Week two of this year's grow project. The plant count remains an easy to manage 16 medical marijuana plants.
I have been having some issues with the electrical in the little greenhouse I have. You don't need much in terms of supplemental light this time of year. Cannabis plants during their high growth/ vegetative state require at least 18 hours of light in the beginning of transition to outdoor sun (typically using supplemental lights of some sort). They don't need lights as strong as the sun, but a decent amount goes a long way. There are tons of companies that specialize in lighting but I will only be needing this for a few weeks, and the idea is to wean the plants off that light. I just use a basic setup using power strips, but plugging in lights in addition to a fan and dehumidifier gets a little complicated. I have to admit, I still haven't figured out the best way to do it yet.
I intend to transplant the plants to their final home between May 26- June 1. Between now and then it is my job to wean them off being on 18 hours of light, and when they go into their grow pots they will be synced up with the natural light cycle outside. I consulted with my Farmer's Almanac today regarding how many hours of natural sunlight there will be at the time of final planting. By May 26, 2017 my region of the United States will have 14 1/2 hours of sunlight (I love my Farmer's Almanac by the way.) So by that time the plants will be getting that much sun per day and ready to be fully outside for the remainder of the season.
The plants look pretty good this week. I am noticing an increase in height and new growth. Seeing the new growth is the best part.
I only watered the plants the first week. This week they got their first feeding of nutrients.
I am not going to identify which line of nutrients I am using, but instead want to share my thoughts on nutrients in general. When I first entered the grow game, I knew absolutely nothing and the only cannabis plant I had grown was with water and sunlight. What I have realized is that no two cannabis growers grow alike. I have never, ever met two people reach consensus on what the best method of growing cannabis is. There is consensus on the need for three base nutrients; nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (otherwise known as the N-P-K ratio) but the ways in which those base nutrient needs are met vary wide and far. Some folks prefer as organic nutrients as possible, while others have no qualms about using the plant equivalent of steroids with some fertilizers.
One way to deliver nutrients is directly through the soil, while other folks use water- soluble nutrients and implement it to their water during feeding. And I have never seen a grower use a complete line of the same nutrients. I find this last part especially difficult to understand. I mean, there are companies who invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in developing nutrient lines to interact with their line products, while maximizing what the plants need to grow big and lush. All I have seen prior to this year is growers using this product during the vegetative cycle, another product for flower, and in between a hodgepodge of different brands being used. My thinking may be naive, but simple: try using a complete nutrient regimen from one company. This is the option I chose this year.
The plants seemed receptive to the nutrients and lighting conditions I have set up for them so far.
Yesterday was a hot and sunny day. Since I want them to get used to the sun I left them uncovered for the day. It got hotter than I anticipated and I was off site working. It looks to me some of the leaves on a couple of the plants got burned. There is also the chance they may have been shocked by the strength of nutrients I just gave them. I have since covered them back up and will work towards a slower method of integrating them into full sun and will continue to monitor for further degradation of any leaves.
Today was their first application that I have applied of a miticide. Since the plants have moved around a bit and been around other growers (in addition to me visiting other gardens all the time) the chance for contamination of pests is high. An out-of-control pest situation can decimate your crop. And quite often if you realize you have a bug problem, it's already too late and you are already behind the curve. It is very hard to bounce back from a bug infestation in a cannabis garden. As a result I utilize a few methods to minimize plant degradation due to insects/ mites and other pests.
The first method is the soil. I try to create a soil situation that harness beneficial bacteria. A healthy plant in healthy soil is more likely to resist pests and disease. My soil has been sourced from one of the most well- known and respected suppliers in the Valley. And their staff are incredible.
The second method is the introduction of beneficial bugs. Ladybugs and preying mantis are good examples of beneficial bugs. They prey on other bugs that can harm your cannabis plant, and can be a second natural line of defense against pests and disease. I have heard mixed results about how effective this is, but I have to admit it is really cool to see a ladybug in your plants and a preying mantis to pop up on your shoulder once in a while.
The third line of defense is the use of chemicals to ward off pests. Of course there are synthetic products that can annihilate a pest, but leave residual chemicals on the plant that can be harmful to the end user. In my state we have a mandated laboratory testing program that all retail cannabis must go through in order to protect the customer. This includes testing for molds as well as cannabis potency. I tend to only use natural, oil- based products that do not leave those nasty residual chemicals. I also rotate my products weekly, putting about three different products in my rotation. These products are applied using a foliar sprayer.
That's about it for this week. Here are a few more pics just for fun, including one of me at work blowing kisses to the Universe and the scene of my spot at night under a recent full moon. Big Love and thanks!
do you sterilize your soil? This is something that I just recently learned about ( past few days). of course you would have to reintroduce the good bacteria but all the bad things would be gone.... I am not sure how I feel about this method. Learned it from a homesteading group.
Hey! Don't I know you (hee hee)! Well, two of the past three years I just bought all new soil from a reputable company doing organics. This past season though I re-used the soil but first put lots and lots of amendments in it (did that in the off season so it had time to break down.) I would say my own efforts had some results but I could have done better/ more. On a recreational farm I spent most of the year at they indeed used beneficial bacteria to enhance the quality of the soil. I am way into beneficial bacteria and bugs as more of a longer- term bio dynamic approach to soil management. Right now the industry is flooded with short- termers with nothing but $$$ in their eyes so can be hard to find but the good farms are out there getting it done. Thanks for commenting!
Is there anyway to use natural nutrients like compost? Or do fertilizers just work too damn well?
Dude I totally recommend natural nutes exactly like compost.
I live in a region of the US where there is a very deeeeeep knowledge of this stuff. I myself am a newbie, but just try to soak up the knowledge from the old- schoolers. The OG growers actually make their own soil using exactly what you said. The real mind- boggler is wrapping your mind about soil nutrients and soil needs. I am taking on online class right not on sustainable soil management to get a better concept of what soil needs most.
My opinion based on what I see is that building your own shit is the best way to go long- term. Fertilizers are only ideal for one- off projects and people who are in it for the money money money!
Established growers who are environmentally conscious build their soils with cow manure, chicken poop, food scraps, etc.... and constantly monitor these compost piles but keep them ideal. An example is that adding too much cow manure can make the soil have too much nitrogen, and go "hot" which isn't cool for soil equilibrium.
Fertilizers are the quick and easy way.
Personally, and to be honest, if you are new use the fertilizers and get to know growers who do their own soil. And take classes on soil biology if you are into that groove as well. Thanks a bunch! Big Love from Oregon.
Bro thanks for the detailed reply. Sounds like you are deep into it. Much Love from New Zealand. <3
Yeah man. In Oregon we have a legal medical and recreational cannabis system. I do a side project, which is what this blog is about, but also do consulting for regulation compliance and farm work on the big recreational project I am contracted with right now. Bruh, we are launching 300 plants this month! And legal? It's insane how lucky I am to be in this scene and share. And NZ! Now THAT is an amazing spot my friend. Be well and Big Love!