October 2016

A Growing Appetite

It looks like the home gardener’s appetite for edibles just continues to grow. In fact, it might be a bit ravenous because it is estimated that approximately 60 million Americans are now growing ... more

Comparing Lavandula

Each year, at the California Spring Trials, Pacific Plug & Liner holds a comparison trial of one genus. This year, we circled back to lavandula.

Culture Report: New Guinea Impations SunStanding Series

Excellent landscape performance, striking color options and uniformity are just a few reasons why growers love this new hybrid impatiens series.

Edibles Insights from a Millennial Grower

I have a confession to make. I’m a millennial. Simply put, that means I tend to look at things differently than previous generations. And that new perspective gives me an added advantage in this ind... more

Growing Hydroponic Leafy Greens

Have you thought about making the move toward controlled environment vegetable growing? Here are some things to consider.

LED Lighting Applications for Plants

I first wrote about light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in this column in 2009, and although much of what I wrote then is still true today, some things have substantially changed for the better. In particula... more

Perennial Solutions: Salvia ‘Blue Marvel’

This eye-catching new salvia presents enormous, violet-blue flower spikes that are long lasting and fragrant.

Sanitation — Why Bother?

That’s right ... Why bother, just keep the production going. Don’t stop; keep the pace going. Just make a pile off to the side of all the used pots or trays and labels. Better yet, if they are on ... more

Using Vertical Farming to Supply Locally Grown Produce

Farmbox Greens, based in Seattle, Washington, is working to expand the market for locally grown microgreens and herbs using a vertical farm production system.