Advertise on podcast: The Grodan GroShow

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 34 of the GroShow Podcast, Taylor Kirk, Casey Rivero and Brian Poel from Fluence join Riley Jones to explore how cannabis lighting is evolving beyond the top of the canopy, with a focus on under-canopy lighting, the Red Sandwich concept and Fluence’s latest photobleaching research. The conversation explores how under-canopy lighting can improve lower-flower size, firmness and uniformity, while also changing how growers think about pruning, labor, irrigation demand and root-zone management. The team also breaks down what Fluence has learned about cultivar sensitivity, red-light thresholds and dynamic spectrum control, including how those findings helped shape the RAPTR 2 T48. From commercial trial design and light ramp-up strategies to dry-backs, EC, airflow, climate and energy efficiency, this episode looks at lighting as part of a connected cultivation system rather than a standalone input. For growers interested in under-canopy lighting, spectrum management, photobleaching and practical commercial application, this episode offers a research-backed look at where cannabis lighting is headed next.

Send us Fan Mail In episode 33 of the Grodan GroShow Podcast, we introduce Grodan’s new 5-Phase Model for cannabis cultivation in large blocks using a one-transplant system. Host Riley Jones is joined by Anders Peterson and Jon Jirikovec, Crop Specialists with Grodan, along with Eloy van der Harst, User Experience Lead at Grodan, to talk about why the model was created, how Grodan’s experience in professional vegetable cultivation helped shape it, and how a phase-based approach can help growers bring more structure and context to crop-steering decisions. We also get into how the 5-Phase Model connects with GroSens Suite, helping growers interpret root-zone data like water content, EC and dry-back based on where the crop is in its cycle. Rather than providing another fixed recipe, the model is designed to help growers better understand the objectives of each phase and make more informed decisions throughout the crop cycle. This initial release focuses on large blocks using a one-transplant system, with guidance for two-transplant systems coming soon.

Send us Fan Mail Producing premium cannabis starts with genetics, but what happens once a cultivar enters the facility is just as important. In Episode 32 of the GroShow Podcast, Brandan Leroux, Head Grower at Sublime Culture, joins Grodan Crop Specialist Chad Rigby to talk about what it takes to turn genetic potential into consistent commercial production and eventually meet the expectations of international markets. Brandan also shares his path into commercial cultivation, from his background in plant science to the mentors and experiences that helped shape how he approaches growing, managing teams and running a commercial operation today. Based in Laval, Québec, Sublime Culture approaches cultivar selection by looking beyond any single metric. Flavour, aroma and overall flower quality have to be considered alongside plant structure, yield and consistency. From there, the discussion gets into the root-zone. Brandan and Chad break down how crop steering, irrigation strategy, root-zone EC and dry-back can be adjusted across different cultivars, and how Grodan stone wool and GroSens data help support those decisions throughout the crop cycle. The conversation also looks beyond the facility. Sublime Culture is already active in the cannabis export market, giving Brandan firsthand insight into what international buyers value and how expectations around genetics, consistency, flower quality and post-harvest handling can differ from the Canadian market. What ties it all together is the idea that premium quality is rarely the result of one decision. It comes from aligning genetics, cultivation strategy and execution from the root-zone through to the finished flower. For cultivators interested in cannabis genetics, crop steering, root-zone management and international cannabis markets, this episode offers a practical look at how Sublime Culture is approaching each of those areas.

Send us Fan Mail Cultivation experience is valuable. Turning more than three decades of knowledge into repeatable systems that can support hundreds of lights, multiple rooms, and an entire team is something else entirely. That idea sits at the center of this episode of the GroShow Podcast, as the conversation explores how Culture Farms combines years of hands-on experience with a structured, modern approach to producing premium cannabis at scale. In this episode, Riley is joined by Kenny Woodward, COO and Director of Cultivation at Culture Farms, alongside Grodan Retail and Commercial Account Manager Andrew Wilmerding, for a conversation about facility design, crop steering, substrate selection, automation, post-harvest management, and the systems behind Culture Farms’ cultivation approach. Kenny shares how his cultivation journey began in Texas before eventually bringing him to Oregon, where he became part of the state’s early medical cannabis community. After years of working across different facilities and production models, he joined Culture Farms and helped develop the operation into a roughly 750-light facility with three nurseries and nine flowering rooms. The discussion covers centralized nutrient mixing, workflow automation, room resets, plant spacing, canopy density, drybacks, root zone monitoring, substrate sizing, and irrigation strategy. Kenny also explains how Culture Farms evaluates growing media configurations based on vegetative time, plant size, room layout, and cultivar requirements. Repeatability is a major focus throughout the episode. Drawing from his experience working in fine dining, Kenny explains how preparation, timing, teamwork, and attention to detail can reduce mistakes and keep production moving consistently. Shared cultivation calendars, dedicated fill stations, and standardized workflows help the team stay organized and understand what needs to happen each day. Kenny and Andrew also discuss Culture Farms’ transition to Grodan Improved stone wool and how accurate root zone data has helped Kenny evaluate irrigation timing and dryback strategies with greater confidence. Rather than treating technology as a replacement for grower experience, he uses data alongside plant observation and decades of practical knowledge to refine his approach. The conversation also explores harvest scheduling, sanitation, drying and curing, bag appeal, cultivar selection, and Kenny’s comparison between cannabis cultivation and fine dining, where quality ingredients are only the starting point and the final result depends on execution. For cultivators interested in facility design, crop steering, root zone management, workflow automation, and post-harvest strategy, this episode offers a practical look inside Culture Farms’ approach to premium cannabis production.

Send us Fan Mail Consistency is one thing. Maintaining it across thousands of plants, multiple facilities, and dozens of cultivars is something else entirely. That idea sits at the center of this episode of the GroShow Podcast, as the conversation explores how Pro Gro approaches precision cultivation, irrigation strategy, crop steering, and scaling commercial cannabis production without losing consistency or quality. In this episode, Riley is joined by Jacob Nelson, Vice President of Cultivation at Pro Gro, alongside Director of Cultivation Nick Winninger and Building Operations Manager Lexi Carlson, for a conversation on the systems, strategies, and philosophies driving one of Michigan’s leading cannabis cultivation operations. Drawing from their backgrounds in caregiver cultivation, horticulture, facility operations, and large-scale cannabis production, the team shares how Pro Gro evolved from its traditional market roots into a nearly 3,000-light cultivation operation focused on consistency, standardization, and continuous improvement. The discussion covers a wide range of practical cannabis cultivation topics, including substrate consistency, root zone monitoring, irrigation strategy, drybacks, environmental control, lighting, automation, and how the team balances technology with a hands-on cultivation approach. Rather than relying entirely on sensors or automation, the episode focuses on how growers can combine data, observation, and experience to make better cultivation decisions at scale. A major theme throughout the conversation is consistency. From the advantages of stone wool and standardized irrigation strategies to runoff collection, dryback targets, and environmental monitoring, the Pro Gro team explains how reducing variability across rooms and facilities has become one of the biggest drivers behind their cannabis cultivation model. The episode also looks at how Pro Gro approaches genetic trials, under-canopy lighting, production timelines, and scaling SOPs across facilities while still maintaining the caregiver mentality and collaborative culture that helped shape the company early on. For cultivators interested in crop steering, irrigation management, environmental control, and improving consistency across large-scale cannabis cultivation, this episode offers a practical look inside a modern cultivation operation focused on precision, adaptability, and repeatable results.

Send us Fan Mail Science helps growers ask better questions. Production shows which answers actually hold up at scale. That idea sits at the center of this episode of the GroShow Podcast, as the conversation explores how research, data, and precision crop steering are shaping the next stage of cannabis cultivation. In this episode, Riley is joined by Deron Caplan, Senior Consultant at Sostanza Global, alongside Grodan Crop Specialist Chad Rigby, to discuss what science-backed cultivation looks like once it moves from theory into production. Deron brings a unique perspective to the conversation as one of the first researchers in North America to complete graduate work focused specifically on indoor cannabis production. Drawing from his research background, consulting experience, and work with growers around the world, he shares how the industry can better connect scientific thinking with the day-to-day decisions that determine crop performance. The discussion covers a wide range of practical topics, including substrate consistency, root zone monitoring, irrigation strategy, environmental control, lighting, data collection, and how to separate R&D from day-to-day production decisions. Rather than chasing trends, the episode focuses on how growers can use research principles to make better decisions, reduce variability, and build more repeatable cultivation systems. A major theme throughout the conversation is consistency. From the benefits of a inert growing media and ideal sensor placement to drybacks, EC, pH, and canopy management, Deron and Chad explain why dependable systems matter when growers are trying to steer crops at scale. The episode also looks ahead at where cultivation innovation is moving, including under-canopy lighting, lower planting densities, cultivar-specific pruning strategies, automation, and the growing importance of measuring the right data instead of simply collecting more of it. For cultivators interested in cannabis research, crop steering, and improving consistency across rooms and cycles, this episode offers a practical look at how research can support better decision-making without losing sight of what growers actually need in production. Contact Deron at Sostanza here: https://www.sostanzaglobal.com/contact

Send us Fan Mail Max Jones of the University of Guelph joins Grodan Crop Specialist Chad Rigby and host Riley Jones for a focused conversation on how cannabis research translates into commercial cultivation. Drawing from his work in tissue culture, clean plant systems, and advanced breeding, Max explains how genetic preservation, disease management, and plant rejuvenation move from lab theory into real-world production. The discussion connects research concepts like tissue culture, polyploid breeding, and F1 hybrids to practical cultivation realities, including managing hop latent viroid, maintaining mother stock health, and improving uniformity across rooms and cycles. Chad ties these ideas back to execution, highlighting how system design and environmental control ultimately determine whether scientific innovation delivers consistent results. Rather than positioning research as something separate from day-to-day production, this episode reframes it as infrastructure. When lab insight aligns with how a facility actually operates, growers gain stronger genetic stability, clearer decision-making, and fewer surprises from run to run.

Send us Fan Mail Ryan Lee of Chimera Genetics joins Grodan Crop Specialist Chad Rigby and host Riley Jones for a deep conversation on how cannabis genetics and cultivation strategy come together in controlled environments. Drawing from decades of breeding and research experience, Ryan breaks down how genetic potential is established, classified, and expressed, and where growers have the most influence once plants enter production. The discussion connects genetic selection to real-world cultivation decisions, including climate strategy, root zone management, and crop steering. Chad ties breeding concepts back to precision growing, highlighting how irrigation, substrate choice, and environmental control shape consistency across rooms and runs. Rather than treating genetics and cultivation as separate disciplines, this episode frames them as one integrated system. For growers focused on repeatability, efficiency, and long-term performance, it offers a clearer way to align genetics with how their facilities actually operate.

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, we unpack one of Grodan’s most significant cannabis research milestones to date. Crop Specialist Chad Rigby returns to break down the findings behind our new whitepaper, Impressively high yields are reality for cannabis growers, highlighting how precision irrigation, EC management, and autoflower F1 hybrid seeds contributed to annual dry flower yields averaging 9.7 kg/m² — with multiple treatment groups surpassing 10 kg/m². Together, Chad and host Riley Jones walk through the trial design, why lower EC outperformed higher EC, how staged shot sizes shaped generative steering, and what the GroSens Suite revealed about real-time plant behavior. They also explore how this research supports more consistent, repeatable outcomes for commercial growers and what it signals for the future of professional cannabis cultivation. Want to dig deeper? Download the full whitepaper for trial data, methodology, and key insights at Grodan101.com.

Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of our “Start Clean, Stay Clean” series, we shift the focus from the root zone to the canopy — and why what happens above ground often reflects the strength of your entire cultivation system. Zac Ricciardi (BioSafe Systems) returns alongside Grodan Crop Specialist Jon Jirikovec to share real-world strategies for dialing in foliar programs, strengthening IPM, and managing environmental conditions to support healthier, more consistent plants. From spray timing and product compatibility to SOPs and the root-to-canopy connection, this episode is packed with insights you can put to work. 🎙️ If you haven’t yet, check out Part 1 (Episode 24) for strategies on root zone management, water treatment, and microbial balance.

Send us Fan Mail It’s a mindset that guides this deep dive into the root zone on Episode 24 of the GroShow Podcast, as Zac Ricciardi (BioSafe Systems) and Jon Jirikovec (Grodan) join host Riley Jones to explore the underlying root zone conditions that can affect crop uniformity — and how dialing them in unlocks better data, healthier crops, and precision growing at scale. From algae control and water testing to microbial timing and fertigation compatibility, this episode offers practical insight into what it really means to “start clean, stay clean” — and how Grodan stone wool enables growers to turn that clean foundation into more consistent crops, better irrigation control, and precision cultivation at scale. Curious how to put these practices into action? BioSafe also offers a quick-reference guide on algae prevention and root zone protocols in stone wool — a helpful companion to what you’ll hear in the episode. The conversation also explores how BioSafe inputs like Zerotol can be integrated without disrupting beneficial microbes or nutrient delivery. With real-world examples, clear timing strategies, and advice on what to track before and after system cleanup, it’s a must-listen for any grower looking to level up their root zone game.

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 23 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones is joined by Kaz Makarewicz (Product Owner, e-Gro) and Chad Rigby (Crop Specialist) to explore how growers are using Grodan’s all-in-one root zone monitoring system — the GroSens Suite — to improve irrigation strategy and crop steering. From setting up sensors and configuring rooms in e-Gro to interpreting drybacks, EC trends, and real-time alerts, this episode walks through the full system and how it helps growers stay consistent across zones, reduce risk, and dial in better decisions every day. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your process, this conversation is packed with practical insights on using real-time data to grow with more control.

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 22 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones heads to the East Coast to sit down with Zach Wise and Tim Larson from Happy Valley — a vertically integrated cannabis company in Massachusetts known for precision, consistency, and award-winning flower. Together, they explore how Happy Valley built a high-performance cultivation system from the ground up. From selecting standout genetics and pheno-hunting in-house to dialing-in environmental control, irrigation, and facility design, Zach and Tim share what it takes to scale premium flower without sacrificing craft quality. You’ll also hear how Grodan stone wool fits into their approach to consistent production, and why precision growing and data-backed decisions are key to navigating a competitive and maturing cannabis market. Whether you’re running a large-scale grow or looking to level up your processes, this episode offers practical insights from two cultivators committed to efficiency, innovation, and excellence.

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 21 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones is joined by Grodan Crop Specialist Jon Jirikovec and Anders Peterson and Michael Williamson from PIPP Horticulture for part two of a special mini-series with the Cultivation Elevated podcast. If you caught part one on Cultivation Elevated, you’ll recognize today’s guests — and the ongoing collaboration between Grodan and PIPP Horticulture behind this mini-series. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into vertical cultivation: how smart facility design, irrigation planning, and substrate strategy all work together to support crop success at scale. From optimizing airflow and drain layout to aligning media choice with multi-tier systems, Jon, Anders, and Michael share practical guidance drawn from years of fieldwork and facility builds. We explore the real-world challenges of vertical growing — including common mistakes, irrigation missteps, and how to avoid dry-back or pooling issues in tightly stacked environments. You’ll also hear why infrastructure decisions upstream can directly shape root zone performance and crop consistency downstream, and how early planning can pay off in efficiency, yield, and long-term ROI. Whether you’re designing a new facility or optimizing an existing one, this episode offers grounded, experience-driven insight from two teams who’ve helped shape the future of vertical cannabis cultivation.

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 20 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones welcomes Grodan Crop Specialist Jon Jirikovec for a deep dive into one of the most important (and often underestimated) parts of a successful grow: initial substrate saturation and rooting strategy. From troubleshooting dry-back issues to dialing in daily irrigations, Jon shares the foundational practices that help cultivators get the most from their Grodan blocks and slabs.  What if inconsistent rooting or poor substrate hydration are limiting your yields without you even realizing it? Jon breaks down proper saturation techniques that create uniform water distribution, why early irrigation decisions shape root structure, and how to avoid common mistakes like using low EC or skipping QC checks on block weights.  We also explore how to maintain capillarity during the rooting-in phase, why sensors should be placed strategically, and how overly wet or dry conditions can throw off nutrient balance in the root zone. Jon outlines a multiphase irrigation approach—refreshment, drain, and dry-back—that sets growers up for long-term consistency, crop steering, and improved plant health.  If you're building out a facility or looking to refine your early-stage irrigation protocols, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance grounded in real-world experience—and shows why so many top growers trust Grodan stone wool to set the foundation for success.