Maximum Yield UK Jan/Feb 2013

UK January - February 2013

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SEX & THE SINGLE PLANT

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIGHT CHOOSING YOUR SYSTEM & MORE

E D I S IN IG MAXIMUMYIELD.COM

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CONTENTS January/February 2013

16

FEATURES

68

52

28

Balmy Breezes

32

Water Worries

38

Making the Most of Your Lights

by Shane Hutto

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

by Matt LaBannester

42

Stem Secrets

48

The Comfort Zone

by Bill Deboer

by Chris Pianta

42

28 52

Sex & the Single Plant

58

How Well Are You Prepared?

58

DEPARTMENTS 8

From the Editor

74

Max Mart

10

MaximumYield.com

77

Industry's Latest

12

Letters to the Editor

78

Coming up Next Issue

14

Simon Says

79

Do You Know?

by Carmie Pasquariello

16

MAX Facts

80

Distributors

Boost When the Time is Right

20

Product Spotlight

70

You Tell Us

72

Talking Shop

by Bob Ireland & Paul Davis

by Dr. J. Benton Jone, Jr.

62

Neat Freak

by Karen Wilkinson

66 68

Choose Your System

by Eric Hopper

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

FROM THE EDITOR | Linda Jesson Happy New Year from everyone here at Maximum Yield! We wanted to kick the New Year off right by packing this first issue of 2013 with great tips and treats on how to keep your crop healthy—from seed to maturity, from roots to leaves and beyond.

Here you will learn how keeping the right humidity, temperature, air movement and CO2 concentration, plus the right type of lighting will positively affect your plants.

Eric Hopper also talks us through stage-specific amendments so you can boost when the time is right (page 68).

In this issue, we also share how to multiply your plants once they’re happy and healthy. In particular, how to control the sex of your plants with growth hormones and how to properly select, store and process stem cuttings.

Of course, we made sure to touch base on timely topics to keep your growroom running as smooth as possible, including tips for reducing cross contamination, fostering healthy bacteria in the greenhouse and identifying and controlling disease organisms and insects.

So take this first issue of Maximum Yield 2013 inside and start making this your best grow year yet!

Message from the

Editor Linda Jesson

contributors Paul Davis is responsible for revising

Bill DeBoer is a laboratory scientist

Eric Hopper has over 10 years of

Shane Hutto is a technical advisor at Grodan Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture at Oklahoma State University and received a research assistantship for his master’s degree.

During his graduate studies he researched production and extraction of surface waxes on horticultural commodities. His passion for growing is complimented by his experience in many types of controlled environment operations and design.

Chris Pianta, AgroSci CEO, has over

Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. has 50

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

Karen Wilkinson works for EZCLONE Enterprises, Inc., as its social media editor. She came to them with a background in journalism and technical writing and is learning to grow, clone and write for the hydroponics community. She’s a budding gardener and loves growing her own vegetables.

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

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

and updating the article Sex and the Single Plant, originally written by Bob Ireland. Paul has a strong background in business management and development. He is currently working with Bob’s family to re-launch their plant hormone business..

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

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

25 years of experience in the lawn and garden market. He managed two successful startups and developed programs for Franks Nursery, FTD, Profile Soil Products, Martha Stewart, Agway and GROWELL. Chris is a holder of two United States patents. He earned his B.S. in Environmental and Professional Horticulture from UConn.

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.

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.

Matt LeBannister developed a

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

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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

COMING UP ON THE WEB Get ready for another year of indoor gardening expos

GROW PRO

LIKEOAUR! T

2013 is just around the corner, and so is another great year of indoor gardening expos sponsored by Maximum Yield. Whether you’re a new or experienced gardener, these shows offer something for everyone.

Stay tuned to indoorgardeningexpo.com for details, dates and venues.

january/february 2013 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 Linda Jesson editor@maximumyield.com Assistant Editor Jessica Skelton jskelton@maximumyield.com ADVERTISING SALES Sales Manager Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com

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I’m a Fan Contest

Introducing the newest contest from Maximum Yield! Tell us why you are a fan of Maximum Yield and you could win monthly prizes of $100 gift card to your favourite indoor gardening shop, and also have a chance at the grand prize of a $1,000 gift card to your favourite indoor gardening shop. Simply send your testimonial, name, address, phone number and email address to editor@maximumyield.com.

Contest closes December 14, 2013.

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

Connect with Maximum Yield

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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UK DISTRIBUTION Direct Garden Supplies Dutchpro Future Harvest Developments Europe Growth Technology Hydrogarden Maxigrow Ltd. Nutriculture UK CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Northern Hydroponic Wholesale Quality Wholesale USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS General Hydroponics Humboldt Wholesale Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply R & M Supply Tradewinds AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply Futchatec Growth Technology Holland Forge House N Garden Hydraspher

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thanks for Presenting Maximum Yield

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

Barbara Hanbridge

Long Roots Long Gone—Thanks Maximum Yield I would like to send you my most sincere thanks for getting me the thorough explanation of my long roots. I had, unfortunately, gotten a bit pessimistic about the possibility of anyone actually being interested in helping me. It is very refreshing to get help from someone/some entity (Maximum Yield) that is interested in my success (and sanity in this case)! These long roots have been driving me crazy! As far as I am concerned (and from reading the readers’ comments, I’m quite sure I speak for many), MY magazine is a top-shelf publication fueling education and leading to the success of many; but, I’m guessing you already know this. I feel better expressing my appreciation.

Many, many thanks, Jeff S.

Hi Maximum Yield,

My staff and I had the pleasure in meeting you and being at your [Long Beach] show. Being a business owner for 10 months, I came back from your event motivated and even more driven. I look forward to working with you as I trail-blaze through our industry!

Thanks Again, Robert Bayya

enews

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

Terry D. Haight, Jr.

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Maximum Yield Team

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

Free Subscription

I was so pleased to see [your magazine] was a free subscription, but when I went to print off the form to get the magazine mailed to my home, there was a charge.

Also, I think it would be wonderful if your photos had some sort of figure heading ... I was often unsure of what I was looking at.

I am really excited about finding this magazine! …

[Before finding it,] I felt constantly frustrated when searching for hard-copy, indoor gardening magazines.

Thank you so much for your time, Stephanie Nicholson Hello Stephanie, Maximum Yield is available for free at indoor gardening and hydroponic shops, as well as on our website. We also offer free digital subscriptions at maximumyield.com/subscriptions.

We charge for hard-copy subscriptions that are sent to your door.

Thank you for your feedback on adding captions. Sometimes the images are placed strictly as design details. Other times, images are placed to supplement the article. In the latter case, we try to always include captions.

I hope I have answered all your questions. If not, don't hesitate to contact me at editor@maximumyield.com

via Facebook Great Minds in Agreement

Best hydroponic mag we receive in the shop.

Bradford Hydroponics Our customers love your Magazine and detail [sic] Articles, keep up the amazing work.

Sky Valley Indoor Garden Supply Had a fun time at the expo … the booths were great and so were the products!

Taylor Bedwell

We want to hear from you!

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

SIMON SAYS

Hello Simon, I’m a new reader of Maximum Yield and need your input on a controversial question me and some of my fellow grower buddies have.

Is it beneficial to monitor one’s runoff water after drenching one’s soil with nutrients? Some say you can see the chemistry between your plant and its nutrients more efficiently, but I have never seen the need for it because I always seem to get drastically false readings on my pH pen when testing the runoff—my plants always look fine if I just stick to controlling the pH level of my nutes before applying them to the soil.

Thanks, Kyle S.

Simon

The subject of monitoring runoff water can definitely cause debate among growers. I will fan the flames by saying that waste water testing is exceptionally interesting and can be important information for a grower.

In a recirculating system, the runoff needs to be monitored to ensure an adequate level of nutrition and that the nutrients are available to the plant (based on pH levels).

For argument’s sake, I will also hazard a guess that you are growing in a peat-based medium. The first issue of growing in peat is the pH of the material. With a pH range usually hovering between four and five, using peat for growing plants requires the use of a calcium supplement to boost the pH to a useful range. In most cases, the manufacturer will add lime of some sort to buffer the pH up.

This is the first reason for you to check your runoff. The buffering effect of the lime only works for a certain amount of time, especially with frequent watering. After this point, the pH of your medium will drift lower and lower. Knowing when the pH starts to drop is an important management tool, especially if you are going long periods without transplanting.

Runoff pH can also be affected by the plants themselves. Plants have an internal pH regulating system and they can also affect the localised pH around the rhizosphere by releasing exudates to suit their needs. The interactions at the root zone can affect the pH of runoff.

The last major reason that your runoff pH can fluctuate is the presence of biology in your medium. Microbes tend to affect their environment. If you have ruled out fertiliser, medium and plant interactions as causes of pH drift, it could be the microbiology. In a bacterial-based system, the pH will generally drift up.

In a fungal-based system (which is more beneficial but far more difficult to manage), the pH will drift down.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

I would think that your point of inaccurate readings of the runoff water you have tested relates to one of the issues above.

It is entirely possible for the pH of water leaving the medium to be much different than the solution you are top feeding to your plants. Remember to keep your testing equipment clean and calibrated to be on the safe side of accuracy.

Given the way people like to over-apply fertiliser, another very important reason to test runoff is to see how much of your money is being wasted and if your plants are close to a nutrient absorption issue. Peat has a cation exchange rate, meaning it can retain certain types of nutrients. Once these exchange sites are saturated, the nutrients in solution can reach levels that can harm your plants. Assessing the runoff concentration can, in this case, help you stop over-fertilisation and avoid damage to plants.

It will also show you if high levels of soluble nutrient are draining through your medium and away from plant roots.

The problem in assessing the salt level is that you do not know the specific elements that are causing the reading. In commercial operations, the readings are broken down into elements from either solution or tissue samples taken throughout the crop lifecycle. Through this, the grower can adjust nearly every aspect of their operation, from medium to fertiliser input. For the average home grower, these tests sometimes cost more than they are worth.

In your case, when you look at your plants and they look healthy, that is the best observation possible.

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Commonly Used Pesticide Turns Honey Bees Into Picky Eaters Biologists have discovered that a small dose of a commonly used crop pesticide, imidacloprid, turns honey bees into picky eaters and affects their ability to recruit their nestmates to otherwise good sources of food.

Since 2006, beekeepers in North America and Europe have lost about one-third of their managed bee colonies each year due to colony collapse disorder. While the exact cause is unknown, researchers believe pesticides have contributed to this decline.

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

MAXFACTS hydroponic news, tips and trivia Golden Favourite When it comes to snacking on apples, Golden Delicious are the British favourite, with almost a quarter of Brits preferring them over other varieties. According to a recent survey by Fruitdrop, a fresh fruit delivery company, this is particularly true of men, with 29% partial to a Golden Delicious apple.

(Source: freshplaza.com)

Green Light for Solar Farm The UK’s largest solar power plant, projected at 32 MW, has received planning permission for an old airfield turned race track in Leicestershire. Once complete, the array will consist of 125,000 solar photovoltaic panels installed between the runways. The arrangement of the panels will allow the site to continue to be used as a driving track and by a kite club.

(Source: treehugger.com)

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

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

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

Looks Aren’t Everything The National Farmers’ Union says that more than 300,000 tonnes of UKgrown produce will reach the shelves this year, as chains decided to relax specifications regarding fruit and vegetable appearance in the face of a challenging growing season. Concessions that have been made include smaller than usual versions of broccoli, leeks, sprouts, carrots, parsnips, strawberries, apples and pears into its value ranges; and a commitment to use all fruit and vegetables that meets regulations and stands up on taste, also incorporating them into products like ready-prepared salads, mash in ready meals and fillings in bakery products.

(Source: foodbev.com)

Chloroplasts Could Hold the Key Researchers in the University of Leicester’s Department of Biology discovered that chloroplasts are affected by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), a process that causes the breakdown of unwanted proteins in cells and was previously thought to only act on central parts of the cell.

As a result, the researchers believe they might be able to use specific proteins to regulate the functions of chloroplasts, such as the conversion of chloroplasts into highly pigmented chromoplasts during the ripening of fruit. The paper identifies a gene (SP1) in the nuclei of plant cells that codes for a protein called a ubiquitin E3 ligase, which is able to regulate chloroplast development through the UPS process. The team is already investigating the potential for harnessing the SP1 gene in crop plants, for example to affect the ripening of fruits such as tomatoes, bell peppers and citrus (Source: sciencedaily.com)

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS ISSUE’S

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

Gorilla Grow Tents Gorilla Grow Tents have revolutionised the indoor greenhouse market with the tallest, strongest, thickest and most durable line of grow tents and accessories. Engineered with a patent-pending adjustable extension system, Gorilla Grow Tents enable the indoor home gardener to increase the height of their indoor greenhouse easily and quickly from the 2.13-m standard height to 2.45, 2.74 and 3.05 m or more. Each tent is framed with doubly reinforced structural poles for no-stress accessory and component suspension. Designed with the thickest 1680D IR blocking fabric mesh insulation (essentially three to nine times thicker than any other tent on the market today), Gorilla Grow Tents maintain perfect temperature and humidity throughout.

All Gorilla Grow Tents come with easy instructions, growroom design plans and ideas, lifetime customer service and support. Ask your trusted hydroponics store consultant for more information.

The Avenger & Enforcer Adjust-A-Wing Reflectors Adjust-A-Wing HID reflectors are world renowned for their unique double parabolic design, which gives you broad light distribution, and flexible aluminium inserts that allow you to focus light to wherever you need it. Attach the Super Spreader under the lamp to boost light dispersal, eliminate hotspots and shady edges and allow closer positioning to plants for increased yields.

The premium quality Avenger Original Adjust-A-Wing uses high-grade, glasscoated aluminium for 97% reflection. Available in medium (up to 600 W) and large (1,000 W). The Enforcer Adjust-A-Wing is the new hobby model from the designers of the Adjust-A-Wing, giving you a fantastic value reflector. The Enforcer gives you the same light coverage as the Avenger using hobby-grade aluminium. Available in small (up to 400 W), medium (up to 600 W) and large (1,000 W). Visit your nearest retailer for more information.

Flood Potz Flood and drain systems are designed to do exactly what they say they do, which is to flood the system with a nutrient-rich solution to moisten the media and feed the plants through their roots before the solution simply drains away. Flood Potz systems pump fresh air directly below the mesh baskets as the Potz are flooded to aerate the solution, media and plant roots, leaving the roots submerged in an unaerated solution for only a few minutes as the Potz drain. Also, the draining process draws large amounts of fresh air directly back into the media and amongst the roots, providing your plants and their roots with the optimum growing environment. Visit your favourite indoor gardening shop for more information.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Microbe Life Photosynthesis Plus Enhanced photosynthesis, vital to plant life, is achieved with Microbe Life technology. Photosynthesis Plus enhances biological function at the foliar and root levels, utilising the sun’s energy and transporting minerals and carbon to the plant at improved rates. Photosynthesis Plus comprises a complete ecosystem in a bottle. Visit your local hydroponics store to learn more.

ESSENTIALS pHix-!T ESSENTIALS pHix-!T is a pH buffer. It is a blend of inorganic salts that fix and maintain the pH level of liquid to approximately 6.0 for seven to 10 days. This product is best used when plants are established in your hydroponic system and growing vigorously.

ESSENTIALS pHix-!T has been relaunched for soft water only! For more information on the ESSENTIALS range of growroom products, visit your local hydroponics shop.

NEW GE Lighting Lucalox 600W HPS Lamp The new high output LucaloxTM HPS Lamp from GE Lighting is available now from Maxibright. The optimised spectral output of the Lucalox lamp is excellent for vegetating and flowering plants, with a high output of red wavelengths (2,000-K colour temperature) to promote fruiting and flowering plus beneficial levels of blue wavelengths for a healthy balance of light to prevent leggy growth. The LucaloxTM is designed with extremely high output of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) per watt of power consumed for ultimate energy efficiency. GE Lighting only uses high-quality components to ensure consistent lamp to lamp performance and PAR output maintenance throughout the lamp life (12,000 hours). At the end of the manufacturing process, every lamp is quality tested, giving you quality light with guaranteed performance at a great price. Visit your local retailer for more information.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

CANNA AkTRIvator CANNA AkTRIVator is a natural and organic product that protects your plants against soil diseases.

AkTRIvator also stimulates the growth of roots and root hairs. CANNA AkTRIvator consists of clay and beneficial fungi. CANNA AkTRIvator is available in two varieties: CANNA AkTRIvator powder and CANNA AkTRIvator Granules. To find out more information about this product, please go to your local hydroponics store.

Introducing Foliar Spray and Root Dip From Microbe Life Hydroponics In today’s hydroponic world, foliar spraying is more commonly recommended and accepted to ensure your plants absorb their required nutrition directly. Nontoxic, non-pathogenic and safe for all vegetables and plants, Microbe Life Foliar Spray and Root Dip is a patent-pending, natural, humic and microbial-based product containing endo- and ectomycorrhizal fungi and beneficial bacteria, including photosynthetic microorganisms. It can also be used as a root dip to reduce transplant shock or introduced directly into your water reservoir for application during your regular watering schedule. It is compatible with all standard nutrient and fertiliser programs and the use of CO2; works well with all indoor and outdoor systems; can be used during all stages of growth; and will not burn plants. Visit your local indoor gardening store for more details.

New Green Room 150 Following the extreme success of our Green Room range, the strongest growroom on the market, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new 150-cm model. The Green Room GR 150 (150 by 150 by 200 cm) fits nicely in the range and gives more scope for variety of crop. The Green Room is a premium tent that has strong 28-mm tubing for long life and safe, easy installation of additional equipment; simple click-fit poles and fittings for easy assembly; additional side doors on all models for easy access; and oversized air socks for flexible installation. Finally, this growroom’s premium material and heavy-duty zips deliver excellent value for money over the life of the grow tent. For information, visit your local indoor gardening retail shop.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Aero Potz Aeroponics is a method of cultivation that pushes your plants to their limits. Aero Potz aeroponic systems require little growing media to be used as your plants are supported in mesh baskets fitted in the lids of the systems and the roots are suspended below, in the air and in total darkness. Two inverted sprinklers emit a nutrient-rich solution at regular timed intervals directly onto the roots to feed your plants and this gives the roots access to large amounts of air, water and nutrients, which allows the plants to grow extremely fast and provide you with the best yield possible. The excess solution can drain through filters and run to the Header Return Potz, where it can be re-circulated back into the main tank. Visit your local retailer for more information.

PLANT!T Hydroponic Systems PLANT!T offers a range of products for both indoor and outdoor growing needs. New from PLANT!T is a range of hydroponic growing systems designed to gain optimum results and success.

The PLANT!T systems range includes the PLANT!T gemini—a recirculating hydroponic system—and the PLANT!T aeros—an aerated deep-water-culture hydroponic system available in onepot, two-pot or four-pot options. (For systems of five pots or more, choose the flexibility of the aeros module.)

All PLANT!T hydroponic systems have been designed to the highest specifications; not only do they perform with excellent results, they look stylish too. The range is easy to set up, operate and maintain and is suitable for all types of gardener. Ask your nearest retailer about PLANT!T hydroponic systems today.

Blossom Builder Liquid Since plants in the flower phase have a greater need for phosphorus and potassium, Atami has developed Blossom Builder Liquid. Because of its unique ratio of phosphorus and potassium—respectively 20% and 32%—Blossom Builder Liquid ensures strong, healthy, beautiful and pleasantly scented flowers and fruits. Blossom Builder Liquid is highly concentrated (use ratio is 0.25 ml : 1 L—that is, 1 L make 4,000 L of irrigation water) and this therefore very economical. If you want to try this hightech product yourself, ask your local retailer.

Larger Gorilla Grow Tent Sizes The largest Gorilla Grow Tents just got larger. Custom size tents in the 4.57 by 6.10 m, 3.05 by 9.14 m and 6.10 by 9.14 m range are now being accepted for orders through Gorilla Grow Tents. Gorilla Grow Tents are known as the tallest, strongest, thickest and most durable line of grow tents and accessories.

Engineered with a patent-pending adjustable extension system, Gorilla Grow Tents enable the indoor home gardener to increase the height and size of their grow tents to any large size desired. All standard features including doubly reinforced structural poles for no-stress accessory and component suspension, 25.4-cm port holes that zip up on both ends and tool pouches are found on the extra large custom grow tent orders. For more information, visit your local hydroponics retailer.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

Rhino Quality for the Hobby Grower Rhino are pleased to announce the launch of the new Hobby line; a range of filters offering the security and performance of Rhino to the grower on a budget. Unlike other hobby filter manufacturers, Rhino refuses to compromise on the quality of their carbon; the Rhino Hobby range features a 30-mm bed of Australian-mined RC412 carbon, which is the purest activated carbon on the market (and utilised in their Pro Filter range). Every Rhino Hobby filter features fully reversible flange and base (which prolongs lifespan by ensuring even wear of the carbon bed), lightweight aluminium neck and base, and a nine to 12 month lifespan. For more information, visit your local hydroponics store.

VitaLink Fulvic VitaLink Fulvic helps to boost the results from plants at every life cycle stage—rooting, growth and flowering. This is a pure fulvic product that helps to quickly and effectively transport nutrients (especially immobile elements like calcium, which assists in strong cell walls and plant development) to where plants need them most.

By aiding the transportation of nutrients and elements, VitaLink Fulvic helps to maximise the results achieved from other products. VitaLink Fulvic can be used as a foliar spray or root feed throughout the life cycle of the plant, but should not be sprayed during periods of high light intensity. This product is part of the Add-it range and is available in 250-ml and 1-L bottles. For more information about this and other VitaLink products, visit your local retailer.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT The Neutralizer is now Available The Neutralizer is a highly efficient, natural-based air particle purifier. The unit is very effective in removing malodours from a wide range of environments. This premium quality product has many unique features and benefits, including: • Essential-oil based • Not harmful (natural ingredient blend) • No absorption into the surrounding environment • Compact plug-in (low energy consumption) • Neutralizes within an hour of activation • Premium quality ingredients • Covers up to 375 m3 in ideal conditions • Up to 6 week life with constant 24 hour use • Simple set up in seconds (full instructions are included in the kit) • Replaceable cartridges For more information, see your local hydroponics equipment retailer.

Maxibright DigiLight Pro 600 W Variable Digital Power Pack

Guard’n’Aid Rot Stop (for Roots)

The Maxibright DigiLight Pro 600 W is an advanced digital power pack with variable output. Choose from four power/wattage modes, including two super lumen modes: 400, 440SL, 600, and 660SL (each super lumen mode boosts lamp output by a further 10%). The Maxibright DigiLight Pro is silent, lightweight and cool running. Complete with soft start technology, the ballast is designed to gently start your HID lamps using a low current, significantly improving lamp life. Short circuit protection prevents damage to the ballast and lamp using a circuit breaking system.

End of lamp life detection ensures the ballast performs a test strike upon ignition that detects when a lamp is degraded and shuts off the ballast to prevent the damage caused by continual re-strikes. Thermal protection with auto-reset also protects the ballast in the event of overheating. Compatible with MH and HPS lamps. Ask your nearest retailer for more information

Guard’n’Aid Rot Stop for healthy roots is a concentrated preparation of naturally occurring bacteria, which promotes plant and root health in hydroponics and soil/coir-based systems. Hardier plants can better resist bacterial and fungal infections that cause root rot. When added to a system, this mix of beneficial bacteria makes conditions unfavourable for the growth of harmful microbes, thus assisting the plant to fight back and regain health, encouraging fresh root development.

Guard’n’Aid Rot Stop (Roots) does not sterilise the root zone, meaning that the natural concentration of beneficial bacteria will not be harmed. This allows the plant to quickly recover. Guard’n’Aid Rot Stop (Roots) is a 100% natural product and is now available in a 1-L bottle. Ask your nearest retailer for Rot Stop (Roots) today!

Drip Potz Drip Potz Systems are designed to be used with any pot that fits the saucers and with any growing media you choose to use. Drip Potz pump and deliver your nutrient solution directly into the top of your chosen growing media, and gravity will draw it down through the media to feed the roots. The pots are sat on elevated saucers, which catch any excess solution that runs off from the pots and drain pipes fitted below will take away the excess solution to the main Header Return Potz, where it can be recirculated back into the tank (the solution can also be run to waste). The design also allows you to clearly view the runoff from each pot (to ensure all your plants are being watered correctly) without moving any parts. To learn more, see your local hydroponics equipment retailer.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

Height-adjusting Gorilla Grow Tents The newest coolest product on the market is the height-adjusting Gorilla Grow Tent. Standard grow tents are typically 2.13 m and below in height. Gorilla Grow Tents, on the other hand, are the first to allow users to extend their grow tent above 2.13 m to 2.45, 2.74 and 3.05 m (and higher). With the Gorilla Grow Tent patent pending height extension system, an indoor gardener can extend their vertical grow space in under 10 minutes.

Since hot air rises, the plant canopy level in these tents stays at a moderate temperature. Extending the height in a Gorilla Grow Tent is also crucial for taller gardeners who previously were in danger of bumping their heads into reflectors in other grow tents. Check out the height adjusting grow tent at your local hydroponic shop.

VitaLink PlantStart Often, growers use quarter- or halfstrength nutrients, which might not give young plants all the nutrients they need; however, VitaLink PlantStart contains everything required for fast and healthy growth during this crucial stage. It has the perfect boron to calcium ratio to aid root development. VitaLink PlantStart also includes vitamin B1, which helps to increase natural immunity to disease and infection (these can be issues when transplanting). This product provides humates, which further promote a healthy root system and enhance nutrient uptake for the best possible plant development. VitaLink PlantStart is available in 250-ml and 1-L bottles, can be used during the first three to four weeks and is perfect for presoaking propagation cuttings, as well as rooted seedlings and cuttings. For more information about this and other VitaLink products, see your nearest retailer.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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Balmy Breezes

by Shane Hutto

We all know that circulating air inside a growroom is essential for replacing the CO2 used by plants.

However, other factors are also affected by these breezes, including humidity and temperature…

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We’ve all heard that moving and exchanging the air inside a growroom is essential. Why? When growing indoors, you are artificially creating a microclimate in which the CO2 in the air immediately around the plants’ leaves depletes rapidly when plants feed during daytime hours. This depleted atmosphere must be exchanged with the higher-CO2 air in the rest of the growroom in order to improve the conditions for the plants. (Additionally, this circulation of air deters pests and disease outbreaks, and aids plant health by keeping transpiration rates high.) Proper circulation is as simple as adding an oscillating fan to the room. Then, as the overall CO2 levels in the growroom diminish, this air must also be replaced.

Air inside the growroom also affects humidity and temperature. There are several different methods and tools available for purchase that will help you to control these sectors, but the main trick for new to intermediate growers to understand is how it should work.

The main goals of ventilation systems are to remove heat, correct humidity and circulate the air. Your budget will determine what sort of system you can install.

The components of a high-end ventilation system can run into thousands of dollars, but many low-budget systems can also perform satisfactorily when designed properly. The best ventilation systems are planned well in advanced and are designed to be effective beyond what is necessary. The reason they need to be oversized is because summer heat and winter cold are often more drastic than expected. In order to determine what you need in your growroom, first monitor and record your existing conditions. In particular, you should have a good idea of the range between nighttime lows to daytime highs, and how this changes throughout the growing season.

Next you will need to evaluate how much air needs to be moved. To estimate your ventilation requirements, simply measure the length, height and width in metres and multiply these three numbers together. The resulting figure will be cubic metres (m3). Now, keep in mind that if you have an 18 m3 room, a 18-cubic-feetper-minute (m3/min) fan—or a fan with an equivalent

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articleBreezes Balmy title

airflow rate—will likely take longer than one minute to exchange the air because it is not perfect. Expect a certain amount of pressure loss throughout the system (another reason why your components should be oversized for your space—if your budget allows it, of course).

In order to affect temperature, you will either have to cool the air that is already in the room or bring in fresh, cooler air. The latter is easiest and less expensive compared to cooling the air and leaving it in the room.

The biggest problem associated with bringing in new air, however, is that the old hot air must go somewhere. Most often, it is vented directly outside through a highplaced outlet (the higher it is, the less likely the outlet is to cause discomfort or problems outside). These outlets also often have a carbon filters attached to aid with any odours that might be present in the exhaust. Keep in mind though that the carbon filter creates a loss of pressure, thus lowering the volume rating of your components.

Air conditioners work well in a sealed system—but not so much so in a system that brings in outside air. Sealed systems can be tricky to build and maintain, but often are more effective in holding temperatures at the desired point. The major problem when using a sealed system for production growing is the lack of CO2 input. A properly constructed sealed system will need some sort of CO 2 injection system. CO2

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Yield | January/February Maximum Yield USA | August 2012 2013

"The biggest problem associated with bringing in new air, however, is that the old hot air must go somewhere." injection can be achieved with bottled CO2 or by using a burner, both of which can be purchased at most hydroponic stores. Bottled CO2 can be cumbersome, but it does not add heat to the room as a burner would. CO2 burners are a good choice, however, if you have extremely oversized air conditioners or if you grow in a colder climate where heat is not a problem.

Humidity correction is another constant battle in most growrooms because every time you water, turn on a fan or air conditioner, or even open a door to outside air, the humidity in the room changes. Even the plants themselves can drastically affect humidity levels—we know that approximately 90% of the water absorbed by plants is evaporated through their leaves, meaning 90% of the water you feed your plants goes into the air as humidity.

Also, since air conditioners (by design) cause the humidity to drop, air conditioners operating in humid climates have a greater tendency to wear out because they will run non-stop to lower the humidity. In dry climates, conversely,

air conditioners are often fighting a humidifier. The key to humidity control is an overall environmental controller. If you can afford the normally expensive set-up, environmental controllers are a highly effective weapon.

In the end, the components you select for your system should be of good quality because your plants’ survival depends on it—it only takes one day of your controls failing to fry your plants. This is also goes back to why the first step of monitoring is also the most important. By simply checking your thermometer, you can usually tell a few days in advance if your components are experiencing problems because most part will not fail immediately, but rather over time.

Remember, plants don’t care how fancy your components are as long as they effectively provide adequate air circulation and control the humidity and temperature.

orries W

water Water Quality Issues and How to Deal with Them

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

If your water is not right your plants won’t reach their full potential—Dr. Lynette Morgan takes you through everything you need to know about your water supply in order to give your garden its best chance...

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“Fortunately, most water worries are relatively easy to treat with a little knowledge and some modern technology.”

Water worries don’t always get much consideration from new growers as they enthusiastically set up their first hydroponic system. After all, water from the tap—which is sparkling clear and safe to drink—must be fine for plants as well, right? Many believe this to be the case, but in fact it’s often treated municipal water that causes the most problems for hydroponic growers and many gardeners might not even be aware of the problem. Pure water is actually a rather rare occurrence—the water we drink and irrigate our plants with is not usually just H2O, but a solution containing a wide range of minerals, dissolved gases, organic matter, pathogens, dust and chemicals. Many common substances dissolved in or carried by water are harmless to plants, such as the

Water is a carrier for many minerals, dissolved gasses, organic matter and other substances.

calcium and magnesium present in hard water sources.

Other contaminants, however—which might not pose any problems at all in human drinking water—can create havoc in a carefully balanced hydroponic system and with sensitive plants.

How do we find out about our water?

Fortunately, most water worries are relatively easy to treat with a little knowledge and some modern technology. Knowing exactly what you are dealing with is

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Water Worries

vitally important, however, as some water treatment options can be more toxic to plants than the water issue being treated. A water analysis, or report is always the best place to start if water quality issues are suspected—municipal water suppliers should be able to provide customers with a full water report, which will include a mineral analysis as well as listing water treatment additives that could be present, such as chlorine or other chemicals. For those using other water supplies—such as groundwater, river or dam water—obtaining a water analysis is relatively easy and all that is required is to send a sample off to a testing lab. While extremely useful, water reports might not cover all your potential problems—but they’ll usually give you a fairly good indication of where any major issues lie with your water supply.

1.

Water quality issue number one: hard water and high alkalinity

This is probably the most common water quality issue dealt with by hydroponic growers worldwide, even those using treated city water. Groundwater might be hard—as water from rivers, dams and city water supplies can be—although rainwater in unpolluted areas is usually considered low-mineral (or, soft). Municipal water supplies across the country range from very hard to soft, depending on where the individual city water supply is taken from. Hard water has a high mineral content—usually originating from magnesium, calcium carbonate, bicarbonate or calcium sulphate—which can cause hard white lime scale to build up on surfaces and growing equipment.

Hard water might also have high alkalinity and pH levels, meaning that lots of acid is required to lower the pH in hydroponic systems to ideal levels and maintain it there. A high alkalinity level would be considered to be greater than 300 millilitres per litre of calcium carbonate and a low alkalinity level less than 100 milligrams per litre. While hard water sources do contain useful minerals—calcium and magnesium mostly—they can upset the balance of the nutrient solution and make other ions less available for plant uptake. Large-scale commercial growers can counter these problems by adjusting their nutrient formulations to take the levels of calcium and magnesium into account and by pre-acidifying hard water before it is used to make up nutrient solutions or to top up reservoirs.

The acid used for this purpose is usually either nitric or phosphoric or a 50/50 mixture of the two, the reason being that acids add minerals to the water or nutrient

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solution and the combination of nitrogen and phosphorus from these acids can be adjusted for in the nutrient formulation as both are taken up by plants at relatively high levels. This pre-acidification of the water means that less acid is then required in the system to keep the pH down to optimal levels.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

Water contamination issues can occur if water is not stored correctly.

Smaller-scale growers also have the option of using one of the many excellent hard-water nutrient products on the market. These hard-water nutrients are specifically designed to deal with the effect of hard and alkaline water on pH levels and usually incorporate the ammonium form of nitrogen (NH4) to keep pH levels down.

Hard water formulations also assist in keeping macronutrients in balance when using a water source that already contains levels of plant-usable elements such as calcium and magnesium. Some growers have made the mistake of using household water softening units to deal with the problem of a hard water source. Unfortunately, while these are fine for softening water for drinking and home use, they usually incorporate a process that adds sodium chloride to the water. Sodium is an issue for hydroponic systems and is an unwanted element with the potential to cause plant damage, so use of these water softeners for hydroponic water supplies should be avoided.

2.

Water quality issue number two: unwanted minerals, sodium

Water supplies will all carry some mineral content unless the water has been through a distillation or reverse osmosis process to remove it. Groundwater and city water tend to be highest in mineral content—as the minerals leach from the surrounding soil into the

water—and rainwater the lowest. The most commonly occurring minerals in water supplies are calcium and magnesium, which are not problematic for hydroponics provided they are not present at excessively high levels. Other common elements are sodium and trace minerals, which can occur at varying levels in different water supplies. Sodium levels in excess of 2,000 ppm have been found in some inland well water in arid regions, although most well water sources don’t pose such an extreme problem. Sodium contamination usually occurs from common salt—sodium chloride—which is present to varying degrees in most soils and might also be present from salty sea spray, salt water penetration of wells or from sources deliberately added during water softening processes.

Sodium is not taken up by plants to any large degree, so it can end up accumulating in hydroponic systems (more so in recirculating systems) and displacing other elements.

Trace elements in water supplies—such as copper, boron, zinc and iron—might also sometimes occur at high levels.

While lower levels of trace elements can be adjusted for

Salt damage on a sensitive cucumber plant.

in nutrient formulations, higher levels often need reverse osmosis treatment or dilution with a lower-mineral water source to keep these minerals below toxic levels. Some hydroponic crops, such as tomatoes, are far more tolerant of high levels of sodium than other more sensitive crops like lettuce, so this can be taken into account when deciding whether or not a salty water source needs treatment.

For moderate levels of sodium, growers can opt to avoid recirculating the nutrient—thus preventing sodium or other unwanted elements accumulating over time. In this case, avoiding recirculating systems in favour of mediabased drain-to-waste-type set-ups is often enough to avoid excessive sodium buildup.

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Water Worries

“Water supplies will all carry some mineral content unless the water has been through a distillation or reverse osmosis process to remove it.”

3.

Water quality issue number three: water treatment chemicals

Many city water sources are perfectly acceptable for soilless growers and hydroponic systems and can be used with no adjustment or treatment. However, water treatment options used by city water suppliers change over time and with advancing technology. In the past, the main concern was chlorine in city water supplies. Chlorine is a disinfecting agent that destroys bacteria and human pathogens and residual chlorine can usually be detected by smell in a water source.

High levels of chlorine can be toxic to sensitive plants—although chlorine is a chemical that rapidly dissipates into the air and it can easily be removed by aerating the water or just letting the water sit or age for a few days before use. While chlorination of water supplies was relatively easy for hydro growers to deal with, city water treatment plants are now moving more frequently toward the use of other methods for treating drinking water. Scientists discovered 36

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

that some human pathogens are resistant to chlorine, so water safety regulations had to change and alternative disinfection methods Natural growing mediums, such as coco fibre, help buffer plants against water treatment chemicals in the water supply. came into more frequent use. These days actually causing the problem. Some water might still be chlorinated, but plants are also naturally much more an increasing number of city water sensitive to chloramines than others, suppliers have switched to the use so determining levels of toxicity has of ozone, UV light, chloramines been difficult. Hydroponic growers and chlorine dioxide as methods who have concerns about the use of of treatment. While many of these chloramines in their city water supply methods are not a problem for can treat their water with specifically hydroponic and soilless growers, the designed activated carbon filters or use of chloramines and other chemby using dechloraminating chemical icals by many city water treatment or water conditioners, which are sold plants can pose a problem for plant by the aquarium trade to treat the life where high levels are regularly water in fish tanks. The chloramine introduced into water supplies. carbon filters must be of the correct Chloramines are much more persistype, with a high-quality granular tent than chlorine and take a lot lonactivated carbon that allows for the ger to dissipate from treated water, long contact time required for chlowhich means they can build up in ramine removal. Growing systems hydroponic systems and cause plant that utilise substrates like coco are damage. This damage is very difficult a safer option than soilless culture to diagnose—as it looks similar to or recirculating systems when water many root rot pathogens—and growtreatment chemicals are suspected ers aren’t usually aware of what is to be a problem—these natural

“While it is possible to treat water sources with chemicals such as bleach (chlorine) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), this can be a risky process.”

substrates provide a buffering capacity much like soil does and can deactivate some of the treatment chemicals contained in the water supply.

Water quality issue number four: grubby water and pathogens

4.

Generally, city water supplies are filtered to remove organic matter and treated to kill any microbial life, which includes human and plant pathogens.

However, other water sources—like wells, rivers, dams and rainwater—can harbour both organic matter and potentially damaging plant pathogen spores. Many large commercial hydroponic operations use untreated water sources with few problems, but in some areas pathogen contamination can be an issue. Zoosporic pathogenic fungi, such as pythium, and bacteria can survive and be distributed in water, although these can be relatively easily cleaned up by the grower before they can pose any threat.

The safest options are UV, ozone and slow sand filtration, as these won’t leave chemical residues, which could harm young sensitive root systems. Small UV treatment and filtration systems such as those used in fish ponds and aquariums are suitable for treating water for hydroponic use and will kill plant pathogens and algae. These are best used for treating water only, however, and not nutrient solutions, as UV radiation can make some nutrients unavailable for plant uptake.

While it is possible to treat water sources with chemicals, such as bleach (chlorine) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), this can be a risky process. Levels of these sanitiser chemicals high enough to kill plant pathogens will certainly damage young or sensitive plants unless the chemicals are deactivated or removed before being used to make up a hydroponic nutrient solution. H2O2 is deactivated when it reacts with organic matter in the water and chlorine will dissipate over time—particularly if the water is aerated—but determining when these active chemicals have reached levels low enough to be safe for plants is difficult.

There are test strips sold through aquarium suppliers that

Some plant pathogens such, as pythium, can be carried in water supplies.

might help, but it’s usually an easier option to rely on safer methods of water treatment for pathogen control.

Good-quality water is vital to the success of any hydroponic system and growers today have a wide range of tools to assess their own water supply and carry out any treatment that is required. Investing in high-quality water is an essential step in any new hydroponic set-up and will help prevent any number of serious problems down the road.

References Date, S., Terabayashi, S., Kobayashi, Y., Fujime, Y., 2005, “Effects of Chloramine Concentration in Nutrient Solutions and Exposure Time on Plant Growth in Hydroponically Cultured Lettuce”, Scientia Horticulturae, Volume 103(3), pp 257-265.

Richards et al, 1996, “Well Water Quality, Well Vulnerability and Agricultural Contamination in the Midwestern United States”, Journal of Environmental Quality, Volume 25, pp 389-402.

Thomas, P.R., Greene, G.R., 1993, “Rainwater Quality from Different Root Catchments”, Water Science and Technology, Volume 28, number 3/5, pp 291-299.

Yaziz, M.I. et al, 2003, “Variations in Rainwater Quality from Roof Catchments”, Water Research, Volume 23, Issue 6, pp 761-765.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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by Matt LeBannister

Making the Most of Your

Lights

There are many important tools needed when gardening indoors, but none are quite as necessary as your lights. Using your lights efficiently can be the difference between a good crop and a great crop. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your lights.

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Maximum Yield UK | January/February 2013

MY

Maximum Yield UK | January/February 2013

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Introducing a Smarter Way to Select, Store and Process Stem Cuttings

by Bill DeBoer Unlike cloning herbaceous plants, woody cuttings require slightly different consideration.

Here’s how to properly select, store and process stem cuttings (as opposed to leaf or root cutting), using rooting hormones and creating the ideal rooting environment…

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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

Stem Secrets

Softwoods derive their name because they are the soft, new and non-woody growth that emerges in spring and sometimes summer. Their rooting potential is high, but they will easily wilt and rot under sub-optimal conditions.

Semi-hardwood cuttings occur during a transitional period when softwood starts to form a woody protective layer.

In non-tropical areas, this is a protective measure against cold temperatures during the winter. Semi-hardwood cuttings are not as delicate as softwood cuttings, but they will wilt if exposed to low humidity. Lastly, hardwood cuttings are often taken from dormant plants (those without leaves) during the fall and winter. These cuttings are the least finicky in terms of care and can be bundled together, placed in a refrigerator and stuck later in the spring.

Another important consideration is the age of the plant. In general, the age of the plant greatly influences the rooting potential of the cutting.

Juvenile plants produce cuttings that root far better than older plants.

While the exact reason is unknown, some scientists attribute this decrease in rooting potential to an increase in root-inhibiting compounds. Personal experience has shown that rooting from mature plants is still obtainable, albeit at significantly reduced percent-

influence rooting percentages depending on the plant of interest. That is to say, for some plants, rooting potential will be higher when taken from the very end of the branch, whereas the opposite is true with others.

Lastly, before the cuts are made, make sure the plant is not under water stress and that growth is neither very vigorous (high in nitrogen and low in carbon) or very stunted (often an indicator that the plant is older or not growing in favourable conditions). All of these factors will reduce rooting potential.

Now we are ready to make the cut. The ideal cutting size depends upon the

type (softwood, semi-hardwood or “Personal experience hardwood). Sizes range from 7.62 cm for has shown that rooting softwood to 30.48 cm from mature plants is or more for hardwood cuttings. In general, still obtainable, albeit 7.62 to 20.32 cm cutat significantly reduced tings are ideal for percentages; nonetheless, it’s all types. If the are softbest to stick to younger plants cuttings wood, pay close attention to when possible.” the terminal growth.

If it is quite soft and ages; nonetheless, it’s best to stick to easily bends, remove it as younger plants when possible. rotting will usually occur.

The position from which the cutWhile length is an imtings are taken can also impact rooting portant measurement, potential. Distal (closer to the end of a pay close attention branch) and proximal (closer to where to the nodes (place the branch attaches to the trunk) can were leaves attach 44

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

to the stem) per cuttings. Each cutting should have at least two nodes (three is preferable). The cut should be made directly above a node on the “parent” plant.

Storage conditions and processing Now that you have made the cut(s), proper processing and sticking should occur. However, if this is not possible and you are working with softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings then preventing water loss is integral. This can be accomplished by immediately placing the cuttings in a plastic bag, which is then sealed. It is also preferable to mist the cuttings prior to sealing, but if you do not have access to water simply use a sealable bag. If outside temperatures are hot, a cooler is a great place to put your sealed bags. Keep in mind that water stress in softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can occur quickly (seconds to minutes).

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

The next step in processing is removal of leaves. While some authors instruct removal of all but the top set of leaves in softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings, some disagree. Leaves are the carbohydrate manufacturing centre for the plant; therefore, these leaves provide the necessary energy needed for root development. While removing leaves reduces the surface area for water loss, pruning the bottom leaves that touch the rooting substrate is sufficient.

Also, depending on the plant, wounding the cuttings might be needed to induce root formation. This is often necessary with hard-toroot plants like rhododendron, magnolia and pinus. To wound, use a clean sharp knife or pruners to scrap away the Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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Stem Secrets

outer layer (2.54 to 5.08 cm) to expose the inner green layer. Make sure you do not go too deep and cut into the pith, which is often white.

Rooting hormones Generally, cloning woody ornamentals is enhanced through the use of rooting hormones. Natural rooting hormones are derived from plant chemicals known as auxins, and manufacturers utilise the synthetic-derived auxins indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or alphanaphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Auxin promotes root initiation by programming cells to develop into new root cells. The type of cutting dictates the appropriate amount of this chemical to use. In general, I have had good success

using 500 to 1,000 ppm on softwood cuttings, 1,000 to 3,000 ppm on semi-hardwood cuttings and 4,000 to 10,000 ppm for dormant hardwood cuttings. Beginners to vegetative propagation should try a rooting hormone that is mixed in talc powder. This will be relatively inexpensive, easy to use and, in general, will not burn the cuttings. The main drawbacks to this are that the concentration of IBA is fixed (usually 0.1% or 1,000 ppm) and the IBA in talc is relatively insoluble, so absorption might be suboptimal. Also, the talc powder easily comes off (especially when sticking into the substrate) and is therefore ineffective. Another type of auxin delivery is gel based. This gel adheres to the cutting better than talc, but is usually more expensive and has the added danger of burning certain sensitive softwood cuttings. Also, like talc, the concentration of auxin is fixed in gel-based solutions. Lastly, another popular auxin carrier is a liquid-based solution (often a solvent like isopropyl or ethyl

have experienced the greatest success using rooting hormones that are solvent based, but would not recommend it for those trying root hormones for the first time.

Ideal conditions of optimal rooting Since the cuttings have been severed from the parent plant and do not possess a root system, their ability to absorb water and nutrients is drastically reduced. Cuttings will lose water from both the leaves and the cut end until it heals over; thus, maintaining high humidity is critical. Without humidity, the cuttings will quickly lose turgor pressure and wilt. On a commercial scale, misting systems allow high humidity coupled with good air circulation, which significantly reduces fungal rotting. However, most hobby growers do not have the aforementioned misting systems. In this case, hand misting with a sprayer often times is less successful than using some sort of dome. Depending on your growing environment, water droplets from misting can quickly evaporate away, creating an environment that favours pulling water out

“Since the cuttings have been severed from the parent plant and do not possess a root system, their ability to absorb water and nutrients is drastically reduced.” alcohol). The stock solution is quite high (10,000 ppm) and can easily be diluted with water to acquire the desired concentration. This method is a quick dip where the auxin is highly soluble and readily absorbed; however, the price is usually much higher and the solvent readily burns cuttings if the optimal concentration is exceeded. I 46

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

from the leaves. For better results, take your cuttings, mist the leaves (top and bottom) and place them in a plastic dome top or baggy. Just make sure that the environment is sealed and that no leaves are touching the bag or dome, as this will lead to rotting. Check on the cuttings every day or so to make sure the substrate is moist and not waterlogged, that the leaves are healthy— remove yellow or brown leaves—and to the check for root formation. For traditional soilless mixes, such as peat moss, coco coir, perlite and vermiculite,

the grower is confined to check on root formation by gently tugging on the cutting and feeling for resistance. With cellular-matrix substrates, you can remove the whole plug to see if root formation is penetrating out without risking damaging the roots.

Patented plants and illegal propagation While some of you are coming around to the idea that cuttings could be quite lucrative, be forewarned that the plants you buy from a nursery have been developed by growers and are either patented or patentpending. That means you cannot reproduce these plants for profit without notification and subsequent payment of royalties for each cutting. However, you can reproduce plants for your own use (or for a neighbour, if you are that kind!) so long as you do not intend to sell them for profit. MY References: Dirr, M. A., & C. W. Heuser Jr. (2006). The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation: From Seed to Tissue Culture (2nd ed.). Varsity Press, Inc. Hartmann, H. T., Kester, D. E., Davies Jr., F. T., & Geneve, R. L. (2002). Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices (7th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc. Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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by Ch

What’s going on beneath the surface of your garden? It’s essential to the health of your plants to ensure a vital root zone—and you can’t do that without understanding the requirements of the tiny organisms living in your garden…

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

ris Pia

nta

We all have it—a range of temperature and humidity that we feel most comfortable and perform most efficiently within. Plants have it, animals have it and so do bacteria—every living thing has an optimal comfort zone. For most living things their comfort zone can be defined as a particular combination of temperature, humidity and air—all obviously necessities for life here on Earth, but different organisms require different permutations of this formula.

Bacteria are no different—they need the right combination of conditions to thrive like all living things.

Despite their tiny size they are crucial to successful plant growth and under the proper conditions can accelerate and increase plant growth rate and yield.

When it comes to growing plants, in fact, bacteria play a role that is out of all proportion to their size.

The successful gardener will make a point of taking care of these smallest of creatures and many larger issues will take care of themselves.

aeration. We have direct control over these conditions and we need to manage them properly—a consistent root zone environment that is ideal for bacterial growth will result in a proliferation of beneficial bacteria and lead to healthy roots and plants.

Soil moisture

The moistness of the soil is one of the three most important factors influencing the microbial population of your garden. Water (as soil moisture) is essential to healthy bacteria in two ways: it supplies hydrogen and oxygen and serves as a solvent and carrier of food nutrients. Beneficial microbial populations proliferate best in a moisture range of 20 to 60 percent. Under waterlogged conditions anaerobic microflora become active due to lack of soil aeration and the good aerobes get suppressed— some beneficial microbes will die out due to tissue dehydration and some will change their forms into resting-stage spores or cysts in order to survive adverse conditions. That’s why you shouldn’t overwater your plants—the soil in your garden should remain consistently somewhere in this optimum range of between 20 to 60 percent moisture in order to promote the activity and increase of beneficial bacteria.

“The ones your plants need to thrive—the ‘good’ bacteria—are the aerobic microbes.”

What are bacteria and why do we need them?

Bacteria are tiny one-celled organisms—generally about 0.001 mm (1 µm) wide and somewhat longer in length. What bacteria lack in size they make up in numbers. A teaspoon of productive soil generally contains between 100 million and one billion bacteria.

Every grower should know the basics about bacteria and how critical the right organisms can be to successful root growth and development. As growers, we are in control of our bacteria populations and the types of bacteria we make available to our crops are governed to a large extent by the conditions we keep our plants’ roots in. Bacterial populations vary based on three primary soil conditions—moisture, temperature and

Soil temperature

Next to moisture, temperature is the most important environmental factor influencing the biological, physical and chemical processes that govern microbial activity and populations in soil. Though some micro-organisms can tolerate extreme temperature conditions, the optimum temperature range at which beneficial soil microorganisms can grow and function actively is actually rather narrow.

There are three soil temperature ranges within which micro-organisms can grow and function, which divides microbes into three groups: psychrophiles, which grow at temperatures below 10°C, mesophiles, which thrive Maximum Yield UK | January/February 2013

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The Comfort Zone

between 10 and 45°C and thermopiles, which have an optimum temperature range between 45 and 60°C. Most soil micro-organisms are mesophilic and their optimum temperature is around 37°C. True psychrophiles are almost absent in soil and thermopiles—though present in soil—tend to behave like mesophiles. True thermopiles are found more often in decaying manure and compost heaps, where high temperatures prevail.

Seasonal changes in soil temperature affect microbial population and their activity, especially in temperate regions. In winter, when temperature is low, the number and activity of micro-organisms decline and as the soil warms up in spring they increase in number and activity. In general, the population and activity of soil microorganisms are highest in spring and lowest in winter, but growing in a greenhouse or under controlled conditions will provide consistent soil temperatures in a managed soil environment— eliminating these extremes.

Soil temperature greatly influences the rates of biological, physical and chemical processes that take place in the soil. Within a limited range, the rates of chemical reactions and biological processes double for every 10 degree increase in temperature. Different pathogen species have different thermal limits for survival, germination and infection, so temperature can also control soilborne diseases.

Aeration

For the optimal growth of micro-organisms, good aeration in the soil is essential. Microbes consume oxygen from the air found in soil and exhale carbon dioxide. The activity of soil microbes is often measured in terms of the amount of oxygen absorbed or the amount of CO2 exhaled by these organisms in the soil. Under waterlogged conditions gaseous exchanges are hindered and an accumulation of CO4—which is toxic to microbes— occurs in the soil air. Depending upon their oxygen requirements, soil micro-organisms are grouped into three categories: aerobic

“The successful gardener will make a point of taking care of these smallest of creatures and many larger issues will take care of themselves.”

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(requiring oxygen), anaerobic (not requiring oxygen) and microaerophilic (requiring low levels of oxygen). The ones your plants need to thrive—the good bacteria—are the aerobic microbes.

Using devices or management practices that provide optimal moisture, temperature and aeration conditions in your garden soil will help to foster a healthy population of beneficial bacteria and microbes— you will see healthier plants and use less water and fertiliser while achieving improved results and production.

Bacteria are the most critical elements of a healthy soil and root system. Healthy soil equals healthy plants; it’s that simple. What happens below the soil surface is just as important as what happens above—and it’s all based on the health and vigour of the lowly bacteria.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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Sex & the Single Plant

by Bob Ireland

Originally published in May 1987; revisited and revised for Maximum Yield by Paul Davis

Bob Ireland shares some tips with us for controlling the sex of your plants with growth hormones.

Hormones are organic molecules produced by plants and transported within them to various sites where they control, stimulate, inhibit or alter one another, affecting plant growth and development. The term growth regulator encompasses not only naturally occurring plant hormones, but also the hundreds of synthetic organic compounds found today that can exert profound regulatory effects on plant growth.

It is obviously advantageous for plants to grow at the maximum rate permitted by their environment. Signals from the environment are translated via hormones into integrated growth responses exactly suited to a plant’s situation.

Hormones regulate the process of responding to the environment by allowing the decoding and translation of the proteins (enzymes) that influence the organisation of the internal chemistry of the plant’s cells and the interaction among them.

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Sex in a flowering plant is controlled by both genetics and the environment. While the sex chromosomes carry information that predisposes plants to become one sex or the other, the information for the other sex is still present, but repressed. We know this to be true; otherwise, we would not see the sex revertants and hermaphrodites that seem to pop up out of nowhere.

The role of the environment in this process can be summarised into a philosophical line of scientific thinking called the favourable environment theory. When conditions are favourable for plants, a higher percentage of females are formed in order to ensure a population boom in that growing area.

Fewer males are formed since less pollen is needed to maintain a high survival rate.

When conditions are harsh, more males are formed, since more pollen is needed to ensure the current female population is fertilised. Also, more pollen can be scattered in the wind to reach outlying populations in more favourable growing areas. Have you ever noticed that your earliest and tallest plants are generally males?

With that in mind, it stands to reason that good growing techniques by themselves will tend to promote the favourable disposition of your plants toward becoming female.

However, there are times in the plant life cycle when the application of knowledge about hormones (or growth regulators) can be used to our advantage.

“An atmosphere of one percent CO has been shown to change the sex expression of genetically male flowering plants.”

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Sex & the Single Plant

Life cycles Auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins are the principle growth-promoting hormones. Auxins promote rooting, leaf and fruit retention and directional growth, while cytokinins promote active cell mitosis, ion transport and general vigour. Auxins and cytokinins have, in general, been implicated in favouring feminisation in plants. Gibberellic acid (GA) is the most powerful growth promoter because it increases internode spacing and it also promotes flowering in a great many ornamental plants, but—in many cases— the flowering plants are all male.

Numerous natural or synthetic growth-promoting and growth-retarding substances are available commercially.

These not only affect the life cycle stage they are intended to enhance, but often have a direct impact on the promotion of sex characteristics.

At the seed level there are soaking solutions that combine an auxin (naphthylacetic acid) and a coenzyme (vitamin B-1), both of which are vitally important to initial active growth. Other products use a cytokinin (6-BAP) to promote cell division and to promote the formation of female hormones from the very beginning. Herbal teas, aspirin, birth control pills, willow water and other mystical solutions that people swear by undoubtedly have precursors or metabolites that mimic auxins or cytokins. Even without any help, however, new plantlets will synthesise their own hormones to do things we take for granted—these will influence the ability of the seed to point the growing root down and the vegetative tip skyward.

For transplants and clones the most significant hormones are the auxins, which act as rooting hormones and are the most commonly available commercially. These products, some of which are used as rooting compounds and soil amendments, come in either liquid or powder—each has its advocates—and include indole acetic acid (NAA) and indolebutyric acid (IBA). All of these auxin products have been implicated in promoting female plants—whether indirectly by promoting

a favourable environment or directly by influencing the hormonal matrix regulating sex translation.

In healthy juveniles, natural hormones are synthesised.

Cytokinins are manufactured for overall health and ion transport, GA is synthesised for vigorous growth and auxins migrate to the growing tips to aid in active cell division and elongation.

If you manually manipulate your plants, you are actually toying with the hormones. If you pinch the growing tip, auxins will no longer be concentrated there; instead, they’ll migrate in equal numbers to the two new growing tips below the cut.

Also, since pinching the tip removes the focal point for auxins, more of them become available to migrate to the side branches and increase lateral branching. Bending your plants also creates a reaction— a side branch tipped up and down will react to the light (phototropism) and become a new growing tip. Auxins are

“When conditions are favourable for plants, a higher percentage of females are formed in order to ensure a population boom in that growing area.”

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marshaled into these new growing tips and the ones given the most light and filled with the highest concentration of auxins will grow the fastest.

This all can be overdone, however. As your plants grow, they start manufacturing floral hormones in preparation for flowering. If you prune too severely just before induction, it will take a while for the floral hormones to concentrate again.

There are ways to chemically manipulate your plants’ sex characteristics in the vegetative phase—in other words, to predispose them to produce female hormones in preparation for flowering. Some fertilisers include minute amounts of all the auxins to promote better general health and vigour. Theoretically, auxin sprays might enhance feminisation. Different concentrations of NAA solutions are used in the olive industry, where one is used to prevent fruit drop and another to prevent fruit from forming—it is unknown whether they will work on other flowering plants in these same concentrations. Research tests involving miscellaneous foliar cytokinin sprays appear promising, but are not yet readily available. I once put together a product that was made up of NAA and IBA in lanolin, applied with a cotton swab. Sometimes the flowering that resulted was phenomenal, but other times the plant mutated and there was no flowering response at all.

As with the majority of plant hormone products, considerable research and replication must be put in to find a product that works in all environmental conditions and for different strains.

Perhaps the best and most consistent flower-promoting products available are the growth retardants. Their virtue is in reducing the internodal length and, therefore, the total height of plants, which is important for achieving efficiency in your growing space.

The plant’s reward is elimination of wasted energy in vertical growth and the development of sturdier stalks to survive wind, rain and heavy blossoms.

Energy is channeled into better lateral growth and producing bigger, fuller buds that tend to flower earlier. Furthermore, there is a marked tendency to promote more females, since these products are generally anti-gibberellins. As mentioned, GA promotes maleness in plants; growth retardants inhibit precursors to GA formation within the plant.

There are quite a number of growth retardants available commercially. The active retardant chemicals among the ones you might have encountered are ancymidol, dikegulac, paciobutrazol and chlormequat. None of these have been proven safe for use with

Maximum Yield UK | January/February 2013 Ma

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Sex & the Single Plant

consumable products though, and are only safe for ornamentals, such as azaleas and chrysanthemums.

The diaminozide families of growth retardants, the basis of several commercial growth retardant products, have also been found to be effective.

Such product also contains the auxin NAA to enhance flowering in the now shorter, sturdier, bushier plants.

Flowering The flowering process is quite complicated biologically and biochemically and is still not fully understood—space restraints here prohibit even attempting an explanation.

Suffice it to say that the photoperiod response is registered in the leaves by a pigment called phytochrome. The order to start flowering is then transported via some unknown hormonal messengers to the terminal buds.

There are numerous ways we can take advantage of our knowledge of hormones in the flowering process.

One is in our choice of lights. Metal 56

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halides provide the balanced spectrum necessary for vegetative growth, while shortening the photoperiod by itself will trigger flowering. For more intense flowering, adding sodium lamps or tungsten halogens is preferred because these emit much more far-red light, which drives the phytochrome into a transitional state compelling the flowering process.

By far the most important class of hormones during flowering—whether internally produced or exogenously applied—is ethylene. Ethylene is a gaseous hormone implicated in the flowering and ripening stages of nearly all fruits and when applied on plants when they are changing over from their vegetative to a flowering state will cause them to become female regardless of their gene structure. Ethylene is sold commercially and in its gas form is often added to containers of unripe fruits and vegetables during transport to enhance ripening.

Other gaseous growth regulators, oddly enough, include acetylene and

carbon monoxide (CO). Both promote flowering when used in minute concentrations. Acetylene—which is almost identical chemically to ethylene—is produced by the reaction of calcium carbide and water. Pineapple growers in Hawaii used to place pellets of calcium carbide in the recesses of the plants in order to induce flowering and fruit formation regardless of the season.

An atmosphere of one percent CO has been shown to change the sex expression of genetically male flowering plants, resulting in intersexual and pure female flowers.

The interesting point here is that CO and carbon dioxide (CO2) are biochemical competitors. If it is logical to assume that since CO promotes female flowers and CO 2 antagonises the action of CO, the rewards of increased levels of CO 2 during the maturation cycle might be dubious. Higher levels of CO 2 during active vegetative growth and photosynthesis have certainly been proven to be beneficial; however, when the thrust of the plant is directed towards creating full flowers—not active carbon acquisition for growth—perhaps much less CO 2 during blooming would be recommended. Experiment for yourself…

Oh, by the way—please do not hook up your car exhaust pipe or welder’s tank to your growing room, since CO and acetylene are both highly flammable and deadly if used improperly.

The study of plant hormones as growth regulators is at the leading edge of plant science. We all need to be aware of these various study results, as they might offer us the ability to dramatically improve both production and space efficiency in the future.

Maximum Yield UK | January/February 2013

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HOW WELL

you

are

by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr.

Selecting disease- and insect-resistant plants is a primary example of passive procedures for maintaining a garden free of disease organisms and insect infestations.

However, sometimes passive is not an option; you have to be prepared for what might come…

PREPARED?

G N I L L O R T N O C D N A G N I Y F I T S T IDEN C E S N I D N A S M S I N A G R O E S A E S I D

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AR

AN

TIN

E

In most cropping systems, disease organisms and insects are always present, waiting for those conditions favouring their multiplication that can lead to plant invasion. One of the major means of preventing an infestation is to control those conditions favouring multiplication and establishing a barrier that will prevent invasion. For those growing in enclosed environments, the first priority is to effectively sterilise the enclosure and then to maintain that sterile integrity by keeping disease organisms and insects out. Screening and sanitising entrances is a means for keeping disease organisms and insects out of a growing chamber. Also, since clothing and shoes can be a means of carrying disease organisms and insects from place to place and into an enclosed chamber, they too need to be kept clean or be sterilised. Equally important is to establish and maintain those conditions within the enclosure that will prevent insect and disease growth just in case either does enter. Also, be prepared to combat an infestation if it occurs by being aware of what diseases and insects are in the area and associated with the plant species you’re growing. As such, periodically scouting the growing crop (possibly by someone who does this as a profession, such as a trained and experienced plant pathologist or entomologist) is essential.

If infestations do occur, there are two important requirements needed to effectively control them. First is proper identification of the invader (this might require prompt professional assistance as even the most experienced grower can easily make mistakes). Second, as mentioned above, is being prepared to quickly and effectively deal with the invasion.

For disease control, keeping the plant in a healthy state—including maintaining nutrient elements at

QU AR

AN

TIN

E

"One of the major means of preventing an infestation is to control those conditions favouring multiplication and establishing a barrier that will prevent invasion."

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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AR QU

how well are you prepared?

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R A U Q

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N A

I T

E N

leaf characteristics. However, not all diseases can be effectively controlled using such biological materials; therefore, some plants requiring the use of foliar-applied inorganic chemicals or fogging the surrounding environment with a control chemical.

Then there are some diseases that suddenly appear when the plant reaches a certain growth stage. Plants seem more venerable to attack when under stress, be it due to improper nutrition, low or high light radiation conditions, moisture stress or fruit setting.

For example: powdery mildew can materialise on cucumber leaves when the plants began to set fruit. This same disease sometimes appears when the plants are magnesium (Mg) deficient.

For insect control, the use of predator insects—referred to by some as beneficials—can be an effective control procedure. This method requires the predator to be in place prior to invasion with an adequate food supply in order to survive in sufficient numbers

T

sufficient levels—is an effective means of control. For example, if plants become too high in nitrogen (N) or have succulent foliage are easily susceptible to disease and insect invasion. Also, high silicon (Si) content in plant foliage has been found to reduce the ability of hypha to penetrate plant cells (for those growing plants hydroponically, including a soluble source of silicon in the applied nutrient solution formulation is essential in order to utilise this capability).

Keep in mind, however, that a nutrient solution is an ideal matrix for disease organisms—the species and numbers of which depending on temperature, degree of aeration and biological and elemental content. For example, those who choose to use nutrient solution formulations containing biological substances are more likely to have root disease infestations than nutrient solutions without added biologicals, as some of these substances can be a potential food source for fungi and bacteria. As such, recovered nutrient solution requires filtering to remove suspended organic materials and then sterilisation before being recirculated. Sterilisation can be by heating, ultra-violent radiation exposure or treatment with ozone (O3).

The method of disease control is determined by the type of organism (whether a virus, fungus or bacteria). Viruses are best controlled by the use of resistant plants or by control of the delivery vector, which is frequently an insect. For the control of fungi and bacteria, most growers prefer the use of non-chemical means. There are a number of effective natural foliage-applied products whose effectiveness are determined by method, frequency of application and plant

N A AR

E N TI

AN

"For disease control, keeping the plant healthy—including maintaining nutrient elements at sufficient levels—is an effective means of control."

Q

A R UA

I T N

"Plants seem more venerable to attack when under stress, be it due to improper nutrition, low or high light radiation conditions, moisture stress or fruit setting."

TIN E

to be effective. However, not all insects have a corresponding predator. In this case, chemical or biological control procedures applied at the most venerable stage of their life cycle is effective.

There might be times when the cost and effectiveness of a control treatment might not be justified. It all depends on the extent of damage to the plant in terms of appearance and reduced product yield in comparison to the cost for the chemical, the equipment required for application and the time and salary paid to the applicator.

For those with concerns regarding ecological balance, some diseases and insects can be a factor in the unbalancing of an eco-system since they create a condition more damaging to the plant and its surrounding environment if left untreated. Also, some control treatments are based on the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system of pest control, which defines what cultural, chemical and non-chemical procedures are acceptable within the Best Management Practice (BMP) concepts. IMP programs have been implemented for application to a number of cropping systems, both in the field and greenhouse, by setting action thresholds, monitoring and identifying pests, preventing pests from becoming a threat and evaluating the proper control method for both effectiveness and risk.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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Having a tidy growroom can lead to greater and healthier yields. However, this is not always as simple as it sounds. Here, Karen Wilkinson shares a few tricks to help you keep things clean.

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A growroom or greenhouse can be seen as a reflection of its owner’s diligence and the crop’s growth potential.

An unkempt, dirty and neglected growing space is less conducive to propagating healthy, hearty plants; whereas a clean, tidy, well-maintained area is more likely to result in a bountiful harvest that is free of afflictions. It sounds simple enough in theory, but the realities can be much more demanding.

It’s just like maintaining your car’s engine: the best way to ensure a successful crop is to continually perform preventative maintenance and to develop a cleaning routine that works within your schedule. Unlike a car mechanic, however, you want to keep your tools and yourself as clean as possible when working with plants.

With proper knowledge and practice, you can develop the wherewithal to keep your space free of dirt, dust, debris, pests and disease potential, with minimal effort.

The following is a compilation of habits and tips to keep your growroom, tools and self as clean as can be while maintaining a fertile environment. Oh, and remember that consistency is key.

The growroom This is your plants’ home, so keep it tidy and clean!

Growrooms are full of stuff—hydroponic systems, cords, fans, grow equipment, plants, containers, dirt and nutrients—and it can get messy. Of course, if messes are left unnoticed too long, they can easily spill over and affect your end product. Conversely, if everything has its place and is consistently maintained, you will be rewarded with lovely plants.

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

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

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

• Create a routine to eradicate and prevent pests.

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

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

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Neat Freak

•

• •

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

Thoroughly clean and sterilise any reusable growing mediums.

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

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

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

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

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

• Maximise the amount of light shining through lights and hood glass by keeping them clean and clear.

Dust builds up slowly over time (making it hard to notice), but clearing it away is a relatively simple task to keep up on. Ideally, give them a good dusting once a month.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the case of growing, there’s no such thing as being too careful. Keep in mind that hot water and bleach are excellent disinfectants and that routine is your friends.

Your plants’ livelihoods are affected by many factors, so the more control you have over those factors, the better odds your plants have at growing into healthy, lovely ladies. And since everything is connected—from the hands handling the plants to the containers housing them to the air being circulated by the fans—make sure those connections are clean.

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Choose Your System:

Tips for Choosing (and Maintaining)

Your First Hydroponic System

by

Carmie Pasquariello

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

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

know the basics of hydroponic growing.

Fortunately, Carmie Pasquariello has some hard-won advice from when she went through this same situation…

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

• Ebb-and-flow: My favourite for the beginner.

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

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

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

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

Hydroponic kits and basics Not knowing the basics of hydroponics can lead to what I call an un-informed problem. For example: a beginner might not be aware of the importance of pH and how it regulates the absorption of nutrients. This is why hydroponic kits are also popular. They give the beginning gardener a leg up on getting certain variables right. These kits outline what pot size (relative to unit) and growing medium, and how much aeration and watering, each system needs—and in most cases, they come with nutrients and a pH kit so you can get right to growing.

Still, there are a few basics you should be aware of when picking your hydroponic system: • Know your growing medium: Know how much moisture your growing medium holds, as it will determine how you water your plants.

• Check your pH: When starting, I recommend you check your systems pH twice at least a week and adjusted if need be so you can get an idea of how the pH is changing.

• Change your water reservoir: Change it every two weeks during your garden’s vegetative stage and every week when your garden is flowering and producing in order to keep your garden optimised and healthy. When in doubt, change your reservoir.

So, whatever method of gardening you choose, remember that maintaining it right will lead to a happy plant.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

67

Boost When

the Time is Right: Stage-specific Amendments

by Eric Hopper

To get the most out of their plants, gardeners use nutrient additives, soil amendments and foliar treatments specifically designed for particular stages in a plant’s life cycle. Of course there are plenty of choices available, but this author wants you to know about the high-performance organic options.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

In order to increase production and optimise efficiency within their indoor gardens, horticulturists use various stage-specific nutrient amendments. The most common example of these is blooming and ripening additives designed specifically to boost a plant’s fruiting or flowering stage.

Organic growers have also become more in tune with the benefits of stage-specific feeding programs. As our knowledge of organic supplements expands (along with our technologies used to extract the vital compounds), more stage-specific organic supplements are becoming available for the high-performance organic grower.

Guano Bat and seabird guano have been used to boost fruiting and flowering since the beginning of indoor horticulture.

High-phosphorous guano helps trigger flowering hormones within the plant and contributes to an increase in flower sets. There have been much advancement in the harvesting and extraction methods used by guano suppliers that help preserve the powerful elements that were lost due to outdated methods. One extraction method is guano tea, a liquid guano formula that is chock full of the beneficial nutrients and micro-organisms found in the guano. Liquid guano extracts like this one are more easily absorbed by the

plants and give growers the option to foliar or root feed. Unlike guano directly amended to the soil or medium, liquid guano also gives gardeners more control over dosage.

Kelp extracts As with guano, kelp suppliers have made much advancement in extracting and preserving the beneficial elements and hormones found in kelp. Although kelp was once rarely used as a bloom booster, some of the kelp formulations available today are specifically designed to do just that. Kelp extracts specific to bloom stimulation encourage rapid cell division during flowering and increase the production of specialised sugars found in fruit or flowers. It is important to select a kelp formula that is designed specifically for blooming, or you could end up promoting vigorous growth during your plant’s ripening stage.

Kelp extract, if harvested at the correct time or in a particular manner, can also contain a variety of hormones that help trigger flowering and ripening.

Alfalfa extracts One of the newer organic extracts to hit the indoor horticulture market is alfalfa extracts. Alfalfa has a great nitrogen-to-carbon ratio, contains a variety of trace elements and has been shown to promote larger flowers. Alfalfa contains triacontanol, a growth hormone that is thought to speed up the rate of photosynthesis by increasing the amount of CO2 that a plant can process. Many studies have shown an increase in flower-site

production and overall yield with the use of alfalfa extract.

Protein hydrolysate Protein hydrolysate is a recent advancement in organic stimulators. Protein hydrolysate is essentially organic matter (usually soy protein) broken down into the essential L-animo acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for the proteins and enzymes that directly influence the structure and metabolism of plants. Supplementing a protein hydrolysate during a blooming period will enhance the utilisation of other nutrients, boost the plant’s immune system, increase plant respiration and reduce stress. Protein hydrolysate is a multifaceted additive that increases fruit and flower production in many different ways.

If you are going to try one organic stimulator, I recommend a protein hydrolysate formula.

Whether growing conventionally or organically, bloom boosters play an important role in enhancing yields.

New and innovative products, teamed with advancements in extraction methods, allow organic growers to achieve harvests once only obtained

by conventional methods. As more is learned about the intricate aspects of plant physiology, new products, methods and technologies will be created, allowing organic bloom boosters to even further evolve.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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You Tell Us

Future Harvest Development Europe Future Harvest Development Europe team

The team at Future Harvest Development Europe recently spoke with Maximum Yield to discuss community involvement, some exciting products and how the company helps growers achieve their very best yield…

What products in the Future Harvest Development (FHD) line are you most excited about right now and why?

At present, I couldn’t pinpoint an individual product from our range I am most excited about. Here at FHD Europe, we are in a unique position: we do not distribute a lot of products. Our ethos is to stock quality, innovative products that are tested and sold in select retail stores. In answer to the question, I would say our Additive range stands out from the crowd! It is eye catching and the products do what they say on the tin, giving good value to the end user.

What makes the new SunBlaster HO T5 and NanoTech Reflector the ideal duo?

Sunblaster T5s are great stand-alone products … When combined with the Nano Reflector, it’s a no-brainer. Combined, these two great products give value for money, greater efficiency and lots of options in usage. Developed with the grower in mind (like all of our products), the Nano Reflector is designed to capture previously wasted light. It is placed between the lamp and the fixture and reflects 99.9%

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

Peter

level before being offered from FHD …

We also believe in having clued up staff on the phone as a first point of contact.

We have the phones answered by someone with experience in retail, as well as sales, administration and growing.

Mars

Winter

of wasted light. A 300% increase in reflected light from each fixture is the result of this combo.

What tools and resources do you offer growers to help them achieve their very best yield?

Although we have all the usual information sheets, feeding schedules and promotional material you would expect, the greatest single tool that we can offer growers to help achieve optimum results is our knowledge and experience; basically, knowledge is key … We have decades of product selection experience and grower knowledge from the United Kingdom and Canada. Everything in our catalogue is tried and tested at retail

In your opinion, what is the ideal hydroponic growroom set-up for a beginner?

We would advise the beginner to start with something basic, such as a small tent set-up. This will allow for easier monitoring, control and adjustment of environment. They are both easy and relatively cheap to set up and any decent hydro store should be able offer sound advice at the beginning and throughout the grow. Remember a good, established store is there to help you succeed.

What strategies has FHD implemented to lessen their environmental impact on our planet?

At FHD, we are always looking at ways to help save our planet. We use a small number of suppliers and this reduces our carbon footprint.

We also don’t neglect the smaller, more obvious things either, such as switching off unused appliances, turning off our computers and switching the lights off as we leave. We even use our own product (the T5) in our offices, as it is economical and classed as an energy-saving product.

We have to say, though, that this side of our business is something we need to look into deeper and we class it as an on-going and progressive aspect of our business; if we find there is something more that can be done, we will do it where possible!

How does FHD support local causes and community building?

We are always willing to sponsor worthy causes and charities and, on a national level, Future Harvest has contributed and continues to contribute to a range of organisations, including the MS Society, The Stroke Association and Sunny Days Children’s charity. A high percentage of FHD’s employees originate from Tyne and Wear guaranteeing

Laura

local employment. There are a number of things we like to get involved in locally … For example, Peter, our founder, has a high level of input at the local amateur boxing club. Not only does he help with the training of the juniors, we also sponsor the club to help with the buying of equipment and organising of social gatherings. The sponsoring of this boxing club is an excellent example of our involvement in community building, as it is clubs like these that get left by the roadside during resession. Peter was a keen amateur boxer himself in his earlier years and he believes keeping clubs like this open can help save communities keeping kids off the streets.

What can growers expect from FHD in the future?

I suppose the biggest thing that growers can expect from FHD in the future is an actual future. That is to say, we are implementing different strategies and products that will help to ensure our future. We are not here to make a quick buck, but are only interested in long-term strategies and partnerships. We always like to ask our customers opinions on how we could improve our service and products, and we take these opinions on board.

We are very excited about the future and we have some interesting new developments on the horizon.

Without giving too much away yet, look out for some exciting liquid additives coming soon!

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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talking shop

AT A GLANCE Company:

Green Spirit Ltd.

Owner:

Samuel Bullivant and Christopher Scorthorne

Location:

8 – 10 Stanley St., Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S38HJ Unit 6, Rockingham Business Park, Rockingham Row, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S705TW

Phone:

01142 753 353 (Sheffield) 01226 399 837 (Barnsley) Email: info@greenspirit-hydroponics.com Website: greenspirit-hydroponics.com Motto: “Customer service costs so little, but means so much.”

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

The team at Green Spirit Hydroponics

From a minute market stall to a shop with a private cobbled courtyard, Green Spirit has grown a lot in the past seven years. Here’s a look at how they did it.

We started Green Spirit in August 2004 in Sheffield’s Castle Market. We ran our business from an indoor market stall about the size of a shoe box with a pull-down ladder that led to a minute storeroom upstairs. Looking back on the situation, I do not know how we made it work. At this point, I think we thought, “If we can do a good job from this market stall, then for sure we can make a go of it from a larger unit with more room to work.”

So, in year two, we invested everything back into the business by setting up lots of advertising in industry newspapers, moved into a larger unit bang next to the magistrate’s court in the Sheffield city centre and put tonnes of money into new stock and another member of staff. We also started on the long and arduous journey of opening an e-commerce website.

Year two was probably the most fun as we got to go to the hydro expo in

Rotterdam, where we met loads of cool people with cool new products. In a nut shell, we felt part of a growing industry. The best thing was that the business was growing exponentially, and our efforts were being recognised!

After year two, things again started to feel a little tight in our unit. So, again the quest for another unit started. Luckily I had had my eye on a unit that was a little too expensive, but perfect for what we needed at the time. Although it’s in the city, it has its own cobbled courtyard, which gives a feeling of privacy. It looks great in the summer dotted with lovely hanging baskets with tomatoes and chili plants. After a few months, we broke a deal with the landlord.

When we opened the new unit in August, the sun was shining, the music was pumping and there were people dancing in the courtyard; people

from Sheffield still remember it as the best shop opening ever.

Over the years, we have had our fair share of staff. However, now that we have been in this great unit for a few years, our team has grown in strength to eight full-time employees and four part-time, all with different roles within the company. If I could sum up our strengths as a team it would be honesty, reliability and knowledge. We all bring something to the team.

We have learnt over the years that it is imperative to build a trusting relationship up with our customers. We have had so many customers over the years complain about how other shops upsell, leaving them with loads of equipment they do not need. We feel that giving the correct information about the set-up and the correct product knowledge to solve a particular problem is crucial to attaining repeat customers. And all this breaks down to having the right staff with the correct background knowledge.

We have always been great believers in having a wide range of stock. Many other shop owners, including wholesalers, never seem to understand why we stock so many different variations of the same type of product; it doesn’t make business sense. But it gives the customer variety. Every grower and garden environment is different, so a wide variety of products is essential for us to be able to serve every gardener’s needs. And now that we are reaching a much wider audience, thanks to our ever-growing website, it is crucial that we keep things interesting by bringing in new and exciting products.

Also, if we do not stock what you want, we will get it. Nice and easy; that’s how we like it!

I think that the main aspect of growing a business is to make sure that you are reliable. There is nothing worse than never having stock, opening late and finishing early, or not getting back to customers (this is my pet hate; to me it shows lack of interest).

So, here is a quick list of why I think you should try us out, even if it’s only for some info on a problem or product that you need for your garden: • • • • • • •

The triple P (phone, pay, pickup) Olympic loyalty scheme (three-tier discount system) Massive online website and online assistance Eight trained staff at hand to help out Two great shops, both with on-site loading area, with over £200,000 worth of stock On-site working garden displays Personalised delivery service (free over £100.00 within 16.09 km [10 mi.])

For more information on any of these points, please visit our website (greenspirithydroponics.com). While you are there, sign up for our informative and educational mail shot, in which we give out as much info—based on the time of the year—as possible.

I hope that this article has given you an insight to who we are at Green Spirit. I am looking forward to hearing from any new customers that want to check us out as a result. No matter which method you choose to contact us, please quote the reference MAX101; this will entitle you to an initial discount of 10%. From all the team Green Spirit: happy growing!

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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We offer quality products with friendly experienced advice for you to obtain maximum results from your gardening!

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www.somhydro.co.uk Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 6:30 • Sat: 10:00 - 4:00

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 1.250.729.2677

IndustrY’s Latest VitaLink Coir Media Leaflets

HydroGardening Brochure

VitaLink are pleased to announce that a range of marketing literature for you to learn more about the VitaLink Coir growing media is available. These useful A6 leaflets provide information about both VitaLink Professional Coir Mix and VitaLink Professional Coir Chips. They highlight the product benefits, how and where to use them, Growing Media and some handy tips, questions and answers as well. This should all help to make it easier for you to use VitaLink Professional Coir Mix and VitaLink Professional Coir Chips and get the most out of these products. Ask your local retailer for your VitaLink Coir growing media leaflets today!

The new HydroGardening brochure is now available! Not only is it packed with brand new products, this handy A5 guide contains helpful information, interesting features and top tips! If you want to find out more about indoor gardening and you want hints and tips on how to grow indoors, then take a look at the latest guide to HydroGardening. Ask your nearest retailer for a copy today!

VitaLink Website Do you want to know how best to use the VitaLink products?

Then visit vitalink.eu! The VitaLink website has recently been updated to include all about the accessories that VitaLink offers, along with information about the growing media, nutrients and additives ranges. The website provides useful materials about the different products in the range and their grow charts, along with handy hints, tip and questions and anGrowing Media swers to help you to grow with the VitaLink range. VitaLink have also added downloadable PDFs about the different products, which means you can access and print out the individual product pages. Finally, the VitaLink website enables you to find out where your local VitaLink stockist is with the handy retailer locator.

CANNA Need to Know CANNA’s Need to Know is a series of short videos in which CANNA tries to answer questions that the company regularly receives. A passionate grower obviously needs to know a lot to get the best results. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced grower, we are pretty sure that you can find some interesting advice.

If you want to see the videos, please go to canna-uk.com, and do not forget to like them.

LUMii Timers, the new Addition to the LUMii Range The LUMii 24 Hour Plug-in Timer is ideal for setting day and night (on/off) lighting periods, setting heater on periods and timing irrigation cycles. It is very reliable, has a high-quality timer unit and is ideal for use with CFL and T5 lamps.

The LUMii Heavy Duty 24 Hour Plug-in Timer is different. As the name suggests, it is designed to take high loads and has no problem dealing with the inductive loads produced by a 600-W ballast. This means no separate contactor is required, saving your customers money. Use the LUMii Heavy Duty 24 Hour Plug-in Timer for HID ballasts. Visit grow-lumii.com or ask your local retailer for more information. Also, follow LUMii on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Gorilla Grow Tents Now Available in the United Kingdom Due to overwhelming demand, Gorilla Grow Tents are now shipping and selling in the United Kingdom. Gorilla Grow Tents are the first height-adjusting grow tent to hit the indoor gardening market and this feature alone has stirred up tremendous buzz in the indoor gardening community.

In addition, Gorilla Grow Tents are also the thickest and strongest grow tents, allowing them to set the new standard in grow tent construction and usability. Reviews on the new tents have been overwhelmingly positive and have bolstered the new interest in indoor growers in the United Kingdom. Demand Gorilla Grow Tents for all indoor growroom and greenhouse applications!

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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COMING UP IN March/April 2013

An Electrical Primer “My lights aren’t coming on,” is a common cry made by indoor gardeners—and it is almost always the result of the same thing happening: overloaded circuits. This article offers a rough guide on what your wiring can safely handle.

Water & Nutrient Uptake by Roots Growers universally understand the concept that roots take up nutrients and water to help promote shoot growth. Still, a better comprehension of certain principles of water and nutrient acquisition can help hydroponic growers achieve more impressive results…

Eyes on Temperature The best thing you can do to avoid extreme temperatures in the growroom or greenhouse? Pay attention.

Plus: Hydroponic news, tips and trivia; hot new products; exclusive giveaways; Talking Shop and more!

www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield March/April will be available in March for free at indoor gardening retail stores and on maximumyield.com Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

DO YOU KNOW?

1.

2.

Over time, the lumens produced by the bulb will diminish and the spectrum can alter. Keep track of when you put in a new bulb so that you can be aware of how old they are and when they need replacing.

Natural rooting hormones are derived from plant chemicals known as auxins, and manufacturers utilise the synthetic-derived auxins indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)

3.

Sodium contamination usually occurs from common salt—sodium chloride—which is present to varying degrees in most soils and might also be present from salty sea spray, salt water penetration of wells or from sources deliberately added during water softening processes.

Hard water has a high mineral content—usually originating from magnesium, calcium carbonate, bicarbonate or calcium sulphate—which can cause hard white lime scale to build up on surfaces and growing equipment.

6.

7.

5.

Chlorine is a disinfecting agent that destroys bacteria and human pathogens, and residual chlorine can usually be detected by smell in a water source. High levels of chlorine can be toxic to sensitive plants; however, chlorine rapidly dissipates into the air, so it can be removed by aerating the water or letting the water sit for a few days before use.

Zoosporic pathogenic fungi, such as pythium, and bacteria can survive and be distributed in water, although these can be relatively easily cleaned up by methods including UV, ozone and slow sand filtration.

While the sex chromosomes carry information that predisposes plants to become one sex or the other, the information for the other sex is still present, but repressed.

When conditions are favourable for plants, a higher percentage of females are formed in order to ensure a population boom in that growing area. Fewer males are formed since less pollen is needed to maintain a high survival rate. When conditions are harsh, more males are formed, since more pollen is needed to ensure the current female population is fertilised.

9.

4.

8.

A teaspoon of productive soil generally contains between 100 million and one billion bacteria.

Beneficial microbial populations proliferate best in a moisture range of 20 to 60 percent.

10.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

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MAXIMUM YIELD distributors 1st Hydroponics

Unit 5 K-Line House, West Rd. Ipswich, Suffolk UK IP3 9FG Tel: +44 (0) 1473 279829 www.1st-hydroponics.co.uk

21st Century Garden

Unit # A6., Bounds Green Ind. Es., Ringway London, Greater London UK N11 2UD Tel: +44 (0) 2083 614659 www.21stcenturygarden.co.uk

3 Counties Hydroponics

Unit 52, Rober t Court Ind.E s. Britten Rd. Reading, Berkshire UK RG2 0AU Tel: +44 (0) 1189 874758

3 Counties Hydroponics

Aquaculture

Clever Green

Unit #3, Pkwy One, Pkwy Dr. Sheffield, South Yorkshire UK S9 4WU Tel: +44 (0) 8456 445544 www.aquaculture-hydroponics.co.uk

35 Ketley Bus. Pk. Waterloo Rd., Telford, Shropshire UK TF1 5JD Tel: +44 (0) 1952 257200 www.clevergreen.co.uk

Aquatech Horticultural Lighting

Crofters Bio Gardens

Unit 3F, Spa Fields Ind. Es. New St. Slaithwait Huddersfield, West Yorkshire UK HD7 5BB Tel: +44 (0) 1484 842632

Ashton Hydroponics Ltd. Unit 3 Park Parade Ind. Es. Welbeck St. S. Ashton-Under-Lyna, Manchester UK O4L 67PP Tel: +44 (0) 1613 391673 www.ashton-hydroponics.co.uk

____________________________

The Lodge, 113 Invicta Rd. Dartford, Kent UK DA2 6AY Tel: +44 (0) 1322 273444

3 Counties Hydroponics Unit 13., Chiltern Bus. Ctr. Cowley, Oxford UK OX4 6NG Tel: +44 (0) 1865 771747

3 Counties Hydroponics

Unit #11, Olds Close, Olds Approach Watford, Herts UK WD18 8RU Tel: +44 (0) 1923 774486

3 Countries Hydroponics

Unit 12., Yew Tree Ind. Es., Mill Hall Aylesford, Maidstone UK ME20 7ET Tel: +44 (0) 1622 790456

3 Countries Hydroponics

Unit 10., Woodley Yard Cherstsey Bridge Rd. Chertsey, Surrey UK KT16 8LF Tel: +44 (0) 1932 562174

3 Countries Hydroponics

Unit 9., Galley Hill Yard Waltham Abbey, Essex UK EN9 2AG Tel: +44 (0) 1992 652301

A-Zee Hydro Ltd.

Unit C4, Suttons Bus. Ctr.New Rd. Rainham, Essex UK RM13 8DE Tel: +44 (0) 1708 551199

____________________________

Addloes Lighting & Hydroponics

Enhanced Urban Gardening

Unit #3, The Old Maltings, George St. Newark, Nottinghamshire UK NG24 1LU Tel: +44 (0) 1636 650189

Big Stone River Garden Center Unit #1 East Gate Grimsby, Lincolnshire UK DN3 29BA Tel: +44 (0) 1472 241114 Bill & Ben’s Hydro World Unit 15 & 16 Erin Transfer Way Bumters Farm Trading Estate Shippenham UK SN1 46LH rob@billandbens.com

Blooming Borders Unit 3, Borders Bus Pk. Longtown Carlisle, Cumbria UK CA6 5TD Tel: +44 (0) 1228 792587 www.bloomingbordersltd.co.uk 9597 Manningham Ln. Bradford, West Yorkshire UK BD1 3BN Tel: +44 (0) 1274 729205 www.bradfordhydroponics.co.uk

Branching Out Unit #E, The Old Brewery, Durnford St. Ashton Gate, Bristol UK BS3 2AW Tel: +44 (0) 1179 666996 www.hydroponics-online.co.uk

____________________________

Amazing Garden Supplies (Bristol)

Unit 3 Moravian Bus.Pk., Moravian Rd. Kingswood, Bristol UK BS15 8NF Tel: +44 (0) 1179 605566

47 Upperton Rd. Eastbourne, East Sussex UK BN21 1LT Tel: +44 (0) 1323 732241

_____________________________ Basement Lighting Ltd.

Allbright

Unit 6 Eastlake Close., Litchard Ind. Es. Bridgend, South Wales UK CF31 2AL Tel: +44 (0) 1656 663030

Eastbourne Hydroponics

Unit 11 Whitehall Properties Towngate Wyke, Bradford UK BD12 9JQ Tel: +44 (0) 1274 694444

Bright Green UK Ltd.

Amazing Garden Supplies (Bridgend)

Unit 61 Riverside III, Sir Thomas Longley Road, MEdway City Estate Rochester, KENT ME2 4BH Tel: 01634 716764 www.thegreenroomvip.co.uk

Discount Hydroponics

1 Bus. Bldg. Waltergrave St. Hastings, East Sussex UK TN34 1SJ Tel: +44 (0) 1424 428186

42-44 Princess Rd., Hull, Yorkshire UK HU5 2RD Tel: +44 (0) 1482 341925 www.brightgreen-uk.co.uk

Brit Crops Ltd Unit 9 OJ’s Ind. Pk.Claybank Rd. Portsmouth, Hampshire UK PO3 5SX Tel: +44 (0) 2392 669111 www.britcropshydroponics.co.uk ____________________________ Britlite Hydroponics

Elements Hydroponic Center 44 Auster Rd. Clifton Moor, York UK YO30 4XA Tel: +44 (0) 1904 479979 www.elementshydroponics.com

152 London Rd. Workingham, Berkshire UK RG40 1SU Tel: +44 (0) 1189 890510 www.enhancedurbangardening.co.uk

Greenfinger-Hydroponics Unit 3 Park Works, 16-18 Park Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, KT2 6BX Tel: +44(0) 208 546 3444 ____________________________

Future Garden 15 Rob Johns Rd., Widford Ind.Est., Essex, Chelmsford CM1 3AG +44 (0) 1245 265929 info@futuregarden.co.uk www.futuregarden.co.uk Future Garden Unit E., The Acorn Centre Roebuck Rd., Hainault Bus.Pk., Essex, Ilford IG6 3TU +44 (0) 0208 265929 info@futuregarden.co.uk www.futuregarden.co.uk

Garden Secrets UK Ltd.

Unit 3 Hollybush Est. Whitchurch, Cardiff UK CF14 7DS Tel: +44 (0) 2920 651792 www.gardensecretsuk.co.uk

Great Stuff Hydroponics

24 Collingwood Ct. Riverside Park Ind. Es. Middlesbrough, UK TS2 1RP Tel: +44 (0) 1642 224544 www.hydroponics-hydroponics.com

Great Stuff Hydroponics

30 C Ellemeres Ct. Leechmere Ind. Es. Sunderland, UK SR2 9UA Tel: +44 (0) 1914 474098 www.hyroponics-hydroponics.com

Green Daze Hydroponics Ashington

Unit 9 Waterside Ct. North Seaton Bus. Pk. Ashington, Northumberland UK NE63 0YG Tel: +44 (0) 1670 818003 www.greendazehydroponics.co.uk

Green Daze Hydroponics Gateshead

Unit F Totterdown Bridge Est, Albert Rd. St. Philips, Bristol, Somerset UK BS2 0XH Tel: +44 (0) 1179 713000 www. greenshorticulture.co.uk

Greensea Hydroponics

____________________________ Greenfinger-Hydroponics Unit 59 T Marchant Estate, 42-72 Verney Road, South Bermondsey, SE16 3DH +44 (0) 207 394 0629 ____________________________

Greenstream Hydroponics 12-14 Vivian Rd. Birmingham, Harbourne UK B17 0DS Tel: +44 (0) 1214 262675 www.greenstream.co.uk ___________________________ Greenthings Hydroponics

Greenfinger-Hydroponics Unit 38 Silicon Business Centre,28 Wadsworth Road, Perivale,UB6 7JZ Tel: +44 (0) 208 998 2034 ____________________________

Unit 1, Adjewhella Chapel Barriper Camborne, Cornwall UK TR14 0QW Tel: +44 (0) 1209 611870 www.greenthings.co.uk

Grotec Hydroponics

393 Manchester Rd., Rochdale, Greater Manchester UK OL11 3PG Tel: +44 (0) 1706 750293 www.grotec.co.uk

Grotech Ltd. Green Spirit Hydroponics Ltd

Unit 6, Rockingham Business Park, Rockingham Row, Birdwell, UK S705TW Tel: +44 (0) 1226 399837 www.greenspirit-hydroponics.com

____________________________

Unit 21. Saddlers Hall Farm, London Rd. Basildon, Essex UK SS13 2HD Tel: +44 (0) 1268 799828 www.grotechonline.co.uk

Grow 4 Good Ltd.

22i Beehive Workshops Durham, UK DH1 2X1 Tel: +44 (0) 1913 757667 www.grow4good.net

Grow Den

Garforth Hydroponics

Back off 11a main street Leeds, UK lS25 1DS www.garforthhydroponics.co.uk

Greens Horticulture

Unit 1G. Gregory Rd. Mildenhall, Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk UK IP28 7PP Tel: +44 (0) 1638 715350 www.greensea-hydroponics.co.uk

Esoteric Hydroponics Ltd. 8 Martyr Rd. Guildford, Surrey UK GU1 4LF Tel: +44 (0) 1483 596484 www.1-hydroponics.co.uk

Greenleaf Systems

Unit 26, Millers Bridge Ind. Es., Seymour, Bootle, Liverpool UK L20 1EE Tel: +44 (0) 1519 331113 www.greenleafsystemsmerseyside.co.uk

The Green Room (Indoor Gardens)Ltd

Unit 2, Bloomsgrove Ind. Es.Ilkeston Rd. Radford, Nottingham UK NG7 3JB Tel: +44 (0) 1159 782345 www.croftersbiogardens.com

Aztec Garden Unit 1A Roughan Ind.Es. Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk UK IP30 9ND Tel: +44 (0) 1359 271876 www.aztec-garden.co.uk

16-A Maple Rd., Winton Bourmouth, Dorset UK BH9 2PN Tel: +44 (0) 1202 524525; www.addloes.com

#6., The Rise Edgware, Middlesex UK HA8 8NR Tel: +44 (0) 2089 582426

___________________________

Eighteen Twelve Ltd.

Bradford Hydroponics

Acorn Horticulture 65 Deep Ln. Sheffield, UK S5 0DU Tel: +44 (0) 1142 458581 www.acornhorticulture.co.uk ____________________________

Green Finger

190 Hessle Rd. Hull, East Yorkshire UK HU3 3BE Tel: +44 (0) 1482 222425

Green Spirit Hydroponics Ltd 8-10 Stanley St. Sheffield, UK S3 8HJ Tel: +44 (0) 1142 753353 www.greenspirit-hydroponics.com

____________________________ Green Stream

2 Horthfield Rd., Rainham, Kent UK ME8 8 BJ Tel: +44 (0) 1634 239333

Grow Green Ltd.

15-17 Green Ln., Castle Bromwich Birmingham, UK B36 0AY Tel: +44 (0) 121 241 6445

Grow Green Trade Ltd.

12-14 Vivian Rd. Harbourne, Birmingham UK B17 ODS Tel: +44 (0) 1214 262675 www.greenstream.co.uk

Unit 4 Castle Trading Est. La Grange, Tamwarth, UK B79 7X0 Tel: +44 (0) 1827 62766

Green World

96-98 Shaw Heath Rd., Stockport, Manchester UK SK3 8BP Tel: +44 (0) 8452 725266 www.growshaw.co.uk

1618 Market Vaults Scarborough, UK YO11 1EU Tel: +44 (0) 1723 370900 www.greenworld.ne.uk

Greener than Life

575- 577 Holderness Rd. Hull, East Riding UK HU8 9AA Tel: +44 (0) 1482 374201

Greengrass Indoor Gardening Supplies

Grow Shaw

Grow Zone UK

Unit 7, West Court, Crantock Street Newquay, Cornwall UK TR7 1JL Tel: +44 (0) 1637 806115 www.growzoneuk.com

GroSupplies

Bub’s allotment

Sovereign House, Ellen Terrace Sulgrave, Washington, Tyne & Wear NE37 3AS Tel: +44 (0) 1914 153345 sales@grosupplies.com www.grosupplies.com

Unit 79 (A) Carlton Ind. Es. Barnsley, South Yorkshire UK S71 3HW Tel: +44 (0) 8456 445544 www.aquaculture-hydroponics.co.uk

The Rural Granary Business Centre Unit 4 North Street Hellingly, East Sussex UK BN27 4DU Tel: +44 (0) 7528 098103 Web: www.bubsallotment.co.uk

Units 8-11 Coleshill Trade Park, Station Rd. Coleshill, Birmingham UK B46 1HT Tel: +44 (0) 8453 442333 www.growell.co.uk

Aquaculture

Chrissie’s Garden

Anglia Hydroponics

62 A Straight Rd. Boxted, Colchester, Essex UK C04 5RD Tel: +44 (0) 1206 272677 www.angliahydroponics.co.uk

Aquaculture

Unit 3, Asher Ln. Bus. Pk. Asher Ln. Ripley, Derbyshire UK DE5 3RE Tel: +44 (0) 8456 445544 www.aquaculture-hydroponics.co.uk

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Unit 11 Roman Ind. Es. Croydon, UK CRO 2DT Tel: +44 (0) 2086 834424 www.britelite-hydroponics-uk.com

Unit 33 Portsmouth Enterprise Ctr. Quartermain Rd. Portsmouth, UK PO3 5QT Tel: +44 (0) 2392 667887

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

10 Wellington St. Gateshead, UK NE8 2AJ Tel: +44 (0) 1914 789107 www.greendazehydroponics.co.uk

____________________________

Unit 5A Alexander Ct. Hazleford Way Newstead, Nottingham UK NG15 0DQ Tel: +44 (0) 1623 755055

____________________________

GroWell Coleshill GREEN FEVER 18 Hartsill Rd., Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire, UK ST4 7QU Tel: +44 (0) 1782 414448 www.green-fever.co.uk ____________________________

Greenhouse Effect Unit 2 Eagle Farm Cranfield Rd. Wavendon, Milton Keynes UK MK17 8AU Tel: +44 (0) 1908 585283 ____________________________

GroWell Dudley

Unit 52 Enterprise Trad. Es. off Pedmore Rd. Brierly Hill, Dudley UK DY5 1TX Tel: +44 (0) 8453 456991 www.growell.co.uk

GroWell Fullham

Hydro Hobby

Makes Sense Grow Shop

The Annex Rear of #20, Barden Rd. Tonbridge, Kent UK TN9 1TX Tel: +44 (0) 1732 507201 www.makessencesrowshop.co.uk

Rootzone Hydroponics Ltd. Unit 2 & 3.,The Green Bus.Ctr.,The Causeway Staines, Middlesex UK TW18 3AL +44 (0) 1784 490370 www.hydrowebshop.com

The Hydroponic Warehouse

GroWell Hockley Heath

Hydro Station Ltd.

Manchester Hydroponics

Sale Hydro

The Inner Garden Ltd.

1 Royal Parade 247 Dawes Rd. Fullham, London UK SW6 7RE Tel: +44 (0) 8453 445174 www.growell.co.uk Ivy House Farm, Grange Rd. Hockley Heath, Solihull UK B94 6PR Tel: +44 (0) 8433 571640 www.growell.co.uk

GroWell Mail Order Division PO Box 3255 Warwick, UK CV34 5GH Tel: +44 (0) 8453 455177 www.growell.co.uk

GrowinGreen

Unit 6, Queens drive industrial estate, Newhall, Swadlincote, DE11 0EG 01253 675722 www.growingreen.co.ukGrowing Life #6 Newington Green Rd. London, UK N1 4RX Tel: +44 (0) 2070 339541 www.growing-life.com

Groworks

94 Upper Wickham Lane Welling, Kent, UK DA16 3HQ Tel: +44 (0) 2088 545160Groworks Unit F16 Northfleet Industrial Estate Lower Road, Gravesend, UK DA11 9SW Tel: +44 (0) 1273 624327

Groworks

Unit 4 Belltower Industrial Estate Roedean Road, Brighton, UK BN2 5RU Tel: +44 (0) 1322 838131 Happy Daze Hydroponics Unit 4 Craven Court Hedon Rd. Hull, UK HU9 1NQ Tel: +44 (0) 1482 224299 www.happydazehull.com

Happy Gardens Ltd.

Unit 4 Brook Farm, Stoneleigh Rd. Gibbet Hill, Coventry UK CV4 7AB Tel: +44 (0) 2476 414161 www.hydrohobby.co.uk Unit 10 Hillfoot Ind. Es. Hoyland Rd. Sheffield, South Yorkshire UK S38AB Tel: +44 (0) 1142 491636 www.hydrostationltd.co.uk

Hydrodragon Ltd.

113-115 Alfred St. Roath Cardiff, South Glamorgan UK CF24 4UA Tel: +44 (0) 2920 490333 www.hydrodragon.co.ukHydroglo Ltd. The Top Store South Rd., Towerhamlets Dover, Kent UK CT17 OAH Tel: +44 (0) 1304 203199 Web: www.hydroglowltd.co.uk

Hydrogrow Systems Ltd.

Unit 7, Acton Bus. Pk., Fields Farm Rd. Longeaton, Nottingham UK NG10 3FZ Tel: +44 (0) 1159 730007 Web: www.hydrogrowsystems.co.uk

Hydrolite UK Ltd.

215 Denman St., Radford, Nottingham UK NG7 3PS Tel: +44 (0) 1159 785556 www.hydrolite.co.uk Hydroponic Corporation Unit 20, Deeside Ind. Es., Zone 1 Deeside, Flintshire UK SH5 2LR Tel: +44 (0) 1244 289699 www.t-h-c.biz

Hydroponica Ltd.

130 Doncaster Rd. Wakefield, Yorkshire UK WF1 5JF Tel: +44 (0) 1924 362888 Web: www.hydroponica.biz

Hydroponics.com

Unit 9, Kelham Bank Ind Es., Kelham St. Doncaster, South Yorkshire UK DN1 3RE Tel: +44 (0) 1302 761386

Unit 24, Port Talbot Business Units Addison Road Port Talbot, UK SA12 6HZ Tel: +44 (0) 1639 888891 www.hydroponicsdotcom.com

HFM Pyrotechnics Ltd.

Hydropower

165A Londford Rd. Cannock, Staffordshire UK WS11 OLD Tel: +44 (0) 1543 500800 www.hfmgroup.com

Hi9THC

Unit 3. Rope Walk,. Coach Rd. Whitehaven, Cumbria UK CA28 7TE Tel: +44 (0) 7821 914646 www.hi9thc.co.uk

High Street Hydroponics

Unit 56 Hebden R., Berkley Ind.Es., Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 8DT Tel: +44(0) 1724 857191

Holland Hydroponics

17 Rondin Rd., Ardwick, Greater Manchester UK M12 6BF Tel: +44 (0) 8458 720570 www.hydroponics.co.uk

Holland Hydroponics Express Unit 4 Leeds Rd. Trade Park. Leeds Rd., Huddersfield, UK HD2 1YR

Holland Hydroponics

Handbridge Mill 5 Parliament St. Burnley, Lancashire UK BB11 5HG Tel: +44 (0) 8458 720590 www..hydroponics.co.uk

Home Grower Ltd.

Unit 8, Oak Court, Crystal Dr. Smethwick, West Midlands UK B66 1QG Tel: +44 (0) 1215 411446 www.thehomegrower.com Huyton Hydroponics & Gardening Supplies Huyton, Mersey Side UK Tel: +44 (0) 1514 820101 www.huytonhydro.co.uk

Hygrow II Hydroponics

Units 3+4, 30 Oslo Road Suttonfields Industrial Estate HULL HU7 0YN, East Yorkshire Tel: +44 (0) 1482 833455 www.hygrow.co.uk

Hydro 1 Stop

Unit 35 Deykin Pk. Ind. Es. Deykin Ave. Aston, Birmingham UK B67HN Tel: +44 (0) 1213 280876 www.hydro1stop.co.uk

300 Holton Rd. Barry, Vale Of Glamorgan UK CF63 4HW Tel: +44 (0) 7725 551479 www.hydro-power.biz

Hydrosense

47 Scarrots Ln. Newport, Isle of Wright UK PO30 1JD Tel: +44 (0) 1983 522240 Hylton Hydro

Rockington Nursery Blackness Rd.

Unit 1A, Reliance St. Newton Heath, Manchester UK M40 3AG Tel: +44 (0) 1616 887333 www.manchesterhydroponics.co.uk manchesterhydroponics@yahoo.co.uk

71 Dane Rd., Sale Manchester, Lancashire UK M33 7BP Tel: +44 (0) 1619 739899 Email: care@salehydroponics.co.uk

Matilda’s Planet

Sea of Green UK

Mellow Yellow Hydro Ltd.

____________________________

1 Green Pl. Kenfig, South Wales UK Tel: +44 (0) 7895 567843 dale.hudd@grg.com Unit B1A Towngate Works., Dark Ln. Mawdesley, Lancashire UK L40 2QU Tel: +44 (0) 1704 822609 www.mellowyellowhydro.co.uk Midland Hydroponics Russells Garden Centre Baginton Coventry UK CV8 3AG Tel: +44 (0) 2476 639109 midhydroponic@aol.com www.maidland-hydroponics.com

Midnight Garden

6 Howlbeck Rd., Guisborough, UK TS14 6LE Tel: +44 (0) 79333 449661

Mile End Hydroponics

265 Wick Rd. London, UK E9 5DG Tel: +44 (0) 2085 330497 www.mile-end-hydroponic.co.uk

Mousehold Garden Center 63 Mousehold Ln. Norwich, Norfolk UK NR7 8HP Tel: +44 (0) 1603 413272

Mr. Beam Hydro

Rose Grove Selby Rd. Askern, Doncaster UK DN6 0ES Tel: +44 (0) 1302 708297 www.mr-beam-hydro.com

25 Eastcott Hill Swindon, Wiltshire UK SN1 3JG Tel: +44 (0) 1793 617046 www.seaofgreen.co.uk

Somerset Hydro

Unit4 Technine, Guard Avenue Houndstone Business Park Yeovil Somerset BA22 8YE Tel: +44 (0) 1935 420720 www.somhydro.co.uk

____________________________ South Coast Hydroponics

Unit 8., Enterprise Ind. Es., Enterprise Rd. Horndean, Portsmouth UK PO8 0BB Tel: +44 (0) 2392 598853 www.southcoasthydroponics.com

Southern Hydro Centre

9 Mamesbury Rd. Southampton, Hampshire UK S01 SFT Tel: +44 (0) 2380 704080 www.southernhydro.co.uk Southern Lights #1 25 Fratton Rd. Hampshire, UK PO1 5AB Tel: +44 (0) 1705 811822;

Southern Lights #2

Unit 1 Albert Pl., Albert Mill Lower Darwen, Lancashire UK BB3 OQE Tel: +44 (0) 1254 661177

19A Grace Hill.

Folkestone, Kent UK CT20 1HQ Tel: +44 (0) 1303 210003; Tel: +44 (0) 1303 252561

New Leaf Hydroponics

St Albans Hydroponics

New Age Hydroponics

1 Horsewater Wynd, Hawkhill, Dundee UK DD1 5DU Tel: +44 (0) 1382 202556 www.newleafhydroponics.co.uk

Norfolk Lights & Hydroponics Centre Ltd.

Unit 5 London Rd., Bus.Pk., 222 London Rd. St Albans, UK AL1 1PN Tel: +44 (0) 1727 848595 www.stalbanshydroponics.moonfruit.com

Starlite Systems

Unit 2 Guardian Rd., Ind. Es. Norwich, Norfolk UK NR5 8PF Tel: +44 (0) 1603 666199 www.norfolklights.com

226 Albert Rd., Plymouth, Devon UK PL2 1AW Tel: +44 (0) 1752 551233 www.starlitesystems.co.uk

North Devon Hydroponics Unit 4 , Abbey Rd.

Sub-Garden Supplies

Junction 10 Hydro

NuGreen Hydroponics

Sunrise Hydroponics

Unit 4 Stirchley Trad. Es., Hazelwell Rd. Stirchley, Birmingham UK B3O 2PF Tel: +44 (0) 1216 855900 www.nugreenhydroponics.co.uk

127 Newcastle St., Burslem.

Stoke on Trent, Staffshire UK ST6 3QJ Tel: +44 (0) 1782 813814 www.sunrisehydro.co.uk

Kernow Grow Ltd.

One Stop Grow Shop

The Green Machine Ltd.

King Of Green

Planet Hydro

The Grow Den

Sunderland, UK SR4 7XT Tel: 01 9155 18453

Hytec Horticulture

Old Wales Wood Colliery, Mansfield Rd. Sheffield, UK S26 5PQ Tel: +44 (0) 1909 772872 www.hytechorticulture.co.uk Unit 55, Owen Road Industrial Estate Willenhall, WV13 2PX Tel: 0121 5686850 www.j10hydro.com 11 D. Kernick Ind. Es. Penryn, Cornwall UK TR10 9EP Tel: +44 (0) 3300 104420 www.kernowgrow.co.uk

Barnstaple, Devon UK EX31 1JU Tel: +44 (0) 1271 314999 www.northdevonhydroponics.co.uk

Unit 8, Fenton Ind. Es., Dewsbury Rd. Fenton, Stroke-On-Trent UK ST4 2TE Tel: +44 (0) 1782 212000 www.onestopgrowshop.co.uk

45-J Leyton Industrial Village, Argall Ave., Leyton, London UK E10 7QP Tel: +44 (0) 2085 399563

Unit 1A., Felin Puleston Ind.Es., Ruabon Rd. Wrexham, UK L13 7RF Tel: +44 (0) 1978 265090 www.thegreenmachineonline.com

18-24 Saint Helens Rd., Westcliff on Sea Westcliff, Essex UK SS0 7LB Tel: +44 (0) 1702 347536 www.kingofgreen.com

Unit 11 NorthBridge Works., Storey St. Leicester, Leics UK LE3 5GR Tel: +44 (0) 1162 510800

Kitbag Hydroponic Warehouse

Unit 11, Riverside Wy., Ravensthorpe Ind Es. Dewsbury, West Yorkshire UK WF13 3LG Tel: +44 (0) 1924 492298 www.plantlife.me.uk

The Grow Den Ltd.

Plantasia

The Head Gardener

22 Pool Bank St. Nunaeton, Warwickshire UK CV11 5DB Tel: +44 (0) 2476 641033 ebaystores.co.uk/kitbagshop

Lancaster Hydroponics

Unit 18 Lansil Ind.Es., Caton Rd. Lancaster, Lancashire UK LA1 3PQ Tel: +44 (0) 7961 279279 www.lancasterhydroponics.co.uk

Lothian Hydroponics

172 S Mid St. Bathgate, West Lothian UK EH48 1DY Tel: +44 (0) 1506 650501

Plant Life

Brill View Farm Ludgershall Rd. Bicester, Oxfordshire UK OX25 1PU Tel: +44 (0) 8707 555225 www.plantasia.co.uk

Progrow

5 Westwood Units, Alphinbrook Rd. Marsh Barton Trad. Es. Exeter, Devon UK EX2 8QF Tel: +44 (0) 1392 276998 www.progrow.co.uk

2 Hothfield Rd. Rainham, Kent UK ME8 8BJ Tel: +44 (0) 1634 239333 Unit 13., Eaves Ct., Eurolink Com.Pk., Bohan Dr. Sittingbourne, Kent UK ME10 3RY Tel: +44 (0) 1795 426264 Unit 11, Barton Bus. Pk. Eccles, Manchester UK M3O OQR Tel: +44 (0) 1617 079860 www.theheadgardner.net

The Home Grower

Unit 8., Oak Ct. Odbury, West Midlands UK B66 1QG Tel: +44 (0) 1215 411446 www.thehomegrower.com

Unit 15., Bay Airport Ind.Es., Kingston Pk. Newcastle, Tyne and Wear UK NE3 2EF Tel: +44 (0) 1912 862045 www.thehydroponicwharhouse.co.uk Unit 14., Cornish Wy., West, Galmington Taunton, Somerset UK TA1 5NA Tel: +44 (0) 1823 274791

The Persy Grow Shop

4 Kings Mews.

Brighton, East Sussex UK BN3 2PA Tel: +44 (0) 1273 777335 www.persygrowbox.co.uk

The Plant Pot

69 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire UK NG18 2JB Tel: +44 (0) 1623 422711 www.theplantpot.co.uk

Toddington Hydroponics Center Griffin Farm Unit 9., Toddington Dunstable, Bedford UK LU5 6BT Tel: +44 (0) 1582 664765 www.toddingtonhydroponics.co.uk

Triangle Hydroponics

31B., The Triangle , Bournemouth, Dorset UK BH2 5SE Tel: +44 (0) 1202 556661 www.trianglehydroponics.co.uk

U Grow London

Studio12, Imperial Studios, 3-11 Imperial Rd. London, UK SW6 2AG, Tel: +44 (0) 2073 843388 www.ugrow.com

Warehouse Hydroponics

Bank Quay Trading Est., Slutchers Ln. Warrington, Cheshire UK WA1 1PJ Tel: +44 (0) 1925 637837 www.warehousehydroponics.co.uk

ireland Northern Lights

9 Dunluce St. Larne Antrim, Northern Ireland BT40 1JG Tel: +44 (0) 2828 278485 www.northernlightsni.com

The Grow Shop

14 Brews Hill , Nauan, Co. M Fath Ireland OLI Tel: +44 (0) 1772 204455 www.thc.ie

scotland Progrow Scotland

Unit 6., Nasmyth Square Houston Ind.Es. Livingston, West Lothian Scotland EH5 45GG Tel: +44 (0) 1506 430830 www.progrowscotland.co.uk

Abergreen Horticulture Ltd

Arch 8 Palmerston Rd. Aberdeen, Granpian Scotland AB11 5RE Tel: +44 (0) 1224 574737 www.abergreen.co.uk

Kingdom Hydroponics

Unit #12 Carbery Pl., Mitchelson Ind. Es. Kirkcaldy, Fife Scotland KY1 3NE Tel: +44 (0) 1592 655611

Hydra Hydroponics

41 Tower St. Edinburgh, Scotland EH6 7BN Tel: +44 (0) 1315 611332 www.hydraonline.co.uk Glasgrow 15 Parnie St. Glasgow, Scotland G15RJ Tel: +44 (0) 1415 527522 www.glasgrowhydroponics.co.uk EZ Grow Perth 77 Scott St. Perth, Scotland PH2 8JR Tel: +44(0) 7521 597308 U-Grow Organic Unit 11 North Canal Bank St., Port Dundas, Glasgow Scotland G4 9XP +44 (0) 1413 413352 info@u-grow.com www.u-grow.com

Maximum Yield | January/February 2013

81

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Future Harvest: Unit 8, Tower Road, Glover Industrial Estate, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE37 2SH • Telephone: 0191 419 0010 (Trade only)