Maximum Yield USA December 2012 by Maximum Yield

NEW sunlight supply FP (Ilona)

NEW humboldt nation distribution FP (ashley)

NEW hydrofarm FP (ilona)

NEW sunlight supply FP (Ilona)

CONTENTS

December 2012

FEATURES Harpin by Todd Brady

Proteins:

Enhancing your Plant’s Natural Defense Systems What if you were able to naturally boost your plants’ immune systems, resulting in increased disease resistance, photosynthesis and overall plant growth?

124

50 Are Organic Pesticides Always Safer? by Bill DeBoer

60 Organic and Hydroponic Food Safety by Dr. Lynette Morgan

72 Overkill: Too Much of a Supposedly Good Thing

by Jonathan Valdman

80 Organic Concepts

by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr.

144

92 The Next Generation: Quality

Vegetable Seedling Production by Dr. Mike Nichols

98 Below the Surface by Eric Hopper

114 Cold Weather and Hydroponics by Frank Rauscher

126 Mud Pies and Hair Hygrometers:

DIY Projects for Indoor Gardening by Grubbycup

136 The Little Things, Naturally: Organic Control of pH, ppm and EC by Mark Boutwell II

144 Harpin Proteins: Enhancing your

Plant’s Natural Defense Systems by Todd Brady

152 A Golden Opportunity: Fulic Acid by Helene Isbell

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

DEPARTMENTS 12

From the Editor

142

Tips and Tricks

MaximumYield.com

150

Growing for Health

Letters to the Editor

156

Ask the Experts

Mastering the Art of Hydroponics (STEM)

MAX Facts

162

You Tell Us

Product Spotlight

164

Talking Shop

110

10 Facts on…

168

Max Mart

112

Avant-Gardening

171

Distributors

124

Green Thumb Gardening

186

Coming up in January

134

Beginner's Corner

186

Do You Know?

NEW foxfarm FP (ashley)

FROM THE EDITOR | Linda Jesson

Message from the

Editor Linda Jesson

When it comes to growing, you have to look at the big picture. After all, what you do in your growroom—what products you use to balance pH, keep away bugs and provide adequate nutrients to your plants—doesn’t stay in your growroom; it eventually affects the world at large. In order to lessen the impact on the environment and your own health, many gardeners turn to organics. But, what exactly does organic mean? How are organic products different from synthetics, and how do they affect our crops, the environment and people? In this special organics issue of Maximum Yield, our expert contributors answer these questions and more. They share information on organic pesticides, fertilizers and growing safety, as well as offer natural ways to boost your garden’s performance (on page 144, Todd Brady introduces us to harpin proteins, and Helene Isbell explains the natural power-packed punch offered by fulvic acid on page 152).

In addition to pondering organics in this issue, we took a look at hydroponics around the globe and how this method of growing can help feed the world’s evergrowing population. We also included a few DIY projects, tips on how to avoid transplant shock and a story on an accidental discovery that will help your garden. And we didn’t forget to spotlight the latest news, timely trivia and some awesome new product finds. From cover to cover, this issue is packed with some of the best tips for gardening as efficiently and naturally as possible. Also, our latest Win Big…Grow Big contest is quickly coming to a close (final day to enter is Dec. 15, 2012). So, be sure to enter online at maximumyield.com/winbig-growbig for your last chance to win one of four great prizes. Be sure to also check our out new “I’m a Fan” contest. Simply tell us why you are a Maximum Yield fan and we will put your name into a draw to win monthly gift certificates of $100 to your favourite indoor gardening shop, with a chance to win the final grand prize of a $1,000 gift certificate – see page 139 for more details. Maximum Yield extends special holiday wishes to all our readers, advertisers and distributors with the best of health and happiness for 2013.

VOLUME 13 – NUMBER 9 December 2012 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 editorial editor@maximumyield.com Editor-in-chief Linda Jesson Assistant Editor Jessica Skelton ADVERTISING SALES Sales Manager Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Account Executives Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com Emily Rodgers - emily@maximumyield.com Kelsey Hepples - kelsey@maximumyield.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION ads@maximumyield.com Art Director Alice Joe Graphic Designers Liz Johnston Jennifer Everts Dionne Hurd ACCOUNTING Tracy Greeno - accounting@maximumyield.com Tara Campbell - tara@maximumyield.com USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations • BWGS • General Hydroponics Humbolt Wholesale • Hydrofarm 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 • Hydrogarden Nutriculture UK • Dutch Pro • Maxigrow AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply • House N Garden • Futchatec • Growth Technology • Hydraspher

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

NEW sunlight supply FP (Ilona)

contributors Bill DeBoer is a laboratory scientist at Indiana-based steadyGROWpro. A master gardener intern, Bill is responsible for overseeing the company’s laboratory operation, including the design and execution of research projects, plant propagation, seed germination and overall plant care. Bill has a BS and MS from Purdue University, and was previously a research technician for the US Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

Mark Boutwell II I stepped into my ﬁrst Garden when I was about 4 years old. My Father would educate me on how the Indians taught the pilgrims how to survive using different techniques in farming. When I was in a garden my father would always forces us to use our space as effectively as possible. I think this is the reason why I gravitated to indoor garden as I got older.

Dr. Mike Nichols is a retired

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.

Grubbycup has been an avid indoor gardener for over 20 years. His articles were ﬁrst published in the United Kingdom, and since then his gardening advice has been published in French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czechoslovakian and German. He is also considered one of the world’s leading authorities on crochet hydroponics.

Helene Isbell is an avid horticulturalist and has been an advocate of the hydroponics and organic gardening industry for over 10 years. A California native, Helene lives in San Diego, where she promotes the education of urban agriculture and represents Mad Farmer, a company that specializes in hydroponic nutrient supplements.

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 suntec.co.nz for more information.

university lecturer and an honorary research associate in the College of Sciences at Massey University, New Zealand. He speaks extensively at conferences for international organizations such as the United Nations, and also writes and consults on a range of intensive horticultural topics.

Jonathan Valdman, owner of

Forever Flowering Greenhouses, has been striving to develop solutions to the environmental impact of current agricultural trends. Forever Flowering was born out of Jonathan’s desire to reduce the over-usage of HID lighting and to educate growers as to the potential of multiple crops with the free power of the sun. in automated light deprivation greenhouses. Eric Hopper has over 10 years of jonathan has involved inindustry the experience in been the hydroponic industry over 14 years and has as both afor retail store manager and used his experience, exposure and owner. He continuously seeks new ingenuityand to maximize methods products production, that could help quality andgarden efficiency. he tries to bring maximize performance. Eric his training in yoga and meditation resides in Michigan where he and his into thestrive high for pressure conditions family a self-suffi cient and of the industry. he has had much sustainable lifestyle. training and experience in both permaculture and organic gardening Todd Brady is the founder of Rx Green Solutions, a company focused on natural plant technologies. Todd has a passion for delivering highquality solutions to urban farmers. Prior to founding Rx Green Solutions, Todd was the vice president of C.P. Baker & Company, a venture firm, and associate at SJH & Company, an agriculture consulting firm.

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.

COMING UP ON THE WEB I'm A Fan!

Free Digital Subscription to Maximum Yield

Tell us why you are a fan of Maximum Yield and you could win a monthly prize of $100 at your favorite indoor gardening shop and/or a grand Now you can receive prize of $1000 at your favorite indoor gardening Maximum Yield free shop. Visit maximumyield.com/imafan to your inbox every month. Subscribe to the digital edition of Maximum Yield by simply filling Maximum Yield’s resident experts are available out the form at and ready to answer your modern gardening maximumyield.com/subscriptions questions. Email editor@maximumyield.com

Got Questions? Get Answers.

or fill out the “Ask the Experts” question form on maximumyield.com

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Connect With Us Connect to maximumyield.com instantly from your Smartphone with our Quick Response (QR) Code, found on the cover of every issue of Maximum Yield. Now you can access the best products, the most in-depth articles and

information, and the latest news at high speeds. Simply download the QR Code Reader software compatible with your Smartphone, scan the QR Code and your phone’s browser will automatically launch, redirecting you to maximumyield.com. It’s that simple!

Connect with US maximumyield.com facebook.com/MaximumYield indoorgardeningexpo.com twitter.com/max_yield

NEW black label spread (emily) placement p16-17

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

it's a hit! Thanks Maximum Yield!

Wanting more Maximum Yield Love

Many thanks for sending the magazines to use for our “Escape Winter” presentation on hydroponics. They were very much appreciated and were a hit with all workshop participants. Barbara Hanbridge, master gardener

I saw your magazine at a friend’s house. I am interested in receiving your magazine. I have started growing indoors and your magazine will help me. Thank you, Judyann Terrult Powers, Michigan

New Year's Resolutions In our October 2012 E-News, we asked, “What growing techniques and products do you plan to use in the new year?” This is what one of our readers had to say: I’m going to give the new bubble flow bucket system a try since it is a hybrid setup that makes sense. I’m going to compare the difference to what I already use (a deepwater-culture bucket system). I’m curious to see how much of a difference the bubble flow system makes do to the constant water flow aspect of the system. Terry D. Haight, Jr. Apple Valley, California

via Facebook Facebook Fans Read and Respond Good Morning Maximum Yield Friends - Happy Growing Julian, Xtreme Nutrients

You have a great magazine. I have moved to a two-acre farm in central east Nevada where there is no phone or Internet (pretty remote). How could I go about getting a copy of your magazine sent to me. Do you offer subscriptions? When I lived in Las Vegas, I got them when I bought hydro supplies. Keep up the good work. I hope there is some way I can get your publication. Thank you, Norm Millett, Lund, Nevada Maximum Yield is available for free at indoor gardening and hydroponic shops, as well as on our website. We also offer free digital subscriptions or hard-copy subscriptions, delivered right to your door for a nominal fee (to cover the cost of shipping). To sign up for either subscription, visit maximumyield.com/subscriptions Hi Maximum Yield, This is Robert from Pro Grow LLC in Arlington, Washington. My staff and I had the pleasure in meeting you and being at your show. Being a business owner for 10 months, I came back from your event motivated and even more driven. I look forward to working with you as I trail-blaze through our industry! Thanks Again, Robert Bayya

i love hydroponics Billy Richardson Our customers love your Magazine and detail Articles, keep up the amazing work. Sky Valley Indoor Garden Supply Monroe, Washington

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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Joan Hill Arapahoe, Nebraska

NEW tnou FP (ilona)

ASK THE EXPERTS

I’m interested in starting an indoor garden in the new year, but I’m worried about the cost of setting up a growroom. Do you have any tips on how can I keep my initial costs down, but also set myself up so I can save on electricity down the road? Nick Headly Grubbycup

Thank you for your question, Nick. Most of your indoor gardening costs should come from a combination of environmental conditioning and artificial lighting, so those are logical places to start looking to make some savings. When planning where to put your indoor garden, consider normal ambient temperatures for the area. An attic that already reaches temperatures of over 100°F in the summer would require substantial insulating and air conditioning to be usable. A space that normally would stay at comfortable room temperatures is much easier to maintain as only the additional waste heat from the equipment has to be dealt with. While not always practical, running the lights during the cooler dark hours can be another cheap way to help with summer temperatures. Although their original cost is higher and they are not suitable for primary circulation, a solar fan can add an additional air circulation boost during the hottest parts of the day without adding to electrical costs. Also, while vented hoods with ducting and a fan are more expensive to set up than a naked bulb, the additional cooling means the lights can be closer to the plants and more efficient to run. One way to save costs on indoor lighting is to supplement with natural lighting. Windows, skylights, and even physically moving plants outside during the day can add kilowatts of additional light without increasing the electric bill. As a final tip, prepare your garden with the assumption that there will be a liquid spill at some point. Removing carpets or laying down a protective plastic sheeting barrier to start with can help prevent water damage expenses in the event of an accident. Planning is an important part of indoor gardening, and finding solutions for anticipated situations in advance can make a huge difference in the success and ease of indoor gardening. Peace, love and puka shells, Grubbycup

Do you have a question for our experts? Send it to editor@maximumyield.com or fill out the form on maximumyield.com and your question could be printed in an upcoming issue. 20

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Farm Bill Funding Could Benefit Delaware Blueberries Thanks to the Federal Farm Bill, researchers at the University of Delaware will have $18,698 to record yield data from blueberry plants next summer. Their aim is to discover whether or not any of the more heat- and drought-tolerant varieties of blueberry can cope with the state’s hot summer months. The research is hoped to lead to more fruitful production methods. There is also funding available to increase marketing presence. (Source: freshplaza.com)

MAXFACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

An Apple a Day Really Does Keep the Doctor Away

Org anic

A new study, led by Ohio State University’s Robert DiSilvestro, showed that eating an apple a day for four weeks lowered blood levels of oxidized LDL (“bad” cholesterol) by 40%. (Source: treehugger.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Organics in the USA According to the USDA, Wisconsin ranks first in the nation in acreage of certified organic field crops (110,000 acres). California, however, ranks first in certified organic sales ($1.4 billion, nearly 40% of the national total). (Source: freshplaza.com)

NEW cycoflower FP

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Redefining Greenhouse-grown Tomatoes Certified Greenhouse Farmers has called upon the California Department of Food & Agriculture to amend the California Code 1472.8, which defines greenhouse-grown tomatoes. The trade association, which represents growers of approximately 95% of the greenhouse tomatoes grown in California, says the move will help fight product mislabeling (an increasing problem due to the rising popularity of greenhouse-grown tomatoes) and protect consumers. (Source: freshplaza.com)

Growing a Brighter Future in the Bronx After Stephen Ritz started a garden in his classroom at the south Bronx’s Walton High School, the project grew to include a farmers’ market, green-wall projects, a community garden, green-roof installations, small businesses and finally into a nonprofit organization called The Green Bronx Machine. Student-attendance rate also boosted from 40 to 93%. These students have grown in excess of 20,000 lb. of vegetables for local charities, earned prestigious summer internships with garden designers and started careers in green industries. (Source: atlantishydroponics.wordpress.com)

Helping Trees Hookup The birds and bees have failed the dwarf sumac, an endangered species native to northern Georgia. Over the last 100 years, populations of this tree had dwindled to two isolated groups: one all-male and one all-female, separated by miles of roads, fields and houses. Without the ability to mingle, the sexually homogeneous plants turned to cloning to reproduce themselves— resulting in the screeching halt of genetic diversity. Thankfully, however, some human wingmen have stepped in. Botanists from the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Zoo Atlanta planted 20 female dwarf sumac shoots near the male group. The male shoots, which once numbered about five, now sit at about 150. Researchers say that if the sumacs' seeds are found to have been produced by the rekindled sexual reproduction rather than cloning, they’re hoping to boost the endangered species by planting even more in dedicated nurseries at Zoo Atlanta. (Source: treehugger.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

A Sticky (and Moving) Situation The carnivorous plant Drosera glanduligera is more deadly than originally thought. This particular type of sundew (a genera of plants known for its trap leafs being covered with sticky tentacles) also features non-sticky snap-tentacles that bend towards the trap center. The tentacles move within 75 milliseconds after mechanical stimulation, which is faster than the snap-trapping action of the famous Venus flytrap. Studies show that the snap-tentacles catapult incautious prey animals onto the sticky trap leaf. Thus, Drosera glanduligera possesses a combined catapult-flypaper trap. (Source: sciencedaily.com)

STEM for Students Students at Ridgeland High School in Rossville, Georgia, recently designed and produced a fully functional aquaponics (fish and vegetation) greenhouse, which includes a solar-operated robot that checks water quality and temperature around the clock, at their school. The goal is to have the program funded by the sale of their fish. Future goals also include internships and business partners. (Source: wrcbtv.com)

Campus Garde

ns Keep Growin

So far, the Unive rsity of Massach usetts Amhers garden project t’s permaculture —which star te d out as a piec has grown over e of campus law 1,000 lb. of pr n— oduce for scho farm stand, ed ol’s cafeteria an ucated and inv d olved students alike, expanded and community to include a m ed icinal herb gard a conference to en, threw discuss how sim ilar projects m across the world ight happen and was recogn ized by the Whi However, it look te House. s like this is jus t the beginning Ryan Harb expl . Project founde ains that the gr r oup is aiming at campus garden creating a new ever y year, expa nd in g across the Un (Source: treehug iversity. ger.com)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

NEW sunlight supply FP (Ilona)

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

NEW tnou FP (ilona)

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Button Mushroom Genes Critical to Managing Carbon Stores A new analysis of the button mushroom’s inner working show that its genes are deployed in wood decay and leaf decay, and in the development of fruiting bodies. The work also suggests such processes have major implications for forest carbon management. (Source: sciencedaily.com)

From Industrial to Sustainable The Plant, an old meat packing facility in the heart of Chicago’s industrial landscape, is currently under transition to become an entirely off-grid food production and processing facility. The 93,500-sq.-ft. plant will incorporate aquaponics and underground farming, a brewery, a local food business incubator and outdoor growing spaces. All this will be powered by an anaerobic digester and a combined heat and power system that will divert 27 tons of food waste a day from surrounding businesses. With $1.5 million in grant money from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, The Plant’s founders are confident that they will be up and running and entirely energy self-sufficient by 2015. (Source: treehugger.com)

War on Food Gardens When Josée Landry and Michel Beauchamp of Quebec, Canada, turned their front lawn into a vegetable garden, city officials told them they would have to remove the garden or else face a daily fine of up to $300 CAN. The town code stated that a vegetable garden couldn’t occupy more than 30% of the area of a front yard. However, after receiving a petition with 30,000 signatures, the city announced that front yard kitchen gardens would be allowed. (Source: warmearth.com.au)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Help From Half the World Away Scientists of Wageningen UR, together with a number of partners, have discovered genes for resistance to the whitefly in a wild relative of the common tomato found on the Galápagos Islands. The scientists hope that resistant varieties can be brought to market within two years, making chemical pest control unnecessary. (Source: sciencedaily.com)

Battling Stored-product Pests USDA scientists are working to boost the commercial prospects of a parasitoid wasp called Habrobracon hebetor, which is a top candidate for use in programs to biologically control Indian meal moths and other stored-product pests. (Source: ars.usda.gov)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT YOUR GUIDE TO THIS MONTH’S

HOTTEST ITEMS Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store Introducing the LivityGen The LivityGen is the first CO2 generator to utilize new, patent-pending technology that addresses common issues associated with other CO2 generators. The LivityGen is the only generator capable of producing CO2 that is room temperature or cooler. Even when the cooling knob is turned all the way up to 11 (maximum), the water flow rate is equivalent to a water-saving shower head. During CO2 production, 8 gal. of water vapor is produced for every 10 gal. of propane burned. The LivityGen can easily remove 70% of this excess water vapor without a chiller. With the LivityGen, you can feel confident that your plants have the CO2 they need while reducing dependency on air conditioners, dehumidifiers and exhaust fans. For more information, visit your favorite indoor gardening shop.

Sierra Natural Science Presents SNS Pouch Starter Pack

Time-proven and Scientifically Balanced Lemon Sunshine

The SNS Pouch Starter Pack includes a display case and five pouches each of 4-oz. SNS 203, 2.5-oz. SNS 209, 1.5-oz. SNS 217C and 4-oz. SNS 311. SNS 203 Pesticide Concentrate attacks the fungus and algae pests feed on, causing the insects’ dehydration and death. SNS 209 Systemic Pest Control distributes rosemeric acid throughout plants’ cell walls, allowing plants to defend themselves against insects. Rosemary extracts in SNS 217C Mite Control disrupt spider mites’ cell structures and suppress their life cycles. SNS 311 Plant and Vegetable Wash safely removes wax, pesticide residues and dirt from plants. Visit your favorite gardening shop for more information.

Cutting Edge Solution’s Lemon Sunshine is the newest product in our time-proven, scientifically balanced formulations. Lemon Sunshine provides the basic building blocks plants—such as lemon, grapefruit, lavender and mint—required to produce oils. These naturally occurring oils are best promoted during flowering and fruit set. Lemon Sunshine also helps regulate enzymatic pathways that contribute to the chemistry of the oils. During flowering and fruit set, cell building rates can be accelerated by giving the plants a boost of energy. Give your plants the best of both worlds—concentrated plant oils and the energy necessary to create them. For more information, visit your favorite indoor gardening shop.

Looking for Higher Yields and Healthier Plants? Discover PRO-MIX PUR PRO-MIX® PUR™ is a unique high-quality mycorrhizal inoculant specially formulated from the only 100% contaminant-free mycorrhizae in the market, Mycorrhizae™ Premier Tech. PRO-MIX PUR is the only mycorrhizal inoculant that fulfills the needs of both indoor and outdoor growers and responds to the two main concerns related to high-value crops: sterility and performance. PRO-MIX PUR has one of the highest concentrations of Mycorrhizae Premier Tech available in the market. It comes with a guaranteed minimum analysis certified by the EPA. Get the same quality standards you would expect from any PRO-MIX growing media. Available in powder and granular formulations. For more information, visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT

Introducing the new Hydro-Logic Fittings Kit

New tradewinds HPV (ilona)

We've assembled our most common parts and fittings for the Stealth, Evolution 100, Small Boy, Tall Boy and Big Boy in one convenient package. This sturdy case keeps your Hydro-Logic fittings organized, labeled and easy to find. For more information about these and other HydroLogic products, visit your favorite indoor gardening shop.

SteadyGROWpro Introduces rootPRO SteadyGROWpro is rolling out rootPRO, an all-in-one vegetative propagation kit that allows gardeners to clone their favorite plants. RootPRO is an easy-to-use kit that comes with steadyGROWpro soilless media plugs and a mini domed greenhouse. Made in the United States, rootPRO has space to stick 15 cuttings per kit. SteadyGROWpro is an inert, sterile product that optimizes plant growth. Used by home and greenhouse gardeners, professional gardeners, educators and hydroponic growers, steadyGROWpro is eco-friendly and can be reduced from its original form to a mass of less than 11% or incinerated for bio-mass purposes. For more information, visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; December 2012

NEW global pacific nutrients FP (hayley)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

NEW bwgs FP (kelsey)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Introducing the Affordable, Userfriendly Etherdose Duo The Etherdose Duo is a low-cost, automated nutrient doser with the ability to remotely monitor EC, pH and temperature through household computer networks. The standard kit includes everything you need to monitor and adjust up to two channels of EC, pH and temperature with six pump channels, as well as up to three nutrient parts or a pH up/down. There are no buttons or an LCD to mess with—all monitoring and adjustments are made using the web interface, giving you the freedom to leave your growroom unattended for extended periods. The automated Etherdose Duo from Robomatic is affordable and user-friendly. For more information, visit a hydroponics shop near you.

Adjust-A-Wings now Available at Half the Cost of the Avenger The Enforcers are the new economy range of Adjust-A-Wings reflectors and super spreaders, designed to appeal to growers interested in sampling Hygro’s technologies, but be able to justify spending the kind of money required to obtain products from the Adjust-A-Wings Avenger range. Paul Cronk, owner of Adjust-A-Wings says, “It is my personal opinion that the Adjust-A-Wings Enforcers, when used correctly and in accordance with our layout instructions, will outperform any and every other reflector.” The Enforcer comes in large, medium and small sizes, and the large and medium wings are designed to utilize Hygro’s Super Spreader (sold separately) for even heat and light distribution. For more in-depth information, visit your favorite indoor gardening shop.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

NEW eco labs FP (kelsey) Placement p43

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Dutch Master’s Gold Range now Available in 8.4-oz. Bottles By popular demand, Dutch Master is introducing an all new 8.4-oz. size! As we all know, it can be difficult to get people to try something new. Everyone is a little skeptical when it comes to change, especially when they are paying for the unknown! We are so confident in the results that our Gold Range products achieve that we decided to make our Gold Range Foliar Spray and Tank Additive products in a smaller size for those that aren’t so sure or for those on a tighter budget. Our products are concentrated enough to go a long way and effective enough to see results fast, and now the 8.4-oz. bottles are affordable enough for people to experience the results themselves. So, now you can encourage your customers to try the Dutch Master Gold Range and see just how good our products really are! For information, visit your local hydroponics shop.

GeoPot’s G-lite Fabric Pots GeoPot introduces their new G-lite series fabric container. The G-lite pots are made from a lighter weight fabric but are still sewn with the same quality our customers have come to expect. They are available in ½to 10-gal. sizes with the option of adding handles. They are the perfect pot for the cost-conscious grower. For more information about these and other great products from GeoPot, visit your favorite gardening shop.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Move the Air With Sunleaves Ducting Sunleaves Ducting and Sunleaves Insulated Ducting are great for exhausting, cooling and exchanging air in growrooms, indoor gardens and much more. The ducting can be attached to fans or other ventilation equipment to cool grow lights, activate carbon filters or simply exchange air. Sunleaves Ducting consists of a strong, tear-resistant construction with a black inner core. Sunleaves Insulated Ducting features a two-ply construction with fiberglass insulation and a reinforced vapor barrier to minimize heat loss, noise and condensation. Visit your favorite indoor gardening shop to learn more.

Pro Hammerhead Lite Reflector Hydrofarm’s Pro Hammerhead Lite™ Reflector is super lightweight and spreads light wide. The Pro Hammerhead Lite Reflector boasts an efficient design with its folded and rounded corners patterned after the Raptor. The Pro Hammerhead Lite features highly reflective hammertone aluminum, is easy to assemble with wing nuts and, at only 9 lb., is lightweight. This unit also includes a built-in socket and 15-ft. cord set. For more information, visit an indoor gardening retailer near you.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

2,000+ Items Abvailable Online at: wholesale.ecogrow.com

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Growing with you since 1972

Wholesaler of Indoor Gardenening Supplies

New eco enterprises eco HPV enterpris es (emily)

Suite B, 1240 NE 175th Street • Shoreline • WA toll free: 800.426.6937

Call us for a Wholesale Catalog!

Bring the Breeze Indoors With DuraBreeze Fans Free up valuable floor space while combating heat and stagnant air in indoor gardens with DuraBreeze fans. The DuraBreeze Wall and Orbital Wall Fans adapt to gardeners’ advanced requirements for air circulation, offering three breeze settings, rotary dial operation and fixed-position capability. The Wall Fan features wide-range horizontal oscillation, while the Orbital Wall Fan features wide-range orbital oscillation. The DuraBreeze Clip Fan has firm-gripping rubber pads and a powerful spring clip to keep it securely in place wherever gardeners need a little extra airflow. Each fan features the security of overheat protection and a one-year warranty. Visit an indoor gardening shop near you for more information.

Duralastics Trays and Reservoirs Duralastics Trays and Reservoirs are now available. These quality ABS plastic trays are made in the United States by Botanicare using 25% solar energy. The easy-clean drainage grid allows the grower to clean their tray without the hassle of scrubbing sharp corners to remove buildup. Built-in water level indicators allow you to easily identify the fill level in the trays. Available in black or white and a variety of sizes, Duralastics is sure to have a tray that fits the needs of any grower. For more information visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

wholesale.ecogrow.com 48

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Continued on page 158

C I N A e G r A OR PE

S E D I C I ST

s y a w al

? R E F A S by Bill DeBoer

Organic is an often misunderstood term. Here’s Bill DeBoer to help clear a few things up.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

are organic pesticides always safer? “I don’t use chemicals, I grow organically!” This is a reoccurring message continuously articulated by a certain sect of organic growers or consumers of organic products. It also shows that there is a preponderance of misinformation and a lack of understanding. Everything is a chemical, including those organics derived from natural origins. What these people are trying to say they choose a more natural choice when growing organically (as opposed to the negatively-perceived synthetic counterpart). However, the point of this article is not to draw negative criticism toward organics, but rather address misconceptions in an effort to help you make sounder, more-informed decisions. So, whether you are grounded in either organics or synthetics, you need to internalize the following concepts. (Note: when I use the term organic in the article, I am referring to chemicals derived from natural origins.) Are organics always safer than synthetics? No. People have bought into the premise that anything natural is safer. The natural state of a chemical inherently does not dictate safety. For example, imagine organically growing the castor plant (Ricinus communis). From this you could exact a very powerful compound— ricin—which is highly toxic to mammals. While this example is meant to be impractical, the concept is not: natural chemicals can be just as deadly as synthetic ones. Have you ever looked at the chemical

The natural

state of a chemical inherently does not dictate safety.”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

are organic pesticides always safer?

compounds found in, or the LD50 (lethal dose inducing mortality in 50% of test population) value of, organic pesticides? Remember, toxicity is a function of the exposure time as well as the dose/concentration. Simple chemicals that are regarded as harmless can be very toxic if the concentration is high or the exposure time is long—for example, water is toxic if consumption continuously exceeds 0.4 gal. per hour. Safety is at the forefront for organic growers and consumers of organic products, but have you ever looked at the signal word (i.e. caution, warning or danger) on the chemical label? By human nature, we will believe something without questioning the validity if enough people say it is true. There is a reason marketing people can receive hefty salaries: thanks to them, safety has become unanimous with organics. Funny, since federal regulation uses the same wording for organic pesticides as they do synthetics. It is important to note that organics generally have a significant advantage to synthetic counterparts. The half-life, or breakdown, of organic compounds tends to be on average quicker than synthetic chemicals, whose half-life can be long and breakdown is slow (thus the persistence in the environment is longer). However, while organic pesticides can breakdown quickly, their effect is often short lived and frequent applications are more necessary in comparison to synthetic pesticides. Thus, an individual must always understand the type of chemical, application, frequency, concentration and relative persistence. After all, at face value, what appears to be more toxic: compound A applied once or compound B applied six times in the same time span? Obviously, more information is needed. Another critical consideration is dismissing linear thought processes. Just because a compound is organic and targets one type of pests,

The half-life,

or breakdown, of organic compounds tends to be on average quicker than synthetic chemicals, whose half-life can be long and breakdown is slow (thus the persistence in the environment is longer).”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

doesn't mean it will not cause alternative problems. For instance rotenone, a very effective organic pesticide for certain beetles and caterpillars is also highly toxic to aquatic life. Therefore, you must avoid spraying around any body of water. Another example is nicotine, which causes paralysis to pest insects and is readily absorbed by the skin of mammals—and it is quite toxic! Lastly, pyrethrins are highly effective at eradicating a wide range of pests, but they are also toxic to helpful pollinators like honeybees. As growers and gardeners, we cannot think our actions are singular or linear. When using both synthetic and organic chemicals, our actions have direct

are organic pesticides always safer?

and sometimes irreversible consequences. Always research the active ingredient prior to use, as well as proper protective equipment, relative toxicity and susceptible population (which can range from helpful insects to people). A study published in 2006 proposed an interesting hypothesis that microbial (bacterial and fungal) contamination, not pesticide residue, is of larger concern to public health. It begs the question: are organically-raised fruits and vegetables less likely or more likely to have microbial growth due to pesticide practices? I don’t have the answer, but it is an intriguing point nonetheless. Another important component to this review was the difference in detection of synthetic and organic pesticide residue. A ten-year trend line by Baker et al. showed a significant increase in the detection of synthetic pesticide residue relative to that of organic pesticide. One of the main points was organically treated fruits and vegetables still had detectable pesticide (albeit organic) residue. Ultimately, there is not enough information to make definitive statements on overall safety, which is compounded by the fact that sampling methods are not always accurate. However, it does show we cannot think of most organic produce as “chemical free.”

In conclusion, practices involving chemicals that have a low environmental persistence are effective toward the target pest and have a low risk factor towards the consumer should be our future goal. If human and environmental health is the chief concern for organic growers, then knowledge is the strongest ally. I have been and will always be an advocate for the safest and healthiest option of growing produce. This article should not be viewed as anti-organic, but rather as pro-education. Consumers should have all the facts so they can make an informed decision. For more information on mode of action and relative toxicity of organic pesticides, refer to the Oregon State Extension publication Least Toxic Organic Pesticides for Gardeners. If you remember nothing of this article, retain these points to ponder:

an individual

must always understand the type of chemical, application, frequency, concentration and relative persistence.”

• Everything is a chemical and everything can be toxic if the right dose or exposure time is met. • Read the label, and ask questions when you are unsure. • Organic does not equate to safe just as synthetic doesn’t represent unsafe.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

are organic pesticides always safer?

• Actions have consequences and application of pesticides, even organic ones, can have a negative impact on organisms from fish to bees to humans. • There are pros and cons that an individual must weigh when selecting a pesticide, organic or synthetic (i.e. cost, effectiveness, relative toxicity, etc). Literature Cited: 1. Baker, P.B., Benbrook, C.M., Groth, E., 3rd, and Benbrook, K. L. (2002). Pesticide Residue in Conventional, Integrated Pest Management (IPM-Grown and Organic Foods: Insights from Three US Data Sets. Food Addit. Contam., 19, 427-446. 2. Grubinger, V. Pesticides for Organic Growers. Integrated Pest Management. Retrieved from http://www.hort.uconn. edu/ipm/general/htms/orgpest.htm 3. Least Toxic and Organic Pesticides for Gardeners. Oregon State Master Gardener Program. Retrieved from http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/lincoln/sites/default/files/ Least_Toxic_Pesticiddes_for_Gardeners.pdf 4. MacMillan, Annie. (Unknown date). Do Organic Pesticides Pose Any Hazards to Growers? [PDF Presentation] Retrieved from http://extension.unh.edu/Agric/AGPMP/documents/macmillan2.pdf 5. Magkos, F., Arvaniti, F., and Zampelas, A. (2006). Organic Food: More Safety or Just Peace of Mind? A Crical Review of the Literature. Critical Review in Food Science and Nutrition, 46, 23-56. http://spot.colorado.edu/~carpenh/Magkos.pdf

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

D N A C I N A RG

O C I N O P O R D Y H Y T E F A S D FOO

RGAN O M E T T E N Y L . BY DR

N O I T AU

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

ople in e p n o i l l i as 76 m As many oming in c t r o p e r States d e t i n U odborne e o f th f o m r some fo h t i w round t a c , a s i h t f cont ear and o y y r e ever, v w e o H . h t illness a ult in de s e r s e s erg… a b e c i e h t 5,000 c he tip of t t s u j s i this

oRGANIC and hydroponic food safety Foodborne-illness outbreaks originating from fresh fruit and vegetables are a frightening reality. Bacteria like salmonella on tomatoes and cantaloupe and the virulent E.coli O157:H7 on lettuce, spinach and fresh sprouts have all made headlines. However, these outbreaks are perhaps only the tip of the iceberg. Many occurrences of foodborne illness are neither life-threatening nor widely reported—even though they affect more than one person—probably because they go unidentified by the sufferer, who might just attribute the symptoms to a tummy bug instead of linking the problem back to any food source. Another lesser known fact is that while foodborne illness outbreaks from commercially grown fruits and vegetables make big headlines, homegrown produce is also at risk. Being grown in a protected indoor garden is no guarantee that a foodborne disease will never occur; so, some important rules need to apply to our indoor gardens just as they do to the large commercial producers of fresh fruit and vegetables. Unfortunately, however, few of us know how to prevent ourselves from becoming a victim of our own garden.

Many occurrences

of foodborne illness are neither lifethreatening nor widely reported— even though they affect more than one person.” While hydroponics does have a lower risk of foodborne illness contamination simply because the plants are not in contact with soil or at risk of flooding or of being invaded by animal pests, studies have shown that soilless production does not necessarily exclude contamination with foodborne pathogens. One 1999 study into food safety of hydroponically cultivated greens found that other strains of E. coli (that is, not E. coli O157) were isolated in 14% of leafy vegetables and in 5% of hydroponic herbs, thus indicating there is a small and variable potential risk of hydroponically grown vegetables harboring a pathogen.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

oRGANIC and hydroponic food safety

Foodborne illnesses—the pathogens What has been proven with food poisoning cases is that certain foods are more high risk than others. Most of us are aware of the dangers of undercooked chicken or burgers and food kept incorrectly chilled; however, many are not so well-educated about the risks of raw fruits, vegetables and sprouts (which have caused some serious foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years). Although cyclospora and salmonella are the cause of some foodborne-illness outbreaks, E. coli is responsible for 85.7% of outbreaks caused by fresh fruit and vegetables. Pathogenic strains of the latter bacteria cause significant illness, including hemorrhagic diarrhea, kidney failure and abdominal cramps. Of the strains that are pathogenic to humans, E. coli O157:H7 has particularly been the cause of serious disease outbreaks associated with contaminated fresh salad vegetables, fruits and sprouts. It can also be contracted from undercooked ground beef, house flies, unpasteurized milk and juice, drinking infected water and contact with an infected person. This particular strain of E.coli is highly virulent and needs only a low infectious dose to cause illness (compared to relatively higher dose from other stains of E. coli).

many of the same

folk who carefully wash the salad greens they bought at the grocery store or grew outdoors are tempted to just snip and eat hydroponic salads, tomatoes, herbs, berries and micro-greens, or throw some freshly cut wheat grass in the juicer.” 64

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

oRGANIC and hydroponic food safety

being grown

in a protected indoor garden is no guarantee that a foodborne disease will never occur; so, some important rules need to apply to our indoor gardens just as they do to the large commercial producers of fresh fruit and vegetables.” Why are raw fruits and vegetables a risk? Many of the healthy super foods popular with indoor growers—such as salad greens, lettuce, many fresh herbs, sprouts, micro-greens and wheat grass—are in the highest risk category for foodborne illnesses. This is because they are largely consumed raw and unpeeled (cooking destroys most harmful bacteria). What is even more alarming is that many of the same folk who carefully wash the salad greens they bought at the grocery store or grew outdoors are tempted to just snip and eat hydroponic salads, tomatoes, herbs, berries and micro-greens, or throw some freshly cut wheat grass in the juicer. Unfortunately, even the cleanest produce and growing area has the potential to harbor some very harmful

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

bacteria that can cause significant illness. The best line of defense is prevention (especially since thorough washing— even with chlorinated solution—does not necessarily remove all pathogenic bacteria). For this, growers need to know where the enemy can strike from.

oRGANIC and hydroponic food safety Many of the possible contamination issues within indoor gardening are found in both organic and traditional hydroponic methods; however, organic growing does pose slightly more risk simply because the materials used are typically based on decomposed plant and animal matter (while fully decomposed and processed organic matter is not usually an issue, materials that are not handled and used correctly present potential problems for food contamination). Water, tools, animals, pests, manure and incorrectly processed composts, as well as human handling, can also spread harmful organisms to your hydroponic plants. Bacteria like salmonella and E.coli O157:H7 are the main culprits, but there are actually a wider range of bacteria, viruses and parasites that can contaminate your hydroponic produce in surprising ways.

The food safety rules for hydroponics Food production safety rules and guidelines for growing hydroponic vegetables, particularly those we want to eat raw, are very similar as those for outdoor gardeners. The University of California has a particularly good guideline (Food Safety In Your Home Vegetable Garden) that also applies to indoor gardens. A summary—sourced and adapted from

Most of us

are aware of the dangers of undercooked chicken or burgers and food kept incorrectly chilled; however, many are not so well-educated about the risks of raw fruits, vegetables and sprouts.”

this guide—of how best to protect home grown produce from contamination with foodborne illnesses is below. (Note that gardeners dabbling in organic hydroponics or who just want to incorporate a few more natural supplements, substrates or products into their soilless crops particularly need to know the basic facts of how to avoid the risks associated with this system of production.)

Many healthy super foods, including wheat grass, are in the higest risk category for foodborne illnesses because they are consumed raw. 68

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

organic growing

does pose slightly more risk simply because the materials used are typically based on decomposed plant and animal matter.â&#x20AC;? 1. When growing leafy vegetables or any other produce that will be consumed raw, it is best not to use composted or stabilized manure, or amendments containing any animal compounds. If manure or animal-based amendments are to be used, however, make sure they are composted, stabilized and packaged commercially. Keep in mind, though, that no compost material is guaranteed to be 100%-free of bacteria. While this is not an issue for traditional hydroponic systems, it could apply to some organic hydroponic methods. Clean, high-quality coco fiber, however, could be considered a good organic medium for growing produce that will be eaten raw. 2. Clean, good-quality water is essential for hydroponic systems, since it is possible for pathogens to occur in untreated water supplies. Also take into consideration the water used in foliar or pest and disease sprays, misting sprays, overhead irrigation, fog or any other application that might make contact with the edible portion of the plant. Irrigation water

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2012

oRGANIC and hydroponic food safety

containing pathogens will contaminate foliage for a number of days (sometimes up to 30 days) before the pathogens naturally die off. Municipal water supplies are treated to kill human pathogens and, thus, are safe for use on hydroponic produce; however, collected rain

Note that gardeners

dabbling in organic hydroponics or who just want to incorporate a few more natural supplements, substrates or products into their soilless crops particularly need to know the basic facts of how to avoid the risks associated with this system of production.”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

water, well water, surface water and other sources should be tested and treated if necessary. Organic hydroponic systems generally cannot use chemicals like bleach or hydrogen peroxide to sterilize water, so you might want to consider non-chemical options like RO, ozone, UV or distillation. 3. Considering how bacterial contamination of fresh produce can occur from animal and insect sources, keeping pets, wild animals and insects out of the indoor garden is advisable. 4. Human contact is another common source of foodborne illness on fresh produce. Washing hands and use of hand sanitizer when handling plants and equipment in the hydroponic garden is essential. Also, be particularly aware that dirty hands or gloves can transfer pathogens from incompletely composted organic materials to crops or equipment. 5. In hydroponic systems, try to avoid getting the edible portion of the plant wet with nutrient solution or other water sources. One of the reasons salad vegetables are prone to pathogen contamination is their squat nature— they sit close to the soil and water and, thus, are more likely to pick up bacteria than fruits, which are produced well above the substrate in hydroponic systems.

Water, tools,

animals, pests, manure and incorrectly processed composts, as well as human handling, can also spread harmful organisms to your hydroponic plants.”

6. Keep the growing area as clean as possible. Before planting, wipe down surfaces (particularly the tops of growing channels where salad vegetables or herbs might sit) with a diluted bleach solution. Remove any plants that are sick or rotting, and immediately take out pruning remnants, old leaves and other organic matter. 7. At harvest time, wash hands, knives and other tools well before starting. Handle hydroponic produce carefully to avoid bruising. When cutting and preparing fresh vegetables, keep them covered and refrigerated if they are not to be eaten immediately. 8. Wash freshly harvested produce well under running tap water, rather then washing it in a container of water. Bacteria can spread via the washing water to a greater surface area of foliage in a restricted container of water. Dispose of any cut fruit and vegetables if they have been sitting around for longer than two hours at room temperature or longer than one hour at temperatures over 90oF. Overall, the risk of a major foodborne illness being contracted from fresh salad greens and other raw produce from a clean and well-run hydroponic or hydroorganic garden is minimal and rare. However, as with producing and handling any food, it pays to take basic precautions to ensure some real nasties don’t create a potentially serious illness. A few simple guidelines followed right from the start of any hydroponic crop will ensure a safe and healthy environment for any homegrown fruit, veg or herbs. Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

OVERKILL: too much of a supposedly good thing BY JONATHAN VALDMAN

IN THE QUEST FOR A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST, MANY FARMERS AND GARDENERS DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER AND PESTICIDES THEY SPRAY ONTO THEIR CROPS. HOWEVER, IT’S ABOUT TIME THEY PAUSED TO THINK ABOUT WHERE ALL OF THOSE CHEMICALS ARE ACTUALLY GOING…

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

overkill

It has only been a couple of generations since the full-scale takeover of industrial agriculture. With the promise of abundance and the hope of feeding the world, people and farmers the world overbought into synthetic fertilizers and the companies they put their trust into. What time is showing, however, is that this hope for a new chemical reality isn’t necessarily the Eden we once thought, or were convinced to We are starting to see dramatic effects to the ecosystem from nutrient and pesticide runoff. think, it would be. The balance of the soil, and deem the earth that they are applied to Mother Nature is a fragile one. Concentrated nutrient as an empty, even toxic, growing medium. Heavy salt blends, heavy salt fertilizers and genetically modified fertilizers poison the land that they promised hope to. organisms (GMOs) are giving Mother Nature a run GMOs challenge the ecosystem to exist in a reality that for her money. Concentrated blends demand high never existed before. (Evolutionary processes take time levels of mining and laboratory synthesizing. They also so that the ecosystems in our bodies and in the land break down and kill the beneficial life that exists in have time to adapt. GMOs have changed the playing field literally over night, and thus the life on this planet does not know what to do with them, as they are an Concentrated nutrient blends, heavy unrecognized growth that is over taking the current homeostasis. In salt fertilizers and genetically modified the body this is known as cancer.) organisms (GMOs) are giving Mother Lack of foresight and the trust in life to be able to carry us through Nature a run for her money.” has left the future of the world and our bodies in the hands of chemical scientists and multinational corporations. With their bottom line being the profit of the investor, life as we know it has been sold out. The other day, I passed a newsstand and saw the USA Today on the top rack. What caught my attention was a picture of a farmer holding up a dead stalk of corn and a bold headline that read “DROUGHT.” Desertification often results from over farming an area until it has been drained of resources, top soil and biology within the soil. Without plants, there is nothing to attract beneficial bugs and animals or rainwater, which eventually results in drought. Other potentials for this phenomenon are farming without the use of crop

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

overkill

rotation and the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Soil biology, which is the backbone of a good soil makeup, exists in a delicate dance between the natural process of Mother Nature and the intensive demands of large- and small-scale agribusiness. A friend of mine just recently opened a nursery in what used to be a parking lot. Despite fighting the harsh elements of asphalt extremes, trees, flowering bushes and water fountains attracted birds, butterflies and people. We can see from these two examples how quickly life can disappear and even reappear. It is this speed of change that gives me concern. After just a few decades of

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2012

After just a few decades of intensive farming in the northern California hills, we are starting to see dramatic effects to the ecosystem from nutrient and pesticide runoff.â&#x20AC;?

intensive farming in the northern California hills, we are starting to see dramatic effects to the ecosystem from nutrient and pesticide runoff. Algal growth blooms explode in the water surrounding these counties due to the high levels of nutrients running Algal growth bloom off the plants. Soil biology is being compromised and even killed off, as any N-P-K rating over 10 will kill this fragile subterranean ecological web. Rivers like the Eel and the Yuba are also being inundated with high-level N-P-K fertilizers that were applied to gardens with the hope of an abundant harvest and unregulated pesticides that were sprayed in hopes of killing those pesky spider mites that suck the life from plants that are so carefully tended. People that would never consume anything toxic are willingly applying gallons of toxic chemicals in concern of losing their crop. Why would people do this? I believe one of the reasons is that the products are available in their local stores and so there is potentially a misled belief that anything available in the local shop must be alright to use. The effects on the ecosystem from an agricultural industry still young are drastic and escalating at a rapid pace. What is the solution? I believe it is to return to natural, plant-based and biologically alive plant foods. I hesitate to even use the word organic as its definition has been so tainted over the years that it now holds little, if even any, integrity due to the current national standards of USDA certification. Teas comprised of herbs, compost, guanos and castings are just some of the alternatives to synthetics. Many companies provide a balanced nutrient blend that is in the acceptable ranges of N-P-K, but will not create the

new solistek FP (ilona)

overkill

natural hazards inevitable with synthetics. The argument that synthetics are acceptable because they are derived from natural resources is a conversation best talked about while driving around a traffic circle— simply because it goes no where. The fact is that these concentrates are too strong for the groundwater and they are poisoning our lands. Think beyond the end of your harvest. If you don’t have kids and aren’t concerned about the future generations, think about your local swimming hole being unsafe to swim in and your local springs being unsafe to drink from. All farmers and gardeners must take it upon themselves to be

All farmers and gardeners must take it upon themselves to be educated as to what they are applying to their plants and where that runoff will eventually wind up.”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

educated as to what they are applying to their plants and where that runoff will eventually wind up. Just because a plastic bottle has a cool picture on it does not make it safe to apply to your farm or pour down your drain. Cool-colored nutrients might not be any healthier for the Earth as brightly colored soda pop is for your local kindergarteners. So, do everything you can to cut short this chemical-laden era of agriculture so we can return to something healthier.

About 150 years ago, investigators proposed a concept known as the humus theory. While the original hypothesis was undermined years ago, this theory remains the base for many of today’s organic gardening techniques...… In the mid- to late 1800s, investigators began their studies on determining how plants grow. One of the earliest theories proposed was known as the humus theory and it suggested that it was the earth—that is, the soil the plant was rooted in—that provided all the ingredients (food and structural material) that constituted the plant. This theory was tested in what is known as the willow tree experiment. A willow tree sprig was planted in a carefully weighed

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

tub of soil. Over a period of several months, the willow sprig became a small tree. Then it was harvested, dried and weighed, and the soil was reweighed. Naturally, the willow tree had increased in weight in several degrees of magnitude, but there was essentially no loss in the weight of the soil. Thus, it was concluded that the soil was not the source for the increased weight of the willow sprig—which also partially undermined the humus theory.

oRGANIC cONCEPTS

For hydroponic

growing, this theory states that the inclusion of an organic substance(s) into a nutrient solution will enhance element utilization in both general absorption and plant-growth processes.”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

However, there still exists an offshoot of the humus theory. This is the concept that the source and type of substances that roots absorb will affect the health of a plant and, in turn, the quality of produced product. According to the theory, organically sustaining the media defines the well-being of the plant-rootingmedia complex, while sustaining the media through inorganic methods leads to reduced plant growth and less-nutritious product quality. However, there exists little data based on comparative trials that supports such conclusions.

NEW california grow films FP (ilona)

oRGANIC cONCEPTS

For hydroponic growing, this theory states that the inclusion of an organic substance(s) into a nutrient solution will enhance element utilization in both general absorption and plant-growth processes. This assumes that either the organic substance(s) are root absorbable and contribute to essential biological processes, or its presence at the root interface enhances the biological activity around the root (and, in turn, the absorption process), thus resulting in greater productive plant growth. How element absorption occurs through the roots is not a well-understood process. There are two proposed theories, one being based on a carrier concept and the other on what is called an ion-pump methodology. Both processes require energy that is derived from root respiration, which requires the presence of oxygen (O2). In both concepts, the element absorbed by the root must be as an ion (either a cation or anion). It is generally held by plant physiologists that an element in a combined form, or not existing as an ion, will not be root absorbed and then not translocated (it might be taken into the so-called free space within the root cellular structure, but it won’t be further translocated into the plant). So, the question is: What role does the presence of an organic

substance(s) in the solution surrounding the plant root play is the absorption process? At this time, a satisfactory answer does not exist. Also according to the humus theory, the biological activity in the soil determines its fertility and, in turn, plant health and product quality. Today, the definition of a fertile soil has been fairly well-established; the primary parameters being physical (texture and structure), chemical (elemental content), physiochemical (cation and anion exchange capacity) and biological (organic matter content and microbial activity). It is the combination of these parameters that determines fertility as measured by plant growth. For some growers, a healthy, fertile soil is biologically based and results in products that are different in terms of their nutritional value from those obtained from plants being grown in an inorganic environment. It is therefore thought that the soil source of an essential element plays a significant role in determining availability and utilization of the root-absorbed element. Indeed, some believe a chemical source of an element, such as that derived from an applied inorganic fertilizer, will poison the process of availability and utilization. That is why, for some, it is composting and compost use that play

rotating

plants species or the use of a cover crop between growing seasons can change the existing microflora species and numbers, resulting in significantly improved plant growth and product yield.”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

oRGANIC cONCEPTS

a major role in the establishment of a fertile soil, as composts, manure and crop residues provide the food needed by soil micro-organisms (whose activity establishes the criteria for a healthy soil). It should be remembered, however, that the types and numbers of microflora in a soil are determined by the plants growing in that soil and not by the organic matter content of the soil nor that which is being added as compost. In a monoculture growing system, there will be few microflora species, but at high populations, while in a rotational plant growing system, there will a wide range of microflora species at moderate populations. In a monoculture system, the population of some micro-organisms might reach such a level as to become pathological, adversely affecting the following crop. As such, rotating plants species or the use of a cover crop between growing seasons can change the existing microflora species and numbers, resulting in significantly improved plant growth and product yield. Seedling the soil with micro-organisms is only successful if there is sufficient food in the soil needed to support the organisms being added. In conclusion, it has been suggested that both plant health and the quality of produced products are superior with organic-based growing systems; however, this cannot be confirmed until a sufficient number of studies have been conducted. Nonetheless, organic concepts based on the humus theory continue to attract much attention among growers and consumers.

according to the

humus theory, the biological activity in the soil determines its fertility and, in turn, plant health and product quality.â&#x20AC;? 86

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2012

oRGANIC cONCEPTS

More facts on organic growing systems • In general, soil is relatively sterile, as most of the micro-organisms found in a soil exist in the rhizosphere around plant roots. • All soil microbes require a food source for their growth and survival. • Soil microbes have the same elemental requirements as plants; therefore, their existence and activity correlates with the elemental status of a soil. Also, due to this direct competition, a high level of microbe activity can be detrimental to plant growth. • Soil microbial activity is affected by physical factors (temperature, aeration, moisture and soil texture and structure) and the physiochemical factors (pH, salinity, cation exchange capacity, organic matter content and nutrient element status). • Aerobic organic material composting releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. • Anaerobic organic material composting releases the gasses ammonia, carbon monoxide and ethylene into the atmosphere.

Indeed, some

believe a chemical source of an element, such as that derived from an applied inorganic fertilizer, will poison the process of availability and utilization.” 88

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

oRGANIC cONCEPTS

• Composting concentrates the elemental content of the material being composted. • Compost that is the end product of microbial decay will not stimulate microbial activity when applied to a soil since all of the food substances have been exhausted. • Bacteria and fungi can be present in the rooting medium, but at levels insufficient to be pathologic. They’ll await those conditions that will favor their growth, thereby becoming pathogenic. • The organic matter content of a soil is determined by the physical and chemical properties of the soil, as well as temperature and cropping use, and usually remains at a fixed level that is not easily changed. • Soils that are high in organic matter are difficult to manage, slow to warm, slow draining and require special treatment in their tillage and soil fertility management requirements. • Adding an organic substance to a hydroponic nutrient solution invites the potential for root disease occurrence. • Organic substances in a hydroponic nutrient solution can interfere with water and elemental root absorption. • Organic matter decomposition, or high microbial activity in a nutrient solution or within the soil solution, can consume enough oxygen that root respiration is reduced and, in turn, there occurs a reduction in water and element absorption.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Next Generation: Quality Vegetable Seedling Production The

by Dr. Mike Nichols

Seedling production has changed greatly over the past 50 years, and its potential for the future is looking bright as ever.

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2012

Next Generation: QualityVegetableSeedlingProduction Some 50 years ago, the standard method for producing vegetable seedlings for transplanting was to sow the seed in a nursery bed and then dig up the seedlings when they were large enough to be successfully transplanted. The system was anything but fool-proof; in fact, it provided an ideal means of distributing soilby borne pests and diseases (that were present in the seed bed) over a larger cropping area. This was overcome by many Seedling production has changed greatly over the past 50 brassica and its potential for the future is looking bright as ever. seedling growers by fumigating the soil with a chloropicrin/ methyl-bromide mixture some months prior to sowing the seed. This method also provided some weed control as a by-product. In the 1970s, the use of cell trays for growing vegetable seedlings was developed. This provided a means of mass-producing seedlings for later planting in the field by supplying water and nutrients via overhead booms and having the roots air pruned. For the past 20 years, it has become a common practice for vegetable seedling producers to germinate the seeds—after sowing in cell trays—in special temperature-controlled rooms to ensure better and more even germination.

The

In the 1970s, the use of cell trays for growing vegetable seedlings was developed.”

Mike Nichols

years,

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

The NExt Generation

Thex Ne t Ne G e Quality n r Ge e n Veget Q The

It is now timely to consider the potential for growing seedlings (until transplantation) in a totally environmentally controlled room—in which nutrition, water supply, temperature, day length, light intensity (and wavelength), humidity and levels of carbon dioxide are precisely controlled. Using such technology, it should then be possible to produce perfect vegetable seedlings at any time of the year without reference to the outside conditions. It might also have the potential for a very fast throughput, as it might be possible to produce seedlings using a 24-hour day. Thus, producing quality seedlings would be greatly simplified.

Also, such a system would also reduce the amount of variation currently occurring in conventionally produced vegetables crops (if 50% of the plants life is spent in controlled climate conditions, then any variation in the weather in the field after planting will have a much reduced impact on time to maturity). Still, the shorter time the plants are exposed to variable weather conditions, the more precise you can time crop maturity. As such, a further advantage of plant factories would be the potential to hold plants if planting conditions in the field are not satisfactory. This might involve no more than simply reducing the Seedling production has ch Seed temperature (an action that is and its potential futu much harder hard tofor achievetheand in a greenhouse than in a plant factory because it is very difficult to reduce either light intensity or temperature in a greenhouse; thus, to

it has become a common practice for vegetable seedling producers to germinate the seeds—after sowing in cell trays—in special temperature-controlled rooms to ensure better and more even germination.”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Next Generation: QualityVegetableSeedlingProduction The

hold young seedlings in a greenhouse, you have to ventilate, supply the seedlings by with no fertilizer and keep the watering levels low—a sub-optimal solution). An additional factor (following the necessary research) would be Seedling production has changed greatly over the past 50 to develop a technology that would prepare and its potential for the plants beyond standard hardening-off in the future is looking bright as ever. order to assist the plant in rapid growth after transplanting. This might be a simple as feeding the plant with nutrients and dropping the temperature, but not the light intensity, so the plants become loaded up with carbohydrates and inorganic nutrients. Grafting plants is becoming increasingly important for high-value crops, such as tomatoes and cucurbits. So the production of more even rootstocks and scions for the graft union process and for the growing on stage, and the ability to provide a very precise environment for the germination stage, has real potential. The high value of these plants makes plant factory technology very relevant for the present, let alone for the future.

Grafting plants is becoming increasingly important for highvalue crops, such as tomatoes and cucurbits.”

Mike Nichols

years,

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

The NExt Generation

Next Gener QualityVegeta

In September 2012, there was a major international workshop at the University of Maryland on the challenges in vertical farming. The motivation for this meeting was stated by the organizers as follows:

The

New robomatic HPV emily

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2012

By the year 2050, we expect human population to increase to 9 billion and to be further concentrated in urban centers. An estimated billion hectares of new land will be needed to grow enough food to feed the earth. At present, however, over 80% of the land suitable for raising crops is already in use. Further, if trends in climate change persist, the amount of land available for farming will decrease. Since crops consume 87% of all water used globally, an increase in water usage is not possible. Finally, while the need is for 50% higher yield by the year 2050 to maintain the status quo, we expect agricultural productivity to decline significantly across the world, especially in densely populated areas. ThereSeedling is an urgentproduction need for high-yield agriculture that decreases the use of water its potential and carbon based [sic] inputsand per unit of product, for while simultaneously reducing vulnerability of crops to natural environmental conditions. Whether plant factories are a suitable vehicle for the complete cycle of crop production could be debated, but their potential for high-quality vegetable seedling production appears to be unlimited. This article was previously published in Practical Hydroponics.

has chan the future

ation: ableSeedlingProduction by Mike Nichols

nged greatly over the past 50 years, e is looking bright as ever.

BELOW THE

SURFACE: BY ERIC

HOPPER

ROOT GROWTH STIMULATION AND MICRO-ORGANISMS

A HEALTHY ROOT SYSTEM DEPENDS ON BENEFICIAL MICRO-ORGANISMS THAT LIVE IN THE RHIZOSPHERE. IN LEARNING WHICH PRODUCTS AND TECHNIQUES 98

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

BEST MIMIC,SUPPLEMENT OR ENHANCE THESE MICRO-ORGANISMS, GROWERS CAN FULLY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS VITAL SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP…

Below the surfACE

There is no questioning the importance a healthy root system plays in creating vibrant plants. After all, the root mass is the main channel for nutrient absorption, the founda-

“By using certain additives, a grower can maximize the size of their plant’s root mass and provide a larger surface area for moisture and nutrient absorption.” tion for structural integrity and the area where the largest population of beneficial micro-organisms can be found. The more we learn about the physiology of the plant’s roots, the more we realize how vital these beneficial micro-organisms are—there would be virtually no plant life on the planet without their valuable symbiotic relationship with our plants. Throughout the years, indoor horticulturalists have

developed many products and techniques to promote and enhance the root growth in their gardens. Every one of these products or techniques is based on the same philosophy: attempting to mimic, enhance or supplement micro-organisms found in the rhizosphere (the narrow region of soil affected by root secretions). By using certain additives, a grower can maximize the size of their plant’s root mass and provide a larger surface area for moisture and nutrient absorption.

Additives that mimic

One of the many things plants gain from their symbiotic partnership with micro-organisms is accelerated nutrient uptake. This is a result of by-product enzymes produced by the micro-organisms. Enzymes are catalysts that accelerate the rate at which chemical reactions occur. In this case, the chemical reaction is the uptake of nutrients by the plants roots. Your favorite enzyme formula designed for root enhancement is most likely a concentration of specific enzymes secreted by beneficial micro-organisms. Hydroponic horticulturalists gain the largest benefit from these enzyme formulations, especially if they use hydroponic systems that have no medium that would naturally harbor beneficial microbes. Growers who supplement enzyme formulas are essentially bypassing the microbes themselves and directly placing specific enzymes in the root zone.

Additives that enhance

Both parties must benefit for a relationship to be symbiotic. We know that beneficial microbes colonize on the root zone, thus preventing infections from pathogenic fungus, and produce enzymes that speed nutrient absorption. But how do the micro-organisms benefit from the relationship? The answer is sugars—more specifically, carbohydrates that are translocated from the plant (usually from the leaves) to the roots for the microbes to feed on. The micro-organisms use the carbohydrates for energy, which allows them to function and reproduce. This is why carbohydrate supplements are so popular in the indoor gardening industry. 100

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

NEW inda gro FP (ilona)

Below the surfACE

NEW tin roof marketing QPV (emily)

By directly supplementing carbohydrates to the root zone, a grower can accelerate the reproductive rate of beneficial micro-organisms while allowing the plant to retain a good portion of the carbohydrates normally secreted through its roots. The carbohydrates that remain in the plant can be used for other purposes like creating terpenes and terpenoids, which are imperative for promoting flavor,

“Hydroponic horticulturalists gain the largest benefit from these enzyme formulations, especially if they use hydroponic systems that have no medium that would naturally harbor beneficial microbes.”

NEW true liberty bags QPV (ilona)

smell and essential oils. However, growers that supplement carbohydrates should always be on the look out for any sign of a pathogenic micro-organism infection, as these micro-organisms feed on carbohydrates as well. Supplementing carbohydrates to pathogens will accelerate their reproduction and can be devastating, so growers should immediately stop supplementing carbohydrates at the first sign of a potential pathogenic infection.

Supplying additional micro-organisms

The most logical way to promote additional micro-organisms into the growing medium is to directly supplement them. Almost every nutrient manufacturer has designed some sort of beneficial micro-organism supplement, and the most common strains of beneficial micro-organisms used can be broken down into three categories: trichoderma, mycorrhiza and beneficial bacteria. All three types of 102

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Below the surfACE

supplements come as a liquid, a powder or in enclosed packets that resemble tea bags. Liquid micro-organism supplements are usually designed, in both their composition and pH value, specifically for hydroponic systems. The powder form micro-organism supplements have a longer shelf life

“By directly supplementing carbohydrates to the root zone, a grower can accelerate the reproductive rate of beneficial micro-organisms while allowing the plant to retain a good portion of the carbohydrates normally secreted through its roots.” than their liquid counterparts, and they are more compatible with soil or coco coir. The packets are suitable for both hydroponic and soil applications, and have about the same shelf life as the powder formulas. No matter which form you decide to use, always make sure to check the expiration date.

104

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

As with food expiration dates, this date is not an absolute (not every one of the strains of beneficial microorganisms will die on that date); however, the formula will be less effective if it is way past its prime.

Trichoderma

Trichoderma is a genus of fungi found in all soils. Members feed on other fungi and cellulose by releasing chitinase enzymes, which break down chitin (the main component of fungal cell walls), and cellulase enzymes, which break down cellulose. Trichoderma’s symbiotic relationship with plants is directly related to those two enzymes. In environments where there is an abundance of pathogenic microbes, which could cause disease in plants, trichoderma will produce more chitinase enzymes and rely on the pathogens as their main food

Below the surfACE

source. This is why many growers add trichoderma to their medium as a precautionary measure against any pathogens in or around the plants’ roots. The other enzyme, cellulase, can be beneficial in two ways. First, it makes certain nutrients available to the plant for uptake as it breaks down organic material in the soil. Secondly, trichoderma’s production of cellulase allows the fungus to penetrate the cells in a plant’s roots. When the plant senses this, it turns on its natural defenses, which help boost the plant’s immune system. Since trichoderma cause the plant no real harm, both parties benefit—trichoderma gets sugars from the roots and the plant gets a heightened resistance to unwanted pests.

“In environments where there is an abundance of pathogenic microbes trichoderma will produce more chitinase enzymes and rely on the pathogens as their main food source.”

106

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Mycorrhiza

Mycorrhiza literally means fungus-root, and it is this fungus strain that is the true definition of a symbiotic relationship (over 90% of plant species in nature form a symbiotic relationship with these amazing creatures). These specialized fungi are essentially extensions of the root system, stretching far into the depths of the soil. In fact, mycorrhizal fungi can increase the absorbing surface area of a plant’s roots by 100 to 1,000 times, which greatly improves access to soil resources. As with trichoderma, it is the enzymes mycorrhizae produce that make them so invaluable to their plant partners. Mycorrhizae release enzymes that dissolve otherwise hard to capture nutrients, such as organic nitrogen, phosphorus and iron. The intricate web of mycorrhizal fungus captures and assimilates nutrients for the plant, and in return, the plants’ roots secrete sugars or carbon for the fungi to feed on. Mycorrhizae can be broken down further into subcategories; of these, two are commonly used in indoor horticulture: endomycorrhiza and ectomycorrhiza.

Below the surfACE

Endomycorrhiza

Endomycorrhizae are mycorrhizae whose hyphae (the branching filamentous structures of a fungus) penetrate the plant cells. The hyphae do not penetrate the interior of the cell, but essentially turn the cell membrane inside out. This increases the contact surface area between the hyphae and the cytoplasm, helping facilitate the transfer of nutrients between them.

“By using certain additives, a grower can maximize the size of their plant’s root mass and provide a larger surface area for moisture and nutrient absorption.” Ectomycorrhiza

Ectomycorrhizae are fungi that bear a hyphal sheath that surrounds the root tip. Ectomycorrhiza also have a Hartig net, which is basically an extended hypha that surrounds the outer layer of the root mass. It is the Hartig net that allows the transfer of nutrients, carbon and sugars, and

completes the symbiotic relationship. An interesting fact about ectomycorrhiza is that plants sharing the same soil can actually transfer nutrients to one another through the ectomycorrhizal mycelium network.

Beneficial bacteria

Beneficial bacteria have made a strong impression in the indoor horticultural industry because they can be used as a foliar treatment, as well as a soil or medium additive. When added to the soil or medium, beneficial bacteria quickly colonize and feed off organic matter or pathogenic micro-organisms. As they break down organic matter, they turn it into soluble compounds that are more easily absorbed by plants. The consumption of the pathogenic microorganisms is beneficial because pathogens that are eaten can’t adversely affect the plant. Organic fungicide and pesticide manufacturers have jumped on the beneficial bacteria bandwagon as well, since certain bacteria (bacillus subtilis, for example) will consume pathogenic fungus on the surface of a plant’s leaves as well as in the soil. Many insects also refuse to feed or lay their eggs on plants that have been sprayed with beneficial bacteria formulas. Just as every garden is different, every gardener’s methods and techniques will differ greatly. However, regardless of the technique or method used, it is crucial for every indoor horticulturist to stimulate the growth going on below the surface. Current innovative horticultural products allow growers to mimic, enhance or supplement micro-organisms, or—better yet—combine all three approaches to supercharge the complex microscopic ecosystem that is the foundation for plant health and vitality.

108

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

10 facts On… organics by Philip mcintosh

The term organic has more than one meaning. To the chemist, it means “contains carbon atoms.” So, to a chemist, polychlorinated biphenols (the dreaded PCBs) and vitamin C are both organic. In agriculture, organic means something quite different. It generally means “produced with and containing only natural products;” however, there are many variations of the definition and some disagreement as to what it actually should mean. According to a recent United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, American shoppers pay a premium of about 30% for organically grown apples and grapes, and about 20% for carrots. In the United States, the organic sector saw 11% growth in sales during 2011. That 2011 figure represented gross sales of organic goods worth $31.5 billion. The organic market is growing at an even faster pace in India, with a 20% increase seen in 2011. The United States and Canada have an organic equivalence agreement. The USDA currently maintains that hydroponics systems can qualify for organic certification. While organic certification of hydroponically grown produce is available in the United States, it is not in most other countries. (So, American goods produced using hydroponic or aeroponic methods cannot be labeled organic if sold in Canada.)

110

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

NEW premier Tech FP

AVANT-GARDENING Green Feat avant gardening

Accidental Discoveries: b Davy Kes id sle r

! 112

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

How One Mistake Can Save Your Garden Humankind has benefitted time and time again from chance insights made during scientific research. Champagne, crazy-glue, Post-it notes and penicillin are among the more fun accidental discoveries. And, of course, there was this little breakthrough that will help your hydroponic garden… In a research laboratory at a large university, a lowly graduate student had the unenviable task of mixing up from scratch the nutrient solution for the department’s experiments (universities often use custom-formulated fertilizers to allow for a higher degree of control in their experiments, as well as save money by eliminating pre-mixed commercial fertilizers). This meant adding chemical compounds one at a time to tanks of water in order to build each fertilizer specifically needed for a particular experiment. However, the student accidentally used magnesium chloride (MgCl) instead of manganese chloride (MnCl).

A few months went by and the majority of the hydroponics systems in the laboratory developed severe pythium infections. Pythium is one of the most common pathogens hydroponic growers contend with. It used to be considered a fungus, but it has more recently been classified as an oomycete (a group of fungus-like organisms). Pythium can cause severe root rot and poses a huge threat to hydroponic crops. In its spore stage, it can move quickly in water and multiply, reeking havoc if left unchecked. Due to the short duration of the university experiment (about 25-day cycles), the infected plants did not show visible signs of being deficient in manganese. In fact, there was enough manganese from other sources to meet the minimal needs of the plants; however, there was roughly a 15% reduction in yield. It was not until later, when they discovered the student’s mistake, that they made the possible

Unlike copper, slightly elevated levels of manganese and zinc in your hydroponic solution are not going to cause phytotoxicity.”

Pythium is one of the most common pathogens hydroponic growers contend with.”

connection between the lack of manganese and the increased occurrence of pythium infections. This then led to experiments designed to verify that manganese had the ability to suppress pythium. It is well documented that copper is able to suppress microbial growth; however, copper in elevated amounts is toxic to plants. To that point, manganese had not been examined to see if it too had any antimicrobial characteristics. Manganese, however, was an active ingredient in some commercial fungicides, so it was not a stretch when their research went on to reveal that manganese (and zinc, as it turns out) demonstrated some level of microbial inhibition. Unlike copper, slightly elevated levels of manganese and zinc in your hydroponic solution are not going to cause phytotoxicity—but they might prevent a costly attack of pythium. To sum up, the moral of the story is that there are happy accidents in science and all we have to do is learn from them! So, add some extra zinc and manganese to your reservoir, sit back, sip some champagne and rest easier knowing you have added a level of protection to your hydroponic garden (and you didn’t even need to use penicillin).

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

113

Cold Weather

&Gardens

Hydroponic BY FRANK RAUSCHER

Cold weather is a situation where hydroponic gardening, whether in your home or in a greenhouse, has an unbeatable advantage. Here’s how to make the most of it.

114

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Although hydroponic growing is done in many different media, each medium offers superior control over the environment. So, whether you’re growing in a greenhouse or in your own home, the ability to insulate your crop from the cold outside means a winter crop is a real option. If you plan to take advantage of winter gardening using a greenhouse or a growroom not attached to the home heating system, then first look into all the alternatives for maintaining temperature economically. You’ll need to know the growing characteristics of the crop(s) you intend to grow and see that your greenhouse can accomplish this. Depending on where you live, the winter months can bring with them frequent and sustain gray skies. In a greenhouse this means the need for supplemental electric lighting. The type of lighting that you’ll need for your plants will vary greatly, but these options are all easy to find. Also, since a greenhouse is separated from the home heating system, you’ll require a source of heat. Good preplanning can make this issue affordable—good insulating glass or Plexiglas can help keep the cost of heat down. Also, newer greenhouse designs include solar heating, which can result in significant energy savings. However, you’ll need to provide an alternative source of heat to solar-heated greenhouses during cloudy periods.

If you plan to take advantage of winter gardening using a greenhouse or a growroom not attached to the home heating system, then first look into all the alternatives for maintaining temperature economically.”

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

115

cold weather and hydroponic gardens If you have an indoor garden that can take advantage of the warmth of your home (and you have no problem providing adequate electric light), you are all set to grow year round. Know your crop and the light or radiation requirements for it as many crops require different types of light based on the phase of growth. Do some research on the plants you plan to grow ahead of time.

Moving indoors

Since synthetic light is not free, many hydroponic gardeners would like to take advantage of sunlight when they can. However, winter can often force them to move their crop indoors (for example, when cold weather comes along before your outdoor tomatoes are finished ripening). This is not a problem if you were prepared for it from the beginning. One of the easiest types of hydroponic systems to relocate indoors would be a soil-based system. A raised bed is really not going to be movable, and transplanting is way too risky.

116

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

newer greenhouse designs include solar heating, which can result in significant energy savings. However, you’ll need to provide an alternative source of heat to solar-heated greenhouses during cloudy periods.”

cold weather and hydroponic gardens However, a modular system with individual pots that you can easily disconnect in order to move them one at a time is good. Also, be sure to plan your growing area indoors for this relocation before you get going—you don’t want to discover that things aren’t going to fit at the time you need to take advantage of your indoor area. You’ll need to grow in individual pots that, when filled, don’t exceed 50 lb. or so. When moving individual potted plants with sturdy saucers, you can easily use a simple luggage dolly to move them and spare your back. Though hand watering is much more timeconsuming, it does lend itself most easily to being relocated. However, if your garden design incorporates automated watering, you might want it to have the ability to easily disconnect and reconnect. That is, the water tank, pump, timer, tubing and drips need to connect and disconnect quickly and easily. If building your own, take this into consideration from the start. This type of system is also available turnkey if you search for them, and even these pre-assembled systems are not expensive. There are also a few other issues to consider regarding your outdoor plants themselves. First, your outdoor crop is likely to have some pests and traces of disease that you can’t even see. As

118

Though hand watering is much more timeconsuming, it does lend itself most easily to being relocated.”

cold weather and hydroponic gardens

Avoid moving plants to an outdoor setting when temperatures are too high or the risk of a cold snap still exists.” Moving outdoors

such, do not combine these outdoor plants with others that have been indoors all along. I strongly recommend that you put these plants into their own indoor tent or separate room, and that you use precautions after tending these plants before tending to others that may have been isolated from these risks up to this point (the expense of a tent will quickly be recovered when you consider the expense of a crop loss from disease or insects). Also, following good cleanliness and isolation protocol for an indoor crop is your best bet. Daily or frequent inspections will also give you a big advantage. Be sure to pick off leaves that show signs of mildew early; often this can be enough

your outdoor crop is likely to have some pests and traces of disease that you can’t even see.” to control the disease. Also, the number of hours that the plants were receiving sunlight outdoors should be duplicated when moving indoors. Certain plants change their growth habits as the hours of sunlight or grow light are changed. Know the crop you are growing and whether your indoor timer needs adjusting. Also, try to initially use an indoor lamp with a broad spectrum of light and avoid making too many environmental changes at one time.

120

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

If you are thinking about moving plants from a controlled indoor light radiation environment to outdoor sun radiation, there are many different concerns that need to be addressed. This option is not an easy one and might not be worth the effort, but I want to discuss it just in case. First, you need to consider the ambient outdoor direct sunlight and temperature. Avoid moving plants to an outdoor setting when temperatures are too high or the risk of a cold snap still exists. And because solar radiation can be so much stronger than controlled indoor lighting, it’s a good idea to use shade cloth (at least as a transition). The percentage of sunlight that the shade cloth allows is a vital consideration if you plan to do this. Plants can adapt to this higher radiation, but usually do much better if making this adaptation at a gradual rate; hardening the plants off over a period of several weeks can reduce the stress of this change. Also, higher temperatures and wind will create a demand for greater transpiration of water from the

cold weather and hydroponic gardens

Caterpillars are usually a numberone enemy of a veggie garden.” roots to the foliage and fruit. This means extra demand on the root system and more water. After being moved outdoors, your crop will be introduced to pests that it has not seen or dealt with before. You will need to be on guard and ready to help if and when this battle begins. Caterpillars are usually a number-one enemy of a veggie garden. Don’t wait until you find that caterpillars have eaten up half or more of your precious crop; Bacillus thurengienses (BT) and spinosad are great examples of safe, organic pesticides that can help. So, although moving plants has its disadvantages and dangers, it is worth it. You can easily maximize your harvest by utilizing hydroponics, whether your crop is grown completely indoors or moved indoors as the weather demands.

122

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Green thumb gardening

R d n a g n i d i o Av k c o Sh t n a l p s n Tra oades

er Rh By Heath

Transplant shock in plants is almost unavoidable; however, there are a few ways to cure, and possibly avoid, it… Let’s face it; plants were not designed to be moved from place to place. So, when we humans do this to them, it is bound to cause some problems. Here’s a look at how to avoid or cure transplant shock.

How to avoid transplant shock Disturb the roots as little as possible: Unless the plant is root bound, you should do as little as possible to the rootball when moving the plant from one location to the next. Do not bump the rootball or rough up the roots. 124 124

Maximum Yield YieldUSA | December USA | December2012 2012 Maximum

g n i r i a Rep

s t n a l P k In

Bring as much of the roots as possible: Along the same lines as the tip above for plant preparation, preventing shock means when initially removing the plant, make sure as much of the roots as possible is brought up with the plant. The more roots that come with the plant, the less likely transplant shock in plants will set in. Water thoroughly after transplanting: An important transplant shock preventer is to make sure that your plant receives plenty of water after you move the plant. This will help the plant settle in to its new location. Always make sure the rootball stays moist when transplanting: For this transplant shock preventer, make sure that the rootball stays moist in-between locations when moving the plant. If the rootball dries out at all, the roots in the dry area will get damaged.

How to cure plant transplant shock While there is no surefire way to cure plant transplant shock, there are things you can do to minimize the transplant shock in plants.

Add some sugar: Believe or not, studies have shown that a weak sugar-and-water solutionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;made with plain sugar from the grocery storeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;given to a plant after transplanting can help recovery time for transplant shock in plants. It can also be used as a transplant shock preventer if applied at the time of transplanting. While it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help with all plants, it is worth a try as it will not harm the plant. Trim back the plant: Trimming back the plant allows the plant to focus on regrowing its roots. In perennials, trim back about a third of the plant. In annuals (if the plant is a bush type), trim back a third of the plant. If it is a plant with a main stem, cut off half of each leaf. Keep roots moist: Keep the roots wellwatered, but make sure that the plants have good drainage and are not in standing water. Wait patiently: Sometimes a plant just needs a few days to recover from transplant shock. Give it some time and care for it as you normally would, and it could come back on its own.

Conclusion Now that you know a little more about how to avoid transplant shock and how to, hopefully, cure plant transplant shock, preventing shock (with a little plant preparation) should be an easier task.

mud pies : s r e t e m o r g y ia r H

d n a

r o f s t c e j DIY PRroGARDENING INDOO

by Grubbycup

sprouting seeds is a common part of gardening and, with a little ingenuity, can be an opportunity to explore a gardener’s diy side, both before and after harvest.

126

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

mud pies and hair hygrometers

Seed casings are protective shells covering a dehydrated plant embryo. When seeds are exposed to moisture, they absorb water until the embryo swells enough to burst through the seed casing and sprout. While seeds need to be moist for sprouting to occur, sprouts need oxygen as well. As such, care must be taken to not overwater and either wind up with a fungus problem or a drowned tiny plant. Also, most seeds will germinate at a temperature of 68 to 86°F, with 75°F being ideal for many plants. Since seeds need to be kept moist— but not soggy— when germinating, some gardeners use starter cubes. These cubes are small plugs of media that allow a seed to be planted and cared for individually. Their moisture level is easy to monitor so water can be precisely applied. Since the sides of the cubes are left exposed, the sprout roots

will air prune—that is, stop growing once they grow out of the media and become exposed to open air. Due to the small size of the cubes, several can be started in a single flat (just be sure to leave a space between to allow for air pruning). Commercial cubes are commonly made with rockwool, foam, peat moss, coco or compost. Premade cubes tend to be more expensive, but easier, sturdier and less messy than homemade cubes. Nonetheless, soil cubes can be made at home— and this is where childhood hours spent making mud pies finally pays off. They are made by pressing the soil into a cube form and then removing it. The easiest way to remove the cube from the form without breaking it is with a piston. A simple form and piston can be made from a pair of small plastic bottles, one with the bottom removed to create a cylinder and one to slide inside it and press out the soil plug. Square plugs can be made with a small wooden post with a nub on the end, surrounded by a matching square form. The nub on the end of the piston will create a hollow to place the seed into. They can be made in a variety of sizes, but 2 in. is a nice size for starting most seeds.

A simple

form and piston can be made from a pair of small plastic bottles, one with the bottom removed to create a cylinder and one to slide inside it and press out the soil plug.”

128

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

mud pies and hair hygrometers

Both wooden and metal forms are also available on the market. The commercial metal press I tried made less compact blocks than my homemade wooden version, but it made them much faster and seemed to hold up as well over time. My recommendation is to make a homemade form as a “proof of concept” and to try it out before spending the money on purchasing a commercially made form. The media that is used also makes a difference as to how well the cubes perform. Seed sprouting commercial mixes are often suitable. There are many different soil mix recipes available, and what I use is a mix made with approximately equal parts coir, peat moss, perlite and compost. Additives like slow-release powdered nutrients can be added if desired, but should be used sparingly. Now, fill your favorite grubby cup with your favorite beverage and keep it handy—this next part gets a little messy… Add water to the mix until it forms an oatmeal-like consistency. A little water should be able to be squeezed

make a homemade form as a ‘proof of concept’ and to try it out before spending the money on purchasing a commercially made form.”

130

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Humidity has an impact on how quickly the cubes dry out.”

out of a handful of the wet mix. Take the mold and press it into the mix to fill it. With a twisting motion, try to lift up the form from the soil without spilling too much of the mix, and fill any empty spaces by hand. Place the form down where the cubes will dry, and press on the plunger (without moving the form) to compact the mix until some of the water is expressed. Then eject the cube with the plunger. The cubes will be at their most fragile right after pressing, so they should be moved carefully and with flat implements like putty knives. As they dry, the plugs will become a little sturdier, but will remain fragile and require caution when handling. Seeds can be placed onto the cubes, loosely covered with a pinch of mix and kept moist (but not soggy) until sprouting occurs. Humidity has an impact on how quickly the cubes dry out. While a store-bought hygrometer can be purchased pretty inexpensively to display humidity, there are a few basic ones that can be made at home. The most primitive needs just a small board, a thumbtack, a few long (8 in. or longer) human hairs and a washer or coin. Attach one set of ends of three to four hairs to the thumbtack and then attach the washer or coin to the other ends. Push the thumbtack into the board so the hair dangles the weight along one face. In high humidity, the hair will lengthen and the weight will lower. In low humidity, the hair will shrink, and the weight will rise. By marking where the weight is on the board, humidity can be estimated. The marks can even be calibrated either by comparing the results to a normal hygrometer, or saturating the hair to take the high read-

Once the cubes are well rooted, they can be planted directly into the garden or into temporary pots. Small pots can be made with PET plastic drinking cups or the bottoms of large soda bottles. A cheap soldering iron can easily make neat drainage holes, but be careful not to burn yourself and don’t inhale any fumes generated. After the seeds have grown into plants and the plants produce their harvest, one common problem is stored garden spices becoming brittle and turning to dust if stored in conditions with too little humidity. (Lavender is handy to keep around for sachets, but a container of overly dried lavender flowers can crumble at a touch.) Commercial products are available to maintain proper moisture levels in containers, and often use either a silica gel or a solution of propylene glycol and water. Many home remedies include

Make sure that any clay purchased is natural, as there are modeling clays and polymer clays that are unsuitable.”

ing and drying the hair fully for the low reading. To improve on this design, a pointer can be attached to a pivot and the free end of the hair attached to the pointer. Not only does this look a bit more stylish than the simple washer, but the small changes can be amplified with a long pointer for ease of reading. Another hygrometer that can be made at home requires two matched thermometers. Take a cotton shoelace and cut the ends off. Slide the bulb end of one of the thermometers into the center of the shoelace. Using a half full glass of water as a reservoir, put the free end of the shoelace into the water, leaving not much more than the encased thermometer out of the water. Like with a passive wick hydroponic system, the water will climb up the shoelace to the thermometer. Since evaporation from the wet bulb will have a cooling effect, the temperature from this first thermometer should be lower than the second dry thermometer. In general: the greater the difference, the lower the humidity. For example, at 76°F on the dry bulb, there should be almost ten degrees difference for 60% humidity. At that same temperature, a difference of four degrees would indicate a humidity of 83%. This method is more exact than the hair-based example above, but it does require consulting a wet–dry-bulb humidity chart for the room temperature to calculate.

NEW titaness QPV (emily)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

131

mud pies and hair hygrometers

one common problem is stored garden spices becoming brittle and turning to dust if stored in conditions with too little humidity.”

adding something moist such as a fruit slice, bit of wet bread, etc., but these release their moisture very quickly and can quickly lead to molding if not carefully tended to. Small pieces of terra cotta (like from a broken flowerpot) soaked in water release moisture at a much slower rate, so they are not as conducive to mold development. By checking daily (at least), adjusting the number and moisture of clay pieces, and opening and closing the container, moisture content can be regulated. To use this method, one must first procure some appropriate bits of terra cotta to use. A quick, simple and cheap way to obtain clay chips to use is to take a clean clay flowerpot and break it into small manageable pieces. These pieces will work, but are generally not terribly attractive. For a more involved and craftier solution, clay spice-saver coins can be made. Making homemade clay coins involves hot coals, so should only be attempted by those able to deal with hot objects safely.

Season’s Greetings from Everyone at Maximum Yield

132

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

The first ingredient needed for making clay spice-saver coins is natural clay. Clay can also be purchased at art or craft stores. Make sure that any clay purchased is natural, as there are modeling clays and polymer clays that are unsuitable. The clay should be wet enough to shape with your hands and dry enough to hold its shape once formed. If the clay is too dry, add a small amount of water and mix. If the clay becomes too wet, let the air dry it—mixing occasionally—until it reaches a more usable consistency. Touch the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb in a circle. That is about the size your coins should be. Make them half as thick as one of your fingers is wide. Using a toothpick or other instrument, words or shapes can be inscribed on the coins. Once the coins have been shaped, they must be allowed to dry completely (preferably overnight). Otherwise, the high temperatures of firing the clay will turn any encased water into steam, which will burst the clay as it escapes. Charcoal in a backyard grill burns very hot, and a piece of pottery buried in charcoal can reach temperatures high enough to glow, which will “fire” the clay. So, lay down a bed of charcoal and place the coins on top, then cover with more charcoal. Use

enough coals to cover the coins, but an excessive amount is not needed. Light the coals and stay close enough to supervise the fire for safety. Do not disturb the pile and allow the fire to burn itself out and cool down. Once cooled, fish the coins from the ashes and wash them. Note that there might be dark and discolored spots that will not wash off. This is normal; the colors are fused with the clay and will not rub off. The coins are now ready for use, dip in water and place in spice jars as needed. For the craft-oriented gardener, these simple DIY project ideas can be a fun way to take a hands-on look at some of the principles involved. While it might be easier to just purchase soil cubes, hygrometers, pots, etc., understanding them well enough to be able to improvise them in an emergency can be a handy skill to have.

NEW m&m FOLI organics ISLAND (aSHLEY)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

133

beginner's corner

Choose Your System:

Tips for Choosing (and Maintaining)

Your First Hydroponic System

Carmie Pasquariello

There are many styles of hydroponics systems on the market, and choosing which one to use can be hard for beginners—especially if you don’t 134

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

know the basics of hydroponic growing. Fortunately, Carmie Pasquariello has some hard-won advice that will make your choice a little easier...

One common question beginning hydroponic gardeners have is, “What method should I chose?” From ebb-and-flow and aeroponics to deepwater-culture and drip systems (and the countless combinations of these methods), there is a lot to choose from. Familiarizing yourself with some basic types of hydroponics will help you pick the right unit for your success. Here are the four units I mentioned above in order of easiest to most challenging for beginners, along with a few tips:

• Ebb-and-flow: My favorite for the beginner. The flood-and-drain style of hydroponics is simple to build, use and understand the first time around. A flood tray sits above a nutrient tank and is flooded throughout the day by a pump, timer and fill fittings. Affordable and found at every local hydroponic shop, this system is easy to clean and maintain and its pieces are very hard to clog.

• Deep-water-culture: Deep-water-culture is another easy system to build and use. All you need is a bucket and a lid, net pots, air stone and air pump. Cut holes in the lid slightly smaller than the net pot, place the net pots in the holes, add the air stone and water to the bucket and presto: a deep-water-culture unit. So, why does it come in second? On small builds, the potential for high water temperatures if placed outside might cause root problems. As such, make sure you use a good air pump to oxygenate in high temperatures (note that an old cooler makes a great deep-water-culture unit for hot climate, as it’s insulated).

• Drip irrigation: There are two main types of drip systems. First is a single point drip in which a ¼-in. water line drips on the plant. The second, a drip ring, is the easier if the two. Drip rings use a ½-in. line to deliver water to the rings. Also, there is less chance of clogging due to larger tubing and the drip ring having multiple drip holes.

• Aeroponics: This unit gets great reviews, but the potential for clogging is high if the gardener doesn’t know how to maintain this unit. For me, this unit is definitely better to buy than build as it is a lot of work to make.

Hydroponic kits and basics Not knowing the basics of hydroponics can lead to what I call an uninformed problem. For example: a beginner might not be aware of the importance of pH and how it regulates the absorption of nutrients. This is why hydroponic kits are also popular. They give the beginning gardener a leg up on getting certain variables right. These kits outline what pot size (relative to unit) and growing medium, and how much aeration and watering, each system needs—and in most cases, they come with nutrients and a pH kit so you can get right to growing. Still, there are a few basics you should be aware of when picking your hydroponic system: • Know your growing medium: Know how much moisture your growing medium holds, as it will determine how you water your plants. • Check your pH: When starting, I recommend you check your systems pH twice at least a week and adjusted if need be so you can get an idea of how the pH is changing. • Change your water reservoir: Change it every two weeks during your garden’s vegetative stage and every week when your garden is flowering and producing in order to keep your garden optimized and healthy. When in doubt, change your reservoir. So, whatever method of gardening you choose, remember that maintaining it right will lead to a happy plant.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

135

THELITTLE THINGS, by mark boutwell II

Naturally METHODS IN CONTROLLING pH, PPM AND EC ORGANICALLY

EC, pH and ppm are caused by tiny molecules, but they have a huge impact on your garden. Here, Mark Boutwell explains what these things are, how to measure them and the benefits of keeping them balanced. 136

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Whether you’re growing hydroponically, with aquaponics or in soil or soilless media, your pH will always have importance. But what exactly is pH? It is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline a substance is when measured on a scale from 1 to 14 (1 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline). The measurement is depending on the amount of hydrogen ions are in the solution, which is why pH stands for probable hydrogen. The next question that most growers ask about pH is the ideal level to the decimal for your plants. If you ask five growers this question, you will most likely receive five different answers. Normally, when growers asked me this question, I rephrase it from what is the exact pH to what is the most productive pH range for my plants. The most productive range is between 5.8 and 6.8, but my recommendation is to not get caught up on being so precise. As long as you are within that range, the majority of all macro- and micronutrients will be readily available for the plant to take up. Still, many times I have worked with growers that had the perfect growing environment, great cash flow and more than enough light, but still had a low yield because of pH imbalance in the growing media. So, be sure to keep on top of your levels.

The most productive range is between 5.8 and 6.8, but my recommendation is to not get caught up on being so precise.”

One Dip & Your an ExpertNEW in Cloning olivias solutions HPH (emily)

with Olivia’s Cloning Solution and Cloning Gel.

www.OliviasSolutions.com

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

137

The little things, Naturally

You can indeed control your pH without ever messing with any chemicals by using basic products.” Many growers are also looking for an organic method to raise and lower their pH. You can indeed control your pH without ever messing with any chemicals by using basic products. If a grower used beneficial fungus, nitrogenfixing bacteria and highly chelated mineral deposits (such as rock dust) before planting in any growing medium and working keeping the ppm under 800, that grower would rarely run into a nutrient-lockout issue. The reason why is because when you grow organic, your entire ecosystem is working in harmony and with the same goal in mind: the plants survival. When your crop is not utilizing microbiology, the plant is completely reliant upon this grower. This is like it skydiver jumping out of the plane without a backup parachute. Oh, speaking of ppm, remember that ppm, TDS and EC are all the same thing. EC measures the electrical conductivity of your water (everything in this world—even down to the molecular level—has an electrical charge). In other words, EC measures the amount of salts in your hydroponic system. When you have less salts in a system, you have a lower EC; if you have more salts in a system, you will have a higher EC. Then, while TDS stands for total dissolved solids and ppm stands for parts per million, these readings provide you with the same information as EC—when someone asks if you know your TDS/ppm, all he or she is asking for is a reading of how many salts are in your hydroponic system. In a regular hydroponic system, the most experience growers will recommend that you have at least an EC reading of 1 to grow anything in hydroponics. If you are growing in an aquaponics system, you could grow full tomatoes with an EC reading of 0.2. I personally have seen great

138

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

produce produced using an EC range of 0.2 to 3.6, the levels depending on the growing method and the crops being grown. There are charts available detailing ideal levels, but many like to experiment and figure out what works for them. Just remember that when your EC is too high, you will normally see all your worms leave the environment. All of your beneficial fungi and bacteria go dormant after about 1.6 EC or 800 ppm/TDS. Then, when you know the EC, ppm or TDS of your system, you can then decide if you need to add something to your solution, leave it alone or dilute it. One of the best ways to control your EC, TDS and ppm organically is to use reverse osmosis (RO) water. By doing this, you have the ability to use a fifth or less fertilizer than conventional farming. You can get an RO system for less than a couple hundred bucks, but it’s better to not be cheap

When someone asks if you know your TDS/ppm, all he or she is asking for is a reading of how many salts are in your hydroponic system.”

I’M A FAN! NEW I’M A FAN FP ENTRY FORM (In house) Tell us why YOU are a fan of Maximum Yield You could WIN...

Monthly prizes of $100 gift card to your favorite indoor gardening shop  Grand prize of $1000 gift card to your favourite indoor garden shop 

I am a fan of Maximum Yield because...

Name Address Phone Email No purchase necessary. Prizes must be accepted as awarded. For marketing purposes, entries and winner agrees to have the testimonials printed.

Contest Ends December 14, 2013.

the little things, Naturally on this. Clean water is our friend! Keep in mind that, ideally, you want to start with a lower ppm or EC (as when you start with a higher ppm/EC, you cannot take it away). Also, remember that less is more—water will always be taken up and evaporate faster than your salts are taking up by your plants. As such, always monitor the water levels. If you are noticing your plants taking up a certain amount of water, then I would recommend adding at least that much water every day. If you are growing in soil, I would recommend feeding once and using only water one or two times before the next feed. This will allow your plants time to process the nutrients. So, if you’re going to take the time and resources to grow, be sure to take the time to also check your pH, EC and ppm. You can measure pH, EC and ppm with inexpensive tools that are sold at your local hydroponic store. Sure, they’re small things, but remember that success is normally a collaboration of small decisions that went in your favor over a long period of time.

140

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

I personally have seen great produce produced using an EC range of 0.2 to 3.6, the levels depending on the growing method and the crops being grown.”

NEW progress earth FP (ilona)

Tips and Tricks

Reservoir Checklist

by Matt LeBannister

When the indoor gardening season begins, there are pieces of equipment—many of which were unused during the outdoor growing season—that must be checked for problems before being put into use. This includes all of your reservoirs. Before you start your indoor gardening season, you need to check your reservoirs. Over time, the material can degrade or crack, so it might need replacing or repairing. Also, mold, mildew, dust, algae and salt residues must be washed away, and proper reservoir temperatures must be ensured. Finally, you must check the pumps that recirculate hydroponic solution throughout your system to make sure they work. All these things have to be right before your hydroponic garden is started, otherwise time is wasted, pathogens or insects could harm the plants and—worst of all—there could potentially be flooding in your house. The first thing to do when taking your reservoir out of storage is to clean it. Even if you cleaned it before storage, there could still be mold or mildew. To eliminate any built-up salts, wash the reservoir with a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water. To thoroughly sterilize your reservoir, give it another 142

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

wash with a 1:1 solution of bleach and water. Once the reservoir is clean, it is time to check for cracks, leaks and weak points. This is one of the most important things to check. Plastic reservoirs, though built to last, will degrade over time. Exposure to heat, cold, nutrient solutions and HID lights can all cause even the best-quality reservoirs to gradually become brittle. The best way to determine this is to check with a bright flashlight in a dark room. If you see light through the plastic, it is a weak, thin point or a crack that will actively leak. To repair a crack, use an epoxy sealer designed for plastic. This is available at most hardware stores. You can also use duct tape, but it isn’t ideal and will only last so long. Next on our reservoir checklist is to make sure all the submersible pumps and air pumps are in good working order. Although they are not part of the reservoir, they are vital to it working. Without proper functioning air pumps and submersible pumps, the hydroponic solution will not be properly oxygenated and will not mix or circulate throughout the system. So, you must check that the submersible pumps are able to move the right amount of hydroponic solution.

For example, if they aren’t powerful enough then the hydroponic solution won’t reach the plants on a flood-anddrain system; too powerful and rockwool cubes and roots will be too saturated and could potentially drown. The air pump can be checked simply by seeing if there is an adequate amount of air bubbles being produced. You can effectively sterilize your submersible pumps and air-stones by submerging them proper functioning air pumps in a solution of and submersible pumps, one part bleach to one part water for the hydroponic solution will five to 10 minutes. not be properly oxygenated You can even cirand will not mix or circulate culate that solution throughout the system.” through the whole hydroponic system to sterilize all the tubing as well—just make sure to rinse everything well afterwards. Finally, it is important to fill your reservoir and see if the temperature of the hydroponic solution is in the ideal range. It is important to check this before adding your plants to your hydroponic system. Reservoir temperature is important because it dictates how much oxygen is available in the water. The cooler the temperature, the more oxygen it can hold. So, if it is too warm, there will be less oxygen available for the roots, meaning diseases and rootborne pests can flourish. The ideal range is around 65 to 75°F. If you find the temperature is too cold, you might need to raise the reservoir off the floor (especially if it is in a cool basement) or to place a heating mat underneath the reservoir. If you find that the temperature of the hydroponic solution is too warm, as is often the case in small rooms with HIDs, you might need to cover the reservoir with black and white plastic to block out the light or you might need to use a reservoir chiller. Reservoir chillers are highly effective and can lower your air conditioning costs. Following this simple checklist can get your reservoir ready for the indoor gardening season and ensure that your plants have the best possible chance to grow and thrive.

Without

new flower power LED QPV (emily)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

143

Harpin Proteins: by Todd Brady

144

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Harpin Proteins

Indoor growing can be a breeding ground for many viral, bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Without the natural benefits of Mother Nature, indoor growers must constantly monitor and protect their plant’s health from a variety of potential outbreaks, including plant pathogens. Just one major outbreak can cause an entire crop to be lost. Harpin proteins, a natural plant-health promoter and plant-growth stimulator, just might be your solution. Harpin proteins activate a naturally occurring process in the plant, boosting the plant’s immune systems in order to fight off diseases. They do this by tricking your plant into thinking it is under attack by plant pathogens—except there are no harmful pathogens present. The benefits of harpin proteins include generating a hypersensitive response (HR), systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and increased photosynthesis. These results produce a plant with stronger and more fruitful yields. Discovery of harpin proteins Harpin proteins were discovered in 1992 at Cornell University from basic research attempting to understand how plant pathogenic bacteria interacted with plants. When a plant pathogen is introduced to a plant, the first line of defense is the HR within the plant. The scientists at Cornell University aimed to identify a specific bacterial protein responsible for triggering this response. It was discovered that the protein was encoded by one of a group of bacterial genes called the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp) gene cluster. The hrp cluster in the bacterium Erwinia amylovora (Ea), which causes fire blight in pears and apples, was dissected and a single protein that elicited HR in certain plants was identified. In addition to the HR, this protein was also responsible for triggering systemic acquired resistance and, surprisingly, increased plant growth. The protein was given the name harpin from the corresponding gene designated hrpN and was the first example of its species. What is a hypersensitive response (HR)? The HR is a well-known mechanism in plants used to prevent the spread of infection by pathogens. When the HR is active within a plant, there is rapid cell death within the plant cells at the site of infection. This rapid death creates a physical barrier, meaning the pathogen is no longer able to spread its disease throughout the plant. In applying harpin proteins to the leaves of a plant, the plant is tricked into thinking a plant pathogen is present. This triggers a cascade reaction from the plants, which leads to another well-known plant resistance function: SAR. What is systemic acquired resistance (SAR)? SAR is a resistance response throughout the entire plant resulting from a localized exposure to a plant pathogen. It is similar to the process found in the human immune system when one gets a flu shot or the chicken pox—once the body is introduced to a virus, it develops natural defense

146

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Harpin proteins activate a naturally occurring process in the plant, boosting the plant’s immune systems in order to fight off diseases.”

Harpin Proteins

Since harpin

proteins facilitate a naturally occurring process, it was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2000 for use in disease management and yield enhancement.”

systems against future similar viruses. When a plant detects a pathogen present, the SAR generates a plant-wide resistance to this pathogen. So, the plant’s overall immune system is increased, which offers protection against plant diseases and results in increased plant health. Other benefits In addition to the SAR, applying a HR elicitor like harpin proteins has also been found to produce a wide range of benefits, including: • Increased photosynthesis • Increased nutrient uptake • Cell wall expansion • Increased root systems • Promotion of flower initiation and fruit set and size • Increased fruit sugars • Frost protection • Reduction in nematode populations • Reduction in cases of botrytis Harpin protein field results Harpin proteins have been subject to over 20 years of research, including over 500 university and field trials on more than 40 separate crops. Some trials results include: • Increased yields of 8 to 20% in row crops • Increased yields from 10 to 30% in vegetable crops • Reduction of nematodes up to 50% • Increased shelf life of fresh-cut vegetables three to seven days.

148

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

EPA approval Since harpin proteins facilitate a naturally occurring process, it was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2000 for use in disease management and yield enhancement. In 2002, EPA conferred the Green Chemistry Challenge Award to harpin technology. Harpin applications The two most effective applications for harpin proteins are a foliar application and a seed treatment. In fact, it is recommended to use both applications together for optimal results. For foliar applications, harpin proteins are diluted in water and applied to the plant every two to three weeks throughout the growing cycle. Harpin proteins are concentrated and completely absorbed within 24 hours of application; therefore, users can apply harpin right up to harvest. In addition to the concentration level, harpin proteins generate an entire-plant SAR. As such, it is not essential to maintain full coverage on every part of the plant. The seed treatment method involves mixing seeds in a highly concentrated solution of harpin proteins and water. It is recommended to dissolve the solution for 30 minutes prior to treating seeds and to plant the seeds within 10 minutes of treatment. Growers benefit from harpin proteins By using harpin proteins, indoor growers will be able to maintain their plants’ elevated immune system and strong internal resistance to viral, bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. This results in a healthier, stronger plant. In summary, harpin proteins should be used as a plant-health promoter and plant-growth stimulator to produce stronger and more fruitful yields.

growing for health

Five Commonly Overlooked Cleaning Steps by Karen Wilkinson

Properly cleaning your cloning system is extrem ely the promotion of impor tant for healthy plants. Here are a few ti ps on how to do it. A common (if not the most common) cause of system algae, slime, bacterial growth and stunted root growth is improper cleaning practices—or inconsistent or altogether lacking habits. I can’t stress the importance of cleaning enough to keep your system bacteria- and pathogen-free, which ultimately promotes healthy baby plant propagation. In that spirit, I’ve decided to spotlight some of the more frequently overlooked—or skipped—steps in the cloning system cleaning process, which should be performed following each cycle. From the misters and manifold, to the drain plug and laser line, below are some tips and tricks on the best ways to successfully scrub those pieces.

Misters

These tiny devices need to be removed from the manifold during each cleaning and placed in a separate cup of bleach-water solution. Due to their intricate nature, gunk and root material gets trapped in the tiny grooves between them and the manifold. If not properly cleaned, this material will infect the water and the stems. After 20 minutes sitting in the bleach-water solution, remove the misters, rinse with fresh water and use compressed air or a toothbrush to clear the misters of any residual buildup.

150

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Manifold

This is one of the more common spots for bacteria and disease to flourish. It can become susceptible to sick manifold syndrome (SMS) and become a haven for gunk to thrive. After each cycle, place the water pump and manifold (without the misters) back in the reservoir and fill to the top with a bleach-water solution, then plug the water pump in and let run for 20 minutes, fully submerged. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Neoprenes

While using new neoprene collars for each cycle is a guaranteed way to avoid system contamination, it’s not always realistic. So, if reusing, place and submerge them in a bucket of bleach-water solution for 20 minutes, then flush with fresh water until there is no bleach odor. Individually scrub and squeeze each like a sponge to ensure no plant matter or tissue is stuck in the material. Allow them to air dry, but do not place in the sunlight. Some people also clean them in their clothes washer, which can be done using a mild bleach solution (the water can be any temperature). Just don’t use detergent and do not place them in the dryer afterward.

Laser line

Another small, intricate piece of the system, the laser line is also a vulnerable spot for infection. Disconnect it from the air pump and place in the bottom of the reservoir; fill the reservoir to the top and allow the water pump to run for 20 minutes. Then thoroughly rinse the line and drain all water from it, which can be done by hooking one end to the air pump and turning it on. Raising the pump and keeping it vertical will help the water drain faster. If compressed air is available, use it to blow the gunk out of the line.

Drain plug

Disassemble the drain plug and wipe off the two rubber washers and adaptor with a cleaning pad and bleach-water solution; reassemble when finished. It’s fairly simple to maintain your cloning system, and it’s best to always have bleach on hand for cleaning at the end of each cycle. Many prefer to take the system to the bath tub or shower (who knew a trip to the bathroom could be so much fun?). Good luck and happy cloning!

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

151

n e d l o GOpportunity: A

Fulvic Acid by Helene Isbell

Fulvic acid is one of the most well-balanced and vital minerals on Earth. Dubbed the miracle molecule due to the sheer number of functions it performs, fulvic acid is a truly unparalleled compound. The plant and animal kingdoms rely on its benefits to support all life on the planet. 152

Maximum Yield USAâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;December 2012

“ Fulvic acids extracted from Leonardite prove to be the best products on the market due to their high percentage of fulvic content.” Originating from the word fulvus (Latin for yellow), fulvic acid is named for its natural golden honey color. Fulvic acid is a natural acidic organic polymer. This means that it is not a single molecule, but rather a combination of many different molecules with similar chemical properties. Fulvic acids, along with humic acids, are compounds found in humus—organic material that was metabolized by fungi and micro-organisms over millions of years—and are some of the most biologically rich substances available. Thanks

to its molecular structure, fulvic acid has specific advantages over other humic substances. In order to isolate fulvic acid, it must undergo an additional extraction process using either acid or cold purified water to separate it from humic acid. (For best results in the garden, use only high-grade, non-chemical, cold-water extracted fulvic acid.) Humic substances—such as fulvic and humic acid—commonly used in hydroponic and horticultural applications are sourced from areas rich with deposits known as humates. These humates include materials like peat moss, lignite, Leonardite and humic shale, and they are found in areas rich with mineraloid deposits, such as aquatic ecosystems, bogs, marshes and dry lakebeds. The quality of the products is directly related to the source of the humates from which they were derived. Fulvic acids extracted from Leonardite prove to be the best products on the market due to their high percentage of fulvic content. While fulvic acid is often recognized as an ingredient in several horticultural products, many people might not realize what specific features and benefits this powerful supplement has to offer. The simple incorporation of fulvic acid into an existing nutrient schedule promotes a noticeable difference in the health, vitality and overall productivity of indoor and outdoor gardens. One of the most important features that fulvic acid offers the horticulture industry is its natural ability to chelate nutrients. The word chelate is derived from the Greek word chele, which literally means claw. Fulvic acid acts like a claw to bond with

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

153

A Golden opportunity

Another benefit of fulvic acid is that it increases drought tolerance in plants. By increasing the permeability of the cell walls in plant matter, fulvic acid allows for plants to intake more water. With the heightened capacity to retain water, plants stay quenched for longer periods of time. This drought tolerance and water retention aid in monetary, as well as resource, savings. Also, hydrated plants are happy plants. As if that is not enough, the list of functions that fulvic acid performs goes on. It acts as a highly effective natural immunity booster for plants. By infusing plants with an abundance of minerals and trace elements, fulvic acid helps to boost their resistance to a host of environmental problems, such as disease, mold, fungi and insect infestation. Fulvic acid also works as a natural detoxifier and protective agent. It removes toxicity from poisonous herbicides and pesticides from the plant’s system. It acts as a natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals by scavenging for unpaired positive or negative electrons and supplying them with an opposite charge. Fulvic acid is also an excellent pH buffer that will slightly lower pH, help to stabilize drastic fluctuations and retain a steady pH balance. This is important because plants rely on a specific pH range to make use of vital nutrients. If the pH solution of a nutrient mix is too low, or acidic, certain macro- and micronutrients are rendered useless to a plant and it might become deficient in those minerals. If the pH level of the feed solution is too high, or alkaline, the mixture could potentially burn plants. An ideal pH range for most plants lies within the range of 5.5 to 6.5. Simple, yet complex, the myriad functions of fulvic acid is astounding. In prehistoric times on Earth, the planet was rich with humic substances and fulvic acid was abundant in the natural environment. Dinosaurs roamed the land and lush verdant plants grew to gargantuan sizes. Environmental conditions were prime for oversized life forms. Through evolution, these legendary giant species of plants and animals have gone extinct, but they left their biologically rich remains locked within geological burial grounds. Over the millennia, they have become the raw materials of the fulvic acid we rely on and utilize in our modern gardens. Although plants no longer grow to the mammoth proportions that they reached 65 million years ago, growers, gardeners and green thumbs worldwide can mimic what Mother Nature perfected in ancient times. By supplementing a normal nutrient regimen with fulvic acid, farmers can increase the fertility of their crops and encourage bountiful harvests that yield fruits and veggies rich with nutritional sustenance. For yields that are worth their weight in gold, try fulvic acid—a golden opportunity for your garden.

“ once minerals fuse with the fulvic acid, they become bioactive and chemically available to the plant where they are needed most.”

macro- and micronutrients that might otherwise be inaccessible to the plant. Without the help of the fulvic acid, many of the larger molecules that are unable to permeate cell walls would not make it into the plant and get washed away in runoff water. However, once minerals fuse with the fulvic acid, they become bioactive and chemically available to the plant where they are needed most. This is because fulvic acid—due to its low molecular weight—can easily penetrate the cell walls of plant tissue, allowing the larger nutrient molecules to piggyback their way into the plant. Once the chelated minerals are inside the plant, the fulvic acid acts as a delivery system to transport the nutrients to the parts of the plant where they will serve the best functions. The increased uptake of nutrients with the help of fulvic acid maximizes the efficiency of the nutrients in any synthetic or organic fertilizer (amazingly, one fulvic acid molecule has the capacity to transport dozens upon dozen of minerals into the cells of a plant). It naturally increases the plant’s metabolism and increases enzymatic activity, making food more available to satiate the plant’s growing appetite. Furthermore, it helps the plant retain and fully utilize nutrients. This heightened efficiency results in fewer nutrients needed over time, which saves money for gardeners! Fulvic acid can be used indoor or outdoor in soil or hydroponic systems, and is completely safe for organic gardeners. It can be added to a nutrient solution and watered in as a root drench, or it can be applied as a foliar feed. Fulvic acid also contains over 70 nourishing trace minerals and when mixed with water, these vital trace elements and minerals become readily available to the plant. When used as a root drench in soil gardens, fulvic acid helps improve soil structure by delivering macro- and micronutrients directly to the root zone, encouraging healthy growth. If used as a foliar spray, fulvic acid will increase the amount of internodes or bud sites on a flowering plant. It also promotes sturdy stalks and stems while correcting minor deficiencies that might be present within the plant.

154

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Mastering the Art of Hydroponics (STEM) by Ryan M. Taylor

o o n p he

The loba l

Hy d G ro

s : c i n menon Hydroponic production techniques have a long history of development worldwide, and the future is most assuredly international as well…

by Ryan M. Taylor

156

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

We naturally start our journey into the international flavor of the industry by pointing out that hydroponics began in ancient times. While the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (in modern-day Iraq) are generally attributed as the original site of hydroponic crop production, records exist illustrating that hydroponic principles were practiced across the globe: rice production in China, the Aztecs’ floating rafts in Mexico and crops grown on the sandy banks of the Nile River in Egypt.

Throughout the ensuing centuries, scientists across the globe—particularly from European countries—inextricably linked hydroponics to plant sciences and helped to transition hydroponic crop production from being based on experience to being squarely rooted in scientific principles. Jan van Helmont (Belgium), Robert Boyle and John Woodward (England), Nicolas de Saussure (Switzerland) and Julius von Sachs (Germany) all contributed key knowledge to hydroponics. Over the course of the last hundred years, innovations in hydroponic STEM have continued to significantly impact the contemporary and future states of agriculture. The following are some examples:

“ hydroponics will always remain a global endeavor.” • The 1946 development of the Bengal system (India), in which high-technology soilless culture production methods were adapted into a low-technology approach appropriate for populations in developing countries. • Dr. Allan Cooper is credited with pioneering the nutrient film technique (NFT) during the 1960s in England. • Israeli growers have developed a reputation for making the deserts bloom. Much of their success can be traced to the innovations in drip irrigation plastics technology, the 1980s development of the aero-hydroponics (Ein Gedi) system by Dr. Hillel Soffer and continuing research on recirculating systems.

“ records exist illustrating that hydroponic principles were practiced across the globe.” • The Canadian Dr. Howard Resh has sparked a trend in island agriculture, leading the effort of Cuisinart Resort & Spa in Anguilla to provide food to the tourist resort and rest of the island. • Italian growers are doubly the leaders in hydroponic technology involving grapes. First, a large number of growers use grape marc as a growing substrate, which is both highly effective and economical, giving them a competitive advantage in European markets. Second, the first commercial-scale hydroponic vineyard is now operating and promises to transform the grape-growing industry. • In the Netherlands, a large fraction of the land is situated below sea level. In anticipation of rising sea levels caused by global warming, Dutch growers have been developing floating hydroponic greenhouses to counter the loss of land to flooding. A number of worldwide trends practically assure that the hydroponics industry will continue to grow and prosper, including the population growth rate, stressed natural resources (for example, freshwater) and growing per capita income. Hence, hydroponics will always remain a global endeavor.

• Hidroponias Venezolanas is a Venezuelan organization that battles problems associated with tropical agriculture in order to produce high-quality crops for a burgeoning middle class.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

157

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Automatic Mist Dispenser Exclusively From Authorized Hydrofarm Retailers Introducing the true “set it and forget it” Automatic Spray Air Mist Dispenser from Hydrofarm. Get all-day clean and fresh-scented air. This air freshener works when you need it, releasing short sprays of scented mist fragrance in one of three timed intervals. This unit can be set to spray in 5-, 10-, 15- or 30-minute intervals during the day, night or all the time. Uses all standard 6-oz. air freshener canisters, features a light sensor and is also wall mountable. For more information, visit an indoor gardening supply retailer near you.

Phytol Organic Pest Control Introducing the most effective treatment for powdery mildew, mites and insects. Phytol is 100% organic, agricultural grade and super concentrated. It kills and repels eggs, larva, nymphs and adults of mites, thrips, fungus gnats, white flies, aphids, armored and soft scales, mealybugs, earwigs and more. It also kills and repels fungal diseases like powdery mildew, botrytis, black spot on roses, grease spot on citrus and more. Apply Phytol from start to harvest with a fine mist sprayer. For use on all plants, flowers and trees. Phytol won’t harm beneficial insects or microbes. For more information, visit your favorite gardening shop.

Introducing Heightadjustable Gorilla Grow Tents The newest, coolest product on the market is the height-adjustable Gorilla Grow Tent. Standard grow tents are typically 7-ft. high and smaller. Gorilla Grow Tents are the first to allow users to extend their grow tent above 7 ft. to 8, 9 and up to 10 ft. in under 10 minutes with Gorilla Grow Tent’s patent-pending height-extension system. Since hot air rises, the plant canopy level in a Gorilla Grow Tent stays at a moderate temperature. Extendable Gorilla Grow Tents are great for tall indoor gardeners who bump their heads on reflectors in other grow tents. Visit your favorite indoor gardening shop to learn more.

Lock out Pests and Disease, Lock in Moisture With Clone Guard Powdery mildew, mold, leaf-dwelling insects and leaf dehydration account for approximately 50% of clone deaths every year. Get the upper hand on this problem by using Clone Guard. Once applied to the clone’s leaves and stem, Clone Guard dries to form an ultra-thin, high-tech biodegradable shield. Clone Guard locks in water molecules, which are critical to root formation, and locks out invading pests and diseases, such as spider mites, white flies, aphids, thrips, powdery mildew and black spot. For growers looking for more consistency in the cloning process, Clone Guard is a must-have product. It’s fast, easy and affordable. Visit your favorite indoor gardening shop for complete details.

158

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Titan Controls Saturn 1 and 2 Titan Controls Saturn 1 and 2 are now available. The Saturn 1 makes it easy to control temperature and humidity in your growroom. Titan Controls Saturn 2 has the added benefit of a CO2-controlling feature. Completely automate your room with this simple and straightforward controller. The Saturn 1 and 2 are ETL-listed for operation in commercial settings. Keep your temperature and relative humidity at the ideal levels, then add CO2 using a Titan Controls Atlas-series CO2 controller, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced room where your plants will flourish. The Saturn 1 and 2 is built with pride in the United States using only the finest materials available. For more information, visit your favorite indoor gardening shop.

Sunleaves Adds Color to Super Starter Plant Labels Sunleaves Super Starter Plant Labels now come in blue, pink and yellow for instant visual identification of plants in your garden. The labels’ textured surfaces hold pencil, ink or marker without smudging. Pencil marks can be erased, so the labels are reusable. Sunleaves Super Starter Plant Labels can be staked into growing media or tied directly to plants. Visit your favorite gardening shop to learn more about these and other great products from Sunleaves.

Natural, Organic Organibloom Organibloom™ is a natural, organic plant supplement that helps plants thrive and dramatically increases their yield. It is part of the Organibliss™ family of products and contains most of the bioactive nutrients of the original Organibliss concentrate. The main ingredient in Organibloom is the essence from the seeds of neem trees of Africa. These trees thrive in the harshest areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Organibloom is highly concentrated and emulsive, so it can be easily mixed with water to become a highly effective foliar spray. One ounce (600 drops) mixed with water will make more than 2 gal. of foliar spray. Organibliss is so easy to use, it turns the average Joe into a master grower. For more information, visit an indoor gardening store near you.

Garden ProPak The Garden ProPak is the first herbal storage bag designed for the garden. Our goal was to find the best 21st-century materials that would keep products from degrading. To keep freshness in and humidity out, we used three different laminates and fused them together to make the next generation in preservation that far exceeds all other products. We proved this through industry standard oxygen- and vapor-transmission rates. The ProPak stands up on its own. It features a wide mouth for easy filling and a vapo loc zipper. You can vacuum and heat seal them with household items, professional bag sealers or other kitchen bag sealing appliances. For more information, visit your favorite indoor gardening shop.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

159

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Dual Receptacle now Standard on Hydrofarm Ballasts Hydrofarm is excited to announce that our most popular ballasts now come pre-wired with a Dual Receptacle. This receptacle, which has multiple patents pending, accommodates common reflector plugs without the use of an adaptor. This money-saving feature has been added into all of our Phantom, Xtrasun and SG ballasts. Not only does this receptacle incorporate the patented original Hydrofarm Lock and Seal design, but it has a protective cover that slides over the unused side of the receptacle. It also features a unique wire safety clip that prevents the plug from becoming detached after plugging in. Look for this new receptacle on Hydrofarm ballasts today. For more information, visit a hydroponics supplies retailer near you.

Gorilla Grow Tents Just Got Larger Orders for extra-large custom Gorilla Grow Tents are now being accepted for the following sizes: 15 by 20 ft., 10 by 30 ft. and 20 by 30 ft. Gorilla Grow Tents are the tallest, strongest, thickest and most durable. Engineered with a patent-pending adjustable extension system, Gorilla Grow Tents enable the indoor gardener to increase the height of their grow tent to any size desired. All standard features are included on the extra-large custom grow tents, including double reinforced structural poles for no-stress accessory and component suspension, 10-in. port holes that zip up on both ends and tool pouches. Visit your nearest indoor gardening shop to learn more.

Botanicare’s pH Up and pH Down Botanicare is excited to announce the launch of our new, highly concentrated, dye-free pH Up and pH Down control solutions. With plants, nutrient availability can be affected by soil or solution pH. When pH levels are outside recommended ranges, nutrient lockout and nutrient deficiencies can occur, resulting in stunted growth and poor appearance. Control pH levels, minimize problems and maximize your plants’ full potential with Botanicare’s pH Up and pH Down solutions. Available now in quarts and gallons. For more information about these and other Botanicare products, visit your favorite hydro store.

Gro Momma Bubbler Bucket Gro System Titan Controls is excited to announce the Gro Momma Bubbler Bucket Gro System. The Gro Momma kit comes complete with a 5-gal. food-grade bucket, 8-in. mesh bucket topper, air pump, air stone, vinyl tubing, T-fitting and Hydropebbles®; it’s a true plug-and-play gardening system. Capable of expansion, the Gro Momma makes filling and draining systems easy no matter how many sites, using the T-fitting at the base of the bucket to daisy chain or flush the system. Deep-water-culture and a high-flow air pump allow for maximum amounts of oxygenation in the root zone. Whether used for maintaining stock plants or expanded for a complete system, the Gro Momma is an affordable solution for any grower. For more information, visit your favorite indoor gardening shop today.

160

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Botanicare Pure Blend Tea The original. The game changer. Botanicare’s flagship hydroponic supplement and the product that launched the Botanicare brand is in the spotlight with a new look, new name and now, a single, all-purpose formula. Pure Blend Tea™ (formerly Pure Blend Original) is a unique blend of all the major and secondary elements, trace minerals and an extensive array of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, organic plant acids and natural humates. The new, improved Pure Blend Tea combines key elements of The Original Pure Blend Grow and Bloom formulas into one highly effective plant supplement. Available in 8-oz. bottles to 55-gal. drums. Visit your favorite hydro shop for more information.

Natural, Organic Organibliss Organibliss™ is a natural, organic plant supplement that helps plants thrive and dramatically increases their yield. It includes extracts from select plants, such as neem trees, that thrive in the harshest environments of sub-Saharan Africa. Organibliss contains more than 92% of the tree’s bioactive nutrients, so it’s highly concentrated. It is also emulsive, so it can be easily mixed with water to become a highly effective foliar spray. Through a process called “bioaaptive supplementation,” we capture the properties of the neem tree and transfer them to plants here in North America. Like the neem tree, Organibliss helps reduce stress caused by pests and diseases. For more information, visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

Z7: The System Cleanser That Works While Plants are Growing

Z7 eliminates inanimate sludge, plant waste and organic waste, odors and mineral buildup from the roots, piping, sprayers, tubes and tanks of hydroponic systems while the plants are growing! Z7 reduces root rot stress and death, and eliminates countless hours of cleaning before and after harvest. Z7 was specifically designed for commercial and hobby hydro systems, but it works nicely for power cloners too. Z7 is a naturally brewed hydroponic system cleanser that works 24 hours a day and is suitable for all consumable plants. As a bonus, Z7 will also drastically reduce pH swings. Visit an indoor gardening shop for complete details.

Harvest Excel Automated Greenhouses With Dark-on-demand Technology Finally, an affordable, use anywhere, automated canopy greenhouse for use with clear or blackout material. The Harvest Excel from Vital Landscaping is a breakthrough in the greenhouse industry. Utilizing a solar or A/C power supply along with a high-strength motor, the Harvest Excel System can control your light and heat and be extended to 100 ft. The unit comes in sections that are 12-ft. wide by 20-ft. long and 7.5-ft. tall. To gain additional height, the system can be built onto a breathable or solid stem wall. The system comes with a computerized controller that includes a thermostat and rain sensor. An optional text messaging assistant is also available. Visit your favorite specialty greenhouse or indoor gardening shop today to learn more.

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

161

You TELL YOU Tell US Us

h t r a E . Dr

Milo Shammas, founder and creator of Dr. Earth, recently sat down with Maximum Yield to talk about humic acids, sustainability and his organic goals…

Maximum Yield: Tell us a little about how your company started. Milo Shammas: We started in 1990 with big dreams and filed for our official business license in July 17, 1992 in Los Angeles, California. It was a typical entrepreneur story when I had a gathering of friends at my parents’ house and began to run [through] some of my ideas of an organic company. Several napkins and random thoughts were used throughout the night as we cooked good food and drank homemade organic beer. I was in love with Dr. Earth then [as well as with] what I could potentially do to change the face of agriculture for the better … I am even more excited these days because I can look back 20 years and see my vision a reality on store shelves across America, and that’s a good thing because we 100% organic and we care. MY: What is your company’s philosophy? MS: Integrity, passion and innovation, all wrapped into one! 162

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

MY: Tell us a little about your book Healthy Garden, Healthy You. MS: It took me almost five years to write my book because there was a point when I was running three corporations simultaneously, so time was major problem; but when I was finished, it was one of the most incredible feelings of my life. To know that I can teach people around the world about living organically and how each home [has] a medicine cabinet called the garden. To know a young person in South America or Africa could pick up a copy of Healthy Garden, Healthy You years after my time on Earth gives me a sense of legacy, as it does with Dr. Earth. MY: What are probiotics and how do they work? MS: Probiotics are the beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae that literally bring life to the soil. They facilitate the transfer of nutrients from organic material, as well as minerals from the soil environment, and make sure plant roots can absorb them for maximum health and growth. They also suppress fungal pathogens in the soil, which keeps plants healthy.

MY: How does humic acid work and why is it important for crops? MS: We must look at the origin of humic acids to understand why they are so important. They are the result of the ice age as forests were literally buried under ice before they decomposed, which means the valuable nutrients were buried with them. The fact that they are rich in hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, as well as a plethora of micronutrients, makes humic acids a vital component in all of our fertilizers and soil products. MY: How important do you think sustainability is to the indoor gardening industry as a whole? MS: I believe it is the future of our industry. I am blessed to be able to travel across America and talk to gardeners of all ages and levels of experience. I am told time and time again they were able to produce better and healthier crops indoors using soils as opposed to a synthetic medium. [The] quality is better, as [is the] flavor. We have a lot of bright young thinkers in our industry, and it is only a matter of time before the trend is 100% organic.

MY: Is there anything happening at the R&D stage that you’re at liberty to tell us about? MS: I love sharing my information with gardeners, but I keep my cards real tight to my chest. But, as our loyalists know, I am always working on a project that will reinvent Dr. Earth year after year and keep us as the organic leaders. Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

163

talking shop

AT A GLANCE

Company: A Fertile World Owners: Roy Gomez, Jr.; Curtis Gill Locations: 6 Fifth St., Eureka, California 95501-0334 5565 West End Rd., Arcata, California 95521-9244 610 Seventh St., Fortuna, California 95540-1938 Phone: 1-707-444-0200 (Eureka) 1-707-825-0255 (Arcata) 1-707-725-0700 (Fortuna) Email:

marketing@afertileworld.com

Website: afertileworld.com Motto: "Committed to Humboldt County Farming"

164

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

When Roy Gomez, Jr. and Curtis Gill, a couple of guys with green thumbs, decided to open up their agricultural supply shop, they found out that listening to customers would help give them an edge. Eight years and two additional locations later, the business partners still hold onto this practice today… Before opening A Fertile World in 2004, Roy Gomez, Jr. and Curtis Gill were a couple of college students with green thumbs. They both have been around the agriculture industry their whole lives, so they have an interest in all horticultural methods. So, when they saw a void in the local economy for quality products, they knew there was opportunity for business. Roy and Curtis started A Fertile World as an agricultural supply shop in Eureka, California. Aside from the two partners, there were their three employees to run the shop in the beginning. However, the main struggle was not how much help they had; as with many retail stores just getting off the ground, the main hurdle they had to initially face was figuring out what they needed to do to compete with their competitors. To do this, they needed to discover what their market wanted. Roy, Curtis and their employees quickly

learned that, above all, their customers wanted A Fertile World to listen them. So, A Fertile World quickly started to diversify their products in compliance to their customers’ wants. “It’s important to be viewed as a friend,” explains Roy. “We didn’t move here to capitalize on the Humboldt County market.” While they continued to carry more conventional products, the company began to focus on organic fertilizers and supplements. Then they began selling environmental controllers and lighting as the demand increased. A Fertile World also started to promote local products. “It’s important to be a community member and show you’re a local company that invests in the local community,” explains Roy. “We promote locally made products and give back to the community.” Indeed, A Fertile World embraces its motto—Committed to Humboldt County Farming—every day as it focuses on their passion for their

local community. “We’re a company that has raised an incredible family here,” he adds. Thanks to the company’s keen ability to listen to their customers and main-

tain a comfortable and knowledgeable atmosphere in shop, A Fertile World has expanded since opening eight years ago. They now have two more locations—one in Fortuna, California,

and one in Arcata, California—and also now employ around 40 people between Humboldt Nutrients and A Fertile World. “Our employees are awesome because they’re concerned about the company as if it was their own,” says Roy. “They’re all friends and family. They all have a shared vision of companywide growth.” As they look to the future, A Fertile World hopes to stay on the pulse and continue to deliver the best products and customer service. Roy feels that, as the industry changes, “we’re going to see more companies from outside the industry trying to reap the rewards of the market. We’ll see it explode into a more commercial industry and it’s important for companies to be able to fill that demand.” That demand is quality, dependable products that come at a good price with the education and technical support, and A Fertile World plans to fulfill it. Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

165

MAX-mART

168

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

GREEN BROS HYDROPONICS

LLC

Phone: 510.903.1808 Fax: 510.764.1246

Our product offering of over 4,000 different products include everything needed for indoor, hydroponic, organic and greenhouse gardening. We also carry a wide variety of products for the outdoor gardener.

13762 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577

www.hydrogardendelight.com

14072 OSBORNE ST., PANORAMA CITY, CA 91402 (818) 891-0200 | WWW.GREENBROSHYDRO.COM

Twitter

twitter.com/max_yield

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

169

MAX-mART

FREE

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

TO MAXIMUM YIELD Get the online edition of

Maximum Yield

delivered free to your inbox

EVERY MONTH USE 50% LESS ENERGY!

Visit maximumyield.com

for more information

... and achieve the same results!

Available in:

1000W 600W 400W

3W Multi-Spectrum Chipset 80000+ Hour Lifespan 3X Red and Blue PAR Output of 1000W HID 120 Degree Main Lens 60 Degree Secondary Optical Lens • AC 90V-240V 30-Day Money Back Limited Lifetime Warranty

1.866.849.4761 aquilaled.com

like us on

Facebook facebook.com/maximumyield 170

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

maximumyield.com

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors ALABAMA Alabama Organics 3348 Bethel Rd., Hammondville, AL 35989 256-635-0802 ALASKA Far North Garden Supply 2834 Boniface Parkway, Anchorage, AK 99504 907-333-3141 Southside Garden Supply AK 12870 Old Seward Hwy., Unit 114, Anchorage, AK 99515 907-339-9997 Holmtown Nursery Inc. 1301 - 30th Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-451-8733 Sea of Green Flagstaff 204 East Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-7643 Homegrown Hydroponics 2401 East Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234 480-633-2100 Ground Control Hydroponic & Garden Supplies 1392 Ocean Dr. Homer, AK 99603 907-235-1521 Northern Lights Greenhouse & Garden Supply Suite 105-9737 Mud Bay Rd., Ketchikan, AK 9901 907-225-GROW (4769) Mesa Hydroponics 1720 W. Southern Ave, Ste. C7 Mesa, AZ 85202 480-969-4769 Alaska Jack’s Hydroponics and Garden Supply 1150 S. Colony Way, Ste.9, Palmer, AK 99645 907-746-4774 Peninsula Garden Supply AK 44224 Sterling Highway, Suite 4, Soldotna, AK 99669 907-420-0401 Alaska Jack's Hydroponics and Garden Supply 244 S Sylvan Way Unit 25 Wasilla AK 99654 907 373 4757 Far North Garden Supply 300 Centaur Street, Wasilla, AK 99654 907-376-7586 ARIZONA Casa Grande Hydroponics 205 N. Florence St., Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520-836-4606 Sea of Green Flagstaff 204-C E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-SOGF (7643) The Hydro Closet 5826 West Olive Ave. #106, Glendale, AZ 85302 02-361-2049 Homegrown Hydroponics 2525 West Glendale Ave Phoenix, AZ 85051 602-368-4005 Sea of Green West 2340 W. Bell Rd., Suite 116, Phoenix, AZ 602-504-8842 Show Low Hydroponics 1400 E. Deuce of Clubs #2 Show Low, AZ 85901 928-537-4606

ACI Hydroponics 1325 South Park Lane, Tempe, AZ 85282 800-633-2137 Homegrown Hydroponics 1845 East Broadway 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 St., Suite 8 Tolleson, AZ 85353 623-780-GROW (4769) _________________________ Sea of Green Hydroponics 402 North 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-6344 Sea of Green Tuscon East 7955 E. Broadway Blvd., #151., Tucson, AZ 85710 520-751-7745 _________________________

Tucson Hydroponics & Organics 4235 W. Ina Rd., Ste. 131 Tucson, AZ 85741 520-395-2052 _________________________ ARKANSAS Mickey’s Mercantile 1303 Hwy., 65 South, Clinton, AR 72031 501-412-0214 Old Soul Organics and More 1771 Crossover Rd., Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-444-6955 Growfresh Organics & More 2900 Zero St., Ste 106, Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-648-8885 Fermentables 3915 Crutcher St., N. Little Rock, AR 72118 501-758-6261 Anuway Hydroponics 2711 W. Walnut St., Rogers, Arkansas 72756 479-631-0099 CALIFORNIA Greenleaf Hydroponics 1839 W Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801 714-254-0005

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Grow It Yourself Gardens 401 Sunset Dr., Suite F, Antioch, CA 94509 925-755-GROW High Desert Hydroponics 13631 Pawnee Rd., #7, Apple Valley, CA 92308 760-247-2090 _________________________

Berkeley Indoor Garden 844 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710 510-549-2918 Berkeley’s Secret Garden 921 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710 510-486-0117 Hydroponic Connection, The 2816 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 510-704-9376

A Fertile World 5565 W End Rd Arcata, CA 95521 707-825-0255 _________________________ American Hydroponics 286 South G St., Arcata, CA 95521 800-458-6543 Let it Grow 160 Westwood Center, Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-8733 _________________________

The Hydroponic Connection Berkeley

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 Auburn Organic 4035 Grass Valley Hwy., Auburn, CA 95602 530-823-8900 High Street Hydro 180 Cleveland Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 530-885-5888 Quail Mountain Ranch 230 Palm Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-2390 Tell 2 Friends Indoor Gardening 62 Sutherland Dr., Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-8171 Bakersfield Hydroponics Bakersfield , CA 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 Rd., Bakersfield, CA 661-399-3336 _________________________ Super Starts PO Box 732, Bellmont, CA 94002 650-346-8009

2816 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley CA 94702 510-704-9376 Brentwood Hydroponics & Organics 560 Valdry Ct #85, Brentwood, CA 94513 925-634-6704Good To Grow & Global Garden Supply 1350 Rollins Rd., Burlingame, CA, 94010 650-733-4420 Advanced Garden Supply 3113 Alhambra Dr., Unit F, Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-2100 Sky High Garden Supply 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 105 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-4009 Precision Hydroponics 132 Kennedy Ave., Campbell, CA 95008 408-866-8176 Elite Horticulture Supply 22330 Sherman Way, C13, Canoga Park, CA 91303 818-347-5172 Hydro International 7935 Alabama Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91304 Advanced Hydroponics 17808 Sierra Hwy., Canyon Country, CA 91351 Myron L Company 2450 Impala Dr., 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 916-515-9130 NorCal Creations PO Box 28, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 Garden Connection, The 629 Entler Ave. #32 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 Dr., Clearlake, CA 95422 707-994 3264 Under The Sun 12638 Foothill Boulevard, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 707-998-GROW (4769) G & G Organics and Hydroponics 901 W. Victoria Street Unit D, Compton, CA 90220 310-632-0122 Concord Indoor Garden 2771 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94519 925-671-2520 Hydroponics Plus 2250 Commerce Ave., Suite C Concord, CA 94520 925-691-7615 123 Grow 2175 Sampson Ave. #123, Corona, CA 92879 951-280-9232 Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics 1307 W. Sixth St., #211, Corona, CA 92882 951-479-8069 The Hydro Spot 21785 Temescal Cyn Rd., Corona, CA 92883 A+ Hydroponics & Organics 1604 Babcock St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-642-7776 The Hydro Source 671 E. Edna Place Covina, CA 91723 877 HYDRO 82; 626-915-3128 Let it Grow 1228 2nd St., Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-9086 _________________________

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1070 Highway 101, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-1200 _________________________ Seaside Hydrogarden 1070 Hwy., 101 North, Crescent City, CA 95531; 707-465-3520 Pacific Coast Hydroponics 4147 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230 310-313-1354 Dr. Greenthumbs Hydroponic Garden Supplies 566 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville, CA 94526 925-314-9376 Constantly Growing - Davis 123 D St., Davis, CA 95616 530-756-4774 Constantly Growing 6200 Enterprise Dr., Suite A Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-642-9710 Harvest Hydroponics 6650 Merchandise Way Suite B, Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-622-5190 Victory Garden Supply 1900 N Lincoln St., #100 Dixon, CA 95620 707 678 5800 Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego 1591 N. Cuyamaca St., El Cajon, CA 93612 619-749-6777 Indoor Garden Solution Inc. 12424 Exline St., El Monte, CA 91732, 626-453-0443

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

171

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors 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 707-826-7435 _________________________

Humboldt Hydroponics 1302 Union St., Eureka, CA 95501 707-443-4304 _________________________

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 60 West 4th St., Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-9999 _________________________ Constantly Growing 4343 Hazel Ave., Fair Oaks, CA 95628 916-962-0043 Fallbrook Hydro 208 E Mission Rd., Ste B Fallbrook, CA 92028 760-728-4769 _________________________

Tulare County Growers Supply 435 W. Noble Ave., Unit A, Farmersville, CA 93223 559-732-8247 _________________________ Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - North 6241 Graham Hill Rd., Felton, CA 95018 831-335-9000 _________________________

Eel River Hydroponics & Soil Supply 164 Dinsmore Dr., Fortuna, CA 95540 707-726-0395 _________________________ The Shop 6542 Front Str., Forestville, CA 95436, 707-887-2280 Dirt Cheap Hydroponics 17975 H Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437; 707-964-4211 Hydrogarden Mendocino County 1240 North Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-962-9252 _________________________

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

172

_________________________

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 357 Main St., Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-5550 _________________________ Nature’s Secret Garden and Supply 41469 Albrae St., Fremont, CA 94577 510-623-8393 _________________________ Gro More Garden Supply & Hydroponics Gro More Garden Supply 2686 Clovis Ave., Ste.109 Fresno, CA 93727 559-348-1055 _________________________

Roots Grow Supply 1330 North Hulbert, #101 Fresno, CA 93728 559-840-0122 _________________________ Tower Garden Supply & Organic Nursery

403 W. Olive Ave., Fresno, CA 93728 559-495-1140 Valley Hydroponics 207 E. Sierra Ave. Fresno, CA 93710; 559-449-0426 Grow Wurks Hydroponics 765 S. State College Boulevard. Suite J Fullerton, CA 92831 714-253-Grow (4769) SB Hydro 1109 W. 190th Street, Unit #F, Gardena, CA 90248 310-538-5788 Golden Gecko Garden Center, The 4665 Marshall Rd., Garden Valley, CA 95633 530-333-2394 Probiotic Solutions 20889 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, CA 95441 707-354-4342 South Valley Hydroponics 320 Kishimura Dr., #3 Gilroy, CA 95020 866-848-GROW _________________________

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

Stop N Grow 340 Pine Ave., Goleta, CA 93003 805-685-3000 _________________________

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

_________________________

All Seasons Hydroponics 17614 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, CA 91344 818-368-4388 _________________________ AG Natural 403 Idaho Maryland Rd., Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-274 0990 Grass Valley Hydrogarden 12506 Loma Rica Dr., Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-4772996_________________________

Vital Landscaping Inc. 12817 Loma Rica Dr., Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-273-3187 _________________________ West Coast Growers Hydroponics 13481 Colifax Hwy., Grass Valley, CA 95945 888-924-4769 Joy's Green Garden Supply 340-A Elm Ave, Greenfield, CA 93927 831-674-1416 M.G.S. 22540 D Foothill Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94541; 510-582-0900 Thrive Hydroponics 70 A West North St., Healdsburg, CA 95446 707-433-4068 Bear Valley Hydroponics & Homebrewing 17455 Bear Valley Rd., Hesperia CA 92345 760 949 3400 Emerald Garden 13325 South Hwy. 101, Hopland, CA 95482 707-744-8300 Surf City Hydroponics 7319 Warner St., Suite B Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-847-7900 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 _________________________

Grass Roots Hydroponics 31875 Corydon, Suite 130 Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 951-245-2390 _________________________ South County Hydroponics 22511 Aspan St., Suite E Lake Forest, CA 92630 949-837-8252 Clover Hydroponics & Garden

Supply 43 Soda Bay Rd., Lakeport, CA 95453 707-263-4000 _________________________

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

Total Hydroponics Center Inc 4820 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712 562-984-GROW (4769) _________________________ Weather Top Nursery 44901 Harmon Dr., 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 805 736 0841; 805 735 5921 562 Hydro Shop 717 East Artesia Blvd. Long Beach Ca,90805 562-726-1101 _________________________

Green Coast Hydroponics 2405 Mira Mar Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815 562-627-5636 _________________________ Grow Light Express 5318 East Second St. Suite 164, Long Beach, CA 90803 888-318-GROW _________________________

Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics 1772 Clark Ave., 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 Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013 212-625-1323 Hardman Hydroponics 3511 Youree Dr., Shreveport Los Angeles 71105 318-865-0317Hollywood Hydroponics and Organics 5109 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105 323-662-1908 Hydroasis 2643 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90232 888-355-4769 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 _________________________

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

Superior Hydroponic Supply 5651 Hollywood Blvd., 90028 Los Angeles,CA 323 465-grow (4769) _________________________ Green Giant Hydroponics 7183 Hwy. 49 Unit B Lotus, CA 95651; 530-622-4465 Big Momma’s 11455 Clayton Creek Rd., Lower Lake, CA 95457 707-994-1788 California Green Hydroponics 16491 Rd., 26, Suite 101 Madera, California 93638 559-674-1400 grow 22333 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 101 Malibu, CA 90265; 310-456-2910 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 Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply 218 Reindollar Ave., Suite 7A, Marina, CA 93933 831-38-HYDRO Two Chix Garden Supply 1230 Yuba St., Marysville, CA 95901 530-923-2536

_________________________

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1580 Nursery Way McKinleyville, CA 95519 707-839-9998 _________________________ Mendocino Garden Shop PO Box 1301, 44720 Maint St. (at Hwy. 1), Mendocino, CA 95460 707-937-3459 Hooked Up Hydroponics 1004 W. 15th St. Suite B & C, Merced, Ca 95340; 209-723-1300 Indoor/Outdoor Garden Supply 1501 W. Main St., Merced, CA 95340 209-580-4425 The Urban Farmer Store 653 E. Blithedale Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941 415-380-3840 Mission Viejo Hydroponics 24002 Via Fabricante Suite 502 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 949-380-1894 Coca’s Central Valley Hydroponics 116 West Orangeburg Ave., Modesto, CA 95350 209-567-0590 Year Round Garden Supply 11000 Carver Rd. #20 Modesto, CA 95350 209 522 2727 _________________________

Green Light Hydroponics 2615 Honolula Ave. Montrose, CA 91020 818-640-2623 _________________________ 247 Garden

1101 Monterey Pass Rd. Unit B Monterey Park CA 91754 323-318-2600 South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View 569 East Evelyn Ave., Mountain View, CA 94041 650-968-4070 Redwood Garden Supply 55 Myers Ave., 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 Rd., #106 Newbury Park, CA 91320 805-480-9596 Big Momma’s 2581 Stokes Ave., Nice, CA 95464 707-274-8369

_________________________

Stop N Grow 640 S. Frontage Rd., Nipomo, CA 93444 805-619-5125 _________________________ Valley Garden Solutions Inc. 15650 Nordhoff Ave., Suite 104, North Hills, CA 91345 818-336-0041 _________________________

Foothill Hydroponics 10705 Burbank Boulevard, N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-760-0688 _________________________ One Stop Hydroponics 12822 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606 818-980-5855 Lumatek Digital Ballasts 33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite B Novato, CA 94949 415-233-4273 Marin Hydroponics

721 Francisco Blvd East San Rafael CA 94901 415-482-8802 Marin Hydroponics 1219 Grant Ave., Novato, CA 94945 415-897-2197 Roots Grow Supply 40091 Enterprise Dr. Oakhurst CA 93644 559-683-6622 3rd Street Hydroponics 636 3rd St., Oakland, CA 94607 510-452-5521 Medicine Man Farms 1602 53rd Ave., Oakland, CA 94601 707-980-0456 Plant-N-Grow 1602 53rd Ave., Oakland, CA 94601 707-980-0456 Hydrobrew 1319 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054 760-966-1885; 877-966-GROW Socal Hydroponics 1727-B Oceanside Boulevard, Oceanside, CA 92054 760-439-1084 Cultivate Ontario 2000 Grove Ave. #a110 Ontario, CA 91761 909-781-6142 Flairform 1751 S Pointe Ave., Ontario, CA 91761 213-596-8820 GreenCoast Ontario Unit 102-103 1920 South Rochester Ave., Ontario, CA 909-605-5777 _________________________

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

Palm Tree Hydroponics 2235 E 4th St, Suite G Ontario, CA 91764 909-941-9017 _________________________

RH Distribution 1751 S. Pointe Ave., Ontario, CA 91761 888-545-8112 _________________________

Green Coast Hydroponics 496 Meats Ave., Orange, CA 92865 714-974-4769 _________________________ Natural Pest Controls 8320 B Hazel Ave., Orangevale, CA 95662 916-726-0855 Greenback Garden Supply 9341 Greenback Ln., Ste C Orangevale, CA 95662 530-391-4329 _________________________

Advanced Soil & Garden Supply 350 Oro Dam Boulevard, Oroville, CA 95965 530-533-2747 _________________________ Igrow Hydro 2280 Veatch St., 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 Ave.,, Oxnard, CA 93033 805-247-0086 Pacifica Hydroponics 90 Eureka Square Pacifica, CA 94044 650-355-5100 _________________________

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

Hydroponics Unlimited 641 W. Palmdale Blvd. “D” Palmdale, CA 93550 661-266-3906 _________________________ Palm Springs Hydroponics 4651 Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-327-ROOT

_________________________

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

Green Bros Hydroponics 14072 Osborne St., Panorama City, CA 91402 818-891-0200 _________________________ Mission Hydroponics 1236 East Mission Pomona, CA 91766 909-620-7099 New Leaf Hydro 34150 123rd St., Parablossom, CA 93553 661-944-2226 Alternative Hydro 3870 East, Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107 888-50-HYDRO 365 Hydroponics 2062 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 626-345-9015 Garden All Year Inc. 3850 Ramada Dr.,Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805 434 2333 www.gardenallyear.com Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 3850 Ramada Dr., Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-434-2333 Foothills Hydrogarden 3133 Penryn Rd., Penryn, CA 95663 916-270-2413 _________________________

Funny Farms Hydroponics 963 Transport Way, #12 Petaluma, CA 94954 707-775-3111 _________________________ House of Hydro 224 Weller St., #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 Ave., Pinole, CA 94564 510-724-1291 Hillside Hydro & Garden 4570 Pleasant Valley Rd., Placerville CA 95662 530-644-1401 Best Yield Garden Supply 3503 West Temple Ave., Unit A, Pomona, CA 91768 909-839-0505

Mission Hydroponics 1236 East Mission Pomona, CA 91766 909-620-7099 Emerald Garden 8249 Archibald Ave., 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, CA 90277 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 Dr., Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3002 Humboldt Hydroponics 2010 Tunnel Rd., Redway, CA 95560 707-923-1402 Redway Feed Garden and Pet Supply 290 Briceland Rd., Redway, CA 95560 707-923-2765 Sylvandale Gardens 1151 Evergreen Rd., Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3606 Hydro King 105 Hartnell Ave., Suite C and D, Redding, CA 96002 888-822-8941 Orsa Organix 111 Willow St., 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 Box Of Rain Inc. Po Box 302, Rexford, CA 59930 406-755-7245 Hi-Tech Gardening 5327 Jacuzzi St., #282, Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-4710 The Urban Farmer Store 2121 San Joaquin St., Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-1604

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

173

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors _________________________

Discount Hydroponics 4745 Hiers Ave., Riverside, CA 92505 877-476-9487 _________________________

All Ways Hydro 2220 Eastridge Ave. Suite C Riverside CA 92507. 888-HYDRO98 _________________________ _________________________

Calwest Hydroponics 11620 Sterling Ave., Suite A Riverside, CA 92503 800-301-9009 _________________________ Hydro Depot 5665 Redwood Dr., #B, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-584-2384 Igrow Hydro 9000 Atkinson St., Roseville, CA 95678 916-773-4476 Green Acres Hydroponics 1215 Striker Ave., 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 Rd., #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 Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824 916-383-2369 Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies 1235 Striker Ave. #180, Sacramento, CA 95834 888-557-8896 Green Joint Ventures 61 Tarp Circle, Salinas, CA 93901 831-998-8628 _________________________

Reforestation Technologies International 1341 Daton St., Unit G Salinas, CA 93901 800-784-4769 _________________________

174

_________________________

Xtreme Gardening 1341 Dayton St. Annex B Salinas CA 93901 800-784-4769 _________________________

National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 1900 Bendixsen St. , 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 Ave., Suite A, Sand City, CA 93955 831-899-0203 Modern Gardens 26620 Valley Center Dr. Santa Clarita, CA 91351 661-513-4733 Best Coast Growers 4417 Glacier Ave. Suite C, San Diego, CA 92120 800-827-1876 City Farmer’s Nursery 4832 Home Ave., San Diego, CA 92105 619-284-6358 Green Lady Hydroponics 4879 Newport Ave., San Diego, CA 92107 619-222-5011 Home Brews & Gardens 3176 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92104 619-630-2739 _________________________

Indoor Garden Depot 1848 Commercial St. San Diego CA 92113 619-255-3552 _________________________ Innovative Growing Solutions (IGS) 5060 Santa Fe St. Ste.D San Diego, CA 92109 858-578-4477 _________________________

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

_________________________

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

San Rafael Hydroponics 1417 Fourth St. San Rafael, CA 94901 415 455 9655 _________________________

UrbanGardens advanced hydroponics and gardening

Miramar Hydroponics & Organics 8952 Empire St., San Diego CA 92126 858-549-8649 _________________________

Oracle Garden Supply 5755 Oberlin Dr., Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92121 858-558-6006 _________________________ Pacific Beach Hydroponics

1852 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109 858-274-2559 _________________________

San Diego Hydroponics Beach Cities 4122 Napier St., San Diego, CA 92110 619-276-0657 _________________________ Wai Kula Hydrogardens 5297 Linda Vista Rd., San Diego, CA 92110 619-299-7299 Direct Hydroponics Wholesale 1034 W. Arrow Hwy. #D San Dimas, CA 91773 888-924-9376 Liquid Gardens 1034 West Arrow Hwy. #D San Dimas, CA 91773 888-924-9376 Extreme Hydroponics 11479 San Fernando Road C, San Fernando, CA 91340 818-898-0915 Plant It Earth 661 Divisadero San Francisco, CA 94117 415-626-5082 Plant It Earth Warehouse 1 Dorman Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124 415-970-2465 _________________________

Grow Your Own 3401 Traval St., San Francisco, CA 94116 415-731-2115 _________________________ Hydroponic Connection Warehouse, The 1995 Evans Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124 415-824-9376 The Hydroponic Connection San Francisco

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

Plant It Earth 2279 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94114 415-626-5082 _________________________

1549 Custer Ave. San Francisco CA 94124 415-864-9376 Nor Cal Hydroponics 4837 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118 415-933-8262

704 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

Urban Gardens Unlimited 704 Filbert St., San Francisco, CA 94133 415-421-4769 _________________________ San Francisco Hydro 123 Tenth St., San Francisco, CA 94103 The Urban Farmer Store 2833 Vicente St., San Francisco, CA 94116 415-661-2204 US Garden

417 Agostinio Rd., San Gabriel Ca 91776 626 285-5009 Inland Empire Hydrogarden 1301-C South State St., San Jancinto, CA 92853 Hahn’s Lighting 260 E. VA Suite 1, San Jose, CA 95112 408-295-1755 Plant Life 32 Race St., San Jose, CA 95126 408-283-9191 Hydrofarm, Inc. 2249 South McDowell Extension Petaluma, CA 94954 800-634-9990 Hydrofarm Southwest 12991 Leffingwell Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 800-634-9990 South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose 1185 South Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128 408-292-4040 D&S Garden Supplies 17-130 Doolittle Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577 510-430-8589 Hydrogarden Delight 13762 Doolittle Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577 510-903-1808

Green Coast Hydroponics 3560 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105 805-898-9922 _________________________ Nutes Int’l 204 N Quarantina St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805-687-6699 Planet Earth Hydroponics 102 East Haley St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805 899 0033 _________________________

Urban Grow Systems 204 N Quarantine St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805-637-6699 _________________________ Santa Clarita Valley Hydroponics 25835 Railroad Ave. #26 Santa Clarita CA 91350 661 255 3700 661 255 3701 California Hydroponics 310 Coral St., Suite C Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-423-4769 Hydro-Logic Purification Systems 370 Encinal St., Suite 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 888 H2O LOGIC Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - West Side 815 Almar Ave., Unit K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-466-9000 Gottagrow Garden Supply 769 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-544-7782 _________________________

Central Coast Hydrogarden

1951 Santa Barbara St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-544-GROW Healthy Harvest Hydroponics and Organics 2958 S. Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805.596.0430 _________________________

San Diego Hydroponics North 802 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road #108 San Marcos, CA 92069 760-510-1444 _________________________ H20 Gardening 355 West 7th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 310-514-1416 Marin Hydroponics 721 Francisco Blvd East San Rafael, CA 94901 415-482-8802 Pacific Garden Supply 128 H Carlos Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903

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 Wyatt Supply 747 Yolanda Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-578-3747 Next Generation Hydroponics 10658 Prospect Ave., Ste.A Santee, CA 92071 619-438 2415 _________________________

Santa Rosa Hydroponics 4880 Sonoma Hwy Santa Rosa, CA 707-595-1340 Santa Rosa Hydroponics 4130 S Moorland Ave Santa Rosa, CA 707-584-9370 _________________________

Santee Hydroponics 7949 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, CA 92071 619-270-8649 Gardening Unlimited 60 Old El Pueblo Rd., Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-457-1236 Pro Gardening Systems 765 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-829-7252 Better Choice Hydroponics 610 S. Washington St., 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 ________________________

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

We Grow Hydroponics 3350 East Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063 805-624-4566 ________________________ Abundant Hydroponics LLC 1611 Shop St., #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 ________________________

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 The Otherside Hydroponics 19425 Ventura Blvd Tarzana CA 91356 818 881 hydro (4937) Hydroponics 4 Less 41669 Winchester Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590 800-A1-HYDRO 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 Garden Depot Hydroponics 1460 Freitas Park Turlock, CA 95380 209-250-0101

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 Sky High Garden Supply 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 105 Cameron Park CA 95682 530-676-4009 Hydroponics Market 15816 Arminta St Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-305-6261 886-72-HYDRO ________________________

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

BWGS-CA 7530 W. Sunnyview Avenue Visalia, CA 93291 888-316-1306 ________________________ The Green Shop 66420 Mooney Boulevard, Suite 1 Visalia, CA 93277 559-688-4200 Kaweah Grower Supply 1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, CA 93293 559-625-4937 Greentrees Hydroponics Inc. 2581 Pioneer Avenue, Unit D Vista, CA 92081 760-598-7551 Home Life Hydroponics and Organics 1745 East Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084 760-643-2150

Specialty Garden Supply 7 Hangar Way Ste B Watsonville Ca 95075 831-768-0420 Evergreen Farm Feed and Garden 1131 Main Street Weaverville, CA 96093 530-623-2884

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

California Hydro Garden

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

1043 South Glendora Avenue, Suite A West Covina, CA 91790 626-813-0868No 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 ________________________

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

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 Jolly Rancher

399 Business Park Ctr. Suite 205 Windsor CA 95492 707-838-0842 Green Acres 20946 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA91367 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

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

The Big Tomato Indoor Garden Supply 14440 E. 6th Ave. Aurora, CO 80011 (303) 364-4769 ________________________ Family Hydroponics-Boulder 2125 32nd Street Boulder, co 80301 303-996-6100 Polar Ray 5171 Eldorado Springs Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 303 494 5773 Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 2125 32 Street Boulder, CO 80301 303-996-6100 Way To Grow 6395 Gunpark Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 303-473-4769 Deep Roots Garden Supply 1790 Airport Road, Unit 1 Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-1440 Mile High Hydroponics 37 Strong St. Brighton, CO 80601 303-637-0069 Brighton Hydroponics 839so.Kuner rd., Brighton, CO 80601 303-655-1427 ________________________

ACME Hydroponics 300 Nickel St Suite 3 Broomfield, CO 80020 720.524.7306 ________________________ Colorado Grow 3400 Industrial Lane, Unit 10A Broomfield, CO 80020-1652 303-465-GROW (4769)

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

175

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors Hydrofarm Mountain 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. CT. Home Grown

_________________________

Global Organics & Hydroponics 11 N Broadway Cortez CO 81321 970-564-8100 _________________________

45 South Canterbury Rd. Canterbury CT 06331 BIG BloomZ 1011 Caprice Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-688-0599 ________________________

Gardener

Indoor

The

Indoor Gardener. The 3225 I-70 Business Loop Unit A10 Clifton, Colorado 81520 970-434-9999 ________________________

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 Purple Mountain Hydroponics LLC 1530 S Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719-635-5859 Room To Grow LLC 422 South 8th Street Colorado Springs CO 80905 719-633-8682 Roots and Rocks Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 1014 S. 21st Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719-634-1024 ________________________

N-BR Y-

ROC K

High Tech Garden Supply 5275 Quebec St. Commerce City, CO 80022 720-222-0772 _________________________

I F E R, C

Grofax 25797 Conifer Rd #a-8 Conifer, Co 80433 303-838-5520 _________________________ Happy Grow Lucky

11873 Springs Rd. Conifer, CO 80433 1-303-838-8700 _________________________

Roll-N-Green Farms Horticultural Supply 25797 Conifer Rd #A-8 Conifer, Co 80433 303-838-5520 _________________________

176

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 1717 39th Ave Denver, CO 80205 800-58HYDRO 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 _________________________

All Seasons Gardening 434 Turner Drive, Suite 2B Durango, CO 81303 (970) 385-4769 _________________________ Blue Sky Hydroponics 1301 Florida Road Unit C Durango, CO 81301 970-375-1238 DHL Garden Supply 178 Bodo Dr.Unit B Durango, Co 81303 970-247-1090 Grow Store South, The 5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37, Englewood, CO 80110 303-738-0202 Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 439 Edwards Access Rd Unit B101 Edwards, CO 81632 970-926-2100 Alpenglow Garden Supply 2712 South College Ave Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-266-8888 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 Indoor Paradise Hydroponics 309 S. Summit View, Unit 17, Fort Collins, CO 80524-1462 970-221-3751 Way To Grow

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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

_________________________

Hydro Shack, The 220 Main Street, Suite E Frisco, CO 80443 970-668-0359 _________________________ GWS Hydroponics 7025 Highway 82 Building 4B, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 970-384-2040 Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 7800 Colorado 82 #203 Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601 970-947-9551 Hydro Planet 711 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO 80401 303-279-6090 Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics 15985 S. Golden Road Golden, CO 80401 720-475-1725 Desert Bloom Hydroponics 445 Pitkin Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-245-6427 • 970-668-0359 _________________________

Primo Gardens 1600 North Ave. Suite B Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-241-1209 970-668-0359 _________________________ Greeley Nutrients 700 11th Street Unit 101 Greeley CO 80631 970 673 8302 Your Grow Bud 6801 South Emporia St. Suite 106 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 303-790-2211 GroWize 3225 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80227 303-986-2706 Grow Store, The 8644 W. Colfax Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215 888-510-0350 _________________________

MileHydro 355 S. Harlan St. Lakewood CO 80226 303-935-4769 _________________________ Ever Green Hydroponics Inc. 1131 Francis Street, Suite A, Longmont, CO 80501 303-682-6435 _________________________

Head Start Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Emporium 34500 US Highway 6, Unit B-9, North Edwards, CO 81632 970-569-313 Grow Depot 1434 W. 104th Ave. Northglenn, CO 80234 303-459-7878 Pueblo Hydroponicss and Organics - Downtown 113 W 4th St, Pueblo CO 81003 719 542 6798 Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics- South 2704 S Prarie Ave Suite C Pueblo CO 81005 719 564 2660 Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics 609 E Enterprise Dr Pueblo West CO 81007 709 647 0907 Salida Hydroponic Supply 1242 C Street Salida, CO 81201 719-539-4000 _________________________

Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics 7777 W. 38th Avenue, A120A, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-954-9897 _________________________

CONNECTICUT _________________________

CT Home Grown 45 South Canterbury Rd. Canterbury, CT 06331 860-546-6161 _________________________ Grow Crazy 11 Berlin Rd. Unit 2 Cromwell CT 06416 203-660-8486 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 775 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118 860-568-4067 LiquidSun® CT 10C South Main Street, East Windsor, CT 06088 860-254-5757 _________________________

Rogue Hydroponics 160 Broadway Hamden, CT 06518 866-277-4432 _________________________ Organix Hydroponics 749 Saybrook Road, (Tradewinds Plaza) Middletown, CT 06457 860-343-1923 _________________________

Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 _________________________

Victory Hydro Gardening 1387 E. South Boulder Rd. Louisville, CO, 80027 303-664-9376 _________________________ Lyons Indoor Gardening 138 Main Street, Lyons, CO 80540 720-530-3828

Good To Grow 335 Westport Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 203 956 5600 www.goodtogrowct.com _________________________ Delaware Sunny Day Organics 1867 Coastal Hwy. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware MD 19917 302 703 2538

FLORIDA _________________________

Urban Sunshine 1420 E. Altamonte Dr. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 407-830-4769 _________________________ Best Hydro 4920 Lena Road, Bradenton, FL 34211 941-756-1928 Palm Coast Hydroponics 4490 N Hwy US1 Ste. 108 Bunnell FL 32110 386 246 4119 _________________________

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

GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc. 5011 S State Road 7, Suite 104 Davie, FL 33314 954-316-8815 Absolute Hydroponic Garden Center Inc 1607 Old Daytona Steet Deland, FL 32724 386-734-0696 Organic Grow Hut 2 780 Deltona Blvd. #107 Deltona, Florida 32725 1-888-574-grow 386-259-5777 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, Jacksonville, 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 Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – West 14703 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561 296 8555 Atlantic Hydroponics 430 Count Street, Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-1535 _________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 2975 West New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-0853 ________________________ Advanced Hydro Gardens 4960 NW 165 Street, Suite B-4, Miami, FL 33014 866-97-HYDRO Blossoms Experience, The 7207 NW 54th Street, Miami, FL 33166 866-452-4769 _________________________

Florida Garden Supplies 9545 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33173 800-931-5215 _________________________ Future Farms Inc., The 14291 SW 120th Street, Suite 105 Miami, FL 33186 305-382-2757 Gold Coast Hydroponics 4241 SW 71st Avenue, Miami, FL 33155 1-800-780-6805 Growing Garden Inc., The

12811 SW 42nd Street, Miami, FL 33175 305-559-0309 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 The Healthy Harvest Ste. 126 21113 Johnson St. Pembroke Pines, FL. 33029 954-538-1511 Eden Garden Supply 5044 N. Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 850-439-1299 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 Urban Sunshine Organic & Hydroponic Gardening 2841 South Nove Rd., Ste. 5 South Daytona, FL 32119 386-236-9989 386-492-6978 Mr. Nice Guy Hydroponics 1800 NW. Federal Hwy., Stuart, FL 34994 772 934 6785 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 Hydroponics of Tampa 120 W. Bougain Villea, Tampa, FL 33612 813-333-6828 Stoney Hydro @ Schiro’s Barn n Garden Supplies 7812 Causeway Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33619 813-626-0902

_________________________

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

Alpha Hydroponics and Garden Supply Inc. 3904 N Druid Hills Rd. Suite 247 Decatur GA 30033 404 590 4769 Savannah Hydroponics & Organics 4107 Eighth Street, Suite C Garden City, GA 31408 912-349-4030 Atlantis Hydroponics 5182-B Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross, GA 30071 770.558.1346

365 Hydroponics 13054 W Colonial Drive Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-GROW(4769) _________________________ Cultivating Eden Hydroponic Supplies 946 18th Avenue SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-8880 _________________________

HAWAII 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 Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply 300 Hukilike Street, #2M, Kahalui, HI 96732 808-871-6393 Aiyah’s Garden 4558 kukui st. kapa’a, Hi. 96746 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

Florida Garden Supplies 8020 Belvedere Road,Unit 4, West Palm Beach,FL 33411 800-931-5215 _________________________ Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – East 968 North Congress Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 33409 561 296 6161

IDAHO Boise Hydroponics 614 North Orchard Street, Boise, ID 83706 208-344-3053 Four Seasons Garden Supply 6218 W Overland Rd Boise ID 83709 208-377-3030 Greenthumb Greenhouses 5895 Ensign Avenue, Boise, ID 83714

Monkey Hydroponics 940 West Oakland Ave. Unit A1 407-574-8495 _________________________

Happy Planet Hydroponics 1179 E. Alfred St., Tavares FL 32778 352-253-1001 _________________________

GEORGIA _________________________

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 _________________________

ILLINOIS Aerostar Global 824 South Kay Avenue, Addison, IL 60101 Brew and Grow 181 Crossroads Parkway, Bolingbrook, IL 60194 847-885-8282Let it Grow Carbondale West Main Street, Carbondale, IL 62908 573-450-5401 Versaponics.COM Box 166 West Main St. Carbondale, IL62901 573-450-5401 Alternative Garden Supply 615 Industrial Drive, Unit A Cary, IL 60013 800-444-2837 Brew and Grow 3625 N. Kedzi Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 773-463-7430 Fertile Ground 463 West MacArthur Drive, Cottage Hills, IL 62018 618-259-5500 Brew and Grow- Crystal Lake 176 W. Terra Cotta Ave. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-301-4950

_________________________

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

Inc.

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

Grow Masters 4641 Old Grand Ave. Gurnee, Il. 60031 224-399-9877 _________________________ 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 _________________________ Green Fields 8137 N. Milwaukee, Niles, IL 60714 847-965-5056 _________________________

Autumn Bloom Alternative Indoor Gardening 1020 Derby Street Pekin, Illinois 61554 309-642-6943 _________________________ Grow Shop of Peoria 2621 N University Peoria, IL 61604 (309)-299-0953 wix.com/growshoppeoria/growshoppeoria GroUp Gardening 221 N. 5TH St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-349-4407 Aerogro 502 N Prospect suite 18 Bloomington, IL, 61704 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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

177

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors Brew and Grow 359 W. Irving Park Road Unit E, Roselle, IL 60172 630-894-4885 Organic Garden Center 9223 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL 60077 847-675-2722 _________________________

Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 3427 Old Chatman Road, Springfield, IL 62704 217-341-0821 Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 2110 North Grand Ave Springfield , IL, 62702 217-341-0821 _________________________ Kentuckiana Hydroponic Garden Supply 632 Eastern Blvd, Unit B Clarksville IN, 47129 812-725-8005 kentuckianahydro.com 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 _________________________ INDIANA _________________________

BWGS-IN 1400 Hancel Pkwy., Mooresville, IN 46158 800-316-1306 _________________________ Sunleaves Garden Products 7854 North State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47404 888-464-9676 _________________________

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

Worm’s Way Mail Order 7850 North State Road 37 Bloomington, IN 47404 800-274-9676 _________________________ Kentuckiana Hydroponic Garden Supply 632 Eastern BLVD, Unit B Clarksville, IN 47129 812-725-8005 www.kentuckianahydro.com

178

Frogs Lilly Pad, The 706 Citation Road, Carmel, IN 46032 317-846-4610 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 Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-359-GROW (4769) Next Generation Gardening & Hydroponics 6805 Madison Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-786-0066 www.nggandh.com _________________________

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 _________________________

Worm’s Way Kentucky 1360 Donaldson Hwy. Suite A, Erlanger, KY 41018 800-669-2088 _________________________ Grow Shop, The of Lexington 2320 Palumbo Drive, Suite 130, Lexington, KY 40509 859-268-0779 Louisville Hydroponics 3471 Taylor Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40215 502-366-4000 New Earth Garden Center 9810 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40299 800-462-5953 The Wine-N-Vine Inc. 1524 East McGalliard RD. Muncie IN. 47303 765) 282-3300 Bluegrass Organic Grow Shop 125 Quinn Dr., Nicholasville, KY 40356 859 887 0677 LOUISIANA Geaux Hydroponics! 2126 O’Neal Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 225-751-4769

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Laughing Buddha Nursery 4516 Clearview Parkway, Metairie, LA 70006 504-887-4336 Urban Organics 285 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117 504-352-4709 Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics 201 Angus Drive, Yungsville, LA 70592 337-303-6146 MAINE The Urban Garden Center 600 Wilson St. Brewer, ME 04412 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 Ave Portland, ME 04101 207-761-2800

_________________________

High Tech Garden Supply Maine178 Rand Rd. Portland, ME 04102 Phone 207-899-4387 _________________________ The Urban Garden Center 659 Warren Ave Portland, ME 04103 1-207-347-2350Here We Grow 30 Parsons St. Presque Isle, ME 04769 207-SOY-BEAN (769-2326) Green Thumb Indoor Gardening 19 Stage Road, St. Albans, ME 04971 207-938-5909 New England Horticulture Supply 125 John Roberts Road Suite 1 South Portland, ME 04106 207-899-0510 newenglandhorticultersupply.com Urban Garden Center 235 Lewiston Road, Topsham, ME 04086 207-373-0990 Greenlife Garden Supply 611 US Rt. 1 York, ME 03909 207-363-0844 MARYLAND East Coast Organics 2800 Sisson Street, Baltimore, MD 21211 Healthy Gardens and Supply 5001-F Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 443-708-5144 Maryland Hydroponics Inc. 10051 North 2nd Street, Laurel, MD 20723 301-490-9236 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 Purple Mountain Organics 100-7010 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 877-538-9901 MASSACHUSETTS Grow it Green 122 Pulaski Boulevard Bellingham MA 02019 508-883-GROW Greenlife Garden Supply 481 Boston Road, Unit 4, Billerica, MA 01821 978-262-9966 GYOstuff – Grow Your Own 2400 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140 617-945-1654 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 29 Washington Street, Route 1 Foxboro, MA 02035 800-660-6977 Here We Grow 123 Russell St. (Rt. 9) Hadley, MA 01035 413-584-FARM (3276) LiquidSun® MA 8 Lynwood Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040 413-539-6875 _________________________

INDOOR GARDEN CENTER

Rootdown Hydroponics Indoor Garden Center 236 Mystic Ave. Medford MA 01255 781-874-1693 _________________________ Green Path Garden Supply 276 West Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-4181 _________________________

Evergreen Garden Center 216 Newbury St. Peabody MA 01960 _________________________

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 _________________________

Flo-N-Grow Hydroponics Co. 214 North 2nd Street Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-1877 www.FNGhydro.com _________________________ Get Growing Urban Garden Centre 142 S. Main St Adrian MI 49221 U Can Grow Hydro 2247 W. Liberty Ann Arbor MI 48103 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 Absolute Hydro & Grow Centre 2583 Union Lake Rd., Commerce Township, MI 48382 248-937-8664 HydroMaster 36345 Groesbeck Hwy Clinton Twp, MI 48035 586-792-0277 Granny Green Thumbs 103 W. Grand River Flowerville MI 48836 Hydro Grow Room 15201 N. Holly Road, Unit B Holly, MI 48442 248-369-8333 _________________________ Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply 611 Main st. Norway, Michigan 49870 (906)563-1518 _________________________

Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 6540 Allen Road, Allen Park, MI 48101 313-383-1766 _________________________ Gro Blue Indoor Gardening Supplies 270 W. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-913-2750 Grow Show, The 4095 Stone School Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-677-0009; 734-677-0509 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

J&L Growco 206 S. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-1528 Greenway Gardens 916 W 13th St Cadillac, Mi,49601 231-775-7075 Hydro Vision 303 W 14 Mile Rd. Clawson, MI 48017 248-435-2250 ________________________

_________________________

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

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 HGR Garden Supply 15231 N. Holly Rd. Holly MI 48442 248 369 8333 ________________________

Sunnyside Hydroponics 24930 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpoint, MI 48021 586-777-2528 Hydro Vision 495 Fenway Dr. Fenton, MI 810-714-1719 _________________________

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

OÊFÊÊÊGÊAÊRÊDÊEÊNÊÊÊCÊIÊTÊY

The Grow Shop of Garden City 28505 Ford Road Garden City, MI 48135 734-956-5400 ________________________

Van Hydro

7480 N State, Davison, MI 48423 810-653-8267 The Grow Station 5670 Telegraph Rd. Dearborn, MI 48127 313-406-5147 800-797-4769 (GROW) _________________________

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 _________________________

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 NEW 2nd LOCATION!

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 _________________________

Superior Growers Supply, Inc. 2731 East Grand River Howell, MI 48843 517-376-6843 _________________________

4640 West River Dr Comstock Park, Mi. 49321 _________________________ Home Grown Hydroponix 5333 Plainfield Suite C, Grand Rapids MI 49525, 616-361-2924 _________________________

Horizen Hydroponics 1614 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 866-791-1664 _________________________ It is Green Ville Gardens

11500 Morgan Mills Road NE Green Ville Michigan 48838 616-745-0500 www.greenvillegardens.com _________________________

Hydroharrys- HP 24047 Dequindre Road Hazel Park, MI 48030 248-541-0099 _________________________ Garden Doctor 2974 28th St. SW Grandville MI 49418 616-530-2500 _________________________ Hydro Grow Room 15201 N Holly Rd Unit B Holly MI, 48430 248-369-8333

Green Forest Indoor Garden Supply, LLC. 2555 N. State(M-66) Rd. Ionia, MI 48846 616-523-6111 _________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 1745 West Main St. Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-978-8697 _________________________ Horizen Hydroponics 4646 W. Main Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-567-3333 Kalamazoo Indoor Garden 450 W. Maple, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 269-344-2550 _________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 2815 East Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 580-0555 _________________________ Hills Hydro 1290 S. Lapeer Rd., Lake Onion, MI 48360 248-693-5747

Horizen Hydroponics 5425 W. Saginaw Highway Lansing, MI 48917 517-323-ROOT _________________________

Superior Growers Supply Inc. 3928 West Saginaw Highway Lansing, MI 48917 517-327-1900 _________________________ Hills Hydro 700 Main St. Ste III Lapeer, MI 48446 810-245-8687 _________________________

Superior Growers Supply 292200 Seven Mile West 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 Indoor Garden Center 236 Mystic Ave. Medford, MA 02155 781-874-1693 Stealth Hydro 14630 King Dr. Milan, MI 48160 734 961 4333 Big Blue Hydroponics 590 Ottawa St. Muskegon, MI 49441 231-571-9400 Growing Consultant 2260 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 231-773-5600 Green Lantern H2O 1383 E. Laketon Ave Muskegon, Mi 49442 greenlanternh2o@yahoo.com www.greenlanternh2o.com 231-722-0420 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 HGR Garden Supply 200 E. Main St, Owosso MI 48867 989 472 4999 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 Growers Edge 175 Marcell Dr Rockford MI 49341

Hills Hydro 896 S. Rochester Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307 248-650-4937 Green Thumb Hydroponics and Organic Indoor Supply 8460 Algoma Suite G Rockford MI 49341 616 884 5500 _________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 28000 Groesbeck Highway Roseville, Michigan 48066 586-435-2335 _________________________ Home Grown Hydroponics 4880 Gratiot Rd., Ste # 2 Saginaw MI 48638 989 781 1930 _________________________

Superior Growers Supply, Inc. 5716 South Pennsylvania Avenue South Lansing, MI 48911 517-393-1600 _________________________ ________________________ 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 Grow Store, The 90 N U.S. Highway 31 South , Traverse City, MI 49685-7923 231-421-5191 _________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 720 South Garfield Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686 231-668-6913 _________________________

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

179

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors Wild Child 7740 M 72 East Traverse City, MI 49690 866-711-GROW Hydro Vision 1910 West rd Trenton, MI 48183 734-301-3745 _________________________

Hydroharrys – WL 1138 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 248-896-0099 _________________________ Beste's Indoor/Outdoor Garden Supply 21410 Schoenherr Warren, MI 48089 586 776-1794 Hydro King Indoor Garden Supply 32000 Van Dyke Ave Warren MI 48093 Indoor Garden Superstore 2570 Dixie Highway, Waterford Twp., MI 48328 248-673-2200; 877 22 HYDRO _________________________

_________________________

Still-H2O Inc. 14375 North 60th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-351-2822 Eco Garden Supply 800 Transfer Door 25 in rear St. Paul, MN 55114 651-647-1896

Cultivation Station – Grand Rapids, The 4907 S. Division Ave., Wyoming, MI 49548 616-855-4440 _________________________

MISSISSIPPI Indoor Garden Shop LLC 1310 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 228-875-3725

Stealth Hydro 15 E. Cross Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 866-998-1916 _________________________

The Grow Stop

7380 Highland Road Waterford, MI 48327 248-599-9231 _________________________ Light Green Water 3661 Highland Road, Waterford, MI 48329 248-681-0001 _________________________ Bubonic Hydroponics 38540 Michigan Ave Wayne MI, 48184 734-331-2316 _________________________

MINNESOTA Duluth Hydroponics 26 W 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 218-341-7253 The Interior Tomato, LLC 519 N. Central Ave. Duluth, MN 55087 218-260-5167 www.theinteriortomato.com _________________________

Indoor Eden 9281 East-M 36 Whitmore MI 48189 810-355-1465 _________________________ AAA Hydroponics LLC 22 50th Street Wyoming, MI 49504 616-249-8338 Urban Garden Supply 4516 Pasadena Ave. Flint, MI 48504 810-733-0420 Urban Garden Supply 3410 S. Dort Hwy Flint, MI 48507 810-875-9580

180

MISSOURI Versaponics LTD 879 South Kingshighway Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703 573-450-5401 www.versaponics.com _________________________

HYDROGARDENS Heartland Hydrogardens 705 Vandiver Drive, Suite G Columbia, MO 65202 573-474-4769 _________________________ Grow Your Own Hydroponics 3617 Saint John Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64123 816-241-2122 _________________________

Grower’s Edge 175 Marcell Drive Rockford, MI, 49341 _________________________ Let It Grow - Springfield 2519 E. Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803 417-862-GROW U-Grow 1724 North, 13th Street, St. Louis, MO 63106 314-452-6368 _________________________

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

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 3218 W. Houghton Avenue West Branch, MI 48661 989-345-8800 _________________________ B&B Hydro Supply 28974 Warren Rd Westland MI 48185 G.C. II 1006 E. Colby St. Suite A Whitehall, MI 49417 231-893-2400 _________________________

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state. 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 Bodhi Organic Garden Supply 1438 S1 St. Ste 6 Lincoln, NE 68502 402 438 6785 Patio-Ponics 3255 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 4 Lincoln, NE 68504 402-466-9218 _________________________

_________________________

Advanced Gardens Hydroponics 3111 South Valley View, (on Desert Inn West of Valley View) Suite V103 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-257-4769 _________________________ 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 Grow Hydro Gardens 5870 s Decatur Suite 11 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-997-7053 Local 866-568-4769 Toll Free GrowHydroGardens.com 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 Box 34869 Reno, Nevada 89533 The Hydro Store

121 Woodland Ave #160

Reno NV 89523 775-787-2760

NEW HAMPSHIRE 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 _________________________

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

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

Green Thumb Organics 249 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376 636-397-4769 (GROW) _________________________ MONTANA Heightened Harvests 3103 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 406-494-4222 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

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

Paradigm Gardens 8949 J Street, Suite 5, Omaha, NE 68127 402-339-4949 _________________________ NEVADA Carson Valley Hydroponics 2520 Empire Ranch Road, Carson City, NV 89701 775-884-4769 Lorraine Ink 290 Spear Court, Fernley, NV 89408 775-575-7757 Hydro Store, The 1014 W. Sunset Road, Henderson, NV 89014 702-434-7365 AAA Indoor Organic Garden SuperCenter 2101 S. Decatur Boulevard, #21, Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-450-4769

Greenlife Garden Supply 885 Second Street Manchester, NH 03102 603-782 8259 www.greenlifegardensupply.com The Beez Kneez Garden Supply 180 Emerald St., Keene, NH 03431 603-903-1488 info@thebeezkneezgardensupply.com www.thebeezkneezgardensupply.com _________________________

Hydro101 545 Hooksett Rd. #24 Manchester, NH 03104 603-782-8894 _________________________ Natural Roots Hydroponics 24 Crown St. Nashua NH 03060 603-204-5528 Four Seasons Horticulture Supply 2076 White Mountain Hwy. North Conway, NH 03860 603-733-5444 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 _________________________

greentouch2 HYDRO PO N I C S

I N C .

Green Touch 2 Hydroponics Inc. 888 Route 33, Unit 1, Hamilton, NJ 08619 609-570-8829 _________________________ 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 _________________________ Santa Fe Hydroponics 821 W. San Mateo Road, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-467-8454 NEW YORK Organica: Garden Supply & Hydroponics 296 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 12209 518-618-7666 The Grow Room 32-32 49th Street Astoria, NY 11103 718-218-GROW (4769) Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 19 Front Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-2005; 800-850-4769

Bklyn Hydro & Garden 316 McGuiness Blvd Brooklyn NY 11222 718-383-0095 Brooklyn Farms 51Hicks Street St. Brooklyn, NY 11231 347-725-3491

Revolution Hydroponics 309 West State St. Olean NY 14760 716.373.Grow (4769)

Indoor Outdoor Gardener 8223 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-836-2402

Environmental Gardens 8 John Walsh Boulevard, Suite 310 Peekskills, NY 10566 800-254-0507; 914-736-6676

Hydroponics of Buffalo 1497 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216 716-838-3545

Harvest Moon Hydroponics Henrietta Townline Plaza, 3047 West Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 716-865-7353

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 340 West at 59, Central Nyack, NY 10960 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 _________________________ Sunflower Supplies, LLC 176-18 Central Ave Farmingdale, NY 11735 631-651-8281

Mor Gro Hydroponics 5680 State Route 104 E Oswego , NY 13126 315-877-8725

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 4575 Commercial Drive New Hartford, NY 13413 877-KG-HYDRO LiquidSun of New York 1702 Fiero ave Rotterdam, NY 12150 518-952-4654

518-480-4698 Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 10 Saratoga Ave S. Glen Falls, NY 12803 518-798-820 Greentree Garden Supply 606 Elmira Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-3666 Mike’s Nursery and Grower Supplies 199 E. Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750 716-763-1612 Hudson Valley Hydroponics 217 Route 32 North, New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-3633 _________________________

The Green Box 495 9th Avenue NY NY 10018 212 967 4777 thegreenboxhydro.com _________________________

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

Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics 2045 Niagara Falls Blvd, Suite 13 Niagara Falls, NY 14304 888-GROWBOX

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

The Grow Room 8 Bridge Street, Nyack, NY 10960 800-449-9630

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 _________________________

Hydroponics Shops of America 2606 Erie Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13224 315-251-2516 _________________________

East Coast Hydroponics 14649 Horace Harding Exp, Flushing, NY 11367 718-762-8880 Healthy Harvest Organics and Hydro 163 Broadway, Fort Edwart, NY 12828

________________________

Green Zone Hydroponics 2148 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tonawanda, NY. 14150 716-693-9663 _________________________ Harvest Moon Hydroponics 147 Fourth Street, Troy, NY 10960 Follow The Sun 1185 B Yonkers Ave Yonkers, N.Y 10704 914-237-2760 NORTH CAROLINA Advanced Hydroponic Garden 55 Shiloh Road #6 Asheville, NC 28803 1 (828) 277-3488Fifth 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 ________________________

BWGS-NC 4045 Perimeter West Drive,Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28214 800-316-1306 ________________________

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 _________________________

Purely Hydroponic, LLC 1507 Lear Industrial Pkwy. Avon, OH 44011 866-787-5060 _________________________ 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 834 Ohio Pike #318 Cincinnati, Ohio 45245 513-528-4769 Eastside Hydroponics 550 Ohio Pike #136 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 Miami Valley Hydro 8220 N. Dixie Dr. Dayton OH 45414 937-280-4468 Gardening-Indoor 48977 Calcutta-Smiths Ferry Rd., East Liverpool OH 43920 330-932-1023 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 Wholesale 1144 N Memorial Drive Lancaster, OH 43130 855-210-5599 _________________________ 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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

181

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors 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 Green Garden Indoor Garden Center 1664 North Main St. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-494-1234 Pet Finatics LLC 3150 Navarre Ave Suite A Oregon OH 43616 Indoor Gardens 1222 Hill Road, North, Pickerington, OH 43147 614-866-6065 _________________________

Trinity Hydro Organics 465 Woodman Drive Riverside, OH 45431 937-252-GROW _________________________ 4 Ever Green Grow Shop 5228 Detroit Rd. Sheffield, Ohio 44035 440-934-2664 Toledo Hydroponics Ltd. 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 2 Toledo, OH 43615 877-893-0716 Organic Garden Center

5215 Monroe St. Toledo OH 43623 419-517-8110 _________________________

Plant Lighting Hydroponics 2201-A Pinnacle Parkway Twinsburg, OH 44087 888-258-0670 _________________________ Greenleaf Hydroponics 1805 Elm Road, Warren, OH 44483 330-372-1039 Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, West Carrolton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 Gardening-Indoor 9215 Market St. Youngstown (North Lima) OH 44452 330 758 0272 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

182

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 2800 N Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 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 _________________________

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

________________________

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 _________________________ Healthy Harvest 1635 SE Tualatin Valley Hwy., Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-640-0995 _________________________

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

Advanced Organics & Garden Supply 290- B Merlin Avenue Merlin, Oregon 97532 541-659-1466 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 541-265-8252 _________________________

Garden Supplies

Gorilla Garden Supply 2011 Union Ave, North Bend, OR 97459 541-756-5005 _________________________ Green Garden Indoor Garden Center

1664 North Main St. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-494-1234 _________________________

Indoor Garden Depot 3260 SE Oak Grove Blvd., Oak Grove, OR 97267-1421 503-786-2445 _________________________ 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 _________________________

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

BWGS-OR 18201 NE Portal Way, Ste. 104 Portland, OR 97230 888-316-1306 _________________________ 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 Moonshine Park Farm 135 South East 62nd, Unit F South Beach, OR 97366 541-444-2298 J-N-B Hydro 2 Go 155 West Central Avenue, Sutherlin, OR 97479 541-459-9211 Samurai Greenhouse Supply 32067 Old Hwy. 34 Tanget, OR 97389 541-928-3431 Grow America Garden Supply LLC 11511 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, OR 97223 503-841-6868 Pharmer Hydroponics 11135 SW Industrial Way Bldg 10-4 Tualatin, OR 97062 503-486-5751 PENNSYLVANIA Pocono Hydroponic Solutions 25 Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321 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 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 830 Route 119, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-1118 Buds to Blooms Garden and Supply Co., LLC 509 Orchard Avenue Kennett Square, PA 19348 484-860-8056 _________________________

The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-9676 _________________________ Flairform PO 1417, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-395-6353 _________________________

RH Distribution PO 1417, Lansdale, PA 19446 888-545-8112 _________________________ Esbenshades Greenhouses 546A East 28th Div Hwy Lititz Pa 17543 717-626-7007 Hydro Ponics of Harrisburg 310 South 10th Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043 877-684-3808 Always Green Garden Supply 4400 Old William Penn Hwy Ste. 106 Monroeville PA 15146 412-646-1243 New Stanton Hydro 150 Post Ave. New Stanton, PA. 15672 724-635-0297 Hydrofarm East 270 Canal Road Fairless Hills, PA 19030 888-780-4567 The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-9676 Esbenshades Greenhouses 546A East 28th Div Hwy Lititz Pa 17543 717-626-7007Full Bloom Hydroponics 84 South 24th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 888-872-3602 Gardening-Indoor 20550 Rt. #19 Cranberry Twp. Pitsburgh PA 16066 724 591 8086 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 2008 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-232-7030 Healthy Gardens and Supply 1012 Lincoln Avenue, Prospect Park, PA 19076 866-32-HYDRO Northeast Hydroponics &

Homebrewing

221 Scranton Carbondale Hwy. Scranton PA 18508 570-209-7924

Full Time Garden Supply

1011 Ritner Highway Shippensburg PA.17257 717-477-0350 www.fulltimegardensupply.com Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 9 North Main St. Washington, PA 15301 724-222-0200 Western Pennsylvania Innovative Gardening 1177 Pittsburgh Road, Suite 103 Valencia, PA 16059 724-903-0800 Organic Garden Center 800 Washington Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17701 570-322-3120 _________________________

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 450 Grim Lane, York,PA 17406 877-779-7111(Northeast) _________________________ PA Hydroponics & Home Gardening Supply 20 Quaker Church Road, York Springs, PA 17372 717-528-4175 RHODE ISLAND Oakworld Garden Center 39 West Street, Barrington, RI 02806 401-245-5705 Solar Seed Hydroponics, Inc. 2406 Putman Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814 401-710-9010 Organically Grown 768 Atwood Ave Cranston, RI 02920 401-944-0549 Hydro-Earth 1243 Mineral Springs Avenue, North Providence, RI 02904 401-305-5520 The Organic Grow Hut 375 Putnam Pike- Ste 13 Smithfield, RI 02828 401-349-4141 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 GreenSpirit Hydrogarden 1864 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29405 843-225-1GRO Skyes the Limit 455 B Fleming Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 843-566-2121 www.skyesthelimitsc.com

247 Garden Supply 535 D Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29229 803-788-4445 The Urban Garden Hydroponics 9557 Two Notch Rd. Ste. E Columbia, SC 29223 803-788-9313 Okatie Organics and Hydroponics 138 Short Cut Rd. Ridgeland SC 29936 _________________________

All Season Hydroponics 1350 Hwy. 501 Business, Store 3&4 Conway, SC 29526 843-347-9266 _________________________ Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More 1230 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC 29609 864-271-8830 _________________________

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

Green Earth Products Inc. 5700 Highway 79 S.,Unit 1, Rapid City, SD 57702 605-342-1307 _________________________ TENNESSEE Innovative Hydroponic Supply Inc. 3286 North Park Blvd. Unit G Alcoa TN 37701 865 984 0280 Atlantis Hydroponics 1800 Rossville Avenue, #3, Chattanooga, TN 37408 423-752-5400 Advanced Hydroponic Garden 783 French Mill Road, Dandridge, TN 37725 800-521-1643 Perpetual Harvest 75 Riverport Drive, Jackson, TN 38301 877-422-3391 Advanced Hydroponic Garden 6912 Clinton Highway, Knoxville, TN 37921 866-938-3318 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 _________________________ All Seasons Gardening and Brewing Supply Co. 924 8th Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37203 800-790-2188

_________________________

Worm’s Way Tennessee 901 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37072 800-397-4153 _________________________ TEXAS Abundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 3101 Avenue E East, Arlington, 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 Third Coast Horticulture Supplies 7010 Burnet Rd., Ste.A Austin, TX 78757 512 459 4353 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 Hydrofarm Central 950 Avenue S Grand Prairie, TX 75050-1133 800-634-9999 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 9001 Frey Road Houston TX 77034 713-943-1115 In-N-Out Garden Supply 11011 S Wilcrest Drive Ste K Houston, TX 77099 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 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 5121 Crest Way Dr., Ste. 203 San Antonio, TX 78239 210-248-9309 www.bihydro.com _________________________

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 UTAH Wasatch Hydroponics 4050 South Howick, Suite 11E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107 801-716-4133 _________________________

Salt Lake Plant & Hydro 60 West 3300 S. #6 South Salt Lake, UT 84115 801-488-3200 _________________________ 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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

183

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors VIRGINIA Fifth Season Gardening Co. 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 West VIRGINIA Panhandle Hydroculture 800 East Moler Ave. Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-240-7587 Almost Heaven Hydroponics 3476 University Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505 304-598-5911 WASHINGTON _________________________

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 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 Island Horticulture Supply 1500 Port Dr., Burlington, WA 98233 360 293 0000 www.islandhorticulture.com

184

_________________________

Indoor Tropics 5930 Sunburst Lane #B Cashmere, WA 98815 509-470-7782 _________________________ Garden Smart 500 Bond Drive, Castlerock, WA 98611 360-274-7960 Grow Center, The 615 South Fir DeerPark WA 99006 509-276-GROW _________________________

Indoor Tropics 704 N. Wenas St. Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-933-4441 _________________________ Healthy Grow Indoor Garden Supplies 10 SE Everett Mall Way Suite B Everett WA 98208 425-374-2227 _________________________

Indoor Garden Depot 8630 Evergreen Way, Suite B Everett, WA 98208 425-347-0700 _________________________

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

North West Hydro Supply 1355 Pacific Pl, Ste. 101 Ferndale WA 98248 360 778 3254 _________________________ Fife Indoor Garden Center

1422 54th Ave. E. Fife WA 98424 253 922 5352 Good 2 Gro 3507 W Clearwater Ave. Kennewick WA 99336 509-737-1313 Hefty Harvest Garden & Hydroponic Supply

2825 Marvin Road NE Ste M Lacey WA 98516 360-628-8964 _________________________

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

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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 Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply 1204 East Wheeler Road, Moses Lake, WA 98837 509-766-5856 M & R Lighting 17238 Memorial Drive, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-848-1080 Northern Lights Gardening 1524 Riverside Dr #2 Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-982-2217 ________________________

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 329 Wells Ave. S., Renton WA 98057 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) ________________________ Grogro Hydro 12316 32nd AVE NE #103 Seattle, WA 98125

Hydro-Tech 2121 Aurora Avenue, North, Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-2202 ________________________

Seattle's Hydro Spot 917 NW 49th St. Seattle, WA 98107 206-784-2161 ________________________

Sodo Hydro 1727 1st Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134 206-682-9377 888-90HYDRO (904-9376) __________________________ Northwest Horticultur-e 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 ________________________

Waterworks Hydroponics 5039 S. Washington Tacoma, WA 98409 253-301-4343 waterworkshydro@hotmail.com ________________________ Garden City Hydroponics 14103 Pacific Ave., S. Tacoma WA 98444 253-301-3985 ________________________

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 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 H2oGrow 1150 Madison rd Beloit WI 53511 608-289-1852 Brew and Grow 285 N. Janacek Road, Brookfield, WI 53045 262-789-0555 Sustainable Growth LLC

218 N Dewey St. Eau Claire WI 54703 715-901-0511 Garden Supply Guys 752 Memorial Drive - Suite A Green Bay, WI 54303 920-857-9493 Hydro Your Own 8501-75th Street, Unit C Kenosha, WI 53142 262 697 6112 Brew and Grow 3317 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53716 608-226-8910 _________________________

Paradigm Gardens 4501 Helgesen Drive, Madison, WI 53718 608-241-3800 _________________________ Brew and Grow 2246 Bluemound Road Ste. B Waukesha, WI 53186 262-717-0666 PUERTO RICO _________________________

Tecno-Hydro Ave Campo Rico GJ17, PO Box 1450 Carolina, PR 00982 787-752-8252 _________________________

WiN big! groW big!

maXimum yielD’s

4 Chances to WiN

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

1 WiN

2 WiN

Xtreme Prize Pack

nutrifield Prize Pack

The Xtreme prize pack includes 1 qt. each of: Xtreme Veg, Xtreme Juice and Xtreme Boost. Xtreme Veg is an all-in-one root and grow stimulator made from organic matter and seaweed kelp. Xtreme Juice increases efficiency of mineral fertilizers. Xtreme Boost promotes enzyme production, improves resistant to disease and encourages fruit swelling. Visit xtremenutrients.com

The Nutrifield prize pack includes: Lucius Maximus digital ballast, NF Coco, NF Zyme and EP FM2 fans. The Lucius Maximus durable, energy-saving digital ballast works on HPS and MH lamps. NF Coco’s improved formula features amino acids, phyto nutrients, vitamins enzymes and more. NF Zyme’s unique formula will optimize root growth. EP FM2 centrifugal fans are built for highouput conditions. Visit nutrifield.us

3 WiN

4 WiN

exHale Homegrown co2 From urban agricultural

current culture H2o Prize Pack

ExHale® Homegrown CO2 is a revolution in indoor CO2 production. ExHale cultivates CO2 24 hours a day with no need to refill bottles or use expensive CO2 production units. ExHale is designed for a 4- by 4-ft. area and is guaranteed to produce CO2 for at least six months. Maintenance free! No heat! No electricity! Just CO2. Visit exhaleco2bags.com

Current Culture H2O is giving away a UC Solo™ single module water culture system and Cultured Solutions™ premium plant nutrient sample pack. Includes a 13-gal. growth module, Heavy Harvest lid with convenient porthole, custom-molded heavy-duty net pot, drain valve kit, Eco Plus dual air pump, air hose, two medium round air stones and Growstones™. Visit cch2o.com

draw closes on december 15, 2012. For complete contest rules, go to maximumyield.com/winbig prizes might not be exactly as shown.

COMING UP IN January 2013

DO YOU KNOW?

Most seeds will germinate at a temperature of 68 to 86°F, with 75°F being ideal for many plants.

Coming up in January Hi-Tech Propagation While the basic principles of plant propagation have been understood and used for centuries, these days we have a whole host of new technology, equipment, products and knowledge that have made vast improvements on this process.

Making a Good Garden Great Matt LeBannister offers a few foolproof methods and products that are almost certain to increase yields, improve plant health and enhance flavors and aromas.

Year-round Blueberry Production With their high antioxidant levels, blueberries are in high demand and—thanks to protected cultivation—it is now possible to produce quality berries locally over a long season.

www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield USA January will be available next month for free at select indoor gardening retail stores across the country and on maximumyield.com Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions Every month Maximum Yield’s E-News brings you the latest news, tips and tricks, reader questions, contests and upcoming events. If you are not yet subscribed to our mailing list, sign up today at maximumyield.com/enewssignup

186

Maximum Yield USA | December 2012

E. coli is responsible for 85.7% of outbreaks caused by fresh fruit and vegetables.

3..

The humus theory suggested that it was the earth—that is, the soil the plant was rooted in—that provided all the ingredients (food and structural material) that constituted the plant.

The most common strains of beneficial micro-organisms used can be broken down into three categories: trichoderma, mycorrhiza and beneficial bacteria.

Many of the healthy super foods popular with indoor growers—such as salad greens, lettuce, many fresh herbs, sprouts, micro-greens and wheat grass—are in the highest risk category for foodborne illnesses because they are largely consumed raw and unpeeled.

Growing seedlings (until transplantation) in a totally environmentally controlled room could make it possible to produce perfect vegetable seedlings at any time of the year without reference to the outside conditions.

The root mass is the main channel for nutrient absorption, the foundation for structural integrity and the area where the largest population of beneficial micro-organisms can be found.

Accelerated nutrient uptake in plants is the result of by-product enzymes produced by micro-organisms.