VividGro

On November 20th, the CDC released a massive recall of all romaine lettuce in the United States. Citing e. coli contamination with an undetermined source, the recall affected consumers nationwide. Not limited to specific brands or lot numbers, the contamination caused fifty-two known infections and nineteen hospitalizations across fifteen states. Additionally, eighteen people have been […]

According to the latest statistics by the USDA’s Farm Household Income and Characteristics, women comprised only about twelve percent of principal farm operators. While this number is low, it represents a significant increase from just five percent twenty-five years ago. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, female farmers face less access to funding, education and […]

Is it called cilantro, or coriander? First, let’s clear up some confusion: unlike many herbs, all parts of the coriander plant are useful, but the terminology can be confusing. The seeds, either used whole or ground, are called coriander. The leaves are called cilantro, and provide a strong, fresh flavor. In addition, the tiny, white […]

Parsley has spent too much time banished to the side of the plate as a garnish. There are two types, and choosing the correct one is essential: curly parsley has a far more interesting visual texture, but lacks flavor, making it perfect for use as a garnish. Flat or Italian parsley is the type most […]

For a long time, indoor growers have used the standard light bulb – T5 fluorescent bulbs – in their grow rooms. They’ve faced challenges caused by the bulbs, including high cooling costs, frequent replacement and repair costs due to fragility and short lifespan, and burned vegetation. If you’re an indoor farmer, you’re reading this and […]

Basil is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes from the temperate zones of europe to Central Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. It brings cooling, fresh flavor to food and healing properties to those who enjoy it. Basil Fights Free Radicals and Supports the Immune System Because basil contains phytochemicals, water soluble flavonoids called orientin […]

Mint is both common and more complicated than we think. The plant is extremely hardy; a single clipping can be sprouted in a small amount of water or planted directly in soil and will grow large enough to take over entire beds. It reproduces and spreads so readily in fact, that in some areas it […]

Many people aren’t aware of the difference between green onions and chives, beyond size. More slim than green onions, chives also have a more delicate flavor, making them preferable in dishes with mild flavors, such as egg dishes, mashed potatoes, and sauces. There are four varieties used in cooking: common, giant Siberian, garlic, and Siberian […]

Often confused with cilantro, parsley is generally a deeper green, it’s lacy leaves are often larger and flatter, and its scent is far more mild. Although many consider parsley to be a garnish, it is a central component to many European and Middle Eastern dishes. Hot tip The light, peppery flavor of parsley is perfect […]

We have all heard the maxim, “Stop and smell the roses.” Turns out, science agrees. The practice of mindfulness, the active effort to slow down, take notice and find enjoyment in the goodness all around, can have a very real impact on stress levels and overall health. Done even in small ways, like noticing a […]

We’ve heard the phrase, “The children are our future,” so many times that it’s become a cliché. But clichés happen for a reason: they’re true! The best way to ensure the ability of our planet for the long run depends the environmental awareness of our children in ecosystems, our role, and our responsibility. Environmental Awareness […]

Ah, preschoolers. They’re no longer toddlers, but they’re not quite big kids yet, either. While they are branching out, exploring the world and their place in it, they are still dependent on support and guidance. That’s why gardening can boost your preschooler’s development in a fun and interesting way.   Below are areas of typical […]

Fungus gnats, scale, whiteflies, spider mites, ants… there are a wide variety of creepy crawlies that can affect your indoor plants – and make having plants indoors at all downright unpleasant. Here are some safe, natural remedies that can help keep your potted plants, indoor garden or greenhouse happy and healthy. Soapy Water Probably one […]

Russell, from Sweet Heaven Nursery, grows orchids in Arlington, WA using our VividGro PAR LED grow lights and is experiencing amazing results!  Here is what Russell has to say: “I have tried so many lights and bulbs for my orchids and nothing has come close to the VividGro bulbs. Not only do they provide great […]

Check out this great looking vertical wall grown with the VividGro PAR Grow Lights brought to you by Vertical Landscape Architects located in Toronto, Canada. “The living wall is doing really well. There is good new growth, minimal die off and minimal drying out of the plants located at the top nearest the lights.”

The idea that plants need exposure to daylight for perfect growing conditions has persisted during the sustained growth of urban farming in the past half-decade. But, as numerous researchers (and an increasingly large amount of growers) are starting to realize, the concept of sunlight as a necessity is, in fact, a flat out myth. Why […]

Basil, also known as the “King of herbs”, has been cultivated in a diverse array of growing conditions for several millennia. It is also one of the most popular plants grown in urban farms across the world. In this article we will discuss a bit of the history of basil, some of its distinguishing characteristics, […]

Despite the increasing popularity of modern LED grow lights, there are still plenty of questions, mysteries, myths, and uncertainties surrounding this innovative lighting solution. So, to shed light on the topic, here is a LED FAQ that will hopefully satisfy the most inquiring minds. Do LED Grow Lights Enhance Crop Growth? Yes, for two reasons: […]

Indoor plants bring a home to life, while creating jaw-dropping aesthetic wow? What were once a few leafy stems sprouting from grim clay pots are now becoming elaborate and clever designs. Today, with the added help of LED grow lights, anything and everything goes when it comes to creative, exciting houseplant displays. If you can […]

The popularity of LED grow lights is climbing at a brisk pace. The reason for the rapidly increasing acceptance of these bulbs boils down to one critical factor – results. When stacked up against other types of indoor electric lighting solutions, LED grow lights outperform the competition in a number of key areas. One of […]

Myths belong to sea monsters and fire-breathing dragons, right? Not if you look at the world of modern LED grow lights. Here, fantastic stories abound, most of them so unsubstantiated that they defy explanation. Three of these myths are particularly well-entrenched in the mindset of many contemporary plant growers. And so in the interest of […]

Gardeners Warm Up to LED Grow Lights As one of the prime components of photosynthesis, light is critical for plant growth. Generally, this nourishing illumination emanates from the sun. But if you’re an indoor plant, golden rays are a little hard to come by. For this variety, electric light is the best and often only […]

What’s more important to artistic design – form or function? Is it better to please the viewer or satisfy a practical need? Artists and art lovers have been divided over this question for ages. Does one exclude the other? Not necessarily. Many artists have discovered a gratifying intersection between the two poles. In their hands, […]

In our Spotlight Series, we give the mic to people who have had unique experiences with their LED light bulbs. In today’s  feature, a couple recounts their experience with an underachieving plant.  It was just one of those house plants you grab from the grocery store. All leaves. And ready to sprout flowers galore. My wife […]

It’s that time of year and Earth Day is staring us all right in the face. We hear words being thrown around like “be more sustainable” but what are we supposed to do? Adding solar panels to a home or buying a hybrid vehicle are huge investments and, I don’t know about any of you, but […]

VividGro® V2 LED Grow Fixture is one of the most effective LED grow fixtures in the horticulture industry.  It is suitable for both do-it-yourself growers as well as large scale commercial growers across a large range of applications. The VividGro® V2 LED Grow fixtures bring remarkable results in greenhouses, indoor commercial growing facilities, and the fast-growing cannabis industry […]