Tutorial Organics for Beginners
- Thread starter BurnOne
- Start date
Now that the mix is settled......this question isn't related to this thread, but what's the best IC forum if I decide to start a 'grow thread'? I don't want to piss any mods off by putting it in the wrong place. My first try will be with auto dwarfs in a PC growbox so I could make the thread in either the auto or micro forum, or post it in the 'new growers' forum or even the organics forum. Any suggestions as to where would be best?
Hmm, no opinions on my last question huh. OK, well how about this "organics for beginners" question:
Before planting, what do you do to ensure that the all important organic soil mix is good? I've done my best to follow the mix directions and it's been 'cooking' for a while now, but this is my first attempt at any kind of grow so I'd like to know if there's a way to test that the organic mix is good to go before I plant in them.
Before planting, what do you do to ensure that the all important organic soil mix is good? I've done my best to follow the mix directions and it's been 'cooking' for a while now, but this is my first attempt at any kind of grow so I'd like to know if there's a way to test that the organic mix is good to go before I plant in them.
I would test a soil by culturing it and looking at with a microscope.
You could plant a place holder like clover, and if it does ok your soil is not toxic.
or, trust the recipe you got and get to growing!
You could plant a place holder like clover, and if it does ok your soil is not toxic.
or, trust the recipe you got and get to growing!
Thanks, mad librettist. I trust the recipe but not myself yet! Just because I think the mix should be exactly right according to the directions doesn't make it so. My little stint with the dolomite taught me that much. Anyway, I just transplanted some yard clover into a clean pot with the soil mix so we'll see. One way or the other I'll get going when the time comes.
Another "organics for beginners" question:
After following a recipe for an organic soil mix and watering the first time, should the runoff Ph be around neutral or slightly acidic? What if it's way out of range of 6-7?
Another "organics for beginners" question:
After following a recipe for an organic soil mix and watering the first time, should the runoff Ph be around neutral or slightly acidic? What if it's way out of range of 6-7?
Throw that pH meter away!
You'll be fine. Don't expect to be an expert the first time.
You'll have some great smoke that YOU grew. Priceless.
Each subsequent grow will get better and you'll have some problems. When you do, come back to the baseline and see what changed.
Get growing. Let us know how you do.
Burn1
You'll be fine. Don't expect to be an expert the first time.
You'll have some great smoke that YOU grew. Priceless.
Each subsequent grow will get better and you'll have some problems. When you do, come back to the baseline and see what changed.
Get growing. Let us know how you do.
Burn1
Never did buy a meter, only have the cheapo aquarium test kit. But I do have a baseline and know exactly what and how much I put in the mix. Thanks for your interest, BurnOne, I'll let you all know how things go.
mad librettist: The clover looks very happy in the soil mix 24 hours later.
Based on the advice here, the mix still needs to 'cook' a week or two more before transplanting
the seedling to it's 3/4 gal final home with the mix. It should have a decent sized root ball by then hopefully. I've been reading up on how to do it without stressing the girl too much. Until then she stays in a 16oz cup with only the Light Warrior.
I have a question about the temperature for storing the mix in the meantime. Should I keep it outside in my garage as long as we don't have a frost warning, or should I take the word 'cook' more literally and bring it inside where the temps are steady at around 70+ or so?
mad librettist: The clover looks very happy in the soil mix 24 hours later.
Based on the advice here, the mix still needs to 'cook' a week or two more before transplanting
the seedling to it's 3/4 gal final home with the mix. It should have a decent sized root ball by then hopefully. I've been reading up on how to do it without stressing the girl too much. Until then she stays in a 16oz cup with only the Light Warrior.
I have a question about the temperature for storing the mix in the meantime. Should I keep it outside in my garage as long as we don't have a frost warning, or should I take the word 'cook' more literally and bring it inside where the temps are steady at around 70+ or so?
http://www.jhbiotech.com/plant_products/chelation.htm
Meters! We don't need no stinkin' meters.
Chelated nutrients are not dependent on pH for absorption.
Nonchelated nutes are absorbed, most effectively, at different levels, over a small range on the pH scale. It may be better to let your pH fluctuate a bit, than to keep it at a constant. A living soil will fluctuate naturally.
For the most part, thanks to the microlife, we're dealing with chelated nutrients. Any bottled nutes you might use should say "chelated" in the analysis.
The idea is to feed the herd and ween yourself off of the bottle. The microbes are the experts, not us.
Using a buffer, such as dolomite, will give you insurance against large spikes. A meter probably won't help at that point. An ounce of prevention...I wouldn't use an ounce, but you know.
Meters! We don't need no stinkin' meters.
Chelated nutrients are not dependent on pH for absorption.
Nonchelated nutes are absorbed, most effectively, at different levels, over a small range on the pH scale. It may be better to let your pH fluctuate a bit, than to keep it at a constant. A living soil will fluctuate naturally.
For the most part, thanks to the microlife, we're dealing with chelated nutrients. Any bottled nutes you might use should say "chelated" in the analysis.
The idea is to feed the herd and ween yourself off of the bottle. The microbes are the experts, not us.
Using a buffer, such as dolomite, will give you insurance against large spikes. A meter probably won't help at that point. An ounce of prevention...I wouldn't use an ounce, but you know.
Thanks for your response, h.h., I'll check out that chelation link now.
Also, I'll follow the advice here and not sweat the pH. After reading up on it I finally understand that the nutes get absorbed at differing pH levels and if the soil is ok it will basically take care of itself kind of letting the plant decide for itself if that's not too much of an oversimplification.
I did find the powered dolomite and remade a new mix with it rather than use the mix with the lime I had to pulverize. At least now I know exactly how much dolomite is in the mix (2 tbl/gal).
The creator of the mix (moonshineman) says the only ferts to be used are in flowering at the beginning, and then halfway through the lifecycle. Two doses should be good, according to the directions which I intend to follow. He uses peace of mind (POM) 684 and luckily I was able to get that. I'll have to check now if it is chelated.
No other ferts are needed, though for veg he says we can use POM 343 for some extra calmag. Don't think I'll need that though since the dolomite should provide it since I mixed it in as BurnOne suggests from the beginning.
Any answer for my question about if I should move the mix inside or not?
Also, I'll follow the advice here and not sweat the pH. After reading up on it I finally understand that the nutes get absorbed at differing pH levels and if the soil is ok it will basically take care of itself kind of letting the plant decide for itself if that's not too much of an oversimplification.
I did find the powered dolomite and remade a new mix with it rather than use the mix with the lime I had to pulverize. At least now I know exactly how much dolomite is in the mix (2 tbl/gal).
The creator of the mix (moonshineman) says the only ferts to be used are in flowering at the beginning, and then halfway through the lifecycle. Two doses should be good, according to the directions which I intend to follow. He uses peace of mind (POM) 684 and luckily I was able to get that. I'll have to check now if it is chelated.
No other ferts are needed, though for veg he says we can use POM 343 for some extra calmag. Don't think I'll need that though since the dolomite should provide it since I mixed it in as BurnOne suggests from the beginning.
Any answer for my question about if I should move the mix inside or not?
normally putting things outside isn't a big deal, but right now everything is either sleeping or looking for a place to overwinter.
so I would heed the advice not to leave things outside uncovered right now.
as soon as temps and humidity get down to pre-winter levels, I will be starting anti-mite measures. Mainly that means spraying my canopy with water to make it less inviting.
so I would heed the advice not to leave things outside uncovered right now.
as soon as temps and humidity get down to pre-winter levels, I will be starting anti-mite measures. Mainly that means spraying my canopy with water to make it less inviting.
That depends on who you live with. Mostly a mater of convenience otherwise. I keep mine in a ventilated bin outside with a cover. I know cold will slow down most activity.
Is it possible for a pile to ice up, or a tarp to get covered in snow, and thus, set up anaerobic conditions in the middle?
I missed the top 2 posts and would take heed. You may notice my location says "desert". Different environment.
Inside it is then. Thanks to all who responded, and also for the encouragement.
h.h. I did look over that link about chelation and to be honest didn't get all of it. But I got the main idea which was all of the benefits listed towards the end. Amazing what the right balance will do all by itself. Glad I chose organic. I'm more and more of the opinion that most of the time the best thing for me to do will be to stay out of the plants way and just watch for what it needs.
h.h. I did look over that link about chelation and to be honest didn't get all of it. But I got the main idea which was all of the benefits listed towards the end. Amazing what the right balance will do all by itself. Glad I chose organic. I'm more and more of the opinion that most of the time the best thing for me to do will be to stay out of the plants way and just watch for what it needs.
After searching around a bit here I found photos of what seedlings should look like at various stages and I see what B1 means by being 'cute at that age'. Seems like we all have a soft spot for young things. As an example advertisers sure know this and put puppies and babies in their product ads. Never thought about it before but guess that's what ICM's moonshineman meant when he was talking about our 'nurturing nature'.
great info, thanks!!
WhateverComes
Member
on another site i came across an alleged "medical marijuana feeding schedule" for the Neptunes Harvest products. the schedule listed was MAJORLY different than the simple "seaweed first, then seaweed/fish, then fish" listed on this thread. in fact, you stop using the fish only extract after the first week of flower! i've been using it for the last 3-4 weeks of flower. my results havent been bad, but havent been very good either. anyone else know more about this new neptunes harvest official feeding schedule?
HI!
I'm new to organic...and I have few stupid questions for you guys!
"RECIPE #5
Fish and Seaweed (This is sooo easy)
1 capful is 1 TB or 15 ml.
For veg growth…
1 capful 5-1-1 Fish Emulsion
1 capful Neptune's Harvest 0-0-1 Seaweed or Maxicrop liquid
1 gallon H2O
For early flowering…
1 tbs. Neptune’s Harvest 2-3-1 Fish/Seaweed
1 gallon H2O
For mid to late flowering…
1 tbs. Neptune’s Harvest 2-4-1 Fish
1 gallon H2O"
This recipe in this mix...
"6 parts Pro Mix BX or HP / Sunshine Mix (any flavor from #1 up) / Fox Farm Ocean Forest or Light Warrior
2 parts perlite
2 parts earthworm castings
Powdered (NOT PELLETED) dolomite lime @ 2 tablespoons per gallon or 1 cup per cubic foot of the soiless mix.
If you use a 3 qt. saucepan as “parts” in the amounts given above, it equals about 1 cu. ft. of soiless mix and you can just dump in a cup of powdered dolomite lime. The dolomite lime is for Ca. and Mg. not just to adjust the PH of the soil."
Is enough have have very beautifull plants all over my grow?
My clone will like that or should wait until are are rooted?
DO I need to transplant before flowering? Its ok to transplant during veg with this mix?
Do I need to water like I do with only pro-mix? Small drain and let dry until the pot is lighter?
And finally, do I water EVERYTIME with the recipe No5?
Thnak you guys!
I'm new to organic...and I have few stupid questions for you guys!
"RECIPE #5
Fish and Seaweed (This is sooo easy)
1 capful is 1 TB or 15 ml.
For veg growth…
1 capful 5-1-1 Fish Emulsion
1 capful Neptune's Harvest 0-0-1 Seaweed or Maxicrop liquid
1 gallon H2O
For early flowering…
1 tbs. Neptune’s Harvest 2-3-1 Fish/Seaweed
1 gallon H2O
For mid to late flowering…
1 tbs. Neptune’s Harvest 2-4-1 Fish
1 gallon H2O"
This recipe in this mix...
"6 parts Pro Mix BX or HP / Sunshine Mix (any flavor from #1 up) / Fox Farm Ocean Forest or Light Warrior
2 parts perlite
2 parts earthworm castings
Powdered (NOT PELLETED) dolomite lime @ 2 tablespoons per gallon or 1 cup per cubic foot of the soiless mix.
If you use a 3 qt. saucepan as “parts” in the amounts given above, it equals about 1 cu. ft. of soiless mix and you can just dump in a cup of powdered dolomite lime. The dolomite lime is for Ca. and Mg. not just to adjust the PH of the soil."
Is enough have have very beautifull plants all over my grow?
My clone will like that or should wait until are are rooted?
DO I need to transplant before flowering? Its ok to transplant during veg with this mix?
Do I need to water like I do with only pro-mix? Small drain and let dry until the pot is lighter?
And finally, do I water EVERYTIME with the recipe No5?
Thnak you guys!
Where is the K source in this recipe? Azomite?
HI!
I'm new to organic...and I have few stupid questions for you guys!
"RECIPE #5
Fish and Seaweed (This is sooo easy)
1 capful is 1 TB or 15 ml.
For veg growth…
1 capful 5-1-1 Fish Emulsion
1 capful Neptune's Harvest 0-0-1 Seaweed or Maxicrop liquid
1 gallon H2O
For early flowering…
1 tbs. Neptune’s Harvest 2-3-1 Fish/Seaweed
1 gallon H2O
For mid to late flowering…
1 tbs. Neptune’s Harvest 2-4-1 Fish
1 gallon H2O"
This recipe in this mix...
"6 parts Pro Mix BX or HP / Sunshine Mix (any flavor from #1 up) / Fox Farm Ocean Forest or Light Warrior
2 parts perlite
2 parts earthworm castings
Powdered (NOT PELLETED) dolomite lime @ 2 tablespoons per gallon or 1 cup per cubic foot of the soiless mix.
If you use a 3 qt. saucepan as “parts” in the amounts given above, it equals about 1 cu. ft. of soiless mix and you can just dump in a cup of powdered dolomite lime. The dolomite lime is for Ca. and Mg. not just to adjust the PH of the soil."
Is enough have have very beautifull plants all over my grow?
My clone will like that or should wait until are are rooted?
DO I need to transplant before flowering? Its ok to transplant during veg with this mix?
Do I need to water like I do with only pro-mix? Small drain and let dry until the pot is lighter?
And finally, do I water EVERYTIME with the recipe No5?
Thnak you guys!
Is enough have have very beautifull plants all over my grow?
Yes.
My clone will like that or should wait until are are rooted?
Wait until fully rooted.
DO I need to transplant before flowering? Its ok to transplant during veg with this mix?
Doesn't matter.
Do I need to water like I do with only pro-mix? Small drain and let dry until the pot is lighter?
Yes, or keep moist all the time.
And finally, do I water EVERYTIME with the recipe No5?
Depends on if your plants need it or not.
Burn1
