Author: Mya Green

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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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Now at GreenPlanet Wholesale: ThinkGrow’s Model-I, I-Plus and UV-1

We are excited to announce that three new LED lighting solutions have been added to GreenPlanet Wholesale’s catalogue of products: ThinkGrow LED Model-I, I-Plus and the UV-1. Having been in the industry for over two decades, we remember the days when HID lighting gave growers the stability and reliable results they needed. But now, in a business of changing demands, LED lighting has come to provide us with what we need most, boasting impressive yields, unmatched quality, savings and green gardening practices. With these benefits in mind, we are happy to announce that three new lighting products from ThinkGrow LED will be joining GreenPlanet Wholesale’s ever-growing catalogue of products. Read the following passages to learn more about ThinkGrow’s Model-I, I-Plus and UV-1. 

Model-I

The ThinkGrow LED Model-I is a full-spectrum, 720-watt panel bar LED that was specifically designed for the greenhouse garden. Like all of ThinkGrow’s products, the Model-I is fully scalable, allowing growers to externally control up to 256 units per channel on the TrolMaster Hydro-X environmental controller. The Model-I is also waterproof and constructed with a V-shaped panel design, perfect for greenhouse environments with high humidity and low supplemental lighting. The built-in driver means the Model-I can be installed anywhere, both vertically and horizontally as the main source of light or supplemental light during overcast periods in the greenhouse.

Notable features of the Model I:

  • Fully scalable – allows growers to control up to 256 units per channel on the TrolMaster Hydro-X Environmental Controller
  • Waterproof V-shaped panel design – Ideal for high-humidity greenhouse environments and low supplemental lighting.
  • Built-in driver allows the Model-I to be installed anywhere, vertically or horizontally 

Model-I Plus 

The ThinkGrow LED I-Plus comes with all the features of ThinkGrow’s Model-I with the added benefit of unique spectrum control. The Model-I Plus has a completely adjustable spectrum; meaning, growers using the I-Plus have ultimate control over the best UV, White, Deep and Far Red spectrums. With these benefits, greenhouse gardeners and can create and manage unique light recipes to exaggerate the natural characteristics of their crop.

Notable features of the Model 1 – Plus

  • Includes all the features of the Model-I
  • Unique Spectrum Control – completely adjustable spectrum gives growers ultimate control over the best UV, White, Deep and Far Red Spectrums
  • Allows for unique light recipes to exaggerate natural characteristics of crops.

UV Light Bar

The ThinkGrow LED UV Light Bar is a panel bar that is designed to be swapped with the regular lighting bars of the Model-H or Model-W. Each UV-1 lighting bar produces an average of 10 watts of supplement UV light. An abundance of UV light in indoor growing environments has been proven to increase the number of trichomes produced by flowering plants, thus increasing both the density and potency of cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. For the best results, ThinkGrow recommends swapping two bars from your existing Model-H/W for 4’x 4’ or 5’x5’ coverage in the last 4 weeks of the flowering cycle.

Notable features of the UV – 1:

  • LED Panel Bar compatible with the ThinkGrow Model-H and Model-W
  • Average of 10 watts of supplement UV Light – supports increased trichome production of flowering plants when the recommended two* UV-1 bars are swapped into the the ThinkGrow Model-H or Model-W lighting panel.

About ThinkGrow

ThinkGrow is an innovative and customer-driven LED grow light company, with an unmatchable ability to deliver you sensible horticulture lighting solutions and to cover each individual grower’s needs, from the home hobbyist to large industrial facilities.

Our mission is to bring you world-class LED for indoor & greenhouse growing, and first class customer service. We are constantly testing and making every effort to find what works best for you; we listen to our customers and react quickly to changing demands. All our products are designed based on data gathered from professional engineers, and carefully examined to ensure best quality.

(ThinkGrow LED, 2021) 

We are happier than ever to connect our clients with companies like ThinkGrow! Want to learn more about the Model-I, I-Plus and UV-1? Contact a member of the GreenPlanet sales team, or reach out to your local garden supply store. 

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Power Si Now Available Exclusively Through GreenPlanet Wholesale

We are happy to announce that Power Si has joined GreenPlanet Wholesale’s ever-growing catalogue of products. This proprietary organic bio-mix contains highly available micro and macronutrients as well as pure and concentrated forms of silicate dioxide. The superior blend of nutrients in Power Si is thoroughly reviewed by growers in North America and facilitates fast visible effects and structured periods of both vegetative and flowering growth.

We are thrilled that at long last, Canadians will finally have the opportunity to experience firsthand what Power Si brings into their gardens. This is a groundbreaking product with proven success in the garden and a huge following in countries around the world. At GreenPlanet, we are committed to bringing our customers the best products the industry has to offer and Power Si is another example of this. This product has been long-awaited in the Canadian Marketplace and we at GreenPlanet Wholesale could not be more proud to partner with the great team at Power Si. I can’t wait to hear from our growing community as they begin to use this exciting new product.

Mark Walman, Chief Operating Officer for GreenPlanet Wholesale

Proven to elicit thicker stalks, stems and branches, Power Si is a must-have for new and experienced growers. If you want to cultivate a quality-focused crop today, ask your representative about the availability of Power Si at GreenPlanet Wholesale.

What is Power Si?

Power Si harnesses the power of silicic acid to provide your growing plants with a variety of potential benefits, including thicker stalks, stems, branches, tight internodal spacing, uniform flowers, higher yields and increased resistance against stress and disease. As one of the most abundant elements in our environment, silicon is something that can be found as a trace mineral in almost any inert medium. Adequate amounts of silicate are necessary for the production of the benefits listed above and are essential in eliciting a crop’s most desirable potential. However, in hydroponic mediums, silicate must be supplemented and then converted into silicic acid before it can be successfully metabolized by plants.  

Power Si has been helping growers achieve the genetic potential of their plants for years with proven results. Our exclusive distribution agreement with GreenPlanet Wholesale will ensure that Canadian growers can get their hands on PowerSi as quickly as possible. Every part of our line has developed for growers by growers, so we know Power Si has been worth the wait!

Rex Gil from Power Si

The Benefits of Power Si

Strength

Silica in the form of silicic acid will strengthen your plants inside and out. Thicker stalks and stems, more lateral branching, and better nutrient availability. The entire line is fortified with silicic acid which will enhance every aspect of your garden.

Yield

Plants grown with our line will ensure optimum health which will allow you to achieve the genetic potential of your plants. Lateral branching and tight internodal spacing will give you a canopy full of tops giving you uniform flowers and high yields.

Quality

Designed for growers by growers. This line will produce high-quality flowers. This blend of plant extracts will ensure more resin, more terps, and higher concentrate yields. They have spent years testing before releasing Power Si to make sure they are delivering clean nutrients that will take your garden to the next level.

Unlike other silicate supplements, a crop’s metabolic buffer-time is fully addressed by the manufacturers of Power Si. Formulated with silicic acid and an array of micro/macronutrients, Power Si is the only silicate supplement on the market that allows for quick and easy absorption within the first 24 hours. Maximum Yield magazine confirms this claim about Power Si in the lines: 

Power Si is the original, patented formula of bioavailable silica for plants with the added benefit of amino acids. Silicon (in the form of Silicic Acid) strengthens cell walls, increases nutrient uptake, and stimulates an immune response. Many other commonly used silicate products are not bioavailable and therefore take longer and need microbial interaction to become available to the plant.

(Maximum Yield, Power Si, para. 8) 

Power Si: Now Available at GreenPlanet Wholesale

Power Si has been highly recommended, reviewed and requested by growers in Canada. So, to access the growth-enhancing properties of Power Si, contact your GreenPlanet sales representative today! For more information on the products and services offered at GreenPlanet contact your local garden supply store, or GreenPlanet Wholesale directly. 

Work Cited

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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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TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro (HCS-2) Firmware Update V107.66.3x Now Available

The following is an update announcement for owners of the TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro (HSC-2).

TrolMaster has recently released the newest version of the Hydro-X Pro (HCS-2) firmware that will enhance both the device’s function as well as the overall user experience. Some of the new features of the firmware include: 

  • A VFD control module for the speed control of AC motors. 
  • A “Spray Mode” for lowing the power or speed of certain devices automatically.
  • Improved internet connection. 
  • Other small bug fixes and general improvements to the user interface. 

How to Update Your Hydro-X Pro 

We recommend following the steps below to successfully update your TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro. Before committing to the update, save your system settings. This will allow you to return to your saved environmental settings quickly after the update. Make sure your system is connected to the internet, follow steps 1-14, and enjoy the improved experience of the HCS-2. 

Follow Steps (1-14)

  1. You will first want to save your current settings on a USB drive that is 32GB or less.
  2. Insert the USB drive into the controller USB slot on the lower-left corner.
  3. Go to the “System” tab on the upper right corner of the HCS-2.
  4. Select “Import / Export”.
  5. Select “Export all Settings”.
  6. Choose the path to save the file to the USB card, and then name the file.
  7. Select “Export” – the controller will show “Export Settings Complete”. Your settings are now backed up on the USB drive.
  8. Go back to the Settings page then select “System Reset” – “Firmware Update” – Select the “Cloud” update.
  9. When the unit completes installing the update, the unit will restart.
  10. Once the unit restarts, select the Setting page, then select “System Reset” – “Factory Reset” and complete the factory reset.
  11. When the unit completes the factory reset, the unit will restart.
  12. Once the unit restarts, select the “Settings” page, then select “Import / Export”.
  13. Select “Import all Settings”. Next, you will find and select the backup filename you saved earlier.
  14. Select “Open” and then select “Import”. Your settings will be restored, and your controller is ready to function.

After following these steps, your HSC-2 will be ready to function with the improved software. Enjoy the new features and enhanced user experience available on TrolMaster’s premiere environmental control system.

About the Hydro-X Pro (HSC-2)  

TrolMaster revolutionized environmental control when it introduced the Hydro-X. The Hydro-X Pro continues the revolution with a 10’ touch-screen and web-based software. With the Hydro-X Pro, growers can customize their environment with enhanced web-based software, set calendar reminders for crop consistency and expect increased garden safety with notifications received through the TrolMaster App. 

Watch this video for a brief overview of the TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro.

Customize Your Environment

Customized programming allows an almost limitless degree of control. Each indoor variable (temperature, humidity, CO2, lighting) can be controlled independently, meaning a customized ramp-up or ramp-down can be used to closely simulate natural outdoor conditions, or simply allow complete customization of the environment. Displayed on an easy-to-read and construct “graph” it allows the user to have 100% control of their environment.

Calendar Presets

Another powerful feature of the Hydro-X Pro is the built-in calendar and calendar presets that allow users to schedule an entire crop’s schedule within the Hydro-X Pro. Calendar preset settings including lighting, temperature, humidity, CO2, and timers and can be specified by the user as they “build” their multi-week crop schedules. Reminders can also be programmed to ensure critical tasks are not forgotten. 

Control from a Distance 

The TrolMaster App will also allow for notifications with separate day/night limits to be received by the user. The web-based software provides easy access and more advanced remote control. Onboard data acquisition and the ability to store and share settings between multiple devices, means that user-defined programs & settings can be saved and loaded into multiple Hydro-X Pro units with ease. 

Thanks for choosing GreenPlanet Wholesale as your supplier for all of TrolMaster’s environmental control devices! For more information on the information above, contact your GreenPlanet Representative directly, or your local garden supply store. 

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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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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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