Hey Doc, I've been thinking about your long flowering sativa issues and found some links I thought I would share. The first is an interview by Jon Frank of Mr Lynn Hoag, who uses the Ellen White Fruit Tree Planting Method.
Audio Downloads - Free Downloads | HighBrix Gardens - click the link in the middle of the page "Fruit Trees On Steroids"
This method involves digging a hole, roughly 3' x 3' deep. At the bottom, either drainage tile or a drain pipe is lain to aid in transportation of oxygen to the roots. Then, a 1 foot layer of "rich soil" is compacted down, on top of which a layer of rocks is laid. This is apparently an integral part of the process. Lynn admits to not knowing the why behind it mattering, other than saying that it affects the electric charge of the soil.
About the "rich soil" they mention using. Although they are growing with the interest of high brix, what would you think about using your high brix mix with this method? The next layer of soil, 1 foot deep, they mention to use is "plain soil" which I would equate to plain Pro Mix. Then a third layer, also 1 foot deep, is "rich soil" again, or high brix mix. On top of this they mention to use a 1" layer of compost, as an alternative I was thinking worm castings would work. Then there is a 3" layer of leaf mulch, which I think we all can provide. Even if it is leaf mulch from the yard, that would suffice. On top of this, 250-500 worm are added.
Although the diagram in the pdf shows a layer of rocks on top of the layer of leaf mulch, Lynn only uses this for cosmetics, as the leaf mulch gets eaten by the worms and needs to be replaced about every 6 months. A grow season for a long flowering sativa is almost approaching that, all depending on the strain.
Here is the second link, it is the method that Lynn Hoag is talking about, the Ellen White Tree Planting Method.
I hope you found this information at least entertaining, perhaps even beneficial. I believe you would be able to pull something like this off quite well.
What are your thoughts?
