CANADA September-October 2011
FREE
Fungi’s Role in the Ecosystem
+
Oceans of Life Deriving Nutrients From Marine Life
Canadian Exclusive:
Fresh food production on the rise in B.C.
www.maximumyield.com
2011
Indoor gardenING expo long beach | california, usa
NEW: Follow us on Twitter
october 22-23 indoorgardeningexpo.com
contents Features
42
24
Fungi’s Role in the Ecosystem
30
How to Save Tomato Seeds
32
Oceans of Life: Deriving Nutrients From Marine Life
38
Vermicomposting: Worms and Recycling
42
The Cost of Sunlight
46
Maddening Mildew
52
Oriental Vegetables for Autumn
54
Bumble and Bumble - Star Pollinators in the Greenhouse
by Luis Bartolo
by Therese Cressman
by Matt LeBannister
by Michael Bloch by Ed Harwood by Dr. Lynette Morgan by Emma Cooper
by Donald Lester
58
Hydroponics: British Columbia’s New Green Capital Advantage by Peter Ladner
54 Departments
24
6
From the Editor
62
You Tell Us
8
MaximumYield.com
66
Talking Shop
10 12 14 20
Letters to the Editor
68 70 74 74
Max Mart
Simon Says MAX Facts Product Spotlight
Distributors Do You Know? Coming up next issue Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
5
FROM the editor There are many reasons to get excited about fall; the commencement of the indoor gardening season is just one. Numerous new products and technologies available on the market is another.This issue brings you lots of tips and tools to help you grow your best crops, from understanding light energy and vermicomposting to learning more about that maddening mildew before it takes over your garden.
This issue also identifies the proper storage of tomato seeds that will produce impressive yields up to five years after first being dried. Check it out on page 30. Bumblebees are still relatively busy pollinating our favourite produce so that we may enjoy the fruits of our labour but in just a couple short months some will congregate in their hives to form their winter cluster. Others will be used throughout the year; with the increase in popularity of indoor gardens (including greenhouses) and the size increase of these operations, bumblebees offer an effective and efficient alternative to time-consuming hand
pollination.The Canadian Fairmont hotels know all about the benefits of bees. Learn more about their half million honeybees and other fascinating Canadian facts and finds in this month’s Max Facts starting on page 14. This fall marks the finale of Maximum Yield’s 2011 Indoor Garden Expo Tour in Long Beach, California October 23 featuring an expanded floor plan with over 250+ booths.You’re all invited on Sunday, general public day, to see, learn, discover and grow! Keep posted at indoorgardenexpo.com for event details and 2012 Expo Tour dates. Happy fall growing to you all.
Jessica Raymond, Editor editor@maximumyield.com
contributors 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.
Donald Lester is the plant
Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.
products manager at JH Biotech, Inc., a California based agricultural technology company with 27 OMRI certified products. Donald has a master’s degree in agronomy with an emphasis in entomology. He is an agricultural scientist with over 10 years of research experience and 50 scientific publications to his credit.
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.
Dr. Ed Harwood is founder and chief
Emma Cooper is the voice of the
Michael Bloch is the owner and
executive officer of AeroFarms. Ed previously served as associate director of Cornell Cooperative Extension for Agriculture. Prior to that, Ed served as CEO of Topline Waikato, Inc.
Matt LeBannister developed a green thumb as a child, having been born into a family of experienced gardeners. During his career, he has managed a hydroponic retail store and represented leading companies at the Indoor Gardening Expos. Matt has been writing articles for Maximum Yield since 2007. His articles are published around the world.
6
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.
editor of GreenLivingTips.com, an online resource powered by renewable energy. The site offers a wide variety of earth friendly tips, green guides, advice and environment-related news to help consumers and businesses reduce costs, consumption and environmental impact.
Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout Canada,USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Maximum Yield is the largest free-to-consumer indoor gardening magazine in the world. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
on the web
VOLUME 14 – NUMBER 3 September/October 2011 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
Got Questions? Get Answers Maximum Yield’s resident expert Simon Hart is available and ready to answer your modern gardening questions. E-mail simon@maximumyield.com or fill out the Simon Says question form on maximumyield.com
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
Upcoming Events See, Learn, Discover and Grow at the 2011 Long Beach Indoor Gardening Expo The Long Beach Convention Center and Maximum Yield are proud to be hosting the 2nd Annual Indoor Gardening Expo, October 23, 2011. See live demonstrations, learn at our information sessions, discover new techniques and delight in the uniquely diversified products that will help your garden grow. Visit www.indoorgardenexpo.com for full event details.
Latest News Which city in Europe was deemed the green capital? Which restaurant in New York City features a fresh rooftop farm? What type of fish is perfect for aquaponics? Learn the answers to these questions and more on maximumyield.com under Latest News.
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!
Connect with Maximum Yield
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.
8
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson EDITOR - Jessica Raymond jessica@maximumyield.com ADVERTISING SALES 250.729.2677 Linda Jesson - linda@maximumyield.com Lisa Lambersek - lisa@maximumyield.com Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Tina Skujins - tina@maximumyield.com Mike Linden - mike@maximumyield.com Jennifer Duong - jennifer@maximumyield.com ACCOUNTING - Tracy Greeno accounting@maximumyield.com
CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Quality Wholesale USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS General Hydroponics Humboldt Wholesale Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply R&M Supply Tradewinds UK DISTRIBUTION Growth Technology Northern Hydroponic Wholesale Nutriculture UK AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION House N Garden Futchatec Growth Technology Hydraspher
LETTERS to the editor Reader Props You have great looking magazine—sharp bright colours, good quality paper and covers. I look forward to reading every issue cover to cover in my ever expanding quest for more hydroponic/indoor growing information. I find the articles current and interesting and I find Simon Says great. Overall, much better than other similar magazines. Ron Daily
Loving Out Loud I love your mag. Jose Garza Love your magazine and online info. Sharon Calabrese I would love a subscription to your wonderful magazine. I get it whenever I can but the store runs out fast and I miss issues. I love how up-to-date it keeps me with new products. Cody Eurich Maximum Yield has compiled one of the most extensive sources for technical information I have seen. Bob Wheeler I love your magazine. I read it all the time. Ricardo Your article on light sources, amount of time and heat was very informative. Julie Brothers
Ask and You Shall Receive I am looking for information on hydroponically-grown fodder (animal feed). We have horses and chickens and both can be fed with this fodder. The systems being sold are very expensive but look really simple; although in building my own system I found it to be more complicated than I first thought. Barley is used primarily but one can include flax, wheat and other seeds. The growing cycle is only six to seven days from seed to harvest and one pound of seed produces seven pounds of feed. This makes the system cost-effective and could cut feed cost in half; not to mention the lush green quality of the feed. Some of the feed we buy (dry grass and hay) can last up to one year and fresh is better! I can’t find any hydroponic parts’ manufacturers catering to this market and the information is hard to come by. Other horse and cattle owners I’ve talked to are very interested in this information; the cost of feed is going up with gas prices, and the higher it goes the better this system looks and there’s no question it’s better for the horses. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you, Sonny Hinkle
Sonny, you’ll be thrilled to learn that the world-renowned hydroponic consultant and book author (not to mention esteemed MaximumYield contributor) Dr. Lynette Morgan agreed this topic would be worthy for the pages of MaximumYield and of interest to our readers. Look for her article Fantasic Fresh Fodder in the November/December issue of MaximumYield Canada, available online and in hydroponic retail shops across the country. 10
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Thanks. We love you too! Keeping growing and keep reading Maximum Yield. We appreciate all your comments.
Win Big, Grow Big Winner Show and Tell Thanks for the Boldtbags. Now I can really brew some great compost tea with these high-tech tea bags. I love your mag, it’s very informative. Keep up the good work. Here are some pictures of my outdoor plants raised on organic matter (i.e., green sand, rock phosphate, kelp meal, compost) and oodles of T.L.C. Impressive, yes? The sunflowers are called Tequila Sunrise and the chili plants are Purira Chili. Thanks again Mark aka Mr. “G”
SIMON says What have you heard about jellyfish fertilizer? I just saw a show produced in Japan about jellyfish fertilizer and I am wondering where I can buy some. Would it be good for all stages of growth?
What a great question and a wonderful example of how So we have a experimenting in the garden can generate creative ideas. Before lot of jellyfish discussing the nutritional and efficacious nature of a jellyfish and we need to fertilizer in the garden we should probably mention why this is use them even being considered. while trying to limit their population Jellyfish populations around the world are surging. Scientists explosion.There are many ideas that are are pointing at global warming and environmental pollution. being tested. Many people talk about In areas where there is large agricultural runoff, nutrification eating them, but the ones people eat of the water can cause anoxic (low oxygen) areas in the water. are actually endangered while the ones Although this is very bad for fish, which tend to disappear, the no one puts on a table are exploding. jellyfish seem to thrive with their ability to store oxygen within In theory all things organic will their physical structure—one of many exceptional evolutionary decompose into organic matter and nutrients functions found within the lowly jellyfish. so jellyfish could become plant nutrients. Japan was Preliminary “The only fish farm in Northern concerned with their research has overpopulation and Ireland was overrun by a flotilla of shown some its effect on their positive results jellyfish 16 kilometres wide and 13 in field of fishing industry and tried to be proactive. vegetables.The metres deep.” The government initial research hired fishermen has been done in to drag razor wire through the masses of jellyfish but it Japan and the species of jellies they tested have elevated backfired and unleashed a population explosion, a jelly levels of nitrogen and phosphorous.They also have similar survival mechanism when they are under attack, yet another levels of potassium, magnesium and calcium to that of evolutionary marvel. the surrounding salt water. Unfortunately they also have a Overpopulation is a bit of an understatement in some cases. strong level of sodium and processes are being tested to try In November 2007 the only fish farm in Northern Ireland and reduce the sodium levels. was overrun by a flotilla of jellyfish 16 kilometres wide and 13 With the issue of jellyfish overpopulation being international I metres deep. The army of jellies ate through 2,000,000 worth of would think that if its found to be effective it won’t be long before fish and wiped out the farm before moving on. it is an organic option for gardeners. MY
12
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
13
MAX facts
Hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world
Fairmont Hotels Buzzin’ About Herbs and Honey One of Vancouver’s first green roofs, a 2,100 square foot herb garden, located on the 3rd floor of the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, was introduced in 1991. It is home to over 60 varieties of herbs, vegetables, fruits and edible blossoms, over 10 different species of local birds and a half million honeybees from May through September. Weekly garden and hive tours are conducted by resident beekeeper, Graeme Evans. The Fairmont hosts an annual Honey Harvest, which brought in over 600 pounds of honey from nearly 500,000 resident honeybees last year and inspired the creation of the hotel’s honey truffles, the “Bee’s Knees”.The Fairmont Waterfront’s truffles were created in partnership with British Columbia’s legendary chocolatier, Rogers’ Chocolates. Beekeeping has definitely taken off among the Fairmont family with sister properties in Canada such as Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City and The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto each doing their part by supporting green initiatives for a more sustainable future. (Source: www.fairmont.com)
Mushrooms Could Drastically Cut Fertilizer Use in Agriculture New research suggests seeding agricultural soils with special mushrooms could drastically reduce fertilizer use. Plants form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi; the mushrooms acquire nutrients and make them available to plants. The fungi act as extensions of plants’ root systems, drastically reducing the need for phosphate fertilizers. (Source: www.treehugger.com)
Safe Salad Mixes Outbreaks of food borne illness have been associated with bagged salad greens. Mechanical cutting of lettuce leaves into large pieces or shredding of leaves into narrow strips, like those in taco filling, breaks lettuce cells. The broken cells exude carbohydrates, which the microbe can use as a source of energy. But injured cells can also leak natural compounds such as antimicrobials that are problematic for the pathogen. A study with romaine lettuce showed that E. coli, when exposed in lab tests to the contents of broken lettuce leaf cells, can adapt quickly. Using an approach known as microarray-based whole genome transcriptional profiling, researchers determined that the pathogen uses its genetic arsenal to protect itself against not only the antimicrobial compounds, but also against oxidative stress, osmotic stress, damage to its DNA and other threats to its ability to survive and multiply. (Source: www.ars.usda.gov)
14
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
15
MAX facts
Hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world
Montréal Urban Agriculture Blossoms The first batch of vegetables at Lufa Farms—which includes eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers—is ready to be harvested. Lufa’s massive rooftop greenhouse sits on top of a two storey commercial building in Ahuntsic-Cartierville. Founder Mohamed Hage, 29, built the 31,000 square foot greenhouse to provide Montréalers with fresh, locally grown produce. Hage envisions a city of rooftop farms and hopes to expand his operations sometime in the next 10 to 12 months. Interest in Lufa Farms continues to grow in Montréal as well as Ottawa and Quebec City, according to him. (Sources: https://lufa.com, http://montreal.openfile.ca, www.cityfarmer.info)
Air-Conditioned Greenhouse Uses Alternative Energy The Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development has created an air-conditioned greenhouse using alternative energies and hydroponics that enables an increase in crop yields. The novel system has a biomass boiler—that produces 400 kW power and is, to date, the largest in Spain—and 40 thermodynamic panels—employed for the first time in intensive greenhouse cultivation—that heat the crops’ roots. (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)
High-tech Approach Uses Lights, Action and Camera to Scrutinize Fresh Produce Scientists have developed and patented an experimental, cuttingedge optical scanning system that would use two different kinds of lighting, a sophisticated camera and other pieces of equipment to scrutinize fresh produce as they travel along packinghouse conveyor belts. These high-tech tactics will help ensure the quality and safety of these good-for-you foods. The system would provide evidence of certain kinds of defects—like cuts and bruises—or contaminants—like specks of fertilizer from orchard or field soil. (Source: www.ars.usda.gov)
16
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
MAX facts
Hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world
The Perfect Aquaponic Fish Aquaponics projects are cropping up all over the place, from Utah and Seattle in the United States, to Dalston, London and Annanside, Scotland. These projects utilize many different plants and fish although in recent times there seems to be a leader emerging from the pack of contenders. This fish is the tilapia. Tilapia Facts: • A cichlid fish found widely in freshwater around the world • The third most important species in fish farming behind salmonids and carp • They grow quickly, breed easily and are exceptionally hardy • Referred to as “aquatic chicken” It is certainly a worthwhile fish for a wide variety of aquaponics projects, from large scale agriculture to small scale home based systems; whether tilapia and chips will ever replace cod and chips, however, remains questionable. (Source: http://hydroponicsguide.co.uk)
Clean 15 Just as Toxic as Dirty Dozen
The cleanest produce from a consumer perspective—the Clean 15—are at least as toxic as the Dirty Dozen. The cleanest crop from a producer’s standpoint is actually spinach, with only 0.4 pounds of pesticide used per acre. Spinach is fifth on the Dirty Dozen list. Conversely, the crops with most the intensive pesticide use are sweet potatoes and mushrooms, with 110.3 pounds per acre and 106.1 pounds per acre, respectively. The average pesticide use intensity for the lists is quite similar: 26.2 pounds per acre for the Clean 15 and 29.8 pounds per acre for the Dirty Dozen. (Source: www.treehugger.com)
18
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
PRODUCT spotlight
Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.
YOUR GUIDE TO THIS ISSUE’S HOTTEST ITEMS
Introducing the AT120 Light Series From Apache Tech Apache Tech has developed a light that meets all your needs. The AT120 series of lights uses the most efficient LED chips on the market that produce 120 lumens per watt. The AT120 array produces more useable PAR than most 600 watt HID lamps, while consuming approximately 80 per cent less energy. The wavelengths were scientifically chosen to optimize plant growth and production. The Apache Tech LED chips are rated to work for at least 50,000 hours (>five years). Visit your local indoor gardening shop for more information.
Bake Bags Turkey Bags Bake Bags are excellent for cooking and storing meat and poultry, and they also work as extra large garden bags, great for storing and transporting produce, herbs and fertilizer. These bags are larger than the competitor’s bags, waterproof and designed to be cooked or frozen, which makes them super durable. The thick nylon material creates a barrier between the contents of the bag and the outside air, keeping moisture in (or out) and reducing odours. Available in sets of three, 10 or 25. Bake Bags include plastic ties. Order them today from your favourite indoor gardening shop.
Bloombastic Starter Kit’s Little Brother Coco For beginners and hobby growers, Atami has developed the Coco Collection Box. It contains all the products necessary for an entire cycle in one box. The Collection Box is suitable for two to three plants on coco. Growing has never been easier. In combination with the ATA nutrients and supplements, the Coco Collection Box provides excellent growth and flowering results. The Coco Collection Box contains: Coco Max A & Coco Max B (250 millilitres), Atazyme & Rootfast (100 millilitres), Bloombastic (60 millilitres) and Atami’s Grow Guide. Visit your local grow shop for more information. 20
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Can-Lite Available Now Can Filters, the Original Carbon Filter manufacturer, well known for producing the longest lasting, highest quality activated carbon air filter in the market, has built the CanLite, designed for convenience and long life. The Can-Lite filter features 100 per cent Australian granulated carbon, aluminum top and bottom, integrated flange and wellmade protective packaging. The Can-Lite has six sizes ranging from six inches to 14 inches. Can-Lite is manufactured in a dedicated carbon filter plant in North America. Now available from authorized Can Filters Canadian retailers.
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
21
PRODUCT spotlight
Your guide to this issue’s hottest items. Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.
Root Faster and Bigger With Clear Rez™ and Rooting Compound™ EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc. has released two products that promote rapid root growth and maintain a clean aeroponic system. Clear Rez™ is a safe, non-toxic solution that increases plants’ oxygen intake while preventing the formation of scale mineral deposits. Rooting Compound™ is ideal for fresh cuttings and bolsters rapid root growth. With a perfect blend of the essential hormone indole butyric acid and vitamin B1, the gel is everything your cuttings need to establish prolific root growth. Order Clear Rez and Rooting Compound from your favourite indoor gardening shop today.
Lightspeed Flip 8 - Another Hydrotek Exclusive Heading up our newly revamped line of ballasts and controllers, the New Lightspeed Flip 8 lighting controller gives you cost savings and allows you to run eight lights from four ballasts, plus it works with ballasts plugged into any voltage. These units are heavy-duty and built to last. Flip 8 can be used with any 120 volt timer but also comes with an optional 240 volt timer outlet. Made in Canada. For more information visit a hydroponics shop near you.
Optic Foliar Mega Watts Optic Foliar Mega Watts is a highly concentrated revolutionary light-accelerating spray. Mega Watts is able to trigger photosynthetic cycles and exponentially increase the amount of light energy being used and processed by the plant, directly resulting in increased growth rates. Unlike traditional sprays, Mega Watts is highly concentrated and can be sprayed on plants even with the lights are on and without the need to adjust the spray’s pH. Mega Watts will not cause any burning to the leaves of the plant. Visit your favourite indoor gardening shop for more information.
Sun System® Blazer Reflector The Blazer Reflector is the latest addition to the Sun System® reflector line. Completely sealed for maximum air-cooling, 95 per cent reflective European aluminum interior and an EZ-Breeze® aerodynamic junction box are only a few of the many excellent features Blazer has to offer. This state-ofthe-art air-cooled reflector raises the bar for output and uniformity. An industry leader in its class, Blazer is a force to be reckoned with. Unmatched in output, uniformity and performance, you can’t afford not to have this reflector in your grow room. Your plants will thank you. Visit an authorized Sunlight Supply retailer for more information. 22
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Bloombastic Starter Kit’s Little Brother Soil For beginners and hobby growers, Atami has developed the Soil Collection Box. It contains all the products necessary for an entire cycle in one box. The Collection Box is suitable for two to three plants on soil. Growing has never been easier. In combination with the ATA nutrients and supplements, the Soil Collection Box provides excellent growth and flowering results. The Soil Collection Box contains: Terra Leaves & Terra Max (250 millilitres), Atazyme (100 millilitres), Bloombastic & Rootfast (60 millilitres) and Atami’s Grow Guide. Visit your local grow shop for more information.
Oasis Grow Tents Oasis Grow Tents are made of highly reflective light-tight material and feature extra large zippered vents. Oasis Tents are also one of the only tents to have clear plastic windows that you can see through. Dual-sided duct openings allow you to tighten the canvas material around your ducting on the inside and outside of the tents. Strong and durable with steel poles and a removable floor layer, leaks and spills are easily contained. They also feature a unique attached accessory holder on the outside of the tent for added convenience. Visit your local indoor gardening shop for more information.
Introducing Optic Foliar Rev Optic Foliar Rev helps maintain and support the high levels of energy being produced by Mega Watts providing key ingredients—including micronutrients, amino acids, vitamins and carbohydrates—that target specific areas of a plant. Rev helps a plant maintain highly-accelerated growth and flowering rates, resulting in greener and healthier plants, as well as higher quality crop yields. Rev is highly concentrated and can be sprayed on plants with the lights on and without the need to adjust the spray’s pH. Spray it, see it, be-leaf it. That’s Optic Foliar. Contact an indoor gardening shop near you to learn more.
Introducing VersaGrow - the Perfect Balance of Performance and Simplicity Hydrotek’s VersaGrow system offers the perfect balance of performance and simplicity at a very competitive price. Regardless of the growth method (pots, cube or aero) or media chosen, our new VersaGrow systems are the ideal tool to obtain fast, rich and flavourful harvests. VersaGrow systems are very affordable and made of sturdy and resistant ABS plastic. They are easy to use and maintain, and they save space with their compact design. The VersaGrow is really the most effective system on the market. For more information visit a hydroponics shop near you. Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
23
Fungi’s Role in the Ecosystem by Luis Bartolo
Mycorrhizae fungi, an important component of soil life, work with nature to break down nutrients and create optimal conditions for the delivery of food to plants. The many types of Mycorrhizae fungi and their many amazing, symbiotic functions are discussed here.
24
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
25
Fungi’s Role in the Ecosystem
In order for organic gardens to function at optimal levels, healthy soil—abundant with living microorganisms—is required. This living soil is sustained by fertilizers and the natural processes that assist in breaking fertilizers down. Microscopic organisms develop into a self-sustaining ecosystem, which in turn transforms into an acceptable food source for plants. In order for this to happen, all of the elements must be able to unite and work together symbiotically.
“Mycorrhiza is a remarkable, natural phenomena that connects all growth and life.” In nature, the same effect is achieved through years of growth and decay and natural, cyclic conditions of weather and soil movement. The result is the creation of the pathways and receptors for nature’s organic and inorganic elements to develop. Within this ecosystem are also certain types of fungi that serve to assist the natural processes of life and decay. These fungi, called Mycorrhizae, form working partnerships with plants and transform base materials into food. Mycorrhiza is a fungus that lives among and upon the roots of plants and trees. It exists to assist with the breakdown of complex nutrients— similar to enzymes—and has the ability to create optimal conditions for delivery of food directly to plants’ roots. In some rare cases, Mycorrhiza acts as a pathogen, which exists only to feed itself at the expense of the plant. Mycorrhizae are grouped into several scientific categories owing to the types of plants and trees that they develop the strongest bonds and in the differences in growth and operation.
Let’s introduce some Mycorrhizae. Ectomycorrhizae
Woody shrubs and trees commonly form Ectomycorrhizae. Pines and other forest trees often grow poorly or cannot survive in the absence of the Mycorrhizae. This species of the fungi is recognized by its unique weblike form, known as a hartig net, named after botanist Robert Hartig. 26
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
27
Fungi’s Role in the Ecosystem
“Microscopic organisms develop into a self-sustaining ecosystem, which in turn transforms into an acceptable food source for plants.” Fossil and molecular evidence indicates the earliest land plants had arbuscular Mycorrhizal partnerships 450 million years ago. Because of its prevalence in so many plant fossils of this period it is strongly assumed that it would have contributed to the development of plants worldwide.
Ericaceous Mycorrhizae
The network forms pathways between the roots, covering the whole surface area. This then extends into the roots and the cell structure creating a direct pathway from the inside out. Outwardly of the root web, Ectomycorrhizae form thinker tendrils that extend out into the soil. These pathways can travel miles into the soil to search for water and difficult to acquire minerals such as potassium, which they are then able to transport back to the rhizosphere of the plant or tree.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae are recognized by their branching growth pattern not unlike the structure of a tree. They too live within the root system between cells. They are also able to fully penetrate and grow within a plant’s cell and extend from within. Analysis has shown that the host plant allows this to happen by changing its own physiological chemistry to adapt to the DNA profile of the Mycorrhizae. Arbuscular Mycorrhizae are particularly adept at obtaining hard to acquire phosphor from the soil and feeding it to the plants in a usable form.
28
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
As the name suggests this form of Mycorrhizae is found mainly in the plants of the Ericaceae family, acid lovers like azaleas, rhododendrons and heathers. Unlike other Mycorrhizae, Ericaceous Mycorrhizae grow and form a loose sheath around root systems rather than penetrating or living inside it. This is perfect for these plants as they have very fine root systems and are usually found in wet, peaty soil. The Mycorrhizae protect the root system in a hostile environment whilst translocation and feeding the plant. Like the other categories Ericaceous Mycorrhiza also has the ability to travel to other species and is often found linked to trees and other shrubs outside of the Ericaceous order. This may be so it is able to acquire a more varied spectrum of nutrient for itself or the host.
Orchidaceous Mycorrhizae
Mycorrhizal fungi have a unique role in the lifecycle of plants in the Orchidaceae family. Orchids typically have very small seeds with little nutrient reserve.
The plant colonizes shortly after germination, and the mycorrhizal fungus supplies carbon and vitamins to the developing embryo. The fungus grows into the plant cell, surrounding the cell membrane and forming protective coils within the cell. These coils are active for only a few days, after which they lose vigour and degenerate; the developing orchid then absorbs the nutrient contents. In mature orchids, Mycorrhizae also have roles in nutrient uptake and translocation.
Building Bridges
A plant feeds through the outer surface of its roots. The effect of the Mycorrhizae around the root’s surface serves to expand this surface area in many directions whilst permitting more nutrients to be absorbed and contained within the rhizosphere. In the case of phosphorus—which is difficult for a plant to absorb due to its immobility—it forms bridges that directly seeks out phosphoric sources, sometimes at great distances. In turn, the fungi are able to transform it in a way that is mobile
and in an accessible and digestible form for the plant. Alongside these Mycorrhizae enable the mineralization of nitrogen and carbon by naturally-composting decaying plant matter in the soil and re-delivering it to the plant and surrounding soil as available and useable food sources. Mycorrhiza is a remarkable, natural phenomenon that connects all growth and life, providing for itself and its environment and sustaining and regenerating itself through its myriad connections. Serious research on the workings of Mycorrhizae only commenced in the last 40 years. Its many benefits are now known; particular strains are grown and colonies applied in situations of low microbial activity such as barren landscapes with no nutritional content or overworked farmland. This has far-reaching possibilities in the area of agriculture and particularly food production where the introduction of beneficial Mycorrhizae could assist in sustaining third world countries and feeding their people. For the hobby grower, strains of Mycorrhizae can be purchased and added to garden beds and potting mixes to colonize and assist in plant development. MY
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
29
HOW TO
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Properly stored tomato seeds can last for quite awhile and can still
produce impressive yields up to five years after being first dried. These
guidelines make saving tomato seeds a cinch and the tips that follow will ensure you save only the best seeds.
by Therese Cressman
30
SAVE TOMATO SEEDS
Cut tomatoes in half then squeeze out the pulp and seeds into a clear glass container (wide mouth Mason jar or small bowl for example). Add a couple tablespoons of water (double the amount if there isn’t much juice) then cover the jar or container with a
“Allow [seeds] to dry for about a week to 10 days.” piece of cheesecloth (a coffee filter will work well too), secure in place with an elastic band. Leave the container to sit at room temperature for about four or five days until you notice a layer of white scum/mould form on the top (this process is fermenting the seeds). Skim off the white scum then pour seeds into a large bowl, fill with cool water and let sit for a minute or two. Pour off the water, keeping the seeds that are resting on the bottom and allowing the ones floating on top to pour off (the ones floating on top are not viable seeds). Pour the saved seeds into a fine sieve or strainer and rinse under cool running water until the seeds are clean and no pulp or gel remains (stir the seeds and shake the sieve while doing this to help speed up the process). Tap the sieve a few times to remove excess water then pour the seeds onto a paper plate or coffee filter. Arrange the seeds so that they are in a single layer. Allow to dry for about a week to 10 days, stirring the seeds every day gently with your finger to help promote an even drying process. Once they’re fully dry, store the seeds in a glass jar (sealed), envelope or seed packets and keep them in a cool, dark location until you are ready to use them.
TIPS •
•
You’ll find the best tomatoes to save seeds from are heirloom tomatoes rather than hybrids. Hybrids are typically the ones you purchase in grocery stores and regular greenhouse seedlings. Once you make your initial purchase of heirlooms, you’ll be able to save plenty of seeds year after year. Farmers markets are a great place to find ready to eat (and ready to seed) heirloom tomatoes. Don’t mix the seeds from different varieties; make sure to save only one variety of tomatoes per
container. If saving more than one variety, make sure to label the container. Wash all tools and hands well before moving on to the next variety. •
Select healthy and prized specimens that are really ripe for the best seeds; this will give you a better chance of preserving quality seeds for next season’s crop.
•
Removing all the gel/coating from the seeds before drying is necessary because this is what prevents the seeds from germinating. MY
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
31
by Matt LeBannister
DERIVING NUTRIENTS FROM MARINE LIFE
Life is abundant under the sea, and some of these life forms can be excellent sources of complete nutrition above the sea for your plants.
32
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Plants have to receive certain nutrients in order to survive and thrive. They need nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and an assortment of trace elements, amino acids and vitamins. When growing indoors, the gardener must provide the plant with these essentials—but with so many different products on the market these days, it is difficult to decide which nutrient sources are most complete and best for your plants. The sea can be a beacon of light for unsure gardeners. There are many different sources of plant nutrients that come from
“Kelp meal is applied as a top dressing to plants or mixed into the soil before planting, while kelp and seaweed extract can be mixed into hydroponic irrigation solutions, watered to potted plants or foliar sprayed.”
seaweed meal in a ground powder or as kelp or seaweed extract in a liquid treatment. Kelp meal is applied as a top dressing to plants or mixed into the soil before planting, while kelp and seaweed extract can be mixed into hydroponic irrigation solutions, watered to potted plants or foliar sprayed—each way is an effective means of delivering quality nutrients to your plants. Kelp contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, and is also a natural source of 60 to 70 trace elements that are in a water soluble state, which means they are instantly available to the plant. Kelp and seaweed are abundantly rich in many vitamins such as A, C, E and B-12 as well, and they also contain many amino acids and plant hormones. Kelp meal or extract has other advantages as a plant nutrient. Kelp will break
the sea—nutrients such as kelp meal or extract and fish emulsion are two examples of excellent sources of organic plant nutrition—but there are many other marine-based plant foods that are available to keep plants happy and healthy as well. Kelp is a type of seaweed that grows quickly and abundantly in the ocean. Kelp and other seaweeds are excellent organic sources of many of the nutrients that plants require for optimum growth, and they are available for gardeners as kelp or
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
33
oceans of life
most of the fish oil removed during the drying process in order to prevent the fish meal from going rancid. There are many reasons fish meal is a great plant nutrient. Fish meal is an excellent source of six to eight per cent nitrogen, five to seven per cent phosphorous and many trace elements, although it is not a good source of potassium. Just like kelp meal, though, fish meal is a great bio-activator, improving the breakdown of compost and organic matter. The downside to using fish meal as an organic plant ferti-
“Greensand may be rich in many nutrients essential for plant growth, but it is not ideal for the indoor gardener as it takes a few years to break down and become available to plants, making it more practical as a plant nutrient for outdoor organic gardeners.”
down quickly—making nutrients available to the plant right away—and it contains vitamin B-12, which reduces plant stress, helping with shock from transplanting, environmental damages, insect damage or disease. Kelp or seaweed can also increase the bioactivity in the soil at root level, helping to break down organic matter and making it available to the plant as food. Kelp and seaweed in the soil can help with water retention as well. There is one downside to using kelp as a plant nutrient, however—because it would seem that earthworms do not like to eat fresh kelp. Earthworms break down organic matter and aerate the soil, and while kelp will not harm them in any way, the earthworms just do not seem to want to eat it. Our next set of marine-based nutrients comes directly from fish. Fish meal and fish emulsion are both excellent organic products that can be very nutritious for plants. Fish meal is dried and ground whole fish or fish trimmings with
34
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
lizer is really just the odour—it smells like fish. To control the odour, cover the top dressing of fish meal with some soil. You should also make sure to keep the fish meal in an airtight container to prevent pets and insects from getting into it. Fish emulsion is the liquid version of fish meal, and is made by using enzymes that digest and ferment fish remains. Fish emulsion is also a great source of nitrogen, phosphorous and many trace elements. There are certain benefits to using fish emulsion over fish meal. Being already broken down and in liquid form, the nutrients in fish emulsion are immediately available to the plant, whereas the fish meal needs to be broken down. Fish emulsion is hard to overfeed, making it safer to use than fish meal, and it is also an
excellent bio-activator that can assist in the breaking down of compost and organic matter. Fish emulsion can be added into hydroponic nutrient reservoirs and hand-watered to potted plants as well, making it more versatile than fish meal. The drawback of using fish emulsion is again the odour. Even though you can find ‘deodourized’ fish emulsion, it will still have a distinct fishy smell. Another excellent source of organic nutrients is diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of freshwater or saltwater diatoms—tiny, hard-shelled algae. Diatomaceous earth can be mixed into soil before planting or top dressed as necessary, and is an excellent source of many trace elements, including magnesium, silicon, calcium, sodium, iron, boron, manganese and copper. Diatomaceous earth is also used as an organic insecticide. When an insect larva comes into contact with the microscopic fossilized diatoms, the sharp edges will damage the larva’s soft exterior. The diatomaceous earth dust will also stick to the edges of soil borne insects, where it will then absorb the lipids from the insects’ waxy exoskeleton, causing them to dry out and die. If an insect ingests diatomaceous earth, the fossilized diatoms will shred the insides of the insect, causing death. Another organic source of plant nutrition from ancient seas is glaucomite, commonly referred to as greensand. Greensand is an iron-potassium silicate that contains many micronutrients and trace elements and has been formed
over millennia in ancient seabed deposits of shells and plant material. Greensand may be rich in many nutrients essential for plant growth, but it is not ideal for the indoor gardener as it takes a few years to break down and become available to plants, making it more practical as a plant nutrient for outdoor organic gardeners. It can be top dressed as needed or mixed into the soil before planting. Another way to derive plant nutrition from marine life is to bring the marine life right into the growroom with aquaponics, which is becoming a popular method of hydroponic gardening. A reservoir is filled with fish or replaced with a large fish tank. The fish will eat fish food and any algae buildup, and the fish waste will be in the water that will be pumped into the hydroponic irrigation system feeding the plants. This is an innovative way of organic hydroponic gardening—the plants clean the water for the fish and the fish waste feeds the plants, creating a somewhat self-contained ecosystem. The oceans, seas and even bodies of fresh water contain an abundance of life. Such teeming marine life, both plant and animal, signals the availability of diverse sources of nutrition. For gardeners, the marine world is a great organic source of renewable plant food. With kelp and seaweed extracts, different fish products and ancient sea deposits, plants can get all the elements, vitamins, amino acids and plant hormones they need to develop to their fullest potential. MY
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
35
36
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
37
VERMICOMPOSTING: Worms and Recycling
Recycling is certainly more prevalent these days, but we are also consuming a lot more and therefore generating more waste per person (on average) than we were a couple of decades ago. Something most of us can do to minimize the amount of garbage we send to landfills is to compost our organic waste such as newspapers, vegetable waste, cardboard, even coffee grinds and eggshells. There’s a very easy way to do so that has minimal smell, doesn’t take up much space, can chew through a heck of a lot of waste quickly and leave you with a most sought after product. The workers you’ll need to assist you are worms and the process is called vermicomposting. The worms require minimal care, are quiet, never go on strike and are incredibly cheap to maintain. Setting up a worm farm isn’t terribly expensive;
38
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
by Michael Bloch
ready-made farms can cost as little as $50 and the initial worms about $15. A worm farm can cut down your waste by a minimum of 25 per cent. Over a year that translates into hundreds of pounds of waste diverted from the landfill. The worms spend their entire lives eating your trash, stopping only to reproduce. In fact, worms don’t actually sleep, at least not in the same way humans do. However, they do spend long periods completely inactive in a state called estivation. A pound of worms (around 4,000) can eat half a pound of organic material in 24 hours. What’s left after their digestion, called castings, is one of the best and
safest fertilizers around. It’s also pH neutral. Castings feel and smell like good soil because effectively that’s all they are; in fact, it’s said that worm castings are five times richer in nutrients than good topsoil. Castings aren’t the only valuable product created; a fluid called leachate that seeps through the material the worms digest is also highly prized. It is brown in colour and has no odour. Worm tea, another non-smelly popular worm by-product, is made by soaking worm castings in water.
So, what can you feed your worms? • • • • •
coffee grounds paper cardboard including egg cartons vegetable peelings and waste eggshells
The general rule of thumb is if the waste is plant based, worms can deal with it, with a couple of exceptions: • pineapple contains an enzyme that will dissolve the worms • citrus and highly acidic vegetables such as onions (okay in small amounts) • green grass clippings should be added sparingly as large amounts generate excess heat and produce ammonia, which will kill the worms You can purchase worm farms or make one yourself. You’ll need: • A plastic tub with a lid • A pan for leachate runoff • Spacers to place between the tub and the catchment pan Simply drill a series of small holes in the walls of the tub to allow air to circulate and holes in the bottom to allow for
“Pinapple contains an enzyme that will disolve the worms.”
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October
39
Vermicomposting: Worms and Recycling
drainage. Don’t be too concerned about worms escaping, as they don’t like the light. If worms are escaping, it means there is something wrong with the farm; either it is too dry, too damp or too acidic. You never have to worry about your worms overpopulating, as they will self-regulate reproduction.The more waste that’s available, the more the worms will reproduce; but don’t overfeed them in the early stages while your population is getting established.
To start your worm farm off: • • •
Place a layer of small pebbles in the bottom to assist with drainage. Add a couple of loose layers of damp newspaper, building it up to a few centimetres or so thick. Then it’s just a case of adding waste as it becomes available.
The worms will chew their way up through the material leaving their castings behind. When your tub is full and you can’t fit any more waste in, don’t start pushing it down as you’ll most likely crush your composting pals. Remove the layer of waste and a few inches of castings, as this will contain most of your worms. With what’s left, put it to one side for use on your garden, add the scraps and worms back in and you’re all set to go again. If you purchase a large worm farm, you’ll find that most have removable panels at the bottom of the sides to allow for easy removal of castings. It’s kinder on the worms and less mess for you as well. For castings and leachate, while you can use them as is without dilution, the recommended mix is one part leachate/castings to four parts soil or water.
Other vermicomposting tips: • • • • • •
40
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Use proper composting worms; garden worms won’t be effective. Never add any sort of animal products to the farm, including dairy. Waste mix should be kept moist, not too dry or wet. A sign of mix that’s too wet is a methane-type odour and worms trying to escape. Dampen paper and cardboard products before adding. Keep the farm in a shady place. MY
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
41
the cost of
SUNLIGHT by Ed Harwood
Sunlight is an abundant and renewable resource, one utilized by nature, the energy industry and agriculture alike. Yet, unlike most agricultural inputs, the sun’s energy is generally left off the balance sheet, as farmers usually assume that sunlight has no monetary cost. However, contrary to popular belief, agricultural utilization of sunlight is far from free.
42
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
We begin with an understanding of light energy. The intensity or luminance of light supplied to a plant canopy is both instantaneously and cumulatively quantified using Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF). The instantaneous measurement (µmoles m-2 sec-1) plotted on a grid can be used to graph the uniformity of luminance provided to the plant canopy using a metre. Variance of intensity occurs with obstructions that create shade, distance from luminaire and with construction of bulb and reflector in artificial lighting situations. The accumulation of PPF in 24 hours is called the Daily Light Integral (DLI). The first cost to light utilization is managing its inconsistency. In sunlit situations DLI is impacted by the variation caused by cloud cover, diurnal and seasonal conditions. In artificial situations where variation is generally absent, it is most often calculated using the instantaneous measure multiplied by time. Work with strawberries1 proved that the DLI is more important to plants than any peak intensity during a 24 hour period. This means we can worry less about clouds and should worry more about day length. It is useful to compare the complexity of using sunlight to using a steady light source like artificial light. Most plant species require from nine to 20 moles per three square feet per day to grow well. The “Monthly Light Integral” figure graphs the average monthly DLI over the
number of anomalies (tip burn and bolting). The anomalies decrease yields and make plants potentially unsalable. Exacerbating the detrimental impact of a high DLI is the considerable radiant heat generated in a greenhouse structure. The sun produces short wave radiation from wavelength 290 to 2,500 nanometers. All of this energy can be degraded to heat. This heat makes personnel uncomfortable, some plants less productive and carbon dioxide supplementation extremely difficult or expensive when trying to use ventilation. Computerized control of motorized shading has brought high DLI under control with expense. Insufficient DLI will alter plant growth undesirably with “reaching” (etiolation) and lack of photosynthetic capacity (often exhibited as chlorosis). During the winter months at latitude 42° the DLI is lower than the target (below the red line) without supplemental lighting. Also at this latitude low DLI months require supplemental heating in a structure not well suited to heat retention.
“The complexities and costs of managing the variation in natural light provides the first reason for utilizing luminaires as opposed to sunlight.“ year at latitude 42°. If the targeted daily integral is 17 moles per three square feet per day (red line), this target is met only for a few weeks during the year. The complexities and costs of managing the variation in natural light provides the first reason for utilizing luminaires as opposed to sunlight. When the DLI is above the target and commensurate increases in nutrient availability are not made, the plants will suffer a
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
43
the cost of sunlight
TABLE 1: Chabot, B. F., Jurik, T. W., & Chabot, J. F. (1979). Influence of Instantaneous and Integrated Light-Flux Density on Leaf Anatomy and Photosynthesis. Am. J. Bot. , 66:8:940-945.
The second cost of sunlight is the radiant energy excess or luminaires. A luminaire is the bulb, ballast and reflector (i.e., deficiency. The traditional greenhouse using a “free” rea complete assembly providing illumination). The type of source—the sun—is an expensive building (a special use luminaire used for growing plants variably includes fluoresfacility with a short lifespan and high maintenance costs), cent, high pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH). and requires additional equipment (supplemental lights The latter two luminaires are types of High Intensity Disand shading) and energy to optimize the internal climate charge (HID) lighting. Table2 includes some characteristics for year-long use in of these luminaires. Source Total Wattage Average Life (hrs) Efficiency northern latitudes. Luminaires vary in consumed (W) (lumens watt-1) The costs come from intensity, spectrum and Incandescent 40 750 12 removing or supplelife affecting both the 0.025 50,000 35 menting heat to keep LED quantity and quality of Fluorescent 48 20,000 66 plants and the light provided. All MH – 400 425 15,000 94 workers happy. luminaires attenuate Some plants have (lose intensity) over MH – 1000 1,060 10,000 118 a requirement for a time. HID and LED HPS – 400 425 24,000 117 dark period in order luminaires do not HPS – 1000 1,060 24,000 132 to thrive. Most leafy attenuate appreciably 2: Aldrich, R.A, and J.W. Bartok Jr. 1994. Greenhouse Engineering. NRAES, Ithaca, NY. greens do not have a TABLE until very near the end Page 99. dark period requireof life. ment allowing 100 The energy per cent photoperiod and consequent yield enhancement. consumed per luminaire, generally indicative of the So an opportunity lost with sunlight is gained with artificial intensity of the light, can range from less than light used 24/7 for those plants that tolerate it. 250 watts to 1,000 watts. For HID and fluoIn conclusion, the management of sunlight and the asrescent luminaires, the ballast consumes some sociated costs of use, including structure and maintenance, of the energy supplied and other engineering temperature modifications and shading and supplementation, differences alter efficiency sometimes referred present the potentially more advantageous opportunity to to as the power factor (the percentage of toutilize artificial light. tal supplied energy that is the rated watts of Of course artificial light is not perfect. In Controlled En- output). The efficiency can vary considerably vironment Agriculture (CEA), supplemental light (supplewith type and wattage as seen mental to the sun) is produced by a number of different in the table. 44
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
HIDs are the more typical luminaire chosen for supplemental light. Fluorescents do not make good choices for commercial facilities as they produce little light per individual luminaire, when broken create a toxic spill and greatly interfere with use of sunlight.
“Some plants have a requirement for a dark period in order to thrive. Most leafy greens do not have a dark period requirement allowing 100 per cent photoperiod and consequent yield enhancement.“ Typical choice of luminaire is based mostly on desired light intensity (derived from the mounting distance from canopy and bulb wattage) and economics. For a greenhouse where the luminaire itself shades the plants, higher wattage is used to allow greater mounting height and lower density of luminaires. The higher wattage also obtains an improvement in individual luminaire efficiency. The voltage and phase of the electrical supply can also impact the total energy consumption of a luminaire. Distance has a big impact, reducing light intensity proportional to the square of the distance. Reflectors used in luminaires are an attempt to provide a uniform intensity over a canopy of plants. These reflectors vary considerably in how effectively they create this uniform surface. The design problem
for a reflector is complex due to the need to avoid reflecting light onto the filament, to manage the varying output from the element’s glass globe and to fill the area to be illuminated evenly.When a luminaire is placed within a chamber having reflective surfaces surrounding the luminaire, these surfaces can also affect the uniformity of light. Although most reflectors are made of shiny metal, clean white surfaces reflect light just as well with less added expense. Given that the particular characteristics of “free” sunlight involves a range of hidden costs, which are relevant to open-air as well as greenhouse conditions, the use of artificial light has significant advantages. These include uniformity, exact intensity, consistency and precision, and, taken together, make indoor agriculture a competitive and advantageous route when compared with the caprices of nature that make farming with sunshine costly. MY 1. Aldrich, R.A, and J.W. Bartok Jr. 1994. Greenhouse Engineering. NRAES, Ithaca, NY. Page 99. 2. Chabot, B. F., Jurik,T.W., & Chabot, J. F. (1979). Influence of Instantaneous and Integrated Light-Flux Density on Leaf Anatomy and Photosynthesis. Am. J. Bot. , 66:8:940-945.
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
45
Maddening
Mildew
prevention control and
by Dr. Lynette Morgan
The first sprinklings of mildew are often missed as they can form inside a dense plant canopy.
46
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
A sprinkling of powdery spores coating otherwise healthy plants is a sight that sends chills down growers’ spines. Powdery mildew is a disease that should be relatively easy to control; however, mildew has become a real menace that reoccurs with surprising frequency. Powdery mildew is not a disease to be ignored; although it won’t rapidly outright kill plants, it can cause considerable damage, loss in yields and quality as well as unsightly plant appearances. Researchers estimate that one per cent leaf coverage with mildew can result in a one per cent loss in production with crops such as peppers; a heavy infection can result in yield losses of 30 per cent or more. With ornamentals and houseplants, powdery mildew outbreaks can make entire crops unmarketable with damage such as leaf spotting and discolouration, bud distortion, defoliation, leaf rolling, stunted growth and twisted new stems. What is more troubling is that powdery mildew appears to be more difficult to eradicate from protected growing areas than ever before, despite the range of products on the market developed for control. However, this disease can be conquered if we understand enough about its development and how it spreads.
An Extensive Family Powdery mildew has a common symptom— the development of fine, whitish, powdery deposits that form mostly on the upper leaf surface.These deposits look like a sprinkling of talc and the early stages are often missed by growers as they tend to first form inside leafy canopies. Despite this common symptom, powdery mildew is not one disease, but can be caused by a number of different genera of fungi. Some of the powdery mildew fungi species are specific to certain plants—for example, Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae is confined to roses—while others have a much wider host range. In greenhouses and grow rooms, the most common species of fungi that cause powdery mildew symptoms are Erisyphe, Leveillula, Microsphaera, Podosphaera, Odium and Sphaerotheca. It’s not usually possible to tell exactly which of these fungal pathogens are causing powdery mildew symptoms in different situations, although Leveillula—which occurs mostly on tomatoes and peppers and is sometimes called internal powdery mildew—may produce fungal spores on the lower leaf surfaces as well as the upper surfaces.This poses another problem, as downy mildew, which is a separate, less common disease, also produces greyish-white powdery spores on the undersides of leaves. Mistaking downy mildew and Leveillula powdery mildew creates problems with control as different sprays need to be used for these two very different diseases.To get the diagnosis correct, both leaf surfaces should be checked carefully for the presence of powdery spores. If these are present on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces, then Leveillula powdery mildew is likely to be the cause; if greyish-white spores are only on the lower surface, then downy mildew is more likely. Neither Leveillula nor downy mildew should be confused with Botrytis or grey mould, which has brownish-grey spores and is also a common fungal pathogen in enclosed growing areas. Apart from Leveillula or internal powdery
Powdery mildew not only forms on the foliage, but also on stems, buds, flowers and fruit.
mildew, most of the other powdery mildew species have a simple cycle of infection. The spores are often carried into the grow room on wind currents from infected plants. They are introduced to the growing area on infected seedlings or cuttings or develop from survival structures on plant debris. Most infections come from airborne spores landing on leaf surfaces. The spores do not need an open wound or injured plant to infect their host; they happily germinate on dry leaves, penetrating the leaf tissue and sending food absorbing haustoria into the cells. The threadlike fungus (hyphae) grow over the leaf surface and eventually produce more spores, which trigger further infections. This infection process takes anywhere from three to seven days depending on conditions, but in as little as 72 hours from landing on a leaf surface, the fungi can send fresh spores into the air creating a high degree of infection over a wide area. Leveillula powdery mildew is one fungal species that seems to be on the rise in greenhouses and has been occurring at higher rates in indoor gardens as well. Leveillula typically infects tomatoes and peppers, although it has also been seen in cucumbers, eggplant, chilli, cotton, globe artichoke and many weeds. It may have a wider host range than initially thought. Leveillula powdery mildew is sometimes termed internal powdery mildew, as unlike other mildew species, it grows unseen within Powdery mildew can develop rapidly from a few isolated spots to complete plant coverage in a short period.
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
47
Maddening Mildew – Prevention and Control
Above: Just like a sprinkling of talc, powdery mildew is quite distinctive and easy to recognize. Right: Members of the cucurbit family such as melons and cucumbers are highly susceptible to powdery mildew unless resistant cultivars are used.
Once powdery mildew coats most of the leaf surface, the fungal pathogen takes a real toll on the plant, weakening growth and lowering yields.
the leaf tissue for a latency period of up to three weeks. This species of mildew can also destroy plants and is much more difficult to control than other types. A Leveillula powdery mildew infection can occur with either low or high humidity and over a wide temperature range, so this may explain many unexpected mildew outbreaks in otherwise clean growing environments where mildew has not been a problem in the past and where humidity is always well controlled. Other symptoms are fluffy white patches of spores occurring on the upper and undersides of leaves, or in the case of peppers, on the lower leaf surface. The upper leaf surface may also have yellow patches that correspond to the spores underneath. Infected leaves may wither and drop off causing the plant to die.
Environmental Conditions and Control Conditions for development of powdery mildew vary depending on the species of fungi. Most of the common powdery mildew species prefer high humidity (greater than 90 per cent), while Leveillula infection on tomatoes and peppers can occur across a wide range of relatively humidity levels. Generally, moderate to warm temperatures favour infection (20 to 30°C). While many powdery mildew species favour high humidity, the greatest rate of infection can spread within a growing
48
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
area when humidity levels climb at night, allowing the spores to germinate and infect leaves. Less humid daytime air allows the newly produced spores to dry and be released into the air to spread further. Control of humidity—particularly nighttime relative humidity levels that are more difficult to deal with—is seen as one of the best tools for prevention of powdery mildew. Increasing air movement up, under and through the canopy often gives a good degree of mildew control. Another option is to prevent overcrowding through selective pruning to let airflow through the crop.
Sprays and Chemical Resistance There are many control products on the market for powdery mildew as well as a number of natural remedies that have varying degrees of success. Different control options may work better on one species of powdery mildew fungi than they do others, so it pays to trial a number of different sprays if the disease has become difficult to eradicate. The other concern with powdery mildew has been the increasing occurrence of spray resistance. Many of the fungicides available for control of powdery mildew can result in the pathogen building up resistance to the effects of the product. This can happen rapidly if the same fungicide compound is applied for more than a few applications over a short period. Disease resistance to fungicides (the same can occur with pesticides) has become a major industry problem and may also be a reason why control of powdery mildew with products that once were effective no longer seem to work as well. To avoid powdery mildew resistance the same class of chemical fungicide should not be used more than twice in succession. Outbreaks are better controlled by using compounds (such as sulphur) to which fungal resistance won’t occur or by rotating
Below: The first signs of Oidium powdery mildew on tomato leaves.
“the greatest rate of infection can spread within a growing area when humidity levels climb at night.” different classes of control products over time. A buildup of fungicide resistant powdery mildew can become impossible to control with sprays and this can occur rapidly in any growing situation.
Control Options As with many diseases, genetic resistance is one of the best forms of powdery mildew prevention, however, few crops have a wide selection of resistant cultivars to choose from. Many cucurbit plants such as cucumbers and melons have hybrid cultivars with a high degree of powdery mildew resistance and these should be selected wherever possible, as mildew is a very common and devastating disease on these crops. Some tomato cultivars have resistance to Odium species of mildew, but not to other forms. Certain ornamentals such as zinnia may also have resistant cultivars. Having powdery mildew’s fungal hyphae and spores exposed on the leaf surface should, in theory, be easy to control with sprays provided there is good and thorough leaf coverage. There are a few natural remedies such as spraying the foliage with milk and other weakly alkaline compounds,
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
49
Maddening Mildew – Prevention and Control
The first faint signs of a recent mildew infection, such as is occurring on this wasabi plant, are often missed.
Peppers need good airflow up, under and around plants and are susceptible to Leveillula or internal powdery mildew.
50
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
which changes the pH of the leaf surface making it less desirable for the fungal spores to germinate.These have proven to have only a very short-term and limited range of effect. However, sodium and potassium bicarbonate have been scientifically proven to be much more effective for powdery mildew control and prevention for a number of common mildew-causing fungi species.While mixing up one level teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with a squirt of good quality detergent (as a sticking and spreading agent) in one litre of water and spraying onto mildly infected plants does often work, potassium bicarbonate has proven to be even more effective without extra and unwanted sodium run off. Potassium bicarbonate is found in a number of fungicide products and is a completely safe spray to use in enclosed areas. Sodium and potassium bicarbonate do need to be used with care; overdosing plants with baking soda doesn’t kill mildew better, but will burn the foliage severely.The general recommendation of one teaspoon per litre should be followed. Another highly effective compound is sulphur applied either as a protectant fungicide (micronized sulphur) or in a sulphur vaporizer. Sulphur works by a process of ‘selective toxicity’ that is the sulphur is more toxic to the disease than to the host. However, sulphur must be used with care; if applied when temperatures are too warm in the growing area it can cause considerable plant injury. Other compounds that may have some effectiveness against powdery mildew are foliar sprays of silica, salicylic acid or chitosan, all of which may help provide either a barrier to infection to induce the plant’s natural defence response to attack by powdery mildew.
Cucumber crops benefit from being well spaced to allow maximum airflow and humidity, which assist with powdery mildew prevention.
There are also some biological fungicides such as those using suppressive beneficial fungi like Bacillus subtilis, however, results with these can vary somewhat depending on the environmental conditions, which need to be optimal for the beneficials to grow and multiply before they can start suppressing the pathogen. Some growers have found that light sprays of horticultural oils or neem oil have assisted with powdery mildew control, but many research studies have found these are not that effective. Of the chemical fungicides, many are still highly effective if used correctly and rotated so that disease resistance does not buildup. The effectiveness of different fungicides can vary significantly with the particular powdery mildew fungi species and the crop, so if one product does not appear to be working, another should be tried. Eradication fungicides need to be used as soon as the first powdery signs are seen as early control is critical. It is also important to check the labels on products that are listed as controlling powdery mildew—many are only registered for use on ornamental crops and should not be applied to edibles. Others may have withholding periods that must be waited out before the plants can be harvested and consumed. Successful control of powdery mildew involves more than just a quick-fix spray. For complete control, the environment, plant density, humidity levels, air movement, genetic resistance, natural, biological and chemical control compounds all have something to offer and often more than one approach will be needed to get the mildew monsters under control. MY Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
51
Oriental Vegetables 52
for Autumn by Emma Cooper
At this time of year, many outdoor growers are winding down their plots. It’s time to clear away tender plants before the first frost, gather in the last of the harvest and make sure the hardy brassicas that can survive the winter weather are protected against marauding pigeons. For indoor gardeners it’s time to get sowing again to ensure exciting and tasty harvests all through the winter. There are plenty of hardy salad vegetables (such as lamb’s lettuce and land cress) that will thrive during the winter season and are much more tender and productive when grown indoors or with some protection. But the real stars of the autumn show are the Oriental vegetables. Like the outdoor winter stars—kale, cabbage and brussels sprouts—many Oriental vegetables are in the brassica family. But the resemblance isn’t obvious and once you start to investigate what’s available you’ll find everything from tender salad leaves right through to sprouting broccoli style plants and spicy stir-fry leaves. And they’ll all grow rapidly, and right through until spring, if you get the timing right. If your growing area is unheated and unlit then you need your plants to do most of their growing during the autumn, before temperatures (and more importantly, light levels) drop too low for them to make active growth. They will then happily sit and stay fresh, providing fresh harvests right through until spring when they will suddenly burst into life again. An early spring harvest is their last gift, before they start to flower and can be removed to make way for spring sowings. With supplementary lighting, of course, they can be kept in active growth all winter. The advantage of sowing Oriental crops during late summer and early autumn is that they’re far less likely to bolt (run to seed early) as the days are waning, so do ensure that you’re not mimicking lengthening days with your lights. The classic Chinese cabbage that produces a tightly formed head (often pointed) is best sown indoors in August, but there are plenty of other leafy vegetables that can be sown in September and October.
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Kailaan is an oriental broccoli, but it produces flowering will sprout again.The first harvest comes three to four weeks heads on much smaller plants than purple sprouting broccoli and after sowing, and mizuna is a good plant for giving high yields so is much quicker; you can expect a harvest of young shoots in from small spaces. 20 to 30 days, or you can wait for the plant to mature in 60 to 70 days. Mustard greens come in a range of different colours and make a very attractive addition to a salad when the leaves Pak choi is a familiar plant to many, in habit very similar to are young.Their spicy flavour increases as the leaves mature, Swiss chard.Young leaves can be harvested individually and used and large leaves are more suited to cooked dishes. Mature in salad, or again you can leave the plant to mature and harvest plants can be large, reaching up to 60 centimetres depending the whole thing as a stir-fry vegetable after four to five weeks. on the variety. Tatsoi is a smaller relative, forming low-growing rosettes of glossy green leaves that are shaped like spoons. It can also provide continuous pickings of young leaves for the salad bowl, for stirfries or to be used as a spinach substitute. Mizuna is a very attractive plant with light-green, feathery leaves. It looks quite similar to rocket and has a peppery flavour that adds a tasty note to salads. Leaves can be harvested when you need them over a period of several months, or you can harvest the whole plant by cutting close to the ground and it
Oriental Brassicas vary in size, but the
recommended spacing for plants is around 30 to 40 centimetres (check the seed packet for the spacing for your choices). In the dark days of winter, mildews and fungal diseases are more of an issue so don’t scrimp on spacing as it reduces airflow and increases the risk of disease. It is also important to pay attention to watering (if your plants are growing in soil) as plants that are slow growing in winter have low water requirements and should not be left sitting in cold, wet soil. MY
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
53
Bumble and Bumble Star Pollinators in the Greenhouse by Donald Lester
As more and more greenhouses are constructed, the need for indoor pollination increases. Honeybees are generally thought of as the most common pollinators, and they are the most widely studied; however, bumblebees are as good—or better—than traditional honeybees at pollinating many seed and food crops. Keep reading to find out why.
54
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
It is estimated that 30 per cent of the food grown for human consumption in North America is pollinated by bees. Bees are used in over 30 different countries on more than 25 different crops. In 2000, researchers examined the economic value of honeybee pollination based on national agricultural statistics and interviews with beekeepers and research personnel. They estimated that there were 2.5 million colonies rented for pollination purposes in 1998 and that pollination services amounted to $14.6 billion of agricultural output in 2000. Bumblebees may be best pollinators of the following seed and food crops: Alfalfa Apples Blackberries Blueberries Broad beans Buckwheat Celery Cherries Clover Coriander Cotton Cranberries Cucumbers Currants
Fennel Gherkins Gooseberries Gourds Kiwi fruit Lemons Lima beans Lupins Marrows Melons Mustard Oil seed rape Oranges Peaches
Pears Peppers Plums Pumpkins Raspberries Runner beans Soybeans Squash Strawberries Sunflowers Tomatoes Turnips Vetches Watermelons
“Bumblebees are generally regarded as being less aggressive than honeybees.”
In the past, greenhouse operators traditionally hand pollinated their crops, but as the size of the operations increased, producers started looking for alternatives. Bumblebees are far more efficient than hand pollination. In fact, a study concluded that “tomato growers who eliminate pesticides in the greenhouse can use bumblebee hives to pollinate their crops, saving 15 hours of labour per acre [per day] required for manual pollination. Research indicated that bumblebees pollinate more efficiently, leading to yield increases of as much as 25 per cent.” Not only are bumblebees better for greenhouse pollination than hand pollination, they are also better suited for greenhouse pollination over honeybees for several reasons. First, honeybees suffer from the ‘colony collapse disorder’ that we have heard so much about in the news lately. Honey producers also add plastic strips impregnated with pesticide to their hives to fight VarMaximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
55
Bumble and Bumble
“It is estimated that 30 per cent of the food grown for human consumption in North America is pollinated by bees.”
roa mites, thereby increasing the chance of pesticide residues in honey, while bumblebees do not suffer from Varroa mites like honeybees do. Finally, bumblebees have an advantage over other bees in that they can warm themselves on cold mornings and operate at lower ambient temperatures. A common assumption is that the buzzing sound of bumblebees is caused by the beating of their wings. The sound is
56
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
actually the result of the bee vibrating its flight muscles, and is achieved while the muscles are decoupled from the wings. Bumblebees have been known to reach an internal temperature of 30°C using this method. Because of this warming mechanism, bumblebees are most active in the morning and afternoons at temperatures between 10° and 30°C. They function best at temperatures between 15° and 25°C, although they are known to operate at temperatures down to 5°C with windy and cloudy conditions. These temperature ranges are only averages, since there are over 250 known species of bumblebees. Bumblebees are sold commercially by several vendors. They come in a maintenance-free cardboard box, often containing fewer than 50 individuals. The typical colony includes a queen, workers and brood (pupae, eggs and larvae), and a bag with sugar solution provided as a food source. This solution is intended to keep the bees going for the total life expectancy of the hive, since crops such as tomatoes have blossoms that do not produce nectar. The box has two tubes inserted into it: one tube is a two-way valve to let bees in and out of the box, while the other tube is a one-way valve to let bees into the box but not back out again. This tube is useful for locking bees into the box during spray applications or when moving the hive. It is best to place the hives along the south side of the main path in the greenhouse in order to have maximum shade from the crop on sunny days. It may even be necessary to provide extra shade, with a piece of Styrofoam or other water-impervious material that does not radiate heat. Distribute the hives evenly along the pathway, in plain view, approximately 1.2 to 1.8 metres above ground level with the flight hole facing east. The best position for the hives is on a horizontal platform so that the sugar solution will not leak. The placement of the hives is important. Carbon dioxide is often used by entomologists to anesthetize insects for short periods of time in order to handle them safely, and prolonged exposure to carbon dioxide can reach dangerous levels for bumblebees. In high-carbon dioxide growing environments, therefore, it is best to restrict any carbon dioxide supply in the immediate vicinity of bumblebee hives. The side walls and roof vents should be covered with insect screens (50 mesh) to restrict the entrance of pest insects into the greenhouse and simultaneously keep bumblebees and beneficial insects from escaping. Overhead air circulation fans and exhaust fan outlets should be covered with screen as well, to prevent the
bumblebees from being sucked out of the greenhouse or being killed by hitting the fan blades. Ants can raid and destroy a hive, so it is important to keep them away from the bees. Use a bead of grease or petroleum jelly around the hives as a physical barrier, and avoid contact between plants and the hive, since this can act as a bridge for ants to reach the hive. Before opening the flight hole, allow the colony to calm down for a minimum of half an hour after placing in position. Open the flight hole of newly placed hives on the day they arrive during the brightest time of the day, and allow for a minimum of four hours of effective pollination per day. Bumblebees are generally regarded as being less aggressive than honeybees. However, there are certain precautions one should employ when handling any bees. For example, do not wear perfume, makeup, cologne, aftershave or any other odorous materials that may attract the bees, and do not let children play near the hives or disturb them. Bumblebees are also attracted to the colour blue, so it is best to avoid using blue sticky trap cards or wearing blue clothing that may attract the bees. Bumblebees need ultraviolet light for orientation and navigation. When artificial lights overpower the natural light, bumblebees have problems with their orientation in the greenhouse, especially during the darkest months of the year. When this happens, bumblebees may become damaged by flying against the hot lights, and in order to compensate for the loss of worker bees it may be necessary to add extra hives to the greenhouse. Bees in general are very susceptible to insecticides and other chemicals. Use pesticides selectively, since many of the traditional classes of insecticides will have a negative impact on the hive and may damage the bumblebee population. Contact a bumblebee vendor for specific information about persistence and compatibility of specific materials and the timing of any pesticide applications. In fact, rather than using pesticides in the greenhouse, it is important to remember that bumblebees perform best when used in conjunction with natural enemies to control pests. So—if you are going to make the switch to growing insectpollinated crops in the greenhouse, consider using bumblebees. They offer many advantages over honeybees, and they will save you countless hours of hand-pollination labour. Why not let Mother Nature help you become more natural in your indoor food and crop production? MY
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
57
Hydroponics:
British Columbia’s New Green Capital Advantage by Peter Ladner
Terrasphere isn’t alone. Longtime hydroponic seller BC Northern Lights has developed an in-home herb and micro-green grow-box (“the kitchen cultivator”) that can fit under the counter like a small fridge that just keeps replacing what you take out of it: “a living spice rack.” Coming from the more conventional side of the street, Stephen When Choices customers pop a $4.98 clamshell of Ecospirit Fane, former CEO of locally based Hot House Growers, is now spinach into their cart, they’re helping seed a new enterprise that CEO of Valcent Products. It’s a Vancouver company that has taken is about to transform the way we over technology developed in grow our food. Ecospirit spinach the U.K., where a Valcent vertical “With the average food item being shipped is licensed by the Squamish greenhouse has been successfully 2,000 kilometres, growing close to home First Nation (an early investor), growing lettuce for the animals in produced by Terrasphere Systems guarantees big savings on shipping—as much the Devon Zoo for two years and in a prototype automated is now setting up with a major as $1 per head of lettuce.” greenhouse in Surrey, partly food processor. owned by Boston-based Christopher Ng, former Lululemon supply chain officer, is the company’s CEO. Converted Organics. It uses indoor growing technology developed They’re still raising capital for a rollout of installations, but by dedicated B.C. hydroponic horticulturalists who are now Fane said the interest in his technology is “spectacular.” Time churning out 600 pounds of greens a day for Choices and IGA. Vancouver Park Board’s plan to rebuild the roof of the West End Community Centre to incorporate a community garden is a great way to produce hobby food and wonderful social benefits, but it’s an indicator of a market that is opening up for local food production on a much more serious commercial scale.
58
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
MaximumMaximum Yield Canada | September Yield Canada | May / October / June 2011
59
At large hydroponics
magazine named it one of the 50 top innovations in 2009. And why not? Every time oil prices go up, imported—and exported— food becomes more expensive. With the average food item being shipped 2,000 kilometres, growing close to home guarantees big savings on shipping—as much as $1 per head of lettuce—not to mention attractive societal benefits of less traffic, lower emissions, less waste and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Hydroponic growing uses about five per cent of the water needed for field crops at a time when critical water supplies for field agriculture are dwindling in volume and rising in price. One acre of hydroponic greenhouse can produce 600,000 pounds of food per year, 10 times what a one-acre field could produce, with no wasted petroleum-dependent fertilizer. There’s another advantage to fresh-picked produce. It has far more nutritional value, which is one reason why local food was
“There’s another advantage to fresh-picked produce. It has far more nutritional value, which is one reason why local food was the number one trend in the Canadian restaurant industry last year.” the number one trend in the Canadian restaurant industry last year. Fane said a leafy green loses more than half its nutritional value within four days after it has been picked. With no chemicals or pesticides involved in hydroponic growing, food safety is also improved. The Forbes 2020 team of experts and authors predicts that by the year 2018, 20 per cent of all food consumed in U.S. cities will come from rooftop and parking lot farms. All the major supermarket chains are looking at this now, with four rooftop greenhouses already under construction in the U.S. A one-acre rooftop farm costs around $2 million to set up and can gross over $1 million a year. On a do-it-yourself scale, one calculation shows that most of a family’s fresh vegetable needs could be met by a 50-square-foot indoor hydroponic garden. For architects and planners aimed at the new post-LEED living building standards, food production is a natural. Harnessing technology and dodging seasonal variations in production removes the biggest barrier to commercial local food production—unreliability. The Lower Mainland’s constrained land base and extensive experience with growing indoors with minimal power, make this a great fit for this region, one that would put real meaning into Green Capital. MY
60
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Maximum Yield Canada | July / August 2011
61
YOU TELL US
Maximum Yield sits down with Stephanie Gentry of Boldtbags to talk about wash bags, cone filters and product quality assurance. Maximum Yield (MY): What is the history of BoldtBags? Stephanie: Boldtbags is the oldest filtration bag manufacturer in America. Started over eight years ago in the hills of Humboldt County, a couple of guys got together and created the ultimate filtration bag ever produced for commercial use. In the beginning, the bags got loaned out to friends and then their friends. Today Boldtbags are in demand around the world. MY: What products does BoldtBags offer to growers in
62
Canada and what makes each product unique? Stephanie: Boldtbags continues to offer a full line of commercial grade water filtration products from small one gallon sizes to large 32 gallon bags, and also has suspension systems for help with the larger bags. The bags are unique because they are American-made in California, with pride and a guarantee against any manufacturing defects.
Stephanie: Boldtbags are used to brew fresh organic compost teas and to filter extracts, water and essential oils. Fresh organic compost teas contain natural biocolonies of beneficial bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Using Boldtbag filters to brew increases the availability of phosphorous and other nutrients and vitamins to meet critical plant needs. These bags are suitable for the beginning gardener as well as commercial farmers.
MY: How are BoldtBags used and what type of grower are they suitable for?
MY: What are your Wash Bags used for? What are your Cone Filters used for?
Maximum Yield Canada  |  September / October 2011
bio-diesel, using our own filtration products in the process. MY: How does BoldtBags support local causes and community building? What does BoldtBags have planned for the future in the way of products and technologies? Stephanie: Boldtbags is always constantly doing research, testing filtrations and developing new products to help improve gardening and culinary experiences. We actively listen to our community of farmers and growers and strive to not only meet, but exceed, their expectations for amazing new products. We sponsor many local artists and community building events across the country. Boldtbags has a number of new products in pre-production and are eager to get them to market as we know they will be a huge success. As to what they are, you just might have to wait and see…
Stephanie: We offer Wash Bags and Boldtbags are sewn with reinforced we are the only company with the double stitching and use military patented award-winning Cone Filter spec materials. The grommets are bags. Large and small wash bags are marine grade nickel plated brass and great for washing machine use and will never rust. The screens used in our cone kits are MY: Where in Canada can indoor the highest yielding gardeners find BoldtBags? filtration products on “We actively listen to our community of farmers and growers Stephanie: We are always looking for the market. Just turn it and strive to not only meet, but distribution partners and venturing inside out. No scraping exceed, their expectations for into new markets such as Canada needed. amazing new products.“ where we know Boldtbags are Boldtbags are available very appreciated for their quality in different kit sizes craftsmanship. Ask your favorite store including a three for them or go to www.boldtbags.com to bag, four bag and eight bag kit. The Boldtbags are Swiss grade quality, order a set today. We can also be reached three bag kit offers the 220, 73 and pressure rated and measured to toll free at 1-877-450-2247. MY 25 micron bags. The four bag kit the absolute micron. They are heat includes the 160 micron as well, and stamped to assure micron accuracy the eight bag kit includes all eight and to prevent pore-size fluctuation. microns—220, 190, 160, 120, 90, 73, 45 and 25. MY: What strategies has BoldtBags implemented to MY: How are BoldtBags lessen their environmental made to ensure quality and impact on our planet? effectiveness? Stephanie: Boldtbags is a Stephanie: Boldtbags are made with very environmentally industrial strength nylon and we and proactive are the only company to offer our company that uses exclusive FDA approved food safe solar power, electric lining. This waterproof lining ensures transportation no absorption of the bag contents into and is the fabric and produces a higher yield. exploring
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
63
TALKING SHOP
AT A GLANCE Company: IncrediGrow Garden Centre Location: 103, 7500 MacLeod Trail S.E. Calgary, Alberta Phone: 1-403-255-0740 Web: www. incredigrow.ca E-mail: sales@incredigrow.ca Motto: “Your plant’s personal trainer.”
66
Welcome to IncrediGrow Garden information to ensure a pleasurable Centre, no spindly plants allowed! hobby gardening experience. From Here at IncrediGrow we believe in taking a tour through our automated providing only new, quality, name indoor showroom, to picking fresh brand products that our staff has and tasty herbs and vegetables from hands-on experience with and have our perpetual gardens, the customer is seen firsthand the benefits each ensured an entertaining and involved product will provide. We do not visit that will make them want to tell believe in carrying every product their friends and loved ones to come available in the industry and quite to visit as well. the contrary, we will not stock the Our store layout is inviting and item unless it is backed up by a proven open with all bulky and dirty product track record of success and outstanding stored out of the customer’s view. customer service. Our mission is Our wish is to provide a “boutique” to weed out all the noise, gimmick feel with open aisles and all products product and hype, and to provide priced and displayed in a professional our customers with only outstanding manner. We are also handicapped products accessible and that deliver “Our mission is to weed out all the encourage incredible those with noise, gimmick product and hype, and to provide our customers with less mobility only outstanding products that deliver to come visit incredible results, time after time.” and learn the enjoyment of hobby results, time gardening through either hydroponic after time. or soilless methods. When a IncrediGrow’s corporate culture is a customer throwback to yesteryear wherein the walks into customer always comes first and we our indoor deliver unsurpassed customer service showroom they are with each and every visit. Our staff greeted by smiling, happy staff that are will go above and beyond with every eager to share their valuable gardening request and strive to provide answers knowledge and provide up-to-date to any problems or questions you
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
may have. Our level of service has not been seen in Calgary or Alberta for that matter, since before the boom of the 80s. We do not believe in “selling” to our customers, but rather, we prefer to think of our process as educating and informing our customers of what is available in our industry and how to get the most out of what we have to offer. We would rather make a friend then a dollar and we also realize that our success is tied to the success of our customers. The company was founded by two enthusiastic, passionate, knowledgeable, courteous, and devoted horticulturalists that possess a natural talent for passing on their learned and beneficial wisdom to others who share a desire to become involved with year round gardening. With over 35+ years of combined gardening knowledge our founders have already learned what not to do from their years of working for the other garden centres in and around Calgary and are eager to share their tips and tricks with other like minded individuals. The future of the industry seems bright also, as the rising costs of foods, the continuous loss of fertile
lands to urban sprawl, the high carbon footprint required to deliver fresh produce from global sources and the wanting of consumers to be self sufficient, lend credence to
the belief that indoor greenhouse gardening through hydroponics is definitely the wave of the future. A lot of schools in the area have begun to encourage hydroponics as a part of their curriculum so that the gardeners of the future have the tools required to ensure safe and prosperous food production. We support these initiatives through discounts, sponsored growrooms and training with the supplies to make sure all involved have much success. We have found much success through the use of search engine optimization techniques and the free ad sites available on the Internet. Most consumers use search engines to look for contacts rather than the archaic Yellow Pages and having a significant
presence on the web will enable them to find your location much easier, as well as establish a first link to entice the consumer to come visit. Once inside our showroom the customer is now involved in a process designed to encourage year round gardening and not be stuck with our three month grow season in Calgary. Our partnerships within the research and development arena have also generated results with several products already at the trial stage and more are in development right now! These are exciting times for IncrediGrow and look for more advanced, user friendly and indispensable products coming down the pipeline within the next two to three years. In celebration of our first full year in business, we are inviting everyone to come down for our customer appreciation event. All throughout the months of September and October we are offering incredible savings on everything in store! Now is the time to prepare for out-of-season production of your favourite crops and to be able to enjoy the many benefits year round gardening may bring. We look forward to growing with you, IncrediGrow Garden Centre. MY
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
67
MAX-MART
68
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
69
MAXIMUMdistributors YIELD ALBERTA Double AA Garden Supplies Ltd. Bay 9 2820 Centre Avenue Calgary, AB T2A 7P5 403-273-9188 IncrediGrow Garden Centre 103-7500 MacLeod Trail SE Calgary, AB T2H 0L9 Garden Centre 403-255-0740 Quick Grow 1-1204 Edmonton Trail Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 3K5 877-426-4769 Smart Grow 2422 - 23 Avenue, NE Calgary, AB T2E 8J4 403-236-9999 Twins Greenhouse 13 - 2235 30th Avenue, NE Calgary, AB T2C 7C7 403-273-2881 Hydro-Lite 12249 Fort Road Edmonton, AB T5B 4H7 780-477-7860 Niloc Wholesale Inc. Box 82008 Yellowbird RPO Edmonton, AB T6J 7E6 780-885-4769 Fusion 5 Organic Gardens Inc. PO Box 5821, 120B 1 Street, SW High River, AB T1V 1P3 866-652-2594 BRITISH COLUMBIA Interior Gardener’s Supply 221 - 1 McDermid Road, Box 1257 100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E0 250-395-3399 A.R.I. Research 120 - 4111 Hastings Street Burnaby, BC V5C 6Y7 604 433 6067 Jon’s Plant Factory 3925 East Hastings Burnaby, BC V5C 2H8 604-294-3000 Solar Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supply 4752 Imperial Street Burnaby, BC V5J 1C2 604-438-7244 Hygro Gardening Supplies Inc. 1791 Tamarac Street Campbell River, BC V9W 5Y7 250-286-0424 Canadian Garden Supply 1730 Highway 3 Castlegar, BC V1N 4W1 250-304-2911 Sun Beam Central 3444 River Road Chemainus, BC V0R 1K4 250-246-1379 Chilliwack Indoor Garden Centre Ltd. 311 - 44500 South Sumas Road Chilliwack, BC V9R 5M3 604-824-2944 Valley Indoor Geenhouse Supplies 103 - 44195 Yale Road West Chilliwack, BC V2R 4H2 877-702-1169 Art Knapp 2855 Wentworth Road Courtenay, BC V9N 6B7 250-334-3024 Just-N-Tyme Greenhouse and Hydroponics Supply 1094 McKenzie Avenue Courteney, BC V9N 3C5 250-703-0476 Pacific NW Garden Supply 1139B Industrial Road 3 Cranbrook, BC V1C 5E3 250-489-4761 Cowichan Hydroponic Supplies 4 - 2955 Jacob Road Duncan, BC V9L 6W4 250-746-0244
Your Plant’s Personal Trainer
70
Duncan Plants & Ponics 6512 Bell McKinnon Road Duncan, BC V9L 6C1 250-746-5591 Better Than Nature Enderby 1900 George Street Enderby, BC 250-838-5502 Growing Solutions Box 650, 1150 Bowlby Road Errington, BC V0R 1V0 250-248-1101 Kamloops Sunshine Gardens Greenhouse Superstore 5 - 1744 Kelly Douglas Road Kamloops, BC V2C 5S4 877-372-2270 Room 2 Grow 901 Laval Crescent Kamloops, BC V2C 5P4 250-372-3663 West Coast Gardens Equipment and Supplies 113 - 805 Notre Dame Kamloops, BC V2C 5N8 250-851-2992 Better Than Nature Kelowna 725B Evans Court Kelowna, BC V1X 6G4 250-868-8978 Oasis 12 - 1771 Cooper Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 7T1 250-763-4769 Pacific NW Garden Supply Unit C1 - 1810 Kyle Court Kelowna, BC V1Z 3Z4 250-769-4791 Sal’s Indoor Garden Supplies & Hydroponics 187 Asher Road Kelowna, BC V1X 3H5 778-753-5549 BC Hydroponics 3 - 20092-93A Avenue Langley, BC V1M 3Y4 604-888-5716 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 Excel Air Systems 200 - 20170 Stewart Crescent Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0T4 604-728-0757 Pacific NW Garden Supply 109 - 20110 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2P7 Planting Plus Greenhouse Supplies and Hardware 22394 Dewdney Truck Road Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3J2 604-466-5949 Triple Tree Nursery 20503 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2P9 604-465-9313 Nutty Zone 5 & 6 - 33201 London Avenue Mission, BC V2V 4P9 604-814-2223 Long Lake Nursery Hydroponic Supply 4900 Island Highway, North Nanaimo, BC 250-758-5012 Progressive Growth 41 - 1925 Bowen Road Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1 800-405-4769 Tridon Hydroponics 12 - 1708 Bowen Road Nanaimo, BC V9S 1G9 250-755-1900
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Vancouver Island Garden Supply Ltd. 4770 Wellington Rd Nanaimo, BC V9T 2H3 250-585-8881 Kootenay Grower’s Supply Nelson 721-G Front Street Nelson, BC V1L 4B8 250 353 1887 Pacific NW Garden Supply Unit 14- 104 Silica Street Nelson, BC V1L 4M1 250-354-4767 Buckerfields 587 Alberni Highway Parksville, BC V9P 1J9 250-248-3243 Sundogz Garden Supply & Hydroponics 30 - 1365 Old Alberni Highway Parksville, BC V9P 2B8 250-954-2046 Better Than Nature Penticton 101 - 78 Industrial Avenue, West Penticton, BC V2A 6M2 250-770-8978 Advanced Wholesale Superstore 406 - 1952 Kingsway Avenue Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6C2 604-945-0174 Aurora Lighting 750 3rd Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3C5 250-564-9888 Backwoods Hydroponic & Garden 10590 Carlson Road Prince George, BC V2K 5E5 250-963-9541 PG2 1798 Nicholson Street Prince George, BC V2N 1V6 250-612-4769; 1-888-817-4769 Skytek Indoor Solutions 833 4th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3H5 1-800-975-9835 Spruce Capital Feeds 1694 Quinn Street Prince George, BC V2N 1X3 250-564-6010 Omega Garden Inc. 1695 Peligren Place Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2S3 250-752-1301; 888 976 6342 Garden Effects 200-2288 #5 Road Richmond, BC V6X 2T1 604-214-6620 Pacific Rim Indoor Garden & Lighting 170- 12111 Bridgeport Road Richmond, BC V6V 1J4 604-232-4468 Natural Choice Garden Centre, The 5500 48th Avenue, SE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1X2 250-832-7151 S.A. Ecoline Products Ltd. 5671 Auto Road, SE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4S1 250-833-4769 Nico’s Nurseryland 830 - 28th Street, NE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2S7 250-804-2004 Mylo’s 3837 Squilax Anglemont Hwy Scotch Creek BC V0E 1M0 250-955-0525 Green & Clean Energy Co. Ltd. 2875 Cudlip Road Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0 250-732-7224 Happy Acres Greens & Backroad Hydroponics Equipment 2058 Cambie-Solsqua Road Sicamous, BC V0E 2V0 250-836-3878
Kootenay Bubble Refinery PO Box 81 Slocan Park, BC V0G 2E0 250-226-7753 Garibaldi Nurseryland & Florist 38917 Progress Way, Squamish Industrial Park Squamish, BC V0N 3G0 604-892-3892 Coastal Growers Supply 103 - 12824 Anvil Way Surrey, BC V3W 8E7 604-599-1778 Fast Eddie’s Systems 108 - 18760 96th Avenue Surrey, BC V4N 3P9 604-888-2499 Garden King Supplies 7533 135 Street, Unit 109 Surrey, BC V3W OM8 604-598-1912 Pacific NW Garden Supply 15374-103A Avenue Surrey, BC V3R 9V8 604-588-4769; 800-443-4769 Warehouse Garden Supplies & Hydroponic 109 - 8173 128 Street Surrey, BC V3W 4G1 604-543-3177 A+ Gardening Supplies 1450 Venables Street Vancouver, BC V5L 2G5 604-876-4769 BN Garden Supply 4493 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC V5R 2N3 604-431-2977 Double AA Garden Supplies Ltd. 2908 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5N 4C9 604-876-8837 Pacific NW Garden Supply 2137 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V5L 1V2 604-254-4765 Vancouver Garden Supply 4894 Fraser Street Vancouver, BC V5V 4H5 604-879-8167 Advanced Garden Supplies 7979 Aspen Road Vernon, BC V1B 3M9 250-545-9545 AJs Pets & Things 3219 - 31st Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 2H2 250-549-3222 Better Than Nature Vernon 3506 25th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 1P4 250-260-4466 Northern Lights Greenspace 3 - 2706 45th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 3N4 250-558-4757 Indoor Jungle 2624 Quadra Street Victoria, BC V8T 4E4 250-388-5611 Mr. Fertilizer 9 Burnside Road, West Victoria, BC V9A 1B2 250-381-4644 Progressive Growth 111 - 1790 Island Highway Victoria, BC V9B 1H5 250-391-9519 Sunwest Garden Supply 2035 Unit B Louie Drive Westbank, BC V4T 1Y2 250-768-1636 Good Guys Gardening Center 250 McKenzie Avenue, South Williams Lake, BC V2G 1C6 250-392-2069
Trees Company Nursery & Garden Supplies G9 C17 RR1, 7030 Powell Road Winlaw, BC V0G 2J0 250-226-7334 MANITOBA 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 Dieppe Hydroponics 988 Champlain St. Door #3 Dieppe, NB E18 1P8 506-384-4769 Craft N’ Grow 60 Micmac Road Eel Ground, NB E1V 4B1 506-624-9317 Ultimate Hydroponics PO Box 1191 Hampton, NB E5N 8H2 506-639-5948 Scott’s Nursery Ltd. 2192 Route 102 Highway Lincoln, NB E3B 8N1 506-458-9208 Atlantic Hydroponics & Greenhouses Inc. 42 Brandon Street Moncton, NB E1C 7E8 506-858-0158 Jardins Notik Gardens 798 Gray Road St-Charles, NB E4W 4N9 506-876-9100 21st Century Gardening 20 Bayside Drive St. John, NB E2J 1A2 506-657-9982 NOVA SCOTIA Den Haan’s Garden World 12688 Highway 1, Brickton Annapolis County, NS B0S 1M0 902-825-4722 Woodland Farm Nursery 3544 Highway 1, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0 902-532-7617 S&L Worx Hydroponics 135 Main Street, Unit 14 Dartmouth, NS B2X 1R6 902-434-GROW (4769) Sweetleaf Smoke Shop and Hydroponics 3132 Isleville Street Halifax, NS B3K 3Y2 902-454-6646
Plant Manager Gardening 12 Industrial Drive, Richmond County Industrial Park Lennox Passage, Cape Breton, NS B0E 1V0 902-345-2112 Steve’s Hydroponic Headquarters 131 Sackville Drive Lower Sackville, NS B4C 2R3 902-865-7764 Greenfield Grow & Brew 69 Wilson Mountain Road Murray Siding, NS B6L 4N7 902-897-6568 Woodin Nickel Hydroponics 3393 Central West, Highway 4 Pictou County, NS BOK 1H0 902-695-7640 ONTARIO Canadian Hydrogardens Ltd. 1330 Sandhill Drive Ancaster, ON L9G 4V5 905 648 1801 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 521 Dunlop Street West Barrie, ON L4N 9W4 705-721-8715 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 5386 Greenlane Road Beamsville, ON L0R 1B3 905-563-6121 BMA Hydroponics 404A Maitland Drive, Unit 2 Belleville, ON K8N 4Z5 613-967-9888 D&M Gardens 2961 Main Street Blezard Valley, ON P0M 1E0 705-897-3727 Home Hydroponics 289 Rutherford Road, South 22 Brampton, ON L6W 3R9 905-874-GROW In-Home Gardens 279 Colborne Street Brantford, ON N3T 2H3 519-754-9090 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 79 Woolwich Street South Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 519-648-2374 AKA The Indoor Gardener 3014 Highway 29 Brockville, ON K6V 5T4 613-342-2700 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 Pro Grow Indoor Garden Supplies 1710 Bishop St. Unit 2 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 519-624-7692 Hydrogarden 1122 Paul Street Cornwall, ON K6H 6H5 613-360-6996 Agrogreen Canada Inc. 1938 Hwy #20, RR#1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 866-650-1136 Diatomite Canada 1938 Hwy #20, RR#1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 866-650-1136 Northern Lights Green Supply 1938 Highway 20 (at 406), RR 1 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 905-892-3743 Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 1677 Cyrville Road, Meadowbrooke Plaza Gloucester, ON K1B 3L7 613-842-8999
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
71
MAXIMUMdistributors YIELD Happy Hydroponics 68 Princess Street Hamilton, ON L8L 3K9 905-545-8434 Garden Depot 605 Justus Drive Kingston,ON Canada K7M 4H5 613-384-8882 Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 1659 Victoria Street, North, Unit 6 Kitchener, ON N2B 3E6 888-670-0611 AKA The Indoor Gardener 207 Exeter Road, Unit D London, ON N6L 1A4 519-652-4224 Best of Hydroponics 360 Richmond Street London, ON N6A 3C3 519-858-1533 Ontario Growers Supply 1540 Fanshawe Park Road West London, ON N6H 5L8 519-641-3992 Vantage Hydroponics 1 Adelaide Street North London, ON N6B 3P8 519-451-4769 Markham Hydroponics 95 Royal Crest Court 18 Markham, ON L3R 9X5 905-305-0698 Nature’s Garden Supplies 24-340 Don Park Road Markham, ON L3R 1C5 905-470-7887 All Seasons 1000 Dundas Street East Mississauga, ON L4Y 2B8 905-848-2619 Green Thumb Hydroponics 3075 Ridgeway Drive, 25 Mississauga, ON L5L 5M6 Hydro Culture Emporium Inc. 150 Robertson Rd Unit 22 Nepean, ON K2H 9S1 613-715-9472 Second Nature Hydroponics 4 - 2133 Royal Windsor Drive Mississauga, ON L5J 1K5 905-403-4769
Nature’s Elements Box 119 500 Mill Street Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0 519-799-5323 Yield of Dreams Hydroponics 559 Steven Court 12 Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z3 877-778-7960 Green Kingdom Hemp 1103 Cassells Street North Bay, ON P1B 4B3 705-494-7169 Brite-Lite Indoor Garden Centre 4373 Steeles Avenue West North York, ON M3N 1V7 416-663-2999 Supply For You 3615 Weston Road, Unit 6 North York, ON M9L 1V8 416-741-8062 All Grow Hydroponic 391 Marwood Drive, Unit 14 Oshawa, ON 866-606-4723 Paradise Gardens Hydroponics 2158 Chiefswood Road Oshweken, ON N0A 1M0 519-445-2275 Ontario Hydroponics 103015 Grey Road 18 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6 519-372-1144
72
Envirotex P.O. Box 21069 Paris, ON N3L 4A5 519-442-1237 Peterborough Hydroponic Center 347 Pido Road, Unit 32 Peterborough, ON K9J 6X7 705-745-6868 Sweet Hydroponic Gardens 776 Bruce Street Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z8 613-433-9600 Bluewater Hydroponics 1173 Michener Road, Unit 12 Sarnia, ON N7S 5G5 519-337-7475 Planetary Pride 372 Queen Street East Sault Ste Marie, ON P6A 1Y7 1-888-215-8970 Indoor Gardens Canada 2952 Thompson Road Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 905-957-6969 Green And Clean 761 Barrydowne Road Sudbury, ON P3A 3T6 800-246-5503 Northern Hydroponics 236 Simpson Street Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3H4 807-623-3666 Greenthumbs Garden Supply 338 Kingston Road Toronto, ON M4L 1T7 647-345-GROW (4769) www.green-thumbs.ca Grow It All Hydroponics Inc. grow it all 165 Geary Avenue, Unit 3B hydroponics for everyone Toronto, ON M6H 2B8 416-588-9595 Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. 26 Meteor Drive Toronto, ON M9W 1A4 416-242-4769 Hydrotech 2436 Kingston Road Toronto, ON M1N 1V2 416-267-4769 Jungle Hydroponics 2215 Gerrard Street East Toronto, ON M4E 2C8 416-699-0861 Toronto Hemp Company 665 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z9 416-920-1980 Grower’s Choice Hydroponics 1621 McEwen Drive 14 Whitby, ON L1N 9A5 905-725-GROW Northern Lights Hydroponics 2690 Oulette Ave Windsor, ON N8X 1L7 519-254-4015 Urban GreenHouse Hydroponics & Aguaculture 7635 Tecumseh Road E. Windsor, ON N8T 3H1 519-944-8444 urbangreenhousehydroponics.com Ozone Environmental Technologies 361 Rowntree Dairy Road Unit 4 Woodridge, ON L4L 8H1 905-264-6618 QUEBEC Un Monde Sans Terre 565 Beausejour Alma, QC G8B 5V3 418-480-3274 Hydro-Tonyque 761 Avenue Gilles Villeneuve Berthierville, QC J0K 1AO 450-836-8088 Plant-O-Maxx 3169 Blais, Boisbriand, QC, J7H 1H2 514-968-7799
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Gerard Bourbeau & Fils Inc. 8285, 1 re Avenue Charlesbourg, QC G1G 5E6 418-623-5401 Les Grands Jardins Lavel 2900, Boul. Cure-Lavelle Chomedey, Laval, QC H7P 5S8 250-729-2687 Simplement Vert 8B Georges-Gagne Delson, QC J5B 2E1 514-913-8378 (VERT) Hydrosphere 2000 2400 rue Canadian, Suite 104 Drummondville, QC J2C 7W3 819-478-9791 Les Serres Binette Inc 2568 Boul. Mercurre Drummondville, QC J2A 1H2 819-478-7195 Pablo Jardinage Drummondville 2080 Joseph St-Cyr Drummondville, QC J2C 8V6 819-475-2525 Les Entreprises Fernand Pigeon Inc. 174 Beaudoin Nord Durham-Sud, QC J0H 2C0 819-858-2777 Hydromax Gatineau 3-1695 Atmec (porte 6) Gatineau, QC J8P 7G7 819-663-7470 Naturexpert Inc. 828 Chemin du Sixième Rang Gatineau QC J8R 3A4 Jardinages Gilles Robert Inc. 574 St-Hubert Granby, QC J0H 1Y5 450-375-3441 Méristème Hydroponique 871 Dufferin Granby, QC J2G 9H8 450-991-1514 Jardinage d’intérieur Huntingdon 72 Dalhousie Huntingdon, PQ J0S1H0, Canada 450-322-6079 Hydroponique Plus Inc. 405 - 18 Avenue Lachine, QC H8S 3R1 514-634-3677 Biofloral 675 Montee, St. Francois Laval, QC H7C 2S8 877-38-HYDRO Brite Lite Hydroponics 940 Bergar, Laval, QC H7L 4Z8 450-669-3803 Espace Culture Boutique 17 boul. Ste-Rose Est Laval, QC H7V 3K3 450-622-2710 Fernand Corbeil Produits Horticoles - Horticultural Products 17 boul. Ste-Rose Est Laval, QC H7L 3K3 450-622-2710 Hydro Times 1533 Boulevard Cure Labelle Laval, QC H7V 2W4 450-688-4848 Hydromax Laval 295 Boulevard Curé Labelle Laval, QC H7L 2Z9 450-628-8380 Qué-Pousse - Laval 940 Bergar Laval, QC H7L 4Z8 450-667-3809 Point De Vue 880 chemin St-Féréol Les Cèdres, QC J7T 1N3 450-452-2878 / 1-877-510-2991
Hydro Rive-sud 4721 Boulvard de la rive sud Levis, QC G6W 1H5 418-835-0082 Boutique Grunge 364 rue Sherbrooke Magog, QC J1X 2S1 819-847-4141 Hydromax Mont-Laurier 388 Rue Hebert Mont-Laurier, QC J9L 2X2 888-609-4476 Hydroculture Guy Dionne 8473 - 19th Avenue Montreal, QC H1Z 4J2 514-722-9496 Hydro Expert 12752 Industriel Montreal, QC H1A 3V2 514-624-3091 B&S Electrique Inc. 2240 Pitt Street Montreal, QC H4E 4H1 514-931-3817 Distribution De la Plante 5498 Hochelaga Suite 910 Montreal, QC H1N 3L7 514-255-1111 Hydromax Montreal 9300 Lajeunesse Montreal, QC H2M 1S4 514-381-0111 Hydromax St-Henri 3522 Notre-Dame Montréal, QC H4C 1P4 514-481-3939 International Hydroponique 5478 Hochelaga St Montreal, QC H1N 3L7 514-255-2525 Momentum 11289 London Avenue Montreal, QC H1H 4J3 888-327-4595 Pousse Magique Atwater 3522 Notre-Dame, ouest, Montreal, Qc H4C 1P4 514-481-3939 Qué-Pousse - Montreal 2215 Walkley Montreal, QC H4B 2J9 514-489-3803 Summum Bio Teck 2100 Ontario Est Montreal, QC H2K 1V5 866-460-2226 Univert 4 Saisons 2100 Ontario Est Montréal, QC H2K 1V5 514-527-2226 Vinexpert De L’Est 6384 Beaubien est Montreal, QC H1M 3G8 514-354-8020 XXXtractor Inc. 1228 St. Marc Montreal, QC H3H 2E5 514-931-4944 www.xxxtractor.com Qué-Pousse - Mont. Tremblant 462 Montée Kavanagh Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 2P2 819-429-6145 MegaWatt Hydroculture 636 Route 364 Morin Heights, QC J0R 1H0 450-226-2515 Fleuriste Savard Inc. 1833 boul. Louis-Frechette Nicolet, QC J3T 1M4 819-293-5933 Qué-Pousse - Point-Claire 1860D Sources Blvd Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5B1 514-426-5057 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 échologik 798 St Jean Québec, QC G1R 1P9 418-648-2828; 418-648-8288 Hydroculture Guy Dionne 1990 Cyrill-Duquet Local 150 Québec, QC G1N 4K8 418-681-4643 Pousse Magique 515 rue Lanaudiere Repentigny, QC J6A 7N1 450-582-6662 Fred Lamontagne Inc. 356 Chemin du Sommet Est, Rimouski, QC G5L 7B5 418-723-5746 Qué-Pousse - Sherbrooke 4394 Bourque Rt. 112 Rock Forest, QC J1N 1S3 819-563-0353 Hydro Plus 149 avenue Principale A Rouyn Noranda, QC J9X 4E3 819-762-4367 Qué-Pousse - St-Jerome 709A 14e Avenue, Sud Saint-Antoine, QC J7Z 4B8 450-436-3803 Rap Hydroponique 5700, rue Martineau Local 7 Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8B1 450-768-5188 Culture Uni Vert 36 rue de Martigny E Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 1V4 www.cultureunivert.com Comptoir Richelieu Inc. 350, du Collège Sorel-Tracy, QC J3P 6T7 800-363-9466 Ferme Florale Inc. (Botanix) 2190 Blvd. Laurier (route 116) St. Bruno de Montarville, QC J3V 4P6 450-653-6383 Hydrobec 2145 Lavoisier Suite 4 Ste-Foy, QC G1N 4B2 418-687-1119 Chanvre du Nord Inc. 38 DeMartigny est St-Jérome, QC J7Z 1V4 866-565-5305 Hydro Sciences 4800 de la Cote-Vertu Blvd. Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 1J9 514-331-9090 Pablo Jardinage Shawinigan 5023 Boulevard Royal Shawinigan QC J9N 6T8 819-731-9766 Sherbrooke Hydroponique 3545 King Est, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 5J4 819-829-9299 Plant-T-Plantes 3439 boulevard Fiset Sorel-Tracy, QC J3P 5J3 450-780-0008 Qué-Pousse - St-Constant 6264 Route 132 Ste-Catherine, QC J0L 1E0 450-635-4881 Benoit Dupuis Extincteurs Inc. 2503 Victoria Street Ste-Julienne, QC J0K 2T0 450-831-4240
Hydroponique 2000 84 Boul. Curé Labelle Ste-Therese, QC J7E 2X5 450-971-0726 Pépinière Eco-Verdure 965 Boul. Sauvé St-Eustache, QC J7R 4K3 450-472-6474 Amazonia Hydroponique 394 Boulvard Arthur-sauve St. Eustache, QC J7R 2J5 450-623-2790 P.P.M. Hydroponique 504 Rue du Parc St. Eustache, QC J7R 5B2 450-491-2444 Hydrotek 12300 Rue de l’avenir St. Janvier, QC J7J 2K4 St-Jean Hydroponique 747 rue St-Jacques St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 2M9 450-346-9633 Hydromax Terrebonne 1674 Chemin Gascon Terrebonne, QC J6X 4H9 450-492-7447 Hydromax Trois-Rivières 6157 rue Corbeil Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC G8Z 4P8 819-372-0500 Pablo Jardinage Intérieur 2 Des Ormeaux Suite 500 Trois-Rivières, QC G8W 1S6 819-693-6000 Rap Hydroponique 326 Rue Vachon Trois-Rivières QC G8T 8Y2 819-376-5959 Hydromax Val-David 895 route 117 nord Val-David, QC J0T 2N0 888-320-0129 Val d’Or Hydroculture 1261 3e Avenue Val d’Or, QC J9P 1V4 Horticulture Piégo 228 Pierre Bertrand Sud Vanier, QC G1M 2C4 418-527-2006 Qué-Pousse - Vaudreuil-Dorion 3666-D, boul. Cité des Jeunes Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 8P2 450-424-0306 Centre Jardin Denis Brodeur 15 Nord C.P. 658 Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0 Sonador Horticulture Inc. 819-479-2941 SASKATCHEWAN Busy Bee Upholstery Box 811, 134 5th Avenue East Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0 306-648-3659 B&B Hydroponics and Indoor Gardening 1404 Cornwall Street Regina, SK S4R 2H7 306-522-4769 Waterboy Supply 401 Dewdney Avenue East Regina, SK S4N 4G3 306-757-6242 YUKON, NUNAVUT and NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Porter Creek Indoor Garden Centre 1307 Centennial Street Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3Z1 867-667-2123
Add your company logo to the distributor listings! Call 250-729-2677 or E-mail ilona@maximumyield.com
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
73
DO YOU know?
In 2000 pollination services amounted to $14.6 billion of agricultural output.
1
Powdery mildew is not one disease, but can be caused by a number of different genera of fungi.
2
When the Daily Light Integral (DLI) is above the target and commensurate increases in nutrient availability are not made, plants will suffer a number of anomalies (tip burn and bolting).
3
4
5
Kelp meal is applied as a top dressing to plants or mixed into the soil before planting, while kelp and seaweed extract can be mixed into hydroponic irrigation solutions, watered to potted plants or foliar sprayed.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and are able to fully penetrate and grow within a plant’s cell and extend from within. The host plant allows this to happen by changing its own physiological chemistry to adapt to the DNA profile of the Mycorrhizae.
6
Research indicates that bumblebees pollinate more efficiently than manual pollination, leading to yield increases of as much as 25 per cent.
7
Leveillula powdery mildew is sometimes termed internal powdery mildew because it grows unseen within the leaf tissue.
8 74
COMING UP IN November - December 2011
The sun produces short wave radiation from wavelength 290 to 2,500 nanometers.
Maximum Yield Canada | September / October 2011
Grow Tents for the Constructionally Challenged
If building a garden space from scratch is not your idea of a good time, check out the various benefits of indoor grow tents, which come in a variety of sizes and can be assembled by one person in a matter of minutes.
Fantastic Fresh Fodder
Humans aren’t the only living beings that can benefit from food grown with hydroponics. Learn the various benefits of fresh, hydroponicallygrown fodder for livestock and pets, and how to grow some at home.
Cultivating the Recipe
With a surplus of nutrient brands and formulations available, it’s hard to know what will work best. But you can get a lot from a little by perfecting the nutritional recipe for your best crops.
Gardening Challenges and Solutions
Yellowing leaves can be a result of a variety of inconsistencies in EC, nutrient levels and pH. Discover the most common causes and combat yellowing leaves with easy solutions
+
Innovative instrumentation, ballasts and blazers, cloners, trimmers, grow tents and more.
www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield Canada (November/December) will be available November1 for FREE at select indoor gardening retail stores across Canada, and on maximumyield.com Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions.php