Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL - LED

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

That's an interesting analogy. I'm a girl that learned to drive and preferred a manual transition, and maintained her own vehicle, so I get that totally.

You feel free to be wordy here anytime Doc. Someday I'll have to try that strain, although I'm not sure the world can handle a more wordy me.

 

[Graytail]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Doc, I have much of the same goals and disappointments about commercial strains that you do. I cringe when I see some of the names and the lineages. You mix that many colors together and you get something mud-colored. Yuck. Who cares if it's really strong or if it yields really well.

But I gotta say, I've grown nothing but fems and I don't see the downside. I've had especially vigorous strains, I've had different phenos of the same fem, my clones have been very stable and identical to the mother, I've easily hermied several fems, the seeds have been vigorous and true to the pheno for my S1 Panama and I'll see what variety I get from my Buddha Haze crosses ... dunno.

Philosophically, I agree with you, but my experience with fems has been the same as regulars, just without the fun suspense of caring for plants that I may or may not cull later. My experience with fems has been more like an electronic paddle-shift automatic transmission. Go ahead and do the clutch and shift thing if you want, but a paddle-shifter is faster and easier.

I grew Northern Lights Autos, and as far as I'm concerned, autos are good for outdoor grows in impossible climates. Otherwise, I'm not interested at all in doing another one.

 

[36Gr0w]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

My interest in autos is for some mid-summer harvests while the weather is best up here. I figure I should get a few extra plants to harvest separate from my outdoor and indoor photo plants.

 

[MysterySeeds]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Welcome MysterySeeds. We all want you to succeed in the transition, regardless of your choice, so don't hesitate to ask anything.

Thank you for the warm welcome, love, and support. The path to a living soil looks to be a pleasant walk... barefoot, of course.

I'm getting materials together with the plan to start cooking my soil in the next month. The decision to go no-till or not will have to wait until my first grow in living soil is complete. As for companion plants, I'll have to split my roommates pink clover and transplant it into my one of my current pots. The clover was given to my roommate by her grandma, so she'll be excited to learn that Grandma's clover helped grow such fine herb. Hopefully, my red worms will arrive next week and I can get started with my vermicompost, which I hope to use for both compost and worm tea.

A question or two:

• What are your thoughts on adding earthworms to the no-till soil?
• How do you control for pests like gnats and their nasty little larvae?

Again, thanks for the idea on the SWICK system. I updated my setup today and plan to add an air pump to oxygenate the water.

The glass in the middle is to view the water level, though I find it more effective to simply poke a hole in the perlite with my finger.

Group shot.

My midnight oil is running low, so I'll end here. Expect more questions and praise in the days, weeks, and months to come. Until next time, keep on the sunny side.

Good night and good luck,
X

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

I'm duly impressed MysterySeeds. That's quite a head start you have going. One quick point before I get to your questions - there's no need to aerate the reservoirs, though there's also no damage done if you choose to do so. The water picks up additional oxygen as it percolates up through the perlite and the fabric pots allow for easy passage of oxygen to the root zone. No shortage of available oxygen in the system you have going so save yourself the electricity and let physics work for you.

Earthworms in a no-till is highly encouraged. Earthworms in soil you plan to recycle following harvest is a good thing. What I mean is worms in any living soil is a good thing. We haven't established yet how well they do in HB soil, but if you use homegrown vermicompost in the LOS you will have worms eventually, whether you intended or not. Worms are the ultimate tillers of soil. Toss a handful into your pots and let them regulate their populations.

I'm still new to the game myself, but I'm developing an attitude of acceptance for the gnats and their larvae offspring. We've had some discussion as to whether one should expect these natural composters with all the organic matter in our living organic soil. The jury is out as to how much damage they do in LOS, because although they are a nuisance, they apparently have no detrimental effect on our hearty plants. There are many ways to deal with them, all of which require consistency that has been in short supply in my own home lately. Sticky traps catch the adults and soaking mosquito dunks overnight in your water releases the predatory bacteria that attack the larvae.

Neem seed meal is included in my base soil, and when I get my supply order in next week it will become part of my regular tea and topdress routine, which will, in time, strengthen the immunity level of the soil to an extent that the gnats disappear from the soil solution, seeking out easier hunting grounds. Predatory millipedes and small centipedes do a great job too, if you can attract them, and if you have a tolerance for smaller earthlings in your home.

The HB guys tell me gnats are a no-show in their soil. I've mixed that soil and I can understand why. We will see if my LOS gnats jump ship into my HB soil, but my expectation is that the kit includes immunity-boosting elements that will control the gnats. My LOS is full of organic goodies and my mulch layer is gnat Heaven at this point. I've studied other long-term no-tills and watched them go through the gnat farming stage. Eventually they all settle down. There's never any detrimental effect on the plants. I can live through the transition stage as my soil community grows strong enough to defend itself against predators. I am assured of a gnat-free future.

Have you given thought to starting a journal for your grow? You knew I was going to recommend that, didn't you? Running a journal doesn't have to be the big production mine turn into. Everyone finds their own style and level of participation, but a journal lets this wonderful community peer over your shoulder and share in the joys of the experience as well as offer valuable advice to enhance your chances of success. It's also a marvelous way to quickly bond with the community and make new friends. Obviously I'm a big fan of the process. If you decide against journaling and want to occasionally treat us to an update, please indulge that inclination here. We love keeping track of each other's grows.




Edit: Could I entice you to repost yours on the SWICK thread?

 

[bobrown14]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

I'm looking forward to growing regular seeds. Autos were an easy way to break into the world. Hadn't given much thought to genetic degradation.

I'm running regular seeds now - Doc has something there I'm sure. I've never grown anything but regulars until this grow. I've got 4 regulars and 4 fems in the flower tent now and 4 regular clones (females) and 3 autos in the veg tent (20/4).

The only thing I don't like about growing cannabis is having to chop down male plants after spending +6 weeks of time and energy into growing a plant then only to make compost. I did notice that the females enjoy the males in the tent with them. They act & smell differently when there are no males around.

On LED and HID lighting, my experience I've grown with just HID, LED and HID and now this run LED only. I'll let you know after this run how I like the all LED. I'm getting good results tho so far only the dry weight and taste will tell, so not totally a convert but I'm well on my way. I may run HID along side LED in my winter runs if I'm not getting the yields I am used to with just LED.

For the naysayers for LED - Cal/Mag issues FOR ME, disappeared once I started using LOS soils, didn't matter what light I was using. I've had cal mag issues with HID and salt nutrients. Got rid of the bottles and the cal/mag issues followed. Again my .02.

Hey there SS - your Dark Devil looks GREAT - it's amazing how we get trichomes after ~38 days after seed pop. The one I'm growing looks just like yours does. Pretty amazing ...

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Hey there SS - your Dark Devil looks GREAT - it's amazing how we get trichomes after ~38 days after seed pop. The one I'm growing looks just like yours does. Pretty amazing ...

I'm so glad to hear you say that BB. I think yours looks sooo much better.

I find it interesting that this cal/mag thing doesn't become an issue with LOS. You're not the only one to notice that. I haven't learned enough about soil sciences to understand what's in the mix that eliminates that concern. I'll figure it out in time.

 

[GhettoGro]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

I like what Doc posted about the autos and fems. I have only grown regular seeds myself. I like to make my own beans as it is such a paranoid hassle to get beans to my safe house and hope customs don't get them. That happened the first time ever ordered. I got the dreaded "letter" telling me I can come claim my package from them if I want...lol NOT!

I like to take clones just in case I find that holy grail pheno. I had a few plants autoflower because I left them in veg to long. clones just don't want to live once in flower mode

I'm just finishing up a grow that started with 5 girls and what I thought was a male. I am a week from chopping the last girl and the "male" never flowered. It had little balls at most nodes for weeks but never flowered to give me pollen. So I got no beans made and resorted to bagseed for my next grow. Is there such thing as a eunuch cannabis plant?

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Daily Update: Dark Devil Auto - Day 40

Look at her grow! So incredibly beautiful!

I reached over thinking "maybe if I start to bend her a bit" and she answered a resounding "NO!" and barely budged. The stem is like a steel rod.

I gave the pot 1/4 turn. I had intended to top water today but I neglected to fill the water bottles from the rain water basin and it was too cold this morning, so tomorrow will have to do.

She has these tiny branches shooting out and starting to beef up. Tiny but strong and solid structure.

Let me indulge in some leaf porn.

One last shot of her looking so luscious in the pink light.

That's all I have today guys. She's plugging away with consistent growth and looking stronger every day. Tomorrow I'll hang that additional light. Time got away from me today.

Have a delightful day filled with peals of laughter. At least one good belly laugh today, agreed? I've already enjoyed more than I can count.

 

[MaxYields]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Lookin' great Sue. Man she is pretty in pink

So symmetrical and happy looking, and those chubby white pistils are so pretty. Keep it up Sue

So close to HB soil!!! Popped my seedlings so they are ready for transplant when the soil is ready, looks like it'll be right on the thirty day mark!

 

[Major PITA]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

I can't wait to see the final results. She's looking GREAT!

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

I get all excited looking at her. She's at what I think is the halfway point now, so at least another 35 + days to go. That means quite a few teas and drenches between now and then. Sunday is the next enzyme tea. She should really respond to that.

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

My final order (for now) to acquire the final pieces for soil maintenance. I'm excited.

Oh yeah, hahaha..... My pots too. WooHoo!!! That 15 gallon one is going to showcase Doc's kit beautifully. Hey Max, just jumping out of your skin aren't you? I know. So am I.

 

[MysterySeeds]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Have you given thought to starting a journal for your grow?

Could I entice you to repost yours on the SWICK thread?

Guess you haven't seen my journal, yet. If for some reason it's not in my signature, you can find it at: Mystery Seed's 400W LED Grow Journal - ScrOG - 2'x2'x5' Tent

As soon as I hit post on this thread, I'll head over to the SWICK thread and add a few photos.

My tent only has a gnat or two at this point, but they're swarming the other house plants. A few other growers have talked about hydrogen peroxide as a solution, but I'm not sure how it affects the good bacteria in the soil. At this point, I'm not worried just want to stay ahead of the game. The solutions involving "neem" seem to be pretty popular on these forums, so I will look into it as well.

Planning to oxygenate the water in my SWICK for a week and see what happens. If nothing changes, then I'll pull the air pump. Can't hurt and the experiment will cost me less than a dollar in electricity. Stay tuned to my journal for updates.

Though it's a little late, congrats on becoming the March MOTM. It was an honor well deserved. Curious what you did with all of your prize fertilizers and pesticides? haha

That's all I've got for now.

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Guess you haven't seen my journal, yet. If for some reason it's not in my signature, you can find it at: Mystery Seed's 400W LED Grow Journal - ScrOG - 2'x2'x5' Tent

As soon as I hit post on this thread, I'll head over to the SWICK thread and add a few photos.

My tent only has a gnat or two at this point, but they're swarming the other house plants. A few other growers have talked about hydrogen peroxide as a solution, but I'm not sure how it affects the good bacteria in the soil. At this point, I'm not worried just want to stay ahead of the game. The solutions involving "neem" seem to be pretty popular on these forums, so I will look into it as well.

Planning to oxygenate the water in my SWICK for a week and see what happens. If nothing changes, then I'll pull the air pump. Can't hurt and the experiment will cost me less than a dollar in electricity. Stay tuned to my journal for updates.

Though it's a little late, congrats on becoming the March MOTM. It was an honor well deserved. Curious what you did with all of your prize fertilizers and pesticides? haha

That's all I've got for now.

Ha! The box of natural fertilizers and pest control items came the other day and I looked through it. I need to research it and see what's in it all. I garden much simpler than that. The gardener downstairs may be interested if I can't find a use for them. I haven't had time for more than a cursory look yet.

Subbed into your journal. Excellent job on that, by the way.

 

[FeralA9X]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Wow sue, the girls are really looking gorgeous

 

[xtrchessreal]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

FWIW, the only things about Cannabis I truly despise are:

1. Femmed seeds
2. Auto's

Femmed seeds because they weaken genetics and make the "little guy" dependent on seed banks.

Auto's because they breed in useless ditchweed and over time that is going to weaken and distort our favorite plant.

I go for regular seeds every single time. Just like I prefer heirloom tomatos and the like, I also prefer landrace of IBL cannabis.

As a vegan I eat only organic nonGMO non processed whole foods and I have a deep respect for what the earth has provided on its own through evolution. For those reasons I completely agree with you Doc. I have not done anything other than photos as they call them now. They used to be called Cannabis.

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

They used to be called Cannabis.

Thank you for that laugh to jump start my day.

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Daily Update: Dark Devil Auto - Day 41

Good morning little Devil.

The pot got a 1/4 turn. This afternoon I'll add the other lights. Today is "Breakfast With Dale" and I have to get going. Just enough time to snap a few and out the door I go. Enjoy!

One more. Just one more.

I'm picking up the plywood and sliders for under the tent this afternoon. By tomorrow I hope to have the tent up. I can purchase a fan and duct work at Lowe's and run that hose right into a bag of charcoal until I can afford a good filter. Another light is a bigger priority at this point.

Have a wonderful day everyone. It's beautifully sunny and temps projected into the 70s in our little slice of paradise. May your day be as pleasant. Get out there and spread some joy. I'll do my best from here.

 

[MaxYields]

Re: Sweetsue's Tiny Closet - Second Grow - Sweet Dark Devil & Bomb Berry Bomb - CFL -

Everything is looking absolutely amazing as usual Sue, such a beautiful little garden you have behind that curtain of yours it's beautiful here in Colorado as well.. Got my spirits way up

Can't wait to see that tent all set up, have a wonderful time with Dale, share with him all of out hellos from 420magazine!