I thought I’d give this blog (journal?) a try, so please bear with me as I try and navigate this system. Hopefully I’m on the right path to starting a Grow Journal.
Ok so a little about me . I medically retired in 2016 after a severe spinal injury, whether that’s a permanent ”retirement” or not remains to be seen. When Virginia allowed home grows I saw it as a perfect opportunity to take care of several issues at the same time; Pain Management, Sleep Issues and something to keep me busy. Win-Win, hopefully. The only Caveat is I am a Veteran who strictly uses the VA for medical care, so still trying to navigate the drug testing issues with them. Ok enough about my old broke down self. On to the grow !!
I started this “project” with the ASSumption that I could throw some seeds in a pot, shine a light on them and feed them Miracle Grow And I’d have it made ….. I couldn’t have been more wrong ! I had no clue it was this involved and just started throwing a Hodge-Podge of Equipment together as I read more on the subject. I should have come here FIRST but we all live and learn and whether I’m successful or not I’m sure I’ll be adjusting on the fly but having a real fun time learning and growing at the moment. I try to be very detailed when I’m passionate about something so I hope this doesn’t bore ya and I’m doing this right ? Before my untimely demise I was a Master Auto/Diesel Technician for 29.5 years. Most of which was spent with General Motors, worked for a NASCAR team owners dealership for awhile as the Engine and chassis specialist so I’m very meticulous and love learning new things every day! Will add more pictures when I am sure I’m doing this journal right
The Setup
Seeds - 3 Fem Auto Hindu Kush and 3 Fem Auto Critical Purple from Growers Choice.
Grow Tent- 3X3X6 Hydro Plus
Grow Media- Mother Earth Coco Plus Perlite 70/30. Sta-Green flower and vegetable garden soil (Leftover from an earlier project).
Grow Bags- Opulent Systems 5 Gallon X 5
Grow Light- Viparspectra VA1000 LED w/Dimmers Veg and Bloom
Ventilation- Vivosun 4” 190 CFM Inline fan w/speed control and carbon filter, 2- stationary 9” 3spd
Food- Alaskan Fish Fertilizer(5-1-1), UnSulphered Molasses, Organic Worm Castings, Great White Mycorrhizae,
Other “Stuff”- EZ Grow Starter Plugs (for eventual cloning attempts), Vivosun 10x21 seedling heat mat, 15x9 seedling tray w/dome, Vivosun
PH and TDS meters, General Hydro PH control kit, manual timer, trellis netting, 2- Digital Hygrometer and thermometer, Handheld calendar/grow journal, Various measuring tools, syringes, scales, scissors, watering can.
On Order- Air pump/diffuser for making tea, filter bags for teas, Cal Mag. Aloe Vera plants.
9/22- Day 1 Soaked 1 seed of each in water around 20 hours
9/23- Transferred to paper towel in Ziploc and put in dark tent 73.6f 63%RH
9/24- Checked Paper Towel, moisture still good. CP has small tail, HK cracked but no tail 74.5f, 61%RH
9/25- Moisture still good, both seeds have tails CP 1/2”, HK 1/4”. Decided to leave them one more day. 73f, 63%RH
9/26- Made the decision to mix 2 parts coco with 1 part potting soil for both bags (needed to get rid of the extra dirt) . While mixing in a large rubbermaid container in the garage, decided to moisten the mixture to the desired amount with Molasses based on reading an article on natural growing methods and soil prep before the grow. Used 1tsp for one gallon water , also added 1tsp of fish emulsion based on another article . Filled 2 grow bags with the media mixture, used a sharpie end and created a hole 3/4” deep. at this time I didn’t have the Great white. Placed the seeds in the holes and covered lightly. Using a spray bottle I lightly misted the tops of the soil with the above mixture. Placed identifier tags in each. Set my lights to 18” and set the Veg switch to 50%, bloom switch off. 73f, 63%RH. lights on 24/7 Hygrometer probe @ plant level.
9/27- CP popped the dirt and she’s a beauty ! , HK still hiding . Zip tied one fan to the top-left corner of the tent pointing toward the lower opposite corner (To diffuse the air flow). Checked the dirt with 3 knuckles deep and checked the weight of the pot. Lightly sprayed 2” away and around CP . Same for HK but not directly on the seed area. Plan was to make the roots hunt out the moisture 2” from base of plant ♂ 77.2f/62%RH placed a cut off water bottle (dome) over HK after lightly spraying the inside of the bottle.
9/28- HK is awake and ready for some love. Seed halves stuck to leaf, used tweezers to spread seed apart and it fell off. (Saw this on a germination video) Leaves look great. Really small compared to CP ! 79.4f/61%RH. Heat concerns me, opened tent during the day. Set house HVAC to Auto mode @ 72 will monitor. Added 2nd Hygrometer/Therm to HK pot, directly on the dirt (no probe with this one). Watered out 2” both plants with plain water
9/29- Both plants look great. Checking morning and night for temp and humidity all good so far. Light mist soil before bed, none on leaves ever. 77.4f/57%RH. Ordered Vivosun 4” exhaust system W/ carbon filter. Bought 2 more 9” stationary fans just in case.
9/30- No water today. All looks good. Still opening during day and closing at bedtime. 77.7f/56%RH. plants growing well. Nice and green. 2nd
set of leaves coming in
10/1- Water morning check only. Started using large plastic syringe to give exact amount of water to each for a more precise measurement. 4tsp each . Very scared of over-watering !! Easy does it ! 77.7f/55%RH. Many offering help with first grow, pleasantly-surprised at the willingness to share knowledge from other growers! Have had a few pushing product , have to watch out for wolf in sheep’s clothing . Wondering if it’s possible to have a successful grow using only “Natural“ on-hand products ? Started research on this. Had a long conversation with an experienced grower from groups about natural grows and advised dozens of references on KNF methods. Will most likely give some of these a try soon. Some great examples given on large-healthy yields.
10/2- Set up exhaust system after ball game. External fan motor with Carbon Filter inside (evacuating tent). Added 1 9” fan to lower vent hole. Need to think about filter for intake ? Car air filter element, cut in circle ? House AC paper only filter ? Watch for glass or other bad stuff in filters !!!!! Set floor fan to medium, exhaust fan to 1/2 throttle. All seems good Even zipped up! Need references on Positive or Negative airflow in tent ??? 76.6f/50%RH. Mixed a new gallon of water, not sure on shelf life ? No sense taking chances. Started compost bin on back porch. Gathered mason jars and gallon pickle jars for possible KNF Methods. 4tsp each 9:26pm . Measured light distance from leaves. Moved to 22”@ 70% Veg switch. Will monitor heat
10/3- 9am check. Plants look amazing ! CP 2 1/4”, HK 1 1/2”. 4 serrated leaves on each plus the two original round ones. Nice green color. 77.7f/56%RH. Turn pots 180, because light is angled due to carbon filter hang. May need to reconfigure but light is hitting good on both.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Lower fan seems to be gently moving stems for strength. All appears good. 4tsp each. Game Day, Brady Bunch return !!!! 11:32pm 77.5f/51%RH. Ordered calmag, tea bags and air pump for teas and possible future need(cal mag). All good. Very excited ! Forgot to mention, Postive pressure in tent when closed. Opened lower left screened viewing square. Leave zipper open at top 6”. Seems manageable now. Still need further info on this. Have seen references to possible bug deterrent, POS,NEG? New friend mentioned shutting off lights 1-5am. Need to research this more !!!!
As a side note Brady pulled it off. Wasn’t pretty but a W is a W
Ok so a little about me . I medically retired in 2016 after a severe spinal injury, whether that’s a permanent ”retirement” or not remains to be seen. When Virginia allowed home grows I saw it as a perfect opportunity to take care of several issues at the same time; Pain Management, Sleep Issues and something to keep me busy. Win-Win, hopefully. The only Caveat is I am a Veteran who strictly uses the VA for medical care, so still trying to navigate the drug testing issues with them. Ok enough about my old broke down self. On to the grow !!
I started this “project” with the ASSumption that I could throw some seeds in a pot, shine a light on them and feed them Miracle Grow And I’d have it made ….. I couldn’t have been more wrong ! I had no clue it was this involved and just started throwing a Hodge-Podge of Equipment together as I read more on the subject. I should have come here FIRST but we all live and learn and whether I’m successful or not I’m sure I’ll be adjusting on the fly but having a real fun time learning and growing at the moment. I try to be very detailed when I’m passionate about something so I hope this doesn’t bore ya and I’m doing this right ? Before my untimely demise I was a Master Auto/Diesel Technician for 29.5 years. Most of which was spent with General Motors, worked for a NASCAR team owners dealership for awhile as the Engine and chassis specialist so I’m very meticulous and love learning new things every day! Will add more pictures when I am sure I’m doing this journal right
The Setup
Seeds - 3 Fem Auto Hindu Kush and 3 Fem Auto Critical Purple from Growers Choice.
Grow Tent- 3X3X6 Hydro Plus
Grow Media- Mother Earth Coco Plus Perlite 70/30. Sta-Green flower and vegetable garden soil (Leftover from an earlier project).
Grow Bags- Opulent Systems 5 Gallon X 5
Grow Light- Viparspectra VA1000 LED w/Dimmers Veg and Bloom
Ventilation- Vivosun 4” 190 CFM Inline fan w/speed control and carbon filter, 2- stationary 9” 3spd
Food- Alaskan Fish Fertilizer(5-1-1), UnSulphered Molasses, Organic Worm Castings, Great White Mycorrhizae,
Other “Stuff”- EZ Grow Starter Plugs (for eventual cloning attempts), Vivosun 10x21 seedling heat mat, 15x9 seedling tray w/dome, Vivosun
PH and TDS meters, General Hydro PH control kit, manual timer, trellis netting, 2- Digital Hygrometer and thermometer, Handheld calendar/grow journal, Various measuring tools, syringes, scales, scissors, watering can.
On Order- Air pump/diffuser for making tea, filter bags for teas, Cal Mag. Aloe Vera plants.
9/22- Day 1 Soaked 1 seed of each in water around 20 hours
9/23- Transferred to paper towel in Ziploc and put in dark tent 73.6f 63%RH
9/24- Checked Paper Towel, moisture still good. CP has small tail, HK cracked but no tail 74.5f, 61%RH
9/25- Moisture still good, both seeds have tails CP 1/2”, HK 1/4”. Decided to leave them one more day. 73f, 63%RH
9/26- Made the decision to mix 2 parts coco with 1 part potting soil for both bags (needed to get rid of the extra dirt) . While mixing in a large rubbermaid container in the garage, decided to moisten the mixture to the desired amount with Molasses based on reading an article on natural growing methods and soil prep before the grow. Used 1tsp for one gallon water , also added 1tsp of fish emulsion based on another article . Filled 2 grow bags with the media mixture, used a sharpie end and created a hole 3/4” deep. at this time I didn’t have the Great white. Placed the seeds in the holes and covered lightly. Using a spray bottle I lightly misted the tops of the soil with the above mixture. Placed identifier tags in each. Set my lights to 18” and set the Veg switch to 50%, bloom switch off. 73f, 63%RH. lights on 24/7 Hygrometer probe @ plant level.
9/27- CP popped the dirt and she’s a beauty ! , HK still hiding . Zip tied one fan to the top-left corner of the tent pointing toward the lower opposite corner (To diffuse the air flow). Checked the dirt with 3 knuckles deep and checked the weight of the pot. Lightly sprayed 2” away and around CP . Same for HK but not directly on the seed area. Plan was to make the roots hunt out the moisture 2” from base of plant ♂ 77.2f/62%RH placed a cut off water bottle (dome) over HK after lightly spraying the inside of the bottle.
9/28- HK is awake and ready for some love. Seed halves stuck to leaf, used tweezers to spread seed apart and it fell off. (Saw this on a germination video) Leaves look great. Really small compared to CP ! 79.4f/61%RH. Heat concerns me, opened tent during the day. Set house HVAC to Auto mode @ 72 will monitor. Added 2nd Hygrometer/Therm to HK pot, directly on the dirt (no probe with this one). Watered out 2” both plants with plain water
9/29- Both plants look great. Checking morning and night for temp and humidity all good so far. Light mist soil before bed, none on leaves ever. 77.4f/57%RH. Ordered Vivosun 4” exhaust system W/ carbon filter. Bought 2 more 9” stationary fans just in case.
9/30- No water today. All looks good. Still opening during day and closing at bedtime. 77.7f/56%RH. plants growing well. Nice and green. 2nd
set of leaves coming in
10/1- Water morning check only. Started using large plastic syringe to give exact amount of water to each for a more precise measurement. 4tsp each . Very scared of over-watering !! Easy does it ! 77.7f/55%RH. Many offering help with first grow, pleasantly-surprised at the willingness to share knowledge from other growers! Have had a few pushing product , have to watch out for wolf in sheep’s clothing . Wondering if it’s possible to have a successful grow using only “Natural“ on-hand products ? Started research on this. Had a long conversation with an experienced grower from groups about natural grows and advised dozens of references on KNF methods. Will most likely give some of these a try soon. Some great examples given on large-healthy yields.
10/2- Set up exhaust system after ball game. External fan motor with Carbon Filter inside (evacuating tent). Added 1 9” fan to lower vent hole. Need to think about filter for intake ? Car air filter element, cut in circle ? House AC paper only filter ? Watch for glass or other bad stuff in filters !!!!! Set floor fan to medium, exhaust fan to 1/2 throttle. All seems good Even zipped up! Need references on Positive or Negative airflow in tent ??? 76.6f/50%RH. Mixed a new gallon of water, not sure on shelf life ? No sense taking chances. Started compost bin on back porch. Gathered mason jars and gallon pickle jars for possible KNF Methods. 4tsp each 9:26pm . Measured light distance from leaves. Moved to 22”@ 70% Veg switch. Will monitor heat
10/3- 9am check. Plants look amazing ! CP 2 1/4”, HK 1 1/2”. 4 serrated leaves on each plus the two original round ones. Nice green color. 77.7f/56%RH. Turn pots 180, because light is angled due to carbon filter hang. May need to reconfigure but light is hitting good on both.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Lower fan seems to be gently moving stems for strength. All appears good. 4tsp each. Game Day, Brady Bunch return !!!! 11:32pm 77.5f/51%RH. Ordered calmag, tea bags and air pump for teas and possible future need(cal mag). All good. Very excited ! Forgot to mention, Postive pressure in tent when closed. Opened lower left screened viewing square. Leave zipper open at top 6”. Seems manageable now. Still need further info on this. Have seen references to possible bug deterrent, POS,NEG? New friend mentioned shutting off lights 1-5am. Need to research this more !!!!
As a side note Brady pulled it off. Wasn’t pretty but a W is a W
