Hy-Grow Organics offers alternatives

The concept of hydroponics — using mineral nutrient solutions in water to grow vegetation — has been around for 60 years.
In 1950, scientists experimented with soil-less gardening. Now, Houlton has a store that has the supply and knowledge to help people grow organically without using soil. However, Hy-Grow Organics offers both organic and synthetic products.
Hy-Grow Organics, owned by Bill McCluskey and Stephen “Bink” Porter, is located at 355 North Road.
“We have stocked everything to get someone started in hydroponics,” said McCluskey. “You can grow hydroponically outside, but it is usually done inside or in a greenhouse.”
There are many benefits to learning to grow hydroponically, including it can be done year-round. McCluskey noted the growth rate of vegetation, as a tomato or pepper plant can be grown under lights in two months or less from its fruit or flower stage. The growth rate is typically 30 to 50 percent faster than a soil plant grown in the same conditions. Nearly all tomatoes are grown hydro in greenhouses for fresh consumption. And, people usually get a bigger yield in a shorter amount of time, he added.
Hy-Grow Organics stocks fertilizers, nutrients, soil amendments — the more popular reusable cocoa fiber (coconut husk) and the more durable clay pellets (which can be rinsed and reused time after time) —  hydro net pots; fabric pots or smart pots, ballast, reflectors from the basic lights to the more industrial and designer, as well as fans, timers, greenhouse light controllers, pH meters to full hydroponic kits.
Hy-Grow opened in April and McCluskey has been pleased with the volume of interest from the community.
“It has been a pleasant surprise that people are growing hydroponics in the area and that others are interested in organic hydroponics,” McCluskey added.
“In the fall, Hy-Grow Organics will have an expert coming to teach people more about hydroponics.
“We will be growing [vegetation] with hydroponics in-house so people can come in and see the actual process and ask questions,” McCluskey explained.
Hy-Grow Organics is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information call 232-7421.