I love experimenting in the garden. Outdoors, I play around with different soil amenders, compost teas, and the occasional ferment. But mostly, I let nature do her thing and hope for good weather. Indoors, where the weather is always perfect, I get a little more adventurous. My indoor gardens have almost always been fed mineral-based nutrients, and I have tried them all. Some brands have fewer products or work cleaner in my systems, but all work well with an experienced grower.
One indoor growing technique that has always eluded me was organic regenerative. I tried three or four times unsuccessfully and eventually returned to what I know works. But this spring, I attended the Growup Conference in Alberta, Canada, where I had the chance to meet Leighton Morrison and sisters Lindsay and Sarah Dawson. In different ways, they have been very successful growing organically indoors. The Dawsons haven’t changed the soil in their garden beds for six years! I was so inspired that I ran out and built horizontal beds under the guidance of Av Singh. The beds are filled with rocks, sand, silt, clay, and organic matter, all sourced from the Laurentians where I live. You can read all about it in the article “Downstairs At Eric’s – A Regenerative Reno.” It’s been two months since planting, and so far, so good!
This edition has two articles from industry champion Everest Fernandez. Rockwool is super popular with commercial growers but has had a falling off with hobbyists. Find out what makes this substrate stand out in ”Rockwool—Substrate Super Omnes!” and why you should probably give it a try (again). In the article “Nutrient Lockout in Hydroponics – Less Mulder, More Scully,” Everest helps us understand why it happens and how to avoid it.
As we continue to explore all that is mushrooms, Philip McIntosh covers “What’s In A Spore Syringe?” and “Mushroom Mating Types.”
Becoming a better grower is directly linked to what you know. Never stop learning.
Happy Growing
Eric
There’s no doubt about it; nutrient lockout sucks. In this article, Everest Fernandez helps us tackle the problem in recirculating hydroponics systems.
Do you want to get the most out of your mushroom harvest? Our easy guide offers tips for preserving mushrooms so you enjoy this heathy food longer.
Everest Fernandez thinks Rockwool is special and wants you to love it, too. Here, he explores how this substrate rises above other soilless growing media.
You can grow mushrooms in many ways but need a starting material. Phil McIntosh walks us through spore syringes, what’s in them, and how they’re used.
Old seeds still want to sprout; they just might be dormant! Xavi Kief explains seed dormancy and how to wake them up for proper germination.
Gardening on a budget? Trying to be more eco-friendly? Rich Hamilton guides us through how to safely reuse growing media. Two birds, one stone!
If you’re growing mushrooms at home, it’s helpful to understand the life cycle of the species you desire. Philip McIntosh explains mushroom mating types.
Living on a hillside has its perks but can make gardening challenging! Anne Gibson guides us through building terrace gardens on sloping properties.
If you love harvesting food and want to be more self-sustainable, a food forest is for you. Marci Babineau writes about building a wild orchard garden.
Growing plants can be physically demanding, no matter the size of your garden. Marci Babineau writes about how a yoga practice can help you prepare and recover.
Home gardeners play a vital role in the fight against climate change and disappearing foods. Jennifer Cole tells us how we can bring back seeds from the past.
As wildfires burn, gardens thousands of miles away feel the effects. Smoke and ash can negatively impact our plants; here’s how to help them cope.
