2nd grow attempt, similar problem in early stages

[ATX57]

Here’s the link to my post from the 1st grow which I aborted:
https://www.autoflower.org/threads/pale-leaves-spots-appearing.84815/

Similar issue seems to be arising. Maybe I’m over reacting this early in the grow, but it’s really bothering me.

Problem: Day 11 from sprout, two Mephisto’s (Sour Stomper, 3 Bears OG). The 3BOG is showing more of the problem than the SS. The leaves are showing blotches of lighter green which seems to be progressing. Leaves on new growth are showing yellowing along the edges.

Medium: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend (added 10% extra perlite) in 3 gal fabric pots. Center of pot has about a cup of 50/50 Stonington & CoM’s seed starter and about a golf ball sized pure seed starter that the seed was germinated in directly.

No nutrients of any kind have been used.

Water: ZeroWater filtered tap water, add a bit of straight tap to about 50 TDS. I’ve just been checking pH with litmus paper, looks to be between 6-7 ( I broke down and ordered a pH meter, arriving tomorrow)

Climate: Small tent. I’ve been watching VPD pretty close, avg temp 78F, RH 65%.

Light: Viparspectra XS1500 at 60%, 23” ht

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

There is a little something going on but there is nothing to do about it at this stage. It has coco and peat so I would PH 6.3 going in. When You buy premixed soil it is always possible to get an out of balance bag?

Make sure you are watering correctly. In organic soils it is important the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy.

 

[ATX57]

Thanks for the advise, I really appreciate it.

I always feel uncertain with watering. I had read about keeping organic soil evenly moist, but worry about overwatering. I hope that there’s enough perlite in there to help avoid that.

Is supplementing with bottom watering something worth trying? I have airflow under the bags.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

Thanks for the advise, I really appreciate it.

I always feel uncertain with watering. I had read about keeping organic soil evenly moist, but worry about overwatering. I hope that there’s enough perlite in there to help avoid that.

Is supplementing with bottom watering something worth trying? I have airflow under the bags.

No, do not bottom water In those pots. What you need to learn about watering will come with practice. Here are the basic rules: Never let the soil dry out. Soil and or coco can become hydrophobic if allowed to dry. This means it repels water. This in turn will create dry pockets in the soil and the roots and microbes will die there. If your soil - coco have accidentally dried out use a surfactant to help re-wet it. I like yucca powder. Don't let soil remain soggy by watering too much too often. Root rot, damping off, molds, fungus gnats and other problems start in soggy soil. When you do water water the entire pot. How to learn when to water starts before you plant the seed. Fill your container with fresh soil/coco and weigh it (heft it) this is the lightest weight and consider it a dry pot. Now slowly water until the soil/coco will no longer absorb the water and run-off begins; weigh the pot (heft it) this is the maximum water, the wettest the pot can get. The difference between wettest and driest is the maximum water weight, for ease of explanation lets just say the water weighs 20 pounds. When the pot loses 10 pounds (half of the water weight) it is time to water again. There is an art to watering.

 

[ATX57]

Got it.
I had been looking into Earthbox or Blumats or whatever just to avoid watering anxiety, lol. But I really want to learn manual watering. So thanks for that detailed tutorial. I will keep at it.

 

[Peacefulgarden]

They look properly watered.

I would try 1/4 strong nutes and water ph to 6 maximum.