A new, 1800-square-foot-shop store that sells supplies for hydroponic gardening, Healthy Harvest Hydro at 2958 South Higuera in San Luis Obispo, carries 10 different lighting systems, more than a dozen different grow huts, and 20 styles of T5 fluorescent light bulbs. There are displays of tomatoes growing under lights to demonstrate the basics of how to set up hydroponic cultivation, and everything necessary to grow herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables and trees is stocked.

 “I love hydroponics; there was a need for this shop,” Justin Brownlee emphasized. Brownlee and his wife Tisha co-own the business. “My friends and I got tired of going out of town for what we needed. Basically we can accommodate any order; supplies for just one plant to a very large crop of plants,” he said.

In addition to the store’s large selection of individual hydroponic products, there will be special package deals on combination kits. There will soon be classes.

“We want to show people that hydro isn’t as scary or hard to do as they might think. I think hydro is an easier way to grow than soil cultivation,” Brownlee pointed out. He plans to incorporate an additional 1200 square feet of space to accommodate even more products in the future.

Customer service is the first priority, according to Brownlee. “We need to know what the locals prefer. We’re going to be here when we say we’re here and we intend to offer a lot more inventory than any other shop in this county. This is the fourth business I’ve owned, but the first retail venture; everything else has been strictly a service.”

Healthy Harvest Hydro is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 11a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday hours are planned. For more information call 596-0430, visit healthyharvesthydro.com, or send a message to [email protected].

Fast Facts

Earth Day Alliance will hold a spring celebration at Meadow Park in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, March 20 beginning at noon. The celebration will be augmented by an indoor food and wine extravaganza on site from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. There’ll be delectable fare from some of the county’s leading chefs, organic local wine, area microbrews, and other Earth-concious refreshments. Tickets cost $15 (students $10) and are available in advance at the Earth Day Alliance office, 3436 Sacramento Drive, Suite A, in San Luis Obispo. For information call 544-8529 and visit earthdayalliance.com …

South County Family Educational and Cultural Center Exploration Station offers classes for basic digital photo editing on March 24 from 1:30 to 4:30 and on March 25 from 5 to 8 pm. Each class costs $25. Exploration Station is located at 867 Ramona Avenue in Grover Beach. Call 473-1421 …

 There will be a Foster Care and Adoption discussion on Monday, April 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room 115 of the Department of Social Services, 3433 South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. Call 781-1705 …

The City of Atascadero seeks coaches for youth volleyball teams. Games and practice will take place at the Colony Park Community Center on Monday evenings. Call 470-3426 for details and see Atascadero.org/youthsports.

Dylan Baumann compiled Strokes&Plugs this week. Send your business and nonprofit news to [email protected]