New Grower Ok, ive been debating it, but heres my 1st grow journal.

[growbewan]

OK, i ran 5 gallons of 8.0 water through my "test" pot, and on the last two gallons, i even added another teaspoon and a half of lime to the top layer of soil, and the best result i have gotten in 5.0. Im gonna let it set out for the night, and im gonna run a few more gallons of water through it to see how it tests tomorrow morning. Ive obviously never done this before, so im not sure what to expect..if nothing changes ill keep adding a half teaspoon every five gallons flushed to see if there is any difference. Just wanna make sure I have the perfect amount down before I start experimenting with an actual plant..haha..im nervous as heck!

 

[growbewan]

ok, well I just got up a little while ago, and ran another gallon through my test pot. well, good and bad news, it went in at 8.3, and came out at 5.3. so it did go up a little (.3) since last night, but it only went up a little. im gonna not let this get to me, hopefully andy or muddy will get a chance to see this, and chime in! Thanks! OH Yeah, HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!, hopefully the easter bunny left some nice nugz for everyone!

 

[Muddy]

Dolomite lime take a few days to really become effective, so be patient. I've got a couple plants outdoors in a mix of Pro Mix and chicken manure. I just checked the pH on them a few days ago and it was low, so I mixed in 2 tablespoons of dolomite to each 3 gallon pot. I haven't even bother to check them yet as I know the lime hasn't had time to kick in yet. I'll probably check them this afternoon and see where they are at. I've got a Control Wizard Accurate 8 soil pH meter that I use to check them. It has a 12" probe so the pH can be checked right at the roots rather than checking run off. To me it's worth it to not have to full around catching the run off and subjecting the plants to excess watering.

 

[BigBuddha]

've got a Control Wizard Accurate 8 soil pH meter that I use to check them. It has a 12" probe so the pH can be checked right at the roots rather than checking run off. To me it's worth it to not have to full around catching the run off and subjecting the plants to excess watering.

I'm assuming by the price of them that thye're not like all the crappy soil ph testers and actually give an accurate reading?

First time I've heard of them so I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on it. I mean, obviously you like it or you wouldn't use it, but are they actually accurate?


Cheers Muddy.

 

[The Squid]

I have heard several great things about that soil tester Muddy uses. And? Well...I want one. haha. I agree I think it would be much easier to be able to properly check your soil's ph instead of having to catch your runoff and check it that way. I just saw one for $45 and that isn't too bad at all. So my point is that I would totally get one. If Muddy uses it I'm in.

 

[growbewan]

wow guys, great news.., ill check on them in a few days. so ive got no choice but to water them now, huh? ok, i just hope that I dont have issues like i do with my stunted akr..yellowing leaves and stunting..sux. well either way, they def need a good watering, its been like 12 days since the last time i watered them, and the leaves are starting to feel a little on the drying side..by the way, none of you guys commented on my pics! what do you think, do they look good for 23 days old? i think so, but im not sure if they should be a little bigger or not. either way im very pleased..take care and thanks for the help again!

 

[growbewan]

ok added the lime to my four oldest plants last night, cuz theyre the only ones that needed a watering, however i didnt go with a full gallon, i just went with what i thought would be good for each individual plant. The smaller akr's soil seemed a little more moist than the bigger ones. Anyhow, so far so good! They seem so vibrant and "standing at attention" this morning! Im not gonna get too excited though, because it took a couple days after my last watering to start seeing the leaves turn yellow and burn, so ill keep a close eye. Im not gonna attempt another water for about a week, so that should give plenty of time for the lime to kick in. (by the way, thanks for that bit of info muddy!) Another question, ill be at day 30 or so the next time i water, should I start them on my veg nutes finally? I would imagine so. Also, can I add root booster, and cal mag all to the same feeding? I know its probably a dumb question, but id rather be sure!
Last note- im very sorry if it seems like im posting too much, but keep in mind this is just as much for my reference next time, as it is for problems and questions to you good folks, thanks again!

 

[Muddy]

They are very accurate. Once you insert the probe it has to sit for 10 minutes to stabilize and get a true reading. Soil can have hot spots so I generally take 3 readings at different spots and average them. I've had mine for over a year now and am very pleased with it.

I'm assuming by the price of them that thye're not like all the crappy soil ph testers and actually give an accurate reading?

First time I've heard of them so I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on it. I mean, obviously you like it or you wouldn't use it, but are they actually accurate?


Cheers Muddy.

 

[growbewan]

muddy can you leave a link on what soil tester you recommend..ill have to wait a few days until i get a little extra ching, but id like to have a gameplan on which ones to look at, dont want a crappy one.

 

[Muddy]

Lets see how the lime does before making a decision on what/if to feed next time.

It's your thread so post as much or as little as you want. A good, detailed journal can serve as a good reference for future grows.

ok added the lime to my four oldest plants last night, cuz theyre the only ones that needed a watering, however i didnt go with a full gallon, i just went with what i thought would be good for each individual plant. The smaller akr's soil seemed a little more moist than the bigger ones. Anyhow, so far so good! They seem so vibrant and "standing at attention" this morning! Im not gonna get too excited though, because it took a couple days after my last watering to start seeing the leaves turn yellow and burn, so ill keep a close eye. Im not gonna attempt another water for about a week, so that should give plenty of time for the lime to kick in. (by the way, thanks for that bit of info muddy!) Another question, ill be at day 30 or so the next time i water, should I start them on my veg nutes finally? I would imagine so. Also, can I add root booster, and cal mag all to the same feeding? I know its probably a dumb question, but id rather be sure!
Last note- im very sorry if it seems like im posting too much, but keep in mind this is just as much for my reference next time, as it is for problems and questions to you good folks, thanks again!