Maximum Yield NZ July/Aug 2013

New Zealand July/Aug 2013

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July 27-28

OCTOBER 26-27

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CONTENTS July/August 2013

FEATURES 26 The Root Whisperer

by Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr.

42

34 38

34 Eco-friendly Horticultural

Lighting—The Future is Here

by Eric Hopper

38 Avoiding and Repairing

Transplant Shock in Plants

by Heather Rhoades

48

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44 DEPARTMENTS

42 The Secret to a Long & Happy Life (for your pH meter)

by Beth Dumey & Steve Goldberg

44 Accidental Discoveries

by David Kessler

48 The Fungus Among Us

by Grubbycup

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From the Editor

54

Talking Shop

8

Letters to the Editor

56

You Tell Us

10

Ask the Experts

58

Do You Know?

12

MAX Facts

60

Distributors

20

Product Spotlight

62

Coming up Next

52

Growers Know

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MaximumYield.com

FROM THE EDITOR | lINDA jESSON

Message from the

Editor Linda Jesson

We all know our gardens require a little bit more than tender love and care to keep producing those quality yields we are all after. That’s why in this issue, you’ll find many tips and tricks to help you set up and maintain a high-producing grow space. In “The Root Whisperer” we learn about the two functions of a plant’s root system, and in “Eco-friendly Horticultural Lighting” we hear from a lighting expert who is optimistic when it comes to the future of indoor grow lights. Also included in this issue is a rundown on the different fungi that might be lurking in your garden.

This issue also spotlights retail store Just Hydroponics with two locations in Melbourne, and manufacturer Growlush Australia that manufactures and distributes a wide variety of indoor gardening equipment and nutrients. In our special Growers Know feature we talk to Flavours Herbs: a select group of growers who are reaching many consumers keen on using fresh herbs rather than dried.

We pair these informative articles with a couple of shorter reads, a few fun facts in our MAX Facts section and product spotlights on some of the latest growing gear.

Have you attended an Indoor Gardening Expo yet this year? We’ve got two more events planned in our 2013 Grow Like a Pro tour.

We’ll be in San Francisco, California, for the tenth year in a row on July 27 to 28, 2013. After that, we’ll be set up in Long Beach, California, on October 26 to 27, 2013. This event is open to all members of the indoor growing industry! More information, including special hotel rates and free passes, can be found at indoorgardenexpo.com Do you have a comment or question regarding the contents of this issue of Maximum Yield? We’d love to hear from you!

E-mail editor@maximumyield.com to share with us.

contributors Eric Hopper has over 10 years of

Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. has 50

Beth Dumey is senior marketing

Grubbycup has been an avid

Raquel Neofit is a freelance writer

Steven Goldberg is marketing

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.

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.

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. for the horticulture, travel and lifestyle industries. She has a background in business and radio, and is an avid believer that hydroponics is the future.

Follow Raquel’s writing on her blog, Black Thumbs Guide to Growing Green—the misadventures of the vertical herb gardening movement— and My Food Story on Facebook.

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

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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

communications specialist for Oakton Instruments. As a professional communicator, her articles have appeared in a variety of trade magazines, newsletters, and online venues. Visit 4oakton.com for more information.

manager for Oakton Instruments and has more than 21 years experience both in the laboratory and marketing as well as developing laboratory instrumentation including pH meters.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Props from a Collector

Thank You

Maximum Yield gives you the most upto-date and new-to-the-industry products available and a ton of other information. I would visit my hydro shop just to get the latest copy, and now I just subscribed to my very own digital copy each month (how awesome is that) …

Because of you guys, I have received numerous free samples and entered codes and have even won free nutrients. Who could ask for more? So, I would just like to say, thank you.

Dante

Keep It Up

I like the mass appeal, colourful pictures and tasty editorials. I always tell myself one day I will make it to an expo. Keep up the good work and I will keep spreading the word in the field.

Riad

Handy Horticulture Information

I’m achieving trophyworthy crops from the incredible horticultural information presented in Maximum Yield magazine.

Harrison

We want to hear from you!

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

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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

I am new to the indoor grow scene. I first was handed the mag by a shop owner in January this year; it was a past issue [and] I have been collecting them ever since. Maximum Yield has been filled with a wealth of information to help with the process, a ton of recommended new-to-the-scene products and in each new issue, there is a small piece on local stores, which I think is important in keeping small business growing. Add all of this to the fact that your mag is free to the consumer and also available on the net so I can view on my tablet, PC and/or mobile phone. You just cannot get a better magazine to read. Thanks, guys; keep up the great work.

Bailey, Mt. Compass, South Australia

Friendly Facebook Tips We recently asked our Facebook fans where they turned to first when they experience a gardening hurdle for the first time. Below are some of the great responses we received.

Corey “Literacy. I read, books, magazines, general information. Before experiencing problems.”

Anthony R “I go and ask if similar problems are occurring in our area at the local nursery or hydro shop and I give my opinion on how I’m going to fix it and see what kind of feedback I get from other like minds. If I’m stumped, or so are they, than I fire up the computer and make some tea and let the Internet quest for knowledge begin!”

Anthony O “Honestly, I use YouTube for quite a bit information.”

T.j.

“Ask the Hydro Nerds!”

Eron “I go to forums, the best place for hands on experience. Just gotta find the right ones first.”

VOLUME 11 – NUMBER 2 July/August 2013 PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly by Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

If undeliverable please return to the address above.

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

Publication Agreement Number 40739092 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson editorial editor@maximumyield.com Editor Linda Jesson Assistant Editor Julie McManus

ADVERTISING SALES Sales Manager Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Account Executives Kelsey Hepples - kelsey@maximumyield.com Katie Montague - katie@maximumyield.com Jed Walker - jed@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Art Director Alice Joe Graphic Designers Jennifer Everts Dionne Hurd Jesslyn Gosling ACCOUNTING Tracy Greeno - tracy@maximumyield.com

AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply Holland Forge House N’ Garden Hydroponic Generations Plant Symbionts UK DISTRIBUTION Growth Technology Future Harvest Development Europe Nutriculture UK Direct Garden Supplies Dutch Pro Maxigro Ltd. CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Quality Wholesale USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS General Hydroponics Humboldt Wholesale Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply R&M Supply Tradewinds

SIMON ASK THESAYS EXPERTS

What nutrients would be suitable for growing saffron? I am going to have a go at it this year for the first time and want to grow it in hydroponics.

Cheers, Bill Saffron requires just a general purpose, complete hydroponic nutrient. For the first few weeks after the dormant bulbs are planted, the flowers and first leaves use the reserves provided in the bulb for growth, so minimal nutrients are required. However, after flowering, the plant must then produce a lot of foliage for a period of eight to 10 months, which feeds the developing bulblets from which the crop is propagated and during this stage the plants need a vegetative growth hydroponic formulation or product.

I suggest you contact a hydroponic retailer and obtain a general purpose vegetative hydroponic nutrient product—this has to be a hydroponic product as many of the general purpose liquid plant foods you can buy from garden suppliers are not suitable for soilless production. The hydroponic nutrient product should contain all of the following elements: N, P, K, Ca, S, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu and Mo and you will need to dilute this according to the instructions on the product (typically hydroponic nutrients come as two-part or three-part stock solutions that are diluted with water).

Also, you will need an EC meter to check the concentration of the nutrient solution—EC meters can be purchased from your local hydroponic retail shop.

Saffron should start off at a low EC of around 1.0, increasing to 2.2 when foliage has grown. Also, it needs reasonably high-quality water. Rainwater should be fine, but avoid city water supplies due to the water treatment chemicals they contain. Good luck with the saffron.

Dr. Lynette Morgan

Dr. Lynette M organ

Can LED lights work for all stages of growth?

Thomas Johnson Yes, LED lights can work for all stages of growth. There are many LED lighting systems available with spectrums tailored for specific stages of growth (e.g., more blue wavelengths for vegetative growth and more red wavelengths for blooming). It should be noted, however, that LEDs used for horticulture are a relatively new technology and there are some drawbacks (high cost and light penetration being the most prevalent). My tests with LEDs have shown that the current LED lighting systems available are more suitable for vegetative growth or plants that are short in stature.

Keep on growing, Eric Hopper

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Eric Hopper

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Ginger Crops Drop The Australian Ginger Growers Association says this year’s crop yield is expected to be 20% less than previous years. President Anthony Rehbein says growers were battling a drought when flooding rains devastated their farms.

“We’ve estimated we’re around 1,000 tonne down,” he says. “Earlier in the season we had no rain and growers were running out of water quite quickly.

Then, to get that sheer flood of rain … it’s one extreme to the other and we’re just not used to that quantity of rain.” But, it’s not just the ginger that was affected by fluke weather in Australia. “Everyone is down in production; it doesn’t matter whether you’re a tomato or a zucchini grower who grew through that period, anyone who’s got crops in has got a reduced tonnage.”

(Source: abc.net.au)

MAXFACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia Mandarin Demand

Fresh Produce Imports Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry figures show that the value of imported processed fruit and vegetables has risen in Australia from $71 million in 2010 to 2011, to $116 million in 2011 to 2012. Fresh fruit and vegetable imports also increased, by 19% over the same period.

(Source: au.news.yahoo.com)

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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

Consumer trends that see people eating at their desk in front of the computer or otherwise on the go is seeing mandarins overtake oranges for the first time. Riverland mandarin marketer and grower Ben Cant says modern culture has made easy peeling fruit more desirable. This can be seen in retail statistics, like Woolworths, saying sales are up more than 10% compared with the previous year.

“Every year, even though we plant more mandarins we never seem to have enough fruit, as the demand is constantly outstripping supply,” says Ben. It seems to be good news for growers, who receive at least $1,000 per tonne for mandarins, compared to around $300 per tonne for the oranges. The trend has seen South Australia mandarin production double to a record 28,000 tonnes in the past decade.

(Source: heraldsun.com.au)

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Blackcurrants Bust Stress Blackcurrants can help manage busy workdays, New Zealand research suggests. A study

by Plant & Food Research has shown that an extract of local blackcurrants enriched in anthocyanins can help people stay more alert, reduce mental fatigue and work with greater accuracy while under significant mental stress. “We know that there are compounds in dark berry fruits, like blackcurrants, that have real effects on people’s health and wellbeing,” study lead Dr Arjan Scheepens says. “Our next stage is to identify exactly which compounds are creating this effect, and [use] this knowledge to develop new whole and processed foods or ingredients that deliver optimised performance.”

(Source: nbr.co.nz)

Texas Wasps Combat Pests A bug expert says the best way to control white fly outbreaks isn’t with chemicals, but with a predator wasp imported from Texas. The hayati wasp was brought to Australia in 2006 by the CSIRO to help fruit and vegetable growers control white fly outbreaks on their farms. Dr. Siva Subramaniam, a senior entomologist with the Department of Agriculture at Bowen in North Queensland, says the wasp seeks out white fly eggs and feeds on the nutrients. Then, it goes and lays eggs in the white fly stages to breed their own populations. Hayati wasps were initially only offered to growers as part of a trial program run by the Department of Agriculture but after thorough tests, they are now available commercially.

(Source: abc.net.au)

Pssssst.

..

Plant Speak

New research at University of Western Australia suggests that even when other known means of communication, such as contact, chemical and light-mediated signals are blocked, chilli seeds grow better when grown with basil plants. When researchers attempted to grow chilli seeds in the presence or absence of other chilli plants, or basil, the absence of a neighbouring plant led to low germination rates.

But, when the plants were able to openly communicate with the seeds, more seedlings grew. When the seeds were separated from the basil plants with black plastic, they germinated as though they could still communicate with the basil. Dr. Monica Gagliano explained, “our results show that plants are able to positively influence growth of seeds by some as yet unknown mechanism.

We believe that the answer may involve acoustic signals generated using nanomechanical oscillations from inside the cell which allow rapid communication between nearby plants.”

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

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MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

A Year-round Blueberry Supply Australia is soon to have a year-round supply of domestically grown blueberries. Currently, the various locations of plantings across the country offer fruit for around nine to 10 months, starting in June. Fortunately, the treasurer of the Australian Blueberry Growers Association says the varying length of Australia from North to South allows low chill, medium chill and high chill varieties to successfully produce at varying times. Extending the season for year-round production has involved the selection of varieties to best suit this range of differing climates and geographical positions. Last season, around 4,500 to 5,000 tonnes of blueberries were consumed domestically.

(Source: freshplaza.com)

Found: Citrus Gall Wasps Western Australia’s status as a citrus-gallwasp-free zone has been threatened by the discovery of infested trees in a suburban property Northeast of Perth. The wasp reduces foliage on trees and the amount of fruit they can grow. The Department of Agriculture and Food is asking commercial and domestic citrus growers to check trees for thick and deformed branches that can contain the wasp larvae. Suspected cases of citrus gall wasp should be reported to the West Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Pest and Disease Information Service.

(Source: abc.net.au)

Fighting UV Damage Using Fruit Australian researchers are trying to find out if extracts from tomatoes and grapes can bolster the human skin’s ability to fend off UV damage and improve its ability to repair itself following UV exposure. The study, to be concluded next year, was launched by the Australasian Research Institute, the research arm of the Sydney Adventist Hospital. “UV damage is a big problem in Australia. If we can improve your repair process we can limit the number of mutations that can be potentially carcinogenic,” says scientist Olivia Szeto. Grapes and tomatoes were selected because they contain carotenoids and polyphenols, which have been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties.

(Source: post.jagran.com)

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS ISSUE’S

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

Stealth Edition Air Boxes The Stealth Edition Air Boxes incorporate our exclusive coconut shell carbon granules, which are particularly well-suited for removal of organic contaminants and precious metal recovery. These activated carbon granules are an absorbent with well-developed pore structure, allowing for a range of absorbent retention. The high hardness number allows for a minimal granular breakage, and the kindling point of this activated carbon is usually high.

Stealth Edition Air Boxes are adaptable to any existing duct system and are the only in-line filter with push/pull capability. The interchangeable high-flow carbon filters are easy to use and quick to change. These products are 100% airtight. They are available in five sizes from 14.20 to 99.10 m3/min.

Tomato & Vegetable 6-2-3 Tomato & Vegetable 6-2-3 is a technologically advanced blend of natural and organic fertilisers with Mykos root-enhancing soil microbes. The unique combination of nutrients provides even the hungriest heirloom with all the necessary food for abundant growth, while the beneficial Mykos helps bridge the gap between roots and the nutrients present in the surrounding soil. See more at a retail store near you.

House & Garden’s new Cocos House & Garden Cocos has arrived direct from Holland in a new slimline bag. H&G Cocos is a natural plant substrate made from the cleanest coco peat available in the world today, direct from one of the leading substrate manufacturers in the Netherlands. H&G Cocos is not sterilised or treated with harmful chemicals to retain the natural benefits of the coco substrate. H&G Cocos has a perfect air/water ratio, is washed in fresh water, has a low EC level and is pH stable. For best results, use with H&G Cocos A+B base nutrient. Visit a local retailer to learn more.

SuperCloset’s LED SuperFlower 3.0 Hydroponic Grow Box The new LED SuperFlower 3.0 grow box utilises a proprietary spectrum facilitated by 3-W LEDs to flower large yields in tight spaces. In addition, the LED SuperFlower 3.0 grow box uses a proprietary 8-bandwidth spectrum that runs on 700 mA. Heat is dissipated efficiently amongst the 2-CM aluminum circuit boards that are the backbone of the Super LED lighting systems. The LED SuperFlower 3.0 is a dedicated flowering grow box and is a 600-W equivalent and uses about half of the electricity as a 600-W HID light while producing similar luminous efficiency. For more information, visit a local retailer.

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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

Maximize the Life of Bluelab pH Products It is extremely important to use, care for and store pH probes correctly. If they are not used correctly they may break or die prematurely. Never store, rinse or soak Bluelab pH Pens or pH Probes in reverse osmosis (RO), distilled or de-ionized water. Pure water changes the chemistry in the reference, causing the probe to die. Bluelab has created the perfect solution to maximise the response time and life of Bluelab pH products. Combine Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution with a Bluelab Probe Care Kit–pH and you will have the tools you need to get the best life from your pH products.

Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution is ideal for use with the following Bluelab products: Bluelab pH Pen, Bluelab Soil pH Pen, Bluelab pH and soil pH Probes. Available in 100-ml bottles. For more information, visit a retail store near you.

XtraCool Reflector now Distributed

by Growlush Australia The XtraCool Reflector's light-weight design includes tempered glass and a built-in socket and lamp cord. The external body panel of the XtraCool Reflector is made of steel and folded to provide extra strength.

Each XtraCool Reflector has a glass panel covering the top. The XtraCool Reflector comes standard with a white panel and black versions are also available on request. A safety junction box covers all electrical wiring ensuring no internal wiring exposure. A 95% reflective dimple aluminum material and mirror aluminum are used for this design to give growers extra light coverage and extend the lamp life with no hot spots inside the fitting. Maximum air cooling is possible with the built-in 125-mm, 150-mm or 200-mm fittings on both ends. Each XtraCool Reflector comes with a pair of lifting reflector hangers and the reflectors are available in a variety of sizes.

Stop by your local retailer to check them out.

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Ostberg Americas Announces the RKB Series Fan Ostberg Americas, Inc. announces the RKB series in-line centrifugal duct fan.

The RKB is a compact, high-capacity, rectangular centrifugal fan that can be installed in any position. This product is UL705 approved. The RKB connects to rectangular ducts, has backward curved impellers, is manufactured from galvanised steel and has a swing-out design for easy cleaning. It is also designed specifically for high pressures in long runs of ducting. This product is moistureproof, approved for outdoor use and has maintenance-free motors protected from overheating with built-in thermo contacts. Six sizes (up to 198 m3/min) are available. Visit an indoor gardening store to learn more.

SuperCloset’s SuperLocker 3.0 Hydroponic Grow Box The new LED SuperLocker 3.0 grow box utilises a proprietary spectrum facilitated by 3-W LEDs to flower large yields in tight spaces. In addition, the LED SuperLocker 3.0 grow box uses a proprietary 8-bandwidth spectrum that runs on 700 mA. Heat is dissipated efficiently amongst the 2-CM aluminum circuit boards that are the backbone of the Super LED lighting systems.

The LED SuperLocker 3.0 LED lighting system is a 250-W equivalent and uses about half of the electricity as a 250-W HID light while producing similar luminous efficiency. For more information, visit a local retailer.

Shear Perfection Pruning and Cutting Tools National Garden Wholesale® is excited to announce the arrival of the Shear Perfection™ Pruning and Cutting Tools. This new line of quality hand tools will perform for years. The titanium coated stainless steel blades will stay sharp during multiple uses and are very easy to clean. These shears include a comfort-grip handle with spring-loaded action for less fatigue on your hands. Storage is simple with an easy-lock mechanism. For right- or left-handed use. Shear Perfection—A Cut Above! Visit a retailer near you for more information.

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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

Sun System Dominator XXXL Air-cooled Reflectors Sunlight Supply®, Inc. is excited to announce the arrival of the Dominator XXXL 15.24- and 20.32-cm Air-cooled Reflectors, the latest addition to the Sun System® reflector line. These new massive size reflectors have increased coverage area and excellent uniformity. This allows closer placement to plants. These reflectors are completely sealed with double-gasketed glass and captured thumb screws that pull the glass frame tight for an airtight seal. As with all Sun System reflectors, they feature a 95% reflective German aluminum interior. Unmatched in output, uniformity and performance, you can’t afford to not have this reflector in your growroom.

Visit a retailer near you for more information.

Xtreme Gardening’s Mykostart Mykostart All-purpose Plant Starter Paks are an efficient and easy method of feeding new transplants. Add to plant holes, backfill and remember to water; it’s that simple.

Slow-release organic and natural fertilisers are combined with rootboosting mycorrhizae in a unique biodegradable pack that keeps nutrients in the root zone—right where they need to be.

More nutrients near the roots mean more nutrients in the fruits. For more information, visit a local retailer.

XtraCool Tube Reflector now Distributed by Growlush Australia XtraCool Tube Reflector is designed in France and now distributed by Growlush Australia. The XtraCool Tube Reflector’s lightweight design includes a built-in socket and lamp cord. It also has a completely sealed glass tube to provide extra cooling via ducting on both ends. The external body panel of the XtraCool Tube Reflector is made of steel and is folded to provide extra strength. The XtraCool Tube Reflector comes standard with a white panel; a black colour is also available on request.

A safety junction box covers all electrical wiring so no internal wiring exposure. A 95% reflective dimple aluminum material and a centre mirror aluminum piece are used for this design to give growers extra light coverage and extend the lamp life with no hot spots inside the fitting. Maximum air cooling is possible with the built-in 150-mm or 200-mm fittings on both ends. Each XtraCool Tube reflector comes with a pair of lifting reflector hangers. For more information, ask your nearest retail store.

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Floralicious Plus Floralicious® Plus is a vegan bio plant stimulator and nutrient additive. It is everything that is Floralicious, except it has been formulated to be utilised in both the vegetative and regenerative (or, flowering) stages of growth. It has five times the concentration, so its application rates are reduced. Floralicious Plus stimulates microbial activity in the plant’s root zone.

This metabolic fuel solution is packed with powerful vitamins, complex plant sugars, protein-building amino acids, seaweed extracts, carbon building blocks and aromatic oils, all in a fulvic-acid base. Floralicious Plus adds quality flavour and colours and can be used for all plants in prepared soil/soilless mixes, coco blends and hydroponics.

Visit your local indoor gardening store for more information.

Rainmaker Sprayers Sunlight Supply®, Inc. is excited to announce the arrival of the Rainmaker Sprayers. From the 0.95-L spray bottle to the 18.93-L battery-powered portable sprayer, these all-purpose sprayers feature chemical-resistant polyethylene plastic bodies. This durable plastic is translucent, allowing liquid level measurements to be easily identified. Rainmaker Sprayers in the 3.79- through 11.36-L sizes come with a funnel-top design, while the 15.14- and 18.93-L models feature a threaded wide-mouth opening and integrated filter to help prevent spilling or dripping. Rainmaker Sprayers can be used for a variety of home and garden applications, including cleaning agents, herbicides, pesticides and foliar feeding fertiliser or compost tea.

For more information, please visit a hydroponics shop near you.

Bluelab Soil pH Pen Packaging Error Oops! We’ve made an error on the packaging for our newest member of the pen family. The Bluelab Soil pH Pen is missing a zero and a dot from one of the fields in the specifications table.

Just two little details… yet they are vitally important.

The accuracy of the Bluelab Soil pH Pen at 25°C is ± 0.1pH. Packaging changes have been made; however, there will be some products circulating with the incorrect specifications.

Visit your local indoor gardening store for more information.

Nanolux Dimmable Digital Ballast now Distributed by Growlush Australia The Nanolux dimmable digital ballast uses the latest circuit board technology and an innovative design to make it half the size of traditional digital ballasts at a quarter of the weight. The Nanolux will operate MH and HPS lamps and incorporates a random start feature that gives each ballast a zero to 15 second window upon which it will strike the lamp. This feature allows for a lower initial power draw when using multiple ballasts. This ballast not only runs 20% cooler than most digital ballasts, but also saves up to 30% more energy than an equivalent magnetic ballast. Nanolux ballasts have soft start and soft dimming features enabling the user to change the settings without affecting the lamp life. They can run on 100 to 265 V and utilise an LED notification system to allow the user to easily diagnose problems like fan failure or thermal overload protection. Visit a retail store near you for more information.

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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

Ostberg Americas Announces the CK Series Fan The CK is an in-line duct fan that combines the benefits of a radial fan with high pressure and low noise levels along with ease of installation. This compact fan installs in any position. It is also compatible with speed controllers, is moisture-resistant for use in humid/damp locations and is manufactured from heavy-gauge galvanised steel. The UL507 models are finished with a baked epoxy coating, and all models have standard auto-reset thermal overload protection. The CK series is UL listed, and comes with a 10-year limited warranty. For more information, visit a local retailer.

SuperCloset’s LED Deluxe 3.0 Hydroponic Grow Box The LED Deluxe 3.0 grow box utilises a proprietary spectrum facilitated by 3-W LEDs to flower large yields in tight spaces. In addition, the Deluxe 3.0 LED grow boxes use a proprietary 8-bandwidth spectrum that runs on 700 mA. Heat is dissipated efficiently amongst the 2-CM aluminum circuit boards that are the backbone of the Super LED lighting systems. The Super LED light in the Deluxe is a 400-W equivalent and uses about half of the electricity as a 400-W HID light while producing similar luminous efficiency. For more information, visit a local retailer.

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

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Hydroponic enthusiast and scientist Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. conducted research to determine which factors contribute to optimal essential element absorption, and which factors (and plant qualities) may actually be detrimental to the process.

What did he conclude?

Read on to discover.

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Maximum Yield |  July/August May/June 2013 2013

Roots perform two essential functions—they anchor the plant in the rooting medium and are the means by which water and essential nutrient elements enter the plant. Some growers may not fully appreciate the anchoring aspect until their field or garden plants dislodge or trees are blown over in high winds, illustrating the importance of sufficient root penetration into the rooting medium.

Since the means by which water and essential nutrients enter the plant is a biological function, those factors that correlate with biological activity apply, such as pH, temperature, energy and oxygen supply. Roots will function under a fairly wide pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, while root function is at its optimum when the root temperature is within 20 to 30°C, or within the same range as that experienced by the aerial portion of the plant.

Plants will wilt if the root temperature differs too much from that existing around the aerial portions.

in the driver’s seat for growth—the roots or the vegetative portion of the plant?”

Functional roots require two things—oxygen and a continuous supply of carbohydrates—which are needed to generate the energy required for water and ion absorption to take place. With a large or enlarging root system, significant quantities of carbohydrates are needed and the likelihood of an anaerobic condition developing increases, because carbohydrates that form in plant leaves by photosynthesis must be divided between those needed for vegetative growth, including the formation of flowers and fruit, and those required by the roots. The balance between root and vegetative plant growth has been the subject of many investigations, although no definitive understanding of the relationship has yet been reached. The unanswered questions are, first: “who is in the driver’s seat for growth—the roots or the vegetative portion of the plant?” And second: “where do the photosyntheticallygenerated carbohydrates go first?”

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

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The Root Whisperer Root death is not an uncommon occurrence in some growing systems and it was the factor that doomed the nutrient film technique (NFT) for the growing of long-term crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

Once the NFT trough was filled with roots, the flow of nutrient solution down the trough was impeded and there was insufficient oxygen within the root mass to sustain root function. As portions of the root system began to die due to oxygen starvation, plant growth and fruit formation slowed or stopped and with increasing oxygen starvation the plants died.

The size of the root mass is not a significant factor in a plant’s ability to absorb water and essential nutrients—what is important is that the roots are functional. The only exception would be when the rooting environment is minimal in terms of water and elemental availability, making a large root soil contact surface necessary in order for the plant to meet all its water and elemental needs.

In mineral soils as well as for some types of soilless mixes, contact between ions in solution and plant roots is governed by three physical processes—mass flow, diffusion and root interception. Those elements dissolved in the soil solution will move as water moves within the rooting medium, bringing them into contact with plant roots. Ion absorption from the solution surrounding the root creates a concentration gradient that results in the movement of ions some distance from the root, moving by diffusion into the area where the absorption occurred. The plant also plays a role as its roots grow into the rooting medium, increasing the contact surface between plant roots and the rooting medium.

Maintaining constant conditions within the rooting medium will allow plant roots to seek out that portion having a desirable balance between water and oxygen supply. If there are constant changes in the rooting environment, root development and function will be adversely affected, which will be reflected in periodic wilting under

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of the root system began to die due to oxygen starvation, plant growth and fruit formation slowed or stopped.”

conditions of high atmospheric demand, coupled with nutrient element insufficiencies that will slow vegetative growth and lower product yield and quality.

Root absorption of essential elemental ions is a complex process that is not yet entirely understood. For an element to be absorbed by the roots it must exist in ionic form, as plant roots are not generally able to absorb molecules.

For ion absorption to occur energy is required, which is obtained by root respiration, which in turn requires a supply of carbohydrates and the presence of oxygen. Ion absorption will not occur under

The Root Whisperer

anaerobic conditions around the root. Since water and ion absorption occur at the same time, some scientists believe that a portion of the ions in solution are carried into the root with the incoming water, bypassing the mechanisms previously thought to be required for ion absorption to occur. Water is pulled into the plant root by pressure generated by the transpiration of water from leaf surfaces, but ion absorption can occur even when water is not being absorbed.

It is the area immediately behind the growing root tip where most of the water and ion absorption occurs. As the root matures, absorption activity declines.

For hydroponic growing, where the entire root mass is exposed to a nutrient solution, root maturity will not be as much of a factor in water and ion absorption.

Root hair development occurs in a moist (not wet) rooting environment, particularly when the essential 30

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plant nutrient element supply is low. Root hair development does not occur in adequately fertilised soils, soilless media or hydroponic growing systems. When both nitrogen and phosphorus are in abundant supply in the rooting medium, root hairs will not develop.

A unique zone can exist around the root known as the rhizosphere, a thin cylindrical zone immediately around the root serving as the interface between the root surface and the surrounding rooting medium. Rhizosphere development requires a stable rooting environment that is not provided by most hydroponic growing systems, where a nutrient solution is delivered periodically to the rooting medium. For some woody plants, like trees, there is no radial redistribution of absorbed essential elements—or of water either, at least to some degree—so that all the roots must be functioning equally for normal growth to occur.

At the entrance to a bank there was a large raised bed with a young pin oak tree planted in its centre, providing beautiful fall colour. The area around the tree was covered with mulch. Wanting to add flowering plant colour appropriate for each season of the year, the bank manager contracted a local garden club to select and set appropriate plants in the bed around the pin oak tree. Over the next several years, everyone admired the beautiful array of flowering plants with the changing seasons, but no one paid attention to the pin oak tree—which stopped growing and then, several years later, died during the winter. Why? For trees and most woody plants, what are known as feeder roots grow up toward the soil surface, not down, the feeder roots forming from lateral roots extending from the base of the plant. The constant disturbance of the soil surface around the pin oak kept the feeder roots from functioning—roots that were essential for the tree to sustain growth.

into the plant root by pressure generated by the transpiration of water from leaf surfaces.”

appearance of the pecan trees was not affected by this practice, but none of these pecan trees ever produced nuts.”

Another factor that probably had an effect was the rooting medium used for the flowering plants, which brought in fertiliser elements (NPK) not needed by the tree and possibly contributed to its death.

A similar root-affecting situation existed at a field crop research station that I frequently visited during the growing season. There were groves of pecan trees scattered about the station grounds.

In one area, four large pecan trees provided shade for the workers, who parked their trucks and field equipment under them during lunch and rest breaks. The general appearance of the pecan trees was not affected by this practice, but none of these pecan trees ever produced nuts.

For most plants it has been demonstrated that just one actively functioning root is capable of supplying most, if not all, of its essential nutrient elements. I have also conducted research to determine what effect rooting vessel size and shape can have on tomato plant growth and fruit yield.

I found that a tomato plant will grow well and produce fruit when rooted in a 1-L beverage bottle, with perlite being the rooting medium and the nutrient solution being introduced into the bottom of the bottle.

Root size is not a significant factor in essential element absorption if there is an adequate supply of carbohydrates and oxygen available for the functioning roots. However, root mass can be a factor—depending on plant water demands—when the plant leaf area is large and the atmospheric demand high.

In general, there is no consistent positive correlation between root mass and plant growth and product yield. In fact, a large root mass may actually be detrimental to plant growth and product yield due to the amount of carbohydrates and oxygen necessary to sustain the function of such large roots.

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Eco-friendly

Horticultural Lighting The Future is Here

by Eric Hopper

Things are looking brighter than ever in the field of horticultural lighting— and it’s going to take a lot less energy to get the job done in the future.

We are in the midst of an ecological movement stemming from a heightened sense of awareness that our current path of over-consumption is unsustainable and detrimental to our planet. This global movement affects every industry and technology and challenges manufacturers to not only produce ‘green’ products but to do so in a manner that is eco-friendly. To this end, the horticultural industry has been making significant progress in developing new, energy-efficient light fixtures. Main goals include being able to produce light technologies that consume less energy, produce more photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and contain fewer hazardous materials. Products designed under this multifaceted approach will reduce pollution created as a byproduct of electricity production and reduce harmful waste that eventually contaminates our soil and water.

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The future of horticultural lighting Two lighting technologies stand out in my mind as being ‘the future’ of eco-friendly horticultural lighting: LEDs and induction lighting technologies. Neither technology is new; in fact, induction lighting has been around since the 1890s—although the more advanced sulfur-plasma technology was developed in the 1990s—and LEDs were introduced in the 1960s. The expanded use of these forms of lighting in future horticultural applications will be due to advancements we’re now beginning to make in our understanding of plant physiology, combined with improvements in production methods that will lower costs.

“ Two lighting technologies stand out in my mind as being ‘the future’ of eco-friendly horticultural lighting: LEDs and induction lighting technologies.”

LEDs Light-emitting diode or LED technology is gaining huge popularity in the horticultural industry. This is due mainly to NASA, which continues to conduct plant-growth experiments under LED lighting. LEDs show immense potential as horticultural lighting fixtures due to low energy consumption, cool operation and the capability to customise their spectral output to emit the specific wavelengths most usable by plants. All of these factors—combined with their longevity and durability—make LEDs the most viable eco-friendly solution for horticultural lighting. LEDs are also solid state devices that do not depreciate in their output of usable plant energy (PAR) like their HID and fluorescent counterparts— in fact, LEDs can be used for horticulture for up to 10 years without a substantial decline in PAR output. LEDs emit light in a very unique and efficient way that produces much less heat than standard lighting fixtures. In most indoor gardens Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

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Eco-friendly Horticultural Lighting

heat is considered waste and is generally removed by a fan or air conditioner, but LEDs are able to reduce the energy consumption associated with the removal of excess heat by not producing so much in the first place. LEDs contain no mercury, but due to the presence of other compounds these bulbs should still be recycled after their long lifespan.

“ What makes sulfur-plasma so exciting for the horticultural industry is the truly full-spectrum output it can emit and its long lifespan.”

Induction lighting Induction lighting illuminates without the use of an electrode, instead using an electromagnetic field to stimulate compounds found within the bulb. Electrodes are generally the limiting factor in lamp life and efficiency, so it makes sense that induction lighting would be a great choice for a long-lasting, efficient lighting source. There are also certain higher-efficiency substances that can be used in electrodeless lamps that would react poorly with the metal electrodes

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used in standard lamps. For horticultural purposes, there are two types of induction lighting currently showing the most potential: sulfur-plasma lamps and fluorescent magnetic induction lamps.

Sulfur-plasma Sulfur-plasma lamps consist of a small fused quartz sphere (or bulb) containing a mixture of argon gas and sulfur powder. The sulfur and argon gas are excited by microwaves produced by a magnetron—which heats the sulfur, causing it to illuminate. What makes sulfur-plasma so exciting for the horticultural industry is the truly full-spectrum output it can emit and its long lifespan. A sulfur-plasma bulb is rated for 60,000 hours (five to seven years of continuous use) with virtually no depreciation of photosynthetically active radiation. Although sulfur-plasma lamps are realistically years away from practical use in horticultural applications, their long life—combined with the absence of mercury and other hazardous waste—makes them a strong candidate to be a leading eco-friendly choice for the future.

Magnetic induction fluorescent As with standard fluorescent lighting, magnetic induction fluorescents use electricity to excite mercury vapor, which excites phosphors—thus producing light. The difference lies in the way the mercury vapor is excited. Magnetic induction

fluorescents, like their name suggests, use electromagnetic induction to transfer energy through the glass envelope of the bulb to excite the mercury within. The absence of any electrode in the fluorescent light tube creates a multitude of ecologically friendly benefits. Electrodes found in standard fluorescents create an escape route for the gases in the tube—the escape of these gases decreases light output and requires more mercury to be used. Induction fluorescents require half the mercury content of comparable standard fluorescents, making them a much better choice for the environment.

Although standard fluorescents need to be replaced about once a year because the usable light energy for plants diminishes as the bulb’s internal compounds break down or escape, magnetic induction fluorescents can be used continuously for five to seven years with little or no reduction in PAR. It should also be noted that the mercury used in induction lighting is in a solid form, which reduces contamination in case of accidental breakage and makes a full recovery during recycling simpler. Magnetic induction fluorescents—just like LEDs—also produce much less heat than high-intensity discharge lighting, which reduces overall energy consumption.

Proper disposal of fluorescents, metal halides and high-pressure sodiums Many growers do not realise they can reduce the amount of toxic material entering our soil and water by simply recycling (versus throwing out) their old bulbs. Almost every recycling facility accepts bulbs and will actually salvage some of the components and compounds that can be reused. Contact your local recycling centre to find out the proper procedures for your area—recycling unwanted bulbs is a useful contribution to our planet’s bright future.

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d n a g n i d i Avo c o h S t n a l p s Tran es

d

by Heather Rhoa

Transplant shock in plants is almost unavoidable, but there are a few ways to cure it and possibly avoid it altogether…

Let’s face it; plants were not designed to be moved from place to place. So, when we humans do this to them, it is bound to cause some problems. Here’s a look at how to avoid or cure transplant shock.

How to avoid transplant shock Disturb the roots as little as possible: Unless the plant is root bound, you should do as little as possible to the rootball when moving the plant from one location to the next.

Do not bump the rootball or rough up the roots.

Bring as much of the roots as possible: Along the same lines as the tip above for plant preparation, preventing shock means when initially removing the plant, make sure as much of the roots as possible is brought up with 38

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g n i r i Repa

s t n a l P n I ck the plant. The more roots that come with the plant, the less likely transplant shock in plants will set in.

Water thoroughly after transplanting: An important transplant shock preventer is to make sure that your plant receives plenty of water after you move the plant.

This will help the plant settle in to its new location.

Always make sure the rootball stays moist when transplanting: For this transplant shock preventer, make sure that the rootball stays moist in-between locations when moving the plant. If the rootball dries out at all, the roots in the dry area will get damaged.

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

Add some sugar: Believe or not, studies have shown that a weak sugar-andwater solution made with plain sugar from the grocery store, given to a plant after transplanting, can help recovery time for transplant shock in plants. It can also be used as a

transplant shock preventer if applied at the time of transplanting. While it doesn’t help with all plants, it is worth a try as it will not harm the plant.

Trim back the plant: Trimming back the plant allows the plant to focus on regrowing its roots. In perennials, trim back about a third of the plant. In annuals (if the plant is a bush type), trim back a third of the plant. If it is a plant with a main stem, cut off half of each leaf.

Keep roots moist: Keep the roots wellwatered, but make sure that the plants have good drainage and are not in standing water.

Wait patiently: Sometimes a plant just needs a few days to recover from transplant shock. Give it some time and care for it as you normally would, and it could come back on its own.

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

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The Secret to a ( for your pH Meter) Handheld pH meters can be a gardener’s best friend—but nobody wants to keep replacing them when they start malfunctioning way too soon.

It turns out it’s all about the electrodes…

One of the handiest tools in a gardener’s tool belt is the pocket pH meter or tester—within seconds, the meter’s display will reveal the acidity or alkalinity of water or soil via the pH reading, indicating whether nutrients are feeding properly into plants. For gardeners investigating why their plants are not thriving, the pH reading is—literally—the litmus test.

Priced around $100 or less, the handheld pH meter is also a worthwhile investment. Except, that is, when it begins to malfunction! Sluggish readings that take 15 to 30 seconds to register, erratic measurements that fail to stabilize, blatantly incorrect values or no pH display at all are complaints common to users of pocket pH meters. Further, gardeners using rainwater or treated wastewater to irrigate plants might find that the performance of their pH meter declines very quickly. Why? Regardless of the type of pH meter, the problem can typically be traced back to the electrodes. Single-junction electrodes are much more prone to problems and shorter lives than their double-junction counterparts.

“For gardeners investigating why their plants are not thriving, the pH reading is—literally—the litmus test.”

It’s all about the electrodes Electrodes in pH meters fail because of reference electrode deterioration, which is a result of depletion, contamination and clogging. The reference electrode’s ions (suspended in liquid, gel or a polymer) are very slowly depleted with use.

Electrolyte depletion occurs with all pH electrodes—whether they are heavy-duty industrial electrodes, sophisticated laboratory electrodes or pocket pH tester electrodes. If this were the only factor corrupting a pH reference electrode, however, electrode life would still be long enough.

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In addition to depletion from usage, though, contaminating ions from water or soil samples can cause rapid chemical reactions with the silver and silver chloride reference electrolyte solution commonly used in pH reference electrodes. This contamination produces sluggish, erratic, incorrect or even nonexistent pH electrode responses as the reference electrode wire spoils or the reference junction clogs—the result is swift electrode failure.

This deterioration proceeds most rapidly when the pH reference electrode is a single-junction type and the solution measured has high concentrations of ions that can contaminate and then attack critical components of the reference electrode. Some of the most common applications that seem to lead to rapid failure of pH electrodes include testing plant nutrient solutions, measuring solutions with sulfides or metal ions and determining pH levels in food and wine, as well as wastewater analysis.

Doubling the load: doublejunction electrodes A pH electrode’s junction is the porous communication point between the electrolyte solution in the reference electrode and the sample itself. Basically the electrode solution must ‘leak’ out into the sample in order for the electrode to achieve accurate results. In a single-junction electrode, the junction is in direct contact with the sample, allowing contaminants to pass directly into the electrolyte solution. The contaminants can then attack the reference electrode wire, sometimes quickly destroying the pH electrode itself.

ph Electrode Anatomy Single junction

Double junction 1

2

pH Electrode Anatomy

3

1 Cable 2 Cap 3 Fill hole 4 Body-glass or epoxy 5 Outer reference chamber filled with internal fill solution 6 Ag/AgCl wire 7 Annular reference junction allows reference solution to leak 8 Inner reference chamber 9 Outer reference chamber 10 pH sensing bulb

4

6

5

8

6 9 6

7

10

1) Cable 2) Cap 3) Fill hole 4) Body-glass or epoxy 5) Outer reference chamber filled with internal fill solutio n 6) Ag/AgCl wire 7) Annular reference junction allows reference solution to leak 8) inner reference chamber 9) Outer reference chamber 10) ph sensing bulb

10

In a double-junction electrode, ions that attack the pH reference electrode signal wire or react with the internal pH reference electrolyte (Ag/AgCl) take much longer to come into contact with the pH reference signal wire and internal pH reference wire. These contaminants must migrate through the first (outer) reference junction, build up a concentration in the cell filled with KCl reference electrolyte and finally migrate through the second (internal) reference junction before coming into contact with the pH reference electrode signal wire and internal pH reference electrolyte.

The longer it takes contaminants to reach internal reference cells the longer it delays the pH reference electrode damage that ruins the pH electrode, making the double-junction pH reference electrode and the entire pH electrode system last much longer than single-junction pH electrode systems.

Double the benefits So it’s really no secret after all—when choosing a pH meter or tester, look for models using doublejunction electrodes. These electrodes will deliver a longer life and a higher level of performance.

Of course at some point all electrodes need to be replaced—and double-junction electrodes are a bit costlier to make and therefore more expensive to purchase—but for testing plant nutrient solutions, using rainfall or wastewater or handling other potentially harsh fluids, the investment is well worth it.

Your pH meter will display the difference! MY

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43

Accidental Discoveries: by D Kesavid sle r

!

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

accidental discoveries

A few months went by and the majority of the hydroponics systems in the laboratory developed severe pythium infections. Pythium is one of the most common pathogens hydroponic growers contend with. It used to be considered a fungus, but it has more recently been classified as an oomycete (a group of fungus-like organisms). Pythium can cause severe root rot and poses a huge threat to hydroponic crops.

In its spore stage, it can move quickly in water and multiply, reeking havoc if left unchecked.

Due to the short duration of the university experiment (about 25-day cycles), the infected plants did not show visible signs of being deficient in manganese. In fact, there was enough manganese from other sources to meet the minimal needs of the plants; however, there was roughly a 15% reduction in yield. It was not until later, when they discovered the student’s mistake, that they made the possible connection between the lack of manganese and the

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

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

increased occurrence of pythium infections. This then led to experiments designed to verify that manganese had the ability to suppress pythium.

It is well documented that copper is able to suppress microbial growth; however, copper in elevated amounts is toxic to plants. To that point, manganese had not been examined to see if it too had any antimicrobial characteristics. Manganese, however, was an active ingredient in some commercial fungicides, so it was not a stretch when their research went on to reveal that manganese (and zinc, as it turns out) demonstrated some level of microbial inhibition. Unlike copper, slightly elevated levels of manganese and zinc in your hydroponic solution are not going to cause phytotoxicity—but they might prevent a costly attack of pythium.

To sum up, the moral of the story is that there are happy accidents in science and all we have to do is learn from them! So, add some extra zinc and manganese to your reservoir, sit back, sip some champagne and rest easier knowing you have added a level of protection to your hydroponic garden (and you didn’t even need to use penicillin).

David Kessler heads research and development at Atlantis Hydroponics and writes for their popular blog. David has over two decades of experience and multiple degrees from the State University of New York. He’s also an accredited judge for the American Orchid Society and travels the world judging orchid events. Follow his blog at atlantishydroponics.wordpress.com

FunguS AmOng uS the

By

gRuBByCup

What do moulds, mildews, mushrooms, yeasts and mycorrhizae all have in common? Well, they are all forms of fungus, of course!

Fungi large and small, enemies and allies, are a part of our everyday lives.

They are particularly common in some gardens. In fact, overly humid or wet gardens have a greater tendency to have fungal problems. This is because fungi prefer low light and wet, undisturbed conditions. Many fungi reproduce by releasing spores, which are tiny groups of cells that float through the air in the hopes of landing in a hospitable area to form a new colony. Spores from common local 48

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fungi are often already present in gardens and are just awaiting proper conditions to begin growth. Continuous available moisture encourages spore growth, and humidity above 70% is ideal for fungal growth (although outbreaks can occur at lower levels). Air circulation can also have a strong influence on fungal growth, since poor air movement can create pockets

of high-humidity air around plant material. Since fungi do not use chlorophyll, they have few light requirements (hence why they often prefer darker areas). Fungal outbreaks can start in as little as 24 hours of appropriate conditions.

When it comes to fungi in the garden, prevention is easier than treatment.

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So, keeping humidity under control, removing decomposing plant material and the elimination of standing water are the best methods to avoid an initial outbreak. If a colony becomes established, it must be treated in most cases for the plant to survive. Correction of environmental issues, removal of colonised plant material, chemical fungicides and biological fungicides are all options for treatment.

Here is a list of some of the more common fungi found in gardens, and some specific ways to avoid them: • Stem rot is a fungus that can develop on, and kill off, overwatered seedlings. Once contracted, it is usually fatal, but can be avoided in the first place by proper watering.

• Root rot is also caused by overwatering plants, but again can usually be avoided with proper watering and root aeration.

• Grey mould attacks areas of poor air circulation and can usually be avoided with some combination of proper ventilation and trimming areas of dense growth and tying the plant open to allow for internal airflow.

• Powdery mildew is another moist garden fungal menace common to appear, but has several treatment options, including milk and other homemade remedies.

• Verticillium wilt is a destructive fungus that invades and grows inside infected plants, an almost always fatal and untreatable arrangement.

• Dutch elm disease is another terminal fungal ailment.

keeping humidity under control, removing decomposing plant material and the elimination of standing water are the best methods to avoid an initial outbreak.”

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On the more friendly fungal side, yeast is a fungus commonly used to make bread rise and create the alcohol in wine and beer. Edible mushrooms can be grown at home using logs inoculated with the proper mushroom spores (some mushrooms can be toxic, so make sure of the identity of any mushroom considered for consumption).

Fungi also help out in the garden. They assist in plant decomposition and the conversion of waste plant material into compost by breaking down large and woody plant material into forms more accessible to further decomposition by bacteria.

Mycorrhial fungi have also formed symbiotic relationships with plants. Mycorrhiae are found naturally occurring in healthy “live” soil, where they eat the carbohydrates provided by the plants and, in return, assist the plant in drought resistance, blocking their environmental niche from pathogenic fungi and nutrient uptake.

Of particular use is their ability to increase phosphorus uptake, which dramatically increases over non-infected plants.

In the end, there are good fungi and there are some unpleasant ones. Like with everything else, make friends with the good and avoid the bad where you can.

GROWERS KNOW

Herbalicious

Flavours Growers Leverage Australia’s Fresh Herb Market

by Raquel Neofit

Meet a small group of growers who are thriving in Australia’s fresh herb market, despite having a bit of competition.

Jan Leverett, owner of Flavours Herbs

There are a number of growers in suburban Melbourne, Australia, dedicated to cultivating brilliant, top-quality plants to supply the ever-increasing demand home gardeners are placing on quality seedlings for the grow-your-own market. Jan Leverett, owner of Flavours Herbs, is definitely one such grower.

For Jan, being a dedicated grower is something that runs in the family. Her grandfather grew orchids in the 20s, 30s and 40s, and her father grew indoor plants when they were trendy in the 60s, 70s and 80s until her brother took over and introduced herbs to the nursery. Jan has been cultivating herbs for 15 years, and since she took over the business her focus has been on quality and reliability.

The Business of Herbs Jan has found the herb industry to be very competitive.

“I sell to the retail market and over the years I’ve tried to perfect the look of the herbs [and] to produce a product that people can’t resist buying,” she says. “Herbs can get out of control very quickly; they can turn wild, and they take constant caring for when they’re vulnerable. You have to know when to prune them. It’s time-consuming to produce perfect plants, but they let you know when they’re not coping [and] environment and weather play a challenging role in the caring of herbs.”

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Set Apart from the Rest Apart from producing the most attractive herbs on the market, Jan is particularly proud of her branding. With help from her daughter, who is a photography student, Jan has abandoned the standard industry labelling used by most herb growers and has invested time and money into designing her own range of attractive labels that set her herbs apart for the rest. “It’s taken a lot of time to get them right,” she says. “The colours, the photos, the printing ... but they’re looking great now. I’m really proud of our work, but they are always a work in progress.”

What They Grow Flavours Herbs grows all the standard culinary kitchen garden herbs, from basil through to thyme, but Jan also has some more unusual culinary and medicinal plants tucked away in the igloo, such as cardomon, aloe vera, rue (an effective insect and cat repellent), comfrey and brahmi (rumoured as the ancient elixir of life, Jan says). Next year, Jan says she’ll grow a range of super-hot, blow-your-brains-out, Thai chilli peppers.

She believes Australian growers don’t really have a true understanding of a super-hot chilli. “The label states they’re hot, but when you eat them, you’re disappointed,” she says.

I asked her if she’d be the taster. “Noooo,’” she replied.

“I have Nisa to do that for me,” indicating her colleague,

Nisa at Flavours Herbs is the secret weapon when it comes to taste-testing chili peppers.

a Thai grower. “She tries out all of the chillies. She’s a great cook and advises me which ones are best for cooking when chilli is necessary. Many people, when chilli is part of their cuisine, don’t feel satisfied until they’ve had their chilli hit,” Jan adds.

Where They Sell You won’t find Flavours Herbs in your local supermarket or any large retailer. Instead, they sell to quality nurseries, garden centres and other businesses that service customers looking for quality plants.

“All of the seeds and cuttings are started in an igloo to encourage good early growth, then we move them outside under the hail netting,” she adds. “We only grow what’s in season; it’s no good to us growing a plant out of season and protecting it until it’s large enough to go to the stores, because when the customer gets it home, it will just die.”

As we finished up the tour of Flavours Herbs, I mentioned to Jan her magenta coloured pots were really attractive. She then filled me in on her industry theory: “Coloured pots,” she says. “Show pride in growth; you’re known by your pot colour and your labels. They identify you.”

The Future With no plans of abandoning her pursuit for perfection, Jan has recently cleared space to build a new igloo and expand the range and quantity of the herbs Flavours cultivates. Plus, she’ll need a new spot for those blow-yourbrain chilli plants!

Masters of Cultivation Jan uses a very special blend of pre-mixed soil engineered especially for herbs to make the job of planting easier. Everything the plants need to grow is already there, including a slow release fertiliser, and even an old bathtub in the corner that holds a mountain of a specially prepared propagation mix for cuttings and seed production.

Some species are planted from seed, and others from cuttings, depending on the time of year and the plant. “We have to grow mint from cuttings because you can’t buy mint seeds,” Jan says.

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talking shop

AT A GLANCE Jason (left) and Mark (right) are the owners of two Just Hydroponics locations in Melbourne.

Company:

Just Hydroponics Owners:

Jason and Mark Location #1:

11 29/39 Westwood Drive Deer Park (Ravenhall) Melbourne Email:

justhydroponics@aapt.net.au Phone:

(03) 8390 0861 Location #2:

3/8 Motto Court Hoppers Crossing Melbourne Email:

just_hydroponics@aapt.net.au Phone:

(03) 8742 2830 Website:

justhydroponics.com.au Motto:

“Where Quality Matters”

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The owners of Just Hydroponics had to extra work hard to stand out amongst a sea of other hydroponic stores in Melbourne, Australia, but because they knew just what they were doing, they now operate two distinct stores and have found a rather large following.

Welcome to Just Hydroponics in Australia, where quality matters.

Store owners Jason and Mark, who successfully operate two hydroponics stores in the busy western suburbs of Melbourne, opened the doors of their first store located in Deer Park in 2006. It was an area that was already flooded with hydroponic stores, which made their first six months of business a little bit more than a challenge, Mark admits, but their existing knowledge helped them stand out in the crowd.

Already having an excellent understanding of the hydroponics industry, Jason and Mark saw an opportunity to make some improvements for consumers at their new store. From what they witnessed,

existing stores may have had a wide range of products and fully stocked shelves, yet one thing seemed to be missing. Jason and Mark took a look around and wondered, where had the quality gone? The pair set out to open a store that not only stocked a broad range of products, but one that had premium quality items from the best suppliers—products ranging from fire retardant lighting and an impressive range of digital ballasts, to some of the best filter and fan ranges available.

“While hand picking the best products to stock our stores is one way of ensuring only the best is sold, we also rely on customer feedback, which also determines what is sold in the stores,” shares Mark.

The store shelves of Just Hydroponics are all neatly organized and fully stocked.

In 2010, Jason and Mark decided to close the Geelong store, and soon after, the Hoppers Crossing store was born. Here they faced different challenges. “Most of our customers were small-time growers and seemed to be happy with the old school way of growing,” Mark explains. “However, with time comes new technology, better research and better products.”

Jason and Mark knew that for some growers, moving with the times and employing new techniques and products would have seemed daunting at first, but they both felt it unfortunate that with that attitude, some growers would miss out on the best of the current technology and products. “We came to the realisation that growers didn’t have to be either ‘new’ or ‘old’, but could be both, and with that, have the best of both worlds,” says Mark, explaining that as store owners, Jason and himself pick out the best products from both systems, and are able to advise and tailor a growing system suitable to anyone’s unique needs. Jason and Mark now work with a team of five experienced employees who work extremely close with all of their customers to fine tune them into expert growers.

Jason and Mark embrace each day as a new, exciting challenge, which they admit, keeps things interesting.

Between the two stores, they deal with

“ Daily problem solving is what we do best, from setting up your first garden, to your fifth.”

upwards of 60 regular customers and they make sure all customers leave feeling like all of their questions were addressed and their problems solved.

“Besides the quality aspect of things, our advice and problem solving are both free,” says Mark. “Customers feel comfortable to ask whatever questions they need answered. It is amazing how many gardeners and hobbyists are out there and how many are not achieving what is achievable,” he adds.

The folks at Just Hydroponics don’t settle for second best. “The customer has spent the money and the time, so we ask them to let us help them reap the benefits. Daily problem solving is what we do best, from setting up your first garden, to your fifth. Our friendly staff understand what it is like to be a customer because we are all served by somebody in our day to day life and there is no reason to recommend the wrong product or give incorrect advice,” says Mark. “Here at Just Hydroponics we spend the time, listen to your ideas and goals, and from there we explain the products we have recommended and the options available. Since all products are of high quality, recommending different options is easy. We do not pressure you to buy anything, you simply make your own decision from the advice given and purchase what you need.

And in terms of pricing, well what can I say, we buy enough products to guarantee that our pricing is good.”

As successful business owners, Jason and Mark believe that providing the correct information online is very important and that their customers need a place to go to when shops are closed for the day. Taking a look online at justhydroponics.com.au one can see it is definitely looked after and has well over 1,000 products listed along with an image and a detailed description and usage instructions. Purchasing is also available for those who can’t make it to Just Hydroponics in person.

“We believe that Just Hydroponics has made an impact on our gardeners, in the way they think hydroponically, apply products to their system, and receive better knowledge of plants and products and overall results,” said Mark.

For more information on Just Hydroponics, visit in person at 11, 29/39 Westwood Drive Deer Park, or at the second location at 3/8 Motto Court Hoppers Crossing, both in Melbourne. Chances are you’ll be able to meet Jason or Mark who will be able to assist you in all your growing needs.

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

55

You Tell Us

For 15 years, Growlush Australia has been designing and manufacturing a wide range of electrical and hydroponic products, and has grown to become one of the only manufacturers in Australia with its own wholesale and retail distribution networks. Eugene Ong, a member of the Growlush team, shares some insight on how the company is meeting the needs of today’s grower.

Tell us a little about how the company started.

In what ways has it evolved?

Macro Dong, the owner of Growlush and Macro Group Companies, originally worked in the commercial and industrial lighting industry, and seeing an opportunity in the hydroponics market in Australia, he established Growlush Australia in 1998 in Melbourne with the goal of providing a wide range of hydroponic products at a fair price and with impressive service. Currently, Growlush supplies the same high quality hydroponic products sold in Australia and New Zealand, to North America, United Kingdom, Europe, South America and South Africa. As far as evolving is concerned, we are constantly looking for new products that will allow customers to more effectively manage their hydroponic growing. Our products have been evolving as we see new ways to improve their quality, efficiency and design to better fulfill their functions.

“Our products have been evolving as we see new ways to improve their quality, efficiency and design to better fulfill their functions.”

56

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

Macro Dong, the owner of Growlush

Who are the people behind Growlush?

Besides Macro himself, the heart of Growlush are its employees (65 full-time employees in Melbourne and 80 employees in China), who come from all walks of life, and from many different races and creeds. Many employees are hydroponic enthusiasts, allowing us to truly understand the needs of consumers.

What has been at the heart of your product’s development?

In today’s world where sustainable and green are more than just buzz words, saving energy and efficiency are undoubtedly top-of-mind aspects. With these increased standards in mind, Growlush has been involved in innovating products that consume low amounts of energy and products that allow for more efficient light output.

What kind of products is Growlush known for? Which products are you seeing the most demand for these days?

The core products we manufacture are magnetic and electronic ballasts, as well as high output, horticultural bulbs and reflectors. In terms of specific products, the OG Reflector with Concealed Vacuum Airflow Technology is a big hit in the US market and is seeing increased popularity in Europe and Australia, and our silent electronic ballasts have also been a hot item in many markets.

“The core products we manufacture are magnetic and electronic ballasts, as well as high output, horticultural bulbs and reflectors.”

How can users extend the life and the efficiencies of their Growlush Ozone Generators?

It is recommended that the tube of the ozone generator is cleaned every three to four weeks with CRC Contact cleaner or a similar

evaporating alcohol-based product that leaves no residue. To extend the life of the UV tube, users should make sure it is placed it in a dust-free, dry environment. If it is being used to eliminate odour in a growing environment, it should be run on the same cycle as the exhaust fan to avoid ozone buildup.

High levels of ozone can be damaging to plants, so relocating the unit outside the growroom and connecting it to the exhaust ducting can eliminate this risk.

In your experience, what would you say is one of the most common concerns amongst growers today?

I think that some of the most common concerns for growers are product reliability, maintaining a low profile and achieving maximum results from their equipment. For reliability, this means finding a product that has been proven and is consistent in their quality, for low profile, this means keeping their growing activities a private matter, which many products such as our ozone generator and grow tents help to achieve. For achieving maximum results, this means finding ways to maximise the efficiency of their systems, such as using the OG Reflector’s ability to allow a 600-W lamp to match the light output of a 1,000-W lamp.

What type of demographic does Growlush appeal to the most?

Our primary customer is a grower who demands good quality and performance at a reasonable price. Another key demographic are educational institutions that are helping to promote the concept of hydroponics for future sustainable growth. We are currently working with several schools and universities using Growlush products, such as the universities of Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland and Canberra. For the future, we have plans of bringing more premium products to the market for consumers with more sophisticated needs.

What tips can you provide for beginner growers?

A good foundation of knowledge is critical to success, so researching hydroponic methods and the specific needs of the plant you want to grow are paramount. A grower with practical experience in the hydroponic system and plant you desire is the best source of information you can hope for. Many hydroponic stores are staffed by people like this, so beginner growers should definitely go there after some basic online research and be ready to ask some good questions.

But eventually, you have to just go out on a limb and just do it!

Is there anything happening at the R&D stage that you’re at liberty to tell us about?

We are working closely with our US partner, Growlite, to develop another reflector which features their Concealed Vacuum Airflow Technology called the Karma reflector.

It features 100% internal lamp reflectivity that will allow growers to achieve maximum, uniform plant growth.

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

57

DO YOU KNOW?

1.

Electrodes in pH meters fail because of reference electrode deterioration, which is a result of depletion, contamination and clogging.

2.

3.

Since fungi do not use chlorophyll, they have few light requirements (hence why they often prefer darker areas).

An important transplant shock preventer is to make sure that your plant receives plenty of water after you move the plant.

5.

Root death is not an uncommon occurrence in some growing systems and it was the factor that doomed the nutrient film technique for the growing of long-term crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

6.

Pythium is one of the most common pathogens hydroponic growers contend with. It used to be considered a fungus, but it has more recently been classified as an oomycete.

8.

7.

Induction lighting has been around since the 1890s and the more advanced sulphur-plasma technology was developed in the 1990s. LEDs were not introduced until the 1960s.

10.

58

4.

LEDs contain no mercury, but due to the presence of other compounds, these bulbs should still be recycled after their long lifespan.

Maximum Yield |  July/August 2013

Some of the most common applications that seem to lead to rapid failure of pH electrodes include testing plant nutrient solutions, measuring solutions with sulfides or metal ions and determining pH levels in food and wine, as well as wastewater analysis.

9.

It is well documented that copper is able to suppress microbial growth; however, copper in elevated amounts is toxic to plants.

Fungi prefer low light and wet, undisturbed conditions.

MAXIMUM YIELD distributors AUSTRALIA ACT South Pacific Hydroponics

#2 - 84 - 86 Wollongong St., Fyshwick ACT 2609 (02) 6239 2598

South Pacific Hydroponics

70 Oatley Court, Belconnen ACT 2617 (02) 6251 0600

NEW SOUTH WALES ABC Aquaculture

54 Wahroonga Road, Kanwal NSW 2259 (61) 2 4393 3131 ASE Hydroponics

Hobby Grow

6/46 Through Street, South Grafton NSW 2460 (04) 2283 8069 Home Harvest

423 Princess Highway, Rockdale NSW 2216 (02) 9567 8841 Hyalite Moorebank

6/376 Newsbridge Road, Moorebank NSW 2170 (02) 9824 3400 Hyalite Villawood

2/21 Birmingham Avenue, Villawood NSW 2163 (02) 9723 7199 Hydro Masta

Factory 10/45 Leighton Pl., Hornsby NSW 2077 (02) 9477 3710

100 Station Road, Seven Hills, Sydney NSW 2147 (02) 8812 2845

Ballina Hydro

Hydro Masta Pty Ltd

3 Ray O’Niell Crescent, Ballina NSW 2478 (02) 6686 7321

76 Beecroft Road, Epping NSW 2121 (02) 9869 3011

Brunswick Hydro & Aquarium Supplies

Hydro Net

19 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483 (02) 6685 1552 Criscete Hydroponics and Organics

Unit 2/15 Kam Close, Morisset, NSW 2264 (02) 4973 5779

Dr. Van Der Bloom’s Hydroponics Supplies

5/5 Forge Drive, Coff’s Harbour, NSW 2450 (02) 6651 9992 Dubbo Hydro & Tobacconist

2/14 Aific Street, Long Jetty NSW 2261 (02) 4334 6955 Hydro Place

1/68 Nelson Street, Wallsend NSW 2287 (02) 4965 6595 Hydro Shop and Reptile Supplies

2/390 The Esplanade, Warners Bay NSW 2282 (02) 4958 1489 Hydro Shop Pty Ltd

Retail Stores are listed alphabetically by city in each state.

Northern Nursery Supplies Pty Ltd

14-16 Nance Road, Kempsey NSW 2440 (02) 6563 1599 Nowra Hydro

68 Bridge Road, Nowra NSW 2541 (02) 4423 3224 Nutriflo Hydroponic Systems

19/5 Daintree Place, Gosford West NSW 2250 (02) 4323 1599 Parkview Plants

20 Uralla Road, Pt Macquarie NSW 2444 (02) 6581 1272 Quik Grow

510a Great Western Hwy., Pendle Hill NSW 2145 (02) 9636 7023 Quick Grow

823 King Georges Road, S. Hurstville NSW 2221 (02) 9546 8642 Quik Grow Pty Ltd

490 Parramatta Road, Petersham NSW 2049 (02) 9568 2900 Simple Grow

Hassall Street & Windem, Wetherill Pk NSW 2164 (02) 9604 0469 Tweed Coast Hydroponics

Uncle Wal’s Gardenland

Ezi Grow Hydro

B/385 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty NSW 2261 (02) 4333 5700

56 Fish Parade, Bathurst NSW 2795 (02) 9832 1610 Ezi Grow Hydro - Head Office

18 Part Street, Eglinton NSW 2795 (02) 6337 1485

Favgro Hydroponics Growers

107 Glenella Road, Batehaven NSW 2536 (02) 4472 7165 Felanza - Hydroponics

140 Princess Highway, Arncliffe, NSW 2205 (02) 9556 1494

General Hydroponics

7/14 Sunnyholt Rd., Blacktown NSW 9676 (02) 9676 8682 Grow Australia

57 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 (02) 9326 0307

31 Crescent Avenue, Taree NSW 2430 (02) 6550 0221

Hydro Wise

Home Grown Aquaponics

14 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (02) 6921 5911 Hygrow Horticulture (Greenlite)

252 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 (02) 9369 3928 Indoor Sun Shop

745 Victoria Road, Top Ryde NSW 2112 (02) 9808 6511 Indoor Sun Shop

Unit 2/109 Junction Road, Moorebank NSW 2170 (02) 9822 4700 International Fans

PO Box 120, St. Mary’s NSW 2760 (02) 9833 7500 Kyper’s Tools and Hydroponics

Factory 1/5 Sefton Road, Thronleigh NSW 2120 (02) 9473 5000

Stuart & Tincogan Sts, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 (02) 6684 4928

Grow Your Own

Lismore Hydro

Unit 6/34 Alliance Ave, Morisset NSW 2264 (02) 4973 5179

1/106 Canway Street, Lismore NSW 2480 (02) 6621 3311

Happy Grow Hydro

Lismore Hydroponics

15/The Crescent Street, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4732 2870

60

rear of 28 Casino St., South Lismore, NSW 2480 (02) 6621 3311

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

Walsh’s Seeds Garden Centre

Hindmarsh Hydroponics

Unit 1/4 Windmill Street, Southport QLD 4215 (07) 5591 6501

13/8a-8b Hartley Drive, Thornton NSW 2322 (02) 4028 6388

Westside Lighting & Electrical (Ezi Range)

PO Box 274, Mascot NSW 1400 1 800 661 475

Wollongong Hydroponic Center

318 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 (02) 4225 8773

NORTHERN TERRITORY Katherine Hydroponics Centre

17 Rundle Street, Katherine NT 0850 (08) 8972 1730 QUEENSLAND A Happy Medium Hydroponics

Unit2/10 Central Court, Browns Plains QLD 4118 (07) 3809 3322 Allgrow Hydro

13 - 58 Bullock Head St., Sumner Park QLD 4074 (07) 3376 7222 Aquatic Oasis

Unit 2/33 Smith Street, Capalaba QLD 4157 (07) 3245 7777 Billabong Hydroponics

Lot 1, Billabong Court, Childers QLD 4660 (07) 4126 3551

2 Clarkes Track, Malanda QLD 4885 (07) 4096 6443

Eye Lighting Australia Pty Ltd

881 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350 (07) 4636 1077

PO Box 306, Carole Park QLD 4300 (07) 3335 3556

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ------------------------------------------

Green Power Hydroponics

2/80 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture QLD 4510 (07) 5428 1133

H2 Gro Pty Ltd

Hydro Supplies

Hydroponics Grow All Year

E.T. Grow Home

Port Pumps and Irrigation

(02) 6885 1616 Ezi Grow Hydro 177 Mt Druit Road, Mt Druitt NSW 2770 (02) 9832 1610

Ezi Grow Hydro

Harvest Time Hydroponics

Grow Hydro

2/58 Machinery Dr., Tweeds Head South NSW 2486 (07) 5524 8588

1B/340 Windsor Street, Richmond NSW 2753 (02) 4588 5826

Tumbling Waters Hydroponics

5/404 Deception Bay Road, Deception Bay QLD 4508 (07) 3204 8324

250 Princess Highway, Nowra South NSW 2541 (02) 4423 0599

Unit 1/5-7 Channel Road, Mayfield West NSW 2304 (02) 4960 0707

42c Victoria Street, Dubbo West NSW 2830

D-Bay Hydroponics Shop

22 Mining Street, Bundamba QLD 4304 (07) 3816 3206 2 Sonia Crt., Raceview QLD 4305 (07) 3294 3253 Hyalite Varsity

5/11 John Duncan Crt., Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 (07) 5593 7385 Hydroponic Roots & Shoots

Lot 3 Herberton Road, Atherton QLD 4883 (07) 4091 3217

Hydroponics & Garden Supplies

93 Cook St., Portsmith QLD 4870 (07) 4035 5422 Hydroponics Today

PO Box 785, Stanthorpe QLD 4380 (07) 4683 3133 Indoor Solutions

Unit 2 / 79 Oxford Tce., Taringa QLD 4068 J&K Hydroponics

387 Progress Rd Wacol QLD 4076 +61 (07) 3271 6210 KY Garden

3/31 Argyle PDE, Darra Brisbane QLD 4076 (07) 3375 9098

Advanced Garden Supplies Advanced Garden Supplies

Pioneer Hydroponics

194 Doyles Road, Pleystowe QLD 4741 (07) 4959 2016 SA Hydroponics

Shed 3, 1191 Anzac Avenue, Kallangar QLD 4503 (07) 3285 1355 Simply Hydroponics Gold Coast

42 Lawrence Drive, Nerang QLD 4211 (07) 5596 2250

Slacks Creek Hydroponics

#13/22 Allgas St. Slacks Creek QLD 4217 (07) 3299 1397

Sunstate Hydroponics

1137 Ipswitch Road, Moorooka QLD 4105 (07) 3848 5288

Sunstate Hydroponics

Unit 5, 16 Research Road, Pooraka SA 5095 (08) 8359 1800 Ascot Park

753 Marion Road, Ascot Park SA 5043 (08) 8357 4700 Barry’s Hardware

Saints & Main North Rd., Salisbury Plains SA 5109 (08) 8281 4066 Bolzon Home & Garden

103 Tolley Road, St Agnes SA 5097 (08) 8265 0665

Chocablock Discount Variety Store

15-17/1220 Grand Junction, Hope Valley SA 5090 (08) 8396 3133 Complete Hydroponics

1581 Main North Road Salisbury East SA 5109 (08) 8258 4022 Country Hydro

D & W Dependable Hardware

Festive Hydro

2 Kreig Street, Evanston Park SA 5116 (08) 8523 5100 Fulham Gardener Nursery

597 Tapleys Hill Road, Fulham SA 5024 (08) 8235 2004

Futchatec Distribution

4 Symonds St. Royal Park, 5014 (08) 8447-1122

13 Research Road, Pooraka SA 5095 (08) 8260 2000 Hydro Heaven

Hydro Sales & Service

Hydro Technics

321 South Road, Croydon SA 5008 (08) 8241 5022 Hydro Warehouse

181 Seacombe Road, South Brighton SA 5048 (08) 8377 1200 Hydro World

40 Folland Avenue, Northfield SA 5085 (08) 8262 8323 Koko’s Hydro Warehouse

Unit 2/2 McGowan Street, Pooraka SA 5095 (08) 8260 5463

Larg’s Bay Garden Supply

239 Victoria Road, Largs Bay SA 5016 (08) 8242 3788

Martins Road Hydro

# 5- 353 Martins Road, Parafield Gardens SA 5107 (08) 8283 4011 Mitre 10 Drive In

152 Hanson Road, Mansfield Park SA 5012 (08) 8445 1813 New Age Hydroponics

135-137 Sir Donald Bradman Dr., Hilton SA 5033 (08) 8351 9100 Owen Agencies

17-19 Railway Terrace, Owen SA 5460 (08) 8528 6008 Professional Hydro

4/522 Grange Road, Fulham Gardens SA 5024 (08) 8353 0133 Professional Hydro

Glandore Hydroponics

Shop 5/645 Lower North East Road SA 5075 (08) 8365 5172

Greener than Green

113 Maurice Road, Murray Bridge SA (08) 8532 3441

644 - 646 South Road, Glandore SA 5037 (08) 8371 5777

52 - 54 Cliff Avenue, Port Noarlunga South SA 51 (08) 8386 2596 Greenhouse Superstore Lonsdale

35 to 37 Aldenhoven Road SA 5160 (08) 8382 0100

Greenhouse Superstore Royal Park

67 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore QLD 4558 (07) 5479 1011

4 Symonds St. Royal Park SA 5014 (08) 8447 5899

The Hydroponic Warehouse

Ground-Up Service Nursery

Shop 3/73 PIckering Street, Enoggera QLD 4051 (07) 3354 1588

Hong Kong Hydro

1 Salisbury Crescent, Colonel Light SA 5041 (08) 8272 2000

45B Kettering Road, Elizabeth South SA 5112 (08) 8287 6399

383 Mulgrave Road, Cairns QLD 4870 (07) 4054 5884

14/1042 Grand Junction Road, Holden Hill SA 5088 (08) 8395 4455

Amazon Aquariums & Gardening

North Queensland Hydro Supplies

Northern Hydroponics

Highland Grow & Flow

Kane Motors-Hunt Road, Mount Barker SA 5251 (08) 8391 1880

Nerang Hydroponic Centre

Shop 2B/20-22 Fleming St., Townsville QLD 4810 (07) 4728 3957

39a Manton Street, Hindmarsh SA 5095 (08) 8346 9461

3/8 Bredbo St Lonsdale S.A. 5160 (08) 8382 1191 ------------------------------------------

434 Saddleback Road, Whyalla SA 5600 (08) 8645 3105

27 Lawrence Drive, Nerang QLD 4211 (07) 5527 4155

Shop 3/146-148, Findon Road, Findon SA 5023 (08) 8244 0222

3 Copinger Road, Pt. Pirie SA 5540 (08) 8264 9455

Professional Hydroponics

Seaton Hydroponics

129 Tapleys Hill Road Seaton SA 5023 (08) 82682636 Soladome Aquaculture & Hydro

44 Chapel St., Norwood SA 5067 (08) 8362 8042

South Coast Hydroponics

6/25 Gulfview Road, Christies Beach SA 5165 (08) 8384 2380 State Hydroponics

174 Semaphore Road, Exeter SA 5019 (08) 8341 5991

Tea Tree Gully Hydro

32 Famechon Cresent, Modbury North SA 5092 (08) 8264 9455 Two Wells Hardware

86 Old Port Wakefield Road, Two Wells SA 5501 (08) 8520 2287

Barb’s Hydro and Nursery

15 Wallace Avenue, Interverloch Vic 3196 (03) 5674 2584

Urban Grow Solutions

West Garden Centre

5/ 60-68 Colby Drive, Belgrave Heights Vic 3160 (03) 9754 3712

Peachey Road, Elizabeth West SA 5113 (08) 8255 1355

Hydroponics

Brew ‘N’ Grow

TASMANIA

4 - 479 Nepean Highway, Edithvale Vic 3199 (03) 9783 3006

Advanced Hydroponics

Casey Hydro

26 Mulgrave Street, South Launceston Tas 7249 (03) 6344 5588 Aqua Hydroponics

Rear 45 Burnett St. New Norfolk Tas 7140 (03) 6294 9233 Ezy Grow

625 East Derwent Highway, Lindisfarne Tas 7015 (03) 6243 9490 Garden World

717 West Tamar Highway, Legana Tas 7277 (03) 6330 1177 ------------------------------------------

12 The Arcade Street, Cranbourne Vic 3977 (03) 5996 3697 Casey Hydro

78 Spring Square, Hallam Vic 3803 (03) 9796 3776 Chronic Hydroponics

31 Anderson Street, Templestowe Vic 3106 (03) 9646 8133

Complete Garden Supplies

580 Ballarat Road, Sunshine Vic 3020 (03) 9311 9776

Discount Hydroponics

Green Acres Hydroponics

Unit 1 46-48 Bingalong Rd, Mornington, TAS 7018 (03) 6245 1066

-----------------------------------------Growers Choice

225 Main Road, Derwent Park Tas 7009 (03) 6273 6088 Hydroponics Systems

131 Main Rd, Moonah, TAS 7009 (03) 6278 3457

Hydroponic World

322 Bass Highway, Sulphur Creek Tas 7316 (03) 6435 4411 Organic Garden Supplies

18 Princes Hwy. Doveton VIC 3177 (03) 9792 2966

Echuca Hydroponic Nursery & Supplies

23 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca Vic 3564 (03) 5480 2036

Echuca Pump Shop

128 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca Vic 3564 (03) 5480 7080

Excel Distributors Pty Ltd

2/41 Quinn Street, Preston Vic 3072 (03) 9495 0083

F.L.O.W. Plants and Environments

17 Don Road, Devonport Tas 7310 (03) 6424 7815

66B Chapel Street, Windsor Vic 3181 (03) 9510 6832

Tas Hydroponic Supplies

Gardensmart

99 Lampton Avenue, Derwent Park Tas 7009 (03) 6272 2202

The Hydroponic Company

69 Charles Street, Moonah Tas 7009 (03) 6273 1411

The Hydroponics Company

289 Hobart Road, Kings Medow Tas 7428 (03) 6340 2222

810-834 Springvale Road, Keysborough Vic 3173 (03) 9769 1411 Global Hydroponics

10 Knight Avenue, Sunshine Vic 3020 (03) 9356 9400

Greenleaf Hydroponics

VICTORIA

9a Church Street, Traralgon Vic 3844 (03) 5176 0898

AAA Lush Hydroponics

Greenleaf Hydroponics

2-4 The Arcade, Junction Village, Melbourne Vic 3972 Albury Hydroponics/ Cappers Hydroponics

62 Thomas Mitchell Drive, Springvale Vic 3171 61 (02) 6024 4029 All Seasons Hydroponics

Factory 7, Industrial Park Drive, Lilydale Vic 3140 (03) 9739 7311 GreenLite - Ringwood

291 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood Vic 3134 (03) 9870 8566

Shepparton Hydroponics

87A Archer Street, Shepparton Vic 3630 (03) 5831 6433

Simply Hydroponics

Bayside Hydroponics

5/9 Rutherford Road Seaford, VIC 3198 (03) 9775 0495Belgrave

1/111 Main Sth Rd, O’Halloran Hill, S.A 5189 (08) 8322 0040

------------------------------------------

Hydroware

5/ 411-413 Old Geelong Rd., Hoppers Cros. 3029 (03) 9360 9344

1/54 Lara Way, Campbellfield, Vic, 3061 (03) 9357 8805

Simply Hydroponics

------------------------------------------

Sunlite Hydroponics

Hyalite Airport West

Unit 4/504-506 Fullarton Road, Airport West 3042 (03) 9331 5452 Hyalite Bayswater

4/19 Jersey Road, Bayswater Vic 3153 (03) 9720 1946 Hyalite Global

10 Knight Avenue, Sunshine North Vic 3020 (03) 9356 9400 Hyalite Westend

3 Third Avenue, Sunshine Vic 3020 (03) 9311 3510 Hydroponic Central

110 Dynon Road West Melbourne Vic. 3003 (03) 9376 0447 Indoor Garden Company

29 Glasgow Street, Collingwood Vic 3066 (03) 9416 1699

Impact Distribution

PO Box 2188, Salisbury Downs 5108 (08) 8250-1515 JB Lighting

492 - 500 Neerim Road, Murrumbeena Vic 3163 (03) 9569 4399 Just Hydroponics Deer Park

8, 59-61 Miller St., Epping 3076 (03) 9408 4677

1/104 Shannon Avenue, Geelong West Vic 3281 (03) 5222 6730 Simply Hydroponics Pakenham

Factory 6/3-11 Bate Close Pakenham, Victoria 3810 03 5940 9047 Sunray Hydro

157 Tenth Street, Mildura Vic 3500 (03) 5023 6422 Supply Net International P/L

PO Box 171, Highbury Vic 5089 (88) 264-3600 The Hydroponic Connection

397 Dorset Road, Boronia Vic 3155 (03) 9761 0662 Waterworks Hydroponics

Unit 1, 5 Brand Drive, Thomastown Vic 3074 (03) 9465 1455

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Accent Hydroponics

Unit 2/141 Russell Street, Morley WA 6062 (08) 9375 9355 Aqua Post

Unit 11 29-39 Westwood Drive, Deer Park, VIC 3023 (03) 8390 0861

Unit 2B 7 Yampi Way, Willetton WA 6155 (08) 9354 2888

Just Hydroponics Hoppers Crossing

Aquaponics

3/8 Motto Court Hoppers Crossing, 3029 (03) 8742 2830

Latrove Valley Home Brew Supplies

PO Box 802, Morwell Vic 3804 (03) 5133 9140 Living Jungle

345 Sommerville Road, Footscray West Vic 3012 (03) 9314 0055 Melton Hydroponic Supplies

18/10 Norton Drive, Melton Vic 3194 (03) 9746 9256

Midtown Hydroponics

Factory 1, 821B Howitt St., Wendouree Vic 3355 (03) 5339 1300 One Stop Sprinklers

1 Burwood Highway, Wantirna Vic 3152 (03) 9800 2177

Pam’s Home Brew & Hydroponics

Lot 12 Warton Road, Canning Vale WA 6155 1800 640 222 Bunbury Alternate Growing Supplies

8/13 Worcestor Bend, Davenport, WA 6230 (08) 9725 7020

Creative Hydroponics

1/95 Dixon Road, Rockingham WA 6168 (08) 9528 1310 Great Southern Hydroponics

Shop 1, 21 Hennessy Road, Bunbury WA 6230 (08) 9721 8322 Greenfingers World of Hydroponics

Albany Hwy & Kelvin Rd., Maddington WA 6109 (08) 9452 0546

Greenfingers World of Hydroponics

Unit C 14-16 Elliot Street, Midvale WA 6056 (08) 9274 8388 Greenlite Hydroponics

61 McArthur Street, Sale Vic 3850 (03) 5143 1143

4/91 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill WA 6060 (08) 9345 5321

Hydroponic Solutions

1/1928 Beach Road, Malaga WA 6090 (08) 9248 1901 Hydroponic Warehouse

Unit 7/627 Wanneroo Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 (08) 9206 0188 Hydroponica

317 Guildford Road, Maylands WA 6051 (08) 9371 5757 Isabella’s Hydroponics

66 Jambanis Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 (08) 9306 3028 Johnson’s Nursery Garden Centre

30 Blencowe Road, Geralton WA 6530 (08) 9921 6016 Neerabup Organic & Hydroponic Supplies

Unit 1, 21 Warman St. Neerabup WA 6031 (08) 9404 7155 One Stop Hydroponics

947 Beaufort Street, Inglewood WA 6052 (08) 9471 7000 Perth Hydroponic Centre

Shop 4, 171-175 Abernathy Road, Belmont WA 6104 (08) 9478 1211 Reptile and Grow Store

Unit 7 - 117-119 Dixon Road, Rockingham WA 6168 (08) 9527 2245 Richo’s 4 Hydro

Unit 7/22 Franklin Lane, Joondalup, WA 6027 (08) 9301 4462 Southwest Hydroponics

Lot 29, Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210 (08) 9534 8544 The Grow Room

1/1451 Albany Highway, Cannington WA 6107 (08) 9356 7044 The Great Indoors

Unit 1/25 Gillam Dr. Kelmscott WA 6111 (08) 9495 2815 Bloem

PO Box 1816, Subiaco WA 6008 (08) 9217 4400 The Watershed Water Systems

150 Russell Street, Morley WA 6062 (08) 9473 1473 The Watershed Water Systems

2874 Albany Highway, Kelmscott WA 6111 (08) 9495 1495 The Watershed Water Systems

1/146 Great Eastern Highway, Midland WA 6210 (08) 9274 3232 Tru Bloomin Hydroponics

NEW ZEALAND Easy Grow New Lynn

3018 Gt North Rd New Lynn, Auckland (09) 827 0883

Easy Grow Manukau

15/69 Wiri Station Road, Manukau, Auckland (09) 263 7560 Guru Gardener

14 Molesworth St., New Plymouth (06) 758 6661 Otaki Hydroponics

1083 S.H. 1 South Otaki (06) 364 2206 House of Hydro

221 Waiwhetu Rd., Lower Hutt Wellington Pet and Garden

10 Fitzgerald Ave., Christchurch (03) 377 2507 Grow and Brew

14a Flexman Place, Silverdale Auckland (09) 426 2095 Green Day Hydroponics

Cnr of Maunganui Rd & Tawa St., Mt Maunganui (07) 575 4090 Switched on Gardener

Number 189 (Lower) Dent Street, Whangarei (09) 438 0223 Switched on Gardener

Unit 159 Central Park Drive, Henderson (09) 837 1210 Switched on Gardener

Unit 1/60 Ti Rakau Drive, Pakuranga (09) 576 0296

Switched on Gardener

Number 1c Sunshine Ave, Hamilton (07) 850 8351 Switched on Gardener

Number 513 Heretaunga Street West, Hastings (06) 876 7885 Switched on Gardener

Number 62 Kaiwharawhara Road, Wellington (04) 472 5265 Switched on Gardener

Unit 7/67 View Road, Glenfield (09) 443 0106 Switched on Gardener

Number 1 Rata Street, New Lynn (09) 826 4444 Switched on Gardener

Number 57 Cavendish Drive, Manukau (09) 263 4336 Switched on Gardener

Number 427 Cameron Road, Tauranga (07) 579 9840 Switched on Gardener

Number 1060 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt (04) 526 3913 Switched on Gardener

Number 3 Pascoe Street, Nelson (03) 546 4769 Switched on Gardener

Number 9 Buckley Road, Linwood (03) 381 0937

3 Springvale Road, Springvale Vic 3171 (03) 9540 8000

Grow 4 XS

Palms & Plants

Growsmart Hydroponics

47768 South Coast Highway, Albany WA 6330 (08) 9841 3220

7/36 Port Kembla Dr. Bibra Lake, WA 6163 (08) 9434 5118

Switched on Gardener

Banksia Greenhouse and Outdoor Garden

Holland Forge Pty Ltd.

175 Salisbury Highway, Salisbury S.A. 5108 (08) 8285 7575 Prestige Hydroponics Pty. Ltd.

Hydro Nation

Water Garden Warehouse

Switched on Gardener

530 Burwood Highway, Wantirna Vic 3152 (03) 9801 8070

Rear 24 Simms Road, Greensborough Vic 3088 (03) 9435 6425 5 Hi-tech Place, Rowville Vic 3178 (03) 9764 1372

S 2.10 Level 2, 343 Little Collins St. Melbourne VIC Australia 3000 61 4 187 81083

41A Rockingham Road, Hamilton Hill WA 6163 (08) 9336 7368

14 Drake Street, Osborne Park WA 6017 (08) 9443 7993

Number 143 Tuam Street, Christchurch CBD (03) 374 5682 Number 313 King Edward Street, Dunedin (03) 456 1980

Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

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COMING UP IN September/October Clean and Green: Hydroponic Hygiene Fungi, bacteria and viruses all tend to have survival stages that can be carried over from one crop to the next, making cleanliness and hygiene an important aspect of growing healthy plants. This article explains how to keep on top of it.

Composting: Is it Just a Load of Rubbish?

There’s no doubt about it, composting is a beneficial practice that any self-respected gardener should know how to do. However, there are several organic materials that should not be included in the compost pile unless you know how to do it properly, and some items should not be added at all!

Ready, Set, LEDs Advancements in LED technology are moving ahead at lightning speed. In fact, LEDs are now projected to eventually become the primary illumination source for most lighting applications. We take a look at what it all means for the indoor gardening industry.

Maximum Yield September/October will be available in September for free at select indoor gardening retail stores across the country and on maximumyield.com Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions

enews

Stay in the Know with Maximum Yield’s E-News Every month Maximum Yield’s E-News brings you the latest news, tips and tricks, reader questions, contests and upcoming events. If you are not yet subscribed to our mailing list, sign up today at maximumyield.com/enewssignup

COMING UP ON THE WEB Indoor Gardening Expo Updates We are officially halfway through the 2013 Grow Like a Pro Indoor Gardening Expo season. Be sure to mark the last two dates onto your calendar; we’ll be in San Francisco, California, July 27 to 28 and in Long Beach, California, on October 26 and 27. Whether you’re a new or experienced gardener, these trade shows offer something for everyone.

Stay tuned to indoorgardenexpo.com for details so you can plan your 2013 vacation.

Also be sure to check out all of the expo buzz happening on our social media pages.

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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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

I’m a Fan Contest Tell us why you are a fan of Maximum Yield and you could win monthly prizes of $100 gift card to your favorite indoor gardening shop, and also have a chance at the grand prize of a $1,000 gift card to your favourite indoor gardening shop. Visit maximumyield.com to enter online and to read some of the great responses we’ve received so far. Contest closes December 14, 2013.

Maximum Yield E-News Archives Every month, Maximum Yield sends out an electronic newsletter containing indoor gardening industry tidbits to our followers. We also keep all of that information posted online at enews.maximumyield.com in case you ever miss something.

Free Digital Subscription to Maximum Yield Now you can receive Maximum Yield free to your inbox every month. Subscribe to the digital edition of Maximum Yield by simply filling out the form at maximumyield.com/subscriptions Connect to maximumyield.com instantly from your smartphone with our Quick Response (QR) Code found on the cover of every issue of Maximum Yield.

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Maximum Yield | July/August 2013

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Maximum Yield |  July/August 2013