How to Dry After Harvesting

 Written By – Joey Espinoza

 Grow Coach – Perfect Gardens

I think almost anyone who has growing experience has dried with just string before. Hanging by the stem from a string is the most common method for an everyday indoor gardener and also outdoor. I am writing this to tell you there is a better method, and while it may cost more money up-front it will save you time and that is really the point isn’t it?

Dry racks are so simple to use and very effective. No matter if you’re growing in a commercial setting or just in a 4×4 grow tent, dry racks are an awesome product to purchase for any serious grower.

What is a Dry Rack?

A dry rack is a product made of a mesh material that allows easy air flow that gives you a great way to dry a harvest...

What Products Make Up a Grow Light?

 Written By – Joey E.

 Grow Coach – Perfect Gardens

For the sake of this article, please understand that I am discussing what is required for an H.I.D. (High Intensity Discharge) grow light.

There are three main components needed to make a complete grow light. It’s not as simple as getting one product and plugging it in. Many people come into the store and think it is that easy and it is for some grow lights (LED & T5) however when it comes to the traditional indoor grow light, it requires a bit more.

Product #1 – Ballast

The ballast is usually the most expensive component to your grow light setup. It is the device which will plug into your wall outlet. The ballast comes in two types: magnetic and digital (aka electronic)...

Our Methods to Kill Spider Mites

 Written By – Joey E.

 Grow Coach – Perfect Gardens

In my experience the #1 garden pest that ALL growers deal with are spider mites. No matter if you’re  new grower, a hobbyist, or a commercial veteran spider mites are something we’ve all dealt with or will deal with at some point. Unfortunately some of us never get the proper guidance on how to kill spider mites so we’re left dealing with a problem that can be frustrating, and devastating to your plants.

The first important step is to fully understand how spider mites get into your garden in the first place. If you just learn how to kill spider mites without understanding how to prevent them, you will fight an uphill battle (let’s prevent this).

These pests are tiny, microscopic mites which are l...

Base Nutrients & Additives Explained

 Written By Joey E.

 Grow Coach – Perfect Gardens

Using the right fertilizers is very important for any type of garden you are doing, whether it’s soil or hydroponics, indoors or outdoors. (fertilizers=nutrients)

Along with using the correct nutrients for the plant that you are growing, you also need to understand how you are supposed to use your fertilizers. It’s not as simple as adding to water and waiting for magic. You need to know why you’re using a certain fertilizer bottle in order to be the best grower possible.

What are Base Nutrients?

The base nutrients for a fertilizer line are the most important. They contain the macro-nutrients which are the the most essential minerals for your plants...

What is the Flowering Cycle?

Fruiting or Flowering is the production stage of growth

The flowering stage is when your plants are now beginning to produce a fruit, vegetable, or flower. This is one of the most important stages of the plants life because it is during this stage that is fulfilling its purpose of providing you with the fruits of your labor.

Different types of plants will obviously flower in their own ways. For example some plants will produce flowers, such as jalapeno peppers, and then the flowers will eventually turn into the vegetable or fruit. Other plants will simply produce what you want right away, such as broccoli and certain herbs.

It’s important to know that when your plants begin to flower there is a certain window for optimum produce quality...

What is Vegetative Growth?

Introduction to Vegetative Cycle of Gardens

The vegetative stage of growth comes after a seed has been germinated. Often called the “veg cycle” for short, this stage of growth is one of the most important points in a plants life because it is going to set the stage for the fruiting/flowering cycle.

What I mean is that the vegetative growth cycle is, in a sense, setting the foundation for what your plants will be capable of producing. Whether you’re growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs, the veg cycle will play a critical role in how well your overall garden will harvest.

During the vegetative cycle your plants are not in the reproduction phase, they are in the creation stage, so to speak...

Want To Grow Plants Indoors?

Knowing Exactly What Type of Indoor Grow Lights to Initially Invest In Will Save You Time And Money.

From the desk of Mark W. Boutwell II – Grow Coach
Green Joint Ventures

Mark – Grow Coach

In this article I will explain exactly what Indoor Grow Lights and other components are needed for growing indoors.

There are 3 Parts you will need for High Intensity Discharge Lights (HID) lights before you start gardening indoors

First on the list is the original type of grow light that has been used in the Indoor Gardening industry for over 40 years..

Today I will talk about the Basic Indoor Grow Lights requirements, Pros, and Cons to HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights.

Required Components for Indoor Grow Lights:

1. Ballast
2. Bulb
3. Hood

There are 2 types of I...

How to Use your Indoor Hydroponic Hoods For Maximum Return While Growing Indoors

What Are The Best Hydroponic Hoods for HID Lights?

From the desk of Mark W. Boutwell II – Grow Coach
Green Joint Ventures

Mark – Grow Coach

In this article we will explain exactly what types of Hydroponic Hoods reflectors have been produce over the years in the indoor grow room or Hydroponics Gardening Industry and how you can still use each hydroponic hood effectively in certain situations.

My Mentor once told me that life is a series of learning curves.

As we talk about a few different types of hydroponic hoods you will see that like life this new indoor Gardening industry is no different.

Each hydroponic hood aka Reflector that we talk about and in the order we talk about them will show the learning...

How to Use Your Magnetic or Digital Ballast Effectively in Your Indoor Garden

HID – Magnetic Vs. Digital Ballast

From the desk of Mark W. Boutwell II – Grow Coach
Green Joint Venture

In this article we will explain the Inside secrets to different techniques you can use if you are using a Magnetic or digital Ballast.

Some of these Secret Techniques will:

1. Increase Your yield
2. Reduce you electricity bill
3. Increase your Harvest turns per year which mean More money in your pocket

Over the year’s growers from inside and outside the U.S. have given me their trust and have granted me access to their indoor and outdoor gardens for Grow Coaching and consulting.

Through that I have been given a unique opportunity to be part of seeing, thinking, and creating solutio...