Cloning is the process of taking a cutting from your plant and getting that cutting to grow into a new, full-grown plant that is a genetically identical to the original. Though it may sound intimidating, it’s actually a relatively easy process. Cloning simply requires some patience and understanding. In this article we will break down the process step by step so you can also reap the benefits of cloning…
by Sunny Datko What is Deep Water Culture (DWC)? Deep Water Culture (DWC) is a hydroponic method of plant production by means of suspending the plant roots in a solution of nutrient rich, oxygenated water. With this system, the roots of the plants are submerged in the nutrient solution. The plant is then held in [...]
Soil, or at least healthy soil, is teeming with life. Soil life lives in a symbiotic and mutualistic way, offering their services to help the whole system work. Bacteria and fungi build the soil structure and help make nutrients in the soil available to plants, and also store valuable nutrients in their bodies. Protozoa, nematodes and other larger members of the soil food web consume these microbes, and in doing so release the nutrients to the plants. This process allows natural systems to maintain themselves with the help of the soil food web [...]
Air pruning is a technique designed to encourage the plant to grow a denser system of root hairs, increasing nutrient absorption and enabling the plant to grow more rapidly. Air pruning works by exposing the root tips to relatively dry air, causing the apical cells at the very tip of the root to dehydrate, or become air-pruned. This stimulates the growth of secondary roots that branch out from them within the growing media…
In aquaponics, the nutrient-rich water that results from raising fish provides a source of natural fertilizer for the growing plants. As the plants consume the nutrients, they help to purify the water that the fish live in. A natural microbial process keeps both the fish and plants healthy. This creates a sustainable ecosystem where both plants and fish can thrive. In this symbiotic relationship, fish waste provides a food source for growing the plants; and the plants supply a natural filter for fish.
Aeroponic cloning machines are becoming a big hit in indoor gardens, and it’s easy to see why these machines are gaining in popularity. Cloning machines allow you to root your cuttings without the expense of buying growing media or the time necessary to prepare it. Many growers say cloning machines have helped them save time and money, and made their gardening [...]
What is the Flowering Stage? During flowering, plants will put their full energy into a reproductive effort in preparation for the coming winter. In nature, long nights signal the plant that winter is coming and that it is time to flowers and produce seeds. The plant “senses” the longer nights by a direct interaction with [...]
What Are Mycorrhizal Fungi? The word “mycorrhiza” (plural: mycorrhizae or mycorrhizas) comes from the Greek language and literally means “fungus roots.” Mycorrhizal fungi attach themselves to plant roots and actually help plants to make use of water and organic nutrients in the soil. They live on the roots of nearly 95% of Earth’s plant species, [...]
Fulvic Acid offers many physical, chemical and biological benefits to your garden. It gets its name from the Latin fulvus, meaning yellow, describing its color. Its natural buffering, chelating and extremely high ion-exchange properties make mineral elements easier for plants to absorb. This results in increased plant vitality, resistance to environmental stress and improved crop [...]
Calcium and magnesium are common inputs in many gardens. They are the building blocks and catalysts that allow plants to flourish. They can be found in the soil naturally, in many fertilizers, and in tap water. Many gardeners tend to supplement their feed regimen with extra calcium and magnesium (“cal-mag”), especially those using reverse osmosis [...]