GuardianRager's First Grow RQS Autos LED Soil Grow Journal 2024

[Bill284]

Two Weeks with Prīma: A Grower’s Journey

Hey Buds!

Tomorrow marks two weeks since Prīma sprouted, and I’ve already learned a few valuable lessons. Her growth has been rapid, and I’m pretty sure what I’m seeing is what growers call “stretching.”

Unfortunately, I broke the cardinal rule of growing—I wasn’t prepared. The grow tent stayed in the box until just two days ago, mostly because only one seed sprouted, which was a bit discouraging. But I decided to roll with it and gave Prima a temporary home in my version of a @Bill284 solo cup method of layering.

Now, I know autos aren’t supposed to be transplanted because their growth is so quick, and there’s not much time to recover from stress. But in this case, it was necessary. Prima stayed in the cup for about a week, and thanks to a mix of Perlite, MFFB, worm castings, and myco, her roots developed fast.

Even though the pots came with domes, I had to make adjustments. The weather here has been warm, so I added ventilation holes and attached a germination light.

I did my best to harden her up by gradually introducing her to sunlight and stimulating growth with some phototropism techniques.

For the first week, she got 24 hours of light under the seedling lamp.

Once the tent was finally set up, I prepped her forever home.

I was impressed by the root growth in her 5-inch pot, so I thought the transplant would go smoothly. After gloving up, I gently flipped her over, and everything looked intact. But just half an inch from being fully settled into her new pot, disaster struck—the whole thing crumbled apart.

I won’t lie, I panicked a bit. I was worried about root damage and stress. But I quickly stabilized her with some extra worm castings and MFFB, then drenched the soil with my Growganica King Crustacean and Microbes-infused water. Into the new tent she went, and now, two days after the transplant, Prima seems to be holding up well.

I’m open to any tips or advice you have to help her thrive. Thanks for reading, and happy growing!

Peace

Excellent work.
Next time fill the bag a bit more.
You want to stop just below those training holes.
Dome up a bit in the center.
She looks great Amigo.




Stay safe
Bill284

 

[GuardianRager]

Excellent work.
Next time fill the bag a bit more.
You want to stop just below those training holes.
Dome up a bit in the center.
She looks great Amigo.




Stay safe
Bill284

Thanks @Bill284. Wasn’t sure if I should fill the bag. All the guidance from @Royal Queen Seeds was their autos should have a smaller pot but I went with 5 gallons. About to fill her up tomorrow when I install her Tropf-Blumat top drip irrigation system. I’ve seen a lot of sips, wics, and other watering system acronyms. I had already chosen and purchased this one when I started doing research this time around. Not sure which is superior but it’s flexible for where I’m at in grow zone 9. You guys have any experiences with different watering systems? I figured with perlite and Fox Farms Blend the top drip irrigation should work well. Time will tell.

 

[GuardianRager]

Excellent work.
Next time fill the bag a bit more.
You want to stop just below those training holes.
Dome up a bit in the center.
She looks great Amigo.




Stay safe
Bill284

I did notice you said next time. Should I leave it alone as far as adding more dirt? How far from the cotyledons should the soil be? Thanks

 

[Bill284]

I did notice you said next time. Should I leave it alone as far as adding more dirt? How far from the cotyledons should the soil be? Thanks

My apologies yes by all means fill that top inch or so.
I hand water my girls, no experience with that system sorry.



Stay safe
Bill284

 

[GuardianRager]

Prīma Update and Bug Troubles

Howdy Buds!

Things are looking pretty good after up-potting. Thanks @Bill284 for the solid advice. I filled in the last inch with soil and tried to make a nice little mound, though next time I’ll aim to plant the pod level with the pot for a better hill effect.

I won’t lie, the first day in the new pot had me nervous. I spotted some teeny tiny white bugs crawling on her leaves—never a great sight. I grabbed the neem oil and gave both the leaves and the soil a good spritz. Now, I’m just keeping an eye on it to see how it works out. If anyone knows what those little guys are and has advice on how to manage or prevent them in the future, I’m all ears!

Another challenge I’ve been facing is maintaining the right temp and humidity levels. I was holding off on buying a humidifier, but I think it’s time to bite the bullet. Right now, I’m using a small evaporative cooler, and while it gets the job done, the tiny water reservoir is a hassle to keep filled.

This morning, she looked a bit droopy, but after a good watering until runoff, she perked right back up.

That’s all for now. Peace and happy growing!

 

[Bill284]

Prīma Update and Bug Troubles

Howdy Buds!

Things are looking pretty good after up-potting. Thanks @Bill284 for the solid advice. I filled in the last inch with soil and tried to make a nice little mound, though next time I’ll aim to plant the pod level with the pot for a better hill effect.

I won’t lie, the first day in the new pot had me nervous. I spotted some teeny tiny white bugs crawling on her leaves—never a great sight. I grabbed the neem oil and gave both the leaves and the soil a good spritz. Now, I’m just keeping an eye on it to see how it works out. If anyone knows what those little guys are and has advice on how to manage or prevent them in the future, I’m all ears!

Another challenge I’ve been facing is maintaining the right temp and humidity levels. I was holding off on buying a humidifier, but I think it’s time to bite the bullet. Right now, I’m using a small evaporative cooler, and while it gets the job done, the tiny water reservoir is a hassle to keep filled.

This morning, she looked a bit droopy, but after a good watering until runoff, she perked right back up.

That’s all for now. Peace and happy growing!

She looks terrific
What is your rh ?
And how are temps?
Hope your weekend is going well my friend.



Stay safe
Bill284

 

[Tokin Roll]

Excellent start to your grow journal @GuardianRager

Mind if I tag along?

Stay safe and grow well my friend,
Tok..

 

[GuardianRager]

Excellent start to your grow journal @GuardianRager

Mind if I tag along?

Stay safe and grow well my friend,
Tok..

Thank you to my journey of enlightenment lol. @Tokin Roll

 

[Azimuth]

I'd like to follow along as well.

Autos are a more difficult plant to grow vs a photo period, especially for a new grower so that's a consideration for you in the future.

Come and check out Gee64's Gee Spot hangout for (mostly) organic growers. Some super good info there especially if you want to pursue high brix growing.

 

[GuardianRager]

She looks terrific
What is your rh ?
And how are temps?
Hope your weekend is going well my friend.



Stay safe
Bill284

Thank you sir. Weekend has been amazing thus far. A little beaching with the family. Hope you’re making the most of yours as well.
Here are the screenshots from the AC Infinity Controller Pro 69
Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

 

[GuardianRager]

I'd like to follow along as well.

Autos are a more difficult plant to grow vs a photo period, especially for a new grower so that's a consideration for you in the future.

Come and check out Gee64's Gee Spot hangout for (mostly) organic growers. Some super good info there especially if you want to pursue high brix growing.

Howdy, @Azimuth!

Welcome to my journal—feel free to settle in and make yourself comfortable. I first came across @Gee64 when I ventured into the world of living soil. The Gee Spot is a wealth of information I’m already benefiting from. Living out here on the farm, I come from a permaculture background and have been working to integrate those principles into a modern lifestyle—one that’s hard to escape, especially with kids around! Right now, my main focus is on bees. After trying some cannabis-infused honey, I was hooked, and it got me thinking more about the benefits of the living soil approach.

I’ve been diving deep into all the refractometer and squishing techniques, and let me tell you—it’s been a whirlwind. Finding that sweet spot in growing feels like trying to hit a hummingbird at 100 yards while riding a horse! But I’m determined to master it because all the knowledge I gain will benefit the entire farm ecosystem.

We’ve got a compost pile that’s been cooking for a few years now, although I’ve had my reservations about bugs—even the beneficial ones. I’m working through that, though. I’ve also started a worm farm and am confident that by the next growing season, I won’t need to purchase any new soil.

I’m here to learn and improve my skills as a grower, so I’m all ears. I’m grateful for everyone’s willingness to share knowledge and grow together!

Peace!

 

[Azimuth]

Howdy, @Azimuth!

Welcome to my journal—feel free to settle in and make yourself comfortable. I first came across @Gee64 when I ventured into the world of living soil. The Gee Spot is a wealth of information I’m already benefiting from. Living out here on the farm, I come from a permaculture background and have been working to integrate those principles into a modern lifestyle—one that’s hard to escape, especially with kids around! Right now, my main focus is on bees. After trying some cannabis-infused honey, I was hooked, and it got me thinking more about the benefits of the living soil approach.

I’ve been diving deep into all the refractometer and squishing techniques, and let me tell you—it’s been a whirlwind. Finding that sweet spot in growing feels like trying to hit a hummingbird at 100 yards while riding a horse! But I’m determined to master it because all the knowledge I gain will benefit the entire farm ecosystem.

We’ve got a compost pile that’s been cooking for a few years now, although I’ve had my reservations about bugs—even the beneficial ones. I’m working through that, though. I’ve also started a worm farm and am confident that by the next growing season, I won’t need to purchase any new soil.

I’m here to learn and improve my skills as a grower, so I’m all ears. I’m grateful for everyone’s willingness to share knowledge and grow together!

Peace!

Cool!

I've been on a quest to see if I can produce everything I need to grow from my backyard, which I share in my 'Alchemy' thread. Everything from my soil mix to my nutes using specific plants known for certain attributes like comfrey and stinging nettle.

Your manure piles are an easy source of your own red wiggler worms for your worm bins.

I've been a big fan of the Coot's Mix and the base for his soil mix is horse manure and leaf mold run through his worm bins.

 

[GuardianRager]

Cool!

I've been on a quest to see if I can produce everything I need to grow from my backyard, which I share in my 'Alchemy' thread. Everything from my soil mix to my nutes using specific plants known for certain attributes like comfrey and stinging nettle.

Your manure piles are an easy source of your own red wiggler worms for your worm bins.

I've been a big fan of the Coot's Mix and the base for his soil mix is horse manure and leaf mold run through his worm bins.

That’s awesome! I’ve been diving deeper into permaculture these last few years, and it aligns perfectly with what you’re doing. Sustainable land stewardship is something I’m passionate about, especially when it comes to using nature’s own systems to regenerate the land. Plants like comfrey and stinging nettle are prime examples—they’re key ingredients in compost tea, a method promoted by one of the early pioneers of permaculture (I think it was Bill Mollison). He was instrumental in creating some of the first well-documented food forests and advocated for working in harmony with the land.

For me, this approach is at the heart of regenerative farming. When we act as good stewards of the earth, we tap into the land’s potential to sustain itself—and in turn, it sustains us. It’s all about fostering that beautiful, reciprocal relationship with nature. Keep up the amazing work in your backyard oasis!
Peace

 

[Gee64]

Hey GR. Mind if I tag along?

 

[GuardianRager]

Hey GR. Mind if I tag along?

What’s up @Gee64!
Hop on in we were just getting ready to fire one up.
I’ve been following your posts, but after receiving 97 notifications in one day, I had to bookmark the page until I figure out the site’s controls. That being said, the information you’ve shared is fantastic—really appreciate it!

I did come across some of your thoughts on SIPs (sub-irrigated planters) and wicking systems, which got me thinking—what are your thoughts on the Tropf-Blumat irrigation system? I’ve been reading up on it, but I’d love to hear your take.
Peace

 

[Gee64]

What’s up @Gee64!
Hop on in we were just getting ready to fire one up.
I’ve been following your posts, but after receiving 97 notifications in one day, I had to bookmark the page until I figure out the site’s controls. That being said, the information you’ve shared is fantastic—really appreciate it!

I did come across some of your thoughts on SIPs (sub-irrigated planters) and wicking systems, which got me thinking—what are your thoughts on the Tropf-Blumat irrigation system? I’ve been reading up on it, but I’d love to hear your take.
Peace

I have looked at it online a few times but don't know anyone in real life that has tried it. If it works as it's supposed to it should work, but not being able to speed or slow it's delivery worries me. If you buy and try tho I'll watch

 

[Bill284]

Thank you sir. Weekend has been amazing thus far. A little beaching with the family. Hope you’re making the most of yours as well.
Here are the screenshots from the AC Infinity Controller Pro 69
Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Your average is around 60% rh. on most of those charts which is fine for now.
Temps around 80ish is good too.
Not a problem at this stage.



Stay safe
Bill284

 

[Gee64]

Your average is around 60% rh. on most of those charts which is fine for now.
Temps around 80ish is good too.
Not a problem at this stage.



Stay safe
Bill284

Your VPD isn't fully set up. Somewhere in your settings should be a "leaf temperature offset" setting that you can adjust. That is the difference between the air temp and leaf temp, so if air temp is 80F and leaf temp is 78F then your offset would be -2. Otherwise you are getting room vpd and not plant VPD. Here are 2 pictures from a VPD calculator. The 1st one is your average room temp with the same temp used for leaf temp, and it equates to what your meter says. The 2nd is an example of what it would be if the leaf temp was 2 degrees cooler, which it likely is, if not more. It makes quite a difference.

VPD is a really good way to throttle your plants, but if you don't keep it accurate then it can get you into a lot of trouble.

Your manual for the meter should show you how to make adjustments, and you will need an IR gun. It's a great way to control light intensity.

 

[Gee64]

It's on page 35 of the manual, and will affect all automated functions so accuracy or lack of it cascades and possibly multiplies for better or worse, depending on how many devices are being controlled. You want to find the leaf offset temperature at around 10 hours after lights on to get the maximum leaf temp for the day.

 

[GuardianRager]

It's on page 35 of the manual, and will affect all automated functions so accuracy or lack of it cascades and possibly multiplies for better or worse, depending on how many devices are being controlled. You want to find the leaf offset temperature at around 10 hours after lights on to get the maximum leaf temp for the day.

And I’m off to buy one of those IR guns. Thanks @Bill284 and @Gee64 for the advise. Stay tuned for the results.
Peace