All growers can learn from one another–no matter what style you prefer.

To learn, you have to consider alternative approaches, which is why–as a non-organic grower–I picked up True Living Organics by The Rev.

In 278 pages, there’s plenty to learn about organics, but these 17 lessons apply to all growers (organic or not).

For those that don't know, The Rev is one of the biggest advocates for organic growing.

The Rev is an experienced grower: 

• Growing for 45 years

• Breeding for 30 years

• Cultivation Editor of and contributor to Skunk Magazine for more than a decade.

He knows a thing or two about growing your own.

Having grown with every method, he's since dedicated himself to True Living Organics (TLO) for the last 15+ years.

These are the 17 lessons every grower can apply, regardless of growing style:

17 Universal Lessons from The Rev That Any grower Can Use (all-natural or not!):

1. Absence of Dogma:

Be willing to listen, and reverse your opinion(s) when presented with new/better information.

2. Water Quality Matters:

Clean water starts at the source. Figure this out first. Use carbon filters to remove chlorine from tap water.

3. Rule of One:

One process, one plan, one guide, one change–too many is a recipe for disaster and can be hard to track/difficult to observe your efforts.

4. Follow The Recipe:

Until you understand, don't try to customize and create your own "secret sauce".

5. Give Credit:

Thank (and reconnect with) the people that helped get you to where you are

6. "Do it right, then keep it clean."

Once you get your space clean, protect against infection and cross contamination.

7. Backups Are Key:

Having extra additives, fans, lights, timers, tools, etc. on hand avoids downtime.

8. You Get What You Pay For:

Don't buy the cheapest option–whether it's soil or lights.

9. Always Mix with Water:

Nutrients can lockout one another; always mix liquid nutrients in water.

10. Wear Protection:

Use a respirator and gloves when dealing with airborne particulates and liquid chemistries.

11. Be efficient:

"Always be aware of ways to save yourself time and work in the garden"

12. No One is Perfect:

"Every grower likes to tell you that they have no problems...This just isn't true...all growers find themselves stumbling over one problem or another from time to time, no matter how fantastic they are at what they do."

13. Prevention > Cure:

"Preventative measures will save you time, money and frustrations."

14. Assume Fault:

Problems are usually your fault, and accepting this makes diagnosing (and fixing) more efficient.

15. Check Twice:

Whether it's soil or light or feed readings, check more than once.

16. Read Labels:

Understand what you are using and why, especially when considering new products.

17. Fresh Air:

Proper circulation and ventilation is key to good air quality, and happy plants (and people).

The entire book is full of some great insights (and, candidly, some outdated advice), but these 17 lessons work in any grow–regardless of grow style–as well as in life.