A method alters genetic material of a plant, which is capable of growing flower buds, when grown from soil and in an atmosphere. The method includes modifying the soil to have a pH below 7.0. The method also includes the step of eliminating free oxygen in the atmosphere when the flower buds of the plant become visible.

A method alters genetic material of a plant, which is capable of growing flower buds, when grown from soil and in an atmosphere. The method includes modifying the soil to have a pH below 7.0. The method also includes the step of eliminating free oxygen in the atmosphere when the flower buds of the plant become visible.

A substrate comprised of a gel on a wire or mesh scaffolding may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity and/or adherence to the scaffolding. Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the substrate. The substrate may be used as part of a grow wall in an aeroponics plant growth system.

A substrate comprised of a gel on a wire or mesh scaffolding may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity and/or adherence to the scaffolding. Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the substrate. The substrate may be used as part of a grow wall in an aeroponics plant growth system.

A gel plug comprised of a gel may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the gel plug.

A gel plug comprised of a gel may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the gel plug.

A method of manufacturing an expanded granular material comprises: forming a mixture comprising a silicate material, an alkali compound and water; curing the mixture to form a solid precursor; crushing and/or milling the solid precursor to form an expandable granular material; and heating the granular material to form an expanded granular material.

A method of manufacturing an expanded granular material comprises: forming a mixture comprising a silicate material, an alkali compound and water; curing the mixture to form a solid precursor; crushing and/or milling the solid precursor to form an expandable granular material; and heating the granular material to form an expanded granular material.

A synthetic growing media, such as for a hydroponic growing system, includes a plastic body having multiple legs pointing in different directions. One or more of the legs has a bulbous tip. A synthetic growing medium comprising an aggregate of synthetic growing media and hydroponic system for plant cultivation are also disclosed.

A synthetic growing media, such as for a hydroponic growing system, includes a plastic body having multiple legs pointing in different directions. One or more of the legs has a bulbous tip. A synthetic growing medium comprising an aggregate of synthetic growing media and hydroponic system for plant cultivation are also disclosed.