Maximum Yield UK Jan/Feb 2012

UK January - February 2012

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CLONING WARS & LEDs Lights, Power, Grow Lighting basics for beginners

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2012

Indoor gardenING expo DENVER

GREAT LAKES

SAN FRANCISCO

LONG BEACH

March 10 - 11

June 2 - 3

July 21-22

NOVEMBER 3-4

COLORADO

MICHIGAN

CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA

indoorgardeningexpo.com

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

CONTENTS January/February 2012

FEATURES 24

Clean and Green – Hydroponic Hygiene

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

44

42

30

Nutrient Deficiencies: Part Two

38

The Amazing Hemp Plant

by Matt LeBannister

by Michael Bloch

24

40

Lights, Power, Grow

44

Conductivity in Hydroponics

46

What’s in for 2012

50

Cloning Wars

6

From the Editor

48

You Tell Us

56

A Vital Winter

8

MaximumYield.com

62

Talking Shop

58

Frightful Weather, Delightful Tomatoes

10

Letters to the Editor

67

Do You Know?

12

Simon Says

70

Industry’s Latest

14

MAX Facts

72

Max Mart

18

Product Spotlight

73

Coming up in Mar/Apr

by Grubbycup

by Brian Chiang and Josh Puckett

by Robbie Martin

by Casey Jones Fraser

64

Cutting With Precision and Ease

by Karen Wilkinson

DEPARTMENTS

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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FROM THE EDITOR | Jessica Raymond For this special New Year’s 2012 edition of Maximum Yield UK, we help you set achievable resolutions to turn your garden a brighter shade of green. In this issue you can expect the latest information on conductivity in hydroponics, cloning with LEDs, cleanliness in the grow room, nutrient deficiencies and more.

2012 marks the start of another year of great giveaways and free grow gear for dedicated Maximum Yield readers. This year we’re launching our new contest, “Win A Grow Room,” which entitles one lucky reader to win a completely outfitted grow room. Entries are now being accepted. Check out maximumyield.com/contests.php for complete contest details or flip to page 74 to check out the gear up for grabs.

Maximum Yield’s 2012 ‘Grow Like A Pro’ Expo Tour has been announced. We have four great locations planned for the New Year. The tour will kick off in Denver, Colorado March 11. The next stop will be Novi, Michigan June 3. July 22 is the weekend set for our 9th Annual San Francisco Expo at our new and bigger-than-life venue, the San Francisco Concourse. The final stop on the expo tour will be in Long Beach, California November 3 to 4, 2012, offering a combined Indoor Gardening and Hydrolife Expo. More information can be found at indoorgardenexpo.com Everyone here at MY HQ wishes you and your family a year of happiness, health and green gardens. We look forward to seeing you all at our Indoor Gardening Expos this year.

Jessica Raymond, Editor

contributors

editor@maximumyield.com

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

Philip McIntosh is a science and

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.

technology writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany and chemistry and a master’s degree in biological science.

During his graduate research he used hydroponic techniques to grow axenic plants. He lives in Colorado Springs, CO. where he teaches mathematics at Challenger Middle School.

Michael Bloch is the owner and 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.

Brian Chiang has worked for

DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc., an advanced technology company based in California, for the last 13 years.

Brian received his bachelor’s degree in physics from UC Berkeley and master’s degree in physics from UC Davis. He is currently the managing director for Kessil Lighting, a DiCon business division.

Grubbycup has been an avid indoor gardener for over 20 years.

His articles were first published in the United Kingdom, and since then his gardening advice has been published in French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czechoslovakian and German.

He is also considered one of the world’s leading authorities on crochet hydroponics.

Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden

Josh Puckett earned his bachelor’s

Matt LeBannister developed a

Robbie Martin works for Vital

degree in biology with an emphasis on plant biology from Sonoma State University. He currently works at the UC Davis Foundation Plant Services.

He has years of experience in the horticulture and agriculture industries.

He also serves as an advisor for the Kessil Research team.

Karen Wilkinson works for EZ-

CLONE Enterprises, Inc., as its social media editor. She came to them with a background in journalism and technical writing and is learning to grow, clone and write for the hydroponics community. She’s a budding gardener and loves growing her own vegetables.

6

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.

Grove Organics, in Northern Kentucky/ Greater Cincinnati. He has a degree in communications and electronic media.

He believes that indoor gardeners can achieve the highest quality crops and maximum yields when proper science is applied. Since 1998, Casey has been testing various nutrients and supplements in search of outstanding harvests.

Landscaping Inc. in the sierra foothills town of Grass Valley, California. He holds an associate of science degree in horticulture and nursery crop production from Cabrillo College and attended a two year apprenticeship in ecological horticulture at the University of California Santa Cruz.

Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Maximum Yield is the largest free-to-consumer indoor gardening magazine in the world. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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Coming up on the Web VOLUME 11 – NUMBER 5 January/february 2012 Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly by Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Upcoming Events

‘Grow Like A Pro’ in 2012 The dates are set, the venues are chosen and the 2012 ‘Grow Like A Pro’ Indoor Gardening Expo Tour is coming to four North American cities next year. You’re invited to visit one, two, three or all four shows. Stay tuned to indoorgardenexpo.com for details so you can plan your 2012 vacation.

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

Free Digital Subscription to MaximumYield Now you can receive Maximum Yield Magazine free to your inbox every month.

Subscribe to the digital edition of Maximum Yield by simply filling out the form at maximumyield.com/subscribe-digital.php

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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 Hayley Jesson- hayley@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Mike Linden - mike@maximumyield.com Jenn Duong - jennifer@maximumyield.com Alice Joe - alice@maximumyield.com ACCOUNTING - Tracy Greeno accounting@maximumyield.com

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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UK DISTRIBUTION Growth Technology Future Harvest Developments Europe Nutriculture UK Direct Garden Supplies Dutchpro CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Northern Hydroponic Wholesale 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 AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply Futchatec Growth Technology Holland Forge House N Garden Hydraspher

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A Circular Issue

When a plant becomes root bound does this actually harm the plant? If you transplant a root bound plant into a larger container will bound roots fix themselves?

Richard Bergen To help you answer your root bound question, I invite you to check out the following articles on maximumyield.com.We have published many articles on root health in the past couple years that may answer your question: • The Basics of Root Care by Matt LeBannister • Keeping Roots in Tip Top Condition by Dr. Lynette Morgan • Root Pruning 101 by Gabriel Bronzstein • The Root Whisperer by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr. All of these articles can be searched by author or article under the resources tab or by issue; simply click View All Editions of Maximum Yield on the left of the main screen.

Good luck with your root problem and thanks for reading.

A Question of Safety

In the article by Dr. Lynette Morgan titled Old Fashioned Crops are Making a Comeback she suggests that growing mediums such as coco fiber, perlite or vermiculite be used for growing beetroots. I thought that vermiculite was asbestos-based, and its use has been banned in most countries. In that case is it safe to use it as a growing medium for crops that could be consumed. Kindly guide me in the matter.

Thanks and regards, Mohan Udiavar Vermiculite is a standard horticultural substrate commonly used in hydroponics for germinating seeds and as a growing medium.

The high quality grades of vermiculite sold in the United States hydroponic industry are free of asbestos, and it is recommended that only horticultural grade vermiculite be used to grow produce. Up until the early 1990s there were some products made from vermiculite that contained naturally-occurring asbestos, however, this vermiculite was largely made into insulation and other products at that time. Pure vermiculite does not contain asbestos and is non-toxic, so it is safe to use for growing beets and other vegetables.

Lynette Morgan

Online Love Hit Me With a PDF

via Facebook

Is there a way to download the older issues for offline?

Todd Mueller

Best magazine in the world!

Anthony Leandro

I lost the July/August 2011 issue. On the past issues page I can only view it digitally. There is no option to save it. Can you please e-mail directions to me? Thanks in advance.

Ricardo Vergueiro

Best magazine! I can’t wait to get my subscription.

Gary Raymond Love the website.

Great tips on hydroponic gardening. Keep up the good work.

Hydroponic Gardening Guru

NEW:

Follo w us

on Twitte

r

Yes! Simply visit issuu.com, create a free profile and search for your favorite issues.You can download every archived issue as a PDF from there.

Your website is awesome! Thanks so much for all the help. Keep up the good work.

Terry Paiva via Twitter

Woop! Just got a delivery of four4 @Max_Yield magazines @nfnutrifield I am reading @Max_Yield July 2011 issue. Great choice of topics!

Thanks @PhillipW00 10

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

We want to hear from you!

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

SIMON says

Good day, I want to run a 400-watt light on solar power. Can you tell me how it can be done and what I require to make this possible? I need to run the light for up to 18-hours. I hope you can assist me.

Regards Keith

Well Keith I am always trying to think green, but living near Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) I am not really focused on harnessing power from the sun. Still it’s an excellent idea and a feasible opportunity for those gardeners looking to grow indoors when there is a lack of space outside but lots of good sunshine to use.

Solar power can be generated in two distinct ways: The first is to align a series of mirrors to reflect sunlight onto a small surface, which superheats a liquid substance that powers a turbine. It can be the most efficient way to access the sun’s energy but it is expensive and uses vast amounts of land. The second, more residentially friendly way, channels electrons from the sun’s rays through silicone panels and into batteries or directly onto a power grid.

Electrical energy is measured in watts and solar panels are primarily grouped based on their maximum wattage. This value fluctuates with variables such as temperature, angle of the sun and shading, which all reduce the potential energy created. The panels are becoming more efficient with most falling between 14 to 22 per cent efficiency. One company has actually achieved over 40 per cent but I am sure this comes with a high price tag.

When thinking about price, you need to consider the amount and size of panels required. The first and most obvious cost 12

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

is installing a solar array. To run a 400-watt light you need 400-watts of panels functioning at peak efficiency.

You will be running your lights longer than normal sunlight hours so you will need to generate, and perhaps store, more energy. Each 200-watt panel will cost you about $1,000 not including installation; you need at least three of these panels to run your light for the time you require.

You also need a way of taking the direct current (DC) created by the panels and converting it into alternating current (AC). For this task you need a grid tie inverter, one that handles a maximum load of 400-watts will be $300 but you will need one slightly bigger to cover three 200-watt panels. This means that you will have spent at least $3,300 not including installation. A pretty large price tag for green energy and one you need to consider. Check with you local government to see if there are any tax breaks or grants you might qualify for. For instance, in the UK they have announced a major incentive program to reward people with a guaranteed rate on a long term plan where you are paid for the electricity even if you use it all. An upfront investment of £10,000 pounds will give an estimated £25,000 pound return over 25 years. I would recommend checking the rate you pay for electricity ($ per kw/h) to see how long it would take to pay of the investment. In this

example the cost is paid off in 10 years.

Now you must decide whether to store or connect your power. If you are planning to conduct this experiment off the grid you will require a battery pack to store excess energy produced, unless you will only use the lights when sun is hitting the panels.Your requirement of 18-hours of light would make this a virtual impossibility. I am not familiar with the cost or maintenance of battery storage but a visit to a green energy site might help with the concept. The easier option is to turn you house into an energy provider for the larger grid.

In some jurisdictions this could simply mean that your metre could theoretically turn back to zero meaning your monthly bill would be zero. In other areas, if you produce more power than you use you can actually gain income from this energy production. Check with local authorities to get the most accurate information.

Good luck channelling its energy where the sun doesn’t shine!

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Power Firm Plans Eco Park Lateral Power Limited, a UK firm bidding for an electricitygenerating project on the Isle of Anglesey, has revealed plans for an innovative new Welsh Eco Park that will combine an already-approved 299-megawatt biomass power station with high-tech aquaponic centres to produce fresh fish and vegetables.

The developers claim that heat produced from electricity generation will provide warm water to feed a specialist fish farm. The water from the fish farm, combined with heat and carbon dioxide from the power plant, will then feed hydroponics greenhouses.

The project is also projected to create 400 new jobs on the island.

(Source: www.newswales.co.uk)

MAXFACTS hydroponic news, tips and trivia Manchester Tower Block to be Britain’s First Vertical Farm We often highlight hydroponics and aquaponics news from far-flung corners of the world such as the Middle East and even the heart of the Pacific Ocean. For the latest news of an innovative hydroponics project, however, we needn’t look any further than Manchester.

A new project would see the first introduction of vertical farming to Britain as part of Manchester’s International Festival, turning a discussed tower block in the suburb of Wythenshawe into a high-tech food production facility.

Project leaders hope the facility will be capable of growing enough lettuce, tomatoes, vegetables and even chickens, bees and fish to support the entire International Festival in 2013.

The initiative, dubbed Alpha Farm, is unique in its recycling of an existing building and is meant to demonstrate the possibilities for the future of urban agriculture in a real-world setting.

(Source: hydroponicsguide.co.uk)

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

Strawberries Protect Stomach From Alcohol In a study conducted on rats, a team of European researchers have proven that eating strawberries can help protect stomach tissues from the effects of alcohol and the authors of the study have concluded that eating the fruit could also prevent gastric ulcers in humans. The study states that “the consumption of strawberries during or after pathology could lessen stomach mucous membrane damage.”

(Source: esciencenews.com)

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

New ‘Smart’ Window System Delivers Unprecedented Performance A study appearing in the journal ACS Nano is reporting that a new ‘smart’ window system has the unprecedented ability to inexpensively change from summer to winter modes, darkening to save air conditioning costs on scorching days and returning to crystal clarity in the winter to capture free heat from the sun.

Although ‘smart’ windows that reflect sunlight away from buildings in summer and switch back to full transparency in winter are already in use, they have many drawbacks—including high cost, rapid deterioration in performance and manufacturing processes that involve potentially toxic substances.

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

New Definition for ‘Organic’ Label Proposed A recent article in the online magazine Urban Times called for a new definition for the term organic in the British food industry, citing different consumer priorities in a tough economy and a difficult certification process as reasons for the change.

“There are a whole list of things which consumers care about—employee rights, local economies, animal welfare, and maybe most importantly, whether they can afford to buy it—which just aren’t covered by the label ‘organic’,” according to author Ursula Wills-Jones.

The article called for a new system that would grant food producers points toward earning certification for products as being “sustainable, employee-owned, regional, fair-trade or environmentally friendly.”

(Source: www.theurbn.com)

UK Super-Greenhouse Shows First Profit Thanet Earth, the UK’s biggest and most high-tech greenhouse producer, has shown its first profit of just under £1 million for the last tax year after three years of growing cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers in a giant installation comprising 25-hectares of greenhouse space.

Although it got off to a slow start, the project, a subsidiary of the Fresca Group owned in part by three companies who are all specialist growers—Kaaij Greenhouses UK Ltd, Rainbow Growers and A&A—is slated to expand to 55-hectares and will be the UK’s largest single production site growing salad crops under glass.

(Source: www.freshplaza.com)

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS ISSUE’S

HOTTEST ITEMS Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.

Maintenance-free Growing With the Easy2grow System AutoPot’s easy2grow system provides a fully automatic supply of water and nutrients in 8.5-litre pots, with a built-in wet/dry cycle to mimic natural systems. No pumps, timers or electricity is needed; all it requires is gravity pressure from a water tank. Whether using the easy2grow starter kit or multiple easy2grow extension kits on a commercial scale, this system provides everything the plant requires. The easy2grow system can be used with the medium of your choice. The automated easy2grow system allows gardeners to go away for a weekend and still be sure of healthy plants and bumper harvests. Visit your nearest hydroponics shop for more information.

BIOCANNA BIOCANNA is the organic brand of fertilisers to buy. BIOCANNA fertilisers are guaranteed 100 per cent organic and especially developed for cultivation in potting mixes. Organic fertilisers add organic material into the potting mix, which leads to an improvement of the potting mix structure. BIOCANNA BioVega, BioFlores, BioBoost and BioRhizotonic are vegetable-based and do not contain any animal residual products, so the product’s composition is much better tuned to the plant’s needs. An additional advantage is that the product doesn’t contain any animal pathogenic organisms. For more information about BIOCANNA please go to your nearest indoor gardening retail shop.

X-Stream Aeroponic Propagator 105 Nutriculture’s X-Stream Aeroponic Propagator 105 gives growers the fastest, strongest root growth with cuttings ready to transplant in just 10 days. A constant supply of nutrient, water and oxygen, combined with an unrestrictive growing medium, encourages roots to develop rapidly as they push out to access the nutrient solution. Heat and humidity are fully controllable by gradually opening the large butterfly vents in the X-Stream humidity lid. Cuttings are placed in mesh pots using neoprene collars, with the pots then suspended inside a misting chamber. For more information visit an authorized Nutriculture retailer near you.

Increase Beneficial Microbes With Bio Balancer Bio Balancer looks after the little things. Why use artificial beneficial microorganisms in your system when they already contain naturally-occurring populations that are ready and waiting for the right conditions to go to work? Bio Balancer is uniquely formulated to provide the food necessary for these good bugs to grow. If you prefer to add beneficial microorganisms to your system, then Bio Balancer is the ideal way to make sure they thrive and don’t starve. Bio Balancer is suitable for use in soil, cocopeat or recirculating systems of all types. Visit an indoor gardening shop near you for more information.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Award-winning Multi Total Multi Total aids the key processes necessary for turning organic material from dead plant matter into beneficial nutrients. It sparks significant root growth by improving soil structure (in terms of water retention) and promotes nutrient producing bacterial life in the substrate. Multi Total also stimulates the cationic exchange of minerals and micronutrients and improves resistance against fungi and stress situations. Suited for every irrigation system and culture on soil, hydro and coco. Available in: 250-millilitres, one-litre, fivelitres 10-litres and 20-litres. Explode is stable and clear, contains organic elements, and keeps plants vital and green until the end of the cycle. For more information on this award-winning product, visit your favourite Dutchpro retail shop.

Sun System® Luxor™ Reflector Announcing the arrival of Luxor™, the latest addition to the Sun System reflector line. Luxor offers a vertical burning lamp in a completely symmetrical reflector providing optimal light usage from the lamp. This state-of-the-art reflector is specifically optimized to eliminate any hot spots from your growing area. The completely sealed reflective chamber, with double gasketed glass, ensures airtight performance. Luxor offers a robust design and is made from durable materials providing superior strength and longevity. The reflective insert is made from a combination of a new 98 per cent reflective German aluminium and 95 per cent reflective textured German aluminium in the corners for unmatched output and light diffusion. Visit an indoor gardening shop near you for more information.

Smart Pots - a New Approach to Container Gardening The patented Smart Pot is a unique advancement in container technology. It is a soft-sided fabric container that holds its shape and can even support large trees. In fact, the Smart Pot was originally developed for and has been used by commercial tree growers for over 20 years. The Smart Pot is an aeration container with the unique ability to air-prune and enhances a plant’s root structure. A highly branched, fibrous root structure is the key to growing a better plant—with more flowers and fruits, and more resistance to insects and diseases. For further information on the Smart Pot range visit an authorized Direct Garden Supplies retailer near you.

A Massive Crop Needs a Massive Root System Regen-A-Root is the original, and the best, root stimulator available. It combines great performance, ease of use and value for money. Regen-A-Root is the only product that forces brown, nearly dead roots to regrow, keeping them white and healthy through the flowering period. This is normally the time when roots are most susceptible to disease. Leaves that start to yellow three or four weeks after flowering is caused by root die-off and the plant being unable to extract the nutrients it desperately needs. Regen-A Root stops this problem.

Visit your nearest hydro shop for more information.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

Increased Yields and Quality With Head Masta Head Masta is the UK’s favourite yield enhancer. Head Masta will transform your crops into highyielding, high quality, super crops. Head Masta does this in four ways: it stimulates plant hormonal responses that induce increased flower formation; it pumps plant cells full of the extra vitamins and minerals needed by the plant to convert excess light and nutrients into the highest quality amino acids, proteins and carbohydrates; it pumps more silicon into plant cells; and finally, it increases the plant’s desire for potassium. Visit your favourite hydroponics shop for more information.

Original Grow and Bloom Hydro/Coco A+B Dutch Pro’s complete grow and bloom feeds are proven to be perfect for hydro and coco methods. This product has all the essential macro and micro growth nutrients necessary for exuberant growth and bloom. Per 100-litres of water, use between 250- and 350-millilitres. Original Grow and Bloom Hydro/Coco is dependant on the desired EC level. Never mix the components in pure form with each other—instead add component A, water and then component B in equal parts (always rinse measuring cup well). Adjust pH level if necessary with pH-Grow from Dutch Pro. Available in one-litre, five-litres, 10-litres and 20-litres. Now available at your local hydroponics shop.

Award-winning Take Root Take Root is a growth stimulant capable of radically improving the inner and outer qualities of your young plants. The active components are of natural origin, including several plant hormones and micronutrients. These combine to boost cellular division, cell elongation and nutrient transport—all of which help with overall root development during early vegetative growth. In addition to this, Take Root also slows down the ageing process for prolonged good health. Available in: 250-millilitres, one-litre, five-litres 10-litres and 20-litres. Explode is stable and clear, contains organic elements, and keeps plants vital and green until the end of the cycle. For more information on this awardwinning product, visit your favourite Dutchpro retail shop.

Sun System® Blazer Reflector - New Size Announcing the arrival of the 20-centimetre Blazer Reflector from Sun System. Completely sealed for maximum air-cooling, 95 per cent reflective European aluminum interior and double gasketed glass are only a few of the many excellent features Blazer has to offer. This state-of-the-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 your nearest indoor gardening retail shop to learn more.

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Rhino Ducting Rhino’s professional quality ducting ensures maximum effectiveness and lasting reliability. They are fire retardant and manufactured to strict European regulations.

• Silver. A very strong aluminium ducting with a strong steel wire spiralled frame. Where noise is not an issue, this is a very cost-effective solution.

• Combi. A multi-ply aluminium and polyester-laminated ducting with a strong steel wire spiralled internal frame. It is very strong and does not tear or rip.

• Acoustic. Triple-layered with insulation in the middle, this is perfect ducting where noise is an issue. With excellent sound insulation, it reduces fan noise and the sound of air travelling through.

All styles are available in five– and 10–metres at indoor gardening stores across the UK.

CLONEbox View From Nutriculture The CLONEbox View incorporates all the great features synonymous with CLONEbox. It’s completely lighttight and has two clear viewing windows in the front doors. Each viewing window is 49-centimetres wide by 74-centimetres high. These Velcro-sealed viewing windows allow growers to check the condition of those precious seeds and cuttings at any time, without having to disturb the sensitive climate. The CLONEbox View also has two adjustable shelves, providing sufficient space for plant growth. The CLONEbox View comes as an easyto-assemble kit, which takes just minutes to erect. It’s an ideal fit for an X-Stream 105-site propagator. For more information visit an authorized Nutriculture retailer near you.

The Revolutionary FlexiTank The new AutoPot 225-litre FlexiTank revolutionizes water storage. It has everything you need in one compact box. It takes only minutes to assemble (no tools required). The box size is only 80- by 18- by 13-centimetres and it weighs only three-kilograms. All of these features make the FlexiTank a truly cutting-edge product and the perfect practical solution to water storage. A 100-litre version of the FlexiTank is in production and will be available very soon. For more information visit your favourite hydroponics shop.

Flood Potz Flood Potz are the latest addition to our range of systems that combine DWC. These systems flood the Potz with nutrient solution while an air stone aerates the nutrient solution, the growing media, and best of all, the roots. Flood Potz run at 15-minute segments as the air pumped into the solution will encourage good root growth and the overflow system allows excess solution to escape easily from each pot until they are drained. The design allows the roots to be submerged only for a few minutes in unaerated nutrient solution whilst it drains from the Potz through special filters to return back into the tank below. Available in: Flood one, two, four and eight Potz Systems. Visit your favourite hydro shop for more information.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

GROWlab CLONElab From Nutriculture Introducing the next generation in portable grow rooms—the CLONElab. This completely non-toxic environment means there will be no reaction under light and heat and no off-gassing harming plants. Measuring 125-centimetres wide, 65-centimetres deep and 120-centimetres tall, the CLONElab comes complete with a fully sealed light-tight environment, ultra reflective silver interior and clear viewing windows to check the progress of young plants. Supplied with two easily installable shelves, growers can decide whether they want a one- or two-tier propagation room.

In addition, the CLONElab has been built to last with powder-coated steel frames that provide a strong yet lightweight frame, and a durable tent cover with high strength zips. Visit an authorized Nutriculture retailer for more information.

Award-winning Explode Explode is a brilliant bloom stimulator that delivers precious nutrients and minerals to your plants throughout the flowering stage. Consisting of micronutrients, vitamins and acids, it does exactly as the name suggests—explosively drives flowering and encourages bigger yields while increasing your plants’ resistance against diseases. Suited for every irrigation system as well as most soil, hydro and coco set-ups. Available in: 250-millilitres, one-litre, five-litres 10-litres and 20-litres.

Explode is stable and clear, contains organic elements, and keeps plants vital and green until the end of the cycle. For more information on this award-winning product, visit your favourite Dutchpro retail shop.

Smart Pots - a New Approach to Container Gardening The patented Smart Pot is a unique advancement in container technology. It is a soft-sided fabric container that holds its shape and can even support large trees.

In fact, the Smart Pot was originally developed for and has been used by commercial tree growers for over 20 years. The Smart Pot is an aeration container with the unique ability to air-prune and enhances a plant’s root structure. A highly branched, fibrous root structure is the key to growing a better plant—with more flowers and fruits, and more resistance to insects and diseases. For further information on the Smart Pot range visit an authorized Direct Garden Supplies retailer near you.

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

23

Clean

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

& Green

Hydroponic Hygiene

A little housekeeping can go a long way in keeping fungi, bacteria and viruses out of your grow space.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

Many unseen nasties can cohabitate happily with plants in an indoor garden or greenhouse—after all, warmth, moisture and nutrients provide a cozy environment for a wide range of life forms. Fungi, bacteria and viruses all tend to have survival stages that can be carried over from one crop to the next, making cleanliness and hygiene an important aspect of growing healthy plants. This, coupled with the fact that some fungi in particular can also have a negative effect on our health, means that growers need to do some housekeeping from time to time to make sure the growing area remains a pleasant and healthy place to relax in. While there are some very efficient high-tech cleaning compounds on the market, smaller growers don’t necessarily need to invest in an arsenal of disinfectants, as some of the older, simpler versions still work well.

What are we dealing with?

Fungal spores, bacteria and viruses are difficult to keep out of a growing area as they can hitch a ride on new plants, seeds, equipment, growing substrates, clothing and footwear, as well as in dust, air currents or water, or they can be carried in by insects and other pests. For hydroponic growers, algae can become a cleaner’s nightmare as it will flourish anywhere there is light, moisture and nutrients, creating a persistent, slimy mess that can harbor fungus gnats and shore flies.

A heavy infestation of sucking pests such as whitefly will rapidly leave a thick, black, sticky residue over every surface— this is honey dew, which the insects excrete as they are feeding, and which then becomes colonized by sooty mold. The honeydew/sooty mold residue becomes very difficult to remove—especially once it’s fully dried—and this is often the biggest cleaning challenge for most growers. Apart from pest grime, bio-films can develop on many surfaces creating a layer of organic material, which can harbor a range of pests and diseases such as fungal spores and insect eggs. Bio-films can also develop on the inside of nutri-

ent reservoirs and growing channels, and these can harbor waterborne diseases such as Pythium.

Carry over to new plants Old plant debris—fallen leaves, trimmings, prunings and spent media—all create an ideal environment for pest and disease transfer. Some disease spores can survive for years inside old plant debris, while insect eggs may make the material a new source of infestations for many months to come. For this reason composting old plant material and growing media inside the growing area is not a good idea. Even growers who dump plant trimmings outside greenhouses have had issues with insect pests coming right back inside and carrying viruses with them.

All old plant material should be bagged up, sealed and removed from the growing area immediately, particularly where decaying or diseased foliage or plants are being removed.

Cleaning and disinfection products and procedures There is a huge range of disinfecting and cleaning products on the market registered for use in the horticultural industry.

Some chemical disinfectants and cleaners have the potential to be toxic to plants if residues are not removed before planting the next crop, and extra care needs to be taken with compounds used to clean reservoirs, tanks and growing channels.

There are several different types of disinfectants that are commonly used in greenhouses, pack houses and indoor gardens for plant disease control and general cleaning between crops. One of the oldest yet still quite effective disinfection agents is diluted household bleach (sodium hypochlorite), which provides a high kill rate for spores, bacteria and viruses when provided sufficient contact time. Bleach should be diluted to a 10 per cent solution with water before use in a well-ventilated area, and a contact time of 30 minutes should be allowed on surfaces being cleaned. Bleach residues, however, Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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Clean and green hydroponic hygiene

need to be thoroughly washed away before planting out the next lot of seedlings. The effectiveness of bleach can be increased by mixing a little good-quality detergent (a non-ionic surfactant) into the diluted bleach, which helps remove more grime and acts as a wetting agent.

Other compounds typically contained in greenhouse disinfection agents are quaternary ammonium chloride salts, hydrogen dioxide and chlorine dioxide. Seventy per cent alcohol can also be used for dipping tools and wiping surfaces, and needs no rinsing to remove residues.

For those who want their indoor garden to remain “chemical free”, hot water and detergent combined with some elbow grease can be highly effective if all the surfaces are covered and well scrubbed.

For stubborn grime, insect messes and sooty mold residues, using a paste of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can help as a scouring agent, but again it

Commercial greenhouse growers need to take crop hygiene very seriously to help prevent major disease outbreaks.

Above: Sparkly clean and disinfected, ready for planting a new crop.

Right: The ultimate in cleanliness and crop hygiene.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

provided it is used at the correct dose needs to be well washed away after use. (at least 200 to 300 ppm) and allowed a An old-fashioned household cleaning contact time of more than 15 minutes mixture of sodium bicarbonate (baking where spores and other thick dirt may soda) and citric acid or vinegar is also have accumulated. H2O2 also needs to be suitable for cleaning a range of surfaces in the growing area, including chan“Usually it is the nutrient reservoir nel surfaces, tanks, that needs the most attention when the equipment, walls plants are growing, as algae, salt and floors. There are also new proddeposits, lime scale and other slime can ucts available that all build up.” don’t use chemical compounds and well rinsed away or left to dissipate over have been designed specially for use in a period of a few days, as even low levels greener growing environments. of residue—as low as 10 ppm—have been Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), also called hydrogen dioxide, is another popular found to have a negative effect on the ingredient in cleaning agents. H2O2 is a growth of young and sensitive seedlings powerful oxidant and disinfection agent in hydroponics.

Running a solution of bleach or H2O2 through empty solution culture systems such as NFT, DFT or aeroponics between crops is a good way to clear out any organic matter or disease spores from inside the irrigation lines; however, these need to be rinsed well and run with clean water for at least 24 hours before replanting. Many growers who have a water supply that is considered “hard”—containing high levels of calcium—often find their pumps, tanks, irrigation lines and channels scaling up with a hard white deposit.

One of the most effective ways of removing this hard lime scale is with a soak

Whitefly and other sucking insect pests can be responsible for a lot of mess – honeydew and sooty mold are difficult to clean off surfaces.

Explosive pest outbreaks can desiccate a crop and make for a big clean up job.

of diluted acid (phosphoric or nitric), which will dissolve away the deposits; this method is particularly good for soaking drippers or emitters that are otherwise difficult to clean.

Botrytis or grey mould spores become airborne and can land on surfaces all around the growing area, ready to infect a new crop.

Black, sticky, sooty mold grows on the honeydew excreted by sucking insects as they feed, which can cover foliage as well as other surfaces.

Hygiene during the cropping cycle While a good scrub with heavy duty disinfectant and cleaning agents is fine when the growing area is empty, maintaining hygiene when there are plants in place is another matter. Most plants are sensitive to many of the cleaning compounds we commonly use, including bleach, H2O2 and even repeat applications of soaps and detergents, so in-crop hygiene needs to be more delicate.

Usually it is the nutrient reservoir that needs the most attention when the plants are growing, as algae, salt deposits, lime scale and other slime can all build up, particularly if some light is Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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Clean and green hydroponic hygiene

reaching the nutrient inside the reservoir. A quick drain, scrub and rinse should be all that’s needed to keep the nutrient tank in good condition when plants are still in the system. Any algae growing on other surfaces—such as on top of growing media, in return channels or on the floor where leaks occur— needs regular control. Putting lightproof plastic film covers over the top of growing media is the safest and most effective way of preventing and killing algae, as chemical control agents can cause phytotoxicity to the roots. On hard surfaces such as floors and channel tops, algae can be sprayed or wiped with disinfectant, provided none of this makes its way back into the nutrient solution. Algae can be a problem in an otherwise clean growing area as it acts as a food source for fungus gnats, and the gnat larvae can cause serious plant damage when they

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feed on the roots, as well as spreading spores of certain plant pathogens.

Prevention of pest and disease problems is just as important as cleanliness. For growing areas where dirty shoes may tramp in soil and other dirt, foot baths, even in a small growing area, can be important. A shallow tray with a nonslip mat on the base filled with diluted disinfectant (bleach or some other product), placed in the doorway so that anyone entering has to step both feet into it, has been shown to prevent many fungal spores and insects from entering the growing area. Allowing only clean water, equipment and materials to enter the grow room and regular monitoring of the plants is also important for

Nutrient reservoirs often need attention to remove algae and other debris and sediment while the crop is still in the system.

preventing disease outbreaks. Pruning knives, scissors and other tools should be cleaned between plants with a quick dip in alcohol or a strong bleach solution, as this prevents the carryover of any sap-

Algae will grow on all surfaces where light, moisture and nutrients are present.

Algae growth on the top of rockwool cubes can become so thick as to retard nutrient flow down to the roots.

transmitted viruses or other spores such Collected rain or ground water may need as Botrytis, which can infect cut surfaces. treatment before use in hydroponic sysAny new plants or seedlings being tems, although not all these water sources brought into the growing area should be would be considered as contaminated thoroughly inspected for pest or disease for plant growth. Unclean water can problems and, if possible, quarantined contain a number of waterborne probaway from the main growing system for lems, including the dreaded pathogens at least Phytoph“If the water supply to the hydroponic a week. thora, PyNew plant thium and system is not from a clean source, material Fusarium. this can become a major obstacle to Luckily is one of the most these days keeping a hygienic growing area.” common small hysources of droponic pest and disease introduction, so it pays to growers have a good choice of water know what the early signs of any probtreatment options, with non-chemical lems may look like before introducing methods such as UV (ultraviolet light), any new additions to the system. ozone or RO (reverse osmosis) providIf the water supply to the hydroponic ing less risk than chemical-based water system is not from a clean source, this can disinfection agents. become a major obstacle to keeping a hyKeeping a clean, green growing environgienic growing area. Generally, municipal ment is not only more pleasant to work and water supplies are treated with disinfectrelax in—it provides some sensible prevenant chemicals, and although sometimes tive measures in the grower’s unceasing battle these chemicals—such as chloramines— against the unwanted insect intruders and can cause plant damage of their own, the nasty disease pathogens that are always lookwater is usually free of plant pathogens. ing to invade your indoor kingdom! MY Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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Nutrient Deficiencies: Part Two

by Matt LeBannister

by Matt LeBannister

In the last few Plant Solutions articles we discussed different nutrient deficiency disorders—many of which have similar symptoms—which can become serious if not properly diagnosed. In this final chapter on the subject, three common nutrient deficiencies will be examined at length—sulphur, zinc and manganese.

Being an indoor gardener means you must fully take over the role of Mother Nature, caring for each plant and providing just the right nutrition for it to thrive and be healthy. For every plant and each stage of growth there are different nutritional needs that must be met. Plants in the vegetative phase of growth, for example, require larger amounts of certain nutrients like nitrogen for vigorous growth than plants in the bloom or flower phase, while blooming plants require more phosphorous than

“Using a quality multi-part nutrient can usually ensure that plants have all the nutrients they need present in their root zone.” plants in the vegetative phase of growth. Using a quality multi-part nutrient can usually ensure that plants have all the nutrients they need present in their root zone.

However, there are other factors that can affect a plant’s ability to absorb those nutrients, and when this happens a nutrient deficiency will develop—if the deficiency is prolonged, it can go on to become a more serious nutrient disorder.

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nutrient deficiencies: Part Two

“

Sulphur Deficiencies

Sulphur is an immobile nutrient that can often be deficient in plants. It is a key component of many plant functions and is necessary for the plant to manufacture hormones, amino acids, proteins, vitamins—including B1—plant cells and seeds, and is also necessary for respiration. With sulphur required for so many vital processes, plants can really suffer when there is a prolonged deficiency of this important nutrient.

The early symptoms of a sulphur deficiency can easily be confused with a nitrogen deficiency. At first, they both show signs of a deficiency in the older leaves that begin to yellow in between the veins that remain green, “The early symptoms but as the defiof a sulphur deficiency can ciency progresses, easily be confused with a the symptoms become more innitrogen deficiency. dividual and identifiable. The leaf stems will begin to turn a shade of purple and become elongated, and stems will become woody near the base.

If the deficiency continues and is left untreated, the leaf tips will burn and turn downward. Plants with a sulphur deficiency will generally be stunted and weak overall.

A sulphur deficiency can be traced back to various causes. Using a poor-quality, one-part nutrient solution might be responsible, so you should always use a multi-part solution. Sulphur must remain separated from calcium in the bottle, and one-part nutrient solutions allow calcium and sulphur to combine, which makes the sulphur insoluble—meaning that the sulphur in the

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solution would not be available to be absorbed by the plant.

This is actually the main cause of sulphur deficiencies. Adding a half teaspoon per litre of Epsom salts—magnesium sulphate—to your nutrient solution will provide adequate amounts of watersoluble sulphur to your plant if you suspect none is available.

Having an overabundance of calcium present in the soil or hydroponic solution can also cause a sulphur deficiency, because the calcium will bond with the sulphur, making it insoluble. Using quality, balanced, multi-part nutrients will prevent this from becoming an issue.

Another cause of sulphur deficiencies is having the pH of the soil or hydroponic solution too high, which locks out certain nutrients—including sulphur. Keeping the pH levels in the ideal range from 5.8 to 6.8 will ensure that the plant can absorb and retain all available nutrients.

Zinc Deficiencies Zinc deficiency is also common in plants. Zinc, which is a micronutrient or trace element, is necessary for the production of chlorophyll, and without it photosynthesis cannot take place. Zinc can also promote the function of enzymes within the plant.

The symptoms of a zinc deficiency first affect the younger leaves and shoots. The youngest leaves will develop interveinal

“

“If pH levels drift below 5.8 or above 7.0 plants begin to lock out certain nutrients. This means that no matter how much manganese you add to your soil or hydroponic solution, the plant will never be able to absorb it.”

chlorosis, which is a lack of chlorophyll developing between the leaf veins.Young leaves will turn light yellow to pale green, and new growth will be stunted and smaller than the leaves of a healthy, thriving plant. As the zinc deficiency progresses in the plant, the youngest leaves will contort, then new growth will stop being produced completely. As the disorder reaches its peak, leaf tips will darken and die back.

There are various reasons for a zinc deficiency. A common cause is that the nutrient being fed to the plant is not complete and does not contain chelated trace elements, which are the nutrients essential to plant development that the plant needs in small or trace amounts. Micronutrients can be left out of

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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nutrient deficiencies: Part Two

poor-quality nutrient solutions, but switching to a complete nutrient that contains the required trace elements can solve this problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.

Nutrients that lack these trace elements can be made more complete by adding kelp meal to your mixture, or plants can be foliar fed with kelp spray. Kelp is an excellent organic source of 60 to 70 water-soluble trace elements.

Zinc deficiency can also be caused when there is too little potassium, magnesium, or calcium present. This really stresses how important it is to use high-quality nutrients that contain the right types and levels of nutrients for vigorous plant growth.

Fluctuating pH levels can also cause zinc deficiencies. When pH levels rise above the ideal range, zinc and other nutrients can become locked out—although plenty of zinc may be present, the plant cannot absorb it with the pH level above 7.0.

Dropping the pH down between 5.8 and 6.6 and checking the levels more frequently will allow the pH-conscious gardener to maintain the plant’s ideal range, allowing the plant take in all the nutrients it requires.

Manganese Deficiencies The final nutrient deficiency that is necessary to discuss is a manganese deficiency. Manganese is an element essential for the synthesis of chlorophyll, and for the electron transport associated with photosynthesis.

Manganese and iron are both important to the production of chlorophyll, making the symptoms of manganese and iron deficiencies similar and often hard to differentiate. The youngest leaves on the plant will show symptoms first, beginning to yellow in between the veins, which will remain green. This is a sign of the plant’s inability to produce chlorophyll in adequate amounts. As the deficiency progresses, the rest of the leaves will begin to yellow in between the vein as well. Plant growth levels to somewhere between 5.8 and 7.0 will prevent nutrient will become stunted, and if the deficiency is left untreated lockout and allow the plants to absorb all the nutrients necesnew growth and flowering may halt altogether. The leaves will sary for healthy growth. eventually develop dead spots and fall off if the deficiency is left Plants can also become manganese deficient if the soil or soiluntreated and allowed to become severe. less medium is poorly drained. This can be remedied by waterManganese deficiencies have different sources. Often they are ing less frequently or by using a more porous soil or soilless caused by incomplete nutrients that don’t contain the proper mixture. Adding some perlite to trace elements, which means you the mixture will also improve should either switch to a quality multi“If the nutrient solution you your drainage and help part nutrient or foliar feed your plants use has manganese present… keep soil from becoming with kelp spray, which is a natural source of over 60 trace elements. there is likely another reason your waterlogged.

Finally, an excess of potasIf the nutrient solution you use has plants have become sium or phosphorous can manganese present, though, there is manganese deficient.” also cause plants to become likely another reason your plants have manganese deficient. When become manganese deficient. A fluctuating pH level can be the origin of the problem again, because if plants have phosphorous or potassium toxicities they will lock out nutrients, but checking EC levels frequently can prevent pH levels drift below 5.8 or above 7.0 plants begin to lock out this from happening. Growing mediums should be flushed with certain nutrients. This means that no matter how much mangastraight pH-balanced water every third watering to prevent nese you add to your soil or hydroponic solution, the plant will excess nutrients from building up. If you suspect that your never be able to absorb it. Adjusting and maintaining the pH 34

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

plants are suffering from a nutrient toxicity then using a clearing solution to flush the growing medium can correct this problem, leeching the overabundant nutrients from the growing medium and the plant, correcting nutrient toxicities before they become too severe.

There are such a wide variety of different nutrient deficiency disorders that plants can suffer from. Many have similar symptoms, like yellowing or the development of brown spots on leaves, and the deficiencies which cause them can also be similar. Not using a quality multi-part nutrient solution might be one of your problems, while properly maintaining EC and pH levels can also be essential in preventing deficiencies from occurring. By learning the underlying causes of nutrient deficiencies you can better understand how to cure them and even prevent the deficiencies from happening in the first place—valuable knowledge that will keep plants healthy and gardeners happy! MY

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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by Michael Bloch

THE AMAZING Hemp Plant

Industrial hemp is an extraordinarily useful plant that can provide environmentally friendly food, fibre, fuel, medicine and building products. Hemp is incredibly robust to the point in some places it is invasive and considered a noxious weed. Some varieties are very hardy and able to thrive in saline and heavily degraded soils. It’s these characteristics that make it a great candidate to replace pesticide- and herbicidedependent crops such as cotton. Hemp is also a water miser and can be processed into useful products with little energy and without requiring toxic chemicals.

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Here are some other fast facts about hemp: •

Hempseed has high levels of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, essential fatty acids and trace elements.

•

Hempseed oil comprises nearly ⅓ of the seeds’ weight making it a viable source for cooking oil, lighting and bio-fuel.

•

Hempseed oil is also beneficial as a body care product and can be made into soaps, conditioners and lotions.

•

The stalk provides an incredibly strong, durable and rot resistant fibre that’s been used in the shipping industry for centuries. As hemp can grow over three-metres tall, the long fibres are perfect for rope.

•

The short fibres of the stalk can be used in textiles as a replacement or blender fibre for cotton.

•

The core of the stalk can be used to make paper and organic plastics.

“The core of the stalk can be used to make paper and organic plastics.”

• The woody core, known as hurds, can be mixed with lime, sand, plaster and cement to create very strong concrete or building bricks.

• Hemp is a great insulation material that can be applied in the wall cavities and roof spaces of houses as a replacement for fibreglass batts.

• The core fibre can also be utilized in producing fibreboard that is twice as strong as wood-based fibreboard.

• The flowers and leaves are used to make medicines for treating many ailments such as glaucoma and cancer sufferers can be prescribed it to ease pain.

• The stalk can also be used to make methanol and ethanol.

• Hemp can be planted as a crop for restoring the fertility of fields in the process of stock rotation.

• Given its fast growth, hemp may also be useful in carbon sequestration (taking carbon out of the air and putting it back into the earth).

And that’s just a short list. Currently, most hemp products are imported. Thankfully, this is changing; but the changes are too slow. Hemp is truly an amazing plant that countries should be making far more use of in an effort to reduce our impact on the environment. We should be doing more to help farmers grow it in our own countries or growing it ourselves. MY

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012 UK | January/

39

Lights, Power, Grow Lighting basics

for beginners and hobby growers

by GrubbycuP

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Light

Light is energy; a form of electromagnetic radiation made from electric and magnetic fields set at right angles to each other.

These fields are synchronized together and collectively are known as an electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic radiation travels in a wave emitted outward from a source.

Wavelength

The kind of light that plants require to grow and flourish is not necessarily the kind of light that we are familiar with—the lightwaves our eyes see best are not the same lightwaves that plants use. While outdoor plants benefit from true full-spectrum lighting, the indoor grower must supply his crops with the wavelengths they need to thrive. Proper lighting is one of the most important facets to a successful indoor garden and indoor gardeners should understand at least the basics.

Although the speed of light is a constant, the wavelength and frequency is not. The speed at which the same point on the wave passes by a point in space is the frequency. The distance between wave crests is its wavelength—a wavelength is literally the length of the wave. Even though specific numbers are often used as boundary markers, electromagnetic waves are actually not this precise. Where one colour starts being a different colour is more an approximation than a hard line.

The order of longest to shortest wavelengths is: radio waves, infrared (heat), visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.

The human eye uses only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to see with, the wavelength of visible light between about 390 and 790 nanometers. This visible light is further broken down into colours—the long wavelength end of the visible light spectrum is perceived as red and at the short end of the spectrum is violet.

Approximate values by colour: Red: 625 to 700 nanometers Orange: 600 to 624 nanometers Yellow: 599 to 670 nanometers Green: 500 to 569 nanometers Blue: 465 to 499 nanometers Indigo: 426 to 464 nanometers Violet: 400 to 425 nanometers

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lights, power , grow

A lumen is the light of one candle. A lux is that light from one metre away, spread over a square area one-metre wide. A full moon on a clear night lights at about one lux, a well-lit indoor room is about 400 lux and bright sunlight is about 100,000 lux.

Lighting efficiency

Lightwaves slightly too long to be red are called infrared, while wavelengths slightly too short to be violet are called ultraviolet.

Objects appear to be the colour of the light they reflect. If all colours are absorbed by a leaf except for green, then the leaf will appear green. The wavelength of the electromagnetic field determines its colour if visible, or its type if not.

Photosynthesis in plants makes the best use of light with wavelengths from peaks at the red, blue and violet bands. Chlorophyll ‘A’ is the blue-green pigment in plants and two peaks of absorption occur at 665 (red) nanometers and 465 (violet-indigo) nanometers. Chlorophyll ‘B’ is the yellow-green pigment in plants and absorbs light at two peaks of 640 (red) nanometers and 450 (indigo-blue) nanometers.

The colours in the valley between the two spikes, between 500 and 600 nanometers (the green and green-yellow bands) are not used as much and are mostly reflected by the plant, which is why most plants have green foliage.

An ideal light source should supply wavelengths including 640 to 665 nanometers (red) and 450 to 465 nanometers (indigo). A rule of thumb is that cool lights lean toward the blue-violet side, while warm lights tend toward the red-orange side.

Power comes from a source—such as a wall plug—and goes through a process to give off light. How much of this power is converted to useful light is known as the lighting efficiency.

If the process produces 683 lumens of light per watt of energy used, perfect efficiency has been achieved. Fire gives off light, but most of the energy is expressed in the infrared wavelengths and therefore is not very well suited for growing plants. Incandescent lighting has an efficiency of about six per cent (10 to 30 lumens per watt). LEDs are also about six per cent—although in theory they could be made more efficient—fluorescents are about 10 per cent (30 to 100 lumens per watt), metal halides 14 per cent (70 to 125 lumens per watt) and high-pressure sodiums clock in at five per cent (60 to 140 lumens per watt).

The excess heat generated by lighting systems is often the largest source of waste heat in a garden.

Matching the light to the space

One number that is often listed represents lumens—which includes all the light given off by a source (including the lesser used wavelengths)—but at least it is an estimate to work with.

The amount of light that ends up actually hitting your plants drops off as an inverse square to the distance. At eight-metres,

Intensity

Waves not only have length, but also height or amplitude.

The greater the amplitude, the more energy it contains and the brighter the light. A light at 550 nanometers will appear green—either dim at low intensity or bright at a high intensity—but the colour will remain the same. The greater the intensity, the more energy is transmitted.

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Light levels drop exponentially over distance. An object twice as far away will receive only ¼ of the light since the light is spread out over four times the area.

“...make sure you can deal with any waste heat your lights generate, as cooked plants perform even worse than under-lit ones do!” the lux is reduced to ¼ and at three-metres it is reduced to 1∕9th.

A plant that is twice as far from the light source only receives ¼ of the light, while a plant three times as far only receives 1∕9th.

If a 400-watt bulb gives off 50,000 lumens in an area one-metre to a side, then the bulb gives off 50,000 lux. These lights are used for areas 0.5-metre to one-metre to a side. This same bulb could be used to light an area two-metres a side, but it would deliver only 12,500 lux to the plants. A 600-watt bulb giving off 95,000 lumens at one-metre—a bulb size well suited for one to 1.2-metre gardens—still delivers only 23,750 lux at two-metres.

A 1,000-watt bulb may give off 130,000 lux, which would be overkill for one-metre, but 32,500 lux over a two-metre space is more reasonable. These bulbs are also well suited for gardens of 1.5-metres to a side.

Measure your grow space and you’ll be able to draw out different scenarios until you find one you like. For example, in a space measuring 1.5-metres, two 1,000 watt lights, two or three 600-watt lights or three 400-watt lights could be used as a general guideline. However, make sure you can deal with any waste heat your lights generate, as cooked plants perform even worse than under-lit ones do!

There are many factors involved in choosing the perfect lighting system for an indoor garden—the better informed you are, the better the chances are you’ll be happy with the results. MY

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Conductivity in

Hydroponics

Electrical Conductivity (EC) is a parameter that gets ignored quite often among growers who tend to use Parts Per Million (PPM) more than they do EC. In fact, EC is the true measure of electrical conductivity whereas PPM is the quantity of what’s being measured. EC metres can’t actually read PPM. Get a jump start on further understanding conductivity...

Conductivity is the total soluble salts contained within a liquid solution. Pure water has a conductivity measurement of zero because it does not contain salts.

By adding soluble elements to the water, electricity is able to move through the solution giving it a conductivity rating.

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CROP

ec value

African violet

1.0 - 1.2

Asparagus

1.4 - 1.8

Avocado PEar

1.8 - 2.6

Balm

1.0 - 1.4

banana

1.8 - 1.4

basil

1.0 - 1.4

beans

1.8 - 2.5

beetroot

1.4 - 2.2

blueberry

1.8 - 2.0

borage

1.0 - 1.4

broccoli

1.4 - 2.4

brussel sprout

1.8 - 2.4

cabbage

1.4 - 1.8

capsicum

2.0 - 2.7

carrot

1.4 - 2.2

cauliflower

1.4 - 2.4

celery

1.5 - 2.4

chives

1.2 - 2.2

cucumber

1.6 - 2.4

dwarf roses

1.6 - 2.6

egg plant

1.8 - 2.2

endive

0.8 - 1.5

fennel

1.0 - 1.4

kohlrabi

1.8 - 2.2

So why is conductivity important? Using hydroponics as an example, different crops grow well at different nutrient strengths (Electrical Conductivity - EC or CF). Controlling this nutrient strength is all important in providing the best conditions for your crop. Without proper measurement your crop could fail from root burn brought on by too high a nutrient level, or death by natural causes from not receiving the vital elements they need to grow.

Below is a list of crops with the ideal EC value the crop is grown at in a hydroponic system for optimum performance.

Although there are ideal EC values for each plant type, this does not mean that a range of plants, all technically requiring different strength nutrients, cannot be grown in a home situation together. The grower simply lists the range of EC values and picks an average value. For most home systems this value is between 1.2 EC and 2.0 EC depending on the requirements of the predominant crop types being grown. MY

CROP

ec value

Lavender

1.0 - 1.4

Leek

1.6 - 2.0

Lettuce - Fancy

0.3 - 0.8

Lettuce - Iceberg

0.6 - 1.4

MElons

1.0 - 2.2

Mint

1.0 - 1.4

Mustard/Cress

1.2 - 2.4

Onion

1.8 - 2.2

Parsley

0.8 - 1.8

Passion Fruit

1.6 - 2.4

Pea

1.4 - 1.8

Pumpkin

1.4 - 2.4

Radish

1.2 - 2.2

rhubarb

1.6 - 2.0

Roses

1.8 - 2.6

Sage

1.0 - 1.6

Spinach

1.8 - 3.5

Silver Beet

1.8 - 2.4

Squash

1.8 - 2.4

Strawberry

1.8 - 2.5

Thyme

1.2 - 1.6

tomato

2.2 - 2.8

turnip, parsnip

1.8 - 2.4

watercress

0.4 - 1.8

Article contributed by Bluelab Corporation Limited

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

45

What’s in for

2012 TOP TRENDS

Organics, cloth containers, nutrition and more will be among the top trends in modern gardening for 2012.

Organics

Organics are definitely a popular item for 2012 and hopefully beyond as well. Consumers are demanding high quality products that are not only good for our plants, our planet and our children, they actually work. Thankfully, manufacturers are filling the demand and they’re taking green to the next level by sourcing innovative materials, recycling and reusing. The focus this year is on organic and sustainable products that create organic and sustainable produce. Organics replenish the earth and they are highly concentrated, which means you can use less, the first step in the waste management hierarchy.

Interactive Websites Companies are stepping up their game on the web. Some of the interactive features being utilized by companies in our industry include grower forums, blogs, videos and quick links to social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, MySpace and more. Gardening websites are more than just a spot to check out the latest products. Many of the best websites also offer comprehensive feeding schedules, grow tools and advice, easy store locators, fun downloads, product catalogues, helpful articles and support. Retail websites have also improved with monthly specials, top product picks and easy online shopping.

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Cloth Containers Gardeners are loving the cloth containers now available in a variety of styles and sizes. Container gardening is a versatile option that allows you to move your garden to the location of your choice (greenhouse, grow room, sunny spot in the yard).

Many of the new cloth containers are reusable, and made out of recycled materials or compostable/degradable. Cloth containers are great for year-round planting; they’re lightweight and flexible, which makes them easy to move around and perfect for a variety of plants. The materials used are breathable, which encourages healthy root growth. They prevent circling roots and release heat.

Plus, they’re inexpensive.

Facebook Facebook is catching on in our industry. Many of the top companies, brands and even retailers are now sporting dedicated Facebook pages, making it easy to find the information you want quickly. Connect with fellow growers from around the globe; share grow tips and stories; participate in contests and win your grow gear; and stay up-to-date on our industry’s news and happenings on Facebook. (Check out Facebook.com/MaximumYield)

Nutrition The market is saturated with nutrients: micros and macros, grow, flower and bloom, dry, liquid—the list is endless. There are nutrients available if you want a complex nutritional program for your plants. There are nutrients available if you want to take the simple route. Growers can choose between one step, two steps or three steps. Many of the available nutrients will excel in all soils, coco and peat-based soilless mixes, plus a variety of systems. The amount of information now available (thanks to dedicated scientific research, ongoing experimentation and information sharing) means the quality of nutrient recipes continues to improve.

Reflectors Reflectors have long since been available in sizes big and small to fit any space. The change for 2012 is the innovative design elements being implemented. The latest reflectors are uncomplicated, shatter resistant, durable, air tight and come prewired. The most compact are ideal for teeny enclosed spaces and the giants in the industry are great for big spaces. MY

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

47

you tell us

Team AutoPot from left: Jason Ralph Smith (C.E.O), Katie Sheppard (stock manager), Heather Pearl (project manager), Barbara Sykes (accounts manager) and Paul Milner (sales director).

AutoPot’s Heather Pearl recently took time to answer a few questions for us about their big project in the Maldives, the great work the company is doing with little kids around the world and right here at home, and what’s on the drawing board…

Maximum Yield (MY): How did the whole AutoPot concept begin? Who invented or developed it? How long has it been around for?

Heather Pearl: AutoPot began from spotting an opening in the market for an irrigation system that required no power that could bridge the gap between the hydroponics industry and the domestic greenhouse market. AutoPot watering systems require no power, timers or pumps so they can be used on a vast scale easily and extremely effectively in a way that systems requiring electricity cannot. AutoPot began 10 years ago and was the brain child of Jason Ralph Smith; he wanted to create a system that involved minimal effort that could be used by everyone, from novice growers to horticultural experts. He has spent the last 10 years developing, refining and expanding the AutoPot range to bring the most environmentally friendly and simplest watering systems to market.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

MY: What’s the biggest project out there currently using your system? How big a scale are we talking about?

Heather: The AutoPot project in the Maldives is by far our largest and most exciting project at present. The Maldives AutoPot project began with our Maldivian rep Zahid constructing a commercial greenhouse to grow a range of crops and familiarise himself with the systems; he now has over 2,500 pots and is expanding AutoPot across the islands. Some hotel resorts—including the Holiday Inn—are now trialling the easy2grow systems and once their feasibility study is complete they will begin planning how to implement the AutoPot systems so that they can supply their restaurants with fresh local produce rather than incurring the environmental and financial costs of importing produce from Dubai. The Maldivian Government has just approved Zahid’s proposal to acquire an entire island under a lease agreement for 35 years, with 155-acres of land

and 208-acres in lagoon area. The Island will be an agricultural research and training centre, to empower and educate locals how to grow their own produce in their gardens. A variety of agricultural methods will be demonstrated on a very large scale on the Island; within this complex there will be a vast AutoPot horticultural site to demonstrate the effectiveness of our irrigation systems. Zahid recently met with the minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, and he was extremely keen and positive about the Island centre and AutoPot technology.

MY: Who’s Josh, and why should we ask him stuff?

Heather: The ‘Ask Josh’ section of the website is named after Josh, Jason’s son. The whole AutoPot team contributes to answering the questions posted and so far there has not been a question we haven’t been able to answer! Ask Josh is a vast information centre that we’ve built up over the last 10 years, containing 540 answers to questions from retailers and end-users to professional horticulturalists. We take time to answer every question, so it’s well worth firing a question over. Between us, we are sure we can help!

MY: Can you please explain your ‘Little Growers’ initiative to our readers? (Which, by the way— we LOVE!) Heather: Little Growers is a horticultural education charity that was established

by Jason Ralph Smith in 2007 in response to the increasing trend of children becoming disassociated from understanding where their food comes from. The organization now works with over 30 schools in the UK and with schools around the world—including Japan, South Africa and the Maldives. Little Growers provides schools with everything they need to have their own growing projects, including polytunnels, raised beds, seeds, and of course, AutoPot watering systems. One of the main hurdles to growing in schools is watering during the holidays and weekends, but the AutoPots provide a safe and environmentally friendly solution for teachers, ensuring their garden projects are fed and watered all year-round. The Little Growers initiatives are growing, with schools running their own vegetable markets to sell their produce, using it in school dinners, forming environmental after-school clubs and much more!

Little Growers are keen to develop as many skills as possible for

the students involved in their programs— not only horticultural knowhow and healthy eating knowledge but also teamwork, numeracy and business aptitude. We are extremely proud of all the hard work that has been put into the initiatives; it is truly amazing what can be achieved with hard work and determination and to see how far the children involved have come since the start of this initiative.

MY: What is an AQUAbox Spyder and how does it work?

Heather: The AQUAbox Spyder is a relatively new product in the AutoPot range. It utilizes the same AQUAvalve technology as our tray systems but is for use directly in the ground, so it’s perfect for raised beds and allotments. The box, which has 12 strips of capillary matting that are cut to fit the growing area, is placed in the soil and connected to a water tank. The capillary matting acts like a sponge, absorbing water and distributing it into the soil; the roots then attach themselves to the matting and are fed and watered as and when they need it.

MY: Do you have anything new and exciting in the R&D stage you are at liberty to tell us about? Come on—we won’t say anything…

Heather: Since launching our newest product—the FlexiTank, a collapsible waterbutt—we have now moved onto our next project. There is something very exciting in the pipeline at AutoPot; we never like to rest on our laurels or stagnate! The product is still in the R&D stage, but it utilises entirely aeroponic growing principles with our 1Pot and easy2grow systems. There is no soil or medium, just water and feed supplied directly to the plant. The results have exceeded all expectations and we are extremely excited about this new product, as it will bring a completely new aspect to our AutoPot systems. Watch this space for further developments… MY Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

49

S R A W G N I N O CL

by Brian

DENSE M

ATRIX

NOLOG LED TECH

Y BATTL

INTO THE Y A W S IT ES

There’s no question what dense matrix LED technology is capable of. With a growing presence in the indoor gardening industry, LEDs boast energy efficiency and long lifetimes, and—more importantly—they can produce specific spectrums optimized for plant growth. After years of research, scientists have discovered various wavelength combinations that enhance vegetative growth in addition to ideal wavelength blends for fruiting and flowering. Indoor growers everywhere are benefitting from the ability of LEDs to emit specific spectrums.

The deep light penetration that’s possible with dense matrix LED technology now allows LED lights to be used as standalone sources. These LED units are also great as boosters to supplement missing spectrums in existing grow light systems, and

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

d Josh Chiang an

LUCRAT

Puckett

D OF CL IVE WORL

ONING.

Cloning Wars

economically viable to clone the existing hybrid plant. Cloning also eliminates stray mutations as well as genetic variability.

Growing processes are improved and expedited with the use of cloning. Waiting for a seed to germinate, reach a juvenile state and then finally mature requires an indeterminate and sometimes untenable amount of time. With cloning, however, this wait time is cut dramatically, and growers are able to see results at a much faster rate. If multiple cuttings are used, production can also be increased exponentially.

The concept of cloning is relatively simple—a cutting is taken from a plant, and then placed in a medium where it can have access to light and water. Timelines vary from crop to crop. There are different types of cloning—hardwood, such as grapevines, comprised of lignified stems with a bud union; and softwood, such as tomatoes, consisting of green stems and leaves. For more complex set-ups, hormones and other nutrients can be used. the flexibility of mixing and matching different spectrums is When cloning indoors or in nurseries, fluorescents have tradiempowering growers to improve production and do more with tionally been used to provide light. Their relatively low heat as their indoor gardens—such as plant steering. compared with other broadband sources is preferable for deliThe efficiency of dense matrix cate, sensitive cuttings trying to LEDs derives from the consistency re-propagate roots. An alterna“A typical LED lifetime of 50,000 hours saves tive to fluorescents is LEDs. In of their light output. Growers can rest assured that with LEDs, their addition to wide wavelength the grower expensive bulb purchases.” plants are constantly receiving the selection, LEDs emit little heat required light output. We’ve seen and require little electricity. the power of LEDs in vegetating, flowering and fruiting apThey are versatile and easily swapped out and used in other applications, but what about for seeding, rooting and cloning? plications because of their small size. A typical LED lifetime of With low heat emissions that are ideal for sensitive seedlings or 50,000 hours saves the grower expensive bulb purchases. With cuttings, LEDs should actually be perfect for these applications. all these advantages to consider—especially energy efficiency Let’s see how dense matrix LED technology fares in the sphere and light consistency—we set out to find how clones would of cloning. perform under dense matrix LED technology.

Cloning and Light Throughout the history of agriculture, humans have developed techniques to control crops. Farmers have become more sophisticated in dealing with the mutations that naturally occur in plants by breeding different strains together, isolating traits and reproducing specific crops. It’s nearly impossible to know what each seed will produce, so farmers take notice of plants that display favourable traits and use asexual methods of reproduction, such as cloning. Often a hybrid breed is unable to reproduce, so these strains are cloned in order to replicate the results and maintain crop continuity. Rather than taking one strain and breeding it with another, it is easier and more 52

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

53

Cloning Wars

Experiment #1: Comparison Testing For our experiments, we departed from a traditional approach to cloning and used cloning units designed to make the process more accessible to the consumer. We chose to take softwood cuttings from tomatoes to see the propagation of herbaceous plant material more clearly, and for their responsiveness to different spectrums of light.

The typical timeline for cloning tomatoes using fluorescents over cloning units lasts about a week and a half to two weeks.

Cuttings should begin forming calluses and start to root by the second or third day, and from days five to seven, root branching should be evident. By the 10th to 14th day, cuttings should be able to be transplanted.

We successfully followed this schedule using dense matrix LED technology, and at the same time we tested the effect of different spectrums. For each of our experiments, a 30-site cloning unit was set up. Using green cuttings of Husky Cherry Red tomatoes, both terminal and middle cuttings, two nodes were left above the media and the rest 54

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

exposed to the mist for most cases. Based on recommendations from industry experts, trials were run under multiple wavelengths—green, red and purple at different intensities—to evaluate the LED treatment that would best promote rooting. We also set aside a unit to run in the dark for comparison as a control group.

At the end of this experiment, we saw that light was necessary for rooting in propagated green tomato cuttings. In the cuttings subjected to darkness, there was not only a lack of rooting, but also severe foliar degeneration. However, high intensities of light did not appear to be necessary for root production.

The results for the different intensities of purple light were comparable, and in all tests one dense matrix LED unit was installed over each cloning unit and found to be sufficient in terms of intensity.

The red LED treatment from the primary trials demonstrated the best rooting.

There seemed to be little advantage in continuing tests with green LED light due to its lack of root promotion. (Please note: trials were conducted using green as the only source of light. While it is not a good treatment for promoting rooting when used exclusively, there remains the possibility that green in conjunction with other wavelengths of light might be beneficial for root production).

Although red outperformed purple as a rooting light treatment, our observations of the subjects under purple

light showed sufficient promise for it to be included in the next experiment. Rooting results were also similar to tests run under fluorescent lighting; however, extremely healthy foliage vegetation and a dark green colour on leaves, denoting dense chlorophyll production, was specific to our LED treatment.

Experiment #2: Blue, Red and Purple Spectrums For the next set of experiments, we included blue light in addition to red and purple, as blue is known to be conducive to vegetative growth in early stages. To provide uniformity of environmental conditions, three cloning units were assembled in the same grow cube, but with separate dense matrix LED treatments over each unit at uniform heights.

We analyzed performance by taking percentages of rooting as well as root branching, and measurements of both wet and dry mass of the roots produced were also taken.The spectrum that caused cuttings to produce the most root mass fastest was determined to be the best light treatment. After rooting results of each spectrum were compared for the first trial, blue was seen to outperform the other two light treatments as a root-promoting light.

We ran the test a second time and rearranged the placement of the lights to maintain the integrity of the experiment. Red light was placed over the unit that received the blue treatment in the first trial. In this second run, red provided better results for rooting as well as more root branching. However, when the first blue treatment was compared to the second red treatment, the blue demonstrated greater root mass overall, in addition to promoting longer root lengths.

We are currently running more tests to eliminate unit bias. Promising results from both the red and especially the blue treatments prove that dense matrix LED light works just as well as fluorescents

“In all tests one dense matrix LED unit was installed over each cloning unit and found to be sufficient in terms of intensity.”

for cloning, and suggests that the effectiveness of wavelengths varies with regard to different aspects of rooting (red for branching, blue for length).

Conclusion While the ideal wavelengths for cloning Husky Cherry tomato cuttings are still undergoing vigorous investigation, our current experiments do show that dense matrix LED technology is a viable, energy-efficient and consistent lighting alternative. The experiments also showed that LEDs produce healthy foliar vegetation, preparing the tomatoes to move easily to soil or soilless media. A compact form factor and long bulb lifetimes provide even more incentive to use dense matrix LED lights.

Although it seems that intensity and specific wavelength combinations may not be as specifically important for cloning as they are for other phases of growth, the results from the second experiment have prompted us to probe more deeply into wavelength formulas. With the flexibility to pick and choose spectrums with LEDs, we are continuing our studies on the effect of various wavelengths on different facets of rooting.

As we do more research and technology continues to advance, growers can only benefit from the findings and innovations that arise. With its spectrum-specific, penetrating light, combined with low heat emission and vast energy savings, dense matrix LED technology will continue to push the boundaries of how light is used for indoor growing. MY Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

55

A Vital

by Robbie Martin

Winter

With these soil management strategies, winter doesn’t have to be a season of discontent.Care for your soil through healing and protecting.

Winter time

— what does it mean for gardeners?

Short days, cool temperatures and wet soils all present seasonal challenges for those of us who cherish our time in the garden and fields. This is the time to sit by the fire and thumb through the multitudes of seed catalogues available and daydream of the season to come, and the new varieties of fruit, vegetables and flowers that will root in your garden as the days grow longer.

Winter is also the time to buy and plant bare root fruit trees, cane berries, blueberries, grapes and roses.Your local nursery

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012 UK | January/

will be able to provide a selection of varieties that should excel in your area. Try inoculating the planting soil for these bare root plants with a Mycorrhizae solution or a commercially-available biopack. I also recommend amending this soil with compost and a granular humus to ensure a fruitful future harvest.

This season is a great time to build, manage and apply compost to your garden and indoor plants. Compost tea is an economical and practical way to provide nutrients, organic matter and beneficial biology to soil, soil mixes and plant surfaces in winter.

Winter is also the time to buy and plant bare root fruit trees, cane berries, blueberries, grapes and roses.

Compost tea is as diverse in possible brewing methods as it is in options for additives.

Brewing aerobic (with air), anaerobic (without air) and extraction teas all involve placing high-quality compost in a permeable cloth or mesh bag and suspending it in water for a period of time. Aerobic brewing involves active aeration with an air pump. “Real, aerobic compost contains a huge diversity of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes and perhaps even micro-arthropods. Beneficial species are almost strictly aerobic.” (Ingham, 2003). Anaerobic brewing is not aerated, and left to brew for an extended period of time until the tea loses most of its dissolved oxygen. Caution should be taken with anaerobic teas, since plant and human pathogens can spread in this manner to food crops. Extraction is the most economical brewing method. The extractor bag is left in the water to extract for 15 minutes to an hour, and then kneaded like bread dough.

The compost and additives you use will affect the quality of the tea you brew. OMRI-approved compost and tea additives will provide the macro and micronutrients, soluble organic matter and beneficial biology your plants need. Tea additives that increase microbial biomass and fertility include: fish hydrolyzate (a source of nitrogen that feeds beneficial fungus and spreader/ sticker), kelp extract (a source of potassium and micronutrients), granular humus (soluble organic matter) and glacial rock/rock powders (calcium, magnesium, sulphur and micronutrients).

Other optional additives include molasses (a sugar source for bacteria) and vinegar (an acidifier).

The two best ways of applying compost tea are by foliar application or the soil drench method. Foliar application in winter allows you to provide nutrients through plant stomata on leaf surfaces, thus bypassing cold soils. “Bacteria and fungi respire carbon dioxide, which elevates [carbon dioxide] in the atmosphere surrounding the leaf surface, causing the stomates to

open more rapidly, for a longer time—thus, the plant takes in more of the foliar nutrients applied in the tea.” (Ingham, 2003). Soil drenches of compost tea for indoor growers provide non-toxic complete liquid fertility that can be tailored for vegetative or flowering cycles, without the risks of conventional synthetic fertilizers.

Healthy soil and leaf biology is promoted with the use of compost tea, as the organisms in the tea execute a multitude of advantageous tasks, which are beneficial for plant health. “They consume the foods that plants put out around their bodies. Plant exudates…enhance the disease-suppressive bacteria and fungi that occur in aerobic tea, leaving no food for disease-causing organisms.” (Ingham, 2003).

Compost tea made with quality ingredients will give you a consistent liquid fertility additive, ideal for winter or any time of year. Take advantage of winter moisture to inoculate your soil in preparation for spring. Whether you aerobically brew or extract, high-quality compost tea additives offer an organic solution to fertility and disease issues.

Works Cited:

Ingham, Elaine, Compost Tea: Promises & Practicalities, 2003, Acres, 2 November, 2007 < http://www.acresusa.com/toolbox/ reprints/Dec03_compost%20Teas.pdf >

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57

FRIGHTFUL WEATHER,

DELIGHTFUL TOMATOES

by Casey Jones Fraser

Winter is here, and it’s time for homegrown tomatoes.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

Like everyone who loves tomatoes, I hate the loss of flavour those red gems seem to undergo this time of year, so I have resorted to growing my own year-round.

After various trials over the years, I found a method for growing multiple tomato varieties in a small indoor area.

Most indoor gardeners are familiar with T5 fluorescent lights. These narrow tubes have become a staple of our industry, and for good reason. T5 lights are great for small leafy plants (basil, lettuce, microgreens), and for the vegetative growth of flowering plants (three-metres or shorter).

Unfortunately, some growers who attempt flowering with T5 lights experience small leaf growth and immature fruits. Recently, though, some companies have made technological improvements to T5 systems, and these changes have created new tubes and ballasts for improved plant responses.

The Lighting I set out to grow full-sized and fullflavoured tomatoes, and I wanted one of the new T5 systems to do it. I put my old favourite T5 next to the new system, and the difference was clear. The new one looked much brighter, without any

increase in wattage. Systems with increased wattage (and increased brightness) per tube are also available, and similar systems are on the market now from your local indoor gardening shop. I used the four-foot eight-tube T5, because it fit perfectly over my 60- by 120-centimetre hydroponics table. Under the table, I used a 75-litre reservoir for the hydroponic nutrient solution.

The Plants Cuttings were already rooted in an aeroponic cloning machine. After growing out several tomato cuttings, I chose 10 plants to go into the ebb and flow system. Eventually, I chose the best six out of those 10 for fruiting and removed the weaker plants. The young tomato plants grew in four-litre grow bags with a coir-based mix for one month, and the table was flooded three to four times per week in 15-minute intervals. The soilless mix held enough moisture to last for days. Once

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59

Frightful Weather, Delightful Tomatoes

the plants were well rooted, watering was increased to once per day. A key to this growing technique was no branches—each plant grew one vine! As the vine grew, I trimmed off branches and kept the main growth tip going. Once the plants reached nearly two-feet in height and began flowering, I transplanted the six best plants into 11-litre fabric pots.

The plants grew in a constant-drip hydro system, so I used a combination of grow rocks and coir-based soilless mix in the 11-litre fabric pots. Eight-centimetres of grow rocks went in first, then I packed a small amount of coir on the surface of the rocks. After removing the four-litre grow bags, I placed the plants on grow rocks, and 10-centimetres of soilless mix was filled in around each root ball. The top five-centimetres were filled in with more grow rocks, and two drip lines were connected to each planter to ensure even watering. This system had six tomato plants, which means 12 drip lines in total. If any single drip line clogged the other dripper continued to feed the plant, and if both drip lines clogged the soilless mix held enough moisture to last 24-hours or longer. Drip lines were routinely checked for clogs—the use of enzymes in the reservoir can help prevent this problem.

I used a soilless mix containing multiple varieties of root inoculants, as roots grow stronger and

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

“The diatomaceous grow rocks are rich in silica and trace elements, and unfortunately they can grow algae as well as tomatoes.” faster with beneficial fungi and bacteria present, and I also added additional bacterial and fungal products to the reservoir. With this system, roots grew through the fabric pots in seven to 14 days.

However, the diatomaceous grow rocks are rich in silica and trace elements, and unfortunately they can grow algae as well as tomatoes. To combat this problem, I added covers made of black and white poly film to each planter—no more algae. The completed system grew three varieties of tomatoes: two Brandywine, two Green Zebra and two Thesaloniki. Six tomato plants in 11-litre fabric pots sat in a two-foot by four-foot hydroponics tray, and the ebb and flow system was replaced with a drip system—each plant had two drip lines pouring over the layers of grow rocks and soilless mix. This system quickly grew thick roots, stems and leaves.

Many growers experience problems with vertical space when growing tall plants. I needed to create a tomato garden where only 60- to 90-centimetres of vertical space was required between the base of the plant and the grow lights. Growers know that regular tomato vines grow to be very long— anywhere from 1.5- to

“I removed any branching so each plant was a single vine, and as each vine grew, it was tied down and trained to grow sideways. All of the plants grew on the same circular path.”

7.5-metres—and in greenhouses they can grow to over 30-metres. These tomatoes were no different, but I needed to manipulate that growth sideways instead of vertically. So as the growth tips continued, I trained them all in a clockwise direction. I removed any branching so each plant was a single vine, and as each vine grew, it was tied down and trained to grow sideways.

All of the plants grew on the same circular path. Eventually all of the vines will overlap each other, and even overlap themselves. Each vine can grow infinitely long, and it will stay in the same garden space. As the tomato plants grow, the older leaves and fruits are removed. Older parts of the vines are eventually bare of leaves and fruit, while the younger sections are covered with flowers and foliage. At this point, the bare vines act as living plumbing, delivering food and water to the furthest points on the plant, and bare vines begin to layer up on top of one another like extension cords.

Flowers and fruits will now start showing up in larger quantities, and the feeding recipe will be altered to meet the needs of the plants, which continue to get longer and longer—although because I forced them into a clockwise pattern, they will always take up the same 60- by 120-centimetre garden space. Big round tomatoes will start showing up all over my indoor plants, even though temperatures are freezing outside. I couldn’t be happier!

racquetball-sized Thesaloniki tomatoes have become a lunchtime staple—every time I make a sandwich, I pull a fresh one right off the vine and slice it up. My taste buds think it’s August!

Routine Maintenance Every few days, I check the vines for branching. As the branches are removed, the flowers get a good shake. Pollen starts flying around, and more flowers get pollinated, which keeps the tomatoes producing—without the need for bees inside the house.

Maintenance includes removing old leaves, picking ripe fruits, removing any branches and changing the reservoir weekly. I also inspect for nutrient deficiencies and insect damage while I’m doing the routine daily upkeep. Pests are controlled with organic sprays, and deficiencies are managed with slight alterations in the nutrient mixes. After a few months, the vines are wrapping around the garden, and some vines are nearly five centimetres thick. The ripe tomatoes are round and colourful, but most importantly, they taste like tomatoes.

Now it’s your turn.Visit your local hydroponics retailer for some supplies. Clear out a small space for your new tomato garden and start seeds or cuttings. Winter is a great time for gardening, so eat healthy and have fun. MY

The Recipe The nutrient recipe included a basic A and B formula, as well as carbohydrates, enzymes, B vitamins, amino acids and a PK booster, with bacterial and fungal inoculants added weekly.

Some early fruits showed signs of blossom-end rot, so a calciummagnesium supplement was added. As a test, after a few weeks the supplement was omitted. Interveinal yellowing occurred and blossom-end rot showed up again, so the calcium-magnesium supplement became a regular part of the recipe, and soon we had flawless ripening fruits all over the place.

The Taste Test I’ve got two beautiful Brandywine tomatoes in my hands, and it’s almost dinnertime. Here’s the real test: an appetizer of tomato slices with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whoa! These taste like they were grown in my backyard. A few days pass. Now I’m dicing a Green Zebra and throwing it on some eggs. I prefer skipping the salt, so I need a very tasty tomato for my breakfast.

Bingo! Another delicious summer-tasting tomato, grown in the middle of winter. My eggs have a new best friend. And the Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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TALKING SHOP

1st Hydroponics manager, Dennis Turner

AT A GLANCE Store Name: 1st Hydroponics Manager: Dennis Turner Location: Unit 5 K Line House, West Road, Ipswich Phone: +44 (0) 147 3279829 E-mail: info@1st-hydroponics.co.uk

The best thing about his hydroponics shop, according to Dennis Turner, is that it isn’t a farm. There’s no slogging about in the muck and best of all—no weather!

“Before opening 1st Hydroponics, we started out running a fully organic farm,” Dennis tells us. “As is the constant struggle with farming, you’re heavily regulated by the weather as to when you can grow, what you can grow and, most importantly, the crop’s yield. Not wanting to be held back by these restraints, we began to look into hydroponics and the flexibility that would give us.”

The little bit they knew about hydroponics from puttering about soon convinced them they were on the right track and that there was a place in Ipswich for a grow shop and a chance to build up a good business.

“It was a simple decision really, the work we did with hydroponics proved successful and after a short while we realised that there was definitely a gap in the market,” Dennis explains. “This gap was the one that 1st Hydroponics was set up to fill.”

Dennis and his partners opened the shop in April 2011 and although it was tough sledding at first, the business soon started to improve. Surprisingly, it wasn’t learning the retail biz or figuring out the intricacies of marketing that was the first hurdle—it was overcoming the public’s ignorance about indoor growing.

“The toughest struggles we had weren’t with cash flow or brand awareness, but instead letting people know what hydroponics could do, to remove the stigma and suspicion which surrounds it,” says Dennis. “It was a case of letting people know what we were doing and why we were doing it.”

The counter, where the magic happens.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

For the moment our store location hasn’t changed or expanded since its establishment, but as we draw near our second year of trading, who knows where things will go?”

It’s all very well to have a great website, but you’ve got to get the punters in the store as well and Dennis and his partners know that the best way to stay ahead in this business is to carry what the customers need, have enough knowledgeable staff on hand to help them with their questions and stay on top of all the new developments in the industry.

“We have eight people working at 1st Hydroponics now—managing the store, ordering, looking after the website and doing the marketing and graphics—and we’re looking to grow even further in the New Year,” Dennis says proudly.

“We try to carry the broadest product range we can, from grow lights, tents, hydro systems, nutrients, growing media and ducting to fans and pumps. In terms of brands we stock all the major names, like From the shop front to the warehouse.

Canna, Plant Magic, Plagron, Homebox, Mountain Air and Phresh, 1st Hydro started out fairly modestly, but it soon became apwith lots more in-store and online. parent to Dennis that advertising on the web was going to be Dennis is encouraged that hydroponics finally seems to be entering the factor that would make or break the business. the consciousness of the mainstream consumer.

“We started off with only a handful of staff, their duties spanning “Having our products shown on the Alan Titchmarsh show last the business, from giving advice to buying in new stock and running Monday was great to see—it’s certainly a sign that the future of hythe website,” Dennis tells us. droponics is bright if Britain’s most famous gardener is getting stuck “We started off trying to provide as wide a range of hydroponin live on TV!” ics equipment as possible—grow lights, tents, grow media, the usual The team at 1st Hydroponics will keep working toward their goal stuff.The first thing we actually sold, if I can remember rightly, was and learning along the way. Dennis believes that success in this indusGrodan cubes.” try requires constant self-education.

Business was okay, but Dennis knew they could do a lot better “One of the things we’ve learned is that despite hydroponics’ ability and the key was going to be to cheat the seasons, it doesn’t mean “Having our products shown on the Alan their website. that there aren’t still seasonal require“We started marketing Titchmarsh show last Monday was great to ments for the customers. Fans in the locally and gradually exsee—it’s certainly a sign that the future of summer, heaters in the winter— panded from there,” he says. among other things, it’s those little “Marketing 1st Hydroponics hydroponics is bright if Britain’s most famous lessons which we’ve been learning that gardener is getting stuck in live on TV!” has benefitted from the fact make a huge difference to our satisfied we have a bright, well-precustomers. In less than a year we’ve sented shop and a robust and managed to achieve so much already well-designed website. Many online hydroponics stores look and feel and with the new website coming, things only look set to get better unintuitive and uninviting and we wanted to be bold and different from here on in.The retail industry is always changing and you’ve with how we approached this.” really just got to make sure you’re changing with it—or ahead of it— And Dennis has a point—compared to the well-meaning jumble rather than always playing catch-up.” of confusing information and childish graphics that make up many Although they are always striving to improve, Dennis and his hydro retailer’s websites, the 1st Hydroponics site is crisp, informative, partners have not changed their goals or their philosophy of doing easy to navigate and very conducive to selling product. And it’s only business since beginning to experience some success. going to get better—staying true to their priorities, the 1st Hydro “It’s not been an easy ride, but maintaining the momentum has team has no plans to expand their physical shop at the moment, but been key and it’s something we’re really proud of.We’ve learned to the website is always improving. keep pushing forward, constantly trying to improve what we do and Dennis laughs.“Yes, there are some huge changes planned for our the experiences the customers have. A large part of this is knowing website in the coming months.While we’ve received a lot of positive your customers and their needs as they change. As I’ve already said, feedback about the current website, we want it to be even better: you’ve just got to be ready to expect change and react to it quickly, there’ll be lots of new features to make shopping with us even easier. keep one step ahead.” MY Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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Cutting With Precision and Ease

by Karen Wilkinson

How to properly take babies from your MILC Cloning your MILC (mother I’d like to clone) is a fairly simple process; however, if done sloppily, in haste or without some experience, it can result in weak, disease-prone offspring. If taken with care and patience, the cuttings will grow into mature, healthy plants.

When propagating in an aeroponic cloning machine, the stems will be in their own little environmental heaven, constantly receiving water and air, but virtually no light. So you want to prepare them by caring for your motherplant—you are, after all, making replicas of her genetics, so you want the best.

Once you’re ready to take cuttings—given the MILC is at least two months old and in optimal health—get your very sterile tools, rooting gel and system ready (or whatever medium you’ve chosen to produce the clones). But first, a few quick tips: >>

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

cutting with precision and ease

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Three to four days before taking cuttings, heavily water your MILC to help remove nitrogen (just pHadjusted water without fertilizers or other additives).

By decreasing the nitrogen in the motherplant, you help her babies root faster.

Choose a sharp, clean, thin-bladed knife, razor or pair of scissors to cut the stems. Using dull, blunt tools increases the potential for damaging the plant tissue during cuttings, and therefore increases the risk of disease.

If taking cuttings from more than one MILC, sterilize the blade or scissors between plants to decrease any potential cross contamination (disease, fungus or viruses).

When ready, choose a stem with at least one leaf node that’s about five- to 10-centimetres long, and relatively new (at least from the current season). Cut about 2.5-centimetres beneath the node. Some people swear by the 45° angle rule, while others say it doesn’t matter as long as the cut is clean; whatever works best for you.

Remove any excessive, large leaves off but don’t clip all of them. Leave some, and if needed, cut leaves in half that may take energy away from root growth.

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Immediately after taking the cutting, dip the stem in rooting gel. Take extra precautions to pour the gel into a separate container; never dip directly into the rooting gel container as they may cause cross contamination. Though some swear by the 60-second rule, the length of time the stem stays in the gel is inconsequential—as long as it gets some, you’re good to go.

When placing the cutting into the growing medium, make sure at least 2.5-centimeteres of the stem is below the surface. Once you’re done taking cuttings and they are properly inserted into your unit, be sure to promptly plug in your machine to begin the process.

Be clean, be thorough, be patient and above all, be kind to your motherplant—she’s the provider in this equation and will only produce what she already embodies. Happy cloning! MY

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DO YOU KNOW?

1.

A typical LED’s lifetime is 50,000 hours.

2.

3.

Diatomaceous grow rocks are rich in silica and trace elements, and unfortunately can grow algae.

All microorganisms require an energy source to survive and grow, which may exist in the rooting medium or obtained from organic materials sloughed off from the roots of the growing plant.

Sucking pests such as whitefly excrete honey dew, a thick, black, sticky residue on leaf surfaces, which becomes colonized by sooty mould.

8.

4.

5.

In addition to developing on plant surfaces, bio-film (a layer of ‘dirt’ or organic material) can develop on the inside of nutrient reservoirs and growing channels where they may harbour waterborne diseases such as Pythium.

7.

The rhizosphere is the narrow region of soil that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms that develops around a plant’s roots.

The order of longest to shortest wavelengths is: radio waves, infrared (heat), visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.

9.

Sulphur is necessary for the plant to manufacture hormones, amino acids, proteins, vitamins—including B1— plant cells and seeds.

6.

Bare vines on some crops, particularly tomatoes, act as living plumbing, delivering food and water to the furthest points on the plant, and bare vines begin to layer up on top of one another like extension cords.

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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IndustrY’s Latest

fRESH INDUSTRY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS, PLUS EXCLUSIVE GIVEaWAYS FOR GROWERS

Hygrozyme Now Distributed

by World Garden LTD in the UK and Europe

World Garden views the whole world as a living organic garden. Our mission is to contribute to the restoration of the natural balance of the ecosystem. Our products solve such problems as soil erosion, nutritional depletion, imbalance, infertility and diseases.

Hygrozyme, Orchid Champion and Ocean Harvest Seaweed Fertilizer are unique, one-of-a-kind products. At World Garden we strongly believe in strong customer support and continuous education, one garden at a time. Visit www.worldgardenltd.com to learn more.

Attention UK Retailers…

Now you can promote your retail shop for FREE in Maximum Yield UK every month!

Simply e-mail Ashley@maximumyield.com with your shop name, complete address and phone number and we will add your shop to our directory so customers can find you quickly and easily.

Want to be the first to see each issue of Maximum Yield UK? Subscribe to our FREE online subscription and get Maximum Yield’s UK digital edition delivered to your inbox! Simply visit maximumyield.com/subscribe-digital.php

Maximum Yield Now Distributed by…

Maximum Yield UK is proud to welcome two new distributors. Direct Gardening Supplies will be distributing the magazine across the United Kingdom; Dutchpro will be distributing the magazine across Europe. Retailers: request a box of magazines from either of these fine distributors on your next product order. Maximum Yield readers, make sure to tell your favourite retail shops to carry Maximum Yield UK today!

Digital subscriptions to your favourite magazine are also now available.

Receive Maximum Yield Magazine free to your inbox. Subscribe to the digital edition of Maximum Yield by simply filling out the form at maximumyield.com/subscribe-digital.php

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

AutoPot Exhibits at the Botswana Consumer Fair, Makes its First Botswana TV Appearance

In August, AutoPot representative Kele Mogegeh debuted AutoPot watering systems to Botswana at its Annual Consumer Fair. The fair was held in Gaborone and was a huge success, with numerous visitors showing a great deal of interest and excitement about the innovative systems.

Botswana’s environmental and economic climate is perfect for the use of AutoPot watering systems; they offer a low-cost, long-term and sustainable option for irrigation of food crops in an area that desperately requires assistance in this area to produce reliable yields time and time again. Well done to Kele for an impressive first trade stand; we wish him the best of luck in establishing AutoPot in a region where we would love to see the products flourish.

AutoPot’s Brazil Debut

AutoPot continues to grow in Brazil. Ivan Fernandes and the team are based in Fortaleza, Ceará, which is situated in the northeast of the country. Ivan explains how AutoPot Brazil began: “We instantly took a liking to AutoPot. The products are innovative, simple-to-use and environmentally-friendly and we knew that we had to arrange a meet with Jason Ralph-Smith, the company’s owner, to discuss the products in more detail.”

Last month Ivan and his team reppresented AutoPot Brazil at the annual Frutal Trade Fair in Fortaleza. The AutoPot technology had never been seen in the region before so there was a great deal of intrigue from fair attendees.

The visitors were very interested in the simplicity of the way the AQUAvalve worked and the fact it could be utilised both in gardens and commercial environments. Visitors were keen on the idea of a product that saves water, energy and labour costs with the potential to increase yields.

Since AutoPot Brazil debuted their product range at the Frutal Trade Fair many people have been enquiring including numerous government agencies as well as agricultural companies, garden centres, distributors and individuals. AutoPot Brazil is only in its early stages; however, we really believe that AutoPot will make its presence felt throughout the country very soon. It fulfils numerous requirements in terms of water conservation, reduced labour costs and ultimate simplicity to produce high yields time and time again. AutoPot Brazil will be launching their new website soon; keep reading Maximum Yield for updates.

Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

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MAX-MART

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012

COMING UP IN March-April

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

Strong Stems, Healthy Plants Weak, discoloured or stretched stems indicate the plant’s needs are not being met. Thankfully, most stem problems can be treated and prevent with a little knowledge and foresight.

Talking Shop With…

Get to know your local hydro shop. We could feature your favourite grow gurus in the next issue. Recommend your favourite shop to be featured in Maximum Yield UK by e-mailing editor@maximumyield.com

LEDs, salt buildup, neem oil, planning for spring, bonsai, more!

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

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Maximum Yield UK | January/ February 2012