Author: Mya Green

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Harvest Equipment Available at GreenPlanet Wholesale

A heavy harvest can be a time for celebration. But before the champagne and caviar, growers must navigate one of the most challenging stages of cultivation. Similar to bottling and ageing fine wine, the harvesting process has the potential to express some of the best flavours and aromas cannabis has to offer. However, if procedures are rushed, even the most potent flowers can end up overdried, stale and tasteless. To combat this tragedy, factors like environmental controls, procedures, tips, and tools all play an essential role in producing flowers that stimulate and excite the senses. Lucky for us, GreenPlanet Wholesale is stocked with harvest equipment to help protect and enhance your investment. From gloves to automated trimmers, let’s look at some of the best harvest equipment GreenPlanet Wholesale has to offer. 

Showa Gloves

As manufacturers of the industry’s best disposable gloves, Showa’s motto, “Always Innovating – Never Imitating”, is well-deserved. Showa’s 6110PF glove is 100% nitrile,  powder-free, and fitted with Eco Best Technology® – this feature enables the gloves to quickly biodegrade after being disposed.

But even better than this, the “second-skin” feel of Showa gloves allows growers to be better protected and more efficient while trimming. Perfect for any task in the garden, Showa provides the comfort, dexterity, and protection that growers deserve. 

CenturionPro’s Automated Trimmers

The benefits of hand-trimming a crop are clear. Although, for some licensed producers, the costs associated with a hand-trimmed harvest are not aligned with the business plan of their operation. This is why more producers than ever are moving towards automated trimmers. If you manage a large-scale operation, the costs of trimming a crop can be astronomical.

However, by investing in automated trimming technology, both labour costs and trimming time can be drastically reduced. For trusted trimming solutions, consider investing in CenturionPro Trimming Solutions. CenturionPro has a huge catalogue of trimming solutions available at GreenPlanet Wholesale. So, if you’re interested in increasing your operations ROI, contact a GreenPlanet sales representative to determine the best solution for your garden 

Harvest More’s Trim Bin

If you’re deciding to hand-trim your crop, there is no better way to increase productivity, fight fatigue and enhance quality than investing in a Harvest More Trim Bin. A Trim Bin is an ergonomic trimming station that turns any chair into a fully functional workstation. It comes in two halves; the top is a large, high-walled trimming station with an interchangeable 150-micron screen, while the bottom is a mirror finish kief collection tray.

Harvest More also includes a static sweeping brush with every Trim Bin to help collect all the kief that is lost during the trimming process. 

GeoPot’s Drying Racks

If you’ve wet trimmed your crop, you’ll need to dedicate a drying space for your flowers. Enter GeoPot’s Drying Racks – the most efficient way to vertically dry cannabis. GreenPlanet Wholesale stocks two of GeoPot’s most popular “Flower Tower” drying racks: the buckle-style and the zipper-style.

The Flower Tower buckle-style is an open rack that allows growers to access and distribute drying flowers on all sides, while the zipper-style rack is protected on all sides by perforated fabric, making it the perfect choice for tight spaces. All Flower Tower Dry Racks are equipped with a center strap to prevent bowing in the middle. And, both the buckle-style and zipper-style racks come with a carrying case for easy storage. 

TrolMaster’s Hydro-X Environmental Controller (HSC-1)

Just like the grow room, the drying room’s environment has to be consistently monitored and controlled. That’s why growers are using TrolMaster’s environmental controller (HSC-1) for complete, customizable control for every environmental aspect in the garden. TrolMaster has 12 modules available for the Hydro-X to control HVAC systems, mini-split AC’s, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, CO2, irrigation pumps, and lighting.

However, the most powerful feature of the HSC-1 is the device’s ability to monitor your garden in real-time. Just connect to TrolMaster’s smartphone app to access data and control your garden from a distance. So, with the help of TrolMaster’s digital app, growers can make sure the drying room is protected against real-time threats like temperature swings and access humidity.

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Find Spring Pots Today at GreenPlanet Wholesale

Expert growers understand the benefits of growing in fabric pots. Plants grow faster, more vigorously, and produce thicker stalks, branches, and heavier flowers. But as beneficial as fabric containers can be, working with them can often be a headache – transplanting, transportation, and irrigation cycles can all be potentially harmful to plants in flimsy, unsupported fabric pots. However, as manufacturers of some of the industry’s best fabric containers, Spring Pot has revolutionized the way we use fabric containers in the garden. 

Growing in fabric pots benefits plants to grow faster, more vigorously, and produce thicker stalks

Spring Pots are now available at GreenPlanet Wholesale! Read the passages below to learn more about the latest addition to our catalogue of products:

Why Grow in Fabric Pots?

Fabric containers naturally “air prune” the roots of growing plants. As most growers know, roots need abundant oxygen to thrive. In fabric pots, oxygen flows through the container from all sides. So, when roots reach the container boundary, they sense optimum moisture and oxygen levels. This leads the roots to split and grow secondary root tips, instead of circling the container in search of excess moisture and fertilizer. 

Fabric containers can increase root zone nutrient absorption

Fabric containers can also increase root zone nutrient absorption and moisture permeation. Fabric pots are permeable, meaning that water and air can pass into and out of the container. When water enters from the top, it permeates the soil and transpires from the sides of the pot. Excess water that reaches the bottom flows through the fabric and exits the vessel. This prevents excess moisture from building up in the container. Because of these benefits, crops can perform in both the vegetative and flowering stages of growth with increased success, growing thicker stalks, bigger branches, and heavier flowers. 

The Benefits of the Spring Pot Burner Line

What makes Spring Pots so special? Spring Pots are extremely tough, rigid, and durable, making them the perfect tool for growers looking to benefit from fabric containers. Spring Pot’s are also the only brand of fabric pot on the market manufactured with proprietary fabric and folding, rather than an interwoven skeletal support system. This makes Spring Pots extremely rigid, even when empty. Here are some of the other unique features of Spring Pots available at GreenPlanet Wholesale: 

  • Reinforced Stitched Upper Rim: Burner Spring Pots are reinforced at the rim with extra stitching. This allows the pot to stay firmly upright during heavy irrigations. 
  • Colour Coded Stitching: Spring Pots are colour coded with unique stitching. This makes each pot’s size and variation easier to distinguish. 
  • Pathogen Protected Packaging: All orders are manufactured and shipped inside vacuum-sealed, pathogen-protected packaging.
  • Standard Handles on 5 gallon and above: Spring Pots sizes 5 gallon and above all come standard with carrying handles. 
  • BPA Free and Heavy Metal-Free: You can trust that your consumable harvests will be free from any unhealthy contaminants that could harm your customers or loved ones.

Spring Pots are Now Available at GreenPlanet Wholesale 

Want to grow in Spring Pots? GreenPlanet Wholesale now has select sizes of Spring Pots Burner Line available for purchase. This line comes with the benefits listed above, like colour-coded, reinforced stitching, vacuum-sealed packaging, and transportation handles. Also, all Spring Pots are manufactured with heavy metal-free, environmentally friendly materials. So, talk to your GreenPlanet representative today about purchasing inquires or for more information about Spring Pots!  

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Understanding the Wicking Action of AutoPot’s Watering Systems

There is a long-standing debate concerning the “best” hydroponic system. But to argue for the superiority of a specific system, we must first understand the definition of hydroponics. In short, hydroponics or hydroponic gardening is the process of growing plants outside of traditional mediums and typically involves the “working” of water to save liquids, energy, and resources.

If we examine hydroponics based on this definition, then the “best” system would be one that saves us the most time, energy, and resources. However, since most of us are interested in results as opposed to savings, the most superior hydroponic systems are those that manage both results and efficiency.

Of all the hydroponic systems available to growers, the AutoPot Watering System is a great example of a prefabricated wicking system that gives growers great results with the added benefit of water, nutrients, and energy savings. But what makes AutoPot the perfect hydroponic system? Let’s take a look at the science behind the wicking action of Autopot’s Watering Systems. 

What are Wicking Hydroponic Systems?

Often called the “simplest” hydroponic system, a wicking system involves the capillary action of a porous medium delivering liquid nutrients to the root zone. Just as a wick might deliver oil to a flame in a lamp, so can porous media like coconut coir, peat moss, or rockwool transport water and nutrients to the growing ends of roots. 

A wicking system is so simple because it requires only a few pieces of hardware to function. For example, only four pieces of equipment are typically needed: a growing container, a reservoir, wicks, and an air pump. To function, the growing container is placed on top of the reservoir, the wicks are suspended from the container into the nutrient solution and the air pump is used to aerate the nutrient solution. By the capillary action of the wicks and medium alone, the nutrient solution in the reservoir is naturally absorbed and lifted to the bottom of the container. This system delivers great results. By relying on the wicking action of a porous medium, plants can regulate their own drinking habits as long as the reservoir is full; and, unlike flood and drain or drain to waste systems, plants with underdeveloped roots will not be overwatered due to forced irrigations.

The nutrient solution in the reservoir is naturally absorbed and lifted to the bottom of the container

The Wicking Action of the AutoPot Watering System

AutoPot has taken the simple concept of the wicking hydroponic system and used it as the main nutrient delivery method in all of their passive hydroponic systems. The same equipment above is used, but what makes the AutoPot system so special is one device – the AquaValve. This small, unassuming feature is solely responsible for the self-watering technology behind any scalable AutoPot system. Its parts are simple, but as we all know from experience, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most efficient. AutoPot’s AquaValve works like a miniature float valve, letting in just enough water and nutrient solution to allow your plants the opportunity to quench their thirst. As the AquaValve lets water into the AutoPot tray, the porous medium throughout the container lifts the nutrient solution towards the root zone. 

The AquaValve is solely responsible for the self-watering technology behind any scalable AutoPot system
A overview of the Autopot System in GreenHouse application

The Benefits of Growing in an AutoPot Watering System 

Like a traditional wicking system, the capillary action of the AutoPot Watering system can benefit growers on three fronts. For example, growers can benefit from self-watering plants, enhanced control of crops, and savings of water, nutrients, and power.

  • Self-Watering: All AutoPot’s are self-watering. This means that as long as your AutoPot’s reservoir is full of water and nutrients, your plants will be able to irrigate themselves, free of any electric pumps or timers.
  • Enhanced Control: Not all plants grow at the same rate. Thanks to AutoPot’s AquaValve, plants have the ability to irrigate themselves. This benefit allows growers to let individual plants progress at their own pace, without the fear of over or under-watering. 
  • Water, Nutrient, and Power Savings: Because AutoPot’s are passively fed by mainline tubing, there is absolutely no waste. Growers can expect the results of a traditional system, with the added benefits of increased water, nutrient, and power savings. 
AutoPot’s AquaValve, plants have the ability to irrigate themselves

Nutrient Programs for AutoPot Watering Systems

If you’re interested in growing in an AutoPot System, consider investing in AutoPot specific fertilizer. GreenPlanet Nutrients, for example, has formulated two nutrient programs that have had tremendous success in AutoPot Watering Systems: the GP3 3 Part AutoPot Program and the Dual Fuel 2 Part AutoPot Program. 

GreenPlanet’s GP3 AutoPot Program 

Offer your garden flexibility, control, and increased solubility with the AutoPot and GreenPlanet 3-Part feeding system. Perhaps the most intricate, and yet traditional nutrient system, 3-Part programs have been a part of our industry for decades.

By accompanying GreenPlanet’s clean formulations of Micro, Grow, and Bloom with additives like Vitathrive, PK Spike, and Rezin, the chances of success in any AutoPot system are not only increased, but guaranteed. Formulated for the veteran grower, GreenPlanet’s AutoPot 3-Part feeding program promises increased flexibility, solubility, and results at harvest time.

GreenPlanet’s Dual Fuel AutoPot Program 

Want to get growing with AutoPot? For product information and purchasing inquiries, contact a member of the GreenPlanet sales team, or your local garden supply store. 

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Increase Your ROI by Investing in Automated Garden Technology

Automation is the process of replacing human (or animal) power with machine power. Designed to increase the productivity, efficiency and profitability of manufacturing, automation has been widely adopted since the industrial revolution and has given rise to technologies that enhance transportation, communication and information systems. Even in our own industry, automated technology has had a major impact on how we tend the garden  – the thermostat, for instance, has quickly become an indispensable piece of the indoor garden. Without it, growers would have little control over day and night time temperature.

However, now that our industry has begun to radically progress, automation has moved beyond simple temperature control. In fact, all aspects of the garden have the potential for automation. Want to learn more about increasing your ROI in the garden? Let’s take a look at some of the industry’s most popular automation equipment. 

TrolMaster Environmental Control Systems

TrolMaster manufactures the industry’s best environmental control systems. The Hydro-X (HSC-1), for example, is a complete, professional-grade environmental system that allows growers to customize every environmental aspect of the garden. The Hydro-X can do it all – with over 12 modules available to control HVAC systems, mini-split AC’s, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, CO2, irrigation pumps and lighting, TrolMaster made sure that no part of the garden would be excluded from automation. However, the most powerful feature of the HSC-1 is the device’s ability to monitor your garden in real-time. Just connect to TrolMaster’s smartphone app to access data and control your garden from a distance. 

If you’re looking to bring your garden into the future, consider the TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro Control System (HCS-2). The Hydro-X Pro builds on all the great features found in the Hydro-X by introducing a 10″ touch screen and web-based software. Expand your automation by attaching up to 50 sensors and up to 50 separate control modules to a single Hydro-X Pro.

Justin meets the TrolMaster team at Lift Toronto to learn more about their control systems.

LightRail Light Movers

LightRails are light movers that increase light penetration by essentially doubling the coverage produced by a single fixture. Not only will using a LightRail decrease energy consumption and heat in the garden but there are also some major photosynthetic benefits. As the manufacturers of LightRail argue, moving your lights allows for more intense light coverage in low-light sections of the garden, reduces hot spots and helps more leaves absorb more light energy. LightRail has a wide range of products, including variable speed motors, rails, accessories and replacement repair kits. 

AutoPot Watering Systems

AutoPot Watering Systems combines the best of both hydroponic and traditional gardening techniques into a simple, easy to install, self-watering system. Many advantages, not to mention a reduced workload, come with automating your garden with an AutoPot watering system. As opposed to more traditional methods of gardening, there are amazing benefits to expect from switching to a small or large AutoPot system, including standardized self-watering technology, enhanced control and increased savings on water, liquid nutrients and electricity.  

Dosatron Dosing Technology

Dosatron water-powered, non-electric chemical injectors are the easiest, most reliable way to accurately inject chemicals into water lines. Dosing injectors work using volumetric proportioning, ensuring that the chemical mixture remains the same regardless of variations in pressure and flow. At scale, dosing technology is essential. Not only can growers expect to save time by avoiding mixing, measuring and buffering chemicals, but they can also anticipate cleaner, more consistent results. Plants love a consistent feeding schedule. That’s why large-scale operators have chosen to opt for automated garden technology that allows them to fully stabilize unique fertilizer recipes. 

CenturionPro Trimming Solutions

Growers have the most to gain by automating a harvest. While the benefits of hand-trimming cannabis are clear, it is an expensive and time-consuming task. That’s why more producers than ever are automating harvests with CenturionPro trimming solutions. Adopting automated solutions for automation’s sake, without first identifying how they improve operations, will result in expenses that fail to enhance your grow. However, strategically identifying where costs can be saved and implementing specialist solutions improves both quantity and quality. This enables growers to attract new cannabis audiences now, with the capacity and consistency to satisfy and retain these customers in the future. This is just one example of why large-scale operators have chosen to rely on CenturionPro for all their trimming needs.

Futurola KnockBox Rolling Machine 

Once your product is harvested, there is one automated device that will continue to add value to your crop – Futurola’s KnockBox. Having the ability to fill and pack 300 pre-rolled cones in 90 seconds, the Futurola KnockBox is the ideal solution for producers and distributors looking to standardize a value-added product. With customizable add-ons like filling kits and variable cone sizes, Futurola promises a completely consistent and standardized dutch cone – every single time. 

From lighting systems to harvesting equipment, GreenPlanet Wholesale has automated garden technology that will help increase the productivity and profitability of your operation. Need more information about one or more of the products listed above? Contact your GreenPlanet sales representative to learn more about increasing your ROI by investing in automated technology. 

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What Nutrients Do Plants Need During the Flowering Period?

In any indoor setting, plants require not only environmental cues but also distinct and specific nutrient supplementation to reach full potential. To produce flowering plants in an artificial environment, indoor growers will need to adjust the controls of their garden to start and continue the fruiting stages of a plants life cycle; this process typically involves a change of photoperiod light, a lower Kelvin spectrum growing lamp, and more mild ranges of temperature and humidity. 

While these changes in an environment are arguably the most important factor which determines a quick, bountiful and quality-driven harvest, experts agree that in these delicate moments of a plants life cycle, specific nutrient requirements, especially those which are higher in levels of phosphorus and potassium, and those which contains an array of starch enriching carbohydrates, are essential for cultivating a crop at its highest potential. To find out more about the nutrient requirements of plants in early, middle and late flower, read the passages below: 

General Nutrient Considerations

Plants in any environment need a vast array of elements to maintain established and new periods of vigorous growth. In total, there are 16 essential elements necessary for healthy and deficient-free plant growth. These elements are separated into two categories, macro and micronutrients, and are typically combined at an adequate rate within liquid, powdered or granular nutrient supplements called “base nutrients”. Base nutrients supplements are systems of fertilization that contain most of, or all of the essential elements necessary for plant health and stability. In short, plants can remain healthy throughout periods of growth and bloom if the essential elements for health are met with the supplementation of “base nutrient” systems. However, to elicit a crop’s most desirable output, other nutrients called “additives”, must be used with meticulous care in periods of early, middle and late flower.  

For more information read our blog
What Are Base Nutrients? 

Nutrient Requirements During Flower

As mentioned above, there are 16 essential plant nutrients that are needed to maintain healthy patterns of growth. During the periods of early, late and middle flower, however, some of these elements, most notably phosphorus and potassium, are needed in greater quantities to help support the development of fully established and sugar-coated flowers. Follow the passages below for a look at bloom boosting supplements that can help your crop reach its full potential throughout all stages of the flowering period.

Early-Flower

Depending on the genetic characteristics of your crop, plants will typically begin to exhibit signs of budding 10-14 days after the initial setting of a 12-hour photoperiod. During this stage of early flower, gardeners will typically be able to make out a female plant’s elongated pistils, or maybe even the first formation of flower sites. To speed up this transition phase and to help encourage the formation of new, developing flower sites, gardeners can include a heavy phosphorus and potassium supplement into their established feeding routine. GreenPlanets’s PK Spike, for example, is an excellent source of clean and quality sourced phosphorus and potassium; and, if used in conjunction with a base nutrient regime, PK Spike can quickly increase root-mass, speed up the production of flower sites and strengthen a plant’s cell walls for the later support of heavy flowers. 

PK Spike provides flowering plants a boost of Phosphorus and Potassium to increase and support flower production.

Mid-Flower

The middle of the flowering stage is an extremely important period of growth for plants. At this stage, a plant’s metabolism has completely committed itself to the process of converting elements into energy which it then sends to the formation of large, developing flowers. With this process moving quickly along through weeks 3-5 of the flowering period, plants, while still needing adequate amounts of (N), (P) and (K), often become deficient in starches that are used in the conversion of elements into useable energy. To combat this issue and to assist your crop in producing its highest potential output, consider using a well-rounded and tested bloom booster that is accompanied by an array of simple sugars. Massive Bloom Formulation is a good example of a product that contains a solid blooming N-P-K of 1-2-3, as well as carbohydrates derived from yucca and molasses extract.

Massive Bloom Formulation is a great additive to help increase size, aroma, and flavour of flowers.

Late-Flower

Between the flowering weeks 5-7, your main bud sites and colas should have taken on their finishing shapes and size. However, what might be missing in the late stages of flower development is hardness, weight and density. If the environmental conditions of a garden are less than ideal, for example, if temperatures or humidity percentages reach inadequate levels for extended periods of time, mature flowers can begin to wilt, lose rigidity, and become soft or sponge-like. To increase late-flower hardiness, consider adding a high potassium supplement like GreenPlanet’s Dense to your existing feeding routine. Dense will assist in providing your plants with the potential to redirect energy at the cellular level, leading to increased tightness and weight in the final weeks before harvest. 

Dense gives your flowering plants a huge potassium-boost to help them produce heavier, denser flowers.

Whatever your style of garden, chances are, GreenPlanet Wholesale has the perfect equipment to get you started. To access the products available at GreenPlanet Wholesale, contact a member of the GreenPlanet sales team, or your local garden supply store for product information and purchasing inquiries. 

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What to Look for in a High-Quality LED Grow Light

Veteran growers understand that HPS, MH and CMH lights are the kings of the indoor garden. They offer growers heavy harvests, consistent production and reliable results. In short, HID lighting may always be a standard in the industry that other lighting manufactures must compete against. However, just because HID lighting has dominated the industry in the past, doesn’t mean all growers will continue to rely on older, less advanced lighting technology. LED technology has finally progressed to a point where it can compete directly with HID lighting. Not only can high-wattage LED’s compete directly with HID’s in terms of yield and quality output, but other benefits including energy savings, heat reduction, unique spectrum capabilities, controllability and manufacturer-backed warranties all contribute to the LED phenomena sweeping across the industry. 

Haze, LEDs vs HPS Grow Journal Picture,GrowWeedEasy.com

But what should you look for in a high-quality LED? Let’s take a look at some of the unique features of the LEDs available at GreenPlanet Wholesale. 

Energy Saving Capabilities

Energy savings means cost-effective growth. Unlike HID lighting, LED grow lights use only 30-40% of the power they output. New technologies are continually improving and figuring out new ways to become more efficient. This is the simplest truth about making the switch to LED lighting technology. 

Kind LED, Cost Savings Comparison, KindLEDGrowlights.com

Take Kind LED as an example. The Kind K5 XL1000 Wifi is a full spectrum LED, loaded with features like external command capabilities, unique UV diodes and a fully customizable spectrum. However, just like all other LEDs, Kind’s XL1000 has the potential for amazing energy savings. Because this LED has the equivalent output and intensity of two 600 watt HPS lights and only consumes around 30-40% of its wattage capacity, growers can save an average of $35 dollars a month at an energy cost of 0.13 kWh – that’s savings of over $400 a year! With these energy savings in mind, it’s easy to see why large-scale operators have quickly begun to swap their traditional lighting systems for more advanced LEDs. 

The Kind LED team presented the latest features of their K5 WIFI LED Grow Light at Lift Toronto. Check it out!

Heat Reduction

Compared to HID lights, high-quality LEDs are also extremely low heat. This benefit can mean savings on two fronts: first in the upfront cost of cooling and ventilation equipment, and later in the savings associated with power consumption. For example, a single HPS light requires hundreds of dollars in costs associated with ventilation – fans, ducting, digital monitors are all necessary for managing the heat-load produced by HIDs. This cost, however, can be easily avoided by powering your small garden with high-quality, low-heat LEDs. At scale, these savings are exponentially exaggerated, savings growers not only the upfront costs of buying and installing air conditioners but also the long-term costs associated with powering expensive cooling equipment.

Unique Spectrum Capabilities

A high-quality LED should also have full, or unique spectrum capabilities. A full spectrum LED, like the ThinkGrow LED Model-H, provides plants with a balanced spectrum of blue, yellow and red. It also comes with a control function, allowing gardeners to access unique deep reds in flower at the push of a button. The spectrum tuning feature of the Model-H allows growers to experiment with spectrum recipes for different crops and different stages. It can be achieved by the onboard dimming knob or external controllers.

Controllability 

Some of the best LED manufacturers include both internal and external control functions. The Model-I, for example, can be easily controlled by TrolMaster’s environment controller, the Hydro-X. Not only can this device externally control the spectrum and timing capabilities of individual lights, but it can also control the capabilities of lights at scale. For example, the Hydro-X controller can manage and operate up to 256 ThinkGrow LED fixtures per channel. 

Manufacturer Backed Warranties

The warranties offered by some of the leading manufacturers of LEDs prove that they understand and believe in both their product and their customers. Kind LED, one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality LEDs offers a 3-year limited warranty on their products. Kind LED grow light products are warrantied against defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase.  During this warranty period, Kind LED will either repair or replace any covered, defective product.  Within the first 90 days, Kind LED will incur all costs associated with the repair, or replacement, and return of the defective product. In short, these terms essentially guarantee a working LED fixture for a minimum of three years. Click here for more information on Kind LED’s Warranty Information. 

This is only a brief list of the benefits of investing in a high-quality LED. Want to learn more? Contact one of GreenPlanet Wholesale’s representatives, or your local garden supply store for more information on the products and benefits listed above. 

Works Cited

  • Haze, N. (2008). ViparSpectra LEDs vs HPS Grow Journal. Retrieved May 4th, 2021 from GrowWeedEasy.com
  • KindLED. (2020). LED Grow Lights: Cost Savings Comparison. Retrieved May 4th, 2021 from KindLEDGrowlights.com

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Terpenes, Genetics and the Entourage Effect

As the industry has advanced, talented gardeners have fine-tuned their skills to produce some of the most desired varieties of cannabis. Depending on the grower, the type of garden, and the skill possessed to produce a wide variety of genetics, the list of new, old, or challenging strains is essentially endless. There is massive variation in the types of cannabis plants people might want to cultivate; and, as any experienced gardener knows, these variations can result in a wide spectrum of products to satisfy any set of tastes, preferences, or medicinal concerns. However, among the most important variations that determine genetic quality, a wide, and desirable spectrum of terpenes is arguably the most relevant aspect of strain selection, cultivation and consumption. To learn more about terpenes, the entourage effect, and desirable genetics, follow the passages below: 

What are Terpenes?

Trichomes produce cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis plants.

Terpenes are a class of hydrocarbons that exist in over 30,000 forms and typically occur naturally in perennial land plants. Even more numerous than terpenes are terpenoids – functional molecules that are modified by oxygen: fruiting or seeding plants use terpenoids to attract pollinators, defend against disease and deflect predators. Terpenoids have over 55,000 specific forms and usually produce powerful or pleasant odours in nature

We interact with terpenes and terpenoids in countless ways throughout our daily lives. In naturally occurring settings, like in fruit and food products, terpene and terpenoid profiles can be easily identified. Oranges and orange peels, for example, contain a wide variety of terpenoids like limonene, pinene and myrcene; these, among others, are largely responsible for the sweet-smelling oils and odours produced by oranges (Rodriguez et al, 2011, para. 11). Additionally, terpenes and terpenoids have been synthesized into household products, enhancing the taste and smell of perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning products and consumer goods like food and drink. 

Also found in Lemon Rind, Orange Rind and Juniper
Also found in Pine Needles, Rosemary and Basil
Also found in Thyme, Lemon Grass and Mango

Common Terpenes in Popular Genetics

A wide spectrum of terpenes can be found throughout the industry’s most popular genetics. However, much like naturally occurring fruit and flowers in our environment, terpenes can do more than just produce pleasant smells – they can also perpetuate feelings of well-being, promote energy, or induce relaxing medicinal properties. Read more to find out which terpene profiles are found in the industry’s most popular genetics!

Terpinolene

Typically producing sweet, sharp and piney floral notes, terpinolene is commonly found in sativa dominant strains like Dutch Treat, Jack Herer and Golden Pineapple. Terpinolene is often described as having a fresh, vibrant and warm scent, and occurs naturally in fruit and flora like lilies, lilacs, cumin, nutmeg and apples. Giving the user an uplifting and energetic wind, strains high in terpinolene are usually high in cannabinoids like THC and have a natural resistance to pests and predators.

Caryophyllene

Strains with dominant terpenes like caryophyllene immerse its audience with high-profile scents of pepper, cloves and woody spice. Other flowers and seed pods, like hops or star anise, carry a high concentration of caryophyllene; in cannabis, however, strains like Purple Punch or Pineapple Express are among the most popular with high levels of caryophyllene. You can expect relaxing, calming, body-numbing effects or stress-release from strains with this terpenoid profile. 

Pinene

Common in strains like Skywalker, Critical Mass and Blue Dream, pinene is a terpene profile favourited by growers in the Pacific Northwest. Smelling of basil, dill, pine needles and tree sap, pinene is one of the most common terpenoid products in the world and is useful for relieving pain and promoting anti-inflammatory agents. 

Ocimene

Ocimene is a terpene responsible for promoting sweet, herbaceous and floral scents in many popular strains of cannabis, and also has a high concentration in flora and food such as honey, parsley, orchids and mint. Because of its almost soapy sweetness, ocimene is used in high levels in the production of cosmetics and perfume, but can also be found in fragrant strains like Strawberry Cough, Space Queen and Sour Diesel. 

Myrcene

Another common terpenoid, myrcene is abundantly found in products like lemongrass, thyme and cardamom. It is also noted as being one of the most desirable terpenoid profiles, not only in its ability to promote sedation, anti-anxiety and pain relief but also in myrcene’s scent, which overwhelms receptions with notes of musky earth, leather, peat and sweet oak. Common myrcene strains include OG Kush, Grape Ape and Granddaddy Purple. 

Terpenes and the Entourage-Effect 

The entourage effect is a theory that describes the synergistic effect of THC, flavonoids, cannabinoids and terpenes contributing to the overall “experience” of cannabis consumption (Russo, 2019, para. 17). While most growers focus on cannabinoids like THC and CBD to determine the success of a garden, the presence of terpenes in flowers is also a major contributor that determines a crop’s desired effect. For example, growers and consumers alike may select specific strains, not just for characteristics, cannabinoid ratios, and output, but also on the distinct and specific terpenoid profile they possess.

Purple Punch

Strain Profile Example for Purple Punch:

  • THC – Aids Sleep, Relaxation, Pain and Inflammation
  • Myrcene – Aids Sleep and Relaxation
  • Caryophyllene – Aids Pain and Inflammation
  • Pinene – Aids Pain, Inflammation and Anxiety

Many of the terpenes that we have discussed above have medicinal properties; for example, myrcene, a terpenoid that is known for its ability to relax or mildly sedate an individual has been used for centuries in teas, oils and salves to promote relaxation and overall well-being. Lemongrass, for instance, is a plant with high levels of myrcene and has continually been used in eastern medicine as a way to relieve stomach cramps, aches, pains and fevers. Knowing that some of the industry’s most popular strains possess the same therapeutic terpenoids, it’s easy to understand why growers flock to a certain set of desired genetics. 

True Blue Terpenes allow you to add birthday cake flavour to your extractions!
If you are looking for something more fruity, try blueberry!
Want a particular cannabis flavour for you extractions? look no further that True Blue’s strain profiles!

Enhance Your Terpenes

Adding certain flowering additives to your nutrient regime can enhance the natural processes within flowering plants that these flavours and aromas. For example, if you are growing a strain with a dominant terpinolene terpene profile, then certain supplements can help bring out the fresh, floral notes during flower. GreenPlanet Nutrients Rezin and Rhizoflora Terpinator improve the terpenoid profile of a strain to deliver an unmatched final product.

Want to access some of the best-synthesized terpenes on the market? Talk to your GreenPlanet representative about our entire list of True Blue products and terpene enhancing additives! For all other inquiries, contact a member of the GreenPlanet sales team, or your local garden supply store for product information and purchasing inquiries. 

Works Cited

  • Rodríguez, A. (2011). Terpene down-regulation in orange reveals the role of fruit aromas in mediating interactions with insect herbivores and pathogens. Plant Physiology, 793–802. Retrieved February 8th, 2021 from US National Library of Medicine. 
  • Russo, E. (2019). The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: No “strain,” no gain. Frontiers in Plant Science. Retrieved February 8th, 2020 from US National Library of Medicine.

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How to Manage Potential Hazards During the Outdoor Season

Ranging from mid-May to late October, the outdoor season in Canada has the potential to produce tremendous results. Growing outdoors is the perfect time for new growers to test genetics, experiment with fertilizers and practice different growing systems and techniques. If successful, outdoor gardens at scale can produce bountiful harvests, with plants that fruit large, heavy flowers, and crops that produce more dry weight for a smaller investment. While this growing season has many potential benefits for new and distinguished growers, there are countless hazards to mitigate before reaping the rewards of an outdoor garden. Follow the article below for a list of potential hazards you might face in the garden this season: 

Potential Environmental Hazards 

The passages below encompass some of the environmental hazards you may face during any season of gardening outdoors. Unlike growing indoors, there is no way to mitigate the environment of your garden. And as we all know, mother nature can occasionally be fickle in her approach to our outdoor activities. So, while there is no way to completely eliminate environmental hazards in the garden, there are steps and techniques we can take to manage the harmful and crop-damaging effects of extreme heat, rain, wind, snow and frost or other natural hazards like pests and disease.

Harmful Weather

Harmful weather during the outdoor season typically occurs during the later months of spring, or during the early weeks of autumn; however, damaging weather can transpire at any time. So, be vigilant against potential hazards, and focus your attention on weather forecast reports in your local area. 

While it is important to keep a close eye on the garden at all times, there are two important stages of growth when plants must be meticulously monitored: during transplant, and during the days before harvest. Mitigating the weather during transplant is extremely important because if the weather at this time is anything less than ideal, the chances of losing your plants to a rainy, cold or overly windy Spring drastically increases.

To manage harmful weather conditions during the outset of the season, consider planting late rather than early. For example, while most experts recommend transplanting outdoors a few weeks into May, sowing plants into their permanent homes in early June, may be a better option when faced with poor weather.

Likewise, the weather must be constantly surveyed as plants near their harvest date. During this time, usually around the later weeks of September or early October, plants will have developed the bulk of their flowers, and trichome heads will start to become clouded and later amber. As the harvest date approaches, weather conditions need to be monitored closely as early morning frost, rain, and plights of wind can damage flowers, freeze roots, or aggravate pre-existing stress. To prevent upsets during the early weeks of autumn, consider offering plants shelter during colder and wetter periods of September and October. 

Pests and Plant Disease

Other natural hazards, like pests and plant disease, offer increased risk to plants during the outdoor season. Among the most common pests include the two-spotted spider mite, thrips, the fungus gnat and the aphid. Some pests can be more damaging than others, however, all variants of the insects listed above can be destructive to plants. To catch pests before they completely damage a crop, study and review the different types of “leaf-damage” associated with specific insects. 

Pesky Pests To Look Out For

Aphid
Fungus Gnat
Two Spotted Spider Mite
Thrip

Although pests have the potential to upset a crop, plant disease can be even more detrimental. Root-rot, powdery-mildew, rust and bud-rot are among the most typical issues plants experience during the outdoor season. To combat these hazards, attempt to stabilize plants by offering them a consistent environment and a reliable feeding schedule. More often than not, plant disease is exacerbated by weak genetics and unstable periods of low temperatures and high humidity.

Plant Diseases To Watch Out For

Bud Rot
Powdery Mildew
Root Rot

So, the best thing you can do for your outdoor garden is to use fresh and reliable genetics, while offering them shelter or disease treatment if problems arise. For more information on mitigating potential hazards, read the passages below. 

Managing Hazards 

Because the outdoor garden is full of potential hazards, in some cases, it’s only a matter of time before one of the many destructive influences in our environment affects the outcome of a crop. For the best chance of managing these hazards, follow the prescribed tools, techniques and considerations below: 

Choose the “Right” Genetics

Choosing the “right” type of plant is perhaps the most important factor in achieving a successful harvest during the outdoor season. In this case, the “right” plant can be described as a genetic structure that is highly resistant to stressors such as pests, disease, or extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, choosing a strain that will finish early in the season, as opposed to genetics that will ripen weeks after the average harvest date, will ensure that hazards are less likely to negatively influence the outcome of your garden. 

For example: consider an outdoor classic like Northern Lights. Known to be resistant to heat, cold, pests and disease, Northern Lights is the low growing, heavy hitter, that’s sure to reach maturity with little or no issues.

“Northern Lights”

Set Your Plants Up for Success

Along with a stable feeding program, the most adept outdoor growers enrich their crops with supplements like GreenPlanet Nutrients Vitathrive and Plant Guard to reduce the likelihood of a hazardous season. Vitathrive is GreenPlanet’s propagation supplement that contains a full complement of b-vitamins and elements that aid the plant through the vegetative stage. Among other benefits, Vitathrive helps to reduce the stresses that come from rapid cell growth, environmental conditions, and heavy fruit loads. GreenPlanet’s potassium silicate supplement, Plant Guard, also helps prepare your plants for extreme weather conditions, by strengthening cell walls and increasing resistance to environmental stress and plant disease. 

Disease and Pest Control 

When hazards like pests and disease arise, using tested and reliable controls can decrease the chance of these issues escalating to point of no return. For pests, two controls have been tested to produce reliable results: LockDown Pads and Doktor Doom Products. LockDown Pads are an economy and unobtrusive way of controlling pests at the source. By correctly using LockDown Pads during the outdoor season, soil-dwelling pests like fungus gnats and thrips will be caught at the source of breeding and will leave your foliage untouched by harmful damage. On the other hand, Doktor Doom’s aerosol pesticides can be used if the pest problem has become so noticeable that it has begun to affect the general growth patterns of your plant. 

Need continued support with your outdoor crop? GreenPlanet Wholesale is here to help!  For more information about the products mentioned above, please contact GreenPlanet Wholesale directly. For all other inquiries about products and services offered by GreenPlanet Wholesale, contact our team or your local garden supply store for more information. 

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How Geography Affects the Outdoor Garden

Since the 1960s, Northern California’s Emerald Triangle has been home to some of the world’s most renowned outdoor operations. Located across three counties, Humboldt, Trinity and  Mendocino, the Emerald Triangle presents some of the most ideal conditions for outdoor cultivation. In this idealistic environment, where factors like temperature, humidity and air movement work together to cultivate some of the world’s finest produce, the Emerald Triangle is able to host some of California’s most talented growers. This is not to say that the growing season goes without challenges; pests, wildfires and blights of plant disease still present constant challenges to growers every year. However, season after season, the temperate weather, porous soil and sunlit slopes of the Emerald Triangle continue to produce the most consistent and quality-driven outdoor cannabis. 

Emerald Triangle, California
Downs, 2018, Leafly.com

While it is impossible to identically emulate the rolling hills of Northern California here in Canada, we too are capable of having a successful and first-rate growing season. The most important thing to understand about the analogy above, however, is how geographical location can affect the outcome of a garden. Due to our country’s size, growers across the nation face a variety of challenges throughout the season, not faced by gardeners below the 49th parallel; these include, but are not limited to: a shorter growing season, high humidity and variation in the environment from coast to coast. For the best possible outcome in the garden, follow the passages below on tips that can help lead your garden to a successful harvest.

The Natural “Growing” Advantage in the Pacific Northwest

If any Canadian region has an innate advantage during the growing season, it’s the Pacific Northwest. For example, if you examine the charts on the right, you’ll notice that the temperate regions of British Columbia’s lower mainland are climatically aligned with the Emerald Triangle’s counties in Northern California. N. California may still have a longer available growing season, but the overall temperate nature of the climate and rates of precipitation are all closely correlated with ideal weather for outdoor gardening. However, this in no way means that other regions in Canada can’t have a successful growing season – it just goes to show how geography can affect the garden in a major way.

The maps to the right show the highest points of precipitation in both British Columbia, Canada and California, USA. Although the graphs themselves come from different sources, it’s easy to notice that the Emerald Triangle in Northern California has a very similar “average annual precipitation” rate as the British Columbian Pacific Coast.

Pacific Coast, British Columbia, Canada
haikudeck.com
Emerald Triangle, California USA
cannabisbusinessexecutive.com

Tips on Managing the Outdoor Season in Canada 

Even in Canada’s most mild regions, like the Pacific Northwest, growers endure challenges that are aligned to their geographical location. Among the other challenges that prohibit the Canadian growing season, a short growing season, levels of high-humidity and varying environmental conditions are perhaps the most devastating. Read the section below for tips on managing the outdoor season in Canada: 

Mitigating the Short Season 

Consider planting earlier than later
Hall, 2019, Thestar.com

Managing short windows of ideal weather is perhaps the largest challenge Canadian growers face during the outdoor season. In other locations, like the Emerald Triangle, growers are afforded a much longer growing season due to their more central longitudinal location. However, if lucky, the Canadian growing season typically lasts about five months, ranging from mid-May to late October. In many parts of the country, the late Spring can still be full of hazardous rainfall and plant-damaging frosts. To manage harmful weather conditions during the outset of the season, consider planting late rather than early. For example, while most experts recommend transplanting outdoors a few weeks into May, sowing plants into their permanent homes in early June, maybe a better option when faced with poor weather. 

Carefully Select Genetics

Carefully select genetic profiles and strains Ryte, 2017, Weedshop.com

Areas of Canada, especially in the east, have extreme bouts of high temperatures and humidity during the summer months. To protect your crop against plant-damaging diseases like powdery mildew and mould, carefully select genetic profiles and strains which are disease and stress-resistant. Furthermore, selecting strains on the basis of their “flowering-time” can be helpful in ensuring safeguards against disease and stress. Plants that exhibit faster flowering times, for instance, will reach maturity quicker, and will therefore be less susceptible to pests, disease and stress in the later months of the season. 

Strengthen Your Crop with Supplements

Along with a stable feeding program, the most adept outdoor growers enrich their crops with supplements like GreenPlanet Nutrients Vitathrive and Plant Guard to reduce the likelihood of a hazardous season. For example, Vitathrive is GreenPlanet’s propagation supplement that contains a full complement of b-vitamins and elements that aid the plant through the vegetative stage. Among other benefits, Vitathrive helps to reduce the stresses that come from rapid cell growth, environmental conditions, and heavy fruit loads. GreenPlanet’s potassium silicate supplement, Plant Guard, also helps prepare your plants for extreme weather conditions, by strengthening cell walls and increasing resistance to environmental stress and plant disease. 

Disease and Pest Control 

When hazards like pests and disease arise, using tested and reliable controls can decrease the chance of these issues escalating to point of no return. For pests, in particular, two controls have been tested to produce reliable results: LockDown Pads and Doktor Doom Products. LockDown Pads are an economic and unobtrusive way of controlling pests at the source. By correctly using LockDown Pads during the outdoor season, soil-dwelling pests like fungus gnats and thrips will be caught at the source of breeding and will leave your foliage untouched by harmful damage. Doktor Doom’s aerosol pesticides can be used if the pest problem has become so noticeable that it has begun to affect the general growth patterns of your plant. 

Need continued support with your outdoor crop? GreenPlanet Wholesale is here to help! For more information about the products mentioned above, please contact GreenPlanet Wholesale directly. For all other inquiries about products and services offered by GreenPlanet Wholesale, contact our team or your local garden supply store for more information. 

Works Cited

  • Downs, D. (2018). At harvest time, farmers survey a changed emerald triangle. Retrieved February 8th, 2021 from Leafly.com
  • Hall, J. (2019). ‘I was sleeping with one eye open’ — Canadian cannabis growers harvest their first (legal) outdoor plants. Retrieved February 8th, 2021 from Thestar.com
  • Ryte, E. (2017). How to transplant a marijuana plant. Retrieved February 8th, 2021 from Weedshop.com – works cited section.

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The Benefits of Bokashi Pro-Gro as a Commercial Cannabis Fertilizer

We love travelling to events across North America and talking to craft growers and LPs about our products. It’s a genuine treat to attend events like The Lift & Co. Cannabis Expo or the Homegrown Expo and talk shop with people in the industry. 

There is no fooling this crowd! Real growers aren’t fooled by flashy marketing, and they don’t want to hear a sales pitch. They want to know exactly what your product can or can’t do for their operation. So, what can Bokashi Pro-Gro do for you?

The Kitchen Sink

We’re not just boasting when we say we’re literally offering a living superfood for your soil with this mix. We’ve taken good old-fashioned Canadian wheat bran and we have inoculated it with beneficial microbes, probiotics, and beneficial fungi. We’ve also added a plethora of B vitamins, minerals, amino acids, organic whole food complex, kelp, and organic beetroot juice. We ferment all of that down and it becomes a building block for your soil with the microbes, nutrients, minerals, and organic matters. It’s been called a Kitchen Sink mix, and it’s all just really beautiful stuff. 

Organic or Synthetic Inputs

The beautiful thing about Bokashi is that it creates a living soil that works great with both organic inputs and synthetic salt inputs. You can drop your PPMS to 700 by using this as a soil amendment, or one and a half cups per 10 gallons of your medium, and literally water-only for the first little while. And then when it comes time to put your nutrients in, you can drop them down. 

Everybody loves to be able to use less salt. But the great thing about it is, even though you’re using less, the microbes break down those inorganic nutrients and salts to make them more bioavailable to the plant naturally. You’re using less, but you’re maximizing the potential of your nutrients and the inputs. You’re also creating stronger and louder chirping expressions, trite productions, bud sites, and just overall high bricks and health. This makes maximizing the plant so easy.  

And of course, growers take comfort in knowing that we have our CFIA approval. We have also recently acquired approval and certification by: 

The Oregon Department of Agriculture

CDFA
Health Canada

We’re proud to be compliant with industry standards, but we’re even prouder to step above and beyond compliance to exceed our customers’ expectations and make them rethink what’s possible.

Let’s Talk About Your Growth

Bokashi Pro-Gro Organic Soil Amendment gives you healthier, stronger plants with increased flavour, colour and yield!

The stuff works great on cannabis plants. I was seeing some deficiencies in the veg stage, so I sprinkled some on the topsoil, mixed it in, then watered. 3 days went by and my plants are growing faster and stronger and the deficiencies have stopped.

5-Star review on Amazon

Want to learn more about the large scale use of Bokashi Pro-Gro? Click Here.

This blog was written and provided in partnership with My Good Green.

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