The Joy Of Growing - SweetSue Goes Perpetual

[SweetSue]

I finally remembered to take pictures before watering. This is African Buzz.

Thirsty at 5:30 AM (yes, I was awake at 5:30 again - seems to be a pattern developing here)

At 11:15, six hours after her Growth Energy drench and Brix foliar.

I almost watered her yesterday because the pot was light, but she wasn't drooping at all then.

I can do this. It's been helpful to me personally to see so many examples of other grows. Thank you all for your contributions to this search for knowledge.

Now, a quick shower to wash the sleepies away from so much sleep, something to eat, some coffee, a buzz and an update to pull together.

 

[SweetSue]

Re: Bubbles... what are they good for?

I'm not totally familiar with SWICK but I think so. I just thought that as the roots went down they wouldn't just drown.

It certainly can't hurt anything, but if you're maintaining the proper water level in the reservoir (1.5-2" below pot bottom) they should slow down their growth, since they'd be hitting air. In reality the surface of the perlite is always moist so the roots follow the water. It'll be interesting to see if your method creates any appreciable improvement in vigor or quality.

 

[PeeJay]

There ya go Sue! You don't want things to go that droopy but it gives you an idea of where the hazard zone is. Before you started exploring the wet dry cycle how many days ago would you estimate you would have watered?

 

[MedFarmer]

Re: Bubbles... what are they good for?

It certainly can't hurt anything, but if you're maintaining the proper water level in the reservoir (1.5-2" below pot bottom) they should slow down their growth, since they'd be hitting air. In reality the surface of the perlite is always moist so the roots follow the water. It'll be interesting to see if your method creates any appreciable improvement in vigor or quality.

The water is kept about 1-2 inches from the pot bottom which holds LOS. I figured the roots at the bottom would come out of the pot as the air pruning would not necessarily work with the pot sat on the perlite. So on that basis I figured if they are going to grow down then aerate them whilst they are there. It can't hurt to try.

 

[MysterySeeds]

If nobody votes than nobody wins...

Just a friendly reminder to Vote in the 420 Contests before they end. There is a link to the contests in my signature...

If only we could rally this much voter participation in national elections, then legal cannabis would no longer be an issue but rather a reality.

 

[SweetSue]

There ya go Sue! You don't want things to go that droopy but it gives you an idea of where the hazard zone is. Before you started exploring the wet dry cycle how many days ago would you estimate you would have watered?

This plant got her last drench a full week ago. If memory serves me, before I started using the SWICK on my first grow I was watering twice a week, once light for a tea or drench and once deeper to run off.

 

[SweetSue]

Daily Update: Perpetual Tent - Week 12, Day 6

Maintenance notes:
- African Buzz and Auto Destroyer both got Brix foliars.
- African Buzz got Growth Energy/Tea drench

I thought about passing on the Brix for African Buzz today since she needed the drench so desperately, but I decided to go with it. I realize It's optimal to space these two applications, and typically I would do that, but I had it all mixed up when I realized the timing was off (5:30 AM) and I figured "why not?" I'll watch to see if the soil rebels.

I need to get the timing down right. It can get tricky when foliars are regularly scheduled events but drenches are individually timed to plant thirst. OK, I'll be honest. With good record keeping and timely review of those records this is quite manageable. I'm lazy and sometimes miss the fine detail. The kit, I hear, is quite forgiving as you become familiar with its nuances. I'm good.

On to the tent. African Buzz (Day 79) looks no worse for wear, getting her double whammy this morning. I picked off another necrotic fan leaf. She looks wonderful to me.

It's so dense in here, and just beginning to fade here and there. Still actively growing all over.

Auto Destroyer (Day 80) is starting to gasp from the effort, but still trying to push that harvest date back.

Cheese Candy (Day 80) was glad to hear she'd been given a pre-harvest reprieve. I'm still floored over that turn of events.

Here she is, near..........

.......... and far.

The High BrixBlend Babies: the big one to the left, Auto Jack Herer (Day 17), in the back, Auto Jock Horror x Auto Amnesia (Day 9), and in the front we have the New Year's Bag Seed (Day 6).

On the other side of the shelf, the LOS babies: the little one in the back, Buddha Tahoe OG (Day 7), to the right we have another New Year's Bag Seed (Day 10) and standing proudly to the front, Strawberry Blue (Day 17).

Are you seeing the way she's packing those nodes in there?

Amazing!

Holding steady.

One last look back. Yes, I caught the lightbulb that was out.

Now for The Tiny Closet

Afghani #3 (Day 17) and Afghani #1 (Day 18)

Afghani #2 (Day17) and Carnival (Day16)

One last shot into the tent. This is the view from where I was sitting cross-legged on the bed putting this update together. I looked up and thought "Nice shot of the African Buzz" so I grabbed that shot. I didn't think anyone would mind.

Have a wonderful day everyone. Take every opportunity presented to make a difference, no matter how seemingly insignificant. It's those little moments that usually have the greatest impact.

I need a nap. Maybe I'll just curl up here and drift off a bit. That actually sounds delicious.

I'll see you around the yards.

 

[MedFarmer]

Nice update SweetSue. That African Buzz does look a pretty girl. I like the way your seedlings are stacking up them close nodes

 

[B A R]

I like the way your seedlings are stacking up them close nodes

Is there anything particular you're doing to get those tight nodes and if so will it work for larger plants?

 

[Amadeus Forzin]

Love your updates sue, so much info crammed in there with some nice pics

 

[Pigeons420]

Is there anything particular you're doing to get those tight nodes and if so will it work for larger plants?

Perfect light placement. Gotta love them CFLs!

 

[Major PITA]

Can nodes be too close? I think Sue is out to find out.

 

[MedFarmer]

Is there anything particular you're doing to get those tight nodes and if so will it work for larger plants?

I don't know about other LEDs but my Budmaster II causes close stacking also. If red causes the plants to stretch I would hazard a guess that blues keep them shorter. Where's a scientist when you need one

 

[SweetSue]

Nice update SweetSue. That African Buzz does look a pretty girl. I like the way your seedlings are stacking up them close nodes

Perfect light placement. Gotta love them CFLs!

Can nodes be too close? I think Sue is out to find out.

I don't know about other LEDs but my Budmaster II causes close stacking also. If red causes the plants to stretch I would hazard a guess that blues keep them shorter. Where's a scientist when you need one

I woke from my nap to find I'd created a bit of interest in tight nodes.

Love your updates sue, so much info crammed in there with some nice pics

Thank you, you amazing man. It's always good to have you step out of the gallery and say hello. I do my best to give you All something worthwhile. It's nice to know it's working.

Tight nodes - Pigeons nailed it. Get those lights right down on top of the plants and keep them there. I love these reflectors for this. They work much better than my original configuration of a single cord with a y-adapter and two bulbs. I mean, look at how the plants are surrounded by light. I love the efficiency of the 23 watt CFLs.

Thank you Graytail for the inspiration and instruction on them.

I'm of the opinion that these tight early nodes build the strong undercarriage to support the monster colas one anticipates on harvest day. I want heft at the base. I hope to exploit that stability for a larger cola count through proper training. I draw my inspiration for hefty base nodes from Cola Monster. His Greenhouse Goddesses are a thing to behold, let me tell you.

Is there anything particular you're doing to get those tight nodes and if so will it work for larger plants?

These are big plants in the making B A R, at least the ones in the Tiny Closet will be. Carnival and at least one of the Afghanis will be vegged out and flipped into the tent. This is the recommended way to start those monster plants.

I may find that the ones in the tent under 11/13 might benefit from a bit more stretch. Hadn't considered that. I'll need to track Ziggy down and ask him.

I'm stoked that I was able to get you guys excited about what I was growing again. A nice boost to the confidence. I'm starting to trust that I have an instinct for this. It's certainly going to be an interesting ride, eh?

 

[Bearswhowalk]

more great things happening in grow room for me love to ya sue

 

[Sorenna]

I love those little cutie pots! Your plants are looking spectacular and tasty too. You have any idea when the next one goes on the chopping block?

Oh, yes, congratulations on the unexpected canna-windfall. Color me pea green with envy!

 

[Pigeons420]

Can nodes be too close? I think Sue is out to find out.

Great question.

But it seems that during flower she seems to space herself out a bit. I had a girl so tight and when she hit flower she look the extra night hours and stretched herself out accordingly.

But "to much of anything is a bad thing"

 

[Bearswhowalk]

I AM A DADDY check jourbal

 

[SweetSue]

I have the prototype of the form sheet done. I've decided to have a different sheet for each of the three groups in the cycle. The sheets can accommodate up to a dozen plants per group if some double up as I've done here.

I can have the blanks printed up on three different colors, white being the first in the group, pale green for the second group and yellow for the final group. White = pure potential, the beginning of a new dream. Green = things are clicking along and growing. Yellow = the joy of the cycle's end, signaling the need to plan for the next cycle's beginnings.

Yeah, I love symbolism. Dale never ever rolled his eyes. You had to love a man with that level of loving tolerance.

It will also make it easier to fish the right papers out and the colors will be easy on the eyes. Not to mention white is the cheapest, so why not use it, eh?

I'll have to develop my own little icons for visual cues. Those waves denoting waterings were a nice inspiration. I love it when I actually allow myself to listen for what the universe wants to share.

OK, looking it over......
- It tracks lifespan in days by individual plant.
- Waterings are easily spotted. All HB Kit waterings are drenches, so find a way to mark them for quick ID.
- Notes date, page number on my system and post # for each update.
- Quick reference for tent environmental conditions.
- Lists germination date. I just like to have that there.
- Plenty of space for notes. The actual printing blank has more uniformity. Saturday is no longer smaller than the rest.

I think it fits the bill. I'll get copies made tomorrow and get them rolling.

Now, let me get busy on that seedling cup.

 

[SweetSue]

I love those little cutie pots! Your plants are looking spectacular and tasty too. You have any idea when the next one goes on the chopping block?

Oh, yes, congratulations on the unexpected canna-windfall. Color me pea green with envy!

Thank you Magic. I'm enjoying the process of hand sewing those funky little pots. It warms the heart of this aging hippie to have each one look so individual. LOL!!!

I would figure Auto Destroyer will be up for harvest next. She's fighting to push the date back but it's inevitable. Sometime in the next week to 10 days I'd figure. Oops! Baking soda! On the list right.....now! There. Now I need to hope I remember I made a list.

Let me get back to sewing. Trying to get another seedling cup done before the eyes rebel with these new glasses.