Changing Methods
Today I want to discuss how my growing methods have changed since I began, and what I'm seeing as a result:
- Nutrients have changed and evolved. I now use the GH series with the additives and the Flora Micro series. Also, I scientifically measure everything, and I have kept records of everything so can see immediately if there is a problem. When I began this, I was haphazard. Now I have beakers, and I follow directions. LOL. My third grade teacher would be proud.
- Lights have increased. I began with one 300 watt equivalent light, full spectrum and non-dimmable. Now I have two of those and one dimmable light. I can't dim it with the other two attached, but the plan is to eventually have one light that is dimmable, preferably in the 900 watt equiv. range.
- I'm using two tents, allowing me to clone and veg plants while one bunch is flowering. This way I have a perpetual grow. As a result I have streamlined my grows and can accurately plan when to harvest. I've also learned more about hydroponics by having a DWC unit for cloning and early vegging, and then an ebb and flow unit in the flowering tent.
- Tent design has also evolved, with putting some things, such as the exhaust fan, on top of the tent instead of inside.
- I've become more diligent about cleaning the reservoirs and changing water.
- Instead of screwing around with the plants in scrog, I am following advice and have an exact method of scrogging and know when to flip to flower.
When I started, I was getting about 4 oz from each grow and I suffered through a lot of problems. Fungus gnats, accidental revegging, water issues. I was doing almost everything wrong. And it wasn't anyone's fault on 420! it was my stubborn refusal to listen intently to what I was told and follow the experienced guides. Because I now put out enough light, my plants grow faster and develop rock hard nugs. Colas as big as my arm.
I am able to harvest on a schedule: My last three grows were harvested on May 5, July 4th and September 29. A little longer on the last one because I vegged the plants longer in the big tent than I did for the July group. From beginning flower to finish, it only takes 7 or 8 weeks with the indicas I'm growing. So, with the present grow, I know that when flowering commences, I can estimate two months. Veg time is the only true variable. This time I think the plants will fill out the scrog faster, because the plants didn't suffer any shock from the transplant. If I can get them in flower by November 1, we will harvest on New Year's Eve. Or thereabouts.
Estimating the grow's yield is easier, because I know what optimum is for my tent size and lights. I'm not going to say how much I think is in the latest harvest. But I have a number in mind.
I don't screw around with the ph as much anymore. I try to get it to below 6 - but if it is a little over, I don't care. It doesn't appear to have a bad effect on the grow for the PH to range a little high. In fact, a lower ph is a sign of the water "wearing out" and needing to be changed. I change the water every week. And I clean the reservoirs thoroughly every two weeks.
I am willing to constantly examine my methods and change them as needed. I also listen to advice from all of the posters on 420. Sometimes.
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