New Grower In need of some advice for soil ph adjustmentis

[Rhyce Saroni]

Thanks for the replies guys. As I am going on week 8, it is too late to do a veg to bloom flush. Is there anytime when it's bad or too late to do a flush? I know noob question but this is my first grow.

So so far I think I have been lucky as the girls appear healthy. I have been feeding with about 60%-75% of the suggested about once a week in happy frog. Would it be beneficial to do a sledgehammer flush this coming week or should I just let them go?

I watered 3 girls today with some molasses. We'll see how that goes.

Also, again a naive question. When is the best time to check soil ph? After you feed/water when the soil is wet or when the soil is drying out? As I mentioned my soil was reading upper 5's. But this morning I rechecked before watering and it was at 6.7. Confused...

That is definitely a very good question indeed. It sounds like you are cruising in for a great finish... Enjoy the smoke!

When I check soil ph, I usually take a sample from the middle when the soil is on the dryer side of moist because I believe that is the best representation of organic conditions as they would currently exist. But it's not based on any science, it's just what I do and it seems to work.

 

[Trapper]

You got it, man

A rising tide lifts all ships.

 

[Trapper]

Oh, hey...BTW. RE: Checking pH. It's best to check both...bone dry and sopping wet. That way you
can identify your "sweep". Since most nutes are at least slightly acidic, your wet pH will represent
the low point of the sweep and the dry will represent the high point.

I have achieved a sweep of 6.3 to 6.8 wet to dry and that's about perfect (not taking credit for it)
because different micro and macro nutrients have different "wheelhouse" pH ranges for best uptake...
the sweep insures that everything is getting in.

 

[Papa Munch]

You got it, man

A rising tide lifts all ships.

I appreciate your explanation and posting the expectations. As a rookie, that is what I need and like to hear. Now I won't freak when they're droopy for a couple days and following your procedure sounds simple and easy to follow. I definitely am going to do this next time. Heh heh......As you've explained it, I'm sure that I won't be hesitating to do it from now on when needed. Thanks again Trap. You've helped me feel good about this and not so nervous.

 

[Papa Munch]

Oh, hey...BTW. RE: Checking pH. It's best to check both...bone dry and sopping wet. That way you
can identify your "sweep". Since most nutes are at least slightly acidic, your wet pH will represent
the low point of the sweep and the dry will represent the high point.

I have achieved a sweep of 6.3 to 6.8 wet to dry and that's about perfect (not taking credit for it)
because different micro and macro nutrients have different "wheelhouse" pH ranges for best uptake...
the sweep insures that everything is getting in.

okay. So I just went to check them again. Before watering, the soil was 6.8. The watering was 6.6. A couple hours after watering the soil is now at 6.0 for one and 5.6 for the other two. Is this bad?

 

[Trapper]

No as long as it doesn't all go tits up, we'll be great!

 

[Trapper]

It's probably identifying some salt build-up

 

[Papa Munch]

It's probably identifying some salt build-up

Gotcha! .....which will be taken care of when I Sledge in a couple days! Woot! Your a great help man! Thanks!

 

[Rhyce Saroni]

Oh, hey...BTW. RE: Checking pH. It's best to check both...bone dry and sopping wet. That way you
can identify your "sweep". Since most nutes are at least slightly acidic, your wet pH will represent
the low point of the sweep and the dry will represent the high point.

I have achieved a sweep of 6.3 to 6.8 wet to dry and that's about perfect (not taking credit for it)
because different micro and macro nutrients have different "wheelhouse" pH ranges for best uptake...
the sweep insures that everything is getting in.

This is an excellent explanation Trapper. It really makes sense. I'll have to try this. ;-)