Mephisto Genetics White Crack and Kis Organics Soil

[slowandeasy]

I now have capability of doing direct start in Junior @Organic Sinse suggests but once again I’ll probably go against the grain and sow seed into soil, no paper towel germ - I do direct plant with just raw seed as I’d do now with the RootMakers ......

My concern is the wonderful root mass the RootMaker forms as the roots grow and get pruned .... I feel the pruned root system is ideal for the Junior ..... but mind is open, I’ll give it a go.

Hey @MrOldBoy , today is Day 1 on my 2 Grape Rolex seedlings! I have 2 Directly planted in the Junior, she is a little shorter than the one I put in a cup of Starter Soil. The one in the cup wasnt cracked openx but POURED on the heat and germed and is now tsller tgsn the directly planted one. That is because it didnt have as much light once it broke the surface. I am not concerned with the height right now, just making the obvious observation.

 

[slowandeasy]

Reasons:

- That cover can suck it, lol
- No need to seal every crack
- I can just add a couple drops of whatever while watering... every water if necessary with near zero incremental effort
- I bought the cover crop seeds, almost have to plant them someplace
- Better integration/saturation /watering of my top dresses, since they always get watered in by design -vs- cover dripping/wicking (The cover is probably sufficient, but in my single grow -- that alfalfa green that I top dressed 4+ weeks ago.... Still there, still staining the wet cover green.) Maybe it matters, maybe it doesn't. But extra water flowing through the top dress can't hurt.
- Wanna add recharge on a whim? Stir 'n hit 'em all. Net extra time?: 30 seconds.

If I haven't circled back to the Jr's before summer, maybe I'll toss 'em onto the deck and try tomatoes or something. I haven't ruled them out, yet.... Maybe open top will show me the error of my ways.

Recharge has heavy metals in in according do the owner of URB Microbes. Hopefully your cover crop and IPM keeps those bastards away. You keep saying that you did something wrong with SIPs, and asscociating pests with them. I think you need to try to avoid that thought process and just take it for what it is. Your soil had pests. Weather open pot or not, they came from your medium. Now that you know, you have to be super observant. Have your yellow stickies near your pots to see if things stir up again. If for some reason they come back, then you know that the soil is the culprit. Hopefully you had a single bad bag and they are ancient history. Good luck, slow

 

[MMMi]

Recharge has heavy metals in in according do the owner of URB Microbes.

I've heard you say this before, but can't find any reputable backup for this. Molasses frequently has heavy metals in it, perhaps a little from that. I've read that humics can chelate certain heavy metals, and if the plant doesn't want it -- it doesn't take it up. But my knowledge is cursory.

I figure the molasses I put in AACT probably has a little heavy metals in it. And I know my well water has a wee little bit. And I figure some of the amendments (rock dust, rock shit, etc, etc) has some as well. Farms all around me, they use the same water I am.

You keep saying that you did something wrong with SIPs, and asscociating pests with them. I think you need to try to avoid that thought process and just take it for what it is.

The only thing I did wrong with the Jrs was not plugging the drain hole out of the gate, and not taking that prophylactic cover seriously. Outside of the container... My scouting game was sub-par.

Your soil had pests. Weather open pot or not, they came from your medium.

I'll never 100% know, but you are likely right. I paid another growers tax, and got some knowledge in return that will pay dividends going forward. I feel fortunate that I got the "training" pests.

 

[slowandeasy]

I've heard you say this before, but can't find any reputable backup for this. Molasses frequently has heavy metals in it, perhaps a little from that. I've read that humics can chelate certain heavy metals, and if the plant doesn't want it -- it doesn't take it up. But my knowledge is cursory.

I figure the molasses I put in AACT probably has a little heavy metals in it. And I know my well water has a wee little bit. And I figure some of the amendments (rock dust, rock shit, etc, etc) has some as well. Farms all around me, they use the same water I am.


The only thing I did wrong with the Jrs was not plugging the drain hole out of the gate, and not taking that prophylactic cover seriously. Outside of the container... My scouting game was sub-par.


I'll never 100% know, but you are likely right. I paid another growers tax, and got some knowledge in return that will pay dividends going forward. I feel fortunate that I got the "training" pests.

I am just going by what the dude from URB said. I have no idea how much it supposidly has or what not. Minor use might not do anything? The prob with heavy metals is that our state is testing for them. Currently a friend of a friend had to "destroy" 5lbs of Herb that didnt pass Heavy Metal test. According to him, he did nothing differently than normal. But if it doesnt pass, then clearly something is wrong or the test is contaminated. Inwill tey to find out what he uses and let wveryone know. Peace, slow

 

[MrOldBoy]

Plugging Junior drain hole came after the pests, I believe, we all do things in desperation- For sure I understand @MMMi .... The issue was the open global bucket and top watering along with wicking - soil got overwatered and you even said in your post about water running thru mulch - the Junior when grown per the makers directions doesn’t have issues -....

SIP Containers Rock and a good determinate Bush tomato would grow nicely - smaller cherry or plum variety .... nice test crop for you - wanna try earlier put in some lettuce .....

If your thinking cover crop in the Junior outside - might wanna rethink - if you let the rain fall directly onto the soil you will overwater and invite bugs and pests and let me tell you if you think weed is picky try dealing with different tomato pests .....

The plastic cover issue is an easy fix as mentioned - just buy the larger original cover - or heavy mill garbage sack and cover the Junior a second time with the larger cover effectively creating a second barrier for the pests to deal with - add correct soil and add some insect frass and neem if you like - some good compost, lime and really just Gro kashi for rest of cycle plus other goodies if you like - water / EM1 if you like and let it roll - when hitting on all eight cylinders growth is stunning .....

Cover crops are great in the right grow but in an EarthBox OR Global Grow Bucket, a shower cap is the best way to go .....

Best of growing ..... whatever, whichever, however you grow!

 

[invisiblecomplication]

Another great thread with lots of good info to get people started with LOS Didn't realize you had a thread going @slowandeasy....subbed

 

[slowandeasy]

Day 5 on my 2 Grape Rolex. The Directly planted seedling is slightly ahead in leaf size. Too early to see much, but Iwill transplant in 7 more days. A week from now we will know more, but pretty even growth so far. I still predict directly planted takes a lead in growth and will actually finish sooner...time will tell. Peace, slow

 

[MrOldBoy]

Think a fairer compare would be to do two of each and grow first up against first up ......

Rootmaker gives a pruned starting root point and direct plant will provide tap root start system .... time will tell which start fills box quicker and more efficiently and grows better .....

Direct plant has no chance of any shock, which can be huge for some folks ......

RootMakers could prove valuable with clones, perhaps .....

Good luck slow and take it easy!

 

[slowandeasy]

Think a fairer compare would be to do two of each and grow first up against first up ......

Rootmaker gives a pruned starting root point and direct plant will provide tap root start system .... time will tell which start fills box quicker and more efficiently and grows better .....

Direct plant has no chance of any shock, which can be huge for some folks ......

RootMakers could prove valuable with clones, perhaps .....

Good luck slow and take it easy!

Rootmakers make nice root systems. However, I transplant my cups at day 12ish anyways so they are not huge and the root systems are just getting established. Starting 4 would be a fairer comparison of course. I think both will do great, but no transplant theoretically should be better if you have optimal conditions. With lower temps a Rootmaker or cup might be better for faster root development. Low temps slow development down and also you have to make a pocket to plant your seed with Starter Soil to not burn your plants. I have 5 new Roc Bud Inc strsins coming and all will be directly started, as I have the optimal conditions and space. Peacex slow

 

[slowandeasy]

Oh yeah, late last night I made 6 bottles for co2 and filled 2 of them. Put 1 in a 2x4 and 1 in a 4x4. Need more sugar and it was 3am so I didnt fill the other 4 yet. Will put 1 more in the 4x4 and 1 in my other 2x4 for now. And will have 2 more for new tents. I am taking down that old 4x8 next week. Replaceing with a 4x4 and a 2x4. This set up allows me multiple starting and multiple flowering chambers for consistent rotations. Plus my 4x8 is 10+ years old and on its death bed. Falling apart. Only have 2 plants in it now, because I am going to tske it down. Harvesting 1 tonight and 1 in a week. Then will replace tent. Peace, slow