When to chop?

[AntelopeDope]

First grow ever, and been in a closet rubbermaid. Blessed with a female from only 1 kush bag seed, and to me she's a beaut.

She's at about day 53/54 - its getting colder and colder in the closet, so regardless of optimum she has to be chopped soon.

Truly don't have money for a pocket microscope right now, and I know it's the only legit way to tell, but I've got to do without it. Hopefully going to go another 5 days.

Any guestimates if it will be enough for a balanced smoke?
Also, I plan on leaving her in the dark for 2 days or so before chopping. I've read that it helps beef the buds up before harvest, any credence to this?

Lovin her smell - coffee mixed with an orange/pineapple scent.

Thanks!

[FreezerBoy]

The old way was when 50% of the pistils turned color.

[AntelopeDope]

Thanks, very good info! So she's close, if not passed that point right now.

[medmaker420]

you are going to cut because it is TOO COLD?

not getting why you MUST cut sooner than later. Are you saying you do not have $10 for a scope as in you honestly have ZERO dollars? I always find that shocking when people don't have enough for a $10 scope but have an internet connection AND are growing. Maybe its just me,

If you think they HAVE to go then cut them, if it were me I would let them go longer.

Why not let them go 60-65 days minimum? would the additional 5-10 days really make a difference for you?

I guess my question is WHY cut if they are not ready?

do you have a full shot of her? what is she flowering under?

[AntelopeDope]

I am saying that I don't have $10 for a scope. You don't know my financial situation, and I'd rather not venture down this path.

Any actual input on the pictures?

She's flowering under 2 2700k CFL's and a 40 watt T-5 6500k.

[Bretonston]

i was told by a very excellent grower of indoor hydro that you should wait till all the hairs have turned and chop the top buds and then dark for a 2 days to let the bottom nugs mature...it seem to be the best way that i have tried.. mid 60's is great for a mature bud i think......it thickens and darken up

[barrelhse]

I think you'll get a lot more swelling of calyx if you give it 7-10 days. The difference can be shocking- patience! You'll be amazed.

[FreezerBoy]

Are you saying you do not have $10 for a scope as in you honestly have ZERO dollars?

How soon we forget the days of being a starving student. I remember times when I and my 3 roomies were lucky if our combined fortunes equaled a small jar of peanut butter.

Free Wheelin' Franklin aside, $10 is a weeks worth of food.

i was told by a very excellent grower of indoor hydro that you should wait till all the hairs have turned

Only if you're looking for major couch lock.

[brie]

another week or two I donot use the microscope It does not work very well with glasses

[ogatec]

looks done to me

[AntelopeDope]

I've noticed the calyxes are not swollen like many of the better grows here, yet a large majority of the hairs have turned. I'd like the extra bulk, but don't want a complete couch lock. Hopefully I time it right lol.

[cygnus]

Have you flushed it? I would suggest at least 5 days of flush.

[AntelopeDope]

Have you flushed it? I would suggest at least 5 days of flush.

Yes I started flushing it over a week ago in anticipation of harvest.

And FreezerBoy pin pointed my situation. Just graduated, the job market is horrible. loans start soon. Along with an upcoming (expensive) operation, money is non-existent.

[medmaker420]

Jobs are bad for sure right now, hell I skipped the college thing BUT can only imagine how hard it is for a college kid for sure.

I'm broke myself but when it comes down to it, collecting cans for the things you need really does end up working out.

Do what you have to do, flush it and if you feel it is done then chop it and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Maybe use $10 you might receive in donations from your crop towards that scope so next time it will be easier for you.

Magnifying glass possible? odds are there are plenty of make shift microscope or magnifying methods that can be had for free as well.

Just trying to expand that thought process from "I can't" to "What if I try this".

either way, let us know how she smokes, sounds tasty

are you going to reveg?

[AntelopeDope]

are you going to reveg?

I'd love to re-veg but I know nothing about it. I'll have to do some searching.

Next grow I'll have a scope, this was really just bare-bones experiment. But yeah, I'll def. want one for future grows.

[JazzJazz]

5-7 more days of good flushing and that will take you to 60 days which should make you happy. It really is hard to say without a scope for sure but you do have alot of brown hairs and that's all you have to go by at this point.
If you have no clones then i would read up on the re-veg and give it a whirl if you have the time,space and cash.

Enjoy your grow!
Peace,
Jazz

[thekingofNY]

do u have a pair of binoculars around? or can you borrow a pair? You can turn them upside down to check out the trichs

[barrelhse]

RE-VEG: when you harvest leave the lower buds on the branches, at least 2-3 nodes up, on the bottom third of the plant. You may cut the tops off the buds or leave them alone. Give it a feed with high N nutes and put it back under 24/0. In 2 wks you should have new growth coming in, heralded by odd-shaped and single blade leaves. When you have good shoots for cloning you can discard the original or maintain it as a mother plant. It's really quite simple, just leave enough buds to give it a good chance.

[AntelopeDope]

She's becoming really N deficient, mostly yellow. I intend to go another 5 days before chopping.

I've read that there is a fine line at this point - adding N can retard bud development, and too little N can also retard bud development. What would you do?

[JazzJazz]

She's becoming really N deficient, mostly yellow. I intend to go another 5 days before chopping.

I've read that there is a fine line at this point - adding N can retard bud development, and too little N can also retard bud development. What would you do?

Don't add a thing if your chopping in 5 days......just plain PH'd water and that's it...unless you want to smoke and taste what you've added...

Peace,
Jazz

[Mk3Jetta]

^^^ agreed. Dont use any ferts/nutes while your flushing.

If this is an experiment I wouldnt be hoping for the best yield possible, but rather just some smoke to get you feelin good....

When you really START growing thats when you should be concerned about yield.

What are the temps in your cab????

[AntelopeDope]

Temps have been from 70-74 now that the tub has been moved. Two PC fans for circulation and exhaust, a higher CFM on the exhaust so it pulls fresh air in.

I can't help but be concerned about yield, even if it is an experiment. =P

But yeah you are right, too late now.