Garden Culture Magazine

A gardening magazine with a social conscience.

Subscribe now

Featured

Medicinal Weeds: Stinging Nettle

Caroline Rivard

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) has an impressive defense system. The stems, leaves, and flowers are covered with tiny hairs called spicules. These spicules, made from minuscule silica needles, are similar to sharp glass; they puncture the skin and cause painful irritation.

View Article

Plantain: The Overlooked Medicinal Weed

Caroline Rivard

Sometimes, we cannot see wonderful things that are right under our noses. Many gardeners are looking for plants that are unique and exquisite. This is often the case with medicinal herbs; the exotic, rare, high-potency herb that grows only once in a blue moon is favored over the everyday weed that grows abundantly on the lawn or between the majestic rows of our gardens. It’s time to look at weeds from a new perspective, appreciating the simple plants that are well within reach and full of potent medicine.

View Article

The United Nations Debates Cannabis

Jessica Steinberg

Inside the walls that represent all flags, during the 62nd Commission of Narcotic Drugs (CND) at the UN, there was a buzz going around about cannabis. It was a predictable tee-off between cannabis the killer (and arrest those who use it) versus cannabis the medicine (and regulate its use). From the criminalized Filipino—Russian side to the legalized Uruguayan—Canadian side of the spectrum, it defined nations united by divided views on cannabis.

View Article


Latest Posts

Pruning Leads To Healthier And More Abundant Tomatoes

To prune, or not to prune? That is the question.  Anyone who has grown tomatoes before will tell you a crop can quickly overtake the garden, especially when growing indeterminate varieties.  While some gardeners choose to leave every leaf and stem intact, there are many valid arguments as to why a little pruning should be…
July 17, 2019

3 Tools Every Gardener Should Have

It’s easy to get carried away with a gardening venture and buy every tool and gadget available on the market. But are they all necessary for success? In reality, a beginning gardener needs these three basic tools: Hoe Watering can or hose Thermometer–Hygrometer A gardener’s “series of unfortunate events” In a garden, the wind can…
July 12, 2019

100,000 Plants At Risk After Harmful Pathogen Found Inside Nursery

Plant pathogens can be devastating; beyond putting the plant at risk, the financial impact can also be huge, especially when it happens on a large scale.  A Vancouver Island greenhouse is under quarantine after one of its plants tested positive for a harmful pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum. Now, the future of 100,000 plants at the…
July 10, 2019

Veganic Agriculture Delivers Great Rewards In The Garden

You’ve likely already heard of the vegan diet: people who follow it don’t eat animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy. But have you heard of veganic agriculture? Many gardeners around the world are applying the same core values to how they grow flowers and food.  It’s no wonder this movement is taking off; today’s…
July 5, 2019

Take Your Pick: Raised Beds or In-Ground Gardening?

When sowing or planting a crop, there are techniques and even mannerisms that vary among gardeners. The distinct methods are usually all valid, though they demand different kinds of soil mobilization, human skill, and effort. So here’s the question: between raised beds and in-ground gardens, which type is better suited for your needs? Why choose…
July 3, 2019

Hazo Rolling Papers A Company With A Social Conscience

The things Kyle St-Hilaire saw while visiting Madagascar in 2016 are just part of the inspiration behind his unique Canadian brand of rolling papers. He was exploring the island off the southeast coast of Africa after being offered a job with a mining and pharmaceutical company; only there was no way he could accept it. Not after what he had seen.
July 1, 2019

Waiting For Warmth: Gardening In A Cold Summer

After long, cold winters and wet springs, gardeners look forward to capitalizing on the warm summer months by enjoying beautiful blooms and abundant yields from the fruit and veggie patch. But what happens when the warmth never arrives?  Unfortunately, this is shaping up to be one of those summers where people wish for better. Environment…
June 28, 2019

The ABC’s Of Natural Beekeeping

As I’m about to write this blog, my last stare of procrastination falls on the perfect smelling flowers of my orange plant, plump and ready to burst open. I wonder what how the honey made from its nectar would taste? Those that grow their produce know that distinctive taste; the taste that brings a smile…
June 26, 2019

Merging Hydroponics With Organics In Korean Natural Farming

This article was originally published in Garden Culture Magazine US24 & UK26. Segregation is not usually synchronistic with peace and prosperity. I can’t really think of any point in history when separating and isolating peoples and things have ever had anything other than a negative impact on the overall success of a people. To name…
June 24, 2019

Nature Can Make Us Happier, Healthier, and Smarter

There is something to be said for exchanging four walls and a smartboard for the outdoors. Nature, after all, is one of the world’s greatest classrooms. I recently attended the inauguration ceremony for an outdoor classroom built at my kids’ elementary school. They named it the “Nature and Curiosity Wild Space“. The timber frame structure…
June 21, 2019

Korean Natural Farming: DIY Herbal Remedy For Plants

Ancient homeopathy has certainly gained a lot of traction in today’s society. Herbal remedies have a huge market helping to cure anything from the common cold to an overly flaccid and lazy John-Thomas. There is almost no ailment that an ancient Chinese remedy can’t fix, using all sorts of weird and wonderful things to do it with.
June 19, 2019

Health Canada’s Rules Surrounding The Cannabis Edibles Market

Canadians looking to consume cannabis edibles once they become legal are being warned to ‘start low, go slow’ by the country’s health authority. The government has also released its list of rules and regulations surrounding the future market. On October 17th, 2019, edible products containing THC and CBD such as candies, chocolate, and beverages, as…
June 14, 2019

Korean Natural Farming: DIY Water-Soluble Organic Nutrients

If there is any one place where the complaints of organic gardeners differ to that of my wife, it is in relation to the speed of which particular practices occur. Much like my gardening friends, I am inclined to justify the opinion that a quick release is a much more preferable option to a longer one. The problem is, typical organic nutrients are bound up in carbon complexes and take much longer to release their special life-giving properties.
June 12, 2019

Product Spotlight

Fasilitor by Aptus

Exclusively available from Hydrofarm

Concentrated, Pure, and Fast Acting.

The Flagship of the Aptus Product Lineup, Fasilitor is a patented formula that works by increasing vascular pressure within the plant to heighten mineral translocation throughout its entire structure, resulting in more complete, robust, and quality tissue formation.

Unlike other silica products on the market that contain potassium or calcium silicates and take weeks or months to become available, Fasilitor’s monomeric (single molecule) silicic acid is absorbed into your plant within minutes.

The patented and stabilized concentration of monomer silicic acid particles allows for fast response against abiotic and biotic stress factors (environmental and pests), shorter internodal spacing, incredible bio-availability, and increased yields all while utilizing natural mechanisms within the plant to gain these benefits.

Visit aptus-holland.com to learn more about the entire product line.  

MOUNTAIN AIR HIGH FLOW FANS

Mountain Air® EC High Flow centrifugal Fans are the pinnacle of modern-day fan performance. Engineered to excellence by the team at Western Electrical, the fans feature a high-powered DC motor which is attached to tailor-made flow-conditioning fins which minimize turbulence and noise. The device also features forward curved impeller blades which are designed to maximize static pressure performance, therefore, making it ideal for long ducting runs in a demanding environment.

Visit MountainAirFilters.com or DomeGarden.com.au for more information.

Grozone TV-12

Controlling your indoor garden’s environment is 100% up to you. Your success or failure depends on it. In the end, you are only as good as your equipment. I am a huge advocate of environmental controllers, data collection, and understanding as much as possible how the environment influences the health of any particular crop. You need the proper equipment to do specific jobs.

Based out of St. Pascal, Quebec, Canada, Grozone has been making controllers for North American growers for over 12 years. Great products, better people, and a customer service that is uniquely French Canadian and a pleasure to deal with; an excellent company worth supporting.

The TV12 Variable Fan Speed Controller is my top Grozone pick.

  • Day & Night setting.
  • Automatically slows down or speeds up centrifugal fans to maintain user selected temperature setpoints (55°F to 95°F).
  • Idle speed between 25% and 60% of full power.
  • Cold weather shut off feature
  • 6-ft temperature probe precise to 2°F/1°C.
  • Can run intake and outtake fans on one controller, up to 750W, 6,2A

Elegant in its simplicity, the TV12 is perfect for any grower that uses centrifugal fans to control their grow room’s temperature.

Commercial Dirt Pots

Introducing the Next Generation of Dirt Pots,
Redesigned with the Commercial Grower in Mind!

Hydrofarm has partnered with RediRoot to create Commercial Dirt Pots—fabric planters designed for the commercial grower. Available in bulk packs and featuring a sturdy, top-stitched rim for easier filling. Commercial Dirt Pots are recycled, recyclable, and BPA-free. Commercial Dirt Pots come in 14 sizes, from 1 gallon to 200 gallons, and our seven most popular sizes are also available with handles for easy lifting.

  • No root circling
  • Breathable fabric means superior drainage and aeration
  • 100% recycled, recyclable, and BPA-free

Go to Hydrofarm.com for more information.

iHort Q Plugs

For Better Roots and Healthier Plants

A lightweight, porous growing medium that is designed to germinate seedlings and root cuttings in a closely populated tray system. iHort Q plugs® are made with a proprietary bonded soil and engineered specifically to be transplanted as plants grow, whether that’s into larger containers, growing beds, or even outdoors in open fields. Q plugs® allow you to inspect, move, and also automate the handling of delicate seedlings without disturbing roots or damaging your plants. Inside, the open, porous structure helps maintain an ideal air-to-water balance and superior drainage. Plants root faster, and roots grow better and stronger for healthier plants and increased yields. Q plugs® are available in a large selection of sizes and shapes to meet your specific growing requirements.

Visit Hydrofarm.com for more details.

Private Reserve Airtight Strongbox

Keeps your prized harvest safe and secure!

Designed to keep your plant-based products sealed and safe. Airtight, watertight, lightproof, and uncrushable, these Strongboxes are made of food-safe stainless steel to protect the shape and structure of delicate dried plants, with food-safe silicone seals to prevent leaks and contain odors. Sturdy, all-metal latches on all four sides keep your product secure and allow you to remove the entire lid for easy and thorough cleaning, inside and out. All sizes have a top handle for easier carrying, and the rounded square shape makes them great for stacking and packing large quantities. You can even write on them (use a non-permanent marker) to label what’s inside, then erase and relabel when contents change. Available in four sizes, from 2.5 L to 10 L.

Learn more by visiting Hydrofarm.com

Procidic2®

How Much is Your Grow Worth to You?
Protect Your Investment with Procidic2®

A systemic, broad-spectrum bactericide and fungicide specifically created to protect medical cannabis and hemp throughout the growing cycle. Use it all season to prevent and control powdery mildew, bud rot, and root rot. Procidic2® is safe to use up to the day of harvest, with no maximum number of sprays per season. It qualifies for exemption from EPA registration (FIFRA 25b) and is approved under the Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Food Program for use in organic production. Apply as a standalone or mix with other inputs.

For more info, visit Hydrofarm.com

South Cascade Organics SLF-100

Clean up your act with South Cascade Organics SLF-100

With over 18 years of proven success in commercial applications, South Cascade Organics SLF-100 is a 100% organic and OMRI listed enzymatic formula specifically designed to break out salts. Used as a cleanser for hydroponic systems and soilless media, SLF-100 goes to work immediately to keep your system running smooth and free of toxic buildup. SLF-100 is useful in all phases of the growing cycle and is compatible with all nutrients, fertilizers, and rooting compounds. SLF-100 is also compatible with H202. Thanks to a proprietary blend of naturally occurring enzymes, SLF-100 is pH neutral in concentrated form and has NO added sugars or NPK. Keep it clean with SLF-100 from South Cascade Organics!

Go to Hydrofarm.com to learn more.

Evolution by Method Seven

The Evolution is a fashion-forward style frame with a concealed flex-hinge and premium HPS optics. Presented in a Matte Black color. It was designed by Method Seven Labs for its lightweight style and comfort with their revolutionary Rendition mineral glass lens.

Protect your eyes. For more great Method Seven eyewear, visit MethodSeven.com

Trimpro Trimbox

Designed for smaller producers, the TRIMPRO TRIMBOX is engineered along the same lines as the ‘Original’ model, allowing the same high level of manual control over the trim.

Built to last, it is mounted or removed from any workbench in seconds. The lightweight and highly transportable TRIMBOX is efficient and affordable, providing excellent results.

As with all TRIMPRO products, the blades are adjustable to meet your specific trimming need or preference and are easily removed for occasional and careful sharpening or replacement.

Visit Trimpro.com for the full range of trimming products.

Trimpro Unplugged

The quietest trimmer ever, the TRIMPRO UNPLUGGED is a light, yet rugged ‘go-anywhere’ model designed for the home enthusiast and ideal for use in any situation where a need for noise discretion means power models just won’t do.

It gently processes flowers with slim leather fingers, encouraging leaves onto its grate and the razor-edged, stainless steel blades below. Blade height is adjustable as with all TRIMPRO products.

And speed, of course, is controlled by your very own hand.

For more information, go to Trimpro.com

Stackswell

A super concentrated growth powder that works well with any base and in all mediums. It can be used by the gram for reservoirs or mixed into a concentrate for dosers and fertigation systems. Stackswell effectively replaces all calcium-magnesium supplements. It is crafted to maximize root and shoot growth stimulation.

Visit Hydroponic-research.com for more information.

Lucius LED Grow Light 

Boasting an industry-leading 1,200 μmol, Lucius LED is the cultivator’s first choice for a safe, low heat, energy efficient and easy to use light.

The Lucius LED Grow Light is equipped with the latest safety features that protect against overloading, short circuit, over temperature, as well as over and under voltage protection. The Daisy chain option allows to connect multiple Lucius LED units together and the multi-purpose bracket provides many installation options for greenhouses and vertical farms, inter-lighting and under-lighting applications.

Visit Dome Garden Supplies for more info.