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Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

CONTENTS December 2011

FEATURES 50

How to Buy a Grow Room on a Budget by Casey Jones Fraser

My, What Big, White, Bushy Roots You Have

NPK Cribs: Hydro Edition

Biological Beneficials or Sterile Synthetics? The Choice is Yours!

by Ed Harwood

by Shane Hutto

by Lee Mcall

108

146

Zen and the Art of Insect Control

by Matt LeBannister

Rooftop Farming: An Urban Initiative Part Two by Simon Hart

112

Nutrient Deficiencies and Growing Like a Pro by Frank Rauscher

124

Hydroponic Obesity: Your Plants Are What They Eat by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr.

132

A Passion for Peppers

146

Becoming an Elite Hydroponic Grower

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

DEPARTMENTS From the Editor

144

Tips and Tricks

Letters to the Editor

150

Beginner’s Corner

MaximumYield.com

154

You Tell Us

Simon Says

158

Talking Shop

MAX Facts

164

Do you Know?

Product Spotlight

166

Coming up in January

Green Thumb Gardening

170

Max Mart

108

Avant-Gardening

173

Distributors

122

Growing for Health

by Ryan M. Taylor

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

FROM THE EDITOR | Jessica Raymond We are what we eat. Simple and true. And our plants are what they eat as well—no surprise there. As growers we’re so focused on feeding our plants, but do we ever stop to wonder if we’re feeding them too much? The popular saying bigger is better as it relates to plants is not necessarily true. Just like us, plants need a balanced diet. A full belly leaves us feeling ill; plants can also eat too much and suffer because of it. Nutrient solutions with high elemental content can lead to plant nutritional problems (see Hydroponic Obesity, page 124). Sometimes plants suffer for the opposite reason—too little food. For example, a plant deficient in copper—one

of the essential micronutrients—will struggle to respirate and produce chlorophyll, which impedes photosynthesis, and will struggle to synthesize protein (see Nutrient Deficiencies and Growing Like a Pro, page 112). We are also how we eat; and more and more of us are realizing that slower is better. The Slow Food Movement was founded in an attempt to counteract fast food and fast life, and encourage people to eat local, sustainable, homegrown food. And what better way to grow slow than to grow at home? Times have been tough for many, and growing indoors can be costly, which is why we’ve included How to Buy a Grow Room on a

Budget (page 50). Our DIY expert Casey Fraser breaks down how to set-up an indoor garden. Enjoy this edition of Maximum Yield and have a safe and happy holiday with your friends and family.

Jessica Raymond, editor editor@maximumyield.com

Talking Shop Corrections (from October Maximum Yield): Super Roots Hydroponics, formerly Roots Grow Supply, has opened three shops in the last three years. The Fresno, CA store has over 10,000 square feet of space; the Oakhurst, CA store is 3,000 square feet; and their newest location in Clovis, CA is 5,000 square feet. They have 11 full-time employees and a full-time secretary. Rio Finds The Feather is pictured with wife Jeanette and their youngest son Legend.

To celebrate Christmas, Smart Pots is giving away five gallon Smart Pots on Facebook between December 4 and 10, 2011 to the first 1,000 fans that respond to our holiday post. Simply find Smart Pots on Facebook and click to like us. Then, watch for our Facebook post titled Give the Gift of Gardening for further instructions on how to claim your gift. The contest will end December 10, unless all 1,000 gifts are claimed before December then.

contributors Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. has 50 years of experience growing plants hydroponically. He is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Georgia, Athens and has authored eight books and written articles for magazines that deal with hydroponic issues. He currently has his own consulting company, Grosystems, Inc. Dr. Jones currently lives in Anderson, SC, USA.

Lee McCall is an alumnus of Johnson &

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.

Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden

Matt LeBannister developed a

green thumb as a child, having been born into a family of experienced gardeners. During his career, he has managed a hydroponic retail store and represented leading companies at the Indoor Gardening Expos. Matt has been writing articles for Maximum Yield since 2007. His articles are published around the world.

Frank Rauscher is a certified horticulturist and consultant for the garden industry. He’s a contributing author to several publications and was writer and editor of the Green Pages. Frank finds that analyzing plant stress and finding solutions is exciting. He is very much at home bringing new ideas to the field of horticulture and indoor gardening.

Simon Hart is a certified organic

Dr. Ed Harwood is founder and chief

Shane Hutto is a technical advisor

Grove Organics, in Northern Kentucky/ Greater Cincinnati. He has a degree in communications and electronic media. He believes that indoor gardeners can achieve the highest quality crops and maximum yields when proper science is applied. Since 1998, Casey has been testing various nutrients and supplements in search of outstanding harvests. gardener and soil manager. He grew up on a 30 acre mixed farm, which inspired a deep-rooted passion for nature and gardening. His university studies focused on forestry, biology and the environment. He’s worked as Greenstar Plant Products jack-of-all-trades for the past seven years and is the author of Maximum Yield’s “Simon Says’ column.

executive officer of AeroFarms. Ed previously served as associate director of Cornell Cooperative Extension for Agriculture. Prior to that, Ed served as CEO of Topline Waikato, Inc.

Wales University. His extensive culinary background helped him gain experience in and knowledge of fine dining and food production, which developed into a career in the hydroponics and year-round gardening industry. Lee and his business partner use their Denver-based businesses to educate the public on sustainable gardening and high quality produce.

at Grodan Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture at Oklahoma State University and received a research assistantship for his master’s degree. During his graduate studies he researched production and extraction of surface waxes on horticultural commodities. His passion for growing is complimented by his experience in many types of controlled environment operations and design.

Ryan Taylor is the founder and

president of the Taylor Horticulture Company. In addition to growing a wide variety of hydroponic and bioponic crops, he also specializes in the manufacturing of hybrid hydroponic systems and consults with horticulturalists on methods for optimizing their production processes. Ryan is obsessed with hydroponics and his cat.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand and Australia. Maximum Yield is the largest free-to-consumer indoor gardening magazine in the world. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Barley Benefits

My question is in regards to Dr. Lynette Morgan’s article about hydroponically-produced fodder (Fantastic Fresh Fodder, September 2011). I checked the references listed at the end of the article but was unable to verify the assertion, “Young green barley leaves are almost 40 per cent protein; protein which is 90 per cent usable and easily digested and assimilated.” Also, she did not state whether this data was based on two row or six row barley commonly available, which would be very helpful information. Assuming the data is accurate and verifiable, the benefits could extend far outside the realm of typical livestock. If Dr. Morgan has additional resources about this topic I would greatly appreciate it. David Nabong Crystal Lake IL The information about the compositional quality of barley sprouts was supplied by the Australian developers of the Foddertech system, who have researched a great deal the benefits of hydroponic fodder production for animal feed. Below is a typical nutritional analysis of hydroponic barley fodder showing protein (which can be up to 40 per cent) and other components of the feed; obviously the protein content varies depending on the age of the sprouts and when the sample was taken. Fodder is an extremely nutritious feed for livestock and substantial increases in animal growth have been found when fodder was used as a feed source. I am not sure whether there has been any research into the any differences between two or six row barley— the people to ask would be Foddertech (see contact details below). Peter Doyle Consultancy pdc@peterdoyleconsultancy.com.au peterdoyleconsultancy.com.au/fodder.html www.horsedirectory.com.au/images/billboard_ads/HydroponicFodder.pdf Kind Regards Dr. Lynette Morgan

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Win Big Winner in Philly

You made my day. Maximum Yield is awesome. I read it all the time; I actually just finished reading the current issue online. I just wish I was in Long Beach for the expo. You guys should host one in the North East. Thanks again Kevin Wilson + Sandwich T-pants Philadelphia, PA

Listen and Learn

My name is Stacey Floersheim and I am from America’s Best Garden Center in Palmdale, CA. I wanted to make a comment about the article, How to Test pH Levels in Soil by Therese Cressman, in your September issue. There were so many ways to test pH levels discussed in the article but it seemed more like she was talking about outdoors and didn’t specify testing methods for an indoor garden. Certain methods she discussed can damage roots and thus damage yields. In hydroponics there are so many devices that can be used to test soils without having to dig around in the medium. Every time you dig around like that you are damaging roots and you are not even getting an accurate reading of the entire medium. The roots have to absorb the nutrients and are releasing different charges that correspond to the charge. It changes throughout the medium so a better test for indoor gardens is to water the plant normally and collect runoff to test with a pH meter, pH test strip, pH drops or even take it somewhere to be tested for you. This gives you an accurate reading for the total medium and does not damage the plant or its roots. Thank you for reading Stacey Floersheim

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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Coming up on the Web Upcoming Events 2012 ‘grow like a pro’ Indoor Gardening Expo Tour The dates are set, the venues are chosen and the 2012 ‘Grow Like a Pro’ Indoor Gardening Expo Tour is coming to four North American cities near you. You’re invited to visit one, two, three or all four shows. Stay tuned to indoorgardenexpo.com for details.

Got Questions? Get Answers. Maximum Yield’s resident experts are available and ready to answer your modern gardening questions. E-mail editor@maximumyield.com or fill out the Ask the Experts question form on maximumyield.com

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Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

VOLUME 12 – NUMBER 9 December 2011 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 Printed In Canada.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson EDITOR - Jessica Raymond jessica@maximumyield.com ADVERTISING SALES 250.729.2677 Linda Jesson - linda@maximumyield.com Lisa Lambersek - lisa@maximumyield.com Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com Hayley Jesson - Hayley@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Mike Linden - mike@maximumyield.com Jennifer Duong - jennifer@maximumyield.com Alice Joe - alice@maximumyield.com ACCOUNTING - Tracy Greeno accounting@maximumyield.com USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS General Hydroponics Humbolt Wholesale Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply R&M Supply Tradewinds CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. MegaWatt Quality Wholesale UK DISTRIBUTION Direct Garden Supplies Growth Technology Future Harvest Development Europe Nutriculture UK AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply House N Garden Futchatec Growth Technology Hydraspher

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

SIMON SAYS

Hey Simon, I have a problem with spider mites (seems like a common problem). I was thinking of cranking up my carbon dioxide levels to 10,000 ppm with my CO2 monitor to try and eradicate them. Would it work? Increasing the carbon dioxide levels to that completely unnatural concentration might actually be effective since I think it would be exceptionally hard for them to breathe. Of course, the danger of this is it would also be extremely harmful to people in and around the area. Even if you exhaust the room into a different area, the concentrations would still be highly elevated. I seem to remember talking to a scientist who mentioned that extreme levels of carbon dioxide can become phytotoxic, but I can’t recall exactly who gave me that information and I am not sure of the mechanism. Personally, I would not recommend the method you suggest. Spider mites are a severe problem for many indoor gardeners and there are various methods that can be efficacious at keeping these pests at bay. • Keep your grow room clean.This point can’t be stressed enough. If you are a serious gardener, your growing area should be tidy and free from debris. Also, avoid bringing problems in from outside by having air filters on your intake and also consider wearing clothing just for the grow room. It might seem like overkill but consider how meticulous commercial greenhouses are.They understand that in an unnatural environment, the introduction of a pest can quickly spread out of control, so prevention is the best solution. 20

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

• Be vigilant in your garden. Once a spider mite problem is detected, isolate the affected plants if you can move them, and then segregate them with a divider, but be sure to move them away from your other plants and try to reduce the amount of air movement around the affected plants. • Chemical options are still available and can be effective, however, please read the product’s label. All of it. Many of these products are exceptionally harmful if not applied exactly as recommended and licensed by the manufacturer.Their major downfall? Insects build up resistance far more quickly than humans because their lifecycles are shorter.This means that the spray that was very effective last year will be less effective this year. Use a rolling system of a variety of options to minimize the buildup of generational resistance. • We all know I love organics and I will continue that trend for this answer and remind all readers that there are many organic alternatives now. Neem-based products have been leading the way for years but now we have all sorts of plant extracts and essential oils that can impede the super web from forming in the middle of your crop. Note: if you have webbed super highways between plants remember that dismantling them and squishing them with your thumbs (physical removal) can actually do a great job at decreasing the population prior to using an insecticide (chemical or organic). Be sure to clean your hands properly after since you don’t want to move mites so they can come back later. • I can remember always telling clients in the shop that if I had a problem with gazelles in my backyard I would probably buy a lion. It’s a bit of a stretch but that was my pitch on beneficial insects—nature has a solution. Commercial greenhouses around the world use predatory insects as their primary method to help mitigate pests. Most of these insects are available to home gardeners as well. In this case there are a few types of mites that eat spider mites and there are more options on the horizon. For those of you that are not convinced on beneficials, consider these points: • Commercial farmers don’t use things that don’t work. • If you have a million mites in your room, buying 1,000 predators will not help you since they can only eat a certain amount everyday. • For large gardens the best approach can sometimes be to buy a bulk supply of predators prior to an outbreak.This acts as a preemptive move that can inhibit an explosion of the spider mite population.This can be a good insurance policy on short cycle annual plantings but is less effective in a perennial situation. So first you spot your mite problem by spending time in your garden, observing and noticing the issue early.Then you isolate your plants from further contaminating your crop.Try to physically knock down the population then apply a pesticide, organic if possible. Order your beneficial bugs and apply them as soon as they come in. Be vigilant with the remainder of the plants to make sure you have quarantined the mite population. MY

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

New Test Developed to Precisely Identify Food Borne Illness A team of Cornell scientists has developed a test that will enable government agencies and food companies to pinpoint the exact nature and origin of food borne bacteria by using gene-sequencing data. The use of genome sequencing methods to investigate outbreaks of food borne bacterial diseases is relatively new and holds great promise as it can help to identify the temporal, geographical and evolutionary origin of an outbreak,” a member of the research team stated. Although a similar approach has been used to trace disease outbreaks in hospitals, this is the first time a test of this nature has been developed to monitor food borne pathogens. (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

MAXFACTS hydroponic news, tips and trivia

High-tech Supermarket Farm Planned for Netherlands Dutch company Van Bergen Kolpa Architecten hopes to produce a working prototype of a ‘supermarket farm’—a new model for urban food production that could grow practically any food customers demand—within the next year. The 4,000 acre farm, which will be divided into production areas for every type of produce, grains, meats and other products, will be capable of growing kiwis even in the cool, gray climate of northern Europe. (Source: inhabitat.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

‘Fertilizer Trees’ Boost Food Security in Africa Some 400,000 small hold farmers in impoverished parts of southern Africa are boosting the productivity of their fields by planting ‘fertilizer trees’, which enhance soil health by drawing nitrogen from the air and transferring it to the soil through their roots and leaf litter, working like fertilizer on exhausted soils. The lead author of a study on the practice said also that “when farmers plant these trees, water efficiency improves. Farmers are getting higher yields from the same amount of rainwater. And the trees are helping reduce the runoff and soil erosion that is a key factor behind food production shortfalls in Africa.” (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Invasive Plant Linked to Final Resting Place of Royal Gypsy Family A USDA scientist has identified a potentially invasive plant found in or around four cemeteries in Meridian, Mississippi as blue sedge (Carex breviculmis), a native of Asia and Australia previously unknown in North America. The plant was found at the gravesite of Kelly Mitchell, the Queen of the Gypsies, who was buried there in 1915 and at four other cemeteries nearby where global travelers were laid to rest. Scientists speculate that plants or soil left at gravesites or seeds trapped in the clothing of mourners may have been the source of the grass-like sedge. (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

UBC Scientists Isolate Growth Gene for Plants Scientists at the University of British Columbia have found that a protein called clasp, which exists in strong concentrations around the sharp edges of newly formed plant cells, is responsible for overcoming the difficulties plants would otherwise have in growing to large sizes. In laboratory tests plants without this protein were severely stunted in growth. (Source: www.nytimes.com)

Seasonal Blooms Enliven Living Roofs in Korea Superstar architect Joel Sanders has partnered with Haeahn Architecture to create a series of 12 staggered Seongbukdong residences with living roofs—planted with a variety of sedum species—that bloom at different times of the year. The living roofs insulate the buildings and erupt into riots of color with the changing seasons. (Source: inhabitat.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Food Center Takes Prize, Provides Local Opportunities The Whittier Organic Food Center, a state-of-the-art food production testing and learning facility, recently took top honors in the Cavin Family Travel Fellowship. The project creates opportunities for social sustainability in Los Angeles, leasing areas of its garden and tower green walls to locals for micro-agro business. Crops are stored for disaster relief and distribution and sales to local restaurants and school cafeterias. The on-site food bank reaches out to those in need and also provides housing for students and trade laborers wishing to pursue work in urban agriculture. (Source: inhabitat.com)

New Jersey High School Gets Mobile “Living Wall” Classroom ‘Magnetic Tongue’ Developed to Taste Tomatoes An article in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has reported that food scientists have developed a ‘magnetic tongue’ that can taste food items like canned tomatoes in a more objective way than human taste testers, eliminating results based on the testers’ emotional states. Researchers say that the device may be useful in the future as a rapid, sensitive and relatively inexpensive tool for food processing companies. (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

A Plainfield, New Jersey high school has received a mobile‘living wall’ classroom—incorporating both fish and plants in a vertical planting system that also functions as a water and air purification system— from EcoWalls, a Rutger’s University small-business initiative. The classroom, which can be moved to other locations for demonstration purposes, was designed by two Rutgers’ graduates in order to teach students about aquaponics. (Source: news.rutgers.edu)

Supermarket Chain and Greenhouse Company Team up for Fresher Produce East Coast supermarket chain McCaffrey’s Markets and greenhouse manufacturer and operator BrightFarms LLC have announced a partnership with plans to build a greenhouse farm at a McCaffrey’s location and sell the resulting ‘Ultra Local’ produce—such as lettuces, tomatoes and herbs—to the supermarket chain under a long-term purchase agreement. By growing the produce directly at McCaffrey’s stores, eliminating cross-continent shipping and distribution, BrightFarms and McCaffrey’s will be offering customers fresh high-quality produce while minimizing the environmental impact of both companies. (Source: inhabitat.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Clean Seeds Essential to Producing Safe Sprouts A recent study at the University of Illinois has concluded that one of the secrets to keeping sprouts free of food borne pathogens lies in keeping them scrupulously clean at the seed stage—once they’ve germinated, it may be too late. Although low doses of irradiation can be used to kill most pathogens that attach to sprout seeds, this treatment can also affect the sprouts’ quality and nutritional value. The study called for “very strict control in the sprout production process, focusing on the cleanliness of seeds and expending money and effort on prevention.” (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Wood Started as Plant Plumbing Scientists recently discovered two 400-millionyear-old plants that are among the earliest known examples of wood. Although it has been speculated that wood evolved as a means for plants to become taller, it is more likely that in these two cases the wood served as a plumbing system to draw water up, since the plants were only a few inches tall. (Source: www.nytimes.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

France Loses its Wildflowers A recent study by the Wildlife Department of the French Environment Ministry has concluded that French wildflowers are disappearing at a rapid rate and that pesticides associated with industrial farming practices are to blame. “All over Europe the situation is the same, with these species in serious decline,” a spokesperson said, adding that since the advent of modern farming techniques species like pheasant’s eye, cornflower, corncockle and Venus’s looking glass have “been treated as weeds.” (Source: esciencenews.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS MONTH’S

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

AT120RB: Red/Blue Apache Tech LED, Inc. has introduced its highly anticipated Red/Blue LED array to the public. This combination of light spectrums has been in testing at two world-renowned growing facilities. It outputs light comparable to a 600 watt HID and color spectrums that have been chosen specifically to optimize crop production. Apache Tech, Inc. originally designed the AT120 series of LED arrays for NASA/Ames Research Center to replace their HID lighting for their crop research. Apache Tech has lights suitable for greenhouses, warehouses, growth chambers and large aquariums. To find out more about the Apache Tech LEDs, visit your nearest indoor gardening shop.

The AQUAbox Spyder The AQUAbox Spyder is the perfect watering system for outdoor growing. It can be placed directly in the ground, raised beds, large planters or allotments, and features AutoPot’s AQUAvalve technology. The 12 strips of capillary matting pull the water from the AQUAbox and distribute it into the soil below. The AQUAbox Spyder offers a revolutionary self-watering solution making it the perfect irrigation solution for weekends away, holidays and year-round watering. No pumps or timers are required. Simply connect to a water barrel to automatically water a 16 square foot area. Extension kits are available. For more information please visit your favorite indoor gardening shop or authorized AutoPot retailer.

Keep Heavy-duty Odors at Bay With Sunleaves DuraFilter Sunleaves DuraFilters keeps the air in indoor gardens clean and fresh. Filters are available in four, six and eight inch diameters with the six and eight inch filters available in both regular and tall sizes. Each filter contains a 2.5 inch pelletized carbon bed within a zinc-anodized steel housing. A pre-filter is also included, and all filters come with flanges attached. Each DuraFilter carries a one year warranty, and has about a 12 month lifespan. Contact your local authorized BWGS retailer for more information.

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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Maximum Yield USA | October 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Cyco Coco Peat Cyco Coco Peat proudly displays the RHP Dutch Standard stamp for horticultural substrates, which ensures strictly monitored quality insurance that will give you constant, proven results. Our customers rely on the RHP standard as a sign of excellence. Cyco Coco Peat is a clean product that is free from harmful parasites and diseases. Cyco Coco Peat is a natural compliment to the products in the Cyco Platinum Series. We guarantee: pre-buffered and pH stabilized; high water absorption and essential air ratio; natural and biodegradable; environmentally friendly; clean and free from pests; free from viruses; free from chemical additives. Visit your favorite hydroponics shop for more information.

Roots Organics Green Lite Roots Organics Green Lite growing mix is an aggressively freedraining indoor and outdoor potting mix. Experienced gardeners know that a perfect indoor mix is very different than the perfect outdoor mix. Green Lite is designed with more perlite and pumice to give you enhanced drainage and greater oxygen in the root zone, and with specific ingredients for versatile container gardening. This mix has been extensively tested and you will see the results of this high porosity blend in your garden. Roots Organics Green Lite is calculated to give you control and accelerate your garden for vigorous plants and root systems. Visit your favorite indoor gardening shop for more information.

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2011

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

The Original RootMaker RootMaker® is the original root pruning container system, built on continuous research since 1968. These revolutionary patented containers are available in a wide range of sizes, from propagation to 100 gallons. Without toxic chemicals, RootMakers® build root systems that branch, extend horizontally and vertically and don’t circle. Each fibrous root system compliments the next. By turning that first root into 10, and those 10 into 100, thousands of active root tips can be created for greater and more efficient water and nutrient absorption, accelerated plant growth and increased vigor. Visit an indoor gardening shop near you for more information.

CALiMAGic™

Go Green With the Eco Waste Reducer Elbow

CALiMAGic™ from General Hydroponics is a low nitrogen calcium magnesium supplement, specially formulated to prevent secondary nutrient deficiencies in fast-growing plants. Many calcium-intensive plants, like lettuce and tomatoes, need that extra Ca+ boost to optimize growth. This prevents diseases related to calcium deficiency like blossom-end rot. CALiMAGic™ is a clean, fully soluble product that will not clog spray lines or drip emitters and is safe to use in reservoirs combined with many other fertilizers. Use CALiMAGic™ as a part of your regular feeding program. Visit an authorized Hydrofarm or Sunlight Supply retailer to purchase CALiMAGic™.

The Evolution-RO1000® from Hydro-Logic Purification Systems now includes the option to reduce your wastewater and achieve a true 1:1 ratio with the Eco Waste Reducer Elbow. Hydro-Logic is the clear choice for quality, customer support, cutting edge technologies and price! Beginning November 1, these eco elbows will be included with each new Evolution-RO1000® and will also be available to purchase separately for those who want to upgrade their original systems. Contact your local retailer for more information on this exciting new feature for the Evolution-RO1000!

Compactor and Flowerator The Compactor is a hydroponic fertilizer that produces shorter, tighter internodes. It is a specially formulated nutrient that shortens the space between internodes to create more compact plants with stronger and thicker stems for improved resistance and sturdiness. The Flowerator is an accelerator that promotes and regulates flowering and generates thick leaf density and luxuriant bushiness. This treatment supplies the proper ratio of nutrients for flowering plants and speeds up the harvesting process. These two powerful nutrients will maximize your yields. For more information visit your favorite hydro shop.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Organic Control Predatory Mites Got mites? Beneficial insects like predatory mites can be used to fight pest problems effectively and naturally in hydroponic systems. Organic Control/Orcon’s predatory adult mites seek out and kill pest mites, particularly the common spider mite. They are shipped live, ready to seek and destroy pest populations. Best used at the first sign of an infestation, you only need two to five adults per plant, or 500 to 2,000 per tree. Each container includes 2,000 live adults. Gardeners using Orcon’s beneficial insects and soil amendments produce higher yields and stronger plants without having to spray harmful chemicals. Visit your local indoor/outdoor gardening shop for more information.

Serenade® Garden Disease Control Readyto-spray Serenade® Garden Disease Control Ready-to-spray (RTS) prevents and controls harmful lawn and garden diseases including powdery mildew, rust, gray mold and other diseases. Powered by the same active ingredient used and trusted by commercial farmers and golf course superintendents. The active ingredient of Serenade Garden RTS is a patented strain of Bacillus subtilis. Just attach the bottle to your garden hose and spray! It’s tough on bacterial and fungal diseases but leaves beneficial insects, including honeybees, safe. Serenade Garden Disease Control RTS is NOP-approved, making it an ideal product for safety-minded homeowners. Visit an indoor gardening shop for more information.

Current Culture H2O™ Under Current™ Water Culture Systems from Current Culture H20™ employ peripheral negative pressure to recirculate highly oxygenated nutrient solution through the plant’s root zone. This perpetual fluid motion supercharges the nutrients with dissolved oxygen, creating a hyper aerobic condition perfect for explosive plant growth. Under Current™ Water Culture Systems offer simple design making them easy to set up and use. Increase nutrient efficiency, growth speed and crop yield with one amazing product. Available in multiple configurations for any sized growing application. Manufactured in the United States and now available at authorized Sunlight Supply retail shops.

FloraNectar™ SugarCane SugarCane is the newest addition to the FloraNectar™ line from General Hydroponics®. FloraNectar™ contains all natural raw cane sugar, molasses, malt syrup, select plant-based esters, L-amino acids, organic acids, polyflavonoids, vitamins and essential minerals. This unique blend of ingredients helps your plants regulate enzymes that trigger specific reactions involved in maintaining optimal metabolism. This allows your plants to achieve a balance between respiration and photosynthesis in high intensity growing environments where the rate of respiration can sometimes exceed the rate of photosynthesis. As a result, FloraNectar™ ensures optimal metabolic rates during the flowering and fruiting phase when nitrogen levels have been reduced. It also promotes a sturdier plant structure during the vegetative phase when high levels of nitrogen are present. Visit a hydroponic shop near you for more information

Continued on page 42 38

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Continued from page 38

The Green Pad The Green Pad may be one of the most inexpensive and innovative ways to get the good gas to your plants. The Green Pad was designed to produce enough CO2 in indoor gardens without the upfront expense of CO2 equipment. Green Pads hang inside tents or closets and absorb the room’s humidity (35 to 50+ per cent) to power its reaction, releasing carbon dioxide. To maintain higher PPMs use one to two Green Pads per 250 to 400 cubic feet of space. The Green Pad is a backup when tanks are running empty. Don’t get caught without CO2 in your garden. Visit an indoor gardening shop near you for more information.

SNS-217™ Spider Mite Control SNS-217™ Spider Mite Control is made up of 100 per cent pure rosemary botanical extracts. The botanicals are all food grade GRAS (generally recognized as safe) materials. This unique formula works by providing a barrier that is harmless to the plant but fatal to the mites. The natural salts from fatty acids derived from rosemary extracts disrupt the insect’s cell structure and permeability of its membranes. Cell contents then leak from damaged cells and the spider mites quickly die. SNS-217™ Spider Mite Control kills the spider mite eggs as well. Visit your favorite gardening shop for more information.

Sunleaves MicroSun Great for Small Spaces Gardeners looking for compact lighting options will love the Sunleaves Micro-Sun. This reflector features 120 volt/60 hertz operation powered by a digital, non-dimming ballast (max wattage of 150 watts, 250 watts or 400 watts depending on the model). Both HPS and MH lamps are powered by the Micro-Sun, and light is reflected onto plants with a premium European specular aluminum insert. Other convenient features include a backlit on/off switch, a glass lens, a built-in breaker and an eight foot power cord. Comes with a five year warranty. Contact your local authorized BWGS retailer today to learn more.

AT120W: Full Spectrum Apache Tech LED, Inc. and researchers at NASA/Ames Research Center have partnered to design a full spectrum (white) array suitable for crop production. This full spectrum light has replaced HID lamps at the NASA/Ames crop growth facility. Apache Tech, Inc. is now making these remarkable LEDs available to the public. Cut your lighting costs, cut your cooling costs and save big on your energy bill. Apache Tech has high output lights suitable for greenhouses, warehouses, growth chambers, large aquariums and one just perfect for your application. To find out more about the Apache Tech LEDs, visit your nearest indoor gardening shop.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

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

Cyco Platinum ProKit

Gro1 Five Gallon Battery Powered Sprayer

The Cyco Platinum ProKit is the perfect choice for serious gardeners. This complete package of superior formulated products includes everything required from start to harvest. The ProKit contains an easyto-read grow and bloom chart for all mediums. Both charts are based on a week-to-week, color-coded system, making the ProKit one of the most userfriendly kits available. Contents include: one quart each of Cyco Grow A+B, Cyco Bloom A+B, Cyco Swell, Cyco Potash Plus, Cyco Silica, Cyco Zyme, Cyco B1 Boost, Cyco Dr. Repair, Cyco Uptake, a small bottle of Cyco XL and an information booklet. Visit a hydroponics shop near you to learn more.

The Gro1 five gallon battery powered sprayer is made from high-grade polyethylene plastic that resists corrosion from insecticides and herbicides. The operator can choose to either wear the sprayer like a backpack using its adjustable straps, or the sprayer can be pulled using the handle and built-in wheels. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to eight hours after a full charge. The sprayer saves labor (no pumping required), time and money. Notable features include: three interchangeable nozzles for different spray patterns, heavy-duty five foot hose and a 9.5 inch spray wand. Visit your local hydroponics shop to check out the entire line of sprayers.

Pre-Evolution® High Capacity Pre-filter The new Pre-Evolution® high capacity pre-filter for the Evolution-RO1000® gives gardeners two extra stages of prefiltration and extends the life of the carbon filter in the Evolution-RO1000® from 2,000 to 7,500 gallons. It increases the Evolution-RO1000’s efficiency and protects your investment. This system comes with a first stage cleanable, pleated sediment filter, second stage custom combination KDF85/55 carbon filter exclusive to Hydro-Logic to reduce chlorine, chloramines, iron, sulfur and heavy metals. Pure water’s not magic. It’s logic. Now available at hydro retail shops across the country.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Lightspeed Flip 16 - Another Hydrotek Exclusive Heading up our newly revamped line of ballasts and controllers, the new Lightspeed Flip 16 lighting controller gives you cost-saving, automated eight ballast, 16 light switching. Flip 16 allows you to run 16 lights from eight ballasts, plus it works with ballasts plugged into any voltage. Heavy-duty, these units are built to last. Flip 16 can be used with any 120 volt timer. Comes with optional 240 volt timer outlet. For more information visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

The Green Pad Jr. CO2 accelerates the natural rooting process for cuttings and seedlings so they can establish healthy roots and more nodes. The Green Pad Jr. gives higher strike rates, less leaf yellowing and faster rooting. The Green Pad Jr. is placed in the humidity dome and replaced every other day until you are fully rooted or when you remove the dome. Store extra pads in a dry place and they will last up to a year. The Green Pad Jr. provides just the right amount of carbon dioxide for small gardens. Visit an indoor gardening shop near you to check them out.

New Sunleaves Ballast Makes Indoor Gardening Simple The Sunleaves Simple Ballast is an economic solution to indoor gardening challenges. This 1,000 watt magnetic two-way ballast powers HPS and MH HID lamps with either 120 volt or 240 volt operation. A 120 volt power cord is included, and the ballast features a one year warranty. It measures 14 inches long, 4.25 inches wide, 6.5 inches high, and is sure to get gardens growing with less fuss. Contact your local BWGS authorized retailer today for more information.

AT120WB: White/Blue Apache Tech LED, Inc. has developed a unique combination of white and blue LEDs that are ideally suited for increasing chlorophyll production and developing short internode lengths. These lights have proven successful for grafting, budding, cutting and tissue culture and will increase your success rate. These carefully chosen spectrums are ideal for propagation and early plant development. Cut your lighting costs, cut your cooling costs and save big on your energy bill. Apache Tech has high output lights suitable for greenhouses, warehouses, growth chambers, large aquariums and one just perfect for your application. To find out more about the Apache Tech LEDs, visit your nearest indoor gardening shop.

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2011

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

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

Cyco Potash Plus Cyco Potash Plus strengthens plants and aids in water retention, which improves yields and transportability. It balances other nutrients, especially nitrate, to make sure they are used by plants efficiently, so as to avoid losses that might be harmful to the plant. Cyco Potash Plus will also help in the development of large, healthy flowers. Many of the functions of potash in the plant are related to physiological conditions and stress. These functions are diverse and include efficient nitrogen and improved water use, drought tolerance and frost resistance. Visit a hydroponics shop near you for more information.

1.3 Megapixel USB LED Digital Microscope The 1.3 Megapixel USB LED Digital Microscope is great for identifying pests and diseases on your plants. This powerful microscope can also be used to identify individual plant species. Take still photos or videos to catalog and track progress and species. This microscope plugs into your computer using a USB connection, has a maximum resolution of 1,280 by 1,024 pixels for both photos and videos, and uses six LED lights for maximum clarity. It’s compatible with Windows XP, Windows VISTA and Windows 7. Visit your favorite hydro shop to check out the full line of Gro1 microscopes.

XTrays – Combining Technology and Design Introducing Hydrotek’s new line of plastics. XTrays: Grooved flo-thru channels keep plants well-irrigated, vibrant and healthy. Available in eight sizes from two square feet to four by eight feet. XReservoirs: Reinforced to stand up to the forces of nature. The rigid, durable construction even withstands extreme temperatures. Features easy-toview level indicators. Available in five sizes from 25 to 125 gallons. XGrow Systems: The perfect fusion of performance and simplicity, these convenient, ready-to-grow systems are affordable and versatile. Available in aero, pots and cube systems. XAdvantages: Affordable, sturdy and resistant, easy-to-use and maintain. Compact design provides true interior measurement and capacity, and prevents the growth and spread of algae. Available in a variety of sizes to fit different needs and budgets. For more information go to your favorite indoor gardening shop.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

by Casey Jones Fraser

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2011

From lights and ventilation to food, grow media, reflection and enclosures, hydroponic expert and enthusiast Casey Jones Fraser breaks down how to set-up an affordable indoor garden. Included are material lists and how much you can expect everything to cost. >>

how to buy a grow room on a budget

Are you paging through this magazine in search of a gift? Did your boyfriend (or girlfriend) leave a copy in your car accidentally on purpose? Or maybe you’re new to gardening and you want to use that check Grandma sent you to outfit your first grow room... If you’re looking into buying an indoor gardening set-up, I can explain all of the items you will need to get started. Now, I don’t want to mislead you on the cost, so let’s get that out of the way right from the get-go. Some growers will spend $5,000 setting up their first indoor garden—and that kind of budget will get you a room full of gear and a high-end garden that will yield commercial amounts of produce. That is not what we are talking about here, but you will still need to spend some cash. For your first garden, you should probably figure on a budget of at least $650 to $1,100. It’s great if you can afford more, but if you’re new to all of this your budget is likely to be fairly limited.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

how to buy a grow room on a budget

Light The grow light is the heart of your indoor garden. If you could grow big, healthy plants with household lighting, everyone would have tomatoes growing in their kitchens. If you could grow healthy vegetables with a cheap light from the hardware store, grandmothers across the globe would grow zucchini plants in their laundry rooms! For a real grow light that will take your garden from vegetative growth to fruiting and flowering and into harvest, you should get an HID lighting system. HID grow lights fall into two categories: metal halide (to promote vegetative growth) and high pressure sodium (to promote fruiting and flowering). These days, you can get a switchable lighting system that can run either MH or HPS lamps—I recommend you start with an all-in-one system that combines the ballast (power supply) and reflector into a single unit. You’ll need to buy: • All-in-one lighting fixture (400 watt, switchable) • 400 watt metal halide lamp • 400 watt high pressure sodium lamp Cost: $300

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

how to buy a grow room on a budget

Air Cool, fresh air is required for plants to grow—they need moderate temperatures and CO2 to generate biomass. You could do this with an air conditioner and a CO2 generator, but that would add $1,000 to your budget. For a small 400 watt garden, just use a high-quality inline blower. This will remove hot air from the garden space, letting fresh air in. Out with the heat and in with the CO2-laden air! If your proposed garden space is relatively chilly, just go with a small four inch blower, but if you’re dealing with a warmer space, go with the six or eight inch version. The ideal temperature range is around 70 to 80°F. You’ll need to buy: • Inline blower Cost: $120 to $200 The leaves in the garden should also experience a gentle breeze, marked by a subtle movement of the plant canopy. You can accomplish this with a simple six inch clip-on fan, since we’re talking about a relatively small garden space. You’ll need to buy: • Six inch clip-on fan Cost: $20

Food So far we have covered three basic things that most living creatures require: light, fresh air and an appropriate temperature range. With those parameters covered, its now time to think about what your plants will want to eat. Many nutrient companies make amazing fertilizers and supplements for the indoor gardening industry—you can go simple or complex, chemical or organic, or even try some combination of these methods. Simple nutrient kits cost about $40 and should contain all of the required ingredients for sustaining plant health.Your local hydroponics shop can also show you more complex, scientific nutrient charts that can help you figure out how to take your yield and quality to amazing new heights; if you decide to go with one of these fancy nutrient lines, you may end up spending closer to $200. You’ll need to buy: • Nutrient kit Cost: $40 to $200

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MaximumYield Yield USA | December USA | November2011 2011 Maximum

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

how to buy a grow room on a budget

Growing medium A complicated hydroponics system is out of the budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go hydro; hydroponics simply means growing plants without soil. Ask your local hydroponics dealer for six cubic feet of the highest quality soilless mix they carry. It may look like soil but it’s not—and you’ll be feeding it hydroponic nutrients. This is truly hydroponics on a budget and you will get hydroponic results! You’ll need to buy: • Soilless mix Cost: $80 Then just fill plastic pots with the soilless mix and water them as you would with soil. For the vegetative stage, get about a dozen six inch pots. For flowering, take the best nine plants and grow each of them in a three gallon pot. Don’t forget saucers to catch the runoff. You’ll need to buy: • 12 six-inch pots • Nine three-gallon pots Cost: $45

The room You may already have a space picked out for your pretty little plants, but you’ll still need one final thing: reflective material or an enclosure. If you are working in a closet or the corner of a basement, you will need only some reflective material. Polyethylene plastic sheeting is available with a white side to reflect light and a black side to make it lightproof—this sheeting can be washed off and you can hang it like a curtain to create the walls of your growroom. If you are in a small closet, you can simply line the walls with this plastic sheeting, giving you a washable surface that reflects light. If you are in a basement or large room you may want to consider a grow tent, a heavy-duty canvas enclosure made to house your garden. The inside is lined with reflective material so you don’t need the black and white poly and it will come complete with ventilation ports, zipper doors and waterproof floor liners. If you can afford the extra cash, these tents are the way to go. • You’ll need to buy: • Fifty feet of black and white poly Cost: $50 or: • Grow tent (30 inches by 30 inches by 72 inches) Cost: $200

Putting it all together Shopping online for these items is an option but you will get much better customer service when shopping at a real hydroponics store where they’ll show you how all of the stuff works together to create a plant-perfect environment. Web stores can’t take the parts out of the box and show you how they work in person and there is no substitute for solid information and a helping hand—plus some stores may offer a discount when you buy all of the items at once. So get that special someone the gift that truly keeps on giving: give them an opportunity to get involved in the hydroponics revolution.You’ll change someone’s life and you’ll both feel better for it. MY

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

My,What

Big, White,

Bushy Roots You Have –

Debunking Hydroponic Myths by Ed Harwood

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Uncovering the truth behind some of the myths about indoor gardening can help you achieve success. Hydroponic growers love to show how healthy (and voluminous) their plants’ roots are. I thought this made good sense; after all, the more root, the more plant—the whiter and fuzzier the better—right? I imagined the great root systems of conventional agriculture, like those of alfalfa, had a solid advantage to plants and better yields in hydroponics as well. I even hypothesized that greater root surface area would improve growth and that root hairs were necessary to obtain this benefit.

–

One day I expressed this idea to Dr. Stephen Reiner at Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. He explained, much to my surprise, that I had it all wrong. “Plants create only the roots necessary to get the nutrition they need.” It took a minute for me to convert this concept to: “why waste energy and nutrition on roots when I just need leaves to sell?”, but I now use smaller root masses as indicators of good nutrition—although I still monitor root color as an indicator of plant health. I now try to make a point of reconsidering all of the myths about plant production, which is especially important when you grow in a non-traditional way. Here are some of the things that I have discovered:

Myth: Seeds only need soil and dark to germinate. The coating on a seed is intended to keep the seed safe and alive until conditions are correct. The grower must create conditions that promote the loss of the covering in order for a seed to germinate. Some plants need certain temperature extremes (recall pine cones and fire), while others do great with lots of moisture and no light and still others need scarification or chemicals to germinate. For successful hydroponic growing, the germination process needs to be completely understood and all the requirements met.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Myth: LEDs don’t produce heat. LEDs don’t produce radiant heat on the light side, they produce the heat at the back— which is why we have such big aluminum heat sinks on them. (ledsmagazine.com/features/2/5/8)

Myth: We need to imitate sunlight and other natural phenomena in order to grow effectively. It is often thought that sunlight and rainfall and other natural conditions need to be faithfully reproduced before we can successfully grow plants.As the efficacy of artificial light and chemical fertilizer recipes have shown, this is not true. Indeed, plants adapt to nature—not the other way around—and thus determining what essential growth factors they need from nature can lead to more successful growing.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Myth: Starting with elementfree water is an essential concern. The real concern is proper pH and mineral formulation and ensuring the availability of essential nutrients to plants. Getting an analysis of your completed nutrient solution will provide a great insight into what it is missing or possibly what it contains in excess. I may not have covered every myth, but I maintain that healthy skepticism will go a long way in helping you succeed in hydroponics! MY

Sources: Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and Evolution of Dormancy and Germination, C.C. and J.M. Baskin, 2001, Axademic Press, New York. Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2011

by Shane Hutto

: s b i r NPK C

n o iti d E o r Hyd Like most species I do not remember precisely when life began for me, but I do know that I am a pepper plant. My mother explained that I fell from her branches as a seed and began growing in the dirt next to her. When I was a few weeks old, a loving caretaker divided me into separate pieces. I felt no pain and the soothing powdery substance that gently coated my end stimulated my feet to grow rapidly. This process gave me the ability to multiply myself into separate entities and travel the world, where I could grow in many different environments. > >

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2011

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

NPK Cribs: Hydro edition

My first house was made of a peat mix. Many of my pepper friends called it dirt but technically it was peat mixed with perlite and other additives and placed in a plastic container. I remained in this environment until I grew a little stronger and reached a satisfactory size. Life wasn’t perfect, though—sometimes my first house stayed a bit too wet for my preference and although it was a suitable house with a huge refrigerator to store my food, the real problem was that the fridge could only partially open—I found I could barely squeeze my roots in and steal a drink of my favorite protein shake, called NPK. The next house I lived in was made from these large clay balls. It was my hydroton lodge. The lodge required my caretakers to do a lot of washing and cleaning, but I really enjoyed the plentiful breathing room and I could grow well. My roots stayed dry, but the big difference between my old house and the hydroton lodge was that my refrigerator was empty all the time. I would fill it with food and within seconds it was empty again. The only way I could grow was to constantly go to the store just to get food—it was almost like a bottomless pit.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

NPK Cribs: Hydro edition

After that I decided to go tropical and moved into a coco house. It was not an easy move, as I had to put a lot of effort into preparing my home before I moved in and then everything had to be cleaned again after I was settled. The fridge was always full and my roots stayed just dry enough to keep me happy, though, so all things considered this was definitely one of the better houses I have owned—even if it was the most temperamental. The home I live in now is made of light, airy rockwool. This environment feels completely natural to me, even though it is a manufactured home made in some place called Holland. It’s a high-tech house that required a little work setting up the first time, but once everything was right the move in was easy

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

and my caretakers had no mess to contend with—they simply rinsed the lime dust from my new home first. I love the endless possibilities for expansion and transport and now I can add on to my home any time I feel I have outgrown the place. My fridge is always fully stocked and the door is wide open for easy access all the time—even for midnight snacking! My roots never get too soggy and I can breathe easily once it stops raining. My new rockwool home really provides for all my needs and I wouldn’t trade it for a palace. Now that I’m all grown up, I’m thinking about making some babies myself. I hope their caretakers will keep providing great homes for them as they grow— and that one day they’ll have a rockwool home and some babies of their own… MY

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Biological Beneficials or Sterile Synthetics? The Choice is Yours!

all

L by

C Mc

est b y r e ve h t d Yiel and th g n i i y by pla enting w s im m r e e t p s x y e tic) ial s e c i h f t e (syn of ben e l i r ste os r p e and . Th s m sed. e s t u s c y s dis e r a each

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2011

Biological Beneficials or Sterile Synthetics? The choice is yours

Indoor gardening and hobby hydroponics seem to have situated themselves not-so-subtly into the consciousness of the general public—people know what these terms mean now and everybody knows somebody who grows. As aggressive hobby growers, we tend to proselytize—we tell everybody who will listen how great our hobby is and we gush over amazing new products every chance we get. In fact, it seems there are more avid indoor, hydroponic and greenhouse hobby growers today than ever before! However, despite the major growth our industry has undergone over the past few years, the average person who gardens traditionally in their yard might still overlook indoor gardening shops and turn to inferior plant products sold at big box stores. Progressively things are changing, though, and many people share a real desire to know where and when their food was grown and how it is brought to their table. A higher quality of life calls for better quality food—and what better way is there than to grow your own, perhaps even organically. Hydroponic and soilless cultivation systems are put together with lots of imagination and a bit of know-how and require some understanding of the principles that govern water, air and light. There are virtually limitless ways to construct a functioning system using these three principles, although plants do require certain specific constants in order to enjoy healthy growth.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Biological Beneficials...

Nutrients comprised of ingredients “that will both support and implement microbial developmental reactions may be categorized as beneficial systems and may not necessarily be organic or naturally derived.

”

In soil-based gardens, for example, microbes encourage nutrient uptake by the plant, whereas in hydroponics the exact same plant may be grown using a sterile solution comprised from synthetic nutrient concentrates. Initially, a method of cultivation—drip, ebb-and-flow, aeroponics, deep water culture, organic soil or whatever you decide on—should be chosen. Next, a nutrient regime should be selected. Which nutrient system is best for the proposed system: beneficial, sterile or perhaps both? Nutrients comprised of ingredients that will both support and implement microbial developmental reactions may be categorized as beneficial systems and may not necessarily be organic or naturally derived. Sterile systems may contain organic certified products, but they will not contain any living organisms that assist in plant nutrient absorption. Beneficial nutrient systems are reliant on the active microbial life coexisting in and around the root system. Rather than the actual material in the nutrient mix feeding the plants, exudates in the form of by-products from microbial reactions are responsible for delivering nutrients to the plant. This is a form of chelation in an organic soil-based system.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Biological Beneficials...

Synthetic formulas also contain chelates, chemical compounds that attach to certain metal ions and convert them into soluble forms available for uptake to the plant. An example of this is the use and availability of iron to plants—iron is a metal normally insoluble unless chelated. EDTA and DPTA are common iron chelates used to improve the performance of synthetic nutrient systems. Chelates are synthesized in various forms and may also stem from amino acids, enzymes, plant extracts or other protein-based compounds.

Beneficial Systems Beneficial plant nutrient systems function primarily because of the complex chain of chemical reactions that take place on a microscopic level in and around the rhizosphere. Protozoa, fungi, bacteria, nematodes and other tiny organisms are traditionally the agents responsible for nourishing our soil-based gardens, especially with organic nutrients.Without the reactions occurring as a result of the life under the soil line, organically-derived elements would not be able to be processed—or chelated—by the plant. In hydroponic applications, certain synthetic or salt-based nutrient systems may also

the reactions occurring as “aWithout result of the life under the soil line, organically-derived elements would not be able to be processed—or chelated—by the plant.

”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Biological Beneficials...

work systematically with active microbial additives, allowing for superior plant performance from both spectrums.Very little published data exists to support this combination and most of what we know from science claims microbial life deteriorates when combined with salts and metals past a certain concentration. However, when viewed side-by-side, a detectable benefit can sometimes be seen from the addition of ‘good’ microbes to a solution in comparison to the control left untreated.With gardening we have the ability to manipulate nature to suit our plans, although reactions will occur whether we understand them or not—with or without our outside influence. This is why it’s a good idea to try inoculating mycorrhizae to the root system of a plant—whether it’s actually recommended or not— and also try leaving an identical replicate next to it, untreated. Sterile (Synthetic) Systems Sterile systems containing no beneficial bacterial or fungal inoculation are obviously the other choice for growers. Depending on environmental conditions, the end result may actually vary very little or not at all, despite the absence of millions of microbes that organic growers are completely dependent on.There’s lots of discussion about which system yields the best result. So which system is the best for you? Color, taste, aroma and yield are just a few of the many influencing factors that different growers grade on different scales to determine their idea of the best result. My vision of an ideal sterile system involves increased oxygen levels in the root zone via aeration devices—air pump and diffuser stone—a water chiller if necessary to promote a consistent reservoir temperature between 65 and 70 degrees and a sterilization additive containing chloramines or hypochlorous acid.This type of additive prevents negative pathogens such as root rot from blooming in systems and will ensure a healthier root mass. As opposed to the use of probiotic microbes to fend off disease-causing pathogens and pests, these plant-grade bleaches ensure sterility throughout the entire system and allow the plant’s roots to develop in a healthy manner. Off-the-shelf enzyme formulations,

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Biological Beneficials...

is used by many growers “Peroxide who run sterile systems as well;

however, I recommend it as a disinfectant or cleaner rather than as a plant-system additive.

”

amino acids, B vitamins and specific carbohydrates are all compatible additives with sterile systems and will enhance the performance of synthetic base nutrients without the addition of microbes to the solution. Humic and low-molecular humic (fulvic) acids will also encourage nutritional facilitation without the use of microbes. Peroxide is used by many growers who run sterile systems as well; however, I recommend it as a disinfectant or cleaner rather than as a plant-system additive. Peroxide solutions are very effective against microorganisms but delicate feeder roots can burn if they are exposed to excessive concentrations. Experimenting with plant varieties is a very effective way to obtain valuable information about nutrient uptake and efficiency. As we come closer to mastering the art of manipulating plant life, we now know that both beneficial living and sterile non-living systems can allow plants the ability to uptake the elements they need to flourish.Through trial and error we advance our data base about gardening in the same way that a garden grows. An idea—or seed—sprouts, with the intention of progression toward harvest. Some ideas (and seeds) are viable; some are not. Some nutrient systems work—some don’t. Just like nature, we keep what works and discard what doesn’t and we progress toward a healthier and ultimately more efficient garden. Plants will continue to evolve with the techniques, nutrients and training methods we impose. Productive gardening is all about efficiency and discovering methods that yield the best results. MY

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

GREEN THUMB GARDENING

The Slow Food Movement

Reversing the Fast Food Trend

by Michael Bloch

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

“We are not only what we eat, but how we eat.” The following is an amusing snippet from the Simpsons that sums up our general approach to food these days. Moe: I got this deep fryer on loan from the United States Army. It can flash fry a buffalo in 40 seconds. Homer: Forty seconds? But I want it now! It’s funny, but cuts incredibly close to the truth. I eat two meals a day in front of my computer so I can keep working. I sometimes watch the microwave heat up whatever abomination I have chosen for a meal, impatient for the two minutes to hurry up already. The food I eat has little to do with taste, and more to do with convenience and the ‘feed the machine’ factor. Family meals can be a rather quick affair these days in many households; takeout food is common and meals are often eaten in front of the television. I remember a time of lengthy meals when everyone talked about their day, expressed concerns and solved problems—the television was strictly forbidden. Many pantries are stocked with pre-made, preservative-laden sauces and freezers full of frozen meals labeled healthy. Food is a primary need, yet we’re becoming increasingly disconnected from it. For many of us it’s all about speed. It’s not that we don’t care about eating with our family at a leisurely pace, but rampant consumerism has led us to believe we need to acquire things; and those things cost money that must be earned. Home ownership in many countries places huge financial strains on families

too; meaning both parents may be working, which leaves little time for food preparation. Aside from the cultural aspects, the modern approach to such a basic and important function in our lives is creating a massive impact on our environment. Many of us are still unaware of problems related to issues such food miles, palm oil, soy beans and the connection between food and fossil fuel. Enter the slow food movement.

of an insult to ourselves and the bounty that nature offers. We’re effectively just feeding at the trough, much What is slow food? like many of the factory-farmed animals The slow food movement is about good, we consume. clean and fair food. Slow food principles Slow food extends way beyond susstate the food we eat should taste good; tenance into every aspect of life; it’s a it should be produced in a clean way recalibration and re-evaluation of what is that does not negatively impact important. In some instances it the environment, animal may mean paying a little welfare or our health; more for good quality and food producand ethically-raised ers should receive food, but that fair compensation money can usu“Slow food is also for their work. ally be easily about slowing down Slow food is also gained through to enjoy food and life about slowing not buying as with family down to enjoy much of the food and life with junk that clutand friends.” family and friends. ters our lives; the It’s about connectpursuit of which ing more with our food. steals our lives and an The principles of the slow unnecessary amount of food movement are very much our planet’s resources. inline with the principles of the locaSlow food resources vore movement, which is the practice of eating food that’s been grown and If you’re interested in learning more harvested within a 100 mile radius. about the slow food movement; there I remember a lunch I attended about a are organizations across the country.Visit decade ago that went for two hours. It slowfoodusa.org for a list of local chapters was more an event than a lunch, really, in your state. MY with incredibly tasty, fresh and healthy food that was consumed at a leisurely About the Author: Michael Bloch is the pace and in the presence of good owner and editor of GreenLivingTips.com, an online resource powered by renewable company. I don’t remember many other energy. The site offers a wide variety of lunches in my life so vividly. earth friendly tips, green guides, advice While a two hour lunch every day is and environment-related news to help unrealistic for most of us, a five minute consumers and businesses reduce costs, consumption and environmental impact. lunch in front of the computer is a bit Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

by Matt LeBannister

Zen and the

Art of Insect Control

Gardening indoors provides many rewards. You can grow plants that you may not necessarily be able to grow outdoors in your area, you can grow year-round and you can maintain complete control over the environment that you have created—okay, maybe not complete control… 84

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Zen and the Art of Insect Control

Insect invaders are one element of gardening we try desperately to control, but this is often easier said than done. Destructive insect species always seem to find their way into greenhouses and indoor gardens. Insects cling to our clothes or are brought in by pets and by the people who come in contact with our plants. There is also a risk of introducing plants that already have insects on them. In a manufactured indoor environment there are no natural defenses such as native predatory insects, so we must learn to prevent and control the inevitable invasion of insect populations ourselves.

“Thrips are one of the most destructive insect species that ever could invade your greenhouse or grow room. The adults are slender and small, reaching a size of only 1/50 of an inch, which can make them very difficult to spot.” Thrips are one of the most destructive insect species that ever could invade your greenhouse or grow room.The adults are slender and small, reaching a size of only 1/50 of an inch, which can make them very difficult to spot. Because of this, many thrip infestations are not identified until the problem has become moderate to severe. Adult thrips, which vary in color from translucent white/yellow to brown and black, are extremely fast moving and can jump or fly away on fringed wings when disturbed. Thrip nymphs are similar to adults—only slightly smaller—and are light green or yellow with red eyes that can be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass.

Thrips

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Zen and the Art of Insect Control

“There are many options to help you combat a thrip infestation. Insecticidal soap, neem or pyrethrin-based insecticides can be sprayed on the plants once a week or you can dust the undersides of the leaves with diatomaceous earth.”

Adult and nymph thrips feed on plants by piercing and sucking out the contents of their cells. Thrips affect a wide variety of plants but prefer fruit, vegetables and flowering plants. Leaves with silvery streaks and spots are a good indicator of feeding thrips—if an infestation is allowed to progress unchecked, plant growth will become stunted, fruit and flower production will be slowed or stopped altogether, leaves will drop off and in the most severe cases plants can die. Thrips can also spread tomato spotted virus. Thrips lay their eggs on leaf tissue, usually on the underside of plants. Eggs can develop into adults in as little as three weeks and they can breed continuously indoors, which makes getting rid of thrips from your garden both crucial and difficult. There are many options to help you combat a thrip infestation. Insecticidal soap, neem or pyrethrin-based insecticides can be sprayed on the plants once a week or you can dust the undersides of the leaves with diatomaceous earth. Hanging blue and yellow sticky traps at canopy level will catch adult thrips, while pirate bugs, lacewings and lady beetles will all eat thrips if you are interested in a biological control solution. Another insect that can invade greenhouses and grow rooms is the aphid. Adult aphids are pear shaped and about

Thrips

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Zen and the Art of Insect Control

/32 to 1/8 of an inch in size, with long antennae and two short tubes protruding backward from the abdomen. Aphids range in color from green, pink, brown, black and dusty grey to fluffy white and they can develop wings when the colonies become overcrowded. Nymph aphids are similar to adults. Aphids cause damage to plants when they feed by sucking plant sap. They feed on fruit, vegetables, flowers and leaves and will eat practically any plants they can. Aphid damage on plants will cause visible distortions to leaves, flowers and fruit, while a severe infestation will cause leaves to drop and plants to die. Aphids also secrete honeydew onto leaves as a feed and this can promote the growth of molds on leaves and fruits. Infestations can easily become out of control as aphid colonies can grow quickly in warm temperatures. Some aphids can actually reproduce asexually and give birth to live nymphs, while others will reproduce with a partner and lay eggs. You can use a variety of methods to control aphid populations indoors—insecticidal soap, homemade pepper or garlic sprays, neem oil and pyrethrin sprays can all be highly effective, as can dusting the leaves with diatomaceous earth. You can also use biological controls: aphid midges, lacewings and ladybugs are all predators of aphids and can help control populations without using sprays. 1

Aphids

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Zen and the Art of Insect Control

Ant with mealy bug

Mealybugs are another type of insect that likes to feed on plants. There are many different species, but the most common types are citrus mealybugs and long tailed mealybugs. Adult female mealybugs, which are soft and oval shaped and about 1 ∕10 of an inch in size, can produce several generations of offspring per year. Their distinctly segmented, pinkish bodies are covered with waxy white fuzz, while adult males, which are rarely seen, are small and have wings. Nymphs are similar to adults but smaller. Mealybugs can infest your indoor garden or greenhouse and if populations get out of control plants can be seriously damaged.

“There are many different species, but the most common types are citrus mealybugs and long tailed mealybugs. Adult female mealybugs, which are soft and oval shaped and about 110∕ of an inch in size.”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Zen and the Art of Insect Control

Scales

“There are two types of scales— armored, that secrete a waxy armor in a circular shape and soft, which do not.” These pests feed on plants by sucking the vital juices out of the flesh and they will eat all parts of the plant—stems, leaves, fruit and flowers—but they especially love to feed on new growth. If mealybugs are not stopped from feeding, the leaves on affected plants will begin to yellow and wither, fruit will drop prematurely and overall plant growth will be stunted. Mealybugs also secrete honeydew onto plants as they feed, which can attract sooty mold that can damage plants and rot fruit. To control a mealybug infestation, spray plants with neem oil, pyrethrin or insecticidal soap, making sure to get the undersides of the leaves. To control mealybug populations without the aid of sprays you can release mealybug destroyers (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), a predatory insect that feeds on mealybugs. Scales (family Coccidae) are another type of planteating insect that can invade an indoor garden or greenhouse. There are two types 94

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of scales—armored, that secrete a waxy armor in a circular shape and soft, which do not. Adult scales are legless, about 1 ∕10 to 1 ∕5 of an inch in size and they vary in color from gray, white and reddish-purple to brown. The nymphs are mobile crawlers until they settle in one spot. The females molt into the immobile legless form, while males molt into tiny yellow-winged insects. Scale populations can get out of control once introduced to indoor gardens and greenhouses—some species of scales can lay up to 2,000 eggs at once, while other species will give live birth to several live nymphs per day. Scales, which prefer fruiting and flowering species but will attack almost any plants, damage their hosts by sucking out their vital juices and by injecting their toxic saliva into plant tissue. Severe infestations will turn leaves yellow and cause them to drop if left unchecked and overall plant growth and

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Zen and the Art of Insect Control

Spraying plants with either neem oil or pyrethrin can control soft scale populations, or lady beetles can be released into your grow room or greenhouse to feed on the soft scales and keep their numbers down. Combating populations of plant-destroying insects can be difficult, especially in indoor gardens. Plants have no natural defenses indoors against these invaders, so we must

fruit development will be stunted. Many species of scales will secrete honeydew onto plants as they feed as well, which can attract sooty mold. Armored scales are difficult to treat with pesticides because of their waxy armor and the best way to control them is by releasing predatory beetles like Chilocorus nigritus or Lindorus lophanthae that feed on the armored scales.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

be inventive and patient when dealing with insects that are harmful to plants.With a little ingenuity and knowledge you can keep harmful insect populations in your indoor garden under control the safe, organic way. But you can’t always expect to be able to completely eradicate all these insects—often you must simply find a natural balance where the plants can still thrive. MY

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

by Simon Hart

Rooftop Farming An Urban Initiative Part Two

Efficiency is our only choice for the future—and the current agricultural system is enormously wasteful. Energy use, distance to market and pollution are all things that need to be considered when discussing the future security of our food supply.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

This is not an attack on the family farm: in many cases these operations are close to market now and commodity crops such as wheat and corn will not be the best options for urban agriculture anyway. Urban agriculture is not going to be an easy idea to implement since it means attempting to produce food in expensive urban areas and in much smaller spaces than farms currently demand, but the way forward could be to find areas in cities that are not in high demand and that provide good access to natural light. The rooftops of urban structures hold the key to this new opportunity and could improve our urban way of life in so many ways, including the building of local economies. My last article (See The Future is Up, Maximum Yield USA, November 2011).) focused on the economic, social and environmental benefits that would result from greening our buildings—now we need to examine the methods of growing that might drive our crop production in the future. A more self-sustaining model of urbanization will be required for our long-term success as the viability of long-distance transport declines and deteriorating climate conditions begin to affect our food supply. There are two distinct growing methods that could work effectively for rooftop agriculture: both have merits and in the short term they could each prove valuable. In the end, though, I feel that one will come to dominate and it will all end up coming down to efficiency.

Hydroponics Most commercial rooftop farmers are currently using hydroponic methods, which makes a lot of sense for several reasons. Hydroponic systems exert less load on buildings— and this is a major benefit. When you don’t have tons of medium to spread around you are less likely to buckle the roof on older buildings that can’t structurally support a soil-based rooftop operation. Hydroponically-grown crops also have the benefit of rapid growth compared to more

"Many rooftops now focus most of their efforts on leafy greens, with their quick turnaround time. This is important for cash flow, but also for preventing pest and disease problems."

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Rooftop Farming - An Urban Initiative Part Two

traditional methods, another substantial benefit that can be a factor in improving the profitability of a rooftop venture. If the rooftop system in question is focused on a single crop, hydroponics will shine. Many rooftops now focus most of their efforts on leafy greens, with their quick turnaround time. This is important for cash flow, but also for preventing pest and disease problems. Things become much more difficult for the rooftop grower when growing multiple crops, however—differences in required nutrient composition and concentrations mean that various reservoirs with different nutrient formulations will be required. With the harsh environment found on most rooftops, managing root zone temperatures is one of the biggest challenges facing hydroponic growers. Keeping the nutrient solution cool is important to control beneficial dissolved oxygen content and reduce possible pathogens and it is just as important to control the temperature in the hydroponic structures themselves. Organics and hydroponics are a difficult mix. Hydro-organics is possible, but nutrient availability and dissolved oxygen content (due to biological activity) might not be worth the extra effort involved. Functional organic hydroponic growing is generally based on amended soilless mixes, which completely negates the weight benefit of a water-based system.

"Aquaponics could also be considered as a possible component in a proposed hydroponic operation or as a part of a functioning organic system."

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Aquaponics could also be considered as a possible component in a proposed hydroponic operation or as a part of a functioning organic system. However, the water tanks would bring us back to the load-bearing issues, even if they were full of tasty tilapia or other vegetarian species. Fish that require meat-based proteins will probably be a no-go due to their incredibly inefficient feeding requirements and feeding plants to animals will not necessarily look like a great idea in the future either, since there is tremendous energy required to do so and it’s an inefficient and unnecessary step in food production.

Manufactured soils In the end there is a good chance that soil-based systems will actually become the primary method of rooftop growing for several reasons. Should this raise a lot of questions in your mind, the Cuban agricultural revolution is a real-world example of what happens when you need to produce food with things you have available locally. (See Agricultural Apocalypse, Maximum Yield USA, October 2010).

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The chemical fertilizers generally used in hydroponic systems are made all over the world but generally (for most urban areas) not locally. They are moved over long distances in huge bulk shipments by tanker or railcar and then reshipped in smaller, manageable volumes. In a self-sustaining organic rooftop agricultural system, though, the inputs could be refined far more locally. An example of this might be green waste diversion from the building below the garden being used as the feedstock for on-site vermicomposting. In fairness, rooftop gardens of the future would still face issues with shipping organic ingredients. Every component of the system needs to become more local— from inputs to consumers, everything should be close by. The depth and insulating effect 18 inch soil beds provide is another great benefit of soil-based over water-based systems. The extreme temperatures and weather conditions often found on a rooftop mean that a soil system has a valuable buffering capacity and as our weather becomes less predictable the moderating effect of soil systems will prove to be even more valuable to rooftop growers. When you employ a soil-based system you benefit by providing an insulating layer over the roof membrane—not to mention the increased lifespan this will impart to your roof.The insulation cost savings alone would seem to give the advantage to the soil-based system.

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"When you employ a soilbased system you benefit by providing an insulating layer over the roof membrane—not to mention the increased lifespan this will impart to your roof."

When managed properly, the soil-based system will also actually build higher carbon levels and will excel in the formation of aggregates, a direct result of the next major point— more beneficial life. With soil-based systems you will see the development of a balanced and resilient volume of beneficial microorganisms all the way through to arthropods.

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"Polyculture is far easier and more efficiently managed in a soil-based system..."

Biodiversity is the key to our future. Most hydroponic systems are limited and are generally monocrops due to the varying nutrient requirements of different plants. Polyculture is far easier and more efficiently managed in a soil-based system and because of planting diversity it also lends itself to increased biodiversity of fauna in and around the plantings. Over time, this system would be easier to keep healthy and viable, with lower input costs. There is also a lower energy cost associated with most organic soil-based systems and although they are usually more labor intensive than comparable hydroponic systems, ‘more- peoplebut-less-energy’ soil-based gardens are a great way to create community and move away from methods of production that consume huge amounts of energy. In open-field agriculture the difference between organic and conventional inputs is drastic. In this case, the methods are far closer, but the soil-based system would seem to be inching slightly ahead. The future of our food production is all about efficiency: bringing production into the cities is the starting point, no matter the method. In the end, though, as resources become scarce and energy costs climb, there is a strong case to be made that we will move back to building rich soils—it’s just that now they will be on top of our buildings, rather than out in the back 40… MY 104

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Avant-Gardening

by L

uis

Microbe Magic

Bar

tolo

They will change the way you grow

What do soil microbes do? There is an increasing awareness of the importance of soil biology among growers, but there is probably more confusion and mistrust than actual clarity. As with anything new and promising there is always misinformation. This shouldn’t be the case, as there is a wealth of scientific knowledge in soil biotechnology. Two of the most microbe wellknown microorganism genera are explained here.

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“

“When there are sufficient nitrogen-fixing bacteria in a soil, the need for fertilizer goes way down.”

”

Azospirillum spp. takes nitrogen from the atmosphere and makes it available to plant roots (nitrogen fixation). Nitrogen fixation is often high, but is not the only benefit of Azospirillum for plants. When the bacteria are present on the roots of plants they have the ability to increase the root hairs on each root by producing plant growth hormones (auxins) that cause the plant to produce more roots. Azotobacter spp. use and oxidize organic matter to release nitrogen. They also take nitrogen directly from the air, which combines with the liberated nitrates to make nitrogen available to plant roots. Some species of Azotobacter can also dissolve tied-up phosphorus from the soil, making it available to plants. They secrete plant growth-promoting hormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins), and antifungal metabolites.

These are just two of the hundreds of beneficial organisms out there. They are available commercially in varying qualities. Additions can improve crop performance and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. They grow well in the presence of nitrogen fertilizer, but if these substances are abundant, they won’t fixate atmospheric nitrogen. They should not be seen as a quick fix; rather they should be seen as part of a soil-improvement program. Factors such as pH, organic carbon levels, cation balance, fallow management and other cultural practices can turn a moderate response potential into an excellent one. Beneficial soil bacteria Among the hundreds of species of beneficial soil bacteria, there are groups that will pull nitrogen out of the air in soil and convert it into a liquid form that is available to feed plants. When there are sufficient nitrogen-fixing bacteria in a soil, the need for fertilizer goes way down. Other bacteria will decompose organic matter and even break down pesticide residues if they are in your soil. Soil bacteria will actually reduce soil compaction by improving soil structure creating microscopic spaces or rooms in the soil to hold air or water. Some soil bacteria act as police persons

and will suppress soil pathogens that could cause disease in your plants, reducing the need to ever use any fungicides. Soil microbes products There are a growing number of products on the market that will help restore many of the beneficial soil microbes lacking in the soil in most home landscapes. Some come in powdered form and can be used in that form or mixed with water to be applied as a foliar spray or as a drench directly into the soil around plants. Others are already in liquid form and are used as a foliar spray or as a drench. In addition, there are now machines designed to produce these liquids containing soil microbes. These liquids are a kind of tea created from compost, earthworm castings or microbial powders. MY About the Author:

Jose Luis Pinheiro Bartolo is the president and chief executive Officer of Biobizz Worldwide Inc., (www.biobizz.nl) a global leader in the production of organic fertilizers and soil mixtures in the hydroponic industry, which he launched in 2002. He is passionate about maintaining a business philosophy that identifies with 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.

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29 CU by frank rauscher

Nutrient Deficiencies and Growing Like a Pro There are plenty of excellent studies and reports available describing which nutrients do what for our plants and the symptoms we are likely to see with over- or under-concentrations of these nutrients in the soil. Let’s take one nutrient—copper—and look at its role in an example of nutrient deficiency before getting into soil amendments and testing.

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Nutrient Deficiencies...

Copper has always interested me. It is one of the essential micronutrients and is often found to be deficient in organic peat products that are used as potting soils. Because the soil is organic it is not likely to have had much exposure to copper and so doesn’t contain much of it. But how does copper benefit a plant and what does a lack of copper do? Respiration is an important function for plants, helping them to break apart carbohydrates in the presence of oxygen and obtain the energy trapped from the crucial function of photosynthesis.Without respiration a plant can’t make much use of photosynthesis. Respiration and protein synthesis each need copper, as does the production of chlorophyll, so it would appear that this particular nutrient could actually have a pretty big role to play in your garden. Sandy, light, loamy and easily worked soils are often prone to copper deficiency, but these are just the type of soils we want for our container plants—we don’t want to grow in pots filled with clay. Copper is also easily bound to organic matter, which means that much of the copper in potting soil is likely to be unavailable to the plant because of this binding. Providing adequate nitrogen is an important factor in obtaining good plant growth and vigor, but high levels of nitrogen in your plants can delay the movement of copper from older to newer leaves.

“Respiration and protein synthesis each need copper, as does the production of chlorophyll, so it would appear that this particular nutrient could actually have a pretty big role to play in your garden.”

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capable of causing yield loss just by looking at your plants.You should make sure to use nutrients that include copper to address this issue—look at the label of the fertilizer you use.What else can you do? Keeping your pH in the proper range is a good start. Sulfur works to lower pH but if you aren’t careful it can also lower beneficial bacteria levels, as it is also used as a disinfectant. Some of the more successful agents in this pH battle are amino acids and beneficial bacteria. Amino acids directly impact pH through their acidity, while one function of certain beneficial bacteria in soil is that they react with organic matter and also end up producing acids, which lower the pH level. As the chart indicates, some nutrients will get locked up at low pH levels, so what you want to achieve is a balance. Being aware of the pH of your soil is obviously important and there are test kits that do a decent job in evaluating it. A mild copper deficiency is visible on this hydro-grown crop.

Higher levels of other nutrients will also have negative impacts on your plants’ abilities to use copper. Farmers who observe copper deficiencies are almost always managers striving for optimal yields—the symptoms of deficiency may be as innocent as leaf roll, but the ultimate issue is yield. Crops grown on marginally copper-deficient soils may have yield losses of 20 per cent while not exhibiting any visual symptoms of a deficiency.You’ll not likely be able to tell if you have a deficiency

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“Sulfur works to lower pH but if you aren’t careful it can also lower beneficial bacteria levels, as it is also used as a disinfectant. Some of the more successful agents in this pH battle are amino acids and beneficial bacteria.”

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A more severe copper deficiency visible on greenery.

Kits also abound for testing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, the primary macronutrients. Beyond these, however, the indoor gardener is generally in the dark about what’s in their soil. If the crop that you are growing is sufficiently valuable you may want to have your soil analyzed by a lab to better understand what needs to be done to help produce the yield you are looking for. I’ve had many soil samples evaluated by laboratories over the years and found that some labs are much more reliable than others.The cost of lab work can vary greatly as well and just because the price is higher doesn’t mean the results will be more reliable! You’ll need to do some research to find the right lab for you. For starters, don’t worry about having to ship your soil to a lab—just finding the right lab is your number one issue. Often the recommendation to use a local lab is based on the premise that they will better understand local soil, but of course indoor growers usually use soils from many different parts of the country and the cost of freight is not generally the biggest part of the testing expense anyway.You’ll be looking at a minimum of somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 for a complete soil test. Maybe you are a better shopper than I am and can find a better deal. Some labs are certified and some are not and you should ask about this—the costs of the tests are

“Being aware of the pH of your soil is obviously important and there are test kits that do a decent job in evaluating it. Kits also abound for testing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, the primary macronutrients.”

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important, but their accuracy is crucial. Another consideration is the organization of the lab itself. You don’t want the results of someone else’s test given to you, do you? This is not common, but it does happen. Ask the lab for customer references. Ask to see sample reports and see if they will help you interpret the results, as these reports can be complex to understand. Finally, the Internet is a great tool for finding a quality lab. If you know where the nutrient levels in your soil are to start with and where they are somewhere around the halfway point, you should have a good idea on how your nutrient and watering protocol is performing. If you stick with the same potting soil, you won’t need to re-test for the initial phase. If your crop is really important to you, testing your soil in a methodic way can yield genuine benefits. I say methodic because you need to be consistent with what you do in order to gradually improve your results. Use top-quality soils, nutrients and water.Take notes on what you’re doing so you have some basis for your comparisons and so you’ll be able to notice changes in the future. Be a good agronomist and get the yield and quality you want—if your investment in your garden really matters, be professional about how you grow! MY

A pH reading is the measure of how acid or base an aqueous (waterbased) solution is. Purified water is de-ionized and has a pH of 7.0, which is called neutral. The lower the pH, the more acidic the solution. Soil pH affects the uptake of copper, which—much like zinc—enjoys maximum uptake in the pH range of 4.7 to 7.2. Tap water in many parts of the country can be as high as 8.0 to 8.4. You should measure the pH level of your tap water to help you understand whether your water supply is contributing to a copper deficiency, or you could use RO (reverse osmosis) water to avoid the problem entirely.

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Growing for Health

Root Rot and Blight by Karen Wilkinson Banish blight and root rot. We highlight smart maintenance moves. Some of the dirtiest words—for gardeners, that is—have nothing to do with human anatomy or sexuality, but rather the pests and diseases that threaten their crops. This article discusses two common, dirty, dreadful diseases that have the potential to kill plants if not caught early and treated. Root rot and blight—a fungi and disease—generally show up when there’s overwatering and limited treatment options. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain healthy, well-drained plants in as sterile an environment as possible. 122

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Root Rot: Typically caused by prolonged overwatering, oxygen deprivation or by fungus-infected soil, root rot symptoms include yellowing and possibly wilting leaves. The fungi basically blocks roots’ oxygen intake, eventually leading to decaying, dying roots; in essence you can lose the entire plant if the problem isn’t caught and treated early.

“Quickly treating an infected plant is your best defense, and even then, the plant’s chances of full recovery are slim.”

The best way to diagnose root rot is to inspect the roots. Infected roots can appear light brown to dark brown and even turn black. They might feel mushy and slimy and may even fall off. In the worst-case scenario, the plant’s base can become infected and turn dark. Quickly treating an infected plant is your best defense, and even then, the plant’s chances of full recovery are slim. No spray will cure this devastating ailment. Cultural controls—such as preventing root-eating insects, fungi and bacteria, maintaining a proper pH, using a clean growing medium and maintaining adequate calcium levels—are the only defense. Upon detection, immediately remove the plant from the soil or growing medium and wash the roots with water, washing away as much soil and affected roots as

possible. Be careful while doing this; your poor plant is already in a fragile state. Then get a sharp, sterile pair of scissors or trimming shears and cut off any rotting roots; if the disease is significant enough, you may have to remove a large portion of the root system. Also get rid of the soil or growing medium the plant was in and thoroughly wash the container with a bleach/water solution to rid it of any lingering fungus. As a precaution, dip the healthy roots in a fungicide solution to kill any remaining root rot. Replant using new potting mix in a clean container with good drainage and only water when the soil is dry.

Blight: This is a general term that describes a variety of diseases caused by fungus, usually showing up a few weeks before harvest. Symptoms of blight include leaves that suddenly yellow and wilt, or have dark, blotchy spots, which can all lead to death. It spreads quickly, it’s hard to control when in advanced stages and sometimes the only way to rid your plants of the problem is to rid yourself of the plants. Prevention, as with all pests, diseases and fungal infections, is the key to combating blight. Maintain a well-drained growing medium and avoid excessively fertilizing with nitrogen. About the Author: Karen Wilkinson works for EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc. as their social media editor. Her background is in journalism and technical writing, and she is learning to grow, clone and write for the hydroponics community. She’s a budding gardener and loves growing her own vegetables.

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by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr.

Hydroponic

Obesity

Your Plants Are What They Eat

Is the nutrient solution formulation you are using choking your plants? Is your formulation excessive in its elemental content? Does it include substances that are not needed by the plant and are not able to be root absorbed and is it possibly interfering with normal root function? Are there elemental imbalances in your growing plants?

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“While the use of ¹∕³ dilutions of the Hoagland/Arnon formulation has worked well for me, there may also be other formulations—when used in diluted form—that will not result in unwanted nutrient element accumulation in the rooting medium.”

For several years I have collected rooting media after a season of use in order to determine their elemental content using soil testing procedures. The obtained results can then be compared to established interpretative soil test values, yielding results that will define the rooting medium as being either insufficient, sufficient or excessive in its elemental content. Before going further, let’s explain what seems to be occurring in a rooting medium—either rockwool or perlite—when you grow tomatoes using the drip irrigation hydroponic method, employing recommended nutrient solution formulations. Initially, the only source of nutrient elements is that being supplied with each application of the nutrient solution. Since most nutrient solution formulations contain a greater concentration of elements than can be absorbed by the plant roots at that time, there remains a residue of elements in the solution phase of the rooting medium. With each succeeding nutrient solution application the residue of elements remaining begins to increase in concentration. This is why growers are advised to monitor the electrical conductivity (EC) of this retained solution and then water leach to remove the accumulated ‘salts’—as they are now 126

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called—when they reach a critical level. This process requires sizeable quantities of water and entails a loss of nutrient elements (paid for as reagents when formulating the original nutrient solution) and might also require that the leachate be handled as a ‘hazardous waste’. This sequence of events continues with each nutrient solution application with one significant change. As the concentration of elements within the rooting medium increases, precipitates of calcium phosphate and sulfate begin to form. With precipitation, other elements such as magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc are either trapped within the formed precipitates or are absorbed on the precipitate particles. Each formed precipitate acts as a ‘seed’ to perpetuate the process. Precipitates are not removed by leaching, but the elements they contain can be absorbed by plant roots when they are brought into contact. At this point in the growing period, the plant has access to three sources of nutrient elements: those being applied with each nutrient solution application, those remaining and accumulating in the medium solution and those which have accumulated as precipitates. At this point, it is impossible to know from which source nutrient elements are being root absorbed. The ability to control the nutrient element composition of the plant by adjusting the elemental content of applied nutrient solution becomes very difficult, except for those elements that do not readily accumulate—such as nitrogen (as the nitrate anion) and boron. What’s the solution for this dilemma? Use dilute nutrient solution formulations that are balanced among the cations as well as being balanced between the anions and cations—similar to the procedure Steiner recommended some 27 years ago (Steiner, 1984). In addition, the use factors, frequency of applications and the volume per application must be sufficient to meet the water needs of the 128

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“As taking in more calories than needed leads to excess body weight, so nutrient solution formulations with high elemental content levels lead to plant nutritional problems.”

plant while ensuring that each nutrient solution application does not flood the rooting medium with unneeded elements. While the use of 1/3 dilutions of the Hoagland/Arnon formulation has worked well for me, there may also be other formulations—when used in diluted form—that will not result in unwanted nutrient element accumulation in the rooting medium. Most nutrient solution formulations are high in phosphorus and low in magnesium and zinc as well as lacking in balance among the major cations—potassium, calcium and magnesium. Elemental

concentration ranges for hydroponic nutrient solution formulations can be found in my book (Jones, 2011, pages 44 to 45). To avoid elemental insufficiencies, the low concentration for phosphorus and the high concentration for magnesium and zinc are recommended. Experience has shown that the concentration of potassium and calcium in solution should be equal, with the actual concentration amount being less of a factor—although it should of course be sufficient to meet the plant’s needs. There are possible exceptions to this generalization for those plants having unique nutrient element

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requirements to reinforce specific traits: an example would be those flowering plants whose potassium requirement is high in order to be able to produce flowers that last a long time. As taking in more calories than needed leads to excess body weight, so nutrient solution formulations with high elemental content levels lead to plant nutritional problems. The costly requirement to leach accumulated unused elements from rooting media would not be an issue if nutrient solutions were properly formulated and applied. This can be accomplished by comparing a nutrient solution formulation you plan to use with one that meets the standards of elemental balance and minimal elemental accumulation in your rooting medium. How does the nutrient solution formulation you are using stand up based on these criteria? MY

References: Jones, J. Benton, Jr., 2011, Hydroponic Handbook: How Hydroponic Growing Systems Work. GroSystems, Anderson, SC (available on amazon.com) Steiner, A.A., 1984, “The Universal Nutrient Solution”, pages 63 to 74. IN: Proceedings of the Sixth International Congress of Soil Culture,The Hague, the Netherlands (see also pages 84 to 87 in the book, Hydroponics: A Practical Guide for the Soilless Grower, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL). 130

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Peppers A Passion for

Use this guide to grow perfect peppers in hydroponics by Dr. Lynette Morgan

Peppers—whether bell, chili, paprika, pimento or cubanelle—are all members of or products derived from the highly popular capsicum family. Many of us have a real passion for peppers, from thick-fleshed, crunchy and mild bell peppers to the explosive heat of fiery chilies and the many different shapes, sizes, colors and flavors in between. With hundreds of different capsicum types it’s never an easy choice what to grow in a limited indoor space, but peppers do produce extremely well in hydroponics—and with good climate control, they will yield fruit year-round, making them one of the most widely grown soilless crops.

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Sweet, blocky bell peppers come in a diverse range of colors. Red, yellow and orange are the most popular and readily available.

Capsicum types Capsicums belong to the Solanaceae family, which contains many other common crop plants such as eggplant, tomato, potato and tobacco. These are warm season plants, usually flowering and fruiting rapidly over a period of a few months, although pepper plants can be treated as perennials and grown over a longer period. As a very rough guide, capsicum cultivars can be divided into sweetâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or those varieties with minimal heat and pungency, grown as vegetablesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and hot, which includes those chili peppers containing different levels of that characteristic spicy heat used widely as a flavoring. Within both the sweet and hot chilies there exists a huge variation in size, shape and color. While all capsicums initially start out with immature green fruit, coloration develops as the fruit ripens, providing one of the most diverse assortments of colors of any fruiting plant. And although green and red may still be the main colors we associate with peppers, yellow, orange, chocolate brown, purple, ivory, lavender and near black are all now in the available spectrum of modern and heirloom pepper varieties. Capsicum fruits can either be harvested at the mature green stage (where all colors start out as) or left to ripen for a further few weeks to develop their final coloration. Leaving fruit to ripen to full coloration on the plant ultimately means the crop will provide less yield, though, as the ripening fruit are still drawing assimilate from the plant. Fruit shape can range from almost completely round to heart shaped, from tapered to long, thin and pointed, and capsicum cultivars can weigh as much as a pound or as little as a few grams. Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;| December 2011

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Capsicum plants are highly productive in hydroponic systems as long as the correct temperatures are provided for good fruit set.

How to pick a pepper For growers who want to produce sweet bell peppers, the best choices are usually found within the commercial hybrid varieties. F1 hybrids have been bred for

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a number of excellent characteristics and many have been specifically selected for soilless or greenhouse production. Look for resistance to diseases such as TMV (tobacco mosaic) and bacterial leaf spot and for those with large ‘blocky’ three- to four-lobed fruit and a compact growth habit. Some examples of good hydroponic bell varieties are X3R Red Knights (F1) and Aces (F1). Along with large-fruited bell peppers there is also a selection of cocktail or cherry bells, perfect two inch miniatures of the largefruited types at a fraction of the size, great as a gourmet item and as easy to grow as the larger-fruited types. A good variety of green/red mini bell is the Mini Apple (F1). Pimento peppers are often heart shaped or rounded; varieties such as Lipstick or Apple are good choices for indoor gardens. Other varieties of sweet peppers include the specialty types, many of which are thinner-fleshed, elongated and tapered types. Italian varieties such as Marconi red and yellow can be up to 12 inches

“

although green and red may still be the main colors we associate with peppers, yellow, orange, chocolate brown, purple, ivory, lavender and near black are all now in the available spectrum of modern and heirloom pepper varieties.

”

in length, with thin-walled fruit and a distinctive sweet flavor when cooked. Italia is a productive variety similar to the Marconi types, ripening to a dark red color and often used in pasta sauces along with plum tomatoes and herbs. These large-fruited capsicum plants can be grow vigorously under the correct growing conditions but don’t produce as much fruit as commercial bell peppers due to the much larger fruit size. However, you have to admit that foot long green, red and yellow Italian peppers are eye catching—and they are sweet and aromatic too!

Chilies - the pungent peppers Chilies are hydroponic favorites with a variety of heats and flavors. There is such a huge range within the chili category that entire books have been written on this subject. The most familiar chilies are all commonly grown in indoor gardens: anaheims, serranos, cayenne, anchos, jalapenos, habaneros and Asian and Thai types, to name a few. As with the bell peppers, hybrid varieties exist of many of these types and generally these provide a greater degree of disease resistance and offer high yields and more uniform crops. However, there is also a diverse and fascinating selection of heirloom and openpollinated chili types and some growers prefer to save the seed from their best plants and then create their own superior line of super chilies. The main considerations when selecting chili cultivars for an indoor hydroponic garden are generally the flavor and heat characteristics of the fruit—some growers want to impress friends and family with super hot peppers, while milder chili varieties are cherished for their flavor profile, which can add extra depth to many dishes. The second set of characteristics growers look for are plant-related— some capsicum varieties produce very tall, open-framed plants at maturity, while others can be much more compact and even dwarf—characteristics more suited to production under artificial lighting. Seed suppliers usually provide an indication of plant height at maturity, which is a useful guide when deciding what capsicum cultivar to grow. Cultivars such as Hungarian Hot Wax produce compact, shorter plants while cayenne plants are often much taller and varieties of bush capsicum generally produce shorter, more branched plants than the taller cultivars.

seedlings can be fed a standard hydroponic grow formulation at an EC of 1.0, although higher EC levels can be used to keep the plants more compact under lower-light growing conditions. Most capsicum types perform well on standard grow, bloom or fruit hydroponic nutrients. Electrical conductivity (EC) can be run at 2.0 to 2.2 once seedlings have begun to form flower buds, but for those looking to intensify heat in chili types increasing the EC to 3.0 to 3.5 will help concentrate flavor and heat in

the fruit—although this may also reduce yields somewhat by lowering fresh fruit weight. Capsicum plants perform well in a wide range of hydroponic systems

Pepper propagation, systems and nutrition All capsicum plants are easily propagated from seed, with germination typically occurring in seven to 10 days at 79°F. The young plants are often slow-growing when compared to similar crops such as tomatoes, with most being ready for transplanting out within six to eight weeks, depending on the cultivar.Young Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

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Fiery chilies are a passion for many hydroponic gardeners.

including NFT, media beds, coir slabs and many others. The root system of most capsicum plants tends to remain more compact and less vigorous than similar plants such as tomatoes and often forms a ball of roots rather than long laterals. The roots may also appear more brownish in color, especially under warmer growing conditions. For strong flowering and fruit set the night temperature should be a little lower than the day temperature, with an optimum of 77°F by day and 64 to 68°F by night. Many of the problems with lack of fruit set in capsicum plants experienced by beginners are due to temperature problems and a day/night temperature difference will help overcome this. Modern cultivars of pepper plants are generally self-pollinating and many peppers have the ability to set fruit parthenocarpically—without fertilization—especially under low temperatures, when pollen may not be viable. Growth cycle Most capsicum plants have a distinct growth cycle of vegetative and generative growth. Once plants have set a certain number of fruit, the plant then directs the majority of the assimilate produced by the leaves into those fruit. During this fruit growth phase the vegetative shoots at the top of the plant usually grow slowly—or not at all—until some of the mature fruit have been unloaded from the plant. As the fruit loading drops, the plant will often send out vigorous new shoot growth and more flowers. When these flowers have set fruit, vegetative growth may once again be reduced. This cycle can be adjusted to some degree with the use of selective fruit pruning, particularly on young plants, which may set fruit before the plant is large enough to support good fruit growth. Common pepper problems All pepper plants are prone to a number of common problems, some of which often baffle newer growers as they may not be quite what they seem. The two most commonly misdiagnosed 136

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pepper problems are blossom end rot and aphid feeding damage. Blossom end rot shows as a dark, sunken brown or black area at the base of the fruit, often mistaken for a fungal disease. This is in fact a physiological disorder caused by insufficient calcium transport to the developing cells in the blossom end of the fruit and the causes are usually environmental. Any condition that restricts transpiration by the plant—including high humidity, high EC or water stress—limits the uptake and transport of calcium in the transpiration stream of the plant, creating a localized calcium deficiency in the fruit. Use of the ammonium form of nitrogen in your nutrient solution can also restrict calcium uptake and increase the occurrence of blossom end rot. Increasing airflow, lowering humidity and decreasing the EC can all help prevent blossom end rot, as does selecting cultivars which are less prone to the problem. Strange, twisted, deformed, thickened or stunted leaves in the tops of capsicum plants are another common problem and although there are a number of possible causes, including viral diseases, most cases

are caused by the toxic saliva of sucking insects such as aphids. Pepper plants are particularly sensitive to the saliva injected by aphids and other sucking insects and react with twisted and deformed growth on new foliage. It can take only one feeding aphid to create an extreme reaction like this but the problem is often misdiagnosed, as similar plants such as tomatoes don’t

“

Many of the problems with lack of fruit set in capsicum plants experienced by beginners are due to temperature problems and a day/night temperature difference.

develop this symptom from aphid feeding.The leaf symptoms may persist for some time after aphids have vacated the plant, although checking under the leaves and in the top buds of the plant is always a good idea when any strange symptoms are seen. Of the physiological disorders the most commonly encountered problem in

Dwarf pepper plants can be grown in small spaces and pruned for height control.

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indoor gardens is blossom drop, when the plant sheds flowers or flower buds before they have a chance to be pollinated. This disorder can have a number of causes, such as root rot pathogens or root death, salinity buildup, high EC, lack of water, low light or incorrect temperature ranges. Most commonly in healthy plants it occurs where there is already a heavy load of developing fruit that are commandeering all of the assimilate produced by the foliage. As the mature fruit are harvested, however, the plant diverts more sugars into the developing of flowers and fruit and the problem often resolves itself. Some cultivars are more prone to flower and fruit drop than others and generally the modern F1 hybrids are more forgiving of less-than-ideal environmental conditions and therefore less prone to flower loss. Heat and flavor in hydroponics What gives hydroponic growers an advantage when it comes to growing spicy capsicum types is that the pungency of the fruit and even the flavor can be manipulated somewhat by the growing

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Capsicums require moderate to high light levels as they mature for maximum fruit flavor and yields.

conditions provided by the gardener. If the objective is to produce super hot chili fruit then with the right cultivar and a little skill this can be achieved relatively easily. Concentrations of the hot compound capsaicin in chili fruit increase with plant stress factors such as a lack of moisture, high temperatures, intense light levels, high EC or high salinity. Capsaicin concentrations also increase throughout the development of the fruit and are always highest at maturity, so allowing chilis to ripen and fully mature on the plant—even to the point of starting to shrivel—will maximize flavor. MY Sources johnnyseeds.com chilipeppermadness.com tomatogrowers.com/sweet.htm

Young bell pepper plants being grown in coco fiber bags.

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Tips and Tricks

Forcingthe Bloom

by Therese Cressman

Imagine the dreary months of January and February—cold, bleak, windy–but you can easily add a touch of spring inside your home by forcing bulbs ahead of time in the fall that will bloom indoors during the winter months. Here’s how…

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“When it’s time to bring the pots inside, transition them first by putting them in the coolest room you have (with some light).”

Understanding how forcing bulbs works When planting flowering bulbs in the garden, you need to plant them in the fall so they can experience being cold and a period of dormancy during the winter season. Once it begins to warm, the bulbs know spring is near and start growing their shoots to the top of the soil that will then produce their blooms. Many bulbs won’t grow and bloom until they first experience this chilling period. Forcing bulbs has to accomplish this same experience: • Give bulbs a season of cold so that they think winter has arrived. • After a few months of being chilled, bring the potted bulbs inside the house to experience the season of warmth–they’ll think spring has arrived and will begin to grow and bloom. How to force bulbs • Choose well draining pots so that the bulbs won’t rot and they can be transported easily inside the house to a warm, sunny location. • Cover the bottom of the pot with gravel to support good drainage then top up with potting soil.

• Position as many bulbs as you’d like on top of the potting soil with their pointy sides up and the root growing side down. There’s no need to space the bulbs as you would when planting in a garden, just make sure that no two bulbs are touching each other or the sides of the pot. • Cover the bulbs with some potting soil leaving the top tips exposed. • Water the pot of bulbs thoroughly then allow to drain. • Place the pot in a cold, dark place like an unheated garage or garden shed–somewhere that gets cold but doesn’t drop below freezing (the rooting process will stop if the bulbs freeze). If you have room to spare in an old refrigerator, you can force bulbs in there too (ideal but watch the soil moisture, will likely need to water regularly). You can also dig a trench outdoors to hold all your pots until it’s time to bring them in. Dig the trench about two feet deep (dig as deep as you need to fit the pots in) and as wide as you need to hold the pots. Cover the pots with a good layer of straw and leaves to give them some protection from the cold (about a foot deep in harsh winters).

• If positioned somewhere inside, water occasionally with cold water so that the soil doesn’t dry out completely, don’t give too much water though, just sparingly. If the pots were left outdoors, watering once a month should be sufficient (if it’s a dry winter). • Let the potted bulbs chill for about 13 to 15 weeks. When they’re ready to be moved indoors, you will see roots in the drainage holes at the bottom of the pots or new stem growth at the top of the pot that’s about two inches high. • When it’s time to bring the pots inside, transition them first by putting them in the coolest room you have (with some light). Water thoroughly once you bring the pots in. After a few days you should notice some new plant growth; once you do you can move the pots to a warmer and sunnier location inside the home. • For the next two to three weeks you’ll notice the shoots growing and then starting to bloom. MY Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

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by Ryan M. Taylor

Becoming an Elite Hydroponic Grower It’s official: to become an elite hydroponics grower, you will need to accumulate a combination of education and experience totaling 10,000 hours. Continuous education and the mastery of simple growing techniques will sustain improvement in your skill set. Let’s be honest—everyone wants to be the best at what they do. We all want to be the resident expert at the local hydroponics store and have everybody seek our advice on how to grow the biggest and best crops. Most people have an intuitive sense of what it means to be an expert,

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which is generally defined as someone who has specialized skill in a particular field through education and training. Likewise, we also recognize that not all experts are equal—that is, some elite members of a profession seem to always rise above the rest. Think Michael Jordan.

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But what accounts for the exceptional performance of elite experts? Over a hundred years ago when scientists began studying expertise, the leading assumption was that genetics played the largest role in determining talent. Sure, if you want to be a professional basketball player, genetics obviously matter. But what about expertise in hydroponic horticulture: did I really inherit my green thumb from my parents? Probably not. Over time, psychologists have found mounting evidence that an individual’s effort is significantly more important than their innate talent in determining what level of expertise they manage to attain. By studying experts in a large number of fields—ranging from the arts to games to agriculture—they have even come to a consensus: to achieve elite levels of expertise in an activity, you will have to accumulate 10,000 hours of combined education and experience aimed at improving your performance. (It used to be called ‘practice’…) Education should be considered an ongoing process rather than something that ends with a graduation ceremony. Growers can continue their education any number of ways. First, professional associations link people via research conferences and mailing lists; many of these organizations have working groups dedicated to cutting-edge hydroponics research. Second, the Internet has a wealth of information for the taking, whether you are downloading academic articles for free from Google Scholar or chatting with fellow growers on sites like GardenWeb, which allow you to maintain diaries and exchange ideas. Finally, visiting your local hydroponics store is a great way to establish personal contact with other growers—and it will give

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you a chance to pick up the latest copy of Maximum Yield! To sustain a high level of improvement in your growing expertise there are at least four things every grower should do. First, it is imperative to decide whether you want to become a specialist or generalist grower. At one extreme, specialists focus on growing a single type of crop in one type of system; at the other extreme, generalists grow many types of crops with various types of systems. “to achieve elite levels of expertise in an Being a specialactivity, you will have to accumulate 10,000 ist offers you the advantage of rapidly hours of combined education and experience accumulating cropaimed at improving your performance.“ and system-specific knowledge, but your total hydroponics knowledge sible to precisely control the essential will necessarily remain parameters of the solution and to learn limited compared to how to manage plant growth without that of a generalist. reservoir changes. Second, no matter what type of grower Finally, experimentation might just be you choose to be, you should always colthe key to continually increasing your lect and analyze data. Human memory hydroponics knowledge. With the glut is notoriously fickle and shouldn’t be of information available to everyone trusted to accurately recall the precise via the Internet and in ‘how-to’ guides, amount of inputs and the growing it can be relatively easy to imitate a conditions that affected your yields over particular crop-system combination and a cropping period. Whether you use have success, but only through experisophisticated spreadsheets and complex mentation and the inevitable failures statistical analysis or simply write down that will occur can you truly learn new basic information in a notebook, good methods and become that most valuable data will allow you to understand the of things—adaptable! MY connections between your growing environment, the system dynamics and plant References: development. Ericsson, Ander K. et al., 2006,The CamThird, the quality of your data and bridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert your ability to increase your knowlPerformance, edge are directly related to the level of Cambridge University Press. technology you employ in your operation. For instance, without technology we have to rely on rules of thumb to manage our nutrient solutions, such as deciding to change our reservoirs on a weekly basis—but with a combination meter that measures electrical conductivity, pH and temperature, it is pos-

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Beginner’s corner

by Guy Sela

Hydro Systems Made Easy The best hydro system is the one that suits your growing style and needs Hydroponics is defined as growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions without soil. Instead a wide variety of growing media such as perlite, gravel, peat, sand, rockwool, etc. are used. Typical hydroponic crops include lettuce, strawberries, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers and flowers.

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“

Keeping the nutrient In hydroponic solution balanced is a systems that don’t involve any challenge and should be growing mesampled and analyzed at dium, roots are least once a week. immersed in an aerated nutrient solution. Most of the nutrients are supplied by the nutrient solution, rather than by the media in which the plants are grown. Unlike soil, which stores nutrients, hydroponic growing mediums have little, if any, effect on the nutrition of plants. As a result, the only source of nutrition comes from the nutrient solution. With hydroponics the grower has complete Closed Hydroponic Systems control over plant nutrition. When done In closed hydroponic systems the same correctly, hydroponics leaves very little nutrient solution is recirculated and the room for errors. nutrient concentrations are monitored and adjusted accordingly. Keeping the nutrient solution balanced Types of Hydroponic Systems There are two main types of hydroponic is a challenge and should be sampled systems: closed and open. Hydroponic and analyzed at least once a week. The systems that don’t involve growing nutrient solution composition should be media are usually closed systems, while adjusted according to the results. hydroponic systems that involve growing Closed hydroponic systems include media (container plants) may be closed both simple hydroponic systems and sophisticated ones: or open systems. • Deep Water Culture (DWC) hydroponic systems. This is the most simple type of hydroponic systems where plants are suspended in an oxygen-enriched nutrient solution. • Wick hydroponic systems. This is a passive hydroponic system in which wicks run from the base of the plant container down to a reservoir and draw the nutrient solution upwards. • Ebb and flow. This is a popular hydroponic system due to its low maintenance and low cost. It is widely used for plug production and potted plants. In this type of system the growing bed is flooded with nutrient solution and then allowed to drain. The duration and frequency of the flood depends on

”

•

factors such as the type of growing medium used, size of containers and water requirements. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic systems. This system uses a continuous nutrient solution flow over the roots. This results in a thin film of nutrient solution around the roots, allowing them both aeration and access to nutrients.

Open Hydroponic Systems In open hydroponic systems a fresh nutrient solution is introduced for each irrigation cycle. The nutrient solution is usually delivered to the plants using a drip system. In open hydroponic systems an adequate runoff must be maintained in order to keep nutrient balance in the root zone. MY

About the Author: Guy Sela is an agronomist and a chemical engineer for his innovative software company, Smart Fertilizer (www.smart-fertilizer.com) that provides fertilizer management solutions. Applying his background in water treatment, he has lead a variety of projects on reverse osmosis, water disinfection and water purification, providing high quality water for irrigation.

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Maximum Yield (MY): How did you get the name ‘Nickel City’? Mike Yocina: Our name is from the old ‘Indian Head’ or ‘Buffalo’ nickels. According to the designer, James Fraser, his intent was to sculpt “a coin that could not be mistaken for any other country’s coin. It occurred to me that the buffalo, as part of our Western background, was 100 per cent American, and that our North American Indian fitted into the picture perfectly.” With the city of Buffalo, New York nearby, it represents not only who we are, but where we are. In short, it was a way to identify our company with a specific region. MY: What is the process like for choosing a new product line to carry? Who suggests it? Who approves it? Mike: As the CEO, I work with manufacturers and experts to decide which

eal Yo Mich

Maximum Yield recently interviewed CEO Mike Yocina of Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply in Corfu, New York about the history behind their company name, who tests new products for them and why bat droppings go in the washing machine.

cina

you tell us

new products to consider carrying. In order to better understand the product we not only use third party verification, but also perform our own private in-house testing of selected products. And we would be lost without Elaine Ingram’s knowledge and lab work. MY: How important are trade shows to your business? And can you explain your connection with the Garden Writers Association? Mike: Trade shows are an excellent way to network with other members of the industry, learn about current trends and meet with the public. The Garden Writers Association attracts some very knowledgeable gardening experts and is a valuable resource to connect to people

with specialized gardening knowledge. Contacts made through them have proven to be valuable resources for collaboration and education. In fact, I’d encourage anyone who likes gardening or just wants to keep current to go to the next G.W.A. meeting in their area. MY: Do you test everything you sell yourselves? Do you have actual horticultural-scientist-type guys on staff? Mike: We have our products tested in controlled environments by Starr Hawley in Indiana, Jen Degioelo in Rochester, New York or Wade Brown in California. Results from our tests have been published in several countries, in multiple publications. MY: What is your best-selling product? Mike: The Quantum HID dimmable ballast and Quantum T5 folding fixtures—many years have gone into the development and improvement of these

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< < Potting mix test; brand X (left) vs Just Right

popular products. Other top-selling items include the General Organics line and Future Harvest Development’s Nano reflectors and bucket baskets.

Quantum Bad Boy T5

MY: Can you explain your customer guarantee? How strongly do you support the products you wholesale? Mike: We have a three year swap-out warranty on most of our inventory. Fortunately, with the excellent qualitycontrol standards of nutrient manufactures like General Hydroponics, Future Harvest Development and Humboldt Nutrients we have not had any recalls. I love distributing quality products to retail stores because I don’t see them come back often! Even if something ever does go wrong with a product, customer service is as easy as calling us or faxing an RMA form—we ship a replacement for the faulty product even before we get the defective one back. If we have a skid going to a customer that also has a RMA in the system, most of the time we ship to them ahead of time to keep the shortage in inventory from holding them up.

MY: How do you choose which books and magazines to carry? Mike: Our most popular authors are George Van Patten, Jeff Lownfels and Grubbycup. One thing they seem to share is that they are writing to get a message out that they believe in. Magazines should have a fair balance of content and ad space—and give value to both their readers and their advertisers. One of the reasons that we enjoy our relationship with Maximum Yield magazine is their personal attention and patient assistance! MY

MY: What are light movers and how do they work? Mike: Most lamps are stationary: that is, they stay in the same place. A light mover will move the lamp back and forth along a track to spread the light over a larger area. This exposes the plants to light from different directions and can help plants on the edge of the light zone to receive light in adequate amounts. MY: Why would anyone need a five gallon electric washing machine for organic guano? Mike: Many hydroponic systems can become clogged by the particulates present in organic nutrients. By filtering and removing these particles the tendency to clog can be eliminated, or at least reduced. Filtered compost tea also tends to spray more easily for foliar application. Quantum Bad Boy T5s in action

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talking shop

AT A GLANCE Company: Colorado Grow Owners: Brandon and Terry Lantz Locations: 3400 Industrial Lane, #10A Broomfield, Colorado Phone: 303-465-GROW (4769) Web: www.coloradogrow.com 1909 Broadway , Suite 100 Boulder, Colorado Phone: 303-449-5549 Web: www.coloradogrow.com/boulder Motto: “Come Grow With Us!" Come inside the Boulder shop and you will discover a clean, organized space that invites customers to shop in comfort.

Brandon and Terri Lantz are proud to be from Colorado, and running not one but two successful family-owned and -operated retail outlets in their home state is pretty much their ideal job. Although Terri started out in real estate and Brandon was working as a graphic designer, they felt they had more to give, and they opened their first location—Colorado Grow—in Broomfield in March of 2010. “We got into this business because of our passion,” Brandon explains. “We felt it was important to help first-time growers have a successful garden on their first try, and for the more experienced growers, to have a variety of products. We felt like we could make a difference on a personal level with each customer that walks through the door.” “In the beginning we were slow,” says Brandon, “So it was just the two of us getting to know our customers. Our roles were very diverse. We did—and still do—everything, from picking up the product to helping load up the cars.” Although they started slow and small, making their first sale of some plant starter cubes was a thrill, and they quickly realized that carrying an extensive line of quality products was going to be a key to success in this business. “We have a wide selection of products from all the major distributors to meet the demands of the industry,” Brandon says. 158

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Branden Lantz

Learning what products to carry was just the start of the education process for these two entrepreneurs. Just like so many people new to the indoor growing industry, Terry and Brandon figured out quickly that the first step in their learning process was to learn—and to keep on learning. “We had so many things to learn every day, and we are constantly educating ourselves on new products, and how to help our clients overcome obstacles like mold and pests,” says Brandon, who insists that his staff become as knowledgeable as possible in order to provide their customers with the up-to-date product information they require. The Boulder shop features a cozy seating area for customers to talk shop and share grow tips.

It’s been through close attention to the needs of their satisfied customers that the Lantz’s have been able to grow their business to two thriving locations in such a short time. “We feel our stores are unique because we really do care about the customer and the success of their gardens,” confirms Brandon. “We gained market share and recognition from our customers and their referrals. Having so many cool people as customers and having good relationships with them helps our business grow. Because they tell their friends, and they tell their friends, and so on, our customers really do help us gain market share.” But if word-of-mouth is the best advertising, it can’t be your only advertising, Brandon and Terri discovered. “We began marketing our first store by creating a better-than-average experience for the customer so they would tell their friends, but we also started to advertise in a local newspaper called the Westword,” says Terri. As customer interest in indoor gardening increased, competition in the area got stiffer, and advertising became more crucial. “With the increasing amount of competition, we have learned that there is no such thing as too much advertising,” Brandon agrees. Their second location opened in Boulder in September, 2010, and Terri and Brandon feel like they finally have a pretty good

handle on what it takes to be a successful retailer in this fast-growing industry. “We have learned that starting and growing a company successfully is only possible through repeat business backed by a knowledgeable staff who listens to each and every customer,” says Terri. “We have also learned it is important to stay current with the industry changes.” The Lantz’s aren’t doing it all on their own any more—they’ve got a

Terry Lantz

well-informed staff that they can rely on to meet all their customer’s needs— but their way of doing business hasn’t changed, and neither has their philosophy. “Our strengths are in customer service, price and product knowledge. We genuinely care about our customers.” states Brandon. “Our greatest achievement has been the increasing amount of success stories we hear from our customers. Successful, to us, is having customers leave the store with an experience positive enough to tell their friends about.” Brandon is pretty bullish on the future of the indoor gardening industry that he and Terri have staked so much of their own prospects on. “I see the industry becoming twice as big in five years from now, if not more,” he says with a smile, “This industry just keeps on growing—literally!” MY

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DO YOU KNOW?

Although green and red may still be the main colors we associate with peppers, yellow, orange, chocolate brown, purple, ivory, lavender and near black are all now in the available spectrum of modern and heirloom pepper varieties.

LEDs don’t produce radiant heat on the light side; they produce the heat at the back—which is why some have such big aluminum heat sinks on them.

Most nutrient solution formulations are high in phosphorus and low in magnesium and zinc as well as lacking in balance among the major cations— potassium, calcium and magnesium

Along with large-fruited bell peppers there is also a selection of ‘cocktail’ or ‘cherry’ bells, perfect two-inch miniatures of the large-fruited types at a fraction of the size, great as a gourmet item and as easy to grow as the larger-fruited types.

8. 4.

Adult thrips, which vary in color from translucent white/ yellow to brown and black, are extremely fast moving and can jump or fly away on fringed wings when disturbed.

5. 6. 162

Beneficial nutrient systems are reliant on the active microbial life co-existing in and around the root system. Rather than the actual material in the nutrient mix feeding the plants, exudates in the form of by-products from microbial reactions are responsible for delivering nutrients to the plant system.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

Cool fresh air is required for plants to grow—they need moderate temperatures and CO2 to generate biomass.

Tap water does come with some elements in it, but when formulating your nutrients you can generally ignore the small amounts of minerals it contains.

The extreme temperatures and weather conditions often found on a rooftop mean that a soil system has a valuable buffering capacity and as our weather becomes less predictable the moderating effect of soil systems will prove to be even more valuable to rooftop growers.

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WIN BIG! MAXIMUM YIELD’S

COMING UP IN JANUARY

GROW BIG! 4 Chances to WIN

every 2nd month for the entire year! Enter now at maximumyield.com/winbig

1 WIN SolarStorm™ From California Light Works SolarStorm™ is the latest breakthrough in LED grow light technology. It combines a ginormous 800 watt LED panel with UVB fluorescent bulbs to deliver maximum potency. Separate controls for veg and bloom bring the right mix of blue and red light for each stage of plant development, while UVB increases resin production and boosts potency in the final stage. Visit www.californialigthworks.com

2 WIN Hydroton Expanded Clay (50 Litre Bag) From Ökotau Ökotau hydroton clay pellets, made in Germany, are derived from a renewable and plentiful source (clay) and are very porous, lightweight and reusable. They are inert, pH neutral and contain no nutrients. They provide good oxygen levels around the root zone and are particularly suitable for flood and drain systems. Visit www.oekotau.de

3 WIN The Green Pad Prize Pack The Green Pad prize pack includes five Green Pads, two hangers and 10 Junior Green Pads. The Green Pad absorbs the room’s humidity (35 to 50+ per cent) to power its reaction, releasing carbon dioxide. The Green Pad Jr. provides just the right amount of carbon dioxide for small gardens. Visit www.thegreenpadstore.com

4 WIN Cyco Platinum ProKit The Cyco Platinum ProKit is a user-friendly package of superior formulated products. Contents include: Cyco Grow A+B, Cyco Bloom A+B, Cyco Swell, Cyco Potash Plus, Cyco Silica, Cyco Zyme, Cyco B1 Boost, Cyco Dr. Repair, Cyco Uptake, Cyco XL and an information booklet. Visit www.cycoflower.com

Draw closes on December 15, 2011. For complete contest rules, go to maximumyield.com/winbig Prizes may not be exactly as shown.

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Beginner’s Issue – Back to the Basics Are you new to the indoor gardening scene? Have you forgotten the basic, essential skills? Do you want to improve your hydroponic garden from the roots up? Our first official Beginner’s Issue will help you get back to the basics so you can grow your best.

• Beginner Tips • Medium, Nutrient and Lighting Basics • KISS – Keep it Simple Stupid • Instrumentation • Troubleshooting • Working With Budgets • More

www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield USA January will be available January 1 for FREE at selected indoor gardening retail stores across the country and on maximumyield.com Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions.php

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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 distributors

ALABAMA Alabama Organics 3348 Bethel Road, Hammondville, AL 35989 256-635-0802 ALASKA Brown’s Electrical Supply 365 Industrial Way, Anchorage, AK 99501 907-272-2259 Far North Garden Supply 2834 Boniface Parkway Anchorage, AK 99504 907-333-3141 Southside Garden Supply AK 12870 Old Seward Highway, Unit 114, Anchorage, AK 99515 907-339-9997 Holmtown Nursery Inc. 1301 - 30th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-451-8733 Ground Control Landscape ServicesHydroponic & Garden Supplies 1067 Ocean Dr. Homer ,Alaska 99603 907-235-1521 Northern Lights Greenhouse & Garden Supply Suite 105-9737 Mud Bay Road Ketchikan, Alaska 9901 907-225-GROW (4769) Anuway Hydroponics Suite #1 2711 W Walnut Rogers AK 72756 USA 479 631 0099 Peninsula Garden Supply AK 44224 Sterling Highway, Suite 4, Soldotna, AK 99669 907-420-0401 Far North Garden Supply 300 Centaur Street, Wasilla, AK 99654 907-376-7586

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Growfresh Organics & More 2600 S Zero St, Suite C Fort Smith, AR 72901 479.648.8885 Fermentables 3915 Crutcher Street, N. Little Rock, AR 72118 501-758-6261 Anuway Hydroponics 2711 W. Walnut Street, Rogers, Arkansas 72756 479-631-0099 CALIFORNIA Greenleaf Hydroponics 1839 W Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801 714-254-0005 Grow It Yourself Gardens 401 Sunset Drive, Suite L, Antioch, CA 94509 925-755-GROW High Desert Hydroponics 13631 Pawnee Road, #7 Apple Valley, CA 92308 760-247-2090 American Hydroponics 286 South G Street, Arcata, CA 95521 800-458-6543 Humboldt Hydroponics 601 I Street, Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-3377 Let it Grow 160 Westwood Center, Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-8733 Northcoast Horticulture Supply 639 6th St. Arcata, CA 95521 707-826-9998 Sweet Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 1041 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande,CA 93420 (805) 473-0004

ARIZONA

Auburn Organic 4035 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, CA 95602 530-823-8900

Sea of Green Flagstaff 204-C E. Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-SOGF(7643)

High Street Hydro 180 Cleveland Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603 530-885-5888

The Hydro Closet 5826 West Olive Avenue #106 Glendale, Arizona 85302 602-361-2049

Quail Mountain Ranch 230 Palm Ave Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-2390

Homegrown Hydroponics 2525 West Glendale Ave Phoenix AZ 85051 602-368-4005 Sea of Green West 2340 W. Bell Road, Suite 116, Phoenix, AZ 85023 602-504-8842 ACI Hydroponics 1325 South Park Lane, Tempe, AZ 85282 800-633-2137 Homegrown Hydroponics 601 East Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 480-377-9096 Sea of Green Hydroponics 1301 E. University Dr. Tempe AZ, 85281 800-266-4136 Gonzo Grow 10297 W Van Buren Street, Tolleson, AZ 85353 623-780-GROW Natural Pools & Gardens 2143 North Country Suite C, Tucson, AZ 85716 520-323-2627 Sea of Green Hydroponics 402 North 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-6344

Tell 2 Friends Indoor Gardening 62 Sutherland Drive, Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-8171 Bakersfield Hydroponics Bakersfield , CA 1 (661) 808-4640 Stop N Grow 5455 Rosedale Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 859-1988 Green Leaf Hydroponics 3903 Patton Way #103 Bakersfield CA 93308 661-245-2616 Kern Hydroponics 2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-323-7333 The Hydro Shop 3980 Saco Road Bakersfield, CA 661-399-3336 Better Grow Hydro Los Angeles 5554 Bandini Boulevard, Bell, CA 91106 323-510-2700; 877 640 GROW Super Starts PO Box 732, Bellmont, CA 94002 650-346-8009

Brentwood Hydroponics & Organics 560 Valdry Ct #85 Brentwood, CA 94513 925-634-6704 Good To Grow & Global Garden Supply 1350 Rollins Rd Burlingame, CA, 94010 (650) 733-4420 Advanced Garden Supply 3113 Alhambra Drive, Unit F, Cameron Park, CA 95682, 530-676-2100 Precision Hydroponics 132 Kennedy Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008 408-866-8176 Elite Horticulture Supply 22330 Sherman Way, C13, Canoga Park, CA 91303 818-347-5172 Hydro International 7935 Alabama Avenue Canoga Park, CA 91304 Advanced Hydroponics 17808 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country, CA 91351 Myron L Company 2450 Impala Drive, Carlsband, CA 9210-7226 760-438-2021 661-299-1603 San Diego Hydroponics North County Coastal 6352 Corte Del Abeto #J Carlsbad CA, 92011 760-420-8934 The Greenhouse Garden Supply 7619 Fair Oak Blvd. Carmichael, CA 95608 1 (916) 515-9130 NorCal Creations PO Box 28, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 Garden Connection, The 2145 Park Avenue, Unit 2 Chico, CA 95928 530-342-7762 Hydro King 2540 South Whitman Place, Chico, CA 959282 530-893-GROW (4769) Grow4Less garden Supply & Hydroponics 320 Trousdale Dr., Suite L Chula Visa CA 91910 619-425-GROW Citrus Heights Hydrogarden 8043 Greenback Lane Citrus Heights, CA 95610 916-728-4769 Conrad Hydroponics Inc. 14915 Unit E, Olympic Drive, Clearlake, CA 95422 707-994 3264 Under The Sun 12638 Foothill Boulevard, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 707-998-GROW (4769) Gro More Garden Supply 2937 Larkin Avenue, Clovis, CA 93021 559-348-1055 G & G Organics and Hydroponics 901 W. Victoria Street Unit D, Compton, CA 90220 310-632-0122 Concord Indoor Garden 2771 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94519 925-671-2520 Hydroponics Plus 2250 Commerce Avenue, Suite C Concord, CA 94520 925-691-7615 Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics 1307 W. Sixth Street, #211, Corona, CA 92882 951-479-8069 The Hydro Spot 21785 Temescal Cyn Rd Corona Ca, 92883

ARKANSAS

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

A+ Hydroponics & Organics 1604 Babcock Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-642-7776

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

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

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

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

Hydroponic Connection, The 2816 San Pablo Ave Berkeley, CA 94702 510 704-9376

Let it Grow 1228 2nd Street, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-9086

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1070 Highway 101, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-1200

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 357 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-5550

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

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

Nature’s Secret Garden and Supply 41469 Albrae Street, Fremont, CA 94577 510-623-8393

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

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

Roots Grow Supply 1330 North Hulbert, #101 Fresno, CA 93728 559-840-0122

Clover Hydroponics & Garden Supply 43 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport, CA 95453 707-263-4000

Dr. Greenthumbs Hydroponic Garden Supplies 566 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Danville, CA 94526 925-314-9376

Tower Garden Supply & Organic Nursery 403 W. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728 559-495-1140

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victory Garden Supply 1900 N Lincoln St #100 Dixon CA 95620 707 678 5800

Golden Gecko Garden Center, The 4665 Marshall Road, Garden Valley, CA 95633 530-333-2394

The Lucky Garden, Dublin Hydroponics 7071 Village Parkway Dublin, Ca 94568 925-828-GROW (4769)

Probiotic Solutions 20889 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville, CA 95441 707-354-4342

Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego 1591 N. Cuyamaca Street, El Cajon, CA 93612 619-749-6777

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

Indoor Garden Solution Inc. 12424 Exline Street, El Monte CA 91732, 626-453-0443

Zen Hydroponics 1801 Victory Blvd. Glendale, CA 91201 877 ZEN Grow 818 806 4500

Go Green Hydroponics 15721 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436 818-990-1198 A Fertile World (Eureka) 6th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-0200 Bayside Garden Supply 4061 Highway 101 Ste 6 Eureka, CA 95503 1 (707) 826-7435 Humboldt Hydroponics 1302 Union Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-443-4304 Northcoast Horticulture Supply 60 West 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-9999 Constantly Growing 4343 Hazel Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 916-962-0043 Fallbrook Hydro 208 E Mission Rd Ste B Fallbrook CA 92028 1 (760) 728-4769 Tulare County Growers Supply 435 W. Noble Avenue, Unit A, Farmersville, CA 93223 559-732-8247 Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - North 6241 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018 831-335-9000 Eel River Hydroponics & Soil Supply 164 Dinsmore Drive, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-726-0395 The Shop 6542 Front Street, Forestville, CA 95436 707-887-2280 Dirt Cheap Hydroponics 17975 H Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-4211 Hydrogarden Mendocino County 1240 North Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-962-9252 A Fertile World (Fortuna) 610 7th Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-0700

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Stop N Grow 340 Pine Avenue, Goleta, CA 93003 805-685-3000 All Seasons Hydroponics 17614 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344 818-368-4388 AG Natural 403 Idaho Maryland Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-274 0990 Grass Valley Hydrogarden 12506 Loma Rica Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-477-2996 Vital Landscaping Inc. 12817 Loma Rica Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-273-3187 West Coast Growers Hydroponics 13481 Colifax Highway, Grass Valley, CA 95945 888-924-4769 M.G.S. 22540 D Foothill Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94541 510-582-0900 Thrive Hydroponics 70 A West North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95446 707-433-4068 Bear Valley Hydroponics & Homebrewing 17455 Bear Valley RD. Hesperia CA 92345 760 949 3400

Total Hydroponics Center Inc 4820 Paramount Blvd Lakewood, CA 90712 562-984-GROW (4769) Weather Top Nursery 44901 Harmon Drive, Laytonville, CA 95454 707-984-6385 CNG Garden Supplies 22 Ricknbacker Circle, Livermore, CA 94551 925-454-9376 DL Wholesale 6764 Preston Ave. Suite D Livermore CA 94551 510 550 0018 National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 6485 Brisa Street, Livermore, CA 94550 888-570-4678 (Southern CA) Garden Depot, The 203 Commerce Street, Suite 101 Lodi, CA 95240 209-339-9950 Valley Rock Landscape Supply 2222 N H Street Lompoc CA 93436 P: 805 736 0841 805 735 5921 Green Coast Hydroponics 2405 Mira Mar Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815 562-627-5636 Grow Light Express 5318 East Second Street suite 164, Long Beach, CA 90803 888-318-GROW Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics 1772 Clark Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815 562-498-9525 Atwater Hydroponics 3350 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-663-8881 Green Door Hydro and Solar 830 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013 212-625-1323 Hardman Hydroponics 3511 Youree Dr., Shreveport Los Angeles 71105 318-865-0317 Hollywood Hydroponics and Organics 5109 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105 323-662-1908 Hydroasis 2643 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90232 888-355-4769

Emerald Garden 13325 South Highway 101, Hopland, CA 95482 707-744-8300

LAX Hydro 10912 S. La Cienaga Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90304 310-337-6995 Nirvana Hydroponics 340 South San Pedro Los Angeles, CA 90013 310-795-2914

Surf City Hydroponics 7319 Warner Street, Suite B Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-847-7900

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

Dutch Garden Supplies Park Circle Suite 12 Irvine CA 92614 949-748-8777 West Coast Hydroponics, Inc. 27665 Forbes Road, Unit 10 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949-348-2424 La Habra Hydroponics 1301 S Beach Blvd, Suite O. La Habra, CA 90631 562-947-8383

Green Giant Hydroponics 7183 Hwy 49 Unit B Lotus CA 95651 530 622 4465 California Green Hydroponics 16491 Road 26, Suite 101 Madera, California 93638 559-674-1400 Deep Roots Garden Center & Flower Shop 207 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-376-0567

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

Bloom Hydro 1602 53rd Ave. Oakland CA 94601 707 980 0456

365 Hydroponics 2062 Lincoln Ave Pasadena, CA 91103 1 (626) 345-9015

Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply 218 Reindollar Avenue Suite 7A, Marina, CA 93933 831-38-HYDRO

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

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

Two Chix Garden Supply 1230 Yuba Street, Marysville, CA 95901 530-923-2536

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

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1580 Nursery Way McKinleyville, CA 95519 707-839-9998

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

Foothills Hydrogarden 3133 Penryn Road, Penryn, CA 95663 916-270-2413

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

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

Hooked Up Hydroponics 1004 W. 15th St. Suite B & C, Merced, Ca 95340 209-723-1300 The Urban Farmer Store 653 E. Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941 415-380-3840

Cultivate Ontario 2000 Grove Ave #a110 Ontario, CA 91761 909-781-6142 Flairform 1751 S Pointe Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761 213-596-8820

Mission Viejo Hydroponics 24002 Via Fabricante Suite 502 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 949-380-1894

GreenCoast Ontario Unit 102-103 1920 South Rochester Avenue Ontario, CA 1 (909) 605-5777

Coca’s Central Valley Hydroponics 116 West Orangeburg Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350 209-567-0590

National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 1950 C South Grove Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761 888-888-3319

Year Round Garden Supply 11000 Carver Rd. #20 Modesto, CA 95350 Tel: 209 522 2727 Green Light Hydroponics 2615 Honolula Ave. Montrose, CA 91020 818-640-2623 South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View 569 East Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94041 650-968-4070 Redwood Garden Supply 55 Myers Avenue, Myers Flat, CA 95554 707-943-1515 Endless Green Hydroponics 25 Enterprise Court, Suite 3 Napa, CA 94558 707-254-0200 Wyatt Supply 4407 Solano Ave. Napa, CA 94558 707-251-3747 Conejo Hydroponics 3481 Old Conejo Road #106 Newbury Park, CA 91320 805-480-9596 Stop N Grow 640 S. Frontage Road, Nipomo, CA 93444 805-619-5125 Valley Garden Solutions Inc. 15650 Nordhoff Avenue, Suite 104, North Hills, CA 91345 818-336-0041

Palm Tree Hydroponics 2235 E 4th St,Suite G Ontario, CA 91764 909-941-9017 RH Distribution 1751 S. Pointe Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 888-545-8112 Green Coast Hydroponics 496 Meats Avenue Orange, CA 92865 714-974-4769 Natural Pest Controls 8320 B Hazel Avenue, Orangevale, CA 95662 916-726-0855 Advanced Soil & Garden Supply 350 Oro Dam Boulevard, Oroville, CA 95965 530-533-2747 Igrow Hydro 2280 Veatch Street, Oroville, CA 95965 530-534-4476 Orville Organic Gardens 5250 Olive Hwy Ste 1 Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-9950 US Orchid & Hydroponic Supplies 1621 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033 805-247-0086 Pacifica Hydroponics 90 Eureka Square Pacifica, CA 94044 (650) 355-5100

Foothill Hydroponics 10705 Burbank Boulevard, N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-760-0688

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

One Stop Hydroponics 12822 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606 818-980-5855

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

Lumatek Digital Ballasts 33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite B Novato, CA 94949 415-233-4273

Palm Springs Hydroponics 4651 Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-327-ROOT

Marin Hydroponics 55 Frosty Ln Novato, CA 94949 (415) 233-4104

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

Marin Hydroponics 1219 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945 415-897-2197 Roots Grow Supply 40091 Enterprise Dr. Oakhurst CA 93644 559 683 6622 3rd Street Hydroponics 636 3rd Street Oakland, CA 94607 510-452-5521

New Leaf Hydro 34150 123rd Street, Parablossom, CA 93553 661-944-2226 Alternative Hydro 3870 East, Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107 888-50-HYDRO Better Grow Hydro Pasadena 1271 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasedena, CA 91106 626 737 6612

Funny Farms Hydroponics 963 Transport Way, #12 Petaluma, CA 94954 707-775-3111 House of Hydro 224 Weller Street, #B, Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-4769 Wyatt Supply 1016 Lakeville St. Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-3747 JNJ Hydroponics 4774 Phelan Rd. Suite 2 Phelan CA 92371 760 868 0002 Turbo Grow 1889 San Pablo Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564 510-724-1291 Hillside Hydro & Garden 4570 Pleasant Valley Road Placerville CA 95662 530-644-1401 Best Yield Garden Supply 3503 West Temple Avenue, Unit A, Pomona, CA 91768 909-839-0505 Emerald Garden 8249 Archibald Avenue, Ranch Cucamanga, CA 91730 909-466-3796 GreenLeaf Hydroponics 2212 Artesia Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-374-2585 Radiant Roots Gardening & Hydroponics 1394 S Pacific Coast Hwy Redondo Beach, AB 90277 1 (310)540-2005 Shadow Valley Aquatics 75 Kimick Way, Red Bluff, CA 96080 530-526-0479 Bear Roots Hydroponics 1615 East Cypress, #5 Redding, CA 96002 530-244-2215 Dazey’s Supply 3082 Redwood Drive, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3002 Humboldt Hydroponics 2010 Tunnel Road, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-1402 Redway Feed Garden and Pet Supply 290 Briceland Road, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-2765 Sylvandale Gardens 1151 Evergreen Road, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3606 Humboldt Hydroponics 2174 Pine Street, Redding, CA 96001 530-241-7454 Hydro King 105 Hartnell Avenue, Suite C and D, Redding, CA 96002 888-822-8941 Orsa Organix 111 Willow Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 650-369-1269 Mendocino Greenhouse & Garden Supply 960 East School Way, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 707-485-0668 EZ Green Hydroponics 7017 Reseda Boulevard, Reseda, CA 91335 818-776-9076 Hydro Hills Hydroponics 19320 Vanowen St. Reseda CA 91335

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

173

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Box Of Rain Inc. Po Box 302, Rexford, CA 59930 406-755-7245

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

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

City Farmer’s Nursery 4832 Home Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105 619-284-6358

The Urban Farmer Store 2121 San Joaquin Street, Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-1604

Green Lady Hydroponics 4879 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA 92107 619-222-5011

Discount Hydroponics 4745 Hiers Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505 877-476-9487

Home Brews & Gardens 3176 Thorn St San Diego, CA 92104 619 630 2739

All Ways Hydro 2220 Eastridge Ave. Suite C Riverside CA 92507 888-HYDRO98 Calwest Hydroponics 11620 Sterling Avenue, Suite A Riverside, CA 92503 800-301-9009 Hydro Depot 5665 Redwood Drive, #B, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-584-2384 Igrow Hydro 9000 Atkinson Street, Roseville, CA 95678 916-773-4476 Green Acres Hydroponics 1215 Striker Avenue, Suite 180, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-4394 Greenfire Sacramento 3230 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95821 916-485-8023 Green Thumb Hydroponics 35 Quinta Court, Suite B, Sacramento, CA 95823 916-689-6464 KY Wholesale 8671 Elder creek Rd. #600 Sacramento, CA 95828 916 383 3366 Mystic Gardens 8484 Florin Road, #110, Sacramento, CA 95828 916-381-2464 Sac Hydroponics 9529 Folson Boulevard, Suite C Sacramento, CA 95827 916-369-7968 Skywide Import & Export Ltd. 5900 Lemon Hill Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95824 916-383-2369 Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies 1235 Striker Avenue #180, Sacramento, CA 95834 888-557-8896 Green Joint Ventures 61 Tarp Circle, Salinas, CA 93901 831-998-8628 Reforestation Technologies International 1341 Daton Street, Units G&I Salinas, CA 93901 831-424-1494; 800-RTI-GROW National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 1900 Bendixsen Street , Bldg. 1, Samoa, CA 95564 800-683-1114 (Northern CA) Greenmile Hydroponic Garden Supply 1480 South E. Street, Suite D, San Bernardino, CA 92408 909-885-5919 Garden Shed, The 1136 El Camino Real San Carlos, CA 650-508-8600 Pure Food Gardening/Microclone 830 H Bransten Rd. San Carlos,CA 94070-3338 Green Gopher Garden Supply 679 Redwood Avenue, Suite A, Sand City, CA 93955 831-899-0203 Modern Gardens 26620 Valley Center Dr. Santa Clarita, CA 91351 661-513-4733

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Inland Empire Hydrogarden 1301-C South State Street, San Jancinto, CA 92853 Hahn’s Lighting 260 E. VA Suite 1, San Jose, CA 95112 408-295-1755 Plant Life 32 Race Street, San Jose, CA 95126 408-283-9191 South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose 1185 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 408-292-4040 D&S Garden Supplies 17-130 Doolittle Drive San Leandro, CA 94577 510-430-8589

Indoor Garden Depot 1848 Commercial St. San Diego CA 92113 619-255-3552

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

Innovative Growing Solutions (IGS) 5060 Santa Fe St. Ste.D San Diego, CA 92109 858-578-4477

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

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

Healthy Harvest Hydroponics and Organics 2958 S. Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805.596.0430

Miramar Hydroponics & Organics 8952 Empire Street San Diego CA 92126 858-549-8649

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

Oracle Garden Supply 5755 Oberlin Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92121 858-558-6006 Pacific Beach Hydroponics 1852 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109 858-274-2559

H20 Gardening 355 West 7th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 310-514-1416

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

Marin Hydroponics 721 Francisco Blvd East San Rafael, CA 94901 415-482-8802

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

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

Direct Hydroponics Wholesale 1034 W. Arrow Hwy#D San Dimas, CA 91773 888-924-9376

San Rafael Hydroponics 1417 Fourth Sreet San Rafael, CA 94901 415 455 9655

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

Green Coast Hydroponics 3560 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 805-898-9922

Extreme Hydroponics 11479 San Fernando Road C, San Fernando, CA 91340 818-898-0915

Nutes Int’l 204 N Quarantina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805-687-6699

Plant It Earth 661 Divisadero San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 626-5082

Planet Earth Hydroponics 102 East Haley St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 P. 805 899 0033 Urban Grow Systems 204 N Quarantine Street Santa Barbara, CA 93103 1 (805) 637-6699

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

Santa Clarita Valley Hydroponics 25835 Railroad Ave. #26 Santa Clarita CA 91350 661 255 3700 661 255 3701

Grow Your Own 3401 Traval Street, San Francisco, CA 94116 415-731-2115

California Hydroponics 310 Coral Street, Suite C Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-423-4769

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

Hydro-Logic Purification Systems 370 Encinal St, Suite 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 888 H2O LOGIC

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

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

Plant It Earth 2279 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 415-626-5082 Urban Gardens Unlimited 704 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 415-421-4769 San Francisco Hydro 123 Tenth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 The Urban Farmer Store 2833 Vicente Street, San Francisco, CA 94116 415-661-2204 US Garden 417 Agostinio Rd San Gabriel Ca 91776 626 285-5009

UrbanGardens advanced hydroponics and gardening

704 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

Full Sun Supply 3535 Industrial Drive, Unit B-3 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 877-FULL-SUN Gonzo Grow 2550 Guerneville Road,Suite C, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-546-1800 Gottagrow Garden Supply 769 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-544-7782 Green Logic Garden Supply 860 Piner Road, #38, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-843-3156

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

The Otherside Hydroponics 19425 Ventura Blvd Tarzana CA 91356 818 881 hydro (4937)

Monterey Bay Hydroponics and Organics 81 Hangar Way, #1, Watsonville, CA 95076 831-761-9999

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

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

Evergreen Farm Feed and Garden 1131 Main Street Weaverville, CA 96093 1 (530) 623-2884

Sun-In Hydroponics 1257A Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-578-5747 Sweet Leaf Hydroponics 1611 Sebastobol Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-575-GROW (4237 Wyatt Supply 747 Yolanda Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-578-3747) Santee Hydroponics 7949 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, CA 92071 619-270-8649 Gardening Unlimited 60 Old El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-457-1236 Pro Gardening Systems 765 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-829-7252 Better Choice Hydroponics 610 S. Washington Street, Senora, CA 95370 209 533 2400 Go Big Hydroponics 4501 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 818-789-3341 Bloom Brothers Garden Supply, Inc. 3293 Industry Dr. Signal Hill, CA 90755 562 494-0060 We Grow Hydroponics 3350 East Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93063 805-624-4566 Abundant Hydroponics LLC 1611 Shop Street, #1-A, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-54 HYDRO Advanced Garden Supply 2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Building C, Unit 9, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-4769 Farm Hydroponics, The 1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-3276 Valley Hydro and Organics 19230 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma CA 95476 707 396 8734 Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - East Side 4000 Cordelia Lane Soquel, CA 95073 831-475-9900 Orange County Hydroponics 12797 Beach Boulevard, Stanton, CA 90680 714-893-9493 HomeGrown Indoor Garden Supply 681 A Grider Way, Stockton, CA 95210 209-477-4447 Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply 8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48, Stockton, CA 95210 209-951-3550 M&M Garden Supply 2509 West Lane, Suite B Stockton, CA 95205 209-939-0664 Pacific Ave Indoor Garden Supply 4633 pacific Ave Stockton , CA 95207 209-955-0945 City Farm Hydroponics 8903 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Sun Valley, CA 91352 818-767-2076 Sunland Hydroponics 8300 Foothill Boulevard, Sunland, CA 91040 818-352-5300 Anthony’s Garden & Lighting Supply 30 Ridge Road, Suites 8 & 9 Sutter Creek, CA 95685 209-267-5416 Tahoe Garden Supply 645 Westlake Boulevard, Suite 2, PO Box 487 Tahoe City, CA 96145 530-581-3200

Inland Empire Hydrogarden 28822 Old Town Front St. #206 Temecula, CA 92590 886-74-HYDRO 805 Hydroponics & Organics 1785 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805-494-1785 Art of Hydro 2636 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805-230-2227 Green Thumb Lighting & Garden 1647 W. Sepulveda Boulevard, Unit 5, Torrance, CA 90501 888-326-GROW Los Angeles Hydroponics and Organics 3007-3009 W. Artesia Blvd. Torrance, CA 90504 310-323-4937 Anything Grows 10607 W. River Street, Building 3 Suite C, Truckee, CA 96161 530-582-0479 Hooked Up Hydroponics 339 S. Golden State Boulevard, Turlock, CA 95380 209-668-1300 Emerald Garden 307 East Perkins Street, Ukiah, CA 95482 707-463-2510 HydroPacific - Hydroponics & Garden Supplies 351 C Hastings Av., Ukiah, CA 95482 707-467-0400 Northcoast Hydrogardens 3450 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7214 Wyatt Supply 2200 N. State St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7473 Atlantis Garden Supply 2851 A Whipple Road, Union City, CA 94587 510-487-8007 Evergreen Hydroponics 923 N. Central Avenue, Suite B, Upland, CA 91786 909-946-7100 TNC Supply 9490 Main Street, P.O. Box 763 Upper Lake, CA 95485 707-275-9565 Everything Green 1650 Lewis Brown Dr. Vallejo, CA 94589 707 647 0774

California Hydro Garden 1043 South Glendora Avenue, Suite A West Covina, CA 91790 626-813-0868 No Stress Hydroponics 7543 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046 323-845-9874 Hydronation 2491 Boatman Drive, Suite B West Sacramento, CA 95691 916-372-4444 Flower Hut Nursery 603 4th Street Wheatland, CA 95692 530-633-4526 Green Coast Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Boulevard Whittier, CA 90601 562-699-4201 GreenWay Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90601 Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More 14626 East Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90605 562-945-0909 Garden Spout, The 260 Margie Dr Willits, CA 95490 707-456-0196 Sparetime Supply 208 E. San Francisco Avenue, Willits, CA 95490-4006 Hydromagic Supply 40 N. East St. Suite F Woodland,CA 95776 530-661-0117 Urban Gardens 22516 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818-876-0222 Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 Garden Highway Garden Supply 598 Garden Highway #22 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-755-2877 Golden Valley Hydroponics 870 W. Onsott Rd. Ste F Yuba City, CA 95993 (530) 763-2151 Southern Humbolt Garden Supplies 34919 Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa, CA 92399 909-797-6888 707-459-6791 Yucca Valley Hydroponics 56825 Twentynine Palms Hwy. Yucca Valley, CA 92284 760 369 0300

Hydroponics Market 15816 Arminta St Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-305-6261 886-72-HYDRO

COLORADO

Stop N Grow 4160 Market Street, Unit 11 Ventura, CA 93003 805-639-9489

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

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

BWGS-CA 7530 W. Sunnyview Avenue Visalia, CA 93291 888-316-1306

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

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

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

Kaweah Grower Supply 1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, CA 93293 559-625-4937

Family Hydroponics-Boulder 2125 32nd Street Boulder, co 80301 303-996-6100

Greentrees Hydroponics Inc. 2581 Pioneer Avenue, Unit D Vista, CA 92081 760-598-7551

Polar Ray 5171 Eldorado Springs Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 303 494 5773

Home Life Hydroponics and Organics 1745 East Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084 760-643-2150

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

Specialty Garden Center 1970 East Vista Way, Suite 10, Vista, CA 92084 760-758-4769

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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

175

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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

All Seasons Gardening 434 Turner Drive, Suite 2B Durango, CO 81303 (970) 385-4769

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

Brighton Hydroponics 839so.Kuner rd., Brighton Colorado 80601 303-655-1427

Blue Sky Hydroponics 1301 Florida Road Unit C Durango, CO 81301 970-375-1238

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

ACME Hydroponics 300 Nickel St Suite 3 Broomfield, CO 80020 720.524.7306

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

Colorado Grow 3400 Industrial Lane, Unit 10A Broomfield, CO 80020 (303) 465-GROW (4769)

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

Alpenglow Garden Supply 2712 South College Ave Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-266-8888

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

Hydrofarm CO 400 Burbank St Broomfield, CO 80020 800-634-9990 J&D Organic Growing Solutions 217 1/2 Clayton Street Brush, CO 80723 970-310-5408 BIG BloomZ 1011 Caprice Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-688-0599

Bath Nursery & Garden Center 2000 E. Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-484-5022 Gold Coast Hydroponics West 8101 S.W. Frontage Road Suite 300 Fort Collins, Colorado 80528 970-232-3220

Delaware Sunny Day Organics 1867 Coastal Hwy. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware MD 19917 302 703 2538 FLORIDA

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

Urban Sunshine 1420 E. Altamonte Dr Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 407-830-4769

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

Best Hydro 4920 Lena Road, Bradenton, FL 34211 941-756-1928

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

Palm Coast Hydroponics 4490 N Hwy US1 Ste. 108 Bunnell FL 32110 386 246 4119

GWS Hydroponics 7025 Highway 82 Building 4B, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 970-384-2040

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

Hydro Planet 711 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO 80401 303-279-6090

GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc. 5011 S State Road 7, Suite 104 Davie, FL 33314 954-316-8815

Purple Mountain Hydroponics LLC 1530 S Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719-635-5859

Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 15985 S. Golden Road Golden, CO 80401 720-475-1725

Absolute Hydroponic Garden Center Inc 1607 Old Daytona Steet Deland, FL 32724 386-734-0696

Room To Grow LLC 422 South 8th Street Colorado Springs CO 80905 719 633 8682

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

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

Primo Gardens 1600 North Ave. Suite B Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-241-1209

Organic Grow Hut 2 780 Deltona Blvd. #107 Deltona, Florida 32725 1-888-574-grow 386-259-5777

Indoor Garden Warehouse 8100 S Akron St., Suite 322, Centennial, CO 80112 720-496-2110 Garden Tech 737 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-278-9777 Greenhouse Tech 917 East Fillmore, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-634-0637 Hydro Grow Supply 644 Peterson Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-596-2600

High Tech Garden Supply 5275 Quebec St. Commerce City, CO 80022 720-222-0772 R-n-B Horticultural Supply 25797 Conifer Rd #a-8 Conifer, Co 80433 303-838-5520 Roll-N-Green Farms Horticultural Supply 25797 Conifer Rd #A-8 Conifer, Co 80433 303-838-5520 Global Organics & Hydroponics 11 N Broadway Cortez CO 81321 970 564 8100 Your Grow Bud 6801 South Emporia St. Suite 106 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 Tel: 303-790-2211 BWGS-CO 11685 E. 55th Avenue Denver, CO 80239 888-316-1306 Chlorophyll 3801 Mariposa St. Denver CO 80211 303-433-1155 Denver Hydroponic & Organic Center 6810 North Broadway, Unit D Denver, CO 80221 303-650-0091 Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 7100 N. Broadway, Suite 3D Denver, CO 80221 303-428-5020 The Grow Outlet 4272 Lowell Boulevard Denver, CO 80211 303-586-5543 Way To Grow 301 East 57th Ave. Denver, CO 80216 303-296-7900

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Greeley Nutrients 700 11th Street Unit 101 Greeley CO 80631 970 673 8302 GroWize 3225 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80227 303-986-2706 Grow Store, The 8644 W. Colfax Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215 888-510-0350 Ever Green Hydroponics Inc. 1131 Francis Street, Suite A, Longmont, CO 80501 303-682-6435 Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 Victory Hydro Gardening 1387 E. South Boulder Rd. Louisville, CO, 80027 Tel: 303-664-9376 Lyons Indoor Gardening 138 Main Street, Lyons, CO 80540 720-530-3828 Head Start Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Emporium 34500 US Highway 6, Unit B-9, North Edwards, CO 81632 970-569-313 Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics 7777 W. 38th Avenue, A120A, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-954-9897 Salida Hydroponic Supply 1242 C Street Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-4000 CONNECTICUT Grow Crazy 11 Berlin Rd. Unit 2 Cromwell CT 06416 203 660 8486

Gold Coast Hydroponics 1539 SW 21st Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 1-800-780-7371 Biofloral 6250 NW 27th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 877 735 6725 Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies 13482 North Cleveland Avenue, Fort Meyers, FL 33903 239-997-4769 Gardener’s Edge Gainesville 5000 NW 34th Street, Suite 13, Gainesville, FL 32605 352-375-2769 Florida Garden Supplies 2692 W 79 Street, Hialeah, FL 33016 1-800-931-5215 Hydro Terra Corp. 924 North Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020 954-920-0889 Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North) 3642 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, FL 34448 352-628-2655 Hydroponics International Inc. 7029-10 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32220 904-693-6554 Grower’s Choice & Hydroponics 11855 North Main Street, Jackonsonville, FL 32218 904-683-4517 Urban Organics & Hydroponics 5325 Fairmont Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-398-8012 Simply Hydroponics & Organics 7949 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33773 727-531-5355 GrowSmart Indoor Garden Centers 14587 Southern Boulevard, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561-429-3527

Greenthumb Greenhouses 5895 Ensign Avenue, Boise, ID 83714

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

Hydroponics of Tampa 120 W. Bougain Villea, Tampa, FL 33612 813-333-6828

Atlantic Hydroponics 430 Count Street, Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-1535

Stoney Hydro @ Schiro’s Barn n Garden Supplies 7812 Causeway Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33619 813-626-0902

High Tech Garden Supply 2975 West New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-0853

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

Brew and Grow 181 Crossroads Parkway, Bolingbrook, IL 60194 847-885-8282

Advanced Hydro Gardens 4960 NW 165 Street, Suite B-4, Miami, FL 33014 866-97-HYDRO

Let it Grow - Carbondale West Main Street, Carbondale, IL 62908 573-450-5401

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

Monkey Hydroponics 940 West Oakland Ave. Unit A1 407 574 8495 Winter Garden FL 34787 13054 W Colonial Drive Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-GROW(4769)

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

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

Brew and Grow 3625 N. Kedzi Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 773-463-7430

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

Florida Garden Supplies 8020 Belvedere Road,Unit 4, West Palm Beach,FL 33411 800-931-5215

Fertile Ground 463 West MacArthur Drive, Cottage Hills, IL 62018 618-259-5500

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

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

Brew and Grow- Crystal Lake 176 W. Terra Cotta Ave. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 1 (815) 301-4950

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

GEORGIA

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

VitaOrganix 7921 NW 67th St Miami, FL 33166 786 845 8633 3D Hydroponics and Organics 7139 US Highway #19, New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-847-3491 Florida Garden Supplies 8442 Tradeport Drive, Unit 200, Orlando, FL 32827 Urban Sunshine 6100 Hanging Moss Rd ste 50 Orlando, FL 32807 407-647-4769 Urban Sunshine 6142 S. Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32809 407-859-7728 Green Winters Inc. 147 Tomoka Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 386-235-8730 800-931-5215

Atlantis Hydroponics 1422 Woodmont Lane, #4, Atlanta, GA 30318 404-367-0052 Flora Hydroponics, Inc. 1239 Fowler St. NW Atlanta, GA 30318 Flora Hydroponics Inc. 2475 Jefferson Road, Suite 600 Athens, GA 30607 866-404-0551 Flora Hydroponics, Inc. 195 Paradise Blvd. Athens, GA 30607 Atlantis Hydroponics 2561 West Point Avenue, College Park, GA 30337 678-510-0032 Alpha Hydroponics and Garden Supply Inc. 3904 N Druid Hills Rd. Suite 247 Decatur GA 30033 404 590 4769

ILLINOIS Aerostar Global 824 South Kay Avenue, Addison, IL 60101

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

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

Big Grow Hydroponics 9225 Trinity Drive, Lake In The Hills, IL 60156 847-854-4450 Grow Big Hydroponics 7817 B North 2nd Street, Manchesney Park, IL 61115 815-637-4769 Gardinside 618 S. Rt. 59 suite 104 Naperville, IL 60540 630-276-9885

Savannah Hydroponics & Organics 4107 Eighth Street, Suite C Garden City, GA 31408 912-349-4030

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

The Healthy Harvest Ste. 126 21113 Johnson St. Pembroke Pines, FL. 33029 Tel: 954-538-1511

Atlantis Hydroponics 5182-B Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross, GA 30071 770.558.1346

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

HAWAII

Autumn Bloom Alternative Indoor Gardening 1020 Derby Street Pekin, Illinois 61554 309-642-6943

Healthy Gardens and Supply of Florida, Inc. 196 East Nine Mile Road, Suite F, Pensacola, FL 32534 850-912-4545 National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 455 S. Andrews Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 877-649-3567 (Southeast) Hydroponic Depot II 2395 S Tamiami Trail #19 Port Charlotte FL 33952 941 255 3999t EZ Grow Green 604 S.W. Bayshore Blvd. Port St. Lucie, Fl 34983 772-807-7755 Esposito Garden Center 2743 Capital Circle NE, Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-386-2114 Evershine Hydroponics 1519 Capital Circle NE Unit #35 Tallahassee FL 32308 850-765-0040 Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center 8877 North 56th Street Tampa, FL 33617 813-514-9376 Harvest Time Hydroponics 14414 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613 813-264-7101

Eco-Island Supply 810 Haiku Road, #394 Haiku, HI 96708 808-575-9171 Aqua Plant Hawaii / Kahala Hydroponics 4224 Wailae, Suite 1A, Honolulu, HI 96816 808-735-8665 Green Hands of Aloha 1713 Mary Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 808-847-4263

Prairie House Garden Center 15151 South Harlem Avenue, Orland, IL 60462 708-687-3131 Brew and Grow 3224 South Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61109 815-874-5700 Brew and Grow 359 W. Irving Park Road Unit E, Roselle, IL 60172 630-894-4885

Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply 300 Hukilike Street, #2M, Kahalui, HI 96732 808-871-6393

Organic Garden Center 9223 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 675-2722

Aiyah’s Garden 4558 kukui st. kapa’a, Hi. 96746

Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 3427 Old Chatman Road, Springfield, IL 62704 217-341-0821

Aiyah’s Garden 3-3122 Kuhio Hwy. unit B-2 Lihue, Hi. 96766 808 245 2627 Pahoa Feed & Fertilizer 15-2754 Old Government Road, Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-9955

Inc.

Grow Masters 4641 Old Grand Ave. Gurnee, Il. 60031 (224) 399-9877

Water Works Indoor Gardening 1900 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703 217-553-6929 Midwest Hydroganics 949 W Irving Park Rd. Streamwood IL 60107 630 483 1600

IDAHO

INDIANA

Boise Hydroponics 614 North Orchard Street, Boise, ID 83706 208-344-3053

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

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Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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

High Tech Garden Supply Maine178 Rand Rd. Portland, ME 04102 Phone 207-899-4387

Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply 611 Main st. Norway, Michigan 49870 (906)563-1518

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

The Urban Garden Center 659 Warren Ave Portland, ME 04103 1-207-347-2350

Worm’s Way Mail Order 7850 North State Road 37 Bloomington, IN 47404 800-274-9676

Green Thumb Indoor Gardening 19 Stage Road, St. Albans, ME 04971 207-938-5909

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

Frogs Lilly Pad, The 706 Citation Road, Carmel, IN 46032 317-846-4610

Urban Garden Center 235 Lewiston Road, Topsham, ME 04086 207-373-0990

Hops & Harvest 4616 E. DuPont Road, Suite Q, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 260-918-3035 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 1336 East Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-780-8020 Magic Bulb Garden Center 6229 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-202-2852 Maximum Grow Gardening 6117 E Washington St Indianapolis, IN 46219 Five Point Gardens 56555 Oak Road, South Bend, IN 46619 574-287-9232 KANSAS Green Circle Hydroponics 6890 W. 105th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212 913-642-3888 KENTUCKY Garden Grove Organics 29 East 7th Street, Covington, (Cincinnati Metro), KY 41011 859-360-1843

Greenlife Garden Supply 611 US Rt. 1 York, ME 03909 207-363-0844 MARYLAND

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

J&L Growco 206 S. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-1528

Maryland Hydroponics Inc. 10051 North 2nd Street, Laurel, MD 20723 301-490-9236

Greenway Gardens 916 W 13th St Cadillac, Mi,49601 231-775-7075

Meadowview Feed & Garden Center 1202 Meadowview Road, Pasadena, MD 21122 443-817-0018 Maryland Hydroponics Inc. 12130 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD 20852 240-551-4625

MASSACHUSETTS

Van Hydro 7480 N State, Davison, MI 48423 810-653-8267

Louisville Hydroponics 3471 Taylor Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40215 502-366-4000

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

New Earth Garden Center 9810 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40299 800-462-5953

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

Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics 201 Angus Drive, Yungsville, LA 70592 337-303-6146 MAINE The Urban Garden Center 600 Wilson St. Brewer, ME 04412 1-207-989-2020 LiquidSun of Maine 51West Gray Rd. Gray, ME 04039 207-657-8033 Natures Palate Indoor Garden Store 1321 Mercer Rd ( rte2) Mercer, Maine 04957 877-587-4150 207-587-4150 Evergreen Garden Center 301 Forest Avenue Portland, ME 04101 207-761-2800

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Cultivation Station 3 Inc. 46912 Gratiot, Chesterfield, MI 48051 586-949-7453 H2O Grow Supply 3364 Arent Ct Coloma, MI 49038 269-468-3890

GYOstuff – Grow Your Own 2400 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140 617-945-1654

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

Hydro Vision 303 W 14 Mile Rd. Clawson, MI 48017 (248) 435-2250

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

Grow Shop, The of Lexington 2320 Palumbo Drive, Suite 130, Lexington, KY 40509 859-268-0779

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

HotHydro® 5245 Jackson Road, Suite F Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-761-5040; 877-893-0716 Homelight Gardens 3471 S. Huron Road, Bay City, MI 48706 989-922-0088

Greenlife Garden Supply 481 Boston Road, Unit 4, Billerica, MA 01821 978-262-9966

Geaux Hydroponics! 2126 O’Neal Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 225-751-4769

Grow Show, The 4095 Stone School Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (734)-677-0009 (734)-677-0509

East Coast Organics 2800 Sisson Street, Baltimore, MD 21211

Worm’s Way Kentucky 1360 Donaldson Hwy. Suite A, Erlanger, KY 41018 800-669-2088

LOUISIANA

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

Green Path Garden Supply 276 West Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-4181 High Tech Garden Supply 560 Boston Turnpike (Rt.9) Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-845-4477 New England Hydroponics 15 D College Hwy. (Rt. 10), Southampton, MA 01073 888-529-9025 Worm’s Way Massachusetts 121 Worc-Providence Turnpike, Sutton, MA 01590 800-284-9676 MICHIGAN Hydro Vision 11820 Belleville Belleville, MI 48111 (734) 325-6210 Growers Outlet 7720 Clyde Park SW Byron Center, MI 49513 616-878-4444 A Plus Hydroponics of Michigan LLC 9750 Cherry Valley Ave SE Caledonia MI 49316 (616) 891-0706 Hydro Vision 5844 N. Shelton Rd. Canton, MI 48187 (734) 335-6818 Hydro Grow Room 15201 N. Holly Road, Unit B Holly, MI 48442 248-369-8333

Hydro Giant 14455 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI Cultivation Station – Eastern Market, The 2518 Market Street, Detroit, MI 48207 313-394-0441 Hydro Giant 21651 W. 8 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI (8Mile & Lahser) 313-387-7700 313-216-8888 Hydro Heaven 73647 W 8th Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48235 313-861-0333; 877-823-2076 Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 Urban Gardening Center, The 2520 22nd Street, Detroit, MI 48216 313-898-0200 Superior Growers Supply 4870 Dawn Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823 517-332-2663 Sunnyside Hydroponics 24930 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpoint, MI 48021 586-777-2528 Hydro Vision 495 Fenway Dr. Fenton, MI (810) 714-1719 Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 799 S. Wisconsin Avenue Gaylord, MI 49735 989 731 8800 Growco Garden Supply 1042 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 877-939-6900 Home Grown Hydroponix 5333 Plainfield Suite C, Grand Rapids Michigan 49525, 616-361-2924 Horizen Hydroponics 1614 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 866-791-1664

Hydro Grow Room 15201 N Holly Rd Unit B Holly MI, 48430 248-369-8333 Flower Factory, The 2223 East Highland Road Highland, MI 48356 248-714-9292 Hydro Vision 2858 E Highland rd Highland, MI 48356 (248) 714-5556 Holland Hydroponic Outlet 587-40 East 8th Street Holland, MI 49423 616-298-7395 Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 705 S., Loxley Houghton Lake, MI 48629 989-422-2800 Hydro Vision 1247 e Grand River Howell, MI 48843 (517) 552-4965 Green Forest Indoor Garden Supply, LLC. 2555 N. State(M-66) Rd. Ionia, MI 48846 616-523-6111 Horizen Hydroponics 4646 W. Main Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-567-3333 Kalamazoo Indoor Garden 450 W. Maple, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 269-344-2550 HTG Supply-Lansing Michigan 2815 East Grand River Ave.Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 580-0555 Horizen Hydroponics 5425 W. Saginaw Highway Lansing, MI 48917 517-323-ROOT Superior Growers Supply 19582 Middlebelt Road, Livonia, MI 48152 248-473-0450 Northern Lights Hydroponic and Garden Supply 29090 Campbell rd. Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-439-6269 BIg Creek Hydroponics 555 Old Little Lake Road, Marquette, MI 49855 906-249-5297 Growing Consultant 2260 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 231-773-5600 Sunshine Supply Co. 5800 East Pickard Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-775-3700 Flo-N-Grow. 214 N. 2nd Street, Niles, MI 49120 269-683-1877 Super Grow 288 W. MONTCALM PONTIAC, MI 48342 248-24SUPER (78737) Green Earth Hydroponics 8127 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 269-342-4190 Hydroponics Highway Inc. 2708 14th Ave. Port Huron MI, 48060 810-982-4769 Hydro Vision 66783 Gratiot Ave. Richmond, MI 48062 (586) 430-1956 Green Thumb Hydroponics and Organic Indoor Supply 8460 Algoma Suite G Rockford MI 49341 USA 616 884 5500 Home Grown Hydroponics 8075 Gratiot Road, Unit C, Saginaw MI 48609 989-781-1930 Hydro Giant 19363 Eureka Rd, Southgate, MI 734.281.8888 Hydro Vision 22180 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, MI 48178 (248) 435-2268 Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 23529 Little Mack Avenue, St. Clair, MI 48080 586-775-9485

High Tech Garden Supply 7889 Telegraph Road. Taylor, MI 48180 313-908-7554 Hydro Grow, The 8210 Telegraph Road, Taylor, MI 48180 313-633-0641 Great Lakes Green Horticultural Supply 757 S. U.S. Highway 131 Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-278-130

Eco Garden Supply 800 Transfer Door 25 in rear St. Paul, MN 55114 651-647-1896 MISSISSIPPI Indoor Garden Shop LLC 1310 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 228-875-3725 MISSOURI

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

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

Wild Child 7740 M 72 East, Traverse City, MI 49690 866-711-GROW

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

Hydro Vision 1910 West rd Trenton, MI 48183 (734) 301-3745

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

Hydroharrys.com 24500 Dequindre, Warren, MI 48091 800-461-8819

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

Indoor Garden Superstore 2570 Dixie Highway, Waterford Twp., MI 48328 248-673-2200; 877 22 HYDRO

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

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

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

Hydrospot 34236 Michigan Avenue, Wayne, MI 48184 734-722-1285

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

Indoor Eden 11090 Hi Tech Dr. Whitmore lake MI 48189 810-355-1465

Green Thumb Organics 249 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376 636-397-4769 (GROW)

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 3218 W. Houghton Avenue West Branch, MI 48661 989-345-8800

MONTANA

G.C. II Whitehall, MI 49461 231-893-2400 G.C. II 1006 E. Colby St. Suite A Whitehall, MI 49417 231-893-2400 AAA Hydroponics LLC 22 50th Street Wyoming, MI 49504 616-249-8338 Cultivation Station – Grand Rapids, The 4907 S. Division Ave., Wyoming, MI 49548 616-855-4440 Stealth Hydro 15 E. Cross Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 866-998-1916 MINNESOTA Duluth Hydroponics 26 W 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 218-341-7253 Indoor Gardening 10 NE 3rd Street, Faribault, MN 55021 507-209-1546 Brew and Grow 8302 Highway 65 NE., Minneapolis, MN 55432 763-780-8191 Interior Gardens 115 -1620 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 800-498-4178; 612-870-9077 Midwest Hydroponics 5825 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park,MN 55416 888-449-2739 Eden Indoor Organic Gardens 831 Highway 75 North Moorhead, MN 56560 218-477-EDEN (3336) American Garden Supply 601-6th Avenue, North, Princeton, MN 55371 763-631-0543Q Still-H2O Inc. 14375 North 60th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-351-2822

HYDROGARDENS

Heightened Harvests 2018 Main Street #4, Billings, MT 59105 406-252-4311 Magic City Organic & Hydroponic Supply 812 Central Billings, MT 59102 (406)-245-LEAF(5323) One World – Life Products 906 Broadwater Billings MT 59101 406 839 9969 Heightened Harvests 3103 Harrison Avenue, Suite B Butte, MT 59701 Alpengrow Nursery Supplies 238 Highway 93 S., Eureka, MT 59917 406-882-4496 Butteopia 127 Main Street, Butte, Montana 59701 1-406-782-8476 Big Sky Garden Supply 528 West Idaho, Kallispell, MT 59901 406-755-1465 Box of Rain Indoor Garden Center 860 N. Meridian Road B-19, Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-RAIN (7246) Cornucopia Grow Your Own 127 Stoner Creek Road Lakeside, MT 59922 406-709-1076 Dr. Green Thumbs 1106 West Park, Livingston, MO 59047 406-222-7440 Bizzy Beez LLP 5875 Highway 93 S, Whitefish, MT 59937 406-863-9937 NEBRASKA Patio-Ponics 3255 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 4 Lincoln, NE 68504 402-466-9218 Advanced Hydro-Ponics 10711 Mockingbird Drive, Omaha, NE 68127 (108th and L-Q) 402-991-6630

Maximum Yield USA | December 2011

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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

Santa Fe Hydroponics 821 W. San Mateo Road, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-467-8454

NEVADA

NEW YORK

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

The Grow Room 32-32 49th Street Astoria, NY 11103 718-218-GROW (4769)

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

Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 19 Front Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-2005; 800-850-4769

Hydro Store, The 1014 W. Sunset Road, Henderson, NV 89014 702-434-7365

The Grape Vine 4020 Hempstead Turnpike Bethpage,NY,11714 516-731-1100

AAA Indoor Organic Garden SuperCenter 2101 S. Decatur Boulevard, #21, Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-450-4769

Bronx Hydro & Garden 39 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10454 718-993-3787

Advanced Gardens Hydroponics 3111 South Valley View, (on Desert Inn West of Valley View) Suite V103 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-257-4769

Bklyn Hydro & Garden 316 McGuiness Blvd Brooklyn NY 11222 718-383-0095 Brooklyn Farms 51Hicks Street St. Brooklyn, NY 11231 347-725-3491 Indoor Outdoor Gardener 8223 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-836-2402 Hydroponics of Buffalo 1497 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216 716-838-3545 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 340 West at 59, Central Nyack, NY 10960 California Hydroponics 27 Corporate Circle, East Syracuse, NY 13057 315-432-9387 Upstate Hydroponics 2026 Lake Rd unit B Elmira, NY 14903 607 483 9199 FutureGarden Inc. 59 Central Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-420-0884 East Coast Hydroponics 14649 Horace Harding Exp, Flushing, NY 11367 718-762-8880 Healthy Harvest Organics and Hydro 163 Broadway, Fort Edwart, NY 12828 518-480-4698

Advanced Gardens Hydroponics 7850 Dean Martin Dr. Suite 506 Las Vegas,NV 89139 702-247-4769 All American Hydroponics 2675 East Patrick Lane, Unit 8, Las Vegas, NV 89120 702-894-9888 Best Hydroponic Supply 6818 W Cheyenne, Las Vegas, NV 89108 702-750-9300 Hydro Store, The 7145 W. Ann Road, Las Vegas, NV 89130 702-434-9376 Nevada Hydroponics 4700 B Maryland, Suite 1, Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-798-2852 Anything Grows 190 West Moana Lane, Reno, NV 89509 775-828-1460 Everything Green Hydroponics P.O Box 34869 Reno, Nevada 89533 NEW HAMPSHIRE Natural Roots Hydroponics 24 Crown St. Nashua, NH 1 (603) 204-5528 NEW JERSEY Garden State Hydroponics 511 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001 888-300-8711 Bergen County Hydroponics 70 Essex Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-2001 Green Touch 2 Hydroponics Inc. 888 Route 33, Unit 1, Hamilton, NJ 08619 609-570-8829

greentouch2 HYDROP ONICS

INC.

East Coast Horticultural Supply 1652 Hurffville Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 856-228-5290 77HYDRO 37 Fairfield Place, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 877-774-9376 Claraqua 4 Redwood Court, West Windsor, NJ 08550 NEW MEXICO AHL Year Round Garden Supply 1051 San Mateo Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 505-255-3677 All Seasons Gardening 3600 Osuna Road, Suite 406 Alburquerque, NM 87109 505-508-4292 Common Shaman 1319 San Mateo N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-255-6463 All Seasons Gardening 1228 Parkway, Suite E Sante Fe, NM 87507 505-438-GROW

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Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 10 Saratoga Ave S. Glen Falls, NY 12803 (518) 798-820 Greentree Nursery 308 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-3666 Crossroads Hydroponics & Organics 181 S. Plank Rd. Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-GROW Hudson Valley Hydroponics 217 Route 32 North, New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-3633 Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics 2045 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Suite 13, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 888-GROWBOX The Grow Room 8 Bridge Street, Nyack, NY 10960 800-449-9630 Revolution Hydroponics 309 West State St. Olean NY 14760 716.373.Grow (4769) Mor Gro Hydroponics 5680 State Route 104 E Oswego , NY 13126 315-877-8725 Environmental Gardens 8 John Walsh Boulevard, Suite 310 Peekskills, NY 10566 800-254-0507; 914-736-6676 Harvest Moon Hydroponics Henrietta Townline Plaza, 3047 West Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 716-865-7353 Hydro Garden Center 1069B Lyell Avenue, Rochester, NY 14606 1-800-277-1322

Sunset Hydroponics & Home Brewing 1590 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY 14615 866-395-9204 KG Garden Supply 1327 Floyd Avenue, Rome, NY 13440 1-877-KG-HYDRO LiquidSun of New York 1702 Fiero ave Rotterdam, NY 12150 518-952-4654 Hydroponics Shops of America 2606 Erie Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13224 315-251-2516 Green Zone Hydroponics 2148 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tonawanda, NY. 14150 716-693-9663 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 147 Fourth Street, Troy, NY 10960 NORTH CAROLINA Advanced Hydroponic Garden 55 Shiloh Road #6 Asheville, NC 28803 1 (828) 277-3488 Fifth Season Gardening Company 21 B Westside Dr. Asheville NC 28806 828-225-5007 Fifth Season Gardening Company 45 Banks Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 828-253-4112 Fifth Season Gardening Company 106 South Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC 27510 919-932-7600 Be Well Hydroponics & Urban Gardening 4732 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-344-8010 BWGS-NC 4045 Perimeter West Drive,Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28214 800-316-1306 High Tech Garden Supply 2712 B Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 704-697-0911 Flow & Grow Hydroponics & Organic Garden Center 4521 Cumberland Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306 910-423-FLOW (3569) Fifth Season Gardening Company 1616 D-3 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408 336-271-3373 Good Harvest Garden Center 629 Oakridge Farm Hwy. Mooresville NC 28115 704-658-9136 Fifth Season Gardening Company 5619-A Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 919-852-4747 New Age Gardens 2236A US Highway 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778 828-299-9989 All Season Hydroponics 890 South Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28410 Progressive Gardens 6005 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-395-1156 OHIO Akron Garden Center 434 W Wilbeth Road, Akron, OH 44314 330-724-2700 Summit Hydroponics 1030 Kenmore Boulevard Akron, OH 44314-2114 330-753-5222 Campbells Indoor Gardening Supplies 1721 Greenville Road Bristolville, OH 44402 330-889-0049 Magic Home Gardens 209 Cemetery Road, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-837-2440 CincyPonics 3314 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45211 513-661-3886

Dumont Seed Co. 619 30th ST. N.W. Canton, ohio 44709 330-492-0204 Dayton Hydroponics 4920 Provident Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 513-942-7111 Eastside Hydroponics 550 Ohio Pike Cincinnati, OH 45255 513-528-GROW Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic 10740 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241 513-769-0159 Cleveland Garden Center Inc. 727 East 185th Street, Cleveland, OH 44119 216-481-7868 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 Garden Indoors of Ohio 4720 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214 800-833-6868 Magic Home Garden 4538 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214 614-263-2440 Garden Connections 3341 Centerpoint Dr. Grove City OH 43123 614 871 0707 Advanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center 5204 Darrow Road, Hudson, OH 44236 234-380-1287 Sweet Greens 5540 Brecksville Road Independence, OH 44131 800-421-7084 Hydro Gardens and Lights 1144 N Memorial Drive Lancaster, OH 43130 705-65 Hydro Carefree Garden Center 134 West Drive, Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 CropKing 134 West Drive, Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 USA Hydrogarden 7450 Industrial Pkwy, Ste. A Lorain, Ohio 44053 440-282-4880 The Grow Shop 165 Davids St. Marion OH 43302 740 223 7467 Urban Gardens 671 E. Center Street Marion, OH 43302 740-375-2800 Top Garden Products 8600 East Avenue Suite C. Mentor, OH 44060 440-290-8773 Indoor Gardens 1222 Hill Road, North, Pickerington, OH 43147 614-866-6065 Trinity Hydro Organics 465 Woodman Drive Riverside, OH 45431 937-252-GROW Toledo Hydroponics Ltd. 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 2 Toledo, OH 43615 1-877-893-0716 Greenleaf Hydroponics 1805 Elm Road, Warren, OH 44483 330-372-1039 Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, West Carrolton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 Harvest Moon 9215 Market Street, Youngstown (North Lima), OH 44452 800-776-8399 Indoor Garden Worx 906 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701 866-900-9679 OKLAHOMA

Tulsa County Hydro-Organics 1928 W. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-259-HYDRO AAAAHA! Hydroponics Unlimited P.O. Box 74, Oakhurst, OK 74050 Organics OKC Garden Supply 3620 N Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-528-GROW The OKC Urban Gardener 3711 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-521-9300 Urban Garden 3141 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104 918-289-0018 OREGON Aqua Serene 465 Applegate Way, Ashland, OR 97520 541-482-7600 Astoria Indoor Garden Supply 1343 Duane St. Unit C Astoria OR 97103 503 468 0606 Rogue Silicates Inc. POB 21, Azalea, OR 97410 541-837-8590 B.I.G.S. 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 401, Bend, OR 97702 541-385-5222 Herb N’ Jungle Hydroponics 930 SE Textron Drive, Bend, OR 97702 541-382-4010 Northern Light and Garden Beaverton 9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-297-7331 Westcoast Organic and Hydroponic Supply 12410 SE 282nd Avenue, Unit C Boring, OR 97009 503-766-4106 The Good Earth Organics 30088 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, OR 97523 541-592-4496 Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply 93779 B Troy Lane, Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-266-8822 Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics 5490 SW Philomath Boulevard, Corvallis, OR 97333 541-738-2820 Aqua Serene 2836 W. 11th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402 541-302-9073 Aurora Innovations PO Box 22041, Eugene, OR 97402 866-376-8578 SunInside Gardening Co. 665 Conger, Unit F, Eugene, OR 97402 541-686-9966 Advanced Indoor Gardens 17831 se 82nd drive Gladstone, OR 97027 503 305 6341 Northern Light and Garden Grants Pass 1203 Rogue River Highway, Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-474-1700 Paradise Supply LLC 560 NE. “F” Street, Unit C, Grand Pass, OR 97526 541-955-7293 Vital Organix 932-B SE “M” Street Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-226-9283 Oregon Rainforest Co. 19949 E. Burnside Street, Gresham, OR 97233503-465-9909 In & Out Gardens 93484 Hwy 99 South Junctin City OR 97448 541-234-2342 Basin Indoor Gardening 417 N. Spring St. Klamath Falls, OR 97601 541-273-2023 Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 1845 S W Hwy. 101 Ste. 3 Lincoln OR 97367 USA 541 994 7070 H2organic LCC 620 NE 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128 503-434-6107

Green Thumb Hydrogarden and Organic Supply 2021 West Main Street, Medford, OR 97501 541-779-8600 Growing Crazy (Hooked On Hydroponics) 817 W. 2nd Street, Medford, OR 97501 In & Out Gardens 1574 Skypark Drive Medford, OR 97501 541-858-3333 Ladybug Indoor Gardens 3960 W. Main Street, Medford, OR 97501 541-618-4459 Advanced Organics & Garden Supply 290- B Merlin Avenue Merlin, Oregon 97532 541-659-1466 Indoor Garden Depot 15828 SE McGloughlin Boulevard, Milwaukie, OR 97267 503-786-2445 H2organic LCC 620 NE 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128 503-434-6107 Wizard’s Garden, LLC 621 Spruce Street, Unit C, Myrtle Point, OR 97458 541-572-2333 Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 454 S.W. Coast Hwy Newport OR 97365 USA P: 541-265-8252 Gorilla Garden Supply 2011 Union Ave, Garden Supplies North Bend, OR 97459 541-756-5005 American Agriculture 9220 Southeast Stark Street, Portland, OR 97216 800-433-6805 Bloom Garden Supply 518 NE 20th Ave. Portland, OR 97232 (971)255-1336 Everybody’s Garden Center 2701 SE 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202 800-669-5483 Garden Spout, The 4532 South East 63rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97206 503-788-4769 Homegrown Garden Supply 7112 NE Gilsan Street, Portland, OR 97213 877-EZ2-GROW Island Flowers & Indoor Garden Center 909 N. Tomahawk Island Drive, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97217 503-546-3185 Lights Distributing 9843 SW 55th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219 Rain or Shine 13126 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230 503-255-1981 Roots Garden Supply 5426 North Gay Avenue, Portland, OR 97217 503-285-4768 Urban Flora 2865 South East, Portland, OR 97214 503-236-3344 BIGS Warehouse 2606 SW 4th Street, Unit B Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-8886 Indoor Garden Supply 536 SW 6th Street (rear alley), Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-7750 DC Hydroponics & Organics 7275 Green Siding Rd. Roseburg, OR 97471 541-679-3700 Roseburg Hydroponics 853 SE Stephens Street, Roseburg, OR 97470 541-229-1420 Indoor Garden Center 1697 SE 25th Street, Salem, OR 97302 503-566-7888 Northern Light and Garden Salem 1915 Lancester Drive, Salem, OR 97305 503-364-4769 Cascade Horticulture 39570 Pioneer Boulevard, Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-8242

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Moonshine Park Farm 135 South East 62nd, Unit F South Beach, OR 97366 541-444-2298

Organic Garden Center 800 Washington Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17701 570-322-3120

J-N-B Hydro 2 Go 155 West Central Avenue, Sutherlin, OR 97479 541-459-9211

National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 450 Grim Lane, York,PA 17406 877-779-7111(Northeast)

Samurai Greenhouse Supply 32067 Old Hwy. 34 Tanget, OR 97389 541-928-3431

PA Hydroponics & Home Gardening Supply 20 Quaker Church Road, York Springs, PA 17372 717-528-4175

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

RHODE ISLAND

PENNSYLVANIA Pocono Hydroponic Solutions 25 Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321 Tel: 570-730-4544 Green Solutions Hydroponics 1700 Orange Street Berwick, PA 18603 570-752-1530 Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania 208 Route 13, Bristol, PA 19007 800-227-4567 422 GROW 1775 North Main Street Extension Butler, PA 16001-1327 724-561-3777 High Tech Garden Supply 20232 Route 19, Unit 6, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-473-1113 New Moon Indoor Garden Supply 20550 Route 19 Perry Highway, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-591-8086 Easton Hydroponcis 437 N. Hampton St. Easton, PA 18042 484-373-3232 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 830 Route 119, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-1118

Solar Seed Hydroponics, Inc. 2406 Putman Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814 401-710-9010

All Seasons Gardening and Brewing Supply Co. 924 8th Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37203 800-790-2188

Organically Grown 768 Atwood Ave Cranston, RI 02920 401-944-0549

Worm’s Way Tennessee 901 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37072 800-397-4153

Hydro-Earth 1243 Mineral Springs Avenue, North Providence, RI 02904 401-305-5520 South County Hydroponics 51 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 401-783-1733 Mother Nature Hydroponics 1268 Post Rd. Warwick RI 02888 401 780 0600 LiquidSun® RI 1179 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, MA 02861 401-722-2724 Good To Grow 34 Nooseneck Hill Road West Greenwich, RI 02817 401-392-3100 Growin’ Crazy 93 Kingston Road Wyoming, Rhode Island 02898 401-284-0810 SOUTH CAROLINA

The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St Kutztown, PA 19530 1 (610) 683-9676

247 Garden Supply 535 D Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29229 803-788-4445

Flairform POB 1417, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-395-6353

All Good Hydroponics & Gardening 6729 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223 803-708-4819

Always Green Garden Supply 4400 Old William Penn Hwy Ste. 106 Monroeville PA 15146 412 646 1243

All Season Hydroponics 6729 Two North Road, 10B Columbia, SC 29223 803-708-4819 The Urban Garden Hydroponics 9557 Two Notch Rd. Ste. E Columbia, SC 29223 803-788-9313 All Season Hydroponics 1350 Hwy. 501 Business, Store 3&4 Conway, SC 29526 843-347-9266

New Stanton Hydro 150 Post Ave. New Stanton, PA. 15672 724-635-0297

Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More 1230 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC 29609 864-271-8830

The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St Kutztown, PA 19530 1 (610) 683-9676

Greenspirit Hydrogardens 3600 Unite 1 Hwy.17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 843-361-7777

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

SOUTH DAKOTA

Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 2008 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-232-7030

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

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

Innovative Hydroponic Supply Inc. 3286 North Park Blvd. Unit G Alcoa TN 37701 865 984 0280

Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 9 North Main St. Washington, PA 15301 724-222-0200

Atlantis Hydroponics 1800 Rossville Avenue, #3, Chattanooga, TN 37408 423-752-5400

Western Pennsylvania Innovative Gardening 1177 Pittsburgh Road, Suite 103 Valencia, PA 16059 724 - 903 - 0800

Advanced Hydroponic Garden 783 French Mill Road, Dandridge, TN 37725 800-521-1643

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Sun City Hydroponics 2235 Whitten Road, Suite 104, Memphis, TN 38133 901-372-8100 National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 126 Belinda Parkway, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 888-265-9005

GreenSpirit Hydrogarden 1864 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29405 843-225-1GRO;

Hydro Ponics of Harrisburg 310 South 10th Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043 877-684-3808

Advanced Hydroponic Garden 6912 Clinton Highway, Knoxville, TN 37921 866-938-3318

Oakworld Garden Center 39 West Street, Barrington, RI 02806 401-245-5705

Buds to Blooms Garden and Supply Co., LLC 509 Orchard Avenue Kennett Square, PA 19348 484-860-8056

RH Distribution POB 1417 Lansdale, PA 19446 888-545-8112

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

TEXAS Abundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 3101 Avenue E East, Marshall, TX 76011 817-649-0100 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 4360 S.Congress Avenue, #310, Austin, TX 78745 512-444-2100 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 Happy Harvest Hydroponics & Organic 1500 C rescent Drive, Suite 202 Carrollton, TX 75006 972-466-1300 GroGreen Hydroponics 4015 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75226 214-370-9984 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 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Dallas) 3400 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75226 214-744-4769 Organic Garden & Feed 3801 N Interstate Hwy 35,Suite126, Denton Texas 76207 940-381-9890 Earth Organics 1360 Lee Trevino Drive,Suite 105 El Paso, TX 79936 915-591-9500 Airline Hydroponics P.O. Box 980904, Trader’s Village #363, Houston, TX 77098 713-942-0484 Botani Garden 15120 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77083 281-575-1999 Houston Discount Hydroponics 9384 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77063 713-464-9406 Hydroponic Nation 9700 Almeda Genoa Road, Suite 108, Houston, TX 77075 281-501-9636 In-N-Out Garden Supply 11011 S Wilcrest Drive Ste K Houston, TX 77099 1 (281) 568-5265 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 Texas Growers Supply 5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #602, Humble, TX 77396 281-441-3739

Field of Dreams Indoor Growing Supplies 5302 Slide Road Unit B,Lubbock, TX 79414 806-793-2901 Hydro Mart 3841 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088 972-475-6114 Sol Organics & Hydroponics 1634 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78229 210-366-9082 Innergrow Hydroponics 24451 Interstate Highway 20, Wills Point, TX 75169 866-475-4769

Kitsap Garden & Lighting 2130 6th Street, Bremerton, WA 98312 360-377-1277 M & R Lighting Unit C 22914 Highway 410, Buckley, WA 98390 253-891-4190 Indoor Tropics 5930 Sunburst Lane #B Cashmere, WA 98815 509-470-7782

UTAH Wasatch Hydroponics 4050 South Howick, Suite 11E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107 801-716-4133 Salt Lake Plant & Hydro60 West 3300 S. #6 ,South Salt Lake, UT 84115 801-488-3200

Grow Center, The 615 South Fir DeerPark WA 99006 509-276-GROW

VERMONT Greenthumb - Vermont 394 Route 15, Jericho, VT 05465 802-899-4323 Peak Hydroponic Garden Supplies 20 School Street, Plainfield, VT 05667 802-454-8000 LiquidSun® VT 1 Bellows Falls Road, (Route 5 North) Putney, VT 05158 802-387-1100 Green Thumb Gardening P.O. Box 235, Route 15, Underhill, VT 5489 800-564-9376

Indoor Garden Depot 1401 S. 324th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003 253-874-1112

VIRGINIA Fifth Season Gardening Company 900 Preston Ave. Charlottesville VA 22903 434-293-2332 Clean & Green Technologies 196 Corning Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073 866-694-1628 I Love Hydroponics 612 N. Sheppard Street, Richmond, VA 23221 804-377-3020 Lucky Roots 612 North Sheppard St. Richmond, VA 23221 804-377-3020 Blue Ridge Hydroponics & Home Brewing Company The Williamson Road Plaza, 5327 D Williamson Road Roanoke, VA 24012 540-265-2483 Inside-Out Garden Supply 6517 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150 703-451-3259 I Love Hydroponics 368 Newtown Road, #105, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-490-5425 Hydroponics & Growlights 13400 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-490-0700

Garden Smart 500 Bond Drive, Castlerock, WA 98611 360-274-7960

Healthy Grow Indoor Garden Supplies 10 SE Everett Mall Way Suite B Everett WA 98208 425-374-2227

North West Hydro Supply 1355Pacific Pl Unit 117 Ferndale WA 98248-7824 360-778-3254 Good 2 Gro 3507 W Clearwater Ave. Kennewick WA 99336 509 737 1313 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 Grogro Hydro 12403 NE. 124th Street, Kirkland, WA 98034 888-7-GROGRO 425-820-6200 KP Indoor Garden Store 8912 Key Peninsula HWY N Lakebay, WA 98349 253-884-SURE (7873) InDoor Gardening 1158 Commerce Longview WA, 98632 360-353-3851 Indoor Garden & Lighting 20505 Highway 99,, Lynnwood, WA 98036 425-673-2755 Go-N-Green Hydroponics 1241 State Ave Suite #102 Marysville, WA 98270 (360)386-8230 Green Acres Indoor Garden & Lighting 514 State Ave Suite #102 Marysville, WA 98270 360-658-GROW (4769) Island Hydroponic & Supplies 1515 5th Street #B, Marysville, WA 98271 425-299-5855

Grogro Hydro 12316 32nd AVE NE #103 Seattle, WA 98125 Hydro-Tech 2121 Aurora Avenue, North, Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-2202 Sodo Hydro 1727 1st Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134 206-682-9377 888-90HYDRO (904-9376) Northwest Horticulture Supply 161 Hooker Road, #1, Sequim, WA 98057 360-582-0702 509 Grow 2718 N Division Spokane, WA 99207 509-327-GROW(4769) Grow Center, The 2808 W Sprague Spokane WA 99202 509-456-GROW River City Hydroponics 1514 East Francis Avenue, Spokane, WA 99208 509-464-0246 Spokane Organic and Hydroponic Supply 4823 East Sprague Avenue E., Spokane Valley, WA 99212 509-534-4055 Green Tree Hydroponics and Garden 12316 Pacific Ave South Tacoma, WA 98444 253-536-1791 Indoor Garden & Lighting 3839 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406 253-761-7478 Solar Shop 306 West 4th Street, Tonasket, WA 98855 509-486-4508 Indoor Garden Depot 6400 NE Highway 99, Suite H, Vancouver, WA 98665 360-993-7779 National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 4525 NW Fruit Valley Road, Vancouver, WA 98660 888-478-6544 (Northwest) National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 5408 NE 88th Street, Building A, Vancouver, WA 98665 888-478-6544 VM Indoor Garden Supply 2903 NE 109th Ave Ste. D Vancouver, WA 98682 P: (360) 256-2933 Indoor Garden Supply LLC 1250 Atlantic Ave, Woodland, WA 98674 360-841-8055 WISCONSIN Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply 1104 West Wisconsin Avenue, Appleton, WI 54914 920-574-3258 Grow BIG Hydroponics 954 S. Westland, Appleton, WI 54914 920-749-4769

West VIRGINIA

Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply 1204 East Wheeler Road, Moses Lake, WA 98837 (509)766-5856

H2oGrow 1150 Madison rd Beloit WI 53511 608-289-1852

Panhandle Hydroculture 800 East Moler Ave. Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-240-7587

M & R Lighting 17238 Memorial Drive, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-848-1080

Brew and Grow 285 N. Janacek Road, Brookfield, WI 53045 262-789-0555

WASHINGTON

Northern Lights Gardening 1524 Riverside Dr #2 Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-982-2217

Garden Supply Guys 752 Memorial Drive - Suite A Green Bay, WI 54303 920-857-9493

Island Horticulture Supply 8608 S March Point Rd. Anacortes WA 98221 360 293 0000 Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply 6121 172nd Street NE #A, Arlington, WA 98223 (360) 474-1900 Belfair Garden & Lighting 24090 NE State Route 3 #F Belfair,WA 98528 360-275-2130 Green Gardens Distributing 12738 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98005 425-454-5731 Northern Lights Gardening 4159 Hannegan Road, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-715-8585 Liquid Sunshine Hydroponics 5087 Lincoln Road, Blaine, WA 98230

Indoor Garden & Lighting 8606 Preston Fall City Rd. SE Preston WA 98050 425 222 9661 Linda’s Gardening & Hydroponics 11522 Canyon Road East, Puyallup, WA 98373 253-531-9641 Renton Indoor Garden Center 207 Sunset Blvd. N, Building A, Renton, WA 98055 425-917-9000 Eco Enterprises 1240 NE 175th Street, #B Shoreline, WA 98155 800-426-6937 Aqua Serene 3839 Stone Way North, Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-GROW (4769)

Brew and Grow 3317 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53716 608-226-8910 Paradigm Gardens 4539 Helgesen Drive, Madison, WI 53718 608-241-3800 Brew and Grow 2246 Bluemound Road Ste. B Waukesha, WI 53186 1 (262) 717-0666 PUERTO RICO Tecno-Hydro Ave Campo Rico GJ17, PO Box 1450 Carolina, PR 00982 787-752-8252

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