Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

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FREE UK November - December 2013 INSIDE GREAT GROWING GEAR // VENUS FLYTRAPS // STRUCTURED WATER // MORE www.maximumyield.com SEATTLE APRIL 5-6 NOVI MAY 31 - JUNE 1 SAN FRAN JULY 26-27 BOSTON OCTOBER 18-19 2014 INDOOR GARDENING EXPO TOUR OXYGENATE RESPIRATE OR SUFFOCATE

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Transcript of Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

Page 1: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

Novem

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UK Volum

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UK November - December 2013

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inside great growing gear // Venus Flytraps // structured water // More

www.maximumyield.com

SEATTLEApril 5-6

NOVIMAY 31 - JUNE 1

SAN FRANJUlY 26-27

BOSTONoctobEr 18-19

2014 INDOOR GARDENING EXPO TOUR

oxygenate RespiRate oR suffocate

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AD

6 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

CONTENTSNovember/December 2013

DEPARTMENTS8 From the Editor

10 MaximumYield.com

12 Letters to the Editor

14 Ask the Experts

16 Max Facts

20 Product Spotlight

69 Book Review

58 Venus Flytraps in HydroponicsBy Chad Garbet

60 Vermicompost: Micro-nutrient Rich Fertiliser from Worms By Matt LeBannister

62 Root Rot and Blight By Karen Wilkinson

64 Microbe MagicBy Luis Bartolo

66 Have You Forgotton About Magnesium? By Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr.

3652

42

FEATURES

58

24 Cold Weather & Hydroponic GardensBy Frank Rauscher

28 Structured Water, Agriculture & the Golden RatioBy Mark Herbst

36 Winterising Your Growroom By Lee McCall

42 Oxygenate, Respirate or Suffocate By Dr. Lynette Morgan

48 Making a Natural Plant Growth Regulator Cheaply By Ryan M. Taylor

52 Ventilation Systems for Greenhouses and Indoor Gardens By Eric Hopper

70 You Tell Us

72 Talking Shop

74 Do You Know

75 Industry's Latest

76 Max-Mart

80 Distributors

82 Coming Up Next Issue

24

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8 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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FROM THE EDITOR | LINDa JESSON

Linda Jesson

Message from the

Editor

CONTRIBUTORS

Lee McCall is an alumnus of Johnson & Wales University. His extensive culinary background helped him gain experience in and knowledge of fi ne dining and food production, which developed into a career in the hydroponics and year-round gardening industry. Lee and his business partner use their Denver-based businesses to educate the public on sustainable gardening and high-quality produce.

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

Frank Rauscher is a certifi ed horticulturist and consultant for the gardening industry. He’s a contributing author to several publications and was writer and editor of the Green Pages. Frank fi nds analysing plant stress and fi nding solutions exciting. He is very much at home bringing new ideas to the fi eld of horticulture and indoor gardening.

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

Jose Luis Pinheiro Bartolo is the president of Biobizz Worldwide Inc., a global leader in the production of hydroponic organic fertilizers and soil mixtures. He is passionate about the organic market and providing the highest service and perfectionism that comes direct from his heart and is projected to all aspects of his life.

Mark Herbst is an electrical engineer and researcher of bioactive electric fi elds. He is the owner of Super Imploder UK. He writes from the heart with the intent to empower agriculture and the small-scale home grower. Mark can be reached through his website at superimploder.co.uk

Dr. J. Benton Jones, Jr. has 50 years of experience growing plants hydroponically. He is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Georgia, Athens and has authored eight books and written articles for magazines that deal with hydroponic issues. He currently has his own consulting company, Grosystems, Inc. Dr. Jones lives in Anderson, SC, USA.

Chad Garbet considers plants the most fascinating things on our planet. Trying to get information about growing plants out to the general public is his goal. He works at Word of Mouth Hydroponics Inc. in Nanaimo, British Columbia where he passes his growing knowledge to customers. Chad wants to see jungles inside our major cities and on every corner on every street.

Karen Wilkinson is a budding gardener with previous experience working in the hydroponics industry. Her background includes daily reporting, technical writing, marketing and promotions. After spending years living along California’s northern coast, she made her way to Sacramento where she currently lives and breathes the yoga lifestyle.

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

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

Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.

The winter season is creeping in and with it brings some unique gardening challenges. So, in this issue we make sure you are prepared for the nastiest challenges. Frank Rauscher’s article, “Cold Weather & Hydroponic Gardens” has some great pointers on moving gardens from outdoors to indoors, and Lee McCall shares his tips on “Winterising Your Growroom” and reasons why your winter growroom should feature a water chiller. I know you’ll love this issue’s abundance of interesting growing tips, including how to grow Venus flytraps in hydro-ponic systems and how to avoid root rot and blight in the growroom.Combined with our new products section—great for those thinking about early Christmas

presents—and some tips, trivia and facts from the growing world, this issue will keep you occupied on the coldest November and December days.Get ready for our 2014 Grow Like a Pro Expo Tour that we have planned coast to coast

across the United States. With new venues and locations, 2014 will see us heading to Seattle, Washington (April 5 and 6); Novi, Michigan (May 31 and June 1); San Francisco, California (July 26 and 27); and Boston, Massachusetts (Oct. 18 and 19). Stay tuned to indoorgardenexpo.com for details so you can plan your 2014 vacation around these fabulous events.

Special holiday greetings to every-one from all of us here at Maximum Yield, with best wishes for prosper-ous growing in 2014!

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Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

ConneCt with MaxiMuM Yieldmaximumyield.com

facebook.com/MaximumYieldindoorgardenexpo.comtwitter.com/max_yield

ScAn ItConnect to maximumyield.com instantly from your smartphone with our Quick Response (QR) Code found on the cover of every issue of Maximum Yield.

AnnouncIng our 2014 InDoor gArDenIng expo LIneupNow that the final stop in our highly successful 2013 Grow Like a Pro Indoor Gardening Expo Tour has wrapped up in Long Beach,

California, we’re pleased to announce next year’s expo dates. We’ve got four exciting locations stretching from coast to coast in the United States: Seattle, Washington (April 5 and 6); Novi, Michigan (May 31 and June 1); San Francisco, California (July 26

and 27); and Boston, Massachusetts (Oct. 18 and 19). Stay tuned to indoorgardenexpo.com for details so you can plan your 2014 vacation.

We WAnt Your FeeDbAck!Help us continue to create an informative and exciting product for the indoor gardening industry for years to come, and earn a chance to win one of three $200 cash prizes to spend at your favourite indoor garden retail store by participating in the Maximum Yield Reader Satisfaction Survey. Visit maximumyield.com to fill out the survey. Thank you for helping us keep Maximum Yield the No. 1 indoor gardening magazine in the world!

Meet the teAMThroughout 2013 there have been a few changes at the Maximum Yield office, including the addition of some great people to the team. To learn more about our current roster, check out maximumyield.com/about-us

Author ArchIveSHas a particular Maximum Yield contributor caught your eye recently? Look them up using our online author archives. Simply visit maximumyield.com/resources/author-archive

ASk An expert Maximum Yield’s resident experts are ready to answer your modern gardening questions. Email [email protected] or fill out the Ask the Experts form on maximumyield.com

Free DIgItAL SubScrIptIonReceive Maximum Yield in your inbox every month. Simply subscribe to the digital edition of Maximum Yield by filling out the form at maximumyield.com/subscriptions

10 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

COMING UP ON THE WEB

preSIDent/pubLISher - Jim JessongenerAL MAnAger - Don Moores

buSIneSS MAnAger - Linda Jesson

eDItorIAL editor Linda Jesson

[email protected]

Assistant editors Julie McManus - [email protected]

Jennifer McGarrigle - [email protected]

ADvertISIng SALeSSales Manager

Ilona Hawser - [email protected]

Account executivesKelsey Hepples - [email protected] Montague - [email protected]

Jed Walker - [email protected] Dale - [email protected]

DeSIgn & proDuctIon [email protected] Director Alice Joe

graphic Designers Jennifer EvertsDionne Hurd

Jesslyn Gosling

AccountIng Tracy Greeno - [email protected]

Katie LaFrance- [email protected]

noveMber/DeceMber 2013

Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly byMaximum Yield Publications Inc.

2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687No part of this magazine may be reproduced

without permission from the publisher.If undeliverable please return to

the address above.The views expressed by columnists are a personal

opinion and do not necessarily reflect those of Maximum Yield or the Editor.

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uk DIStrIbutIonDirect Garden Supplies

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Northern Hydroponic WholesaleQuality Wholesale

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Page 11: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

11Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Maximum Yield publications Inc.Snail-mail: 2339 Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9Email: [email protected]: twitter.com/max_yieldFacebook: facebook.com/MaximumYield

We Want to hear from you!

Eighth and Ninth I’m a Fan WinnersGlendon Warner is the eighth winner of Maximum Yield’s I’m a Fan Contest! Glendon said, “Last week I was shopping at my local garden store and saw the free copy of this magazine. I was blown away by all the information, articles and tips, not to mention a ton of manu-facturer and product informa-tion I was never even aware of! I have fallen in love with this perfect publication; I have read the past six issues already and can’t wait for the next issue! This magazine is perfect for me and I’m so glad I saw the copy and took it home.”

Thank you for your great response, Glendon. We hope you enjoy your $100 gift certificate at your favourite indoor gardening shop, The Green Thumb.

Marko Portuondo is the ninth winner of Maximum Yield’s I’m a Fan Contest! Marko said, “I’m not going to get all technical on why I’m a fan of the magazine. You guys freakin’ rock! And because of that, my indoor garden rocks. I’ve learned countless things from your articles, which has made me a pretty successful grower. You’ve got to love Maximum Yield, baby!”

Thank you for the great response, Marko. We hope you enjoy your $100 gift certificate at your favourite indoor gardening shop, Liquid Sun Hydroponics.

Tell us why you’re a fan of Maximum Yield and you could be the next winner. Visit maximumyield.com for full contest details.

Hard Copy, PleaseHi there, I would really like a hard copy of your September/Octo-ber issue, but can't locate one in my local area. Is it possible to have one posted to me?Michelle, via email

Editor’s Note: Thank you for your request, Michelle. I have emailed you a complimentary digital subscription for our UK edition, as well it can be viewed every month online at maximumyield.com. As our magazine is printed in the UK and sent to retail shops by our distributors, it is best to check in the back of one of the current editions for a retail shop near you that distributes Maximum Yield to pick up your hard copy. Enjoy this issue and stay tuned for the great editorial planned for future issues.

Marko Portuondo

Glendon Warner

A Green Thumbs UpEver wondered what it would be like if your garden were to outgrow everyone’s wildest expectations? I want to thank Maximum Yield for helping mine to flourish far beyond what I dreamed possible. Providing us with this free place to share research, ideas and products is invaluable. I started hang-ing out at local hydro shops, getting all the samples I could and working hard in the garden. Now I work at the local hydro store. Thanks again Maximum Yield and a big, green thumbs up to you all. Ray Crowley, via email

Information on Industry TrendsI am a fan of Maximum Yield because it gives information on in-novative systems and the latest technology and breakthroughs. I especially liked the article on stevia.Thomas Stewart, Bishopbriggs, Scotland

A Great ReadI am 17 and have been interested in hydroponics for a few years now. I’m starting to get some equipment together, as I’m very interested in growing tropical plants. It seems like a great hobby, and the magazine is a great read with quite a few inter-esting articles, so that’s why I’m a fan.Adam Robb, Morpeth, Northumberland, England

From Average to SuperAfter reading my first issue, I was blown away with all the infor-mation you provide us. Thank you for all the effort you put onto each issue, it is well worth it. This magazine is turning average growers into super farmers. —George

Read Later?Why can we not download copies of your magazine for later reading?Kathy, via webform

Editor’s Note: Good question, Kathy! Issues of Maximum Yield are available for download; readers will just need to create an account with the service that we use to showcase the magazine digitally. You can join issuu.com and be able to instantly download our publications and enjoy them without needing Internet access.

Page 12: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

So your closet is 76.20-cm wide by 1.83-m long by 1.52-m tall. The good news is that I have grown in a similar closet; the bad news is that a 1.52-m ceiling doesn’t give you much vertical space. The best HID lighting for that space is either a pair of 600-W lights in a long glass tube, like you described, or a 1,000-W light on a mover. I personally prefer the 1,000-W on a mover, and I suggest you get a high-end mover that pauses at each end. This will give you more even growth and stronger plants. Heat is another issue, and the pair of 600-W lights in a cool tube might be the better option if high temperatures are a problem. Digital ballasts are a great option, and they have continued

to improve in recent years. For two 600-W lights, I prefer two ballasts over one dual ballast. A dual ballast doesn’t save any electricity; it is simply one enclosure with two ballasts inside. If one of the internal ballasts fails, you’ll have to shut down both lights for repair or replacement. If you go with that option, I recommend keeping a spare magnetic ballast for emergencies. If you get a 1,000-W light, you might want to start with a digital ballast and buy a spare magnetic when you can. Then you will be able to use a top-notch ballast with a low-cost back-up ballast in case of lighting failure.Regarding retail stores and organic nutrients, you will

need to do some legwork. There are tons of great stores in the United Kingdom, so start shopping around. Find a knowledgeable sales clerk who grows with organics. You can build a friendly relationship and exchange information each time you stop in. This type of interaction will give you access to expertise and troubleshooting, but you must

i am starting to grow in an indoor closet, which is 76.20-cm wide by 1.83-m long by 1.52-m tall. i don’t know what type of reflector i should use. do i need two for that length? what do you think about a 152.40-cm cool tube? what ballast is best? i was looking at the 600-w dual bulb. or, should i just do one 1,000-w? Please help me out! Thanks,Karen Catalino

find a reliable source with a deep understanding of organic plant science. If he or she doesn’t know much about beneficial bacteria and fungi, you’ve got the wrong clerk.One more thing: keep your plants short! With a 1.52-m

ceiling your plants will need to finish at about 0.76 m or shorter. Start flowering them at about 20 cm, keeping night temperatures above 18.33°C and day temperatures below 26.67°C. Give them B vitamins and carbohydrates along with low-nitrogen base nutrients. These suggestions are key to growing short, stout plants with excellent quality.Casey Jones Fraser

Casey Jones Fraser owns Garden Grove Organics in the United States. He has a degree in communica-tions and electronic media. He believes that indoor gardeners can achieve the highest quality crops and maximum yields when proper science is applied. Since 1998, Casey has been testing various nutrients and supplements in search of outstanding harvests. Casey Jones Fraser

12 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

SIMON SAYSASK THE EXPERTS

Page 14: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

red Lime trees AvailableAn exotic species of lime is being grown in the United Kingdom for the first time —and it’s bright red. The striking fruit, dubbed the red lime, is the same size and shape as the usual green variety, but it combines orange and sour lime flavours. The unusual crop, which is native to India, is known by a variety of names across the world, including a rangpur, lemandarin, canton lemon, sylhet lime and limao cravo. It is believed to have been made by crossing a lemon with a mandarin plant. The trees can be grown in a sheltered pot on a patio area or in a tub inside a conservatory.

(Source: dailymail.co.uk)

14 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

MaX FaCTS gROwINg TIpS, NEwS aND TRIvIa

MAXFACTS GROWING TIPS, NEWS AND TRIVIA

Mixed Weather Means Apples and pumpkins plentifulA wet spring and a hot summer have brought Britain the best harvest season for years. At Great Pos-brook Farm near Southampton, around half a million pumpkins are expected to be harvested and shipped to supermarkets across the country. And at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Worcestershire, the good weather and summer heat has upped the sugar levels in the fruit and Richard Capper expects to haul in almost 2,000 tonnes of the fruit from his orchards.(Source: dailymail.co.uk)

hallowed hopsEast Kent Goldings will be the toast of the county after becoming the first variety of hops to have their name legally protected against imitation. The oldest known variety of hop grown in the United

Kingdom has been awarded Protected Designation of Origin status by the European Commission in recognition of its quality, history and links to the local area. The Department for Environ-

ment, Food and Rural Affairs is encouraging producers to apply for protected status for their products to take advantage of the wider markets in the United Kingdom

and abroad arising from consumers’ increasing awareness of where their food and drink comes from.

(Source: gov.uk)

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europeans Want organic rules tightenedMore than half of Europeans responding to a recent survey want stricter rules for produce labelled organic. In a massive survey on organic production recently conducted by the European Com-mission, 60% of Europeans are de-manding more controls and tests on these products to ensure that they do not contain illegal residues, even if this entails an increase in prices. Spain is among the countries de-manding this more firmly.(Source: Hoyagro.es)

Introducing the tomtatoIt sounds like something from a science fiction film, but a plant that produces both pota-toes and tomatoes has been launched in the United Kingdom. The “TomTato” can grow more than 500 sweet cherry tomatoes above ground, while beneath the soil it produces white potatoes that are suitable for boiling, roasting or turning into chips. Horticultural mail-order company Thompson & Morgan, which is selling the plants for £14.99 each, described their new product as a “veg plot in a pot.” The hybrid plants are not a product of genetic engineering, but are each individually hand-grafted. Like potatoes, tomatoes are members of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which makes them compatible for grafting. (Source: telegraph.co.uk)

15Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

GROWING TIPS, NEWS AND TRIVIA

the power of prunesThe health benefits of eating prunes aren’t just limited to regu-larity. New research published in the British Medical Journal highlights that eating more prunes could help reduce the risks of getting type 2 diabetes by 18%. Researchers found that replacing three servings per week of fruit juice with cer-tain individual whole fruits reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7%, with some fruits, such as prunes, scoring much higher on the scale.(Source: foodbev.com)

Page 16: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

London roof gardens Flourish High above London’s teeming streets, once unloved concrete spaces are being transformed into bountiful fruit, vegetable and wildflower gar-dens. At the Strand headquarters of Coutts, the Skyline Garden yields a breathtaking variety of the freshest vegetables, herbs and fruit for the bank’s busy kitchens, while a short distance across the rooftops, staff at the international law firm Olswang tend the edible roof garden on their lunch breaks and enjoy eating the fruits of their work. Inmidtown, the Business Improvement District for Bloomsbury, Holborn and St. Giles, is encouraging this blooming biodiversity on Midtown rooftops. “Of our 570 member businesses, probably half could be greened,” explains business manager Mitch Steprans.(Source: telegraph.co.uk)

16 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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Page 17: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

volatile potato prices AheadSupply chains will have to be rebalanced to combat volatile prices in the European potato market, a report has warned. The latest research from Rabobank predicts potato prices will rise gradually and be more volatile over the next five years in reaction to unstable supply in northwest Europe. Potato supply chain operators should re-balance their risks and returns by either adjusting control over the overall sup-ply chain or by reconsidering their business model to insulate against price and supply issues, the report states. The yield of crops, which is highly dependent on weather and disease, is the biggest factor in determining price. But demand for potatoes produced in north-west Europe, and their market value, is expected to increase in the next five years as consumers shift towards higher-value products such as premium crisps.(Source: supplymanagement.com)

Motherly beetlesHidden in the thick foliage of tropical forests, a subfamily of colourful beetles hides the secrets of the earliest stages of social behavior, showing explicit signs of maternal instincts and care. An international team of scientists recently analysed social behaviours present in the Chrysomelinae beetle subfamily and discovered evidence of maternal instincts present within eight species. Scientists documented everything from mothers modifying leaf resources in advance of bearing live offspring to actively defending offspring.(Source: sciencedaily.com)

german vegetable companies DecreasingThe number of vegetable companies in Germany has continually decreased in recent years, states topagrar.com. According to the German Bureau of Statistics, there were only 7,220 vegetable companies with the obligation to report in 2012, compared with 14,500 in 2000. About 30% of the decrease is the result of structural changes in agri-culture, the website notes. Looking at the separate regions, the decrease can be seen everywhere and the most dramatic decline was Hamburg at a 40% reduction in the number of vegetable companies.(Source: freshplaza.com)

17Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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go box from general organics General Organics is a clean VganicTM out-of-the-box solution. Each Go Box includes sample-sized portions of the most popular General Organics products, each representing the company’s deep commitment to sustainability, quality, simplicity and innovation. Included are 473.17-ml bottles of BioThrive Grow and BioThrive Bloom and 236.58-ml bottles of CaMg+, Bio Root, Bio Weed, Bio Bud, Bio Marine and Diamond Black. General Organics’ line of organic fertilisers and supplements are formulated to enhance the biology in the root zone and are suitable for all kinds of soil and media culture. Plants will fulfill their genetic potential with rapid growth, high yields, outstanding flavour, fragrance and nutrition. For more information, visit a local indoor gardening store.

oxyclone 20-Site clonerSunlight Supply is pleased to announce the release of the OxyClone 20-Site Cloner. The OxyClone 20-Site Cloner works on the principle of re-circulating oxygenated water created by the OxyHead and can be used with Eco Air 1 for super oxygenated water. The OxyHead draws in oxygen from the atmosphere and produces turbulence to continuously nourish your cuttings. There are no spray jets that clog up and the water stays cool. Kit includes two sets of neoprene oxycerts (20 coloured and 20 black), one OxyHead, one moulded cover and one impact-resistant reservoir. It’s made of black lightproof materials and comes with a 90-day war-ranty. For more information, visit a local indoor gardening store.

head Masta from cx hydroponicsMany growers obtain high quality at the expense of high yields, or vice versa. Head Masta ensures both a heavy-yielding and high-quality crop. In addition to stimulating an internal hormonal signal that increases flower formation and creating additional flowering sites, Head Masta pumps plant cells full of extra vitamins and minerals required by the plant to convert excess light and nutrients into the highest quality proteins, amino acids and carbohydrates. Head Masta also adds weight-producing silicon to flower cells and increases its thirst for potassium. All CX Hydroponics additives, including Head Masta, are formu-lated to work well in any medium and with any nutrient line. All CX Hydroponics products are designed for use with consumable crops and are PGR/hormone free. Stop by a local gardening store for more details.

Dutchpro’s ph bloomUse Dutchpro’s pH Bloom to adjust the pH value in your garden dur-ing the bloom stage. This product contains 30% phosphorus acid, so caution must be used while handling and storing. To use, add small amounts of pH Bloom during the blooming stages until the desired level is reached. Keep in mind that the recommended pH level for most plants during the bloom stage 5.8. Dutchpro’s pH Bloom is available in 1, 5, 10 and 20-L sizes. For more information, visit a local indoor gardening retail store.

18 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS ISSUE’S HOTTEST ITEMSAsk for them at your local indoor gardening store.

pRODUCT SpOTLIgHT

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Atami presents the Dynamic DuoBloombastic is now bundled with 50 ml of Rootbastic. The Dynamic Duo pro-vides a stimulant for your roots and your flowers in one package. Bloombastic is a high-quality cocktail of bio-minerals and bio-stimulators suitable for the last flowering and ripening phase (four to six weeks). Bloombastic increases the sugar content of your crop and therefore the weight and the smell. Rootbastic is a highly concentrated supplement and additive that should be used in the be-ginning of the rooting phase during the first three weeks of the growth of the plant. It increases the EC level based on your nutrient solution. Rootbastic ensures a proper development of the root system of the plant. Ask an indoor garden retailer for more information on these Dynamic Duos.

green power hobbyGreen Power has become a favourite with UK growers looking for maximum growroom protection thanks to their high-quality, reliable and easy-to-use contactors. Now this popular brand is extending their range to meet the needs of new and novice grow-ers. The Green Power Hobby is manufactured using high-quality components and safeguards growrooms from disasters caused by electrical surges. Available in two- and three-socket versions, the Green Power Hobby can be connected to any timer, offering maximum flexibility for the grower. For more information on the Green Power Hobby, visit a local grow store.

Super Sun De reflectorSunlight Supply is pleased to announce the arrival of the Super Sun Double-Ended (DE) Reflector—the latest addition to the Sun System® line of reflectors and made specifically for double-ended 1,000-W HPS horticulture lamps (not included). Unique double-ended construction allows for maximum optical efficiency and uniformity. Full spectrum DE lamps used in this fixture focus on the red component for increased photosynthetic response. They offer improved PAR values and increased PAR/lumen maintenance (up to 90% PAR at 10,000 hours of operation). The Super Sun DE’s compact design delivers maximum light to growing spaces using 95% reflective, textured German aluminum interior for excellent uniformity, output and diffusion. Product features galvanised steel housing with durable powder-coated finish. The Super Sun DE is manufactured with the finest quality compo-nents and includes a detachable 4.5-m lamp cord at the reflector and at the ballast. Visit a local retailer for more information.

20 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

pRODUCT SpOTLIgHT

Supercloset LeD trinity 3.0 hydroponic grow boxSuperCloset’s LED Trinity 3.0 grow box is 1.83-m tall, 1.83-m wide and 0.61-m deep. It features three independent lighting systems to allow indoor garden-ers the ability to move plants, based on their age and height, through different grow environments. The LED lights used in the system are proprietary 8 bandwidth spectrum LEDs that run on 700 mA. The LED Trinity 3.0 is a much more sustainable product than the traditional HID Trinity 3.0 and has garnered many accolades even in its short release. To learn more, ask about the LED Trinity at a local retailer.

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21Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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Dutchpro’s ph growDutchpro’s pH Grow is used in all types of gardening applica-tions to adjust pH levels during the growth stage. To use, add small amounts of pH Grow until the desired level of pH is reached in your grow space. Keep in mind that the recom-mended pH level for most plants during the growth stage is 5.8. Dutchpro’s pH Grow contains 38% nitric acid, so caution must be used whenever handling. pH Grow is available in 1, 5, 10 and 20-L sizes. For more information, visit a local indoor gardening retail store.

ghe’s biobud BioBud from General Hydroponics Europe is a powerful bloom stimulator that generates explosive flowering and massive fruit production. BioBud increases meta-bolic activity and mineral uptake by using bio-stimulants and organic transport enhancers. It’s easy to use on all types of plants during flowering phases. Use BioBud with all nutrients, in hydroponics, in any substrate and in your garden. Application is as follows: Use 3 to 5 ml per litre in hydro and soil, or 3 ml per litre in a foliar spray. Be sure to also check out GHE’s Bio Bloom. For more information, ask for either or both at your local indoor gar-dening retail store.

Supercloset bubbleFlow buckets SuperCloset’s BubbleFlow Buckets and BubbleFlow Bucket Rings com-bine deep water culture and bottom flow hydroponic methodologies to promote even nutrient circulation and eliminate uneven pH and nutrient pockets. The size of the BubbleFlow Buckets encourages greater root expansion and ultimately increases overall yield per plant. The adjust-able connections on the buckets allow for various configurations that can suit any grow space. Because of the custom-designed drain valve and tube configuration, BubbleFlow Buckets drain and fill incredibly easy. Overall maintenance on BubbleFlow Buckets is minimal and the system can be stacked and moved easily and efficiently. The Bubble-Flow Buckets 6 is sold as six BubbleFlow Buckets, a control reservoir, a 185-gph pump, and all fittings, connections, tubings and air stones. Visit an indoor garden retail store for more details.

22 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

pRODUCT SpOTLIgHT

Supercloset’s LeD Supernova hydroponic grow boxSuperCloset has added a new LED hydroponic grow box, the LED SuperNova, to its suite of hydroponic systems and its grow cabinet product line. The LED SuperNova is among the largest grow boxes on the market today standing at 2-m high by 1.07-m wide by 0.61-m deep. The LED SuperNova grow box utilizes a proprietary spectrum to flower large yields in tight spaces. Heat is dissipated efficiently amongst the 2-cm aluminum circuit boards that are the backbone of the SuperNova LED lighting system. The benefits of the new LED SuperNova are immense; it uses about half of the electricity as a 600-W HID light while producing similar luminous efficiency. For more information, visit a local retailer.

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regen-A-root from cx hydroponicsGrow monster roots with Regen-A-Root. Regen-A-Root stimulates monster root growth while boosting the naturally occurring immune defenc-es of plant root systems. Instead of containing rooting hormones, Regen-A-Root contains the required precursors for naturally occurring plant auxins. This approach guarantees phenom-enal root development without sacrificing top growth, making it safe to use throughout both vegetative and flowering stages. A lush, healthy, productive root system every time is CX Hydro-ponics’ guarantee to you. All CX Hydroponics additives, including Regen-A-Root, are formu-lated to work with any nutrient line. For more information, check out a local grow store.

Dutchpro’s ph+Use Dutchpro’s pH+ to raise the pH value in your garden! This product is made from potas-sium-hydroxide solution, so caution must be used while handling and storing. To use, add small amounts of pH+ until the desired level is reached. Keep in mind that the recommended pH level for most plants is between 5.8 and 6.5. Dutchpro’s pH+ is available in 1, 5, 10 and 20-L sizes. For more information, visit a local indoor garden-ing retail store.

Sun System Agrotech Medium reflectorThe Sun System Agrotech Medium Reflector is Sunlight Supply’s latest addition to the Sun System®reflector line. This lightweight reflector is all aluminum with a galvanised steel back plate for a durable but easy-to-use product. The Agrotech Medium Reflector features 95% reflective German aluminum for excellent reflectivity and diffusion. The Sun System lamp cord is compatible with Sun System, Galaxy® and other ballasts and is fully detachable from both the ballast and the reflector for ease of use. The fully enclosed socket assembly protects wiring from heat and UV light and easily attaches with four small bolts. Visit an indoor gardening store for more information.

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COLD WEATHER& HYDROPONIC

GARDENSCold weather is a situation where hydroponic gardening, whether in your home or in a

greenhouse, has an unbeatable advantage. Here’s how to make the most of it.

by Frank Rauscher

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Although hydroponic growing is done in many different media, each medium offers superior control over the environment. So, whether you’re growing in a green-house or in your own home, the ability to insulate your crop from the cold outside means a winter crop is a real option. If you plan to

take advantage of winter gardening using a greenhouse or a growroom not attached to the home heating system, then first look into all the alternatives for maintaining temper-ature economically. You’ll need to know the growing characteristics of the crop(s) you intend to grow and see that

your greenhouse can accomplish this. In the United Kingdom in particu-lar, the winter months can bring with them frequent and sustained grey skies. In a greenhouse this means the need for supplemental electric lighting. The type of lighting that you’ll need for your plants will vary greatly, but these options are all easy to find. Also, since a greenhouse is separated from the home heating system, you’ll require a source of heat. Good pre-planning can make this issue affordable—good insulat-ing glass or Plexiglas can help keep the cost of heat down. Also, newer greenhouse designs include solar heating, which can result in significant energy savings. However, you’ll need to provide an alternative source of heat to solar-heated greenhouses during cloudy periods. If you have an indoor garden that can take advantage of the warmth

of your home (and you have no problem providing adequate electric light), you are all set to grow year-round. Know your crop and the light or radiation requirements for it as many crops require different types of light based on the phase of growth. Do some research on the plants you plan to grow ahead of time.

Moving indoorsSince synthetic light is not free, many hydroponic gardeners would like to take advantage of sunlight when they can. However, winter can often force them to move their crop indoors (for example, when cold weather comes along before your outdoor tomatoes are finished ripening). This is not a problem if you were prepared for it from the beginning.

“ IF yOU pLaN TO TakE aDvaNTagE OF wINTER gaRDENINg USINg a gREENHOUSE OR a gROwROOM NOT aTTaCHED TO THE HOME HEaTINg SySTEM, THEN FIRST LOOk INTO aLL THE aLTERNaTIvES FOR MaINTaININg TEMpERaTURE ECONOMICaLLy.”

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One of the easiest types of hydro-ponic systems to relocate indoors would be a soil-based system. A raised bed is really not going to be mov-able, and transplanting is way too risky. However, a modular system with individual pots that you can easily dis-connect to move them one at a time is good. Also, be sure to plan your growing area indoors for this relocation before you get going—you don’t want to discover that things aren’t going to fit at the time you need to take advantage of your indoor area. You’ll need to grow in individual pots that, when filled, don’t exceed 22.68 kg or so. When moving individual potted plants with sturdy saucers, you can easily use a simple luggage dolly to move them and spare your back.

Though hand watering is much more time-consuming, it does lend itself most easily to being relocated. However, if your garden design incorporates automated watering, you might want it to have the ability to easily disconnect and reconnect. That is, the water tank, pump, timer, tubing and drips need to connect and disconnect quickly and easily. If building your own, take this into consideration from the start. This type of system is also available turn-key if you search for them, and even these pre-assembled systems are not expensive.

There are a few other issues to consider regarding your outdoor plants. First, your outdoor crop is likely to have some pests and traces of disease that you can’t even see. As such, do not combine these outdoor plants with others that have been indoors all along. I strongly recommend that you put these plants into their own indoor tent or separate room, and that you use precautions after tending these plants before tend-ing to others that may have been isolated from these risks up to this point (the expense of a tent will quickly be recovered when you consider the expense of a crop loss from disease or insects). Also, following good cleanliness and isolation pro-tocol for an indoor crop is your best bet. Daily or frequent inspections will also give you a big advantage. Be sure to pick off leaves that show signs of mildew early; often this can be enough to control the disease.

Also, the number of hours that the plants were receiv-ing sunlight outdoors should be duplicated when moving indoors. Certain plants change their growth habits as the hours of sunlight or grow light are changed. Know the crop you are growing and whether your indoor timer needs adjusting. Also, try to initially use an indoor lamp with a broad spectrum of light and avoid making too many environmental changes at one time.

“avOID MOvINg pLaNTS TO aN OUTDOOR SETTINg wHEN TEMpERaTURES aRE TOO HIgH OR THE RISk OF a COLD SNap STILL EXISTS.”

“yOUR OUTDOOR CROp IS LIkELy TO HavE SOME pESTS aND TRaCES OF DISEaSE THaT yOU CaN’T EvEN SEE.”

26 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

CoLd WEATHER & HydRoPoNIC GARdENS

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Moving outdoorsIf you are thinking about moving plants from a controlled indoor light radia-tion environment to outdoor sun radiation, there are many different concerns that need to be addressed. This option is not an easy one and might not be worth the effort, but I want to discuss it just in case. First, you need to consider the ambient outdoor direct sunlight and temperature. Avoid moving plants to an outdoor setting when temperatures are too high or the risk of a cold snap still exists. And because solar radiation can be so much stronger than controlled indoor lighting, it’s a good idea to use shade cloth (at least as a transition). The percentage of sunlight that the shade cloth allows is a vital consideration if you plan to do this. Plants can adapt to this higher radiation, but usually do much better if making this adaptation at a gradual rate; harden-ing the plants off over a period of several weeks can reduce the stress of this change. Also, higher temperatures and wind will create a demand for greater transpiration of water from the roots to the foliage and fruit. This means extra demand on the root system and more water.After being moved outdoors, your crop will be introduced to pests that it has

not seen or dealt with before. You will need to be on guard and ready to help if and when this battle begins. Caterpillars are usually the No. 1 enemy of a veggie garden. Don’t wait until you find that caterpillars have eaten up half or more of your precious crop; Bacillus thurengienses (BT) and spinosad are great examples of safe, organic pesticides that can help.

Final thoughtsSo, although moving plants has its disadvantages and dangers, it is worth it. You can easily maximise your harvest by utilising hydroponics, whether your crop is grown completely indoors or moved indoors as the weather demands.

“ CaTERpILLaRS aRE USUaLLy THE NO. 1 ENEMy OF a vEggIE gaRDEN.”

27Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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Structured Water,

& golden by Mark Herbst

Structured water is a relatively new term referring to the many different geometric shapes and ratios that can be present in water. Mark Herbst, an electrical engineer, provides a closer look at what this means for the agricultural industry and why the concept isn’t as new as it appears.

the

ratio

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Water (H2O) is perhaps one of the least understood substances on the planet. It has been around since our conception, and plays a fundamental role in life, yet most of us take it for granted. No one can explain exactly why water expands when it freezes, or why it can exist as a solid, liquid and gas. Other anomalies exist in water when compared with other liquids, and in ice when compared to other solids. For example, water freezes faster when it is hot than when it is cold.

Freezing and boiling points vary according to pressure, and different forms of water exist depending on which of the three hydrogen isotopes are bonded to oxygen. In addition, the scientific community is abuzz at the moment with Dr. Gerald Pollack’s discovery of exclusion zone water (H3O2) in the human body.

“ No oNE CAN EXPLAIN EXACTLy WHy WATER EXPANdS WHEN IT FREEzES, oR WHy IT CAN EXIST AS A SoLId, LIqUId ANd GAS.”

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One anomaly of incredible interest is water’s ability to hold memory (i.e., store information and be programmed). In recent years, the documentary Water: the Great Mystery has caused quite a stir by presenting credible research from the scientific community regarding this phenomenon. Water achieves this by altering its molecular structure, and the size and shape of the clusters that the molecules form, by chang-ing bond angles between molecules. Thus, many different geometries, ratios and shapes can be present in water. Here we introduce a new term: structured water.

Fig. 1 - Effects of human interaction with water. Photo courtesy of Dr. Emoto.

Structured water refers to water that has undergone a process to imprint or impart a specific shape to the clusters of water molecules. This can be done intentionally or unin-tentionally, as the structure of water can change according to its environment. Dr. Masaru Emoto demonstrated this by exposing water to different sounds, words and environments, freezing it in a cryogenic chamber, then taking magnified photographs (see Fig. 1). Research has demonstrated that the structure of water may be equally as important as its content in promoting life, growth and health. It would seem logical then that certain geometries or structures in water are more beneficial to life than others. Many growers will have tales to share about their

plant’s response to different types of music, attention and indeed conversation. Could the memory phenomenon of water provide us with a clue as to why? Fig. 2 - The Platonic Solids and their properties.

Plato attributed certain properties to the five platonic solids, in particular water, to the icosahedron (see Fig. 2). He held the platonic solids to be the building blocks of the universe. He did not view them as separate, but rather as nesting one inside the other. In the 1960s, Russian researchers looking for a pattern on the earth’s surface that would link significant places in his-tory, found a matrix. Along the lines of this matrix were ancient civilizations and magnetic anomalies. The pattern they found had 12 pentagonal faces (the dodecahedron). What were the ancient cultures aware of to have built civilizations on the nodes

and lines of a dodecahedron? Beth Hagens and William Becker mapped all five platonic solids onto earth’s

spherical grid. This helped explain the existence of highly accurate, ancient maps. They also discovered that megalithic sites like Easter Island and Glastonbury Tor are located on the nodes and lines of this grid. Becker and Hagens concluded that the ancients new about this

grid. The list of correspondences to the platonic solids in our universe is endless. For example, the haemoglobin in human blood assumes the shape of an octahedron, formed with two pyramids, as does chlorophyll and the gold atom. Modern sci-ence has also discovered that human DNA assumes the shape of a ratchet spiral of dodecahedrons.

“ RESEARCH HAS dEMoNSTRATEd

THAT THE STRUCTURE oF WATER

MAy bE EqUALLy AS IMPoRTANT

AS ITS CoNTENT IN PRoMoTING

LIFE, GRoWTH ANd HEALTH.”

“ RUSSIAN RESEARCHERS LookING FoR A PATTERN oN THE EARTH’S SURFACE THAT WoULd LINk SIGNIFICANT PLACES IN HISToRy, FoUNd A MATRIX.”

AD

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STRUCTUREd WATER, AGRICULTURE & THE GoLdEN RATIo

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From professor Martin Chaplin’s research on water at London University, it is clear that water may form icosa-hedral structures, as well as other platonic solids, linking modern science with Plato’s ancient philosophy. Fig. 3 shows the proposed icosahedral (20 triangular faces) struc-ture of a cluster of water molecules. Was Plato trying to show us the universe and its magnetic and energetic fields are built in certain ordered shapes and structures that promote life, health and plant growth?

Fig. 3 - Professor Chaplin shows where he found the golden ratio in water (left) and the proposed icosahedral structure of a water cluster (right).Photo courtesy of professor Martin Chaplin.

In relation to structured water, another important aspect is Phi ( ), or the golden ratio of 1.618. This ratio is found in plants, the human body and our solar system. Many might be familiar with Leonardo da Vinci’s cannon, the drawing of a male human with limbs outstretched, inscribed in a circle. This cannon is based on the golden

ratio of 1.618 or 0.618. The orbital radius of Mars and Earth produce the golden mean as well. We find this pre-cise golden mean ratio in the pyramids in Egypt, and the architecture of other civilizations and indigenous tribes. It would seem that ancient civilizations new about the golden ratio as they did the platonic solids, and that the two are inseparable. Wherever this ratio is present, we find some sort of life and vice versa. The number of scientists supporting the argument for the platonic solids and the golden ratio as a blueprint for creation is increasing.

Some even believe placing seeds under a pyramid, built in the Phi-ratio, and of the right materials, will improve seed germination rates and percentages. A home-experiment or growth trial is easy to implement with a wooden or copper pyramid (see Fig. 4). One of the reasons this happens is because structures built in golden mean ratio, and from the correct materials, concentrate negative charge. Professor Korotkov from Russia uses an instrument called a gas dis-charge visualisation machine to measure this phenomenon,

the accuracy and validity of this machine having been verified with thousands of medical trials. Aside from that, many studies have shown negative ionization to be of benefit to animal, human and plant life—espe-cially when applied to water. Structured water can store more negative ions. In water, this is measured in redox potential—the unit being millivolts. When the redox potential increases this indicates the presence of less negative ions in solution.

“IT WoULd SEEM THAT ANCIENT

CIvILIzATIoNS NEW AboUT THE GoLdEN

RATIo AS THEy dId THE PLAToNIC SoLIdS,

ANd THAT THE TWo ARE INSEPARAbLE.”

“ MANy STUdIES HAvE SHoWN NEGATIvE IoNIzATIoN To bE oF bENEFIT To ANIMAL, HUMAN ANd PLANT LIFE—ESPECIALLy WHEN APPLIEd To WATER.”

Fig. 4 - Finding the Phi ratio in a pyramid.

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The surface of the earth is negatively charged. Growers can take advantage of this to transfer negative charge to plants and water. Simply driving a copper rod into the ground and running a copper wire from the spike to a water reservoir or plant pot has produced notable effects on vitality and vigour.

The fact that exclusion zone water, recently discovered in the human body, is negatively charged further reinforces the importance of negative charge and its life-giving properties. Why does the golden ratio promote the presence of nega-tive charge? When we draw a graph of a set or progression of golden mean numbers, the picture provides a clue. The graph in Fig. 5 forms a spiral. If we look at the graph in three dimensions, it would look similar to the Romanesco broc-coli (Fig. 5), or a pine cone. If we view the same spiral in water, hydro-dynamically, it can be seen as a spiralling vortex imploding or collapsing toward the centre, similarly to water draining out of a bathtub.

“ THE FACT THAT EXCLUSIoN zoNE WATER, RECENTLy dISCovEREd IN THE HUMAN body, IS NEGATIvELy CHARGEd FURTHER REINFoRCES THE IMPoRTANCE oF NEGATIvE CHARGE ANd ITS LIFE-GIvING PRoPERTIES.”

Fig. 5 - Two and three dimensional spiral geometry. Photo courtesy of Dan Winter.

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Implosion causes a centripetal force, which in water refers to the suction process that causes fluids to move inwards and towards the centre in a swirling vortex. Imploding water and other magnetic and electrical fields in the golden ratio leads to a phenomenon in physics called phase conjugation. Phase conjugation is a wave phenomenon whereby certain condi-tions, geometries and magnetic arrangements cause electri-cal and magnetic waves to strengthen each other as they come together by adding and multiplying wave length and

velocity, combining them in an infinitely small point. In phys-ics this is referred to as infinite non-destructive compression or constructive collapse. So, as the waves join together and approach the bottom of the vortex, they accelerate through the speed of light. All the energy waves are combined without cancelling one another out. An example of waves cancelling one another out (not completely as the incoming wave is usu-ally larger) is when an ocean wave hits the beach and rushes back out, only to collide with another incoming wave. Mathematically we can show constructive collapse by

adding 1 to 1.618 and then multiplying 1.618 by 1.618 to get the same answer of 2.618. This is the only ratio

demonstrating this phenomenon. When any field behaves this way it is said to be fractal. An analogy would be to visu-alise a picture that one could zoom into forever. The lines in the picture would have to combine perfectly together in the centre of the picture without destroying one another. This can only happen when golden mean ratio is present. It is this vortex of implo-sion, leading to con-structive compression, which will draw nega-tive ions into a system, and concentrate them. Researcher Dan Winter has helped modern science understand this and has modified Max Planck's equation that predicts frequency and

length in matter. His new equation, which includes golden mean ratio, accurately predicts three radii of hydrogen and the flowering and vegetative wavelengths of light. This dem-onstrates the very nature of a hydrogen atom and photosyn-thesis is golden mean or fractal! Of course, negative ions or charge can be introduced

into water in different ways, but there are other factors to consider when examining structured water as a function of improving a grower or farmer’s bottom line. One being the molecular cluster size and whether it has been decreased, creating wetter water, thus enabling better hydration and greater solubility. Other factors to examine or test for when selecting a water structuring device are effects on total dis-solved solids, pH, EC, surface tension and viscosity, dissolved oxygen, combined chlorine content, dissolved metals and metalloids (including heavy metals). Magnetic water treat-ment has been around for some time, and has performed well in agriculture as a means of structuring water. When using magnets, one needs to know the strength of the mag-nets, and how long they will last. Homeopathic structuring of water has also performed well and warrants further investiga-tion, as it is cheap to implement. Those familiar with biody-namic farming would probably have made use of vortexing or homeopathic preparations as a means of structuring water. There are not many products on the market that structure water with electrical signals, but are in the R&D stage. New products in the structured water arena are emerging as the science gains more interest and more research is completed. Access to validated test results and growth trials are of utmost importance when selecting a device.

Fig 6 - Planck Length accurately multiplied by Golden Ratio predicts bioactive frequencies.

“IMPLodING WATER ANd oTHER MAGNETIC ANd ELECTRICAL FIELdS IN THE GoLdEN RATIo LEAdS To A PHENoMENoN IN PHySICS CALLEd PHASE CoNjUGATIoN.”

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Putting things into perspective, water is incredibly sensitive to external stimuli. Its molecular structure can be altered piezo-electrically (using crystals), chemically, mechanically, electrically, acoustically and magnetically—including via human interaction to be made more beneficial to industry, agriculture and human health. The emer-gence of water structuring devices on the market has allowed farmers to increase yield, improve appearance of produce, harvest earlier, increase nutrient content and decrease salt build-up in growing media.

The use or incorporation of the golden ratio in water structur-ing technology enhances structured water. Small-scale growers

and farmers have begun to, and will increasingly begin to consider biological architecture (greenhouses built in golden mean ratio) and structured water, as a means of improving agri-cultural and horticultural practice. The discourse

is intended to provide the grower with a solid platform from which to experiment, and make a more informed choice in a paradoxically ancient, yet new field of technology.

“THE USE oR INCoRPoRATIoN oF THE GoLdEN RATIo IN WATER

STRUCTURING TECHNoLoGy ENHANCES STRUCTUREd WATER.”

Fig 7 - Creating implosion and phase conjugation with electrical sine waves. Photo courtesy of Dan Winter.

35Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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WinterisingGrowRoomyour By Lee McCALL

Why your winter growroom should feature a water chiller and other suggestions for maximising the space

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As summer winds down and we head into harvest time, indoor gardeners become busy preparing our growrooms for winter—otherwise known as our prime indoor growing season. Now is the time to add more lights and expand our growing space. Those unfortunate growers who have suf-fered from excessive heat all summer long are only able to turn lights back on now after they’ve been off all summer—heat from the summer sun has now diminished and no longer will excessive hot spells decimate our growrooms.Cooler weather allows for enhanced environmental

control. In residential growrooms, adding heat is a lot easier than trying to subtract it, especially during those peak summer heat waves that make it nearly impossible to generate a successful crop without the aid of tons of air conditioning. By the time you’ve put in your second year indoors, though, you should have learned a few lessons. Obviously the fluctuation in temperature from winter to spring to summer can throw off many first-time growers who may have pulled a beginner’s luck crop heat from

tHe suMMer sun Has now diMinisHed and no longer will excessive Hot spells deciMate our growrooMs.”

off earlier that winter season. Having learned the hard way, we now know to either prep the room with the appropri-ate amount of A/C or run fewer lights

during the summer months. Although LEDs are becoming more popular as a

viable indoor grow light option, the rumour is that you shouldn’t expect the same weight-to-

watt ratio. Instead, their benefit lies in the energy savings these efficient grow lights offer as the trade-off

for a possible—but not guaranteed—small loss in yield.Prior to entering the ideal indoor growing season, one

lesson I’ve learned has been to generate a healthy vegeta-tive crop while it’s still warmer outside in preparation for the approaching cold weather. T5s, LEDs and lower-wattage, metal-halide lights are an excellent source of vegetative spec-trum light with lower heat and energy output compared to 1,000-watt systems, and many growers are making the switch in their growrooms. Kick off the beginning of the colder season with a healthy veg crop just waiting to transition over into its flowering cycle, because time is valuable and you should make the most of the indoor season. The goal is to achieve more successful flowering cycles during this time since it’s much easier to control environmental problems; in other words, there is less heat and there are fewer bugs during winter. As opposed to trying to band-aid a lost-cause flowering crop suffering from mite damage and heat stress, build the health and vigour of a healthy veg room up a month or so prior to the cold season, so that when the cooler season has arrived you have an immaculate, stress-free crop of stock plants, mature vegetatives and cuttings ready to go all season long.

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Non-air-cooled horticultural lighting reflectors are ideal in the winter growroom so long as the emitted heat does not affect room comfort. In places like the foothills and deep into the mountains, where long periods of near- or below-freezing temperatures are more common, growers may be inclined to use these types of hoods. One major benefit is a stronger penetration of light to the crop due to the fact that no loss is experienced from glass lenses or duct ports on the reflectors. Actual surface area of plant production may increase and the crop may receive higher radiant levels of useable light when these reflectors are employed, as com-pared to air-cooled alternatives. If non-air-cooled reflectors are not an option, use only what is needed to keep air-cooled lights cool to the touch. In colder regions, growrooms operat-ing on a p.m. to a.m. schedule will have the least amount of radiant heat hindering production. Because the room will operate and function its on cycle during the coolest parts of the day, there will obviously be less ambient heat at night to combat in conjunction with growroom appli-ances—such as lights, CO2 generators and so on.

Below-freezing air used to cool off air-cooled reflec-

tors housing high-wattage HID lamps may cause

condensation to occur on duct runs, walls and equipment.

Either temper the air in a separate space indoors prior to allowing it to

enter the reflector housing, or operate the fans on rheostats or fan-speed temperature control-

lers to facilitate less energy consumption and prevent uncom-fortably cool temperatures. Also, you can recycle grow light heat back into the house to reduce natural gas costs from fur-naces or added electrical costs from space heaters—you’d be surprised how much usable heat a few 1,000-watt lights will generate! Make sure to HEPA filter all fresh-air intake points, as plant pests and other nasty organisms will be looking to vacation in the HID oasis you’ve created.Water-chilled systems are another great example of new-

age growroom technology currently sparking the inter-est of avid indoor farmers intending to keep production consistent year-round. Cloning systems that once suffered from pumps overheating reservoir solutions are easily kept to a specific chilled temperature dictated automati-cally by portable and weatherproof water-chilling units. Although water chillers may seem like a luxury, you can save energy by operating them in the winter since colder air is more readily available. If you’re running a chiller

In colder regions, growrooMs operating on a p.M. to

a.M. scHedule will Have tHe least aMount of

radiant Heat Hindering production.”

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WINTERISING yoUR GRoWRooM

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to improve the condition of your nutrient solution, you’re probably already using an air pump to provide enhanced oxygen levels to the root—and if not, it may help. Place the air pump in a cold closet, crawl space or garage if possible and run the air line to the air stone or diffuser. Avoid lengthy air lines, as this may decrease the overall pump output. Low water tempera-tures may also decrease oxygen availability to the root system, so don’t get overzealous with tempera-tures below 18°C or suffoca-tion could result. Reservoir heaters (I prefer titanium) combine plug-and-play versatil-ity with a low electrical draw and many integrate a digital LCD for precise temperature control and to prevent overheating. Keep the reservoir at a solid 18 to 21°C for optimal root health and nutrient uptake and to ensure that concentrations of dissolved oxygen are available to your plants.

Seeds, dirt and a fluorescent

bulb are all it takes to start tHe beginning

of a wonderful addiction.”

Winter is a great time for indoor gardening. Seasonal crops that may have been difficult to source for

consumers during the winter months because they were field or greenhouse grown can

be produced indoors on a perpetual cycle and you’ll be able to charge

top-market price for these out-of-season rarities. Fresh yellow-striped boar tomatoes, delicate squash blossoms, ghost peppers and more can now all be har-vested in December or January due to the research that has been done and the techno-logical innovations that have

resulted in the last few years in the world of indoor horticulture.

I urge everyone who is passionate about indoor high-tech gardening to

try to enlighten an interested friend or family member. Seeds, dirt and a fluores-

cent bulb are all it takes to start the begin-ning of a wonderful addiction—and the more

minds we have working together to promote our industry, the more innovation will continue to thrive in the world of hydroponic, organic and year-round gardening.

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All plants need oxygen for proper functioning and health.

Oxygen starvation can result in a myriad of crises in the

garden that can’t be reversed. So, how do you know if your

plants are starved for oxygen?

Pay attention.

Oxygen is a somewhat overlooked element when it comes to the essential plant nutrients. While we focus on nitrogen-to-potassium ratios, calcium-boosting formulations, optimal EC and carbon dioxide enrichment, the roots of our plants can be quietly suffocating, unseen and forgotten. Although photosyn-thesis is often seen as the process that drives plant growth and determines yields, there is another equally important energy-production process taking place in the root zone—respiration. Respiration is a process in the root tissues that releases meta-bolic energy, which is required to fuel root growth, nutrient and water absorption and root cell functioning. If oxygen is in short supply the roots begin to suffocate, root growth slows or stops and there can even be a net loss of nutrient ions from the root system under anaerobic conditions.

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

Oxygenate, RespiRateOR suffOcate

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Why do plants need all this oxygen?In many hydroponic systems, we like to think that oxygen in the root zone is always in plentiful supply; after all, soilless productions are supposed to eliminate all those soil prob-lems such as compaction, waterlogging and poor physical properties of the substrate. Many growers also factor in some form of oxygenation in their nutrient reservoir or system, either with nutrient fountains, fall-back cascades into the solution or air pumps, but is it really enough? The problem with root zone oxygenation in many hydroponic systems has as much to do with oxygen demand by the plants as with supply. Large healthy plants grown in a limited root zone such as a growing slab, bag or channel amass a huge surface area of root tissue in a relatively small volume. This, com-bined with the fact that indoor gardens can provide perfect growing conditions, plenty of warmth, optimal water and nutrients, means that the rapidly developing mature plants that result can have an incredible demand for oxygen in the somewhat limited root zone they are grown in.We then need to consider the fact that even a highly

aerated nutrient solution can only normally carry around 7 to 8 ppm at 20 to 31°C, and the potential of oxygen suffo-cation becomes apparent. A mature hydroponically grown tomato plant at optimal temperatures has an oxygen require-ment of 46 mg per plant per hour at 20°C, and this increases to 184 mg per plant per hour at 30°C. Warmer tempera-tures increase the rate of root respiration dramatically.

Static solution culture systems benefit from some additional root aeration to boost dissolved oxygen levels.

The problem with root zone oxygenation

in many hydroponic systems has as much to do with oxygen demand by the

plants as with supply.”

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Furthermore, microbial life in the root zone also requires oxygen for growth and development and in some systems this can also have an impact. Of course, in a standard substrate-based hydroponic system the plant root system is not just dependent on oxygen dissolved in the nutrient solution for respiration; oxygen is also present in the air-filled pores of the growing media. As nutrients are applied and flow through the growing media and then drain from the base, fresh air is pulled down into the root zone, filling the pores around the roots. Provided the media is permitted to actually fully drain and is not continually (or too frequently) irrigated with nutrient solution, air will remain in these pore spaces to provide some oxygen to the root system. These air-filled pores require replenishment on a frequent basis; however, as the high volume of root tissue absorbs oxygen rapidly. Here is where many inexperienced hydroponic growers run into problems with root zone oxygenation and suffocation. Some growing substrates naturally drain freely and hold a lot of air; chunky grades of perlite are one example. Some substrates though (most often those composed of organic material that is still in the decomposition phase) can pack down and eliminate many of the air-filled pores which provide vital oxygenation to the root zone. Many hydroponic substrates are designed to be able to both absorb and hold mois-ture between irrigations and also to have a good air-filled

porosity, but if these types of substrates are irrigated too fre-quently, they can still become oversaturated, a process that robs the root zone of valuable oxygen supplies.

What does root suffocation look like?A lack of oxygen in the root zone causing root suffocation is not always easy to identify. Often the first sign under warmer growing conditions is midday wilting of the foliage, even when the growing media is fully irrigated. Unfortunately, midday wilting can also have other causes, such as a high EC, root death due to damage, chemical contamination of the water or recent transplanting. Many growers simply assume a wilting plant has insufficient moisture in the root zone and apply more irrigation. This is a disaster for an over-irrigated crop that’s already suffering oxygen depletion, as waterlog-ging excludes even more air from around the root zone. Under prolonged oxygen starvation, most commonly seen

in waterlogged hydroponic crops, plants produce the stress hormone ethylene that accumulates in the roots. If oxygen

As nuTrienTs are applied and flow through the growing media and then drain from the base, fresh air is pulled down into the root zone, filling the pores

around the roots.”

oXyGENATE, RESPIRATE oR SUFFoCATE

Aeration of the nutrient solution helps boost dissolved oxygen levels.

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starvation goes on for long enough, ethyl-ene will also start to be produced in the shoots of the plant, causing leaf epinasty. Epinasty is a downward curvature of the plant’s leaves, resulting in plants that look wilted but are otherwise turgid. If oxygen starvation continues and is severe, eventu-ally leaf chlorosis (yellowing) and prema-ture leaf and flower abscission will occur. In cases that are not so severe, plants such as tomatoes may produce adventitious roots on the lower stem and present swelling at the base. This is the plant’s attempt to survive in less than ideal conditions, and the symptoms have caused many inexperienced growers to enquire about strange bumpy stems on their tomato plants.

oxygen and root diseaseSufficient levels of oxygen in the root zone are essential for healthy roots, which are the first line of defence against many disease pathogens. In many cases, root pathogens such as pythium will attack roots that are already weakened. Studies have shown a direct link between the availability of oxygen in the root zone and infection rates with root rot pathogens—low oxygen treatments typically started to show

signs of root decay within a few days of inoculation with pythium, whereas higher oxygen treatments showed no infection.

oxygen and physiological

disordersOxygenation in the root zone is also linked

to a number of physiological disorders, many of which become more pronounced under

warmer and more stressful growing conditions. Blossom end rot of tomatoes and capsicum and tipburn of lettuce, strawberries and many green vegetables all have environmental influences. However, suffocation of the root zone has been shown to induce high levels of these disorders. This is because the main plant nutrient most affected by a lack of oxygen in the root zone is calcium. Calcium, unlike the other major nutrients, is absorbed primarily through unsuberised root tips. The root apex has a large energy requirement for new cell production and growth and is therefore vulnerable to oxygen stress. If an increasing number of root tips begin to suffer from an oxygen deficiency, a shortage of calcium in the shoots becomes more likely and this makes the development of calcium-related disor-ders such as blossom end rot and tipburn more common.

sufficienT levels of oxygen in the

root zone are essential for healthy roots, which are the first line of defence against many disease

pathogens.”

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hoW to oxygenate to maximise groWthIn solution culture, plants obtain oxygen dissolved in the nutrient solution and also directly from the moist air in which the upper level of the root zone should be sitting. Completely submerging roots in nutrient film technique (NFT) is not ideal, as this significantly reduces plant root access to the much higher concentration of oxygen in the air compared to that in the nutrient solution. Aeroponic plants obtain sufficient oxygen from the air

directly surrounding the misted roots, while plants in media-based systems obtain oxygen dissolved in the nutrient solu-tion and from the air-filled pore space surrounding the roots. The air-filled pores surrounding the roots become flooded with nutrient during irrigation, though, and only after drain-ing do they refill with fresh air. For this reason, one of the best ways of keeping the root zone bathed in fresh oxygen is to control irrigation so that the air-filled pore spaces are permitted to fully drain between applications of nutrient. Overwatering causing waterlogging is the main cause of root

suffocation in media-based hydroponic systems. In ebb and flow systems there is a good opportunity to push and drag fresh air down into the root zone with each cycle; however, this will only occur if complete and full draining of the growing media occurs. Poorly designed ebb and flow systems often have a perched water table where excess solution sits in the base of the growing containers even after the drain cycle has completed, and for many plants this can cause root suf-focation issues over time. In nutrient film technique systems, the ideal is to maintain a thin film of nutrient, not a deep flow, so that roots can access oxygen directly from the air above the 1 to 2-mm flow of nutrients.

Healthy, well-oxygenated roots are essential for maximum plant productivity.

In pond or raft systems it is vital that sufficient oxygen is introduced via the nutrient solution, so active aeration via compressors or air pumps at regular intervals in the pond are important for crops that have a high oxygen requirement. All nutrient reservoirs should have some form of oxygenation to help boost levels in the solution. The cascade or fall-back method works well, and the higher the fall-back of nutrient into the reservoir the more oxygen will be introduced into the solution. Fountains, air pumps with air stones to break up the air flow into smaller bubbles and other oxygen enrich-ment systems are all worth investing in for a healthy crop and maximum root respiration rates.

hoW to measure oxygenDissolved oxygen in solution can be easily measured with the use of a handheld electronic oxygen meter, and there are also less expensive test kits designed for use in aquariums available, although these can be somewhat less accurate. Dissolved oxygen meters have the ability to give readings in parts per million and also to record temperature and then express the oxygen levels as a percentage of satura-tion. This percentage of saturation measurement is actually a more meaningful guide in hydroponic systems, as it is an indication of how well the aeration methods used are working within the system at any given temperature. At the nutrient reservoir, dissolved oxygen levels should be at least 5 to 6 ppm under warm conditions (solution temperatures between 10 to 20°C), and a well-oxygenated solution at 10°C can be as high as 12 to 13 ppm. Super-saturation with oxygen is also possible using various technologies, and this has also been shown to boost plant growth and yields in a number of hydroponic crops.

oXyGENATE, RESPIRATE oR SUFFoCATE

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Above: Good levels of oxygen help ensure healthy root systems.Below: Nutrient film technique systems rely on a thin

film of nutrient flow, which allows plants to access oxygen from both the solution and moist air in the channel.

different crops and oxygen requirementsAs a general rule, the larger the plant and the leaf area of the crop, the higher the demand for oxygen. Small plants such as lettuce have a relatively low requirement for oxygen in the root zone, while larger, longer-term fruiting plants such as tomato and cucumber place much greater demands on the root zone for oxygenation. In solution culture systems, the number and size of plants dependent on the oxygen supply in the nutrient determines how fast oxygen will deplete. For this reason, growers should consider install-ing the largest nutrient reservoir they can, as this slows the change in rates of oxygenation as the temperature increases during the day. Oxygen has also been known to deplete from one end of NFT channels to the other under warm grow-ing conditions, so limitations in channel length should be considered when crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers are being grown.

in conclusionOxygen shouldn’t be forgotten. Along with CO2 and all the mineral ions, it is essential for plant functioning and health. While it may not be necessary to directly measure dissolved oxygen levels every day, it is important to take oxygenation into consideration when thinking about the design of a hydroponic system, the frequency of irrigation required and the type of growing media and aeration methods to be used in the reservoir and in solution culture.

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The hydroponics industry has been abuzz in recent months with discussions concerning plant growth regulators (PGRs),

hormones that are used ubiquitously in the horticulture industry. These products are used throughout the lifecycle of plants, whether we are using auxins to produce rooted cuttings or paclobutrazol to retard the vertical growth of plants. Most of the conversations I have participated in recently have revolved around one of three dimensions: the use and safety of these products, whether it is better to use natural or synthetic hormones and why these prod-

ucts are so expensive to purchase. Any one of these topics would necessitate much more column space than is avail-

able here, so I will primarily focus on a single topic that has ramifications across the aforementioned dimensions: making a natural plant growth regulator cheaply.From the outset, I should make my personal

philosophy clear: I advocate using plant growth regulators

Plant growth regulators are making a buzz in the hydroponics industry, and one of the reasons is because they’re so darn expensive. Here’s how to make your own—it’s simpler than it sounds!

regulatorcheaply

aplant groWth

BY RYAN M. TAYLOR

makingNatural

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to efficiently optimise plant growth, regardless of whether they are derived with natural methods or synthetically creat-ed. Since I run my own hydroponic horticulture business and keep a vigilant eye on my cost structure and profit margins, I generally choose to create my own PGRs naturally rather than buy them. While this might sound daunting, the technique I will describe hereafter provides cost savings across the board for interested growers.The basic method can be summarised as follows: recirculate

your nutrient solution for an extended period of time (e.g. beyond one year) to allow organic compounds exuded from the roots, including PGRs, to accumulate in the nutrient solu-tion. So, rather than periodically discarding your complete solution, you should simply top-off your solution with pure water or a diluted-nutrient solution as necessary to maintain a set electrical conductivity level. As the continuously recircu-lated solution builds up natural PGRs, your canopy size per plant will decrease—but your plants will mature at a faster rate. To maximise this growth strategy, it is recommended that you adopt a continuous production system rather than a batch production strategy.This might sound too simplistic to work, but I

assure you that the science is sound. After read-ing some technical briefs from NASA, where a team of researchers grew potatoes with the nutrient film technique for over a year without changing the nutrient solution, I attempted this with my own crops. I grew three types of let-tuce in flood-and-drain tubes for a year without completely changing the nutrient solution and was amazed at the differences between the early plantings and those near the end. As you can see from the pictures, the plants became smaller over time, but I didn’t lose yield over time.It amazes me that I could save so much money

on nutrient solution and growth regulators by

growing my own PGRs so to speak; however, the major tradeoff is that a lot more planning and effort is needed to rationally man-age your nutri-ent solution parameters. In any event, you can be sure that your PGRs are naturally produced and are appropriate for the crops you are growing. regulator Using a continuous system, the lettuce was physically

smaller, but the yield was not.

49Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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Ensuring your greenhouse or indoor garden is properly ventilated is every bit as important to the health of your plants as adequate water and proper nutrition. Here’s a quick guide to the basics.

Ventilation Systems

For Greenhouses and Indoor Gardensby Eric Hopper

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Page 54: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

The ventilation system is the most important aspect of environmental control in any greenhouse or indoor garden. Plants can be given perfect lighting conditions and the most complete diet of nutrients, but without a properly function-ing ventilation system they will inevitably suffer and fall short of their potential. Ventilation systems for both greenhouses and indoor gardens serve the same four important purposes: temperature control, humidity control, air circulation, and, if it is not being supplemented, CO2 replenishment.

TemperatureProbably the most obvious reason for ventilation systems is to control temperature. Ventilation systems are commonly used to remove excess heat, created by trapped radiant energy from the sun or by high-intensity discharge lighting from the growing environment. An exhaust fan, like its name suggests, exhausts unwanted heat and stale air from the garden and is usually the first piece of equipment purchased for any ventila-tion system.

HumidityThe humidity level within an enclosed garden is affected by multiple variables. Temperature differences between the inside and outside of an enclosure can cause condensation, which directly affects humidity levels. Plants naturally transpire water, which will also raise the humidity level within an enclosed space. Exhaust fans used to remove unwanted heat can also serve the secondary purpose of removing excess humidity, which would otherwise be trapped in the garden space.

Air circulationAir circulation refers to the air movement within the physi-cal garden space. Greenhouses and indoor gardens alike can benefit greatly from oscillating fans, which create consis-tent air movement. Not only does consistent air movement result in uniformity of temperature and humidity within the growing environment, it also helps strengthen the structural integrity of your plants.

CO2 replenishmentPlants consume CO2 for photosynthesis and they expel oxygen. If the CO2 in an enclosed environment gets used up by the plants and is not replenished, the plants’ ability to photosynthesise will be compromised—ventilation systems replace stale, CO2-depleted air with fresh air containing new CO2 for plants to process.

Ventilation set-up for indoor gardensHeat naturally rises, so it is most efficient to have your exhaust fan positioned high in the grow room. The fresh air intake point should be placed low in the growroom, prefer-ably on the opposite side of the room from the exhaust. This will ensure fresh air movement across the garden. Air follows the path of least resistance, so it is important when setting up a ventilation system to determine where the air will flow. Imagine a string from the fresh air intake point to the point of exhaust. Assuming there aren’t any large physical obstacles impeding airflow, this will be the ventilation path.

vENTILATIoN SySTEMS

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Fan sizing for indoor gardensMany factors will influence what size of fan you choose. Additional equipment such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers and CO2 burners will all affect your choice of ventilation fans. For a starting point, let’s assume there will be no additional equipment and that the climate of your garden is about average. A good rule of thumb is to have 7.5 cubic metres per minute (m3/min) of air movement per 1,000-W light—for example, a room with 4,000-W should have an exhaust system with a m3/min rating of 30 or higher. For growers who decide to use a passive intake—with no fan—a slightly higher rating for their exhaust might be necessary to create enough negative pressure to allow sufficient airflow. The opening for a passive air intake should be a minimum of twice the size of the exhaust. Gardeners who use an intake fan should choose one with a slightly lower rating than the exhaust fan, which will ensure a slight negative pressure in the grow room.An air conditioner can dramatically decrease the cubic

metres per minute needed to exhaust heat and this should be taken into consideration when setting up any ventilation system. Generally speaking, every 10,000 BTUs of air con-ditioning will replace 7.5 m3/min of exhaust and should be able to efficiently cool a 1,000-W light. On the other hand, dehumidifiers and CO2 burners add heat to a grow room and might require you to install a larger exhaust fan.

New cooling technologies and ventilation systemsThere have been many technological advances in indoor garden heat management in recent years, all of which can

affect the sizing and set-up of ventilation systems. Air or water cooled reflectors will drastically reduce heat in the room, minimising the required size of your exhaust fan. Some cutting-edge growers are now combin-ing air or water cooled reflectors, dehu-midifiers and super-efficient mini-split ventless air conditioning units. Used in conjunction, these technologies reduce heat to a minimum and—as long as CO2 is being supplemented—make exhaust fans unnecessary.

Greenhouse ventilationExcess heat or stale air within a greenhouse will result in slow growth and poor overall crop performance. Ventilation systems can often prove the downfall of the novice green-house grower; many will never associate the mould, insects or diseases they have managed to acquire with having poor ventilation. There are two common ways to set up a ventila-tion system in a greenhouse: naturally or mechanically.

Ventilation systems can often

prove the downfall of the novice greenhouse

grower; many will never associate the mould, insects or diseases

they have managed to acquire with having poor

ventilation.”

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vENTILATIoN SySTEMS

Natural ventilationThe keys to natural ventilation are wind and thermal buoy-ancy. Thermal buoyancy refers to the rising of warm air within the greenhouse, a process which actually contributes to efficient ventilation. A greenhouse using natural ventila-tion will have either retractable or removable sides or roof panels, or a series of vents. Hoop houses with retractable sidewalls are great examples of the use of natural ventilation. With the sides raised, the wind can flow through the green-house and replace warm, stale air with fresh air from outside.Greenhouses with a series of roof and sidewall vents

remove heat via wind and natural thermal buoyancy. As wind passes over a roof vent it creates a vacuum within the greenhouse, which draws air through the sidewall vents and out the roof vents. Thermal buoyancy is most effective when there is a large temperature difference between the outside air and the air in the greenhouse. Cooler air enters the greenhouse through the sidewall vents and as the air heats up it rises and exits the greenhouse through the roof vents. On warm days where the temperature difference is minimal, the buoyancy effect is not as powerful.

Mechanical ventilationMechanical ventilation in greenhouses is similar to that found in indoor gardens. Fan systems create air movement, which brings fresh air into the greenhouse and exhausts unwanted heat and humidity.

Greenhouse fan sizingFan systems operating during summer months should be sized to provide one volume of air exchange per minute, to a height of 3.05 m. We use 3.05 m as a constant when determining fan capacity for year-round greenhouses. The general rule of thumb for sizing fans is to multiply

the greenhouse’s length by its height and then multiply by the constant of 3.05 m. That number will give us the cubic meter per minute capacity needed to sufficiently cool the greenhouse. Calculating the fan capacity required for a 4.57 by 18.29 m. greenhouse would look like this:

4.57 m x 18.29 m x 3.05 m = 254.93 m3/min capacity required for year-round cooling

Ventilation needs will vary with the seasons and cooler months will require a less aggressive amount of air exchange. In winter months, most ventilation systems can be reduced to one third of full fan capacity, so it is advantageous for growers who plan on using their green-houses year-round to invest in variable speed fans or fans that can be controlled by a dimmer or thermostat. Larger greenhouses might require multiple large fans for cooling during the summer months, but a reduced number of fans will be required during the winter.

Fan placementExhaust fans should be positioned high on the wall opposite the intake vents so that air flows over the plant canopy on its way through the greenhouse. If possible, set up your fans to work in conjunction with the prevailing winds. This can help ventilation systems work up to 20% more efficiently. Passive intakes (with no fan) should be 1.5 times the size of the exhaust fan in order to ensure sufficient intake and to make sure exhaust fans aren’t overworked. If strong negative pres-sure is apparent—for example, if doors are hard to open because they are literally being sucked shut or the green-house plastic is being pulled tightly against the frame—the size of the passive intake opening needs to be increased.

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One highly efficient way of taking in and distribut-ing fresh air in a greenhouse is by using a perforated poly-ethylene tube that inflates and extends among the plants. The intake fan fills

the tube with fresh air and pushes it through

the holes in the plastic, which allows fresh air to reach the plants in a direct and uniform manner. This technique is especially effective in larger greenhouses that would otherwise only have fresh air entering one end of the building. The use of perforated polyethylene tubes does require intake fans, and as with an indoor garden, these fans should have a slightly lower rating than the exhaust fans so they’ll produce a gentle negative pressure within the greenhouse.The ventilation systems we install in our green-

houses and indoor gardens are a vital component in our attempt to recreate nature indoors. Just as the wind strengthens, revitalises and nourishes plant life outdoors, the ventilation systems in artificial environ-ments directly influence plant health and produc-tion. Sufficient air movement combined with proper fan sizing and placement will reduce the potential for problems and can help create ideal conditions for efficient horticultural production.

one highly efficient way of taking in

and distributing fresh air in a greenhouse is by using a perforated polyethylene tube that inflates and extends among the plants.”

57Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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Hydroponics in

by Chad Garbet

Some people see the impossible as

nothing more than a challenge. Venus flytraps are a bit of a challenge to grow

hydroponically, but if you can get it just right, they make a gorgeous and exciting addition (or centrepiece) to your garden…

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by Chad Garbet

A lot of time and effort has to go into a hydroponic Venus flytrap—it’s not any ordinary plant. Checking the pH at least twice a day is usually a must, and a humidity dome helps a bit too since most carnivorous plants like the flytrap are found in bogs and swamps, so they like a moist climate.

MediuMWhen choosing a grow medium for the flytrap, don’t try something that raises the pH too much. Certain hydroponic grow media are par-ticularly great because they are pH neutral. A good mix to try is coco polymer covered with a layer of dia-tomaceous earth. One can also use soil in conjunction with a hydro-ponic system when growing flytraps since these plants will not get any form of root rot. Soil is a harder method, but it does pay off. The soil mix should consist of some-thing like this: five parts peat moss, three parts silica sand and two parts perlite by volume. The silica sand helps with aeration and the formation of a healthy root system.

To hold the soil in the hydroponic system, use a reusable coffee filter. Be sure to use one of the plastic ones so the water can flow through into the soil without making a big muddy mess in the reservoir. It’s still possible to lose some soil through the reusable coffee filter, so top-ups every once in a while might be necessary.

pHThis is the most hassle of the whole hydroponic flytrap experiment. The Venus flytrap likes low pH—like most plants that live in bogs or swamps—so some pH down and a pH pen or strips are definitely needed when growing this plant. A constant pH of 4.5 to 5.5 is ideal, so one must check the pH at least twice a day (pH will slowly rise even when using a pH-neutral grow medium). If using soil, one will prob-ably have to check levels three or four times a day. A bigger reservoir can help fix this problem, often to the point that a gardener only has to check pH a few times a week.

dietThe diet of the Venus flytrap is extremely important. The roots of the plant don’t absorb nutrients, so that leaves all the work up to the flytrap’s head. Even though it’s called a flytrap, flies are the least of the plant’s diet. It mostly eats insects that crawl on the ground, such as ants, spiders, beetles and grasshoppers. The flytrap traps its prey and sucks the needed nutrients out of it with enzymes made in glands

found in the plant’s head. It takes the plant several days to fully digest the nutrients from an insect; afterward, the trap will open to reveal a depleted husk of an exoskeleton.

It is an amazing sight to see the flytrap shut on its prey, trapping them into their impending doom and slowly digesting them over several days. This display makes the plant—which comes in a few different colours and shapes—a great interactive treat for visitors who come to view your garden.

“even though it’s called a flytrap,

flies are the least of the plant’s diet.”

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There are few friends in the garden more important than the earthworm. Worms increase the permeability of soil, improving drainage and allow-ing more air and water to penetrate the soil. They eat organic mate-rial and the waste they produce, referred to as worm castings, is a micronutrient-rich organic fertil-iser. Worm castings are not only rich in the micronutrients our plants crave, but they are also full of beneficial bacteria.Now, what if I told you that you

could bring the benefits of worms to the indoor garden? What if you could use them to make your own fertiliser loaded with micronutrients

and you could do it essentially for free? Too good to be true? Actually,

making, maintaining and harvest-ing your own vermicompost is a really

simple process that anyone can learn if they follow a few easy steps.

Making your own worm binWorm bins are easy to make at home. First, you

need a box or bin (plastic storage containers are great for this) to house your worms and the com-

post. The size of the box depends on the amount of food scraps your family produces. The box must be

Want to produce your very own homemade organic fertiliser while eliminating waste from landfills? Well, it’s all about the worm poop.

by Matt LeBannister

Vermicompost:Fertiliser

FromWorms

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no taller than 30 to 45 cm, otherwise the weight of the compost can cause compaction—and if there is not enough air getting to the compost, it won’t be a healthy environment for the worms and millions of beneficial bacteria that are converting the compost into a great organic fertiliser. To further improve oxygen levels in your worm bin, drill small holes around the sides of your container, roughly 5 to 10 cm above the base. The next step is to line the base of your worm bin with a few centi-

metres of bedding. Bedding will house the worms and can be made from a light organic material. Shredded newspaper that has been moistened, but not soaked, with water makes great worm bin bed-ding. Once the bedding is in place, you can add the worms. Worms can be purchased at bait shops or dug up in a garden. The worms will work their way down into the bedding instinctively.

Feeding your wormsNow that your worms are comfortably set up in your worm bin, it is time to start feeding them. Spread organics loosely over the bedding. Most table scraps are acceptable to add to your worm bin. Fruit and vegetable rinds are great, as well as eggshells and coffee grinds (in small amounts). You can also add lawn clippings, leaves and used napkins and paper towel. Try to avoid adding meat, dairy and fatty foods, mainly due to the odour (especially if your worm bin is indoors). Also, citrus fruits can be a problem if you add too much.

harvesting your vermicompostAfter two to three months, your vermicompost is ready to be added to your indoor or outdoor garden. If you are able to wait four to six months, the organics in your worm bin will resemble healthy soil. To harvest your vermicompost, you need to sort out the worms. One of the easiest ways to do this is to spread the contents of your worm bin on a tarp underneath a light. Try to pile it all into a pyramid shape. The worms will instinctively move away from the light, to the lowest section of the vermicompost pyramid. Remove the top third of the pile and repeat the process until you have removed most of the compost and most of the worms are left in the bottom. Keep the last bit of compost containing the worms and reintroduce it into your worm bin once you have adding fresh bedding. The little bit of compost will accelerate the breakdown of the next round of organics added to your worm bin. You can now repeat the process of feeding and harvesting year-round.

making, maintaining and harvesting your

own vermicompost is a really simple process that anyone can learn if they follow a few

easy steps.”

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by karen wilkinson

Banish blight and root rot using these smart maintenance moves.

Some of the dirtiest words, for gardeners, that is, have nothing to do with human anatomy or sexuality, but rather the pests and diseases that threaten their crops. This article discusses two com-mon, dirty, dreadful diseases that have the potential to kill plants if not caught early and treated.

Root rot and blight—a fungi and disease—generally show up in your garden when overwatering has occurred.

There are treatment options available, but they are limited. That’s why it’s crucial to main-

tain healthy, well-drained plants in as sterile an environment as possible.

Root RotRoot rot is typically caused by prolonged overwatering, oxygen deprivation or by fun-gus-infected soil. Root rot symptoms include yellowing and possibly wilting leaves. The fungi basically block a root’s oxygen intake,

eventually leading to decaying, dying roots; in

essence you can lose the entire plant if the problem

isn’t caught and treated early.

Root Rot & Blight

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The best way to diagnose root rot is to inspect the roots. Infected roots can appear light brown to dark brown and even turn black. They might feel mushy and slimy and may even fall off. In the worst-case scenario, the plant’s base can become infected and turn dark.Quickly treating an infected plant is your best defense,

and even then, the plant’s chances of full recovery are slim. No spray will cure this devastating ailment. Cultural controls such as preventing root-eating insects, fungi and bacteria, maintaining a proper pH, using a clean growing medium and maintaining adequate calcium levels are the only defense. Upon detection, immediately remove the plant from the soil or growing medium and wash the roots with water, washing away as much soil and affected roots as possible. Be careful while doing this; your poor plant is already in a fragile state.Then, get a sharp, sterile pair of scissors or trimming

shears and cut off any rotting roots. If the disease is significant enough, you may have to remove a large por-tion of the root system. Also get rid of the soil or growing medium the plant was in and thoroughly wash the con-tainer with a bleach/water solution to rid it of any linger-ing fungus. As a precaution, dip the healthy roots in a fungicide solution to kill any remaining root rot. Replant using new potting mix in a clean container with good drainage and only water when the soil is dry.

BlightBlight is a general term that describes a variety of diseases caused by fungus, usually showing up a few weeks before harvest. Symptoms of blight include leaves that suddenly yellow and wilt, or have dark, blotchy spots, which can all lead to death. It spreads quickly, it’s hard to control when in advanced stages and sometimes the only way to rid your plants of the problem is to rid yourself of the plants. Prevention, as with all pests, diseases and fungal infections, is the key to combating blight. Maintain a well-drained growing medium and avoid excessively fertilising with nitrogen.

With these smart maintenance moves, root rot and blight in your growing space are one step closer to being a thing of the past!

“quickly treating an infected plant is your best

defense, and even then, the plant’s chances of full

recovery are slim.”

63Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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Microbe Magic

What can soil microbes do? They might just change the way you grow.

by Luis bartoLo

There is an increasing awareness of the impor-tance of soil biology among growers, but there is probably more confusion and mistrust than actual clarity. As with anything new and promising, there is always misinformation. This shouldn’t be the case, as there is a wealth of scientific knowledge in soil biotechnology. Two of the most well-known micro-organism genera are:

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“when there are sufficient nitrogen-fixing bacteria in a soil, the need

for fertiliser goes way down.”

soil compaction by improving soil structure, creating microscopic spaces or rooms in the soil to hold air or water. Some soil bacteria act as police-men and will suppress soil pathogens that could cause disease in your plants, reducing the need to ever use any fungicides.

soiL microbes productsThere are a growing number of products on the market that will help restore many of the beneficial soil microbes lacking in the soil in most home landscapes. Some come in powdered form and can be used in that form or mixed with water to be applied as a foliar spray or as a drench directly into the soil around plants. Others are already in liquid form and are used as a foliar spray or as a drench. In addition, there are now machines designed to produce these liquids containing soil microbes. These liquids are a kind of tea created from compost, earthworm castings or microbial powders.

• Azospirillum spp. takes nitrogen from the atmosphere and makes it available to plant roots (nitrogen fixation). Nitrogen fixation is often high, but is not the only benefit of azospirillum for plants. When the bacteria are present on the roots of plants they have the ability to increase the root hairs on each root by produc-ing plant growth hormones (auxins) that cause the plant to produce more roots.

• Azotobacter spp. use and oxidise organic matter to release nitrogen. They also take nitrogen directly from the air, which combines with the liberated nitrates to make nitrogen available to plant roots. Some species of azotobacter can also dissolve tied-up phosphorus from the soil, making it available to plants. They secrete plant growth-pro-moting hormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins), and antifungal metabolites.

These are just two of the hundreds of beneficial organisms out there. They are available commercially in varying qualities. Additions can improve crop performance and reduce the need for

chemical fertilisers. They grow well in the presence of nitrogen fertiliser, but if these substances are abundant, they won’t fixate atmospheric nitrogen. They should not be seen as a quick fix; rather they should be seen as part of a soil-improvement program. Factors such as pH, organic carbon levels, cation balance, fallow management and other cultural practices can turn a moderate response potential into an excellent one.

beneficiaL soiL bacteriaAmong the hundreds of species of beneficial soil bacteria, there are groups that will pull nitrogen out of the air in soil and convert it into a liquid form that is available to feed plants. When there are sufficient nitrogen-fixing bacteria in a soil, the need for fertiliser goes way down. Other bacteria will decompose organic matter and even break down pesticide residues if they are in your soil. Soil bacteria will actually reduce

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Have You

magnesium?

F O R G O T T E N

B Y D R . J B E N T O N J O N E S J R .

M A G N E S I U M I S A N E S S E N T I A L P L A N T N U T R I E N T E L E M E N T T H A T H A S

A T T R A C T E d L I T T L E A T T E N T I o N , b U T I T S I N S U F F I C I E N C y C A N S I G N I F I C A N T L y

A F F E C T P L A N T G R o W T H A N d F R U I T y I E L d .

66 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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At the beginning of my professional career as an assistant professor of agronomy at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Centre, I wanted to get acquainted with the agricultural indus-try in my area. With the coming of spring, newly planted crops were emerging, new growth was appearing in pastures and trees were advancing into full leaf. In summer, however, I observed that not all crop plants were growing well, with visual evidence of a possible nutrient element deficiency—even some of the roadside plants were showing signs of stress. The visual leaf symptoms on all of these plants were similar to those present in magnesium (Mg) deficiencies.At the time, a graduate student in the agronomy department

was concluding a long-term corn fertiliser research project on plots located on each of the major soil types in the state. He had observed visual leaf symptoms of a possible nutrient element deficiency on corn plants in some treatment plots. We collected soil samples and leaf tissue from plants showing symptoms. Most of the plant tissues collected were found to be either deficient in Mg, or close to it. Most of the soils col-lected with the plant tissues, however, tested sufficient in Mg, based on soil testing interpretation criteria at the time.A more detailed analysis was required, so we collected suf-

ficient quantities of soil to conduct a greenhouse study. With the coming of the next crop year, we made preparations to revisit those sites where I had collected plant tissue and soil samples the year before. But as the season progressed, the expected symptoms of Mg deficiency did not appear! No more widespread signs of Mg deficiency were seen in field crops or even among roadside plants. So, what had been the cause for the high incidence of Mg deficiency symptoms seen in many plants throughout the region the previous year? The answer was that the previous year was the final year of a succession of summers of low rainfall and high air temperatures, coupled with high light-intensity days due to cloudless sky conditions, meaning that plants had under-gone a number of years of moisture and heat stress. Now, with more normal rainfall, moisture stress was at a mini-mum, while air temperatures were also within their normal expected range and cloud-covered days had returned.

Stress was the factor that had contributed to the widespread appearance of Mg-deficient plant leaf symptoms and these symptoms had then disappeared when growing conditions became less stressful.At one time, Mg was classified as a secondary element

along with the elements calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S). Today, that classification has been dropped and Mg, Ca and S are classed as major elements, in the same grouping with the ele-ments nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). An atom of Mg is in the structure of the chlorophyll molecule. Magnesium acts as an enzyme activator in various energy-transfer functions in plants, so any deficiency will slow plant growth. The visual leaf symptom of a Mg deficiency is a chlo-rosis appearing on older leaf tissue, which is an indication that this element is mobile in the plant.For those growing in soil, Mg sufficiency is usually assumed

when the soil is adequately supplied with Ca and the soil water pH is within the recommended range. However, Mg soil availability is pH-dependent and if the soil water pH is less than 5.4, Mg deficiency can occur even when soil Mg availability is classed as being sufficient. When liming an acidic soil based on a soil test recommendation, the form of limestone recommended may be specified depending on the soil test level for Mg. If the level is less than sufficient, dolo-mitic limestone would be recommended, since this form of limestone contains Mg.Among the three cations, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, the Mg2+

cation is the least competitive and its deficiency can be induced when both K and Ca are at high levels in the rooting medium, whether the rooting medium is a nutrient solution or a solid matrix. Ammonium is another cation that is highly competitive among the three major cations and its presence in the rooting medium can be a factor in creating Mg defi-ciency in a plant.There are plant species and varieties within species that are

sensitive to Mg and deficiencies can occur when the plant is

“STRESS WAS THE FACToR THAT HAd CoNTRIbUTEd To THE WIdESPREAd APPEARANCE oF MG-dEFICIENT PLANT LEAF SyMPToMS ANd THESE SyMPToMS HAd THEN dISAPPEAREd WHEN GRoWING CoNdITIoNS bECAME LESS STRESSFUL.”

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under moisture or temperature stress, even when there is sufficient Mg in the rooting medium or in that being supplied by a nutrient solution. Tomato plants are classified as Mg sensitive. Among field crop plants, corn is also Mg sensitive, although plant breeding has reduced this sensitivity to some degree.The appearance of visual Mg deficiency symptoms in

greenhouse tomatoes is not an uncommon occurrence when plants are setting and maturing fruit, as this function acts as a form of stress on the tomato plant’s metabolism. Adding more Mg to the nutrient solution or rooting medium at this plant stage of growth will not correct the deficiency, though, as its origin occurred during the vegetative plant growth period, either due to insufficient Mg being supplied or as a result of an imbalance among the major cations that reduced Mg root absorption. Although insufficiency of Mg during vegetative growth may not result in visual leaf symptoms it can eventually be a factor resulting in lower than expected fruit yield.Based on my own hydroponic tomato growing experience, I

have increased the Mg content in the nutrient solution formu-lation by 50%, so when the tomato plant enters

its reproductive stage there is sufficient Mg in the plant to advert the potential for

FACTS AboUT THE ESSENTIAL PLANT ELEMENT MAGNESIUM

atomic number: 12atomic weight: 24.30element symbol: Mgionic form: Mg2+

discover of essentiality and year: van Sachs, knop, 1860essential element designation: major elementfunction: major constituent of the chlorophyll molecule; enzyme activator for a number of energy-transfer reactionsmobility in plants: moderately mobileform absorbed by plant roots: magnesium (Mg2+) cationsource reagent for making a nutrient solution: magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O (10% Mg and 23% S)concentration range in nutrient solution formulations: 30 to 80 mg Mg/L (ppm)

form of magnesium in soil: as the magnesium cation (Mg2+) on the colloidal cation exchange complex and in the soil solutionmovement in the soil: primarily by diffusionmagnesium-containing fertilisers: magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O (10% Mg, 23% S); SUL-pO-Mag (magnesium potassium sulfate, k2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O, 5.9% Mg, 9.75 k, 4.9% S)magnesium-containing limestone: dolomitic limestone (six to 12% Mg)typical plant deficiency symptoms: yellowing and interveinal chlorosis on older leaves; slow plant growth; reduced fruit yield; possible development of blossom end rot of tomato fruit; increased susceptibility to diseaseplant symptoms of excess: results in cation imbalance among Ca and k; slowed growth with the possible development of either Ca or k deficiency symptomscritical plant level: 0.25% (will vary with plant species, time and plant part)excessive plant level: >1.50%

MAGNESIUM

deficiency. I believe that many nutrient solution formulations are insufficient in Mg or that the other major cations in the formulation are at such concentration levels that Mg root absorption is impaired—the Steiner concept of elemental bal-ance among the ions in a nutrient solution addresses the issue of cation balance as essential to ensure plant nutrient element sufficiency. Most hydroponic nutrient solution formulations do not take into consideration the effect that Mg concentra-tion and its ratio among the other major cations can have on the potential for creating a Mg insufficiency.What determines Mg sufficiency in a rooting medium and

within the plant is a complex subject, with the occurrence of its insufficiency the result of various factors as discussed in this article. Magnesium is an essential plant nutrient ele-ment that has attracted little attention, but its insufficiency can significantly affect plant growth and fruit yield. How do you avoid an insufficiency? You should ensure that there is sufficient Mg in the rooting medium—in proper balance among the other cation essential nutrient elements—and that those factors that can place undue stress on your plants be minimised.

“FoR THoSE GRoWING IN SoIL, MAGNESIUM SUFFICIENCy IS USUALLy ASSUMEd WHEN THE SoIL IS AdEqUATELy SUPPLIEd WITH CALCIUM ANd THE SoIL WATER PH IS WITHIN THE RECoMMENdEd RANGE.”

68 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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BOOK REVIEW

Have you ever wondered about the origins

of the word hydroponics or what the differences between hydroponics and soilless

media are? Well, those questions and more are answered as soon as you open up William Texier’s new highly anticipated book, Hydroponics for Everybody: All About Home Horticulture.William is a gardener who likes to keep it simple. In fact,

that’s his first piece of advice in his book. In the first chapter, “The Different Hydroponics Systems,” he describes how many hydroponic failures derive from losing sight of this fundamental principle of keeping it simple. With many years in the industry

behind him, William is able to include a

historical perspective of hydro and highlight how far it’s come in the last 30 years. Following the first chapter that simplifies the system set-up are others that cover nutrients (you definitely need those!), substrates (also essential) and additives (should be considered by those who demand higher yields).

Hydroponics for Everybody is easy to navigate, and more than 100 computer-generated illustrations and photographs add to the reading experience. This reference guide also has global appeal, as it is available in seven languages and even includes a handy measurement conversion chart. Of particular interest is the section called “The Law and the Label,” which advises the beginner on what a nutrients product’s label should include, and how to decipher the information according to your garden’s needs. “Do not hesitate to run your own tests, comparing different nutrient brands,” William writes. “A well-formulated nutrient is a prime contribution to the success of your growing operation.”From basic gardening to high-tech installations,

everything you ever wanted to know about the art of hydroponics is included in Hydroponics for Everybody and is delivered by a credible source. William first discovered hydroponics in 1985. He had a hand in developing aero-hydroponics with his long-time friend and founder of General Hydroponics, Lawrence Brooke. Later, in 1994, he moved back to his hometown in France and created General Hydroponics Europe with his wife, Noucetta Kehdi. Ten years later, William developed and patented bioponics (organic hydroponics), which he covers in chapter 9 (“Can Hydroponics be Organic?”) of his book.Hydroponics for Everybody is distributed through

HydroScope (hydro-scope.com) and is available in the gardening section of bookstores, grow shops, garden stores and online. Think of this great gardener’s companion as every article you’ve ever read about hydroponics in Maximum Yield in one package.

William Texier’s

HydroponicsFor Everybody

All AbouT Home HorTiculTure

Maximum Yield | November/December 2013 69

William Texier is a true innovator in the hydroponics industry. In 2004 he developed and patented bioponics (organic hydroponics). Currently, he manages research and development

at General Hydroponics in Europe and internationally, with a team of researchers drawn from different departments of the University of California. He publishes articles and conducts seminars around the world. With 30 years in the field, he is considered one of the most knowledgeable hydroponics experts worldwide.

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Tell us a liTTle abouT The company’s hisTory. Who are The people behind The business?Super Imploder UK is a retailer for The Super Imploder, one of the products of the Fractal Field Company. The history of the Fractal Field Company is based on inventor Dan Winter’s research and development into cutting-edge phys-ics called Phase Conjugate Magnetics and Dialectics (also referred to as Fractal Field Implosive Science). Super Imploder UK was set up by my wife and I after following Dan’s work for many years. We both have the passion to deliver cost-effective alternative means for increasing food yields, and purifying and enhancing water for all forms of life. Our dealership distributes an effective and sustainable water treatment device with multiple functions, unrivalled in

quality and lifespan. Our dealership also offers consultation and advice on how to implement the product, as well as other modalities to enhance water and agri-culture. The Super Imploder combines a few of the nine other projects that are currently underway.

WhaT is a phi-magneTic WaTer VorTexer and hoW does iT Work? The term Phi-Magnetic Water Vortexer is an attempt to summarise and describe the function of the Super Imploder. It uses phase conjugate magnets and a directional nozzle both designed in the Phi-ratio, or golden mean ratio, of 1.618 found in nature and the human body. The magnets and the nozzle create centripetal force at the liquid molecular level that collapses inwards in a spiral vortex, creating spin and sorting by mass. Centripetal force as applied to water causes implo-sion, which has profound effects on the nature of water. This results in

increased molecular order (structured water) and spin density, which cre-ates intense centripetal, converging, magnetic flux lines and produces independently validated measurements of approximately 328% plant growth increase along with biomass density.The product is versatile and the nozzle

can actually be used on its own without the magnetic array. This allows small-scale growers and those on a tight budget to improve their bottom line for a nominal price. Just the nozzle on its own has a piezo electric effect on the water, meaning it energises the water. Harder water tends to work better with our device because of the mineral-rich water being more electrically conductive. The spin effect on the molecules, which sorts them into a more usable structure actually lasts longer under low heat and pressure, making hydroponics an ideal industry to implement this technology. WhaT are The producT’s applicaTions?

The product benefits agricul-tural, industrial and commer-cial buildings that use water in different processes, as well as the health and spa industries, domestic dwellings and entire communities. Other applications include fermentation (wine/beer making), drinking water, tar sands oil production, liquid soap manu-facturing, aquaponics and algae production, food preparation, fish farming, fuel enhancement, bathing and swimming pools, commercial cleaning and more.

mark herbsT, The oWner of super imploder uk, dreams of eVery farm, domesTic dWelling and communiTy in The World one day haVing a super imploder WaTer TreaTmenT deVice insTalled. here he is To discuss The Technology ThaT backs The producT, as Well as The sTrucTured WaTer iT creaTes.

super imploder uk

>

Mark Herbst next to a Super Imploder.

70 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

YOU TELL US

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WhaT is sTrucTured WaTer exacTly, and Why do groWers need To care abouT iT?Modern science has become aware that water is programmable and can store information. It does this by varying its bond angles and can therefore assume many different shapes and patterns. Researchers have found that certain geometries (i.e. the Dodecahedron), and the golden mean ratio in those shapes, make water more beneficial to life and certain technical applications. A good example is the use of anti-septic water that is created by dropping one part per hundred million of structured water into it. Using structured water equates to greater empowerment of underprivileged nations, money saving, greater crop yields and human health.

hoW do your producTs sTand ouT? Although the product is relatively new (released in 2011), it is in use in more than 20 countries. With so many varied applications, interest is growing rapidly as many people share success stories, and the news of the independently validated test results spreads.

Where are your producTs aVailable? Our manufacturer is based in the United States and retails to the United States and Canadian markets through fractalwater.com. Our products are available in the United Kingdom from superimploder.co.uk, and theimploder.com caters to worldwide orders.

hoW do you TesT your producTs To ensure They are ready To markeT?The Super Imploder is pressure tested for leaks before it leaves the factory. The magnetic field strength is tested as well as its

vorticity (ability to spin water). Our special phase conjugate magnets are manufactured in house to stringent standards. Laboratory analysis is also conducted by independent authorities to test the effects on pH, TDS and reduction potential (how much the water is ionized).

WhaT is your besT adVice for someone jusT sTarTing a hydroponics garden?Start small, don’t rush, and let your garden take shape around you. Don’t set unrealistic targets or place yourself under unnecessary pressure. Keep a journal so you can record what worked. Ground your water tank and reservoirs (i.e. drive a copper spike into the ground, and then run a copper wire from the spike into your water tank to charge your water with more energy).

hoW has your company kepT up WiTh The adVancemenTs in The hydro indusTry? By forming life-long relationships with our clients and receiving continuous feedback, as well as making use of great publications like Maximum Yield.

hoW imporTanT is enVironmenTal susTainabiliTy To your company?The inventor, as well as our dealership, was primarily driven by a passion for the pres-ervation of the environment and human-ity. Thus, sustainability and the transfor-mation of industry is at the forefront of the business, hence the 30-year lifespan and recyclable nature of our product.

WhaT’s coming up for super imploder uk?Inventors are working on a larger com-mercial model with bigger pipe bore to handle larger volumes of water. Super Imploder UK is soon to release a com-plete home installation kit that can be used for small-scale farming and drink-ing water, as we believe the way forward in this trying time on our planet is for every individual to grow as much of their own food as possible.

Have more questions about the Super Imploder? Visit superimploder.co.uk

Above: Plants grown using Super Imploder water (bottom) vs. plants grown without (top); Below: The Triploder (three vortex nozzles connected together).

71Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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Although Reading Hydroponics is a new hydro store in Reading, Berkshire, it has already estab-lished itself as the place to go for quality branded equipment and reliable advice from its knowl-edgeable and friendly owners. Luke Trussler and 'Snoop' are two buddies that saw a gap in the market and decided to step up and fill it.

Before opening Reading Hydroponics in August 2013, Luke and Snoop were friends and carpenters who decided one day to sell up and get into the hydroponics industry. They had noticed a lack of decent grow equipment selection in their neighbourhood and were tired of visiting shops that didn’t carry the brands they were after. “The situation in Berkshire was pretty dire before we came on the scene,” recalls Luke.

At A GlAncecompany: Reading Hydroponics Owner: Luke Trussler and Snooplocation: 15 Albury Close, Reading,

Berkshire, RG301BDPhone: 0118 939 4998Web: readinghydroponics.co.uke-mail:

[email protected]: “Helping You Grow.”

72 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

TALKING SHOP

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“The other shops in the area were unable to provide much advice or help; it was a matter of buy what you want and get out, which was the opposite of what people wanted, especially beginners,” explains Snoop. The guys decided enough was enough, and opened Reading

Hydroponics to meet the Berkshire commu-nity's growing needs. They were excited at the prospect of becom-ing Berkshire's premier grow shop. “Our main problem to begin with was getting known and targeting the right cus-tomers. We knew it was no good having a shop stocked to the rafters with top-quality prod-ucts if nobody knew we existed,” says Luke. “That was definitely

the initial challenge,” agrees Snoop. “So, we were a little cheeky and paid to put a banner up on private property opposite our competitors' shop and offered a 10% discount to their cus-tomers. It was aggressive marketing, but it worked. We were absolutely vindicated when every customer said the area had been crying out for a shop like ours.” The lads also advertised locally, set up social media profiles,

and soon they had a steady stream of customers. Luke and Snoop met nutrient manufacturers from across the globe and struck up a friendship with Dinesh from Optic Foliar. “We are extremely pleased to be the only UK stockists of the amazing range of foliar sprays that seem to defy nature with how well they work,” says Luke. “The Holy Trinity of TRANSPORT, REV and WATTS will revolutionise your approach to foliar feeding as they can all be sprayed with the lights on, and you can be sure the leaves will not burn, but more importantly, four hours later they will contain 38% more NPK and 65% more micronutrients.”An added bonus for Readings Hydroponics was that Snoop

already knew some of the guys behind the Plant Magic range and the Dutchpro nutrient line, and was able to secure exclu-sivity on these unbeatable nutrients for the Reading area, which drew in customers who were otherwise unable to obtain them. “One thing our customers love is that they can come to our shop and be welcomed in, knowing that any questions will be answered honestly and they can actually see all products on display. This makes a big difference,” says Luke. With two friends running Reading Hydroponics, it makes

for a friendly and jovial atmosphere and the guys quickly

built strong customer relationships based on honesty and trust. “Considering we have only been open a short time, we have been fortunate to get off to a flying start,” says Snoop. “Hydroponics is a growth industry, even in these tough economic times. With our passion and contacts, we see us

going from strength to strength as more and more people become aware of us and our exclusive Plant Magic, Dutchpro and Optic Foliar nutrient lines. We also stock House and Garden products, top quality tents, acous-tic fans and Lumatek digital ballasts, and have a good line of organic nutrients and soil mixes, too.”Luke and Snoop do

not miss their old car-pentry days and relish coming to work every day because they enjoy

the characters that stop by. “We have all sorts of customers who really brighten up our days and have learned you cannot judge a book by its cover,” says Luke, who was startled one day when an older lady hobbled in and announced she needed 30 600-W bulbs for her chili growing passion. The guys behind Reading Hydroponics subscribe to the

philosophy that growing plants really does help you grow as a person and that anyone can cultivate a green soul as well a green thumb. “Growing plants has been essential to human-ity for 10,000 years,” says Snoop. “I believe you just feel good when you get your hands in a nice pot of soil, or harvest that perfectly grown hydroponic pepper. We have a symbiotic rela-tionship with plants and growing is a stress reliever. We have a number of customers who are hardworking professionals in the financial sector and they tell us they find it highly stress-relieving to get home and see how their little green friends have been getting on in their absence.”Luke and Snoop see hydroponics as the future of food

production, both locally and globally, and they are happy to be part of a green revolution that is fun, productive and beneficial to all. The future looks good for the two friends as they continue to build up their customer base and good reputation, and aim to outgrow their current premises and branch out to an even bigger shop. In the meantime, they welcome growers to visit and peruse their extensive range of NFT, DWC, aquaponics, flood and drain systems, air cooled lights, awesome boosts and root stimulants, high-quality tents and Rhino filters.

Snoop, left, and Luke are ready to serve you.

73Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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Worms increase the permeability of soil, improving drainage and allowing more air and water to penetrate the soil. They eat organic material and the waste they produce, referred to as worm castings, is a micronutrient-rich organic fertiliser.

1.A Venus flytrap mostly eats insects that crawl on the ground, such as ants, spiders, beetles and grasshoppers. The plant traps its prey and sucks the needed nutrients out of it with enzymes made in glands found in the plant’s head.

Along with CO2 and all the mineral ions, oxygen is essential for plant functioning and health. It is important to take oxygenation into consideration when thinking about the design of a hydroponic system, the frequency of irrigation required and the type of growing media and aeration methods used in the reservoir and in the solution culture.

Ventilation systems for both greenhouses and indoor gardens serve the same four important purposes: temperature control, humidity control, air circulation, and, if it is not being supplemented, CO2 replenishment.

After being moved out-doors, your crop will be introduced to pests that it has not seen or dealt with before. You will need to be on guard and ready to help if and when this battle begins.

Among the hundreds of species of beneficial soil bacteria, there are groups that will pull nitrogen out of the air in soil and convert it into a liquid form that is available to feed plants. When there are sufficient nitrogen-fixing bacteria in a soil, the need for fertiliser goes way down.

1. 2.3.

5. 6.Root rot and blight—a fungi and disease—generally show up in your garden when overwatering has occurred. Treatment options are limited, so it’s crucial to maintain healthy, well-drained plants in as sterile an environment as possible.

In residential growrooms, adding heat is a lot easier than trying to subtract it, especially during those peak summer heat waves that make it nearly impos-sible to generate a successful crop without the aid of tons of air conditioning.

7.8.

74 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

DO YOU KNOW?

Page 75: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

gorilla grow tents now Available in France and the united kingdom

Gorilla Grow Tent is proud to an-nounce that their tallest, thickest, strongest grow tents can now be found in France and the United

Kingdom. International hydroponic retailers are finding that the Gorilla Grow Tents display incredibly well amongst other tents on showroom floors. Gorilla Grow Tent expects to ex-pand distribution to other European retailers in 2014. Gorilla Grow Tent has partnered with international distributors to establish themselves as the most sought-after grow tent in the world of indoor gardening. For more information, visit gorillagrowtent.com

hoMebox Announces pAr-optimised grow tentsAre Your Plants on PAR+? PAR+ is a new smart material exclusive to HOMEbox® used to line their new range of PAR optimised grow tents. Amazingly, it directs more plant-usable energy and less heat

at your plants. Growers know, when it comes to growing plants indoors under

lights, it’s all about PAR —photosynthetically active radiation. PAR is a specific band of energy that plants use. It absolutely crucial—driving everything from the production of stems and leaves to buds, flowers and fruit—the more PAR plants receive, the bigger and better your harvest! Independent laboratory tests showed that 91.8% of the growing area in a 1.2 m2 HOMEbox measured 80 PAR W/m2 or more (optimum energy levels for intense indoor growing applications) compared with just 69.4% in a same-sized competitor’s silver grow tent. HOMEbox PAR+ reflects more plant-usable energy with fewer hot spots and less heat build-up than some competitors’ silver-lined grow tents. This promotes even more photosynthesis and increased essential oil production leading to bigger crops of higher quality. For more information, visit homebox.net

Maximum Yield team visits uk and european customers

Ilona Hawser, the sales manager of Maximum Yield, along with ac-count executive Katie Montague, recently made the trek to the United

Kingdom. Here they are shown visiting with Peter Knobel from Dutchpro. Both Ilona and Katie were thrilled to visit with current and new customers and showcase all the new and upcoming opportunities available with our Maximum Yield global products. To find out more ways you can reach UK and European customers, give us a call at 1-250-729-2677.

Announcing the 2014 Indoor gardening expo tour Dates2014 will be a year like no other as Maximum Yield takes us on a coast to coast Grow Like a Pro Tour that will include stops in:

Seattle, Washington: April 5 to 6novi, Michigan: May 31 to June 1San Francisco, california: July 26 to 27boston, Massachusetts: october 18 to 19We have fabulous new venues planned that will provide the ideal locations to reach the growing demand of innovative gardeners worldwide! Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, expert advice from leading global experts, interactive displays, semi-nars, door prizes, free samples and more, the 2014 Indoor Gardening Expos are gearing up for one of the best and biggest years yet. For more information, visit indoorgardenexpo.com

Seattle, Wa San fran, caboston, maNovi, MI

April 5-6 July 26-27Oct 18-19May 31-June1

getboosted on FacebookMany growers have already liked the GetBoosted Facebook page (facebook.com/GetboostedUK). What about you? If you like our

Facebook page, you have a chance to win one of our cool, limited edition CANNA bikes!* All you have to do is visit the Facebook page and click on the ‘like’ button. Want some more information about CANNABOOST? Visit canna-uk.com

*Open to UK residents only.

Find Mr. & Mrs. boostMr. & Mrs. BoosT are the experts from CANNA who know everything about CANNABOOST. This lovely couple will be travelling around the UK in the last few months of 2013 and are ready for you! They are able to answer all your CANNABOOST questions and might be able to tell you even more about CAN-NABOOST. Want to know where they are? Well, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/GetboostedUK and stay up to date on where you can find Mr. & Mrs. BoosT. *Open to UK residents only.

SOMETIMES LIFE NEEDS A BOOST

GET BOOSTED WITH MR. & MRS. BOOST

CANNA_BoosT_100x100_v1.indd 1 06-09-13 11:10

75Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

INdUSTRY’S LATEST

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76 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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77Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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80 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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

21st Century GardenUnit A6., Bounds Green Ind. Es., Ringway London, Greater London UK N11 2UDTel: +44 (0) 2083 614659 www.21stcenturygarden.co.uk

3 Counties HydroponicsUnit 52, Rober t Court Ind.E s. Britten Rd. Reading, Berkshire UK RG2 0AUTel: +44 (0) 1189 874758

3 Counties HydroponicsThe Lodge, 113 Invicta Rd. Dartford, Kent UK DA2 6AYTel: +44 (0) 1322 273444

3 Counties HydroponicsUnit 13., Chiltern Bus. Ctr. Cowley, Oxford UK OX4 6NGTel: +44 (0) 1865 771747

3 Counties HydroponicsUnit 11, Olds Close, Olds Approach Watford, Herts UK WD18 8RUTel: +44 (0) 1923 774486

3 Countries HydroponicsUnit 12., Yew Tree Ind. Es., Mill Hall Aylesford, Maidstone UK ME20 7ETTel: +44 (0) 1622 790456

3 Countries HydroponicsUnit 10., Woodley Yard Cherstsey Bridge Rd. Chertsey, Surrey UK KT16 8LFTel: +44 (0) 1932 562174

3 Countries HydroponicsUnit 9., Galley Hill Yard Waltham Abbey, Essex UK EN9 2AGTel: +44 (0) 1992 652301

A-Zee Hydro Ltd.Unit C4, Suttons Bus. Ctr.New Rd. Rainham, Essex UK RM13 8DETel: +44 (0) 1708 551199____________________________

Acorn Horticulture65 Deep Ln.

Sheffield, UK S5 0DUTel: +44 (0) 1142 458581

www.acornhorticulture.co.uk____________________________

Addloes Lighting & Hydroponics16-A Maple Rd., Winton Bourmouth, Dorset UK BH9 2PNTel: +44 (0) 1202 524525; www.addloes.com

AllbrightUnit 6., The Rise Edgware, Middlesex UK HA8 8NRTel: +44 (0) 2089 582426

Animal and Garden Supplies Ltd.Unit 1 Eastlake Close, Litchard Ind. Es.Bridgend South Wales, UK CF31 2AL+44 (0) 1656 663030www.animalandgarden.co.uk

Anglia Hydroponics62 A Straight Rd. Boxted, Colchester, Essex UK C04 5RDTel: +44 (0) 1206 272677 www.angliahydroponics.co.uk

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

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

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

Aquatech Horticultural LightingUnit 3F, Spa Fields Ind. Es. New St. Slaithwait Huddersfield, West Yorkshire UK HD7 5BBTel: +44 (0) 1484 842632

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

Aztec GardenUnit 1A Roughan Ind.Es.

Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk UK IP30 9ND

Tel: +44 (0) 1359 271876www.aztec-garden.co.uk

_____________________________

Basement Lighting Ltd.Unit 3, The Old Maltings, George St. Newark, Nottinghamshire UK NG24 1LUTel: +44 (0) 1636 650189

Big Stone River Garden CenterUnit 1 East Gate Grimsby, Lincolnshire UK DN3 29BATel: +44 (0) 1472 241114

Bill & Ben’s Hydro WorldUnit D15 & D16 Erin Trade CentreBlumpers WayChippenham, Wiltshire, UKSN14 6LHTel: +44(0) 1249 447796

Blooming BordersUnit 3, Borders Bus Pk. Longtown Carlisle, Cumbria UK CA6 5TDTel: +44 (0) 1228 792587 www.bloomingbordersltd.co.uk

Bradford Hydroponics9597 Manningham Ln. Bradford, West Yorkshire UK BD1 3BNTel: +44 (0) 1274 729205www.bradfordhydroponics.co.uk

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

Bright Green UK Ltd.42-44 Princess Rd., Hull, Yorkshire UK HU5 2RDTel: +44 (0) 1482 341925 www.brightgreen-uk.co.uk

____________________________

Brit Crops LtdUnit 9 OJ’s Ind. Pk.Claybank Rd.

Portsmouth, Hampshire UK PO3 5SXTel: +44 (0) 2392 669111

www.britcropshydroponics.co.uk____________________________

Brite Lite HydroponicsUnit 11 Roman Ind. Es. Croydon, UK CRO 2DTTel: +44 (0) 2086 834424www.britelite-hydroponics-uk.com

Bub’s allotmentThe Rural Granary Business CentreUnit 4 North StreetHellingly, East Sussex UK BN27 4DUTel: +44 (0) 7528 098103www.bubsallotment.co.uk____________________________

BudMaster LED24 Collingwood Ct. Riverside Park Ind. Es.

Middlesbrough, UK TS2 1RPTel: +44 (0) 1642 224544

www.hydroponics-hydroponics.com ____________________________

____________________________

BudMaster LEDGlan Y Mor Rd. Llandudno Junction Conwy.

Gwynedd North Wales, LL31 9RU UKTel: +44 (0) 1492 583960

____________________________

Chrissie’s GardenUnit 33 Portsmouth Enterprise Ctr. Quartermain Rd. Portsmouth, UK PO3 5QTTel: +44 (0) 2392 667887

Clever Green35 Ketley Bus. Pk. Waterloo Rd., Telford, Shropshire UK TF1 5JDTel: +44 (0) 1952 257200 www.clevergreen.co.uk

Crofters Bio GardensUnit 2, Bloomsgrove Ind. Es.Ilkeston Rd. Radford, Nottingham UK NG7 3JBTel: +44 (0) 1159 782345 www.croftersbiogardens.com

Discount Hydroponics1 Bus. Bldg. Waltergrave St. Hastings, East Sussex UK TN34 1SJTel: +44 (0) 1424 428186

Eastbourne Hydroponics47 Upperton Rd. Eastbourne, East Sussex UK BN21 1LTTel: +44 (0) 1323 732241

Eighteen Twelve Ltd.Unit 11 Whitehall Properties Towngate Wyke, Bradford UK BD12 9JQTel: +44 (0) 1274 694444

Elements Hydroponics44 Auster Rd. Clifton Moor, York UK YO30 4XATel: +44 (0) 1904 479979 www.elementshydroponics.com

Enhanced Urban Gardening152 London Rd. Workingham, Berkshire UK RG40 1SUTel: +44 (0) 1189 890510www.enhancedurbangardening.co.uk

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

Future Garden

(Chelmsford)15 Rob Johns Rd., Widford Ind.Est.,Essex, Chelmsford CM1 3AG+44 (0) 1245 [email protected]

Future Garden

(Ilford)Unit E., The Acorn Centre Roebuck Rd., Hainault Bus.Pk.,Essex, Ilford IG6 3TU+44 (0) 0208 [email protected]

Garden Secrets UK Ltd.Unit 3 Hollybush Est. Whitchurch, Cardiff UK CF14 7DSTel: +44 (0) 2920 651792www.gardensecretsuk.co.uk

Garforth HydroponicsBack off 11a main streetLeeds, UK lS25 1DSwww.garforthhydroponics.co.uk

Great Stuff Hydroponics30 C Ellemeres Ct. Leechmere Ind. Es.Sunderland, UK SR2 9UATel: +44 (0) 1914 474098www.hydroponics-hydroponics.com

Greater Manchester Hydroponic GardenUnit 3, The Courtyard, 157 Bolton Old Road,Atherton, Manchester, M46 9RETel: +44 (0) 1942 884612

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

Green Daze Hydroponics Gateshead10 Wellington St. Gateshead, UK NE8 2AJTel: +44 (0) 1914 789107 www.greendazehydroponics.co.uk____________________________

Green Fever18 Hartsill Rd.,Stoke-on-Trent

Staffordshire, UK ST4 7QUTel: +44 (0) 1782 414448

www.green-fever.co.uk____________________________

Green Life190 Hessle Rd. Hull, East Yorkshire UK HU3 3BETel: +44 (0) 1482 222425

___________________________

Greenfinger-HydroponicsUnit 3 Park Works, 16-18 Park Road,

Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, KT2 6BX

Tel: +44(0) 208 546 3444____________________________

Greenfinger-HydroponicsUnit 59 T Marchant Estate, 42-72 Verney

Road, South Bermondsey,SE16 3DH

Tel: +44 (0) 207 394 0629____________________________

Greenfinger-HydroponicsUnit 38 Silicon Business Centre,28

Wadsworth Road,Perivale,UB6 7JZ

Tel: +44 (0) 208 998 2034____________________________

GreenKeeper Hydroponics141 Brook St.Chester Cheshire, UK CH1 3DUTel: +(44 (0) 1244 630501

____________________________

Green Spirit Hydroponics Ltd.Unit 6, Rockingham Business Park,

Rockingham Row, Birdwell, UK S705TWTel: +44 (0) 1226 399837

www.greenspirit-hydroponics.com ____________________________

____________________________

Green Spirit Hydroponics Ltd.8-10 Stanley St.

Sheffield, UK S3 8HJTel: +44 (0) 1142 753353

www.greenspirit-hydroponics.com ____________________________

Green Stream12-14 Vivian Rd. Harbourne, Birmingham UK B17 ODSTel: +44 (0) 1214 262675www.greenstream.co.uk

Green World1618 Market Vaults Scarborough, UK YO11 1EUTel: +44 (0) 1723 370900www.greenworld.ne.uk

Greener than Life575- 577 Holderness Rd. Hull, East Riding UK HU8 9AATel: +44 (0) 1482 374201

Greengrass Indoor Gardening SuppliesUnit 5A Alexander Ct. Hazleford Way Newstead, Nottingham UK NG15 0DQTel: +44 (0) 1623 755055

____________________________

Greenhouse EffectUnit 2 Eagle Farm Cranfield Rd.

Wavendon, Milton Keynes UK MK17 8AU

Tel: +44 (0) 1908 585283____________________________

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

The Green Machine Ltd.Unit 1A., Felin Puleston Ind.Es., Ruabon Rd. Wrexham, UK L13 7RFTel: +44 (0) 1978 265090www.thegreenmachineonline.com

The Green Room (Indoor Gardens) Ltd.Unit 61 Riverside III, Sir Thomas Longley Rd,Medway City Estate Rochester, KENT ME2 4BHTel: 01634 716764www.thegreenroomvip.co.uk

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

Greenstream Hydroponics12-14 Vivian Rd. Birmingham, Harbourne UK B17 0DSTel: +44 (0) 1214 262675www.greenstream.co.uk____________________________

Greensea HydroponicsUnit 1G. Gregory Rd. Mildenhall,

Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk UK IP28 7PP Tel: +44 (0) 1638 715350

www.greensea-hydroponics.co.uk___________________________

Greenthings HydroponicsUnit 1, Adjewhella Chapel Barriper Camborne, Cornwall UK TR14 0QWTel: +44 (0) 1209 611870www.greenthings.co.uk

MAxIMuM YIeLDdistributors Listed alphabetically by shop name.

Page 81: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

81Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

Grotec Hydroponics393 Manchester Rd., Rochdale, Greater Manchester UK OL11 3PGTel: +44 (0) 1706 750293www.grotec.co.uk

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

Grow 4 Good Ltd.22i Beehive Workshops Durham, UK DH1 2X1Tel: +44 (0) 1913 757667www.grow4good.net

The Grow Den2 Hothfield Rd. Rainham, Kent UK ME8 8BJTel: +44 (0) 1634 239333

The Grow Den Ltd.Unit 13., Eaves Ct., Eurolink Com.Pk., Bohan Dr. Sittingbourne, Kent UK ME10 3RYTel: +44 (0) 1795 426264

Grow Green Ltd.15-17 Green Ln., Castle BromwichBirmingham, UK B36 0AYTel: +44 (0) 121 241 6445

Grow Green Trade Ltd.Unit 4 Castle Trading Est.La Grange, Tamwarth, UK B79 7X0Tel: +44 (0) 1827 62766

Grow Shaw96-98 Shaw Heath Rd., Stockport, Manchester UK SK3 8BPTel: +44 (0) 8452 725266www.growshaw.co.uk

Grow Zone UKUnit 7, West Court, Crantock StreetNewquay, Cornwall UK TR7 1JLTel: +44 (0) 1637 806115www.growzoneuk.com

GroSupplies Sovereign House, Ellen TerraceSulgrave, Washington,Tyne & Wear NE37 3ASTel: +44 (0) 1914 [email protected]

GroWell Hydroponics – ColeshillUnits 9-11 Coleshill Trade ParkStation Road, ColeshillBirmingham B46 1HTTel: 0845 344 [email protected]

GroWell Hydroponics – DudleyUnit 52 Enterprise Trading EstateHurst Lane, Dudley DY5 1TX0845 345 [email protected]

GroWell - Fullham1 Royal Parade 247 Dawes Rd. Fullham, London UK SW6 7RETel: +44 (0) 8453 445174www.growell.co.uk

GroWell - Hockley HeathIvy House Farm, Grange Rd. Hockley Heath, Solihull UK B94 6PRTel: +44 (0) 8433 [email protected] www.growell.co.uk

GroWell - Mail Order DivisionPO Box 3255 Warwick, UK CV34 5GHTel: +44 (0) 8453 455177www.growell.co.uk

GroWell Hydroponics – WembleyBrent Trading EstateNorth Circular Road, London NW10 0JF0843 357 [email protected]

GrowinGreenUnit 6, Queens drive industrial estate,Newhall, Swadlincote, DE11 0EGTel: +44 (0) 1253 675722www.growingreen.co.uk

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

Groworks94 Upper Wickham LaneWelling, Kent, UK DA16 3HQTel: +44 (0) 2088 545160

GroworksUnit F16 Northfleet Industrial EstateLower Road, Gravesend, UK DA11 9SWTel: +44 (0) 1273 624327

GroworksUnit 4 Belltower Industrial EstateRoedean Road, Brighton, UK BN2 5RUTel: +44 (0) 1322 838131

Hackney Hydroponics265 Wick Rd.,London, UK E9 5DGTel: +44 (0) 2085 330497www.mile-end-hydroponic.co.uk

Happy Daze HydroponicsUnit 4 Craven Court Hedon Rd. Hull, UK HU9 1NQTel: +44 (0) 1482 224299www.happydazehull.com

____________________________

The Grow Home HydroponicsUnit 26 Bolney Grange Ind.Pk., Burgess Hill

West Sussex RH17 5PB+44 (0) 1444 244414

[email protected]

____________________________

Happy Gardens Ltd.Unit 9, Kelham Bank Ind Es., Kelham St. Doncaster, South Yorkshire UK DN1 3RETel: +44 (0) 1302 761386

Haverhill Hydroponics CentreUnit 14 Spring Rise Falconer RoadHaverhill, Suffolk CB97XUTel:+44 (0) 01440709474www.haverhillhydro.co.uk

The Head GardenerUnit 11, Barton Bus. Pk. Eccles, Manchester UK M3O OQRTel: +44 (0) 1617 079860www.theheadgardner.net

HFM Pyrotechnics Ltd.165A Londford Rd. Cannock, Staffordshire UK WS11 OLDTel: +44 (0) 1543 500800www.hfmgroup.com

Hi9THCUnit 3. Rope Walk,. Coach Rd. Whitehaven, Cumbria UK CA28 7TETel: +44 (0) 7821 914646www.hi9thc.co.uk

High Street HydroponicsUnit 56 Hebden R., Berkley Ind.Es.,Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 8DTTel: +44(0) 1724 857191

Holland Hydroponics17 Rondin Rd., Ardwick, Greater Manchester UK M12 6BFTel: +44 (0) 8458 720570www.hydroponics.co.uk

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

Holland HydroponicsHandbridge Mill 5 Parliament St. Burnley, Lancashire UK BB11 5HGTel: +44 (0) 8458 720590www.hydroponics.co.uk

The Home Grower Ltd.Unit 8, Oak Court, Crystal Dr. Smethwick, West Midlands UK B66 1QGTel: +44 (0) 1215 411446www.thehomegrower.com

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

Hydro 1 StopUnit 35 Deykin Pk. Ind. Es. Deykin Ave. Aston, Birmingham UK B67HNTel: +44 (0) 1213 280876www.hydro1stop.co.uk

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

Hydro Station Ltd.Unit 10 Hillfoot Ind. Es. Hoyland Rd. Sheffield, South Yorkshire UK S38ABTel: +44 (0) 1142 491636www.hydrostationltd.co.uk

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

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

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

Hydrolite UK Ltd.215 Denman St., Radford, Nottingham UK NG7 3PSTel: +44 (0) 1159 785556www.hydrolite.co.uk

Hydroponic CorporationUnit 20, Deeside Ind. Es., Zone 1 Deeside, Flintshire UK SH5 2LRTel: +44 (0) 1244 289699www.t-h-c.biz

The Hydroponic WarehouseUnit 15., Bay Airport Ind.Es., Kingston Pk. Newcastle, Tyne and Wear UK NE3 2EFTel: +44 (0) 1912 862045www.thehydroponicwharhouse.co.uk

Hydroponica Ltd.130 Doncaster Rd. Wakefield, Yorkshire UK WF1 5JFTel: +44 (0) 1924 362888www.hydroponica.biz

Hydroponics.comUnit 24, Port Talbot Business Units Addison RdPort Talbot, UK SA12 6HZTel: +44 (0) 1639 888891www.hydroponicsdotcom.com

Hydropower300 Holton Rd. Barry, Vale Of Glamorgan UK CF63 4HWTel: +44 (0) 7725 551479www.hydro-power.biz

Hydrosense47 Scarrots Ln. Newport, Isle of Wright UK PO30 1JDTel: +44 (0) 1983 522240

Hygro HydroponicsUnit C -55 Sunningdale Road, South Park Industrial Estate, Scunthorpe Lincs, UK DN17 2TW

Hylton HydroRockington Nursery Blackness Rd. Sunderland, UK SR4 7XTTel: 01 9155 18453

Hytec HorticultureOld Wales Wood Colliery, Mansfield Rd. Sheffield, UK S26 5PQTel: +44 (0) 1909 772872www.hytechorticulture.co.uk

The Inner Garden Ltd.Unit 14., Cornish Wy., West, Galmington Taunton, Somerset UK TA1 5NATel: +44 (0) 1823 274791

Junction 10 HydroUnit 55, Owen Road Industrial EstateWillenhall, WV13 2PXTel: +44 (0) 1215 686850www.j10hydro.com

Kernow Grow Ltd.11 D. Kernick Ind. Es. Penryn, Cornwall UK TR10 9EPTel: +44 (0) 3300 104420www.kernowgrow.co.uk

King Of Green18-24 Saint Helens Rd., Westcliff on Sea Westcliff, Essex UK SS0 7LBTel: +44 (0) 1702 347536www.kingofgreen.com

Kitbag Hydroponic Warehouse22 Pool Bank St. Nunaeton, Warwickshire UK CV11 5DBTel: +44 (0) 2476 641033ebaystores.co.uk/kitbagshop

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

Leeds HydroStoreUnit 5 Felnex Rd.Leeds, West Yorkshire UK LS9 0SSTel: +44 (0)113 249 4730 www.leedshydrostore.co.uk

Lothian Hydroponics172 S Mid St. Bathgate, West Lothian UK EH48 1DYTel: +44 (0) 1506 650501

Makes Sense Grow ShopThe Annex Rear of #20, Barden Rd. Tonbridge, Kent UK TN9 1TXTel: +44 (0) 1732 507201www.makessencesrowshop.co.uk

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

Matilda’s Planet1 Green Pl. Kenfig, South Wales UK Tel: +44 (0) 7895 [email protected]

Mellow Yellow Hydro Ltd.Unit B1A Towngate Works., Dark Ln. Mawdesley, Lancashire UK L40 2QUTel: +44 (0) 1704 822609www.mellowyellowhydro.co.uk

Midland HydroponicsRussells Garden CentreBaginton Coventry UK CV8 3AGTel: +44 (0) 2476 [email protected]

Midnight Garden6 Howlbeck Rd., Guisborough, UK TS14 6LETel: +44 (0) 79333 449661

Mousehold Garden Center63 Mousehold Ln. Norwich, Norfolk UK NR7 8HPTel: +44 (0) 1603 413272

Mr. Beam HydroRose Grove Selby Rd. Askern, Doncaster UK DN6 0ESTel: +44 (0) 1302 708297www.mr-beam-hydro.com

New Age HydroponicsUnit 1 Albert Pl., Albert Mill Lower Darwen, Lancashire UK BB3 OQETel: +44 (0) 1254 661177

New Leaf Hydroponics1 Horsewater Wynd, Hawkhill, Dundee UK DD1 5DUTel: +44 (0) 1382 202556www.newleafhydroponics.co.uk

Norfolk Lights & Hydroponics Centre Ltd.Unit 2 Guardian Rd., Ind. Es. Norwich, Norfolk UK NR5 8PFTel: +44 (0) 1603 666199www.norfolklights.com

Northwich Hydroponics Centre Ltd.Unit-7, Kingfisher Court, Denton Dr.,Northwich Cheshire UK CW9 7TTTel: +44 (0)1606 215 585

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

One Stop Grow ShopUnit 8, Fenton Ind. Es., Dewsbury Rd. Fenton, Stroke-On-Trent UK ST4 2TETel: +44 (0) 1782 212000www.onestopgrowshop.co.uk

The Persy Grow Shop4 Kings Mews. Brighton, East Sussex UK BN3 2PATel: +44 (0) 1273 777335www.persygrowbox.co.uk

The Plant Pot69 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire UK NG18 2JBTel: +44 (0) 1623 422711www.theplantpot.co.uk

Planet HydroUnit 11 NorthBridge Works., Storey St. Leicester, Leics UK LE3 5GRTel: +44 (0) 1162 510800

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

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

Progrow5 Westwood Units, Alphinbrook Rd. Marsh Barton Trad. Es. Exeter, Devon UK EX2 8QFTel: +44 (0) 1392 276998www.progrow.co.uk

____________________________

Reading HydroponicsUnit 15 Albury Close

Redding, Berkshire UK RG30 1BD+44 (0)11 8 939 4998

____________________________

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

Page 82: Maximum Yield UK Nov/Dec 2013

82 Maximum Yield | November/December 2013

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MAxIMuM YIeLDdistributors Listed alphabetically by shop name.

Maximum Yield January/February will be available in January for free at indoor gardening retail stores and on maximumyield.com

Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions

Sale Hydro71 Dane Rd., Sale Manchester, Lancashire UK M33 7BPTel: +44 (0) 1619 739899Email: [email protected]

Sea of Green UK25 Eastcott Hill Swindon, Wiltshire UK SN1 3JGTel: +44 (0) 1793 617046www.seaofgreen.co.uk

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Somerset HydroUnit4 Technine, Guard Ave Houndstone Business Park Yeovil Somerset BA22 8YETel: +44 (0) 1935 420720

www.somhydro.co.uk____________________________

South Coast HydroponicsUnit 8., Enterprise Ind. Es., Enterprise Rd. Horndean, Portsmouth UK PO8 0BBTel: +44 (0) 2392 598853www.southcoasthydroponics.com

Southern Hydro Centre9 Mamesbury Rd. Southampton, Hampshire UK S01 SFTTel: +44 (0) 2380 704080www.southernhydro.co.uk

Southern Lights #125 Fratton Rd. Hampshire, UK PO1 5ABTel: +44 (0) 1705 811822

Southern Lights #219A Grace Hill. Folkestone, Kent UK CT20 1HQTel: +44 (0) 1303 210003; Tel: +44 (0) 1303 252561

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

Starlite Systems226 Albert Rd., Plymouth, Devon UK PL2 1AWTel: +44 (0) 1752 551233www.starlitesystems.co.uk

Sub-Garden Supplies45-J Leyton Industrial Village, Argall Ave., Leyton, London UK E10 7QPTel: +44 (0) 2085 39956

Sunrise Hydroponics127 Newcastle St., Burslem. Stoke on Trent, Staffshire UK ST6 3QJTel: +44 (0) 1782 813814www.sunrisehydro.co.uk

Thetford Urban Gardens Ltd.25 Brunel Way, Thetford, Norfolk, UK IP24 1HPTel: +44 (0) 7780 232169thetford.urbangardens@hotmail.co.ukwww.thetford-urban-gardens.com

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

Triangle HydroponicsUnit 6 Bornemouth Central business park. South Cote Rd. Bornemouth BH1 3SJTel: +44 (0) 1202 556661www.trianglehydroponics.co.uk

U Grow LondonStudio12, Imperial Studios, 3-11 Imperial Rd. London, UK SW6 2AG, Tel: +44 (0) 2073 843388www.ugrow.com

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

ireland

Culture Indoor Island37 Eyre St. Newbridge County Kildare IrelandTel: +35 (0)45 437639www.bloomandgrow.ie

Culture Indoor Island4-A Slaney Court. Dublin Ind.EstGlasnevin Dublin Island Dublin 11 IrelandTel: +35 (0)18 603917www.bloomandgrow.ie

Northern Lights9 Dunluce St. Larne Antrim, Northern Ireland BT40 1JGTel: +44 (0) 2828 278485 www.northernlightsni.com

The Grow Shop14 Brews Hill , Nauan, Co. M Fath Ireland OLITel: +44 (0) 1772 204455 www.thc.ie

scotland

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

Abergreen Horticulture LtdArch 8 Palmerston Rd.Aberdeen, Granpian Scotland AB11 5RETel: +44 (0) 1224 574737 www.abergreen.co.uk

Edinburgh Organics6C W. TelfertonEdinburgh, Scotland EH7 6ULTel: +44 (0) 131 669 0493

Kingdom HydroponicsUnit #12 Carbery Pl., Mitchelson Ind. Es. Kirkcaldy, Fife Scotland KY1 3NETel: +44 (0) 1592 655611

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Hamilton Hydro Ltd.Unit 13&16 Murray Court, Hillhouse Indus-

trial Estate, Hamilton Scotland ML3 9SL+44 (0) 1698281148

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Hydra Hydroponics41 Tower St., Edinburgh, Scotland EH6 7BNTel: +44 (0) 1315 611332 www.hydraonline.co.uk

Glasgrow15 Parnie St. Glasgow, Scotland G15RJTel: +44 (0) 1415 527522www.glasgrowhydroponics.co.uk

EZ Grow Perth77 Scott St. Perth, Scotland PH2 8JRTel: +44 (0) 7521 59730

U-Grow OrganicUnit 11 North Canal Bank St.,Port Dundas, GlasgowScotland G4 9XPTel: +44 (0) 1413 [email protected]

hungary

BABYLON growCsurgói street 15., Budapest, Pest megye HungaryTel: +36 (0) 20 381 [email protected]

Gomoa Trade Kft.Lágymányosi street 5., Budapest, Pest megye, Hungary 1111 Tel: +36 (0) 20 566 [email protected]

Gomoa Trade Kft.Petofi avenue 50.Szeged, Csongrád megye, Hungary 6725Tel: +36 (0) 20 406 [email protected]

Gomoa Trade Kft.Kazinczy street 3.Pécs, Baranya megye, Hungary 7621Tel: +36 (0) 20 351 [email protected]

COMING UP INJanuary/February 2014

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