We’re still striking where the iron is hot in the culture right now with another well-connected and well-respected figure from the Michigan scene, this time to discuss a controversial topic amongst cultivators of all sizes—the utilization (or underutilization) of beneficial predatory bugs, especially in indoor grow spaces.

Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by Nick Zimmer, founder of Plantsman Group, a company breaking the stigma daily on the beneficial bugs needed to keep your grow in a state of utter homeostasis without having to use hardly any chemical pesticides. And don’t worry, the topic of whether you can run a grow chemical and pesticide-free with just beneficial bugs does come up.

Our host seriously came with his list of questions this time, certifiably, as no stone is left unturned in terms of topics surrounding ideal cycles for adding beneficial bugs and when to remove them, whether bugs really poop in the buds, best practices so you’re not burning your crop in week 5 or 6, the history of the legacy market in Michigan, using bugs with DWC, dealing with aphids, utilizing nematodes to solve fungus gnat issues, the beneficial bug starter pack, and so much more.

For those unaware of the credentials surrounding Nick and Plantsman, here are the cliffnotes. Plantsman Group is a Michigan‑based company offering organic pest‑management solutions tailored for 🍃 cultivators. Founded in 2022 by Nick Zimmer, the company focuses on integrating beneficial insects and preventative care rather than relying on chemical pesticides.

Nick Zimmer, a Michigan State University horticulture graduate, transitioned from conventional ornamental growing to pioneering biology‑based integrated pest management in cannabis cultivation, which you’ll hear all about during the pod. Besides the endless free game that is dropped, Nick’s life story will also have you 100% tuned in. He aims to eliminate pesticides across grow facilities by replacing synthetic sprays with natural predators, delivering both products and hands‑on consultation to growers of all sizes.

Some of the best parts of this pod are when Nick is regaling our host with his best horror stories from the massive array of grow operations he’s consulted for and helped bring back to pest-free. We’re talking enormous spider mite outbreaks, aphid infestations, and more. One of the other overarching points Nick makes during this conversation is that Plantsman is focused on helping each individual who comes to them tailor-make a solution using their library of predatory bugs. Nick emphasizes reaching out via their site or social media to get a direct response on troubleshooting your issue.

Blackleaf begins this episode by asserting that too many growers deal with bug issues, some big, some small, and they all refuse to look into beneficial predatory bugs. But, who doesn’t want to produce the cleanest, most pesticide-free bud possible…right? Hopefully, by the end, you’ll feel a little more inclined to bang Plantsman’s line to see if you can get some further enlightenment and (maybe) finally get rid of those pesky thrips.

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