Maximum Yield UK Sept/Oct 2012

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UK September - October 2012

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6 Natural Nutrients

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LONG BEACH

CALIFORNIA NOVEMBER 3-4, 2012

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CONTENTS September/October 2012

FEATURES 28

62

28

Start Your Plant’s Day Right

32

The Red and the Blue of It

36

Sunlight

by Grubbycup

by Philip McIntosh

by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr.

58

42 42

Building an Effective Fertiliser Regimen

by Eric Hopper

48

54

58

62

In Balance

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

A Natural Wetting Solution

by Donald Lester

Unique Heirloom Tomatoes

by Matt LeBannister

The Four Elemental Building Blocks of Growing

by Chris Pianta

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

DEPARTMENTS 8

From the Editor

68

Coming up Next Issue

10

MaximumYield.com

69

Do You Know?

12

Letters to the Editor

70

You Tell Us

14

Simon Says

72

Talking Shop

16

MAX Facts

74

Max Mart

20

Product Spotlight

78

Distributors

64

Industry’s Latest

NEW Cyco FP (sales)

FROM THE EDITOR | Jessica Raymond

Nutrients and lighting, the most requested and asked about topics from Maximum Yield readers, are our focus this issue and we are confident you’ll enjoy reading from cover to cover.

This information-packed issue looks at nutrients from a plant’s perspective. Kicking off our section on nutrients is “Start Your Plant’s Day Right” by Grubbycup who encourages growers to understand how nutrients work and question why they’re adding certain ones to their garden.

Breakfast is, after all, supposed to be the most important meal of the day!

With fall on our doorstep, now is the time to start planning a light scheme that your crops will love. The selection of light articles in this issue will help you do just that.

We are proud to be at the forefront in keeping you upto-date with the industry’s latest, so we included in this issue six pages of the newest and greatest new products and technologies that are now available at local hydro shops across the UK. We rounded out this expansive issue with features on container gardening, best cleaning practices, plant steering, wetting agents and much more. Enjoy this issue and implementing these lessons for feeding and lighting up your garden.

Jessica Raymond, Editor editor@maximumyield.com

contributors Chris Pianta, AgroSci CEO, has over

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

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.

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.

Donald Lester is the plant

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

products manager at JH Biotech, Inc., a California based agricultural technology company with 27 OMRIcertified products. Donald has a master’s degree in agronomy with an emphasis in entomology. He is an agricultural scientist with over 10 years of research experience and 50 scientific publications to his credit.

Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. has 50

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.

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

Grubbycup has been an avid

indoor gardener for over 20 years.

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

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

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.

Philip McIntosh is a science and

technology writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany and chemistry and a master’s degree in biological science.

During his graduate research, he used hydroponic techniques to grow axenic plants. He lives in Colorado Springs, CO., where he teaches mathematics at Challenger Middle School.

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

VOLUME 12 – NUMBER 3 September/October 2012 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.

Featured Articles, Products and Industry News

Check out the new selection of informative articles, new products and garden gear, and the latest industry news. Gather new inspiration for your grow every month at maximumyield.com

Free Digital Subscription to Maximum Yield

Now you can receive Maximum Yield UK free to your inbox every month. Subscribe to the digital edition of Maximum Yield by simply filling out the form at maximumyield.com/digital-subscription

Got Questions? Get Answers.

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-in-chief Jessica Raymond editor@maximumyield.com Assistant Editor Jessica Skelton jskelton@maximumyield.com ADVERTISING SALES Account Executives Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com Hayley Jesson - hayley@maximumyield.com Emily Rodgers - emily@maximumyield.com Kelsey Heppells - kelsey@maximumyield.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION ads@maximumyield.com Art Director Alice Joe Graphic Designers Liz Johnston Denise Higginson Jennifer Everts ACCOUNTING Tracy Greeno - accounting@maximumyield.com Tara Campbell - tara@maximumyield.com

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

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

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

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

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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 Well-read

After reading the editor’s letter from the July/August 2012 issue of Maximum Yield UK, I love the fact that you explain the issue so well and break down plant science and chemistry. I happen to love growing and I have read a lot of books on the topic. I have gone through the trials and errors. I just wanted to let you know it is a great letter, as is the magazine in general. Keep up the good work.

Thanks, Terry D. Haight Jr.

Know Then Grow

I am new to hydroponics and trying to download an article from maximumyield.com written by Rob Samborn titled “TDS and EC Meters for Hydroponics Explained.” Is it possible to get a copy of this article?

As a beginner to hydroponics and a new reader of Maximum Yield, the magazine has helped me no end.

Kind regards, Geoff Splatt We recently revamped our website and are in the process of uploading our archived articles to the site. Stay tuned to maximumyield.com for dozens up new featured articles every month.

Happy Customer

First-class Feedback

As I am sure you all are aware, your publication is absolutely top-shelf. At least half of my indoor gardening success has come from the education I have received while reading Maximum Yield (MY). It is a privilege to have access to articles written by these accomplished experts, doctors and educators. Many of the articles about the state of modern horticulture—such as the renovation of large urban buildings for the purpose of indoor produce production—have enlightened me to issues I might never have stopped to think about otherwise.

After looking long and hard for a reliable and constant modern gardening periodical, I have found more outstanding, useful and simplified (for those of us with no doctorate) information in MY than in any other publication.

Thank you all for the great publication.

For what it’s worth, Jeff S.

Subscribe to Win

Every month we give away a special issue of Maximum Yield to one lucky eNews subscriber. If you aren’t subscribed, you can’t participate. Get involved, share your thoughts and participate in discussions monthly and you could win. Sign up today at maximumyield.com/enewssignup so you can start winning!

Maximum Yield Team

Hi Maximum Yield, I think the magazine is great for growers young and old. It provides very useful information for growers. I suggest you have a shop review page. You could have some photos of the shop and even get the shop owner to do an interview on what they grow or if they grow anything organically or hydroponically. It’s just an idea.

Can’t wait until the next magazine comes out!

Regards, Mark Dawson Thanks for your feedback Mark. We’re glad you’re enjoying the magazine and finding the articles informative. Regarding your suggestion to review shops, have you checked out “Talking Shop?” This monthly feature spotlights retail shops from across the country. This issue’s spotlighted retail shop is Grow Green Ltd. Flip to page 72 to learn what sets them apart.

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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

Hey, I was wondering if organics, such as guanos, can be used for hydroponics. Also, is guano enough for a full schedule for the vegetative and bloom stages?

The awkward partnership of organics and hydroponics intersects once again! There is a lot of debate about using organics in hydroponics. While it is feasible in theory, it is very difficult to make it function in the real world. In the successes I have seen myself, they are generally based on compost-amended soilless mixes; if they are water systems, the crops are low-nutrient requiring plants like lettuce and some herbs. Most of the problems associated with organics and hydroponics are related to the level of soluble nutrients. Nitrogen and calcium availability would be two of the biggest problems.

Organic products, unless digested through enzymatic action, fermentation or chemical extraction, are generally only partially soluble—if at all. Powdered guanos would be mostly insoluble, although they could be suspended in solution if agitated. However, just because something is suspended doesn’t mean that plants will be able to access it.

In most cases, the best way to digest organic material is through microbial action. In hydroponics systems, there would be very low levels of microbial action and it’s unlikely that you could get enough activity to break down the guanos into usable forms.

Outdoors, in true soils, where guanos can break down over a season in the presence of vast, diverse amounts of microbes, it’s possible they could provide a stand-alone nutrient for your garden. Indoors, guanos will require a bit more preparation in order to give the results you want.

If you are keen to use guanos—which offer a strong nutrient foundation and can be a great way to get a high-power organic option into your garden—the best idea would be to choose a soilless mix with a high level of biological activity. Add as many microbes as possible with inputs like worm castings, weekly doses of an aerated compost tea and microbial stimulants like kelp and humic acid. Mix the guanos into your potting mix

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

prior to planting and let the microbes feed themselves and, in turn, your medium and plants. The organic material would break down over a few months and provide a natural, slow-release nutrient supply for your plants. To fill the gaps and ensure the best crop possible, I would consider having a fermented liquid organic ready just in case the release curve doesn’t keep up with your plants.

Keep thinking organically and as always, I recommend experimenting; every situation is different and you won’t know unless you try. MY

Do you have a question for one of our resident experts?

Send it to editor@maximumyield.com or fill out the form on maximumyield.com and your answer might be printed in an upcoming issue.

MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Rooting for Parsnips The British Carrot Growers’ Association (BCGA) is extending its PR campaign to include parsnips as the decline in the popularity of the Sunday roast reinforces the need to highlight the versatility and health benefits of one of the UK’s most historic crops. The campaign is sponsored by Tozer seeds, the largest independent vegetable breeding company in the UK. (Source: freshplaza.com)

! s p i n P ars

MAXFACTS hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Microbes Enrich Soil and Store CO2 Emissions

Scientists, including researchers from the University of Edinburgh, have discovered how microbes can turn carbon dioxide emissions into soil-enriching limestone with the help of the tropical Iroko tree. The Iroko tree combines calcium with CO2, which also keeps CO2 out of the atmosphere by locking it into the soil.

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

Plants Could Use Light Even More Effectively for Food Production Scientists from Wageningen University have concluded that it is possible to develop plants that produce even more food by reducing the level of pigments that make no contribution to photosynthesis. This discovery mainly applies to protected cultivation, such as in greenhouses, since at least some of the nonphotosynthetic pigments have a protective function.

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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MAX FACTS

hydroponic news, tips and trivia

Invasive Plants: There’s an App for That

Better than Toothpaste

The UK’s Environment Agency has teamed up with the Nature Locator project at Bristol University and the National Environmental Research Council’s Centre for Hydrology and Ecology to develop PlantTracker. This app helps to manage invasive plant populations by telling people how to spot invasive plants (particularly, Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Floating Pennywort), and allowing users to snap a geo-tagged picture of the species before submitting it to the organizations.

Invasive species are considered to be the second biggest threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction, and in the UK, these plants are also increasing flood risks and affecting waterways. Right now, the project is encouraging residents in the Midlands to download and use the app, with plans to expand the focus to all of the UK soon.

(Source: treehugger.com)

Most people enjoy minty-fresh toothpaste, but would you ever consider starting your day with a mouthful of seaweed?

In a new study scientists at Newcastle University have found that certain types of marine bacteria found in seaweed can polish up your teeth and remove plaque in places that regular toothpaste simply cannot reach.

The dental seaweed wonder is known as Bacillus licheniformis and it excretes an enzyme that slices right through biofilm, which allows pesky plaque and bacteria to stick to tooth enamel. Normal toothpaste works in combination with the movement of your toothbrush to break up biofilm with aggressive contact.

The seaweed enzyme has not been tested on human subjects yet, but is being developed and studied to hopefully create a line of toothpastes and mouthwashes that fight tooth decay.

The team also hopes to apply the enzyme to cleaning products and protected medical implants inside the body, which also risk infection due to biofilm.

(Source: inhabitat.com)

Invasive!

Sea weeSeaw d ee d

Making Water in the Desert In the Abu Dhabi desert, a wind turbine is being used to condense water from the air. The 30-kW wind turbine houses and powers the whole system. Air is taken in through vents in the nose cone of the turbine and then heated by a generator to make steam. The steam goes through a cooling compressor that creates moisture, which is then condensed and collected. The water produced is sent through pipes down to stainless steel storage tanks where it’s filtered and purified. The system requires wind speeds of 24 km/h or higher to produce water. So far, the prototype has been capable of producing 500 to 800 L of clean water a day from the dry desert air, and it is probable that this capacity will increase to 1,000 L a day.

(Source: treehugger.com)

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

The New Electric Avenue Wind energy utility Ecotricity recently completed phase one of the Electric Highway, a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the UK. So far, the stations have joined up the cities of London, Exeter and Manchester. When phase two is completed this year, there will be “top-up zones” at every Welcome Break motorway in Britain. They’re currently free to use; all you need is to do is register for a free smartcard to access the chargers.

(Source: treehugger.com)

British-Swiss Raspberry Collaboration East Malling, the British grower, has recently begun collaboration with Lubera AG, the Swiss fruit and berry specialist. The raspberry species that will come out of this partnership will be marketed

by Lubera in Europe and are specially meant for individual use in gardens. “We’re not looking for raspberry varieties with the highest yield, best transportability and longest shelf life; but for good taste, ease and robustness,” says Markus Kobelt, founder and owner of Lubera AG. (Source: freshplaza.com)

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS ISSUE’S

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

NUTRICULTURE’S GREEN POWER Green Power’s high-spec, heavy-duty relays and contactors are designed to absorb the electrical power surge that occurs every time your HID lights turn on. These contactors are available in three ranges: the Hobby, which includes relay-driven control units that will run two 600 W HID lighting units from one socket for the hobby grower; the Professional, which are contactor-driven, premium-quality control units designed to handle large amounts of power and run multiple HID lighting units from two main sockets; and the Commercial, whose multiple-contactor and delay-driven commercial control units are designed to handle very large power loads (these units require hardwiring by a professional electrician). Visit your local indoor gardening shop for more information.

Diamond Black Humic Acids by general organics Diamond Black® is derived from a new, natural source of humic acid: wood! This new technology provides a clean product that is free of residues. Diamond Black is made of pure lignohumates and contains an exceptionally high percentage of plant-active humates. These organic compounds improve nutrient absorption, stimulate microbial activity and, in soil, promote soil structure, increase nutrient retention and reduce water usage in the landscape. Additionally, Diamond Black can be utilised as an additive for making compost.

You can use Diamond Black during the whole life of your plants and especially all along the growth process, from seedling to adult. It is also compatible with all nutrients and substrates, can be used in gardens and in hydroponic set-ups, and is particularly effective as a foliar spray.

VitaLink Buddy Atami’s Bio Bloombastic This highly concentrated organic stimulator is basically all additives in one product. It is an accelerator, hardener and bloom enhancer, and it is suitable to add to your water supply from the fourth flowering week.

Bio Bloombastic consists of a cocktail of high-quality bio minerals and bio stimulators of molasses with a base, and there are no ballast substances contained in the process. This has a particularly good effect on the flavour of the finished product.

Besides the excellent taste, Bio Bloombastic makes a thick, compact and sweet-smelling flower or fruit and has an enzymatic action on several fronts. For more information, visit your local hydroponic shop.

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

A highly concentrated flowering booster, VitaLink Buddy gives a heavy and healthy yield. Using VitaLink Buddy helps to raise the nutrient levels of both phosphorous and potassium—which the plant is hungry for—and directs the energy to the flowers or fruits, rather than the plant growing any more in height. VitaLink Buddy raises the potassium-to-nitrogen ratio, which is scientifically proven to boost flower and fruit size and enhance plant health. Unlike others, VitaLink Buddy has more magnesium to maintain its balance with potassium within the root zone, which helps to maximise the uptake of these essential elements. This product is part of the VitaLink ‘Add-it’ Additives range and comes in 250 ml, 1 L and 5 L bottles. For more information, visit your local retailer.

Maxibright’s Compact Power Pack 600 W With a revolutionary new design, the Maxibright Compact Power Pack provides ultra-efficient lamp control, lower heat output and silent operation. The internal unit is encapsulated in resin that bonds to the injectionmoulded plastic case. This allows core heat to dissipate at a greater rate than has ever been achieved by a magnetic ballast. A timed digital intelligent igniter provides efficient lamp start-up, and a precision-wound ballast gives thermal and electrical durability. The Maxibright Compacy Power Pack runs both high pressure sodium lamps and metal halide lamps. It’s also built with a wall-mountable case, complete with carry handle. Check out your local indoor gardening store for more information.

PLANT!T's Dirt Pots Made from porous breathable fabric, PLANT!T Dirt Pots allow plants to thrive by promoting exceptional root health and vigorous plant growth. This also leads to superior drainage and aeration. The softsided construction allows the planter to conform to the grower’s terrain, making Dirt Pots the ideal choice for all growing areas.

The planters have reinforced seams and strength-tested fabric, so they won’t tear when supporting even the heaviest crop.

PLANT!T Dirt Pots manage plant temperatures, keeping plants cooler during summer and warmer in winter. PLANT!T Dirt Pots are available in three different sizes and all come with carrying handles. For more information, ask your nearest retailer.

Groflective Foils Groflective are your foil specialists for indoor and outdoor use. The Groflective range includes reflective foils, black/white foils, lightproof foils and pond foils. Styles available in the range include: smooth, stucco, diamond and micro pearl in various thicknesses. Try our products and see the benefits and attractive prices for yourself. Groflective Foils are available now from authorized Grow in Ag retailers across the country.

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT VitaLink Flush Growth Technology’s IONIC PK Boost 14:15

Ionic® PK Boost’s new cutting-edge formulation supplies the crucial elements needed for flowering at the closest possible levels to the plants’ requirements. This supplement is suitable for all crops at the flowering and fruiting stages of growth, and can be used with ionic Bloom formulations or with any other well-formulated bloom nutrients.

PK Boost 14:15 is also more concentrated than the former Boost product. We are still advising dosage at 1 ml per litre, but we suggest reducing frequency to a weekly dose. PK Boost is available in five sizes: 300 ml, 1 L, 2 L, 5 L and 20 L. Visit your local retailer for more information.

VitaLink Flush is a flushing solution that helps flush out old nutrients for a healthy final crop and potentially increases yield.

Made from natural minerals and plant extracts, VitaLink Flush is particularly useful when the taste and texture of the crop is important. This product is most commonly used in hydroponic systems, but also gives great results when used with soil as well. VitaLink Flush can be used as a way to correct over-fertilisation by helping free the clogged up nutrients within the plant. It comes in both 250 ml and 1 L bottles. For more information about this product, visit your local hydroponic retailer.

nutriculture’s Adjust-A-Wings The Adjust-A-Wings’ patented design distributes light evenly across your crop and allows heat to be directed away from your plants. It can also tailor the intensity and spread of light to match your plants’ requirements at each stage of the growth cycle to maximise your yield.

This product is available in two ranges: the Avenger and the Enforcer. The Avenger is an ultra-reflective, glass-coated super alloy lamp available in medium and large sizes for 400 W, 600 W and 1,000 W HID lamps. Simply adjust the lamp’s height and angle of reflection to replicate the seasons. The Enforcer offers the features of the Avenger at a great price. This product is available in small, medium and large sizes for 250 W, 400 W, 600 W and 1,000 W lamps. Visit your local hydroponics retailer for more information.

Maxibright’s Sunmaster HID Lamps Sunmaster HID Lamps promote healthy plant growth throughout the growth cycle. The new Sunmaster Dual Spectrum Grow + Photonic is the latest in horticultural technology with enhanced blue and red light wavelengths to maximise growth from vegetation through to flower using just one lamp. The Grow + Photonic has enhanced spectral stability at lowered, over-driven and fluctuating power levels. Ideal for variable output power packs, this product gives the plants the optimum spectrum for growth with each power mode. For a specialised two lamp system, the Sunmaster Cool Deluxe maxi-mises vegetative growth using high blue light output essential for young plants and the Sunmaster HPS Deluxe promotes flowering with high red light output. Conveniently switch between the Cool Deluxe and HPS Deluxe on the same power pack for a flexible and efficient lighting system. Check out your local indoor gardening store for more information.

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

Urtica Liquid Nettle Brew by general organics By offering Urtica®, we didn’t revolutionise the world...gardeners and farmers have recognised the virtues of nettle brews for the longest time, and they made it at home. Instead, by launching Urtica, we made the product available to the hydroponics industry. To guarantee you the best quality, our nettles are harvested in valleys away from all pollution and are elaborated by a specialist in nettle fermentation, who controls each batch to ensure consistency of the product.

Urtica acts at different levels depending on its concentration. It can be a growth booster, a plant food or an insecticide. It stimulates a plant’s immune system by improving its resistance to insect and disease attacks. It also fights leaf chlorosis and mineral deficiencies, and reduces the development of certain parasites.

New Monitors from Future Harvest now Available Nationwide Concerned growers want accurate tools for testing and monitoring EC and pH, which is why growers worldwide have trusted the original Trimeter from Future Harvest since 1995.

Now, the Trimeter has baby brothers. The new Hand Held EC and pH Monitors can be battery operated for portable operation, or they can be plugged into the mains to make a continuous monitoring system. The Nutradip pH Probe is also an industry standard fit, meaning it can be used with any branded meter.

All three now come boxed with calibration fluids included in the kits. The Trimeter has also been updated to include longer cables on the probes and to be RF shielded. See your local hydroponics shop for more details.

Atami’s B’cuzz Root stimulator A plant undergoes different phases during the growth. One of the first, and perhaps the most important and often underestimated, is the root stage. Plants with a well-developed and anchored root system absorb nutrients easier, and will ultimately be healthier and stronger, resulting in a better yield. The B’cuzz Root Stimulator is a powerful root stimulator specially developed for this first stage. It ensures the explosive growth of the root system and a powerful production of the root hairs.

It also has an inhibiting effect on soil and root diseases, and gives soil life gets a good boost. The B’cuzz Root Stimulator is applicable to any medium and irrigation system, is a 100% organic product and is not harmful to the environment. For more information, visit your local hydroponics retailer.

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Grow, Flower and Dual Lights by Elektrox Elektrox GROW promotes plant growth, strengthens stems and leaves, and encourages a healthier green. Elektrox FLOWER stimulates the plant’s blossom and fruit formation and has a yield-increasing effect. Elektrox DUAL combines red and blue light tubes, and is suitable for both growth and bloom.

Look for Elektrox lights from indoor gardening retail shops across the country

Maxibright’s Compact Pro Power Pack 600 W The new Maxibright Compact Pro is a leading magnetic ballast built with highquality components for a 10-year life expectancy. The Maxibright Compact Pro has a unique, compact wall-mountable case design. The internal unit is set in resin, which bonds to the injection-moulded plastic case for excellent heat dissipation and silent operation. This product is built with a timed digital intelligent igniter and a precision-wound ballast to ensure thermal and electrical durability and energy efficient lamp control. It also runs both high pressure sodium and metal halide lamps. For more information, check out your local indoor gardening store.

Growth Technology’s Clonex Mist Clonex Mist is designed to work with or without Clonex Rooting Hormone in the propagation of cuttings. It can dramatically accelerate the speedy rooting and healthy foundation of new plants. Independent trials found that a programme of using Clonex Mist with Clonex Rooting Hormone on ficus cuttings generated roots up to 10 days earlier, with the roots being up to 30% longer and 156% more numerous compared to untreated control cuttings under ideal rooting conditions.

For more information, visit your local hydroponics store.

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

Guard’n’Aid’s PestOFF Need help getting rid of those pesky pests? Guard’n’Aid’s new PestOFF Spray and PestOFF Fumers are the ideal solution.

PestOFF Natural Insect Killing Spray is a ready-to-use spray, prepared from pyrethrum—nature’s own rapid-acting insecticide. This gardener’s insecticide can be used indoors and outdoors, on all edible crops, as well as ornamental garden plants. It controls aphids, blackflies, greenflies, caterpillars and whiteflies on garden flowers, fruit and vegetables.

When you want to control crawling and flying insects in difficult to reach places, empty growrooms or empty glasshouses, Guard’n’Aid’s PestOFF fumers are the answer. Available in three sizes to suit different growing areas, these smoke generators kill most insects.

For more information, ask your local hydroponics retailer.

Growth Technology’s Green Room 150 Following the extreme success of our Green Room range, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new 150 cm model.

The Green Room 150 has dimensions of 150 cm by 150 cm by 200 cm, and gives more scope for a variety of crops. Each green room is made of premium material, and heavy-duty zips deliver excellent value for money over the life of the grow tent.

Premium-quality Coates thread is used throughout to give the construction durable life in humid conditions. The tent’s easyto-assemble 28 mm tubing also gives it long life and safe, easy installation of add-on equipment. It also has oversized air socks that allow most ventilation systems to be easily installed. For more information, visit your local retailer.

GIB Lighting The folks at GIB Lighting are the plant lighting and supply specialists. They are always working on new and innovative technologies to make plant lighting more efficient and economical. Their range encompasses solutions for both hobby gardeners and commercial horticulturists. Information about the complete product range can be found at local hydroponic shops across the country.

Future Harvest’s Dual Speed Fans are a UK Industry First These fans are the first and only extractors to come pre-wired and ready to go with a 2 m cable. There are four models to choose from, ranging from 100 mm (245 m3/hr) to 200 mm (855 m3/hr), and they are dual speed so they can be turned down without needing to purchase a controller. Also, prefixed brackets give quick release access to the fan without unhooking the ducting system. These fans take care of most ventilation requirements—either as intake or exhaust fans—for the smaller hobby grower. They are an entry level fan with value in mind and, therefore, are a fraction of the cost of the more professional tube fan. Visit your favourite indoor gardening shop to learn more.

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Future Harvest’s the Heavies is now Called Bud Boom Bud Boom is a PK additive that also contains sulphur and magnesium, both of which are elements that help to ripen plants. The key performance benefits are weight gain, increased flower density and enhanced flavour. It’s a final boost for your crop in the final weeks of a flower cycle.

Unlike some PK additives, this product only adds 0.2 to EC values (200), so full strength fertiliser can be used without the need for dilution. Bud Bloom will also only drop pH by around 0.7. Bud Bloom hasn’t changed since 1995 and it delivers consistent results.

It’s also super concentrated, making it an excellent value. Finally, Bud Boom is universal, so it can be used with any branded fertiliser schedule and on top of most additive schedules. Available now at indoor gardening shops accross the UK.

LUMii COMPACTA Potted Ballast The new LUMii COMPACTA, available in 400 W and 600 W, has the same great component quality and high output that you would expect from LUMii, with the added benefit of a fully enclosed and potted case, offering IP34. As with all LUMii ballasts, you get the true output that your plants need.

Many ballasts on the market are underpowered to save money, but not LUMii. The LUMii COMPACTA case is injectionmoulded in fire-resistant, glass-filled nylon, is silent and cool-running and has an electronic intelligent-timed igniter. This potted ballast also incorporates a slotted hanging hook, allowing the ballast to be used both vertically and horizontally. For more information, ask your nearest retailer today.

VitaLink Coir VitaLink Coir is an advanced, easyto-use one-part coco coir nutrient that was developed with a UK university to contain everything plants need for a successful, healthy lifecycle when growing in coir. It was also developed specifically for the unique properties of coir and contains a key level of all elements.

Coir growing media releases potassium during the plant’s life cycle and VitaLink Coir takes this into account, meaning excellent plant growth and yield are achieved. Unlike many other coco coir nutrients, VitaLink Coir is available in growth and bloom formulations in addition to hard and soft water formulations.

This product is available in 1 L and 5 L bottles. Visit your local hydroponics retailer to find out more about this product.

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

by Grubbycup

Start Your Plant’s Day

Right: Organic and Chemical Nutrients

A plant needs elemental nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth, but where it gets these nutrients presents growers with a whole plateful of choices…

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Start Your Plant's Day Right

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) potassium (K) are elements. As such, there is no difference between those elements from an organic nutrient and from a chemical nutrient. Elemental N, for example, is the exact same regardless of the source.

For this article, let’s keep looking at N: the most important of the above elements. Unfortunately, plants can’t absorb pure elemental N directly and there isn’t a way to feed plants a pile of single N atoms.There is plenty of nitrogen gas (N2) in air, but plants can’t split the two atoms apart.

What garden plants most often use as their source of N is nitrate (NO3)— which is an N atom connected with three oxygen (O) atoms—because this compound is easy for plants to separate.Woody plants like trees can also use ammonium (NH4) as a source of N. Animal waste and plant material that has fallen to the ground are two sources of N that occur naturally in untended wilderness. To emulate this, manufactured organic nutrients tend to be made from naturally occurring materials with minimal processing. One advantage to this is that the materials (i.e., leaves, grass clippings, livestock manure etc.) can often be collected cheaply, and require little processing before use—often just maturing or composting. Compost (3-1-2) is very similar to what happens in nature when leaves and assorted other plant material winds up on the ground when nobody is around to rake it up. Blood meal (12-0-0) and alfalfa meal (2-1-2) are two other organic fertilisers that are based on things found to supply natural setting plants with nutrition. As these things decompose (or compost), bacteria and fungi convert them into ammonia (NH3) and ammonium. Another organic source of ammonia is the waste products of animals, which contain N in the form of urea (CO(NH2)2). The urea is converted to ammonia by bacteria using the enzyme ureasec.

30

Regardless of the source, if the ammonia is exposed to acidic conditions (pH less than 7.0) it picks up another hydrogen (H) atom and converts to ammonium—this is part of why pH

"

I like to compare organic nutrients to eating oatmeal for breakfast, as they tend to be bulky and release their nutrients over a long period of time.

"

can have an effect on plant growth; if the pH is too high, this conversion is inhibited. Beneficial bacteria then convert the ammonium to nitrate, which can then be used by the garden plants.

I like to compare organic nutrients to eating oatmeal for breakfast, as they tend to be bulky and release their nutrients over a long period of time. Some forms of organic fertilisers can continue to release nutrients for more than one season, improving the general long-term health of the soil. Also, with the exception of high-ammonia “hot” manures, organic nutrients are less prone to overfeeding; compost, worm casting and fish excrement can be used in almost unlimited quantities without causing nute burn— which is wrinkled-paper-like damage on the leaves of the plant from using too much fertiliser. However, since organic nutrients

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

tend to be less processed, they can to be more prone to clogging hydroponic systems that rely on sprayers and pumps. The NPK values for organic nutrients are also usually lower than for chemical-based solutions because the percentage of nutrient to total mass tends to be lower. And since they are closer to a natural state, the NPK values for organic products tend to be less exact than with chemical-based fertilisers, which can be made to exact recipes.

However, there is more than one way to make ammonia. It can be manufactured chemically from nitrogen gas by applying heat, pressure and an iron catalyst. Ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) and ammonium nitrate ((NH4)(NO3)) are other manufactured forms of N. All of these chemical nutrients allow some (or all) of the steps needed to create nitrate to be skipped because they start the N further along the path and closer to the finished nitrate. However, they also do not last as long as organic compounds before giving up the N it contains.

Chemical nutrients are more like having an energy drink for breakfast. They are shortcuts to the process and release their nutrients quickly, then need a top up to avoid a “crash.” However,

chemical nutrients can allow for a greater level of control as to how much and when the N becomes available to the plants since they are shortcuts to the natural process.

This can allow for a higher nutrient level and performance than is possible with organic nutrients.

With this level of control comes responsibility, however, as introducing an overabundance becomes a much more likely temptation—one that can result in nute burn or overloading and damaging natural systems with the runoff. For example, adding a chemical nitrate allows for the entire nitrate-creation process to be skipped and an immediate supply of N to the plants, but—because chemical nitrates are water soluble—what isn’t taken up by the plant will quickly wash downstream (unless recirculated). Overdosing plants with chemicals can also imbalance a natural system to the point that it becomes inhospitable to beneficial bacteria and fungi. Depending on the exact chemical used, there might also be “leftover” residue that can build up in the system over time. This is where the practice of watering heavily without nutrients for a time (flushing), which helps wash away any leftover chemical build-up, comes from.

So, the differences between chemical and organic nutrition are not as absolute as they are often portrayed. They both use the same process to supply the same elements to the plants and they are both tools that can be used successfully when used correctly. The primary differences are in how many shortcuts are taken and what remains afterward.

Although purists on both sides might strongly disagree, I believe there is little reason not to make use of the benefits of both in moderation. Plants awaiting organic nutrients to become available might benefit from a little chemical boost to tide them over, and long-lasting organic materials can help create a buffer for fast-acting chemical nutrient gardens. After all, sometimes a big, hearty high-fibre breakfast is what a person needs to start the day and sometimes all one needs is a good, strong cup of coffee (or energy drink, to keep with the metaphors).

As always, understanding why you are adding something to your garden, and how it works, goes a long way toward picking the one that’s right for you. MY

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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The

red The

by Philip McIntosh

&BLUE

of It

Many gardeners have always known the technical advantages of LEDs, but the high initial cost can be a deterrent. However, as the price of LED lighting continues to drop, maybe it’s time to take a closer look at this technology…

The technical advantages of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) lights—low power requirement, low cost of operation, low heat output, high efficiency, compact form, precise direction and intensity control, shock resistance and long life—have always been clear, but the high initial purchase cost has prevented wider adoption. Times are changing, though, and LEDs with higher intensities and lower costs are making this technology an ever-more attractive choice for grow lights. While the cost still gives potential users pause, consider this—the cost per thousand lumens (kl) for LEDs dropped from $36 to $18 over the course of a single year (2009 to 2010) and it is estimated that this price will decrease to as low as $2 per kl by 2015. That is an impressive price reduction in a short time.

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LED Basics LEDs are semiconductor devices, which makes them completely different than any other kind of lighting on In fact, one of the the market. advantages of LED grow LEDs are lights is that they emit manufactured monochromatic light, or in foundries, or fabs, using light in a very narrow the same wavelength band. kinds of technology and equipment used to manufacture integrated circuits and microprocessors.

White or seemingly broad spectrum LED lamps are available for household use (reading lamps, task lighting, etc.) and for portable use (flashlights, camping lamps, headlamps and the like), but white is not a natural output colour for an LED. In fact, one of the advantages of LED grow lights is that they emit monochromatic light, or light in a very narrow wavelength band. Since photosynthesis is preferentially driven by specific bands of red and blue light, LEDs offer the opportunity to provide energy of the required wavelengths without wasting any of the output on wavelengths that are not useful for photosynthesis. In theory at least, this should make red, blue or red-blue combination LED lamps less expensive than white LED lights because additional steps have to be taken to get an LED device to emit white light.

”

”

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THE RED AND THE BLUE OF IT

”

Red LEDs

The red LED holds a special place in LED history. Prior to its invention in 1962, other LEDs under research emitted light

LEDs are direct current (DC) devices, meaning they require some power conversion and conditioning to operate.

”

that was not visible to the human eye (such as in the infrared range). It was Nick Holonyak, Jr. who came up with a way to synthesize a semiconductor material—gallium arsenide phosphide—that resulted in the first useful visible-light LED. Even so, red LEDs were at first mostly a subject of scientific curiosity and research due their high cost (hundreds of dollars each) and LEDs did not achieve an economically feasible price point for nearly another decade.

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n-type

p-type

hole

electron

light

Fermi level recombination

A physical schematic view of a typical LED is shown in figure one and the electrical symbol for an LED is shown in figure two. As you can see in the first figure, two semiconductor materials are placed in contact with each other. One material is an n-type semiconductor, meaning it has a surplus of negativecharge-carrying particles (namely, electrons). The other material is a p-type semiconductor that contains a surplus of positivecharge carriers, which are referred to as “holes.” When a voltage is applied across the material junction, electrons flow through and they fall into the holes. As this happens, the electrons lose energy, which is then emitted as photons of light of a specific wavelength.

This electrically stimulated emission of photons is called electroluminescence. The wavelength of the emission can be adjusted by controlling the chemical makeup of the semiconductor materials and by mixing the light of different coloured LEDs in a single device.

LEDs are made in a few basic shapes and sizes, but ones useful for grow lighting are fairly large (as LEDs go), packaged in a base and covered by a plastic “bulb.” The base supports the mounting wires and the bulb (which is made from a type of plastic resin) provides some options in terms of focusing or dispersing the emitted light.

LEDs are direct current (DC) devices, meaning they require some power conversion and conditioning to operate.You can’t just take an LED and plug it in to a wall socket, but, as a practical matter, manufacturers provide the necessary circuitry to allow them to be operated off of standard household or industrial power sources.

band gap (forbidden band) valence band

Figure 1. Diagram of an LED

Anode

Cathode

Figure 2. Schematic symbol for an LED

Plants like red light with wavelengths of about 640 to 675 nanometers (nm). It just happens that LEDs with outputs in that range are readily available, and there are two in particular that are well-suited to grow light applications. These are ultra red (660 nm), which are fabricated from gallium aluminium arsenide, and high-efficiency red (635 nm), which use gallium arsenide phosphide and gallium phosphide.

Arsenic and arsenide—sound rather dangerous, don’t they?

Yes, arsenic is a toxic material, but in LEDs, it exists in small amounts of a stable solid form that do not represent an environmental threat even if disposed of in a landfill. Also, you have to try pretty hard to break an LED, so even if by some form of accident or abuse red LEDs are broken open, there is little chance of arsenic contamination.

Blue LEDs The blue LED proved to be much more difficult to come by than the red. The first blue LEDs appeared in the early 1970s, but had a very low output. Commercially, practical blues did not appear until 1989. Then, in the 1990s, these lights were revolutionised in Japan with the introduction of high-power blue LEDs. Plants absorb blue light in the range of about 400 to 450 nm.

One type of LED in particular is perfect for meeting these wavelength requirements: the ultra blue (430 nm), which consists of a substrate made from the semiconductor materials silicon carbide and gallium nitride.

”

Red-blue combination lighting

Prior to its invention in 1962, other LEDs under research emitted light that was not visible to the human eye (such as in the infrared range).

So, does it make sense to build a light fixture containing a combination of only red and blue LEDs? You bet. An array of red and blue LEDs are available in both circular and rectangular panels designed to be hung above plants or mounted on walls. Some include separate controls to manually adjust the output ratio of red to blue light. There are also compact bulb-like products that can be screwed into a standard Edison-base light fixture.

Large arrays of blue and red LEDs can take the place of high intensity discharge (HID) lamps and fluorescent fixtures.

Although the electroluminescent process itself does not generate much heat, the electricity used to make it happen does heat up the LED bases and when a bunch of them are put together,

”

enough heat can be generated to require a cooling fan. Fortunately, most of the heating occurs at the back of the fixture, so LED lights can still be placed closer to plants than HID lamps.

Smaller LED lamps can also be placed under the top of the plant canopy and directly among plants to provide light to the lower leaves.

What might the future bring with respect to red and blue LED grow lights? Well, one intriguing idea is to produce a lamp that varies its red-blue ratio over time under computer control. Such lamps would be similar to ones already in production that combine both colours, except the circuits used to control the red and blue outputs would be automatically controlled with a computer. Why would this be desirable?

Well, many plants regulate their flowering and fruiting cycle based on the ratio of red to blue light. As the summer comes to an end in nature, the relative amount of red light received on Earth tends to increase. Many plants have evolved to use this phenomenon as a signal to shift from vegetative growth mode into reproduction mode. So, a lamp that would automatically mimic this gradual shift over a time could conceivably improve crop performance by exposing plants to a more natural light environment.

With further research, it might even be found that varying the red-blue ratio throughout a daylight period to simulate sunrise and sunset could have a beneficial effect on the performance of some crops. Moreover, it is possible that the use of wavelengths not directly associated with photosynthesis—such as far red or ultraviolet—might have desirable effects on plant processes. So, even if LEDs do not play a direct role in these aspects of plant physiology in actual agriculture practice, it might be able to play a role in the research.

In any case, if the cost of LEDs does drop to $2/kl over the next few years, we can expect to see a rapid and dramatic shift into LED lighting for many uses. MY

References Anonymous. Solid State Lighting: LED Basics. U.S. Department of Energy. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/sslbasics_ledbasics.html <accessed May 31, 2012> Anonymous. Technical LED Color Chart. http://www.oksolar.com/led/ led_color_chart.htm <accessed June 1, 2012> Anonymous. Nick Holonyak, Jr., 2004 Lemelson-MIT Prize Winner. http:// web.mit.edu/invent/a-winners/a-holonyak.html <accessed June 1, 2012> Lots of LED information, both historical and more recent (up to 2008) including a collection of LED spectra, can be found at ledmuseum.org

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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Sunlight:

How its Intensity, Transmittance and Spectral Composition Affect Plants

by Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr.

The conversion of light energy (sunlight) into chemical energy by photosynthesis is the process that supports life on Earth. However, the various characteristics of light energy have a large influence on how plants go about this process…

The spectral wavelength range of sunlight is between 350 and 750 nanometers (nm). However, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), which is the portion of light wavelengths that participates in photosynthesis, has a range between 540 and 700 nm. Solar PAR (that is, naturally occurring PAR from the sun) varies considerably with latitude, altitude and the position of the sun based on the time of the year. PAR data can be used to select the location for green plant production, as well as illustrating the challenges that a grower can have in said selected location. (Other factors like hours of sunlight, degree of cloudiness and the characteristics of the atmosphere—suspended particles of dust, water vapour, etc.—can also be used for making a location decision.)

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sunlight

Most light wavelengths have a significant influence on plant physiology. For example, the wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm (called photomorphogenic radiation) controls photochromic reactions, which governs development and differentiation of plant growth, respiration, vegetative growth, flowering, reproduction, elongation and dormancy. These influences and a variety of others are described in the following table:

Breakdown of Wavelength Influence on Plant Physiology Wavelength Range (nm)

Another measure of the transmission characteristics of glazing materials is by their transmission coefficients: Glazing Material Single layer of glass

1.1

Single layer of plastic film

1.2

Single layer of fiberglass

1.2

Double layer of plastic film

0.7

Double layer of acrylic or polycarbonate

0.5

Plant Response

280 to 315

Plant morphogenetic and physiological processes are influenced

315 to 400

Plant morphogenetic and physiological processes are influenced

400 to 520

Large absorption of light by chlorophyll and carotenoids; photosynthesis process greatly influenced

520 to 610

Low absorption by pigments

620 to 720

Low absorption by chlorophyll; photosynthesis and photoperiod are greatly influenced

720 to 1,000

Overall low absorption, cell elongation stimulated; flowering and germination influenced

Over 1,000

Absorption energy is converted to heat Source: Coene, 1995

As example, wavelength characteristics of light have been shown to affect tomato plants. As would be expected, longer wavelength radiation (red and infrared) results in longer internodes, blue and green light have lesser affects, while the complete light spectrum (white) results in a more normal plant growth character.

Plants are also affected by the intensity of sunlight, which varies depending on if the light radiation is direct or diffused. Solar intensity is determined by the light transmission characteristics of the atmosphere or, for those growing in a greenhouse, by the transmission characteristics of the glazing material. The latter is illustrated in the following table:

Transmission Coefficient

Source: Morgan, 2003

Although there might be small differences in light transmission characteristics among glazing materials, these differences become significant over the growing period of the plant due to their accumulated effects. In addition to a reduction in transmittance, there is also a wavelength shift when light passes through the atmosphere and glazing. This shift is not commonly recorded since the use of a spectrometer is required to measure the intensity at each wavelength. However, a shift in the wavelength distribution of transmitted light does affects a plant’s architecture (height, internode length, leaf form, etc.), foliage colour, flowing, fruit set and rate of plant development. For example, tomato plants grown under glass have been observed to have long internodes with leaf colour being dull green, while the tomato plants in a fibreglass-covered greenhouse have short internodes with a dark glossy green leaf colour. This is because glass reduces the transmission of the shorter (blue) wavelengths of light and fibreglass reduces the transmission of the longer (red) wavelengths.

For those gardeners growing plants under generated light instead of the sun, intensity and wavelength composition are both characteristics that need to be provided by lightgenerating devises since such characteristics significantly affect all aspects of plant growth. So, the proper selection of a light generating device needs to match the light requirements of the plant being grown. MY Resources

Light (PAR) Transmission of Commonly Used Greenhouse Glazing Materials Glazing Material

Transmission (PAR)

Glass

90

Polyethylene

89

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

86

Fiberglass

82

Polycarbonate

80

Rigid PVC

70 Source: Morgan, 2003

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1. Beytes, C. (editor). 2003. Ball Redbook: Greenhouse and Equipment, Volume 1, 17th Edition. Ball Publishing, Batavia, IL. 2. Coene, T. 1995. Greenhouse coverings uncovered. The GrowingEdge 6(3):66-73.

3. Morgan, L. 2003. Inside greenhouse design. The GrowingEdge 14(3):26-38.

4. Parker, D. 1994. Lighting for beginners, Part 1. The meaning of light. The GrowingEdge 5(4):53-57, 66-67.

5. Wang, J.Y. 1963. Agricultural Meteorology. Pacemaker Press, Milwaukee, WI.

Building an

Effective Fertiliser Regimen

by Eric Hopper

What should you be feeding your plants? Figuring out their perfect diet is a matter of trial and error and careful observation.

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There is an almost overwhelming array of nutrients and additives available on today’s hydroponic market. Many gardeners choose a particular brand of nutrients and stay loyal to that brand, while some people mix and match, making a fertiliser cocktail. Determining the best combination of nutrients can be a long process involving countless experiments. Plants, like people, don’t all thrive on exactly the same diet, so it’s important to find your particular crop’s preferred mix. Although each crop is unique, there are certain steps every gardener can take when trying to build the ultimate fertiliser regimen.

Base formulas Start with a quality base fertiliser. A good base formula is exactly what its name implies: a foundation for your entire fertiliser regimen. Base formulas consist of the nutrients plants need for basic survival and general health. Most base nutrients are split into grow and bloom formulations, with their nutrient ratios specific to that particular stage of growth. There are a wide variety of base nutrients available in one-, two- or three-part formulas, all of which contain the essential building blocks for plant nutrition. Quality base fertilisers will contain a substantial amount of

“

Plants, like people, don’t all thrive on exactly the same diet so it’s important to find your particular crop’s preferred mix.

”

NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) along with a variety of micronutrients. A base fertiliser with multiple sources of each particular element is a good choice—this diversity allows the plant to choose the source from which the nutrients are taken. In other words, a base formula containing both calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate is a better choice than one that contains only potassium nitrate. Along the same lines, an organic base fertiliser containing bat guano, worm castings and kelp would be a better choice than one that contains only bat guano.

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Calcium is a vital nutrient for plant health Although calcium supplements and a tricky aspect of the base formula. Most at hydroponic stores are sold base fertilisers contain separately from the actual base only a small amount fertilisers, calcium is so integral of calcium because to basic plant functions that it it is assumed that the should be considered part of your gardener’s water supply base formula. will contain it. If your water supply has little calcium, though—or if you are using reverse osmosis water—then adding a calcium supplement might be necessary. Although calcium supplements at hydroponic stores are sold separately from the actual base fertilisers, calcium is so integral to basic plant functions that it should be considered part of your base formula.

“

”

Vegetative additives Once you are satisfied with your base formula, you can start to add amendments specific to the stage of growth or a particular purpose. For crops that only have a vegetative state, such as lettuce, the focus on amendments should be for this stage only. Additives containing growth hormones like kelp can accelerate growth throughout the vegetative period and enhance the plant’s overall health.

Other additives for the vegetative period— and my personal favourites—are root enhancers. There are a variety of enzyme formulas and beneficial microorganisms that promote root growth. Root enhancers will help build root mass, thus increasing nutrient uptake and overall performance. If you are growing a crop that has a fruiting/flowering stage, you can also increase your yields by increasing the root mass in the vegetative stage. Plants with large, healthy roots perform better and are also more resistant to potential problems.

A recent advancement in plant stimulators is the use of protein hydrolysate. Protein hydrolysate is a mixture of amino acids prepared by splitting a protein with an enzyme. In the case of plant additives, we use the hydrolysis process to produce L-amino acids, the type of amino acids used by plants. Amino acids are the basic building blocks for the proteins and enzymes required for the structural integrity and metabolic functions of plants. We can boost their metabolisms by supplementing L-amino acids directly to our plants, resulting in faster growth and stronger resistance to pathogens. Protein hydrolysate can be used throughout the plant’s entire life, making it a great vegetative and blooming additive.

Blooming additives There is a multitude of fertiliser amendments for crops that have a fruiting or flowering stage. Most blooming additives can be divided into three categories: initiators, midblooming and ripening formulas. Blooming initiators are products specifically designed to help the onset of fruit or flower sets—as a plant transitions into a blooming period it

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

45

Building an effective fertilizer regimen

produces specific hormones for fruit or flower production and most blooming initiators target these particular hormones.

Mid-blooming additives are products designed to be used through the stage of actual fruit and flower production.These products are meant to either boost or enhance hormonal production or to supply a higher amount of the nutrients commonly used during that particular stage.

For most fruiting or flowering plants, an increase of phosphorus and potassium will heighten hormonal response, creating larger yields. In my opinion, the best mid-blooming enhancers contain slightly more potassium than phosphorus and are best used from the time when fruit or flowers first appear until two or three weeks before harvest.

Ripening additives are specific to the last two or three weeks before harvest. Like the mid-bloom enhancers, many of these products contain significant amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Some ripening additives target specific hormones created during the plant’s final weeks of life. The ripening stage is one of the easiest stages to identify

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“

Almost all the fertilisers and amendments found at your local hydroponic store are compatible with one another.

Experiment with different ratios until you achieve the results you desire.

”

because most plants exhibit significant visual changes during ripening. Many fruits and vegetables physically change colour during ripening, a result of hormonal responses in the plant triggered by nutrient composition or environmental factors. If you choose to add a ripening additive to your nutrient regimen, make sure to add it at the first sign of colour change. If a highly concentrated ripening additive is used too late it could build up in the medium and make pre-harvest flushing very difficult.

Specialty additives There are a plethora of specialty additives that can be used in conjunction with base nutrients, vegetative additives and blooming additives. Carbohydrates, enzyme formulas, amino acids, humic/fulvic acid, microbes and vitamins are sometimes found in base formulas, but they can also be added individually to maximise performance.

Almost all the fertilisers and amendments found at your local hydroponic store are compatible with one another. Experiment with different ratios until you achieve the results you desire. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different fertiliser manufacturers—the best results in my garden have rarely come from using a single brand of nutrients.

Experimentation and observation are crucial in determining your garden’s ultimate fertiliser regimen.

Don’t make a lot of big changes all at once—make small changes on every crop rotation so you can effectively monitor the results. Record the amount of every fertiliser and additive you use and also any changes you notice in the garden’s overall performance—there is nothing worse than harvesting an epic crop only to realise you have no idea what you were feeding your plants. MY

In Balance Plant Steering for Vegetative and Generative Growth

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

Dr. Lynette Morgan offers her tips for balancing vegetative and generative growth through crop steering.

Growth balance is something many indoor growers might not be tuned intoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;after all, plants are programmed to grow leaves, flowers and fruit with little input from us. However, some of the tools used by the commercial greenhouse producers of fruiting crops can be applied on a smaller scale, and crop steering is a useful technique to know and understand.

Crop steering works on the principle that there are two different types of growth with flowering and fruiting plants: the vegetative phase, which refers to foliage and stem growth, and the generative phase, where flowers form and fruit begin to set and develop. Balanced growth means the plant produces just enough foliage to support a good number of developing flowers and fruit, thus maximising yield without putting a lot of extra energy into unnecessary amounts of foliage.

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What is vegetative growth?

We often hear about plants that might have gone overly vegetative—a common occurrence under lush hydroponic growing conditions with plenty of water and nutrients. Overly vegetative crops are fairly easy to recognize. With plants like tomatoes, the stems are often very thick— sometimes described as being like tree trunks—and the foliage is lush and light green with large leaves. Overly vegetative growth means the plant doesn’t have a lot of developing flowers or fruit, and is instead sending Flowering and fruiting crops large and small will give optimal yields if the vegetative/generative balance is correct. most of the assimilate produced the number of flowers and fruit that form. In many crops this via photosynthesis into further will mean smaller fruit size and reduced yields due to the lack leaf growth. Any flowers that develop might be small and of foliage development, which is required to provide the asweak and might even abscise, as leaf growth is favoured similate required for flower and fruit development. over generative growth in this condition. The canopy of In tomatoes, this is often described as thin growth, with leaves an overly vegetative crop often appears very dense, with being small and sparse and petering out at the tops. The plant many long leaves, and will present fast growth and rapidly stem becomes thinner, as opposed to the tree trunk-like stem increasing plant height, but few mature fruit and sparse diameter of plants that are overly vegetative, and sometimes the flowering. flower clusters are short and bent in a downwards direction.

Factors that favour generative development include older plants with heavy crop loading, growing in warm conditions with high “While a highly generative plant might seem like a good idea... in reality this sort of lack of balance means there is insufficient light levels, CO2 enrichment and low humidity or VPD. Freely foliage to support the number of flowers and fruit which form.” draining growing media and restricted moisture, higher EC and harsh growing conditions caused by light and heat also tend to encourage generative development.

Strong vegetative growth is common in young plants, Getting the balance right which naturally favour a high degree of foliage develExperienced growers will soon learn to tell if a crop is lookopment (a tendency to do this is also partially genetic). ing a little too vegetative—often before flowering begins—and However, certain other conditions also favour vegetacan implement some measures to keep things on track. With tive growth, and this sort of development is common tomato crops there are some basic measurements that can be with plants growing under mild conditions where there used to determine the vegetative-versus-generative balance. is little or no plant stress. Using substrates that retain a A tomato plant with a balanced growth habit tends to have a lot of moisture—such as fine-grade coconut fibre—and stem thickness of approximately 0.8 cm in diameter at 15.2 cm running lower-nutrient EC levels also encourages vegetabelow the growing point. A much larger diameter indicates the tive growth, as do reduced light levels, high humidity and plant is heading in a vegetative direction, and a much thinner plenty of water from small frequent irrigations, especially stem means the plant is going generative. A number of plants with young plants or those grafted on vigorous root should be measured and the average reading taken, as there is stocks. always some natural variation between plants in a crop.

What is generative growth?

A plant that has become overly generative is one where the assimilate being produced is largely being directed to the developing flowers and fruit at the expense of further leaf development. While a highly generative plant might seem like a good idea in order to maximise yields, in reality this sort of lack of balance means there is insufficient foliage to support

Steering the plants in the right direction Fortunately, there are many tools and techniques that can be used with a protected-environment hydroponic crop where the grower has control over all growth factors. Some cultivars of most commonly grown hydroponic crops are more vegetative or generative than others, allowing some genetic control Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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In Balance: Plant Steering for Vegetative and Generative Growth

once flowers or fruits DIF (where night and day temperatures have set because it are similar) is used to stimulate vegetative allows greater progrowth, while a greater DIF (where night duction of assimilate temperature is much lower than the day from the same leaf temperature) results in more generative area. Most growers growth. This means it’s often a good idea understand these bato impose day and night temperatures sic concepts and their that are fairly close to each other early in effects on growth the plant’s life to stimulate good foliage balance, although a growth, then switch to a greater DIF more advanced tool with much lower night temperatures as is available in the use the plant comes close to flowering and of day/night temfruit set. From then onward, tomato and perature differentials pepper growers might change the DIF (DIFs), which can settings to push either vegetative or genbe used to steer a erative growth as required. crop back into more balanced growth.

Steering with EC and moisture levels DIFs are widely used Along with temperature DIFs, conditions in commercial crop in the root zone act to steer plants toward production, but they more vegetative or generative growth to Well-formed and -sized tomato fruit require sufficient vegetative growth to work just as well in help maintain balance. Growing substrates support fruit development, as well as the right level of fruit loading. indoor gardens where with a high water-holding capacity—such the grower has good as fine-grade coconut fibre, peat and over problems like overly vegetative control over temperatures, and they are vermiculite—tend to favour vegetative young plants. Tomatoes and peppers have also used to promote the transportagrowth, while those with a much freer the best selection of cultivars that have tion of assimilates from the leaves into draining nature, such as coarse perlite, enbeen bred for vegetative or generative the fruit. Day temperature has a major courage more generative growth, although or even balanced growth habits, and it’s effect on plant compactness—high day irrigation management also plays a large worth selecting these for certain growtemperatures tend to promote stretching role in root-zone moisture levels. ing conditions. In indoor gardens, many and elongation of the plant, as well as A high moisture content in the growing tomato and pepper plants respond to the an increase in leaf area. Night temperamedia created with the use of frequent highly protected environment by going tures do not play a role in this particular irrigation and a relatively low EC of the more vegetative, so selecting cultivars relationship, but the difference between nutrient solution will promote water upwith a generative growth habit often day and night temperatures is important take by the plant and encourage vegetative helps in obtaining better yields. Tomatoes to flowergrown in a summer glasshouse with high ing and fruit levels of natural light and a heat stress are development. better selected from the more vegetative Environmencultivars in order to give a better balance tal conditions of growth under the harsher growing also play a conditions. Cultivar alone, however, is role—low usually not enough to guarantee a good light levels growth balance, and some degree of and warm growth manipulation is often required temperatures for many indoor plants. promote stem elongation Steering with temperatures, light, and a tall humidity and CO2 weak plant, so As a general rule, lower light or shading the temperafavours vegetative growth and high light ture should intensity favours generative growth. High be kept cool humidity favours vegetative growth, low and matched humidity favours generative growth. CO2 to the light enrichment favours generative growth levels. A low Young plants tend to be quite vegetative in nature.

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Capsicum of all types and fruit sizes can have problems maintaining a good growth balance and often produce fruit in flushes.

growth. Applying controlled plant stress with the use of higher EC or deficit irrigation practices will have a more generative effect. Deficit irrigation might include reducing the volume applied at each irrigation, allowing more time between irrigations and allowing the media to dry slightly overnight by restricting early morning and evening irrigations. This type of deficit irrigation and the use of high EC to force plants into generative growth must be used with caution, however, as moisture fluctuations in the root zone can lead to an increase in fruit splitting and cracking. It can also lead to an increase in blossom end rot development in tomatoes and peppers under certain growing conditions.

“Cultivar alone...is usually not enough to guarantee a good growth balance, and some degree of growth manipulation is often required for many indoor plants.”

Sizing up tomato fruit Sizing up slow-growing immature tomato fruit is based on the fact that warm parts of the plant (growing points, fruit and leaves) attract more assimilate than colder parts do. A small difference in temperature can make a considerable difference to the distribution of assimilate within the plant—thus warm fruits attract more sugars for growth than those that are cooler.

A good technique used by growers to boost fruit growth and size is the pre-night drop. This process involves allowing the plants to receive increased warmth in the late afternoon. This heat is then absorbed by the fruit tissue, while sugars accumulate in the photosynthesizing leaf tissue. During the evening, the temperature is then dropped back quickly by several degrees. The drop in temperature causes the thinner mass of the leaves at the top of the plant to cool quickly, while the fruit, having a much larger mass, remains warm for longer. The cooled leaves then unload their assimilate sugars to the warmer fruit tissue, forcing more sugars for growth out of the foliage and into the fruit. Overall, the 24-hour temperature average is not affected by this process, so it does not affect plant internode length or stem diameter. The rate of assimilate importation into the developing fruit determines fruit size and the Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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In Balance: Plant Steering for Vegetative and Generative Growth

more assimilate available for other parts of the plant—such as the growing point, foliage and flowers—and helps to restore plant balance. This benefits production in the long term and is particularly useful in young pepper crops.

Summary To direct plants into a more vegetative growth habit:

Large-fruited bell peppers tend to grow with alternating periods of leaf and fruit growth.

amount of assimilate that is sent into the fruit is highly dependent on the temperature of the fruit tissue—the warmer the fruit tissue, the more sugars are imported into the fruit. The optimal fruit temperature for sugar importation is between 23 and 25oC. As an example, the pre-night temperature drop might be from a lateafternoon warming of up to a maximum of 25oC, followed by a drop of three to four hours to 17oC in the evening. From then onwards normal night temperatures are run. This technique works best in indoor gardens that have good temperature control, and is highly effective provided it is carried out correctly—some growers use infrared thermometers and internal fruit sensors to check leaf and fruit temperatures when they first attempt this process, to ensure that there is a sufficient temperature difference between the leaves in the head and the warmer fruit below.

Under hot/high light summer conditions, tomato crops can become overly generative with small, sparse leaves and a very heavy fruit load.

by growers wanting a regular supply of fruit. Usually, after the second flush of fruit is harvested, pepper plants will then resume a more balanced state of growth, with a consistent pattern of vegetative and generative growth. There is little that can be done about this natural cycle of vegetative and fruit growth in peppers, but if the halt to vegetative growth goes on for too long, yields can be reduced and future harvests delayed. One effective method of forcing both pepper and tomato plants into unloading some fruit so that vegetative growth can be speeded up is to increase the temperature. Another method is to harvest some fruit before they are completely ripe, which might mean harvesting fruit from young pepper plants when mature green rather than waiting for the first signs of colouration. Unloading makes

Shade crop or reduce light (but not so low as to severely restrict photosynthesis); apply frequent irrigations; allow less dry-down of the root zone overnight; use moisture-retentive, fine-grade growing media; lower EC; increase humidity; reduce day temperature; and use a low DIF (similar day/night temperatures).

To direct plants into a more generative growth habit: Apply a little stress (increase EC, restrict moisture in the root zone or allow media to dry slightly more overnight); increase light levels, temperature and CO2; drop back humidity; use a freer-draining media or have more careful control over irrigation; drop back irrigation frequency and amount; and use a greater DIF (night temperatures much lower than day temperatures). For sizing up fruit, use pre-night temperature-drop methods to force assimilate out of leaves and into developing fruits. MY

Plant steering with peppers and crop unloading Peppers tend to grow in flushes, with periods of leaf growth alternating with periods of fruit growth. This usually results in fruit being harvested in flushes during the first few months of the crop. This is a normal growth cycle, but it’s not one that is favoured 52

A wide range of crops need manipulation of the vegetative/generative balance, including melons.

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

Peppers respond to fruit unloading practices if vegetative growth has been severely limited by a heavy crop load.

A

by D o n a l d L e s t e r

Natural Solution Yu c ca We t t i ng Ag e n ts

Saponin-based products are the newest trend in horticulture. They improve the effectiveness of pesticides, increase nutrient uptake and help distribute water more evenly in hydrophobic substrates. Plus, they’re biodegradable, organic and renewable.

News about water pollution and lingering droughts has brought the subject of water conservation into the forefront of resource management discussions lately, especially in the field of agriculture. A number of water-saving products have emerged on the market to address these concerns. Although many of these products use synthetic chemical ingredients to manage water, there are organic alternatives available as well. Arguably, the most popular type of water-saving bio-based product is that made of saponin, or yucca extract.

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“The yucca root contains high levels of saponin, which Native Americans used for centuries to make soap and shampoo.”

What are saponins?

Saponins are natural detergents found in a variety of plant species, especially certain ones found in the desert and those with names that indicate their foaming properties—such as soaproot, soapbark and soapberry. They get their name from the soapwort plant (Saponaria), the root of which was used historically as a soap (the Latin word “sapo” means soap). Commercial saponins are extracted mainly from the desert plants Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria.

Yucca is native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of California, Baja California, southern Nevada and western Arizona. Its needle-sharp tips gave the plant the name “Spanish bayonet.” The yucca root contains high levels of saponin, which Native Americans used for centuries to make soap and shampoo. Quillaja bark has also been used as a shampoo in Chile for centuries.

The soapy characteristics of saponins make them ideal for use as spray adjuvants to make pesticides work better or as additives to help spray solutions stick and spread onto leaf surfaces for better coverage and increased nutrient uptake. An additional characteristic of saponin-based materials is that they help distribute water more evenly in hydrophobic or hard-to-wet substrates. For this reason, manufacturers are starting to add saponin-based materials to their bulk soils and potting mixes. Rates of use vary, depending upon the composition of the media. For example, soil media with a high percentage of peat or wood bark will require more saponin-containing product than a standard potting soil. In hydroponic systems, coconut coir is hard to keep wet, and some manufacturers use up to three times the recommended label rates with no reported ill effects to seedlings.

Environmentally friendly Because saponins are derived from cactus and other desert plants, they are typically certified as organic products and are generally easy to extract using simple, low-cost cold-press methods that don’t have need for harsh or toxic synthetic chemicals.

Since they mostly come from plants, they are also considered green, natural and renewable, as well as biodegradable. Saponins come in either powdered or liquid formulations for convenient use, making them suitable for an array of applications.

Finally, phytotoxicity—or, plant burn—is not known to occur when saponins are used as foliar sprays.

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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A Natural Solution: Yucca Wetting Agents

“Besides being used in

Saponin uses agricultural and health-related Saponins are one of a group of glucosides found in many plant products, saponins are used as a species with known foaming propnatural odour reducer in several erties when mixed with water. Saponins reduce the surface tension of water, allowing the formation of pet products, feeds and litters.” small, stable bubbles. The amount of foam created by saponins shaken in a jar of water is a good indication of the amount of saponins present in a solution.

As a consequence of their surfaceactive properties, saponins are excellent foaming agents and they form extremely stable foams. Saponins have been used in modern times in the manufacture of fire extinguisher foam, toothpaste and liquid soaps, and to increase the foaming qualities of beer and soft drinks—yucca and quillaja extracts are used in beverages like root beer to provide the foamy head. Because of their surfactant properties, saponins are also used industrially in mining and ore separation, in preparation of emulsions for photographic films and extensively in cosmetics products such as lipstick and shampoo, gents are also used in diverse areas of research—in fact, they even are used where their antifungal and antibacterial by the British Museum to gently clean properties are important in addition to ancient manuscripts and artefacts. their emollient effects.Yucca has also been used to treat headaches, bleeding, Fish poison gonorrhoea, arthritis and rheumatism, Most saponins readily dissolve in water among other maladies. and are poisonous to fish. Fish absorb Besides being used in agricultural saponins directly into their bloodstream and health-related products, sapothrough the gills, where the toxin acts on nins are used as a natural odour retheir respiratory organs without affectducer in several pet products, feeds ing their edibility. Saponins also cause and litters. Saponin-based mild deter56

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the breakdown of red blood cells in fish, which helps the toxin spread quickly.

Even though the effects of the poison are powerful, they are not usually fatal, and fish that are washed with or swim through untainted water will soon revive without any lasting ill effects.

Because saponins are toxic to fish these types of products are not recommended for use in or around aquaponic systems where fish and plants are grown together.

Saponin-based products are, however, still valuable in greenhouses for foliar applications and for the treatment of soil mixes.

Heat stress Saponins are believed to be responsible cacti’s heat and drought resistance (and lower amount of stress they have under these conditions). Anecdotal evidence certainly suggests that saponins help plants deal with heat stress. One customer related a story to me where he applied a yucca-based saponin product to a steep south-facing slope to help his ornamental plants cope with the direct sun and the summer heat. Coincidentally, a wildfire occurred a few days after his application and moved up the hillside toward his plantings. Aerial tankers successfully dropped fire retardant to stop the flames, but the intense heat wilted all of the plants in the area. Only his saponin-treated plants withstood the intense heat and showed no wilting or signs of heat stress.

Consider using yucca saponins Yucca and saponin-based products are becoming more commonplace in the market. They are often employed as adjuvants, surfactants or ‘spreader and sticker’ additives for spray solutions; as anti-stress products in hot, dry weather conditions; and as wetting agents for packaged soils and potting mixes, among many other things. It might be time for you to consider using one of these valuable products: after all, why would you ever use a synthetic, chemically based product when you could use a biodegradable, organic, renewable counterpart containing natural saponins? MY

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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Unique Heirloom

Tomatoes

by Matt LeBannister

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Since variety is the spice of life, why not try something different with your next tomato crop?

With all the different types of heirloom tomatoes available today, there’s really no reason to settle for the couple of bland choices we are given at the average supermarket!

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

“There are so few choices of tomatoes in the average grocery store because of seed companies and the farmers they do business with.”

Have you ever noticed when browsing through your local super market how there are only a few different varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs to choose from? Why aren’t there more options and where have all the other cultivars gone? When I go shopping for food, I am lucky if I can find two or three different types of tomatoes available for sale—there is usually only a medium-sized, red beefsteak hybrid and a red vine tomato hybrid available, and neither offers much in the way of flavour or appearance. So why are there not any alternatives?

The reason for this lack of selection is somewhat disturbing. There are so few choices of tomatoes in the average grocery store because of seed companies and the farmers they

do business with. The large seed companies have genetically modified the tomato seeds that they are selling to the farmer, designing them to grow more tomatoes in less time, using fewer nutrients. These seeds are generally the only seeds available to the large-scale farmer and since the seeds are hybrids, they cannot be reproduced; instead the farmer must continue to purchase seeds from the seed company each year in order to sow the crop. These large seed companies have bought up the smaller seed producers, eliminating the heirloom strains that have been around for centuries—leading to the serious risk of extinction for many of these strains.

Enter the heirloom seed savers. Just when it seemed like large seed companies had a stranglehold on the industry, organizations specializing in the preservation and distribution of heirloom or heritage strains sprang up to save the day. There has been an explosion of heirloom seed companies in the last couple of decades, largely driven by the Internet. Their goal is to preserve true, open-pollinated, non-hybrid heirloom cultivars while giving the average home gardener some options to grow different strains that would not normally be available to them.

From this article you will learn about some completely unique heritage tomato strains that can be grown at home.

The first heirloom strain that we will discuss is an old Russian variety called the persimmon tomato. The fruit is bright yellow or orange,

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Unique Heirloom Tomatoes

“Persimmon tomatoes can be grown indoors where they require lots of light to thrive, doing best under HID bulbs.”

which can seem strange to those of us who have only ever seen red tomatoes, but they’re generally considered one of the best-tasting yellow/orange strains available. They are a determinate variety, which means that all their fruit is produced and ripens at the same time, and they’re usually 7.6 to 10.2 cm in diameter and round, with no ribbing or blemishes.

These are meaty tomatoes that are juicy with few seeds, full of tomato flavour and a little tangy—perfect for sauces, salads or just on their own.

Persimmon tomatoes can be grown indoors where they require lots of light to thrive, doing best under HID bulbs. For vegetative growth, the plants need 18 hours of uninterrupted light followed by six hours of uninterrupted darkness per day.

To trick the plants into flowering indoors, switch the photoperiod to 12 hours of uninterrupted light followed by 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness, which simulates the amount of light the plants would receive if they were grown outdoors.

This strain usually grows 1.2 to 1.8 m tall, although it can get larger, and the plants need a daytime temperature between 18.3 and 29.4°C and a nighttime temperature no lower than 12.8°C. Persimmon tomatoes have an ideal pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 in soil and 5.8 to 6.4 in hydroponics—if the pH level drifts out of this ideal range the plant will begin to lock out nutrients and deficiencies will develop.

Persimmon tomatoes are open-pollinating, so you must pollinate them by hand when growing these types of plants indoors. The best way to accomplish this is by touching the tip of a paintbrush to each flower twice a day while the plant is in bloom in order to spread the pollen from flower 60

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to flower, male organs to female organs. All things considered, the persimmon cultivar is an excellent heirloom tomato that takes about 80 days from seed sowing to fruit harvest.

Another unique tomato cultivar is the purple calabash, which is said to date back to pre-Columbian Mexico. Purple calabash (5.1 to 7.6 cm in diameter) tomatoes have a rich purple or chocolate brown hue with purple, green or pink interiors and deep ridges, making them resemble little pumpkins. They have a rich, complex flavour, which has been compared to wine; are unlikely to crack or blemish; and are drought tolerant and disease resistant. Purple calabash tomatoes are great for making salsa, bruschette, sauces and salads, or eaten simply on their own.

Purple calabash tomatoes can be cultivated at home fairly easily. They need lots of light to produce great fruit, so growing them under HIDs is recommended. For the vegetative stage of growth, this strain needs 18 hours of uninterrupted light. In order to get the plants to flower indoors, you’ll have to switch the photoperiod to 12 hours of uninterrupted light followed by 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness. Purple calabash tomatoes also need to be hand pollinated when grown indoors.

The ideal pH range for purple calabash tomatoes is from 5.5 to seven in soil and between 5.8 and 6.4 in hydroponics. This cultivar can grow anywhere from 1.2 to 2.4 m tall and staking the plants is recommended to keep them from falling over and being damaged. Purple calabash tomatoes are an indeterminate strain—which means that their fruit does not develop and ripen all at once—and it should take about 75 to 85 days from seed sowing to harvest.

The next cultivar that we’ll look at is the reisetomate, an extremely rare German heirloom strain that just might be the most strange and unique tomato cultivar that I have ever come across. The reisetomate is called the travel tomato—and for good reason. The fruit produced by this strange tomato plant resembles red cloves of garlic and the reisetomate is essentially like a cluster of cherry tomatoes that has fused together. They make tasty and convenient snacks to travel with because you can break off the tomato a piece at a time while doing little damage to the remaining fruit.

In fact, each piece has the makeup of an individual tomato, with skin, flesh and a core full of seeds despite the fact that they are all fused together to make up one large fruit. As far as flavour is concerned, the fruit of the reisetomate is tasty but hardly extraordinary—it’s really more of a show tomato, something to blow the minds of those conditioned to grocery store hybrids.

Reisetomate tomatoes are relatively easy to grow

indoors and since they’ll only grow from 61 to 91.4 cm in height, they’re a good choice for smaller indoor spaces.

They’re an indeterminate strain—so the fruit will develop gradually and not all at once—and they’re resistant to many diseases, such as fusarium wilt, verticulum wilt, root nematodes and tobacco mosaic. While their ideal pH range is the same as the other tomatoes we’ve discussed, reisetomate plants can tolerate somewhat lower temperatures.

Like most tomato strains reisetomate plants require lots of light to produce fruit and they do best under HID lights.

They need 18 hours of uninterrupted light for the vegetative stage of growth; however, in order to trick the plant into flowering, you’ll have to switch the photoperiod to 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness. Like the other strains we’ve discussed, reisetomate tomatoes will also need to be pollinated by hand in order to produce fruit indoors.

One safety note for the home grower—certain parts of all tomato plants are toxic and must not be consumed, as the leaves and stems contain small amounts of a toxin called tomatine. MY

Sources backyardgardener.com heritageharvestseed.com amishlandseeds.com plantexplorers.com thisgardenisillegal.com

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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The

4

Elemental Building blocks

of Growing

by Chris Pianta

Fire, water, earth and air used to be the building blocks of the world. While atoms and string theory have taken over their places in science, there’s no denying that the four elements still play a critical role in growing healthy plants…

In ancient Greek times, well before the concept of chemistry, physics and even basic agriculture, all matter in the world was made up of four primary elements: fire, water, earth and air. These four elements—not atoms, not string theory, not bending of the fabric of time or space—were the ancient building blocks of the world Funny, these same four elements are the critical building blocks to healthy plants. The big four—fire (temperature), water (hydration), earth (soil) and air (porosity)—are the basics to a proper soil environment and, following that, healthy roots and plants.

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Humans have spent the better part of the last 100 years “improving” on nature in agriculture through chemistry. We have proven that with the right management, we can grow grass on concrete and plants in Styrofoam, but there is a price to pay for ignoring the basic four elements. Only recently have we realised that ignoring the basics results in a decline in soil health and quality. Fortunately, we also grasped that properly utilising the assets nature provides us with—and understanding the relationship between the big four and soil microbes—will improve our crops’ quality, yield and sustainability.

Physical amendments for native or manufactured soils are primarily used to adjust porosity, either by adding capillary or non-capillary pore space in the soil, in order to enhance water and air movement. This will also help regulate the thermo capacity of a soil, which does not transfer heat well at all (hence why soil is a great insulator), and promotes the health and vigour of the flora and fauna growing in it.

Chemical amendments add nutrients to the soil or adjust the soil acidity. In some places, acidity is a major issue with native soils. A pH below 6.0 reduces the availability of nutrients, especially nitrogen, and results in poor appearance and growth. For many, an annual rite of spring was to cover their lawns with pulverized lime. Now, with pelletized lime, the demand for powered lime is lower, but the need is still there; you will waste every dime you spend on fertilisers if your pH is not right.

Biological amendments might be the “new” horizon, but they have been unknowingly used for centuries. As much as we loved (still love?) to use cow manure in the garden to help hold water and provide nutrients, it was really the power pack of microbes in the manure that result in the benefits to our plants.

Soil microbes interact with plant roots symbiotically to promote cell development, the uptake of water and the absorption of nutrients. So, instead of using a “life is better with chemistry” thought process (with which all you do is add more fertilisers to get the results you need), it is clear that a properly biologically active soil can significantly reduce your need for fertilisers while still producing a better plant.

Our big four building blocks all play a role in our success as growers and horticulturalists, so don’t over think and don’t over tech a process that has worked successfully without human intervention for hundreds of millions of years. Keep it simple. Base your systems on what nature evolved the plant to grow in and you and your plants will see success. MY

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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IndustrY’s Latest fRESH INDUSTRY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS, PLUS EXCLUSIVE GIVEaWAYS FOR GROWERS Growing an Industry: 50,000 Clicks in Less Than one Month!

We are happy to present this exceptional documentary that traces the history of General Hydroponics since its creation by Lawrence Brooke in 1976. You will discover the spirit of this company (a global market leader in hydroponics for over three decades), as well as its deep commitment to preserve the environment and its efforts to promote the enormous potential of the technology for the future.

To have a look at our video, go to gb.eurohydro.com. Several companies and media have also added the video to their website, thus opening wide the doors to this information. If you’d like to do the same, just let us know at website@eurohydro.com and we’ll give you the directions.

Smart Tech Smart Valve now Distributed by Hydrogarden The robust Smart Valve is a new patented regulator to control the flow of water to plants. Activated by a non-powered moisture sensor, the plants themselves are able to control their own water supply. Offering high flexibility, the Smart Valve’s adjustable depth regulator allows growers to vary watering volumes to best suit season and plant species.

As the Smart Valve allows plants to regulate their own requirements, there is no risk of overwatering or under watering. Unlike manual or timer-based watering systems, the Smart Valve gives growers the advantage of a completely natural wet and dry cycle. Ask your local retailer about the Smart Valve today.

Maxibright to Release the new Biowave DI9200 at GROW EXPOs 2012

Maxibright will be launching a revolutionary new product at the GROW 2012 indoor gardening exhibition in Manchester this September. The new Biowave DI9200 is a horticultural growth booster researched and developed in California by Biowave Industries. The Biowave DI9200 emits subsonic harmonic waves that resonate with plant frequencies, causing the stomata to dilate. This dilation allows plants to breathe better with noticeable results: increased yield, increased fruiting and flowering, and faster crop turnover. Tests have also measured higher brix levels in the plants grown using the Biowave, resulting in the plants forming stronger stems and healthier growth. What’s more, Biowave users have reported a drastic reduction in the population of harmful insects like spider mites near the machine, meaning this product provides an eco-friendly alternative to pesticides. Visit maxibright.com for more information.

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VitaLink Measuring Cap All VitaLink Plant Nutrition and Plant Additive bottles come with a measuring cap. This handy plastic cap allows for measuring up to 1 ½ fl. oz. and 50 ml. The easy pour spout makes it easier for you to get the right amount of nutrient or additive into your tank or reservoir with fewer spills and less waste. For more information, visit vitalink.eu

Green Spirit Hydroponic Distribution Centre Opening Soon Green Spirit Hydroponics Ltd. is proud to announce the opening of a new sister shop, located at Unit 6 Rockingham Business Park, Sheffield Road, Birdwell, Barnsley. The new shop is closely located close to the M1 motorway, perfect for customers coming in from Barnsley, Rotherham, Leeds and Manchester. Green Spirit’s sister shop stocks all the same amazing products, and is run with the same ethos, as our first store. Our focus continues to be on great customer service and making sure our valued customers receive the best prices around. The new shop will have a facility for customers to pick up their previously purchased equipment after the shop has closed for the day. Locked ship containers with unique lock codes will be available for customers to open them at any time, day or night, enabling them to pick up their purchases at their leisure.

Along with the new shop, we will also soon be creating a customer loyalty card that offers special discounts for customers who regularly buy in bulk.

FloraKleen’s New Kind of Clean FloraKleen is a clearing solution unique within this industry. It is not enzyme based; in fact, it uses a completely different technology. FloraKleen cleans the mineral accumulations in the substrate (enzymes clean accumulation of organic matter).

So, if your substrate is contaminated with salt aggregates, if mineral deposits on the root system reduce the root intake efficiency, if you want to add buffering capacity to your nutrient solution or if you’d like to feed your beneficial microorganism population, then it is time to use FloraKleen. Its high concentration and low price make FloraKleen the economical choice for maintaining your plants in both hydroponics and soil-based environments. For more information, go to gb.eurohydro.com

PLANT!T Social Media Want to know more about PLANT!T? The PLANT!T brand is now on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Follow PLANT!T to keep up-to-date on the range of new products for indoor and outdoor growing needs.

PLANT!T will be posting articles, photos and videos, so you can keep yourself informed about innovations in both indoor and outdoor growing.

Search PLANT!T now on Facebook and Google+, and use @Plantit_Growit on Twitter to connect to PLANT!T now. Also, visit plantit-growit.com

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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IndustrY’s Latest

fRESH INDUSTRY NEWS

Growth Technology Birthday Celebration

Growth Technology first incorporated in 1987 as Growth Corporation in western Australia. Five years later, we arrived in the UK and established our fledgling business in the Taunton area.

During June 2012, Growth Technology observed the 25th anniversary of its incorporation and the 20th anniversary of the birth of the UK operation. To celebrate these milestones, Giles and Alys Gunstone—the founders of the business—recently threw an anniversary party for employees, suppliers and friends of the company. Musical entertainment was provided, and was enjoyed by all who attended. Even the poor English summer weather couldn’t put a dampener on the proceedings.

Of course we are happy to reach these milestones, but we are also always looking forward. After 25 years, Growth Technology is still investing in growth and our passion for creating great products burns brighter than ever. Growth Technology continues to deliver success to our customers with market-leading products like Clonex and Ionic, which still deliver unrivalled results. This stream of new products continues to flow with the launch of Clonex Mist in 2012.

We also recently installed a fully automated production line to ensure stock is maintained and to keep pace with an everincreasing demand. Further investment has also been made in other key areas of the business with R&D, production, sales and marketing being resourced to ensure continued delivery of customer service satisfaction. Growth Technology has an ongoing drive toward the future and is always looking forward to bringing new benefits to their customers.

Giles and Alys Gunstone

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

AT A GLANCE Company: Greenfinger-Hydroponics Owners: Nigel and Natalie Piper Location: Unit 3 Park Works, 16-18 Park Rd., Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, KT2 6BX +44 (0) 208 546 3444 Unit 59 T Marchant Estate, 42-72 Verney Rd., South Bermondsey, SE16 3DH +44 (0) 207 394 0629 Unit 38 Silicon Business Centre, 28 Wadsworth Rd., Perivale, UB6 7JZ +44 (0) 208 998 2034 Email: greenfingerhydroponics@btconnect.com Website: greenfinger-hydroponics.co.uk Motto: “Are you Growing Our Way?”

Greenfinger Still Going Strong Greenfinger is the place to browse, shop, get sound advice and receive great afterpurchase support.

The secret to their success is spending time and building relationships with their customers.

“It’s a delight to still see some of our original customers from the 1990s—the real pioneers of indoor growing. Back then, Greenfinger was a melting pot of ideas, and we’ll be the first to admit that we learned much from many of our first customers,” said Natalie Piper, co-owner of Greenfinger.

VitaLink Retailer Locator Now on the VitaLink website, there is a retailer locator to help you find your nearest stockist of VitaLink’s range of nutrients, additives and growing media. It’s simple: log on to vitalink.eu, enter your postcode and find who your local retailers are.

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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IndustrY’s Latest

COMING UP IN November/December

Smart Pots is going to GROW 2012 Smart Pots® will be attending the GROW 2012 Manchester indoor gardening expo September 22-23, 2012. We will be presenting our entire line of fabric aeration containers, including large and small Smart Pots. We will also be presenting new products this year, so be sure to stop by and see us in stand #39. There will be plenty of samples for you to take home with you to test. The Smart Pot is the leading fabric aeration container in the world, used by the best indoor growers. Visit us at GROW 2012 and see what getting Smart is all about.

100% CANNA Nutrients Now you can collect CANNA points when purchasing CANNA nutrients. The more CANNA points you collect, the bigger the prizes! You can collect and redeem your CANNA points for CANNA additives, CANNA beanbags or even for a CANNA bicycle.

Find your unique CANNA code on the nutrient bottle and redeem on the CANNA website. As a bonus, here’s a free code! Enter UkwCAN on the CANNA website (canna-uk.com) and start collecting today!

Issue Focus:

Media Madness and Ventilation Reuse, Reuse, Reuse Your Media Reduce the amount of refuse your garden creates by reusing your media. The benefits to doing so go beyond the environment.

Ventilation and CO2: A Balancing Act

Discover what happens when ventilation and CO2 collide, and how to measure and control both using the latest technology.

Treat ‘em Bad and They’ll Taste Better: Improving Flavour Dr. Morgan shares some secrets for amping up the flavours in your hydroponic crops.

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

www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield UK (November/December) will be available in November for free at select indoor gardening retail stores across the UK and on maximumyield.com Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions and maximumyield.com/digital-subscription

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

DO YOU KNOW?

1.

2.

Animal waste and plant material that has fallen to the ground are two sources of nitrogen that occur naturally in untended wilderness.

“Nute burn” is the wrinkled-paper-like damage on plant leaves that results from using too much fertiliser.

Since LEDs heat up mostly at the back of the fixture, they can be placed closer to plants than HID lamps.

A stem much larger in diameter than usual indicates the plant is heading in a vegetative direction, and a much thinner stem means the plant is going generative.

5.

6.

7.

Saponin-based materials help distribute water more evenly in hydrophobic or hard-to-wet substrates.

A pH below 6.0 reduces the availability of nutrients, especially nitrogen.

Commercial saponins are extracted mainly from the desert plants Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria.

The wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm (called photomorphogenic radiation) controls photochromic reactions, which govern development and differentiation of general plant growth, respiration, vegetative growth, flowering, reproduction, elongation and dormancy.

9.

3.

4.

8.

Additives containing growth hormones like kelp can accelerate growth throughout the vegetative period and enhance the plant’s overall health.

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

69

you tell us

Kirsty Lowe of LUMii recently spoke with Maximum Yield UK about the lamps that will optimise growth in your growing environment, the company’s online presence and the people behind the light…

Maximum Yield (MY): Who are the people behind the LUMii brand?

Kirsty Lowe: LUMii is a fantastic new range of lighting equipment. What is great about LUMii is that the range has been designed by growers, for growers. The designers of LUMii understand what growers require and have built in many unique features to make growing easier.

in fire resistant, glass-filled Nylon. It is silent and cool running and will fire up your lamp up to 15 m from your ballast. The LUMii COMPACTA can be wall mounted or used horizontally or vertically.

We also love our LUMii Growroom Lenses. These are specifically designed to allow you to view your crop in a more natural light and reduce the glare from HID and CFL grow lamps. They have a specially developed blue lens that corrects the orange hue of sodium lights—this makes the sodium-lit growroom appear as if it is in daylight.

LUMii Growroom Lenses also make identifying pests and disease problems easier without having to turn off your grow lights.

MY: What makes your team members experts in the field of hydroponics and indoor gardening?

Kirsty: The dedicated team of experts behind LUMii have years of experience within the hydroponics industry. These experts are constantly looking at market demand and searching for new ways to innovate. Product quality and versatility have been key in the development of the LUMii range.

MY: Which LUMii

products are your favourites right now and why?

Kirsty: We love all of our LUMii products because they are so versatile and unique. Our current favourite is the new LUMii COMPACTA Potted Ballast. It is available in 400 W and 600 W, and it has the same great component quality and high output that you would expect from LUMii. The LUMii COMPACTA case is injection-moulded

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

MY: In layman’s terms, what are the differences between the various styles of indoor grow lights?

What is each style best for?

Kirsty: There are various types of lamps on the market. In order to optimise growth in your growing environment, it is essential that you choose a lamp that is suited to your growing stage and that has the correct colour spectrum and intensity. Lamps with a blue spectrum will promote growth, whilst lamps with a red spectrum will aid flower and fruiting.

The main lamp types on the market are high intensity discharge (HID), which include metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, and fluorescent lamps, which include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). HID lamps are extremely bright and can be used as a substitute for natural sunlight, as they have a similar colour spectrum.

These types of lamps require external ballasts. CFLs are not

between a CFL and an HPS lamp. With the LUMii MAXii system and the CFL Converter Kit, you can use a cool CFL lamp for vegetative growth then, if you are flowering, switch to an HPS lamp by simply unplugging the converter plug and plugging into a LUMii ballast—all without taking your reflector down or changing it. No other reflector does this. It also includes a unique adjustable lamp holder designed to fit all E40 lamp types, and all earth requirements are incorporated into the lamp holder itself.

as bright as HIDs, generate little heat and usually feature internal ballasts.

LUMii offers both HPS and CFL lamps. The LUMii SunBlaster Dual Spectrum HPS lamp has raised spectral discharge in the reds and blues, with exactly the right spectral energy distribution curves that your plants need to thrive during their flowering stages. LUMii Energy Saving CFLs are your low-energy option. These high-output 125 W lamps are available in warm white and cool white varieties and can be used during vegetative growth, as well as flowering.

MY: What makes the MAXii Reflector special? When

will it be available to consumers?

Kirsty: The LUMii MAXii is a unique, easy-to-use reflector now available to customers. It allows you to choose 1.0

1.0 = 4190mw/nm

MY: What does the

Spectral Output

Raised output

0.5

0.0 380.400.0

500.0

600.0

Wavelength (nm)

700.0

MY: How can our readers stay updated on new products, initiatives and events from LUMii? Kirsty: LUMii has a new website: grow-lumii.com. It features the complete range of lighting equipment and provides all of the information that you n e e d to know about the new LUMii product range.

You can also now follow LUMii on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. These social media networks are a great way of keeping yourself updated with the latest products and information, as well as hints and tips on lighting systems. Simply search LUMii on Facebook and Google+, and use @LUMiiLighting on Twitter to connect to the brand now!

800.0

company have planned for the brand for 2012 and beyond?

Kirsty: The experts behind LUMii are always looking for new innovations and ways of expanding the LUMii lighting range. LUMii is all about versatility and unique product features that are tailored to consumer requirements, at competitive prices. There are many more exciting products to come from LUMii, so look out for these online. MY

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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talking shop

AT A GLANCE Company: Grow Green Ltd. Owners: Nick Hart and Adam Dasilva Location: 15-17 Green Lane, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham B36 0AY +44 (0) 1212 416445 Unit 4, Castle Trading Estate, La Grange, Tamworth B79 7XD +44 (0) 1827 62766 Email: growgreen@live.co.uk Website: grow-green.co.uk Motto: “ The One Stop Hydroponic Shop!”

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

The Grow Green guys from left: Gary, Darren and Robert

Before Grow Green Ltd., owners Nick and Adam worked as a market trader and brick layer, respectively. However, their love of hydroponics, experimenting to gain higher yields, and desire to share information with others pushed them out of these jobs and into the indoor gardening industry…

Nick and Adam, owners of Grow Green Ltd., first bought their small Castle Bromwich shop in Birmingham in March 2010. They spent plenty of man-hours knocking down partitions, building counters, cleaning windows and trawling through hydroponic catalogues looking for the best products to stock before finally opening Grow Green’s doors in May of that year. Nick and Adam say they had “a good response straight away” and that customers were happy with the shop’s stock and the shop itself.

Still, the start-up years were a struggle.

“We didn’t know everything about the industry,” admits Nick. One of the first problems the Grow Green team— which, at the beginning, consisted of Nick, Adam and Adam’s brother, Darren—had to surmount came with their first delivery. “There were 17 pallets of soil and other stuff…and knowing only a little about the products from what

we read in books before we opened, we [were] confused for days, looking at certain bottles and thinking, ‘What does this do?’” he says.

However, the team pulled through.

They gained knowledge by trawling Internet pages, reading books and asking wholesalers questions about their products. The team also questioned their customers for feedback on products that Nick, Adam or Darren didn’t know much about.

As their stock and knowledge grew, the Grow Green team began building successful relationships with the shop’s customers. Nick, Adam and Darren passed on the product and growing tips they had gathered, and it was these tips—and the resulting bigger yields— that kept customers coming back and spreading the word about Grow Green.

Nick also credits the team’s effort to simply tell their customers the truth for gaining market share and recognition.

“We tell our customers what works and we will not sell things we know don’t work,” he says. “We do sell budget filters, but whenever customer asks for one, we tell them, ‘Yes, we do sell them, but we do not recommend them?’

“What made our company stand out from the rest in Birmingham was selling products that work and [offering] all the in-depth help they could [want] all in one shop.”

“ What made our company stand out from the rest...was selling products that work and offering...in-depth help.”

Adam (left) and Nick.

Today, Grow Green has two more members on their team—Robert and Gary— and another shop to run. The original store in still in Castle Bromwich, and in May 2012, they opened up a bigger warehouse in the Tamworth area. In this second shop, they set up a big display area where all the systems available for sale are built and running behind see-through plastic so customers can see how they operate. This unique hydroponic shop also has artificial grass laid down throughout the warehouse.

Grow Green takes pride in offering the products their customers want. The shops stock most branded products, including Dutch Pro, Canna, Genesis, Growers Ark, Biobizz, House & Garden, Plant Vitality, Plagron, Rhino Filters, GAVITA and IWS. The company is also still keeping to its old philosophy: tell the truth to the customers and they will return!

Nick is happy with the evolution of Grow Green. “We started with one shop [and] just a bit of knowledge; now we have two shops that are fully stocked and have all the in depth information any growers would need,” he says. “Both shops have been a complete success and gained customer base a lot quicker than we could have ever expected.” MY

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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MAX-mART SOMERSET HYDROPONICS Est. 1999

The Most Trusted personal in-store service combined with the fastest most reliable online service!

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

Join our newsletter online to receive regular discounts!

Unit 4 Technine, Houndstone Business Park Yeovil Somerset BA22 8YE • 01935 420720

www.somhydro.co.uk

Opening hours Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 6:30 Sat: 10:00 - 4:00

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

MAX-mART

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Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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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

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

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

3 Counties Hydroponics Unit 52, Robert Court Ind.E s. Britten Rd. Reading, Berkshire UK RG2 0AU Tel: +44 (0) 1189 874758 3 Counties Hydroponics 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 ____________________________

Acorn Horticulture 65 Deep Ln. Sheffield, UK S5 0DU Tel: +44 (0) 1142 458581 www.acornhorticulture.co.uk ____________________________ Addloes Lighting & Hydroponics 16-A Maple Rd., Winton Bourmouth, Dorset UK BH9 2PN Tel: +44 (0) 1202 524525; www.addloes.com Allbright #6., The Rise Edgware, Middlesex UK HA8 8NR Tel: +44 (0) 2089 582426 Amazing Garden Supplies (Bridgend) Unit 6 Eastlake Close., Litchard Ind. Es. Bridgend, South Wales UK CF31 2AL Tel: +44 (0) 1656 663030 Amazing Garden Supplies (Bristol) Unit 3 Moravian Bus.Pk., Moravian Rd. Kingswood, Bristol UK BS15 8NF Tel: +44 (0) 1179 605566 Anglia Hydroponics 62 A Straight Rd. Boxted, Colchester, Essex UK C04 5RD Tel: +44 (0) 1206 272677 www.angliahydroponics.co.uk Aquaculture Unit 79 (A) Carlton Ind. Es. Barnsley, South Yorkshire UK S71 3HW Tel: +44 (0) 8456 445544 www.aquaculture-hydroponics.co.uk

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Aquatech Horticultural Lighting 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 ____________________________

Aztec Garden Unit 1A Roughan Ind.Es. Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk UK IP30 9ND Tel: +44 (0) 1359 271876 www.aztec-garden.co.uk _____________________________ Basement Lighting Ltd. 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 Blooming Borders Unit 3, Borders Bus Pk. Longtown Carlisle, Cumbria UK CA6 5TD Tel: +44 (0) 1228 792587 www.bloomingbordersltd.co.uk Bradford Hydroponics 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 Bright Green UK Ltd. 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 Unit 11 Roman Ind. Es. Croydon, UK CRO 2DT Tel: +44 (0) 2086 834424 www.britelite-hydroponics-uk.com Bub’s allotment 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

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

Chrissie’s Garden Unit 33 Portsmouth Enterprise Ctr. Quartermain Rd. Portsmouth, UK PO3 5QT Tel: +44 (0) 2392 667887 Clever Green 35 Ketley Bus. Pk. Waterloo Rd., Telford, Shropshire UK TF1 5JD Tel: +44 (0) 1952 257200 www.clevergreen.co.uk Crofters Bio Gardens Unit 2, Bloomsgrove Ind. Es.Ilkeston Rd. Radford, Nottingham UK NG7 3JB Tel: +44 (0) 1159 782345 www.croftersbiogardens.com Discount Hydroponics 1 Bus. Bldg. Waltergrave St. Hastings, East Sussex UK TN34 1SJ Tel: +44 (0) 1424 428186 Eastbourne Hydroponics 47 Upperton Rd. Eastbourne, East Sussex UK BN21 1LT Tel: +44 (0) 1323 732241 Eighteen Twelve Ltd. Unit 11 Whitehall Properties Towngate Wyke, Bradford UK BD12 9JQ Tel: +44 (0) 1274 694444 Elements Hydroponic Center 44 Auster Rd. Clifton Moor, York UK YO30 4XA Tel: +44 (0) 1904 479979 www.elementshydroponics.com Enhanced Urban Gardening 152 London Rd. Workingham, Berkshire UK RG40 1SU Tel: +44 (0) 1189 890510 www.enhancedurbangardening.co.uk Esoteric Hydroponics Ltd. 8 Martyr Rd. Guildford, Surrey UK GU1 4LF Tel: +44 (0) 1483 596484 www.1-hydroponics.co.uk Garden Secrets UK Ltd. Unit 3 Hollybush Est. Whitchurch, Cardiff UK CF14 7DS Tel: +44 (0) 2920 651792 www.gardensecretsuk.co.uk Garforth Hydroponics Back off 11a main street Leeds, UK lS25 1DS www.garforthhydroponics.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 10 Wellington St. Gateshead, UK NE8 2AJ Tel: +44 (0) 1914 789107 www.greendazehydroponics.co.uk ____________________________

GREEN FEVER 18 Hartsill Rd., Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire, UK ST4 7QU Tel: +44 (0) 1782 414448 www.green-fever.co.uk ____________________________ Green Finger 190 Hessle Rd. Hull, East Yorkshire UK HU3 3BE Tel: +44 (0) 1482 222425

____________________________

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

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

Greenfinger-Hydroponics Unit 38 Silicon Business Centre,28 Wadsworth Road, Perivale,UB6 7JZ Tel: +44 (0) 208 998 2034 ____________________________ Green Spirit Hydroponics Ltd 8-10 Stanley St. Sheffield, UK S3 8HJ Tel: +44 (0) 1142 753353 www.greenspirit-hydroponics.com Green Stream 12-14 Vivian Rd. Harbourne, Birmingham UK B17 ODS Tel: +44 (0) 1214 262675 www.greenstream.co.uk Green World 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 Unit 5A Alexander Ct. Hazleford Way Newstead, Nottingham UK NG15 0DQ Tel: +44 (0) 1623 755055 ____________________________

Greenhouse Effect Unit 2 Eagle Farm Cranfield Rd. Wavendon, Milton Keynes UK MK17 8AU Tel: +44 (0) 1908 585283 ____________________________ 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 61 Riverside III, Sir Thomas Longley Road, MEdway City Estate Rochester, KENT ME2 4BH Tel: 01634 716764 www.thegreenroomvip.co.uk Greens Horticulture 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 Unit 1G. Gregory Rd. Mildenhall, Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk UK IP28 7PP Tel: +44 (0) 1638 715350 www.greensea-hydroponics.co.uk ____________________________

Greenstream Hydroponics 12-14 Vivian Rd. Birmingham, Harbourne UK B17 0DS Tel: +44 (0) 1214 262675 www.greenstream.co.uk ____________________________ Greenthings Hydroponics 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. 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 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. Unit 4 Castle Trading Est. La Grange, Tamwarth, UK B79 7X0 Tel: +44 (0) 1827 62766 Grow Shaw 96-98 Shaw Heath Rd., Stockport, Manchester UK SK3 8BP Tel: +44 (0) 8452 725266 www.growshaw.co.uk Grow Zone UK Unit 7, West Court, Crantock Street Newquay, Cornwall UK TR7 1JL Tel: +44 (0) 1637 806115 www.growzoneuk.com GroWell Coleshill Units 8-11 Coleshill Trade Park, Station Rd. Coleshill, Birmingham UK B46 1HT Tel: +44 (0) 8453 442333 www.growell.co.uk 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 1 Royal Parade 247 Dawes Rd. Fullham, London UK SW6 7RE Tel: +44 (0) 8453 445174 www.growell.co.uk GroWell Hockley Heath 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.uk

Growing Life #6 Newington Green Rd. London, UK N1 4RX Tel: +44 (0) 2070 339541 www.growing-life.com

Hydroglo Ltd. The Top Store South Rd., Towerhamlets Dover, Kent UK CT17 OAH Tel: +44 (0) 1304 203199 Web: www.hydroglowltd.co.uk

Groworks 94 Upper Wickham Lane Welling, Kent, UK DA16 3HQ Tel: +44 (0) 2088 545160

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

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

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 24, Port Talbot Business Units Addison Road Port Talbot, UK SA12 6HZ Tel: +44 (0) 1639 888891 www.hydroponicsdotcom.com Hydropower 300 Holton Rd. Barry, Vale Of Glamorgan UK CF63 4HW Tel: +44 (0) 7725 551479 www.hydro-power.biz

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

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

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

Rockington Nursery Blackness Rd. Sunderland, UK SR4 7XT Tel: 01 9155 18453

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 Web: www.thehomegrower.com

Hytec Horticulture Old Wales Wood Colliery, Mansfield Rd. Sheffield, UK S26 5PQ Tel: +44 (0) 1909 772872 www.hytechorticulture.co.uk Junction 10 Hydro Unit 55, Owen Road Industrial Estate Willenhall, WV13 2PX Tel: 0121 5686850 www.j10hydro.com Kernow Grow Ltd. 11 D. Kernick Ind. Es. Penryn, Cornwall UK TR10 9EP Tel: +44 (0) 3300 104420 www.kernowgrow.co.uk

Huyton Hydroponics & Gardening Supplies Huyton, Mersey Side UK Tel: +44 (0) 1514 820101 www.huytonhydro.co.uk

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

Hydro 1 Stop Unit 35 Deykin Pk. Ind. Es. Deykin Ave. Aston, Birmingham UK B67HN Tel: +44 (0) 1213 280876 www.hydro1stop.co.uk

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

Hydro Hobby Unit 4 Brook Farm, Stoneleigh Rd. Gibbet Hill, Coventry UK CV4 7AB Tel: +44 (0) 2476 414161 www.hydrohobby.co.uk

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

Hydro Station Ltd. Unit 10 Hillfoot Ind. Es. Hoyland Rd. Sheffield, South Yorkshire UK S38AB Tel: +44 (0) 1142 491636 www.hydrostationltd.co.uk

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

Hydrodragon Ltd. 113-115 Alfred St. Roath Cardiff, South Glamorgan UK CF24 4UA Tel: +44 (0) 2920 490333 www.hydrodragon.co.uk

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

Manchester Hydroponics Unit 1A, Reliance St. Newton Heath, Manchester UK M40 3AG Tel: +44 (0) 1616 887333 www.manchesterhydroponics.co.uk manchesterhydroponics@yahoo.co.uk Matilda’s Planet 1 Green Pl. Kenfig, South Wales UK Tel: +44 (0) 7895 567843 dale.hudd@grg.com Mellow Yellow Hydro Ltd. Unit B1A Towngate Works., Dark Ln. Mawdesley, Lancashire UK L40 2QU Tel: +44 (0) 1704 822609 www.mellowyellowhydro.co.uk 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 New Age Hydroponics Unit 1 Albert Pl., Albert Mill Lower Darwen, Lancashire UK BB3 OQE Tel: +44 (0) 1254 661177 New Leaf Hydroponics 1 Horsewater Wynd, Hawkhill, Dundee UK DD1 5DU Tel: +44 (0) 1382 202556 www.newleafhydroponics.co.uk Norfolk Lights & Hydroponics Centre Ltd. Unit 2 Guardian Rd., Ind. Es. Norwich, Norfolk UK NR5 8PF Tel: +44 (0) 1603 666199 www.norfolklights.com North Devon Hydroponics Unit 4 , Abbey Rd. Barnstaple, Devon UK EX31 1JU Tel: +44 (0) 1271 314999 www.northdevonhydroponics.co.uk NuGreen Hydroponics Unit 4 Stirchley Trad. Es., Hazelwell Rd. Stirchley, Birmingham UK B3O 2PF Tel: +44 (0) 1216 855900 www.nugreenhydroponics.co.uk One Stop Grow Shop Unit 8, Fenton Ind. Es., Dewsbury Rd. Fenton, Stroke-On-Trent UK ST4 2TE Tel: +44 (0) 1782 212000 www.onestopgrowshop.co.uk Planet Hydro Unit 11 NorthBridge Works., Storey St. Leicester, Leics UK LE3 5GR Tel: +44 (0) 1162 510800 Plant Life Unit 11, Riverside Wy., Ravensthorpe Ind Es. Dewsbury, West Yorkshire UK WF13 3LG Tel: +44 (0) 1924 492298 www.plantlife.me.uk Plantasia 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 Rootzone Hydroponics Ltd. Unit 2 & 3., The Green Bus.Ctr., The Causeway Staines, Middlesex UK TW18 3AL +44 (0) 1784 490370 www.hydrowebshop.com

Sale Hydro 71 Dane Rd., Sale Manchester, Lancashire UK M33 7BP Tel: +44 (0) 1619 739899 Email: care@salehydroponics.co.uk Sea of Green UK 25 Eastcott Hill Swindon, Wiltshire UK SN1 3JG Tel: +44 (0) 1793 617046 www.seaofgreen.co.uk

The Inner Garden Ltd. 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

Somerset Hydro Unit 14., Yeovil Small Bus. Ctr. Houndstone Bus Pk. Yeovil, Somerset UK BA22 8WA Tel: +44 (0) 1935 420720 www.somhydro.co.uk

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

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

Southern Hydro Centre 9 Mamesbury Rd. Southampton, Hampshire UK S01 SFT Tel: +44 (0) 2380 704080 www.southernhydro.co.uk

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

Southern Lights #1 25 Fratton Rd. Hampshire, UK PO1 5AB Tel: +44 (0) 1705 811822; Southern Lights #2 19A Grace Hill.

Folkestone, Kent UK CT20 1HQ Tel: +44 (0) 1303 210003; 44 (0) 1303 252561 St Albans Hydroponics 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 226 Albert Rd., Plymouth, Devon UK PL2 1AW Tel: +44 (0) 1752 551233 www.starlitesystems.co.uk Sub-Garden Supplies 45-J Leyton Industrial Village, Argall Ave., Leyton, London UK E10 7QP Tel: +44 (0) 2085 399563 Sunrise Hydroponics 127 Newcastle St., Burslem.

Stoke on Trent, Staffshire UK ST6 3QJ Tel: +44 (0) 1782 813814 www.sunrisehydro.co.uk The Green Machine Ltd. Unit 1A., Felin Puleston Ind.Es., Ruabon Rd. Wrexham, UK L13 7RF Tel: +44 (0) 1978 265090 www.thegreenmachineonline.com The Grow Den 2 Hothfield Rd. Rainham, Kent UK ME8 8BJ Tel: +44 (0) 1634 239333 The Grow Den Ltd. Unit 13., Eaves Ct., Eurolink Com.Pk., Bohan Dr. Sittingbourne, Kent UK ME10 3RY Tel: +44 (0) 1795 426264 The Head Gardener 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 The Hydroponic Warehouse Unit 15., Bay Airport Ind.Es., Kingston Pk. Newcastle, Tyne and Wear UK NE3 2EF Tel: +44 (0) 1912 862045 www.thehydroponicwharhouse.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

Maximum Yield UK | September/October 2012

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