EarthBox [LOS] - Seedsman - Black Sugar

Introduction - Week 10 Summary - Ensign's log, stardate 100103.66, Overall, this was a pretty simple week of growing! I've been trying to lower overall temps and relative humidity (RH) so I started the week off by adjusting the exhaust fan's triggers and also increased the overall speed. Also learned about the 'dehumidify' mode on my portable AC. Now the tent averages are still higher than I'd like, but using this mode this has dropped temps and RH averages by a bit. Plus this mode uses less energy which keeps the power from cutting out. Nice! Mid week, I removed the humidifier and turned off the heater controller. Also adjusted the exhaust fan's triggers again. Side note: Got plastic containers for most of my powdered nutrients. This makes measuring out the feedings a whole lot easier. As far as light intensity, this week, the tallest tops were around 1345PPFD with the overall canopy around 1000PPFD. Feeding this week was pretty straightforward. It was the same as last week's feeding minus the foliar. Also defoliated. Towards the end of this week, I thought of a question to ask (See log for details - Thursday @ +00:31). Also fed my worm bin again. Population is starting to get to where it once was! Gave the bin a heavier feeding. The week ended with a slight modification to the tent. Added a passive intake vent which should help with air exchange while reducing strain on the exhaust fan. [START OF WEEK 10] Day 01 - Monday - 07/04/22 - Total Days: 061 ----------------------------------- Daily Averages - Temps: 78.6°F - Humidity: 62.1% - VPD: 1.23kPa ----------------------------------- - [09:28]: Aye looking good! --- Growth is raging! --- She still has a few dried leaves. --- A bit worried about humidity for flower. More importantly late flower and the fear of bud rot. --- Looking into ways to try and decrease the relative humidity (RH). But most likely I'll have to get a dehumidifier the room (the lung room). From what I've researched so far, this is the most effective way to keep RH stable. --- My main issue is the power consumption. I would be using the AC if the breaker wouldn't keep tripping. I just fear that the dehumidifier will do the same (plus similar to the useless AC, a dehumidifier is an expensive investment). - [22:01]: Lights on. Time for a check. --- Wow! She is noticeably taller! --- Will probably raise the light tomorrow. - [22:06]: Water time. This time only adding more microbes. --- Filled a pitcher with 6 cups of distilled water. --- Added 1/16tsp of Bio-Phos --- Mixed the solution before pouring it straight into the EarthBox's fill tube. - [23:12]: Decided to lower the RH triggers of both the exhaust and heater/humidifier controller settings. --- Within the AC Infinity app, I adjusted the RH triggers. --- The original humidity triggers were 60%/40% [High/Low] --- The new humidity trigger values are 52%/30% --- Next was time to adjust the heater and humidifier controller's settings (by Elitech). --- The original HSV (humidity start value) was set to 55.1% RH. --- The new HSV was set to 50.0% RH. --- Done. --- Until now, on a daily basis, I've been misting the leaves with distilled water. To help reduce the RH, going to stop misting with distilled water. --- I'm still going to apply EM5 foliar as per BAS instructions, but the distilled water foliars stop now. Day 02 - Tuesday - 07/05/22 - Total Days: 062 ----------------------------------- Daily Averages - Temps: 78.2°F - Humidity: 64.1% - VPD: 1.15kPa ----------------------------------- --- Ensign's log supplemental, --- Since running the AC cuts the power, I've been running the unit in fan mode. --- But after doing a bit of research online about dehumidifiers, I discovered that most portable AC units have a dehumidify mode. --- Apparently, my unit has it as well! --- From what little I understand, this 'dehumidify mode' pulls moisture from the air while actually using LESS energy due to both the compressor and exhaust fan being ran at a lower settings (also the compressor is not always being used). The key point is that the energy consumption is less. --- So gave it a try (why not) and ran my AC unit in this mode all night.. No power outages. Great! --- The unit switches between cold and room temperature air too which in turn cools the room. Not as cool as using 'AC mode,' but still way cooler than using 'fan mode.' --- Going to run the unit in 'dehumidify mode' today to test if the breaker trips during the hottest time of day. - [22:08]: Aye! Growth is just bulking up! --- Nice! I can see more pistil hairs! - [22:21]: Water time. --- Filled a pitcher with 6 cups of distilled water. --- Added 1/64tsp of Quillaja Saponaria Extract --- Added 1/16tsp of Bio-Phos --- Mixed the solution before pouring it into the EarthBox's fill tube. --- Wow too soon to tell, but I think I can start to see the formation of budlets too! --- Not gonna lie, but getting hyped! - [22:37]: Going to be adjusting the AC to run in 'Dehumidify' mode from now on. --- Been testing the 'dehumidify mode' on my AC unit and I'm happy to say that the room is now a whole lot cooler and drier. --- Now as far as cooling, it's not as good as running the unit in straight AC mode (Duh!). But this dehumidify mode does cool the room so I'm happy! --- Best part, I ran the unit the whole day in this mode with no loss of electricity! Day 03 - Wednesday - 07/06/22 - Total Days: 063 ----------------------------------- Daily Averages - Temps: 78.8°F - Humidity: 64.6% - VPD: 1.16kPa ----------------------------------- - [09:23]: Growth is just raging! --- She is almost reaching the sides of the tent. Never expected this much growth! --- Wow! More bud growth too! Pistil hairs are popping up everywhere! --- Still no smell. - [23:44]: Late check. --- There are still a few crispy edged leaves, but most of the growth is looking good! - [+00:17]: Water time. Just straight water. --- Filled a pitcher with 6 cups of distilled water and poured it into the EarthBox's fill tube. --- Plan to do another round of defoliation to clean up the canopy a bit more. Day 04 - Thursday - 07/07/22 - Total Days: 064 ----------------------------------- Daily Averages - Temps: 78.7°F - Humidity: 63.6% - VPD: 1.19kPa ----------------------------------- - [09:37]: Growth is looking good! --- Going to defoliate the yellow-edged leaves along with some of the lower growth that won't be developing buds. --- Wow buds are looking so beautiful! --- Removed the humidifier from the tent. The average RH has been above 60% so I don't see a reason to have one in the tent. Also disconnected the heater and controller (again, because these don't seem to be needed at the current time). - [10:14]: Increased the max setting for the exhaust fan. --- In the AC Infinity app, I adjusted the maximum fan speed from 6 to 8. --- Now when the fan is triggered, the exhaust fan will run at speed 8 instead of 6. Hopefully this will help to reduce the RH in the tent (current average is around 70% with an overall average that is still above 60%). - [16:07]: Ensign's personal log, --- Received some plastic containers (amber UV protected and BPA free). --- As a quality of life upgrade, I'm transferring 7 powdered nutrient products from their original bag to the new containers (Mycrobe Complete, Bio-Phos, Big 6, BuildABloom, Aloe, Coconut, and Saponaria). - [22:18]: Growth is looking great! --- Checked her height and she was 26” tall! --- Also checked the PAR levels and the top canopy was reading at ~1345PPFD --- Stoked about budlet development! Pistil hairs are everywhere! -[22:57]:Feeding time. Going to continue on with the ‘Bloom Stretch’ feeding but not going to top dress nor foliar spray. Plan to water 7 cups total (2 in the reservoir, 5 top sprayed). --- Filled a pitcher with 5 cups of distilled water. --- Added 1/64tsp of Quillaja Saponaria Extract --- Added 1/16tsp + 1/64tsp (5/64tsp) of Big 6 Micronutrients [+ Humic Acid] --- Added 1/8tsp + 1/32tsp (5/32tsp) of each of the following: ----- BuildABloom ----- Bio-Phos --- Added 1/4tsp + 1/16tsp (5/16tsp) of each of the following: ----- Pure Protein Dry [Organic Fish Aminos] ----- Horticultural Coconut --- Added 5 drops of Bio-Catalyst Enzyme Elixer --- Mixed the solution and set it aside. - [23:20]: Before watering, I decided to defoliate her. --- Went in and cleaned up all of her yellow-edged leaves. - [Supplemental Entry]: Wow! Now there was still no odor in the air, but the terpene profile I could smell from just rubbing her stems was getting me hyped! --- Mulched the trimmed leaves. - [23:58]: Okay watering time. --- Poured the nutrient solution into a spray bottle and misted the top of the EarthBox. --- To (hopefully) prevent over-watering of the front girl, I mainly focused on watering the back area of the EarthBox. - [+00:12]: Just wow! --- After the defoliation and watering, she’s looking legit! --- Wait, am I finally a grower now (don’t frack this up Ensign)? --- Checked the distance from light and it was about 8” from the canopy. - [+00:15]: Filled a measuring cup with 2 cups of distilled water. --- Poured the water straight into the EarthBox’s fill tube (7 cups watered total). - [+00:31]: ATTENTION ALL HANDS! --- GREEN ALERT! --- ALL HAILING FREQUENCIES OPEN! --- [GROW QUESTION] --- [*Smokes a bowl] --- I understand that this question is quite broad and probably one of the most commonly asked, but going to ask it anyways. Why are my leaves turning yellow? --- Please keep in mind that although I've done considerable grow research online, I'm still a beginner grower (of about 2 years) and am (still) trying to make it to my first harvest. Fairly recently, I discovered that all of my past failures were mainly caused by the lack of CO2 (I was suffocating my plants). With this ventilation paradox finally fixed, growth has been phenomenal! So two year lesson, keep adequate ventilation (Damnit Ensign). --- With all that said, this is my first time going through the flowering cycle (currently finishing up the bloom ‘stretch’ phase, I think). My previous (43) attempts have never made it this far. --- Okay! Back to the question. --- Why are my leaves turning yellow? More specifically why are the edges of my leaves turning yellow? --- It’s not happening on all of the leaves yet seems to be happening throughout the entire plant so no specific localized area (damage leaf edges are found at the top and bottom of the plant). --- Earlier, while defoliating the damaged leaves, I saved a one (see photos). Damage-wise, the rest of the removed leaves looked about the same. --- She’s being grown organically in a sub-irrigated planter (EarthBox) which reservoir has been only watered when it’s completely dry. I think she’s drinking a decent amount of water too. Now pouring 6-7 cups into the reservoir daily during her day cycle (I run the lights at night and she sleeps during the day) and by the next day, the reservoir is dry. To keep the waterings even, on the days that I do top water, I reduce the amount of water that goes into the reservoir (so 6-7 cups total). I know she’s drinking the water because during past attempts, there have been times when the reservoir would take several days to completely dry. Oh since I started growing organically, I haven’t been checking nor adjusting the PH of the water but is usually around 6.0-6.2 before adding my nutrients. --- Exact tent environmental conditions, feeding ratios, and watering amounts can all be found in my previous logs. --- Also keep in mind that I am trying to lower the overall RH and temps, but due to power restrictions, the current conditions are the best as I can do. --- So unfortunately, if the yellowing damage is due to heat stress or anything environmentally related (temp or RH), there’s not much I can do (but would still appreciate the confirmation). --- But if it’s a lockout due to over-watering or just a nutrient deficiency (doubt it’s under-watering nor a nutrient toxicity but can easily be wrong), I would just like to know so I can improve. --- General comments and friendly suggestions are also welcome (but please don’t get angry if I don’t or can’t accomplish them). --- Regardless, considering my past attempts, I am still very happy with the overall growth but would still like to learn how I can improve. Day 05 - Friday - 07/08/22 - Total Days: 065 ----------------------------------- Daily Averages - Temps: 77.8°F - Humidity: 65.7% - VPD: 1.09kPa ----------------------------------- - [09:10]: Wow! Looking good girl! --- Raging growth! - [09:22]: Checked the reservoir and it was dry. --- Filled a measuring cup with 2 cups of distilled water and poured it into the EarthBox’s fill tube. - [14:29]: Checked the worm bin. --- It's been 9 days since the last feeding. --- Both the brown paper and shredded paper was still intact. But there was a clear hole where the food once was. --- Wow! Worms! --- They seem to be bulking up too. Nice! --- There was also no sign of the mango peel. --- Gave the bin a quick mix and made a hole in the middle. --- Going to be feeding more mango a frozen strawberry along with some fresh spinach and bits of carrot. - [14:48]: Time to feed! --- Sprinkled the entire top soil with 1tbsp of Craft Blend. --- Then placed a juicy mango peel at the bottom (most of the meat was still to the peel). --- Then layered slices of the frozen strawberry, carrot, and more mango peel. --- Sprinkled 3tsp of Kashi Blend over the top over everything. --- Layered the spinach in the middle and covered that with bits of the old shredded paper. --- Finally covered that with a fresh mango peel (this one was mainly the peel). - [15:08]: Lastly covered the bin with a cleaned lid. --- Going to check on them again in another week or so. - [22:07]: Growth looks great! --- Pistil hairs are really starting to clump up. --- Budlets are looking bigger too! --- Still no smell though. - [22:22]: Water time! --- Filled a pitcher with 7 cups of distilled water and poured it straight into the EarthBox’s fill tube. --- So hyped on how her budlets are forming! Day 06 - Saturday - 07/09/22 - Total Days: 066 ----------------------------------- Daily Averages - Temps: 77.8°F - Humidity: 66.5% - VPD: 1.07kPa ----------------------------------- - [07:28]: Wow she's a beast! --- Budlets are definitely thickening up too! Too hyped! - [22:04]: Looking good! --- She is still getting taller, but not as fast as last week. - [22:22]: Water time! --- Filled a pitcher with 8 cups of distilled water. --- Added 1/16tsp of Bio-Phos --- Mixed the solution and poured it straight into the EarthBox’s fill tube. --- The Bio-Phos was added as a slight microbe boost thus the diluted dosage. - [23:34]: Decided to open up a vent in the tent. --- Took a bit of extra 6" venting (maybe 10') and covered both ends with some black carbon filter mesh. The filter mesh will scrub the air and keep dust out while helping to prevent light leaks. --- I decided to open up the vent at the bottom right at the front of the tent. --- Had to move the exhale bag to the back of the tent. --- The added vent should reduce strain on the exhaust fan. Day 07 - Sunday - 07/10/22 - Total Days: 067 ----------------------------------- Daily Averages - Temps: 78.1°F - Humidity: 66.7% - VPD: 1.07kPa ----------------------------------- - [07:31]: Wow! Growth is looking great! --- Budlets are stacking! --- The center stalk along with a few other top sites is starting to get a bit taller than the rest. --- Kind of wondering if super-cropping could be used to slow down the growth. --- There are almost 2 canopy levels now. I don't like raising the light because the lower growth get's less photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). - [22:08]: Raging growth! --- Going to be watering 9 cups. - [22:18]: Time to water! --- Filled a pitcher with 9 cups of distilled water. --- Added 1/16tsp of Bio-Phos --- Mixed the solution and poured it straight into the EarthBox’s fill tube. - [23:04]: Checked her height. --- She was just 28.25" tall! --- Also her highest top was about 4" from the grow light. --- But the majority of her top canopy is about 10" from the light. [END OF WEEK 10]