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  • Horticulture Specialist Joins the Nick Greens Grow Team

    We are very pleased to announce horticulture specialist, Jake Emling will be joining us at the Nick Greens Grow Team. It is our mission to help farmers at any level learn about the future of farming through new, exciting methods. As we continue to grow our team, we will be able to continue to enrich the lives and minds of those we serve. In our next section, we’ll tell you a little bit more about Emling so you can get to know him and his expertise and better understand why we’re so excited to have him on our team! A Little About Jake Emling: Jake Emling started his career in horticulture after attending Michigan State University for both his undergraduate and graduate degree. Through his experience, he has learned a variety of specialties in the field, including food production, entomology, and viticulture. He’s had the opportunity to work with reputable institutions such as Michigan State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as a multitude of private companies. Through his gained knowledge, he started Root 42 Harvests, a family-owned and operated hydroponic produce company with his wife Katie. In August 2021, Emling has been awarded the highest certification, Certified Professional Horticulturalist (CPH), through the American Society for Horticulture Science (ASHS). As he joins the Nick Greens Grow Team, he is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and expertise with our readers and listeners. We all share the same belief that we can help improve the industry and develop the next generation of growers by sharing our gained knowledge. Stay Up to Date with Future Growing News We are so excited to have horticulture specialist, Jake Emling, join our team! Want to learn more about all of our ongoing events and community groups? Stay up to date and connect with us by listening to our Polygreens podcast to learn about controlled environment agriculture. Also, subscribe to our Facebook Microgreens Group to learn about growing microgreens from like-minded people and growers!

  • Greenhouse Types: How to Choose the Right One for Your Garden

    The first step in building a greenhouse operation is to choose one of the greenhouse types. Every greenhouse comes in various shapes, styles, and sizes. Choosing the right one for your growing operation ensures the utmost success. In this article, we’ll cover the greenhouse types and each one’s pros and cons so you can select the ideal one for your garden. Greenhouse Types 1: The Gable Roof Greenhouse One of the most popular and common greenhouse structures is the gable roof. Because of its sloping, flat roofs, large amounts of sunlight peak into the enclosure to reach your plants. Many people use either glass or plastic panels for the roof, depending on your budget and growing operation. The structure provides plenty of space for plants and beyond, allowing you to move freely in the greenhouse without feeling cramped. Greenhouse Types 2: The A-Frame Regarded as popular as the gable roof, the A-frame is a simple, yet effective greenhouse design. It requires minimal materials to set up, saving money and time. Anyone, no matter experience level, can put these greenhouses together. The only difficult part about this greenhouse structure is that the base is wide, but the length gets narrower as it reaches the top. Meaning, if you’re tall or growing taller plants, you may have a challenging time being in the enclosure. Greenhouse Types 3: Hoop House The name is as fun as the structure. The hoop house is typically used for backyard greenhouse structures and is put together by a series of hoops covered by greenhouse plastic. Many growers love hoop houses because they’re easy to set up and cost- efficient. However, insulation isn’t very good, meaning you’ll have to put in extra measures to regulate temperature, which is key for plant growth. If your weather conditions tend to be harsh and erratic, it’s best to stay away from hoop houses because you will have a difficult time regulating temperature. Greenhouse Types 4: Gothic Arch The gothic arch is a unique greenhouse structure as it has high vault ceilings with curved walls to create a dome-like shape. The gothic arch is an open-world concept that allows for an ample amount of space and height, creating the perfect environment for just about any plant or person. While the setup time might take longer than other structures, the gothic arch pays off in the long run as it is efficient, functional, and long-lasting. Greenhouse Types 5: Geodesic Dome Geodesic domes are highly regarded for their strength and energy-efficient materials. Because of their unrelenting strength, these domes are very resistant to harsh weather, making them the perfect solution for those who live in harsher climates. Also, the dome shape paves the way for the dome to capture large portions of sunlight for your plants. Even though this structure takes more time and effort to create, it’s worth it with the support and efficiency it provides. Stay Up to Date with Farming Innovations At NickGreens, we dedicate our time and resources to helping anyone, no matter their experience level, learn about the new ways of farming. Want to learn more about innovative farming and growing methods? Listen to our Polygreens podcast to learn more about controlled environment agriculture, and subscribe to our Microgreens Facebook group to connect with others just like you!

  • What to grow and what not to grow with hydroponics 

    If you’re looking forward to starting your first hydroponics growing system, you’ll need to know what to grow in hydroponics versus what not to grow. Hydroponics is a popular growing method because it allows growers to have more control over their environment since it can be done indoors and is an environmentally friendly alternative to farming. In this article, we’ll cover what to grow in hydroponics and what not to grow so you can prepare a successful growing system. What Not to Grow in Hydroponics The number one rule to take note of is to not grow fruits or vegetables that take up too much space. Hydroponic growing systems aren’t made to handle large crops, such as watermelons, pumpkins, squash, and corn. The issue with larger crops is that they’ll dominate the growing system and take all the nutrients for themselves. To avoid this, stay away from larger crops. Another factor to take note of us that there are plants that require pollination from bees to grow. This can be strenuous for hydroponic gardens because you’re growing indoors and that would be difficult to handle. Unless you’re wanting to bring bees inside your growing structure, it’s best to avoid plants that require pollination. If you are willing to pollinate your plants yourself, then this is possible but better to stick to easier plants and crops. Lastly, flowers can be difficult to grow because each flower has their own set of requirements in order to flourish in a hydroponic growing system. A lot of research is required to fully handle the necessity for each flower. If you’re okay with performing a ton of research, then by all means go for it! But, if you’re looking for an easy growing method or are just starting out, then avoid flowers. What to Grow in Hydroponics Now when it comes to what to grow in hydroponics, the results are clear. We’re going to break down the best crops to grow in a hydroponic growing system. Leafy Greens are a popular go-to crop for hydroponic systems because they are low maintenance, grow quickly, and produce large yields. Examples of leafy greens you can grow include spinach, mustard, lettuce, kale, and more. These crops can be grown year-round and thrive well in a hydroponics environment. Herbs are another crop that’s perfect for hydroponics growing. Herbs are great additions to your cooking and are easy to grow in a hydroponics environment because of their small size, grow quickly, and are durable. Examples of preferred herbs include basil, mint, thyme, oregano, cilantro, and more. Berry Plants are another great addition to your hydroponics growing system. Not only are they extremely tasty, but they are perfect for hydroponics using an NFT system. Popular berry plants you can add to your garden include tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, peppers, and more. Want to Learn What to Grow in Hydroponics? At NickGreens, we are dedicated to educating growers of all levels about the newest in farming technology. Want to learn more about hydroponics and microgreens? Subscribe to our microgreens Facebook group and YouTube channel to stay informed!

  • 3 Best Microgreens Trays You Should Add to Your ShoppingCart

    Growing microgreens is becoming more popular amongst today’s growers. The process of getting started is simple, affordable, and yields fast results. When it comes to setting up your growing system, ensuring you have the best microgreens trays is essential. In this article, we’ll cover the three best microgreens trays that you should consider adding to your growing system! List of 3 Best Microgreens Trays Living Whole Foods - Plant Growing Trays We’re placing the Living Whole Foods Plant Growing Trays on our list because they’re affordable and are perfect for hydroponics or soil growing. You can purchase 10 trays for the price of $23 on Amazon. These trays are made of durable plastic, meaning you can reuse them over and over again. If you decide to grow hydroponically, the trays have room to fit grow pads and micro-mats to ensure the microgreens have the best environment to grow. These trays do not come with a blackout dome, but many people will use one tray to cover another to give it the same effect. Bootstrap Farmer’s 1020 Extra Strength Trays The Bootstrap Farmer brand offers a multitude of wonderful growing trays and systems, but we want to highlight the 1020 extra strength strays because of their standard depth. You can choose to purchase these trays in quantities of 5, 10, or 30, depending on the size of your growing system. The Bootstrap brand is known for making trays that are built to last and can be reused over and over again, saving you money and time. Many people rave about the tray's strength, meaning when it’s holding soil and plants, the tray doesn’t buckle in your grasp like with other cheaply made trays. Because of the quality and long-lasting benefits of these trays, the upfront investment might be more than others, but these trays will last you a long time and be worth it in the long run. LeJoy Garden - Seed Sprouter Tray The first thing you’ll notice about the LeJoy Seed Sprouter Tray is that it isn’t all-black like the others mentioned in this list. One of the best selling points for this tray is that it is food-grade BPA-free PP material, so you can sprout seeds without worrying about any additives. This tray comes with multiple items, including a grid seed sprouter, tray, and dome lid for such an affordable price of $11 on Amazon. With this growing tray, you can grow with soil or hydroponically. If you’re wanting to get started with growing microgreens at home, this is one of the best microgreens trays that produces great results every time. Want to Learn More About Growing Microgreens? At Nickgreens, we focus on educating growers at any level on the innovations of farming and growing microgreens. If you want to learn more about the best microgreens trays and microgreens-related content, signup for our Facebook microgreens group or our YouTube channel to learn more!

  • Growing Microgreens for Profit: Is It a Good Idea for a New Business?

    Microgreens are growing in popularity because of their unbeatable health benefits and nutrition-packed capabilities. As a grower, you may be wondering if growing microgreens for profit is possible or a waste of time. While starting any new business comes with a risk, there is no doubt that the time to start a microgreens business is now. In this article, we’ll cover what you can expect when starting a microgreens business and how to be successful in your expenditure. The Benefits of Growing Microgreens for Profit We’re going to breakdown the main reasons why anyone can and should start growing microgreens for profit below: - It’s Cost-Effective. The initial investment for growing microgreens is so low that growers can expect to spend maybe $100 for the beginner materials: trays, seeds, lights, and soil. The investment also depends on how large scale you want the operation to be. If you’re planning to sell to restaurants in your area, you may need to put more upfront to ensure you maintain stock. - Microgreen Systems Scale Easily. If you have an extra room in your house, you can dedicate yourself to growing microgreens and use a vertical setup to maximize as much space as possible. As long as you have space, you can set up and expand your growing system anywhere to grow vertically or horizontally. - You Can Reuse Equipment. The reason a microgreens business can be profitable is because once you purchase the essential items you typically do not have to purchase them again. Instead, just have to refill on seeds and soil here and there. Since you can reuse equipment such as trays, lights, and fans, it’s easier to make a profit once you start selling. - Money comes quickly. Microgreens are known for being able to grow extremely fast usually within two weeks. Meaning when it’s time to harvest, you can sell your yield and start the process over again two weeks at a time. How Much Should You Charge for Your Microgreens? Pricing your microgreens correctly is the best way to ensure buyers will want to do business with you. It’s important to research the competition. If you’re a smaller scale microgreens business, you may want to charge more, but a larger business can outbid you because they have more volume. Many sellers can get away with charging $25 per pound, but that can change depending on the local market. Do your research and see what others are offering potential buyers. Come up with a price that works best for you and your clients. Should I Grow Microgreens for Profit? If you have the space and funds to start a microgreens business, you should! It’s an easy way to start a business and make money. If you end up incredibly successful, you can easily expand your growing systems to accommodate more customers. Want to learn more about growing microgreens? Subscribe to our Facebook microgreens group to converse with others in the field, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for insider tips on all things microgreens-related

  • Hydroponics vs Soil: Which Growing Method is Better?

    Whether you’re new to gardening or an expert, you may be wondering what’s the best growing method when it comes to hydroponics vs soil growing. Many people start with soil and are beginning to learn about the advantages of the hydroponics growing method becoming more popular. This article will cover the differences between hydroponics vs soil growing and the advantages of hydroponics growing. #1 Hydroponics Requires Less Space One of the most beneficial reasons for hydroponics is it requires less space than soil growing. You can grow more with less space with hydroponics. With soil, you have to give your plants lots of room for the roots to grow, but this isn’t the case for hydroponics. Since hydroponics relies on water and the correct solutions to grow plants, less space is needed. Vertical farming is an innovative, space-saving growing method that allows growers to stack their crops to optimize space and yield more results. #2 Hydroponics Saves on Water Soil gardens rely heavily on the water to succeed. While hydroponics systems use water, hydroponics use ten times less amount of water soil gardens use. Soil gardens waste water since only a small amount of the water is soaked up by the plant. Hydroponics solves this issue by using a recirculating nutrient reservoir, meaning the plants only take the water they need and save the rest for later. Cutting down on water use is critical for the environment to reduce waste. #3 Say Goodbye to Weeds A number one complaint many non growers tend to have about gardening is having to pull out weeds. Weeds are a common issue for soil gardens, but since hydroponics do not use soil, growers do not have to worry about dealing with weeds in their growing systems. #4 Less Chance of Infestations Pests and insects can be a common issue with soil gardens because they are outside and soil attracts insects, resulting in eaten crops and damaged gardens. However, pests and insects are less of an issue with hydroponics farms. This is because hydroponics growing systems are typically inside and do not use soil, so they do not encourage the presence of insects or pests. #5 You’re In Control Another reason farmers prefer hydroponics vs soil is that there is more control with hydroponics. It is up to the grower to control the temperature, create the growing schedule, monitor the humidity, and apply the nutrient mixture to ensure growth. Since the farms are typically inside, there is no need to worry about natural disasters ruining your crops either. Being more in control of your hydroponics farms allows for better, more efficient yields. Want to Learn More About Hydroponics vs Soil Growing? At NickGreens, we focus on educating people about the benefits of innovative farming methods. Want to learn more about the difference between hydroponics and soil growing? Learn more by subscribing to the Polygreens podcast and our YouTube channel to view the latest hydroponics and innovative farming methods. #hydroponicsvssoil #hydroponicsgrowing #soilgrowing #hydroponicsfarming

  • Greenhouse Beginner Guide: How to Start Your First Greenhouse

    If you’re a beginner at greenhouse growing, you may be wondering how to begin a successful growing operation. Greenhouses are typically wooden or metal structures used to grow a variety of plants through their access to natural sunlight. Because the plants are enclosed in a space, they are less likely to be affected by natural disasters or seasonal issues. Greenhouse growing is a popular method for gardeners of all backgrounds; however, before beginning, you need to know a variety of information to ensure you are set up for success. Whether you’re wondering about harvesting or setting up your first greenhouse, this greenhouse beginner guide is the perfect place to start your newfound adventure. Step 1: Choose your desired greenhouse structure Greenhouses typically come in two different structures: freestanding and leaning structures. Freestanding structures are placed in your backyard or any available space that stands on its own. Leaning structures have three walls and are attached to another unit such as your home, garage, or any building. Freestanding structures require more space compared to learning structures so it is imperative to choose the one that best meets your needs. Step 2: Perform research on greenhouse needs Depending on where you live determines what kind of additional tools you will need. If you live in an area that doesn’t produce the temperature needed to grow your desired plants, you will need to invest in heating systems or fans to help the greenhouse reach desired temperatures. Or, if your structure doesn’t have access to an abundance of light, then growing lights such as UV lights would be a wonderful addition to your greenhouse. Step 3: Check greenhouse air circulation All plants you grow are going to require supple amounts of oxygen to grow successfully. If your greenhouse doesn’t have a good source of air circulation, you will need to invest in fan units to help airflow throughout the greenhouse. Ensuring your plants have the correct levels of oxygen thrive and grow without issues. Step 4: Ensure there’s enough shade When plants are exposed to harsh amounts of sunlight through many hours of the day, they can dry out and burn from overexposure. Many gardeners will install shading sheets, which is a dark material that rolls down the windows like window shades, to block out the excess sunlight. If able, you can also place the greenhouse near trees to ensure the plants get shade throughout the day. Step 5: Choose your seeds The most critical decision for beginner greenhouse growers to ask is what kind of seeds to choose. Some seeds are easier to grow than others so you will need to choose an easy seed to ensure you can get a better handle on the process and what it entails. Here is a list of the best plants/seeds for beginners to start growing in their greenhouses: Radishes Peas Strawberries Garlic Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach Tomatoes Onions Potatoes Sunflowers Mushrooms Greenhouses for beginner growing can seem challenging at first; however, it is very easy to pick up and adapt to as you gain more experience. We hope this greenhouse beginner guide is helpful for you and your future greenhouse growing ventures. If you want to learn more about greenhouse growing or microgreens, sign up for our Facebook microgreens group or subscribe to our YouTube channel. We also have a podcast titled Polygreens where we cover all there is to know about growing food indoors. Sign up for our podcast today! #greenhousebeginner #greenhousegrower #greenhousefarming

  • 4 Microgreens Recipes to Add to Your Cookbook

    Microgreens are flavor-packed tiny vegetables that should be added to your book of recipes. Because of their nutrient dense properties, microgreens can be ten times stronger than their adult vegetable counterparts. Not only that, but they can serve as a great addition to any meal, adding a boost of flavor to WOW your palette and your guests! Keep reading to learn about the 4 microgreen recipes you should add to your cookbook today. Recipe #1: Microgreens Pesto via Hamama If you’re a fan of pesto (who isn’t?), then try this delicious pesto recipe, substituting the basil leaves with microgreens! For this recipe, you’re going to need 6 cloves of garlic, 1⁄4 cup of pumpkin seeds, 1⁄4 tsp of salt, 1⁄3 cup of olive oil, and 1 package of microgreens (kale is a good option to use for this). Once you have your ingredients, add them all to your food processor, and blend the ingredients until you reach your preferred consistency. Recipe #2: Microgreens Salad with Lime Vinaigrette via Everyday Dish Salads are a great way to get your daily vegetable intake, and substituting traditional leaves with microgreens packs that nutritional punch! For this delicious salad, you’ll need 1 package of microgreens (your choice), 6 radishes (halved and sliced), 2 tbsp lime juice, 1⁄8 tsp dry mustard powder, 1⁄4 tsp salt, 4 tbsp olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix your ingredients together aside from the microgreens and radishes to create the dressing. Then mix your ingredients when you’re ready to serve! Recipe #3: Microgreens Tabouli via Hamama Tabouli is a delicious Middle eastern dish that pairs well with anything. To make this recipe, you’ll need 1⁄2 cup bulgur, 1⁄2 cup water, 1 package of microgreens (your choice), 1 bunch of cilantro chopped, 1 bunch of parsley chopped, 1 bunch of mint chopped, 4 stalks of chopped green onions, 1-2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1-2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and salt & pepper to taste. First, cook your bulgur. While it’s cooking, make your dressing by whisking the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt & pepper. Cool down your bulgur. Once all ingredients are prepped, mix together in a large bowl and serve! Recipe #4: Strawberry Microgreen Salad via Real Healthy Recipes We’re including another salad recipe because microgreens salads are one of the best ways to get a healthy dose of nutrients and taste delicious! For this recipe, you’ll need 3 cups of organic microgreens (your choice), 1 cup of sliced strawberries, chopped walnuts, and strawberry dressing (6 strawberries, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp raw honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper to taste. Then blend the ingredients to make the sauce). Mix all of these ingredients together to make your strawberry microgreens salad! Want to learn more about all of the things you can do with microgreens? Join our Facebook Microgreens Group to learn from experts and beginners alike. You can also listen to our Polygreens podcast to learn all there is to know about agriculture. #microgreensrecipes, #microgreensrecipe, #usingmicrogreensathome, #usingmicrogreens

  • Microgreens List of Resources to Add to Your Library

    We’ve compiled a microgreens list of resources to help you throughout your growing journey. From books to packaging supplies to grow lights, it’s critical to ensure that you have all of the resources that can help. Microgreens Books and Magazines Growing microgreens can be difficult if you’re a beginner. The microgreens list of books include the best reading material to help you with any questions along the way. Microgreens: A Guide to Growing Nutrient-Packed Greens by Jasmine Richardson This book is perfect for those who want to learn how to grow microgreens such as arugula, basil, purple cabbage, chard, radishes, and more. If you’re a beginner to growing microgreens, then this is the perfect book to get started! Microgreen Garden: Indoor Grower’s Guide to Gourmet Greens by Mark Matthew Braunstein If you’re wanting to take your microgreens growing skills even further, then check out this book by Matthew Braunstein. He provides a detailed explanation on how to select seeds with soil and the process behind effective temperature, lighting, and ventilation. This book is perfect for those with small or large-scale growing operations. Microgreens: How to Grow Nature’s Own Superfood by Fionna Hill This is another great book with detailed explanations on how to grow over 30 different kinds of microgreens. Hill discusses which containers to use to store microgreens, how to store the bounty, and even provides a plethora of recipes to choose from to use for your microgreens! Packaging If you’re growing microgreens at home, it’s essential to know how to package your microgreens. It’s important to make sure your microgreens are not wet before storing as this can cause them to rot faster. Plastic clam shells are a great resource to use to package smaller quantities of microgreens. If you’re growing larger amounts of microgreens, then check out these Keep It Fresh bags on Amazon. You can store a lot of microgreens safely and efficiently. Grow Lights Choosing the right grow lights is one of the most important decisions when growing microgreens. There are many different types of energy-efficient models online. You can choose from LED lights, fluorescent lights, and others. Companies such as Kind LED and Active Grow have a great selection of lights to choose for your microgreens. Seed Sources Aside from your local garden centers, there are many seed sources available at your fingertips. The following sources are known to ship good quality seeds all over the U.S.. True Leaf Market in Utah: True Leaf sells over 200 microgreens and you can purchase their seeds in 4 gram packers all the way up to 25 pounds. They provide plenty of detailed information about each seed and are very informative when it comes to microgreens growing. Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Maine: Johnny’s Selected Seeds prides themselves on their seed quality and they only serve commercial growers. High Mowing Organic Seeds in Vermont: High Mowing Organic Seeds started in 1996 and prides itself on its ability to sell 100% certified organic seeds. They carry over 30 microgreen varieties, and you can purchase 1/4 lb packages up to 40 pounds depending on your operation. Soil Soil can be very expensive and inefficient to ship. Look to see what kind of quality soils you have locally either at Lowe’s or garden centers. If you aren’t able to get any of the soils that we recommend, try to find one with similar ingredients. Fox Farm (Ocean Forest Blend, Happy Frog) www.foxfarm.com Power Flower available at www.plantitearth.com Vermont Compost www.vermontcompost.com Growing Supplies For trays, lids, heat mats, and anything else that you might need, check out: AmHydro at https://shop.amhydro.com Greenhouse Megastore at www.greenhousemegastore.com Want to stay up to date with the latest microgreen news? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and become a member of our Facebook microgreens group to learn more! #Microgreenslist #Microgreensresources #growmicrogreens #growingmicrogreens

  • Tips on How to Set Up Large Hydroponics Farm

    The need for large-scale hydroponics farms will increase as urban areas get more populated each year. Hydroponics is an innovative farming method that will solve present and future issues surrounding urban areas. Operators of large-scale hydroponics farms can sell their goods to local restaurants, businesses, and individuals so people can get their food in the same city rather than from rural farming areas. This article is going to cover the basics of how to set up a large-scale hydroponics farm. Step 1: Flesh Out Your Business Idea Great, you want to start a hydroponics farm. But you’ll need to plan out your business venture to ensure it is set up for success! Configure the costs associated with starting a hydroponics farm, the ongoing costs. Who’s going to be your target market? Are you trying to sell to individuals, grocery stores, or local restaurants? How are you planning to sell your products? In bulk? What is the name of your business? Does it align with your company’s values and beliefs? Step 2: Choose a Location When it comes to a large-scale hydroponics farm, you’ll need to decide where you want to set up shop. Since the future of farming is appealing to major cities, you may want to set up your business nearby or inside a major city. The location of your business also depends on your target audiences. Step 3: Decide What Crops You Want to Grow Choosing the crops you want to grow is one of the most critical factors for your hydroponics farm. Check to see if there are other hydroponics farms in the area, and if so, what are they selling? See if you can offer a product that’s not only easy to grow but also will have demand amongst your audiences. Are you planning on growing one single crop to cut costs, or do you want to grow a variety of crops to appeal to various target markets? Step 4: Pick a Hydroponics Growing System Look at the space you’re planning to have your hydroponics farm in and determine what kind of system will work best depending on the location and the crop. If you’re growing crops like lettuce or spinach, then an NFT setup will suffice because these crops grow fast and short, which allows for easy pickings. Larger crops such as tomatoes or fruits will benefit from vertical hydroponics growing systems. Compare the prices for various hydroponics growing systems depending on the materials, crops, location, and setup. Step 5: Lighting Now you’ll want to determine the light source to use to grow your plants. Lighting can lead to expensive costs, especially when powering large-scale hydroponics farms. From LEDs to HID lamps to HPS bulbs, lighting is an important factor in hydroponics farming. Each lighting source has its pros and cons, and you’ll need to study each one to determine which option best suits your needs. Hydroponics farms are the key to the future of farming. To learn more about hydroponics and farming, subscribe to the Nick Greens YouTube channel and join our microgreens group on Facebook. We look forward to helping you reach your goals! #hydroponicsfarm #hydroponicsfarming #hydroponicsgrowing #hydroponicfarm #hydroponicfarming

  • The 4 Most Common Tips for Hydroponic Growing Success

    The use of hydroponics is only going to increase overtime. As populations increase, the demand for food will rise. Traditional farming methods take up too much land, water, and resources. The need for modern, innovative solutions for farming is here. Hydroponic growing is an inventive method for growing foods without taking up much space and can take place in urban areas rather than just rural places. This article provides 4 hydroponic growing tips to ensure success. Tip 1: Water Quality One of the hydroponic growing tips you need to know is that the water used needs to be the right quality. Growers need to test and measure the water ​before ​starting the process. To do this, you’ll need to use pH strips to test the pH of the water to ensure the alkaline and acidity levels are normal. For most hydroponic systems, the water’s pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5. Since your plants will be absorbing their nutrients from the water, you’ll need to check the EC levels as well. The EC measures the nutrients and minerals in the water to ensure your plant is getting its necessary nutrients. Also, your water should also be between 68 and 72°F. If your water is too cold or too warm, use a water heater or chiller to get it to the correct temperature. Tip 2: Lighting Choosing the correct lighting is another one of the hydroponic growing tips you’ll need to learn. Your plants are going to be absorbing their “sunlight” through the lighting systems you choose. This is why many growers prefer to use LED lights since these lights are cost-effective and energy-efficient. LED lights use the full spectrum of light to replicate the sun’s rays. Growers can time what times to use certain lights in order to help the plant during different life stages. Red and blue lights help with the growth and development of the plant. Tip 3: Growing Medium Choosing the right growing medium is another critical step to hydroponic growing success. Since soil isn’t used in this method of growing, farmers need to find other ways to support their plants. It’s essential to make sure the new growing medium is a delicate balance of oxygen and moisture, which will be absorbed by the plant’s roots. Some popular alternative growing mediums for farmers include coco coir, rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, starter plugs, and more. Tip 4: Nutrients Without soil providing them with the minerals they need, plants in hydroponic systems rely on nutrient-based solutions. Nutrient fertilizers can be purchased from reputable manufacturers, and more experienced hydroponic growers like to create their own nutrient solutions. Make sure that the nutrient solution you’re purchasing aligns with the plant type you are growing and that it meets its needs during the growing cycle. There are over 20 elements plants need in order to grow, which is why a nutrient fertilizer is essential to any hydroponic growing system. We hoped these hydroponic growing tips prove to be useful in your farming ventures. We at the Nick Greens Grow Team specialize in teaching others about new, innovative farming methods that can be done from the comfort of your home. Make sure to listen to the new podcast, Polygreens, to learn more about today’s agriculture world for all the latest tips and tricks. Can’t listen? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get weekly updates. #hydroponicgrowingtips #hydroponicsgrowingtips #hydroponicgrowtips #hydroponicsgrowtips #hydroponics #hydroponic #growfood #growingfood

  • A New Agriculture Podcast That You Have To Listen To

    For this week’s article, we’re going to cover Polygreens, a new agriculture podcast hosted by Nick Greens and Joe Swartz. This podcast aims to combat the misleading information about controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) by providing listeners with facts and information about the subject. If you’re interested in learning more about topics like urban farming, greenhouse growing, etc., then this is the agriculture podcast for you! What is Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA)? Controlled-environment agriculture is a technologically advanced method of growing plants in controlled environments. Some examples of CEA growing methods include greenhouse growing, hydroponically grown plants, vertical farming, aeroponics, aquaponics, etc. The purpose of CEA is to ensure optimal food growing conditions despite environmental factors such as pests, weather conditions, etc. CEAs allow farmers to optimally grow plants and foods year-round in controlled environments. The Polygreens podcast aims to tackle each of these topics to help listeners understand what’s correct about these farming techniques and technologies and what isn’t. Who are the hosts of the Polygreens Podcast? There are two hosts for the agriculture podcast: Nick Greens and Joe Swartz. We’re going to cover each of their biographies so you can better understand how they can help you effectively learn about controlled-environment agriculture. Nick Greens aims to expand the vertical farming industry by helping agriculture entrepreneurs manage their businesses better, avoid common mistakes, and improve crop yields based on what Nick and his team have observed and developed over the past fifteen years. Even though Nick is growing food on a bigger scale, his expertise enables him to provide useful tips for the webinar attendees who would like to know more about how the hydroponics method works and how to do it right - whether you are doing it on a small scale or a bigger scale. Joe Swartz is the Vice President/Lead Horticulturist at American Hydroponics where he has developed the top productive hydroponic growing systems. For over 35 years, Swartz has been a successful commercial hydroponic vegetable and herb grower and is an expert in all levels of crop production, system design, set up, crop scheduling, workforce training, and specialty produce marketing. He provided successful consulting over growing systems to over 200 commercial farms in the U.S. alone while providing consulting in over 66 countries. The Polygreens Agriculture Podcast The new agriculture podcast hosted by Nick Greens and Joe Swartz brings agriculture and technology together in each episode. If you’re hoping to gain more knowledge on controlled-environment agriculture, then this is the podcast for you. If you want to learn more, you can also subscribe to the Nickgreens blog for weekly updates and news, or check out the Nickgreens YouTube channel for information covering how to grow microgreens from home! #agriculturepodcast #agriculturegrowing #hydroponicsgrowing #hydroponicgrowing #hydroponicsfarming #hydroponicfarming #cea #controlledenvironmentagriculture #farmingpodcast #greenhousegrowing #greenhousefarming #polygreens #polygreenspodcast

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