It's ok to vary watering patterns with soil because soil acts as a buffer. Just try not to regularly leave the soil visibly soaked when the lights go out.
I'm not sure whether you've tied tight around the plant, or if I just can't see a loop because of the angle of the photo. If you are tying tight though, try leaving enough of a loop around the plant that you can stick 2 fingers in the loop. That way you never have to worry about the stalk...
I keep two cans of air freshener next to my door. If someone I don't recognize is outside I start by spraying at the door and move back so that I've sprayed about a 5 foot area around the door before opening it and stepping outside. I've had everyone from neighbors to the local Sheriff come to...
I think it depends on where you are. If you're in somewhere like Florida, AC is going to be a bigger concern than if you were in say, Colorado or Indiana.
Admittedly I haven't read this entire thread, but I'm curious if any of the nutes being used say "shake well" on the bottle, and if they do, how do you plan on agitating your nutes while they sit waiting to be used? I'm thinking a few small air stones.