Thanks to everyone for the input. This is my very first grow. And, I went into it completely blind. I am not a horticulturalist. I have been hacking it out along the way. (At some point, I will post pics of the original tent I Macgyvered with a couple of clothes racks, some Mylar emergency blankets and big piece of cardboard! I only bought an actual tent because I didn't have the height to raise the light enough.) I really appreciate being able to tap your wisdom!
It turns out, fungus gnats are definitely part, if not all, of the equation. I did end up finding a few dead ones. And, I did have an early issue with them, (although they were bigger flies) that I thought I had handled with cinnamon (I have read a lot about using "hot" spices to combat pests. Thanks
@Anthem for the pitchfork idea! I used cinnamon at the time because it was handy and in the moderate range of things. I have been trying to tread carefully). I guess I just kept them at bay. I didn't realize that I was over watering and probably over feeding. I thought I was being fairly moderate. I think that may also have to do with my soil choice. The strange part was the leaves started to get worse when I finally got my humidity down... it did get a little low. I did not expect that.
Based on my research, I got some castile soap and made a simple insecticidal soap. Wiped the fan leaves rather than spraying to avoid the buds. Also picked up some beneficial nematodes and threw them in a couple of days ago. I will probably do that again at least once. I could do a 3rd although it would be lighter - there were 8 pouches in the package. I have 3 plants.
Many sites advise to use a variety of approaches. Next in the lineup, if necessary, is
Diatomaceous earth.
I lost a couple of lower fan leaves. One was really shaded and had a lot damage, so, I chose to cut it. The other snapped halfway up it's stem somehow when I was reaching past that plant to examine another. I really was surprised as I didn't think i did more than brush it.
Getting to the point, I am confused if I should trim damaged leaves. I have also had concerns about possible deficiencies. Haven't really known what or if to supplement given the soil and food choices I made to start.
I am a month into flower. One of my plants seems to be lagging behind the other two. Fingers crossed I haven't done more harm than good.
These pics are a week old. One bud from each plant. The one hasn't progressed much at all. Any additional insight you all could lend would be greatly appreciated!
