First grow, first diary. We are In Utero.

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@Slickrick82, I will be scouring your posts and or journal. That’s how I end up learning the most. Like with @stp. It’s all there, maybe not my specific issues showing up, but the process etc. I will get there!! I’m still super excited about the soil more than the plant (which was weird) but again, I know what it will give me if I do this right. The soil is fascinating. Haha.
 
Slickrick82

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I’m inside in NY winter. My highest temps are 73-74, but the average is more 70-72, getting warmer now because of light intensity etc., but just a couple degrees. I could get it warmer with a space heater, which is used to try to keep a temp. Forced hot air oil heat sends it up and down a few degrees. I’ve had VPD issues, in being between 1-1.3. I need a better humidifier. Can’t get good advice from friends because they’re happy with their product in the humidity they get. Without adding. I won’t be (trust me), when I have something to show them, I’ll tell them why. Haha. Fluffy crap is not the goal. lol

The cooler temps getting me? Should I top dress with the stuff that I know is going to add P? Or get something with low or no P? They don’t get through the “whole run” regardless of what the makes say. I have to add and “feed the soil.” I’m gun shy now. I had a plan….
Yeah in veg they like 80 82 top humity 60 to tops 70 rh. I keep it at 65 throughout vegi .grab ur self som temp and dehumifier/humidifier controllers makes life easier. And yeah feed the soil that's the goal not the plant the soil. Want soil nice and moist not mud.put som e mulch straw or shredded bark etc.. that way keep moisture on top of soil.but yeah feed it less. since casting and all that takes a bit to sep in soil feed it once a month u want routine.what I always say jot down everything u do every time u do something sometimes. Ull start to see ur mistakes uve done and achievements.. I'll help
 
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Yeah in veg they like 80 82 top humity 60 to tops 70 rh. I keep it at 65 throughout vegi .grab ur self som temp and dehumifier/humidifier controllers makes life easier. And yeah feed the soil that's the goal not the plant the soil. Want soil nice and moist not mud.put som e mulch straw or shredded bark etc.. that way keep moisture on top of soil.but yeah feed it less. since casting and all that takes a bit to sep in soil feed it once a month u want routine.what I always say jot down everything u do every time u do something sometimes. Ull start to see ur mistakes uve done and achievements.. I'll help
Thank you! There’s a few of you now and I’m feeling better. I have been really lucky and following the plan. It’s time for something to pop up. I just want to help them all, girls and soil. The soil was never a part of the plan. It was a happy accident, I didn’t know enough about until I was committed. So, I have 2 learning curves. It’s all exciting though, and now having extra eyes, with experience, I feel better.

I’d have to go back through to remember who exactly advised what, but @PK1 got me at light level early and they’ve loved it, @ComfortablyNumb chills me out, and gives me product, & water level detection advice (bought and sprayed). @m4s73r shows me his success & encourages me, tells people I’m not crazy for considering 30gals etc etc. I’m leaving people out, but it’s all gotten me here.

I’ve seen other diaries. There’s a couple in mind right now where folks are just having a hard time. I’ve been very lucky that it hasn’t happened here yet. I think I’ve asked the right questions, and gotten the right people to see my diary. I’ve also as mentioned just read through them. I get a lot of answers that way without having to ask. I’m going to get there and in a few runs have it dialed in. In a couple years be able to pay it forward and help someone. ✌️

I am watering my 7 gals at 20%, my specific mix seems to demand it. They’re covered with rice hull to help keep from drying. The earthboxes has a plastic mulch cover and what’s happening under it is fascinating. I just don’t show the roomate. I don’t they they’d understand and probably think I’m growing shit in there that will kill us. lol.
 
m4s73r

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Ohh yeah that's what I want man u running no till
Yes these are no till.

They’ll go downstairs. Lots of people are doing it. People are using 3x3 and 4x4 beds. In a couple years everyone will be growing this way. I don’t know why soil belongs outside. What do we think people were growing in all that time? Weed is not the only thing people use tents for. Lots of indoor soil. Most of the farms supplying legal weed, are in warehouses, in soil.

it is all just preference. Nobody is right or wrong here. Really. I learned that at the beginning when I was getting confusing answers. Everyone is telling me what works, for them. I learned to hear it all, look for what best applies to me, even mixing advice, and I just do. It’s worked so far. I’m running into trouble now. You’ve been a great encouragement, and shown interest in the method etc. Your excitement for the ladies is contagious!! ✌️
Soil does belong outside. Thankfully you and I grow in soilless potting mixes ;).

You can fit 4. I’ve seen people do 3, but likely for plant count. I have 5 earth boxes and two 7gal pots (had too many, one, or more, may be a boy and coming out, he’s in a 7gal). It’s a tight fit, the ladies at the edges my lose a bit (but they have to be extra cared for because of soil volume being low anyway, and I’m rotating their spots, and orientation.
they looking good! Those earth boxes are going to crush the 7 gallons. Im suprised you did more than 4 earth boxes.
Thank you! There’s a few of you now and I’m feeling better. I have been really lucky and following the plan. It’s time for something to pop up. I just want to help them all, girls and soil. The soil was never a part of the plan. It was a happy accident, I didn’t know enough about until I was committed. So, I have 2 learning curves. It’s all exciting though, and now having extra eyes, with experience, I feel better.

I’d have to go back through to remember who exactly advised what, but @PK1 got me at light level early and they’ve loved it, @ComfortablyNumb chills me out, and gives me product, & water level detection advice (bought and sprayed). @m4s73r shows me his success & encourages me, tells people I’m not crazy for considering 30gals etc etc. I’m leaving people out, but it’s all gotten me here.

I’ve seen other diaries. There’s a couple in mind right now where folks are just having a hard time. I’ve been very lucky that it hasn’t happened here yet. I think I’ve asked the right questions, and gotten the right people to see my diary. I’ve also as mentioned just read through them. I get a lot of answers that way without having to ask. I’m going to get there and in a few runs have it dialed in. In a couple years be able to pay it forward and help someone. ✌️

I am watering my 7 gals at 20%, my specific mix seems to demand it. They’re covered with rice hull to help keep from drying. The earthboxes has a plastic mulch cover and what’s happening under it is fascinating. I just don’t show the roomate. I don’t they they’d understand and probably think I’m growing shit in there that will kill us. lol.
Those earth boxes are killer. I thought i read you have flipped. Those 7 gallons are ready now. if you only had 4 earth boxes id say veg them another week then flip. As it is everything is looking healthy. You going to find that the earth boxes are more hand off than the 7 gallons. you gonna be messing with them a lot.

On the ones having a hard time, look at see what size pot they're in. I bet they are all under 15gallons.
For all the nay saying of your roommates I'd make sure they got to smoke with me one time. then they better be paying me LOL.
 
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Yes these are no till.


Soil does belong outside. Thankfully you and I grow in soilless potting mixes ;).


they looking good! Those earth boxes are going to crush the 7 gallons. Im suprised you did more than 4 earth boxes.

Those earth boxes are killer. I thought i read you have flipped. Those 7 gallons are ready now. if you only had 4 earth boxes id say veg them another week then flip. As it is everything is looking healthy. You going to find that the earth boxes are more hand off than the 7 gallons. you gonna be messing with them a lot.

On the ones having a hard time, look at see what size pot they're in. I bet they are all under 15gallons.
For all the nay saying of your roommates I'd make sure they got to smoke with me one time. then they better be paying me LOL.
After choosing the medium, by accident, and seeing the hippie farm in VT where it and other formulas are mixed, for 40 years (dude is me, a few years older, and grayer, I’ve been lucky) I found out about pot size exceptions. There have been a ton of changes in what to do. I never wanted them in the small fabric pots. It was necessity at first and they were in 3gal plain fabric. The two in 7’s were just moved prior to the switch (we are in 12/12), to add fresh soil and give them a chance. I know they’ll be a ton of work but I’m ready. Jeremy on BAS did a run in 5’s. I’ll make it. The count was never the plan either and I still think at least one is a male (yes feminized, but of course nature). That’s why he was left in a smaller pot. And that it right there. Those two are fine. They were top dressed in the 3’s and watering adjusted after I saw what came out of them in the transplant. The move to the 7gals was simple, and everything was moist. I’m not sure they know it happened. But I know they’ll need my attention. The issues now, with these leaves, are in the earth boxes. I’ve done everything I was supposed to except held off a top dressing and castings, afraid I had phosphorus excess (they said equine manure is a little hotter). Now, I’m reading it as deficiency, don’t really have that experience to know, and don’t know what to do. Give them the top dressings with the P, or use something with low or no P like a blood meal or something. These are all guesses. I know I’ve said it enough but I just don’t know. I will listen and take advice though. Haha. It’s how I’ve gotten this far. This is really the first thing that actually an issue, and not me being over paranoid. The other members can tell ya. 🤣🤣

I won’t waste this soil, it’s not in me, but it may end up outside and I’ll start with a different mix. The plant count is because I initially wanted 2 of 3 strains (noob) dropped 9 to get them, ended up with 7. Going forward there will be 3 in a veg tent and 3 in a flower tent. Size to be determined.

Thank you! Feel even less alone now. The bunch of you who’s attention I have, can get me there. ✌️

Other experienced really great growers are just not with us on the medium, yet, or now etc. It’s hard to even talk about or get a plant diagnosis because they’re mad I’m not adding “nutes.” I understand totally, and don’t think I’m onto something they don’t know. It’s just the time I’m starting the process, and finding the medium. I chose it after looking at them all. This is the one I’ve decided on and I will make it work.
 
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What I need is a soil test. Yes, even this early so I know what’s going on. Just so afraid of spending more money. Still have to buy product for a bit. Did get a couple months off from what came out of the yard.
 
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m4s73r

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Well here is the thing organic growers wont tell you. Synthetic nutrients are not bad for organic soil. A living soil will be just fine if you happen to water them with a synthetic fertilizer from time to time. If your using a compost that is made from horse dung, then I'm not sure phosphorus is your issue. Animal compost is higher in phosphorus then ewc or mushroom compost. Can you take a fresh snap of the plant with said issue. I went back and didnt see it.
 
stp

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I have an issue popping up and I need some help. There are only a few here using living soil. I have a mix from a farm in Vermont, base is a different manure (equine) which some say is “hotter,” and compost. Together they’re 70% of the mix. I’ve had what I thought was too much phosphorus, to now I believe it’s deficient. I held off on worm castings, and build a flower, but now think I should add them. I’m a total noob who fell into the living soil by happy accident. I have no desire for another method. I see that someone somewhere says “dirt” belongs outside. We’ve been growing agriculture inside for a century. In “dirt.” It’s not really rocket science. What’s in the soil is just trying to mimic what in the outside dirt. I’m not in 30’s because the tent is upstairs. I’m in earthboxes as the manageable size that will work. I’m moving to the basement, first because I now know I need the headroom, second because I’m going to run a 4x4 bed or 30’s. I’m probably going to use the 30’s outside since it’s legal. I just need a “privacy fence,” can’t afford any fence, and will put up chicken wire across the yard. lol.

Thank you! I do have some specific questions, now for you, but also @stp, @ComfortablyNumb, @m4s73r & @Observationist, I haven’t seen @PK1 in a while so I’m hoping they’ll jump in too. What’s this?

A week or so ago I noticed some bad tips. I thought I had it down to overload of phosphorus. Spoke to folks at Build A Soil, who are so great they looked up my recipe, said it could be a bit hot, and to use lesser phosphorus products. Now, I think I was wrong, and it’s deficient. It would make sense to me because when I thought it was overloaded, I didn’t add any in top dressings. Now I think I have too. I also have a friend who told me since I just switched, to wait to defoliate because I’ll get too much stretch. I’m not wanting to cut but branches, I need leaves taken back. I need better airflow and light. Is he wrong? He hates the method, says I should be doing hydro etc. I don’t argue, I’m not in a position. It’s just what I come up against when seeking help.

Thanks! You’ll find I talk too much but if I don’t say what I’m thinking, I won’t be set straight and my girls will suffer. I can’t take that.
Stop, you need to check ph. Ph test your water going in and if you can, ph test the soil. Sometimes there’s nutrient lockout occurring and it’s not letting the plant uptake a certain nutrient based on the current PH of the soil. People will jump to say it’s deficient on P or whatever and load up their next feedings and just make the soil toxic…
 
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stp

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I’m inside in NY winter. My highest temps are 73-74, but the average is more 70-72, getting warmer now because of light intensity etc., but just a couple degrees. I could get it warmer with a space heater, which is used to try to keep a temp. Forced hot air oil heat sends it up and down a few degrees. I’ve had VPD issues, in being between 1-1.3. I need a better humidifier. Can’t get good advice from friends because they’re happy with their product in the humidity they get. Without adding. I won’t be (trust me), when I have something to show them, I’ll tell them why. Haha. Fluffy crap is not the goal. lol

The cooler temps getting me? Should I top dress with the stuff that I know is going to add P? Or get something with low or no P? They don’t get through the “whole run” regardless of what the makes say. I have to add and “feed the soil.” I’m gun shy now. I had a plan….
My temps vary from 65-83. The VPD during veg was between .8-1.2 ish. Now it’s a little higher for flower, like 1.2 lights off and accidentally 1.9 lights on. That 1.9 was an outlier, it’s rolling around 1.4-1.6 ish…
 
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Stop, you need to check ph. Ph test your water going in and if you can, ph test the soil. Sometimes there’s nutrient lockout occurring and it’s not letting the plant uptake a certain nutrient based on the current PH of the soil. People will jump to say it’s deficient on P or whatever and load up their next feedings and just make the soil toxic…
Well here is the thing organic growers wont tell you. Synthetic nutrients are not bad for organic soil. A living soil will be just fine if you happen to water them with a synthetic fertilizer from time to time. If your using a compost that is made from horse dung, then I'm not sure phosphorus is your issue. Animal compost is higher in phosphorus then ewc or mushroom compost. Can you take a fresh snap of the plant with said issue. I went back and didnt see it.
This is what I see this morning.
274BD7FF 3546 4672 BE21 0615C0353BBA
5E117D99 ED4E 4941 BC6E 2D1BCCA714E3
 
CB8F2B26 D530 4C45 A659 E076016F6159
9924F076 E2AC 4E60 AB13 520400349C38
377E26B5 CB73 4C5E 81C7 99F8C47B067C
88EC78C7 01EE 421D 91ED D8DE18F030A7
16129020 F660 4127 A329 5B41EE705A74
SC69

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Stop, you need to check ph. Ph test your water going in and if you can, ph test the soil. Sometimes there’s nutrient lockout occurring and it’s not letting the plant uptake a certain nutrient based on the current PH of the soil. People will jump to say it’s deficient on P or whatever and load up their next feedings and just make the soil toxic…
I will for sure since you’re saying it. Here’s what I don’t understand. They say, “you don’t have to PH the water,” so I haven’t. I will though.

BUT! Since I filling the res, that water isn’t going to stay the PH is goes in there at, right? I’m confusing myself.

The two in the 7gals, haven’t had PH’d water either. They’re fine. And it’s only 2, and now a 3rd, in the boxes, showing it. ???

it’s all been bottled water to this point too. So, I guess I should, but, why do they say it doesn’t need it? To make us fail while following their method?
 
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You all know by now I’m much more paranoid than I need to be, and also that I’m stumbling. Haha. I just need to know it will be ok (I do, I think) and that I can help the girls and the medium. ✌️
 
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I can’t imagine how you have deficient plants with them being that small in their own box with all that soil? I think it’s a ph issue. And to be honest, who uses horseshit in their soil? I’ve never heard of that but maybe it’s no big deal, maybe i just don’t know what I’m missing. I’m not great at diagnosing nutrient problems so what I try to do is control the inputs but testing my water going in and at this point i think you have to get soil tested but I would have just tried to slurry test it with my Amazon meters and not send out for anaylsis, that isn’t money well spent mid flower because they take too long and you don’t have time. If I was trying to correct a ph issue in the soil I’d probably let the res dry out, then prepare adjusted Ph water to water to try and flush soil but the issue here is, I don’t want to flush the reservior full and then just let the plants drink that water, so I would be trying to flush and get the flush water out, which is going to be a pain in your ass with that crowded tent and likely no great drain source, especially if the wheels are not installed. If I thought your soil wasn’t the issue, you could just add nutrients to the water to correct a deficiency, but I don’t think it’s that simple based on everything I said above.
 
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I will for sure since you’re saying it. Here’s what I don’t understand. They say, “you don’t have to PH the water,” so I haven’t. I will though.

BUT! Since I filling the res, that water isn’t going to stay the PH is goes in there at, right? I’m confusing myself.

The two in the 7gals, haven’t had PH’d water either. They’re fine. And it’s only 2, and now a 3rd, in the boxes, showing it. ???

it’s all been bottled water to this point too. So, I guess I should, but, why do they say it doesn’t need it? To make us fail while following their method?
I know they say you don’t have to, until you have a problem. I haven’t ph tested anything this grow. Last grow I tested a lot because I had issues. I was low and kept adding mad farmer ph up or down as necessary. This was in fabric pots, no till, living organic that I got a lockout and started flushing and testing and it sucked because I had (4) 15 gallon pots/plants. I scaled back, too many to check and to water and to worry about.
what kind of bottled water? Spring? Distilled? Filtered?
 
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You all know by now I’m much more paranoid than I need to be, and also that I’m stumbling. Haha. I just need to know it will be ok (I do, I think) and that I can help the girls and the medium. ✌️
You went big, it creates more work, more watering and sometimes more problems.
 
ComfortablyNumb

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How much lime or oyster shell in your soil? You have a pH issue.
So, now to figure out why.
 
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How much lime or oyster shell in your soil? You have a pH issue.
So, now to figure out why.
Ok; none of that. But I’m at a store that is halfway to the organics store collecting water. lol.

Are soil PH monitors worth anything or gimmick?
 
ComfortablyNumb

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Ok; none of that. But I’m at a store that is halfway to the organics store collecting water. lol.

Are soil PH monitors worth anything or gimmick?
We need the ingredient list of your soil. The little probe pH readers are junk. If you're going to get one, get a decent one.
 
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I’m not trying to be difficult on purpose. I will PH the water. I understand how etc.
 

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