420 Magazine's Official Girl Scout Cookies Comparative Grow By Brett Blaze

Daily Update -

Stage - Flower Day 13 - 64 days above ground

I'm still working to dial in the auto irrigation. It's challenging since I can only adjust while I'm watering and only have a few hours of day time period each day to work on it. I ended up not getting any runoff last night and extreme excess runoff this morning. Both had 5 minutes of pump on time. Ugh! Well both needed continued flushing to get the output numbers down.

#2 had started showing buds and looks to have good nodal spacing. I think I can turn up the light output tonight. I have the Demon LED from @Budget LED set to about 80 to 90 percent 18" above #2's canopy.

Today's Photos:
Update 06292021-1.jpg

Update 06292021-1.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-2.jpg

Update 06292021-2.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-3.jpg

Update 06292021-3.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-4.jpg

Update 06292021-4.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-5.jpg

Update 06292021-5.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-6.jpg

Update 06292021-6.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-7.jpg

Update 06292021-7.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-8.jpg

Update 06292021-8.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-9.jpg

Update 06292021-9.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-10.jpg

Update 06292021-10.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-11.jpg

Update 06292021-11.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

Update 06292021-12.jpg

Update 06292021-12.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 29 2021

:peace: :passitleft:
 
Daily Update -

Stage - Flower Day 14 - 65 days above ground

Two weeks of flower already. #2 is kicking ass with 7" of stretch so far. She's sitting at around 20" high. My goal is 24" to 30" so she is right on schedule. #1 looks really great but because of the delayed flip is about a week behind #2. She is just starting to stretch and is only 14" high.

I had to raise the light again around 2" to keep it at 18" above #2's canopy. I also turned the light to 100%. Readings over plant #2 are 950 PPFD with 56K Lux. The light reading over #1 (because of the 6" difference) is 750 PPFD and 46K Lux. Tent temperatures are just above 80° F with the light at max so the room AC was lowered to 73° F to help provide lower inflow temps.

Good news on the auto irrigation last evening. With a 6 minute timed duration I got a good runoff. Not exactly even between the two plants but close enough. This morning I set the system to run for 6 minutes again with good results. Maybe a minute too long but I would rather go a little long than short and not get enough runoff. I estimate around 150 ml per minute so I can adjust up or down with increasing or decreasing the time.

Today's Photos:
Update 06302021-1.jpg

Update 06302021-1.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-2.jpg

Update 06302021-2.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-3.jpg

Update 06302021-3.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-4.jpg

Update 06302021-4.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-5.jpg

Update 06302021-5.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-6.jpg

Update 06302021-6.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-7.jpg

Update 06302021-7.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-8.jpg

Update 06302021-8.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-9.jpg

Update 06302021-9.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

Update 06302021-10.jpg

Update 06302021-10.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 30 2021

:peace: :passitleft:
 
Brett Blaze, I’m liking the side by side update, great garden. I like your 24-36” height target, works for my cabinet. We are both in 5 gallon containers, mine with soil. I’m about a week and a half behind you and plants look similar and mine are stretching like crazy right before I flipped last Friday…another 1.5” inches since yesterday. Great to see previews of grows with very different gardening styles. Cheers
 
Tonight's irrigation testing went pretty good. The valve on #2 is difficult to adjust so instead of backing it off to reduce flow I increase #1 a little and decreased the time to 5 minutes vs 6. The valves are really sensitive and do not turn smooth. Especially #2. Just trying to turn the slightest doubles the flow. I ordered another brand to replace these before I did tonight's test.

The results were pretty good. #1's runoff was 175 ml and #2's was 225 ml. From what I know from the previous measured waterings this is probably somewhere in the 20 to 30 percent range of runoff. A little high but not bad. If I reduce the time by a minute it would only give me about 25 to 75 ml which would be too low.
 
Looks like you're getting it dialed in. Kinda fun having a new toy, no?
 
Daily Update -

Stage - Flower Day 15 - 66 days above ground

Starting the third week in flower and looking good. #1 just starting to have branches stretch up above the canopy. I have several branches on #1 that are too low and small but I want to hold off of any branch removal for at least another week to avoid any further delays. #2 may get a lollipop prune in a week.

#2s 's stretch seems to have slowed. The top branches remained at 17" from the light. Another 3" to 6" of stretch would be fine.

Irrigation during the 3:00 AM watering produced good runoff for #1 but barely any for #2. I ran it for 6 minutes this morning and got 275 ml from #1 and 230 ml from #2. Opposite of the day before. It's a little difficult to get this consistent. Output ppm is still a little high for each but improving.

Today's Photos:
Update 07012021-1.jpg

Update 07012021-1.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021

Update 07012021-2.jpg

Update 07012021-2.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021

Update 07012021-3.jpg

Update 07012021-3.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021

Update 07012021-4.jpg

Update 07012021-4.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021

Update 07012021-5.jpg

Update 07012021-5.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021

Update 07012021-6.jpg

Update 07012021-6.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021

Update 07012021-7.jpg

Update 07012021-7.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021

Update 07012021-8.jpg

Update 07012021-8.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021

Update 07012021-9.jpg

Update 07012021-9.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 01 2021
:peace: :passitleft:
 
Daily Update -

Stage - Flower Day 16 - 67 days above ground

There is a lot of veg growth over the last two weeks but I don't want to prune just yet. I'll do a major prune on #2 early next week. #1 needs to progress more into flower before I touch it. I made the error of removing too many leaves on #1 shortly after flipping and causing her to stall so I need to give it another 10 days before I prune. I am removing large light blocking fan leaves but as few as possible. It's hard because she is growing a lot of fan leaves and is getting too bushy blocking airflow and light.

Watering is still a challenge. I just can't get consistent flow. Last night I wasted a liter and this morning I got barely any flow. More water waste runoff is not really harming the plants but it is wasting nutrient solution.

Today's Photos:
Update 07022021-1.jpg

Update 07022021-1.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

Update 07022021-2.jpg

Update 07022021-2.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

Update 07022021-3.jpg

Update 07022021-3.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

Update 07022021-4.jpg

Update 07022021-4.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

Update 07022021-5.jpg

Update 07022021-5.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

Update 07022021-6.jpg

Update 07022021-6.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

Update 07022021-7.jpg

Update 07022021-7.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

Update 07022021-8.jpg

Update 07022021-8.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

Update 07022021-9.jpg

Update 07022021-9.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update June 02 2021

:peace: :passitleft:
 
@Brett Blaze everything looks great! Dialing in an auto watering system is hard to do with manual valves absolutely. Since you seem to like to build your systems and those temp/humidity graphs make me assume you have some aptitude for tech I thought I'd ask if you have looked at using an Arduino system for water control?

I'm not an expert in this but there are kits available online that have sensors and the Arduino to control the watering when the sensor detects low moisture. It does take assembly and programing but it might be something you would be into if you want better control of the watering. The internet has many example videos...
 
@Prescription Blend . Thank you for the lead on Arduino. I looked at this system a while back. It was a little much for what I want to do but since it's open architecture I'll learn more to see what else they can do. I built my first stereo receiver at circuit and component level when I was 12 so I kind of get off on these kind of electronic systems.

I only need the auto watering to get me correct or even close run off at 3:00 AM. It's just not constant which may be caused by a few factors I learned over the last few days.

I thought I would write these down here while my mind is clear (or close to it)

One issue is the solution level in the reservoir. The level in the reservoir causes more or less solution to remain in the tubing between applications and how much head pressure is available to push the solution during the watering period. Most small pumps are more efficient with levels at 3" or higher, especially when they first turn on, even though the can pump down to 1/4". 3" of solution is about 2 gallons in my reservoir.

If one pot is higher that the other it will get less drip. A slow drip will flow towards the least resistance. I have a slope in the bottom flood table to allow waste water to collect on one side. I have played with the height of the pots by removing the Lazy Susan under #1, which is slightly higher than #2, lowering it by 1/2".

Most of the small plastic ball valves are low quality and do not have small adjustments. I have three ball valves. One in the main line prior to the Tee at the pots to control total flow and one for each plant after the Tee to control flow to each plant. I have tried opening the 2 plant valves fully and using the main valve to control flow. The higher pot issue comes into play here. Even with lowering plant #1 more water flows to #2. I also tried opening the main fully and using the 2 plant vales to control flow. The poor valves can't be adjusted well with full pressure. The adjustments just aren't fine enough. I am now adjusting all three with another test this evening.

The drip rings that sit on the Coco medium are too low and because of the low branches it can't be raised so it's difficult to see how much water is actually dripping. I have plastic tubing I cut into 1" lengths placed under the rings to raise them above the coco.

I'm still working during every morning and evening watering to improve the system. I may have to live with over watering at night which is better than not watering at all.

:peace:
 
I'm smoking some of the Kush harvested last year and getting down to the B buds. I found this gem in one of the buds. The Kush plant turned into a hermie caused by unknown reasons. The most likely reason was heat and getting too close to my lights but could also have been genetics.

I have a fairly healthy seed bank so I don't need additional seeds but it would be interesting to grow one to see the outcome. The Kush plant was a monster and took up most of a 4 x 4 tent.

Kush grow journal

From today's bud

Update 07022021-10.jpg


From last year's Kush harvest.
IMG-1080.jpg
 
Damn...I was 4 pages behind! All caught up and got more edumacation on hydro than I was ready for. I think I may need to call in sick because of excessive brain swelling from all the damn comprehension...or lack thereof!

Tent is looking awesome as always! I like where your head is at with the auto watering system. One thing you could try is to elevate your reservoir and take advantage of the gravity. It will dribble the solution (normally) out of the nozzles after the pump turns off. Arduino or raspberry pi flow modules are awesome! I have not made one yet but I have seen them. I typically deal with much larger pumps and flow control valves. It is the same concept but with much more precision due to their size and application. I do think that you would enjoy building a system that would incorporate multiple irrigation parameters to keep your medium at 90%. Multiple moisture sensors that will give you an average total percentage. When it dips below 90, then the pump kicks on and waters until your desired set point, say 95% and then shuts off. You could even setup a PPM sensor for your runoff to alarm when you have reached certain high or low levels you determine in the programming. Anyway...just a couple things flowing through the brain. Have a good one and stay cool!
 
Daily Update -

Stage - Flower Day 17 - 68 days above ground

#1 has finally begun some stretching. By looking at the pictures she is 7 to 10 days behind #2. She does have more bud sites than I expected and they are spaced out pretty well.

#2 is approaching the 24" high mark. I think 30" may be the limit which is perfect.

Overall, both ladies are looking great.

I have included some close ups of both #1 and #2 flowers.

Today's Photos:
Update 07032021-10.jpg

Update 07032021-10.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

Update 07032021-11.jpg

Update 07032021-11.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

Update 07032021-12.jpg

Update 07032021-12.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

Update 07032021-13.jpg

Update 07032021-13.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

Update 07032021-14.jpg

Update 07032021-14.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

Update 07032021-15.jpg

Update 07032021-15.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

Update 07032021-16.jpg

Update 07032021-16.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

Update 07032021-17.jpg

Update 07032021-17.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

Update 07032021-18.jpg

Update 07032021-18.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 03 2021

#1 starting to stretch

Update 07032021-1.jpg

Update 07032021-1.jpg


Update 07032021-2.jpg

Update 07032021-2.jpg


Nice buds forming on #2

Update 07032021-3.jpg

Update 07032021-3.jpg


Update 07032021-4.jpg

Update 07032021-4.jpg


Update 07032021-5.jpg

Update 07032021-5.jpg


:peace: :passitleft:
 
Brett Blaze said:
Glad you were able to catch up. I have some research to do.
Click to expand...
Look at low voltage control valves that can be set to a timer. I will be using them on my new build. Haven't decided on what size yet so, I've been holding up on the purchase.
If you plan on growing in that system. It might be a good investment.
Girls are looking great!
 
Daily Update -

Stage - Flower Day 18 - 69 days above ground
#1 Bloom Day 1
#2 Bloom Day 6

Happy Independence Day to our US growers

We finally have have bloom on lady #1. That would make a 5 day difference between the plants based on when they first bloomed. She still has a ways to go to catch up on the stretch. Although more of a challenge than lady #2 she ended up having a great shape with a lot of bud sites.

Lady #2 is still stretching but has slowed down. In about 3 days she with get a nice pruning to remove large fan leaves and anything in the lower area to allow air movement.

Have a great day all.

Today's Photos:
Update 07042021-1.jpg

Update 07042021-1.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

Update 07042021-2.jpg

Update 07042021-2.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

Update 07042021-3.jpg

Update 07042021-3.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

Update 07042021-4.jpg

Update 07042021-4.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

Update 07042021-5.jpg

Update 07042021-5.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

Update 07042021-6.jpg

Update 07042021-6.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

Update 07042021-7.jpg

Update 07042021-7.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

Update 07042021-8.jpg

Update 07042021-8.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

Update 07042021-9.jpg

Update 07042021-9.jpg

GSC Comparative Grow Update July 04 2021

:peace: :passitleft:
 
They're looking very verdant.
 
Back
Top Bottom