardens 831 Highway 75 N. Moorhead, MN 56560 218-477-EDEN (3336) ----------------------------------------------

American Garden Supply 601-6th Ave. N. Princeton, MN 55371 763-631-0543 ---------------------------------------------Still-H2O Inc. 1266 Frontage Road W Stillwater, MN 55082 651-351-2822

Carson Valley Hydroponics 2520 Empire Ranch Rd. Carson City, NV 89701 775-884-4769 Lorraine Indoor Gardens 290 Spear Court Fernley, NV 89408 775-575-7757 Hydro Store, The 1014 W. Sunset Rd. Henderson, NV 89014 702-434-7365

Green Thumb Organics 5911 Veterns Memorial Hwy. St. Peters, MO 63376 636-397-4769 ----------------------------------------------

MONTANA Heightened Harvests 3103 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 406-494-4222 One World – Life Products 906 Broadwater Billings, MT 59101 406-839-9969 Heightened Harvest 1415 S 32nd St. West Billings, MT 59102 406-656-1156

AAA Indoor Organic Garden SuperCenter 2101 S. Decatur Blvd. #21 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-450-4769 Advanced Gardens Hydroponics 7850 Dean Martin Dr., Suite 506 Las Vegas, NV 89139 702-247-4769 All American Hydroponics 2675 East Patrick Lane, Unit 8 Las Vegas, NV 89120 702-894-9888 Best Hydroponic Supply 6818 W Cheyenne Las Vegas, NV 89108 702-750-9300 Grow Hydro Gardens 5870 S. Decatur, Suite 11 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-997-7053; Toll Free 866568-4769

Hydro Store, The 7145 W. Ann Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89130 702-434-9376 Nevada Hydroponics 4700B Maryland, Suite 1 Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-798-2852 Anything Grows 190 West Moana Lane Reno, NV 89509 775-828-1460 Everything Green Hydroponics Reno, Nv 89533 The Hydro Store 121 Woodland Ave #160 Reno, NV 89523 775-787-2760

NEW HAMPSHIRE The Beez Kneez Garden Supply 180 Emerald St. Keene, NH 03431 603-903-1488 Greenlife Garden Supply 885 Second St. Manchester, NH 03102 603-782-8259 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro101 545 Hooksett Rd. #24 Manchester, NH 03104 603-782-8894 ---------------------------------------------Natural Roots Hydroponics 24 Crown St. Nashua, NH 03060 603-204-5528 Four Seasons Horticulture Supply 2076 White Mountain Hwy. N. Conway, NH 03860 603-733-5444 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 13 Plaistow Rd Plaistow, NH USA, 03865 603 974 2205 ----------------------------------------------

NEW JERSEY Garden State Hydroponics 511 Avenel St. Avenel, NJ 07001 888-300-8711 Boyer Indoor Gardening 57 Crescent Blvd.

Gloucester City, NJ 08030 856-456-5000 Bergen County Hydroponics 70 Essex St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-2001 Garden Indoors of New Jersey 600 Meadowlands Pkwy., Suite 25 Secaucus, NJ 07094 201-865-1616 East Coast Horticultural Supply 1652 Hurffville Rd. Sewell, NJ 08080 856-228-5290 77HYDRO 37 Fairfield Pl. W. Caldwell, NJ 07006 877-774-9376 Claraqua 4 Redwood Court W. Windsor, NJ 08550

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors NEW MEXICO

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AHL Year Round Garden Supply 1051 San Mateo Blvd. S. Albuquerque, NM 87108 505-255-3677 ----------------------------------------------

All Seasons Gardening 3600 Osuna Rd., Suite 406 Alburquerque, NM 87109 505-508-4292 ---------------------------------------------Common Shaman 1319 San Mateo N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-255-6463 Heavy’s Grow Supply 1325 San Mateo Blvd. NE. Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-315-4573 Dr. Green Hydroponics 129 E. Idaho Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88005 575-524-6751 ----------------------------------------------

All Seasons Gardening 1228 Parkway, Suite E. Sante Fe, NM 87507 505-438-GROW ---------------------------------------------New Mexico Hydroponics 923 W. Almeada Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-316-5855 Santa Fe Hydroponics 851 W. San Mateo Rd., Suite 4 Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-467-8454 Earthgoods 120 Bertha Taos, NM 87571 (575) 758-9131

NEW YORK Organica: Garden Supply & Hydroponics 296 Delaware Ave. Albany, NY 12209 518-618-7666 The Grow Room 32-32 49th St. Astoria, NY 11103 718-218-GROW (4769) ----------------------------------------------

Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 19 Front St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-2005; 800-850-4769 ---------------------------------------------The Grape Vine 4020 Hempstead Turnpike Bethpage, NY 11714 516-731-1100

Indoor Outdoor Gardener 8223 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-836-2402 ----------------------------------------------

Buffalo Roots Hydroponics and Organics 3231 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14214 716-240-9075 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponics of Buffalo 1497 Hertel Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216 716-838-3545 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 340 West at 59 Central Nyack, NY 10960 California Hydroponics 27 Corporate Circle E. Syracuse, NY 13057 315-432-9387 Upstate Hydroponics 2026 Lake Rd., Unit B Elmira, NY 14903 607-483-9199 ---------------------------------------------FutureGarden Inc. 59 Central Ave. Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-420-0884 ---------------------------------------------Sunflower Supplies, LLC 176-18 Central Ave. Farmingdale, NY 11735 631-651-8281 East Coast Hydroponics 14649 Horace Harding Exp. Flushing, NY 11367 718-762-8880 Healthy Harvest Organics & Hydro 163 Broadway Fort Edwart, NY 12828 518-480-4698 ----------------------------------------------

Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 10 Saratoga Ave. S. Glen Falls, NY 12803 518-798-820 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponic Shops of America 2568 Western Ave. Guilderland, NY 12009 518-355-1503 Hydroponic Shops of America 720 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850 607-697-0199

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Mike’s Nursery & Grower Supplies 199 E. Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750 716-763-1612

Bronx Hydro & Garden 39 Bruckner Blvd.

Bronx, NY 10454 718-993-3787 Bklyn Hydro & Garden 316 McGuiness Blvd.

Brooklyn, NY 11222 718-383-0095

KG Garden Supply 4575 Commercial Dr. New Hartford, NY 13413 877-KG-HYDRO

Brooklyn Farms 51 Hicks St. Brooklyn, NY 11231 347-725-3491

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 217 Route 32 N. New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-3633

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

NORTH CAROLINA Advanced Hydroponic Garden 55 Shiloh Rd. #6 Asheville, NC 28803 1-828-277-3488

The Green Box 495 9th Ave. New York, NY 10018 212-967-4777 thegreenboxhydro.com ---------------------------------------------Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics 2045 Niagara Falls Blvd., Suite 13 Niagara Falls, NY 14304 888-GROWBOX The Grow Room 8 Bridge St. Nyack, NY 10960 800-449-9630 Revolution Hydroponics 309 West State St. Olean, NY 14760 716-373-GROW (4769) Mor Gro Hydroponics 5680 State Route 104 E Oswego, NY 13126 315-877-8725 Environmental Gardens 8 John Walsh Blvd., Suite 310 Peekskills, NY 10566 800-254-0507; 914-736-6676 Harvest Moon Hydroponics Henrietta Townline Plaza 3047 West Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623 716-865-7353 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Garden Center 1069B Lyell Ave. Rochester, NY 14606 1-800-277-1322 ---------------------------------------------Sunset Hydroponics & Home Brewing 1590 West Ridge Rd. Rochester, NY 14615 866-395-9204 Hydroponic Garden Centers Inc 146 49 Horace Harding Exp. Rushing, NY 11367 718-762-8880 LiquidSun of New York 1702 Fiero Ave. Rotterdam, NY 12150 518-952-4654 Hydroponics Shops of America 2606 Erie Blvd.

Syracuse, NY 13224 315-251-2516 ----------------------------------------------

Greentree Garden Supply 606 Elmira Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-3666

Crossroads Hydroponics and Organics 181 South Plank Rd. (Route 52) Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-4769

180

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Green Zone Hydroponics 2148 Niagara Falls Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150 716-693-9663 ---------------------------------------------Green Zone Hydroponics 2928 Southwestern Blvd.

Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-677-9663

Fifth Season Gardening Company 21 B Westside Dr. Asheville, NC 28806 828-225-5007 Fifth Season Gardening Company 45 Banks Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 828-253-4112 Fifth Season Gardening Company 106 South Greensboro St. Carrboro, NC 27510 919-932-7600 ----------------------------------------------

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Purely Hydroponic, LLC 1507 Lear Industrial Pkwy.

Avon, OH 44011 866-787-5060 ---------------------------------------------Campbells Indoor Gardening Supplies 1721 Greenville Rd. Bristolville, OH 44402 330-889-0049 Magic Home Gardens 209 Cemetery Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-837-2440 Dumont Seed Co. 619 30th St. N.W. Canton, OH 44709 330-492-0204 ----------------------------------------------

BWGS-NC 4045 Perimeter West Dr., Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28214 800-316-1306 ----------------------------------------------

Dayton Hydroponics 4920 Provident Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45246 513-942-7111 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 2712 B Freedom Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 704-697-0911 ----------------------------------------------

Eastside Hydroponics 834 Ohio Pike #318 Cincinnati, OH 45245 513-528-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Flow & Grow Hydroponics & Organic Garden Center 4521 Cumberland Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28306 910-423-FLOW (3569) Hydro Garden Zone 2222 Patterson St. Suite #1 Green Grove, NC 27407 336-854-0788 Fifth Season Gardening Company 1616 D-3 Battleground Ave. Greensboro, NC 27408 336-271-3373 Good Harvest Garden Center 629 Oakridge Farm Hwy. Mooresville, NC 28115 704-658-9136 Fifth Season Gardening Company 5619-A Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27606 919-852-4747 New Age Gardens 2236A US Highway 70 Swannanoa, NC 28778 828-299-9989 Progressive Gardens 6005 Oleander Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-395-1156 LiquidSun East 12 Bay St., Unit 105 Wilmington, NC 01887 978-447-5442

OHIO Akron Garden Center 434 W Wilbeth Rd. Akron, OH 44314 330-724-2700

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Ultra Lo Hydro DAYTON, OH 45431-2046 937-252-8224 ultralohydro.com ----------------------------------------------

USA Hydrogarden 542 Griswold Rd. Elyria, OH 44035 440-324-4769 ---------------------------------------------Garden Connections 3341 Centerpoint Dr. Grove City, OH 43123 614-871-0707 Advanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center 5204 Darrow Rd. Hudson, OH 44236 234-380-1287 Sweet Greens 5540 Brecksville Rd. Independence, OH 44131 800-421-7084 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Gardens Wholesale 1144 N Memorial Dr. Lancaster, OH 43130 855-210-5599 ---------------------------------------------Carefree Garden Center 134 West Dr. Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 CropKing 134 West Dr. Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203

The Bubbling Bucket 11156 Kenwood Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-469-2825 ---------------------------------------------Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic 10740 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45241 513-769-0159 Cleveland Garden Center Inc. 727 East 185th St. Cleveland, OH 44119 216-481-7868 The Grow Wizard 5700 Denison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102 216-961-2500 Herb-N-Garden Center 14901 Puritas Ave. Cleveland, OH 44135 216-252-2001 Garden Indoors of Ohio 4720 Indianola Ave. Columbus, OH 43214 800-833-6868 Magic Home Garden 4538 Indianola Ave. Columbus, OH 43214 614-263-2440 ----------------------------------------------

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 147 Fourth St. Troy, NY 10960

Summit Hydroponics 1030 Kenmore Blvd.

Akron, OH 44314-2114 330-753-5222

Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. Dayton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 ----------------------------------------------

Follow The Sun 1185 B Yonkers Ave. Yonkers, NY 10704 914-237-2760

Hydro House of Ohio 2234 South Union Ave. Alliance, OH 44601 330-680-4014

Miami Valley Hydro 8220 N. Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414 937-280-4468

USA Hydrogarden 7450 Industrial Pkwy., Suite A Lorain, OH 44053 440-282-4880 The Grow Shop 165 Davids St. Marion, OH 43302 740-223-7467 ----------------------------------------------

Urban Gardens 3665 Likens Rd. Marion, OH 43302 740-375-2800 ---------------------------------------------Top Garden Products 8600 East Ave., Suite C Mentor, OH 44060 440-290-8773 ----------------------------------------------

USA Hydrogarden - West 11001 Route 250 Suite B9 Milin, OH 44846 419-499-0480 ---------------------------------------------Green Garden Indoor Garden Center 1664 North Main St. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-494-1234 ----------------------------------------------

Gardening-Indoor 5851 Youngstown-Warren Rd. Niles, OH 44446 USA 330-932-1023 ----------------------------------------------

Pet Finatics LLC 3150 Navarre Ave., Suite A Oregon, OH 43616 USA Hydrogarden 542 Griswold Rd. Elyria, OH 44035 440-324-4769 USA Hydrogarden - West 11001 Route 250 Suite B9 Milin, OH 44846 419-499-0480 Indoor Gardens 1222 Hill Rd., N. Pickerington, OH 43147 614-866-6065 ----------------------------------------------

Trinity Hydro Organics 465 Woodman Dr. Riverside, OH 45431 937-252-GROW ---------------------------------------------Hot Hydro ® 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd. #2 Toledo, OH 43615 419-866-1266 Organic Garden Center 5215 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43623 419-517-8110 Toledo Hydroponics Ltd. 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Suite 2 Toledo, OH 43615 877-893-0716 ----------------------------------------------

Plant Lighting Hydroponics 2201-A Pinnacle Parkway Twinsburg, OH 44087 888-258-0670 ---------------------------------------------Greenleaf Hydroponics 1805 Elm Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-372-1039 Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. W. Carrolton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 ----------------------------------------------

Gardening-Indoor 9215 Market St. Youngstown (North Lima), OH 44452 330-758-0272 ---------------------------------------------Indoor Garden Worx 304 West Monroe St. Zanesville, OH 43701 866-900-9679

The Mad Farmer Tulsa LLC 11630 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK 74146 918-615-3735 Urban Garden 3141 E. 15th St., Tulsa, OK 74104 918-289-0018

OREGON Indoor Hydroponic Garden & Lights 5990 SW 185th Ave. Aloha, OR 97006 503-848-3335 Astoria Indoor Garden Supply 1343 Duane St., Unit C Astoria, OR 97103 503-468-0606 ----------------------------------------------

Aqua Serene 465 Applegate Way, Ashland, OR 97520 541-482-7600 ---------------------------------------------Rogue Silicates Inc. POB 21 Azalea, OR 97410 541-837-8590 American Agriculture 9966 SW. Arctic Dr. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-641-3500 ----------------------------------------------

Bend’s Indoor Garden Station 35 NW Bond Bend, OR 97701 541-385-5222 ---------------------------------------------Northern Light & Garden 9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-297-7331 ----------------------------------------------

Westcoast Organic & Hydroponic Supply 12410 SE 282nd Ave., Unit C Boring, OR 97009 503-512-7710 ---------------------------------------------The Good Earth Organics 30088 Redwood Hwy. Cave Junction, OR 97523 541-592-4496 Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply 93779 B Troy Lane Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-266-8822 ----------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA Aeroponic Tower Garden 204 W. 5th St. PO Box 712 Beggs, OK 74421 918-221-4630; 1-877-213-8868 Tulsa County Hydro-Organics 1928 W. Albany Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-259-HYDRO AAAAHA! Hydroponics Unlimited P.O. Box 74 Oakhurst, OK 74050 Organics OKC Garden Supply 2800 N Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73107 405-528-GROW The OKC Urban Gardener 3711 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-521-9300

Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics 5490 SW Philomath Blvd.

Corvallis, OR 97333 541-738-2820 ---------------------------------------------Emerald Valley Gardens Inc. 88680 McVay Hwy. Corvallis, OR 97405 541-636-3763 ----------------------------------------------

Aqua Serene 2836 W. 11th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 541-302-9073 ----------------------------------------------

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Aurora Innovations PO Box 22041 Eugene, OR 97402 866-376-8578 ----------------------------------------------

Vital Organics Northwest 457 River Ave. Eugene, OR 97404 541-688-0028 ---------------------------------------------Oregon’s Constant Gardener 2385 West 11th Eugene, OR 97402 541-636-4220

Growing Crazy (Hooked On Hydroponics) 817 W. 2nd St. Medford, OR 97501 ----------------------------------------------

In & Out Gardens 1574 Skypark Dr. Medford, OR 97501 541-858-3333 ---------------------------------------------Ladybug Indoor Gardens 3960 W. Main St. Medford, OR 97501 541-618-4459 Advanced Organics & Garden Supply 290- B Merlin Ave. Merlin, OR 97532 541-659-1466 ----------------------------------------------

Advanced Indoor Gardens 17831 S.E. 82nd Dr. Gladstone, OR 97027 503-305-6341 Northern Light & Garden 1203 Rogue River Hwy. Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-474-1700 Paradise Supply LLC 560 N.E. “F” St., Unit C Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-955-7293 Redwood Nursery 1303 Redwood Ave. Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-474-2642 Vital Organix 932-B S.E. “M” St. Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-226-9283 ----------------------------------------------

Wizard’s Garden, LLC 621 Spruce St., Unit C Myrtle Point, OR 97458 541-572-2333 ---------------------------------------------Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 454 S.W. Coast Hwy. Newport, OR 97365 541-265-8252 ----------------------------------------------

Gorilla Garden Supply 2011 Union Ave N. Bend, OR 97459 541-756-5005 ---------------------------------------------Healthy Harvest Indoor Garden Suite #1, 1635 S.E. Tualatin Valley Hwy. Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-640-0995 ---------------------------------------------Gorge Garden Center 1203 12th St., Suite H Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-4769 ----------------------------------------------

In & Out Gardens 93484 Hwy 99 South Junction City, OR 97448 541-234-2342 ----------------------------------------------

Healthy Harvest Indoor Garden 3837 River Rd. Keizer, OR 97303 503-393-2901 ---------------------------------------------Basin Indoor Gardening 417 N. Spring St. Klamath Falls, OR 97601 541-273-2023 Just the Tip Gardening 631 Main St. Lebanon, OR 97355 541-258-3234 Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 1845 S.W. Hwy. 101 Suite 3 Lincoln, OR 97367 541-994-7070 Green Thumb Hydrogarden & Organic Supply 2021 West Main St. Medford, OR 97501 541-779-8600

Green Garden Indoor Garden Center 1664 North Main St. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-494-1234 Indoor Garden Depot 3260 SE Oak Grove Blvd.

Oak Grove, OR 97267-1421 503-786-2445 All About Hydroponics 633 Claude Rd. Ontario, OR 98914 208-731-9823 Phoenix Organics 4543 S. Pacific Highway Phoenix, OR 97535 541-535-1134 American Agriculture 9220 SE Stark St. Portland, OR 97216 800-433-6805 Bloom Garden Supply 518 N.E. 20th Ave. Portland, OR 97232 971-255-1336 ----------------------------------------------

BWGS-OR 18201 N.E. Portal Way, Suite 104 Portland, OR 97230 888-316-1306 ----------------------------------------------

Everybody’s Garden Center 2701 S.E. 14th Ave. Portland, OR 97202 800-669-5483 Garden Spout, The 4532 SE 63rd Ave. Portland, OR 97206 503-788-GROW ----------------------------------------------

Grow World 17410 SE Division St. Portland, OR USA, 97236 503-477-9351 ----------------------------------------Indoor Hydroponic Garden & Lights 1409 S.E. 82nd Ave. Portland, OR 97216 503-445-2250 Jantzen Beach Hydroponics 909 N. Tomahawk Island Dr., Suite 103 Portland, OR 97217 503-546-3185 Lights Distributing 9843 S.W. 55th Ave. Portland, OR 97219

Samurai Greenhouse Supply 32067 Old Hwy. 34 Tanget, OR 97389 541-928-3431 Grow America Garden Supply LLC 11511 S.W. Pacific Highway Tigard, OR 97223 503-841-6868 ----------------------------------------------

Portland Hydroponics & Organics 11564 S.W. Pacific Highway Tigard, OR 97223 503-746-4303 ---------------------------------------------Pharmer Hydroponics 11135 S.W. Industrial Way, Bldg 10-4 Tualatin, OR 97062 503-486-5751 Splatt Hydroponics 23842 NE Halsey St., Suite B Wood Village, OR 97060-1002 503-912-0231

PENNSYLVANIA

Rain or Shine 13126 N.E. Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 503-255-1981

Pocono Hydroponic Solutions 25 Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321 570-730-4544

Roots Garden Supply 5426 North Gay Ave. Portland, OR 97217 503-285-4768

Green Solutions Hydroponics 1700 Orange St. Berwick, PA 18603 570-752-1530

Urban Flora 2865 South East Portland, OR 97214 503-236-3344 BIGS Warehouse 2606 S.W. 4th St., Unit B Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-8886 Green Solutions Garden Supply 628 SW Glacier Ave. Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-2604 Indoor Garden Supply 536 S.W. 6th St. (rear alley) Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-7750 DC Hydroponics & Organics 7275 Green Siding Rd. Roseburg, OR 97471 541-679-3700 Roseburg Hydroponics 853 SE Stephens St. Roseburg, OR 97470 541-229-1420 Indoor Garden Center 1697 SE 25th St. Salem, OR 97302 503-566-7888 Northern Light & Garden Salem 1915 Lancester Dr. Salem, OR 97305 503-364-4769 Grow Big Inc. 16572 SE 362nd Dr. Sandy, OR 97055 503-826-8277 Greener Side of Life 623 West Centennial Blvd.

Springfield, OR 97477 541-636-3552

Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania 208 Route 13 Bristol, PA 19007 800-227-4567 422 GROW 1775 North Main St. Ext. Butler, PA 16001-1327 724-561-3777 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 20232 Route 19, Unit 6 Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-473-1113 ---------------------------------------------Hydrofarm East 270 Canal Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030 888-780-4567 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 830 Route 119 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-1118 Buds to Blooms Garden and Supply Co., LLC 509 Orchard Ave. Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-388-0100 ----------------------------------------------

The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St. Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-9676 ----------------------------------------------

Cascade Horticulture 19959 E. Burnside Portland, OR 97233 503-661-1700

Oregon’s Constant Gardener 2053 Laura St. Springfield, OR 97477 541-747-8170

Evergreen Garden Supply 3393 SE 21st Ave. Portland, OR 97055 503-206-5670

Moonshine Park Farm 135 South East 62nd, Unit F South Beach, OR 97366 541-444-2298

The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St. Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-9676

Evergreen Garden Supply 8830 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Unit C Portland, OR 97220 503-408-6635

Rogue Farmers 1007 S. Pacific Hwy. Talent, OR 97540 541-512-4600

Flairform PO 1417 Lansdale, PA 19446 215-395-6353

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors ----------------------------------------------

RHODE ISLAND Oakworld Garden Center 39 West St. Barrington, RI 02806 401-245-5705

RH Distribution PO 1417, Lansdale, PA 19446 888-545-8112 ---------------------------------------------Esbenshades Greenhouses 546A E. 28th Div Hwy Lititz, PA 17543 717-626-7007 Hydro Ponics of Harrisburg 310 S. 10th St. Lemoyne, PA 17043 877-684-3808 Always Green Garden Supply 4400 Old William Penn Hwy., Suite 106 Monroeville, PA 15146 412-646-1243 New Stanton Hydro 150 Post Ave. New Stanton, PA 15672 724-635-0297 ----------------------------------------------

Solar Seed Hydroponics, Inc. 2406 Putman Pike Chepachet, RI 02814 401-710-9010 Organically Grown 768 Atwood Ave. Cranston, RI 02920 401-944-0549 ----------------------------------------------

GrowRI 184 Admiral Kalbfus Rd. Newport, RI 02840 401-619-0776 ---------------------------------------------Hydro-Earth 1243 Mineral Springs Ave. North Providence, RI 02904 401-305-5520 The Organic Grow Hut 375 Putnam Pike, Suite 13 Smithfield, RI 02828 401-349-4141 ----------------------------------------------

Full Bloom Hydroponics 84 South 24th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203 888-872-3602 ---------------------------------------------Good To Grow 51 Old Tower Hill Rd. Wakefield, RI 02879 401-783-1733 ---------------------------------------------Gardening-Indoor 20550 Rt. #19 Cranberry Twp. Pitsburgh, PA 16066 724-591-8086 ---------------------------------------------Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 2008 Smallman St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-232-7030 Healthy Gardens and Supply 1008 Lincoln Ave. Prospect Park, PA 19076 866-32-HYDRO Northeast Hydroponics & Homebrewing 221 Scranton Carbondale Hwy. Scranton, PA 18508 570-209-7924 Full Time Garden Supply 1011 Ritner Hwy. Shippensburg, PA 17257 717-477-0350 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 9 N. Main St. Washington, PA 15301 724-222-0200 Western Pennsylvania Innovative Gardening 1177 Pittsburgh Rd., Suite 103 Valencia, PA 16059 724-903-0800 Organic Garden Center 1307 Park Ave. Williamsport, PA 17701 570-322-3120 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 450 Grim Lane York, PA 17406 877-779-7111 (Northeast) ---------------------------------------------PA Hydroponics & Home Gardening Supply 20 Quaker Church Rd. York Springs, PA 17372 717-528-4175

182

Grow With Us 709 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02888 401-270-6998 Live to Grow 719 Bald Hill Rd. Warwick, Rl 02886 401-615-5122 Mother Nature Hydroponics 1268 Post Rd. Warwick, RI 02888 401-780-0600 ----------------------------------------------

GrowRI 105 Franklin St., Unit # 38 Westerly, RI 02891 401-596-0904 ----------------------------------------------

\ Good To Grow 34 Nooseneck Hill Rd. W. Greenwich, RI 02817 401-392-3100 ---------------------------------------------Growin’ Crazy 93 Kingston Rd. Wyoming, RI 02898 401-284-0810

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

247 Garden Supply 535 D Clemson Rd. Columbia, SC 29229 803-788-4445 The Urban Garden Hydroponics 9557 Two Notch Rd., Suite E Columbia, SC 29223 803-788-9313 ----------------------------------------------

All Seasons Indoor & Outdoor Supplies 1350 Hwy. 501 Business, Store 3&4 Conway, SC 29526 843-347-9266 ---------------------------------------------Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More 1230 Rutherford Rd. Greenville, SC 29609 864-271-8830

SOUTH DAKOTA

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Green Earth Products Inc. 5700 Highway 79 S., Unit 1 Rapid City, SD 57702 605-342-1307 ----------------------------------------------

TENNESSEE Innovative Hydroponic Supply Inc. 3286 North Park Blvd., Unit G Alcoa, TN 37701 865-984-0280 ----------------------------------------------

Atlantis Hydroponics 1800 Rossville Avenue, #3 Chattanooga, TN 37408 423-752-5400 ---------------------------------------------Advanced Hydroponic Garden 783 French Mill Rd. Dandridge, TN 37725 800-521-1643 ----------------------------------------------

Perpetual Harvest 75 Riverport Dr. Jackson, TN 38301 877-422-3391 ---------------------------------------------Advanced Hydroponic Garden 6912 Clinton Hiwy.

Knoxville, TN 37921 866-938-3318

SOUTH CAROLINA

Grow Green Garden Shop 3625 Fairmont Blvd.

Knoxville, TN 37917 865-249-8259

GreenSpirit Hydrogarden 1864 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29405 843-225-1GRO ----------------------------------------------

Sun City Hydroponics 2235 Whitten Rd., Suite 104 Memphis, TN 38133 901-372-8100 ----------------------------------------------

Skyes the Limit 455 B Fleming Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 843-566-2121 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 126 Belinda Parkway Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 888-265-9005 _______________________

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

Peak Hydro

All Seasons Gardening and Brewing Supply Co. 924 8th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203 800-790-2188 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Tennessee 901 Main St. Nashville, TN 37072 800-397-4153 ----------------------------------------------

TEXAS Abundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 3101 Ave. E. Arlington, TX 76011 817-649-0100 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 4201 South Congress Ave., Suite 310 Austin, TX 78745 512-444-2100 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Central Austin) 5605 Burnet Rd. Austin, TX 78756 512-459-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (South Austin) 2125-A Goodrich Ave. Austin, TX 78704 512-440-4769 Third Coast Horticulture Supplies 7010 Burnet Rd. Austin, TX 78757 512-459-4353 Jolly Green Hydroponics (Greenhouse Horticultural Supplies) 13628 Neutron Rd. Dallas, TX 75244 866-WE-JOLLY; 469-341-5555 Lone Star Hydroponics & Organics 10550 Markinson Rd. Dallas, TX 75207 214-634-9376 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Deep Ellum) 2715 Main St. Dallas, TX 75226 214-745-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Dallas) 2606 Manana Dr. Dallas, TX 75220 214-744-4769 Earth Organics 1360 Lee Trevino Dr., Suite 105 El Paso, TX 79936 915-591-9500 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Ft. Worth) 2501 Airport Frwy.

Ft. Worth, TX 76111 817-834-4769 Hydrofarm Central 950 Ave. S. Grand Prairie, TX 75050-1133 800-634-9999

Botani Garden 15120 Bellaire Blvd.

Houston, TX 77083 281-575-1999 Houston Discount Hydroponics 9380 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77063 713-464-9406 HydroShack 1138 W. 20th St. Houston, TX 77008 713-292-1921 Hydroponic Nation 9001 Frey Rd. Houston, TX 77034 713-943-1115 Progressive Garden 3582 W T.C. Jester Blvd.

Houston, TX 77018 713-681-7764 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Houston) 2420 Rusk St,.

Houston, TX 77003 713-641-4769 Ultimate Hydroponic Garden Supply 6125 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. #206 Houston, TX 77041 713-856-8425 Texas Growers Supply 5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #602 Humble, TX 77396 281-441-3739 Hydro Mart 3841 Main St. Rowlett, TX 75088 972-475-6114 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 5121 Crest Way Dr., Suite 203 San Antonio, TX 78239 210-248-9309 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (San Antonio) 3412 Copeland San Antonio, TX 78219 210-226-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (San Antonio West) 6729 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238 210-684-4769 Innergrow Hydroponics 24451 Interstate Hwy. 20 Wills Point, TX 75169 866-475-4769

UTAH Wasatch Hydroponics 60 W 3300 S. Suite #6 Salt Lake City, UT 84115 801-716-4133

VERMONT

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Greenthumb - Vermont 394 Route 15 Jericho, VT 05465 802-899-4323 ----------------------------------------------

How’s It Growing 193 Route 15 West Johnson, VT 05656 802-635-9931 avespo@myfairpoint.com ----------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------Peak Hydroponic Garden Supplies

Peak Hydroponic Garden Supplies 20 School St. Plainfield, VT 05667 802-454-8000 ---------------------------------------------LiquidSun® VT 1 Bellows Falls Rd. (Route 5 North) Putney, VT 05158 802-387-1100 ----------------------------------------------

Green Thumb Gardening P.O. Box 235, Route 15 Underhill, VT 5489 800-564-9376 ----------------------------------------------

VIRGINIA Fifth Season Gardening Co. 900 Preston Ave. Charlottesville, VA 22903 434-293-2332 Clean & Green Technologies 196 Corning Dr. Christiansburg, VA 24073 866-694-1628 Maryland Hydroponics 1061 West Broad St. Falls Church, VA 866-324-9376 Lucky Roots 612 North Sheppard St. Richmond, VA 23221 804-377-3020 Blue Ridge Hydroponics & Home Brewing Company 5327 D Williamson Rd. Roanoke, VA 24012 540-265-2483 Inside-Out Garden Supply 6517 Backlick Rd. Springfield, VA 22150 703-451-3259 I Love Hydroponics 368 Newtown Rd. #105 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-490-5425 Hydroponics & Growlights 13400 Occoquan Rd. Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-490-0700

West VIRGINIA Panhandle Hydroculture 800 East Moler Ave. Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-240-7587 Mountaineer Gardening and Hydroponics 258 Kingwood St. Morgantown, WV 26505 304-290-2460 Almost Heaven Hydroponics 3476 University Ave. Morgantown, WV 26505 304-598-5911

WASHINGTON

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AJ’s Indoor Gardening 1317 Summit St. Aberdeen, WA 98520 360-533-1170 ----------------------------------------------

Island Horticulture Supply 8608 S March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-0000 ---------------------------------------------Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply 6121 172nd St. N.E. #A Arlington, WA 98223 360-474-1900 ----------------------------------------------

Pro Grow Horticulture Supplies 3411 169th Pl. N.E. Suite C Arlington, WA 98223 360-925-6358 ---------------------------------------------Belfair Garden & Lighting 24090 N.E. State Route 3 #F Belfair, WA 98528 360-275-2130 Green Gardens Distributing 12738 Bel-Red Rd. Bellevue, WA 98005 425-454-5731 In Bloom 2119 Lincoln St. Bellingham, WA 98225 360-778-1668 Northern Lights Gardening 4159 Hannegan Rd. Bellingham, WA 98225 360-715-8585 ----------------------------------------------

North West Hydro Supply 5659 Guide Meridian St. Bellingham, WA 98226 360-778-3254 ---------------------------------------------Liquid Sunshine Hydroponics 5087 Lincoln Rd. Blaine, WA 98230 Kitsap Garden & Lighting 2130 6th St. Bremerton, WA 98312 360-377-1277

Indoor Tropics 5930 Sunburst Lane #B Cashmere, WA 98815 509-470-7782 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Gardening 111 W. Main Centralia, WA 98531 360-807-4259 ---------------------------------------------Sauk Solutions 7460 S Dillard Ave. Concrete, Wa 98237 360-853-8498 Grow Center, The 615 South Fir DeerPark, WA 99006 509-276-GROW Cascadia Garden Supply 188 A St. Eastsound, WA 98245 360-376-6040 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Tropics 801 N. Prospect Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-933-4441 ----------------------------------------------

Grogro Hydro 12403 N.E. 124th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 888-7-GROGRO; 425-820-6200 Hefty Harvest Garden & Hydroponic Supply 2825 Marvin Rd. N.E., Suite M Lacey, WA 98516 360-628-8964 ----------------------------------------------

KP Indoor Garden Store 8912 Key Peninsula Hwy. N. Lakebay, WA 98349 253-884-SURE (7873) ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Gardening 1158 Commerce Longview, WA 98632 360-353-3851 ----------------------------------------------

Healthy Grow Indoor Garden Supplies 10 S.E. Everett Mall Way, Suite B Everett, WA 98208 425-374-2227 Indoor Garden Depot 8630 Evergreen Way, Suite B Everett, WA 98208 425-347-0700 Indoor Garden Depot 1401 S. 324th St. federal Way, WA 98003 253-874-1112 Fife Indoor Garden Center 1422 54th Ave. E. Fife, WA 98424 253-922-5352 Good 2 Gro 3507 W. Clearwater Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336 509-737-1313 ---------------------------------------------

M & R Lighting Unit C 22914 Hwy 410 Buckley, WA 98390 360-707-5999 ----------------------------------------------

Island Horticulture Supply 1500 Port Dr. Burlington, WA 98233 360-707-5999 ----------------------------------------------

Light Dreams Indoor Gardening 24817 Pacific Highway S. Ste 205 Kent, WA USA, 98032 206-249-8012 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Garden & Lighting 714 South Central Ave. Kent, WA 98032 253-373-9060 ---------------------------------------------Kent Garden Supplies Ltd. 18817 East Valley Hwy. Kent, WA 98032 425-251-9299

Poulsbo Indoor Garden and Lighting 22275A Stottlemeyer Rd. POULSBO, WA 98370 360-930-0853 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Garden & Lighting 8606 Preston Fall City Rd. S.E. Preston, WA 98050 425-222-9661 ---------------------------------------------Linda’s Gardening & Hydroponics 11522 Canyon Rd. E. Puyallup, WA 98373 253-531-9641

Go-N-Green Hydroponics 1241 State Ave., Suite #102 Marysville, WA 98270 360-386-8230 Green Acres Indoor Garden & Lighting 514 State Ave, Suite #102 Marysville, WA 98270 360-658-GROW (4769) Island Hydroponic & Supplies 1515 5th St. #B Marysville, WA 98271 425-299-5855 Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply 1204 East Wheeler Rd. Moses Lake, WA 98837 509-766-5856 M & R Lighting 17238 Memorial Dr. Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-848-1080 Northern Lights Gardening 1524 Riverside Dr, #2 Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-982-2217

Grow Center, The 2808 W. Sprague Spokane, WA 99202 509-456-GROW River City Hydroponics 1514 East Francis Ave. Spokane, WA 99208 509-464-0246 Rootz Indoor Garden Supply 923 E. Hoffman Spokane, WA 99207 509-443-5999 ---------------------------------------------\

Purple Spring Horticulture Supply 711 Nesses Corner Rd. Pt. Hadlock, WA 98339-9411 360-344-2500

Spokane Organic & Hydroponic Supply 4823 East Sprague Avenue E. Spokane Valley, WA 99212 509-534-4055 ----------------------------------------------

Renton Indoor Garden Center 329 Wells Ave. S. Renton, WA 98057 425-917-9000

Spokane Organic & Hydroponic Supply 8701 North Division, Suite D Spokane Valley, WA 509-468-4800

Eco Enterprises 1240 N.E. 175th St. #B Shoreline, WA 98155 800-426-6937 ----------------------------------------------

Garden City Hydroponics 14103 Pacific Ave. S. Tacoma, WA 98444 253-301-3985 ----------------------------------------------

Aqua Serene 3839 Stone Way N. Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-GROW (4769) ---------------------------------------------Grogro Hydro 12316 32nd AVE N.E. #103 Seattle, WA 98125

Indoor Garden & Lighting 20505 Highway 99 Lynnwood, WA 98036 425-673-2755 ----------------------------------------------

509 Grow 2718 N. Division Spokane, WA 99207 509-327-GROW (4769)

Hydro-Tech 2121 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 206-547-2202 ----------------------------------------------

Seattle’s Hydro Spot 917 N.W. 49th St. Seattle, WA 98107 206-784-2161 ----------------------------------------------

Sodo Hydro 1727 1st Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134 206-682-9377; 888-90-HYDRO (904-760) ---------------------------------------------Northwest Horticulture Supply 161 Hooker Rd. #1 Sequim, WA 98057 360-582-0702 SnoGro Indoor Gardening Supply 502 Maple Ave. Snohomish, WA 98290 360-863-6935

Indoor Garden Supply LLC 1250 Atlantic Ave. Woodland, WA 98674 360-841-8055 Artificial Sun Hydroponics 3506 Summitview Ave. Yakima, WA 98902 509-823-4026

WISCONSIN

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Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply 1104 West Wisconsin Ave. Appleton, WI 54914 920-574-3258 ---------------------------------------------Grow BIG Hydroponics 954 S. Westland Appleton, WI 54914 920-749-4769 2oGrow 1150 Madison Rd. Beloit, WI 53511 608-289-1852 Brew and Grow 285 N. Janacek Rd. Brookfield, WI 53045 262-789-0555 Sustainable Growth LLC 218 N. Dewey St. Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-901-0511 Garden Supply Guys 752 Memorial Dr., Suite A Green Bay, WI 54303 920-857-9493

Indoor Garden & Lighting 3839 6th Ave. Tacoma, WA 98406 253-761-7478 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Your Own 8501-75th St. Unit C Kenosha, WI 53142 262 697 6112 Brew and Grow 1525 Williamson St. Madison, WI 53703 608-226-8910 ----------------------------------------------

Waterworks Hydroponics 5039 S. Washington Tacoma, WA 98409 253-301-4343 waterworkshydro@hotmail.com ---------------------------------------------Solar Shop 306 West 4th St. Tonasket, WA 98855 509-486-4508

Paradigm Gardens 4501 Helgesen Dr. Madison, WI 53718 608-241-3800 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Garden Depot 6400 N.E. Highway 99, Suite H Vancouver, WA 98665 360-993-7779 ----------------------------------------------

Spread Eagle Garden Center 4413 N. Lake Rd. S. Florence, WI 54121 715-696-3910

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 4525 N.W. Fruit Valley Rd. Vancouver, WA 98660 888-478-6544 (Northwest) ----------------------------------------------

PUERTO RICO

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 5408 N.E. 88th St. Building A Vancouver, WA 98665 888-478-6544 ----------------------------------------------

Brew and Grow 2246 Blue Mound Rd., Suite B Waukesha, WI 53186 262-717-0666 ----------------------------------------------

Tecno-Hydro Ave Campo Rico GJ17, PO Box 1450 Carolina, PR 00982 787-752-8252 ----------------------------------------------

Maximum Yield USA | January 2014

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Germinating Seeds and Caring for Seedlings At first glance, a seed appears to be a small, simple thing, but contained inside is the potential to grow into a mature plant that can host beautiful flowers and delicious fruits. But in order for a seed to begin its life as a growing plant, it will require a little help.

Gardening Notes Spring is just a few months away, and the cooler winter months are a good time to assess what worked—and what didn’t—in last season’s garden. One helpful tool in assessing the success of a garden is to consult your diligently recorded notes, if they were taken. If they weren’t taken, consider taking some for this next season.

Tales of Plant Transpiration Plant transpiration, or the heat gain a plant takes on under the sun and under indoor lights, causes, amongst other things, excessive water uptake along with unnecessary nutrient cycling and diminished photosynthetic ability. Here’s how to avoid this scenario.

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