the indoor gardener magazine volume 1—issue 5 (reissue)

Volume 1 - Issue 5 www.indoorgardenermagazine.comISSN : 1715 - 0949 - Bimonthly

March / April 2006

ClassificationOf Indoor Plants 4 - Araceae

BallastNoise ReductionBallastNoise Reduction

ARose Is NotSimply A Rose

In New Orleans:A Hydroponic Store BeforeAnd After Katrina

In New Orleans:A Hydroponic Store BeforeAnd After Katrina

H2O = Water = LifeAn Element To Master For Indoor Gardeners

H2O = Water = LifeAn Element To Master For Indoor Gardeners

StrawberryFields ForeverFruit All Year Long?

StrawberryFields ForeverFruit All Year Long?

Spring ProductionCalendar:

Cucumbers

Spring ProductionCalendar:

Cucumbers

Special Q & A:Rotative Gardens

& HydroponicSystems

Special Q & A:Rotative Gardens

& HydroponicSystems

The EcoSystem:A New Efficient

Hydroponic System

The EcoSystem:A New Efficient

Hydroponic System

Price: $3.95

04THE INDOOR GARDENER VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 5

CREDITS

THE INDOOR GARDENER MAGAZINEPostal Station Saint-MichelP.O. Box 183Montreal, QC, H2A 3L9, CANADATel.: (514) 728-8118Fax: (514) 728-1840www.indoorgardenermagazine.comISSN: 1715-0949

Volume 1 – Issue 5

Published by: Green Publications

Publisher: J. M.

Managing editor: Bruno [email protected]

Contributing editors:Helene Jutras, Jessy Caron, Fred Leduc

Art Dir-ektor: EktorZolerZoza

Editorial coordinator: Bruno Bredoux

Collaborators in this issue: Carl Barrett, KariBayne, G. Benz, Bruno Bredoux, Jessy Caron,Créa-Lise, Stan Daimon, Daniel, Danièle,Herb Gardner, Petite Graine, Hedi Green, PaulHenderson, Helene Jutras, Roxanne LaBelle,Fred Leduc, Josh Morell, Miss Phobos, G.Nietz, Alexey Sergeev, William Sutherland,Christopher Sheppard, vieux bandit.

Sales & advertising: Stan [email protected] [email protected]

Translation:Helene Jutras

Cover design:EktorZolerZoza after a photo taken by H.Jutras & J. Caron.

Illustrations:C. Sheppard & EktorZolerZoza

Administration: R. LaBelle

© 2006, Green Publications, Montreal,Qc, Canada

Articles, iconographic representationsand photographs contained in this maga-zine cannot be reproduced, in whole or inpart, without the written consent of thePublisher.

Legal deposit: Second Quarter 2005.National Library of Canada.Bibliothèque nationale du Québec.ISSN: 1715-0949

Printed in Canada.

Linear Measure (imperial to metric)1 inch 2.54 centimetres1 foot (=12 inches) 0.3048 metre1 yard (=3 feet) 0.9144 metre

Linear Measure (metric to imperial)Imperial 1 millimetre 0.0394 inch 1 centimetre (=10 mm) 0.3937 inch 1 metre (=100 cm) 1.0936 yards

Volume (imperial to metric)Metric 1 (imperial) fl. oz. (=1/20 imperial pint) 28.41 ml 1 (US liquid) fl. oz. (=1/16 US pint) 29.57 ml 1 (imperial) pint (=20 fl. imperial oz.) 568.26 ml 1 (US liquid) pint (=16 fl. US oz.) 473.18 ml 1 (imperial) gallon (=4 quarts) 4.546 litres 1 (US liquid) gallon (=4 quarts) 3.785 litres

Volume (metric to imperial)Imperial 1 millilitre 0.002 (imperial) pint, 0.176 pint 1 litre (=1000 ml) 1.76 pints

Mass (imperial to metric)1 ounce (=16 drams) 28.35 grams 1 pound (=16 ounces) 0.45359237 kilogram 1 stone (=14 pounds) 6.35 kilograms

Mass (metric to imperial)Imperial 1 milligram 0.015 grain 1 kilogram (=1000 g) 2.205 pounds

TemperatureTo convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 degrees anddivide by 1.8. To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 and add 32degrees.

Conversion Table

78

72

Photo: Jessy Caron

Photo: Canna Hydroponics

On the cover: Photography by H. Jutras & J. Caron

Photo: Jessy Caron

08

14

Photo: Carl Barrett

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Volume 1 – Issue 5March / April 2006Bimonthly

7 EditorialLess Water, Fewer Pesticides: An Effort AwayBy Bruno Bredoux

8 IntroductionH2O = Water = LifeAn Element To Master For Indoor GardenersBy Créa-Lise

14 New Orleans News: A Hydroponic Store During And After KatrinaBy Hedi Green

Notes & NewsA Rose Is Not Simply A RoseBy Helene Jutras

20 Tips & tricks:Spring Production Calendar for Cucumbers, Inside and Out An Experience Of An Inside Grow Operation Going OutdoorsBy Benz

Flowers and Their PerfumeBy Marie Roy

Flowers To Heal Our SoulsHow To Make Your Own Bach FlowersBy Helene Jutras

26 Plant Foods - Part 1Notes for the Perfect Application + pH and the Nutritive SolutionBy William S.

32 Vitamin C: A Panacea?By George Nietz

34 Strawberry Fields Forever A growing experience in pictures

38 GalleryBy Jessy Caron, Patrice Baudat, A. Sergeev & Bruno Bredoux

52 Morphological Change, Physiological DevelopmentCarnivorous Plants, A Clever Adaptation!By Dave Guillemette

54 Plant Physiology - Part 2Cell-Tissue-Parenchyma-Meristem

59 Cooking: Danièle’s Zucchini LoafBy Danièle Montrouge

60 Indoor Plants - Part 4: Araceae By Jessy Caron

64 The EcoSystemA Cheap And Efficient Hydroponic SystemBy Daniel

66 Ballasts: All About the Electrical Set-ups in an Indoor Garden

70 Ballast Noise ReductionBy Fred Leduc

72 A Visit of Niagara Parks School of Horticulture And Botanical GardensBy Jessy Caron (text and photos)

74 Shopping: Horticultural NoveltiesBy Helene Jutras, B.B. & Kari Bayne

78 Special Q & A : Rotative Gardens & Cheap Hydroponic SystemsMore About the Systems We Talked About In Our First IssueBy C.A. & Petite Graine

82 The Hydroponic World of North America

6420 32

66

Photos: Daniel & D.R.

VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 5 THE INDOOR GARDENER05

Each day in the world, over 1 billion humans do not have access to potable running water!

Each day in the U.S.A., 6.8 billion litres of water are flushed down toilets!


EDITORIAL

While planning this new issue of The Indoor Gardener, a picture at the bottom of the cover of USA Today caught myeye. Just an illustration with a caption. A veritable illustration of the importance of water in our society and of the lackof attention we devote to its waste: every day in the United States, 6.8 billion gallons of water vanish in toilet bowls,while every day on the planet, 1.2 billion people do not have access to a potable water outlet for their most imme-diate need – drinking! If we estimate that an individual needs to drink 1/3 of a gallon of water per day, a quick cal-culation tells us that what is wasted every day in American loos could cover that need... 20 times! I know – nothingis wasted, nothing is created, and water, really, is not lacking on the planet. It is simply badly allocated, or poorly dis-tributed.

This is why I wanted to publish an article on water in this issue of The Indoor Gardener – not only to point a fingerto the precariousness of this so-called "inexhaustible" resource, the merciless weapon of tsunamis, hurricanes andmonsoons, but also to the unavoidable use of water by the indoor gardener and especially by the hydroponic gar-dener. In western countries, we do not pay any more attention to our water consumption for gardening than to thewater we flush down the toilet every day. In developing countries located in the hemisphere's most arid areas, thingsare completely different. Every day on the planet, almost 800 million people do not have enough to eat and almost1.2 billions do not get to drink as they would wish – and this is without even mentioning the health problems thanensue. And every day on the planet, millions of farmers struggle with the means at their disposal and the obligatorywater restrictions to attempt to feed and quench the thirst (not only with water but also with fresh fruits and vegeta-bles) of over a billion people.

British researchers have chosen 12.6 millions of these farmers, who toil every day on small farm businesses, to partic-ipate in a large study conducted in 56 countries, among 286 sustainable agricultural projects that have been ongo-ing for fifteen years(*). These projects cover 37 million acres – only 3% of the arable soil in the 56 participating devel-oping countries. Comparing 360 types of plantations chosen at random among 198 projects, the team of Britishresearcher Jules Pretty noticed that the agricultural yields had increased by 79%. How? By applying four very simplebasic principles: favoring integrated pest management, and hence using pesticides only as a last resort; being overlyselective with chemical nutrients and the quantity used; adopting simple techniques to trap and store as much car-bon as possible from the atmosphere; and, finally, saving water. This last point is more than encouraging: the farmersin those countries where draught strikes more often than anywhere else have increased their yield while maintainingthe fragile equilibrium of the local aquatic ecosystems and without threatening the meager water reserves of thesecountries.

Another positive point has repercussions in the West. According to a parallel study, this time led by the Commissionfor Environmental Cooperation, an organisation affiliated to the North American Free Trade Agreement, the traces ofpesticides on fruits and vegetables consumed in Canada have decreased by two thirds in eight years (their rate wentfrom 12% in 1995 to 4% in 2002). This is just as true for Canadian production as it is for imported fresh produce. InCanada, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, less than 1% of fruits and vegetables contain more pes-ticide residues than tolerated by law. The integrated pest management strategies used by farmers in developing coun-tries do not benefit only their local agriculture, but have repercussions also on the imported products we consumein North America. There is, however, one fly in the ointment: the production from the United States, where integrat-ed pest management is still not fully recognized. If we look at the American production (still according to the sameCommission study) between 1994 and 2001, we find that the proportion of fruits, vegetables and grains containingpesticide residues has only varied by 20 to 30%.

To follow in the footsteps of farmers in developing countries, we still, in the USA at least, have many efforts tomake to meet their standards. And that is true both in the intimacy of our bathrooms and in the intimacy of ourindoor gardens!

Bruno BredouxThe Indoor GardenerFebruary 2006

(*) The results of the study will be published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal. As reported in the francophone Canadian daily LaPresse on January 27, 2006.

Less Water, Fewer Pesticides: An Effort Away

Illustration: C. Sheppard

A WEALTH TO PRESERVE,

AN ELEMENT TO MASTER

FOR INDOOR GARDENERS

By Créa-Lise

=

=

INTRODUCTION


INTRODUCTION

A Brief History of WaterIn All Eras, Men Have Glorified Water, Source of Life

"From the ocean come the clouds. From the cloudscomes rain. From rain, rivers are born. And from rivers,the ocean is born. So goes the cycle of the world." Sogoes an Indian text from 3,000 years ago, as quoted bywriter Jacques Lacarrière in Géo Magazine. Closer to us,the great Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944) said of water:"Water is not necessary for life, it is life". And water trulyis life when it allows man to quench his thirst, animals todrink and plants to grow.

The great explorer Paul-Émile Victor (1907-1995) paidhomage to water and warned polluting humans all atonce when he wrote: "There is a lot of water on theearth... You really think so? Then listen carefully: if theearth was the size of an orange, all the world's water(oceans, seas, watercourses, lakes, underground water,water in suspension in the air and all others) would onlyrepresent, in volume, a very tiny droplet on the orange.Three fourths of that drop would be made of salt water,unusable by man. A quarter only would be fresh water.All the world's fresh water would thus be represented by

a needle pin stuck in the orange. This minuscule quantity of fresh water has never beenotherwise. It has always remained the same. It travels an immutable cycle. Diplodocusdrank it and rejected it; men drank it and rejected it. Today men are polluting it beyondany hope of recuperation... But only 1% – less than that, really – of this tiny quantity ofwater is more or less available: 99% are made of ice (90% in Antarctica, 8% in Greenland,1% in all the glaciers of all the mountains in the world)! So? So be prudent: fresh wateris more and more rare. Save it. Treat it well. It is worth a thousand times more than oil,because man can live without oil, but he cannot live without water. A human can live for50 days without eating, but dies after four days without water...!"

This beautiful and touching text helps us understand a terrifying reality. Remember alsothe off voice in Luc Besson's film Le Grand Bleu (1988): "Mystery of our origins, secret ofany life on our planet, wild water is, for a country like Canada, an irreplaceable treasure.In North America, as in Europe, the consumer today has limitless access to this fragile

As you know, Montreal is anisland, an expanse of soil sur-rounded by water on all sides.This represents the vital impor-tance of water for Montrealersand Quebecers in general –that, and the fact that there areover a million lakes in Québec –and counting! The importanceof water affects all humans andthe history of water can be con-fused – if it doesn't precede it –with the history of humankind.In fact, four billion years ago,water allowed life to develop onearth.

Water, chemical symbol H2O, isan element required for any lifeand, therefore, a necessaryingredient for plant cultivation.Whether in soil, hydroponics,aquaponics or aeroponics,water is always an inescapableelement. After a brief history ofwater, we will see what water isand its uses in indoor cultiva-tion and in what way it affectsplant growth and nutrition.

Photos: H. Jutras

commodity, without however beingalways aware of the privilege... whilethe peoples who suffer from droughtpray for rain. Without our cherishedhabits,abundance is hard to manage.In this daily opera, man wants to bethe conductor, but if he does notbeware and does not become moremodest, he risks becoming the sorcer-er's apprentice!"

We have drunk Paul-Émile Victor'scommon sense speech and LucBesson's lyrical music. We are nowready to embark upon the history ofwater.

At The Beginning of TheWorld, Water...

Because of its fundamental role inhuman history, water gave rise to asmany dreams as legends. Somephilosophers from the Antiquitythought that the ocean was a kind ofliquid base on which firm ground float-ed. Today, water is a field of study inmany areas, from economy to biology.It nonetheless remains an unending

source of inspiration for all dreamers, from poets to scientists. For the Hindus,bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganges (this Indian river that comes downfrom the Himalayas and stretches on 2,700 km, almost three times the lengthof the Loire) represents not only a purification rite but also a contact with theelement of life itself.

Remember also Noah's Ark, with its deluge theme, usually associated with theidea of punishment. And hurricanes, cyclones, tsunamis, floods... all those nat-ural disasters that bring on more water than we can handle and that, no mat-ter what, do not really bring "more" than is already present on earth. Theresearch into the origins of life has shown water's important role. All elemen-tary forms of vegetable and animal life live in an aqueous environment. Thefirst organisms to populate the planet, of which we have found fossils, first livedin the sea before evolving and adapting to air. Far from our planet, in space,water is a part of what we call "cosmic dust".

Water Is A Component of Nature

From its solid state to that of a liquid or a gas, from ice to the burning steamerupting from geysers, water changes according to the temperature it is putunder and can thus leave the earth for the atmosphere. The other way, the waterthat falls from clouds as rain feeds the watercourses, but also the glaciers andthe underground pools. As rain, fog or snow, water is a part of all kinds of atmos-pheric phenomena that shape, season after season, the landscape of our dailylives. From their source to their mouthes, rivers travel a long way, tilling the soiland sometimes even digging deep gorges and canyons, like in Colorado, in theU.S.A. And the sea... a symbol of adventure and freedom, of riches and mystery,the sea has always brought forth our enthusiasm. The ocean depths hold won-ders (oil, metallic nodules...), the exploitation of which man has barely begun.

Water and Mythology

Born out of sea foam, the goddess Aphrodite personified the sea's beauty andstrength. During the Antiquity, the gods of the sea were represented in tem-ples under the guise of majestic statues, but they were also found on commonobjects. And how could we forget Neptune, god of the sea! As opposed to thatof the Mediterranean, Scandinavian mythology, that of the great north, ismelancholic, influenced by the harsh climate. Finally, the Ganges in India andthe Nile in Egypt were considered to be sacred rivers: their waters fertilizedimmense territories and ensured the survival of millions of people.

Water and History

For men living during the Antiquity, water was first and foremost a required ele-ment for survival; agriculture and fishing were their main activities. But waterslowly acquired another function as a channel of communication. Contacts weremade and exchanges were established, first on rivers and lakes and thenacross the sea. For centuries, humans used wood as the main material forbuilding boats. Whether with oars or small or gigantic sails, boats and shipsparticipated in humankind's adventure. Most of the men who went across theseas to discover new lands were adventurous imaginative types, determined togive shape to their dreams.

One needed either great courage or a certain dose of recklessness to bravethe unknown and the ocean's dangers in a slim caravel like the one thatallowed Christopher Columbus to disembark in America. Going around theworld... an idea that still makes us dream. Think what it could represent inMagellan's time! A sailboat's manoeuvres remain one of the best ways to learnabout the sea. Today, the steel monsters that navigate the sea are studdedwith radars and antennas that guaranty their safety to a certain extent.

Water Serving Man

We've seen that water is a vital element, but beware: industrial refuse andwaste waters rejected by urban centres contribute greatly to river pollution.The American Sunday magazine Parade, at seven years' interval, dedicatedtwo stories to water: Are We Wasting Too Much Water? The result is not betterin 2005 than it was in 1998, even with the beginning of a timid awareness ofthe problem. We learn that an average American uses 90 gallons of water dailyand an average European, 53 gallons, while a sub-Saharian uses only 5 gal-lons. With a few simple strict rules, an American home could save up to 23,000gallons of water per year.

The main waste culprits are small leaks that we do not repair right away andthat can constitute up to 10% of the total used (or lost) water in each home.Old toilet mechanism from over ten years ago are also to blame – simply byreplacing a toilet, we could save over 50% of the home's water use! Finally, thesame goes for washing machines and dishwashers: the new "Energy Star"models save up to 50% compared with older models.

And then there's the wasted water spent on getting the perfect green for your lawn...

Water is also a health factor: thermal cures already existed in the Roman andCarthaginian times and saunas are used more and more today. Water alsobrings humans closer: canalizations are a testimony to this, as are spectacu-lar aqueducts. Water also greatly contributed to industrial progress – it was itsbasic energy, from the simple waterwheel to the steam engine powering a firepump, a boat or a train to today's impressive dams.

INTRODUCTION

THE INDOOR GARDENER VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 5

10

Water Chemistry, a Source of Biodiversity

In the lakes of Québec, biodiversity is threatened by the man-made transforma-tion of the Saint-Laurence river and by the acidification of the aquatic milieu.Studies have shown that a pH evolution from 5.5 to 5 lead to a 50% decreaseof fish species diversity (Tremblay and Richard, 1993). There are also importantmodifications to the lacustrine food chain, on which fish and aquatic birds rely(DesGranges, 1989; DesGranges and Gagnon, 1994). This hints at the impor-tance of a controlled pH for plant cultivation (we will come back to this later).

Water and Art

Water has always fascinated artists and has been the theme of innumerableworks of art in which the sea, among others, occupies an important place.From Antiquity to our times, water in its various forms has been an actor ofpainting and decorative art and of music, from folklore to the works of greatcomposers. In the Renaissance, splendid gardens were designed where waterplayed an essential decorative role.

In Literature, Homer's Odyssey with its hero Ulysses is one of the most beau-tiful maritime stories of all times. Closer to us, the sea inspired cinema:Treasure Island, Moby Dick, Atlantis and The Great Blue (Le Grand Bleu) by LucBesson and the great films of Commander Cousteau are true masterpieces.Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997) and Paul-Émile Victor (1907-1995)made us discover the aquatic life and its extraordinary riches, as well as theway of life of courageous peoples such as the Inuit.

What Is Water?Water's Characteristics

The water molecule is made up of one atom of oxygen linked to two hydrogenatoms, and it written with the chemical symbol H2O. Before we look at water'sessential role in plant growth and nutrition (water dissolves and carries nutrients),let us go back on some useful notions and, among others, on the action of water'svarious components in this growth/nutrition program. It is obvious that water'scomposition and quality are crucial for plant nutrition. Depending on the water's ori-gin, the location of the supply, its composition and quality can vary considerably.Have a look at this table comparing the composition of water from various sources:

Water Analysis

When gardening indoors, it is important to have your watering water analyzedat least once a year to ensure a stable basis for your watering program. Youcan ask your neighborhood's water distribution company for the published dataon its water analysis – the analysis are performed regularly and the companyhas an obligation to share the results with any consumer who requests it.

Those analysis, however, are usually incomplete, and for more information youwill have to turn to a laboratory. You can also find, in stores or online, wateranalysis kits (see for example www.accepta.com, www.directindustry.com orwww.watersafetestkits.com).

Water's pH

A liquid's most essential characteristics is its pH. The pH value expresses theacidity or alkalinity of a liquid though the H+ and OH- ions and varies from 1(very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). At pH 7, we say that the environment is neu-tral: the balance between H+ et OH- ions is perfect.

A pH below 7 means an acidic environment: the H+ ions are predominant. Inan alkaline environment, with a pH above 7, the OH- ions are more numerous.The pH measure is important because its value will dictate the presentation,availability and absorption of mineral salts by plants.

It is generally accepted that mineral salts are best available when the pH isbelow 6, and more precisely when it is between 5.5 and 6. Such is, for exam-ple, the preferred pH for many orchids. It is the most appropriate pH level forthe absorption of iron, phosphorous and manganese, which are not absorbedin a high pH milieu. When the pH is below neutrality (7), however, magnesiumis little soluble and the gardener must add some.

Nitrogen is only usable by plants as nitrate nitrogen (or nitrates: NO3-) or as

ammoniacal nitrogen (or ammonium: NH4+). These forms of nitrogen depend

on the pH and if they are presented in a way that is not compatible with the pHlevel, the nitrogen will be lost to the plants.

Volcanic and spring water are perfect for watering indoor plants. City water, however, is too hard and cannot always be used, especially for spraying.

Aerated water is good to drink but it would quickly poison indoor plants.

mg / l Volcanic water

Spring water

City water

Aeratedwater

Calcium 10 71 90 240Magnesium 6 6 5 95Sodium 10 11 10 255

Potassium 6 3 2 49Bicarbonate 65 200 250 1685Chloride 0 20 20 38Silica 30 0 NA 2

Sulphate 7 15 25 143Nitrate 6 3 30 1pH 6.5-7 7.45 7.6

Dry extract 110 300 ~120

INTRODUCTION


Photos: J. Caron

Water Hydrotimetry (Or Hardness)

Water hydrotimetry (or water hardness) is expressed in TH (total hardness); itmanifests itself in canalisations through lime deposits or very visible traces ofleaves. With analysis kits (see above), we can calculate water hardness, its con-centration of calcium and magnesium ions, i.e. its total contents in insolublecalcium and magnesium salts (such as calcium carbonate). These measuresare easily obtained, even for a beginner. They are expressed in calcium car-bonate equivalent. The TH unit is also expressed in French degrees (°f) : 1= 4 mg/litre calcium or 2.4 mg/litre magnesium, or even 10 mg/l CaCO3. If theTH is below 10, the water is soft; above 35, it is hard. For the metric system,1 = 0.7° and = 0,58° U.S.

The pH of hard water is generally too high to be recommended for plant culti-vation. Hard water contains too much toxic calcium, which is harmful to theplants and leaves deposits on the roots. When the water's pH is lower than 4,carbonates and bicarbonates will precipitate because of the water's acidity andcan thus be eliminated. Water that is too acidic cannot be used as such either.If you bring hard water's pH back towards acceptable values, you are not mod-ifying its calcium and magnesium concentrations. Some horticulturists hencerecommend replacing calcium and magnesium by sodium and potassium,because these water "softeners" form soluble salts. Softened water, however,cannot be used for watering any more than hard water: sodium is harmful tomost indoor plants and to orchids in particular, even in small doses and sof-teners do not lower pH levels.

The alkalinity of water (or a solution) defines its capacity to neutralize the H+

ions of a more acidic water or solution into which it is poured. Alkalinity allowsone to measure all the chemical bases contained in water (in practice, theunwanted carbonates CaCO3 and bicarbonates Ca(HCO3)2 and eventually thehydroxides and phosphate), while hardness only measures the global calciumand magnesium content. Alkalinity is measured with a strongly acidic standardsolution with color indicators; it is expressed in French degrees (°f).

• 1°f = 3.4 mg/l OH- (hydroxide);

• 1°f = 6.0 mg/l CO32- (carbonate);

• 1°f = 12.2 mg/l HCO3- (bicarbonate).

It can also be expressed in (calcium carbonate) milligrams per litre (mg/l) orin ppm (parts per million). In this case, 1 ppm = 1 mg/l and 100 ppm = 10°f.

Water's Electro-Conductivity

The last physico-chemical property of water is its potential for electro-conduc-tivity. It is, in fact, the electric weighting of the total quantity of dissolved salts.The more dissolved salts, the more ions will transport the electric charges(positive or negative) and transmit the current. This will in turn lower the elec-trical resistivity of the water. Electro-conductivity is measured with a conductiv-ity meter in microSiemens (µS) or in milliSiemens (mS), where 1 mS equals1000 µS. The opposite of conductivity is resistivity (water's electric resistancecapacity), which is also measured in µS or mS. Note that the urea contained insome nutrients is not a salt, has no electrical charge and thus has no impacton electro-conductivity: you cannot identify its presence in this way.

Water and Plants

As mentioned above, water is one of the essential components of life and henceof the human body and of plant physiology. Plants, in fact, are made up of 90%water. The remaining 10% are made of dry matter – 9% being split between car-bon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) molecules. Finally, the remain-ing 1% dry matter is mostly made up of mineral salts, whose basic elements aredivided between macronutrients and micronutrients (or trace minerals), as follows:

Macronutrients: Micronutrients:N (Nitrogen) Fe (Iron) P (Phosphorous) Mn (Manganese) K (Potassium) Zn (Zinc) Ca (Calcium) Cu (Copper) Mg (Magnesium) B (Boron) S (Sulfur) Mo (Molybdenum)

(Source: www.lesjardinssuspendus.com)

Although each unit of those elements is detectable, they combine together toform acids, bases and salts. Plants extract carbon, hydrogen and oxygen fromwater and air, but nitrogen and mineral salts must be provided to them in anavailable form. That is the nutrients' role. Nutrients are essentially made up ofmacronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S). Micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B andMo) will also be brought through nutrients, but in smaller concentrations.Finally, other elements are required for plant life, but in extremely small quan-tities, such as sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), nickel (Ni) or chromium (Cr). Theselast elements often appear as traces in city water or in the nutrients them-selves. It is rare or unnecessary to give plants those specific inputs.

The fertilizers' role is to provide these elements to the plants in the best pos-sible proportions. They can be given to the plant in liquid form or in slow-release form (this last method is not usually used for orchids), sometimesthrough foliar spraying or through hydroponics. The absorption of these min-eral salts varies according to their nature, their concentration, the pH and thechemical reactions between the various salts.

You can find specific nutrients for some plant species (such as orchids and inparticular the Paphiopedilum, which have no reserve organ and prefer a slight-ly alkaline environment, a little above 7), into which the manufacturer hasadded dolomite (or oyster shell powder), because it contains calcium (Ca2+)and especially magnesium (Mg2+), which can raise pH levels.

INTRODUCTION


12

Photos: J. Caron

Conclusion

Everyone agrees that water is essential to the complex balance of life on theplanet. It is notably a biological reserve which forms a potential source ofnutrition for humankind in all upcoming decades. And it remains a crucial ele-ment of plant health. Long live the blue (and green) planet!

To find out more, we highly recommend the following reads:• Water: A Natural History, by Alice Outwater, Basic Books, 224p., 1997;• A History of Water: The World of Water, Volume I-II-III, by Terje Tvedt, I.B.Tauris, 320 p., 2006And movies such as:• The Silent World, by Commandant Cousteau and Louis Malle, France/Italy(1956);• The Old Man and the Sea, by John Sturges, adapted from ErnestHemingway's novel, U.S.A. (1958);• Water: The Hazardous Necessity, by Tina Viljoen, Canada, (1977);• Water and Man, by Pierre Willemin, France (1985);• Ganga (Eau/Water), by Velu Viswanandhan, India/France, 1985;• Le Grand Bleu (The Big Blue), by Luc Besson, France/U.S.A./Italy (1988);• Water: Reserves and Networks, by Michel Barbeau, Canada (2000);• Aliens of the Deep, by James Cameron, U.S.A. (2005).

Sources: Touski #14, www.lesjardinssuspendus.com andwww.laease.com/degre-hydrotimetrique.html.

Nestled among trendy, avant-garde shops in the up and comingbusiness district of New Orleans, you will find Urban Organics,owned and operated by Carl Barrett. The store opened forbusiness in January 2001 in the French Quarter. It was the firstgarden store in all of Louisiana to specialize in hydroponics andorganics. At the time, other garden centers only carriedhydroponic and organic items as sidelines. Due to the store’s greatsuccess, Carl felt he needed more space to stock the best andmost extensive range of products and items in order to betterserve his customers. Measuring approximately 280 square meters,the store is three to four times larger than its original location. It hasbeen at the St. Claude Avenue location for a year and a half.

Having been through hurricanes before, Carl wasprepared for the storm – to some degree. Wellstocked with water and supplies, Carl, who alsodevelops and sells real estate, decided to stay andride out the storm so that he could look after hisproperties. Some of his workers decided to join himand stayed in the living quarters above the store.

Katrina hit early on Monday morning, at about 4 a.m.and abated about noon that day. It was not any moresevere in wind and rain than past hurricanes, until thelate afternoon when the levees broke. The land nextto the river stayed dry but there was flooding fromLake Pontchartrain until the edge of the French Quarter.St. Claude Avenue, up to the east of the canal thatruns through the 9th Ward, was severely flooded andunder water. The Lower 9th Ward was totallydevastated. Near the shop, the water becameshallower and shallower. Being at the edge of the

Upper 9th Ward, the store had roof damage and wasfilled with about 60 centimetres of water.

Carl spent Monday night checking on people in thecommunity, making sure they were okay. On Tuesday,relief and supplies hadn’t arrived yet. Some grocerystores and drugstores were open. There was nomoney exchanged, but people were able to go inand help themselves to supplies. There were twosituations – some people were taking supplies for akind of grassroots redistribution, while simultaneously,there was the surreal scenario of others taking part ina general free-for-all looting. There was no policepresence anywhere. Wanting to make sure thatpeople in his community had what they needed, Carlwent to a local drugstore and stocked up on much-

needed practical supplies such as bandages and insect repellent.It was still summer and there were a lot of mosquitoes.

The following day, he was able to enter his store. Luckily, it hadnot been looted. It is possible that the workers living above thestore, keeping an eye on it, acted as a deterrent. The grocerystore right next to it was looted, but probably for its cigarettesand beer. Carl could now start to patch the damaged roof andclean up. When he had prepared for the storm, he had moved hisstock up, so he fortunately only lost a few bags of dirt, aseverything else was above the water level. It took a few days toget the water out.

By Hedi GreenNew Orleans News:A Hydroponic Store During And After Katrina


Photos: Carl Barrett

NOTES & NEWS

Adding to the apocalyptic scenario, there was now a newconcern – fire. There was no water pressure in the city,making it impossible for firefighters to fight fires. Peoplewere walking around dazed and frightened, like so manywar refugees. Trying to leave the city was next toimpossible. There was a gas shortage. Generators wereguzzling up a lot of the city’s gas supply. Desperately,people began smashing gas tanks on cars to siphon thegas.

On Sunday, there was finally a military presence in the city.Blackhawk helicopters were overhead and Humvees werein the streets. Martial law and a curfew were brought in.There were also special helicopters which scooped upwater that could be used to pump on fires. Once themilitary started patrolling, people stopped worrying aboutlooting. At this point, violence had escalated. There werepeople shooting in the streets, trying to perpetuate chaos.Those who have lived on the outskirts of society and havebeen long neglected, believed that they would benefitfrom disorder in a catastrophic situation of this magnitude.

Now the military started forcedevacuation. Wanting to protect hisproperties, Carl made thedecision to remain. All but one ofthe guys living above the storeleft, and he went to stay with Carlat Carl’s home in the FrenchQuarter because the forcedevacuation was only for the edgesof the city. Living under martial lawwas horrible. The Blackhawkswere noisy. They were flyingpatterns and constantly doing lowpasses. At 3 a.m., one would hearthe thunder of diesel Humvees inthe streets.

There was still no water, electricityor gas. The military wasn’t handingout supplies. In the poorer areas,armed with guns, the police wasordering people to leave. In the wealthier areas, they werenot as forceful. People were leaving town and not allowedback. Masses were marching towards the Superdome.Hollow-eyed and carrying what little belongings they had,they chose to drop even some of those preciouspossessions as they walked. Water pressure was back, sothere was no danger of fire. There was such horribledestruction everywhere.

The water was out of Carl’s store. He aired and boarded it.Then he took off for Houston for a couple of weeks. Upon

In Louisiana, there are not many large commercial growers ofvegetables or fruit. South of New Orleans there is the coastal industryof shrimping and trapping. In the North you’ll find agriculture, largelysugarcane. The Louisiana State Attorney General, Charles C. Foti Jr., wasvery forward-thinking when he was the sheriff: he started ahydroponic garden in the Orleans Parish Prison. The idea was thatprisoners could grow their own fruits and vegetables. The hurricaneleft a large part of the prison underwater and the prisoners wereevacuated. It is unlikely that the garden survived.

NOTES & NEWS


Photos: Carl Barrett & Bruno Bredoux

his return, there were still no services. People were pitching tentson their properties, just wanting to be on their own territory... somany had just lost everything.

By mid-October, Carl started cleaning up his store in earnest.Without electricity or the help of a generator, he startedrevamping. During the clean-up, he did make some sales. Loyalcustomers whom he had known for years came to see if thingswere alright. Some drove from Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. Hestarted to keep regular business hours in mid-November, operatingduring daylight hours only – still without electricity or a generator!Full power wasn’t restored until December 15.

Carl then decided to crank up his advertising. Choosing acombination of local papers, music magazines and radio ads, hesoon got a lot of his old customers back as well as many newones.

Now the shop is running at full speed. He has some newemployees and some who worked for him before the storm.Others left because they have relocated. Supplies began arrivingregularly in November. Deliveries were generally on time. Everyservice suffered because personnel was cut in half. Manycompanies were shorthanded. Of course, because there arefewer residents, overall sales are lower. Business is not like it wasbefore the hurricane, but it is definitely growing!

Carl finds that the general economy is on the upswing. There wasan uneasiness for a couple of months: everybody was waiting tosee if there would be funding and commitment from thegovernment to rebuild the levees. Now the federal governmentarmy engineers will be rebuilding the levees and making themstronger.

Ironically, this terrible destruction and displacement has acted as acatalyst for regrowth and renewal. A good example of this is theschool system. Prior to the storm, it was drastically substandard.There was a shortage of books. Many schools lacked air-conditioning. Now, there will be books and the schools are beingrebuilt to include air conditioning systems. It is interesting that inGreek etymology, the name Katrina means “cleansing”...

As Carl says, “We have to have hope, as the alternative to hope isunacceptable. New Orleans will be rebuilt better than before!”

URBAN ORGANICS, 2805 ST. CLAUDE AVE, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70117(504) 945-8845CARL BARRETT

NOTES & NEWS

Photos: Carl Barrett



NOTES & NEWS

Photos: Jessy Caron

A Rose Is Not Simply A Rose...Headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, skin problems and blurryvision. Such are the symptoms that afflict tens of thousands ofworkers, mostly women, from Colombia and Ecuador who,day in and day out, work to grow the cut flowers that you buyat your local florist shop. These symptoms stem from theintense use of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides, highlytoxic chemical products that are allegedly required for theproduction of perfect and resistant flowers.

Over 90% of the flowers we buy in Canada come fromabroad, and mostly from South America. They are shipped byplane (it is unavoidable) and distributed. We only see beauti-ful flowers, and we forget or are kept ignorant of the living con-ditions of the people who worked in order for us to have suchflowers. Well, the consumer now has an ethical choice to makewhen buying cut flowers: for months now, fair trade flowershave been appearing on the market. We already know there isfair trade coffee, tea, rice and chocolate; flowers follow thesame path.

Fair trade flowers are sold to distributors at a slightly higherprice (a few cents per flower), but are offered at the sameprice as regular flowers to the consumer. The commercialtrade, however, has much more range when one chooses tobuy a fair trade flower arrangement. The companies that havebeen certified for fair trade production, indeed, have had tomodify their practices in the producing countries. This is howwomen workers now have the right to a short (three month-long) maternity leave instead of being fired, how employeesnow have an actual work contract and how they are trained inthe safe use of the chemical products they must use. TheGerman organization Flower Label Program (FLP) grants the cer-tification, and it expects companies to set up cafeterias, restareas and enough toilet facilities for the employees. Those aresmall steps forward, but they make all the difference to theworkers.

Fair trade flowers do not only offer South American workersdecent working conditions as opposed to misery. They arealso grown in better respect of the environment, and this is toour common benefit. Indeed, the cut flowers we buy are usu-ally cultivated with the help of chemical products, either toensure that there are no insects on the flowers or to allow theflower to remain beautiful for a longer period. Some of theseproducts, such as methyl bromide and silver thiosulphate, areforbidden in North America... yet they are still in the flowersyou display with such pleasure. Some of the companies whohope to carve their niche in fair trade flowers have alreadyreduced their pesticide use by 90%. This has an obvious ben-eficial impact on the fauna and flora, water and humans,whether they are directly involved or live far away, as we do:we still share the same planet...

The next time you give a cut flower arrangement, ask for fairtrade flowers. It is a good gesture for you, for others and forthe environment, and you will then offer a gift that complieswith your gardener values! - Helene Jutras


NOTES & NEWS

Restaurant: Dans le Noir?, theHippest Place in Paris, And Soonin London And Brussels!

Inspired by an experience he had inZurich a few years ago, a young Frenchbusinessman has launched a Europeanchain of restaurants where diners eat incomplete darkness. The waiters havebeen recruited among an associationof young blind persons. The experi-

ence of eating in darkness, apparently, enhances the senses usedin appreciating a meal, taste and smell. Those who like to see whatthey eat can... eat somewhere else! The restaurant is very success-ful. Here is what a web user had to say about it (onwww.restoparis.com): "I spent an excellent evening with friends; atfirst we were a little uncomfortable: utensils at the left, glass in front,etc. You try to find your friends around you. Then you take a fewsips and everything goes well. You play guessing games with theirsurprise menu. That's right, you don't know what you have in yourmouth, it's confusing! Try to cut your meat or your fish (boneless,but still!)! Just one flaw: the price. It is 40 Euros for a full meal,before drinks. I find that a bit much. It's an experiment I recommendto the most well off among you."

The meal's price may be explained by the fact that no bank agreedto finance the project. Meanwhile, the concept is spreadingthroughout Europe. If the young blind waiters have been organiz-ing this kind of meal in the dark in Zurich since 1999 to sensitizethe public to their handicap, such is not the goal of the restaurant'sowner. For him, it is mostly a sensory and culinary experience, withno outside interference. Recognizing the taste of a bell pepper ora tomato... without seeing what it is, such is the ultimate experi-ence for a gardener who grows his plants with love. Try it the nexttime you are in Europe!

Address: 51 rue Quincampoix – 75004 Paris – Tel.: 01 42 77 98 04– Web: www.danslenoir.fr.

Photos: D.R. & RAGT Semences

Cayman IslandsAgriculture: StudentsHave A HydroponicMission

Growing foods usinghydroponic methods isone of the ways thatCayman Brac High Schoolstudents are doing theirpart to support sustain-able living in the SisterIslands. Now, thanks to aDepartment of Agriculture-sponsored visit to therecent 22nd AnnualHydroponics & OrganicGrowers Conference inOrlando, Florida, the stu-dents are armed with newinformation and tech-

niques to expand their own projects andto help inspire their community, states aCayman Islands Government press release.“The educational objective of [our trip] hasbeen ‘to reach out and show modern agri-cultural practices to the wider community,’and in light of the recent discussionsregarding sustainable living in the SisterIslands, I see hydroponics and aquaponics(fish farming) projects as being potentiallybeneficial here,” said CBHS science teacherMr. Baker. He explained that even with limit-ed land space, hydroponics can yield highquality fresh vegetables in areas unsuitablefor traditional farming and that residentswho live in areas with poor soil can nowgrow food without soil, thus avoiding soilpests and obtaining high yield from smallareas. Mr. Barker added, “We learnt manythings from the conference but one of themost notable techniques was to ‘go verti-cal’ in order to save space and reducewater loss.” One CBHS student, RustyWalton, has already set up his own aqua-culture/hydroponics project, assisted byparents Jude and Laura. “However, thegreatest benefit is taste; crops are pickedfresh and ripe, not imported under-ripe,forced or damaged,” Mr. Baker said.

Sources: www.caycompass.com andwww.italic.ky.

Goodbye RAGT Seeds Cycling!After two seasons in the service of professional Frenchcycling, RAGT Semences is retiring from competition tore-focus on... seeds (!) and other marketing avenues forthe great seeds-by-mail company. But the cyclists arestill going... (see below). Source: www.ragtcyclisme.com.

Old RAGT Semences Team Cyclists Will Participate In The2006 Tour de France Hubert Dupont, 25, a climber who became a pro last sea-son with RAGT Semences, and Renaud Dion, 27, an all-rounder who became a pro with RAGT Semences in 2004,will join the Ag2r-Prévoyance team, the new team ofSpanish runner Francisco Mancebo. Source: www.velonews.com.


TIPS & TRICKS

Method

Starting a cucumber crop indoorsfor at least one month (a longerperiod is preferable).

As soon as the outdoor tempera-ture becomes mild, usually in themiddle of March or April depend-ing on the area, planting the cucum-bers in soil.

The change in light cycle will triggerflowering as the plants go from 18hours of light indoors to naturallight.

The problem is temperature. Thespring must not be too cold.

As an example, we tested this insouthern Drôme (France), an areaknown for its very mild climate veryearly in the season:

• The seeds were germinated atthe end of December;

• They grew under neons for twomonths;

• They were placed in a greenhouse (glass roof and walls) at theend of February;

• Result: a nice harvest at the end of April.

• Of course, you should not plant the cucumbers outdoors with-out a greenhouse until March: it is too risky, even in the south.

Advantages

• Electricity savings, since the plants are only grown indoors for amonth or two.

• No watering. A good watering at theonset will suffice, and that is muchappreciated.

• No risk of damage to the plants by ani-mals, predators, mold or the end of win-ter and early spring weather, etc.

We thus attempted to test this new cul-tivation method.

Cucumber Culture Calendar/Log –Indoors/Outdoors

Saturday, January 15thWe started indoor cultivation on January15, 2005.

The plantlets are doing well. Room tem-perature: 24 °C.

The only little problem was stem elonga-tion (neons placed too far).

Problem quickly solved.

We de-potted the plants are re-pottedthem to have the cotyledons at soilheight.

The pots are small (7 x 7 cm, 6 cm high), so the roots werewrapped around the inside of the pots.

This did not hinder the plants’ development. The neon was placed9 cm above the top of the plantlets.

Experiment Progress (in Drôme)

Tuesday, February 1stThe crop has been started 15 days ago.

Results are extraordinary. The plants placed less than 10 cm fromthe neon, thankfully, did not elongate much. The problem at the

Spring Production Calendar for Cucumbers, Inside And Out

By G. Benz

With a friend of mine, I attempted an experiment lastspring in Drôme, the part of France where we live. Ofcourse, this experiment took advantage of the very mildclimate that arrives very early in the year in the beautifulDrôme Department. In North America, adapt our exper-

iment according to your area. For Québec and the northernmost regions, delay theexperiment by a few months.

Armenian Cucumber

TIPS & TRICKS

onset, 10 days ago, was clearly that theneons were too far from the top of theplants.

The stem is now 5 cm long and there isonly 1 cm between each row of leaves.

It's wonderful: the little plants are already developing their fourthlevel of leaves.

The light cycle is set at 18 hours of light per day.

The temperature is now 25 degrees Celsius.

Plants are placed 6 cm under theneons.

This week we will re-pot them in big-ger pots.

Friday, February 25th

The plants are now over a month old.

The results are wonderful.

The smallest plant is 16 cm high.

The tallest is 26 cm high.

Temperature at 24° C.

With a digital camera, we took the picture of a leaf with its actualsize ration, to show you the result. Theleaf itself was 15 cm high and an aver-age of 16 cm wide (see photo).

We can begin to trigger flowering, butwe will wait a few more days to get alarger volume.

We have just experimented with something that is extremely inter-esting: how to make a plant grow by at least 2 cm in one day. Itworks very well and in a natural way with an elaborate and organicnutritive input.

Tuesday, March 8th

Some of the plants are now over 30 cm tall. They are magnificentand well branched.

There is a trick to help them growfaster: putting them in the sun on thebalcony during the day. They love it.

Flowering was triggered five days ago.

The only light now available to theplants is sunlight on the balcony, hence the triggering of flowering.

I think we may see buds early next week.

By being outside, the plantsget used to temperaturesbelow 24 °C.

As soon as the temperaturebecomes milder, the bud-ding plants will be put insoil.

I now believe it will besoon.

I will need to prepare thenext generation's germina-tion.

Saturday, March 19thFlowering has now beentriggered many days ago.

Great news: they are in soilalready. We planted themthis afternoon.

Some plants require a staketo support the weight of theflowers.

We now only need to waituntil harvest time.

At their current size, they donot have many predators.We have to watch out forslugs and snails.

The next generation wasgerminated on March 16,indoors under neons.

AprilThe first plants put in soilwere frost-bit and tooksome damage. The others,planted in soil a few dayslater, withstood it well. Theshape and size of thecucumbers is already great.

MayHarvest was performed inmid-May. The experimentwas a success.

21VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 5 THE INDOOR GARDENER

Captions:1. A cucumber leaf, actual size (Friday, February 25).2. Cucumber.3. Drôme offers a mild climate very early in the spring, allowing the passing of indoor cultivation to outdoors.

1.

2.

3.

American Cucumber

Japanese Cucumber

Mexican Cucumber

Persian Cucumber

Long English Cucumber


TIPS & TRICKS

Photos: Jessy Caron

From the ancient Egyptians who used to put on their heads a cone ofperfumed oil that gently melted, releasing its aroma to the fascinatedreaders of Suskind's Perfume and the Victorian women who protectedtheir noses from the smells of the street by burying them in violets, theperfume of flowers has always charmed us, obsessed us, seduced us.Close your eyes and imagine strolling through a garden of floweryshrubs, imagine the odor of wild roses after the rain, the vapid scent of

geraniums at dusk, the resinous smellof the undergrowth... plant odorsare a part of our commonexperience. They call upona powerful sense: humansmell can detect 10,000distinct odors, often ifonly a few parts perbillion are spread inthe air! To compare,our sense of taste onlyallows us to identify fiveflavors: sweet, salted,bitter, sour and the fifth,

named unami by theJapanese. This illustrates the

importance of perfumes!

No More Perfumes at the Flower Shop

In the last decades, however, our favorite flowers have seen their per-fume vanish: it is not rare to be given roses, to bring them close to ournose, inhaling... in vain! They smell absolutely nothing. That is becausebreeders and specialized horticulturists have sought for traits other thanperfume. They wanted a longer stem, of a bushier plant, more colorful...and perfume vanished, in favor of a longer life expectancy and of morelucrative shipments by the producers. There are, in fact, 26 traits thatbreeders look for, and perfume is not one of them! The transformationof roses started around the Second World War: they were made to havelonger stems, new colors, fewer thorns, and these roses survived muchlonger once cut. The petals are now thicker, and they do not allow per-fume molecules to escape; rather, they stay imprisoned in the petals untilthose rot.

Faced with the disappointment and the growing demand from hobbygardeners, however, perfumed roses are back. David Austin, a rose pro-ducer, smelled the tendency from afar and, many years ago, he started

crossing tea roses, known for their colors and their long flowering peri-od, to antique shrub roses, from which they took their perfume. Hiscompany sells its perfect roses throughout the United States, and theyare extremely popular.

A Story About Sex...

The perfume of flowers was not developed throughout the millenniasimply for the pleasures of our noses. It is rather a question of reproduc-tion. Flowers attract pollinating insects and in particular the small nighttimecritters that would not know what to go with a glorious colorful corolla.The petunia, among others, has a subtle scent during the day. In the earlyevening and during part of the night, however, it releases a rich, headyperfume with clove accents. This attracts moths, who can catch aflower's smell at almost 300 metres; they like strong sweet perfumes likethat of jasmine.

These thousands of flowers which only reveal their perfume at nightfallare often white, to perfectly reflect the last rays of dusk and to attract allof the insects they need to reproduce like so many pretty flames. Theyare often tubular or trumpet-shaped, the ideal shape for moths.Nicotianas are such flowers, releasing their nice perfume at sunset.

All flowers emit volatile compounds that contribute to their perfume andare spread to attract the pollinators, whether they be a certain kind ofinsect or another, birds or even bats. Each flower has its unique scentsignature. It is a subtle mixture of volatile compounds that become gasand waft in the air, and this mixture can be made up of any of the 1,700floral compounds identified to date. An orchid can produce about ahundred such compounds, while a snapdragon only has around ten.The snapdragon may have fewer compounds, but it uses strategy: itreleases four times more perfume during the day, when the bees thatpollinate it are out and about, than it does at night.

Once the pollinator friend has flownaway, petunias and snapdragons,among others, decrease their per-fume production. Once the floweris fertilized, which is the step fol-lowing pollination, the perfumedecreases again, and is of lowerquality. You also need to know thatwhen flowers have just bloomed,they do not produce as much per-

FlowersBy Marie RoyAnd Their Perfume

Flowers

Photo: Jessy Caron

fume as more mature flowers. It is up to you: if you have an outdoor gar-den and you wish to make a perfumed bouquet, you would be betterto cut the flowers of your choice before pollination, but you should alsoallow them time to develop their aroma.Composite flowers, such as daisies, and umbels, such as the lace flower,often have unpleasant perfumes, smells of rot or manure. The reason

behind the perfume is that those flowers rely on flies for their pollination,and those flies must be attracted somehow. The flowers that self-polli-nate do not need insects and, like those that attract bees mostly throughtheir visual sense, they often have no perfume. Since birds and most but-terflies do not have a well developed sense of smell, the flowers thatrely on them do not waste their energy for perfume production.

... And About Health

Some plants, no doubt, use their perfume to protect themselves frominsects or even to protect themselves against hot and dry climates. Infact, the volatile compounds that form the perfume make a protectivelayer around the leaves. Rosemary, for example, is 74 times more refresh-ing than fresh air, and that is why the British covered their brick walls withit. Thyme and lavender are also very refreshing. In the same way, floralperfumes can protect us: cinnamon oil destroys typhoid germs intwelve minutes. Other essential oils do the same in less than an hour.Rose flower oil has seven times the antiseptic capacities of carbolic acidand thyme essential oil, twelve times.

In The Garden

If you are tempted by a perfume garden outdoors, here are a fewpieces of advice. First, beware of allergies: these perfumed beautiesattract the insects they need, but their arrival can turn into a nightmare ifone of the humans around is allergic to their sting, for example. If this isnot an issue, choose an area that is close to the house, so that the aro-mas can waft in, and you will doubly benefit from your garden. Knowalso that the heat reflected off a wall or a stone soil cover can intensifyfloral perfumes: use this solar power! Finally, the wind can send your per-fumes far and wide: prefer half-closed spaces such as a little fenced-inyard, where the perfumes will accumulate and be amplified.

Following the repeated requests of horticulturists and gardeners, manyseed banks and nurseries now offer perfumed flowers, and more andmore catalogues now include this data with all others, as it should be.

Now it is up to you to follow your nose!


TIPS & TRICKS

24

Illustration: From the website www.edwardbach.org

Born in 1886, Edward Bachbecame a doctor at the age of 26,before turning to bacteriology.Looking for a miracle vaccine, hethen turned to homeopathy. As aphysician, Bach was not happy sim-ply tp make a diagnosis, write aprescription and wait to seeresults; he tried, rather, to under-stand the person and her sensibili-ties as a whole.Bach was convinced that the modern vision of medicine, which attacksan existing illness, did not solve anything. He was rather interested inthe causes of illness and wanted to attack it at its origin instead of treat-ing its consequences. Already convinced that the sources of illness arewithin our emotions and personalities, Bach identified the virtues offlowers and hoped to harness those virtues. One day, he observeddew on flowers, and thought that this dew had to contain some of theplant's properties. Since collecting dew was no easy task, he devel-oped a "sunlight method": he would leave water in the sun and placeflowers on the water. The Bach flowers were born.

Although we can make our own Bach flowers, we can also buy thetinctures in stores. Thirty-eight plants make up the Bach system:

Flowers To HealOur Souls

By Helene Jutras

agrimony, aspen, beech, centaury, cerato, cherry plum,chestnut bud, chicory, clematis, crab apple, elm, gentian,gorse, heather, holly, honeysuckle, hornbeam, impatiens,larch, mimulus, mustard, oak, olive, pine, red chestnut, rockrose, rock water, scleranthus, star of Bethlehem, sweet chest-nut, vervain, vine, walnut, water violet, white chestnut, wildoat, wild rose and willow.

The floral remedies are used in one of two ways: either by takingtwo to four drops of a first dilution, straight from the Bach flowerflagon, under the tongue, three to four times a day, or in the sameway but using a second dilution tincture, which is often called"Bach remedy".

VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 5 THE INDOOR GARDENER

TIPS & TRICKS Photos: From the website www.edwardbach.org

It is best to take thesolutions in the morn-ing on an emptystomach and at nightbefore going to bed,and in function of theemotions felt through-out the day. As forwhich plants to use, aspecialist can helpyou, and so can thefew books listed atthe end of this article.Bach remedies canhelp you tackle manydifficulties, and a few

examples follow. For a serene meditation, one drop of crabapple and one drop of white chestnut will bring about purifi-cation and peace. A feeling of suffocation can be appeasedwith walnut. Crab apple can help you if you are forced to bearound people who poison your life. Red chestnut will calmdown your worries about your loved ones, while pine candiminish a feeling of guilt.

There are a few precautions to think of to store Bach flowers:keep them in a room with a temperature below 37º C, donot put them in the sun, and do not keep them near 50 to60 Hz magnetic fields (such as produced by a microwaveoven, a transformer or a stove).

Recommended Reading:

- The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy, by MechthildScheffer - The Bach Flower Remedies, by Edward Bach and E. J.Wheeler- Bach Flower Therapy: Theory and Practice, by MechthildScheffer - New Bach Flower Therapies: Healing the Emotional andSpiritual Causes of Illness, by Dietmar Krämer

By Helene Jutras

1 – The Solar Method

This method is the closest to Dr. Bach’s original method. Planahead: you will need a beautiful clear day and a great quan-tity of flowers – you will either have to cultivate them or findthem and observe them closely in order to pick them at thebest possible moment.

In a sterilized big bowl made of clear glass (to sterilize thebowl, plunge it in boiling water for five minutes), pour threelitres of pure spring water. Holding the bowl in one hand, useyour other hand to pick the flowers – they need to be non-pollinated and at the peak of flowering – by making them fallstraight on the water. This must be done one hour after thesun rises, before 9 a.m. The entire water surface should becovered in flowers, which requires between 200 and 300grams of flowers. Put the bowl in the sunlight, under a cloud-free sky, for three hours. Beware: if the sky clouds over formore than three minutes, you will have to begin the wholeoperation again some other time!

Once the three hours have passed, filtrate the solution withcheese cloth, and pour it in sterilized one-litre opaque glassbottles. Fill half of each bottle, and fill the rest with 40-proofbrandy. This will give you approximately two litres of essence.Label the bottle and use a cork to close them. To obtain Bachelixir, pour 4 ml of essence in one litre of brandy. Do not usepit fruit alcohol. Alcohol stops the infusion and allows it tokeep for many years.

2 – The Boiling Method

Make the flowers fall into a glazed iron pot or a clay pot –sterilized – and fill up two thirds of the pot. Add 3.5 litres ofpure spring water and gently bring to a boil. Ideally, thisshould be done the same morning as the flowers are picked,and nearby, on a clear day. Allow to simmer, uncovered, for30 minutes. Then, allow the mixture to cool completely (thiscan take a few hours).

Filtrate and bottle as explained in the solar method above.

The boiling method can be used for aspen, beech, chestnut,crab apple, elm, honeysuckle, hornbeam, larch, mimulus,pine, sweet chestnut, walnut, water violet and willow.

3 – An Alternative Method

The classic methods necessarily require the flowers to bepicked, and thus to die. We can, however, simply make thewater run on the flower without picking it. It is then notrequired to leave out in the sun to macerate, and the elixir isjust as potent.

How To Make Your OwnBach Flowers: Three Methods

25


PLANT HEALTH

I – pH And The Nutritive Solution

pH: What Is pH?pH means potential of hydrogen ions. All mineral elementshave a specific pH range; this means that the mineral ele-ment can become more available within certain pH ranges.The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 14 being the high-est for alkalinity and 0 the lowest for acidity. Most life on thisplanet tolerates a range of pH between 4.5 and 8.5 with-out suffering too much harm. The pH within the higher andlower ranges will not allow for as much chemical availabili-ty (see chart). By adjusting the solution’s pH to between5.5 and 6.0, we can potentially provide the plant withmore mineral elements and nutrients. Each fertilizer manu-facturer should provide a proper range of pH to benefittheir nutrients the most.

Plants have the capability to adjust the pH of the growingmedium. This allows the mineral salts to become moreavailable by releasing the chemical potential of an elementwithin its desired pH range. When you garden in soil, use acontainer that is large enough to allow the roots to spread out.Otherwise, they will be growing around and around, and on top ofeach other in the bottom of the container.

When the roots lay on top of each other and are not being sepa-rated by the growing medium, the plants cannot react with the soilto release the mineral elements. When you allow this to happen,you lower your capacity for higher yields. If the roots are separatedby soil particles, they will be able to find new mineral elements.More nutrients, more yields!

If we deliver a nutrient solution without adjusting the pH, certainelements will not be available and precipitation will occur.Remember that very little iron (Fe++), manganese (Mn++), magne-sium (Mg++) and zinc (Z) are available to plants in a pH rangeabove 7. With phosphorus (P) and molybdenum (Mo), the availabil-ity of the mineral elements will be reduced with a pH above 6. Ironphosphate, calcium sulphate, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) canform calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2), a precipitation that occursabove pH 6.0. A word of caution: if you using well water and yourpH is higher than 9 from the tap and the parts per million are high-er than 350, the levels of bicarbonate ions will be high enough to

Plant Foods: Notes For The Perfect Application – Part 1

By William Sutherland

Plant foods are not delivered properly just by pouring the nutrients intothe water or soil. There are a certain number of factors to consider beforestarting your nutritive applications to hydroponic, soilless or soil-cultivatedplants. In this article, we will start with the pH levels and the vegetationand flowering stages. We will give you day by day charts to deliver yournutrient formulas correctly, without damaging the roots, the leaves or allyour crops. Also see our article in The Indoor Gardener #4, FertilizerDelivery, at pages 58-59.

(Growing Edge Technologies)

00

Illustration : B & B Hydroponics Garden


PLANT HEALTH

inhibit other ions (plant food) from being utilized bythe plant. If you are growing with hydroponics andthis type of tap water, your yields will be lower. Werecommend that you look for a different water sup-ply or, alternatively, switch to soil. For soil, make therequired amount of nutrients for each watering. Thesoil will retain the minerals and release them back tothe soil solution and the plants will be able to feedon the nutrients. Make only enough nutrient solutionfor that watering. If you decide to continue withhydroponics and you see precipitation in the watersolution, then your nutrients have locked up andthey are not available to your plants, nor will theyever be available to the plant roots. Keep in mindthat some forms of precipitation that occur are not visible to thenaked eye.

Many manufacturers of plant food build their plant food to be pHstable. pH buffers such as 2-(N_morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid –abbreviated to MES – will stabilize the nutrient solution. We, atGrowing Edge Technologies (G.E.T.) build our plant food withoutpH stabilization capabilities, allowing the grower to monitor thenutrient solution and fix a situation before it becomes a problemwith yield.

By monitoring the pH of the hydroponic nutrient solution, the grow-er can monitor the health of a plant. If the pH of the nutrient solu-tion continuously rises, the plant is healthy and actively feeding. Donot allow the nutrient solution to climb above pH 6.5. Change thenutriment solution, even if it is before the regular nutrient scheduledchange. There are two main reasons why the nutrient solution candrop in pH value. One is that the adequate volume of nutrient solu-tion was not provided. If the volume of water containing mineralelements is not sufficient, the alkaline ions, such as ammoniumnitrate (NH4+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium(Mg2+), will be utilized by the plants quicker. Use a Parts Per Million(ppm) electrical conductor meter to monitor the strength of thenutrient solution. When the nutrient solution drops by 200 ppm,you have to change the nutrient solution. The second reason for adrop in pH is that the plant is fighting off a bacterial invasion in theroot zone.

When the plant is sick, it does not just stop growing or absorbingwater. If a plant is under attack by viruses or disease, it will secretea substance that lowers the pH of the surrounding area in anattempt to kill the bacteria. In hydroponics, the pH of the nutrientsolution will fall and other plants in the hydroponic system mightget infected because of the interconnecting tubing. The pH willcrash even faster, depending on the volume of water. All this meanslower yields. Once the pH starts to drop, it is time for RocketPower. Our Rocket Power is designed to give the plant such a kick-start that it will have to start growing again. If the plant does notstart to grow again and all conditions have been provided, thenwe suggest getting a new plant.

To get the most out of Rocket Power, set the pH at 5.2 and com-pletely submerge the plant roots in order to eliminate all of the oxy-

gen surrounding the root ball. After 45 minutes,remove the plant and wash off any excess solu-tion. When using the Aroma Formula, build a newnutrient solution 1 ml stronger than the strength atwhich you first noticed the pH dropping. Changethe nutrient solution daily, keeping it at the same mlstrength, and on the fourth day, increase the mlstrength. This will help ensure the bacteria won’tget a chance to build up to dangerous levels againwhile your garden is in recovery mode. After fourdays, resume the normal schedule of increasingthe ml feeding. Monitor the pH closely for anydecrease. Repeat the application of Rocket Powerif the pH falls again. This process is easy for hydro-

ponic gardening. Soil or soilless methods of growth cannot bemonitored for pH drops as accurately as hydroponics. There arepH test kits that can be used to test the soil’s pH. A visual way is tolook for a lack of growth or dullness in the leaves. Plant leavesshould have a healthy vibrant shine to them.

Rocket Power Product DescriptionUpward fluctuations in the pH of your nutrient solution is a sign thatyour plants are feeding heavily and are in great health. A continualdrop in pH indicates that the plant is fighting off a virus or bacterialinfection at the root zone. Using fertilizer programs that have pHbuffers is not an option and it’s not as easy to continually monitorsoil or soilless mediums. Rocket Power is designed to increase thehealth of a plant by giving it pure mineral elements and a kick-startof growth so that the plant can get a head start and fend off thedisease. Use also if the surface of the leaves is dull – healthy leaveshave a vibrant shine to them. Rocket Power is manufactured byG.E.T. (Growing Edge Technologies). Note: Apply to the root zoneonly!

II – Vegetative And Flowering StagesAnd The Nutritive Solution

Regular Feeding FormulaTry this method first, gain confidence, then try the Power Feedingor a variation of this formula and enjoy! When harvesting plants thathave only leaf harvesting value, such as herbs and lettuce, use onlythe vegetation formula. For plants that produce flowers, fruits orvegetables, start introducing the flowering formula when the plantis mature enough. The Aroma Formula Micro Base (MB) is used to

keep the plant healthy. TheAroma Formula A and BConcentrates (VA, VB – Vfor vegetation – and FA, FB– F for Flowering) aredesigned for acceleratedgrowth. The Micro Basecannot be increased ortoxicity of micro-elementsmay occur. The acid andalkaline nature of the A andB Concentrates may alsoPh

oto & illustration : B & B Hydroponics Garden


PLANT HEALTH

Photos: Jessy Caron and B & B Hydroponics Garden.

damage the Micro Base. This is why we have five bottles for our for-mulas! See our product description below.

Have you had a friend that has gone on a diet, lost 30 to 40 poundsonly to regain more weight once the diet is over? We can applynutrient solution in a similar manner for similar results. The best timeto put your plant on a diet is just before introducing the floweringfood. As you increase the strength of the vegetation food (19 to 22ml VA and VB), the chemical potential is increased inside the plant’sroot system. Four to seven days prior to going into flowering, youdecrease the dose (16 to 19 ml VA and VB), creating a higher needfor certain mineral elements.

Now, start the flowering cycle by increasing the flowering formula-tion to 3 ml stronger (22 to 25 ml FA and FB) than vegetation levels(19 to 22 ml VA and VB). The plants’ natural ionic exchange shouldhave a higher negative and positive need within the plant; therefore,it will absorb more mineral elements (fertilizer salts), and triggerfaster growth and flowering. Plants are not unlike us: the more youget, the more you want. Don’t forget to adjust all the other require-ments including light, heat, water, air and carbon dioxide.

The Aroma Formula Product Description

Garden plants don’t just thrive on the Aroma Formula but exceedtheir normal growth potential with dynamic flowers and betteroverall health. G.E.T. (Growing Edge Technologies) has separatedthe various components and trace elements necessary for growth

into five concentrated nutrient solutions – two for vegetativegrowth (VA and VB), two for flowering (FA and FB) and a chelatedtrace element compound (MB or Micro Base) used throughout theentire growth cycle. Adding the Micro Base separately ensures thatits trace elements are not damaged by unfavourable pH levels. TheAroma Formula’s unique properties also enhance the aromatic oilsproduced by most herbs, resulting in a dense rich fragrance whichlends itself to any meal. Try it once and you too will understand whywe call it the Aroma Formula.

The Aroma Formula Hydroponic Usage Chart

[Note about the tables:Chart 1: For vegetation growth only (all measurements are in ml per10 litres of water)Below, stage 1 through to stage 3 are for flowering.]

To provide oxygen to the roots and stop the buildup of bacteria,slime and algae, use O2 Power at the rate of 6 ml per 10 liters ofwater throughout all stages of growth and flowering. Start your gar-den off right, mist plants once a week with Power Start at the rateof 10 ml per 1 liter of water. Mist in the early morning or before thelights come on.

Chart 1: Vegetation growth onlyDay VA & VB PT Set pH MB1 12 20 5.7 204 13 20 5.7 208 14 20 5.7 2012 15 20 5.7 20

Keep increasing VA & VB to 20 ml per 10 litres of water.56 20 20 5.7 2060 untilharvest 20 20 5.7 20(PT is for Power Thrive)

To Root CuttingsVA VB FA FB PT O2 Set pH5 5 5 5 20 6 5.7

Stage 1 (Vegetation) to Stage 2 (Flowering)

Stage 1: VegetationDay VA & VB PT Set pH MB1 12 20 5.7 204 13 20 5.7 208 14 20 5.7 20(PT is for Power Thrive)

Stage 1: Decide how many days you want to vegetate (above, weopted for 11 days) and increase the ml strengthevery four days as per chart. Once you under-stand how your plants respond to the AromaFormula, change the chart to accommodateyour preferred method. If you want to grow alarger plant, keep increasing VA and VB, 1 ml ata time, until the desired height is reached.

MB20

PLANT HEALTH


Stage 2: Flowering

Day VA & VB PT Set pH MB12/1 15 20 5.7 204 16 20 5.7 208 17 20 5.7 2012 18 20 5.7 2016 19 20 5.7 2020 20 20 5.7 2024 20-21 20 5.7 2028 20-22 20 5.7 2032 20-23 20 5.7 2036 20-24 20 5.7 2040 20-25 20 5.7 2044 20-26 20 5.7 2048 20-27 20 5.7 2052 20-28 20 5.7 2056 20-29 20 5.7 20Use the Rinse Solution to improve the taste. (PT is for Power Thrive)

Stage 2: When you induce flowering, increase the ml strengthby 1 ml from the 14 ml VA and VB to 15 ml of FA and FB. Thechart above follows the feeding schedule. Increase the mlstrength every four days.

Start misting Power PreFlowers one week before the floweringstage, at the rate of 10 ml of Power PreFlowers per liter ofwater.

At different stages in a plant’s life, it will utilize more mineral ele-ments than can be provided in your nutrient solution, so werecommend the following. When the flowers are about 2 cen-timetres in size, use Power To Bloom. Four days later, mist theplants with Umph Power, and repeat two weeks later. Four

weeks before the harvest, start mistingthe plants with Power Fruit Set at therate of 10 ml per liter of water. Mist inthe early morning.

For the best taste, use 20 ml of A andB Concentrate per 10 liters of water.Keep feeding the plants at the 20-day(20 ml) application rate until the har-vest. Harvest your garden around thesixtieth day.

About 4 to 7 days before harvest, usethe Rinse Solution for better taste. DarkGreen for 7 days, Light Green for 3 or4 days. Want to push your plants forhigh yields? If your plants are the rightshade of green, keep increasing the FAand FB Concentrate from the 20-dayapplication. If they are light green,increase the ml strength and if they aredark green, decrease the ml strength.Some plants can take as much as 35 to

40 ml of FA and FB. You may not get to that strength of a for-mula, but push your plants and see; the results are amazing,from anywhere above 20 ml per 10 litres of water.

The Perfect Soil Application

[Note about the tables: All figures are in ml of liquid concen-trate fertilizer per 15 litres of water.]

Stages 1 And 2: Vegetation

Stage 1 – Vegetation Growth Formula. Start plants in 8litres of soilless soil. Grow plants until they are about 20 cen-timetres tall, then go to stage 2.Day VA & VB PT Set pH MB1 15 20 5.7 204 16 20 5.7 208 17 20 5.7 20(PT is for Power Thrive)

Stage 2: Vegetation – Transplant plants into a 40 to 60 litresoil container. Keep increasing the ml strength for plants that willbe left in vegetation until you reach 23 ml of VA and VB. If theyare light green, increase A and B; if they are deep green,decrease it.Day VA & VB PT Set pH MB12 22 20 5.7 2016 23 20 5.7 2020 24 20 5.7 2024 25 20 5.7 20(PT is for Power Thrive)

To Root CuttingsVA VB FA FB PT O2 Set pH5 5 5 5 20 6 5.7

Use the Grocery Gro Bags for planting your crops.

a) Mix 750 ml of fine lime, 500 g of Kelp Power and 2 kg of ver-miculite per 107 liters of Pro Mix Bx. Blend all dry ingredientstogether, then wet with 5.7 pH adjusted water.

b) Or: mix 750 ml fine lime, 500 g of Kelp Power, Guano Power,

MB20

Photos: Jessy Caron and B & B Hydroponics Garden.


PLANT HEALTH

Photos: B & B Hydroponics Garden and Gally

9 litres of perlite and 2 kg of vermiculite per two 5 kg of Coco PeatPower. Blend all dry ingredients together, then wet with 5.7 pHadjusted water.

Always water with the nutrient solution. Start your garden off right,mist plants once a week with Power Star at the rate of 10 ml perliter of water. Mist in the early morning or before the lights come on.To help prevent over-watering, use O2 Power at the rate of 6 ml per10 liters of water.

Stage 3: Flowering

Stage 3 – Flowering: after 20 days of vegetation, your gardenshould be ready for flowering.Day VA & VB PT Set pH MB1 25 20 5.7 204 26 20 5.7 208 26 20 5.7 2012 26-27 20 5.7 2016 26-27 20 5.7 2020 26-27 20 5.7 2024 26-27 20 5.7 2028 26-27 20 5.7 2032 26-27 20 5.7 2036 26-27 20 5.7 2040 26-27 20 5.7 2044 26-28 20 5.7 2048 26-28 20 5.7 2052 26-28 20 5.7 2056 26-28 20 5.7 2060 26-28 20 5.7 20 (PT is for Power Thrive)

No one other than the gardener can make the right decision aboutwhen to flower. This chart should be close, but in the end you mustmake sure everything is ready before inducing flowering. At differ-ent stages in a plant’s life, it will utilize more mineral elements thancan be provided in a nutrient solution so we recommend the fol-lowing. When flowers are about 2 centimetres in size, use PowerTo Bloom. Four days later, mist plants with Umph Power, and repeattwo weeks later.

Start misting Power PreFlowers one week before the floweringstage and use once a week. To help prevent over-watering, use O2Power at the rate of 6 ml per 10 liters of water. Nothing other thanthe VA, VB, FA and FB should be increased or decreased on thischart. Try Power Thrive at 40 ml per 15 litres on one plant and youwill probably keep using it at that strength.

Note: You can obtain information and descriptions of all G.E.T.products on our website: http://bandbhydroponics.com/get.html.

Important InfoAlways water plants with the nutrient solution, unless the plant hasbecome dehydrated, in which case you should water with plainwater. Once the leaves are rehydrated, water with the nutrient solu-tion. Dehydrating a plant on purpose only weakens the inside cellwall structure and creates undue stress for the plant. All plants growat different speeds. This is due to health, condition of soil, wateringtechniques, placement of the plants under the light, location of ventfans and so on. When you are uncomfortable (sweating, cold orhot), your plants are probably uncomfortable too... and they can’tleave the room. Remember that plants grow through transpiration ofmoisture through the leaves; if the room is full of humidity, the plantscan’t transpire water. Before your next crop, plan ahead and getproperly prepared. We realize that we have given you a lot to do,but it is worth the extra bit of work to have the best taste and thebest yield possible. There is nothing else that we recommend touse, unless your garden gets sick.

Remember: Look after your garden and your garden will look afteryou!


NUTRITION & HEALTH

A PANACEA?By George Nietz

VITAMIN

WHAT ROLE DOES IT PLAY?A vitamin C deficiency can lead to physical fatigueand to a feeling of psychological weariness thatcan lead to a depressive state. Physical efforts andstress increase the need for vitamin C. A studyconfirmed that vitamin C can increase the physicalwork capacity while decreasing the energy spentand heart-rate acceleration. Vitamin C also allowsfor faster recovery following efforts. It has abeneficial impact on psychical energy and allowsfor an improved adaptation to stress whilereducing the frequency of flu episodes. This all-powerful vitamin intervenes in the stimulation ofanti-infectious defenses and has direct anti-viralqualities. We now know that vitamin C also reducesthe frequency, severity and duration of colds. It also playsimportant roles against free radicals and in the prevention ofcardio-respiratory, cancerous, respiratory andophthalmological pathologies. Recent experiments haveshown that this vitamin, at high doses, is linked to increasedlongevity: an average of 5.5 years for men and 2.3 years forwomen. Associated with magnesium and vitamin B complex,in the absence of deficiency, it can optimize the physicalcapacities for performance and endurance, as well asreduce the cost of the effort and improve recovery. Bonesolidity and health also depend in part of vitamin C.

The recommended doses of vitamins andminerals are traditionally calculated to avoidsevere deficiencies. The dose of vitamin Cofficially recommended by HealthCanada is 60 mg daily. In fact, therequired dose is much larger, inparticular for smokers. Vitamin C thatis not used by the body can stillcontribute to the ani-infectiousdefenses of the urinary system.Vitamin C, however, has a limitedabsorption rate, which is why it isrecommended to take small dosesmany times a day and at the end ofmeals. An American study showed thatmen who absorbed 800 mg of vitamin Cdaily experienced a 29% decrease inmortality rate compared to average rates and sawtheir life expectancy increased by 5.5 years. Beforebeginning a heavy vitamin routine, see your family physicianor a nutritionist. It's better than Botox...

VITAMIN C GOES UP IN SMOKEIt has beenestablished thattobacco leads toan intensedestruction ofvitamin C. Smokersthus require atleast twice theamount of vitaminC required forn o n - s m o k e r s .Smoking also altersvitamin E, caroteneand vitamins B9

and B12. Second-hand smoke also destroys vitamin C.

WHERE CAN WE FIND NATURAL VITAMIN C?Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is found in most fruits andvegetables (mainly in citrus fruit, parsley, peppers and bellpeppers), as well as in cereal and some animal flesh, in fishsuch as salmon, eels and tuna. Vitamin C facilitates theabsorption of the iron contained in vegetables and fish (forexample, adding lemon to spinach increases the bio-

availability of iron)...

Cooking fruits and vegetables, however,decreases their vitamin C content by50%. For an appropriate daily doseof vitamin C, it is thus recomm-ended to eat raw fruits andvegetables as often aspossible. Juices found on themarket (as long as they arenatural juices) usually containenough vitamin C to fulfilldaily requirements.

Once the container is opened,however, the juice must be

consumed extremely rapidlybecause vitamin C is lost when put in

contact with air. Light, contrary to popularbeliefs, does not affect vitamin C, and there is no

drawback to buying fruit or vegetable juice in atranslucent container.

In the heart of winter, humans need vitamin C more than ever.


NUTRITION & HEALTH

?

Photos: D.R., © Plasmaponix, Puteaux-La Défense (monputeaux.free.fr) & Mamylaine

Even if it has long has (and still has) many detractors (see the quotations onthe following pages / “against” or “in favor”), the culture of hydroponicstrawberries is in full expansion, and each day brings about newtechnologies to allow it to happen indoors. From Plasma Pockets (see thegallery in The Indoor Gardener Magazine #4, page 46) to the GI GrowSystem (see The Indoor Gardener Magazine #1, page 66), the means areinnumerable and the results meet expectations with ever-increasing quality.We can now savour succulent strawberries all year long...

The proof, in pictures!

GROWING EXPERIMENT


By B.B. – Photos: Plasmaponix, Canna Hydroponics & K and S Greenhouse

Strawberries All Year Long?

VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 5 THE INDOOR GARDENER

GROWING EXPERIMENT

Against

"Since the dawn of ages, man has been used toeating strawberries at the end of the spring andto await them impatiently. Now, we have themat all times: there is no more desire, no morepleasure. An old proverb says 'Everything isgood in its season.' Strawberries cultivated in amore or less natural fashion require 20 timesless energy to reach the merchant's stand.

All that, only to eat mediocre-tastingstrawberries covered with fungicide residue inthe middle of winter."

– Michel Évrard,Génération Écologie #74, June 2005

In Favor

“We love strawberries! 2005 was the first yearof our hydroponic strawberry farm and theresponse from our customers was exceptional.Our last picking was October 23!

We are the only hydroponic strawberry growerin the State of Ohio using this "stand and pick"system. 2006 should bring a better crop due tothe lessons learned in 2005.”

– K & S Greenhouse and Berry Farm, www.kandsgreenhouse.com4391 Cottage Grove Road, Green, OH, 44685, United States, October 2005

35

Photos: Hydroponic strawberries, © Kees Greeve, © Universidad Nacional Agraria, La Molina, Peru.r,

Japan


GROWING EXPERIMENT

Photos: Rose-be, Canna Hydroponics & D.R.

Against

"Towards the disappearance of humankind? […] Let us first look at thevital needs. Food is certainly one of the most significant examples, anda few lines will suffice for this demonstration. The industrialization ofagriculture and urban concentration have reduced a majority ofWesterners into being urban zombies that don't even know ifstrawberries grow in winter or not. They are the kind of neon-lit larvaethat almost don't realize that seasons exist and that days are longer inJune.

For those tasteless tomatoes to come from southern Spain to land ona Parisian plate in February, we need infrastructures, cement,petroleum, chemistry and nuclear energy. The production of tomatoesin February is not only due to the warmer climate of the Iberianpeninsula. Our beautiful country also produces soil-less greenhousehydroponic tomatoes. If you thought we still needed dirt forcultivation, you were wrong!"

– Cédric, in the online bulletin from www.under.ch, website about the squats and troubles in Geneva, Switzerland,in the article "Vers la disparition de l’humanité?", June 2002.

In Favor

"[You can use] a pipe for the construction of an urban pellet stove(the pipe must be just long enough not to emerge in the window;eventually, adding an end to disperse the smoke could improve yourrelations with your neighbors). If you have a balcony or a terrace, builta small greenhouse, have the pipe emerge into it, and it will provideCO2 and heating. Make a plastic or polystyrene bed as a base. Plantstrawberries and feed them only with the salts resulting of the pelletcombustion, dissolved in water. In theory, you should have awonderful production of hydroponic strawberries all winter long."

– ‘Lionstone’ d’Alsace du Sud,on the www.oleocene.org forum, [The site discusses the end of the oil age.]April 2005

To find out more about the experiences above, visit:• www.cides.qc.ca; • www.plasmaponix.com; • www.kandsgreenhouse.com; and www.canna-hydroponics.ca.

Photo: Jessy Caron

Camellia japonica

GALLERY

GALLERY

OUR BEST SHOTS FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE

Camellia japonica

Photo: Jessy Caron

GALLERY

Photo: D.R.

Drosera madagascariensis

Photo: D.R.

Drosera admirabilis

GALLERY

Photo: Jessy Caron

Pink Anthurium

Photo: Jessy Caron

Pink Caladium

GALLERYCONTINUED: IN THE BAYOU & THE EVERGLADES

Photo: Alexey Sergeev

Cypress swamp of Bayou Segnette. New Orleans, Louisiana, April 16, 2005.

GALLERY

Photo: Alexey Sergeev

Photo: Bruno Bredoux

Feeding alligator in Bayou Segnette. New Orleans, Louisiana, April 16, 2005.

Photos: Bruno Bredoux

Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce):

Explore the Florida Everglades andStunning Louisiana Bayou Scenery

GALLERY

Photos: Bruno Bredoux

...but don’t step on him in the swamps!

Photos: Bruno Bredoux & Patrice Baudat

Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce):

If you are looking for exotic plantsin the bayous or the Everglades,...

GALLERY

Photos: Bruno Bredoux & Patrice Baudat

...beware: you are being watched!

BOTANICAL DICTIONARY


52

Photos: D.R.

Morphological Change, PhysiologicalDevelopment

Carnivorous Plants, A Clever Adaptation!By Dave Guillemette

We often hear about insect-eatingplants and sometimes even aboutplants that are big enough to attackhumans... Those plants are not mon-sters: they are, rather, adaptationexperts and the living proof ofnature's cleverness! To understand thereasons behind such modifications in

some plants, here is one, the sundew (Drosera sp.), thatsupplements its diet with the help of glandular hairs that trapinsects.

A... Carnivorous Plant?

We call it a carnivorous plant because it feeds on the degradation of insects, which it per-forms with the help of enzymes produced by glands located on its modified leaves. It catch-es insects with its trap and, contrary to what you might expect, the capture serves only asone part of its food intake and only completes it. The plant is indeed self-sufficient, just likeother photosynthetic plants. So then why must it catch insects?

Adapting To Survive

Carnivorous plants all have one thing in common: they live in harsh environments, peatbogs.What is a peatbog? It is an environment where humidity is constant, because the water intakeis more important than the water loss. The microbial activity is thus considerably sloweddown, if not stopped. The organic matter that is not degraded by the micro-organismsbecomes peat moss. Because of this incomplete degradation, plants are deprived of the min-eral elements they require. The lack of microbial activity also makes the soil acidic, and nitro-gen is thus not found in a form that is available to plants.

Carnivorous plants have evolved and developed modified leaves in a response to this hos-tile environment. A carnivorous plant can thus be self-sufficient, as others, but it must find theminerals it needs through the digestion of insects.

The Sundew (Drosera sp.) Trap

Trap:It is a "sticky" trap; there are many other kinds. The trap is said to be semi-active because eventhough there is some movement of the plant, this movement is much too slow to participatein the insect's capture.

Capture: It has not been proven yet, but everything leads to believe that it is the red color of the glands onthe leaves, which resembles nectar, that attracts insects. The unsuspecting insect lands on a leaf. It isbothered by the sticky substance covering the end of the hair and struggles, which quickly triggerthe neighboring hairs into participating. It is thus mainly the insect itself that seals its fate.

Digestion: The same hairs that secreted a glutinoussubstance will now produce theenzymes required for digestion. Fordigestion to be performed quickly andefficiently, the insect must touch as manyglands as possible; that is why an insectlocated in the center is preferable. Whathappens when the insect lands on theedge of the leaf? Nature always has ananswer! The hairs are longer at the edgeof the leaf than at the centre, so theinsect caught on the edge will be grad-ually attracted, through gravity, towardsthe center. In some cases, the hairs caneven close down on the victim.

Nature's Victory

No matter the location or the location'sconditions, nature has given living organ-isms the most astonishing forms ofadaptation. That is why plants like thesundew can survive in a peatbog envi-ronment, where life is neither given norgaranteed.

BOTANICAL DICTIONARYPhoto: D.R.

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

CELL

TISSUE

PARENCHYMA

MERISTEM


BOTANY

PART 2

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY


BOTANY

In the previous issue of The Indoor Gardener (Issue 4, pages 10-13), we stayed on the frontiers of the visible by exploring theexternal elements (or organs) of a plant: roots, stem, leaves andflower. Each of these external elements is itself composed of small-er elements, which we will now explore. There are four elementsthat form the assembly of the plant's visible parts: the cell, the tis-sues (conductive tissue, supporting tissue, secretory tissue andprotective tissue or epidermis), the parenchyma and the meristem.

Any plant is made up of an assembly of the smallest representativesof life on earth: cells, a word derived from the latin word "cella", orsmall chamber. A considerable number of these very small ele-ments is required to obtain a body that isphysically visible with the naked eye. Inthe secret of their invisible world, cellswith the same shape, the same structureand the same function cluster togetheraccording to similar distinctive character-istics and traits, with the goal of filling awell-defined function. Once assembled,the cells form tissues. The clustering ofcells leaves small spaces in between,which are called lacunas and are filledwith liquid. Plant fibers are very thin fila-ments from long cells. The vessels aretubes made of cells tied in a line, one atthe end of the other. Plant tissues them-selves unite to form the parenchyma, or aclustering of all the tissues formed by aliving cell cluster. Finally, the meristem isthe part that will allow the plant to grow(its growth "zone"), i.e. the extremities'parenchyma, where growth occurs:stem, roots, branches...

A. The Cell

Under the microscope, a plant cell looks like a small mass of vis-cous matter surrounded by a membrane. The viscous matter con-tained inside the membrane is also called protoplasm, and it con-tains the third constitutive element of this small representative ofthe living: the nucleus. Since the plant cell is not visible to the nakedeye, we can observe a large animal cell, like the chicken egg, tounderstand its makeup.

A chicken egg, indeed, is an exceptionally large cell. In an egg, theyolk is the cell proper. This yolk is contained withing a very finemembrane and it has on the surface a small gelatinous white stain,representing the nucleus. The egg white is not a part of all celltypes per se, and its equivalent is not always found in plant cells.

In the case of a chicken egg, the egg white represents the nutritivereserves of the cell. The egg white is itself delimited by two distinctmembranes: one that is external – it is the white or brown shell weknow well – and one that is internal – a very fine two-layer mem-brane: the first layer is applied to the inside of the shell, and thesecond layer adheres to the egg white, forming a paunch to holdits content.

On an orange peel, we can see the perfectly visible cells. They arethe small translucent pockets that project liquid when pressure isapplied to the peel. They each have a membrane, a protoplasmand a nucleus.

Cell Volume And Shape

In general, all cells are spherical, but this isonly a basic principle. In reality, the assem-bled cells are subject to pressure from allsides, and they end up with variousshapes and looks. The spaces, or lacunas,between the external membranes of theassembled cells are filled with liquid andhence contribute to the external pressureapplied on the cell which shapes its finalappearance.

In the same way, cell volume varies greatly.If the ostrich egg is the biggest visible cellof the living world, there are also unicellu-lar algae, microbes, bacteria and virusesthat are invisible to the naked eye and thateven the most powerful microscope hard-ly manages to make visible to us!

Multiplication of Cells

The essential characteristic of any form of cell is its ability to divideitself to:• allow the living being it is a basic element of to grow; • replace used and dead cells, in particular once growth hasreached its apex.

Cellular multiplication is the symbol of life itself. It is a sign that lifefunctions properly when cellular multiplication occurs, along withsap transformation and gas transfers in the cell itself.

Cell Death

Just like any other living organism, the cell has a limited lifespan.Each cell lives for a shorter or longer period after having spent its

Plant cell

The biggest cellin existence:

the egg

Illustration: C. Sheppard - Photos: Jessy Caron & D.R.

What Goes onInside A Plant?


activity potential. It divides itself, grows old and dies. It is in thecell's nature to die; however, a cell can also die of accidental caus-es. Those are varied: cells can die because of unfavorable temper-atures, external wounds, modifications to the external environ-ment, lack of food, etc. When a plant is not well fed, when water-ing is erratic, its cells die little by little, and this damages the plant,sometimes beyond hope.

The main cause of natural cellular death is the disappearance of theprotoplasm, which holds the nutritional reserves. Skin, or epidemis,is an assembly of dead cells. So is cork, in which the protoplasmhas been replaced by air, makingit very light. If you cut a very thinpiece of cork, put it on a dropof water on a glass slide that youplace under a microscope, youwill be able to see that the cork'sempty cells are reduced to theirmembrane.

Cellular Role

Among living beings, there arethose made of a single cell,called unicellular beings, such assome algae and microbes, andthose made of a great numberof cells (from two to billions),called multicellular beings.

Unicellular Beings

Obviously, for unicellular beings, the cell must be self-sufficient andfill all the functions required for life. In some cases, however, and inparticular among lower animals (corals, jellyfish, siphonophores,etc.), each of the cell's parts plays a specific role: the front part,with its locomotive organs, will fill mostly motor and sensory func-tions, while the posterior part will contain the nutritive reserves.Among inferior and unicellular plants, there are also plants that canmove, like the diatoms (Chaetoceros sp.) – which, with dinoflagel-lates, form the two main types of phytoplankton, – with a star-shape that helps them remain in the top, sunny part of the ocean.In this way, they capt and use solar energy to grow. Another uni-cellular plant, the chlamydomonas, is a green algae with two flagel-

la. It contains a single bell-shaped chloroplast (the corpuscule ofthe plant cell containing chlorophyll). This chloroplast's structureresembles those of higher plants.

Multicellular Beings

Work division reaches its peak, a high level of perfection, amongmulticellular beings. In multicellular beings, cells of the same shape,structure and function unite to form a tissue. The tissues then uniteto form organs. A plant stem is an association of tissues. A wholeplant is thus made up of organs (roots, stem, leaves and flowers –see the first part of this article in the last issue) that are themselvesmade up of specialized, function-specific cell clusters.

B. Tissues

In multicellular plants, cells organize themselves to form four maintypes of tissues: conducting tissues that ensure sap circulation,supporting tissue, secretory tissue that produce resin and protec-tive tissue (epidermis). There are also two other kinds of more spe-cific tissues, which we will deal with separately in this article: theparenchyma, which ensures photosynthesis, and the meristem,which allows for elongation and plant growth and which, becauseof its cells' capacity for dedifferentiation, allows for in vitro plant

reproduction (see our article"Indoor Reproduction – Safe Sexfor Plants" in the first issue of TheIndoor Gardener).

Conducting Tissue

The conducting tissue ensuresthe rapid transportation of sap,as arteries and veins provideblood circulation in the bodiesof higher animals. In the plantkingdom, there are two kinds ofconducting tissues:

1) Woody (Or Ligneous) Vessels

The woody vessels are charac-terized by the presence of small

cords that extend without interruption along roots and leaf nerves.They transport xylem sap from the roots to the leaves. On a plan-tain leaf with a crosswise cut limb (or on a celery stem, which isreally a petiole), the naked eye can observe the tiny threads thatunite both parts. Indeed, the separated parts remain bound by afew very thin filaments: none other than the woody vessels. With amagnifying glass, we can also observe the minute holes made bythe same vessels in the transversal cut of a tree splint. In a clematisstem, these vessels are even more easily visible.

2) Phloem Vessels

The phloem vessels are also delicate tubes that parallel the woodyvessels; they receive elaborated sap and distribute it to all the partsof the plants. They are also called sieve tubes because they are

BOTANY

Bark Bast Wood Pith

Illustrations: C. Sheppard

57VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 5 THE INDOOR GARDENER

BOTANY

interrupted by cross section partitions that are pierced like a sieve.In the fall, a callosity blocks the sieve; it vanishes in the spring whenthe sap rises.

Supporting Tissue

The thickness of cell walls is characteristic of the supporting tissuethat supports the plant's soft parts, much like the skeleton supportshuman flesh. The cells that make up the supporting tissue are eitheralive or dead. In textile plants, the supporting tissue is made up oflong fibers whose cells remain alive until the end of growth. If webreak a flax or hemp stem, the fibers appear as long, flexible andhardy threads. Some herbaceous plants have supporting tissuethat make them as rigid as ligneous plants – the common mugwort(felon herb), the pearly everlasting, the bladder campion or thegoosefoot – and if we break their stem, we can notice that someoffer resistance, eventhough they are herba-ceous plants. The woodyvessels are also supportingtissues.

If we make a lateral cut on atree trunk, we can see thedifferent parts made up ofsupporting tissue. Startingfrom the outside, we canobserve the bark, the bast,the wood and, finally, thepith. Fruit pits, however, aremade of dead cells.

Secretory Tissue

Trichomes, lactiferousducts, resin ducts andShaker channels (potassiumand cation channels) areactually membranous trans-port networks or secretorytissues that ensure plantnutrition and the produc-tion of chemical elements that can be exploited by man. In thethale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), scientists have been able toidentify seven of the plant's nine Shaker channels and have beenable to associate a function to each. The first Shaker channel isinvolved in the secretion of K+ ions in the root xylem, which allowsthe control of the plant's gas transfers. The others control the dif-ference of transmembranic electrical potential, turgor pressure, cel-lular growth, etc. Each has its own function!

Some plant varieties are veritable manufactures of pharmaceuticalproducts. They produce resins, yeasts, etc., and are the source ofa great quantity of chemical products used as raw materials fordrugs, flavors and ingredients in many consumer goods. Many ofthose substances are produced in the secretory tissues such as tri-chomes, resin ducts or lactiferous ducts. For example, hemp(Cannabis sativa) produces its active ingredient, 9-tetrahydrocan-

nibinol (THC), in such tissues, on structures that resemble flowers,which are called inflorescences or bracts.

We are only beginning to understand the growth process throughwhich plants make their secretory tissues and the way they storeand secrete metabolites. Such an understanding may help us touse plants more easily as "manufactures" of precious natural prod-ucts.

Epidermis Or Protective Tissue

Protective tissue protects the plant's organs from adverse weather,shocks or injury, drought, etc. There are many types of protectivetissue.

External Protective Tissue

The epidermis covering thesurface of leaves andyoung shoots is a protec-tive tissue. The stomas,which allow the plant tobreathe much like our skin'spores, are found in this tis-sue. The top layer of theepidermis is water-proofed with cutin (fromthe latin "cutis", meaningskin), a waxy coating thatprotects the epidermis.Cutin can be removed andobserved flat under amicroscope (maple cutin inthe fall, or cutin fromleaves, shoots and pota-toes).

You only need to delicatelyremove the epidermis ofthe leaf or the shoot, or totake a small sample of apotato peel, to put this

sample on a microscopic slide glass in a drop of water and to lookat it. You will then see the difference between the two types ofcells, whether they come from the leaf or shoot or from the pota-to peel.

Subterranean Protective Tissue And Cork

The protective tissue of the potato is indeed an "subterranean" tis-sue. The subterranean organs (rhizomes, tubers), old roots and lig-neous aerial stems are covered in a protective tissue called cork.

On the cork-elm and on the cork-oak, exploited for cork stop-pers, it is a thick carapace, but on the potato, the cork is onlya thin film. Cork also forms on all wounds, even those of herba-ceous plants, because destroyed epidermis never completelyreforms.

Unicellular algae: Chlamydomonas

Illustration: C. Sheppard


BOTANY

C. Parenchyma

The parenchyma is also a tissue, and it is sometimes called reservetissue or reserve parenchyma. There are over thirty-five differentvarieties (scalariform, vasicentric, juxtavascular, etc.), according toits functions or to the plants to which it belongs. It is different fromother tissues in that it is made up of isodiametric cells or brick-shaped cells. We actually call parenchyma all the tissues made of ofa living cell cluster. It serves to unite plant tissue, just as connectivetissue serves as filling in animal tissues. As was previously stated,there are many kinds of parenchyma, but there are nonethelesstwo main distinct varieties:

1) Chlorophyllous Parenchyma

Chlorophyllous parenchymacontains chloroplasts (from theGreek "chloros", green, and"plastos", molded and shaped),small green corpuscules of theplant cell that transport chloro-phyll and give the tissue itsgreen tint. Leaves, young shootsand green fruits are madealmost exclusively of chloro-phyllous parenchyma.

2) Reserve Parenchyma

The reserve parenchyma, color-less because it does not con-tain chloroplasts, is mostlyabundant in subterraneanorgans: rhizomes, tubers, bulbsand in the seeds, where it actsas their reserve.

D. Meristem

The meristem (from the Greek"meristos", division), is the parenchyma in the growthzones (it is thus an intermediary-stage parenchy-ma), the extremities where the organs elon-gate and transform to their adult stage:apex of the stems, branches and roots.When growth is over, the meristem cellsbecome part of a definitive tissue: ves-sel, fiber or parenchyma per se. Themeristem itself remains active and in ajuvenile state.

The meristem can perform active celldivisions that add new cells to theplant. It is thus an essential element forthe onset and development of cuttingstaken on an adult plant or a basic elementfor in vitro reproduction. It is a wall ofyoung, undifferentiated cells that multiplyactively and remain young. In a plant's growth

zone, there is an infinite multiplication possibility. The cells createdby the proliferation of the meristem cells progressively transforminto adult tissue, while the meristem itself can remain in a perma-nent state of dedifferentiation (and remain juvenile).

There are two main types of meristems:

1) Apical Meristem

The apical meristem corresponds to the meristem located at theshoots and roots' terminal growth area. It grows rhythmically.

2) Secondary Meristem

The secondary meristem is located at the end of a foliar axis. It usu-ally retains the potential tofunction indefinitely – we thusspeak of indefinite growth.

It can, however, at some pointin its lifetime, transform into astructure that is not able toprogress to another plant func-tion (flower, inflorescence,spine, tendril, parenchyma,etc.) – or it can simply die,which is called definitegrowth.

We now have to look at howthe plant puts forward all theseelements to obtain all the nutri-tive elements it needs from itstwo main food sources, name-ly the atmosphere and the soil.

In the third part of this exploration of plant physiolo-gy, we will look at the plant's vegetative organesand we will focus on the plant nutrition func-tions of these organs.

Leaf epidermis

Sources: http://museum.gov.ns.ca,http://amap.cirad.fr/architecture/glossaire.html,www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca, www.bpmp.cnrs.fr,http://pbi-ibp.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca, www.snv.jussieu.frand Connaissances Scientifiques Usuelles,chapitre III, Division du règne végétal, pages 52-58, Éditions de la Procure des Missions, MontSainte-Anne, Canada.

Definitions come from the Grand dictionnaire ter-minologique by l’Office québécois de la languefrançaise, found at www.granddictionnaire.com.Meristem Illu

stration: C. Sheppard - Photo: D.R.


COOKING

Danièle’sZucchini LoafBy Danièle Montrouge

Zucchinis are very easy to grow with hydroponic cultivationmethods, but they often don’t find a way to the dinner tablethat is relevant and true to their delicate and tasty flavor.Many cooks have a tendency to overcook zucchinis, whichthen become full of water and a little bit bitter. Here is a

recipe for a deliciouszucchini loaf. It requiresyou to coarsely chopzucchini before integrat-ing it into the mix. Evenwith more than an hourof cooking, they will staycrunchy inside this moistdelicacy!

• 2 cups all-purposeflour• ¾ teaspoon bakingpowder

• ¾ teaspoon baking soda• ¾ teaspoon salt• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon• 3 eggs• 1 cup granulated sugar• 2/3 cup vegetable oil (meltedbutter will be better if you’re not ona low cholesterol diet!)• ¾ teaspoon lemon extract• 1 1/3 cups coarsely chopped unpeeled zucchini• 2/3 cup chopped pecans (or hazelnuts)• 2/3 cup raisins

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda,salt and cinnamon. Set aside. Beat the eggs with thesugar for two minutes. Gradually add in the oil (ormelted butter) and beat for two more minutes. Addthe lemon extract.

Gradually incorporate the flour mixture and thezucchini until everything is evenly moist. Stir in thepecans (or hazelnuts) and raisins. Do not overmix.Pour the batter into a well greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 °Ffor 70 to 75 minutes, until the loaf is

done. Allow to cool for 10 minutes,remove from pan and allow the loaf to coolcompletely on a wire rack.

Yield: one loaf.



This plant family includes over 110genera and 1,800 species. They arecharacterized by a finger-shapedinflorescence (spadix) surrounded bya leaf that is often colorful, the spathe.They come from tropical areas andcan be found in shaded forests, inmarshes and shores. Many of the gen-era are well known and used asindoor plants: dieffenbachia, mon-stera, philodendron, aglaonema…

Aglaonema: The aglaonema include approximately 20 species ofperennials that originate from the humid tropical areas of southeast-ern Asia. Some species are gifted for survival in extremely harshconditions. They form fleshy stems, ramified at the base, that canroot at their point of contact with the ground, and have largeoblong leaves that are often irregularly spotted. Zones 9-12, SH, RC,RP.

Alocasia: The alocasia include 70 species of perennials with rhi-zomes and tubercules with heart-shaped (cordiform) or arrow-shaped (sagitate) leaves. The leaves measure anywhere from 20 to90 centimetres depending on the species, often with red or violet-strained petioles. The flowers are insignificant. Zones 10-12, HC, HC,CS, RS, RC, RD.

Anthurium: The anthurium form a large genus of persistent epi-phytes, shrubs and climbing plants, all originating from tropicalAmerica. Two or three species are sold in flower shops because oftheir red spathe and luxuriant foliage. Their actual flowers are littleballs, grouped on the spadix. Zones 10-12, HC, HC, S, GIL, RR.

Caladium: The caladium includeseven species, all originating fromSouth America. They are grown notfor their flowers but for their bril-liant foliage. They also set them-selves apart with their elephantear-shaped leaves. The leaves canbe anywhere from plain green topink or red, with complex variega-tions in green, white, pink and redwith dark green nerves. They meas-ure 30 to 60 centimetres. The inflo-rescence shows a greenish whitethin spathe which is rather discrete,half hidden under the leaves.Zones 10-12, HC, HC, GIL.

Colocasia: The colocasia include six species of tuberous persist-ent perennials, all from tropical Asia. Their foliage is very decorative,

Classification of Indoor Plants4 – AraceaeBy Jessy Caron (text and photos)

cordiform or sagitate. The plantspreads with the help of its thinrunners. The colocasia aregrown in some countries for theiredible tubers. The young sproutscan be eaten like asparagus andthe tubers like potatoes. Zones10-12, S, RFS, RD.

Dieffenbachia: The dieffen-bachia include about thirtyspecies of bushy persistentperennials from tropicalAmerica. Their big oval leavesare often spotted with numerous creamy white marks. Their sap istoxic and makes the tongue and lips swell. It acts like neon powder,which gives a feeling of cuts. They can measure up to a little overone metre. The flowers are of no interest. Zones 10-12, HC, GIL, RC.

Epipremnum: The epipremnum include eight species of climbingpersistent plants that are mainly grown for their foliage. They climbwith the help of adherent aerial roots. They are also used in sus-pended baskets where they play the part of hanging plants. Thefoliage changes from its juvenile aspect to an adult cordiformaspect. Pruning is required to control growth. It is as simple aspinching the terminal shoots to ramify them. It is, however, very dif-ficult to make them flower indoor. Zones 10-12, GIL, RC, RL.

Monstera: The monstera include 25 species of tropical creepersfrom tropical America and the Antilles. They are often epiphytic, orbecome epiphytic by forming long aerial roots that take in the

ambiant humidity. The juvenileleaves are entire and much small-er than the adult leaves, whichare bigger and perforated. This isa nice specimen of time-relatedmorphological change thatallows the plant to grab lighteven on the lower leaves. Zones10-12, RS, RC, RL, WDS, HS, CS,HUS.

Philodendron: The philoden-drons include almost 500species of indoor plants, shrubs

and small trees. They are mostly epiphytic persistent climbing plantsbecause of their aerialroots. They resemblethe monstera. Thesehardy plants cangrow up to threemetres in adequateconditions. The flow-ers are of no interestbecause these plantsare mainly grown forthe beauty of theirleaves, which have anirregular shape andsize. Beware, all partsof the philodendronsare toxic. It is a strate-




gic defence system that allows them to survive despite herbivorouspredators in their natural habitat. Zones 10-12.

Pistia stratiotes (WaterLettuce): This aquatic peren-nial is the only species of pistia.It forms a 15 centimetre float-ing rosette with its ribbedcuneiform leaves that have aspongy base that is bluishgreen in color. Its thin roots area delicacy for fish. It is, howev-er, very invasive and its runnerswill soon colonize your basin.Zones 10-12, HC, HS.

Spathiphyllum: Thespathiphyllum include 36species with persistent rhi-zomes that mostly originatefrom tropical America. Theyare mainly grown for the luxuri-ous beauty of their dark greenleaves, erect or slightly arched,and for their majestic inflores-cence, which forms a purewhite, cream or delicate greencone. According to NASA,they are one of the ten bestplants to clean the air in office

spaces. Zones 10-12, GIL, RD, AS, HUS, WDS, HC.

Syngonium: The syngonium include 33 species of epiphytic or ter-restrial perennials, once again originating from tropical America. Thejuvenile leaves are sagitate at the end of the erect stems. In adult

age, they split in 7 to 9 shiny lobes of 30 centimetres. They resem-ble their cousin, the philodendron. Zones 10-12, RFS, GIL, RC.

Happy gardening!

Legends:

LIGHTS: sun HS: half-shade SH: shadeGIL: good indirect light

SOILAS: aerated soilHUS: humid soilDS: dry soilCS: cool soilWDS: well drained soilRFS: rich or fertile soil

CLIMATEHC: warm climateCC: cool climateDC: dry climateHC: humid climate

REPRODUCTIONRC: cuttingsRP: pipsRS: seedlingsRD: divisionRR: rhizomeRL: layering



GROWING EXPERIMENT

By Daniel (St-Eustache, QC)

The EcoSystem’s strength is that the plants grow down ,up, and then towards the side lights. The plants aretherefore constantly working, reaching in height andtowards the sides. That is actually the first comment ofEcosystem users when asked about the benefits of thesystem over those of a traditional hydroponic table. Withthe EcoSystem, a grower can reap a huge yield with a600 watt lamp, and that yield can be increased by 60%using two 1000 watt lamps.

I loved it right form the start! Two doors in the front andtwo doors in the back provide access to the entire sys-tem. Each slab can be taken out the machine to work onit. The EcoSystem comes fully equipped. Since I live in aone-bedroom apartment, I let myself be tempted. Ichose the system with two 600-watt lamps so it wouldn’tincrease my electricity costs too much.

Inside the box I found a very precise instruction manualin English and French. There was also a growing methodfor exotic annuals. We assembled the machine, whichtook about 40 minutes. The manual explains how to assembleeverything without the glass tube, by adding a 30 centimeter fanwhich one can find at Canadian Tire for $19.95 and that isinstalled at the bottom of the Ecosystem. At the top, one mustadd a 15 centimeter fan, with an 18 centimeter 90 hose to evac-uate heat. Before installing the slabs, I cut the top and bottom ofthe plastic envelope. Then I hung the slabs in the EcoSystem, filledthe reservoir with water, I balanced the pH to 4.5 and I let thepump function until the next morning.

My friend arrived with the exotic annuals and the fine herb (basil)cuttings. We took a slab off and laid it down on a flat surface. Wepierced six holes with a knife, and we made the holes bigger withthe handle. Then I handed the slab to my friend, who planted thecuttings and hung the slab back in the system. Everything wasdone quickly. I adjusted the water to 600 ppm and pH to 5.8. Iused a measuring cup to water each plant by hand. I activatedthe pump 24h/day for the first seven days and the lights to 18hours per day, following the EcoSystem’s manual.

THE

Photo: MegaWatt

: A CHEAP AND EFFICIENT HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

I was looking for a hydroponicsolution to grow annuals, fineherbs and exotic plants. At thelocal hydroponics store, I wastold about the EcoSystem. Thesalesman told me that with themachine I could go through acomplete cycle in 50 days andharvest.

Two days later, the pH was off. I rebalanced it to 5.8. After sevendays of non-stop circulation, I put a timer on the pump, allowing itto run for 30 minutes. It turns off every four hours while the lightsare on. After fertilizing the second time, I filled the reservoir onlywith water, with a pH of 5.8. The next day, I tested the water andrealized the ppm had jumped to 800. Since rock wool accumu-lates mineral salts, I regulated their presence in my garden by rins-ing with water.

After ten days of growth, I cut the stems that were going towardsthe substrate. With those, I made 200 cuttings. I will keep 120 formy next cycle with the Ecosystem.

Week after week, I increased the electro-conductivity by 200 ppmeach week. At 900 or 1000 ppm, the plants got much bigger. Iadjusted the garden to 800 ppm, and I added 200 ppm of Dr.Hornby’s Big Bud. Throughout the growth phase, I amused myselfby picking out the biggest leaves. I like playing in my garden!

Finally the big day came, the time to harvest! I cut the plants andthen I lifted the slabs with a knife and removed the roots that werecoming out. I made sure not to enlarge the holes, however. Icleaned the EcoSystem properly. I put the slabs back in place andfilled the reservoir with water in which I had added a double doseof Agro-zyme. I let the mixture circulate for 24 hours before emp-tying the reservoir. I filled it again, and planted the cuttings directlyin the holes. That way, I avoided having to buy another set of slabs,and the Ecosystem was at it again, re-using the slabs from my firstculture.

I’ve been an indoor gardener for seven years, and no one couldtake my EcoSystem from me! In conclusion, I would like to thankthe designer of the EcoSystem.

: A CHEAP AND EFFICIENT HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

Photos: Daniel & Girard Guilleme


GROWING EXPERIMENT


GEAR

BALLASTSBy S.G.

What Is A Ballast?

It is a device used in the power sup-ply of horticultural high-intensity dis-charge lamps (metal halides (MH) orhigh pressure sodium (HPS)) and forthe ignition and regulation of theirfunctioning. Without going intodetails, the ballast can be schema-tized as follows: a box (I could tellyou about its many wires and inter-nal connections, but let's remainfocused on the visible) with an entrypin (E) for the electrical current supply, an exit pin (S) to redistrib-ute this current and, between the two, a reference pin (M) that will

eventually be used to regulate the lamp's elec-trical power.

A ballast regulates the tension between the exitpin S and the reference pin M. We can addanother ballast – a resistance ballast – to thisreference pin to add to the main ballast and

regulate the total power of the electrical circuit to a given value. Thisis done when a ballast's output current is no longer sufficient. Theresistance ballast creates a second power regulator which takescharge of a percentage of the current overload in the main ballast.The resistance ballasts look like transistors, but do not be fooled –they are not quite the same thing.

More precisely, the resistance ballast will stabilize the tension

between the S pin and the M pin. Hence, if youhave a 12 V ballast and you tie a 1 V resistanceballast to its M pin, you will obtain a 13 V regu-

lated tension (see graphbelow). The currententering in E will be of 12V, but the output currentexiting through S will havea regulated power of 13V.

There Are Many Types Of Ballasts Available

• Electronic Ballast It is a device using electronic components to manage the tension inhigh-intensity discharge lamps (MH or HPS). The electronic ballast ismade up of a control unit and resistance ballasts. The ballast main-tains a constant tension and frequency, since the absorption ofelectrical energy from a generator or direct supply in a current out-let is supposed to remain constant. This energy is always producedat full charge and the ballast disperses, through its resistance bal-lasts, the surplus charge that cannot be used. This dispersion of sur-plus energy uses calibrated dispersive elements that are automati-cally plugged or unplugged by the ballast's electronic control unit.

• Magnetic Ballast This is another type of ballast for high-intensity discharge lamps, witha magnetic node that regulates voltage.

A high-intensity discharge lighting unit for an indoor garden requires the application ofbasic electrical rules. Ballasts, which regulate electric, electronic, magnetic or integratedcircuit power, play a crucial role in the unit. With strict light and darkness periods torespect according to the plant's growth, the lighting unit of a growing chamber must havereliable ballasts, which ensure a continuous electrical current pressure with no randomblackouts. Thankfully, there are now on the market some convertible ballasts, that ensurethe passage from the growth stage to the flowering stage in very comfortable conditions.

Illustrations: D.R.

GEAR


• Integrated BallastFinally, there are ballasts available that offer both regulation and theredistribution of surplus energy in the same box. They are called"integrated" because the components form an integrated circuit inone single casing. Those ballasts are, really, simply integrated cir-cuits.

Blocking The ElectricalSupply

In an indoor garden, it is sometimesuseful to interrupt the functioning of aballast and hence its current output. Theballast can thus remain plugged into theelectric current while emitting no ener-gy at all, 0 V. To obtain this result, placea resistance ballast to play the role of aswitch and a second derived resistanceballast to act as a command. When thesecond resistance ballast is saturated, itneutralizes the first and authorizes theballast's output. If the command signal is0 V, the two derived ballasts (or transis-tors) are blocked, as well as the ballast.The connections in the M1 and M2 ref-erence pins will be determined to guar-antee the transistors' saturation, and M1will ensure that the adjoining resistanceballast will be blocked by eliminatingthe influence of leakage currents (or sur-plus currents).

A Few Models Of Ballasts

• High Yield Lighting's Cool-Star This ballast was commercialized a little over a year ago by theAmerican company High Yield Lighting and is still, technically speak-ing, the most advanced available product of this type. Not only isthis ballast made up of high quality Sunmaster components, but itsdesign and finishing also ensure a potential superior to that of thecompetition. It is specifically designed for the switching on of high-intensity discharge lamps (whether MH or HPS – it is a convertibleballast). Its secret? Its integrated cooling system, which allows it tomaintain its components' integrity even in the most over-heatedgrow spaces. Because of this cooling, dubbed the "ThermalChimney", the temperature of the inside components of the ballastis 20° C lower than it would be in similar ballasts by other compa-nies. This cooling system prevents mold and the premature wear ofthe inner circuits – another guarantee, if need be, that your indoorgarden will receive constant and reliable lighting. Internal rubber iso-lators reduce the ballast's hum, making it one of the quietest mod-els. It is available is many MH/HPS convertible models, between 250and 1,000 watts for each type of lamp. See www.highyieldlighting.com.

• H&M Heat Exchangers Inc.'s Electronic HID-6000 H&M Heat Exchangers Inc, a company based in Canada, offers avery simple yet very well designed electronic ballast. Ultra-light, it isone of the most beautiful ballasts on the market. Even if design is notthe first factor to consider, this ballast also offers easy switching onoperations, simplified connections, a light weight, minimal heatemissions and energy savings as high as 30%. It exists in 600 W/240

V and is compatible with MH and HPS. Itis thus a convertible ballast that allowsyou to go from the growth cycle to theflowering cycle by simply switching thebulb. Its extended lifetime is guaranteed.See www.heatexchanger.ca.

• Life Light Technologies' Electronic HighFrequency HID Ballast Introduced on the market in March 2005,this ballast presents the most advancedhigh frequency e-ballast technology. Withthis model, your light source will work ata 100,000 Hz frequency (compared tothe meager 60 Hz of the most basicmodels), a frequency much closer to thatof the sun's (430,000 Hz), to offer yourindoor plants the lighting conditions thatcome closest to that of daylight. Thehigher frequencies also help control thestress of the gases within the high-intensi-ty discharge light bulbs, which extendsthe bulbs' life. Finally, an integrated fanensures that the ballast's components areproperly cooled, thus avoiding earlywear. Exists in 250/400/600 W for HPS,MH and PSMH systems. Another convert-ible model to give the indoor gardener acertain comfort!

See www.lifelighttec.com.

• Hydroytek's Starlite BallastsThese ballasts have beenspecifically designed forhydroponic cultivation.They provide stable, regu-lar and calibrated amper-age for your high-intensitydischarge MH (bluemodel) and HPS (redmodel) lamps. Assembledin Canada, these ballastscontain exclusively com-ponents manufactured inthe U.S.A. Hydrotek isunique in the world of bal-lasts, since it offers bothpre-assembled ballastsPh

otos: D.R.

GEAR


(blue and red models) andthe loose componentsrequired for you to assemblethe ballast that will meet yourneeds. The company doesrecommend, however, thatits clients consult an electri-cian for all its "do-it-yourself"kits. On the assembled mod-els, the Starlight ballast sock-ets are the same color as thecasing, to prevent confusionor connection errorsbetween MH and HPS bulbs.

The casing corners are rounded and a ventilation system ensuresthat the inside temperature will be 20° C lower than that of oldermodels. These ballasts come in 120 V and 240 V. The MH model isavailable for 250, 400 and 1,000 W and the HPS model is availablefor 250, 400, 430, 600 and 1,000 W.See www.hydrotek-online.com.

• Biofloral's CSA-approvedSupernova BallastThere is little information availableabout this ballast, nicknamed"Supernova" in Biofloral's catalogueand on its web site. The high-pres-sure sodium version is available for400/430/600 and 1,000 watts (thislast one in 120 and 240 V); the metalhalide version is available for400/1000 and 1,100 W (the 1,000W models can use 120 or 240 V).finally, each available model can be purchased pre-assembled or ina kit. See www.biofloral.com.

• Brite-Lite Ballast Assembly kKtEven though Brite-Lite recommendsthat its customers opt for pre-assembled lighting systems, its cata-logue still offers all the requiredmaterial to make your own electricalballast at home. First, the companyoffers a series of multi-voltage (MV)transformers of 110 and 220 V, withan accumulator and an igniter (HPS).Available formats for MH lamps are250/400 and 1,000 W and, for HPS,250/400/430/600 and 1,000 W.Then there is a basic component kitfor assembly, which includes 4 or 5 meters of 16/3 wire, 1,8 metreof 14/3 wire, 8 Marr connectors, 2 socket nuts, 3 cord grip connec-tors, a grounded plug-in unit, high quality multifunction ceramicsockets with HPS and MH-usable lead wires (5 KV) and, finally,power transfer relays to transfer the current from the ballast fromone bulb to the next. These transfer relays are particularly useful isyou have two grow rooms that are both lit for 12 hours. The relaysare available for 120 and 240 V. All this can be assembled andplaced in an Econobox octagon box with a lid and a handle tofacilitate transport. This 19 x 29 x 19 cm box keeps your ballast dry,clean and safe and is compatible with MH and HPS systems. Finally,

Brite-Lite's hardware department offers additional gadgets, like bal-last anchoring kits to secure it in its casing and quality chains to hangreflectors, which make it easier to adjust the height of your lighting(these chains are sold in 3 metres rolls or by the foot). You will alsofind s-shaped hooks to secure the chain to its supports, iron pul-leys to facilitate access to the bulbs, extension cords, igniters, accu-mulators, splices, octagon boxes, 25 amp relays, etc. Explore theBrite-Lite catalogue, and it will give you an idea of everything con-tained within the casing of a ballast! See www.hydroponix.com.

I would like to remind you that we have already mentioned ballastsby the following companies in the previous issue (The IndoorGardener #4):

B&B Hydroponic Gardens' MH and HPS ballasts in the article LightEquipment and Reflectors / Choosing the Right Reflector to IlluminateYour Indoor Garden, by William S., pages 32 to 38. Seewww.bandbhydroponics.com.

Hydrofarm's Lumatek electronic ballasts, in our"Shopping/Horticultural Novelties" section,page 76. See www.hydrofarm.com.

Sunmaster's convertible ballasts, in our"Shopping/Horticultural Novelties" section,page 76. See www.sunmastergrowlamps.com.

To conclude, I will admit my preference forconvertible MH/HPS ballast models, becausethey make the indoor gardener's job easierwhen he or she is faced with passing from thegrowth stage to the flowering stage in the

grow space. With these convertible models, you only need a bulb-access rail (such as Brite-Lite's Light Rail, sold with the silent robot-

ized cart Intelli-Drive)or iron pulleys thatfacilitate access to thelamps. Then, replacethe growth MH bulbsby the HPS bulbs thatwill offer a warmerspectrum for flower-ing. There is no needto unplug and replugeverything, and noneed to movearound ballasts thatcan be quite heavy.

Some indoor gardeners worry about the noise emitted by ballasts.

To fix this problem, seeFred Leduc's advice inthis issue, in the articleentitled: "Noise Reduction in yourGrow Room! Does yourballast hum (all da do daday)?", on the followingpages.

68

Photos: Hydrotek & D.R.


TECHNIQUES

Photos: Fred Leduc

Let’s start with buyinga new light, com-pletely assembled. Iwould say to thestore clerk: “I want tostart up a few lights(with the light bulb)to hear how muchnoise they make”.

This tells you a lotabout how tight theballast is and how itwas assembled. First,pick up the unit andgive it a little shake.

Listen for anything (handles, screws, case and wires). If it makes any

noise, put it down and move on to the next one. A properlyassembled unit will make zero noise when you shake it. These arethe ones that you want the store clerk to start up for you.Remember that you are paying for the assembly! To save somemoney, you can buy a bare bones kit with an open mountingplate and assemble it yourself.

The ballast is made of many steel plates that are usually weldedtogether in only four spots. You can see the weld lines at the endsof the ballast. It is these steel plates that hum.

Because the ballast is not tight, the plates vibrate and bang togeth-er. When the light comes on, it makes a louder buzz because theplates are vibrating at different speeds. The ones in the middle arenot moving at the same speed as the ones on the outside. After afew minutes, all the plates move at the same speed and the buzzcalms down to a hum.

Noise Reduction In Your Grow Room!Does Your Ballast Hum (all da do da day)

By Fred Leduc

?The first time some people turn on a 1,000-watt light they are shocked at how noisy it is. Does yourlight make a loud clang when it comes on or a loud buzzing that calms down after 10 or 20 min-utes, to just a hum? Is that hum too much for your peace of mind? Have you had the neighbourscomplain about a strange noise? I’ve said things like: “I have a fish tank”, or “that must be my humid-ifier and I can’t sleep without it!” I would like to share some ideas that will help reduce the noiseemitted by your ballast.

TECHNIQUES


Photos: Fred Leduc

My ballast is stripped down to the bare essentials. I tightened upmy ballast and mounted it on a cement wall. Now the loudest thingin my room is the click that the timer makes!

A lot of things can amplify the hum of the ballast: its case, assem-bly, and mounting. Where you have the unit installed can make a bigdifference. You can have it on the floor, the wall or even in anotherroom. Sometimes the house or building is just one big amplifier. Youhave to find out what your problem is. Sometimes there’s just noth-ing you can do about it, but try this.

If your ballast is on the floor: Try a piece of 2.5 to 5 cm-thick whitefoam with a cinder block on the foam and your ballast or unit onthe block. Do not use blue foam because it is too dense.

If you are going to hang the ballast on a wall: Use a very big stronghook, screwed into a beam or stud. Drill a hole in the beam, a littlesmaller than the hook so you don’t split the beam with your bighook. Hang the ballast so that it is not touching the wall (minimum3.75 cm from the wall). When you are hanging the ballast, think

about the heat and vibrations! What we are trying to do is sep-arate the ballast from the building so the vibrations don’t get ampli-fied and distributedthrough the building.

If this isn’t goodenough, then we haveto go inside the case.

WARNING: ALWAYSUNPLUG YOURLIGHT AND WAIT 30 MINUTES BEFOREDOING ANY WORKINSIDE THE CASE!

The ballast can hold astatic charge for up to30 minutes! If youchange the position ofyour light bulb beforethe gases cool down,it will shorten the lifeexpectancy of your bulb.

After 30 minutes, open the case to see what you have in there. Youare going to take the ballast out. To do this, you have to disassem-ble the unit. It’s a good idea to tape and number every wire youtake apart so you can put everything all back together correctly.

Now that we have the ballast out, you can see that there are 10 or12 holes that go right through the steel plates. Some of the holesare used for mounting. You can use the rest to tighten up your bal-last.

If you put a nut and bolt in the holes that are not used for mount-ing and tighten them very tight, the ballast will stop humming. Whenyou are tightening the nuts, don’t tighten them one ata time. Go around the ballast and tighten eachnut a little bit at time to keep it even. You shouldtry tightening the mounting nuts first, before youdisassemble the unit. It might be enough.

BE SAFE and THINK!

do do do

?


Last fall, with a few other horticulture students, I vis-ited a part of Ontario to increase my knowledge ina climate that is different from Québec's. Westopped in gardens, arboreta and natural sites inOttawa, around the Georgian Bay and finally inNiagara Falls. We did not simply visit Niagara Falls'School of Horticulture: we lived it for two days!

A Visit of Niagara Parks Schoolof Horticulture And BotanicalGardens

DISCOVERY

By Jessy Caron (text and photos)


We were welcomed on the evening ofour arrival by a third year student. Wewent for dinner in town and came back alittle later to rest. The next day wouldkeep us busy: we had a lot to see!

The next morning at 7 AM we were wel-comed as kings in the dining hall – a realfeast was awaiting us. This allowed us tomeet the students. At 8, a graduating stu-dent took us on a guided tour.

Did you know that this school has had anexcellent reputation around the worldsince 1936? On the grounds there is aschool, a student residence with akitchen, an arboretum, a botanical garden,a conservatory with over 2,000 butterfliesand tropical plants, production green-houses... All of this on a 40 hectare area.Only 30 students attend the school, but

the grounds are open (for free) to the public for visits.

It is interesting to see that the students are truly involved. Each has a partto play in the garden's maintenance. The students are involved with theirfield of study 40 hours a week. Two days each week are devoted tomaintenance work, to planting or even to construction. The students areevaluated for these tasks, on top of their theoretical exams on plants,soil, insects and disease, graphic art...

One important thing to note is that the plants near the buildings areconstantly rotated to create a strong visual impact. In the spring, therewill be a magnificent bulb bloom. Perennials and annuals will then takeover. In October, when I visited, the fall chrysanthemums had taken overthe landscape, offering us a wonderful display. There is always some-thing new in this rotation, and the plants offer a wonderful sight year-round.

The horticulture study program in Ontario is very different from the oneoffered in Québec. At the Institut de Technologie Agroalimentaire duQuébec in St.Hyacinthe, we have classes from mid-August to mid-December and from mid-January to mid-May, for a total of eight monthsper year. The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is active 48 weeks peryear: the students have three weeks of vacation during the holidays andone at the end of August. This is an extremely intensive session: studentssleep on the premises and are thus on site 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek, 335 days a year.

It is a wonderful place to study or simply to take a vacation. Nearbyyou'll find the Niagara Falls, the Royal Botanical Garden, the CullenGarden and miniature village, the Floral Clock, the city of Buffalo whereyou can see a hockey game…

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens2565 North Niagara Parkway P.O. Box 150Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, L2E 6T21-905-356-8554www.schoolofhorticulture.com

DISCOVERY


SHOPPING

TheGrowtank®

from The GrowtankCompany

(Netherlands)

The Growtank® is the new revolu-tion on the hydroponic market. Monthsof scientific research combined with theknow-how and expertise of people in the field have resulted in oneof the best growing system on the market today. Beware of imitations:as soon as a new product is launched, it takes only a few weeks to seea hundred copied products flourish.

The Growtank® is a hydroponic system that uses 200 watt Nurturelite lamps.Why?• You can save 60% on your electricity bill as compared to a 600 watt HPSlamp;• The lamps radiate no heat and so the plants can be placed nearer to thelamps for better light penetration;• External ballasts are used, which gives you a much better control overheat and humidity management and safety;• The plastic lamp shell is made of recycled material;• The lamps are suitable for standard E-40 fittings and can beused in combination with most current reflectors;This system also allows a more efficient use of nutrients.Your plantlets will grow well and in complete safe-ty until they are ready for transplantation. See:

www.growtank.com or call +31 (0)10 225 02 68.

- T.I.G.

OtherSimilar New Products

(Buckets and Vertical CultivationTowers):

• The KweekKetel bucket by De Rozentuin Breda. Information:www.rozentuinbreda.nl or by phone: +31 (0)76 599 13 76;• HR-Ketel bucket by Green Grow Solutions. Information: www.greengrowsolutions.com or by phone: +31 (0)485-340 340.• M.G.U. (Mobile Grow Unit) bucket by Dutch Connection. Information:www.dutch-connection.nl or by phone: +31 (0)180-612-870.• Colosseum vertical tower, by Europlant. Information: www.euro-plant.nl or by phone: +31 (0)15-212 50 68.• Florada vertical tower, by Florada Trading Company Ltd.Information: www.florada.nl or by phone: +31 (0)76-544 94 96.

See pictures of these new products in our SpecialQ&A article, at page 78 of this issue.

- T.I.G.

Thevertical

Trumb Tower by Greenhome/Het Groene Schuurtje (Netherlands)

The Trumb Tower is one of the most sophisti-cated vertical cultivation systems with variableflexibility. The tower is made up of three mountedaluminum panels forming a U shape, with a fourthpanel on wheels, which closes the U like a door andgives access to the cultivation racks placed on the pan-els and to the central light column made up of four 600watt HPS lamps in a row. Each metallic mount supports 10shelves, each containing 12 pots interlinked with nutritivesolution tubing. The system can host 480 individual plantsat once!Its dimensions are 215 cm (height) by 165 cm (width).It does not take up much space: only 2.72 m2 of floorspace. The system is delivered as a kit and is easy toassemble and install. It is also very clean to use andwill not worry you with an elaborate cleaning rou-tine or the overflow of nutritive solution.For more information, visit www.greenhome.nl or call +31 (0)20 362 33 46 in Amsterdam.

- T.I.G.Photos: Greenhome, De Rozentuin Breda, Growtank Com

pany, Hydrofarm & Worm’s Way/Sunleave - Ill.: C. Sheppard

HORTICULTURAL NOVELTIES

SHOPPING


Sunleaves Jungle of Ease

Sunleaves is proud to introduce the new, all-inclusive Jungle of Easehydroponics system. The Jungle of Ease integrates the simplicity andproven success of the Sunleaves Garden of Ease, with the unique self-filling Jungle Delta master reservoir, which connects directly to a hose bibto automatically fill and maintain the proper water level in each of the fourincluded satellite planters. Together, these components create a fully-expandable, self-watering, 16-site modular system, complete with all theequipment necessary for seamless operation. Additional accessories likean auto-feed fertilization unit and high-output Sunleaves O2 Easy airinjector are great complements to the Jungle of Ease and will boostits already stellar performance levels.

The Jungle Delta can be purchased separately, as canthe Sunleaves Jungle Quatro 16-site expansion

kit for the Jungle of Ease. - Kari Bayne

Photos: W

orm’s Way/Sunleave & Shops Venditio

This Garden Towers Over the Competition

The 20-site Tower Garden is a one-of-a-kind upright hydroponics sys-tem that stacks plant sites vertically to allow more plant productionper square foot. Strawberries, basil, ornamentals, and others thrive inthis highly-oxygenated system. Hobbyists love it because it requires aminimum amount of space and stands over 1.2 metres tall, so tend-ing to plants is a cinch. The Tower Garden uses the nutrient film tech-nique and growing medium is not required. Starter plugs or mini-grow cubes, however, fit the sites perfectly and may simplify startup.The Tower Garden is equipped with built-in plumbing for easy set-upand includes all of the components required to get started. Stop inat your local year-round garden supply centre to find out more. -Kari Bayne

Homebox XL

The long-awaitedHomebox XL willeasily accommo-date a 1.2 metres by1.2 metres ebb andflow system in addi-tion to the neces-sary lighting andventilation equip-ment. It’s a greatoption for garden-ers who want anenclosed indoorgrowing area with-out losing any valu-able closet space.The original 91 cmby 91 cm Homeboxand new HomeboxXL are available atstores nationwide. - Kari Bayne

HydrofarmLightmeter

As you have probably noted while reading our article on how toprepare a grow room for summer (issue #2 - August 2005), using alightmeter is essential to know the proper light intensity to give your plants,according to their variety and to their maximum light absorption capacity.Depending on their family, indoor plants do not all react in the same way andat the same speed to the lighting in a grow room.

With this instrument, you will quickly learn to measure in candle-foot and will become an expert in the adequate placement ofyour plants according to the light offered in your grow space.You can even believe yourself on a movie set, since this tool isa close cousin of that used by photography directors to makethe star's wrinkles vanish for a close-up shot. Action! Give yourplants the light that will satisfy them and will make them lookeven more beautiful!The digital model measures up to 5000 candlefoot,whether artificial or natural light, because of its

photo-sensitive silicon cell, guaranteed for life.- B.B.

SunleavesHeaters, Pumps,

Tubing and More

Gardeners can create cus-tomized hydroponics setups withchoice new components from Sunleaves GardenProducts. Stainless steel Sunleaves HeatWaves aresuperior-quality reservoir heaters adjustable between20 and 39.4 degrees Celsius via a calibrated externaltemperature control dial. Economical SunleavesDuraPumps complement any system and are just the trickto efficiently maintain a circulating nutrient solution. There

are eight submersible DuraPump H2O models featuring sealedmagnetic drives for reliable operation and an output range from

138 to 1,585 gallons per hour. Five DuraPump Air models pushbetween 28 to 950 gallons per hour. Maintenance on DuraPumps issimple with the availability of replacement diaphragms andimpellers. Heavy-duty Sunleaves Black Tubing comes in varying

lengths and diameters and will complete a DuraPumpH2O installation, while the new Sunleaves 0.64

cm Air Tubing puts the finishing touch on aDuraPump Air. - Kari Bayne

OMRI-Listed Sunleaves

Substrates

Sunleaves coir products are now certifiedby the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and avail-

able in a convenient new, ready-to-use form. The latest addition,Sunleaves Piece Coir, is designed specifically for higher air retentionand quicker root penetration. This loose-fiber amendment comes in a40-liter bag, is excellent for both soil and hydroponics applications anddoes not require soaking. Alternately, the tried-and-true SunleavesCoirBricks and CoirBlocks expand when soaked in water, growing toapproximately eight liters. The larger CoirBlock expands to an impressive 65liters. CoirBricks and CoirBlocks have recently been improved to featurelarger coir chunks and chips for greater root dispersion, similar to whatyou will find in Piece Coir.

All coconut-based Sunleaves coir byproducts naturallyretain air and moisture to create an ideal environmentfor robust root development and are sustainablealternatives to harvested peat. Visit www.sun-leaves.com to find out more and locate a

Sunleaves supplier near you. - Kari Bayne

GrowingSuccess Is

In the Bag

Whether you’re a soilor hydroponics gar-dener, you’ll be able touse and re-use the sturdy new Sunleaves Black and White Poly GrowBags to grow all of your favorite specimens. Poly Grow Bags are blackon the inside and white on the outside to reflect light back to plantswhile maintaining healthy root temperatures. Available in one-half toten-gallon sizes, these bags are fluted, stand upright when filled withgrowing medium and have pre-punched bottom holes for thor-ough drainage. Collapsible Poly Grow Bags are great space-savingsubstitutes for traditional plastic nursery pots. All Poly GrowBags come in user-friendly packages of 10 and 100 whilefull cases can be ordered in quantities of 200, 400,500 and 1000, depending on bag capacity.

- Kari Bayne

SHOPPING

76THE INDOOR GARDENER VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 5 Ph

otos: W

orm’s Way/Sunleave

Check out our classified sectionTHE HYDROPONICWORLD OF NORTH

AMERICA(pages 82 to 84).

Don't be square, be inthe square!

For any information, comment or request,contact

[email protected].

For sales and advertising, [email protected].

If you want to send us pictures and articles, please contact us at:

[email protected] with “submission” in the subject line and we will get in touch with you.

COME AND GROWWITH US!

Hi to the team,I want to congratulate you for this magazine – it isthe most thorough I have had the chance to readin my short career... I would like to have moreinformation about the Orbio system, which you

compared in the first issue. I’d like the contact informa-tion, the phone number and the address of the company thatmakes this system, which I have seen in action in 2004 at theMaximum Yield trade show. Thank you.Patrick, a satisfied reader

Hi Patrick,

Thank you for your enthusiasm about The IndoorGardener. Unfortunately, we have lost touch withthe manufacturer and distributor of the Orbio rotat-

ing garden system since the publication of the article a fewmonths ago.

The www.orbiocultures.com site is now offline and the phonenumber we had for our contact, Éric Bourgoin, has been discon-nected.

Last we heard, Éric wanted to stop commercializing the currentsystem and come back with an improved model. It seems he hasput his plan to work faster than expected. You can check everyonce in a while whether the site is back up...

We’re sorry, but at this point we do not have any more informa-tion about the Orbio wheel or its future!

Regards, The Editors

Following our comparative article on two rotating garden systems in the first issueof The Indoor Gardener, we have received many letters from readers about thistype of indoor gardening system. We will hence reserve this fifth issue’s Q&A sec-tion to this topic; we hope to have selected the most pertinent questions of the lot.

A FEW QUESTIONS(and Their Answers)

ON ROTATING GARDENSAND HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS

Q & A


78

Q

A

Hi,I really enjoyed the comparative article on theclosed rotating garden systems in your first issue. Ihave seen systems like those at work, but neverthis sophisticated (nothing like the Orbio of which

you wrote, which looks hermetic (for CO2, etc.), andthey cost over 1000€, which I understand, since they are hard tomake as well... I would like to know, aside from the mostadvanced technology, what the most basic hydroponic systemsare for indoor gardening.Thank you, Karma

Hi Karma,First, for your information, the Orbio system costsomewhere around $7,500.00 CAN!I can suggest four types of cheap hydroponic sys-tems that are extremely basic, if that is what you are

looking for. I must warn you, however, that becausethey are basic, they also each have their down sides.

1 – Conventional Flood TableTo make a conventional 1.2 m x 1.2 m flood table, you will needthe following components:

• 1 flood table (table-top), 1.2 m x 1.2 m – estimated cost:$129.00;• 2 drains, one as an “in” and one as an “out” – estimated cost:$100.00;• 1 irrigation pump with tubing for reservoir oxygenation – esti-mated cost: $30.00;• 1 good quality irrigation pump – estimated cost: $70.00;• 4.6 m of plastic tubing for the irrigation pump – estimated cost:$25.00;• 1 precise irrigation pump timer – estimated cost: $35.00;• a basic lighting and ventilation system.Total cost of the flood table, before lighting and ventilation:approximately $299.00.The installation and use of such a system are rather simple andcheap. To set it up, you need to install the two drains in the table,at the bottom. The first drain will be for the entry of nutritive solu-tion, while the second will allow for its evacuation towards thereservoir.

There are also inconveniences to using such a flood table. First,since nothing prevents the light from reaching the roots and thenutritive solution, there is a risk of algae development and a risk ofwhite fly proliferation – white flies seem to particularly appreciate

rock wool cubes saturatedwith roots and nutritive solu-tion. Even with these problems,the system is efficient andcheap. It is an excellent choicefor indoor gardeners on a tightbudget.

2 – The “Bucket”It is, no doubt, the cheapestsolution there is. You will needa 5-gallon bucket and lid, asmall aquarium pump to add oxygen to the nutritive solution anda small basket to contain the expanded clay pellets into whichyou will transfer your plants. This solution, however, only allowsone plant per bucket, so you will need as many buckets as thereare plants in your operation. You may not need one pump perbucket, however: you can get a slightly stronger pump and link itto many buckets at once. If you cut a hole in the lid for the bas-ket and a smaller one for the tubing, you will end up with a closedbasic system that can be very efficient, especially when taking thestartup investment into consideration. The required components are limited to:• 1 plastic 5-gallon bucket with lid – estimated cost: $5.00;• 1 aquarium pump with tubing – estimated cost: $20.00;• 1 basket and bags of expanded clay pellets – estimated cost:$35.00.Total cost of the system (for one plant): $60.00.It is an advantageous choice for those who do not have muchspace at their disposal and who cannot install a sci-fi lookingrotating garden such as the Orbio.

3 – A Ready-made “Bucket” System: the GroZilla

Opinions are split about this hybrid system, using both hydropon-ics and aeroponics. It requires very little installation and is quiteingenious. With a reservoir in which the nutritive solution is heat-ed, it is the ideal system for the gardener who wishes to developplants for cuttings.

The GroZilla system is designed to hold up to seven plants, but Iwould recommend a maximum of three per bucket if you aregrowing them to obtain cuttings. The main roots are pushedtowards the side of the bucket, while secondary roots are direct-ed to the centre, from where they cannot enter the nutritive solu-tion reservoir. An ingenious little trap in the side of the bucketallows the gardener to easily have access to the roots to manicurethem, which allows the plants to develop better and to reach animpressive size.

Your plants will be gorgeous, thanks to hydrocultivation! TheGroZilla system allows you to keep plants for cuttings in a 100%hydroponic system, even beyond their growth phase. The envi-ronment created in the GroZilla allows you to continuously con-trol the quantity of nutritive elements absorbed by the plant.Because the nutritive solution is heated, the plant is better able tosupport the temperature variations of the external environment.The only problem about this more sphosticated “bucket” systemis its price: $850.00 CAN (www.grozilla.com).

Q & A


Q

A

4 – Other Similar Systems From the Netherlands

Holland is a well-known leader when it comes to hydroponicsresearch. Many Dutch companies have recently launched theirown version of the “bucket” system. Growtank Company createdthe Growtank®, a bucket with a 200 watt lamp placed in the cen-tre of a rugged recycled plastic shell which forms the culturedrum. Green Grow Solutions has launched a similar drum bucket,the HR-Ketel, which opens from the top and has an integratedelectronic light control system. The De Rozentuin Breda companyoffers the KweekKetel, another variation on the same theme, withtwo pumps (in and out) for the nutritive solution and a centrallamp in a hermetic drum. Finally, more sophisticated systems havebeen marketed, like Greenhome & Het Groene Schuurtje’s TrumbTower, which has 10 racks of hydroponic supports around a cen-tral light column, or Florada Trading’s Florada Tower, which usesthe same principle, with a panel serving as a door and providingaccess to the plants and the central lamp.

For more information, see this issue’s shopping section or visit thefollowing web sites: www.growtank.com, www.greengrowso-lutions.com, www.rozentuinbreda.nl, www.greenhome.nland www.florada.nl. All these companies are currently seekingfor North-American distributors for their products. L.-C. LeBlanc

Hello,What are the advantages of a rotating garden sys-tem with an ultrasonic fog generator?Thanks,Rusty

Hi Rusty,According to the manufacturer of one of the sys-tems compared in our first issue, here is the com-plete list of their characteristics:

Aeroponic Cultivation: What is aeroponics? It is a type of cul-tivation that allows for rapid growth, a more developed root sys-tem, a strong flowering, sweeter, tastier fruit, an increased pro-duction of resin, a higher oxygen input in the root zone and animproved control of watering and/or humidity.

Ultrasonic Fog Generator: The ultrasonic fog helps root devel-opment, feeds plants from the roots and leaves and keeps theroots in a thick fog 24 hours a day. It is possible to give your plants“foliar baths”, even during flowering. Decrease of problems relat-ed to stagnant water (rot, algae, etc.). The fog is made up of veryfine droplets, less than five microns in size, that penetrate theplant’s exterior walls.

Bi-Feeding: The use of two nutritional systems increases growth,safety and yield. If one of the systems fail, the other one preventstotal loss and gives you time to fix the problem while the cropkeeps growing.

Variable Rotation Speed: It is possible to control growth andinternodal distance by controlling the plant’s stress level with thevariable rotation speed. The plant’s natural hormones, the auxins,are produced during stress periods such as a rotation. If the rota-

tion is slow, the plant will remain in anunusual position longer (on the sideand head down), and will producemore auxins. Too many auxins willreduce the growth rate and will forcethe plant to develop new cells that arecloser together and denser. Control isachieved by dosing stress to controlthe hormone production. During ourtests, we established that one rotationper hour was not sufficient, becausethe plant experienced too much stress.The ideal speed is around three to fourrotations per hour. You can combinespeeds, for example with two weeksof growth with one turn per hour atfirst, for the plant to develop a thicker,stronger stem, and then increase the speed gradually during eachweek of flowering, up to four turns per hour (maximum).

Savings on Nutrients and Substrates: The aeroponic pumpworks about half the time of usual systems, because of the use ofthe ultrasonic fog generator. Only 10% of the recommendednutrient dosage is required for the ultrasonic fog generator. Thesame growing medium (rock wool or Jiffy 7) can be used fromcuttings to harvest, which is an economical and ecologicaladvantage. The system recuperates 100% of its water.

Improved CO2 Control: The system is closed with two safe-type doors, which increases the usefulness of CO2 and providesa better control of it, for improved results.

Improved Odor Control: You can control odors more easilybecause the system is closed. The high odor concentrationremains inside the system.

Increased Lighting, Two-step Growth: The rings supportingthe slabs into which the plants are inserted have two levels. Thisallows the gardener to keep the plant as near the light as possi-ble, from beginning to end. The inside of the doors is white,which keeps lumens inside and makes them available to theplants.

Ideal Conditions for Large Plants and Yield: The plants allreceive the best conditions for a higher yield. For example: oxygento the roots and CO2 to the leaves, control of auxin productionwith variable rotation speed, optimal lighting and no loss of lumens,micro-climate similar to that of tropical forests inside the system.

This type of system allows for professional results. For more infor-mation, contact Hydrobec Inc. (in Québec: 418-687-1119) oremail the makers directly at: [email protected] Graine

Hi,Quick question for you: some of the hydroponicstores I have visited did not seem very enthusias-tic about selling rotating gardens (Omega-style)and seem instead to be happy finding faults with


80

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the systems. Is it out of ignorance, orsimply because Omega and otherrotating garden manufacturers do notprotect those distributors? As far as Iam concerned, these systems seemmore than interesting... but ignorancerefrains me from taking on the adven-ture. I have no confidence in home-made systems, but Omega seems tobe a serious business. Could I haveyour opinion on the topic? Sloom

Hi Sloom,

In my opinion, it is saferto buy an original systemlike Omega’s rather than a

copy or a derived product.The Omega system is completely guaranteed and certified assafe...Here are the main points in favor of the Omega system, accord-ing to its inventor himself: “We offer a “complete system” with allof the goodies built-in: 2 x 600 watt lamps,air-cooling fans, thermal limit switches in casethe fans cut out (the limit switches will shutdown the lighting to save your crop fromtoasting), digital timers (changing to analog for

the next productionrun), safety certification(CSA) (without whichyour insurance will bevoided if there is anykind of fire, whetherthe garden was thesource of the fire or not), laser cut, preci-sion formed stainless steel for all the com-ponents that come in contact with theplants and water, and powder-coated alu-minum for the rest of the machine.$5,400.00 USD

We also have a “basic system” that has thesame cylinder, stand, reservoir, pump, glassbulb housing, but has no built-in lighting, soyou can use whatever you wish, for$3,400.00 USD.

We also offer the Omega Carousel, a 20 meters tall carousel thatholds 6 gardens that are 2.5 m in length, and rotates automatical-ly down to the bottom where the water/feed tray stays. Thecarousel is the latest thing from Omega, and will use fluorescentor HID lighting.” (Daoist Cowboy)

Visit: www.omegagarden.com

I hope this has convinced you of the seri-ousness of the Omega rotating garden’sinventors.

L.-C. LeBlanc

Hi,

I would like to know what type of hydroponicsystem was used to grow the strawberries shownin the gallery of the first issue of The Indoor

Gardener (at page 40). I have long tried to grow straw-berries in the same type of system (well, from what I can see onthe photographs), but I was never able to. I would like to contactthe horticultural farm CIDES mentioned in the caption.Yours truly,Philip L., horticulture researcher and author

Hi Philip,

Many readers were intrigued by this original straw-berry cultivation process presented on three pho-tographs in our first issue. This cultivation experi-

ment was done at C.I.D.E.S. (the greenhouse informa-tion and experimental development centre) in St.Hyacinthe,Québec, in December 2000. You can download a PDF about theexperiment in French (36 pages) on www.cidec.qc.ca, ordirectly by re-typing this link into your Internet browser:

www.cides.qc.ca/rapports/maraich-er/guide_deculture_fraise.pdf. Toget the English version, contact the CIDESdirectly by mail, phone or email at:C.I.D.E.S.3230 Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec,J2S 2M2 – Canada Tel. office: 1-450-778-3492 Fax: 1-450-778-3621 Email: [email protected] (GillesCadotte, Director of experimental devel-opment).

You will also find in this issue of The Indoor Gardener other straw-berry-cultivation experiments in « Strawberry Fields Forever », atpage 34.We hope your future experiments will be successful!The Editors


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the indoor gardener magazine volume 1—issue 5 (reissue)

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