Due to the Torrens to Darlington project, we will be moving Glandore Hydro to a new location in Melrose Park. The move will begin on the 2nd of January 2024 and we plan on getting it finished within the first week of the new year.

We will operate out of the current address AND the new address during the move. A selection of the most common items will be left at the old store until the last truck leaves, however there will be a point towards the end of the move week where almost everything is at the new location.

For our online customers, the website will still be operating like normal so don’t hesitate to place your orders at any time. The move will not impact our quick delivery times.

If you plan on visiting the store or are looking for a specific item, give us a call on 8371 5777 and we will let you know where to go.

New Address is:

108 Daws Rd, Melrose Park, SA, 5039

You can either park out front, or enter through the roller door on Allan St (pictured above) and park on the right hand side of the undercover drive way (pictured below).

Please remember to turn your car off if you’re parking inside.

As part of our mission to get the world’s finest grow lights to the growing
community, we have been doing extensive testing of our LM301H ArcEye’s with the
new Sosen Drivers. During our tests with the new drivers, we have found no
change in light output and no change in growth rate, yield and reliability. As
a result of the changeover, we can get up to a 40% price reduction on all
ArcEye LEDs. The bang for buck is now incredible! We want to have the best lights
available at an affordable price so plant lovers can nurture the finest medicinal
plants with the best light source under the sun!

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” –
Hippocrates

ArcEye LEDs are designed in Canada, by Canadian growers. Custom engineered
to outperform existing brands and models. Proven to beat any HID light on the market.
These are high-spec LM301H lights at the most competitive price in Australia.
Samsung LM301H LED’s with an efficiency of 2.9 umol/j. We have performed
comparison tests using an ArcEye LED 400w board vs a 600w/400V top of the range
digital ballast. The 600w digital ballast produced an average of 0.5 grams per
watt vs the ArcEye 400w which smashed it out of the ballpark at a whopping 1.5
grams per watt!

These fixtures can also used as side lights, or to replace HPS under-lights.
Set-ups using ArcEye LEDs required less ventilation and less power,
Massively reducing set-up costs and times.

A new trend has taken root and is flourishing: Living Soil Organics (LSO) cultivation. Living soil refers to a medium rich in microbial life, emphasizing the creation of a complete ecosystem in the soil. As consumers become more discerning and sustainability concerns grow, LSO is getting increasing attention. This post delves into the rising popularity of LSO cultivation, its advantages, and the challenges cultivators may face.

Growing Popularity of LSO

1. Pursuit of Quality: Cultivation enthusiasts often prioritize quality, flavour, and aroma. LSO flower is believed to have a richer terpene and cannabinoid profile, leading to a more complex and enjoyable consumption experience.

2. Sustainable Cultivation: As environmental concerns mount, there’s a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. LSO fits right into this narrative, emphasizing recycling, reduced waste, and minimal synthetic input.

3. Health & Safety: The absence of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in LSO means the final product is free of potential toxins, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

4. Artisanal Appeal: Much like craft beer or artisanal cheese, there’s a segment of the market that appreciates the care, time, and traditional techniques used in producing LSO plants.

Advantages of LSO

1. Improved Flavor & Aroma: The rich microbial life in living soils can enhance the terpene profile of plants, leading to improved aroma and flavor.

2. Reduced Need for Nutrients: Living soil provides plants with a steady supply of nutrients, reducing the need for additional feeding.

3. Resilience: A thriving microbial ecosystem can help protect plants from certain pests and diseases.

4. Sustainable: LSO is a regenerative approach. Instead of depleting the soil, it becomes richer and more fertile over time.

5. Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Although setting up a living soil system may have upfront costs, over time, the reduced need for additional nutrients and the ability to reuse soil can lead to savings.

Challenges of LSO

1. Initial Setup: Establishing a balanced living soil ecosystem requires effort, research, and, often, a larger initial investment.

2. Learning Curve: For those used to hydroponic systems or traditional soil grows with bottled nutrients, transitioning to LSO can be challenging.

3. Slower Response: Adjusting conditions or correcting issues can be slower in living soil compared to hydroponic systems. Errors can be much more detrimental to your plants and inexperienced growers may struggle with the unforgiving nature of this method.

4. Space & Weight: Living soil setups, especially when used for large-scale grows, can be bulkier and heavier than other methods.

5. Availability of Quality Inputs: Not all inputs are created equal. Finding quality organic matter, worm castings, and other components can sometimes be a challenge.

Conclusion

The art and science of growing LSO taps into a broader movement toward organic, sustainable agriculture. As the market continues to mature and consumers become more educated, the demand for high-quality, organically grown produce is likely to rise. LSO offers a promising avenue to meet this demand, but like all cultivation methods, it requires knowledge, patience, and dedication. For those willing to embrace its principles, LSO cultivation can lead to a rewarding blend of quality product, sustainable practice, and long-term cost efficiency.

With the warmer weather approaching, it’s time to start thinking about our summer gardens. In this post we detail which fruits, veggies and herbs you can grow depending on the region of Australia that are located. Alternatively, you can plant fruits, veggies and herbs indoors year round using one of our home grow kits.

Growing Fruits Veggies and Herbs Indoors

Herbs in particular are well suited to growing indoors hydroponically. They are generally quite compact and flexible with their lighting needs. Herbs do well in pots and will thrive where there is less risk of pests and diseases. Many popular herbs, such as basil, oregano, and rosemary, originate from the Mediterranean region. This means they are adapted to milder, consistent temperatures – much like indoor conditions in many homes.

Growing fruits, vegetables and hersbs indoors provides the ability to have a continuous supply, and frequent harvests cater to their growth patterns.

Summer Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs by Region

Tropical Zone
Subtropical Zone
Arid Zone
Temperate Zone
Cool Zone

Pests can wreak havoc on your beloved plants causing damage, reducing yields, or even killing them if left unchecked. Fear not! Glandore Hydro has got your back with some tips for identifying, preventing, and treating these pesky predators.

Identification

First things first, identifying the pest or disease is crucial to choosing the right treatment. Keep a watchful eye on your plants for signs of pests, such as discolored leaves or small insects crawling on the plants. Early detection and treatment can help prevent infestations from becoming severe and causing damage to the plants.

Common pests

Here are some common pests that you should keep an eye out for:

  1. Spider Mites: tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves of plants, causing yellowing and speckling of the leaves, and can eventually lead to plant death.
  2. Thrips: tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of plants, causing silver or bronze discoloration and distortion of leaves.
  3. Whiteflies: small, flying insects that feed on the underside of leaves and can cause yellowing and stunted growth of plants.
  4. Aphids: small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from plants, causing stunted growth and curled or distorted leaves.
  5. Fungus Gnats: small, flying insects that lay their eggs in the soil of plants, and their larvae feed on the roots, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves.
  6. Mealybugs: small, white insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
  7. Scale insects: small, hard-shelled insects that suck the sap from plants, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves and stems.
  8. Leafhoppers: small, flying insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
  9. Root aphids: small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the roots of plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They are difficult to detect and can cause severe damage to the plants if left untreated.
Prevention

Preventing pests and is always better than treating them. Here are some ways to prevent pests and diseases:

  1. Start with healthy plants: Ensure that the plants you start with are healthy and free of diseases. Check for any signs of pests before planting.
  2. Maintain a clean growing environment: Keep the grow space clean, free of debris, and well-ventilated to discourage pests from taking up residence. Clean equipment and tools before and after use to avoid cross-contamination. Regularly sweep and vacuum the floor to remove any plant debris that may attract pests.
  3. Monitor and control temperature and humidity levels: Some pests, such as spider mites, thrive in hot, dry conditions. Maintain a stable temperature level to discourage pest infestations.
  4. Use preventive treatments: Consider using preventive treatments such as immune-boosting additives or beneficial microorganisms to enhance the plant’s natural defences against pests. Consider neem oil or insecticidal soaps, to discourage pests from infesting the plants. Many of these treatments are organic and can be applied to the plants without harming them.
  5. Regularly inspect plants: Regularly inspect plants for any signs of pest infestations, such as discolored leaves or insects on the plant. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the spread of pests.
  6. Use companion planting: Consider planting companion plants that repel pests or attract beneficial insects. For example, marigolds can repel aphids, while ladybugs can feed on pests such as spider mites.
  7. Quarantine new plants: If introducing new plants into the grow space, quarantine them for a few days to ensure that they are free of pests before placing them near existing plants.

By implementing these measures, growers can help prevent pests from affecting their plants and maintain healthy, productive crops. It is important to regularly inspect plants and take action promptly if any signs of pests are detected to prevent them from causing damage.

Treatment

Once you’ve identified the pest or disease, you can choose the appropriate treatment. Here are some general treatment options:

  1. Neem oil or cake: A natural insecticide that can kill spider mites, whiteflies, and other pests
  2. Insecticides: insecticides that can kill pests without harming the plant
  3. Beneficial insects: Introducing predatory insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, can help control pests
  4. Environmental methods: Removing infected plants and cleaning the grow space can help prevent the spread of disease

It’s important to follow the instructions on the treatment carefully and avoid using chemicals or pesticides that can harm the plant or the environment. Always test a small area before applying treatments to the entire plant.

Treatments for specific pests
  1. Spider Mites: apply a miticide such as pyrethrin or neem oil to the plants. Improving air circulation and reducing humidity can also help prevent spider mites.
  2. Aphids: apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plants. Ladybugs can also be introduced to the growing area, as they feed on aphids.
  3. Thrips: apply a pesticide such as spinosad or pyrethrin to the plants. Sticky traps can also be used to catch adult thrips.
  4. Whiteflies: apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plants. Yellow sticky traps can also be used to catch adult whiteflies.
  5. Fungus Gnats: allow the soil to dry out between waterings and apply a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) or Steinernema feltiae nematodes to the soil.

Plant cultivation has surged in popularity as more individuals discover the joys and benefits of gardening. Whether growers are raising plants for aesthetic, medicinal purposes, personal consumption, or sale, many often encounter similar challenges in their efforts. Here are some of the most common mistakes plant growers make, alongside tips to avoid them.

  1. Starting with Low-Quality Seeds
    • Mistake: Investing in cheap or unknown origin seeds can result in weak plants or unpredictable yields.
    • Solution: Always purchase seeds from reputable sources. Consider varieties that match your growth conditions and desired characteristics.
  2. Overwatering or Underwatering
    • Mistake: Plants can easily suffer from root rot if left in constantly damp conditions, while under-watered plants become weak and stunted.
    • Solution: Allow the soil’s top inch to dry out before watering again. Employ a moisture meter for more accurate assessment. See How often Should I Feed my Plants for more information.
  3. Poor Soil Quality
    • Mistake: Using generic garden soil can lack essential nutrients or have an inappropriate pH level.
    • Solution: Invest in a high-quality mediums or consider creating a custom blend suited for your plant variety. See Hydroponic Growing Media to learn more.
  4. Neglecting pH Levels
  5. Overfeeding
  6. Improper Lighting
    • Mistake: Both inadequate light and excessive light can harm your plants.
    • Solution: If growing indoors, invest in good quality grow lights. Ensure they receive appropriate light durations. Keep lights a proper distance from plants to prevent burning. See A Guide to Hydroponic Lighting for a more detailed breakdown.
  7. Ignoring Climate Control
    • Mistake: Certain plants thrive in specific temperature and humidity levels.
    • Solution: Monitor and adjust room temperature and humidity. Consider using fans, heaters, or humidifiers to maintain an optimal climate. See Temps & Humidity for more comprehensive guidance.
  8. Not Pruning
    • Mistake: Letting plants grow unchecked can result in uneven light distribution and suboptimal growth.
    • Solution: Regularly prune your plants to encourage bushier growth and better light penetration. Checkout out our guide, Pruning your Plants to learn more.
  9. Skipping Pest and Disease Checks
  10. Harvesting Too Early or Late
    • Mistake: Harvesting before maturity reduces quality. Waiting too long can change the desired characteristics.
    • Solution: Look for signs of maturity before harvesting. Check out our post Guide: When to Harvest your Plants for more detailed advice.

Growing requires patience, knowledge, and constant learning. By avoiding these common mistakes and continuously educating oneself, growers can optimize their yields and the quality of their crops.

Knowing the optimal time to harvest is crucial for both the potency and flavour of the buds. Harvesting too early or too late can dramatically impact the quality of your yield. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help growers identify the ideal harvesting window for their plants.

Understanding the Harvesting Window

Generally, plants have a harvesting window of a few weeks. While it’s not an exact science, the perfect time within this window depends on the desired effect and flavour profile. The earliest part of the window will have higher active compound content, offering a more stimulating effect, while the latter part may lead to a more relaxing effect.

Check the Flowering Time

This is a general rule, and the actual time will vary for different strains. Always cross-check with visual cues.

Inspect the Pistils

Pistils are the hair-like structures on the buds. Initially, they are white and stick straight out. Over time, they curl in an darken to an amber reddish brown colour.

Examine the Trichomes

Trichomes are the tiny, crystal-like appendages on the buds and leaves that produce active compounds. They’re best viewed with a magnifier (e.g., magnifying loupe).

For a balanced effect, many growers harvest when trichomes are a mix of milky white and 10-20% amber.

Assess the Bud Structure and Density

As the flowers mature, they will become denser. Harvesting when buds are fully developed and dense can lead to a better yield and quality.

Fan Leaves Yellowing

Towards the end of the flowering phase, it’s natural for the larger fan leaves to turn yellow as the plant sends its remaining nutrients to the buds. This is an additional sign that the plant is nearing harvest.

Flush the Plants

Before harvesting, consider flushing the plants (i.e., giving them only plain water) for 1-2 weeks. This process removes any remaining nutrients in the soil, leading to a purer flavour in the buds. See Flushing your Plants to learn more.

Things to Remember

In conclusion, knowing when to harvest requires keen observation and sometimes a bit of experimentation. With time and experience, growers will be able to make more informed decisions and achieve the desired outcome from their plants.

Aerating the nutrient solution is super important in hydroponic and aquaponic systems for happy, healthy plants. Let’s break down why it’s such a big deal:

  1. Enhanced Oxygen Availability: Aeration increases the dissolved oxygen levels in the nutrient solution, which is vital for healthy root growth and nutrient uptake. Adequate oxygen promotes robust root systems, prevents root rot, and ensures efficient nutrient absorption by the plants.
  2. Improved Nutrient Distribution: A well-aerated nutrient solution ensures even distribution of nutrients, preventing localized deficiencies or toxicities. This uniform distribution helps maintain optimal pH levels and nutrient balance for consistent plant growth.
  3. Prevention of Algae Growth: Aerating the nutrient solution prevents the buildup of stagnant water, which can lead to the growth of algae and other harmful microorganisms. Algae can compete with plants for nutrients, negatively impacting plant growth and potentially causing diseases.
  4. Enhanced Beneficial Microbial Activity: Aeration supports the growth of beneficial aerobic bacteria in the root zone. These bacteria help break down organic matter, improve nutrient availability, and protect plants from pathogens.
  5. Reduction of Plant Stress: Proper aeration reduces the risk of plant stress caused by inadequate oxygen, nutrient imbalances, or toxic byproducts. This leads to stronger, healthier plants with improved yields and quality.

Now that you know why aeration is so important, let’s talk about how to do it.

How to Aerate the Nutrient Solution

Aerating the nutrient solution for cannabis cultivation should be a continuous process, 24/7.

Select your Equipment
  1. Air Pumps: A super common and easy way to aerate is using an air pump. Just make sure you choose a pump that’s powerful enough for your system size! Ideally, aim for an output of about 1 litre of air per minute for every 4 litres of nutrient solution.
  2. Water Pumps and Sprayers: You can also use a water pump to move the nutrient solution around and create surface agitation, which helps dissolve oxygen into the water. Some people even use spray bars or sprinklers for extra oxygenation.
Monitor Water Temperature

A higher temperature can diminish the water’s capacity to retain oxygen. Strive to maintain your nutrient solution between 18°C and 21°C. If temperatures exceed this range, a water chiller or heater might be necessary.

In short, aerating the nutrient solution is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive hydroponic or aquaponic system. It promotes optimal plant growth by enhancing oxygen availability, improving nutrient distribution, preventing algae growth, supporting beneficial microbes, and reducing plant stress.

Trimming, drying and curing is just as important as the growing process itself. Properly trimmed, dried and cured buds will have better flavor, aroma, and potency. In this guide, we’ll go over the basic steps involved in drying and curing for a higher quality result.

Trimming

Don’t underestimate the importance of a good trim. The more methodical you are during this step, the more efficient the drying process will be, plus your buds will be more aesthetically pleasing. Dry trimming and wet trimming are the two main methods of trimming buds. See our post The Pros and Cons of Dry Trimming to learn more.

Drying

There are two main methods for drying: hanging and using a drying rack:

Dry in a dark, well-ventilated area with a consistent temperature between 15-21°C and humidity around 45-55%. Use a fan to circulate air, but don’t point it directly at the buds. Monitor the drying process carefully, checking your buds daily for signs of mold or mildew. The drying process can take anywhere from 7-14 days

Curing

Use clean, airtight containers to store your buds. Make sure they’re completely clean and dry. Loosely fill the containers with buds, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Don’t pack them too tightly, as they need airflow. Store the containers in a cool, dark place. During the first week, open the containers for a few minutes each day to let fresh air in and release excess moisture. This process is known as “burping.”

In an era where self-sustainability is rapidly gaining ground, home mushroom cultivation is gaining traction among gardening enthusiasts and food hobbyists alike. Enter Aussie Mushrooms – easy-to-use kits for growing mushrooms right at home. Aussie Mushrooms Kits allow even the most inexperienced gardeners to participate in the fun and engaging process of home mycology.

What is an Aussie Mushrooms Kit?

Aussie Mushrooms Kits are a line of products aimed at making mushroom cultivation straightforward and rewarding. Designed and produced in Australia, these kits come with everything needed to grow various types of edible mushrooms, from the commonly loved white buttons to more exotic varieties such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms. A high-quality Aussie Mushrooms Kit contains a growing medium – typically a bag filled with sterilised substrate infused with mushroom spores – and detailed instructions.

Why Use an Aussie Mushroom Kit?

Growing mushrooms at home is a fantastic hobby for a myriad of reasons:

How to Grow Mushrooms Using Aussie Mushrooms Kits
  1. Set Up Your Kit: Open your Aussie Mushrooms Kit to find a bag filled with mushroom spawn and substrate. The substrate is a mixture of organic materials like straw, wood chips, or compost, which provides a nutritious medium for the fungi to grow.
  2. Place in Suitable Environment: Set up the kit in an area with appropriate temperature and light conditions as per the instructions. Typically, mushrooms thrive in cooler, dimly lit conditions.
  3. Wait and Maintain: Over the next few weeks, you should see mycelium – the vegetative part of a fungus – start to grow and cover the substrate. Keep the substrate humid by lightly misting with water daily, if suggested by the kit instructions.
  4. Harvest: In due course, mushrooms will sprout from the mycelium. The time this takes will vary depending on the mushroom variety. Once mature, they’re ready to be harvested and consumed!
Aftercare and Repeat Harvests

After the first harvest, many mushroom varieties can produce more than one flush or cycle of mushrooms. To encourage a second flush, it is recommended to rehydrate the substrate and maintain the conditions stipulated in the kit.

Aussie Mushrooms Kits make home cultivation an achievable and rewarding endeavor. So, whether you are a novice looking to learn more about mycology, a foodie desiring the freshest ingredients, or someone passionate about sustainable living, consider giving these kits a try. Enjoy the simple pleasure of harvesting your very own homegrown mushrooms, and who knows, you might just fall in love with the magical world of fungi.

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