Category: Info for Hobbyist and home grower

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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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5 Things to Consider When Starting Your Community Garden Project

You’re thinking about starting or organizing a community garden project. Good for you! You are about to embark on an incredible journey that will bring people together and help your entire community! 

But, after your initial excitement for the idea, you might get discouraged when you step back and take a look at the sheer amount of work that needs to be done. You will start to second guess everything and ask questions like:  

  • Can I really do this?  
  • Is this really worth it?  
  • Am I going to rally enough people to make this work? 

Yes, you can! Fight your way through the early stages of doubt and push on. It may seem daunting at first, but all worthwhile endeavours seem that way when you start. Remember, you’re about to do an incredible thing for your local community and your environment. They need you to do this! Just keep these things in mind:

1. Understand How Allotment Plots Work

Most community gardens are established as allotment plots. This simply means this land has been made available for individual, non-commercial gardening, or the growing of food plants. A lot of community garden plots belong to people and families that rent the space, personally buy all the materials, and take care of all the maintenance.

Sourced from spacingOttawa

2. Plan the Layout Obsessively

The more time you spend obsessing over the layout of your garden beforehand, the more you will thank your obsessive self down the line. It’s okay to catch a mistake or potential issue on a piece of paper during the winter months when you’re in the planning stage. It’s a lot more frustrating to catch these issues in the summer months when you’re actually there in person.

Sourced from myallotmentgarden.co.uk

3. Be Patient, With People and Plants

At this point, we probably don’t have to sell you on the virtues of patience in the world of gardening and what a crucial prerequisite it is. You need to offer this same level of patience to the people who will help you. Some community gardens have a buzz and a high level of support before they even start, and a big mob of people show up on Day 1. Others do not. Others will see slow growth. Don’t be discouraged if pictures of your community garden don’t go viral and make you an overnight success. If you build it, they will come. They may come at their own pace, but they will come! You will get the help you need to achieve all your goals.

10 awesome allotment blogs, by Thompson & Morgan

4. Consider Organic Fertilizer

Your project is all about the community, so why not skip synthetic fertilizers and go with an organic fertilizer that’s better for your community as a whole. Organic fertilizers are a much more environmentally-friendly option for your local soil, air, and water. You are also simply going to see much better flavour, colour and yield.

5. Get the Most From Compost

Using a natural product like My Good Green Compost System can turn your food scraps into liquid gold. It’s a proven and predictable way to give yourself nutrient-rich soil. We have recently seen First Nations communities switching to Bokashi composting systems so they can maintain complete control over what they put back into their soil. The communities are also embracing the entire Bokashi product line, including the Pet Compost Kits.

Ever since our community was introduced to Bokashi, some of the local residents took it upon themselves to experiment with Bokashi. Some found that feeding a scoop of Bokashi a day to their dogs got rid of that awful wet dog smell and gave their loved fur animals, a healthy and shiny coat.

Gail Jacko, 2021, Whitefish River First Nation

We are proud to be used by a number of community garden projects across the US and Canada. If you have any questions about how our products can help your project, click here to contact us any time!

This blog was written and provided in partnership with MyGoodGreen

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Indoor vs Outdoor: How to Maximize Your Garden

While a successful harvest is possible for both indoor and outdoor operations, there are major differences to expect when comparing the quality, quantity and use-value of dry flower cultivated in either environment. For example, there appears to be an industry consensus that flower cultivated in a controlled indoor environment has superior quality to that of an outdoor garden. However, while outdoor gardens may lack an edge in quality over indoor operations, they arguably have the most potential to produce large, heavy flowers, and harvests which produce more dry weight for a smaller investment. 

And, with a divide in quality and quantity, the “use-value” of flower, a term which describes the purpose of a product in the market, evidently changes for each crop. For example, with a recent interest in “value-added” products, like edibles, infused drinks, tinctures and oil, cultivators of outdoor gardens have found it more economical to process flowers into concentrate forms of THC and CBD. Conversely, indoor farmers, who value quality above all else, still produce a variety of products for connoisseurs and general consumers alike. With these outcomes in mind, let’s look at some of the factors which go into maximizing both indoor and outdoor gardens. 

Quantity-Driven Outdoor Gardens

Outdoor Genetics

Getting to harvest during the outdoor season is no easy task, as potential hazards, early frost, flash-floods, pests and misconduct can all easily forecast failure. However, by focusing on important elements of a successful garden, like genetics, environmental considerations and plant nutrition, any gardener can achieve the benefits of a quantity-driven garden. Follow the points below for tips to consider while growing outdoors:

In any garden, plant genetics are the number one factor that contributes to predicting a maximum yield. However, in an outdoor garden, the importance of plant genetics are maximized. To reach a harvest during the outdoor season, plants must be reliable, resilient, and easy to manage. Among other genetic features to inspect, the most important characteristic of a plant to examine is the time it takes for the strain to reach maturity. 

For experienced growers, it is a well-known fact that all strains have different and sometimes unexpected lengths of flowering. For example, the sativa, Red Congolese, has an average flowering time of 11 weeks; this means that in an outdoor garden, the Congo wouldn’t reach full maturity until mid-November. Depending on your geographical location, the goal of growing the sweet and spicy Congolese outdoors may be obtainable; however, for everyone growing above the 49th parallel, the Congo would have a hard time surviving the cold nights and early morning frost of late autumn.

For a more reliable, resilient and manageable strain, consider an outdoor classic like Northern Lights. Known to be resistant to heat, cold, pests and disease, Northern Lights is the low growing, indica-dominant plant that’s sure to reach maturity with little or no issues

Red Congolese, Hytiva.com
Northern Lights, Hytiva.com

Environmental Considerations

Since we have no control over mother nature, it is in the gardener’s best interest to mitigate hazards and predict windows of opportunity. Depending on the season, a garden can thrive outdoors for approximately four months. However, in case of a rainy, or slightly colder June, it’s a good idea to establish plants as seedlings and cuttings inside, before attempting to transplant directly outdoors. Similarly, watch out for storms, heavy winds, drops in temperature and signs of pests or disease. If these problems arise, plants may need to be provided temporary shelter, or treated with pest and disease controls. For reliable control against unwanted pests, check out High Yields Products Lock Down Pads. 

Plant Nutrition

Because the outdoor season is so long, growers have begun to move towards fertilizers that are more economical and easier to use. While still boasting impressive results, slow-release fertilizers are among the best choice for outdoor gardens. For example, GreenPlanet’s Back Country Blend (BCB) is a highly affordably slow-release fertilizer that saves time and labour upon application. Back Country Blend is packed full of essential elements and comes in multiple parts for growing, flowering and hardening. Apply BCB during any stage of growth at the recommended rate, and watch your plants thrive. For more information on the Back Country Blend feeding program, click here. 

Quality-Driven Indoor Gardens

Unlike outdoor operations, the main advantage of growing indoors is the increased control growers have in all aspects of the garden. In short, there are no seasons in an indoor garden; so, if a grower’s genetics, environmental controls and plant food are quality-driven, then the end result is bound to be a cut above the rest. Need help getting started? Read the first installment of our series on creating the ultimate indoor garden: Creating the Perfect Environment Part 1: The Grow Space.

Creating the Perfect Environment Part 1: The Grow Space.

Indoor Genetics

While an outdoor gardener may select genetics on the basis of hardiness, ease and flowering time, there is no limit to the potential of successful strains indoors. For example, talented indoor growers might specifically select strains on a few identifiable characteristics including pigmentation, taste, output, terpenes, and cannabinoid profile. However, if there is anything to consider when choosing a strain for your indoor garden, refer to your own skills as a gardener. For instance, strains that have complicated dietary requirements or prolonged flowering times have a higher chance of pests, disease or error affecting the outcome of a harvest. So, if your controls in the garden aren’t ideal, consider choosing an easier plant to grow. For a complete list of popular, classic and trending strains, review online resources like Leafly or Wikileaf.  

Lewis, Unsplash.com 

Environmental Control

Controlling your environment is one of the most advantageous aspects of gardening indoors; and, next to supreme genetics, an ideal environment is the most important factor to consider when attempting to cultivate quality-driven produce. In general, most strains will thrive with lights on temperatures of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit and average humidity levels of 50-60%. What’s important to understand about a controlled environment, however, is the lengths at which gardeners can tweak the garden in order to maximize yields. For instance, plants typically enjoy higher temperatures and humidity levels during vegetative growth. So, while it would be impossible to manipulate the weather outside, an indoor gardener may choose to elevate levels of temperature/humidity during this period of growth to produce new roots, shoots and increased foliage. To manage your garden from a distance, consider the most advanced digital technology – TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro Control System and modules.

Plant Nutrition

If your goal is quality, nothing will provide your plants with better nutrition than liquid plant food. However, with so many options available to consumers, choices, brands and styles can often confuse, if not discourage education on the subject of plant nutrition. For tested, easy and reliable liquid plant food, browse a selection of GreenPlanet’s liquid feed programs. Want to learn more about GreenPlanet Nutrients? Read the blog titled: Understanding the Parts of GreenPlanet Nutrients Base Fertilizer Programs. 

Understanding the Parts of GreenPlanet Nutrients Base Fertilizer Programs

By following the considerations above, a successful harvest is possible both inside and out of a simulated environment. Whatever your plans are for your garden, the team at 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. 

Work Cited

  • Lewis, D. Untitled Marijuana Picture. Retrieved February 1st, 2020 from Unsplash.com

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Feed Your Crop Organically with the AutoPot AquaValve5

Since its initial release, AutoPot Watering Systems have taken the Canadian market by storm. By passively automating watering cycles, gardeners who have opted for AutoPot solutions have enjoyed an array of advantages in all sectors of cultivation. At GreenPlanet Wholesale, we have been consistently proud to partner with companies that offer the best of technology. With the shared goal of fostering a healthier, greener planet, the research and development team at AutoPot Watering Systems have outdone themselves again.

Canada, meet the AutoPot AquaValve5: a new, innovative piece of hardware that affords the use of liquid organic nutrients in existing AutoPot systems, and helps protect against blockages, sediment build-up and unforeseen, head-scratching hazards. Follow the passages below for more information on this, and other benefits of AutoPot’s latest cultivation device. 

What is the AutoPot AquaValve5?

Much like the original design, the AquaValve5 is an intricate float-valve that regulates the passive flow of water into the saucers of the AutoPot self-irrigation system. However, unlike the original float-valve, the AquaValve5 has an increased inlet size of almost 66% and allows gardeners to use a wider variety of organic and mineral-based nutrient systems. Other expected benefits of the new design include faster flow rates, increased reliability and protection against sediment blockages and build-up. Read more below for details on AutoPot’s development of the AquaValve5: 

Larger Inlets and Hose for Liquid Organic Fertilizer

The most distinguishing feature of the AquaValve5 is its size. With a 5mm internal diameter inlet, and options for either 9mm or 16mm mainline hose, the AquaValve5 makes easy work of viscous, organic and mineral fertilizers. Before releasing the AquaValve5 to the European market, the research and development team at AutoPot thoroughly tested the efficacy of the device in their UK-based R&D facility. For example, in a liquid organic feed test on asparagus peas, the AquaValve5 performed with amazing results. Eight 1Pot AutoPot modules made up the control for the test and were given varying doses of plain, reverse osmosis and organic fertilizer irrigation.

AQUAvalve5 – Liquid Organic Feed Test on Asparagus Peas. Read more.

With no surprise, the AquaValve5 handled the varying doses of fertilizer and water with no issues. So, the researchers took the test a step further and set-up a ninth 1Pot module to a standalone reservoir, this time letting the system run with a constant flow of liquid organic fertilizer. Based on the data available from our partners at AutoPot, this “wild-card” module performed with excellent success, had no clogging issues or sediment build-up and maintained steady growth rates compared to the control modules.

AQUAvalve5 – “Wildcard” Module. Read more.

Fully Compatible with Existing Systems

AutoPot Watering System Accessory Packs now come standard with the AquaValve5, 9mm, 9-16mm, and 16mm pipe-work and fittings. As mentioned above, this option gives growers a much wider variety in fertilizer choice and helps protect against issues of sediment blockage and build-up. If you already have an AutoPot system and want to experiment with liquid organic fertilizer, your existing 1Pot, 1Pot XL, XL SmartPot, and easy2grow trays, pots and lids will all accommodate the new AquaValve5, 9mm and 16mm pipe-work. Existing reservoirs can also be adapted to work with the AquaValve5, as 9mm top hat grommets, golf-filters and inline-taps are available as spare parts to reconfigure hard plastic or FlexiTank reservoirs. 

A Word From AutoPot

AutoPot continues to innovate the hydroponic landscape with designs that elevate the potential of a garden. Now with the AquaValve5, no task, method or system is impossible to manage. In discussing the “proof of concept” surrounding the AquaValve5, AutoPot’s representatives had this to say on the motivation behind engineering the new design:

Whether ‘results’ are defined by flavour, size, yield, health, purity or enjoyment, nothing is more important to a grower than ‘results’. If a grower’s preferred means of getting results isn’t open to them they will surely find another way. Hence the changes we’re about to make – changes that keep our systems in line with contemporary use and allow our growers to get exceptional results however they grow.

(AutoPot R&D, 2020, para. 9)

Want to get growing with AutoPot? Contact a member of GreenPlanet Wholesale’s team today! 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 

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How to Grow Successfully in Soil, Coco and Hydroponics

As a beginner, committing to a growing system, whether it be in soil, coco or hydroponics can be a daunting and complicated task. However, while aspects of growing systems may appear difficult, there are simple steps and processes that can be researched, mastered and put to the test upon entry into the world of indoor growing. If you’re thinking about getting started, or, just want to brush up on some tips and tricks, follow the article below on skills that will lead any gardener towards a successful harvest in soil, coco and hydroponics. 

Need help setting up your garden? Read our series of blogs on creating the perfect environment.

Creating the Perfect Environment Part 1: The Grow Space
Creating the Perfect Environment Part 2: Air Movement and Ventilation
Creating the Perfect Environment Part 3: Lighting Systems

Consider Your Method, Experience and Equipment

After you’ve assembled the internal workings of your garden, it’s time to choose a method of cultivation. When choosing this method, consider a few things before committing to a specific system in the garden. For example, rely on your experience, basic knowledge and available equipment to guide you towards the “right” system. For the highest rate of success, it’s recommended that novice growers stick to the basics. In this case, the “basics” could be described as a minimalists approach in the garden and may require a smaller investment as opposed to more complicated systems. So, if your just beginning your long career as a cultivator, mediums like pre-amended soil or peat moss will be your best bet for early and headache-free success. If you’re experienced, but like to take a relaxed approach in the garden, browse our selection of pre-amended soils like Fox Farm Happy Frog and Ocean Forest potting soils.

On the other hand, if you’ve had multiple successes in the garden over the years, more complex systems of growing, such as coco, rockwool or hydroponics, shouldn’t prove to be too much of a challenge. Keep in mind, however, that more intricate systems usually involve advanced equipment. For example, a completely water-based hydroponic garden typically requires the use of digital measuring and stabilizing equipment like pH monitors, PPM/TDS testing kits and automatic water-chillers. So, while the potential benefits of an advanced system are immense, keep in mind that the investments of time, research and equipment are fundamental to the success of a technologically inclined garden. With these considerations, let’s look at some of the most popular types of gardens in the industry, and discuss some simple tips that guide growers towards a successful harvest. 

Growing in Soil and Peat Moss

As stated above, growing in a dirt-based medium like potting soil or peat moss is perhaps the easiest way for beginners to utilize, develop and experience success in the garden. While it may be the “easiest” method of gardening, soil gardens can experience misconduct, and later, failure. So, to ensure growing is one of the more positive experiences in life, read the list below for tips on growing in soil and peat moss:

  • Invest in a high-quality potting soil, and read the “ingredients list”. Good potting soils will contain a pH buffering agent, like dolomite lime or oyster shell flour, and typically house inherent materials like worm casting, rock dust and perlite. 
  • Irrigate peat moss at a pH range of 6.0 – 6.5. 
  • Saturate soil in buckets until “run-off”. Water your plants until 10-20% of the irrigated water runs out of the bottom of your pots.
  • If possible, irrigate plants with cool or room temperature water. 
  • Wait until the soil is dry and light before saturating again.

Growing in Coco Coir

Coco coir occupies the grey area of media between soil/soilless and hydroponic gardening. While it may feel like a soil, coco acts and performs much like a hydroponic system. The following list is comprised of simple tips and considerations for growers in coco:

  • Coco can be purchased in brick and/or in loose form, such as Royal Gold Coco. Bricks may cost less, but they require the gardener to expand the coco in bulk. Want to speed up the expanding process? Try using hot water! 
  • “Pre-charge” your coco coir with a low dose of nutrients and a calcium-magnesium supplement before transplanting. Try GreenPlanet Nutrients Pro Cal for the best results!
  • Continue to use high doses of calcium-magnesium supplements during vegetative and flowering growth. 
  • Irrigate coco coir at a pH range of 5.8 – 6.2. 
  • Much like soil systems in a drain to waste garden, water coco coir until “run-off”. 
  • Treat your garden like a hydroponic system. While in the flowering period, coco may require several irrigation cycles a day; so, to ensure the root-zone always has enough to drink, consider automating your watering system. 

Growing in Hydroponics

While having the greatest potential for impressive yields, hydroponic gardens can be the most challenging to manage. For tips on optimizing the inputs of your hydroponic garden, follow the list below: 

  • Choose one of the following popular hydroponic systems: flood and drain (ebb & flow), drip irrigation, aeroponics, deep water culture (DWC). 
  • Invest in a high-quality, concentrated and water-soluble fertilizer. 
  • Buffer your recirculating reservoir to a pH range between 5.8 – 6.2; and, to make sure your pH is stable, constantly monitor the pH of your reservoir. 
  • Invest in equipment to manage the inputs of your garden. For the latest in technology, browse GreenPlanet’s selection of TrolMaster’s monitoring solutions. 
  • Keep a stable water temperature of approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain an adequate water temperature, consider investing in a water-chiller. 
  • Research your system, and choose the plant genetics that performs the best under specific conditions. For example, if you want to grow large plants in a DWC system, pick plants that are capable of growing to massive heights. 

Whatever your plans are for your garden, the team at 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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Ditch the Dirt with Water-Culture Hydroponic Systems

Anybody who has grown plants indoors, on any scale, knows that one of the most tedious jobs is the mess and work associated with bringing dirt indoors.  Not only are soils and soilless media cumbersome and messy, but they can also become downright expensive over long periods of time. Experienced growers may also be painfully aware that their growing media can be a source of problems, particularly when it comes to harbouring pests and their eggs – the two-spotted spider mite is the bane of the indoor farmer.  In some instances, no amount of spraying may ever totally rid the grow room of these and other pests when they have plenty of room to hide and regroup in the growing media below the plant canopy.  Additionally, the surface of the growing media may also hold mould spores; it is well-known that dirt media gives way to blights and mildews in the garden, as these potential hazards have a natural habitat from which to launch their crop-damaging assault. The list of the evident disadvantages of growing in dirt goes on – we haven’t even begun to discuss the hassle of removing and disposing of used, root-bound soil. 

Hydroponic systems, particularly water-culture systems like the Under Current RDWC (Re-Circulating Deep Water Culture), help to eliminate the problems touched on above, while simultaneously offering a full spectrum of advantages not had by soil or other media-based gardens. Advantages such as crop quality, steer-ability, and economical savings are just a few potential benefits afforded to hydroponic systems. Indoor gardens supported by automated hydroponics can expect these advantages over soil-based gardens because water-based systems give bare-rooted plants a clean and highly aerated environment system in which to grow. A continuation of the potential advantages of deep water-culture systems are detailed in the list below.

Advantage #1: Crop Quality

The most agreed upon advantage of growing completely hydroponically is the tendency for a particular garden to produce higher quality crops than those typically grown in soil. While this tends to initiate some debate among growers, anybody who has sampled a true water-culture flower (flower produced without growing medium) is more often than not, blown away by the quality. When you taste water-culture grown crops you are tasting the plant, not the soil or funky crop nutrient additives.

Increased Taste, Colour and Terpene Profile

Most of what we like to taste in plants comes from the essential oils they produce. These are typically referred to as terpenes or “terps”. Terps are also highly sought after and valued by those in the business of producing or enjoying concentrates extracted from crop harvests. Professional level extractors often prefer working with clean water-culture-produced harvests because there is little in the way of impurities. Additionally, these crops produce the best colours, tastes, potency levels and other qualities in their final stages of extraction.

Trichomes produce the taste and flavours in your final yield.
A closer look at trichomes.

Water-culture grown flowers are often noted to have a more profound “nose” and better coloration.  Again, from the simple fact that what you are enjoying is pure plant material with little to no impurities. That’s the key fundamental difference between growing in soil and growing in water, as water-culture is intended to bring out the very best in naturally occurring plant genetics by simply using clean water, oxygen and pure plant-available elements – no man-made extras needed.

Advantage #2: Crop Steerability

While soil and soilless methods of growing are about feeding the medium, water-culture growing is about directly feeding the plant. With this fact in mind, the benefits of water-culture are evident when attempting to produce a quality-driven harvest; additionally, having the ability to supply and manipulate crop nutrition gives the grower a significant advantage in being able to steer or direct crop development at any growth stage.

Here is an example of the Cultured Solutions feed program during flower. Sourced From cch2o.com/cultured-solutions-feeding-schedule/

With nothing but clean water and a highly oxygenated nutrient solution, changes in the crop feeding program can be observed within hours, rather than days or weeks. By following a proven feeding program and utilizing high-quality nutrients like Cultured Solutions, the grower is in complete control of nutrient strengths, ratios and pH levels. When coupled with good plant genetics and a healthy growing environment, there is nothing but rigorous growth awaiting plants in water-culture. All of the plant’s needs are being met precisely and measurably, and good results are repeatable and transferable. One way to look at water-culture is that it is like a formula rather than a recipe.  Known inputs and methods will result in a predictable and desirable outcome versus more “hit or miss” approaches associated with conventional growing practices.

Did you know: Water culture grown crops thrive at lower EC levels and do not require any flushing prior to harvest for a super smooth and clean tasting finish in the final harvest.

Advantage #3 Water Savings & Management

Just because you have a bigger reservoir doesn’t mean that you use more water.  The larger volume of nutrient solution associated with water-culture systems adds stability for crops; furthermore, EC and pH fluctuations are buffered, lending to healthier growth and less incidence of deficiencies or imbalances. Water culture systems like the Under Current RDWC system are accurately classified as closed-loop recirculating systems.  This means that almost every drop of water used in the system is taken up by plants.  Little or no moisture is lost to the surrounding air in a closed hydroponic system.  Not only does this stack up to near 50% water use reduction per crop, but it also means that the grower has better control of the aerial environment; for example, no unwanted water vapour is being added to the grow room or greenhouse air from outside sources.

Here is an example of the inner workings of the Under Current systems. Water circulates through all the modules, ensuring plants can easily uptake nutrients with no wasted water. Sourced from the 2019 Current Culture H2O Product Catalogue

Having a tight hold on moisture in the system also makes measuring daily water use an accurate and invaluable crop diagnostic and management tool.  Daily water use is easy to chart, and with this tool available in the garden, growers can measure water intake consumed directly by the crop; there is no guesswork as to how much was lost to evaporation versus crop nutrient solution uptake.

CCH2O is always pleased to lend direct support for custom grow room design and installations – there is no project too big. And by working with our partners at GreenPlanet Wholesale, you can bet you’ll receive nothing short of professional excellence in service, both before and after you buy. 

This blog was written and provided in partnership with Current Culture H2O.

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Creating the Perfect Environment Part 3: Lighting Systems

Choosing a light source is perhaps the most important decision to make while creating the perfect environment. It will, among other variants, predict a variety of potential outcomes; these including, but are not limited to the prediction of quality, quantity, flower-size, trichome expansion, heat production and energy consumption. While choices of available lighting solutions are vast and vary from lower wattage fluorescents, traditional HID lighting, to the more technologically inclined LED fixtures, GreenPlanet Wholesale is committed to providing solutions to growers which not only perform but emphasize value. By maintaining partnerships with industry-leading manufactures of lighting solutions, we appreciate the concerns of any gardener interested in creating the ideal environment. Not sold on a particular system? Follow the article below for an examination of popular lighting solutions, and find the perfect light source for your environment. Just starting out? Read our previous blogs on creating the perfect growing environment! 

Lighting Systems: Information and Considerations 

Lighting System Styles

As stated above, by selecting different lighting solutions, varying outcomes can largely be predicted in the garden. Among other variations in light equipment, gardeners typically examine three features of a light source before investing: style, wattage and spread. Style is the type of light, whether it be a fluorescent fixture, HID or LED. The style of light will determine several things, but most importantly it will predict the heat production and energy consumption of the light source. 

HID
Fluorescent
LED

For example, the industry has seen major advances in LED lighting over the past decade; so much so, that high-wattage LEDs have been labelled as fixtures capable of competing with the industry’s previous standard of HID lighting. While both of these lights have the potential to produce similar yields, the main difference between these lights, in terms of style anyhow, is the heat produced and energy consumed by both HID and LED fixtures. For instance, a high-functioning HPS bulb produces an average of 3,600 British Thermal Units (BTUs), while a full-spectrum LED fixture, like ThinkGrow’s Model-H, has a maximum BTU output of 2,149. So, in short, be sure to examine the style of the lighting system in the garden, as this feature will dramatically influence the construction and management of other environmental controls.

ThinkGrow LED Model-H Features:

  • Outstanding Efficiency at 2.7 μmol/J
  • Plug and Play for a quick installation
  • On-board Dimming and Adjustable Spectrum
  • External Controllability with 256 fixtures per channel
  • Group Control Capability

Wattage Potential

The next feature of a light source to consider is wattage. Although many varying factors go into producing a heavy harvest, there is a general consensus concerning the connection between wattage in the garden and dry weight following harvest. While notions of this conclusion aren’t as clear cut as they once were, again, because of the introduction of new, more efficient technology, you can still consider the following while examining a light source: higher wattage = higher yield.

“Footprint” or Light Spread

Finally, but not least important, is the spread of a fixture. In this case, the word spread is used to describe the “footprint” of light dispersed by a specific light source. If you’re trying to fill a 10ft x 10ft room with plants, for instance, your fixtures must be able to disperse light across 100 square feet; and, depending on the spread of each individual light, this feature will determine how many fixtures will need to be installed. With these considerations in mind, lets looks at some of the most popular lighting solutions available at GreenPlanet Wholesale: 

Popular Types of Lighting Systems

Ranging from Fluorescent T5 lights to high wattage LEDs, the following is a list of lighting “types” which can assist gardeners in creating the perfect environment. For the entire catalogue of lighting solutions available at GreenPlanet Wholesale, click here; otherwise, read the list to find out which lighting style works best for your garden.

Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lighting is a great option for gardens that are limited on space and energy affordances. Unlike fluorescents you might see at the hardware store, horticultural-grade T5 fluorescents are smaller, highly efficient, and produce intense levels of light. Arguably the first choice for small gardens in tight spaces, tents or closets, T5 fluorescents produce little heat, and, when combined at scale, can produce impressive results. Interested? Check out Sunblaster’s selection of T5 fluorescents at GreenPlanet Wholesale.

 

HID Lighting

Coming in a variety of styles and spectrums, high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting is an industry favourite. HID lighting is made possibly by heat reacting with noble gases such as mercury and sodium under extreme pressure. The arc made by these reactions produces a chain of light that can illuminate a footprint of 3ft x 3ft – 6ft x 6ft, depending on variables like wattage, lamp and reflector. All the lamps listed below come in a variety of wattages including 315W, 400W, 600W and 1000W. Like fluorescent lighting, however, ballasts are required to operate HID lighting systems.

There are three types of HID lighting systems commonly utilized by the indoor gardener: High-Pressure Sodium (HPS), Metal Halide (MH) and Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH). Although these lights have similar properties, each lamp “type” has a different function in the garden. For example, HPS lighting has a low Kelvin rating of 3000K (a measurement that describes spectrum) and is typically used by gardeners in the later stages of flower to promote periods of autumn-like light, and intense red and yellow photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). MH lighting, on the other hand, has a higher Kelvin rating and emits blue light. Given the spectrum of MH lighting, most gardens utilizing HID lighting will choose MH lamps in periods of vegetative and early flowering growth to promote foliage expansion, general plant health, and tight internodal spacing. CMH lamps have a spectrum of 4000K, and therefore falls in the middle of the Kelvin range. This light has shown great success in both vegetative and flowering periods of growth and is arguably the best choice for gardeners who want both intensity and efficiency.  

LED Lighting

Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has made major advancements in horticulture over the past decade. With these advancements, high-quality LED fixtures are now able to compete with HID lighting, not only in terms of efficiency, longevity, and energy consumption but also in output. Unlike HID lamps, which typically occupied a niche spectrum of colour and intensity, high-quality LED fixtures have a “mixed-spectrum” and are able to not only produce high levels of reds, blues and yellows but also have the ability to produce ultraviolet light (UV) in specific diodes. This leads gardeners, not to the assumption, but to the tested conclusions of the production capabilities of LED technology. If you’re interested in creating the perfect, long-lasting and environmentally conscious indoor garden, LED technology is probably a good fit. 

 

Whatever your plans are for creating the perfect indoor garden, the team at 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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