[dalkeith]

Hey,

Thought I'd post pics of my first grow for feedback. Keeping it simple. So I'm using Pro-Mix organic soil in a 3.5 gallon smart pot. Ferts are blood meal for veg, and bone meal for flower (and 1Tbs/gallon of blackstap molasses every other watering) . Currently at 5th day of 12/12 flowering stage that started when the plant was 8 inches since I don't have a lot of space. I'm using a 400W Ceramic Metal Halide lamp that was on 18/6 for Veg. I made a dumb mistake of topping after only the 2nd node, but it seems to be doing ok. I have some leaves curling down in the middle, thinking because of over watering, or maybe PH is off, not sure. I know I should have a PH meter, but I don't, plan to soon. I'm also manually putting in a cabinet within a closet for 12/12. Cover the cabinet with a thick sheet, and exhaust air out using a portable fan. Not the best setup but I'm doing it for fun to see what happens.
I've viewed all the pics around the forum, but I just can't convince myself, this thing look female?

[ISP_SmokeTrain]

Are you using steamed / finely ground bone meal ? If not, it takes awhile to breakdown, and release all it's goodness. What are the NPK numbers on the bone meal ? Does it have some Nitrogen in it ? Also, do you use compost tea, worm castings or are you adding any beneficial microlife in any way ? If not, those organic nutrients are just sitting there waiting for microlife to help break them down. This frees up the energy being used by the plants, obtaining nutrients, and allows them to put that energy into making more buddage. Just a few thoughts.

[dalkeith]

I'm using Bonide Bone Meal (4-12-0). It seems finely ground but it doesn't say steamed (says cooked on the back). I mixed 4 tablespoons into the soil a week before 12/12 so it would start breaking down. I'm not adding any microlife, so I'll have to look into that now (assuming it's female). Thanks.

Originally Posted by ISP_SmokeTrain

Are you using steamed / finely ground bone meal ? If not, it takes awhile to breakdown, and release all it's goodness. What are the NPK numbers on the bone meal ? Does it have some Nitrogen in it ? Also, do you use compost tea, worm castings or are you adding any beneficial microlife in any way ? If not, those organic nutrients are just sitting there waiting for microlife to help break them down. This frees up the energy being used by the plants, obtaining nutrients, and allows them to put that energy into making more buddage. Just a few thoughts.

Looking Good! Ill be watching this Grow! I am very curious to see the Sarfi Gals in action as I myself have a pack I have not started yet. Peace & Good Luck Friend.

[ISP_SmokeTrain]

Bonide brand is (cooked or steamed) and that does help in the efficent release of the NPK in it. For microlife on the cheap, a few come to mind. Root's Oregonism XL can be had in small 1 oz zips, Plant Success also has a small ziplock, and Super Plant Tonic by BMO (ebay) are all reasonably priced. Also, if a local nursery carries worm castings, or well aged mushroom compost, or well aged compost, these can be cheap sources of good microlife. The introduction of microlife into your medium, is a must have in true organic gardening, and truly is worth adding.

[dalkeith]

I've done some research, and what I am reading is that Budswel works well for microlife. Would the liquid version make sense? Appears the dry version requires a tea be made (maybe next one).

[ISP_SmokeTrain]

Budswel is microlife friendly, since it contains only natural (non-harsh-chemical) ingredients. In the past, I've bought the dry, because it was cheaper to ship. It can be topdressed or made into a tea and watered into your soil. I've never used the liquid, so I'll not offer an opinion on that. The thing about bloom guanos is they are fosilized, so the microlife in them faded long ago. A grow guano with higher nitrogen, is full of microlife. Since, you're already into flowering, I'd let my source of microlife be from worm castings, well aged compost, or one of the products I mentioned above. It's money well spent.

[dalkeith]

Feel much more knowledgeable already, thanks, you rock.

Originally Posted by ISP_SmokeTrain

Budswel is microlife friendly, since it contains only natural (non-harsh-chemical) ingredients. In the past, I've bought the dry, because it was cheaper to ship. It can be topdressed or made into a tea and watered into your soil. I've never used the liquid, so I'll not offer an opinion on that. The thing about bloom guanos is they are fosilized, so the microlife in them faded long ago. A grow guano with higher nitrogen, is full of microlife. Since, you're already into flowering, I'd let my source of microlife be from worm castings, well aged compost, or one of the products I mentioned above. It's money well spent.

[darwinsbulldog]

nice stuff mate!

Stopping back in ta see if there are Any new pix.