Journal #2 - Back After 5 yrs ! - Mystery Seeds

I think adding another exhaust fan will be the best solution. I'm running into the same problems preparing my cabinet for my next run. I have tried several different combinations between exhaust/intake and the best solution for my cabinet was to invert the intake and go from 1 intake & 1 exhaust to 2 exhaust & Passive intake. Hot air accomulates around you bulbs, it is better to get it out and create some vacuum of fresh air than to create movement of more hot air in there. hope this helps and glad to see the updates coming!

Day 16

I'm going to split this mornings update into 2 separate posts, not because they're long but just because they'll cover 2 topics with 2 sets of pics. That being said, @md97 Thank you yet again for your input I greatly appreciate it along with everyone else's. After a load of experimenting yesterday, i was FINALLY able to setup a little system that's been keeping my temps at a fairly constant 82-84. I can totally live with those temps as long as it's not rocking 91's I'm happy. Although I wasn't entirely happy about where I made my final cuts as I really wanted to keep this super stealthy if need be (which at the moment, isn't an issue) the best results I got came from cutting a small pc fan sized hole in the Top of my cabinet and using it as an exhaust. Now I was thinking how the hell am I going to hide a pc fan attached to the top of my cabinet.... Well I'll let the pictures do the talking for that one. Oh and I raised the lights a bit, but I'll talk about that in part 2.

Day 16 - Part 2 - The Plant(s)

So now that my temps are "Ok" I'll shift my focus back to just caring for my plant(s), the reason for the (s) is that of the 2 other beans i had planted 1 is FINALLY starting to pop up above ground, not looking great but still potentially too early to tell, the 3rd one hasn't budged so I'm starting to lose hope on that one. I made 2 other changes inside my box to help with my plants, I raised my lights about an inch or two for 2 reasons, 1 was the temp, but the other was to promote some stretch, I know this is ass backwards, but I've noticed my main plant is very Indica heavy in terms of traits, and so she's growing extremely compact. I like that but I'd like it to be a bit taller so moving the lights up a bit should help. The other change I made was in terms of reflection, prior to yesterday I had no real reflector only had Mylar on the top of the cabinet, I decided to head to my favourite $1 store and pick up a nice oven roasting tin (made of foil) after a few modifications I now have a new reflector. Now being as it's meant for an oven, I can only assume its designed to hold in heat, which is the last thing I want at my already warm bulbs. So I took my 6" fan from the cabinet and I have it pointing directly at the "reflector" to help dissipate the heat, so far...so good !! Pics attached, the one with the ST bottle is to give a height example !

That's all for this morning, I'll post updates if anything should change, have a great one RIU !!
-FT

Had a random thought/question after looking at the plant for a bit, I forgot to mention it in my posts this morning. I'm attaching 3 pics to try and better explain.

This isn't on the main stem/stalk of the plant, but I've noticed on a few of the stems to the fan leaves there is definitely some purple coming through. Typically I'd be happy that the genetics have some purple but I'm thinking it's far too early for those sorts of traits to be showing through and that makes me wonder if it's perhaps a nutrient or watering issue.

Thoughts ? Suggestions ? Opinions ?

Thank you !
-FT

I don't like to piss on anyone's parade, but... from time to time I like to mention this little factoid about foil as a reflective material. Sorry it's been a while and don't a link to the source, but I committed some info I read, in a study, to memory.

FYI...

Foil: 35-50% reflectivity
semi-gloss white paint: ~60% reflectivity
flat white paint: ~70% reflectivity
Mylar: 90-92% reflectivity

EZmooover said:

I don't like to piss on anyone's parade, but... from time to time I like to mention this little factoid about foil as a reflective material. Sorry it's been a while and don't a link to the source, but I committed some info I read, in a study, to memory.

FYI...

Foil: 35-50% reflectivity
semi-gloss white paint: ~60% reflectivity
flat white paint: ~70% reflectivity
Mylar: 90-92% reflectivity

Click to expand...

Good info there, thank you.. Easily fixed on my side, I've got extra mylar kicking around from trimming the pieces inside as well as some foil tape. I'll just take the reflector off, cover it up with the spare Mylar and voila +~60% reflectivity be back !

-FT

Day 17

Morning !

Short update today; Yesterday I gave a small nute feeding with water yesterday (SuperThrive & PureBlend Grow) and now that I've got the lights up and temps sorta dialled in the only other minor change I need is a bit higher RH% and I'll be happy. I've put a cup of water in the box to see if that even partially raises the humidity. If it doesn't I'll end up browsing the internet for the parts I need to recreate my DIY Humidifier from my original grow. I'm fairly certain we had a bit of a growth spurt last night now that my plants happy again. I've got a single pic of my other seed/plant/baby trying to pop up from underground, she sprouted a day or two now and hasn't moved up since, so I'm a bit worried..I may may may go buy a bigger pot and a new soil-less medium (promix or something of that sort) and try to do 2 transplants although I'm up in the air. I believe I can already see some of the roots at the bottom of the pot so I'm a bit torn, I did my entire grow in this same pot last go round, but I figured more space for roots = bigger healthier plants !

Anyways enough babble, enjoy the pics and as always comments/questions are welcome !! Have a good one
-FT

FarmingToronto said:

Had a random thought/question after looking at the plant for a bit, I forgot to mention it in my posts this morning. I'm attaching 3 pics to try and better explain.

This isn't on the main stem/stalk of the plant, but I've noticed on a few of the stems to the fan leaves there is definitely some purple coming through. Typically I'd be happy that the genetics have some purple but I'm thinking it's far too early for those sorts of traits to be showing through and that makes me wonder if it's perhaps a nutrient or watering issue.

Thoughts ? Suggestions ? Opinions ?

Thank you !
-FT

Click to expand...

Hey Farming,

Little research indicates that purple stems are not a dominate trait, and are rare. If you do have a purple stemed plant it will stay that way the whole grow. Since these guys are still young it could just be adjusting itself to the neuts and such. P and Mg def can both cause purple stems.

At this point i wouldnt worry about it,.

DB

What's Good DB !!

Thanks for the reply, you know after I posted that message I sat around and really pondered the purple. It's not on the main stem/trunk of the plant and it's really not even on every single branch out. It's actually pretty sporadic, I'm going to assume from previous experience and reading that if it was a deficiency it'd likely be effecting more of the plant. I think at this point its just early on and it'll either sort itself out or show up more predominantly in which case I'll have to take action to "fix" it.

-FT

Time for a little D.I.Y update !

I'm going to assume the majority if not everyone that comes across this thread hasn't read my old one and even more so not in it's entirety. At one point in that grow I was wanting to raise my RH up and if I could potentially lower the temps as well. After much research and stoner ingenuity I found a micro-sonic water fountain that essentially has a mist to it. So what i did at that time was take the "mist maker" and put it in a small rubbermaid with 2 holes in the lid, one just open the other with a small pc fan blowing down into the container. Bottom line it was a great success !! So that being said, if you've been reading along with this grow you'll know I have been in the same sorta predicament, want the temps lower and RH higher if at all possible. I'd also like to add the final 2 bulbs I have laying around. 1 x 6500k & 1 x 2700k. I haven't had them in because they send my temps thru the roof.

So here it is, my Ghetto DIY Humidifier ver 2
Same exact idea, except its now in a smaller container to attempt to miniaturize the whole process. Key difference is this new version has a more passive approach, there is no fan. Initially I had made multiple holes around the entire lid of the container, but after much testing I figured out that I really only needed 1 or 2 holes and then the lid partially open. Within 15 minutes, I had raised my RH by about 15% and my temps dropped to a cool 77*F. So what do I do...add my 2 bulbs !!! Another thing to note about the "container" is that it's clear and the machine has annoyingly bright LED's so I've covered the container in foil tape so that it has minor reflective properties but mainly to keep the LED light inside.

That's where I currently sit at the moment, I'm still monitoring the situation to just make sure it all settles down and works as it should.
After ~10 minutes my temp is now 81*F & 52% RH both perfectly acceptable numbers for early vegetative growth !! The last 2 pictures show the new humidifier in the back left corner as well as the 2 new bulbs.

That's all !!
-FT

Day 18

Short and Sweet Update this morning !
I don't really have much to say, I've been keeping a closer eye on the purplish branches as my stem is still nice and green, I'm also keeping an eye on the leaf formation as I've noticed a few minor spots to keep an eye on. I'm debating a bit of a flush today just to keep things clear and fresh. Now for my real debate, I'll say this outright TRANSPLANTING SCARES THE SHIT out of me...In my last grow I used the exact same pot I'm using now and it was ok for the entire grow, we all know that the bigger the pot, the more room the plant has, the bigger it COULD grow. The difference between last time and this time is a few things, had better soil last time, the pot was also filled more and so the plant started higher giving the roots more room. One of my pics is the bottom of my current pot, if you'd be so kind as to have a good look and tell me you also see the roots that I see I"ll at least feel a bit better that I'm not being a crazy parent.

Plan for today; Either before or after others opinions:
Buy new Medium - leaning towards Promix HP
Buy Either New Larger Pot(s) or 3L Grow Bag(s)

The reason for excess is that I do plan to be germinating some more beans, or possibly splurging for some feminized beans to give myself a solid head start. I'd LOVE to find me some clones but well...we all know how secretive this world can be, and for good reason. In saying that anyone from the Southern Ontario area that wants to go Fishing for a weekend, let me know

I hear ya about the transplanting man. Just have a look at my sad ass clones and you will see why! lol. I kinda like the idea of poppin the seed in its final pot and watchin it grow, it just takes too damned long!!!

I am working on a Double Gum mom right now, but i am a month away from clones and about 6-8 hrs from ya! Not much help there. Always loved Toronto though, even though i am no fan of the Leafs

DB

Darth Budder said:

I hear ya about the transplanting man. Just have a look at my sad ass clones and you will see why! lol. I kinda like the idea of poppin the seed in its final pot and watchin it grow, it just takes too damned long!!!

I am working on a Double Gum mom right now, but i am a month away from clones and about 6-8 hrs from ya! Not much help there. Always loved Toronto though, even though i am no fan of the Leafs

DB

Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply DB, I'm going to follow up with some ?'s for ya. In the pic of the bottom of the pot, do you see the roots I'm talking about ? And despite my irrational fear, would it be in my plants best interest to go ahead with a transplant ? As I had mentioned earlier, I'm leaning towards 3L grow bags for their space saving ability, they're just a bit easier than pots i THINK, don't have any experience with them.

I've got all the time in the world to wait for clones, lol...6 -8 hrs... well shit man that's only 3 - 4 hrs each and a nice road trip in the middle...unless it involves a border...in which case... yea....no thanks LOL... Leafs...pfft, losers...

FarmingToronto said:

Thanks for the reply DB, I'm going to follow up with some ?'s for ya. In the pic of the bottom of the pot, do you see the roots I'm talking about ? And despite my irrational fear, would it be in my plants best interest to go ahead with a transplant ? As I had mentioned earlier, I'm leaning towards 3L grow bags for their space saving ability, they're just a bit easier than pots i THINK, don't have any experience with them.

I've got all the time in the world to wait for clones, lol...6 -8 hrs... well shit man that's only 3 - 4 hrs each and a nice road trip in the middle...unless it involves a border...in which case... yea....no thanks LOL... Leafs...pfft, losers...

Click to expand...

I think it depends on how big you want your plant. I am have kept mine in #1 nursury pots throughout the entire grow, and i can def. see root at the drainage holes. My plants look healthy and will hopefully stay that way through the last 4 weeks of flower. But i couldnt afford to have huge plants, I dont have the height and i dont have the light. my 2 150 watt hps only give me a 2x4 canopy space.

And yeah, unfortunatly a border. Its gotten a whole lot harder to cross since '09 as well. I havent been to Canada since needing a passport to get there. More the pitty, great jazz fest up there. Not to mention the beer.

DB

FarmingToronto said:

Day 18

Short and Sweet Update this morning !
I don't really have much to say, I've been keeping a closer eye on the purplish branches as my stem is still nice and green, I'm also keeping an eye on the leaf formation as I've noticed a few minor spots to keep an eye on. I'm debating a bit of a flush today just to keep things clear and fresh. Now for my real debate, I'll say this outright TRANSPLANTING SCARES THE SHIT out of me...In my last grow I used the exact same pot I'm using now and it was ok for the entire grow, we all know that the bigger the pot, the more room the plant has, the bigger it COULD grow. The difference between last time and this time is a few things, had better soil last time, the pot was also filled more and so the plant started higher giving the roots more room. One of my pics is the bottom of my current pot, if you'd be so kind as to have a good look and tell me you also see the roots that I see I"ll at least feel a bit better that I'm not being a crazy parent.

Plan for today; Either before or after others opinions:
Buy new Medium - leaning towards Promix HP
Buy Either New Larger Pot(s) or 3L Grow Bag(s)

The reason for excess is that I do plan to be germinating some more beans, or possibly splurging for some feminized beans to give myself a solid head start. I'd LOVE to find me some clones but well...we all know how secretive this world can be, and for good reason. In saying that anyone from the Southern Ontario area that wants to go Fishing for a weekend, let me know

Click to expand...

Haha We are a secret society! I know couple of people who do this do but just on such a small scale that it's no big deal. Transplanting can be annoying, I find that they just stop responding for about a week before it starts to shine again. I'd like to try just keeping the plant in the same container it's going to be in for its whole life but I read, that can lead to not being able to properly water.

So i do believe I've just had a minor AH HA moment...

After looking at my leaves, and pictures of them, and noticing the beginings of some minor discolouration and the potential continued purpling of some branches and I've been scratching my head and reading, and reading some more and at one point not that long ago I sorta stopped and said SHIT, I've not ONCE checked the pH of my water.. I've been using mainly tap water thats left out for a day or two to "dechlorinate" ...such a nab mistake to not check my pH's.

Anyways, I went ahead and tested a few things:

1 - Water directly from the tap
2 - Water that's been out 24-48 hrs
3 - Run off water from a "mini-flush/watering"

*All tests are done via a Aquarium test kit, test tube, solution, colour chart

Following are the returned values

1 - ~7.2
2 - ~7.4
3 - ~7.0

So as you can see I now have a new area of concern, easily fixed but still needs to be tended to ASAP ... moving ahead immediately, I'm going to fill a clean 2L jug/bottle with all my "dechlorinated" water, then using a bit of stoner math, I'll take a certain measureable quantity out and slowly add a measured amount of lemon juice to bring the pH back down to a more appropriate level. Once I've got those measurements all figured out I can do a bit more screwing about to figure out what my nutes are adding in terms of pH to the whole mixture. For the time being though, I intend to use a decent watering with my new pH'd water and then leave it alone for a while and see how it responds.

I hope that all make sense, I'm kinda ...
-FT

Edit: Forgot to mention, I'm aiming to have my pH at ~6.3 - .5 prior to adding nutes or just plain watering. From previous experience/reading 6.2 - 6.8 is "optimal" for soil.

Edit 2: Even with my "ah-ha" moment, I was too quick in choosing lemon juice to start my experiments, almost immediately after pouring some juice into a cup I stopped and said ... shit...not clear, duhhhhh...so ya..as I should have done initially I'm now using Vinegar.. only mentioning this so no one takes my crappy advice prior, lol

If you (whomever is reading) wasn't tired of my daily updates, TOO BAD here comes one more for the day !!

pH'ing...Check... I've now got my math and #'s all worked out so that my water is ~6.2 and my Veg Nute is also ~6.2pH so those can now mesh in harmony as well as proper pH for just general watering/health.

As mentioned in this mornings update I pulled the trigger this afternoon and went out and got myself a nice big package of Promix HP and some 5Gal Grow Bags. I figured the bags were obviously less rigid and therefore once filled and planted would allow for a bit more manoeuvrability once inside my cramped cabinet. Despite my disdain and utter fear of transplanting, I put on my big boy pants and just got'r done. I was absolutely shocked as to how big of a root system the plant already had, like HUGE (sorry didn't have time or hands to take a pic) once I had 95% of the old shitty soil mixture off I dunked the remaining bits into some nice cool water to help remove the remaining few % and then gently and with some help replanted her into the new grow bag of happiness. The light fluffy promix is a stark contrast to the shit I was using before and yes I know I'll now have to water more but honestly I don't care. I'd rather have to water more and have a much better base than be constantly putting out fires due to the mix I previously had. Since the grow bag doesn't exactly have a run off disc I just used a dollar store roast pan.

Oh almost forgot, the 2 beans i had germinated and put into 8oz cups have officially bit the dust. It's 100% my bad for just not taking care of them like I should have. Now that I have my promix I'm going to germinate some more up and see where this rabbit hole leads too !!

Those are just my thoughts, as always I'm very open to hearing what you all think !!
Take Care
-FT

Day 19

and now your Weekend Update with Seth Meyers, errr FarmingToronto !!

What's up RIU CFL friends, not too much of an update this morning. Just some pics, my plant is still in a bit of recovery mode from the transplant but even with that I'm seeing some new growth already which is fantastic news. I really love this Promix, its just so much better when it comes to watering and aeration for the roots. I was doing some cleaning and low and behold I found my last remaining Hindu Kush seed from back in '08. I'm doing some research on some new beans I may purchase, I never wanted to mess with Auto plants but it sure seems they've come a very very long way. So not sure if anyone's heard of these but I'm looking at Royal Queen Seeds both their "Royal Bluematic" (Genetic Background: Blueberry X Private Stock Ruderalis)and either their Royal Dwarf (skunk cross) or Royal AK (...). I'd have to redo my space and def not use the 3 Gal Bags but anyway that's just what I'm thinking. First priority is my current plant and then very likely the Hindu Kush seed I found

Have a great day folks,
-FT

Day 20 - Happy Fathers Day !!!

Made a few changes yesterday as things are changing around my life and situation... Change 1 - Lighting, I've always read many many back and forth of 24/0 vs 18/6 and it was always somewhat logical in my mind that 24 hrs of light should theoretically cause more photosynthesis and make a bigger, healthier plant.. quicker. However after a bunch of reading the past few days I decided that I'm going to attempt a more "natural" environment, I'd assume that the plants do require some dark or "down time" for other important life altering processes. The whole reason for my changes is that for Day 20... my plants pretty damn short and squat. I'm in a "tight" quarter but despite that I'd like to see some more substantial growth at this point. Change 2 - Watering, after reading some fantastic posting by Uncle Ben I'm now really up in the air on that whole pH thing, him and another poster (I'm sorry I forget their name - very educated on the subject) made some extremely strong points. So as it happens to be pouring outside today I put out a 5 gal bucket and I may just give rain water a try but either way, I won't be using the vinegar as previously planned. It'll simply be 24-36hr Tap water OR the occasional RO water.

The plan is as follows; Give the plant ~1 more week of Veg time, to see if the transplant/lights/watering takes effect. Should I see some nice vertical growth I'll perhaps leave veg for a bit longer. I know from my previous experience that within a few short days of 12/12 the plant will 100% shoot upwards. my problem lies in the fact i have NO clue the sex of this plant and would hate to really wait it out for a friggin male. So ya, depending on the next few days, there is a very high chance I'll be switching to 12/12 around the 21st ish. Then the real waiting game starts, in the mean time. I'm planning out a secondary cabinet and some changes for my current one in a different room. Then the real fun will start, one Hindu Kush seed ready and I'll be purchasing 5 - 10 new seeds this week, likely a mix of regular size feminized plants and then atleast 1 if not 2 varieties of Auto's to try out in my situation !!

Have a great fathers day folks !!
-FT

New Space...Phase 2 coming soon.....