New York Grower King Dies
August 15, 2011 
Paul King, the co-inventor of the first growing media hydrogel, Viterra, died July 30. He was 78.
King was a 1954 Phi Beta Kappa-Summa Cum Laude graduate in chemistry from the University of Arkansas. He continued his education, obtaining a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of California, followed by a postdoctoral in soil physics and plant physiology at the University of Arizona.
King was the youngest ever Research Fellow at Union Carbide Corp (1957-79), where his efforts led to 75-plus patents. He also developed growing media mixes and fertilizer formulations while working for Fisons/Sun Gro Horticulture as vice president of research.
In 1976, King’s passion for plants led him to start Techni-Growers Greenhouses in Warwick, N.Y., where he and his staff conducted research as well as produced potted and bedding plants for wholesale and retail sales. The greenhouses continue to operate under the direction of King’s daughter Deborah Sweeton.
In addition to Deborah and her husband Michael Sweeton, King is survived by his wife Barbara of 56 years; daughter Juliana King; granddaughters Stephanie and Samantha Sweeton; and brothers Ivan and David and their families.
A memorial service to celebrate King’s life will be held in Warwick, N.Y., on Sept. 24, 2011. Donations in Paul’s name can be made to the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society and/or Warwick in Bloom at P.O. Box 519, Warwick, NY 10990.
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