Rochester Grow Center

Frost warning posted for tonight into tomorrow morning! - cover 'em if you got 'em!

Memorial Day Hours: We will be open 8am to 1pm on Monday May 30th.

Here is a video from two local celebs showing us all how to tap a maple tree! They are going to teach us how to boil it down into syrup next video. Thank you David and Molly from Sanborn Hope Farm! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez7b5lk_OYo

Collecting maple sap to make maple syrup. Everything you need to know about step one in making maple syrup - collecting the sap.

Calculating individual nutrient ppm delivery rates from the information on your fertilization package with Dave O’Conner – Science Consultant

https://youtu.be/iQXTz9kWXjk

www.youtube.com

THE “BEST” LIGHT FOR MY PLANTS?
I get a lot of questions from growers using LED lighting. Many of them have fixtures that allow them to adjust the light spectrum by multiple dials – more blue, more red etc. They ask “what is the best setting for those dials?” The bottom-line answer is quite complicated since plants have multiple types of photoreceptors – e.g., cytochromes, phytochromes and phototropins – which have light absorption ranges that overlap each other. Different wave lengths of light will cause the plant to have different growth responses – photomorphogenesis. These can either have a positive or negative effect on your desired end product. For the vast majority of growers, the safest choice for growing – at all stages of development – is a broad-spectrum light (think white) that is of an intensity that delivers the proper DLI (daily light integral) for the plants you are growing.
Consider this excerpt from an article by the researchers at FLUENCE – one of the most respected names in the industry.

BROAD SPECTRUM VERSUS NARROW SPECTRUM
“Horticulture lighting technologies have improved dramatically over the past century, but manipulation of light spectrum is a fairly new concept. Since plants tend to absorb red and blue light most strongly, other wavelengths have been regarded as unnecessary for plant growth and development. As LED technology progressed, the ability to provide individual spectra did as well, and pink/purple light fixtures flooded the horticulture lighting market. Regardless of this influx of products, research on plant lighting continued to explore the many interactions plants have with light and eventually began to discourage the idea that plants only needed two individual spectra for optimal growth. While there is still much discrepancy over the primary function of light in the 550 nm to 600 nm range as well as in the far-red and ultraviolet wavebands, research has shown many functions and even benefits of incorporating these spectra.”
“Narrow band lighting can provide acceptable growth for many species. However, plants use several different photoreceptors and pigments that cooperatively regulate growth and development. Plants developed these photomorphogenic responses under broad spectrum light and it is very rare for a certain species to express a response to narrow band lighting that cannot also be achieved by broad spectrum lighting given sufficient DLI. For consistent product quality and capability to produce a broad array of crop species without complications due to lighting, broad spectrum fixtures are a safer choice. Different species can have varying responses to changes in light spectrum. Research is constantly underway that helps us understand how individual crops respond to different light spectra, and in some cases there is clear evidence about what type of lighting is best for a crop. If you are uncertain about the response your crop may have, supplementing with broad spectrum light has a proven record of improving crop quality, consistency, and yield.”

We will be closed Thanksgiving day but open Friday and Saturday with specials. Have a safe and wonderful holiday.

David vs GOLIATH
The medicinal/high value sector is becoming an ever more crowded playing field. And a concern for most small and medium sized operations is the influx of big money and regional, national and international players. Here is an interesting, short business sector article that should give a little bit of comfort to those of you who are basing your business model on the solid principles of quality and customer service.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/cannabis-producers-could-be-making-a-colossal-mistake-in-dismissing-this-threat/ar-AAPMEu1?ocid=msedgntp

Cannabis Producers Could Be Making a Colossal Mistake in Dismissing This Threat Craft growers shouldn't be overlooked.

POWDERY MILDEW CONTROL AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Stating the obvious, mold prevention/control is one of the most serious problems high value crop growers face. In some states, 30% or more of products randomly tested off the shelves of dispensaries fails state testing for TYMC (Total Yeast and Mold Count). More stringent testing is surely coming for all commercial grow operations in this region so attention to this issue can mean success or failure of your business.
I will be doing a video(s) soon that takes a comprehensive look at the science of molds, how they affect high value crops, preventing, managing and mitigating them in the production process. The ultimate bottom line is not treatment/mitigation but rather prevention. But this is harvest time for many of you so I thought that I would throw this tidbit out since many of you use HYDROGEN PEROXIDE as a treatment intervention (in the form of a post-harvest “dunk” in a water and hydrogen peroxide solution).
This is a snippet from an industry journal article by Ketch DeGabrielle after a two-year long research project.
Ketch DeGabrielle, Owner of Qloris Consulting and Bud Sorter, Former Operations Manager at Los Sueños Farms, BFA Industrial Design
“As the operations manager at Los Sueños Farms, the largest outdoor [high value/medicinal]* farm in the country, I was tasked with the challenge of finding a yeast and mold remediation treatment method that would ensure safe and healthy [medicinal products]* for all of our customers while complying with stringent regulations.”
“Hydrogen Peroxide: Spraying [high value/medicinal] plants with a hydrogen peroxide mixture can reduce yeast and mold. However, moisture is increased, which can cause otherwise benign spores to germinate. This method only treats the surface level of the plant and is not an effective remediation treatment. It also causes extreme oxidation, burning the [hive value crop/medicinal] and removing terpenes.”
*My word edits to the original text in order to comply with restrictions placed on me. The original text and meaning should be obvious.
Consider this: One square centimeter (approximately ½” x ½” inch) can produce over 2,000,000,000 spores!

What the pH range of your crop’s grow medium should be is a commonly asked question. Here is recent research data to help answer that question.
New Research Results: Optimal pH for {medicinal crops}*
Features - Nutrient Matters - North Carolina State University
Nutrient Matters is a recurring series focusing on plant nutrition by university researchers.
November 6, 2019

Brian Whipker, Turner Smith and Paul Cockson are from Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. Hunter Landis is from North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Raleigh, N.C.
Conclusions
Based on grower observations and initial experiments at NCSU, it is possible to grow {medicinal crops}* with a wider soilless substrate pH range than most other species. [High value/medicinal]* plants do not appear prone to develop leaf symptomology when substrate pH is too low or too high compared to the current general greenhouse standards—only plant stunting occurs at sub-optimal conditions.
Therefore, based on research and experience with other species, a wider range of 5.5 to 6.5 may be used. When adapting these values to a monitoring system, the recommended pH zone to target would be 5.8 to 6.2. By monitoring the substrate pH over time, one can assure that plants are within the optimal range.

*My word edits of the original text in order to stay within restrictions placed on me. The original text and meaning should be self-evident.

FEELING FLUSHED?
I know many/most of you flush the last week or so of production because that’s what every one has always done. Well, here is what the peer reviewed science data actually say about that practice.

ABSTRACT
Irrigation Management Strategies for Medical [Flower]* in Controlled Environments
Jonathan Stemeroff Advisor:
University of Guelph, 2017 Professor M.A. Dixon

2 FLUSHING NUTRIENTS FROM GROWTH MEDIA
The practice of flushing is a current common industry practice but there is no evidence in published literature of its effectiveness in reducing nutrient concentrations within the bud or even whether or not this is a desirable result. After testing the nutrient concentrations from each treatment from three separate experiments, there were no significant differences in nutrient levels between any treatments within each experiment. This result showed that the intended purpose of flushing to reduce nutrient concentrations within the bud has no effect. https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10214/12125/Stemeroff_Jonathan_201712_Msc_with_erratum.pdf

FLUSHING TRIAL
IMPACT OF DIFFERENT FLUSHING TIMES ON QUALITY AND TASTE IN [MEDICINAL FLOWER]*
Data presented by: Stephanie Wedryk, PhD, Director of R&D at Rx Green Technologies
Taylor Wall, Research Operations Lead at Rx Green Technologies
Ryan Bennett, Research Associate at Rx Green Technologies
Conclusion:
In a first of its kind study, Rx Green Technologies evaluated the effects of flushing period on yield, potency, terpenes, mineral content, and taste characteristics of [medicinal]* flower. Overall, the length of the flushing period did not impact yield, potency, terpenes, or taste characteristics of [medicinal]* flower. Taste test results indicated a trend toward improved flavor and smoke quality with the zero-day flush. While there were no significant differences in nutrient content, there was a trend toward increased iron and zinc in flower flushed for 14 days. The results of this trial indicate that there is no benefit to flushing [medicinal]* flower for improved taste or consumer experience.

https://www.rxgreentechnologies.com/rxgt_trials/flushing-trial/

*These are my word edits to the original text in order to stay within restrictions placed on me. The original text and meaning should be obvious.

atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE!
For those of you who shop at the Rochester Blue Seal store (and for that matter any of the other Blue Seal stores) looking for the latest, science supported indoor growing supplies, remember this – we have access to almost ANYTHING and any product that you might be looking for. It is physically impossible to stock everything you might be looking for in house. So, if you don’t see it – ask us if we can get it and request a price quote.
As a heads up, most of you are aware of the severe supply chain crisis at the moment. So, whether you plan on buying from us or someone else – anticipate your needs and order ahead of time in a proactive manner. This can be particularly important when it comes to your primary consumables. Most financial/business sector analysts expect this supply chain crisis to extend well into 2022. If you have questions or need help trying to find an alternative product to one you might not be able to get anywhere at the moment – just ask us! We can help.
Here are a few examples of products/brands that we have access to but don’t stock in store:
Fluence commercial dehumidifiers (Anden, Quest etc.)
Peak Roots commercial LED’s commercial rolling benches
Flora Flex mini splits
Dosatron commercial facility control systems
Twister etc. etc. etc.
So, remember – if you don’t see it in the store – ASK.

Water Chemistry and Fertilizers:
For those of you who did not get my email from about a month ago, I made this video to address a critical issue – the importance of having your water tested! A fertilizer product/feed schedule that works fine with one type of water – for example city water – may cause serious issues if used with another type of water – for example well water or reverse osmosis. A very common issue I see in grow operations is signs of a calcium deficiency. I address this problem in the video. Take the time to watch this. Your plants will thank you! FYI – the Rochester store has Jack’s water test kits. Free to pick up. Pay Jack’s when you send it in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWibHIAigew&t=1481s

Let's talk water chemistry and fertilizer. This video discusses the importance of choosing the right fertilizer for your plants based on the results of your water sample analysis.

GREETINGS!
Welcome to the Rochester Blue Seal Grow Center’s SCIENCE 4 SUCCESS page! As the controlled environment agriculture science adviser to the 11 Blue Seal stores throughout New England, I/we have one goal – to help you realize the biggest yield with the highest quality and the lowest financial/labor input. You will never hear or see the phrase “My Buddy Told Me” on this page. I am Ivy League educated, am a commercial greenhouse operator, have done science advising to a number of well-known manufacturers and will only speak the language of science to you. The high value/medicinal sector is my specialty area. I will share articles, research data, videos and ongoing industry questions with you – peer reviewed and sector specific. So, let’s begin this journey into the science of optimal production protocols.

Fall is here! Let's talk about preparing your fall bed with our expert. https://youtu.be/ebLYMCQmBXw

Do I fertilize perennial beds in the fall? I answer that common question - "Should I fertilize my perennial flower beds, ornamental bushes, shrubs and trees in the fall?"

Part 1 of the EC meters and Fertilizer Chemistry videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=badzzk7K0qc

EC Meters and Fertilizer Chemistry Part 1 A comprehensive look at EC meters and their essential role in nutrient management.

If you are in New Hampshire and want to grow strawberries here is all the information you will need! This is our Science Consultant, Dave O'Connor answering all your questions. If you do have additional questions, comment below and we will get him to answer! 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓https://youtu.be/gHqCZhLskus

Everything Strawberries An in depth look at how to choose, plant and care for your strawberry plants.

We have some canning supplies....

Here is a topic you ask about often, our Science Consultant explains what you need to know about seeds and GMOs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJx8EDXRIgg

Are my seeds GMO? I will answer that question for you and show you how to better understand exactly what the seeds you purchase are and aren't.

These 40 degree days have us thinking spring plants. Here is a short video on the big question of WHEN to start.

Starting Spring Seeds 1 - Timing When you start your spring seeds indoors will strongly impact how your plants will thrive throughout the summer growing season.