Nutrition, Growing Media and Water, Page 8

Unlock the genetic potential of your plants! The innovative British fertiliser manufacturer and proud sponsor of Prague Cannafest 2021 is among the TOP 20 most popular brands among growers from around the world. Unique nutrition for plants of all kinds has just expanded our range, and in this article you will find detailed information about the individual products as well as how to use them in practice.

The SHOGUN company has its own scientific team, and its biochemists under the leadership of Dr. Callie Seaman always work on the basis of practical input from professional growers. All products of this brand, which are used every month by 87 million growers from 190 countries, are thoroughly and independently tested in third-party laboratories to ensure the consistency of every batch. The exceptional technical sophistication and super-stable, reliable composition of these products can also pleasantly surprise with their favourable price, as you can see HERE.

SHOGUN fertilisers stand out for their specific composition, which includes, among other things, original ingredients that stimulate plant development:

- SmartZen®: a maximiser that demonstrably increases yields by up to 8% (compared with nutrition with the same NPK content, but without SMARTZEN) and which was developed over a symbolic 8 years. SmartZen increases chlorophyll density and the photosynthetic activity of plants. Among other things, it also significantly reduces the impact of temperature fluctuations in the growing environment on plants.

- AquaZen®: without this technology, in the case of ordinary fertilisers, nutrients sink to the bottom of the roots with little dispersion and tend to be washed away, which the AQUAZEN component effectively prevents. Thanks to it, nutrients penetrate the growing medium to the maximum possible extent. The result is much better use of fertilisers - your plants absorb much more of them!

Now let us introduce this hot new product on the Czech market in more detail through the individual products, including their key features and ingredients. We will begin with the most advanced base fertilisers (HYDRO, COCO, TERRA) for individual growing methods, followed by other unmistakable preparations for a fantastic harvest, which perfectly complement one another.

- SHOGUN SAMURAI HYDRO: two-component hydroponic fertilisers for the VEGETATIVE and FLOWERING phase. Ideal for more experienced growers who need full control over the entire nutrition process. Growers also appreciate the fact that the SHOGUN range of hydroponic fertilisers is available in versions for hard or soft water.

- SHOGUN SAMURAI COCO: two-component fertilisers for growing in coco throughout the entire growing cycle, synergistically combining the benefits of the above-mentioned original SmartZen and AquaZen ingredients.

- SHOGUN SAMURAI TERRA: for growing in soil and soil substrates, these two-component fertilisers are used for GROWTH or FLOWER. The universal TERRA range is suitable whether you water plants grown in soil with hard or soft water.

SHOGUN START: fertiliser for easy and rapid rooting of seedlings and cuttings, which provides young plants with all the key micro and macro elements in the early stages of development, when they are still weak and vulnerable.

• KEY INGREDIENTS
  • Boron and calcium in an ideal ratio
  • SMARTZEN (see above) - a blend of unique carbohydrate compounds and elements that have remarkable effects on the growth of your crops.
  • Trace elements, which are commonly overlooked but have a fundamental impact on the development of young plants.
  • Humic acids and fulvic acids

• KEY FEATURES
  • Faster germination and root formation
  • Increased movement of auxins from the leaf tip to the root point

SHOGUN KATANA ROOTS: root stimulator for healthy root mass, enabling explosive growth of your plants. A great solution for the process of cutting propagation and cultivation of plants from seed creates the most effective mechanism of absorption of nutrients you could wish for.

• Key Ingredients:
  • Green seaweed extract – a mix of beneficial vitamins (including biotin and thiamine, also known as B12), amino acids and hormones

• KEY FEATURES
  • Faster germination and formation of white roots
  • Extra-fast vegetative growth in every substrate
  • More active roots and more vital crops
  • Complex structure for maximally efficient nutrient uptake
  • Revitalisation of wilting plants by applying spray directly to the leaves

SHOGUN ZENZYM: enzymatic fertiliser for the growth and flowering phase, which speeds up the decomposition of dead roots and continuously keeps your plants' root system healthy and clean. It also releases locked nutrients from dead matter and allows plants to reuse them. This dramatically increases nutrient uptake, which you will soon notice in your crop!

• KEY INGREDIENTS
  • Enzymes or organic molecules that have biological activity and essentially function as a catalyst. Cellulase breaks down cellulose, producing glucose and other simple sugars. Xylanase breaks down the main components of plant cell walls. Ferulic acid supports cell wall strength.

• KEY FEATURES
  • Easy and rapid revitalisation of substrates
  • Significantly higher absorption of nutrients
  • Rapid formation of a strong root system

SHOGUN GEISHA FOLIAR: a unique preparation for a bountiful harvest, whose technically advanced composition allows completely safe use already during the vegetative phase. It supports plant metabolism and increases water absorption. You can then expect exceptionally large and fragrant flowers or tasty fruits. This preparation, which is used every 2 weeks, does not need to be diluted or have its pH adjusted.

Among other additives from the SHOGUN brand is also the indispensable CALMAG, which is hard to find a competitor for among products for calcium and magnesium supplementation (especially thanks to the better ratio of these minerals) and, like armour protecting a samurai warrior, SHOGUN SILICON strengthens your plants and makes them significantly more resistant to pest attacks or the occurrence of plant diseases. Both preparations stand out for their highly refined mineral source. Another additive fertiliser, made using high-quality agrominerals and special organic acids, is called PK WARRIOR 9/18, for increasing the production of fruits and flowers.

The ripening processes during the late flowering stage are perfectly accelerated and supported by the sulphur-based preparation enhanced with nitrogen DRAGON FORCE. It also increases the production of secondary metabolites, raises the calcium content in flowers, increases the concentration of copper in plant tissues and stimulates the natural defence of plants. 

If you are looking for a hydroponic biostimulant whose composition is so effective that it deserves comparison with SUMO fighters, be sure to try SUMO ACTIVE BOOST. This booster is absolutely ideal if you use hydroponic systems. It was created to remain stable in the tank for two weeks. Not only does it bring the taste and overall quality of your crop to the maximum, but through sophisticated technology to prevent fermentation in tanks and clogging of capillaries

• KEY INGREDIENTS
  • Triacontanol (waxy leaf cuticles)
  • Green seaweed extract
  • Plant hormones and brassinosteroids

• KEY FEATURES
  • Emulsion concentrate composed of the natural compound triacontanol and plant extract sustainably obtained from the South Atlantic
  • Stimulation of efficient absorption of nutrients and photosynthesis
  • Higher content of sugars, proteins, resins and terpenes in cultivated crops 

After introducing the comprehensive SHOGUN range, we will now focus on preparing the individual products in practice. Let us start mixing!

How to mix SHOGUN TERRA?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Depending on the development stage, use TERRA GROW or TERRA BLOOM.
3. Shake the bottle well and add the recommended amount of fertiliser to the water.
4. Mix the solution thoroughly.
5. Never mix growth and flowering fertiliser together.
6. Measure the pH.

How to mix SHOGUN HYDRO?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Measure the electrical conductivity of the solution (EC) so that you know which type of nutrition to use.
3. Depending on the development stage, use HYDRO GROW or HYDRO BLOOM.
4. Shake component A well and add the recommended amount of fertiliser to the water.
5. Mix thoroughly and then clean the measuring cup or syringe.
6. Do the same with component B.
7. Measure the pH.

How to mix SHOGUN COCO?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Shake component A well and add the recommended amount of fertiliser to the water.
3. Mix the contents of the tank thoroughly.
4. Do the same with component B.
5. Measure the pH.

How to mix ZENZYM?

1. Create a nutrient solution in the tank using the base nutrition (see above).
2. Take ZENZYM and gently shake it before opening.
3. Add the recommended amount of the preparation to the nutrient solution, then mix thoroughly.
4. Measure the pH.

How to mix START (+KATANA ROOTS)?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Take the START fertiliser and shake it well before opening.
3. Add the recommended amount of fertiliser and mix the solution thoroughly.
4. At this point you can also add KATANA ROOTS and mix thoroughly again.
5. Immerse the propagation medium in the solution and leave it soaked for 15 minutes, or water the plants as needed.

How to mix SUMO ACTIVE BOOST?

1. Prepare a tank with nutrient solution containing base fertilisers (see above).
2. Take SUMO ACTIVE BOOST and shake the preparation well before opening.
3. Apply the recommended amount and mix thoroughly. 
4. Measure the pH.

How to mix SILICON?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Take the SILICON additive fertiliser and shake it well before opening.
3. Measure the recommended dose, add it to the water and mix thoroughly.
4. Measure the pH, which should rise after adding SHOGUN Silicon. The optimal value you need to reach is 7.
5. Add the base nutrition in the recommended amount. Mix thoroughly.
6. Check the pH.

How to mix CALMAG or PK WARRIOR?

1. Prepare a tank with nutrient solution containing base fertilisers (see above).
2. Take the CALMAG preparation and shake it well before opening.
3. The preparation in the recommended amount must first be diluted in a separate beaker with water and mixed thoroughly.
4. Only then pour the contents of the separate beaker into the tank with nutrient solution containing base fertilisers and mix thoroughly again.
5. Check the pH.

How to mix DRAGON FORCE?

1. Fill the tank with clean water.
2. Take the DRAGON FORCE preparation and shake it well before opening.
3. Measure the recommended dose, add it to the water and mix thoroughly.
4. Measure the pH.

If you are at least half as excited about the new SHOGUN nutrition as we are, do not hesitate to ask us anything at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

What to read next?

• Growing in soil: advantages and disadvantages
• Keramzit as a growing medium
• Design grow tents HOMEbox Ambient combine the pleasant with the useful

Today we are focusing on a topic that has become a major trend in the world of gardening recently, and we believe it will interest you. Today we will talk about how to easily set up and use compost.

Composting represents a great opportunity for every grower and gardener to turn biological waste in the form of leaves, grass, vegetable scraps or, for example, fallen fruit into something useful, namely your own organic fertiliser!

Experience shows that every garden has a truly abundant amount of biological surplus, and it would be a shame for this valuable material, which after successful composting is capable of serving as a universal bio fertiliser that effectively supports all types of plants, to end up somewhere in landfill, where it is also difficult to burn and is often the reason why landfill sites smell so strongly far into the surrounding area. That is a little about the environmental aspect, and now we can move on to practical tips for your garden.

Is composting worthwhile?

The answer is unequivocally yes! As is well known, fertile soil is characterised by a sufficient amount of high-quality humus, which is created precisely by leaving nature to work for a while in the composter with the biological waste that we gradually fill it with. Humus has a loose structure that retains water in the soil while also aerating the roots; what more could you want? Of course, the whole process can be accelerated with a suitable product, for example in the form of a granulate from the Czech brand AgroBio. It contains the right bacteria that help nature along. In addition to the considerable benefit that composting will bring you in the long term, you can also feel good knowing that you are helping the planet yourself.

How do you do it?

1. First, choose a place, ideally rich in humus, where you will set up the compost. It should be somewhere you can easily reach from time to time, even with a wheelbarrow loaded with biological waste. Avoid the common mistake of setting up compost in various hollows and other pits, where there is then insufficient air circulation. Rot does not belong in composting; only the gradual and natural decomposition of organic material, or decay, which is different. You also need a place where the sun will not beat down directly all day long.
2. Get a composter. It can take the form of an ordinary compost heap taking up roughly 1.5 x 1 m of space. You can save space with a composter made of wooden slats, because with a classic compost heap the bio-waste is layered at one end and the transformed material is removed from the other end of the heap. The length can therefore increase. In the case of wooden slats, it is also necessary to choose a type of wood that will not easily succumb to the decay process, ideally larch. Wood can be replaced by iron structures that do not weather. Recently, thermocomposters have been particularly popular, made of plastic and equipped with a practical lid. If you are just about to start composting, this is the easiest choice.
3. A reliable recipe for proper composting is layering according to proven rules. The bottom part of a standard compost heap should contain branches or pieces of dead wood as a harder-grained material. This forms a kind of divider between the soil and the other bio-waste, so that oxygen can more easily reach the microorganisms working hard in the composter. We also distinguish between a nitrogen-rich and a carbon-rich layer. This is, let us say, the very basis for the contents of the later fertiliser that we will have available from our own biological surplus. Apply layers about 10 cm thick. Everything green, as well as kitchen waste including eggshells, forms the nitrogen-rich layer. Everything brown, moist and dry forms the carbon-rich layer. This includes straw, leaves, sawdust, etc. If you use an accelerator when setting up the compost (and why not), alternate the layers with soil mixed with the compost accelerator.
4. Compost does not require too much maintenance. The heap will gradually compact, which reduces the supply of oxygen, and the compost needs to be mixed and layered again after roughly two months. In rainy weather, keep the compost covered, and if it is dry, it is a good idea to water the heap occasionally.

Compost maturity

In short, 3 stages are generally distinguished, with each phase in which the compost currently is determining the decaying organic matter for a different use:

• Fresh compost is about 3 months old and you can still identify the individual components in it. Even so, in this early stage you can use it to support useful plants such as tomatoes, potatoes or cucumbers.
• Mature compost is characterised by an age of six months to one year. You can recognise it by its dark brown to black colour. The smell resembles forest soil, and apart from eggshells, you can no longer distinguish the original components for the most part. If you sieve it before use, it is suitable as an additive for all grassy and garden areas, beds and, last but not least, as high-quality soil for flower pots of all kinds. Mature compost already contains a truly large amount of basic nutrients and needs to be used broadly and in moderation so that over-fertilisation does not occur.
• Compost soil is usually more than one year old, and the effect, or nutritional value, which is so intense in mature compost, decreases over time, so you can safely use it for all conceivable types of plants, ideally during spring and summer.

Now you know how to set up compost and how to speed up the whole composting process. If you have any questions related to setting up compost, do not hesitate to contact us at the well-known address, and we will be happy to advise you. Write to info@higarden.eu.

- Gardening tools
- Compost accelerators

Read about the trends in growing in pots and planters. You may be surprised by how cleverly designed some growing containers are, and how their design can enliven your interior, balcony or terrace.

Decorative flower pots

Highlight the charm of cultivated plants thanks to PLASTKON design pieces! Even a purely practical item such as a flower pot can also serve a decorative purpose in every household.

• For home use, we especially recommend the Cobble pots, which balance on the boundary between two categories, namely decorative flower pots and smart pots.
• If you know you will not stop at a single plant, you will appreciate the design of the Cooble Trio.
• As you can see in the picture, these timeless pots immediately attract attention with their modern appearance, and you can choose from four colour variations, from anthracite through ice white or basil green to steel blue.
• At the same time, they are cleverly designed so that the plants take only as much water from them as they actually use. We will say a little more below about how great an advantage this is in practice.
• Outdoors, you can then easily elevate an ordinary fence into a stylish pride of your garden through Fency planters. You can also use Cobble pots; we will soon explain how they are adapted precisely for outdoor use.
• The Fency planter also offers four colour variants, namely anthracite, taupe, pea green or classic white. These planters are available in two sizes, namely 50 cm or 75 cm.

Smart pots

Now that you know there is no need to choose between functionality and design, let us say a little more about the practical advantages of the smart pots Cobble and Cobble Trio:

• Thanks to these pots, herbs, fruit and vegetables always have the certainty of proper watering. The plants can continuously take in water according to their current needs, not a drop more, which helps you avoid overwatering. And of course not a drop less, so your plants will not simply dry out. In short, you can be much more at ease than when growing in ordinary pots with watering into a saucer.
• Thanks to the cleverly placed opening for topping up water, in practice you will also not tend to forget to replenish the supply of water or nutrient solution.
• The practical drainage opening also allows smart pots to be used outdoors, outside your home. 

Hanging pots

In view of the growing demand, we are currently also preparing a range of hanging pots for you. These allow growers to create a growing space practically anywhere. For example, by hanging one on a tree branch in the garden, you gain a growing space for cultivating strawberries in organic quality. In practice, the pot is hung on a lower branch of the tree and the ripe fruits then hang down from the pot.

We recommend these products:

• Smart pot Cobble
• Smart pot Cobble Trio
• Stylish Fency planters

What to read next?

• BioNova Veganics – fertilisers not only for vegans
• How do you save an overwatered plant?
• How do you choose a substrate?

If you have any questions about decorative and smart pots or would like to ask about the availability of hanging pots, please do not hesitate to contact us at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

In today’s article, you will learn what expanded clay, also known as hydroton, is and why it has become especially popular among growers involved in hydroponic plant cultivation.

• In growing practice, expanded clay appears in the form of balls or irregularly shaped granules made from expanded clay.
• The main advantage of all these clay balls and granules lies in their inert properties, so they are a growing medium that has no effect on pH or EC.
• You can also reuse really high-quality expanded clay, such as Plagron Euro Pebbles, without any problem, and even for several years! Of course, repeated use depends on regular cleaning of the substrate.
• Among the manufacturers of top-quality clay substrates are, in addition to the mentioned brand Plagron, also VitaLink and Canna (see below).
• VitaLink clay pebbles (pictured below) are characterised, compared with other products in this category, by a lower density while covering a larger area. They are exceptionally porous and retain water better (water retention capacity: 10%).

• The Czech manufacturer AGRO CS produces hydroton made from fired ceramic, with the clay first formed into balls and then fired at temperatures of 1,200 °C to obtain a strong and porous structure.
• For hydroponics or, for example, as a top decorative layer in a flowerpot, balls with a diameter of 8 to 16 mm are used.
• Expanded clay (hydroton) is also used as an additive to other substrates, especially soil mixes for self-watering pots from Autopot.
• Overall, expanded clay is excellent as a growing medium for all types of self-watering pots and planters, and you can also use it as a drainage layer if you grow plants in standard flowerpots.
• This inert medium is often used in recirculating hydroponic systems, such as the hydroponic systems Atami WILMA, because the plant takes only as many nutrients as it actually uses, which automatically leads to long-term savings on fertilisers and overall better nutrient management by the plant.

• If you are among experienced growers, you will certainly appreciate CANNA Aqua Clay Pebbles (the pack shown above) most of all among all hydroton packs - lightweight dried clay balls that allow you to influence nutrient application and plant moisture throughout the growing cycle. We recommend them for professional plant cultivation in closed hydroponic systems. There are also other advantages that every grower will appreciate:
  • low content of soluble salts
  • high permeability and airiness of the substrate
  • direct support for the development of the plant root system
  • an environment free from mould and diseases
  • neutral pH and stable values of solution electrical conductivity (EC)

• It is advisable to rinse CANNA Aqua Clay Pebbles before use.
• We recommend using this substrate in combination with Canna Aqua or Canna Hydro fertilisers.
• You will achieve even better growing results in combination with powerful supplements from the Canna brand. We recommend in particular the unique enzymatic preparation Cannazym, the root stimulator Rhizotonic, the flowering booster Cannaboost, or the supplementary fertiliser PK 13/14.
• Add the base nutrients to the watering solution from the first day, as expanded clay itself contains no nutrients.

Self-watering pots, more and less sophisticated hydroponic systems and ordinary flowerpots. Expanded clay (hydroton) is suitable for home and outdoor gardening, whether as the main growing medium or as practical drainage. If you would like advice on choosing products, simply write to the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

We recommend these products: 

• CANNA Aqua Clay Pebbles 45l (479 Kč)
• VitaLink Clay Pebbles (from 209 Kč)
• Plagron Euro Pebbles 45l (489 Kč)

What to read next? 

• What are the best fertilisers for hydroponics and how should they be used correctly?
• Avoid the most common mistakes when growing plants
• Growing under artificial lighting: HPS vs. LED

Quality substrates are among the basic prerequisites for a successful harvest. These are mixtures made on various bases, whether it is peat or, for example, crushed coconut fibres. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know before you put a specific growing medium into your basket. You will also learn what to enrich it with and how to improve soil properties for even higher yields.

First of all, you should clarify the answers to the basic questions that should certainly come before choosing the ideal growing medium, namely WHAT you will grow and WHERE you will grow it:

Do you want to grow herbs, fruit or vegetables in a growbox (indoor), in a greenhouse or in a garden bed in the garden (outdoor)?

In a grow tent, in a greenhouse, but also on a windowsill, you will use pots or planters. The standard ones, intended for hand watering, can be filled with soil or coconut coir, which combines the best of hydroponics and growing in soil. Coconut fibres can hold a great deal of water while maintaining a high level of airiness.

In addition to classic bags, you can also get practical compressed coconut briquettes. The pack contains compressed coconut fibres in a dehydrated state, which expand to the declared volume after watering, after which the substrate is ready for immediate use. The benefit of dried briquettes is long-term storage while preserving the original properties of the substrate, as well as easy handling of larger quantities of packs.

It should, however, be said that before using coconut substrate, it is better for the grower to have at least some experience, whereas soil mixes will also serve enthusiastic beginners well, as they allow a certain degree of tolerance for mistakes (in fertilising, watering, etc.). At the very beginning of the growing cycle, you also do not need to deal with nutrition, because peat mixes, often referred to simply as soil among growers, are divided according to nutrient content for the first weeks of the growing cycle into lightly, medium and heavily pre-fertilised substrates.

In the garden, a suitable substrate helps you cultivate the growing space and create a more favourable environment for plants or agricultural crops from seed to harvest.

If your intention is a BIO-quality harvest, use a 100% natural and certified soil mix. It contains, in an optimal ratio, premium white and black peat together with crushed and sieved compost. An important part of the composition of these mixes is also an inert component ensuring aeration of the substrate - perlite, which will be mentioned again in a moment.

Self-watering pots, such as Flo Gro, are filled with inert clay balls measuring 8-16 mm, also known as expanded clay (hydroton).

Expanded clay, like coconut substrates or perlite, belongs among the so-called inert media, which means that it contains absolutely no nutrients (unlike soil).

Perlite is most often used to improve soil properties or aerate substrates, whether coconut or soil mixes. These are white inert granules with a high water content, made from amorphous volcanic glass.

We will stay with inert growing media for a while longer. They find their greatest use especially in hydroponics thanks to their highly absorbent and retention properties. This “sterile” environment prevents plants from being attacked by pests or mould in advance.

Compared with soil, when using them it is necessary to continuously measure and regulate pH and EC values to prevent so-called plant burn or a reduction in the efficiency of fertiliser uptake.

A very popular inert medium is rockwool, also known as basalt wool. This substrate provides the root system of all plant species with a completely ideal ratio between water and air.

Its natural, 100% organic alternative is the increasingly popular Agra-Wool propagation cubes, made from Earthwool. In addition to being environmentally friendly, they help young plants root more easily. 

Houseplants and ornamental plants are best grown in a mix of light and dark peat, which contains nutrition for the first weeks of the growing cycle and humus.

Specialised mixes intended for the cultivation of houseplants usually have their pH adjusted with limestone.

Substrates intended for the cultivation of acid-loving plants contain almost no nutrients and have a neutral pH, so that one product can cover as many commonly grown species as possible.

Substrate can even be mixed by yourself. But it requires experience. Industrial substrates, which today you can easily obtain in a quality suitable even for professional growers at an affordable price, moreover provide not only significantly better results, but also a huge saving of time and energy, and above all the certainty of the purity of the resulting mix. That is truly important. Proven products do not contain weed seeds or pathogen spores. Your plants will therefore grow from the start in a favourable environment that suits them, and they will be able to fully “focus” on root development and overall growth.

Final tip: You will achieve the best results if you combine substrates with fertilisers, nutritional supplements and additives from the same brand!

We hope we have made choosing a substrate easier for you. There is truly plenty to choose from in our e-shop, so do not hesitate to write to us at any time and our specialists will be happy to recommend the ideal growing medium tailored to your needs and plans. We look forward to your questions at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

- Substrates
- Agrawool cubes
- Bionova soil mix

A root stimulator, or root booster, provides plants with substances that are important for their continued healthy development and vitality. The best root stimulators can work wonders. There is a very good reason for this. A healthy, well-developed root system maximises the likelihood of a generous, high-quality harvest. That is why experienced growers invest in supporting their plants’ roots from the very beginning of the growing cycle. The root ball can tell you a great deal about a plant’s condition, so this article explains not only which products support it effectively, but also what a healthy root system should look like.

First, let us answer the question of why you should use a root booster in the first place. Then we will take a closer look. What is a root stimulator good for?

• More healthy roots in less time! The development of new roots and root hairs has a fundamental effect on how effectively a plant can absorb nutrients.
• Without a healthy, strong root system, or root ball, your plants would never grow properly.
• Only healthy, strong roots that form a dense network can fulfil their primary function: absorbing water and nutrients. This applies to both the uptake of essential nutrients and other supporting substances supplied by various other additives in addition to root stimulators.
• This means that the healthier and stronger a young plant’s root system is, the better the flowers and fruit you will harvest at the end of the growing cycle.
• A root stimulator helps plants develop a larger root ball. A substantial root system, provided other conditions are met, allows plants to be grown at higher temperatures, as the roots supply enough water for the plant to evaporate and cool itself.

How can you recognise a healthy root system?

Visually, you can find the answer in the introductory image. When applied correctly, root stimulators from our range should have a positive effect on the health of your plants, provided they are watered correctly.

Would you like to know which visual signs to look for when checking whether a root system is healthy? Here are its characteristics:

• Fine, medium and large whitish roots.
• Fine roots should have even finer root hairs. 
• Roots should grow throughout the growing container, from the top right down to the bottom of the pot.

The first root stimulator worth mentioning is Shogun Katana Roots, which can ensure explosive root growth in your plants, regardless of your preferred growing medium. But it is not the only option. Other reputable manufacturers also produce high-quality root stimulators, so we will certainly look at a few more examples. Given how crucial the health and density of the root zone are to a plant’s overall development and final yields, it should already be clear that a high-quality root stimulator is one of the most important supplementary fertilisers.

Root stimulator as a supplementary fertiliser (additive)

For most leading brands, supporting plant roots is a specialised area in its own right. Most manufacturers (BioNova, Plagron, Canna, Advanced Nutrients, Biobizz, VitaLink and others) have one thing in common: they offer consumers and growers a specially developed product to effectively support root growth and root hairs, as a supplement to their base nutrients (N-P-K fertilisers). Another example is the proven root booster BioNova BN Roots.

Root stimulator as part of a complete nutrient programme

Some manufacturers, such as the Czech brand Jungle Indabox, offer growers a slightly different approach to feeding plants and, consequently, their roots. They produce a complete fertiliser consisting of just two base components, while also taking into account aspects such as root support and a bloom stimulator in the overall formulation.

It therefore comes down to each grower’s preferences and experience. Some of our customers swear by combining base nutrients, a root stimulator, a bloom stimulator and, where appropriate, other supplementary fertilisers from their favourite manufacturer. Others prefer the simplicity of an “all-in-one” fertiliser. One advantage of brands that offer a wide range of supplements to complement their proven base nutrients is the opportunity to try and combine specialist products gradually, to achieve a positive effect on plant yields. This may be just the thing for you, particularly if you enjoy experimenting.

The aim is always the same for every plant: to produce a large number of new, strong roots. This ability is also stimulated intensively by Biogreen X-Rooting, a high-quality supplement from the Netherlands containing all the essential organic amino acids and vitamins. You can use it regardless of which growing medium you use.

Root stimulator by growth stage

Using a root stimulator is clearly worthwhile from the very beginning of a plant’s development, when it is still weak and vulnerable; there is no doubt about that. Some manufacturers distinguish between root stimulators for the youngest plants or freshly germinated seeds, and root boosters for more established seedlings or well-rooted cuttings.

The British brand Growth Technology, for example, specialises in the early stages of plant development. It produces the root stimulator Clonex® Mist, available in a 100 ml pack or in a spray bottle with a capacity of 750 ml. This carefully formulated blend of amino acids and minerals is applied directly to the leaves and stems of cuttings several days after they have been taken. The product can also be applied to the leaves and stems of mother plants two to three days before taking cuttings. Independent testing in New Zealand demonstrated a 30% increase in root size and an impressive 156% increase in root numbers over a period of 10 days!

Root stimulator Plagron Start Up is often used during seed germination. As it is suitable for all types of soil, it can give your plants the perfect start in life whether you are growing in a grow tent, a greenhouse or outdoors in the garden.

OUR TIP: Plant roots are often highly susceptible to damage during transplanting. For root protection during transplanting, the same manufacturer offers Plagron Power Roots, which enhances the plant’s overall resilience.

Likewise, Grotek Kick Start maximises photosynthesis and provides the first essential dose of nutrients to the youngest plants during the initial growth stage.

Canna Rhizotonic is a long-standing favourite among root stimulators and has yet to disappoint a grower! Why? Because it is one of the products that meets the definition of a root stimulator to the letter, delivering everything you would expect: 

• Stimulates the formation of new roots.
• Speeds up root development. 
• Shortens the time needed for cuttings to root and seeds to germinate.
• Also helps revitalise plants weakened by stress.

RHIZOTONIC is a rich cocktail of water algae extracts, vitamins, minerals and other valuable substances for plant roots. It stimulates the formation of root meristems, which is linked to the growth of new roots and root hairs. As we have already explained, these are particularly important for nutrient absorption.

Root stimulator Advanced Nutrients Voodoo Juice is notable for its high concentration of beneficial microbes. It contains up to 50 million per litre. Combined with other beneficial substances, this increases root mass by up to 117%.

Organic root stimulators

As with the choice of base nutrients, a 100% natural composition suitable for growing herbs, fruit or vegetables to organic standards is the most important consideration for some growers.

• Canna meets this need with Canna BIO Rhizotonic, a purely organic product that combines a root stimulator and growth stimulator in one.
• T.A. Root Booster (G.O. BioRoot Plus) is a natural root stimulator, also suitable for seedlings and rooting cuttings.
• A lush root system without a trace of chemicals is also produced by Advanced Hydroponics Root Stimulator, which is well known among more experienced growers and enthusiasts of hydroponics.

Another purely natural product for ecological plant cultivation and the essential stimulation of their root systems is BioBizz Root Juice, whose formula relies primarily on a synergistic combination of humic acids and seaweed. If you are interested in comprehensive plant support, also read the separate article entitled Fulvic and humic acids: their role and use in plant nutrition.

Although roots are responsible for absorbing almost everything plants need to live, many growers still overlook them and do not use root stimulators. We hope that, after reading this article, you will not be one of them.

If you decide to use a root stimulator, which we can wholeheartedly recommend, it is best to choose one from the same fertiliser brand you already use to ensure compatibility. We will be happy to advise you on choosing and combining specific products. Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions using our usual email address info@higarden.eu.

We also recommend these products:

• Gold Label Roots
• Advanced Nutrients B-52
• Atami B’cuzz Root Stimulator

What to read next:

• Organics Nutrients: a natural way to achieve high yields
• How to grow in a greenhouse
• How to grow outdoors

Plastic pots are a cheaper and proven classic. In cultivation practice, however, we sometimes encounter situations where the lower price is offset by poorer yields, and that is naturally no longer worth it. Read on to find out when it pays to buy trendy textile growing containers!

Whether you are engaged in indoor plant cultivation, that is, at home in a grow tent, or outdoor, that is, outdoors in soil and in the sun, textile pots offer several advantages when growing medicinal herbs, vegetables and fruit bushes.

• Eco-friendly textile pots allow universal use not only regardless of the type of plants grown, as mentioned right at the beginning, but also with any growing medium and fertiliser. They work perfectly with coconut substrates, soil mixes, and you will also be delighted if you belong among supporters of hydroponics, as they have no problem with drip irrigation or some hydroponic systems, such as EBB & FLOW.
• In the past, in addition to the lower price, another advantage of conventional plastic pots was the possibility of choosing from an endless number of shapes and sizes. That is no longer the case, because nowadays, both here and everywhere else where gardening supplies for plant cultivation are sold, you can get textile pots in a wide range of designs from a whole series of renowned manufacturers. Would you prefer a textile pot with handles or without? Small, medium, large, or even huge for a more substantial shrub? And what about the colour? After all, you will be able to wash it after use and use it again for the next growing cycle, so the choice matters.

• The greater the access of oxygen to plant roots, the better the yield! This equation applies across growing activities. So, to answer the question in the heading, you can prefer textile pots practically whenever you care about harvest quality.
• Another answer is: if you are just starting out and water your plants by hand. Plastic pots are unforgiving, especially black ones, if you expose them to sunlight or an intense source of artificial lighting. Enthusiastic beginner growers, as we have written many times before, tend to overwater their first plants. Substrate in a plastic pot stays too wet, is prone to mould or pest infestations and, even worse if it is black, attracts light like a magnet and overheats. Textile pots allow enthusiastic beginners to reduce the risk of overwatering to a minimum because they let excess water out of the root zone and are thus able to save many a plant and perhaps even other efforts of promising growers in the first days and weeks.
• Since we have mentioned the root system, whose healthy development is the alpha and omega of a successful harvest, we must not forget other proven facts. How else do textile growing containers help its development?
• They support the process of optimal root branching.
• They prevent undesirable circular tangling of roots and rootlets.
• They protect the root system against the effects of UV radiation.

• The risk of overheating is taken care of thanks to the quality textile, but you may also be surprised by the fact that by using textile pots, including repeatedly after washing, you support plants during transplanting, when they must cope with considerable stress.
• The same applies if a plant is damaged by frost.
• Plants grown in a textile pot do not need watering as often as plants grown in a plastic growing container.
• We must not forget the increasingly discussed ecological sustainability either. This added value of textile pots in itself represents another answer to the question of when and why to use them. In this respect, Root Pouch pots stand out in particular, as do textile pots from other brands, which are usually made from recycled materials. However, to be completely objective, not all textile pots are 100% biodegradable.
• Finally, we have purely practical reasons:
• Considerably easier transport and handling than in the case of rigid plastic pots. Textile ones can simply be folded, so they are much more compact to store.
• You can forget about the degradation of growing containers.

Growers who have tried textile pots in practice have already been convinced that this is a worthwhile purchase both for the owner and for the environment on the planet. You can buy them from as little as 19 Kč. Your growing costs will decrease with long-term use of textile pots, but for the reasons we have explained in this article, you can probably look forward to higher yields. If you would like to ask us anything, or need advice on choosing or using specific products, do not hesitate to contact us at the well-known e-mail address info@higarden.eu.

We also recommend these products: 

• Root pouch Boxer brown, non-degradable, 8 l, 21x21cm (59 Kč)
• PLANT!T round textile pot DirtPot 37 l (115 Kč)
• ProPot Wall 12 - textile wall pot with 12 pockets (699 Kč)

What to read next? 

• Jungle Indabox maximises the benefits of chelate binding
• Introducing vertical hydroponic systems NFT
• Trichoderma, or the natural way to a rich and healthy harvest

Grow organically! How can you secure a harvest of BIO quality? Nothing complicated. Just avoid synthetic fertilisers and replace chemical plant protection products with purely organic ones. We bring useful tips and information for indoor and outdoor growers and, indeed, for all supporters of ecological agriculture. Vegans will also find something of interest, so read on!

Plants and produce of BIO quality have an exceptional aroma and taste. As they say, it is simply on another level. The same applies to the content of valuable substances, such as vitamins, which benefit your health.

When growing at home in a grow box or greenhouse, you have BIO quality firmly in your own hands from the very beginning, immediately.

It is important to note that if you are growing in a garden where you have previously used a certain amount of chemicals, you must expect that it will take some time before all natural processes are fully restored in the soil. In such a case, it is advisable to use garden compost as a source of organic matter.

Ecological growing with respect for Mother Nature is becoming an increasingly trendy matter. For growers around the world, it also brings a number of benefits, led by the higher nutritional value of harvested herbs and crops.

Organic fertilisers

If you want to show your friends a harvest of BIO quality and truly enjoy it, do not make compromises. Use only high-quality certified organic fertilisers. Such products do not contain pesticides, artificial fragrances, colourings, or preservatives. You will also find them in our range, and you can recognise them easily from the name alone, as in the case of the 100% natural fertilisers from the BIOCANNA range.

TIP: 100% VEGAN

Fertilisers from the BioNova Veganics range for the growth phase and for the flowering phase will fully satisfy all growers - vegans.

Organic substrates

If you decide to take the path of ecological agriculture, choose your substrates accordingly. There is enormous interest, for example, in the lightly pre-fertilised soil substrate from the BioNova brand, which belongs among the absolute organic elite!

For interest, this ecological soil mix from the BioNova brand is so popular among growers that the manufacturer cannot keep up with printing the classic packaging as shown in the image above, and therefore replaces it with white bags, which it compensates for with a lower price. BioNova is selling like hot cakes. At Higarden.cz, this is further reinforced by the fact that for all substrates in our range we guarantee a 10% discount when purchasing 50 pcs and free pallet transport throughout the country when purchasing at least 20 pcs.

Organic additives and plant protection

It is clear at what pace the popularity of “ECO-friendly” products and activities is growing. It is therefore easy for growers to choose, in addition to suitable fertilisers and substrates, also a booster or root stimulator that meets their standards. A good stimulator can moreover breathe life even into plants that have suffered stress and are not doing particularly well.

Within ecological growing, you do not need to restrict yourself in any way (nor would it be advisable) when it comes to plant protection against diseases and pests. It can be done without chemicals!

Did you know that you can also use a bio pesticide? Alongside other excellent products from the BioNova brand, this highly effective cleaning product also has its place in our assortment.

TIP: BIO ALL INCLUSIVE

If you are preparing for your first growing cycle without using chemical or even animal products, you can simplify your selection within the categories above and try organic growing through a value set that contains all the products you need before you harvest the first fruits of your purely organic effort.

If you have just decided to begin, nature will be grateful to you, and you can already look forward to the unique essence of your own BIO food. Do not hesitate to consult us, perhaps via the well-known address info@higarden.eu, so that you have ecological growing under control and it becomes a source of fulfilment and joy for you. We are here for you!

- BioNova soil mix
- 100% natural BioNova Veganics fertilisers
- Biocanna
- BIO plant protection
- Biocanna Rhizotonic

In short, basic fertilisers are those that contain the essential nutrients. In today’s article, we will look at which ones are available and answer a common question: how do you choose the right one from the vast number of bottles on offer?

What are essential nutrients?

Essential nutrients are those that plants need in large quantities. They are therefore also known as macronutrients. These nutrients are absolutely necessary; without them, plants grow slowly or die completely.

Where do plants get essential nutrients from?

The most basic elements that plants need, namely carbon (C), oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H), they obtain from the air and water. They obtain the rest through their roots from the soil. To help them grow better, we add fertilisers, mainly the primary macronutrients known by the abbreviation NPK, namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

Essential nutrients also include secondary macronutrients, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S), which are present in fertilisers in smaller amounts because they are usually available in sufficient quantities from the substrate – naturally, unless you are growing hydroponically.

How do basic fertilisers differ from one another?

Fertiliser manufacturers design nutrition so that it matches the plant’s needs as closely as possible. They take into account different stages of development, plant species, and their own experience. Every manufacturer has its own approach to cultivation and experience from tests (sometimes even its own scientific laboratory!), which is why fertiliser brands differ so much from one another.

1. According to the growth stage

Fertilisers are often tailored to the developmental stage. For beginners, the simplest are universal fertilisers for growth and bloom (you use two or three components at once) or single-component ones for growth and bloom (you first use one component for growth and then the second component for bloom). Multi-component fertilisers divide nutrition into four bottles (two for growth and two for bloom), so you can adjust it precisely according to the genetics being grown and the surrounding environment.

• Fertilisers for growth

Growth fertilisers contain more nitrogen, which plants need in greater quantities during the vegetative phase than at other times. Such fertilisers are usually labelled as the Grow component (Eng. “growth”). Growth fertiliser is also available in two components, marked Grow A and Grow B, because some compounds do not mix well in one bottle - more in the separate article.

• Fertilisers for bloom

Bloom fertilisers contain more potassium and phosphorus to support flowering and ripening. They are usually labelled as Bloom (Eng. “bloom”). Just like growth fertilisers, these can also be divided into A and B components.

• Universal fertilisers

They contain everything a plant needs during the cultivation cycle. The dosage changes according to the current stage the crop is in. Such fertilisers are usually in two bottles, A+B, or even three, most often labelled Grow, Bloom and Micro.

• Fertilisers for cuttings and seedlings

Fertilisers for the youngest plants are usually less concentrated to avoid overfertilisation.

2. According to the growing method

The growing method significantly affects plant needs, so there are fertilisers for soil substrates, coco, hydroponics and aeroponics. For example, in coco plants often lack calcium and magnesium, so fertilisers contain more of these elements. Hydroponic fertilisers tend to be more concentrated because plants cannot take nutrients from the substrate.

Some fertilisers are universal or can be used in more than one method. For example, the world-famous Dutch Formula from Advanced Hydroponics is intended mainly for hydroponics, but at half doses it also works very well in coco or soil.

 3. According to composition

• Mineral fertilisers

These are the most widely used fertilisers today. They contain artificially created compounds, optimised to suit plants as well as possible and to be absorbed well. Mineral fertiliser is effective, concentrated and you usually know exactly what is in it. It does not spoil in a nutrient solution tank.

• Organic fertilisers

Organic fertilisers contain extracts from natural substances. They are closer to what a plant would naturally encounter. We recommend them especially for beginners, because with organics it is almost impossible to overfertilise. They are often suitable for ecological or at least more ecological cultivation, but you cannot use them in hydro.

• Bio-mineral fertilisers

They combine the best of organic and mineral fertilisers. The ingredients must be carefully selected, because some mineral substances can actually do more harm than good to the organic ones.

4. According to form

• Liquid fertilisers

A complete classic of home gardening. The fertiliser is in a bottle and is diluted with water, which is then used to water the plants. Such fertilisers work immediately and higher doses lead to overfertilisation, so it is necessary to dose carefully and regularly.

• Solid fertilisers

Solid fertilisers are usually loose or in tablet form. They are either mixed into water or added directly to the substrate. They release nutrients gradually; one tablet can last for several months. 

So which fertiliser is the best?

The comprehensive description above is meant to help you ask and answer four questions, based on which you will choose the right fertiliser.

1. Do you prefer more or fewer components? In which vegetative stage is the plant?
2. What are you growing in, and how are you growing the plant?
3. Do you prefer organic or mineral fertiliser?
4. Do you want to fertilise regularly or only once or twice?

The choice of a specific brand then depends on your personal experience or preferences. From the Higarden team, we recommend the single-component nutrition from BioNova, which is available in versions for soil, hydroponics and aeroponics. Their range also includes a special fertiliser for autoflowering plants. If, on the other hand, you are interested in the simplicity of solid fertilisers, you certainly cannot go wrong with BioTabs. For coco substrates, we recommend the excellent nutrition from Shogun and, as for hydroponics, Advanced Nutrients or Terra Aquatica stand out.

The range of fertilisers is truly extensive. We will be happy to help you find your way around it and find a fertiliser that suits you perfectly. Just contact us at info@higarden.eu.

We recommend:

• Biotabs Tablets
• BioNova Veganics Grow
• Canna Coco A+B

Further articles:

• What stages does a plant go through and what are the specifics?
• How to fertilise correctly?
• NPK - what is it?