Calling the Hammer

What's good people? I am excited to bring to you my first grow from seed. My first actual grow was a set of Peanut Butter Breath clones I picked up at a farmers market. Ever since I cut those down I have been chomping at the bit to get some seeds and give it a go. A family trip at the beginning of July pushed me back from starting right away, but the 7 ounces of Peanut Butter Breath helped soothe the chafing (Metaphorical, I have very comfortable van seats and strong AC.). At some point I had mad the decision to grow 9lb Hammer of Jinxproof fame, but was not knowledgeable about where to pick stuff up and bought from Growers Choice Seeds. This isnt a dig, I just might have rather picked up from Jinxproof's site out of respect. I had gotten the seeds mid grow on my clones and until I popped them I had kept them in my fridge. I saw a thing on the internet about seeds waking up from winter and said, hey that makes sense. I used the paper towel method. I set the paper towels and three seeds between two plates and suspended a light fixture with a grow light in it about 6 inches above it to keep them warm. After three days I had two very impressive germinations and one that had barely slipped the tip out of the seed. The first two had completely shed their shells and were atleast 2 inches long with vibrant cotyledons. For their vessels I decided on these planter cups a friend had given me, washed them thoroughly, filled them up with Coast of Maine's Bar Harbor Blend Organic Potting Soil and, because of a nuts video I saw on YT, I added Espoma Tomato Tone to them. (Looking back, this was a mistake.) I made a hole in the center of each and planted the tap roots for the strong germinators with some of their stem sticking out above the soil (I also think this was a mistake.) and I planted the slow germ seed on a whim, I figured the first two would be more than healthy enough to fill my 4x2. For the first week I put a baggy over the tops and misted inside them for humidity. Until next weed! Tent: Vivosun 4x2x5 Light: SpiderFarmer SF-2000 (40%) 18" above: 24/0 Humidifier set to 60% Vivosun 4inch inline fan set to low. Fan nearby but pointed up and away from plants, just to get air moving.

Picture positions from the bottom left going clock-wise: 1, 2, 3. A week in and things are looking DIRE. 2 fell over 2 days after I planted them. In a frenzy of internet searching I found guidance to pull it up, make a hole, and rebury to the leaves. I did so as best I was able and at this point I can only hope it makes it. 3, the strongest germinator, the stem of steel, has burnt the S%^t out of their cotyledons and I do not think it is going to make it. As a silver lining though seed 1, slow germinating sonovabitch that it is has popped right up! It has vibrant little green leaves too! Keeping them moist with ph'd to 6.5 water out of a 5 gallon bucket I let sit with an airstone chugging through it.

We have had a bounce back! Starting from the bottom left picture: 1 - This little lady has taken off! The slow growth and/or burn seen in the other two have no place on this one. My weakest seed popper is beginning to lead the pack! This is the last week I can consider this one in germination. I think it solidly stepped in to veg a day or two after this picture was taken. It grew up quickly compared to the others and is spreading out to take in more light and water. 2 - We are starting to see larger growing leaves and a very squat shape compared to 1. 3 - Shes still given 'er. Its trying to fall over. Some leaves grew out and have started taking in more water and light. Lets see where it goes. Still watering from my 5-gallon bucket with an airstone chugging. I pH my water to 6.5 before feeding. I dont give any nutes at this point.