**First Grow** Journal (PUDC & Sour Power) with the Spider Farmer SE5000

[Dothraki]

read this.

HOW TO WATER COCO FOR BEST RESULTS.

Ok writing this cause i see this issue often and rather have a thread to link than explain this each time. This is not my work but a collection of info from many members here and I have put into practice myself. So first off COCO is NOT soil. For best results we want to keep it saturated...

www.thcfarmer.com

I did...that’s why it’s strange that they wilted and sagged when I only watered a little bit.

1. Add perlite to the coco. 70/30(perlite) ratio.
2. water until run off. Make sure bottom of cups have very good drainage add extra holes if need be... to let all water drain out and not soak any water up back into it.
3. Water every 2-3 days depending on size of plant & weight of cups. (get a feel for what it weighs with and without water- make a side cup and fill with coco and see the difference) - NEVER let it fully dry out should always be moist/saturated. ph 5.8 if you need to adjust it...can drift a bit without harm.
4. Use very diluted nutrients(1/4) every time and always add calimag at half dose to full dose (seedling stage). Coco hoards calimag.

This is my PERSONAL guideline for seedling to early veg ONLY. I use GH trio with calimagic. Each watering gets hydrogaurd added. slf-100 (1-2 times a week).
DEFGUARD is a cheaper choice as its super concentrated as the alternative to Hydroguard.

Strange that they sag when I watered to runoff the very first time. As for PH and feeding, the nutrient im using is 5ml per liter from seed to harvest with every watering. It’s PH buffered so just added to tap water. Mantis Buffered Nutrients. I’d say that’s the problem but another member here has great results from it, and I’ve read good stuff. I dunno I’m at a loss for the reason, let’s see what tomorrow looks like lol.

 

[Bdogg]

I did...that’s why it’s strange that they wilted and sagged when I only watered a little bit.


Strange that they sag when I watered to runoff the very first time. As for PH and feeding, the nutrient im using is 5ml per liter from seed to harvest with every watering. It’s PH buffered so just added to tap water. Mantis Buffered Nutrients. I’d say that’s the problem but another member here has great results from it, and I’ve read good stuff. I dunno I’m at a loss for the reason, let’s see what tomorrow looks like lol.

I did...that’s why it’s strange that they wilted and sagged when I only watered a little bit.


Strange that they sag when I watered to runoff the very first time. As for PH and feeding, the nutrient im using is 5ml per liter from seed to harvest with every watering. It’s PH buffered so just added to tap water. Mantis Buffered Nutrients. I’d say that’s the problem but another member here has great results from it, and I’ve read good stuff. I dunno I’m at a loss for the reason, let’s see what tomorrow looks like lol.

Double check the Ph of the feeding.?
Also give a lighter dose of food? seems kind of strong IMO. I do understand you need 5ml to auto ph the water...was the coco ready to be watered?
Sagging after watering is normal but should perk up with 12 hours or so. water at the beginning of lights on.

 

[Frostfire]

I’ve been feeding with the Mantis nutrients. You think I should try watering until runoff instead of dribbling so they can get more nutes?

I would water to runoff every 3-5 days depending on your conditions (humidity/temps), seedlings don't seem to like every day watering, this has been my experience in coco but mine has a little castings and peat mixed in with a little perlite. In this mix I find 3 to 4 days is perfect, any more and they slow way down in growth. When you water go for about 10% runoff to wash away the old solution (salts) and tickle the roots with a nice bath of fresh solution, soak it good from the rim of your cup right up to the stem, then give it 3, 4, maybe even 5 days, they will love it. But water too much and they'll freeze frame! lol

 

[Dothraki]

Double check the Ph of the feeding.?
Also give a lighter dose of food? seems kind of strong IMO. I do understand you need 5ml to auto ph the water...was the coco ready to be watered?
Sagging after watering is normal but should perk up with 12 hours or so. water at the beginning of lights on.

I’m thinking maybe it wasn’t ready for water...but the tops of them were drying out. It perked back up since yesterday, tops of coco are really dry today, but there’s still a little weight to them so it seems the coco retains water pretty well under the surface. I sprayed the tops since it was dry and light brown colored. Humidity was 35% since my humidifier doesn’t come on automatically with lights on.

I would water to runoff every 3-5 days depending on your conditions (humidity/temps), seedlings don't seem to like every day watering, this has been my experience in coco but mine has a little castings and peat mixed in with a little perlite. In this mix I find 3 to 4 days is perfect, any more and they slow way down in growth. When you water go for about 10% runoff to wash away the old solution (salts) and tickle the roots with a nice bath of fresh solution, soak it good from the rim of your cup right up to the stem, then give it 3, 4, maybe even 5 days, they will love it. But water too much and they'll freeze frame! lol

yeah they seem to be growing slower when I water. The tops dried out quite a bit since lights on this morning from 5am-10am humidity was low dropping to 35%. The saggy one perked up since last night.

Wondering if I should grab some of the fine perlite to mix along with the expanded clay balls, and up pot them to the final 3 gallon fabric pots today...thoughts?

 

[Frostfire]

I’m thinking maybe it wasn’t ready for water...but the tops of them were drying out. It perked back up since yesterday, tops of coco are really dry today, but there’s still a little weight to them so it seems the coco retains water pretty well under the surface. I sprayed the tops since it was dry and light brown colored. Humidity was 35% since my humidifier doesn’t come on automatically with lights on.


yeah they seem to be growing slower when I water. The tops dried out quite a bit since lights on this morning from 5am-10am humidity was low dropping to 35%. The saggy one perked up since last night.

Wondering if I should grab some of the fine perlite to mix along with the expanded clay balls, and up pot them to the final 3 gallon fabric pots today...thoughts?

If you throw up an updated pic it's easier to say. And when did you water last? And I wouldn't just spray the top because it doesn't really do anything, when the plant needs water in coco, water till runoff, and don't water again until you know it needs water, judge by WEIGHT of the pot, TIME or APPEARANCE of your plants.
Absolutely, that coco retains water, down toward the bottom is where the weight will remain for a while, and give the roots a chance to go searching for it for a more developed root system. It's what goes on down below that will support a larger, healthier 'specimen' later!
Up pot when you know you have a good healthy root system in that container, and that will be determined by plant size in relation to the container in which it currently resides. Don't rush it too much, no need, BUT don't let it become root bound!

 

[growsince79]

I’m thinking maybe it wasn’t ready for water...but the tops of them were drying out. It perked back up since yesterday, tops of coco are really dry today, but there’s still a little weight to them so it seems the coco retains water pretty well under the surface. I sprayed the tops since it was dry and light brown colored. Humidity was 35% since my humidifier doesn’t come on automatically with lights on.


yeah they seem to be growing slower when I water. The tops dried out quite a bit since lights on this morning from 5am-10am humidity was low dropping to 35%. The saggy one perked up since last night.

Wondering if I should grab some of the fine perlite to mix along with the expanded clay balls, and up pot them to the final 3 gallon fabric pots today...thoughts?

Its not too late to plant in soil or promix. Whatever you decide, it's better to transplant to 1 gal pots.

 

[Dothraki]

If you throw up an updated pic it's easier to say. And when did you water last? And I wouldn't just spray the top because it doesn't really do anything, when the plant needs water in coco, water till runoff, and don't water again until you know it needs water, judge by WEIGHT of the pot, TIME or APPEARANCE of your plants.
Absolutely, that coco retains water, down toward the bottom is where the weight will remain for a while, and give the roots a chance to go searching for it for a more developed root system. It's what goes on down below that will support a larger, healthier 'specimen' later!

Ok, got it. Here is what they look like now, tops were light brown but I did just spritz em so doesnt look dry.

 

[Frostfire]

Ok, got it. Here is what they look like now, tops were light brown but I did just spritz em so doesnt look dry.

View attachment 1193300View attachment 1193301

Yes, I would up-pot, you see how some of your leaves are reaching beyond the rim of the cup?

And when you do, plant your stems deeper than they are now by 1-2 in. bring the medium line up close to the cotyledons, that will make for a sturdier plant in the long run. Yes, you can mix in some perlite for improved drainage and better aeration, no problem with that, usually about a 70/30 mix is the norm. They look healthy, steady as she goes!

 

[Dothraki]

Yes, I would up-pot, and when you do, plant your stems deeper than they are now by 1-2 in. Will make for a sturdier plant in the long run.

Ok thanks! When up potting...should I water the empty 3 gallon before adding the seedling...to make sure PH is right? Or should I add the seedling then water? Or just pot it and wait to water?

 

[Frostfire]

Ok thanks! When up potting...should I water the empty 3 gallon before adding the seedling...to make sure PH is right? Or should I add the seedling then water? Or just pot it and wait to water?

Up-pot and water as usual (10% runoff) will be fine if it's not premoistened already, even if it is, they need to be 'watered in' (settled). And pay no mind if they are 'droopy' after they get to their new home, a day or 2 after their move, and a good water and feeding (1/2 strength nutes is what I suggest at this stage), they will perk right up.
Give em' what they need and let them do the rest! Best!

 

[Dothraki]

Up-pot and water as usual (10% runoff) will be fine if it's not premoistened already, even if it is, they need to be 'watered in' (settled). And pay no mind if they are 'droopy' after they get to their new home, a day or 2 after their move, and a good water and feeding (1/2 strength nutes is what I suggest at this stage), they will perk right up.
Give em' what they need and let them do the rest! Best!

Will do! Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Dothraki]

OMG.... transplanting is a huuuuuge mess lol. Thought I could mix it in a 5 gallon bucket. Anyway....how much water is needed to get runoff in 70/30 coco/perlite in a 3 gallon fabric pot???
I‘ve added a liter to each one already and still not even damp on the bottom...

 

[growsince79]

OMG.... transplanting is a huuuuuge mess lol. Thought I could mix it in a 5 gallon bucket. Anyway....how much water is needed to get runoff in 70/30 coco/perlite in a 3 gallon fabric pot???
I‘ve added a liter to each one already and still not even damp on the bottom...

View attachment 1193473

How did the roots look? Was the cup full? Did they come out in one piece? Probably need a gallon for each pot.

 

[Frostfire]

OMG.... transplanting is a huuuuuge mess lol. Thought I could mix it in a 5 gallon bucket. Anyway....how much water is needed to get runoff in 70/30 coco/perlite in a 3 gallon fabric pot???
I‘ve added a liter to each one already and still not even damp on the bottom...

View attachment 1193473

How do your water? What do you use (container)?

Water slowly, slowly till you get a little runoff seeping from the bottom, 5, 10% is adequate, since your in earlier stages of your grow and everything is still fresh. Then you are all set for a good little while. If it were me, in 2-3 days I'd foliar feed, and check for watering but you may need to still wait a while longer, they are not gonna' drink much and that medium will hold onto that volume of water for a while, this is to some degree based on your environment. What are your temps?

 

[Dothraki]

How did the roots look? Was the cup full? Did they come out in one piece? Probably need a gallon for each pot.

WOW!!! WHAT A DAY!!!

So, first of all....I had no idea transplanting would be so crazy and time consuming. I sifted the perlite to get rid of the powder, tried mixing in a 5 gallon bucket, then realized it was only enough for one 3G pot lol. Anyway, here’s how it went.

The Lemon Grass (tallest, biggest) was the first to go. The medium‘s water content was perfect for transplant. Stayed in one piece, I did sort of a gravity flip and flop right into the pre-shaped solo cup hole I made. PERFECT! Roots looked good too. Starting to coil at the bottom but not root bound.
Some others were more finicky and too dry. The (I think) PUDC #2 went in pretty rough. Started to fall apart as I was flipping it. It was ugly. But not as ugly as when I transplanted the Runt lol. The Runt literally fell apart in a fast, aggressive way and as I tried to guide it to the hole of destiny, it SMASHED into the hole and a big long hairy root flopped out and ended up on top of the coco. I quickly covered it with more coco and hope for the best lol.
I watered until the bottoms were soggy. It took forever because I used a pressure sprayer to get it as even as possible nice and slow. Too damn slow. Pretty much every root mass looked the same. Only had the balls to take one quick pic though...

And here they are in their new homes!

I decided to use a 1 gallon fabric pot for the runt. Just to see how it goes. Finally I can kick back and smoke a bowl omg that was more stressful on me than the plants haha. Fun though.

 

[Dothraki]

How do your water? What do you use (container)?

Water slowly, slowly till you get a little runoff seeping from the bottom, 5, 10% is adequate, since your in earlier stages of your grow and everything is still fresh. Then you are all set for a good little while. If it were me, in 2-3 days I'd foliar feed, and check for watering but you may need to still wait a while longer, they are not gonna' drink much and that medium will hold onto that volume of water for a while, this is to some degree based on your environment. What are your temps?

I watered with a pump sprayer...it took forever. Temps are around 72-79. Mostly around 75 mid day (once I get my cool humidifier on).

 

[Frostfire]

I watered with a pump sprayer...it took forever. Temps are around 72-79. Mostly around 75 mid day (once I get my cool humidifier on).

When you keep it adjusted to a soft, wide spray, a pump sprayer is a good choice, it could take a while to water a container that size so 'forever' sounds like you took it nice and slow; dry spots in coco are bad so you did well. Your temps are a dream!

 

[Dothraki]

OH! And guess what???

I realized I forgot to put drain holes in the Sour Power....which was my healthiest plant hahaha. So maybe I was under watering, and that’s why it did well cause it still had water lol.

 

[Bdogg]

OH! And guess what???

I realized I forgot to put drain holes in the Sour Power....which was my healthiest plant hahaha. So maybe I was under watering, and that’s why it did well cause it still had water lo

Water thoroughly & let run off run off completely don’t let it soak it back up or sit in any water. Don’t feed until the fabric pot is light enough need be. Never ever let coco dry out. I suggest next time upgrade to 1 gallon fabric pots as it’s easier to maintain with small plants & with coco & frabric pots 1 gallon is larger than 1 gallon plastic pot so to speak in terms of root health.

 

[Dothraki]

Water thoroughly & let run off run off completely don’t let it soak it back up or sit in any water. Don’t feed until the fabric pot is light enough need be. Never ever let coco dry out. I suggest next time upgrade to 1 gallon fabric pots as it’s easier to maintain with small plants & with coco & frabric pots 1 gallon is larger than 1 gallon plastic pot so to speak in terms of root health.

Yeah I’m definitely going smaller fabric next time. I was thinking 2 gallon smart pots. The 1 gallon I have the runt in is very small. This is fun as hell so far, I want to grow other stuff now too lol. Pineapples and ...damn I wonder if I can grow coffee haha.