Maximum Yield Modern Growing | AUS/NZ Edition | January/February 2017

MODERN GROWING 

AUS/NZ EDITION 

silver 

secrets 

FOR HEALTHY PLANTS 

CAL/MAG SUPPLEMENTS 

KELVINS EXPLAINED

contents 

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 

FEATURES 

24 

34 38 44 

52 

24 Silver Secrets 

Kathryn van Druff 

30 10 Ways To Save $$$ At The 

Grow Shop 

Shannon McKee 

34 Who Is This Kelvin Guy? 

Sara Elliott 

38 Balancing Plant Growth 

Regulator Principles 

Rich Hamilton 

42 Growing Something 

Out Of Nothing 

by Jessica Skelton 

44 Strengthening Your 

Plant's Roots 

Eric Hopper 

DEPARTMENTS 

6 From the Editor 

48 Same Plant, Different Pots 

Grubbycup 

52 Cal-Mag Supplements: A 

One-Two Punch For Plants 

Cory Hughes 

20 Product Spotlight 

8 Letters to the Editor 

10 Ask the Experts 

56 You Tell Us 

60 Distributors 

12 Max Facts 

4 Maximum Yield | January/February 2017

from the editor | toby gorman 

With hydroponics, 

we can grow almost 

anything right 

where we live.” 

The world of indoor growing is expanding at an 

incredible rate. No longer the alternative to traditional 

agriculture, hydroponics is now recognised as 

beneficial for many important reasons. Hydroponics 

yields require up to 50 per cent less land to grow the 

same amount of produce, and as the world’s arable 

lands are diminished from overfarming and climate 

change, hydroponics takes the pressure off the environment 

by leaving more land available for wildlife 

reserves, biospheres, and other protected areas. 

Drought-ridden areas will appreciate the fact hydroponics 

uses only 10 per cent of the water needed for 

growing in soil, and far less chemicals and fertilisers—as 

much as 60 per cent less—are required. By 

most reports, growing and transporting food around 

the globe accounts for as much as 30 per cent of all 

greenhouse gas emissions. With hydroponics, we can 

grow almost anything right where we live, reducing 

the need for carbon emissions. This is especially 

important for people who live in the Far North. More 

and more, programs are being created to provide 

fresh produce for those who live in northern communities, 

reducing the need to ship relatively small 

amounts of food while providing food security with 

fresh, inexpensive fruits and vegetables. It is with 

these shifts in mind that we’ve made some editorial 

changes in Maximum Yield. As you may have noticed, 

on our cover we’ve changed ‘indoor gardening’ to 

‘modern growing’. As the industry evolves, so do we. 

Our content will include a wider look at the advancements in the growing world, both 

indoors and out. As we flip the calendar to 2017, we are taking a new perspective on 

the world of modern growing, and we look forward to bringing these stories to you. 

We also wish you and your loved ones the very best for 2017. 

In the meantime, we hope you have as much fun 

reading this issue as we did putting it together. 

As always, thanks for reading Maximum Yield 

and if you have any questions feel free to 

contact us at editor@maximumyield.com. 

VOLUME 14 – NUMBER 5 

January/February 2017 

GENERAL MANAGER 

Ilona Hawser 

EDITORIAL 

editor@maximumyield.com 

Toby Gorman 

Julie McManus 

Jessica Skelton 

Julie Chadwick 

ADVERTISING SALES 

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Account Executives 

Jed Walker - jed.walker@maximumyield.com 

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DESIGN & PRODUCTION 

ads@maximumyield.com 

Art Director 

Alice Joe 

Graphic Designers 

Jennifer Everts 

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ACCOUNTING 

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Katie LaFrance - ar@maximumyield.com 

Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly by Maximum Yield Inc. 

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to the address below. The views expressed by columnists 

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letters to the editor 

Hopelessly Hooked 

Getting your feet wet in 

hydroponics is not easy. 

However, when my local 

shop gave me a copy of 

your informative magazine, it 

answered a lot of questions on 

how to get started and what I 

needed. I am hopelessly hooked 

on Maximum Yield now. Thanks! 

Michael Forsberg 

Editor’s Note: Michael has won 

Michael Forsberg 

a cash prize to spend at his 

favourite indoor gardening shop, Happy Hydro in St. Louis, 

Missouri, for telling us why he loves Maximum Yield. 

Higher Yields 

Maximum Yield is one of the best free gardening magazines 

I’ve read. The articles have given me the confidence to step 

out of my comfort zone and try new things, most of which have 

resulted in higher yields and healthier plants. I always look 

forward to my next issue. 

Daniel 

Good Guides Get Shared 

Thanks for sharing our guide about food scraps. I hope your 

viewers enjoyed it! 

Beth 

New Tech 

Maximum Yield keeps me updated on all the new technology 

and gadgets out there. It’s a great magazine for a newbie like 

myself. Best of all, it’s free. Thank you. 

Chase 

10 Years Strong 

I’m a fan of Maximum Yield because of the advice and direction 

it provides readers. I have been a grower for 10 years now and 

thanks to Maximum Yield, my harvests are more beautiful and 

bountiful than ever. 

Troy 

contributors 

SARA ELLIOTT is a 

professional writer with 

extensive horticultural 

knowledge acquired 

through theoretical study 

and practical experience. 

You can find her gardening 

and lifestyle pieces in print and online. 

CORY HUGHES is a 

former police officer turned 

full-time commercial 

grower in Denver, Colorado. 

SHANNON MCKEE 

lives in Ohio and has 

been a freelance writer 

for several years now, 

including on her blog, 

whyiwah.blogspot.com. 

Nicknamed a garden 

hoarder by loved ones, she grows a wide 

variety of plants in her urban garden. 

RICH HAMILTON has 

been in the hydroponics 

industry for more than 20 

years, working originally 

as a general manager in 

a hydroponics retail outlet 

before becoming an account 

manager at Century Growsystems. He enjoys 

working on a daily basis with shop owners, 

manufacturers, distributors, and end users to 

develop premium products. 

GRUBBYCUP has been 

an avid indoor gardener 

for more than 20 years. 

His articles were first 

published in the UK, 

and since then his 

gardening advice has 

been published in French, Spanish, Italian, 

Polish, Czech and German. He is also 

considered one of the world’s leading 

authorities on crochet hydroponics. 

JESSICA SKELTON 

Jessica Skelton is an editor 

at Maximum Yield Inc. on 

Vancouver Island, Canada. 

Before taking up her 

current post, she spent two 

years living, working, and 

travelling throughout Australia. 

ERIC HOPPER’S past 

experiences within the indoor 

gardening industry, include 

being a hydroponic retail 

store manager and, owner. 

Currently, he works as a 

writer, consultant and product 

tester for various indoor horticulture companies. 

His inquisitive nature keeps him busy seeking 

new technologies and methods that could help 

maximise a garden’s performance. 

KATHRYN M. VAN 

DRUFF (nee D’Imperio) 

is a freelance writer and 

marketing specialist with 

her own business, Dances 

with Words. She has years 

of experience writing about 

gardening, landscaping, and home design 

topics. Kate is also an avid home gardener, 

wife, and mother to two daughters and a 

border collie. 

THIS COULD BE YOU! 

Become a Maximum Yield 

contributor and have your 

articles read by 250,000 

readers throughout 

the USA, Canada, UK, 

Europe, New Zealand, 

and Australia. Every issue is available on 

maximumyield.com, which gets thousands 

of unique visitors monthly. 


ask the experts 

Q 

What are the maximum light and CO 2 levels that can be 

applied to a plant before destroying it? Please note that 

limiting factors are all under control. Thanks! 

– Michael 

A 

Thanks for writing in. That is a good 

question. Let’s first look to the sun 

for some information. The sun is the 

Earth’s grow light and produces more 

than 100,000 lux, or roughly 10,000 

lumens, per square foot. This can be 

even higher when under direct sun. 

Lumens are a measure of the amount 

of light cast on one square metre. 

Most styles of artificial lighting do not 

provide anywhere close to that, but 

more important than lumens, which 

refers to the amount of visible light, 

is the amount of usable light. Plants 

see light differently than we do. They 

utilise much more of the red and blue 

spectrums of light, which the human 

eye is not as sensitive to. 

Plants use light during the process 

of photosynthesis. For this reason, 

it is important that your grow lights 

produce light waves in the wavelength 

ranges that are useful for plants, 

primarily the 400-700 nanometre range. 

Most lights cover all spectrums, but 

some are manufactured to produce 

light in certain spectrums more than 

others. Let’s go back to lumens and how 

much can be used. Illuminance is the 

way most growers judge their light. 

Most agree that ideal light levels fall 

somewhere in the range of 30,000-60,000 

lux for vegetative growth and between 

50,000-80,000 lux for the flowering stage. 

Serious plant problems surface at light 

levels above these, not to mention heat. 

CO 2, which is involved in photosynthesis, 

is also essential for plant 

growth, but there is a threshold of 

how much your garden will use. 

Ambient levels of CO 2 hover around 

400-500 ppm. When you increase that 

level to around 1,000-1,500 ppm, you will 

see an increase in your yields and your 

plants will be much healthier. If the level 

rises to 2,000 ppm or higher, you will 

begin to see negative effects such as 

CO 2 burn. It is best not to allow your CO 2 

levels to increase this high. Doing so 

not only hurts your garden, but it wastes 

CO 2 and money. As far as your choice of 

products, I would suggest using an allnatural 

form of CO 2 production versus a 

propane burner system or a tank system. 

The burners create heat and require the 

use of fossil fuels and tanks are cumbersome 

and must be refilled often. 

You should supplement your garden 

with CO 2 during both the vegetative 

stage, and the flowering stage. If you 

encounter high temperatures, CO 2 will 

help your plants tolerate the high heat. 

In some instances, it may be what saves 

your garden from disaster. 

Glen Babcock 

is the owner 

of Garden City 

Fungi and the 

founder of ExHale 

Homegrown 

CO 2. Glen has 

been involved 

in agriculture 

his entire life. He graduated from the 

University of Montana with a degree in 

forestry and has been a mycologist for 

more than 26 years. His research has been 

published in scientific journals worldwide. 

YK? 

LUMENS 

The lumen (lm) is a unit of luminous flux; a measure of the total quantity of 

visible light emitted by a source. Lumens are related to lux in that one lux is 

one lumen per square metre. The lumen is a measure of the total amount 

of visible light emitted from a given source, dependent on spectrum. Watts 

(W) is the measure of the amount of energy required to light a product, 

whereas lumens measure the amount of light produced. The more lumens 

in a light bulb, the brighter the light. 

– lumennow.org 


Group Pushes Ag Tech Use 

A new technical advisory group is being created to help the Ministry of Primary 

Industries accelerate the use of smart agriculture technology. “Technology 

has major potential to support higher productivity and more sustainable 

use of natural resources in farming,” says Primary Industries Minister 

Nathan Guy. “We know there are some exciting advances in agricultural 

science and technology coming from our CRIs and universities, as well 

as some great commercial tools already available. But for farmers, it can 

be difficult to know what tools are right for them, and to judge 

how much to invest. We want to understand how we can 

better support farmers to make those decisions.” 

- nzherald.co.nz 

MAXFACTS 

GROWING TIPS, NEWS, AND TRIVIA 

Scurvy Cases Rising in Australia 

Scurvy, a disease historically associated with sailors on long voyages, is making a 

comeback in Australia. Health officials have reported multiple cases as of late. Now 

considered rare, scurvy is reappearing thanks to poor dietary habits, thinks Jenny 

Gunton, who heads the Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology research at 

the Westmead Institute in Sydney. She noticed the cases after multiple 

patients came in with wounds that would not heal on their own. 

“When I asked about their diet, one person was eating 

little or no fresh fruit and vegetables, but the rest ate fair 

amounts of vegetables; they were simply overcooking 

them, which destroys the vitamin C,” she says. 

- scmp.com 

App-happy Students Focus on Ag 

Instead of coding computer games, a group of Western Australian 

students is focusing their skills on an app project with the Department 

of Agriculture and Food of Western Australia (DAFWA). “We just join 

together … and swap ideas on what to code and how to code it, and 

we take [the students’] experience with various bits and pieces of 

coding, and bits and pieces of hardware, to make up some real-life 

experiences,” DAFWA weeds research officer John Moore says. 

“So, instead of looking for monsters or other undesirable things 

in games, and shooting them, we say, ‘Well, go out and look 

for some weeds or some snails or some insects or some noxious 

weeds and then get a robot to go out and kill them. The sorts of 

things you’re doing in games we need to do in agriculture.” 

- abc.net.au 


max facts growing tips, news, & trivia 

Superfood Research Boost 

Naturally Nutritious, a project to search for new superfoods, has received $10 million in funding. The project, which is led 

by Dr Tim O’Hare of Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, will focus on identifying fruit, vegetables, 

and nuts with a potential for health benefits. Once identified, the researchers will develop the variety through various 

techniques to promote the element that is beneficial to the consumer. Another part of the project will be clinical trials on 

humans to measure how much of a benefit the foods are. Potential candidates for the superfood category could include 

strawberries that could improve the growth of unborn babies, macadamias that could improve 

cardiovascular health, and capsicums that could improve eyesight. The Queen Garnet 

superplum, which has blood pressure lowering properties, and SuperGold 

sweet corn, which can protect against macular degeneration, are two recent 

developments in the quest to find foods with extra health benefits. 

- brisbanetimes.com.au 

Honey Bee Husbandry 

Second-generation beekeeper Casey Cooper has learned how 

to breed bees artificially. It’s much like working with cattle or 

chickens, except the tools are microscopic. The best drones with 

good temperament from suitable hives are milked before virgin 

queens are inseminated. “In a year, you can breed up five or six 

generations, if you want to,” says Cooper, who runs 1,000 hives on 

the New England Tablelands and is a finalist in the NSW Farmer of 

the Year competition. “You can change a trait very quickly—in three 

to four months—provided there is high nutrition and good rainfall. In 

a drought, we suffer like anyone else.” Cooper says genetic selection 

through the generations is similar to all of agriculture with breeders 

selecting for productivity, temperament, survivability, and toughness. 

- theland.com.au 

Almonds, Not Sports Drinks 

While avocado and Vegemite on toast and sports drinks are popular ways for 

athletes to consume electrolytes after an intense session, a handful of almonds 

could provide them as well. Accredited sports dietician Simone Austin gave the 

thumbs-up to almonds as an important part of her work with elite sports teams at 

the 17 th Australian Almond Conference. “I think there is as huge opportunity to 

tap into using nuts as recovery,” she says. “Protein foods are a little bit limited and, 

again, that’s where almonds are fantastic because they are portable, they don’t 

have to be refrigerated, they can sit in the bottom of the training 

bag for a couple of weeks and they are still going to be okay.” 

According to the nut industry’s promotional brand, Nuts for Life, 

just 30grams of nuts a day, which is around a handful, can help a 

person meet his or her daily nutrient needs and maintain health. 

- farmonline.com.au 


max facts growing tips, news, & trivia 

Accommodations Lacking for 

Seasonal Workers in New Zealand 

A study out of the Wester Bay of Plenty Council says nearly half the seasonal 

workers coming into service in the horticulture industry sectors such as kiwifruit 

have insufficient accommodation. This includes a lack of bedding. “Anecdotal evidence suggests 

that there is a shortfall in the quantity of accommodations available for the industry’s seasonal 

workers,” say the study’s authors, council analysts Kate Waterhouse and Tony Clow. “Concerns have 

also been raised regarding the quality of accommodations available for them. This situation is likely 

to be exacerbated by the continuing growth of the kiwifruit industry, which will result in greater 

demand for seasonal workers and put further pressure on the already limited housing stock.” 

- allafrica.com 

From Zero to Tomato Hero 

Naresh Singh has achieved a lot in his relatively short agriculture 

career. The regional winner of the SA grower productivity 

segment of the Syngenta Growth Awards moved from India in 

the late 1990s with no agricultural experience whatsoever. Fast 

forward less than 20 years and Mr Singh is a world leader in 

the tomato industry. He constantly tries to push the envelope in 

terms of productivity, principally by growing yields and also by 

cutting costs. Central to his methods is focusing on increasing 

the density of plants, achieving a 25 per cent yield increase in 

varieties from the accepted European yield rate. As head grower 

for D’VineRipe, he has achieved world-best yields in both the 

Dunne and Perino varieties. 

- farmonline.com.au 

New Weapon Against Australian Fruit Fly 

The newest weapon against the Queensland fruit fly, which costs the Australian horticulture 

industry more than $300 million a year, has been unveiled in South Australia. The National Sterile 

Insect Technology (SIT) Centre will produce 50 million sterile male Queensland fruit flies each 

week. These flies will be released to mate with females, collapsing wild populations in 

fruit fly affected horticulture growing regions. South Australian Agriculture Minister 

Leon Bignell says the new centre would transform the way Queensland fruit flies 

are managed around Australia and would help increase global confidence 

in South Australia’s biosecurity, product integrity, and food safety 

standards. “The facility will reinforce South 

Australia’s enviable status as the only mainland 

state in Australia which is fruit fly free,” he 

says. “It will also help to reduce fruit fly 

populations in other major horticulture 

regions across Australia.” 

- freshplaza.com 


product spotlight 

HOTTESTPRODUCTS 

ASK FOR THEM AT YOUR LOCAL HYDRO SHOP 

Skye Instruments Light Radiation Sensors 

Skye Instruments has been designing and manufacturing instrumentation for environmental monitoring, plant growth, and 

agricultural research since 1983. Its product range includes light radiation sensors and meters for various plant studies 

such as underwater measurements, greenhouse studies, controlled environments, and plant growth chambers. Skye 

Instruments’ PAR Quantum, PAR Energy, and PAR Special sensors all measure the 

photosynthetically active radiation between 400-700 nanometres—the part of the solar 

spectrum used by plants for photosynthesis and sugar production. Its red/far-red 

(RFR) sensor is a two-channel radiometer, which is essentially two sensors in one. The 

specially designed light-collecting head is fully cosine-corrected and randomly splits 

light between two separately filtered photodiodes, giving a light intensity output for 

each of the red and far-red channels that is ideal for measuring the RFR ratio. Skye 

manufactures sensors that measure UVB rays up to the shortwave infrared (SWIR). 

Arbalette Botanicals Q Series 

The Q Series is set to become the definitive LED 

cultivation lighting solution. At the heart of the Q Series 

is its passive-cooling, aluminum honeycomb chassis 

that allows for upgrades as technology progresses. 

The Q Onyx is black and fitted with MothWing lenses, 

and the Q Sapphire is white and fitted with standard 

BatWing lenses. Both models shape the light to 

facilitate lateral limb development from the top to 

the bottom of the plant. Optional optics packages are 

available to allow for better light placement for SCROG 

and SOG table and floor arrangements, especially 

when differing heights of plants are present. Choose 

different packages for three-foot wide continuous 

rows, tall and thin species, 

short and bushy 

species, and 

even optics for 

vertical living 

wall set-ups. 

Uber Nutrients Re-Cover 

Uber Nutrients Re-Cover is the only 

product on the market that was specifically 

designed to reverse and correct the 

less-than-desirable visual and physical 

side effects that can occur with the use of 

commonly used height-controlling plant 

growth regulators. The use of PGR height 

controllers often results in moderate sized 

plants with little essential oil production 

and compact and hard flowers that are 

then susceptible to moulds. Re-Cover fixes 

these common symptoms of PGR stress by restarting growth 

and development pathways, thus reviving cell division. This 

accelerated regeneration gives you yet another big burst in 

flower size that returns proper density to the flowers and gives 

you sweet-smelling, fully mature plants. Re-Cover is free from 

PGRs and harsh chemical agents; it restores your plants through 

the use of an acetylated form of lecithin and its unique TRx1 

Peptide Suite. Re-Cover your lost sales today! 

Fantech FG and FKD fans 

For more than 30 years, the team at Fantech has been researching, designing, and bringing 

to market superior quality ventilation solutions. Their popular FG and FKD series fans have 

been a staple for professional growrooms for years. Fantech offers a full complement of 

accessories like speed controls, engineered silencers, and motorised dampers as well. 

Fantech manufactures the broadest range of EC fan technology available anywhere. 

EC benefits include: Highest CFM per watt performance, exponential energy savings 

at lower speeds, no hum or vibration when speed controlled, quieter performance, 

and the elimination of VFDs for three-phase units. The EC motor is not harmed in 

any way by slowing the speed below 30 per cent. Perfectly matched with EC Fans is 

the Aeolus EC Fan Controller launching in early 2017. Fantech represents the latest in 

greenhouse and growroom, sensor-based speed control ventilation technology. 


product spotlight 

Hydropods Grow Controllers 

Hydropods cloud-based Wi-Fi Controllers enable you to monitor, control, and automate 

your grow operation from anywhere using your smartphone. The Hydropods Environment 

Controller monitors humidity, temperature, and CO 2. With included Remote Power Blocks, 

it can wirelessly control devices such as lighting, air conditioning, humidifiers, or an exhaust 

fan. The system can be expanded with additional modules available from Hydropods, 

including cameras, remote sensors, and additional Power Blocks. The Hydropods Nutrient 

Controller provides monitoring of the irrigation system, measuring nutrient levels, pH, 

temperature, and water levels. Add up to 16 Hydropods Peristaltic Pump Modules to 

automate multi-part dosing and maintain pH. The Hydropods App communicates with the 

Hydropods Controllers and allows users to monitor sensor data in real time, view real-time 

video, and control connected devices. Users can set up rules including sensor triggers, 

timers, and schedules to automate the grow process. 

SANlight P4W 

The SANlight P4W is one of SANlight’s primary 

products for greenhouses and professional use. 

With its maximum efficiency of 3,2 µmol/J and a 

sophisticated lens system for different applications, 

it is the market’s leading product. SANlight’s 

technical and theoretical knowledge are the main 

reasons the company can assure its users that its 

products are of the highest quality. The SANlight 

P4W is maintenance-free, waterproof, and comes 

with a three-year warranty. It runs for approximately 

80,000 hours (L90) while providing growers with 

energy savings of up to 50 per cent. Increase your 

profitability with the SANlight P4W. 

FloraFlex Flora Cap 

The FloraFlex FloraCap is a 

revolutionary tool for top feeding 

that also helps eliminate algae. 

Place the six-inch FloraCap on 

top of your six-inch rockwool cubes, maximizing your 

space in the vegetative cycle. Fill the cap with water and 

nutrients by hand or automate with FloraClips. Each cap 

features 34 flower-designed louvers that deliver water, 

nutrients, and air to the medium while blocking light. 

The FloraCap strategically covers the top of the media, 

allowing the root zones to dry at a more consistent rate 

and delivering the necessary oxygen your plants need to 

thrive. Algae disappears, healthy roots fill the medium, 

and blossoms multiply. The FloraCap was designed with 

the vegetative stage in mind but has proven to be a worthy 

tool throughout the flowering stage as well. 

O 2 Grow 2120-A Spider 

The new 2120-A Spider from O 2 Grow delivers oxygen directly at 

the root in every bucket. This unit was specifically designed for use 

in deep water culture systems. Each emitter will supersaturate eight 

to 14 gallons of water per bucket. The O 2 Grow line of products 

from the Oxygen Research Group will raise oxygen saturation 

levels 50 per cent higher than what air stones can achieve. The O 2 

Grow emitter technology works by electrically separating the water 

molecule into hydrogen and oxygen. The pure oxygen nanobubble 

is re-absorbed back into the water. Supplemental oxygen is 

important whether you are growing hydroponically or in soil. 

Oxygen at the root helps prevent root disease, enhances nutrient 

uptake, and increases flower and fruit yield. O 2 Grow emitters 

come in a range of sizes able to oxygenate water reservoirs from 10 

gallons up to 250 gallons. Spider units are available with either six 

or 12 emitters. Get out of the Stone Age with O 2 Grow. 


ilver 

ANOTHER WAY TO KILL PATHOGENS 

ecrets 

by Kathryn Van Druff | Most people don’t think of using colloidal silver to cure their own health, so it’s 

no surprise gardeners don’t think of it to improve their plants’ health, either. Kathryn Van Druff gives us 10 

secret benefits of ionic colloidal silver in the garden that will make you wonder why it’s not more common. 


SILVER SECRETS 

You may have heard of colloidal 

silver’s healing powers in human 

health. Some people use it when they 

feel a sinus infection coming on, while 

others have used colloidal silver to 

treat skin conditions and infections, 

including bacteria, yeast, viruses, and 

parasites. Known as nature’s antibiotic, 

it’s no surprise that colloidal silver can 

also offer preventative, therapeutic, 

and restorative properties to our plants 

and our gardens. 

Colloidal silver is essentially pure 

water with ultra-tiny nanoparticles 

of silver suspended inside. The ionic 

form of silver is capable of killing 

more than 650 different pathogens. The 

US Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) named silver as an oligodynamic 

biocide, which means it attacks 

primitive life forms but doesn’t harm 

more mature organisms. The beauty of 

using colloidal silver in the garden is 

that it’s very safe for the plants, but it 

tenaciously targets the bacteria, parasites, 

and other pathogens. 

In his published work Use of Colloids 

in Health & Disease, in 1919, Alfred 

Searle wrote: 

“Applying colloidal silver to human 

subjects has been done in a large number 

of cases with astonishingly successful 

results. For internal administration, 

orally or hypodermically, it has the 

advantage of being rapidly fatal to 

parasites without toxic action on its host.” 

From a gardening perspective, this sort 

of result opens the door to remarkable 

possibilities. In particular, it suggests 

a rapid remedy to common garden 

pests and problems without harming 

the plants, helpful pollinators, or the 

humans who consume the ensuing fruits 

or vegetables. Here are some of the top 

ways your garden can benefit from a 

touch of colloidal silver. 

AN ORGANIC ALTERNATIVE 

TO POTENTIALLY HARMFUL 

CHEMICALS AND PESTICIDES 

Whether you’re growing commercially 

or simply for your family’s dinner table, 

no one wants extra chemicals on their 

fruits and vegetables. When treated 

with pesticides, plants tend to absorb 

topical chemicals. Colloidal silver is a 

safer, more organic alternative to many 

of the poisons marketed for gardens 

and farm pest prevention. 

“KNOWN AS NATURE’S ANTIBIOTIC, IT’S NO 

SURPRISE THAT COLLOIDAL SILVER CAN 

ALSO OFFER PREVENTATIVE, THERAPEUTIC, 

AND RESTORATIVE PROPERTIES TO OUR 

PLANTS AND OUR GARDENS.” 

EFFECTIVE ERADICATION PLANTS OF 

BACTERIA, VIRUSES, FUNGI, AND EGGS 

Colloidal silver effectively inactivates 

the oxygen metabolism enzyme needed 

to sustain life for these undesirable 

organisms. Spraying colloidal silver 

onto plants infected with bacteria, fungi, 

and viruses swiftly causes these undesirable 

organisms to suffocate and 

perish, all without the negative effects of 

traditional pesticides or the toils of other 

pest removal methods. An application of 

colloidal silver also is reportedly safe for 

children and family pets that may come 

into contact with the plants. 

NO HARM TO POLLINATORS 

Honeybees, ladybugs, and other beneficial 

insects do not seem to have a negative 

response to colloidal silver. Whether 

it’s found in their drinking water or 

placed upon surfaces they touch, such as 

leaves and blossoms, this eco-friendly 

garden enhancer keeps your garden’s 

pollinators happy and healthy, too. 

BIGGER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 

In a study published in the March 2010 

issue of the journal Mycobiology, green 

onions were treated with silver nanoparticles 

at the roots to eradicate Sclerotium 

cepivorum fungal infections. In addition 

to clearing up the fungus, the silver 

increased the fresh weight and the dry 

weight of the onions, producing larger, 

more desirable vegetables. 

GREENER LEAVES AND 

STRONGER ROOTS 

Using ionic colloidal silver in the garden 

can transform the overall health of 

the plant. In addition to treating and 

preventing pathogens, viruses, and 

fungi, the silver nanoparticles can 

impact the strength of the root system 

and the size and hue of the leaves. 

Large, vibrant green leaves indicate a 

truly healthy plant. 

BETTER PLANT IMMUNITY AND 

IMPROVED CELL REJUVENATION 

People may turn to colloidal silver 

supplements for a variety of illnesses 

and infections, from swimmer’s ear to 

pink eye. The silver is known to improve 

a person’s immunity, so it makes sense 

that plants can also gain a beneficial 

immune boost. Colloidal silver helps 

to make the plants more robust in 

preventing issues before any problems 

even occur, but also in recovering from 

damage caused by nuisance organisms. 


“WHETHER IT’S FOUND IN THEIR DRINKING 

WATER OR PLACED UPON SURFACES THEY 

TOUCH, SUCH AS LEAVES AND BLOSSOMS, 

THIS ECO-FRIENDLY GARDEN ENHANCER 

KEEPS YOUR GARDEN’S POLLINATORS 

HAPPY AND HEALTHY, TOO.” 

NO PATHOGEN IMMUNITY OVER TIME 

One of the main problems with traditional 

antibiotics is that bacteria can 

morph over time, becoming immune 

or less responsive to the effectiveness 

of the drugs. Unlike antibiotics, pathogens, 

viruses, fungi, and bacteria do not 

develop immunity to silver nanoparticles. 

Applying colloidal silver in the 

garden should continue to offer improvements 

for the foreseeable future. 

SAFETY TO GARDENERS 

Many people ingest colloidal silver 

or apply it topically to treat various 

conditions. If there is a chance you 

ingested colloidal silver, you should 

always make absolutely certain that 

you are using true colloidal silver and 

not silver protein or ionic silver, as 

some toxicity may occur, depending on 

use. Check the Silver Safety Council’s 

Silver Safety Pyramid (silversafety.org) 

to ensure proper daily, short-term and 

lifetime usage. 

WATER PURIFICATION 

Colloidal silver possesses a unique 

ability to purify water supplies and 

reservoirs. Various airlines employ 

silver water filters to keep waterborne 

illnesses at bay when airborne. 

NASA also leveraged the power of 

silver for its purification properties, 

developing a copper/silver ionisation 

process to sanitise the water. 

The purification process removes 

bacteria and algae from the water, 

as evidenced by its original intended 

purpose of dispensing silver ions and 

killing bacteria in the potable water 

supply on the Apollo spacecraft. Using 

colloidal silver in your watering can, 

rain barrel, or other water collection 

system allows you to ensure the 

water is free from bacteria, algae, 

and pathogens before you water 

your garden, giving your plants pure, 

healthy water. 

Maximum Yield | January/February 2017 

27

SILVER SECRETS 

“USING COLLOIDAL SILVER IN YOUR 

WATERING CAN, RAIN BARREL, OR OTHER 

WATER COLLECTION SYSTEM ALLOWS YOU 

TO ENSURE THE WATER IS FREE FROM 

BACTERIA, ALGAE, AND PATHOGENS BEFORE 

YOU WATER YOUR GARDEN, GIVING YOUR 

PLANTS PURE, HEALTHY WATER.” 

NO RESIDUE LEFT BEHIND 

After spraying colloidal silver onto your 

plants, you can rest easy knowing that no 

residue remains. Your fruits and vegetables 

are still perfectly safe and healthy 

for your family to enjoy. Colloidal silver 

may also be combined with water and 

vinegar to create a fruit and vegetable 

wash. The Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention reported in its recent 

study “Epidemiology of Foodborne 

Norovirus Outbreaks, United States, 2001- 

2008” that produce accounted for 46 per 

cent of all foodborne illnesses across 17 

food categories. In terms of norovirus, 

more than half of the cases were tied to 

produce, particularly leafy vegetables 

and fruit. According to a recent study 

published in the journal Applied and 

Environmental Microbiology colloidal 

silver can deactivate murine norovirus 

(mouse-based norovirus). 

HOW TO APPLY COLLOIDAL SILVER TO 

YOUR GARDEN 

Colloidal silver works rapidly and efficiently. 

In many cases, it needs only 

moments of contact with the fungus 

spores or other organisms. Applying 

colloidal silver to your garden can be a 

relatively effortless process. 

• Apply small amounts of a diluted 

solution to the roots to fortify the 

plant while also preventing root rot. 

• Mix a diluted solution containing 

one tablespoon of colloidal silver 

and one litre of water and spray on 

the leaves and flowers. 

• Add to your watering can at the rate 

of one tablespoon per litre of water. 

Interestingly, plants may have the 

ability to control their rate of absorption 

of colloidal silver. Researchers 

found that the more nanosilver they 

applied to the green onions, the less 

the plants absorbed. This indicates 

that the plants absorbed only what 

they needed to promote their protection 

and healing. 

One study suggests that, over 

time, soil can become contaminated 

with the silver particles, causing 

the plants and young seedlings to 

respond in a certain way. In this 

study, pine tree seedlings exhibited 

reduced growth. If heavy silver saturation 

is a concern, you may find 

container gardening to be a good 

place to start with your silver application. 

This way, you can replace the 

soil any time you choose if things 

aren’t going the way you envisioned. 

With this in mind, moderation may 

be the key to using colloidal silver in 

your gardening endeavours. 


y Shannon McKee 

Let’s face facts. Gardening 

in any form takes money, 

and often indoor gardening 

using hydroponics can be 

even more expensive than 

just putting a few tomato 

plants in your backyard 

plot. Finding ways to save 

money can help you keep 

doing what you love longer 

and may even help you to 

expand your efforts. Here are 

some pointers on how to save 

money the next time you hit 

your favourite shop. 

1. Talk to the Employees 

You may believe that it’s against 

a shop employee’s best interests 

to talk to you about ways to save 

money, but they know their loyal 

customers are hooked on growing 

and will come back for more. They 

can give you all kinds of tips on 

when or how to shop for supplies 

based on their upcoming sales, 

clearance items, and more. 

2. Buyback Programs 

Employees are also 

knowledgeable about whether or 

not the shop may have buyback 

opportunities. Some stores will 

buy back your old equipment 

when you upgrade or downgrade 

in order to re-sell to their bargain 

hunters. You can use the cash you 

make off your old equipment to get 

discounts on newer items or buy 

used equipment if it’s been vetted 

by the shop employees. 

3. Warranties 

Warranties can also be a good 

thing to look into when buying 

your items. Finding an item with 

an amazing warranty may not 

save you money when you check 

out that day, but it will in the future 

if something goes wrong and you 

can have it fixed or replaced for 

free rather than opening up your 

wallet to do so yourself. 

4. Social Media 

Keep an eye on your favourite 

local shops on social media 

or sign up for their newsletter. 

This is another great way of 

staying informed of all the 

deals they offer throughout the 

year. Plus, some places give 

discounts to people who follow 

them on social media or emails 

just to reward the interaction. 

5. Samples 

Be sure to ask for samples of 

products that you haven’t tested 

in the past. Many shops will 

have samples on hand from their 

suppliers behind the counter—all 

you have to do is ask. This saves 

you from buying a full-sized bottle 

and finding that you preferred your 

old brand better. 

6. Reusable Products 

Another way to save money is to 

look into the possibility of using 

reusable grow media such as 

soil, coco coir, or clay pebbles. If 

you’re able to get a few uses out 

of a grow medium, this not only 

saves you the money from having 

to buy the product as often, but 

also time, as you won’t have to 

go to the store as frequently (and 

risk being tempted to pick up 

items you don’t really need). 


7. Bulk Buys 

Applying some of the moneysaving 

tricks you’ve learned 

at the grocery store can help. 

Look for products that are shelfstable 

and buy them in bulk. For 

instance, you can often get a 

great deal on larger packs of light 

bulbs where each bulb ends up 

cheaper than if you were buying 

them in smaller packs. 

8. Shelf Life 

Another grocery store trick you 

should keep in mind is not buying 

items that will expire before you 

use them up. Yes, you may be 

saving money per ounce or item, 

but if you end up throwing out a 

lot because it’s expired, then it’s 

not really a savings. Consider 

going in on buys with a friend 

or relative if you are looking to 

buy these items with the savings 

without having any go to waste. 

9. Coupons, Rebates, 

& Clearances 

Be on the lookout for any way to 

save money off the regular price. 

Things like coupons, buy-oneget-one 

(BOGO), rebates, and 

clearance bins should be like 

catnip to you. Use coupons and 

BOGO deals to stock up on shelfstable 

items. Rebates are often 

offered by the manufacturer, so 

be sure to pay close attention to 

the instructions on how to get 

your savings. It may take a few 

months before you get your check 

or gift card, but it’s well worth 

the little effort you need to put in. 

Clearance bins are often a good 

way to find items that may be 

overstocked, being cut from the 

product line, or are nearing their 

expiration dates. 

10. Make a List 

How often do you get to the 

store and find that you’re buying 

more than what you planned on 

purchasing and then regret some 

of your impulse purchases? Going 

in with a list can help you stay on 

track with your buying needs and 

save you money. 

These tips and tricks will make a 

big difference in your grow budget. 

You’ll be happier with the amount 

of money you’ve saved, and maybe 

you’ll be able to save enough cash 

to update your equipment or buy 

the equipment for the extension that 

you’ve been dreaming about. Happy 

bargain shopping! 

How do you save money at your 

local grow shop? Email us your tips 

at editor@maximumyield.com. 


31

Who is This 

Kelvin Guy? 

by Sara Elliott 

If the Kelvin scale 

was a character in a 

suspense novel, he’d 

be the misunderstood 

loner who possessed 

information vital 

to untangling the 

convoluted plot. 


If you’re a little unclear about the kelvin (K) rating on your grow 

light, you’re not alone. The Kelvin scale can be counterintuitive 

in a couple of ways, but understanding it is an important 

detail when pursuing the goal of healthy plant development. 

Kelvin and Temperature 

Let’s start with a simple refresher. Kelvin is a temperature 

measurement often preferred in scientific circles because it 

can be useful in a number of different contexts. The bottom of 

the scale denotes absolute zero, a condition where there is no 

measureable kinetic energy in an object. It’s as cold as it can 

possibly be. The coldest objects in the universe will have a 

rating of zero on the Kelvin scale. 

The incremental measurements when using kelvin are the 

same as when using Celsius (˚C), another type of temperature 

scale. Where they differ, however, is the definition of zero. 

On the Celsius scale, zero is the freezing point of water. As 

mentioned above, zero on the Kelvin scale is absolute zero. For 

reference, 0 K is equal to -273.15˚C. 

The Kelvin Scale and Colour Temperature 

Kelvin is a fundamental unit of thermodynamic temperature, 

which means it measures heat. So, it would make sense that 

colour temperature ratings are really heat ratings, right? Well, 

yes and no. 

Although kelvin is a heat measurement, it doesn’t quantify 

the amount of heat a light fixture is pumping into your growroom 

when applied to colour temperature. Instead, it measures 

how closely a light source approximates full-spectrum 

sunlight. The Kelvin scale can be used to do this by exploiting 

the colour changes that occur when an object is heated. 

For a real-world example, think of an incandescent filament. 

As the filament gets hotter, it first begins to glow red then 

orange, yellow, and so on. These colour changes are measured 

as heat values in kelvin, but correlate to colour spectrum 

changes, too. By applying the Kelvin scale to these specific 

hues or colour ranges, it’s possible to select light values 

favourable for specific phases of plant photobiology. Kelvin 

can also be used to identify full-spectrum lights that most 

closely approximate sunlight. 

Is Blue Cool or Hot? 

Let’s look at this concept a little more closely. Light 

sources can be somewhat classified based on their kelvin 

values using a scale from 1,000-8,000 K. Here are some 

general examples to give you an idea of how the scale 

relates to different types of light: 

As you can see, candlelight, which is toward the red end of 

the visual spectrum, has a lower kelvin rating or range than 

light on the white or blue end of the spectrum, such as that 

produced by a fluorescent fixture in an office building. 

This is another way in which kelvin can be confusing. In 

colour psychology, humans tend to associate blue hues with 

cooler environments, often defining them as calmer, chillier 

shades. However, blue has a higher kelvin rating and colour 

temperature than that of red, orange, or yellow light. Going 

back to our incandescent filament example, a white or blue 

filament is hotter than a red or yellow one. 

“ 

In colour psychology, humans tend 

to associate blue hues with cooler 

environments, often defining them 

as calmer, chillier shades. However, 

blue has a higher kelvin rating and 

colour temperature than that of red, 

orange, or yellow light. 

” 

• Candlelight: 1,800-1,930 K 

• Sunlight at Sunrise or Sunset: 2,000-3,000 K 

• High Pressure Sodium (HPS): 2,200 K 

• Incandescent: 2,700-3,000 K 

• Compact Fluorescent (CFL): 2,700-6,500 K (various) 

• Metal Halide (MH): 3,200-5,500 K (various) 

• Sunlight at Noon on a Clear Day: 5,000-5,400 K 


35

WHO IS THIS KELVIN GUY? 

It may seem possible to convert 

light wavelengths to colour 

temperatures. However, the 

relationship between the 

two isn’t as intuitive as 

it might appear. 

Colour Temperature and Visible 

Light Wavelengths 

It may seem possible to convert light wavelengths 

to colour temperatures. However, the 

relationship between the two isn’t as intuitive as 

it might appear. Visible light within the electromagnetic 

spectrum—that is, all the colours of the 

rainbow—has a wavelength range of 390-700 nanometres 

(nm). For example, blue light has a wavelength of 

around 475 nm and red light has a wavelength of about 

650 nm. Colour temperature ratings, however, don’t represent 

a single wavelength value. These ratings actually 

contain many, many wavelengths that collectively appear 

as a particular hue. 

Colour Temperature and Plants 

In nature, plants have access to balanced, full-spectrum 

sunlight that includes all light wavelengths. During photosynthesis, 

most plants employ the entire visible light spectrum. 

To perform some other functions, though, they rely heavily on 

specific portions of the light spectrum. For example, during 

early growth, light on the blue end of the spectrum (6,500 K) 

triggers leaf, stem, and root development. Later, an increase 

in red spectrum light (2,700-3,000 K) encourages and sustains 

flowering and fruiting. 

For indoor growers, understanding how plants use light 

makes it easier to manipulate colour temperature and use 

lighting efficiently in order to maximise the developmental 

potential of plants. Kelvin colour temperature ratings are 

useful measurements when determining the best light for 

different phases of plant development, but there are other 

light-related factors to think about, too. They include, but are 

not limited to, light intensity and duration (AKA daily light 

integral, or DLI), heat output, bulb longevity, equipment cost, 

and energy consumption. For best results, understand what 

type of lighting your plants will need before you invest in 

equipment, and use tools like colour temperature to finetune 

your growing strategies. 

COLOUR TEMPERATURE & YOUR HOME LIGHTING 

If you think the value of colour temperature is limited 

to the confines of your growroom, guess again. The 

technology has widespread uses, some of which touch 

pretty close to home. Colour temperature is used 

in photography, publishing, the film industry, and 

astrophysics. It is also a key component in lighting for 

business and residential applications. Take a look at your 

stash of everyday lightbulbs and you’re likely to see they 

include a kelvin range. Popular ENERGY STAR bulbs are 

rated for both energy efficiency and colour temperature. 

Their colour temperature ratings can help you identify 

and consistently purchase the light hue, or hues, that 

function best for the room or task you have in mind. 

Generally, a colour temperature range of 2,000-3,000 K 

produces warm, cozy yellow light great for a bedroom, 

dining room, or family room. A higher range of 3,100- 

4,500 K produces cool white lighting effective for a kitchen 

workstation or a desk lamp. Lighting in the white, blue range 

of 4,600-6,500 K works best in spaces where visibility is 

critical, such as stairways, entryways, and garage workspaces. 


alancing 

Plant 

Growth 

Regulator 

principles 

Plant growth regulators have their benefits, 

but they also have their drawbacks that can 

include health concerns for people who 

consume what they grow. Rich Hamilton 

explains what plant growth regulators are, 

what they do, and what questions consumers 

should be asking when purchasing them. 

By Rich Hamilton 


PGR PRINCIPLES 

Plant growth 

regulators are 

a chemical or 

mix of chemicals 

that make a plant 

change beyond 

its naturally 

physiological 

growth actions. 

Starting with the basics, PGR stands 

for plant growth regulator, sometimes 

also referred to as a plant hormone. 

Every plant naturally produces tiny 

amounts of hormones to control its 

normal functions such as root growth, 

height, node and internode growth, 

flowering, quantity of flowers, fruit, and 

any other developmental growth. 

Plant growth regulators are a chemical 

or mix of chemicals that make a 

plant change beyond its naturally physiological 

growth actions, through the 

cells, organs, and tissues. It does this by 

either slowing down the rate of growth 

or maturation, speeding up the rate of 

growth or maturation, or altering the 

natural behaviour of a plant. Note that 

this does not include any substances 

that are intended as plant nutrients, 

including trace elements, plant inoculants, 

or nutritional chemicals. 

The term PGR has come to include 

many things, and not all of them are 

harmful. Some of the of major classifications 

of plant growth regulators are 

auxins, cytokinins, ethylene generators, 

gibberellins, and growth inhibitors/retardants. 

Auxins elongate shoots. 

They are primarily used to increase 

growth, flower formation, and root mass. 

Cytokinins stimulates cell division 

and are primarily used to increase root 

mass and new bud growth. Ethylene 

generators ripen fruit and are primarily 

used to ripen fruit uniformly, giving the 

plant consistent fruit size and weight. 

Gibberellins elongate cells and stimulate 

cell division and are primarily used 

to increase fruit and flower size. Finally, 

grow inhibitors and retardants stop or 

slow down growth. They are primarily 

used to increase flower production by 

shortening the internodes, make more 

node sites, and/or to completely stop the 

lateral growth of a plant. 

So, the big question is, are PGRs 

illegal? Well, no, not if they are used on 

ornamental plants. Without going too far 

down the rabbit hole of what is and isn’t 

legal, what I can say is that some are 

prohibited for use on plants grown and 

intended for human consumption. 

Good Control 

PGRs are a great way to control plants. 

They will, if used in the right mixtures 

at the correct dosages, considerably 

improve the desired factors. PGRs can 

help a plant produce more flowers and 

fruits and assist in producing even, 

consistent flowers and fruits. They can 

help you keep plant height consistent 

and reduce the time it takes for a plant 

to produce its flowers and fruits. They 

can also make a plant less susceptible 

to fungi, diseases, and pests. 

PGRs can control plants in order to 

preserve the balance between the 

modern world and the natural world. By 

that I mean they have been used to stop 

growth in trees growing too high that 

otherwise would have to be destroyed 

to prevent them from growing under 

bridges, telephone cables, and in other 

urban locations, damaging or obstructing 

footings, buildings, and foundations. 

At the other end of the scale, they can 

make houseplants more manageable 

and become more resilient to stress and 


disease. PGRs are also used commonly 

and successfully within the retail flower 

business. They are used to make the 

flowers more appealing to the retail 

consumer by improving consistency in 

flower size and colour. 

We’ve covered the positives, so what 

are some of the negatives? As is often 

the case, when something seems too 

good to be true, it usually is. 

A Moral Choice 

Most people, including shop owners and 

customers, would prefer not to sell or 

buy products that contain PGRs if given 

a choice, but most do. There are several 

reasons for this, the first being the 

companies that produce the nutrients 

and additives do not always inform shop 

owners that their products contain PGRs, 

so the shop owner is none the wiser. 

On the flip side, some of the products 

that contain PGRs are so popular and 

sought after, a shop owner may find him 

or herself stuck with a moral choice. The 

owner can attempt to educate customers 

as much as possible on the benefits 

of non-PGR products, but the bottom line 

is that they are a business, so if they 

don’t have the PGR products a customer 

wants in their store, they run the risk of 

losing that customer and sale to a rival. 

Finally, there are those people who are 

only interested in achieving the heaviest 

and most financially rewarding yield 

from the plant and are willing to overlook 

the health concerns related to PGRs. 

In reality, PGRs are out there and it is 

impossible to tell what plants they are 

in and at what levels. But this can all be 

taken care of if plants are flushed before 

harvest, right? 

Wrong. 

PGR chemicals are nearly all systemic, 

which means that once they are taken 

up into the plant, trace chemicals will 

always be in the plant, its flowers, 

fruits, roots, tissues, pollen...everything. 

Therefore, it follows that if you cannot 

be sure what levels of PGRs are present 

in the additives you are using due to the 

lack of information given in the ingredients 

list, and then you would have no 

idea of the level of potentially harmful 

PGRs in any part of your fully grown 

plant, including the fruit, before and 

after harvesting. 

The Right Questions 

There is a lack of pretty much any regulation 

or regulative body on chemicals 

used in the hobbyist hydroponics 

industry. This means that most of the 

nutrient and additive companies don’t 

have to state whether their product 

contains any PGRs, the quantities 

contained, or specify which PGR it is. 

The bad press surrounding PGRs, most 

notably that the majority of them are 

banned in most countries for use on 

plants and their fruits that are intended 

for human consumption, only adds to 

the desire to keep their presence in any 

products a secret. 

You’re probably thinking that surely 

the nutrient companies can’t knowingly 

put these chemicals in their 

products without telling the customer. 

However, like antibiotics in meat or 

chemical ingredients in packaged 

foods, the simple and honest truth is 

yes, some of them do. Not only that, 

they also don’t tell us. Like anything 

else you consume, know what you are 

buying. Here are a few questions to 

ask a retailer or manufacturer when 

purchasing nutrients: 

● What PGRs, if any, are in 

the products you sell? 

● What will those PGRs 

do to the plant? 

● Should they be used on 

anything intended to be 

consumed by humans? 

● What effects will the 

chemicals have if the 

produce of the plant 

is consumed? 

The bottom line is that the next time you 

go to buy nutrients, ask if the product 

contains PGRs. Only by asking and 

buying better can we create a better, 

safer market for ourselves in the future. 

PGRs can control 

plants in order 

to preserve the 

balance between 

the modern 

world and the 

natural world. 


41

Growing 

Something 

OUT OF NOTHING 

Sundrop Farms CEO, Philipp Saumweber 

By Jessica Skelton 

In 2009, a new ag business decided to develop a sustainable method of 

producing high-quality produce anywhere, including places with poor soil, little 

freshwater, and limited access to grid energy. Now, they’re testing out this system 

on a commercial scale by growing tomatoes in the Australian desert. 

undrop Farms has figured out how 

Sto make the desert bloom using 

sunlight, seawater, and little else. 

On a 20-hectare plot located in arid 

Port Augusta, South Australia, 23,000 

mirrors harness the sun’s energy to 

power a desalination plant. The one 

million litres of fresh water created here 

each day is then mixed with nutrients 

and used to grow hydroponic tomatoes 

in the facility’s greenhouses, which are 

also run on solar energy. 

Annually, the farm will produce more 

than 15,000 tonnes of truss tomatoes. 

“Sundrop Farms’ system of farming 

was inspired by the need to overcome 

water shortage and quality issues in 

agriculture,” says Sundrop Farms CEO, 

Philipp Saumweber. “The Sundrop 

system employs existing technologies, 

which come together in a unique way 

that has not been employed before to 

grow produce on this scale.” 

The $200-million facility isn’t entirely 

reliant on renewable energy sources just 

yet, however. It still uses a small amount 

of grid energy as a back-up system and 

to help pump seawater to the desalination 

plant from the Spencer Gulf, which 

is 5.5 kilometres away. 

Still, the existing efforts to decouple 

farming from the finite resources of 

freshwater, fossil fuels, and land will 

result in major wins for the planet. The 

Port Augusta facility, which opened in 

October 2016, will annually save enough 

freshwater to fill 180 Olympic swimming 

pools, the carbon dioxide equivalent 

of 500 cars, and enough diesel to drive 

around the equator 500 times, states a 

press release from Sundrop. 

What’s more, the company employs 

natural farming practices alongside 

its high-yielding space-age technology. 

It uses carnivorous bugs to control 

pests and no chemical fertilisers, and 

employees pick weeds and produce 

entirely by hand. While labour intensive, 

Saumweber says this results in “significantly 

better” fruit for the consumer. 

Tomato plants maturing and producing 

in Sundrop’s hydroponic system 


SundropFarms 

has figured out how 

to make the desert 

bloom using sunlight, 

seawater, and little else.” 

Employees weed and pick produce by hand 

Of course, happy customers and a 

protected environment aren’t the only 

goals for Sundrop Farms. The ag business 

also aims to produce healthy, 

sustainable profits. 

To reach its objectives, the company 

signed an exclusive, decade-long 

contract with Coles. 

“Our 10-year partnership with Sundrop 

Farms is the longest-term contract we 

have ever signed for fresh produce 

and is testament to the confidence we 

have in the Sundrop team,” says Coles 

merchandise director, Chris Nichola. 

The Australian supermarket chain, 

which needed to satisfy an increasing 

demand for tomatoes year-round, now 

sells produce from the Port Augusta 

facility throughout South Australia, 

Victoria, and New South Wales. 

Coles isn’t the only one to have faith 

in Sundrop’s vision of sustainable 

and profitable agriculture. The South 

Australian Government granted AUD 

$6 million to the Port Augusta facility, 

and in 2014, global private equity firm 

KKR invested more than US$100 million 

to enable Sundrop’s expansion both in 

Australia and abroad. 

“We are always interested in taking our 

farms into new markets, and we have 

learned that we cannot succeed in this 

without the help of partners, both on a 

local and global scale,” says Sauweber. 

Speaking of new markets, the future 

is looking bright—or, more accurately, 

green—for Sundrop Farms. The organisation 

broke ground on two new 

operations in 2016, one in Portugal and 

one in the US, and Saumweber says it 

is also “developing a number of new 

projects with partners all around the 

globe.” Each of these facilities will 

be customised to meet its customers’ 

needs, much like how the Port 

Augusta farm works to supply Coles 

with tomatoes. As such, the upcoming 

projects will vary technology-wise, but 

Saumweber says they will all have the 

company’s “triple bottom line values of 

people, planet, and profit at their heart.” 

On a wider scale, there are some that 

believe Sundrop Farms is doing more 

than expanding their own business. 

Sundrop Farms’ managing director for 

Australia, Steve Marafiote, says the 

company is providing a blueprint for the 

future of fresh food production. 

“Through the establishment of our 

high-tech greenhouse facilities, we are 

driving solutions for the production of 

healthy food in a manner that eradicates 

the impacts of variability to ensure 

sufficient supply of produce in line with 

consumer expectations, and ultimately 

promote long-term viability of farming 

in regions facing water and energy 

supply constraints,” he says. 

Only time will tell, however, if more 

people will embrace the model and 

start growing food with little more than 

sunlight and seawater. 

Sundrop Farms’ Port Augusta facility 


43

STRENGTHENING YOUR PLANT’S 

R 

O 

O 

T 

S 

BY ERIC HOPPER 

The root system of a plant is where essential 

nutrients are absorbed and distributed to the rest of 

the plant. As a plant grows and develops, so does 

the root mass. Indoor horticulturists who focus their 

energy on promoting and maintaining a healthy 

root system are more likely to have less problems 

and larger yields each garden cycle. 


“THERE IS A VAST INVISIBLE 

WORLD LIVING IN AND AROUND 

THE ROOT SYSTEM OF VIRTUALLY 

EVERY PLANT ON THE PLANET.” 

R O O T S 

Indoor horticulturists constantly strive to find techniques 

and products that will help increase their garden’s yields. 

Common sense will tell you that a plant with a strong and 

healthy root structure is more likely to have strong and 

healthy stems, leaves, and flowers. Simply put, healthy roots 

will equate to more bountiful harvests. Unfortunately, indoor 

growers do not always give a plant’s root system the attention 

it deserves. It is like the old saying, “out of sight, out of mind”. 

Because the roots are generally hidden from a horticulturist’s 

view, they can often be forgotten. Horticulturists who focus 

some of their energy on making the plant’s root system thrive 

will usually have better yields and less problems overall. 

There are a few different ways for an indoor grower to help 

stimulate root growth and maintain a healthy root mass. 

OXYGEN 

Many horticulturists don’t think about the important fact that 

plants need oxygen to thrive and survive. Most of us think of 

plants as living organisms that produce oxygen during photosynthesis 

(a process which requires CO 2) and not as organisms 

that also need oxygen to grow. However, like other organisms, 

plants need oxygen to perform cellular respiration. Roots 

grow like other parts of the plant, but since they are under soil 

or contained in a hydroponic system, they are not exposed to 

light and cannot photosynthesise. Instead, they gain energy 

for growth by cellular respiration that requires oxygen and 

releases CO 2. This is why a plant’s root mass must be exposed 

to some form of oxygen. For soil growers, the soil’s texture will 

determine the amount of open spaces for air (oxygen). In hydroponic 

systems, such as deep water culture where the plant’s 

roots are submersed in water, the roots will rely on dissolved 

oxygen found in the nutrient solution. This dissolved oxygen 

will need to be replenished as the plant uses it. In both soil 

and hydroponic systems, if there is not a sufficient supply of 

oxygen, the roots will not be able to survive and will die off, 

eventually killing the entire plant. 

How to Increase Oxygen in Soil 

To increase a soil’s oxygen capacity, a grower can add a variety 

of soil amendments. Perlite, pumice, hydroton, or any other 

porous substance can significantly increase a soil’s ability to 

harbour oxygen. Coco coir is another soil amendment praised 

for its ability to not only hold oxygen, but also have good water 

retention. Most prepackaged soil mixes will contain at least 

one amendment aimed at increasing aeration. However, it is 

not a bad idea for indoor growers to add more aeration amendments 

to a soil mix. In fact, well-aerated soil can provide two 

advantages. First, well-aerated soil increases the soil’s ability to 

hold oxygen, thus providing the plant’s root system with all the 

oxygen it needs to grow and flourish. Second, well-aerated soil 

will need to be watered more frequently, which gives the indoor 

horticulturist the opportunity to implement a more aggressive 

feeding regiment. A good rule of thumb is to mix three to four 

parts prepackaged soil to one part perlite or other aerating 

amendment. This ratio will create a fast-draining soil that can 

hold a high amount of oxygen. 


45

STRENGTHENING YOUR PLANT’S ROOTS 

“BECAUSE THE ROOTS ARE GENERALLY 

HIDDEN FROM A HORTICULTURIST’S 

VIEW, THEY CAN OFTEN BE FORGOTTEN.” 

How to Increase Oxygen in a Hydroponic System 

It is crucial in hydroponic systems to focus on the temperature 

of the nutrient solution and mechanical aeration. The nutrient 

solution is usually contained in a reservoir, which needs 

to be mechanically aerated. Submersible pumps or air pumps 

that inject air into the reservoir are the best ways to replenish 

dissolved oxygen. Temperature is another crucial factor 

affecting the dissolved oxygen content of the nutrient solution. 

The ideal temperature for most hydroponic systems falls 

in the 18-21°C range. As the water temperature creeps above 

24°C, its ability to hold oxygen diminishes. This is why water 

chillers are an essential piece of hardware for any hydroponic 

system where the roots are fully submersed. In other hydroponic 

systems, the plant’s root system will be contained within 

some sort of inert medium. There are many different hydroponic 

specific media available and they all have one thing in 

common: the ability to hold a good amount of oxygen. 

NUTRIENTS 

Aside from increasing the amount of oxygen provided to a plant’s 

root system, a grower can pay attention to the nutrients that will 

play a role in root health. A good blooming fertiliser will usually 

contain the nutrients needed for healthy root growth. Phosphorus 

and potassium are the two main nutrients associated with root 

growth. Many horticulturists like to use a blooming base fertiliser 

in the clone and early growth stages. A blooming base fertiliser 

is likely to contain a higher ratio of phosphorus and potassium 

to nitrogen than a vegetative base fertiliser. Phosphorus 

and potassium encourage plants to put out new root shoots and 

help to strengthen existing roots as they continue to develop. A 

diluted bloom fertiliser (one-quarter normal strength) makes a 

great nutrient solution for aerobic clone machines or for conditioning 

stone wool or other clone media. 

ROOT STIMULATORS (HORMONES) 

Plant hormones, known as auxins, can also be used to stimulate 

root growth. A couple of hormones commonly found in 

rooting gels are indole butyric acid and naphthylacetic acid. 

These two hormones are considered root stimulators. Although 

some growers will use these hormones to stimulate root growth 

in early vegetative stages, I have only used them to stimulate 

new roots on cuttings. Auxins are known to promote lateral root 

development, so they are more suitable for cuttings versus seeds. 

BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS 

There is a vast invisible world living in and around the root 

system of virtually every plant on the planet. This microscopic 

world is made up of millions of bacteria and fungi that have 

evolved to have synergistic relationships with plants. Beneficial 

microorganisms are associated with root enhancement and 

overall plant growth enhancement. The most commonly used 

beneficial microorganisms supplemented by indoor horticulturists 

are beneficial fungi and beneficial bacteria. 


R O O T S 

Mycorrhizae (Fungi) 

Mycorrhizae are naturally occurring fungi that form symbiotic 

relationships with more than 90 per cent of the world’s plant 

species. Mycorrhizae have even become a common additive 

in gardening products like prepackaged potting soils. 

Mycorrhizae fungi become an extension of the root system that 

can stretch far into the depths of the soil. This immediately 

broadens the plant’s access to vital nutrients and, therefore, 

increases growth. Mycorrhizae have synergistic relationships 

with the plant’s roots. The extending web of mycorrhizal fungi 

assimilates nutrients for the plant and, in return, the plant’s 

roots secrete sugars or carbon on which the fungi feed. Since 

the relationship between mycorrhizae and the plant’s roots is 

synergistic, it is safe to say that if a gardener has a healthy 

population of mycorrhizae in the soil or medium, he or she will 

usually have a healthy root system as well. 

Trichoderma (Fungi) 

Trichoderma are a group of fungi that are usually used by 

horticulturists as a natural defense against root damaging 

pathogenic fungi. Trichoderma can work wonders against 

pathogenic fungi that could otherwise destroy a healthy root 

system. In fact, some of the most powerful root rot treatments 

available are formulas rich in trichoderma. Trichoderma can 

help maintain a healthy, vibrant root system by fending off 

potential threats. In most cases, trichoderma can be added to 

a feeding regiment to maintain a healthy trichoderma population. 

After all, if there aren’t enough pathogens for the trichoderma 

to feed on, their population will diminish (not a bad 

thing). However, by maintaining a healthy population of trichoderma, 

a horticulturist can nip pathogenic fungi in the bud 

before they can negatively affect a plant’s root system. 

Beneficial Bacteria 

As with beneficial fungi, bacteria can be added to the soil 

or medium to break down organic matter, facilitate nutrient 

uptake, and add protection against pathogens. One huge 

advantage of using beneficial bacteria in indoor horticulture is 

that bacteria can quickly colonise and explode in population. 

The larger the population of beneficial bacteria, the quicker 

they can destroy pathogenic microorganisms and/or break 

down organic matter. As with mycorrhizae, it is safe to say that 

if the soil has a bountiful population of beneficial bacteria, it is 

more likely to have a healthy root system. 

Providing plants with the right nutrients, hormones, and 

beneficial microorganisms are ways an indoor gardener can 

maximise the strength of a plant’s roots. Although mostly 

unseen, the root system of a plant is a huge factor in determining 

the overall success or failure of an indoor garden. 

At the end of the day, growers who spend the extra time on 

developing a strong, healthy root structure are more likely to 

achieve prolific yields and are less likely to encounter potentially 

devastating problems. 


47

SAME 

PLANT 

DIFFERENT 

POTS 

by Grubbycup | While it may not be 

magic, it is possible to grow the same 

plant in more than one container at 

the same time. Using layering or by 

rooting cuttings, plants that share the 

same DNA can be produced, creating 

on demand identical 

twins (almost). 


SAME PLANT, DIFFERENT POTS 

Many plants can produce roots along 

their stems and at budding sites. This 

is because the basic building block cells 

(meristem cells) of plants can develop 

into a variety of cells as they mature. 

The meristem cells found in the leaves, 

stems, and roots all start out the same, 

and it is only as they develop that they 

grow into specialised leaf cells, stem 

cells, and root cells. This is important 

because which type of cell a meristem 

cell will turn into depends in part on the 

environment it is in. 

Some plants make use of this to extend 

their range. Vining plants, in particular, 

are often able to make roots along their 

stem (especially at budding sites with 

their high concentration of undeclared 

meristem cells) where the stem comes 

in contact with moist soil. This gives 

not only additional anchoring points for 

the plant, but the roots can help supply 

moisture and nutrients along the length. 

The same plant may have a central 

main root system and satellite root 

systems at various places. 

Since this creates sections of the plant 

that have both root systems and shoots, 

these sections—once established— 

don’t need to be connected to the 

original plant anymore. If for some 

reason the vine is damaged or cut, the 

satellite section can continue to grow 

independently of the parent plant. 

Gardeners can use this property to 

propagate such plants. A technique 

called simple layering involves intentionally 

burying sections of stem to 

encourage rooting. Once the roots are 

established, the sections are cut apart. 

It is important to note that up until the 

connection is severed, it is still all the 

same plant, and once cut, while technically 

they could be called separate 

plants, they will share the same genetic 

code and gender since they were originally 

the same plant. 

There are variations on the layering 

theme. Sphagnum moss or similar 

can be tied to a branch and kept 

moist to root above ground branches 

(known as air layering), growing tips 

can be bent to come into contact with 

soil (tip layering), stems can be bent 

horizontally and either partially buried 

at several points (serpentine layering) 

or buried straight across in stages 

(trench layering). All of these techniques 

involve getting roots to develop, and 

then cutting off the rooted sections of 

stem to create “new” plants, even if they 

are also, in a way, still the same plant. 

Layering methods all basically 

involve putting a section of stem into a 

growth medium, then keeping it moist 

enough to encourage roots, and finally 

cutting the rooted section away from 

the parent plant. 

“ 

All of these techniques involve 

getting roots to develop, and 

then cutting off the rooted 

sections of stem to create “new” 

plants, even if they are also, in 

a way, still the same plants.” 


“ 

Layering methods all basically 

involve putting a section of stem 

into a growth medium, then keeping 

it moist enough to encourage roots.” 

However, there is another way to vegetatively 

(non-sexually) propagate plants, 

which is like layering, but changes the 

order. Instead of separating the new 

plant after it is rooted, it is separated first 

and placed into a grow medium, where 

roots are encouraged to develop. This 

method is commonly referred to as rooting 

cuttings, or cloning, in tribute to the 

matching DNA of both plants. 

Since the cutting is removed from the 

parent plant before it has developed a 

root system, the stem must be kept moist 

so it can supply moisture to the rest of 

the plant. Eventually the meristem cells 

in the moistened stem will take their cue 

and mature into root cells, forming the 

start of a new root system. 

At its most basic, cutting the end of a 

branch and placing the stem in water 

on a windowsill until it roots is a way 

to root cuttings. Ways to improve over 

this method include aerating the water 

(adding an air stone), supplying stable 

lighting with an artificial light, and 

regulating environmental factors such 

as heat and humidity. 

Care must be taken not to allow the 

stems to dry out or the plant will go into 

terminal wilt and die. Care must also be 

taken not to keep the stem too wet for too 

long, or it can encourage lethal fungal 

growth commonly known as root rot. Up 

to a point, the better aerated the water, 

the longer the contact with the stem is 

allowable. There are rooting solutions 

on the market that contain hormones to 

help convince the meristem cells into 

developing into root cells. 

While not all plants can be started from 

cuttings—some woody plants are easier 

to layer than keep cuttings alive for the 

length of time needed—for those that will 

(tomatoes, for instance) taking cuttings 

tends to be the method of choice for starting 

new plants from a mother plant. 

Rooting cuttings has some benefits over 

layering. Rooting cuttings tends to be 

less labour intensive, requires less space, 

can root plants quicker, and make more 

plants from a single parent plant easily. 

Trying down branches to layer takes 

both effort and time. Well-cared for 

cuttings can start to root days or weeks 

before their layered equivalent. Any 

section with a growing tip (apical meristem) 

and stem section can be attempted 

to be used, allowing for several cuttings 

to be made from each donor plant. 

An advanced form of rooting cuttings, 

known as tissue culture, involves using 

only small sections of a mother plant, 

treating them, and then placing them in 

a special sterile grow medium to allow 

the meristem cells from any part of the 

plant to grow roots and shoots. 

Even for gardeners who specialise in 

plants that are usually propagated by 

either layering or cloning, there is value 

in understanding the similarities and 

differences between the two methods 

so growers have a better overall understanding 

of the mechanisms involved. 


51

Cal-Mag Supplements: 

A One-Two 

Punch 

for Plants 

by Cory Hughes 

If the leaves in your garden are starting to grow in misshapen 

patterns or are showing spotty, discoloured patches, odds are 

you have a nutrient deficiency. Identifying deficiencies can 

be a challenge, but once you have eliminated your primary 

macronutrients from the list, your problem probably lies with 

your secondary nutrients: calcium and magnesium. Fertilising 

your garden with a cal-mag supplement will strengthen your 

plants and ensure a lush, green hue returns to your beauties. 


A ONE-TWO PUNCH FOR PLANTS 

Calcium and magnesium are two 

of the three secondary nutrients 

required by plants, the third being 

sulphur. They are secondary in as far 

as quantities required for growth, not 

importance of function. Simply put, 

calcium and magnesium are necessary 

for plant growth and development and 

are easy to fix in the case of a deficiency. 

While nitrogen stands as requiring 

the highest levels in a nutrient 

feed, secondary nutrients calcium and 

magnesium only require about eight to 

10 per cent of that amount. While their 

required levels are much lower, their 

importance can’t be understated. 

Calcium 

Calcium is important for strengthening 

a plant’s cell walls and maintaining 

its structure. The importance of calcium 

becomes evident when you see degradation 

of the leaves, which eventually 

shows up as discolouration and cankerlike 

sores. When calcium is absent, the 

integrity of the cell wall falls apart. 

Calcium is not mobile inside the plant, 

so the plant cannot borrow from nearby 

areas to make up for local deficiencies. 

Instead, calcium depends on transpiration 

to reach its destination. 

Once absorbed by the root system, 

calcium is then pulled through the plant 

and deposited where needed. Excess 

water, which played a role in the transpiration 

process, then escapes the plant 

“ 

While supplementing 

with calcium by itself, 

it is possible to use 

a foliar application, 

while the vast majority 

of cal-mag supplements 

require introduction to 

the root system. ” 

through tiny pores called stomata. As 

the process depends on the flow of water 

through the plant, any factor that affects 

hydration levels, such as humidity and 

temperature, can have a significant 

impact on calcium levels, even if your 

feed blend is properly mixed. 

Calcium deficiencies also result in 

stunted root growth. Many times, even if 

the soil is rich in calcium, it may not be 

in a form readily available for absorption 

by the plant. This is where supplementation 

comes in. By supplementing 

calcium in a form that is geared toward 

maximum uptake, you increase the 

amount of bio-available calcium in the 

soil, which results in a much-needed 

boost for your plants. A plant with 

increased calcium levels will result in 

higher than usual pH levels in the soil. 

However, finding a higher than usual pH 

level is not necessarily an indicator of 

well-balanced calcium levels. 

Magnesium 

Magnesium deficiencies are easily identified 

by a yellowing of the leaves with 

distinct green veins. Since magnesium 

can float freely throughout the plant, the 

veins remain green as newer leaves are 

actively sucking up what magnesium is 

available. This results primarily in deficiencies 

in older leaves. 

Magnesium is the key element in chlorophyll, 

which gives plants their vibrant 

green colour. This secondary plant 


nutrient also plays numerous roles in 

the photosynthesis process, including 

the activation of enzymes and the 

creation and transportation of sugars 

throughout the plant. The most common 

cause of magnesium deficiencies is 

simply a lack of adequate application. 

Enter the One-Two Punch 

Balancing your magnesium and other 

secondary nutrients is vital since 

disproportional amounts can limit 

uptake. Fortunately, treating calcium 

and magnesium deficiencies can be 

handled in one shot. Adding a cal-mag 

supplement to your plants can help 

alleviate many of the symptoms 

showing up in your garden. There are 

a handful of approaches to cal-mag 

supplementation. You can head to your 

local grow shop and pick up one of a 

handful of excellent quality fertilisers, 

or you can mix up a batch at home. 

While supplementing with calcium 

by itself, it is possible to use a foliar 

application, while the vast majority of 

cal-mag supplements require introduction 

to the root system. 

Mixing your own cal-mag supplement 

at home is as easy as measuring 

out raw nutrient salts. Each 

of the commercial manufacturers 

has their own formulation, 

but they all follow similar 

methods, tweaking things 

here and there to achieve 

specific results. If you want to mix up 

your own cal-mag, start with magnesium 

sulphate, otherwise known as Epsom 

salts. Epsom salts are a staple of the 

gardening community for magnesium 

supplementation and make the perfect 

base for your cal-mag mix. 

The next ingredient is calcium nitrate. 

Calcium nitrate is a common plant 

fertiliser used in standard feed mixes. 

As both calcium and magnesium come 

in a chunky, powdery form, they need to 

be dissolved in water at specific ratios. 

Taking into consideration personal 

preference, your calcium should be at a 

parts per million (ppm) of at least double 

that of magnesium. One example of a 

homemade cal-mag has a ppm ratio as 

follows: 120 ppm magnesium and 260 

ppm calcium. This breaks down, per 

gallon, to 5.8 grams of calcium nitrate 

and 4.6 grams of magnesium sulphate 

“ 

Calcium is not mobile 

inside the plant, so the 

plant cannot borrow from 

nearby areas to make up 

for local deficiencies. ” 

(Epsom salts). You can always adjust 

your mixture to compensate for specific 

deficiencies, depending on the symptoms 

you see in your garden. 

If all of this sounds like too much work, 

there are many cal-mag formulations 

out there that are ready to go. Many of 

them include additional nutrients like 

iron or nitrogen, but they all stay within 

certain parameters regarding their 

levels of calcium and magnesium. 

Nutrient deficiencies in the garden 

can arise for a multitude of reasons. 

Everything from high heat and humidity 

to an imbalance in your fertilisers 

can result in calcium and magnesium 

deficiencies. The decaying of leaf structure, 

fading of leaves, and yellowing 

with green veins are indications your 

calcium and magnesium levels are 

low. As these two nutrients play such 

an important role in plant growth and 

development, it is important to be able 

to recognise the symptoms of deficiency 

quickly and respond appropriately. 

Understanding the roles 

calcium and magnesium play in 

your garden is vital in knowing 

how to correct problems that 

arise from deficiencies. 


55

you tell us 

PHYTOPONICS IS A START-UP COMPANY TACKLING FOOD SECURITY AND 

SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH A PATENT-PENDING, LOW-COST, EASY-TO-USE AND 

ADAPTABLE HYDROPONIC GROW BAG CALLED THE HYDROSAC. PHYTOPONICS 

CEO ADAM DIXON TELLS US MORE. 

THE HYDROSAC IS THE LOWEST-COST AGGREGATE-FREE 

HYDROPONIC SYSTEM ON THE MARKET. IT IS FLEXIBLE AND 

MULTIPURPOSE, UNLIKE ANYTHING SEEN BEFORE." 

HOW DID YOUR BUSINESS GET ITS START? 

I have been doing hydroponics for 10 years, growing 

with a variety of systems—bubbleponic, fogponic, 

aeroponic and soil. I started the business because I 

had an idea for a new type of hydroponic system after 

hearing from other growers who wanted systems that 

were low cost, productive, easy to use and adaptable. 

I teamed up with two close friends and a close 

colleague to develop this idea. We all share the same 

values and desire to make a real difference in the 

world through hydroponics. 

HOW HAS THIS IDEA EVOLVED? 

In six months, as a team of four, we took a rough 

idea and optimised it for manufacture and 

growth, achieving multiple awards. We are 

now looking to mass manufacture to meet 

demand, and are currently tooling up. 

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY’S PHILOSOPHY? 

We are a community interest company (CIC) in the 

UK, so we are a mixture of for-profit and non-profit. We 

want to make low-cost and easy-to-use products to 

accelerate the adoption of hydroponics to tackle food 

security, global warming, deforestation, water scarcity 

and land shortages. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FLAGSHIP PRODUCT, 

THE HYDROSAC. 

The Hydrosac is a hydroponic grow bag made from 

recycled flexible plastic. It holds water and has 

inflatable sides that support a porous growing 

platform above water. It has integrated aeration, 

with one valve on the end leading to a 

bubbler welded onto the bottom that 

aerates in an optimal pattern—no 

more air stones! 


CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM 

+44 1291888941 

WWW 

PHYTOPONICS.COM 

WE WANT TO MAKE LOW-COST 

AND EASY-TO-USE PRODUCTS 

TO ACCELERATE THE ADOPTION 

OF HYDROPONICS TO TACKLE 

FOOD SECURITY, GLOBAL WARMING, DEFORESTATION, WATER 

SCARCITY AND LAND SHORTAGES. " 

We make a one-metre Hydrosac that rolls up to the 

size of a newspaper roll, and a 10-metre long version 

for greenhouses that rolls up to the size of a beer keg. 

These are best laid flat and filled with water for deep 

water culture or Kratky hydroponics due to low power 

and resilience, but can also work on a slope for NFT, 

and vertically through aeroponics. For big, heavy 

crops, you can hook your growing twines through 

the netting to hold up the growing platform while 

supporting the plants. 

WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCTS UNIQUE? 

The Hydrosac is the lowest-cost aggregate-free 

hydroponic system on the market. It is flexible and 

multipurpose, unlike anything seen before, because 

it is just a plastic sack with hydroponic parts welded 

onto it, making it affordable, repairable and easily 

configurable. With our valve ports, you can fit your own 

pipes into them through adapters. We make it from 

a thick plastic that is puncture resistant, but if you 

do drop a razor blade on it, you can duct tape it for a 

reinforced fix. It is so small rolled up, users can bring a 

quarter-acre capacity in one big truck, so you wouldn’t 

need to remortgage just for the delivery. We want to 

use hydroponics to save lives in disaster relief through 

aid—a roll-up, rapid deployable farm could help 

people grow crucial food supplies in a short amount of 

time or in ruined, unfertile land. 

TELL US A BIT ABOUT SOME ADDITIONAL WAYS 

HYDROSACS ARE USED. 

I think one on my favourite configurations is hanging 

fogponics. With Nutramist’s new cyclone generator, the 

user can blast up a fog through ducting to feed into the top 

of our Hydrosac and recirculate the trickle at the bottom 

for excellent growing in large curtains of Hydrosacs. 

One of the more profitable configurations is the 

Kratky, where our porous membrane wicks up water to 

germinate seeds resting on the porous layer nesting 

under the plastic top. They then grow roots down and hit 

the body of water for no-power hydroponics. Hydrosacs 

are also suitable for aquaponics. If you need a biofilter, 

the Hydrosac can be a good one, and if you are growing 

non-spiny fish or shrimp, the Hydrosac can be used in a 

pinch to stand in as an aquaculture chamber. 

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE COMPANY IN 10 YEARS? 

We are looking for experienced growers to test with us 

and commercial farmers to buy our Hydrosacs now so 

we can make a global impact. In 10 years, we will be a 

global farming franchise offering complete hydroponic 

farms with highly automated growing systems. We 

hope to convert millions of farmers to hydroponics 

and bring a new era of low environmental impact 

farming. We are also developing HVAC and grow light 

technology and have the innovation required to make it 

low cost and sustainable. 

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING NEW AND EXCITING AT 

THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STAGE YOU 

CAN SHARE? 

We have one crazy idea in our patent filing that 

we can share: If we take our Hydrosac and weld 

on a polytunnel, we have a low-cost and quickly 

deployable farm. Because we have inflatables, 

it floats, and if we use the right specification of 

polythene, it can be salt and biofouling resistant. 

Our idea is so radical we can only share it with the 

most informed hydroponics audience here. It is to 

put hydroponic farms using fresh water on the sea. 

Marine Hydrosacs could be a major solution to the 

land and freshwater issue once and for all. 


57

GROW WITH US. 

Grow. Heal. Live. Enjoy. 

MODERN GROWING

EXPERIENCE 

THE FUTURE 

OF GROWING 

SAN JOSE, CA 

June 3-4, 2017 

San Jose McEnery 

Convention Center 

DETROIT, MI 

Sep 30-Oct 1, 2017 

Cobo Center 

mygrowx.com | #growx2017 

Dark orange

MAXIMUM YIELD DISTRIBUTORS 

Retail stores listed alphabetically by state. 

Interested in carrying Maximum Yield in your store? Distribution is available by contacting Dome Garden Supply, Holland Forge, House & Garden, Growlush, Hydroponic 

Generations, Plant Symbionts, and Way to Grow. Already a distributor? Call 1-250-729-2677 to update your listing. 

ACT 

South Pacific Hydroponics 

#2 - 84 - 86 Wollongong St. 

Fyshwick ACT 2609 

(02) 6239 2598 


70 Oatley Crt. 

Belconnen ACT 2617 

(02) 6251 0600 

NEW SOUTH 

WALES 

24/7 Hydroponics 

151 Wine Country Drive, 

Nulkaba NSW 2325 

(02) 4990 4291 

admin@simplydvine.com.au 

99 Trading 

57 Hoskins Avenue, Banks Town 

NSW 2200 

(02) 9790 1525 

ABC Aquaculture 

54 Wahroonga Rd. 

Kanwal NSW 2259 

(61) 2 4393 3131 

Accent Hydroponics 

Unit 1/5 Clerke Place, Kurnell 

NSW 2231 

(02) 9668 9577 

accenthydroponics.com 

ASE Hydroponics 

Factory 10/45 Leighton Pl. 

Hornsby NSW 2077 

(02) 9477 3710 

Ballina Hydro 

3 Ray O’Niell Cres. 

Ballina NSW 2478 

(02) 6686 7321 

Criscete Hydroponics and 

Organics 

Unit 2/15 Kam Close 

Morisset NSW 2264 

(02) 4973 5779 

Dubbo Hydro 

& Tobacconist 

42c Victoria St. 

Dubbo West NSW 2830 

(02) 6885 1616 

Earth & Colour Vertical 

Gardens and Hydroponic 

Supplies 

1/43 CorporationCircuit, Tweed 

Heads South NSW 2486 

(07) 5523 9565 

earthandcolour.com.au 

Ezi Grow Hydro 

Unit 3/84 Bills Line of Road 

North Richmond NSW 2754 

(02) 4588 5826 

Favgro Hydroponics 

Growers 

107 Glenella Rd. 

Batehaven NSW 2536 

(02) 4472 7165 

Felanza - Hydroponics 

140 Princess Hwy. 

Arncliffe NSW 2205 

(02) 9556 1494 

General Hydroponics 

7/14 Sunnyholt Rd. 

Blacktown NSW 9676 

(02) 9676 8682 

Grow Your Own 

Unit 6/34 Alliance Ave 

Morisset NSW 2264 

(02) 4973 5179 

Home Grown Aquaponics 

8A-8B 13 Hartley Drive, Thornton 

NSW 2322 

(02) 4028 6388 

home-grown.net.au 

Hong Hung 

D5 303 The Horsley Drive, 

Fairfield NSW 2165 

(02) 8764 1083 

Hyalite Kingsgrove 

1/4 Wirega Ave. 

Kingsgrove NSW 2208 

(02) 8068 5896 

Hyalite Moorebank 

6/376 Newsbridge Rd. 

Moorebank NSW 2170 

(02) 9824 3400 

Hyalite Villawood 

2/21 Birmingham Ave. 

Villawood NSW 2163 

(02) 9723 7199 

Hydro Experts 

34/2 Railway Parade 

Lidcombe NSW 2141 

(02) 8041 7959 

info@hydroexperts.com.au 

hydroexperts.com.au 

Hydro Masta 

100 Station Rd. 

Seven Hills Sydney NSW 2147 

(02) 8812 2845 

Hydro Place 

1/68 Nelson St. 

Wallsend NSW 2287 

(02) 4965 6595 

Hydro Shop Pty Ltd 

Unit 1/5-7 Channel Rd. 

Mayfield West NSW 2304 

(02) 4960 0707 

Hydro Supplies 

57 Flinders St. 

Darlinghurst NSW 2010 

(02) 9326 0307 

Hygrow Horticulture 

(Greenlite) 

252 Oxford St. 

Bondi Junction NSW 2022 

(02) 9369 3928 

Indoor Sun Shop 

745 Victoria Rd. 

Top Ryde NSW 2112 

(02) 9808 6511 

Indoor Sun Shop 

Unit 2/109 Junction Rd. 

Moorebank NSW 2170 

(02) 9822 4700 

International Fans 

PO Box 120 

St. Mary’s NSW 2760 

(02) 9833 7500 

Kyper’s Tools and 

Hydroponics 

Stuart & Tincogan Sts 

Mullumbimby NSW 2482 

(02) 6684 4928 

Lismore Hydro 

1/106 Canway St. 

Lismore NSW 2480 

(02) 6621 3311 

Lismore Hydroponics 

Rear of 28 Casino St. 

South Lismore NSW 2480 

(02) 6621 3311 

Lux Cuttings 

Shop 2/273 Anzac Parade 

Kingsford NSW 2032 

(02) 9663 0473 

North Coast Hydroponics 

2/5 Wallis Ave. 

Toormina NSW 2452 

(02) 6658 7932 

northcoasthydro.com.au 

Northern Lights 

Hydroponics 

6/46 Through St. 

South Grafton NSW 2460 

(04) 3110 5882 

Northern Nursery 

Supplies Pty Ltd 

14-16 Nance Rd. 

Kempsey NSW 2440 

(02) 6563 1599 

Nowra Hydro 

68 Bridge Rd. 

Nowra NSW 2541 

(02) 4423 3224 

Nutriflo Hydroponic 

Systems 

19/5 Daintree Pl. 

Gosford West NSW 2250 

(02) 4323 1599 

nutriflo.com.au 

Outside in Hydroponics & 

Organics 

2/595 Main Rd. 

Glendale NSW 2285 

(02) 4956 5676 

Parkview Plants 

250 Princess Hwy. 

Nowra South NSW 2541 

(02) 4423 0599 

Port Pumps and Irrigation 

20 Uralla Rd. 

Pt Macquarie NSW 2444 

(02) 6581 1272 

Quik Grow 

510a Great Western Hwy. 

Pendle Hill NSW 2145 

(02) 9636 7023 

Quick Grow 

823 King Georges Rd. 

S. Hurstville NSW 2221 

(02) 9546 8642 

Quik Grow Pty Ltd 

490 Parramatta Rd. 

Petersham NSW 2049 

(02) 9568 2900 

Richmond Hydroponics 

Unit 3/84 Bells Line of Rd., North 

Richmond NSW 2754 

(02) 4571 1620 

richmondhydroponics.com.au 

Simple Grow 

Hassall St. & Windem 

Wetherill Pk NSW 2164 

(02) 9604 0469 


84-86 Wollongong St, Fyshwick 

NSW 2609 

(02) 6239 2598 

Sydney Garden Supplies 

187 Waterloo Rd., Greenacre 

NSW 2190 

0414 609 241 

The Grow Shop 

5/5 Forge Dr. 

Coff’s Harbour NSW 2450 

(02) 6651 9992 

The Petshop Boyz 

Unit 1/ 5-7 Channel Rd., Mayfield 

West NSW 2304 

(02) 4960 0708 

petshopboyz.com.au 

TN Hydroponics 

1/43 Chadderton St, Cabramatta 

NSW 2166 

(02) 9724 5692 

Tweed Coast Hydroponics 

2/58 Machinery Dr. 

Tweeds Head South NSW 2486 

(07) 5524 8588 

Uncle Wal’s Gardenland 

31 Cres. Ave. 

Taree NSW 2430 

(02) 6550 0221 

VN Hydro 

8 Robert St. 

Belmore NSW 2192 

Home Grown Aquaponics 

13/8a-8b Hartley Dr. 

Thornton NSW 2322 

(02) 4028 6388 

Warrawong Hydroponics 

Centre 

Shop 2B – 72 Cowper St. 

Warrawong NSW 2502 

(02) 427 48001 

warrawonghydro@hotmail.com 

Westside Lighting & 

Electrical (Ezi Range) 

PO Box 274 

Mascot NSW 1400 

1 800 661 475 

Wollongong Hydroponic 

Center 

318 Crown St. 

Wollongong NSW 2500 

(02) 4225 8773 

NORTHERN 

TERRITORY 

Darwin Hydroponics 

5/8 Andrews St, Berrimah NT 0828 

0478 735 165 

darwinhydroponics.com 

Katherine Hydroponics 

Centre 

17 Rundle St. 

Katherine NT 0850 

(08) 8972 1730 

Top End Hydroponics 

1785 Leonino Rd. 

Darwin River NT 0841 

(08) 8988 6076 

QUEENSLAND 

A Happy Medium 

Hydroponics 

Unit2/10 Central Crt. 

Browns Plains QLD 4118 

(07) 3809 3322 

Advanced horticultural 

Supplies - Gold Coast 

6/68 Blanck St. 

Ormeau QLD 4208 

0435 255 856 

adhs.com.au 

Advanced Horticulture 

Supplies - Noosaville 

Shop 3 11 A Venture Dr. 

Noosaville QLD 4566 

(07) 5641 1256 

adhs.com.au 

Allgrow Hydro 

13 - 58 Bullock Head St. 

Sumner Park QLD 4074 

(07) 3376 7222 

Aqua Gardening 

Shop 3/73 PIckering St. 

Enoggera QLD 4051 

(07) 3354 1588 

Aquatic Oasis 

Unit 2/33 Smith St. 

Capalaba QLD 4157 

(07) 3245 7777 

Billabong Hydroponics 

Lot 1 Billabong Crt. 

Childers QLD 4660 

(07) 4126 3551 

D-Bay Hydroponics Shop 

5/404 Deception Bay Rd. 

Deception Bay QLD 4508 

(07) 3204 8324 

E.T. Grow Home 

Unit 1/4 Windmill St. 

Southport QLD 4215 

(07) 5591 6501 

Eye Lighting Australia Pty Ltd 

PO Box 306 

Carole Park QLD 4300 

(07) 3335 3556 

Frans Hydroponics 

Shed 3 1191 

Anzac Ave. Kallangar QLD 4503 

(07) 3285 1355 

Gold Coast hydroponics 

42 Lawrence Drive 

Nerang QLD 4211 

(07) 5596 2250 

Grow Hydro 

22 Mining St. 

Bundamba QLD 4304 

(07) 3816 3206 

H2 Gro Pty Ltd 

2 Sonia Crt. 

Raceview QLD 4305 

(07) 3294 3253 

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

Home Grown Hydroponics 

4/9 Barnett Pl. 

Moledinar QLD 4214 

(07) 5571 6666 

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

Hyalite Varsity 

5/11 John Duncan Crt. 

Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 

(07) 5593 7385 

Hydrocenter Hydroponics 

26 Spencer Rd. 


(07) 5527 4155 

Hydroponic Roots & 

Shoots 

Lot 3 Herberton Rd. 

Atherton QLD 4883 

(07) 4091 3217 

Hydroponics & Garden 

Supplies 

93 Cook St. 

Portsmith QLD 4870 

(07) 4035 5422 

Hydroponics Today 

PO Box 785 

Stanthorpe QLD 4380 

(07) 4683 3133 

Indoor Solutions 

Unit 2/79 Oxford Tce. 

Taringa QLD 4068 

J&K Hydroponics 

387 Progress Rd. 

Wacol QLD 4076 

(07) 3271 6210 

KY Garden 

3/31 Argyle PDE 

Darra Brisbane QLD 4076 

(07) 3375 9098 

Logan Hydroponics 

13/22, Allgas St. 

Slacks Creek QLD 4127 

(07) 3299 1397 

loganhydroponics.com.au 

North Queensland Hydro 

Supplies 

Shop 2B/20-22 Fleming St. 

Townsville QLD 4810 

(07) 4728 3957 

Northern Hydroponics 

383 Mulgrave Rd. 

Cairns QLD 4870 

(07) 4054 5884 

NQ Hydroponics 

31 Casey St. 

Aitkenvale QLD 4814 

(07) 4728 3957 

Pioneer Hydroponics 

194 Doyles Rd. 

Pleystowe QLD 4741 

(07) 4959 2016 

Simply Hydroponics Gold 

Coast 

42 Lawrence Dr. 


(07) 5596 2250 

Slacks Creek Hydroponics 

#13/22 Allgas St. 

Slacks Creek QLD 4217 

(07) 3299 1397 

Sunstate Hydroponics 

7/10 Fortune St. 

Geebung QLD 4034 

(07) 3265 3211 

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

Sunstate Hydroponics 

10/13 Kerryl St. 

Kunda Park QLD 4556 

(07) 5445 3499 

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

Town & Country 

Hydroponics 

Shop 1/8585 Warrego Hwy. 

Withcott QLD 4352 

Tumbling Waters 

Hydroponics 

2 Clarkes Track 

Malanda QLD 4885 

(07) 4096 6443 

Walsh’s Seeds 

Garden Centre 

881 Ruthven St. 

Toowoomba QLD 4350 

(07) 4636 1077 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 

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

Adelaide Hydro 

Shop 3.267 Goodwood Rd. 

Kings Park SA 5034 

(08) 7230 5907 

adelaidehydro.com.au 

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

Advanced Garden Supplies 

3/8 Bredbo St. 

Lonsdale SA 5160 

(08) 8382 1191 

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

Amazon Aquariums & 

Gardening 

Unit 5 16 Research Rd. 

Pooraka SA 5095 

(08) 8359 1800 

Ascot Park 

753 Marion Rd. 

Ascot Park SA 5043 

(08) 8357 4700 

Barry’s Hardware 

Saints & Main North Rd. 

Salisbury Plains SA 5109 

(08) 8281 4066 

Back Street Traders 

Unit 6/8 Lindsey Rd. 


(08) 8322 4383 

Bloomin’ Hydroponics 

5/535 Martins Rd. 

Parafield Gardens SA 5107 

(08) 8281 6395 

Bolzon Home & Garden 

103 Tolley Rd. 

St Agnes SA 5097 

(08) 8265 0665 

Chocablock Discount Variety 

Store 

15-17/1220 Grand Junction 

Hope Valley SA 5090 

(08) 8396 3133 

Complete Hydroponics 

1581 Main North Rd. 

Salisbury East SA 5109 

(08) 8258 4022 

Country Hydro 

434 Saddleback Rd. 

Whyalla SA 5600 

(08) 8645 3105 

D & W Dependable 

Hardware 

45B Kettering Rd. 

Elizabeth South SA 5112 

(08) 8287 6399 

Every Thing Hydro 

Shop 2/494 Main North Rd. 

Blair Athol SA 5084 

(08) 8260 3335 

Festive Hydro 

2 Kreig St. 

Evanston Park SA 5116 

(08) 8523 5100 


Fulham Gardener Nursery 

597 Tapleys Hill Rd. 

Fulham SA 5024 

(08) 8235 2004 

Future Garden Concepts 

North 

Shop 2 21-23 Kreig Rd. 

Evanston Park SA 5116 

(08) 8523 5100 

Futchatec Distribution 

4 Symonds St. 

Royal Park 5014 

(08) 8447-1122 

Glandore Hydroponics 

644 South Rd. 

Glandore SA 5037 

(08) 8371 5777 

www.glandorehydro.com 

Greener than Green 

52 - 54 Cliff Ave. 

Port Noarlunga South SA 51 

(08) 8386 2596 

Greenhouse Superstore 

Lonsdale 

35 to 37 Aldenhoven Rd. 


(08) 8382 0100 

Greenhouse Superstore 

Royal Park 

4 Symonds St. 

Royal Park SA 5014 

(08) 8447 5899 

Gro Pro Hydro 

3 Kelly Rd. 

Willaston SA 5118 

(08) 8522 7761 

Ground-Up Service 

Nursery 

3 Copinger Rd. 

Pt. Pirie SA 5540 

(08) 8264 9455 

Gully Hydro 

32 Famechon Cres. 

Modbury North SA 5092 

08 8264 9455 

Hackham Garden & Building 

Supplies 

32 Gates Rd, Hackham SA 5163 

(08) 8382 4754 

Harvest Time Hydroponics 

Shop 3/146-148 

Findon Rd. Findon SA 5023 

(08) 8244 0222 

Hindmarsh Hydroponics 

39a Manton St. 

Hindmarsh SA 5095 

(08) 8346 9461 

Highland Grow & Flow 

14/1042 Grand Junction Rd. 

Holden Hill SA 5088 

(08) 8395 4455 

Hong Kong Hydro 

13 Research Rd. 


(08) 8260 2000 

Hydro Heaven 

Kane Motors-Hunt Rd. 

Mount Barker SA 5251 

(08) 8391 1880 

Hydro Sales & Service 

1 Salisbury Cres. 

Colonel Light SA 5041 

(08) 8272 2000 

Hydro Technics 

321 South Rd. 

Croydon SA 5008 

(08) 8241 5022 

Hydro Technics North 

22 Peachey Rd. 

Elizabeth West SA 5113 

08 8252 7988 

Hydro Warehouse 

181 Seacombe Rd. 

South Brighton SA 5048 

(08) 8377 1200 

Hydro Wholesalers 

181 Seacombe Rd. 

South Brighton SA 5048 

(08) 8377 1200 

Hydro World 

40 Folland Ave. 

Northfield SA 5085 

(08) 8262 8323 

hydroworld.com.au 

Koko’s Hydro Warehouse 

Unit 2/2 McGowan St. 


(08) 8260 5463 

Larg’s Bay Garden Supply 

239 Victoria Rd. 

Largs Bay SA 5016 

(08) 8242 3788 

Martins Rd. Hydro 

# 5- 353 Martins Rd. 

Parafield Gardens SA 5107 

(08) 8283 4011 

Mitre 10 Dr. In 

152 Hanson Rd. 

Mansfield Park SA 5012 

(08) 8445 1813 

New Age Hydroponics 

135-137 Sir Donald Bradman Dr. 

Hilton SA 5033 

(08) 8351 9100 

newagehydro.com 

Owen Agencies 

17-19 Railway Terr. 

Owen SA 5460 

(08) 8528 6008 

Palms & Plants 

175 Salisbury Hwy. 

Salisbury SA 5108 

(08) 8285 7575 

Professional Hydro 

4/522 Grange Rd. 

Fulham Gardens SA 5024 

(08) 8353 0133 

Professional Hydro 

Shop 5/645 Lower North East Rd. 

Paradise SA 5075 

(08) 8365 5172 

Professional Hydroponics 

113 Maurice Rd. 

Murray Bridge SA 

(08) 8532 3441 

Rob’s Garden Centre 

Shop 3/364 North East Rd. 

Windsor Gardens SA 5087 

(08) 8369 2498 

Seaton Hydroponics 

129 Tapleys Hill Rd. 

Seaton SA 5023 

(08) 82682636 

Soladome Aquaculture 

& Hydro 

44 Chapel St. 

Norwood SA 5067 

(08) 8362 8042 

South Coast Hydroponics 

6/25 Gulfview Rd. 

Christies Beach SA 5165 

(08) 8384 2380 

State Hydroponics & 

Homebrew Supplies 

174 Semaphore Rd. 

Exeter SA 5019 

(08) 8341 5991 

Tea Tree Gully Hydro 

32 Famechon Cres. 

Modbury North SA 5092 

(08) 8264 9455 

Two Wells Hardware 

86 Old Port Wakefield Rd. 

Two Wells SA 5501 

(08) 8520 2287 

Urban Grow Solutions 

1/111 Main Sth Rd. 

O’Halloran Hill, S.A 5189 

(08) 8322 0040 

Waterworld Home & Garden 

Supplies 

9 Aldershot Rd. 


(08) 8326 2444 

Warehouse of Garden 

89 Helps Rd. 

Burton SA 5110 

(08) 8280 3314 

warehouseofgarden.com.au 

West Garden Centre 

Peachey Rd. 

Elizabeth West SA 5113 

(08) 8255 1355 

TASMANIA 

Advanced Hydroponics 

26 Mulgrave St. 

South Launceston Tas 7249 

(03) 6344 5588 

Aqua Hydroponics 

Rear 45 Burnett St. 

New Norfolk Tas 7140 

(03) 6294 9233 

Ezy Grow 

625 East Derwent Hwy. 

Lindisfarne Tas 7015 

(03) 6243 9490 

Garden World 

717 West Tamar Hwy. 

Legana Tas 7277 

(03) 6330 1177 

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

Green Acres Hydroponics 

46-48 Bingalong Rd. 

Mornington Tas 7018 

(03) 6245 1066 

sales@greenacreshydroponics. 

com.au 

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

Growers Choice 

225 Main Rd. 

Derwent Park Tas 7009 

(03) 6273 6088 

Hydroponics Systems 

131 Main Rd. 

Moonah Tas 7009 

(03) 6278 3457 

Hydroponic World 

322 Bass Hwy. 

Sulphur Creek Tas 7316 

(03) 6435 4411 

Lifestyle Gardens 

167 Gilbert St. 

Latrobe Tas 7307 

(03) 6426 2003 

Organic Garden Supplies 

17 Don Rd. 

Devonport Tas 7310 

(03) 6424 7815 

Tasmanian Hydroponic 

Supplies 

99 Lampton Ave. 

Derwent Park Tas 7009 

(03) 6272 2202 

The Hydroponic Company 

69 Charles St. 

Moonah Tas 7009 

(03) 6273 1411 

The Hydroponics Company 

289 Hobart Rd. 

Kings Medow Tas 7428 

(03) 6340 2222 

VICTORIA 

99 Garden Services 

Unit 31 12-20 James Court 

Tottenham VIC 3012 

(03) 9314 8088 

AAA Lush Hydroponics 

2-4 The Arcade, Junction Village 

Melbourne Vic 3972 

Albury Hydroponics/ 

Cappers Hydroponics 

62 Thomas Mitchell Dr. 

Springvale Vic 3171 

(02) 6024 4029 

All Seasons Hydroponics 

3 Springvale Rd. 

Springvale Vic 3171 

(03) 9540 8000 

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

A-Grade Hydroponics 

Factory 39 / 148 Chesterville Rd. 

Cheltenham Vic 3192 

(03) 9555 0228 

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

Aquamatic 

299 Monbulk Rd. 

Monbulk VIC 3793 

(03) 9756 6666 

aquamatic.com.au 

Banksia Greenhouse and 

Outdoor Garden 

530 Burwood Hwy. 

Wantirna Vic 3152 

(03) 9801 8070 

Barb’s Hydro and Nursery 

15 Wallace Ave. 

Interverloch Vic 3196 

(03) 5674 2584 

Bayside Hydroponics 

5/9 Rutherford Rd. 

Seaford, Vic 3198 

(03) 9775 0495 

Belgrave Hydroponics 

5/ 60-68 Colby Dr. 

Belgrave Heights Vic 3160 

(03) 9754 3712 

Brew ‘N’ Grow 

4 - 479 Nepean Hwy. 

Edithvale Vic 3199 

(03) 9783 3006 

Casey Hydroponics 

12 The Arcade St. 

Cranbourne Vic 3977 

(03) 5996 3697 

Casey Hydro 

78 Spring Square 

Hallam Vic 3803 

(03) 9796 3776 

Central Hydro 

Factory 3/9 Mirra Court 

Bundoora VIC 3083 

(03) 9466 7635 

centralhydroponics.com.au 

Chronic Hydroponics 

31 Anderson St. 

Templestowe Vic 3106 

(03) 9646 8133 

Complete Garden Supplies 

580 Ballarat Rd. 

Sunshine Vic 3020 

(03) 9311 9776 

Crown Garden Supplies 

8 Glencapel Crt. 

Hillside VIC 3037 

045 996 6344 

Discount Hydroponics 

18 Princes Hwy. 

Doveton Vic 3177 

(03) 9792 2966 

Echuca Hydroponic Nursery 

& Supplies 

23 Ogilvie Ave. 

Echuca Vic 3564 

(03) 5480 2036 

Echuca Pump Shop 

128 Ogilvie Ave. 

Echuca Vic 3564 

(03) 5480 7080 

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

Epping Hydroponics 

10 Dilop Dr. 

Epping Vic 3076 

(03) 9408 4677 

eppinghydroponics.com.au 

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

Excel Distributors Pty Ltd 

2/41 Quinn St. 

Preston Vic 3072 

(03) 9495 0083 

F.L.O.W. Plants and 

Environments 

66B Chapel St. 

Windsor Vic 3181 

(03) 9510 6832 

Fruits of Nature Pty Ltd T/A 

Westside Hydroponics 

202 Main Rd. 

Ballarat, Vic 3350 

(03) 5338 7555 

Gardensmart/AutoPot 

Systems 

810 Springvale Rd. 

Braeside Vic 3195 

(03) 9701 8811 

Global Hydroponics 

10 Knight Ave. 


(03) 9356 9400 

Greenleaf Hydroponics 

9a Church St. 

Traralgon Vic 3844 

(03) 5176 0898 

Greenleaf Hydroponics 

Factory 7, Industrial Park Dr. 

Lilydale Vic 3140 

(03) 9739 7311 

GreenLite - Ringwood 

291 Maroondah Hwy. 

Ringwood Vic 3134 

(03) 9870 8566 

Grow 4 XS 

Rear 24 Simms Rd. 

Greensborough Vic 3088 

(03) 9435 6425 

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

Growlush Australia 

830-850 Princes Hwy. 

Springvale Vic, 3171 

(03) 9546 9688 

www.growlush.com 

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

Guerrilla Gardens 

factory 1/4 Wren Rd. 

Moorabbin VIC 3189 

(03) 9912 6090 

guerrillagardens.com 

Holland Forge Pty Ltd. 

5 Hi-tech Pl. 

Rowville Vic 3178 

(03) 9764 1372 

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

Hydroware 

1/54 Lara Way. 

Campbellfield Vic 3061 

(03) 9357 8805 

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

Hyalite Airport West 

Unit 4/504-506 Fullarton Rd. 

Airport West 3042 

(03) 9331 5452 

Hyalite Bayswater 

4/19 Jersey Rd. 

Bayswater Vic 3153 

(03) 9720 1946 

Hyalite Global 

10 Knight Ave. 

Sunshine North Vic 3020 

(03) 9356 9400 

Hyalite Westend 

3 Third Ave. 


(03) 9311 3510 

Hydroponic Central 

110 Dynon Rd. 

West Melbourne Vic 3003 

(03) 9376 0447 

Hydroware 

1/54 Lara Way, Campbellfield 

VIC 3061 

(03) 9357 8805 

Indoor Garden Company 

29 Glasgow St. 

Collingwood Vic 3066 

(03) 9416 1699 

Inner City Hydroponics 

155 Dardbin Rd. 

Thornbury Vic 3071 

(03) 9480 1078 

Impact Distribution 

PO Box 2188 

Salisbury Downs 5108 

(08) 8250-1515 

JB Lighting 

492 - 500 Neerim Rd. 

Murrumbeena Vic 3163 

(03) 9569 4399 

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

Just Hydroponics Deer Park 

Unit 11 29-39 Westwood Dr. 

Deer Park Vic 3023 

(03) 8390 0861 

justhydroponics.com.au 

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

Just Hydroponics Factory 

39 Westwood Dr. 

Ravenhall VIC 3023 

(03) 8390 0861 


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

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

Just Hydroponics Hoppers 

Crossing 

3/8 Motto Court 

Hoppers Crossing Vic 3029 

(03) 8742 2830 


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

Latrove Valley Home Brew 

Supplies 

PO Box 802 

Morwell Vic 3804 

(03) 5133 9140 

Living Jungle 

345 Sommerville Rd. 

Footscray West Vic 3012 

(03) 9314 0055 

LTM Co 

12/87 Hallam South Rd. 

Hallam VIC 3803 

(03) 8712 2421 

Magick Brew 

205a Bayview Rd. 

Mc Crae VIC 3938 

(03) 5981 1160 

Melton Hydroponic 

Supplies 

18/10 Norton Dr. 

Melton Vic 3194 

(03) 9746 9256 

Midtown Hydroponics 

Factory 1, 821B Howitt St. 

Wendouree Vic 3355 

(03) 5339 1300 

Mirror Paints 

110 Dynon Rd. 

West Melbourne VIC 3003 

(03) 9376 0447 

mirrorpaints.com.au 

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

Monster Crop Hydroponics 

567 Waterdale Rd. 

Heidelberg West Vic 3081 

(03) 8528 3474 

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

One Stop Sprinklers 

1 Burwood Hwy. 

Wantirna Vic 3152 

(03) 9800 2177 

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

Pakenham Hydroponics 

1/27-31 Sharnet Circuit 

Pakenham Vic 3810 

(03) 5940 9047 

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

Pam’s Home Brew & 

Hydroponics 

61 McArthur St. 

Sale Vic 3850 

(03) 5143 1143 

Prestige Hydroponics Pty. 

Ltd. 

S 2.10 Level 2, 343 Little Collins St. 

Melbourne Vic 3000 

(61) 4187 81083 

Shepparton Hydroponics 

87A Archer St. 

Shepparton Vic 3630 

(03) 5831 6433 

Simple Grow 

Factory 9/1-3 Burke Rd. 

Braybrook VIC 3019 

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

Simply Hydroponics 

5/ 411-413 Old Geelong Rd. 

Hoppers Cros. Vic 3029 

(03) 9360 9344 

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


61

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MAGAZINE covers topics such as hydroponics, 

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as greenhouse, small-space, container, urban, 

and vertical growing. Each issue is focused on 

showing you how to reach your maximum yield 

with informative articles, the latest products and 

technologies, how-tos, and tips and tricks from 

indoor growing experts. 

MAXIMUMYIELD.COM 

Smart Hydro Garden 

3/4 Lacy St. 

Braybook VIC 3019 

(03) 9318 8110 

St Albans Hydroponic 

55 St Albans Rd. 

St Albans VIC 3021 

(03) 9366 7788 

Sunlite Hydroponics 

1/104 Shannon Ave. 

Geelong West Vic 3281 

(03) 5222 6730 

Sunray Hydro 

157 Tenth St. 

Mildura Vic 3500 

(03) 5023 6422 

Supply Net International P/L 

PO Box 171 

Highbury Vic 5089 

(08) 264-3600 

The Hydroponic 

Connection 

397 Dorset Rd. 

Boronia Vic 3155 

(03) 9761 0662 

Urban Hy 

Unit 1-59 Gilbert Park Dr. 

Knoxfield VIC 3180 

(03) 9764 9400 

Vic Garden Pty 

31B Slater Parade 

Keilor East VIC 3033 

0431 605 025 

Waterworks Hydroponics 

Unit 1, 5 Brand Dr. 

Thomastown Vic 3074 

(03) 9465 1455 

Westside Hydroponics 

202 Main Rd. 

Ballarat VIC 3350 

(03) 533 87555 

WESTERN 

AUSTRALIA 

Accent Hydroponics 

Unit 2/141 Russell St. 

Morley WA 6062 

(08) 9375 9355 

Aqua Post 

Unit 2B 7 Yampi Way 

Willetton WA 6155 

(08) 9354 2888 

Aquaponics WA 

Lot 12 Warton Rd. 

Canning Vale WA 6155 

1800 640 222 

Bloem 

PO Box 1816 

Subiaco WA 6008 

(08) 9217 4400 

Bunbury Alternate Growing 

Supplies 

8/13 Worcestor Bend 

Davenport WA 6230 

(08) 9725 7020 

Creative GRow Store 

1/95 Dixon Rd. 

Rockingham WA 6168 

(08) 9528 1310 

Great Southern 

Hydroponics 

Shop 1, 21 Hennessy Rd. 

Bunbury WA 6230 

(08) 9721 8322 

Greenfingers World of 

Hydroponics Maddington 

Shop 1, 6-8 Emerald Rd. 

Maddington WA 6109 

(08) 9452 0546 

Greenfingers World of 

Hydroponics Midvale 

22 Elliot St. 

Midvale WA 6056 

(08) 9274 8388 

Greenlite Hydroponics 

4/91 Wanneroo Rd. 

Tuart Hill WA 6060 

(08) 9345 5321 

Growsmart Hydroponics 

47768 South Coast Hwy. 

Albany WA 6330 

(08) 9841 3220 

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

Hydro Hill Hydroponics 

9/35 Biscayne Way 

Jandakot WA 6164 

(08) 6461 6816 

hydrohill.com.au 

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

Hydro Nation 

41A Rockingham Rd. 

Hamilton Hill WA 6163 

(08) 9336 7368 

Hydroponic Xpress 

295 Warton Rd. 

Canning Vale WA 6155 

1 800 640 222 

Hydroponic Solutions 

1/1928 Beach Rd. 

Malaga WA 6090 

(08) 9248 1901 

hydroponicsolutions.com.au 

Hydroponic Warehouse 

Unit 7/627 Wanneroo Rd. 

Wanneroo WA 6065 

(08) 9206 0188 

Hydroponica 

317 Guildford Rd. 

Maylands WA 6051 

(08) 9371 5757 

Isabella’s Hydroponics 

66 Jambanis Rd. 

Wanneroo WA 6065 

(08) 9306 3028 

Johnson’s Nursery 

Garden Centre 

30 Blencowe Rd. 

Geralton WA 6530 

(08) 9921 6016 

Neerabup Organic & 

Hydroponic Supplies 

Unit 1, 21 Warman St. 

Neerabup WA 6031 

(08) 9404 7155 

One Stop Hydroponics 

947 Beaufort St. 

Inglewood WA 6053 

(08) 9471 7000 

Perth Hydroponic Centre 

Shop 4, 171-175 Abernathy Rd. 

Belmont WA 6104 

(08) 9478 1211 

Reptile and Grow Store 

Unit 7 - 117-119 Dixon Rd. 

Rockingham, WA 6168 

(08) 9527 2245 

reptileandgrow.com 

Richo’s 4 Hydro 

Unit 7/22 Franklin Lane 

Joondalup WA 6027 

(08) 9301 4462 

Southwest Hydroponics 

Lot 29, Pinjarra Rd. 

Mandurah WA 6210 

(08) 9534 8544 

The Grow Room 

1/1451 Albany Hwy. 

Cannington WA 6107 

(08) 9356 7044 

The Great Indoors 

Unit 1/25 Gillam Dr. 

Kelmscott WA 6111 

(08) 9495 2815 

The Watershed Water Systems 

150 Russell St. 

Morley WA 6062 

(08) 9473 1473 

The Watershed Water 

Systems 

2874 Albany Hwy. 

Kelmscott WA 6111 

(08) 9495 1495 

The Watershed Water Systems 

1/146 Great Eastern Hwy. 

Midland WA 6210 

(08) 9274 3232 

Tolesas 

No. 6 Abbey Rd. 

Armandale WA 6112 

(08) 9497 3527 

tolesasgrowsmart.com.au 

Tru Bloomin Hydroponics 

7/36 Port Kembla Dr. 

Bibra Lake WA 6163 

(08) 9434 5118 

Water Garden Warehouse 

14 Drake St. 

Osborne Park WA 6017 

(08) 9443 7993 

NEW ZEALAND 

Easy Grow New Lynn 

3018 Gt North Rd. 

New Lynn, Auckland 

(09) 827 0883 

Easy Grow Manukau 

15/69 Wiri Station Rd. 

Manukau, Auckland 

(09) 263 7560 

Guru Gardener 

14 Molesworth St. 

New Plymouth 

(06) 758 6661 

Otaki Hydroponics 

1083 S.H. 1 South Otaki 

(06) 364 2206 

House of Hydro 

221 Waiwhetu Rd. 

Lower Hutt, Wellington 

Pet and Garden 

10 Fitzgerald Ave. 

Christ church 

(03) 377 2507 

Grow and Brew 

14a Flexman Pl. 

Silverdale, Auckland 

(09) 426 2095 

Green Day Hydroponics 

Cnr of Maunganui Rd. & Tawa St. 

Mt Maunganui 

(07) 575 4090 

Hyalite Christchurch 

240 Annex Rd. 

Middleton 

(03) 338 3762 

Hyalite Dunedin 

313 King Edward St. 

Dunedin 

(03) 456 1980 

Hyalite Glenfield 

7/67 View Rd. 

Glenfield 

(09) 443 0106 

Hyalite Hamilton 

1C Sunshine Ave. Te Tapa 

Hamilton 

(07) 850 8351 

Hyalite Hastings 

513 Heretaunga St. 

West Hastings 

(06) 876 7885 

Hyalite Henderson 

Unit 159 Central Park Dr. 

Henderson 

(09) 837 1210 

Hyalite Linwood 

9 Buckleys Rd. 

Linwood 

(03) 381 0937 

Hyalite Manukau 

57 Cavendish Dr. 

Manukau 

(09) 263 4336 

Hyalite Nelson 

3 Pascoe St. 

Nelson 

(03) 546 4769 

Hyalite Tauranga 

427 Cameron Rd. 

Tauranga 

(07) 579 9840 

Hyalite Upper Hutt 

1060 Fergusson Dr. 

Upper Hutt 

(04) 526 3913 

Hyalite Wellington 

62 Kaiwharawhara Rd. 

Wellington 

(04) 472 5265 

Hyalite Whangarei 

189 (Lower) Dent St. 

Whangarei 

(09) 438 0223

Maximum Yield Modern Growing | AUS/NZ Edition | January/February 2017

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