Chris Bond
Certified Permaculture Designer, Nursery Technician, Nursery Professional
Chris Bond’s research interests are with sustainable agriculture, biological pest control, and alternative growing methods. He is a certified permaculture designer and certified nursery technician in Ohio and a certified nursery professional in New York, where he got his start in growing.
With cannabis regulations in the U.S. still being written, debated, and changed seemingly on a whim, it is critical to stay current on the ever-evolving law.
Chris Bond details how to identify and correct toxicity issues that can ultimately destroy a plant or an entire crop.
Finding the right mycorrhizae for cannabis and employing properly will set your plants on the right track for big, healthy buds.
Knowing some basics about what fertilizers to use and when to use them will help ensure you give your plants just what they need at the right time.
Chris Bond explores how LEDs have changed over the past 10 years and what the future looks like for these energy saving grow lights.
Instead of just looking at profits, a fruitful cannabis producer will also consider how their business model impacts society and the environment.
With quality products and trained staff, cannabis dispensaries will get high scores on any secret shopper review.
While cannabis is becoming more and more accepted throughout society, it’s medicinal uses have long been touted by people suffering from a variety of ailments.
Triacontanol has shown to really improve yields in all plants, but some are skeptical about its use. it the panacea some make it out to be?
When word got around about how well Fohse’s LED cannabis grow lights work, folks at The Grove in Nevada took notice.
Your plants don’t know the difference between organic and chemical nutrients, but you should.
Instead of throwing out that toasty already vaped bud (AVB), here’s what you can do with it.
A look at the selection and care of plant pruning equipment, as well as how to take cuttings.
While it may be tempting to take out the shears and hack away with abandon, read this article first to learn the when’s and how’s of pruning.
When the innovative team at Fohse saw a gap in the grow light market for cannabis plants, they seized the opportunity and ran with it.
Testing cannabis throughout the different stages of its preparation is crucial to avoid mold, microbes and other harmful matters.
There are some crops that just do better in hydro systems, and some that you'll want to avoid even trying to grow.
Chris Bond helps you get started with a DIY pallet planter project.
A high-quality cannabis remediator can ensure product quality and help protect your health.
The importance of root health for cannabis plants can’t be understated. If you want big buds, you need thriving roots.
While it doesn’t get the same scrutiny as powdery mildew, downy mildew can become just as devastating on your plants.
Chris Bond explores some of the methods being used to ensure cannabis products on the market meet expectations.
With several different oil products coming from cannabis and hemp plants, it can be challenging telling what’s what and the benefits of each oil type.
Chris Bond cites the latest studies on how cannabis affects the teenage brain.
Many of the benefits of autodosing are self-evident while others are more discreet.
Tailoring your fertilizer program to meet the unique needs of your plants and soils is not only possible, it is easier than you might think.
The cannabis research field is abuzz with the news that two new cannabinoids have been discovered and isolated.
Seasoned cannabis cultivators looking for large yields and a quick growth cycle might want to consider aquaponics.
Chris Bond explains the chelation process and why it’s key for healthy plants and crops.
Starting with seed selection, Chris Bond elaborates on what’s needed to grow healthy hemp plants for crop production.
Purogen's TheBOX, brought to you by GreenBroz, is one of the industry's best products for ensuring total quality control. Using organic mold remediation technology,...
Whether or not to flush is not the question. This is as true for your personal bathroom habits as it is for your hydroponic system — flushing is a must.
For those who opt for a cut or living Christmas tree during the holiday season, the care and culture of the tree while it is indoors is critical for its prolonged use,...
We all want faster germination and better performance from our seeds. What if there was an emerging technology that could do that, plus improve the storage time of seeds...
Plenty of research and money is being invested in isolating and extracting terpenes from cannabis plants. Chris Bond details what terpenes are, how they’re extracted,...
With solar cells dropping in price and battery systems improving all the time, there are considerable benefits to looking at alternative energy sources for your growing...
Long gone the days of sorting cannabis flowers by hand! By using a trimming machine, you can gain even more each month by maximizing efficiency...
Turns out two of the most essential amendments gardeners can have in their growth arsenal are humic and fulvic acids. Read on to see the numerous ways these nutrients...
There several ways to extract compounds from the cannabis plant. Chris Bond reviews some of the key extraction methods plus the benefits and pitfalls that come with them.
All plants, including cannabis, require certain essential nutrients to grow healthy, strong, and productive. Grow the most fruitful cannabis plants with the right...
Plants have evolved their own natural defense systems to fight pests and disease.
Beneficial insects for pest control can supplement or replace the use of insecticides.
Bone meal, made from ground-up animal bones, is an organic source of phosphorus and calcium, and it also contains trace amounts of nitrogen and potassium. Here’s the low...
Looking for a cannabis strain to achieve better focus and mental acuity? Try one of these 8 cannabis strains to help you find your focus.
Lighting is easily controlled in a greenhouse, but outdoor growers can be at a severe disadvantage when it comes to photoperiod development. That's where autof
Chris Bond looks at some of the lesser known cannabinoids and what known properties they have.
Sometimes, outdoor growers aren't patient enough to wait for some of the longest cannabis strains to flower. Here are nine fast-flowering strains to consider.
One of the oldest forms of cannabis, hashish has a long, long history after becoming popular in the Middle East more than 1,000 years ago. There are many ways to make...
When it comes to dealing with pests on cannabis plants, the best way to go is using an all-natural pesticide. Chris Bond examines the different types of natural...
Aphids, whiteflies and thrips are three of the most common pests of indoor growing areas. Here are some solutions for controlling them.
When it comes to extraction, the name of the game is purity. With new technology and methodology, PolyScience and Summit Research are teaming up to create the ultimate...
Summit Research is one of the many distributors providing the testing and feedback, so when PolyScience rolls out a product it is assured it can handle anything the real...
By improving on past designs and incorporating environmental responsibility, the team at PolyScience is moving things forward in cannabis extraction.
Roots play an integral part in plant survival, whether it’s as an anchor or providing life-sustaining water and nutrients. Chris Bond explores just how roots do their...
The baby boomer generation once used marijuana as a form of protest and rebellion. With raising families and careers now behind them, many are returning to the plant,...
Beer and Weed have more in common than you’d think, and commercial brewers are even starting to combine them into one glorious product.
Chris Bond sourced the latest reports to provide a snapshot of how cannabis can affect us for better or for worse.
For those wondering about the stages a marijuana plant undergoes as it grows from seed to potent bud, Chris Bond breaks it down by detailing what to expect from each...
No matter what crop or plant you’re growing, healthy and strong roots are the foundation for maximum yields. Chris Bond breaks down how phosphorus and potassium each...
Selecting the right ballast for your grow set-up can be a daunting task with many variables to consider. But if you follow Chris Bond’s ballast breakdown, it won’t be...
Greenhouses are often verdant oases of lush, flowering plants of all kinds. They are often a treat for the senses when visited during colder and darker months. How...
Physicians are still advised to counsel against cannabis-based medication as a first response, but as research increases, evidence shows cannabis does reduce pain.
Plants are more likely to thrive in a clean environment. Make it your goal this spring to carry out these simple sanitary measures in your greenhouse, and start the...
Are hemp and marijuana the same or are they different things? The truth is somewhere in the middle. Chris Bond takes the time to lay it out for us.
Just a few generations ago, cannabis was widely used as medicine in North America to treat numerous ailments. By the early 1930s a tax on cannabis made its use...
Depending on what crop you want to grow in your greenhouse, the type of material that covers the structure is very important for promoting photosynthesis.
Cases of rashes, hypersensitivity, and even anaphylaxis due to contact with cannabis pollen, plants, or smoke are on the rise.
A reverse osmosis system can help keep unwanted contaminants, pesticides and bacteria out of your grow system. Chris Bond explains how the process works and offers up...
Knowing that there are male and female flowers on marijuana plants is important for the successful cultivation of cannabis.
If you're looking to start growing your own marijuana, the first place to start is with the seed. What should you look for? How can you tell a good cannabis seed from a...
Once you've grown your bud, you have to harvest and trim. Trimming can be done either wet or dry. What does it mean, and why does it matter? We take a look at
Soil is a combination of materials, and the percentage of these in relation to each other can have a big impact on how your garden functions. How do you figure out what...
Cannabis can be grown successfully in soil, soilless media or hydroponically. Consider some of the pros, cons and tips to each method before jumping the gun and making...
Many of the same pest species that are the bane of greenhouse and field growers of traditional crops can affect cannabis crops just as easily.
Like every crop, cannabis has its own sweet spot when it comes to the optimal levels of nutrients, EC, and pH. Here's how to get the most out of it.
People sing to their plants… but does it work? Chris Bond separates the fact from fiction in this matter by looking at the science.
If you have ever grown a houseplant, you can grow greens. Chris Bond goes through some of the different locales and tricks to try to make the best of what you have.
Growing your own weed for the first time can be an exciting and overwhelming process. We take a look at what you should consider before you purchase your first
Throughout a majority of the 20th century, most institutions shied away from conducting cannabis research. That, however, is changing.
Getting started using hydroponics to grow cannabis can be tricky. Here are ten tips to make it a little bit easier.
Many in the cannabis community talk about the entourage effect, but what is it exactly and is there proof that such a thing exists? Chris Bond explains.
Running a business is hard; running a cannabis business is harder. Scaling up said cannabis business, however, is fraught with even more challenges. Chris Bond runs us...
Interveinal chlorosis is a yellowing of the leaf, but with a distinct difference from simple chlorosis; the veins of the leaf remain green.
You've decided to grow something, but have you thought about what you're going to grow it in? Today, we look at 5 different options, and the benefits to each.
There can be confusion sometimes when growers talk about nutrients. Our own Chris Bond takes us through the differences, and when we should be using them.
The effects of edibles often takes longer to realize than with other methods of cannabis consumption. As such, it is easy to consume too much since you may think that...
Cooperative Extension or DIY? We take a look at the differences between the two, and the benefits of using them.
For centuries, methyl jasmonate has been used in perfumes and teas as a component of the fragrance jasmine. It wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that...
Novice cannabis growers may think that a grow light is a grow light is a grow light. But there are many different types of grow lights out there.
We take a closer look at which US states are unlikely to pass any kind of cannabis legalization bill anytime soon.
Plants, just like humans and all other living things, make hormones to fulfill their natural functions.
When considering the different types of grow lights available on the market, understanding efficiency, both in energy consumption and photosynthetic benefits, is key.
Managing cultivated plants so that they receive just the right amount of water when they need it is as much an art as it is a science.
Bud rot starts inside of a bud, so it is not easily seen until it has started to spread. It favors dense colas and densely leafed plants. Dealing with a suspected...
Here are 16 different types of flowers to serve as an introduction to the world of flowering plants.
Knowing how to identify powdery mildew in a cannabis grow room, and monitoring for it, can keep damage by it to a minimum.
If your local grocery store is always out of certain produce that can be grown hydroponically, there might be an opportunity to fill that niche.
Wick systems are cheap and easy to set up, but they can take a lifetime to master. Here are a few tips.
When it comes to treating inflammation, cannabis doesn’t always have to be ingested or smoked. Instead, it can be put on the skin. Here’s how it works.
Check out these 10 reasons to see if CMH is the way to go for your grow.
Here are five reasons to add calcium carbonate to the garden to improve the performance of your crops.
Iron is one of the essential nutrients required for plant health and development. It is needed by plants in relatively low amounts, relegating it into the class of...
Like marijuana plants that have fallen victim to a pest infestation, diseased cannabis plants will have visual symptoms as well.
After setting up the perfect environment for your crops and maintaining every growroom parameter to the letter, you’ll find that the most rewarding aspect of growing is...
Sulfur is necessary for plant health and high yields. Here’s how to tell if your plants are lacking this macronutrient, and what to do if they are.
If a typical booze-soaked wedding reception isn’t your thing, a cannabis bar could provide a feasible alternative.
It can be difficult to navigate the world of soilless growing mixes without knowing a thing or two about what different mixes are made of and what situations t
Kratky hydroponics is a soilless growing method that is so simple in its design, it is the perfect introduction into the world of hydroponics.
When growing in soil, crop rotation has historically been one of the best ways to reduce insect pressure, reduce incidences of disease, and increase plant yields.
Think you know the difference between food-grade and food-safe terminology? Think again! The answer isn't very clear.
If you give your plants too much love, it’s possible you’ll both feel the burn.
In this article, we walk you through what exactly makes a good garden humus, and how to make sure your plants are getting enough of the good stuff.
Unlike in the animal kingdom, there are a few different ways that plants “get busy” to pass along their genes.
Here are a few things you should know about urban farming before reaching for the shovel.
Keeping a garden journal allows you the freedom of not having to remember everything about a past growing season when you are planning the next one.
Though plants naturally produce their own root promoters, there are a variety of ways a motivated grower can stimulate root propagation safely and effectively.
Many people use cannabis to treat illnesses and disorders or alleviate disease symptoms. Others use it for the positive effect it has on their mood, or for relaxation...
While the bane of every food grower, the appearance of the dreaded blossom end rot doesn’t have to be a tragedy. Here's how to avoid those ?Soggy Bottom Blossoms.
Many of the principles behind operating a successful indoor garden apply to greenhouses.
Chris Bond provides reasons on why the noose on marijuana may be loosening.
The cannabis edibles market is in a state of revolution. It’s expanding throughout the country as more states decriminalize/legalize marijuana use, but there isn’t a set...
Chris Bond digs deep to uproot the best organic weed controls for your garden.
As a gardener, you’ve likely heard about guano, an ingredient used in some plant supplements. Guano, often associated with bats, is a nutrient-rich manure that contains...
Taking medicinal marijuana for anxiety and depression, and watching his chosen profession fall upon hard times due to the economic downturn, Jay Hawley changed course...
Aronia, more commonly known as chokeberry, is a native, understory shrub that has been rediscovered in recent years for its use in the landscape, food producti
Did you know that heirloom seeds are not by definition organic? Or that hybridized crops do not necessarily pass along their traits through their seed?
Green light is not apparently useful for plant metabolism, but it does seem to play a role in plant form and composition, as well as being a catalyst for the better use...
Chris Bond recommends 10 instruments hobby growers and commercial growers alike should keep handy.
Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants, food crops or flowers in a liquid medium without the use of soil. Hydroponic crops can be grown indoors year-round,...
Mistletoe, a holiday decorating staple for centuries, reproduced itself without soil for millennia before anyone even knew hydroponics was a thing.
In An Organic Primer Part 2, we examine the ways growers can control or prevent pests, diseases, and weeds using organic practices.
The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are plummeting. While this would normally signal the end of the outdoor growing season for most home gardeners, there...
Soil building, cover cropping, companion planting and crop rotation are some of the hallmark practices of organic gardening. But what else does it mean to be an organic...
Colorado State University has received the green light to begin studying and documenting the benefits of medical marijuana.
When you’re between crops in the indoor garden, it’s a good time to think about cleaning your system and sorting out what to keep and what to throw away.
The most effective and efficient method of watering plants is drip irrigation, and setting up a system for a garden of any size or shape is a relatively easy and...
A good way to save money and ensure that you don't rely on genetically modified seeds is to start collecting seeds from your own plants. Chris Bond has the details.
With a whole host of benefits, from improving seed germination and increasing stem strength, to helping plants deal with drought, high temperatures and frost, kelp is an...
In Part II of our primer on common garden pests, we take a look at identifying damage from spider mites, fungus gnats and various caterpillars.
Many home-based food growers resist the idea of adding any form of livestock to their food system for fear of what might be involved.
Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean you can't grow your own food. Chris Bond has some out-of-the box, tight space gardening ideas.
A: There is some debate among professional growers over flushing. Some would say to do it as a matter of course, some would say to do it...
A: Great question! Though pineapples are not typically thought of as a viable hydroponic crop, they certainly can be grown in hydro systems...
A: Humic and fulvic acids can help your cannabis plants reach their full potential. These amendments are known to help the plant’s...
Answer from Chris Bond: I take it to mean that you have a seed that has already germinated and is ready for transplant into your system...
A: There are several possibilities regarding what could be causing your curling leaves. Curled leaves that are not accompanied by any...
A: You have named three of the most prolific and perennial pests of greenhouses and production areas. All of the ones you have named feed...
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