Maximum Yield USA September 2012

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LONG BEACH

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NOVEMBER 3-4, 2012

maximumyield.com

LONG BEACH

CALIFORNIA

NOVEMBER 3-4, 2012

CONTENTS September 2012

FEATURES 90

64

64

Recipes for Success

74

Reuse, Reuse, Reuse Your Media

80

How to Successfully Choose Growing Media

by Eric Hopper

by Grubbycup

by Guy Sela

90

Back to School Fun:

96

Know What You Grow in

by Carmie Pasquariello

by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr.

104 Eco Coco

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

74

96 114 Stem Secrets:

by Bill DeBoer

124 Keeping With the Flow

From the Editor

132 Black Bugs, Be Gone!

16

Letters to the Editor

20

MaximumYield.com

140 Creating Novel Hybrid

22

Ask the Experts

26

MAX Facts

36

Product Spotlight

112

Growing for Health

138

Green Thumb Gardening

148

Avant-Gardening

150

Beginner's Corner

by Mark W. Boutwell II

Hydroponic Systems

by Ryan M. Taylor

154 Organic Hydroponics

by Dr. Mike Nichols

164 Feeding for Flavor

by Casey Jones Fraser

10

DEPARTMENTS 12

by Frank Rauscher

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

104 152

Mastering the Art of Hydroponics (STEM)

162

Tips and Tricks

168

You Tell Us

170

Talking Shop

172

10 Facts On...

173

Coming up in October

174

Max Mart

177

Distributors

FROM THE EDITOR | Jessica Raymond

Jessica Raymond, editor editor@maximumyield.com

Summer vacation is over and it is now time to buckle down and get serious about your studies.

Please crack open your hydro textbooks and flip to the chapter on mediums. We’re going to cover traditional soil and soilless mixes, reusing media and creating organic soil from scratch.

In addition to the medium intensive, by the end of this month, each of you will be required to complete a hydroponics experiment for 50% of your grade. Flip to pages 90 and 150 where Carmie Pasquariello and Dr. Lynette Morgan help you get started with classroom hydroponics.

If you haven’t already guessed, this issue’s themes are Media Madness and Back to School (just in time for fall). Wisdom is born out of knowledge and experience, which is why it’s important to never stop reading

or doing. Whether growing is your hobby or you’re trying to turn a profit, you should always be striving to improve. The industry experts— who contributed articles this month on feeding for flavor, DIY hybrid hydro systems and strange and unusual gardening tips and techniques—are all for helping you grow better and bigger.

This issue we highlighted an abundance of new products to help you grow. We’ve filled over 10 pages with over 40 product profiles to get you running to your favorite shop for the latest gear.

Our latest Win Big…Grow Big contest is sure to excite your senses as well, with four new prizes up for grabs. Be sure to enter online at maximumyield.com/winbig-growbig You might be graded on your performance, so study hard and don’t skip the hands-on education (i.e., time in the growroom).

contributors Carmie Pasquariello grew up in Honolulu with a big Italian family. Ever since she was introduced to hydroponics as a kid, she loved it—and all the fun and interesting hydro toys that came with the industry. She loves to redo her demo gardens in her shop and switch up the methods and mediums.There is always something new to play with and learn.

“I feel this helps me be a well-rounded gardener and benefits my clients.” Aloha.

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

Ryan Taylor is the founder and

Eric Hopper has over 10 years of experience in the hydroponic industry as both a retail store manager and owner. He continuously seeks new methods and products that could help maximize garden performance. Eric resides in Michigan where he and his family strive for a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle.

Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden

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

Grubbycup has been an avid

Dr. Mike Nichols is a retired

Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. has 50

Guy Sela is an agronomist and a

Frank Rauscher is a certified

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

indoor gardener for over 20 years.

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

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

chemical engineer for his innovative software company, Smart Fertilizer (smart-fertilizer.com), which provides fertilizer management solutions.

Applying his background in water treatment, he has lead a variety of projects on reverse osmosis, water disinfection and water purification, and providing high-quality water for irrigation.

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Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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.

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

horticulturist and consultant for the garden industry. He’s a contributing author to several publications and was writer and editor of the Green Pages.

Frank finds that analyzing plant stress and finding solutions is exciting. He is very much at home bringing new ideas to the field of horticulture and indoor gardening.

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

Ryan is obsessed with hydroponics and his cat.

years of experience growing plants hydroponically. He is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Georgia, Athens and has authored eight books and written articles for magazines that deal with hydroponic issues.

He currently has his own consulting company, Grosystems, Inc. Dr. Jones currently lives in Anderson, SC, USA.

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Write in and Win

These readers participated in our eNews Write in and Win contest and… they won!

From June eNews: What style of lighting do you use in your indoor garden and why?

From July eNews: What's your favorite grow medium and why?

I use three 400 W high pressure sodium lights to flower my annuals and bulbs for cut flowers. I like HPS because of the wide array of bulbs available (and the array of spectrum output choices available).

For my vegetative and mother room, I use a system of three shelves lit by T5 fluorescents. I grow in 4 in. pots until my plants become root bound and then transplant and place them in my flowering room at least 20 in. away from the HPS bulbs for the first five to seven days. The motherplants are also lit by T5 fluorescent bulbs but are not on a shelf. I would rather use metal halide in the veg room, but am resistant to discontinue using of all the T5 fluorescents I have purchased and set up.

For what it's worth, Jeff West Virginia

#4 Pro because it’s clean and easily stored in a plastic bin.

Martin McIsaac

I use CFLs for cloning—they are more in the blue spectrum for vegetative growth. There’s very little heat and they aren’t [too] bright. As I move into vegetation, I use a 600 W metal halide.

Again, it’s in the blue spectrum for lush vegetative growth and has the light output to kick the plants into growing. Moving into flowering or the reproductive phase, I add two 1,000 W high pressure sodium bulbs. They are in the red spectrum and put out plenty of lumens. I like to leave the MH in there to help give a fuller spectrum of light. I feel it is closer to what they would get in nature and helps make a fuller, sturdier plant. I run most of my lights in sealed reflectors that are vented. The last few weeks I will remove the glass from the MH bulb. I like my plants to get the UV rays it provides.

That’s my take on how I do it. And I gathered all this information from reading your great magazine.

Thanks for reading, Kyle Kirchner North Hollywood, CA

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Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

As of today, my new favorite is FoxFarm Ocean Forest with Growstones for a change in breathing room.

Barry W. Grubbs Cantonment, FL

Falling for You

Is there any way to get a subscription of Maximum Yield (MY) in the mail? I fell for MY and I always get excited for the next issue. I know there is the digital copy and it’s good for going green; and I know I can view the magazine on my smartphone but it’s just not the same. I like having the actual magazine in my hand that I can carry with me everywhere.

I love the magazine and articles. [As a new cultivator], I have learned much from the MY mag. Thank you for your time and producing such a great magazine for free!

Phillip Good Of course! A subscription form is available for download from maximumyield.com/subscriptions

We want to hear from you!

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

COMING UP ON THE WEB FINAL STOP OF THE 2012 GROW LIKE A PRO TOUR COMBINES INDOOR GARDENING AND HYDROLIFE EXPO This world-class event will be a combination Indoor Gardening and Hydrolife Expo featuring leading experts from the hydro, snow, surf, skate and bike industries. Held at the beautiful Long Beach Convention Center for the third year running, this expo provides the ideal location with the perfect mix of culture and climate. Visit indoorgardenexpo.com for complete event details.

VOLUME 13 – NUMBER 6 September 2012

• SEE THE LATEST GROW GEAR! • LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS • SUPERCHARGE YOUR GARDEN

W GROA PRO LIKETOUR!

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

LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA

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INDOOR GARDENING EXPO NOVEMBER 3 - 4, 2012 SATURDAY

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AT THE LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER OUR PROUD SPONSORS TM

We’re happy to announce we’ve got special group flight rates with WestJet to our trade shows. Visit us online at INDOORGARDENEXPO.COM 250-729-2677 indoorgardenexpo.com to receive the promo code.

Got Questions? Get Answers.

Maximum Yield’s resident experts are available and ready to answer your modern gardening questions.

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

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

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

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Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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

If undeliverable please return to the address above.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson editorial Editor-in-chief Jessica Raymond editor@maximumyield.com Assistant Editor Jessica Skelton ADVERTISING SALES Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com Hayley Jesson - hayley@maximumyield.com Emily Rodgers - emily@maximumyield.com Kelsey Hepples - kelsey@maximumyield.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION ads@maximumyield.com Art Director Alice Joe Graphic Designers Liz Johnston Denise Higginson Jennifer Everts ACCOUNTING Tracy Greeno - accounting@maximumyield.com Tara Campbell - tara@maximumyield.com

USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations • BWGS • General Hydroponics Humbolt Wholesale • Hydrofarm • Hydro International National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply • Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply • R&M Supply • Tradewinds CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group • Biofloral • Eddis Wholesale • Greenstar Plant Products Inc. • MegaWatt • Quality Wholesale UK DISTRIBUTION Direct Garden Supplies • Growth Technology • Future Harvest Development Europe • Hydrogarden Nutriculture UK • Dutch Pro • Maxigrow AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply • House N Garden • Futchatec • Growth Technology • Hydraspher

ASK THE EXPERTS

What are the ideal parts per million (ppm) for stevia?

Richard Gittings

Dr. Lynette Morgan

Dear Richard, Unfortunately, there is little technical or research information on growing stevia hydroponically because it is not a commercial soilless crop; thus, we have no background of research from which we can draw such technical details. However, given that Stevia is a succulent herb, it can probably be grown at similar ppm levels to other hydroponic herbs. However, I would recommend that anyone growing it should carry out some trials to see which ppm level suits the plant.

Generally, plants are grown on a more dilute solution from the seedling stage to when they’re planted out into a hydroponic system. Around 400 to 600 ppm in this stage and 750 to 840 ppm in the grow-out phase should be fine. Also, use the lower end of that range under hot conditions and the higher end in winter to maintain the quality of the foliage.

Kind Regards, Dr. Lynette Morgan

What does it mean when the plant's leaves have dots and brown stains on them?

Messod Ifrah

Matt LeBannister

22

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

There could be a number of causes and these are the most likely: First, insect damage can leave spots on the leaves. Buy a sticky card, and leave it for a couple days to see if any insects get stuck.

Secondly, it could be a potassium deficiency. Are the leaves curling, and are these curling leaves older? If so, flush the growing medium with lots of water and add more potassium, and start checking pH more often.

Third, it could be a disease called bacteria spot. Is there a yellow ring around the brown spot? If so, destroy the badly infected plants and sterilize your tools to prevent reoccurrence.

Finally, it could be caused by foliar feeding plants when the light is too hot. Be sure to spray leaves 10 to 15 minutes before lights go off.

Hope this helps, Matt LeBannister

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

MAXFACTS hydroponic news, tips and trivia New Integrated Building Model Might Improve Fish Farming Operations

Aquaculture researcher Andy Danylchuk and his colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are offering an affordable, more holistic and sustainable approach to indoor fish production. By melding building design, fish ecology and aquaculture engineering techniques, they created the first-of-its-kind “building-integrated aquaculture” (BIAq) model, which will allow fish farming operations to be located close to markets and to succeed even in cold climates.

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

Fixing Flavorless Tomatoes

Know how homegrown tomatoes taste so much better than the hothouse hybrids at the local grocery? Now scientists know exactly why. Flavor intensity traces to 12 different compounds and sweetness to another 12, including eight that were also important for overall flavor.

“This is the first step to restoring good flavor in commercial tomatoes,” stated one of the researchers. “One could do worse than to be known as the person who helped fix flavor.”

(Source: treehugger.com)

in the Know

Scientists believe they’ve pinpointed the last crucial piece of the puzzle of how plants “know” when to flower. According to research, determining the proper time to flower, important if a plant is to reproduce successfully, involves a sequence of molecular events, a plant’s circadian clock and sunlight.

“If we can regulate the timing of flowering, we might be able to increase crop yield by accelerating or delaying this. Knowing the mechanism gives us the tools to manipulate this,” said Takato Imaizumi, an assistant professor of biology at University of Washington.

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

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Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Indoor Spacesaving, Health-benefiting Gardens

An indoor garden can improve air quality, make you more productive and, of course, add a lovely touch of green to an otherwise drab office cubicle or apartment. Modular-style hydroponic systems in particular are great because they don’t take up much space.

(Source: treehugger.com)

Five Ways to Get Free Seeds for Your Garden

Starting from seed is the most inexpensive way to grow plants for your garden. To get free (or inexpensive) seeds for your garden, be sure to check out your local seed exchanges, local gardening clubs and organizations, Facebook seed swap groups and online garden forums. Also try taking up winter sowing, which is essentially sowing seeds outdoors in plastic containers and letting nature take its course instead of starting seeds inside your house with lighting and other seed-starting paraphernalia.

(Source: treehugger.com)

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Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

First Ever Record of Insect Pollination from 100 Million Years Ago

Amber from Cretaceous deposits in northern Spain has revealed the first record of insect pollination. Scientists have discovered in two pieces of amber several specimens of tiny insects (namely, Thysanopterans, or thrips) covered with pollen grains.

“This is the oldest direct evidence for pollination, and the only one from the age of the dinosaurs. The co-evolution of flowering plants and insects, thanks to pollination, is a great evolutionary success story...Thrips might indeed turn out to be one of the first pollinator groups in geological history, long before evolution turned some of them into flower pollinators,” concludes Carmen Soriano, who led the investigation of the amber pieces with X-ray tomography.

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

Hydroponics for Social Welfare in the Philippines

In Cebu, a province of the Philippines, hydroponics has been implemented in the area’s relatively small urban spaces. This project is predominantly concerned with the high levels of poverty and the requirement to alleviate malnutrition in densely populated urban areas such as Cebu City. The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Science and Technology are both hoping that through education of hydroponic methods it will be possible to decrease the threat of food shortages and to turn some of the derelict areas of the urban environment into greener, more productive spaces. The project also encourages the reuse of plastic containers, helping to reduce urban waste.

(Source: hydroponicsguide.co.uk) 32

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Controlling Mother

Scientists at the University of Texas in Austin recently discovered that seed size is controlled by small interfering RNA molecules (or, siRNA) inherited from a plant’s mother.

The siRNAs influence the development of a seed’s endosperm, which is the part of the seed that provides nutrients to the developing plant embryo, much like the placenta in mammals. The endosperm is also the source for most of the nutritional content of the seed for humans and animals. Those maternal siRNAs decrease the expression of genes that lead to larger endosperm growth, meaning that the siRNAs create smaller seeds.

The researchers are working to find out how exactly siRNAs regulate gene expression in the endosperm and embryo and how they control seed size. These new findings will enable scientists to develop biotechnological tools for improving seed production and crop yield.

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

Social-Media Enabled Aquaponics

Eric Maundu, with his company Kijani Grows, designs and builds aquaponic systems that are innovatively linked to online technologies and social networking opportunities. According to Fair Companies, “Aquaponics has become popular in recent years among urban gardeners and DIY tinkerers, but Maundu—who is trained in industrial robotics—has taken the agricultural craft one step further and made his gardens smart. Using sensors (to detect water level, pH and temperature), microprocessors (mostly, the open-source Arduino microcontroller), relay cards, clouds and social media networks (Twitter and Facebook), Maundu has programmed his gardens to tweet when there’s a problem (i.e., not enough water) or when there’s news (i.e., an over-abundance of food to share).”

(Source: treehugger.com) 34

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

Non-identical Clones

Scientists have known for some time that cloned (regenerant) organisms are not always identical. Their observable characteristics and traits can vary—and this variation can be passed on to the next generation—despite the fact that they are derived from genetically identical founder cells.

Now, a team from Oxford University, United Kingdom and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, believe they have found out why this is the case in plants: the genomes of regenerant plants carry relatively high frequencies of new DNA sequence mutations that were not present in the genome of the donor plant.

Where these mutations actually come from, however, remains a mystery.

According to researchers, they might “arise during the regeneration process itself or during the cell divisions in the donor plant that gave rise to the root cells from which the regenerant plants are created.”

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

NASA-Inspired Rotary Hydroponic Garden The Green Wheel by DesignLibero is a NASA-inspired rotary hydroponic garden. Originally conceptualized to provide astronauts with fresh herbs and salad on long space missions, the idea has been revived and redesigned for application here on Earth.

Made up of an outer solid surface case that hides an engine that rotates the garden, all plants (which are grown in coco-fiber-filled vases) in the perforated inner wheel are arranged around the central light source to reduce lighting consumption. Meanwhile, the wheel’s gravity effect helps to optimize herb and vegetable production. The rotary garden also includes a water reservoir and pump for automatic plant irrigation.

(Source: inhabitat.com)

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS MONTH’S

HOTTEST ITEMS Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store KidSmart’s JrPonics FishGarden Get kids excited about gardening with the all new JrPonics FishGarden from KidSmart.

These miniature 1 gal. aquaponic mini gardens for kids are designed for ease of use with no mess. At 8 by 5 in., they fit anywhere there is light. Aquaponics is a fun way to grow fish and plants together using specialized aerobic nitrifying bacteria. As pets are fed, they create waste that is food for nitrifying bacteria. Specialized bacteria then go to work, combining ammonia with oxygen-forming nitrites while other bacteria convert the nitrites into nitrates. Plants absorb these nitrates as food, which cleans the water and completes the cycle. To learn more about this product, visit your local hydroponics shop.

Hydrodynamics International’s Ionic Triple Packs Ionic Nutrients are now available in the convenience of a triple pack. Each triple pack contains 1 qt. of Ionic Grow, 1 qt. of Ionic Bloom and 1 qt. of Ionic Boost. Ionic nutrients are manufactured from the purest and most soluble mineral salts. Ionic is simple to use because all essential mineral elements are contained in one bottle, and it is fully buffered for pH. The unique manufacturing process, which creates large molecules containing the crucial elements of growth, allows for precise delivery of balanced nutrients directly to the plant in a way that has never before been possible. For more information, visit your local hydroponics retailer.

UNO’s Bad Boy Blades

Rope Ratchet Light Hangers Rope Ratchet® Light Hangers allow the raising and lowering of lights as needed. Simply attach one end of the hook to the light fixture and the other end to the hoisting support. To raise the light, pull on the loose end. The Ratchet will self-lock. To lower, depress the release lever and lower as needed. This product is made from a heavy-duty, glass-filled nylon outer casing, die cast zinc interior mechanisms, 6 ft. of solid, braided polyester rope and zinc-plated steel hooks. Available in 1/8 in. with 150 lb. combined holding weight and ¼ in. with a combined holding weight of 300 lb.

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Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

Proper air circulation prevents mold and pockets of low CO2 from forming.

Fans normalize room temperature and humidity levels; the new oscillating Bad Boy Blades™ fans from UNO Horticulture Lighting were designed specifically to meet these indoor gardening needs.

The figure eight blow pattern projects air over a wider garden area than is possible with similar-sized static fans. These 16 in. garden fans have three speeds to move the air around the plants without overwhelming them. These fans are available in both wall-mount and floor-stand models. The quality metal gear construction allows for quiet operation and is backed by a twoyear warranty. To learn more, visit your hydroponics retailer.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Gain Peace of Mind With Black Holes Black Holes were created to fill a void in the drip system industry. Our design allows you to actually see the flow of water emitted from the flow holes. Black Holes are easy to monitor and tune to your requirements. In the event there is a problem, it is easily detectable and just as easy to remedy. Black Holes are manufactured with a ½ in. barb, although custom barb options are available for bulk orders.

Gain peace of mind in a product that will save you time. However great your system might be now, adding Black Holes will make it better. Contact your local retailer for more information.

Prime2Bud 2-2-2 New From Terra Nova Prime2Bud™ 2-2-2 primes plants to set more buds. The secret is to start early so as to induce buds that develop later in the flowering stage. This is because actual bud development begins unseen within plants early in the flowering stage and is triggered by light duration and hormones. Growers can control this process with lighting and administration of bud induction hormones found in certain species of kelp. Prime2Bud™ contains high levels of these natural hormones, as well as auxins and cytokinins. This product also stimulates aggressive root growth. For best results, use in rotation with Gusher™. Visit your local hydroponics store for more information.

GeoPots Can Handle All Your Gardening Needs The new GeoPots with handles are structured from a geotextile material and the seams are sewn with a high-quality, bonded polyester thread that will withstand constant moisture and UV exposure. This heavy-duty thread is also used to attach the handles, making them strong enough to lift up to a 30 gal. GeoPot filled with soil, weighing approximately 76 lb. The GeoPot’s durable geotextile material can be washed and reused. Your plants will enjoy the benefits of air-root pruning, increased root zone aeration and decreased root circling. GeoPots in 1 through 15 gal. sizes come with two handles, while the GeoPot 20 gal. and up come with four handles. See your local retailer more information.

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Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

Ideal-Air’s 12,000 BTU 120 V Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner The 12,000 BTU 120 V Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner from Ideal-AirTM is an easy and inexpensive way to cool your small indoor garden. Simply roll the unit into the room you are cooling, hook up the inlet and outlet air hoses to the included window or wall adapter, and plug it into a dedicated 120 V 15 A outlet. The dual hose design allows the air conditioner to draw air from outside of the room to cool the unit. There is no indoor/outdoor air exchange. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening store.

DL Wholesale’s Ozone Generator DL Wholesale’s new Ozone Generator is now available. Ozone, also known as O3, is a powerful oxidizer that removes odors by neutralizing them at the molecular level. The Ozone Generator works by pulling air into the generator and running it past an ultraviolet light, which converts the oxygen in the air into ozone. Ozone is highly reactive to most odor-causing contaminates and allergens, and when it encounters these pollutants, it destroys them through oxidation. This generator has an ozone output of 0.04 oz. per hour and can cover up to 5,500 sq. ft. Visit your local hydroponics store for more information.

Grow More’s Mendocino Avalanche Mendocino Avalanche by Grow More is a flower hardener specially developed and field-tested in the Emerald Triangle of northern California.

This product helps stimulate flower development in the final bloom stage, for an increase in the size and mass of flowers. It is also fortified with Norwegian kelp extract, which supplies organic carbon, amino acids and carbohydrates to most flowering plants, be they indoor, outdoor, hydroponic or field-grown. Avalanche is a refined seaweed extract and, instead of additional synthetic, carcinogenic hormones, it purposely contains a small amount of a phosphorus compound.

For more information, visit your local indoor gardening retail shop.

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Biobizz Improved Their Pre•Mix: Now Avaliable in a Bucket Pre•Mix™ is a well-guarded secret by Biobizz®. This organic dry fertilizer can be used to make your own soil mixtures or added directly to the soil as a standard basic fertilizer. The result: optimum growth and flowering and maximum resistance to disease and fungus are guaranteed. Before Biobizz sold 20 L bags of Pre•Mix, but now they’re also offering a 5 L bucket. This easy-to-handle and easy-to-stack bucket affords many benefits, including no more dirty hands, no more smell and—once the product is used up—a reusable container for growing, storage or whatever you like. For more information, visit your local retailer.

Botanicare’s Vitamino Aminos are all the rage in indoor gardens as hydroponic gardeners discover their key functions of maintaining balanced growth and optimizing yields under accelerated growth conditions.

For the past 15 years, Botanicare has offered a multitude of amino acids— the building blocks of proteins—in our nutrients and supplements.

Now, we are proud to introduce the breakthrough, vitamin and amino acid formula Vitamino™. Vitamino contains a full complement of over 20 amino acids along with select B and C vitamins to help plants’ roots, leaves, stems and buds to grow as one harmonized body.

Vitamino’s essential elements also assist plants in maintaining fundamental protein production and chlorophyll synthesis, act as powerful antioxidants to environmental stressors and stimulate new root growth. Visit an indoor gardening shop for more information.

Dr. Earth’s Nitro Big Picture the ultimate in plant health: lush, green growth with thick plant cell walls. Nitro Big® by Dr. Earth® with PreBiotic® and ProMoisture Hydrate® reaches that objective by feeding plants the perfect diet through a formula that accelerates robust and vigorous vegetative growth. This formula goes to work in the soil with incredible speed because of the purity of the greenbased Prebiotic ingredients. It works quickly, but not so quickly that it could potentially burn plants. Use on all garden plants during the early stages of growth or in early spring.

Visit your local indoor gardening shop for more information.

Active Air’s Portable Air Conditioner Keep your cool with the Active Air Portable Air Conditioner. This air conditioner’s portability makes it ideal for growers who don’t want to invest in pricey ductwork or central AC installation, and those who require spot cooling between 62 and 95ºF in rooms no larger than 100 sq. ft., with a standard ceiling height of 8 ft. Move this air conditioner on its four sturdy casters and enjoy a remote-controlled operation. This system has a built-in memory function and works with all of your environmental controllers and timers. Rounding out the features are a built-in condensation tray, window kit, exhaust hose, intake hose and hose adaptors. For more information, visit your local retail shop.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Vital Kelp Soluble Seaweed Extract 1-1-17 Vital Kelp is an extract made from Ascophyllim nodosum, a marine plant exclusive to the North Atlantic. It’s a super soluble, potassium-rich organic ingredient from the sea known to be rich in microand macronutrients, cytokines, amino acids and proteins that aid in overall plant and soil health.

Vital Kelp can be used as a standalone foliar spray or root drench.

Vital Kelp is also a must-have ingredient for compost tea and extracts, and is available in 1 and 20 lb. bags. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening retail shop.

Hydro-Logic’s Stealth 1:1 Hydro-Logic Purification Systems, the industry leader in water filtration, presents a new way to conserve: a waste reducer for the best-selling Stealth RO system.

Reduce your water footprint with the new Stealth 1:1 option. If your parts per million out of the tap are less than 300, you can waste less water with this handy device. Because reducing your waste can shorten the life of your membranes, HydroLogic leaves the choice up to the customer. The Stealth 1:1 option is inexpensive, easy to install and available for both the Stealth 100 and 200 models. For more information visit a hydroponics shop near you.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

PowerSun’s Digital Dimmable Ballasts With an amazing 1% return rate, these ultra-reliable, UL- and FCC-listed Digital Dimmable Ballasts by PowerSun were specifically developed to service our best and most demanding customers of horticultural lighting. These completely silent, lightweight and energy-efficient ballasts operate for HPS or MH at either 120 V or 240 V, and can run at 50%, 75%, 100% or 110%. They include a long-range igniter (up to 65 ft.), have internal RF protection and are available in 600 or 1,000 W. Visit your local retailer for more information.

Grodan’s Gro-Wool If you’re growing thirsty plants in containers, then Gro-Wool is the product for you. Houseplants supported in Gro-Wool only need water once every two to four weeks. It makes a great soil or peat amendment for your outdoor pots, especially during the hot months, as it holds onto moisture so well. When growing in clay pellets, mix in some Gro-Wool to make water and nutrient distribution more uniform (which also creates a moisture buffer, in case the pump fails). Since Gro-Wool is loose and light, it also promotes fine root (feeder root) growth, leading to larger, more vigorous plants. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening retail shop.

EZ CO2 - Natural CO2 Production The EZ CO2 Bag is a natural, safe and inexpensive way of providing your plants with carbon dioxide. The CO2 Bag houses a non-fruiting mycelial mass (fungus) and enough organic matter to sustain it for approximately six to eight months. The EZ CO2 Bag is selfsustaining—it inhales oxygen and exhales CO2 naturally. The CO2 Bag is odor-free, produces no heat and is already giving off CO2 as soon as you purchase it; there's nothing to turn on or set-up. Simply place the bag in your greenhouse slightly above plant height and then leave it alone. Visit your local retailer for details.

Introducting FlavorFul by Humboldt Nutrients FlavorFul by Humboldt Nutrients is a strong solution of 8% refined humic acid concentrate. FlavorFul is comprised of long chains of organic carboxyl and polyhydroxide acids. This complex molecule gives it a large capacity to hold and exchange nutritive cations and anions. This beneficial exchange of ions enhances cell wall permeability throughout the root and leaf systems and increases negatively charged colloidal particles capable of holding and exchanging cations.

Electrolytes are the key to healthy ion exchanges in plants and animals. For more information, go to visit your local hydroponics store.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

UNO’s XXXL Big Boy Reflectors UNO’s newest offering is the UNO XXXL fully loaded Big Boy reflector. At less than 10 in. tall, the wide (41.5 by 31.5 in.) form factor casts a large illumination footprint, allowing for light to be widely distributed even when the fixture has minimal headroom. UNO’s standard 8 in. vents and sealed aerodynamic internal air path allow for quick and efficient air exchange. Designed for real-world gardeners, the gasketed lens frame is hinged and latched for ease of cleaning and bulb replacement. A steel safety line cable prevents the door from opening far enough to endanger the lens. German aluminum reflecting panel inserts allow for 95% reflectivity with a wide dispersal to minimize hot spots. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening retail shop.

Introducing Black Sea Kelp Black Sea Kelp is classified as food-grade kelp (namely, Ascophyllum nodosum). It is 100% organic and harvested sustainably from the clean waters near Nova Scotia. Black Sea Kelp provides nutrition in the form of a balanced blend of sea-plant-derived nutrients, including amino acids, humic acid, fulvic acid, colloidal minerals and sea kelp extracts.

It also contains a natural rooting hormone that improves length, mass and the efficiency of the root system. Black Sea Kelp is long lasting and helps to maximize the effects of existing fertilizer programs. With a NPK of 1-1-17, this high potassium kelp is the finest flowering product on the market today. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening retail shop.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Super Sprouter’s Propagation Station Start your growing season early with everything you need to start your seedlings. The Super Sprouter Propagation Station includes a 10 by 21 in.

Super Sprouter Seedling Heat Mat®, a 72-site Seed Cell Tray Insert, a 10 by 20 in. Propagation Tray, a humidity-controlled 7 in. NGW® Propagation Dome With Vents and one Clonex® Cloning Gel packet. It is proven that seeds grow better with ambient temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above room temperature. The Super Sprouter Seedling Heat Mat® will provide even, warm temperatures for your plant starts, and the 7 in. dome will give your plants more room to grow and offers humidity control. Visit your local hydroponics store for more information.

New From Terra Nova: Gusher 0-20-26 + 1% Silica

Sunleaves pH Electrode Storage Solution Taking a break from gardening but want to make sure your pH meter is in good condition when you return? Protect your pH meter between uses with a few drops of Sunleaves pH Electrode Storage Solution. Adding this storage solution to the electrode’s storage container when it’s not in regular use will prevent the electrode’s membrane from dehydrating. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening store.

Gusher™ (0-20-26 + 1% silica) boosts plant aromatic oils. Its unique source of phosphorus—derived from potassium phosphite and reacted with soluble silica—results in a nutrient-dense plant food that is absorbed systemically in far greater amounts than traditional phosphorus.

This product is highly systemic and quickly sends nutrients to where they are needed. High silica content forms strong foundations for anchoring prolific bud growth. Gusher™ is available in readyto-use and concentrated formulas. Foliar applications are highly recommended and for best results, use in rotation with Prime2Bud™. For more information, visit your local hydroponics retailer.

Master 8 Lighting Relay Controller by LTL Controls The Master 8 by LTL Controls is the safest and easiest way to control an eight HID lighting set-up. This controller has the capability to run a maximum of eight 1,000 W ballasts using 120 or 240 V power, with a maximum relay amperage of 50 A, and includes a 120 V trigger cable, which can be connected to a 120 V timing device. The Master 8 also features universal receptacles. Check out your local indoor gardening shop for more details.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Labmor’s Snake Skin Snake Skin is a specific formulation of non-toxic, biodegradable, high-performance, water-dispersible and soluble polymer coating used for foliar spray or dipping applications. When applied, Snake Skin forms a unique semi-permeable elastic coating on the plants surface that reduces damaging effects from naturally occurring events, such as climate changes, excessive heat and cold, hardening time, transplant shock, propagation and pest-induced stress. Snake Skin will also help the reduction of transpiration rate and moisture loss, as well as the reduction of sunburn and light heat damage. Finally, this product allows for somatic activities and does not interfere with plants’ photosynthesis. For more information, be sure to visit your favorite hydroponic shop.

Dr. Earth’s Golden Bloom When your plants enter the budding and flowering stages, proper feeding makes all the difference. Golden Bloom® from Dr. Earth® with PreBiotic® and ProMoisture Hydrate® is formulated to feed plants during these critical stages of their life cycle, when size, quality and abundance of buds and flowers are the objectives. Golden Bloom delivers the purest, highest-quality nutrients available. Those buds and flowers lead to fruits that thrive until harvest day. Pick your tomatoes right off the vine and eat them with confidence.

Are these results pure luck? No; pure science. For more information and visit your local retailer.

GeoPot Brings Your Plants to New Heights Maximize your size and give your back a break this planting season with GeoPot’s 100, 150, 200, 300 and 400 gal.

GeoPots. GeoPots utilize the entire root zone, filling the container with hundreds of fine, fibrous roots that support optimum plant growth.

The air-root pruning process, combined with aeration of the root zone, allows your plants to reach their full potential. The large Geopots are available in black or tan and will last for years. GeoPots are structured from a geotextile material and all the seams are sewn with a high-quality, bonded polyester thread that will withstand constant moisture and UV exposure. Visit your local indoor gardening shop for more information.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Introducing Hum-Bolt by Humboldt Nutrients Hum-Bolt is an 8% liquid humic acid concentrate derived from premium leonardite. Humic acid promotes high ion exchange capabilities and stimulates plant enzymes and beneficial microbial activity by providing the microbes with a carbon source for food. Hum-Bolt increases root vitality, nutrient uptake and increases fertilizer retention. Humic is a compliment to fertilizer, and is especially beneficial in freeing up nutrients in the soil so they are made available to the plant as needed. Humic acid is also among the most bio-chemically active materials found in soil. Used in conjunction with our nutrient feeding schedules, Hum-Bolt will increase the health of your plants and your success as a gardener. For more information, see your local hydroponics retailer.

Liquid Humate Plus now Distributed

Sunleaves Buffer Solutions Prevent inaccurate pH readings by regularly calibrating your pH meters with Sunleaves pH 4.0 and 7.0 Buffer Solutions. These dry mixes decreases risk of contamination and can be stored indefinitely. The convenient bottle with twist-on cap includes 12 packets, which is enough powder to make 20 oz. (600 ml) of each solution. Visit a store near you for more information.

Liquid Humate Plus has the highest concentration (13.4%) of quality humic acid on the market today. Liquid Humate Plus is rich in humic acid and humates, and it is fortified with liquid yucca extract, soluble sea kelp, beneficial microbes and composted organic poultry manure extract. This product is also rich in Trichoderma harzianum, a beneficial soil microbe.

Liquid Humate Plus feeds soil microbes and increases soil fertility, while stimulating root growth and allows for more efficient nutrient uptake. This product also improves the health of the soil and helps the soil regulate itself while increasing its water permeability, water-holding capacity and nutrient uptake. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening store.

PLANT!T’s Coco Coir Bricks Give your plants a sturdy growing structure with PLANT!T’s Coco Coir Bricks.

The bricks, available in a mix or chip format, do double duty: They retain water, making sure plants never go thirsty, and due to their texture, they also offer excellent drainage. Plants are no longer at risk of drowning in too-packed or overwatered soil. Instead, PLANT!T’s ideal consistency gives them room to breathe and for their roots to grow freely, capturing that essential air-towater ratio for your biggest growth yet. Implement this pathogen-free media to your potting soil, or use in place of bark as an attractive and all-natural ground cover. For more information, visit a hydroponics shop near you.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Ideal-Air’s 12,000 and 25,000 BTU Window Mount Air Conditioners The 12,000 and 25,000 BTU Window Mount Air Conditioners from Ideal-AirTM are an excellent way to cool your room. Three fan speeds and the EZ-mount installation kit make these units a convenient and cost-effective solution to rising temperatures. With two sizes available, 12,000 BTU 120 V and 25,000 BTU 240 V, we have you covered no matter what your requirements are. These units can be installed either in a window or a wall, and come with all hardware you’ll need. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening retail shop.

UNO’s TAC6 Reflector Tubes High intensity discharge (HID) lamps give off a fair amount of heat. If not quickly removed, this heat will spread throughout the rest of the garden. UNO Horticultural Lighting’s new TAC6 Tube Reflectors are designed to maximize airflow. The 6-in.-wide tubes are made from reflective aluminum and tempered glass, and are ideal for lighting loop air circulation systems that drive outside air through the fixture to an external return. The compact form of the TAC6 allows for close placement to plants, reducing light loss. The 15 ft. cable can be used to distance the ballast from the fixture. All parts are UL-approved. To learn more, see your local hydroponics retailer.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Grozone’s SCC1 Climate Controller The Grozone SCC1 Climate Controller is the easiest-to-use climate controller on the market. Just connect your fan, your dehumidifier or humidifier, or your CO2 generator; set the knobs; lock ‘em in and you’re ready to go. Some of the features in the SCC1 include empty CO2 tank detection, automatic competing equipment detection and high-temp and low-temp limits protection. The controller also has temperature- and CO2-priority settings for sealed or vented rooms, two built-in low voltage relays to control of high-power A/C or dehumidifier, optional output boxes for heating and variable fan-speed control. For more information, see your local hydroponics retailer.

OSO Sweet 2-3-2 Molasses-based Plant Food OSO Sweet™ 2-3-2 molassesbased plant food is loaded with natural vitamins, minerals and growth substances that spike beneficial soil microbes. Beneficial microbes act like virtual factories working around the clock to produce nutrients, vitamins, enzymes, hormones, natural antibiotics and fungicides, and a multitude of beneficial compounds that make a high-quality garden possible. It also increases brix levels, resulting in a higher-valued crop. Use throughout the vegetative and flowering stages. See your local retailer for more information.

Hydrolized Fish Hydrolized Fish is a 100% organic fertilizer made from fish extracts harvested from the clean waters of Nova Scotia.

Hydrolized Fish is rich in nitrogen, manganese, potash, carbohydrates, enzymes and essential trace elements.

This fertilizer feeds soil microbes and stimulates their growth and population. It’s also potent and long-lasting, resulting in fewer and less frequent applications, and making it an extremely cost-effective fertilizer. Compared to other fish products on the market, Hydrolyzed Fish is high in biodiversity (it has a higher NPK of 2-5-0). For more information, see your local retailer.

Titanium Precision Pruners by Hydrofarm Hydrofarm introduces to its lineup a heavy hitter: the titanium precision pruners. We cloned what you already liked about our precision pruners—including high-quality springs, stainless steel construction and an ergonomic design for comfortable cutting—and combined that with the power of titanium metal. The new titanium coating on these pruners also makes them resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, which is essential when they’re used around your misters and humidomes.

Don’t think these lightweight pruners are light weights, either. Titanium’s high strength-to-weight ratio means that it offers serious cutting capacity without much mass, and titanium is considered one of the indestructible metals. Visit your local indoor gardening store for more information.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Sunleaves Pruners From bonsai trees to bushes and shrubs, pruning can present a range of challenges. Simplify the process by choosing a pruner designed for the task at hand. Sunleaves’ new line of pruners has the pruner with the right features to fit your needs. Visit your local indoor gardening store for more information.

Botanicare’s CocoRox Botanicare is excited to announce CocoRox™, our newest premium grow media. The first of its kind, CocoRox is a carefully blended mix of 80% high-pith coco coir and 20% Hydrolite®, a naturally occurring silica-based rock. Coco coir has become the media of choice due to its superior water- and nutrient-holding capacity. Silica rock is also popular in many gardens because of its unique ability to hold nutrients until the exact moment the plant demands them. This continuous supply of micro- and macronutrients results in a healthier plant and more vigorous growth throughout its life cycle. Combining these products creates an unmatched environment for your plants, especially heavy fruiting and flowering varieties. CocoRox comes buffered and charged and can be planted in immediately.

Expect to see hardier foliage and stems, accelerated growth and increased yields! For more information, visit your favorite gardening shop.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Grozone’s Ultra-Simple CO2 Controller

The new Grozone Ultra-Simple CO2 (US CO2) Controller is the ultimate in affordable and easyto-use CO2 controllers. The US CO2 features one-button calibration, five pre-set CO2 control values (1,000; 1,125; 1,250; 1,375 and 1,500 ppm), five pre-set elevation values for improved CO2 control in higher altitudes (sea level; 1,000; 3,000; 5,280 and 7,000 ft.) and a three-LED display that shows ambient CO2 values.

The controller also has a 5 A output and includes a photocell, so no timers are needed. For more information, see your local hydroponics retailer.

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Introducting Royal Flush by Humboldt Nutrients Royal Flush by Humboldt Nutrients is a premium flushing solution that helps drop unwanted salt buildup.

Royal Flush will correct issues with over-fertilizing, balancing the grow medium. Royal Flush can be used by indoor and outdoor home gardeners for all varieties of plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, trees, berries, shrubs, ornamentals, annuals and perennials. Royal Flush supercharges the flushing process, binding together undesirable salts and heavy minerals.

Royal Flush then strips these larger particles out of your plant, leaving behind the sugars, strong flavors and aromas. For more information, visit your local indoor gardening store.

Recipes for Success

Building Your Own Organic Potting Soil

by Eric Hopper W ith so many premixed organic potting soils on the market, who would want to make their own? H ere, E ric H opper offers some advice to all the do-it-yourselfers out there (and anyone else who wants to get their hands dirty) on how to mix their own organic potting soil.…

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recipes for success

People choose do-it-yourself projects for many reasons. Some like the satisfaction of completing a task on their own, while others like the idea of having absolute control over their materials, methods and finished product. Another reason people choose do-it-yourself projects is price. Generally speaking, providing your own labor will produce a product for a much lower price than hiring out the work would.

Building your own organic potting soil is no different than any other do-it-yourself project. It allows the gardener to save money while maintaining control over every aspect of the soil building process. Some might also argue that it produces a superior product.

However, before we dive into soil recipes, let’s first examine some of the more common ingredients used in potting soils.

There is no shortage of organic soil amendments to choose from. Once an understanding of the physical properties and nutrient value of each ingredient is reached it then becomes possible to customize soil mixtures not only for particular crops, but also for specific periods in a plant’s life cycle (blooming or flowering periods).

Base ingredients

The base ingredients of a soil are the substances that make up the bulk of the soil itself. These are the ingredients that are most responsible for the soil’s physical properties and texture. Some of these also make up the backbone of the nutrient content.

Sphagnum peat moss Sphagnum peat moss has been a popular soil additive since the inception of potting soils. The physical properties of peat moss allow for high moisture retention, as well as high oxygen content. This combination of water and oxygen retention makes a great environment for developing roots and is the main reason peat moss is the most popular ingredient in premade potting soils. It is not uncommon for peat moss to make up 30 to 60% of a premade soil mixture.

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recipes for success

Coco coir Many soil companies are incorporating coco coir (coconut husks) as either the base or secondary ingredient in their potting soil mixes. Coco coir is a by-product of the coconut industry and is more environmentally friendly than sphagnum peat moss. It is able to hold moisture and oxygen like peat moss; in fact, it actually has slightly higher oxygen retention. This fact alone has made coco coir’s popularity increase among indoor gardeners and greenhouse horticulturalists.

Compost Compost is a general term referring to aged and broken down organic matter. It can be made from a number of different sources, but it’s usually derived from plant material or manure. Although compost usually isn’t

microorganisms. Revered by many organic growers as the best soil additive available, worm castings are known to enrich soils and improve disease resistance in crops. If you choose to use worm castings as an ingredient in your potting soil, be sure to purchase pure worm castings. There are many products on the market that are labeled as worm castings but only contain a small percentage of actual worm castings in their composition.

crop. Most of the following ingredients can be obtained at your local hydroponic retail shop or local garden vsupply store.

Aeration additives

Fish meal Fish meal is another fast-releasing nitrogen source. It’s a great nitrogen additive that enhances microbial life in the soil.

Fish meal also contains a significant amount of phosphorus, which helps trigger root development.

Perlite

Perlite is expanded volcanic glass and adds air pockets to soils. Soils with added perlite will dry out quickly between each watering, which gives a grower more control over a feeding regiment.

Perlite is lightweight and relatively inexpensive, which makes it the most popular choice among commercial potting soil manufacturers.

Common nitrogen (N) ingredients: Blood meal This is an extremely rich, fast-releasing nitrogen source. Blood meal is a great additive for plants that require high amounts of nitrogen.

Feather meal Feather meal is a slow-releasing nitrogen source best used on plants that require high amounts of nitrogen over a three to four month period.

Pumice Pumice is a type of volcanic rock that is naturally porous.

Like perlite, pumice has the used in as high of ability to a volume as peat add air moss or coco coir, pockets its role as a base in a soil, which ingredient is just as results crucial. Not only does compost have significant nutrient in higher oxygen content around the value, but it also provides an abundance plant’s roots. Pumice is less commonly used by commercial manufacturers, of microbial life to the soil mixture. however, simply because it is heavy and, These beneficial microorganisms are the foundation for nutrient uptake and therefore, expensiveto ship. the stimulation of root development.

Worm castings Like compost, worm castings—or, vermicompost—are a significant source of nutrient value and beneficial

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Soybean meal This slow-releasing nitrogen source is not quite as slow as feather meal. It’s a great additive for plants that require adequate nitrogen for two to three months and that need a little phosphorus boost to help promote fruiting or flowering.

Bat guano (high nitrogen) There are many compositions of bat guano on the market, including highnitrogen bat guano. High-nitrogen bat guano is rich in micronutrients, beneficial microbes and, of course, nitrogen. This beneficial diversity combined with fastreleasing nitrogen makes high-nitrogen By using individual organic ingredients bat guano the fertilalong with the base, a grower can tailor izer of choice for many their soil to meet the needs of any organic growers.

Individual organic ingredients

recipes for success

Greensand Greensand is a slow-releasing potassium source. Generally speaking, greensand is used to improve soil’s condition rather than boost potassium content.

Common phosphorus (P) ingredients: Bat guano (high phosphorus) High-phosphorus bat guano is an excellent source of phosphorus that is known to not only increase flower and fruit sets, but also their size, aroma and flavor. Many brands of high-phosphorus bat guano are also a great source of calcium.

Bone meal This excellent source of phosphorous is revered for its ability to promote strong root development. Bone meal is also a great source of calcium.

Fish bone meal Fish bone meal is basically the same thing as bone meal except it is derived from fish. It is a great source of phosphorus and calcium.

Seabird guano Seabird guano, like bat guano, is known to increase the amount and size of flower and fruit sets. It is also an excellent source of phosphorus and micronutrients.

Rock phosphate Rock phosphate is a slow-releasing phosphorus source that is commonly extracted into a liquid form to increase availability. It is best used for plants that need a slow and constant release of phosphorus.

Common potassium (K) ingredients: Hardwood ash This is the original source of potash fertilizers. Hardwood ash can be used as a direct soil additive to increase potassium levels; however, most of the time, it has already been added to the compost for that same purpose.

Kelp meal Kelp meal is a source of readily available potassium and a variety of micronutrients and plant hormones. This great soil additive can increase overall plant health and vigor.

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Langbeinite Langbeinite is a naturally occurring mineral which is water soluble. It is a good source of potassium, sulfur and magnesium.

Secondary and trace elements: Oyster shell This is an excellent source of calcium that will accelerate root development and, in turn, improve nutrient uptake.

Oyster shell also works as a pH buffer, helping to keep the soil from becoming too acidic.

Dolomite lime (sweet lime) Dolomite lime is a great pH buffer for any soil composition and—like oyster shell—it ensures the soil’s pH doesn’t turn too acidic. It's also a rich source of calcium and magnesium.

Glacier Rock Dust This soil amendment revitalizes trace elements and provides a foundation of minerals for healthy plant growth.

Alfalfa meal Alfalfa meal is rich in trace elements, but it’s the abundance of natural growth stimulators in this product that has gained recognition among organic horticulturalists. Alfalfa meal will accelerate growth rates while promoting abundant fruit or flowers.

Benef icial microorganisms

Although many common soil ingredients already contain a good amount of beneficial microorganisms, it has become second nature for many organic gardeners to supplement additional microorganisms into their soil. Three beneficial microorganisms are commonly used by horticulturalists are trichoderma, mycorrhiza and bacteria. MY

Reuse, Reuse,

Reuse Your

Media

by Grubbycup During harvest time, there is first the joy of collecting the fruits of your labor, and then starts the somewhat less entertaining chore of cleaning up and getting ready for the next season. Here’s a way to cut down on the amount of stuff you have to throw away while you’re at it…

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The amount of refuse that your garden creates can be reduced if the growing media is reused. In fact, in the case of organics, reusing the growing media is my preferred method. Also, nutrients that remain in the plant waste material can be then recovered and reused.

Reusing garden media is not always the best choice, however, as certain growing mediums—such as rockwool—are not very suitable for repeated use. Any plant material or media that has been exposed to a pathogen should also be removed from the system in order to prevent the disease from spreading. For example, a single plant infected with the dreaded tomato mosaic virus can infect growing media and future crops grown in it for years; hence why infected plant material and media should be isolated and destroyed.

Another concern to be taken into consideration is that several chemical sources of nutrients can leave heavy metal and salts behind after macronutrients have been used, and this can result in slowly rising amounts of both toxins over a period of years. This problem is faced by soil fields where long-term heavy use of chemical fertilizers has damaged the natural microflora-based nutrition cycles.

Still, even with the above considerations in mind, there are many times when reusing media and leftover plant material not only makes sense from an economic standpoint, but from a nutritional one as well. During growth, plants distribute the nutrients they absorb throughout the plant, not just in the harvested portions. As such, there is a quantity of valuable nutrients still locked in the plant material and roots, and the media attached to the roots.

Any plant material or media that has been exposed to a pathogen should also be removed from the system in order to prevent the disease from spreading.

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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throwing away growing media before it has completed processing the available nutrients is like collecting the dinner plates halfway through the meal.

These nutrients can be reclaimed from the leftover plant material through composting. A hot compost pile will produce compost in a matter of weeks, but even a cold compost pile will often be ready for use in a matter of months—just in time for the following planting season. (Note that while any moist plant material will eventually decompose, making an actual compost pile helps to speed the process and to contain the mess.) The resulting compost is a valuable garden resource that, in soil gardens, can be used as an improving amendment to add to the growing media or as the basis for new potting mix. Hydroponic gardeners can use the compost for teas.

Also, keep in mind that many organic nutrient sources can take months or even years to become processed by microfauna into available nutrients. As such, throwing away growing media before it has completed processing the available nutrients is like collecting the dinner plates halfway through the meal—you’re throwing away nutrients that have been absorbed by the media. Reusing media is important to maximizing nutrient extraction and although reused hydroponic media may not appear as pretty as new media, it might in fact be a superior growing medium that improves with use. Remember, however, to rinse well any media that might contain high levels of salt or other chemical residue before reusing. In my own garden, the media I use is a combination of mostly perlite, with a smattering of clay balls and grow stones that I repeatedly reuse (I add fresh new media as needed).

For composting, start with the plant material and root balls.

Plant material grown with either organic or chemical fertilizers can be composted to reclaim nutrients. Indeed, chemically fertilized plants tend to be larger than their organically grown counterparts and therefore can offer additional value when composting techniques are used. During fall harvest, there is not only a plethora of garden waste to deal with, but often leaves from trees. Combining even amounts of “greens” (high-nitrogen carbon waste like leafy plant leaves) with “browns” (low-nitrogen carbon waste like tree leaves) in a pile will allow this garden trash to become compost.

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Potting soil is also reusable and compostable, and while durable hydroponic media does not compost in the traditional way, it can be run through the process alongside organic material to form a pre-amended compost material.

Even some questionable media can be salvaged though a process known as soil solarization—gnats in particular can be successfully treated with this method.

Higher temperatures...will semi-sterilize the media within a few hours, killing most friendly and pathogenic microflora alike.

Place the media in a closed black plastic garbage bag and cover with a clear plastic tarp tent. Allow to sit in the summer sun for several days. Internal temperatures can be checked with a compost thermometer. Peak temperatures of over 120ºF for a couple of weeks is hot enough to kill many weed seeds and garden pests.

Higher temperatures (160ºF is often easily obtained in sunny areas) will semi-sterilize the media within a few hours, killing most friendly and pathogenic microflora alike. Media semi-sterilized in this method should have beneficial bacteria and fungi reintroduced after treatment, or mixed with inoculated soil before use.

Indeed, adding additional nutrients and other enhancements to the composed media can improve the quality of the media and reduce the amount of additional nutrients that will have to be added during the Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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Reuse, reuse, reuse your media

growing must be added to the garden season. to replace that which is Meals, removed with harvests but mathere is little reason to nures, have to start from scratch worm each season. castings, kelp and granite dust are commonly added to replace lost nutrients. Peat moss, coir and garden soil are sometimes also added to improve structure.

While we are considering reuse of resources, recirculating systems waste less fertilizer than drain-to-waste systems. If a drain-to-waste system is implemented, it should drain not to waste, but to an additional vegetable or flower garden plot. This would both maximize the use of purchased nutrients and minimize nutrient pollution leaving the garden.

Nutrients and additives

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Gardens cannot be closed systems. Harvested material is removed from the garden, however, that does not mean the amount of additional resources required to enter the garden and the amount of non-harvest resources leaving the garden cannot be minimized to reduce both gardening expenses and carbon impact. In natural systems, both macronutrients and micronutrients grow plants, which then fall and decompose to become available for new plants to grow. Natural growth does not replace its growing media each year; it reconditions and improves the existing media over a period of years.

Gardeners often think of gardens as an event, with a beginning in the spring, a summer in the middle and ends in the fall; but in natural settings, gardens are a self-sustaining cycle. Proper additive application should seek to improve the media over time, not damage it. Nutrients and additives must be added to the garden to replace that which is removed with harvests, but there is little reason to have to start from scratch each season. MY

by Guy Sela

Choosing the right growing medium for your crop is crucial to a great yield. Here, Guy Sela runs through all your choices of media according to their physical properties…

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Container production has been expanding in recent years.

Choosing the optimal medium requires special consideration because it is much more than just an anchor for the plant— it can be crucial to a successful crop. Physical and chemical properties of growing media differ from those of soil, and container production requires more attentive management.

hOW TO SUCCESSFULLY CHOOSE GROWING...

There are many advantages to using growing media: • High yields can be achieved in a limited area • Better control over irrigation and fertilization • Easier disinfection • Recycling of drainage water is possible • Growing media can be used as an alternative to an inadequate soil

However, there are also some disadvantages: • Nutrient-holding capacity is low • Buffer capacity is low and, therefore, changes are rapid In this report, we focus only on the physical properties. The chemical properties will be discussed at a later date.

“

Physical and chemical properties of growing media differ from those of soil, and container production requires more attentive management.

Physical

”

properties of the growing media A balance between air content and available water is one of the most important requirements of good media. Ideal growing media provide plants with adequate water supply and, at the same time, contain enough air to allow gas exchange and oxygen supply in the root system.

Aeration is critical for optimum plant development, as a lack of adequate aeration results in poor plant growth, susceptibility to diseases and nutrient deficiencies.

Good growing media are also characterized by high hydraulic conductivity—that is, the ability to transmit water. Another important property is the medium’s weight. It should be light enough for easy and less expensive transport and handling, but it 82

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hOW TO SUCCESSFULLY CHOOSE GROWING...

should also be heavy enough to provide physical support to the plant.

Growing medium and production system compatibility It might be surprising, but in order to choose the best medium, the first thing you should do is consider the production system’s specifications. These factors include the type of irrigation technique (dripper’s density and discharge), container size and container shape. These specifications and the growing medium must be compatible in order to obtain effective and uniform distribution of the irrigation water.

Porosity and water-holding capacity Each growing medium has a characteristic particle-size distribution. The spaces (pores) between the solid particles can be filled with either air or water, and are referred to as “total porosity.”

Each medium contain pores of various sizes. Smaller pores can retain water with more force than larger ones, and a large pore cannot hold water against gravity. As such, the higher the pore is positioned in the container, the smaller it has to be in order to retain water against gravity. So, pores at the top of the container that are too large to hold water against gravity are empty; therefore, the top of the container will always be dryer than the bottom. At the bottom of the container, all pores—including the largest—are filled with water, making the bottom layer saturated. Let’s visualize...

Pores in a growing medium can be viewed as a series of capillaries. In our model (figure one), the width of the column represents pore size and the capillaries have been “ironed out” so they are straight and can be easily compared to each other.

It is easy to understand why the bottom of the medium is always saturated, while the top of the medium contains less water and more air. There are forces that make the water climb in the capillaries against gravity—however, these will not be discussed here. We will only mention that they are called cohesion (which is the affinity between water and particles

Figure 1

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hOW TO SUCCESSFULLY CHOOSE GROWING MEDIA

surface) and adhesion (which is the affinity between water and itself).

“

in inches.

Let’s take a look at an example of water Water retention curves retention curves for two Labs can accurately measure the water different growing media percentage by volume (v/v in %) at given (see figure two). The two heights of the medium, after saturation media have completely and drainage. The height is measured in different behaviors. inches and the data can be graphically Medium B drains more presented as a water retention curve. easily and holds less water than medium Some labs refer to the height as tension A at any given height (tension). For example, at 5 in., medium A holds 65% water, while medium B holds only 28%. This is because medium A contains a higher percentage of smaller pores.

Therefore, a grower who decides to grow in medium B under the same conditions (irrigation technique, container size and shape, and cultivar) has to give more frequent irrigations. On the Figure 2 other hand, if the grower decides

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Irrigation frequency and amount of water applied with each watering are determined by the available water content of the medium and by the container shape and size.

”

to grow in medium A, his main concern would probably be lack of aeration.

Other information that we can obtain from water retention curves is the amount of water available to the plant roots. We know that tiny pores can retain water extremely well; however, they might also hold water so forcefully that the plant cannot absorb it.

In growing media, water at tensions of 20 to 40 in. is generally considered unavailable to the plant because it is retained in very small pores. In addition, a high content of unavailable water can set the stage for fungal problems and other

hOW TO SUCCESSFULLY CHOOSE GROWING...

Figure 3

diseases present in high humidity conditions.

Container size and shape It was mentioned earlier that the size and shape of the containers in which the medium is placed determine the amount of water that the media hold. Take a look at the containers in figure three: All containers are of the same volume and are filled with the same medium. The blue area represents water. Since it is the same medium, the water reaches the same height in each of the containers. Moreover, according to the water retention curve of this medium, the same water content in per cent is measured at this height.

However, due to the different shapes, the actual amount of water is different in each container. This results in a different water/air ratio in each container and in different irrigation management. Irrigation frequency and amount of water applied with each watering are determined by the available water content of the medium and by the container shape and size. For example, one irrigation cycle a day is not enough if the daily water consumption of the plant is higher than the amount of available water in the medium.

Hydraulic conductivity

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As the name suggests, hydraulic conductivity is the rate at which a medium transmits water. Hydraulic conductivity of media is not routinely measured in lab tests. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to understand its significance. Hydraulic conductivity is, in fact, the limiting factor of water uptake by plants in container media (rather than the water quantity in the medium).

When transpiration rate exceeds the hydraulic conductivity of the medium, the plant cannot efficiently use the water contained in the medium and could wilt. In materials used for container media, the hydraulic conductivity decreases exponentially as the medium dries. This is because continuity of water is disrupted after the larger pores empty. MY

Back to School Fun Hydroponic and Garden Projects

by Carmie Pasquariello The key to making school-based hydroponic and garden projects successful is knowledge.

Without it, limited budgets (and cut corners) can lead to an off-putting mess…

Every year, teachers and students come to me looking for both hydroponic and garden project ideas. Most have a limited budget and an unclear idea on how and where they can cut corners before they end up with a mess that could turn both teacher and students off of gardening. The right knowledge is power, as one teacher I know found out. Her entire school did a project of soda bottle lettuce units, but out of 18 classrooms, hers was the only one that succeeded.The biggest factor of her success? She had the right info at hand.

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Back to school fun

Inverted soda bottle units Inverted soda bottle units are an incredibly satisfying project. Here are five essential tips for teachers on how to make these units a success.

1. Replace the wick with a mixture of expanded clay growing medium and coco fiber. It doesn’t biodegrade like a wick does, and I have found much better success with the coconut mix.

2. Do not use small bottles as the failure rate is much higher with these. A 33.8 oz. water bottle is ideal.

3. Cut the bottle and invert the top. This is better than using a 2 in. net pot sitting on top of the bottle. This allows both the teacher and the student a lot more grace, especially when the plant is small and the weather is warm.

4. Cut the bottle properly. This cannot be stressed enough as it impacts the whole unit. Once inverted, the bottle’s neck should almost reach the bottom. Be sure to leave the cap on and to put a hole in it.

5. Use green soda bottles as they prevent algae growth in the bottle unit that happens frequently.

I prefer the bottle unit for teachers because it’s inexpensive to make multiple units, which allows each student to have their own pet plant. This consideration of the budget from the beginning also offers the opportunity for teachers and student to have fun with the plant variables. Teachers can switch it up or continue experimenting throughout the year at almost no cost.

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Back to school fun

The inverted water bottle system with variations Once a classroom has mastered the inverted water bottle system, it’s time to experiment! These school projects ideas are easy, fun, inexpensive and guaranteed to work.

Light spectrum Gather three boxes, about 1 ft. x 1 ft. x 1 ft. Cut off the top and the side facing you. From the florist, purchase 3 ft. each of red, yellow and blue transparent cello-film. Place the colored film over the portion of the box you cut away. Place a plant in each box so the students can see how each light spectrum affects the plants.

Teachers can also build a box with clear film and place a straw between the box and the edge of the cello film. Let the kids exhale into the box. This adds extra CO2 for the plant.

For comparison, have another plant outside the box receiving regular air. pH scale highs and lows This experiment uses three of the inverted water bottle units.

Mix up a gallon of nutrients and add nutrient water to each unit. Drop the pH of the nutrient water in the first unit to 4.0, make the second unit have a pH of 6.0 and raise the last unit to the pH of 8.0. This demonstrates the effects of above optimal and below optimal pH on plants against a control plant.

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Oxygen content in water This project uses two bottle units. Give each student a straw. Have them take turns oxygenating one of the water bottle units by lifting the plant and blowing into the water throughout the school day. This demonstrates the difference between stagnant water and aerated.

Growing medium and moisture Using as many bottle units and mediums as the imagination can hold, put a different growing medium into each of the units. This shows students that the plant needs oxygen in the right amounts at the root zone, in addition to demonstrating how the various mediums hold water differently.

Healthy nutrients vs. junk food Using three bottle units, mix one bottle unit with nutrient water, one bottle unit with plain water and one with KoolAid, soda or tea. This demonstrates to students that plants need specific food and have a specific diet.

These same basic experiments can grow with the students.

As they get older, you can go from a “show and tell” format of learning to asking them to observe and explain why and how these experiments worked. They can even get involved in build-offs.

Hopefully, I have helped inspire you to share your knowledge and creativity as the kids—the teachers of the future— see garden experiments that work! MY

Know What You Grow In

by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr.

Many rooting media contain some of the elements essential to plant growth. As Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr. explains, knowing what’s already in your medium can help you choose the nutrient solution that will help maximize your plant’s health…

Many commonly used rooting media are derived from naturally occurring substances; therefore, they contain some, or many, of the essential plant nutrient elements. Here, samples of rockwool, perlite and coir were heated in aqua regia (a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric and nitric acids). Perlite did not go into solution, but the obtained digests of rockwool and coir were assayed for their elemental contents by ICP spectrometry. The results are given in the table one.

Being natural products, these rooting media will have differences in elemental content depending on the composition of the source material. Therefore, there is probably a “batch effect.” For rockwool, for example, the chemical composition of the source mineral, as well as the fluxing agent (limestone), will determine the final product’s elemental content; while for coir, the chemical environment associated with the production and processing of the coconut fiber will determine its element content.

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Know what you grown in

Table 1. Elemental content of rockwool and coir determined by Aqua Regia Digestion Element

Rockwool %

coir %

Phosphorus (P)

0.22

0.03

Potassium (K)

1.22

1.04

Calcium (Ca)

11.8

0.18

3.0

0.23

Sodium (Na)

0.81

**

Sulfur (S)

0.20

0.59

Boron (B)

0.007

0.004

Copper (Cu)

0.01

0.001

Iron (Fe)

10.5

0.25

Manganese (Mn)

0.24

0.05

Zinc (Zn)

0.63

0.001

Magnesium (Mg)

** Na content exceeded the analytical range of the

How significant the batch effect is needs to be determined by assaying various batches and sources.

Experience would suggest that a portion of these contained elements are available for root absorption.

However, what portions of these elements are available for plant utilization is not generally known nor easily determined due to their varying parameters of use. Indeed, how to make that determination is the challenge. There are two extraction methods that can be used for making that determination: water-equilibrium extraction and extraction using a soil reagent.

Here, the Mehlich No. 3 soil extraction method was chosen since it is a volume-based procedure, the volume ratio being 1:10. The obtained extract was assayed for element content by ICP spectrometry.

The element extract concentrations are expressed to pounds per acre (lbs/A) so that the Mehlich No. 3 interpretation values can be used. In addition to rockwool, perlite and coir, two other commonly used rooting medium—pinebark and peat moss— were included. The results are given in table two.

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Table 2. Elemental content of rockwool, perlite, coir, pinebark and peat moss determined by Mehlich No. 3 Extraction Element

Rockwool

Perlite

Coir

Pinebark Peatmoss

lbs/a Phosphorus (P)

54 (S)*

0.17 (D)

76 (S)

58 (S)

60 (S)

Potassium (K)

284 (S)

4.4 (D)

2,340 (E)

420 (H)

190 (S)

Calcium (Ca)

2,828 (S)

30.0 (D)

1,430 (S)

1,084 (S)

1,314 (S)

Magnesium (Mg)

774 (H)

7.6 (D)

866 (H)

200 (S)

738 (H)

Sulfur (S)

480 (H)

18.0 (D)

40 (S)

4 (D)

236 (S)

Boron (B)

2.0 (H)

0.90 (D)

4.0 (E)

3.9 (H)

0.1 (S)

Copper (Cu)

0.12 (S)

0.20 (S)

0.18 (S)

3.6 (H)

0.1 (S)

2,220.0 (E)

3.80 (S)

114.0 (E)

64.0 (H)

14.0 (H)

Manganese (Mn)

64.0 (E)

0.24 (S)

20.0 (H)

46.0 (E)

2.0 (H)

Zinc (Zn)

1.6 (S)

0.20 (S)

4.8 (H)

1.2 (S)

6.6 (E)

Iron (Fe)

*(D) = deficient, (L) = low, (S) = sufficient, (H) = high, (E) = excessive

These results do not necessarily verify what portion of the element content of the rooting medium is indeed “available” for root absorption, but it does provide as basis for comparison among rooting medium. The assay results would suggest that all but perlite could be considered a “fertile soil.” It might also suggest that one needs to match a fertilizer or nutrient solution formulation with the available elemental contents of the plant rooting media. In addition, these results would suggest that when using these rooting medium, including the micronutrients would not be necessary in the selected fertilizer or nutrient solution formulation.

The next issue when it comes to rooting media is, “What occurs when a nutrient solution is brought into contact with a rooting medium and allowed to come to equilibrium?” To answer this question, a nutrient solution was added in an equal volume to rockwool, perlite and coir. The mixtures were stirred intermittently for 30 minutes, and then the liquid phase removed by filtration and the filtrate assayed for its elemental content by ICP spectrometry.

There are three possible outcomes: there is no change in elemental content from that in the initial nutrient solution, there is an adsorption that results in a decrease in concentration or there is an increase in the elemental content of the recovered nutrient solution as result to a release.

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Know what you grow in

In table three, the elemental content of the nutrient solution in parts per million (PPM) is given in the first column and the elemental content of the recovered nutrient solution after equilibrium with rockwool, perlite and coir, respectively, after filtration follow in the next three columns.

For perlite, the only elemental change was for the element Cu. For rockwool, elemental change occurred for Ca—not surprising since Ca is a major constituent (see table one). Iron is also a major constituent, but no change occurred. The most significant changes occurred with coir, with increases in elemental contents for the elements P, K, Mg, Na, Fe and B, and a decrease in Ca. Some of this might be due to the fact that in the interaction process, the filtrate was colored with colloidal

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Table 3. Elemental interaction of rockwool, perlite and coir brought into equilibrium with a nutrient solution Element

Nutrient Rockwool Perlite Solution

Coir

ppm Phosphorus (P)

82

80

88

140

Potassium (K)

276

272

288

678

Calcium (Ca)

198

282

192

50

Magnesium (Mg)

42

42

44

64

Sodium (Na)

15

15

19

218

Sulfur (S)

110

108

118

132

Boron (B)

0.26

0.27

0.29

0.70

Copper (Cu)

0.08

0.10

0.28

0.06

Iron (Fe)

1.1

0.8

0.7

2.7

Manganese (Mn)

0.72

0.78

0.76

0.60

Zinc (Zn)

0.28

0.28

0.28

0.27

organic material—the elemental results might have been different if it had been removed. These results suggest that rockwool and perlite could be considered inert in their interaction with an applied nutrient solution, while coir is not.

Based on the physiochemical nature of a rooting media, the elements in an applied nutrient solution can potentially interact with the rooting media, either being physically adsorbed or chemically bonded to form complexes, thereby resulting in their accumulation. To determine the degree of elemental accumulation that can occur, samples from a rockwool slab and perlite from BATO buckets were collected for elemental analysis following the hydroponic growing of greenhouse tomatoes using a drip irrigation system for nutrient solution delivery. Since there occurs an accumulation of applied elements during the growing season, which is observed as an increase in the electrical conductivity (EC) of the residue solution, growers are advised to monitor the EC of the retained solution and to water leach when the retained solution reaches a certain EC level. For both collected samples, the growers were following is routine of periodic water leaching.

The gathered rockwool slab and perlite samples were first water leached, and then extracted using the Mehlich No. 3 soil extraction method; the results are expressed as pounds per acre (lbs/A) so that the assay results can be interpreted using established Mehlich No. 3 interpretation values.

The assay results are given in table four.

The water-soluble assay results confirm that there is an accumulation of elements that remain in the rooting media in solution, while the Mehlich No. 3 extraction results indicate that there exists another form of these elements, probably as precipitates of calcium sulfate and phosphate that either entrap other elements or form chemical complexes. The elements in these precipitates are probably available for root absorption since the plant root surfaces are acidic and when in physical contact with a precipitate particle, some degree of dissolution could occur.

These results also suggest that there needs to be an evaluation of the nutrient solution formulation so that both water-soluble and precipitate accumulation is minimized in order to avoid essential element insufficiency from occurring in the growing crop.

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Table 4. The levels of elements found in rockwool and perlite after a season of use as a rooting media for hydroponic greenhouse tomatoes (according to Mehlich No. 3 Extraction); The the drip irrigation method was used ROCKWOOL ELEMENT

PERLITE

WATER MEHLICH WATER MEHLICH SOLUBLE NO. 3 SOLUBLE NO. 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LBS/A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Phosphorus (P)

142

1,066

32

384

Potassium (K)

3,552

3,382

439

513

Calcium (Ca)

231

5,244

237

1,071

Magnesium (Mg)

124

1,177

43

65

Sulfur (S)

31

764

-----

-----

Boron (B)

0.5

1.7

0.29

0.6

Copper (Cu)

0.5

2.0

0.09

0.35

Iron (Fe)

-----

3,040+

-----

-----

Manganese (Mn)

2.0

104

0.34

8.0

Zinc (Zn)

1.6

26

0.08

2.0

Mehlich No. 3 extractable elements for unused rockwool and perlite are given in table two.

Know What You Grow in

Elemental content in a rooting media can be a significant factor that affects the nutritional status of a growing crop. There is an interaction that can occur between an applied nutrient solution formulation and the rooting media, suggesting that matching media characteristics with a nutrient solution formulation is important in order to avoid an elemental insufficiency from occurring.

Nutrient element accumulation in a rooting media can be due both to a residue increase, as well as a possible formation of precipitates, combining to significantly affect the nutritional status of the growing crop. A nutrient solution formulation excessive in its elemental content will result in a significant accumulation of an element, or elements, with the potential to adversely affect the nutritional status of the growing crop.

However, when one knows what the elemental rooting media content is, one can match it with an appropriate fertilizer or nutrient solution formulation in order to avoid the potential of a plant nutrient insufficiency. MY

BY Dr. J. Benton

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Ecococo

by Dr. Lynnette Morgan

While we all know coir is a by-product of the coconut processing industry, understanding its properties and potential as a horticultural growing medium can be slightly more complex than the other inert substrates…

Coconut fiber—or, coir—is a widely used and recognized hydroponic substrate. Available in a range of products, brands and grades, coir is essentially an “eco” medium. A healthy, well-run coconut fiber system will become a habitat for a diversity of beneficial microbes that enjoy the luxury of organic matter, plentiful oxygen and humic substances.

This, in turn, creates what many of us aspire to: a more balanced approach to hydroponics where microbes and plants can live in harmony

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Coconut fiber holds good levels of moisture while being highly oxygenated.

and both benefit from a disease-free and growth-promoting root zone environment.

To achieve this balance, however, the coconut fiber substrate needs to meet certain standards for hydroponic production. It must also be treated in a slightly different way to other mediums and growers need to be aware that not all coco products are created equal.

Coco fiber: some background Coconut fiber for horticultural use has had a rather disappointing reputation in the past. In the early days, little was understood about the properties of this organic growing medium. It was poorly processed and had major problems with nitrogen draw down (high levels of this means nitrogen applied to the coir in the early stages of plant growth would not be available for plant growth, even if full-strength nutrient was applied), high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and retention of ions like calcium and iron, extremely high levels of sodium and a naturally occurring potassium content that growers did not take into account. As a result, many of the first trials with coco fiber did not produce particularly pleasing growth results despite the medium having almost ideal physical characteristics.

However, once the properties of this medium began to be more understood, and processors realized the potential of the expanding horticultural market, correct processing started to ensure we had improved-quality coco being supplied for hydroponic use.

The coco we use in hydroponics today is processed from the outside layer (mesocarp) of coconut husks that consists mainly of coarse tough fibers, but also contains finer material known as coir dust.

Harvested coconuts are first soaked in water (not seawater, however, since this leaves extremely high levels of sodium in the substrate— something which is undesirable for hydroponic use).

This process is called retting and it makes the fiber easier to remove. The longer fibers are then usually removed for other uses, while the coir pith undergoes further processing and decomposition that makes it suitable as a plant growth medium. During this process, the high nitrogen draw down that occurs in coconut fiber in the early stages is modified, as are excess minerals— such as high levels of naturally occurring potassium—and the Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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eco coco

CEC of the coco (this is so the medium does not retain ions such as calcium and iron). Further processing of some highvalue coco growing mediums can also occur, which includes pre-conditioning and buffering so that the substrate has minimal effect on the composition of the nutrient solution surrounding the root zone.

Because coco is a natural product, there are variations in the chemical and physical properties of this medium depending on its source and supplier. Suppliers of

high-grade coco carry out regular testing of their product to check for any irregularities in supply and then correct for these. However, while there are excellent brands of coco on the market, these are also still poor-quality supplies still being sold as a cheap growing medium. As such, growers need to select and only use a reputable brand.

Getting the best from coco—different products for different uses There are many different grades of

i

horticultural coco and some have been specifically designed for different plants and systems. While orchids prefer a very coarse coco chip, the propagation and germination of small seeds requires a much finer grade that will hold sufficient moisture and oxygen. While the high water-holding capacity of coir dust is great in some situations, it can create problems with over saturation of the root zone, and grades of coco commonly used in grow slabs tend to consist of a mixture of longer coarse fibers, or flakes, of coco that keep the substrate open and aerated, and finer particles that hold more moisture. These grades of coco are ideal for longer term hydroponic crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, peppers and cut flowers, because the fibers help prevent the substrate from packing down over time. These properties mean also high-quality coco fiber can be used for many successive crops before finally being recycled as a soil conditioner or mulch.

Aside from different grades, coco also comes in a range of different products— from differently sized compressed bricks to grow slabs to pre-expanded, ready-touse bagged product. Compressed bricks of coco fiber keep the cost of shipment to a minimum—a typical 11 lb. block of compressed coco can be expanded in water to create over 17.17 gal of growing substrate. Another advantage of coco

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eco coco

A young coconut tree; coir is a renewable resource.

bricks is that, once expanded, the media can be used to fill any size or shape of growing bed, pot or bag (the disadvantage is that time is required for the media to fully expand and some labor is needed to fill the growing plots). Loose coco placed into growing pots or containers

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can be easily inspected for moisture level by checking the appearance of the top of the substrate or by feeling the moisture level of the coco just below the surface (however, this is more difficult with wrapped and expanded coco grow slabs).

Coco conditioning and nutrients While coco fiber is relatively easy to use as a hydroponic substrate, there are some tips for getting the best from this medium. First, always buy a reliable brand and one that is specified for hydroponic use. There are coco mulch products available on the general gardening market, but these might not have been processed sufficiently for hydroponic use and might contain high levels of unwanted salts.

These products are simply designed to be used as soil conditioners or mulch rather than stand alone plant growth mediums.

If in doubt, a leach test can help determine if a coco product is suitable for hydroponic use. Simply run clean, distilled or RO water through a small sample of the coco several times and measure the

EC of the leachate of the water. A high EC will indicate the presence of salts, usually potassium and sodium, and indicates the product is not suitable for hydroponics.

Secondly, while preconditioned or buffered coco products are a good place to start, it pays to carry out a little extra conditioning before planting out. The coco fiber should be fully expanded with clean water and then left in a warm growing environment for a few days.

During this time, a dilute solution of coco nutrients can be applied to run off and any mixtures of beneficial microbes, trichoderma and organic supplements (in diluted state) can also be applied. Recheck the EC of the solution draining form the coco before planting to make sure everything is okay in the root zone (ideally the EC in the root zone should be below 1.6 at planting).

Thirdly, when using coco it important to apply the right nutrient product. Coco growing media is not like many other soilless substrates that arrive pre-sterilized,

eco coco

chemically inert with a low CEC and with a minimal effect on the composition of the nutrient. Coco contains naturally occurring potassium, which is considered a bonus since potassium is a major plant nutrient; however, this needs to be accounted for in the nutritional program of the plants. Coco also has other effects on the composition of the nutrient solution applied, so levels of nitrate, phosphate, calcium, magnesium and iron might need to be adjusted to allow for these properties.

Finally, remember that coco is a living substrate and it should be treated as an entire eco-system consisting of beneficial microbes that make their home in the coco particles. This beneficial microbial life plays an important role in soilless systems as many fungi have a protective effect on the plant’s root system, have been proven to suppress plant pathogens and have other possible benefits with nutrient uptake and plant growth. While other growing substrates start out as sterile, coco is best left in its original state or even inoculated with populations of beneficial microbes such as trichoderma.

These populations of beneficial microbes in coco are to be encouraged and hash sterilizing chemicals, such as chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide and even

Sometimes there is more than one use for a coconut.

boiling water, should not be used on coco substrates for that reason.

Coco problems All growing mediums can have their problems. Although coco is generally easy to use, it still needs to be monitored for over saturation, EC and salt buildup.

Coco can look slightly dry on the surface and still be fully moist in the root zone, so checking the moisture level a few inches below the surface is recommended. Moisture should appear when the coco is squeezed between the fingers, but the surface should not appear wet—overly damp coco can attract fungus gnats, as well as reduce oxygen in the root zone.

Coco usually maintains pH within an optimal range; however, EC can build over time, so it should be checked—particularly under warm growing conditions.

Because of the nature of coco growing

media, the EC around the plant’s roots might be different to that in the leachate or the solution draining from the growing slabs, pots or bags. However, a quick and simple extraction sample EC test can be carried out on coco media to determine the actual EC around the root zone. For an extraction test, a small sample of coco is taken from the growing media after it has been in use for a few weeks. Then 3.38 oz. of these combined samples is measured out (the coco should be damp, but not overly saturated). These sample of coco is placed in a jar and 5.07 oz. of RO water is added and the mixture shaken 50 times. This is allowed to sit overnight to allow extraction of nutrient ions into the water. The resulting mix is then re-shaken and filtered to remove particles, and the pH and EC can be measured from the remaining liquid. The ideal pH range of the extract for most crops is between 5.5 and 6.2. Ideal EC levels vary depending on the stage of plant development, the growing environment and the crop being grown; however, a general range is between EC 1.0 and 2.5 (tomatoes can be grown at much higher EC values, particularly with commercial crops). Larger scale growers and those in commercial production will often have the coco extract sent to a lab for a complete nutrient analysis, which determines the levels and ratios of each of the elements in the nutrient solution so that fine tuning adjustments can be made.

These days, good-quality coco has been proven to be a superior growth substrate for a large number of different hydroponic crops. It also has the advantage of being from a renewable and environmentally friendly source. By treating coco as living substrate and allowing natural microbe populations to flourish, coco can become part of a more eco-friendly hydroponic system. MY

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growing for health

It’s as Easy as it “Neems”

by James E. Kostrava From a tree found in dry, harsh sub-Saharan Africa comes a new natural plant supplement that improves plant health dramatically, increases yield and reduces stress from pests and turns the average Joe into a master grower…

We have all seen movies of Africa safaris set in subSaharan Africa.

The landscape is harsh, dry and desolate, yet in the middle of nowhere, you will see these large, lush healthy green trees that are not just surviving—they are thriving. Those are neem trees. Over generations, they have adapted to one of the harshest climates on Earth and have also evolved a resistance to bugs. They don’t poison the pests like traditional pesticides, they trigger a “stop eating” response that causes the bugs to starve to death. That’s why when locusts come through and eat everything in sight, the only thing left are the neem trees.

Science behind the technology A microbiologist asked the question: “Is it possible to capture the essence of these remarkable neem trees from Africa 112

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and apply them to plants here in North America, producing the same results that the neem trees exhibit in Africa?” The answer is, “Yes!” This process is called “bioadaptive supplementation” and the chief scientist that literally wrote the book on chemical extraction technology extracted the essence from neem seeds in a highly concentrated liquid that captures

almost all of the bioactive nutrients found in the tree.

This OMRI-listed pure essence is vastly different from the more wellknown neem oil.

First of all, neem oil is just that: oil.

We all know that oil and water don’t mix. This new concentrate is emulsifiable so it mixes with regular water to become a foliar spray.

Second, neem oil includes less than 30% of the bioactive nutrients of the neem seed while this new plant supplement captures 92%.

Once sprayed on the plants, these nutrients help plants quickly become healthier, increase their yield and show less stress from insects. It also allows professional growers to achieve this high productivity and plant health while reducing the use of other chemical nutrients and agricultural chemicals.

Testimonials from master growers Master growers who field tested this new neem essence supplement said that it would be remarkable if it performed the

way it did and was synthetic. However, the fact that the product was all natural and organic was a huge plus.

A master grower in Saginaw, Michigan said that when he was finished with his growing season, he was very pleased with the results he had with his control group of plants. He said he wouldn’t have given these results another thought if he had not had the trial group of plants—treated with the concentrated neem extract—right next to the control. The trial group looked much healthier and fuller, and he noticed a slight increase in yield. He also pointed out that even a slight yield increase can mean thousands of dollars of additional profit to him since the value of his plants is so high.

Field trials Since 2006, the manufacturer tested this new essence through field trials conducted by independent testing labs like Michigan State University, Saginaw Valley State University and major professional growers around the country. Almost invariably, the results have been positive—and stunning. They have tested tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, peppers, poinsettias and geraniums, and the results are below:

• Field tomatoes—70% increase in cumulative yield mass, compared to untreated control (2008, Saginaw Valley State University) • Bell peppers—80% increase in cumulative yield mass, compared to untreated control (2009, Intermediate Manufacturer’s Internal Study) • Cherry tomatoes—17% increase in fruit count, compared to untreated control (2009, Saginaw Valley State University) • Blueberries—Outperformed leading brands of chemical inputs in total percentage of marketable fruit (2009, Michigan State University) • Greenhouse strawberries—Nine-fold increase in fruit count, compared to untreated control (2008, Hillsdale College) • Organic apples—Outperformed the leading OMRI-listed brand in maintaining plant health (2007, Michigan State University) • Poinsettias—Up to 100% increase observed in red leaves, compared to untreated control (2009, intermediate manufacturer in partnership with major grower) MY

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Introducing a Smarter Way to Select Store and Process Stem Cuttings

by Bill DeBoer Unlike cloning herbaceous plants, woody cuttings require slightly different consideration. Here’s how to properly select, store and process stem cuttings (as opposed to leaf or root cutting), using rooting hormones and creating the ideal rooting environment…

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Selecting the right cuttings

Making the proper selection of stem cuttings is an integral first step for reaching success. Seasonality creates differences in physiology within the plant; thus, there are three classifications of cuttings: softwood (spring), semi-hardwood (summer) and hardwood (fall and winter).

Each type of cutting will require slightly different procedures.

Softwoods derive their name because they are the soft, new and

stem secrets

non-woody growth that emerges in spring and sometimes summer. Their rooting potential is high, but they will easily wilt and rot under sub-optimal

rooting percentages depending on the plant of interest. That is to say, for some plants, rooting potential will be higher when taken from the very end of the branch, whereas the “Personal experience opposite is true with others. has shown that rooting Lastly, before the cuts from mature plants is are made, make sure the plant is not under still obtainable, albeit water stress and that at significantly reduced growth is neither very percentages; nonetheless, it’s vigorous (high in nibest to stick to younger plants trogen and low in carbon) or very stunted when possible.” (often an indicator that the plant is older conditions. Semi-hardwood cuttings or not growing in favorable conditions). occur during a transitional period when All of these factors will reduce rooting softwood starts to form a woody protecpotential. tive layer. In non-tropical areas, this is a Now we are ready to make the cut. protective measure against cold temperaThe ideal cutting size depends upon the tures during the winter. Semi-hardwood type (softwood, semi-hardwood cuttings are not as delicate as softwood or hardwood). Sizes range from cuttings, but they will wilt if exposed to 3 in. for softwood to 12 in. or low humidity. Lastly, hardwood cuttings more for hardwood cuttings. In are often taken from dormant plants general, 3 to 8 in. cuttings are ideal (those without leaves) during the fall and for all types. If the cuttings are winter. These cuttings are the least finsoftwood, pay close aticky in terms of care and can be bundled tention to the terminal together, placed in a refrigerator and growth. If it is quite stuck later in soft and easily bends, the spring. remove it as rotting Another important consideration is the will usually occur. age of the plant. In general, the age of While length the plant greatly influences the rooting is an important potential of the cutting. Juvenile plants measurement, pay close produce cuttings that root far better attention to the nodes (place were leaves than older plants. While the exact reason attach to the stem) per cuttings. Each is unknown, some scientists attribute cutting should have at least two nodes this decrease in rooting potential to an (three is preferable). The cut should be increase in root-inhibiting compounds. made directly above a node on the “parPersonal experience has shown that rootent” plant. ing from mature plants is still obtainable, albeit at significantly reduced percentages; Storage conditions and processing nonetheless, it’s best to stick to younger Now that you have made the cut(s), plants when possible. proper processing and sticking should The position from which the cuttings occur. However, if this is not possible are taken can also impact rooting potenand you are working with softwood tial. Distal (closer to the end of a branch) or semi-hardwood cuttings then and proximal (closer to where the branch preventing water loss is integral. attaches to the trunk) can influence This can be accomplished by 116

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immediately placing the cuttings in a plastic bag, which is then sealed. It is also preferable to mist the cuttings prior to sealing, but if you do not have access to water simply use a sealable bag. If outside temperatures are hot, a cooler is a great place to put your sealed bags. Keep in mind that water stress in softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can occur quickly(seconds to minutes).

The next step in processing is removal of leaves. While some authors instruct removal of all but the top set of leaves in softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings, some disagree. Leaves are the carbohydrate manufacturing center for the plant; therefore, these leaves provide the

stem secrets

necessary energy needed for root development. While removing leaves reduces the surface area for water loss, pruning the bottom leaves that touch the rooting substrate is sufficient.

Also, depending on the plant, wounding the cuttings might be needed to induce root formation. This is often necessary with hard to root plants like rhododendron, magnolia and pinus. To wound, use a clean sharp knife or pruners to scrap away the outer layer (1 to 2 in.) to expose the inner green layer. Make sure you do not go too deep and cut into the pith, which is often white.

“It is also preferable to mist the cuttings prior to sealing, but if you do not have access to water simply use a sealable bag.”

Rooting hormones Generally, cloning woody ornamentals is enhanced through the use of rooting hormones. Natural rooting hormones are derived from plant chemicals known as auxins, and manufacturers utilize the synthetic-derived auxins indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Auxin promotes root initiation by programming cells to develop into new root cells. The type of cutting dictates the appropriate amount of this chemical to use. In general, I have had good success using 500 to 1,000 ppm on softwood cuttings, 1,000 to 3,000 ppm on semi-hardwood cuttings and 4,000 to 10,000 ppm for dormant hardwood cuttings. Beginners to vegetative propagation should try a rooting hormone that is mixed in talc powder. This will be relatively inexpensive, easy to use and, in general, will not burn the cuttings.

The main drawbacks to this are that the concentration of IBA is fixed (usually 0.1% or 1,000 ppm) and the IBA in talc is relatively insoluble, so absorption might be sub-optimal. Also, the talc powder easily comes off (especially when 118

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stem secrets

sticking into the substrate) and is therefore ineffective. Another type of auxin delivery is gel based. This gel adheres to the cutting better than talc, but is usually more expensive and has the added danger of burning certain sensitive softwood cuttings. Also, like talc, the concentration of auxin is fixed in gel-based solutions.

Lastly, another popular auxin carrier is a liquid-based solution (often a solvent like isopropyl or ethyl alcohol). The stock solution is quite high (10,000 ppm) and can easily be diluted with water to acquire the desired concentration. This method is a quick dip where the auxin is highly soluble and readily absorbed; however, the price is usually much higher and the solvent readily burns cuttings if the optimal concentration is exceeded. I have experienced the greatest success using rooting hormones that are solvent-based, but would not recommend it for those trying root hormones for the first time.

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Ideal conditions of optimal rooting Since the cuttings have been severed from the parent plant and do not possess a root system, their ability to absorb water and nutrients is drastically reduced.

Cuttings will lose water from both the leaves and the cut end until it heals over; thus, maintaining high humidity is criti-

“Since the cuttings have been severed from the parent plant and do not possess a root system, their ability to absorb water and nutrients is drastically reduced.” cal. Without humidity, the cuttings will quickly lose turgor pressure and wilt. On a commercial scale, misting systems allow high humidity coupled with good air circulation, which significantly reduces fungal rotting. However, most hobby

stem secrets

growers do not have the aforementioned misting systems. In this case, hand misting with a sprayer oftentimes is less successful than using some sort of dome. Depending on your growing environment, water droplets from misting can quickly evaporate away, creating an environment that favors pulling water out from the leaves.

For better results, take your cuttings, mist the leaves (top and bottom) and place them in a plastic dome top or baggy.

Just make sure that the environment is sealed and that no leaves are touching the bag or dome, as this will lead to rotting. Check on the cuttings every day or so to make sure the substrate

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is moist and not waterlogged, that the leaves are healthy—remove yellow or brown leaves—and to the check for root formation. For traditional soilless mixes, such as peat moss, coco coir, perlite and vermiculite, the grower is confined to check on root formation by gently tugging on the cutting and feeling for resistance. With cellular-matrix substrates, you can remove the whole plug to see if root formation is penetrating out without risking damaging the roots.

Patented plants and illegal propagation While some of you are coming around to the idea that cuttings could

be quite lucrative, be forewarned that the plants you buy from a nursery have been developed by growers and are either patented or patent-pending.

That means you cannot reproduce these plants for profit without notification and subsequent payment of royalties for each cutting. However, you can reproduce plants for your own use (or for a neighbor, if you are that kind!) so long as you do not intend to sell them for profit. MY

References: Dirr, M. A., & C. W. Heuser Jr. (2006). The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation: From Seed to Tissue Culture (2nd ed.).Varsity Press, Inc. Hartmann, H. T., Kester, D. E., Davies Jr., F. T., & Geneve, R. L. (2002). Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices (7th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.

Keeping With the

Hydroponic Irrigation Systems

by Frank Rauscher

Hydroponics relies on water flow. Here’s a look at how two of the main irrigation systems—drain-to-waste and recirculating—keep plants healthy and waste to a minimum in their own ways…

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Even though the name “drain-to-waste” seems to suggest that using this system creates a lot of waste, this is simply not true. The easiest way to understand a drain-to-waste system is to compare it to a recirculating irrigation system. In a recirculating system, water that has drained off the growing medium is returned to the water-nutrient tank and then pumped once again over the growing medium.

››

keeping with the flow

In drain-to-waste, the water that is applied to the growing medium is not returned to the water-nutrient tank; instead, it is fed away from the system into a drain. The fact that some water is going to be drained off in the drainto-waste system does not mean that

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there will be significant waste of water or nutrient, however. When designed properly, this type of system wastes very little water.

Below is a discussion in which we look at these two types of irrigation systems within a soilless hydroponic setting. Instead of soil, growing mediums like expanded clay, rockwool, coir, perlite, sand or gravel, and other organic and inorganic mediums are used. (Soil generally includes fine particles like silt and clay that cause medium loss in

“Soil generally includes fine particles like silt and clay that cause medium loss in a drain-to-waste or clogging in a recirculating system.”

a drain-to-waste or clogging in a recirculating system.)

Pros and cons

An obvious advantage of recirculating water systems is that the extra water and nutrient applied to the plant’s root systems is saved and then reapplied to the

keeping with the flow

roots again. Since the cost of the nutrients are usually the primary concern in regards waste, and recirculation would seem to be the better system.

“In recirculation systems, the nutrients that are returned to the water-nutrient reservoir have actually been chemically modified through the action of the growing medium and biological activity there.”

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The significant disadvantages of recirculating systems, however, include an increase in the potential for disease (root rot) and the degradation of the nutrients as they are recycled. Consider this: When solution is applied and reapplied many times, the opportunity for a weaker

plant to develop and produce some type of fungal, viral or bacterial pathogen increases—often substantially. This increase is proportional to time or the number of recirculations; so, the longer a particular crop is being cared for, the greater their risk for some sort of root-related disease.

Unfortunately, this also means the greatest risk is at the end of the growth cycle when the crop is ready for harvest.

Drain-to-waste systems, on the other hand, apply water only once before allowing it to drain off. This helps prevents a disease in one

plant from affecting all the others. It also reduces the likelihood of disease in any single plant through the use of fresh water, which minimizes undesirable living organisms that could overwhelm a plant’s natural defenses.

The reliability of nutrient benefits to your crop is another issue where a drain-to-waste system can help. In recirculation systems, the nutrients that are returned to the water-nutrient reservoir have actually been chemically modified through the action of the growing medium and biological activity there. Precipitates will form from the nutrients and these can drop out of solution and become unavailable to the plant, meaning that your plant might not receive proper nutrition. Periodically flushing out your growing medium—that is, flushing and draining of your water-nutrient solution—can help. This resets your system reduce or eliminate a buildup of any particular nutrients, allowing you to maintain the right nutrient balance for your crop throughout the growing cycle. If you have a recirculating system and want to perform a flush, this can be accomplished by redirecting the outflow to the “drain-to-waste” position. If you do not have such a valve, you can simply redirect the hosing away from the solution tank and to a waste drain. When the flush is finished, reset this valve or hosing to its original recirculating position.

Water quality considerations

Another important consideration in any indoor grow set-up, regardless of the type of irrigation system it contains, is the quality of the water being used. Some tap water might be high

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keeping with the flow

in total dissolved solids (TDS) and some tap water is high in chorine residual, neither of which is good for the health of the plant. There are a number of ways to neutralize the amount of chlorine residual in the water. One is simply to expose it to the air for 24 to 48 hours. If you want something faster, you can apply a beneficial bioburden to the water. This bacteriological presence in the water will

be killed by the chlorine present, which neutralizes the chlorine. (As a bonus, any of the beneficial bacteria that survive will only help improve the quality of the water-nutrient solution. Still, be careful which products you use to remove chlorine as you do not want to introduce anything that would be harmful to your crop.) To protect your plants from high TDS, I would recommend not using the tap water at all; instead, use processed water, such as that created through reverse osmosis.

Keeping waste to a minimum So, if we are going to use a drain-to-waste system, how can we keep the waste to a minimum? A welldesigned drip system

Love thy Clones.

More roots, more clones with Olivia’s Cloning Solution and Gel.

www.OliviasSolutions.com

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with a timer-controller that can be programmed to run for three to four short cycles on any given day is going to be essential. Slow drip irrigation is a key here because the faster we apply the waternutrient solution, the more of it drains

“Different growing mediums, as well as growing conditions, will greatly affect the time between waterings for your drain-to-waste system.”

off and is wasted. Short run cycles also assure that watering stops when the entire growing medium has been moistened.

Different growing mediums, as well as growing conditions, will greatly affect the time between waterings for your drainto-waste system. Take rockwool for instance; when watered, it will typically hold a ration of about 80% water to 20% air (remember that plants need oxygen in their roots just like they need moisture). Depending on plant transpiration and evaporation, this medium will go about 24 hours between waterings.

Alternatively, utilizing multiple short waterings throughout the day will allow the growing medium to have sufficient drying time before the next watering cycle while keeping the medium moist enough for optimum plant health. Either way, alternating the moisture level between wet and barely moist will result in better plant health and greater yields.

As mentioned earlier, each growing medium has different water retention characteristics. Also, remember that an increase in transpiration is normal as your crop matures, which causes higher water demand. (Higher ambient air temperature will also increase transpiration.) Once you know you’re plants’ and growing medium’s characteristics, you will to need dial your drain-to-waste system into the ideal watering cycle. This means you’ll need a quality timer with run time and cycle versatility.

There are many different types of hydroponic systems, and what basically divides these into two categories is whether the water is recirculated or drained off to waste. No matter which of these you choose for your crop, be watchful off the common issues specific to each system and deal with them accordingly. Also take notes and do your research so that it gets easier for you with each new crop. Agriculture and horticulture are sciences; treat your crop this way and you will make success common. MY

“Alternating the moisture level between wet and barely moist will result in better plant health and greater yields.”

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Black Bugs Be Gone!

7

Steps you Must Follow to Eliminate the Black Bugs on Your Indoor Garden Roots

by Mark W. Boutwell II

Fighting black bugs was one of the most humbling experiences Mark W. Boutwell II had in his growing career. Now, after taking the time to step back and reflect on the experience, he’s here to share his newfound battle strategies…

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The black, sometimes yellowish, bug found on your roots is the root aphid. There are many species of root aphids, including the sugar beet root aphid, conifer root aphid and turnip root aphid. I had my first root aphid encounter about two years ago and it was the most crippling and expensive problem I have ever encountered. At this time in my life I thought I had seen just about everything. I would have never had expected to go through as humbling experience as I did when I fought these root aphids tooth and nail. In fact, this bug didn’t just make me feel sick to my stomach because of the destruction it caused, but because it straight kicked my ass!

“This bug didn’t just make me feel sick to my stomach because of the destruction it caused, but because it straight kicked my ass!”

I know what you are thinking: “What the hell can I do if I get root aphids?” Great question; although, before I answer it, I want to let you know that there is no easy solution to root aphids. If you encounter root aphids, take a deep breath and go through the process with a more intent focus on learning from this experience instead of just saving your crop.

Getting root aphids is not the end of the world; it’s just the potential end of that grow. It is a great way to get experience with root rot, testing pesticides, wilting, plant deficiency and identifying bugs at a fast pace. My first suggestion would be to go through this process all the way through until the plants die or you feel you have learned everything you can learn.

The first time When most growers first get root aphids, they don’t realize that bugs are the core of their problem. Inexperienced growers normally treat for root rot (also known as pythium) by using a disinfectant; this, however, only furthers the problem by exposing even more roots for the root aphids. So, be sure to take your time to look thoroughly at the problem and find the main reason for your problem. By doing this, your small infestation of root aphids will stay small. Don’t be a grower that treats for every other problem except for the root aphid until your plants die.

The solution The solution described can only be used for growers that get root aphids after the fourth week into flowering. Any grower that gets root aphids indoors before the fourth week into flowering should immediately kill their plants and go through the

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black bugs, be gone!

system sterilization checklist (see sidebar, pg.128).

“Inexperienced growers normally treat for root rot (also known as pythium) by using a disinfectant; this, however, only furthers the problem by exposing even more roots for the root aphids.”

The first step The first step to getting rid of root aphids is to reduce the temperature of your environment. By lowering the temperature, you will slow the spread of aphids hatching and will slow the winged aphids down.

The second step The second step is using a plant-friendly fogger. Foggers flush out and quickly eradicate insects on contact; however, the sprays will not kill eggs or nymphs, so repeated applications are required.

Just be sure to read the label and follow directions carefully, as foggers are harmful to humans too. Foggers should not be used in small, enclosed places, such as closets, cabinets, or under counters or

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tables, and I recommend placing an active fogger 6 ft. or farther from all ignition sources since accidents involving total release foggers have occasionally occurred when homeowners released too much fogging material, which led to a high buildup of flammable vapors. Also, vacate the sprayed area during treatment

and thoroughly ventilate upon returning because breathing the spray could be harmful.

The third step The third step is to reduce your light intensity if you have a digital ballast. As aphids bite into your roots, the roots loose the ability to take up water. When you reduce the intensity of the light, you reduce the demand the plant puts on its root system for water uptake, as well as reduce excess stress on the plant; thus you have more time to treat the aphid infestation.

The fourth step The fourth step is to cut your fertilizer in half. This is also important because the aphids bite into the fibrous portion

black bugs, be gone!

of the roots that is responsible for taking up water and nutrients.

When the aphids eat this portion of the roots, it reduces your plant's ability to take up plant food. Cutting the fertilizer in half reduces the concentration of plant food, which in turn normally slows the onset of wilting because of osmosis. It also helps with plant deficiency like signs of over fertilization.

The fifth step The fifth step is to reduce the temperature of your water reservoir to 65ºF. This will help control the spread of other plant diseases because it will reduce the temperature of the water and the rate at which root rot can spread.

The sixth step The sixth step is put some Vaseline around the base stem of your plant. This is preparation for the next step when aphids try and climb up and get away.

The seventh step The seventh step is to completely drown your entire root system with an oil-based soil drench. To put it simply, root aphids are extremely hard to kill and an oil-based soil drench solution is the only thing that will do a great job.

MY

System Sterilization Checklist 1.

2.

3.

4.

Kill your plants Remove all growing media Fog your room before you start sterilizing Clean everything: a. Inside and outside hoods b. Lenses and bulbs c. Walls d. Reservoirs and other H2O systems e. Get new irrigation if auto watering f. Fans 5. Apply fogger 6. Shut down room for two to four weeks to insure complete death 7. Start from scratch (that means new motherplants) and do not go back to the person that gave you the aphids—go to a new nursery!

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Green Thumb Gardening

How to Choose the Right

LED Grow Light for Your Indoor Garden

by Alena Dalton

LEDs have come a long way in the past few years, but they can still present some confusion when growers go to buy them. Never fear; Alena Dalton is here to answer some of the FAQs about this popular lighting technology…

When it comes to indoor gardening, the emergence of LED lighting technology got off to a bit of a rough start. The technology was new—many lights just didn’t emit enough light and they emitted at frequencies that didn’t facilitate optimal plant growth.

However, LED lighting has grown by leaps and bounds in nearly every sector of the lighting industry. LED lighting for indoor gardening purposes has really come into its own, allowing gardeners remarkable control, pleasing intensity and relative coolness that makes these lights extremely attractive to the indoor gardener.

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But, what makes a great LED light?

How do you select the right grow light for your indoor gardening needs? What do your plants need? What does your garden need? Finally, with those traits in mind, what qualities make the right LED light stand out from the rest? Read on for your answers.

lighting. However, still keep the light-toheat ratio in mind when selecting a light.

What does your garden need?

What do your plants need?

Electrical efficiency: In addition to light-toheat, one of the most frustrating aspects of indoor gardening is the electrical bill.

This issue, again, is at the forefront of many indoor gardeners’ decision to use LED lighting.

Lots of light: We all know that plants need light to provide optimal growth. The potential advantage of a well-designed and maintained indoor garden is the ability to control the quality of light, even when conditions outside are dark, dank, rainy or snowy.

A controlled environment: The primary advantage of indoor gardening is control.

The gardener is able to create optimal conditions for growth, continuously.

Everything about the indoor garden should reflect this consistency.

Not a lot of heat: One of the biggest issues, historically, with indoor gardening has been controlling the light-to-heat ratio. Lights emit heat. Incandescent lights especially emit enough heat that temperature control has been an issue when it comes to indoor gardening.

Cool temperature is, of course, one of the primary advantages of LED

So what makes an optimal LED? We’ve established that your plants need a lot of light provided by a device that doesn’t emit a lot of heat or use a lot of electricity. In addition, you’ll want the ability to create a controlled environment in which your plants can thrive. The perfect LED grow light, then, will perform exceptionally when it comes to light intensity, cool temperature and ability to control.

Intensity: Light intensity has been the issue when it comes to LED lighting development. Therefore, you want to pay close attention not only to the wattage of the light, but also the efficiency and intensity at which that light is emitted.

Diamond-style LED lights, for example,

wavelength control allow you to create the perfect atmosphere for whatever species of plant you intend to grow. use a custom lens to direct and further intensify the quality of light emitted.

Control: The optimal indoor garden reflects consistency and control. Evenly distributed, consistent light creates the most efficient atmosphere for your garden to thrive. In addition, lights with

Coolness: One of the most exciting aspects of LED lighting is temperature control. However, lights still emit heat.

Check the wattage and verify the heat output. In most cases, you’ll be very pleased at the savings on your airconditioning bill.

Efficiency: LED lights typically provide insane efficiency in the arena of power draw. However, electrical efficiency increases with efficient design. Check the power draw on the LED lights you’re interested in; not all LEDs are created equal.

While LED grow lights represent an exciting new technology and promise to make indoor gardening much more efficient, it’s still great design in the areas of intensity, control, coolness and efficiency that makes superior lighting.

Look for these qualities when selecting an LED light and enjoy a meticulously constructed, extremely productive indoor garden. MY

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creating Novel

Hybrid

hydroponic systems by

Ryan M. Taylor

What is hybrid hydroponics? Here, Ryan Taylor offers a definition of this hot catchphrase, gives an example of a custom hybrid system and reveals valuable tips for successful growth…

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creating novel hybrid hydroponic systems

combinations of multiple growing substrates and The number of possible multiple irrigation methods to boost growing media becomes plant growth rates and maximize infinite when you begin to yields. In other words, newer genmix the diverse materials erations of growers are moving beyond together in various the archetypical single-irrigationratios. method systems (e.g., flood and drain, drip, deep water culture, etc.)

A catchphrase in our contemporary and embracing relatively new substrates industry is “hybrid hydroponics.” While to produce results closer to optimal I have not found an agreed-upon yields than previous generations could definition for what this phrase means, I achieve. Increased scientific understandbelieve the heart of the concept refers to ing is a significant contributor to this a growing trend toward the innovative trend, but an equal or greater amount of credit belongs to the technological development of new substrates.

Over the past few decades, a large number of materials have been developed as potential growing media or substrate amendments. Diversity and innovation reign supreme in this domain: raw materials like peat and pumice, recycled materials like glass and tires, processed materials like expanded clay and rockwool, as well as food and agricultural waste products like coir, bark and hulls and, of course, water are

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all used. Then, the number of possible growing media becomes infinite when you begin to mix the diverse materials together in various ratios.

Although growers can purchase effective commercial systems and substrate mixes, a lot of people are bitten with the do-it-yourself bug and prefer to create their own uniquely blended substrate from the multitude of possible ingredients. It can be enjoyable to put one’s creativity to the test by designing a unique soilless mix, but satisfaction ultimately depends on the yield and quality of the crops harvested from your mix.

In this article, we will glimpse the development of a hybrid hydroponics system that has been adapted from another. Along the way, we will look at a few significant factors that should affect your choice of mix components and discuss a number of practical procedures that will help to calibrate your fertigation decisions.

Case study: bio bucket 2.0 My motivation for creating an original bio bucket system came from reading an article published in Maximum Yield called Hybrid Hydroponics With Bio Buckets by Casey Jones Fraser. In the article, Casey discussed an innovative growing system consisting of a continuously running drip deep water culture system that combines four different media in a mesh basket (rockwool, peat-perlite mix inoculated with beneficial bacteria, and expanded clay). For a lengthier discussion of this particular system, I’d recommend checking out Casey’s article on the Maximum Yield website.

Though imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it isn’t in my nature to waste any opportunity to add personal touches on any system. Why not experiment with the infinite combinations of irrigation methods and substrate composition? In general, the systems I prefer to make and use have multiple irrigation systems coupled with only one or two substrates.

creating novel hybrid hydroponic systems

The possibility of growing with such an in other words, there inherently complex mix of ingredients is an inherent risk of seemed worth the time and effort if it failure when designdelivered the expected high yields. ing and using innovaSo, for this article’s hybrid system, let’s tive growing systems. begin with the growing media compoTo mitigate your nents inside a 6-in. mesh basket. Fill the risk exposure to bottom 2 in. of the basket with a layer of failure and increase large-sized pieces of rigid and highly pothe chances of getting rous glass foam medium, which will basihigh-quality large cally be submerged in aerated nutrient yields, I offer the solution for the duration of the grow. My following tips and greatest concern with the original bio practical procedures bucket was the possibility that chunks of to aid your efforts: the peat-perlite mix would drop through the basket and into the reservoir below to poWhen attempting to build tentially clog hybrid growing systems, begin the pump.

To safeguard by understanding how each type against this possibility, of medium will react with each and to make the eventual irrigation system you want separation of components to incorporate. easier, let’s add a coco basket liner, which will Think big—Sometimes people cretheoretically wick a sufficient amount of ate novel systems by throwing together aerated nutrient solution to constantly whatever happens to be lying around moisten the mix it contains. Within the liner, put a 50–50 mix of peat and smallor leftover from previous grow cycles.

This isn’t necessarily the best idea. A sized glass foam pieces. worst-case scenario is that your plants Guidelines and suggestions will suffer and die because the properfor successful hybrid ties of the media mix you created are hydroponics out-of-balance and unknown. Another So, we have now “built” our novel system possible scenario is that you have exceland are excited to crank it up. However, lent growth results, but you can’t dupliwe are more or less flying blind since we cate the results because of the unknown have little information for predicting its mixture ratios. functional performance. It is one thing to grow with the individual components Start small—A general rule in design and (e.g., media type or irrigation system) engineering is to add levels of complexity and get excellent results, but once mulonly after the dynamics of simplified systiple media are mixed and coupled with tem versions are understood. Translation: multiple irrigation systems, new dynamwhen attempting to build hybrid growics emerge with unpredictable behaviors; ing systems, begin by understanding how

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Prepping the bio bucket.

each type of medium will react with each irrigation system you want to incorporate. Once this is accomplished, build on that knowledge by combining two media together, and so on and so forth until the dynamics of the final system is understood.

So, for the bio bucket 2.0 described earlier, let’s say that my original plans called for a recirculating irrigation component.

Since I hadn’t attempted to grow this particular media and irrigation combination before, I would begin by building a small, stand-alone prototype. If the results are successful and do not require further tinkering, only then would I add the recirculating capability.

Failure is inevitable and valuable—Another maxim of science and engineering is that failure cannot be escaped and we should always try to avoid it. Often people who have a modicum of success in the early stages of system development become complacent about adding further innovations their systems. Some believe the old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and others might stop tinkering because of a fear of failure. The truth of the matter is that hybrid hydroponic growing systems are complex, and the chances of

creating novel hybrid hydroponic...

designing and building an optimal system on your first attempt are infinitesimally small. It is imperative to recognize that improvement is always possible and the chance of failure shouldn’t be a stumbling block. Through failure we can gain insights that success does not yield.

Success is knowing the properties of your substrates—Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your media is of utmost importance.

There are quite literally dozens of tests you can perform on your media to determine the properties of both the individual components and total mixed substrate. While a number of these tests require specialized, and often expensive, equipment to measure a particular property, many cheap tests can be done to an acceptable degree of precision to assure excellent growth results. In my opinion, the variable of utmost importance is the air-to-water ratio, which refers to the relative amounts of usable oxygen and water a substrate makes available to plant roots.

It is important to strike a balance in the moisture level of the substrate between moderate aridity and total saturation to avoid root death due to lack of water or oxygen. As a rule, this can generally be accomplished by combining media with high water-holding capacity (e.g., coco, peat or rockwool) with media that have high air-filled porosity (e.g., expanded clay, glass foam or perlite). If you are looking for a greater degree of precision, a simple method for testing this ratio is to saturate your media mix, allow for complete drainage and then record the length of time it takes the media to dry to a certain standard (e.g., dryness at 2 in. depth below the surface). This result will allow you to gauge how often you will need to irrigate the media, providing your plant with a stage-appropriate nutrient solution. So, whether you easily find success or struggle to make progress in your attempts at hybrid hydroponics, you should always bear in mind that the goal is to always learn from your mistakes and to build a better growing system. MY

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avant-gardening

"Soil baked in an oven at 350ºF for roughly 15 to 20 minutes will kill any insects, larvae and eggs, bacteria, fungi and viruses."

Ever receive some strange gardening advice that you weren’t sure if it was an old wives' tale or not?

Well, the tips in this article are weird, but they actually work. No foolin’.

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Strange Ways &

Unusual Gardening Tips Techniques

by Matt LeBannister

You might have a great organic fertilizer available to you in your own home and not even know it. The water in fish, frog or other aquatic animal tanks is full of animal waste, which happens to be full of micronutrients that can benefit plants greatly. Instead of pouring aquarium water down the drain when changing water or cleaning tanks, pour this solution into hydroponic reservoirs or as top-water onto potted plants.

Growing indoors with soil, but worried about bringing pathogens and insects into your home and garden? Try baking your soil in the oven first. Soil baked in an oven at 350ºF for roughly 15 to 20 minutes will kill any insects, larvae and eggs, bacteria, fungi and viruses that are present in the soil without destroying the soil itself.

If you notice that your plants are becoming calcium deficient, there are two household products that can be added to soil to alleviate this problem. For quicker results, you can top-dress a tablespoon of powdered milk around each plant or mix some into the soil. Egg shells are also a great source of calcium, although they break down more slowly. Dry out

the shells before breaking them into small pieces and scattering them around your plants.

If you find that you growroom is cold at night, there are a couple unusual solutions to the problem. Keep black buckets full of water placed throughout the growroom.

During the lights-on cycle, the buckets will absorb heat, and they will slowly release the heat when the lights are off. Stringing red or green Christmas lights between your plants can also provide a low-energy solution to heating a growroom when the grow lights are off. Red and green lights will not disturb the photoperiod.

At the beginning of the outdoor growing season when you are planting your garden, bury a couple fish with the plants.

The fish will act as a slow-release fertilizer, breaking down slowly and providing the plants with all the nutrition they will need throughout the season. This is best saved for only outdoor gardens, however, as the rotting fish would stink up any house.

If you have an indoor grow space that is not tall enough for the plants you wish to grow, try this uncommon gardening technique: When plants are young and stems are

"Christmas lights between your plants can also provide a low-energy solution to heating a growroom when the grow lights are off." flexible, begin to bend the plants over so that instead of growing vertical, they grow horizontal along the floor. Continue to lash the plants down as it grows, thus turning a tall plant—such as a tomato—into a vine-like ground-dwelling plant like squash. The opposite can be done if your grow space is low in surface area, but tall in height.You can put up lattice, stakes or netting and weave vine-grown plants like squash vertically to maximize space.

Nets can be used when fruit is produced to bear the weight and keep the fruit from dropping and being damaged.

The last tips I have are not for the squeamish since they involve human urine. Did you know human urine can be used

as a fertilizer? Human urine is high in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, and is sterile as long as you don’t have a urinary tract infection. Also, if you are finding that outdoor pests such as rabbits, skunks or raccoons are invading your outdoor garden and stealing your crops, spreading some human urine around the edges of your garden can help deter them. Animals are generally afraid of humans and the marking of your territory with urine should be a sign for them to stay away There are so many strange gardening tips and techniques out there, it really is hard to know what works and what doesn’t. If you have any strange, but successful, gardening tips you would like to share please send them to us at editor@maximumyield.com MY About the Author: Matt LeBannister developed a green thumb as a child, having been born into a family of experienced gardeners. During his career, he has managed a hydroponic retail store and represented leading companies at the Indoor Gardening Expos. Matt has been writing articles for Maximum Yield since 2007.

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you tell usCorner Beginner's

Classroom Experiments With Hydroponics

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

Hydroponics is the one-stop shop of school projects. It combines multiple disciplines with hands-on fun. Here, Dr. Lynette Morgan shows us how to bring hydroponics into the classroom via several worthwhile experiments…

Hydroponics is a great classroom teaching tool. It incorporates subjects like chemistry, biology and physics, as well as practical handson food production, in a fun and dynamic system. Classroom experiments have also been known to include a little entomology and plant pathology (when insect pests and diseases attack), as well as marketing and economics (if the produce ends up being sold).

Some students have even used hydroponics specifically to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for school lunches and for healthy cooking lessons. At a more advanced level, hydroponics is often the subject of science fair projects— factors as diverse as water quality, pH, EC, nutrient composition, organic fertilizers and growing mediums are common themes.

usually enough to generate many questions from inquisitive minds about how and why the plants grow at all without soil without having to incorporate complex experiments. At this level, basic hydroponic systems don’t need to be complicated— a 3 in. square rockwool cube sitting in a saucer on a sunny classroom window can become a mini hydroponic system that will grow plants as diverse as lettuce, microgreens, herbs, radishes, baby carrots, strawberries and a wide range of small flowering annuals. Measuring the plants as they grow, documenting the process with drawings and reports, as well as learning practical skills like measuring the EC and hand-watering nutrients are all part of a basic classroom hydroponic project. Also, Elementary school hydroponics since each student is then responsible for Younger students in the six to 10 age range are applying nutrient solution to their own at the right stage to learn how to grow their project, most classrooms end up becomown plants on a small scale. Simple hydroponic ing quite competitive over who is the best systems with fast-growing and reliable plants are hydroponic farmer with the biggest crop.

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Many plastic containers can be turned into small hydroponic systems for microgreens and lettuce.

Other simple hydroponic systems suited to confined classroom areas can be as simple as a flowering bulb in a glass bulb jar. Since nobody is present over the weekend to water the plants, other systems that are great for classroom experiments are small bucket float or raft systems. These use a polystyrene board to support small plants floating in a bucket or pan of nutrient solution (additional aeration via a small aquarium air pump is an optional extra that can teach students the importance of oxygenation to root systems).

A wide range of basic hydroponic systems are well suited to classroom crops.

A small cooler box and plastic tray can be turned into a hydroponic system at little cost.

More advanced experiments and science fair projects Experiments like placing plants in different positions around the classroom, in sealed and unsealed containers, in a dark cupboard and under a lamp, or indoors and outdoors allows students to evaluate how light, temperature, moisture, wind and protection can affect hydroponic growth. Later on, experiments can become more advanced. Looking at the effects of gravity on plant growth is a classroom favorite; simply invert a bean seedling grown in rockwool and watch gravitropism occur. Examining phototropism as seedlings bend toward a light source is also popular.

Science fair projects involving hydroponics can range from the very simple to highly advanced depending on the age and ability of the student. Usually some assistance is required for these projects because they are dependant not only on a good idea, but also sound technical and scientific skills. Hydroponic science fair experiments need to include each of the following: • An idea to be tested (e.g., the effect of water source on hydroponic plant growth).

• Some treatments to apply (e.g., rainwater, pond water, tap water, well water, distilled or pure water).

• Replication—Experiments involving plants needs more than one plant for each treatment. Ideally, there should be at least four plants or more for each treatment being tested, and one of these should be a control. Or, there should be a group of plants that are untreated (e.g., four plants are given rainwater, four are given pond water and four plants are given distilledwater as a control).

• Results recorded (e.g., measurements of plant growth, plant weight, observations in plant color, root length, photos and drawings) • Experimental conclusions—While advanced science fair experiments are expected to do some statistical analysis and interpretation, most students should be able to calculate mean scores or averages for their measurements and make accurate statements about each treatment as compared to the control plants.

Remember, science fair judges favor hydroponic experiments that are fully planned, follow all the rules of science experiments, have well-grown plants and have a good understanding of what caused the results observed. MY

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Mastering the Art of Hydroponics (STEM)

by Ryan M. Taylor

?

What is

STEM

Science

Welcome to the initial installment of the Mastering the Art of Hydroponic (STEM) column.

Ryan M. Taylor is here to explain what this concept, which has nothing to do with plant physiology or human cells, is really all about…

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, STEM does not refer to plant physiology, human cells or metaphorical resistance to something. Rather, it’s the educational acronym for “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.” A Technology few brief definitions are needed at this point: • Science: both a methodical approach to studying phenomena and the body of knowledge that is accumulated and reproduced.

• Technology: a collection of machinery, procedures and tools used to accomplish a goal. In hydroponics, you can thumb through a product catalog and see the diverse array of technology—including the systems themselves, timers, growing substrates, etc.—that can be used to construct your set-up and grow your plants.

• Engineering: the application of scientific knowledge and use of technology for practical purposes, such as constructing grow set-ups and growing systems.

• Mathematics: the bedrock of physical sciences and engineering that allows us to abstractly quantify properties of system dynamics, structure, etc.

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STEM

Mathematics

An astute reader will notice that the four STEM categories are, by definition, not mutually exclusive. We will ignore this ambiguity in this column and focus instead on accomplishing our primary goals: to bring readers updates on cuttingedge progress in these fields, propose innovative suggestions for tinkering with your set-ups and do a little abstract mind walking as we ponder the future of the hydroponics industry.

Now don’t roll your eyes and think that Maximum Yield has gone off the proverbial deep end, adding a ridiculously boring column that will be filled with unreadable blather and messy equations that look like hieroglyphics. No, the aim of this column is to communicate STEM research in a popular science format, easily readable so you can increase your knowledge and hydroponics skills.

As with most things in life, hydroponics is both an art and a science. In addition to reporting on current research that can be translated into applicable techniques, I will Engineering use this column to offer novel designs and principles for creating growing systems that can get you closer to the ultimate goal of getting maximum yields with the greatest efficiency of effort, money and time. In future columns, we’ll analyze the efficiency of hybrid systems like this and compare grow results against simpler systems. Perhaps we will even design the ultimate growing system.

It is of utmost importance that readers be a part of this adventure with me, not merely as passive recipients of knowledge. Feedback, questions and topic suggestions are always welcome. So, get ready for an adventure on the STEM side of hydroponics. MY Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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Organic

Hydroponics Taking Soil Out of the Mix

by Dr. Mike Nichols

Organic hydroponics can seem like an oxymoron since many organic food producers insist that soil is an essential component of the mix. However, as Dr. Mike Nichols explains, that’s just not the case…

Soil provides a basic structure within which various organisms and microorganisms, roots, water, air and a wide range of organic and inorganic chemicals proliferate.

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However, there is nothing magical about soil; in fact, it isn’t always the best medium in which to grow highvalue horticultural crops because it can be either poorly aerated due to ideal moisture conditions or too dry due to optimum aeration. The emphasis on soil as the basis of “organic greenhouse cropping” is false and there is no reason why organic nutrients cannot be used in a recirculating hydroponic system.

organic hydroponics

Organics and soil Organic greenhouse horticulture is defined by the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS) as the production of organic horticultural crops—vegetables, ornamentals and fruits—using inputs derived only from natural, non-chemical sources in climate-controllable greenhouses and tunnels. There is no mention of soilbased systems in this definition. Much

of the organic philosophy appears to be based on the UK Soil Association and the writings of Rudolph Steiner.

Both organizations have their origins well before anyone considered growing crops commercially using hydroponic systems, so hydroponics did not get considered.

But what is magical about soil? Soil is normally comprised of inorganic particles derived from rock (such as clay or silt or sand), organic matter (humus), a range of microorganisms, water, air and some nutrients dissolved in the water. In some “soils,” the inorganic particles might be partially or totally replaced by semi-decomposed organic matter (peat).

"It was not until the ’60s that researchers began to consider alternatives to soil for the production of other greenhouse crops."

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Well, a recirculating organic hydroponic system can comprise all of these, with the exception of the solid inorganic particles (although pedantically it would not be too difficult to add a few pieces of rock to the system to fulfill all of a normal soil’s characteristics). In fact, a recirculating organic hydroponic system is also much more sustainable than a soil-based system.

One of the major claims of organic vegetable growers is environmentally friendliness, but from a sustainable viewpoint, a recirculation system is much better in nutrient and water efficiency. This is because considerable quantities of nutrients leach through the soil profile into the water table and aquifers in an intensive traditional greenhouse situation in order to obtain acceptable levels of production.

This does not occur with organic hydroponic systems.

Organic hydroponics In the early 1950s, virtually all greenhouse crops were grown in soil. It was not until the '60s that researchers began to consider alternatives to soil for the production of other greenhouse crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.

What started as straw bales, peat base beds, etc. resulted inevitably in the establishment of commercial hydroponic systems like nutrient film technique (NFT) and rockwool. This had a huge influence on productivity and a marked increase in yield, as the complex balance of aeration and adequate moisture at the roots became much easier to obtain (the control of soil-borne pathogens also became easier due to isolation).

Then, in 2001, a number of greenhouse studies were conducted at Massey University by Kim Atkin to compare conventional and organic hydroponic systems. He found that, in a comparison between an

organic Hydroponics

organically derived solution of liquid fish and liquid seaweed and a conventional hydroponics solution, lettuce raised using NFT grew faster in the conventional solution. This might have been due to the fact that some of the liquid fish solution was in suspension rather than dissolved, which might have caused anaerobic conditions. Nevertheless, the organically grown lettuce reached maturity only one week after the conventionally grown ones. Also, Atkin found that cattle effluent was capable of producing lettuce growth rates similar to those of conventional hydroponic solutions.

Aquaponics Aquaponics can best be defined as a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. In aquaponics, the fish and plants are produced in a single integrated system where fish waste provides a food source for the plants and the plants provide a natural filter for the water in which the fish live. A key factor is the bio-filter between the fish and the plants, which is

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comprised of bacteria that convert fish waste into soluble nutrients for the plant roots (a key conversion is ammonia—which is toxic to fish—into nitrite and nitrate).

In studies recently undertaken in New Zealand that compare the productivity of lettuce and herbs within conventional hydroponics and aquaponics, the aquaponic system proved to be similar (or in some cases superior) to the conventional system.

These results depended on the time of the year, as the productivity of herbs in the aquaponics system was reduced during the winter due to the poor feeding of the fish in the cooler conditions.

In trials carried out in Italy, the productivity of aquaponic systems was not significantly different to that of a conventional hydroponic system. In the first experiment, a small quantity of fertilizer was added to the aquaponic treatment; but there was significantly lower yield. In the second experiment, however, no significant difference was found in the productivity of lettuce (when comparing aquaponics with hydroponics) thanks to the greater quantities of nutrients available in the aquaponics system during this second trial.

Aquaponics is probably the ultimate in organic vsustainability.

"In aquaponics… fish waste provides a food source for the plants and the plants provide a natural filter for the water in which the fish live."

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organic hydroponics

In conclusion In North America and Scandinavia, there is a growing acceptance of the use of organic media (peat) and recirculating hydroponic systems that use organically derived nutrients to provide organically certified produce. (There would appear to me that the potential to use “untreated” coir might provide a valuable alternative if peat supplies ever became limited.) This makes sense. Soil might not be neccessarily the best medium in which to grow high value crops, because it can be difficult to provide it with optimum levels of both moisture and aeration. Also, producing high yields of greenhouse crops (a necessity in expensive capital structures) requires considerable inputs of nutrients. In a non-recirculation system, this poses considerable problems in terms of leaching into the water table. As such, the insistence on the use of soil rather than other media for organics and the objection to recirculating system is illogical in terms of sustainability. Also, to suggest that hydroponics is unnatural (as

"to suggest that hydroponics is unnatural (as has been suggested by some) is to limit our future to being “hunter gatherers” rather than farmers."

has been suggested by some) is to limit our future to being “hunter gatherers” rather than farmers. In my view, the key factor for the future must be sustainability and soil-based organic greenhouse systems might not be sustainable in practice, whereas organic hydroponic systems definitaly are. MY

Literature Cited Atkin, K., & Nichols, M. A. (2004). Organic hydroponics. Acta Horticulturae, 648, 121-128.

Cooper, A. (1967). The ABC of NFT. London: Grower Books.

Ho, L.C. (2004). The contribution of plant physiology in glasshouse soilless culture. Acta Horticulturae, 648, 19-26.

Nichols, M. A., & Lennard W. (2010). Aquaponics in New Zealand. Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses, 115, 46-51.

Pantanella, E., Cardarelli, M., Colla, G., Rea, E., & Marcucci, A. (2010). Aquaponics vs hydroponics: Production and quality of lettuce crop. 28th IHC Abstracts I, 35.

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MAXIMUM tips And tricksYIELD distributors

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Having a tidy growroom can lead to greater and healthier yields.

However, this is not always as simple as it sounds. Here, Karen Wilkinson shares a few tricks to help you keep things clean.

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A growroom or greenhouse can be seen as a reflection of its owner’s diligence and the crop’s growth potential. An unkempt, dirty and neglected growing space is less conducive to propagating healthy, hearty plants; whereas a clean, tidy, well-maintained area is more likely to result in a bountiful harvest that is free of afflictions. It sounds simple enough in theory, but the realities can be much more demanding.

It’s just like maintaining your car’s engine: the best way to ensure a successful crop is to continually perform preventative maintenance and to develop a cleaning routine that works within your schedule.

Unlike a car mechanic, however, you want to keep your tools and yourself as clean as possible when working with plants.

With proper knowledge and practice, you can develop the wherewithal to keep your space free of dirt, dust, debris, pests and disease potential, with minimal effort.The following is a compilation of habits and tips to keep your growroom, tools and self as clean as can be while maintaining a fertile environment. Oh, and remember that consistency is key.

•

The growroom

•

This is your plants’ home, so keep it tidy and clean! Growrooms are full of stuff—hydroponic systems, cords, fans, grow equipment, plants, containers, dirt and nutrients—and it can get messy.

Of course, if messes are left unnoticed too long, they can easily spill over and affect your end product. Conversely, if everything has its place and is consistently maintained, you will be rewarded with lovely plants.

•

• •

•

•

•

• •

Make a daily habit of clearing dead leaves and other plant matter from inside containers, on the ground or in hydroponic systems. Dead plant matter can quickly morph into a breeding ground for pests and disease.

Be vigilant in cleaning reservoirs either weekly or biweekly to maintain proper nutrient and pH levels.

Clear you intake filter at least once a month to inspect for bugs and to maximize airflow. The filter is a guard against dirt, dust, bugs and other undesired outdoor matter from tainting your room.

Create a routine to eradicate and prevent pests. Prevention is the easiest way to keep a growroom pest-free—once they’re in, they’re a pain to get rid of. Also, be sure to change out sticky traps as needed.

Clean up spills immediately. Water, plant runoff, nutrients and whatever else that ends up on the floor can add to the room’s humidity and lead to mold development.

Keep the ground free of unnecessary debris. This includes cords (an obvious safety precaution), equipment and anything else that could get in the way while sweeping debris and leaf matter from the floor.

Thoroughly clean and sterilize any reusable growing mediums.

Once a grow cycle is complete, give the room a meticulous scrub down. Clear out and sanitize the entire room and all tools, shelves, mediums and anything else that could use it.

The tools

These bad boys are extensions of you. Measuring cups, clippers, meters, lights, spray bottles…they’re all ways to ease and enhance the growing process. But they can get dirty! As a general rule, clean everything after each use and when showing signs of grime.

•

•

•

Sanitize and clean clippers, shears and other tools with alcohol or flame right after every use. Make it one of those amazingly anal-retentive habits as it cuts down on possible cross contamination.Your disease- and pest-free plants will thank you. Plus, putting away clean tools means they’re ready for the next use.

Clean pH and TDS meters regularly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintain a clean fan by keeping its blades and filters free of dust and dirt. Clogged filters can reduce their efficiency; proper upkeep will keep airflow at a maximum.

Maximize the amount of light shining through lights and hood glass by keeping them clean and clear. Dust builds up slowly over time (making it hard to notice), but clearing it away is a relatively simple task to keep up on. Ideally, give them a good dusting once a month.

Clean measuring cups after using and label spray bottles to avoid confusion. This sounds elementary, but pouring the wrong liquid is not a mistake you want to make.

Yourself

Your hands, hair, clothes and feet can all be conduits of disease, so it’s best practice to keep yourself as clean as can be!

•

•

•

•

Before entering the growroom, thoroughly wash your hands. And if you’re a smoker, wash anything that’s been touched by tobacco because exposure to it can easily spread disease like the tobacco mosaic virus.

If you were recently in a greenhouse, field or anywhere with heightened exposure to pests, shower and change clothes so as to not bring bugs into the growroom.

As much as our pets are parts of our lives, they have no place in a growroom.They can easily transfer pests to plants, leave behind fur and even munch on your growing babies.

If you want to be über meticulous, wear latex gloves while working in your pristine growroom. Some people even wear booties on their feet as an added provision.

In the case of growing, there’s no such thing as being too careful. Keep in mind that hot water and bleach are excellent disinfectants and that routine is your friend.Your plants’ livelihoods are affected by many factors, so the more control you have over those factors, the better odds your plants have at growing into healthy, lovely ladies. And since everything is connected—from the hands handling the plants to the containers housing them to the air being circulated by the fans—make sure those connections are clean. MY

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Feeding for Flavor

by Casey Jones Fraser When fruits have a complex, layered flavor, you know the grower finally got it right. Here’s how to do it in your own garden...

Every good grower wants to get the best possible flavor out of their hard-earned harvests. Some might try adding carbohydrates to their nutrient recipe—that’s a pretty good idea, but flavor and aromas are built by much more than just carbohydrates. Let’s take it step by step and learn all of the treats available to build phenomenal flavors in plants.

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Vegetative growth In the early phases of your plants' growth, the best path is complete overall health. Give your plants a mild feeding of base nutrients (NPK plus micronutrients), silicates, amino acids, enzymes and beneficial rooting inoculants (fungi and bacteria). These types of products will build a strong root zone and vascular system capable of producing all of the natural terpenoids, esters, polyflavinoids, etc. involved in overall taste.

If your crop is harvested in the vegetative phase, such as lettuce and basil, there are a couple of extra steps you can take. First, add some carbohydrates. Go with a highly available, clear, hydroponic formula for the vegetative phase, and use the product at low rates. If you are harvesting the entire plant, like a head of cabbage, stop feeding it nutrients one week before harvest.

Transition to Flowering Once you begin the switch into flowering, you will need to make adjustments to your nutrient formula. For overall growth, flowering plants use more nutrients with increased potassium and reduced nitrogen ratios. Use high-quality nutrients for overall health, which is always the first step for taste (and everything else you want from your plants).

Organics are often credited with giving excellent flavor, and I have experienced positive results from several all-natural nutrients and supplements. There are two main factors to consider when using organic products: first, organics are broken down over time; and secondly, they are broken down by bacteria, fungi and enzymes. With this in mind, I highly recommend applying organics in combination with beneficial microbes and enzymes. Use these ingredients early in the flowering process; organics are somewhat time-released, so you don’t want to apply Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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feeding for flavor

them late in the game. Microbes digest the organic matter and feed the results to your plants’ roots over the course of a few days or weeks.

Some of the natural ingredients that can bring out deep, natural flavor in your plants include molasses, cane sugar, fish products, kelp, humates, fruit extracts, sea minerals and compost. For the best possible flavor, seek a nutrient program that offers all of these ingredients. (Those of you who have never used fish products or sea minerals: prepare for a delicious new flavor experience. Use these ingredients properly, and you will be able to smell your tomatoes before your even step into your garden space.)

Mid fLowering This is the stage when many growers burn their plants. Sure, your plants can take an increased level of EC or PPM in midflowering, but this does not mean you should double your nutrients rates. The plants store nutrients in their tissue; so, if you give them too much, raw nutrients are still present in the fruit when you harvest. Thus, overfeeding your plants will replace rich flavor with bland taste. If you want to increase nutrients at this stage, take baby steps. Don't increase nutrients by more than 150 ppm each week.

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Continue using organic supplements in this stage, but start eliminating those products that are high in nitrogen. Blood meal and fish products should be reduced half-way to harvest—possibly even eliminated—as they can encourage leaf growth over fruit and flowers. Liquid carbohydrates should be used at full strength during mid flowering, but always use carbs in combination with beneficial bacteria. Carbohydrates encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi. If you do not incorporate beneficial bacteria and fungi into your garden, these carbohydrates might join up with bad bacteria and rot. Rotten roots don't foster tasty fruits!

Late fLowering Now is the time to reduce your nutrients. Many growers are probably scratching their heads at that statement, but we are talking about maximum flavor here and too much fertilizer is a detriment to that end.You want your plants to tap into their food reserves and convert their stored nutrients into flavorful fruits and flowers.

Regarding nutrients, NPK levels with slightly higher phosphorus can help balance overall ripening. Those factors are obviously important in peak flavor. Many nutrients and supplements are available for this specific late phase of your garden, and as long as you don't overuse them, the increased essential oils and even ripening will make your mouth water!

Sweetening agents should be limited to clear, highly available carbohydrate products, as well as sea minerals. Kelp, humates and other thick organics should be reduced or eliminated in the final stages of flowering. Heavy organics might not have time to break down completely before you harvest.

Pre harvest If you grow with organic-based nutrients, stop feeding your plants at least two weeks before harvest. Water often and always use chlorine-free water. In the last week, you will need to rinse your roots thoroughly with large amounts of water. Continue passing water through the roots until the runoff water tests below 300 ppm. Keep the watering free of nutrients for these final days for the cleanest possible end results.

For growers who feed with chemical nutrients, make sure you rinse for at least one week before harvest. The same rules apply concerning lots of water and low ppm. Some rinsing products exist on the market that will chelate salts that have been left over or built up in the roots. Once chelated, these salts can be rinsed away. Use rinsing products for the first day or two, but then switch to plain water (chlorine-free, of course) for the last few days.

A few more points You will never experience perfect flavor if you aren’t giving your plants high-quality lighting and an ideal growing environment. If your plants are stricken with mold, bugs, disease, excessive heat or nutrient deficiencies, carbohydrates alone won't do the trick. Grow the healthiest plants possible, and the flavors will flow naturally. From there you can start adding all of the wonderful flavor-inducing supplements available at your local hydroponics supplier. MY Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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you tell us

Aurelia Muckinhaupt (sales), Dennis Hunter (owner) and Khanhvi Hunter (owner)

Ever wonder how fabric pots are constructed, and how they affect plant growth and crop yields? Here, Khanvi Hunter of GeoPots answers these questions and more.

Maximum Yield(MY): How are GeoPots made?

MY: What are the advantages of fabric containers for food crops?

Khanvi Hunter: GeoPots are made of a high-quality polypropylene geotextile fabric. The fabric is cut to the specific size of each container, and sewn using a bonded polyester marine-grade thread. If you have seen a GeoPot, there is no missing our quality stitching on the top rim and signature quad-stitch down the side.

Khanvi: More roots, more fruits. The biggest advantage of fabric containers for food crops is the air root pruning process, which creates thousand of fine fibrous feeder roots throughout the root zone. These feeder roots are more efficient in taking up water and nutrients, helping sustain robust plants and larger yields. Also, fabric containers allow air to enter the root zone from all surfaces of the container, thus promoting a healthy environment for the roots.

Another common problem with traditional plastic containers is poor drainage,

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which leads to anaerobic conditions that result in soil-borne diseases like phytophthora and pythium (which are responsible for devastating root rot). Thanks to GeoPot’s unique porous fabric, excess water can easily drain from the container, keeping moisture at an ideal level for healthy plant growth.

MY: What is air root pruning?

What are the benefits to roots that are air pruned?

Khanvi: With traditional plastic pots, the plant’s roots reach the inside edge of the container and are then forced to circle the container in search of a friendlier environment. As these roots circle, minimal lateral branching occurs, which results in poor nutrient uptake and causes the roots to quickly become root bound. What makes the GeoPot so unique is that when plant roots reach the container’s edge, its root tips are trapped by the porous fabric.

When these root tips meet the air on the outside of the pot, they are naturally pruned. This pruning process forces lateral

MY: What customer feedback have you received that has been implemented into research and development?

Khanvi: When GeoPot first started, we noticed that many customers were unhappy with the top rim of the fabric container because it would flop in while it is being filled or watered. As a result, we have doubled over the fabric on the top rim making our pots more rigid and help them stand up straight for easy filling and watering without having the top flop in. branching of desired fibrous feeder roots.

Thus, air pruning results in a healthy more robust plant that utilizes the entire root zone for optimum plant growth.

MY: How much oxygen do plants need to reach optimal growth?

Khanvi: Oxygen is key to diffusing carbon dioxide, caused by the respiration of root cells and microorganisms, away from the roots. Roots without adequate access to oxygen will result in weak plants that exhibit slow growth and are predisposed to pests and diseases. GeoPot’s porous fabric allows air to enter the root zone from all surfaces of the container. This aeration provides a healthy environment for the roots, as well as supports beneficial microorganisms and bacteria.

MY: What products do you offer and what is unique and advantageous about each product?

Khanvi: All of the GeoPots are available in both black and tan color.The tan GeoPots are very popular in warmer climates because they absorb less radiant heat. GeoPot also come with the option to add handles that make moving plants quick and easy.

Our handles are made of durable polypropylene webbings, and are sewn on using a heavy-duty bonded polyester thread.

GeoPot Transplanter with the Velcro seam allows the side of the container to open for easy removal of the root ball of starter plants. This makes transplanting quick and easy with the least amount of transplanting shock.

MY: What makes GeoPot the “very best fabric container on the market?”

Khanvi: GeoPot is set apart from other fabric containers for a variety of reasons. We use a thicker fabric that is very porous, which ensures a longer life span for the container while offering all of the benefits of aeration and air root pruning.

All of our products are stitched using an extremely strong bonded polyester thread and our signature quad-stitched side seam makes GeoPot even more durable, so they can wash and reused.

MY: Can you let our readers in on what your company as planned in R&D for 2012 and beyond?

Khanvi: There is a new product still in the R&D stage that we are testing out. It is a triple-layered block-out fabric that is white on both sides with built-in D-rings and can be expandable to fit any size greenhouse. We have decided to develop this product after many inquiries from our customers for a breathable block-out fabric for greenhouses. MY

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TALKING SHOP

AT A GLANCE Company: Bends Indoor Garden Station Owner: Nick and Ashley Beaudoin Location: 35 NW Bond, Bend, OR 97701 Phone: 1-541-385-5222 Fax: 1-541-316-2350 Website: bendsindoor.com Motto: "Happy growing!"

Nick and Ashley Beaudoin

Nick and Ashley Beaudoin created BIGS in 2005 with one thing in mind: helping growers achieve larger yields of high-quality fruits, vegetables and herbs in smaller spaces.

After humble beginnings and many long days, BIGS is now so much more than the go-to place for quality products…

Nick Beaudoin, co-owner and president of BIGS, has been in the industry since early 2003. Using General Hydroponics (GH) products during college prompted Nick to apply with the oldest manufacturer in the industry, and General Hydroponics hired Nick as a sales representative after graduating with a business degree from Southern Oregon University. Nick worked every day trying to fix indoor and outdoor gardening problems across the globe through customer emails, phone calls and over 300 store visits. Marketing was a large part of Nick’s job as well, and Nick was responsible for GH’s trend in sponsoring festivals across California,

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which started with Reggae on the River and Earth Dance.

Ashley Beaudoin, co-owner and vice president of BIGS, has been in the industry since early 2004. Ashley started out helping GH at trade shows and then moved on to working in a store called Hi-Tech Hydro in Richmond, California. Working in the most progressive area for hydroponics—the Bay Area, California—Ashley learned many of the tips and tricks that even the most experienced gardener wants to learn.

Today, Ashley works every day to keep up customer service with a smile inside BIGS. She and the tight-knit team make sure that every customer walks out of the

shop knowing that BIGS cares. "We like customers to always know they can reach us with questions or concerns, and we like to make sure there is always a familiar face in the store when customers come in," said Ashley.

After six years of business and helping gardeners achieve their goals of larger yields and higher-quality fruits, vegetables and herbs, BIGS is stronger than ever. They have moved from their original 1,400 sq. ft. shop to a much larger 7,600 sq. ft. landmark in old Bend. They now have over 1,000 items in stock, including lighting, environmental controls, ventilation, nutrients, growth additives, fruiting and flowering additives, hydroponics systems, soil and soilless mediums, garden tools, books and more. In fact, BIGS is now the place to go for specialty garden products in Bend, Oregan.

Last year, BIGS also started the Hydro Restore—the only place in central Oregon to buy, sell and trade used equipment. They carry ballasts, hoods, bulbs, environmental

"

controls, fans, hydroponic systems and more. Each item is carefully checked before being placed on the shelf to make sure customers are still getting the standard they are used to getting from BIGS. The inventory is changing all the time and it is a great way to upgrade your equipment or even to just get started. Also, with the slow economic times, BIGS is thrilled to be able to continue serving everyone.

BIGS is a community leader and helps through donations to the Boys and Girls Club, local schools, community events and community gardens. BIGS is also a long-time supporter of KPOV, Bend’s only public radio. "Music is our passion and we sponsor and support our local promoters to make sure music is always coming to Bend," said Ashley. Indeed, BIGS sponsors nearly one concert or festival per week to keep music alive and well in Bend and other parts of Oregon.

In closing, BIGS would like to say, “Thank you,” to everyone that has supported and continues to support BIGS.You make Bend a great place to live and you also help us to keep the community thriving. MY

BIGS also started the Hydro Restore—the only place in central Oregon to buy, sell and trade used equipment.

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10 facts On…Hydroponic Media

by Philip mcintosh

1. Some sources claim that the hanging gardens of Babylon was the first place that plants were grown without the use of traditional soil-based methods.

2. Nobody knows for sure how the earliest soilless hydroponics systems worked, but the first hydroponics medium was almost certainly sand (with the possible inclusion of small-sized gravel).

3. There are now at least a dozen different kinds of soilless media applied in hydroponics.

4. Inertness (non-reactivity and having no nutrient value) is usually a desirable feature of hydroponic media. Thus, most media are made from highly stable inorganic materials.

5. One exception to this inorganic “rule” is coco fiber (or, coir), which is an organic medium derived from coconuts.

Wood chips are another organic medium.

6. Bricks can be recycled into hydroponic substrate material when broken up into small pieces. However, depending on where they come from, they could contain contaminants that are detrimental to plant growth.

7. A recent arrival on the recycled media scene is expanded glass. Glass is harvested from refuse collection sites and processed into a light, porous medium similar in appearance to lava rock.

8. Spun mineral fiber (commonly known as stone wool or rockwool) was a successful insulation material for many decades before being adapted for agricultural use.

9. Stonewool was first invented on the 1800’s, but it wasn’t adapted for use in agriculture until just after 1970.

10. A root support medium isn’t actually required for hydroponics. Floating bed systems and aeroponics don’t use any media at all. MY 172

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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MAX-mART

LLC

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

www.hydrogardendelight.com

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MAX-mART

GREEN BROS HYDROPONICS

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

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

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

ALABAMA Alabama Organics 3348 Bethel Rd., Hammondville, AL 35989 256-635-0802 ALASKA Far North Garden Supply 2834 Boniface Parkway, Anchorage, AK 99504 907-333-3141 Southside Garden Supply AK 12870 Old Seward Hwy., Unit 114, Anchorage, AK 99515 907-339-9997 Holmtown Nursery Inc. 1301 - 30th Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-451-8733 Sea of Green Flagstaff 204 East Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-7643 Homegrown Hydroponics 2401 East Baseline Rd. Gilbert AZ 85234 480-633-2100 Ground Control Landscape ServicesHydroponic & Garden Supplies 1067 Ocean Dr., Homer, AK 99603 907-235-1521 Northern Lights Greenhouse & Garden Supply Suite 105-9737 Mud Bay Rd., Ketchikan, AK 9901 907-225-GROW (4769) Mesa Hydroponics 1720 W. Southern Ave, Ste. C7 Mesa AZ 85202 480-969-4769 Alaska Jack’s Hydroponics and Garden Supply 1150 S. Colony Way, Ste.9, Palmer, AK 99645 907-746-4774 Peninsula Garden Supply AK 44224 Sterling Highway, Suite 4, Soldotna, AK 99669 907-420-0401 Far North Garden Supply 300 Centaur Street, Wasilla, AK 99654 907-376-7586 ARIZONA Casa Grande Hydroponics 205 N. Florence St., Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520-836-4606 Sea of Green Flagstaff 204-C E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-SOGF (7643) The Hydro Closet 5826 West Olive Ave. #106, Glendale, AZ 85302 02-361-2049 ____________________________

Growtown Horticulture Supply 1945 E. Indian School RD. Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-277-0121 ____________________________ Homegrown Hydroponics 2525 West Glendale Ave Phoenix, AZ 85051 602-368-4005 Sea of Green West 2340 W. Bell Rd., Suite 116, Phoenix, AZ 602-504-8842 Show Low Hydroponics 1400 E. Deuce of Clubs #2 Show Low, AZ 85901 928-537-4606

ACI Hydroponics 1325 South Park Lane, Tempe, AZ 85282 800-633-2137 Homegrown Hydroponics 1845 East Broadway Tempe, AZ 85282 480-377-9096 Sea of Green Hydroponics 1301 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ, 85281 800-266-4136 ____________________________

Gonzo Grow 10297 W Van Buren St., Suite 8 Tolleson, AZ 85353 623-780-GROW (4769) ____________________________ Natural Pools & Gardens 2143 North Country, Suite C, Tucson, AZ 85716 520-323-2627 Sea of Green Hydroponics 402 North 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-6344 ____________________________

Tucson Hydroponics & Organics 4235 W. Ina Rd., Ste. 131 Tucson, AZ 85741 520-395-2052 ____________________________ ARKANSAS Mickey’s Mercantile 1303 Hwy., 65 South, Clinton, AR 72031 501-412-0214 Old Soul Organics and More 1771 Crossover Rd., Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-444-6955 Growfresh Organics & More 2900 Zero St., Ste 106, Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-648-8885 Fermentables 3915 Crutcher St., N. Little Rock, AR 72118 501-758-6261 Anuway Hydroponics 2711 W. Walnut St., Rogers, Arkansas 72756 479-631-0099 CALIFORNIA Greenleaf Hydroponics 1839 W Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801 714-254-0005 Grow It Yourself Gardens 401 Sunset Dr., Suite F, Antioch, CA 94509 925-755-GROW High Desert Hydroponics 13631 Pawnee Rd., #7, Apple Valley, CA 92308 760-247-2090 American Hydroponics 286 South G St., Arcata, CA 95521 800-458-6543 Let it Grow 160 Westwood Center, Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-8733 ____________________________

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 639 6th St., Arcata, CA 95521 707-826-9998 ____________________________

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Sweet Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 1041 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande,CA 93420 805-473-0004 Auburn Organic 4035 Grass Valley Hwy., Auburn, CA 95602 530-823-8900 High Street Hydro 180 Cleveland Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 530-885-5888 Quail Mountain Ranch 230 Palm Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-2390 Tell 2 Friends Indoor Gardening 62 Sutherland Dr., Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-8171 Bakersfield Hydroponics Bakersfield , CA 661-808-4640 ____________________________

Stop N Grow 5455 Rosedale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-859-1988 ____________________________ Green Leaf Hydroponics 3903 Patton Way #103 Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-245-2616 Kern Hydroponics 2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-323-7333 ____________________________

The Hydro Shop 3980 Saco Rd., Bakersfield, CA 661-399-3336 ____________________________ 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 Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710 510-549-2918 Berkeley’s Secret Garden 921 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710, 510-486-0117 Hydroponic Connection, The 2816 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 510-704-9376 Brentwood Hydroponics & Organics 560 Valdry Ct #85, Brentwood, CA 94513 925-634-6704 Good To Grow & Global Garden Supply 1350 Rollins Rd., Burlingame, CA, 94010 650-733-4420 Advanced Garden Supply 3113 Alhambra Dr., Unit F, Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-2100

Precision Hydroponics 132 Kennedy Ave., Campbell, CA 95008 408-866-8176 Elite Horticulture Supply 22330 Sherman Way, C13, Canoga Park, CA 91303 818-347-5172 Hydro International 7935 Alabama Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91304 Advanced Hydroponics 17808 Sierra Hwy., Canyon Country, CA 91351 Myron L Company 2450 Impala Dr., Carlsband, CA 9210-7226 760-438-2021 661-299-1603 ____________________________

San Diego Hydroponics North County Coastal 6352 Corte Del Abeto #J Carlsbad CA, 92011 760-420-8934 ____________________________ The Greenhouse Garden Supply 7619 Fair Oak Blvd.

Carmichael, CA 95608 916-515-9130 NorCal Creations PO Box 28, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 Garden Connection, The 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 Dr., Clearlake, CA 95422 707-994 3264 Under The Sun 12638 Foothill Boulevard, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 707-998-GROW (4769) G & G Organics and Hydroponics 901 W. Victoria Street Unit D, Compton, CA 90220 310-632-0122 Concord Indoor Garden 2771 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94519 925-671-2520 Hydroponics Plus 2250 Commerce Ave., Suite C Concord, CA 94520 925-691-7615 Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics 1307 W. Sixth St., #211, Corona, CA 92882 951-479-8069 The Hydro Spot 21785 Temescal Cyn Rd., Corona, CA 92883 A+ Hydroponics & Organics 1604 Babcock St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-642-7776 The Hydro Source 671 E. Edna Place Covina, CA 91723 877 HYDRO 82; 626-915-3128

Let it Grow 1228 2nd St., Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-9086 ____________________________

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 1070 Highway 101, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-1200 ____________________________ Seaside Hydrogarden 1070 Hwy., 101 North, Crescent City, CA 95531; 707-4653520 Pacific Coast Hydroponics 4147 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230 310-313-1354 Dr. Greenthumbs Hydroponic Garden Supplies 566 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville, CA 94526 925-314-9376 Constantly Growing - Davis 123 D St., Davis, CA 95616 530-756-4774 Constantly Growing 6200 Enterprise Dr., Suite A Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-642-9710 Harvest Hydroponics 6650 Merchandise Way Suite B, Diamond Springs, CA 95619 530-622-5190 Victory Garden Supply 1900 N Lincoln St., #100 Dixon, CA 95620 707 678 5800 ____________________________

The Lucky Garden Dublin Hydroponics 7071 Village Pkwy., Dublin, Ca 94568 925-828-GROW (4769) ____________________________ Grow A Lot Hydroponics, San Diego 1591 N. Cuyamaca St., El Cajon, CA 93612 619-749-6777 Indoor Garden Solution Inc. 12424 Exline St., El Monte, CA 91732, 626-453-0443 Go Green Hydroponics 15721 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436 818-990-1198 ____________________________

A Fertile World (Eureka) 6th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-444-0200 ____________________________ Bayside Garden Supply 4061 Highway 101 Ste 6 Eureka, CA 95503 707-826-7435 ____________________________

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

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

____________________________

____________________________

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

Roots Grow Supply 1330 North Hulbert, #101 Fresno, CA 93728 559-840-0122 ____________________________ Tower Garden Supply & Organic Nursery 403 W. Olive Ave., Fresno, CA 93728 559-495-1140 Valley Hydroponics 207 E. Sierra Ave. Fresno, CA 93710; 559-449-0426 Grow Wurks Hydroponics 765 S. State College Boulevard. Suite J Fullerton, CA 92831 714-253-Grow (4769) SB Hydro 1109 W. 190th Street, Unit #F, Gardena, CA 90248 310-538-5788 Golden Gecko Garden Center, The 4665 Marshall Rd., Garden Valley, CA 95633 530-333-2394 Probiotic Solutions 20889 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, CA 95441 707-354-4342

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

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

South Valley Hydroponics 320 Kishimura Dr., #3 Gilroy, CA 95020 866-848-GROW ____________________________

Zen Hydroponics 1801 Victory Blvd.

Glendale, CA 91201 877 ZEN Grow; 818 806 4500 ____________________________

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

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

____________________________

Northcoast Horticulture Supply 357 Main St., Fortuna, CA 95540 707-725-5550 ____________________________ Nature’s Secret Garden and Supply 41469 Albrae St., Fremont, CA 94577 510-623-8393 ____________________________

Gro More Garden Supply & Hydroponics Gro More Garden Supply 2686 Clovis Ave., Ste.109 Fresno, CA 93727 559-348-1055 ___________________________

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All Seasons Hydroponics 17614 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, CA 91344 818-368-4388 ____________________________ AG Natural 403 Idaho Maryland Rd., Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-274 0990 Grass Valley Hydrogarden 12506 Loma Rica Dr., Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-477-2996 ____________________________

Vital Landscaping Inc. 12817 Loma Rica Dr., Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-273-3187 ____________________________

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

West Coast Growers Hydroponics 13481 Colifax Hwy., Grass Valley, CA 95945 888-924-4769 Joy's Green Garden Supply 340-A Elm Ave, Greenfield, CA 93927 831-674-1416 M.G.S. 22540 D Foothill Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94541; 510-582-0900 Thrive Hydroponics 70 A West North St., Healdsburg, CA 95446 707-433-4068 Bear Valley Hydroponics & Homebrewing 17455 Bear Valley Rd., Hesperia CA 92345 760 949 3400 Emerald Garden 13325 South Hwy. 101, Hopland, CA 95482 707-744-8300 Surf City Hydroponics 7319 Warner St., Suite B Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-847-7900 Dutch Garden Supplies Park Circle Suite 12 Irvine CA 92614 949-748-8777 West Coast Hydroponics, Inc. 27665 Forbes Road, Unit 10 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949-348-2424 La Habra Hydroponics 1301 S Beach Blvd., Suite O. La Habra, CA 90631 562-947-8383 ____________________________

Grass Roots Hydroponics 31875 Corydon, Suite 130 Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 951-245-2390 ____________________________ South County Hydroponics 22511 Aspan St., Suite E Lake Forest, CA 92630 949-837-8252 Clover Hydroponics & Garden Supply 43 Soda Bay Rd., Lakeport, CA 95453 707-263-4000 ____________________________

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

Total Hydroponics Center Inc 4820 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712 562-984-GROW (4769) ____________________________ Weather Top Nursery 44901 Harmon Dr., Laytonville, CA 95454 707-984-6385

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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 ____________________________

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

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 6485 Brisa Street, Livermore, CA 94550 888-570-4678 (Southern CA) ____________________________ Garden Depot, The 203 Commerce Street, Suite 101 Lodi, CA 95240 209-339-9950 Valley Rock Landscape Supply 2222 N H Street; Lompoc CA 93436 805 736 0841; 805 735 5921 562 Hydro Shop 717 East Artesia Blvd.

Long Beach Ca,90805 562-726-1101 ____________________________

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

Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics 1772 Clark Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815 562-498-9525 ____________________________ Atwater Hydroponics 3350 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323-6638881 Green Door Hydro and Solar 830 Traction Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013 212-625-1323 Hardman Hydroponics 3511 Youree Dr., Shreveport Los Angeles 71105 318-865-0317 Hollywood Hydroponics and Organics 5109 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105 323-662-1908 Hydroasis 2643 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90232 888-355-4769 LAX Hydro 10912 S. La Cienaga Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90304 310-337-6995 Nirvana Hydroponics 340 South San Pedro Los Angeles, CA 90013 310-795-2914

Superior Hydroponic Supply 5651 Hollywood Blvd., 90028 Los Angeles,CA 323 465-grow (4769) ____________________________ Green Giant Hydroponics 7183 Hwy. 49 Unit B Lotus, CA 95651; 530-622-4465 Big Momma’s 11455 Clayton Creek Rd., Lower Lake, CA 95457 707-994-1788 California Green Hydroponics 16491 Rd., 26, Suite 101 Madera, California 93638 559-674-1400 grow 22333 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 101 Malibu, CA 90265; 310-456-2910 Deep Roots Garden Center & Flower Shop 207 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-376-0567 B & S Gardening Supplies 592 Commerce Court, Manteca, CA 95336 209-239-8648 Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply 218 Reindollar Ave., Suite 7A, Marina, CA 93933 831-38-HYDRO Two Chix Garden Supply 1230 Yuba St., Marysville, CA 95901 530-923-2536 ____________________________

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

Year Round Garden Supply 11000 Carver Rd. #20 Modesto, CA 95350 Tel: 209 522 2727 ____________________________

Green Light Hydroponics 2615 Honolula Ave. Montrose, CA 91020 818-640-2623 ____________________________ South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View 569 East Evelyn Ave., Mountain View, CA 94041 650-968-4070 Redwood Garden Supply 55 Myers Ave., Myers Flat, CA 95554 707-943-1515 ____________________________

Endless Green Hydroponics 25 Enterprise Court, Suite 3 Napa, CA 94558 707-254-0200 ____________________________ Wyatt Supply 4407 Solano Ave., Napa, CA 94558; 707-251-3747 Conejo Hydroponics 3481 Old Conejo Rd., #106 Newbury Park, CA 91320 805-480-9596 Big Momma’s 2581 Stokes Ave., Nice, CA 95464 707-274-8369 ____________________________

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

Foothill Hydroponics 10705 Burbank Boulevard, N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-760-0688 ___________________________ One Stop Hydroponics 12822 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606 818-980-5855 Lumatek Digital Ballasts 33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite B Novato, CA 94949 415-233-4273 Marin Hydroponics 55 Frosty Ln Novato, CA 94949 415-233-4104 Marin Hydroponics 1219 Grant Ave., Novato, CA 94945 415-897-2197

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

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 1950 C South Grove Ave., Ontario, CA 91761 888-888-3319 ____________________________ Palm Tree Hydroponics 2235 E 4th St, Suite G Ontario, CA 91764 909-941-9017 ____________________________

Igrow Hydro 2280 Veatch St., Oroville, CA 95965 530-534-4476 Orville Organic Gardens 5250 Olive Hwy Ste 1 Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-9950 US Orchid & Hydroponic Supplies 1621 South Rose Ave.,, Oxnard, CA 93033 805-247-0086 Pacifica Hydroponics 90 Eureka Square Pacifica, CA 94044 650-355-5100 ____________________________

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

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

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

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

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

Advanced Soil & Garden Supply 350 Oro Dam Boulevard, Oroville, CA 95965 530-533-2747 ____________________________

Green Bros Hydroponics 14072 Osborne St., Panorama City, CA 91402 818-891-0200 ____________________________ Mission Hydroponics 1236 East Mission Pomona, CA 91766 909-620-7099 New Leaf Hydro 34150 123rd St., Parablossom, CA 93553 661-944-2226 Alternative Hydro 3870 East, Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107 888-50-HYDRO Better Grow Hydro Pasadena 1271 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasedena, CA 91106 626-737-6612 365 Hydroponics 2062 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 626-345-9015

Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 3850 Ramada Dr., Unit D2 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-434-2333 Foothills Hydrogarden 3133 Penryn Rd., Penryn, CA 95663 916-270-2413 ____________________________

Funny Farms Hydroponics 963 Transport Way, #12 Petaluma, CA 94954 707-775-3111 ____________________________ House of Hydro 224 Weller St., #B, Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-4769 Wyatt Supply 1016 Lakeville St., Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-3747 JNJ Hydroponics 4774 Phelan Rd. Suite 2 Phelan, CA 92371 760-868-0002 Turbo Grow 1889 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564 510-724-1291 Hillside Hydro & Garden 4570 Pleasant Valley Rd., Placerville CA 95662 530-644-1401 Best Yield Garden Supply 3503 West Temple Ave., Unit A, Pomona, CA 91768 909-839-0505 Mission Hydroponics 1236 East Mission Pomona, CA 91766 909-620-7099 Emerald Garden 8249 Archibald Ave., Ranch Cucamanga, CA 91730 909-466-3796 ____________________________

GreenLeaf Hydroponics 2212 Artesia Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-374-2585 ____________________________ Radiant Roots Gardening & Hydroponics 1394 S Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, CA 90277 310-540-2005 Shadow Valley Aquatics 75 Kimick Way, Red Bluff, CA 96080 530-526-0479 Bear Roots Hydroponics 1615 East Cypress, #5 Redding, CA 96002 530-244-2215 Dazey’s Supply 3082 Redwood Dr., Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3002 Humboldt Hydroponics 2010 Tunnel Rd., Redway, CA 95560 707-923-1402 Redway Feed Garden and Pet Supply 290 Briceland Rd., Redway, CA 95560 707-923-2765

Sylvandale Gardens 1151 Evergreen Rd., Redway, CA 95560 707-923-3606 Hydro King 105 Hartnell Ave., Suite C and D, Redding, CA 96002 888-822-8941 Orsa Organix 111 Willow St., Redwood City, CA 94063 650-369-1269 ____________________________

Mendocino Greenhouse & Garden Supply 960 East School Way, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 707-485-0668 ____________________________ EZ Green Hydroponics 7017 Reseda Boulevard, Reseda, CA 91335 818-776-9076 Hydro Hills Hydroponics 19320 Vanowen St., Reseda CA 91335 Box Of Rain Inc. Po Box 302, Rexford, CA 59930 406-755-7245 Hi-Tech Gardening 5327 Jacuzzi St., #282, Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-4710 The Urban Farmer Store 2121 San Joaquin St., Richmond, CA 94804 510-524-1604 ____________________________

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

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

Calwest Hydroponics 11620 Sterling Ave., Suite A Riverside, CA 92503 800-301-9009 ____________________________ Hydro Depot 5665 Redwood Dr., #B, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-584-2384 Igrow Hydro 9000 Atkinson St., Roseville, CA 95678 916-773-4476 Green Acres Hydroponics 1215 Striker Ave., Suite 180, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-4394 Greenfire Sacramento 3230 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95821 916-485-8023

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

179

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Green Thumb Hydroponics 35 Quinta Court, Suite B, Sacramento, CA 95823 916-689-6464 ____________________________

KY Wholesale 8671 Elder Creek Rd. #600 Sacramento, CA 95828 916 383 3366 ____________________________ Mystic Gardens 8484 Florin Rd., #110, Sacramento, CA 95828 916-381-2464 Sac Hydroponics 9529 Folson Boulevard, Suite C Sacramento, CA 95827 916-369-7968 Skywide Import & Export Ltd. 5900 Lemon Hill Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824 916-383-2369 Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies 1235 Striker Ave. #180, Sacramento, CA 95834 888-557-8896 Green Joint Ventures 61 Tarp Circle, Salinas, CA 93901 831-998-8628 ____________________________

City Farmer’s Nursery 4832 Home Ave., San Diego, CA 92105 619-284-6358 Green Lady Hydroponics 4879 Newport Ave., San Diego, CA 92107 619-222-5011 Home Brews & Gardens 3176 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92104 619-630-2739 ____________________________

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

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

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

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

National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 1900 Bendixsen St. , Bldg. 1, Samoa, CA 95564 800-683-1114 (Northern CA) ____________________________ Greenmile Hydroponic Garden Supply 1480 South E. Street, Suite D, San Bernardino, CA 92408 909-885-5919 Garden Shed, The 1136 El Camino Real San Carlos, CA 650-508-8600 Pure Food Gardening/ Microclone 830 H Bransten Rd. San Carlos,CA 94070-3338 Green Gopher Garden Supply 679 Redwood Ave., Suite A, Sand City, CA 93955 831-899-0203 Modern Gardens 26620 Valley Center Dr. Santa Clarita, CA 91351 661-513-4733 Best Coast Growers 4417 Glacier Ave. Suite C, San Diego, CA 92120 800-827-1876

180

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Extreme Hydroponics 11479 San Fernando Road C, San Fernando, CA 91340 818-898-0915 Plant It Earth 661 Divisadero San Francisco, CA 94117 415-626-5082 Plant It Earth Warehouse 1 Dorman Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124 415-970-2465 ____________________________

Grow Your Own 3401 Traval St., San Francisco, CA 94116 415-731-2115 ____________________________ Hydroponic Connection Warehouse, The 1995 Evans Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124 415-824-9376 Nor Cal Hydroponics 4837 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118 415-933-8262 Plant It Earth 2279 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94114 415-626-5082 ____________________________

Hydrogarden Delight 13762 Doolittle Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577 510-903-1808 Central Coast Hydrogarden 1951 Santa Barbara St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-544-GROW Healthy Harvest Hydroponics and Organics 2958 S. Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805.596.0430 ____________________________

San Diego Hydroponics North 802 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road #108 San Marcos, CA 92069 760-510-1444 ____________________________ H20 Gardening 355 West 7th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 310-514-1416 Marin Hydroponics 721 Francisco Blvd East San Rafael, CA 94901 415-482-8802 Pacific Garden Supply 128 H Carlos Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903 San Rafael Hydroponics 1417 Fourth St. San Rafael, CA 94901 415 455 9655 ____________________________

UrbanGardens advanced hydroponics and gardening

Gottagrow Garden Supply 769 Wilson St., 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 Wyatt Supply 747 Yolanda Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-578-3747 Next Generation Hydroponics 10658 Prospect Ave., Ste.A Santee, CA 92071 619-438 2415 ____________________________

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

704 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

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

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

San Diego Hydroponics Beach Cities 4122 Napier St., San Diego, CA 92110 619-276-0657 ____________________________ Wai Kula Hydrogardens 5297 Linda Vista Rd., San Diego, CA 92110 619-299-7299 Direct Hydroponics Wholesale 1034 W. Arrow Hwy. #D San Dimas, CA 91773 888-924-9376 Liquid Gardens 1034 West Arrow Hwy. #D San Dimas, CA 91773 888-924-9376

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

Urban Gardens Unlimited 704 Filbert St., San Francisco, CA 94133 415-421-4769 ____________________________ San Francisco Hydro 123 Tenth St., San Francisco, CA 94103 The Urban Farmer Store 2833 Vicente St., San Francisco, CA 94116 415-661-2204 US Garden 417 Agostinio Rd., San Gabriel Ca 91776 626 285-5009 Inland Empire Hydrogarden 1301-C South State St., San Jancinto, CA 92853 Hahn’s Lighting 260 E. VA Suite 1, San Jose, CA 95112 408-295-1755 Plant Life 32 Race St., San Jose, CA 95126 408-283-9191 Hydrofarm, Inc. 2249 South McDowell Extension Petaluma, CA 94954 800-634-9990 Hydrofarm Southwest 12991 Leffingwell Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 800-634-9990 South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose 1185 South Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128 408-292-4040 D&S Garden Supplies 17-130 Doolittle Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577 510-430-8589

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

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

Santee Hydroponics 7949 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, CA 92071 619-270-8649 Gardening Unlimited 60 Old El Pueblo Rd., Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-457-1236 Pro Gardening Systems 765 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-829-7252 Better Choice Hydroponics 610 S. Washington St., Senora, CA 95370 209 533 2400 Go Big Hydroponics 4501 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 818-789-3341 Bloom Brothers Garden Supply, Inc. 3293 Industry Dr. Signal Hill, CA 90755 562 494-0060 ___________________________

We Grow Hydroponics 3350 East Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063 805-624-4566 ___________________________ Abundant Hydroponics LLC 1611 Shop St., #1-A, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-54 HYDRO

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Advanced Garden Supply 2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Building C, Unit 9, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-4769 ____________________________ Farm Hydroponics, The 1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-541-3276 Valley Hydro and Organics 19230 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma CA 95476 707-396-8734 Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - East Side 4000 Cordelia Lane Soquel, CA 95073 831-475-9900 ____________________________

Orange County Hydroponics 12797 Beach Boulevard, Stanton, CA 90680 714-893-9493 ____________________________

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

HomeGrown Indoor Garden Supply 681 A Grider Way, Stockton, CA 95210 209-477-4447 ____________________________ Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply 8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48, Stockton, CA 95210 209-951-3550 M&M Garden Supply 2509 West Lane, Suite B Stockton, CA 95205 209-939-0664 Pacific Ave Indoor Garden Supply 4633 pacific Ave Stockton , CA 95207 209-955-0945 City Farm Hydroponics 8903 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Sun Valley, CA 91352 818-767-2076 ____________________________

Sunland Hydroponics 8300 Foothill Boulevard, Sunland, CA 91040 818-352-5300 ____________________________ Anthony’s Garden & Lighting Supply 30 Ridge Road, Suites 8 & 9 Sutter Creek, CA 95685 209-267-5416 Tahoe Garden Supply 645 Westlake Boulevard, Suite 2, PO Box 487 Tahoe City, CA 96145 530-581-3200 The Otherside Hydroponics 19425 Ventura Blvd Tarzana CA 91356 818 881 hydro (4937)

Garden Depot Hydroponics 1460 Freitas Park Turlock, CA 95380 209-250-0101 Hooked Up Hydroponics 339 S. Golden State Boulevard, Turlock, CA 95380 209-668-1300 Emerald Garden 307 East Perkins Street, Ukiah, CA 95482 707-463-2510 ____________________________

HydroPacific - Hydroponics & Garden Supplies 351 C Hastings Av., Ukiah, CA 95482 707-467-0400 ____________________________ Northcoast Hydrogardens 3450 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7214 Wyatt Supply 2200 N. State St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-7473 Atlantis Garden Supply 2851 A Whipple Road, Union City, CA 94587 510-487-8007 Evergreen Hydroponics 923 N. Central Avenue, Suite B, Upland, CA 91786 909-946-7100 TNC Supply 9490 Main Street, P.O. Box 763 Upper Lake, CA 95485 707-275-9565 Everything Green 1650 Lewis Brown Dr. Vallejo, CA 94589 707 647 0774

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

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

BWGS-CA 7530 W. Sunnyview Avenue Visalia, CA 93291 888-316-1306 ____________________________ The Green Shop 66420 Mooney Boulevard, Suite 1 Visalia, CA 93277 559-688-4200 Kaweah Grower Supply 1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, CA 93293 559-625-4937 Greentrees Hydroponics Inc. 2581 Pioneer Avenue, Unit D Vista, CA 92081 760-598-7551 Home Life Hydroponics and Organics 1745 East Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084 760-643-2150 Specialty Garden Supply 7 Hangar Way Ste B Watsonville Ca 95075 831-768-0420 Evergreen Farm Feed and Garden 1131 Main Street Weaverville, CA 96093 530-623-2884 California Hydro Garden 1043 South Glendora Avenue, Suite A West Covina, CA 91790 626-813-0868 No Stress Hydroponics 7543 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046 323-845-9874 Hydronation 2491 Boatman Drive, Suite B West Sacramento, CA 95691 916-372-4444 Flower Hut Nursery 603 4th Street Wheatland, CA 95692 530-633-4526 ____________________________

Green Coast Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Boulevard Whittier, CA 90601 562-699-4201 ____________________________ GreenWay Hydroponics 11510 Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90601 Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More 14626 East Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90605 562-945-0909

Garden Spout, The 260 Margie Dr Willits, CA 95490 707-456-0196 Sparetime Supply 208 E. San Francisco Avenue, Willits, CA 95490-4006 ____________________________

Hydromagic Supply 40 N. East St. Suite F Woodland,CA 95776 530-661-0117 ____________________________ Urban Gardens 22516 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818-876-0222 ____________________________

Ultra Lo Hydro ultralohydro.com 937-252-8224 ____________________________ Garden Highway Garden Supply 598 Garden Highway #22 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-755-2877 Golden Valley Hydroponics 870 W. Onsott Rd. Ste F Yuba City, CA 95993 530-763-2151 Southern Humbolt Garden Supplies 34919 Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa, CA 92399 909-797-6888; 707-459-6791 Yucca Valley Hydroponics 56825 Twentynine Palms Hwy. Yucca Valley, CA 92284 760 369 0300 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 ___________________________

The Big Tomato Indoor Garden Supply 14440 E. 6th Ave. Aurora, CO 80011 (303) 364-4769 ___________________________ Family Hydroponics-Boulder 2125 32nd Street Boulder, co 80301 303-996-6100 Polar Ray 5171 Eldorado Springs Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 303 494 5773

Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 2125 32 Street Boulder, CO 80301 303-996-6100 Way To Grow 6395 Gunpark Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 303-473-4769 Deep Roots Garden Supply 1790 Airport Road, Unit 1 Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-1440 Mile High Hydroponics 37 Strong St. Brighton, CO 80601 303-637-0069 Brighton Hydroponics 839so.Kuner rd., Brighton CO 80601 303-655-1427 ___________________________

ACME Hydroponics 300 Nickel St Suite 3 Broomfield, CO 80020 720.524.7306 ___________________________ Colorado Grow 3400 Industrial Lane, Unit 10A Broomfield, CO 80020 303-465-GROW (4769) Hydrofarm CO 400 Burbank St Broomfield, CO 80020 800-634-9990 J&D Organic Growing Solutions 217 1/2 Clayton Street Brush, CO 80723 970-310-5408 BIG BloomZ 1011 Caprice Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-688-0599 ___________________________

Indoor

The

Gardener

Indoor Gardener. The 3225 I-70 Business Loop Unit A10 Clifton, Colorado 81520 970-434-9999 ____________________________ Indoor Garden Warehouse 8100 S Akron St., Suite 322, Centennial, CO 80112 720-496-2110 Garden Tech 737 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-278-9777 Greenhouse Tech 917 East Fillmore, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-634-0637 Hydro Grow Supply 644 Peterson Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-596-2600 Purple Mountain Hydroponics LLC 1530 S Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719-635-5859 Room To Grow LLC 422 South 8th Street Colorado Springs CO 80905 719-633-8682 Roots and Rocks Hydroponic and Organic Garden Supply 1014 S. 21st Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719-634-1024

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

TS

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R-n-B Horticultural Supply 25797 Conifer Rd #a-8 Conifer, Co 80433 303-838-5520 ____________________________

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

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

BWGS-CO 11685 E. 55th Avenue Denver, CO 80239 888-316-1306 ____________________________

Chlorophyll 3801 Mariposa St. Denver CO 80211 303-433-1155 ____________________________ Denver Hydroponic & Organic Center 6810 North Broadway, Unit D Denver, CO 80221 303-650-0091 Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 1717 39th Ave Denver, CO 80205 800-58HYDRO The Grow Outlet 4272 Lowell Boulevard Denver, CO 80211 303-586-5543 Way To Grow 301 East 57th Ave. Denver, CO 80216 303-296-7900 ____________________________

All Seasons Gardening 434 Turner Drive, Suite 2B Durango, CO 81303 (970) 385-4769 ____________________________ Blue Sky Hydroponics 1301 Florida Road Unit C Durango, CO 81301 970-375-1238

182

DHL Garden Supply 178 Bodo Dr.Unit B Durango, Co 81303 970-247-1090 Grow Store South, The 5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37, Englewood, CO 80110 303-738-0202 Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 439 Edwards Access Rd Unit B101 Edwards, CO 81632 970-926-2100 Alpenglow Garden Supply 2712 South College Ave Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-266-8888 Bath Nursery & Garden Center 2000 E. Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-484-5022 Gold Coast Hydroponics West 8101 S.W. Frontage Road Suite 300 Fort Collins, Colorado 80528 970-232-3220 Indoor Paradise Hydroponics 309 S. Summit View, Unit 17, Fort Collins, CO 80524-1462 970-221-3751 Way To Grow 3201 E. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-484-4769 ____________________________

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

Primo Gardens 1600 North Ave. Suite B Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-241-1209 970-668-0359 ____________________________ Greeley Nutrients 700 11th Street Unit 101 Greeley CO 80631 970 673 8302 Your Grow Bud 6801 South Emporia St. Suite 106 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 Tel: 303-790-2211 GroWize 3225 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80227 303-986-2706

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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

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

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

Victory Hydro Gardening 1387 E. South Boulder Rd. Louisville, CO, 80027 303-664-9376 ____________________________ Lyons Indoor Gardening 138 Main Street, Lyons, CO 80540 720-530-3828 Head Start Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Emporium 34500 US Highway 6, Unit B-9, North Edwards, CO 81632 970-569-313 Grow Depot 1434 W. 104th Ave. Northglenn, CO 80234 303-459-7878 Pueblo Hydroponicss and Organics - Downtown 113 W 4th St, Pueblo CO 81003 719 542 6798 Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics- South 2704 S Prarie Ave Suite C Pueblo CO 81005 719 564 2660 Pueblo Hydroponics and Organics 609 E Enterprise Dr Pueblo West CO 81007 709 647 0907 Salida Hydroponic Supply 1242 C Street Salida, CO 81201 719-539-4000 ____________________________

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

CONNECTICUT ____________________________

CT Home Grown 45 South Canterbury Canterbury, CT 06331 860-546-6161 ____________________________

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

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

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

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

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

GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc. 5011 S State Road 7, Suite 104 Davie, FL 33314 954-316-8815 Absolute Hydroponic Garden Center Inc 1607 Old Daytona Steet Deland, FL 32724 386-734-0696 Organic Grow Hut 2 780 Deltona Blvd. #107 Deltona, Florida 32725 1-888-574-grow 386-259-5777

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

Biofloral 6250 NW 27th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 877 735 6725 ____________________________ Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies 13482 North Cleveland Avenue, Fort Meyers, FL 33903 239-997-4769 Gardener’s Edge Gainesville 5000 NW 34th Street, Suite 13, Gainesville, FL 32605 352-375-2769 ____________________________

Florida Garden Supplies 2692 W 79 Street, Hialeah, FL 33016 1-800-931-5215 ____________________________ Hydro Terra Corp.

924 North Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020 954-920-0889 Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North) 3642 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, FL 34448 352-628-2655 Hydroponics International Inc. 7029-10 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32220 904-693-6554 ____________________________

Grower’s Choice & Hydroponics 11855 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-683-4517 ____________________________ Urban Organics & Hydroponics 5325 Fairmont Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-398-8012 Simply Hydroponics & Organics 7949 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33773 727-531-5355 GrowSmart Indoor Garden Centers 14587 Southern Boulevard, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561-429-3527 Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – West 14703 Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee, FL 33470 561 296 8555 Atlantic Hydroponics 430 Count Street, Melbourne, FL 32901 321-821-1535 ____________________________

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

Advanced Hydro Gardens 4960 NW 165 Street, Suite B-4, Miami, FL 33014 866-97-HYDRO Blossoms Experience, The 7207 NW 54th Street, Miami, FL 33166 866-452-4769 ____________________________

Florida Garden Supplies 9545 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33173 800-931-5215 ____________________________ Future Farms Inc., The 14291 SW 120th Street, Suite 105 Miami, FL 33186 305-382-2757 Gold Coast Hydroponics 4241 SW 71st Avenue, Miami, FL 33155 1-800-780-6805 Growing Garden Inc., The 12811 SW 42nd Street, Miami, FL 33175 305-559-0309 VitaOrganix 7921 NW 67th St Miami, FL 33166 786 845 8633 3D Hydroponics and Organics 7139 US Highway #19, New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-847-3491 ____________________________

Florida Garden Supplies 8442 Tradeport Drive, Unit 200, Orlando, FL 32827 ____________________________

Hydroponic Depot II 2395 S Tamiami Trail #19 Port Charlotte FL 33952 941 255 3999t EZ Grow Green 604 S.W. Bayshore Blvd.

Port St. Lucie, Fl 34983 772-807-7755 Urban Sunshine Organic & Hydroponic Gardening 2841 South Nove Rd., Ste. 5 South Daytona, FL 32119 386-236-9989 386-492-6978 Mr. Nice Guy Hydroponics 1800 NW. Federal Hwy., Stuart, FL 34994 772 934 6785 Esposito Garden Center 2743 Capital Circle NE, Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-386-2114 Evershine Hydroponics 1519 Capital Circle NE Unit #35 Tallahassee FL 32308 850-765-0040 Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center 8877 North 56th Street Tampa, FL 33617 813-514-9376 Harvest Time Hydroponics 14414 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613 813-264-7101 Hydroponics of Tampa 120 W. Bougain Villea, Tampa, FL 33612 813-333-6828 Hydrofarm Southeast 12600 NW 115th Avenue Medley, FL 33178-3199 877-780-4567 Stoney Hydro @ Schiro’s Barn n Garden Supplies 7812 Causeway Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33619 813-626-0902 ____________________________

Urban Sunshine 6100 Hanging Moss Rd ste 50 Orlando, FL 32807 407-647-4769 ____________________________

Urban Sunshine 6142 S. Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32809 407-859-7728 ____________________________ Green Winters Inc. 147 Tomoka Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 386-235-8730 800-931-5215 The Healthy Harvest Ste. 126 21113 Johnson St. Pembroke Pines, FL. 33029 954-538-1511 Eden Garden Supply 5044 N. Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 850-439-1299 Healthy Gardens and Supply of Florida, Inc. 196 East Nine Mile Road, Suite F, Pensacola, FL 32534 850-912-4545 ____________________________

National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 455 S. Andrews Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 877-649-3567 (Southeast) ____________________________

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 407-574-8495 ____________________________

Happy Planet Hydroponics 11433 U.S. HWY 441 Tavares FL, 32778 352-253-1001 ____________________________

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

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Pahoa Feed & Fertilizer 15-2754 Old Government Road, Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-9955

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

IDAHO

GEORGIA ____________________________

ILLINOIS

Atlantis Hydroponics 1422 Woodmont Lane, #4, Atlanta, GA 30318 404-367-0052 ____________________________ Flora Hydroponics, Inc. 1239 Fowler St. NW Atlanta, GA 30318 Flora Hydroponics Inc. 2475 Jefferson Road, Suite 600 Athens, GA 30607 866-404-0551 Flora Hydroponics, Inc. 195 Paradise Blvd.

Athens, GA 30607 ____________________________

Atlantis Hydroponics 2561 West Point Avenue, College Park, GA 30337 678-510-0032 ____________________________ Alpha Hydroponics and Garden Supply Inc. 3904 N Druid Hills Rd. Suite 247 Decatur GA 30033 404 590 4769 Savannah Hydroponics & Organics 4107 Eighth Street, Suite C Garden City, GA 31408 912-349-4030 Atlantis Hydroponics 5182-B Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross, GA 30071 770.558.1346 HAWAII Eco-Island Supply 810 Haiku Road, #394 Haiku, HI 96708 808-575-9171 Aqua Plant Hawaii / Kahala Hydroponics 4224 Wailae, Suite 1A, Honolulu, HI 96816 808-735-8665 Green Hands of Aloha 1713 Mary Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 808-847-4263 Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply 300 Hukilike Street, #2M, Kahalui, HI 96732 808-871-6393 Aiyah’s Garden 4558 kukui st. kapa’a, Hi. 96746 Aiyah’s Garden 3-3122 Kuhio Hwy. unit B-2 Lihue, Hi. 96766 808 245 2627

Boise Hydroponics 614 North Orchard Street, Boise, ID 83706 208-344-3053 Greenthumb Greenhouses 5895 Ensign Avenue, Boise, ID 83714 Aerostar Global 824 South Kay Avenue, Addison, IL 60101

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Gardinside 618 S. Rt. 59 suite 104 Naperville, IL 60540 630-276-9885 ____________________________ Green Fields 8137 N. Milwaukee, Niles, IL 60714 847-965-5056 ____________________________

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 Versaponics.COM Box 166 West Main St. Carbondale, IL62901 573-450-5401 Alternative Garden Supply 615 Industrial Drive, Unit A Cary, IL 60013 800-444-2837 Brew and Grow 3625 N. Kedzi Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 773-463-7430 Fertile Ground 463 West MacArthur Drive, Cottage Hills, IL 62018 618-259-5500 Brew and Grow- Crystal Lake 176 W. Terra Cotta Ave. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-301-4950 ____________________________

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

Autumn Bloom Alternative Indoor Gardening 1020 Derby Street Pekin, Illinois 61554 309-642-6943 ____________________________ Grow Shop of Peoria 2621 N University Peoria, IL 61604 (309)-299-0953 wix.com/growshoppeoria/growshoppeoria GroUp Gardening 221 N. 5TH St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-349-4407 Aerogro 502 N Prospect suite 18 Bloomington, IL, 61704 Prairie House Garden Center 15151 South Harlem Avenue, Orland, IL 60462 708-687-3131 Brew and Grow 3224 South Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61109 815-874-5700 Brew and Grow 359 W. Irving Park Road Unit E, Roselle, IL 60172 630-894-4885 Organic Garden Center 9223 Skokie Blvd.

Skokie, IL 60077 847-675-2722 ____________________________

Inc.

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

Grow Masters 4641 Old Grand Ave. Gurnee, Il. 60031 224-399-9877 ____________________________ Big Grow Hydroponics 9225 Trinity Drive, Lake In The Hills, IL 60156 847-854-4450 Grow Big Hydroponics 7817 B North 2nd Street, Manchesney Park, IL 61115 815-637-4769

Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 3427 Old Chatman Road, Springfield, IL 62704 217-341-0821 Kreation’s Indoor Gardening Center 2110 North Grand Ave Springfield , IL, 62702 217-341-0821 ____________________________ Kentuckiana Hydroponic Garden Supply 632 Eastern Blvd, Unit B Clarksville IN, 47129 812-725-8005 kentuckianahydro.com Water Works Indoor Gardening 1900 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703 217-553-6929

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

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Midwest Hydroganics 949 W Irving Park Rd. Streamwood IL 60107 630-483-1600 ____________________________ INDIANA ____________________________

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

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

KENTUCKY

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

2126 O’Neal Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 225-751-4769 Laughing Buddha Nursery 4516 Clearview Parkway, Metairie, LA 70006 504-887-4336 Urban Organics 285 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117 504-352-4709 Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics 201 Angus Drive, Yungsville, LA 70592 337-303-6146 MAINE The Urban Garden Center 600 Wilson St. Brewer, ME 04412 207-989-2020 LiquidSun of Maine 51West Gray Rd. Gray, ME 04039 207-657-8033 Natures Palate Indoor Garden Store 1321 Mercer Rd ( rte2) Mercer, Maine 04957 877-587-4150 207-587-4150 ____________________________

184

Evergreen Garden Center 301 Forest Ave Portland, ME 04101 207-761-2800 ____________________________

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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INDOOR GARDEN CENTER

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

Five Point Gardens 56555 Oak Road, South Bend, IN 46619 574-287-9232 ____________________________ KANSAS Green Circle Hydroponics 6890 W. 105th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212 913-642-3888

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Garden Grove Organics 29 East 7th Street, Covington, (Cincinnati Metro), KY 41011 859-360-1843 ____________________________

LOUISIANA 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 46202 317-780-8020 Magic Bulb Garden Center 6229 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-202-2852 Maximum Grow Gardening 6117 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-359-GROW (4769) Next Generation Gardening & Hydroponics 6805 Madison Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-786-0066 nggandh.com ____________________________

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

____________________________ The Urban Garden Center 659 Warren Ave Portland, ME 04103 1-207-347-2350 Here We Grow 30 Parsons St. Presque Isle, ME 04769 207-SOY-BEAN (769-2326) Green Thumb Indoor Gardening 19 Stage Road, St. Albans, ME 04971 207-938-5909 New England Horticulture Supply 125 John Roberts Road Suite 1 South Portland, ME 04106 207-899-0510 newenglandhorticultersupply.com Urban Garden Center 235 Lewiston Road, Topsham, ME 04086 207-373-0990 Greenlife Garden Supply 611 US Rt. 1 York, ME 03909 207-363-0844 MARYLAND East Coast Organics 2800 Sisson Street, Baltimore, MD 21211 Healthy Gardens and Supply 5001-F Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 443-708-5144 Maryland Hydroponics Inc. 10051 North 2nd Street, Laurel, MD 20723 301-490-9236 Meadowview Feed & Garden Center 1202 Meadowview Road, Pasadena, MD 21122 443-817-0018 Maryland Hydroponics Inc. 12130 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD 20852 240-551-4625 Purple Mountain Organics 100-7010 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 877-538-9901 MASSACHUSETTS Greenlife Garden Supply 481 Boston Road, Unit 4, Billerica, MA 01821 978-262-9966 GYOstuff – Grow Your Own 2400 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140 617-945-1654 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 29 Washington Street, Route 1 Foxboro, MA 02035 800-660-6977 Here We Grow 123 Russell St. (Rt. 9) Hadley, MA 01035 413-584-FARM (3276) LiquidSun® MA 8 Lynwood Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040 413-539-6875

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

Evergreen Garden Center 216 Newbury St. Peabody MA 01960 ____________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 560 Boston Turnpike (Rt.9) Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-845-4477 ____________________________

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

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

Flo-N-Grow Hydroponics Co. 214 North 2nd Street Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-1877 www.FNGhydro.com ____________________________ Get Growing Urban Garden Centre 142 S. Main St Adrian MI 49221 U Can Grow Hydro 2247 W. Liberty Ann Arbor MI 48103 Hydro Vision 11820 Belleville Belleville, MI 48111 (734) 325-6210 Growers Outlet 7720 Clyde Park SW Byron Center, MI 49513 616-878-4444 A Plus Hydroponics of Michigan LLC 9750 Cherry Valley Ave SE Caledonia MI 49316 (616) 891-0706

Hydro Vision 5844 N. Shelton Rd. Canton, MI 48187 (734) 335-6818 Absolute Hydro & Grow Centre 2583 Union Lake Rd., Commerce Township, MI 48382 248-937-8664 HydroMaster 36345 Groesbeck Hwy Clinton Twp, MI 48035 586-792-0277 Granny Green Thumbs 103 W. Grand River Flowerville MI 48836 Hydro Grow Room 15201 N. Holly Road, Unit B Holly, MI 48442 248-369-8333 ____________________________

Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply 611 Main st.

Norway, Michigan 49870 (906)563-1518 ____________________________

Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 6540 Allen Road, Allen Park, MI 48101 313-383-1766 ____________________________ Gro Blue Indoor Gardening Supplies 270 W. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-913-2750 Grow Show, The 4095 Stone School Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-677-0009; 734-677-0509 HotHydro® 5245 Jackson Road, Suite F Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-761-5040; 877-893-0716 Homelight Gardens 3471 S. Huron Road, Bay City, MI 48706 989-922-0088 J&L Growco 206 S. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-1528 Greenway Gardens 916 W 13th St Cadillac, Mi,49601 231-775-7075 Hydro Vision 303 W 14 Mile Rd. Clawson, MI 48017 248-435-2250 ___________________________

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

The Grow Station 5670 Telegraph Rd. Dearborn, MI 48127 313-406-5147 800-797-4769 (GROW) ____________________________

Hydro Giant 14455 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI ____________________________

Cultivation Station – Eastern Market, The 2518 Market Street, Detroit, MI 48207 313-394-0441 ____________________________

Hydro Giant 21651 W. 8 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI (8Mile & Lahser) 313-387-7700 313-216-8888 ____________________________ Hydro Heaven 73647 W 8th Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48235 313-861-0333; 877-823-2076 ____________________________

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

Urban Gardening Center, The 2520 22nd Street, Detroit, MI 48216 313-898-0200 ____________________________

Superior Growers Supply 4870 Dawn Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823 517-332-2663 ____________________________ Sunnyside Hydroponics 24930 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpoint, MI 48021 586-777-2528 Hydro Vision 495 Fenway Dr. Fenton, MI 810-714-1719 ___________________________

___________________________

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 799 S. Wisconsin Avenue Gaylord, MI 49735 989-731-8800 ____________________________

Growco Garden Supply 1042 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 877-939-6900 ____________________________ Home Grown Hydroponix 5333 Plainfield Suite C, Grand Rapids MI 49525, 616-361-2924 ____________________________

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

Hydroharrys- HP 24047 Dequindre Road Hazel Park, MI 48030 248-541-0099 ____________________________

Garden Doctor 2974 28th St. SW Grandville MI 49418 616-530-2500 ____________________________ Hydro Grow Room 15201 N Holly Rd Unit B Holly MI, 48430 248-369-8333 ____________________________

Flower Factory, The 2223 East Highland Road Highland, MI 48356 248-714-9292 ____________________________ Hydro Vision 2858 E Highland rd Highland, MI 48356 248-714-5556 Holland Hydroponic Outlet 587-40 East 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423 616-298-7395 HGR Garden Supply 15231 N. Holly Rd. Holly MI 48442 248 369 8333

Hydro Vision 1247 e Grand River Howell, MI 48843 517-552-4965 ____________________________

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

OÊFÊÊÊGÊAÊRÊDÊEÊNÊÊÊCÊIÊTÊY

Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC 705 S., Loxley Houghton Lake, MI 48629 989-422-2800 ____________________________

BIg Creek Hydroponics 555 Old Little Lake Road, Marquette, MI 49855 906-249-5297 Rootdown Hydroponics Indoor Garden Center 236 Mystic Ave. Medford, MA 02155 781-874-1693 Stealth Hydro 14630 King Dr. Milan, MI 48160 734 961 4333

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

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

High Tech Garden Supply 2815 East Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 580-0555 ____________________________ Hills Hydro 1290 S. Lapeer Rd., Lake Onion, MI 48360 248-693-5747 Horizen Hydroponics 5425 W. Saginaw Highway Lansing, MI 48917 517-323-ROOT ____________________________

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

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

Garden Supply 29090 Campbell rd.

Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-439-6269

Superior Growers Supply 292200 Seven Mile West Livonia, MI 48152 248-473-0450 ____________________________ Northern Lights Hydroponic and

Growing Consultant 2260 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 231-773-5600

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Superior Growers Supply, Inc. 5716 South Pennsylvania Avenue South Lansing, MI 48911 517-393-1600 ___________________________

Hydro Giant 19363 Eureka Rd, Southgate, MI 734.281.8888 ___________________________ Hydro Vision 22180 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, MI 48178 248-435-2268 ____________________________

Green Lantern H2O 1383 E. Laketon Ave Muskegon, Mi 49442 greenlanternh2o@yahoo.com www.greenlanternh2o.com 231-722-0420 Sunshine Supply Co. 5800 East Pickard Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-775-3700 Flo-N-Grow.

214 N. 2nd Street, Niles, MI 49120 269-683-1877 HGR Garden Supply 200 E. Main St, Owosso MI 48867 989 472 4999 Super Grow 288 W. MONTCALM PONTIAC, MI 48342 248-24SUPER (78737) Green Earth Hydroponics 8127 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 269-342-4190 Hydroponics Highway Inc. 2708 14th Ave. Port Huron MI, 48060 810-982-4769 Hydro Vision 66783 Gratiot Ave. Richmond, MI 48062 586-430-1956 Growers Edge 175 Marcell Dr Rockford MI 49341 Hills Hydro 896 S. Rochester Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307 248-650-4937 Green Thumb Hydroponics and Organic Indoor Supply 8460 Algoma Suite G Rockford MI 49341 616 884 5500 ____________________________

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

Cultivation Station of Michigan Inc., The 23529 Little Mack Avenue, St. Clair, MI 48080 586-775-9485 ____________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 7889 Telegraph Road.

Taylor, MI 48180 313-908-7554 ____________________________ Hydro Grow, The 8210 Telegraph Road, Taylor, MI 48180 313-633-0641 Great Lakes Green Horticultural Supply 757 S. U.S. Highway 131 Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-278-130 Grow Store, The 90 N U.S. Highway 31 South , Traverse City, MI 49685-7923 231-421-5191 ____________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 720 South Garfield Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686 231-668-6913 ____________________________ Wild Child 7740 M 72 East Traverse City, MI 49690 866-711-GROW Hydro Vision 1910 West rd Trenton, MI 48183 734-301-3745 ____________________________

Hydroharrys – WL 1138 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 248-896-0099 ____________________________ Beste's Indoor/Outdoor Garden Supply 21410 Schoenherr Warren, MI 48089 586 776-1794

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Hydro King Indoor Garden Supply 32000 Van Dyke Ave Warren MI 48093 Indoor Garden Superstore 2570 Dixie Highway, Waterford Twp., MI 48328 248-673-2200; 877 22 HYDRO ___________________________

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

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

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

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

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

186

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

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____________________________

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

Sunrise Garden Center 5173 W. 4th St., Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601-264-9300 ____________________________

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

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

Indoor Gardening 10 NE 3rd Street, Faribault, MN 55021 507-209-1546 ___________________________ Brew and Grow 8302 Highway 65 NE., Minneapolis, MN 55432 763-780-8191 Interior Gardens 115 -1620 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 800-498-4178; 612-870-9077 ____________________________

Midwest Hydroponics 5825 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park,MN 55416 888-449-2739 ____________________________ Eden Indoor Organic Gardens 831 Highway 75 North Moorhead, MN 56560 218-477-EDEN (3336) ____________________________

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

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

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

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

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

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Butteopia 127 Main Street, Butte, Montana 59701 1-406-782-8476 ____________________________ Big Sky Garden Supply 528 West Idaho, Kallispell, MT 59901 406-755-1465 Box of Rain Indoor Garden Center 860 N. Meridian Road B-19, Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-RAIN (7246) Cornucopia Grow Your Own 127 Stoner Creek Road Lakeside, MT 59922 406-709-1076 Dr. Green Thumbs 1106 West Park, Livingston, MO 59047 406-222-7440 Bizzy Beez LLP 5875 Highway 93 S, Whitefish, MT 59937 406-863-9937 NEBRASKA Bodhi Organic Garden Supply 1438 S1 St. Ste 6 Lincoln, NE 68502 402 438 6785 Patio-Ponics 3255 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 4 Lincoln, NE 68504 402-466-9218 ____________________________

Advanced 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

Heightened Harvests 3103 Harrison Avenue, Suite B

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

Butte, MT 59701 Alpengrow Nursery Supplies 238 Highway 93 S., Eureka, MT 59917 406-882-4496

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

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Advanced Gardens Hydroponics 3111 South Valley View, (on Desert Inn West of Valley View) Suite V103 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-257-4769 ____________________________ Advanced Gardens Hydroponics 7850 Dean Martin Dr. Suite 506 Las Vegas,NV 89139 702-247-4769 All American Hydroponics 2675 East Patrick Lane, Unit 8, Las Vegas, NV 89120 702-894-9888 Best Hydroponic Supply 6818 W Cheyenne, Las Vegas, NV 89108 702-750-9300 Grow Hydro Gardens 5870 s Decatur Suite 11 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-997-7053 Local 866-568-4769 Toll Free GrowHydroGardens.com Hydro Store, The 7145 W. Ann Road, Las Vegas, NV 89130 702-434-9376 Nevada Hydroponics 4700 B Maryland, Suite 1, Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-798-2852 Anything Grows 190 West Moana Lane, Reno, NV 89509 775-828-1460 Everything Green Hydroponics Box 34869 Reno, Nevada 89533 The Hydro Store 121 Woodland Ave #160 Reno NV 89523 775 787 2760 NEW HAMPSHIRE Greenlife Garden Supply 885 Second Street Manchester, NH 03102 603-782 8259 www.greenlifegardensupply.com The Beez Kneez Garden Supply 180 Emerald St., Keene, NH 03431 603-903-1488 info@thebeezkneezgardensupply.com www.thebeezkneezgardensupply.com ____________________________

Hydro101 545 Hooksett Rd. #24 Manchester, NH 03104 603-782-8894 ____________________________ Natural Roots Hydroponics 24 Crown St. Nashua, NH 603-204-5528 Four Seasons Horticulture Supply 2076 White Mountain Hwy. North Conway, NH 03860 603-733-5444 NEW JERSEY Garden State Hydroponics 511 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001 888-300-8711 Bergen County Hydroponics 70 Essex Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-2001

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greentouch2 HYDRO PO N I C S

I N C .

Green Touch 2 Hydroponics Inc. 888 Route 33, Unit 1, Hamilton, NJ 08619 609-570-8829 ____________________________ East Coast Horticultural Supply 1652 Hurffville Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 856-228-5290 77HYDRO 37 Fairfield Place, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 877-774-9376 Claraqua 4 Redwood Court, West Windsor, NJ 08550 NEW MEXICO AHL Year Round Garden Supply 1051 San Mateo Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 505-255-3677 ___________________________

All Seasons Gardening 3600 Osuna Road, Suite 406 Alburquerque, NM 87109 505-508-4292 ____________________________ Common Shaman 1319 San Mateo N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-255-6463 ____________________________

All Seasons Gardening 1228 Parkway, Suite E Sante Fe, NM 87507 505-438-GROW ____________________________ Santa Fe Hydroponics 821 W. San Mateo Road, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-467-8454 NEW YORK Organica: Garden Supply & Hydroponics 296 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 12209 518-618-7666 The Grow Room 32-32 49th Street Astoria, NY 11103 718-218-GROW (4769) Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 19 Front Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-2005; 800-850-4769 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 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 Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply 10 Saratoga Ave S. Glen Falls, NY 12803 518-798-820 Greentree Nursery 308 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-3666 Mike’s Nursery and Grower Supplies 199 E. Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750 716-763-1612 Hudson Valley Hydroponics 217 Route 32 North, New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-3633 ____________________________

The Green Box 495 9th Avenue NY NY 10018 212 967 4777 thegreenboxhydro.com ____________________________ 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 4575 Commercial Drive New Hartford, NY 13413 877-KG-HYDRO LiquidSun of New York 1702 Fiero ave Rotterdam, NY 12150 518-952-4654 Hydroponics Shops of America 2606 Erie Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13224 315-251-2516 ____________________________

Green Zone Hydroponics 2148 Niagara Falls Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY. 14150 716-693-9663 ____________________________ Harvest Moon Hydroponics 147 Fourth Street, Troy, NY 10960 NORTH CAROLINA Advanced Hydroponic Garden 55 Shiloh Road #6 Asheville, NC 28803 1 (828) 277-3488 Fifth Season Gardening Company 21 B Westside Dr. Asheville NC 28806 828-225-5007 Fifth Season Gardening Company 45 Banks Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 828-253-4112 Fifth Season Gardening Company 106 South Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC 27510 919-932-7600 ___________________________

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 ____________________________

Purely Hydroponic, LLC 1507 Lear Industrial Pkwy.

Avon, OH 44011 866-787-5060 ____________________________ Campbells Indoor Gardening Supplies 1721 Greenville Road Bristolville, OH 44402 330-889-0049 Magic Home Gardens 209 Cemetery Road, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-837-2440 ___________________________

CincyPonics 3314 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45211 513-661-3886 ___________________________ Dumont Seed Co. 619 30th ST. N.W. Canton, ohio 44709 330-492-0204 Dayton Hydroponics 4920 Provident Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 513-942-7111 Eastside Hydroponics 834 Ohio Pike #318 Cincinnati, Ohio 45245 513-528-4769 Eastside Hydroponics 550 Ohio Pike #136 Cincinnati, OH 45255 513-528-GROW Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic 10740 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241 513-769-0159 Cleveland Garden Center Inc. 727 East 185th Street, Cleveland, OH 44119 216-481-7868

Grow Wizard, The 5700 Denison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102 216-961-2500 Herb-N-Garden Center 14901 Puritas Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44135 216-252-2001 Garden Indoors of Ohio 4720 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214 800-833-6868 Magic Home Garden 4538 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214 614-263-2440 Gardening-Indoor 48977 Calcutta-Smiths Ferry Rd., East Liverpool OH 43920 330-932-1023 Garden Connections 3341 Centerpoint Dr. Grove City OH 43123 614 871 0707 Advanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center 5204 Darrow Road, Hudson, OH 44236 234-380-1287 Sweet Greens 5540 Brecksville Road Independence, OH 44131 800-421-7084 ____________________________

Hydro Gardens Wholesale 1144 N Memorial Drive Lancaster, OH 43130 855-210-5599 ____________________________ Carefree Garden Center 134 West Drive, Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 CropKing 134 West Drive, Lodi, OH 44254 330-302-4203 USA Hydrogarden 7450 Industrial Pkwy, Ste. A Lorain, Ohio 44053 440-282-4880 The Grow Shop 165 Davids St. Marion OH 43302 740-223-7467 ____________________________

Urban Gardens 671 E. Center Street Marion, OH 43302 740-375-2800 ____________________________ Top Garden Products 8600 East Avenue Suite C. Mentor, OH 44060 440-290-8773 Green Garden Indoor Garden Center 1664 North Main St. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-494-1234 Pet Finatics LLC 3150 Navarre Ave Suite A Oregon OH 43616

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

187

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

Indoor Gardens 1222 Hill Road, North, Pickerington, OH 43147 614-866-6065 ____________________________

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

Plant Lighting Hydroponics 2201-A Pinnacle Parkway Twinsburg, OH 44087 888-258-0670 ____________________________ Greenleaf Hydroponics 1805 Elm Road, Warren, OH 44483 330-372-1039 Dayton Hydroponics 3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, West Carrolton, OH 45449 937-859-3999 Gardening-Indoor 9215 Market St. Youngstown (North Lima) OH 44452 330 758 0272 Harvest Moon 9215 Market Street, Youngstown (North Lima), OH 44452 800-776-8399 Indoor Garden Worx 906 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701 866-900-9679 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 ____________________________

188

____________________________

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

____________________________

____________________________

Garden Supplies

Astoria Indoor Garden Supply 1343 Duane St. Unit C Astoria OR 97103 503 468 0606 ____________________________ Rogue Silicates Inc. POB 21, Azalea, OR 97410 541-837-8590 B.I.G.S. 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 401, Bend, OR 97702 541-385-5222 Herb N’ Jungle Hydroponics 930 SE Textron Drive, Bend, OR 97702 541-382-4010 Northern Light and Garden Beaverton 9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-297-7331 Westcoast Organic and Hydroponic Supply 12410 SE 282nd Avenue, Unit C Boring, OR 97009 503-766-4106 The Good Earth Organics 30088 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, OR 97523 541-592-4496 Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply 93779 B Troy Lane, Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-266-8822 Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics 5490 SW Philomath Boulevard, Corvallis, OR 97333 541-738-2820 ____________________________

Aqua Serene 2836 W. 11th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402 541-302-9073 ____________________________

Aurora Innovations PO Box 22041, Eugene, OR 97402 866-376-8578 ____________________________ SunInside Gardening Co. 665 Conger, Unit F, Eugene, OR 97402 541-686-9966 Advanced Indoor Gardens 17831 se 82nd drive Gladstone, OR 97027 503 305 6341 Northern Light and Garden Grants Pass 1203 Rogue River Highway, Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-474-1700 Paradise Supply LLC 560 NE. “F” Street, Unit C, Grand Pass, OR 97526 541-955-7293 Vital Organix 932-B SE “M” Street Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-226-9283

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

Oregon Rainforest Co. 19949 E. Burnside Street, Gresham, OR 97233503-465-9909 ____________________________ Healthy Harvest 1635 SE Tualatin Valley Hwy., Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-640-0995 ____________________________

In & Out Gardens 93484 Hwy 99 South Junctin City OR 97448 541-234-2342 ____________________________ Basin Indoor Gardening 417 N. Spring St. Klamath Falls, OR 97601 541-273-2023 Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 1845 S W Hwy. 101 Ste. 3 Lincoln OR 97367 USA 541 994 7070

Gorilla Garden Supply 2011 Union Ave, North Bend, OR 97459 541-756-5005 ____________________________ Green Garden Indoor Garden Center 1664 North Main St. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-494-1234 ____________________________

Indoor Garden Depot 3260 SE Oak Grove Blvd., Oak Grove, OR 97267-1421 503-786-2445 ____________________________ American Agriculture 9220 Southeast Stark Street, Portland, OR 97216 800-433-6805 Bloom Garden Supply 518 NE 20th Ave. Portland, OR 97232 971-255-1336 ___________________________

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 H2organic LCC 620 NE 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128 503-434-6107 ____________________________

Wizard’s Garden, LLC 621 Spruce Street, Unit C, Myrtle Point, OR 97458 541-572-2333 ____________________________ Green Zone Garden Center & Hydroponic Supplies 454 S.W. Coast Hwy Newport OR 97365 USA 541-265-8252

BWGS-OR 18201 NE Portal Way, Ste. 104 Portland, OR 97230 888-316-1306 ___________________________ Everybody’s Garden Center 2701 SE 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202 800-669-5483 Garden Spout, The 4532 South East 63rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97206 503-788-4769 Homegrown Garden Supply 7112 NE Gilsan Street, Portland, OR 97213 877-EZ2-GROW Island Flowers & Indoor Garden Center 909 N. Tomahawk Island Drive, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97217 503-546-3185 Lights Distributing 9843 SW 55th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219 Rain or Shine 13126 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230 503-255-1981 Roots Garden Supply 5426 North Gay Avenue, Portland, OR 97217 503-285-4768 Urban Flora 2865 South East, Portland, OR 97214 503-236-3344 BIGS Warehouse 2606 SW 4th Street, Unit B Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-8886 Indoor Garden Supply 536 SW 6th Street (rear alley), Redmond, OR 97756 541-504-7750 DC Hydroponics & Organics 7275 Green Siding Rd. Roseburg, OR 97471 541-679-3700

Roseburg Hydroponics 853 SE Stephens Street, Roseburg, OR 97470 541-229-1420 Indoor Garden Center 1697 SE 25th Street, Salem, OR 97302 503-566-7888 Northern Light and Garden Salem 1915 Lancester Drive, Salem, OR 97305 503-364-4769 Cascade Horticulture 39570 Pioneer Boulevard, Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-8242 Moonshine Park Farm 135 South East 62nd, Unit F South Beach, OR 97366 541-444-2298 J-N-B Hydro 2 Go 155 West Central Avenue, Sutherlin, OR 97479 541-459-9211 Samurai Greenhouse Supply 32067 Old Hwy. 34 Tanget, OR 97389 541-928-3431 Grow America Garden Supply LLC 11511 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, OR 97223 503-841-6868 Pharmer Hydroponics 11135 SW Industrial Way Bldg 10-4 Tualatin, OR 97062 503-486-5751 PENNSYLVANIA Pocono Hydroponic Solutions 25 Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321 570-730-4544 Green Solutions Hydroponics 1700 Orange Street Berwick, PA 18603 570-752-1530 Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania 208 Route 13, Bristol, PA 19007 800-227-4567 422 GROW 1775 North Main Street Extension Butler, PA 16001-1327 724-561-3777 ___________________________

High Tech Garden Supply 20232 Route 19, Unit 6, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-473-1113 ___________________________ New Moon Indoor Garden Supply 20550 Route 19 Perry Highway, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-591-8086 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 830 Route 119, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-1118 Buds to Blooms Garden and Supply Co., LLC 509 Orchard Avenue Kennett Square, PA 19348 484-860-8056 ____________________________

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

Flairform PO 1417, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-395-6353 ____________________________

RH Distribution PO 1417, Lansdale, PA 19446 888-545-8112 ____________________________ Esbenshades Greenhouses 546A East 28th Div Hwy Lititz Pa 17543 717-626-7007 Hydro Ponics of Harrisburg 310 South 10th Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043 877-684-3808 Always Green Garden Supply 4400 Old William Penn Hwy Ste. 106 Monroeville PA 15146 412-646-1243 New Stanton Hydro 150 Post Ave. New Stanton, PA. 15672 724-635-0297 Hydrofarm East 270 Canal Road Fairless Hills, PA 19030 888-780-4567 The Companion Plant 363 E. Main St Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-9676 Esbenshades Greenhouses 546A East 28th Div Hwy Lititz Pa 17543 717-626-7007 Full Bloom Hydroponics 84 South 24th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 888-872-3602 Gardening-Indoor 20550 Rt. #19 Cranberry Twp. Pitsburgh PA 16066 724 591 8086 Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 2008 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-232-7030 Healthy Gardens and Supply 1012 Lincoln Avenue, Prospect Park, PA 19076 866-32-HYDRO Northeast Hydroponics & Homebrewing 221 Scranton Carbondale Hwy. Scranton PA 18508 570-209-7924 Full Time Garden Supply 1011 Ritner Highway Shippensburg PA.17257 717-477-0350 www.fulltimegardensupply.com Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh 9 North Main St. Washington, PA 15301 724-222-0200 Western Pennsylvania Innovative Gardening 1177 Pittsburgh Road, Suite 103 Valencia, PA 16059 724-903-0800 Organic Garden Center 800 Washington Blvd.

Williamsport, PA 17701 570-322-3120

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National Garden Wholesale/ Sunlight Supply 450 Grim Lane, York,PA 17406 877-779-7111(Northeast) ____________________________ PA Hydroponics & Home Gardening Supply 20 Quaker Church Road, York Springs, PA 17372 717-528-4175 RHODE ISLAND Oakworld Garden Center 39 West Street, Barrington, RI 02806 401-245-5705 Solar Seed Hydroponics, Inc. 2406 Putman Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814 401-710-9010 Organically Grown 768 Atwood Ave Cranston, RI 02920 401-944-0549 Hydro-Earth 1243 Mineral Springs Avenue, North Providence, RI 02904 401-305-5520 The Organic Grow Hut 375 Putnam Pike- Ste 13 Smithfield, RI 02828 401-349-4141 South County Hydroponics 51 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 401-783-1733 Mother Nature Hydroponics 1268 Post Rd. Warwick RI 02888 401-780-0600 LiquidSun® RI 1179 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, MA 02861 401-722-2724 ____________________________

Good To Grow 34 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich, RI 02817 401-392-3100 ____________________________ Growin’ Crazy 93 Kingston Road Wyoming, Rhode Island 02898 401-284-0810 SOUTH CAROLINA GreenSpirit Hydrogarden 1864 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29405 843-225-1GRO 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 ____________________________

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All Season Hydroponics 6729 Two North Road, 10B Columbia, SC 29223 803-708-4819 ____________________________

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 ____________________________

The Urban Garden Hydroponics 9557 Two Notch Rd. Ste. E Columbia, SC 29223 803-788-9313 Okatie Organics and Hydroponics 138 Short Cut Rd. Ridgeland SC 29936 ____________________________

Worm’s Way Tennessee 901 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37072 800-397-4153 ____________________________ All Season Hydroponics 1350 Hwy. 501 Business, Store 3&4 Conway, SC 29526 843-347-9266 ____________________________ Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More 1230 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC 29609 864-271-8830 ____________________________

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

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

TENNESSEE Innovative Hydroponic Supply Inc. 3286 North Park Blvd. Unit G Alcoa TN 37701 865 984 0280 Atlantis Hydroponics 1800 Rossville Avenue, #3, Chattanooga, TN 37408 423-752-5400 Advanced Hydroponic Garden 783 French Mill Road, Dandridge, TN 37725 800-521-1643 Perpetual Harvest 75 Riverport Drive, Jackson, TN 38301 877-422-3391 Advanced Hydroponic Garden 6912 Clinton Highway, Knoxville, TN 37921 866-938-3318 Sun City Hydroponics 2235 Whitten Road, Suite 104, Memphis, TN 38133 901-372-8100

TEXAS Abundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics 3101 Avenue E East, Arlington, TX 76011 817-649-0100 Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics 4360 S.Congress Avenue, #310, Austin, TX 78745 512-444-2100 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Central Austin) 5126 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756 512-459-4769 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (South Austin) 2125-A Goodrich Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 512-440-4769 Third Coast Horticulture Supplies 7010 Burnet Rd., Ste.A Austin, TX 78757 512 459 4353 Happy Harvest Hydroponics & Organic 1500 C rescent Drive, Suite 202 Carrollton, TX 75006 972-466-1300 Hydrofarm Central 950 Avenue S Grand Prairie, TX 75050-1133 800-634-9999 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 9001 Frey Road Houston TX 77034 713-943-1115 In-N-Out Garden Supply 11011 S Wilcrest Drive Ste K Houston, TX 77099 281-568-5265 Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Houston) 7730 A Park Place Boulevard, Houston, TX 77087 713-641-4769 Ultimate Hydroponic Garden Supply 6125 West Sam Houston Parkway, North Suite 206 Houston, TX 77041 713-856-8425 Texas Growers Supply 5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #602, Humble, TX 77396 281-441-3739 Field of Dreams Indoor Growing Supplies 5302 Slide Road Unit B,Lubbock, TX 79414 806-793-2901 Hydro Mart 3841 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088 972-475-6114 ____________________________

Sol Organics & Hydroponics 1634 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78229 210-366-9082 ____________________________ Innergrow Hydroponics 24451 Interstate Highway 20, Wills Point, TX 75169 866-475-4769 UTAH Wasatch Hydroponics 4050 South Howick, Suite 11E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107 801-716-4133 ____________________________

Salt Lake Plant & Hydro 60 West 3300 S. #6 South Salt Lake, UT 84115 801-488-3200 ____________________________ VERMONT Greenthumb - Vermont 394 Route 15, Jericho, VT 05465 802-899-4323

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

189

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors

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 Company The Williamson Road Plaza, 5327 D Williamson Road Roanoke, VA 24012 540-265-2483 Inside-Out Garden Supply 6517 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150 703-451-3259 I Love Hydroponics 368 Newtown Road, #105, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-490-5425 Hydroponics & Growlights 13400 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-490-0700 West VIRGINIA Panhandle Hydroculture 800 East Moler Ave. Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-240-7587

M & R Lighting Unit C 22914 Highway 410, Buckley, WA 98390 253-891-4190 ____________________________

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

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

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

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

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

190

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 Hefty Harvest Garden & Hydroponic Supply 2825 Marvin Road NE Ste M Lacey WA 98516 360-628-8964 ____________________________

Indoor Garden & Lighting 714 South Central Avenue, Kent, WA 98032 253-373-9060 ____________________________ Kent Garden Supplies Ltd. 18817 East Valley Highway, Kent, WA 98032 425-251-9299

Maximum Yield USA | September 2012

Retail Stores listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Grogro Hydro 12403 NE. 124th Street, Kirkland, WA 98034 888-7-GROGRO 425-820-6200 ___________________________

KP Indoor Garden Store 8912 Key Peninsula HWY N Lakebay, WA 98349 253-884-SURE (7873) ___________________________ InDoor Gardening 1158 Commerce Longview WA, 98632 360-353-3851 ___________________________

Indoor Garden & Lighting 20505 Highway 99,, Lynnwood, WA 98036 425-673-2755 ____________________________ Go-N-Green Hydroponics 1241 State Ave Suite #102 Marysville, WA 98270 (360)386-8230 Green Acres Indoor Garden & Lighting 514 State Ave Suite #102 Marysville, WA 98270 360-658-GROW (4769) Island Hydroponic & Supplies 1515 5th Street #B, Marysville, WA 98271 425-299-5855 Mike’s Indoor Garden Supply 1204 East Wheeler Road, Moses Lake, WA 98837 509-766-5856 M & R Lighting 17238 Memorial Drive, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-848-1080 Northern Lights Gardening 1524 Riverside Dr #2 Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 360-982-2217 ___________________________

Indoor Garden & Lighting 8606 Preston Fall City Rd. SE Preston WA 98050 425-222-9661 ___________________________ Linda’s Gardening & Hydroponics 11522 Canyon Road East, Puyallup, WA 98373 253-531-9641 Renton Indoor Garden Center 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 ___________________________

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

Indoor Garden & Lighting 3839 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406 253-761-7478 ___________________________ Solar Shop 306 West 4th Street, Tonasket, WA 98855 509-486-4508 ___________________________

Indoor Garden Depot 6400 NE Highway 99, Suite H, Vancouver, WA 98665 360-993-7779

___________________________

National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 4525 NW Fruit Valley Road, Vancouver, WA 98660 888-478-6544 (Northwest) ____________________________

National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 5408 NE 88th Street, Building A, Vancouver, WA 98665 888-478-6544 Indoor Garden Supply LLC 1250 Atlantic Ave, Woodland, WA 98674 360-841-8055 WISCONSIN ____________________________

Aric’s Indoor Garden Supply 1104 West Wisconsin Avenue, Appleton, WI 54914 920-574-3258 ____________________________ Grow BIG Hydroponics 954 S. Westland, Appleton, WI 54914 920-749-4769 H2oGrow 1150 Madison rd Beloit WI 53511 608-289-1852 Brew and Grow 285 N. Janacek Road, Brookfield, WI 53045 262-789-0555 Garden Supply Guys 752 Memorial Drive - Suite A Green Bay, WI 54303 920-857-9493 Hydro Your Own 8501-75th Street, Unit C Kenosha, WI 53142 262 697 6112 Brew and Grow 3317 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53716 608-226-8910 ____________________________

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

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

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