March 2021

Increased light, both intensity (Rugged Grade, 1,650 lumen, 125W LED, 4000K (400W) metal halide) and duration (18-6 on/off hours/day), seeing significant growth — all three plants filled out considerably. Transplanted them from 2-inch starter pots to 4-inch pots, observing strong root systems. Miscalculated nutrient conversions (ounces and gallons) and added a bit too much Mills Vitalize. Will adjust the nutrient proportions when I make the next batch.

I moved the plants to a cabinet with a larger light, a Kind L3 series, XL300 LED light. The light is approximately 12 inches from the tallest plant (White LSD Auto), though it originally was 6 inches above the tallest plant, and I think two of the plants developed minor leaf burn. Previously, the plants were under a 125W LED Corn light. Otherwise, the conditions are mostly the same. I’m using the same concentration of Mills Nutrients (week 4), feeding each plant 6 ounces a day. If what I believe is leaf burn continues, I plan to alternate between the nutrient solution and plain, reverse osmosis water. I also spray the plants every other day with 3% H2O2 to prevent mold and other pests. After the plants develop one or two more nodes — the nodes are much tighter for two of the plants than the third — I plan to either FIM or top them to begin broadening the canopy for a few weeks before switching the lights to flower.

I cut the nutrients back by 50+ percent (every other day), both substituting more filtered water and diluting the notes. The leaves seem much healthier. The plants are drinking 6-8 ounces twice a day. One week ago, I topped each plant to the third node and pruned the lower branches and suckers. I plan to begin LST in the next couple days after bending clips are delivered. I may also transplant the plants into 3 gallon smart pots and prepare the for flowering in 2-4 weeks, as they are growing quickly and I’m concerned they could become root bound in the 4-inch plastic pots.

This was a week of transition. First, I transplanted to 3 gallon smart pots from 4 inch starter pots. A couple days later, after the plants showed no stress from being transplanted, I added LST clips to begin forming a more horizontal canopy. At that point, stress was more apparent. Two or three fan leaves per plant yellowed and dried up; I pruned them and am watching others that are lightening slightly. I continued the same nutrient regimen (Mills light week four feeding schedule), diluting them 50 percent when watering and alternating nutes and plain water every other day. After realizing the soil pH was 5.6 on Friday (yesterday), I adjusted the water and nutes to 6.5 and began slowly increasing the soil pH. At last reading, it was 5.8. I’ll continue increasing until it settles nearer 6.5. All three plants seem okay, despite the minor stress. The White LSD Auto seems more “scraggly” after LST. I’m watching — and hoping — she begins filling out this week. I will add more LST clips to the Durban Poison and Jack 47 this week as they grow to make their canopies more horizontal. Depending on the growth, I will add netting to support the canopy as it fills in. I have added Recharge microbials to the nutrients and will continue with alternating nutes and plain water this week. Depending on how the plants respond the next two weeks, I hope to switch the lights to a 12/12 schedule to begin the flowering process for the Durban Poison and Jack 47.

The White LSD Auto is flowering and appears to be recovering after treatment for thrips. Harvest will be small, but productive nonetheless. After three weeks of TLC, the Durban Poison and Jack 47 continue to show stress. I’ve flushed both plants, reduced the pH, supplemented Cal/Mag and added Epsom Salts with minimal results. Switching lights to 12/12 and bloom nutrients to see if the plants recover; otherwise, I’ll move them outside in 3-4 weeks to use my indoor space for new, healthier plants. Mixed grow — ups and downs with lots of new information to process every time I turn around — but I’ve learned a lot in the process!

Though my Durban Poison and Jack 47 plants are still recovering from thrips and other serious stress, there’s was great improvement this week. I switched nutrients, alternating between pure H2O and 50/50 nutrients, saturating the soil and allowing it to dry out each time. The White LSD Auto is maturing beautifully, despite very little vegetation beyond the flowers. I’m holding out as long as possible to maximize yield, but I suspect I’ll need to flush the roots in the next 2-3 weeks and plan for harvest at the end of June or early July.