Maximum Yield USA March 2014 by Maximum Yield

USA

FREE

It’s Not Just

Luck —Expert Tips for Growing Success

The Real Facts About Yellow Leaves The Microgreen Revolution

2014 INDOOR GARDENING EXPO TOUR TACOMA April 5-6

www.maximumyield.com

NOVI

MAY 31 - JUNE 1

SAN FRAN july 26-27

BOSTON october 18-19

CONTENTS March 2014

FEATURES

52 Why Are My Leaves Turning Yellow? by Harley Smith

92 144 Nitrogen: The Essential Element and its Forms

102 158 158 The Micro Revolution: Growing Hydroponic Microgreens

by Kyle L. Ladenburger

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

64 The Vascular System of Flowering Plants by Grubbycup

78 Protect Against Powdery Mildew by Russell Landry

92 Growing in Small Spaces by Chris Bond

102 Spring Raised Bed Vegetable

Gardening: A Guide to Organic Soil Amendments and Organic Fertilizers

From the Editor

130

Avant Gardening

by David Kessler

Max Prizes

142

Tips & Tricks

110 Basics of Plant

MaximumYield.com

156

Growers Know

Letters to the Editor

168

10 Facts On...

Ask the Experts

170

You Tell Us

Max Facts

174

Max Mart

Product Spotlight

178

Distributors

Beginner’s Corner

192

Coming Up

Diseases: Part Two

by Dr. Robert G. Linderman

122 Reduce Your Overhead Costs with Greenhouses

by Jonathan Valdman

132 Ebb and Flow Hydroponic Systems by Eric Hopper

DEPARTMENTS

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

FROM THE EDITOR | Linda Jesson You will often hear gardeners say, “Oh, I’m just lucky!” after an impressive crop, but we know that it takes a lot more than luck to produce healthy plants. That is why we have filled this March issue with a wide variety of how-to articles that will help you depend more on expertise than luck with your next crop. From a back-to-basics look at two different hydroponic systems—ebb and flow and aeroponics—to using coffee grounds in the garden, this issue is full of ideas to inspire you going into the next season in your garden. For those looking to try something new, we've got a comprehensive feature on growing hydroponic microgreens, a trend that is rapidly from the spreading worldwide. If you raise chickens in your backyard or are thinking about it, be sure to check out the step-by-step guide to growing fodder for your birds. And we didn't forget Linda Jesson about those of you living in small spaces such as apartments, condominiums and row houses! Chris Bond has got some ideas to help those living in even the tightest spaces grow their own food. Since spring is around the corner and many growers are thinking about their outside gardens as well as their indoor gardens, we've also got a feature on raised bed vegetable gardening that includes a guide to organic soil amendments and fertilizers. Grubbycup takes readers on a journey through the vascular system of flowering plants; Kyle L. Ladenberger has got the details on nitrogen and how to optimize a plant's usage of this essential element; and Harley Smith puts on his detective hat to help diagnose those yellow leaf problems that plague every gardener at one time or another. Eager for even more tips, tricks and advice? Be sure to attend the first stop on the 2014 Coast to Coast Grow Like a Pro Indoor Gardening Expo Tour in Tacoma, Washington—April 5 (industry only day) to April 6 (general public day). With more than 200 exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest and greatest products and technologies, the Tacoma expo is a must-attend event. Visit indoorgardenexpo.com for more information, including an interactive floor plan for the event, special accommodation rates and free VIP tickets. Thank you to all who have entered our I’m a Fan contest. We have enjoyed what our readers have had to say and we know the winners have loved spending their prizes at their favorite retail shops. You can win, too. Tell us how much you enjoy reading Maximum Yield by going to maximumyield.com/features/contests/i-m-a-fan or emailing editor@maximumyield.com and you'll be entered to win monthly $100 cash prizes to spend at your local grow store. We will choose a new winner every month and a grand prize winner will be drawn in December to receive $1,000 to spend at the indoor garden shop of their choice.

Message Editor

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

VOLUME 14 – NUMBER 12 March 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 personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Maximum Yield or the editor.

Publication Agreement Number 40739092 Printed In Canada PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson editorial editor@maximumyield.com Editor-in-chief Linda Jesson Assistant Editor Julie McManus Assistant Editor Jennifer McGarrigle ADVERTISING SALES Sales Manager Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Account Executives Kelsey Hepples - kelsey@maximumyield.com Katie Montague - katie@maximumyield.com Jed Walker - jed@maximumyield.com Robyn Jesson - robyn@maximumyield.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION ads@maximumyield.com Art Director Alice Joe Graphic Designers Jennifer Everts Dionne Hurd Jesslyn Gosling ACCOUNTING Tracy Greeno - accounting@maximumyield.com Katie LaFrance - ar@maximumyield.com

USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations • BWGS • Florida Hydroponics General Hydroponics • Humbolt Wholesale Hydrofarm • National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply • Tradewinds CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group • Biofloral • Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. MegaWatt • Quality Wholesale UK DISTRIBUTION Direct Garden Supplies Nutriculture UK • Dutch Pro AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply • House N Garden Futchatec • Growth Technology • Growlush Australia

contributors Chris Bond is the horticulturist at Case

Eric Hopper has more than 10 years of experience in the hydroponic industry as both a retail store manager and owner. He continuously seeks new methods and products that could help maximize garden performance. Eric resides in Michigan where he and his family strive for a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle.

Grubbycup has been an avid indoor

David Kessler heads research and

Kyle L. Ladenburger is a passionate

Russell Landry is the former vice

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a

Dr. Robert Linderman is a retired

Harley Smith is the director

Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His primary role is coordinator of the university’s Farm Food Program. His research interests are beneficial insects, biological pest control and alternative growing methods. He is a certified permaculture designer and nursery technician in Ohio and a certified nursery professional in New York. development at Atlantis Hydroponics and writes for their popular blog. David has more than two decades of experience and multiple degrees from the State University of New York. An accredited judge for the American Orchid Society, he travels the world judging events. Follow his blog at atlantishydroponics.wordpress.com

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

B. 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.

Jonathan Valdman, owner of

Forever Flowering Greenhouses, has been striving to develop solutions to the environmental impact of current agricultural trends. Forever Flowering was born out of Jonathan’s desire to reduce the over-usage of HID lighting and to educate growers as to the potential of multiple crops with the free power of the sun.

research plant pathologist and former research leader at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon. He is also a courtesy Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University. He’s been in the industry for nearly 50 years and is currently the science guy for two companies: Plant Health, LLC and Santiam Organics, LLC.

gardener for more than 20 years. His articles were first published in the United Kingdom, and since then his gardening advice has been published in French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czech and German. He is also considered one of the world’s leading authorities on crochet hydroponics.

president of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth and its competitive weigh-off sites held worldwide. He is now the current president of the Giant Vegetable Growers of Ontario (gvgo.ca). Russ grows giant pumpkins, tomatoes and squash. He has written numerous articles featuring methods to increase vegetable size and fruit yield. of research for Oregon Global Distribution. A veteran in the hydroponics industry, Harley has more than 18 years of consulting and educating experience. He is regarded as an expert on plant nutrition and organic bio-stimulants, performing research and new product development in the US and Europe.

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

COMING UP ON THE WEB Tacoma Expo Ready to Roll

Ask an Expert

Next month the 2014 Expo Tour kicks off in Tacoma, Washington, April 5 (industry only) and April 6 (general public welcome) at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Don’t miss the first opportunity to see the latest gear for 2014. For more information, special hotel rates and your complimentary VIP ticket go to indoorgardenexpo.com. See you in Tacoma!

Got a gardening question? We can help you get an answer. Every month, Maximum Yield writers answer pressing growing questions from readers. Check out recent Ask the Experts questions at maximumyield.com/features/asktheexperts and then email your own question to editor@maximumyield.com or fill out the Ask the Experts question form to get an answer. Feel free to submit questions for a particular writer or about a specific article.

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

Product Spotlight Want to learn more about the latest products to hit the indoor gardening market? Check out maximumyield.com/features/product-spotlight for all the details.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Connect with US to Help You Grow Join us on Facebook and Twitter and share some of the latest grow tips and information with our online community. maximumyield.com indoorgardenexpo.com facebook.com/maximumyield twitter.com/max_yield

Win a Year’s Supply of CO2 Enrichment! The Enhancer from TNB Naturals is made of allnatural, 100% organic ingredients, which, when activated, create a blast of CO2 that can reach 1,200 ppm in a 12-sq.-ft. area. Activate the Enhancer by simply adding warm water, placing the lid back on and shaking. The Enhancer will begin to disperse CO2 within eight to 10 hours. Sign up for Maximum Yield’s digital newsletter before March 30, 2014 to be entered to win!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I’m a Fan Winner Announced for March John Brady from Largo, Florida, is this month’s winner of Maximum Yield’s I’m a Fan contest. John said, “I have been a fan of Maximum Yield since it was nothing more than a few pages per issue. Since then, Max Yield has become the industry standard for information and the logical comparison to which all are held John Brady up to. Best of all, it’s still free and the issues are kept as a reference for any and all problems or new endeavors. The many indoor gardening expos I have been fortunate to attend are always a highlight of the year. Keep up the good work you do!” Editor’s Note: Thank you for the great response, John, and congratulations on winning Maximum Yield’s I’m a Fan contest. We hope you enjoy your $100 gift certificate at your favorite indoor gardening shop, Simply Hydroponics.

Thanks From February’s I’m a Fan Winner

Anna Hodge

My daughter Anna wanted me to thank Maximum Yield for her new fish tank/ hydroponic garden. She is growing arctic strawberries in the top and has guppies and snails in the tank. She is so grateful for the gift and will enjoy it for many years. Thanks again. Darcie and Anna Hodge, via email

Lifetime Follower The reason I love Maximum Yield is because you guys are constantly researching new ideas and products, basically putting the latest in technology at our fingertips. You guys have started a movement, and I’ll follow for life. Jason Gibson, via email

Keeping Ahead of the Curve I enjoy reading Maximum Yield because it is so informative. I like the how-to articles and being able to see the new gear. It keeps me ahead of everyone else. Thanks again! Brandon Fiore, via email

Organic Education Hello, I am a chef instructor at the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont. One of my lectures is on hydroponics and aquaponics, and I came across an online posting of an article from your January 2007 magazine titled “Hydroponic and Organic Plant Production Systems” by James W. Brown. I found it extremely useful, as I am frequently asked if hydroponics can be organic. Joni Bales, via email 18

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Crazy Veggie Growing The craziest thing I have ever grown was kohlrabi, on a vertical soil and pot grow within a nylon net attached to the southern-facing side of my home. One of my neighbors commented that it looked as though a band of green aliens had attached themselves to my house. Joe O’Neal, via email Editor’s Note: Joe was responding to Maximum Yield’s eNews question of the month for January. Subscribe to this online newsletter by going to maximumyield.com and clicking on the Features tab.

Best Issue Yet January looks to be the best issue I’ve seen. Many articles and features right in line with my personal interests—mostly backyard gardener and beginner indoor-type subjects. Thanks for the link. Rich Friedell, via email

Hydroponic Monitoring Hi, I’m working on a project I think you and your readers would be interested in. Here in Silicon Valley, my partner and I are building the OsmoBot—a hydroponic monitor that uploads your system’s pH, DO, water temp, water level, air temp, humidity and light spectrum to an app accessed from a smartphone, tablet or PC. Paul, a systems engineer by trade and a master gardener by passion, developed the technology for the OsmoBot. He has built three biosphere systems in his garage. These are hermetically sealed chambers that only use outside heat and light to grow and maintain a healthy balance of plants and fish. His oldest biosphere has been sealed for almost two years and is lush with plants and even has a crawfish that is still alive. The technology we developed to monitor and control the necessary variables of the biosphere led to us consolidating them in the OsmoBot. The balance of microbiology seems to be the direction hydroponics is moving as natural/organic becomes increasingly sought after. Check out our hydroponics landing page and a short video on the biospheres and OsmoBot here: intro.osmobot.com/hydroponics Zach S., via email

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

ASK The Experts Discussing Digital Ballasts I use a digital ballast. What is the purpose of the dimmable feature? What setting should be used during the veg stage, and what setting should be used during the flower stage?

-Lee-Roy Thanks for writing in, Lee-Roy. You are not the only grower to question the dimmer function of your ballast. I also use digital ballasts, and I was hesitant to run my lamps at any setting other than 100%. After all, the bulb wasn’t designed to function at anything other than full power. These days, I am a big fan of dimming in certain situations. The most common use of dimmers is for the occasional heat wave. When outside temperatures become unseasonably warm, it gets harder to cool those hot lights indoors. Turn them down to 75% or 60% to achieve ideal indoor temperatures (75 to 82°F). Once outside temps have gone back to normal, crank the lights back up to 100%. A slight reduction in light for a day or two is better than overheating your garden. Low ceilings and young plants are also reasons to dim your lights. Some growers will keep their lights 3- to 4-ft. above young seedlings and rooted cuttings for the first few days. If you have low ceilings, it might be impossible to raise the grow lights that high. Dimming the lights for the first few days is a great alternative to raising them. Regarding vegetative vs. flowering, the dimming option is irrelevant. Unless you are dealing with fresh new plants, or one of the aforementioned scenarios, keep your lights running at 100%. I recommend T5 fluorescents for vegetative growth and high-pressure sodium for flowering. With two lights, you will always have vegetative plants and flowering plants for steady harvests all year long. Peace, Casey Jones Fraser

Calculating Calcium “The Calcium Highway” article in Maximum Yield January 2014 brings to light the need of high calcium inputs in certain situations. My question is, how can I get my calcium high enough without affecting anything else?

-CH Calcium must be present in the root zone in a solution for availability up to 200 ppm. Soil-based growers have fewer issues as soil calcium sources are usually sufficient at providing proper nutrition. Irrigating with water that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5) maintains maximum availability of calcium to plant roots. However, hydroponic growers that use predominantly clean water may have lowered calcium levels that cause deficiency symptoms. In hydroponic systems, calcium levels are generally sustained with calcium nitrate or other calcium type salts. However, in specific low-use cases, it may be cost-effective to supplement with fine grain or nano-sized calcium carbonate products. They can be mixed with fulvic acid or humic acids to help with solubility. Hope this helps, Russell Landry

Russell Landry is the former vice-president Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden Grove Organics, in

Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati. 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. 20

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

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

MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

More Clues on Bee Die-offs Honeybees have been dying off in huge numbers since 2006, and a new study finds that a virus could be one cause. The tobacco ringspot virus has mutated quickly and jumped from tobacco plants to soy plants to bees, researchers say, and the annual increase in honeybee deaths between autumn and winter correlates with an increasing number of infections. The virus exists in pollen, and is likely spread as bees mix saliva, nectar and pollen to feed their larvae. Mites might also be transmitting the virus when they feed on bees. Some media outlets are calling the tobacco ringspot virus a plant STD since it is spread as bees pollinate plants. This virus is just the latest explanation offered for colony collapse disorder. While there are a number of other factors to blame, such as pesticides, this is the first known example of bees contracting a virus from pollen. (Source: treehugger.com)

MAXFACTS Growing tips, news and trivia Catfish Growth

Putting the Heat in Hot Peppers The genome of the hot pepper, the world’s most widely grown spice crop, has been sequenced by a large international team of researchers, including scientists at the University of California, Davis. The new reference genome sheds light on the biology of the pepper’s hallmark pungency, or spiciness, as well as its fruit-ripening and disease-resistance mechanisms. It also reveals new information crucial for improving the horticultural, nutritional and medicinal qualities of these peppers, whose annual global production has grown more than 40-fold during the past two decades and now exceeds $14.4 billion. The pepper genome is one of the largest genomes assembled to date, say researchers, who sequenced a hot pepper landrace, or domesticated variety, from the Mexican state of Morelos. The variety, known as Criolo de Morelos 334, has consistently exhibited high levels of disease resistance and is used extensively in hot-pepper research and breeding. (Source: news.ucdavis.edu)

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

New USDA research has pinpointed the dissolved oxygen concentrations needed to keep fish alive and growing. Dissolved oxygen is the most critical water quality factor in aquaculture. Traditionally, fish farmers relied on daily observations to determine if catfish were getting enough oxygen. If farmers saw fish sucking air at the water surface, they turned on aeration equipment. If oxygen gets too low, fish can die or become partially asphyxiated. Lack of air causes fish to lose their appetite. As a result, instead of fish reaching market size in two years, it may take four to five years. Using an oxygen monitoring system to maintain precise minimum dissolved oxygen setpoints—3.0, 2.0 and 1.5 ppm— researchers discovered the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for optimal production is 2.5 to 3.0 ppm. At this level, catfish growth significantly improved, fewer fish died, feed conversion improved and the production cycle was shorter. (Source: ars.usda.gov)

MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Heat-tolerant Lima Beans Emmalea Ernest, extension agent in the University of Delaware’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, has received federal funding from the USDA for a project aimed at developing heat-tolerant lima bean varieties. “Lima beans are Delaware’s largest acreage vegetable crop and anchor the state’s processing vegetable industry,” says Emmalea. “The varieties that are currently available to growers suffer yield loss or delayed yield when they are exposed to high temperatures during flowering.” With her funding, Emmalea aims to develop procedures for heat-tolerance screening in the existing lima bean breeding program, examine the physiological mechanisms for heat-stress tolerance or susceptibility in lima beans and investigate the underlying genetic basis for heat stress tolerance in lima beans. Her findings could greatly impact Delaware vegetable farmers’ yields. (Source: udel.edu)

GMO Food Labels Have Long Way to Go Food production transparency policies are revving up in the United States as Maine joins Connecticut in enacting legislation requiring food labels that will let grocery shoppers know how many food products they buy have been genetically altered. But, it may be a long road ahead. Monsanto is lobbying to block US initiatives that are working to install federal legal mandates to require the labelling all genetically modified foods. “We oppose current initiatives to mandate labelling of ingredients developed from GM seeds in the absence of any demonstrated risks. Such mandatory labelling could imply that food products containing these ingredients are somehow inferior to their conventional or organic counterparts,” said Monsanto in a public online statement. In the past couple of decades, US labelling requirements to inform food buyers have fallen behind other countries. (Source: womennewsnetwork.net)

Economics of Hydroponics The hydroponic food production industry is expanding at a rate that is set to outpace the 2014 International Monetary Fund estimate of global growth by 80%. Hydroponic systems are being deployed to grow key vegetable and fruit crops at scale, driving the transition to safe and sustainable food production worldwide. Agriculture is traditionally a conservative market sector, but the benefits of higher yields with lower inputs, improved soil and water quality, and food safety are compelling forces for change. The worldwide market value of hydroponically produced food will show sustained strength with a 6.5% compound annual growth rate between now and 2018. Producer value will increase from $17.7 billion to $24.3 billion. “Hydroponic growing advances food safety and traceability that customers, retailers and even food regulators are demanding,” says Carol L. Stimmel, founder of Manifest Mind. (Source: manifestmind.com)

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Fresh Fruit in Space What does fresh fruit look like in space? Follow NASA on Twitter to find out. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station tweeted in celebration after fresh fruit arrived on board. NASA sent out a celebratory picture of a fresh apple floating in free space, after the consignment of produce made it into orbit courtesy of the recent Cygnus cargo craft that arrived with, among other things, a cadre of ants. Fresh fruit and water are regularly sent to the space station aboard the regular, though relatively infrequent, cargo shipments. Former ISS Commander Chris Hadfield wrote in his recent book that as well as the fruit, astronauts on ISS look forward to the breath of fresh air—literally—provided when the cargo pod opens for the first time. (Source: freshplaza.com)

Promising Agricultural Drones Small unmanned aircraft systems, better known as drones, hold great promise for agriculture, says Kevin Price, Kansas State University agronomist. Agriculture applications for drones in development include data collection on crop health, yields, tracking the spread of invasive plant species and monitoring cattle feed lots. Data collection of field images by cameras mounted on drones is extremely accurate—to within one inch, says Kevin, adding that the biggest challenge is extracting useful data from the high amounts the drones collect. “New software needs to be created that can take data and transform it into useful information.” The economic potential of drones is tremendous in terms of precision agriculture but will not be realized without approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. Kevin believes that states with the most agriculture will reap the greatest benefits from the technology. (Source: fb.org)

An Alien-like Cabbage Looking something like a Sputnik in vegetable form, with a squat bulb and antennae-like shoots, kohlrabi is part of the cabbage family. The name translates as turnip cabbage and the mild, sweet flavor is somewhere between a turnip and a water chestnut, with a crisp, crunchy texture. It can be found in two colors—pale green and, less commonly, purple. Larger bulbs can be tough, so select a medium-sized one that feels heavy for its dimensions. The leaves should be crisp-looking and intensely green. Avoid any bulbs that have soft spots or yellowing leaves. To prepare it, snip off the leaf stems, trim off the base and top and use a potato peeler or sharp knife to peel it as if it’s an apple. Then, thinly slice, chunk or cut into wedges. To store, trim off the stems and keep in a perforated bag in the fridge for up to two weeks. (Source: bbcgoodfood.com)

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Frozen Better Than Fresh? A study by the University of Georgia shows that some frozen produce contains more vitamins than fresh produce. Ronald Pegg, associate professor of food science and technology, and his team, looked at selected vitamin and mineral content of blueberries, strawberries, broccoli, green beans, corn, spinach, cauliflower and green peas. They analyzed the nutrient value of the produce on the purchase and after it had been stored in a household refrigerator for five days. They then analyzed nutritional content of the same fruits and vegetables that had been packaged after freezing. “Vitamins and nutrients degrade over time, and we found that frozen fruit and vegetables may offer more nutrition than fresh when storage is taken into account,” Ronald says. “Fruit and vegetables are going to have a different nutrient profile after storage than they had when they were taken from the field. They expire, they age and they break down over time. There are oxidative stresses, microbial stresses and enzymatic stresses.” (Source: freshplaza.com)

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Increased Solar Energy in California It took the state of California nearly 30 years to reach 1,000 megawatts of rooftop solar energy, but in 2013, that number doubled to just over 2,000 megawatts. The previous record for rooftop solar occurred in 2012 with 500 megawatts. “If California continues to grow its rooftop solar market at its 2013 pace, the state may very well top 5,000 megawatts in 2014,” writes Bernadette Del Chiaro in Solar Industry Magazine. While California is the leader for solar power in the United States, other states are also doing well. Bloomberg recently reported that about 200,000 US homes and businesses added rooftop solar in the past two years alone—about three gigawatts of power and enough to replace four or five conventionally sized coal plants. (Source: treehugger.com)

MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Greens Pack Nutritional Punch Microgreens is a marketing term used to describe edible greens that germinate from the seeds of vegetables and herbs and are harvested without roots at the seedling stage. USDA researchers have analyzed key nutrients in 25 different varieties of vegetable microgreens. Key nutrients measured were ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E), phylloquinone (vitamin K), beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor) and many more that are critical for human health and function. Research shows that different microgreens contain widely differing amounts of key nutrients. For example, total vitamin C content ranges from 20 to 147 mg per 100 g of cotyledon fresh weight. Microgreens contain considerably higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids—about five times greater—than their mature plant counterparts. Among the microgreens tested, red cabbage, cilantro, garnet amaranth and green daikon radish have the highest concentrations of key nutrients. (Source: ars.usda.gov)

Cold Temperatures Benefit Wisconsin Agriculture Frigid temperatures that swept across central Wisconsin last winter brought some advantages to crops. “Cold temperatures are agronomically important to farmers because in the northern climates we have extreme cold that reduce pests,” says Duane Maatz, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association’s executive director. The association found that deep frost kills harmful pathogens and insects by the billions, including the insects themselves, the larvae and the eggs they lay. The only way these pests arrive in Wisconsin would be from weather patterns typically from southern climates. Insects make their way up and try to harvest until they’re hit by those freezing temperatures, that is. “If they’re above the snow pack, hiding in the wood piles or in the trees, a lot of these insects will die because of the cold,” adds Dan Marzu, the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s agriculture development educator. (Source: wxow.com)

Projects Reduce Pesticide Risk The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced that three universities have received research grants for their projects on integrated pest management practices. Each year, PestWise programs form dozens of new partnerships by awarding more than $3.1 million in grants to growers and researchers across the country. This year, an agricultural IPM grant has been awarded to Pennsylvania State University for its project to protect bees and crops by reducing reliance on neonicotinoid pesticide seed treatments. Other grant recipients include Louisiana State University for its project to minimize impacts to bees from insecticides used in mosquito control, and the University of Vermont for its project to reduce pesticide use and improve pest control while increasing crop yields on 75 acres of hops in the Northeast. (Source: epa.gov/pestwise/grants)

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Why Raspberries? Raspberry ketone, a compound that naturally occurs in raspberries, can increase metabolism in human fat cells by increasing enzyme activity, oxygen consumption and heat production in certain types of fat cells. Researchers are equally familiar with raspberry ketone under the name of rheosmin, and since 1965, it’s been included on the FDA’s Generally Recognized As Safe list as an approved food additive. The primary use of rheosmin as a food additive has been for flavor and aroma. Unlike its name suggests, raspberry ketone is contained in a wide variety of plants, although not usually in such sizable amounts as are found in raspberries. Turkish rhubarb is one such plant. Larch, yew, maple and pine are trees that contain amounts of raspberry ketone. (Source: whfoods.com)

Highway Hydromulch Research Highway crews busily spraying a green coating on newly graded slopes may be working with a hydraulically applied mulch, or hydromulch. This temporary, porous layer can help protect newly sown seeds. According to USDA plant physiologist Steven F. Vaughn, hydromulches typically contain water; a dye, so that crews can easily see where they’ve been; a mulch, such as wood fibers; and a binder, which is a compound that helps keep the mulch intact. In a series of laboratory tests, Steven and his colleagues have shown that half a dozen plant-derived compounds outperformed guar gum, a commonly used binder made by grinding beans of the guar plant into a powder. When water is added, the powder forms a viscous gum. Importantly, the alternative binders may prove to be less expensive than guar gum. (Source: ars.usda.gov)

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

MAX FACTS

growing tips, news and trivia

Drink Veggies to Lose Weight Kristy Michael had tried to lose weight for three years with no success until six months ago when she received a high-performance blender as a gift and decided to try healthy smoothies. She uses leafy greens like kale, and adds fruit like berries, apples and banana. Kristy says the smoothies are satisfying and the variety has allowed her to stick with it. She replaces one meal a day, usually breakfast, with a smoothie and that, along with overall healthy eating, has allowed her to lose 33 lbs. Kristy has seen a difference in the health of her hair and skin, too. “It’s not just some magic overnight transformation where one day you wake up and think, ‘Oh, that looks better,’” she explains. “It’s just over time, you look back in photos and see, you look healthier.” (Source: myfoxal.com)

Librarian Helps Students Grow Mt. Pilchuck Elementary teacher and librarian Linda Mauer was pulling into the parking lot of the school in Lake Stevens, Washington, one day when it hit her. Right where the school buses and parents pick and drop off students was a large, open area of grass with all the essentials for a good garden site—level, lots of sunlight and access to water for irrigation. Linda made the right connections and, beginning in spring 2012, she and volunteers came together on weekends to dig, build, plant and harvest. Last year, with a donation of $2,000 from Lowes and the help of an Eagle Scout looking for a worthy project, the garden gained a water-saving irrigation system. In addition to fresh food, the garden donates produce to the school’s free lunch program and provides students with a new learning lab that has been incorporated into their curriculum. (Source: lakestevensjournal.com)

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT YOUR GUIDE TO THIS MONTH’S

HOTTEST ITEMS Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store

Bluelab Connect Product Suite The Bluelab Connect Product Suite includes four new innovative products: The Bluelab Guardian Monitor Connect, the Bluelab Connect Stick, the Bluelab Connect Range Extender and the Bluelab Connect Software. The Bluelab Guardian Monitor Connect can connect wirelessly to a computer at the grow site via the Bluelab Connect Stick, which enables the data logging of pH, conductivity and temperature to the free Bluelab Connect Software—a free online download. The logged information is viewed on a computer and can also be accessed remotely via the cloud from a mobile device or another computer, allowing the grower to view the status of the grow system 24 hours a day. The Bluelab Connect Range Extender is available when you need to extend the range between the Guardian Connect and Connect Stick. Visit an indoor garden retail store for more information.

InterLux Double Ended Bulbs

C1 Series Pumps by Franklin Electric

The only thing better than a double ended bulb is an InterLux™ double ended bulb. InterLux double ended bulbs are true champions. These bulbs perform at the highest possible level and save growers money. Compared to single ended lamps, InterLux double ended bulbs are more efficient, using the same wattage to produce higher par and lumen ratings. They have a higher red spectral ratio, enhancing flowing and growth. InterLux double ended bulbs also provide minimal light deterioration for maximum intensity and lifespan. Visit an indoor garden retailer for more information.

Growilla Veg and Growilla Bud from Botanicare Growilla is now a part of Botanicare’s family of premium nutrients. Developed for farmers by farmers, Growilla Veg and Growilla Bud offer an easy-to-use, natural and organic plant food solution in simple one-part formulas for both the grow and bloom phase. This potent blend of guano, earthworm castings, fish meal and other natural ingredients provides the complete spectrum of natural and organic food sources that plants and beneficial microbes require from seed until harvest. Mix Growilla in before transplanting, or simply top dress, water and watch plants grow. Ingredients are highly concentrated and free of fillers. Designed for use in soil gardens, soilless mixes and coco coir, Growilla excels in containers, raised bed gardens and native soil. Start this season off right by giving plants what they need for enhanced growth, increased flower development and improved soil structure. For more information, visit an indoor gardening retail store.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

The C1 Series stainless steel submersible cistern pumps are designed for use in gray water/filtered effluent service applications, with the ability to pass solids up to 1/8 in. in diameter during normal operation without impacting the life of the pump. The C1 Series has a 304 stainless steel motor and outer shell with engineered polymer hydraulics, providing superior corrosion resistance and abrasive handling. Other pump features include robust thermoplastic discharge head to avoid breakage during installation and operation and a unique bottom suction design that allows for maximum fluid draw down without compromising durability or overall pump life. The C1 Series is available in flow ratings of 10, 20 and 30 gpm, with a maximum shut-off pressure of more than 100 psi, and the pumps come with a high-quality 115-V or 230-V, 0.5 hp motor. To learn more, ask a local retail store.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Platinium Systems Platinium Systems (all-in-one hydroponic systems) are the future of affordability and performance. These 100% self-contained units include everything needed to grow healthy plants. Platinium Systems save space and offer user-friendly features like universal bases, interchangeable accessories and easy-fill reservoirs with removable lids. They come equipped with a pump, all the required tubing and 360 sprayers for a complete set-up. The new Platinium Systems line-up includes single-top aeroponic systems (Aerotop), individual-pot aeroponic systems (Aerostar), ebb and flow systems (Ebb&Flow), rockwool drip systems (Hydrostone), pot-drip systems (Hydropro) and cloners (Super Cloner). Platinium Systems are available in the following styles: 40 Series, 40 by 90 series, 60 Series, 100 Series and 120 Series, which range in size from 16 in. by 16 in. to 48 in. by 46 in. Visit an indoor garden shop for more information.

Blueprint Digital Controllers

Limited Edition Bluelab Grower’s Toolbox

Take the guesswork out of indoor gardening with advanced automation technology. Blueprint Digital Controllers offer precise control over environmental conditions in greenhouses or indoor gardens. With easy push-button controls, Blueprint Digital Controllers feature accurate sensors, LED display screens and battery back-up, making it easy to monitor and regulate growroom environments. Accurately monitor and control CO2 with the Blueprint Compact Digital CO2 Controller (BCDCC-1) and Blueprint CO2 Monitor (BCM, pictured). The Blueprint Digital Cycle Timer (BDCT-1) Digital Lighting Controller (BDLC-1) and Day/Night Temperature Controller (BDTC-1) allow simple control of 120-V devices ensuring indoor garden success. Blueprint products are manufactured using high-quality components and carry strong warranties. Learn more at an indoor garden retail store.

The Bluelab Grower’s Toolbox combines the essential tools growers need to easily manage crop success. Each tool helps growers measure pH, conductivity (ppm) and temperatures of nutrient solutions. Growers also learn hydroponic basics with the Grow Book. The ultimate handy team— the Bluelab pH Pen and Bluelab ppm Pen—are clever little pens that make it easy to measure the nutrient uptake (pH), the amount of food available (ppm) and solution temperature in a grow, so growers can create the best nutrient environment for plant growth. The Bluelab Probe Care Kit makes maintenance easy to maximize the life and accuracy of the pens’ probes. With these tools and essentials all in one value-added pack, The Grower’s Toolbox is a complete, simple crop management system that helps growers get it right from the start. Visit an indoor garden retailer to pick up the Bluelab Grower’s Toolbox.

MyGrowPonics pH Up and pH Down Fleur de Lis Hydroponics’ MyGrowPonics brand offers both pH Up and pH Down formulas for all of your gardening needs. Monitoring pH levels is vital to the health of all growing plants. When using hydroponics to grow, the pH of the nutrient solution should be maintained within the range of 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal plant growth and proper nutrient uptake. MyGrowPonics pH Down is an acid solution that has been formulated to help maintain an ideal pH balance in hydroponic applications and traditionally grown plants, whereas MyGrowPonics’ pH Up is a highly concentrated base solution that has also been formulated to help maintain ideal pH balance. For more information, visit a specialty garden store.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Utopian Systems Split A/C The Utopian Systems Split A/C keeps indoor gardens cool and air quality high, and its heat pump doubles its utility. The split design incorporates an indoor and an outdoor unit, which can be more cost-effective and easier to maintain than central air while being less noisy and obtrusive than a window unit. Features including quick-connect refrigerant pipes, auto-restart, a 24-hour programmable timer, three fan speeds and remotely controlled operation ensures optimal performance. Each unit carries a one-year warranty. A carbon air filter helps eliminate harsh odors and deactivate harmful chemical gases. Low-ambient operation continues to cool indoors even when outside temperatures fall below 55°F. Available in 12,000 BTU, 21,000 BTU or 33,000 BTU models. Visit an indoor garden store to learn more.

Potassium Supplement by Microbe Life Hydroponics Microbe Life’s Potassium Supplement promotes strong roots and stems in plants and vegetables. It is a nitrateand phosphate-free supplement used in response to signs of potassium deficiency, symptoms of which include yellowing (chlorosis) and browning, or die-off in mature leaves (necrosis). This supplement also promotes nutrient uptake and can be used in conjunction with other Microbe Life plant supplements for lush vegetable and plant growth. It is available in 16-oz., 32-oz., 1-gal. and 2.5-gal. containers, and it’s even safe for use in aquaponic systems. For additional information, stop by an indoor gardening retail store.

COM-80 HydroTester by HM Digital HM Digital’s new COM-80 is an economically priced, water-resistant handheld tester specifically designed for use in hydroponics. This easy-to-use nutrient meter is fast-acting and measures nutrients, salts and other dissolved solids in either EC or TDS with four modes (μS, mS, ppm, ppt). These modes, along with its pinpoint accuracy and digital calibration, make the COM-80 HydroTester one of the most versatile and cost-effective meters in its class. The COM-80 HydroTester also includes onscreen diagnostic messaging and temperature display in a large LCD. The COM-80 is backed by a one-year factory warranty. For more information, visit a specialty gardening store near you.

Hydrofarm to Offer Blauberg Line of Fans Known for its top-quality ventilation products, German company Blauberg has recently introduced a line of fans designed specifically for hydroponics and the indoor gardening market. Available through Hydrofarm, the line is consistent with Blauberg’s reputation for appealing design, attention to detail and technical innovation. All Blauberg fans are made in Germany, energy efficient, rated for continuous operation and include 120-V, 8-ft. power cords. All fans come with a five-year warranty. Blauberg’s top-quality fans, along with Hydrofarm’s superior customer service, combine to make ventilation a breeze. Visit a Hydrofarm authorized retailer near you for more information.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Digital Dimmable Ballasts by B-Lite Choose B-Lite Digital Dimmable Ballasts to serve all your lighting needs. B-Lite can power 400-W, 600-W and 1,000-W lamps, putting the versatility of three ballasts into one. With Smart Ignition technology, B-Lite protects your equipment and electrical systems. Smart Ignition technology prevents failure issues commonly caused by overloading of circuits. The ballasts also use advanced technology called Soft Start technology, which may increase the life of your lamps. Soft Start technology slowly applies power to the lamp and is capable of sensing the lamp temperature and detecting short circuits. To ensure cooler-running temperatures and longevity, B-Lite comes equipped with a thermostat-controlled internal fan. Visit an indoor garden retailer for more information.

Heavy-Duty Active Air Fans Hydrofarm’s new heavy-duty Active Air™ brand fans make managing the airflow in your indoor garden a simple task. The grower can choose between 16-in. and 18-in. pedestal fans, a 12-in. pivot fan and a 16-in. wall-mount fan, making it possible to set the degree of oscillation to exactly what is needed. These industrial strength fans bring superior durability, quiet operation, energy efficiency and UL-listings to the consumer at a value price. Visit a Hydrofarm authorized retailer near you for more information.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

iGROW Grow Lights In development for three years and soft launched in 2012 with 20 exclusive retailers around the United States, iGROW is now launching nationally. American made and warrantied, iGROW is the only full-color spectrum induction light with both vegetative and bloom frequency bulbs. iGROW’s patent-pending technology has been vetted for performance and energy efficiency by the most rigorous testing through two USDA facilities, major universities, commercial growers, US and Canadian retailers and hundreds of home growers. iGROW is the fastest-selling new lighting technology in Colorado and is used in the largest indoor grow facilities in the country. With a near 100% customer satisfaction rate, iGROW will deliver what every grower is looking for: higher quality crops, more yield per watt, a low cost of ownership and a light system guaranteed for five years. Visit an indoor gardening retail store to learn about iGROW.

Hurricane 20-in. High Velocity Floor Fan

Overgrow by Optic Foliar

Sunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of the new Hurricane™ 20-in. High Velocity Floor Fan. This fan is ideal for use in homes, greenhouses, garages, workshops and other areas where a heavy-duty floor fan is used. The Hurricane 20-in. High Velocity Floor Fan has three speed settings, a tilting fan head and permanently attached adjustment handles. Featuring individually balanced blades with heavy-duty steel grill, this fan is exactly what you are looking for and it also includes a one-year warranty. Hurricane: Bring on the Big Air! Visit a local indoor gardening store for more information.

A dynamic, multipurpose, readyto-use spray that combines all necessary sprays into one dynamic solution, Overgrow provides solutions for increased growth, deficiencies, pests and pest management. Match that with the ability to spray in full sunlight with no resulting burning and no need to spray the undersides of leaves and you have the only all-in-one spray with no negative side effects from leaf burn to residuals. Overgrow will prevent and combat all problems attacking your leaves, ensuring you always get a healthy harvest. For more information, visit a local retail store.

Smaller-sized FoxFarm Nutrients Now Available FoxFarm’s smaller-sized 6-oz. Open Sesame, Beastie Bloomz and Cha Ching are now available. FoxFarm’s soluble nutrients have everything necessary to supercharge the flower potential of any garden: Open Sesame to encourage early flowering and ripening, Beastie Bloomz for maximum blossom development and heavy fruit, and Cha Ching to improve taste and aroma. These nutrients can supplement an existing feeding schedule or be used as stand-alone nutrients in soil and hydroponic systems. For more details, visit a local retailer.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Gorilla Grow Tent’s 10’x10’ Indoor Growroom The Gorilla Grow Tent line has expanded to include the 10’x10’ indoor growroom. Gorilla Grow Tent is known for having the tallest, strongest, thickest, most durable line of grow tents and accessories. Engineered with a patent-pending, adjustable extension system, Gorilla Grow Tents enable the indoor home gardener to increase the height and size of their grow tents up to 3 ft. higher than the standard height of 7 ft. Standard features include double reinforced structural poles for no-stress accessory and component suspension, 10-in. port holes that zip up on both ends and tool pouches. Ask for Gorilla Grow Tents at an indoor garden supply store.

Sun Land Indoor Soil Program Sun Land Garden Products is pleased to introduce the Sun Land Indoor Soil Program that consists of three great growing mediums. Natural & Organic Potting Mix is a rich blend of natural and organic components, such as mycorrhizae, which is added for maximum root development and nutrition gathering capacity. Gro Line Premium Growers Mix is specially formulated with ingredients that are uniformly blended to provide air porosity that helps plants retain moisture in the root zone, and added fertilizer gives plants the boost they need. Terra Nu Coir Coconut Husk Fiber is nature’s eco-rich, renewable, sustainable by-product of the coconut harvesting industry. This product is a high-quality growing media that provides a moisture- and oxygen-rich environment for healthy root development. With more than 36 years of experience developing growing media, Sun Land Indoor is dedicated to providing consistent and reliable soil mixes for all gardening and growing styles. The company has a bulk soil delivery program starting up in the spring as well. Visit a specialty gardening store for more details.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

KIND LED K3 Series The new K3 KIND LED grow lights feature a 700ma driving current. Premium LED lights like the KIND LED grow lights are driven by constant current. A constant LED driver is an electrical mechanism that regulates the power to an LED or string of LEDs. The LED driver reacts to the ever-changing requirements of the LED or circuit of LEDs by providing a constant quantity of power to the LED as its electrical properties vary with temperature. Most LED grow lights operate with 500ma drivers. KIND LED increased the driver amperage by 30%, thus allowing the KIND LED lights to operate more efficiently. Visit an indoor garden supply store for more information.

SpiderWipe SpiderWipe is foliage friendly, spider mite deadly. SpiderWipe uses a combination of natural and organic compounds to impact the normal activity of spider mites and is highly effective against both spider mites and spider mite eggs. For use on trees, shrubs, roses and flowers. Can be used indoors and outdoors. Dilution rate of 1 oz. per gallon. Distributed by DL Wholesale. For more information, visit an indoor garden retail store.

Hydrofarm’s Xtrasun Lamps Xtrasun metal-halide and high-pressure sodium lamps provide long-lasting and reliable operation throughout the grow cycle. Both types of lamps have been engineered by the experts at Hydrofarm specifically for horticultural use, and will work with either magnetic or digital ballasts. Growers can choose between several wattages and Kelvin temperatures to select the right Xtrasun lamp for their specific needs. Xtrasun lamps offer exceptional performance and feature high-quality components, as well as a one-year warranty. Visit a Hydrofarm authorized retailer near you for more information.

Galaxy Digital Logic Ballasts Sunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of the Galaxy® Digital Logic™ Ballasts—dimmable, select-wattage ballasts with multiple modes of operation, including a lamp Turbo Charge® feature. Ballasts come with pre-programmed cycle settings and digital timer integration. The optional remote control (sold separately) can be used for integrated timer programming and operation. A low-current, staggered ignition delay feature eliminates circuit inrush overload and protects lamps for increased lumen maintenance. Ballasts have a built-in, self-diagnostic feature: the internal ballast programming will protect the unit in the instance of open circuit, short circuit, over/under voltage or high temperature exposure. Galaxy Digital Logic Ballasts are designed with optimized, non-air-cooled aluminum housing. An included hour meter allows users to manage lamp and ballast age for maximum performance. Dual, universal lamp cord receptacles are compatible with Sun System® reflectors and other brands. Ballasts also come with an LED digital display. Visit an indoor garden retail store for more details.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Mike O’Rizey by Plant Success Mike O’Rizey® granular is an organic blend of four types of beneficial root fungi. When introduced into the root zone, these little guys will attach themselves to the roots and start growing off them. This will result in more feeder roots able to break down and absorb nutrients—especially phosphorus—and water more efficiently. Mike O’Rizey will give your plants a naturally massive root system for a bountiful harvest. Find more information at an indoor gardening retail store.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Hurricane Super 8 Digital Stand Fan Sunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of the new Hurricane™ Super 8 Digital Stand Fan. The Hurricane Super 8 Digital Stand Fan produces a figure-eight pattern for better and more uniform air circulation. It has three speed settings and three oscillation settings. It is ideal for use in homes, greenhouses, garages, workshops and other areas where a heavy-duty portable stand fan is used. Super 8 has an eight-hour timer as well as a remote control. Other features include a powder-coated steel grill, an adjustable height and tilt, an easy-touse multifunctional LCD display and a one-year warranty. Hurricane: Bring on the Big Air! Visit a local indoor gardening store for more information.

ellow? Why Are My Leaves Turning

by Harley Smith

To deduce why a plant's leaves are turning yellow, a grower sometimes has to put his or her detective hat on, as many different things can cause this. Harley Smith is here to help lead the investigation in the right direction.

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; March 2014

Why are my leaves turning yellow? I spent several years managing a hydroponics store in Michigan, and I can’t tell you how many times a customer would come in and say, “My plant’s leaves are turning yellow. What’s wrong?” I’d usually stop and take a deep breath, because I knew I was going to have to put my detective hat on! Yellow leaves can be caused by just about anything that’s a little out of whack in a growroom: low light, overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, nutrient toxicities, root diseases, viruses… or it could just be a symptom of the plant’s natural aging process. Who knows? But when it came down to nutrient deficiencies, I could usually narrow it down to one

of three things: magnesium, nitrogen or iron deficiency. My first question was always, “Where did the yellow leaves start to appear, on the bottom of the plant or the top of the plant?” If it was the top leaves, my prime suspect was iron deficiency. If it was the bottom leaves, my first guess would be magnesium deficiency. And if it was a general yellowing of the plant, it was probably a nitrogen deficiency. I’d ask a few more questions, just to narrow things down a little, such as: “Are you growing in soil or hydroponics? What is your pH? What is your EC? What stage of growth are your plants in?” Eventually, I’d make an educated guess and hope I was on the right track.

Yellow leaves can be caused by just about anything that’s a little out of whack in a growroom.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

Magnesium Deficiency

By far the most common nutrient deficiency in hydroponics is magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is a mobile element, which means if a magnesium deficiency starts to develop, the plant can pull the magnesium out of the lower leaves and transport it to the top leaves where it is needed the most. Since magnesium is the central element in chlorophyll, the bottom leaves develop interveinal chlorosis—the veins would remain green, but the tissue between the veins would begin to turn yellow. Plants need plenty of magnesium when their energy requirements are highest, and sometimes during times of rapid vegetative growth or heavy fruit production, plants can’t keep up with demand for magnesium. In this case, adding a little cal-mag to the reservoir, or spraying a little magnesium sulfate on the leaves will green up the plants in a hurry.

Maximum Yield USA | February March 2014 2014

Plants need plenty of magnesium when

their energy requirements are highest, and sometimes during times of rapid vegetative growth or heavy fruit production, plants can’t keep up with demand for magnesium.”

Magnesium is a mobile element, which means if a magnesium deficiency starts to develop, the plant can pull the magnesium out of the lower leaves and transport it to the top leaves where it is needed the most.

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

Sometimes there is plenty of magnesium in the reservoir, but plants still show signs of a deficiency. In that case, too much potassium may be the problem—a potassium toxicity shows up as a magnesium deficiency. That’s why I ask what stage of growth the plant is in. If it’s in the fruiting and flowering stage and the grower is adding lots of P/K boost, a magnesium deficiency might develop. In that case, I’d recommend backing off a little on the extra potassium. Otherwise, you are only treating the symptoms and you could actually cause more problems by using too many additives. When it comes to plant nutrition, it’s all about balance. If you’re growing in hydroponics and you start to see signs of yellowing leaves, don’t panic. Check your pH, check your EC and change out the water with fresh nutrients on a regular basis. Most of the time, the plant will fix itself. But get to know your plants. During times of rapid vegetative growth, transition periods between grow and bloom, or during heavy fruiting and flowering, giving your plants an extra dose of magnesium could be rewarding.

If it’s in

the fruiting and flowering stage and the grower is adding lots of P/K boost, a magnesium deficiency might develop.”

During times of rapid vegetative growth, transition periods between grow and bloom, or during heavy fruiting and flowering, giving your plants an extra dose of magnesium could be rewarding. 58

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

Iron Deficiency

If yellowing starts to show up in the new growth at the top of the plant, I usually suspect an iron deficiency. Iron is an immobile element and once it’s assimilated by the plant it can’t be easily moved to other parts of the plant. That means that an iron deficiency first shows up in the new growth at the top of the plant. The new leaves start to turn yellow, usually from the stem outward towards the tip of the leaves. When I suspect an iron deficiency, the first thing I check is the pH. Iron is one of the first elements to become unavailable to the plant once the pH rises above 6.5. Once the pH exceeds 7.5, all of the trace metals become unavailable, including iron, copper, manganese and zinc. So, the first step in correcting an iron deficiency is to reduce the pH to somewhere between 5.8 and 6.4. Once the pH is in the correct zone, the iron will become available again and the leaves will start to turn green. Iron deficiency is particularly prevalent during times of rapid vegetative growth, when plants are taking up more nitrate-nitrogen. Nitrates are negatively charged ions and when a plant takes up a nitrate ion, it has to get rid of another negatively charged ion such as a bicarbonate ion. The more bicarbonate ions leaked by the roots into solution, the higher the pH.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Iron is an immobile element and once

it’s assimilated by the plant it can’t be easily moved to other parts of the plant. That means that an iron deficiency first shows up in the new growth at the top of the plant.”

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

I once tried to grow sweet corn hydroponically, but it was such a heavy nitrate feeder that I had to adjust the pH and EC twice a day. Once the pH rose above 6.5, the leaves would start to develop yellow stripes, but as soon as I lowered the pH the yellow stripes would start to fill in with green again. To help prevent iron deficiencies during periods of fluctuating pH, the best hydroponic nutrients include iron in a chelated form. Chela means claw, so a chelate attaches to an iron ion like a claw, helping to keep it soluble in the hydroponic solution. To know which chelate is used, check the label. The three most common synthetic chelates are EDTA, DTPA and EDDHA. EDTA is the weakest, DTPA is stronger and EDDHA is the strongest. EDDHA remains stable even at high pH levels, but it is much more expensive than the other forms. Most hydroponic nutrients include iron in the DTPA form.

given to the microorganisms that also feed on nitrates, converting them to toxic nitrites. In some of my lab experiments using added sugars, the nitrate levels were reduced to zero in just a few days. Even the plants that didn’t show yellow leaves still performed poorly compared the plants that weren’t given any carbs. Nitrogen deficiency is much more common in soil. Nitrates are water soluble, so overwatering can easily leach nitrates out of the root zone. Micro-organisms in the soil can also compete with the plant for available nitrogen, especially if the soil has too high of a carbon-tonitrogen ratio. Since nitrogen is part of the chlorophyll molecule, the leaves will start to turn pale yellow as the nitrogen deficiency gets worse. Like magnesium, nitrogen is a mobile element, so the first signs of nitrogen deficiency will show up in the lower to middle part of the plant. But generally speaking, nitrogen deficiency is more of a general yellowing, while magnesium deficiency is more strongly interveinal. To know for sure, take a leaf sample test. Easy-to-use tissue sample test kits are available for nitrogen and reagents will indicate high, adequate or deficient levels of nitrogen in the leaf tissue. If there is a true nitrogen deficiency, you can try using a general purpose grow formula to correct the problem, but to be even more precise, specific nitrogenbased fertilizers are also available. Nitrogen fertilizers can be used at the root zone or as foliar feeds. Just make sure you only use ammonium-based fertilizers on leaves. Nitrate-based foliar sprays may produce carcinogenic compounds, but ammonium-based fertilizers are safe, just make sure to carefully follow directions to avoid burning the leaves. Natural alternatives such as amino acids are also effective foliar sprays, but they usually take longer for the plant to respond.

If you add carbohydrates to the

nutrient solution, the sugars feed micro-organisms, but a competitive advantage is given to the micro-organisms that also feed on nitrates, converting them to toxic nitrites.”

Nitrogen Deficiency

I saved nitrogen deficiency for last because it is fairly uncommon in hydroponics, unless the EC of the nutrient solution is much too low or if carbohydrate additives are used. Most hydroponic nutrient formulas include nitrogen at luxury levels, so even using half-strength nutrients provides adequate nitrogen for most plants. In fact, nitrogen toxicities are much more common in hydroponics than nitrogen deficiencies. Too much nitrogen promotes lots of lush, green top growth, but restricts root growth. Nitrogen toxicity can also delay or prevent flowering, so make sure you properly diagnose nitrogen deficiency before arbitrarily adding extra nitrates. In hydroponics, avoid using sweet carbohydrate products in the reservoir, especially during the vegetative growth stage. Hydroponic nutrients have a high nitrate-to-ammonium ratio—usually about 90% nitrate to 10% ammonium. If you add carbohydrates to the nutrient solution, the sugars feed micro-organisms, but a competitive advantage is

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

If you’ve read this article and you’re still not sure what is causing your leaves to turn yellow, your best bet is to get help from the gardening experts at your local hydroponics store. Good luck!

The Vascular System of Flowering Plants by Grubbycup

Getting acquainted with the basics of a flowering plant’s vascular system can help gardeners understand how a plant takes up nutrients and water, and uses sap to transport sugars and organic molecules. Here is an overview from Grubbycup.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

the vascular system of flowering plants

Vascular plants, including flowering plants, are distinguished in part by their use of specialized cells known as xylem that bring water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. Vascular plants also use a system of specialized cells known as the phloem that transport sugars (mostly sucrose) and organic compounds produced in photosynthesis around the plant from sources where they are made, to sinks where they are stored or used. The xylem and phloem systems run in parallel throughout the entire plant, branching as needed so that every cell in the plant is within reach. The xylem allows plants to take up and distribute water internally via a process known as transpiration. There are small openings in the epidermal (outer skin) layer of plants called stomata. Most of the stomata are found on the undersides of leaves, although they are also spread throughout much of the rest of

The guard

cells allow the stomata to open when light and moisture are conducive to growth, and to close in times of drought, high heat and darkness.â&#x20AC;?

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; March 2014

the epidermal layer as well. These openings allow for carbon dioxide to be absorbed for use in photosynthesis, and allow the plant to vent off oxygen and water vapor. Most of the water the plant absorbs though the roots will ultimately be evaporated through the stomata openings.

Guard Cells

An important facet of the xylem system is the function of guard cells. Surrounding the stomata openings, the guard cells swell to open the passage, or deflate to close it. The guard cells allow the stomata to open when light and moisture are conducive to growth, and to close in times of drought, high heat and darkness. This is why supplemental CO2 is generally only used during the lit hours of an indoor garden (unless a continuous release system is used where stopping and starting the CO2 flow is problematic). Since the stomata have to be open for CO2 uptake, it makes sense to restrict enrichment to times when the stomata are open. In normal growth conditions, when a guard cell is exposed to light, it will eject positively charged hydrogen atoms, creating a negative charge in the cell. This negative charge is used to draw positively charged potassium ions into the cell. As the concentration of potassium ions increases in the cell, osmosis will draw in water to try to equalize the dilution, consequently swelling the cell and opening the stomata. This reaction is part of the reason why potassium is needed for proper stomata function and healthy plant growth.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

the vascular system of flowering plants

Transpiration

In a nutshell, transpiration draws water from the soil up from the root hairs to the roots, then through the plant through the xylem, and out through the stomata openings. The transpiration of the xylem system makes use of some of the physical properties of water. When discussing using water to transfer force (hydraulics), it is common to think of using water to push with, but water can also be used to pull. A siphon can be used to raise water over obstacles, and a single drop of water between two

As the

concentration of potassium ions increases in the cell, osmosis will draw in water to try to equalize the dilution, consequently swelling the cell and opening the stomata.” plates of glass can bond them together with surprising strength. The evaporating water vapor that exits through the stomata allows the plant to raise water internally. This is done passively and makes use of a couple of the special attributes of water—adhesion and cohesion. Water has a tendency to stick to the sides of a container (adhesion), and it has a tendency to stick to itself (cohesion). Because of these two properties, water in narrow tubes forms a continuous chain of water molecules. Water evaporating through the stomata pulls the chain of water up the stem to replace the lost fluid through many long, narrow, hollow tubes made from dead cells known as the xylem, mentioned earlier. 68

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Hydro Innovations offers the most advanced, efficient and reliable CO2 production with the most effective cooling features available. Extremely affordable. Extremely reliable.

AD Universal CO2 Monitor

HydroGEN PRO Water-Cooled CO2 Generator

Supercharge your garden without adding heat!

Extremely affordable CO2 controller Can be used with any CO2 generator or bottle regulator High quality Sense Air brand CO2 detector Self calibrating Incredibly low failure rate: less than 0.5%

Water cooling feature removes up to 86% of the heat produced by the burner Optional accessory boots water cooling efficiency to 99% Powerful, adjustable output produces up to 30 cubic feet per hour of CO2 Suitable for almost any size garden

hydroinnovations.com â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let us design your climate control system today!â&#x20AC;?

512.321.7575

| support@hydroinnovations.com

the vascular system of flowering plants While the top of the chain is lost to evaporation, the rest moves up to fill the void. Small apertures or pits provide a path for water to rise from one xylem cell to the next. These small apertures help keep the water clean and help localize vapor locks from air bubbles. The path is one way—water rises from the roots to the leaves. At night, when the stomata close, the chain of water is held in place until they open again and the cycle continues. Transpiration increases with higher temperatures, which is why plants require more frequent watering in summer heat. Keep in mind that if temperatures are too high, the stomata will close to conserve water, and transpiration may stop.

Xylem and the Casparian Strip Xylem cells run throughout the leaves and stems, supplying water and minerals to cells in need as well as to the stomata. In flowering plants these xylem cells are known as vessels. Water enters the xylem pathway from the root system by passing through cell membranes at the Casparian strip. The Casparian strip is a waxy bottleneck that forces the water to pass through a cell membrane before entering the xylem pathways. Before it reaches the Casparian strip, water first passes from the surrounding soil into the roots via osmosis. Since the water in the soil has a lower mineral concentration

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Since the

water in the soil has a lower mineral concentration than the water in the root cells, water will pass through the semi-permeable cell membranes.”

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

the vascular system of flowering plants than the water in the root cells, water will pass through the semi-permeable cell membranes. This osmosis creates a small amount of root pressure to assist in moving the water up to the rest of the plant, although this force is smaller than the capillary and other forces drawing water up the plant.

Root Hairs

Root hairs can take up minerals by direct contact, absorbing nitrogen as ammonium or nitrate, phosphorus as phosphate, potassium, calcium and the rest of the mineral nutrients. Roots end in a root cap that protects the rapidly reproducing meristem cells that push it deeper into the growing media. Root hairs grow along the roots to extend their range, and increase surface area. Root hairs can extend their reach by use of beneficial fungi. Mycorrhizal fungi (if present) trade minerals, especially phosphorus, to the root hairs in exchange for carbohydrates produced by the plants. This benefits the plants since the fungi extend the reach of the root hairs and are able to enter and exploit smaller cracks in soil particles.

Phloem

In contrast to the xylem, the phloem is a series of cells that run through the plant that transports the sugars made in photosynthesis in a process known as translocation. The sugar solution, known as sap, moves through small holes in the ends of sieve cells by osmosis. Cells that make up the phloem are known as sieve elements. Unlike xylem—dead cells that use passive physics to move water in one direction only—the phloem are living cells that move the sap in either

In contrast to the xylem, the phloem is a series of cells that run through the plant that transports the sugars made in photosynthesis. 72

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

the vascular system of flowering plants

Unlike xylem

—dead cells that use passive physics to move water in one direction only—the phloem are living cells that move the sap in either direction depending on needs.”

direction depending on needs. They can transport sugars, hormones and other organic compounds to the roots for storage, or from the roots to flowering sites for seed development. Sugars are added to the sap where they are made (or stored) and removed at the location where they are needed (the sink). Maple syrup, for example, is made from the result of sugars created by photosynthesis moving through the phloem to storage in the roots to weather the winter, which then in the spring rises through the xylem (where it can be tapped, cooked down and put on pancakes).

In Conclusion

Gentle readers, being at least acquainted with the basics of a flowering plant’s vascular system can help you understand how a plant takes up nutrients and water and uses sap to transport sugars and organic molecules.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Protect Against Powdery mildew

by Russell Landry

Powdery mildew is a common name for many species of fungi that infect the leaves of both indoor and outdoor plants. While it is difficult to eradicate completely, it is one of the easiest plant leaf diseases to recognize.

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; March 2014

are you growing protect against powdery puny plants? mildew

“ Although powdery mildew rarely destroys affected plants, it can wield an uncertain outcome and wreak havoc upon them.” Powdery mildew is often seen covering the tops of plant leaves, stems and flower petals. It appears as white or gray spots with a powdery coating of thread-like fuzzy patches. The cause of powdery mildew is an infection of a common fungus resulting in a range of problems including reduced visual appeal, plant health and vigor and fruit yield reductions at harvest. An unsightly blotch of powdery mildew drastically lowers

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

the visual appeal and value of indoor flowering plants. Although powdery mildew rarely destroys affected plants, it can wield an uncertain outcome and wreak havoc upon them. The powdery mildew fungus is an obligate intracellular parasite, meaning it grows and completes its life cycle only on living plant tissues. Powdery mildew is widely prevalent, affects numerous plant

species and families and attacks both indoor and outdoor plants. There are many types and varieties of powdery mildew fungi that produce similar symptoms in hostaffected ornamental and vegetable plants. Most are problematic, difficult to eradicate and difficult to treat after an infection has begun.

protect against powdery mildew

Fortunately for growers, powdery mildew is one of the easiest plant leaf diseases to diagnose. Indoor and greenhouse climates are often ideal breeding grounds for powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can grow indoors at any time under favorable conditions. It can be spread from previously infected cuttings or transplants. Outdoors, it usually appears in mid-tolate summer, proliferating as spores. Powdery mildew can often overwinter on protected decaying plant matter that is located in sheltered compost piles. Spores do not require water or moisture for germination and can be spread by splashing water, circulating fans or summer’s drying winds. Newer plant growth is frequently more vulnerable than older plant tissues. Powdery mildew may be observed in the both vegetative and flowering stages, including bud tips, and on younger leaves soon after they spread out. Leaves start to become afflicted when cool nights and warm days provide an optimal growing environment on leaf surfaces. Dry spores begin to grow on leaves as they scatter amongst an unsuspecting grower’s crop. Crowded leaves are the first to suffer from powdery mildew’s infecting spores. Often these are lower areas of the leaf canopies—shaded, warm areas that support poor air circulation and harbor moisture. Cool nighttime temperatures greater than 60°F with relative humidity above 90% present optimal conditions for spore germination. Hidden from the sun’s warmth, sheltered leaves are in danger of spore infection at daytime temperatures of up to 80°F, with humidity in the 40 to 70% range. Powdery mildew is a common name for many different species of fungi that infect the leaves of countless types of plants.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

“ Indoor and greenhouse climates are often ideal breeding grounds for powdery mildew.” As the spores germinate, the rooting tips of a newly spreading hyphal organism is formed—a short appendage known as a haustorium. This hyphae network of appendages is elongated and multibranching, appearing as a filament, thread-like architecture of interlinking and connected formations. The haustoria penetrate into the cell’s epidermal walls, drawing nutrients from them. From the time of germination, new spores can begin to form in as little as 48 hours. High humidity results in optimal spore formation, and low humidity with

drying winds promotes spore dispersal. Infected leaves might start to wilt, bend, curl or buckle. They deform, and then gradually begin to yellow, and then they either die or fall off. The powdery mildew fungus usually does not grow on the surface of vegetable fruits, but flowers may be severely affected. Infected plants have greatly reduced aesthetic worth, lower yields, reduced harvest periods and the fruit often have little flavor. Plant senescence is also hastened as the stress is translated into a shortened and compressed growth cycle.

protect against powdery mildew

Simple disease prevention, monitoring and early detection of powdery mildew is critical to maintain adequate yields-—waiting to apply preventive foliar fungicide sprays once the disease is detected often results in more extensive and prevalent infections. Detection of powdery mildew on crops and leaves indicates an infection that has already progressed enough to have

potentially damaging effects. At this initial stage, many leaves might have been assailed by the powdery mildew spores but do not show any visible disease symptoms. It is important that powdery mildew never gets out of control. Once it is established on leaves, powdery mildew infections are difficult to deal with. It will most likely continue to flourish and spread on plants. Consequently, seemingly minor infections will continue to expand and proliferate. Left unchecked, crop yields

can be severely reduced and ultimately destroyed in short time periods. If signs of powdery mildew infection are present, growers are advised to avoid or reduce overhead watering. Lowering relative humidity around the plant leaves helps in slowing spore germination and the spread of the infection. Removing and destroying infected leaves and plant materials is important to reduce maladies. Diseased and infected plant parts should not be composted. Powdery mildew becomes a problem for a grower when it affects photosynthesis and begins to reduce the vitality of new growth. Expansion and size gains of the plant’s sinks might be slowed or entirely halted. Plants can grow weaker as the infection covers an ever larger surface area of the leaves, but usually survive, albeit in a less robust state.

“ Simple disease prevention, monitoring and early detection of powdery mildew is critical.” Environmental controls that improve greenhouse conditions are an excellent way to pre-empt and passively manage the damage caused by powdery mildew. Monitoring humidity levels to avoid prolonged episodes of high humidity levels above 50 to 60% is most advantageous. Nighttime humidity is best kept below 70% to 84

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

protect against powdery mildew

limit spore germination. Ventilation and continuous air movement helps to inhibit mildew spores by lowering humidity. Using oscillating fans to circulate the air and external ventilation periodically during the night cycle also reduces humidity from irrigation and transpiration. However, fans might begin to spread spores throughout the area if powdery mildew has already been established. Traditionally, prevention techniques include frequent foliar applications of fungicides. These products are generally effective when used in moderation and rotated in use to avoid resistance. Organic and biological controls can protect plants, although in some conditions fungicides might be needed. Fungicides function either as protectants to prevent infections, or as eradicants to halt an existing infection. Protective fungicides must be applied before the disease appears to be effective. Many preventative organic foliar management measures include the use of phosphite, a salt of phosphorous acid. Phosphite controls the disease by inhibiting spore formation and growth. Usually phosphite is processed into liquid and its formulations offer increased mobility in plant tissue and soils.

“ Organic and biological controls can protect plants, although in some conditions fungicides might be needed.”

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

natural against protect weed control powdery mildew

Phosphite is easily absorbed and distributed through the xylem and phloem and can be applied to all parts of the plant to elicit or enhance systemic acquired growth responses. Sprays of stylet or neem oils, along with 10% milk solutions and baking soda sprays, also

work somewhat effectively as controls of powdery mildew. Baking soda mixtures include 1 tbsp. baking soda, 1 tbsp. liquid soap and 1 tbsp. horticultural oil mixed in 1 gal. of water. Apply the homemade powdery mildew foliar spray immediately after all irrigation events and early in the morning before the sun comes up to lessen leaf burning.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

“ The fungus Ampelomyces quisqualis is a parasite of powdery mildew. It infects and grows pycnidia or fruiting-like bodies inside the hyphae.”

Other alternatives to harsh chemical fungicides are found in misting plant leaves with potassium bicarbonates, a safe, organic measure that can be used on most ornamentals and vegetable plants. Potassium bicarbonates are a contact fungicide that results in desiccation while also inhibiting spore germination of powdery mildew’s

spidery hyphal network. They clearly outweigh the disadvantages of using costly synthetic chemical control methods and work better than traditional organic controls. Newer bio-control preventative fungicides have emerged in recent years that growers might recognize as bacterial and fungal products. They include Streptomyces lydicus used as a foliar spray; the root fungus Trichoderma harzianum sprayed as a contact killer; and a fungus-like bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, used as a spray inhibitor or contact fungus killer. The fungus Ampelomyces quisqualis is a parasite of powdery mildew. It infects and grows pycnidia or fruiting-like bodies inside the hyphae. This parasite reduces powdery mildew growth and might eventually kill the mildew colony. Whichever contact, systemic preventative or foliar control measure is used on plants, growers are wise to ensure applications of some of these measures are in place well before an outbreak of powdery mildew occurs. Prevention early in the growth cycle is key to ensuring the biggest yields possible are harvested.

BEGINNER’S CORNER

Aeropo A Basic Guide to

Aeroponics is a method of hydroponic gardening that grows plants in an air or mist environment. Matt LeBannister has the details.

“In aeroponic systems, roots are suspended in air, in a dark, enclosed space, where they are sprayed with a fine mist or fog of nutrient solution.” When I managed a hydroponic retail store, one of the most common questions from customers centered around what is best. What is the best bulb? What is the best nutrient? Is organic better than synthetic? And what hydroponic system is the best? Valuing customer input, I would go on a question campaign of my own. I would poll customers as to which system they used, what results they were getting and which type of system they thought was best. Overwhelmingly, people seemed to like aeroponics best. Aeroponics almost seems to take on legendary status in the hydroponic world, but is this all hype or is an aeroponic system really as good as my customer anecdotal evidence suggests? Aeroponics is a form of hydroponic gardening. Traditional hydroponic systems have the roots in constant contact with water, either being submerged, flooded, dripped, or exposed to a thin film of nutrient solution. In aeroponic systems, roots are suspended in air, in a dark, enclosed space, where they are sprayed with a fine mist or fog of nutrient solution. Aeroponic systems do not use any hydroponic growing media. The plants are usually held in place with a piece of closed cell foam that wraps around the stem, keeping the roots suspended in air in the lower, dark, enclosed section of the system while the canopy remains above, in the light. 90

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

onics by Matt LeBannister

Pros

There are many benefits to using aeroponic systems to grow plants. The roots of plants growing in an aeroponic system have an ideal environment—the humidity is always around 100%, they can absorb more nutrients and they are in an oxygen-rich environment. Larger roots don’t necessarily mean larger yields, but healthier roots certainly do. Healthy roots uptake more nutrient solution and are more resistant to disease. This leads to larger yields and quicker crop rotations versus traditional gardening and other hydroponic methods. Maximum oxygen also means less anaerobic bacteria buildup in the reservoir. Aeroponic systems do not use any growing medium. This means there is no medium for many plant-eating insects to live and breed in. It also means less money spent each crop rotation and that you don’t have used growing medium to discard or clean when finished with.

“Aeroponic systems do not use a growing medium. This means that there is no medium for many plant-eating insects to live and breed.”

Cons

Like all hydroponic systems, there are some drawbacks to gardening with aeroponics. Aeroponic gardens require almost constant monitoring of the pH and EC to ensure safe and ideal levels are maintained. This is because there is no medium to provide a buffer. There is also the issue of pumps and misters becoming clogged, which is usually the result of salt and mineral deposits or from bacterial and algae buildup. If they were to become clogged and stop misting, then the roots would dry out quickly compared to other hydroponic systems that use a growing medium or have the roots submerged, causing your plants to die in a short period of time. You must monitor the performance of your pumps and misters on a regular basis to ensure proper function. One way of dealing with salt or mineral deposits is to run vinegar or a clearing solution through your entire system in between crop rotations. The clearing solution or vinegar will break down the salt and mineral deposits in your pumps and misters, keeping them working as they were meant to. To minimize algae and bacterial sludge buildup in your reservoir, pumps and misters, keep your reservoir lightproof. Light promotes the growth of algae and bacteria. Adding hydrogen peroxide to your reservoir every time you change your nutrient solution can also limit algae and bacteria growth. Cleaning your reservoir with a bleach solution or food-grade cleaner at each changing of your nutrient solution (weekly or more often) will also keep algae and bacteria at bay as well as clean out any potential pathogens.

In Conclusion

Aeroponics is definitely at the forefront of hydroponic gardening. Take the leap from more traditional hydroponic gardening to aeroponics and you are certain to find it a worthy endeavor. 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. Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Growing in

Small Spaces Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean you can't grow your own food. Chris Bond has some out-ofthe-box, tight space gardening ideas.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

by Chris Bond

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Growing in small spaces A common complaint heard amongst people living in small spaces such as apartments, condominiums, row houses, mobile homes or even small city lots, is that they cannot grow their own food for want of acres of land. But a lack of space need not discourage someone from growing their own food. With some creativity and the use of unconventional spaces, almost anyone can produce some amount of home-grown food.

Interior Garden Spaces Enclosed porches, solariums or balconies are relatively easy spaces to make use of. In the majority of cases, the type of food grown will have to be adjusted to the time of year and exposure. Lettuce and root crops can be grown during cooler months with less sunlight and warm weather crops such as peppers and eggplants can be grown during summer months. Those who do not have spaces that easily lend themselves to growing plants have to be a bit more creative. Kitchen counter

space can be used to grow herbs or strawberries for much of the year, so long as there is ample light. There are also appliances on the market specifically designed for these spaces. Aeroponic systems can be crafted or bought ready-made. Many different crops can be grown year-round in these novel set-ups. Don’t discount wall space as a suitable growing location, especially a south-facing wall. Living walls offer many benefits. In addition to producing food, these systems can improve the quality of indoor air by adding oxygen and humidity. The potential aesthetic value of an entire wall devoted to food plants is incalculable. Living walls can be a do-ityourself project, or ready-made systems can be installed. If planning to tackle the project yourself, take the time to make sure that the wall is able to handle the weight of the containers, media and plants as well as the water weight.

Balconies

The potential

aesthetic value of an entire wall devoted to food plants is incalculable.”

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Windowsills

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Growing in small spaces

Interior Walls

Coffee tables,

Ensure there is a proper drainage system in place, as you do not want the moisture to stools, chairs and be absorbed by the drywall or plaster in your walls. dining tables can be If a large living wall project is out of visually interesting the question for either budgetary or and functional when logistical reasons, wall space can still be used to grow food.â&#x20AC;? used for food production. Many common and disposable household items can be repurposed as growing containers. Coffee cans and other metal cans can be mounted to the wall to serve as growing pots. Pop bottles and milk jugs can be mounted horizontally. A section of plastic can be cut out and the bottles and jugs can be filled with potting soil or other grown in containers on the floor, on a raised platform or media to receive seeds or transplants. hung up to create a living wall. Furniture is an often overlooked area for growing food. Another possible way to make use of interior space to grow Using the same principle as a terrarium, coffee tables, stools, food is the mobile growroom, which can be placed anywhere chairs and dining tables can be visually interesting and functhere is available floor space. These are usually self-contained tional when used to grow food. growing chambers that zip up to make them fully enclosed. Basements and cellars, an often underused part of the The interiors are often a reflective silver material to maghome, can be a perfect environment for some food crops nify the effect of the lighting inside, with a dark canvas for due to the increased humidity and moisture often found the exterior. The insides of these rooms can be customized in these areas, so long as there is ample light. Plants can be depending upon what crop is grown. They can be purchased with or modified to include grow lights, irrigation and shelves. Finally, food plants can be grown in pots and placed around the home. They make a great centerpiece on the kitchen table and their bounty can be a great addition to an infinite number of meal options.

Furniture

Exterior Garden Spaces

Bottles

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; March 2014

Like the traditional places for plants indoors, food plants can be grown in all of the usual and creative outdoor spaces where annuals and flowers are generally placed. A pot of brightly colored Swiss chard or a trellis of nasturtium can be an easy, colorful and edible decoration on porches and windowsills. Decks and patios are also great garden venues. If your climate is a bit cooler, consider kale, which is cold-tolerant and comes in a wide range of colors for year-round use.

growing in small spaces Foundation plantings, which are often the perfunctory contribution of a builder, landlord or previous owner, can be converted easily to viable food growing space. As landscape plants age and die, they can be replaced with perennial food crops such as berries, asparagus, horseradish, rhubarb, grapes or any number of other permanent food crops. Take advantage of the micro-climates that exist around a typical house—grow cool-weather, low-light crops on the north side or areas that get heavy shade in the summer and choose berries or other crops that do best in full sun for the southern exposure. Outdoor furniture lends itself better to food growing than indoor furniture and a much wider array of unusual materials can be used. Old tires can be makeshift chairs and raised garden beds all at the same time. Large spools make great tables and the hollow centers can easily be filled with soil. Even a basic lounge chair can usually accommodate the weight of a few pots attached to the back or arms. Use all of the vertical space your site affords. Exterior walls of the house and fences are like blank canvases waiting to be adorned with food. As with indoor wall

Unique Planters considerations, know what the weight tolerance is as the container, soil, plant and water will add strain to these structures. If using fencing, additional bracing may be required. Once the appropriate safeguards are in place, gutters or window boxes can be attached to create a vertical garden. Greens and radishes lend themselves well to this type of growing. If taller or deeper rooted plants such as tomatoes, carrots or parsnips are desired, leave adequate space between of the house and containers and select ones with fences are like blank appropriate depth. An additional benefit of this system is that concanvases waiting tainers can be installed on slight, to be adorned opposing angles so that the excess with food.” water from the top one can drain into the next one down. The structure’s existing gutter and downspout can be redirected to provide rainwater to these garden systems, although you do not want all of the water to be diverted to the food crops, as the force and volume may easily dislodge the plants and seedlings during a heavy rainfall. A rain barrel mounted higher than the level of the top garden gutter or window box can be installed as a source of water for your vertical garden, allowing excess water to be diverted. Living walls are an opportunity to make use of recycled household items such as cans and bottles otherwise destined for the recycling bucket or landfill. Vertical growing can reduce instances of browsing by animals and weeding and harvesting is also more ergonomic. An additional benefit of the exterior living wall is that when properly installed, it can help reduce the indoor temperature in the home in the warmer months and act as an extra layer of insulation in the winter. The wall can also trap air pollutants and absorb noise. But, the larger the area to be planted, the greater the need to seek the assistance of a professional installer.

Multiple Pots

Exterior Walls 98

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Exterior walls

growing in small spaces Rooftop gardening is often the last place to be considered. Some structures clearly are unsuitable for this endeavor, but other sites lend themselves to this practice by virtue of easy access and a flat, patio-like area. Another option is installing a green roof. This type of plant-growing system should be contracted out or at least designed by a qualified company or individual can help reduce with experience in this area. heating and The type of structure and roof

A green roof cooling costs.”

Rooftops

100

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

materials need to be carefully weighed against and matched with the type of living roof system to be installed. It is especially important to consider the growing habits of the types of food crops you wish to grow. Tubers and root crops will require more depth than leaf and herb crops, which means more media and more weight on the existing structure. When properly installed, a green roof’s benefits can include increasing the roof’s useful life, as the rooftop materials are not being exposed to UV radiation and other climatic factors. Like living walls, a green roof can help reduce heating and cooling costs. The plants on the roof help convert heat and moisture into humidity, creating evaporative cooling in the warm months, and the media the plants are growing in help prevent heat loss from the structure in cooler months. In certain municipalities, there may be tax incentives for installing such a system.

In Conclusion There is no reason for anyone who wants to grow more of their own food to let their limited space prevent them from doing so. Any place you can survive, you can grow some sort of food crop as well. Consult with a nearby gardening shop if you are unsure about what plants are suitable for your region. Happy growing!

Spring Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening:

A Guide to Organic Soil Amendments and Organic Fertilizers. by David Kessler

Spring is here and it's time to think about your outdoor garden. Raised garden beds are a good choice for areas that lack healthy, rich soil. Here is why— and how to build your own.

102

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

raised bed gardening The idea of planting a garden can be daunting for the beginner gardener. There is so much information and advice out there, as well as countless products and additives to choose from, it might feel as if you need a PhD to grow a tomato. The fact is, everyone can easily grow an edible garden. Similar to buying real estate, the most important choice a gardener makes is location. You cannot grow sunloving plants, which most vegetable and fruit plants are, in dense shade. Most vegetables (excluding leafy greens like lettuce and cabbage) require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Most of us can find an area that gets enough sun, but what are you to do if the area with the correct sun exposure does not have healthy, rich soil? The answer is simple: build a raised bed garden.

“the most important choice a gardener makes is location.”

Raised bed gardens have several advantages over traditional in-ground gardens. First, raised bed gardens are constructed above ground, lending themselves to easier planting, tending and weeding. Raised beds are little more than large container gardens and can be placed anywhere, regardless of the quality of soil underneath. Also, raised bed gardens are ideal for square-foot gardening. You can build them out of wood—just don’t use pressure-treated wood as the chemicals in the pressure treated wood can leach into your soil and your plants—or buy a raised bed garden kit. Another option for someone who doesn’t have the time or tools to build one is to use a large fabric aeration pot. Aeration pots are fabric containers that come in sizes ranging from 1 to 300 gal. These pots prevent the plant’s roots from becoming root bound, while encouraging a more robust root system with greater surface area in contact with the soil for improved nutrient absorption. 104

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

raised bed gardening Once you have built your raised bed or purchased an aeration pot, now comes the all-important choice of what to fill it with. I prefer a high-quality potting soil that is loaded with organic fertilizers and micro-organisms. If that does not fit your budget, a less expensive option is topsoil, which is sold by the bag at every hardware store or sold by the truckload. It can be used as a base for your garden soil, but topsoil is not ready-to-use just yet. When buying topsoil, make sure it has been screened, ensuring that large pieces of organic debris and rocks have been removed. Plan on adding organic matter and organic fertilizer to the topsoil to guarantee a bountiful harvest of your favorite fruits and vegetables. The best way to add organic matter to soil is by adding a rich compost. Compost is decayed organic matter, and it is one of the best things you can add to any soil. You may have the notion that a compost pile is a big, ugly, smelly pile of leaves and lawn clippings, but that is not necessarily true. Today, people have different homemade compost piles, well-constructed compost bins and stylish compost tumblers. These provide everyone with the option of making their own nutritious organic soil inexpensively. You can also improve the soil structure, moisture retention and drainage of your garden soil with the addition of products like perlite, shredded leaves, peat moss, coconut coir and composted bark sold as soil conditioner. Aside from compost, there are several organic fertilizers and additives that can be added to improve your garden soil. One popular option is composted animal manure. There are several kinds to choose from including: seabird guano, bat guano, cow manure,

106

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

“The best way to add organic matter to soil is by adding a rich compost.”

raised bed gardening

“When possible, it is best to use composted manures and guanos in your soil; fresh manure is best placed in your composter to age and break down before it is used or you risk burning your plants.”

product, so it will not leach away like chemical blossom boosters. Apply 1 to 3 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. of garden.

Blood Meal A slow-release, organic nitrogen source. Excellent as a top dressing when extra nitrogen is needed. Stimulates bacterial growth. Use 2 to 3 lbs. per 100 sq. ft., or as a top dressing.

Bone Meal Steamed, finely ground bone provides phosphorus, calcium and nitrogen and promotes strong, vigorous bulbs, healthy root systems and good blooming. Excellent for flowers, roses, garden bulbs, shrubs and trees. Use up to 5 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

Greensand horse manure and chicken litter. Generally, manures from animals with a vegetarian diet are preferred to animals that eat meat. Animal manures vary greatly in the nutrition they will provide your garden due to these different diets. When possible, it is best to use composted manures and guanos in your soil; fresh manure is best placed in your composter to age and break down before it is used or you risk burning your plants. An added benefit of animal manures and guanos is that they provide an excellent source of beneficial microorganisms, which add to your soil’s ecology. You can also add beneficial fungi and bacteria. Other options for amending soil include the following organic fertilizers and additives:

Rock Phosphate A natural, granular source of phosphorous and calcium in addition to several trace minerals, rock phosphate promotes cell division, photosynthesis and respiration. Rock phosphate also encourages the growth of earthworms and soil bacteria that enrich and aerate the soil and it is a slow-release 108

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Greensand contains 22 minerals and helps loosen compacted clay soils. Highly recommended for conditioning pastures, lawns, orchards, fields and gardens. Apply 2 to 4 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

Worm Castings A pure, all-natural plant food produced by earthworms, worm castings help to develop foliage in plants and improve aeration of the soil. Worm castings are also a source of nitrogen. Use in gardens and flower beds at rate of a half cup per plant every two months. In potting mixes add one part earthworm castings to three parts soil. For roses, mix four cups into the soil around each plant.

Sulfur Sulfur is excellent for lowering the pH of soils for growing blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas and other acid-loving plants. Use according to soil test recommendations—do not over apply. Maximum use: ¼ lb. per 100 sq. ft.

Micro-Pelletized Gypsum Pelletized calcium sulfate supplies calcium and sulfur while loosening clay soils, aiding aeration and water penetration. Use when calcium and sulfur are needed, and pH of the soil is alkaline. Use 2 to 3 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

Garden Lime Garden lime is a natural liming material that supplies additional calcium and helps maintain a near-neutral pH in your soil. Apply 3 to 5 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. Once you have built your bed, added your soil and amended it with lots of organic matter and fertilizer, it is time to plant your seeds or seedlings. Starting seeds is easy to do with a seed starting kit. Another option is to visit your local nursery and buy vegetable seedlings. Ask retailers for what varieties will perform best in your area. Water regularly (as needed) and top dress around the base of your plants on a monthly basis to ensure your plants have plenty of food. You will be eating your harvest in no time.

“Starting seeds is easy to do with a seed starting kit.”

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

109

s Plant c i s Ba Diseases: of

Part Two

by Dr. Robert G. Linderman

Plants can be infected by different types of pathogens, ranging from fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. It is important to diagnose the cause of a plant disease in order to consider options for managing or controlling it.

110

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; March 2014

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

111

basics of plant diseases In the first article in this series on plant diseases, I described the process of diagnosing a plant problem that might have been caused by a biotic agent (pathogen) or some abiotic factor, such as an environmental stress of some sort. That is the first step in solving the problem: proper diagnosis. If the conclusion is that your plants are infected by some pathogen, it is important to determine what that organism actually is in order to take the proper corrective action. In this article I describe the different types of pathogens that might be infecting your plants and provide some information about their biology. Knowing the biology of a pathogen allows a grower to choose the best remedy and time the remedy’s application to be the most effective. Pathogens that often lead to basic plant diseases are fungi, bacteria, viruses or nematodes.

“Knowing the biology

of a pathogen allows a grower to choose the best remedy and time the remedy’s application to be the most effective.” Fungal Pathogens There are many different fungi that can cause plant diseases. Some live in the soil and cause root diseases, while others live above ground and infect the stems, leaves or flowers of the plant. All of these fungi produce spores or other structures (propagules) that can grow and infect plant tissues—both the roots and the leaves. Many also produce propagules that are resistant to environmental stresses and can live for extended times in the soil and in or on roots and leaves, waiting for the conditions to be right to grow again and infect plants. Such propagules genSpores and other resting structures erally have (sclerotia) of pathogenic fungi all have thick walls thick walls and most are pigmented to enhance their capacity to survive the with dark elements. Top left (clockwise): Sclerotia pigmentation of Sclerotium rolfsii the size of radish to protect seed; brown pigmented chlamydospores them from of Thielaviopsis basicola that causes black root rot; oospores (stained blue) of physical and bioPythium sp. causing root rot of turf grass; logical elements. sporangia of Phytophthora releasing swimming zoospores.

112

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

basics of plant diseases When spores of pathogenic fungi contact roots or leaves of a susceptible host plant, they germinate and grow on the plant tissue surface and penetrate the cells. Then they spread within the plant tissues, generally producing chemicals that kill the cells. When enough cells have been killed, the roots become rotten and can no longer function or support the plant. When leaf tissue is infected with a fungal pathogen, dead spots may appear on the leaves. Eventually, fungal pathogens will produce many new spores, some of which can spread to other healthy roots or leaves, causing new infections. Many fungi will then produce survival spores or structures. The rotted roots will be brown compared to healthy roots that are white, and plants will be stunted due to lack of good root function.

“Eventually, fungal

pathogens will produce many new spores, some of which can spread to other healthy roots or leaves, causing new infections.” Bacterial Pathogens Most bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms (one to three micrometers) compared to the larger fungal spores (at least five micrometers). Bacterial cells have a cell wall, but their genetic material is not contained in a nucleus as with fungi and most other microbes. Some produce spores with a thicker wall, while others do not. Bacterial spot of pepper on Spore-forming bacteria can leaves and fruit. withstand harsher environmental conditions, whereas the rest are quite sensitive and need other means of protection. When cultured, bacteria look slimy, and there can be some cultural variation in the bacterial colony morphology. Identification of specific bacterial pathogens requires laboratory procedures to detect minute genetic differences.

114

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

basics of plant diseases To prove that a bacterium isolated from a diseased plant is the pathogen, healthy plants have to be inoculated and disease symptoms must appear. Many bacteria can be isolated from diseased plants, so identification of the pathogen is critical. However, bacteria cause foliar symptoms on certain plants that are diagnostic. Most bacterial diseases are on the foliage or stems—few infect roots. One exception is crown gall, a distinctive bacterial disease that occurs on both roots and stems of some plants. The gall structures are usually fairly diagnostic. Bacterial pathogens spread in splashed water from rain or irrigation. They are able to rapidly multiply in water, doubling their numbers in a matter of minutes. Many bacterial cells can be produced on a leaf or fruit lesion, and splash to more tissue rapidly. There are few or no treatments that can limit the spread of the disease. Culturally, keeping the foliage and fruit dry, that is, without standing water, is the best bet.

116

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

“Bacterial pathogens spread in splashed water from rain or

irrigation. They are able to rapidly multiply in water, doubling their numbers in a matter of minutes.”

The bacterial disease, crown gall, showing galls on roots (top) and stems (bottom).

basics of plant diseases

Viral Pathogens Viruses are infectious and intracellular entities, but they are not cells. There is some debate about whether or not viruses are living or non-living, but they cannot reproduce on their own and require components found in host plant cells. However, viruses do multiply within host cells and can cause disease. Virus particles in plant cells are much too small to be seen, even with a light microscope. They have various shapes, but all are a thousand times smaller than even a bacterial cell. Some are spherical, some rod-shaped. They are composed of nucleic acids covered by a coat of protein. Virus particles can be transmitted from plant to plant by mechanical means (rubbing leaves of infected plants and then touching healthy leaves) or by insects such as aphids that feed on infected leaves and then move to healthy leaves and deposit virus particles that initiate new infections. Viruses can move systemically throughout the plant and cause changes in the plant’s machinery that

result in the development of symptoms such as stunting of the plant or mosaic patterns on the leaves, and as a result the productivity of the plant is likely to be diminished. There is no cure for a virus-infected plant. A few viruses are carried in the seed, but that is not true for most crop plants.

Nematode Pathogens Nematodes are tiny roundworms that largely infect plant roots. There are only a few that infect foliage. The most serious infect roots, causing lesions or knots on the roots. Nematodes multiply within the infected tissue and their young or their eggs are released into the soil where they live until they become adults to infect more roots. Plant parasitic nematodes must infect plant roots to multiply, so they are considered obligate parasites. Root lesion nematodes cause root rot, so their effect on the plant would be to cause stunted growth. [For more information on nematodes, pick up a copy of Maximum Yield February to read Russell Landry’s “Nasty Nematodes” article.

Symptoms of cucumber mosaic virus on cucumber leaves and fruit.

“There is some debate about

whether or not viruses are living or nonliving, but they cannot reproduce on their own and require components found in host plant cells.”

118

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Parasitic nematodes (top to bottom): single root lesion nematode; lesion nematode in root tissue; and roots with root knot nematode infection compared to healthy roots.

basics of plant diseases

Summing It All Up To recap, plants can be infected by different types of pathogens, ranging from fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. It is important to diagnose the cause of a plant’s disease in order to consider options for managing it. Some pathogens are soil-borne and infect roots, while some infect only the aerial parts of plants. The extent of damage caused by the disease can vary, depending on the pathogen and how and when the plant became infected. In the case of root diseases, whether caused by fungi or nematodes, the pathogen most likely resides in the soil and begins the infection process by invading the roots, either rotting them or moving

from the root into the vascular cells, sometimes blocking them and causing wilting. Foliar pathogens, on the other hand, initiate disease by spores or cells of the pathogen splashing onto the leaves or stems, thereafter initiating infection. Once leaves are infected, pathogens multiply and can spread to other leaves or plants. Viral diseases are most likely to occur when infected plants are touched or pruned, followed by touching or pruning of a healthy plant. Virus particles are rubbed into the healthy leaf cells, or they are transferred to healthy leaves by insect feeding, such as by aphids. Remember, a virus-infected plant cannot be cured.

“Viral diseases are most likely

Coming Up In the final installment of the “Basics of Plant Diseases”, I will consider options for managing or controlling plant diseases, whether chemical, cultural or biological. For many of the diseases caused by different pathogens, one of the best remedies is to discard infected plants and focus on avoiding the disease next season or on the next planting, either indoors or in the greenhouse.

to occur when infected plants are touched or pruned, followed by touching or pruning of a healthy plant.”

120

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

h r e

e Y c o u u d r e R ead C with

Greenhouses by Jonathan Valdman

Here is Jonathan Valdman with his take on how greenhouses can help a grower maximize profits and grow better crops.

122

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; March 2014

Blackout tarps, preferably breathable, allow one to cut out the light of the sun in a greenhouse.”

What is over the canopy of your plants matters more than you might think. There are several artificial lighting systems that market themselves as the closest spectrum to the sun. Plants, whether grown for food or medicine, will only contain what they are given through water, microbes, food, air and light. A plant that is not grown under the full spectrum of the sun will be lacking at least one aspect of its medicinal or nutritional components. Though the sun is the ideal source of lighting for plants, it also has some aspects that can affect a plant negatively. The invisible waves of ultraviolet radiation from the sun have two major components, UVA and UVB. Amongst other things, UVA makes vitamin D absorption in our skin possible, though it is also what causes our skin to burn from too much exposure. UVB is a shorter wave that can be more harmful to our skin and to plants. Causing cancer in humans, it has similar detrimental effects for plants. Overexposure to UVB can impair the growth of a plant and result in lower yields, decreased immunity and more susceptibility to insects and disease. Human impact on the ozone layer has depleted the ozone’s ability to effectively filter UVB radiation and this is impacting plants, people, animals and marine life. One way to use the beneficial aspects of the sun while avoiding the negative impacts of its harmful rays is to grow under greenhouse materials that filter out UVB, either partially or completely. I have been approached many times by people wanting to spend a lot of money to improve their greenhouse environment. My advice is usually

Forever Flowering Greenhouses & Light Deprivation Kid Tested. Frames State Approved. Greenhouse Fabrics Breathable and Non-Breathable Blackout Fabrics Breathable Wall Auto Flowerer Dep kits

2/50

Controlled by

foreverflowering.net

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

123

Greenhouses that the most effective and cost efficient thing you can do to upgrade your greenhouse is to make sure you have a high-quality fabric covering for your structure. Greenhouse fabrics differ from greenhouse films in several ways. A fabric will have visible fabric strands, while a film will look more like a plastic bag or a plastic drop cloth. Fabrics are more durable and are typically tear and puncture resistant, allowing them to last years longer than films. Fabrics won’t yellow or deteriorate quickly, keeping them out of the landfill longer. Look for fabrics that are light diffused. The diffused properties of a

high-quality fabric allow the light to be more evenly spread throughout a greenhouse and penetrate deeper into the canopy and undergrowth. It will soften the sun while still providing everything the plant desires. Anti-fog and condensation coatings are available on some products. A proper fabric will filter out UVB, allowing a plant to excel beyond the growth of full-sun plants that do not receive this filtration. Light diffusion and UVB filtration will increase terpene production, which translates into more material available for making concentrates and oils of your plants as well as giving

them the shiny look of a plant grown under lights. These factors also assist in keeping soil temperatures down and lowering temperatures on the surface of the leaf of the plant, reducing your need for water and nutrients and allowing for higher ambient temperatures in the structure. When growing for profit, your bottom line is greatly affected by the amount it takes to produce a market-ready product. Reducing your overhead is the easiest way to increase your profit margins. Growing in a greenhouse reduces your annual production expenditures by at least 50%. This increase in profitability is the main component that is going to allow greenhouse and full-sun-grown crops to dominate the market and greatly diminish the possibility of a profitable indoor garden. Setting up an indoor garden properly costs quite a bit of money. A lot of people are leasing or renting buildings that they then have to build their growroom in, and when the lease is up all of these costs are lost and a

Overexposure to UVB can impair the growth of a plant and result in lower yields, decreased immunity and more susceptibility to insects and disease.”

124

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Greenhouseses Greenhouses

Growing in a greenhouse reduces your annual production expenditures by at least 50%.”

126

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

good majority of the building materials are not reusable. Once you factor in the cost of all the lights and grow equipment, the operation winds up being in the same ballpark as it would cost to set up a greenhouse to grow the same amount of finished product in. The huge difference between the two is that the indoor room is fully dependent on the usage of lights and fans and the cost of the electricity to run them. Electrical costs can run between 25 and 40% of your income in an indoor garden, while a greenhouse can almost eliminate this cost for half of the year and dramatically lower it for the remainder of the year. Ridge and side vents allow for passive cooling while the sun provides a free source of light. No commercial product in the world is grown strictly indoors unless there are laws prohibiting them from growing in public. I believe over the next few years we will see indoor cultivation become a methodology of growing strictly for hobby growers while more commercial gardens will be done under the sun. Even though full-sun growing provides the least expensive square footage to grow, it lacks certain securities and conveniences a greenhouse provides. Greenhouses will protect a crop from rain or snow and, as I mentioned earlier, diffuse and filter the properties of the sun that can be too intense for the plant. Greenhouses will keep your plant and soil cooler and result in a more desirable finished product. Most importantly, a greenhouse offers you the ability to control your photoperiod, or light cycle, through light deprivation. Just as an indoor grower controls their light cycle by turning their lights on and off, a greenhouse grower can control their light cycles by cutting out the light of the sun in the vegetative seasons of the

Greenhouses year, for early flowering, and providing supplemental light in the seasons of the year that the sun does not provide the desired amount of light for keeping plants in their vegetative cycle. Blackout tarps, preferably breathable, allow one to cut out the light of the sun in a greenhouse. Although this can be done manually, some greenhouse companies have mastered the ability to set up these systems automatically. Consistent light cycles are important to avoid throwing off the natural growth patterns of your plant. Using the light deprivation technique, a grower gains the ability to control when they harvest, allowing them to meet higher market demand times of the year. When combined with supplemental lighting and heating, the farmer can create

128

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

an environment for year-round production, providing fresh crops whenever desired. When budgeting for a new project, I suggest you make your greenhouse one of the main priorities. This is not a place to cut corners. Every bit of structure that can increase the quality and quantity of your crops translates to larger profit margins. A few bucks saved in the purchase of your greenhouse can translate to thousands lost down the line. Look for companies that specialize in light deprivation and ask how long they have been in that market. Ask them if they are growers or metal manufacturers unfamiliar with the needs of, and how to grow, your plant. Make sure their structures have been tested and that they have a track record for success in the field you are in. It’s less expensive to do something right the first time than to fix something that reduced your initial investment in the beginning. A high-quality greenhouse will not only give you peace of mind, it will allow you to create an ideal environment year-round. It will reduce the overhead that it takes to produce the crops you desire when you desire them. Greenhouses give growers the ability to focus fully on plant production and health, furthering a farmer’s chance for success.

avant gardening

Growing Fodder

by Peyam Barghassa

Hydroponically for

Backyard

Chickens More and more people are raising chickens at home to ensure ready access to fresh eggs. Want to try growing fodder for your backyard birds? Peyam Barghassa has a step-by-step guide.

Raising backyard chickens is a growing trend, not only for the fun they bring to a family, but also for the added health benefits of fresh eggs. The eggs from chickens raised at home are higher in omega-3 fatty acids than most factoryproduced eggs because the chickens get to eat a rich diet of greens, bugs and grains. For most of the year, chickens can be let out of the pen to scavenge for greens, but during the winter, or if they are not let out of the pen, it is difficult for chickens to get the greens they need. This is where hydroponics comes in. Chicken fodder, grown from seeds such as rye grass, millet, buckwheat, clover and kale, can easily and plentifully be grown in an ebb and flow system either indoors under a grow light or in a greenhouse. Here is my set-up for growing chicken fodder during the winter in my greenhouse.

130

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

I have two of these systems running to provide for the 10 hens, five ducks and one rooster I have. If you only have one or two chickens, then you can modify this down to a simpler system using a few 12-ft. by 20-ft. flats and humidity domes and just hand-watering.

Flood Table Set-up • • • • • • • • • • •

2-ft. by 4-ft. black flood table 50-gal. black reservoir 50-gal. reservoir cover 2-ft. by 4-ft. tray stand with light kit 250-gph submersible pump 7-day digital timer Fitting kit for flood tables ½-in. black tubing Humidity dome 2-ft. by 4-ft. tray liner 48-in. by 20-in. seedling heat mat (optional if your greenhouse or growroom is not heated) • Digital temperature controller for heat mat (optional) • 4-ft., 8-tube T5 lighting system with hangers and a timer (optional, if you plan to grow indoors)

Growing Materials

• Seeds for fodder. The following are good choices: peas, oats, rye grass, buckwheat, millet, kale, broccoli, clover, sunflower seeds, flax seed and barley • Grow cubes • Nutrients—optional if you want to grow out the fodder for a few weeks

2. Place the system on the flood table stand and put the liner in it. You will need to fold the edges of the liner to put the humidity dome over it. If your greenhouse or growroom is not heated, you may need to use a large heat mat that covers the table and then place the liner over the heat mat.

“The eggs from

chickens raised at home are higher in omega-3

fatty acids than most

Keep an eye on the grow cubes and make sure they are not going dry. I leave the vents open on the dome. 6. How long you decide to grow the fodder is really up to you. Some people like to feed their chickens seeds at the germination stage, so only one week of growth may be enough. Or you can grow the fodder up to four weeks for a good stand of green growth. If you do decide to grow it out for a few weeks, it may be good to add some nutrients to the reservoir. I keep my reservoir at around 250 ppm (0.5 EC).

factory-produced eggs

because they get to eat a rich diet of greens, bugs and grains.”

How long you decide to grow the fodder is really up to you.

Method

1. Set up your flood table and reservoir with the fittings. You don’t need to use any risers on the fittings since you need only a low flood level.

Place the grow cubes as a thin layer over the liner and flood the table for 15 minutes.

3. Place the grow cubes as a thin layer over the liner and flood the table for 15 minutes. You can opt out of using grow cubes, but I found the seeds do not germinate as well or grow as fast when grown bare. I also think the rockwool breaks down into sand and grit that helps the chickens with digestion if they consume it. 4. Let it drain and scatter the mixture of seeds. Use a variety of seeds, including legumes, grasses and cruciferous vegetables. 5. Place the humidity dome over the tray and turn on the heat mat if you are using one. Depending on your room temperature and humidity, you may not need to flood more than twice a week.

Happy chickens make for plentiful eggs!

7. Using the liner keeps the tray clean and makes it easy to transport the fodder out to your chickens. You may need to scrape the fodder off the liner if you let it grow out too much, as the roots will eventually penetrate through the liner. 8. Feed the fodder to your chickens. Remember, happy chickens make for plentiful eggs!

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

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

131

ERIC HOPPER

& HYD R O P O NI C SYSTE M S An ebb and flow hydroponic system maximizes nutrient uptake and avail able oxygen in the root zone . Here ’s how these systems work and why this method of hydroponic growing is here to stay.

132

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

ebb and flow

The ebb

and flow system is one of the simplest hydroponic systems to set up and use, but it still takes some experience and effort to master.”

One of the most reliable and effective hydroponic systems available to gardeners is the ebb and flow hydroponic system. Like other hydroponic systems, ebb and flow systems aim to maximize nutrient uptake and available oxygen in the root zone. A properly operating ebb and flow system will rival any other high-performance hydroponic system in both the speed of growth and overall yield. A closer look at the principles of an ebb and flow system will illustrate how this fairly basic hydroponic system has found a permanent place within the indoor growing community with both hobbyists and commercial growers. Ebb and Flow System An ebb and flow system, also known as a flood and drain system, relies on intermittent water delivery (flood) to a plant or series of plants held in an inert medium. The medium is primarily for stabilizing the plant and is not required to have any nutritional value. In a true hydroponic ebb and flow system, all nutrition is provided by the nutrient solution. The most common media used in ebb and flow systems include hydroton (clay pebbles), stonewool and rinsed gravel, but any inert medium that doesn’t float will suffice. The ebb and flow system is one of the simplest hydroponic systems to set up and use, but it still takes some experience and effort to master. There are two common ebb and flow configurations used by indoor horticulturists: a tray and reservoir configuration (single pump system) or an individual module configuration (dual pump system). 134

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Tray and Reservoir Ebb and Flow System (Single Pump System) The most basic ebb and flow system uses one pump for nutrient delivery and relies on gravity to return the solution back to the reservoir. This ebb and flow set-up requires the tray or containers that hold the plants to be above the reservoir with the nutrient solution. In many instances growers using this configuration will use a large grow tray for holding their plants. The entire tray can be filled with the medium and plants can be placed directly in the medium. The disadvantage of this method is the plants’ roots will become intertwined throughout the growing cycle. This renders the plants unmovable and can become a hassle if pathogens arise in the system. My preferred use of a tray and reservoir ebb and flow system uses individual containers, filled with the chosen inert medium, which are placed in the tray. When using individual containers, growers can easily transfer plants in and out of the system, which increases the versatility of the system and can be advantageous for growers with separate vegetative and blooming rooms. For a tray and reservoir ebb and flow system to operate correctly, two holes must be drilled into the tray for two important purposes. The first hole is for the delivery of the nutrient solution and the second hole acts as the overflow drain and controls the height of the nutrient solution in the tray when the pump is operating. The hole for nutrient delivery is flush with the bottom of the tray and is directly plumbed to the submersible pump in the reservoir. As soon as the pump is turned on, nutrient solution starts to fill the tray from the bottom upward. The nutrient solution will continue to rise in the tray until it reaches the top of the overflow drain. Some growers build the overflow drain from a small section of PVC, but drain fittings specific for ebb and flow systems are inexpensive and sold at virtually all hydroponic retailer shops. The fittings found at your local hydroponic retailer will usually include a rubber washer, which is imperative for getting a water-tight seal around the holes in the tray. The top of the overflow drain is usually a few inches below the maximum height of the walls of the tray. The purpose of the overflow drain is to stop the tray from overflowing all over the floor when the pump is operating. As the water is pumped through the delivery hole into the tray, the level

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

135

ebb and flow

continues to rise until it reaches the top of the overflow hole. At this point, the nutrient solution travels down the overflow drain and returns to the reservoir. This creates a continual and consistent depth of water in the tray (as deep as the overflow drain is tall) while the pump is operating. One of the most common ways to set up a tray and reservoir ebb and flow system is to place the grow tray on a stand directly above the reservoir. This way the nutrient solution that flows into the overflow drain returns to the reservoir in the most direct manner. A timer controlling the submersible pump allows the grower to determine the desired watering intervals. Once the power to the pump is shut off, the weight of the water in the tray causes the remaining nutrient solution to return to the reservoir through the delivery hole (back through the pump). One of the biggest advantages of an ebb and flow system with the reservoir located directly below the growing tray is the minimal distance the water has to be pumped. The biggest advantage of this is a reduction in the head height requirement for the pump. The farther the required vertical distance for nutrient delivery, the larger the pump has to be. A large pump can be a disadvantage in any hydroponic system because mechanical pumps create additional heat. The reservoir’s height also plays a large role in a tray and reservoir ebb and flow system. Because gravity is the force which returns the nutrient solution, the tray must be set above the reservoir.

One of the

biggest advantages of an ebb and flow system with the reservoir located directly below the growing tray is the minimal distance the water has to be pumped.”

136

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

In most cases, a reservoir with a low height is a better fit for ebb and flow. The lower the reservoir’s height, the more vertical space the plants will have to grow. Pump in a Single Pump System The pump is the heart of any ebb and flow system. Growers must be sure to purchase a pump that is adequate to deliver nutrient solution to their plants. The volume of water required to fill the tray, the height to which water must be delivered and water displacement (from media and planting containers in the tray) must all be taken into consideration when choosing the pump for an ebb and flow system. A general rule of thumb is to choose a pump that delivers 10 times the needed volume of water per hour and has a maximum head height at least five times higher than required. For example, if it was determined that the required volume of water to flood a tray was 100 gal. after all displacement is considered and the pump needed to deliver the water to a height of 3 ft., the minimum pump would need a flow rate of 1,000 gph and a head height of at least 15 ft.

Individual Module Ebb and Flow System (Dual Pump System) In recent years, indoor horticulturists have been taking advantage of a different style of ebb and flow system: the dual pump system. These systems require two mechanical pumps—one that delivers the nutrient solution to the plants and another that returns the nutrient solution back to the reservoir. There are a few advantages of a dual pump system. First, because gravity is not a requirement in dual pump systems, the planting containers can be placed directly on the floor. This increases the vertical space in the growroom and is a huge advantage for gardeners who like to grow monster plants. Another advantage of a dual pump system is that the reservoir can be farther removed from the system, which makes reservoir adjustments and

Hydro innovations

BANKS

Proudly Presents...

When using

individual containers, growers can easily transfer plants in and out of the system, which increases the versatility of the system.”

ms e t s y s r e chill

Commercial grade chiller systems from

Hydro innovations

can reduce your climate control costs by up to 50%

let us design your cooling system today!

hydroinnovations.com “Let us design your climate control system today!”

512.321.7575

| support@hydroinnovations.com

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

137

ebb and flow

Because

gravity is not a requirement in dual pump systems, the planting containers can be placed directly on the floor.”

maintenance more convenient for the grower. Besides the addition of a second pump, a dual pump ebb and flow system operates under the same principles as the single pump system. A nutrient solution is delivered to the plants, which are supported by an inert medium, for an allotted amount of time and is then drained. The ebb and flow of the nutrient solution is designed to maximize nutrient uptake and oxygen in the root zone which leads to faster growth and larger yields. Timing the Nutrient Solution Delivery Regardless of the type of ebb and flow system a grower uses, the most important factor affecting the way the plants will perform is the timing of the nutrient solution delivery. This will always require some

138

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

experimentation by the grower as every growroom and every hydroponic system is different. The goal to deliver the solution and then let the medium dry out is the same for all ebb and flow gardens. The amount of time the pump is actually delivering the nutrient solution can vary but most systems only require a few minutes of flooding to adequately moisten the medium. A common duration for beginner ebb and flow growers is a 15-min. pump-on duration. The pump-off time will vary and depends on multiple factors. To maximize performance in an ebb and flow system, the medium should be allowed to dry out to the point just before stress to the plants occurs. This will vary greatly depending on the type of medium used and its moisture-holding capabilities. The most common visual indicator of stress caused by lack of moisture is wilting. Wilting is not a good thing and growers should try to avoid it. However, growers who observe the first signs of wilting while experimenting will have a better feel for gauging the perfect duration between waterings. In a perfectly operating ebb and flow system, the nutrient solution would be delivered right before wilting would occur. It is also important to take into consideration the plant’s size. As a plant grows, it increases its requirements for nutrition and water. In fact, as plants reach maturity, it is not uncommon for the nutrient delivery intervals

ebb and flow

the most

important factor affecting the way the plants will perform is the timing of the nutrient solution delivery.”

to double or triple per 24-hour period. Because the optimal nutrient delivery requirements change throughout the life cycle of the plants, it is not uncommon for growers to have to experiment with various pump-on and pump-off durations for a few cycles until they find the ideal pump timing for their given system. Aerating the Reservoir Like any recirculating hydroponic system, ebb and flow systems benefit greatly from additional aeration in the reservoir. Some growers using the tray and reservoir configuration rely solely on the return of the nutrient solution through the overflow drain to aerate the nutrient solution, although the addition of an air pump and air diffuser is highly recommended. An air pump and air diffuser should always be used in a dual pump system. Ebb and Flow is Here to Stay Ebb and flow systems were one of the first hydroponic systems used by hobbyists and commercial growers. Commercial growers have used ebb and flow systems in large-scale aquaponic applications because the medium used to support the plants can double as a bio-filter for the nitrates found in fish waste. Although most commercial applications of ebb and flow systems are associated with aquaponics, hobbyist growers are still reaping the benefits of highly efficient ebb and flow systems in their indoor gardens. Ebb and flow systems are currently, and will continue to be, one of the most effective and simple recirculating hydroponic systems available.

140

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

tips & tricks

Considering Coffee Grounds

by Heather Rhoades Whether you make your cup of coffee daily or you have noticed your local coffee house has started to put out bags of used coffee grounds, you may be wondering about composting with them. Are using coffee grounds as fertilizer a good idea? And how do coffee grounds help or hurt gardens? Keep reading to learn more about coffee grounds and gardening.

142

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; March 2014

“Composting coffee grounds helps add nitrogen to your compost pile and is as easy as throwing the used coffee grounds onto your compost pile.”

Coffee Grounds in Compost Composting with used coffee grounds is a great way to make use of something that would otherwise end up taking up space in a landfill. Composting coffee grounds helps add nitrogen to your compost pile and is as easy as throwing the used coffee grounds onto your compost pile. Used coffee filters can be composted as well. However, if you will be adding used coffee grounds to your compost pile, keep in mind they are considered green compost material and will need to be balanced with the addition of some brown compost material.

Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer Used coffee grounds can be used in the garden in other ways besides throwing them in the compost pile.

Many people choose to place coffee grounds straight onto soil and use them as a fertilizer. The thing to keep in mind here is that, while coffee grounds add nitrogen to your compost, they will not immediately add nitrogen to your soil. The benefit of using coffee grounds as a fertilizer is that they add organic material to the soil, which improves drainage, water retention and aeration in the soil. Used coffee grounds will also help micro-organisms beneficial to plant growth thrive and will also attract earthworms. Many people feel that coffee grounds lower the pH (or raise the acid level) of soil, which is good for acid-loving plants. But, this is only true for unwashed coffee grounds. If you rinse your used coffee grounds, they will have a near neutral pH of 6.5 and will not affect the acid levels of the soil. To use coffee grounds as fertilizer, work the coffee grounds into the soil around your plants.

Other Uses Coffee grounds can be used in your garden in other ways. Many gardeners like to use used coffee grounds as mulch for their plants. Other uses for coffee grounds include using them to keep slugs and snails away from plants. The theory is that the caffeine in the coffee grounds negatively affects these pests so they avoid soil where the coffee grounds are found. Some people also claim that coffee grounds on the soil will keep cats from using your flower and veggie beds as a litter box. You can also use coffee grounds as worm food, too, if you do vermicomposting with a worm bin. Worms are fond of coffee grounds.

Chemical Composition Not everything contained in a coffee bean makes it into your morning coffee. Nitrogenrich proteins needed for seed germination and growth comprise over 10% of coffee grounds. In fact, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of coffee grounds can be as low as 11:1, an ideal ratio for plant and soil nutrition. Since coffee is extracted in water, most of the hydrophobic compounds, including oils, lipids, triglycerides, and fatty acids remain in the grounds, as do insoluble carbohydrates like cellulose and various indigestible sugars. Structural lignin, protective phenolics and the wonderful aroma-producing essential oils are also left over from the brewing process. It’s this last group of chemicals that are reported to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. (Source: Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott in The Master Gardener, WSU, puyallup.wsu.edu)

“The benefit of using coffee grounds as a fertilizer is that they add organic material to the soil, which improves drainage, water retention and aeration in the soil.”

In Conclusion Coffee grounds and gardening go together naturally. Whether you are composting with coffee grounds or using used coffee grounds around the yard, you will find that coffee can give your garden as much of a pick-me-up as it does for you. Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

143

Nitrogen: by Kyle L. Ladenburger

The Essential Element and its Forms

144

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Nitrogen has a hand in the creation of nearly every plant structure. The key to optimizing a plant’s use of nitrogen starts with understanding the different forms it can take, and knowing how each form interacts with not only the plant, but its growing medium as well.

nitrogen: The Essential Element and its forms Every living creature on Earth requires some form of the element nitrogen to live, grow and reproduce. This ever-abundant element—nearly 80% of the Earth’s atmosphere is comprised of nitrogen—plays a key role in the production of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins, and proteins are a part of every cell found in both plants and animals. Nitrogen is also a factor in the development of nucleic acids. Nucleic acids are important in the formation of DNA and RNA that contain the genetic information responsible for the proper reproduction and growth of living cells. Of the 13 elemental minerals found essential for proper plant growth and production, nitrogen is the most important and is contained within the plant in the highest concentrations. Only three other elements can rival the importance of nitrogen in plant growth: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen is also essential in the production of chlorophyll. Proper chlorophyll production will lead to lush green vegetative growth. Signs of deficiency within a plant are always evident in the yellowing of the plant’s leaves. Nitrogen is relatively mobile inside a plant, so yellowing of leaves often occurs in the older growth first, as the plant will try and maintain proper nitrogen levels in the newest growth.

146

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Nitrogen has a hand in the creation of nearly every plant structure. But, in terms of plant useage and uptake, not all forms of nitrogen are created equally. The key to optimizing a plant’s growth potential is understanding the different forms that nitrogen can take, and realizing how each form interacts with both the plant and the growing medium.

Dinitrogen Commonly referred to as atmospheric nitrogen, dinitrogen is the most common form of nitrogen on the planet, yet plants are unable to access it. That being said, this abundant source of nitrogen does not go completely untapped. Through a process called nitrogen fixation, some micro-organisms living in soil have the ability to convert dinitrogen into ammonia with the help of special enzymes. The fixing (combining with other elements) of nitrogen is also done in small amounts through lightning strikes and combustion, like from an internal combustion engine. The majority of nitrogen-fixing micro-organisms live freely throughout the soil, but some are known to form a type of symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain plants—the most common being legumes. Legumes are often used as a cover crop between plantings of

“ C omm referred to as only atmosphe

ric nitrogen, dinit r o g e n is the most com m o n fo r m of nitrogen on yet plants are the planet, unable to access it.”

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

147

nitrogen: The Essential Element and its forms high-nitrogen commercial crops such as corn, mainly because of their ability to encourage colonization and reproduction of nitrogen-fixing micro-organisms. The soil after a corn crop might be somewhat drained of nitrogen. A legume crop tilled under will help replenish the nitrogen supply in the soil and allow the grower to perhaps use less applied nitrogen fertilizer with the next crop.

Organic Nitrogen Organic nitrogen is the nitrogen found within organic matter. It exists in multiple forms including urine, feces and decaying plant and animal proteins. Organic nitrogen is part of a complex organic carbon molecule and cannot be directly accessed by plant roots. Organic matter must be further broken down by soil microbes and it is through this decomposition that the organic nitrogen is converted into plant-usable, inorganic forms—the primary one being ammonium nitrogen.

“ The first for

m of plant ac nitrogen to emcessible from the deco erge of organic ma mposition t the soil is am ter within moniu nitrogen.” m

148

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

149

nitrogen: The Essential Element and its forms Organic matter does not easily travel through soil, so it is up to the microbes to find and consume it on their own. This can take time. The rate at which organic matter breaks down depends on the environmental conditions within the soil. In warm soil that has adequate moisture levels, the rate of decomposition will be higher when compared to soil with characteristics that do not favor microbial activity. Since the rates of decomposition can vary with each different organic material used as a fertilizer input, it is rather hard to predict exactly when and how much of the organic matter will be converted into a plant-usable form of nitrogen. The percent of nitrogen appearing on the labels of earthworm castings and poultry litter (as well as other nutrients) is only approximate. The nitrogen and other elements are contained in an organic matrix of sorts, and given time and favorable soil conditions, it is only through decomposition by soil microbes that they will be released and converted into plant-usable forms.

Ammonium Nitrogen (NH4)

The first form of plant accessible nitrogen to emerge from the decomposition of organic matter within the soil is ammonium nitrogen. The process in which organic matter is broken down by specialized soil microbes (fungal) is referred to as mineralization. Mineralization, also called ammonification, will occur at higher rates during the summer months when soil is warm and moist. When ammonium nitrogen is taken in by a plant, it is used directly in the creation of proteins. Ammonium nitrogen exists in the soil as a cation—an ion with a positive charge. This explains how ammonium nitrogen acts within the soil. Soil particles have a negative charge and ammonium ions are attracted to them. This attraction causes the soil to hold on to ammonium nitrogen, allowing it to stay put, not wash away during rainfall or watering. How strongly the soil holds on to the ammonium nitrogen is determined by the soil’s cation exchange capacity. Soils that have cation exchange capacity have higher levels of clay and decomposed organic matter (humus) as well as the capacity to hold a fair amount of water. A soil that is sandy and loamy will have a low cation exchange capacity. Other is a biologica l pr elements also that takes pla ocess participate in higher rates w ce at the cation h exchange process are warm and en soils moist.” including calcium and magnesium.

“nitrification

150

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

151

nitrogen: The Essential Element and its forms The ability to bind to a soil in this fashion means ammonium nitrogen is not likely to be washed away by a mass flow of water through the root zone and end up leaching into ground waters. There can be a down side, however. Research through the years has shown the ammonium form of nitrogen has undesired effects when used as a primary nitrogen source. Over time, symptoms of ammonium toxicity include fruit disorders such as blossom-end rot and the decay of the internal vascular tissues can occur, ultimately restricting the uptake of water. However, most of the time this won’t be of process concern as the nitrification, called am ammonium nitrogen is ch monium nitrogen may into nitrate n anged not remain in it by specializedrogen the soil for long. micro-organis soil Through another ms.” biological process, ammonium will be converted to a different form of nitrogen—the nitrate form.

“Through a

Nitrate Nitrogen Through a process called nitrification, ammonium nitrogen is changed into nitrate nitrogen by specialized soil micro-organisms (bacterial). Like ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen is a form of the nitrogen element that is readily used by plants. Like mineralization, nitrification is a biological process that takes place at higher rates when soils are warm and moist. During hot months,

152

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

nitrogen: The Essential Element and its forms nitrification of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen can happen in just a few days. Nitrate is the form of nitrogen most often used by plants because of its accessibility when found in the rooting zone and it is used directly in the production of new leaves and stems. Nitrate nitrogen in new leaves will be converted to amino acids by the energy produced through photosynthesis. Unlike ammonium, the nitrate ion is a negatively charged anion and does not participate in the cation exchange process. It is this subsequent negative charge that can pose potential problems with nitrates in the soil. As stated earlier, soil particles also have a negative charge, so they will effectively repel nitrate ions. The reason this is a potential problem is that with the next watering or rainfall, the nitrate nitrogen can easily be washed away (leached) through the soil, potentially ending up in lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater. The harms that nitrate runoff can cause are highlighted by the blue algae blooms in the Gulf of Mexico that have devastated entire ocean ecosystems. Nitrates are a part of the natural biological process in which organic matter is decomposed, but it is the excessive use of nitrates in agriculture that leads to the high amounts of nitrate leaching and runoff. On the other hand, nitrate nitrogen, with its accompanying negative charge, is suitable in hydroponic growing methods that incorporate the re-circulation of the elemental nutrient solution. It mixes well with, and travels easily in, water and tends to flow freely through a rooting medium or substrate without the risk of excessive buildup.

Denitrification The different transformations nitrogen undergoes in its journey from the atmospheric nitrogen (dinitrogen) state all the way to the nitrate form are all part of a bigger overall process called the nitrogen cycle. With the assistance of specialized microbial life and the right soil conditions, the nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into plant-usable forms just as it has been for possibly millions of years. But to complete the nitrogen cycle, there is still one more transformation to undergo. Through a process termed denitrification, nitrogen is changed from the nitrate form back into the gaseous dinitrogen form where it can then slowly escape from the soil to rejoin its companions in the atmosphere. Denitrification is another process involving the skill of specialized microbes, but it takes place under much different is the form of soil conditions n m o st often used itrogen then those menbecause of its by plants tioned earlier. acc This process will when found inessibility the only occur under roo

“nitrate ting zone.”

Matador is the #1 controller to help you achieve the highest yields possible!

maintain control. Get amazing results from your indoor garden with the Matador CO2 Monitor and Controller. The #1 Selling CO2 Monitor and Controller in the West!

Matador C02 Monitor and Control

well-designed • easy to use • simple • responsive

matadorco2.com

| 1-800-828-8386

USA distribution opportunities available now!

154

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

anaerobic conditions when there is little or no oxygen present. During periods when the soil is completely saturated by water, like after a flood, denitrification of nitrates will occur and some plant-accessible nitrogen will be lost from the soil. By taking a careful look at the nitrogen cycle, it is possible to see the effect it can have on the overall availability of plantaccessible nitrogen. Without adequate nitrogen, plant growth will be slow and weak. A yellowing of the leaves will begin to replace the beautiful, healthy, green growth we all know and love. And, if allowed to continue down the path of nitrogen deficiency, the size and quality of plant yield will surely suffer. Understanding the different forms of nitrogen and the ways they behave in the soil will allow a grower to make sound decisions regarding plant health and fertilization. I say this from experience. It only takes one season of improper nitrogen management for a grower to see and realize exactly why this element has been deemed essential.

Growers know

The Myth of Beneficial

Bone Meal

Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott examines whether or not adding a handful of bone meal to planting holes before installing shrubs and trees is beneficial.

by Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott The Myth

Of all the soil amendments on the market, bone meal seems to be everyone’s darling. Credited with stimulating root production and improving flowering, thousands of websites promote the use of bone meal during transplanting and as a regular fertilizer throughout the year. We are assured that bone meal is “one of the indispensable soil amendments all gardeners should have on hand” and that usage of bone meal is “good for reducing transplant shock and promoting extensive and healthy root systems.” Bone meal, as the name suggests, is made from animal bones and is favored by organic gardeners and landscapers as a natural source of calcium and phosphorus. There are nearly 10,000 commercial websites advertising various formulations of bone meal. It can be difficult to determine which one is best.

The Reality

Bone meal is primarily calcium and phosphorus, two elements that are usually adequate in non-agricultural soils. The NPK analyses of bone meal preparations vary, but are generally in the range of 0-12-0 to 3-20-0. Both calcium and phosphorus are required for plant growth, but both (and especially phosphorus) can cause problems if they occur in high concentrations. It is important to understand that

“Bone meal is made from animal bones and is favored by organic gardeners and landscapers as a natural source of calcium and phosphorus.” 156

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

“If phosphorus levels are too high, the roots do not exude the organic acids and mycorrhizal connections do not form.” neither element, nor any other mineral, will stimulate plant growth beyond what is normal for a particular plant. Why does the myth of phosphorusinduced root stimulation persist? The answer probably lies in the effect phosphorus fertilizers have on mycorrhizal relationships. When plant roots are in low phosphorus environments, they exude organic acids from their root tips. These acids allow mycorrhizal fungi to penetrate the roots and form the networks that assist plant roots in taking up water and nutrients. Mycorrhizae are particularly adept at extracting phosphorus from the soil. If phosphorus levels are too high, the roots do not exude the organic acids and mycorrhizal connections do not form. This forces the plant to put more resources into root growth to compensate for the lack of mycorrhizae. So in a sense phosphorus will increase root growth—but at an added cost to the plant. The resources expended by the plant in growing additional roots to take the place of mycorrhizae are not available for other plant needs.

Shrub and tree species that are mycorrhizae-dependent have a difficult time surviving in soils where mycorrhizae cannot develop. In particular, seedlings and newly transplanted materials are less efficient in absorbing water and minerals from the soil and are more likely to suffer transplant shock than plants where mycorrhizae are present. Adding mycorrhizal spores to soils where phosphorus is too high is ineffective—the spores will remain dormant. Interestingly, bone meal (and other phosphorus sources) is toxic to members of the Protea family. These plants and others adapted to nutrient-poor soils and easily scavenge necessary minerals. This natural ability is compromised when fertilizers are over-applied. What can you do if you have added too much phosphorus over the years? If your soil test indicates that phosphorus levels are high, you may be able to tie up excess phosphorus by adding a mixture of other mineral fertilizers. I’ve not had to do this myself, but various websites recommend concoctions of ammonium sulfate, magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt),

iron sulfate and zinc sulfate. In any case, levels of soil phosphorus will eventually decrease if phosphorus-containing fertilizers are discontinued.

The Bottom Line

• Bone meal supplies high levels of phosphorus and calcium, elements that are rarely limiting in non-agricultural soils. • Phosphorus, from bone meal or other sources, does not “stimulate” plant growth; it is only a mineral, not a plant growth regulator. • High levels of phosphorus, from bone meal or other sources, will inhibit growth of mycorrhizal fungi. • Without mycorrhizal partners, plants must put additional resources into root growth at the expense of other tissues and functions. • Before you add any supplementary nutrients to your landscape, have a complete soil test performed first. Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott is an extension horticulturist and associate professor at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center at Washington State University. For more information, visit theinformedgardener.com

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

157

: n o i t u l o v e

s n oR e e r r c g i o r c i M M e c i h T ropon d y H g Growin

rgan o M te r ynet L est fo . v r r D a h y by n and popularit o i t a n in to mi d ger ncreasing ere's how e e s i n twee eens are rowers. H e b s tg ay gr just d ies, micro t impatien h t i t W varie n the mos n crop. y n a m ow ve gst e ith your n o m w a tarted s t e g

158

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; March 2014

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

159

the micro revolution

Diverse in leaf form and color, microgreens are a quick and rewarding crop.

Succulent, slender but packing a powerful flavor punch, microgreens are increasing in popularity both on our plates and as a profitable hydroponic crop. While they may seem tender and delicate, most microgreens are easy to germinate and with just five days from seed to harvest for many quick-growing species, even the most impatient grower will be satisfied with the results. Microgreens are also ideal for those with a limited indoor growing space—as little as a few square inches can grow a crop packed with the distinctive flavor of the mature plant but in a small, compact and highly nutritious package. On a slightly larger scale, microgreens make a profitable commercial crop, well-suited to soilless production methods, hydroponic nutrition and a protected growing environment to give a high-quality, clean and gritfree product.

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens originated in California, where innovative chefs started using them in new dishes to incorporate color, flavor, texture and interest, a trend that rapidly spread worldwide. Microgreens are used as toppings, garnishes, flavorings in salads and features in many up-market dishes and are sold as a high-value product in produce stores and supermarkets. Microgreens are larger than a sprout but smaller than a baby salad leaf and will usually have produced at least two true leaves after expansion of the seedling leaves or cotyledons. Because they are harvested at such an immature stage, seed is sown at a high density to maximize yields from each crop. This also allows the developing seedlings to grow tall and straight with a tender, almost blanched stem and bright, well-developed leaves. While a 160

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

The intense colors of some types of microgreens make them ideal for use as garnishes.

“Micr o gr eens also id ar e e al f o

r those limited with a indoor growin as lit tl g space e as a f — ew squa can gr r e inche ow a cr s op pack distinc e d w it tive fl a h the vor of pl ant b t h e mature ut in a small, compac highly t and nutritio us pack age.” diverse range of plant species are grown as microgreens, some are produced specifically for their healthy compounds and properties and these have found a niche market within the health food industry as well as being popular with home gardeners. The most well-known of these is wheatgrass, which has been grown for many years as a health supplement. Other species such as flax, chia, broccoli and varieties of red brassica also have health compounds of interest. The darkly colored purple and red varieties of radish microgreens, which produce intensely colored young leaves, contain high levels of antioxidants shown to have cancer-fighting properties.

the micro revolution

Healthy, well-grown microgreens can be ready for harvest in as little as five to six days.

Commonly Grown Microgreens

Specific microgreen varieties of commonly grown species such as radish are now available from seed suppliers.

Microgreens fall into four main categories. Shoots and tendrils such as pea, sunflower and corn shoots, are often used as garnishes, although they all have their own mild and somewhat surprising flavor. Spicy greens include arugula, radish, cress and mustards. Micro herbs include those used not only as garnishes, but also for their characteristic flavor such as parsley, fennel, edible chrysanthemums, cilantro, basil, French sorrel, mint, dill, chives, onion and shisho (perilla). Tender greens are highly diverse in flavor, leaf size, shape and color, and include red cabbage, broccoli, spinach, beet (red), tatsoi, mitzuna, amaranth, chard, kale, corn salad, endive, chicory, celery, carrot and lettuce.

Hydroponic Production of Microgreens

Hydroponic microgreens have a distinct advantage over those grown in trays of substrates or soil mixes in that no granular growing medium needs to be used. The high sowing rate and density of microgreens means small particles of substrate can end up in the foliage and since microgreens are not usually washed after harvest, this poses a risk of crunchy grit ending up in the final dish. For this reason, hydroponic microgreens are best produced on a thin mat or capillary pad that holds the seed in place and retains some moisture for germination. Paper towel, hessian/burlap sheets, rockwool cubes or sheets, thin kitchen cloth and hydroponic microgreen pads can all be used to grow a clean, high-quality crop with little expense. Seeds that have been specifically produced and packaged for sprout or microgreen production should be obtained, which means the seed will have a low percentage of foreign matter, will not have been treated with fungicides or other chemicals and will have been well cleaned. 162

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Wheatgrass grown on specially designed microgreen pads is clean, hygienic and grit free.

This is particularly important when buying seeds for pea, corn or spinach microgreens, as the seeds from these species are often coated with fungicide. Seed companies have also introduced a range of specific microgreen cultivars that are a great improvement on standard varieties. Many of these feature intensely colored or modified first leaves, such as some of the radish microgreen species and those grown for pea shoots. Some microgreen varieties have seeds that are mucilaginous, meaning that once wetted, the seed forms a thick, gelatine-like layer that holds moisture. Cress and basil are examples of mucilaginous seed and these seed types should not be pre-soaked before sowing. Larger seeds such as wheatgrass, corn and peas may be pre-soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing, although this step is not essential.

“Micr ogr een s

originated in Ca lifornia, wher e innovative che fs started using them in n ew dishes to incorporate co lor, fl avor, texture and in terest.”

the micro revolution

nic “hydr opso are best

High seeding rates give maximum yield with microgreen species.

en microgre or a thin mat n o d e c u d pro s the that hold d pa y r a l capil so m e nd retains a e c a l p seed in n.” germinatio r o f e r u t mois

Hydroponic systems for microgreens can be as simple as a small, flat, hand-watered kitchen tray or as complex as an aeroponic or nutrient film technique system. Ideally, the growing system needs to have a flat, slightly sloping surface onto which the growing mat/pad paper or cloth can be laid out and wetted down. The microgreen seed should then be weighed out and sown onto the wetted surface as evenly as possible. Use of seed shakers assists with this process. The correct seeding density depends somewhat on the species being grown, but an approximate guide to seed sowing rate and yields are given below for the commercial production of hydroponic microgreens.

Large-scale production of hydroponic microgreens uses a high seeding density to maximize yields.

Once the cotyledons (seedling leaves) are visible and are starting to develop chlorophyll, the seedling will have exhausted the reserves contained in the seed. At this stage, the Microgreen seed sowing and yield rates young plant is starting to photosynthesize and produce its own assimilate and nutrient ions will be absorbed by the root system. A general purpose vegetative or Microgreen oz./sq. ft. dry seed Yields oz./sq. ft. Time to harvest (days)** seedling nutrient formulation is usually sufficient for microgreen production, but wheatgrass has Arugula 0.8 5.5 5 different nutritional requirements, including a Wheatgrass 11 26.2 21 higher EC level, for maximum harvest quality. EC levels are typically run at seedling strength Brassicas* 1.5 6 9 for microgreens (0.5 – 1.0 mS cm-1), although they may be adjusted for season in a similar way * Brassicas include red cabbage, broccoli and similar species ** Note: time to harvest is highly dependant on growing conditions such to lettuce and herb crops. There is some scope as temperature, light, humidity and nutrition. to manipulate growth of microgreens with use of EC—higher EC can be used to boost color development in red types during low winter light if necessary. As soon as the seeds germinate, microgreens require light Control of EC will also affect the shelf life of cut microgreens. and nutrients to produce the highest quality product. Seedlings grown on dilute solutions or in media with a high Artificial lighting doesn’t need to be intense and these young water-holding capacity can develop softer tissue and a higher seedlings produce well under propagation lamps provided rate of water loss post-harvest than those that have received a the lamps don’t produce too much heat, which may burn the higher EC and been slightly more hardened. tender young foliage. 164

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

the micro revolution

“As soon as the

seeds germin ate, microgreens require light and nutrients to produce th e highest quali ty product.” Microgreens are more developed than a sprout, but smaller than baby salad leaves. A combination of microgreens being grown on a kitchen tray and fed with hydroponic nutrients.

Nutrient solution needs to be applied regularly and carefully to developing microgreens to avoid flooding the microgreens and wetting the foliage, which encourages fungal diseases, and also to make sure fresh nutrient solution is flushed through the root zone, oxygenating and feeding the seedlings. Most hydroponic systems used for microgreens don’t use a continual flow of nutrient solution, but intermittent application, followed by a period of drainage with the growing mat/pad or substrate holding sufficient moisture around the roots between waterings.

Hygiene Considerations

Just as with sprout production, there are food safety requirements for microgreen production. Various fungal pathogens can develop and grow on sprouting seeds, particularly under the humid conditions and high densities microgreens are grown at, and these can pose a contamination risk. Generally, high-quality, viable seed, sown into a clean system at the correct temperature for germination and optimal moisture levels, will germinate rapidly with few problems. Disease outbreaks are more common when old seeds are used or when temperatures are either too hot or cold for rapid germination. Over-watering also poses a risk as seeds may begin to rot before germination can occur. The water supply needs to be high quality—water can carry human and plant pathogens that contaminate a crop, although the municipal water supply is treated to prevent this risk. There is an increasing concern and more regulations these days relating to food safety so commercial growers of microgreens need to be aware of the guidelines they must follow for fresh salad crops.

Harvesting

Cutting height is important, as high-quality microgreens need a good, clean portion of stem below the leaves, but should not be cut so low as to risk contamination with the growing media or material the seeds were sown into. This becomes particularly 166

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

important if a light, loose, granular media has been used for production, as particles can easily be picked up during the harvesting process and contaminate the product. Clean, sharp scissors are suitable for cutting microgreens on a small scale, while larger growers use mechanical harvesters. During warm growing weather, microgreens, just as with herbs and lettuce, are best harvested early in the day when the foliage is coolest and most turgid. This will prolong the shelf life of the packaged product. Some microgreens are shipped out to customers while still growing in trays or cells, prolonging shelf life and allowing on-site harvesting as required.

Problems with Microgreens

One of the most common problems seen in microgreen production is seedling rot and disease outbreaks caused by overwatering or high humidity levels, which create a saturated environment around the foliage. Good levels of air movement (such as portable fans in small areas) help prevent issues of root rot, fungal and bacterial pathogens taking hold in the dense canopy of succulent young leaves. Over-mature microgreens may become too tall and flop over, making harvesting extremely difficult, so this is a crop that must be cut at just the right stage. For the small-scale indoor gardener, microgreens are an ideal crop—fast, productive and requiring just a few inches of well-lit space, they can be easily grown on a warm, sunny windowsill, or incorporated into a high-tech hydroponic system. Their short shelf life makes them a good prospect for local markets and restaurants, as they are best used fresh within two or three days of harvest. Although there is a degree of skill required in growing these seedlings at high densities and maintaining post-harvest quality, the wide range of species, diversity of uses and growing popularity makes them a great proposition for hydroponic growers.

10 FACTS ON... silicon BY PHILIP MCINTOSH

1. 2.

When one refers to the role of “silica” in plant nutrition (if they do at all), it is with respect to the element silicon (Si), atomic number 14.

3. 5.

Neither metal nor non-metal, silicon is a metalloid and a semiconductor. It is a critical material in the manufacture of integrated circuits, microprocessors and other electronic devices.

But wait! Silicon is an essential element in one plant family, the Equisitaceae, the horsetail family.

Research indicates that silicon enhances disease resistance and improves plant vigor when included in a nutrient solution.

10. 168

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Soil-grown plants are exposed to silicon at about the same concentration as the essential plant elements, so it is somewhat surprising that they can get along with so little of it or none at all. Not everyone believes silicon isn’t an essential element for more plants than horsetails.

Silica is a compound of silicon and oxygen, a.k.a. silicon dioxide. Otherwise known as quartz, agate, flint and sand, silica is abundant in rocks and soil on Earth. But, silica is insoluble and plays no nutritional role in plants. Silicon, on the other hand…

Although silicon is not included in lists of essential plant elements, there is evidence of its beneficial effects.

7. 9.

There is hardly a soil-grown plant that does not contain an appreciable amount of silicon in its tissues (as much as several percent dry weight).

Adding silicon to a nutrient solution as potassium or sodium salts (silicates) or as silicic acid at a concentration of 100 to 150 ppm improves the growth of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and lettuce.

Perhaps silicon should be considered essential for rice and other grasses, since these species have difficulty standing without it.

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

169

you tell us

Josh Brazier, left and Travis Rypkema formed TNB Naturals Inc. about two years ago.

Tell us a little about how your company started.

The philosophy behind TNB Naturals Inc. is to develop safe, allnatural products that are highly effective and environmentally friendly. Co-owners Travis and Josh tell all about the company’s premier product—the Enhancer— and why they call it the most effective, all-natural CO2 in the industry. 172

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

The company, based in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, officially started about two years ago when Travis Rypkema, the creator of what is now known as the Enhancer, was looking to expand the product’s presence. He contacted Josh Brazier, an old friend from high school, who was engulfed in the business world and always looking to expand his portfolio. Josh: The two of us formed TNB Naturals Inc., invested in a website and started a guerilla-like marketing plan aimed at anyone and everyone who would listen. Travis: We made some major changes to the packaging and started advertising. This led to a serious increase in sales and the TNB name began to gain some attention in the industry.

How did you come up with the idea for the Enhancer CO2 Dispersal Canister? Josh: This product was developed for growers by growers, and as a result, we’re proud to say we haven’t come across another CO2 product capable of delivering the high ppms the Enhancer has become known for. Sunlight Supply recently conducted a test on the Enhancer in a 4 ft. by 4 ft. sealed chamber. They were shocked to see it reach 5,000 ppm after the first day. At that point they stopped the test to exhaust the room and add a fan. When we saw the results, we knew we really had something special. In a 12 ft. by 12 ft. by 8 ft. room, gardeners can expect to hit anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 ppm depending on their set-up. The idea was all Travis—he experimented for years until he discovered the perfect formula.

“ We haven’t come across another CO2 product capable of delivering the high ppms the Enhancer has become known for.”

Travis: I felt there was a major void in the market. Sure, there were a few options for natural CO2, but none that hit the level of CO2 a plant needs to really notice a difference. The Enhancer is activated when water is added and the bottle is shaken, and the ingredients cause a reaction that puts off high amounts of CO2.

How is it different than other CO2 products? Josh: The Enhancer is user-activated, whereas other products are activated before the consumer buys them. It works off natural photosynthesis and actually decreases the amount of CO2 at night or when the lights are off. This is crucial because, as it says in The Grower’s Handbook: “excess levels of CO2 during the lights-off period have been shown to be detrimental to yield.” Users know the CO2 will be at its maximum performance and gardeners don’t need to wonder how long the product has been on the shelf or how long it’s been putting off CO2. Travis: It’s a natural way of delivering CO2 to your grow space, is much safer than propane or natural gas burners and emits no heat. Aside from that, adding CO2 increases a grower’s final yield and improves the overall health of plants. One of the biggest selling features is the Enhancer’s three-year shelf life, whereas many other products have a much shorter shelf life because they are already activated.

Is the Enhancer an environmentally friendly product? Josh: The Enhancer is made from a combination of all-natural,

biodegradable ingredients and it’s packaged in a recyclable bottle. When we first started, we were actually using recycled bottles, but as demand increased, that option was no longer feasible. Things sure have changed, but we’ll never forget those days—we know where we started out and I think that really makes us appreciate where we are now.

Any new products coming down the line in the future? Josh: We have always told ourselves that TNB is going to become a major player in the world of indoor gardening and envisioned a product line of our own. We started with the Enhancer and had plants to release a second and third product shortly afterwards. But the ever-increasing demand for the Enhancer has resulted in a decision to prolong the release of any additional products and focus our efforts on bringing the Enhancer to gardens across the globe. That being said, we do plan to release a refill pack for the Enhancer sometime this year as well as a larger version of the product for those with bigger gardens.

How has the Enhancer been received in the United States so far? Travis: The Enhancer is gaining some serious attention in the US as consumers across the country are being

introduced to the product. We’re still fairly new to the scene, but our American wholesalers have been doing an amazing job. We’re now receiving calls and emails from retail stores and consumers on a daily basis and consistent, positive feedback from those who have tried the product. We always knew our biggest obstacle would be getting people to try the Enhancer and just like any other premium product, the results speak for themselves.

Any advice for beginner gardeners using your product? Josh: CO2 is one of the most important components of the growroom environment. Without adequate CO2 to process the light, water and nutrients, the light intended for your plants will literally bounce off of them. Travis: It is also important to remember that CO2 is heavier than air and will naturally sink to the ground. That being said, the Enhancer should be placed slightly above your plants and in front of an oscillating fan if one is available. This allows CO2to shower evenly over all the plants in your garden. Josh: Also, if growers are exhausting their rooms, the Enhancer should be placed as far away from the exhaust fan as possible, allowing plants to uptake the vast majority of the CO2 before it leaves the room. Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

173

MAX mART

176

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

177

maximumyield.com

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Go to maximumyield.com and fill out our Satisfaction Survey YOUR OPINION MATTERS TO US! Your input will help us continue to create an exciting and informative publication for the indoor gardening industry for years to come!

Complete Maximum Yield’s Reader Satisfaction Survey for your chance to win one of three $200 cash prizes to spend at your favorite indoor garden retail store! Thank you for helping us keep Maximum Yield the #1 Indoor Gardening Magazine IN THE WORLD!

178

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

maximumyield.com

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

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

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

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

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

Hydro Playground 4235 W. Ina Rd., Ste. 121 Tucson, AZ USA, 85741 520-395-2052 ---------------------------------------------Sea of Green Hydroponics 402 North 4th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-6344 Sea of Green Tuscon East 7955 E. Broadway Blvd., #151. Tucson, AZ 85710 520-751-7745 ----------------------------------------------

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

CALIFORNIA

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

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

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

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

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

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

180

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Bakersfield Hydroponics Bakersfield, CA 661-808-4640

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

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

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

The Greenhouse Garden Supply 7619 Fair Oak Blvd. Carmichael, CA 95608 916-515-9130 thegreenhousegardensupply.com ---------------------------------------------NorCal Creations PO Box 28 Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 ----------------------------------------------

Victory Garden Supply 1900 N Lincoln St., #100 Dixon, CA 95620 707-678-5800 Watch It Grow Hydro 9453 Firestone Blvd. Downey, CA USA 562-861-1928 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

East County Garden Depot 1529 North Cuyamaca St El Cajon, CA 92020 (619)270-8649 ---------------------------------------------Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego 1591 N. Cuyamaca St. El Cajon, CA 93612 619-749-6777 Indoor Garden Solution Inc. 12424 Exline St. El Monte, CA 91732 626-453-0443 Encinitas Hydroponics 463 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA 9202 Go Green Hydroponics 15721 Ventura Boulevard Encino, CA 91436 818-990-1198 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

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

Pacific Coast Hydroponics 4147 Sepulveda Boulevard Culver City, CA 90230 310-313-1354 Dr. Greenthumbs Hydroponic Garden Supplies 566 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Danville, CA 94526 925-314-9376 Constantly Growing - Davis 123 D St. Davis, CA 95616 530-756-4774 Central Valley Gardening 9884 Stephens St. Delhi, CA 95315 209-668-2178 Constantly Growing 6200 Enterprise Dr., Suite A Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-642-9710 Appleseed Hydroponics 6650 Merchandise Way, Suite B Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-622-5190

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dirt Cheap Hydroponics 17975 H Hwy. 1 Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-4211 Headlands Garden Supply 630 North Franklin St. Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-4447 Hydrogarden Mendocino County 1240 North Main St. Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-962-9252 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

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

Roots Grow Supply 1330 North Hulbert, #101 Fresno, CA 93728 559-840-0122 ---------------------------------------------North Side Garden Supply 4529 N. Marty, Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93722 559-495-1140

Zen Hydroponics 1801 Victory Blvd. Glendale, CA 91201 877 ZEN Grow; 818-806-4500 ---------------------------------------------Laid Back Gardens 340 Pine Avenue Goleta, CA 93117 805-845-2471 ----------------------------------------------

Emerald Garden 13325 South Hwy. 101 Hopland, CA 95482 707-744-8300 Surf City Hydroponics 7391 Warner Ave., Suite B Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-847-7900 Hydroluv Hydroponics 16582 Gothard St. Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-916-0428 Dutch Garden Supplies Park Circle, Suite 12 Irvine, CA 92614 949-748-8777 West Coast Hydroponics, Inc. 27665 Forbes Rd., Unit 10 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949-348-2424 Hydro Life Hydroponics 18109 E Valley Blvd. La Puente, CA 91744 626-581-8800 La Habra Hydroponics 1301 S Beach Blvd., Suite O La Habra, CA 90631 562-947-8383 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

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

SweetLeafHydro

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

AG Natural 403 Idaho Maryland Rd. Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-274 0990 ---------------------------------------------West Coast Growers Hydroponics 13481 Colifax Hwy. Grass Valley, CA 95945 888-924-4769 530 Hydo & Soil 10021 Wolf Rd. C-16 Grass Velley, CA 95949 Joy’s Green Garden Supply 340-A Elm Ave. Greenfield, CA 93927 831-674-1416 All Seasons Hydroponics 17614 Chatsworth St. Granada Hills, CA 91344 818-368-4388 Dirt Cheap Hydroponic 151 N 7th St. #4 Grover Beach, CA 93433 805-473-3478 Growers Choice Hydroponics 42089 Watkins St. Hayward, CA 94544 510-278-6200

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

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

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

Sweet Leaf Hydroponics 523 W Harney Ln #7 Lodi, CA USA, 95240 209-365-6100 ---------------------------------------------VIP Garden Supply 203 Commerce St., Suite 101 Lodi, CA 95240 209-339-9950 Valley Rock Landscape Supply 2222 N H St. Lompoc, CA 93436 805-736-0841; 805-735-5921 562 Hydro Shop 717 East Artesia Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90805 562-726-1101 ----------------------------------------------

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

Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics

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

Green Coast Hydroponics 16705 Roscoe Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 91406 818-672-8880 ----------------------------------------------

Green Coast Hydroponics 3865 Grand View Blvd. Los Angeles, CA90066 310-398-0700 ---------------------------------------------Green Door Hydro and Solar 830 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013 212-625-1323 Hardman Hydroponics 3511 Youree Dr., Shreveport Los Angeles, CA 71105 318-865-0317 Hollywood Hydroponics & Organics 5109 1/2 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105 323-662-1908 Hydroasis 2643 S. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90232 888-355-4769 LAX Hydro 10912 S. La Cienaga Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90304 310-337-6995 Nirvana Hydroponics 340 South San Pedro Los Angeles, CA 90013 310-795-2914 ----------------------------------------------

Sunland Hydroponics 4136 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90065 323-254-2800 ----------------------------------------------

Superior Hydroponic Supply 5651 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 323-465-grow (4769) ---------------------------------------------Green Giant Hydroponics 7183 Hwy. 49 Unit B Lotus, CA 95651 530-622-4465 Big Momma’s 11455 Clayton Creek Rd. Lower Lake, CA 95457 707-994-1788 California Green Hydroponics 16491 Rd., 26, Suite 101 Madera, CA 93638 559-674-1400 Grow 22333 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 101 Malibu, CA 90265 310-456-2910

Full Scale Soil & Hydro 2501 Business Park, Suite A Fresno, CA 93727 559 292 ROOT

M.G.S. 22540 D FoothillBlvd. Hayward, CA 94541 510-582-0900

Total Hydroponics Center Inc 4820 Paramount Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90712 562-984-GROW (4769) ----------------------------------------------

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

Deep Roots Garden Center & Flower Shop 207 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-376-0567

Valley Hydroponics 207 E. Sierra Ave. Fresno, CA 93710 559-449-0426

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

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

Atwater Hydroponics 3350 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-663-8881

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

1772 Clark Ave.

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

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

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

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

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

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

181

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors 247 Garden 1101 Monterey Pass Rd., Unit B Monterey Park, CA 91754 323-318-2600 South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View 569 East Evelyn Ave. Mountain View, CA 94041 650-968-4070 Murphys Hydroponics & Organics 785 Murphys Creek Rd., Suite C2 Murphys, CA 95247 209-728-8058 Redwood Garden Supply 55 Myers Ave. Myers Flat, CA 95554 707-943-1515 ----------------------------------------------

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

Vital Landscaping Inc. 204 Gold Flat Ct. #7 Nevada City, CA 95959 530-273-3187 ---------------------------------------------Big Momma’s 2581 Stokes Ave. Nice, CA 95464 707-274-8369 Foothill Hydroponics 10705 Burbank Blvd. N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-760-0688 One Stop Hydroponics 12822 Victory Blvd N. Hollywood, CA 91606 818-980-5855 Lumatek Digital Ballasts 33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite B Novato, CA 94949 415-233-4273 Marin Hydroponics 1219 Grant Ave. Novato, CA 94945 415-897-2197 Roots Grow Supply 40091 Enterprise Dr. Oakhurst, CA 93644 559-683-6622 3rd Street Hydroponics 692 4th St. Oakland, CA 94607 510-452-5521 ----------------------------------------------

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

182

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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

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

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

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

Socal Hydroponics 1727-B Oceanside Blvd. Oceanside, CA 92054 760-439-1084 Cultivate Ontario 2000 Grove Ave. #a110 Ontario, CA 91761 909-781-6142 Flairform 1751 S Pointe Ave. Ontario, CA 91761 213-596-8820 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

Igro Hydro 2280 Veatch St. Oroville, CA 95965 530-534-4476 ----------------------------------------------

Advanced Soil & Garden Supply 350 Oro Dam Blvd. Oroville, CA 95965 530-533-2747 ---------------------------------------------Orville Organic Gardens 5250 Olive Hwy., Suite 1 Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-9950 Amazon Garden Supply 29 Ridge View Lane Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-5054 Amazon Greenlight 521 Cal Oak Rd. Oroville, CA 95966 530-534-4769

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

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

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

Green Coast Hydroponics 496 Meats Ave. Orange, CA 92865 714-974-4769 ---------------------------------------------Greenback Garden Supply 9341 Greenback Ln., Suite C Orangevale, CA 95662 530-391-4329

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

New Leaf Hydro 34150 123rd St. Parablossom, CA 93553 661-944-2226 Alternative Hydro 3870 East, Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 888-50-HYDRO 365 Hydroponics 2062 Lincoln Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103 626-345-9015 Garden All Year Inc. 3850 Ramada Dr., Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-434-2333 Supersonic Hydroponic & Organic Garden Supply 3850 Ramada Dr., Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-434-2333 Foothills Hydrogarden 3133 Penryn Rd. Penryn, CA 95663 916-270-2413 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

Green Thumb Hydroponics 35 Quinta Court, Suite B Sacramento, CA 95823 916-689-6464

Dazey’s Supply 3082 Redwood Dr. Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3002 ----------------------------------------------

The Growbiz 3127 Fite Cir. Sacramento CA 95827 916 GROWBIZ ----------------------------------------------

Humboldt Hydroponics 2010 Tunnel Rd. Redway, CA 95560 707-923-1402 Redway Feed Garden & Pet Supply 290 Briceland Rd. Redway, CA 95560 707-923-2765

KY Wholesale 8671 Elder Creek Rd. #600 Sacramento, CA 95828 916-383-3366 ----------------------------------------------

Sylvandale Gardens 1151 Evergreen Rd. Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3606

Hydro City 8510 Morrison Creek Dr. Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95828 916-388-8333

Orsa Organix 111 Willow St. Redwood City, CA 94063 650-369-1269 ----------------------------------------------

J Street HydroGarden 2321 J St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-444-4473

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

Discount Hydroponics 4745 Hiers Ave. Riverside, CA 92505 877-476-9487 ---------------------------------------------Green Forest Hydro 570 E La Cadena Dr., Suite #1D Riverside, CA 92507 951-784-5733, Fax 951-704-4633 The Growbiz 4391 Granite Dr. Rocklin, CA 95677 916 GROWBIZ Hydro Depot 5665 Redwood Dr., #B Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-584-2384 Constantly Growing 1918 16th St. Sacramento, CA 95811 916-448-1882 Green Acres Hydroponics 1215 Striker Ave., Suite 180 Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-4394 Greenfire Sacramento 3230 Auburn Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95821 916-485-8023 Green Thumb Hydroponics 1537 Fulton Ave. Sacramento, CA 95825 916-934-2476

Mystic Gardens 8484 Florin Rd., #110 Sacramento, CA 95828 916-381-2464 Sac Hydroponics 9529 Folson Blvd., Suite C Sacramento, CA 95827 916-369-7968 Skywide Import & Export Ltd. 5900 Lemon Hill Ave. Sacramento, CA 95824 916-383-2369 Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies 1235 Striker Ave. #180 Sacramento, CA 95834 888-557-8896 Green Joint Ventures 61 Tarp Circle Salinas, CA 93901 831-998-8628 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

Green Gopher Garden Supply 679 Redwood Ave., Suite A Sand City, CA 93955 831-899-0203 ---------------------------------------------Best Coast Growers 4417 Glacier Ave., Suite C San Diego, CA 92120 800-827-1876 City Farmer’s Nursery 4832 Home Ave San Diego, CA 92105 619-284-6358 Home Brews & Gardens 3176 Thorn St. San Diego, CA 92104 619-630-2739 Indoor Garden Depot 1848 Commercial St. San Diego, CA 92113 619-255-3552 Innovative Growing Solutions (IGS) 5060 Santa Fe St., Suite D San Diego, CA 92109 858-578-4477 ----------------------------------------------

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

Grow Your Own Hydroponics & Organics - West 3401 Taraval St. san Francisco, CA 94116 415-731-2115 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Depot 2090 Cesar Chavez St. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-282-5200 The Hydroponic Connection Warehouse 1995 Evans Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-824-9376 The Hydroponic Connection San Francisco 1549 Custer Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-864-9376

Miramar Hydroponics & Organics 8952 Empire St. San Diego, CA 92126 858-549-8649 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose 1185 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 95128 408-292-4040 ---------------------------------------------Urban Gardens 1999 Monterey Rd. San Jose, CA 95125 408-298-8081 Beach Cities Hydroponics 33155 Camino Capistrano Unit F. San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949-493-4200 D&S Garden Supplies 17-130 Doolittle Dr. San Leandro, CA 94577 510-430-8589

Nor Cal Hydroponics 4837 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94118 415-933-8262

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

Plant It Earth Warehouse 1 Dorman Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-970-2465

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

San Francisco Hydro 123 Tenth St. San Francisco, CA 94103 Urban Gardens 1394 Lowrie St. San Francisco, CA 94080 650-588-5792 ----------------------------------------------

Mighty Garden Supply 4780 Mission Gorge Pl. #A-1 San Diego, CA 92120 619-287-3238 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

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

House of Hydroponics 732 W. Arrow Hwy. San Dimas, CA 91773 877-592-5111; 909-592-5111 ----------------------------------------------

Rasa Hydroponics 5725 Winfield Blvd., Suite 8 San Jose, CA 95123 408-227-7272 ----------------------------------------------

Liquid Gardens 1034 West Arrow Hwy. #D San Dimas, CA 91773 888-924-9376

Sunny Tool 580 Parrott St. San Jose, CA 95112 408-278-1800

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

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

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

Green Coast Hydroponics 135 Nogal Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93110 805-898-9922 ----------------------------------------------

Planet Earth Hydroponics 102 East Haley St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805-899-0033 ----------------------------------------------

Urban Grow Systems 204 N Quarantina St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805-637-6699 ---------------------------------------------Modern Gardens 26620 Valley Center Dr., Unit #104 Santa Clarita, CA 91351 661-513-4733 ----------------------------------------------

SCV Hydro 25845 Railroad Ave. # 5 & 6 Santa Clarita, CA USA, 91350 661-255-3700 ---------------------------------------------Hydro-Logic Purification Systems 370 Encinal St., Suite 150 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 888-H2O-LOGIC ----------------------------------------------

Sonoma Hydro LLC 3535 Industrial Dr., Suite B2-3 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-544-3383 ----------------------------------------------

Santa Rosa Hydroponics 4880 Sonoma Hwy. Santa Rosa, CA 707-595-1340 Santa Rosa Hydroponics 4130 S Moorland Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 707-584-9370 ---------------------------------------------Wyatt Supply 747 Yolanda Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-578-3747 Next Generation Hydroponics 10658 Prospect Ave., Suite A Santee, CA 92071 619-438 2415 Santee Hydroponics 7949 Mission Gorge Rd. Santee, CA 92071 619-270-8649 ---------------------------------------------Gardening Unlimited 60 Old El Pueblo Rd. Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-457-1236 ----------------------------------------------

Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - West Side 815 Almar Ave., Unit K Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-466-9000 ---------------------------------------------Hydrofarm Southwest 12991 Leffingwell Rd. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 800-634-9990 California Hydroponics 600 N. Broadway Santa Maria CA 93454 805-614-9376 Big Daddy Garden Supply 3236 Dutton Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-535-0996 Deep Roots Hydroponics 3715 Santa Rosa Ave. Suite A2 Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-540-0773 Garden Spout, The 1236 Briggs Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-528-3500 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

Deep Roots Hydroponics 2661 Gravenstein Hwy. S #E Sebastopol, CA 95472-8200 707-829-7668 Hydro Depot 6731 Sebastopol Ave. Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-829-1510 loom Brothers Garden Supply, Inc. 3293 Industry Dr. Signal Hill, CA 90755 562-494-0060 ----------------------------------------------

We Grow Hydroponics 3350 East Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93063 805-624-4566 ---------------------------------------------Green Universe Inc. 19618 8th St. E Sonoma, CA 95476 707-320-0554 Valley Hydro and Organics 19230 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma, CA 95476 707-396-8734 Motherlode Hydroponics and Organics 799 W Stockton St. Sonora, CA 95370 209-532-2022 ----------------------------------------------

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

Advanced Garden Supply 2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Building C, Unit 9 S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-4769 ---------------------------------------------Farm Hydroponics, The 1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3 S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-3276 East County Hydroponics 9903 Campo Rd. Spring Valley, CA 91977 619-825-5097 ----------------------------------------------

Orange County Hydroponics 12797 Beach Blvd. Stanton, CA 90680 714-893-9493 ----------------------------------------------

HomeGrown Indoor Garden Supply 681 A Grider Way Stockton, CA 95210 209-477-4447 ---------------------------------------------Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply 8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48 Stockton, CA 95210 209-951-3550 M&M Garden Supply 2509 West Lane, Suite B Stockton, CA 95205 209-939-0664 Pacific Ave Indoor Garden Supply 4633 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95207 209-955-0945 Hydroponics Depot 8712 Sunland Blvd. Sun Valley, CA 91352 818-771-0600 ----------------------------------------------

Sunland Hydroponics 8300 Foothill Blvd. Sunland, CA 91040 818-352-5300 ----------------------------------------------

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

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

Tahoe Garden Supply 645 Westlake Blvd., Suite 2 Tahoe City, CA 96145 530-581-3200 The Otherside Hydroponics 19425 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91356 818-881-HYDRO (4937)

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

183

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors ----------------------------------------------

Grass Roots Hydroponics 27250 Madison Ave. Suite C Temecula, CA 92590 951-296-1090 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponics 4 Less 41669 Winchester Ave. Temecula, CA 92590 800-A1-HYDRO Inland Empire Hydrogarden 28822 Old Town Front St. #206 Temecula, CA 92590 886-74-HYDRO 805 Hydroponics & Organics 1785 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805-494-1785 Green Thumb Lighting & Garden 1647 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Unit 5 Torrance, CA 90501 888-326-GROW Los Angeles Hydroponics & Organics 3007-3009 W. Artesia Blvd. Torrance, CA 90504 310-323-4937 Growers Choice Hydroponics 470 W. Larch Rd. #1 Tracy, CA 95304 209-833-1212 Tracy Hydroponics 543 W. Grant Line Tracy, CA 95376 209-207-9065 Anything Grows 10607 W. River St., Bldg. 3 Suite C Truckee, CA 96161 530-582-0479 Aloha Hydroponics 225 Lander Ave. Turlock, CA 95380 209-667-6653 Garden Depot Hydroponics 1460 Freitas Park Turlock, CA 95380 209-250-0101 Hooked Up Hydroponics 339 S. Golden State Blvd. Turlock, CA 95380 209-668-1300 Big Daddy Garden Supply 310 Mason St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-467-9234 Emerald Garden 307 East Perkins St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-463-2510 HydroPacific - Hydroponics & Garden Supplies 351 C Hastings Ave. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-467-0400 Northcoast Hydrogardens 3450 North State St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7214 Wyatt Supply 2200 N. State St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7473 TNC Supply 9490 Main St., P.O. Box 763 Upper Lake, CA 95485 707-275-9565

184

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

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

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

GreenWay Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90601 Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More 14626 East Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90605 562-945-0909 Garden Spout, The 260 Margie Dr. Willits, CA 95490 707-456-0196 ----------------------------------------------

Green Coast 16705 Roscoe Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-672-8880 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponics Market 15816 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-305-6261; 886-72-HYDRO Blazzin Hydroponics 6650 Cresent St. Ventura, CA 93003 805-644-9376 Kinney Nursery 4115 Rowles Rd. Vina, CA 96092 530-839-2196 The Green Shop 66420 Mooney Blvd., Suite 1 Visalia, CA 93277 559-688-4200 ----------------------------------------------

BWGS-CA 7530 W. Sunnyview Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 888-316-1306 ---------------------------------------------Kaweah Grower Supply 1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Way Visalia, CA 93293 559-625-4937 Greentrees Hydroponics Inc. 2581 Pioneer Ave., Unit D Vista, CA 92081 760-598-7551 Home Life Hydroponics and Organics 1745 East Vista Way Vista, CA 92084 760-643-2150 ----------------------------------------------

Specialty Garden Supply 7 Hangar Way, Suite B Watsonville, CA 95075 831-768-0420 ---------------------------------------------Evergreen Farm Feed & Garden 1131 Main St. Weaverville, CA 96093 530-623-2884 Art of Hydro 5740 Corsa Ave. #102 Westlake Village, CA 91362 818-865-2227 California Hydro Garden 1043 S. Glendora Ave., Suite A West Covina, CA 91790 626-813-0868

Jolly Rancher Hydroponics 399 Business Park Ctr., Suite 205 Windsor, CA 95492 707-838-0842 ---------------------------------------------Green Acres 20946 Victory Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Sparetime Supply 208 E. San Francisco Ave. Willits, CA 95490-4006 Farmer Browns Garden Supply 80 Country Club Rd. Willow Creek, CA 95573 530-629-3100 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 22516 Ventura Blvd

Way To Grow 6395 Gunpark Dr. Boulder, CO 80301 303-473-4769

Whetstone Garden Supply 300 Belleview Ave. Crested Butte, CO 81224 970-349-9666

Deep Roots Garden Supply 1790 Airport Rd., Unit 1 Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-1440

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

Mile High Hydroponics 37 Strong St. Brighton, CO 80601 303-637-0069 ----------------------------------------------

Global Organics & Hydroponics 11 N Broadway Cortez, CO 81321 970-564-8100

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

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

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

Woodland Hills, CA USA, 91364

818 876 0222 ---------------------------------------------Urban Gardens 22516 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818-876-0222 ----------------------------------------------

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

Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 ----------------------------------------------

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

COLORADO South Park Hydroponics 42 E Buckskin Rd. Alma, CO 80420 719-836-1533

No Stress Hydroponics 7543 Santa Monica Blvd. W. Hollywood, CA 90046 323-845-9874

Green Spot Garden Center & Antiques 711 State Ave. Alamosa, CO 81101 719-589-6362

Hydronation 2491 Boatman Dr., Suite B W. Sacramento, CA 95691 916-372-4444

The Hydro Store 6695 Wadsworth Blvd. #C Arvada, CO 80004 720-328-3746

Flower Hut Nursery 603 4th St. Wheatland, CA 95692 530-633-4526

The Grofax 25797 Conifer Rd. #A-8 Aspen Park, CO 80433 303-838-5520

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Aurora Hydroponic LLC 4250 S Chambers Rd. Aurora, CO 80014 303-400-6941 ----------------------------------------------

Black Dog LED 2885 Aurora Ave. #38 Boulder, CO 80303 720-420-1209 ---------------------------------------------Boulder Hydroponics 1630 N 63rd St. Boulder, CO 80301 303-415-0045 Candy Shop Hydroponics LLC 2740 Canyon Blvd. Boulder, CO 80302 303-444-3355 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 2125 32nd St. Boulder, CA USA, 80301 303 996 6100 ---------------------------------------------One Love Garden Supply 3620 Walnut St. Boulder, CO 80301 303-586-1715 Polar Ray 5171 Eldorado Springs Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 303-494-5773 Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 2125 32 St. Boulder, CO 80301 303-996-6100

ACME Hydroponics 300 Nickel St., Suite 3 Broomfield, CO 80020 720-524-7306 ---------------------------------------------Hydrofarm Mountain 400 Burbank St. Broomfield, CO 80020 800-634-9990 J&D Organic Growing Solutions 217 1/2 Clayton St. Brush, CO 80723 970-310-5408 BIG BloomZ 1011 Caprice Dr. Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-688-0599 Indoor Garden Warehouse 8100 S Akron St., Suite 322 Centennial, CO 80112 720-496-2110 Indoor Gardener, The 3225 I-70 Business Loop, Unit A10 Clifton, Co 81520 970-434-9999 Garden Tech 737 Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-278-9777 Grotools 2408 East Platte Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719-475-7699 Greenhouse Tech 917 East Fillmore Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-634-0637

Joy of Growing 1410 Valley View Dr. Delta, CO 81416 970-874-2550 ----------------------------------------------

BWGS-CO 11685 E. 55th Ave. Denver, CO 80239 888-316-1306 ----------------------------------------------

Chlorophyll 3801 Mariposa St. Denver, CO 80211 303-433-1155 ---------------------------------------------Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics 666 S. Buchtel Blvd. Denver, CO 80210 303-954-9919 Greenlight Garden Supply 7741 E Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80220 720-389-8320 The Grofax 7540 East Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80220 720-328-2127 The Grofax 755 South Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219 720-328-5164 The Grow Outlet 4272 Lowell Blvd. Denver, CO 80211 303-586-5543 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Grow Supply 644 Peterson Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-596-2600 Purple Mountain Hydroponics LLC 1530 S Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719-635-5859 Room To Grow LLC 422 South 8th St. Colorado Springs, CO 80905 719-633-8682 ----------------------------------------------

Roots and Rocks Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 1014 S. 21st St. Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719-634-1024 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 5275 Quebec St. Commerce City, CO 80022 720-222-0772 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Your Own 2118 S Bellaire St. Denver, CO 80222 303-990-1929 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Terra Corp 3893 Steele St. Denver, CO 80205 954-260-3377 HyGrow Indoor Gardening Supplies 6271 Beach St., Unit F Denver, CO 80221 303-396-1420 Indoor Paradise Denver 7100 N Broadway, Suite 3D & E Denver, CO 80221 303-428-5020 NoDo Urban Garden Supply 1330 27th St. Denver, CO 80205 303-296-3424 Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 1717 39th Ave. Denver, CO 80205 800-58-HYDRO

Grow Your Own 27051 Barkley Rd. Conifer, CO 80433 303-816-GROW (4769)

Ultimate Hydroponics & Organics 2380 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80210 303-282-0034

Happy Grow Lucky 11873 Springs Rd. Conifer, CO 80433 1-303-838-8700

Way To Grow 301 East 57th Ave. Denver, CO 80216 303-296-7900

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

Greeley Nutrients 700 11th Street Unit 101 Greeley, CO 80631 970-673-8302 Green Thumb Garden Supply Co. 2830 W 27th St. Greeley, CO 80634 970-506-1711

All Seasons Gardening 434 Turner Dr., Suite 2B Durango, CO 81303 970-385-4769 ---------------------------------------------Blue Sky Hydroponics 1301 Florida Road Unit C Durango, CO 81301 970-375-1238 DHL Garden Supply 178 Bodo Dr.Unit B Durango, Co 81303 970-247-1090 ----------------------------------------------

The Grow Shop LLC 1701 Greeley Mall Rd. Greeley, CO 80631 970-352-5447 ----------------------------------------------

Your Grow Bud 6801 South Emporia St., Suite 106 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 303-790-2211 ---------------------------------------------Green Gardens 133 E. Tomichi Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-1161

The Grow Store South 5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37, Englewood, CO 80110 303-738-0202 ---------------------------------------------Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 439 Edwards Access Rd Unit B101 Edwards, CO 81632 970-926-2100 Bath Nursery & Garden Center 2000 E. Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-484-5022 Gold Coast Hydroponics West 8101 S.W. Frontage Rd. Suite 300 Fort Collins, Co 80528 970-232-3220 The Grow Shop LLC 1711 S. College Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-484-1042 Indoor Paradise Hydroponics 309 S. Summit View, Unit 17, Fort Collins, CO 80524-1462 970-221-3751 Way To Grow 3201 E. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-484-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Shack, The 753 10 Mile Drive Frisco, CO 80443 970-668-0359 ---------------------------------------------Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 7800 Colorado 82 #203 Glenwood Springs, Co 81601 970-947-9551 Green Head Hydroponics 809 E. Jasper Court Granby, CO 80446 970-557-3031 ----------------------------------------------

Desert Bloom Hydroponics 445 Pitkin Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-245-6427 ----------------------------------------------

Grow in Peace 1241 Mine Rd. Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303-567-GROW GroWize 3225 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80227 303-986-2706 ----------------------------------------------

The Grow Store 8644 W. Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215 888-510-0350 ----------------------------------------------

MileHydro 355 S. Harlan St. Lakewood, CO 80226 303-935-4769 ---------------------------------------------Way to Grow 11989 West Colfax Ave. Lakewood, CO 80215 303-546-3600 The Flower Bin 1805 Nelson Rd. Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-3454 ----------------------------------------------

Victory Hydro Gardening 1387 E. South Boulder Rd. Louisville, CO, 80027 303-664-9376 ---------------------------------------------WarHammer Supply 1112 Munroe Ave. Loveland, CO 80537 970-635-2602 Colorado Hydroponics & Organics 2740 Commercial Way, Unit 1 Montrose, CO 81401 970-252-7450 Greener Mountain Indoor Gardening 20 Lakeview Dr., Unit 210 Nederland, CO 80466 303-258-7573 Grow in Peace 176 Hwy. 119 S. Nederland, CO 80466 303-258-3520 Grow Depot 1434 W. 104th Ave. Northglenn, CO 80234 303-459-7878

Four Corners Organics & Hydroponics LLC 68 Bastille Unit #3, PO Box 627 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 970-731-1685 ----------------------------------------------

Majestic Hydro-Gardening 860 Hwy. 105 Palmer Lake, CO 80133 719-481-0777 ---------------------------------------------Pueblo Hydroponicss and Organics - Downtown 113 W 4th St. Pueblo, CO 81003 719-542-6798 Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics- South 2704 S Prarie Ave., Suite C Pueblo, CO 81005 719-564-2660 Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics 609 E Enterprise Dr. Pueblo West, CO 81007 709-647-0907 Salida Hydroponic Supply 1242 C St., Salida, CO 81201 719-539-4000 Little Shop of Growers 2560 Copper Ridge Dr. Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 970-879-8577 Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics 7615 W.38th Ave., Suite B111 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-954-9897 Hydro Planet 5022 Kippling St. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-279-6090

CONNECTICUT

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

CT Home Grown 45 South Canterbury Rd. Canterbury, CT 06331 860-546-6161 ---------------------------------------------Grow Crazy 11 Berlin Rd., Unit 2 Cromwell, CT 06416 860-788-2519

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

Good To Grow 335 Westport Ave. Norwalk, CT 06851 203-956-5600 www.goodtogrowct.com ---------------------------------------------Grow with Us 10 Middle River Dr. Stafford Springs, CT 06076 860-684-1595

Delaware 1st State Seed And Garden Supply People’s Plaza Suite 950 Newark, DE 19702 302-834-0440 Sunny Day Organics 1867 Coastal Hwy. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19917 302-703-2538

FLORIDA Urban Sunshine 1420 E. Altamonte Dr. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 407-830-4769 Full Bloom Hydroponics 1489 W. Palmetto Boca Raton, FL 33486 888-725-4769 Best Hydro 4920 Lena Rd. Bradenton, FL 34211 941-756-1928

Gold Coast Hydroponics 4241 SW 71st Ave. Miami, FL 33155 1-800-780-6805

Florida Garden Supplies 2692 W 79 St. Hialeah, FL 33016 1-800-931-5215

Growing Garden Inc., The 12811 SW 42nd St. Miami, FL 33175 305-559-0309

---------------------------------------------Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North) 3642 South Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, FL 34448 352-628-2655 ----------------------------------------------

Grower’s Choice & Hydroponics 11855 North Main St. Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-683-4517 ----------------------------------------------

Growers Choice South 8535 Baymeadows Rd., Suite 13 Jacksonville, FL 32256 904-647-7156 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponics International Inc. 7029-10 Commonwealth Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32220 904-693-6554 Urban Organics & Hydroponics 5325 Fairmont St. Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-398-8012

Palm Coast Hydroponics 4490 N Hwy US1, Suite 108 Bunnell, FL 32110 386-246-4119

Simply Hydroponics & Organics 7949 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33773 727-531-5355

East Coast Hydroponics & Organics 461 Forrest Ave., Suite 105 Coca, FL 32922 321-243-6800

GrowSmart Indoor Garden Centers 14587 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561-429-3527

GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc. 5011 S State Rd. 7, Suite 104 Davie, FL 33314 954-316-8815 Absolute Hydroponic Garden Center Inc 336 North Boundary Ave. Deland, FL 32720 386-734-0696 Organic Grow Hut 2 780 Deltona Blvd. #107 Deltona, Fl 32725 1-888-574-GROW; 386-259-5777 ----------------------------------------------

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 775 Silver Lane E. Hartford, CT 06118 860-568-4067 LiquidSun® CT 10C South Main St. E. Windsor, CT 06088 860-254-5757 ----------------------------------------------

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

Biofloral 6250 NW 27th Way Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 877-735-6725 ---------------------------------------------Gold Coast Hydroponics 1539 SW 21st Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 1-800-780-7371

Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – West 14703 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561-296-8555 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 2975 West New Haven Ave. Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-0853 ---------------------------------------------Advanced Hydro Gardens 4960 NW 165 St., Suite B-4 Miami, FL 33014 305-474-4376 All Star Hydroponics Inc 8901 SW 129th St. Miami, FL 33176 800-842-8582 Blossoms Experience, The 7207 NW 54th St. Miami, FL 33166 866-452-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Rogue Hydroponics 160 Broadway Hamden, CT 06518 866-277-4432 ----------------------------------------------

Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies 13482 North Cleveland Ave. Fort Meyers, FL 33903 239-997-4769

Florida Garden Supplies 9545 Sunset Dr. Miami, FL 33173 800-931-5215 ----------------------------------------------

Organix Hydroponics 749 Saybrook Rd., (Tradewinds Plaza) Middletown, CT 06457 860-343-1923

Gator Hydroponics 4460 SW 35th Terrace, Suite 310 Gainesville, FL 32608 352-301-5383

Future Farms Inc., The 14291 SW 120th St., Suite 105 Miami, FL 33186 305-382-2757

VitaOrganix 7921 NW 67th St. Miami, FL 33166 786-845-8633 3D Hydroponics and Organics 7139 US Highway #19 New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-847-3491 ----------------------------------------------

Florida Garden Supplies 8442 Tradeport Dr., Unit 200 Orlando, FL 32827 ---------------------------------------------Urban Sunshine 6100 Hanging Moss Rd., Suite 50 Orlando, FL 32807 407-647-4769 Urban Sunshine 6142 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32809 407-859-7728 Vertical Food Growers 10964 Dearden Circle Orlando, FL 32817 407-671-4241 Green Winters Inc. 147 Tomoka Ave. Ormond Beach, FL 32174 386-235-8730; 800-931-5215 The Healthy Harvest Suite 126, 21113 Johnson St. Pembroke Pines, FL 33029 954-538-1511 ----------------------------------------------

Atlantis Hydroponics 8042 N. Palafox St., Suite C Pensacola, FL 32534 850-912-8796 ----------------------------------------------

Eden Garden Supply 3111 N. Davis Hwy. Pensacola, FL 32503 850-439-1299 ---------------------------------------------Healthy Gardens and Supply of Florida, Inc. 196 East Nine Mile Rd., Suite F Pensacola, FL 32534 850-912-4545 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 455 S. Andrews Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 877-649-3567 (Southeast) ---------------------------------------------Hydroponic Depot II 2395 S Tamiami Trail #19 Port Charlotte, FL 33952 941-255-3999 EZ Grow Green 604 S.W. Bayshore Blvd. Port St. Lucie, Fl 34983 772-807-7755 Urban Sunshine Organic & Hydroponic Gardening 2841 South Nove Rd., Suite 5 S. Daytona, FL 32119 386-236-9989; 386-492-6978

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

185

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors Avid Brew Company 1745 1st Ave S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-388-6756 Avid Brew Company 1745 1st Ave. S. St. ST. Petersberg, Fl 33712 727-388-6756 Mr. Nice Guy Hydroponics 1800 NW. Federal Hwy. Stuart, FL 34994 772-934-6785 Esposito Garden Center 2743 Capital Circle NE Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-386-2114 Evershine Hydroponics 1406 Capital Circle NE Unit #E Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-728-3382 Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center 8877 North 56th St. Tampa, FL 33617 813-514-9376 Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center 8707 Temple Terrace Hwy. Tampa, FL 33637 813-514-9376 Hydroponics of Tampa 120 W. Bougain Villea Tampa, FL 33612 813-333-6828 Schiro’s Barn-N-Garden Supplies Inc. 7812 Causeway Blvd. Tampa, FL 33619 813-626-0902 Stoney Hydro @ Schiro’s Barn-N-Garden Supplies 7812 Causeway Blvd. Tampa, FL 33619 813-626-0902 ----------------------------------------------

GEORGIA

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

Atlantis Hydroponics 1422 Woodmont Lane, #4 Atlanta, GA 30318 404-367-0052 ---------------------------------------------Flora Hydroponics Inc. 2475 Jefferson Rd., Suite 600 Athens, GA 30607 866-404-0551 Flora Hydroponics, Inc. 195 Paradise Blvd. Athens, GA 30607 800-470-6881 Atlantis Hydroponics 2561 West Point Ave. College Park, GA 30337 678-510-0032 Alpha Hydroponics and Garden Supply Inc. 3904 N Druid Hills Rd., Suite 247 Decatur, GA 30033 404-590-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Savannah Hydroponics & Organics 4107 Eighth St., Suite C Garden City, GA 31408 912-349-4030 ---------------------------------------------Atlantis Hydroponics 5182-B Brook Hollow Parkway Norcross, GA 30071 770-558-1346 Flora Hydroponics, Inc. 1239 Fowler St. North West Atlanta, GA 30318 404-532-0001

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

ILLINOIS

Worm’s Way Florida 4412 North 56th St. Tampa, FL 33610 800-283-9676; 813-621-1792 ---------------------------------------------Happy Planet Hydroponics 1179 E. Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352-253-1001 365 Hydroponics 13054 W Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-GROW(4769) Monkey Hydroponics 940 West Oakland Ave., Unit A1 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-574-8495 Cultivating Eden Hydroponic Supplies 946 18th Ave. SW Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-8880 ----------------------------------------------

Aqua Plant Hawaii / Kahala Hydroponics 4224 Wailae, Suite 1A Honolulu, HI 96816 808-735-8665 Green Hands of Aloha 1713 Mary St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-847-4263 Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply 300 Hukilike St. #2M, Kahalui, HI 96732 808-871-6393

Brew and Grow 181 Crossroads Parkway Bolingbrook, IL 60194 847-885-8282 Let it Grow - Carbondale West Main St. Carbondale, IL 62908 573-450-5401 Versaponics.COM Box 166 West Main St. Carbondale, IL 62901 573-450-5401 Alternative Garden Supply 615 Industrial Dr., Unit A Cary, IL 60013 800-444-2837 Brew and Grow 3625 N. Kedzi Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 773-463-7430 Brew and Grow 19 South Morgan St. Chicago, IL 60607 312-243-0005 ----------------------------------------------

Chicago Roots Hydroponics & Organics 4020 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60641 773-545-4020 ---------------------------------------------Fertile Ground 463 West MacArthur Dr. Cottage Hills, IL 62018 618-259-5500 ----------------------------------------------

Aiyah’s Garden 3-3122 Kuhio Hwy. Unit B-2 Lihue, HI 96766 808-245-2627

Grow Masters 4641 Old Grand Ave. Gurnee, IL 60031 224-399-9877

Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – East 968 North Congress Ave. W. Palm Beach, FL 33409 561-296-6161

186

Boise Hydroponics 614 North Orchard St. Boise, ID 83706 208-344-3053 Four Seasons Garden Supply 6218 Overland Rd. Boise, ID 83709 208-377-3030 Greenthumb Greenhouses 5895 Ensign Ave. Boise, ID 83714

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Big Grow Hydroponics 9225 Trinity Dr. Lake In The Hills, IL 60156 847-854-4450 Grow Big Hydroponics 7817 B North 2nd St. Manchesney Park, IL 61115 815-637-4769 Green Fields 8137 N. Milwaukee Niles, IL 60714 847-965-5056 Prairie House Garden Center 15151 South Harlem Ave. Orland, IL 60462 708-687-3131

KANSAS Kan-Grow Hydro Farm LLC 5555 S. Meridian Ave. Wichita, KS 67217 316-214-3022

KENTUCKY Autumn Bloom Alternative Indoor Gardening 1020 Derby St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-642-6943 ----------------------------------------------

GroUp Gardening 221 N. 5th St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-349-4407 ---------------------------------------------Grow Shop of Peoria 2621 N University Peoria, IL 61604 309-299-0953 ----------------------------------------------

Heartland Hydrogardens 7403 Broadway St. Quincy, IL 62305 217-214-GROW(4769) ---------------------------------------------Brew and Grow 3224 South Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61109 815-874-5700

Worm’s Way Indiana 7850 North State Rd. 37 Bloomington, IN 47404 800-598-8158 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Mail Order 7850 North State Rd. 37 Bloomington, IN 47404 800-274-9676 ---------------------------------------------Frogs Lilly Pad, The 706 Citation Rd. Carmel, IN 46032 317-846-4610 Hops & Harvest 4616 E. DuPont Rd., Suite Q Fort Wayne, IN 46825 260-918-3035 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 1336 East Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-780-8020 Magic Bulb Garden Center 6221 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-202-2852 ----------------------------------------------

Rock Valley Garden Center 785 N.Bell School Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 815-398-9419 Brew and Grow 359 W. Irving Park Rd. Unit E Roselle, IL 60172 630-894-4885 Organic Garden Center 9223 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL 60077 847-675-2722 ----------------------------------------------

Alternative Garden Supply Brew and Grow- Crystal Lake 176 W. Terra Cotta Ave. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-301-4940 ----------------------------------------------

Goldman’s Grow Shop 910 Greenwood Rd. Glenview, IL 60025 847-657-7250 ----------------------------------------------

IDAHO Florida Garden Supplies 8020 Belvedere Rd.,Unit 4 W. Palm Beach, FL 33411 800-931-5215 ----------------------------------------------

Midwest Hydroganics 20647 Renwick Rd. Crest Hill, IL 60403 815-838-0100 ----------------------------------------------

Aiyah’s Garden 4558 Kukui St. Kapa’a, HI 96746

Pahoa Feed & Fertilizer 15-2754 Old Government Rd. Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-9955

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

Aerogro 502 N Prospect, Suite 18 Bloomington, IL, 61704

HAWAII Eco-Island Supply 810 Haiku Rd., #394 Haiku, HI 96708 808-575-9171

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

Aerostar Global 824 South Kay Ave. Addison, IL 60101

Maximum Grow Gardening 6117 E Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-359-GROW (4769) ---------------------------------------------Next Generation Gardening & Hydroponics 6805 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-786-0066 One Stop Grow Shop 2326 E.44th St. Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-546-GROW ----------------------------------------------

Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 3427 Old Chatman Rd. Springfield, IL 62704 217-341-0821 Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 2110 North Grand Ave. Springfield, IL 62702 217-341-0821 ---------------------------------------------Water Works Indoor Gardening 1900 South Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62703 217-553-6929 Joe Dirt’s Organics & Hydroponics 760 Heartland Dr. Sugar Grove, IL 60554 630-466-8346

Garden Grove Organics 29 East 7th St. Covington (Cincinnati Metro), KY 41011 859-360-1843 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Kentucky 1360 Donaldson Hwy. Suite A Erlanger, KY 41018 800-669-2088 ---------------------------------------------Grow Shop, The of Lexington 2320 Palumbo Dr., Suite 130 Lexington, KY 40509 859-268-0779 Success Hydroponics Lexington, KY 4505 859-294-4769 Louisville Hydroponics 3471 Taylor Blvd. Louisville, KY 40215 502-366-4000 New Earth Garden Center 9810 Taylorsville Rd. Louisville, KY 40299 800-462-5953 Bluegrass Organic Grow Shop 125 Quinn Dr. Nicholasville, KY 40356 859-887-0677 Bluegrass Hydro Garden 13529 S. Dixie Hwy. Upton, KY 42784 270-369-9000

LOUISIANA Laughing Buddha Nursery 4516 Clearview Parkway Metairie, LA 70006 504-887-4336 Urban Organics 285 St. Claude Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 504-352-4709 Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics 201 Angus Dr. Yungsville, LA 70592 337-303-6146

MAINE

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

Maximum Grow Gardening 140 Frontage Rd. Suite D Lafayette, IN 47905 765-464-6689 ---------------------------------------------The Wine-N-Vine Inc. 1524 East McGalliard Rd. Muncie, IN 47303 765-282-3300 ----------------------------------------------

New England Garden Connection INC 141 Riverside Dr. Augusta, ME 04330 ----------------------------------------------

The Urban Garden Center 600 Wilson St. Brewer, ME 04412 207-989-2020 ----------------------------------------------

INDIANA

BWGS-IN 1400 Hancel Pkwy., Mooresville, IN 46158 800-316-1306 ----------------------------------------------

Sunleaves Garden Products 7854 North State Rd. 37 Bloomington, IN 47404 888-464-9676

Five Point Gardens 56555 Oak Rd. S. Bend, IN 46619 574-287-9232

Full Bloom Hydroponics 502 Wilton Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 207-860-2808 ----------------------------------------------

LiquidSun of Maine 51 West Gray Rd. Gray, ME 04039 207-657-8033

MARYLAND

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

Healthy Gardens and Supply 5001-F Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21214 443-708-5144

Full Bloom Hydroponics 502 Wilton Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 207-860-2808 ---------------------------------------------Natures Palate Indoor Garden Store 1321 Mercer Rd. (route 2) Mercer, ME 04957 877-587-4150; 207-587-4150 Newfield Farms 122 Water St. Newfield, ME 04095 207-956-3334 ----------------------------------------------

East Coast Organics 2800 Sisson St. Baltimore, MD 21211

Eco Greenworks 7814 Parston Dr. Forestville, MD 20747 301-278-7541 Maryland Hydroponics Inc. 10051 North 2nd St. Laurel, MD 20723 301-490-9236 Meadowview Feed & Garden Center 1202 Meadowview Rd. Pasadena, MD 21122 443-817-0018 ----------------------------------------------

Montgomery Hydroponics 8950 Brookville Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-588-1935 ---------------------------------------------Evergreen Garden Center 301 Forest Ave. Portland, ME 04101 207-761-2800 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 301 Forest Ave. Portland, ME USA, 04101 207-761-2800 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply Maine 178 Rand Rd. Portland, ME 04102 207-899-4387 ----------------------------------------------

The Urban Garden Center 659 Warren Ave. Portland, ME 04103 207-347-2350 ---------------------------------------------Here We Grow 30 Parsons St. Presque Isle, ME 04769 207-SOY-BEAN (769-2326) Green Thumb Indoor Gardening 19 Stage Rd. St. Albans, ME 04971 207-938-5909 New England Horticulture Supply 125 John Roberts Rd., Suite 1 S. Portland, ME 04106 207-899-0510 ----------------------------------------------

Purple Mountain Organics 100-7010 Westmoreland Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912 877-538-9901

MASSACHUSETTS Grow it Green 122 Pulaski Blvd. Bellingham, MA 02019 508-883-GROW Greenlife Garden Supply 481 Boston Rd., Unit 4 Billerica, MA 01821 978-262-9966 Mass Hydro 1753 Main St. Brockton, MA 02301 GYOstuff – Grow Your Own 2400 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02140 617-945-1654 Mass Hydro 390 Rhode Island Ave. Fall River MA 02721 704-GO-HYDRO Harvest Moon Hydroponics 29 Washington St., Route 1 Foxboro, MA 02035 800-660-6977 ----------------------------------------------

AG Natural 29 North St. Hyannis MA 02601 508-685-3976 Cape Cod Hydroponics 195 Ridgewood Ave. Hyannis, MA 02601 508-737-2555 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro 101 160 Winthrop Ave. Lawrence, MA USA, 01843 978 794 9376 ---------------------------------------------Indoor Garden Center 236 Mystic Ave. Medford, MA 02155 781-874-1693 ----------------------------------------------

Rootdown Hydroponics Indoor Garden Center 236 Mystic Ave. Medford, MA 01255 781-874-1693 ---------------------------------------------Green Path Garden Supply 276 West Main St. Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-4181 ----------------------------------------------

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

High Tech Garden Supply 560 Boston Turnpike (Route 9) Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-845-4477 ---------------------------------------------Nor’easter Organic Life 515 College Highway Unit J Southwick, MA 01077 413-998-3951 ----------------------------------------------

New England Hydroponics 15 D College Hwy. (Route 10) Southampton, MA 01073 888-529-9025 ---------------------------------------------Nor'easter Organic Life 515 College Highway Unit J Southwick, MA 01077 413-998-3951 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Massachusetts 121 Worc-Providence Turnpike Sutton, MA 01590 800-284-9676 ----------------------------------------------

Emerald City Indoor Gardening 51 Main St. Westminster, MA 01473 978-668-5393 ----------------------------------------------

LiquidSun East 12 Bay St. Unit 105 Wilmington, MA 01887 978-447-5442 ----------------------------------------------

Here We Grow 123 Russell St. (Route 9) Hadley, MA 01035 413-584-FARM (3276) ----------------------------------------------

The Urban Garden Center 235 Lewiston Rd. Topsham, ME 04086 207-373-0990 ----------------------------------------------

Perpetual Harvest 273 Hanover St. Route 139 Ste.14 Hanover Mas, MA USA, 02339 781 829 6900 ----------------------------------------------

Greenlife Garden Supply 611 US Route 1 York, ME 03909 207-363-0844

LiquidSun® MA 8 Lynwood Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040 413-539-6875

Mass Hydro 679 Washington St. S. Attlevoro, MA 02703 508-761-4937 ----------------------------------------------

Garden Supplies

Gro Blue Discount Hydro and Indoor Garden Supplies 4072 Packard Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-913-2750 ---------------------------------------------Grow Show, The 4095 Stone School Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-677-0009; 734-677-0509 HotHydro® 5245 Jackson Rd., Suite F Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-761-5040; 877-893-0716

Battle Creek Indoor Gardening 1125 E.Michigan Ave. Battle Creek MI 49014 269-282-0554 BIG Green Tomato 1775 E. Columbia Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49014 269-282-1593 Homelight Gardens 3471 S. Huron Rd. Bay City, MI 48706 989-922-0088

Evergreen Garden Center 216 Newbury St. Peabody, MA 01960 978-854-5541 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponics N More Garden Center 331 Centre Ave. Rockland, MA 02370 781-421-3356

U Can Grow Hydro 2247 W. Liberty Ann Arbor, MI 4810 734-369-3387 ----------------------------------------------

All Things Good and Green 501 E. Michigan Ave. Augusta, MI 49012 269-978-8550

MICHIGAN

New England Hydroponics 855 Worcester Rd. Route 9 Framingham, MA 01701 888-529-9025 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station 2734 Jackson Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-213-7740 ----------------------------------------------

Discount Hydro & Indoor

Grow Life Hydroponics 216 Newbury St. Peabody, MA USA, 01960 978 854 5541 ---------------------------------------------LiquidSun® RI 1179 Central Ave. Pawtucket, MA 02861 401-722-2724 ----------------------------------------------

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

Grow Supply Center 3131 Benzie Hwy. Benzonia, MI 49616 231-882-9270 J&L Growco 206 S. Michigan Ave. Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-1528 Hydro Vision 11820 Belleville Belleville, MI 48111 734-325-6210 One Stop Grow Shop Inc., The 397 Main St., Suite A. Belleville, MI 48111 734-325-7242 Let’s Grow It! 225 S. Michegan Ave Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-792-2775

Get Growing Urban Garden Centre 142 S. Main St. Adrian, MI 49221 517-920-4833 ---------------------------------------------Allegan Hydroponic Supply 1177 Lincoln Rd. Allegan, MI 49010 269-355-1595 ----------------------------------------------

Growers Outlet 7720 Clyde Park SW Byron Center, MI 49513 616-878-4444 Happy Harvesters Hydroponics 4410 South Saginaw St. Burton, MI 48529 810-496-3005 Hydroponic Gardening 4204 Davison Rd. Burton, MI 48505 810-406-3355 Two Guys and a Grow Shop 3374 Atherton Rd. Burton, MI 48509 810-820-4275 ----------------------------------------------

Tru Bloomz Hydroponics 1201 Fall River Ave. Seekonk, MA 02771 508-336-4443 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 6540 Allen Rd. Allen Park, MI 48101 313-383-1766 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #4 6199 Haggerty Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-668-6100 ----------------------------------------------

Caledonia Gardens 9750 Cherry Valley Ave. SE Caledonia Gardens, MI 49316 616-891-0706 Greenway Gardens 916 W 13th St. Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-7075 Indoor Grower’s Edge 8998 E. 34 Rd., Suite B Cadillac, MI 49601 231-468-3343 Easy Growing 5748 N. Canton Centre Rd. Canton, MI 48187 734-451-4500 Hydro Helper 6445 Canton Center Rd. Canton, MI 48187 734-354-3900 ----------------------------------------------

The Great Lakes Hydroponics Co. 5998 US.31 South Charlevoix, MI 49720 231-237-9153 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden 30504 23 Mile Rd. Chesterfield, MI 48047 586-741-8805 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station 3 Inc. 46912 Gratiot Chesterfield, MI 48051 586-949-7453 ---------------------------------------------Horti-Toad Hydroponic Supply 21323 Harper St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-944-0650 Hydro 411 411 West 5th St. Clare, MI 48617 989-941-4157 Michigan Hydro Depot 571 E. Chicago St., Suite B Coldwater, MI 49036 517-278-9600 All American Indoor Gardening Warehouse 11504 N. Saginaw Rd. Clio, MI 48420 810-640-1156 Clio Cultivation 11394 N.Saginaw Rd. Clio, MI 48420 810-686-4769 HydroMaster 36345 Grosebeck Hwy. Clinton Twp, MI 48035 586-792-0277 Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden 20560 Hall Rd. Clinton Township, MI 48038 586-263-5793 H2O Grow Supply 3364 Arent Ct. Coloma, MI 49038 269-468-3890 Lets Grow Hydroponics 1141 W Randall Coopersville, MI 49404 616-997-0420 Van Hydro 7480 N State Davison, MI 48423 810-653-8267

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

187

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors ----------------------------------------------

The Grow Station 5670 Telegraph Rd. Dearborn, MI 48127 313-406-5147; 800-797-4769 (GROW) ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #1 14455 Ford Rd. Dearborn, MI 48126 313-216-8888 ----------------------------------------------

Bay de Noc Hydroponic & Garden Supply 1501 Sheridan Rd. Escanaba, MI 49829 906-553-7006 Hydro Vision 495 Fenway Dr. Fenton, MI 810-714-1719 Green Thumb Garden Center 22963 Woodward Ave. Ferndale, MI 48220 248-439-1851 Urban Garden Supply 4516 Pasadena Ave. Flint, MI 48504 810-733-0420 Urban Garden Supply 3410 S. Dort Hwy. Flint, MI 48507 810-875-9580 Granny Green Thumbs 103 W. Grand River Flowerville, MI 48836 517-223-1302

Cultivation Station – Eastern Market, The 2518 Market St. Detroit, MI 48207 313-394-0441 ---------------------------------------------Growers R Us 19317 West Warren Detroit, MI 48228 313-633-1617 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #3 21651 W. 8 Mile Rd.(8 Mile & Lahser) Detroit, MI 48219 313-387-7700 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Heaven 73647 W 8th Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48235 313-861-0333; 877-823-2076 ----------------------------------------------

Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 ----------------------------------------------

Urban Gardening Center, The 2520 22nd St. Detroit, MI 48216 313-898-0200 ----------------------------------------------

Superior Growers Supply 4870 Dawn Ave. E. Lansing, MI 48823 517-332-2663 ---------------------------------------------Sunnyside Hydroponics 24930 Gratiot Ave. Eastpoint, MI 48021 586-777-2528 GroMart Indoor Gardening Solutions 68991 M-62 Suite Q Edwardsburg, MI 49112 269-414-4385 ----------------------------------------------

All Season Garden Supply 1501 Sheridan Rd. Escanaba, MI USA, 49829 906 553 7191 ----------------------------------------------

188

Indoor/Outdoor Garden Shop 105 N. Seymour Rd. Flushing, MI 48433 810-867-4351 ----------------------------------------------

The Grow Shop of Garden City 28505 Ford Rd. Garden City, MI 48135 734-956-5400 ----------------------------------------------

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 799 S. Wisconsin Ave. Gaylord, MI 49735 989-731-8800 ----------------------------------------------

Growco Garden Supply 1042 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 877-939-6900 NEW 2nd LOCATION! 4640 West River Dr. Comstock Park, MI 49321 ----------------------------------------------

Home Grown Hydroponix 5333 Plainfield, Suite C Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-2924 ----------------------------------------------

Horizen Hydroponics 1614 Leonard St., NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 866-791-1664 ---------------------------------------------Grand Rapids Hydroponics Inc. 524 Leonard St. Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-454-2500 ----------------------------------------------

Garden Doctor 2974 28th St. SW Grandville, MI 49418 616 530 2500 ---------------------------------------------Holland Hydroponic Outlet 604 N. Beacon Blvd. Grand Haven, MI 49423 616-847-1277

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

BSS Garden Supplies 8899 Peck Rd. Unit #2 Greenville, MI 48838 616-225-7000 It is Green Ville Gardens 11500 Morgan Mills Rd., NE Greenville, MI 48838 616-745-0500 ----------------------------------------------

Hydroharrys- HP 24047 Dequindre Rd. Hazel Park, MI 48030 248-541-0099 ---------------------------------------------Garden Doctor 2974 28th St. SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-530-2500 Holland Hydroponic Outlet 1220 Phoenix Rd. S. Haven, MI 49090 269-637-5941 Absolute Wholesale Garden Supply 3255 Highland Rd. Highland, MI 48357 248-714-6558 ----------------------------------------------

Flower Factory, The 2223 East Highland Rd. Highland, MI 48356 248-714-9292 ---------------------------------------------Holland Hydroponic Outlet 587-40 East 8th St. Holland, MI 49423 616-298-7395

Grow Maxx 1220 S. Stephenson Ave. Iron Mountain, MI 49801 920-447-2211 Hydro Magic 595 South Cedar St. Imlay City, MI 48444 810-721-7232 Ionia Hydroponics & Indoor Garden Supply 2555 N. State(M-66) Rd. Ionia, MI 48846 616-523-6111 Hydrocapitol 258 Cooper St. Jackson, MI 49201 517-795-2633 Mighty Grow 2418 West Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202 517-962-4822 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 1745 West Main St. Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-978-8697 ----------------------------------------------

Horizen Hydroponics 4646 W. Main St. Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-567-3333 ----------------------------------------------

Mr. Grow it All 6660 Blair Lane Holland, MI 49424 616-392-3028 Hydro Grow Room 15201 N. Holly Rd., Unit B Holly MI, 48430 248-369-8333 Holland Hydroponic Outlet 1220 Phoenix Rd. S. Haven, MI 49090 269-637-5941 ----------------------------------------------

HGR Garden Supply 15231 N. Holly Rd. Holly, MI 48442 248-369-8333 ---------------------------------------------J&W Farm & Garden Center 10906 Main St. Honor, MI 49640 231-325-3433 ----------------------------------------------

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 705 S. Loxley Houghton Lake, MI 48629 989-422-2800 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Vision 1247 E. Grand River Howell, MI 48843 517-552-4965 Grow Fast Gardens 5015 South Straits Hwy. Indian River, MI 49749 231-238-4113 ---------------------------------------------Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply W. 8065 US Highway 2 Iron Mountain, MI 49801 906-828-2000 ----------------------------------------------

Kalamazoo Indoor Garden 450 W. Maple Kalamazoo, MI 49001 269-344-2550 ---------------------------------------------Plainwell Indoor/Outdoor Garden Center 8201 Douglas Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49009 269-532-1167 Zoo City Grower Supply 3514 S. Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-903-2450 Halms Hydro 2368 S. Huron Rd. Kawkawklin, MI 48631 989-402-1296 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 2815 East Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 517-580-0555 ---------------------------------------------Howz It Growing 1290 S. Lapeer Rd. Lake Orion, MI 48360 248-693-5747 Capital City Growers 2208 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 517-853-9988 ----------------------------------------------

Horizen Hydroponics 5425 W. Saginaw Hwy Lansing, MI 48917 517-323-ROOT ----------------------------------------------

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

Superior Growers Supply Inc. 3928 West Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, MI 48917 517-327-1900 ---------------------------------------------H2O Hydroponics 5210 W. Saginaw Hwy Lansing, MI 48917 517-703-8120

Big Blue Hydroponics 590 Ottawa St. Muskegon, MI 49441 231-571-9400 Growing Consultant Hydroponics & Things 2260 Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 231-773-5600 ----------------------------------------------

Edenz Hydro 560 Oak St. Lapeer, MI 48446 248-291-6691 Howz It Growing 700 Main St. Suite 101B Lapeer, MI 48446 810-245-8687 Two Guys and a Grow Shop 11917 E. Lennon Rd. Lennon, MI 48449 810-621-3790 ----------------------------------------------

Superior Growers Supply Inc. 292200 Seven Mile West Livonia, MI 48152 248-473-0450 ---------------------------------------------The Barefoot Gardener 11635 Fulton St. Suite 300B Lowell, MI 49331 616-987-3457 Plant Paradise 4593 W. US 10 Ludington, MI 49431 231-843-3000 Edenz Hydro 1411 West 14 Mile Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-291-6691 Northern Lights Hydroponic & Garden Supply 29090 Campbell Rd. Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-439-6269 Hypnotic Hydroponics 321 Deer St. Manistique, MI 49854 906- 341-GROW BIg Creek Hydroponics 555 Old Little Lake Rd. Marquette, MI 49855 906-249-5297 Sweet Greens Hydroponics 113 Fifth St. Michigan Center, MI 49254 517-764-9232 Stealth Hydro 14630 King Dr. Milan, MI 48160 734-961-4333 ----------------------------------------------

The Grow Shop 2609 Telegraph Rd. Monroe, MI 48162 734-384-4769 ---------------------------------------------Cedar Garden Wholesale 132 North Bound Gratiot Mt. Clements, MI 48043 586-738-0030 Cedar Garden Wholesale 132 North Bound Gratiot Mt. Clements, MI 48043 586-738-0030 Green Grow LLC 9046 N. Dort Mt. Morris, MI 48458 810-687-9500 Indoor Grower’s Edge 2410 S. Leaton Suite 5 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-317-0944 Sunshine Supply Co. 5800 East Pickard St. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-775-3700

Green Lantern H2O 1383 E. Laketon Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 231-722-0420 ----------------------------------------------

Third Coast Horticulture Supply 1965 Holton Rd Muskegon, MI 49445 231-288-1762 ---------------------------------------------Harbor Country Hydro 17648 US Highway 12 New Buffalo, MI 49117 269-469-2242 ----------------------------------------------

Flo-N-Grow Hydroponics Co. 214 North 2nd St. Niles, MI 49120 269-683-1877 ----------------------------------------------

HGR Garden Supply 200 E. Main St. Owosso, MI 48867 989-472-4999 ---------------------------------------------Owlyn Solutions for Growers 2398 Jolly Rd., Suite 300 Okemos, MI 48864 517-203-5070 Watch it Grow Hydroponics 407 W. Center St. Omer, MI 48749 989-653-2141 Happy Harvesters Hydroponics 1772 S. Ortonville Dr. Ortonville, MI 48462 248-793-3357 Healthy Harvest Garden Supply 233 South State St. Oscoda, MI 48750 989-569-3006 Hydro Grow Source 10609 East Lovejoy Perry, MI 48872 517-376-8583 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #5 290 S. Telegraph Pontiac, MI 48341 248-706-7600 ---------------------------------------------Super Grow 288 W. Montcalm Pontiac, MI 48342 248-24SUPER (78737) Green Earth Hydroponics 8127 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 269-342-4190

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

---------------------------------------------\

Hydroponics Highway Inc. 2708 14th Ave. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-982-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Ultra Green Hydroponics 9300 Telegraph Rd. Redford, MI 48239 313-534-9377 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Vision 66783 Gratiot Ave. Richmond, MI 48062 586-430-1956 ----------------------------------------------

Garden Wise 16010 King Rd. Riverview MI 48193 734-225-6414 ---------------------------------------------Happy Gardening 20840 Telegraph Rd. Romulus, MI 48174 734-486-4115 ----------------------------------------------

Growers Edge 175 Marcell Dr. Rockford, MI 49341 ----------------------------------------------

Green Thumb Hydroponics & Organic Indoor Supply 8460 Algoma, Suite G Rockford, MI 49341 616-884-5500 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 28000 Groesbeck Hwy. Roseville, MI 48066 586-435-2335 ---------------------------------------------Plant Paradise 7657 Michigan Ave. Rothbury, MI 49452 231-843-3000 GrowMart 2137 Warwick St. Saginaw, MI 48603 989-799-6330 Home Grown Hydroponics 4880 Gratiot Rd., Suite # 2 Saginaw, MI 48638 989-781-1930 Third Coast Garden Supply LLC 2327 Auburn Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48195 586-997-2700 ----------------------------------------------

Superior Growers Supply, Inc. 5716 South Pennsylvania Ave. S. Lansing, MI 48911 517-393-1600 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 23529 Little Mack Ave. St. Clair, MI 48080 586-775-9485 _______________________ Horti-Toad Hydroponic Supply 21323 Harper St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-944-0650 Advanced Hydroponic Growers 705 N. US 27 St.Johns, MI 48879 989-227-0408 Hydro City LLC 34863 Schoenherr Sterling Heights, MI 48312 586-883-9075 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Giant #2 19363 Eureka Rd. Southgate, MI 48195 734-281-8888 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 7889 Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI 48180 313-908-7554 ---------------------------------------------Hydro Grow, The 8210 Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI 48180 313-633-0641 Cultivation Innovations 6652 Lewis Ave. Suite 7 Temperance, MI 48182 419-725-4769 Great Lakes Green Horticultural Supply 757 S. U.S. Highway 131 Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-278-130 Grow Depot 9 North Main St. Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-273-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Woodland Shore Garden Center 956 W. South Airport Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686 231-421-5901

G.C. II 1006 E. Colby St., Suite A Whitehall, MI 49417 231-893-2400 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Vision 1910 West Rd. Trenton, MI 48183 734-301-3745 Hydro Pro’s Indoor Garden 45410 Van Dyke Ave. Utica, MI 48317 586-803-0966 Forever Green 340 S. Main St. Vassar, MI 48768 989-882-9177 H2 Hydro 702 N. Pontiac Trail Walled Lake, MI 48390 248-669-6063 ----------------------------------------------

Midwest Hydroponics 5825 Excelsior Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416 888-449-2739 ---------------------------------------------Indoor Eden 9281 East-M 36 Whitmore, MI 48189 810-355-1465 ---------------------------------------------AAA Hydroponics LLC 22 50th St. Wyoming, MI 49504 616-249-8338 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Store, The 90 N U.S. Highway 31 South Traverse City, MI 49685-7923 231-421-5191 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 720 South Garfield Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686 231-668-6913 ----------------------------------------------

Eco Garden Supply 800 Transfer Door 25 in rear St. Paul, MN 55114 651-647-1896

MISSISSIPPI Urban Organics 2217 E Canal St. Picayune, MS 39466 504-352-4709

MISSOURI Hydroharrys – WL 1138 E. West Maple Rd. Walled Lake, MI 48390 248-896-0099 ---------------------------------------------Greco’s Nursery & Garden Supplies 12219 E. 11 Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48093 586-759-1335 Hydro King Indoor Garden Supply 32000 Van Dyke Ave. Warren, MI 48093 586-939-0518 ----------------------------------------------

Cultivation Station – Grand Rapids, The 4907 S. Division Ave. Wyoming, MI 49548 616-855-4440 ----------------------------------------------

Stealth Hydro 15 E. Cross St. Ypsilanti, MI 48198 866-998-1916 ----------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA The Grow Stop 7380 Highland Rd. Waterford, MI 48327 248-599-9231 ---------------------------------------------Indoor Garden Superstore 2570 Dixie Hwy. Waterford, MI 48328 248-673-2200; 877-22-HYDRO

Duluth Hydroponics 26 W 1st St. Duluth, MN 55802 218-341-7253 The Interior Tomato, LLC 519 N. Central Ave. Duluth, MN 55087 218-260-5167 ----------------------------------------------

Versaponics LTD 879 South Kingshighway Cape Girardeau, Mo 63703 573-450-5401 ----------------------------------------------

Light Green Water 3661 Highland Rd. Waterford, MI 48329 248-681-0001 Bubonic Hydroponics 38540 Michigan Ave. Wayne, MI 48184 734-331-2316 ----------------------------------------------

Hydrospot 34236 Michigan Ave. Wayne, MI 48184 734-722-1285 ---------------------------------------------B&B Hydro Supply 28974 Warren Rd. Westland, MI 48185 734-469-2805 ----------------------------------------------

Ultra Green Hydroponics 8067 N. Wayne Rd. Westland, MI 48185 734-425-1000 ----------------------------------------------

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

Butteopia 127 Main St. Butte, MT 59701 1-406-782-8476 ---------------------------------------------Alpengrow Nursery Supplies 238 Highway 93 S. Eureka, MT 59917 406-882-4496 Big Sky Garden Supply 528 West Idaho Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-1465 Box of Rain INC 860 North Meridian Rd., Suite B #19&20 Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-RAIN (7246) Cornucopia Grow Your Own 127 Stoner Creek Rd. Lakeside, MT 59922 406-709-1076 Dr. Green Thumbs 1106 West Park Livingston, MT 59047 406-222-7440

Heartland Hydrogardens 705 Vandiver Dr., Suite G Columbia, MO 65202 573-474-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Bizzy Beez LLP 5785 Highway 93 South Whitefish, MT 59937 406-863-9937

NEBRASKA

Advanced Garden Supply 901 Missouri Blvd., Suite C Jeffeson City, MO 65109 573-635-7878

Bodhi Organic Garden Supply 1438 S1 St., Suite 6 Lincoln, NE 68502 402-438-6785

Grow Your Own Hydroponics 3617 Saint John Ave. Kansas City, MO 64123 816-241-2122

Patio-Ponics 3255 Cornhusker Hwy., Suite 4 Lincoln, NE 68504 402-466-9218 ----------------------------------------------

U-Grow 1724 North, 13th St. St. Louis, MO 63106 314-452-6368 ----------------------------------------------

Happy Harvesters Hydroponics 5720 Highland Rd. Waterford, MI 48327 248-599-9761

Paradigm Gardens 8949 J St., Suite 5 Omaha, NE 68127 402-339-4949 ----------------------------------------------

NEVADA Indoor Gardening 10 NE 3rd St. Faribault, MN 55021 507-209-1546 ----------------------------------------------

Worm’s Way Missouri 1225 North Warson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63132 800-285-9676 ----------------------------------------------

Brew and Grow 8302 Highway 65 NE. Minneapolis, MN 55432 763-780-8191 Interior Gardens 115 -1620 Central Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 800-498-4178; 612-870-9077

Cultivation Station 1990 US-31 N. Suite C Traverse City, MI 49686 231-421-8118 ----------------------------------------------

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

Eden Indoor Organic Gardens 831 Highway 75 N. Moorhead, MN 56560 218-477-EDEN (3336) ----------------------------------------------

American Garden Supply 601-6th Ave. N. Princeton, MN 55371 763-631-0543 ---------------------------------------------Still-H2O Inc. 1266 Frontage Road W Stillwater, MN 55082 651-351-2822

Carson Valley Hydroponics 2520 Empire Ranch Rd. Carson City, NV 89701 775-884-4769 Lorraine Indoor Gardens 290 Spear Court Fernley, NV 89408 775-575-7757 Hydro Store, The 1014 W. Sunset Rd. Henderson, NV 89014 702-434-7365

Green Thumb Organics 5911 Veterns Memorial Hwy. St. Peters, MO 63376 636-397-4769 ----------------------------------------------

MONTANA Heightened Harvests 3103 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 406-494-4222 One World – Life Products 906 Broadwater Billings, MT 59101 406-839-9969 Heightened Harvest 1415 S 32nd St. West Billings, MT 59102 406-656-1156

AAA Indoor Organic Garden SuperCenter 2101 S. Decatur Blvd. #21 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-450-4769 Advanced Gardens Hydroponics 7850 Dean Martin Dr., Suite 506 Las Vegas, NV 89139 702-247-4769 All American Hydroponics 2675 East Patrick Lane, Unit 8 Las Vegas, NV 89120 702-894-9888 Best Hydroponic Supply 6818 W Cheyenne Las Vegas, NV 89108 702-750-9300 Grow Hydro Gardens 5870 S. Decatur, Suite 11 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-997-7053; Toll Free 866568-4769

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

189

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors Hydro Store, The 7145 W. Ann Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89130 702-434-9376 Nevada Hydroponics 4700B Maryland, Suite 1 Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-798-2852 Anything Grows 190 West Moana Lane Reno, NV 89509 775-828-1460

NEW MEXICO

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

AHL Year Round Garden Supply 1051 San Mateo Blvd. S. Albuquerque, NM 87108 505-255-3677 ----------------------------------------------

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Bklyn Hydro & Garden 316 McGuiness Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11222 718-383-0095

KG Garden Supply 4575 Commercial Dr. New Hartford, NY 13413 877-KG-HYDRO

Brooklyn Farms 51 Hicks St. Brooklyn, NY 11231 347-725-3491

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 217 Route 32 N. New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-3633 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Outdoor Gardener 8223 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-836-2402 ----------------------------------------------

Everything Green Hydroponics Reno, Nv 89533 The Hydro Store 121 Woodland Ave #160 Reno, NV 89523 775-787-2760

All Seasons Gardening 3600 Osuna Rd., Suite 406 Alburquerque, NM 87109 505-508-4292 ----------------------------------------------

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Common Shaman 1319 San Mateo N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-255-6463

The Beez Kneez Garden Supply 180 Emerald St. Keene, NH 03431 603-903-1488 Greenlife Garden Supply 885 Second St. Manchester, NH 03102 603-782-8233 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro101 545 Hooksett Rd. #24 Manchester, NH 03104 603-782-8894 ---------------------------------------------Natural Roots Hydroponics 24 Crown St. Nashua, NH 03060 603-204-5528 Four Seasons Horticulture Supply 2076 White Mountain Hwy. N. Conway, NH 03860 603-733-5444 ----------------------------------------------

Grow Life Hydroponics 13 Plaistow Rd Plaistow, NH USA, 03865 603 974 2205 ----------------------------------------------

NEW JERSEY Garden State Hydroponics 511 Avenel St. Avenel, NJ 07001 888-300-8711 Boyer Indoor Gardening 57 Crescent Blvd. Gloucester City, NJ 08030 856-456-5000 Bergen County Hydroponics 70 Essex St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-2001 Garden Indoors of New Jersey 600 Meadowlands Pkwy., Suite 25 Secaucus, NJ 07094 201-865-1616 East Coast Horticultural Supply 1652 Hurffville Rd. Sewell, NJ 08080 856-228-5290 77HYDRO 37 Fairfield Pl. W. Caldwell, NJ 07006 877-774-9376 Claraqua 4 Redwood Court W. Windsor, NJ 08550

190

Heavy’s Grow Supply 1325 San Mateo Blvd. NE. Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-315-4573 Dr. Green Hydroponics 129 E. Idaho Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88005 575-524-6751 ----------------------------------------------

All Seasons Gardening 1228 Parkway, Suite E. Sante Fe, NM 87507 505-438-GROW ---------------------------------------------New Mexico Hydroponics 923 W. Almeada Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-316-5855 Santa Fe Hydroponics 851 W. San Mateo Rd., Suite 4 Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-467-8454 Earthgoods 120 Bertha Taos, NM 87571 (575) 758-9131

NEW YORK Organica: Garden Supply & Hydroponics 296 Delaware Ave. Albany, NY 12209 518-618-7666 ----------------------------------------------

Green Zone Hydroponics 2850 Niagara Falls Blvd. amherst, NY 14228 716-693-9663 ---------------------------------------------The Grow Room 32-32 49th St. Astoria, NY 11103 718-218-GROW (4769) ----------------------------------------------

Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 19 Front St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-2005; 800-850-4769 ---------------------------------------------The Grape Vine 4020 Hempstead Turnpike Bethpage, NY 11714 516-731-1100 Bronx Hydro & Garden 39 Bruckner Blvd. Bronx, NY 10454 718-993-3787

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Buffalo Roots Hydroponics and Organics 3231 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14214 716-240-9075 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponics of Buffalo 1497 Hertel Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216 716-838-3545

The Green Box 495 9th Ave. New York, NY 10018 212-967-4777 thegreenboxhydro.com ---------------------------------------------Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics 2045 Niagara Falls Blvd., Suite 13 Niagara Falls, NY 14304 888-GROWBOX

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 340 West at 59 Central Nyack, NY 10960

The Grow Room 8 Bridge St. Nyack, NY 10960 800-449-9630

California Hydroponics 27 Corporate Circle E. Syracuse, NY 13057 315-432-9387

Revolution Hydroponics 309 West State St. Olean, NY 14760 716-373-GROW (4769)

Upstate Hydroponics 2026 Lake Rd., Unit B Elmira, NY 14903 607-483-9199 ---------------------------------------------FutureGarden Inc. 59 Central Ave. Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-420-0884 ---------------------------------------------Sunflower Supplies, LLC 176-18 Central Ave. Farmingdale, NY 11735 631-651-8281

Mor Gro Hydroponics 5680 State Route 104 E Oswego, NY 13126 315-877-8725 Environmental Gardens 8 John Walsh Blvd., Suite 310 Peekskills, NY 10566 800-254-0507; 914-736-6676 Harvest Moon Hydroponics Henrietta Townline Plaza 3047 West Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623 716-865-7353 ----------------------------------------------

East Coast Hydroponics 14649 Horace Harding Exp. Flushing, NY 11367 718-762-8880 Healthy Harvest Organics & Hydro 163 Broadway Fort Edwart, NY 12828 518-480-4698 ----------------------------------------------

Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 10 Saratoga Ave. S. Glen Falls, NY 12803 518-798-820 ---------------------------------------------Hydroponic Shops of America 2568 Western Ave. Guilderland, NY 12009 518-355-1503 Hydroponic Shops of America 720 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850 607-697-0199 Greentree Garden Supply 606 Elmira Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-3666 Mike’s Nursery & Grower Supplies 199 E. Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750 716-763-1612 Crossroads Hydroponics and Organics 181 South Plank Rd. (Route 52) Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-4769

Hydro Garden Center 1069B Lyell Ave. Rochester, NY 14606 1-800-277-1322 ---------------------------------------------Sunset Hydroponics & Home Brewing 1590 West Ridge Rd. Rochester, NY 14615 866-395-9204 Hydroponic Garden Centers Inc 146 49 Horace Harding Exp. Rushing, NY 11367 718-762-8880 LiquidSun of New York 1702 Fiero Ave. Rotterdam, NY 12150 518-952-4654 Hydroponics Shops of America 2606 Erie Blvd. Syracuse, NY 13224 315-251-2516 Green Zone Hydroponics 2928 Southwestern Blvd. Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-677-9663

NORTH CAROLINA Advanced Hydroponic Garden 55 Shiloh Rd. #6 Asheville, NC 28803 1-828-277-3488 Fifth Season Gardening Company 21 B Westside Dr. Asheville, NC 28806 828-225-5007 Fifth Season Gardening Company 45 Banks Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 828-253-4112 Fifth Season Gardening Company 106 South Greensboro St. Carrboro, NC 27510 919-932-7600 ----------------------------------------------

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

Purely Hydroponic, LLC 1507 Lear Industrial Pkwy. Avon, OH 44011 866-787-5060 ---------------------------------------------Almost Heaven Hydroponics 56104 National Rd. Bridgeport, OH 43912 740-738-0578 Campbells Indoor Gardening Supplies 1721 Greenville Rd. Bristolville, OH 44402 330-889-0049 Magic Home Gardens 209 Cemetery Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-837-2440 Dumont Seed Co. 619 30th St. N.W. Canton, OH 44709 330-492-0204 ----------------------------------------------

BWGS-NC 4045 Perimeter West Dr., Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28214 800-316-1306 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 2712 B Freedom Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 704-697-0911 ---------------------------------------------Flow & Grow Hydroponics & Organic Garden Center 4521 Cumberland Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28306 910-423-FLOW (3569) Hydro Garden Zone 2222 Patterson St. Suite #1 Green Grove, NC 27407 336-854-0788 Fifth Season Gardening Company 1616 D-3 Battleground Ave. Greensboro, NC 27408 336-271-3373 Good Harvest Garden Center 629 Oakridge Farm Hwy. Mooresville, NC 28115 704-658-9136 Fifth Season Gardening Company 5619-A Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27606 919-852-4747 New Age Gardens 2236A US Highway 70 Swannanoa, NC 28778 828-299-9989 Progressive Gardens 6005 Oleander Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-395-1156 LiquidSun East 12 Bay St., Unit 105 Wilmington, NC 01887 978-447-5442

OHIO Akron Garden Center 434 W Wilbeth Rd. Akron, OH 44314 330-724-2700

Dayton Hydroponics 4920 Provident Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45246 513-942-7111 ---------------------------------------------Eastside Hydroponics 834 Ohio Pike #318 Cincinnati, OH 45245 513-528-4769 ----------------------------------------------

The Bubbling Bucket 11156 Kenwood Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-469-2825 ---------------------------------------------Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic 10740 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45241 513-769-0159 Cleveland Garden Center Inc. 727 East 185th St. Cleveland, OH 44119 216-481-7868 The Grow Wizard 5700 Denison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102 216-961-2500 Herb-N-Garden Center 14901 Puritas Ave. Cleveland, OH 44135 216-252-2001 Garden Indoors of Ohio 4720 Indianola Ave. Columbus, OH 43214 800-833-6868 Magic Home Garden 4538 Indianola Ave. Columbus, OH 43214 614-263-2440 ----------------------------------------------

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 147 Fourth St. Troy, NY 10960

Summit Hydroponics 1030 Kenmore Blvd. Akron, OH 44314-2114 330-753-5222

Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. Dayton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 ----------------------------------------------

Follow The Sun 1185 B Yonkers Ave. Yonkers, NY 10704 914-237-2760

Hydro House of Ohio 2234 South Union Ave. Alliance, OH 44601 330-680-4014

Miami Valley Hydro 8220 N. Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414 937-280-4468

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

Ultra Lo Hydro DAYTON, OH 45431-2046 937-252-8224 ultralohydro.com ----------------------------------------------

USA Hydrogarden 542 Griswold Rd. Elyria, OH 44035 440-324-4769 ---------------------------------------------Garden Connections 3341 Centerpoint Dr. Grove City, OH 43123 614-871-0707 Advanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center 5204 Darrow Rd. Hudson, OH 44236 234-380-1287 Sweet Greens 5540 Brecksville Rd. Independence, OH 44131 800-421-7084 ----------------------------------------------

Hydro Gardens Wholesale 1144 N Memorial Dr. Lancaster, OH 43130 855-210-5599 ---------------------------------------------Carefree Garden Center 134 West Dr. Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 CropKing 134 West Dr. Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 USA Hydrogarden 7450 Industrial Pkwy., Suite A Lorain, OH 44053 440-282-4880 The Grow Shop 165 Davids St. Marion, OH 43302 740-223-7467 ----------------------------------------------

Urban Gardens 3665 Likens Rd. Marion, OH 43302 740-375-2800 ---------------------------------------------Campbell’s Indoor Gardening Supplies 8226 Warren Sharon Rd. Masury OH, 44438 330 978 6200 Top Garden Products 8600 East Ave., Suite C Mentor, OH 44060 440-290-8773 ----------------------------------------------

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

Gardening-Indoor 5851 Youngstown-Warren Rd. Niles, OH 44446 USA 330-932-1023 ---------------------------------------------Pet Finatics LLC 3150 Navarre Ave., Suite A Oregon, OH 43616 USA Hydrogarden 542 Griswold Rd. Elyria, OH 44035 440-324-4769 USA Hydrogarden - West 11001 Route 250 Suite B9 Milin, OH 44846 419-499-0480 Indoor Gardens 1222 Hill Rd., N. Pickerington, OH 43147 614-866-6065 ----------------------------------------------

Trinity Hydro Organics 465 Woodman Dr. Riverside, OH 45431 937-252-GROW ---------------------------------------------Hot Hydro ® 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd. #2 Toledo, OH 43615 419-866-1266 Organic Garden Center 5215 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43623 419-517-8110 Toledo Hydroponics Ltd. 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Suite 2 Toledo, OH 43615 877-893-0716 ----------------------------------------------

Plant Lighting Hydroponics 2201-A Pinnacle Parkway Twinsburg, OH 44087 888-258-0670 ---------------------------------------------Greenleaf Hydroponics 1805 Elm Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-372-1039 Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. W. Carrolton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 ----------------------------------------------

Gardening-Indoor 9215 Market St. Youngstown (North Lima), OH 44452 330-758-0272 ---------------------------------------------Indoor Garden Worx 304 West Monroe St. Zanesville, OH 43701 866-900-9679

Organics OKC Garden Supply 2800 N Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73107 405-528-GROW The OKC Urban Gardener 3711 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-521-9300 The Mad Farmer Tulsa LLC 11630 E. 51 St. Tulsa, OK 74146 918-615-3735 Urban Garden 3141 E. 15th St., Tulsa, OK 74104 918-289-0018

OREGON Indoor Hydroponic Garden & Lights 5990 SW 185th Ave. Aloha, OR 97006 503-848-3335 Astoria Indoor Garden Supply 1343 Duane St., Unit C Astoria, OR 97103 503-468-0606 ----------------------------------------------

Aqua Serene 465 Applegate Way, Ashland, OR 97520 541-482-7600 ---------------------------------------------Rogue Silicates Inc. POB 21 Azalea, OR 97410 541-837-8590 American Agriculture 9966 SW. Arctic Dr. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-641-3500 ----------------------------------------------

Bend’s Indoor Garden Station 35 NW Bond Bend, OR 97701 541-385-5222 ---------------------------------------------Northern Light & Garden 9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-297-7331 ----------------------------------------------

Westcoast Organic & Hydroponic Supply 12410 SE 282nd Ave., Unit C Boring, OR 97009 503-512-7710 ---------------------------------------------The Good Earth Organics 30088 Redwood Hwy. Cave Junction, OR 97523 541-592-4496 Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply 93779 B Troy Lane Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-266-8822 ----------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA USA Hydrogarden - West 11001 Route 250 Suite B9 Milin, OH 44846 419-499-0480 ---------------------------------------------Green Garden Indoor Garden Center 1664 North Main St. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-494-1234

Aeroponic Tower Garden 204 W. 5th St. PO Box 712 Beggs, OK 74421 918-221-4630; 1-877-213-8868

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

Aqua Serene 2836 W. 11th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 541-302-9073 ----------------------------------------------

Aurora Innovations PO Box 22041 Eugene, OR 97402 866-376-8578 ----------------------------------------------

Vital Organics Northwest 457 River Ave. Eugene, OR 97404 541-688-0028 ---------------------------------------------Oregon’s Constant Gardener 2385 West 11th Eugene, OR 97402 541-636-4220 Advanced Indoor Gardens 17831 S.E. 82nd Dr. Gladstone, OR 97027 503-305-6341 Northern Light & Garden 1203 Rogue River Hwy. Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-474-1700 Paradise Supply LLC 560 N.E. “F” St., Unit C Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-955-7293 Redwood Nursery 1303 Redwood Ave. Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-474-2642 Vital Organix 932-B S.E. “M” St. Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-226-9283 ----------------------------------------------

Healthy Harvest Indoor Garden Suite #1, 1635 S.E. Tualatin Valley Hwy. Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-640-0995 ----------------------------------------------

Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 1845 S.W. Hwy. 101 Suite 3 Lincoln, OR 97367 541-994-7070 Green Thumb Hydrogarden & Organic Supply 2021 West Main St. Medford, OR 97501 541-779-8600 Growing Crazy (Hooked On Hydroponics) 817 W. 2nd St. Medford, OR 97501 ----------------------------------------------

In & Out Gardens 1574 Skypark Dr. Medford, OR 97501 541-858-3333 ----------------------------------------------

Advanced Organics & Garden Supply 290- B Merlin Ave. Merlin, OR 97532 541-659-1466 ----------------------------------------------

Wizard’s Garden, LLC 621 Spruce St., Unit C Myrtle Point, OR 97458 541-572-2333 ---------------------------------------------Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 454 S.W. Coast Hwy. Newport, OR 97365 541-265-8252 ----------------------------------------------

Gorilla Garden Supply 2011 Union Ave N. Bend, OR 97459 541-756-5005 ---------------------------------------------Green Garden Indoor Garden Center 1664 North Main St. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-494-1234

Phoenix Organics 4543 S. Pacific Highway Phoenix, OR 97535 541-535-1134

Basin Indoor Gardening 417 N. Spring St. Klamath Falls, OR 97601 541-273-2023

AAAAHA! Hydroponics Unlimited P.O. Box 74 Oakhurst, OK 74050

Emerald Valley Gardens Inc. 88680 McVay Hwy. Corvallis, OR 97405 541-636-3763

Just the Tip Gardening 631 Main St. Lebanon, OR 97355 541-258-3234

Everybody’s Garden Center 2701 S.E. 14th Ave. Portland, OR 97202 800-669-5483 Garden Spout, The 4532 SE 63rd Ave. Portland, OR 97206 503-788-GROW ----------------------------------------------

Grow World 17410 SE Division St. Portland, OR USA, 97236 503-477-9351 -----------------------------------------

Jantzen Beach Hydroponics 909 N. Tomahawk Island Dr., Suite 103 Portland, OR 97217 503-546-3185 Lights Distributing 9843 S.W. 55th Ave. Portland, OR 97219 Rain or Shine 13126 N.E. Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 503-255-1981 Roots Garden Supply 5426 North Gay Ave. Portland, OR 97217 503-285-4768

In & Out Gardens 93484 Hwy 99 South Junction City, OR 97448 541-234-2342 ----------------------------------------------

Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics 5490 SW Philomath Blvd. Corvallis, OR 97333 541-738-2820 ----------------------------------------------

Evergreen Garden Supply 8830 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Unit C Portland, OR 97220 503-408-6635

Indoor Hydroponic Garden & Lights 1409 S.E. 82nd Ave. Portland, OR 97216 503-445-2250

Gorge Garden Center 1203 12th St., Suite H Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-4769 ----------------------------------------------

Tulsa County Hydro-Organics 1928 W. Albany Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-259-HYDRO

Evergreen Garden Supply 3393 SE 21st Ave. Portland, OR 97055 503-206-5670

Ladybug Indoor Gardens 3960 W. Main St. Medford, OR 97501 541-618-4459

Indoor Garden Depot 3260 SE Oak Grove Blvd. Oak Grove, OR 97267-1421 503-786-2445

Healthy Harvest Indoor Garden 3837 River Rd. Keizer, OR 97303 503-393-2901 ----------------------------------------------

Cascade Horticulture 19959 E. Burnside Portland, OR 97233 503-661-1700

All About Hydroponics 633 Claude Rd. Ontario, OR 98914 208-731-9823

American Agriculture 9220 SE Stark St. Portland, OR 97216 800-433-6805 Bloom Garden Supply 518 N.E. 20th Ave. Portland, OR 97232 971-255-1336 ----------------------------------------------

BWGS-OR 18201 N.E. Portal Way, Suite 104 Portland, OR 97230 888-316-1306 ----------------------------------------------

Urban Flora 2865 South East Portland, OR 97214 503-236-3344 BIGS Warehouse 2606 S.W. 4th St., Unit B Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-8886 Green Solutions Garden Supply 628 SW Glacier Ave. Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-2604 Indoor Garden Supply 536 S.W. 6th St. (rear alley) Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-7750 DC Hydroponics & Organics 1775 Green Siding Rd. Roseburg, OR 97471 541-679-3700 Roseburg Hydroponics 853 SE Stephens St. Roseburg, OR 97470 541-229-1420 Indoor Garden Center 1697 SE 25th St. Salem, OR 97302 503-566-7888 Northern Light & Garden Salem 1915 Lancester Dr. Salem, OR 97305 503-364-4769 Grow Big Inc. 16572 SE 362nd Dr. Sandy, OR 97055 503-826-8277 Greener Side of Life 623 West Centennial Blvd. Springfield, OR 97477 541-636-3552

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

191

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors Oregon’s Constant Gardener 2053 Laura St. Springfield, OR 97477 541-747-8170 Moonshine Park Farm 135 South East 62nd, Unit F South Beach, OR 97366 541-444-2298 Rogue Farmers 1007 S. Pacific Hwy. Talent, OR 97540 541-512-4600 Samurai Greenhouse Supply 32067 Old Hwy. 34 Tanget, OR 97389 541-928-3431 Grow America Garden Supply LLC 11511 S.W. Pacific Highway Tigard, OR 97223 503-841-6868 ----------------------------------------------

Portland Hydroponics & Organics 11564 S.W. Pacific Highway Tigard, OR 97223 503-746-4303 ---------------------------------------------Pharmer Hydroponics 11135 S.W. Industrial Way, Bldg 10-4 Tualatin, OR 97062 503-486-5751 Splatt Hydroponics 23842 NE Halsey St., Suite B Wood Village, OR 97060-1002 503-912-0231

PENNSYLVANIA Pocono Hydroponic Solutions 25 Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321 570-730-4544 Green Solutions Hydroponics 1700 Orange St. Berwick, PA 18603 570-752-1530 Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania 208 Route 13 Bristol, PA 19007 800-227-4567 422 GROW 1775 North Main St. Ext. Butler, PA 16001-1327 724-561-3777 ----------------------------------------------

High Tech Garden Supply 20232 Route 19, Unit 6 Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-473-1113 ----------------------------------------------

The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St. Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-9676 Flairform PO 1417 Lansdale, PA 19446 215-395-6353 ----------------------------------------------

RH Distribution PO 1417, Lansdale, PA 19446 888-545-8112 ----------------------------------------------

GrowRI 184 Admiral Kalbfus Rd. Newport, RI 02840 401-619-0776 ----------------------------------------------

The Organic Grow Hut 375 Putnam Pike, Suite 13 Smithfield, RI 02828 401-349-4141 ----------------------------------------------

Esbenshades Greenhouses 546A E. 28th Div Hwy Lititz, PA 17543 717-626-7007 Hydro Ponics of Harrisburg 310 S. 10th St. Lemoyne, PA 17043 877-684-3808 Always Green Garden Supply 4400 Old William Penn Hwy., Suite 106 Monroeville, PA 15146 412-646-1243 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 2008 Smallman St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-232-7030 Healthy Gardens and Supply 1008 Lincoln Ave. Prospect Park, PA 19076 866-32-HYDRO Northeast Hydroponics & Homebrewing 221 Scranton Carbondale Hwy. Scranton, PA 18508 570-209-7924 Full Time Garden Supply 1011 Ritner Hwy. Shippensburg, PA 17257 717-477-0350 Western Pennsylvania Innovative Gardening 1177 Pittsburgh Rd., Suite 103 Valencia, PA 16059 724-903-0800 Organic Garden Center 1307 Park Ave. Williamsport, PA 17701 570-322-3120 ----------------------------------------------

Hydrofarm East 270 Canal Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030 888-780-4567 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 830 Route 119 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-1118

PA Hydroponics & Home Gardening Supply 20 Quaker Church Rd. York Springs, PA 17372 717-528-4175

Buds to Blooms Garden and Supply Co., LLC 509 Orchard Ave. Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-388-0100 ----------------------------------------------

RHODE ISLAND

192

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

Hydro-Earth 1243 Mineral Springs Ave. North Providence, RI 02904 401-305-5520

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 450 Grim Lane York, PA 17406 877-779-7111 (Northeast) ----------------------------------------------

The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St. Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-9676 ----------------------------------------------

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Oakworld Garden Center 39 West St. Barrington, RI 02806 401-245-5705

Good To Grow 51 Old Tower Hill Rd. Wakefield, RI 02879 401-783-1733 ---------------------------------------------Grow With Us 709 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02888 401-270-6998 Live to Grow 719 Bald Hill Rd. Warwick, Rl 02886 401-615-5122 Mother Nature Hydroponics 1268 Post Rd. Warwick, RI 02888 401-780-0600 ----------------------------------------------

GrowRI 105 Franklin St., Unit # 38 Westerly, RI 02891 401-596-0904 ----------------------------------------------

All Seasons Indoor & Outdoor Supplies 1350 Hwy. 501 Business, Store 3&4 Conway, SC 29526 843-347-9266 ---------------------------------------------Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More 1230 Rutherford Rd. Greenville, SC 29609 864-271-8830 ----------------------------------------------

Green Earth Products Inc. 5700 Highway 79 S., Unit 1 Rapid City, SD 57702 605-342-1307 ----------------------------------------------

TENNESSEE Innovative Hydroponic Supply Inc. 3286 North Park Blvd., Unit G Alcoa, TN 37701 865-984-0280 ----------------------------------------------

Atlantis Hydroponics 1800 Rossville Avenue, #3 Chattanooga, TN 37408 423-752-5400 ---------------------------------------------Advanced Hydroponic Garden 783 French Mill Rd. Dandridge, TN 37725 800-521-1643 ----------------------------------------------

\ Good To Grow 34 Nooseneck Hill Rd. W. Greenwich, RI 02817 401-392-3100 ----------------------------------------------

Growin’ Crazy 93 Kingston Rd. Wyoming, RI 02898 401-284-0810 ----------------------------------------------

SOUTH CAROLINA GreenSpirit Hydrogarden 1864 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29405 843-225-1GRO ----------------------------------------------

Solar Seed Hydroponics, Inc. 2406 Putman Pike Chepachet, RI 02814 401-710-9010 Organically Grown 768 Atwood Ave. Cranston, RI 02920 401-944-0549

247 Garden Supply 535 D Clemson Rd. Columbia, SC 29229 803-788-4445

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

Worm’s Way Tennessee 901 Main St. Nashville, TN 37072 800-397-4153 ----------------------------------------------

SOUTH DAKOTA

Skyes the Limit 455 B Fleming Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 843-566-2121 ----------------------------------------------

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

The Urban Garden Hydroponics 9557 Two Notch Rd., Suite E Columbia, SC 29223 803-788-9313 ----------------------------------------------

Perpetual Harvest 75 Riverport Dr. Jackson, TN 38301 877-422-3391 ---------------------------------------------Advanced Hydroponic Garden 6912 Clinton Hiwy. Knoxville, TN 37921 866-938-3318 Grow Green Garden Shop 3625 Fairmont Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37917 865-249-8259 Sun City Hydroponics 2235 Whitten Rd., Suite 104 Memphis, TN 38133 901-372-8100 ----------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 126 Belinda Parkway Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 888-265-9005 _______________________ All Seasons Gardening and Brewing Supply Co. 924 8th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203 800-790-2188

TEXAS Abundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 3101 Ave. E. Arlington, TX 76011 817-649-0100 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 4201 South Congress Ave., Suite 310 Austin, TX 78745 512-444-2100 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Central Austin) 5605 Burnet Rd. Austin, TX 78756 512-459-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (South Austin) 2125-A Goodrich Ave. Austin, TX 78704 512-440-4769 Third Coast Horticulture Supplies 7010 Burnet Rd. Austin, TX 78757 512-459-4353 ----------------------------------------------

BotaniCo. Indoor Garden Store 4820 Kostoryz Corpus Christi, TX 78415 361-334-1612 ---------------------------------------------Jolly Green Hydroponics (Greenhouse Horticultural Supplies) 13628 Neutron Rd. Dallas, TX 75244 866-WE-JOLLY; 469-341-5555 Lone Star Hydroponics & Organics 10550 Markinson Rd. Dallas, TX 75207 214-634-9376 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Deep Ellum) 2715 Main St. Dallas, TX 75226 214-745-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Dallas) 2606 Manana Dr. Dallas, TX 75220 214-744-4769

HydroShack 1138 W. 20th St. Houston, TX 77008 713-292-1921 Hydroponic Nation 9001 Frey Rd. Houston, TX 77034 713-943-1115 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Houston) 2420 Rusk St,. Houston, TX 77003 713-641-4769 Ultimate Hydroponic Garden Supply 6125 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. #206 Houston, TX 77041 713-856-8425 Texas Growers Supply 5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #602 Humble, TX 77396 281-441-3739 Hydro Mart 3841 Main St. Rowlett, TX 75088 972-475-6114 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 5121 Crest Way Dr., Suite 203 San Antonio, TX 78239 210-248-9309 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (San Antonio) 3412 Copeland San Antonio, TX 78219 210-226-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (San Antonio West) 6729 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238 210-684-4769 Innergrow Hydroponics 24451 Interstate Hwy. 20 Wills Point, TX 75169 866-475-4769

UTAH Wasatch Hydroponics 60 W 3300 S. Suite #6 Salt Lake City, UT 84115 801-716-4133

VERMONT

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

Greenthumb - Vermont 394 Route 15 Jericho, VT 05465 802-899-4323 ----------------------------------------------

Earth Organics 1360 Lee Trevino Dr., Suite 105 El Paso, TX 79936 915-591-9500 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Ft. Worth) 2501 Airport Frwy. Ft. Worth, TX 76111 817-834-4769 Hydrofarm Central 950 Ave. S. Grand Prairie, TX 75050-1133 800-634-9999 Aggressive Garden 3582 W T.C. Jester Blvd Houston TX 77018 713-681-7764 Botani Garden 15120 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77083 281-575-1999 Houston Discount Hydroponics 9380 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77063 713-464-9406

Peak Hydro

How’s It Growing 193 Route 15 West Johnson, VT 05656 802-635-9931 avespo@myfairpoint.com ---------------------------------------------Peak Hydroponic Garden Supplies

Peak Hydroponic Garden Supplies 20 School St. Plainfield, VT 05667 802-454-8000 ---------------------------------------------LiquidSun® VT 1 Bellows Falls Rd. (Route 5 North) Putney, VT 05158 802-387-1100

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

Healthy Grow Indoor Garden Supplies 10 S.E. Everett Mall Way, Suite B Everett, WA 98208 425-374-2227

Green Thumb Gardening P.O. Box 235, Route 15 Underhill, VT 5489 800-564-9376 ----------------------------------------------

Pro Grow Horticulture Supplies 3411 169th Pl. N.E. Suite C Arlington, WA 98223 360-925-6358 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Garden Depot 8630 Evergreen Way, Suite B Everett, WA 98208 425-347-0700

VIRGINIA

Belfair Garden & Lighting 24090 N.E. State Route 3 #F Belfair, WA 98528 360-275-2130

Fifth Season Gardening Co. 900 Preston Ave. Charlottesville, VA 22903 434-293-2332 Clean & Green Technologies 196 Corning Dr. Christiansburg, VA 24073 866-694-1628 Maryland Hydroponics 1061 West Broad St. Falls Church, VA 866-324-9376 Lucky Roots 612 North Sheppard St. Richmond, VA 23221 804-377-3020 Blue Ridge Hydroponics & Home Brewing Company 5327 D Williamson Rd. Roanoke, VA 24012 540-265-2483 Inside-Out Garden Supply 6517 Backlick Rd. Springfield, VA 22150 703-451-3259 I Love Hydroponics 368 Newtown Rd. #105 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-490-5425 Hydroponics & Growlights 13400 Occoquan Rd. Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-490-0700

Green Gardens Distributing 12738 Bel-Red Rd. Bellevue, WA 98005 425-454-5731

Mountaineer Gardening and Hydroponics 258 Kingwood St. Morgantown, WV 26505 304-290-2460 Almost Heaven Hydroponics 3476 University Ave. Morgantown, WV 26505 304-598-5911

WASHINGTON

Northern Lights Gardening 4159 Hannegan Rd. Bellingham, WA 98225 360-715-8585 ----------------------------------------------

North West Hydro Supply 5659 Guide Meridian St. Bellingham, WA 98226 360-778-3254 ---------------------------------------------Kitsap Garden & Lighting 2130 6th St. Bremerton, WA 98312 360-377-1277

Island Horticulture Supply 8608 S March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-0000 ---------------------------------------------Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply 6121 172nd St. N.E. #A Arlington, WA 98223 360-474-1900

Indoor Garden & Lighting 714 South Central Ave. Kent, WA 98032 253-373-9060 ----------------------------------------------

Light Dreams Indoor Gardening 24817 Pacific Highway S. Ste 205 Kent, WA USA, 98032 206-249-8012 ----------------------------------------------

Hefty Harvest Garden & Hydroponic Supply 2825 Marvin Rd. N.E., Suite M Lacey, WA 98516 360-628-8964 ----------------------------------------------

M & R Lighting Unit C 22914 Hwy 410 Buckley, WA 98390 360-707-5999 ---------------------------------------------KP Indoor Garden Store 8912 Key Peninsula Hwy. N. Lakebay, WA 98349 253-884-SURE (7873) ---------------------------------------------Island Horticulture Supply 1500 Port Dr. Burlington, WA 98233 360-707-5999 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Tropics 5930 Sunburst Lane #B Cashmere, WA 98815 509-470-7782 ----------------------------------------------

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

AJ’s Indoor Gardening 1317 Summit St. Aberdeen, WA 98520 360-533-1170 ----------------------------------------------

Fife Indoor Garden Center 1422 54th Ave. E. Fife, WA 98424 253-922-5352 ---------------------------------------------

In Bloom 2119 Lincoln St. Bellingham, WA 98225 360-778-1668

West VIRGINIA Panhandle Hydroculture 800 East Moler Ave. Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-240-7587

Indoor Garden Depot 1401 S. 324th St. federal Way, WA 98003 253-874-1112

Indoor Gardening 111 W. Main Centralia, WA 98531 360-807-4259 ---------------------------------------------Sauk Solutions 7460 S Dillard Ave. Concrete, Wa 98237 360-853-8498 Cascadia Garden Supply 188 A St. Eastsound, WA 98245 360-376-6040 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Tropics 801 N. Prospect Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-933-4441 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Gardening 1158 Commerce Longview, WA 98632 360-353-3851 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Garden & Lighting 20505 Highway 99 Lynnwood, WA 98036 425-673-2755 ---------------------------------------------Go-N-Green Hydroponics 1241 State Ave., Suite #102 Marysville, WA 98270 360-386-8230 Green Acres Indoor Garden & Lighting 514 State Ave, Suite #108 Marysville, WA 98270 360-658-GROW (4769) Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply 1204 East Wheeler Rd. Moses Lake, WA 98837 509-766-5856 M & R Lighting 17238 Memorial Dr. Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-848-1080 Northern Lights Gardening 1524 Riverside Dr, #2 Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-982-2217

Poulsbo Indoor Garden and Lighting 22275A Stottlemeyer Rd. POULSBO, WA 98370 360-930-0853 ----------------------------------------------

Indoor Garden & Lighting 8606 Preston Fall City Rd. S.E. Preston, WA 98050 425-222-9661 ---------------------------------------------Linda’s Gardening & Hydroponics 11522 Canyon Rd. E. Puyallup, WA 98373 253-531-9641 Purple Spring Horticulture Supply 711 Nesses Corner Rd. Pt. Hadlock, WA 98339-9411 360-344-2500 Renton Indoor Garden Center 329 Wells Ave. S. Renton, WA 98057 425-917-9000 Eco Enterprises 1240 N.E. 175th St. #B Shoreline, WA 98155 800-426-6937 ----------------------------------------------

Aqua Serene 3839 Stone Way N. Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-GROW (4769) ---------------------------------------------Grogro Hydro 12316 32nd AVE N.E. #103 Seattle, WA 98125 Hydro-Tech 2121 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 206-547-2202 ----------------------------------------------

Seattle’s Hydro Spot 917 N.W. 49th St. Seattle, WA 98107 206-784-2161 ----------------------------------------------

Sodo Hydro 1727 1st Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134 206-682-9377; 888-90-HYDRO (904-760) ---------------------------------------------Northwest Horticulture Supply 161 Hooker Rd. #1 Sequim, WA 98057 360-582-0702 Green Thumb Indoor Garden Supply 4915 Center St. Ste. A Tacoma WA 98409 253-460-GROW SnoGro Indoor Gardening Supply 502 Maple Ave. Snohomish, WA 98290 360-863-6935 509 Grow 2718 N. Division Spokane, WA 99207 509-327-GROW (4769) Grow Center, The 2808 W. Sprague Spokane, WA 99202 509-456-GROW

River City Hydroponics 1514 East Francis Ave. Spokane, WA 99208 509-464-0246 Rootz Indoor Garden Supply 923 E. Hoffman Spokane, WA 99207 509-443-5999 --------------------------------------------\ Spokane Organic & Hydroponic Supply 4823 East Sprague Avenue E. Spokane Valley, WA 99212 509-534-4055 --------------------------------------------Spokane Organic & Hydroponic Supply 8701 North Division, Suite D Spokane Valley, WA 509-468-4800 Garden City Hydroponics 14103 Pacific Ave. S. Tacoma, WA 98444 253-301-3985 ---------------------------------------------

Artificial Sun Hydroponics 3506 Summitview Ave. Yakima, WA 98902 509-823-4026

WISCONSIN

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

Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply 1104 West Wisconsin Ave. Appleton, WI 54914 920-574-3258 ---------------------------------------------Grow BIG Hydroponics 954 S. Westland Appleton, WI 54914 920-749-4769 2oGrow 1150 Madison Rd. Beloit, WI 53511 608-289-1852 Brew and Grow 285 N. Janacek Rd. Brookfield, WI 53045 262-789-0555 Sustainable Growth LLC 218 N. Dewey St. Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-901-0511

Indoor Garden & Lighting 3839 6th Ave. Tacoma, WA 98406 253-761-7478 ---------------------------------------------

Waterworks Hydroponics 5039 S. Washington Tacoma, WA 98409 253-301-4343 --------------------------------------------Solar Shop 306 West 4th St. Tonasket, WA 98855 509-486-4508 Indoor Garden Depot 6400 N.E. Highway 99, Suite H Vancouver, WA 98665 360-993-7779 ---------------------------------------------

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 4525 N.W. Fruit Valley Rd. Vancouver, WA 98660 888-478-6544 (Northwest) ---------------------------------------------

Garden Supply Guys 752 Memorial Dr., Suite A Green Bay, WI 54303 920-857-9493 Hydro Your Own 8501-75th St. Unit C Kenosha, WI 53142 262 697 6112 Brew and Grow 1525 Williamson St. Madison, WI 53703 608-226-8910 ----------------------------------------------

Paradigm Gardens 4501 Helgesen Dr. Madison, WI 53718 608-241-3800 ---------------------------------------------Spread Eagle Garden Center 4413 N. Lake Rd. S. Florence, WI 54121 715-696-3910 Brew and Grow 2246 Blue Mound Rd., Suite B Waukesha, WI 53186 262-717-0666

PUERTO RICO

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

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 5408 N.E. 88th St. Building A Vancouver, WA 98665 888-478-6544 --------------------------------------------Indoor Garden Supply LLC 1250 Atlantic Ave. Woodland, WA 98674 360-841-8055

Tecno-Hydro Ave Campo Rico GJ17, PO Box 1450 Carolina, PR 00982 787-752-8252 ----------------------------------------------

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

193

FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION TO

MAXIMUM YIELD Get the online edition of

Maximum Yield

delivered free to your inbox

EVERY MONTH

Visit maximumyield.com

for more information

COMING UP NEXT ISSUE New Crops for Hydroponics Trying a new crop in your hydroponic system is always exciting, especially if it’s something fresh and exotic and equally delicious. Plant breeders are continually coming up with new cultivars, but some of the most interesting new prospects for hydroponics are actually ancient crops with great potential for indoor gardens. Lynette Morgan has a few suggestions to switch things up.

Feeding Your Garden Cane Molasses Many gardeners are discovering the benefits of adding a little cane molasses to their fertilizer regimen. The cane molasses isn’t food for the plant, it is food for the microorganisms that in turn feed the plant. Harley Smith has the details.

The Dirt on Grow Media One of the big decisions indoor gardeners have to make before they get too far into garden planning is what they are going to grow their plants in. For novice growers, this decision can be overwhelming, given all of the different products available. We’ve got an overview of the different types of grow media and guidelines that will help growers figure out what stuff to grow their plants in.

Maximum Yield USA April 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

Have an Idea? Maximum Yield wants to hear your ideas. Get in touch with editor@maximumyield.com and let us know what you’d like to see in future issues of the magazine. Also get in touch if you’re interested in being a contributor. We’d be happy to have you!

Stay in the Know with Maximum Yield’s E-News

maximumyield.com 194

Maximum Yield USA | March 2014

Every month Maximum Yield’s E-News brings you the latest news, tips and tricks, reader questions, contests and upcoming events. If you are not yet subscribed to our mailing list, sign up today at maximumyield.com/enewssignup