RULES WE CAN ALL GROW BY

I would like to start a thread of tips and rules we should all know and understand. I think that a collection of important tips and tricks can help all of us out. I will do my best to keep this list updated, accurate, and unbiased as possible.

To start things off:

A good rule to grow by is don't forget to let your roots breathe. All of the time on this site, I find people having the same issue over and over again. Over-watering. The lack of oxygen to the roots will drive an unaware grower mad. Ease up on the constant soaking and let the plant just do its thing. Settle down. Relax, and let the good times roll. Be sure to let your soil be wet AND dry. SO...

Rule #1 Let the roots breathe

Lol, unless your on nft, u want constant wet & dry

Dont use rockwool, use clay balls in netpots or just netpots for hydro.

If you do use rockwool on the nft, add golf t pieces 2 the corners of the cube to help prop it up from the nutrient film so it doesnt get completely saturated and help retain o2 to the roots.


I hate the stuff since I got the aero cloner and seen the difference in both growth and for working with, you get algea with light leeks on the cube and its very easy 2 overwater and kill ya plants by even using it.

To me the most important rule should be.....

Dont cut corners on safety issues.

While half assing things that will only effect your yield is your business.
When u cut a corner that is a legit safety hazard it really makes the entire "group of homegrowers"
Look like stupid stoners that dont think about anyone but themselves.
Pay the money and buy good equipment and supplies and remember sometimes you get what you pay for and its better to buy one quality item than ten shitty ones that risk burning down your house.

Dont count runoff to mean anything it really is not accurate #tip

gunnar&carey said:

Dont count runoff to mean anything it really is not accurate #tip

Click to expand...

Inaccurate mate, on run to waste systems you need to measure the runoff to see how it liked it so you know what to do the next res at

For new growers.

Learn how to grow a houseplant. If you can grow an African Violet, and it flowers. You can go on to the next step.

The next step.

Read a few books on growing

Organics first! So you know how plants and soil work!
Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web, Revised Edition: Jeff Lowenfels, Wayne Lewis: 9781604691139: Amazon.com: Books
AND
http://www.amazon.com/Teaming-Nutrients-Gardeners-Optimizing-Nutrition/dp/1604693142/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

Now for the MJ stuff

Marijuana Grower's Handbook: Your Complete Guide for Medical and Personal Marijuana Cultivation: Ed Rosenthal, Tommy Chong: 9780932551467: Amazon.com: Books
Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower's Bible: Jorge Cervantes: 9781878823236: Amazon.com: Books

Have a problem = research it!

Good luck

Doc

Dr. Who said:

For new growers.

Learn how to grow a houseplant. If you can grow an African Violet, and it flowers. You can go on to the next step.

The next step.

Read a few books on growing

Organics first! So you know how plants and soil work!
Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web, Revised Edition: Jeff Lowenfels, Wayne Lewis: 9781604691139: Amazon.com: Books
AND
http://www.amazon.com/Teaming-Nutrients-Gardeners-Optimizing-Nutrition/dp/1604693142/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

Now for the MJ stuff

Marijuana Grower's Handbook: Your Complete Guide for Medical and Personal Marijuana Cultivation: Ed Rosenthal, Tommy Chong: 9780932551467: Amazon.com: Books
Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower's Bible: Jorge Cervantes: 9781878823236: Amazon.com: Books

Have a problem = research it!

Good luck

Doc

Click to expand...

Teaming with microbes was the best book I got my hands on lately its amazing how they work its another world down in the rhizosphere great book I recommend that to old and new growers. It also made me get TEAMING WITH NUTRIENTS same author.

Another good book is :Marijuana cultivation reconsidered: The science and techniques for huge indoor yields.
The title sounds a bit over promising but the guy knows what he is talking about especially on the science aspect of the cannabis plant.

Remember, your not always right. Be open to learning & education. If you cant accept your wrong, how are you to learn anything?

What works for 1, wont necessarily work for you.

Listen, dont criticise, take a interest in peoples opinions. Respect peoples opinions.

I always hear the term: "if it aint broke, dont fix it". If changing 1 thing can help produce bigger yields, go for it.

wizzileaks said:

Inaccurate mate, on run to waste systems you need to measure the runoff to see how it liked it so you know what to do the next res at

Click to expand...

Im not talking about hydro dude thats way i said runoff, runoff is not in a rez thats straight up water im sayijg for soil-soilless growers

gunnar&carey said:

Dont count runoff to mean anything it really is not accurate #tip

Click to expand...

Accurately measuring of runoff is a good indicator of how much fertilizer is in your container. most ppl don't really know how to measure runoff though

Keep ya tools sterile.
Invest in some isoproponol for dipping probes in between both measuring separate tanks and calibration.

You could use h2o2 if you have it handy but isoproponol is medical grade + evaporates off with no residue, helps stop spread bacteria and just good practice.

If your spending the time every week in hydro to do a tank change, don't be scared to tidy ya grow room. Dust, wash with dilute washing up liquid, help stop pathogens.

Also, invest in a pair of marigolds. Nutes on the hands can cause dermatitis and other skin conditions.

abe supercro said:

Accurately measuring of runoff is a good indicator of how much fertilizer is in your container. most ppl don't really know how to measure runoff though

Click to expand...

Whats the best way? I mean i dont even use my ph or ppm pen anymore just wondering

Clearly you need a ppm wand. The difficultly comes in with the amount you run thru before testing it. This comes with experience, but keep in mind it's all an average or estimate.

Most ppl test it too soon with too little water run thru. throw away the beginning runoff, then test it after a lot has gone thru. imo this will give you a truer read.

Always air prune roots in rockwool blocks on a wire mesh tray for a huge robust roots no matter what grow system you use.

wizzileaks said:

Lol, unless your on nft, u want constant wet & dry

Click to expand...

you still want them to breathe

-HM420

Pro tip# Don't accidentally trip and land on your plants!

Maybe the thread title should be changed to rules for noobs to grow by. I say that because as you become more experienced you kinda just start doing your own thing.

For example, I prefer a peat based soilless media with just a little perlite so it has less drainage properties and more holding capacity. I also feed every watering from veg. to chop with a 3-1-5 ratio. I never water to run-off either.......I water half up top and half goes in the drain pan to soak up from the bottom.

Try giving that kind of advice around here and you'll get your head chewed off by the traditionalists for breaking "The Rules We Can All Grow By".

#1 figure out if you are growing indoors

#2 figure out if you are growing outdoors

First steps , then following appropriate methods for indoor setups and/or outdoor setups.