Maximum Yield USA June 2011

USA

FREE

Oxygenate, Respirate or Suffocate

Biological Controls: Past present & future

by Lee McCall

DIVERSIFY AND THRIVE:

Today’s Ideas, Tomorrow’s Advancements www.maximumyield.com

2011

Indoor gardenING expo SAN FRancisco California, USA July 16-17

long beach california, usa october 22-23

NEW: Follow us on Twitter

indoorgardeningexpo.com

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FEATURES 46

CONTENTS June 2011

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Biological Control: Past, Present, Future

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Oxygenate, Respirate or Suffocate

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Bonsai

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Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)

by Donald Lester

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

by Brookelynn Morris

by Michael Bloch

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The Great Organic Hydroponic Debate-Part 1

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Waste Not: Compost Bins and Garden Waste Disposal

From the Editor Letters to the Editor MaximumYield.com Simon Says MAX Facts Product Spotlight

by Casey Jones Fraser

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Oceans of Life: Deriving Nutrients From Marine Life

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Ventilation - the Whole Truth

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Diversify and Thrive

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Foliar Nutrition for Plants

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How to Keep Your Yields Thriving With Optimal pH

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Sustainable Food Systems 101

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Think Inside the Pot: Container Garden and Design

DEPARTMENTS 10 12 14 20 22 32

by Noucetta Kehdi

76 92 108 116 128 150

by Matt LeBannister

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by Jack Van Camp

by Lee McCall

by Bentley Mills

by Beth Dumey and Steve Goldberg

by OmOrganics

by Dave Watkins

Beginner’s Corner Avant-Gardening Tips and Tricks Growing for Health Green Thumb Gardening

160 165 170 171 172

Talking Shop Max Mart Coming up in July Do You Know?

Distributors

You Tell Us

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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FROM THE editor

jessica raymond

LIMITELDE DOUBION EDIT The industry is counting down the days to our 8th Annual San Francisco Indoor Gardening Expo just over one month away.

Our special gift to you in celebration of this highly anticipated event is our Limited Double Edition Set of MaximumYield USA. The June and July magazines promise a literal explosion of product reviews, grow tips and giveaways.We fit every article we could into these two issues from your favorite contributors.

What can you expect when you flip through the following 184 pages? Dozens of new products from the industry’s best manufacturers (many of which will be on hand in San Fran to demonstrate their latest offerings) including grow lights, organic nutrients, supplements and soilless mixes, bulbs and ballasts and much more.

Plus: learn how to miniaturize your favorite tree with the ancient art of bonsai; employ biological strategies to control garden pests; detect and prevent oxygen starvation; and mix up a complete nutrient recipe for your plants with sea sources.

For our latest grow gear giveaway, flip to page 185 and enter online at http://maximumyield.com/contests.php If you haven’t already done so, visit www.indoorgardenexpo.com to plan your trip to San Francisco the weekend of July 16 to 17.There you can view a complete list of exhibitors, get directions to the venue and check out our suggested list of tourist

contributors

Jessica Raymond, Editor editor@maximumyield.com

Michael Bloch is the owner and

Matt LeBannister developed a

Lee McCall is an alumnus of Johnson &

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

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

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

Donald Lester is the plant

Jack Van Camp has been working

Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden

Beth Dumey is senior marketing

Steven Goldberg is marketing

Brookelynn Morris loves green;

Dave Watkins hails from the Shires

editor of GreenLivingTips.com, an online resource powered by renewable energy. The site offers a wide variety of earth friendly tips, green guides, advice and environment-related news to help consumers and businesses reduce costs, consumption and environmental impact.

Tech. degree and a PhD in hydroponic greenhouse production from Massey University, New Zealand. Lynette is a partner with SUNTEC International Hydroponic Consultants and has authored five hydroponic technical books. Visit www.suntec.co.nz/ consultants.htm and www.suntec. co.nz/books.htm for more information.

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

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

Noucetta Kehdi is the co-founder

and administrator of General Hydroponics in Europe. Noucetta got involved in hydroponics in the early 1990’s and in 1996 she moved to the southwest of France where she took care of a greenhouse educating herself on all things hydroponics.

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attractions for the whole family. Make sure you pick up Maximum Yield July for the second magazine in our Limited Double Edition Set for more of what you love.

To compliment this duo of magazines is the launch of our new Hydrolife Magazine, which will be handed out to all attendees at the San Francisco Expo. Celebrating the lifestyle and passions of the hobby grower, Hydrolife offers a vibrant editorial mix of grow tips, extreme sports, music and the arts, gear and clothing, events and so much more. Learn more at Facebook. com/MYhydrolife and Twitter.com/ MYhydrolife

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

products manager at JH Biotech, Inc., a California based agricultural technology company with 27 OMRI certified products. Donald has a master’s degree in agronomy with an emphasis in entomology. He is an agricultural scientist with over 10 years of research experience and 50 scientific publications to his credit. communications specialist for Oakton Instruments. As a professional communicator, her articles have appeared in a variety of trade magazines, newsletters, and online venues. Visit www.4oakton.com

besides the moss and redwood trees that flourish on her property, her favorite plants include foxglove, violets and calla lilies. When it comes to indoor gardening, Brookelynn is an expert in growing ebb and flow hydroponics. Don’t tell anyone, but she often goes at least two weeks without changing her reservoir.

for Homegrown Hydroponics. He has years of hands-on hydroponic gardening experience and will answer all of your questions through the Homegrown Hydroponics website at www.hydroponics.com He loves to share his knowledge with eager gardeners both locally and around the world. manager for Oakton Instruments and has more than 21 years experience both in the laboratory and marketing as well as developing laboratory instrumentation including pH meters.

of England and has spent the last 30 years answering gardening questions for radio and television. His common sense solutions and suggestions are the hallmark of his advice. His present goal is to involve and encourage more children to garden. Dave is president of the local Carnation Society and vice president of the county Fuchsia society.

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LETTERS TO the editor Opposing View Dr. J. Benton Jones’ article “What Should We Know About Biological Inoculants?” (February 2011), is spot on, but only if you are willing to pretend that decomposition is the only task accomplished by biological activity in the rhizosphere. Unfortunately it’s not. Other far more vital functions of fungi and bacteria are nutrient fixing, nitrogen cycling (nitrate/nitrite), nutrient transport and “cracking” natural potassium compounds to make them available. Even if all an organism does is eat and reproduce and excrete, it is participating in vital soil and rhizosphere activity. Not all of this is strictly related to decomposition, though it is driven by the activity of the organism. I would direct readers to a series of lectures given by Dr. Elaine Ingham and Carole Ann Rollins, PhD entitled “Adding Biology for Soil and Hydroponic Systems,” published by the Sustainable Studies Institute, Corvallis, OR. As to competition with the subject plant for soil resources, in good organic practice, one feeds the organisms that by their activity feed the plant, so “competition” for resources isn’t what is happening at all. Only if you must persist in the idea that you are feeding the plant by fertilizing in an organic system does this assertion make sense. Ideally you are not; you are feeding the natural nutrient cycling of the soil. If all components of the soil are adequate, there should be no need to add any fertilizer to the system at all. In the natural world everything has its place. I disagree with Dr. Jones’ assertions.

Anonymous

via Facebook How can I get the magazine? I’m in Puerto Rico.

Thanks - Eduardo Machado

Tecno-Hydro in Carolina carries Maximum Yield. Located at Ave Campo Rico GJ17 Phone: 1-787-752-8252 Stop in to Autumn Bloom Hydroponics for your free copy of this amazing magazine! We are Central Illinois’ premiere hydroponic/organic gardening store.

Man I love this mag. I work at a supply shop in Montana and the info from your mag helps me better explain procedures and products. - Bo Stephens Thanks for all of the great articles and valuable information! Education is the way to achieve maximum yields. Keep on keeping the growers on top of the latest industry news! - SD Hydro 12

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

GROWING

FOR HEALT

H

WHY SHO ULD

Precise pH

ABOU

I CARE

T pH?

In the recent article, “Why should I care about

by Charlen e Rennick pH?” there are some Have you misleading statements. ever wond “p” in “p ered why H” the while the is a lower-case let “H ter Although hydrogen is an does it me ” is capitalized?

What an? essential plant nutrient element, pH has no direct relationship to the hydrogen nutritional status of a plant. The pH of the rooting medium— whether a nutrient solution or a material substance (organic or inorganic)— does affect the ionic conditions that surround the plant root and ion absorption, the optimum pH being on the acidic side between pH 5.8 and 6.4. Actually the rhizosphere around the plant root is very acidic, in the range between 4.5 and 5.5, the acidity coming from the hydrogen ions generated by root respiration.

Water is not primarily root absorbed by osmosis, but is drawn into the root by the “pull” created by the transpiration stream.

As water is evaporated from leaf surfaces via transpiration, the water column that exists in the xylem vessels in the entire plant, provides the “force” that pulls water into the root. Some ions that are in the water surrounding the root are also drawn in, although most ions are selectivity absorbed.

There is no such thing as “hydrogen osmosis.” The hydrogen that is required by plants is derived from root absorbed water.

In the process of photosynthesis, a water molecule is split, the hydrogen atom released combined with a molecule of carbon dioxide to form a carbohydrate molecule, and in this process, a molecule of oxygen is released into the atmosphere.

Osmosis is the movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane into a region of higher solute concentration.

Osmosis only occurs in the so-called “free space” that exists in root tissues. The ability of ions to move through the root membrane against a concentration gradient from the solution surrounding the root into the plant root requires energy that is obtained from root respiration. This is why plant root function requires that the surrounding root environment be aerobic.

Reverse osmosis devices generate pure water by passing water through a series of membranes that strip ions and molecules from the water. Reverse osmosis devices are very efficient in removing all dissolved substances as well as some small suspended molecular substances. Therefore, the additional need to pass RO-generated water through an activated carbon filter is usually not necessary.

“The leve l of pH is measured of zero to on a 14 highest con with zero represent scale ing centration represent of acid and the ative of the 14 most alka line.”

The “p” stand s for potential gen. Okay, and the so that mak es it as clear “H” stands for hydroHydrogen? as mud. Wha A scientific t is potential explanation to the plan t’s ability to would state attract hydr that pH refer explanation ogen ions. s says pH is A less scien the acid/alk Translated tific aline balan into a lang ce. uage those understand, of us the both the wate pH level refers to the without a PhD can acidity and r alkalinity of is too acidic, and the growing med ium that means the plant will . If the environment hydrogen, whil not attract enough tract too muc e an environment that is h fluctuates from hydrogen. An environm too alkaline will atent that cont one extre unhealthy inually for the plan me on the pH scale to t. the other is Hydrogen is one of four survive. With elements all out hydrogen living plan ts need to able to take , the plant in nutr ients would wilt . Plants abso and not be water via a rb hydrogen process calle d osmosis* through the cycle is wha . This t keeps nutr ients traveling hydrogen-osmosis the plant. Onc from the wate no amount e a plant has died due of water that to lack of wate r into can The level of r, pH is measure be added to it that will there is zero represen ting the high d on a scale of zero to revive it.

14 est concentr ation of acid with and 14

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Maximum

Yield USA

| February 2011

JBJ We want to hear from you!

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

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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Coming up on the Web Upcoming Events

8th Annual San Francisco Expo 2011 (SFIGE11) Maximum Yield’s 2011 Indoor Gardening Expo Tour will once again be making a stop in San Francisco, July 16 to 17 at the Fort Mason Center. This event offers education and entertainment rolled into one. We look forward to seeing you all in San Fran in just over one month. Countdown with us to this world-class event on indoorgardenexpo.com

Contests Win BIG and Grow BIG by entering our latest contest

by June 15, 2011. Gear up for grabs includes: Vital Earth’s® PHC BioPak® (one pound jar), COM-100 Waterproof TDS/EC (Nutrient) Meter by HM Digital, Inc., JD Lightings 600 Watt Electronic Ballast and Nature’s Solution Organic Products.

Latest News What’s it going to take to preserve the world’s second favorite spice—vanilla? What really happens to waste plumes from fish farms? What would a forest in an office look like? These questions and more are answered this month in Latest News.

Connect to MaximumYield.com instantly from your Smartphone with our Quick Response (QR) Code, found on the cover of every issue of Maximum Yield. Now you can access the best products, the most in-depth articles and information, and the latest news at high speeds. Simply download the QR Code Reader software compatible with your Smartphone, scan the QR Code and your phone’s browser will automatically launch, redirecting you to www.maximumyield.com. It’s that simple!

Connect with Maximum Yield

www.maximumyield.com www.facebook.com/MaximumYield www.indoorgardeningexpo.com twitter.com/max_yield

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

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Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

I N D O O R

G A R D E N I N G

VOLUME 12 – NUMBER 3 June 2011 Maximum Yield is published monthly by Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

If undeliverable please return to the address above.

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

Publication Agreement Number 40739092 Printed In Canada.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson EDITOR - Jessica Raymond jessica@maximumyield.com ADVERTISING SALES 250.729.2677 Linda Jesson - linda@maximumyield.com Lisa Lambersek - lisa@maximumyield.com Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com Christina Indseth - christina@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Mike Linden - mike@maximumyield.com Daniel Peters - daniel@maximumyield.com Tina Skujins - tina@maximumyield.com Jennifer Duong - jennifer@maximumyield.com ACCOUNTING - Lee Anne Veres leeanne@maximumyield.com USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS General Hydroponics Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply R&M Supply Tradewinds CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Quality Wholesale UK DISTRIBUTION Growth Technology Hydrogarden Northern Hydroponic Wholesale Nutriculture UK AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION House N Garden Futchatec Growth Technology Hydraspher

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T-Nou Full Page

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SIMON says

Simon, Is crop rotation important in hydroponics? What are the most common issues or pests that the serious home hydroponic grower might face when using this technique?

Thanks, Stevan

For centuries people have been using crop rotation when producing agricultural crops. Even today, rotation is recommended as a great method for the backyard gardener producing food for the family. There are several reasons to practice crop rotation. On a commercial scale, things like economics, commodity prices and sometimes water use can be determining factors, although for the home gardener, these aren’t the likely reasons. Cycling of crops to avoid pests and disease is another function of rotation that benefits home and commercial growers alike. This is a tremendous benefit to annual food production, compared to perennial systems where you can move crops away from a problem and restart.

Nutritional needs are also an interesting reason to keep the flow of crops dynamic. Some plants feed very heavily, some lightly; others can actually renew fertilizer values in soils. One example would be legumes, which associate with nitrogen fixing bacteria for a net positive benefit of N in the soil at the end of the crop. This shows another possible benefit of modifying or enhancing soil biology and in turn, soil quality. The last benefit is related to the use of different plant’s root growth to change soils texture. As you can see, there are a variety of reasons for crop rotation.

How does this relate to hydroponics, and is it important? My first impression is that it is hard to see any of these benefits being important in a hobby 20

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

hydroponic system. However, the rotation to reduce disease and insect pressure could come into play, which brings us to the second question.

Greenhouse growers and indoor gardeners have similar issues when it comes to pests. At the core of the issue is the artificial environment, which in many cases can be useful to the horticulturalist but in the case of pest pressure is an Achilles heel. Without the balance of a natural system, when something detrimental infiltrates the system, the spread can be shockingly quick without the biological balance of

“If...production managers are choosing biological, it is not because they are feeling warm and fuzzy about the environment.” the outside world. Those of us that have seen powdery mildew or mites move through gardens know how vigilant the grower must be.

There is no substitute for the observational diligence of the grower managing any pest-related issue quickly and effectively. The most common issues will be regional and also directly related to the plants being grown. As always, I defer to the local shop as the authority on local problems and the solutions they have found to be effective. Air intake into the grow room is a major source of contamination and there are now products available to

reduce this possibility by filtering the intake air. Remember that movement of people in and out of the grow room is probably the second most common contamination source, so be aware of this vector as well.

Looking at the commercial greenhouse system in North America we can use their incredible research to really look at the most cost effective solutions, albeit on a commercial scale.

Because of the contained artificial environment, the use of pesticides has always had a major role, and chemical pesticides still have a strong presence in the market. Attending commercial shows and browsing industry magazines I have observed a tremendous shift to biological solutions. With the lean margins in greenhouse vegetable production, if these production managers are choosing biological, it is not because they are feeling warm and fuzzy about the environment. It’s because those parasitic wasps or predatory nematodes are functioning to a higher level that the chemical option and can be a more effective solution to keep their systems running at the highest efficiency possible. Keep this in mind and see if your local shop has some biological solutions the next time you visit. MY Do you have a question for Simon?

Send it to simon@maximumyield.com with the words “Simon Says” in the subject line, and your answer will be printed in an upcoming edition.

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Vanilla: Preserving a World Favorite Flavor Vanilla is one of the world’s best-loved flavors, second only to chocolate; it’s also the second most expensive spice after saffron, and demand for it is increasing all the time. Highly labor intensive cultivation methods and the plant’s temperamental lifecycle and propagation mean production on a global scale is struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for the product. But now its future in the global food industry could be more secure, thanks to research at The University of Nottingham’s Malaysia campus (UNMC).

Scientists at UNMC are working to create new and robust methods for the cloning of some economic species and some rare species of the orchid through tissue culture. Tissue culture or cloning of a high quality parent plant from somatic cells offers a viable and simple method for the large scale commercial production of vanilla plants.

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

Nevisian Pastor Set to Establish a Sustainable Children’s Home in Zimbabwe Pastor Allison Da Costa of Nevis based Calvary Baptist Church is establishing “House of Hope,” a sustainable home that will help alleviate the suffering of the estimated 1.6 million orphans in Zimbabwe. Plans for the home include a garden where the employees can grow their own food.

(Source: www.sknvibes.com)

Fish Farm Waste Can Drift to Distant Shores Concentrated waste plumes from fish farms—dissolved substances from feces, undigested food and other forms of discharge—doesn’t dilute immediately and could travel significant distances to reach coastlines, according to a new study from the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University.

The paper is the first detailed look at how ‘real world’ variables, such as tides, currents, Earth’s rotation and the physical structure of the pens themselves, influence the flow of waste from fish farms. The research can serve as an important tool for determining the impacts of aquaculture discharge on waterways and surrounding shorelines.

The findings suggest that regulators need to consider the full range of possible influences on the movement of pollution plumes—and accurately identify the dominant factors—when designing water quality regulations for and monitoring waste from aquaculture.

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

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Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

International Seed Day Reminds Us to Choose Patent-Free Seeds Food activists from around the globe—including the Institute for Near Eastern Studies—celebrated International Seed Day by reminding people to celebrate the holiday by enjoying the benefits of patent-free seeds.

The battle is on against patented seeds and thus far, it’s been a pretty bad year for the organic team. The US is leading the pack in a big way with 66.8 million hectares or 165 million acres of GMO crops currently being cultivated. This is a seven million acres increase from just two years ago.

(Source: www.treehugger.com)

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Bring the Outdoors In Talk about an urban jungle. In Paris, two companies, Pons and Huot, share one of the more remarkable offices in the city. “Forest Through the Table” is the result of a renovation of an old industrial workshop. Taking advantage of the wide spaces and high ceiling, a self-cleaning glass roof was installed to bring in tons of sunlight. The office is set on top of a solid oak platform into which each individual workspace it cut, and then topped with a Plexiglass dome. Visitors are guided by a “peripheral path-system” that leads them where they need to go.

(Source: www.treehugger.com)

New Biodegradable Materials for Greenhouse Soil Mulching Research results from laboratory tests and field trials to evaluate the performances of new biodegradable mulches reported that the examined innovative materials—paper sheets coated with different biodegradable polymer mixtures—could be alternative solutions to the use of traditional plastic films.

(Source: www.helpinggrowers.com)

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Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Easy Methods for Growing Potatoes From giant, starchy baking potatoes to small, waxy fingerlings; from pale white to deep purple, there are almost endless options available to you when you grow your own potatoes. According to garden writer Doug Hall, there are seven different easy ways to grow potatoes—four in containers, three in the ground— in hilled rows, straw mulch, raised beds, grow bags, garbage bags, wood boxes and wire cylinders. Hall reported that the raised bed method is the best for big potato yields.

(Source: www.treehugger.com)

Green Building and Urban Agriculture Gardener on the Roof Around the globe, more focus is being put on utilizing the vast square footage of the roof. People are creating private, green havens of relaxation or gardens that provide fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. In some European cities it’s required by law that any new, flat-roof buildings have a green roof. Basically all you need is a strong, waterproof roof with a good drainage system and plants with shallow roots. And if you thought something so functional and sustainable couldn’t be plush and pretty, you thought wrong.

(Source: http://ecosalon.com)

The Sustainable Commercial Urban Farm Incubator (SCUFI) program trains aspiring commercial urban farmers, assists with startup financing, helps secure land and provides technical and business support to urban farmers. SCUFI program sites are getting underway across the country. Two of the first are in Concord and Hayward, California.

Profitable sustainable commercial urban farms can be established on fertile urban soils, on impervious surfaces (such as parking lots, demolished building concrete pads or rooftops) or on brownfields.

Sustainable commercial urban farms can be profitably integrated into structures, grounds and systems of new or existing buildings and neighborhoods and can provide major financial, environmental and social benefits for property developers, owners, operators, tenants and their neighborhoods.

(Source: www.virtuallygreen.com)

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Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Technaflora Plant Products Ltd. Presents the 2011 Roots and Rhythm Summer Tour Once again the Hydro Crew will be gearing up and hitting the road, attending eight amazing music festivals across six states. Everyone is encouraged to stop by our tent at any of the festival locations. The Hydro Crew will also be handing out Flicker Cards, which can be redeemed through Discount-Hydro.com for a FREE Recipe For Success Starter Kit! Come see us at: Wakarusa Music Festival – Ozark, Arkansas (June 2-5) All Good Music Festival – Masontown, West Virginia (July 14-17) Gathering of the Vibes – Bridgeport, Connecticut (July 21-24) Moe. Down XII – Mohawk, New York (September 2-4) Mag Fest X – Live Oak, Florida (October 20-13) Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival – Live Oak, Florida (November 11-13)

Circadian Rhythms Spark Plants’ Ability to Survive Freezing Weather All living things are influenced by circadian rhythms—physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Plants depend on circadian cues to survive freezing temperatures, according to new research from molecular genetics professors. This information will be a key factor for researchers to develop “designer plants,” ones that have modified C-repeat binding factor or CBF pathways that improve abiotic stress tolerance.

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

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MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

$90,000 Land Grant Awarded to Study Effects of Urban Agriculture Developing a plan for the future of urban farms in New York City is the focus of the Five Borough Farm project through the New York nonprofit Design Trust for Public Space. The organization was recently awarded $90,000 from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to work with organizations throughout the city to develop a map, quantify the many benefits of urban agriculture and develop a set of recommendations on how the city should support urban agriculture activity.

The decision to fund the Design Trust for Public Space project “is because there is no hard data about the real effects of urban agriculture. Whether it’s on economics, health or qualitative issues about the environment,” says Edward Henry, president of the foundation.

(Source: http://online.wsj.com)

Combating Plant Diseases is Key for Sustainable Crops Climate change is likely to make plants more vulnerable to infectious disease. Pest and disease management has helped double food production in the last 40 years, but 10 to 16 per cent of the global harvest is still lost to plant diseases each year costing an estimated US$220 billion. Climate change is impacting on the micro-organisms that cause these diseases. MY (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

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PRODUCT spotlight

GUIDE TO THIS MONTH’S HOTTEST ITEMS YOUR Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.

Regulator800 LED Indoor Grow Light – Next Generation Energy Efficient LED Technology The Regulator800 Indoor Grow Light features a versatile quad-panel design to control the intensity, ratio and duration of light through the entire growth cycle. Panel one has a direct angle lens and RBO ratio specific for seeding. Panel two has an indirect, intense full spectrum of transition light that promotes root stimulation. The light ratio in panel three promotes foliage spread and girth and panel four has a more direct angle lens with intense red light that will increase flowering and budding in the harvest stage. Featuring an automated cooling system, a higher reliability rating, greater efficacy and aluminum based components. Available now at indoor gardening shops.

New and Improved Cultilene Rockwool Cubes

Vital Earth’s® Clean Shredded Coco Pith

Cultilene has many years of experience developing rockwool products in the Netherlands and is preferred by some of the largest industrial growers in the world. The quality of their newest rockwool cubes will surprise many. Distinguished by the newly designed orange logo, these rockwool cubes are stronger than others yet less dense. This allows the plant’s roots to rapidly grow throughout the block and also allows the block to absorb and drain water at a much faster rate. Cultilene rockwool cubes also feature a unique OptiDrain™ feature on the bottom, which is not available on other comparable products. Visit a hydroponics retailer near you to learn more.

Vital Earth’s® Clean Shredded Coco Pith is a 100 per cent natural growing medium that is naturally dried in the sun.

When perlite and our mycorrhizal blend are added, this makes an excellent growing medium mix for container plant growing or as a medium for hydroponics. For best results, use only with gradual release lower-analysis organic fertilizers. Stronger synthetic fertilizers can harm the mycorrhizal fungi. People allergic to fungi or molds should wear protective gloves and a dust mask when handling. Avoid contact with open cuts. Product expires 24 months after date stamped on label. For more information visit an authorized Vital Earth retailer near you.

Make a Strong Connection With New BWGS Duct Connectors BWGS is now offering a dozen new connectors in addition to their already expansive line of air ventilation and flow products. The new Duct Connectors are made of 28 gauge prefabricated sheet metal and are available in four, six, eight, 10, 12 and 14 inch diameters. For those tight corners or small spaces, the new 90° Duct Elbow fits the bill. Available in four, six, eight, 10, 12 and 14 inch diameters, this adjustable elbow is made of 26 gauge prefabricated sheet metal.

For more information on these and other BWGS products, visit your favorite hydroponics shop.

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Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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PRODUCT spotlight

Greenstar Welcomes Another Great Product to Our Lineup Greenstar Plant Products is proud to now distribute a long-standing industry staple, Wilt Pruf®.

A natural pine oil emulsion, Wilt Pruf® protects valuable shrubs and ornamentals when under water stress by reducing moisture loss through foliage. Wilt Pruf® is the safe way to reduce moisture loss from windburn, winter kill, drought or transplant shock. Greenstar is pleased to carry Wilt Pruf in ready-to-use (RTU) and concentrated sizes. For more information visit your local indoor gardening shop.

Cedar Protect Your Plants From Pests Cedar Protect from Gro High Cal is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly pest barrier and repellant that uses 2,000-yearold technology. Cedar Protect is EPA-exempt for both commercial and consumer use. Our unique cedar oil formulation irritates the insect’s respiratory system, thus acting as a repellent. Cedar Protect is available in a liquid concentrate and a ready-to-use formulation. It is also offered in a dry form we call “Prill”. Cedar Protect Prill is a granular vegetable by-product, treated with our cedar oil formulation. For best results use the liquid and the prill products together. Cedar Protect easily repels spider mites, spiders, mosquitoes, gnats, flies and many other pests. For more information visit your local garden shop.

Hydro International Presents Bloom Florigen Bloom Florigen is a flower spray like no other, guaranteed to increase flower uniformity. It will create rapid flower mass and it will enhance your plant’s health and vitality. Use 20 milliliters per quart of water spray solution every five to seven days of your flower cycle. Bloom Florigen contains B vitamins and is high in potassium compounds. For more information visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

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PRODUCT spotlight

Your guide to this month’s hottest items.

Introducing the Rainwater H2OG Rainwater H2OG makes it easy to fit volumes of rainwater storage in the tightest spaces.

The H2OG solution is novel: slim, easily handled tanks, designed for 20 years of useful life, fits into small spaces and screws together to provide rainwater storage in increments of 50 gallons. Their slim profile means water can be stored at each downspout and used locally.

The H2OG system avoids installation and maintenance costs with its smart, modular, slim design. The H2OG is molded food grade plastic and complies with FDA and HPB regulatory standards for food contact. The tank material itself is 100 per cent recyclable. For more information visit an authorized Hydrofarm retailer near you.

Introducing the Phantom Dimmable 750 Watt Digital Ballast Our Phantom 750 watt dimmable digital ballast is part of the most rigorously tested ballast line on the market. Featuring silent operation, lightweight design and the maximum lumen output around, the Phantom is also the only ballast on the market designed for vertical operation, for coolest running and optimum grow space.

We listened and learned from your input; now you can reap the benefits with this durable, premium digital ballast. CSA certified and generator ready, the new Phantom 750 runs HPS bulbs only. For more information visit an authorized Hydrofarm retailer near you.

Kessil Lighting Unveils H350 Spectral Halo LED Grow Light Kessil’s highly anticipated H350 Spectral Halo LED grow light features 2.5 times the light output of Kessil’s celebrated H150 grow light and incorporates the latest Dense Matrix LED™ platform for added intensity and a wider spread. Its 90 watt platform produces an extremely bright, penetrating stream of light to reach deep into the canopy of the plant.

Kessil’s new vapor cooling thermal management system is able to draw heat away from the LED core quickly, maintaining the light’s efficiency and long lifetime. H350 is available in new deep purple and magenta. For more information visit your local indoor gardening shop.

Complete Your Next Indoor Gardening Project with Sunleaves The Sunleaves multi-purpose 13 inch Siphon is great for precise delivery of nutrients and other liquids and transfers four ounces of liquid with each pump. The Sunleaves Hand Pump stands three feet tall and has a three foot long hose. It’s made from high-impact PVC and is capable of pumping 13 gallons a minute. Sunleaves Coco Covers keep excess light out of rockwool cubes or pots that could otherwise foster unwanted algae. The 100 per cent organic covers are made from coconut fibers and are covered with a natural rubber latex coating. Coco Covers measure six inches across and with a two centimeter (diameter) hole in the center, are expandable to seven centimeters. Now available at your local indoor gardening shop.

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PRODUCT spotlight

Your guide to this month’s hottest items.

Amazon Aeroponic System The Amazon Aeroponic System offers experienced growers the incredible performance and yield of aeroponics at an affordable price. Available from just 31 inches long for an unbeatable yield per square foot. Plants grown in an Amazon Aeroponic System have constant access to nutrient solution and oxygen. Transplant pots directly from the X-Stream Propagator into the Amazon or transplant cuttings into the three inch pots with a few clay pebbles. The Amazon System is clean with very little waste. Available in five lid options to suit any growing arrangement. Visit your local hydro shop for more information about the Amazon Aeroponic System today.

New From Root Pouch - Hydro/Culture Fabric Pots Root Pouch’s new Hydro/Culture Fabric Pots were designed with one thing in mind, to create better roots in a sustainable and environmentally sound product. Made from the same porous, breathable fabric Root Pouch is known for, but in a lighter density fabric of only three ounces per 20 square feet, designed specifically for hydroponic applications. Root Pouch Hydro/Culture Pots allow for nutrients and air to freely pass through to nurture the root system and create dense and fibrous root structures. Perfect for flood trays, flood and drain, re-circulating, ebb and flow, drip systems, SWC and DWV. Available in indoor gardening shops across the USA.

Fun and Entertaining TimeLapse PlantCam With the Timelapse PlantCam you can make a video record of an entire grow. Just set up a Timelapse PlantCam to take photos at timed intervals and you’ll soon have a fascinating video. Timelapse PlantCam takes high resolution (four megapixel) images. With no tools, additional software or wiring required, the camera is very easy to use; and set-up takes just three minutes. The rugged, weatherproof design makes Timelapse PlantCam sturdy enough for year-round use indoors or out. Included with the Timelapse PlantCam are batteries, mounting accessories and everything needed to create captivating videos suitable for sharing on YouTube and other websites. Visit your favorite gardening shop for additional information.

Just a Spoon Full of Sugar, er, Salt Looking for the right tonic for your roses and other flowering plants? Just one (large) spoonful of Monterey Epsom Salts can make that big difference you’ve been looking for. Magnesium sulfate and sulfur are absorbed through leaves and roots to help them produce chlorophyll. Epsom Salts are so reliable, they’re recommended by rose societies for the excellent blooms they promote. Ask for Monterey Epsom Salts from your local gardening retailer.

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PRODUCT spotlight

Continued from page 38

Your guide to this month’s hottest items.

Vital Earth’s® Loose Coco® Vital Earth’s® Loose Coco® is a natural fiber made from coconut husks and is a renewable resource alternative to peat moss. The extraction of the coconut fiber from the husks gives the byproduct called coco pith, or coco coir. Vital Earth’s® Loose Coco® is a 100 per cent natural growing medium that is naturally dried in the sun and then processed to produce Vital Earth’s® Loose Coco®. This makes an excellent growing medium for hydroponics or container plant growing. For more information visit an authorized Vital Earth retailer near you.

Gro1 Drying Racks Offer Various Options for all Applications Gro1 Drying Racks are available in four different options. The sizes range from two to three feet in diameter and they come with either detachable layers or solid layers. Each rack comes with its own individual carrying case. The construction of this dry net will support up to four pounds per level. Extra strength industrial thread is double stitched throughout for years of use. The full line of Gro1 Drying Racks is now available at gardening shops across the country.

Interlux Extreme HPS 1,000 Watt Bulb DL Wholesale introduced their line of Interlux high pressure sodium and metal halide grow bulbs in July of 2010. Since then, they have received a great response from many professional growers. They have bumped up the intensity of their already great bulb with the new Extreme HPS 1,000 watt bulb.

These work great on both magnetic and digital ballasts. The high lumen output and fine-tuned color spectrum will provide you with excellent yields. Visit an indoor gardening retailer near you for more information.

Powertrip™ Introduces the Power Bundle Plus™ Series The Power Trip Power Bundle Plus, available as a 600+ watt or a 1,000+ watt, packs a punch with everything you need to get started...including overdrive. Each bundle includes a UL-listed digital ballast and reflector, a dual arc bulb and two light hangers. A commercial grade four setting dimmer switch allows for overdrive and operates metal halide and high pressure sodium bulbs. Our reflector features flip-glass innovation for an air-tight fit, supports MH and HPS bulbs and comes with a choice of a six or eight inch vent hole. Our Dual Arc Bulb has the best full spectral distribution on the market. Our Light Hangers are auto-adjustable up to four feet and have a weight capacity of over 25 pounds per pair. All products within the bundle come with a limited warranty. Visit an authorized Grosca retailer for more information.

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Hydro International Presents Bloom Groigen If you are looking for increased growth and thicker stems then look no further. Bloom Groigen helps establish larger leaves, which directly leads to greater photosynthesis. Groigen also boosts plant health and vitality by helping fill inadequacies in plant nutrient absorption. Use 20 milliliters per quart of water and spray solution every five to seven days of your grow cycle.

Bloom Groigen contains B vitamins and is high in magnesium compounds. For more information visit an indoor gardening retailer.

Powertrip™ Introduces Power Bulb™ Powertrip Power Bulbs are the future of indoor gardening.

Combining the growth-enhancing qualities of metal halide’s blue-spectrum light with the bloom-promoting power of high-pressure sodium’s red-orange light, this dual-arc lamp takes two-way to the next level by eliminating any need to switch it out. It can be used in any standard 1,000 or 600 watt HPS, switchable and electronic ballast with 110,000 lumens (61,000 for 600 watt) of specifically targeted output with a correlated color temperature of 3,000K and 60/40 ratio of HPS to MH wattage. The Power Bulb is lead free and low in mercury with an average lifespan of 10,000 hours. Limited one year warranty. Visit an authorized Grosca retailer for more information.

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Biological Control: Past Progress, Present Knowledge, Future Forecast

by Donald Lester

Biological control agents (BCAs) are environmentally friendly, cost-effective and stable, and the benefits don’t stop there. Read on to learn all about this eco pest control strategy and how they can help lessen our dependence on chemicals in the garden.

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Biological Control

“The Egyptians were so impressed with cats that they deemed them gods.“ The earliest known written record of using one organism to control the population of another was the use of cats for the control of rodents in food stores in ancient Egypt around 3,000 BC.The Egyptians were so impressed with cats that they deemed them gods. Biological Control is a term that was coined by University of California professor Harry Smith in 1919. Currently, in terms of agriculture, the USDA defines biological control as “The involvement of the use of beneficial micro-organisms, such as specialized fungi and bacteria, to attack and control plant pathogens and the diseases they cause.” Beneficial micro-organisms that fit this definition are also known as biological control agents (BCAs).

There are over 300 commercially available BCAs on the market today for controlling insects, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, weeds and other pests.The most successful commercial BCA is Bacillus thuringiensis used for insect control. Annual sales of Bacillus thuringiensis worldwide averaged $100 million in the year 2000.

During the past few decades BCAs have been developed for use on soil pathogens.This presentation will discuss four BCAs that have been used in greenhouse and soilless hydroponic systems to control soil pathogens: Bacillus subtilis,Trichoderma sp., Pseudomonas sp. and

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Mycorrhizal fungi.This article briefly covers how biological control was perceived in the past, how trends in today’s world influence how BCAs are viewed and the factors and trends in the marketplace that are driving the increased use of BCs into the future.

Past

In the past few decades biological control has been viewed as the Egyptians viewed it—one organism to keep the population of another organism in check. And like the Egyptians with the cats, BCAs in the last few decades were expected to be self-sustaining with no maintenance required.This natural phenomenon of pest population regulation gave rise to the ecological basis of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Biological control was viewed as a self-sustaining component in an IPM program.

There are four mechanisms that biological control agents use to control pests and pathogens: direct competition, antibiosis or antagonism of pest populations, parasitism and inducement of the plant immune system. In the past, competition with detrimental micro-organisms was the main mode of action.

Biological control fell out of favor because of problems with unrealistic expectations. One problem with BCAs was poor formulation. Not too many years ago BCAs often had to be shipped in refrigerated coolers or on dry ice, which lent to a very short shelf life.This made usage difficult and the results unpredictable.

Besides high expectations, low efficacy, relatively low cost and widespread availability of conventional chemicals and insufficient knowledge of the biology of BCAs and pathogens all led to a decline in the use of BCAs.

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Biological Control

Present

Today much more is known about BCAs. Biological control is considered a mature science. Research has generated a wealth of information on how BCAs impact plant disease. In the past 20 years there have been some 5,000 articles published in revered journals, and over 50,000 popular articles covering the subject. Advances in computing, molecular biology, analytical chemistry and statistics have led to new research aimed at understanding the pathogens, host plants and biological control organisms on many levels.

Advances in formulation now make it possible for manufacturers to offer BCAs in easy-to-use liquid and granular formulations with shelf lives of up to two years in some cases.

“Modern chemistry equipment can detect chemicals at far lower concentrations than machines just 20 years ago.”

There is also an increased reluctance to use conventional chemicals. In fact, it is said that chemistry sets today do not even come with chemicals anymore due to legal liability. Add to this the fact that modern chemistry equipment can detect chemicals at far lower concentrations than machines just 20 years ago. Now with residues recorded where none had previously existed (values used to be recorded as below detectable limits) consumers see the world as becoming more polluted.They view any amount of chemical residue as too much, especially with the long term negative effects of many chemicals becoming so prominent in the news.

One publication adding to the avoidance of conventional chemicals is the “Shoppers Guide to the Dirty Dozen” list.This list was compiled by the Environmental Watch Group using U.S. government data from 2000-2007 to rank which fruits and vegetables had the highest amounts of pesticide residues.

All of these factors are paving the way for organic foods to enter the marketplace, which command a premium price and reduce the use of conventional chemicals.

Moreover, additional benefits of using BCAs have been identified: • no minimum residue limits (MRLs) • no withholding periods • proven efficacy • IPM friendly and environmentally friendly • safer to use, reduced liability • cost-effective • reduces risk of pathogen resistance buildup • BCAs more stable than chemical pesticides • non-phytotoxic • improvements in overall crop health and yield • number of organic growers increasing • no toxic waste disposal problems However, there are still some factors that limit the effectiveness of BCAs. They are living organisms and suffer from the same environmental pressures that mankind do: weather, 50

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Biological Control

temperature, moisture content of soil or media, pH, disease pressure, timing of application, storage and handling and competition from native micro-organisms. But, with proper education growers have been able to successfully employ BCAs in commercial operations with excellent results.

Rather than the old one-on-one model—one BCA for one pathogen—manufacturers and researchers are using combinations of BCA organisms to increase target spectrums or increase the length of time a control may be effective. This new concept fits in well with the goals of IPM and increases the efficacy of BCAs adding to their credibility.

Biological Control in Greenhouses and Hydroponic Systems

Over the years research has shown that BCAs have the capacity to be curative rather than just preventative. Several research studies show good control of several common greenhouse and hydroponic pathogens.

Lettuce has several key pathogens: Pythium, Botrytis and Phytophthora. Studies have shown that Pseudomonas and Bacillus subtilis effectively control these pathogens (Card, et al. 2002, Boshoff 2006).

Cucumbers have a slightly larger set of pathogens than lettuce. Pythium has been effectively controlled with Bacillus subtilise (Utkhede, Koch, and Menzies 1999).

Trichoderma and Pseudomonas putida have been shown to control several root, crown and foot rots in tomatoes. And Bacillus subtilis is effective in controlling powdery mildew (Sivan and Chet. 1993, Kamilova, Validov and Lugtenberg 2009, Latunde-Dada 1993).

Cut flowers benefit from BCAs as well. Trichoderma was shown to control Botrytus gray mould. Pseudomonas and Bacillus subtilis are strong candidates for control in hydroponic chrysanthemums. (Elad 1993, Orlikowski 1995, Liu et al. 2007).

Future

Trends show that BCAs are in our future. Surveys of both conventional and organic growers indicate an increasing interest in using biological control products. In fact, many conventional growers use softer chemistries when they can. One wine grape grower told me that his decision to switch from conventional chemicals to more organic materials was influenced by the 52

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complaints he was receiving from his customers about odors in the tasting room. This got him thinking and he was stricken by the realization that his grandchildren play in his vineyard.

Trends also show that chemicals will continue to be banned.

Europe banned 22 chemicals in 2008 and six more in 2009.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is constantly reducing the amount of methyl bromide soil fumigant used every year as well. Furthermore, the cost is always increasing to register conventional chemicals. The growing organics market and increased public awareness of the environment add to the pressures against chemicals. BCAs will not replace conventional chemicals but they will certainly play a role in filling in the vacuum as conventional chemicals disappear.

“Would you rather see your workers applying a safe product or would you rather see them in a moon suit?“ Besides market trends there are other factors driving the growth in BCAs: organic crop premiums, IPM, worker safety and liability costs, residue management and resistance management. Organic crop premiums induce growers to reduce their chemical inputs. Integrated pest management also stresses reduced chemical usage. The costs associated with worker safety and liability is far greater than using comparatively safe biological products. Would you rather see your workers applying a safe product or would you rather see them in a moon suit? Increased fertilizer and nutrient costs have growers looking at biological agents to break down their crop residues to free up expensive nutrients naturally. And BCAs don’t have the resistance buildup phenomenon that conventional chemicals do. So, who is saying this? The greenies?

The environmentalists? No, the agricultural chemical industry (Farm Chemicals International, July 2008).

BCAs still have their limitations with environmental factors and sometimes narrow usage conditions, but it is expected that improvements in formulation technology, advancements in biotechnology and increased understanding of micro-organism physiology—over time—will remove the guesswork and specialized education needed to get the full benefit of BCAs. This increase in biological knowledge will no doubt lead to advances in formulation that will take the guesswork out of application timing, worries about pH levels, temperatures and other environmental variables.

So, the trend is for chemical usage to decline because of the factors I have outlined. And as IPM becomes the central strategy in pest control, it makes sense that BCAs will continue to grow in use and popularity as we move forward. MY Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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Oxygenate, Respirate or Suffocate

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

All plants need oxygen for proper functioning and health. Oxygen starvation can result in myriad crises in the garden that can’t be reversed. So, how do you know if your plants are starved for oxygen?

Pay attention.

Oxygen is a somewhat overlooked element when it comes to the essential plant nutrients. While we focus on nitrogen-to-potassium ratios, calcium-boosting formulations, optimal EC and carbon dioxide enrichment, the roots of our plants can be quietly suffocating, unseen and forgotten. Although photosynthesis is often seen as the process that drives plant growth and determines yields, there is another equally important energyproduction process taking place in the root zone—respiration. Respiration is a process in the root tissues that releases metabolic energy, which is required to fuel root growth, nutrient and water absorption and root cell functioning. If oxygen is in short supply the roots begin to suffocate, root growth slows or stops and there can even be a net loss of nutrient ions from the root system under anaerobic conditions.

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Oxygenate, Respirate or Suffocate

Why do plants need all this oxygen?

In many hydroponic systems we like to think that oxygen in the root zone is always in plentiful supply; after all, soilless productions are supposed to eliminate all those ‘soil problems’ such as compaction, waterlogging and poor physical properties of the substrate. Many growers also factor in some form of oxygenation in their nutrient reservoir or system, either with nutrient fountains, fall-back cascades into the solution or air pumps, but is it really enough? The problem with root zone oxygenation in many hydroponic systems has as much to do with oxygen demand by the plants as with supply. Large healthy plants grown in a limited root zone such as a growing slab, bag or channel amass a huge surface area of root tissue in a relatively small volume. This—combined with the fact that indoor gardens can provide perfect growing conditions, plenty of warmth, optimal water and nutrients—means that the rapidly developing mature plants that develop can have an incredible demand for oxygen in the somewhat limited root zone they are grown in.

We then need to consider the fact that even a highly aerated nutrient solution can only normally carry around seven to eight ppm at 68 to 88°F, and the potential of oxygen suffocation becomes apparent. A mature hydroponically grown tomato plant at optimal temperatures has a requirement for oxygen of 46 milligrams per plant per hour at 68°F, and this increases to 184 milligrams per plant per hour at 86°F. Warmer temperatures, increase the rate of root respiration dramatically. Furthermore, microbial life in the root zone also requires oxygen for growth and development and in some systems this can also have an impact. Of course, in a standard substrate-based hydroponic system the plant root system is not just dependent on oxygen dissolved in the nutrient solution for respiration; oxygen is also present in the air-filled pores of the growing media. As nutrient is applied and flows through the growing media and then drains from the base, fresh air is pulled down into the 58

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Aeration of the nutrient solution helps boost dissolved oxygen levels.

root zone and fills the pores around the roots. Provided the media is permitted to actually fully drain and is not continually—or too frequently—irrigated with nutrient solution, air will remain in these pore spaces to provide some oxygen to the root system. These air-filled pores require replenishment on a frequent basis, however, as the high volume of root tissue absorbs oxygen rapidly. Here is where many inexperienced hydroponic growers run into problems with root zone oxygenation and suffocation. Some growing substrates naturally drain freely and hold a lot of air; chunky grades of perlite are one example. Some substrates, though— most often those which are composed of organic material which is still in the decomposition phase—can pack down and eliminate many of the air-filled pores which provide vital oxygenation to the root zone. Many hydroponic substrates are designed to be able to both absorb and hold moisture between irrigations and also to have a good air-filled porosity; however, if these types of substrates are irrigated too frequently, they can still become oversaturated, a process which robs the root zone of valuable oxygen supplies.

What does root suffocation look like?

A lack of oxygen in the root zone causing root suffocation is not always easy to identify. Often the first sign under warmer growing conditions is midday wilting of the foliage, even when the growing media is fully irrigated. Unfortunately midday wilting can also have other

causes, such as a high EC, root death due to damage, chemical contamination of the water or recent transplanting. Many growers simply assume a wilting plant has insufficient moisture in the root zone and apply more irrigation—this is a disaster for an over-irrigated crop that’s already suffering oxygen depletion, as waterlogging excludes even more air from around the root zone.

Under prolonged oxygen starvation, most commonly seen in waterlogged hydroponic crops, plants produce a stress hormone—ethylene—which accumulates in the roots. If oxygen starvation goes on for long enough, ethylene will also start to be produced in the shoots of

Lack of oxygen in the root zone predisposes plants to attack by root rot pathogens such as Pythium.

the plant, causing leaf epinasty. Epinasty is a downward curvature of the plant’s leaves, resulting in plants that look wilted but are otherwise turgid. If oxygen starvation continues and is severe, eventually leaf chlorosis (yellowing) and premature leaf and flower abscission will occur. In cases that are not so severe, plants such as tomatoes may produce adventitious roots on the lower stem and present swelling at the base. This is the plant’s attempt to survive in less than ideal conditions, and the symptoms have caused many inexperienced growers to enquire about strange ‘bumpy stems’ on their tomato plants.

Oxygen and root disease Sufficient levels of oxygen in the root zone are essential for healthy roots, which are the first line of defence against many disease pathogens. In many cases root pathogens such as Pythium are opportunist and will attack roots that are already weakened. Research studies have shown a direct link between the availability of oxygen in the root zone and infection rates with root rot pathogens—low oxygen treatments typically started to show signs of root decay within a few days of inoculation with Pythium, whereas higher oxygen treatments showed no infection.

Oxygen and physiological disorders Oxygenation in the root zone is also linked to a number of physiological disorders, many of which become more pronounced under warmer and more stressful growing conditions. Blossom end rot (BER) of tomatoes and capsicum and tipburn of lettuce, strawberries and many green vegetables all have environmental influences. However, suffocation of the root zone has been shown to induce high levels of these disorders. This is because the main plant nutrient most affected by a lack of oxygen in the root zone is calcium. Calcium, unlike the other major nutrients, is absorbed primarily through unsuberized root tips. The root apex has a large energy requirement for new cell production and growth and is therefore vulnerable to oxygen stress. If an increasing number of root tips begin to suffer from an oxygen deficiency, a shortage of calcium in the shoots becomes more likely and this makes the development of calcium-related disorders such as BER and tipburn more common.

Good levels of oxygen help ensure healthy root systems.

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NFT systems rely on a thin film of nutrient flow, which allows plants to access oxygen from both the solution and moist air in the channel.

How to oxygenate to maximize growth In solution culture, plants obtain oxygen dissolved in the nutrient solution and also directly from the moist air in which the upper level of the root zone should be sitting. Completely submerging roots in NFT is not ideal, as this significantly reduces plant root access to the much higher concentration of oxygen in the air compared to that in the nutrient solution. Aeroponic plants obtain sufficient oxygen from the air directly surrounding the misted roots, while plants in media-based systems obtain oxygen dissolved in the nutrient solution and from the air-filled pore space surrounding the roots. The air-filled pores surrounding the roots become flooded with nutrient during irrigation, though, and only after draining do they refill with fresh air. For this reason one of the best ways of keeping the root zone bathed in fresh oxygen is to control irrigation, so that the air-filled pore spaces are permitted to fully drain between applications of nutrient. Overwatering causing waterlogging is the main cause of root suffocation in media-based hydroponic systems. In ebb and flow systems there is a good opportunity to push and drag fresh air down into the root zone with each cycle; however, this will only occur if complete and full draining of the growing media occurs. Poorly designed ebb and flow systems often have a ‘perched water table’, where excess solution sits in the base of the growing containers even after the drain cycle has completed, and for many plants this can cause root suffocation issues over time.

In NFT—nutrient film technique—the ideal is to maintain a thin ‘film’ of nutrient, not a deep flow, so that roots can access oxygen directly from the air above the .04 to .08 inch flow of nutrient. In pond or raft systems it is vital that sufficient oxygen is introduced via the nutrient solution, so active aeration via

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compressors or air pumps at regular intervals in the pond are important for crops that have a high oxygen requirement. All nutrient reservoirs should have some form of oxygenation to help boost DO levels in the solution. The cascade or fall-back method works well, and the higher the fall-back of nutrient into the reservoir the more oxygen will be introduced into the solution. Fountains, air pumps with air stones to break up the air flow into smaller bubbles and other oxygen enrichment systems are all worth investing in for a healthy crop and maximum root respiration rates.

How to measure oxygen Dissolved oxygen (DO) in solution can be easily measured with use of a handheld electronic oxygen meter, and there are also less expensive test kits designed for use in aquariums available, although these can be somewhat less accurate. Dissolved oxygen meters have the ability to give readings for DO in parts per million and also to record temperature and then express the oxygen levels as a percentage of saturation. This percentage of saturation measurement is actually a more meaningful guide in hydroponics systems, as it is an indication of how well the aeration methods used are working within the system at any given temperature. At the nutrient reservoir dissolved oxygen levels should be at least five to six ppm under warm conditions (solution temperatures 50 to 68°F), and a well-oxygenated solution at 50°F can be as high as 12 to 13 ppm. Super-saturation with oxygen is also possible using various technologies, and this has also been shown to boost plant growth and yields in a number of hydroponic crops.

Oxygen enrichment not only improves crop performance, but also root health and size.

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Oxygenate, Respirate or Suffocate

Different crops and oxygen requirements As a general rule, the larger the plant and the leaf area of the crop, the higher the demand for oxygen. Small plants such as lettuce have a relatively low requirement for oxygen in the root zone, while larger, longer-term fruiting plants such as tomato and cucumber place much greater demands on the root zone for oxygenation. In solution culture systems, the number and size of plants dependent on the oxygen supply in the nutrient determines how fast oxygen will deplete.

For this reason growers should consider installing the largest nutrient reservoir they can, as this slows the change in rates of oxygenation as the temperature increases during the day. Oxygen has also been known to deplete from one end of NFT channels to the other under

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Healthy, well oxygenated roots are essential for maximum plant productivity.

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Oxygenate, Respirate or Suffocate

Large numbers of plants in small systems put a heavy demand on oxygenation back at the reservoir.

Static, solution culture systems benefit from some additional root aeration to boost dissolved oxygen levels.

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warm growing conditions, so limitations in channel length should be considered when crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers are being grown.

Oxygen shouldn’t be forgotten— along with CO2 and all the mineral ions, it is essential for plant functioning and health. While it may not be necessary to directly measure DO levels every day, it is important to take oxygenation into consideration when thinking about the design of a hydroponic system, the frequency of irrigation required and the type of growing media and aeration methods to be used in the reservoir and in solution culture. MY

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BONSAI by Broo rri s kelynn Mo

Miniaturize your favorite tree with this ancient art.

Bonsai plants are, in their essence, little trees.Yet the art of bonsai has a much greater scope: it strives to replicate nature.

It is an art that emulates the elements and their action on living plants. A tree is just a sapling until the roots grow, the water

comes into the soils and the forces of sun (light), wind (ventilation) and gravity sculpt it into shape. The bonsai artist uses a variety of tools to replicate these effects and create a perfect miniature version of life on Earth.

Watching your tiny tree as it cycles through the seasons, going dormant, pushing out leaf buds, blossoming and then producing fruits or berries is very rewarding, and a wonderful way to connect with the natural world.

Reprinted with permission from Craftzine.com

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Bonsai

Basics The art of growing bonsai is well adapted to the urban gardener.

These plantings require less water, less soil and less square footage.

But just because they’re diminutive, doesn’t mean that they don’t need great amounts of care and tending. Regular waterings are the most essential.Task such as repotting and restyling are done when needed, as well as pruning, training and shaping.These chores are not without reward. Because bonsai can re-create complete landscapes, the impression of grand natural space exudes from these small displays.

Aesthetics dominate the art of bonsai. Many stringent rules exist for the purists dedicated to this art. Ancient standards declare that certain trees are to be grown in certain shapes, planted into certain pots. But the materials modern, creative gardener follows his or • Sapling her own path toward beauty. Just be sure to never lose sight of the visual appeal • Soil mix and design of your plantings.

• Screen The more you learn about bonsai, the • Pottery more you realize what you have yet • Small rake to learn.To properly cultivate a design • Fine shears could take decades. From the beginning, • Copper bonsai art is made and life is growing, but the wire passage of time is the core of bonsai.

• Hemp twine Many experts in the field have been • Water growing bonsai 50 years or more.This • Fertilizer is a simple primer to help you establish your roots.

Start

1

Choose your tree.

Choosing the species of tree to grow is the first, and possibly most difficult, task. Pines and maples are perhaps the most recognizable bonsai. These trees are classic beauties and well suited for miniaturization. Flowering and fruiting trees are popular as well, especially the quince and pomegranate.

But bonsai trees are not necessarily always trees. Many shrubs can be grown and manipulated into bonsai forms that belie their natural state.

Wisteria vines and azaleas can be shaped into thick tree trunks that they would never produce normally.

The tree can be grown from seed or propagated through a cutting. The easiest way to begin is to select a sapling from your favorite nursery.

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Bonsai

2

b

Select a complementary container.

The chosen tree will dictate its container.

The two must make a visually pleasing combination. Traditionally, the intended shape of the tree is matched to a specific pot. For instance, a straight-sided pot would be used for a straight-growing formal upright style tree while a round or oval pot would be used for an informal style with a curving trunk or limbs. The same rules state that evergreens should be exclusively set into unglazed containers.

While there is room for variance, in general you’ll find that your eye will naturally follow some of these same rules of design, out of instinct. When choosing a pot, consider the sides and consider the depth. If you’re growing a tree that will cascade out of the pot like it’s growing on the edge of a cliff, you’ll want to choose a tall pot; a collective planting meant to look like a meadow needs a wide and shallow one.

Finally, select the hue of the pottery. Try to complement the color of the leaves most of all.

3

Prepare the soil.

Dirt is a tree’s lifeline. The soil clinging to the roots provides the tree with its moisture and nutrients. It is crucial to use a mix that will hold water, but not keep the roots too wet. The grain of the soil is also a consideration. When a tree’s root encounters large, sharp rocks, the tip of the roots splits in two and grows around it. The result is a finer, thinner root, unable to take up as much water as a large root, therefore contributing to a natural miniaturization.

Plant your bonsai tree in soil with a combination of rich dirt and larger bits of rock to replicate this effect.You can purchase specialty soil, custom-tailored to suit the unique texture and drainage needs of bonsai, or you can customize your own soil with raw materials such as bark, coconut fiber, perlite and rock chips.

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Bonsai

4

Plant the bonsai.

4a) If the pot does not have d drainage holes, use a drill with a ceramic bit to add a hole. To prevent soil loss, cover it with a piece of screen (figure D).

4b) Before planting, gently remove the tree from its container and inspect the roots. They will likely have grown around each othe er. Pull loose these tangled, skinny roots with your hands, and trim away the shaggy ends with hand shears (figure E). Also remove any brown or unhealthy roots. Next, find the taproot (the primary root), and cut if off. This is an important step to dwarf the plant. Finally, fan out and thin the roots at the base of f the trunk using the rake. Always use a gentle touch with the roots.

4c) Cover the bottom of the pot with soil. Add the tree with its roots fanned out wide. Cover the roots with soil, filling the pot evenly until the surface of the dirt is level. Now give the tree a generous drink, to “water it in” (figure G). Finally, add any moss, rocks or companion plants to flesh out your design (figure H).

5

Tend the bonsai.

5a) Place the tree in direct sunlight. If the light seems too intense for young or delicate trees, hang a shade cloth to filter the light. Water as needed. Do not put your tree on a strict schedule. Wait for it to become mostly dry before you water.

5b) Maintain the health of the tree and being to shape it with simple pruning and pinching. Prune any branches that are less than health or that stand in the way of the shape you’d like to make (figure I). Pinching back new growth at the ends of branches will encourage thickening.

5c) Before you start shaping the tree, allow it to grow until it seems well established in its new environment. Depending on your patience, this might be a season, a whole year or only a few weeks.

5d) Feed the bonsai throughout the year; during winter dormancy, feed it a fertilizer low in nitrogen, g and through the summer used a balanced food.

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Bonsai

6

Shape the bonsai.

When shaping trees, the objective is to manipulate the tree without scarring the bark, to create the illusion of years of natural stress from the forces of nature. Start slow, with gentle tension.You can gradually increase the tension over time. Here are three methods: »Wire. When wiring, use care not to damage the tree. Don’t wrap the wire too tightly around the wood. Check the wiring often, removing and replacing it as the tree grows. Begin by coiling one end of the copper wire around the base of the tree, and wind it along the trunk or branch you wish to bend (figure J). Be certain to lay the wire evenly so as to properly distribute the pressure. When the tree has been wired, bend the branch or trunk carefully with both hands, gripping evenly to avoid snapping the tree. »Tie. Tie a piece of thin hemp rope or cotton twine around the J pot. Now tie a piece of twine to the branch you wish to bend, and pull it down with the string until it curves as you like. To maintain the tension, tie the loose end to the string that’s tied around the pot (figure K). »Weight. Choose a small stone, k not heavy enough to break the tree, and hang it from the trunk or branch with a small length of wire or string. Don’t hang the weight from the very tip, as you could break the tree. Instead, start 1/3 of the way from the tip, wrap the wire or string evenly around until you reach the end and then let the L stone dangle (figure L).

Finish

Displaying Bonsai Potting a perfect tree into a perfect pot is not the final step. This art must be displayed, and thus honored.

Placing the tree on a small stand gives it a sense of importance, and elevates it above the common.

Consider something simple, such as a piece of cork, a modest wooden plant stand with short legs that doesn’t throw off the balance, a slab of raw slate or a lacquered tray. MY

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by Norman Bailey

HOW TO SAVE PEPPER SEEDS

BEGINNER’S CORNER

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Here are two easy ways to save pepper seeds and grow your own at home.

Do you want to grow your own peppers? Well, you can start the process by gathering the seeds of your favorite pepper variant. By saving the pepper seeds, you can readily plant them during the appropriate season.You don’t have to rush to your local nursery and look for those pepper seeds and you save money.

Saving pepper seeds is simple. In fact, there are two basic ways to collect them effortlessly. You can harvest them from a dried pepper or from a fresh pepper. Note that it is always easier to take out the seeds from red peppers.

This way you can be sure the seeds are mature since red peppers are already ripe.

Here are the steps involved: Saving seeds from dried peppers

• Start by gathering fresh red peppers and choose the ripest among them. Estimate the ideal number of red peppers that you wish to dry and set them aside.

Get a paper plate. Transfer the red peppers to a paper plate, placing them in a single layer and leave them uncovered.

• Look for a warm, dry place. Put the paper plate there so the red peppers can air dry; this may take several weeks. Wait until all of them have completely desiccated and make sure to check the insides are dry too.

• When the peppers are leather and dry, you are ready to save them. Cut open each and carefully collect the seeds, placing them in a container, can, bottle or paper packet.

Saving seeds from fresh peppers

• Select fresh pieces of pepper making sure they are already ripe. Get one piece and cut it open using a kitchen knife. Once the piece has been cut open, notice the seeds. They still cling to the white membrane inside the pepper. Scrape out the seeds from the white membrane using the end of a kitchen knife.

• Transfer the seeds to a plate—leaving it uncovered—and position it in a safe and out-of-the-way location.

Allow the seeds to dry for a couple of days, tossing them occasionally. Make sure their bottom layers are completely exposed to air. Wait until everything dries up evenly. When they are dry, save them for future use.

• Precautions: Once you have touched the white membrane of the pepper or the seeds, make sure to wash your hands. Do it several times. It is better if you can use a strong detergent. Peppers have capsicum oil—which can stick to your fingers—and can readily burn your body’s soft tissues. You can hurt yourself, especially when you have accidentally rubbed it on your eye.

Aside from planting the pepper seeds that you have saved, you can also reserve them for cooking or you can repack them and give them as gifts. MY (Source: www.howtodothings.com)

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Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)

by Michael Bloch

WWOOF It

Goals: See the world on a dime, gain volunteer experience, exercise more and gain an education. How to achieve said goals: WWOOF

Cities can certainly make you feel trapped and disconnected from nature.You can even feel disconnected from your food as so much of what we eat is pre-packaged and heavily processed.

Many folks are turning back to planting their own vegetable gardens, a tradition we lost in this country in the 1970s. This return to growing at home isn’t just about producing food, it’s about independence; a quiet, peaceful rebellion against corporate agriculture.

However, modern challenges are cropping up in our modern gardens as well, thanks to big ag businesses. Mutant seeds are more popular than heritage and heirloom seeds.

A good ole’ smattering of cow dung and other natural fertilizers have been bypassed by complex chemical and fossil fuel based fertilizers in glossy packaging.

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wwoof it

Even if you don’t have the space (indoors or outdoors) to grow your own food, have you ever yearned to dig in the soil and learn about food-raising practices of yore, the practices of which were based on organic farming?

WWOOF No, it’s not a dog with a stutter. WWOOF stands for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms or Willing Workers on Organic Farms. It’s an organization, actually a network of organizations throughout the world, that connect folks with organic food raising in a very hands-on sort of way.

WWOOF has been around since the early ‘70s. It’s a simple concept whereby organic farmers offer food, accommodation and training through experience in organic lifestyles in exchange for volunteer help.

It’s a great way to see the world on the cheap and opportunities are available in literally dozens of countries around the globe.

How WWOOF works The overseeing WWOOF organization for a particular country offers a list of organic farms who accept volunteer help in a variety of areas—planting, harvesting, animal husbandry or maintenance, or a combination of these areas.

The volunteer, aptly named WWOOFers, purchase a membership in the country they are interested in and then gain access to those lists that detail all available opportunities.

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wwoof it

They choose a host farm and make direct contact with the host to hash out the details.

In terms of fair exchange, four to six hours of labor is suggested, depending on the type of tasks involved.

How much does it cost to be a WOOFer? The ease of gaining access to these lists is dependent on the country you’re interested in. In the USA, a single membership is approximately US$20 or $30 for a double. That fee will get you a guide listing over 600 organic farm opportunities.

Can the kids join in?

It appears they can in some cases, and it would make a great experience for your kids. WWOOFer members must be 18-years-old or over, but some farms will let members bring their children; a few even allow pets.

How fit do you have to be?

While you don’t need to be a triathlete, it is expected you’ll be in reasonable shape. After all, you’ll likely be doing a lot of bending at the very least. Being a WWOOFer is a great way to get in some productive exercise.

How long are WWOOF stays?

They can vary greatly from a couple of nights to a couple of weeks; some even as long as a year. The length of your stay is negotiable with the host farm.

WWOOF-USA Basics The WWOOF-USA host farm directory lists more than 1,000 organic farms (not necessarily USDA certified organic) and gardens across the country. The host farm profile contains information about the location, general responsibilities and lifestyle of the host. Any farm, community or garden project in the USA that is willing to host and accommodate volunteers can participate in our program. We encourage all types of volunteers and hosts who can cooperate to strengthen sustainable agriculture worldwide to be a part of WWOOF-USA. The program is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, regardless of experience.

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wwoof it

WWOOF farms offer a variety of educational opportunities, including growing vegetables, keeping bees, building straw bale houses, working with animals, making wine and much more. With over a thousand farms in all 50 states, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, there is something for everyone.

You can preview the directory of farms before becoming a member on the website.

How it works A WWOOF member contacts the host farms to discuss hopes and expectations to agree on an arrangement. WWOOFing is a way to learn practical farming skills, be part of the organic agriculture movement and experience the heart of American agrarian culture.

Once you become a WWOOFer by joining the organization, you will receive online access to the directory of host farms.You can choose to also receive a printed and bound directory of host farms mailed to you. Next, contact the farms you are interested in visiting to check availability and arrange a stay. WWOOFers generally volunteer for half a day in exchange for meals, accommodation and education. The length of a farm stay is determined by you and the host, and can vary from a few days to a season.

The key to a mutually beneficial experience is lots of clear and open discussion about expectations before arriving at the farm.

•are willing to work hard on projects and tasks presented to you So if you’re looking for a very economical working holiday plus organic farming training plus exercise, WWOOF might be the ideal solution. MY WWOOF USA: www.wwoofusa.org WWOOF Hawaii: www.wwoofhawaii.org North East Workers on Organic Farms (NEWOOF USA): www.smallfarm.org/newoof WWOOF international: www.wwoof.org

Why WWOOF? WWOOF offers a rare opportunity for people to share their knowledge and efforts with others from a variety of backgrounds. It relies on trust, respect and hard work. Hosts welcome willing WWOOFers onto their property to help get work done with the intention of sharing knowledge and meeting new people while growing food for local communities.

Being a WWOOF host may be right if you: •will provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for a volunteer •are participating in organic or sustainable activities •have projects and tasks that you could use help with •are interested in sharing your knowledge with volunteers One-half day’s work on a farm by a WWOOFer is exchanged for food and accommodation from the host.Your trade agreement can be defined any number of ways: Work hours, days, length of stay, meal arrangements and accommodations vary greatly, and it is each host’s and volunteer’s joint responsibility to form a clear agreement.

Being a WWOOFer may be appropriate if you: •are a respectful and courteous guest in the homes and on the lands of others •are interested in learning about sustainable and organic farming methods 84

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WWOOF Quick Facts • The first WWOOF program was started by London secretary Sue Coppard in the United Kingdom in 1971.

• WWOOF organizations are present in 50 countries worldwide.

• WWOOF-USA was founded by Ryan “Leo” Goldmisth and friend sin Santa Cruz, CA in 2011.

• WWOOF-USA has hosts in all 50 states (including Hawaii and Alaska), Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

• The seven person board of directors is comprised of professionals interested in sustainable and ecological farming practices including an attorney, medical doctor and public school teachers.

• There are over 1,800 farms listed in the WWOOF-USA Host Farm Directory.

• There are currently 11,200 active one memberships in WWOOF-USA

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The

Great Organic

Hydroponic

D e b at e

by Noucetta Kehdi

Just because it doesn’t say organic, doesn’t mean it’s not good for you.

Just because it says hydroponically-grown, doesn’t mean it’s full of chemicals or poisons. Of course, the question on everybody’s mind is can we combine these two beneficial and effective techniques?

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The Great Organic Hydroponic Debate - Part One

The debate about the What is it that is separating organvalue of organic fertilic from hydroponic methods? Why izers and methods, and can’t these two technologies work whether organics can be together under today’s American applied to hydroponics is states’ certification guidelines? a popular one. Currently accepted organic fertilizer components are dependent on organisms in the soil to convert the “organic” In the United States there are numaterials into a useable merous definitions of organic, many form for plants. In hydroof which differ significantly. Each ponics the grower prostate has its own regulations for Consumers want to buy produce vides the minerals required for labeling. Additionally, there are 36 nonthat is not tainted with hazardplant growth directly, completely governmental organizations that can certify produce as organic. For example, eliminating the need for soil and ous chemicals or poisons, and California growers must register their soil organisms. The result is much are demanding grow methods organic produce with the California higher growth rates, yields and that are gentle on our delicate Department of Food and Agriculture even crop quality than organic and pass their inspection. However, planet and that don’t harm the methods can achieve. This is not California growers can also obtain cersoil, water or ecosystems. what some people want to hear, tification through the California Certibut it is the simple scientific fied Organic Farmers (CCOF), which truth. In fact, the kinds of materiactually has higher standards for organic als that are permitted for use under than the state has. organic regulations are not of sufficient purity to The CCOF certification is optional, but probe used for hydroponic culture.

With this in mind it’s important to recognize the readuce with California State registration and CCOF certification may be offered for sale within the state sons that organically grown produce is gaining such popularity. Consumers want to buy produce that is not tainted with as “certified organic”. If the grower chooses not to seek CCOF certification, the produce can be offered for sale in hazardous chemicals or poisons, and are demanding grow methods that are gentle on our delicate planet and that don’t California as organic, but not certified organic. Any produce grown outside the United States can be sold as certified harm the soil, water or ecosystems. Hydroponic farming methods fit properly into this system of values if used approorganic in the country if one of the 36 non-governmental organizations certifies it. In fact, produce from any state can priately. Hydroponics doesn’t use soil, requires less water, and consequently, more food can be cultivated. The fertilizers we be granted certification from one of the non-governmental use for hydroponics are ultra-pure and leave no residue in the organizations even if it does not meet the organic standards food crops we cultivate. Since hydroponic technologies are for the state in which it is being sold. Pretty confusing. What this all means is that the “organic” label is a matter of bumore efficient than soil methods, more people can be fed with less area and ecological impact. reaucratic definitions, which can vary from state to state, and country to country.

In order to bring some kind of standard into play, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—along with state govDuring the 1980s, Americans became increasingly more health ernment regulators, non-governmental certifiers, consumers, conscious. What we put into our bodies is carefully scrutinized, industry interest groups, food processors and various special which has made “organic” a buzzword of the ‘90s. People interest groups—is writing a federally mandated set of organic are buying organic skin care products, organic shampoos and standards. No state will be able to apply more stringent staneven organic clothing. Everybody seems to want organic, and dards than those of the federal. The basic objectives of organic hydroponic growers are quite aware of this. Why, then, are there practice include the following: hardly any certified organic hydroponic growers in the United • Avoidance of pesticides by use of natural pest controls (also States? Many go through a great deal of trouble to grow their applied by many hydroponics growers). crops organically, but even though they follow most guidelines, • Moderation of nutrient application with reliance on the they still cannot get the recognition or organic certification. buffer action of humus derived from compost.

What’s organic, what’s not?

Opening Pandora’s Box

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The Great Organic Hydroponic Debate - Part One

Soilless hydroponic cultivation moderates nutrient supply by Only unrefined minerals can be used on organic crops and these the more exact measurements of soluble nutrient formulations, often don’t dissolve well or contain quantities of impurities, some mixed to meet the optimum requirements of each plant species of which are even relatively toxic but are natural and therefore and growth phase. Many consumers select organic produce, okay, according to organic standards. For example, mined phosbelieving that this is the only way to be assured of pesticide-free phate may contain excessive amounts of fluoride, good for teeth non-hazardous food. While organic farming methods do proin very small quantities, but harmful to humans in excess. Mined duce crops generally superior to and safer than those grown by phosphate also can contain small amounts of radioactive elements agri-business practices, modern hydroponic techniques can put such as radium, which releases radon, also not good for human forth equally safe food that in many cases offers advances in nuhealth. Chlorides, too, are permitted for organic cultivation but trition and taste over their soil-grown organic counterparts. But though they are naturally mined, they can be bad for both plants to the consumer it’s the label that counts, so an increasing numand soil, especially if used in excess. Some soils used by organic ber of growers throughout the United States are struggling to farmers contain such toxic elements as selenium, which can acget organic certification in any way, shape or form. Meanwhile, cumulate in the plant tissues and produce. Amazing, isn’t it? When this whole situation poses an enormous dilemma to hydroponic refined, any impurities or toxicities such as those listed above are growers who also want organic recognition for their produce. removed, but refined minerals make for non-organic produce.

The primary problem for organic hydroponic growers is in the Blood meal, bone meal, fish meal and manures pose almost no formulation of the soilless nutrient solution. A secondary issue, potential safety hazards, but they don’t dissolve very well; they must which concerns the federal regulators, is be broken down through microbial action in in the way used hydroponic nutrient the soil and therefore don’t work well and media are disposed of. Since in hydroponic applications.There is organic is—to a large extent—a also a problem that sometimes arises The way used hydroponic nutrient farming philosophy in support of when using manures.The “Western a healthy environment, the federal and media are disposed of...has no Fertilizer Handbook,” an important concern is entirely reasonable. guide for American farmers, points bearing on the quality and safety Although the latter factor has no out that many gastrointestinal illnesses of the produce itself, the impact on can be traced back to manures used on bearing on the quality and safety the planet is a real driving force be- organically grown crops. of the produce itself, the impact on the planet is a real driving Another point that can be made is hind the issue of organic farming. force behind the issue of organic that strict vegetarians or animal rights farming. If hydroponic growers activists may be offended by the use of can find a way to completely recycle blood, bone, horn, hoof and feather meals exhausted water, nutrients and media, then the to grow their food, but these are primary nutrient sources argument in favor of organic-hydroponic certification for organic farmers. As you can see, this issue is very becomes much stronger, but there’s still the issue of formulatcomplex and there are many points of view. Essening a satisfactory organic hydroponic nutrient mix. Organic tially though, organic farming is part philosophy and part methodnutrient regulations prohibit the use of many mineral salts and ology, but unfortunately defined bureaucratically. highly refined substances, including food and pharmaceutical In part two we will define and discover what’s hydroponic and what’s not grade ingredients that are extremely important for successful and delve deeper into healthy produce and hydroponics. MY hydroponic nutrient formulation.

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AVANT-GARDENING

Grow

Up!

by Charlene Rennick

The solution to your horizontal gardening challenges is as simple as going up instead of out.

O

ne of the most widely acclaimed advantages of having a hydroponic garden is that it produces a greater volume of crops at harvest time.

Hydroponically-based cultivation systems can operate all year long, give gardeners an opportunity to start plants way ahead of the outdoor growing season and pack more plants into less space.

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Another land-saving, space-creating, energyconserving, hydroponic breakthrough is the vertical garden. Growing upwards instead of outwards gets the most use out of your lights and may help you save coin on your hydro bill.Vertical cultivation techniques may double a crop yield that normally requires 2,600 watt lights.Vertical hydroponic gardening techniques are incredibly energy efficient.

Vertical growing also opens up the variety of crops that can be grown hydroponically. Cucumbers, squash and melons—which traditionally require vast horizontal space to produce fruit—have been successfully coaxed to fruition using a cage, climber or homemade support. One of the tricks is to make sure the blossoms have the protective umbrella made up of the big leaves that will shade the growing fruit.This can be done by supporting the maturing fruit from the bottom and the main vine and offshoots from the top.

Cucumber, pumpkins, squash and melons are members of the vine family, which gives them the predisposition to become climbers if it weren’t for the weight of the fruit. With braces and cages to counter the weight, these large and tasty treats can be a welcome addition to your indoor harvest without taking up space.

The roots will need this kind of anchor to balance the weight of the yield against gravity. Clay, pebbles and other heavier, porous growing mediums also provide a good base. All of these options for a growing media suitable for vertical systems still require a reservoir, pumps to move the water around and irrigation fittings. Good luck growing up! MY

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Waste Not:

Compost Bins and Garden Waste Disposal

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[

[

by Casey Jones Fraser

Stop trashing and start composting—it’s great for your gardens and the planet.

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

Gardening is a hobby that produces waste. There is no way to get around it. Every gardener—whether they deal with hydroponics or soil—knows the hassle of throwing away all of those root balls. In a post-harvest situation, root balls and growing media are usually wet and heavy. Filling plastic garbage bags and sending them off to the landfill is cumbersome to the grower and harmful to the environment.

In my experience, most of the waste matter from an indoor garden is organic: soil, leaves, roots and so on. So why not make valuable compost from this stuff instead of throwing it into a landfill? Considering the work involved

with trashing your scraps, gathering and turning compost should be easy.

Wait, don’t stop reading! I know some of you are thinking “Composting?! I’ve heard this before...” Well, this compost plan is specifically for indoor gardeners.

I’ve got an easy-to-build and easy-to-use compost system that will be the perfect addition to your garden process, and you will be thrilled with the effective waste removal.

I got this idea when a customer asked me for a compost starter product. I offered her a large root ball that I was about to throw away. “This soil was fed a highend organic nutrient system, with lots of beneficial fungi and bacteria. Those are

[

[

“Old roots are loaded with dormant fungi and bacteria that will help future roots develop and thrive.”

the exact things you need to get your compost going,” I told her. I also sold her a high-nitrogen organic granular fertilizer to go with it. The results were successful, and her compost began breaking down at a much faster rate.

It occurred to me that we gardeners are always throwing away these old root balls, while plenty of people are trying to find products that offer nitrogen and beneficial biology for their compost. If you pile up all of these starchy, biologycovered roots combined with a nitrogen source, it will start to break down in a matter of days—it has all of the right ingredients. The resulting compost makes a great top dressing for outdoor gardens, as well as a potting mix for container plants.

All you need to purchase for this compost system is a few fence posts, some chicken fencing and a small box of metal staples. Specifically, get six five-foot fence posts and two three-foot fence posts. I use plastic poultry fencing for the inside edges, but almost any type of screen will work just as well. For the staples, I’m talking about the heavy-duty ones that you hammer into place, not the staple gun variety.

Next, score some free shipping pallets from your local hydroponics retailer. The best pallets are made of rough-cut oak. This wood is not painted or treated in any way, so there is no chemical runoff into your compost. Also, the oak wood is tough; after about three years you will probably need to replace the pallets as the wood will begin to decompose, but starting with oak will ensure relative longevity.

“Wait, don’t stop reading!

I know some of you are thinking “Composting?!

I’ve heard this before...”

When building a compost bin or using wood for a raised bed garden, always avoid glued or treated wood.

Find a suitable spot in your backyard for the compost bin.

You will need at least four square feet for the bin. For larger gardens, or more eager organic gardeners, find enough space for three four-foot squares.

Place the shipping pallets on the ground as shown, leaving the four foot square open. Once the pallets are in place, you can begin adding fence posts. Each pallet requires two fence posts at its base. That’s six posts in all—the two short ones will be used later.

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Waste Not

Start with six five-foot fence posts, two three-foot fence posts, some poultry fence and a few oak pallets.

For the next step, you will probably need a partner, because oak pallets are heavy. Slowly lift each pallet over and onto each pair of fence posts. The fence posts are the wall supports, and the pallets are the walls. With proper spacing, there will be almost no gaps in the corners, as the two side walls fit snugly up against the back wall. From here you will need to add chicken fencing or some sort of heavy-duty screen to the walls of your new compost bin. This extra step keeps the garden scraps inside the compost bin instead of falling through the slots. To secure the fencing, you will need a hammer and a few heavyduty staples. Line the bottom three feet of the bin with fencing or screen, then hammer the staples into place,

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fixing the fencing to the pallets. At this point, the bin is almost complete. The final step in construction is adding the fourth pallet, which will act as a door or gate for the compost bin.

This step is extremely important if you have pets.A few years ago, my Great Dane got into the compost and started eating it! I didn’t actually see him eat the rotting waste; what I saw was the bloody aftermath in the yard.We had to rush him to the emergency vet—he was so

Here is how some people compost...Just throw it out back and let it rot!

sick that he almost died of dehydration.These days I make sure the fourth pallet is secured, so my pets eat pet food instead of compost.

Now, to put the gate in place, grab those short fence posts and hammer them into the ground at the mouth of the bin where the final pallet will be placed.

Wooden pallets (used for shipping) are available for free. Just ask your local hydroponics store.

Lay three pallets on the ground where the bin will go. Start hammering in fence posts at the edge of the pallets (two posts per pallet).

Take a deep breath. Lift a pallet over your head, and drop it down onto the fence posts.

With the short fence posts in the ground, it’s time to complete the bin. Take your fourth pallet, lift it and drop it down onto the short fence posts. If this pallet does not fit snugly against the front of the bin, pull up the fence posts and reposition them for a tight fit.

With the final pallet in place, the compost bin is complete.

If you are like me, you have dozens of root balls that need disposal. Plenty of growers out there have piles of root balls weighing hundreds of pounds. Almost any type of growing medium can be composted in this way, but you should avoid plastics and poly-based materials in your bin. Organics break down quickly, while synthetic materials can take years to start degrading.

With the gate removed, I dump root balls, soil, leaves and so on onto the pile. This will need to be turned and stirred about three times per week or more often if you have the time. Your motivation for all this work? When you pack all of your garden waste into a trash can, it will still look the same weeks later—why not just make it all disappear? And nature does most of the work!

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Waste Not

Line the inside of the bin with poultry fencing or some other type of screen. This will help keep the compost inside the bin.

After adding all of your garden waste to the compost pile, start mixing and chopping with a shovel, as thoroughly churning the compost speeds up biodegradation. Chop everything with a shovel until the stems and leaves are unrecognizable. Replace the gate by dropping it onto the short fence posts.

Remember to turn the compost with a shovel every few days. If it gets too dry, add water to encourage faster decomposition of plant matter. Don’t be afraid to throw on some kitchen scraps (avoid meat and dairy) and

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When you pack all of your garden waste into a trash can, it will still look the same weeks later— why not just make it all disappear?

yard waste (avoid pet feces). Moldy bread, rotten produce, egg shells, coffee grounds, tree leaves and grass clippings are all valuable additions to your compost, and will encourage bacterial and fungal colonies to breed and further break down your garden waste. Kitchen scraps and yard waste will also add organic nutrients to the compost mix, which will increase the compost quality.

Multiple bins

Now consider three compost bins instead of just one. With a few more fence posts and shipping pallets, you can easily turn your single bin into a three-section compost system that will allow you to harvest rich compost every six weeks.

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Add the two three-foot fence posts for the front pallet. This front pallet will act as a gate to enclose the compost.

Lower the pallet onto the short fence posts, just to make sure it fits tightly into place.

Here’s an overhead view:

With the two additional bins, you will be able to have three categories of compost: the adding pile, the turning pile and the finished pile. The adding pile is where you continue to add garden and kitchen scraps and yard waste. Be sure to turn the pile each time you add to it. The turning pile is no longer getting new ingredients, but still isn’t finished breaking down.You will need to turn this pile every few days. Last is your finished pile of

Dump your soil, along with any other garden scraps, into the bin. Compost isn’t just for soil.

Rockwool, expanded clay, silicate grow rocks, coco coir, and perlite are all excellent additives to a compost bin.

compost—this compost has been turned regularly for six weeks and is all broken down.

The results look like lumpy, rich soil. My compost also contains various hydroponic mediums, like mineral wool, clay pellets, silicate grow rocks, coconut chips

Chop the contents with a shovel and put the final pallet in place.

Stir contents once a day, and the mix will be ready for your outdoor garden in six weeks.

and so on. With all of these amazing ingredients, this compost is an excellent soil amendment for outdoor gardens.

So stop trashing and start composting—it’s great for your gardens and the planet.

The finished product: hydroponics and organics in perfect harmony! MY Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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by Matt LeBannister

DERIVING NUTRIENTS FROM MARINE LIFE

Life is abundant under the sea, and some of these life forms can be excellent sources of complete nutrition above the sea for your plants.

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oceans of life

Plants have to receive certain nutrients in order to survive and thrive. They need nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and an assortment of trace elements, amino acids and vitamins.

When growing indoors, the gardener must provide the plant with these essentials—but with so many different products on the market these days, it is difficult to decide which nutrient sources are most complete and best for your plants.

The sea can be a beacon of light for unsure gardeners. There are many different sources of plant nutrients that come from the sea—nutrients such as kelp meal or extract and fish emul-

“Kelp meal is applied as a top dressing to plants or mixed into the soil before planting, while kelp and seaweed extract can be mixed into hydroponic irrigation solutions, watered to potted plants or foliar sprayed.”

sion are two examples of excellent sources of organic plant nutrition, but there are many other marine-based plant foods that are available to keep plants happy and healthy as well.

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Kelp is a type of seaweed that grows quickly and abundantly in the ocean. Kelp and other seaweeds are excellent organic sources of many of the nutrients that plants require for optimum growth, and they are available for gardeners as kelp or seaweed meal in a ground powder or as kelp or seaweed extract in a liquid treatment. Kelp meal is applied as a top dressing to plants or mixed into the soil before planting, while kelp and seaweed extract can be mixed into hydroponic irrigation solutions, watered to potted plants or foliar sprayed—each way is an effective means of delivering quality nutrients to your plants.

Kelp contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, and is also a natural source of 60 to 70 trace elements that are in a water soluble state, which means they are instantly available to the plant. Kelp and seaweed are abundantly rich in many vitamins such as A, C, E and B-12 as well, and they also contain many amino acids and plant hormones.

Kelp meal or extract has other advantages as a plant nutrient. Kelp will break down quickly—making nutrients available to the plant right away—and it contains vitamin B-12, which reduces plant stress, helping with shock from transplanting, environmental damages, insect damage or disease. Kelp or seaweed can also increase the bioactivity in the soil at root level, helping to break down organic matter and making it available to the plant as food. Kelp and seaweed in the soil can help with water retention as well.

There is one downside to using kelp as a plant nutrient, however—because it would seem that earthworms do not like to eat fresh kelp.

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oceans of life

Earthworms break down organic matter and aerate the soil, and while kelp will not harm them in any way, the earthworms just do not seem to want to eat it.

Our next set of marine-based nutrients comes directly from fish. Fish meal and fish emulsion are both excellent organic products that can be very nutritious for plants. Fish meal is dried and ground whole fish or fish trimmings with most of the fish oil removed during the drying process in order to prevent the fish meal from going rancid.

There are many reasons fish meal is a great plant nutrient. Fish meal is an excellent source of six to eight per cent nitrogen, five to seven per cent phosphorous and many trace elements, although it is not a good source of potassium. Just like kelp meal, though, fish meal is a great bio-activator, improving the breakdown of compost and organic matter.

The downside to using fish meal as an organic plant fertilizer is really just the odor—it smells like fish. To control the odor, cover the top dressing of fish meal with some soil. You should also make sure to keep the fish meal in an airtight container to prevent pets and insects from getting into it.

Fish emulsion is the liquid version of fish meal, and is made by using enzymes that digest and ferment fish remains.

Fish emulsion is also a great source of nitrogen, phosphorous and many trace elements.

There are certain benefits to using fish emulsion over fish meal. Being already broken down and in liquid form, the nutrients in fish emulsion are immediately available to the plant, whereas the fish meal needs to be broken down. Fish emulsion is hard to overfeed, making it safer to use than fish meal, and it is also an excellent bioactivator that can assist in the breaking down of compost and organic matter. Fish emulsion can be added into hydroponic nutrient reservoirs and hand-watered to potted plants as well, making it more versatile than fish meal.

The drawback of using fish emulsion is again the odor. Even though you can find ‘deodorized’ fish emulsion, 104

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oceans of life

Diatomaceous earth is also used as an organic insecticide. When an insect larva comes into contact with the microscopic fossilized diatoms, the sharp edges will damage the larva’s soft exterior. The diatoma-

it will still have a distinct fishy smell.

Another excellent source of organic nutrients is diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of freshwater or saltwater diatoms—tiny, hard-shelled algae. Diatomaceous earth can be mixed into soil before planting or top dressed as necessary, and is an excellent source of many trace elements, including magnesium, silicon, calcium, sodium, iron, boron, manganese and copper.

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Greensand is an iron-potassium silicate that contains many micronutrients and trace elements and has been formed over millennia in ancient seabed deposits of shells and plant material.

Greensand may be rich in many nutrients essential for plant growth, but it is not ideal for the indoor gardener as “Greensand may be rich in many nutrients essential it takes a few for plant growth, but it is not ideal for the indoor years to break gardener as it takes a few years to break down and down and bebecome available to plants, making it more practical come available as a plant nutrient for outdoor organic gardeners.” to plants, making it more practical as a ceous earth dust will also stick to the plant nutrient for outdoor organic garedges of soil-borne insects, where it deners. It can be top dressed as needed will then absorb the lipids from the or mixed into the soil before planting. insects’ waxy exoskeleton, causing Another way to derive plant nutrition them to dry out and die. If an insect from marine life is to bring the marine ingests diatomaceous earth, the fossillife right into the growroom with aquaized diatoms will shred the insides of ponics, which is becoming a popular the insect, causing death. method of hydroponic gardening. A Another organic source of plant nureservoir is filled with fish or replaced trition from ancient seas is glaucomite, with a large fish tank. The fish will eat commonly referred to as greensand. fish food and any algae buildup, and the fish waste will be in the water that will be pumped into the hydroponic irrigation system feeding the plants. This is an innovative way of organic hydroponic gardening—the plants clean the water for the fish and the fish waste feeds the plants, creating a somewhat self-contained ecosystem.

The oceans, seas and even bodies of fresh water contain an abundance of life.

Such teeming marine life, both plant and animal, signals the availability of diverse sources of nutrition. For gardeners, the marine world is a great organic source of renewable plant food. With kelp and seaweed extracts, different fish products and ancient sea deposits, plants can get all the elements, vitamins, amino acids and plant hormones they need to develop to their fullest potential. MY

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TIPS & TRICKS

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eld of oponics is a fi Although hydr olving, you constantly ev science that is to add science degree don’t need a . Simply ovative future to hydro’s inn e of the th diar y is on keeping a grow sets and an imporle as most invaluab e early form from th tant habit to will be be ows, may it will one stages (who kn at th ta ents or da m ri pe ex r u yo e newest forefront of th e th at be y da kthrough). scientific brea naling r, although jour Just remembe th factors, ultitude of grow p it can cover a m ee complicated. K it need not be your hortin with and as simple to begi ses, so can itiveness increa thing cultural inquis m eate. The ain Y cr u yo s rd co the re it! M d and just do is to get starte

utr ifield’s ed from N rc u so as w eir garden This ar ticle er. To see th ur garden lv o S m le b yo Garden Pro and expand strengthen r om.au o .c ld al ie rn if u tr jo www.nu it is v ardene, g d s to your g n o of knowle ti lu so d will fin where you es. g n ing challe

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Jack Van Camp

Ventilation The Whole Truth

Grow spaces of all shapes and sizes—large or small, hobby or commercial— need airflow. Detailed are the benefits of ventilation and how to integrate fans into your space.

Our planet is dynamic with low pressure and high pressure systems colliding and creating wind. The wind can dry or moisten an environment, which in turn can open or close the stomata on the surface of leaves. If the humidity is too low the plant’s growth will slow down; if the humidity is too high bacteria and fungi can flourish.

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ventalation benefits

In an indoor growing environment, fans are a necessity.

They emulate our planet’s dynamic pressure systems keeping the temperature and humidity at a constant level. Besides lighting they are one the most important component in an indoor grow set-up.

Carbon dioxide is an integral component of plant growth.

Even if nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon are present and plentiful at the root level, insufficient airflow will result in a missing element in the plant’s construction material.

A fan will keep the plant breathing, metabolizing and growing at an optimum rate.

The diverse selection of fans on the market includes do-it-yourself hydroponic computer fans, centrifugal (squirrel cage) fans, vortex fans and more that will all do different jobs in different situations. In situations with high intensity discharge (HID) light (more than 400 watts burning), a small fan under 250 or 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) will not do the job. A general rule of thumb is if you have 400 watts of light you should have at least 400 CFM per bulb and if you have 600 to 1,000 watts you should have 600 CFM per bulb. Another way to calculate volume of air exchange in a room is mathematically. Knowing the length, width and height of the room, you simply multiply these three numbers to find the proper fan that will exchange your air in one minute.

For example, a 10 by 10 by eight foot room is 800 cubic feet so your fan must be at least 800 CFM in order to achieve the one minute exchange.Very small areas can use smaller fans, but a small area can get heat buildup very quickly and will still need good steady air flow. In cases where heat buildup “In cases where heat buildup is a problem (even in is a problem (even in large rooms) an intake fan pushing the same volume large rooms) an intake of air as the outtake fan can be installed down low fan pushing the same volume of air as the in the opposing wall to help cool the air faster and outtake fan can be make the air tumble through the garden.” installed down low in the opposing wall to help cool the air faster and make the air tumble through the garden. An oscillating fan blowing gently across the leaves in tandem with intake and outtake fans will keep the plants fed well with carbon dioxide and will make the plants’ stems stronger at the cellular level. If heat or cold is a problem all fans can be hooked up to dimmer switches or heating and cooling thermostats to keep the room between the proper temperature parameters.

All fans run on a curve and there is a point at which the fan runs most efficient. Every piece of equipment placed in front of or behind the fan has a negative effect on the performance of the fan.

• Louver or butterfly dampers will impede the progression of air to a degree.

• The ducting will affect airflow. Straight, smooth, galvanized ducting will let air flow better than plastic ducting with ribs.

The ribs create small baffles along the length of the ducting and static pressure will build up in the duct work.

• Length of pipe is another important consideration. The shorter, straighter span of pipe or ducting should be used for the most efficient air flow. According to heating and cooling duct work contractors, every 45 degree bend adds 10 feet to the length of duct and a 90 degree bend is something that will start to work against the fan; the air will actually find its way back to the fan and leak out into the room.

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“When you are shopping for a fan you are going to get what you pay for. Purchasing a fan too small or of inferior quality spells trouble. Don’t be afraid to spend the money on a good fan.”

• A fan should always be set up level. Hang the fan straight up and down vertically or perfectly horizontal. If you hang the fan off kilter the bearings will rub together unevenly and over time the fan will start to make unbearable sounds and in the worst case, will stop completely.

• By sealing all connections and air leaks with silicone or metalized ducting tape you will ensure complete airflow with no air escaping back into your room.

All these components in front or behind the fan should be taken into consideration when you are envisioning your room.

Airflow and movement are very important in the garden.

When you are shopping for a fan you are going to get what you pay for. Purchasing a fan too small or of inferior quality spells trouble. Don’t be afraid to spend the money on a good fan.You wouldn’t buy a $700 fishing rod and put a $3 reel on it, would you? Having a good quality and properly sized fan should be one the strongest links in the chain.

Helpful Hints: • Decide where you are going to place the fan in your room.

High up in a corner is best for expelling hot air.

• Get the proper fan size to change the air in your room a couple times a minute.

• An 800 cubic feet room requires a minimum 800 CFM fan.

• Make sure the fan is level horizontally or vertically.

• Make sure the length of your ducting is straight and as short as possible.

• Purchase a fan that is more powerful than you need in case you add carbon filters or air cooled shades.

• The intake fan should match the outtake fan.

• Seal all connections with silicone or metalized duct tape.

• Use an oscillating fan for mixing air and creating a gentle breeze across the plants leaves.

• And finally, spend money on a good quality brand name fan, and it will be the only fan you will ever need. MY

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GROWING FOR HEALTH

Indoor Herbs for Summer Drinks

by Matt LeBannister

All in favor of a refreshing twist on summer drinks, raise your glass.

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After an abnormally long winter—that in many parts of the country lasted through spring—summer is finally here. With summer comes warm weather and long, sunny days. These days are filled with fun in the sun by the pool, at the beach and in the garden. To cool off why not enjoy a delicious summer drink accented with some of your indoor garden herbs. The herbs suggested in this article can be grown easily under fluorescent lights or in a sunny windowsill.

There are many herbs that grow easily indoors that add a unique, refreshing twist to summer drink standards.The one that is most often used and is the most versatile is mint, of which there are many varieties.

The most common varieties for summer drinks are peppermint, spearmint, lemon mint and orange mint. Each has its own unique flavoring so preference is up to the individual. Each type of mint makes a great addition to mint juleps, mojitos, lemonade, iced tea, fruit punch and iced soda water. A pinch or sprig of mint leaves in a cool summer drink can make any drink special and extra refreshing.

Another herb that makes a great addition to certain summer drinks

is basil.There are many different varieties of basil including sweet basil,Thai basil and lemon basil.

Each has a unique taste and smell. Fresh basil will best accent iced tomato or vegetable juice, Caesars and Bloody Marys.

Basil has a very strong flavor and can over power the drink if too much is added.

A great way to ensure the basil does not over power the other flavors is to freeze one to two leaves of basil in an ice cube the night before. As the ice cubes slowly melts the flavor will release into the drink.This can be done with any of your favorite herbs.

Another great way to infuse a drink with herbs is to make your own herb flavored syrup.To

do this first choose your favorite indoor grown herbs. Mint, lemon balm, basil, thyme, tarragon, basil and lemon verbena all grow easily indoors and taste great.

To make the syrup first add a half cup of sugar and a cup of water into a small sauce pan. Bring the mixture slowly to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mix thickens.Take the pan off the heat source and add a few pinches of your favorite herb. Once the syrup has cooled, 30 minutes to an hour later, strain out the herbs and allow the syrup to continue cooling in the fridge.

Now the syrup is ready to be added to your drink.You can make a great summer herb drink by adding two to four tablespoons of your newly made syrup to a glass of soda water and ice. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime, serve and enjoy.

There are so many great herbs and great summer drinks that you can mix and match.

Experimenting until you find the perfect combination is part of the fun.With the variety of herbs that can be grown indoors, it’s unlikely you’ll ever run out of fresh summer drink ideas. MY

Recipes for Summer Drinks With Herbs Iced Tea With Mint • • •

Brew favorite tea at double strength and pour over ice Add lemon slices Add a ½ cup of mint leaves per pitcher

Basil Spicy Caesar •

• • • •

Dip rim of glass in lemon juice then celery salt Add one cup of tomato juice with or without clam juice Add a couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce Add a dash of hot sauce Garnish with a sprig of basil instead of celery

Mojito • • • • • •

Crush one tablespoon of mint leaves Add the juice of half a lime Add one to two tablespoons of sugar Add one ounce white rum Add ice and carbonated mineral water Stir well

Mint Julep • • • • •

One tablespoon of sugar One tablespoon of lemon juice Four to six mint leaves and one sprig of mint for garnish One cup crushed ice One ounce bourbon

Thyme Lemonade

• -A ½ cup of fresh lemon juice • -A ½ cup of water • -One tablespoon of sugar • -Couple pinches of fresh thyme • -One ounce gin or vodka *all alcohol suggestions are optional Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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by Lee McCall

DIVERSIFY AND THRIVE:

by Lee McCall

Today’s gardening Ideas Lead to Tomorrow’s gardening Advancements Part of the thrill of growing is the anticipation of what’s coming next—what new discovery will allow us to grow bigger and better crops with less input of man-hours and energy? Every once in a while I catch myself thinking about this whole gardening thing and the components of the crazed industry holding it all together.

So many types of individuals with every industry and trade background imaginable wind up devoting themselves to advancing and supporting our thriving market. The mindsets they bring 118

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to the industry are both fresh and aggressive, creating a stampede of innovation. The pace is rapid from many angles; a fundamental refresher course sometimes feels necessary to remember the roots and basics of what our industry was first built on and the pioneers that began it all. So once again I go back to the garden to clone, sow or transplant in order to stay connected with what it all means to be a connoisseur gardener—this is about passion and commitment above all.

Diversify and thrive

H

ydroponics and indoor gardening poured a there is more than one way to dictate the success of a crop. concrete foundation that is now solid enough to For example, I have become an avid fan of the root prunattract people who would never have thought ing pot for those who are container growers. This age-old of themselves as self-sustainable growers. Our market has method, formerly used in hardwood tree cultivation, is now branched out immensely; more people than ever are realizvery prevalent in our new era of accelerated urban growing the benefits of what it means to grow your own. Every ing, and the grow bag style containers have revolutionized person should have the knowledge it takes to produce their yields and production for the traditional container gardener. own favorite leafy, fruiting or These specialized pots are the flowering plants. Personally, I very definition of efficiency. “a fundamental refresher course sometimes By using the same amount of feel this knowledge promotes a higher understanding and feels necessary to remember the roots and grow medium in a root prunrespect for everyone’s individual basics of what our industry was first built ing aeration container that used quality of life. As gardeners, we to be required in a stock plastic on and the pioneers that began it all.” pride ourselves on being selfnursery can or plastic grow bag, reliant, productive and—most many growers now find that importantly—accurate. We learn yields and quality of produce to be efficient, which in turn means better growing results are increased substantially—with the only difference being the with less detrimental impact on the environment. Our percontainer. Both soil and hydroponic growers can benefit from sonal strengths will be reflected in the growing systems we this technique. I prefer fabric-style root pruning pots for soil develop, whether those are expressed through lighting, venand other hand-feed systems, and the injection-molded contilation design, choice of growth methods (soil or hydro), tainer style for hydroponic applications such as ebb and flow cleanliness, nutritional assessment or pruning techniques. or drip. Regardless of the application, both styles are versatile So what is currently the latest and greatest in yearfor any growing method and should yield an easy upgrade to round growing technologies? A subjective question, as an existing program.

HVAC design in the grow room is also slowly starting to develop in a more sophisticated and technical direction. As larger operations require further engineering expertise than the standard inline-style ducted reflector system used by the home grower, more research and development is beginning to be invested into discovering a system to deliver the perfect environment—perhaps from a single monitor, switchboard or even your Smartphone?

Even hobbyists are beginning to implement more effective ventilation designs into their rooms, utilizing spiral or hard ducts more traditionally used in commercial HVAC systems. These ventilation designs allow the grower to create equalized pressure systems, using the hard spiral ducts as diffusers to feed consistent amounts of steady pressurized airflow, optimizing temperature control throughout the grow room and helping to keep the end 120

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Diversify and thrive

result consistent. Water-cooled devices like ice boxes for HID lights and fans also revolutionized the way grow rooms operated, particularly in hotter regions, but tended to scare some growers off because they were at first not that well understood. However, trial and error is now revealing more user-friendly ways to make water-cooled rooms a viable answer to year-round growing by using the properties of water to expel larger volumes of heat than would be possible with air conditioners.

Although these kinds of cooling strategies are not always applicable, you should consider them before investing in a final decision.

In hydroponics, one advance in particular is making a major difference in the way deep water culture systems are operated.

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This sub-patented technology is increasing growth rates, stabilizing pH/PPM values and allowing for maximum utilization of lighting footprints in a plug-and-play model. These systems are built based on lighting footprints customized for both 600 watt and 1, 000 watt lighting set-ups, using an array of bucket configurations.

Sea of green-style lids are available that allow for multiple plants per bucket, as well as the traditional single plant per bucket systems. Benefits of deep water culture include the ability to harness overly large plants without root-bounding, less plants to tend to (equating to more yield per plant), less grow medium required (so overall waste is reduced) and accelerated growth rates due to high oxygen concentrations in the root system. In the final analysis, I have found aeroponics and deep water culture systems

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Diversify and thrive

to be quite similar in terms of and coarse large-grade perlite may be layered at the bottom growth rates achieved and of the beds to increase consistent drainage and stimulate root overall system maintegrowth. Harvest whole plants directly from the beds when nance required. the crop is ready, and back-fill the empty hole directly with Soil is a very special fresh soil and a healthy transplant. Supplement an enzyme component of an orformula into the initial feedings of the new transplant so ganic garden, and the best that old roots and debris left over from the last crop will be of the best have taught broken down and digested into the bed’s naturally occurme that it has and always ring biology. Maintain the same crop variety and strain with will be about the microbes its own bed, and over time it should develop an orchestrated when it comes to soil. Bacnetwork of fungal and bacterial colonies customized to teria and fungi are the buildthe preferences of the strain. Ingredients such as bat guano, ing blocks for metabolizing plant azomite, oyster shell, fish emulsion, kelp meal and humic acid nutrition naturally and organically in soil will boost production and quality of the soil bed. systems—feeding the microbes Diversity is the key to the evolu“The best of the best have taught me properly will in turn feed the tion of our industry. The individplant with the exact proportions that it has and always will be about the uality of the countless dedicated of what is needed in order to growers out there guarantees that microbes when it comes to soil.” achieve top-shelf flavor profiles new products, techniques and and quality. The raised bed is an excellent way to create advances will continue to flood our incredibly vital mara radical soil web, rich in microbiology effective for both ketplace. With so many committed growers coming at these indoor and outdoor organically grown gardens. Raised problems from so many different angles, there’s just no telling beds should have thorough drainage; hydroton, silica rock the amazing advances tomorrow’s gardens will bring… MY

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What is Permaculture?

by Emma Cooper

PERMACULTURE is a combination of two words—PERManent and agriCULTURE or simply CULTURE—used to describe a way of designing systems for human use that meet our needs sustainably. The term was first used in the 1970s by two Australians, Bill Mollinson and David Holmgren.

Permaculture is a method of design that encourages efficient and productive systems for producing food to provide for our material needs or to simply create healthy communities, based on three core values. Earthcare encourages us to think about the effect our activities have on the planet and to develop ways to live more sustainably. Peoplecare aims to develop healthy communities, by respecting and supporting everyone. Fairshares place realistic limits on individual consumption so that the planet’s resources are used wisely and equitably.

Permaculture includes many design concepts inspired by natural, sustainable systems. It’s important to look at the system as a whole, not the individual parts, so that the connections between the parts

are visible and each part can be put in the right place. In terms of a community, this might mean ensuring that homes and workplaces are close together to avoid the need to commute. In gardening terms it would mean placing the plants that need the most attention closest to the house, while placing perennial plants further away from the house. Designs make the best possible use of resources to minimize inputs (including human effort) and maximize outputs. Waste products are used as inputs elsewhere— either reused or recycled locally.

Although permaculture design can be applied to anything we create, currently its most well known applications are for gardening or agriculture. A forest garden is a system for growing food that mimics a natural forest. Several ‘layers’ of plants grow at different heights, making the best possible use of the space, light and available nutrients.The seven layers are the root zone, the soil layer, herbaceous plants, shrubs, low trees, the canopy (tall trees) and climbing plants.The majority of the plants used in forest gardens are perennial or self-seeding. In a well-planned forest garden there is little maintenance required after the initial planting, but there is always something useful to be harvested. Although most of the plants will produce food, many forest garden plants have multiple uses— providing herbal medicines, dye and fibers. In fact, the list of possible uses for plants is almost endless.

“Although permaculture design can be applied to anything we create, curretnly its most well known applications are for gardening or agriculture.”

Another example of permaculture design is the herb spiral where herbs spiral around a mound of soil. The south-facing side of the mound is sunny and hot; the north side is cooler. The top of the mound is drier than the bottom. The idea here is that each herb is given its ideal growing conditions, and will be healthy and productive.

Permaculture is a very large and interesting subject, and hopefully this brief introduction will encourage you to learn more. MY ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emma Cooper is the voice of the Alternative Kitchen Garden podcast and writes about kitchen gardening and environmental issues. An edible plant geek, she tries to grow her own food sustainably with the help of a reluctant husband and two pet chickens. Visit http://coopette.com for more information.

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GREEN THUMB GARDENING

CFL Disposal and

Advice on safely disposing of or recycling compact fluorescent lamps after their useful life.

I’ve been a big fan of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for years, first using them in the 90s when they were still around $20 a pop and were more cumbersome. Nowadays you can get them for just a couple of dollars.

The cost has plummeted and they come in all sorts of wattages, shapes and sizes to fit the vast majority of standard light fittings. Incandescent bulbs not only consume excessive energy but also make a hole in your wallet in comparison. Some countries have also officially sounded the death-knell for incandescent bulbs, with plans to phase them out over the next few years.

But a new predicament faces us—what to do with the bulb once it’s completed its useful life. I’ve had several e-mails on this topic just over the last couple days. It’s been great to see environmentally conscious people thinking past the purchase.

Thankfully, CFLs last for a very long time—two to five years. Given their growing popularity though, that does mean in a few years from now we’ll be faced with many CFLs needing to be responsibly disposed of or recycled.

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by Michael Bloch

Recycling

Don’t bin your CFLs Throwing CFLs in the bin isn’t a good idea. Aside from the waste of materials, they contain a small amount of mercury; approximately three to five milligrams.

It’s a tiny amount, about the size of the very tip of a ballpoint pen and far less than what is present in a watch battery.

Still, 100 million of these small amounts does become significant.

There has been quite a bit of panic about mercury in CFLs. I’d hazard a guess that CFL mercury levels would be far less than the additional mercury emissions involved in powering a comparable incandescent globe over the same period of a CFL’s lifespan.

Additionally, at the end of a CFL bulb’s life, little of the mercury remains in its most toxic form. Regardless, given the fragility of the bulbs, caution is necessary and mercury shouldn’t wind up in landfill at any time and at any level. Mercury is a powerful toxin that contaminates earth, air and water and accumulates in animal tissue.

How to dispose of CFLs The best way to find out how you can recycle or safely dispose of CFLs is to contact your local waste authority for advice. Contact your electricity authority; some utilities are providing their customers with CFL recycling or advisory services.

Another option is to ask the retailer who supplies your bulbs if they have a recycling program. Some larger retailers have programs in place already. It’s a good opportunity to put pressure on retailers who don’t by letting them know you’ll buy your bulbs from outlets that do provide this program.

If all of the above proves fruitless hang

onto the bulbs by placing them in a crush-proof container. The issue of mercury in bulbs will become more pressing and as the green revolution really starts kicking into gear, governments and manufacturers will be forced to provide proper facilities.

You should not place lamps in your regular recycling collection because they can shatter while being transported or sorted and contaminate recyclable items, putting recycling center staff at risk.

What if you break a CFL? • Open windows in the room to air out for 15 minutes before cleaning up.

• Don’t use a vacuum as this will spread mercury into the air.

• Wear gloves when cleaning up.

• Use a disposable brush to gently sweep up fragments.

• Use a moist paper towel to help pick up remaining tiny fragments.

• Wrap the pieces up in layers of newspaper and place in a sturdy sealable bag or container along with anything used to clean up the mess.

Place the container or bag in your rubbish bin. It should be treated as hazardous chemical waste; i.e. stored safely until it can be taken to a hazardous chemical disposal facility. Given all that messing around, it just pays to be extra careful when handling a CFL bulb.

If the idea of using anything containing mercury really bothers you, perhaps consider LED lighting as a mercury-free alternative. LEDs are even more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than compact fluorescent lamps!

For more information on LED lighting for indoor gardening, check out www.maximumyiled.com MY Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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Foliar Nutrition for Plants

by Bentley Mills

It is common knowledge that plants are able to absorb essential elements through their leaves. The absorption takes place through the stomata of the leaves and also through the epidermis, and while the movement of elements is usually faster through the stomata, the total absorption may be just as great through the epidermis.

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foliar nutrition for plants

Plants are also able to absorb nutrients through their bark.

The following elements have been successfully used to supply nutrients for plant growth by applying them as foliar leaf sprays:

Primary Nutrients

Secondary Nutrients

Micronutrients

Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

Magnesium Calcium Sulfur

Iron Zinc Boron Copper

Molybdenum Manganese Chlorine

One difficulty in using foliar sprays to supply essential elements to crops is that translocation of the applied element may not be rapid enough for increasing crop yields.With some plants this problem is more difficult than with others. For example, the relative mobility of essential nutrients in bean plants when applied as a foliar spray—in order of decreasing mobility—was as follows:

Mobile

Partially Mobile

Immobile

Potassium Phosphorus Chlorine Nitrogen

Zinc Copper Manganese

Boron Calcium Sulfur Iron

Molybdenum Magnesium

Nitrogen fertilizer compounds have been used for several years as foliar sprays. Sodium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, potassium nitrate and urea have all been used experimentally, but only urea gives satisfactory results, as the other fertilizers cause leaf burning due partly to the high osmotic concentration of the spray solution.

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Urea has been successfully sprayed on apple trees, tomatoes, celery, lima beans, potatoes, cantaloupes, cucumbers and sugar cane.

Amounts ranging up to 15 pounds of urea per acre at one spraying have been used with beneficial results on apple trees, but higher concentrations will burn the leaves. The usual concentration for apple trees is five pounds of urea per 100 gallons of water, and this is commonly mixed and applied with regular spray materials at weekly intervals early in the growing season. The application of urea fertilizer to leaves of plants has been shown to achieve results approximately equal to those obtained when fertilizer is applied to the soil—the uptake of urea is faster when it is sprayed on the leaves, but it is cheaper to apply it to the soil.

Phosphorus is also capable of being utilized by plants when it is sprayed on the leaves. Although the practice is not common, there are many good reasons for predicting that there may be an increase in the foliar application of phosphorus. One reason is that in most soils only a small percentage of phosphorus fertilizers can

“Potassium applications as foliar sprays have been attempted using potassium sulfate fertilizer, but some leaf injury resulted and researchers concluded that soil applications are far more satisfactory.”

be utilized by the plant (averaging about 20 per cent for the first year) whereas with foliar application nearly all is absorbed.

In one experiment, in fact, approximately three pounds of P2O5 sprayed on tomato leaves gave a greater early growth than did 135 pounds of P2O5 applied to the soil, and the yield of tomatoes was 12 per cent greater when the entire 135 pounds of P2O5 was sprayed on the leaves.

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satisfactory.

Magnesium is now commonly applied to plant foliage as a solution of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts). One reason for the popularity of the practice is that soil applications of magnesium commonly take three years to correct magnesium deficiency symptoms of such perennials as apple trees, whereas foliar sprays are effective within a few days after application. A foliar applica“Sulfur sprayed on leaves is readily absorbed by plants, a fact that was demonstrated in connection with the study of certain sulfur sprays when used as fungicides.” tion of a two per cent solution of MgSO4 to tomatoes, oranges and apples has been shown to relieve magnesium deficiency and has also increased crop yields.

Calcium is not usually applied as a foliar spray because it can be just as efficiently applied to the soil. If CaCO3 is too slow in reaction then CaO or Ca(OH)2 can also be used as soil applications, while CaCl2 is the primary method of applying Ca to foliage on the occasions this method is used.

Sulfur sprayed on leaves is readily absorbed by plants, a fact that was demonstrated in connection with the study of certain sulfur sprays when used as fungicides. Although there have been no reports of a sulfur deficiency being relieved by sulfur sprays, the practice may become established because it is physiologically sound.

Iron has been sprayed on foliage by growers since about 1916 to relieve chlorosis. The first research on this subject was carried out with chlorotic pineapples growing on highly alkaline soils in Hawaii, and periodic sprays of five per cent ferrous sulfate are now common practice on Hawaiian pineapple plantations. The biggest obstacle to this practice is the fact that even though the iron moves readily into the leaves, it is translocated very slowly. As a result, even after spraying with ferrous sulfate, chlorotic spots may still be in evidence

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in places which did not receive any of the iron spray.

Iron sprays have been shown to be highly effective, though—the leaves of chlorotic grain sorghum on calcareous soil in Tulare County, California, were sprayed with 40 gallons per acre of three per cent ferrous sulfate solution about one week before heading, at a cost for materials of 50 cents per acre. The yield of grain sorghum was increased from 540 pounds of grain on the untreated plot to 1,774 pounds on the treated plot—an increase of 222 percent. Iron chelates have also been successfully used as a spray application. On alkaline soils where iron chlorosis is common, applications of iron compounds to the soil have not been very successful, however, because the iron is soon rendered insoluble. Applications on the soil of more than 3,000 pounds per acre of ferrous sulfate were required to accomplish similar increases in yields.

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foliar nutrition for plants

Manganese becomes less available in alkaline soils, and many states in more humid regions of the country often report manganese deficiencies in peat and muck soils and in local areas of alkaline soils. Manganese deficiencies are frequently corrected by spray applications of manganese sulfate, usually five to 10 pounds per acre, and manganese sulfate is also applied to the soil at rates of from 20 to 150 pounds per acre.

Manganous oxide is also used to correct manganese deficiencies. In alkaline soils an acid-forming material, usually fertilizer, is applied to prevent fixation of the applied manganese—NH4+ applied, H+ released.

Zinc is often sprayed on the leaves of apple and pear trees to treat ‘leaf rosetting’, a symptom of zinc deficiency. Approximately 25 pounds of zinc sulfate in 100 gallons of water (roughly a three per cent solution) applied to apple trees just before the buds open has been shown to correct this condition. Zinc sulfide, zinc oxide, and zinc carbonate have all been successfully used as sprays, while driving galvanized (zinc-coated) nails in trees is

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also an effective solution.

Boron, as boric acid or borax (sodium tetraborate), has also proven to be effective as a foliar spray. Internal ‘cork’ in apples has been controlled by spraying the foliage with eight pounds of borax in 100 gallons of water, and as little as two pounds of borax per 100 gallons of water has checked ‘cracked stem’ in celery. Boron has also been satisfactorily applied to the soil, either alone or in mixed fertilizers.

Copper deficiencies have been controlled by spraying leaves with a mixture of eight pounds of CuSO4 plus eight pounds of Ca(OH)2 in 100 gallons of water.Without the calcium hydroxide, though, the copper sulfate will injure the foliage. Copper oxide has also been used successfully as a spray.

Molybdenum, as sodium molybdate, has been shown to eliminate deficiency symptoms in citrus trees in a solution of one ounce to 100 gallons of water. Like iron, however, molybdenum does not seem to be readily translocated within the plant, and spraying only the lower

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foliar nutrition for plants

half of a citrus tree exhibiting molybdenum deficiency did not cure deficiency symptoms in the upper half of the tree.

In highly acid soils molybdenum is sometimes fixed in an unavailable form, which leads to deficiencies, particularly in legumes. The amount of molybdenum present in soils and the amount required by plants to flourish is very small, and in addition to a sodium molybdate soil application of 0.5 to two pounds per acre, a commercial seed-coating preparation

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(Molygro) for some legumes, when applied at about two ounces per acre, is sufficient to correct deficiencies. Broadcast applications are best mixed with limestone on very acid soils to prevent fixation. MY

About the Author:

Bentley Mills owns Georgia-based FloraHydroponics. In Athens he operates a one acre commercial hydroponic greenhouse where he grows bibb lettuce, basil and watercress using deep pool floating raft technology.

Bentley’s background in horticulture began while managing Micro Macro International (MMI) where he was a lab manager for 12 years. MMI LABS performs nutritional analysis of soils, plant tissue, hydroponic solutions and fertilizers. Bentley can be contacted at Bentley@florahydroponics.com

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How

By Beth Dumey and Steve Goldberg

Keep Your Yields

Thriving With Optimal

pH

Indoor gardeners often have questions about pH test strips, testers and meters.

Which are best? How long do they last? How do you keep them functioning?

Those questions and more are answered.

For hydroponicists, pH level is an indicator of how well their plants are able to access and absorb the nutrients necessary for them to thrive. ‘pH’ refers to the potential hydrogen-hydroxyl ion content, and is measured on a scale that ranges from zero to 14, with values below seven referred to as acidic and values above seven as basic or alkaline. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that a reading of 6.0 is 10 times more alkaline than 5.0.

When the balance of hydrogen-hydroxyl ions shifts, nutrient absorption can suffer. Too much hydrogen in a solution and it becomes acidic—the solubility of phosphoric acid, calcium

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and magnesium declines with pH values below 5.0. Too much hydroxyl and a solution moves toward alkalinity. With a higher level of alkali (above 7.0) some of the nutrients precipitate out of the solution, which means iron, manganese, copper and other elements may stick to the side of the reservoir or settle at the bottom, making them unavailable to nourish the plant. In general, maintaining a pH range between 5.0 and 6.0 is ideal, though some vegetation can flourish at a 7.0 level.

Inappropriate pH levels can also influence the development of parasites such as fungal diseases. The combination of inefficient

nutrient uptake and the presence of parasitic fungi can adversely affect the hydroponic growing process by reducing yields and increasing input costs.

The pH level in your solution may fluctuate over time as well. In daylight, photosynthesis enhances hydrogen levels, which lowers the pH. In the evening hours an increased rate of respiration depletes the hydrogen ions, so pH levels rise. Regularly testing pH levels and adjusting the solution accordingly will ensure that your plants are receiving the full amount of nutrients required for healthy growth.

Measuring pH

Several resources are available for pH testing:

pH paper strips or liquid test kits

pH meters

These are electronic instruments that provide a more accurate readout—usually digital—of pH levels, and are part of a full pH measurement system that will also include an electrode (or sensor) with an ionselective pH-sensitive membrane, a temperature sensor and at least one calibration solution of known pH. Once calibrated (and adjusted if necessary), pH meters will display accurate and reliable measurements.

Pocket-sized pH meters (also called testers)

These budget-friendly testers are small in size, easy to carry around and run on batteries. Users simply dip the tester into

Gardeners often use inexpensive and convenient pH paper strips or liquid test kits to measure pH, with varying levels of success. With the strips, a test paper is dipped into a solution and the resulting change of color, when checked against a color chart, will indicate the pH level. Paper strips offer relatively low accuracy, however, providing only a rough indication of pH range. Liquid test kits work in a similar fashion, with a dropper dispensing liquid dye into the solution, and provide a higher level of accuracy than papers.

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How to Keep your Yields Thriving With Optimal pH

“Some testers feature

the solution and sensors intended to be read the results on used until they no longer the display.

Some testers calibrate correctly, at which feature sensors time they are thrown away.” intended to be used until they no longer calibrate correctly, at which time they are thrown away. Other pocket testers feature replaceable sensors or allow growers to use custom electrodes designed for their specific Electrodes should be rinsed between application. These custom electrodes samples with distilled or deionized water extend the overall life of the instrument, and gently blotted (NEVER WIPED) dry but can be costlier and more complicated to set up. In general, pocket-sized testers are usually fairly economical and with a lab wipe. provide a high level of accuracy.

Maintaining electrodes for pH testers and pH meters

Handling

Handheld, portable pH meters These typically offer more features than testers and are good for both in-house and field use. Like the pocket-sized pH testers, they may contain non-replaceable, replaceable or custom electrodes.

Benchtop pH meters Instruments of this kind are available, but are typically used in stationary laboratory applications rather than for hydroponics.

Benchtop meters, though not very portable, offer more robust data management capabilities than other meters.

For hydroponic applications, pocket pH testers or handheld pH meters are generally preferred—because of their low cost, portability and ease of use.

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Replacing/refilling When adding filling solution to the electrode, fill up to—but not past—the refill hole.

When measuring, leave the refill hole open for proper flow through the reference junction.

Storing

Always keep the pH electrode moist by storing it in four M KCl solution. If four M KCl is not available, use a pH four or seven buffer solution. DO NOT store the electrode in distilled or deionized water.

After storage, if white KCl crystals have formed outside the electrode, simply rinse the electrode and blot dry with a lab wipe before use.

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How to Keep your Yields Thriving With Optimal pH

“Both pocket-sized pH testers and pH meters use electrodes as sensors.“

Short-term use or longerterm investment?

From disposable paper strips and liquid test kits to meters of various levels of complexity, the lifetime of pH measurement devices varies greatly, but most of the meters or instruments on

the market today are durable and longlasting when used properly.

Both pocket-sized pH testers and pH meters use electrodes as sensors. The life of the electrode will depend on many variables, including how it is handled and maintained and what type of sample it is used in. If it is used frequently to test the pH of dirty fluids that are likely to clog the reference junction, the electrode may only last a few weeks to a few months—but if testing is done less frequently, and with relatively clean fluids, the lifetime of the electrode may extend to six months, or even to two years and beyond.

Another component of pH measurement systems that must be used regularly is a calibration solution. Only about .6 to 1.5 ounce amounts of solution are required (and later discarded) for each calibration. When purchasing calibration solution, consider shelf-life and expiration dates—calibration solutions usually expire one to two years after their date of manufacture when they remain in sealed containers. Once opened, they should be replaced within 30 to 60 days.

Users will need to have at least one pH calibration solution of known value, but should select a buffer value near their expected measured values. If two buffers are used to calibrate, those values should ‘frame’ the expected measured values, meaning most hydroponicists should calibrate with a value of four pH, seven pH or both of these buffers.

Correcting pH

Once a pH reading shows that a solution is either too acidic or too alkaline, the gardener must step in to adjust pH levels to stabilize the solution. Simply put, acids or alkalis should be introduced to the solution at this stage to bring it closer to the optimal range. Hydroponics controllers are available to automate this process, but dedicated hydroponicists can also explore other methods to minimize pH variations and keep their crops flourishing.

For information on optimal pH levels for specific crops, refer to your hydroponics supplies distributor. MY

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Sustainabl Food systems

Sustainable Food Systems

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101

A healthy, sustainable food system is one that can feed its community now and in the future. It takes more than just growing nutritious foods. It takes more than just preserving the environment. There are many pieces to resolve the food system puzzle.

This article will help you navigate what’s wrong with our current food system with a special focus on sustainable food systems, the obstacles and effects of our current food system and solutions to embrace.

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Sustainable Food systems 101

What are they?

What are the main obstacles and effects?

Sustainable food systems: • produce diverse, fresh, and nutritious foods.

• yield enough to feed everyone, regardless of income level or geographic location.

• enable farmers to financially support themselves.

• maintain soil fertility now and for future generations.

• utilize methods that are not harmful to our environment.

• foster healthy eco-systems and biodiversity.

Obstacle: Prevalence of chemicals, synthetics, hormones, antibiotics and geneticallymodified organisms in farming.

Inefficient distribution channels.

What are some solutions?

Education • Learn more about the issues surrounding our food supply and spread the word.

• Teach children the environmental and nutritional value of sustainably-produced foods with hands-on programs or community/school gardens.

Local, organic farming • Buy organic when possible. As demand for sustainablyproduced foods increases, prices will decrease and become more accessible.

• Support local economies and farms by buying direct at farmers’ markets, through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) delivery programs or from co-ops.

Government subsidies to agribusinesses that use chemicals, antibiotics, synthetics, hormones, GMOs, and other controversial substances.

Large, vertically-integrated companies that grow, process and package foods.

Unregulated global trade. Fewer, multinational companies controlling the majority of the world’s food supply.

•

Reduce chemicals and GMOs in our farmland by helping conventional farms learn about organic farming and how to transition to sustainable methods Conscientious businesses • Support stores and restaurants that sell or use foods from local, sustainable farms.

• Innovative distribution models • Reduce the number of middlemen between farmer and consumer.

• Help small, family farms consolidate resources for more effective marketing, sales and delivery.

• Develop programs that help lower-income people access affordable, quality foods.

• Follow the lead of new distribution models that have proven successful abroad, such as farmer-owned retail co-ops and government incentives.

Non-profit organizations • Support non-profit organizations that progress the movement via research, resources, new programs and immediate community change.

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Effects: • Contaminated fresh water supply from pesticide runoff and excessive animal waste from factory farms. (The number one urgent health issue according to the United Nations).

• Creation of dead zones in our oceans from chemical runoff. (The number one top environmental threat according to the United Nations).

• Chemical residues on produce that lead to illness and disease.

• Degraded soil fertility.

• Increased human resistance to antibiotics.

• Unknown danger of introducing genetically-modified organisms into our food supply and natural habitats. (Studies have shown that 60 to 75 per cent of produce in supermarkets is genetically modified.

• Numerous middlemen between farms and the final consumer, deeply cutting into the profits of the producer.

• Inability of small, family farms to effectively supply their customers.

• Global hunger—international studies have shown that world hunger is not so much an issue of food production as it is an issue of access.

• Promotion of farming practices that are harmful to us and the environment.

• Difficulty for small, local farms that practice conscientious methods to be financially viable.

• Decreased crop diversity—recipients of subsidies are often required to switch from biodiverse crops that thrive in their particular region to fewer, conventional crops for large-scale export. Mono-cropping also degrades soil fertility.

• Commodity prices set at artificially low levels by companies that have financial reserves to do so. (Their income comes predominately from processed goods).

• Non-integrated, smaller farms forced to match the same low price, eventually being forced out of business or bought by their corporate competitors.

• Replacement of conscientious stewards of the land with large agri-businesses, which mostly use unsustainable farming methods.

• Fewer farmers responsible for larger areas of land.

• Fewer types of produce—varieties are chosen for their durability and shelf-life. Agri-businesses strive for maximum output and lowest overhead.

• Food traveling an average of 1,500 to 2,500 miles and seven to 14 days to get to your plate.

• More fossil fuels used in transportation.

• Decreased food nutritional value.

• •

Revised government policy.Vote for politicians who support a sustainable agricultural industry.

Sign online petitions for food and farm reform. MY

Resources: •

•

Om Organics is a nonprofit organization that helps local farms sell directly to San Francisco Bay Area restaurants and educates the community about the availability and benefits of local, sustainable agriculture. www.omorganics.org San Francisco Food Systems addresses food systems issues within the city and county of San Francisco through action research projects, policy planning and recommendations. www.sffoodsystems.org

Reprinted with permission from OmOrganics, www.omorganics.org

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YOU TELL US

Maximum Yield sits down with Scott Bogner, director of operations and chief operating officer at Sero Systems, to discuss their new and advanced breed of environmental controllers, the difference between digital and analog monitoring and exciting plans for the near future.

Maximum Yield (MY): What is the history behind Sero Systems?

Scott Bogner: Sero Systems was formed because one of our board members has a winter greenhouse that she operates and she needed some environmental control for it. She wasn’t overly excited about the options that were in the market.We had about seven years experience with control systems so we set out to design a new breed of environmental controller that wasn’t the same old, same old.

MY: What is the GrowPak and why should indoor gardeners be excited about it?

Scott: This new system is an amazing blend of functions and features available at a very competitive price.We worked to make our controller accessible to everyone in terms of price and usability.We packed in a ton of features and are continuing to develop new things for this system. So you’re not just buying a controller, you’re buying a system that will grow with you and the industry.

MY: What is the GrowPak capable of?

Scott: That’s a tough question because it can do so much! I’ll start by running down the list of what it can monitor such as temperature, humidity, pH,TDS and CO2.

It can also control lighting, pumps for ebb/ flow, heaters, AC units and just about thing you plug into the wall.The system can send e-mail or text messages when your set-up

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“” The system can send e-mail or text messages when your set-up has an issue.

has an issue.The GrowPak S1 also combines functions such as temperature and lighting to help run your set-up more safely.The list really goes on and on.

MY: What types of inputs and outputs do indoor gardeners need to be concerned with?

Scott: Another great thing about this system is that it’s modular.This means you can build the controller you want.

Customers can monitor whatever they want, whatever is important to them.

Whether you’re working with hydroponics or soil, you’ll find this system is able to handle what you’re working on. In terms of I/O we have all the basics covered like pH, temperature,TDS, humidity and CO2, but we also have contact switch monitoring as well as e-mail and Internet access if you want it.

the GrowPak such as sensors and probes for all the stuff our system does.We like to offer a complete solution.We’re also an innovative company and are always looking for ways to expand our product line, so who knows what the future holds.

MY: Who are the names and faces behind Sero Systems?

Scott: Let’s see…we have over 100 years of engineering experience on the team.

We have leaders from the microcontroller industry, we have new grads and overall we have a very stellar team that really enjoys and believes in what they do—creating innovative products.

MY: What are the benefits of digital monitoring versus analog?

Scott: Digital monitoring allows for better calibrations; it allows for a more advanced level of integration with control features across a wide array of control functions.

That’s just not something that older analog systems can do. It’s also the future in that digital systems are getting more affordable.

MY: What is Sero Systems’ role in actively supporting local causes and community building?

Scott: Another great question. Maybe Maximum Yield and your readers can help with this.We feel very strongly in getting involved in our industry.We are always looking for school projects, local clubs and other opportunities to participate in organizations that are working to educate and expand the industry as whole. If you know of, participate in or lead such a group please get a hold of us we’d love to see if there’s an opportunity to join in.

MY: What other products does Sero Systems offer?

Scott: Because our system is modular, we offer a full compliment of accessories for

MY: How can gardeners stay connected to Sero Systems and learn about new products and promotions?

Scott: Sero has launched our Facebook page as well as started on online e-mail list for keeping up with all the new things we’re rolling out over the next six months.

MY: What can gardeners expect from Sero Systems in the future?

Scott: In our minds the control market is full of the same old, same old.We’re looking to change that and really help take the indoor garden industry to a new place in terms of technology and features.

There’s so much out there that we can take advantage of, so much technology that will make growing easier and help keep you in control of your overall system. In fact, we have a module called the TechPak that lets your GrowPak S1 get online, and it allows you to not only e-mail, but it will allow you to do some pretty neat things from your computer and allow you to interact with your system from a distance.

Another thing that we’re working on wrapping up is the GrowPak S2 system.

Where the GrowPak S1 is a great entry level system doing everything you really need, we do see that there is room for more.The GrowPak S2 (not yet announced) will give growers even more features and functions with a great interface.

We’re a very forward looking company and really want to offer customer easy-touse, feature-rich advancements, all for a price that doesn’t break the bank. MY Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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THINK INSIDE THE POT

s atkin W e v

by Da

Container Gardening & Design Tap into your creativity and design a container garden that suits your style, is the envy of your friends and neighbors and looks good all summer long.

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W

ander around any garden center or nursery and you are not likely to bypass the large container section. It is here that the terracotta, stone, wood and slate pots, troughs, mangers and stands are displayed.

They all look good—the matching colors, sizes and designs are available in antique and modern styles. Some argue that matching containers look better than a rag bag motley collection of old containers that are more reminiscent of a car boot or garage sale. However, I council against throwing out the old or taking them down to the recycling center—although that is an option

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baskets, one that might help others in need. If you grow half basket on the trailers (these are climbers without support like Hedera and Clematis) they will quickly fence, three stone urns, terracotta trough with cover all the surfaces, and as long as keep matching giant flower them clean, they will do the trick and also pots and so on it goes. I will look pleasant. suggest always having an odd It would be nice if we could always start number of the same container on a new season with a matching designer hand because odd collection of “I suggest always having numbers work containers, but an odd number of same well in design. in reality we This is unless acquire our containers on hand your look is containers. Mom because odd numbers strictly formal. and dad present work well together.”

What, apart you with one; from the material it is made of, makes your friends think you would a good container? The compost has to like one for Christmas; you spot be free draining yet able to hold on to a flowering container and add moisture and nutrients.The compost also it to your collection because should have an air filled porosity of 20 you liked the plants in it. All per cent. Air filled porosity, or AFP, is the in all you probably have about amount of air in the compost. So how a dozen assorted containers. Go much of the bulk is air? The air content is on, count them up: two hanging

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tHINK INSIDE THE POT

a lot more important than most gardeners realize.With a container it is all too easy to compact compost. Look at a container that has been standing for two or three years. It looks as if it has shrunk.

The sides of the compost are usually pulled away and the level has dropped from the top. So much so that when it is watered it runs straight down the sides and out of the container, hardly adding any moisture to the compost at all. It is compacted and over time has dried out too many times.

“Regularly top dressing of even replanting in fresh soil-based compost is essential.”

Another rule to practice is regularly top dressing or even replanting in fresh, soil-based compost is essential. The full potential of the display will be realized and make it worthwhile when the neighbor asks why yours looks better than hers.

The compost can be soil or soilless based and should be ideal for all displays apart from acid lovers like heathers, ferns and dwarf conifers. Soil based composts add weight, which prevents wind from blowing the displays over and acts as a benign barrier to hold on to water and nutrients. Add some moisture retaining material—either moss, gel or even waste substitutes.

These will act as reservoirs, releasing moisture as the plants need it. Slow release feed is a great standard option and I also recommend using a boost feed at the start of flowering. A foliar feed will be more useful as long as you do it when watering in the early morning or in the evening. Watering at any other time and you may run the risk of water spots and burn marks.

Another rule to abide by is when you have planted up the container always put some seed on top; it will develop and fill in as the original slows down, thus keeping that fresh look longer into the season.

Planting in containers is a very personal thing.Your baskets and tubs will inevitably reflect your choices in color and style. Many gardeners will use every color under the sun in a fine mixed basket;

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others will stick to just a one color theme. Both are acceptable as long as it looks right to you when your plants are fully grown.

My ideal container is a 12 inch fuchsia mossed-up basket, marinka around the sides with blue lobelias using fuchsia Winston Churchill as the king plant in the middle. The new giant fuchsias also make a beautiful display, with just three young plants filling a 12 inch basket easily.

When selecting the plants for your containers think of how you view them. Do you want to be able to look down on your plants, like verbena? If so put them in low tubs. Do they look better from a height like trailing Busy Lizzie? If so place them in half baskets and hang them at eye level.

Don’t feel like you must always group containers sideby-side. Explore design using them in a waterfall scheme to achieve height and impact. Progressive larger pots, one inside another, will clothe quickly and be easier to water and feed as well as look great as columns on a patio. MY

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AM

TALKING SHOP

From left: Jeremy Collin, Stacey Floersheim, Victoria Wouk and Paul Antriasian.

AT A GLANCE Company: America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center Owner: Paul Antriasian Location: 641 West Palmdale Boulevard, Unit D Palmdale, California Phone: 1-661-266-3906 E-mail: info@hydroponicsunlimited.com Web: www.hydroponicsunlimited.com Motto: “For all your growing needs from beginner to expert.”

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Knowledge is power. One-stop-shop.

Guaranteed customer satisfaction.

Cliché as they may sound, these principles are embedded in America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center’s daily philosophy and its keys to its success.

“Our goal is our name,” owner and founder Paul Antriasian said.The number of hydroponics stores that have opened over the last five years has almost doubled.With an increase in competition, the spotlight has been put on “store survival.”

As Sir Francis Bacon said,“knowledge is power” and nothing is truer for survival in an industry that is vastly and quickly expanding. America’s Best constantly strives to be ahead of the curve with product knowledge and trends and also in educating their customers.

“Knowing hydroponics systems and products and how to set up a grow room is the key to growing successfully—we help you through the entire process,” Paul said.“We constantly test new products and give customers samples to try and request their feedback.

It’s a network.”

America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center and its employees are continually educating themselves.

“Always reading, trying new products, talking to manufacturers, attending grow shows,” Paul said.“…myself and all my employees.”

“I have personally used all the products I carry and I know they work,” he said.“We want to make sure the customers are educated and comfortable using the product before they leave the store.”

“We pre-program and calibrate all of the pH and PPM meters before we sell them,” Paul said.“We have custom nutrient/grow room charts that show all the nutrient and grow room high/low parameters to help keep the PPM, pH, air temperature, water temperature, CO2 levels and humidity at the correct levels for optimum growth.We always have up-to-date catalogs, magazines, feeding charts and various literature for the customer to take home with them, for free, to help further their education.”

America’s Best is known for their helpful and experienced staff. “Word around Antelope Valley is we love to help,” he said. “If you educate the customers and help them reach a successful crop, they will come back and bring their friends!”

In 2005, with the encouragement of friends—many of whom Paul introduced and educated about indoor gardening—Paul opened the first hydroponics store in

MERICA’S BEST the Antelope Valley, Palmdale Hydroponics. “They told me I was a true pioneer of hydroponics,” Paul said.

Paul’s experience with growing started long before he opened Palmdale Hydroponics.With a father who was an engineer as well as a landscaper and mother that was a “plant fanatic” it was only natural that Paul became interested in growing. In high school he took horticulture and continued growing outdoors for seven years before starting with indoor gardening.

“In 1988, I started growing indoors,” Paul said. “The first hydroponics store to open in the entire country wasn’t far from my home. It was there I received my first lessons in hydroponics and bought everything I needed to start my own hydroponics system.”

For the next 18 years Paul developed his expertise of indoor gardening. His passion for horticulture and expertise in hydroponics leads him to believe that hydroponics is the way of the future.

“When hyperinflation hits the U.S., this is when you will start to see hydroponics systems in every home,” he said.“Like the computer, this will be a modern tool for everyday living.”

Hyperinflation increases the prices of all food products forcing people to purchase inexpensive low quality processed foods, which in turn leads to an unhealthy population. Hydroponics can help combat this.

“Many of the fruits and vegetables we consume are being waxed, died, sprayed with pesticides and exposed to radiation, which is extremely harmful to humans and the environment,” Paul said.“This is just another reason why everyone should learn hydroponics.”

When Paul opened Palmdale Hydroponics, he was the sole employee for the first year.

In 2007, Paul’s fiancée,Victoria Wouk came on board. “Her master’s degree in business administration and marketing has really helped the business expand to other avenues,” he said. “In 2009 we launched our online store HydroponicsUnlimited.com, which she runs.”

At the beginning of 2010, Paul moved to a new location that could better serve their clientele and customers.

“We moved to a 3,000 square foot location with a roll-up door for easy loading,” he said. “We felt that this new fullystocked location (one-stop-shop) deserved a new name and decided on ‘America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center’.”

With the launch of the website America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center created an additional avenue to offer their products and expertise to their customers. The online store allows them to reach customers throughout the United States and give them the same benefits that Antelope Valley locals have been receiving since 2005. The online market has become saturated with new stores opening all the time, but America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center remains optimistic that quality will beat quantity.

“Online is the future,”Victoria said. “It’s a marketplace that you need to be in these days.”

America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center has over 2,800 products, many demos and interactive displays, a convenient location, an online store and new and innovative products.

As written on their website, “…whether you are a beginner or experienced, growing hydroponics herbs on the windowsill of your apartment or operating a full-service hydroponic greenhouse we have what you need from organic nutrients, additives, supplements, grow mediums, to a full range of bulbs, meters, controllers and complete grow systems.”

It comes down to integrity, honesty and hard work that have contributed and will continue to contribute to America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center’s success and growth.

“This is an extremely difficult business,” Paul said.“You really need to do your research and know what you are getting into. You just have to take it one day at a time, always moving forward and making progress. One thing for sure is you have to love a challenge.”

America’s Best Hydroponics and Garden Center is located just off Highway 14 on Palmdale Blvd. tucked behind a main shopping center. The new location atThe 3,000 sq. ft. location houses tracts to new customers, makes it easier more than enough product to keep customers well stocked. for customers to load and receive their products, and since it is not on the main boulevard, this decreases traffic and allows for plenty of parking space. MY

“Like the computer [hydroponics] will be a modern tool for everyday living.”

America’s best features a custom grow room to help further educate customers.

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PRODUCT spotlight

Continued from page 43

Your guide to this month’s hottest items.

Increase the Vitality of Your Plants With Vital Earth’s® 3-2-2 Vital Earth’s® 3-2-2 helps increase the size and vitality in all plants, lawns, vines, shrubs and trees. It is the perfect blend for residential and commercial farm applications. In gardens and landscapes use up to 22 pounds per 1,000 square feet. When transplanting and pre-mixing soil for potted plants and planter boxes, use two tablespoons per one gallon of soil or growing medium. For use as a top dressing, use two tablespoons per one gallon of soil or growing medium. For use in tea mixes, use two tablespoons per gallon. For more information visit an authorized Vital Earth retailer near you.

Hydro International Presents the Original Miami Ballasts – Redesigned and Redefined The Original Miami Ballasts now come with our universal plug and are designed for those customers who are looking for the lowest price with the highest quality components available on the market today. This baby is near silent, simple to use and one of the coolest running ballasts around.

120 or 240? Doesn’t matter, we’ve got you covered. This ballast also comes with our innovative 120/240 volt easy switch. Here is the recap—cool running, super quiet, super heavy-duty, factory tested, hps/mh switch, 120/240 volt easy switch, power cord, handles. Visit an indoor gardening retailer for more information.

Introducing Rain From Gro High Cal Gro High Cal specifically designed Rain with readily available N-P-K to aid in the enhancement of plant growth and root development. For optimal results, use in conjunction with Synergistic Root Activator. Rain is formulated with pharmaceutical grade potassium tri-poly phosphate, which has a low salt and chloride content. Rain also contains both seaweed and humic acid to aid in the release of nutrients for plant production. Rain is a proprietary formulation of ultra pure nitrogen, phosphate and potassium plus sea plant extract of Ascophyllum nodosum and sequestered zinc. For more information visit your local gardening shop.

Introducing Synergistic Root Activator From Gro High Cal Gro High Cal specifically designed Synergistic Root Activator to aid in the enhancement of plant growth and root development via food grade phosphate and potassium. For optimal results, use in conjunction with Rain. Synergistic Root Activator also contains sea plant extract of Ascophyllum nodosum with chelated zinc and iron.

Scientists have found that the potassium activates plant enzymes essential for plant growth. Potassium promotes much of the osmotic “pull” that draws water into plant roots. Plants that have sufficient potassium are more able to withstand stress. Synergistic Root Activator dramatically increases complete root production to maximize your plant’s potential. For more information visit your local gardening shop.

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PRODUCT spotlight

Your guide to this month’s hottest items.

Introducing the Humboldt Micromole Lumens are for humans—for plants it’s all about the micromole. The standard measurements of light output have traditionally been done in foot-candles, lumens or lux. They only quantify how humans experience the brightness of light.

Plants, however, use a much wider spectrum of colors for photosynthesis called the PAR spectrum (photo-synthetically active radiation). Photosynthesis is not driven by the brightness of light, but purely by the number of photons hitting your favorite crops. This is measured in micromoles. Research and development for the Humboldt Micromole electronic ballast was done to maximize PAR light. With dimmable features, the SuperMole setting gives your plants 15 per cent more usable light and will send your micromole reading off the charts. The Humboldt Micromole is now available at indoor gardening retail shops across the country.

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Quantum Media Station

by Quantum Horticulture A garden that is pleasant to spend time in tends to be well kept. Time spent with plants has health benefits for both flora and fauna. The Quantum Media Station looks much like a Quantum ballast, but with play controls and an iPod/iPhone docking port. Easy-touse power, play/pause, last and next buttons and a volume dial adorn the face. The five watt speakers deliver a clear sound loud enough to fill all but the largest of indoor gardens. A garden should nurture the gardener as well as the other way around, so bring a soundtrack to where you stop and smell the flowers. Visit an indoor gardening shop near you for more information. MY

MAX-MART

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MAX-MART

GRowco indoor Garden supply

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LLC

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

www.hydrogardendelight.com

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COMING UP IN july

Special Edition Maximum Yield July Maximum Yield USA—our special San Fran Expo Issue—is our biggest publication of the year with the most product spotlights, the most grow tips and tricks and the most information we could fit into one magazine.

It’s literally exploding with the best our industry has to offer. Pick up your copy July 1 for FREE at selected indoor gardening retail stores across the country and or come visit us in San Fran July 16 to 17 to pick up your copy in person and meet the MY Team.

Old Fashioned Crops are Making a Comeback With a renewed interest in the culinary arts and gardening in general, we are seeing a resurgence of some old crop favorites and finding many of these are well suited to indoor and hydroponic production.

Companion Planting in Hydroponics

Companion planting outdoors is a popular gardening trend, but in a hydroponic garden, it’s a whole different game. Pay attention to these fresh tips and success and great yields will surely result.

The Great Organic Hydroponic Debate

Many hydroponic growers wish to apply organic components to their garden, but the process isn’t so simple. Find out what’s organic and what’s not and how these two concepts—hydroponics and organics—can work together under today’s certification standards.

www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield USA July will also be available July 1 on maximumyield.com Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions.php I N D O O R

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G A R D E N I N G

DO YOU

know?

1 2

Electrodes for pH testers and pH meters should be rinsed between samples with distilled or deionized water and gently blotted (never wiped) dry with a lab wipe.

6

Both soil and hydroponic growers can benefit from root pruning pots/containers, which are versatile and can easily be integrated into an existing set-up.

7

Kelp meal is applied as a top dressing to plants or mixed into the soil before planting, while kelp and seaweed extract can be mixed into hydroponic irrigation solutions, watered to potted plants or foliar sprayed.

8

A pond is a small area of Zen ‘nothingness’ where nothing else resides; water is also seen as the symbol for cleansing and purification.

9

When building a compost bin or using wood for a raised bed garden, always avoid glued or treated wood as the chemicals can runoff into your organic compost.

control agents or BCAs are 10 Biological living organisms and suffer from the same environmental pressures as humans.

Starchy, biology-covered root balls—that gardeners usually throw away—start to break down in a matter of days when combined with a nitrogen source, and they have all of the right ingredients for healthy compost.

3

The earliest known written record of using one organism to control the population of another was the use of cats for the control of rodents in food stores in ancient Egypt around 3,000 BC.

4

A mature hydroponically grown tomato plant at optimal temperatures has a requirement for oxygen of 46 milligrams per plant per hour at 68°F, and this increases to 184 milligrams per plant per hour at 86°F.

5

Even if nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon are present and plentiful at a plant’s root level, insufficient airflow will result in a missing element in the plant’s construction material.

growers assume a wilting plant has 11 Many insufficient moisture in the root zone when the problem may actually be oxygen depletion. is not a dog with a stutter; it stands for 12 WWOOF worldwide opportunities on organic farms or willing workers on organic farms.

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

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

ALASKA Brown’s Electrical Supply 365 Industrial Way, Anchorage, AK 99501 907-272-2259 Far North Garden Supply 2834 Boniface Parkway Anchorage, AK 99504 907-333-3141 Holmtown Nursery Inc. 1301 - 30th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-451-8733 Northern Lights Greenhouse & Garden Supply Suite 105-9737 Mud Bay Road Ketchikan, Alaska 9901 907-225-GROW (4769) Anuway Hydroponics Suite #1 2711 W Walnut Rogers AK 72756 USA 479 631 0099 Far North Garden Supply 300 Centaur Street, Wasilla, AK 99654 907-376-7586

ARIZONA Sea of Green Flagstaff 204-C E. Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-SOGF(7643) The Hydro Closet 5826 West Olive Avenue #106 Glendale, Arizona 85302 602-361-2049 Homegrown Hydroponics 2525 West Glendale Ave Phoenix AZ 85051 602-368-4005 Sea of Green West 2340 W. Bell Road, Suite 116, Phoenix, AZ 85023 602-504-8842 ACI Hydroponics 1325 South Park Lane, Tempe, AZ 85282 800-633-2137 Homegrown Hydroponics 601 East Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 480-377-9096 Sea of Green Hydroponics 1301 E. University Dr. Tempe AZ, 85281 800-266-4136 Gonzo Grow 10297 W Van Buren Street, Tolleson, AZ 85353 623-780-GROW Natural Pools & Gardens 2143 North Country Suite C, Tucson, AZ 85716 520-323-2627 Sea of Green Hydroponics 402 North 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-6344

ARKANSAS

Mickey’s Mercantile 1303 Highway 65 South, Clinton, AR 72031 501-412-0214 Old Soul Organics and More 1771 Crossover Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-444-6955 Growfresh Organics & More 2600 S Zero St, Suite C Fort Smith, AR 72901 479.648.8885 Fermentables 3915 Crutcher Street, N. Little Rock, AR 72118 501-758-6261

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Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Anuway Hydroponics 2711 W. Walnut Street, Rogers, Arkansas 72756 479-631-0099

CALIFORNIA Greenleaf Hydroponics 1839 W Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801 714-254-0005 Grow It Yourself Gardens 401 Sunset Drive, Suite L, Antioch, CA 94509 925-755-GROW High Desert Hydroponics 13631 Pawnee Road, #7 Apple Valley, CA 92308 760-247-2090 American Hydroponics 286 South G Street, Arcata, CA 95521 800-458-6543 Humboldt Hydroponics 601 I Street, Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-3377 Let it Grow 160 Westwood Center, Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-8733 Northcoast Horticulture Supply 639 6th St. Arcata, CA 95521 707-826-9998 Sweet Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 1041 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande,CA 93420 (805) 473-0004 Auburn Organic 4035 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, CA 95602 530-823-8900 High Street Hydro 180 Cleveland Avenue, 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 Drive, Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-8171 Stop N Grow 5455 Rosedale Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 859-1988 Green Leaf Hydroponics 3903 Patton Way #103 Bakersfield CA 93308 661-245-2616 Kern Hydroponics 2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-323-7333 The Hydro Shop 3980 Saco Road Bakersfield, CA 661-399-3336 Better Grow Hydro Los Angeles 5554 Bandini Boulevard, Bell, CA 91106 323-510-2700; 877 640 GROW Super Starts PO Box 732, Bellmont, CA 94002 650-346-8009 Berkeley Indoor Garden 844 University Avenue Berkeley, CA 94710 510-549-2918 Berkeley’s Secret Garden 921 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710 510-486-0117 Hydroponic Connection, The 2816 San Pablo Ave Berkeley, CA 94702 510 704-9376

Brentwood Hydroponics & Organics 560 Valdry Ct #85 Brentwood, CA 94513 925-634-6704 Advanced Garden Supply 3113 Alhambra Drive, Unit F, Cameron Park, CA 95682, 530-676-2100 Precision Hydroponics 132 Kennedy Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008 408-866-8176 Elite Horticulture Supply 22330 Sherman Way, C13, Canoga Park, CA 91303 818-347-5172 Hydro International 7935 Alabama Avenue Canoga Park, CA 91304 Advanced Hydroponics 17808 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country, CA 91351 Myron L Company 2450 Impala Drive, Carlsband, CA 9210-7226 760-438-2021 661-299-1603 San Diego Hydroponics North County Coastal 6352 Corte Del Abeto #J Carlsbad CA, 92011 760-420-8934 NorCal Creations PO Box 28, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 Garden Connection, The 2145 Park Avenue, Unit 2 Chico, CA 95928 530-342-7762 Hydro King 2540 South Whitman Place, Chico, CA 959282 530-893-GROW (4769) Grow4Less garden Supply & Hydroponics 320 Trousdale Dr., Suite L Chula Visa CA 91910 619-425-GROW Citrus Heights Hydrogarden 8043 Greenback Lane Citrus Heights, CA 95610 916-728-4769 Conrad Hydroponics Inc. 14915 Unit E, Olympic Drive, Clearlake, CA 95422 707-994 3264 Under The Sun 12638 Foothill Boulevard, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 707-998-GROW (4769) Gro More Garden Supply 2937 Larkin Avenue, Clovis, CA 93021 559-348-1055 G & G Organics and Hydroponics 901 W. Victoria Street Unit D, Compton, CA 90220 310-632-0122 Concord Indoor Garden 2771 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94519 925-671-2520 Hydroponics Plus 2250 Commerce Avenue, Suite C Concord, CA 94520 925-691-7615 Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics 1307 W. Sixth Street, #211, Corona, CA 92882 951-479-8069 A+ Hydroponics & Organics 1604 Babcock Street, 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 Street, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-9086

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1070 Highway 101, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-1200 Seaside Hydrogarden 1070 Highway 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 Street Davis, CA 95616 530-756-4774 Constantly Growing 6200 Enterprise Drive, 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 Watch It Grow Hydro 9453 Firestone Blvd.

Downey, CA 90241 562-861-1982 Garden Warehouse 6355 Scarlet Court, #2, Dublin, CA 94568 925-556-3319 Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego 1591 N. Cuyamaca Street, El Cajon, CA 93612 619-749-6777 El Centro Hydro & Brew Supply Inc. 591 main Street, Suite N-2 El Centro, CA 92243 760-235-4985 Go Green Hydroponics 15721 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436 818-990-1198 A Fertile World (Eureka) 65th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-0200 Humboldt Nutrients 65th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 888-420-7770 Humboldt Electronics 2547 California Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-443-9408 Humboldt Hydroponics 1302 Union Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-443-4304 Northcoast Horticulture Supply 60 West 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-9999 Everthing Green Hydroponics, Inc. 1201 Oliver Rd. Fairfield, CA 94534 707-432-0774 Constantly Growing 4343 Hazel Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 916-962-0043 Tulare County Growers Supply 435 W. Noble Avenue, Unit A, Farmersville, CA 93223 559-732-8247 Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - North 6241 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018 831-335-9990 Eel River Hydroponics & Soil Supply 164 Dinsmore Drive, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-726-0395

The Shop 6542 Front Street, Forestville, CA 95436 707-887-2280 Dirt Cheap Hydroponics 17975 H Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-4211 Hydrogarden Mendocino County 1240 North Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-962-9252 A Fertile World (Fortuna) 610 7th Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-0700 Western Auto 1156 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-1189 Northcoast Horticulture Supply 357 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-5550 Nature’s Secret Garden and Supply 41469 Albrae Street, Fremont, CA 94577 510-623-8393 Roots Grow Supply 1330 North Hulbert, #101 Fresno, CA 93728 559-840-0122 Tower Garden Supply & Organic Nursery 403 W. Olive Avenue, 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 Road, Garden Valley, CA 95633 530-333-2394 Probiotic Solutions 20889 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville, CA 95441 707-354-4342 South Valley Hydroponics 320 Kishimura Drive, #3 Gilroy, CA 95020 1-866-848-GROW Zen Hydroponics 1801 Victory Blvd.

Glendale, CA 91201 877 ZEN Grow 818 806 4500 Stop N Grow 340 Pine Avenue, Goleta, CA 93003 805-685-3000 All Seasons Hydroponics 17614 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344 818-368-4388 AG Natural 403 Idaho Maryland Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-274 0990 Grass Valley Hydrogarden 12506 Loma Rica Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-477-2996 Vital Landscaping Inc. 12817 Loma Rica Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-273-3187 West Coast Growers Hydroponics 13481 Colifax Highway, Grass Valley, CA 95945 888-924-4769 M.G.S. 22540 D Foothill Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94541 510-582-0900

Thrive Hydroponics 70 A West North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95446 707-433-4068 Emerald Garden 13325 South Highway 101, Hopland, CA 95482 707-744-8300 Surf City Hydroponics 7319 Warner Street, 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 Street, Suite E Lake Forest, CA 92630 949-837-8252 Clover Hydroponics & Garden Supply 43 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport, CA 95453 707-263-4000 San Diego Hydroponics East County 11649 Riverside Drive, 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 Drive, Laytonville, CA 95454 707-984-6385 CNG Garden Supplies 22 Ricknbacker Circle, Livermore, CA 94551 925-454-9376 DL Wholesale 6764 Preston Ave. Suite D Livermore CA 94551 510 550 0018 National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 6485 Brisa Street, Livermore, CA 94550 888-570-4678 (Southern CA) Garden Depot, The 203 Commerce Street, Suite 101 Lodi, CA 95240 209-339-9950 Valley Rock Landscape Supply 2222 N H Street Lompoc CA 93436 P: 805 736 0841 805 735 5921 Green Coast Hydroponics 2405 Mira Mar Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815 562-627-5636 Grow Light Express 5318 East Second Street suite 164, Long Beach, CA 90803 888-318-GROW Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics 1772 Clark Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815 562-498-9525 Atwater Hydroponics 3350 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-663-8881 Green Door Hydro and Solar 830 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013 212-625-1323

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Hardman Hydroponics 3511 Youree Dr., Shreveport Los Angeles 71105 318-865-0317 Hollywood Hydroponics and Organics 5109 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105 323-662-1908 Hydroasis 2643 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90232 888-355-4769 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 Green Giant Hydroponics 7183 Hwy 49 Unit B Lotus CA 95651 530 622 4465 California Green Hydroponics 16491 Road 26, Suite 101 Madera, California 93638 559-674-1400 Deep Roots Garden Center & Flower Shop 207 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Telephone: 310-376-0567 B & S Gardening Supplies 590 Commerce Court, Manteca, CA 95336 209-239-8648 Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply 218 Reindollar Avenue Suite 7A, Marina, CA 93933 831-38-HYDRO Two Chix Garden Supply 1230 Yuba Street, Marysville, CA 95901 530-923-2536 Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1580 Nursery Way McKinleyville, CA 95519 707-839-9998 Thunders Hydroponic Center 1729 Yosemite Boulevard, Medesco, CA 95354 Mendocino Garden Shop PO Box 1301, 44720 Maint Street (at Hwy. 1), Mendocino, CA 95460 707-937-3459 Grow Zone 718 Willow Rd. Menlo Park CA 94025 650-326-4769 Hooked Up Hydroponics 1004 W. 15th St. Suite B & C, Merced, Ca 95340 209-723-1300 Merced Hydroponics 1809 East 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340 209-726-4769 The Urban Farmer Store 653 E. Blithedale Avenue, 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 Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350 209-567-0590 Growers Choice Hydroponics 1100 Carver Road, Modesto, CA 95350 209-522-2727 Year Round Garden Supply 11000 Carver Rd. #20 Modesto, CA 95350 Tel: 209 522 2727 Green Light Hydroponics 2615 Honolula Ave. Montrose, CA 91020 818-640-2623

174

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Grodan Inc. Moorpark, CA 93021 541-646-8245 Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 850 Shasta Avenue, Suite B Morro Bay, CA 93442 805-772-5869 South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View 569 East Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94041 650-968-4070 Redwood Garden Supply 55 Myers Avenue, Myers Flat, CA 95554 707-943-1515 Endless Green Hydroponics 25 Enterprise Court, Suite 3 Napa, CA 94558 707-254-0200 Conejo Hydroponics 3481 Old Conejo Road #106 Newbury Park, CA 91320 805-480-9596 Stop N Grow 640 S. Frontage Road, Nipomo, CA 93444 805-619-5125 Valley Garden Solutions Inc. 15650 Nordhoff Avenue, Suite 104, North Hills, CA 91345 818-336-0041 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 55 Frosty Ln Novato, CA 94949 (415) 233-4104 Marin Hydroponics 1219 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945 415-897-2197 Roots Grow Supply 40091 Enterprise Dr. Oakhurst CA 93644 559 683 6622 3rd Street Hydroponics 636 3rd Street Oakland, CA 94607 510-452-5521 Bloom Hydro 1602 53rd Ave. Oakland CA 94601 707 980 0456 Medicine Man Farms 1602 53rd Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601 707-980-0456 Plant-N-Grow 1602 53rd Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601 707-980-0456 Hydrobrew 1319 South Coast Highway, 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 Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761 213-596-8820 National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 1950 C South Grove Avenue, 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 Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 888-545-8112 Green Coast Hydroponics 496 Meats Avenue Orange, CA 92865 714-974-4769 Natural Pest Controls 8320 B Hazel Avenue, Orangevale, CA 95662 916-726-0855 Igrow Hydro 2280 Veatch Street, Oroville, CA 95965 530-534-4476 Orville Organic Gardens 5250 Olive Hwy Ste 1 Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-9950 US Orchid & Hydroponic Supplies 1621 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033 805-247-0086 Pacifica Hydroponics 90 Eureka Square Pacifica, CA 94044 (650) 355-5100 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 Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-327-ROOT New Leaf Hydro 34150 123rd Street, Parablossom, CA 93553 661-944-2226 Alternative Hydro 3870 East, Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107 888-50-HYDRO Better Grow Hydro Pasadena 1271 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasedena, CA 91106 626 737 6612 Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 3850 Ramada Drive, Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-434-2333 Foothills Hydrogarden 3133 Penryn Road, Penryn, CA 95663 916-270-2413 Funny Farms Hydroponics 963 Transport Way, #12 Petaluma, CA 94954 707-775-3111 House of Hydro 224 Weller Street, #B, Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-4769 JNJ Hydroponics 4774 Phelan Rd. Suite 2 Phelan CA 92371 760 868 0002 Turbo Grow 1889 San Pablo Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564 510-724-1291 Hillside Hydro & Garden 4570 Pleasant Valley Road Placerville CA 95662 530-644-1401 Best Yield Garden Supply 3503 West Temple Avenue, Unit A, Pomona, CA 91768 909-839-0505 Emerald Garden 8249 Archibald Avenue, Ranch Cucamanga, CA 91730 909-466-3796

GreenLeaf Hydroponics 2212 Artesia Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-374-2585 Shadow Valley Aquatics 75 Kimick Way, Red Bluff, CA 96080 530-526-0479 Bare Roots Hydroponics 1615 East Cypress, #5 Redding, CA 96002 530-244-2215 Dazey’s Supply 3082 Redwood Drive, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3002 Humboldt Hydroponics 2010 Tunnel Road, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-1402 Redway Feed Garden and Pet Supply 290 Briceland Road, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-2765 Sylvandale Gardens 1151 Evergreen Road, Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3606 Humboldt Hydroponics 2174 Pine Street, Redding, CA 96001 530-241-7454 Hydro King 105 Hartnell Avenue, Suite C and D, Redding, CA 96002 888-822-8941 Orsa Organix 111 Willow Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 650-369-1269 Mendocino Greenhouse & Garden Supply 960 East School Way, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 707-485-0668 EZ Green Hydroponics 7017 Reseda Boulevard, Reseda, CA 91335 818-776-9076 Hydro Hills Hydroponics 19320 Vanowen St. Reseda CA 91335 Box Of Rain Inc. Po Box 302, Rexford, CA 59930 406-755-7245 Hi-Tech Gardening 5327 Jacuzzi Street, #282, Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-4710 The Urban Farmer Store 2121 San Joaquin Street, Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-1604 Discount Hydroponics 4745 Hiers Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505 877-476-9487 All Ways Hydro 2220 Eastridge Ave. Suite C Riverside CA 92507 888-HYDRO98 Calwest Hydroponics 11620 Sterling Avenue, Suite A Riverside, CA 92503 800-301-9009 Hydro Depot 5665 Redwood Drive, #B, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-584-2384 Igrow Hydro 9000 Atkinson Street, Roseville, CA 95678 916-773-4476 Green Acres Hydroponics 1215 Striker Avenue, Suite 180, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-4394 Greenfire Sacramento 3230 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95821 916-485-8023 Green Thumb Hydroponics 35 Quinta Court, Suite B, Sacramento, CA 95823 916-689-6464

KY Wholesale 8671 Elder creek Rd. #600 Sacramento, CA 95828 916 383 3366 Mystic Gardens 8484 Florin Road, #110, Sacramento, CA 95828 916-381-2464 Sac Hydroponics 9529 Folson Boulevard, Suite C Sacramento, CA 95827 916-369-7968 Skywide Import & Export Ltd. 5900 Lemon Hill Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95824 916-383-2369 Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies 1235 Striker Avenue #180, Sacramento, CA 95834 888-557-8896 Green Joint Ventures 61 Tarp Circle, Salinas, CA 93901 831-998-8628 Reforestation Technologies International 1341 Daton Street, Units G&I Salinas, CA 93901 831-424-1494; 800-RTI-GROW National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 1900 Bendixsen Street , Bldg. 1, Samoa, CA 95564 800-683-1114 (Northern CA) Greenmile Hydroponic Garden Supply 1480 South E. Street, Suite D, San Bernardino, CA 92408 909-885-5919 Garden Shed, The 1136 El Camino Real San Carlos, CA 650-508-8600 Pure Food Gardening/Microclone 830 H Bransten Rd. San Carlos,CA 94070-3338 Green Gopher Garden Supply 679 Redwood Avenue, Suite A, Sand City, CA 93955 831-899-0203 Modern Gardens 26620 Valley Center Dr. Santa Clarita, CA 91351 661-513-4733 Best Coast Growers 4417 Glacier Avenue Suite C, San Diego, CA 92120 800-827-1876 City Farmer’s Nursery 4832 Home Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105 619-284-6358 Green Lady Hydroponics 4879 Newport Avenue, 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 Mighty Garden Supply 4780 Mission Gorge Pl. #A-1, San Diego, CA 92120 619-287-3238 Miramar Hydroponics & Organics 8952 Empire Street San Diego CA 92126 858-549-8649 Oracle Garden Supply 5755 Oberlin Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92121 858-558-6006 Pacific Beach Hydroponics 1852 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109 858-274-2559

San Diego Hydroponics Beach Cities 4122 Napier Street, San Diego, CA 92110 619-276-0657 Wai Kula Hydrogardens 5297 Linda Vista Road, 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 Grow Your Own 3401 Traval Street, San Francisco, CA 94116 415-731-2115 Hydroponic Connection Warehouse, The 1995 Evans Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124 415-824-9376 Nor Cal Hydroponics 4837 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118 415-933-8262 Plant It Earth 2279 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 415-626-5082 Urban Gardens Unlimited UrbanGardens 704 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 415-421-4769 San Francisco Hydro 123 Tenth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 The Urban Farmer Store 2833 Vicente Street, San Francisco, CA 94116 415-661-2204 US Garden 417 Agostinio Rd San Gabriel Ca 91776 626 285-5009 Inland Empire Hydrogarden 1301-C South State Street, San Jancinto, CA 92853 Hahn’s Lighting 260 E. VA Suite 1, San Jose, CA 95112 408-295-1755 Plant Life 32 Race Street, San Jose, CA 95126 408-283-9191 South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose 1185 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 408-292-4040 D&S Garden Supplies 17-130 Doolittle Drive San Leandro, CA 94577 510-430-8589 Hydrogarden Delight 13762 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577 510-903-1808 Central Coast Hydrogarden 1951 Santa Barbara Street, 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 Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 310-514-1416 Marin Hydroponics 721 Francisco Blvd East San Rafael, CA 94901 415-482-8802 advanced hydroponics and gardening

704 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

175

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Pacific Garden Supply 128 H Carlos Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903 San Rafael Hydroponics 1417 Fourth Sreet San Rafael, CA 94901 415 455 9655 Green Coast Hydroponics 3560 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 805-898-9922 Nutes Int’l 204 N Quarantina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805-687-6699 Santa Clarita Valley Hydroponics 25835 Railroad Ave. #26 Santa Clarita CA 91350 661 255 3700 661 255 3701 California Hydroponics 310 Coral Street, 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 Avenue, Unit K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-466-9000 Full Sun Supply 3535 Industrial Drive, Unit B-3 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 877-FULL-SUN Gonzo Grow 2550 Guerneville Road,Suite C, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-546-1800 Gottagrow Garden Supply 769 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-544-7782 Green Logic Garden Supply 860 Piner Road, #38, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-843-3156 Organic Bountea 1919 Dennis Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 800-798-0765 Pro Gardening Systems 3715 Santa Rosa Avenue #2, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-585-8633 Sun-In Hydroponics 1257A Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-578-5747 Sweet Leaf Hydroponics 1611 Sebastobol Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707-575-GROW (4237) Santee Hydroponics 7949 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, CA 92071 619-270-8649 Gardening Unlimited 60 Old El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-457-1236 Pro Gardening Systems 765 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-829-7252 Better Choice Hydroponics 610 S. Washington Street, Senora, CA 95370 209 533 2400 Go Big Hydroponics 4501 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 818-789-3341 Bloom Brothers Garden Supply, Inc. 3293 Industry Dr. Signal Hill, CA 90755 562 494-0060 We Grow Hydroponics 3350 East Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93063 805-624-4566

176

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Abundant Hydroponics LLC 1611 Shop Street, #1-A, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-54 HYDRO Advanced Garden Supply 2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Building C, Unit 9, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-4769 Farm Hydroponics, The 1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-3276 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 Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply 8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48, Stockton, CA 95210 209-951-3550 M&M Garden Supply 2509 West Lane, Suite B Stockton, CA 95205 209-939-0664 Pacific Ave Indoor Garden Supply 4633 pacific Ave Stockton , CA 95207 209-955-0945 City Farm Hydroponics 8903 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Sun Valley, CA 91352 818-767-2076 Sunland Hydroponics 8300 Foothill Boulevard, Sunland, CA 91040 818-352-5300 Anthony’s Garden & Lighting Supply 30 Ridge Road, Suites 8 & 9 Sutter Creek, CA 95685 209-267-5416 Tahoe Garden Supply 645 Westlake Boulevard, Suite 2, PO Box 487 Tahoe City, CA 96145 530-581-3200 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 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 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 448 Georgia Street, Vallejo, CA 94590 707-647-0774 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 Center 1970 East Vista Way, Suite 10, Vista, CA 92084 760-758-4769 Monterey Bay Hydroponics and Organics 81 Hangar Way, #1, Watsonville, CA 95076 831-761-9999 California Hydro Garden 1043 South Glendora Avenue, Suite A West Covina, CA 91790 626-813-0868 No Stress Hydroponics 7543 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046 323-845-9874 Hydronation 2491 Boatman Drive, Suite B West Sacramento, CA 95691 916-372-4444 Flower Hut Nursery 603 4th Street Wheatland, CA 95692 530-633-4526 Green Coast Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Boulevard Whittier, CA 90601 562-699-4201 GreenWay Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90601 Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More 14626 East Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90605 562-945-0909 Garden Spout, The 260 Margie Dr Willits, CA 95490 707-456-0196 Sparetime Supply 208 E. San Francisco Avenue, Willits, CA 95490-4006

Hydromagic Supply 40 N. East St. Suite F Woodland,CA 95776 530-661-0117 Urban Gardens 22516 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818-876-0222 Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 Garden Highway Garden Supply 598 Garden Highway #22 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-755-2877 Southern Humbolt Garden Supplies 34919 Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa, CA 92399 909-797-6888 707-459-6791

COLORADO South Park Hydroponics 42 E Buckskin Rd. Alma CO 80420 719 836 1533 National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 3550 B Odessa Way, Aurora, CO 80011 866-877-4188 (Northeast) Nick’s Garden Center 2001 S. Chambers, Aurora, CO 80014 303-696-6657 Family Hydroponics-Boulder 2125 32nd Street Boulder, co 80301 303-996-6100 Polar Ray 5171 Eldorado Springs Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 303 494 5773 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 Colorado 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 (303) 465-GROW (4769) J&D Organic Growing Solutions 217 1/2 Clayton Street Brush, CO 80723 970-310-5408 BIG BloomZ 1005 Caprice Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-688-0599 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 Roots and Rocks Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 1014 S. 21st Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719-634-1024 High Tech Garden Supply 5275 Quebec St. Commerce City, CO 80022 720-222-0772 Roll-N-Green Farms Horticultural Supply 25797 Conifer Rd #A-8 Conifer, Co 80433 303-838-5520 Global Organics & Hydroponics 11 N Broadway Cortez CO 81321 970 739 6755 Your Grow Bud 6801 South Emporia St. Suite 106 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 Tel: 303-790-2211 BWGS-CO 11685 E. 55th Avenue Denver, CO 80239 888-316-1306 Chlorophyll 3801 Mariposa St. Denver CO 80211 303-433-1155 Denver Hydroponic & Organic Center 6810 North Broadway, Unit D Denver, CO 80221 303-650-0091 Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 7100 N. Broadway, Suite 3D Denver, CO 80221 303-428-5020 The Grow Outlet 4272 Lowell Boulevard Denver, CO 80211 303-586-5543 Way To Grow 301 East 57th Ave. Denver, CO 80216 303-296-7900 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 Grow Store South, The 5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37, Englewood, CO 80110 303-738-0202 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 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 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 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 Primo Gardens 1600 North Ave. Suite B Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-241-1209 Greeley Nutrients 700 11th Street Unit 101 Greeley CO 80631 970 673 8302 GroWize 3225 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80227 303-986-2706 Grow Store, The 8644 W. Colfax Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215 888-510-0350 Ever Green Hydroponics Inc. 1131 Francis Street, Suite A, Longmont, CO 80501 303-682-6435 Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 Victory Hydro Gardening 1387 E. South Boulder Rd. Louisville, CO, 80027 Tel: 303-664-9376 Lyons Indoor Gardening 138 Main Street, Lyons, CO 80540 720-530-3828 Head Start Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Emporium 34500 US Highway 6, Unit B-9, North Edwards, CO 81632 970-569-313 Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics 7777 W. 38th Avenue, A120A, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-954-9897

CONNECTICUT

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

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 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

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

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177

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies 13482 North Cleveland Avenue, Fort Meyers, FL 33903 239-997-4769 Gardener’s Edge Gainesville 5000 NW 34th Street, Suite 13, Gainesville, FL 32605 352-375-2769 Florida Garden Supplies 2692 W 79 Street, Hialeah, FL 33016 1-800-931-5215 Hydro Terra Corp.

924 North Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020 954-920-0889 Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North) 3642 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, FL 34448 352-628-2655 Hydroponics International Inc. 7029-10 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32220 904-693-6554 Grower’s Choice & Hydroponics 11855 North Main Street, Jackonsonville, FL 32218 904-683-4517 Urban Organics & Hydroponics 5325 Fairmont Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-398-8012 Simply Hydroponics & Organics 7949 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33773 727-531-5355 GrowSmart Indoor Garden Centers 14587 Southern Boulevard, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561-429-3527 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

178

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Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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 Tel: 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 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 Monkey Hydroponics 940 West Oakland Ave. Unit A1 Winter Garden FL 34787 407 574 8495 Cultivating Eden Hydroponic Supplies 946 18th Avenue SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-8880 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

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

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 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

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

ILLINOIS Aerostar Global 824 South Kay Avenue, Addison, IL 60101 Brew and Grow 181 Crossroads Parkway, Bolingbrook, IL 60194 847-885-8282 Let it Grow - Carbondale West Main Street, Carbondale, IL 62908 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 Hydrocork 20647 Renwick Road, Crest Hill, IL 60435 815-838-0100 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 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

Inc.

Brew and Grow 359 W. Irving Park Road Unit E, Roselle, IL 60172 630-894-4885 Brew and Grow 2379 Bode Road, Schaumburg, IL 60440 630-771-0555 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 Water Works Indoor Gardening 1900 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703 217-553-6929

INDIANA BWGS-IN 7854 North State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47404 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 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 4620 317-780-8070 Magic Bulb Garden Center 6229 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-202-2852 Five Point Gardens 56555 Oak Road, South Bend, IN 46619 574-287-9232

KANSAS

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 Evergreen Garden Center 301 Forest Avenue Portland, ME 04101 207-761-2800 High Tech Garden Supply Maine178 Rand Rd. Portland, ME 04102 Phone 207-899-4387 Green Thumb Indoor Gardening 19 Stage Road, St. Albans, ME 04971 207-938-5909 Urban Garden Center 235 Lewiston Road, Toposhan, ME 04086 207-373-0990 Greenlife Garden Supply 611 US Rt. 1 York, ME 03909 978 262 9966

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

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

Greenlife Garden Supply 481 Boston Road, Unit 4, Billerica, MA 01821 978-262-9966 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 29 Washington Street, Route 1 Foxboro, MA 02035 800-660-6977 LiquidSun® MA 8 Lynwood Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040 413-539-6875 Green Path Garden Supply 276 West Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-4181 High Tech Garden Supply 560 Boston Turnpike (Rt.9) Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-845-4477 New England Hydroponics 15 D College Hwy. (Rt. 10), Southampton, MA 01073 888-529-9025 Worm’s Way Massachusetts 121 Worc-Providence Turnpike, Sutton, MA 01590 800-284-9676

LOUISIANA

MICHIGAN

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

KENTUCKY

Geaux Hydroponics!

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

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 Cultivation Station 3 Inc. 46912 Gratiot, Chesterfield, MI 48051 586-949-7453 H2O Grow Supply 3364 Arent Ct Coloma, MI 49038 269-468-3890 Van Hydro 7480 N State, Davison, MI 48423 810-653-8267 Hydro Giant 14455 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI Hydro Giant 21651 W. 8 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI (8Mile & Lahser) 313-387-7700 313-216-8888 Hydro Heaven 73647 W 8th Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48235 313-861-0333; 877-823-2076 Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 Urban Gardening Center, The 2520 22nd Street, Detroit, MI 48216 313-898-0200 Superior Growers Supply 4870 Dawn Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823 517-332-2663 Sunnyside Hydroponics 24930 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpoint, MI 48021 586-777-2528 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 Horizen Hydroponics 1614 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 866-791-1664 Flower Factory, The 2223 East Highland Road Highland, MI 48356 248-714-9292 Hydro Vision 2858 E Highland rd Highland, MI 48356 Holland Hydroponic Outlet 587-40 East 8th Street Holland, MI 49423 616-298-7395 Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 9091 W. Lake City Road Houghton Lake, MI 48629 989-422-2800 Hydro Vision 1247 e Grand River Howell, MI 48843 Green Forest Indoor Garden Supply, LLC. 2555 N. State(M-66) Rd. Ionia, MI 48846 616-523-6111

Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

179

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Horizen Hydroponics 4646 W. Main Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-567-3333 Kalamazoo Indoor Garden 450 W. Maple, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 269-344-2550 HTG Supply-Lansing Michigan 2815 East Grand River Ave.Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 580-0555 Superior Growers Supply 19582 Middlebelt Road, Livonia, MI 48152 248-473-0450 Northern Lights Hydroponic and Garden Supply 29090 Campbell rd.

Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-439-6269 BIg Creek Hydroponics 555 Old Little Lake Road, Marquette, MI 49855 906-249-5297 Growing Consultant 2260 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 231-773-5600 Sunshine Supply Co. 5800 East Pickard Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-775-3700 Flo-N-Grow.

214 N. 2nd Street, Niles, MI 49120 269-683-1877 Super Grow 288 W. MONTCALM PONTIAC, MI 48342 248-24SUPER (78737) Green Earth Hydroponics 8127 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 269-342-4190 Hydroponics Highway Inc. 2708 14th Ave. Port Huron MI, 48060 810-982-4769 Home Grown Hydroponics 8075 Gratiot Road, Unit C, Saginaw MI 48609 989-781-1930 Hydro Giant 19363 Eureka Rd, Southgate, MI 734.281.8888 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 Grow Store, The 90 N U.S. Highway 31 South , Traverse City, MI 49685-7923 231-421-5191 Wild Child 7740 M 72 East, Traverse City, MI 49690 866-711-GROW Hydro Vision 1910 West rd Trenton, MI 48183 Hydroharrys.com 24500 Dequindre, Warren, MI 48091 800-461-8819 Indoor Garden Superstore 2570 Dixie Highway, Waterford Twp., MI 48328 248-673-2200; 877 22 HYDRO Light Green Water 3661 Highland Road, Waterford, MI 48329 248-681-0001 Hydrospot 34236 Michigan Avenue, Wayne, MI 48184 734-722-1285

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Maximum Yield USA | June 2011

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 3218 W. Houghton Avenue West Branch, MI 48661 989-345-8800 G.C. II Whitehall, MI 49461 231-893-2400 AAA Hydroponics LLC 22 50th Street Wyoming, MI 49504 616-249-8338 Stealth Hydro 15 E. Cross Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 866-998-1916

Heightened Harvests 2018 Main Street #4, Billings, MT 59105 406-252-4311 Magic City Organic & Hydroponic Supply 812 Central Billings, MT 59102 (406)-245-LEAF(5323) One World – Life Products 906 Broadwater Billings MT 59101 406 839 9969 Heightened Harvests 3103 Harrison Avenue, Suite B Butte, MT 59701

MINNESOTA

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 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

Duluth Hydroponics 26 W 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 218-341-7253 Indoor Gardening 10 NE 3rd Street, Faribault, MN 55021 507-209-1546 Brew and Grow 8179 University Avenue, Fridley, MN 55432 612-780-8191 Interior Gardens 115 -1620 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 800-498-4178; 612-870-9077 Midwest Hydroponics 5825 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park,MN 55416 888-449-2739 Eden Indoor Organic Gardens 831 Highway 75 North Moorhead, MN 56560 218-477-EDEN (3336) American Garden Supply 601-6th Avenue, North, Princeton, MN 55371 763-631-0543Q Still-H2O Inc. 14375 North 60th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-351-2822 Eco Garden Supply 800 Transfer Door 25 in rear St. Paul, MN 55114 651-647-1896

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

MISSOURI Let It Grow - Girardeau 879 S. Kings Highway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 573-803-0628 Heartland Hydrogardens 705 Vandiver Drive, Suite G HYDROGARDENS Columbia, MO 65202 573-474-4769 Green Circle Hydroponics 12 East Missouri, Kansas City, MO 64106 816-421-1840 Grow Your Own Hydroponics 3617 Saint John Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64123 816-241-2122 Let It Grow - Springfield 2519 E. Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803 417-862-GROW U-Grow 1724 North, 13th Street, St. Louis, MO 63106 314-452-6368 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

NEBRASKA Patio-Ponics 3255 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 4 Lincoln, NE 68504 402-466-9218 Advanced Hydro-Ponics 10711 Mockingbird Drive, Omaha, NE 68127 (108th and L-Q) 402-991-6630 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 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 Hydro Store, The 7145 W. Ann Road, Las Vegas, NV 89130 702-434-9376 Nevada Hydroponics 4700 B Maryland, Suite 1, Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-798-2852

Anything Grows 190 West Moana Lane, Reno, NV 89509 775-828-1460 Everything Green Hydroponics P.O Box 34869 Reno, Nevada 89533

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

NEW JERSEY Garden State Hydroponics 511 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001 888-300-8711 Bergen County Hydroponics 70 Essex Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-2001 Green Touch 2 Hydroponics Inc. 888 Route 33, Unit 1, Hamilton, NJ 08619 HYDROP ONICS 609-570-8829 East Coast Horticultural Supply 1652 Hurffville Road, Swewell, NJ 08080 856-228-5290 77HYDRO 37 Fairfield Place, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 877-774-9376 Claraqua 4 Redwood Court, West Windsor, NJ 08550

greentouch2

NEW MEXICO AHL Year Round Garden Supply 1051 San Mateo Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 505-255-3677 AHL Year Round Garden Supply 9421 Coors Blvd. NW Suite K, Albuquerque, NM 87114 505-899-0592 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 Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 19 Front Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-2005; 800-850-4769 The Grape Vine 4020 Hempstead Turnpike Bethpage,NY,11714 516-731-1100 Bronx Hydro & Garden 39 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10454 718-993-3787 Bklyn Hydro & Garden 316 McGuiness Blvd Brooklyn NY 11222 718-383-0095 Brooklyn Farms 51Hicks Street St. Brooklyn, NY 11231 347-725-3491 Indoor Outdoor Gardener 8223 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-836-2402 Hydroponics of Buffalo 1497 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216 716-838-3545

INC.

Harvest Moon Hydroponics 340 West at 59, Central Nyack, NY 10960 California Hydroponics 27 Corporate Circle, East Syracuse, NY 13057 315-432-9387 Upstate Hydroponics 2026 Lake Rd unit B Elmira, NY 14903 607 483 9199 FutureGarden Inc. 59 Central Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-420-0884 East Coast Hydroponics 14649 Horace Harding Exp, Flushing, NY 11367 718-762-8880 Healthy Harvest Organics and Hydro 163 Broadway, Fort Edwart, NY 12828 518-480-4698 Greentree Nursery 308 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-3666 Hudson Valley Hydroponics 217 Route 32 North, New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-3633 Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics 2045 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Suite 13, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 888-GROWBOX The Grow Room 8 Bridge Street, Nyack, NY 10960 800-449-9630 Revolution Hydroponics 309 West State St. Olean NY 14760 716.373.Grow (4769) Mor Gro Hydroponics 5680 State Route 104 E Oswego , NY 13126 315-877-8725 Environmental Gardens 8 John Walsh Boulevard, Suite 310 Peekskills, NY 10566 800-254-0507; 914-736-6676 Harvest Moon Hydroponics Henrietta Townline Plaza, 3047 West Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 716-865-7353 Hydro Garden Center 1069B Lyell Avenue, Rochester, NY 14606 1-800-277-1322 Sunset Hydroponics & Home Brewing 1590 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY 14615 866-395-9204 KG Garden Supply 1327 Floyd Avenue, Rome, NY 13440 1-877-KG-HYDRO Hydroponics Shops of America 2606 Erie Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13224 315-251-2516 Green Zone Hydroponics 2148 Niagara Falls Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY. 14150 716-693-9663 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 147 Fourth Street, Troy, NY 10960

NORTH CAROLINA Fifth Season Gardening Company 21 B Westside Dr. Asheville NC 28806 828-225-5007 Fifth Season Gardening Company 45 Banks Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 828-253-4112 Fifth Season Gardening Company 106 South Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC 27510 919-932-7600

Be Well Hydroponics & Urban Gardening 4732 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-344-8010 BWGS-NC 4045 Perimeter West Drive,Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28214 800-316-1306 High Tech Garden Supply 2712 B Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 704-697-0911 Flow & Grow Hydroponics & Organic Garden Center 4521 Cumberland Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306 910-423-FLOW (3569) Fifth Season Gardening Company 1616 D-3 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408 336-271-3373 Good Harvest Garden Center 629 Oakridge Farm Hwy. Mooresville NC 28115 704-658-9136 Fifth Season Gardening Company 5619-A Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 919-852-4747 New Age Gardens 2236A US Highway 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778 828-299-9989 All Season Hydroponics 890 South Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28410 Progressive Gardens 6005 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-395-1156

OHIO Akron Garden Center 434 W Wilbeth Road, Akron, OH 44314 330-724-2700 Summit Hydroponics 1030 Kenmore Boulevard Akron, OH 44314-2114 330-753-5222 Campbells Indoor Gardening Supplies 1721 Greenville Road Bristolville, OH 44402 330-889-0049 Magic Home Gardens 209 Cemetery Road, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-837-2440 Dayton Hydroponics 4920 Provident Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 513-942-7111 Eastside Hydroponics 550 Ohio Pike Cincinnati, OH 45255 513-528-GROW Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic 10740 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241 513-769-0159 Cleveland Garden Center Inc. 727 East 185th Street, Cleveland, OH 44119 216-481-7868 Grow Wizard, The 5700 Denison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102 216-961-2500 Herb-N-Garden Center 14901 Puritas Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44135 216-252-2001 Garden Indoors of Ohio 4720 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214 800-833-6868 Magic Home Garden 4538 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214 614-263-2440 Garden Connections 3341 Centerpoint Dr. Grove City OH 43123 614 871 0707

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Advanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center 5204 Darrow Road, Hudson, OH 44236 234-380-1287 Sweet Greens 5540 Brecksville Road Independence, OH 44131 800-421-7084 Hydro Gardens and Lights 1144 N Memorial Drive Lancaster, OH 43130 705-65 Hydro Carefree Garden Center 134 West Drive, Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 CropKing 134 West Drive, Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 Urban Gardens 671 E. Center Street Marion, OH 43302 740-375-2800 Top Garden Products 8600 East Avenue Suite C. Mentor, OH 44060 440-290-8773 Indoor Gardens 1222 Hill Road, North, Pickerington, OH 43147 614-866-6065 Trinity Hydro Organics 465 Woodman Drive Riverside, OH 45431 937-252-GROW Toledo Hydroponics Ltd. 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 2 Toledo, OH 43615 1-877-893-0716 Greenleaf Hydroponics 1805 Elm Road, Warren, OH 44483 330-372-1039 Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, West Carrolton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 Harvest Moon 9215 Market Street, Youngstown (North Lima), OH 44452 800-776-8399 Indoor Garden Worx 906 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701 866-900-9679

OKLAHOMA Tulsa County Hydro-Organics 1928 W. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-259-HYDRO AAAAHA! Hydroponics Unlimited P.O. Box 74, Oakhurst, OK 74050 Organics OKC Garden Supply 3620 N Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-528-GROW The OKC Urban Gardener 3711 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-521-9300 Urban Garden 3141 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104 918-289-0018

OREGON Aqua Serene 465 Applegate Way, Ashland, OR 97520 541-482-7600 Astoria Indoor Garden Supply 1343 Duane St. Unit C Astoria OR 97103 503 468 0606 Rogue Silicates Inc. POB 21, Azalea, OR 97410 541-837-8590 B.I.G.S. 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 401, Bend, OR 97702 541-385-5222

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Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Herb N’ Jungle Hydroponics 930 SE Textron Drive, Bend, OR 97702 541-382-4010 Northern Light and Garden Beaverton 9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-297-7331 Westcoast Organic and Hydroponic Supply 12410 SE 282nd Avenue, Unit C Boring, OR 97009 503-766-4106 The Good Earth Organics 30088 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, OR 97523 541-592-4496 Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply 93779 B Troy Lane, Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-266-8822 Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics 5490 SW Philomath Boulevard, Corvallis, OR 97333 541-738-2820 Aqua Serene 2836 W. 11th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402 541-302-9073 Aurora Innovations PO Box 22041, Eugene, OR 97402 866-376-8578 SunInside Gardening Co. 665 Conger, Unit F, Eugene, OR 97402 541-686-9966 Advanced Indoor Gardens 17831 se 82nd drive Gladstone, OR 97027 503 305 6341 Northern Light and Garden Grants Pass 1203 Rogue River Highway, Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-474-1700 Paradise Supply LLC 560 NE. “F” Street, Unit C, Grand Pass, OR 97526 541-955-7293 Vital Organix 932-B SE “M” Street Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-226-9283 Oregon Rainforest Co. 19949 E. Burnside Street, Gresham, OR 97233503-465-9909 In & Out Gardens 93484 Hwy 99 South Junctin City OR 97448 541-234-2342 Basin Indoor Gardening 1221 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 541-273-2023 Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 1845 S W Hwy. 101 Ste. 3 Lincoln OR 97367 USA 541 994 7070 H2organic LCC 620 NE 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128 503-434-6107 Green Thumb Hydrogarden and Organic Supply 2021 West Main Street, Medford, OR 97501 541-779-8600 Growing Crazy (Hooked On Hydroponics) 817 W. 2nd Street, Medford, OR 97501 In & Out Gardens 1574 Skypark Drive Medford, OR 97501 541-858-3333 Ladybug Indoor Gardens 3960 W. Main Street, Medford, OR 97501 541-618-4459 Advanced Organics & Garden Supply 290- B Merlin Avenue Merlin, Oregon 97532 541-659-1466 Indoor Garden Depot 15828 SE McGloughlin Boulevard, Milwaukie, OR 97267 503-786-2445

H2organic LCC 620 NE 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128 503-434-6107 Wizard’s Garden, LLC 621 Spruce Street, Unit C, Myrtle Point, OR 97458 541-572-2333 Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 454 S.W. Coast Hwy Newport OR 97365 USA P: 541-265-8252 Gorilla Garden Supply 1810 Virginia Avenue, Garden Supplies North Bend, OR 97459 541-756-5005 American Agriculture 9220 Southeast Stark Street, Portland, OR 97216 800-433-6805 Bloom Garden Supply 518 NE 20th Ave. Portland, OR 97232 (971)255-1336 Everybody’s Garden Center 2701 SE 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202 800-669-5483 Garden Spout, The 4532 South East 63rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97206 503-788-4769 Homegrown Garden Supply 7112 NE Gilsan Street, Portland, OR 97213 877-EZ2-GROW Island Flowers & Indoor Garden Center 909 N. Tomahawk Island Drive, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97217 503-546-3185 Lights Distributing 9843 SW 55th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219 Rain or Shine 13126 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230 503-255-1981 Roots Garden Supply 5426 North Gay Avenue, Portland, OR 97217 503-285-4768 Urban Flora 2865 South East, Portland, OR 97214 503-236-3344 BIGS Warehouse 2606 SW 4th Street, Unit B Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-8886 Indoor Garden Supply 536 SW 6th Street (rear alley), Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-7750 DC Hydroponics & Organics 7275 Green Siding Rd. Roseburg, OR 97471 541-679-3700 Roseburg Hydroponics 853 SE Stephens Street, Roseburg, OR 97470 541-229-1420 Indoor Garden Center 1697 SE 25th Street, Salem, OR 97302 503-566-7888 Northern Light and Garden Salem 1915 Lancester Drive, Salem, OR 97305 503-364-4769 Cascade Horticulture 39570 Pioneer Boulevard, Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-8242 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 Grow America Garden Supply LLC 11511 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, OR 97223 503-841-6868

PENNSYLVANIA Pocono Hydroponic Solutions 25 Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321 Tel: 570-730-4544 Green Solutions Hydroponics 1700 Orange Street Berwick, PA 18603 570-752-1530 Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania 208 Route 13, Bristol, PA 19007 800-227-4567 422 GROW 1775 North Main Street Extension Butler, PA 16001-1327 724-561-3777 High Tech Garden Supply 20232 Route 19, Unit 6, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-473-1113 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 Flairform POB 1417, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-395-6353 RH Distribution POB 1417 Lansdale, PA 19446 888-545-8112 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 Full Bloom Hydroponics 84 South 24th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 888-872-3602 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 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 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; 247 Garden Supply 535 D Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29229 803-788-4445 All Good Hydroponics & Gardening 6729 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223 803-708-4819 All Season Hydroponics 6729 Two North Road, 10B Columbia, SC 29223 803-708-4819 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 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

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Abundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 3101 Avenue E East, Marshall, TX 76011 817-649-0100 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 4360 S.Congress Avenue, #310, Austin, TX 78745 512-444-2100 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Central Austin) 5126 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756 512-459-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (South Austin) 2125-A Goodrich Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 512-440-4769 Happy Harvest Hydroponics & Organic 1500 C rescent Drive, Suite 202 Carrollton, TX 75006 972-466-1300 GroGreen Hydroponics 4015 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75226 214-370-9984 Jolly Green Hydroponics (Greenhouse Horticultural Supplies) 13628 Neutron Road, Dallas, TX 75244 (866) WE-JOLLY; 469-341-5555 Lone Star Hydroponics and Organics 1302 Motor Circle, Dallas, TX 75207 214-634-9376 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Dallas) 3400 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75226 214-744-4769 Organic Garden & Feed 3801 N Interstate Hwy 35,Suite126, Denton Texas 76207 940-381-9890 Earth Organics 1360 Lee Trevino Drive,Suite 105 El Paso, TX 79936 915-591-9500 Airline Hydroponics P.O. Box 980904, Trader’s Village #363, Houston, TX 77098 713-942-0484 Botani Garden 15120 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77083 281-575-1999 Houston Discount Hydroponics 9384 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77063 713-464-9406 Hydroponic Nation 9700 Almeda Genoa Road, Suite 108, Houston, TX 77075 281-501-9636 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Houston) 7730 A Park Place Boulevard, Houston, TX 77087 713-641-4769 Ultimate Hydroponic Garden Supply 6125 West Sam Houston Parkway, North Suite 206 Houston, TX 77041 713-856-8425 Texas Growers Supply 5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #602, Humble, TX 77396 281-441-3739 Field of Dreams Indoor Growing Supplies 5302 Slide Road Unit B,Lubbock, TX 79414 806-793-2901 Hydro Mart 3841 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088 972-475-6114 Sol Organics & Hydroponics 1634 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78229 210-366-9082 GreenMaker Nursery 3030 Northwest Loop, Stephenville, TX 76401 254-965-7273 Innergrow Hydroponics 24451 Interstate Highway 20, Wills Point, TX 75169 866-475-4769

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UTAH 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

VIRGINIA Fifth Season Gardening Company 900 Preston Ave. Charlottesville VA 22903 434-293-2332 Clean & Green Technologies 196 Corning Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073 866-694-1628 I Love Hydroponics 612 N. Sheppard Street, Richmond, VA 23221 804-377-3020 Lucky Roots 612 North Sheppard St. Richmond, VA 23221 804-377-3020 Blue Ridge Hydroponics & Home Brewing Co. 5524 Williamson Road, Suite 11 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

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

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Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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 Healthy Grow Indoor Garden Supplies 10 SE Everett Mall Way Suite B Everett WA 98208 425-374-2227 Indoor Garden Depot 1401 S. 324th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003 253-874-1112 North West Hydro Supply 1355Pacific Pl Unit 117 Ferndale WA 98248-7824 360-778-3254 Good 2 Gro 3507 W Clearwater Ave. Kennewick WA 99336 509 737 1313 Indoor Garden & Lighting 714 South Central Avenue, Kent, WA 98032 253-373-9060 Kent Garden Supplies Ltd. 18817 East Valley Highway, Kent, WA 98032 425-251-9299 Grogro Hydro 12403 NE. 124th Street, Kirkland, WA 98034 888-7-GROGRO 425-820-6200 KP Indoor Garden Store 8912 Key Peninsula HWY N Lakebay, WA 98349 253-884-SURE (7873) InDoor Gardening 1158 Commerce Longview WA, 98632 360-353-3851 Indoor Garden & Lighting 20505 Highway 99,, Lynnwood, WA 98036 425-673-2755 Go-N-Green Hydroponics 1241 State Ave Suite #102 Marysville, WA 98270 (360)386-8230 Island Hydroponic & Supplies 1515 5th Street #B, Marysville, WA 98271 425-299-5855 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 207 Sunset Blvd. N, Building A, Renton, WA 98055 425-917-9000 Eco Enterprises 1240 NE 175th Street, #B Shoreline, WA 98155 800-426-6937 Aqua Serene 3839 Stone Way North, Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-GROW (4769) Grogro Hydro 12316 32nd AVE NE #103 Seattle, WA 98125

Hydro-Tech 2121 Aurora Avenue, North, Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-2202 Sodo Hydro 1727 1st Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134 206-682-9377 888-90HYDRO (904-9376) Northwest Horticulture Supply 161 Hooker Road, #1, Sequim, WA 98057 360-582-0702 509 Grow 2718 N Division Spokane, WA 99207 509-327-GROW(4769) Grow Center, The 2808 W Sprague Spokane WA 99202 509-456-GROW River City Hydroponics 1514 East Francis Avenue, Spokane, WA 99208 509-464-0246 Spokane Organic and Hydroponic Supply 4823 East Sprague Avenue E., Spokane Valley, WA 99212 509-534-4055 Green Tree Hydroponics and Garden 12316 Pacific Ave South Tacoma, WA 98444 253-495-6757 Indoor Garden & Lighting 3839 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406 253-761-7478 Solar Shop 306 West 4th Street, Tonasket, WA 98855 509-486-4508 Indoor Garden Depot 6400 NE Highway 99, Suite H, Vancouver, WA 98665 360-993-7779 National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 4525 NW Fruit Valley Road, Vancouver, WA 98660 888-478-6544 (Northwest) National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 5408 NE 88th Street, Building A, Vancouver, WA 98665 888-478-6544 VM Indoor Garden Supply 2903 NE 109th Ave Ste. D Vancouver, WA 98682 P: (360) 256-2933 Indoor Garden Supply LLC 1250 Atlantic Ave, Woodland, WA 98674 360-841-8055

WISCONSIN Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply 1104 West Wisconsin Avenue, Appleton, WI 54914 920-574-3258 Grow BIG Hydroponics 954 S. Westland, Appleton, WI 54914 920-749-4769 Brew and Grow 285 N. Janacek Road, Brookfield, WI 53045 262-789-0555 Brew and Grow 3317 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53716 608-226-8910 Paradigm Gardens 4539 Helgesen Drive, Madison, WI 53718 608-241-3800

PUERTO RICO Tecno-Hydro Ave Campo Rico GJ17, Carolina, PR 00982 787-752-8252

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