Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

[BigIrishDoode]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

looking good sq they seem to be taking the treatments in stride! im excited for the flower power to start, so how do you like the sns stuff? i just got mine, i tested some on a mini rose bush of spiffys that had spidermites so far so good. great update girl +rep

 

[Xlr8]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Hi Sqwheels!

I don't think you'll fumigate yourself, personally. The "No Pests" strips have a guideline of being safe if you are in the room for 3 hours per day or less - I have a pretty open floor plan, so while I'm not in the room for more than 3 hours a day... who knows. So far, I'm not noticing any ill effects from it, that's for sure. It's commonly used by a lot of good growers here, but you'll ultimately have to make the judgement call - I can just share my experiences so far if that helps.

As far as the healthy look even though you've been treating for bugs and not feeding as much... It's amazing how happy you can make them by just removing some of the bug pressure. Bugs will really zap a plant of it's energy and vigor - as you're noticeing as you see them perk up after being treated. Conversely, we cannabis growers tend to "overfeed" our plants habitually because we're wanting to maximize flower yields (not saying this is you, just a general statement).
Overall I think things are looking really good considering the battle you're waging.

A tip: take a marker and write the date on the "No pests" strip so you know when you started using it. They have a limited effective life, (3 months I think?) so it's good to keep track of it. We MMJ users sometimes get forgetful, ya know?

Which reminds me of another tip: I date my bulbs, too. I have a post-it on the bulb boxes to track their usage. Since I have more than one bulb, I label them "A" and "B" etc. on the metal part of the bulb and the corresponding box (the detail is kept on the box). Bulbs lose brightness over time, and eventually need to be replaced.

 

[BigIrishDoode]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

X has a good point on dating bulbs and other stuff, i use a computer program called herb iq it keeps track of everything!! you just have to religously input stuff,its just habit for me now to do things in the garden or after getting new stuff grow related to go sit down at my pc and add everything i did or purchased,with a few mouse clicks i can see everything,how many hours i have used each piece of equipment,my seed stock,how long a plant has been in whatever stage,when i pruned/lst'd/fed/germed/cloned, the target harvest date! its great tool and i think it would benefit any grower from 1 plant to a million, its a free program, i put a link up in my journal you should check it out

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

looking good sq they seem to be taking the treatments in stride! im excited for the flower power to start, so how do you like the sns stuff? i just got mine, i tested some on a mini rose bush of spiffys that had spidermites so far so good. great update girl +rep

Hi bid,

Yep they are taking it all in stride...
I credit that mostly to BPN, they were really healthy to begin with, and you and others here helped me catch the bugs early...Lesson Learned...keep that magnifying glass close!

The verdict is still out on the SNS...like I said in my update, I've been using it since I found those little buggers, 3 times total to date, twice @ 2oz/gal as both drench and spray and yesterday @ 4oz/gal as a drench along with Mighty Wash as a spray. The SNS203 is pretty much gone now, but I'll be using SNS209 as a preventative for a while.

I'll be watching closely for any signs of bugs for days/weeks, until harvest, and let y'all know how it goes.

Thanks for the +reps...much appreciated.

Sq

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Hi Sqwheels!

I don't think you'll fumigate yourself, personally. The "No Pests" strips have a guideline of being safe if you are in the room for 3 hours per day or less - I have a pretty open floor plan, so while I'm not in the room for more than 3 hours a day... who knows. So far, I'm not noticing any ill effects from it, that's for sure. It's commonly used by a lot of good growers here, but you'll ultimately have to make the judgement call - I can just share my experiences so far if that helps.

As far as the healthy look even though you've been treating for bugs and not feeding as much... It's amazing how happy you can make them by just removing some of the bug pressure. Bugs will really zap a plant of it's energy and vigor - as you're noticeing as you see them perk up after being treated. Conversely, we cannabis growers tend to "overfeed" our plants habitually because we're wanting to maximize flower yields (not saying this is you, just a general statement).
Overall I think things are looking really good considering the battle you're waging.

A tip: take a marker and write the date on the "No pests" strip so you know when you started using it. They have a limited effective life, (3 months I think?) so it's good to keep track of it. We MMJ users sometimes get forgetful, ya know?

Which reminds me of another tip: I date my bulbs, too. I have a post-it on the bulb boxes to track their usage. Since I have more than one bulb, I label them "A" and "B" etc. on the metal part of the bulb and the corresponding box (the detail is kept on the box). Bulbs lose brightness over time, and eventually need to be replaced.

Hi X,

I was half joking when I asked, but I haven't opened this thing yet...it says "will treat 900-1200 cu.ft." My closet is only 4x5x8 = 160 cu.ft. right? "odorless fumes" can be used in places "occupied by people less than 4 hours a day" think about it. Then again it also says "works best in closed spaces" and the exhaust fan runs as much as not. I've got that set on a thermostat...83 during the day and 72 at night. It runs periodically throughout the day maybe 3-5 times an hour depending on the house temp (it's much cooler here now...62 today...my furnace actually came on overnight for the last two nights, into the low 40's) I was just thinking the fan runs for 1-2 hours at lights out trying to lower the temp, that will probably diminish its effectiveness and shorten it's lifespan...

sorry...babbling.

I'm probably guilty of over feeding...I'm still new at this and learning as I grow Along with all the great help I get here ...give me time, I'll get good at this, I'm in it for the long run.
I thought I was feeding on the light side, both in dose and frequency...just because I don't grow for size...I like the bonsai size.

Anyway now I know...they use a lot less than I thought, I could be vegging on a schedule more like feed/water/water/feed/repeat maybe even 3 waters in between feeds for veg... another Lesson Learner.

Great tips...I already thought of both, but thanks for the I haven't linked bulbs to boxes and I probably will start doing that, so far I've only bought 2 different kinds so it's easy to keep track...things like that matter.

and those strips say "4 months or when effectiveness diminishes"

Thank you for all your help and encouragement in my battle of the bugs...

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

bid...that computer program sounds great, I'll check it out...currently I just keep a calendar for each plant with big spaces and I write down every day what I've done to each plant...not sure I want all that info on my pc. I got a little paranoid after my first couple of grows and shredded all the calendars from my first two harvests ... what can I say I had a moment

I'm a little leery of having too much info *out there* ... I almost didn't journal because of it. But ya gotta have a hobby and this is mine... I love 420

I also have a folder with every receipt since I've started this adventure...not quite as organized, but a complete record. I could use a nice little program to help me. Thanks again.

 

[Xlr8]

Hi X,

I was half joking when I asked, but I haven't opened this thing yet...it says "will treat 900-1200 cu.ft." My closet is only 4x5x8 = 160 cu.ft. right? "odorless fumes" can be used in places "occupied by people less than 4 hours a day" think about it. Then again it also says "works best in closed spaces" and the exhaust fan runs as much as not. I've got that set on a thermostat...83 during the day and 72 at night. It runs periodically throughout the day maybe 3-5 times an hour depending on the house temp (it's much cooler here now...62 today...my furnace actually came on overnight for the last two nights, into the low 40's) I was just thinking the fan runs for 1-2 hours at lights out trying to lower the temp, that will probably diminish its effectiveness and shorten it's lifespan...

sorry...babbling.

I'm probably guilty of over feeding...I'm still new at this and learning as I grow Along with all the great help I get here ...give me time, I'll get good at this, I'm in it for the long run.
I thought I was feeding on the light side, both in dose and frequency...just because I don't grow for size...I like the bonsai size.

Anyway now I know...they use a lot less than I thought, I could be vegging on a schedule more like feed/water/water/feed/repeat maybe even 3 waters in between feeds for veg... another Lesson Learner.

Great tips...I already thought of both, but thanks for the I haven't linked bulbs to boxes and I probably will start doing that, so far I've only bought 2 different kinds so it's easy to keep track...things like that matter.

and those strips say "4 months or when effectiveness diminishes"

Thank you for all your help and encouragement in my battle of the bugs...

It'll work great in a smaller space (pest strip) - especially if the ventilation kicks off once in a while. Plants won't mind either.

I really wanted to clarify that I really doubt you over feed, I was just sort of sharing what was a bit of a revelation to me... that they can thrive on a very small diet, and can go quite a while with very little nutrition - especially if there are a few minerals in the water it seems.

I still feed nearly every watering - lighter now. My moms, even relatively larger ones, top out at about 500-600ppm, but everyone's situation differs. Once a week (sometimes two) I feed with straight water (coco coir plants). They're always especially happy after the straight water feeding!

Another time I've found they're super happy? Right before they wilt from dehydration - they really like that oxygen on the roots...

I LOVE your bonsai plants - they're beautiful. You have a good knack for those. I don't have those skills at all really - I'm a little jealous if I'm being completely honest!

 

[Mr. Krip]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

I agree with Brother X 420%! I may have provided some inspiration for your ventures into Bonsai, but your girls look MUCH better than mine!

So, I hereby pronounce you the "Bonsai Queen"!

 

[BigIrishDoode]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

i agree with the "bonsai queen" title its true,
that program allows you to encrypt all the data and the only way it can be read is if you have the key/password or a mighty good code breaking hacker, i feel ya on the security issue, but at the same time look at the size of our lil grows i dont think anybody is really worried about a few sick ppl growing a miniscule amount for personal use, in the big picture were not big, i have kicked myself for doing away with my data later after the paranoia goes away lol oh well live n learn

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Hi X,

yep, I'm sure that little strip won't kill me...all things considered, there is plenty of ventilation is that room/closet. I found a dead mosquito in there yesterday (before the strip) Wonder what I'll find this morning (after 24hrs w/ strip)

No...I think I do/did/was overfeeding. I'll be working on that next...just gotta get past the bugs. I'm determined to flip by this w/e. Come what may.

I know what you mean about the droop...I accidentally let a couple dry too far and they drooped to the point of...well I thought they would die, for sure. These girls where NOT happy! Wilted beyond rescue...but I gave water and an hour later they looked like nothing happened, really!!! I was so surprised. I thought for sure I was gonna have to journal that I'd killed a couple plants by not watering. I wish I'd have taken pictures...I didn't think about it until the miraculous recovery.

I know what you mean about the oxygen and happy roots tho...since I started growing in square pots w holes in the bottom and using water to waste style growing they are happier IMO. For me the 2L hempies were an algae farm, too much moisture.

Thanks for the compliment. I really do love the little bonsai. Not sure how I came upon these *skills* I just got the idea from Vapedogg in a POTM contest last year some time. I do know that some strains do not like to submit. I've broken a lot of tips/branchs in the learning process. Don't be jealous...pick a plant and practice it. As silly as this is going to sound... I let the plant tell me where to chop/snip and bend.


Sq

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Hi Mr.K,

After I saw Vape's plant in potm, I searched bonsai, trying to figure out how people decide "where" to clip...that was/is the secret IMO. Thanks for the inspiration. That's just one of a hundred+ things I've learned here and applied/tried in my garden/growing adventures.

Thanks for the title ... I'm still learning

Sq

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Hi bid,

*blush*... I humbly accept, only because it was second'd

Thank you both

Sq

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Great News Folks...today's initial inspection...No Bugs!!!

Everyday since I found those little buggers, I've searched with a magnifying glass, multiple times a day. Everyday I've found some, fewer and fewer...but was still finding live bugs (crawlers) after 12 days. I feel like I may, at last, have this under control. Will continue with daily searches with the magnifying glass...probably til harvest. I'm sure there are unhatched eggs in there, even tho I've picked a bunch of leaves off with their *stuff* on it.

I got complacent and wasn't inspecting like I should have been. Won't make that mistake again.

Along with many of the other suggestions X gave me , I will be using SNS209 as a preventative at least once within the next week or so and I'm sure the ocd in me will have to spray with mighty wash at least once more too, even if I don't see any...these little buggers are so small, when first hatched they look like a speck of dust, but if you watch it for a second or two it moves.

ok... about the thrip... not sure how big the adults are, the flyers. I've seen one or two specks, way smaller than a fruit fly, in there, I thought it may have been dust or something kicked up by the fans, and my pulling the doors open because I can never actually locate it...does that make sense? I never have seen an actual bug flying around in there. I've got a good diagram on their life cycle, I wonder if that's to scale? more research on actual size is needed.

 

[Blue Planet Nutrients]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

looking really good SQ

 

[Xlr8]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

I let the plant tell me where to chop/snip and bend.


Sq

My problem with bonsai is that the plant doesn't tell me shit!

Im thrilled to hear the bugs are losing the battle.

 

[Mr. Krip]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

My problem with bonsai is that the plant doesn't tell me shit!

Im thrilled to hear the bugs are losing the battle.

My biggest challenge, as usual and even with the Bonsais, is space. Due to the space limitations, I'm even keeping the bonsai mom's in 2 L's, so there's not a lot of horizontal space for bending. I still do a little bit of bending, but now, most of the bonsai is formed from selective topping.

I've considered going to a larger container, or even a wider 2-L container, but then would probably run short on space for all the clones. So, for now, I'll just have to admire Sqwheels' great work!

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Corey...ya they look good. Thanks in no small part to you and BPN, and all the great members here who've helped me along the way. It could have been days before I figured out I had bugs, if it weren't for you and bid having a sharp eye ... that silvery residue was the sign.

I'll be posting or blogging a bunch of stuff I've learned about thrips and dealing with them when I get it all assembled.

X... Listen harder...try Q-tips. 36 hrs and 6 inspections ... no bugs

Mr K... limited space is less of an issue with me... I have limited #'s. That first Wonder Woman bonsai produced 1.5oz and had a footprint of slightly over 1 sq.ft. I couldn't get that off any 4 of my 2L hempy pots, and I grew a bunch of them. You on the other hand seem to have great success with it...for me bonsai seems to be the way

Sq

 

[sqwheels]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Hi Folks

The big room looks a little different this week...

I had to repot the big Wonder Woman. She was so root bound, I didn't think it wise to flower her with such cramped quarters. Unfortunately, I can't lift her now. T will have to help me with this one from now til harvest.

I've picked off a bunch of yellowing leaves...these look more like a need for nutes, they didn't get much while I was treating for thrips. You can see a few black specks too...according to my research this a thrip damage.

Blue Widow has suffered the worse. She has lots of yellowing leaves with black specks on them, while researching I saw several pictures like this...so I shouldn't be surprised. I hope she recovers.

After some clean up, she looks a little sparse

Northern Lights x Big Bud...she had a few bad leaves but overall looks better than BW.

I've moved the Aurora Indica into the big room to flower with the other three girls...I need the space in the little room for new babies. She's small compared to the others but I think I can make it work.

The little Blueberry Gum...the first clone taken from that weird twisted original I grew from seed and then gave away

Wonder Woman bonsai in training...this one will flower with the next 'round in January

another WW and the second BbG clone are both doing well

3 out of 5 of the cuttings have good roots now and need to be potted, I'll do that tomorrow and have pics next week.

However I don't think the White Rhino clone is going to make it. This was clipped from one of the girls I gave away, the donor had thrips and so did this clone, this is the only clone I sprayed. I'm not sure if this is damage from the treatment or a cry for N nutes. I haven't had any previous cuttings do this, she's only showing those little white nubs...no actual roots yet. I added a few drops of 900ppm 5.8pH to her cup of ro/tap, we'll see what happens

I've checked everyday, several times a day with my magnifying glass I'm happy to say I haven't seen a single bug all week...if the Cannabis Gods are smiling on me it'll stay that way.

X...if you catch this...did your girls look like this after your bout with thrips?

Because of the bugs and the repot and the need to catch them up on some much missed nutrients I'll be waiting a few more days to flip...I hate to say it, I'm getting so impatient, but all the good growers say don't flower a sick plant...my girls may not be sick, but they aren't at their best either...so I'll wait

Again, it's taken me hours to get this update to post and show all the pictures. I don't get why I'm having so much trouble with this. I hope it all loads properly.

Thanks for looking, hope you enjoy



Sq

 

[Blue Planet Nutrients]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

Hey SQ, What is the ppm of the solution you are feeding? I think that you could up the nute dosage on some of those girls.

 

[BigIrishDoode]

re: Sqwheels' Garden - Bonsai Style

all in all i think they look good once you give em some food they will charge on ahead