Maximum Yield USA - December 2009

USA

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soil? weird planT

nutrient management

happenings

THE ECO

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CONTENTS december 2009 FEATURES

90

42

Weird Plant Happenings

60

Seven Steps to Bigger Yields

76

Tropical Views: An Undiscovered Indoor Rainforest

86

Nutrient Management

90

What is Soil?

100

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

by Erik Biksa

by Lee McCall

by Andrew Taylor

by Luis Bartolo

Temperature and Humidity: Winning Factors in the Garden

by Isabelle Lemay agr. and Mélissa Léveillé

108 DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor

108

Complete Nutrition - Part II

114

The Eco Home

120

Beneficial Soil Microbes

by Evan Folds

by Charles Winslow

by Brian Mack

98 Tips and Tricks

12 Letters to the Editor

106 Green Thumb Gardening

14 MaximumYield.com

129 Do You Know?

18 Ask Erik

130 Avant-Gardening

20 MAX Facts

132 Max Mart

32 Product Spotlight

136 Distributors

58 Growing for Health

146 Coming up in January

76 42

74 Beginner’s Corner MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

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FROM THE editor

jessica raymond

Deck the halls with green design this holiday season, with tips from Charles Winslow and his eco-home full of inspiration (page 114). And while you’re at it, make sure your grow room or greenhouse is fit for winter by putting suggestions from the pros into practice. We’ve covered the bases for you, so you don’t have to. Impress your guests with BIG Yields; bone up on beneficial microbes; tackle feed management for your nutrients; and finally understand what’s wrong with your tomatoes. All this and more is inside this holiday edition.

In addition to these buzz-worthy topics we help you in your quest to buy the perfect gift for the gardener in your house with Glory Lennon’s gift ideas, plus additional gift suggestions in our new product spotlight section. For the shopper on a budget, send your loved ones something that is completely free – Maximum Yield’s E-News, Jessica Raymond, Editor delivered to thousands of inboxes monthly. editor@maximumyield.com (Sign up at maximumyield.com/newsletter.php).

We also encourage you to enter your name in our Win Big! Grow Big! Contest, which has four sweet prizes up for grabs. The draw will be made December 15th with prizes to be delivered in time for the holidays.

Have fun growing this holiday season and make sure to write (editor@ maximumyield.com) and tell us what you got from Santa for your grow room.

Happy Holidays from everyone here at Maximum Yield!

contributors Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

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

Evan Folds is president of Progressive Gardens, a natural approach land care company, and Progress Earth (www.progressearth.com). With a degree in biology and religion, Evan’s interests include making sense of food production and bringing awareness to such topics as empty food, municipal water fluoridation and spiritual intolerance.

Erik Biksa holds a diploma in

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

Charles Winslow, CEO of GW Worldwide LLC, has a bachelor of science in business from California Polytechnic State University. He began building energy efficient homes in 1996 and was instrumental in the local Furrow Building Material start-up. He has worked extensively in wholesale garden center distribution, focusing on hydroponic and lighting development.

Contact gw.worlwide@yahoo.com

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

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

Mélissa Léveillé holds a license in communication, writing and multimedia. She is the newest member of the Nova Biomatique Inc. Team (www.igrowing.com), makers of the PLUG’N’GROW climate controllers. She is responsible for Nova Biomatique Inc.’s communications.

Brian Mack is a website designer

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. agriculture with majors in fertilizer sciences and crop production. Erik has amassed over 18 years of indoor gardening experience and intensive research. Since first appearing in Maximum Yield in 1999, the “Ask Erik” column and numerous articles have reached growers throughout the world.

Andrew Taylor is the manager of

Flairform (www.flairform.com) – an Australian-based manufacturing company. As an analytical chemist with qualifications in plant function and nutrition, he has over 13 years experience in product research and development, and also writes extensively on hydroponic growing techniques.

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MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

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

and marketer from Salinas, CA. In his spare time, he hikes and spends his afternoon gardening. He is a firm believer in good soil biology, and encourages soil biology in his garden by using mycorrhizae and azospirillum.

LETTERS TO the editor

Where’s Maximum Yield?

Nutrient Nightmare With so many nutrients available on the market, it can be confusing for growers, beginner and otherwise, to weed through the selection. I appreciated Susan Slobak’s article on plant nutrients in October USA, but it really only covered a basic introduction on what separates hydroponic nutrients from fertilizers and the tasks they can perform on plants.

Because there is so much to cover, I think it would be beneficial to include as many articles on nutrients as possible in every issue of Maximum Yield; or perhaps you could put together a nutrient-only issue, which would cover the spectrum of nutrients available, how they perform, when and how to use them and how to separate the high from the low quality nutrients. Just a suggestion.

Thanks Jody Belham

"It really only covered a basic introduction on what separates hydroponic nutrients from fertilizers."

Thank you for your input Jody. It seems a new nutrient is introduced to market every time someone blinks an eye.

Readers requesting new information on nutrients happens almost as often. Realizing this, Maximum Yield has made an increased effort to bring you the latest introductions, facts and research on nutrients – hydroponic and otherwise. This issue alone discusses nutrient management (page 86) and beneficial microbes (page 120).You’ll find all you need to know on nutrients at maximumyield.com and by continuing to read Maximum Yield.

Chillin’ in Chicago Here at Brew & Grow Chicago we have been enjoying carrying your magazine for years now. We love Maximum Yield and recommend it as the number one gardening magazine!

We have been in business for over 25 years throughout the Midwest. We work at the only indoor gardening/hydroponic store in Chicago, Illinois. We are writing to reach out to you to request any promotional clothing you may have. We would prefer hooded sweatshirts, as it is getting into wintertime here in Chicago. We would love to keep warm representing your company!

Thanks so much, we look forward to helping you promote your magazine!

Brew & Grow 1824 N Besly Ct. Chicago, IL 60622

What nurseries or hydroponic outlets in the San Francisco Bay area carry the hard copy of Maximum Yield?

Carol Matera Where can I find a list of retailers that carry Maximum Yield in my area?

Matt Coode

Every issue of Maximum Yield lists information and locations of indoor gardening retail stores across the US that distribute our magazine. Simply flip to the back of the magazine to locate a store, and hurry to the nearest location to pick up Maximum Yield – for free!

I N D O O R

G A R D E N I N G

Worth the Wait Glad to see you finally got the E-News out to your readers. I was pleasantly surprised to find it in my mailbox and full of interesting tidbits. More contests and events, and especially more input from readers and growers like myself would make it truly worthwhile. I would love to see product reviews, real-life photos, industry reports and more grow tips in future editions.

Amy Lee

Organic Local Hero Thank you for publishing the article on John Nicholas’ organic farm. I live near the area in Fountain, Colorado and I appreciate the local hit.

It’s not often I come across a familiar face in my favorite magazine. It’s important that people like John and growth operations like the one he runs make an appearance in publications like yours, as they inspire more individuals to grow organically and push consumers to be more mindful of what they buy and where their food comes from. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

Amanda Davis Maximum Yield reserves the right to edit for brevity.

We want to hear from you!

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

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MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

Coming up on the Web Speed Read 1. In a world full of energy-abusers, it’s nice to know some forward thinkers have devised new ways of using what nature gives us to live our lives fully. Check out Charles Winslow’s green designs featured in his Sun Garden Home.

2. Maximum Yield’s all-new E-News is available monthly.

Featuring the industry’s latest news, tips and tricks for indoor growing and even a reader-inspired section “Listen In,” you don’t want to miss out on what E-News has to offer. Sign up at maximumyield.com/newsletter.php 3. Win Big! Grow Big! is bigger and better than ever, and you can still enter to win a waterproof TDS/EC meter, horticultural lamps, organic teas, humate and mycorrhizae products and a high voltage HID lighting controller.

Enter at maximumyield.com/winbig by December 15.

“Growers continue to push the microbial envelope reaching for every pound and square foot Mother Nature can possibly provide.”

-Brian Mack-

Stay Connected

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ON

Join Maximum Yield on Facebook (facebook.com/MaximumYield) and participate in discussions with other readers on the topics that matter the most to you. Stay updated on upcoming Indoor Gardening Expos, post photos and be the first to hear about exclusive online reader contests.

Latest News • The Sure To Grow YouTube videos have broken all previous records for unique views and subscribers to the site.

• Spice like rosemary, thyme, clove and mint could have a place outside the kitchen cupboard – in your garden as pest killers.

• Aquaponics is coming to the mainstream through Aquaponics USA and the help of Garden Girl Patty Moreno and Okoteau, a German water purification company.

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

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MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

I N D O O R

G A R D E N I N G

VOLUME 10 – NUMBER 9 December 2009 Maximum Yield is published monthly by Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

If undeliverable please return to the address above.

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

Publication Agreement Number 40739092

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson SALES DIRECTOR - Lisa Lambersek 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 Julie Madden - julie@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Pentti Tikkanen - pentti@maximumyield.com Alice Joe - alice@maximumyield.com Wes Cargill - wes@maximumyield.com ACCOUNTING - Lee Anne Veres leeanne@maximumyield.com USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS, BWGS West and BWGS East General Hydroponics Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply R&M Supply Tradewinds CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Quality Wholesale UK DISTRIBUTION Growth Technology Hydrogarden Northern Hydroponic Wholesale Nutriculture UK AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Futchatec Growth Technology Hydraspher

ASK

erik

Do you have a question for Erik? Forward it to editor@maximumyield.com with the words “Ask Erik” in the subject line, and your answer will be printed in an upcoming edition.

I have recently moved to an area that has moderately hard water +/- 200ppm. I have been using standard pH down and nutrient products and supplements, following the supplied feeding schedule.

Not anticipating that I had hard water, I started having massive problems with my plants.

To produce good healthy plants do all of the nutrients need to be compatible with hard water or just some of them? If they do, can you recommend a quality product line that has addressed this issue completely through all the phases of growth and bloom?

Please help! I'm really at my wits end.

Phil Angove

Phil,

"Hard water-specific nutrients are like a band-aid; they help, although they don’t cure the problem(s) associated with your water quality."

For the best results possible, do not compromise your choice in nutrients due to water quality. Hard water-specific nutrients are like a band-aid; they help, although they don’t cure the problem(s) associated with your water quality. For this, and other important reasons, it is recommended that you RO filter (reverse osmosis) the water you use to reduce and remove the impurities that make your water less suitable for high yielding hydroponics crops.

As a rule of thumb, it’s typically your base nutrients that will react more with the impurities such as carbonates, iron precipitate, etc. in your hard water source. The additives and beneficial inoculants will typically be less affected, although there are exceptions to that.

Besides making your water better suited to a wider choice of nutrients, RO-treated water will have many impurities including heavy metals removed before it is applied to plants through the filtration process. Once you RO treat the water, it is then re-mineralized with a calcium magnesium supplement preferably containing a full spectrum of chelated trace elements to make it less re-active and stable with nutrients and growing

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mediums. In some areas, rain water can be an excellent and relatively pure source of water for hydroponics crops. It can be pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide several hours before adding any nutrients to ensure that it is free of pathogens that can infect your plants. Plus it falls from the sky for free!

Cheers, Erik Biksa

MY

MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Sure To Grow YouTube Videos Hit another Record Fall stats from YouTube smashed the previous month's records for Sure To Grow’s videos featuring Matt Geschke.

• over 12,000 people watched videos from our YouTube page, www.suretogrowvideo.com • over 23,000 videos viewed • over 300 subscribers have joined the site • 500 videos were viewed from mobile phones • embedded video on www.discount-hydro.com got almost 900 views We are really pleased with the growing popularity of our videos and the acknowledgement by viewers that attest to the quality of the content. Our videos are reaching a large audience who are eager to learn about hydroponics and the STG technology. We are proud to be in the forefront of this, as we are sure these types of videos help the industry as a whole.

Grain and Food Shortage Product of Climate Change?

Researchers are raising fears about the impact of climate change on crops, specifically the consequences on food supply as modern seed companies reduce crop diversity.

A new study states climate change could result in severe shortages of two of America’s most important grains – corn and soy. Food manufacturers could find it more difficult to source ingredients in the future, as researchers have suggested large-scale seed companies could squeeze out traditional plant breeding.

Although yields increase with temperature up to 84°F for corn and 86°F for soybeans, there is a sharp decline in yield above these thresholds.

Corporate control of the seed industry and widespread use of a relatively small number of seed varieties could mean that traditionally bred varieties for drought and pest resistance could be lost, with devastating consequences for food supply.

Small-scale farmers need more protection in order to continue farming using traditional plant breeding methods.

(Source: www.foodnavigator-usa.com)

NAIS a Threat to Availability of Sustainable Foods The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is directly threatening access to locally grown, organic and sustainable foods, including fruits and vegetables. The implementation of NAIS is the first step in taking over and regulating all agricultural products including plant based foods and supplements, and may make it easier for growers to be pushed around and intimidated by big agribusinesses and the government.

NAIS is a system of regulation that poses a serious threat to consumers of organic animal products. Small scale farmers and ranchers who produce high quality products meeting the certifying standards to be labeled as organic may be put out of business, through the consolidation of the food supply into the hands of a few large, multinational corporations. (www.naturalnews.com)

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Sun Pulse Lamps “Plant a Tree” Program Sun Pulse Lamps, makers of the only digital HID lamps for certified electronic ballasts, arranges to plant a tree for every lamp sold. The “Plant a Tree” program involves the planting of special carbon sequestering trees to help in the fight against global warming.

To make light is to make heat and CO2; one kilowatt per hour = 1.5 times the CO2. By planting a tree, Sun Pulse helps offset the carbon footprint produced by the lamp.

(Source: www.sunpulselamps.com)

MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Homegrown Organics with Hydroponics Inspired by a DNA molecule and the increasing use of synthetic fertilizers to boost crop productivity, Rafael Fernando daSilva and DÊbora Nogueira have designed an indoor hydroponic system. This plant organism provides homegrown organic food and works as a natural sculpture, enhancing health and the owner’s surroundings.

The system is based on an NFT hydroponic system, where a nutrient solution is fed from a deposit to the culture channel. It is finished with two vertical metal tubes where germinated seeds of the plants are placed in small holes around the tubes. The watering of the plants is controlled with humid air and a steady water flux.

Moreover, the system also features a light system, offering ideal lighting conditions according to the requirement of a particular plant.

(Source: www.thedesignblog.org)

Manure Potential as Peat Alternative Composted dairy manure is being tested as an economical and environmentally sound alternative to peat, a highly porous growing medium for potted plants. Because peat plays an important role in wetland ecosystems and harvesting it releases carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, the use of peat has been challenged and peat mining is increasingly regulated.

The research showed that container substrates formulated by incorporating 10 to 60 per cent cowpeat has physical and chemical properties similar to peatbased substrates. Biological testing also demonstrated that all tested cuttings rooted and seed germination rates of cowpeat substituted substrates were greater than or comparable to those of control substrates.

Researchers are suggesting there is a potential for using cowpeat for foliage plant propagation and foliage plant production. This option provides the industry with an alternative to peat and encourages composting of dairy manure, thus contributing to the well being of the environment.

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

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MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Fish Farming on the Rise A high level of aquaculture, the highest ever according to a new online report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, is expected to supply half of the total fish and shellfish people eat by the end of the year, placing increasing pressure on wild fish stocks.

Farmed fish are often fed less expensive wild fishmeal and fish oil to help them grow faster and become more flavorful. The industry has worked hard to reduce the amount of fishmeal they use per fish, but this can be difficult to regulate with so much farming going on.

Studies show Chinese carp and tilapia began being fed more fishmeal in the 1990s to increase yields. Between 1995 and 2007, farmers reduced the share of fishmeal in carp diets by 50 per cent and in tilapia diets by nearly two-thirds. However, in 2007, those fish farms together consumed more than 12 million metric tons of fishmeal.

One of aquaculture’s largest consumers of wild fish is salmon farms, where up to five pounds of wild fish is used to produce one pound of salmon. The researchers said a four per cent reduction in fish oil fed to salmon would translate into needing only about four pounds, not five, to produce a pound of salmon. The scientists also suggested other ways to feed fish, such as using protein from grain and extracting fatty acids from singlecell micro-organisms and genetically modified land plants.

(Source: www.boston.com)

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MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Fish Food for Americans Aquaponics USA, a Californiabased company that creates compact aquaponics systems, has recently been discovered by two prominent individuals as a viable food growing option as part of the Sustainable Food Movement.

These well designed, sturdy systems, manufactured by co-founders Grace Sylke and Oliver Duffy, fit nicely in the average American home or apartment. The systems grow fish as food for the family and organic vegetables while taking up very little space.

The number of sustainable farmers popping up all over the globe is on the rise; even NASA is exploring this technology to use on long space flights and in space stations.

Grace and Oliver had a vision of making aquaponics a household word in the US by the end of 2010, and that vision is becoming a reality. A German water purification company known as Okoteau, Easy Green is using Aquaponics USA as his flag ship to announce the new Grow Bed Media the owner plans to sell alongside his hydroton media.

As well, “Garden Girl” Patti Moreno will be focusing her spring debut on aquaponics, using the Aquaponics USA systems to grow her fish and organic vegetables.

(Source: www.Free-Press-Release.com)

Pesticides from Plant Hormones Pesticides are essential at this point for sustaining food production for the world’s growing population. Which is why a recent discovery of a natural plant hormone that can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides is so intriguing.

Previous research suggested that plant hormones, brassinosteroids (BR), might be the answer to minimizing pesticide residues that remain in food crops after harvest.

Scientists in China treated cucumber plants with one type of BR then treated the plants with various pesticides. BR significantly reduced their toxicity and residues in plants. BR could be promising as an environmentally-friendly natural substance for wide application. The substances do not appear to be harmful to people or other animals.

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

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MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Killer Spices Prove Effective as Eco-Pesticides After a decade of research, scientists have discovered that common herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, clove and mint show promise as environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional pesticides.

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In organic agriculture, the essential oils contained in the herbs have a broad range of action against bugs; some kill them outright while others repel them.

Spice-based commercial products being used are already showing success in protecting organic strawberry, spinach and tomato crops against destructive aphids and mites, expanding the limited arsenal of organic growers to combat pests.

These killer spices do not require more limited approval from regulatory bodies, meaning they are readily available.

An additional advantage is insects are less likely to evolve resistance and are safer for growers than pesticides.

Some downfalls of using the essential oils from herbs are they tend to evaporate quickly and degrade rapidly in sunlight. Also, they tend to be less potent than conventional pesticides and thus must be applied in higher concentrations to achieve acceptable levels of control.

Researchers are currently working on making these herbinspired pesticides longer-lasting and more potent.

(Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk) MY

PRODUCT spotlight

ask for these exciting new products at your favorite indoor gardening store.

Active Aqua Pots The new heavy-duty, white growing Active Aqua pots are available in multiple sizes to fit your growing space. Raised bottom and unique multi drainage holes and slits offer optimum aeration of the root zone, while the durable plastic will give you years of use. The white color will help keep your plant's roots cooler by reflecting light. Available in five, six, seven, nine and 12 inch square sizes. Ask for them now at your local hydroponics retail distributor.

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TopLoad from Green Planet Wholesale TopLoad is designed to regulate your desired plant’s height. This very unique formulation will also increase your overall yield and create more dense flowers. A must for gardeners using rotational style gardens.

Height Selective: Add one to two milliliters of TopLoad per one quart of nutrient solution every second feeding for a period of no more than two weeks once desired height has been established. Discontinue use after a maximum of two weeks of use and return to regular nutrient program. Do not use for more than 14 days. It is recommended to flush your growing medium at least three times if planning to re-use. Derived from potassium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and mono potassium phosphate.

Available in one quart and one gallon. For more information on TopLoad visit your nearest indoor gardening retailer.

PRODUCT spotlight

ask for these exciting new products at your favorite indoor gardening store.

Stealth Grow LED: The future of LED Has Just Gotten Brighter Most growers are familiar with the many advantages that LEDs offer but few trust in the power of LED to deliver on those promises. Stealth Grow LED was created for growers who are accustomed to the high yield and impeccable quality produced by 1000 watt HPS lights. They were not intended solely for the closet operation but rather to fulfill the needs of more serious, commercial style growers.

Stealth Grow lights deliver unprecedented intensity compared with other LED products. It is lack of intensity that has left growers unsatisfied with results from LED and it is the intensity problem that Stealth Grow has solved!

Stealth Grow truly has a unique product. Visit your local hydro shop to learn what makes their LEDs so effective. LED may be the future of indoor horticulture and Stealth Grow has every intention of remaining on the cutting edge.

The Sprout House® from Wonder Soil The Sprout House® contains everything you need to start seeds indoors!

This recycled egg carton acts like a greenhouse and promotes germination within days.

The Sprout House comes complete with 24 transplantable coir fiber cups and 48 seed starting wafers enriched with worm castings. It’s seed starting fun for the whole family!

For more information visit your nearest indoor gardening store.

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PRODUCT spotlight

Premium Coconut Coir Alternative CocoNot Now Available CocoNot is a natural and organic substitute for coconut coir, peat moss and other soilless mediums and conditioners. CocoNot is made by a special six step process to provide a perfect ratio of grinds and pith, providing the plant with an exact medium structure for optimal root growth and moisture capacity. Sourced from the United States, CocoNot has the least environmental impact compared to its substitutes.

• no salt means no initial rinsing or salt lock-out • better air-to-water ratio • higher porosity means roots can spread easier and breathe better • porous micro structure • pH buffered to 6.0-6.5, great for nutrient uptake • slightly charged with nutrients N-Mg-Ca The Northern California “heavy-harvest gardeners” little secret is now available in a two cubic foot bag and also available in a ready to use pre-filled CocoTek Basket. Visit your indoor gardening retailer to learn more.

GlowPanel 45® LED Grow Light Featuring all new electronics the GlowPanel 45® LED grow light is now 30 per cent more energy efficient than previous versions with no loss in light output! The new GlowPanel 45® LED grow light sips a miniscule 28 watts of power yet surpasses the performance of a 250 watt HPS. Suitable for all stages of plant growth. The balanced spectrum of the GlowPanel 45® promotes strong root development, rapid growth, tight internodes and bountiful yields. The GlowPanel 45® grows fruits, flowers, vegetables, herbs and more. The GlowPanel 45® runs cool to the touch and emits virtually no heat. Simply plug it in and Glow Your Own®.

From Sunshine Systems – now available at hydroponic retail stores.

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PRODUCT spotlight

ask for these exciting new products at your favorite indoor gardening store.

GrowSpot Bloom Booster LED Grow Light The GrowSpot Bloom Booster LED grow light is a supplemental grow light specifically designed to enhance the flower/bloom cycle. When used with HPS, CFL, metal halide, T5, LEDs or other grow lights, the GrowSpot Bloom Booster provides amazing flower power lighting for your crop. The GrowSpot Bloom Booster screws into a standard light socket and runs cool to the touch so they can be placed very near the plant canopy. Available in 15 watts and 110 or 220 volts. Glow Your Own®. From Sunshine Systems – now available at indoor gardening retail stores.

A Truly Green Power Plant The Power Plant Professional is a soilless indoor gardening appliance that puts fresh herbs, fruit and flowers at gardeners’ fingertips all year long. This worry-free machine automatically dispenses nutrients via the handy Grow Sponges to practically any plant the user wants to grow, and thanks to its stylish design, it looks great at the same time. It just needs a sunny spot to sit in, or it can be used with the Power Plant Grow Lamp for added versatility. Unit includes the complete Power Plant system, nutrient solution and 12 Grow Sponges. The Power Plant Grow Lamp is available separately, as are replacement Grow Lamp Bulbs and Grow Sponges. All items are available together with the money-saving Power Plant Kit. Look for the Power Plant Professional at your local grow shop today.

Continued on page 124

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Weird Plant Happenings

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

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

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

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

Common and frustrating weird plant happenings occurs when the natural germination inhibitors surrounding the Many new growers often assume any strange plant growth seed, which are contained in the juice, break down, thus allowing occurrence is due to a disease outbreak. In reality the truly the mature seed to germinate inside the moist environment of weird plant responses often have no connection with pathogens. the fruit center. This strange occurrence can range from just one The most common weird symptoms experienced by new or two seeds germinating inside the fruit, to many seeds that may growers are caused by bolting, particularly with lettuce and even produce a small root system and seedling leaves while inside other salad greens. Small or half-grown lettuce plants suddenly the fruit tissue. The cause of this problem is usually temperature give up all hope of forming a tight heart and related. Fruit that has been chilled or exposed “Weird plant happenings rapidly spiral skywards into a type of ‘lettuce to prolonged cold temperatures will break can be exciting and tree’. Lettuce plants that have fully bolted can down the natural germination inhibitors in potentially very profitable, become surprisingly tall, some over three feet, the fruit; when the fruit warms, the seed may the newest cultivar just topped with a large developing flower head. germinate.Vivipary can also be caused by the under your fingertips.″ This is a perfectly normal response to growth use of plant growth regulator compounds factors such as long, warm days, plant stress, root disturbance such as gibberellic acid, which is used to assist fruit set under and lack of nutrients, and is simply the plant’s attempt to cool growing conditions. Some varieties are more prone to this reproduce before dieing back. However, to growers unfamiliar problem than others, so it also has a genetic nature. with anything other than a supermarket lettuce head, bolting can come as quite a surprise.

Interesting and sometimes profitable happenings Vivipary is another odd incident that occurs mostly in tomatoes.

Sometimes weird plant happenings are exciting and potentially And although common enough, this condition can take people very profitable, if you know what to look for. Many of the by surprise; even the most experienced growers.Vivipary, or variegated ornamental plants and some fruit varieties are the result viviparous germination of seed, occurs inside the fruit before of mutations, bud sports or chimeras. These are caused by genetic it has been cut open for eating. Mostly seen in tomato fruit irregularities that occur in cells leading to permanent changes, purchased from the supermarket, it has been known to occur most common variegations in leaf tissue or even the production in ripe fruit while still attached to the plant. Cutting open what of albino plants. These genetic mutations can occur in all species looks like a normal tomato to discover and they can even be induced with the use of mutagenic agents. a grotesque looking mass of twisted, Many genetic mutations in plants are deleterious and don’t give germinated seeds in the core of the any advantage or may even destroy the plant itself. Others have fruit can be a little disgusting for resulted in new clones of fruit and ornamental plants such as the those that are unfamiliar; but, it does Washington navel orange, which originated from a bud mutation not pose any risk if ingested.Vivipary of a standard orange tree. Mutations in fruiting plants which result in some desirable change to the fruit or growth habit of the plant Vivipary inside a ripe tomato fruit – seeds germinating inside tomato flesh can be quite are worth looking out for – the next exciting new cultivar could a shock to both consumers and growers. be under your fingertips.

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Weird Plant Happenings

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

“Under high humidity, Variegated foliage suddenly roots or calluses can occurring on an otherwise sometimes be seen uniformly green plant is forming on the upper usually the result of a chimera. regions of the plant.″ Many common species such as citrus, pelargonium, hydrangea, dahlia, coleus and many others have variegated cultivars, which were the result of a random chimera. Chimeras are plants composed of two or more genetically different tissues growing adjacent on the same plant – commonly seen as variegated foliage in patterns of green, white or yellow. These can be highly attractive and sought after in many species. If the chimera is stable, vegetative propagation will allow the variation to be carried over to many new plants.

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

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Weird Plant Happenings crops and growers who attempt to get tomato plants started too early in the season soon become familiar with this disorder.

While catface is usually caused by low temperatures at the time of pollination and fruit set, it is also a symptom of hormone herbicide damage or certain viruses, in which case the foliage in the head of the plant will also be showing damage symptoms.

Catface can be prevented by increasing temperatures and is usually only a problem on the first few trusses of early season crops.

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

“Catface deformities typically occur in winter crops, a result of starting tomatoes too early in the season.″

Weird things that should be avoided Catface is the term used to describe the sometimes ugly and very weird symptoms of tomato and other fruit when conditions are not optimal for fruit set and development. Tomato fruit can look as if they are turning themselves inside out with seed development on the outer surface of malformed and twisted fruit.

Catface deformities typically occur in winter and early spring

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

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

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

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

Weird Plant Happenings Weird leaf happenings Leaf roll is a weird plant happening that can have a number of different causes and in severe cases the whole plant can take on a rather startling appearance. Generally, however, leaf roll is restricted to either older leaves rolling and thickening or newer leaves cupping inwards. Older, mature leaves on fruiting plants which have become slightly thickened commonly roll somewhat when the plant is carrying a heavy crop load; this is often seen in tomatoes. Insufficient irrigation, high EC and high light levels as well as leaf age also increase the severity of this problem.

If leaf roll is progressing up the plant on younger foliage, then the cause is often root disorders and root death. Cupping of new leaves in the head of the plant is most likely to be a mineral (calcium) deficiency which is often environmental in nature since calcium is usually plentiful in most hydroponic nutrients. Increasing air flow and lowering humidity and EC

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“'Ethylene is a plant hormone gas which can occur naturally.″

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

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

Epinasty is another form of leaf roll, which is a little different and experienced growers soon learn to recognize this serious disorder. Epinasty is a downward bending of the leaves, similar to wilting; however, the leaves remain turgid. This is caused by a build up of the gas ethylene in the plant’s environment or root zone.

Ethylene is a plant hormone gas which can occur naturally, as in the case of ripening fruit or when roots have become water logged. It can also be a contaminant of air heating systems burning fossil fuels under insufficient oxygen. Some plants such as tomatoes are very sensitive to ethylene and levels as low as 0.02 ppm

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

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

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can cause strange plant symptoms to develop that also include flower and fruit drop and severe leaf twisting and distortion.

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

This is a good indication that overhead shade, thermal screens or a reduction in HID lighting is required.

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

Weird Plant Happenings slows or prevents plants from losing water via transpiration and oedema results because of this. This is more common when the nutrient or root zone is warmed, but the air is cooler. Lowering humidity and increasing air flow usually improves this condition rapidly, as does increasing the EC to restrict water uptake.

Many weird plant happenings have similar symptoms so it can sometimes be difficult to determine exactly what is going on and the cause of the problem.

Experienced growers soon build up a detailed knowledge of strange things they have seen before and most odd occurrences have been photographed and recorded somewhere at some stage.

MY

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

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Weird plants are popping up all over.

Visit Online Extras to view less-than-normal, but still edible plants at maximumyield.com

GROWING for health

by Matt LeBannister

The Benefits of Growing Your Own

Aloe Vera

Houseplants make a great addition to any home. Most houseplants are grown for their appearance, but there are many plants that can be easily grown at home that have beneficial medical properties for their growers.

One such plant is Aloe Vera, the most common of roughly 400 aloe species.

400

There are roughly

aloe species

Source: University of Maryland Medical Center, www.umm.edu/altmed/ articles/aloe-000221.htm

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Aloe Vera is a succulent plant. Its leaves are packed with stored water and when opened contain a healing gel. Aloe Vera is actually 99 per cent water and the other one per cent is made up of glycoproteins and polysaccharides.

The glycoproteins speed up the healing process. This is done by stopping pain and reducing inflammation. The polysaccharides found in the Aloe Vera gel can stimulate skin growth and repair damage skin.

The gel contained in Aloe Vera leaves is generally used topically to treat minor wounds, burns and dry skin. It is especially effective on mild sunburns. Although aloe is considered safe to use, there is always a risk of an allergic reaction, so apply to a small patch of skin and gauge the reaction before exposing a large area to be safe. There have been a number of studies to determine whether the application of Aloe Vera gel to wounds has a positive or negative effect on the healing process. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “In a review of the scientific literature, researchers found that patients who were treated with Aloe Vera healed an average of almost nine days sooner than those who weren’t treated with the medicinal plant. However, other studies show mixed results, with at least one study [on deep surgical wounds] that found aloe actually delayed healing.”

Aloe Vera can be easily grown at home by beginner and advanced gardeners alike. These beneficial plants like a sunny windowsill to grow healthy succulent leaves full of their healing gel. Aloe Vera plants do not like water and can die if watered too often, thus causing the soil to become waterlogged. Water Aloe Vera plants thoroughly every one and a half weeks or once the growing medium becomes dry. Aloe Vera can do quite well in hydroponics and they do best in dripper systems and passive hydroponics. These plants can grow at amazing rates when premium nutrients are added to their water supply. Although aloe plants can flower, grow phase nutrients are recommended since their leaves are full of the medicinal gel that gardeners are after.

Aloe Vera gel is an active ingredient in many over the counter moisturizers, sun burn lotions, cosmetics and other skin care products. But why feed into billion dollar industries when aloe Vera can be grown easily and affordable in our own homes?

Throw away those overpriced, pre-packaged solutions and let’s all roll up our sleeves and grow our own Aloe Vera.

MY

by Erik Biksa

So you want to get bigger yields from your crop? Here are seven grow tips (in no particular order), that when adhered to, will help to ensure the healthiest and most vibrant crops possible in your growing environment. These growing secrets are the culmination of decades of growing experience from the author and countless other dedicated growers spanning the globe over. Follow them closely; they have worked for others and they can work for you.

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1

“Hot and dry One: Keep it optimal. environments cause Technologically-advanced severe stress to plants, products are accessible so temperatures to consumers making it should never go above effortless to supply bright 85°F at the tops light to plants indoors of the plants.” with HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting. These crop lighting systems are available in various wattages for different levels of light output relative to the area needing illumination. Bigger wattage equals more light. However, it’s extremely important to consider the level of heat created by all of the lighting components.

The amount of heat produced by HID lighting systems is tremendous and must be properly managed to maintain optimal temperatures in the growing environment. Hot and dry environments will really stress your plants out, causing them to produce poorly. In the majority of indoor growing situations the plants will yield better and be of higher quality when the temperature does not reach above 85°F at the tops of the plants when the lights are on.

Temperatures above 90°F, in most situations, are a huge contributor to reductions in yield and overall crop quality in indoor gardens. The heat forces work at a high metabolic rate, meaning all the biological processes are accelerated. Couple this with high intensities of light, nutrients and air movement and you are working the plant at its upper limits. What tends to happen is that one factor, for example, CO2 for the leaves or oxygen for the roots, is lacking while other variables are driven at their maximum.

This is like driving a high performance car at top speed while the engine is lacking oil; although everything else is working great, the car will grind to a halt and will possibly experience irreversible damage because one important component is lacking. The same goes for your crop.

Do what is necessary to keep the optimal temperature, even if it means using less light intensity in the growing environment.

2

Two: You are what you overeat.

Growers have access to some pretty amazing crop feeding technologies. We all get excited about using them, although in our quest to give our plants the best, we can sometimes “kill them with kindness.” It’s important to keep a handle on the overall feeding strengths that we apply to our crops, and also the ratios of the different types of ingredients that are found in various products.

Most of the time, the dilution rates on crop product labels are recommended for stand-alone applications, as the manufacturer cannot possibly account for everything and anything else you may be applying to your crops.

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Seven Steps to Bigger Yields

Measure Twice, Pour Once: Even when measuring organic nutrients, it’s critical to know exactly the right amount to add to reach the desired nutrient strength in the right phase of growth.

For example, the levels of base nutrients, additives, biological inoculants, etc. all contribute to the overall feeding strengths, and how the plant will react. Furthermore, the quality of the growing environment itself will affect how suitable a feeding strength for the plants will be.

Growers often discuss feeding strengths in terms of PPM (parts per million), while EC (electrical conductivity) is probably the best unit of measurement, as it is universal from one region to another. PPM is not universal, as different conversion factors are used by different measuring equipment manufacturers (PPMs are actually conversions from EC, the base measurement).

In most growing scenarios, it’s rare for there to be any need to feed over 2.0 EC. Follow a complete feeding program from a reputable manufacturer, as piecing together your own feeding program can be a real hit and miss affair. Even when following a manufacturer’s complete program, it still pays to monitor your feeding strengths using TDS/EC testers.

Remember after mixing all of your nutrients into the water, you can always add more fresh water to dilute the nutrient solution to lower strengths if necessary.

Know What They Are Eating: It’s always a good idea to check, and double check EC and pH levels if you are unfamiliar with the values created by your nutrient solution when mixing and for the period following.

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Photo by: Dr. Lynnette Morgan

Over-fertilized plants produce poorly, are prone to insects and diseases and usually the taste and smell is less than desirable.

Besides watching your overall feed strengths, and applying nutrients in a “feed, feed, water” regimen on soilless mediums, flushing the growing medium every couple of weeks can help keep nutrients from building-up and causing problems.

3

Plant over fertilized, showing salt burn.

Three: The plant is boss.

If your plants aren’t ready for the next growing phase or increased feeding strengths, you should wait. Following recommendations is always a good idea, however, to do so blindly is not. Just because a chart says after three weeks that you should “flip” the plants into flower doesn’t mean that you should. Some strains will grow very little once flowering has started, so ask yourself if they will be at the right size for a healthy harvest at maturity.

Conversely, some strains and plant varieties grow leaps and bounds, upwards of +300 per cent, once flowering is initiated.

With these varieties, the wise grower can be sure they are flowering early enough, so that they will not out-grow the space available in the garden.

Determining the right size to flower can take a couple of trials to get right, especially if you are working with a plant variety that you are less familiar with, or perhaps a strain within a plant variety that you have not yet cultivated. Do some research, and ask around. Growers who have experience with a particular strain or variety may be willing to share some insights. Note that hydroponically-grown plants will usually develop at a faster rate than soil grown plants, although overall yields are often similar.

4

Four: Simplify.

In an effort to make ourselves better growers, we sometimes pull the mad scientist cap on a little too far. It’s a great idea to experiment from crop to crop, however, you need to be realistic about how many variables you experiment with to really determine the cause and effect of particular inputs and practices.

With nutrients, for example, if you are not following a complete program, or if you’re using a tiered grower level system, don’t add too many new products at once; especially if they are not on the manufacturer’s crop feed chart. To really see MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

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Photo by: Dr. Lynnette Morgan

Seven Steps to Bigger Yields

Plants at optimal temperature.

5

“Although how a particular product performs, experimenting from you need to run at least one cycle crop to crop can be with that being the only variable fun, growers should changed. be realistic about how Same goes with the environment. many variables to If you are running experiments to experiment with.” find the optimal temperature for your strain in flowering, it’s not a good idea to switch from 1000 watt lights to 600 watt lights and turn around and say that one temperature is working better than another.

Set-up your grow with a “fool-proof ” system, whether in terms of nutrient programs or an optimal growing

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environment. From there, consider changing one variable at a time per crop to really “dial-in” your growing environment accurately and precisely. Otherwise, you can only guess at any changes you see in the plants, for better or worse.

Five: Put some love into it.

Most of us get into growing indoors because we have a passion for growing things, or we are especially fond of the plants that we are cultivating. If taking care of your plants is not much more than an obligatory chore for you, don’t expect too much back from your plants in return; they will feel the same way about you!

Even growers who start out with a very strong passion can find themselves treating growing as a job after several years. It should never feel like a job. Perhaps it’s time to take a break from growing, or hire a reliable crop-sitter for your garden.You have to be in touch with your plants as often as possible. Plants are honest; they will ask for exactly what they want, and won’t hesitate to tell you what they don’t like. However, if you are not observing or “listening” to these signs because you are in a hurry to get in and out of the garden, you will overlook some very important “suggestions” from your plants, and your yields and crop quality will suffer. Basically, you will never be able to realize the full potential of your garden. After all, you only get out of it what you put into it, and that’s not just reserved to your gardens.

6

Photo by: Dr. Lynnette Morgan

Seven Steps to Bigger Yields

Growing with HID (High Intensity Discharge) light.

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Six: Use a high quality light reflector.

If you are growing with HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting, use a high quality, engineered lamp reflector to ensure that your garden receives the maximum number of lumens, in an even and consistent spread. There is no sense in having one high-yielding plant directly under the reflector, while the surrounding plants produce poorly due to uneven light distribution.

Poorly designed lamp reflectors may look good to the human eye, although their performance in re-directing light from the lamp to the garden can be extremely poor. Hot spots can be created in the garden canopy when a reflector is not redirecting light evenly, for example over an area of three square feet or four square feet. Lesser quality reflectors may provide intense light directly beneath the lamp, although they do not do a good job “To ensure that you of spreading the light intensity to are making the most reach the plants on the outside of use of the lights the garden canopy. you have, look for There are some tremendous reflectors that offer differences in the ability of one a photometric chart reflector over another to rethat illustrate their distribute the light intensity evenly, performance.� in a desirable lighting foot-print

Seven Steps to Bigger Yields for your garden. To ensure that you are making the most use of the lights you have, look for reflectors that offer a photometric chart that illustrate their performance. Use the right reflector for the right wattage lamp; sometimes mogul extensions may be required when working with lower wattage lamps, and finally, invest in a light meter; it will tell you exactly what intensities the plants are receiving, whether right under the reflector or towards the outside edges of the garden.

7 Juicy Roots, Naturally: These roots have been treated with beneficial fungal and bacterial inoculants; notice how thick they are relative to their age.

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Seven: Add some life.

Whether you garden hydroponically, organically, in soil or soilless mediums, your crop will benefit greatly from introductions of bio-active and bioavailable substances rather than just providing flat-lined, synthetic NPK nutrients.

Plants have evolved in an environment as diverse as the earth itself, so they have

“Plants have evolved in an environment as diverse as the earth itself, so they have learned to make excellent use of all of the building blocks in nature provided to them.� learned to make excellent use of all of the building blocks in nature provided to them. Growers who add another dimension in crop nutrition through the application of bio-active nutrients and supplements are often rewarded with higher yields, noticeably higher crop quality and fewer problems such as insects and diseases.

Freshly brewed aerobic teas are an excellent source of nutrients and beneficial life for plants. If your system is not well suited for root applications of aerobically brewed nutrient teas, you

Seven Steps to Bigger Yields

bacteria

Fungi Trichoderma fungi

Bacillus bacteria Pseudomonas bacteria

can apply them as foliar sprays with some level of benefit. Also, there are some specialty inoculants available that are specifically formulated for hydroponics growers, and contain super strains of bacteria such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas as well as beneficial fungi such as Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae. These are available as liquid concentrates or powdered formulations, and can be added to a variety of cropping programs. Most often they are applied to the roots, and when specially formulated, will not clog-up hydroponics growing systems. They are especially well suited to soil and soilless growing medium applications.

So, there you have it. Seven growing tips, that when followed and adhered to, can offer just about any grower in any growing

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situation a bigger yield, healthier plants and better crop quality.

Sure there are many more tips and tricks that all stack up to maximum yields, however, these are a great place to start.

Remember that it is never any one tweak or trick that makes your garden successful; it’s the culmination of all the little things you do to make your garden grow better.You will only get out of it what you put into it.

MY Visit maximumyield.com for articles from Erik Biksa dating back 10+ years.

BEGINNER'S

corner

?

why is ventilation important in A

greenhouse?

?

by Charlene Rennick

Constructing a design that allows for adequate air flow can make or break your greenhouse. Air exchange maintains a healthy balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen. It regulates the humidity which prevents mould and other types of rot from developing. Air circulation is essential for temperature control, plant growth, germination and the longevity of your construction materials.

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Isn’t solar heat enough?

Depending on your choices of construction material and the type of climate you have, your solar heating may need to be supplemented with an electric space heater or a gas-powered source. If you have to combat winter temperatures, the heat gathered during the day will disappear quickly into the extreme cold surrounding your greenhouse at night. Make sure to check the BTU chart on your heater or fan to make sure it is powerful enough to deal with the size of the greenhouse. For safety reasons, you may want to purchase the type of electric heater that has a built-in thermostat and an automatic shut-off gauge. If

you prefer a fuel operated version, check with a retailer for the kind of emissions the fuel may discharge. Producing harmful vapors may not justify using a fuel operated heating device.

Any solar plan would designate vents near the top to dispel excess heat and circulation fans to cool the structure. A popular accessory for greenhouses is a sun shade which can be drawn during particularly hot weather to protect the plants from intense heat. Manual and automatic misting tools are available to compliment the need for healthy humidity levels and to offset the increase in temperature that occurs during the summer.

Check your materials for an insulation factor Single layers of glass, polyethylene and polycarbonate do not provide much insulation between drastically different day and night time temperatures, but are okay if you live in a temperate environment. PVC panes have an average insulation value and once you start doubling or tripling layers, the greenhouse becomes more energy-efficient. If you are using single layers in your panes, you may want to consider doubling up in order to increase the insulation factor instead of spending all your money on heat just to have it sucked out the window.

Keeping it humid without breeding bacteria If your plants require a good deal of humidity in order to thrive, increasing the amount of moisture in the air could create excess water droplets in corners and crevices. These wet areas are the perfect breeding ground for moulds and bacteria. Supplementing solar heat with heat-dispensing grow lights and ventilating the environment will dry this up and re-balance your climate.You will need gauges to assist you with tracking the humidity and temperature in order to avoid unhealthy variations.

Good drainage is also important to prevent bacteria from growing in standing water or the bad kind of insects from becoming attracted to your plant haven.While some insects are desirable, others can be a detriment to your garden.You can choose a plant inventory that will compliment a balance between helpful and harmful bugs. By way of an example, tomatoes and roses attract bugs while rosemary, mint and lavender deter them from sticking around and destroying your foliage.

?

Hydroponic growing systems suit greenhouses Using a hydroponic growing system for your greenhouse as opposed to a soil-based plan will reduce the chances of insect infestation, help you to achieve an optimal air flow and reduce moisture damage. Hydroponic systems include grow lights, ventilation, humidity and temperature control as part of their unique indoor gardening design.

MY

“air exchange maintains a healthy balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen.�

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Tropical Views:

An Undiscovered Indoor Rainforest

by Lee McCall Photos by Madalynne McCall

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The ability to sustain a garden indoors has evolved into one of the most productive industries of our time. This particular market appeals to societies all over the globe due to the benefits that can be achieved through successful practice. Innovation and technologies have surpassed old techniques to develop a plane of new methods, products and discoveries that enable complete crop control. A previous article verified how bananas and sugar cane were easily produced indoors in a controlled climatic laboratory that mimicked the natural habitat of these crops, despite the fact that beyond the walls of this particular indoor

Located in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences is a multifaceted scientific institution committed to leading-edge research, to educational outreach and to finding new and innovative ways to engage and inspire the public. Ten years in development, the Academy is now the largest public Platinum-rated building in the world, and also the world’s greenest museum.

plantation the environment was everything opposite of what the crop favors for ideal conditions. The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park exhibits a similar feat, however, on a slightly larger scale. The creators have combined four different levels of horticultural splendor that represent different regions of the tropical world within the confines of a 90 foot diameter domed greenhouse.

Utilizing state-of-the-art environmental control technology, regions of Borneo, Madagascar, Costa Rica and the Amazon rainforests have been replicated on a completely authenticated MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

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Tropical Views: An Undiscovered Indoor Rainforest

Top: Outside view of the multi-story rainforest shows the circum-navigating walkway and spherical dimensions of the glass greenhouse.

Bottom: A live reef basking under a bank of HID lighting.

“Living coral reefs surround the perimeters of the rainforest exhibit thriving off banks of broad spectrum grow lights.�

display in a series of vertical levels that allows visitors to circumnavigate the glass sphere and experience a different region on each level. Actively scanning the area and absorbing all of the eye-candied elements, the indoor gardening junkie inside me immediately noticed the impressive banks of high intensity lighting fixtures strategically placed in various locations outside and inside the exhibit to support the array of life. The vertical style reflectors directed copious concentrations of artificial light from enhanced metal halide lamps downwards, fueling the plethora of aquatics, flora and fauna that occupy 78

MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

the area. Outside the dome, live coral reefs surrounded the perimeters of the rainforest exhibit thriving off banks of broad spectrum grow lights able to penetrate through the depths of the water with the specialty PAR ratio wavelengths the lamps possess. The sheen of colors revealed from the variety of sea life was vibrant and neon-fluorescent in appearance from the intense grow lights hovering above the surface of the water.

Starfish, coral, sea kelp and other anemones basked under the synthetic sunrays absorbing energy that allows for productive growth.

“The smells were of the jungle, and the moisture was heavy in the air; it was abundantly evident that we were not inside an ordinary greenhouse.�

The sheer size of this exhibit was remarkable from the moment an individual steps inside. Upon entering the dome everyone is required to pass through a safety corridor that allows people to enter the sanctuary without any inside life escaping. This is basically a vacuum sealed room that connects the tropical climate inside the glass orb to the museum environment directly outside the sphere. As Madalynne and I packed inside the approximately five foot by 10 foot space with other spectators, we were given basic directions on how to navigate throughout the structure. As stated before, the exhibit began at floor level where the entrance was located and spiraled up four stories to the top of the immense terrarium.

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Tropical Views: An Undiscovered Indoor Rainforest

“The ceiling of the rainforest provided natural sunlight in collaboration with enhanced metal halide lamps to create supernatural conditions only attained in specific parts of the globe.”

Spectators enjoying the appeal.

easily came within reaching distance showing just as much interest in the crowds as the crowds were in observing the beautiful colors produced on their wings and bodies. Thick foliage erupted from multiple points in the forms of exotic shrubs, trees and vines, each one indigenous to a different tropical region of the world. Amphibians were both heard and seen when looking close enough into the dense canopies of lush vegetation as the brilliant colors of their skin reflect off the various shades of greenery. Free-flying birds cruised from one side of the dome to another in search of the best perching locations out of reach from the crowds, but wary of all possible activity that surrounded them. Different species of orchids were concentrated naturally on the bark of different varieties of trees that absorbed light from above, extracting moisture from the humid air, and fumigating the dome with varying perfumes as we moved closer towards them. My favorite species inside was an enormous Theobrama Cacao plant, the same known for producing the culinary miracle of chocolate, with several pods yielding from the canopy ready to be harvested. Climbing

An instantaneous difference in temperature and humidity was experienced once they released us from the “clean room” into the complex atmosphere of the geo dome. The smells were of the jungle, and moisture was heavy in the air. It is abundantly evident that we were not inside an ordinary greenhouse; sweet aromas of exotic flora flooded the air along with a spectacle of colors that enticed the senses and soothed the mind. As we began our way up the first level, vast amounts of butterflies in a multitude of species fluttered in all directions as if intoxicated by the perfect atmosphere. Showing little signs of fear, they

“The design of the rainforest was ideal for viewing pleasure, as everything stemmed towards the center and was perceptible from multiple angles.”

Kelp and fish in the saltwater tank.

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Tropical Views: An Undiscovered Indoor Rainforest

Close-up view of a tropical plant thriving on a living wall.

vines engulfed philodendrons; strategically placed tree trunks and other large leafed plants that performed as natural support trellises allowed for immense blooms the size of dinner plates to protrude intermittently amongst the vast networks of foliage.

Witnessing the selected varietals alive and thriving within the containment of an indoor garden was truly a representation and mastered art of environmental replication.

Such great production could not be accomplished without an amazing array of photosynthetic technology that outfitted the operation. The ceiling of the rainforest provided the expectancies of equatorial natural sunlight in collaboration with enhanced metal halide lamps to create supernatural conditions only attained in specific parts of the globe, but never all at once. The design was pocketed with circular skylights allowing the bright California sun to penetrate through to the canopies, and supplemented with the special high intensity grow lights staggered in between the structures. Observing from below, I noticed that there were particular banks that remained off, and probably ignited based on the quality of the sun peering in from the outside world, never

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Tropical Views: An Undiscovered Indoor Rainforest

"My favorite species was an enormous Theobrama Cacao plant, the same known for producing the culinary miracle of chocolate."

Various orchid species growing on their preferred substrate, live tree bark.

Tropical plant terranium.

allowing vegetative and flowering production to lag. Similar to La Villette in Paris, special misting devices maintained humidity levels that the vegetation desires. Never dropping below 75 per cent humidity, and consistent temperatures of 82 to 85째F, kept the environment exact as if in the natural habitats. Without sensory perception, an individual might never know they were inside a man made structure.

Staggered off the sides of the indoor walkways around corners, were hydroponic vertical gardens that hung on various walls energized by individual lighting combinations. Carnivorous

plants and tropical flowers emerged from multiple sites along the wall allowing viewers to personally see how life is sustained vertically, occupying little space with the simplicity of light and water. Peering down to the depths of the dome, a 100,000 gallon Amazonian tank flooded the bottom floor where large catfish and Red Belly Piranhas cruised swiftly through the oxygen rich solution active with aquatic vegetation. The top point of the dome directed crowds via elevator down beneath the surface of the indoor jungle to literally walk underneath the bellies of these fish and plant life allowing for an up close examination of a bottom-to-top view. It is magnificent to witness exotic fish swimming above and even further past those, seeing the tropical canopies jut out towards the center of the dome in search of the natural and synthetic light sources as to escape the thickly shaded regions.

The design of the rainforest was ideal for viewing pleasure, as everything stemmed towards the center and was perceptible from multiple angles. Aside from the immense indoor rainforest, other exhibits were featured as well. Smaller tanks were scattered throughout the museum with individual grow lights supporting the designated plant life, and some containing other forms of fauna such as chameleons, anacondas and poisonous frogs kept separate from contacting the open rainforest and visitors. Even bats, which hung in specialized tanks that resembled caves full of stalagmites and stalactites, were available for informative viewing. A two and a half acre living roof full of indigenous vegetative species covered the top of the building promoting a sustainably green aerial view, and two different aquariums totaling approximately 350,000 gallons of water housed live examples of the Philippine Coral Reef and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Leaving the museum we attained full sensory satisfaction; everything outside seemed almost dull as we were no longer surrounded by the different realms within our world.

The museum offered some of the best natural examples of life in past and current existence. All we can recommend is that you, the reader, experience it for yourself.

MY Take a walk through the rainforests of Borneo, Masagascar, Costa Rica and the Amazon, courtesy of these photos from Lee and Madalynne McCall on maximumyield.com

Lowest level of the indoor rainforest reveals a 100,000 gallon freshwater tank.

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by Andrew Taylor: Chemist of Flairform

Nutrient Management

In addition to following proper dosing guidelines and controlling pH, EC, etc., it is important to control the nutrient’s environment.

"It is common to blame the nutrient for poor growth, however, in most cases, the true cause is poor hygiene practices."

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Copyright ©2008 www.flairform.com

Nutrient disinfection It is common to blame the nutrient for poor growth results.

However, in many cases, the true cause is poor hygiene practices, especially the failure to regularly disinfect the nutrient solution. To prevent disease ingress (figure two), the nutrient solution, medium, roots (etc.) should be regularly sterilized.

Sterilizing agents must yield a residual chemical when dissolved in the working nutrient solution so that the entire system is treated each time plants are watered. Historically, chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite and monochloramine are used for this purpose. However, monochloramine has the advantage of possessing a long half-life, is gentle on roots and is compatible with the majority of organic mediums and growth promotants.

Figure two: Root browning is a typical symptom of the root diesase 'pythium'.

"Monochloramine possesses a long half-life, is gentle on roots and is compatible with organic mediums."

Oxygenation (Aeration) of nutrient Plants consume oxygen via their roots for the process of respiration. For this to occur, the oxygen must be dissolved in the nutrient solution. This is achieved via aeration.

Aeration methods: As seen with stagnant water, simply exposing a body of water to air does not aerate it. System design generally determines how much oxygen becomes dissolved in the nutrient. Maximum aeration is achieved by breaking the water up into as small a particle size as possible via a tumbling treatment (e.g. waterfall, fountain, etc). In hydroponic systems, aeration can be achieved by:

Nutrient temperature It can be beneficial to maintain the nutrient solution temperature within a range of 68-77oF. This will usually be achieved if the air temperature is controlled.

Still too cold? A cold nutrient solution (or cold roots) can lower nutrient uptake. If nutrient temperature remains excessively low, a ‘water heater’ can be used (figure one).

Too hot? Hot nutrient can cause disease and suppressed nutrient oxygen levels. Small tank volumes can be maintained by placing frozen water bottles directly into the nutrient solution. However, for convenience (or larger tanks), a ‘waterchiller’ may be required.

In either situation, burying tanks underground will provide insulation against extreme temperatures.

Figure three: A 'raised' lid permits airflow within the reservoir whilst still preventing light and dirt ingress and evaporation.

Airflow helps prevent stale air and fungus/moulds.

MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

Copyright ©2008 www.flairform.com

Copyright ©2008 www.flairform.com

Figure one: Water heaters (left) are useful for heating nutrient in winter. In summer, 'waterchillers' (right are effective for cooling. These items can be thermostically controlled.

• Delivering the nutrient solution via spray jets.

• Designing the hardware (for re-circulating systems only) such that the nutrient splashes into the reservoir when it returns from the roots.

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Nutrient Management

Figure four: Air stones are a reliable method of ensuring oxygen levels are adequate.

Copyright Š2008 www.flairform.com

In either case though, it is critical to "Air must be well ensure that the air is well ventilated ventilated for aeration to occur; where the aeration occurs; otherwise otherwise it can quickly that air will quickly become depleted become stale." of oxygen or stale – figure three.

An air stone and air pump can also be used. Air stones have the added advantage of promoting circulation of the nutrient reservoir to ensure it is evenly mixed (figure four). Make sure to position the pump in a well ventilated area.

Note: Oxygen also aids in keeping the nutrient sterile due to its mild disinfecting properties.

maturity. Failure to do so may prevent the plants from reaching maturity.

Minimize exposure of nutrient and roots to light Light will accelerate the growth of algae and pathogens.

Further, some brands of chelated trace elements can decompose from exposure to UV light, which causes them to become unavailable for root up-take. Therefore, minimize exposure to light as much as possible by placing a lid on the nutrient reservoir, and other regions of the system where nutrient is exposed to direct light.

In achieving this, ensure the design allows adequate ventilation of air otherwise this air will become humid and susceptible to disease. For example, when placing a lid on the reservoir, have it in a raised position so that air can freely enter and exit (figure three).

MY

Copyright Š2008 www.flairform.com

To support optimum plant growth, a nutrient solution generally requires a minimum oxygen concentration of around three milligrams per quart. It is generally noted that superoxygenation fails to deliver improved growth results.

Also, there is a common belief that high temperatures cause oxygen levels to become inadequate. However, by referring to the table you can see that water can hold seven milligrams per quart of oxygen when at 104oF. Growth problems at higher temperatures "Super-oxygenation, could be attributed to as recently noted, fails to photorespiration, increased deliver improved growth bacteriological activity, etc.

Because new roots are the main results." supply path for oxygen, if new root growth is restricted then oxygen supplies will be restricted.

Hence, when selecting pots/channels, ensure they will accommodate the likely root volume of the plants when at full

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Articles by Andrew Taylor on ventilation, lighting, nutrients, pH and more can be found maximumyield.com

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by Luis Bartolo

"The USA possesses more than 20,000 varieties of soil."

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"The development of soils by man (agriculture) is one of the most influential factors of why soils differ regionally."

Soil is one of the three major natural resources, alongside air and water. It is a marvelous product of nature and without which there would be no life.

Soil is made up of three main components – minerals that come from rocks, organic matter which is the remains of plants and animals that use the soil and the living organisms that reside in the soil.

The proportion of each of these is important in determining the type of soil that is present. But other factors such as climate, vegetation, time, the surrounding terrain and even human activities (e.g. farming, grazing, gardening etc.), are also important in influencing how soil is formed and the types of soil that occur in a particular landscape.

Soil can form from the rocks below or from rocks a very long distance away - perhaps being carried by wind or water. The glaciers of the last ice age acted as giant bulldozers pushing huge amounts of soil along as they grew and dropping the soil as they melted.

Soils of the world Did you know that there are thousands of different types of soil across the world? The USA alone possesses more than 20,000 varieties.

In this section you will find out about the main reasons why soils differ regionally, as well as soil mapping and the numerous attempts that have been made to classify them.

Why do soils differ?

There are numerous reasons why soils differ regionally.

The most influential factors include the parent material (the rocks from which the soil has come), the climate and terrain of the region, the type of plant life and vegetation present and, of course, human influence.

Parent material - this refers to the original underlying rock upon which the soil formation takes place. Essentially, the nature of parent rock in a particular region will affect the type of soil that eventually develops. For example, in an area of mainly sandstone, the soil formed due to the weathering of the rock is likely to be well-drained, course and sandy.

Climate – The world consists of a broad range of climatic regions, each with its own specific types of soil. A common example of this is tundra soil, which tends to occur mainly in northern-hemisphere areas such as the Arctic and Scandinavia, where the climate is often cold, the organic materials do not break down easily and peat tends to form.

In contrast, red and grey ‘desert’ soils which are found only in hot, arid regions, such as Africa and the Middle-East, contain very small amounts of organic material because it is rapidly oxidized under the warm conditions. These soils tend to leach less than the tundra soils.

Terrain – this is another important factor in soil development. Areas with many slopes in the land tend to have more freely drained soils, as water can run off or percolate more rapidly. In contrast, regions with mostly flat areas of land can often be waterlogged, because of the lack of gradient to promote lateral or sideways flow.

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What is Soil?

Plants – The type of plant life and vegetation obviously varies according to a region’s climate and other factors. Plants also have a strong influence on soil development; they take up nutrients from the ground, whilst adding organic material to the soil surface.

Humans – We should not forget the influence of man who has managed the land over the last few thousand years.

Agriculture, in particular, has had a big influence on developing the soils we see today.

Soil Classification Over the years, there have been numerous attempts to give names to soils and to group them into natural classes, in much the same way as plants are named and classified. Classification is important in order to allow comparison between the soils of different regions, and to facilitate information transfer and organization of the growing knowledge about the main types of soil that occur around the world.

The first true soil classification was produced in the second half of the 19th century by Dokuchaiev in the USSR. Dokuchaiev suggested a theory of ‘zonal soils’, where soil types came from clearly defined geographical and climatic locations.

In 1953, Kubiena produced a system of classification that proved to be popular and is still widely referred to. His system consisted of five main soil groups (and many sub-groups), arranged according to specific horizon classes, as well the type of 'humus' present.

A SOIL PROFILE Horizons 0” O 2”

A 10”

B

30”

C 48”

Influenced by Kubiena’s ideas and other previous classifications, two international soil classifications have been developed since the 1960s, the American ‘Seventh Approximation’ classification system published in 1960, and the Food and Agriculture Organization classification in the 1970s.

These have been many attempts to provide a unifying classification as a basis for technology transfer, but this has been hindered by the use of new, often complex terminology for describing soils. For example, the American class names in their system include the terms 'entisols', 'inceptisols', 'aridisols', 'mollisols', 'spodosols', 'alfisols', 'ultisols', 'oxisols' and 'histosols', which to the layman may not mean very much! Although the American and FAO systems are widely discussed and referred to, many countries still use their own national classification systems by preference.

It is incredible to think that there is still so much that is unknown about soil types, and that new discoveries are continuously being made all the time. Unfortunately, there is still no universal standard for soil classification, although the recent World Reference Base (WRB) for soils may address this in the future.

"Although the American and FAO systems of soil classification are widely discussed and referred to, many countries still use their own national classification systems."

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What is Soil?

Soil and the Economy Soil plays a crucial role in the economy of countries. Farming and agricultural industries are probably the most reliant upon soil, particularly in respect to crop production, which has risen dramatically in the last 50 years in order to cope with the demands of an equally rapidly growing global population.

The demand for more crops has increased the demand for plant nutrients in the form of fertilizers. For a long time, many farms relied on animal manure for this. However, most farms in the west now use artificial fertilizers, because it allows for more control over which nutrients should be applied to the soil and when.

In the developed countries of the world it has been possible to increase the productivity of soils immensely because of the introduction and development of such fertilizers For example, the use of nitrogen fertilizers has increased 15-fold in the UK in the last 50 years, and over the same period yields of some crops have trebled. Research conducted into crop growth, and how soils release nutrients to plants, has enabled farmers to use suitable and better adapted fertilizers for different crops and soils, and thus add to the fertility of their soils.

There are many other economic land uses that are dependent on the soil, particularly forestry. Trees are usually longer term 'crops' in which an important relationship is built up with the soil to establish a nutrient balance.

"Farming and agriculture has risen dramatically in the last 50 years in order to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing global population."

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Organisms in the Soil It is hard to believe that a single teaspoonful of soil contains over four billion microorganisms, which is more than half of the planet’s entire human population! Can you even begin to imagine how many you would find in a garden, or even your nearest park?

Soil is populated by an amazing variety of living creatures, ranging from tiny microbes such as bacteria and fungi (microbeasts), to smaller insects such as centipedes and other animals such as worms (minibeasts) and larger animals such as moles and rabbits.

Many of these organisms have very important functions. For example, certain microbes can break down resistant organic matter such as lignin, or chemicals such as toxins and pesticides.

Others perform a similar process on minerals, thereby releasing nutrients for the plant.

Bacteria, an essential group of soil micro-organisms, are responsible for much of the decomposition of organic material in soils. They are usually present in top soils in very large numbers and play an important role in converting more inert forms of nitrogen to ones that can more readily be taken up by plants.

Earthworms are another vital species, because they help in the decomposition of organic matter in the soil, as well as improving vital functions such as aeration, water infiltration and drainage. In fertile soils they can number two million per hectare or more! When it rains, worms will come to the surface so they don't drown. Go and look!

What is Soil?

Soil and Water There is an important link between soils and water, the quality of our water being closely linked to the quality of the soils.

Water in the soil supplies plants and animals, but acts also to transport nutrients and other important substances from the soil to plants and microbes, etc.

However, too much water can have damaging consequences.

For example excessive rainfall can result in problems like soil erosion, and can waterlog plants and vegetation thus depriving their roots of air. Thankfully, certain properties of soil can reduce the possibility of this happening.

There are several stages in the interaction of water with soil.

Firstly, it enters the soil through a process known as infiltration – the higher the rate of infiltration, the more water is soaked up by the soil, and will be available to plants. Also, less water will run off the surface, eroding the soil, and washing away nutrients.

Secondly, water is stored in the soil and released when required by plants. Following this, drainage (percolation) of the water occurs when there is too much for the soil to cope with. The excess water drains freely out of the soil, taking with it dissolved and suspended material in a process known as leaching. Soils can vary greatly in their ability to perform these functions.

Pollutant Control Another amazing feature of soil is the way it acts as a 'filter' against many forms of harmful substances (pollutants).

Research by soil scientists has shown that soil can have a major role in the transport of pollutants. Water in soil can transport substances such as nitrate, phosphorus and pesticides to water sources such as rivers, and whilst they are important to soil and plant life, these materials are generally considered harmful to humans and wildlife when they exceed certain quantities.

However, soils can also modify the impact of pollutants. For example, in wet conditions soil nitrate is converted into nitrogen gas, where it can be safely released into the atmosphere. Similarly, pesticides can be broken down into harmless substances by certain micro-organisms present in the soil. Phosphates are mostly filtered naturally during drainage of water (percolation), as they become tied to soil particles, and are trapped in the soil.

"Soil is a great preserver of artifacts, protecting them for thousands of years and providing an important source of information about past climate."

Soil is also effective at filtering ‘urban’ pollutants like oil and metals. Oil in particular is an organic substance, which soil microbes can break down into carbon dioxide and water. Metals such as lead from petrol, however, cannot be broken down in such a manner, but the soil can often retain them until they can be absorbed into plants, which can then be disposed of safely.

Soil and Archaeology Soil is very important for archaeologists, because it provides a source of information about past climate, vegetation and animals (ecofacts), as well as man-made artifacts such as ancient metal tools, coins etc.

Soil can preserve all kinds of things for thousands of years.

However, its ability to do this depends on the soil conditions, especially the amount of water present in the soil throughout the time the items are buried. Waterlogged soils are particularly good at preserving objects, because they contain very little dissolved oxygen, which is needed by the soil organisms responsible for decay.

Searching for ‘ecofacts’ such as plant and animal remains, is a useful means of reconstructing how the ecology and environment of the surrounding land may have once been, and how it has changed. Fossilized snails and insects are particularly good for estimating past climate, whilst preserved pollen grains and seed can reveal which plant species made up the natural vegetation.

Additionally, soil and crop marks (best visible from the air in dry weather) are good indicators of past use of the land.

These markings generally appear due to different levels of crop growth caused by buried structures such stone-walls and refilled ditches.

MY A variety of articles from Luis Bartolo are available exclusively at maximumyield.com

"Soil is an effective filter of urban pollutants like oil and metals, which soil microbes break down into carbon dioxide and water."

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TIPS &

tricks

Why you Should

Buy a Living Christmas Tree

by Glory Lennon

"A living tree when planted and cared for properly can live for another century."

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The Lorax is beside himself, environmentalists gasp for air and tiny critters cry bitterly.Yes, it is that time of year when trees are systematically chopped down in the prime of their life to be dragged home and strewn with non-biodegradable tinsel, glittering spheres and colorful lights and for what? To be admired for only a scant few days before it is unceremoniously discarded with the other "Doesn’t it make holiday trash. more sense to put all Don’t these folks know that money towards that having a living something that will live Christmas tree is so on in your garden." much better than getting a cut tree? Well, perhaps it is time for someone to tell them the benefits of forfeiting a cut tree for a living tree.

Christmas trees do a booming business generating millions every year and though considered a renewable crop, doesn’t it make more sense to put all that money towards something that will live on in your garden always reminding you of a particular holiday perhaps when the entire family got together or the last one with Grandpa or baby’s first Christmas? A living tree when planted and cared for properly can live for another century.

One thing that is different about getting a living versus a cut tree is the variety of plant material available. Cut trees come in just a few varieties. Not so with the living tree. The options are virtually endless. This is where you can show off that creativity you’re always bragging about.You can easily

$

$

find a potted Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Norfolk Island Pine,Yew, Boxwood, Holly or Hinoki False Cypress, all of which would make unusual choices for holiday decorating but are as wonderful as they are charming additions to the landscape once planted outside.

So, how does one deal with a living tree properly? It’s not as simple as going down to the local nursery and picking up an eight foot tall tree two days before Christmas. There is planning involved.You have to consider where to plant the tree.

In your yard is the obvious choice but you could also give it to the local park or plant it in an area recently devastated by fire as a gift to Mother Nature, if you will.

Which tree to get needs careful thought too. Some conifers can get quite large as in the Scotch pine topping out at 50+ feet tall while others, like a dwarf Alberta spruce, can take 30 years before reaching six feet high. But if you were to get an Alberta and plant it in a large decorative pot it can be used year after year as your Christmas tree and the rest of the year spend its time decorating a patio.

Size is another consideration. While most people like to get the biggest tree possible, eight to 12 feet for maximum impact decor, a living tree that size will require a backhoe to get it in and out of the home as it can possibly weigh upwards of 300 pounds. Plus a tree that size won’t likely survive the transplanting defeating the purpose entirely. A small tree with an interesting shape or a different look, therefore, would be what you should look for. Only get a tree as large as you have the strength to move. Even a relatively small four foot high tree including root ball and/or pot easily could be 100 pounds. Be sure to have a few friends with strong backs around to help get it in and out of the house.

The living tree needs a permanent place to live out its rather impressively long existence. Wherever you want the tree to have its permanent home you will need to dig the hole beforehand.

Assuming you live in a not-so-temperate zone where the ground freezes before the official start of winter on December 21, and also assuming you don’t have access to a backhoe, you’ll want to dig that planting hole before the ground gets too hard.

The soil removed from said hole needs to be stored in large pots or buckets to prevent it freezing; either in a garage, tool shed or greenhouse would do. That way as soon as the holidays are over the tree can be planted and on its way to being a lovely addition to your yard.

The one drawback to having a living tree is that it cannot be inside a

"Evergreens are some of the best trees to attract song birds to your garden."

warm house for longer than a few days before it starts to think spring is already upon us.Yes, trees just like bulbs and other plants can be easily tricked into thinking it’s time for leaving the dormant stage behind. For flowering bulbs this isn’t a problem but for a tree, which needs to be planted outside in much colder temperatures then in the average home, this can be disastrous. Once the tree is warmed sufficiently and comes out of dormancy it won’t like being shoved back to cold weather and may die from the shock of it completely negating the effort in buying a living tree in the first place.

Have the tree indoors for no more than a week and then transfer it to a sheltered place to gradually acclimate once again to cooler temperatures. A porch, unheated garage or tool shed would be fine. After a day or two it can be planted outside as you would plant any other tree.

Evergreens are some of the best trees to attract song birds to your garden. Some trees even provide food for them and the constant cover for the birds from both predators and inclement weather make them a favorite for nesting. Buying a living tree will give you a chance to give back to these feathered friends who come faithfully every summer to rid your yard of nasty bugs.

So, what do you think about having a living memory of the holidays planted right outside your window? A living tree MY could actually be the best gift you give yourself.

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temperature and humidity: Winning Factors in the garden

by Isabelle Lemay agr. and MĂŠlissa LĂŠveillĂŠ There is on earth, amazing vegetal diversity! Species abound per millions and vary from one region to another in line with the climatic conditions, the soil quality, the luminosity and many other factors. For one moment, imagine yourself in the African Savannah - the blazing sun heats the atmosphere and the air is particularly dry. Around you long yellowish mature, grass-like wheat is growing. Here and there appear some stunted trees and bushes. Now, transport yourself to the north, in England - the clouds are rushing through the sky leaving only a few sun rays breaking through. The cold temperature, combined with the humidity, gets to the bones and gives you the shivers! But what magnificent nature! The hills radiate from an intense green; so green it seems to glow. These descriptions offer a gripping contrast, helping us understand that vegetal species from these respective regions are well adapted to their environment and would probably not survive in the opposite climate; each requires unique growing conditions.

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"Temperature affects the plant’s physical development by improving or limiting the tissues’ growth and the cells’ division."

Following this logic - it is essential to know the cultivated plants’ particular needs well to obtain good results. The aspects to consider are numerous but the climate, particularly temperature and humidity, certainly influence the growth and the yield (harvest quantity and quality) the most. So, what are the effects of climate on plants and which methods can be used to more efficiently control them in indoor gardening?

Temperature’s role and its impacts Many aspects of plant functions and development are influenced by temperature. We can’t enumerate all of them because of their large number and their complexity but we will tackle the main ones. First, temperature influences certain processes, which directly affect the plant’s growth such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration (Lemay and Léveillé 2009;90). The temperature also affects the plant’s physical development by improving or limiting the tissues’ growth and the cells’ division. Some phenomena are also triggered at a certain temperature level like dormancy, blooming and seed germination. To simplify, remember that the temperature directly influences the harvest’s quality as well as the yield. There lies the importance of ensuring a good control of this factor in the garden in order to meet the cultivated plants’ needs.

GROWTH

TEMPERATURE INFLUENCE ON PLANTS GROWTH

32

50

68 86 104 TEMPERATURE (°F)

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Temperature and Humidity

"The optimal temperature diminishes with the plant’s age, but raises with high luminosity or high CO2 concentration."

For each species, there is an interval of optimal temperature within which the growth is at its maximum. To complicate things a little, this interval can change in time, even for a same plant. Why? Many factors are involved; some belong specifically to plants, like the age or the development stage (growth, flowering), and others are external to the plants, like the growing conditions (luminosity, CO2 concentration).

For example, the optimal temperature diminishes with the plant’s age but raises with high luminosity or high CO2 concentration. Depending on the plant’s state, it is a question of finding a balance between the luminous intensity, the CO2 concentration and the temperature.

Humidity’s role and its impacts Many measurement units are used to calculate the humidity in the air but “relative humidity” is practical and commonly referred to. Expressed as a percentage, relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air compared to what the air can “hold” at that temperature. When the air can't hold more moisture, then it condenses as dew. It is important to know that the air temperature influences the maximal quantity of water vapor that it can contain; at equal volume, warm air could contain more water vapor than cold air.

Humidity’s most significant impact on vegetal species is its considerable influence on plant’s transpiration, one of the most important mechanisms. In fact, transpiration, meaning a loss of water vapor from the stomas, creates the necessary suction to transport the water in the plant and draw water and nutrients through the roots. A high humidity level reduces the transpiration process as well as the absorption and circulation of water and nutrients. So it results into a diminution of the photosynthesis process and the growth, even if all the other conditions are perfect.

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Favorable conditions for light and darkness In nature, plants are submitted to a variable climate between day and night. Generally, they also need different temperature and humidity levels for light and dark periods. For their good development, the majority of vegetal species prefer a temperature that is a few degrees lower at night than during the day. Depending on the scale of the variation, the effects on the crop might be different. Let’s take for example a tomato plant: a large difference of temperature between the light period and the dark period improves fruit production whereas a small variation promotes the leaves and stems’ growth.

Ideal temperature and relative humidity level for day and night Plant

T° - day (°F)

T° - night (°F) RH - day (%)

RH - night (%)

Tomato

70 - 77

59 - 64

60 - 80

70

Cucumber

71 - 82

66 - 71

65 - 85

65 - 85

Lettuce

57 - 64

50 - 55

60 - 85

60 - 85

Pepper

71 - 73

62 - 69

75 - 80

85 - 95

Roses

64 - 73

60 - 62

50 - 60

40 - 60

* The ideal temperature might vary depending on lighting, CO2 and the plant’s age.

Avoiding extreme temperature and humidity variations As mentioned earlier, each plant has a range of humidity levels and temperatures where they’re comfortable. So it is important to maintain the garden’s conditions as close as possible to those values. Harsh humidity and temperature variations are to be avoided, since they severely stress the plants, which might result in significant consequences, such as a major slowing down of photosynthesis and growth, some lesions on leaves or fruits or even the plant’s protein degradation.

Blossom-end rot on tomatoes caused by high or low humidity levels.

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Temperature and Humidity

Tip b urn

Choosing equipment for temperature and humidity control Certain equipment can be used to maintain the temperature and humidity levels in the most profitable range for the plant.

It is necessary to identify which equipment is well adapted to the garden and plants. As most equipment influences at once the temperature and humidity conditions, it is beneficial to combine their actions to obtain a climate that is as stable as possible. Here are some examples of equipment and their impacts on the garden: intake-exhaust fan

Modifies the garden’s temperature and humidity levels by either increasing or decreasing them depending on the outdoor air conditions.

air conditioner

Cools and dehumidifies air.

heating system

Heats and dehumidifies air.

• Each gram of evaporated water extracts 540 heat mist system calories from the air. or evaporative cooler • Based on this principle, they allow air cooling from the water evaporation.

• Humidifies the air.

humidifier Tip burn on cabbage caused by a high humidity level.

It is also important to avoid extreme climates as they are extremely harmful to plants. In the case of very cold or very hot temperatures, the crop’s yield and growth may diminish or stop completely. It could even cause the plant’s death. As for humidity, a too high level limits the transpiration and can provoke a deficiency towards mineral elements, especially calcium. The lack of calcium may lead to other disorders such as “tip burn” on the leaves or “blossom-end rot” on the fruits.

In addition, a high humidity level generally tends to develop bacteria, fungus or molds that reduce the harvest quantity and quality.

• Balance the garden conditions. mist system • The mixing discourages air stratification; for example, or evaporative cooler it protects against a difference of temperature between the bottom and the top of the plants.

Besides judiciously selecting the equipments, it is still necessary to install them at the right location. The equipment should never be placed too close to the plants for prevention against extreme conditions and harsh climate variations. At all times, avoid directing warm or cold air on the plants in order to eliminate a considerable stress.

Inappropriate humidity level is harmful for the harvest A low humidity level brings some different problems, particularly transpiration, which might lead to wilting and plant’s death. To protect itself, the plant closes the stomas and the photosynthesis process is stopped. Also, abundant transpiration sends a lot of water towards the leaves and cuts off the calcium contribution towards the fruits.

With all the disorders caused by a poor humidity and temperature management, we better understand the importance of managing these parameters in the garden properly. Which way is efficient?

"High humidity levels generally lead to the development of bacteria, fungus or molds."

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Humidifies the air from the garden.

"Transpiration creates the necessary suction to transport the water in the plant and draw water and nutrients through the roots.

Taking advantage of controllers to combine precision and simplicity Thermometer and hygrostats are both reference tools essential for temperature and humidity control. Some gardeners choose to manually control these parameters, but they quickly realize that this method requires a lot of manipulations and, at the end, is not precise!

A controller’s functioning is simple: with built-in sensors to measure the ambient temperature and relative humidity, they activate the appropriate equipment when the climate conditions are different than the ones programmed in the controller. Not only does it simplify the gardener’s work, the controller is also a beneficial investment allowing better harvest with high quality and maximum yields. To respond precisely to the plants’ needs, some controllers even offer a different setting for the light and dark periods (day/night). The models that include a light sensor

considerably simplify the controller’s programming; the light activates the day set points while the absence of light activates the night set points. This way, the grower is able to avoid programming errors related to timing devices.

It can also be really effective to use a combined controller, meaning that it simultaneously controls more than one climate parameter and can intelligently manage many pieces of equipment. In addition to improving climate stability, this type of controller allows for better exploitation of the combined equipments’ benefits. Most importantly, the controller simultaneously manages climate parameters that influence each other, like temperature and humidity, and also CO2 concentration (carbon dioxide), which has a major impact on the harvests’ yield.

MY References

Lemay, Isabelle, and Léveillé, Mélissa. Do Plants Need Climate Controllers? Maximum Yield USA, October 2009, 90.

More on temperature, humidity and grow room controllers from Mélissa Léveillé and Isabelle Lemay can be found on maximumyield.com under the author archive.

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GREEN THUMB

gardening

What’s in your water?

by Charlotte Bradley

Water is the fuel that makes the hydroponic garden’s engine run. However, just like gas, not all water is the same.

In urban centers, the water is treated and you can usually find out its mineral composition by making a quick call to your local utility company. In rural areas, our water composition varies over short distances.You may have soft or hard water in your area, while just a few miles away, the water may have sulfur in it.

In order to ensure a healthy garden, you need to know your water. If you are doing a small system, distilled water can make your life easy as it is labeled and chances are there are no changes required. If you use your own water, be careful of the composition. Many people use an all-in-one nutrient mix where all you do is add to water. If, however, you already have minerals in abundance, you may be overfeeding the plant one or more minerals which can be harmful. Some possible solutions: • Treat the water (not always easy or cost effective).

• Make your own nutrient mix by adding only the nutrients deficient in the water.

(Recommended for larger gardens, commercial set-ups and advanced hobbyists).

• Use distilled water (simple and cheap in most places).

• Use city water (let it sit for a few days as chlorine can be a problem otherwise).

MY

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Complete Nutrition part ii

by Evan Folds

“The availability of the most abundant nutrient in the soil is as available as the availability of the least abundant nutrient in the soil.�

Justis von Liebig

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In 1861 a German chemist named Justis von Liebig ashed some plants and upon analysis found the major minerals to be nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and the simpleton idea of the NPK was born. He went on to define what have become known as the “essential plant nutrients,” or those considered needed by a plant for it not to be inhibited in its growth. This was a major step forward in agronomy and in the understanding of plant physiology, but it birthed and fostered a dangerous anthropocentric mindset that cripples us even as you read these words.

Through his investigations into plant requirements von Liebig postulated what is now known as the Law of the Minimum, which states plant growth is controlled not by the total of resources available, but by the scarcest resource or limiting factor. The following aphorism sums it up nicely: “The availability of the most abundant nutrient in the soil is as available as the availability of the least abundant nutrient in the soil.” So basically there needs to be balance amongst the elements in order for them to be relevant to plant growth. This logic certainly makes sense, but let’s hear the rest of the story.

Very literally, when people assume that they have it figured out, things fall apart, as can be seen by the significant decrease in nutrient density in crops over the last 50 years; the reality that people do not get healthy from hospitals; or the fact that most miracle grow products contain only half of the essential plant elements. In other words, there’s something missing. It may not be something that prevents a plant from growing, but this something certainly prevents plants from thriving, and there is an extraordinary difference.

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Complete Nutrition: Part II inherent values and their influence.” Source: Fauna in soil ecosystems, by Gero Benckiser (p6).

“The new frontier in farming and indoor gardening is the concept of “complete” nutrients. No longer are we discussing what a plant must have, but what they desire.”

Hydroponic fertilizers cover all of the essential elements, but what about the elements that plants desire, or the elements that are not vital to plant development but that are fixed by plants as nutriment for the animals that eat them (including us), or the elements needed by the micro-organisms that protect and help a plant to eat. There is more to growing a plant than the plant. Our tunnel vision gets us in trouble…big trouble. It’s time we provide plants what they desire, not simply what they must have, and the same is true for people. We can survive on fast food, but we do not develop in health. It turns out even von Liebig had his regrets, saying in his old age: “Unfortunately the true beauty of agriculture with its intellectual and animating principles is almost unrecognized.

The art of agriculture will be lost when ignorant, unscientific and short sighted teachers persuade the farmer to put all his hopes in universal remedies, which don’t exist in nature. Following their advice, bedazzled by an ephemeral success, the farmer will forget the soil and lose sight of his 110

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Bottom line, our agronomic system is still based on information put forward in the 1800’s. Food and water are the lifeblood of humanity, yet, when viewed from a distance, we arguably disrespect them more than anything. We wouldn’t feed babies fast food, so why do we feed what is feeding our babies fast food?

There are a million ways of looking at it, but none of them make sense.

Before we can discuss what elements plants can use and benefit from in addition to what the “experts” tell us, we must establish what they deem as “essential”. There is healthy debate in this arena, some say 16 elements are essential, others 19; most hydroponic nutrients have no more than 17. The short answer should be all of them. Why not feed a plant (and its ecosystem) everything? Think about it this way; why do we assume plants need less than 20 elements when they end up with more than 20 in their tissue? With no consensus on a number I did a simple web search to determine how we will define “essential” for this article. I polled the first 10 websites posting information from the search

“essential nutrients and plants” and took the majority opinion.

According to this basic rational, a plant needs 16 elements to reach maturity and not be inhibited to grow physiologically or metabolically. They consist of three non-mineral elements that plants acquire from the atmosphere: hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), carbon (C) and 13 mineral elements primarily obtained from the roots: nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mb), chlorine (Cl).

“If you have even a cursory understanding of hydroponics you have heard the expression “complete nutrient”, which generally means that the fertilizer has all of the elements necessary to allow plant growth.”

It may not be scientific, but a main idea in this article is to illustrate how unscientific and irresponsibly we have arrived at the certainty that defines, limits and maintains a choke hold on modern agriculture and, in turn, human health.

Consider that humans create the mechanisms and technology that determines our collective truth. In other words, we define what we want to believe and sometimes what we believe is defined for us. Does the profoundness of that need to be explained? For instance, when the USDA defines primary nutrients in a certain way, this has instructed every farmer for 60 years to focus solely on only 16 elements, meaning all of the research and grant money was geared towards empty artificially-based endeavors and our soil tests, spectrometers and troubleshooting capabilities are all calibrated on a deficient platform. In fact, I just looked up a soil test from North Carolina and we only test for eight elements. This is but one example of the power of the ego when left unchecked; however, it is best described as a closed mind.

If you have even a cursory understanding of hydroponics you have heard the expression “complete nutrient”, which generally means that the fertilizer has all of the elements necessary to allow plant growth. The new frontier in farming and indoor gardening is the concept of COMPLETE nutrients. No longer are we discussing what a plant must have, but what they desire. Again, why not give a plant everything?

Complete is capitalized here to emphasize the previous misuse of the word in regards to the concept of basic hydroponic fertilizers. The results speak for themselves. The feedback from growers and retail stores that have begun buying and selling the new biodynamic and sea-mineral-based and organic products on the market is that yields are higher and more consistent, but mostly that growers sometimes have a hard time explaining the MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

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Complete Nutrition: Part II

Anabaena cylindrica

“It is hard to find land animals that can live upwards of 100 years as is the case with many ocean going animals.” remarkable results they are seeing, saying, “my plants are perkier, greener, I don’t know, they just look better,” “not only are the plants producing more, they don’t have as many pests,” or “… all I can say is that this is another level of growth.” Seriously.

Bottom line, if you are an experienced grower, challenge yourself; you will see the difference.

Consider the element cobalt (Co). It would never be included on a common soil test, even a conscious soil test, as it was never deemed “essential” by the powers that be. Since the dogma of NPK and essential nutrients was established we have

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learned that cobalt is vital to animal growth. Cobalt is found in high amounts in alfalfa and red clover, which is coveted by livestock, who will go to great lengths to seek it out. It has also been found beneficial to the nitrogen-fixing algae Anabaena cylindrica, not for its growth, but for its color development. Chlorine is another element needed by animals that was long thought not needed by plants, but has since been found to be “essential.” Who knows the natural secrets that occur when plants are allowed the presence of everything?

What are we missing out on with our tunnel-visioned approach to agriculture? Are we so vain to think we have it all figured out?

Dr. Maynard Murray was a pioneer in trace element-based agriculture. His research is compiled in a book called Sea Energy Agriculture that is born of an observation that animal and vegetable life in the sea is far healthier than similar life on land. For instance, sea trout are not prone to cancer, while their fresh water siblings develop chronic cancers. Similarly, it is hard to find land animals that can live upwards of 100 years as is the case with many ocean going animals. In his quest to figure out why, Dr. Murray articulated conclusive evidence of the benefits of supplementing hydroponic crops with a COMPLETE arsenal of nutrition, representing all elements, not just the ones that plants have to have.

In his book, Dr. Murray provides evidence of plants with a higher nutrient density, tomatoes with higher vitamin C content and carrots with greater vitamin A content using sea minerals, but what is most interesting is the effect on the animals that were fed the produce. From generation to

Dr. Maynard Murray’s research is compiled in a book called Sea Energy Agriculture that is born of an observation that animal and vegetable life in the sea is far healthier than similar life on land.

generation the animals that ate the nutrient dense produce matured quicker and were more viable animals over time. We could learn a lot from his results in regards to our current national debate on health care reform.

There is an important broader lesson here - humans collectively take a lowest common denominator approach to life. It is this diluted and short sighted approach that manifests in unexplainable degenerative disease, colony collapse disorder (CCD) in bee’s, pest infestations in crops, even weeds in our lawns and on and on. Given only a fraction of what they desire, plants and animals can amazingly survive on what we’ve figured out are absolutely vital, but the result is collective degeneration. Living organisms are alchemists and have an uncanny ability to compensate for bad diets. When cells do not have all of the tools necessary to carry out their ideal function they compensate with mechanisms that might use many more times the energy to accomplish the process, forcing the organism to work harder than necessary to sustain itself. Literally, this degenerative weakness is the source of all of our so called “problems” in gardening.

MY

“Living organisms are alchemists and have an uncanny ability to compensate for bad diets.”

Maximum Yield’s author archive contains a year’s worth of articles from Evan Folds.

Visit maximumyield.com to read more.

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The Eco Home

by Charles Winslow

The greenhouse attached to the Sun Garden Home serves as a space for produce production, and also an air purifier.

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We live in interesting times – times of great change. Global transitions are occurring that are significantly affecting most life forms on our planet. Currencies, markets and resources are in question. What is the state of health of our planet?

Businesses and individuals are in need of new paradigms to, yes, thrive, but it’s more basic than even that – it’s to survive.

Climate change and the effects of pollution have become even more evident across the globe. According to a new report, California Climate Risk and Response, by UC-Berkeley researchers Fredrich Kahrl and David Roland-Holst, about $2.5 trillion of real estate assets are at risk from extreme weather events, with consequences like a rise in the sea level and more frequent wildfires. The projected annual cost of these problems ranges from $300 million to $3.9 billion.

3% = 25%

"The U.S., as three per cent of the world’s population, currently uses 25 per cent of the petroleum and much of other resources."

The latest Sun Garden Home featured here uses eco-designs that reduce the home's energy consumption by a whopping 75 per cent.

The current lifestyles of the west and east are not only in question but are in transition.

With China and India following the industrial/post-industrial model of the west, their needs will be great. This is half of the world’s population coming live as 21st century consumers. The U.S., as three per cent of the world’s population, currently uses 25 per cent of the petroleum and much of other resources.

From my calculations, if China and India reach the same level of demand, they will need 200 per cent of the petroleum. Over the past decade, I have watched firsthand China move from only a few cars to mass traffic jams easily rivaling if not outjamming the worst in the U.S. Skyscrapers, roadways and other infrastructure are flying up at a rate beyond imagination.

What do you envision for the future of the world – our world?

Your world? For me, alongside the increasing need for more self-reliance and healthier food, I have a vision of people living in greater harmony with our eco-system and our neighbors.

It’s a vision of living more harmoniously with the Earth, where increasing numbers of us walk ever more gently on this wonderful planet. It’s the only home we know, and we can begin to repair it by using less energy and utilizing it more wisely.

The eco-home's greenhouse uses solar lighting to assist with plant growth during the day, supplying enough light for when night falls.

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The Eco Home Incorporating year-round hydroponic gardens that are designed in close proximity to the home assist with supplying fresh, oxygenated air.

What kinds of change does this mean when it comes to our individual homes? I know that not everyone wants to shift their living patterns drastically and abruptly, as cost becomes a paramount factor. Upfront costs are always a major consideration. A gradual transformation in building practices, materials and paradigms eases the way. And that’s what I’ve been doing for a decade now, testing new ideas, designs and systems in new homes.

"The latest design in eco homes has reduced energy consumption by a whopping 75 per cent, with 1⁄3 of the CO2 levels reduced via the plants."

Enter the Eco Home. Or, more accurately, Sun Garden Homes. My latest design has reduced the home’s energy consumption – passively – by a whopping 75 per cent. That’s huge. And that’s news.

The design integrates bountiful, year-round hydroponic gardens, house systems, structures and materials and site design to reduce energy demands – all while bringing fresh, oxygenated air into the home. This approach uses plants and nature to enhance the living experience. As a builder and horticultural and lighting developer, I am tantalized by design possibilities – those existing and those yet to be developed – everywhere. That means this article can only be an introduction to the possibilities, because I have only scratched the surface.

The options are practically limitless.

For a decade now, I have been working toward this vision, to the point where the name Sun Garden Homes truly reflects the “eco home” concept. My goal is to build energy efficient homes where you don’t have to be rich to live more efficiently, in a more self-sustainable way. Don’t we all like the idea of harnessing nature’s energy through earth-friendly means?

Plants enhance the living experience indoors, and with so many design possiblities, the creative options are limitless.

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Integrating energy from the sun, the ground, the air and plants can reduce home energy consumption by over 75 per cent.

My latest home has a reduction in energy by 75 per cent for heating, cooling and lighting. The CO2 levels of the home are reduced by 1â „3 via the plants. Future designs will incorporate an even greater reduction in petroleum use along with active solar energy enhancements and further application of solar elements.

Having returned recently from numerous meetings with solar product producers and designers, I can tell you there are many exciting new developments on the horizon when it comes to active solar energy products.

When it comes to the proverbial car in the garage, plug-in hybrids are just around the corner. Some are due out at the end of 2009, only a year down the road. I already own a hybrid car, and I am excited about this next generation. This is another piece to the puzzle in crafting evermore efficient homes. One estimate is that homes with plug-in hybrid vehicles will reduce their overall petroleum demand by 80 per cent.

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The Eco Home

My homes utilize passive solar/cooling and a greenhouse as a produce production unit/air purifier. The upfront cost on new construction is marginal, ranging from one to five per cent.

The greenhouse is used as a passive solar, magnifying heat/fresh air exchanger and indoor garden in winter. I supply fresh basil year-round to a local Thai restaurant, Siam House.

For summer, in the latest model, cooling costs were 75 per cent less than comparable homes. It delivered an average of $36 per month – for 4200+ square feet. Comparable new construction ran $200-250 per month for cooling. Compared to the five best Energy Star-rated new homes in this area, my cooling cost was just 23 per cent of the other homes per square foot.

So what is passive solar? Since the ‘70s, many have worked on refining passive solar designs. The concept isn’t new, perhaps dating back to the hanging gardens of Babylon. Passive solar captures the sun’s light and heat through window placement,

home site placement and roof overhangs while utilizing a heat sink to store and release the heat during colder seasons.

Overhang widths are designed to keep the high summer sun out and let the low winter sun in. In addition, deciduous trees can be placed to help protect the home from heat gain during the hot summer but let the winter sun shine through.

The greenhouse is opened and closed as supplemental heat is needed. The heat travels via convection and rises to the highest level of the home. The cool air returns, creating a continual loop. The foundation and ground underneath function as the heat and cool sink, and the latest home has a complete envelope of insulation. It utilizes a state-of-the-art hybrid heating and cooling system, with a heat pump for primary heating and gas forced air as back-up. The heat pump becomes inefficient below freezing, at which point the gas furnace kicks in. No geothermal runs are needed.

Typically, two sides or 50 per cent of the basement walls are walkout. These framed walls and the ceilings are insulated with a high-R, blown-in, formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation. I put R22 in the walls and R50 in the ceilings – above local and national codes.

A garden home is beautiful inside and out, with the south side almost all windows that yield onto a close-up view of the outdoors; indoor and outdoor spaces merge.

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"Passive solar captures the sun’s light and heat while utilizing a sink to store and release heat during colder seasons."

Neil Watson, a colleague and friend, visited my prior home during a frigid winter day.Yet we could chat only so long in the home, where the heat got to Neil and we had to step outside into the freezing cold to cool down. The 4500 square foot home had reached 81°F from the sun alone and was heating a 500 square foot garage. I could only smile, for I was having fun showing him what the solar heating could do.

Thanks are due to many people, but I would like to mention Dr. Mike Amaranthus PhD for his incredible contributions with

his mycorrhizae; Anthony Aucone of HQA for his decade of research and contributions with the revolutionary NextGen Electronic ballast; Lawrence Brooke and Neil Watson of General Hydroponics for nutrients and the system for growing tomatoes; Mark Wuilliez of Sunshine Hydroponics for the CO2 monitor; Treg Bradley of Botanicare for Hydro Systems for growing basil and his profound Guardian products; Natalie Baker of Spray-N-Grow for nutrients and her Spray-N-Grow; Gary Hartman of IHORT for his work and contributions with Q plugs; and to my wife Madelyn Ritrosky, PhD for her contributions on the homes and articles. Thanks to one and all.

MY A quick guide to making your home more eco-friendly and additional ideas from Charles Winslow can be found at maximumyield.com

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Beneficial Soil Microbes

by Brian Mack

“Mycorrhizae is generally accepted as the essential factor in soil treatment for serious growers.”

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When world record setting giant vegetable growers suggested that beneficial soil microbes had been a major factor in the setting of their new records, growers started cracking open their college biology books. After their fame became more widespread, there was an outpouring of praise by growers for the beneficial soil fungi Mycorrhizae. Competitive growers coast to coast began experimenting with the new found soil fungi and now Mycorrhizae is generally accepted as the essential factor in soil treatment for serious growers. As top growers began their own research and commenced experimenting with these notoriously beneficial soil microbes, the use of Trichoderma and compost teas started sharing the spotlight with Mycorrhizae. Growers continue to push the microbial envelope reaching for every pound and square foot Mother Nature can possibly provide.

Only this past year a handful of competitivelyexperienced growers began experimenting with yet another promising soil microbe; it is many times smaller than even the microscopic fungi mycorrhizae, and it’s called Azospirillum.

“Already prevalent in India, Israel, Arab states, China, Brazil and the Philippines, Azospirillum is showing increased yields of five to 20 per cent.”

Azospirillum is making its mark globally; already prevalent in use in India, Israel, Arab states, China, Brazil and the Philippines, among other nations, it’s creating quite the agricultural spur.

Over two decades in development, Azospirillum is creating records for increased yields in “real-world” field conditions often by five to 20 per cent. Increasing yields results in a decreased need for costly fertilizers, which has spurred the United Nations to recommend Azospirillum’s use in poor countries where a fluctuation in fertilizer cost can result in starvation, especially among the poorest subsistence farmers.

Upon the initial discovery of Azospirillum, it gained praise for its ability to produce a form of nitrogen that plants can easily use. Certainly this was the reason that the beneficial bacteria yields were higher than that of the control groups. However, in recent years research has shown that the increased root growth and overall plant vigor is not connected to nitrogen fixation alone; as is the case with nature, the answer is elegantly simple: Azospirillum’s nitrogen-producing gene was “turned off ”, yet its ability to produce more root mass, higher dry weight, increased survivability, increased crop yield and increased root hairs remained constant. One factor after another was ruled

out and it’s now an accepted fact that Azospirillum synthesizes the plant growth hormone called IAA (indole-three-acetic acid) in a way that is easily utilized by plants. Although many scientists have tried, none have been able to efficiently reproduce Azospirillum’s delivery method of IAA to the plant a way which ensures maximum utilization by plants.

IAA increases lateral root growth and root hairs, effectively boosting plants’ overall root surface area and increasing their ability to access nutrients.

Furthermore, Azospirillum works symbiotically with Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae to maximize growth and production rates. This tripartite relationship provides leverage against natural events such as soil pathogens, drought, shock, stress and infestations. The relationship of these three microbes has been proven to increase farm production among the poorest farmers in the harshest of conditions, while

Over two decades in development, Azospirillum is creating records for increased yields in “real-world” field conditions often by five to 20 per cent.

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“The symbiotic relationship of Trichoderma, Mycorrhizae and Azospirrilum has proven to increase farm production among the poorest farmers in the harshest conditions.”

delivering more food to the table for less than the chemical alternatives.

Until recently, finding an American source for Azospirillum was nearly impossible. Now Azospirillum is available in the American marketplace, and expectations are high.

The real world use of Azospirillum is long-established and studied, but its use by competitive growers is in its infancy.

American companies are hoping to improve upon 20 years of positive results from throughout the Asian and South American continents by leveraging their technical knowhow. Worldwide results show generally five to 20 per cent yield increases with substantially less fertilizer as the norm when using this microbe, but what will the experience of the backyard and indoor gardener be with Azospirillum?

Expectantly, within a handful of years, competitive growers of North America will reach the generally accepted consensus on the bacteria's usefulness to the sport of competitive growing. Until the American jury is in on Azospirillum, the multi-decade proven track record of this beneficial microbe is undeniably worth taking a look at. MY Further research Azospirillum's effect on common crops: pages 38-57 http://www.bashanfoundation.org/gmaweb/pdfs/Azospirillumreview.pdf Increases root surface area by increasing root hairs: http://www.bashanfoundation.org/cassan/cassangair.pdf Azospirillum and Vegetable Crop Production: http://www.bashanfoundation.org/barassi/barassidynamic.pdf Azospirillum is a non-pathogenic bacteria for use on plants: http://www.bashanfoundation.org/gmaweb/pdfs/azospirillum.pdf Azosprillum produces the plant hormone IAA: http://www.bashanfoundation.org/gmaweb/pdfs/chlorella-iaa.pdf

This is Brian Mack’s first article for Maximum Yield. More articles on mycorrhizae and other beneficial fungi can be found by searching the article archive on maximumyield.com

PRODUCT spotlight

ask for these exciting new products at your favorite indoor gardening store.

Continued from page 38

Humboldt Nutrients DeuceDeuce Think of potassium as the great equalizer in your plants. The process of osmosis allows plant cells to share water and nutrients amongst each other to attain a healthy equilibrium. When one plant cell needs to obtain water from another cell, potassium ions are “pumped”, causing the exchange to occur.

Studies have shown that potassium is especially important during the flowering stage, increasing the plant’s ability to carry out numerous interactions quickly and effectively.

Humboldt Nutrients DeuceDeuce 0-0-22 is the ultimate organic potassium additive for all your favorite plants. When you feed your garden naturally derived potassium, harvested from trusted domestic sources the quality shines through in your crops’ flavors and aromas.

At Humboldt Nutrients we are committed to providing the public with the tools they need to reap a bountiful organic harvest. Try DeuceDeuce as a stand alone additive or as a part of our complete organic program and see the results of superior nutrition. Ask for it by name at your local grow shop.

Thirsty Light Long Now Available Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all moisture meters. The Thirsty Light Long comes to the rescue with an extra-long 7 1 ⁄8 inch probe.

The Thirsty Light is an intuitive digital plant moisture sensor that blinks an LED to alert the user when it is time to water a potted plant. Designed to be unobtrusive, it continuously monitors conditions, testing the moisture level once per second.

It senses five different levels of dryness, causing the light to blink faster as the soil gets dryer. The fifth level, “completely dry”, puts the device in standby mode to

Introducing the Stimul8R from C.A.P. C.A.P. introduces the Stimul8R! It's back - straight from Australia. Stimul8R liquid nutrient additive contains extremely potent plant phyto-estrogens to deliver impressive growing results in indoor and outdoor crops. With Stimul8R, plants can experience accelerated growth rates as well as increased mass and fruit yields with superior node development. For more information contact your local retailer.

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conserve electricity. There is a low-battery mode as well. The Thirsty Light comes with a comprehensive and informative user and watering guide, and is backed by a 30 day manufacturer’s warranty.

Features: • dry point digital circuit • long-lasting LED • corrosion resistant brass probe • two replaceable 1.5 volt batteries • ABS plastic casing • on/off switch Contact your retail distributor for more information.

Mr. Perfect Pot: Handsome and Single Simple and versatile, the Perfect Pot is a great option no matter what you grow. Each Perfect Pot holds two gallons of soil or other growing media, and its shape allows growers to get the maximum number of plants in trays without over crowding. Made of sturdy 25 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic, the reusable Perfect Pot measures 8.5 inches by 8.5 inches by 7.5 inches and it’s now available at your local hydroponic retail store.

SuperStart for Plants – A New Product from Organic Bountea

Another Quality Product from Vital Landscaping, the long-awaited Baseline Plus

Designed for the natural and organic grower, SuperStart for Plants N:3 P:0.06 K1.5 is a special formulation of plant nutrients, minerals, microbes and mycorrhizae.

The rich diversity of microbial life in SuperStart for Plants makes it very effective in giving a boost to fertility and growth for all plants and transplants.

SuperStart for Plants is highly concentrated with no water or fillers; only small quantities are needed to create costeffective results for all growers.

Baseline Plus is incredibly versatile.

It can be used as a “stand alone” plant tonic with plenty of humic and fulvic acid, silica and major biological activity!

Baseline Plus can be used in compost tea to expand your microbial activity and population. You can add Baseline Plus to your regular plant feeding schedule to eliminate a few unneeded products and it won’t clog drippers! With regular Baseline Plus usage, farmers are having larger yields, healthier crops, less disease and fewer insect problems. Baseline Plus will dissipate salt build-up, which will prohibit nutrients from getting locked up in the medium. With Baseline Plus plants have an easier time up taking NPK and micronutrients, which in turn create a bigger, more beautiful plant, crop or tree! Visit an indoor gardening store near you to learn more.

Use whenever you need to: • promote germination and strengthen seedlings • reduce transplant shock and losses • fortify potting soil and planting mixes • support transplanted plants, shrubs and trees • bring tired container plants back to vigorous growth • revitalize depleted soil life and fertility SuperStart for Plants is available now at your local indoor gardening retailer.

TurboKlone™ Introduces the T144 Aeroponic Kloning System The mothership has arrived! Introducing T144 – the newest addition to TurboKlone’s fleet of high performance aeroponic kloners. With TurboKlone you’ll get propagation with an integrated cooling system that keeps temperatures low and helps roots grow super strong. TurboKlone boasts up to a 60 per cent increase in klone sites compared to other systems of similar size. All this without compromising space between sites! Join the revolution and experience how TurboKlone can help you grow better, stronger, and faster than ever before! We’re rooting for you! Available now at hydroponics retail stores.

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PRODUCT spotlight

ask for these exciting new products at your favorite indoor gardening store.

Stealth Hydro Mistic Clone System Now Available with STG Storm Clipper Clone Puck Stealth Hydro joins a growing number of hydroponics system manufacturers that are now including and recommending STG Storm series inserts as the media of choice for their systems.

“Systems manufacturers don’t have a horse in the race when it comes to the media they recommend; media by and large is not a revenue source for them. Their primary concern is that their customers use the best media available, to achieve the best results possible in their systems. Stealth saw better success with the Storm Clipper clone puck than with the neoprene puck they sold for years. It made their system better and they have generated more sales because of it,” says Cary Senders of Sure To Grow.

The Storm Clipper fits all clone systems and is the only puck that is designed to be taken from the clone system to the next stage of growth. For more information contact an indoor gardening store near you.

Wonder Soil’s Gardening Survival Kit® Wonder Soil’s Gardening Survival Kit® contains seed starting/planting pots made of biodegradable coir fiber.

The Survival Kits come in two, three, four and six inch pot sizes and are packaged along with the corresponding wafers for planting.

The coir pots reduce root shock because the pot and plant is transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground after the roots break through the pot walls.

Allows for easier planting and promotes better aeration and drainage.

For more information visit your local indoor gardening retail store.

Wonder Brick Plus® from Wonder Soil Wonder Brick Plus® is a complete and rich potting mix enriched with worm castings and more polymers. Each package contains seven wafers, four inches in size that can be expanded as needed. Great for larger planting projects in non-trafficked areas.

Wonder Brick Plus® saves up to 50 per cent water.

For more information visit your local indoor gardening retail store.

Introducing Hydro-Fungicide from Homegrown Hydroponics This root zone therapy is a waterbased biological contaminator. It kills 99.5 per cent of bacteria cells.

Used weekly as a preventative maintenance, Hydro-Fungicide will help to prevent fungus gnats, keep your reservoir sparkling and promote a healthy root zone. When problem areas occur, use daily until area reservoir is treated. For more information on Hydro-Fungicide visit an indoor gardening retail store near you.

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Field Guides I and II by Dr. Elaine Ingham, compiled by Dr. Carole Ann Rollins

Sentinel Environmental Controllers Now Available

These reference books are for truly dedicated growers questing for scientific knowledge and answers about organic growing, the interface between synthetic and organic growing materials and parameters to follow when using compost tea in either system. Field Guide I is a 171-page compilation about current research on Actively Aerated Compost Tea (AACT) in Field Applications.

As an indoor gardener, you know quality when you see it. Now you can have it with Sentinel Garden Controllers! The functionality of these controllers runs the gamut from the Cooling Thermostat’s simple temperature control to the all-in-one control offered by the Master Digital Timer. For CO2 enrichment, Sentinel has gardeners covered as well: growers can produce the right amount for their garden with one of four CO2 generators, and control it with the CO2 PPM controller. That’s just the beginning, though, because from lighting control to humidity and everything in between, Sentinel has the solution!

Look for Sentinel Environmental Controllers at your local grow shop today.

Field Guide II is a 312-page compilation about current research on Actively Aerated Compost Tea (AACT) in Field Applications. Both Guides are organized into chapters for easy reference about compost tea: mechanisms of impact, effects on diseases, ingredients, brewing techniques, brewers and applications. Ask your local hydro retailer to carry these indispensable Field Guides today.

Microbe Poster and Manual – Qualitative Assessment of Micro-Organisms The Microbe Poster (17.25 by 39 inches) shows what micro-organisms look like using a microscope in 32 color photos - microbes typically found in soil, compost, worm castings and compost tea - bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. The Microbe Manual helps you evaluate growing materials qualitatively, and distinguish between the “good guys” and the “bad guys”. The 31-page manual has extremely detailed and scientific explanations of each photo on the poster, with labels to help clarify what you see in each photo and under your microscope.

Please contact your nearest indoor gardening store and ask if they carry the Microbe Poster and Manual from Nature Technologies.

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PRODUCT spotlight

ask for these exciting new products at your favorite indoor gardening store.

Introducing Massive Bloom Stimulator from Green Planet Wholesale

Sure To Grow in Development of the Storm Hail Crouton

Massive is the world’s best flowering additive. A high performance organically-derived flowering cycle nutrient, enhanced with vitamin B plus all the necessary micro elements including the naturally occurring hormones. To increase flower size and taste, and for faster cell division and healthier, more colorful, larger crop yields.

STG is in late stage development of another revolutionary product to compliment the new Storm series. The Hail Crouton or mini cube, is designed to meet demand from customers and retailers who want to use STG in large bucket and net pot systems.

Our STG grow room trials have been very encouraging. Matt the Grower has been all over this and believes this product could be a “game changer”.

We have samples out to 10 growers who will field test for us and give us their feedback. If they see the same success we are seeing, expect this product to be available by year’s end.

Ask your local retailer to stock the Storm Hail Crouton today.

• our flagship product • formulated to achieve the best flowering results for your plants • no other product for flowering will come close • many times copied but never duplicated Available in one quart, one gallon, 2.2 gallons and five gallons. For more information on Massive visit your local grow shop today.

C.A.P. Introduces DigiLux™ MH and HPS Digital Lamps DigiLux™ Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium lamps are favored by growers because of the wide color spectrum and efficiency. They are engineered for use in digital ballasts and deliver 25 per cent more energy in the red and orange spectrums; as well as 30 per cent more energy in the blue, violet and green spectrums. DigiLux™ lamps are hot-start approved and can be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures. For more information contact your local retailer.

MY You can find all of our products online at www.maximumyield.com. Each month your favorite new product profiles will be featured on our website. Get the latest information on what will make your garden grow.

Do you want to be included in the product spotlight?

Contact the editor at 1-250-279-2677 or email editor@maximumyield.com

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DO YOU

know?

1

2 3

4

Simply exposing a body of water to air does not aerate it. Maximum aeration is achieved by breaking the water up into as small a particle size as possible via a tumbling treatment (waterfall, foundation).

Increased root growth and overall plant vigor is not connected to nitrogen fixation alone.

Integrating energy from the sun, the ground, the air and plants can reduce home energy consumption by over 75 per cent, and reduce CO2 levels of the home by 1â „3 via the plants.

Electrical conductivity (EC) is probably the best unit of measurement for feeding strengths because it is universal. Parts per Million (PPM), on the other hand, is not.

7 There is a debate on the number of elements

considered essential for plant growth; some experts say 16, others 19; most hydroponic nutrients have more than 17.

8 The USA possesses more than 20,000 varieties of soils.

9 A tomato that looks as if it is turning into itself

with seed development on the outer surface of the malformed and twisted fruit is known as catface.

10Relatively humidity is the amount of moisture in

the air compared to what the air can “hold� at that temperature.

first true soil classification was produced in the 11The second half of the 19th century by Dokuchaiev in the USSR; he suggested a theory of zonal soils.

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AVANT-GARDENING

by Glory Lennon

Gift Ideas for Gardeners

Gardener’s Journal

Oh, but how dreary winter is for the gardener stuck inside watching snow pile up against the window. The prospect of the looming holiday season does little to alleviate their doldrums. Their outdoor garden after all is under piles of snow and spring is many months off. If there was only something their friends could do to get that spark back in their eyes. But what?

How about gifts to enable these forlorn gardeners to plan for the upcoming growing season, or better yet, get a garden started indoors.Yes, it’ll be a while before they can do any digging in the soil but there is much to do before that to prepare for next season’s outdoor garden. New cultivars to discover, favorite plants to clone and supplies to restock are just a few. There is also much preparation to set up a grow room indoors. And you can help them out by getting them the supplies they need.

A few of the basics all gardeners want and must have require no brain power to think about. Seeds, garden hand tools, garden clogs, pots, plant labels and watering cans are all useful to the gardener, especially one just starting out, but what about those items the gardeners themselves wouldn’t think about? Let’s go over a few of those.

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This is one of those things that gardeners will likely never purchase for themselves and yet it could be a vital tool.

How so? Each entry would be actual proof that something was accomplished that particular day and a year later that entry on April 15 could give a clue as to what should be done again or avoid being done depending on outcomes. Knowing what happened in year’s past can be very helpful in establishing trends and patterns. A journal is much better than relying on memory.

Garden Books

There are only a million of them out there but surely you could find a few with each gardener’s major interest in mind. Bonsai or roses, trees or perennials, shrubs or herbs; there are books specifically on all those topics and many more. Which to pick? Well, if you really love the gardener in your life how about one of each, an entire library?

Rubberized Garden Gloves

These are not to be confused with those hideous rubber gloves only suited for washing dishes. We’re talking nice fitting knit gloves comfortable to wear and with the fingers tipped in super tough and textured rubber for great dexterity when weeding around and planting delicate flowers.

Now that you know what each gardener should have, gather these items up and artfully display them in one of those wire baskets with its own coco fiber liner. Funny enough they can use the basket for plants too and you’ve got a gift any gardener will gleefully cheer over. You may even get a hug!

Now how about things for indoor gardening? Let us look over a few things to get the season going early.

Subscription to Gardening Magazines

This is in the same vein as with books only these come continually with loads of fresh ideas determined to inspire the gardener even in the dead of winter.

Greenhouse

Though not elaborate enough to grow bananas in Alaska the Juliana Quickstar 300 greenhouse kit is the perfect starter for a new gardener. It comes in at six foot seven inches wide by 51 inches deep and six foot five inches long for $800 and can be fitted up with shelves, potting bench(es), heat and lights.

What gardener longing for spring and wishing to get their hands into some soil wouldn’t want any of these things? The answer is none. So go off and buy the lot and don’t forget to buy something for yourself. You should be gardening too.

Seedling Heat Mat

With or without a greenhouse these would surely come in handy to get those reluctant seeds to germinate nicely by distributing heat evenly to the bottom where it’s needed. They sell from $35-$90 and come in sizes to fit one, two, four or more flats.

Grow Lights

There exists a huge variety to choose from and they vary so greatly there is bound to be a grow light set-up to fit any indoor gardening hobbyist’s style. Prices range from the bottom end of $30-$40 for a simple, single-light fixture to those that rotate and move for even light exposure for the plants.

MY MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

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MAX-MART

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MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

I N D O O R

G A R D E N I N G

ON

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MAX-MART

LLC

Phone: 510.903.1808 Fax: 510.764.1246 13762 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577

www.hydrogardendelight.com

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MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

ALABAMA Alabama Organics 3348 Bethel Road, Valley Head, AL 35989 256-635-0802

ALASKA Brown’s Electrical Supply 365 Industrial Way, Anchorage, AK 99501 907-272-2259 Far North Garden Supply 300 Centaur Street, Wasilla, AK 99654 907-376-7586 Far North Garden Supply 2834 Boniface Parkway Anchorage, AK 99504 907-333-3141 Holmtown Nursery Inc. 1301 - 30th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-451-8733

ARIZONA ACI Hydroponics 1325 South Park Lane, Tempe, AZ 85282 800-633-2137 Homegrown Hydroponics 601 East Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 480-377-9096 Homegrown Hydroponics 1702 East Prince Road, Tucson, AZ 85719 520-323-1212 Natural Pools & Gardens 2143 North Country Suite C, Tucson, AZ 85716 520-323-2627 Sea of Green Hydroponics 815 W. University Drive, Suite 110, Tempe, AZ 85281 800-266-4136 Sea of Green West 2340 W. Bell Road, Suite 116, Phoenix, AZ 85023 602-504-8842 Sea of Green Hydroponics 402 North 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-6344

ARKANSAS Fermentables 3915 Crutcher Street, N. Little Rock, AR 72118 501-758-6261 Mickey’s Mercantile 1303 Highway 65 South, Clinton, AR 72031 501-412-0214 Old Soul Organics and More 1771 Crossover Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-444-6955

CALIFORNIA 101 Hydroponics 2550 Vineyard Avenue, #200 Oxnard, CA 93030 805-988-6537

Abundant Hydroponics LLC 1611 Shop Street, #1-A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-54 HYDRO

Best Coast Growers 4417 Glacier Avenue Suite C, San Diego, CA 92120 800-827-1876

Advanced Garden Supply 2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Building C, Unit 9, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-4769

Best Yield Garden Supply 3503 West Temple Avenue, Unit A, Pomona, CA 91768 909-839-0505

Advanced Garden Supply 3113 Alhambra Drive, Unit F, Cameron Park, CA 95682, 530-676-2100 Advanced Hydroponics 17808 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country, CA 91351 661-299-1603 AG Natural 403 Idaho Maryland Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-274 0990 Alameda County Hydroponics 20910 Redwood Road, Suite C, Castro Valley, CA 94546 All Seasons Hydroponics 17614 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344 818-368-4388 Alternative Hydro 3870 East, Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107 888-50-HYDRO Always Sunny Hydroponics 708 W. Swain Road Stockton, CA 95207 209-473-9827 American Hydroponics 286 South G Street, Arcata, CA 95521 800-458-6543 Anthony’s Garden & Lighting Supply 30 Ridge Road, Suites 8 & 9 Sutter Creek, CA 95685 209-267-5416 Anything Grows 10607 W. River Street, Building 3 Suite C, Truckee, CA 96161 530-582-0479 Atwater Hydroponics 3350 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-663-8881 Auburn Organic 4035 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, CA 95602 530-823-8900 B & S Gardening Supplies 590 Commerce Court, Manteca, CA 95336 209-239-8648 Bakersfield Hydroponics 2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-323-7333 Bare Roots Hydroponics 1615 East Cypress, #5 Redding, CA 96002 530-244-2215

Better Grow Hydro Pasadena 1271 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasedena, CA 91106 626 737 6612 Better Grow Hydro Los Angeles 5554 Bandini Boulevard, Bell, CA 91106 323-510-2700; 877 640 GROW Brentwood Hydroponics & Organics 560 Valdry Ct #85 Brentwood, CA 94513 925-634-6704 BWGS West 2247 North Plaza Drive Visalia, CA 93291 888-316-1306 California Hydro Garden 1043 South Glendora Avenue, Suite A West Covina, CA 91790 626-813-0868 California Hydroponics 310 Coral Street, Suite C Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-423-4769 Caliponics Inc. 2030 Viborg Road, Unit 110 Solvang, CA 93463 877-PONICS9 Central Coast Hydrogarden 1951 Santa Barbara Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-544-GROW Citrus Heights Hydrogarden 8043 Greenback Lane Citrus Heights, CA 95610 916-728-4769 City Farmer’s Nursery 4832 Home Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105 619-284-6358 Clover Hydroponics & Garden Supply 2626 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453 707-263-4000 CNG Garden Supplies 22 Ricknbacker Circle, Livermore, CA 94551 209-836-5550 Coca’s Central Valley Hydroponics 116 West Orangeburg Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350 209-567-0590 Concord Indoor Garden 2771 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94519 925-671-2520 Conejo Hydroponics 3481 Old Conejo Road #106 Newbury Park, CA 91320 805-480-9596

A Plant Hydroponics & Organics 1604 Babcock Street, Costa Mesa, CA 95521 949-642-7776

Beginning Hydroponics PO Box 1232, Corona, CA 92787 951-735-4446

Conrad Hydroponics Inc. 14915 Unit E, Olympic Drive, Clearlake, CA 95422 707-994 3264

A Fertile World (Eureka) 65th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-0200

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

Constantly Growing 6200 Enterprise Drive, Suite A Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-642-9710

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

Berkeley’s Secret Garden 921 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710 510-486-0117

Constantly Growing 4343 Hazel Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 916-962-0043

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Constantly Growing - Davis 123 D Street Davis, CA 95616 530-756-4774

Full Sun Supply 3535 Industrial Drive, Unit B-3 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 877-FULL-SUN

Greenfire Sacramento 3230 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95821 916-485-8023

D&S Garden Supplies 17-130 Doolittle Drive San Leandro, CA 94577 510-430-8589

Funny Farms Hydroponics 963 Transport Way, #12 Petaluma, CA 94954 707-775-3111

Green Joint Ventures 61 Tarp Circle, Salinas, CA 93901 831-998-8628

Dazey’s Supply 3082 Redwood Drive, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3002 Direct Hydroponics Wholesale 14228 Alberts Way, Chino, CA 91710 909-606-5885 Dirt Cheap Hydroponics 17975 H Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-4211 Discount Hydroponics 4745 Hiers Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505 877-476-9487 Eel River Hydroponics & Soil Supply 164 Dinsmore Drive, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-726-0395 El Centro Hydro & Brew Supply Inc. 591 main Street, Suite N-2 El Centro, CA 92243 760-235-4985 Elite Horticulture Supply 22330 Sherman Way, C13, Canoga Park, CA 91303 818-347-5172 Emerald Garden 8249 Archibald Avenue, Ranch Cucamanga, CA 91730 909-466-3796 Emerald Garden 13325 South Highway 101, Hopland, CA 95482 707-744-8300 Emerald Garden 307 East Perkins Street, Ukiah, CA 95482 707-463-2510 Evergreen Hydroponics 923 N. Central Avenue, Suite B, Upland, CA 91786 909-946-7100 Everything Green Hydroponics 915 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533 707-432-0774 Everything Green 448 Georgia Street, Vallejo, CA 94590 707-647-0774 Extreme Hydroponics 11479 San Fernando Road C, San Fernando, CA 91340 818-898-0915 EZ Green Hydroponics 7017 Reseda Boulevard, Reseda, CA 91335 818-776-9076 Farm Hydroponics, The 1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-3276 Foothill Hydroponics 10705 Burbank Boulevard, N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-760-0688 Foothills Hydrogarden 3133 Penryn Road, Penryn, CA 95663 916-270-2413 Four Seasons Garden Center 1737 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 510-832-2545

G & G Organics and Hydroponics 901 W. Victoria Street Unit D, Compton, CA 90220 310-632-0122 Garden Connection, The 2145 Park Avenue, Unit 2 Chico, CA 95928 530-342-7762 Garden Depot, The 203 Commerce Street, Suite 101 Lodi, CA 95240 209-339-9950 Garden Highway Garden Supply 598 Garden Highway #22 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-755-2877 Garden Shed, The 1136 El Camino Real San Carlos, CA 650-508-8600 Garden Spout, The 44800 Highway 101, Laytonville, CA 95454 707-984-7260 Garden Spout, The 630 S. Main Street, Willits, CA 95490 707-456-0196 Garden Warehouse 6355 Scarlet Court, #2, Dublin, CA 94568 925-556-3319 Go Big Hydroponics 4501 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 818-789-3341 Go Green Hydroponics 15721 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436 818-990-1198 Golden Gecko Garden Center, The 4665 Marshall Road, Garden Valley, CA 95633 530-333-2394 Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply 8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48, Stockton, CA 95210 209-951-3550 Gottagrow Garden Supply 769 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-544-7782 Grass Roots Hydroponics 31877 Corydon, Suite 150 Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 951-245-2390 Grass Valley Hydrogarden 12506 Loma Rica Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-477-2996 Green Acres Hydroponics 1215 Striker Avenue, Suite 180, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-4394 Green Coast Hydroponics 3560 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 805-898-9922 Green Coast Hydroponics 2405 Mira Mar Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815 562-627-5636

GreenLeaf Hydroponics 2212 Artesia Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-374-2585 Green Logic Garden Supply 860 Piner Road, #38, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-843-3156 Greenmile Hydroponic Garden Supply 1480 South E. Street, Suite D, San Bernardino, CA 92408 909-885-5919 Green Thumb Hydroponics 35 Quinta Court, Suite B, Sacramento, CA 95823 916-689-6464 Green Thumb Lighting & Garden 1647 W. Sepulveda Boulevard, Unit 5, Torrance, CA 90501 888-326-GROW Greentrees Hydroponics Inc. 2581 Pioneer Avenue, Unit D Vista, CA 92081 760-598-7551 GreenWay Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90601 562-699-4201 Grodan Inc. 5152 Commerce Avenue, Moorpark, CA 93021 541-646-8245 Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego 1591 N. Cuyamaca Street, El Cajon, CA 92020 619-749-6777 Growers Choice Hydroponics 1100 Carver Road, Modesto, CA 95350 209-522-2727 Growers Choice Hydroponics 16754 East 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94578 510-278-6200 Grow It Yourself Gardens 401 Sunset Drive, Suite L, Antioch, CA 94509 925-755-GROW Grow King Hydroponics 932 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 213-689-8982 Grow Light Express 5318 East Second Street suite 164, Long Beach, CA 90803 888-318-GROW Grow Your Own 3401 Traval Street, San Francisco, CA 94116 415-731-2115 Grunder Family Organics & Hydroponics 12321 Magnolia Avenue, Suite C, Riverside, CA 92503 877-468-7974 H20 Gardening 355 West 7th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 310-514-1416

Green Coast Hydroponics 496 Meats Avenue Orange, CA 92865 714-974-4769

Hahn’s Lighting 260 E. VA Suite 1, San Jose, CA 95112 408-295-1755

Green Coast Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Boulevard Whittier, CA 90601 562-699-4201

Harvest Hydroponics 6650 Merchandise Way Suite B, Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-622-5190

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

High Desert Hydroponics 13631 Pawnee Road, #7 Apple Valley, CA 92308 760-247-2090

Hydroponics Plus 2250 Commerce Avenue, Suite C Concord, CA 94520 925-691-7615

Mendocino Garden Shop PO Box 1301, 44720 Maint Street (at Hwy. 1), Mendocino, CA 95460 707-937-3459

Hi-Tech Gardening 5327 Jacuzzi Street, #282, Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-4710

Hydroponics Unlimited.com 2728 E. Palmdale Boulevard #121 Palmdale, CA 93550 661-266-3906

Mendocino Greenhouse & Garden Supply 900 East School Way, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 707-485-0668

Hollywood Hydroponics and Organics 5109 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105 323-662-1908 Hooked Up Hydroponics 339 S. Golden State Boulevard, Turlock, CA 95380 209-668-1300 House of Hydro 224 Weller Street, #B, Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-4769 Humboldt Electronics 2547 California Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-443-9408 Humboldt Hydroponics 1302 Union Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-443-4304 Humboldt Hydroponics 2174 Pine Street, Redding, CA 96001 530-241-7454 Humboldt Nutrients 65th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 888-420-7770 Hydroasis 2643 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90232 888-355-4769 Hydrobrew 1319 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054 760-966-1885; 877-966-GROW Hydro Depot 5665 Redwood Drive, #B, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-584-2384 Hydrogarden Delight 13762 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577 510-903-1808 Hydrogarden Mendocino County 1240 North Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-962-9252 Hydro King 105 Hartnell Avenue, Suite C and D, Redding, CA 96002 888-822-8941 Hydro King 2540 South Whitman Place, Chico, CA 959282 530-893-GROW (4769) Hydro-Logic Purification Systems 2825 Mattison Lane, Suite 103, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 888 H2O LOGIC

Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics 1307 W. Sixth Street, #211, Corona, CA 92882 951-479-8069 Igrow Hydro 2280 Veatch Street, Oroville, CA 95965 530-534-4476 Igrow Hydro 9000 Atkinson Street, Roseville, CA 95678 916-773-4476 Inland Empire Hydrogarden 1301-C South State Street, San Jancinto, CA 92853 886-72-HYDRO Inland Empire Hydrogarden 28822 Old Town Front St. #206 Temecula, CA 92590 886-74-HYDRO Innovative Growing Solutions (IGS) 7922-B Miramar Road, San Diego, CA 92126 858-578-IGS7 Kaweah Grower Supply 1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, CA 93293 559-625-4937 Kern Hydroponics 2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-323-7333 Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More 14626 East Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90605 562-945-0909 Let it Grow 1228 2nd Street, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-9086 Let it Grow 160 Westwood Center, Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-8733 Liquid Gardens 21752 Devonshire Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311 818-718-7624 Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics 1772 Clark Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815 562-498-9525 Lumatek Digital Ballasts 33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite B Novato, CA 94949 415-233-4273 M&M Garden Supply 2509 West Lane, Suite B Stockton, CA 95205 209-939-0664

Merced Hydroponics 1809 East 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340 209-726-4769 M.G.S. 22540 D Foothill Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94541 510-582-0900 Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply 224B Reindollar Avenue, Marina, CA 93933 831-38-HYDRO Monterey Bay Hydroponics and Organics 81 Hangar Way, #1, Watsonville, CA 95076 831-761-9999 Myron L Company 2450 Impala Drive, Carlsband, CA 9210-7226 760-438-2021 Mystic Gardens 8484 Florin Road, #110, Sacramento, CA 95828 916-381-2464 National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 1950 C South Grove Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761 888-888-3319 Nature’s Secret Garden and Supply 41469 Albrae Street, Fremont, CA 94577 510-623-8393 NorCal Creations PO Box 28, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 Nor Cal Hydroponics 4837 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118 415-933-8262 Northcoast Horticulture Supply 122 West 4th Street, Suite B Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-9999 Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1580 Nursery Way, Suite Q McKinleyville, CA 95519 707-839-9998 Northcoast Hydrogardens 3450 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7214 No Stress Hydroponics 7543 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046 323-845-9874 One Stop Hydroponics 12822 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606 818-980-5855 Oracle Garden Supply 5755 Oberlin Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92121 858-558-6006

HydroPacific - Hydroponics & Garden Supplies 351 C Hastings Av., Ukiah, CA 95482 707-467-0400

M&M Garden Supply 22540 D Foothill Boulevard, 2509 Westlane Suite B Stockton, CA 95205

Orange County Hydroponics 12687 Beach Boulevard, Unit H, Stanton, CA 90680 714-893-9493

Hydroponic Connection Warehouse, The 1995 Evans Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124 415-824-9376

Marin Hydroponics 1219 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945 415-897-2197

Organic Bountea 1919 Dennis Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 800-798-0765

Hydroponics 4 Less 41669 Winchester Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590 800-A1-HYDRO

Medicine Man Farms 1602 53rd Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601 707-980-0456

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

138

MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

Pacific Beach Hydroponics 1852 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109 858-274-2559

Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - East 4000 Cordelia Lane #4, Soquel, CA 95073 831-475-9900

The Hydro Source 671 E. Edna Place Covina, CA 91723 877 HYDRO 82; 626-915-3128

Pacific Coast Hydroponics 4147 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230 310-313-1354

Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - North 6241 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018 831-335-9990

The Shop 6542 Front Street, Forestville, CA 95436 707-887-2280

Pacific Garden Supply 128 H Carlos Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903

Santee Hydroponics 7973A Mission Gorge Road, Santee, CA 92071 619-270-8649

Thrive Hydroponics 70 A West North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95446 707-433-4068

Seaside Hydrogarden 1070 Highway 101 North, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-465-3520

Thunders Hydroponic Center 1729 Yosemite Boulevard, Medesco, CA 95354

Palmdale Hydroponics 2728 East Palmdale Boulevard Suite 108, Palmdale, CA 93550 661-266-9908 Palm Springs Hydroponics 4651 Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-327-ROOT

Skywide Import & Export Ltd. 5900 Lemon Hill Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95824 916-383-2369

Plant It Earth 2279 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 415-626-5082

Socal Hydroponics 1727-B Oceanside Boulevard, Oceanside, CA 92054 760-439-1084

Plant Life 32 Race Street, San Jose, CA 95126 408-283-9191

South Bay Hydroponics and Organics 569 East Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94041 650-968-4070

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

South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose 1185 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 408-292-4040

Precision Hydroponics 132 Kennedy Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008 408-866-8176

South County Hydroponics 22511 Aspan Street, Suite E Lake Forest, CA 92630 949-837-8252

Pro Gardening Systems 3715 Santa Rosa Avenue #2, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-585-8633

South Valley Hydroponics 320 Kishimura Drive, #3 Gilroy, CA 95020 1-866-848-GROW

Pro Gardening Systems 4936 Highway 12, Santa Rosa, CA 95472 707-538-8402 Pro Gardening Systems 765 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-829-7252 Redway Feed Garden and Pet Supply 290 Briceland Road, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-2765

Sparetime Supply 208 E. San Francisco Avenue, Willits, CA 95490-4006 707-459-6791 Specialty Garden Center 1970 East Vista Way, Suite 10, Vista, CA 92084 760-758-4769 Sun-In Hydroponics 1257A Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-578-5747

TNC Supply 9490 Main Street, P.O. Box 763 Upper Lake, CA 95485 707-275-9565 Tower Garden Supply 3 E Olive, Fresno, CA 93728 559-495-1140 Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies 1235 Striker Avenue #180, Sacramento, CA 95834 888-557-8896 Tulare County Growers Supply 435 W. Noble Avenue, Unit A, Farmerville, CA 93223 559-732-8247 Turbo Grow 1889 San Pablo Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564 510-724-1291 Two Chix Garden Supply 1230 Yuba Street, Marysville, CA 95901 530-923-2536 Under The Sun 12638 Foothill Boulevard, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 707-998-GROW (4769) Urban Gardens 22516 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818-876-0222 Urban Gardens Unlimited 704 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 415-421-4769

Sunland Hydroponics 8300 Foothill Boulevard, Sunland, CA 91040 818-352-5300

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

Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 850 Shasta Avenue, Suite B Morro Bay, CA 93442 805-772-5869

Valley Garden Solutions Inc. 15650 Nordhoff Avenue, Suite 104, North Hills, CA 91345 818-336-0041

Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 3850 Ramada Drive, Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-434-2333

Wai Kula Hydrogardens 5297 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92110 619-299-7299

Sweet Leaf Hydroponics 1611 Sebastobol Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-575-GROW (4237)

Weather Top Nursery 44901 Harmon Drive, Laytonville, CA 95454 707-984-6385

San Diego Hydroponics Beach Cities 4122 Napier Street, San Diego, CA 92110 619-276-0657

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

We Grow Hydroponics 3350 East Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93063 805-624-4566

San Diego Hydroponics North 802 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road #108 San Marcos, CA 92069 760-510-1444

Tahoe Garden Supply 645 Westlake Boulevard, Suite 2, PO Box 487 Tahoe City, CA 96145 530-581-3200

West Coast Growers Hydroponics 13481 Colifax Highway, Grass Valley, CA 95945 888-924-4769

San Francisco Hydro 123 Tenth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Tell 2 Friends Indoor Gardening 62 Sutherland Drive, Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-8171

West Coast Hydroponics, Inc. 27665 Forbes Road, Unit 10 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949-348-2424

Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - West 815 Almar Avenue, Suite K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-466-9000

The Green Shop 66420 Mooney Boulevard, Suite 1 Visalia, CA 93277 559-688-4200

Western Auto 1156 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-1189

Roots Grow Supply 1330 North Hulbert, #101 Fresno, CA 93728 559-840-0122 Sac Hydroponics 9529 Folson Boulevard, Suite C Sacramento, CA 95827 916-369-7968 San Diego Hydroponics East County 11649 Riverside Drive, Suite 141, Lakeside, CA 92040 619-562-3276

MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

139

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

COLORADO

CONNECTICUT

Bath Nursery & Garden Center 2000 E. Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-484-5022

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 775 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118 860-568-4067

Big Tomato, The 14440 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 303-364-4769

LiquidSun® CT 10C South Main Street, East Windsor, CT 06088 860-254-5757

Big Tomato, The 3000 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301 970-375-1238

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

Boulder County Caregivers PO Box 7406, Golden, CO 80403 303-495-2195

FLORIDA

Boulder Hydroponics 1630 N. 63rd Street, #5, Boulder, CO 80301 303-415-0045 Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics 7777 W. 38th Avenue, #A120A, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-954-9897 Denver Hydroponic & Organic Center 6810 North Broadway, Unit D Denver, CO 80221 303-650-0091

3D Hydroponics and Organics 7139 US Highway #19, New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-8471-3491 Absolute Growing Solutions Inc. 7307 49th Street, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727-541-3333 Advanced Hydro Gardens 4960 NW 165 Street, Suite B-4, Miami, FL 33014 866-97-HYDRO Atlantic Hydroponics 430 Count Street, Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-1535

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

Blossoms Experience, The 7207 NW 54th Street, Miami, FL 33166 866-452-4769

Garden Tech 737 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-278-9777

Cultivating Eden Hydroponic Supplies 946 18th Avenue SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-8880

Greenhouse Tech 917 East Fillmore, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-634-0637

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

Grow Store South, The 5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37, Englewood, CO 80110 303-738-0202

Eden Garden Supply 5044 N. Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 850-439-1299

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

Esposito Garden Center 2743 Capital Circle NE, Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-386-2114

Head Start Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Emporium 34500 US Highway 6, Unit B-9, North Edwards, CO 81632 970-569-3139

Falero Hardware & Hydroponics 6758 W. Flager Street, Miami, FL 33144 305-266-8878

Hydro-Grow Supply 644 Peterson Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-596-2600

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

Hydro Shack, The 220 Main Street, Suite E Frisco, CO 80443 970-668-0359

Florida Garden Supplies 8020 Belvedere Road,Unit 4, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 561-333-1088

Indoor Paradise Hydroponics 309 S. Summit View, Unit 17, Fort Collins, CO 80524-1462 970-221-3751

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

Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 7100 N. Broadway, Suite 3D Denver, CO 80221 303-428-5020

Gardener’s Edge Gainesville 5000 NW 34th Street, Suite 13, Gainesville, FL 32605 352-375-2769

Way To Grow 3201 E. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-484-4769

Gardener’s Edge Jacksonville 5325 Fairmont Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-398-8012

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

Gold Coast Hydroponics 1539 SW 21st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 1-800-780-7371

140

MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

Gold Coast Hydroponics 4241 SW 71st Avenue, Miami, FL 33155 1-800-780-6805 Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center 8877 North 56th Street Tampa, FL 33617 813-514-9376 Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies 13482 North Cleveland Avenue, Fort Meyers, FL 33903 239-997-4769 GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc. 5011 S State Road 7, Suite 104 Davie, FL 33314 954-316-8815 Grower's Choice & Hydroponics 11855 North Main Street, Jackonsonville, FL 32218 904-683-4517 Growing Garden Inc., The 12811 SW 42nd Street, Miami, FL 33175 305-559-0309 Harvest Time Hydroponics 14414 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613 813-264-7101 Healthy Gardens and Supply of Florida, Inc. 196 East Nine Mile Road, Suite F, Pensacola, FL 32534 850-912-4545 High Tech Garden Supply 2975 West New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-0853 Hydro For Less 9545 Southwest 72nd Street, Miami, FL 33173 305-598-4311 Hydroponics International Inc. 7029-10 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32220 904-693-6554 Hydroponics of Tampa 120 W. Bougain Villea, Tampa, FL 33612 813-333-6828 Hydro Terra Corp.

924 North Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020 954-920-0889 Palm Beach Hydroponics Supply, Inc. 968 N. Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 561-296-6161 Simply Hydroponics & Organics 7949 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33773 727-531-5355 Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North) 3642 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, FL 34448 352-628-2655 Stoney Hydro @ Schiro's Barn n Garden Supplies 7812 Causeway Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33619 813-626-0902 Sunshine Hydroponics Garden Center 1420 East Altomonte Drive, Altamonte Spring, FL 32701 407-830-GROW Sunshine Hydroponics Garden Center 5561 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809 407-859-7728 Sunshine Hydroponics Garden Center 6100 Hanging Moss Road, Suite 500, Orlando, FL 32807 888-833-GROW

Worm’s Way Florida 4412 North 56th Street, Tampa, FL 33610 800-283-9676; 813-621-1792

GEORGIA Atlantis Hydroponics 1422 Woodmont Lane, #4, Atlanta, GA 30318 404-367-0052 Atlantis Hydroponics 2561 West Point Avenue, College Park, GA 30337 678-510-0032 Flora Hydroponics Inc. 2475 Jefferson Road, Suite 600 Athens, GA 30607 866-404-0551 Savannah Hydroponics & Organics 4107 Eighth Street, Suite C Garden City, GA 31408 912-349-4030

HAWAII Aqua Plant Hawaii / Kahala Hydroponics 4224 Wailae, Suite 1A, Honolulu, HI 96816 808-735-8665 Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply 300 Hukilike Street, #2M, Kahalui, HI 96732 808-871-6393 Pahoa Feed & Fertilizer 15-2754 Old Government Road, Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-9955

IDAHO Boise Hydroponics 614 North Orchard Street, Boise, ID 83706 208-344-3053 Greenthumb Greenhouses 5895 Ensign Avenue, Boise, ID 83714

ILLINOIS

Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 3427 Old Chatman Road, Springfield, IL 62704 217-341-0821 Let it Grow - Carbondale West Main Street, Carbondale, IL 62908 573-450-5401 Prairie House Garden Center 15151 South Harlem Avenue, Orland, IL 60462 708-687-3131 Water Works Indoor Gardening 1900 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703 217-553-6929

Urban Organics 285 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117 504-352-4709

MAINE Green Thumb Indoor Gardening 19 Stage Road, St. Albans, ME 04971 207-938-5909 Urban Garden Center 235 Lewiston Road, Toposhan, ME 04086 207-373-0990

MARYLAND

INDIANA

East Coast Organics 2800 Sisson Street, Baltimore, MD 21211

BWGS 7854 North State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47404 800-316-1306

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

Five Point Gardens 56555 Oak Road, South Bend, IN 46619 574-287-9232

Maryland Hydroponics Inc. 10051 North 2nd Street, Laurel, MD 20723 866-MD-HYDRO Meadowview Feed & Garden Center 1202 Meadowview Road, Pasadena, MD 21122 443-817-0018 Purple Mountain Organics 100-7010 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 877-538-9901

Frogs Lilly Pad, The 706 Citation Road, Carmel, IN 46032 317-846-4610 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 4200 S. East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-780-8070 Magic Bulb Garden Center 6229 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-202-2852 Sunleaves Garden Products 7854 North State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47404 888-464-9676 Worm’s Way Indiana 7850 North State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47404 800-598-8158

MASSACHUSETTS Greenlife Garden Supply 481 Boston Road, Unit 4, Billerica, MA 01821 978-262-9966 Green Path Garden Supply 276 West Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-4181

KANSAS

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 29 Washington Street, Route 1 Foxboro, MA 02035 800-660-6977

Alternative Garden Supply A-615 Industrial Drive, Gary, IL 60013 800-444-2837

Green Circle Hydroponics 6890 W. 105th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212 913-642-3888

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

Big Grow Hydroponics 9225 Trinity Drive, Lake In The Hills, IL 60156

KENTUCKY

New England Hydroponics 15 D Coolege Hwy. (Rt. 10), Southampton, MA 01073 888-529-9025

Aerostar Global 824 South Kay Avenue, Addison, IL 60101

Brew and Grow 1824 North Besly Court, Chicago, IL 60622 773-395-1500 Brew and Grow 3224 South Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61109 815-874-5700 Brew and Grow 2379 Bode Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194 847-885-8282 Fertile Ground 463 West MacArthur Drive, Cottage Hills, IL 62018 618-259-5500

Garden Grove Organics 29 East 7th Street, Covington, (Cincinnati Metro), KY 41011 859-360-1843 Grow Shop, The of Lexington 2320 Palumbo Drive, Suite 130, Lexington, KY 40509 859-268-0779 Louisville Hydroponics 3471 Taylor Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40215 502-366-4000 New Earth Garden Center 9810 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40299 800-462-5953 Worm’s Way Kentucky 1360 Donaldson Hwy. Suite A, Erlanger, KY 41018 800-669-2088

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

MICHIGAN BIg Creek Hydroponics 555 Old Little Lake Road, Marquette, MI 49855 906-249-5297 Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 23529 Little Mack Avenue, St Claire’s Shores, MI 48080 586-775-9485

LOUISIANA

Gro Blue Indoor Gardening Supplies 270 W. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-913-2750

Grow Big Hydroponics 7817 B North 2nd Street, Manchesney Park, IL 61115 815-637-4769

Laughing Buddha Nursery 4516 Clearview Parkway, Metairie, LA 70006 504-887-4336

Growco Garden Supply 1042 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 877-939-6900

Hydrocork 20647 Renwick Road, Crest Hill, IL 60435 815-838-0100

Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics 201 Angus Drive, Yungsville, LA 70592 337-303-6146

Home Grown Hydroponics 8075 Gratiot Road, Unit C, Saginaw MI 48609 989-781-1930

Green Fields 8137 N. Milwaukee, Niles, IL 60714 847-965-5056

MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

141

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Homelight Gardens 3471 S. Huron Road, Bay City, MI 48706 989-922-0088

Indoor Gardening 10 NE 3rd Street, Faribault, MN 55021 507-209-1546

Anything Grows 190 West Moana Lane, Reno, NV 89509 775-828-1460

Horizen Hydroponics 1614 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 866-791-1664

Interior Gardens 115 -1620 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 800-498-4178; 612-870-9077

Carson Valley Hydroponics 2520 Empire Ranch Road, Carson City, NV 89701 775-884-4769

Midwest Hydroponics 3440 Belt Line Boulevard, Suite A, Minneapolis, MN 55416 888-449-2739

Lorraine Ink 290 Spear Court, Fernley, NV 89408 775-575-7757

HotHydro® 5245 Jackson Road, Suite F Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-761-5040; 877-893-0716 Hydroharrys.com 24500 Dequindre, Warren, MI 48091 800-461-8819 Hydrospot 34236 Michigan Avenue, Wayne, MI 48184 734-722-1285 Indoor Garden Superstore 2570 Dixie Highway, Waterford Twp., MI 48328 J&L Growco 206 S. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-1528 Kalamazoo Indoor Garden 450 W. Maple, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 269-344-2550

77HYDRO 37 Fairfield Place, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 877-774-9376

Green Circle Hydroponics 12 East Missouri, Kansas City, MO 64106 816-421-1840

Claraqua 4 Redwood Court, West Windsor, NJ 08550

SH Hydroponics Inc. 115 Holmes Road, Building 3 Suite A, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 734-879-4014

The Grow Store 721 W. Blue Star Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 231-421-5191 Van Hydro 7480 N State, Davison, MI 48423 810-653-8267 Wild Child 7740 M 72 East, Traverse City, MI 49690 866-711-GROW

MINNESOTA American Garden Supply 601-6th Avenue, North, Princeton, MN 55371 763-631-0543 Brew and Grow 8179 University Avenue, Fridley, MN 55432 612-780-8191 Eco Garden Supply 800 Transfer Door 25 in rear St. Paul, MN 55114 651-647-1896 Eden Indoor Organic Gardens 831 Highway 75 North Moorhead, MN 56560 218-477-EDEN (3336)

142

MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

NEW JERSEY

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

Let It Grow - Springfield 2519 E. Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803 417-862-GROW

Superior Growers Supply 4870 Dawn Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823 517-332-2663

Hydro World 17 White Birch Lane, Lincoln, NH 03251 603-745-3030

Divine Hydroponics 301 North Bishop Avenue, Rolla, MO 65401 573-426-2348

Heartland Hydrogardens 5695 E. Clark Lane, Suite L, Columbia, MO 65202 573-474-GROW (4769)

Superior Growers Supply 19582 Middlebelt Road, Livonia, MI 48152 248-473-0450

NEW HAMPSHIRE

MISSOURI

Light Green Water 3661 Highland Road, Waterford, MI 48329 248-681-0001

Sunshine Supply Co. 1807 South Mission, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-775-3700

Nevada Hydroponics 4700 B Maryland, Suite 1, Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-798-2852

Still-H2O Inc. 14375 North 60th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-351-2822

HYDROGARDENS

Let It Grow - Girardeau 879 S. Kings Highway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 573-803-0628

East Coast Horticultural Supply 1652 Hurffville Road, Swewell, NJ 08080 856-228-5290 Garden State Hydroponics 511 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001 888-300-8711 Green Touch 2 Hydroponics Inc. 888 Route 33, Unit 1, Hamilton, NJ 08619 609-570-8829

greentouch2

NEW MEXICO

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

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

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

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

NEBRASKA

NEW YORK

Advanced Hydro-Ponics 10711 Mockingbird Drive, Omaha, NE 68127 (108th and L-Q) 402-991-6630

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

Paradigm Gardens 8949 J Street, Suite 5, Omaha, NE 68127 402-339-4949 Patio-Ponics 3255 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 4 Lincoln, NE 68504 402-466-9218

NEVADA AAA Indoor Organic Garden SuperCenter 2101 S. Decatur Boulevard, #21, Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-450-4769 Advanced Gardens Hydroponics 3111 South Valley View, Suite V103 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-257-4769 All American Hydroponics 2675 East Patrick Lane, Unit 8, Las Vegas, NV 89120 702-894-9888

HYDROPO NI C S

I NC .

East Coast Hydroponics 14649 Horace Harding Exp, Flushing, NY 11367 718-762-8880 Environmental Gardens 8 John Walsh Boulevard, Suite 310 Peekskills, NY 10566 800-254-0507; 914-736-6676 FutureGarden Inc. 59 Central Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-420-0884 Greentree Nursery 308 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-3666 Grow Room, The 8 Bridge Street, Nyack, NY 10960 800-449-9630 Harvest Moon Hydroponics Henrietta Townline Plaza, 3047 West Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 716-865-7353

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 340 West at 59, Central Nyack, NY 10960 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 147 Fourth Street, Troy, NY 10960 Healthy Harvest Organics and Hydro 163 Broadway, Fort Edwart, NY 12828 518-480-4698 Hudson Valley Hydroponics 217 Route 32 North, New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-3633 Hydro Garden Center 1069B Lyell Avenue, Rochester, NY 14606 1-800-277-1322 Hydroponics of Buffalo 1497 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216 716-838-3545 Hydroponics Shops of America 2606 Erie Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13224 315-251-2516 Indoor Outdoor Gardener 8223 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-836-2402 KG Garden Supply 1327 Floyd Avenue, Rome, NY 13440 1-877-KG-HYDRO Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 19 Front Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-2005; 800-850-4769 Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics 2045 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Suite 13, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 888-GROWBOX Sunset Hydroponics & Home Brewing 1590 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY 14615 866-395-9204

NORTH CAROLINA Be Well Hydroponics & Urban Gardening 4732 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-344-8010 BWGS East 4045 Perimeter West Drive, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28214 800 316 1306 Fifth Season Gardening Company 45 Banks Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 828-253-4112 Fifth Season Gardening Company 106 South Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC 27510 919-932-7600 Fifth Season Gardening Company 1616 D-3 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408 336-271-3373 Fifth Season Gardening Company 5619-A Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 919-852-4747

Progressive Gardens 6005 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-395-1156

Sweet Greens 5540 Brecksville Road Independence, OH 44131 800-421-7084

Urban Organics and Hydroponics 4604 W. Market Street, Suite 106, Greensboro, NC 27407 336-316-0604

Super Harvest 5956 A Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45239 513-385-5999

Water’s Edge Hydro-Gardens & Organics 107 South White Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-562-5343

OHIO Advanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center 5204 Darrow Road, Hudson, OH 44236 234-380-1287

Toledo Hydroponics Ltd. 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 2 Toledo, OH 43615 1-877-893-0716 Trinity Hydro Organics 435 Woodman Drive Riverside, OH 45431 937-252-GROW

Akron Garden Center 1749 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44319 330-724-2700

Urban Gardens 671 E. Center Street Marion, OH 43302 740-375-2800

Cleveland Garden Center Inc. 727 East 185th Street, Cleveland, OH 44119 216-481-7868

Worm’s Way Greater Cincinatti / N. Kentucky 1360 Donaldson Road (Route 236), Suite A, Erlanger, KY 41018 800-669-2088

CropKing 134 West Drive, Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 Carefree Garden Center 134 West Drive, Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, West Carrolton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 Garden Indoors of Ohio 4720 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214 800-833-6868 Greenleaf Hydroponics 1805 Elm Road, Warren, OH 44483 330-372-1039 Harvest Moon 9215 Market Street, Youngstown (North Lima), OH 44452 800-776-8399 Garden Grove Organics 29 East 7th Street, Covington, (Cincinnati Metro), KY 41011 859-360-1843 Grow Wizard, The 5700 Denison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102 216-961-2500 Herb-N-Garden Center 14901 Puritas Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44135 216-252-2001 Indoor Garden Worx 906 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701 866-900-9679 Indoor Gardens 1222 Hill Road, North, Pickerington, OH 43147 614-866-6065 Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic 10740 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241 513-769-0159

OKLAHOMA AAAAHA! Hydroponics Unlimited P.O. Box 74, Oakhurst, OK 74050 Tulsa County Hydro-Organics 1928 W. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-259-HYDRO Urban Garden 3141 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104 918-289-0018

OREGON American Agriculture 9220 Southeast Stark Street, Portland, OR 97216 800-433-6805 Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply 93779 B Troy Lane, Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-266-8822 Aqua Serene 2836 W. 11, Eugene, OR 97402 541-485-2171 Aqua Serene Hydro Gardens 1090 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520 541-482-7600 Basin Indoor Gardening 1221 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 541-273-2023 B.I.G.S. 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 401, Bend, OR 97702 541-385-5222 BIGS Warehouse 2606 SW 4th Street, Unit B Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-8886 Cascade Horticulture 39570 Pioneer Boulevard, Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-8242

Flow & Grow Hydroponics & Organic Garden Center 4521 Cumberland Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306 910-423-FLOW (3569)

Magic Home Gardens 209 Cemetery Road, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-837-2440

High Tech Garden Supply 2712 B Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 704-697-0911

Magic Home Garden 4538 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214 614-263-2440

Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics 5490 Philomath Road, Corvallis, OR 97333 541-738-2820

New Age Gardens 2236A US Highway 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778 828-299-9989

Summit Hydroponics 1030 Kenmore Boulevard Akron, OH 44314-2114 330-753-5222

Everybody’s Garden Center 2701 SE 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202 800-669-5483

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Forever Green Organic Hydro Gardens 7530 Crater Lake Highway, White City, OR 97503 541-826-2946

Northern Light and Garden Beaverton 9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-297-7331

Garden Spout, The 4532 South East 63rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97206 503-788-4769

Northern Light and Garden Grants Pass 1203 Rogue River Highway, Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-474-1700

Gorge Garden Center 1203 12th Street Suite H, Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-GROW

Northern Light and Garden Salem 1915 Lancester Drive, Salem, OR 97305 503-364-4769

Gorilla Garden Supply 1810 Virginia Avenue, North Bend, OR 97459 541-756-5005

Oregon Rainforest Co. 19949 E. Burnside Street, Gresham, OR 97233 503-465-9909

Garden Supplies

Green Thumb Hydrogarden and Organic Supply 2021 West Main Street, Medford, OR 97501 541-779-8600

Paradise Supply Inc. 1409 N. Highway 99, Ashland, OR 97520 541-552-1037

Grow America Garden Supply LLC 11511 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, OR 97223 503-841-6868

Rain or Shine 13126 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230 503-255-1981

Growing Crazy (Hooked On Hydroponics) 817 W. 2nd Street, Medford, OR 97501

Roots Garden Supply 5426 North Gay Avenue, Portland, OR 97217 503-285-4768

H2organic LCC 620 NE 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128 503-434-6107 Herb N’ Jungle Hydroponics 930 SE Textron Drive, Bend, OR 97702 541-382-4010 Homegrown Garden Supply 7112 NE Gilsan Street, Portland, OR 97213 877-EZ2-GROW In and Out Gardens 1574 Skypark Drive Medford, OR 97501 541-858-3333 Indoor Garden Center 1697 SE 25th Street, Salem, OR 97302 503-566-7888 Indoor Garden Depot 15828 SE McLoughlin Boulevard, Milwaukie, OR 97267 503-786-2445 Indoor Garden Supply 536 SW 6th Street (rear alley), Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-7750 Island Flowers & Indoor Garden Center 909 N. Tomahawk Island Drive, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97217 503-546-3185 J-N-B Hydro 2 Go 155 West Central Avenue, Sutherlin, OR 97479 541-459-9211 Ladybug Indoor Gardens 3960 W. Main Street, Medford, OR 97501 541-618-4459 Lights Distributing 9843 SW 55th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219 Liquid Sun 1845 Southwest Highway 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367 541-994-7070 Moonshine Park Farm 135 South East 62nd, Unit F South Beach, OR 97366 541-444-2298

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MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

Roseburg Hydroponics 853 SE Stephens Street, Roseburg, OR 97470 541-229-1420 SunInside Gardening Co. 665 Conger, Unit F, Eugene, OR 97402 541-686-9966 Urban Flora 2865 South East, Portland, OR 97214 503-236-3344 Wizard's Garden, LLC 621 Spruce Street, Unit C, Myrtle Point, OR 97458 541-572-2333

SOUTH CAROLINA 247 Garden Supply 535 D Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29229 803-788-4445 All Good Hydroponics & Gardening 6729 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223 803-708-4819 GreenSpirit Hydrogarden 1864 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29405 843-225-1GRO; Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More 1230 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC 29609 864-271-8830

SOUTH DAKOTA Green Earth Products Inc. 5700 Highway 79 S.,Unit 1, Rapid City, SD 57702 605-342-1307

TENNESSEE Advanced Hydroponic Garden 783 French Mill Road, Dandridge, TN 37725 800-521-1643 Advanced Hydroponic Garden 6912 Clinton Highway, Knoxville, TN 37921 866-938-3318 All Seasons Gardening and Brewing Supply Co. 924 8th Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37203 800-790-2188 Atlantis Hydroponics 1800 Rossville Avenue, #3, Chattanooga, TN 37408 423-752-5400

PENNSYLVANIA

National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 126 Belinda Parkway, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 888-265-9005

Full Bloom Hydroponics 84 South 24th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 888-872-3602

Perpetual Harvest 75 Riverport Drive, Jackson, TN 38301 877-422-3391

Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania 208 Route 13, Bristol, PA 19007 800-227-4567

Sun City Hydroponics 2235 Whitten Road, Suite 104, Memphis, TN 38133 901-372-8100

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 1239 South Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18103 610-432-4949

Worm’s Way Tennessee 707 Rivergate Parkway, Suite E Goodlettsville, TN 37072 800-397-4153

Healthy Gardens and Supply 1012 Lincoln Avenue, Prospect Park, PA 19076 866-32-HYDRO

TEXAS

High Tech Garden Supply 20232 Route 19, Unit 6, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-473-1113 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 2008 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-232-7030 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 830 Route 119, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-1118

Airline Hydroponics P.O. Box 980904, Trader’s Village #363, Houston, TX 77098 713-942-0484 Botani Hydroponics & Organics 7730 Highway 6 South Houston, TX 77083 281-575-1999 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 4360 S.Congress Avenue, #310, Austin, TX 78745 512-444-2100

RHODE ISLAND

Field of Dreams Indoor Growing Supplies 5302 Slide Road Unit B, Lubbock, TX 79414 806-793-2901

LiquidSun® RI 1179 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, MA 02861 401-722-2724

GreenMaker Nursery 3030 Northwest Loop, Stephenville, TX 76401 254-965-7273

GroGreen Hydroponics 4015 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75226 214-370-9984

Clean & Green Technologies 196 Corning Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073 866-694-1628

Northern Light and Garden Vancouver 6305 NE Highway 99, Vancouver, WA 98665 360-993-7779

Happy Harvest 1500 Crescent Drive, #202 Carrollton, TX 75006 972-820-9376

Hydroponics & Growlights 13400 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-490-0700

Northern Lights Gardening 4159 Hannegan Road, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-715-8585

Houston Discount Hydroponics 9384 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77063 713-464-9406

I Love Hydroponics 612 N. Sheppard Street, Richmond, VA 23221 804-377-3020

Northwest Horticulture Supply 161 Hooker Road, #1, Sequim, WA 98057 360-582-0702

I Love Hydroponics 368 Newtown Road, #105, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-490-5425

Renton Indoor Garden Center 207 Sunset Blvd. N, Building A, Renton, WA 98055 425-917-9000

Inside-Out Garden Supply 6517 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150 703-451-3259

River City Hydroponics 1514 East Francis Avenue, Spokane, WA 99208 509-464-0246

WASHINGTON

Solar Shop 306 West 4th Street, Tonasket, WA 98855 509-486-4508

Hydro Mart 3841 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088 972-475-6114 Innergrow Hydroponics 24451 Interstate Highway 20, Wills Point, TX 75169 866-475-4769 Jolly Green Hydroponics (Greenhouse Horticultural Supplies) 13628 Neutron Road, Dallas, TX 75244 (866) WE-JOLLY; 469-341-5555 Lone Star Hydroponics and Organics 1302 Motor Circle, Dallas, TX 75207 214-634-9376 Sol Organics & Hydroponics 1634 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78229 210-366-9082 Texas Growers Supply 5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #602, Humble, TX 77396 281-441-3739 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Central Austin) 5126 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756 512-459-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (South Austin) 2125-A Goodrich Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 512-440-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Dallas) 3400 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75226 214-744-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Houston) 7730 A Park Place Boulevard, Houston, TX 77087 713-641-4769 Ultimate Hydroponic Garden Supply 6125 West Sam Houston Parkway, North Suite 206 Houston, TX 77041 713-856-8425

UTAH Salt Lake Plant & Hydro 60 West 3300 S. #6, South Salt Lake, UT 84115 801-488-3200

VERMONT Green Thumb Gardening P.O. Box 235, Route 15, Underhill, VT 5489 800-564-9376 Greenthumb - Vermont 394 Route 15, Jericho, VT 05465 802-899-4323 LiquidSun® VT 1 Bellows Falls Road, (Route 5 North) Putney, VT 05158 802-387-1100

Aqua Serene 3839 Stone Way North, Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-GROW Eco Enterprises 1240 NE 175th Street, #B Shoreline, WA 98155 800-426-6937

Spokane Organic and Hydroponic Supply 4823 East Sprague Avenue E., Spokane Valley, WA 99212 509-534-4055

WISCONSIN

Garden Smart 500 Bond Drive, Castlerock, WA 98611 360-274-7960

Aric's Indoor Garden Supply 1104 West Wisconsin Avenue, Appleton, WI 54914 920-574-3258

Green Gardens Distributing 12738 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98005 425-454-5731

Brew and Grow 285 N. Janacek Road, Brookfield, WI 53045 262-789-0555

Hydro-Tech 2121 Aurora Avenue, North, Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-2202

Brew and Grow 3317 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53716 608-226-8910

Indoor Garden Depo 6305 NE Highway 99, Vancouver, WA 98665 360-993-7779

Grow BIG Hydroponics 954 S. Westland, Appleton, WI 54914 920-749-4769

Indoor Garden & Lighting 3839 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406 253-761-7478

Paradigm Gardens 4539 Helgesen Drive, Madison, WI 53718 608-241-3800

Indoor Garden & Lighting 23303 Highway 99, Suite A, Edmonds, WA 98026 425-673-2755 Indoor Garden & Lighting 714 South Central Avenue, Kent, WA 98032 253-373-9060 Kent Garden Supplies Ltd. 18817 East Valley Highway, Kent, WA 98032 425-251-9299 Linda’s Gardening & Hydroponics 11522 Canyon Road East, Puyallup, WA 98373 253-531-9641 Liquid Sunshine Hydroponics 5087 Lincoln Road, Blaine, WA 98230 M & R Lighting 17238 Memorial Drive, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-848-1080

VIRGINIA

M & R Lighting Unit C 22914 Highway 410, Buckley, WA 98390 253-891-4190

Blue Ridge Hydroponics & Home Brewing Co. 5524 Williamson Road, Suite 11 Roanoke VA 24012 540-265-2483

National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 5408 NE 88th Street, Building A, Vancouver, WA 98665 888-478-6544

PUERTO RICO Tecno-Hydro Ave Campo Rico GJ17, Carolina, PR 00982 787-752-8252

MY WE THANK ALL OF OUR DEDICATED RETAILERS FOR OFFERING MAXIMUM YIELD TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY DISTRIBUTING MAXIMUM YIELD FROM YOUR RETAIL STORE?

If so, pass along your contact information to us here at the magazine care of ilona@maximumyield.com and we will add your store’s name, address and telephone number to our distributor listing in an upcoming issue.

Add your company logo to the distributor listings!

Call 250-729-2677 or Email ilona@maximumyield.com

MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009

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COMING UP IN january

FEATURES 10 Steps to Gardening with Nature In a two-part series, Dr. Carole Rollins lists the first three steps to take in order to garden in harmony with nature.

Selecting and Maintaining Mother Plants Preserving your favorite plant strains through cloning is easy with help from Matt LeBannister in Beginner’s Corner.

Caring for Holiday Plants after the Festivities Avoid throwing your holiday plants in the compost heap by adhering to these tips from Glory Lennon in Avant Gardening.

Zoo-Ponics On a tour at the Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon, UK, Dr. Lynette Morgan explores the verticrop hydroponic system that feeds the animals at the zoo’s official viewing of the system.

Unraveling Indoor Gardening’s Silent Epidemic Daniel Wilson takes a stroll down the “Pest Death” aisle, enlightening us on the harm chemicals can accomplish on humans and the environment.

Preventing and Reacting to Green Algae In Tips and Tricks, growers get answers to ridding their reservoirs and mediums of the most common algae that invades indoor and hydroponic gardens – green algae.

www.maximumyield.com Stay in the Know with Maximum Yield’s E-News With two issues behind us with Maximum Yield’s E-News, you’ve got a feel for what you can expect every month – that being the latest news, tips and tricks, reader question and answer, contests and upcoming events. If you are not yet subscribed to our mailing list, sign up today at www.maximumyield.com/newsletter.php. Don’t miss out on all we have coming up.

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MAXIMUM YIELD USA - December 2009