Using dr earth. What else should i need?

[Interested]

So first grow going the organic direction. I have happy frog potting soil and dr earth gold and homegrown (still trying to find flower girl).. my question is: do I need anything besides this? Am I going to run into any deficiencies down the road? Somewhat new to growing. (3 semi-successful grows before this using bottled nutes)..

Any tips will help.

 

[Interested]

Forgot to mention I'm growing indoors using Mars hydro LED lighting. Girls are about week old seedlings in solo cups

 

[CannaGranny]

I amend Happy Frog with mushroom compost, worm castings, organic perlite and three fourths cup of Dr. Earths flower girl, bloom booster. Let me know if you want or need the ratios. I water with seaweed, kelp and molasses. I never see any deficiencies.

 

[Interested]

I amend Happy Frog with mushroom compost, worm castings, organic perlite and three fourths cup of Dr. Earths flower girl, bloom booster. Let me know if you want or need the ratios. I water with seaweed, kelp and molasses. I never see any deficiencies.

Do you top dress with more dr earth later on? If so, how often and how much per gal? Or just follow the directions on the package? I plan on transplanting into 3 gal pots in another week or so... then eventually 5 or 7 gal.. also yes if I can get the perlite and worm castings ratio that you use, that would be awesome. Bcuz them are the 2 things that I do have on hand..

Thanks for the reply can't wait to see how these things turn out. Seems like a much simpler way to feed the girls without having to dump all these chemicals in every few days

 

[mancorn]

Do you top dress with more dr earth later on? If so, how often and how much per gal? Or just follow the directions on the package? I plan on transplanting into 3 gal pots in another week or so... then eventually 5 or 7 gal.. also yes if I can get the perlite and worm castings ratio that you use, that would be awesome. Bcuz them are the 2 things that I do have on hand..

Thanks for the reply can't wait to see how these things turn out. Seems like a much simpler way to feed the girls without having to dump all these chemicals in every few days

Sorry to say it isn’t as simple as putting fertilizer in dirt and you’re feeding your plants. Organics need microorganisms to breakdown organic molecules and release the nutrients. You can have all the ferts in the world, but without the critters it will never be useful to your plant. If you’re growing outdoors in the ground, then you (probably) have tons of microorganisms which will break down your organics. But if you’re indoors in a pot, then most likely your soil won’t have any (or very little) microorganisms. Here’s a little cut and paste on soil biology;

Organic fertilizers rely on the mineralization process to release their plant-available source of nutrients. Soil has a complex and elaborate ecology of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and insects. These organisms use the larger organic compounds found naturally in soil and organic amendments as a source of food. When these organisms “eat” the organic material, the breakdown of the material releases ions that plants can use as food (hence “mineralization”). Plant roots will then take up these minerals as needed, or as they become available. The length of time required for full mineralization varies based on the soil environment, microbial species found in the soil and the specific mineral compounds contained in the fertilizer; full nutrient availability may take years after application. Balancing soil amendment applications based on soil analysis test results, combined with sustainable farming practices such as low till and cover cropping, can provide longterm, adequate soil fertility.

If you’re indoors, you’ll need to figure out a method of creating a “living soil” that is a combo of the microorganisms and nutrients. You can do this by using garden soil, adding compost, making compost teas, or buying “beanies” in a bottle - with the later being the most popular with tent growers. I’m not an indoor grower, so not wise on store bought microorganisms, but fair warning that it’s a fairly complex subject and weed sites are notorious for lousy bro-science. So while there are some very knowledgeable growers here, suggest you also look to other agricultural and education sites (like this https://extension.psu.edu/forage-and-food-crops/agronomic-crops/organic-production) to better understand the science.

 

[Interested]

Sorry to say it isn’t as simple as putting fertilizer in dirt and you’re feeding your plants. Organics need microorganisms to breakdown organic molecules and release the nutrients. You can have all the ferts in the world, but without the critters it will never be useful to your plant. If you’re growing outdoors in the ground, then you (probably) have tons of microorganisms which will break down your organics. But if you’re indoors in a pot, then most likely your soil won’t have any (or very little) microorganisms. Here’s a little cut and paste on soil biology;


If you’re indoors, you’ll need to figure out a method of creating a “living soil” that is a combo of the microorganisms and nutrients. You can do this by using garden soil, adding compost, making compost teas, or buying “beanies” in a bottle - with the later being the most popular with tent growers. I’m not an indoor grower, so not wise on store bought microorganisms, but fair warning that it’s a fairly complex subject and weed sites are notorious for lousy bro-science. So while there are some very knowledgeable growers here, suggest you also look to other agricultural and education sites (like this https://extension.psu.edu/forage-and-food-crops/agronomic-crops/organic-production) to better understand the science.

Hey man, this is some good info. The kinda stuff I need to know. I been doing some research on this type of stuff but it's a bit tough due to the fact there is so many different things on these forums you can read. It's actually really interesting to learn the ins and outs of soil.

So, I understand that a guy needs these microorganisms in the soil to produce the good stuff roots are looking for... and this comes from.. compost? Among other things.. Now, what I don't know is, where does a guy get some good compost? Store? Local farmer? Like I said before, I am very new, but very interested in learning this stuff.

Now about the "beanies".. is this something like the product called "recharge"? If so, I have actually used this stuff before without realizing what it even is. It's also available at a local store here. But maybe it's something completely different.

Thanks for the awesome info and hope to hear back from you

 

[CannaGranny]

Do you top dress with more dr earth later on? If so, how often and how much per gal? Or just follow the directions on the package? I plan on transplanting into 3 gal pots in another week or so... then eventually 5 or 7 gal.. also yes if I can get the perlite and worm castings ratio that you use, that would be awesome. Bcuz them are the 2 things that I do have on hand..

Thanks for the reply can't wait to see how these things turn out. Seems like a much simpler way to feed the girls without having to dump all these chemicals in every few days

No, I never retop the soil but I do use organic teas and mycos though, and rub some extra amendments in. I’ll send you my mix and my feed schedule etc. Been using this method for the past five years. I never deal with deficiencies and grow some gorgeous flowers I’ll send you my protocol in the morning.

 

[Interested]

No, I never retop the soil but I do use organic teas and mycos though, and rub some extra amendments in. I’ll send you my mix and my feed schedule etc. Been using this method for the past five years. I never deal with deficiencies and grow some gorgeous flowers I’ll send you my protocol in the morning.

Cool ya thanks.. that would be awesome. That's a thing I need to study up on is what a "tea" all consists of. Also when and how it should be done. It would be awesome to eventually get a good routine method down that works everytime.

 

[AZsunfarmer]

So first grow going the organic direction. I have happy frog potting soil and dr earth gold and homegrown (still trying to find flower girl).. my question is: do I need anything besides this? Am I going to run into any deficiencies down the road? Somewhat new to growing. (3 semi-successful grows before this using bottled nutes)..

Any tips will help.

I have a similar setup using Earth Dust base&bloom but they just went out of business. Im switching to Dr. Earth and Terp Tea bloom. Nothing to do but water and thats the hard part for me. Never pH that gross phoenix kidney killer water, lol. My only other must haves are Recharge and Yucca extract. Easy and basic bro

 

[Titleist]

This is why I stopped doing organic. Organic takes time to correct and it relies on the food chain in your soil to perform well. I still prefer soil but prefer vegan or salt based nutes in specific amounts to get the result I'm looking for. I'd rather have instant control over nutrient related issues that don't rely on a third party for success. Inorganic gives you what your microbes and beneficials do, it just doesn't take weeks to get there and can be started up or shut down faster. Not to bash, just noticing.

 

[ELGenerali]

Regarding the microorganisms, how long does it take the microorganisms to break down the organics, and for those broken-down organics to be available to the plants?

I ask because I'm doing an Organic grow and realize my soil will only feed my plants around 4 weeks. Thus, I want to top dress my soil on the proper schedule, so the microorganisms have enough time to do their thing before my current soil runs out of "gas".

FYI - I use recharge and Fish Shit to add the necessary microorganisms to my grow.

 

[BudNotBuddy]

No, I never retop the soil but I do use organic teas and mycos though, and rub some extra amendments in. I’ll send you my mix and my feed schedule etc. Been using this method for the past five years. I never deal with deficiencies and grow some gorgeous flowers I’ll send you my protocol in the morning.

Yo I realize this is an old post but if you're still using the Dr. Earth I'd like to see your tea recipes and feeding regiment?

 

[RootFarmer]

Yo I realize this is an old post but if you're still using the Dr. Earth I'd like to see your tea recipes and feeding regiment?

They put the tea recipe on the bag. Just fyi
Dr. Earth has their own grow guide for cannabis also.

 

[BudNotBuddy]

View attachment 2342098
They put the tea recipe on the bag. Just fyi
Dr. Earth has their own grow guide for cannabis also.

Thanks a million man, I appreciate it. I'll have to give their cannabis grow guide a look-over. Trying to stay organic without breaking the bank and it seems like the Dr. Earth is a solid option. Thanks again and happy growing!

 

[RootFarmer]

Thanks a million man, I appreciate it. I'll have to give their cannabis grow guide a look-over. Trying to stay organic without breaking the bank and it seems like the Dr. Earth is a solid option. Thanks again and happy growing!

No problem. If you're looking for a good single product, take a look at the tomato fertilizer. It has a bit more nitrogen than Flower Girl and similar P and K, IIRC. It should do a better job of carrying you thru to bloom without a risk of N deficiency. They all contain a good basic inoculant also. Add a touch (1/2 Tbsp/gal) of organic unsulphured molasses to your tea to supercharge your microbes.

 

[BudNotBuddy]

I’ll have to do some research on all of it. I know I’ve never had issues with the FFOF through veg, was hoping to hold off on anything but some Alaska fish fert until about a week from flower and then start amending and making compost tea for flower. Thoughts?

My current run is looking good. Right two are autos for a quick run and the back left is a photo that I plan on running clones off of. Have never cloned, so we’ll see how it works out.

 

[RootFarmer]

That soil should be able to get you thru veg but the autos will likely need bloom food a bit sooner than the photo. I'll let those with auto experience advise on that. Regarding making a tea, about 24 hrs is sufficient and no more than 36 hrs or your tea will turn and start growing bad stuff. To get the most out of your teas, give it a stir occasionally or, even better, aerate with air stones. The added oxygenation will greatly increase microbial population growth thereby spending up the decomposition process. A reusable compost tea bag is recommended. You can top dress with the solid material leftover. That stuff takes time to fully decompose and brewing a tea doesn't fully extract all of the goodness so don't waste it.

 

[OurGas]

I almost recommended Dr Earth to a new grower.

Then I heard about this shit:


Just another Cali fentanyl dealer claiming he discovered science and invented weed.

 

[Choppr]

@BudNotBuddy - I haven't seen @CannaGranny on the forum in a long time? You might be waiting a while for a response? She did grow some fine organic crops!

 

[BudNotBuddy]

That soil should be able to get you thru veg but the autos will likely need bloom food a bit sooner than the photo. I'll let those with auto experience advise on that. Regarding making a tea, about 24 hrs is sufficient and no more than 36 hrs or your tea will turn and start growing bad stuff. To get the most out of your teas, give it a stir occasionally or, even better, aerate with air stones. The added oxygenation will greatly increase microbial population growth thereby spending up the decomposition process. A reusable compost tea bag is recommended. You can top dress with the solid material leftover. That stuff takes time to fully decompose and brewing a tea doesn't fully extract all of the goodness so don't waste it.

I was thinking about trying out the botanicare pure blend tea, I’ve been hearing good things and again it doesn’t break the bank vs buying the supplies to make true compost tea. I’ve heard good things, but wondering if you have any experience with it? I’m balling on a budget as of recently after a cross country move so trying to find the best options for cost basis that aren’t just marketed junk.