Maximum Yield Canada Mar/Apr 2011

CANADA March - April 2011

I N D O O R

G A R D E N I N G

FREE

wEIRD PLANT HAPPENINGS

www.maximumyield.com

vANCOUVER EXPO mAY 14-15 gET rEADY TO GROW bIG!

2011

Indoor gardenING expo Denver

Colorado, USA March 31- April 3

Vancouver

British Columbia, CAN May 14-15

SAN FRancisco long beach California, USA July 16-17

california, usa october 22-23

indoorgardeningexpo.com

contents March/April 2011

Features

34 48

26

Weird Plant Happenings

34

How to Grow an Avocado Pit

36

Soilless Salvation and pH Perfection

42

Are Plants Conscious?

46

Safety in the Grow Room

48

CO2: The Secret Ingredient for a Better Harvest

54

Small Spaces, Big Yields: Veg Part 1

60

Our Organic Future

52 66 68 70 74 74

You Tell Us

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

by Emma Cooper

by Casey Jones Fraser

by Peter Vakomies

by Matt LeBannister

by Isabelle Lemay and Mélissa Léveillé

by Lee McCall

by Luis Bartolo

26

Departments 6 8 10 12 14 20

From the Editor MaximumYield.com Letters to the Editor Simon Says MAX Facts Product Spotlight

Talking Shop Max Mart Distributors Do You Know?

Coming up next issue

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

5

FROM the editor BC to , r e v u o c Vans the world xpo invitdeoor Garden E the In May 14-15 For impressive results every time, growers must accept that advice can be gleaned from others who have been there, done that. This can be a difficult task for those of us that think we have everything figured out, although we may be experiencing less than perfect results in the garden. To help you outperform and outgrow your past endeavours (and succeed at new ones) I recommend a look at some of the unique and winning factors this issue offers.

Lessons covered this issue include: weird plant happenings, safety in the grow room and pH zones. Your homework will include conjuring a homemade soilless medium mix, growing an avocado from a pit and supplementing your garden with CO2. The great news is this homework is fun and will keep you busy and learning.

This issue of Maximum Yield contains a comprehensive roundup of the newest products available to help you grow. Check them out at your favourite shop. And make sure to enter for a chance to win some amazing grow products by entering our Win Big…Grow Big contest online at www.maximumyield.com offering four chances to win.

Want to learn more? Take the opportunity to learn “hands on” at the Canadian Indoor Gardening Expo in beautiful Vancouver, B.C. – May 14 to 15, 2011. The new location at the Pacific National Exhibition will provide the perfect venue, with easy access and lots of parking. This will be your chance to see firsthand an impressive mix of the top manufacturers from around the world showcasing and demonstrating the industry’s latest products. Everyone is welcome to attend on general public day, Sunday, May 15. Admission is free and the show is open from noon until 5 p.m. More information can be found at www.indoorgardenexpo.com Correction:West Coast Garden’s phone number is 1-250-851-2992.

Jessica Raymond, Editor editor@maximumyield.com

contributors Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

Matt LeBannister developed a

Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden

Emma Cooper is the voice of the

Isabelle Lemay is in charge of the

Mélissa Léveillé holds a license

Jose Luis Pinheiro Bartolo is the president of Biobizz Worldwide Inc., a global leader in the production of hydroponic organic fertilizers and soil mixtures. He is passionate about the organic market and providing the highest service and perfectionism that comes direct from his heart and is projected to all aspects of his life.

Peter Vakomies, BSc, has 17 years

Lee McCall graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a concentration in Culinary Arts.

Culinary school opened the door to research and work with hydroponics and organic production. Currently, Lee attends business school in Denver and focuses on continuing advancements with Maximum Yield and indoor gardening technology.

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 www.suntec.co.nz/ consultants.htm and www.suntec. co.nz/books.htm for more information.

Alternative Kitchen Garden podcast and writes about kitchen gardening and environmental issues. An edible plant geek, she tries to grow her own food sustainably with the help of a reluctant husband and two pet chickens. Visit http://coopette.com for more information.

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

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.

technical support, customer service and research and development at Nova Biomatique Inc. (www.igrowing. com), makers of the PLUG’N’GROW climate controllers. She is an agronomist and holds a master’s degree in soil and environment studies, with a specialization in greenhouse production.

experience as a professional silviculture grower, vegetable grower and horticulturist. He graduated from Simon Fraser University where he studied photosynthesis in nursery and field settings. Living and working in British Columbia, Canada, Peter participated in growing over 550 million tree seedlings for reforestation programs.

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.

in communication, writing and multimedia. She is the newest member of the Nova Biomatique Inc. Team (www.igrowing.com), makers of the PLUG’N’GROW climate controllers.

She is responsible for Nova Biomatique Inc.’s communications.

on the web Upcoming Events Upcoming Events - Vancouver, B.C. Expo 2011 Maximum Yield’s 2011 Indoor Gardening Expo tour will be making a stop in vibrant Vancouver, British Columbia—the host of this past year’s world-class Olympic Games— May 14 to 15, 2011 at the PNE Forum. This event offers education and entertainment rolled into one. We look forward to seeing you all in Vancouver in May. Stay tuned to indoorgardeningexpo.com for more information.

Featured Articles Controlling Salt BuildUp

The Pythium Predator Do you run and cower when you hear the word Pythium? You’re not alone. This plant plague can strike at any time leaving behind wilted leaves and brown roots. By understanding how and why it spreads, you will more easily be able to control and eventually prevent this devastating disease.

Hairy Root Tissue Culture and the Future of Horticulture Since the dawn of agriculture, humans have controlled and experimented with plant species. The modern techniques of tissue culture assist with cultivation and micropropagation of plants by the millions, as genetic clones.

Connect to MaximumYield.com instantly from your Smartphone with our Quick Response (QR) Code, found on the cover of every issue of Maximum Yield. Now you can access the best products, the most in-depth articles and information and the latest news, at high speeds. Simply download the QR Code Reader software compatible with your Smartphone, scan the QR Code and your phone’s browser will automatically launch, redirecting you to www.maximumyield.com. It’s that simple! www.maximumyield.com www.facebook.com/MaximumYield www.indoorgardeningexpo.com twitter.com/max_yield

Tell us what you think at editor@maximumyield.com. We’d love to hear from you.

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

G A R D E N I N G

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

If undeliverable please return to the address above.

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

Publication Agreement Number 40739092 Printed in Canada PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson EDITOR - Jessica Raymond jessica@maximumyield.com ADVERTISING SALES 250.729.2677

Salt buildup is a common occurrence in hydroponic solutions and soilless systems, which can be serious and even fatal for plants. Luckily there are a number of easy options to correct the problem that growers of all skill levels can implement.

Connect with Maximum Yield

I N D O O R

VOLUME 13 – NUMBER 6 March/April 2011

Linda Jesson - linda@maximumyield.com Lisa Lambersek - lisa@maximumyield.com Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com Christina Indseth - Christina@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Mike Linden - mike@maximumyield.com Daniel Peters - daniel@maximumyield.com Tina Skujins - tina@maximumyield.com Jennifer Duong - jennifer@maximumyield.com ACCOUNTING - Lee Anne Veres leeanne@maximumyield.com

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Quality Wholesale USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS BWGS East BWGS West General Hydroponics Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply R&M Supply Tradewinds UK DISTRIBUTION Growth Technology Hydrogarden Northern Hydroponic Wholesale Nutriculture UK AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION House N Garden Futchatec Growth Technology Hydraspher

LETTERS to the editor USA

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Delightful Design Sweet designs you guys are pushing out lately. Many of the spreads have an organic, easy-on-the-eyes feel, but the content is easy to navigate as well. Keep up the good work. I would love to see more on organic gardening and CO2 supplementation.

FREE

What is the black and white holographic symbol on the front cover of the Maximum Yield magazines? Is it a bar code of some kind?

Guidelines for Adven

turous GUERRILLA GAR DEN

Ed Kubinski

ERS

GREENER GARDENS

Techniques That Save Time, Money and the Planet

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2011

inDoor garDening expo vanCoUver BC, CanaDa May 14-15

Denver

ColoraDo, USa MarCh 31- april 3

Meghan Porter

San FranCiSCo CaliFornia, USa JUly 16-17

long BeaCh CaliFornia, USa oCtoBer 22-23

indoorgardeningexpo

.com

Thanks Meghan. We always appreciate reader feedback. For more of what you want, flip to page 48 and 60 respectively for “CO2: The Secret Ingredient for a Better Harvest” and Luis Bartolo’s “Our Organic Future.”

The QR (Quick Response) Code found on the cover of every issue of Maximum Yield allows you to instantly connect to www.maximumyield.com from your Smartphone. Once you have downloaded your choice of QR software to your Smartphone, simply scan the QR Code and your phone’s browser will automatically launch, redirecting you to www.maximumyield.com. Full instructions on using this feature are available on page 8.

Lifelong Learning Dear Maximum Yield, I am sending this e-mail to let you know how much I enjoy your magazine and website. They are both awesome! I am a horticulturist and have always enjoyed growing. It started when I was a small child. I would help my father plant and maintain the vegetable garden and do the same with my mother and her flowerbeds.

I became interested in soilless/hydroponic gardening about 10 years ago and have had many trials and tribulations but am fairly successful for the most part now. A few years ago I connected with my local indoor gardening centre and began to learn more.

It was there that I was introduced to your bi-monthly magazine and was very impressed. The articles are extremely valuable to me. I really enjoy the depths at which your authors discuss every topic. I have learned so much from the articles and particularly admire the fact that there are actual articles and not just a book full of advertisements. I find it hard to keep up with the hydroponic world as it is constantly changing. Having said that, your magazine and website sure make it easier.

I hope that Maximum Yield prospers for many years to come. Keep up the good work. I look forward to the new issues to come. Thanks.

Respectfully, Trevor J. Svingen

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

Friendly Feedback Max Yield, Thank you for producing such an excellent magazine.The hydro industry is so full of hearsay that it is refreshing to read information from a scientific perspective.

I love your material, but I have a comment regarding past topics.

LEDs are cool, but they are not for everyone. For growing something like lettuce they are great, but in my experience they simply are not powerful enough for the plants I grow in comparison to HIDs. Sure, you can put the light very close to the canopy, but the light intensity can diminish rapidly, leaving the rest of my plants in relative darkness. And cool temperatures + low light = powdery mildew. Along with many of your readers, I do not have the space, money or time to spend on slower growth and lower yields.

Hydroponics can be a very expensive endeavour and investing in new technologies is a gamble that is not always worth taking.

Thank you again for producing a magazine that provides such cutting edge topics for debate.

Garden Kat

Maximum Yield reserves the right to edit for brevity.

We want to hear from you!

Write us at: Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 or Email us at: editor@maximumyield.com

SIMON says Simon, what’s up man? How goes it? My question is if I’m growing organic and really focusing on microbial life in the soil, is it ok to foliar feed with a nutrient blend that isn’t organic? Meaning, will those non-organic foliar applications hinder the life below? You might wonder why I would want to do that. I’ve been learning about ammonium sulphate and how it works as an herbicide, pesticide and fungicide. I’ve been using Humboldt Nutrients (specifically Ginormous), which is not organic, but it’s supposed to help boost blooms and help with mould issues because it contains ammonium sulphate. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Eric

If you want to produce a certified organic crop, foliar feeding with a non-organic nutrient is out of the question; but, it sounds like you are more concerned with its effect on a quality organic medium full of microbial life. As a rule, the application of chemicals to an organic medium is generally detrimental. However, in the case of a foliar application, excluding any large quantity of direct runoff from the leaves into the medium, its effects will be negligible. As nutrients are absorbed into the plant, they are generally converted into various organic acids and other substances. These by-products are then moved throughout the plant, including to the roots where some, such as carbohydrates and amino acids, are secreted into the rhizosphere. So without question some of the elements provided in your foliar spray will end up in your medium but for the most part I would think that they would be in a form that is beneficial to your microbiology.

The second part of your question relates directly to ammonium sulphate. (NH4)2SO4 is a chemical fertilizer with 21 per cent ammonium nitrogen and 24 per cent sulphur in sulphate form. The use of sulphur as a fungicide is well documented but it is generally in its elemental form.

Sulphates aren’t fungicides and neither is ammonium sulphate.

Ammonium sulphate can be helpful in some cases as an adjuvant for certain pesticides. An adjuvant is a substance that increases the efficacy of the pesticide while lowering the cost of use. In the case of ammonium sulphate it can assist the process by boosting a gene expression resisting pathogen attack. The mechanism that seems to be the cause of this benefit is the acidification of the cytosolic pH within the plant cells themselves.

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

Remember that microbiology in some cases can be used as a foliar fungicide. I can’t resist suggesting an organic option.

An aerated compost tea can be tested and there are registered organic fungicides that are based on bacterial isolates. Perhaps you could look to these options to maintain the true organic nature of your system. This way, even as the runoff fell into your medium, you would still be seeing additional organic benefits.

Good luck

MAX facts

Hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world

Bahrain Goes Green With Hydroponics_______________________________________ Within Bahrain, a small island country in the Persian Gulf, radical plans have been unveiled that could result in all homes and other buildings having hydroponic gardens in the future. The trial should lead to the implementation of the scheme across the country sometime this year. The eventual hope is to create green spaces within what is becoming an increasingly urban society.

The Public Utilities Committee chairman Sadiq Rahma is backing the project wholeheartedly as part of a reelection campaign. His opinion is that hydroponics is the ideal solution.

So far the funding for the project has been secured and it is expected to be rolled out as part of the compulsory commercial building rooftop garden initiative. The development of this initiative in Bahrain shows once again how hydroponics is being used intelligently in various parts of the world as a convenient solution to gardening and food production.

(Source: http://hydroponicsguide.co.uk)

Are Land-based, Closed-containment Systems the Future of Salmon Farming in British Columbia?

For two years, Dr. Andrew Wright focused on solving the salmon farming problem designing a land-based, closed-containment aquaculture system. His system would produce 100 tonnes of salmon per year, and could be coupled with hydroponics to produce food. The waste from growing each 200 kilograms of farmed salmon would grow 3,000 heads of lettuce.

The objective is the total utilization of all materials in the system using simple and elegant technology that already exists and is being manufactured in B.C. A 100 metric tonne module would cost about $1.2 million to build, not excessively more than present open net-pens. But each module would have lower maintenance costs, would last for decades and would end predation and fish escapes.

A prototype is now being built and Dr. Wright’s intention is to offer, for free, complete sets of construction drawings and operating instructions for anyone wanting to undertake this system. As science continues to render open net-pen “feedlots” less and less defensible, Dr. Andrew Wright’s system seems ever more opportune. It provides a solution that is sensible, practical, elegant and profitable. And it is offered for free.

(Source: www.canada.com)

Canada’s Food Safety System Fails International Comparisons__________________ Canada’s food safety system is reactive, lags behind other countries and investment is needed to ensure it can adequately protect Canadians, states an article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). As there is no national foodborne illness surveillance program in Canada, the estimated 11 million cases of foodborne illness every year are based on surveys of self-reported gastrointestinal illness.

More accurate data are needed to execute meaningful intervention.

In Canada national, provincial and local governments share responsibility for health, as well as monitor the safety and quality of food; key reasons that we have a fragmented system with poor focus. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency shares responsibility for food inspection with provincial and municipal governments.

Government must invest to develop a proactively cooperative foodborne illness surveillance system and use the data to establish insightful, uniform, risk- and science-based food safety policy across the country.

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

Can Kids Thrive on a Vegetarian Diet?_________ A study of 1,258 eight to 18-yearolds found that an estimated 1.4 million kids are vegetarians.

Plant-based diets are inherently healthier than meat-based diets, according to a host of studies, but this isn’t to say that just by eating under the label vegetarian or vegan kids always eat healthier.

According to a recent newspaper article, kids can thrive on a vegetarian diet but there are some definite dangers that parents need to be looking out for to keep their little ones at optimal health.

Pediatrician Dr. Hemant Sharma recommends three meals and three energy-dense snacks a day for his vegetarian patients including nuts, seeds and avocado, as well as such high protein foods as tofu and low-fat dairy and eggs.

Particular areas of concern include iron, especially in teenage girls, and in vegan diets Vitamin D, B12 and calcium.

(Source: www.treehugger.com)

MAX facts

Hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world

Brite Lite Group Gives Back - Take Two ________

Top row from left: Jennifer Hodgson, Ewen Glorennec, Patti Nolan, Shane Boucher, Dave Hodgson, Penny Rose, Chris Allard, June Angus.

Bottom row from left: Betty Livingstone, Tanya Brossoit, Ana Godoy, Karla Saltiel.

To express our gratitude and appreciation of all those who contributed to our success, this holiday season for the second year Brite Lite sponsored and served an evening meal to more than 300 of Montreal’s homeless community. The event took place on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at the Old Brewery Mission. As a parting gift, we brought along 400 pairs of wool socks and gloves that were greatly appreciated. The support of individuals, foundations and companies are truly valued by organizations like the Old Brewery Mission to effectively provide for the needs of the homeless and disadvantaged who turn to them for help day after day. On behalf of all of us at Brite Lite, the committed members of the Mission and the homeless community, we say thanks for helping us help others.

Growing Cities – Vancouver’s Living Roof _____________

The Vancouver Convention Centre’s 2.5 hectare (six acre) living roof houses thousands of indigenous plants and native grasses and recovers rainwater for irrigation. It is an ecological habitat that mimics a normal B.C. coastal grassland and connects to other nearby habitats, including Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains. It’s a space that invites the displaced insects and bees and songbirds to once again live and thrive. The roof holds 15 centimetres of growing medium—a mixture of sand, organic matter and lava rock. The sand is dredged from the Fraser River to allow shipping channels to stay open. The organic matter comes from the building’s kitchen scraps, and waste trimmings from local gardens and parks. The project’s landscape architect Bruce Hemstock hopes this is the start of creating additional living roofs in Vancouver’s urban core, forming a link of habitats. The Vancouver Convention Centre’s living roof is just part of Canada’s sustainability story, and goes beyond cleaning the air and providing habitats for insects. This is a project that anyone can complete at home, on the roof of their garage, cottage, shed or small office building.

(Source: http://vimeo.com, www.vancouverconventioncenter.com)

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

MAX facts

Hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world

Fair Trade Goes ‘Local’_______________________

A group of Canadian farmers—convinced organic had been co-opted by large corporate-style interests, and that cheap organic grain imports were undercutting their homegrown organic production—have launched the Domestic Fair Trade Association (DFTA). If you are a local farmer’s market shopper, you already in a sense support domestic Fair Trade, though products would not be labelled so.

Farmer Direct, a group of 70 farmers based in Saskatchewan, was the first to receive a domestic Fair Trade certification from the DFTA. While Farmer Direct had been wary of giving its certified goods a label because of consumer information overload, in the end the fairDeal label was developed. What makes fairDeal different from basic organic certification is that third-party certification is combined with peer review by other members. Farmer Direct members all have a pay equity policy at their farms. fairDeal products can carry the fairDeal label, but the most likely place to seek them out is in the organic bins of your local food co-op.

(Source: www.treehugger.com)

New and Crazy Genetically Modified Foods____

According to Sustainable Table, about 200 million acres of farmland worldwide are now used to grow genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The most common GMO crops are soybeans, which represent 63 per cent of all GMO crops, corn at 19 per cent, cotton at 13 per cent and canola at five per cent. None of the following have been approved yet by the FDA, but with what we’ve seen so far, who’s to say that they won’t be in the future.

1. Super Chicken Eggs” produce compounds that can fight a range of diseases from diabetes, to viruses, to tooth decay.

2. “Non-Browning Apples” are missing the gene that produces the enzyme polyphenol oxidase.

3. “Fast-Growing Salmon” do not grow larger than regular salmon; they just achieve their size in 16 to 18 months rather than three years.

4. “Hyper-Producing Seeds” have an altered command gene that tells the plants when and how many flowers to generate.

5. “Enviro-Pigs™” are modified to produce 65 per cent less phosphorous in their poop and urine. MY (Source: http://planetgreen.discovery.com)

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

PRODUCT spotlight

Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS ISSUE’S HOTTEST ITEMS

Introducing Bloom Roots – Now Available in Canada __________________

Emperor Lighting From Megawatt ______

Bloom Roots produces outstanding root growth on cuttings and eliminates transplant shock when planting out. Many growers are so impressed with Bloom Roots they use it throughout their entire crop cycle. Bloom Roots is manufactured from organic plant rooting hormones extracted from plants, combined with fulvic acid to promote root development and solubility. The recipe is finished with Agricultural Organics’ proprietary vitamin and amino acid suite with root exudate inhibitors that prevent excess root exudates being secreted from the root system, which inhibit root growth and development. Bloom Roots is highly concentrated at 1:1000 dilution ratio. Available now at retail shops across Canada.

Emperor Lighting is the next generation of high intensity discharge lights with an improved design for higher lumen output and enhanced colour spectrums. These lights trigger hormones in plants to help increase flowering and encourage tight internodes. The Emperor Lighting line features continuous operation, longer bulb life and less lumen depreciation over time. They are approved for hot starts, and work with electronic and magnetic ballasts. They are stamped with a heat sensitive logo, which will change colour once the lamp attains its full spectrum. German technology, Canadian design and backed with a one year warranty.

Look for them in early 2011 at your favourite hydroponics shop.

Galaxy® Master Blaster Electronic Ballast

Vital Earth’s® Worm Castings ___________

Silent, lightweight and extremely efficient, the Galaxy Master Blaster features extruded aluminum housing that is engineered to dissipate heat and keep the components cool. It comes standard with a 1.8 metre 240 volt cord. The resettable circuit breaker offers short circuit protection. The lamp cord receptacle is compatible with all Sun System® reflectors and sockets. The Galaxy Master Blaster is generator ready and operates on 240 volt power only. We recommend using a large air-cooled reflector with this ballast and lamp; the 20 centimetre Sun System® Magnum XXXL™ is ideal for this application. Comes with a two year warranty. To learn more visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

Worm castings, also known as vermicastings, contain watersoluble nutrients that greatly enhance soil conditioning. Our superior quality worm castings use only African night crawlers, raised in organic bedding with no toxic materials. Worm castings are rich in microbial life, which convert nutrients already available in the soil into plant-ready forms. Unlike other compost, worm castings also contains worm mucus, which helps prevent nutrients from washing away with the first watering and holds moisture better than plain soil. Safe and pet-friendly, our worm castings should be an essential part of your garden, taking it to the next level. Visit a hydroponics shop near you to learn more.

Award Winning and Eco-Friendly Horticulture Plant Pot ________________

Root Pouch’s award winning technology takes discarded plastic water bottles that would otherwise clog our landfills and oceans, and turns them into plant pots. The plant pots are lightweight, encourage healthier root growth and are much less expensive than ordinary plastic pots. As the plant matures, the patented geotextile fabric breaks down in three to four years, allowing the plant to take root in its natural environment. Horticulture Plant Pots from Root Pouch are available in everything from four litres to 2,728 litres, with or without handles. For more information visit an indoor/outdoor gardening shop near you.

Join the Middle With a Sunleaves Beacon If you want to explore the benefits of fluorescent lighting but can’t find a fixture size that’s right for your set-up, the mid-sized Sunleaves Beacon fluorescent fixture is a great option. The Beacon emits 14,400 lumens at 6500K from its two 96 watt tubes, it has a highly reflective insert and it includes hanging hardware. It’s protected by a five year warranty, and the included tubes are protected by a one year warranty. Unit measures 88 centimetres by 24 centimetres by seven centimetres. Replacement tubes available separately. Order today from your favourite gardening retailer.

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

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PRODUCT spotlight

Your guide to this issue’s hottest items. Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.

Sunleaves Titanium Heater____________

Sunleaves Titanium Heaters with a digital thermostat use a remote sensor probe to keep constant tabs on water temperature, while the titanium heating element maintains temperatures at a user-defined set point between 20 and 33°C. They shut off automatically if they’re removed from water or get hotter than 35°C, and also feature an overheat alarm. The 200 watt unit is recommended for 227 to 364 litre reservoirs, while the 300 watt unit is recommended for use in reservoirs that hold 364 to 455 litres. Both units are protected by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. Order today from your favourite indoor gardening shop.

Introducing Bloom Ultra – Now Available in Canada ___________________________ Using organic plant signalling compounds and nucleic acids, Bloom Ultra triggers flower development fast, increasing initial flower set. The signalling compounds in Bloom Ultra that trigger flower set are so specific they only switch on genes responsible for the development of female flowers. Plants treated with Bloom Ultra also display uniform development over the entire plant with greatly increased flower development on the lower branches or base.

This trait combined with reduced flowering stretch ensures uniform crop development and bigger yields without the use of plant growth regulators, which increases yields. Bloom Ultra is highly concentrated at 1:1000 dilution ratio. Available now at retail shops across Canada.

Sunleaves Introduces New Guano Variety Titan Controls® Flo-N-Gro™____________ Sunleaves All-Purpose Guano (10-4-1) is an effective and environmentally-friendly product that makes plants happy.

It’s a great source of nitrogen and potassium for improved overall growth and blooming, with no questionable chemicals. Sunleaves All-Purpose Guano can be applied using a variety of methods in soil and hydroponic gardens.

Available in one and five pound bags, and nine and 14 pound buckets. Order Sunleaves All-Purpose Guano from your local gardening retailer today.

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

Announcing the Flo-N-Gro™ 12 site growing system from Titan Controls®. This innovative hydroponic system comes with a 250 litre reservoir, 12 - 18 litre grow sites and 12 - 14 litre 360° mesh aeration inserts that promote lateral root growth and oxygen exchange for your plants. This complete system also includes the Titan Controls® solid state Oceanus 1 Flo-N-Gro Controller, two Maxi-Jet 1,000 pumps and all the necessary two centimetre tubing and fittings to build your system. Easy to use and simple to understand, the Flo-N-Gro 12 site system makes growing plants fun!

Visit your favourite garden shop to learn more.

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

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PRODUCT spotlight

Your guide to this issue’s hottest items. Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.

It’s a Boy – Announcing the Max 6 _________________ The Max 6 from Can-Filters is in stock and available now at indoor gardening shops. The new addition to the line is three speeds (high 334 CFM, medium 264 CFM, low 201 CFM) and 15 centimetres high. This versatile product is smaller, stronger and more efficient. It is an inline mixed flow fan, with aerodynamically optimized airflow, quiet operation and extremely high efficiency. Max Fan saves space and saves energy. Visit your local indoor gardening retailer to learn more.

Titan Controls® Helios 9™ and Helios 10™ __________________________ Announcing Helios 9™ and Helios 10™ controllers from Titan Controls®. The Helios 9™ is a four light timer with a built-in 30 amp breaker and will run up to 4,000 watts of light. The Helios 10™ is an eight light timer with a built-in 50 amp breaker and will run up to 8,000 watts of light.

These controllers come pre-wired with a pigtail cord set and include the Apollo 8™ - 24 hour timer. Both models feature premium quality Siemens brand relays, 120 volt accessory outlets and offer multi-tap universal outlets that will accept either a 120 volt or 240 volt ballast cord set. To learn more visit your favourite indoor gardening shop.

Introducing Bloom Pre – Now Available in Canada_______

Bloom Pre stimulates massive branching and triggers pre-flowering, improving response at flower initiation. Plants grown using Bloom Pre have much shorter internode spacing, producing compact plants without the use of plant growth regulators. Bloom Pre also contains Agricultural Organics’ vitamin and amino acid suite (VAA). The Bloom Pre formulation promotes branching, decreased internode spacing and greater plant density per area, therefore, developing plants with a higher number of flowers per metre. Bloom Pre is highly concentrated at 1:1000 dilution ratio. Available now at retail shops across Canada.

New Urban Saddlebag From Root Pouch ___________ The Urban Saddlebag from Root Pouch, made from recycled water bottles, is perfect for hanging on railings, balconies, fences or gates. No hardware needed, just hang them on or over something. Perfect for decorative gardens, vegetable gardens and herb gardens, whether you are looking for a splash of living colour or turning railings into living works of art. Root Pouch offers a complete line of earth friendly products, made of recycled materials that promote a healthy, quality environment for plants. For more MY information visit your local indoor/outdoor gardening shop.

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Weird Plant Happenings

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

Catface, epinasty, edema, vivipary, chimeras, mutants, shoestring growth—experienced growers often know what many of these terms mean and look like; to the rest of us they would fall into the category of ‘weird plant happenings.’ Sometimes plant growth does not progress as expected and strange symptoms can arise from a variety of causes that aren’t necessarily related to the grower’s actions in the grow room. Some unusual plant happenings are actually quite fascinating and completely natural occurrences, but others are just plain frustrating and best avoided.

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Lettuce and salad greens such as this chard plant can shoot upwards as they go to seed or `bolt’, even at a relatively young stage.

Common and frustrating weird plant happenings Many new growers often assume any strange plant growth occurrence is due to a disease outbreak. In reality the truly weird plant responses often have no connection with pathogens.

The most common weird symptoms experienced by new growers are caused by bolting, particularly with lettuce and other salad greens. Small or half-grown lettuce plants suddenly give up all hope of forming a tight heart and rapidly spiral skywards into a type of lettuce tree. Lettuce plants that have fully bolted can become surprisingly tall, some over a metre, topped with a large developing flower head. This is a perfectly “Weird plant happenings can be exciting and potentially very profitable, the newest cultivar just under your fingertips.″ normal response to growth factors such as long, warm days, plant stress, root disturbance and lack of nutrients, and is simply the plant’s attempt to reproduce before dying back. However, to growers unfamiliar with anything other than a supermarket lettuce head, bolting can come as quite a surprise.

Vivipary is another odd incident that occurs mostly in tomatoes. And although common enough, this condition can take people by surprise; even the most experienced growers.

Vivipary, or viviparous germination of seed, occurs inside the fruit before it has been cut open for eating. Mostly seen in tomato fruit purchased from the supermarket, it has been known to occur in ripe fruit while still attached Vivipary inside a ripe tomato fruit—seeds germinating inside tomato flesh can be quite a shock to both consumers and growers.

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Weird Plant Happenings “Under high humidity, roots or calluses can sometimes be seen forming on the upper regions of the plant.″ to the plant. Cutting open what looks like a normal tomato to discover a grotesque looking mass of twisted, germinated seeds in the core of the fruit can be a little disgusting for those that are unfamiliar; but, it does not pose any risk if ingested.

Vivipary occurs when the natural germination inhibitors surrounding the seed, which are contained in the juice, break down, thus allowing the mature seed to germinate inside the moist environment of the fruit centre. This strange occurrence can range from just one or two seeds germinating inside the fruit, to many seeds that may even produce a small root system and seedling leaves while inside the fruit tissue. The cause of

Many variegated plants started out as a random mutation or chimera in standard all-green cultivars.

A tomato plant showing a random genetic mutation causing foliage variegation—pretty, but not very productive.

deleterious and don’t give any advantage or may even destroy the plant itself. Others have resulted in new clones of fruit and ornamental plants such as the Washington navel orange, which originated from a bud mutation of a standard orange tree. Mutations in fruiting plants that result in some desirable change to the fruit or growth habit of the plant are worth looking out for—the next exciting new cultivar could be under your fingertips.

Variegated foliage suddenly occurring on an otherwise uniformly green plant is usually the result of a chimera. Many common species such as citrus, pelargonium, hydrangea, dahlia, coleus and many others have variegated cultivars, which were the result of a random chimera. Chimeras are plants composed of two or more genetically different tissues growing adjacent on the same plant, commonly seen as variegated foliage in patterns

this problem is usually temperature related. Fruit that has been chilled or exposed to prolonged cold temperatures will break down the natural germination inhibitors in the fruit; when the fruit warms, the seed may germinate.Vivipary can also be caused by the use of plant growth regulator compounds such as gibberellic acid, which is used to assist fruit set under cool growing conditions. Some varieties are more prone to this problem than others, so it also has a genetic nature.

Interesting and sometimes profitable happenings Sometimes weird plant happenings are exciting and potentially very profitable, if you know what to look for. Many of the variegated ornamental plants and some fruit varieties are the result of mutations, bud sports or chimeras. These are caused by genetic irregularities that occur in cells leading to permanent changes, most common variegations in leaf tissue or even the production of albino plants. These genetic mutations can occur in all species and they can even be induced with the use of mutagenic agents. Many genetic mutations in plants are

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Many fruit irregularities result from less than ideal conditions during the early stages of development.

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Weird Plant Happenings

Catface on young tomato fruit caused by low temperatures during pollination and fruit set.

of green, white or yellow. These can be highly attractive and sought after in many species. If the chimera is stable, vegetative propagation will allow the variation to be carried over to many new plants.

Natural plant happenings Bumpy stems, root nodes, split stems with calluses and masses of small roots, long thin roots growing from stems and other unnatural places; these are all symptoms of adventitious root formation and most are natural occurrences. Some plants, tomatoes in particular, and many climbing plants have the ability to form roots anywhere on the stem. This natural adaptation allows new roots to develop to anchor the plant and even take over from the main root system if necessary. However, new growers are sometimes taken by surprise when roots are seen developing above ground. While this is perfectly natural, with tomatoes it can be a symptom that all is not well in the root system and the plant may be responding to stresses such as root rot, low oxygen, over watering, cold root zone conditions and other damage. A more weird and less common root happening is when certain plant growth regulator sprays are used on cuttings or clones. Under high humidity roots or calluses can sometimes be seen forming on the upper regions of the plant, well above the rooting media.

plants started too early in the season soon become familiar with this disorder. While catface is usually caused by low temperatures at the time of pollination and fruit set, it is also a symptom of hormone herbicide damage or certain viruses, in which case the foliage in the head of the plant will also be showing damage symptoms. Catface can be prevented by increasing temperatures and is usually only a problem on the first few trusses of early season crops.

Virus diseases are another weird plant happening that are best avoided, although doing so is not necessarily that easy. While many of these symptoms can be caused by viruses, the most commonly seen is ‘filiform leaflets’ also known as ‘shoestring growth’ where growth in the head of the plant develops very thin, narrow, often thickened, twisted and sometimes purple growth.Viruses can also cause strange colouring patterns, such as with the very common mosaic viruses, leaf curl, stunting and other fruit and plant symptoms.Viruses can be transmitted from plant to plant by the feeding of insects such as aphids, thrips, whitefly and other plant sucking pests, who are also responsible for bringing virus into crops. The tobacco mosaic virus can infect many species of plants as there are several strains and this can be spread through growers hands infected after handling cigarette tobacco. Other viruses can be seed borne and most can be transmitted from plant to plant via sap and by use of cloning. Any plant which is suspected of having a virus should be removed from the growing area and disposed of to prevent spread of the disease.

Weird things that should be avoided Catface is the term used to describe the sometimes ugly and very weird symptoms of tomato and other fruit when conditions are not optimal for fruit set and development.

Tomato fruit can look as if they are turning themselves inside out with seed development on the outer surface of malformed and twisted fruit. Catface deformities typically occur in winter and early spring crops and growers who attempt to get tomato “Catface deformities typically occur in winter crops, a result of starting tomatoes too early in the season.″

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Shoestring growth can be caused by either a virus infection or by contamination with hormone herbicides to which tomatoes are extremely sensitive.

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Weird Plant Happenings “'Shoestring growth' is seen as very thin, narrow, often thickened, twisted and sometimes purple growth on the head of the plant.″

Leaf roll is a common weird plant occurrence that can have many different causes.

plant take up more calcium and transport it up to the new cells developing in the growing point.

Epinasty is another form of leaf roll, which is a little different and experienced growers soon learn to recognize this serious disorder. Epinasty is a downward bending of the leaves, similar to wilting; however, the leaves remain turgid. This is caused by a build up of the gas ethylene in the plant’s environment or root zone. Ethylene is a plant hormone gas that can occur naturally, as in the case of ripening fruit or when roots have become waterlogged. It can also be a contaminant of air heating systems burning fossil fuels under insufficient oxygen. Some plants such as tomatoes are very sensitive to ethylene and levels as low as 0.02 ppm can cause strange plant symptoms to develop that also include flower and fruit drop and severe leaf twisting and distortion.

Another strange leaf happening is when foliage orientates itself to point directly upwards. While not that common in indoor crops, it can be quite spectacular to see a large greenhouse crop with all the foliage pointing upwards in what appears to be an unnatural prayer to the sun. Under high light levels, young leaves attempt to prevent radiation damage by reducing the amount of leaf area receiving light by pointing upwards. This is a good indication that overhead shade, thermal screens or a reduction in HID lighting is required.

Weird leaf happenings Leaf roll is a weird plant happening that can have a number of different causes and in severe cases the whole plant can take on a rather startling appearance. Generally, however, leaf roll is restricted to either older leaves rolling and thickening or newer leaves cupping inwards. Older, mature leaves on fruiting plants that have become slightly thickened commonly roll somewhat when the plant is carrying a heavy crop load; this is often seen in tomatoes. Insufficient irrigation, high EC and high light levels as well as leaf age also increase the severity of this problem. If leaf roll is progressing up the plant on younger foliage, then the cause is often root disorders and root death. Cupping of new leaves in the head of the plant is most likely to be a mineral (calcium) deficiency, which is often environmental in nature since calcium is usually plentiful in most hydroponic nutrients.

Increasing airflow and lowering humidity and EC help the

“It can be quite spectacular to see a large greenhouse crop with all the foliage pointing upwards in an unnatural prayer to the sun.″

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Cupping and tip burn of young foliage is often a localized calcium deficiency caused by environmental conditions.

oedema results because of this. This is more common when the nutrient or root zone is warmed, but the air is cooler. Lowering humidity and increasing air flow usually improves this condition rapidly, as does increasing the EC to restrict water uptake.

Many weird plant happenings have similar symptoms so it can sometimes be difficult to determine exactly what is going on and the cause of the problem. Experienced growers soon build up a detailed knowledge of strange things they have seen before and most odd occurrences have been photographed and recorded somewhere at some stage. MY

Leaf curl and thickening of older foliage on plants carrying a heavy fruit load under high light can be caused by starch build up and is a natural occurrence.

Oedema can occur in grow rooms and greenhouses under certain environmental conditions. This disorder causes green callus, ‘puffy’ like growths on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. These puffy areas may rapture as they enlarge. Oedema develops when the leaf tissue becomes waterlogged as a result of root pressure under high humidity conditions. The roots pump water under pressure up into the plant; however, high humidity slows or prevents plants from loosing water via transpiration and

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How to Grow an

Avocado PIT

by Emma Cooper

Growing an avocado pit (or stone) is an interesting project and a fun way to grow an attractive houseplant.

To grow an avocado pit: 1

Find a ripe avocado. Avocado pits are most likely to grow if they come from a ripe fruit. When you eat the avocado pear, clean off the pit and soak it for 48 hours in warm water. If you can keep the water warm (in a propagator or on top of a heater), the pit will grow more quickly.

2

Find the top. Most avocado pits are egg-shaped, with the bottom broader than the top. Some are rounder, but the top is always smooth and the bottom, wrinkled.

3

Find a container. If you want to see the roots grow, you will need a clear container, such as a tumbler or a jar.

Otherwise, a plant pot will do fine.

4

Plant your pit. To see the roots grow, you need to suspend the pit above water. Find three or four toothpicks or hair pins and push them into the pit gently until they will just support its weight. Then fill the container with warm water so that the bottom of the pit just touches the water. If you're using a plant pot, then bury the pit in potting compost so that half of the pit is still above the soil.

5

Keep warm. Warmth is the key to getting an avocado pit to grow. The ideal temperature is around 21°C. At this temperature, the pit should start to grow in around 10 days. At cooler temperatures, it can take five weeks.

6

Keep watered. Keep the water level in your container topped up so that the pit is just touching the water. If you planted your pit in compost, then keep it moist. Putting it in a plastic bag will help.

Keep an eye out for growth. The first sign of life will be root growth, which will not be visible if your pit is planted in compost. Only when the roots have started to grow will the pit send out a shoot. If the water turns cloudy and starts to smell before this happens, then your pit will not grow. If this happens, it probably wasn't fertile to begin with, and you should start again with a fresh pit.

7

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8

Pinch out the main shoot when it is 15 centimetres long. This is to help make a bushy plant rather than a tall tree. It may leave your avocado with no leaves, but don't worry, it will grow a new shoot and new leaves in about a week.

9

Re-pot. Your avocado plant can survive on just water for several weeks. When the roots are well developed, plant the avocado in potting soil in a small pot. It will be happy there for several months.

10

Move into a final pot. When the avocado looks too large for its pot, or unhappy, it is time to replant it in a 25 centimetres, which will be its permanent home. It will probably be 60 centimetres before this is necessary.

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Pruning. Your avocado wants to grow into a tree, and you will need to keep pruning it to keep it bushy and manageable. Simply cut back shoots that are too long.

Ongoing maintenance involves feeding with liquid feed every two weeks when the avocado is actively growing. Every three or four years, replant it in the same pot with some fresh potting soil.Your avocado will need plenty of MY light and water plus an occasional misting and dusting.

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About the Author: Emma Cooper produces a weekly podcast (internet radio show) called The Alternative Kitchen Garden.You can read regular updates on her garden on her blog, http://coopette.com/blog

Boldt Bags HPH

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SOILLESS SALVATION AND PH PERFECTION

by Casey Jones Fraser

When you pay top dollar for high-end nutrients, you expect high-end results. So why throw away your money by neglecting pH; incorrect pH could be causing you to lose nutrients. Perfect pH “zones” are the key to building a perfectly balanced soilless mix that makes use of every precious element you provide, and every dollar you spend.

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O

ver the years, many soil and soilless recipes have made the rounds in the indoor gardening industry. Most of the recipes are not simple. If you want simple, buy a bag of potting mix off the shelf. These recipes are based on performance, and the creator of each recipe has found the right mix to meet their needs. Performance goals include water-holding capacity, drainage, nutrient availability, beneficial biology, nutrient supplementation, overall plant health and yield.

Some growers use a simple nutrient feeding regimen with few or no liquid supplements, and therefore require rich soil supplementation to meet the plants’ feeding needs. Other growers use a rich, scientific liquid nutrient mix with every feeding. These growers often seek a soil with limited nutrient additives, as they want to manipulate the plant’s nutrition at every step of the growing process.

The truth is, higher yields are achieved with a higher-quality feeding program, but nutrients will not be fully available without a quality growing medium. One of the biggest factors for nutrient availability is pH. While you probably check and adjust the pH of your water and feeding solution, a common mistake is to neglect the pH range of the medium. But think about it—your root systems are sitting in

“I LOVE FINISHING A NUTRIENT MIX, TESTING THE pH AND ALWAYS SEEING AN IDEAL RANGE (5.5 TO 6.5) ON MY METER.”

the growing medium 24/7 for the entire lifecycle of the plant. If your solution’s pH is correct but the roots are sitting in material that is too acidic or too alkaline, the plant is experiencing incorrect pH and as a result nutrients are less available. I pay for the high-end nutrients, and I want them to always be available to my precious plants.

Perfect pH

I have been hearing a lot of talk about nutrient recipes being formulated to reach perfect pH levels. As I said, I use the high-end nutrients, and I can say from experience that some nutrient companies can help you achieve perfect pH. I love finishing a nutrient mix, testing the pH and always seeing an ideal range (5.5 to 6.5) on my meter. So now the nutrient companies are helping with pH in the nutrient solution, and we don’t want to ruin the batch by pouring it into a lowquality substrate.

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Soilless Salvation and pH Perfection

The key is to build a soilless mix with the best our industry has to offer, while encouraging pH zones that will help with nutrient uptake. And no, that is not a typo: I said pH zones— plural. Most growers have seen the pH availability chart, which shows all of the nutrients required by plants and at which pH level each nutrient is most available. In the past, growers have compromised by choosing a pH near 6.0, because all of the nutrients are available around this level. To be clear, though, some nutrients are more available or less available at this level— each nutrient has a specific pH number where it reaches peak availability, and this number is not the same for every nutrient.

For example, molybdenum is most available at a high pH, and iron is most available at a low pH. The good news is that a few soilless mediums have slightly higher or lower pH to match the nutrients you want to use.

Rockwool gardeners will tell you that their favourite substrate has properties consistent with high pH, while peat moss is known to naturally have a low pH. Perlite typically has a neutral pH of 7.0 and coconut coir is slightly lower, in the ideal 6.1 to 6.8 range.You can mix these ingredients in the proper ratios, adding organic and biological supplements to complete the mix.

The result—pH perfection for the roots.

My Original “Perfect pH Mix”

Five years ago, after working with both hobby and commercial growers, I came up with my own potting mix recipe. It contained the mediums described for ideal pH zones, along with small amounts of kelp meal, worm castings, bat guano, multiple composts, biological inoculants and a few other secret ingredients. Measuring out each item, putting all of it together

A few popular coconut coir and coir-based products.

“The supplements are diluted by adding the inert grow cubes and perlite, which will help to prevent overfeeding.”

and thoroughly mixing would take an entire evening of work, but the high yields and superb quality it allowed made it worth all the work, and I never had to adjust pH in my solutions. This is important, because as you may know, pH adjusters can kill beneficial inoculants and alter NPK levels.

My Updated “Easy pH Mix”

Skip forward five years to the current day, I finally found a way to achieve the same results with only four ingredients instead of a dozen. How can this be true, you ask? I finally realized the advantages of using the potting mixes that are available from the local hydro shops! Basically, I combine a rich coco coir-based mix, a peat-based mix, mini grow cubes and large-grade perlite. That’s it! I went from four hours of work to 30 minutes, and that includes cleanup.

I start with four empty 23 litre buckets and an empty children’s wading pool. One bucket is drilled out for drainage.

I fill that bucket with the grow cubes, then drop that bucket into another bucket. I soak the grow cubes with 18 litres of chlorine-free water and then drain completely. I fill the second bucket with the coco coir mix, a third bucket with peat mix and a fourth bucket with large-grade perlite.

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One of the four buckets should be drilled for drainage. That bucket will be filled with grow cubes and dropped into another bucket to soak in chlorinefree water.

I always wear goggles and a dust mask for safety, because the materials are dusty, especially the perlite. The coir-based mix is well fortified with a bevy of organic amendments, not to mention large amounts of beneficial bacteria and fungi, and the peat-based mix also contains Mycorrhizae and compost—making this combination of amendments very similar to my old custom mix. The supplements are diluted by adding the inert grow cubes and perlite, which will help to prevent overfeeding. Other benefits of this mix include the perfect air-to-water ratio and the ability to be used in a hydroponics system (using fabric pots), or a traditional container garden.Your plants will also have increased feeder roots and root branching from the grow cubes, while seeing increased levels of beneficial bacteria and fungi from the coir.

A Simple Process

You can pick up all the ingredients you’ll need from your local grow store: their best coco coir-based potting mix, their best peat-based potting mix, perlite and grow cubes. The grow cubes can be in granulate form (about the size of salad croutons) if preferred. Large-grade perlite is preferred over cheap perlite, especially for automated hydro systems. Mix all four items in equal parts. For an extra boost, add four litres of premium biodynamic compost to the mix.You can never have too much beneficial biology! MY

Making the Mix

Now you have each bucket filled with a medium, and the grow cubes are soaked. If mixing indoors, soak the perlite as well. Start by pouring the peat-based mix into the pool.

Push the peat mix toward the edges, creating a pit, then pour the perlite into the peat pit. Add the wet grow cubes, and finally, the coir-based mix. Stir all of the ingredients with a long-handled shovel. I find that sitting on a 23 litre bucket puts me at the ideal height for mixing the mediums—standing and bending while mixing is not good for your back. Take a seat and take your time while mixing!

Periodically turn the pool and continue mixing, making sure you get the edges mixed in well. With 15 to 20 minutes of stirring, the mix is complete.

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Are Plants

CONSCIOUS?

by Peter Vakomies

Most gardeners would agree that plants are influenced by their environment, but how many of us feel that plants are also conscious of their surroundings?

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Communication

Animals move quickly, have emotions and react instinctually.

Animals—to a greater or lesser degree, depending on their sophistication—think and plan, remember and respond. What do plants do to demonstrate similar levels of awareness?

Are Plants “Awake” in the Day and “Asleep” at Night?

Consider how a plant reacts to day and night. “Waking up” is a big change for a vascular plant. The moment the lights turn on in a greenhouse or grow room, crops undergo a grand shift in molecular and anatomical processes. In C3 plants stomata are closed in the dark, so after sunrise they open wide and begin to release moisture into the air. Transpiration starts in the morning, and this could be considered a physiological sign that plants are now awake. At night the stomata close, and the humid exhalation of water vapour stops.

Once light levels are high enough, the green photosynthetic membranes inside cells repolarize and metabolic pools recharge and replenish. Chloroplasts heat up and become photoelectric battery (i.e. ATP) chargers and, with the first morning light, daytime biosynthesis begins. At night, with stomata closed, plants cease making proteins that consume energy and enzymes that drive photosynthesis and most other biosynthetic pathways—they reduce metabolism to almost zero as they “sleep”.

One of the biggest contrasts between day and night for plants involves the concentrations of hormones called phytochromes.

These are light-sensitive hormones found in all leaves that essentially wake up the plant’s genetic mechanisms to face the new day when the lights come on. They also control the genetic switches that direct growth by plants, and determine all growth responses such as when plants grow vegetatively or whether they bloom. Phytochromes are the time-keeper hormones in plants, just as melatonin secreted from the pineal gland regulates the sense of time in animals. Although plants have not evolved endocrine glands and neurons, they do sense time in a remarkably similar way using their phytochromes. We can see by this similarity that at least on some level plants share with animals the ability to tell night from day and to measure time in a meaningful way—certainly both basic functions we recognize in “conscious” organisms.

We know that plants can communicate using chemical signals, but does this signify actual consciousness? The ability to communicate—information being sent, received and processed—would seem to imply at least a basic level of chemical awareness in plants.

There are two kinds of plant communication that operate by the exchange of chemical signals—above-ground and below-ground. Above-ground communication happens when a wounded shoot causes the release of volatile phenolic compounds such as jasmonic acid and water-soluble salicylic acid. When a plant is attacked by an insect predator it signals to other plants via these airborne biochemicals to increase their immune defences before the pests reach them. This is an example of how plants are aware of what is happening above ground in their whole ecosystem. These volatile compounds have a direct effect on gene expression—new proteins and molecules are made in response to these volatile cues. It seems clear that in this way plants have a broadcast method of communicating to the whole community of plants around them.

Below ground as well, a similar exchange of molecules is going on all the time at a very intimate level between individual plants and mycorrhizae, which are the symbiotic fungi growing inside and between the roots of plants. Separate plants exchange metabolites and chemical resources through their roots using the bridges created by the mycelial growth of Mycorrhizae.

These include biomolecules made in the leaves of one plant that are carried via the subterranean network to another plant’s roots. This below-ground movement of biosynthesized molecules between plants is a second form of biochemical communication—the exchanges represent expressions of active growth from the canopy above the ground and are plantsecreted signals that are broadcast underground.

Plant Hormones versus Neurotransmitters Plant neurobiology, a new field of scientific research, assumes plants possess most of the same fundamental capacities animals use to be conscious. Plant neurobiology is the study of how plants transmit information via fast-acting electrical signals, vessicle-mediated auxin transport from cell to cell and longdistance communication via volatile phenolics.

Plant hormones like auxins, cytokinins and giberellins are used by plants in ways that are identical to how neurotransmitters or neurohormones are involved in animal nervous systems. Auxins are especially comparable to plant

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Are Plants Conscious?

“

Many of us have seen how sunflowers will track the sun westward until sunset, but did you know they reorient themselves to face eastward before dawn?” neurotransmitters—the molecular structure of the auxin molecule is very similar to mammalian tryptamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin and others secreted by the brain.

Interestingly, plants also synthesize melatonin and serotonin, which are key animal neurotransmitters.

Plant neurobiologists study how hormones like auxins travel up the plant’s cellular network in concentrated waves, forming zones of high auxin content separated by gaps of less auxin, moving at measurable rates of centimetres per hour. These waves of auxin are perceived by the target tissues all along the distance they travel. After travelling many metres, auxin-waves reach the tips of shoots as pulses of information—information that was sent from the root tips concerning how to grow.

Imagine the entire root system as an underground network that communicates to its shoot tips by a variable frequency of slow auxin pulses. Deep underground, the root system’s meristematic tips communicate to the organism’s extreme other end with pulses of hormones, all the way down the stem to where fruits and flowers will eventually form. In higher plants these two ends of the organism are linked by a watery vascular system in which the cell-sap, the cytoplasm, is often fused into a continuous apoplasm, a long and very electrically conductive gel, separated by vascular elements and sieve-plates. This vascular network both inside and outside cells is the plant’s nervous system, conducting both neurohormone and electrical signals.

Plants Cells as Nerves It’s easy to imagine auxin-waves slowly moving up the plant as a primal type of neurotransmission that is “slow” relative to animal nerves. However, plants also use electrical action potentials to send signals. Because of the constant stimuli present in nature, plants are riddled with electrical impulses communicating between cells and tissues. Studies have shown that the fast electrical impulses travelling from a stressed point on a root or leaf cause the genes in other cells in the plant to turn on and make more protective kinase enzymes.

These electrical messages are sent within the injured plant and communicate danger along vascular tissues all over the plant from root tip to shoot tip well in advance of the volatile jasmonate warning signals soon to follow in the air.

Plant Movement Any intentional movement—such as growing towards or away from stimuli—suggests plants are at least to some degree conscious. Plants move toward light and are affected by gravity and touch through the mechanisms we have worked out called

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positive phototropism, geotropism and thigmotropism; each of these movements and growth responses by plants involve the pulsating redistribution of hormones–like auxin for slower movement–as well as electrical signal for faster responses, such as with the sensitive mimosa plant.

Many of us have seen how sunflowers will track the sun westward until sunset, but did you know they reorient themselves to face eastward before dawn? In July, when the buds are just starting to form, they are especially phototropic.

After midnight, when it is still fully nighttime and dark, Giant Russian Sunflowers already know to swing their apical floral buds to face 180 degrees the opposite way. It is the auxin pulses in the stem that control this movement, and this vivid example of phototropism does suggest that sunflowers know where to be looking for the sun long before it appears.

Do Plants Remember?

Other expressions of plant growth form massive storage reserves underground—imagine perennial roots as a plant-consciousness memory bank. A type of vegetal “brain” would be multiple plants growing close together, such as a greenhouse crop or a natural ecosystem of plants. Any biodiverse ecosystem sustained by plants has a vegetal brain, and the more species present, the smarter the vegetal brain in that area.

Root growth underground is often the longest-lasting part of the plant organism, the last part to die or fade. Could roots be like a kind of memory? Root tips are also exploratory sense organs, looking for water, nutrients and symbionts, and over time this map of root exploration forms a gradually increasing trace or “knowledge” of the soil substrate. Roots could be “learning” about their subsoil environment as they grow, and using their exuded chemical signals to cooperate with symbiotic creatures and to avoid stress and pests as they memorize the area underground for exploitable resources.

We just don’t know. After growing a few plants anyone might feel intuitively that consciousness is present, but for now it’s in the hands of the plant neurobiologists.

MY

Stahlberg, Rainer. “Historical Overview on Plant Neurobiology,” Plant Signal Behav (2006): Jan–Feb; 1(1): 6–8.

Felle, Hubert H., Mathias Zimmermann. “Systemic Signalling in Barley Through Action Potentials,” Planta (2007) 226: 203-214.

Fromm, Jorg, Silke Lautner. “Electrical Signals and Their Physiological Significance in Plants,” Plant, Cell & Environment (2007). 30: 249–257, March.

Baluška, František, Stefano Mancuso, Dieter Volkmann.

“Neurobiological View of Plants and their Body Plan.”

Communication in Plants - Neuronal Aspects of Plant Life. Springer (2009). Berlin Heidelberg, November.

Are They Conscious?

The most invasive plant species, like sequoia, bamboo and morning glory, send exploratory roots through house foundations and under streets and grow shoot meristems all along their length. Single plants or colonies of clones form a vegetal network of “plant experience” in all environments they are connected to—some trees even send roots into our homes following drainage water courses. Do they “know” what they are after, can they tell friend from foe or are they just blindly reaching for resources?

If plant consciousness is like ours, then we should see something that resembles consciousness in their growth habits.

For example, can we see something like a plant memory?

Do they sleep, do they communicate, are there fast electrical and neurohormonal types of cell-to-cell signalling systems in plants? It would seem that plants do in fact possess all of these traits to some degree. But what about the higher functions of consciousness? Do plants show any ability to predict the future, and do plants “decide” the best choice or course of action?

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in the

Grow Room

by Matt LeBannister

Safety is a very important aspect of our lives. From hard hats on job sites to seat belts in cars, safety is always a priority. The grow room is no different. It is filled with hidden dangers and hazards. With proper advice and know-how one can easily avoid these dangers and enjoy the wonderful experience that is indoor gardening.

Let us discuss bulb safety first. Bulbs can be dangerous if not handled carefully. One must remember that H.I.D. (High Intensity Discharge) bulbs get extremely hot when turned on.

In fact you can see them actually glow with heat when turned off in the dark. This requires that bulbs be left for about half an hour to cool when turned off before handling.

H.I.D. bulbs can also be dangerous if they get a crack in the outer arc tube. The outer arc tube is designed to virtually contain all of the ultraviolet light produced by the bulbs. Ultraviolet light is a form of radiation and can burn skin and eyes. This is produced by the sun and is why we get sunburns and why we cannot stare into the sun. If you detect a crack in any of your H.I.D. bulbs, immediately unplug the ballast so that the light turns off. The light is now ruined, totally

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unsafe and must be replaced. Most quality bulb manufacturers have a one year warranty on their bulbs. If it was more than a year old, the bulb needs to be replaced anyway because they will have dropped significantly in lumen production.

Ballasts are also a source of danger if not used properly. There are high levels of current going through H.I.D. ballasts. Keep all ballasts off the grow room floor. This ensures that the risk of electric shock is minimized. It also keeps ballasts from becoming damaged.

Metal core ballasts can get quite hot. They should never be close to anything that might catch fire. Ballasts should always have their covers on and should never be hung in strands. If one wire touches a hot part of the ballast the wire insulation will burn off leaving the wire exposed. This is a serious fire hazard and should never be allowed to happen.

Remember that all electronic equipment, such as H.I.D. ballasts, should only be modified or repaired by qualified professionals.

“While there are several potentially dangerous elements to indoor gardening, taking proper precautions can mean a safer, more productive experience.”

Another hidden danger in the grow room are chemical nutrients and pesticides. Precautions must be taken when applying these potentially dangerous substances. Acids and bases that are used to adjust pH can be very corrosive to the human skin and eyes. Powdered nutrients can easily be inhaled. If chemicals are mixed together outside of water, reactions can occur with deadly gases being released. Pesticides are poisonous not only to the insects but to the gardener applying it. One should always have on eye protection, rubber protective gloves and a mask when using one or more of the aforementioned products.

Do not let this article scare you from enjoying your garden. It can be as risk-free as reading a book if the right precautions are taken. Simply let it to be a guide for a safer, more productive gardening experience. MY

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

47

tHE SECRET INGREDIENT FOR A BETTER HARVEST

by Isabelle Lemay agr. and Mélissa Léveillé

E P I R E C

tr ials and lt of many su re e cret th ly ething, a se e usual ar m s so e ip le c tt li re a h and ave , the best ceptable dis ipes often h ac c re In cookery an s u n e o e m eners betw most fa ell. All gard difference w e as th errors. The l g al in s n e e gard quality that mak translates to their plants with high t ingredient p e c n o c h! This ipe to grow ften have the “little a divine dis perfect rec e th r most o fo g e (CO 2)! at succeed th are lookin s e n bon dioxid o ar e c h ..

T e. e. c n m re ti e in record s all the diff ” that make g in th e m so

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A real treat for the plants CO2 is an essential element in the photosynthesis process, which is directly responsible for the growth of vegetal species. Without taking water in consideration, the plant is principally composed of carbon (C) and oxygen (O), which mainly come from CO2.

During photosynthesis, the CO2 in the air is sort of “captured” by the plant through the light. So, when the CO2 concentration in the air is increased, the photosynthesis process and the growth increase as well. To make it simple, plants feed themselves with CO2 and use it to fabricate tissues. The more plants eat, the bigger they get!

It is important to ensure a rich CO2 concentration at the plant’s canopy, since it’s from the stomas that the absorption happens. During photosynthesis, the plant consumes CO2 and makes the concentration drop around itself. A simple way to counter this effect is to use a recirculation fan to mix the ambient air and to ensure a higher and consistent CO2 concentration around the plant.

The importance of proper dosing In nature, the average CO2 proportion in the air comes close to 400 ppm (parts per million), and can largely vary depending on natural or human made CO2 production. The air in the garden should be close to this concentration; below this limit, the photosynthesis and the growth considerably slow down and might even stop around 200 ppm or less. This situation might happen in an isolated indoor garden with no CO2 added. The plant will then consume the ambient CO2 until it’s all gone.

The majority of plants will appreciate concentrations between 700 ppm and 1,000 ppm during daytime (light period) and around 400 ppm at nigh time (dark period). Why are these ideal conditions different from day to night? As mentioned earlier, the photosynthesis process occurs only in the presence of light.

The CO2 enrichment is then necessary only in the presence of light and therefore is useless, even harmful, in the dark period. In order to provide the plants with the optimal CO2 concentration for their growth, many gardeners turn themselves

"The more CO2 plants eat, the bigger they get!"

towards CO2 enrichment. In addition to improving the yields, maintaining the recommended CO2 concentration in the air will also have the advantage of reducing the production time, accelerating flowering, improving the quality and the quantity of fruits and flowers and may even diminish the incidence of some pathogenic fungus.

Different species’ optimal CO2 concentrations SPECIES

Recommended CO2 concentration during daytime (ppm)

Tomato

1000

Cucumber

1200

Lettuce

1000 - 1500

Rose

1000 - 1200 600 - 800

Poinsettia

Not enough CO2 is harmful, but too much is just as bad. Equal or superior concentrations to 1,500 ppm are generally less effective and less profitable and can even have a negative effect on some crops. One of the most serious impacts is an overflow of CO2, which reduces the plant’s stomas opening, resulting into a reduction of the CO2 absorption and a limitation of transpiration.

The transpiration is a key process for vegetal species because the water and nutrients’ absorption depends on it. Far from serving the plant’s interest, an excess in CO2 slows down the growth and, in some cases, can even cause leaves necrosis and curling or again provokes flower malformations. Tomatoes and cucumbers are particularly sensitive to high CO2 concentrations.

CO2 concentrations effects on plants Concentration (ppm)

Effects

200 and less

Avoid - photosynthesis and growth interruption

Near 400

Daytime minimal recommendation Nighttime recommended concentration

Between 700 & 1000

Average concentration recommended during daytime

1500 and more

Avoid - useless, non profitable and harmful to crops

When choosing to enrich the garden with CO2, adjusting the garden’s temperature will be necessary. In fact, the optimal temperature for the plant’s growth increases by a few degrees when the air is enriched with CO2. Consider that the plant’s metabolism works faster when it benefits from a CO2 supplement; CO2 allows plants to produce better, but to do so, they need to consume more. Every need, like water and nutrients for example, will be increased. To fully take advantage

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49

CO2 : The Secret Ingredient for a Better Harvest

of CO2 enrichment, we have to pay attention and take care of our plants to provide them with everything they need.

A good balance A successful recipe is determined by a good mix between all the ingredients. Similarly, even if we provide plants with the ideal CO2 concentration, this will not guarantee success if we do not manage the other factors properly. Before getting into CO2 enrichment, it’s important to master the plant’s basic needs in order to submit them to conditions that are favourable to the yield. If these conditions are not accomplished, they will be an obstacle for the growth, and the CO2 enrichment will have no significant impact and will be wasted. They are many conditions, but usually one in particular will harm more than others; we call it the “limiting factor,” since it’s the one that limits growth.

The limiting factor To better understand the effect of the limiting factor, we can compare a plant’s yield to the maximal quantity of water that a barrel can hold. A barrel is usually composed of many boards of equal length, but let’s suppose that the barrel would be built with boards of different lengths. The water level contained could not exceed the shortest board. The same way, a plant’s yield would not

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go further than the limiting factor who limits the growth, even if the other factors are optimal. These factors are the CO2, light, temperature, humidity, water, nutrients or substrate.

The diagram illustrates the interactions between the light, the temperature and the CO2 concentration and perfectly shows the effects of a limiting factor on the photosynthesis process. For example, we observe that at 12°C, the rate of photosynthesis does not increase despite the CO2 enrichment and the augmentation of light intensity. In this situation, it’s the temperature limiting the plant’s growth. However, note that if we augment the temperature to 21°C, the addition of CO2 significantly raises the photosynthesis level. Again, the temperature is the limiting factor, since with an increase to 31°C the photosynthesis process goes up 30 per cent. So it is only when all the plant’s needs are fulfilled with light, temperature and CO2, among others, that a maximum level of photosynthesis is reached.

To summarize, remember that plants require well balanced conditions as close as possible to their needs to get the full potential of CO2 enrichment. This way plants reach an exceptional growing level! But how can you ensure and maintain an ideal CO2 concentration in the garden, day and night? Among other things, technology helps in the form of a CO2 controller with a properly calibrated sensor. MY

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YOU TELL US

Owner and inventor Phillip Leavitt researching data in his plant lab.

Maximum Yield discusses Killer Compost Tea, the benefits of kelp for plants and amino acids’ role in maximizing nutrient uptake with Debbie Card, sales manager for Humboldt County’s Own.

Debbie Card (sales and invoicing).

Maximum Yield (MY): What steps are taken to tailor the Humboldt County’s Own line of products to the specific needs and wishes of growers?

Debbie Card: We think our approach is unique in the industry.

Our research is extensive and includes sorting data in plant science journals and patents. From there we create various solutions that we believe will produce interesting results in the garden. Then, we hand out free samples for testing purposes.

Because of the owner’s reputation out in the Humboldt hills there’s no shortage of willing volunteers. We don’t tell growers what our products do; we let them tell us what they do. The end result is a quality product with unique properties and exceptional value. Since most of the products have been fortunate accidents, I guess you could say the owner is the “Inspector Clouseau” of hydroponics.

playing with their plants will enjoy the product we offer. One of our newer products, Crystal Burst—which is a 0-16-16 liquid with B1—will interest growers who want a high potency bloom booster at an affordable price. Our Killer Tea, which is an ultra high potency pure worm casting tea with seabird and bat guano, will interest many growers as well.

MY: What products do you offer and what type of grower are they most suitable for?

Debbie: Our original products—BushMaster, Gravity, Purple Maxx and Snow Storm Ultra—developed a following among hobby growers who shopped at our retail store, Eel River Hydroponics, in central Humboldt County. Growers who enjoy

MY: What makes your Killer Tea better than other teas on the market?

Debbie: We don’t claim that our tea is better than other teas.

However, we did spend over two years testing every pure worm casting, seabird and bat guano available. Among the castings, we only found two that we considered to have “magic” properties.

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MY: What does Humboldt County’s Own have planned for the future in the way of products and technologies?

Debbie: We have a two and three part nutrient line coming out later this year, but the products that hobby growers will most enjoy are Pink Lady, Fumes, Flower Pop and Grimbles.

They are being tested right now with friends and neighbours along Highway 36.

The species of worm as well as their diet can yield castings with markedly different effects. We used the one that had the most pronounced effect on plant growth. Among the guanos we only found two seabird and one bat guano that had any real value.

Almost all of the NPK numbers on guanos are meaningless.

Most of our two years was spent analyzing and testing guanos to come up with a product that really produced results in plants.

MY: Kelp extract is used in a few of your product recipes. What makes kelp such a popular ingredient in gardening products?

Debbie: Kelp is a very versatile ingredient so different products use it for different reasons. The cold pressed kelp is low in hormones but very high in micronutrients. Kelp extract is an alkaline extract that is very low in micros but very high in hormones, mostly kinetin and indole acetic acid. It’s good for stimulating root growth during early stages of growth, and leaf growth at later stages. Our kelp is a third variation. We start with a concentrated kelp extract, as above, and subject it to a third extraction using a proprietary process that further extracts certain ingredients while leaving behind others.

MY: How do amino acids maximize nutrient uptake in plants as in Purple Maxx and Snow Storm Ultra?

What are the physical results of this?

Debbie: I’m not a chemist nor a plant biologist so I don’t know why the products do what they do, but I can offer my best guess.

When plants are subjected to stress one of their reactions is to release a cocktail of defensive chemicals that varies according to the stressful experience. If my guess is correct then if you subject a plant to a cocktail that mimics what they secrete under stress then the plant will react as if it actually experienced that stress.

Therefore a cold stress cocktail will elicit a cold stress response.

A heat stress cocktail will elicit a heat stress response. A general stress cocktail on a rooted cutting will cause increased root elongation without hormones. The appearance of that response will vary according to plant species. In most cases, since a plant’s purpose is to reproduce, the response to stress will cause an uptake of nutrients channelled to the roots in young plants and to the flowers in blooming plants. MY

Humboldt County’s Own original product line from left: Crystal Burst, Purple Maxx, Gravity, Snow Storm and Bush Master.

Trevor Barcellos (shipping and bottling) with Phillip Leavitt (owner/inventor).

Mixing and bottling on-site.

Production line at Humboldt County’s Own.

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

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by Lee McCall

small spaces

Big Yields VEG part I

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S

ide-by-side experimentation allows growers to more easily learn about crop productivity in relation to a particular grow medium, nutrient, cultivation method or even a grow light. This article covers all aspects of seed germination through aggressive vegetative growth on two choice tomato strains, Sugar Baby and Early Girl.

Germination Week 1:

The seedlings are planted in expanded pellet discs. The pellets are expanded in filtered water, but with no additional nutrient. The pellets are contained in a small tray and dome to simulate a miniature greenhouse environment. They are placed on top of a seedling heat mat to enhance temperature stability in the root zone.

Sugar Baby tomatoes (shown above) may be small, but are extremely productive and will be trialled against Early Girl tomatoes.

Week 1, Day 4:

The first sprouts to appear are the Early Girls. There is no sign of the Sugar Baby variety yet. The temperature and humidity have been very consistent, thus I have not had to apply any additional water to the seedling tray. I remove the dome two times a day, which helps to refresh the air supply around the pellets.Very similar to that of a damp sponge, the consistency of the pellet is not overly saturated, but also never achieves a dry state. To the touch, the pellets feel lukewarm.

Week 1, Day 5:

The fifth day reveals the first Sugar Baby sprout! The cotyledon leaves have not yet opened, but at least there are signs of life.

I’m hoping that within another seven days the seedlings will be ready to transplant into the soil and drip buckets and take on the intended vegetative nutritional regiments.

The Sugar Baby soil plant shows a distinct leaf curl.

The grow room outfitted with the germination seedling heat mat, compact fluorescent light system, HID light system and oscillating fan.

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55

Small Spaces, Big Yields:Veg Part 1 Accompanying additives are a super concentrated metabolic enhancer derived from plant, marine, and mineral derivatives used at a rate of five millilitres per four litres, a premium humic acid concentrate, endo and ecto Mycorrhizae and an additional beneficial microbiological inoculant that will help overcome transplant shock and enhance the overall size and production of the plant. These inoculants encourage dynamic nutritional uptake, and help to protect the plant from infectious pathogens. The water is filtered to remove chlorines and chloramines, and the pH is adjusted to balance out at 5.8 after nutrients have been added.

Week 3, Day 20:

Grow room ducts are strategically placed for optimal ventilation.

Week 2, Day 8:

Production is definitely moving slower than I anticipated.

Only five of a total 12 planted seeds have sprouted. This is a perfect example of why more seeds should be sown than less.

In addition to the possibility of having only five potential plantlets to choose from, the two Sugar Baby sprouts appear very small and fragile compared to the Early Girls. The utmost care will be needed to ensure that the health and vigour of this strain prevails.

Week 2, Day 12:

Two of the Early Girls have developed a healthy root system signalling they are ready to be transplanted into their soil and hydroponic arrangements. Upon rinsing the silica stone for the drip bucket modules and turning my back to the seedlings, I turn back around to discover that our dog Alice has eaten the top half of one of the seedlings. Luckily all is not lost. I still have two Early Girls and Sugar Baby specimens left. Unfortunately, transplanting will have to be pushed back until the root systems and leaves have matured on these remaining four sprouts.

The soil transplants are actually ready after a 20 day germination phase. This has been one of the longest and most tedious seed germinations I have ever endured with a strain. The growth characteristics persuade me to believe there is a weakness in the genetic line of the strain. I will use reusable four litre containers made from a breathable fabric to promote thorough drainage, aeration and increase fibrous root development. This specific container literally air-prunes the roots as they emerge through the sides of the fabric walls. The soil blend is extremely rich in naturally occurring elements and biology. The same endo/ecto Mycorrhizae and probiotic inoculants used for the hydroponic plants are applied in dry form to the planting sites in the containers where the seedlings will be transplanted. The first feeding is a one-part base grow 4-3-3 vegan nutrient derived from alfalfa meal, cane sugar, glacial rock powder, kieserite, molasses, Ascophyllum nodosum, Laminaria digitata and various other plant extracts and minerals. The base is fortified with a special compost tea, a vegan 1-1-1 root stimulant containing brewer’s yeast, a rich six per cent humic acid supplement to assist with nutrient uptake, 100 per cent pure Ascophyllum nodosum (seaweed) rich in

Week 3, Day 15:

Finally, five days past the anticipated transplant date, two new specimens, one Sugar Baby and one Early Girl, have developed into strong seedlings and are ready for transplanting. Each variety will begin vegetative growth regiments in the drip buckets. Once the remaining sprouts’ root systems are vibrant and healthy they will be transplanted into containers of organic soil. The first hydroponic nutrient base mix is a blend of micro, grow and bloom in low PPMs.

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Ten days after the soil transplant; 15 days after the hydroponic transplant.

Small Spaces, Big Yields:Veg Part 1 and production. The Sugar Baby planted in soil and the hydroponic transplant both show the same physical growth deformations. This leads me to believe the discrepancy is either a fault in the nutrients or possibly the environment itself. Another potential factor could be that the temperature is too cold, negatively affecting nutritional uptake of much needed elements. On a positive note, the Early Girls are lush.

The grow room temperature is reaching 26°C during the hottest part of the light cycle and dropping down to 21°C during lights off. I am maintaining higher than average humidity levels of approximately 52 per cent, which seems to be desirable for the Early Girls in particular.

Week 6, Day 36:

End of week two, the Sugar Baby plants on the right are definitely experiencing the same stress factors.

naturally occurring auxins, hormones and trace minerals.

Fish emulsion and an enzyme formula are also added to the cocktail in attempt to increase soil fertility, enhance structural development and help keep the roots clean and disease free.

The hydroponic plants are growing a few centimetres every day. The nutrient concentrations are measuring in the vicinity of 800 PPM and approximately eight litres of solution is absorbed every seven days. Despite the problems that the Sugar Baby plants are enduring, their growth remains stable.

The foliage and structural mass do not even measure to half of that of the Early Girl plants, but they continue to consume the same amount of nutrient solution. Visually, the roots are healthy and white on both hydroponic plants. Thus far, the healthiest plant appears to be the Early Girl soil specimen.

The foliage is a brilliant green color, the stalks are thick and the leaves are showing the least amount of stress.

Week 4, Day 22:

Both hydroponic and soil transplants have successfully adapted Week 7, Day 43: to the vegetative growth nutritional regiments without any The plants are measuring around 35 centimetres tall and sign of burn. This is a good indication that the root masses the Early Girl stalks are a few centimetres in diameter at are rapidly increasing in size and establishing into their new the thickest point! Vegetative growth is in full swing and systems. The Early Girl on the cusp of pre-flowering. varieties are happy with The nutritional regiments will vigorous leaf production both take on a carbohydrate “The water is filtered to remove and non-deficient foliage. supplement comprised of chlorines and chloramines, and the pH The Sugar Baby plantlets molasses, raw cane sugar, is adjusted to balance out at 5.8 after are responding with positive L-amino acids, polyflavonoids, nutrients have been added.” root and structural growth vitamins and essential as well, but seem to show minerals. This will help boost a sensitivity that is visible microbiological activity and through the appearance of prepare the plants for an the foliage. I will maintain the same fertilizer regiment for immense fruiting cycle. Hopefully, the transition from veg another week to see if they out grow the deformity. to bloom should carry over with minimal stress induced on the garden.

Week 5, Day 29:

The foliage of the Sugar Baby specimens continues to show sensitivity and endure some type of physiological leaf roll. The leaves are slightly curled up and in, but are neither spotting nor burning. Some studies I have researched show that this is nothing to worry about and is merely an indication of a genetic disorder; however, other information indicates this is a sign of a disease that will negatively affect yield

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

Concluding the end of a successful vegetative growth trial, the Sugar Baby variety could have performed better, but the vigorous Early Girl plants definitely made up for their weakness displayed by the others. I expect a hearty bloom cycle and await a heavy harvest from these plants so long as the production maintains consistent throughout. Follow along with Lee as he attempts to bring his tomatoes through the MY bloom cycle to a successful harvest.

Our Organic Future What was once an uncommon term used by concerned scientists is now frequently on the lips of civilians. Global warming is a real concern and the blame rests squarely at the feet of carbon emissions, which are a direct result of our advanced industrial lifestyle. Most of what we take for granted, the keyboard we type on, the chair on which we sit, has contributed to climate change.

Globally, agriculture and horticulture contribute an estimated 11 per cent of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Chemically-treated crops affect the earth’s natural growing and carbon processing cycles, and because the natural environment is unable to process these alien waste forms efficiently and effectively, over time our earth becomes sterile.

Instead of being processed and recycled, the waste (gasses, toxins, etc.) are released directly into the earth’s atmosphere where they form mass amounts of poison, further damaging the ozone layer. This creates a circle of destruction where the planet can longer contain its waste, and instead burns a hole in the sky to escape.

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by Luis Bartolo

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

61

Our Organic Future

This is not to say that organic farming is carbon neutral. It is just more efficient at containing negatives within its natural lifecycle. This process is slow, but it’s the only one this planet was designed to function by.

Nature is self sustaining and has a propensity to clean up after itself when it produces waste. Plants naturally absorb negative gasses from the air like CO2, which assists the photosynthetic process in producing organic compounds needed for plant growth and development. It is then recycled and sent back into the atmosphere as oxygen, and extracted by humans and other living beings for survival.

“Most of what we take for granted, the keyboard we type on, the chair on which we sit, has contributed to climate change.”

Another dangerous result of chemical farming is eutrophication.

Eutrophication occurs when nitrates from fertilizers, and other toxins from pesticides, are washed into rivers and streams from farmland, or absorbed into the atmosphere to fall back to the earth as rain. An estimated 67 million birds die each year as a backlash from pesticide use; the estimate for fish is six to 14 million annually. Several water companies in Germany now pay farmers to switch to organic operations because it costs less

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than removing chemicals from water supplies. In recent years, the water quality in certain valleys of Northern France became so bad due to pollution the local politicians—backed by the community—demanded a conversion to organic farming.

The number of organic farms is still a minority in comparison to modern factory farms. This, however, wasn’t always the case.

Pre-1940, most of the world’s agricultural practice was organic or at the very least non-synthetic. Chemical replicates of NPK became available during the previous century, although they weren’t popular until the manpower shortage and food demands of World War II. Intensive chemical farming relied on less manpower to manage and produce and it was cheaper; this is how chemical farming became so prevalent today.

In recent years there has been an upsurge in consumer demand for organic produce. This has been seen as something of a trend that has no conclusive benefits for human health or for the environment. Detractors take pains to point out that organic food is no better than conventionally-grown food and is simply a marketing ploy.

In fact, organic agriculture reduces greenhouse gas emissions by effectively locking more carbon into the soil rather than releasing it into the atmosphere, as is the case in conventional agriculture. If organic fertilizer was used to grow corn and soybeans, two of the most widely produced crops in the United States, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could be reduced by an estimated two per cent annually. Organic farming also uses 50 per cent less energy than conventional farming methods, therefore, less pollution is processed by the already overburdened ecosystem.

There is no doubt that organic, sustainable agricultural practices can mitigate climate change. As stated in the 2002 report of the United Nations Food and Agriculture

“A return to natural and self sustainable growing principles will ensure the longevity of our natural resources.”

Organization (FAO), organic agriculture enables ecosystems to better adjust to the effects of climate change and has major potential for reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

The FAO report also found that, “organic agriculture performs better than conventional agriculture on a per hectare scale, both with respect to direct energy consumption (fuel and oil) and indirect consumption (synthetic fertilizers and pesticides),” with highly efficient energy usage.

The United Kingdom’s Soil Association found that organic farming in the UK is about 26 per cent more efficient in energy use per ton of produce than conventional farming, excluding tomatoes grown in heated greenhouses. The milk and beef industry showed the greatest gap, using 28 and 41 per cent less energy respectively than their conventional counterparts.

Organic agriculture helps counteract climate change by restoring soil’s organic matter content, reducing soil erosion and improving soil’s physical structure. Organic soils also have greater water-holding capacity, which explains why organic production is much more resistant to climate extremes such as droughts and floods.

Such savings in energy consumption alone should be enough of an incentive for governments to place more focus on organic agriculture. Healthy soils can also process more toxins from other areas of industry safely and naturally, thereby reducing the stress on the ozone layer.

Before the 1990s, the number of organic farmers represented less than one per cent of the total agricultural sector in most countries. Since that time the situation has changed with many countries expanding organic agriculture considerably. This is in part due to the increased profits from organic produce, as well as increased consumer demand.

Just as our planet has been negatively affected by chemical use in agriculture, the consumption of chemically-treated food by humans has had a detrimental effect upon our health. We, like the natural environment, are a delicate living ecosystem. When we build our cells upon inorganic and unnatural compounds, the body becomes unable to process and develop adequately.

The result of this is new generations of super bugs and an increase in cancers and other serious diseases. It is no surprise that the first cases of such maladies came about with the advent of industrial agriculture.

A return to natural and self sustainable growing principles will ensure the longevity of our natural resources and the health and wellbeing of the next generation who will no longer be exposed to toxins in their soil, air, water and food.

We will likely continue to advance and embrace new technologies, but by focusing on the original building blocks of life and sustaining them we can progress exponentially and infinitely, without destroying our world in the process. MY

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TALKING SHOP

AT A GLANCE The Dieppe Hydroponics team from left: Jeff, Melanie and Chris.

Company: Dieppe Hydroponics Owners: Chris Caissie and Jeffrey Gallant Location: Dieppe, New Brunswick Phone: (506) 384-4769 Email:

dieppehydroponics@hotmail.com

Motto: “Never too late to get green!”

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There’s all kinds of good reasons to chuck in your day job and start a hydroponics business, but this might be a first: Chris Caissie and Jeffrey Gallant opened their new shop in Dieppe, New Brunswick because they missed hanging out with their buddies in the local grow shop, which was the friendliest place in town!

“Everybody always loved to go to the old store because the owner was trying to help people with their growing hobbies and to please every customer as much as he could,” explains Chris. “And they also had reasonable prices. When he closed his doors we would have liked to take it over, but at the time we did not have the resources, money or knowledge to do it.”

But the idea had taken root, and the two long-time friends often talked about eventually opening a grow store.

“It’s true,” agrees Jeff, “for years, a lot of people were saying how much they missed going to a hydroponic store where the staff was so enjoyable. So after doing some research and debating for a while, we decided, why not give it a try? So here we are!”

Jeff had been running a seasonal landscaping business after a decade in the construction industry, and Chris had an auto detailing shop, so they had at least some business experience when they decided to give their new project a go.

Jeff ’s girlfriend Melanie—on maternity leave from her regular job at a nursing home at the time—pitched in too, and was soon managing the store. Melanie’s help proved invaluable in the first few months, as they relied on her help get the store up and running.

“Even while she was on maternity leave she was helping us out a lot with the store,” says Chris. And they couldn’t have done it without her, he goes on to say: “While we were busy with painting and fixing the place up a bit, Melanie was doing all the research to find suppliers and great product for us to carry.”

They started looking for a location in August of 2010 and finally opened their doors in August of that year in Dieppe, just down the road from Moncton.

“I think we have a great location,” Chris says, “We have customers from all around here and they come from as far away as Quebec and Prince Edward Island, too.”

Starting a new business from scratch is never easy, and Dieppe Hydroponics was no exception.

“At the beginning,” says Jeff, “We had difficulty with the bank, and actually got our bank account closed, probably because they misunderstood the type of store we were trying to open.You know…‘hydroponic.’ We did not have credit with the wholesalers at first either,

Chris

so we had to build trust with them as well.”

Things were tight at first—they couldn’t afford a lot of inventory, and they had to wait for sales in order to buy new stock.

“It’s true,” laughs Jeff, “Most of the first sales we made, we had to get the money up front from our customers to be able to place the bigger orders.” But they made those first sales, and soon their research started to pay off and they found a supplier in Quebec who was willing to help them out, and teach them some tricks of the trade as well.

“So we finally found a great company with nice people working for them that helped us a lot,” Jeff continues, “and they came over all the way from Quebec to New Brunswick to show us all kind of tricks, which we appreciate very much.

We are looking forward to meeting more people like them!”

Initial inventory problems aside, their first big obstacle was figuring out the best way to advertise effectively.

“Me and Jeff did a lot of word-ofmouth advertising,” explains Chris, “passing business cards to a lot of people, but it was not enough, so a good friend offered to let us put ads on the placemats in his four restaurants, while Melanie was putting ads everywhere on Kijiji and Facebook for Dieppe Hydroponics—and we slowly started seeing more customers.

Since we now have some clientele from as far away as Prince Edward Island— which is a couple hour’s drive from us— we recently decided to do a website as well: WWW.dieppehydroponics.com.”

Now their start-up difficulties with credit, inventory and advertising are more or less behind

“As we are just starting in the industry, we have a lot to learn—and we are looking forward to doing a lot of workshops and attending as many tradeshows as we can.” them, Chris, Jeff and Melanie are busy learning how to run their store effectively.

“As we are just starting in the industry, we have a lot to learn—and we are looking forward to doing a lot of workshops and attending as many tradeshows as we can,” says Chris. “We also want to be able to give as much information as we can to our customers, by providing them with trade magazines, instructional DVDs and by starting our website. We want them to feel comfortable in our store and to leave with a smile on their faces—because they just had a great service experience!”

These three entrepreneurs have two things in mind when they talk about great service—they want to be able to give their customers educated advice in the kind of friendly store atmosphere they used to enjoy themselves, and they want to provide a one-stop shopping experience as well.

“We carry a wide range of different brands of nutrients, lighting equipment, ventilation, filters and growing media,” says Jeff. “We are trying to keep all the

little things like clamps and ducting, reducers and so on in the store at all times, so our clientele won’t have to do a lot of stopping. And if a customer comes to Dieppe Hydroponics and we don’t have something in stock,” he continues, “Melanie will do her best to make sure we get the product and that it is on the shelves at all times.”

Caring, committed service and a shop full of quality products and nice people— that’s how the three friends who run Dieppe Hydroponics plan to make their mark in the industry, and it seems they’re off to a good start.

“We’re a great team,” affirms Jeff, “and we’ve all got a passion for indoor gardening!” MY

Jeff

Melanie

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MAX-MART

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MAXIMUMdistributors YIELD ALBERTA Double AA Garden Supplies Ltd. Bay 9 2820 Centre Avenue Calgary, AB T2A 7P5 403-273-9188 Fusion 5 Organic Gardens Inc. PO Box 5821, 120B 1 Street, SW High River, AB T1V 1P3 866-652-2594 Hydro-Lite 12249 Fort Road Edmonton, AB T5B 4H7 780-477-7860 IncrediGrow Garden Centre 103-7500 MacLeod Trail SE Calgary, AB T2H 0L9 403-255-0740 Niloc Wholesale Inc. Box 82008 Yellowbird RPO Edmonton, AB T6J 7E6 780-885-4769 Quick Grow 1-1204 Edmonton Trail Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 3K5 877-426-4769 Smart Grow 2422 - 23 Avenue, NE Calgary, AB T2E 8J4 403-236-9999 Twins Greenhouse 13 - 2235 30th Avenue, NE Calgary, AB T2C 7C7 403-273-2881 BRITISH COLUMBIA A+ Gardening Supplies 1450 Venables Street Vancouver, BC V5L 2G5 604-876-4769 Advanced Garden Supplies 7979 Aspen Road Vernon, BC V1B 3M9 250-545-9545 Advanced Wholesale Superstore 406 - 1952 Kingsway Avenue Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6C2 604-945-0174 AJs Pets & Things 3219 - 31st Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 2H2 250-549-3222 A.R.I. Research 120 - 4111 Hastings Street Burnaby, BC V5C 6Y7 604 433 6067 Art Knapp 2855 Wentworth Road Courtenay, BC V9N 6B7 250-334-3024 Aurora Lighting 750 3rd Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3C5 250-564-9888 Backwoods Hydroponic & Garden 10590 Carlson Road Prince George, BC V2K 5E5 250-963-9541 BC Hydroponics 3 - 20092-93A Avenue Langley, BC V1M 3Y4 604-888-5716 Better Than Nature Enderby 1900 George Street Enderby, BC 250-838-5502 Better Than Nature Kelowna 725B Evans Court Kelowna, BC V1X 6G4 250-868-8978 Better Than Nature Penticton 101 - 78 Industrial Avenue, West Penticton, BC V2A 6M2 250-770-8978 Better Than Nature Vernon 3506 25th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 1P4 250-260-4466

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Garden Centre

Your Plant’s Personal Trainer

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

BN Garden Supply 4493 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC V5R 2N3 604-431-2977 Buckerfields 587 Alberni Highway Parksville, BC V9P 1J9 250-248-3243 Canadian Garden Supply 1730 Highway 3 Castlegar, BC V1N 4W1 250-304-2911 Chilliwack Indoor Garden Centre Ltd. 311 - 44500 South Sumas Road Chilliwack, BC V9R 5M3 604-824-2944 Coastal Growers Supply 103 - 12824 Anvil Way Surrey, BC V3W 8E7 604-599-1778 Cowichan Hydroponic Supplies 4 - 2955 Jacob Road Duncan, BC V9L 6W4 250-746-0244 Double AA Garden Supplies Ltd. 2908 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5N 4C9 604-876-8837 Duncan Plants & Ponics 6512 Bell McKinnon Road Duncan, BC V9L 6C1 250-746-5591 Excel Air Systems 200 - 20170 Stewart Crescent Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0T4 604-728-0757 Fat Eddie’s Systems 108 - 18760 96th Avenue Surrey, BC 604-888-2419 Garden Effects 200-2288 #5 Road Richmond BC V6X 2T1 604-214-6620 Garden King Supplies 7533 135 Street, Unit 109 Surrey, BC V3W OM8 604-598-1912 Garibaldi Nurseryland & Florist 38917 Progress Way, Squamish Industrial Park Squamish, BC V0N 3G0 604-892-3892 Good Guys Gardening Center 250 McKenzie Avenue, South Williams Lake, BC V2G 1C6 250-392-2069 Green & Clean Energy Co. Ltd. 2875 Cudlip Road Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0 250-732-7224 Green Earth Garden Supplies Unit 5, 19300, Langley Bypass Langley, BC V3S 6K2 604-532-7106 GreenStar Plant Products Inc. 9430 198 Street Langley, BC V1M 3C8 604-882-7699 Growing Solutions Box 650, 1150 Bowlby Road Errington, BC V0R 1V0 250-248-1101 Happy Acres Greens & Backroad Hydroponics Equipment 2058 Cambie-Solsqua Road Sicamous, BC V0E 2V0 250-836-3878 Hygro Gardening Supplies Inc. 1791 Tamarac Street Campbell River, BC V9W 5Y7 250-286-0424 Indoor Jungle 2624 Quadra Street Victoria, BC V8T 4E4 250-388-5611

Interior Gardener’s Supply 221 - 1 McDermid Road, Box 1257 100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E0 250-395-3399 Jon’s Plant Factory 3925 East Hastings Burnaby, BC V5C 2H8 604-294-3000 Just-N-Tyme Greenhouse and Hydroponics Supply 1094 McKenzie Avenue Courteney, BC V9N 3C5 250-703-0476 Kamloops Sunshine Gardens Greenhouse Superstore 5 - 1744 Kelly Douglas Road Kamloops, BC V2C 5S4 877-372-2270 Kootenay Bubble Refinery PO Box 81 Slocan Park, BC V0G 2E0 250-226-7753 Kootenay Grower’s Supply Nelson 721-G Front Street Nelson, BC V1L 4B8 250 353 1887 Long Lake Nursery Hydroponic Supply 4900 Island Highway, North Nanaimo, BC 250-758-5012 Mr. Fertilizer 9 Burnside Road, West Victoria, BC V9A 1B2 250-381-4644 Mylo’s 3837 Squilax Anglemont Hwy Scotch Creek BC V0E 1M0 250-955-0525 Natural Choice Garden Centre, The 5500 48th Avenue, SE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1X2 250-832-7151 Nico’s Nurseryland 830 - 28th Street, NE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2S7 250-804-2004 Northern Lights Greenspace 3 - 2706 45th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 3N4 250-558-4757 Nutty Zone 5 & 6 - 33201 London Avenue Mission, BC V2V 4P9 604-814-2223 Oasis 12 - 1771 Cooper Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 7T1 250-763-4769 Omega Garden Inc. 1695 Peligren Place Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2S3 250-752-1301; 888 976 6342 Pacific NW Garden Supply 109 - 20110 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2P7 Pacific NW Garden Supply 2137 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V5L 1V2 604-254-4765 Pacific NW Garden Supply Unit 14- 104 Silica Street Nelson, BC V1L 4M1 250-354-4767 Pacific NW Garden Supply Unit C1 - 1810 Kyle Court Kelowna, BC V1Z 3Z4 250-769-4791 Pacific NW Garden Supply 15374-103A Avenue Surrey V3R 9V8 604-588-4769; 800-443-4769 Pacific NW Garden Supply 1139B Industrial Road 3 Cranbrook, BC V1C 5E3 250-489-4761

Pacific Rim Indoor Garden & Lighting 170- 12111 Bridgeport Road Richmond, BC V6V 1J4 604-232-4468 PG2 1798 Nicholson Street Prince George, BC V2N 1V6 250-612-4769; 1-888-817-4769 Planting Plus Greenhouse Supplies and Hardware 22394 Dewdney Truck Road Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3J2 604-466-5949 Progressive Growth 111 - 1790 Island Highway Victoria, BC V9B 1H5 250-391-9519 Progressive Growth 41 - 1925 Bowen Road Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1 800-405-4769 Room 2 Grow 901 Laval Crescent Kamloops, BC V2C 5P4 250-372-3663 Sal’s Indoor Garden Supplies & Hydroponics 187 Asher Road Kelowna BC V1X 3H5 778-753-5549 S.A. Ecoline Products Ltd. 5671 Auto Road, SE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4S1 250-833-4769 Skytek Indoor Solutions 833 4th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3H5 1-800-975-9835 Solar Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supply 4752 Imperial Street Burnaby, BC V5J 1C2 604-438-7244 Spruce Capital Feeds 1694 Quinn Street Prince George, BC V2N 1X3 250-564-6010 Sun Beam Central 3444 River Road Chemainus, BC V0R 1K4 250-246-1379 Sundogz Garden Supply & Hydroponics 30 - 1365 Old Alberni Highway Parksville, BC V9P 2B8 250-954-2046 Sunwest Garden Supply 2035 Unit B Louie Drive Westbank, BC V4T 1Y2 250-768-1636 Trees Company Nursery & Garden Supplies G9 C17 RR1, 7030 Powell Road Winlaw, BC V0G 2J0 250-226-7334 Tridon Hydroponics 12 - 1708 Bowen Road Nanaimo, BC V9S 1G9 250-755-1900 Triple Tree Nursery 20503 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2P9 604-465-9313 Valley Indoor Geenhouse Supplies 103 - 44195 Yale Road West Chilliwack, BC V2R 4H2 877-702-1169 Vancouver Garden Supply 4894 Fraser Street Vancouver, BC V5V 4H5 604-879-8167 Vancouver Island Garden Supply Ltd. 4770 Wellington Rd Nanaimo, BC V9T 2H3 250-585-8881 Warehouse Garden Supplies & Hydroponic 109 - 8173 128 Street Surrey, BC V3W 4G1 604-543-3177

West Coast Gardens Equipment and Supplies 113 - 805 Notre Dame Kamloops, BC V2C 5N8 250-851-2992 MANITOBA All Grow Distributors 410 Madison Street Winnipeg, MB R3J 1J1 204-231-1694 Better Than Nature Winnipeg 2B - 2 Donald Street Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K5 204-453-3032 Gro Pro International Hydroponics 101-904 Porthee Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3G 0P4 204-956-1389 Kleen Gro Hydroponics 218 Osbourne Street South Winnipeg, MB R3L 1Z3 204-475-7096 My Two Sons 2 - 2055 McPhillips Street Winnipeg, MB R2Y 3C6 204-339-3489 Nature’s Nutrition 1819 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3J 0G4 204-889-2979 Northern Lights Hydroponics 129 Regent Avenue East Winnipeg, MB R2C 0C2 204-415-5106 Ready Set Grow!

375 Henderson Highway Winnipeg, MB R3C 2H2 204-668-GROW NEW BRUNSWICK Atlantic Hydroponics & Greenhouses Inc. 42 Brandon Street Moncton, NB E1C 7E8 506-858-0158 Dieppe Hydroponics 988 Champlain St. Door #3 Dieppe, NB E18 1P8 506-384-4769 Craft N’ Grow 60 Micmac Road Eel Ground, NB E1V 4B1 506-624-9317 Jardins Notik Gardens 798 Gray Road St-Charles, NB E4W 4N9 506-876-9100 Scott’s Nursery Ltd. 2192 Route 102 Highway Lincoln, NB E3B 8N1 506-458-9208 21st Century Gardening 20 Bayside Drive St. John, NB E2J 1A2 506-657-9982 Ultimate Hydroponics PO Box 1191 Hampton, NB E5N 8H2 506-639-5948 NOVA SCOTIA Den Haan’s Garden World 12688 Highway 1, Brickton Annapolis County, NS B0S 1M0 902-825-4722 Greenfield Grow & Brew 69 Wilson Mountain Road Murray Siding, NS B6L 4N7 902-897-6568 Plant Manager Gardening 12 Industrial Drive, Richmond County Industrial Park Lennox Passage, Cape Breton, NS B0E 1V0 902-345-2112 S&L Worx Hydroponics 135 Main Street, Unit 14 Dartmouth, NS B2X 1R6 902-434-GROW (4769)

Steve’s Hydroponic Headquarters 131 Sackville Drive Lower Sackville, NS B4C 2R3 902-865-7764 Sweetleaf Smoke Shop and Hydroponics 3132 Isleville Street Halifax, NS B3K 3Y2 902-454-6646 Woodland Farm Nursery 3544 Highway 1, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0 902-532-7617 Woodin Nickel Hydroponics 3393 Central West, Highway 4 Pictou County, NS BOK 1H0 902-695-7640 ONTARIO Agrogreen Canada Inc. 1938 Hwy #20, RR#1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 866-650-1136 AKA The Indoor Gardener 207 Exeter Road, Unit D London, ON N6L 1A4 519-652-4224 AKA The Indoor Gardener 3014 Highway 29 Brockville, ON K6V 5T4 613-342-2700 All Grow Hydroponic 391 Marwood Drive, Unit 14 Oshawa, ON 866-606-4723 All Seasons 1000 Dundas Street East Mississauga, ON L4Y 2B8 905-848-2619 Best of Hydroponics 360 Richmond Street London, ON N6A 3C3 519-858-1533 Bluewater Hydroponics 1173 Michener Road, Unit 12 Sarnia, ON N7S 5G5 519-337-7475 BMA Hydroponics 404A Maitland Drive, Unit 2 Belleville, ON K8N 4Z5 613-967-9888 Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 4373 Steeles Avenue West North York, ON M3N 1V7 416-663-2999 Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 1677 Cyrville Road, Meadowbrooke Plaza Gloucester, ON K1B 3L7 613-842-8999 Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 1659 Victoria Street, North, Unit 6 Kitchener, ON N2B 3E6 888-670-0611 Canadian Hydrogardens Ltd. 1330 Sandhill Drive Ancaster, ON L9G 4V5 905 648 1801 D&M Gardens 2961 Main Street Blezard Valley, ON P0M 1E0 705-897-3727 Diatomite Canada 1938 Hwy #20, RR#1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 866-650-1136 Envirotex P.O. Box 21069 Paris, ON N3L 4A5 519-442-1237 Garden Depot 605 Justus Drive Kingston,ON Canada K7M 4H5 613-384-8882 Green And Clean 761 Barrydowne Road Sudbury, ON P3A 3T6 800-246-5503

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MAXIMUMdistributors YIELD Green Kingdom Hemp 1103 Cassells Street North Bay, ON P1B 4B3 705-494-7169 Green Thumb Hydroponics 3075 Ridgeway Drive, 25 Mississauga, ON L5L 5M6 Greenthumbs Garden Supply 338 Kingston Road Toronto, ON M4L 1T7 647-345-GROW (4769) www.green-thumbs.ca Grow It All Hydroponics Inc. 165 Geary Avenue, Unit 3B Toronto, ON M6H 2B8 416-588-9595 Grower’s Choice Hydroponics 1621 McEwen Drive 14 Whitby, ON L1N 9A5 905-725-GROW Happy Hydroponics 68 Princess Street Hamilton, ON L8L 3K9 905-545-8434 Home Hydroponics 289 Rutherford Road, South 22 Brampton, ON L6W 3R9 905-874-GROW Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 26 Meteor Drive Toronto, ON M9W 1A4 416-242-4769 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 521 Dunlop Street West Barrie, ON L4N 9W4 705-721-8715 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 5386 Greenlane Road Beamsville, ON L0R 1B3 905-563-6121 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 79 Woolwich Street South Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 519-648-2374 Hydro Culture Emporium Inc. 150 Robertson Rd Unit 22 Nepean, ON K2H 9S1 613-715-9472 Hydrogarden 1122 Paul Street Cornwall, ON K6H 6H5 613-360-6996 Hydrotech 2436 Kingston Road Toronto, ON M1N 1V2 416-267-4769 In-Home Gardens 279 Colborne Street Brantford, ON N3T 2H3 519-754-9090 Indoor Gardens Canada 2952 Thompson Road Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 905-957-6969 Indoor Harvest 3040 New Street Burlington, ON L7R 1M5 289-337-9169 J & C Hydroponics 343 Elgin Street, Unit A Cambridge, ON M1R 7H9 519-622-9969 Jungle Hydroponics 2215 Gerrard Street East Toronto, ON M4E 2C8 416-699-0861 Markham Hydroponics 95 Royal Crest Court 18 Markham, ON L3R 9X5 905-305-0698 Nature’s Elements Box 119 500 Mill Street Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0 519-799-5323

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grow it all hydroponics for everyone

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

Nature’s Garden Supplies 24-340 Don Park Road Markham, ON L3R 1C5 905-470-7887 Northern Hydroponics 236 Simpson Street Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3H4 807-623-3666 Northern Lights Green Supply 1938 Highway 20 (at 406), RR 1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 905-892-3743 Northern Lights Hydroponics 2690 Oulette Ave Windsor, ON N8X 1L7 519-254-4015 Ontario Growers Supply 1540 Fanshawe Park Road West London, ON N6H 5L8 519-641-3992 Ontario Hydroponics 103015 Grey Road 18 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6 519-372-1144 Ozone Environmental Technologies 361 Rowntree Dairy Road Unit 4 Woodridge, ON L4L 8H1 905-264-6618 Paradise Gardens Hydroponics 2158 Chiefswood Road Oshweken, ON N0A 1M0 519-445-2275 Peterborough Hydroponic Center 347 Pido Road, Unit 32 Peterborough, ON K9J 6X7 705-745-6868 Planetary Pride 372 Queen Street East Sault Ste Marie, ON P6A 1Y7 1-888-215-8970 Pro Grow Indoor Garden Supplies 1710 Bishop St. Unit 2 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 519-624-7692 Second Nature Hydroponics 4 - 2133 Royal Windsor Drive Mississauga, ON L5J 1K5 905-403-4769 Supply For You 3615 Weston Road, Unit 6 North York, ON M9L 1V8 416-741-8062 Sweet Hydroponic Gardens 776 Bruce Street Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z8 613-433-9600 Toronto Hemp Company 665 Yonge Street Toronto ON M4Y 1Z9 416-920-1980 Urban GreenHouse Hydroponics & Aguaculture 7635 Tecumseh Road E. Windsor, ON N8T 3H1 519-944-8444 urbangreenhousehydroponics.com Vantage Hydroponics 1 Adelaide Street North London, ON N6B 3P8 519-451-4769 Yield of Dreams Hydroponics 559 Steven Court 12 Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z3 877-778-7960 QUEBEC Amazonia Hydroponique 394 Boulvard Arthur-sauve St. Eustache, QC J7R 2J5 450-623-2790 B&S Electrique Inc. 2240 Pitt Street Montreal, QC H4E 4H1 514-931-3817 Benoit Dupuis Extincteurs Inc. 2503 Victoria Street Ste-Julienne, QC J0K 2T0 450-831-4240

Biofloral 675 Montee, St. Francois Laval, QC H7C 2S8 877-38-HYDRO Boutique Grunge 364 rue Sherbrooke Magog, QC J1X 2S1 819-847-4141 Boutique Echologik 829, cote d’Abraham Quebec, QC G1R 1A4 418-648-8288 Boutique Echologik 790 St - Jean Quebec, QC G1R 1P9 418-648-2828 Brite Lite Hydroponics 940 Bergar, Laval, QC H7L 4Z8 450-669-3803 Centre Jardin Denis Brodeur 15 Nord C.P. 658 Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0 Chanvre du Nord Inc. 38 DeMartigny est St-Jérome, QC J7Z 1V4 866-565-5305 Comptoir Richelieu Inc. 350, du Collège Sorel-Tracy, QC J3P 6T7 800-363-9466 Culture Uni Vert 36 rue de Martigny E Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 1V4 www.cultureunivert.com Distribution De la Plante 5498 Hochelaga Suite 910 Montreal, QC H1N 3L7 514-255-1111 échologik 798 St Jean Québec, QC G1R 1P9 418-648-2828; 418-648-8288 Espace Culture Boutique 17 boul. Ste-Rose Est Laval, QC H7V 3K3 450-622-2710 Ferme Florale Inc. (Botanix) 2190 Blvd. Laurier (route 116) St. Bruno de Montarville, QC J3V 4P6 450-653-6383 Fernand Corbeil Produits Horticoles - Horticultural Products 17 boul. Ste-Rose Est Laval, QC H7L 3K3 450-622-2710 Fleuriste Savard Inc. 1833 boul. Louis-Frechette Nicolet, QC J3T 1M4 819-293-5933 Fred Lamontagne Inc. 356 Chemin du Sommet Est, Rimouski, QC G5L 7B5 418-723-5746 Gerard Bourbeau & Fils Inc. 8285, 1 re Avenue Charlesbourg, QC G1G 5E6 418-623-5401 Horticulture Piégo 228 Pierre Bertrand Sud Vanier, QC G1M 2C4 418-527-2006 Hydroculture Guy Dionne 8473 - 19th Avenue Montreal, QC H1Z 4J2 514-722-9496 Hydroculture Guy Dionne 1990 Cyrill-Duquet Local 150 Québec, QC G1N 4K8 418-681-4643 Hydro Expert 12752 Industriel Montreal, QC H1A 3V2 514-624-3091

Hydro Plus 149 avenue Principale A Rouyn Noranda, QC J9X 4E3 819-762-4367 Hydro Rive-sud 4721 Boulvard de la rive sud Levis, QC G6W 1H5 418-835-0082 Hydro Sciences 4800 de la Cote-Vertu Blvd.

Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 1J9 514-331-9090 Hydro Times 1533 Boulevard Cure Labelle Laval, QC H7V 2W4 450-688-4848 Hydro-Tonyque 761 Avenue Gilles Villeneuve Berthierville, QC J0K 1AO 450-836-8088 Hydrobec 2145 Lavoisier Suite 4 Ste-Foy, QC G1N 4B2 418-687-1119 Hydromax Gatineau 3-1695 Atmec (porte 6) Gatineau, QC J8P 7G7 819-663-7470 Hydromax Laval 295 Boulevard Curé Labelle Laval, QC H7L 2Z9 450-628-8380 Hydromax Mont-Laurier 388 Rue Hebert Mont-Laurier, QC J9L 2X2 888-609-4476 Hydromax Montreal 9300 Lajeunesse Montreal, QC H2M 1S4 514-381-0111 Hydromax St-Henri 3522 Notre-Dame Montréal, QC H4C 1P4 514-481-3939 Hydromax Terrebonne 1674 Chemin Gascon Terrebonne, QC J6X 4H9 450-492-7447 Hydromax Trois-Rivières 6157 rue Corbeil Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC G8Z 4P8 819-372-0500 Hydromax Val-David 895 route 117 nord Val-David QC J0T 2N0 888-320-0129 Hydroponique 2000 84 Boul. Curé Labelle Ste-Therese, QC J7E 2X5 450-971-0726 Hydroponique Plus Inc. 405 - 18 Avenue Lachine, QC H8S 3R1 514-634-3677 Hydrosphere 2000 2400 rue Canadian, Suite 104 Drummondville, QC J2C 7W3 819-478-9791 Hydrotek 12300 Rue de l’avenir St. Janvier, QC J7J 2K4 nternational Hydroponique 5478 Hochelaga St Montreal, QC H1N 3L7 514-255-2525 Jardinage d’intérieur Huntingdon 72 Dalhousie Huntingdon, PQ J0S1H0, Canada Tel, 450-322-6079 Jardinages Gilles Robert Inc. 574 St-Hubert Granby, QC J0H 1Y5 450-375-3441 Les Grands Jardins Lavel 2900, Boul. Cure-Lavelle Chomedey, Laval, QC H7P 5S8 250-729-2687 Les Entreprises Fernand Pigeon Inc. 174 Beaudoin Nord Durham-Sud, QC J0H 2C0 819-858-2777

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

Qué-Pousse - St-Jerome 709A 14e Avenue, Sud Saint-Antoine, QC J7Z 4B8 450-436-3803

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

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

Méristème Hydroponique 871 Dufferin Granby, QC J2G 9H8 450-991-1514

Rap Hydroponique 326 Rue Vachon Trois-Rivières QC G8T 8Y2 819-376-5959

Momentum 11289 London Avenue Montreal, QC H1H 4J3 888-327-4595 Naturexpert Inc. 828 Chemin du Sixième Rang Gatineau QC J8R 3A4 Pablo Jardinage Drummondville 2080 Joseph St-Cyr Drummondville, QC J2C 8V6 819-475-2525 Pablo Jardinage Intérieur 2 Des Ormeaux Suite 500 Trois-Rivières, QC G8W 1S6 819-693-6000

Rap Hydroponique 5700, rue Martineau Local 7 Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8B1 450-768-5188 Sherbrooke Hydroponique 3545 King Est, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 5J4 819-829-9299 Simplement Vert 8B Georges-Gagne Delson, QC J5B 2E1 514-913-8378 (VERT) Sonador Horticulture Inc. 819-479-2941

Pablo Jardinage Shawinigan 5023 Boulevard Royal Shawinigan QC J9N 6T8 819-731-9766

St-Jean Hydroponique 747 rue St-Jacques St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 2M9 450-346-9633

Pépinière Eco-Verdure 965 Boul. Sauvé St-Eustache, QC J7R 4K3 450-472-6474

Summum Bio Teck 2100 Ontario Est Montreal, QC H2K 1V5 866-460-2226

Plant-O-Maxx 3169 Blais, Boisbriand, QC, J7H 1H2 514-968-7799

Un Monde Sans Terre 565 Beausejour Alma, QC G8B 5V3 418-480-3274

Plant-T-Plantes 3439 boulevard Fiset Sorel-Tracy, QC J3P 5J3 450-780-0008 Point De Vue 880 chemin St-Féréol Les Cèdres, QC J7T 1N3 450-452-2878 / 1-877-510-2991

Univert 4 Saisons 2100 Ontario Est Montréal, QC H2K 1V5 514-527-2226 Val d’Or Hydroculture 1261 3e Avenue Val d’Or, QC J9P 1V4

Pousse Magique 515 rue Lanaudiere Repentigny, QC J6A 7N1 450-582-6662

Vinexpert De L’Est 6384 Beaubien est Montreal, QC H1M 3G8 514-354-8020

P.P.M. Hydroponique 504 Rue du Parc St. Eustache, QC J7R 5B2 450-491-2444

XXXtractor Inc. 1228 St. Marc Montreal, QC H3H 2E5 514-931-4944 www.xxxtractor.com

Qué-Pousse - Laval 940 Bergar Laval, QC H7L 4Z8 450-667-3809

SASKATCHEWAN

Qué-Pousse - Montreal 2215 Walkley Montreal, QC H4B 2J9 514-489-3803 Qué-Pousse - Mont. Tremblant 462 Montée Kavanagh Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 2P2 819-429-6145 Qué-Pousse - Point-Claire 1860D Sources Blvd Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5B1 514-426-5057 Qué-Pousse - Sherbrooke 4394 Bourque Rt. 112 Rock Forest, QC J1N 1S3 819-563-0353 Qué-Pousse - St-Constant 6264 Route 132 Ste-Catherine, QC J0L 1E0 450-635-4881

B&B Hydroponics and Indoor Gardening 1404 Cornwall Street Regina, SK S4R 2H7 306-522-4769 Busy Bee Upholstery Box 811, 134 5th Avenue East Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0 306-648-3659 Waterboy Supply 401 Dewdney Avenue East Regina, SK S4N 4G3 306-757-6242 YUKON, NUNAVUT and NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Porter Creek Indoor Garden Centre 1307 Centennial Street Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3Z1 867-667-2123

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Add your company logo to the distributor listings! Call 250-729-2677 or Email keri@maximumyield.com

Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011

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DO YOU know?

COMING UP IN May - June 2011

a plant is attacked by a predatory insect it signals to 1 When other plants via air-borne biochemicals to increase their immune defenses before the pests reach them.

rock, also referred to as diatomite, possesses high 2 Silica moisture retention characteristics absorbing as much as 150 per cent of its weight in water. nutrient has a specific pH number where it reaches peak 3 Each availability, and this number is not the same for every nutrient.

4

A tomato that looks as if it is turning into itself with seed development on the outer surface of the malformed and twisted fruit is known as catface.

overflow of CO reduces plant’s stomas opening, resulting 5 An in a reduction of the CO absorption and a limitation of 2

transpiration.

2

6 Phytochromes are the time-keeper hormones in plants. intensity discharge (HID) bulbs should be left for about half 7 High an hour to cool when turned off before handling.

Plant Obesity

We cannot see nutrient density in food, so we must look at plant growth from the plant’s perspective. By feeding our food what it needs to thrive, we get what we need from our food.

Selecting and Maintaining Mother Plants Preserving your favourite plant strains through cloning is easy with these helpful beginner’s tips.

What is Soil?

As one of the three major natural resources, soil is marvellous and complex. This article helps you understand the components and history of soil.

How to Make an Indoor Bottle Garden Add a distinctive touch to your home décor by growing a garden in a bottle.

Plus: Simon Says, industry news and reviews, your letters, shop talk, grow gear and so much more.

www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield Canada (May/June) will be available May 1 for FREE at selected indoor gardening retail stores across Canada and on maximumyield.com Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions.php

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Maximum Yield Canada | March / April 2011