Maximum Yield Canada January-February 2014

CANADA January - February 2014

FREE

2014 INDOOR GARDENING EXPO TOUR www.maximumyield.com

TACOMA

NOVI

SAN FRAN

BOSTON

APRIL 5-6

MAY 31 - JUNE 1

JULY 26-27

OCTOBER 18-19

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CONTENTS January/February 2014

FEATURES 30

Aphid

30 Pest ID & Control

50

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

36 That Natural Air Additive: CO2 Enrichment for Indoor Gardening

58

by Glen Babcock

40 Exotic Contaminants

52

by Jennifer Casey

44 Lighten Up!

by Lee McCall

50 Hydroponic Leeks: A Not So Dirty Business After All

by Dr. Mike Nichols

DEPARTMENTS

52 Seeds & Germination

by Ed Harwood

56 Reservoir Checklist

by Matt LeBannister

58 Are Organic Pesticides Always Safer?

by Bill DeBoer

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

8

From the Editor

64

Behind the Scenes

10

MaximumYield.com

66

Talking Shop

12

Letters to the Editor

68

Max Mart

14

Ask the Experts

71

Distributors

16

Max Facts

73

Coming up Next Issue

22

Product Spotlight

74

Do You Know?

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FROM THE EDITOR | LINDA JESSON Happy New Year Gardeners!

For many green thumbs, the new year is an exciting time. It is time to start planning what you will grow this year in your garden, a time to flip through seed catalogues and magazines such as this one in search of inspiration to try something new.

From seeds to lighting options to CO2 enrichment, this issue is packed full of helpful tips and tricks to help you get things started on the right foot. Most of you will be starting off with seed germination and in this issue, Ed Harwood outlines different conditions to consider to ensure optimal germination results.

From identifying and controlling pests in the from the garden to purchasing lights for your first growroom and tips on getting your reservoirs ready for the new season, we cover it all.

We have a fabulous lineup of features and artiLinda Jesson cles for 2014 to keep you growing strong. We also welcome you to visit our archive of articles at maximumyield.com, which is a great reference for growers on ways to achieve more efficient and productive gardens.

The dates for the 2014 Grow Like a Pro Indoor Gardening Expo are set—we've booked four exciting locations spanning from coast to coast in the United States, including Tacoma, Washington (April 5 and 6); Novi, Michigan (May 31 and June 1); San Francisco, California (July 26 and 27); and Boston, Massachusetts (Oct. 18 and 19). We welcome you all to come and participate and see the latest products and technologies first-hand. More information and details are available at indoorgardenexpo.com

Message Editor

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a fruitful garden!

VOLUME 16 – NUMBER 5 January/February 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 Yieldor 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 Jenn McGarrigle ADVERTISING SALES Sales Manager Ilona Hawser ilona@maximumyield.com 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 CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group • Biofloral • Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. • MegaWatt Quality Wholesale • Green Planet USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations • BWGS • General Hydroponics Humbolt Wholesale • Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply Tradewinds UK DISTRIBUTION Direct Garden Supplies • Growth Technology Future Harvest Development Europe Hydrogarden Nutriculture UK • Dutch Pro • Maxigrow AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply • House N Garden Futchatec • Growth Technology • Hydraspher

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

CONTRIBUTORS Glen Babcock is the owner of

Jennifer Casey loves her two dogs,

Bill DeBoer is a laboratory scientist at

Dr. Ed Harwood is founder and chief

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. Matt has been writing articles for Maximum Yield since 2007. His articles are published around the world.

Lee McCall is an alumnus of Johnson & Wales University. His extensive culinary background helped him gain experience in and knowledge of fine dining and food production, which developed into a career in the hydroponics and year-round gardening industry. Lee and his business partner use their Denver-based businesses to educate the public on sustainable gardening and high-quality produce.

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B.

Dr. Mike Nichols is a retired university lecturer and an honorary research associate in the College of Sciences at Massey University, New Zealand. He speaks extensively at conferences for international organizations such as the United Nations, and also writes and consults on a range of intensive horticultural topics.

Garden City Fungi and the founder of ExHale Homegrown CO2. Glen has been involved in agriculture his entire life.

Glen graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in forestry and has been a mycologist for more than 23 years. His research has been published in scientific journals worldwide.

her husband, the amazing garden he grows and living in the country—in that order. Crafting, reading and cooking from the garden are her favorite ways to spend her time.

executive officer of AeroFarms. Ed previously served as associate director of Cornell Cooperative Extension for Agriculture. Prior to that, Ed served as CEO of Topline Waikato, Inc.

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.

Indiana-based steadyGROWpro. A master gardener intern, Bill is responsible for the company’s laboratory operations, including the design and execution of research projects, plant propagation, seed germination and overall plant care. Bill has a BS and MS from Purdue University, and was previously a research technician for the US Department of Agriculture.

Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout USA, Canada, UK, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.

COMING UP ON THE WEB

10th Annual International Trade Directory Now Available

Maximum Yield’s highly anticipated Best of Maximum Yield International Trade Directory has been compiled and shipped. This one-of-a-kind annual indoor gardening directory offers the most complete and up-to-date listings of manufacturers, distributors and retail shops globally. When looking for a product, a company, a store, and more, this must-have directory will be your best reference. This 10th Annual issue—our biggest ever—is available in print and online with links to our advertisers at maximumyield.com

Announcing our 2014 Indoor Gardening Expo Tour Dates

Get ready for our 2014 Coast to Coast Expo Tour – 4 Great Shows – 3 new Locations! The Expos kick off in Tacoma, WA – April 5 to 6, then off to Novi, MI – May 31 to June 1, followed by San Francisco, CA – July 26 to 27 and wrapping up in Boston, MA – October 18 to 19. Booth space and sponsorships are now open for all four shows, so book your space early. For more information on all show details, visit indoorgardenexpo.com

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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 favourite 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

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.

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

CONNECT WITH US maximumyield.com facebook.com/MaximumYield indoorgardeningexpo.com twitter.com/max_yield

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

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Tenth and Eleventh I’m a Fan Winners Kevin Swisher from Michigan in the United States is the 10th winner of Maximum Yield’s I’m a Fan Contest.

Kevin said, “I really love Maximum Yield. It’s helped me out a great deal with hydroponics and understanding things that you don’t find anywhere else. I’ve grown in soil for years, but over the last few I’ve really jumped into hydro and have had success.

Now, after finding your magazine about two years ago, I’ve taken it to another level. Keep up the great work, and I will keep reading and being proactive in horticulture.”

Kevin Swisher

Thank you for the great response, Kevin.

We hope you enjoy your $100 gift certificate at your favourite indoor gardening shop, Ultra Green Hydroponics.

Sarah Herman from Massachusetts in the United States 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 Sarah Herman used equally by the everyday hobby gardener, right up to serious professionals.”

Matchmaking at the Indoor Gardening Expo

Six years ago, I went to a Maximum Yield indoor gardening show in Orlando, Florida, and I saw this guy I had previously met on a business trip two years before at Simply Hydroponics and Organics. We talked all night and had a great time together. We were both instantly hooked as soon as we saw each other. I didn’t give him my number that weekend because I thought the distance was too much—he lived in Largo, Florida, and I lived four hours away in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, but that Sunday night I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He called me at work on Monday morning and I melted hearing his voice over the phone. I love you more than words can describe, Shawn Patrick Gorman! Funny the twists and turns life takes— never could I have imagined that “that guy” would later be the father of our children and the love of my life. I am very, very happy that I decided to go to that show. I have never been happier; I am blessed for having him in my life.

Paulette Gorman, via Facebook Editor’s Note: What a great story, Paulette! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Nice Research I’m a fan of Maximum Yield because it does an honest job of researching and reporting on cutting edge information.

Rob H, via webform

Thank you for the great response, Sarah.

We hope you enjoy your $100 gift certificate at your favourite indoor gardening shop, Mass Hydro.

Editor’s Note: Thank you for all the great submissions for our I’m a Fan Contest; they were a pleasure to read. The 12th winner and the Grand Prize winner will be announced in the March/April 2014 edition. Stay tuned to upcoming issues, Facebook and maximumyield.com for upcoming contests for you to win big!

Useful Resource

I 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

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.

Brandon A., via Facebook 12

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Tweet It @Max_Yield came across your website. What a great #Hydroponics resource. Keep up the great work! #indoorgardening #growathome (via Hydroponic Supplies @hydroponicsgear)

ASK THE EXPERTS

I am starting to grow in an indoor closet, which is 76.2-cm wide by 1.8-m long by 1.5-m tall. I don’t know what type of reflector I should use. Do I need two for that length? What do you think about a 152.4-cm cool tube? What ballast is best? I was looking at the 600-W dual bulb. Or, should I just do one 1,000-W? Please help me out!

Thanks, Karen Catalino

So your closet is 76.2-cm wide by 1.8-m long by 1.5-m tall. The good news is that I have grown in a similar closet; the bad news is that a 1.5-m ceiling doesn't give you much vertical space. The best HID lighting for that space is either a pair of 600-W lights in a long glass tube, like you described, or a 1,000-W light on a mover. I personally prefer the 1,000-W on a mover, and I suggest you get a highend mover that pauses at each end.

This will give you more even growth and stronger plants. Heat is another issue, and the pair of 600-W lights in a cool tube might be the better option if high temperatures are a problem.

Digital ballasts are a great option, and they have continued to improve in recent years. For two 600-W lights, I prefer two ballasts over one dual ballast. A dual ballast doesn't save any electricity; it is simply one enclosure with two ballasts inside.

If one of the internal ballasts fails, you'll have to shut down both lights for repair or replacement. If you go with that option, I recommend keeping a spare magnetic ballast for emergencies. If you get a 1,000-W light, you might want to start with a digital ballast and buy a spare magnetic when you can.

Then you will be able to use a top-notch ballast with a low-cost backup ballast in case of lighting failure.

Regarding retail stores and organic nutrients, you will need to do some legwork. There are tons of great stores in Canada, so start shopping around.

Find a knowledgeable sales clerk who grows with organics. You can build a friendly relationship and

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

exchange information each time you stop in. This type of interaction will give you access to expertise and troubleshooting, but you must find a reliable source with a deep understanding of organic plant science. If he or she doesn't know much about beneficial bacteria and fungi, you've got the wrong clerk.

One more thing: keep your plants short! With a 1.5-m ceiling your plants will need to finish at about 0.8 m or shorter. Start flowering them at about 20 cm, keeping night temperatures above 18°C and day temperatures below 27°C. Give them B vitamins and carbohydrates along with low nitrogen base nutrients. These suggestions are key to growing short, stout plants with excellent quality.

Casey Jones Fraser Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden Grove Organics in the United States. He has a degree in communications and electronic media. He believes that indoor gardeners can achieve the highest quality crops and maximum yields when proper science is applied. Since 1998, Casey has been testing various nutrients and supplements in search of outstanding harvests.

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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MAX FACTS

NEWS, TIPS AND TRIVIA

Cherry Deal With China When cherry grower Christine Dendy was packing and shipping cherries last July at the family orchard in Kelowna, two pallets of the dark red fruit went out with stickers that she had waited seven years to see. The stickers said For Export To China, a phrase that could be worth millions of dollars a year to the BC cherry industry. After seven years of country-to-country negotiations, Canada and China have reached an agreement opening the door to cherry exports.

Dendy, who is chairwoman of the BC Cherry Association, said that the new China market presents a huge opportunity for BC growers.

Starting from nothing this year, by next season, China exports of BC cherries are expected to account for $10 million in sales—25% of all BC cherry sales. Within five years, that could hit $20 million, said Dendy.

(Source: vancouversun.com)

MAXFACTS NEWS, TIPS AND TRIVIA Potent Carrots Apple Marketing Angst

Here's another incentive for guys to eat their fill of colourful fruits and veggies.

Researchers at Harvard University's School of Public Health found that orange and yellow produce can increase the quantity and quality of sperm. Carrots in particular were singled out for their sperm-boosting properties. These orange veggies, along with lettuce and spinach, are high in beta-carotene. Researchers found that this antioxidant improves sperm motility, or its ability to swim toward an egg, by 6.5 to 8%. Lutein, a carotenoid or antioxidant also found in spinach and lettuce, had a similar effect on sperm motility. Researchers also found that participants with diets rich in lycopene, the chemical that gives tomatoes their red colour, had lower levels of abnormally shaped sperm.

(Source: nydailynews.com)

The BC Fruit Growers Association has asked two federal ministers to step in and put a moratorium on a genetically modified apple, even as it approaches regulatory approval in the United States. The association wrote to Health Minister Rona Ambrose and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz requesting that the Canadian regulatory process for the Arctic Apple be suspended. “Our concern is the negative publicity for apples in general caused by the controversy over this GM apple,” says Jeet Dukhia, BCFGA president. “The public thinks of apples as a pure, natural, healthy and nutritional fruit. GM apples are a risk to our market image.” Neal Carter, a Summerland orchardist and president of Okanagan Specialty Fruits, developed the Arctic Apple, using genetic techniques to turn off the gene that causes apples to turn brown after being cut.

(Source: pentictonwesternnews.com) 16

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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MAX FACTS

NEWS, TIPS AND TRIVIA

Growing the Grain Trade Canada's seed industry is getting a boost in its efforts to promote trade and reduce non-tariff trade barriers thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz recently announced an investment of more than $100,000 for the Canadian Seed Trade Association at the organization's semi-annual meeting. The investment will support the the association's work on the world stage to develop international consensus on issues that affect the trade of seed, as well as working with foreign regulators and policy-makers to reduce non-tariff barriers to trade. This will lead to improving the international rules governing the trade of seed and set the foundation for increased export sales for Canadian producers.

(Source: agr.gc.ca)

Cauliflower Facts Cauliflower originated in Cyprus and then spread across Europe. Now China and India are by far the biggest producers, and in Europe, Spain is the biggest grower.

There are four major groups of cauliflower and the new sub type­‑­—orange "cheddar" cauliflower, developed in Canada—contains 25 times the level of vitamin A of the regular white varieties. Cauliflower is high in B6, folate, vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals.

(Source: westcoastseeds.com)

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 Canada and 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, colour and flavour.

(Source: freshplaza.com)

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

MAX FACTS

NEWS, TIPS AND TRIVIA

Kiwis in Canada Macedonian immigrant George Petkov is proving those wrong who said it wasn't possible to grow kiwi fruit in BC, with a 3.24-ha Abbotsford farm that produced 45,000 kg this year. It’s not the first time BC farmers have attempted to grow kiwis—in the 1980s the Ministry of Agriculture encouraged several farms on Vancouver Island. But while the plants were still young, a harsh spring frost killed many of them. That led to the conclusion, by some, that it simply couldn’t be done. But Petkov says kiwis thrive in mild climates, and once the plants go dormant for winter, they can withstand temperatures down to -20°C. The biggest danger is in late spring, once the plants have begun growing, when frost can do major damage.

(Source: theprovince.com)

Organic Food Love The Canadian organic market is worth $3 billion, is the fourth largest in the world and is still growing, a new report says. BC has the strongest consumer base, with 66% buying at least one organic product each week, the Canada Organic Trade Association report says. Ontario, meanwhile, has the largest market, worth $1 billion each year. The report also says 40% of organic sales in mainstream retail stores are fresh fruits and vegetables and 40% of all salad mixes sold are organic. Of those who already buy organic, 98% said they plan to continue to do so and may even increase how much they buy.

(Source: torontosun.com)

Powerful Pomegranates Pomegranates could help reverse some of the damage done by junk food, according to a group of Spanish researchers. The Catalan Institute for Cardiovascular Sciences found a supplement made from the fruit helped keep blood vessels and their linings healthy. The researchers tested the supplement on pigs, which have similar cardiovascular systems to humans, after first feeding them fatty foods. The supplement, which contains 200 mg of polyphenols called punicalagins, cancelled out many of the effects of the feed, including the hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

(Source: theolivepress.es) 20

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT YOUR GUIDE TO THIS ISSUE’S

HOTTEST ITEMS Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store

Aquatic Life’s KDF 85/Catalytic Granular Activated Carbon Cartridges Aquatic Life’s KDF 85/Catalytic Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) cartridges are designed to reduce and remove iron and hydrogen sulfide from municipal and other water supplies. Effective in controlling the build-up of bacteria, algae, fungi and scale, the KDF 85/Catalytic GAC cartridge is ideal for use as an inline carbon filter. The high-quality media, consisting of a mix of KDF 85 and granular activated carbon, reduces the taste, odour and dissolved organic chemicals from water supplies, resulting in the removal of 99% of dissolved metals. Additionally, the high surface area of the cartridge results in an exceptionally high capacity and efficiency. The KDF 85/Catalytic GAC cartridge is a great complement to Aquatic Life’s RO Buddie and other reverse osmosis systems where there are high levels of chlorine, chloramines and water-soluble heavy metals in the tap water. For more information, visit a specialty gardening store.

RAW Calcium/ Mag

Secondary Optical Lens for KIND LED’s K3 Series

RAW Calcium/Mag is a fully water soluble calcium/magnesium additive that dissolves quickly in water. RAW Calcium/Mag contains 15% calcium and 3% magnesium. This individualization allows the gardener maximum

KIND LED has added a secondary optical lens to the K3 series to provide maximum photosynthetic penetration of plant canopy all the way down to the stem. Now indoor gardeners will be able to mimic the sun’s natural photosynthetic progression of rays as they strike a plant across its entire body. Photosynthetic penetration is important for overall plant health and vitality and the new secondary optical lens in the K3 series does an excellent job of facilitating this penetration. The K3 series is helping to revolutionize the LED grow light industry with all new features, including the secondary optical lens. Visit a local retailer for more information.

control and precise custom formulation, resulting in both the plants and the gardener getting exactly what they want. RAW Calcium/Mag provides all gardeners with the power to manage three key dynamics of gardening: value, quality and control. Keeping up with the industry’s standards is made easier by simplifying to the basics. For more information, visit a retail store near you.

Dutchpro's Explode Explode is a brilliant bloom stimulator that delivers precious nutrients and minerals to your plants throughout the flowering stage. Consisting of micronutrients, vitamins and acids, it does exactly as the name suggests— explosively driving flowering growth and bigger yields in addition to increasing your plants resistance against diseases! This product is suited for every irrigation system, as well as most soil, hydro and coco setups.

It’s available in 250-mL and 1-, 5-, 10- and 20-L bottles. Visit a grow store for more information.

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Adjust-A-Wings Double Ended Large Reflector Sunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of the Adjust-A-Wings Double Ended Large Reflector. This reflector was made specifically for double-ended 1,000-W HPS horticulture lamps (not included). Full spectrum DE Lamps used in the fixture focus on the red component for increased photosynthetic response.

They offer improved PAR values and increased PAR/lumen maintenance (up to 90% PAR at 10,000 hrs of operation). Unmatched in output, uniformity and performance, you can’t afford not to have this reflector in your growroom. This great new reflector features all the great Adjust-A-Wing attributes gardeners have grown to love. Your plants will thank you! Visit a local retailer for more information.

SuperCloset BubbleFlow Buckets SuperCloset’s BubbleFlow Buckets and BubbleFlow Bucket Rings combine deep water culture and bottom flow hydroponic methodologies to promote even nutrient circulation and eliminate uneven pH and nutrient pockets. The size of the BubbleFlow Buckets encourages greater root expansion and ultimately increases overall yield per plant. The adjustable connections on the buckets allow for various configurations that can suit any grow space. Because of the custom-designed drain valve and tube configuration, BubbleFlow Buckets drain and fill incredibly easy. Overall maintenance on BubbleFlow Buckets is minimal and the system can be stacked and moved easily and efficiently. The BubbleFlow Buckets 6 is sold as six BubbleFlow Buckets, a control reservoir, a 185-gph pump, and all fittings, connections, tubings and air stones. Visit an indoor garden retail store for more details.

The Enhancer

by TNB Naturals Quickly becoming one of the most talked about products to hit the market, this highlyeffective, user-activated CO2 canister delivers a high rate of CO2, comparable to a costly CO2 system. The Enhancer’s unique features include its ability to slow the release of CO2 during the night cycle, improving overall plant health and final yield.

Store owners love its threeyear shelf-life and growers are amazed at how the Enhancer generates one of the highest ppms in the all-natural category of CO2 products. The Enhancer’s ease of use—simply add water and shake— and the fact that it emits no heat makes it a top choice for knowledgeable growers. For more information, visit your local garden store.

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 45 m away.

It features day and night control of temperature, humidity and CO2, 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 hightemp 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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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Dutchpro’s Auto Flowering Grow & Bloom Feed for Hydro, Coco and Soil An auto-flowering seed should be able to grow in constant light, and should not require any changes to the set-up in order to kickstart the flowering process, giving beginners a much higher success rate. To support the whole process and achieve that so the plant is able to develop faster, Dutchpro has specially designed Auto Flowering, a hydro/coco and soil feed in both hard and soft water formulations. In short, the product has all the essential macro- and micronutrients necessary for exuberant growth and will fulfil all the specific demands to achieve best results in a short time frame. For more information, visit your local hydroponic shop.

K3 KIND LED Series The K3 KIND LED grow light series features a 12-perdiode panel band perfect spectrum that encompasses the most plant-friendly photosynthetic active radiation wavelengths.

The KIND K3 spectral bands almost exclusively reside in between 440 and 480 on the blue side of the spectrum and in 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. The KIND K3 LED also offers 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 KIND LED at an indoor gardening retail store near you.

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

SuperCloset’s 3-m by 6-m SuperRoom The crown jewel of SuperCloset’s SuperRoom collection is the 3-m by 6-m SuperRoom. Only top-of-the-line components are included. This behemoth of a tent enclosure features eight lighting systems powered by Lumatek ballasts and housed in the new Blazer Air-Cooled Reflectors, which are air-cooled by an 20-cm Hurricane Inline Fan. The internal air is exhausted by a 30-cm Hurricane Inline Fan and filtered through a 30-cm Phresh carbon filter. The heart of the system is the Bubble Flow Bucket hydroponic system that supports 48 large plants spread evenly throughout the SuperRoom. A nutrient starter kit, thermometre/hygrometre, TDS metre, pH kit and other accessory components round out the complete SuperRoom package. If you want the best large-scale, commercial-grade grow tent package, the SuperRoom will delight you again and again. Ask a local retailer for more information.

Win It!

Doktor Doom 4 Zero Nine

Doktor Doom 4 Zero Nine is now available in a 170-g size to fit a cam-spring action dispenser, and a 212-g BVT dispenser known in the industry as the Konk Dispenser. Konk’s patent on this dispenser has expired and Doktor Doom is now providing a replacement can to fit in this dispenser. The Doktor Doom 212-g can screws into the dispenser just like the original Konk Can. Both containers provide 30 days of 24/7 airborne pyrethrin protection. These products have proven to be long-term deterrents to insects infesting enclosed areas and are ideal for use in contained growing areas. These, and many other Doktor Doom products, are made in Canada.

Doktor Doom is 100% Canadian owned and operated. For most information, ask at your favourite grow store. Enter to win a full case of Doktor Doom’s 4 Zero 9. Simply like and share the product photo found on Maximum Yield’s Facebook page!

BiO2 Accessory Kit

RAW Solubles It is no secret that today’s gardeners are eco-minded and technologically savvy, and these same values are demanded in the products they use. What seems to be the apex of efficiency and production technology boils down to the simple elements of life: RAW Solubles. As the name implies, RAW Solubles are pure nutrients in a fully soluble form, without fillers.

These individualized elements allow the gardener maximum control and precise custom formulation. Not adding fillers also allows the cost to remain low. With RAW Solubles, it costs less to produce more. For these reasons the trend toward RAW Solubles is growing. See a local retailer to learn more.

The BIO2 Accessory Kit from Mega Mass Plant Products has everything you need to ensure a long life for your BIO2 Biological CO2 Enhancement System. Inside, you will find an adhesive temperature gauge to ensure proper temperature levels are achieved for BIO2 activation, a stir stick with water level indicator to help blend the product and measure the water volume correctly for your BIO2 Bucket System, a rubber mallet to assist with proper closure of your pail, an opener to help ease the wear and tear from weekly changes and a length of gasket tape to reseal the pail edges securely after multiple recharges of the system. Choose BIO2 and Mega Mass Plant Products to Pump Up Your Plants. Visit a Canadian retailer for more information.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

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Technaflora Launches the Easy-Pour Spigot Technaflora Plant Products is thrilled to introduce our easy-pour spigot made to function in harmony with our 20-L. carboy product line. Technaflora’s carboy line incorporates a new cap with 1.9-cm. threading, purposed to accommodate our easy-pour spigot and ultimately offers the end user a more convenient and mess-free way to distribute our products that eliminates unnecessary waste and overflow. The spigot can be used with a variety of Technaflora’s other products supporting the new cap, such as BC Hydroponic Nutrients™, SugarDaddy™, Thrive Alive-B1™ Red & Green and MagiCal™. For more information, visit your favourite grow store.

RAW Yucca RAW Yucca is 100% yucca extract in a fully soluble form, without fillers. This individualization allows the gardener maximum control and precise custom formulation, resulting in both the plants and gardener getting exactly what they want. RAW Yucca provides gardeners with the power to manage three key dynamics of gardening: value, quality and control. The yucca plant spends its whole life trying to save enough water. For this reason, it is known for assisting other plants to uptake and process water—and with that water come nutrients. Keeping up with the industry’s excellent standards is made easier by simplifying to the basics. For more information, visit an indoor gardening centre near you.

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 20 to 42°C. Temperature is easily viewed in the digital display, allowing users to accurately set ideal germinating or rooting temperatures. The 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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PEST ID

& Control

d i h p A

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

When many of us dream of our ideal hydroponic garden, the thought of plagues and pestilence don’t usually spoil the idyllic image. So, discovering a pest outbreak in carefully reared plants can come as a nasty shock...

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While it’s easy to understand how disease outbreaks inadvertently fire up if fungal spores are brought in through ventilation and travel undetected in the air, insect pests are another matter, right? After all, how hard can it be to screen out living critters, even if some of them are rather small and camouflaged?

Unfortunately, plant pests are highly developed to travel from crop to crop, even if those crops are protected by an enclosed structure. What can be even more alarming is once a pest has invaded the comfort of a warm, secure indoor garden, they are usually free to wreak havoc without being pursued or annihilated by any of the natural predators that are present in outdoor environments. Also, since indoor plants are protected from cold winters, heavy rain, frost and snow, insects can happily exist yearround with little check on population growth.

Since pests can quickly breed and cause significant damage in an indoor garden, growers need to be highly vigilant, both with prevention of infestations and with regular monitoring. The first step in this process is to know what you are looking for—plant pests are highly diverse in appearance, size, the damage they cause and the conditions that favour their population explosion.

“PLANT PESTS ARE HIGHLY DEVELOPED TO TRAVEL FROM CROP TO CROP, EVEN IF THOSE CROPS ARE PROTECTED BY AN ENCLOSED STRUCTURE.”

Aphids come in a range of colours and sizes.

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PEST ID AND CONTROL

Pest Myths

First, let’s unravel some myths about pest attacks in hydroponic gardens.

MYTH 1: Insect pests will only attack sick, weak plants. This might be the case with certain opportunistic diseases, but not with insect pests.

In fact, insects love lush, plentiful and healthy growth because it provides them with a nutritious source of plant material or sap to feed on.

Healthy plants are also guaranteed to provide food for the next generation of bugs.

MYTH 2: Indoor or enclosed gardens never get insect pests as they can’t get into the growing area. Having procedures and barriers, such as double-door entrances and insect mesh over vents can certainly help prevent many insect invasions, but they do not guarantee an outbreak won’t occur sooner or later. Many insect pests can be transported on clothing, on equipment and materials, on plant material brought in, in growing media and even in water. So exclusion, while helpful, is not always successful.

MYTH 3: Pesticides are harmful, toxic chemicals that aren’t used in hydroponics. While some pesticides are indeed fairly potent chemicals that we want to avoid in our own food production, there are an increasing number of safer options. Technically still pesticides because they kill pests, they belong to less-toxic and non-toxic classes of compounds. Pesticide use with a wide range of chemical classes is common in commercial hydroponics and many crops could not be grown economically without them, but we are free to pick and choose the best options for pest control in our own gardens and take advantage of new technologies.

MYTH 4: Household soap and oil sprays are safe and effective on insect pests. While careful application of these can smother some insect pests, prolonged and excessive use of soaps can destroy some plants. Certain plants are more resistant to soap and oil sprays than others, but sensitive plants can become badly damaged under some circumstances.

“MANY OF THE PESTS THAT TYPICALLY INFEST COMMON HOUSEPLANTS ARE ALSO THOSE THAT HYDROPONIC GROWERS BATTLE, SO BRINGING A NEW POTTED HOUSEPLANT INTO THE INDOOR GARDEN CAN BE A SOURCE OF MANY NEW INFESTATIONS.” Pest Identification

Woolly aphids are often mistaken for other insect pests.

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While there is a huge range of pests that infest hydroponic crops, indoor gardens tend to have a few common culprits. These include whiteflies, aphids, mites, thrips, fungus gnat larvae, scales, mealy bugs and caterpillars. Many of the pests that typically infest common houseplants are also those that hydroponic growers battle, so bringing a new potted houseplant into the indoor garden can be a source of many new infestations.

PEST ID AND CONTROL

Mite damage on a hydroponic pepper fruit.

Some pests thrive because of the environment—for example, thrips and mites favour a lower humidity and dry air—while others are not fussy and will take advantage of any succulent plant to make home.

For correct pest identification, growers are advised to use a magnifying glass to see some of the smallest invaders. Mites are usually too small to be seen without magnification, but the damage they cause can be severe and is often mistaken for a plant disease or nutrient deficiency since the pests are so hard to detect. Mites appear as tiny red or brown dots on the undersides of leaves and they create fine webbing in leaf axils. They strip the epidermis of foliage over time, giving a silvery or bronze appearance. Thrips are another in the tiny invader class. They are often difficult to see without magnification, particularly because they move fast and zap undercover when the foliage is inspected. Thrips are small, black, elongated insects that can be winged or wingless, and they are most commonly found in hot, dry conditions. Thrip damage looks like small silvery flecks on the plant surface that can eventually give a bleached appearance. They also cause distortion of new growth, as they inject toxic saliva into plant sap.

Of the slightly larger insects that can be seen on close inspection, aphids and whiteflies are the most common. Aphids are soft-bodied insects that come in a range of colours from green to black. Typically, aphids are found feeding in the top growing points of a plant and often right in the buds. In peppers, aphid feeding can cause distortion, twisting and deformity of the new leaves, which is caused by the toxins the insects inject when feeding. This is usually mistaken for a plant virus or disease. Whiteflies are a notorious and serious pest of hydroponic crops. The adults are small, white flying pests, but it is the juvenile or scale stages of the whitefly life cycle that can suck a crop dry. These juveniles produce masses of honeydew that stick to all surfaces and grow a black mould (also called sooty mould), which contaminates leaves, fruit and growing surfaces.

“MANY INSECT PESTS CAN BE TRANSPORTED ON CLOTHING, ON EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, ON PLANT MATERIAL BROUGHT IN, IN GROWING MEDIA AND EVEN IN WATER.” While many growers regularly monitor the upper parts of their plants for insects, they often forget there are some pests that inhabit the root zone. Wet areas and algae attract fungus gnats. Often, growers assume these small black flies are harmless, but fungus gnats lay eggs in the surface of exposed damp growing media and the resulting larvae attack plant roots, causing damage and allowing the entry of pathogens like pythium into the tissue. Fungus gnat larvae look like small whitish worms in the growing media or attached to the roots. Root mealy bugs can also infest the root zone. These pests appear as waxy whitish deposits on the roots and in the growing media. Hydroponic crops are also susceptible to nematodes, microscopic eelworms that typically infect crops through water supplies or organic growing mediums. A nematode infestation can be hard to identify, although some species cause obvious root knots to develop on the root system.

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PEST ID AND CONTROL

Super Resistant Bugs

Insect pests common in hydroponics are continuously evolving along with the technologies we use to control them. In fact, there are now super bugs: pests that have developed resistance to many of the spray controls that, in the past, were highly effective. Having a genetically resistant super bug population in a hydroponic garden is a grower’s worst nightmare, particularly if the insects become resistant to more than one product.

The first indication that there is a problem with super bug populations is when a triedand-true insect control spray, which is used on a regular basis, becomes less effective to the point where the insects are no longer controlled at all. Insects that initially had some resistance to the pesticide have survived and have bred, passing on their resistant genes to the next generation. The entire population then quickly develops resistance to the overused control option due to the pests’ fast breeding rate. The way to prevent this occurring in pest populations is to use a number of different control options and to rotate the use of different spray classes so pests don’t have the opportunity to develop long-term genetic resistance.

New Control Technologies

Another option is to control insect pests with insect diseases in a process known as biological control. Products containing spores of certain fungal pathogens that target only certain insect pests are available. A good example is Bacillus thuringiensis, a fungus that targets caterpillars

“IN PEPPERS, APHID FEEDING CAN CAUSE DISTORTION, TWISTING AND DEFORMITY OF THE NEW LEAVES, WHICH IS CAUSED BY THE TOXINS THE INSECTS INJECT WHEN FEEDING. THIS IS USUALLY MISTAKEN FOR A PLANT VIRUS OR DISEASE.” and is widely used in commercial horticulture.

Others on the market include Verticillium lecanii, a common soil fungus used to control several different insect species, and Beauveria bassiana for aphid and thrips control. This technology is still evolving, so we are likely to see a larger range of products that work under a wider range of environmental conditions in the future.

Some of the most effective technologies for pest control are actually some of nature’s oldest. The botanical compound neem oil, derived from the Indian neem tree, has been used for insect control for centuries, but only recently have the extracts and formulations that dissolve easily into water become available for small growers. As well as having other modes of action, neem is an insect growth regulator, so it is a longer-term approach to breaking the insect life cycle. Although it is safe and non-toxic, being essentially a plant extract, hydroponic growers need to be careful with application of some neem products.

Many of them are oil-based (emulsifiable concentrates) and should always be tested on a small area over a 48-hour period before spraying all plants. On the other hand, the active ingredient in neem—azadiractin—can also be found in some non-oil-based sprays.

Green aphids are a common hydroponic pest.

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One of the good guys—a lacewing predator insect.

One of the control options that appeals to indoor gardeners is the use of beneficial insects. These natural predators and parasites can be purchased and released into the garden to control certain pests. For example, ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens), lacewings (Chrysoperia carnea) and preying mantes (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) are general predators that eat a range of pests; Encarsia formosa eats greenhouse whiteflies; and Hypoaspis miles controls fungus gnats and spring tails. While beneficial bugs don’t always establish and survive after release, it is worth trying to develop a diverse ecosystem of these insects in a hydroponic garden, as this could put a serious dent in pest populations.

“CONTROLLING INSECT PESTS IN A HYDROPONIC GARDEN CAN TAKE MULTIPLE APPROACHES, FROM EXCLUSION, PROPER HYGIENE AND CAREFUL INSPECTION AND MONITORING PRACTICES TO QUICK AND PROACTIVE CONTROL OPTIONS.” Controlling insect pests in a hydroponic garden can take multiple approaches, from exclusion, proper hygiene and careful inspection and monitoring practices to quick and proactive control options. Growers need to experiment and try a range of different products and control methods to establish which approach is going to work best for them in the long-term battle against the invaders.

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

In this discussion about carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment in the indoor garden, let us first look at some basics. Photosynthesis is the process by which plant leaves make carbohydrates.

Specifically, sunlight, CO2 and water are converted into carbohydrates and oxygen by the action of chlorophyll in the plant’s chloroplasts.

When plants are able to maximize the process of photosynthesis, the result is larger plants with larger yields. Plants growing indoors under artificial light often lack enough CO2 to efficiently photosynthesize. Plants can quickly use up the available CO2 and convert it to oxygen. When oxygen levels rise too high, stomata on the leaf’s surface close and plant growth virtually stops. Growing areas that have limited or no air circulation can be affected even more. Lack of air movement causes CO2 that would be used by plants to become unavailable due to its distance from the leaf (usually down low in the growing area). Moving air helps solve this problem.

“ENRICHING THE AIR IN THE INDOOR GROWING AREA TO AROUND 1,200 TO 1,500 PPM CAN HAVE A DRAMATIC EFFECT ON PLANT GROWTH.” Adequate levels of light, water and nutrients are needed for good plant growth. Therefore, it might seem logical to assume the growth-promoting effects of indoor CO2 enrichment would be reduced when these essential resources are present in less-than-adequate amounts. In many instances, the percentage of growth enhancement provided by indoor CO2 enrichment is even greater when these important natural resources are present in sub-par quantities.

When they are in such short supply that plants cannot survive under ambient concentrations,

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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CO2 ENRICHMENT

elevated levels of CO2 often enable such vegetation to grow and successfully reproduce where they would otherwise die. One of the reasons plants are able to respond to indoor CO2 enrichment in the face of significant shortages of light, water and nutrients is that carbon dioxide-enriched plants generally have more extensive and active root systems, which allows them to more thoroughly explore larger volumes of soil in search of the things they need.

Ambient CO2 levels (the percentage of carbon dioxide in the air with any enrichment) typically hover around 400 parts per million (ppm).

Indoor plants can quickly convert this CO2 through photosynthesis, depleting what’s naturally available. When levels fall to around 150 ppm, the rate of plant growth quickly declines. Enriching the air in the indoor growing area to around 1,200 to 1,500 ppm can have a dramatic effect on plant growth, increasing growth rates by up to 30%. Stems and branches grow faster, and the cells of those areas are more densely packed. Stems can carry more weight without bending or breaking. Carbondioxide-enriched plants also have more flowering sites due to the increased branching effect.

Carbon dioxide enrichment also affects the way a plant can tolerate high temperatures. At the highest air temperatures encountered by plants, CO2 enrichment can often mean the difference between living and dying. It typically enables plants to maintain positive carbon exchange rates in situations where plants growing under ambient CO2 levels would normally exhibit negative rates that ultimately lead to their demise.

This is because enrichment affects transpiration by causing the stomata to partially close, which slows down the loss of water vapour into the air. Foliage on carbon dioxide-enriched plants is much thicker and slower to wilt than plants grown without it.

There are many alternatives to traditional CO2 production. The composting of organic matter results in CO2, so many large-scale greenhouses have composting rooms adjacent to the growing greenhouse. The CO2 is pumped from one room into the 2 other with circulation fans. One drawback, however, is that composting so close to your growing area can attract crop-damaging insects.

The beer making process—that is, using sugar, water and yeast—has also been used.

Not a bad deal if you like to brew beer. The yeast eats the sugar and releases alcohol and CO2 as by-products. If you are not into brewing beer, you can simply mix brewer’s yeast and sugar with water. Keep in mind, though, it is important to have the temperature of the water right—water that is too hot will kill the yeast and water that is too cold will not activate the yeast. The process is simple and inexpensive, but it does have some drawbacks. Mainly, it can present an odour problem and it is somewhat timeconsuming as you have to remix the brew every four to five days.

“THE COMPOSTING OF ORGANIC MATTER RESULTS IN CO , SO MANY LARGE-SCALE GREENHOUSES HAVE COMPOSTING ROOMS ADJACENT TO THE GROWING GREENHOUSE.”

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Dry ice, which is frozen CO2, releases gaseous CO2 when exposed to the atmosphere. Dry ice has no liquid stage, which makes it easy to work with because it requires little clean-up. However, dry ice can be expensive for long-term use and it is difficult to store. Using insulated containers can slow the melting process, but it cannot be stopped.

Mycelial-based production is a relatively new way to introduce CO2. Mushrooms are more like humans in that they exhale CO2, and a non-fruiting strain of mycelium has been discovered that continues to produce this compound for at least half a year (above-ambient CO2 levels can still be detected up to 16 months later). There is no maintenance or set-up with this option, and the low cost makes mycelial-based CO2 a good option.

As a grower, you know the time and energy you spend working your indoor garden is tremendous. Adding CO2 is not only a good idea, it’s necessary to have the most efficient growing area possible. Natural CO2 production,

“MUSHROOMS ARE MORE LIKE HUMANS IN THAT THEY EXHALE CO2, AND A NON-FRUITING STRAIN OF MYCELIUM HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THAT CONTINUES TO PRODUCE THIS COMPOUND FOR AT LEAST HALF A YEAR.” in particular, is a good choice. The ease of use and the reduced effect on the environment make the described options the green choice.

They are also easy on your budget and your plants will love you for it.

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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Exotic Contaminants

by Jennifer Casey

Water is water, right? Wrong.

There is a lot more in your water than just hydrogen and oxygen; in fact, there could be some nasty exotic contaminants floating around.

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Maximum Yield Canada  |  January/February 2014

Ferrous iron. Arsenic. Boron. No, these aren’t celebrity baby names (yet!), they are a few of the exotic contaminants that could be lurking in your water. The same water you drink and give to your plants. Along with these culprits are ferric iron, iron bacteria, arsenic 3, arsenic 5, endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals (EDCs and PPCPs), and personal care products.

Understanding what’s actually in your water is of vital importance to your plants, your health and your wallet.

The most common of these—iron—leads us south of Ontario to Michigan State.

Michigan is in the iron belt, which is part of the reason Detroit is the heart of the auto industry. A high level of iron in the soil is great for mining and metal manufacturing, but it’s not so great for the water. Since the average gardener probably doesn’t have a graduate degree in chemistry, it’ll be

helpful to drop a bit of science here before discussing the best way to rid your water of iron.

Iron exists in two states in water called ferric and ferrous.

Ferric means the iron has been oxidized, frequently by iron bacteria, while ferrous iron (also called dissolved iron) is not oxidized. Orange gunk in a reverse osmosis system’s pre-filters indicates the presence of ferric iron, as do rust stains in your sink, toilet and bathtub. Orange gunk can also indicate the presence of iron bacteria, which creates a slimy orange substance and can be tough to get rid of. Iron removal is tricky, as even 0.33 ppm can be bad for your plants and can prematurely foul RO membranes. Typically, removal requires a special media filter.

Understanding what’s actually in your water is of vital importance to your plants, your health and your wallet.”

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EXOTIC CONTAMINANTS

MTBE Methyl tert-butyl ether, also known as methyl tertiary butyl ether and MTBE, is an organic compound used as a gasoline additive that prevents engine knocking and helps decrease engine emissions. Leaking underground storage tanks are usually the cause of groundwater contamination. Once introduced, it spreads throughout groundwater easily due its solubility, and removal on a municipal level can be costly.

There is limited scientific data available on the health effects of MTBE in drinking water. Studies suggest that it may cause cancer in animals. Available studies in human volunteers show that the most significant effect of MTBE contamination of drinking water is its pungent odour and taste. Of these, the most suitable and sensitive parameter on which to set a drinking water guideline for MTBE is odour. In Canada this is consistent with the approach used by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which established a range of 0.02 to 0.04 mg/L as an approximate threshold for humans to detect the taste and odour of MTBE in drinking water.

There is little information available on the concentrations of MTBE in Canadian drinking water supplies since its use in gasoline has been more widespread in the United States than in Canada. Fortunately, MTBE can be removed with a simple activated, coconut-derived carbon filter.

ARSENIC Although best known as an odourless, tasteless poison popular with murdering schemers throughout the annals of history, arsenic can also be found in your drinking water.

This contaminant can be naturally occurring, but it is also a by-product of environmental pollution and has been linked to organ cancers, headaches, nausea and a host of other health issues. There are two forms: arsenic 3 and arsenic 5. Arsenic 3 is difficult to remove and must be oxidized and converted to arsenic 5, at which point it can be removed by RO filtration. Arsenic compliance laws require municipalities to ensure less than 10 ppb (parts per billion) in the water they provide, but private wells might contain this dangerous contaminant in higher concentrations.

EDCs AND PPCPs Of increasing concern, and frequently in the news as of late, are EDCs and PPCPs. While some of these chemicals can be naturally occurring, most of them enter our water through industrial practices in agriculture and from us. When we take prescription medications that are not fully absorbed or broken down by our bodies, these chemicals enter the hydrologic cycle through our waste water and are often hard for water treatment plants to get rid of. In the case of agriculture and livestock, pesticides and medications given to livestock enter the environment directly through runoff and drainage. This water trickles into rivers and streams and joins the hydrologic cycle as well.

Taking the time and investing a bit of money in a professional water test from a certified lab can save you from endless guesswork and spending money on the wrong solutions.”

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EDCs interrupt endocrine activity in animals and humans, which can disrupt growth and reproductive activity. Many of us are aware of bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic and make efforts to avoid drinking and eating food packaged in plastic containing BPA. This concern is due to the endocrine-disrupting effect of BPA and is why many companies have switched to BPA-free plastic. Unfortunately, the water we drink can contain these insidious contaminants. Reverse osmosis can remove many of these contaminants but must be used as point-of-use (household) filtration due to the expense of using RO on a municipal level.

BORON One of the most difficult contaminants to remove is the element boron. The Canadian drinking water quality guideline limit for boron is 5 mg/L. The guideline limit for boron is based on the level that can be achieved by treatment units. While most boron is naturally occurring, some boron contamination is a result of human activity. Boron can cause rashes, dizziness, vomiting and a whole host of health problems with prolonged exposure.

It’s important for gardeners to be aware of potential boron contamination, as even low levels can be toxic to plants. Boron removal is difficult and complex, involving a specialty resin and other custom equipment, and is best facilitated by a professional.

SUMMING IT ALL UP These are just a few of the contaminants you might find in your tap water. While it’s important to know what’s out there, it is far more useful to know what is in your water. A water test with an independent lab can determine the safety of the water.

Taking the time and investing a bit of money in a professional water test from a certified lab can save you from endless guesswork and spending money on the wrong solutions. If you use city water, researching water through your local municipality is a great start. Recognizing that municipalities expect consumers to use a point-of-use or whole-house filters will also help. After all, getting a water test and the right filter will not only save you money; it will save your health and your plants.

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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n U e t Ligh

by Lee McCall

Lee McCall gives you the lowdown on lighting basics for your first growroom. *This article uses Imperial units, as the author’s formula is based on this system.

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Maintenance on a healthy and productive indoor garden requires a certain amount of devoted time and effort. Many variables exist that must all be considered prior to completion of a productive growing system. Luckily, replicating the outdoors inside is now pretty much just a plug-and-play installation, made almost dummy-proof and requiring only a quick stop by your local indoor gardening centre. However easy they’ve managed to make the process, though, you really should get to know the fundamentals prior to making your initial purchase.

UP! DECIDING HOW MUCH

One of the crucial considerations is grow-appropriate indoor lighting. Grow lights will prove to be the most costly part of your investment next to ventilation equipment, and the role they will serve in your new garden is of the utmost importance.

To select the most appropriate lighting source you must first analyze the various factors that comprise a complete lighting system. There are multiple sizes or wattages of fixtures available. Smaller-wattage systems, such as those employing 150-W highpressure sodium lamps and 175-W metal-halide lamps are excellent for small counter or table-top gardens producing shorter plants, while larger systems such as 400-, 600-, 750- and 1,000-W systems are ideal for larger gardens, or multiple-light gardens.

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LIGHTEN UP!

HERE’STHE FORMULA:

[Total square feet ÷ wattage of lamp to be used] x watts per square feet desired = number of lights required.

Example: A 4-ft. by 8-ft. area contains 32-sq. ft. If a grower desires to use 600-W lamps in this area and achieve 60 W per square foot of this space, the equation would look like this: [32 ÷ 600] x 60 = X [.05] x 60 = X So, 3 = X or three 600-W lights will achieve 60 W per square foot of the space in a 4-ft. by 8-ft. growing area.

“Replicating the outdoors inside is now pretty much just a plug-and-play installation, made almost dummyproof and requiring only a quick stop by your local indoor gardening centre.”

First off, you must figure out how much light you’ll need for your growing space. You’ll need to identify the area to be used for gardening in terms of square or cubic feet, even if you’re a vertical grower. For gardens housing plants that prefer higher levels of light or full sun, I recommend anywhere from 50 to 70 W of high-intensity discharge (HID) light per square foot of gardening space, excluding walkways and aisles. There are two different formulas I use to help me determine either how many lights are needed to outfit a particular garden footprint—that is, the floor space used for plants—or, for existing gardens, how many watts per square foot achieved with the given number of lights.

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Now, how many watts per square foot is the grower achieving?

Total watts ÷ total square feet = X (watts per square feet)

Or: [Number of lights ÷ total square feet] x wattage of lamp to be used = X or watts per square feet.

Example: 3,600-W or 1,800-W ÷ 32 sq. ft. = 56.25 W per square foot

Or:

[3/32] x 600 = X [.09375] x 600 = X 56.25 = X

If at least 60-W per square foot is desired, it would be a better alternative to implement two 1,000-W light systems that achieve 62.5 W per square foot, as opposed to three 600-W systems that only achieve 56.25 W per square foot. These formulas will help you produce consistency throughout your garden for enhanced control in the growroom.

SAFETY FIRST

Safety is always a consideration in the indoor gardening world, with all of the hot lights drawing high amounts of energy, CO2 generators with raging pilot flames and large containers of water sitting about, ready to flood out the basement or second floor.

Precautions must be taken. Let’s start with ensuring your growing area is equipped with enough juice to power heavy-amperage grow lights, pumps and fans, as well as whatever other devices are to be used. For multiple-light operations, 240-V power is recommended, as they will take less amperage and allow for more lights to run safely on a single circuit. Lighting controllers and relays will allow a grower to run multiple banks and sets of lights off a single 110/120-V timer, all while powering the lights with direct 240-V current, and 110/120-V 20-amp breakers are perfect for piling on as many fans, pumps, atmospheric controllers as you need. Even 1,000-W lights are perfect for 110/120-V operation on a single 20-amp circuit, as long as only one light is being operated. Always follow safe practices when installing electrical outlets, breakers and service panels.

Keep lights on their own separate circuits if at all possible and avoid running the ballasts on extension cords to the power outlet. Special extension cords are available that extend the distance from the ballast to the lamp if needed. Professional and certified installation is always recommended when making adjustments to service panels, breakers and circuits.

“Grow lights will prove to be the most costly part of your investment next to ventilation equipment, and the role they will serve in your new garden is of the utmost importance.”

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LIGHTEN UP!

LIGHTING CHOICES

Once the growing space is fully wired and safely equipped to handle the amount of electrical draw, you can start deciding on your lighting choices.

HID lamps, both sodium and halide, are still a necessity in my opinion in order to achieve healthy, heavy harvests. Choosing the right reflector design for the space is also a crucial component in delivering light efficiently to the plants, as different designs create different lighting footprints on the crop. The outlay of the garden should dictate your decision on reflector design. For example, if growing in square or rectangular trays in an ebb and flow or drip system, I prefer a reflector designed to project as much light as possible directly down into the same square footprint that the garden occupies.

Other reflector designs will promote a broader light spread, yet still maintain high light intensities throughout the footprint, which is considered ideal for indoor gardens or container gardening on the floor.

This is also a common design used in greenhouse growing, as the lights can be hung high above in the rafters but still emit a high level of supplemental light beneficial to the crop.

Sodium and warm spectrum (lower Kelvin) halide lamps are my preferred choice for the flowering stages of crop production. In an ideal world, I would start the first half of the blooming

phase with warm spectrum halides and finish out with sodium light until harvest. This is easier said than done for many growers in larger situations with multiple lights, but buying two lamps per hood instead of one will increase costs significantly. Both styles of lamps, whether halide or sodium, will sustain every stage of growth from seed to harvest.

Fluorescent lights are still hanging around the industry with a strong and steady presence. T5s are excellent spectral sources for vegetative growth, especially in shorter plants. Unfortunately, fluorescent light diminishes rapidly the farther away the plant is from the source, which may cause certain varieties of flora that grow taller to struggle under fluorescent lights as the shaded undergrowth struggles to absorb the light.

I think fluorescents are ideal for cuttings, seedlings and early vegetative growth phases and they also provide the added benefit of having lower energy consumption and heat output compared to HID lamps.

Many growers have also had great luck running these same fluorescent panels vertically as supplemental side lighting. The added boost promotes higher vertical

“Choosing the right reflector design for the space is also a crucial component in delivering light efficiently to the plants, as different designs create different lighting footprints on the crop.”

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

“Safety is always a consideration in the indoor gardening world, with all of the hot lights drawing high amounts of energy, CO2 generators with raging pilot flames and large containers of water sitting about, ready to flood out the basement or second floor.” growth while still allowing dense undergrowth and production. Vertically run HID lamps have been less common in recent years, though, since aircooling has dominated reflector designs, allowing for enhanced environmental control. Only recently have specially designed reflectors that burn lamps in a vertical orientation but still allow for glasssealed air-cooling emerged onto the market, incorporating great advances in light dispersion properties. Parabolic reflectors have also always had their niche with growers across the world, but the fact you cannot air cool them will deter certain growers, even if they choose a more costly reflector that is less efficient in light spread.

After your lighting fixtures have been decided on and installed securely, ventilation,

air-conditioning and the remaining parameters of your garden can be considered. If making new purchases, always choose reliable brands with reputable warranties. Buying local will also help ensure timely repair through retail shops in your area.

A productive indoor garden will require a reliable light source. So purchase the basics, begin to understand the fundamentals and most importantly, get ready to garden, because lighting up a small space for cultivation, whether it’s in your house, apartment, office or even just a closet, is now accessible and easy to manage for anyone with a bit of cash and the desire to grow.

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

49

Hydroponic A Not So so Dirty Business After All

BY DR. MIKE NICHOLS

GROWING LEEKS IS TRADITIONALLY A DIRTY BUSINESS, BUT HYDROPONICS IS ABOUT TO CHANGE ALL THAT...

The first job I obtained after graduating from the University of Nottingham in 1957 was working for a large market garden some 50 km south of London. F A Secrett Ltd. supplied Covent Garden with a range of fresh vegetables year-round, but their main production was early lettuce and cauliflower and with this in mind, the garden required a regular labour force, which they retained during the winter months by growing large quantities of leeks.

Early vegetable production required a sandy soil and this—provided irrigation is available—is also ideal for growing leeks.

But even with a sandy soil, harvesting and washing leeks for market was a demanding task. In May of 2011, I listened to Dr. Erik van Os present a paper entitled “Recent Developments in the Netherlands Towards the Development of Hydroponic Leeks” at the soilless culture and hydroponic symposium held in Puebla, Mexico.

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Traditionally, leeks are grown from seed sown in nursery beds in the field and the young plants are then transplanted into the field during the summer. As the white blanched stem is the usable product, it is normal to mound the plants up with soil as they grow—because of this, the betweenthe-row spacing is normally up to about 1 m and the in-the-row spacing is normally 15 to 20 cm. With adequate nutrition, irrigation and weed control, yields tend to be about 30 t/ha. Some efforts have been made to direct-drill leeks in situ at much higher plant densities by markedly increasing the between-the-row spacing, but although this will produce a blanched stem, the diameter of the leeks is still normally considered to be too thin for market.

A major disadvantage of conventional production is that even when a sandy soil is used there is a huge amount of labour—more than 600 hours/ha—required to harvest, wash and trim the crop for market. Large quantities of water are also required to wash the leeks—a major environmental problem with all root vegetables.

Harvesting is usually a late summer, autumn, winter and early spring operation, as it is impossible to plant seedling leeks outside too early in the spring since they might go to seed and overwintering leeks tend to go to seed as soon as the weather warms up in the spring. This is why there is always a two to three-month period when leeks are not available in the late spring or early summer.

Growing hydroponic leeks might open up the opportunity of producing out-of-season leeks by using a greenhouse.

Field harvesting is a dirty operation, as it involves digging leeks either by hand or machine, trimming off the roots and tops and then transferring them to a pack house for washing, final trimming and packing. Some of the outer leaves will almost certainly have to be removed to produce a nice white blanched stem. It is normal to produce only a single leek crop per year, requiring some eight weeks in the seed bed and at least three months in the field, probably longer if the crop is maturing during the winter months.

Growing leeks hydroponically is a totally different operation. For a start, the time in the nursery is greatly extended to produce a larger and taller plant, while the time from transplanting to harvest is significantly reduced. Experience in The Netherlands suggests that from sowing to planting out averages 87 days, while the time from transplanting to harvest averages only 48 days, except during the winter months. Leeks grow much faster in a hydroponic system than in the soil, probably because the nutrition and watering they receive are superior to what they get in a soil-based system.

There is still a considerable way to go until the best methodology for producing hydroponic leeks is determined. For example, there is some debate regarding the most effective method for growing the seedling transplants—should they be produced in rockwool or some other media?

Certainly they need to be grown at high density to get a good stem length prior to transplanting, but how can this best be achieved? There is also some doubt concerning the most efficient hydroponic system to use for growing the plants to maturity.

Clearly it must be a soilless and medium-free system, but whether this should be a deep-flow or a nutrient film technique system has yet to be determined.

What is clear, however, is that the plants should be placed in 20-cm long pipes to obtain a blanched stem, and that the pipes should

be held in place by the NFT or the deep-flow cover.

Of course productivity is the name of the game and because it is no longer required to mound up the leeks, they can be grown much closer together between the rows. In fact, there appears to be no reduction in yield per plant up to a density of 10 plants per 0.1 sq. m, which gives us in some 40 days a yield of close to 80 t/ha. This compares more than favourably with the 30 to 40 t/ha achieved in the field in a year, with the added advantage that harvesting simply involves pulling a nice clean leek plant from the hydroponic system, cutting off the roots and top and possibly peeling off one or two leaves.

The question in my mind is: do we need to grow this crop outside, or would it be better to grow it year-round in a greenhouse? If we are able to grow an 80 t/ha crop in 40 days in the field, then presumably we should be able to produce a similar yield in a slightly shorter time in a greenhouse, so it should not be impossible to achieve 10 or even 12 crops per year using such a system.

At 80 t/ha from each cycle, we would be looking at something in the region of an amazing 900 to 1,000 t/ha of quality leeks per year.

*Article originally published in Practical Hydroponics.

Maximum Yield Canada  |  January/February 2014

51

& Germination SEEDS

BY DR. ED HARWOOD

Seed germination is a great place to start trials that will maximize yields and optimize plant performance.

There are a few things to keep in mind to pull it off successfully.

With many experimental technologies and an equal number of environments that are being used to grow crops, germination is an important place to begin some trials to optimize yields. Also, noting that seeds are generally a significant cost, plant performance that does not waste growing space or seed is related to higher profits as well. If we keep records of our plantings, we often concern ourselves with the final product and ignore the impact of germination on optimizing yields per unit of time and cost for final product. Germination performance, often referred to as vigour, depends on the seed (source, quality and variety), seed treatment (dormancy and scarification), environment (moisture, temperature and light)

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and the need for stem elongation. Genetics has the largest impact on germination, so you might wish to trial several varieties of the same species.

Seeds come from many places. For instance, imported lettuce seeds come mostly from Australia and Chile, although they come from Holland and the United Kingdom as well. Typically, seeds are harvested and then marked for the season in which they are to be planted. Distance travelled is not likely to be a factor in quality unless the seeds became moist (begin germinating or rotting), too hot (possibly sterilizing them) or too cold (inducing dormancy).

Most seeds can last for several seasons when stored in a dry (less than 6% moisture), dark location at the proper temperature—typically 5°C. Tropical plant seeds often vary considerably in their tolerance of desiccation. Indeed, the textbook for seed germination is quite thick, reflecting the many types and needs of seeds.

When buying seeds in larger quantities, the label includes the date when the germination percent was determined. The determination of this percent was done under laboratory conditions engineered to get high numbers. This is no guarantee of performance under your conditions. However, hydroponic results often exceed these percentages to the advantage of the grower.

Seeds come with a variety of treatments, most often pesticides and pelleting. Pesticide-free seeds are generally available, but caution should be used to ensure a disease is not present on the seeds that will damage the more mature crop. If seeds are stored for some time at low moisture and sealed to remove oxygen, pests cannot survive. Pelleting is an aid to handling that might also provide nutrients.

TABLE I

Seed weight and longevity for home garden vegetables Seeds Per Ouncea

Relative Longevity Under Cool, Dry Condition (Years)b/c

Asparagus

700

3

Bean, Lima

25 to 75

3

Bean, snap

110

3

Beets

1,600

4

Broccoli

9,000

5

Brussels sprouts

8,500

5

Cabbage

8,500

5

23,000

3

Crop

Carrot Cauliflower

9000

5

Celariac

70,000

5

Celery

70,000

5

Chicory

26,000

5

Chinese cabbage

18,000

5

Cucumber

1,100

5

Eggplant

6,000

5

26,000

5

Kale

9,500

5

Kohlrabi

9,000

5

Leek

11,000

3

Lettuce

25,000

5

1,200

5

New Zealand spinach

350

5

Okra

500

2

Onion

9,000

1 to 2

Endive

Muskmelon

Parsley

18,000

2

Parsnip

12,000

1 to 2

Pea

75 to 90

3

4,500

4

200

4

Pepper Pumpkin Radish

3000

5

12,000

5

1,900

2

Spinach

2,800

5

Squash

100 to 300

5

Sweet Corn

120 to 180

1 to 2

1,500

1 to 2

11,000

4

Rutabaga Salsify

Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon

14,000

5

200 to 300

5

Seeds, The Yearbook of Agriculture. 1961. Stefferud, A., Editor. The United States Government Printing Office.

Handbook for Vegetable Growers. 1960. Knott, Joe. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. c Vegetable Growing Handbook. 1979. Splittstoesser, W.E. AVI Publishing, Inc. a

b

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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SEEDS & GERMINATION

GENETICS

TABLE II

Germination data for home garden vegetable seed Minimum Percent Germinationab

Crop

Min. °F

Opt. °F

Max. °F

Days to Germinate Under Optimal Temperature and Moisture Conditionsc

Asparagus

60

50

75

95

10

Bean, Lima

70

60

85

85

6

Bean, snap

75

60

80

95

7

Beets

65

40

85

85

4

Broccoli

75

-

85

-

4

Brussels sprouts

70

-

80

-

4

Cabbage

75

40

80

100

4

Carrot

55

40

80

95

6

Cauliflower

75

40

80

100

5

Celariac

55

-

70

-

11

Celery

55

40

70

85

7

Chicory

65

-

80

-

6

Chinese cabbage

75

-

80

-

4

Cucumber

80

60

95

105

3

Eggplant

60

60

85

95

6

Endive

70

-

80

-

6

Kale

75

-

80

-

4

Kohlrabi

75

-

80

-

4

Leek

60

-

70

-

7

Lettuce

80

35

75

85

3

HAS THE LARGEST IMPACT ON GERMINATION, SO YOU MIGHT WISH TO TRIAL SEVERAL VARIETIES OF THE SAME SPECIES.”

Germination will reflect growing with proper conditions, so one must learn what is best for the variety being grown. Seed companies typically publish these results, but usually for soil conditions. By experimenting, you can derive the interpretation of these recommendations to performance with your own growing system.

Before planting, be sure there isn’t a requirement for a treatment to release the seed from dormancy—for example, strawberries require some time in the freezer. Also, prepare your labelling scheme and a map so the records of your trials will be accurate. Be sure to plant with similar conditions to ensure a good comparison.

The following are more conditions to consider:

Moisture

Muskmelon

75

60

90

100

4

New Zealand spinach

40

-

70

-

6

The maintenance of moisture is similar via covers and regular replenishment, if applicable. Note that the contact a seed has with the growing medium will determine the moisture it receives.

Okra

50

60

95

105

6

Light

Onion

70

35

75

95

6

Parsley

60

40

75

90

13

Parsnip

60

35

65

85

14

Pea

80

40

75

85

6

Pepper

55

60

85

95

8

Pumpkin

75

60

95

100

4

Radish

75

40

85

95

4

Rutabaga

75

-

80

-

4

Salsify

75

-

70

-

6

Spinach

60

35

70

85

5

Squash

75

60

95

100

4

Sweet Corn

75

50

95

105

3

Swiss Chard

65

40

85

95

4

Tomato

75

50

85

95

6

Turnip

80

40

85

105

3

Watermelon

80

60

95

105

4

Minimum percent germination to federal standards Handbook for Vegetable Growers. 1960. Knott, J.E. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Seeds, The Yearbook of Agriculture. 1961. Stefferud, A., Editor. The United States Government Printing Office.

a

b c

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

The presence of light or dark is similar. Some seeds require a short burst of light or continuous light for best results. I use a set of squares moving from transparent to translucent to opaque nested inside each other as covers for seed germination.

Duration

Experimentation with covering for different periods will give differing stem length that can ease harvesting. We typically remove covers just prior to, or at the presence of, cotyledons (first leaves).

pH

Seeds have a range they find acceptable and this should be similar for all being compared.

Density

Although little allelopathy (impact of natural herbicides produced by plants to enhance their competition with other plants) is of concern during the first few days to impact germination, your germination tests can also help determine optimal densities for future yields.

DISTRIUBTED BY GREEN PLANET

Reservoir Checklist

by Matt LeBannister

When the indoor gardening season begins, there are pieces of equipment—many of which were unused during the outdoor growing season—that must be checked for problems before being put into use. This includes all of your reservoirs.

Before you start your indoor gardening season, you need to check your reservoirs. Over time, the material can degrade or crack, so it might need replacing or repairing. Also, mould, mildew, dust, algae and salt residues must be washed away, and proper reservoir temperatures must be ensured.

Finally, you must check the pumps that recirculate hydroponic solution throughout your system to make sure they work. All these things have to be right before your hydroponic garden is started, otherwise time is wasted, pathogens or insects could harm the plants and worst of all you could experience flooding in your house.

The first thing to do when taking your reservoir out of storage is to clean it. Even if you cleaned it before storage, there could still be mould or mildew.

To eliminate any built-up salts, wash the reservoir with a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water. To thoroughly sterilize your reservoir, give it another wash with a 1:1 solution of bleach and water.

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Once the reservoir is clean, it is time to check for cracks, leaks and weak points. This is one of the most important things to check. Plastic reservoirs, though built to last, will degrade over time. Exposure to heat, cold, nutrient solutions and HID lights can all cause even the best-quality reservoirs to gradually become brittle. The best way to determine this is to check with a bright flashlight in a dark room. If you see light through the plastic, it is a weak, thin point or a crack that will actively leak. To repair a crack, use an epoxy sealer designed for plastic. This is available at most hardware stores. You can also use duct tape, but it isn’t ideal and will only last so long.

Next on our reservoir checklist is to make sure all the submersible pumps and air pumps are in good working order. Although they are not part of the reservoir, they are vital to keeping it working.

Without properly functioning air pumps and submersible pumps, the hydroponic solution will not be properly oxygenated and will not mix or circulate throughout the system. So, you must check that the submersible pumps are able to move the right amount of hydroponic solution.

For example, if they aren’t powerful enough, the hydroponic solution won’t reach the plants on a flood-and-drain system. Too powerful and rockwool cubes

and roots will be over-saturated and plants could drown. The air pump can be checked simply by seeing if there is an adequate amount of air bubbles being produced. You can sterilize your submersible pumps and air stones by submerging them in a solution of one part bleach to one part water for five to 10 minutes. You can even circulate that solution through the whole hydroponic system to sterilize all the tubing as well—just make sure to rinse everything well afterwards.

Finally, it is important to fill your reservoir and see if the temperature of the hydroponic solution is in the ideal range.

It is important to check this before adding your plants to your hydroponic system. Reservoir temperature is important because it dictates how much oxygen is available in the water.

The cooler the temperature, the more oxygen it can hold. So, if it is too warm, there will be less oxygen available for the roots, meaning diseases and root-borne pests can flourish. The ideal range is around 18 to 24°C. If you find the temperature is too cold, you might need to raise the reservoir off the floor, especially if it is in a cool basement, or place a heating mat underneath the reservoir.

If you find that the temperature of the hydroponic solution is too warm, as is often the case in small rooms with HIDs, you might need to cover the reservoir with black and white plastic to block out the light or you might need to use a reservoir chiller.

Reservoir chillers are highly effective and can lower your air-conditioning costs.

Following this simple checklist can get your reservoir ready for the indoor gardening season and ensure that your plants have the best possible chance to grow and thrive.

WITHOUT properly functioning air pumps and submersible pumps, the hydroponic solution will not be properly oxygenated and will not mix or circulate throughout the system.”

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

57

are

c i n a g r o S E D I C I T S E P s y a w l a

r ? e f sa often an s i c i n a g Or e’s r e H . m r d te o o t s a r r e a d e l c p l misun o he t r e o p.

B u e s g n i Bill D h few t

by BILL DEBOER 58

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

59

ORGANIC PESTICIDES

“I don’t use chemicals, I grow organically,” is a reoccurring message continuously articulated by a certain sect of organic growers or consumers of organic products. It’s a message that shows there is a preponderance of misinformation and a lack of understanding. Everything is a chemical, including those organics derived from natural origins.

What these people are trying to say is that they choose a more natural choice when growing organically, as opposed to the negatively perceived synthetic counterpart. The point of this article is not to draw negative criticism toward organics, but rather address misconceptions in an effort to help growers make sounder, more informed decisions. So, whether you are grounded in either organics or synthetics, you need to internalize the following concepts. Please note that when I use the term organic in the article, I am referring to chemicals derived from natural origins.

Are organics always safer than synthetics? No. People have bought into the premise that anything natural is safer, but the natural state of a chemical inherently does not dictate safety. For example, imagine organically growing the castor plant (Ricinus communis). From this you could exact a powerful compound—ricin—which is highly toxic to mammals. While this example is meant to be impractical, the concept is not: natural chemicals can be just as deadly as synthetic ones. Have you ever looked at the chemical compounds found in the LD50 (lethal dose inducing mortality in 50% of test population) value of organic pesticides?

Remember, toxicity is a function of the exposure time as well as the dose and concentration. Simple chemicals regarded as harmless can be toxic if the concentration is high or the exposure time is long—for example, water is toxic if consumption continuously exceeds 1.5 L per hour.

Safety is at the forefront for organic growers and consumers of organic products, but have you ever looked at the signal word (i.e. caution, warning or danger) on the chemical label? By human nature, we will believe something without questioning the validity if enough people say it is true.

There is a reason marketing people can receive hefty salaries: thanks to them, safety has become unanimous with organics. Funny, since federal regulation

uses the same wording for organic pesticides as they do synthetics.

Organics generally have a significant advantage to synthetic counterparts. The half-life, or breakdown, of organic compounds tends to be on average quicker than synthetic chemicals, whose half-life can be long and breakdown is slow, thus the persistence in the environment is longer.

However, while organic pesticides can breakdown quickly, their effect is often short-lived and frequent applications are more necessary in comparison to synthetic pesticides.

Thus, an individual must always understand the type of chemical, application, frequency, concentration and relative persistence. After all, at face value, what appears to be more toxic: compound A applied once, or compound B applied six times in the same time span? Obviously, more information is needed.

Another critical consideration is dismissing linear thought processes. Just because a compound is organic and targets one type of pests, doesn’t mean it will not cause other problems. For instance, rotenone, an effective organic pesticide for certain beetles and caterpillars, is also highly toxic to aquatic life, so you must avoid spraying it around any body of water.

THE NATURAL

STATE OF A CHEMICAL INHERENTLY DOES NOT DICTATE SAFETY.”

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

61

ORGANIC PESTICIDES

Another example is nicotine, which causes paralysis to pest insects and is readily absorbed by the skin of mammals— and it is quite toxic. Lastly, pyrethrins are highly effective at eradicating a wide range of pests, but they are also toxic to helpful pollinators like honeybees. As growers and gardeners, we cannot think our actions are singular or linear. When using both synthetic and organic chemicals, our actions have direct and sometimes irreversible consequences.

Always research the active ingredient prior to use, as well as proper protective equipment, relative toxicity and susceptible population, which can range from helpful insects to people.

There is one study that proposes the interesting hypothesis that microbial (bacterial and fungal) contamination, not pesticide residue, is of larger concern to public health. It begs the question: are organically raised fruits and vegetables less likely or more likely to have microbial growth due to pesticide practices? I don’t have the answer, but it is an intriguing point nonetheless.

Another important component to this review was the difference in detection of synthetic and organic pesticide residue.

A 10-year trend line by Baker et al. showed a significant increase in the detection of synthetic pesticide residue relative to that of organic pesticide.

One of the main points was organically treated fruits and vegetables still had detectable pesticide (albeit organic) residue.

Ultimately, there is not enough information to make definitive statements on overall safety, which is compounded by the fact that sampling methods are not always accurate. However, it does show we cannot think of most organic produce as chemical-free.

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

In conclusion, practices involving chemicals that have a low environmental persistence are effective toward the target pest and have a low risk factor towards the consumer should be our goal. If human and environmental health is the chief concern for organic growers, then knowledge is the strongest ally. I have been and will always be an advocate for the safest and healthiest option of growing produce.

This article should not be viewed as anti-organic, but rather as pro-education. Consumers should have all the facts so they can make an informed decision. Finally, here are a few key points to take away from this article: • Everything is a chemical and everything can be toxic if the right dose or exposure time is met Read the label and ask questions when you are unsure • Organic does not equate to safe just as synthetic doesn’t represent unsafe • Actions have consequences and application of pesticides, even organic ones, can have a negative impact on organisms from fish to bees to humans • There are pros and cons an individual must weigh when selecting a pesticide, whether that pesticide is organic or synthetic (cost, effectiveness, relative toxicity, etc.)

AN INDIVIDUAL

MUST ALWAYS UNDERSTAND THE TYPE OF CHEMICAL, APPLICATION, FREQUENCY, CONCENTRATION AND RELATIVE PERSISTENCE.”

BEHIND THE SCENES

DOING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME ‘ROUND:

Gualala Robotics’ James Hamilton James Hamilton, president of Gualala Robotics (the maker of LightRail light movers), has a favourite motto: “If you don’t have time to do it right the first time, you must have time to do it again.” And it’s the basis of a thought process that has served him, and his company, well.

A mechanical background and laser-like focus were the contributing factors that helped James Hamilton take his company, Gualala Robotics, Inc., from its early inception to where it is today. The company first came to light in 1986 in the small coastal town of Gualala, California, and then moved from its Gualala/Point Arena location to Steamboat Springs, Colorado,

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

A MECHANICAL BACKGROUND AND LASER-LIKE FOCUS WERE THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS THAT HELPED JAMES HAMILTON TAKE HIS COMPANY, GUALALA ROBOTICS, INC., FROM ITS EARLY INCEPTION TO WHERE IT IS TODAY.”

in 1993. Products include LightRail 3.5 Intellidrive (0 to 60 second adjustable time delay and travels at 1.2 m per minute), LightRail 4.0 Adjustadrive (same adjustable time delay plus an adjustable speed control of 0.6 m per minute to 1.2 m per minute) and LightRail 5.0 Commercial Duty with Intellidrive. We’re proudly made in the United States, with manufacturing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and distribution in Aurora, Colorado.

James’ work style would best be described as intense. Today, he oversees all departments but product development is what he enjoys most.

“It’s awesome to come up with the very products that help people to do a better job,” he says. “Moving your lights increases yields substantially (75% better with our Tomato Project and 85% better with our Pepper Project), but then to make our LightRails offer even more features—such as the Adjustadrive 4.0 with adjustable speed— well, that’s very satisfying.

“Also, speaking of product development, our new end-cap display bot is something brand new and this one is for the store owner. This item helps the stores to not only organize LightRail items but also to serve as almost an extra store employee standing there helping the customer with their LightRail questions. It has a 25.4-cm LCD screen, a looped info still shot tape and/or movie and a small working demo of a LightRail—all made so the store customer will get a better understanding of the workings of LightRail.”

As you can see, product development is huge for James, but he balances all this out with his two main hobbies: skiing—it is Steamboat Springs, after all—and building custom cars (once a gearhead, always a gearhead). His current project is the Off-road Rolls (you can see photos at offroadrolls.com) As far as honours and accomplishments go, James is most proud of the fact that his company produces the No. 1 light mover in the world, and—in particular—that he has remained “Made in the USA”.

As to what James has planned for his goal for the future of this industry, he would say “to make indoor gardening more mainstream.”

This goes along with his bucket-list item, the primary thing he’d like to see one day: an indoor garden in most homes. Whether it’s a smaller-scale kitchen herb/lettuce/micro garden or a dedicated room growing enough food to feed a family with plenty of produce left over to help their local food bank, it’s time for this industry to take off in the mainstream arena.

AS FAR AS HONOURS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS GO, JAMES IS MOST PROUD OF THE FACT THAT HIS COMPANY PRODUCES THE NO. 1 LIGHT MOVER IN THE WORLD, AND—IN PARTICULAR—THAT HE HAS REMAINED MADE IN THE USA.”

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

65

TALKING SHOP

growers paradise Hydroponics - Nutrients - grow gear

AT A GLANCE Company Growers Paradise Inc. Owners Jason and Aurelia Vaillancourt Location 40 Regan Rd., Unit 11 Brampton, Ontario L7A 1B2 Phone 1-905-495-4040 Web growersparadise.ca Email info@growersparadise.ca Motto “Striving To Build Customers For Life”

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

After years of working for a top retail company in Canada, Jason and Aurelia Vaillancourt, the owners of Growers Paradise, decided to open their own hydroponic retail shop in Brampton, Ontario. Jason talks about how their retail backgrounds, location and focus on customer service and high-quality products have contributed to their success.

Growers Paradise in Brampton, Ontario, is a relatively new addition to the hydroponic retail sales industry, but owners Jason and Aurelia Vaillancourt already had plenty of experience in retail sales. Before opening their own hydroponic retail shop, they worked for 15 years for Canada’s top retail company—Canadian Tire Corp.—in management roles. “Working for the top Canadian retailer for 15 years and striving to succeed, my wife and I felt that if we put our efforts into our own business like we did for our employer, and with 14 years of growing knowledge behind us, we couldn’t fail,” explains Jason.

The couple opened Growers Paradise in February 2013 and hosted a grand opening in June. “I was taken by surprise when we first opened and customers were flooding the store,” says Jason.

“We didn’t expect the business to take off so quickly, but due to the popularity of growing for yourself and the excellence in customer service we continue to strive for, repeat customer visits are now the norm. Sometimes people come in just to say hi!”

“ WE HAVE A BRIGHT STAFF, WE ARE AWESOME PEOPLE TO BE AROUND AND PEOPLE LOVE THAT VIBE—WE MAKE EVERY DAY FUN.” Four people initially worked at the store: Jason, Aurelia, Nick Fantetti and Dave Harmer. Start-up struggles included managing the volume of customers in the beginning, as they wanted to spend quality time with each of their customers and not rush them through the store. Jason and Aurelia invested all of their savings in the store and didn’t collect a paycheque at first, choosing to put all proceeds towards the store’s expansion to keep it fully stocked at all times. “We had to learn how to deal with many wholesalers and determine who actually stands behind their products,” recalls Jason.

One significant factor that helped the business succeed was opening in an area the owners felt was under served for the hydroponic market. “We strategically opened in an area that had only one other store,” explains Jason. Another factor is the couple’s focus on quality products. Growers Paradise carries all of the top-quality name brands and only endorses products that are proven in the industry and backed by warranties. “We are the only store in Ontario that carries the full line of Green Planet Nutrients,” adds Jason. While the business focuses on the Greater Toronto Area, staff have shipped products as far as Hawaii.

The motto at Growers Paradise is striving to build customers for life—something the Vaillancourts learned from their days at Canadian Tire—and although they are newcomers in hydroponic retail sales, Jason believes that Growers Paradise has quickly earned the distinction of being Brampton’s premier gardening source because of their focus on providing customers with unparalleled service. When entering Growers Paradise, customers are greeted to a fully stocked store featuring complete product lines from the industry’s top manufacturers. From the beginner just starting up their first garden, to the seasoned and

commercial grower, Growers Paradise provides a onestop shopping experience. “Our mission is to provide complete lines of top-quality products at highly competitive prices,” says Jason. “Our customers praise us for the value-added service they receive; we take the time to educate our customers on the products we provide them. We assess each customer’s experience and recommend only the products that they feel comfortable using.”

Jason loves hearing from customers who have had a positive experience while shopping at his store and he’s often told that staff at Growers Paradise really do try to get to the root of a problem rather than just trying to sell products.

The staff at Growers Paradise all share a deep passion for growing and are eager to share their knowledge and techniques with customers. A common goal is to have fun and treat customers like family. “We have a bright staff, we are awesome people to be around and people love that vibe—we make every day fun,” shares Jason.

At Growers Paradise, staff stress the importance of using only reverse osmosis water, so much so that the store has teamed up with Growonix to provide it free of charge. “In order to educate and elevate our customers’ growing skills to achieve their best harvests, we have begun to host various how-to seminars in our store,” explains Jason. “Just stop by our store and sign up for our various seminars hosted throughout the winter season.”

And expansion plans are on the horizon—two new stores are scheduled to open in the Guelph and Alliston areas in the spring, headed by employees Nick and Dave.

Jason says the focus on building customers for life will apply at the new stores. “It doesn’t matter how much money you have to qualify for a franchise, it comes down to your personality and the passion you have for the industry,” he reflects.

During his time away from the hustle and bustle of running Growers Paradise, Jason, with wife Aurelia, can be found cruising the roads of northern Ontario on his Harley Davidson cruiser, or just relaxing on a sunset beach in the tropics.

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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MAX MART MAX-MART

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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MAX MART

retail business for

sale in armstrong, b.C. Established profitable retail business (grosses $200k plus) in great location for sale in Armstrong, B.C., (business only) specializing in tropical plants, organic herbs, hydroponics, nursery, and gifts. Strong customer base and good supplier relationships along with staff in place make this a care-free investment. Purchaser may also choose to operate business. Armstrong is a spectacular place to live, a wonderful safe community and this is a great opportunity to be your own boss.

Same owner for 6 years, health problem forces sale.

5 year lease available from landlord: $1,000 per month (plus $400 in utilities) for 3,000 square feet of retail space.

Serious inquiries only. Financial statement to be supplied to purchaser upon offer acceptance.

Kelly Rankin 604-781-4687 • kelly.rankin@shaw.ca

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

visit us

online maximumyield.com

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors ALBERTA Double AA Garden Supplies Ltd. Bay 9 2820 Centre Avenue Calgary, AB T2A 7P5 403-273-9188 ----------------------------------------------

IncrediGrow Garden Centre 103-7500 MacLeod Trail SE Calgary, AB T2H 0L9 403-255-0740 ---------------------------------------------Quick Grow 1-1204 Edmonton Trail Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 3K5 877-426-4769 Smart Grow 2422 - 23 Avenue, NE Calgary, AB T2E 8J4 403-236-9999 Twins Greenhouse 13 - 2235 30th Avenue, NE Calgary, AB T2C 7C7 403-273-2881 All Season’s Garden Centre 10027 81 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6E 1W7 780-448-2385 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro-Lite 12249 Fort Road Edmonton, AB T5B 4H7 780-477-7860 ---------------------------------------------Niloc Wholesale Inc. Box 82008 Yellowbird RPO Edmonton, AB T6J 7E6 780-885-4769 Northern Lights Indoor Gardening Centre 10108 100th Ave. Grand Prairie, AB T8V 0V5 780-538-3277

BRITISH COLUMBIA Interior Gardener’s Supply 221 - 1 McDermid Road, Box 1779 100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E0 250-395-3399 OK Garden Supply 104-5498 267th Street.

Aldergrove, BC V4W 3S8 604-607-7263 Bogarts Gardening Supply 3545 Okanagan St. Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 250-546-9790 Jon’s Plant Factory 3925 E. Hastings St. Burnaby, BC V5C 2H8 604-294-3000 Hygro Gardening Supplies Inc. 1791 Tamarac Street Campbell River, BC V9W 5Y7 250-286-0424 ----------------------------------------------

Canadian Garden Supply 1730 Highway 3 Castlegar, BC V1N 4W1 250-304-2911 ----------------------------------------------

Sun Beam Central 3444 River Road Chemainus, BC V0R 1K4 250-246-1379 ----------------------------------------------

Valley Indoor Geenhouse Supplies 103 - 44195 Yale Road West Chilliwack, BC V2R 4H2 877-702-1169 ---------------------------------------------Sundogz Garden Supply 1824 Alberni Hwy. Coombs, BC V0R 1M0 250-954-2046 Art Knapp 2855 Wentworth Road Courtenay, BC V9N 6B7 250-334-3024 Just-N-Tyme Greenhouse and Hydroponics Supply 1094 McKenzie Avenue Courteney, BC V9N 3C5 250-703-0476 ----------------------------------------------

Progressive Growth 2459 Cousins Avenue Courtenay, BC V9N 3N6 250-334-8425 ---------------------------------------------Pacific NW Garden Supply 1139B Industrial Road 3 Cranbrook, BC V1C 5E3 250-489-4761 Cowichan Hydroponic Supplies 4 - 2955 Jacob Road Duncan, BC V9L 6W4 250-746-0244 Duncan Plants & Ponics 6512 Bell McKinnon Road Duncan, BC V9L 6C1 250-746-5591 Better Than Nature Enderby 1900 George Street Enderby, BC, 250-838-5502 Sunshine Gardens Greenhouse Superstore 5 - 1744 Kelly Douglas Road Kamloops, BC V2C 5S4 877-372-2270 Room 2 Grow 901 Laval Crescent Kamloops, BC V2C 5P4 250-372-3663 ----------------------------------------------

West Coast Hydroponic Garden Shop 113 - 805 Notre Dame Kamloops, BC V2C 5N8 250-851-2992 ---------------------------------------------Aqua Gro Hydroponics Supplies Suite 101 2689 Kyle Rd. Kelowna, BC V1Z 2M9 250-769-7745 Better Than Nature Kelowna 725B Evans Court Kelowna, BC V1X 6G4 250-868-8978

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each province.

Oasis 12 - 1771 Cooper Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 7T1 250-763-4769

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Nico’s Nurseryland 830 - 28th Street, NE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2S7 250-804-2004

Pacific NW Garden Supply Unit C1 - 1810 Kyle Court Kelowna, BC V1Z 3Z4 250-769-4791

Tridon Hydroponics 12 - 1708 Bowen Road Nanaimo, BC V9S 1G9 250-755-1900 ----------------------------------------------

Mylo’s 3837 Squilax Anglemont Hwy Scotch Creek, BC V0E 1M0 250-955-0525

Quick Grow Indoor Garden Center 1945 Kirschner Rd. Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7 250-861-3434

Vancouver Island Garden Supply Ltd. 4770 Wellington Rd Nanaimo, BC V9T 2H3 250-585-8881

BC Hydroponics 3 - 20092-93A Avenue Langley, BC V1M 3Y4 604-888-5716

Pacific NW Garden Supply Unit 14- 104 Silica Street Nelson, BC V1L 4M1 250-354-4767

Green Earth Garden Supplies Unit 5, 19300, Langley Bypass Langley, BC V3S 6K2 604-532-7106

Buckerfields 587 Alberni Highway Parksville, BC V9P 1J9 250-248-3243

GreenStar Plant Products Inc. 9430 198 Street, Langley, BC V1M 3C8 604-882-7699

Better Than Nature Penticton 101 - 78 Industrial Avenue, West Penticton, BC V2A 6M2 250-770-8978 ----------------------------------------------

Pacific Western Garden 5785 203A Street.

Langley B.C V3A 1W7 604-510-4839; 778-898-5888 Excel Air Systems 200 - 20170 Stewart Crescent Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0T4 604-728-0757 Pacific NW Garden Supply 109 - 20110 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2P7 Planting Plus Greenhouse Supplies and Hardware 22394 Dewdney Truck Road Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3J2 604-466-5949 Triple Tree Nurseryland 20503 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2P9 604-465-9313 ---------------------------------------------Gro Green Garden Supply 7260 Park Street Mission, BC V2V 6G8 604-814-4345 ---------------------------------------------Nutty Zone 5 & 6 - 33201 London Avenue Mission, BC V2V 4P9 604-814-2223 Long Lake Nursery Hydroponic Supply 4900 Island Highway, North Nanaimo, BC 250-758-5012 ----------------------------------------------

Aurora Lighting 750 3rd Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3C5 250-564-9888 ---------------------------------------------Backwoods Hydroponic & Garden 10590 Carlson Road Prince George, BC V2K 5E5 250-963-9541 PG2 1798 Nicholson Street Prince George, BC V2N 1V6 250-612-4769; 1-888-817-4769 Skytek Indoor Solutions 833 4th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3H5 800-975-9835 Spruce Capital Feeds 1694 Quinn Street Prince George, BC V2N 1X3 250-564-6010 Omega Garden Inc. 1695 Peligren Place Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2S3 250-752-1301; 888 976 6342 Garden Effects 200-2288 #5 Road Richmond, BC V6X 2T1 604214-6620 Natural Choice Garden Centre, The 5500 48th Avenue, SE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1X2 250-832-7151

Progressive Growth 41 - 1925 Bowen Road Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1 800-405-4769 ----------------------------------------------

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Word of Mouth Hydroponics Inc. 1-1611 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo, BC V9S 1G5 250-591-1180

S.A. Ecoline Products Ltd. 5671 Auto Road, SE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4S1 250-833-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Green & Clean Energy Co. Ltd. 2875 Cudlip Road Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0 250-732-7224 Happy Acres Greens & Backroad Hydroponics Equipment 2058 Cambie-Solsqua Road Sicamous, BC V0E 2V0 250-836-3878 Garibaldi Nursery 38917 Progress Way, Squamish Industrial Park Squamish, BC V0N 3G0 604-892-3892 ----------------------------------------------

Coast Pet & Plant Supplies Unit 6 12342 83A Ave. Surrey, BC 604-599-1778 ---------------------------------------------Fat Eddies Systems Inc. 108 - 18760 96th Avenue Surrey, BC V4N 3P9 604-888-2499 ---------------------------------------------Garden King Supplies 7533 135 Street, Unit 109 Surrey, BC V3W OM8 604-598-1912 Pacific NW Garden Supply 15374-103A Avenue Surrey, BC V3R 9V8 604-588-4769; 800-443-4769 Warehouse Garden Supplies & Hydroponic 109 - 8173 128 Street Surrey, BC V3W 4G1 604-543-3177 BN Garden Supply 4493 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC V5R 2N3 604-431-2977 Double AA Garden Supplies Ltd. 2908 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5N 4C9 604-876-8837 Pacific NW Garden Supply 2137 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V5L 1V2 604-254-4765 U-Grow Garden Supplies 8265 Main St. Vancouver, BC V5X 3L7 604-880-1111 Vancouver Garden Supply 4894 Fraser Street Vancouver, BC V5V 4H5 604-879-8167 ----------------------------------------------

------Fraser Valley Greenhouse Supplies Ltd. 45653 Lark Road Vedder Crossing, BC V2R 3N7 fraservalleygreenhouse.com 604-858-0455 ----------------------------------------------

Advanced Garden Supplies 7979 Aspen Road Vernon, BC V1B 3M9 250-545-9545 AJs Pets & Things 3219 - 31st Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 2H2 250-549-3222 Better Than Nature Vernon 506 25th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 1P4 250-260-4466 Northern Lights Greenspace 3 - 2706 45th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 3N4 250-558-4757 OK Garden Supply 12-4601 23rd Street.

Vernon, BC V1T 4K7 778-475-6075 Indoor Jungle 2624 Quadra Street Victoria, BC V8T 4E4 250-388-5611 Mr. Fertilizer 9 Burnside Road, West Victoria, BC V9A 1B2 250-381-4644 ----------------------------------------------

Progressive Growth Unit #111-1790 Island Highway Victoria, BC V9B 1H5 250-391-9519 ---------------------------------------------Sunwest Garden Supply 2035 Unit B Louie Drive Westbank, BC V4T 1Y2 50-768-1636 ----------------------------------------------

Good Guys Gardening Center 250 Mackenzie Ave. S. Williams Lake, BC V2G 1C6 250-392-2069 ---------------------------------------------Trees Company Nursery & Garden Supplies G9 C17 RR1, 7030 Powell Road Winlaw, BC V0G 2J0 250-226-7334

MANITOBA Better Than Nature Winnipeg 14 Gertrude, Winnipeg MB R3L OM6 204-453-3032 Gro Pro International Hydroponics 101-904 Porthee Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3G 0P4 204-956-1389 Kleen Gro Hydroponics 218 Osbourne Street South Winnipeg, MB R3L 1Z3 204-475-7096 My Two Sons 2 - 2055 McPhillips Street Winnipeg, MB R2Y 3C6 204-339-3489 Nature’s Nutrition 819 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3J 0G4 204-889-2979 Northern Lights Hydroponics 129 Regent Avenue East Winnipeg, MB R2C 0C2 204-415-5106 Ready Set Grow!

375 Henderson Highway Winnipeg, MB R3C 2H2 204-668-GROW

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors NEW BRUNSWICK Canadian Green Products 811 Central St. Centerville, NB E7K 2B9 506-276-3555 ----------------------------------------------

Dieppe Hydroponics 988 Champlain St. Door #3 Dieppe, NB E18 1P8 506-384-4769 ---------------------------------------------Craft N’ Grow 60 Micmac Road, Eel Ground, NB E1V 4B1 506-624-9317 Ultimate Hydroponics Box 1191, Hampton, NB E5N 8H2 506-639-5948 Scott’s Nursery Ltd. 2192 Route 102 Highway Lincoln, NB E3B 8N1 506-458-9208 Atlantic Hydroponics & Greenhouses Inc. 42 Brandon Street Moncton, NB E1C 7E8 506-858-0158 Jardins Notik Gardens 798 Gray Road St-Charles, NB E4W 4N9 506-876-9100 Century Gardening 20 Bayside Drive St. John, NB E2J 1A2 506-657-9982

NOVA SCOTIA Den Haan’s Garden World 12688 Highway 1, Brickton Annapolis County, NS B0S 1M0 902-825-4722 Woodland Farm Nursery 3544 Highway 1, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0 902-532-7617 ----------------------------------------------

S&L Worx Hydroponics 135 Main Street, Unit 14 Dartmouth, NS B2X 1R6 902-434-GROW (4769) ---------------------------------------------Mmad Hydroponics 4400 Second Division Road Digby Co. NS B0W1M0 902-778-1922 Sweetleaf Smoke Shop and Hydroponics 3132 Isleville Street Halifax, NS B3K 3Y2 902-454-6646 Plant Manager Gardening 12 Industrial Drive, Richmond County Industrial Park, Lennox Passage, Cape Breton, NS B0E 1V0 902-345-2112 Steve’s Hydroponic Headquarters 131 Sackville Drive Lower Sackville, NS B4C 2R3 902-865-7764 Greenfield Grow & Brew 69 Wilson Mountain Road Murray Siding, NS B6L 4N7 902-897-6568

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Woodin Nickel Hydroponics 3393 Central West, Highway 4 Pictou County, NS BOK 1H0 902-695-7640 ----------------------------------------------

ONTARIO Canadian Hydrogardens Ltd. 1330 Sandhill Drive Ancaster, ON L9G 4V5 905 648 1801 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 521 Dunlop Street West Barrie, ON L4N 9W4 705-721-8715 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 5386 Greenlane Road Beamsville, ON L0R 1B3 905-563-6121 ----------------------------------------------

BMA Hydroponics 404A Maitland Drive, Unit 2 Belleville, ON K8N 4Z5 613-967-9888 ---------------------------------------------Home Hydroponics 289 Rutherford Road, South 22 Brampton, ON L6W 3R9 905-874-GROW ----------------------------------------------

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each province.

Garden Depot 605 Justus Drive Kingston, ON K7M 4H5 613-384-8882 Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 1659 Victoria Street, North, Unit 6 Kitchener, ON N2B 3E6 888-670-0611 Kawartha Hydroponics 12 Lindsay St. S. Lindsay, ON K9V 2L6 705-324-5200 ----------------------------------------------

AKA The Indoor Gardener 207 Exeter Road, Unit D London, ON N6L 1A4 519-652-4224 ---------------------------------------------Best of Hydroponics 360 Richmond Street London, ON N6A 3C3 519-858-1533 Ontario Growers Supply 1540 Fanshawe Park Road West London, ON N6H 5L8 519-641-3992 Vantage Hydroponics 1 Adelaide Street North London, ON N6B 3P8 519-451-4769 Markham Hydroponics 95 Royal Crest Court 18 Markham, ON L3R 9X5 905-305-0698 Nature’s Garden Supplies 24-340 Don Park Road Markham, ON L3R 1C5 905-470-7887

Growers Paradise 40 Regan Rd. Unit 11 L7A1B2 Brampton, ON 905 495 4040 ---------------------------------------------Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 79 Woolwich Street South Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 519-648-2374 J & C Hydroponics 343 Elgin Street, Unit A Cambridge, ON M1R 7H9 519-622-9969 Pro Grow Indoor Garden Supplies 1710 Bishop St. Unit 2 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 519-624-7692 Hydrogarden 1122 Paul Street Cornwall, ON K6H 6H5 613-360-6996 Agrogreen Canada Inc. 1938 Hwy #20, RR#1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 866-650-1136 Diatomite Canada 1938 Hwy #20, RR#1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 866-650-1136 Northern Lights Green Supply 1938 Highway 20 (at 406), RR 1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 905-892-3743 Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 1677 Cyrville Rd., Meadowbrooke Plaza Gloucester, ON K1B 3L7 613-842-8999 ----------------------------------------------

Happy Hydroponics 68 Princess Street Hamilton, ON L8L 3K9 905-545-8434 ----------------------------------------------

All Seasons 1000 Dundas Street East Mississauga, ON L4Y 2B8 905-848-2619 Green Thumb Hydroponics 3075 Ridgeway Drive, 25 Mississauga, ON L5L 5M6 Iponic Zone 151 Brunel Road, Mississauga, ON L4Z 2H6, 905-502-7211 Hydro Culture Emporium Inc. 1315 Richmond Rd. Unit #7 Ottawa, ON K2B 8J7 613-715-9472 Harvest Time Hydroponics 5918 Main St., Niagra Falls, ON L2G 5Z8 289-296-7754 ----------------------------------------------

Second Nature Hydroponics 4 - 2133 Royal Windsor Drive Mississauga, ON L5J 1K5 905-403-4769 ---------------------------------------------Nature’s Elements Box 119 500 Mill Street Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0 519-799-5323 ----------------------------------------------

Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 4373 Steeles Avenue West North York, ON M3N 1V7 416-663-2999 LV Garden Supply 415 Oakdale Road Unit 379 North York, ON M3N 1W7 416-744-7762

Green Kingdom Hemp 1103 Cassells Street North Bay, ON P1B 4B3 705-494-7169 ----------------------------------------------

Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

Indoor Farmer 10 Wyman Road, Unit 4, Waterloo, ON N2V 1K7.

519-886-9200

Supply For You 3615 Weston Road, Unit 6 North York, ON M9L 1V8 416-741-8062

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All Grow Hydroponic 391 Marwood Drive, Unit 14 Oshawa, ON 866-606-4723

Grower’s Choice Hydroponics 1621 McEwen Drive 14 Whitby, ON L1N 9A5 905-725-GROW

Paradise Gardens Hydroponics 2158 Chiefswood Road Oshweken, ON N0A 1M0 519-445-2275 Ontario Hydroponics 103015 Grey Road 18 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6 519-372-1144 Envirotex PO Box 21069 Paris, ON N3L 4A5 519-442-1237 Peterborough Hydroponic Center 347 Pido Road, Unit 32 Peterborough, ON K9J 6X7 705-745-6868 Sweet Hydroponic Gardens 776 Bruce Street Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z8 613-433-9600 Bluewater Hydroponics 1173 Michener Road, Unit 12 Sarnia, ON N7S 5G5 519-337-7475

Northern Lights Hydroponics 2690 Oulette Ave Windsor, ON N8X 1L7 519-254-4015 Urban GreenHouse Hydroponics & Aquaculture 7635 Tecumseh Road E. Windsor, ON N8T 3H1 519-944-8444 ----------------------------------------------

Ozone Environmental Technologies 361 Rowntree Dairy Road Unit 4 Woodridge, ON L4L 8H1 905-264-6618 ---------------------------------------------Un Monde Sans Terre 565 Beausejour Alma, QC G8B 5V3 418-480-3274 Hydro-Tonyque 761 Avenue Gilles Villeneuve Berthierville, QC J0K 1AO 450-836-8088

Green And Clean 761 Barrydowne Road Sudbury, ON P3A 3T6 800-246-5503

Hydrofolie Autoroute 15 Blainville, QC JFC4GL 438-395-5133 ----------------------------------------------

Northern Hydroponics 236 Simpson Street Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3H4 807-623-3666 Greenthumbs Garden Supply 338 Kingston Road Toronto, ON M4L 1T7 647-345-GROW (4769) ----------------------------------------------

grow it all hydroponics for everyone

Grow It All Hydroponics Inc. 165 Geary Avenue, Unit 3B Toronto, ON M6H 2B8 416-588-9595 ---------------------------------------------Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 26 Meteor Drive Toronto, ON M9W 1A4 416-242-4769

Jungle Hydroponics 2215 Gerrard Street East Toronto, ON M4E 2C8 416-699-0861

Pablo Jardinage Drummondville 2080 Joseph St-Cyr Drummondville, QC J2C 8V6 819-475-2525 Les Entreprises Fernand Pigeon Inc. 174 Beaudoin Nord Durham-Sud, QC J0H 2C0 819-858-2777 Hydromax Gatineau 3-1695 Atmec (porte 6) Gatineau, QC J8P 7G7 819-663-7470 Naturexpert Inc. 828 Chemin du Sixième Rang Gatineau QC J8R 3A4 Jardinages Gilles Robert Inc. 574 St-Hubert Granby, QC J0H 1Y5 450-375-3441 Méristème Hydroponique 871 Dufferin Granby, QC J2G 9H8 450-991-1514 Jardinage d’intérieur Huntingdon 72 Dalhousie Huntingdon, PQ J0S 1H0, Canada 450-322-6079 Hydroponique Plus Inc. 405 - 18 Avenue Lachine, QC H8S 3R1 514-634-3677 Biofloral 675 Montee, St. Francois Laval, QC H7C 2S8 877-38-HYDRO ----------------------------------------------

QUEBEC

Indoor Gardens Canada 2952 Thompson Road Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 905-957-6969

Hydrotech 2436 Kingston Road Toronto, ON M1N 1V2 416-267-4769 Yield of Dreams Hydroponics 559 Steven Court 12 Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z3 877-778-7960 ----------------------------------------------

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Plant-O-Maxx 3169 Blais, Boisbriand, QC, J7H 1H2 514-968-7799 ---------------------------------------------Gerard Bourbeau & Fils Inc. 8285, 1 re Avenue Charlesbourg, QC G1G 5E6 418-623-5401

------Brite Lite Hydroponics 940 Bergar, Laval, QC H7L 4Z8 450-669-3803 ---------------------------------------------Espace Culture Boutique 17 boul. Ste-Rose Est Laval, QC H7V 3K3 450-622-2710 Fernand Corbeil Produits Horticoles - Horticultural Products 17 boul. Ste-Rose Est Laval, QC H7L 3K3 450-622-2710 Hydro Times 1533 Boulevard Cure Labelle Laval, QC H7V 2W4 450-688-4848 Hydromax Laval 295 Boulevard Curé Labelle Laval, QC H7L 2Z9 450-628-8380 ----------------------------------------------

Les Grands Jardins Lavel 2900, Boul. Cure-Lavelle Chomedey, Laval, QC H7P 5S8 250-729-2687 Simplement Vert 8B Georges-Gagne Delson, QC J5B 2E1 514-913-8378 (VERT) ----------------------------------------------

Toronto Hemp Company 665 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z9 416-920-1980

Hydrosphere 2000 2400 rue Canadian, Suite 104 Drummondville, QC J2C 7W3 819-478-9791 ----------------------------------------------

Truly Local 851 Queen Street, West Toronto, ON M5R 2K2 647-855-5932

Les Serres Binette Inc 2568 Boul. Mercurre Drummondville, QC J2A 1H2 819-478-7195

Qué-Pousse - Laval 940 Bergar Laval, QC H7L 4Z8 450-667-3809 ---------------------------------------------Point De Vue 880 Chemin St-Féréol Les Cèdres, QC J7T 1N3 450-452-2878 / 1-877-510-2991 Hydro Rive-sud 4721 Boulvard de la rive sud Levis, QC G6W 1H5 418-835-0082 Boutique Grunge 364 Rue Sherbrooke Magog, QC J1X 2S1 819-847-4141 Hydromax Mont-Laurier 388 Rue Hebert Mont-Laurier, QC J9L 2X2 888-609-4476

COMING UP NEXT ISSUE Hydroculture Guy Dionne 8473 - 19th Avenue Montreal, QC H1Z 4J2 514-722-9496

Échologik 798 St Jean Québec, QC G1R 1P9 418-648-2828; 418-648-8288

Hydro Expert 12752 Industriel Montreal, QC H1A 3V2 514-624-3091

Hydroculture Guy Dionne 1990 Cyrill-Duquet Local 150 Québec, QC G1N 4K8 418-681-4643

B&S Electrique Inc. 2240 Pitt Street Montreal, QC H4E 4H1 514-931-3817 Distribution De la Plante 5498 Hochelaga Suite 910 Montreal, QC H1N 3L7 514-255-1111 Hydromax Montreal 9300 Lajeunesse Montreal, QC H2M 1S4 514-381-0111 Hydromax St-Henri 3522 Notre-Dame Montréal, QC H4C 1P4 514-481-3939 International Hydroponique 5478 Hochelaga St Montreal, QC H1N 3L7 514-255-2525 Momentum 11289 London Avenue Montreal, QC H1H 4J3 888-327-4595 Pousse Magique Atwater 3522 Notre-Dame, ouest, Montreal, Qc H4C 1P4 514-481-3939 Qué-Pousse - Montreal 2215 Walkley Montreal, QC H4B 2J9 514-489-3803 Summum Bio Teck 2100 Ontario Est Montreal, QC H2K 1V5 866-460-2226 Univert 4 Saisons 2100 Ontario Est Montréal, QC H2K 1V5 514-527-2226 Vinexpert De L’Est 6384 Beaubien est Montreal, QC H1M 3G8 514-354-8020 XXXtractor Inc. 1228 St. Marc Montreal, QC H3H 2E5 514-931-4944 Qué-Pousse - Mont.

Tremblant 462 Montée Kavanagh Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 2P2 819-429-6145

Pousse Magique 515 rue Lanaudiere Repentigny, QC J6A 7N1 450-582-6662 Fred Lamontagne Inc. 356 Chemin du Sommet Est, Rimouski, QC G5L 7B5 418-723-5746 Qué-Pousse - Sherbrooke 4394 Bourque Rt. 112 Rock Forest, QC J1N 1S3 819-563-0353 Hydro Plus 149 avenue Principale A Rouyn Noranda, QC J9X 4E3 819-762-4367 Rap Hydroponique 5700, rue Martineau Local 7 Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8B1 450-768-5188 Culture Uni Vert 36 rue de Martigny E Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 1V4 Comptoir Richelieu Inc. 350, du Collège Sorel-Tracy, QC J3P 6T7 800-363-9466 Ferme Florale Inc. (Botanix) 2190 Blvd. Laurier (route 116) St. Bruno de Montarville, QC J3V 4P6 450-653-6383

Pablo Jardinage Intérieur 2 Des Ormeaux Suite 500 Trois-Rivières, QC G8W 1S6 819-693-6000 Rap Hydroponique 326 Rue Vachon Trois-Rivières QC G8T 8Y2 819-376-5959 Hydromax Val-David 895 route 117 nord Val-David, QC J0T 2N0 888-320-0129

Chanvre du Nord Inc. 38 DeMartigny est St-Jérome, QC J7Z 1V4 866-565-5305

Horticulture Piégo 228 Pierre Bertrand Sud Vanier, QC G1M 2C4 418-527-2006

Hydro Sciences 4800 de la Cote-Vertu Blvd.

Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 1J9 514-331-9090

Qué-Pousse - VaudreuilDorion 3666-D, boul. Cité des Jeunes Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 8P2 450-424-0306

Pablo Jardinage Shawinigan 5023 Boulevard Royal Shawinigan QC J9N 6T8 819-731-9766 Sherbrooke Hydroponique 3545 King Est, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 5J4 819-829-9299 Plant-T-Plantes 3439 boulevard Fiset Sorel-Tracy, QC J3P 5J3 450-780-0008

Fleuriste Savard Inc. 1833 boul. Louis-Frechette Nicolet, QC J3T 1M4 819-293-5933

Benoit Dupuis Extincteurs Inc. 2503 Victoria Street Ste-Julienne, QC J0K 2T0 450-831-4240

Boutique Echologik 790 St - Jean Quebec, QC G1R 1P9 418-648-2828

Hydromax Trois-Rivières 6157 rue Corbeil Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC G8Z 4P8 819-372-0500

Val d’Or Hydroculture 1261 3e Avenue Val d’Or, QC J9P 1V4

Qué-Pousse - St-Constant 6264 Route 132 Ste-Catherine, QC J0L 1E0 450-635-4881

Boutique Echologik 829, cote d’Abraham Quebec, QC G1R 1A4 418-648-8288

P.P.M. Hydroponique 504 Rue du Parc St. Eustache, QC J7R 5B2 450-491-2444 ---------------------------------------------Hydrotek 12300 Rue de l’avenir St. Janvier, QC J7J 2K4 St-Jean Hydroponique 747 rue St-Jacques St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 2M9 450-346-9633 Hydromax Terrebonne 1674 Chemin Gascon Terrebonne, QC J6X 4H9 450-492-7447

Hydrobec 2145 Lavoisier Suite 4 Ste-Foy, QC G1N 4B2 418-687-1119

MegaWatt Hydroculture 636 Route 364 Morin Heights, QC J0R 1H0 450-226-2515

Qué-Pousse - Point-Claire 1860D Sources Blvd Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5B1 514-426-5057

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Hydroponique 2000 84 Boul. Curé Labelle Ste-Therese, QC J7E 2X5 450-971-0726 Pépinière Eco-Verdure 965 Boul. Sauvé St-Eustache, QC J7R 4K3 450-472-6474 Amazonia Hydroponique 394 Boulvard Arthur-sauve St. Eustache, QC J7R 2J5 450-623-2790

Centre Jardin Denis Brodeur 15 Nord C.P. 658 Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0 Sonador Horticulture Inc. 819-479-2941 SASKATCHEWAN Busy Bee Upholstery Box 811, 134 5th Avenue East Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0 306-648-3659 B&B Hydroponics and Indoor Gardening 1404 Cornwall Street Regina, SK S4R 2H7 306-522-4769 Waterboy Supply 401 Dewdney Avenue East Regina, SK S4N 4G3 306-757-6242 YUKON, NUNAVUT AND NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Porter Creek Indoor Garden Centre 1307 Centennial Street Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3Z1 867-667-2123

Troubleshooting in the Hydroponic Garden From time to time, we all run into problems with our hydroponic systems and plants. If we are lucky, it’s an easily resolved issue that doesn’t cause too much stress. However, some things can baffle even the most experienced grower and that’s when a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting is required.

Ten Tips Toward a Super Spring Start Spring planting marks the beginning of the outdoor gardening season, and getting off to a good start can go a long way toward a successful harvest in the fall. Grubbycup has 10 tips to help get you started.

Undergoing an Organic Transformation Over the past few years, many people have become more educated in organic production techniques and this education has helped transform the horticultural industry as a whole. Eric Hopper explains how to take organic production techniques indoors, and why an increasing desire from growers to do so is inevitable.

www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield Canada March/April 2014 will be available next month for free at select indoor gardening retail stores across the country and on maximumyield.com. Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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DO YOU KNOW?

Just because a compound is organic and targets one type of pests, doesn’t mean it will not cause alternative problems. For instance, rotenone, an effective organic pesticide for certain beetles and caterpillars, is also highly toxic to aquatic life.

2.

Most seeds can last for several seasons when stored in a dry (less than 6% moisture), dark location at the proper temperature—typically 5°C.

3.

Lack of air movement causes CO2 that would be used by plants to become unavailable due to its distance from the leaf (usually down low in the growing area). Moving air helps solve this problem.

Iron exists in two states in water called ferric and ferrous. Ferric means the iron has been oxidized, frequently by iron bacteria, while ferrous iron (also called dissolved iron) is not oxidized. Orange gunk in a reverse osmosis system’s pre-filters indicates the presence of ferric iron, as do rust stains in your sink, toilet and bathtub.

5.

Fluorescent light diminishes rapidly the farther away the plant is from the source, which may cause certain varieties of flora that grow taller to struggle under fluorescent lights as the shaded undergrowth struggles to absorb the light.

6.

While careful application of household soap and oil sprays can smother some insect pests, prolonged and excessive use of soaps can destroy some plants.

Plastic reservoirs, though built to last, will degrade over time. Exposure to heat, cold, nutrient solutions and HID lights can all cause even the best-quality reservoirs to gradually become brittle.

7.

Traditionally, leeks are grown from seed sown in nursery beds in the field and the young plants are then transplanted into the field during the summer. As the white blanched stem is the usable product, it is normal to mound the plants up with soil as they grow—because of this, the between-therow spacing is normally up to about 1 m and the in-the-row spacing is normally 15 to 20 cm.

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014

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Maximum Yield Canada | January/February 2014