When it comes to gardens, there are many medium options. Here is a brief summary of what several different mediums do:

1) Rockwool-for top feed systems. The natural fibers are assembled in a vertical pattern allowing for proper dispersion of nutritional solutions as it flows from the top to the bottom of the substrate. Also used as a stand alone hydroponic medium.

2) Perlite-an amendment to existing mediums such as soil, coconut coir or rockwool. It increases air to water ratios in substrates enhancing root growth and performance.

3) Sure-to-grow-a revolutionary grow medium that is inert, lightweight, and requires no pre-conditioning treatments. Comes in a multitude of shapes.

4) Hydroton-dust free, won’t crumble and perfectly pH balanced. Primarily used in hydroponics or as a soil amendment. Can be cleaned and reused.

5) Coconut Coir- organic grow medium for hydroponic cultivation or amendment to organic soil. Has excellent air and moisture retention properties and harbors beneficial micro-organisms.

6) Organic soil- rich in beneficial micro-biology, contains its own ecosystem within every bag. Ideal for all stages of plant growth and takes fortification of synthetic and organic nutrition regiments.

Source: Hydrofarm

Are you cursing at those pesky bugs and disease that continue to affect your harvest? You’re certainly not alone! Whether you grow in soil or hydroponically, pests and disease can be a limiting factor that cannot be ignored. There are a few simple steps to take in order to prevent infestation and infection:

1) Maintain a sanitary growing environment-even though cleaning is work and not fun, it is a necessary step conducive to growing healthy plants and yielding bountiful harvests

2) Choose disease- and pest- resistant plant varieties-there are a number of plants that naturally resist these enemies so do your research prior to choosing your plants

3) Properly ventilate and keep your growing area the proper temperature for your specific variety of plant-different varieties thrive under different conditions so be educated when setting up your grow area

4) Monitor your plants and growing area-at the first signs of pests or disease, treat and you will be more likely to stave off further intrusions.

There are many options, today, for treating these pests and diseases. A simple removal of obvious pests and a foliar spray, with a product like Serenade or Azamax, can greatly reduce, if not eliminate your problems. Serenade is an OMRI certified, broad spectrum, preventative biofungicide recommended for the control or suppression of many plant diseases. We’ve had many customers use this successfully to treat powdery mildew. Azamax, is derived from the neem seed, and is also OMRI certified. It is a botanical insecticide, miticide and nematicide which acts as an antifeedant, repellant and insect growth regulator that is not harmful to beneficial bugs.

The use of beneficial bugs is another effective means of eradicating pests without the use of harmful chemicals. We order our bugs through a company called Nature’s Control, located in Oregon. They provide lady bugs, praying mantis eggs, spider mite predators, housefly parasites, pirate bugs, predator nematodes and many other beneficial insects.

Whether you garden indoors or out, in soil or not, these are valid ways of reducing your pest and disease problems.