First grow, first diary. We are In Utero.

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Relax, it's a process. We don't learn it all overnight.

Yes, thank you! I have to keep reminding myself. There are obviously reasons the medicine itself is good for me, and once I’m up and running and have more “care” to do, it will become relaxing and a love for me. It’s all meant as one giant “self help” project. I can buy the stuff same as I always have. Even easier now and I hear in some areas, becoming a lot cheaper. That hasn’t happened here in my area of NY yet, but I’m sure it will. This is for me to do for me. My anxiety is just showing in the process as much as I’d want to or think I’m hiding it. I’d joke and say I’m insane, but people yell at me . I’m just kidding, but there are a few loose screws.

 

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Yes, thank you! I have to keep reminding myself. There are obviously reasons the medicine itself is good for me, and once I’m up and running and have more “care” to do, it will become relaxing and a love for me. It’s all meant as one giant “self help” project. I can buy the stuff same as I always have. Even easier now and I hear in some areas, becoming a lot cheaper. That hasn’t happened here in my area of NY yet, but I’m sure it will. This is for me to do for me. My anxiety is just showing in the process as much as I’d want to or think I’m hiding it. I’d joke and say I’m insane, but people yell at me . I’m just kidding, but there are a few loose screws.

Some of us have so many loose screws it sounds like sleigh bells ringing when our heads move.
You'll get there. Smoke one and chill.

 

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The ladies this afternoon at lights up. I see some issues but am unsure if it’s soil related, or light, water etc. I don’t see a lot, but you may. I’m still pretty happy. I’m still just starting the earth boxes so there won’t be a transplant today.

I am still monitoring closely the tall “gal” in the back, someone mentioned to watch more closely as it could be a male trait. I took a quick vid up and inside it to show you.

There was a catastrophe in the transplant out of solo cups. Roommate was helping and I let my guard slip and a few plant tags were left on the floor. I HAD ONE JOB!!

in this picture are 3 Bruce Banners, 3 Gorilla Glue, and 1 Girl Scout Cookie (2 didn’t make it after original sprout). I am pretty sure I know 2 of the sets of sisters, their other sister I’m still not picking out. I am tempted to call the tall one the GSC but in looking back at my pictures, to try to get an identity, I don’t think she is the one who was just tall the whole time. Originally I thought it was a stretch from me not having a long enough light. None of the rest of the ladies have such long internodes either. If anyone can identify from pics, even if I need to take new ones, I’m not overly concerned because it’s all ending up the same place, but I should know.
I’ve already spoken about only t and either very light LST, or really just leaving them. I need to be comfortable and get a couple runs through. I believe I’m safe to cut some larger leaves now, which would give some light to lower stuff. Can I? Just a little?

I think the light is still ideal where I was told to set it. I mean, as far as I can tell and my limited knowledge that needed to ask in the first place. I’m at 30” & 30%. It’s a PhotonTek X600 pro, so I’m hearing a powerful light (months after purchase by recommendation). I don’t have and can’t really buy a meter (or anything else really ). I’ve tried the Photone app and know it will work for my needs but it does need to be calibrated. It’s not giving me what I’m told it should at levels and height etc. on two different led sets. Maybe I can find someone with a better meter and calibrate it. I’ll talk to the guys at the shop. I know the needs and intensity will change. I don’t know that I’ll ever need the full 600, but I also don’t know when to do all that. I have some time though.
Thanks all!!

Edit…if better pics would help anyone wanting to try to identify I will take them.

 

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They are cranking right along. I might just flip them and not worry about topping this grow.

 

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They are cranking right along. I might just flip them and not worry about topping this grow.

If I do that, I could skip the whole transplant too and just power through the 8 weeks and keep top dressing and just kind of overly watch the soil. Adding more than I normally would. Yes, including if needed, liquid, organic nutes. I’m really going to need help with that though. I know what to top dress the soil with, but the microbiology won’t survive the full 8 weeks as it will just be a tiny ball of it in the center. I will think about it, and have been. I got this far and I was stressed, but it’s gone pretty well.

if they do spend two weeks in the earth boxes, they will get even better and then I could flip. I am fully open to suggestions. There is a transplanting issue as far as height of current pot. I’m going to have to do something you’ll all tell me not too. It may be worth the shot for me. I’m working that out.

The boxes still need to be setup, but I could use the time to make it better. Grow a good cover crop and mulch it in etc. Get it super living. I kind of feel like that’s changing my plans again and I know I’ve driven folks crazy the last few months. Haha. I’d get an Oz or 2 off each these, right?

I realize me saying I’m willing to chance things is foreign to all my anxiety filled posts, but I am truly at that point. I will learn the plant, it’s good right now on its own. My focus is the soul, and yes, it’s strange and weird to me. Haha. I never expected it.

I can keep buying the stuff. I just want my silly “vision” to happen now.

 

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Our soil is living and it doesn't take that long to get it going.
Stop buying stuff because you may not ever use it.

 

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Our soil is living and it doesn't take that long to get it going.
Stop buying stuff because you may not ever use it.

Yea, I meant the light meter. I don’t have anything excessive for the soil etc. just basics for organic living stuff. They talk constantly about not needing it or sourcing it somewhere else so I just got a couple things to add in. It will get used in the earth boxes if I do them now or next run. I have them, I want to learn them, it’s worth it to me, especially if I’m going to flip now and get just a basic yield. I can cut my losses and start over, with more knowledge and a working plan. Like I thought I had. We do both know I have things I don’t need. Hah. I’ve learned that part.

 

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It’s the guy growing in the Earth Boxes here, I’m checking out your diary. I’m not going back to read it all, but after seeing how many you have, how they are all different varieties and all in pretty big pots for transplanting into earth boxes, maybe you skip it this time, slow down and figure stuff out this round. Why rush to fill boxes and shove oversized plants into new homes only to flip a week later (not even getting the full benefit of the fast growth rates of the Earth Boxes). I would take your time to prep the new boxes, get soil and cover crop going. Ideally, if you take it serious, you are going to want a veg tent that you can either grow and veg clones in or keep a mother to cut from. Introducing outside clones to your controlled garden opens it up to pests and problems. I use no till, living organic to eliminate brining in outside soils like Fox farms that often have free problems right out of the bag. My two year old soil has been sprayed, inoculated, has beneficial bacteria and microbiology, & predator mites. I consistently feed the worms, feed the microbes, make teas, use fermented extracts, use Rootwise, foliar feed with frass tea, foliar feed with fermented extract….all that is pumping up the natural defenses and keeping bad bugs at bay and making happy organic plants. You can’t ever just quit when using living soil, the worms and all life just die if you put it in the dark and stop watering and feeding the worms.

 

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It’s the guy growing in the Earth Boxes here, I’m checking out your diary. I’m not going back to read it all, but after seeing how many you have, how they are all different varieties and all in pretty big pots for transplanting into earth boxes, maybe you skip it this time, slow down and figure stuff out this round. Why rush to fill boxes and shove oversized plants into new homes only to flip a week later (not even getting the full benefit of the fast growth rates of the Earth Boxes). I would take your time to prep the new boxes, get soil and cover crop going. Ideally, if you take it serious, you are going to want a veg tent that you can either grow and veg clones in or keep a mother to cut from. Introducing outside clones to your controlled garden opens it up to pests and problems. I use no till, living organic to eliminate brining in outside soils like Fox farms that often have free problems right out of the bag. My two year old soil has been sprayed, inoculated, has beneficial bacteria and microbiology, & predator mites. I consistently feed the worms, feed the microbes, make teas, use fermented extracts, use Rootwise, foliar feed with frass tea, foliar feed with fermented extract….all that is pumping up the natural defenses and keeping bad bugs at bay and making happy organic plants. You can’t ever just quit when using living soil, the worms and all life just die if you put it in the dark and stop watering and feeding the worms.

I’m not quitting. The reason it got confusing is because when I decided on the soil, completely by accident and not yet fully understanding, I then learned I had everything else wrong. Now, and strangely, I’m kind of more into it than the plant at this point. The product of the plant I know. It’s just the the time I’m learning, and really I think a happy accident that I ended up in the soil. I didn’t know enough still, 8 weeks ago, not to start in the happy frog and use a lighter living mix instead. I do now. I am still at the point where it’s enough knowledge to be dangerous, but it taps out. I am still reading, watching, learning. The 30gals and the soil have been here most of the time. I just found the boxes in the web series and it solved my size problem. I can’t ever move a 30gal pot. I almost ended up with a full bed in the upstairs bedroom. Where the hell is that ever going? Ha. You’re probably right and it’s crossed my mind. I just bit off more then I could chew without knowing it and need to learn both at once. Although, not completely because truly, as you know and I’m learning and now seeing, if I take care of the soil, I don’t have to worry about the plant. They will go in it for at least a week or two before I flip, right? Then 8 weeks? If it’s really without benefit, and not worth the risky transplant, I’ll hold off. I’m making guesses and going by videos. You’ve done and are doing it. I don’t have the tent now or even a light big enough for a veg tent. I do have an HLG veg that will cover a 2x2. I could start cover in two probably. Just get a cheaper light and hang it in the room with boxes outside and next to tent and grow cover and prepare them all. There’s no plan to stop. I just figured go through, re amend and start over. I’ve known I’m going to need a veg tent and light a while. I just can’t do it right now. I do still have to buy medicine too. I just didn’t think and still don’t think I’ll need constant running. I wouldn’t know what to do with it. I can grow other things in the boxes in between, I know they can’t sit drying out with no life.

I’m thinking it all over and glad I stopped to consider it all and this conversation started. I can power through it. Jeremy did it in 5gals though and these are 3. Isn’t it dead already? Haha. I’m kind of kidding, but I did do a top dress of compost already because I was paranoid and it didn’t seem to hurt anything or be too much. Again, I just don’t know and probably shouldn’t be guessing. Which is why it’s better if I just say it. Even if im writing novels. If someone stops me from complete disaster it’s all worth it. How hard is it going to be to power through in the 3’s?

I really appreciate you taking all this time. I know exactly who you are since I stumbled on this thread. Thank you and I am listening. What I think I know doesn’t matter to me. What you do know does.

 

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Well, 5 of 7 are in Earth Boxes and 2 are staying in the 3gals. For reference, the plants were looking good at transplant time, when I removed them from the pot, the soil was dry except for in the middle of the rootball, which had not filled the pot. My only guess is they reached dry soil.

it fell away, so my idea of maybe “loosening” it wasn’t even needed. I don’t know enough to know the extent of the shock the transplant will cause. The first one looked great the next day (did one and was exhausted from prepping them). Whatever happens I’m here and can get back here in a better position. All good experience and lessons so far. Everything documented and written down. Ok, it’s in my phone notes, but I have a notebook to move it and a grease board to keep track of weekly duties. I’ll be flipping when I know they’re good in new homes.

I made a choice early on for an 8” exhaust system, which is overkill for the tent even considering lessening factors, but it’s still more efficient than the 6” because I can run it lower and quieter. I’ve yet to hear it really. The stupid Jardin, that doesn’t even oscillate, is loud as hell. lol.

I may run out of room because of what it takes. I’m not going to run it outside the tent, but I’ve seen people put them on the floor. Is this really ok? Yes, I’ve seen it but is really ok? I don’t think I have a choice.

The “mistake” is that these came from pots too big for a great transplant into the boxes. I never wanted to use them and got stuck. Just trying to work it out. The 3gals will be ok but need a lot of extra I wasn’t wanting to add. I will because I have too. If we root well into these boxes, that will be much less an issue and I just follow that process.

 

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I’ve seen 2 stink bugs in the tent in the last 3 days!! I now know that what ate parts of two leaves. So, we do see them in the house a lot in the winter. The area and cold force them in. The tent does have “access.” In spots covered by the flap. Has to be how they got in, or just when I had it open. I know I can spray and do a few things to get them out. It’s not an infestation right now but they’ll call each other to it. Yep, I need to foliar spray…with what, that’s completely organic, and seriously, I don’t mean to be an idiot, but when and how??

 

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I put screens over each vent in my tent, there are a couple Im not using that could allow easier access. If I had holes like that were Im not using or the cables go through, I’d pack them with dark grocery store plastic bags and if you have to, tape them off, especially the ones with cords running though.

 

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Well, 5 of 7 are in Earth Boxes and 2 are staying in the 3gals. For reference, the plants were looking good at transplant time, when I removed them from the pot, the soil was dry except for in the middle of the rootball, which had not filled the pot. My only guess is they reached dry soil.

it fell away, so my idea of maybe “loosening” it wasn’t even needed. I don’t know enough to know the extent of the shock the transplant will cause. The first one looked great the next day (did one and was exhausted from prepping them). Whatever happens I’m here and can get back here in a better position. All good experience and lessons so far. Everything documented and written down. Ok, it’s in my phone notes, but I have a notebook to move it and a grease board to keep track of weekly duties. I’ll be flipping when I know they’re good in new homes.

I made a choice early on for an 8” exhaust system, which is overkill for the tent even considering lessening factors, but it’s still more efficient than the 6” because I can run it lower and quieter. I’ve yet to hear it really. The stupid Jardin, that doesn’t even oscillate, is loud as hell. lol.

I may run out of room because of what it takes. I’m not going to run it outside the tent, but I’ve seen people put them on the floor. Is this really ok? Yes, I’ve seen it but is really ok? I don’t think I have a choice.

The “mistake” is that these came from pots too big for a great transplant into the boxes. I never wanted to use them and got stuck. Just trying to work it out. The 3gals will be ok but need a lot of extra I wasn’t wanting to add. I will because I have too. If we root well into these boxes, that will be much less an issue and I just follow that process.

You can put them on the floor. Wheels just make it nice to clean under. Might want to get a 4-6” pot drip tray and put it under the drain holes on the box. The reason they say don’t add water in the res early is to allow the plant to search for water and drive it’s root growth downward. If the res is full I guess the theory is the soil will stay wet and the roots might take longer to find the water below. I don’t get it because you water the soil twice before filling anyways, so isn’t the soil wet either way?

 

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I put screens over each vent in my tent, there are a couple Im not using that could allow easier access. If I had holes like that were Im not using or the cables go through, I’d pack them with dark grocery store plastic bags and if you have to, tape them off, especially the ones with cords running though.

You’re the best, thank you. Seems so simple, and I’m really not dumb. Haha. I will do that. I’m looking into sprays, now, much too late but we’re learning, right…

I can use neem, add aloe. I could use lilac or lavender oils. I’m going to be spraying with the peach ferment but I don’t know if that’s also a bug repellent. I know these bugs don’t like the lilac and lavender. I could use sticky traps but how? On the mulch cover? Stupid things. I hate them!! I never even considered it and I’ve always known they’re around.

Will be making the screens now. There’s only 2 spots at the front zipper (that I can see). The holes are all pretty tight but I will reinforce it all now.

 

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You can put them on the floor. Wheels just make it nice to clean under. Might want to get a 4-6” pot drip tray and put it under the drain holes on the box. The reason they say don’t add water in the res early is to allow the plant to search for water and drive it’s root growth downward. If the res is full I guess the theory is the soil will stay wet and the roots might take longer to find the water below. I don’t get it because you water the soil twice before filling anyways, so isn’t the soil wet either way?

I am going to take the wheels off. We will make it . New plan in place now for the basement which can take the 2’ extension. I just need to square off and enclose a space (two temp walls). I’ll be much better off down there with controlling conditions too.

I stopped at 2 gallons, a day after the transplant. I don’t have to listen to everything as gospel and do have to make my own choices, especially when compared to what’s happening real world (your experience). I’m also sick of trying to figure this water thing out and just going RO. I can’t have everything the exact way I want it. So, I’m good. Just have to get it all in now.

After the topping and defoliating I thought for sure I’d see dead plants. I’m so noob I was sure I’d done something wrong. I’m sure it’s not the best either. They were still a bit beat up this morning. Throughout the day they have started perking up. I don’t know, but I’m going to blame the root wise combo cocktail I root drenched. I really think they’ll be good. It’s time to make the next plan. Part of that involves the stuff you posted in your thread about light. I do believe the Photone app works for what we need it for, but it does need calibration against an actual meter first. Mine is completely wrong. Again, I know it can get it right, I just have to get it dialed in. For now, I have to guess. I’m still at only 33% (204w). They’re fine, and like it, but I know soon they can take and need more. I just don’t know when and how. It will come and be another piece to have written. It’s just so damn exciting. Ha.

 

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My max temps, right now with light intensity and plant size is 72-74° I could push it but now without heating the house too much or making that room too hot with the electric heater (which I do use). Lights out is 65-68°

I can’t get my RH above 55% during lights on. In the cooler period I can probably have it wherever I want. It’s around 60% now.

It’s a humidifier in the room that I’m using. I tried it in the tent and had a hard time controlling it in the small space. Same with the heater. It’s not a misting one, just the wick type but even full blast it only gets to a certain level. Is it just a piece of crap? It’s the right “size” for the room etc.

My only issue with the misting ones, which I do see in tents but still don’t want to have in it, and with the boxes have very little room. Is that the ones I’ve seen want distilled water. I have bought so much water. I also need it for new medical stuff and it’s insane!! Haha.

For the next run I am going with 3 boxes, in each tent (yep, like you predicted). One veg and one flower, 3 each, and just switch the boxes out etc. I’ve seen suggestions of towels, bowls of water etc etc. can’t a humidifier just do what I want it to do? Ha

damn I can talk. Editing to say I think that 55% is fine. From all the reading etc. what’s got me confused is the VPD, which if I hadn’t read about, and wasn’t part of my fan controller and app, I wouldn’t even know what it is.

 

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So, I finally foliar sprayed, something I was missing the whole time. Finding the stink bug was what finally forced it. Just a little roots organics kelp and yuca. It was really about the water as a first step to expose and disturb any of the bugs. None seem last night.

They hate lilac, lavender, etc, and of course neem. I was looking into the lilac oil because it was the first thing I saw about remedy. They also say just put some lilacs or marigolds around them but that’s outside. I don’t know feasibility of that. I will spray around the tent with some stuff I know will repel a bit and hopefully enough, seal up better, and fill in the exhaust & cord holes better. I’m also taking advice and putting a screen at top and bottom of front zipper.

The first oil I read about was neem, I stopped there because it said it would add a coating to the leaves that would make it harder for them to accept actual foliar feedings. Now, I skipped it the whole time until now (another written lesson), and I’ve read not to do it much into flower (don’t know exactly and hope to). So, for now, since I know my soil is doing a great job for the girls themselves, should I just use the neem or lilac, or something that’s not an oil? Sorry if a really dumb question. Most of them have been, but look at where we are. Thanks!

 

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Neem oil coats the leaves and can block transpiritation. We don't use it.
You can try this instead;

 

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Neem oil coats the leaves and can block transpiritation. We don't use it.
You can try this instead;

Thank you!! I’m so glad I can ask actual growers this stuff after I’ve read it and learned to not just act. That was a problem in the beginning. I’m on it now.

and hey, happy new year to you and yours.

Edit: ordered but won’t be here till the 11th. It’s right when I was thinking I’d be flipping (maybe a couple days after) depending what i see. My first top and fim experiment went pretty well. I had growth the next night and a the second day seemed normal. I see some fim spots that I don’t think we’re right. I see a few i can tell are good. It’s exciting. Everything takes more time than I anticipated. I have to run and bring my nephew his bday Timbs (I looked and waited a month to be in stock & missed Christmas). I did my first ever (it all is) LST and i know it’s not perfect, i should have started sooner, it’s not pretty, but I’m not mad at it….haha.

I’ll put some mint oil and other stuff around the tent and maybe some lilac flowers just up there if they’ll live. I have peach ferment coming and that odor could keep them away too. I just can’t find a sentence that says so. Same concept though. We will see. I will wait and use this product before I go into flower and know it’s ok to spray a bit in. Thanks again!!

Forgot the pics…

 

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i use neem oil and it works great. Just mix properly and spray the plant in a shaded area. soak it for few minutes and then pray it with water to wash everything off of the leaves. It's okay for dirt to get wet with the neem oil. This will help to kill any eggs from mites or insects. Just don't spray them under the light or in sun and let the plant dry.