I used the frames from two ‘Mini Outdoor Greenhouses’ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FC7GPT7?ref=pd_basp_dp_primary) that i purchased last year. I had then trimmed up the PE and added more to the outside to ensure it was uniform and airtight. Prior to setting them up, I dug out the ground beneath both and filled it in last summer after the frames were in place with palettes, then gravel and organic soil on top to fully insulate the inside and to retain heat/moisture. I then added in all of the shelving units and a 5-port module for a 1000ft extension cord to which I have attached a 6inch fan in the far left back corner, a dehumidifier (Vivosun 1 quart to drain excess humidity), two 1000w Viparspectra Dimmable lights (available on Amazon) for when the days get shorter again, and a 4-inch clip-on fan in the front right corner (unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to take a pic of it earlier). On a daily basis, the temp ranges from 69-79 after venting (prior, it can reach up to 85~) and the humidity stays relatively stable at 45-60%. Around the two plants I have a bunch of trees and cuttings from my other plants that I’ve been cloning as well.
I had 2 Blue Hawiians that took off like monsters and a Van Island Pink Kush on that run.
Blessed with 58" of growth height from top of pot to bottom of light which really helps yield.
Having your plants spend 100% of the time in the optimal grow range is essential to big yields. A simple phone light app will help.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homestudio.ppfdmeter
That's the one I use, there are many.
Goal is 2 plants in a 4x2x6 with 1 pound yield per. In time, in time my friend!
I figured. Those are extremely inaccurate. Your best bet would be to either get a nice pH pen or some of the GH pH test drops.
You can get them with the pH up and down kit, like this, or separately:
https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-pH-Control-Kit/dp/B000BNKWZY/
Looking good but you’ve got a while yet. Do you have a loop or digital microscope to check the trichomes?
I use this one ........
MoKo WiFi USB Digital Microscope, 1080P HD 2MP Camera, 50x to 1000x Magnification Mini Pocket Handheld Wireless Endoscope 8 LED, Metal Stand Compatible with iPhone/iPad/Mac/Window/Android/iOS - Black https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07DN923RN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8A14RGA2HT81R14ZGRZA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There's a reason it's called weed. The stuff grows itself. Every grow you'll get a little better, get a better yield, learn some lessons. I've only been growing for 2 1/2 years and my harvests are top quality already.
I don't know your nutes so won't comment there. Re: lights, the plants are AF so they'll let you know when they're ready to make buds. When you see the prebuds, flip the light. Easy peasy.
Highly recommend you pick up this book; it has helped me tremendously.
Trellis nets. They are used to support heavy buds just like you have and they have hooks that connect to the four corners of the tent. Plus they aren't expensive.
I prefer Bluelab pH meters but they are a bit expensive.
Inkbird Dual Stage Humidity Controller 10A 110VAC 1100W IHC-200 Digital Pre-Wired Outlet for Mushroom Ventilator Fan Crawl Space Tobacco Cage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FQKXRXA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_60KBKCS11DTVHFC77876?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hook a humidifier and a dehumidifier to it.
I have had major issues with overwatering in the past. No longer. I got one of these and I probe the soil. I do not water until it shows dry in at least three different probe spots.
Don't worry about the pH or light functions. They are crap. However, the moisture meter works just fine and will alleviate a crapload of issues like root rot, pH imbalance, and many others.
Spiders are your pals, they eat many of the bugs you really don't want around. The only thing I'd worry about at all is the crickets, which I guess can eat some garden plants including cannabis (just googled this). But those guys are big and if you keep your tent sealed up when you're not working in there I feel like you could probably keep them out without too much trouble. Maybe you could put some cricket glue traps in strategic places outside your tent (and maybe one or two inside if they won't get in the way). I personally would try to avoid blasting my space with harsh chemicals unless I really had to. Good luck with your grow.
I guess I should edit, I’m using RO water. My water supply without RO was 500ppm (almost all calcium!) at 7.6-7.8ph. I’ve installed a 50micron spin down filter by waterdrop hereand installed this RO system under my sink
I’m now 6.5 out of the RO system with 18-22ppm! It worked out almost too perfectly!
Looks like you're heading in the right direction! But here's a few points just from looking at the pictures.
Ditch the cheap soul pH meter they are garbage and won't tell you anything. this is the meter I use. But one like this will still work fine, just a bit less accurate.
If you're using that to guage soil moisture, instead use the weight of the pots wet vs dry to tell you when to water. Depending on the media you're using you'll want to adjust exactly when it is you're watering.
Great suggestions! I just went outside and stuck the tester in to any soil I could find and in each case the needle did move, but to 8 or higher. That said, I foolishly did not flush the coco before planting as the bag states "Washed, Pre Buffered & PH Stabilized". Nowhere does it state what the PH is.
Can I stick the PH meter in to a cup of black coffee which is supposed to have a PH of 5? That's a rhetorical question.
I did a flush yesterday, do you suggest I should do so again today. I don't want to starve the plants given that it is Coco, but I can't seem to get the PH to drop.
Here's the Amazon link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08SBW9B2G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_41DK09730VFN016VNX5Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got the two pack for $35 bucks and they sent me a $20 gift card when I reviewed the lights so they were dirt cheap. So far I like them. I didn't want to drop big bucks on a set up if I wasn't going to enjoy the hobby. I have one of the lights bolted under the garbage can lid and they seem to be working because the plant is growing haha. Time will tell.
I've come across several posts I think I can help. this meter is regarded as a good one. and this one is the best. you have to get calibration solution and it's recommended to store in a 3 molar hydrochloric acid solution.
I can't recommend one other than don't try and save $ and get a cheap one I did that and it is useless. so I just don't check pH
Seeing your post, made me add something. Check out this book I just recently found from a Hydroponics store. Phenomenal info.
Marijuana Grow Basics: The Easy Guide for Cannabis Aficionados https://www.amazon.com/dp/187882337X/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_EYGAMK71AQ799W6YP21Y
A little extra info: MARS HYDRO TS 600 LED Grow Light placed 1ft above the plant.
Grow medium: All Treat Potting Soil.
Seed popped April 20, sprouted out of soil April 22.
About to harvest first crop. I see a variety of opinions and methods. Anyone use the hanging herb rack or everything just hang upside down? Every opinion matters.
OPULENT SYSTEMS 2ft 6 Layer Herb Collapsible Drying Rack W/Zipper Black Mesh Trays Dry Net Hanging for Hydroponics https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQQZR2X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RK1X3V78FP59X6TPXVV6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’d recommend getting a humidity/dehumidify gauge. That way you can connect a dehumidifier in the tent to reduce the humidity automatically, and vice versa. The ICH-200 Dual-stage Humidity controller that my tents run on should be perfect, as it automatically turns on/off depending on the RH levels detected. There are many other types of similar controllers, but so far the ICH-200 has worked best for me. I found that fans mostly blow in extra heat and dust in my tents when used alone and with the tent sealed, so unless a dehumidifier is in there too, this might be your best bet if you want all 3 on at once on automation. Here’s the link to the product: https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Digital-Pre-Wired-Humidity-Controller/dp/B07DWTXW5D
I hope this helps!
I got these on Amazon, but now learning it’s not too hard to make my own. That’s said the lids are unique and not sure where I’d find them off the shelf so they seem to be a good value, especially if Amazon has them used. Hydrofarm RS5GAL4SYS Root Spa 4,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CUS2CEW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Amazon.com : Grow Light, MAXSISUN PB 1000 LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum, High-Performance Plant Growing Lamps with Samsung Diodes and Sosen Driver for a 2x2 Grow Tent Veg and Flowering : Garden & Outdoor this is what I am using right now if you check my profile you can see my plant which is now 2 weeks old being grown in a 2x2.