The present invention relates to the cultivation (preferably indoor) of Hydrangea species for increased production of phyllodulcin and the provision of a plant material, preferably a dried plant material, having an increased content of phyllodulcin.

A pasture grass substrate includes a dry material and water. The dry material includes pasture grasses, corncobs and rice brans. The weight ratio of the pasture grasses in the dry material is from 55% to 75%. The weight ratio of the corncobs in the dry material is from 20% to 30%. The weight ratio of the rice brans in the dry material is from 5% to 15%. The incubating methods of mushrooms are also disclosed.

A pasture grass substrate includes a dry material and water. The dry material includes pasture grasses, corncobs and rice brans. The weight ratio of the pasture grasses in the dry material is from 55% to 75%. The weight ratio of the corncobs in the dry material is from 20% to 30%. The weight ratio of the rice brans in the dry material is from 5% to 15%. The incubating methods of mushrooms are also disclosed.

The present invention includes a material and method of installing a construction material for dry or arid climates, comprising: a growth media comprising an abiotic porous material and activated charcoal such as biochar; and at least one of a compost, grain hulls and nut shells, wherein plants in the material are able to survive without exogenous water for use in areas comprising at least one of Aw, BS, BW, Csa, Csb, Ds or Dw climates according to the Koppen-Geiger climate classification.

Described is a hydroponic system wherein a feed formulation comprising a plant's nutritionally required mineral nutrients is applied to the foliage of the plant and the roots of the plant are in contact with an incomplete water solution that may comprise only hydrogen and oxygen. The feed formulation, methods of feeding a plant or plant seed, and plants produced thereby are also described.

A hydroponic substrate includes a three-dimensional self-supporting, vertically stable fibrous body having an inner portion including a first fiber density and an outer crust portion including densified fiber having a second fiber density, the second fiber density being different than the first fiber density, the inner portion and the outer crust portion forming horizontal and vertical liquid pathways structured to distribute liquid throughout the body.

A hydroponic substrate includes a three-dimensional self-supporting, vertically stable fibrous body having an inner portion including a first fiber density and an outer crust portion including densified fiber having a second fiber density, the second fiber density being different than the first fiber density, the inner portion and the outer crust portion forming horizontal and vertical liquid pathways structured to distribute liquid throughout the body.

A coir pot for indoor horticultural applications having an inner surface wherein the inner surface is at least partially covered with a coating layer, wherein said coating layer comprises at least a crosslinked latex, clay and a non-ionic surface-active agent, wherein the weight-ratio of crosslinked latex to clay is between 3:1 and 1:1.

A coir pot for indoor horticultural applications having an inner surface wherein the inner surface is at least partially covered with a coating layer, wherein said coating layer comprises at least a crosslinked latex, clay and a non-ionic surface-active agent, wherein the weight-ratio of crosslinked latex to clay is between 3:1 and 1:1.

An absorption medium includes compressed coir particles having been compressed from an uncompressed state at a volume to volume ratio of greater than 3:1, but less than 15:1, and having been ground to a grind size of 1/25 inches to inch.