MY USA Dec 2010

USA
FREE
A SOLID
INVESTMENT
Gourmet Hydroponic Lettuce Garden
The LazY
Grower’s Guide
to hvac
Raising the
green roof
New York , OrlaNDO
AND bEYOND
www.maximumyield.com
Indoor gardenING expo
Denver
Colorado, USA
SAN FRancisco
2011
California, USA
long beach
california, usa
March 31- April 3 July 16-17 october 22-23
indoorgardeningexpo.com
CONTENTS
December 2010
FEATURES
46 Hydroponic Starts: Starting Plants for
46 Hydroponic Systems – Part 2
by Dr. Lynette Morgan
58 Plant Solutions: How to Deal With Yellowing Leaves

by Matt LeBannister
66 The Ins and Outs of HVAC

by Lee McCall
78 Greenhouse Construction – Part 1: Basic Design and Flooring

by Philip McIntosh
94 Life and the Sea: Sea Solids in Agriculture – Part 2

by Dr. Maynard Murray
106 A Solid Investment: Gourmet Hydroponics Lettuce Garden

by Casey Jones Fraser
58 114 Fertilizer or Additives...or Both? Part 1

by William Texier
128 Plant Potential: Maximum Growth With

Foliar Feeding
by Craig Gribble
142 T5s: Seeing the Light

by Jack Van Camp
66 148 For Peat’s Sake: The Peat Problem

and Alternatives
by Michael Bloch
142
DEPARTMENTS
10 From the Editor 76 Avant-Gardening 146 Talking Shop
12 Letters to the Editor 90 Beginner’s Corner 152 Max Mart
14 MaximumYield.com 104 Green Thumb Gardening 156 Coming up in January
20 Simon Says 124 You Tell Us 157 Do You Know?
22 MAX Facts 126 Tips & Tricks 158 Distributors
32 Product Spotlight 136 Growing for Health
Maximum Yield USA | December 2010 9

FROM THE
editor jessica raymond
Welcome to our special holiday edition of Maximum We are thrilled to announce the exciting news, to those
Yield USA, which is overflowing with instructions on who may not have already heard, that the 2011 Maximum
designing a home-style gourmet lettuce garden (complete Yield Indoor Gardening Expo tour dates have been final-
with a shopping list); the benefits of a sealed grow room; ized. We’re coming to a city near you: Colorado (March
an introduction to the various additives available on the 31 to April 3, 2011), San Francisco (July 16 to 17, 2011)
market; and so much more. With 18 articles and features, and Long Beach (October 22 to 23, 2011). Mark your cal-
you are sure to find some good tips and information on endar now so you don’t miss a single event. More details,
how to improve your grow. There is still time to put some hotel specials, seminar listings and more will be updated
of the featured products on your Christmas Wish List so regularly at www.indoorgardenexpo.com
be sure to check out the new and innovative products Enjoy this edition of Maximum Yield and have a safe and
from the industry’s best starting on page 32. happy holiday with your friends and family.You are going
to love what we have in store for
you in 2011!
Jessica Raymond, Editor

editor@maximumyield.com
contributors
William Texier started hydroponics in Lee McCall graduated from Matt LeBannister developed a
1985, doing research and development Johnson and Wales University with green thumb as a child, having been
for General Hydroponics in California. a concentration in Culinary Arts. born into a family of experienced
In 1995, he and his wife Noucetta Kehdi Culinary school opened the door to gardeners. During his career, he has
created General Hydroponics Europe. research and work with hydroponics managed a hydroponic retail store
William is best known for coining the and organic production. Currently, Lee and represented leading companies
term bioponics, or organic hydroponics. attends business school in Denver and at the Indoor Gardening Expos. Matt
William has 25+ years of hydroponics focuses on continuing advancements has been writing articles for Maximum
experience and is considered a with Maximum Yield and indoor Yield since 2007. His articles are
hydroponics expert worldwide. gardening technology. published around the world.
Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort. Michael Bloch is the owner and Jack Van Camp has been working
Tech. degree and a PhD in hydroponic editor of GreenLivingTips.com, for Homegrown Hydroponics. He
greenhouse production from Massey an online resource powered by has years of hands-on hydroponic
University, New Zealand. Lynette is renewable energy. The site offers gardening experience and will answer
a partner with SUNTEC International a wide variety of earth friendly all of your questions through the
Hydroponic Consultants and has tips, green guides, advice and Homegrown Hydroponics website at
authored five hydroponic technical environment-related news to www.hydroponics.com
books. Visit www.suntec.co.nz/ help consumers and businesses He loves to share his knowledge with
consultants.htm and www.suntec. reduce costs, consumption and eager gardeners both locally and
co.nz/books.htm for more information. environmental impact. around the world.
Philip McIntosh is a science and Dr. Maynard Murray’s lifelong Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden
technology writer with a bachelor’s research in sea energy agriculture began Grove Organics, in Northern Kentucky/
degree in botany and chemistry and a in 1936. The years before he died in 1983 Greater Cincinnati. He has a degree in
master’s degree in biological science. were filled with intense hydroponic communications and electronic media.
During his graduate research he used research on his own farm in North Fort He believes that indoor gardeners can
hydroponic techniques to grow axenic Myers, Florida. The science lay dormant achieve the highest quality crops and
plants. He lives in Colorado Springs, for 20 years. Orsa Organix, distributors maximum yields when proper science
CO. where he teaches mathematics at of sustainable, balanced and eco- is applied. Since 1998, Casey has been
Challenger Middle School. friendly technologies, is teaching others testing various nutrients and supplements
what Dr. Murray discovered. in search of outstanding harvests.
10 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

LETTERS TO
the editor
Working Overtime
I started reading Maximum Yield nine months ago. I read an
article written by Don Mulcahy, “Knowing the Three S’s of
MY.com Insight
Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF)” in the January 2010 issue. I love the magazine, but I can’t
The intriguing part is I subsequently located a CRF product access a search feature or features
source that suited my required specifications, such as the from previous issues (such as
flowering cycle timing out in 60 days. I gave it a try Paul Foster’s in depth account of
and it resulted in an unbelievable grow. I am what algae looks like). How can I
currently using a CRF for the third time do that?
with extreme satisfaction. This time
around I am loading the package Thanks
with supplements. Judy Listello
I would personally like to thank
both Don Mulcahy for writing the Although MaximumYield.com
article and Maximum Yield for doesn’t have a general search
deciding to publish a well focused function, you can search by author
article on the use of Controlled and article (under Resources on the
Release Fertilization. Three part main page) and issue (left hand side of main page). Simply click
bloom is no longer a part of my regimen; on View All Editions of Maximum Yield.
however, should the CRF time out a little early
because of over watering (unintentional leaching) I just add the
proper NPK ratio boost in the tri period.
Yours truly,
Bryan Hewitt
NorCal, USA Grow Lessons All
Year Long
Tried and True Deficiency Detectors I am currently working with
an aquaponics system at a
Can you guys publish
public school in Pinellas County,
a series on nutrient
Florida. I was told about your
deficiencies and how to deal
magazine by my local garden
with them?
center. I would like to subscribe to
your magazine.
C. Green
Please advise
This issue of Maximum Yield USA Todd
features Matt LeBannister detailing the nutrient deficiencies that
lead to yellowing leaves. Similar articles will be published in the I love this magazine. I think it’s brilliant and very handy I would
future as well so stay tuned. You can also check out the following love to receive this monthly. I was just wondering how much it
articles on maximumyield.com by searching our article archives: would cost to subscribe to the monthly magazine.
“Detecting and Dealing with Nutrient Deficiencies,” “Nutrients:
Beyond Macros and Micros” and “Plant Nutrient Elements Part Richard Evans
1 and 2.”
You can subscribe to Maximum Yield by visiting
http://maximumyield.com/subscriptions.php or by calling our
via Facebook Buzzin’ About Maximum Yield office at 1-250-729-2677.
“Just got the October issue today. Great
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Coming up
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I N D O O R G A R D E N I N G
VOLUME 11 – NUMBER 9
December 2010
Maximum Yield is published monthly by
Maximum Yield Publications Inc.
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Grow your own gourmet lettuce garden. Design a hydroponic greenhouse. Jennifer Duong - jennifer@maximumyield.com
Combat yellowing leaves. Foliar feed the right way. Grow a superfood. You ACCOUNTING - Lee Anne Veres
will find these featured articles and more online this month. leeanne@maximumyield.com
USA DISTRIBUTION
Aurora Innovations
BWGS, BWGS West and BWGS East
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Tell us what you think at editor@maximumyield.com. We’d love to hear from you.

SIMON
says
Hey Simon,
I have a very simple question that has me and many other growers confused.
I grow in a general purpose peat-based growing medium with vermiculite and
perlite in buckets and I feed from the top. My question relates to pH. I have heard
that peat-based grow mediums are soilless, and therefore should be watered/fed
at 5.8 to 6.1 pH. I have also heard that these mediums should be treated like soil
and watered/fed at 6.4 to 6.8 pH. Other people have said that they water/feed at 6.1
to 6.2 pH and certain fertilizer companies instruct watering/feeding at 6.3 pH.
I’ve been looking on different forums on the internet, and it seems to be an area
that really confuses a lot of people. I’ve noticed that the medium I use has a pH of
anywhere between 5.3 to 5.8, so with this in mind, what should the pH of my water
be? What runoff pH should I be looking for? What pH should I be watering/feeding
with using peat-based products?
Jon
The use of sphagnum peat moss is prevalent in both complicated biochemical process if you know the composition
professional and hobby gardens alike. This type of peat of the fertilizer you are using. Ammonium nitrogen (NH4) will
has some very good characteristics but there is no perfect result in a drop in the medium’s pH while Nitrate nitrogen
media. After being harvested and dried pure peat would (NO3) can raise the medium’s pH due to interactions in the
have a low pH, somewhere between 3.8 to 4.9 depending rhizosphere.
on the source bog and material. A lot of peat suppliers can, If you intend to reuse your peat be sure to rinse thoroughly
and do, ship straight peat but most of what they ship out to remove residual nutrients before checking the pH. If the pH
are blended products. has drifted below 5.5 be sure to add more dolomite to ensure
The product you are referring to specifically puts a variety that you start with a higher buffering capacity. Bacterial-based
of ingredients into the compressed bales and loose bags organic supplements such as worm casting and compost should
to amend the peat. To adjust the pH, most producers use have a higher initial pH and can be excellent amendments to a
dolomite lime to buffer the peat medium to somewhere peat base. Using coir can also be useful to moderate the low pH
between 5.5 to 6.0 (although individual bags vary). This of peat by blending in material with a higher pH. Be cautious
buffering can last up to three months depending on because this will also affect the overall structure and moisture
the environmental conditions and irrigation methods. release curve of your medium.
Remember that the peat will have a much higher buffering
capacity than the water, which can be easily adjusted. This
means to adjust pH of the peat with irrigation water would
be exceptionally difficult.
Your fertilizer solution is best buffered at 5.5 to 6.5 as a
general rule. There could be a pH outside that range that
works well for your crop, so experiment when possible. To
assess a medium’s pH without an analytical soil analysis you
can monitor the leachate, which drains from the bottom of
your containers. If you find the leachate pH is lower than
your water supply you can try mixing calcium into the
top layer of the soil.You can also attempt to follow a more

MAX
facts hydroponic news, tips and trivia
Research Could Offer Alternative to Genetically-Engineered Crops______________________

New findings from Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) scientists could lead to environmentally-
friendly sprays that help plants survive drought and other stresses in harsh environments.
VARI scientists determined precisely how the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) works
at the molecular level to help plants respond to environmental stresses such as drought
and cold.
One of ABA’s effects is to cause plant pores to close when plants are stressed so that
they can retain water. In the new study, researchers identified several synthetic com-
pounds that fit well with ABA’s many receptors, or cellular “docking stations,” to have the
same effect. Sprays would allow plants to be much more adaptable than if they were geneti-
cally engineered.
(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)
Empowering Backyard Growers to Sell Their Produce____________

With the dropout economy fueling food entrepreneurship, and backyard farming taking off
around the world, it makes sense to develop new and innovative ways for micro-growers
to get their products to market. A New Zealand start up is hoping to unite farmers, micro-
farmers and gardeners, and offer their produce through one easy-to-use site.
At first glance Ooooby looks a little like a Veggie Trader site. But Ooooby seems to take
the concept a little further. The group is already selling produce from gardeners and
backyard growers at a regular farmers market stand, and it is enabling barter and swap-
ping among grower members. Now a small proportion of the backyard produce is also
making it into the group’s veggie box deliveries, which also feature produce from local
and organic farmers—as well as some produce, like bananas, from further away.
Of course CSAs and veggie box delivery schemes are nothing new. But it is very cool
to see a group specifically working to harness the growing power of backyard farmers.
(Source: www.treehugger.com, http://ooooby.ning.com)
Recirculating Water Systems Used for Fish Production___________

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists are working closely with a collabora-
tor to save water as part of an effort to develop recirculating water systems for cool-
and cold-water fish production.
The recirculating system that was developed uses as little as four per cent new
water each day, which means that a complete water exchange only takes place
every 25 days. This miserly use of water allows recirculating fish farm systems to
be located in many places where traditional aquaculture wouldn’t work.
The recirculating systems developed for the cool and cold aquaculture fish require
far less water and capture the wastes, so the fish farm can be located far from large
water bodies and near consumers. This gets fresh fish to market faster and with less
transportation costs.
(Source: www.ars.usda.gov)

MAX
Food Justice, Security

and Sovereignty
Through Urban Farming
Edible City, a new documentary
created by East Bay Pictures,
sets out to explore the concepts
of food justice, security and sov-
ereignty through the lens of the
urban agricultural movement in
the San Francisco Bay Area.
Edible City appears to be a
holistic, big-picture type of
movie. The film visits back-
yard farmers, community gardens and urban
orchards. Drawing on the voices of activists like Eric Holg
Gimenez of Food First, Van Jones of Green for All and
Alice Carruthers of Alemany Farm, Edible City is a must
see for anyone who believes that community gardens
are more than just a feel-good education or conservation
project, but rather a viable, realistic and scalable response
to food shortages, hunger and rising gas prices.
(Source: www.treehugger.com)
Caring for People Before Plants___________

In many ways, a community garden is less about the
“garden” and more about the “community,” and such
is the case with San Francisco’s Hayes Valley Farm. The
point of the Hayes Valley Farm project is to reconnect
people. Food is really secondary to Hayes Valley Farm; it’s
more a strategy for building up the community. Caring
for people comes before caring for plants.
In addition to the core team, the farm
relies on volunteers. To draw in those
hard working volunteers, the farm
relies on the musicians, speakers,
yoga instructors and community
members who create the fun
and festivities that happen
during the week.
The farm has been such
a success, it has inspired
similar projects in other
places around the world
from Japan to South
America. This is the real
legacy of the farm.

MAX
Grodan Partners with Educators and Grows a Future Crop of Students

When Grodan was approached about co-sponsoring and contributing to a hydroponic
textbook for elementary and high school classrooms, Grodan was thrilled to participate. The
third edition of “Classroom Hydroponic Plant Factory” now includes a crucial section—an
introduction to rockwool as a growing media. The Grodan team of experts worked hard
to provide an accurate, informative section that would convey rockwool’s place in the
hydroponics market and capture the attention and imagination of today’s students. Visit
www.foothillhydroponics.com for more information on this book. For more information
on rockwool and Grodan, visit www.Grodan101.com or call 1-888-444-2476.
Meet the Metal Farmer_______________________________

How often do you encounter a farmer sporting cargos and a t-shirt, spraying
neem fertilizer, all the while head banging to Iron Maiden? Take a trip to Pritham
D’Souza’s farm in Kinya, Karnataka (India), and you are bound to encounter
this very avatar of the ‘metal farmer.’ What makes this young agriculturist even
more interesting is that he employs simplified hydroponics. For now, the hydro-
ponics set-up is on a small scale but judging from the great feedback, expansion
is in the pipeline.
Pritham is one hard-working farmer, who wakes up at 6 a.m. and goes to bed at 2
a.m. He also devotes much of his time to blogging and composing music.
Pritham acquired his father’s passion for farming, and shuttles between Bengaluru
and Mangalore on work. “Hydroponics has existed for 80 years now. But most Indian
agriculturists are skeptical of adopting it, since it’s too ‘Western’ for their tastes.”
(Source: www.deccanchronicle.com)
Technaflora and moe. in the Organizations Aim to Pepper Austin With

Dominican Republic____________________ Urban Farms__________________________
Technaflora Plant Products and Paradise Groove An organization called Urban Patchwork in Austin,
Productions are proud to present founded by Paige Hill, is a 10-month-old operation
moe.’s Tropical throe.down, January that offers to turn homeowners’ yards into vegetable
5 to 9, 2011 at the Paradisus Resort patches. In return for granting access to the land,
located in Punta Cana, Dominican property owners who participate get all the free
Rebublic. We can’t think of a vegetables they can eat. Urban Patchwork and other
better way to start the New Year similar projects in town are an effort to turn Austin
then to bask in this unique, sun- back into a quilt-like urban farm, where front yards and
drenched, live music experience. backyards are not for grass but for vegetables patches.
Technaflora invites everyone Urban Patchwork currently farms four plots and has 40
to join us at this all inclusive subscribers, each of whom pay about $20 a week for
tropical event; to sweeten the vegetables. Hill said they hope to have another 10 plots
deal to all moe. fans, we are by the end of the year. The plots range from 1,000 to
extending a special Technaflora 3,500 square feet; property
Discount of $100 off per owners donate water used
person on any travel package. to irrigate the plants and
Just mention us when making a reservation commit to providing land to
using the promotion code TPP100. For more information the organization for at least
about moe.’s Tropical throe.down and what the resort has to two years.
offer, visit http://paradisegroove.com/moecon.php (Source: www.statesman.com)

MAX
Permaculture Greens the Jordanian Desert

Jordan seems to be a hot spot for permaculture. In
2006, Greening the Desert documented how permacul-
ture activist Geoff Lawton worked with the local popu-
lation to turn 10 acres of arid, salty Jordanian desert
into a lush productive garden.
Two permaculture projects in Jordan today show both
the limitations and the possibilities of permaculture.
The first, started by Geoff Lawton and his wife Nardia,
features an impressive drip irrigation system, but the
project is reliant on volunteer labor from abroad.
The second project, run by CARE International, strug-
gles to convince many locals that an organic, perma-
culture-based approach will yield better results than
chemical fertilizers. And yet the shot of two gardens
next to each other—one run on permaculture princi-
ples, the other using extensive chemical inputs—is a
pretty impressive contrast. Showing lush green ground
cover and flowers interplanted with trees on the one
side, and bare earth and trees on the other, the long
term environmental and social benefits of a more inte-
grated, holistic approach seem self-evident.
Red Celery Coming in December_________

A Florida farm has created red celery in time for the
holiday season. Duda Farm Fresh Foods, one of the
world’s largest producers of celery in the world, has
been working on this “recipe” for 19 years. The cel-
ery turns red via selective breeding, arguably a more
natural form of genetic modification. Growers carefully
select and iteratively breed varieties to achieve expres-
sion of genetic characteristics.
Changing the color of a food is a way of marketing it,
making it more appealing. Some reasons to manipulate
or modify our foods include pest resistance, disease re-
sistance, adding nutritional value and stability.
However, we may not understand the impact
of these lab made foods on the environ-
ment and ourselves for years.
(Source: http://news.sympatico.ca)

MAX
Seed Sprouters - Easy to Use

and Simple Designs______
Fresh sprouts are healthy and
taste great. They contain a large
variety of vitamins and are ex-
tremely easy to digest. They are
also very tasty and upgrade almost
any meal. Once you have a sprouter,
it is easy to germinate seeds at
home. A variety of user-friendly, sim-
ple sprouter designs are flooding the
market. Many of the designs don’t
take up more space than a cup of tea
and are practically foolproof.
Growing sprouts at home means you
save on packaging, energy and transpor-
tation. It is much less bulky to transport dry seeds than
fresh sprouts, that have a relatively short shelf life and
require constant refrigeration, and hence energy. Common
seeds to sprout are mung bean, chickpeas, soy and alfalfa.
New York Auction for Trendy

Heritage Vegetables____________________
Sotheby’s New York Auction House is holding an Art of
Farming sale to support farmers’ organizations in the New
York state area. The oddest items on the auction block are
heirloom vegetables from more than 40 local farmers from
the New York tri-state area.
The heirloom vegetables up for sale for $1,000 a crate—
the encouraged donation—will include Turkish Orange Egg-
plant, Lady Godiva Squash and Pink Banana Pumpkin. All
40 lots have been grown by local farmers.
It’s all in support of the GrowNYC
New Farmer Development Project,
which identifies, educates and
supports immigrants with agri-
cultural experience to become
local producers and estab-
lish farms in the region,
and The Sylvia Center,
a program that inspires
and teaches children to
eat well through hands-
on experience at Katchkie
Farm and in school and
community centers all over
New York City.
(Source: www.treehugger.com) MY

PRODUCT
spotlight
See it. Want it.
Find it at your local indoor gardening store.
Redesigned GrowSpot™ LED Grow Light _________________________________________
Featuring all new Matrix LED technology, the redesigned GrowSpot™ contains 12 high
powered LEDs on the same die and under one lens for unparalleled focus and light
output. Due to its reengineered heat sink, the internal cooling fan is no longer needed.
The new GrowSpot yields better results and also uses three watts less. GrowSpots fit
into any standard light socket and can be used as a standalone or supplemental grow
light. They are available in standard Mixed Spectrum (full cycle), BloomBooster (flow-
ering), Vigorous Veg (vegetative/aquarium) and the startlingly bright Daylight White
(6500K white light). Visit your local indoor gardening shop for more information.
Keep it Clean with Horti-Control’s Dust Shroom ___________________

The Horti-Control Dust Shroom is a patent pending reusable foam HEPA filter designed to
keep dust, dirt, bugs, mold and bacteria out of air cooled reflectors, inline fans, ice boxes and
ducting in indoor gardens. Dust Shroom traps 99.9 per cent of all particles one micron
and higher, with zero CFM loss. Every Dust Shroom is designed on a flow bench for op-
timum airflow, and is hand crafted at UNI Filters headquarters in Fullerton, CA. Available
sizes: four inches, six inches, eight inches, 10 inches, and coming soon, 14 inches. Avail-
able now at your local indoor gardening shop.
Hydroponix Nutrients for all Stages of Growth Make More, Spend Less With the
Hydroponix Nutrients are well suited for plants during SunPulse Splitter ______________________
all their growth stages: vegetative, flowering Every grower would like to make more money and spend
and fruiting. Basic Grow has the proper less on the cost of operations. The SunPulse splitter al-
blend of NPK and trace elements lows you to inexpensively control your grow room and
necessary for rapid growth during operates cool. This device delivers about 1,200 watts of
the vegetative stage. Basic Bloom energy for around 1,000 watts. Reduce the costs of oper-
provides the perfect blend of NPK ating your HVAC systems by running fewer ballasts and
and trace elements—iron, manganese lower wattage SunPulse lamps. Too much light causes
and zinc—during the fruiting and photo-inhibition and
flowering stages for larger yields and shuts down photosynthe-
healthier flowers and fruit. Basic Mi- sis. Use the same num-
cro Nutrients provide all the second- ber of fixtures with half
ary nutrients necessary for growth the magnetic ballasts.
from the early stages of growth The SunPulse Splitter is
through to fruiting and flowering. Visit exclusively for use with
your local indoor gardening shop for SunPulse brand lamps.
more information. For more information
visit an indoor gardening
shop near you.

PRODUCT
spotlight See it. Want it. Find it at your favorite indoor gardening store.
Gain Control of Your Garden ______________________________

The Thrive CO2 Controller monitors light, temperature and CO2 levels using software
algorithms that actually learn fuzzy logic. The Thrive CO2 Controller constantly
samples, calculates and adjusts, providing accurate and optimal CO2 levels. The
Thrive CO2 Controller is the first and only CO2 controller that measures and displays
loss/rise values of CO2. This data allows the gardener to adjust injection rates and
determine if leaks exist in the grow environment. The Thrive CO2 Controller will send
you a text message alerting you if your preset parameters are out of range. For more
information, visit your local indoor gardening store.
Breakthrough Rooting Technology ________________________

MX Clone Gel provides all the necessary ingredients to generate roots from the stem
or leaf cuttings of your choice. This unique gel seals the cutting and has antibacterial
and anti-fungal ingredients to prevent bacteria and fungus from entering the cutting,
giving you a stronger, healthier clone. MX Clone Gel is ultra strong with fast results
that will save you time and money. The unique formulation will work for both
softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. MX Clone Gel will promote rapid and healthy
root growth for all types of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Visit an indoor gardening
shop near you for more information.

PRODUCT
spotlight See it. Want it. Find it at your favorite indoor gardening store.
OG Amino-Cal 3-0-0 ___________________ Botanicare’s Clone Machine™ 48 ________

OG Amino-Cal 3-0-0 is Botanicare® has reincarnated the once popular Clone Ma-
a completely organic, chine™ 42 into a sleek and economical Clone Machine™
indoor/outdoor calcium 48. Now made from durable, high density polyethylene
formula designed for use plastics, the Clone Machine 48 boasts a footprint of just 12
in hydroponic, ebb and by 29 inches with six additional plant sites and includes
flow, re-circulating and dense neoprenes that fit snuggly into the re-engineered
aeroponic systems, plus molded lid. With a low vertical profile of only 10 inches,
in soil or coir mixes. OG this modified machine runs efficiently using just six gal-
Amino-Cal 3-0-0 contains lons of water and utilizes a high output
calcium, nitrogen, proteins submersible pump. Backed by our one
and is chelated with amino year manufacturer’s replacement
acids to increase nutrient warranty, the Clone Ma-
absorption and decrease chine 48 will satisfy any
calcium lock-outs. Use grower’s desire for
with OG Grow 4-0-0 and a mid-size cloner at
OG Bloom 0-5-7 during all an affordable price.
stages. One gallon of OG For more information
Amino-Cal 3-0-0 makes visit your favorite indoor
over 750 gallons of a ready-to-use calcium formula. OG gardening store.
Amino-Cal 3-0-0 is approved for use in organic crop pro-
duction. Visit your local hydro shop for more information.
The Green Scissor Brand Oven Bags _____________________

Our customers have spoken, and we have listened. The Green Scissor Turkey/Oven
Bags are now packaged in 150 packs (19 by 23.5 inches) and 200 packs (16 by 17.5
inches). Additionally, our new packs along with our 20 and 25 packs will include
free time cards for documenting hours spent on Turkey Bag projects. The Green
Scissor bag is 25 per cent thicker than the grocery store brand for superior punc-
ture resistance with a wide seam so blowouts are non-existent. For more informa-
tion visit an indoor gardening shop near you.
SunPulse Element Controllers _________________________

The SunPulse Element Controllers give the user consistent conditions that re-
move stress and increase plant metabolic function. Real time functions interact
with indoor and outdoor environmental conditions to give you a solution under
any circumstances. Proper control of interior conditions for your plants will give
you optimal results. No CO2 is required with this system. The Element Control-
ler monitors and maintains the environment, so you don’t have to. For more
information, visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

PRODUCT
spotlight
Vital Earth’s® Organic Potting Soil _______
Our high quality organic potting soil is the perfect
medium in which to grow all your fruits and vegetables.
This superior potting soil contains sphagnum peat moss,
earthworm castings and bedding, which helps promote
nutrient and water absorption. Our organic potting soil
also contains our own specially formulated Vital Earth’s®
Organic Compost OMRI™, which provides fertility to soil as
well as suppressing
disease. Compost
helps your soil retain
moisture by increasing
its micro porosity. This
soil has the ideal water-
to-air ratio making it
perfect for all varieties
of flowering plants. Vital
Earth’s® Organic Potting
Soil has mycorrhizal
fungi, Vital Earth’s High
Phos Bat Guano and
Vital Earth’s ® Powdered
Glacial Rock. To learn
more visit your nearest
indoor/outdoor
gardening shop.
GGL Bulbs - Lighting the Digital Age ______

GGL Bulbs are designed specifically for digital ballasts,
using the ultimate light spectrum for indoor gardening.
GGL sourced a Japanese bulb manufacturer to build
the perfect HPS bulb. These bulbs are sturdy enough
to handle both the high frequencies of digital ballasts
and the power spike associated with coil ballasts.
By combining superior components and the right
formula of gases, GGL has developed a light spectrum
specifically formatted to stimulate indoor gardening
cycles. The results are bulbs that give consistent levels of
performance, lumen output and have long life. Available
in 400, 600 and 1,000 watt sizes. Global Greenhouse
Lighting is
available from
indoor gardening
retail shops
across America.
Continues on page 42

PRODUCT
spotlight
Whitmire Pro-Control and Pro-Control Plus Total Release
Aerosol Insecticide ________________________________________
Pro-Control Total Release Aerosol Insecticide provides a quick knockdown of crawling and
flying insects. It has been labeled for use as a space treatment in residential, commercial and
USDA facilities. It is convenient, easy-to-use and effective against a wide variety of pests.
Pro-Control Plus Total Release Insecticide is a ready-to-use, ultra low volume insecticide
fogger. It has been labeled for use in greenhouses, apartments, basements, non-food
areas of commercial building, houses, office buildings, sheds and storage areas. Apply on
bedding plants, cut flowers, flowering hanging baskets, foliage, potted flowering plants and
ornamentals. Pro-Control Plus controls thrips, whiteflies, scale and aphids. Order Whitmire
from an authorized Hydrofarm retailer near you.
Get GroZone Controllers ________________ SuperCloset Deluxe for 2011______________

GroZone’s Controllers help gardeners manage their plants’ SuperCloset, Inc. of San Francisco, California is proud to
growing environment, and they’re now available at in- present their 2011 award winning, hydroponic grow cabi-
door gardening retail stores across the United States. This net - the Deluxe. The 2011 model allows for faster growth
high-quality line includes: timers, climate controllers, CO2 so you can harvest sooner. Plus, SuperCloset has added
controllers, fan speed controllers, load switchers, set point their patented Superponics watering system. Includes
and adjustable differential thermostats and more. Best SuperCloset exclusives: high density steel cabinet; inter-
of all, GroZone comes with a nal circulation fan; net trellis; a full year’s supply of nutri-
three year no-hassle warranty. ents; adjustable dual
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details. favorite indoor garden-
ing/hydroponics retail
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world.
NF Hydro Clay – Premium Expanded Clay ______________________

Nutrifield Hydro Clay is a natural, inert growing medium. It has a neutral pH, is resistant
to chemicals and will not break down easily. The ceramic-like pellets are lightweight,
porous and have a high crushing resistance. Nutrifield Hydro Clay helps prevent oxygen
starvation to the plant’s root system and can help prevent root rot due to increased
oxygen levels. Nutrifield Hydro Clay may also reduce algae, fungus gnats and unwanted
weeds. Nutrifield Hydro Clay can be blended with Nutrifield NF Premium Coco to create
an impressive potting mix. Available at an indoor gardening shop near you.
Continues on page 138

Hydroponic
Starts2
rgan
Starting Plants for Hydroponic Systems
part
Mo
tte
e
Lyn
by Dr.
Sharpening up your knowledge of the propagation

environment and necessary propagation materials
can help you raise healthy, happy starts, which
can lead to healthy, happy plants, simply.

H ybrid tomato plants being raised in the rockwool
system of propagation cubes and blocks.
A healthy and productive hydroponic system is

dependent on good quality planting stock.
Strong, well-hardened foliage with a well-developed
and disease-free root system make all the difference
to the success of a young seedling or cutting when
it is introduced to a hydroponic system. Most new
plants are raised in separate propagation or nursery
areas that allow for additional heat for seed germina-
tion and increased humidity for cuttings, as well as
specific lighting designed for the delicate, early stages
of growth. Although many new growers have man-
aged with a sunny windowsill to get those first few
seedlings underway, the need for a larger propaga-
tion area usually becomes an issue as the hydroponic
system grows and expands over time.
The propagation
environment
A propagation area for hydroponic starts requires a
few basic conditions to be successful, including the
following: some form of temperature control, usually
supplied with a heated pad or mat. Air movement is
required to vent out overly warm, humid air when
necessary—this can be provided with a small house-
hold fan or simply by rolling up the sides of the
propagation area and allowing some air flow. Correct
intensity and type of lighting for indoor propagation
areas are also important—cloning lights or fluores-
cents are ideal and shouldn’t provide too much heat,
which can scorch young seedlings. In greenhouses
some overhead shade is usually required in propaga-
tion areas for spring and summer seasons. Finally, the
area needs to be sparkling clean—dust, dirt, soil and
plant debris harbor disease pathogens that will prey
on sensitive and tender young plantlets. For trouble-
free propagation the water supply also needs some
consideration, as seedlings of many species are more
susceptible to water-quality issues than mature plants
and water treatment chemicals such as chlorine, chlo-
ramines, sodium and others can cause germination
problems if levels are high enough. Also, microbial
contamination of other water supplies has in the past

Hydroponic Starts Part 2
seen some pretty impressive propagation failures due to water- coconut fiber and other organic
borne pathogens such as Pythium, so clean, high-quality water materials that give new plants
is a must. Small volumes of water used in a propagation area a good start.
can be treated with carbon filtration and boiling, or small UV Each media or sub-
filters such as those used in aquariums or fish ponds, which will strate combination has
destroy most pathogen spores. its own unique physical
and chemical proper-
Propagation materials ties, which influence the
Most hydroponic growers have favored materials for raising new germination and rooting
planting stock, although it pays to keep a watch for new prod- environment of the young plants,
so choosing well is important. Since
the main cause of seedling death or lack
“The area needs to be sparkling clean—

dust, dirt, soil and plant debris harbor
disease pathogens that will prey on
sensitive and tender young plantlets.”
of germination experienced by new or inexperienced grow-

ers is oversaturation of the propagation media, it’s usually a
good idea to start out with a specific propagation product
designed for hydroponics and carefully follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions. Pre-formed propagation cubes or blocks
are designed to be wet at the base and fairly dry towards the
top, so that nutrient or water is wicked up by capillary action
from the propagation tray without the need for overhead wa-
M icrogreens and baby leaf crops are best direct sown into hydroponic tering, which is not ideal during germination and with young
beds lined with growing media such as the grow mats. seedlings. The drier surface of modern propagation products
helps prevent problems such as damping off, which is common
ucts and materials that come onto the market, as in the past new when oversaturation has occurred.
developments have proven to provide significant advantages. For
many years hydroponic starts were raised in the tried-and-true
potting mixes, such as the peat-lite type mixes, and although T he correct propagation tools and materials are the best way to set up
a small nursery area to raise new plants.
these work well, they are not ideally suited to solution culture
hydroponics. For systems such as NFT, DFT, aeroponics, float
or raft systems, grit contamination from the propagation media
needs to be avoided and the ‘solid’ cubes, blocks and disks are
a good choice. Rockwool and Oasis have been the mainstay of
commercial growers; however, there is a great selection of new
materials for propagation, some of them biodegradable, oth-
ers organically based and usually clean, sterile and ready to use
with little preparation. For media-based production systems the
choice of propagation materials is extensive—not only can the
standard blocks and cubes be used, but a wide range of loose
media is available from perlite, vermiculite, composed bark fines,
sand, coconut fiber, shredded rockwool, peat, pumice, scoria,
organic mixes and many others. Even growers who like to fol-
low a more organic philosophy are catered to these days as there
are propagation materials, plugs, blocks and cubes formed from

the environment is highly protected and light levels are often

lower than they are out in the main hydroponic growing area, so
the seedlings have softer, more tender growth than more mature
plants. This tender growth can lead to wilting and stress when
seedlings are transferred to higher light/lower humidity condi-
tions, particularly if the nutrient solution EC is also higher than
the seedlings have become accustomed to. Hardening off young
transplants is relatively simple—light should be increased and the
EC of the seedling nutrients gradually brought up to the same
level the hydroponic system will be running at. It only takes a
few days for rapid-growing plants such as tomatoes to harden
off, and this is an important step that will prevent any check in
growth after transplanting. Tomato starts also have a tendency to
‘stretch’ or elongate in the propagation area if conditions are too
warm and not enough light is provided, particularly if the plants
are too close together. Stocky, short and compact transplants will
give a more productive crop and plant height can be kept under
L ettuce seeds germinating in oasis cubes. control by spacing the seedlings well, reducing temperatures af-
ter germination (particularly the night temperature) and ensur-
ing there is sufficient light—having seedlings under full-strength
Raising Healthy Starts light by the time they have their second true leaf will keep them
Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers short and compact. With tomatoes in particular, young seedlings
These warm-season crops are hydroponic favorites, and with can also be kept compact with the use of a high-nutrient EC (as
a little extra heat and plenty of light they can be grown and high as 3.5), although this should not be used with more sensi-
propagated year round in indoor gardens. The ideal germination tive plants such as cucumbers.
temperature is 72 to 75°F for tomatoes and peppers/chilies and
75 to 82ºF for cucumbers, melons, squash and other cucurbits. Strawberries
Usually these plants are raised in individual pots or cubes of Strawberry plants sometimes create some confusion about the
propagation media and grown until they have at least four true best way to raise or prepare plants for hydroponic systems. While
leaves before planting out into a hydroponic system. This allows there is now seed available for large-fruited strawberries,
the roots to grow and extend out the base of the propagation plants are still more commonly grown from runners,
material before planting out, giving a better success rate and which are newly rooted plantlets formed from the
faster establishment. As with all hydroponic starts, mother plant. Using
tomatoes, peppers, chilies and cucumbers need
to be hardened off before planting out to prevent
transplant shock and the growth reduction
that goes with it. Inside the propagation area
“Once mature
strawberry plants are
in a hydroponic system
and have completed
the flowering and
fruiting cycle many
will then produce
runners and small
plantlets of their own.”

of lettuce will fail to germinate and go into secondary dorman-

cy if conditions are too warm. Lettuce is usually raised in small
propagation cubes, which can be separated during planting out
as this prevents root disturbance and lessens the time to harvest.
However, the exception is when lettuce or other greens are be-
ing grown for baby leaf or microgreen harvest—in this case, the
seed needs to be direct-sown onto sheets of media or directly
onto a media bed. Since seedlings grown for baby leaf or micro-
greens are only grown for a short period of time they are sown
“Lettuce, herbs and many salad

greens are fairly easy to propagate,
although they prefer cooler
temperatures than tomatoes.”
very densely and the crowding predisposes the young plants to

C arrots are another root crop that are best sown direct into hydroponic fungal pathogens. For this reason a good rate of air flow over
media beds.
the seedlings, careful watering from the base and use of a sterile
growing mat will help give a healthy and trouble-free crop of
pre-chilled runners allows a very rapid development of the baby leaves. While still in the young seedling stage lettuce starts
flowers and fruits, with harvesting being possible within a few need particular care and attention as high temperatures and
weeks of establishing well-formed runners into a hydroponic low light, particularly when combined with a long day length,
system. The problem with bringing in strawberry runners is can induce bolting or premature formation of a flower stalk in
that they are often propagated out in the field and may there- the plants when they are planted out. Bolting is characterized
fore be carrying soil and disease pathogens. A better option is by the lettuce elongating from the center rather than staying as
to use nursery-raised runner tip plantlets, which are grown in a a compact rosette of foliage, and this physiological disorder is
soilless growing media that is easily washed off the root system.
Plants should be given a quick dip in a fungicide treatment
N ursery grown plug plants can be used to establish a hydroponic
solution before planting out as this will help prevent many media bed of strawberries.
of the root and crown rot pathogens that strawberries can be
prone to developing. For hydroponics, pre-chilled, day-neutral
strawberry runners are the type to purchase. The pre-chilling
means the plants have had their dormancy treatment and will
be ready to flower once established into warm growing condi-
tions, and day-neutral types will flower and fruit under any
day length once they have been chilled for long enough. This
means the photoperiod or amount of light provided to the
hydroponic system doesn’t need to be changed to suit straw-
berries, and the plants can be grown alongside many other
fruiting and vegetable crops. Once mature strawberry plants
are in a hydroponic system and have completed the flower-
ing and fruiting cycle many will then produce runners and
small plantlets of their own, which can be used to propagate a
further crop using soilless media and methods.
Lettuce and herbs

Lettuce, herbs and many salad greens are fairly easy to propagate,
although they prefer cooler temperatures than tomatoes, peppers
and cucumbers and are best raised separately. The optimum tem-
perature for lettuce germination is 54 to 64ºF and some varieties

often induced in the seedling stage by overcrowding the plants

in overly warm growing conditions.
Herbs vary considerably in their germination requirements so
the guidelines for each species should be checked. These can be
roughly divided into warm-season herbs such as basil, oregano,
arugula, dill and coriander (cilantro), which germinate well
with temperatures similar to those used with tomatoes. Cooler-
season herbs such as chives, mint and sorrel as well as many of
the endives and chicory prefer similar germination temperatures
to lettuce.
Sturdy, healthy, well-hardened hydroponic transplants are

well worth the effort required to design and construct a small
propagation area. Armed with the right information and equip-
ment for generating rapid germination and root formation, the
propagation of hydroponics starts is a relatively straightforward
and highly rewarding process.
Online Extra: Visit maximumyield.com for tips

on raising healthy root crop starts, such as carrots, onions,
radishes, yams and parsnips and tuber crops such as potatoes
and sweet potatoes. MY

Plant Solutions:
How to Deal With
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves giving you the blues? Matt LeBannister sheds
some light on the condition. Consider the following nutrient
deficiencies to cure this common plant ailment. by Matt LeBannister
Intro Page Photo Credit: Nick Persichilli

Plants are complex organisms that require certain environ-
mental and nutritional conditions to survive. Given the right
levels of sunlight, air temperature, root zone temperature, pH
and nutrients, plants will not just survive, but thrive. With all
the advances in indoor gardening it is now possible for every in-
door gardener to totally regulate all aspects of a plant’s growing
environment and nutrient intake. If any aspect of this sensitive
system is allowed to go out of sync, however, problems can arise.
If the EC or nutrient levels get too high or low, for example, or
the pH moves out of the plant’s optimum level, plants can de-
velop yellow leaves. Usually, though, yellowing leaves are a result
of a deficiency in any one of a number of specific nutrients.
The most common cause of yellowing leaves in plants is a
nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen is a mobile macronutrient that
is needed for the production of chlorophyll. Plants deficient in
nitrogen will be unable to produce enough chlorophyll, causing
leaves to yellow.
The symptoms will begin with the older leaves closest to the
base of the plant. This is because the plant is sending what little
nitrogen it has to the newest growth at the top of the plant. The
“The most common cause of yellowing

leaves in plants is a nitrogen deficiency.
Nitrogen is a mobile macronutrient that
is needed for the production
of chlorophyll.”
leaves will begin to yellow in between the veins and this will
spread to the whole leaf—if the problem is not corrected, the
leaf will die and fall off. Other symptoms include the stem and
leaf undersides turning purple, and overall stunted growth.

Plant Solutions: How to Deal with Yellowing leaves
The main cause of nitro-

gen deficiencies is having
a pH that is too high.
Every plant has an
ideal pH range
that allows for
a maximum
uptake of nutrients, and the
water they are given should be
pH balanced to be in the plant’s
specific requirement zone. Soil and
soilless growing mediums are very forgiving and
can handle a wider pH range, where hydropon-
ics and aeroponics need the pH range to be
very specific for plants to thrive. For instance,
tomatoes grown in soil can handle their water
pH from 5.8 to 6.8, whereas tomatoes grown in hydroponics
prefer the water pH to remain between 5.8 at the lowest and
6.4 at the very highest.
To effectively treat a nitrogen deficiency, you must first deter-
mine whether enough nitrogen is being added to the nutri-
ent mix. If the nutrient is high quality and being added at the
directed rate this is not likely to be the source of the problem,
however. An overly high pH—causing nutrient lock out—then
“The symptoms of iron deficiency and

nitrogen deficiency are similar: the
leaf begins to turn yellow between
the veins.”
becomes the most likely cause. Simply correct the pH levels and
begin to check them more often.
Another common cause of yellowing leaves is an iron defi-
ciency. The symptoms of iron deficiency and nitrogen defi-
ciency are similar: the leaf begins to turn yellow between the
veins, which always remain green. If left untreated, the leaf will
eventually die and fall off. The one symptom that can help you
differentiate an iron deficiency from a nitrogen deficiency is
that the leaves first affected will be the youngest leaves, closest
to the top of the plant, and the yellowing will then spread from
the youngest to the oldest leaves.
The use of poor quality nutrients is one cause of an iron
deficiency in plants. Cheaper nutrient formulas do not
always have the right amount of micronutrients to pro-
mote ideal plant health. Switching to a more complete
nutrient or adding kelp spray to your feeding sched-
ule is usually a quick solution to the problem.

Iron deficiency
can also often be
caused by having
a pH over 6.5. If
soil or water be-
comes more alkaline
than pH 6.5 it will cause
the plant to lock out some
nutrients, including iron. By
correcting the pH level and check-
ing it often you will be able to address this
problem and prevent it from happening again in
the future.
Iron deficiencies in plants can also be caused by an overabun-
dance of potassium or phosphorous. Just like having an overly
high pH level, potassium and phosphorous toxicities lock out
other nutrients. To ensure that plants do not develop toxic levels
of nutrients one should always follow the nutrient instructions
carefully. Plants in soil or soilless mixes should be flushed with
straight pH-balanced water every other watering to prevent a
build up of nutrients. For plants growing in hydroponics, using
an EC (electric conductivity) meter or a PPM (part per million)
meter can help prevent nutrient toxicities. These meters do not
tell you the exact amount of each nutri-
ent, but give you a reading of the overall
nutrient level. If a quality nutrient is
being used, this is a safe method
of measuring nutrient
levels. If the
toxicity has

Plant Solutions: How to Deal with Yellowing leaves
Sometimes leaves begin to yellow and

there is nothing wrong with the plant.
Yellowing leaves are just a natural part
of the plant’s lifecycle—they turn yel-
low and fall off when they get old. This
can trick gardeners into thinking that the
plant has a deficiency, when really the old
leaves are simply falling off due to old
age. These old leaves are no longer pho-
tosynthesizing efficiently and it is in the
plant’s best interest to shed them, allowing
the plant to focus its energy on growing
new leaves that will photosynthesize at
maximum efficiency.
There are many different possible causes
for a plant’s leaves to yellow, but a nutri-
ent deficiency is usually to blame. Defi-
Photo Credit: Nick Persichilli
ciencies generally result from fluctuating
reached a dangerous level in the plant plants to drain and dry before their next pH and EC levels, but overly saturated
you may want to use a clearing solu- watering. Adding perlite to your soil/soil- and cold root zones can be responsible as
tion to leach the excess nutrients out of less mix can also improve drainage and well. And sometimes yellowing leaves are
the plant—this may save plants before air retention. When a plant’s root zone just a symptom of old age—the old leaves
they become too damaged and crops are becomes too cold it is also unable to take are dying and falling off to be replaced
affected. up adequate amounts of magnesium—to with newer and more efficient ones. The
Another very common deficiency that have an ideal root zone, keep the tem- important thing is to
results in yellowing leaves is a magne- perature between 65 to 75°F. investigate the root
sium deficiency. Magnesium is a nutrient Magnesium can also become deficient of the problem to
essential to the production of the chlo- in plants when there is an overly high EC. prevent nutrient de-
rophyll the plant needs in abundance to Having too much potassium, nitrogen and ficiencies from reoc-
absorb photons to enable the process of curring in the future.
photosynthesis. “Sometimes leaves begin to Vigilantly monitoring
The symptoms of a magnesium de- your pH and EC levels
ficiency also include leaves yellowing
yellow and there is nothing for any fluctuations
in between green veins, but with this wrong with the plant.” away from the ideal zone
particular deficiency the leaf tips become can make all the
brown and turn upwards, and the area calcium in soil/soilless mixes or reservoir difference when
first affected will be the middle leaves of nutrient solutions will cause magnesium to gardening. MY
the plant. become locked out of the plant. Adjusting
Magnesium deficiencies are common the EC levels in the nutrient and checking
indoors and have many causes. Plants more frequently can fix this problem and
growing in soil or soilless mediums could prevent it from happening in the future. If
have lots of magnesium present but it your problem is simply poor qual-
may not be available to them because it ity nutrients devoid of magnesium
has become bound in the medium. This you can try watering occasionally
happens with soil and soilless mixes that with water treated with one teaspoon of
are too acidic. Simply adjust pH to the Epsom salts per quarter gallon. This is a
ideal level and continue to check more safe, low-risk way of increas-
frequently. Magnesium also becomes ing magnesium levels in the
bound in soil when the soil is too cold nutrients without burning
or too wet. To correct this problem, allow your plant leaves.

by Lee
McCa
ll
The In
s and
of HV Outs
AC
Does your grow room need a lift? Likely what it’s missing
is a strong dose of ventilation. The pros and cons of a
sealed room (with respect to heating, ventilation and air
conditioning) are detailed in this article so you can make up
your own mind and recreate your space. Don’t be daunted
by the equipment list.

The grow room is an isolated environment constructed as a
necessary means to control and influence plant production.
Several aspects such as lighting, nutrient regimen and strain
characteristics might be regarded as primary pillars of the
grow room, but ventilation is every bit as important as any
of these aspects and will ultimately influence the quality of
the end product and the efficiency of grow room operations.
Ventilation is concerned with temperature, humidity and
CO2—three major factors that revolve around efficient
lighting and environmental control and which are vital for
healthy growth. As a grower, a definitive question when
setting up a respectable new grow is deciding whether or
not to run a sealed room. Many people argue that sealed
rooms create more problems with temperature, humidity
and CO2 than they solve, but others prefer this method in
order to maintain higher CO2 levels for longer periods of
“Ventilation is concerned with

temperature, humidity and CO2—
three major factors that revolve
around efficient lighting and
environmental control and which are
vital for healthy growth.”
time and keep the expense of running fans to a minimum.

As with any grower, to each their own; great results are
achievable in a multitude of ways and styles.
Personally, I steer away from sealed rooms if at all possible,
not because they are bad, but because I prefer to keep air
movement high and CO2 levels at normal numbers for
most of the day. I also favor air-cooling grow light reflectors
separately from carbon filters. Although it is initially cheaper
Grow room diagram.

Maximum Yield USA | November 2010 69
The Ins and Outs of HVAC
to use the filtered air from a carbon and heat from the grow light. In the
scrubber to vent heat out of grow light long run, investing more can end up
housings, I feel that overall efficiency returning more from the crop. Take for
is reduced through the effectiveness of example a high-output inline fan that is
VOC (odor) removal from the filter capable of 700 CFM of free-flowing air
with no static pressure. As soon as that
fan is paired with a carbon filter of the
“If an air-cooled reflector is being appropriate size the static pressure rating
utilized with six or eight inch ducts, is increased, thus dropping the CFM
it is best to keep the fan running in level of the fan. If an air-cooled reflector
sync with the cycle of the lights.” is being utilized with six or eight inch
ducts, it is best to keep the fan running
in sync with the cycle of the lights. If
the lights turn on, a fan should also turn
on to keep them cool during operation.
As stated earlier, “clean” air that is
projected from any carbon filter may be
used to partially remove heat from the
reflectors, although this eliminates the
ability to efficiently use supplemental
CO2 in the garden. The reason for this
is because CO2 levels are generally most
effective on plants at levels ranging from
Closed loop ventilation for grow lights.

800 to 1,500 PPM, and for periods in

excess of at least 30 minutes. In order to
successfully build a CO2 PPM level
of 800 to 1,500 from the normal
300 to 450 and maintain it for at
least 30 minutes, the garden must be
free of exhaust or intake air during this
time—virtually sealed. Leaving several
1,000 watt lights (or even just one) on
in a confined space without adequate
air-cooling could result in exposing the
garden to temperature extremes in excess
of 95°F or more. If you are using a carbon
filter to air-cool your lights, can you turn
the carbon filter off for at least one hour, or
Mult-Tent: This set-up promotes thourough airflow through both tents using
one intake and one exhaust.
even 30 minutes, without reaching a dangerous temperature

in the garden? Theoretically, if air-cooling a grow light is
dependent on the operation of a carbon filter, then the carbon
filter would have to be turned off in order to allow CO2 levels
to rise in the garden; otherwise it would all be exhausted out
of the room with the heat from the grow light. Since the main
source of generated heat from a grow room is derived from
the lights, there will probably be a discrepancy in maintaining
a safe and consistent temperature in the garden during times
when CO2 would be used and the carbon filter would have to
be turned off.
To avoid a dilemma such as this and ensure that you are
being cost effective with CO2 operations, air-cool any and all
grow lights with their own fan, on their own ventilation loop.
Basically, air should be pulled from a remote area—i.e. outside,
an adjacent room, a crawl space, an attic, etc.—and projected
through the grow light(s) to remove heat, then exhausted
outside or to another area separate from the one where air is
originally being taken from. When set up this way, the grow

lights will be able to stay air-cooled as and dumped outside or into another simple diagrams to help guide those
long as they are on, and will have area adjacent the grow room. Let’s recap: in need towards the ideal grow room
no affiliation with air flow from a a minimum of two fans is required in ventilation design.
carbon filter or room exhaust. order to achieve this ventilation concept. A rare, but true oddity: a handful of
Next, intake and One fan is dedicated to cooling only times I have encountered a grower who
exhaust air for grow lights and has no other purpose to runs a sealed room with no problems
the garden itself the operation of the garden. Another fan for years, but suddenly faces poor
should be set up will operate the carbon filter to ensure growth, low yield and a drop in quality.
on its any and all grow room air is cleaned Instead of allowing a crop to breathe
own before it is “normal” CO2
ventilation exhausted levels (300 to
loop out of the
“Over time the crop evolves 450 PPMs)
separate area. A and adapts to these high levels from a fresh air
from that of the third fan is of CO2, and, as an effect, if CO2 exchange with
grow lights. A optional, for levels are ever below 1,000 the occasional
separate intake intake air to CO2 blast of
point will allow the garden.
to 1,500 PPMs then plant 1,500 PPM,
fresh air to enter the I highly production ceases.” the sealed
grow area and refresh any recommend room design
depleted CO2 levels. All that air from maintains
grow room air that comes outside be pushed through a HEPA 1,000 to 1,500 PPMs at all times. Over
in contact with plants should filter before being allowed to replenish time the crop evolves and adapts to
be exhausted through a carbon filter the garden atmosphere. HEPA filters these high levels of CO2, and, as an
will remove more effect, if CO2 levels are ever below
than 90 per cent of 1,000 to 1,500 PPMs then plant
negative pathogens production ceases. This theory basically
that could infect confirms that CO2 is a ‘supernatural’
the garden and 99 occurrence for a plant in nature at such
per cent of insects high levels, and that your garden can
such as spider mites, literally become addicted to what it is
thrips, whiteflies and being served in excess. In retrospect,
fungus gnats. This indoor gardening is all about efficiency
ventilation design as well as quality. As a grower, if I can
provides flexibility use less CO2 to achieve the same results
to the user and and also keep my garden healthier at
allows for a higher the same time, why
precision point wouldn’t I?
of environmental So the answer to the ultimate question
control. Not only of whether or not to run a sealed room
can carbon filters be is actually sort of simple. Keep the
cut off for extended temperature at 75 to 80°F with the
periods of time to lights on, humidity levels anywhere
allow for optimal from 30 to 45 per cent and at least 60
CO2 usage in the to 70 watts of light per square foot.
garden, but heat will Don’t overuse CO2—less is always
also stay controlled more—and document all trial and error
due to the fact that information. Whether your room is
they are cooled from sealed or fully vented, if you as a grower
an entirely separate are able to meet the specifications of the
fan system. I have major grow room design pillars, success
provided some will inevitably follow! MY

Maximum Yield USA | October 2010 75
AVANT-GARDENING
Take 5Modern gardening for the masses
This month’s things to know

1. pH Stands for plantHealth
Hydroponic plants require the proper pH level
in order to absorb essential nutrients and grow healthy.
And measuring pH doesn’t have to be difficult or expen-
sive. Here are the three most common ways of measuring
pH in order of cost from the least expensive to the most
expensive, plus the benefits and challenges of each.
Paper test strips: inexpensive, can be hard to read
Liquid pH test kits: slightly more expensive than paper test
strips, easier to read, extremely accurate and reliable
Digital meters: most expensive of the three, available in many
sizes and prices, handy and easy-to-use
2. Alluring and Endangered

Venus Flytraps live only in select boggy areas in North
and South Carolina, specifically within a 60 mile radius of
Wilmington, North Carolina (Wikipedia.org). People’s fasci-
nation with these insect-eating carnivores is causing them to
become endangered. Thankfully they are one of the easiest car-
nivorous plants to grow. Gardeners are bringing them indoors,
growing them in greenhouses and grow rooms.Venus Flytraps
require wet roots, high humidity, lots of light and poor, acidic
medium to thrive.

3. Lawn in my Living Room
The imaginative, design savvy (and wealthy) are taking
home design to the extreme. Tree houses with a twist, homes
that rotate 360° and curvaceous cribs are
cropping up around the globe. Maybe
the next big thing in extreme home
design is custom hydro garden flooring.
Think about it. With the myriad techno-
logical advances available in our industry,
a lawn in the living room may not be far
off. What do you think?
4. Green Teens
Hydroponics education is now being offered to
high school students in Tennessee as part of the standard
curriculum. The objective of the course is to “challenge
students to plan for future food needs using advanced
technologies and less space.” The course includes 10
chapters ranging from the history of hydroponics to the
advantages of commercial hydroponics crops.
5 Guerrilla Gardening
According to worldchanging.com, guerrilla gardening
is growing in popularity, especially in Los Angeles thanks to a
company called Greenaid. Greenaid sells and rents seed bombing
vending machines to business owners, educators and concerned
citizens, and develops a seed mix and strategic neighborhood
intervention plan for the unique ecologies of specific areas. In-
cluded with each seed bomb packet is a map of the best places to
deposit the seed bombs in the L.A. area. MY

by Philip McIntosh
CONSTRUCTION PART ONE:
BASIC DESIGN & FLOORING
Building a hydroponic greenhouse from scratch can

be puzzling, but thanks to the following simple steps,
it doesn’t have to be. This article, the first of two, will
discuss basic greenhouse design requirements and
flooring considerations.

Mid-sized and large-scale growing operations invariably take
place outdoors or in greenhouses. This is because the cost of
providing light in an enclosed space over a wide area is not
economical. The free light energy provided by the sun—which
is needed to drive photosynthesis—is just too good to pass up.
Even though the sun does reliably rise every day, Mother Na-
ture is notoriously unpredictable in other ways. When it comes
to growing with hydroponics, greenhouses are often chosen to
“Factors to be considered in
greenhouse design and selection
are location, space and construction
methods and materials.”
house crops not only because they let light in, but also because
they offer protection from wind, precipitation, cold, heat, and to
some extent, insects and other plant predators.
Greenhouses can be large or they can be small. They can be
made from old-fashioned glass and wood, cheap PVC pipe and
plastic sheeting, or they can incorporate the latest high tech
materials. When building a greenhouse from the ground up,
the choice of materials used in the design has both economic
and biological implications. The method of construction and
materials used must also be considered when shopping for and
evaluating a pre-existing facility that includes a greenhouse.
The Hydroponic Greenhouse

In general, hydroponic greenhouses must meet certain basic re-
quirements. Factors to be considered in greenhouse design and
selection are location, space and construction methods
and materials.
Location is often the first variable addressed when planning
a greenhouse. Since the major advantage of a greenhouse is its
ability to let in natural sunlight, it is important to study and
understand the light energy that will be available in a particular
location. A good place to start is the website of the National
Climatic Data Center (www.ncdc.noaa.gov). The center publishes
data on the average number of days of sunshine for a selec-
tion of U.S. cities, which is good enough to get a general idea

Greenhouse Construction - Part one
of what to expect in most parts of the country. Assuming the

light potential is good, a specific location analysis should then
take into account any nearby tall buildings, trees and even hills
that might affect the light striking a greenhouse at various
times of the day.
Road access should be available and appropriate for the types
of vehicles expected to service the facility. Large trucks need
better and wider roads than small cars.
Zoning laws are the bane of many an entrepreneur. In many
states, greenhouses are considered part of the agricultural
infrastructure. In these situations, greenhouses are allowed in
most places, including residential neighborhoods. Small towns
or rural communities often have no restrictive zoning laws that
would prevent a greenhouse from going up. Some states, how-
ever, classify greenhouses, especially large ones, as commercial
buildings and this often leads
to complications. It is
important to research
local zoning and permit
laws regarding green-
houses before starting
construction to make
sure all requirements are
met and approvals
are obtained.
NCDC
webpage
The first space consideration involves the floor space for

the growing area. This is both method- and crop-dependent
and will not be discussed further here, other than to stress the
importance of making sure there is enough room to install the
equipment so that plant spacing does not fall below the recom-
mended minimum, and workers can both harvest the crops and
maintain the systems with relative convenience.
Second, the ceiling height of a greenhouse may be important
if tall plants will be suspended from above. If lettuce is the prin-
ciple crop, sufficient headroom is needed for air circulation and
walking about, but not much more.

Another thing to consider is aux- building. It is usually less expensive

iliary space. Auxiliary space may be “Greenhouses [for hydroponics] are to construct a greenhouse with the
desirable for equipment rooms, stor- often chosen...because they offer required auxiliary space than it is
age of tools and supplies, office space protection from wind, precipitation, to add space after the fact. On the
or even specialized places like cold cold, heat, and to some extent, other hand, one can also start out
storage rooms. Such spaces certainly insects and other plant predators.” modestly and add on later when
add to the cost of a greenhouse, but (and if) the money starts rolling in.
in some cases the convenience of having such rooms attached Greenhouses need electrical power for pumps, controls and
to or built into a greenhouse may be worth the additional lighting, perhaps a gas supply for heating and a water supply. No
expense. Of course, these things should be thought about before greenhouse should be situated very far from a hookup to these
constructing or essential utilities.
purchasing a
Greenhouse Floors
Greenhouse floors will get wet, so whatever they are made
of must be able to withstand intermittent moisture and oc-
casionally a lot of water (in the case of a leak or major spill).
Hobbyists may choose natural material such as wood chips or
bark because they are relatively cheap, easy to find and attrac-
tive, but wood chips are a poor choice for a serious commercial
operation because they retain moisture and are a substrate for
molds and bacteria. Wood planking is somewhat better since
it can be treated with a preservative and is easily repaired in
case of damage. Wood is usually most prized for its decorative

function, though, and commercial greenhouses are really better

served by some form of non-organic, non-biodegradable floor.
If wood is chosen it should be either pressure treated or an
engineered composite, or a rot-resistant type such as redwood,
cedar or cypress.
Smooth gravel or crushed stone are non-biodegradable options
that offer drainage to keep water from standing for too long.
“Wood is usually most prized for its

decorative function, though, and
commercial greenhouses are really
better served by some form of non-
organic, non-biodegradable floor.”
However, under the gravel there is likely to be dirt (if there was
concrete, why would you cover it with gravel?), which can har-
bor undesirable fungi, bacteria, and to a lesser extent, (because of
poor light penetration) algae. Despite these risks, gravel or even
sand is commonly seen, and many growers succeed with these
kinds of floors without complications. One advantage of such
floors is that it is convenient to install heating pipes in them.
Brick or stone is waterproof if grouted, and if not, allows
drainage. Without grout, the same problems exist as for gravel

laid over dirt. Both stone and brick absorb and retain heat
well, so this does offer something of an advantage in locations
where days are sunny but nights are cool. Brick and stone are
appealing to the eye, but this is seldom a concern in a facility
designed for profit.
This brings us to concrete, which over the long term is by
far the most practical floor material for a commercial green-
house. Concrete is easy (although not necessarily inexpensive)
to install and form to meet the needs of any desired floor plan.
It is waterproof, easy to sweep or hose off, and if installed on
a slight incline, provides drainage to prevent standing water.
It can be slippery when wet, however, so it is best if a texture
(like grooves or wavy lines) is pressed into the floor surface to
provide traction.Vinyl or rubber floor mats are an additional
non-skid option for high-traffic walkways and work areas.
A pre-existing facility with a dirt or gravel floor can be
improved by using a polypropylene ground cover to inhibit
growth of weeds and algae. Flexible fabric ground covers may
be either non-permeable to prevent drainage or permeable to
allow water through. In either case, a ground cover should be
mildew resistant and provide increased reflection of light toward
the underside of leaves—some ground covers are white to pro-
vide maximum reflectivity.
Part two of this article will cover the options and requirements
for greenhouse frames and coverings. MY
References
Anonymous; Building a Foundation; http://
www.littlegreenhouse.com/base/base.shtml
(accessed September 1, 2010)
Anonymous; Ranking of Cities based on % An-

nual Possible Sunshine in Descending Order
from Most to Least Average Possible Sunshine;
<http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/
ccd/pctposrank.txt> (Accessed August 31, 2010)
Bartok, John W.; Will The Zoning Commission

Approve Your Greenhouse Project? University
of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System;
<http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/greenhs/bar-
tok/htms/ZoningApprovalforGreenhouse.htm>
(Accessed September 1, 2010)
Miller, Jason; Greenhouse Flooring Options;

<http://www.greenhouses.net/greenhouse-
gardening/2008/8/16/greenhouse-flooring-
options.html> (accessed August 31, 2010)

BEGINNER’S CORNER
CLIMATE
by Réal Adam and Isabelle Lemay
CONTROL
Keep the Stomas Open

Plants are living organisms with failsafe mecha-
nisms encoded in their DNA to survive the
ever-changing climate conditions in a natural
outdoor environment.They act a bit like each
species has its own personality, and they are sort
of moody when it comes to climate conditions.
Plants breathe through stomas, mainly located
on the lower surface of leaves.These stomas
act like two-way valves to let air in, and expel
unwanted gases and water vapor from transpira-
tion.When a climate condition is threatening to

damage a part of or the whole plant, the stomas close. Even if “So many species of plants will react,
light, water and nutrients are available in abundant quantity and grow and mature faster at higher levels
quality, when the stomas shut the photosynthesis stops, as does of carbon dioxide.”
all growth and blooming.The plant maturation stops until the
climate variable that caused the stomas to close gets back into carbon dioxide intake
the appropriate range for the plant to comfortably carry out in the presence of
photosynthesis and growth. light.That’s why
So, climate conditions are important to plants, and it is important to
climate control in a closed environment is a must. If maintain at least
minimum ventila-
tion with fresh air
to supply the plants
with carbon dioxide
as it is drawn and
used. Climate control
is obviously important to
maintaining proper condi-
tions for growing plants at a
sustained high rate in a closed room.
When plants first appeared on Earth and
evolved into the various species, carbon dioxide
levels were much higher than they are now.These
concentrations of CO2 were certainly above 1,000
parts per million (ppm), compared to the 400
temperatures are too ppm average that can be measured outdoors
hot or too cold, or if today in a highly urbanized area. So many spe-
the relative humidity is cies of plants will react, grow and mature faster
too low, growth stops. at higher levels of carbon dioxide.That’s why
When relative humidity carbon dioxide enrichment is extensively used
is too high transpiration by growers, providing more building material
is slowed, so water and for the plant to transform into biomass and to get
nutrient absorption slows faster and higher yield results. MY
accordingly. Relative humidity
going too high is also a concern
because of the risk of pests like fungi
and bacteria, which will attack plants if al-
lowed to develop.
How Important is CO2?

Basically, when stomas close the carbon intake from breath-
ing carbon dioxide shuts down and the plant is deprived of
this important source of building material for the cells. Plants
are made up of organic chains composed of oxygen, hydrogen,
nitrogen and carbon. If any of these atoms are unavailable in the
right proportions, tissue building and growth are slowed to use
just what’s available. Since hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen may
come from water pumped through the roots, carbon dioxide
from the air becomes central to further fast growth. Proper
temperature and relative humidity will keep the stomas open for

Life and the Sea:
Sea Solids in Agriculture Part Two
Many years ago we started to work out the amount of sea
solids that could be used both in hydroponic solutions or
spread on the soil. After many years of trial and error, we did
work it out, and now we’ve been able to grow any crop
that we’ve ever tried on soil or solution containing
total sea solids—sodium chloride and all.
by Dr. Maynard Murray

Life and the Sea Part Two
 My interest in this thing was to

find out if I could grow a plant that was
healthier and better to feed to animals—
in other words, fertilization that would
make the plants healthier. I think it was
1970 when the corn blight swept our
“Center rot in turnips is a

good thing to experiment
with, because it’s caused by
staph infections.”
are quite
country here. We could see in the fields all right. We are
with sea solids amendment right to at the present time
the row where the corn was absolutely and have in the past
immune to the blight. Now we do the How about bacterial infections? Center experimented with animals with cancer.
same thing with corn smut, a fungus of rot in turnips is a good thing to experi- You have to be very careful before you
corn.You can see right up to the row ment with, because it’s caused by staph publish anything on cancer prevention
where you put the sea solids. This works infections—same kind of a or cure, because, as we know, in sci-
not only with corn, but also with many bug that produces boils and staph ence there can be a lot of flukes. One
other crops. pneumonia. We can indeed build up thing can happen one time, but the
We’ve worked with viral diseases—for significant immunity to staph infections,
example Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Tomato viral and fungal infections in plants. “We can indeed build up
Mosaic Virus, Peachtree ‘curly leaf ’— This is all very nice, but what happens
and find that we can produce a plant when we feed these plants to animals? significant immunity to
that is immune to them. We’ve had When we grow corn, wheat, oats, et staph infections, viral and
some nice results. We have also built up cetera, and feed them to animals ex-
resistance very nicely to crown rusts, perimentally, we do see some changes
fungal infections in plants.”
corn smut, et cetera. that are very interesting, and we think
next time it won’t happen quite that
way. A common experimental animal is
the C3H mouse, which spontaneously
gets from 97 to 100 per cent cancer of
the breast. By feeding C3H mice food
grown with sea solids, we have been able
to cut down cancer in the first genera-
tion from 97 to 55 per cent. That’s a

significant drop. We seem to be able to do very rapidly. If you inject the chicken
that almost invariably. Sometimes it’ll be with sarcoma, it will kill them in five
a little more that 55 per cent. Now we days. We have not achieved any results at
are running more generations, and we are all using so-called Rous sarcoma
finding that with each generation we are chickens. I don’t know why.
building up more and more resistance to We’ve fed our chickens
this one kind of cancer in mice. two weeks before we
We have also experimented with leuko- gave them the sarcoma,
sis in chickens, what we call leukemia in give them the sar-
people. There we get a significant drop coma, and they’d all
just by feeding. The only variable is the be dead within five
fact that one part of the field has the sea days. We feed them the
regular food, give them
“We are at the present the sarcoma, and they’d all be
dead within five days. We haven’t farmers are
time and have in the done one thing for them that we the greatest. They
past experimented with know of, but we still want to carry on, of are really the beginning of preventive
course. And we will continue with this medicine. The farm soil—that’s where it
animals with cancer.” type of experimentation. starts; that’s what it’s all about.
We have experimented with arthritis in We have fed other animals—pigs, cattle,
solids on it, the other has ordinary fertil- rats. Now you probably know rheuma- et cetera—food grown on sea solids. Let
izer. The crops are harvested the same toid arthritis—I’m not saying that we can me tell you about a cow. I can’t under-
day, everything is ground the same day to do this in human beings yet because we stand it, but if you grow green corn—
prevent the loss of vitamins, and so forth. haven’t, but I can say that arthritis in rats with the sea solids and without—and cut
In other words, the only variable that can be cured. We cannot only cure the it and toss it over the field for the cow
we know of is this sea solid. In leukosis animal if he’s got some of his tissue left in to eat, they can nuzzle through a whole
or leukemia in chickens, we have again the joint, but we can also prevent arthritis bunch of corn and invariably pick out
shown a nice response, a nice resistance in rats that are bred to get the disease. Just the one that’s grown on the sea solids.
built up in the chicken to this kind of by feeding. So you see what a tremendous Why? I don’t know. But they do the
cancer, cancer of the white blood cells. thing proper nutrition is. I just think the same if you grow grass or anything like
Sarcoma in chickens is another kind of
cancer that kills “By feeding C3H mice food grown with sea
solids, we have been able to cut down
cancer in the first generation from 97
to 55 per cent.”

less silver and less manganese in it than tissue culture, I can grow it, and it will
‘normal-colored’ hair. divide 50 times. In other words, one
We know that aging does cell will produce two, two will produce
produce chemical changes in four, et cetera. Regardless of what we’ve
our body, and that brings me tried, we have not been able to cause
to what really interests us in more than 50 reproductions of cells. The
our overall experiment. We’ve number of reproductions varies with
got some experiments going different kinds of animals: a mouse, 17; a
using 8,000 acres of land. Hope- rat, 23; human being, 50; and so forth. It
fully we’re going to increase that to seems strange that this happens on land
around 25,000 acres using sea sol- but doesn’t happen in the sea.You take
ids. If we do, we’re going to divide a sperm whale that’s 60 to 100 years of
a children’s home containing 1,000 age, but this whale’s cells will keep right
kids. We’re going to start feeding on multiplying. Seals, all warm-blooded
that. They always half of them sea solid foods and half animals in the sea will do this. All
choose the one that’s regular and run a longitudinal cold-blooded animals that
grown on the sea solids, with study on these kids to see what we’ve tested in the sea
the sea solid fertilizer. I don’t know what change we can produce—number do so.
sense they use, but they know how to get of colds, weight gain, IQ, et cetera. Take a sea trout, for
it. And they always do. We have done some superficial exper- instance, which never
gets cancer. If you take his
tissue and put it in tis-
“We have experimented with arthritis in rats. Now sue culture, it just keeps
you probably know rheumatoid arthritis—I’m not dividing and dividing.
saying that we can do this in human beings yet
because we haven’t, but I can say that arthritis in rats “We do know that
can be cured.” when we get gray
hair, it’s not because
You may have heard that a gray horse iments with animals in which we’ve
always dies of a cancer but a black one seen a small increase in intelligence.
our hair turns to
never does. Interesting. But no one re- You may know that by injecting silver. It’s because it
ally knows why this is. In addition, the DNA, this chemical in the nucleus loses silver.”
grayer the horse is, the faster he dies— of an animal, you can educate an
the younger he dies of cancer, a certain animal.You can also extract this
kind, called melanotic melanoma. It’s a education and give it by injec-
pigment-producing cancer that can arise tion to another animal. We’re just
in a human being from a birthmark or a starting that kind of work.
mole. That’s the kind of a cancer a gray Now as you probably
horse gets, but a black one never does. In know, if I take a piece of
analyzing their blood, you do indeed find my tissue and put it in
that there are minute, very minute differ-
ences in the amount of manganese that
the gray and the black horse have, which
could explain this business of why one
gets cancer and the other doesn’t at
all. We do know that when we
get gray hair, it’s not because
our hair turns to sil-
ver. It’s because it
loses silver. Gray
hair has

On the other hand, with freshwater trout

in Minnesota, Wisconsin, et cetera—as
many as 60 per cent of them have cancer
of the liver—in tissue culture medium,
their tissue stops dividing at 23 to 27
times. His first cousin in the sea
never stops. So far we’ve found
that the tissues of sea animals,
both warm- and cold-
blooded, never stop multiplying
in tissue culture. No cancer has ever
been found in the sea—yet.
Their relatives on land, of
course, have cancer very
often. This is true of all so-
called infectious diseases
by virus, bacteria and fungi.
It is for that reason that we
have carried on this research.
We’re continuing to do so. MY

GREEN THUMB GARDENING
Raising the
Green Roof by Charlene Rennick
Green roofs are gaining new ground in higher places. In 120 mph. The building has rain catchers
on the roof and a 15,000 gallon cistern
some areas, millions of feet of gardens have been anchored
buried underground. Most of the water
onto the top of city buildings. Many of these living green they use comes from the cistern and is
rooftops can be found across the North America. re-used after being cleaned.
A project in the South Bronx, New Atop the new brick building attached to Green Roofs Save Money
York is combatting food miles and food the renovated Garden Theatre in down- Cultivating green, living plants on urban
deserts at the same time, growing fresh, town Orlando is the future of urban rooftops lowers climate control costs by
nutritious vegetables in a 10,000 square farming. From floor to ceiling, Green Sky about 10 per cent. This dense, leafy insu-
foot rooftop greenhouse on top of a six Growers is a rooftop hydroponic garden lator helps to control the temperature by
story affordable housing project. The consisting of gourmet lettuce, cucumbers, absorbing some of the excess moisture in
BrightFarm rooftop greenhouse harvests cherry tomatoes and basil. The urban farm the air during the hottest part of the year
rainwater from the building for irrigation, also grows thousands of small tilapia fry in and provides a buffer against the coldest
and used waste heat from the residences an aquaponics system. The garden makes extremes of temperature throughout the
below to keep the plants warm. Resi- use of wasted urban space and the plants winter months.
dents enjoy fresh, nutritious food grown grow bigger and faster than traditional Living rooftops are gaining momen-
right above them (the farm is said to be crops. The 3,000 square foot research tum as a sustainable energy resource.
capable of producing fresh vegetables for and demonstration garden is hurricane- Plants protect the exterior of the
up to 450 people). resistant, built to withstand winds up to building from the wear and tear of

wind-related erosion, non-flowering and non-fruit-bearing varieties in order to
beautify the inner- avoid attracting insects with sweet pollens and bright colors.
city landscape, act as Careful pruning, removing dead leaves and discouraging
a sound barrier and thicker branch growth will create unfavorable conditions
help to break up heat for nesting birds. While the inner city walls are better suited
trapped in densely for hardy, vertical climbing plants, ferns, grasses, dracaena
populated urban core areas. Living green rooftops lower the and other similar species, green rooftops can also be used
carbon footprint. The success of green technology rooftops to grow vegetables and herbs. Urban rooftops can produce
has generated interest in developing living walls. healthy rosemary, parsley, sage, thyme, mint,
lettuce, onions, radishes and chives. Sweet
Living Walls: An Extension of Green Roofs clover, impatiens, pansies, heather and
As opposed to the damage caused to the outer walls by ivy or lobelia varieties lend themselves well
vertical vines and creepers, green living walls do not adhere as an environmental insulator
directly onto the exterior of the building. Living green walls and flourish well through-
are constructed in modules that are attached to the outside out fluctuations in
of the existing wall. This is similar to a trellis, except that they temperature.
are often square and can be stacked upward in symmetrical To learn more about
columns supported by a mesh of sturdy wire. Living walls green roofs and other
are rare in many countries. Concern has been presented that hydroponic topics visit
green walls may attract insects (bees) and birds. Plants used in www.simply-hydroponics.com
the design of green living walls are deliberately selected from MY

A $ olid Investment:
Gourmet Hydroponics Lettuce Garden
by Casey Jones Fraser
You too can have gourmet

lettuce like this! Lusher,
crisper and more nutrient-
rich, and at a fraction of the
cost you would pay in the
grocery store. How? With
hydroponics. Where? In your
living room. When? Today.

Let’s face it, hydroponics can get a little
bit expensive; then again, so can golf.
But why should gardeners plunk down
hard earned cash for their favorite hobby
in this tough economy? Well, I did the
math, and even a small hydroponics gar-
den can make good economic sense.You
will also reap the health benefits of eating
fresh, high-quality produce.
My wife and I eat at least a couple of
salads every week. Iceberg lettuce gets
boring, so we opt for a mix of gourmet
greens. When possible, we always get
organically grown leaf lettuce and other
mixed leafy greens. We are not alone in
our quest for the best possible salad base.
Produce departments continue to stock
increased numbers of the vitamin rich
leaves. Unfortunately, premium produce
comes at a premium price.
So the question is, can a small indoor
garden provide the same quantity and
quality of mixed salad greens? And more
importantly, can it be done without
spending more on the garden than you
would on the salads?
I set out to answer these questions, and
maybe a few others. My wife, Heather,
set out to make sure I didn’t flood the
living room carpet. The idea of a hydro-
ponics garden, complete with grow lights,
sounds about as homey as a Petri dish. I
had to make it safe, and I had to make it
look good.

A Solid Investment
Ready, Set, Grow!

A couple of trips to the hydro store and hardware store, and I I took a four foot folding table out of the basement and
have everything I need. covered it with a flower-embroidered tablecloth (Heather ap-
proves)! The table goes under the new T5 fixture. The ebb-and-
flow tray sits on the tablecloth. I crowd the entire set-up with
houseplants, orchids, Bonsai trees and cacti. The living room
looks nicer than it did before I started. Score!
Now that the garden is aesthetically pleasing, the next step is a
safe and reliable watering setup. Ebb-and-Flow is effective, easy
and unlikely to fail. If you are not familiar with ebb-and-flow
Shopping List: hydroponics (also known as fill-and-drain), just ask the sales
team at your local hydroponics store.You’ll be surprised at how
• 16 soilless growing cubes (three inches) simple it really is.
• two pumps (160 gph)
• bucket and lid Step 1. Soak and rinse
• organic seeds growing cubes
• ebb-and-flow tray (one foot by 3.5 feet) Soak your growing cubes in a 5.5 pH
• hose and fittings solution for an hour, and then rinse with
• high output T5 grow light (four feet, four fresh pH adjusted water.
tubes, 6500K)
• organic nutrients (one quart)
• organic catalyst with seaweed and vitamins
(one quart)
• organic compost solution (one quart)
• air pump and air stone
*Note: Get your tray custom drilled for

the fittings. A good hydro shop will drill it
at no cost.
Preparations for the gourmet lettuce garden include drilling

a hole in the lid for fill and drain tubing; threading tubing
through the lid into the reservoir; filling the reservoir with
water to desired height; and creatively hiding the set-up
with greenery.

A Solid Investment
Step 2. Plant seeds

Shove a few seeds into the three
inch growing blocks. Plant the
seeds in a square pattern: four
holes, half an inch from the edge
of the cube, and two seeds in each
whole. That’s eight seeds per three
inch cube, which may sound like
too much, but you will be harvesting
leaves as the plants grow. I used 16 of
the three inch cubes.
Always plant lettuce seeds a mere ¼
inches into the medium. Lettuce prefers the
shallow planting for the tiny seeds. Any type
of loose leaf lettuce will work, but I chose the Heather picks some fresh
following varieties for this particular garden: greenery to munch on.
Red oak Leaf, Black Seed Simpson, Arugula,

Ruben’s Red Romaine and others from a
Mesclun salad mix. “Always plant lettuce seeds a mere
After a few days, the lettuce seeds will sprout, ¼ inches into the medium. Lettuce
and young leaves will start to emerge. It’s now prefers the shallow planting for the
time to set up the fill-and-drain system with tiny seeds.“
pumps and a reservoir.

A Solid Investment
pumps. The air pump stays on to keep the solu-

tion aerated. Once every two weeks, the reservoir is
dumped and a new solution is mixed. I use the old
solution to feed houseplants, so there is no waste.
The big payoff

In three weeks we start picking lettuce leaves. That is
some of the best salad mix ever. With little effort,
Heather and I are eating four salads per week,
plus lettuce on sandwiches, and all the leaves
we eat when walking past the garden. Maybe
I’m crazy, but I think my skin is looking
healthier. Why didn’t I build this
garden sooner?
The math and the money

We are consuming at least $15 worth of lettuce each week.
The shopping list for this small project totaled $320. That means
we break even in less than six months. If we keep this up for a
Step 4. Hydro plumbing year, we come out way ahead on our grocery bills.
For this step you will need a bucket (with lid), a drill and the Hydroponics doesn’t seem so expensive anymore. It’s more
hydroponic components from the shopping list. I had a small like a solid investment, because we can grow something for less
hydroponics reservoir in my basement, but you can get the than we would pay for it in the grocery store. An added benefit
classic five gallon bucket and a lid for around $6 at the is that the quality of homegrown plant material is often higher
hardware store. than what you can buy. So do the math the next time you
Drill three holes in the lid: one for the ½ inch fill line, one for price-shop premium gardening products.You may find they are
the ¾ inch overflow line and one smaller one for the air stone. well worth the sticker price when you reap a large harvest of
The tray has been pre-drilled at the local hydro shop, and the valuable produce. MY
drain-and-fill fittings attach easily. The ½ inch fitting and tubing
connect to a 160 gph pump; this is the fill line. The ¾ inch fit-
ting and tubing are routed straight into the reservoir; this is your
overflow line (no flooding the living room). Add the air stone
Lettuce Garden Analysis
connected to a small air pump via ¼ inch tubing.
I measure exact amounts of water and pour it into the reser-
Shopping List Cost
High Output T5 Grow light $150.00
voir. After wiping the surface dry, I use a permanent marker to
Organic nutrients $19.00
designate five gallon and 10 gallon levels inside my reservoir.
Organic Catalyst with
For five gallon buckets, measure and mark at the 2.5 gallon and
Seaweed and Vitamins $27.50
five gallon levels. This extra step will make nutrient measuring
Organic compost solution $14.00
precise and easy.
Air pump and air stone $10.00
16 soilless growing cubes $9.50
Step 5. Nutrients
Two pumps $28.00
I add my nutrients and supplements to the reservoir water at
Bucket and lid $6.00
the “seedling rate” suggested on the bottles. During this pro-
Organic seeds $3.00
cess, I have the additional water pump (160 gph) sitting in the
Ebb-and-flow tray $40.00
reservoir, mixing up the solution. This pump is not attached to a
Hose and fitting $13.00
hose; it just keeps the hydroponic solution well blended.
Total Cost $320.00
To water my garden, I plug in the fill pump and the tray begins

to flood with water. Once the water fills the tray, excess solution
drains back into the reservoir via the overflow. I return and shut
Salad Greens Yield
Weekly salad greens
off the mixing pump and the fill pump 15 minutes later. The
consumption $15.00
tray drains and the plants look happy.

Every morning I turn on the mixing pump, and then the
fill pump while I make coffee. When I’m done, I shut off the
Six Months @ $15/week

Total Value $390.00

FERTILIZERS OR
ADDITIVES…
OR BOTH? by William Texier
Part 1
Having navigated the indoor gardening industry for many years,
I have come to realize the difficulties faced by many cultivators
in differentiating between a fertilizer and an additive. In truth, it
comes down to the plant’s needs and wants. Hydroponic plants need
fertilizer for sustenance. They want additives for accelerated growth,
improved health and pest and disease resistance. This article helps you
navigate the more common additives available on the market today so
you can give your garden everything it wants and needs this winter.

“Additives are products that have a function
other than nourishing the plant. They promote
and accelerate growth while improving the
general health of the plant and its resistance to
insects and pathogenic diseases.”
The difference is both fundamental and simple: a plant requires

variable quantities of mineral salts to nourish itself. Any prod-
uct that provides mineral salts, whether it is the primary or
secondary source or a micro-element, is a fertilizer. This fertil-
izer is necessary to sustain the plant, and in hydroponics is the
sole source of nutrition. If it is a complete fertilizer, not only

is it necessary but also sufficient, because it provides the plant
everything it needs for its metabolism. Both in theory and in
practice you can have very healthy plants and a rich harvest us-
ing a complete fertilizer on its own. So why use additives? Addi-
tives are products that have a function other than nourishing
the plant. They promote and accelerate growth while improving
the general health of the plant and its resistance to insects and
pathogenic diseases. Generally, they either function by providing

Fertilizers or Additves...or both?
the plant with ready-made molecules—thus saving energy, Silicate

which can be used elsewhere—or they give signals to the plant In order for an element to be considered indispensable to a
to increase its metabolism. There are several kinds of additives, plant, there has to be evidence of a deficiency in the plant
and they often have multiple functions and results. caused by the absence of the element. With modern hydropon-
ics it became possible to create deficiencies in a plant’s nutri-
tion by isolating one element or another. This is how a list of
mineral salts essential to various plants’ lives was established.
This test was never carried out on silica though, essentially
because it is such an abundant element in soil that it is
difficult to create an environment without it. How-
ever, there are strong indications that silica is
actually an essential element. In
any case, it has a number of
functions in plants: in so-
lution, it is absorbed by
the plant in the form
of silicic acid, which
penetrates the cells
and strengthens their
structure. This means
plants are more resistant to
insects, which find it difficult
to pierce the cell walls and tend instead
to go for plants that are easier to attack. But silica
has other advantages too: in the nutritive solution it helps to
stabilize the pH, and also protects the roots from pathogenic

“...it has a number of functions in plants: in
solution, it is absorbed by the plant in the
form of silicic acid, which penetrates the cells
and strengthens their structure. This means
plants are more resistant to insects.“
fungi such as Pythium and Fusarium by killing their

spores on contact. Silica can be found in either liquid
or powder form. As a liquid it comes in the form of
potassium silicate, which is generally an effective way of
providing silica, although limited by the poor solubility
of potassium silicate in the levels of pH used in nutritive
solutions. As a powder it comes in silica clay, which is very
rich in silicate and contains a number of useful trace ele-
ments. This clay can be used externally in powdered form
on foliage applications or around the root to prevent
a fungal attack, or internally, in the nutritive solu-
tion, to be absorbed by the plant. Adding silica
does not provide a spectacular result because
it is, after all, a preventive substance. However,
an informed cultivator will quickly realize that
with a silica additive his plants are healthier
than usual, more pest and disease resistant and
have a more stable pH.

“The humate family is divided into three

fractions according to their molecular weight:
humic acid—with the highest molecular
weight—ulmic acid and fulvic acid, a molecule
that has a much shorter chain but numerous
active sites.“
common points with respect to both

their composition and structure. In fact,
humates make up the active element
of the soil, and when you add them,
whether into soil or into a nutritive
solution, you increase the plant’s activity.
Obviously, not all humic or fulvic acid-
based products on the market are the
same. This means that the concentration
Humates minerals that the plant uses for nourish- of the active matter is of no help to us,
These are a large family of molecules that ment. The humate family is divided into because the activity does not depend on
have similar characteristics, and are defined three fractions according to their molecu- the concentration but on the source of
by the way in which they are extracted lar weight: humic acid—with the high- the product. The acids are often extract-
rather than by a chemical structure. Hu- est molecular weight—ulmic acid and ed from a rock called leonardite, but not
mates are the result of the decomposition fulvic acid, a molecule that has a much all leonardite deposits are the same and
of organic matter, and are found in the shorter chain but numerous active sites. numerous tests must first be performed
ground. The humates represent only a The chemistry of humates is complex and on the cultures to determine the most
small portion of the matter that was de- more than a million different molecules effective product. The action of these
composed; the remainder consists of other are listed in this category, but they have acids is incredibly diversified: first, in soil,
they increase water retention capacity,
improve ventilation, enhance texture,
prevent drying out in case of drought,
make the soil lighter and help prevent
erosion. On a chemical level, they keep
the elements insoluble in the root area
and they encourage the conversion of
some of these elements into a form eas-
ily assimilated by plants, then “release”
them so that the plant can absorb them.
They also have a strong ionic exchange
capacity—both anions and cations—
which acts as a buffer in soil as well as in
the nutritive solution, and they increase
the quantity of nitrate in the soil. Finally,
they are rich in organic matters and
mineral substances indispensable to the
plant’s growth. On a biological level,
these acids stimulate the metabolism,
accelerating cell division and activating
growth in the root area. They increase
the germination rate of seeds, facili-
tate the assimilation of nutrients, boost

“On a biological level, [humic and fulvic]
acids stimulate the metabolism, accelerating
cell division and activating growth in the
root area.”
microbial life in soil, aid photosynthesis, increase root respira-

tion and stimulate enzymatic activity. This impressive range of
results has helped to boost the popularity of humates among
gardeners and horticulturists. Humates are used for water-
ing soil or can be dissolved in the nutritive solution, but they
are just as effective for foliar spraying. Subject to finding a
good quality product, humates—and particularly fulvic acid,
the most active—are still my favorite additives for improv-
ing the health of plants and the quantity and quality of the
harvest. No other product offers a range of actions as wide
and diversified. Moreover, humates are a natural product, one
of the essential elements of soil, and can be used in organic
cultivation too.

Boosters
As the name implies, these are compounds that activate the
metabolism of a plant. Boosters comprise a large family of
products and they come in various types: growth boosters,
flowering boosters, rooting boosters and so on. The technical
term is actually elicitors, and most of the time they are natural
extracts from plants. A large number of plants synthesize mol-
ecules that are not directly linked to their metabolism. Some of
these molecules are useful for plant survival—for instance, they
can give the plant a bitter taste, making them less palatable for
grazing animals, or they can help the plant survive tempera-
ture fluctuations. They are also the chemical weapons used by
plants in their never-ending fight for space, light and food.
Although the benefit for the plant is clear in the case of many
of these booster molecules, the reason why the plant spends
“Cut some young twigs of willow about four

inches long and soak them in water for a
few days. You can then use that water as a
root booster by watering your cuttings with
it or by soaking the stem of cuttings in that
water before putting them in place.”

energy to manufacture some of them—referred to under the
generic name of secondary metabolites—is actually far from
obvious. These include essential oils, tannins, alkaloids, latex,
glycosides, terpens and many others. These secondary metabo-
lites provide us with a number of medicines, essential oils and
resins, as well as tannins for leather, natural insecticides, spices
and flavors for the kitchen and much more. Nature provides us
with thousands of these compounds and a single plant species
can produce a large variety of them. It is among the secondary
metabolites that we find the building blocks for the boosters,
which are extracted from one plant or another according to
the desired effect. Here is a simple example that anybody can
try: willow contains molecules that will help a cutting during
the rooting stage. Cut some young twigs of willow about four
inches long and soak them in water for a few days.You can
then use that water as a root booster by watering your cuttings
with it or by soaking the stem of cuttings in that water before
putting them in place.You will be amazed how efficient the
maceration can be! According to the plant that you choose for
extraction as well as the process used, you can achieve a large
spectrum of effects. Generally speaking, not only do boosters
increase a plant’s intake capacity for nutritional elements but
can also help to move them inside the plant. Boosters can also
promote the growth of a vigorous root system, improving the
general health of the plant as well as its capacity to fight harm-
ful fungi and pathogens. On top of this internal effect, boosters
also play a part in the surroundings of the plant, tending to favor
the development of beneficial micro-organisms in the root zone.
Elicitors are still a novelty in the agricultural world, however. At
first, they were used primarily by greenhouse growers, nurser-
ies and plant collectors on plants, which generated a large added
value, but they are now slowly starting to gain ground in field
agriculture. Although they can be expensive, in many cases the
economic benefits of using elicitors largely offsets their cost, and
it is regulations rather than price that are slowing down research
progress. At the same time, it is a sad truth that lobbies from large
chemical groups are not keen to see natural elicitors coming on
the market and displacing some of their own products. MY

NUTRIENT
ABSORPTION
& the ph Influence by Charlotte Bradley
WHY WORRY ABOUT PH LEVELS?

In order to ensure the success of your hydroponics project, it is
essential to maintain the pH and nutrient concentrations. Unlike
soil based gardening where nutrients are supplied in varying MACRONUTRIENTS AND
concentrations depending upon the soil type, fertilizer, etc, in MICRONUTRIENTS
hydroponics, the nutrients are supplied in a much more con- The concentrations of macronutrients
trolled way by the gardener. and micronutrients can be controlled by
careful dilution of the nutrient mix. This
When the pH level of the nutrient solution is correct, your
mix is typically measured using an EC
plants will be able to absorb the optimal proportion of nutrients.
(Electrical Conductivity) meter.
You will avoid over fertilization, giving your plants the opportu- Choose a nutrient mix that contains
nity to flourish and produce maximum yields. Generally, the pH all the essential minerals. The essential
level should be between 5.8 and 6.3. minerals are:
1. Nitrogen 8. Iron
2. Phosphorus 9. Copper
3. Calcium 10. Boron
Tip: For ease and accuracy, use a digital pH meter.
4. Sulphur 11. Zinc
5. Potassium 12. Chlorine
6. Magnesium 13. Molybdenum
7. Manganese
Tip: Nutrient mixtures typically come formulated for either

the growth phase or the bloom phase; make sure you use
the right one.

YOU TELL US
Paul Maire, owner of TieBoss, explains the various uses of the “world’s
easiest tiedown” for use in grow rooms and other applications, and the
safety features and design elements that make TieBoss easy to use and
superior quality.
Maximum Yield (MY): What indoor MY: What various product designs do
gardening applications can the Tie Boss you have available and how do they
be used for? uniquely benefit gardeners?
Paul Maire: Hanging lights, fans and Paul: The TieBoss is available in a
filters are the most common. The TieBoss number of sizes (¼ inches, ⅜ inches,
offers a simple way to make raising and TieBoss Pulley and TieBoss Block and
lowering lights, filters and more safe and Tackle) to accommodate a variety of
easy. Operating like a venetian blind, tasks and requirements. The TieBoss
you have complete control while safely Pulley and TieBoss Block and Tackle can
raising and lowering from ground level. handle a maximum load of 275 pounds,
No need to worry about holding a 150 making 240 pounds feel like 80. Whether
pound filter while balancing on a ladder. stabilizing an overloaded wheelbarrow

MY: What safety features have silently with no annoying ratchet clicking
been manufactured into the Tie or vibrating straps.
Boss design?
MY: What multifunctional purposes
Paul: The TieBoss is engineered does the Tie Boss serve in addition to
to set, lock and release with one gardening applications?
hand. What makes the Tie Boss
so unique is the integration of Paul: TieBoss can be used wherever
a jam/clam cleat as the lock and you need to secure or hang something:
release mechanism. The more tie downs (inside and outside vehicles,
pressure applied (weight), the trailers, etc.), ATVs, camping, hunting,
deeper the solid braided rope is storage and more. The TieBoss can help
clenched in the teeth of the cleat. you clean up your garage by lifting bikes,
There is also a locking tab as a canoes, kayaks, etc. up and out of the way.
safety measure when using the Use it to lift tree stands, paint buckets,
TieBoss as a tie-down. lawn furniture, ladders, game, ice fishing
houses, coolers and birdhouses. Use it to
MY: What design elements have tie down boat covers, building materials,
been used to ensure superior hay bails, lawn equipment, lumber,
excellence and ease-of-use? motorcycles, propane tanks, tents and
awnings, trunk lids and watercrafts.
Paul: The clam cleat technology,
used and proven by sailors for MY: What instructions can you
years, is the basic concept.There recommend to growers to ensure safety
are no moving parts to jam or and ease-of-use?
break; just simple, safe, one-
handed operation.The TieBoss Paul: Make sure the rope is set well in
is manufactured with industrial the teeth before releasing. When lifting
strength glass-filled nylon that is and lowering, the rope does not need
sonic welded and secured with zinc to be set in the locking tab. Due to the
coated steel bolts. It also stands up to water design of the TieBoss, the more pressure
and humidity that comes with grow room put on by the load, the deeper the
territory for year round use.TieBoss is rope gets pulled into the teeth and the
guaranteed to be job tough, plus it operates stronger the hold. MY
or raising hot lights, the

TieBoss will make your job
safer and easier.
Many times we have had growers
tell us they are amazed at just how
easy hanging lights and filters becomes
when employing the use of the patented
TieBoss. For heavier loads, pulleys can be
added to create a mechanical advantage.
Adding one pulley makes a 100 pound All TieBoss systems, including the
filter feel like it is only 50 pounds. Add popular 3⁄8” and 1⁄4”, utilize the proven
cam cleat technology. With no moving
a second pulley and your kitten can parts, the TieBoss allows for a simple,
probably lift it. safe, one-handed operation.

TIPS & TRICKS
To achieve maximum yields it is essential to maintain a This practice is most relevant when growing under artificial
plant’s shape and remove any unnecessary or damaged lighting because the lower growth is furthest from the light
growth. This is most important when growing indoors and therefore has the least potential to photosynthesize and
under artificial lights. be of benefit to the
remainder of
Shaping Plants for Artificial Lighting the plant.
When growing under artificial lights (HID or For many species,
fluorescent), light is best utilized by keeping plants short. major structural
This can be achieved by pruning and training. pruning should
only be conducted
Pruning: Once the initial three or four true leaves have during the vegetative
formed, a plant can be made to possess two or more phase. Unless there
main stems by removing the terminal growing tip (figure Fig 1a To use HID lighting more is overcrowding or
1a). The new main stems will grow from the axillary efficiently, remove the terminal damaged growth,
buds located at the remaining leaf nodes (Figs. 1a and 1b) growing tip. This will produce a short avoid stressing plants
and bushy (multi-stemmed) plant.
Apart from being shorter than a single-stemmed plant by pruning during
of the same age, multiple stems allow a classic goblet- flowering. Plant stress
shaped structure to form (figure 3a). This shape generally can be minimized by
permits better airflow and light penetration throughout conducting major
the foliage. pruning in stages—
Photosynthesis takes place mainly in young allow plants to rest for
maturing leaves. Older leaves and those partly shaded a week or so
photosynthesize less, thus drawing on the nutrition from between prunes.
young maturing leaves for their survival. For this reason,
it is worthwhile removing the lower, older foliage. Training: Upward
growth can be
Fig 1b Axillary buds will grow to
from vegetative or floral growth, or
restrained by
a combination of both erecting netting at an
appropriate height.
Once plants reach
the netting they can
either be:
• Trained to grow horizontally (figure 3b). Many plant species
will respond to this treatment by producing floral growth at
the point where the stem is bent beneath the net.
• Allowed to grow through the netting (figure 3a). However,
if they grow too tall they can be bent down under the
netting again.
Fig 2 To help prevent disease Note: Pruning/training/shaping requirements will vary from
transfer, always sterilize tools one plant species to another. For specific advice ask your local
before use.
grow shop or nursery.

Fig 3 Netting can
be used to support
heavy top growth or
to prevent plants from
growing too high.
Overcrowded Plant Support

growth: Removing In many plant
dense growth will species, especially
allow better airflow heavily fruiting
and light penetration plants, support
throughout the mechanisms are
foliage. This will needed to prevent
enable fruit to ripen the stem from
more quickly. breaking. Stem
support can be
Damaged growth: achieved using the
Broken, dying or following methods:
dead growth is
Fig 4a Correct pruning
technique: The “collar” mark is susceptible to disease 1. Netting: Wide
usually visible on woody growth. and pest attack and mesh netting
Cut immediately in front of this. therefore should be stretched across the
This cut will heal quicker and
minimize the risk of pest attack promptly removed growing area acts as
and disease ingress. from the plant and Fig 5 Support mechanisms for plants. a support once the
the growing area. plant grows through
it (figure 5a).
Pruning Techniques However, this method will inhibit physical access to the plants
To minimize the where it is done over a large area.
threat of pests and
diseases, use the 2. String: String that is hung from a ceiling support and tied
following guidelines to the stem is especially effective for tall plants. The string is
when pruning: simply wound around the stem as the plant grows in height
Where to cut: (figure 5b). Use a coarse grade of string to minimize the threat
When pruning, of it cutting into the stem.
ensure that the cut is
Fig 4a Poor pruning
technique: This style of pruning both neat and close 3. Stakes: Rigid stakes can be used where plants are grown
is slower to heal and attracts to the stem (figure in pots. To avoid damaging the roots, position the stakes prior
pest and disease problems. MY
4a). Doing this will to planting.
help ensure that the
cut heals quickly and
completely, thereby
minimizing the risk
of disease and pest attack (figure 4b).
Pruning tools: Suitable tools for pruning include secateurs or
a sharp blade. For a neat and clean cut, tools should be sharp
and sterilized with bleach prior to use.

an t ial
l
P Pote nt
a
m
M olia
u
G
xi r Fee
w
ro g
m din
th w i t h
F
One simple technique can help you score
increased overall growth and development
and maximum yields. Seems like that is a
technique worth trying.
Foliar feeding is the application or feeding

of a plant with a liquid nutrient or additive
through the leaves instead of via the roots.
Foliar spraying was first proven to work
by the notable plant researcher Dr. H.B.
Tukey. His early experiments used radioactive
labeled/tagged phosphorus and potassium to
view the uptake and transport of these ions by
the leaves and their transport around the plant.
Dr. Tukey found plant nutrients moved at the rate
of about one foot per hour to all parts of the plants.
Comparing efficiency of plant use of foliar-fed nutrients
versus soil-applied nutrients near roots, he found foliar
feeding provided about 95 per cent efficiency of use
compared to about 10 per cent of use from soil applications!
This early work showed that foliar spraying has great
potential as an additional feeding program to allow for
increased growth rates and development of plants.

Plant Potential
list goes on, and they

are all manufactured
in specialized cells
contained within
the plant’s leaves.
Sunlight is the main
catalyst for this, as
everything begins 1. The presence of a specialized root
with a photon of light structure called the Casparian strip.This
received from the sun strip is located inside each and every root
In fact, a recent study of foliar-sprayed or an artificial source.The roots, too, and acts as a specialized barrier
leaf versus root absorption of radioactive produce some hormones but that blocks the uptake of all
tagged complex carbohydrates and amino it is insignificant compared elements or compounds
acids at a Canadian university indicated to what is produced in “To get the best out except simple
that these molecules are just too big to the leaves. If we look at sugars and regular
of foliar feeding, you
be effectively absorbed by the roots, but a plant in this way, we plant nutrients
must apply something
can be easily and effectively absorbed by can see that the best like nitrogen
the leaves. opportunity to increase
that directly affects and potassium.
the plant’s production one of the many Numerous
Why should we foliar feed? capacity, and hence our production pathways studies conducted
If we think of a plant as a city, then the yield, is to go direct to inside the leaf.” at a Canadian
leaves would be the manufacturing the factories themselves, university have
centers of that city. Almost everything the leaves. Foliar spraying is indicated that plants
a plant requires to grow and develop is the only practical way that most cannot uptake things like
manufactured in the leaves. Hormones, of these little leaf-based factories can be amino acids and complex carbohydrates
metabolites, proteins and amino acids—the accelerated due to two primary factors: effectively through their roots. Root-based
supplements or growth and flowering
stimulants based on these things can never
really work unless they are foliar-fed,
because, quite simply, they are never taken
up by the plant’s roots.
2. The negative feedback loop system.

Even if some elements such as hormones
are taken up by the roots, this feedback
loop stops almost all of these additives
from ever working. It does so by detecting
the basic hormones contained in these
performance additives and correspondingly
slowing or completely stopping the
plant’s own internal production of these
compounds to compensate and keep
everything in balance—almost like a plant
veto! However, when used in conjunction
with a high-quality commercial delivery
agent, foliar feeding defeats this system

Plant Potential
easily by temporarily using foliar feeding—and of course obtain that directly affects one of the many
and suddenly flooding that maximum yield! production pathways inside the leaf.
the plant’s negative Using a commercially available delivery
feedback loop system, What should I foliar feed? agent, it is possible to directly increase
overwhelming it Foliar feeding should never be used as the production pathway associated with
and allowing for a the sole source of plant nutrition. Instead, light energy conversion into plant energy
temporary increase a good foliar program supports the plant (sugar, carbon and so on)—also known
in growth and via the foliar application of carefully as photosynthesis. Other things that can
development. It is selected plant additives that accelerate or be successfully used are a ⅓-strength
by this systematic and enhance the action of one or more of grow nutrient solution. This can quickly
periodic flooding of the the plant’s metabolic subsystems, in some correct any nutrient deficiencies, but
plant’s metabolic systems cases helping to speed up the plant’s remember to use a delivery agent with
that we can increase overall use of light itself. To get the best out of any foliar application for best results.
growth and development when foliar feeding, you must apply something I’ve tried foliar feeding before but it
didn’t work like it was supposed to. What
can I do?
“Almost everything
a plant requires to
grow and develop
is manufactured in
the leaves.”

Plant Potential
For any foliar program to be completely

effective in enhancing that maximum
yield, you must be able to deliver
your specialized plant stimulants
and nutrients inside the leaf of your
plant. Now, this is not as easy as it
sounds—because you first have to
get past the protective waxy layer
that surrounds every leaf. Once past “Numerous studies
this layer, you must then get it inside conducted at a Canadian
the cells where all the action is taking university have indicated
place. This is not as simple as just madly that plants cannot
spraying your leaves with plant nutrients
uptake things like amino
or additives, as most of what you apply to absorb
to the leaves will never be absorbed. and exchange gases (CO2, O2)
acids and complex
For many years it was believed that by and to regulate water flow
carbohydrates effectively
allowing a solution to remain in contact (transpiration). Modern research through their roots.”
with the leaf surface for an extended now shows, however, that only a
period of time, the effective absorption tiny portion of what you spray
of that solution would take place through can actually get inside the leaf
tiny openings in the leaf ’s surface called surface via the stomata. In fact,
the stomata. The plant uses its stomata typically less than 10 per cent

“A wetting agent is
designed to make water of the stomata
wetter, so that it sits more uptake any plant
evenly over the leaf and nutrients. This
extends the contact area
inefficiency
and time of contact when
applied to the leaf.” is then further
compounded by
the fact that even
once taken up, most
of the supplied material
is immobilized on the inner
side of the leaf surface by ion exchange membranes. This
certainly explains the very hit-and-miss effects of traditional
foliar spraying when trying to get that maximum yield with
plant nutrients and additives. The only way to effectively
deliver large amounts of specialized elements inside the leaves
of your plant is to use a new type of product known as a
delivery agent, which is not to be confused with a wetting
agent. The difference between a wetting agent and a delivery
agent is very simple and very important. A wetting agent is
designed to make water wetter, so that it sits more evenly
over the leaf and extends the contact area and time of contact
when applied to a leaf. A delivery agent is primarily designed
to actively deliver, or translocate, plant stimulants from the
outside of the leaf surface to the inside, past the ion-exchange
membranes and directly to the cells where they are needed
to achieve a maximum yield. A delivery agent is designed to
do this independently of the stomatal openings in the leaves,
giving you a unique opportunity to profoundly affect the
development and growth patterns of your plant. Make sure
you use a delivery agent—not a wetting agent—if you want
to be able to maximize the results from a specialized foliar
spraying program. MY

GROWING FOR HEALTH
Grow Your Own

Superfoods
in Your Home Garden This Year by Aaron Turpen
When most people think of the term you had to eat if you wanted to leave the  Carrots: likely the other most well-
“superfood,” they think of exotic fruits dinner table—or to grow up to be big known of superfoods commonly grown
or imported vegetables from faraway and strong. and eaten in the U.S. Carrots are thick
places with foreign names. In reality, Here is a list of superfoods that can with phytonutrients, antioxidants and
many of the foods you eat and even grow be cultivated in just about any location nearly every vitamin you can name.
in your own garden are superfoods.The or garden. If you decide to grow them
common definition of a superfood is outdoors, they can be started from seed  Garlic: a favorite spice for cooking,
any food that you can consume that has indoors before the spring thaw to maxi- this stuff is loaded with nearly every-
a high concentration of nutrients and mize your growing time outdoors. thing good for you that you can imag-
antioxidants. Many of these are probably ine. It’s a known cardiovascular booster,
foods that your mother told you that  Broccoli: probably the best-known an anti-microbial and more.
and most often cited superfood that is
commonly grown. Broccoli has several  Green Beans: have to be one of the
benefits, including being a great source easiest things to grow and are culti-
of antioxidants. vated in garden plots as well as potted
indoors to vine up walls or along racks.
Beans are good for kidney stones and
arthritis and are packed with minerals.

 Spinach: isn’t just for Popeye. It’s These are just a few of the many super-
a very easy plant to grow, gives edible foods you can grow in your own garden
leaves throughout the season and has this year to promote better health. Gar-
some of the highest concentrations of dening can not only be a fun, healthy
vitamins A and C and folic acid you way to spend your spare time, but it
can get. can also lower your food bills, raise
your health and nutritional levels
 Squash: nearly any type is great for and bring your family closer to-
you. Acorn, butternut, pumpkins and gether—so start gardening and grow
many others are packed with fiber, vita- your own superfoods this year! MY
min C, manganese, vitamin B6, potassium
and much more.
 About the author: Aaron Turpen is a professional writer living in Wyoming.
 Tomatoes: are everyone’s favorite He is also the director of Gateway’s Needy Animals, a local animal shelter and
garden vegetable (fruits, actually) to grow, rescue in the eastern Wyoming area.
and the subject of intense scrutiny and
competition. Tomatoes are also full of
antioxidants, vitamin C and light acids His blog, AaronsEnvironMental.com, covers organic/sustainable living and
that aid digestion. environmental considerations.

PRODUCT
Continued from page 42
spotlight
Vital Earth’s® Organic Compost OMRI™
Vital Earth’s® Organic
Compost is made from
a recycled blend of
leaves, grass, plant
pruning, bushes and
woody material from
southern Oregon.
Our organic compost
is made up of 39 per
cent humus, the life
of your soil. Humus
retains moisture in the
soil and loosens it to
permit better aeration
and drainage, and
encourage the increase
of soil organisms, which help make nutrients available
to plants. Vital Earth’s® Organic Compost is heated to
roughly 145°F and turned for 15 days to kill pathogens
and weed seeds. The materials are composted and
cured for 12 to 18 months and turned at least three
times. To learn more visit your nearest indoor/outdoor
gardening shop.
Easy Garden Automation with the GroBot

With PurGro’s GroBot, you can fully automate your
garden. The GroBot controls lighting, nutrient injection,
pH, heating, cooling, humidity and CO2 via at 2.4 GHz
wireless radio. It automates foliar feeding and drains
and refill cycles, but is simpler to use than most cell
phones. GroBot runs from any web browser on your
phone or laptop and the manual is right on the screen.
If you can Google, you can run the GroBot. The GroBot
comes with everything you need including probes and
cables. Plug in one of our remote relays, set the chan-
nel and you’re done. Visit your local hydroponics shop
for more information.

PRODUCT
spotlight
Orcon’s Earthworm Castings – Nature’s Own Odorless Potting and
Gardening Soil__________________________________________
Orcon’s Earthworm Castings are rich in calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphates and
potassium with no fillers or additives. Earthworm Castings eliminate the need for artificial
or chemical foods. No harmful side effects, no burning and they stay in the soil for months.
Earthworm Castings are completely odorless. Perfect for indoor plants, as a top dress or
mixed with potting soil. They have been found to reduce pest populations. Now available at
your local indoor/outdoor gardening shop in two pound bags, one quart containers and eight
quart pails. Call or visit for more information.
NF Hydro Clay – Premium Expanded Clay__________________

Nutrifield Hydro Clay is a natural, inert growing medium. It has a neutral pH, is
resistant to chemicals and will not break down easily. The ceramic-like pellets are
lightweight, porous and have a high crushing resistance. Nutrifield Hydro Clay helps
prevent oxygen starvation to the plant’s root system and can help prevent root rot
due to increased oxygen levels. Nutrifield Hydro Clay may also reduce algae, fungus
gnats and unwanted weeds. Nutrifield Hydro Clay can be blended with Nutrifield NF
Premium Coco to create an impressive potting mix. Available at an indoor gardening
shop near you. MY

T5s -
Seeing the Light by Jack Van Camp
As I write this we are experiencing the last days of November. There is a bite in the air
and frost is beginning to cover the earth. As growers, we are thinking about moving our
gardens indoors; some of us may have already done so.
I have a friend who started a landscape and pond business last year. This business is
seasonal from May to the end of September. During this time he needs to add some sun
to his shop. The water plants he will sell and keep for next year could not survive with
the existing light so we installed two - eight bank 6,500k T5 fixtures over this plants and
it worked beyond our expectations. The plants grew very well under these lights; in fact,
they thrived. When fall rolled along and the landscaping stopped he put all the water
plants under one T5 and hung the other over the koi tanks in the fish room to give them
some good “summer sun.”

T5s - Seeing The Light
It occurred to me that three or four years ago I would have

suggested that he hang two 400 metal halide systems without
thinking about it. It’s a subtle change in horticultural lighting
hardware that I did not realize fully until a short time ago.
Working in a retail store, the first T5s I sold were to a customer
who had salt water reef tanks. He wanted two - six bank fixtures
with four 6,500k bulbs and two actinic bulbs in each. The bulbs
that came with the fixtures happened to be 5,000k but these
would not be powerful enough to grow his corals, so I or-
dered 6,500k bulbs and 6,500 bulbs only, from then on.
I put a light meter on a four bank fixture which read
from 24,000 to 27,000 lumens, a few feet from the bulbs.
This is comparable to a 250 metal halide bulb and covers
a larger area (1.2 four feet by 22 inches). The T5s run on
less power and much less heat than an HID lamp. The T5
bulbs are relatively inexpensive and will last 18 months or
so before they need to be replaced. The bulbs can also be
replaced two at a time over a couple of months.
Another feature that adds versatility to the T5 fixtures is that
they can be placed at any level where the light will be easier
on the eyes than HID lights.
After saying all this about T5 fluorescents, HID lights still
have their place in all kinds of situations.You can’t beat the area
covered or lumen output of an HID light.You would be hard
pressed to get better light spectrum or power on a 125 gallons
reel tank efficiently without a 10,000k HID bulb or two.
A good friend of mine wants to build an orchid room. She
wants to build a lath house inside a spare 12 foot by 12 foot
room in her basement. Popular in Victorian times, lath houses
were built outside with spaced laths in a sunny part of the yard.
The laths would not let the sun shine for long on any part of the
leaves. In a room in a basement, the laths will be more aesthetic,
but having the laths built out from the wall on two foot by four
inch studs, there will be good air flow all around the plants and
they can be hung or placed on any part of the structure itself
including the ceiling. The plants will be placed in a tiered
arrangement from high light to low light as needed. The
main light source will be a 1,000 watt metal halide that
will burn in the horizontal position. She has decided to
use a magnetic coil ballast in this situation because the
humidity will be held at such a
high percentage at all times
(50 to 80 per cent). The
floor will be tiled and
thankfully it
will have
a drain.

Against the back wall will be a work- a 400 watt metal halide, while freeing up
bench two feet wide with storage space some valuable space.
underneath. Over this, she is going to At the other end of the school there is
hang a four bank T5 for propagating a greenhouse that is approximately 100
and separating different orchids. There feet long and 40 feet wide. It is heated
will be a dimly lit area under the stairs with natural gas in the winter and has
between the basement and middle floor two 1,200 CFM fans for cooling in the
where she can put a bench and a four warmer months. The greenhouse runs
bank T5 fixture with two 6,500k bulbs from September to May. This means
and two 2,800k bulbs in the middle that three full crops can be harvested
position in the fixture. In this way, she’ll in this time. The greenhouse and the
be able to display flowering orchids hydroponics room are part of a horti-
with plenty of red in the spectrum. cultural and landscape program. Around
Putting the 2,800k bulbs in with the April the students start to grow annuals
6.500k bulbs was her brilliant sugges- for potted plants and hanging baskets
tion. Orchids are costly
with the initial outlay
“With fairly new hardware like T5
for plants totalling in
the hundreds of dollars. fluorescents, electronic ballasts and
The passion of keeping innovations in horticultural bulbs it’s
and showing orchids can simply a matter of choosing the right
be made less expensive hardware for the job.”
and take up less room by
simply using T5 fixtures
in the proper setting. which are sold at a weekend sale in late
In three weeks I’m meeting with a spring. The money is used for fund-
teacher I work with at a technical high ing the running of the greenhouse and
school. In the school itself there is a hydroponic area. We are now going to
large room that has been set aside for discuss putting a couple of T5 fluores-
hydroponics. There is 135 running feet cents at one end of the greenhouse to
of NFT trough with two 50 gallon start propagating and breeding orchids
reservoirs and six 1,000 watt MH bulbs to sell at the yearly spring sale.
over the area. A two part A&B nutri- With fairly new hardware like T5
ent solution flows through the troughs. fluorescents, electronic ballasts and
At one end of the room is an area with innovations in horticultural bulbs it’s
four – six inch fluorescent fixtures over simply a matter of choosing the right
a propagation table. All hardware for the job. It is actually easier
this area can be cut in now to sort out and build an indoor
half with one - eight garden than it was say five or six years
bank T5 fixture at ago because of information, changing
less cost overall than technologies and quantity and quality
of products available.
For me (an older fellow now) the real-
ization of the benefits and proper place-
ment of the T5 fluorescents was sort of
convoluted. When you are so focused
on the past ways of doing things the
changes are subtle. As subtle as fall
turning into winter. MY

TALKING SHOP
Inc.
“If you want it, we’ve got it. If we don’t have

it, we will special-order it for you!”
John and Lisa Ziccardi
AT A GLANCE
One day John Ziccardi went shopping rises with John to take care of their dogs,
Store name: for supplies for his indoor garden and making sure that no matter how busy
Goldman’s Grow Shop later mentioned to his wife, Lisa, that their schedule may be the animals get the
Owners: the store was always busy. Lisa turned exercise they need every day. Lisa walks
Lisa and John Ziccardi to him and said, “Let’s open a grow their own dogs for over an hour each
shop.”Three months later, on March morning and again in the evening, then
Location: 22, 2010, Goldman’s Grow Shop sets off to take care of her clients’ animals.
910 Greenwood Road opened its doors for business. A professional groomer, Lisa creates the
Glenview IL
Lisa and John have spent most of their perfect style to suit each dog’s lifestyle and
Phone: lives successfully self-employed, John the preferences of their owners, and is the
847-657-7250 as a personal groomer clients
Motto:
fitness trainer “John grew up in a family of hire when they
for over 15
“If you want it, we’ve got it. If we
years and Lisa
gardeners and has always want reliability
and someone
don’t have it, we will special-order it
for you!” for the last 20 appreciated the superiority with a personal
as the owner of homegrown food.” connection to
of her own their pets.This
mobile dog-grooming business. Both busy and motivated power couple has
are driven and dedicated in all that they already put in almost a full day’s work
do, keeping work hours that would every morning before they head to the
make the most veteran farmer cringe. store to help indoor garden enthusiasts
John is the trainer clients hire when make the most of their gardens!
they want to be pushed to achieve At first glance a grow shop might seem
more than they thought possible; like an odd choice for the Ziccardi’s.
always up before dawn, he heads out Why would a personal trainer and a dog
daily to meet his first few clients—the groomer want to open a hydroponic
ones who need to put in their exercise retail store? The answer is simple—
time before they head to work. Lisa passion for gardening. John grew up in a

family of gardeners and has always appreciated the superiority of
homegrown food. About five years ago, with encouragement from
friends, John finally made the step from the outdoor basics to the
complexities of the indoor garden. His enthusiasm was contagious,
and soon Lisa was just as involved, both finding something very
liberating in not being held to the weather and seasons for the
freshest produce.
The grow store gives John and Lisa the opportunity to share
their passion and knowledge with others.They are always trying
different products and methods on their own and are thrilled to
have the feedback of friends and customers as well, keeping their
product lines and gardening expertise constantly expanding and
evolving. Goldman’s takes pride in stocking the very best products
the market has to offer, including trusted brands like Cutting Edge
Solutions, Humboldt Nutrients, Roots by Aurora Innovations, Goldman’s inventory includes all the best: Botanicare,
Dutchmaster, Humboldt Nutrients and the like line the shelves.
Trim Pro, BioBizz, Pura Vida, Botanicare, Sunlight Supply, National
Finding new customers was yet another challenge.Their first foray
“We love helping people put together into advertising was with Google, and then they found Maximum
their indoor gardens. It’s great to see Yield, where they quickly signed up for a locator listing. After a
month or so, they had the opportunity to be involved in a live-
adult gardeners almost giddy, like remote radio broadcast from their store and they also ran some
kids in a toy store.” commercial radio spots for about two months. Lisa and John have
been quite pleased with the results from the advertising they have
Garden Wholesale and many more.The couple considers their chosen to invest in, but they both know that the best advertising
ability to increase inventory every month a testament to their is from word-of-mouth and return customers—and they are
advancing knowledge and a sign of their success. fortunate enough to enjoy both of these.The Ziccardis have
Lisa and John do admit they have had their struggles. Growing learned that patience, consistency and reliability pay off.
a company takes hard work, determination and perseverance, John and Lisa are also quick to point out that they could not
especially on slow days.The bureaucratic red tape involved in be a success without the assistance of their wonderful staff.Their
opening a retail space alone is enough to run off many would-be manager Jack wandered into the store shortly after it opened and
entrepreneurs! However, after all the paperwork and permits, all the hit it off immediately with the Ziccardis, quickly becoming an
inventory stocking, all the work on store displays and the late-night outstanding manager and their first full-time employee. Goldman’s
hours, they were finally able to open the doors—celebrating their currently employs two full-time and two part-time workers,
grand opening with a large group of friends and family, many of allowing the store to be open seven days a week if necessary. Lisa
whom became faithful customers. and John generally open up around noon, though they have been
known to open earlier for a customer and stay open later when
needed.They’re happy to do this because they feel very fortunate to
have support from the community and a faithful band of regulars,
constantly reminding them why they work so hard to provide the
best products and superior customer service.
Goldman’s goal is to satisfy all their customer’s needs. As Lisa says,
“We love helping people put together their indoor gardens. It’s
great to see adult gardeners almost giddy, like kids in a toy store.”
And the better gardens the Ziccardis can help these gardeners grow,
the more business flows back into their shop.
Goldman’s believes the grow business is taking off—a growth
industry, if you will—and they have the skills to grow with it. After
all, in the gardening world, growth is good! MY

For
Peat’s Sake The Peat Problem and Alternatives
by Michael Bloch
Peat, which forms in wetlands, is a deposit of partially decayed The problem with peat
vegetation matter. Peat moss (sphagnum) commonly grows in The wetlands (also known as peatlands) where peat is formed
peat bogs. are unique ecosystems, so when it is dug up, those ecosystems
Peat and peat moss is sought after by gardeners for adding are disrupted. As peat can take anywhere from a couple hundred
nutrients to poor soil and to assist with water retention. Peat to thousands of years to form, the wetlands are almost irrevers-
moss is used in some hanging basket liners and as biodegradable ibly damaged. In some parts of the world, most peatlands have
pots for seedlings. Peat is also used as a solid fuel once dried in are destroyed and the government is taking
many places around the world.
“The wetlands where peat is

formed are unique ecosystems, so
when it is dug up, those ecosys-
tems are disrupted.”

For Peat’s Sake
action to preserve what remains. Peat deposits in Southeast Asia Peat alternatives
could be destroyed within the next few decades For the gardener, there’s some environmental and economical
Peatlands are also massive carbon sinks estimated to store any- alternatives to peat and peat moss. The most popular choice is
where up to 455 petagrams of carbon, which is 5 × 10 to the coconut coir, which is a waste-product from coconut processing.
power of 11 short tons—in other words, a lot. It can be used as hanging basket liners, a potting medium, mulch
When peat burns, it’s like burning coal; much of the carbon cover or as a soil conditioner. Some research has also concluded
content in the peat is released as carbon dioxide—the green- that coconut coir is actually superior to peat moss and it retains
house gas of primary concern in relation to global warming. more water. Bricks of coconut coir will expand up to 10 times
The burning of peat unlocks carbon that has been sequestered their original size once soaked in water. Seed pots made from
for centuries and by burning it faster than peat can be produced, coconut coir are also available.
we’re just adding to our climate change woes. A replacement for peat itself is simple—compost.You can buy
The harvesting of the peat moss is simply unsustainable. It’s it (e.g composted manure) or make compost yourself and save
a slow growing plant and so much of it is needed to form the some cash. Compost made from your kitchen refuse, bark chips
bricks that are favored by gardeners. or leaves are a good replacement.
Another alternative mulch material is cocoa-shell, which is a
waste product from the production of chocolate. It has an added
benefit of repelling cats.
“Another alternative mulch Yet another alternative is dried alfalfa. Like peat moss and
material is cocoa-shell, which is a coconut coir, it retains a great deal of water and adds nutrients
waste product from the produc- to the soil.
tion of chocolate. It has an added For an ultra-rich soil conditioner, consider starting up a worm
benefit of repelling cats.” farm (aka vermicomposting) as the castings are prize fertilizers.
Worms will eat all sorts of household waste including cardboard
and egg shells. If you have children, they’ll most likely love get-
ting involved too. MY

MAX-MART

MAX-MART

COMING UP IN
January
FEATURED ARTICLES
Humidity, Vapor Pressure Deficit and the
Transpiration Stream
With a strong focus on lighting, nutrients and maybe a dose of
CO2, humidity in the grow room is often overlooked resulting
in growth disorders and disease. Get to know what humidity
looks like in the grow room.
Fertilizers or Additives…or Both? Continued

Plants want additives for accelerated growth, improved health
and pest and disease resistance. In part two, we discover the
remaining prominent additives—including hormones, fungi
and bacteria—and their roles in plant health.
Talking Shop with Calwest Hydroponics

Get to know your local hydro shop. This month we feature
sales manager Ryan Wicks and the entire Calwest Hydroponics
team in Riverside, California.
Stay in the Know with Maximum Yield’s E-News
Every month Maximum Yield’s E-News brings you the latest
news, tips and tricks, reader questions, contests and upcoming
events. If you are not yet subscribed to our mailing list, sign up
today at www.maximumyield.com/newsletter.php. Don’t miss out.
subscribe today.
Maximum Yield USA January will be available January 1

for FREE at selected indoor gardening retail stores across the
country and on maximumyield.com
Subscriptions are available at

maximumyield.com/subscriptions.php I N D O O R G A R D E N I N G

DO YOU
know?
6 CO2 is a ‘supernatural’ occurrence for a plant in

nature at extreme levels, and your garden can
literally become addicted to what it is being served
in excess.
7 Potato tubers with multiple shoots produce a

greater number of smaller tuber—which are ideal
for `baby potato’ production—than tubers with
fewer shoots.
8 The optimum temperature for lettuce germination

is 54 to 64ºF and some varieties of lettuce will fail
to germinate and go into secondary dormancy if
conditions are too warm.
9 Gray hair has less silver and less manganese in it

than ‘normal-colored’ hair.
1 Humates are a large family of molecules that have

similar characteristics, and are defined by the
way in which they are extracted rather than by a
chemical structure.
10 Almost everything a plant requires to grow and
develop is manufactured in the leaves—hormones,
metabolites, proteins and amino acids.
2 Hardening off young transplants is relatively
simple—light should be increased and the EC of the
seedling nutrients gradually brought up to the same 11 As a liquid, silica comes in the form of potassium
level the hydroponic system will be running at. silicate; as a powder it comes in the form of silica clay.
Arthritis in rats can be cured. Studies have shown

3 that sea solids can cure the animal if he’s got some
of his tissue left in the joint, and also prevent arthritis
in rats that are bred to get the disease.
4 Modern research shows that only a tiny portion

of what you spray on your plants can actually
get inside the leaf surface via the stomata. In
fact, typically less than 10 per cent of the stomata
uptake plant nutrients.
5 Soil and soilless growing mediums are very

forgiving and can handle a wider pH range, where
hydroponics and aeroponics need the pH range to
be very specific for plants to thrive.

MAXIMUM YIELD
distributors
ALABAMA A Fertile World (Fortuna) Bare Roots Hydroponics
610 7th Street, 1615 East Cypress, #5
Alabama Organics Fortuna, CA 95540 Redding, CA 96002
3348 Bethel Road, 707-725-0700 530-244-2215
Valley Head, AL 35989
256-635-0802 Abundant Hydroponics LLC Beginning Hydroponics
1611 Shop Street, #1-A, PO Box 1232,
ALASKA South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Corona, CA 92787
530-54 HYDRO 951-735-4446
Brown’s Electrical Supply
365 Industrial Way, Advanced Garden Supply Berkeley Indoor Garden
Anchorage, AK 99501 2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, 844 University Avenue
907-272-2259 Building C, Unit 9, Berkeley, CA 94710
S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 510-549-2918
Far North Garden Supply 530-541-4769
300 Centaur Street, Berkeley’s Secret Garden
Advanced Garden Supply 921 University Avenue,
Wasilla, AK 99654 Berkeley, CA 94710
907-376-7586 3113 Alhambra Drive, Unit F,
Cameron Park, CA 95682, 510-486-0117
Far North Garden Supply 530-676-2100 Best Coast Growers
2834 Boniface Parkway 4417 Glacier Avenue Suite C,
Anchorage, AK 99504 Advanced Hydroponics
17808 Sierra Highway, San Diego, CA 92120
907-333-3141 800-827-1876
Canyon Country, CA 91351
Holmtown Nursery Inc. 661-299-1603 Best Yield Garden Supply
1301 - 30th Avenue, 3503 West Temple Avenue, Unit A,
Fairbanks, AK 99701 AG Natural
403 Idaho Maryland Road, Pomona, CA 91768
907-451-8733 Grass Valley, CA 95945 909-839-0505
ARIZONA 530-274 0990 Better Choice Hydroponics
All Seasons Hydroponics 610 S. Washington Street,
ACI Hydroponics Senora, CA 95370
1325 South Park Lane, 17614 Chatsworth Street,
Granada Hills, CA 91344 209 533 2400
Tempe, AZ 85282
800-633-2137 818-368-4388 Better Grow Hydro
Alternative Hydro Pasadena
Homegrown Hydroponics 3870 East, Colorado Boulevard, 1271 E. Colorado Boulevard,
601 East Broadway Road, Pasadena, CA 91107 Pasedena, CA 91106
Tempe, AZ 85282 888-50-HYDRO 626 737 6612
480-377-9096 Better Grow Hydro
Always Sunny Hydroponics Los Angeles
Homegrown Hydroponics 708 W. Swain Road
1702 East Prince Road, Stockton, CA 95207 5554 Bandini Boulevard,
Tucson, AZ 85719 Bell, CA 91106
209-473-9827 323-510-2700; 877 640 GROW
520-323-1212
Always Sunny Hydroponics Bloom Hydro
Natural Pools & Gardens 2511 West LN.
2143 North Country Suite C, 1602 53rd Ave.
Stockton, CA 95205 Oakland CA 94601
Tucson, AZ 85716 209-939-0660
520-323-2627 707 980 0456
All Ways Hydro Box Of Rain Inc.
Sea of Green Hydroponics 2220 Eastridge Ave. Suite C
1301 E. University Dr. Po Box 302,
Riverside CA 92507 Rexford, CA 59930
Tempe AZ, 85281 888-HYDRO98
800-266-4136 406-755-7245
American Hydroponics Brentwood Hydroponics
Sea of Green West 286 South G Street, & Organics
2340 W. Bell Road, Suite 116, Arcata, CA 95521 560 Valdry Ct #85
Phoenix, AZ 85023 800-458-6543 Brentwood, CA 94513
602-504-8842 925-634-6704
America’s Best Hydroponics &
Sea of Green Hydroponics Gardening Center BWGS-CA
402 North 4th Avenue, 641 W. Palmdale Blvd. Unit D 7530 W. Sunnyview Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85705 Palmdale, CA 93551 Visalia, CA 93291
520-622-6344 661-266-3906 888-316-1306
ARKANSAS Anthony’s Garden & Lighting Supply California Hydro Garden
30 Ridge Road, Suites 8 & 9 1043 South Glendora Avenue, Suite A
Fermentables Sutter Creek, CA 95685 West Covina, CA 91790
3915 Crutcher Street, 209-267-5416 626-813-0868
N. Little Rock, AR 72118
501-758-6261 Anything Grows California Hydroponics
10607 W. River Street, Building 3 Suite C, 310 Coral Street, Suite C
Mickey’s Mercantile Truckee, CA 96161 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
1303 Highway 65 South, 530-582-0479 831-423-4769
Clinton, AR 72031 Art of Hydro Calwest Hydroponics
501-412-0214 2636 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. 11620 Sterling Avenue, Suite A
Old Soul Organics and More Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Riverside, CA 92503
1771 Crossover Road, 805-230-2227 800-301-9009
Fayetteville, AR 72701 Atlantis Garden Supply Central Coast Hydrogarden
479-444-6955 2851 A Whipple Road, 1951 Santa Barbara Street,
Union City, CA 94587 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
CALIFORNIA 510-487-8007 805-544-GROW
3rd Street Hydroponics Atwater Hydroponics Citrus Heights Hydrogarden
636 3rd Street 3350 Glendale Boulevard, 8043 Greenback Lane
Oakland, CA 94607 Los Angeles, CA 90039 Citrus Heights, CA 95610
510-452-5521 323-663-8881 916-728-4769
805 Hydroponics & Organics Auburn Organic City Farm Hydroponics
1785 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard 4035 Grass Valley Highway, 8903 Laurel Canyon Boulevard,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Auburn, CA 95602 Sun Valley, CA 91352
805-494-1785 530-823-8900 818-767-2076
A+ Hydroponics & Organics B & S Gardening Supplies City Farmer’s Nursery
1604 Babcock Street, 590 Commerce Court, 4832 Home Avenue,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Manteca, CA 95336 San Diego, CA 92105
949-642-7776 209-239-8648 619-284-6358
A Fertile World (Eureka) Bakersfield Hydroponics Clover Hydroponics & Garden Supply
65th Street, 2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B 43 Soda Bay Road,
Eureka, CA 95501 Bakersfield, CA 93304 Lakeport, CA 95453
707-444-0200 661-323-7333 707-263-4000

CNG Garden Supplies Everything Green Gonzo Grow
22 Ricknbacker Circle, 448 Georgia Street, 2550 Guerneville Road,
Livermore, CA 94551 Vallejo, CA 94590 Suite C,Santa Rosa,
209-836-5550 707-647-0774 CA 95401
Coca’s Central Valley Hydroponics Extreme Hydroponics 707-546-1800
116 West Orangeburg Avenue, 11479 San Fernando Road C, Gottagrow Garden Supply
Modesto, CA 95350 San Fernando, CA 91340 769 Wilson Street,
209-567-0590 818-898-0915 Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Concord Indoor Garden EZ Green Hydroponics 707-544-7782
2771 Clayton Road, 7017 Reseda Boulevard, Grass Roots Hydroponics
Concord, CA 94519 Reseda, CA 91335 31875 Corydon, Suite 130
925-671-2520 818-776-9076 Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
951-245-2390
Conejo Hydroponics Farm Hydroponics, The
3481 Old Conejo Road #106 1950 Lake Tahoe Boulevard #3, Grass Valley Hydrogarden
Newbury Park, CA 91320 S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 12506 Loma Rica Drive,
805-480-9596 530-541-3276 Grass Valley, CA 95945
530-477-2996
Conrad Hydroponics Inc. Flairform
14915 Unit E, Olympic Drive, 1751 S Pointe Avenue, Green Acres Hydroponics
Clearlake, CA 95422 Ontario, CA 91761 1215 Striker Avenue, Suite 180,
707-994 3264 213-596-8820 Sacramento, CA 95834
916-419-4394
Constantly Growing Flower Hut Nursery
6200 Enterprise Drive, Suite A 603 4th Street Green Coast Hydroponics
Diamond Springs, CA 95619 Wheatland, CA 95692 3560 State Street,
530-642-9710 530-633-4526 Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-898-9922
Constantly Growing Foothill Hydroponics
4343 Hazel Avenue, 10705 Burbank Boulevard, Green Coast Hydroponics
Fair Oaks, CA 95628 N. Hollywood, CA 91601 2405 Mira Mar Avenue,
916-962-0043 818-760-0688 Long Beach, CA 90815
562-627-5636
Constantly Growing - Davis Foothills Hydrogarden
123 D Street 3133 Penryn Road, Green Coast Hydroponics
Davis, CA 95616 Penryn, CA 95663 496 Meats Avenue
530-756-4774 916-270-2413 Orange, CA 92865
714-974-4769
D&S Garden Supplies Full Sun Supply
17-130 Doolittle Drive 3535 Industrial Drive, Unit B-3 Green Coast Hydroponics
San Leandro, CA 94577 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 11510 Whittier Boulevard
510-430-8589 877-FULL-SUN Whittier, CA 90601
562-699-4201
Dazey’s Supply Funny Farms Hydroponics
3082 Redwood Drive, 963 Transport Way, #12 Green Door Hydro and Solar
Redway, CA 95560 Petaluma, CA 94954 830 Traction Avenue,
707-923-3002 707-775-3111 Los Angeles, CA 90013
212-625-1323
Direct Hydroponics Wholesale G & G Organics and Hydroponics
14228 Alberts Way, 901 W. Victoria Street Unit D, Greenfire Sacramento
Chino, CA 91710 Compton, CA 90220 3230 Auburn Boulevard,
909-606-5885 310-632-0122 Sacramento, CA 95821
916-485-8023
Dirt Cheap Hydroponics Garden Connection, The
17975 H Highway 1, 2145 Park Avenue, Unit 2 Green Giant Hydroponics
Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Chico, CA 95928 7183 Hwy 49 Unit B
707-964-4211 530-342-7762 Lotus CA 95651
530 622 4465
Discount Hydroponics Garden Depot, The
4745 Hiers Avenue, 203 Commerce Street, Suite 101 Green Gopher Garden Supply
Riverside, CA 92505 Lodi, CA 95240 679 Redwood Avenue, Suite A,
877-476-9487 209-339-9950 Sand City, CA 93955
831-899-0203
Dr. Greenthumbs Hydroponic Garden Supplies Garden Highway Garden Supply
566 San Ramon Valley Blvd. 598 Garden Highway #22 Green Joint Ventures
Danville, CA 94526 Yuba City, CA 95991 61 Tarp Circle,
925-314-9376 530-755-2877 Salinas, CA 93901
831-998-8628
Eel River Hydroponics & Soil Supply Garden Shed, The Green Lady Hydroponics
164 Dinsmore Drive, 1136 El Camino Real 4879 Newport Avenue,
Fortuna, CA 95540 San Carlos, CA San Diego, CA 92107
707-726-0395 650-508-8600 619-222-5011
El Centro Hydro & Brew Supply Inc. Garden Spout, The GreenLeaf Hydroponics
591 main Street, Suite N-2 44800 Highway 101, 2212 Artesia Boulevard,
El Centro, CA 92243 Laytonville, CA 95454 Redondo Beach, CA 90278
760-235-4985 707-984-7260 310-374-2585
Elite Horticulture Supply Garden Spout, The Green Light Hydroponics
22330 Sherman Way, C13, 630 S. Main Street, 2615 Honolula Ave.
Canoga Park, CA 91303 Willits, CA 95490 Montrose, CA 91020
818-347-5172 707-456-0196 818-640-2623
Emerald Garden Garden Warehouse Green Logic Garden Supply
8249 Archibald Avenue, 6355 Scarlet Court, #2, 860 Piner Road, #38,
Ranch Cucamanga, CA 91730 Dublin, CA 94568 Santa Rosa, CA 95403
909-466-3796 925-556-3319 707-843-3156
Emerald Garden Gardening Unlimited Greenmile Hydroponic Garden Supply
13325 South Highway 101, 60 Old El Pueblo Road, 1480 South E. Street, Suite D,
Hopland, CA 95482 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 San Bernardino, CA 92408
707-744-8300 831-457-1236 909-885-5919
Emerald Garden Go Big Hydroponics Green Thumb Hydroponics
307 East Perkins Street, 4501 Van Nuys Boulevard, 35 Quinta Court, Suite B,
Ukiah, CA 95482 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Sacramento, CA 95823
707-463-2510 818-789-3341 916-689-6464
Endless Green Hydroponics Go Green Hydroponics Green Thumb Lighting & Garden
25 Enterprise Court, Suite 3 15721 Ventura Boulevard, 1647 W. Sepulveda Boulevard, Unit 5,
Napa, CA 94558 Encino, CA 91436 Torrance, CA 90501
707-254-0200 818-990-1198 888-326-GROW
Evergreen Hydroponics Golden Gecko Garden Center, The Greentrees Hydroponics Inc.
923 N. Central Avenue, Suite B, 4665 Marshall Road, 2581 Pioneer Avenue, Unit D
Upland, CA 91786 Garden Valley, CA 95633 Vista, CA 92081
909-946-7100 530-333-2394 760-598-7551
Everything Green Hydroponics Golden Harvest Hydroponics & Garden Supply GreenWay Hydroponics
915 Texas Street, 8626 Lower Sacramento Road #48, 11510 Whittier Boulevard,
Fairfield, CA 94533 Stockton, CA 95210 Whittier, CA 90601
707-432-0774 209-951-3550 562-699-4201

MAXIMUM YIELD
Grodan Inc.
distributors
Hooked Up Hydroponics Hydroponics Plus
5152 Commerce Avenue, 339 S. Golden State Boulevard, 2250 Commerce Avenue, Suite C
Moorpark, CA 93021 Turlock, CA 95380 Concord, CA 94520
541-646-8245 209-668-1300 925-691-7615
Gro More Garden Supply House of Hydro Hydroponics Unlimited
2937 Larkin Avenue, 224 Weller Street, #B, 641 W. Palmdale Blvd. “D”
Clovis, CA 93021 Petaluma, CA 94952 Palmdale, CA 93550
541-646-8245 707-762-4769 661-266-3906
Grow It Right Aquaponics Humboldt Electronics Hydrostar Hydroponics & Organics
POB 552, 2547 California Street, 1307 W. Sixth Street, #211,
Eureka, CA 95502 Eureka, CA 95501 Corona, CA 92882
707-407-6519 707-443-9408 951-479-8069
Grow A Lot Hydroponics, Humboldt Hydroponics Igrow Hydro
San Diego 1302 Union Street, 2280 Veatch Street,
1591 N. Cuyamaca Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Oroville, CA 95965
707-443-4304
El Cajon, CA 93612 530-534-4476
619-749-6777 Humboldt Hydroponics
2174 Pine Street, Igrow Hydro
Growers Choice Hydroponics Redding, CA 96001 9000 Atkinson Street,
1100 Carver Road, 530-241-7454 Roseville, CA 95678
Modesto, CA 95350 916-773-4476
601 I Street, Inland Empire Hydrogarden
Growers Choice Hydroponics Arcata, CA 95521 1301-C South State Street,
16754 East 14th Street, 707-822-3377 San Jancinto, CA 92853
San Leandro, CA 94578 886-72-HYDRO
2010 Tunnel Road, Inland Empire Hydrogarden
Grow It Yourself Gardens Redway, CA 95560 28822 Old Town Front St. #206
401 Sunset Drive, Suite L, 707-923-1402 Temecula, CA 92590
Antioch, CA 94509 Humboldt Nutrients 886-74-HYDRO
925-755-GROW 65th Street, Innovative Growing Solutions (IGS)
Grow Light Express Eureka, CA 95501 7922-B Miramar Road,
5318 East Second Street suite 164, 888-420-7770 San Diego, CA 92126
Long Beach, CA 90803 Hydroasis 858-578-IGS7
888-318-GROW 2643 S. Fairfax Avenue, Kaweah Grower Supply
Grow Your Own Los Angeles, CA 90232 1106 1/2 N. Ben Maddox Way,
3401 Traval Street, 888-355-4769 Visalia, CA 93293
San Francisco, CA 94116 Hydrobrew 559-625-4937
415-731-2115 1319 South Coast Highway, Kern Hydroponics
Grow Zone Oceanside, CA 92054 2408 Brundage Lane, Suite B,
718 Willow Rd. 760-966-1885; 877-966-GROW Bakersfield, CA 93304
Menlo Park CA 94025 Hydro Depot 661-323-7333
650-326-4769 5665 Redwood Drive, #B, La Habra
Rohnert Park, CA 94928 1301 S Beach Boulevard,
Grow Wurks Hydroponics 707-584-2384
765 S. State College Boulevard. Suite J La Habra, CA 90631
Fullerton, CA 92831 Hydrogarden Delight 562-947-8383
13762 Doolittle Drive,
Grunder Family Organics & Hydroponics San Leandro, CA 94577 LAX Hydro
12321 Magnolia Avenue, Suite C, 510-903-1808 10912 S. La Cienaga Boulevard,
Riverside, CA 92503 Los Angeles, CA 90304
877-468-7974 Hydro Hills Hydroponics 310-337-6995
19320 Vanowen St.
H20 Gardening Reseda CA 91335 Lazy Gardeners Hydroponics ‘N’ More
355 West 7th Street, 14626 East Whittier Boulevard,
San Pedro, CA 90731 Hydrogarden Mendocino County Whittier, CA 90605
310-514-1416 1240 North Main Street, 562-945-0909
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Hahn’s Lighting 707-962-9252 Let it Grow
260 E. VA Suite 1, Hydro International 1228 2nd Street,
San Jose, CA 95112 7935 Alabama Avenue Crescent City, CA 95531
408-295-1755 Canoga Park, CA 91304 707-464-9086
Harvest Hydroponics Hydro King Let it Grow
6650 Merchandise Way Suite B, 105 Hartnell Avenue, Suite C and D, 160 Westwood Center,
Diamond Springs, CA 95619 Redding, CA 96002 Arcata, CA 95521
530-622-5190 888-822-8941 707-822-8733
Healthy Harvest Hydroponics and Organics Hydro King Liquid Gardens
2958 S. Higuera St. 2540 South Whitman Place, 21752 Devonshire Street,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Chico, CA 959282 Chatsworth, CA 91311
805.596.0430 530-893-GROW (4769) 818-718-7624
High Desert Hydroponics Hydro-Logic Purification Systems Long Beach Hydroponics & Organics
13631 Pawnee Road, #7 2825 Mattison Lane, 1772 Clark Avenue,
Apple Valley, CA 92308 Suite 103, Long Beach, CA 90815
760-247-2090 Santa Cruz, CA 95065 562-498-9525
888 H2O LOGIC
High Street Hydro Los Angeles Hydroponics and Organics
180 Cleveland Avenue, Hydronation 3007-3009 W. Artesia Blvd.
Auburn, CA 95603 2491 Boatman Drive, Suite B Torrance, CA 90504
530-885-5888 West Sacramento, CA 95691 310-323-4937
916-372-4444
Hi-Tech Gardening Lumatek Digital Ballasts
5327 Jacuzzi Street, #282, HydroPacific - Hydroponics & Garden Supplies 33 Commercial Boulevard, Suite B
351 C Hastings Av., Novato, CA 94949
Richmond, CA 94804 Ukiah, CA 95482
510-524-4710 707-467-0400 415-233-4273
Hollywood Hydroponics and Organics Hydroponic Connection Warehouse, The M&M Garden Supply
5109 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard, 1995 Evans Avenue, 2509 West Lane, Suite B
Los Angeles, CA 90027-6105 San Francisco, CA 94124 Stockton, CA 95205
323-662-1908 415-824-9376 209-939-0664
Home Brews & Gardens Hydroponics 4 Less M&M Garden Supply
3176 Thorn St 41669 Winchester Avenue, 22540 D Foothill Boulevard,
San Diego, CA 92104 Temecula, CA 92590 2509 Westlane Suite B
619 630 2739 800-A1-HYDRO Stockton, CA 95205
Home Life Hydroponics and Organics Hydroponics Market Marin Hydroponics
1745 East Vista Way, 15816 Arminta St 1219 Grant Avenue,
Vista, CA 92084 Van Nuys, CA 91406 Novato, CA 94945
760-643-2150 818-305-6261 415-897-2197

Medicine Man Farms No Stress Hydroponics Reforestation Technologies
1602 53rd Avenue, 7543 Santa Monica Boulevard, International
Oakland, CA 94601 West Hollywood, CA 90046 1341 Daton Street, Units G&I
707-980-0456 323-845-9874 Salinas, CA 93901
831-424-1494; 800-RTI-GROW
Mendocino Garden Shop Nutes Int’l
PO Box 1301, 44720 Maint Street (at Hwy. 1), 204 N Quarantina Street, RH Distribution
Mendocino, CA 95460 Santa Barbara, CA 93103 1751 S. Pointe Avenue
707-937-3459 805-687-6699 Ontario, CA 91761
888-545-8112
Mendocino Greenhouse & Garden Supply One Stop Hydroponics
900 East School Way, 12822 Victory Boulevard Roots Grow Supply
Redwood Valley, CA 95470 North Hollywood, CA 91606 1330 North Hulbert, #101
707-485-0668 818-980-5855 Fresno, CA 93728
559-840-0122
Merced Hydroponics Oracle Garden Supply Roots Grow Supply
1809 East 21st Street, 5755 Oberlin Drive, Suite 100 40091 Enterprise Dr.
Merced, CA 95340 San Diego, CA 92121 Oakhurst CA 93644
209-726-4769 858-558-6006 559 683 6622
M.G.S. Orange County Hydroponics Sac Hydroponics
22540 D Foothill Boulevard, 12687 Beach Boulevard, Unit H, 9529 Folson Boulevard, Suite C
Hayward, CA 94541 Stanton, CA 90680 Sacramento, CA 95827
510-582-0900 714-893-9493 916-369-7968
Mighty Garden Supply Organic Bountea San Diego Hydroponics East County
4780 Mission Gorge Pl. #A-1, 1919 Dennis Lane, 11649 Riverside Drive,
San Diego, CA 92120 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Suite 141,
619-287-3238 800-798-0765 Lakeside, CA 92040
Orville Organic Gardens 619-562-3276
Modern Gardens
26620 Valley Center Dr. 5250 Olive Hwy Ste 1 San Diego Hydroponics Beach Cities
Santa Clarita, CA 91351 Oroville, CA 95966 4122 Napier Street,
661-513-4733 530-589-9950 San Diego, CA 92110
619-276-0657
Monterey Bay Horticulture Supply Orsa Organix
224B Reindollar Avenue, 111 Willow Street, San Diego Hydroponics North
Marina, CA 93933 Redwood City, CA 94063 802 N. Twin Oaks
831-38-HYDRO 650-369-1269 Valley Road #108
San Marcos, CA 92069
Monterey Bay Hydroponics and Organics Pacific Beach Hydroponics 760-510-1444
81 Hangar Way, #1, 1852 Garnet Avenue,
San Diego, CA 92109 San Francisco Hydro
Watsonville, CA 95076 123 Tenth Street,
831-761-9999 858-274-2559 San Francisco, CA 94103
Myron L Company Pacific Coast Hydroponics San Rafael Hydroponics
2450 Impala Drive, 4147 Sepulveda Boulevard, 1417 Fourth Sreet
Carlsband, CA 9210-7226 Culver City, CA 90230 San Rafael, CA 94901
760-438-2021 310-313-1354 415 455 9655
Mystic Gardens Pacific Garden Supply Santa Clarita Valley Hydroponics
8484 Florin Road, #110, 128 H Carlos Drive, 25835 Railroad Ave. #26
Sacramento, CA 95828 San Rafael, CA 94903 Santa Clarita CA 91350
916-381-2464 Pacifica Hydroponics 661 255 3700
National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply 90 Eureka Square 661 255 3701
1900 Bendixsen Street , Bldg. 1, Pacifica, CA 94044 Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - West Side
Samoa, CA 95564 650-355-5100 815 Almar Avenue, Unit K,
800-683-1114 (Northern CA) Palm Springs Hydroponics Santa Cruz, CA 95060
4651 Ramon Road, 831-466-9000
National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply
6485 Brisa Street, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - East Side
Livermore, CA 94550 760-327-ROOT 4000 Cordelia Lane
888-570-4678 (Southern CA) Soquel, CA 95073
Plant It Earth 831-475-9900
National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 2279 Market Street,
1950 C South Grove Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94114 Santa Cruz Hydroponics & Organics - North
Ontario, CA 91761 415-626-5082 6241 Graham Hill Road,
888-888-3319 Felton, CA 95018
Plant Life 831-335-9990
Natural Pest Controls 32 Race Street,
San Jose, CA 95126 Santee Hydroponics
8320 B Hazel Avenue, 7973A Mission Gorge Road,
Orangevale, CA 95662 408-283-9191
Santee, CA 92071
916-726-0855 Plant-N-Grow 619-270-8649
Nature’s Secret Garden and Supply 1602 53rd Avenue, SB Hydro
41469 Albrae Street, Oakland, CA 94601 1109 W. 190th Street, Unit #F,
Fremont, CA 94577 707-980-0456 Gardena, CA 90248
510-623-8393 Precision Hydroponics 310-538-5788
New Leaf Hydro 132 Kennedy Avenue, Seaside Hydrogarden
34150 123rd Street, Campbell, CA 95008 1070 Highway 101 North,
Parablossom, CA 93553 408-866-8176 Crescent City, CA 95531
661-944-2226 Probiotic Solutions 707-465-3520
NorCal Creations 20889 Geyserville Avenue, Shadow Valley Aquatics
PO Box 28, Geyserville, CA 95441 75 Kimick Way,
Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 707-354-4342 Red Bluff, CA 96080
Pro Gardening Systems 530-526-0479
Nor Cal Hydroponics
4837 Geary Boulevard, 3715 Santa Rosa Avenue #2, Skywide Import & Export Ltd.
San Francisco, CA 94118 Santa Rosa, CA 95407 5900 Lemon Hill Avenue,
415-933-8262 707-585-8633 Sacramento, CA 95824
916-383-2369
Northcoast Horticulture Supply Pro Gardening Systems
60 West 4th Street, 4936 Highway 12, Socal Hydroponics
Eureka, CA 95501 Santa Rosa, CA 95472 1727-B Oceanside Boulevard,
707-538-8402 Oceanside, CA 92054
707-444-9999 760-439-1084
Northcoast Horticulture Supply Pro Gardening Systems
765 Petaluma Avenue, South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - Mtn. View
357 Main Street, 569 East Evelyn Avenue,
Fortuna, CA 95540 Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-829-7252 Mountain View, CA 94041
707-725-5550 650-968-4070
Northcoast Horticulture Supply Redway Feed Garden and Pet Supply South Bay Hydroponics and Organics - San Jose
1070 Highway 101, 290 Briceland Road, 1185 South Bascom Avenue,
Crescent City, CA 95531 Redway, CA 95560 San Jose, CA 95128
707-464-1200 707-923-2765 408-292-4040
Northcoast Hydrogardens Redwood Garden Supply South County Hydroponics
3450 North State Street, 55 Myers Avenue, 22511 Aspan Street, Suite E
Ukiah, CA 95482 Myers Flat, CA 95554 Lake Forest, CA 92630
707-462-7214 707-943-1515 949-837-8252

MAXIMUM YIELD
distributors
South Valley Hydroponics The Otherside Hydroponics Vital Landscaping Inc.
320 Kishimura Drive, #3 19425 Ventura Blvd 12817 Loma Rica Drive,
Gilroy, CA 95020 Tarzana CA 91356 Grass Valley, CA 95945
1-866-848-GROW 818 881 hydro (4937) 530-273-3187
Southern Humbolt Garden Supplies The Shop Watch It Grow Hydro
34919 Yucaipa Boulevard, 6542 Front Street, 9453 Firestone Blvd.
Yucaipa, CA 92399 Forestville, CA 95436 Downey, CA 90241
909-797-6888 707-887-2280 562-861-1982
Sparetime Supply The Urban Farmer Store Wai Kula Hydrogardens
208 E. San Francisco Avenue, 653 E. Blithedale Avenue, 5297 Linda Vista Road,
Willits, CA 95490-4006 Mill Valley, CA 94941 San Diego, CA 92110
415-380-3840 619-299-7299
707-459-6791
The Urban Farmer Store Weather Top Nursery
Specialty Garden Center 2833 Vicente Street, 44901 Harmon Drive,
1970 East Vista Way, Suite 10, San Francisco, CA 94116 Laytonville, CA 95454
Vista, CA 92084 415-661-2204 707-984-6385
760-758-4769
The Urban Farmer Store We Grow Hydroponics
Stop N Grow 2121 San Joaquin Street, 3350 East Los Angeles Avenue,
340 Pine Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804 Simi Valley, CA 93063
Goleta, CA 93003 510-524-1604 805-624-4566
805-685-3000 Thrive Hydroponics West Coast Growers Hydroponics
Stop N Grow 70 A West North Street, 13481 Colifax Highway,
4160 Market Street, Unit 11 Healdsburg, CA 95446 Grass Valley, CA 95945
Ventura, CA 93003 707-433-4068 888-924-4769
805-639-9489 Thunders Hydroponic Center West Coast Hydroponics, Inc.
Stop N Grow 1729 Yosemite Boulevard, 27665 Forbes Road, Unit 10
Medesco, CA 95354 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
640 S. Frontage Road, 949-348-2424
Nipomo, CA 93444 TNC Supply
805-619-5125 9490 Main Street, P.O. Box 763 Western Auto
Upper Lake, CA 95485 1156 Main Street,
Sun-In Hydroponics 707-275-9565 Fortuna, CA 95540
1257A Cleveland Avenue, 707-725-1189
Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Total Hydroponics Center Inc
4820 Paramount Blvd
707-578-5747 Lakewood, CA 90712 COLORADO
Sunland Hydroponics 562-984-GROW (4769) Bath Nursery & Garden Center
8300 Foothill Boulevard, Tower Garden Supply & Organic Nursery 2000 E. Prospect,
Sunland, CA 91040 403 W. Olive Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80525
818-352-5300 Fresno, CA 93728 970-484-5022
Sunland Hydroponics 559-495-1140 Big Tomato, The
4136 Eagle Rock Blvd, Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies 14440 E. 6th Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90065 1235 Striker Avenue #180, Aurora, CO 80011
323-254-2800 Sacramento, CA 95834 303-364-4769
888-557-8896 Big Tomato, The
Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden
Supply Tulare County Growers Supply 3000 Main Avenue,
850 Shasta Avenue, Suite B 435 W. Noble Avenue, Unit A, Durango, CO 81301
Farmersville, CA 93223 970-375-1238
Morro Bay, CA 93442
805-772-5869 559-732-8247 Boulder Hydroponics
Turbo Grow 1630 N. 63rd Street, #5,
Supersonic Hydroponic and Organic Garden 1889 San Pablo Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301
Supply Pinole, CA 94564 303-415-0045
3850 Ramada Drive, Unit D2 510-724-1291
Paso Robles, CA 93446 BWGS-CO
805-434-2333 Two Chix Garden Supply 11685 E. 55th Avenue
1230 Yuba Street, Denver, CO 80239
Super Starts Marysville, CA 95901 888-316-1306
PO Box 732, 530-923-2536 Chlorophyll
Bellmont, CA 94002 Quail Mountain Ranch 3801 Mariposa St.
650-346-8009 230 Palm Ave Denver CO 80211
Surf City Hydroponics Auburn, CA 95603 303-433-1155
7319 Warner Street, Suite B 530-889-2390 Cultivate Hydroponics & Organics
Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Ultra Lo Hydro 7777 W. 38th Avenue,
714-847-7900 ultralohydro.com #A120A, Wheat Ridge,
Sweet Leaf Hydroponics 937-252-8224 CO 80033
1611 Sebastobol Road, Under The Sun 303-954-9897
Santa Rosa, CA 95407 12638 Foothill Boulevard, Deep Roots Garden Supply
707-575-GROW (4237) Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 1790 Airport Road, Unit 1
707-998-GROW (4769) Breckenridge, CO 80424
Sylvandale Gardens 970-453-1440
1151 Evergreen Road, Urban Gardens
Redway, CA 95560 22516 Ventura Boulevard, Denver Hydroponic & Organic Center
707-923-3606 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 6810 North Broadway, Unit D
818-876-0222 Denver, CO 80221
Tahoe Garden Supply Urban Gardens Unlimited 303-650-0091
645 Westlake Boulevard, Suite 2, PO Box 487 704 Filbert Street,
Tahoe City, CA 96145 Desert Bloom Hydroponics
San Francisco, CA 94133 445 Pitkin Avenue,
530-581-3200 415-421-4769 Grand Junction, CO 81501
Tell 2 Friends Indoor Gardening US Orchid & Hydroponic Supplies 970-245-6427
62 Sutherland Drive, 1621 South Rose Avenue, Ever Green Hydroponics Inc.
Auburn, CA 95603 Oxnard, CA 93033 1131 Francis Street, Suite A,
530-889-8171 805-247-0086 Longmont, CO 80501
The Green Shop Valley Garden Solutions Inc. 303-682-6435
66420 Mooney Boulevard, Suite 1 15650 Nordhoff Avenue, Suite 104, Family Hydroponics-Boulder
Visalia, CA 93277 North Hills, CA 91345 2125 32nd Street
559-688-4200 818-336-0041 Boulder, co 80301
The Hydro Source Valley Hydroponics 303-996-6100
671 E. Edna Place 6632 N Blackstone Avenue, Unit B Garden Tech
Covina, CA 91723 Fresno, CA 93710 737 Garden of the Gods Road,
559-449-0426 Colorado Springs, CO 80907
877 HYDRO 82; 626-915-3128
Valley Rock Landscape Supply 719-278-9777
The Hydro Shop 2222 N H Street
3980 Saco Road Lompoc CA 93436 Go Green Hydro
Bakersfield, CA P: 805 736 0841 1005 Caprice Drive,
661-399-3336 805 735 5921 Castle Rock, CO 80109
303-688-0599

Greeley Nutrients The Grow Outlet Florida Garden Supplies
700 11th Street Unit 101 4272 Lowell Boulevard 9545 Sunset Drive,
Greeley CO 80631 Denver, CO 80211 Miami, FL 33173
970 673 8302 303-586-5543 800-931-5215
Greenhouse Tech Ultra Lo Hydro Florida Garden Supplies
917 East Fillmore, 8442 Tradeport Drive,
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 ultralohydro.com
719-634-0637 937-252-8224 Unit 200,
Orlando, FL 32827
GroWize Victory Hydro Gardening 800-931-5215
3225 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, 1387 E. South Boulder Rd.
Lakewood, CO 80227 Louisville, CO, 80027 Future Farms Inc., The
303-986-2706 Tel: 303-664-9376 14291 SW 120th Street, Suite 105
Grow Store South, The Miami, FL 33186
5050 S. Federal Boulevard, #37, Way To Grow 305-382-2757
Englewood, CO 80110 301 East 57th Ave.
Denver, CO 80216 Gardener’s Edge Gainesville
303-738-0202 5000 NW 34th Street, Suite 13,
303-296-7900
Grow Store, The Gainesville, FL 32605
8644 W. Colfax Avenue, Way To Grow 352-375-2769
Lakewood, CO 80215 3201 E. Mulberry Street,
888-510-0350 Fort Collins, CO 80524 Gold Coast Hydroponics
970-484-4769 1539 SW 21st Avenue,
GWS Hydroponics Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
7025 Highway 82 Building 4B, Way To Grow 1-800-780-7371
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 6395 Gunpark Drive,
970-384-2040 Gold Coast Hydroponics
Boulder, CO 80301
Head Start Hydroponics & 303-473-4769 4241 SW 71st Avenue,
Organic Gardening Emporium Miami, FL 33155
34500 US Highway 6, Unit B-9,
North Edwards, CO 81632
CONNECTICUT 1-800-780-6805
970-569-313 Harvest Moon Hydroponics Grace’s Hydro-Organic Garden Center
High Tech Garden Supply 775 Silver Lane, 8877 North 56th Street
5275 Quebec St. East Hartford, CT 06118 Tampa, FL 33617
Commerce City, CO 80022 860-568-4067 813-514-9376
720-222-0772
LiquidSun® CT Green Thumb Hydroponics Supplies
Hydro Grow Supply 10C South Main Street, 13482 North Cleveland Avenue,
644 Peterson Road, Fort Meyers, FL 33903
Colorado Springs, CO 80915 East Windsor, CT 06088
719-596-2600 860-254-5757 239-997-4769
Hydro Planet Organix Hydroponics GreenTouch Hydroponics Inc.
711 Washington Avenue, 749 Saybrook Road, (Tradewinds Plaza) 5011 S State Road 7, Suite 104
Golden, CO 80401 Middletown, CT 06457 Davie, FL 33314
303-279-6090 860-343-1923 954-316-8815
Hydro Shack, The Green Winters Inc.
220 Main Street, Suite E FLORIDA 147 Tomoka Avenue,
Frisco, CO 80443 3D Hydroponics and Organics Ormond Beach, FL 32174
970-668-0359 7139 US Highway #19, 386-235-8730
Indoor Garden Warehouse New Port Richey, FL 34652 Grower's Choice & Hydroponics
8100 S Akron St., Suite 322, 727-847-3491 11855 North Main Street,
Centennial, CO 80112
720-496-2110 Absolute Hydroponic Garden Center Inc Jackonsonville, FL 32218
1607 Old Daytona Steet 904-683-4517
Indoor Paradise Hydroponics Deland, FL 32724
309 S. Summit View, Unit 17, 386-734-0696 Growing Garden Inc., The
Fort Collins, CO 80524-1462 12811 SW 42nd Street,
970-221-3751 Advanced Hydro Gardens Miami, FL 33175
4960 NW 165 Street, Suite B-4, 305-559-0309
J&D Organic Growing Solutions Miami, FL 33014
217 1/2 Clayton Street 866-97-HYDRO GrowSmart Indoor Garden Centers
Brush, CO 80723 14587 Southern Boulevard,
Atlantic Hydroponics Loxahatchee, FL 33470
970-310-5408 430 Count Street, 561-429-3527
Lyons Indoor Gardening Melbourne, FL 32901
138 Main Street, 321-821-1535 Harvest Time Hydroponics
Lyons, CO 80540 Best Hydro 14414 N. Florida Avenue,
4920 Lena Road, Tampa, FL 33613
720-530-3828 813-264-7101
Bradenton, FL 34211
Mile High Hydroponics 941-756-1928 Healthy Gardens and Supply of Florida, Inc.
37 Strong St. 196 East Nine Mile Road, Suite F,
Brighton, CO 80601 Blossoms Experience, The
7207 NW 54th Street, Pensacola, FL 32534
303 637 0069 850-912-4545
Miami, FL 33166
National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply 866-452-4769 High Tech Garden Supply
3550 B Odessa Way, Cultivating Eden Hydroponic Supplies 2975 West New Haven Avenue,
Aurora, CO 80011 946 18th Avenue SW, Melbourne, FL 32901
866-877-4188 (Northeast) Vero Beach, FL 32962 321-821-0853
Nick’s Garden Center 772-564-8880 Hydroponic Depot II
2001 S. Chambers, East Coast Hydroponics & Organics 2395 S Tamiami Trail #19
Aurora, CO 80014 461 Forrest Avenue, Suite 105 Port Charlotte FL 33952
303-696-6657 Coca, FL 32922 941 255 3999t
Olympic Hydroponics Supply LLC. 321-243-6800
Hydroponics International Inc.
1530 S Nevada Avenue, Eden Garden Supply 7029-10 Commonwealth Avenue,
Colorado Springs, CO 80906 5044 N. Palafox Street, Jacksonville, FL 32220
719-635-5859 Pensacola, FL 32505 904-693-6554
850-439-1299
Polar Ray Hydroponics of Tampa
5171 Eldorado Springs Dr. Esposito Garden Center 120 W. Bougain Villea,
Boulder, CO 80303 2743 Capital Circle NE, Tampa, FL 33612
303 494 5773 Tallahassee, FL 32308 813-333-6828
850-386-2114
Primo Gardens Evershine Hydroponics Hydro Terra Corp.
1600 North Ave. Suite B 1519 Capital Circle NE Unit #35 924 North Federal Highway,
Grand Junction, CO 81501 Tallahassee FL 32308 Hollywood, FL 33020
970-241-1209 850-765-0040 954-920-0889
Rocky Mountain Hydroponics and Organics EZ Grow Green Monkey Hydroponics
15985 S. Golden Road 604 S.W. Bayshore Blvd. 940 West Oakland Ave. Unit A1
Golden, CO 80401 Port St. Lucie, Fl 34983 Oakland FL 34787
720-475-1725 772-807-7755 407 574 8495
Florida Garden Supplies National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply
Rocky Mountain Lighting and Hydroponics 2692 W 79 Street,
7100 N. Broadway, Suite 3D 455 S. Andrews Avenue,
Hialeah, FL 33016 Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Denver, CO 80221 1-800-931-5215
303-428-5020 877-649-3567 (Southeast)
Florida Garden Supplies
Roll-N-Green Farms Horticultural Supply 8020 Belvedere Road, Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – East
25797 Conifer Rd #A-8 Unit 4, West Palm Beach, 968 North Congress Ave.
Conifer, Co 80433 FL 33411 West Palm Beach, FL 33409
303-838-5520 800-931-5215 561 296 6161

MAXIMUM YIELD
distributors
Palm Beach Discount Hydroponics – West Ohana Greenhouse & Garden Supply INDIANA
14703 Sothern Blvd. 300 Hukilike Street, #2M,
Loxahatchee, FL 33470 Kahalui, HI 96732 BWGS-IN
561 296 8555 808-871-6393 7854 North State Road 37,
Bloomington, IN 47404
Palm Beach Hydroponics Supply, Inc. Pahoa Feed & Fertilizer 800-316-1306
968 N. Congress Avenue, 15-2754 Old Government Road, Five Point Gardens
West Palm Beach, FL 33409 Pahoa, HI 96778 56555 Oak Road,
561-296-6161 808-965-9955 South Bend, IN 46619
Palm Coast Hydroponics 574-287-9232
4490 N Hwy US1 Ste. 108
IDAHO
Frogs Lilly Pad, The
Bunnell FL 32110 Boise Hydroponics 706 Citation Road,
386 246 4119 614 North Orchard Street, Carmel, IN 46032
Boise, ID 83706 317-846-4610
Simply Hydroponics & Organics 208-344-3053
7949 Ulmerton Road, Harvest Moon Hydroponics
Largo, FL 33773 Greenthumb Greenhouses 4200 S. East Street,
727-531-5355 5895 Ensign Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Boise, ID 83714 317-780-8070
Simply Hydroponics & Organics (North)
3642 South Suncoast Boulevard, ILLINOIS Hops & Harvest
Homosassa, FL 34448 4616 E. DuPont Road, Suite Q,
Aerostar Global Fort Wayne, IN 46825
352-628-2655 824 South Kay Avenue, 260-918-3035
Stoney Hydro @ Schiro's Barn n Garden Supplies Addison, IL 60101
7812 Causeway Boulevard, Magic Bulb Garden Center
Alternative Garden Supply 6229 Allisonville Road,
Tampa, FL 33619 615 Industrial Drive, Unit A Indianapolis, IN 46220
813-626-0902 Cary, IL 60013 317-202-2852
The Healthy Harvest 800-444-2837
Sunleaves Garden Products
Ste. 126 21113 Johnson St. Big Grow Hydroponics 7854 North State Road 37,
Pembroke Pines, FL. 33029 9225 Trinity Drive, Bloomington, IN 47404
Tel: 954-538-1511 Lake In The Hills, IL 60156 888-464-9676
847-854-4450
Urban Organics & Hydroponics Worm’s Way Indiana
5325 Fairmont Street, Brew and Grow 7850 North State Road 37,
Jacksonville, FL 32207 359 W. Irving Park Road Unit E, Bloomington, IN 47404
904-398-8012 Roselle, IL 60172 800-598-8158
630-894-4885
Urban Sunshine Worm’s Way Mail Order
6142 S. Orange Ave Brew and Grow 7850 North State Road 37
Orlando, FL 32809 3625 N. Kedzi Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404
407-859-7728 Chicago, IL 60618 800-274-9676
773-463-7430
Urban Sunshine Brew and Grow KANSAS
6100 Hanging Moss Rd ste 500 3224 South Alpine Road,
Orlando, FL 32807 Green Circle Hydroponics
Rockford, IL 61109 6890 W. 105th Street,
407-647-4769 815-874-5700 Overland Park, KS 66212
Urban Sunshine Brew and Grow 913-642-3888
1420 E. Altamonte Dr. 2379 Bode Road,
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 Schaumburg, IL 60440 KENTUCKY
407-830-4769 630-771-0555 Garden Grove Organics
VitaOrganix Brew and Grow 29 East 7th Street,
7921 NW 67th St 181 Crossroads Parkway, Covington, (Cincinnati Metro), KY 41011
Miami, FL 33166 Bolingbrook, IL 60194 859-360-1843
786 845 8633 847-885-8282 Grow Shop, The of Lexington
Fertile Ground 2320 Palumbo Drive, Suite 130,
Worm’s Way Florida Lexington, KY 40509
4412 North 56th Street, 463 West MacArthur Drive, 859-268-0779
Tampa, FL 33610 Cottage Hills, IL 62018
800-283-9676; 813-621-1792 618-259-5500 Louisville Hydroponics
3471 Taylor Boulevard,
Goldman's Grow Shop Louisville, KY 40215
GEORGIA 910 Greenwood Road, 502-366-4000
Atlantis Hydroponics Glenview, IL 60025 Inc.
847-657-7250 New Earth Garden Center

1422 Woodmont Lane, #4, 9810 Taylorsville Road,
Atlanta, GA 30318 Green Fields Louisville, KY 40299
404-367-0052 8137 N. Milwaukee, 800-462-5953
Niles, IL 60714
Atlantis Hydroponics 847-965-5056 Worm’s Way Kentucky
2561 West Point Avenue, 1360 Donaldson Hwy. Suite A,
College Park, GA 30337 Grow Big Hydroponics Erlanger, KY 41018
678-510-0032 7817 B North 2nd Street, 800-669-2088
Manchesney Park, IL 61115
Flora Hydroponics Inc. 815-637-4769 LOUISIANA
2475 Jefferson Road, Suite 600
Athens, GA 30607 Hydrocork Geaux Hydroponics!
866-404-0551 20647 Renwick Road, 2126 O’Neal Lane,
Crest Hill, IL 60435 Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Savannah Hydroponics & Organics 815-838-0100 225-751-4769
4107 Eighth Street, Suite C Kreation’s Indoor Laughing Buddha Nursery
Garden City, GA 31408 Gardening Center 4516 Clearview Parkway,
912-349-4030 3427 Old Chatman Road, Metairie, LA 70006
Springfield, IL 62704 504-887-4336
HAWAII 217-341-0821 Ourcrazydeals Hydroponics
Aqua Plant Hawaii / Kahala Hydroponics Let it Grow - Carbondale 201 Angus Drive,
4224 Wailae, Suite 1A, West Main Street, Yungsville, LA 70592
Honolulu, HI 96816 Carbondale, IL 62908 337-303-6146
808-735-8665 573-450-5401 Urban Organics
285 St. Claude Avenue,
Eco-Island Supply Prairie House Garden Center New Orleans, LA 70117
810 Haiku Road, #394 15151 South Harlem Avenue, 504-352-4709
Haiku, HI 96708 Orland, IL 60462
808-575-9171 708-687-3131 MAINE
Green Hands of Aloha Water Works Indoor Gardening Evergreen Garden Center
1713 Mary Street, 1900 South Dirksen Parkway, 301 Forest Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96819 Springfield, IL 62703 Portland, ME 04101
808-847-4263 217-553-6929 207-761-2800

Green Thumb Indoor Gardening Grow Store, The Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC
19 Stage Road, 721 W. Blue Star Drive, 3218 W. Houghton Avenue
St. Albans, ME 04971 Traverse City, MI 49684 West Branch, MI 48661
207-938-5909 231-421-5191 989-345-8800
Greenlife Garden Supply Growco Garden Supply Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC
611 US Rt. 1 1042 Michigan Street, NE, 9091 W. Lake City Road
York, ME 03909 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Houghton Lake, MI 48629
978 262 9966 877-939-6900 989-422-2800
Urban Garden Center Growing Consultant Synthetic Sun Hydroponics, LLC
235 Lewiston Road, 2260 Apple Avenue, 799 S. Wisconsin Avenue
Toposhan, ME 04086 Muskegon, MI 49442 Gaylord, MI 49735
207-373-0990 231-773-5600 989 731 8800
MARYLAND High Tech Garden Supply Ultra Lo Hydro
East Coast Organics 7889 Telegraph Road. ultralohydro.com
2800 Sisson Street, Taylor, MI 48180 937-252-8224
Baltimore, MD 21211 313-908-7554 Urban Gardening Center, The
Healthy Gardens and Supply Holland Hydroponic Outlet 2520 22nd Street,
5001-F Harford Road, 587-40 East 8th Street Detroit, MI 48216
Baltimore, MD 21214 Holland, MI 49423 313-898-0200
443-708-5144 616-298-7395 Van Hydro
Maryland Hydroponics Inc. Home Grown Hydroponics 7480 N State,
10051 North 2nd Street, 8075 Gratiot Road, Unit C, Davison, MI 48423
Laurel, MD 20723 Saginaw MI 48609 810-653-8267
301-490-9236 989-781-1930 Wild Child
Maryland Hydroponics Inc. Homelight Gardens 7740 M 72 East,
12130 Nebel Street, 3471 S. Huron Road, Traverse City, MI 49690
Rockville, MD 20852 Bay City, MI 48706 866-711-GROW
240-551-4625 989-922-0088
Meadowview Feed & Garden Center Horizen Hydroponics
MINNESOTA
1202 Meadowview Road, 1614 Leonard Street, NW, American Garden Supply
Pasadena, MD 21122 Grand Rapids, 601-6th Avenue, North,
443-817-0018 Princeton, MN 55371
MI 49504
Purple Mountain Organics 866-791-1664 763-631-0543
100-7010 Westmoreland Avenue, Brew and Grow
Takoma Park, MD 20912 Horizen Hydroponics
877-538-9901 4646 W. Main Street, 8179 University Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI 49006 Fridley, MN 55432
MASSACHUSETTS 269-567-3333 612-780-8191
Greenlife Garden Supply HotHydro® Duluth Hydroponics
481 Boston Road, Unit 4, 5245 Jackson Road, Suite F 26 W 1st Street
Billerica, MA 01821 Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Duluth, MN 55802
978-262-9966 734-761-5040; 877-893-0716 218-341-7253
Green Path Garden Supply Hydroharrys.com Eco Garden Supply
276 West Main Street, 24500 Dequindre, 800 Transfer Door 25 in rear
Northborough, MA 01532 Warren, MI 48091 St. Paul, MN 55114
508-393-4181 800-461-8819 651-647-1896
Harvest Moon Hydroponics Hydro Heaven Eden Indoor Organic Gardens
29 Washington Street, Route 1 73647 W 8th Mile Road, 831 Highway 75 North
Foxboro, MA 02035 Detroit, MI 48235 Moorhead, MN 56560
800-660-6977 313-861-0333; 877-823-2076 218-477-EDEN (3336)
Hydro Grow, The Indoor Gardening
High Tech Garden Supply 8210 Telegraph Road, 10 NE 3rd Street,
560 Boston Turnpike (Rt.9) Taylor, MI 48180 Faribault, MN 55021
Shrewsbury, MA 01545 507-209-1546
508-845-4477 313-633-0641
Hydrospot Interior Gardens
LiquidSun® MA 115 -1620 Central Avenue NE,
8 Lynwood Avenue, 34236 Michigan Avenue,
Wayne, MI 48184 Minneapolis, MN 55413
Holyoke, MA 01040 800-498-4178; 612-870-9077
413-539-6875 734-722-1285
Indoor Garden Superstore Midwest Hydroponics
New England Hydroponics 3440 Belt Line Boulevard,
15 D College Hwy. (Rt. 10), 2570 Dixie Highway,
Waterford Twp., MI 48328 Suite A, Minneapolis,
Southampton, MA 01073 MN 55416
888-529-9025 248-673-2200; 877 22 HYDRO
888-449-2739
Worm’s Way Massachusetts J&L Growco
206 S. Michigan Avenue, Still-H2O Inc.
121 Worc-Providence Turnpike, 14375 North 60th Street,
Sutton, MA 01590 Big Rapids, MI 49307
231-796-1528 Stillwater, MN 55082
800-284-9676 651-351-2822
Kalamazoo Indoor Garden
MICHIGAN 450 W. Maple, MISSISSIPPI
BIg Creek Hydroponics Kalamazoo, MI 49001
269-344-2550 Indoor Garden Shop LLC
555 Old Little Lake Road, 1310 Bienville Boulevard,
Marquette, MI 49855 Light Green Water Ocean Springs, MS 39564
906-249-5297 3661 Highland Road, 228-875-3725
Cultivation Station Waterford, MI 48329
of Michigan Inc., The 248-681-0001 MISSOURI
23529 Little Mack Avenue, Stealth Hydro Divine Hydroponics
St. Clair, MI 48080 15 E. Cross Street, 301 North Bishop Avenue,
586-775-9485 Ypsilanti, MI 48198 Rolla, MO 65401
Cultivation Station 866-998-1916 573-426-2348
of Michigan Inc., The Sunnyside Hydroponics Grow Your Own Hydroponics
6540 Allen Road, 24930 Gratiot Avenue, 3617 Saint John Avenue,
Allen Park, MI 48101 Eastpoint, MI 48021 Kansas City, MO 64123
313-383-1766 586-777-2528 816-241-2122
Cultivation Station 3 Inc. Sunshine Supply Co. Green Circle Hydroponics
46912 Gratiot, 5800 East Pickard Street, 12 East Missouri,
Chesterfield, MI 48051 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Kansas City, MO 64106
586-949-7453 989-775-3700 816-421-1840
Flo-N-Grow. Superior Growers Supply Green Thumb Organics
214 N. 2nd Street, 19582 Middlebelt Road, 249 Mid Rivers Mall Drive,
Niles, MI 49120 Livonia, MI 48152 St. Peters, MO 63376
269-683-1877 248-473-0450 636-397-4769 (GROW)
Gro Blue Indoor Gardening Supplies Superior Growers Supply Heartland Hydrogardens
270 W. Liberty Street, 4870 Dawn Avenue, 705 Vandiver Drive, Suite G
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 East Lansing, MI 48823 Columbia, MO 65202 HYDROGARDENS
734-913-2750 517-332-2663 573-474-4769

MAXIMUM YIELD
Let It Grow - Springfield
distributors
Hydro Store, The Environmental Gardens
2519 E. Kearney Street, 7145 W. Ann Road, 8 John Walsh Boulevard, Suite 310
Springfield, MO 65803 Las Vegas, NV 89130 Peekskills, NY 10566
417-862-GROW 702-434-9376 800-254-0507; 914-736-6676
Let It Grow - Girardeau Hydro Store, The FutureGarden Inc.
879 S. Kings Highway, 1014 W. Sunset Road, 59 Central Avenue,
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 Henderson, NV 89014 Farmingdale, NY 11735
573-803-0628 702-434-7365 516-420-0884
U-Grow Lorraine Ink Greentree Nursery
1724 North, 13th Street, 290 Spear Court, 308 Elmira Road,
St. Louis, MO 63106 Fernley, NV 89408 Ithaca, NY 14850
314-452-6368 775-575-7757 607-272-3666
Worm’s Way Missouri Nevada Hydroponics Green Zone Hydroponics
1225 North Warson Road, 4700 B Maryland, Suite 1, 2148 Niagara Falls Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132 Las Vegas, NV 89119 Tonawanda, NY. 14150
800-285-9676 702-798-2852 716-693-9663
NEW HAMPSHIRE Grow Room, The
MONTANA 8 Bridge Street,
Alpengrow Nursery Supplies Hydro World Nyack, NY 10960
238 Highway 93 S., 17 White Birch Lane, 800-449-9630
Eureka, MT 59917 Lincoln, NH 03251
406-882-4496 603-745-3030 Harvest Moon Hydroponics
Henrietta Townline Plaza,
Bizzy Beez LLP NEW JERSEY 3047 West Henrietta Road,
5875 Highway 93 S, Rochester, NY 14623
Whitefish, MT 59937 77HYDRO 716-865-7353
406-863-9937 37 Fairfield Place,
West Caldwell, NJ 07006 Harvest Moon Hydroponics
Big Sky Garden Supply 877-774-9376 340 West at 59,
528 West Idaho, Central Nyack, NY 10960
Kallispell, MT 59901 Claraqua
406-755-1465 4 Redwood Court, Harvest Moon Hydroponics
West Windsor, NJ 08550 147 Fourth Street,
Cornucopia Grow Your Own Troy, NY 10960
127 Stoner Creek Road East Coast Horticultural Supply
Lakeside, MT 59922 1652 Hurffville Road, Healthy Harvest Organics and Hydro
406-709-1076 Swewell, NJ 08080 163 Broadway,
856-228-5290 Fort Edwart, NY 12828
Dr. Green Thumbs 518-480-4698
1106 West Park, Garden State Hydroponics
Livingston, MO 59047 511 Avenel Street, Hudson Valley Hydroponics
406-222-7440 Avenel, NJ 07001 217 Route 32 North,
888-300-8711 New Paltz, NY 12561
Heightened Harvests 845-255-3633
2018 Main Street #4, Green Touch 2 Hydroponics Inc.
Billings, MT 59105 888 Route 33, Unit 1, Hydro Garden Center
406-252-4311 Hamilton, NJ 08619
609-570-8829
greentouch2
HYDROPONICS INC.
1069B Lyell Avenue,
Rochester, NY 14606
Heightened Harvests 1-800-277-1322
3103 Harrison Avenue, Suite B NEW MEXICO Hydroponics of Buffalo
Butte, MT 59701
AHL Year Round Garden Supply 1497 Hertel Avenue,
NEBRASKA 1051 San Mateo Blvd. SE, Buffalo, NY 14216
Albuquerque, NM 87108 716-838-3545
Advanced Hydro-Ponics 505-255-3677
10711 Mockingbird Drive, Hydroponics Shops of America
Omaha, NE 68127 AHL Year Round Garden Supply 2606 Erie Boulevard,
(108th and L-Q) 9421 Coors Blvd. NW Suite K, Syracuse, NY 13224
402-991-6630 Albuquerque, NM 87114 315-251-2516
505-899-0592
Paradigm Gardens Indoor Outdoor Gardener
8949 J Street, Suite 5, All Seasons Gardening 8223 5th Avenue,
Omaha, NE 68127 3600 Osuna Road, Suite 406 Brooklyn, NY 11209
402-339-4949 Alburquerque, NM 87109 718-836-2402
505-508-4292
Patio-Ponics KG Garden Supply
3255 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 4 All Seasons Gardening 1327 Floyd Avenue,
Lincoln, NE 68504 1228 Parkway, Suite E Rome, NY 13440
402-466-9218 Sante Fe, NM 87507 1-877-KG-HYDRO
505-438-GROW
NEVADA Revolution Hydroponics
Common Shaman 309 West State St.
AAA Indoor Organic Garden SuperCenter 1319 San Mateo N.E., Olean NY 14760
2101 S. Decatur Boulevard, #21, Albuquerque, NM 87110 716.373.Grow (4769)
Las Vegas, NV 89102 505-255-6463
702-450-4769 Saratoga Organics & Hydroponic Supply
NEW YORK 19 Front Street,
Advanced Gardens Hydroponics Ballston Spa, NY 12020
3111 South Valley View, (on Desert Bklyn Hydro & Garden 518-885-2005; 800-850-4769
Inn West of Valley View) Suite V103 3116 McGuiness Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89102 Brooklyn NY 11222 Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics
702-257-4769 718-383-0095 2045 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Suite 13,
Bronx Hydro & Garden Niagara Falls, NY 14304
All American Hydroponics 888-GROWBOX
2675 East Patrick Lane, Unit 8, 39 Bruckner Boulevard,
Las Vegas, NV 89120 Bronx, NY 10454 Sunset Hydroponics & Home Brewing
702-894-9888 718-993-3787 1590 West Ridge Road,
Brooklyn Farms Rochester, NY 14615
Anything Grows 866-395-9204
190 West Moana Lane, 521 Hicks Street
Reno, NV 89509 Brooklyn, NY 11231 Upstate Hydroponics
775-828-1460 347-725-3491 2026 Lake Rd unit B
California Hydroponics Elmira, NY 14903
Best Hydroponic Supply 607 483 9199
6818 W Cheyenne, 27 Corporate Circle,
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Las Vegas, NV 89108
315-432-9387 NORTH CAROLINA
702-750-9300
East Coast Hydroponics Be Well Hydroponics & Urban Gardening
Carson Valley Hydroponics 4732 Monroe Road,
2520 Empire Ranch Road, 14649 Horace Harding Exp,
Flushing, NY 11367 Charlotte, NC 28205
Carson City, NV 89701 704-344-8010
775-884-4769 718-762-8880

BWGS-NC Hydro Gardens and Lights BIGS Warehouse
4045 Perimeter West Drive, Suite 400 1144 N Memorial Drive 2606 SW 4th Street, Unit B
Charlotte, NC 28214 Lancaster, OH 43130 Redmond, OR 97756
800-316-1306 705-65 Hydro 541-504-8886
Fifth Season Gardening Company Indoor Garden Worx Cascade Horticulture
21 B Westside Dr. 906 Blue Avenue, 39570 Pioneer Boulevard,
Asheville NC 28806 Zanesville, OH 43701 Sandy, OR 97055
828-225-5007 866-900-9679 503-668-8242
Fifth Season Gardening Company Indoor Gardens Corvallis Hydroponics & Organics
45 Banks Avenue, 1222 Hill Road, North, 5490 SW Philomath Boulevard,
Asheville, NC 28801 Pickerington, OH 43147 Corvallis, OR 97333
828-253-4112 614-866-6065 541-738-2820
Fifth Season Gardening Company Kissed by the Sun Hydroponic Everybody’s Garden Center
106 South Greensboro Street, 10740 Reading Road, 2701 SE 14th Avenue,
Carrboro, NC 27510 Cincinnati, OH 45241 Portland, OR 97202
919-932-7600 513-769-0159 800-669-5483
Fifth Season Gardening Company Magic Home Gardens Forever Green Organic Hydro Gardens
1616 D-3 Battleground Avenue, 209 Cemetery Road, 7530 Crater Lake Highway,
Greensboro, NC 27408 Canal Winchester, OH 43110 White City, OR 97503
336-271-3373 614-837-2440 541-826-2946
Fifth Season Gardening Company Magic Home Garden Garden Spout, The
5619-A Hillsborough Street, 4538 Indianola Avenue, 4532 South East 63rd Avenue,
Raleigh, NC 27606 Columbus, OH 43214 Portland, OR 97206
919-852-4747 614-263-2440 503-788-4769
Flow & Grow Hydroponics & Organic Garden Center Summit Hydroponics
1030 Kenmore Boulevard Gorilla Garden Supply
4521 Cumberland Road, 1810 Virginia Avenue,
Fayetteville, NC 28306 Akron, OH 44314-2114
330-753-5222 North Bend, OR 97459
910-423-FLOW (3569) 541-756-5005 Garden Supplies
High Tech Garden Supply Sweet Greens
5540 Brecksville Road Green Thumb Hydrogarden and Organic Supply
2712 B Freedom Drive 2021 West Main Street,
Charlotte, NC 28208 Independence, OH 44131
800-421-7084 Medford, OR 97501
704-697-0911 541-779-8600
New Age Gardens Toledo Hydroponics Ltd.
2236A US Highway 70, 855 S. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 2 Grow America Garden Supply LLC
Swannanoa, NC 28778 Toledo, OH 43615 11511 SW Pacific Highway,
828-299-9989 1-877-893-0716 Tigard, OR 97223
503-841-6868
Progressive Gardens Trinity Hydro Organics
6005 Oleander Drive, 465 Woodman Drive Growing Crazy (Hooked On Hydroponics)
Wilmington, NC 28403 Riverside, OH 45431 817 W. 2nd Street,
910-395-1156 937-252-GROW Medford, OR 97501
Urban Gardens H2organic LCC
OHIO 620 NE 3rd Street,
671 E. Center Street
Advanced Hydrorganics Indoor Garden Center Marion, OH 43302 McMinnville, OR 97128
5204 Darrow Road, 740-375-2800 503-434-6107
Hudson, OH 44236 Herb N’ Jungle Hydroponics
234-380-1287 OKLAHOMA 930 SE Textron Drive,
Akron Garden Center AAAAHA! Hydroponics Unlimited Bend, OR 97702
434 W Wilbeth Road, P.O. Box 74, 541-382-4010
Akron, OH 44314 Oakhurst, OK 74050
330-724-2700 Homegrown Garden Supply
Organics OKC Garden Supply 7112 NE Gilsan Street,
Cleveland Garden Center Inc. 3620 N Pennsylvania Avenue, Portland, OR 97213
727 East 185th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 877-EZ2-GROW
Cleveland, OH 44119 405-528-GROW
216-481-7868 In and Out Gardens
Tulsa County Hydro-Organics 1574 Skypark Drive
CropKing Medford, OR 97501
134 West Drive, 1928 W. Albany,
Broken Arrow, OK 74012 541-858-3333
Lodi, OH 44254
330-302-4203 918-259-HYDRO Indoor Garden Center
Carefree Garden Center Urban Garden 1697 SE 25th Street,
134 West Drive, 3141 E. 15th Street, Salem, OR 97302
Lodi, OH 44254 Tulsa, OK 74104 503-566-7888
330-302-4203 918-289-0018 Indoor Garden Depot
15828 SE McGloughlin Boulevard,
Dayton Hydroponics OREGON Milwaukie, OR 97267
3856 Miamisburg-Centerville Road,
West Carrolton, OH 45449 American Agriculture 503-786-2445
937-859-3999 9220 Southeast Stark Street, Indoor Garden Supply
Portland, OR 97216 536 SW 6th Street (rear alley),
Eastside Hydroponics 800-433-6805
550 Ohio Pike Redmond, OR 97756
Cincinnati, OH 45255 Anthony’s Garden & Light Supply 541-504-7750
513-528-GROW 93779 B Troy Lane, Island Flowers & Indoor Garden Center
Garden Connections Coos Bay, OR 97420 909 N. Tomahawk Island Drive, Suite 103,
3341 Centerpoint Dr. 541-266-8822 Portland, OR 97217
Grove City OH 43123 503-546-3185
614 871 0707 Aqua Serene
Garden Indoors of Ohio 2836 W. 11th Avenue, J-N-B Hydro 2 Go
4720 Indianola Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402 155 West Central Avenue,
Columbus, OH 43214 541-302-9073 Sutherlin, OR 97479
800-833-6868 Aqua Serene 541-459-9211
Greenleaf Hydroponics 465 Applegate Way,
1805 Elm Road, Ladybug Indoor Gardens
Warren, OH 44483 Ashland, OR 97520 3960 W. Main Street,
330-372-1039 541-482-7600 Medford, OR 97501
Aurora Innovations 541-618-4459
Grow Wizard, The
5700 Denison Avenue, PO Box 22041, Lights Distributing
Cleveland, OH 44102 Eugene, OR 97402 9843 SW 55th Avenue,
216-961-2500 866-376-8578 Portland, OR 97219
Harvest Moon Basin Indoor Gardening Liquid Sun
9215 Market Street, 1221 Main Street, 1845 Southwest Highway 101,
Youngstown (North Lima), OH 44452 Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Lincoln City, OR 97367
800-776-8399 541-273-2023 541-994-7070
Herb-N-Garden Center B.I.G.S. Moonshine Park Farm
14901 Puritas Avenue, 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 401, 135 South East 62nd, Unit F
Cleveland, OH 44135 Bend, OR 97702 South Beach, OR 97366
216-252-2001 541-385-5222 541-444-2298

MAXIMUM YIELD
distributors
Northern Light and Garden Beaverton Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh TENNESSEE
9290 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, 2008 Smallman Street,
Beaverton, OR 97005 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Advanced Hydroponic Garden
503-297-7331 412-232-7030 783 French Mill Road,
Home Hydroponics of Pittsburgh Dandridge, TN 37725
Northern Light and Garden Grants Pass 800-521-1643
1203 Rogue River Highway, 830 Route 119,
Grants Pass, OR 97527 Greensburg, PA 15601 Advanced Hydroponic Garden
724-836-1118 6912 Clinton Highway,
541-474-1700
Hydro Ponics of Harrisburg Knoxville, TN 37921
Northern Light and Garden Salem 310 South 10th Street, 866-938-3318
1915 Lancester Drive, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Salem, OR 97305 877-684-3808 All Seasons Gardening and Brewing Supply Co.
503-364-4769 924 8th Avenue, South,
National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply Nashville, TN 37203
Oregon Rainforest Co. 450 Grim Lane, 800-790-2188
19949 E. Burnside Street, York,PA 17406
Gresham, OR 97233 877-779-7111(Northeast) Atlantis Hydroponics
503-465-9909 1800 Rossville Avenue, #3,
New Stanton Hydro Chattanooga, TN 37408
Paradise Supply LLC 150 Post Ave.
560 NE. "F" Street, Unit C, New Stanton, PA. 15672 423-752-5400
Grand Pass, OR 97526 724-635-0297 National Garden Wholesale/Sunlight Supply
541-955-7293 126 Belinda Parkway,
Organic Garden Center
Rain or Shine 800 Washington Blvd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
13126 NE Airport Way, Williamsport, PA 17701 888-265-9005
Portland, OR 97230 570-322-3120
503-255-1981 Perpetual Harvest
PA Hydroponics & Home Gardening Supply 75 Riverport Drive,
Rogue Silicates Inc. 20 Quaker Church Road, Jackson, TN 38301
POB 21, York Springs, PA 17372 877-422-3391
Azalea, OR 97410 717-528-4175
541-837-8590 Sun City Hydroponics
Pocono Hydroponic Solutions 2235 Whitten Road, Suite 104,
Roots Garden Supply 25 Route 611
5426 North Gay Avenue, Memphis, TN 38133
Portland, OR 97217 Bartonsville, PA 18321 901-372-8100
503-285-4768 Tel: 570-730-4544
Worm’s Way Tennessee
Roseburg Hydroponics RH Distribution 901 Main Street,
853 SE Stephens Street, POB 1417 Nashville, TN 37072
Roseburg, OR 97470 Lansdale, PA 19446
888-545-8112 800-397-4153
541-229-1420
SunInside Gardening Co. RHODE ISLAND TEXAS
665 Conger, Unit F, Good To Grow Abundant Harvest Hydroponics & Organics
Eugene, OR 97402 34 Nooseneck Hill Road , 3101 Avenue E East,
541-686-9966 West Greenwich, RI 02817 Arlington Road, TX 76011
The Good Earth Organics 401-392-3100 817-649-0100
30088 Redwood Highway, Hydro-Earth
Cave Junction, OR 97523 Airline Hydroponics
1243 Mineral Springs Avenue, P.O. Box 980904, Trader’s Village #363,
541-592-4496 North Providence, RI 02904
401-305-5520 Houston, TX 77098
Urban Flora 713-942-0484
2865 South East, LiquidSun® RI
Portland, OR 97214 1179 Central Avenue, Botani Garden
503-236-3344 Pawtucket, MA 02861 15120 Bellaire Blvd
Vital Organix 401-722-2724 Houston, TX 77083
932-B SE “M” Street Oakworld Garden Center 281-575-1999
Grants Pass, OR 97526 39 West Street, Brite Ideas Hydroponics & Organics
541-226-9283 Barrington, RI 02806 4360 S.Congress Avenue, #310,
401-245-5705 Austin, TX 78745
Westcoast Organic and Hydroponic Supply
12410 SE 282nd Avenue, Unit C Organically Grown 512-444-2100
Boring, OR 97009 768 Atwood Ave
503-766-4106 Cranston, RI 02920 Earth Organics
401-944-0549 1360 Lee Trevino Drive,Suite 105
Wizard's Garden, LLC El Paso, TX 79936
621 Spruce Street, Unit C, Solar Seed Hydroponics, Inc.
2406 Putman Pike, 915-591-9500
Myrtle Point, OR 97458
541-572-2333 Chepachet, RI 02814 Field of Dreams Indoor Growing Supplies
401-710-9010 5302 Slide Road Unit B,
PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA Lubbock, TX 79414
422 GROW 806-793-2901
1775 North Main Street Extension 247 Garden Supply
Butler, PA 16001-1327 535 D Clemson Road, GreenMaker Nursery
724-561-3777 Columbia, SC 29229 3030 Northwest Loop,
803-788-4445 Stephenville, TX 76401
Flairform 254-965-7273
POB 1417, All Good Hydroponics &
Lansdale, PA 19446 Gardening GroGreen Hydroponics
215-395-6353 6729 Two Notch Road, 4015 Main Street,
Columbia, SC 29223
Full Bloom Hydroponics 803-708-4819 Dallas, TX 75226
84 South 24th Street, 214-370-9984
Pittsburgh, PA 15203 GreenSpirit Hydrogarden
888-872-3602 1864 Meeting Street, Happy Harvest Hydroponics & Organic
Charleston, SC 29405 1500 Crescent Drive, Suite 202
Garden Indoors of Pennsylvania 843-225-1GRO; Carrollton, TX 75006
208 Route 13, Greenspirit Hydrogardens
Bristol, PA 19007 972-466-1300
3600 Unite 1 Hwy.17 S.
800-227-4567 North Myrtle Beac, SC 29582 Houston Discount Hydroponics
Harvest Moon Hydroponics 843-361-7777 9384 Richmond Avenue,
1239 South Airport Road, Green Thumb Unique Gardening & More Houston, TX 77063
Allentown, PA 18103 1230 Rutherford Road, 713-464-9406
610-432-4949 Greenville, SC 29609 Hydro Mart
Healthy Gardens and Supply 864-271-8830 3841 Main Street,
1012 Lincoln Avenue,
Prospect Park, PA 19076 SOUTH DAKOTA Rowlett, TX 75088
866-32-HYDRO 972-475-6114
Green Earth Products Inc.
High Tech Garden Supply 5700 Highway 79 S.,Unit 1, Hydroponic Nation
20232 Route 19, Unit 6, Rapid City, 9700 Almeda Genoa Road, Suite 108,
Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 SD 57702 Houston, TX 77075
724-473-1113 605-342-1307 281-501-9636

Innergrow Hydroponics Inside-Out Garden Supply Linda’s Gardening & Hydroponics
24451 Interstate Highway 20, 6517 Backlick Road, 11522 Canyon Road East,
Wills Point, TX 75169 Springfield, VA 22150 Puyallup, WA 98373
866-475-4769 703-451-3259 253-531-9641
Jolly Green Hydroponics West VIRGINIA Liquid Sunshine Hydroponics
(Greenhouse 5087 Lincoln Road,
Horticultural Supplies) Panhandle Hydroculture
800 East Moler Ave. Blaine, WA 98230
13628 Neutron Road,
Dallas, TX 75244 Martinsburg, WV 25401 M & R Lighting
304-240-7587 17238 Memorial Drive,
(866) WE-JOLLY; 469-341-5555
Lone Star Hydroponics and Organics WASHINGTON Mt. Vernon, WA 98273
360-848-1080
1302 Motor Circle, 509 Grow
Dallas, TX 75207 2718 N Division M & R Lighting
214-634-9376 Spokane, WA 99207 Unit C 22914 Highway 410,
509-327-GROW(4769) Buckley, WA 98390
Sol Organics & Hydroponics
1634 Babcock Road, Aqua Serene 253-891-4190
San Antonio, TX 78229 3839 Stone Way North, Mike's Indoor Garden Supply
210-366-9082 Seattle, WA 98103 6121 172nd Street NE #A,
Texas Growers Supply 206-547-GROW (4769)
Arlington, WA 98223
5990 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. #602, Eco Enterprises 425-346-6481
Humble, TX 77396 1240 NE 175th Street, #B
281-441-3739 Shoreline, WA 98155 National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Central Austin) 800-426-6937 4525 NW Fruit Valley Road,
5126 Burnet Road, Garden Smart Vancouver, WA 98660
Austin, TX 78756 500 Bond Drive, 888-478-6544 (Northwest)
512-459-4769 Castlerock, WA 98611 National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (South Austin) 360-274-7960 5408 NE 88th Street, Building A,
2125-A Goodrich Avenue, Green Gardens Distributing Vancouver, WA 98665
Austin, TX 78704 12738 Bel-Red Road, 888-478-6544
512-440-4769 Bellevue, WA 98005
425-454-5731 Northern Lights Gardening
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Dallas)
3400 Elm Street, 4159 Hannegan Road,
Green Tree Hydroponics and Garden Bellingham, WA 98225
Dallas, TX 75226 12316 Pacisic Ave South
214-744-4769 Tacome, WA 98444 360-715-8585
Texas Hydroponics & Organics (Houston) 253-495-6757 Northwest Horticulture Supply
7730 A Park Place Boulevard, Go-N-Green Hydroponics 161 Hooker Road, #1,
Houston, TX 77087 1241 State Ave Suite #102 Sequim, WA 98057
713-641-4769 Marysville, WA 98270 360-582-0702
Ultimate Hydroponic (360)386-8230
Garden Supply Grow Center, The Renton Indoor Garden Center
6125 West Sam Houston 17524 N. Franklin Crescent, 207 Sunset Blvd. N, Building A,
Parkway, North Suite 206 Colbert, WA 99005 Renton, WA 98055
Houston, TX 77041 509-456-GROW 425-917-9000
713-856-8425
GROGRO HYDRO River City Hydroponics
UTAH 12316 32nd AVE NE #103 1514 East Francis Avenue,
Seattle, WA 98125 Spokane, WA 99208
Salt Lake Plant & Hydro
60 West 3300 S. #6, Hydro-Tech 509-464-0246
South Salt Lake, UT 84115 2121 Aurora Avenue, North, Sodo Hydro
801-488-3200 Seattle, WA 98103
206-547-2202 1727 1st Ave. South,
VERMONT Seattle, WA 98134
Indoor Garden Depot 888-904-9376
Green Thumb Gardening 6400 NE Highway 99, Suite H,
P.O. Box 235, Route 15, Vancouver, WA 98665 Solar Shop
Underhill, VT 5489 360-993-7779 306 West 4th Street,
800-564-9376 Indoor Garden Depot Tonasket, WA 98855
Greenthumb - Vermont 1401 S. 324th Street, 509-486-4508
394 Route 15, Federal Way, WA 98003 Spokane Organic and Hydroponic Supply
Jericho, VT 05465 253-874-1112 4823 East Sprague Avenue E.,
802-899-4323 Indoor Garden & Lighting Spokane Valley, WA 99212
8606 Preston Fall City Rd. SE
LiquidSun® VT Preston WA 98050 509-534-4055
1 Bellows Falls Road, (Route 5 North) 425 222 9661
Putney, VT 05158 WISCONSIN
802-387-1100 Indoor Garden & Lighting
3839 6th Avenue, Aric's Indoor Garden Supply
Peak Hydroponic Garden Supplies Tacoma, WA 98406 1104 West Wisconsin Avenue,
20 School Street, 253-761-7478 Appleton, WI 54914
Plainfield, VT 05667 920-574-3258
802-454-8000 Indoor Garden & Lighting
23303 Highway 99, Suite A, Brew and Grow
VIRGINIA Edmonds, WA 98026 285 N. Janacek Road,
425-673-2755 Brookfield, WI 53045
Blue Ridge Hydroponics & Home Brewing Co.
5524 Williamson Road, Suite 11 Indoor Garden & Lighting 262-789-0555
Roanoke VA 24012 714 South Central Avenue,
Kent, WA 98032 Brew and Grow
540-265-2483 3317 Agriculture Drive,
253-373-9060
Clean & Green Technologies Madison, WI 53716
196 Corning Drive, Indoor Garden Supply LLC 608-226-8910
Christiansburg, VA 24073 1250 Atlantic Ave,
866-694-1628 Woodland, WA 98674 Grow BIG Hydroponics
360-841-8055 954 S. Westland,
Fifth Season Gardening Company Appleton, WI 54914
900 Preston Ave. InDoor Gardening
1158 Commerce 920-749-4769
Charlottesville VA 22903 Longview WA, 98632
434-293-2332 360-353-3851 Paradigm Gardens
Hydroponics & Growlights 4539 Helgesen Drive,
Island Hydroponic & Supplies Madison, WI 53718
13400 Occoquan Road, 1515 5th Street #B,
Woodbridge, VA 22191 608-241-3800
Marysville, WA 98271
703-490-0700 425-299-5855 PUERTO RICO
I Love Hydroponics Kent Garden Supplies Ltd.
612 N. Sheppard Street, 18817 East Valley Highway, Tecno-Hydro
Richmond, VA 23221 Kent, WA 98032 Ave Campo Rico GJ17,
804-377-3020 425-251-9299 Carolina, PR 00982
I Love Hydroponics 787-752-8252
368 Newtown Road, #105,
Kitsap Garden & Lighting MY
2130 6th Street,
Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Bremerton, WA 98312 Add your company logo to the distributor listings!
757-490-5425 360-377-1277 Call 250-729-2677 or Email ilona@maximumyield.com

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USA

Indoor gardenING expo

58 Plant Solutions: How to Deal With Yellowing Leaves

66 The Ins and Outs of HVAC

78 Greenhouse Construction – Part 1: Basic Design and Flooring

94 Life and the Sea: Sea Solids in Agriculture – Part 2

106 A Solid Investment: Gourmet Hydroponics Lettuce Garden

58 114 Fertilizer or Additives...or Both? Part 1

128 Plant Potential: Maximum Growth With

142 T5s: Seeing the Light

66 148 For Peat’s Sake: The Peat Problem

Maximum Yield USA | December 2010 9

Jessica Raymond, Editor

10 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

12 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Come visit us in Colorado (March 31 to April 3, PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson

14 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

20 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Research Could Offer Alternative to Genetically-Engineered Crops______________________

Empowering Backyard Growers to Sell Their Produce____________

Recirculating Water Systems Used for Fish Production___________

22 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Food Justice, Security

Caring for People Before Plants___________

24 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Grodan Partners with Educators and Grows a Future Crop of Students

Meet the Metal Farmer_______________________________

Technaflora and moe. in the Organizations Aim to Pepper Austin With

26 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Permaculture Greens the Jordanian Desert

Red Celery Coming in December_________

28 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Seed Sprouters - Easy to Use

New York Auction for Trendy

30 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Keep it Clean with Horti-Control’s Dust Shroom ___________________

32 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Gain Control of Your Garden ______________________________

Breakthrough Rooting Technology ________________________

34 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

OG Amino-Cal 3-0-0 ___________________ Botanicare’s Clone Machine™ 48 ________

The Green Scissor Brand Oven Bags _____________________

SunPulse Element Controllers _________________________

36 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

GGL Bulbs - Lighting the Digital Age ______

38 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Get GroZone Controllers ________________ SuperCloset Deluxe for 2011______________

NF Hydro Clay – Premium Expanded Clay ______________________

Continues on page 138

42 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

Sharpening up your knowledge of the propagation

46 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

A healthy and productive hydroponic system is

Maximum Yield USA | December 2010 47

“The area needs to be sparkling clean—

of germination experienced by new or inexperienced grow-

48 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

the environment is highly protected and light levels are often

50 Maximum Yield USA | December 2010

of lettuce will fail to germinate and go into secondary dorman-

“Lettuce, herbs and many salad

very densely and the crowding predisposes the young plants to

OG Amino-Cal 3-0-0 ___________ Botanicare’s Clone Machine™ 48

Get GroZone Controllers __ SuperCloset Deluxe for 2011