First grow, first diary. We are In Utero.

SC69 · Jan 2, 2022

PK1 said:
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.

I did spray last night starting 30 mins before lights out as the intensity was lowering. That’s with it 150W at 30” at that point, it lowered again while spraying, and then off. I know there’s different methods for many but I went with doing it then, with lower lights, and just before dark. It seemed to go well, of course if it didn’t I wouldn’t have a reference point. They were still “wet” when the light went off. I used surfactant (yuca) to help it stay and absorb etc. I don’t see any light burn or anything. Some lessons are going to be the hard way still. I’m realizing that too. But!!! Look at them, I think they’re pretty decent for my first run. Still riding the light intensity and distance you suggested. Without even knowing my light!! From your house!!!

Where do we go from here, now that all of the children are growing up? (I don’t know you’ll get the reference, I am getting AARP mail now) ha

I can’t afford the damn meter, and the Photone app I know works for a lot but I need to calibrate. It’s nowhere near where it should be.

Thank you, and happy new year to the peeps you love too.

ComfortablyNumb · Jan 2, 2022

Peppermint oil is a good bug repellant.

SC69 · Jan 2, 2022

ComfortablyNumb said:
Peppermint oil is a good bug repellant.

I just wonder if it’s “oils” in general leaves behind the residue coating. There’s not going to be many more foliar feedings before I flip at this point so if it’s all I can get my hands on fast, I’ll use it. There’s not an infestation but they’ll keep coming. They call each other. No sense buying a bunch of something I won’t use on the next run. There other things I can spray. I am adding peach ferment to the soil (on the way) and the smell, like the lilac etc, may be enough to keep them away. I know the mint oil etc around the tent itself would likely do it too so there are ways. Thanks!!

SC69 · Jan 2, 2022

Before I forget, I got an email Thursday on a fence estimate. They were next door putting one up around the whole yard and I asked about a portion of mine. Holy $$$. I had no idea…lol.

I don’t think I’ll be outside this summer. Not in my yard at least. I’m all good inside but outside the fence rules are clear and I don’t want to flaunt anything. I don’t think my neighbors would say a word or even know about a locked fence provision etc. it’s not worth it though. I can wait or maybe I’ll just hunt and gather a makeshift fence of junk yard parts. Haha. My neighbors would notice that quick though. lol.

My idea of growing small trees in 30gals will have to wait.

SC69 · Jan 4, 2022

Well, here I am 7.5 weeks from dropping seeds. I don’t have a big audience and is not why I’m here but the people in this thread, and a few others, along with the build a soil YouTube site (which can only give ideas) is the reason. Sure, I picked the process I wanted to follow, but that was just as blind an idea as the rest. It would have been just sorry looking plants in a dying soil, so, thank you for the help so far. Everyone!!

Now, I am going to post a pic. I don’t want to, but I’m going to so you all see what you’re dealing with when trying to help me

I of course performed my first toppings, and FIM attempts, and to my surprise, they were standing back up by the end of the next light cycle. I knew it was ok. Even with the mistakes, and full “second” topping on one. I mention that above, And there was and is beautiful green growth coming from all of it. Some of the FIM appears to have been more successful than another etc.

Then we got to the LST and I’m still not done. One thing is time. I’m still running ragged. I also, am not at all good at it and just bumbled through. I was going to use the plastic “training” hooks that bend them out, but they were gone at the store, and I knew, as I’m sure you’ll all tell me, I was wasting valuable hours and it had to be done. I learned to maybe start sooner, but am still good with my choice of when to cut.

I have good node spacing on all but one, which I’m still unsure what the deal is with, and will be watching extra close for balls. I can only thank a member here, for putting me on a good light level. Thanks @PK1. I hope you don’t mind the shoutout.

I have started to change the light just kind of by guessing. I have the manufacturers and various reviews output levels at distance, and am starting to increase. I upped the wattage for a day, and they seemed fine, today I lowered from 30 to 26.5 inches. Spec sheet I’m looking to get close to is full power at just under 20”. I’m nowhere near full power. I’ll keep watching and lower slowly, until I’m at the height, and take the wattage increases from there. Sounds like an ok plan, I hope .

ok: here it is. Topped and my first LST attempt. The stuff I had was way too big and bulky. I know it comes in different gauges but I’ve already replaced it with something much thinner. I wasn’t going to go back through this plant and re-tie it. Go easy on me….

PK1 · Jan 4, 2022

good job @SC69 they look great. now keep up with the trainings and get to the finish line!

SC69 · Jan 4, 2022

PK1 said:
good job @SC69 they look great. now keep up with the trainings and get to the finish line!

Thank you, @PK1! I can see it but I’m looking at it with caution. Even if we stumble across it, we will hopefully get there. Next race will be all the better. (I’ll know, or you’ll all read through, and tell me where it went off a bit). I’ve learned they aren’t mistakes and that really calmed me a bunch. Everyday I just say, “I can get back to this day again, only better.”

ComfortablyNumb · Jan 4, 2022

For this being your first grow, you are doing an excellent job. Keep it up.

PK1 · Jan 4, 2022

SC69 said:
Thank you, @PK1! I can see it but I’m looking at it with caution. Even if we stumble across it, we will hopefully get there. Next race will be all the better. (I’ll know, or you’ll all read through, and tell me where it went off a bit). I’ve learned they aren’t mistakes and that really calmed me a bunch. Everyday I just say, “I can get back to this day again, only better.”

well, you just needed minor adjustment and once you got that tip then you were on the right track. Just make sure the light measures, temps, humidity and feeding is on point and they will grow like a princess.

SC69 · Jan 4, 2022

ComfortablyNumb said:
For this being your first grow, you are doing an excellent job. Keep it up.

Thank you, you are definitely one of the folks that got me here. I’m really happier than I want to dare to be, or show. I still know the things that could happen. I’m in the right spot to avoid them though.

If I have a question, before I ask it, I eventually learned to see if it’s been asked (it always has), and I spend hours reading threads. So, there has been more help than you know. It’s been great and why I had to give back what I could. Had to.

SC69 · Jan 8, 2022

There is not a ton to say. I know, I know, thank the gods!! Haha. Everything has been going pretty well. I’m just beat. Completely spent from running with holiday stuff and taking care of the ladies. Less stress next time because I have notes!!

I have a few, (well, really 9) hours to decide if I’m giving them another day after yesterdays defoliation, or flipping after this cycle. Holy crap!

I….well, WE, made it through our first veg with very little issues, although a ton of unnecessary stress. Somehow, someway, with a ton of help from far distances, I did this. I know it’s not rocket science but I’m proud. Like I probably mentioned, my gardening extent was spraying weed killer when my mom asked me to clean up her walkway. hahaha.

Pics will come and be added as we go. I have the entire run, not daily, but at least every few. Thanks to all who helped me.

Edit () And now because I’m gadget obsessed I have a Wyze V3 cam in there. Lots of pics!!

SC69 · Jan 9, 2022

The 9 hours led me to figure the living soil in the 3 gals wouldn’t make it through the way I’d hope. I know from the transplant into the earth boxes, it was very dry around the edges and needed to be watered really well to bring back. That’s the warning about small pots. They are being made better now with coatings that help.

I ended up (so far) with 7 ladies.. feminized seeds, but already watching a mutant for balls because of the way “she’s” grown.
I did know to watch them all because nature is nature. So, I know one or more could still be coming out.

I have 7 gallon pots with the coating, so I decided to take a chance and move the 2 that didn’t get a box. The suspect male, being one of them of course. I don’t think it’s going to cause much stress. I put some soil in the bottom of the pot, watered it a bit (important to try to keep even) put the plant in the 3 gal in and cut the bag on both sides, peeled it down, hand underneath to fold the ball, and took the old bag out. Filled in soil around, put all the transplant products in, watered, and called it a day. I don’t think they know it happened.

Yes, I see the spilled rice hull on the mulch cover. I was rushing that part and am just fried. I’ll clean it. Ha.

Again, thanks to all and wish us luck. We may not be perfect, but we aren’t feeling too bad for our first try. I know there’s a long way to go….. camera placement being first. Haha. Not now.

SC69 · Jan 11, 2022

Wow! Man did I sleep in. I’ve been up about 45 minutes . Early to bed too because lights were out and I had nothing to do. I know I needed it (it’s 7 hours ).

Just checking in, I have a ton to add here because I just didn’t have time to do anything but ask for some help as we were going, which I of course received. I will put all my actions from beginning to end, into the thread. It’s all in notes that need to be transcribed because they only make sense to me. I do have pics from plug tray to today and I’ll put together a quick time lapse vid or something. I’m not special, I just think that there could be something in this thread, that I asked for help with, that will help someone else. Pay it forward. I will do that.

Here are my ladies this morning after their first extended dark period, at lights up (I love this stupid little cheap camera, Wyze V3). Not a gimmick. Thing works.

They need another haircut. I think it’s been 5 days. I have to check but I also think they’re in good shape and react well to stresses. With no experience and told what to expect, as what happened here wasn’t that, I can only think it may have been the rooting products I added. Just guessing. They did say it would help them with it……

SC69 · Jan 11, 2022

I was pretty rightfully advised not to go too crazy with toppings and trainings etc., because at the beginning I was really afraid to even touch them (having myself helped spread bud rot outdoors last summer). I’m over that now and I did do a few things but nothing crazy. I see where I could improve, and probably still bend out a little but what does not stretch to light, I’ll handle later. I am more comfortable with them, and will do things sooner (not the topping) next time. I know what we’re going for.

I’m still hoping for these gals, and I do think I’ll pull some buds out at the end, what I’m really looking forward to is the next run. Is that normal? Has to be, right?

I’m sure I’m right here but after the first 4 weeks of flower (they’re 8 week finishers, so give or take) drop seeds and get ready right? I can do that in my closet. Have the light etc. harvest, re-amend, transplant….?

stp · Jan 11, 2022

SC69 said:
Wow! Man did I sleep in. I’ve been up about 45 minutes . Early to bed too because lights were out and I had nothing to do. I know I needed it (it’s 7 hours ).

Just checking in, I have a ton to add here because I just didn’t have time to do anything but ask for some help as we were going, which I of course received. I will put all my actions from beginning to end, into the thread. It’s all in notes that need to be transcribed because they only make sense to me. I do have pics from plug tray to today and I’ll put together a quick time lapse vid or something. I’m not special, I just think that there could be something in this thread, that I asked for help with, that will help someone else. Pay it forward. I will do that.

Here are my ladies this morning after their first extended dark period, at lights up (I love this stupid little cheap camera, Wyze V3). Not a gimmick. Thing works.

They need another haircut. I think it’s been 5 days. I have to check but I also think they’re in good shape and react well to stresses. With no experience and told what to expect, as what happened here wasn’t that, I can only think it may have been the rooting products I added. Just guessing. They did say it would help them with it……

I used a wyze for my Hermaphrodite grow, so I pulled my camera trying to figure out what caused the herm…wondered if maybe the IR light could contribute to that.

SC69 · Jan 11, 2022

stp said:
I used a wyze for my Hermaphrodite grow, so I pulled my camera trying to figure out what caused the herm…wondered if maybe the IR light could contribute to that.

That’s good info right there. They swear it won’t, it also says at the 940nm wavelength they can’t be seen (I see them), they’re just placed differently and dimmer. I just turned it off. I don’t need to see them in the dark. It is cool that I can look at them from here and get a break from the up and down. But a gimmick isn’t worth the risk in the dark.

I’m sure more info will come. Others say it’s not at a level that will affect them. Yours were affected by something, so, I’m not risking it now. They’re only a few hours in the dark before I’m in bed anyway. What am I going to miss? Haha.
Thank you!!

SC69 · Jan 12, 2022

I’m kind of happy this morning. Yesterday was their first shortened light period, after the initial dark. They look happy this morning. Haven’t been up yet, which is so much better on these old bones, but I can see what has to be done later, although I may give it some time and just let it be for a bit.

no “night pics” or vids to watch. I turned that off for a more definitive answer on the lights. I’ve seen the chatter, but it’s hard to ignore a grower who’s had an experience. Off for now, could come back on.

stp · Jan 12, 2022

I have no idea if the IR was the cause but eliminating the cameras seemed easier than rolling the dice and trusting random posts from the Internet telling me it’s ok. I’d love to have them up though.

ComfortablyNumb · Jan 12, 2022

stp said:
I have no idea if the IR was the cause but eliminating the cameras seemed easier than rolling the dice and trusting random posts from the Internet telling me it’s ok. I’d love to have them up though.

IR light is added to grow lights because it makes the plants grow faster. If you have an IR cam, it needs to be all the way off during dark.

Slickrick82 · Jan 12, 2022

SC69 said:
In Utero
My first grow diary for my first grow. I’m not 100% sure of the format people like, I’ve seen some entries in other diaries etc.. I’m just going to provide the stats and be me. I’m here for the help, knowledge and camaraderie. I’m literally an old hippie who was born into and holds a certain set of ideals. I’m just a peaceful guy who likes to talk, as I’m sure you’ve seen or soon will.

A friend of my nephew dropped off some clones early last summer. He asked if I wanted them and said he’d come over at least once a week. That didn’t work out, I had no clue what to do or even to look up what to do. I overwatered. I left in the rain. I didn’t cover, I didn’t make sure I had first sun for dew. The summer was cloudy, rainy, hot, and humid. It was awful, they suffered and it was a disaster. It led me here. I began researching indoor growing and products. I came here for product advice and now here we are. The ladies upstairs are 4 weeks popped over the next couple days and doing ok. At least according to everyone who has seen them. I see issues but nobody agrees. I’m not going to argue while they’re still alive. I did overwater a few in the transplant. The living soil is different than anything I’ve ever seen or touched as far as soils. They’re recovering now, likely quicker than they would have because of advice I received here from Aqua Man. I tilted the pots 45° for a few, cranked the heat and lowered the humidity. Soil is moist today and they’re improving. Now I’m having a lighting issue because I don’t know how to use the thing. I do know who to ask, which is how this diary got started.

There is so much in between. Some really silly mistakes. I still say I’m dangerous but I may just get through this. I have a few along the way pics. Not many I planned on showing anyone besides mom so they aren’t “shots” haha. I’ll add them as I update. I just wanted to take this first step. I’m happy to be here with you all. I’ve learned a whole lot just by reading through the forum discussions. I say “learned” but what I mean is I read some great information. I don’t know that I’ve learned it yet. I know it’s here, and with experience and all of you helping, it will all come together over the next year or two. Maybe then I’ll have some advice for people too. I could right now tell them what not to do. Haha.

The Stats
5x5 tent in upstairs apartment bedroom

8” exhaust system including silencer

PhotonTek X600 Pro Full Spectrum LED

Secret Jardin Monkey 6” fan

Vermont Compost Jolly Roger living soil

Seeds dropped 11/5 & soaked 24 hours then into root riot cubes

Popped root riot cubes 11/6-8

Into 18oz solo cups 11/7 (happy frog)

Transplanted 11/29 at 3 weeks into 3gals (living soil)

4 are going into 30gals

3 into 7’s or 15’s depending on space.

3 Bruce Banner

3 Gorilla Glue

1 Girl Scout Cookie (of 3 dropped)

Temps Rh between 65-75° 48-60%

Living soils, as I learned after purchasing the product and containers, really requires a larger volume to work the way it is intended. I do not know from experience but all with stated knowledge say you will likely make it through a run or two in smaller containers, but not to the full benefit, and not continually reusable as intended. Getting better with each run. There will of course be differing opinions and shades of grey. At this point, I could have taken the soil back and made a new plan. I decided to use the recommended pot size and move ahead. In the future I’ll only be running 4 ladies at a time. It does mean I have to grab a couple more bags of soil. They have seeds too so it’s really just a money spending day coming up.

If you got this far thank you for reading. I look forward to what I can learn from each of you.

I use living soil it's the best cuz in time turn to no till soil. Get a bag of solhum or purple cow that's what I use and get some craft blend and worm castings and bat guno. Cant go wrong I gotten impressive results. Here's an pic

First grow, first diary. We are In Utero.

First grow, first diary. We are In Utero.

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First grow, first diary. We are In Utero.

First grow, first diary. We are In Utero.

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