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Horticultural Nutrients & Pest Control

Organic fertilizers, soil testing, and pest management solutions

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Growing Bromeliads For Terrariums Indoors

Best Lights For Growing Terrarium Plants

The products on this page are about as natural & mild as you can get while still maintaining product effectiveness. For the most part, terrarium plants and houseplants require very little in terms of available nutrients. A little bit of balanced nutrient solution goes a really long way with the majority of terrarium plants in our experience. That being said, it's important to understand a little bit about the NPK ratings listed on plant nutrient packaging. We'll skim over the details below.

(N) Nitrogen promotes healthy leaves & vegetation, and is considered the most important element for supporting healthy plant growth via formation of proteins within the plant. It supplies plants with the energy necessary for healthy photosynthesis, as it's one of the basic components of chlorophyll. Nitrogen supports healthy leaf production, and helps to speed up general plant growth. A plant suffering from nitrogen deficiency may suffer from pale leaves, yellowing/browning foliage, and wilting.*

(P) Phosphorus is important for early plant & seedling development, as it helps support growth of a healthy root system. From what we understand, a little phosphorus in the early stages of growth is important. In houseplants, phosphorus toxicity can occur when levels are too high in the soil, so we recommend going easy on this particular element. A little goes a long way! A plant suffering from phosphorus deficiency may suffer from stunted growth or dull coloration.*

(K) Potassium / Potash aids in flower/fruit formation, and helps plants to grow by activating many different enzymes involved in plant growth. Simply put, potassium helps plants utilize water, resist periods of dryness, and adjust to other environmental stresses. A plant suffering from potassium deficiency may suffer from curled leaves, yellowing, and a general lack of vitality.*

* Please Note: The #1 cause of discoloration & poor growth in terrariums is a lack of sufficient lighting. Always check to ensure your plants are receiving adequate levels of PAR Light. The #2 cause of poor plant performance are environmental issues. (Low humidity/high heat) The #3 cause is a poor substrate quality. Only after all of those issues are addressed would we recommend considering "lack of nutrients" as the cause!

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Page Contents:

Measuring Shot Glass
Cute Farms Trop Fert.
Cute Farms Tilly Fert.
Diatomaceous Earth
Fox Farm Fertilizer
Organocide 3-in-1
Physan 20
Seabright Insect Traps
Sticky Stakes
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Measuring Shot Glass

The perfect way to measure-out nutrients & concentrates

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NEHERP Staff Description:
These (real glass) shot glasses marked with measurements for tablespoons, teaspoons, ounces, and milliliters. Use it to measure-out nutrients, cleaners, and other concentrates responsibly. It'll work great for drinks too, just be sure to wash it thoroughly between uses! :-)

(Dishwasher safe!)

$3.49/ea

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Inventory is low, but we are expecting a shipment to arrive within 3-5 business days. Order now, and we'll ship as soon as we're able!

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Cute Farms Exotic Tropical Plant Fertilizer

A natural general-use fertilizer for houseplants

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NEHERP Staff Description:
The Cute Farms brand was recommended to us by a customer, and we've been using it in house since we discovered the brand in 2020. We've had good luck with it for houseplants displayed in our homes & offices, as well as for plants in our grow rooms. It's also cheaper than the (less natural) off-the-shelf sprays at garden centers! The bottle recommends once weekly use, but most we typically only offer nutrients once every 2 weeks at home, since most of the plants we work with have very low nutritional requirements. In our experience, a little bit goes a long way. Try it out, and see what works best for your particular plants!

Note: This product is recommended for houseplant use, not marked for use in live vivariums housing animals.

Manufacturer Description:
Cute Farms is a family owned an operated business. Our plant fertilizer products will help your plants flourish and thrive. Gentle weekly use formula made specifically for growing healthy exotic and tropical plants and flowers including Orchids, Lilies, Ferns, Terrariums, Monstera, Palms, Anthurium, Croton, Dracaena, Dracaena Marginata, and Snake Plants. NPK:.02-.02-.02 Gentle enough to spray directly onto air plants. Includes a fine mist atomizer spray bottle. Each 4oz of solution feeds plants for 3 months.

$10.99/ea 8oz Bottle

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$9.99/ea 8oz Bottle

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Cute Farms Tillandsia Fertilizer

A natural nutrient spray for Tillandsias

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NEHERP Staff Description
This product was recommended to us by a customer, and we've had good luck using it on our Tillandsias since we discovered the brand in 2020. While we used to mix our own Tillandsia fertilizer, we've now switched over exclusively to using Cute Farms brand. In our experience it seems to work just as well with far less effort for the plants we keep in our store and at our homes, and the price is at least as good as any of the (often less natural) mainstream options. Try it out, and see what works best for your particular plants!

Note: This product is recommended for houseplant use, not marked for use in live vivariums housing animals.

Manufacturer Description
Cute Farms is a family owned an operated business. We offer the best Tillansia air plant fertilizer products in the industry. Our plant fertilizer products will help your plants flourish and thrive. This is a gentle weekly use formula food for Tillandsia plants. Made for air plants with an NPK:.02-.02-.02 Gentle enough to spray directly onto air plants. Includes a fine mist atomizer spray bottle. Each 4oz of solution feeds air plants for 3 months.

Small 4oz Large 8oz

$8.99/ea 4oz Bottle

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$7.99/ea 4oz Bottle

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Small 4oz Large 8oz

$10.99/ea 8oz Bottle

5% Off!
$10.44/ea 8oz Bottle

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Diatomaceous Earth

OMRI listed chemical-free crawling insect killer

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NEHERP Staff Description:
As far as "bags of stuff that kills insects" goes, Diatomaceous Earth is relatively mild. Rather than relying on some nasty chemical, Diatomaceous Earth works mechanically. Frankly it's a bit unpleasant to think about, but basically it's such a fine powder that it cuts-up the insects at their joints as they walk through it. In short, it's equal parts effective and brutal. :-) We consider DE good choice for use around areas where mites may be an issue. (Not recommended for use around live animals!)

Manufacturer Description:
This organic pest control formula is ideal as a bed bug killer or for virtually all crawling insects. The efficient nature of this organic pest control product makes it the most economical and convenient solution to the wide array of garden annoyances on the market! This product bears the prestigious OMRI-listed seal as well as the USDA National Organic Program compliant for use in organic gardening seal, certifying this product is organic. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a dust-like product that contains the crushed fossilized remains of diatoms. The dust is ingested by the bed bug or other crawling insect, or as the insect crosses through the powder, the DE will cut their exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die. Insects cannot develop a resistance to it, since there are no chemicals to which they can build up an immunity. If the area where the Diatomaceous Earth is applied becomes wet, it will need to be reapplied. Diatomaceous Earth is effective as a bed bug killer, flea killer, and crawling insect killer. Safer Brand Ant and Crawling Insect Killer Powder with Diatomaceous Earth is made from a patented formula containing amorphous diatomaceous earth, known as silicon dioxide. This particular type of Diatomaceous Earth is derived from fresh water sources and is NOT the same as Diatomite DE which can be derived from unnatural sources and has been linked to cancer. Shop confidently knowing that Safer brand is OMRI listed and is Amorphous Diatomaceous Earth.

$12.49/ea 4lb Bag

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Fox Farm Fertilizer

A high quality & easy to use organic fertilizer

Fox Farm Fertilizer For Terrarium Plants 4-5-3

Fox Farm Fertilizer For Terrarium Plants 4-3-4

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NEHERP Staff Description:
Finally an organic dry fertilizer that's easy to use & inexpensive! After about a year of use, we've switched our growing operation to using these as our primary sources of nutrients. The 6-4-5 "All Purpose" version is great for most houseplants. The 4-5-3 "Acid Loving" option is great for plants which thrive under mildly acidic conditions. Although the 4-3-4 option is listed as a "Japanese Maple" fertilizer, it's actually the closest thing to a balanced option, which most terrarium appropriate plants prefer. Each fertilizer is OMRI Certified Organic.

Note: This product is recommended for houseplant use, not marked for use in live vivariums housing animals.

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Manufacturer Description:
All Purpose 6-4-5
Happy Frog All-Purpose is a ready-to-use blend of fertilizers and soil microbes that delivers nutrition where your plants need it most. Mycorrhizal fungi are included to help increase root efficiency, which may enhance nutrient uptake and water absorption. Recommended for vegetable gardens, annual and perennial flower gardens, ornamental plantings, and all types of container gardening. OMRI Listed

Manufacturer Description:
Acid Loving 4-5-3
FoxFarm's Acid Loving Plants Fertilizer provides gentle slow-release nutrition for plants that require a low pH. Specifically formulated for use acid loving plants. This blend of fertilizers and microorganisms delivers nutrition where your plants need it most. Mycorrhizal fungi are included to help increase root efficiency, which may enhance nutrient uptake and water absorption. OMRI Listed

Manufacturer Description:
Japanese Maple 4-3-4
Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer is specifically formulated for use on Japanese maples, lilies, evergreens, hydrangeas, junipers, dogwoods, flowering ornamentals, and other low pH feeders. This unique blend of fertilizers and microorganisms delivers nutrition where your plants need it most. Contains phosphorus and potassium to support the needs of these beautiful trees. Mycorrhizal fungi are included to help increase root efficiency, which may enhance nutrient uptake and water absorption. OMRI Listed

6-4-5
"All Purpose" 4-5-3
"Acid Loving" 4-3-4
"Japanese Maple"

$14.99/ea 6-4-5

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$12.74/ea 6-4-5

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6-4-5
"All Purpose" 4-5-3
"Acid Loving" 4-3-4
"Japanese Maple"

$14.99/ea 4-5-3

15% Off!
$12.74/ea 4-5-3

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6-4-5
"All Purpose" 4-5-3
"Acid Loving" 4-3-4
"Japanese Maple"

$14.99/ea 4-3-4

15% Off!
$12.74/ea 4-3-4

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Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculant

An organic living fungi which boosts plant health!

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NEHERP Staff Description
This OMRI organic product contains a live fungi called Rhizophagus intraradices which has been proven to improve plant growth, benefit root development, and help maintain overall plant health. Over time, this fungi's mycelium (root-like structure) will spread through the soil/substrate, where it can capture various nutrients. The fungus also penetrates the cells and roots of the plant, where it passes moisture and nutrients to the plant in a mutualistic exchange for carbohydrates. Both organisms benefit! This is the simplest inoculant we've tested, and has been one of our growing operation's "secret ingredients" for years. It's a great addition for potted plants, planted terrariums, and for those who propagate & grow their own plants. If you've purchased plants from us since 2015, chances are the plant benefited from cooperation with this beneficial organism. (Also how this fungi may already be present in your substrate!) This particular species has been researched back into the 90s for it's benefits in nutrient cycling, and is an extremely well proven solution. At NEHERP, we mix in about 1 cup of inoculant material for every 25-50 gallons of potting soil we make. Check the instructions below, since a little bit goes a very long way! For reference, other names for this species include Rhizophagus intraradices and Glomus intraradices. For more information about how this works, check out Wikipedia's page on AMF^{ext link.}.

Note: Similar products are advertised elsewhere as "Bioactive Soil Additives", "Bioactive Soil Boosters", etc.

Manufacturer Instructions
Direct Application: Add inoculant material directly around plant roots. (Must contact roots) Set plant, backfill, and water.
Containers: 1-2tbsp/1-3 gallon, 4-6tbsp/5-7 gallon, 1/2 cup/10-20 gallon, 1 cup/25-50 gallon, 2 cups/100 gallon
Sowing Seeds / Propagation: 1/2tsp per cell/plug

Manufacturer Description
Being beneficial organisms, mycorrhizae live on the roots of plants and form a symbiotic relationship. They then extend microscopic straw-like filaments called "hyphae" into the soil with which they extract, transport, and dramatically increase a host plant's supply of nutrients and moisture. Pockets of nutrients and water in the soil which were once unreachable by standard root systems are now made accessible through the "super-mining" effects which mycorrhizae gifts to your plants. Mycorrhizae also release a glue-like substance into the soil (Glomalin) which improves water storage and capacity, leading to lower watering costs. Mycorrhizal fungi are ancient in origin and the benefits are boundless. Pound for pound, mycorrhizae provide plants with the greatest possible benefit for the smallest amount of input. Does not contain any other microbes such as trichoderma or ectomycorrhizae, which have no known direct effect on any vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs.

100G Pack 1lb Bag

$6.99/ea 100G Pack

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$5.59/ea 100G Pack

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100G Pack

100G Pack 1lb Bag

$22.49/ea 1lb Bag

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$17.99/ea 1lb Bag

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1lb Bag

Contains non-plant food ingredient(s): Live Rhizophagus intraradices 300 propagules per gram

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Organocide 3-in-1 Garden Spray

An organic insecticide & fungicide for organic production

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NEHERP Staff Description:
There aren't many pesticides & fungicides which are also OMRI Organic and marked as "safe for same day harvest". This is a simple & effective solution for treating plants impacted by most common pests. The new product labeling mentions "Bee Safe", which is nice to know - even if you won't be using it on outdoor plants. It's particularly effective on scale insects and mealybugs. On very rare occasion, we've also used Organocide to help out with the occasional fungal issue, where this product has proven to be equally effective. No product we've seen is this effective while being so mild. (Check out the ingredients list!) Not labeled or recommended for use around live animals.

Manufacturer Description:
Organocide is an OMRI listed, nature-safe insecticide and fungicide for organic production. Derived from a unique blend of soybean extract (lecithin), sesame oil and fish oils. Organocide is heavier and more effective than other oils, but safer to the plant. Effective on insects, spider mites, scale insects, and fungus. Soft on beneficial insects including Bees & Butterflies. It will not cause plant burn even when used on hot sunny days! Effective on a wide variety of insects, mites, armored and soft scales and certain fungal diseases like black spot on roses and powdery mildew. Organocide replaces many "hard" synthetic pesticides and is safe enough to spray at harvest time or indoors. (This is the ready to use version)

$13.99/ea

15% Off!
$11.89/ea

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24oz Ready To Use Bottle

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Physan 20

A broad range disinfectant, fungicide, virucide, and algaecide

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NEHERP Staff Description:
This is the product we use to clean our propagation surfaces, tools, sinks, trays, and domes between uses. An 8oz bottle of Physan 20 concentrate creates a huge amount of diluted solution, which varies depending on the concentration you are looking for. Instructions are included for various uses, and dilution rates vary depending on your use. It probably goes without saying, but please don't use this near animals!

Manufacturer Description:
Physan 20 is a broad range disinfectant, fungicide, virucide, and algaecide which effectively controls a wide variety of pathogens on hard surfaces and plants. Its applications include greenhouses, hard surfaces, lawn and turfgrass, seedlings and cut flowers, decorative fountains, pools, birdbaths, and plants. It is an EPA approved concentrate formulated with unique germicidal agents to provide overall protection for your plants and greenhouses. It poses no human or environmental risk when it is used at recommended use levels and according to label instructions. Physan 20 controls disease-spreading organisms which can be carried from plant to plant by using contaminated pots, flats, seed beds, soil, tools and human hands.

$9.99/ea 8oz Concentrate

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8oz bottle creates 16-32+ gallons of solution
Must be 18+ to purchase this product
Always follow manufacturer recommendations

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Seabright Flying Insect Sticky Traps

For small greenhouses, shade houses, and similar setups

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NEHERP Staff Description:
These sticky traps are a great choice for chemical free pest protection against numerous flying pests in areas which are used to grow plants. These are larger than the other brand we carry, and are geared towards larger areas.

Manufacturer Description:
Seabright traps and ribbons use Stikem Special, a non toxic odorless adhesive which is very effective. Millions of these traps have been used by alert greenhouse growers, orchardists, universities and vintners. Easy-to-open 4"x7" trap reverse folds to expose 4"x14" sticky (yellow or blue) surface with grid for precision monitoring purposes. Approximately 30 square inch adhesive area. Non-poisonous and weatherproof. Punched with hole and twist-tie provided to easily hang trap in your growing area. Easy to handle and count insects without getting sticky. Best suited for those growing plants in a greenhouse, shade house, or other mid-level growing operation.

Yellow Blue

$6.49/ea Yellow

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Yellow - For Aphids, Gnats, Whitefly

Yellow Blue

$6.29/ea Blue

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Blue - For Thrips & Leafminers

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Sticky Stakes

An excellent choice for eliminating pesky fungus gnats & flying pests

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NEHERP Staff Description:
A great choice for chemical free pest protection against fungus gnats in areas growing vivarium-suitable plants, since they fit inside 7" domes comfortably (shown above right). Also can be added to freshly planted vivariums (before inhabitants are introduced) during the initial acclimation cycle to prevent fungus gnats from establishing a population. Be sure to remove the sticky stakes when misting, and before introducing animals! :-)

Manufacturer Description:
Keep your plants free of annoying pests with this powerful pesticide-free houseplant insect killer solution. The Houseplant Sticky Stakes are ideal for use indoors or outdoors in potted plants. This trap offers an economical and convenient solution to the annoyances of whiteflies, fungus gnats, blackflies, thrips, fruit flies, midges and other flying insects. Contains no pesticides and is fully disposable. This trap works continuously and provides you with long lasting protection for your houseplants. The yellow color of the trap as well as the glue will attract the insects to the potted plants. Stakes are stackable for larger environments.

$5.28-$6.99/ea Pack Of 7
See Volume Discounts In Cart!

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Having Plant Trouble In A Bioactive Terrarium?

We can help troubleshoot!

Neoregelias Growing In Bioactive Terrarium

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Reviewing the most common causes of plants failing to thrive!

Help Growing Plants In Bioactive Terrarium

Useful Supplies For Growing Plants In Live Vivariums

Best Fertilizers For Bioactive Terrariums

Substrate Analysis
Poor substrate is the #1 cause of premature environmental failure, and one of the most common reasons microfauna & plants fail to thrive. This is a common problem with DIY mixes, as well as other blends which don't actually list ingredients or (at least rough) ratios. A properly designed substrate mix will be quick-draining, slightly acidic, have the ability to resist compaction, and should be able to support microfauna & mycorrhizal fungi long-term. Like the original and most proven ABG Mix, all of our NEHERP Substrates contain a mix with over 80% aggregates like like tree fern fiber, fine fir bark, fine hardwood charcoal, calcined clay, and/or cypress mulch. Low-end mixes have far less aggregate material which contributes to premature compaction and a half-dozen other problems. If you are curious, please learn more about our substrates, or see exactly what we'd recommend for your enclosure.

Best Pest Control For Bioactive Terrariums

Animal Safe Fertilizers For Bioactive Terrariums

Animal Safe Fertilizers for Live Vivariums

Lighting Analysis
One of the most common causes of poor plant performance in bioactive terrariums is poor lighting, and the problem is most commonly found with knock-off or low-end LEDs. Our support department has seen dozens of cleverly marketed "grow lights" which have comparatively poor PAR light performance compared to brands like Current, Jungle Dawn, Jungle Hobbies, and Value Grow. Many LEDs which look the same have major differences in measurable PAR & Lux performance due to better brands using higher-end diodes & drivers. If your lighting didn't come from our company and your plants aren't thriving, we recommend comparing the light source to the solutions we recommend, and checking the PAR output of each. (See PAR ratings of every LED we carry towards the bottom of Vivarium Lighting 101) We've been specializing in this stuff since 2009, and customers who use our lighting solutions have an awesome track record of success.

Other Common Problems
• Our substrates, plants, and microfauna are recommended for environments which will sustain a bare minimum of 55% R/H.
• If you are growing NEHERP Moss or Moss Slurry, please check the care sheets for advice. (High humidity & PAR will be required)
• Be sure to place plants (especially Neoregelias & Tillandsias) appropriately. Check Vivarium Construction 101 for suggestions.
• Ensure custom backgrounds are completely cured before adding plants, since the fumes from uncured silicone can kill plants!
• If your enclosure contains an animal which requires spot cleaning, additional fertilization for plants may be necessary.

Helpful Links:

Supporting Articles:
Vivarium Construction 101
Vivarium Construction 102
Viv Lighting 101: PAR Light
Viv Lighting 101: Light Stats
General Plant Care

Related Product Pages:
Bioactive Substrate Kits Vivarium Lighting Kits Live Plants Menu Plant Kits For Sm. Species Plant Kits for Md. Species

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Horticultural Nutrients & Pest Control

Organic fertilizers, soil testing, and pest management solutions

About This Page:

Measuring Shot Glass

The perfect way to measure-out nutrients & concentrates

Cute Farms Exotic Tropical Plant Fertilizer

A natural general-use fertilizer for houseplants

Cute Farms Tillandsia Fertilizer

A natural nutrient spray for Tillandsias

Diatomaceous Earth

OMRI listed chemical-free crawling insect killer

Fox Farm Fertilizer

A high quality & easy to use organic fertilizer

Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculant

An organic living fungi which boosts plant health!

Organocide 3-in-1 Garden Spray

An organic insecticide & fungicide for organic production

Physan 20

A broad range disinfectant, fungicide, virucide, and algaecide

Seabright Flying Insect Sticky Traps

For small greenhouses, shade houses, and similar setups

Sticky Stakes

An excellent choice for eliminating pesky fungus gnats & flying pests

Having Plant Trouble In A Bioactive Terrarium?

We can help troubleshoot!

Reviewing the most common causes of plants failing to thrive!

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