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The art and science of cultivating plants, especially those as revered and studied as cannabis, offer a beautiful confluence of ancient wisdom and modern practices. One of the time-honored methodologies that stands out is the use of organic living soil. This method goes beyond the mere provision of basic nutrients to plants; it encompasses an entire ecosystem within itself, breathing life and vitality into every growth phase.
Organic living soil is rich and alive, teeming with numerous microbes, fungi, nematodes, and arthropods, all functioning symbiotically to nourish and protect the plant. This practice is not solely about the avoidance of chemicals or synthetics. It’s about harnessing nature in its purest form, leveraging the power of the microscopic world to ensure the health and productivity of the macroscopic one.
A key component of this microbial world is the plethora of microbes and bacteria that reside within the soil. Their role is indispensable, as they diligently break down organic matter, converting it into a buffet of nutrients that plants can readily assimilate. Among them, nitrogen-fixing bacteria stand out. They possess the unique ability to make atmospheric nitrogen available to plants, a crucial element for their growth. Furthermore, these beneficial organisms serve as a formidable line of defense against diseases, as they outcompete harmful pathogens, ensuring a thriving and resilient plant.
But it's not just the microscopic allies that deserve mention. Enter the predator mites, nature's very own pest control. In the delicate balance of an organic soil ecosystem, predator mites play the role of guardians. They prey on harmful pests that threaten the health and well-being of our cannabis plants. Beneficial predator mites, such as Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus persimilis, are introduced to counter nuisances like spider mites. By doing so, they maintain equilibrium in the ecosystem, ensuring the plant's health isn't compromised.
In this growing diary, we specifically turn our attention to some iconic cannabis strains: Cherry Pie, with its tantalizing aroma reminiscent of sweet and sour cherries; Girl Scout Cookies, the classic strain boasting a sweet and earthy aroma that delivers a euphoric relaxation; Wedding Cake, which, despite its delightful name, offers a powerful, tangy profile with equally compelling effects; and our custom genetics derived from a cross between OG Kush and Super Skunk, blending cerebral effects with deep relaxation.
As we journey through this diary, it will serve as a chronicle of growth stages, challenges encountered, solutions devised, and triumphs celebrated. It becomes a living testament to the incredible synergy between plants and the myriad of living organisms in the soil. Through this exploration, we aim to delve deeper into the magic of organic living soil cultivation, uncovering the wonders of these select cannabis strains along the way.
Lets get started!
Beneath the surface of our meticulously crafted living soil, within our artificial environment where atmospheric nuances are tailored to perfection, a dynamic revolution unfolds. It's here that beneficial bacteria orchestrate their decomposition ballets and fungi create subterranean highways, ensuring that every precious nutrient is directed towards our emerging marijuana sapling.
But it's not just about what's beneath the surface. Above, we've blanketed our plant with straw mulch, a strategic move to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and deter weeds. This straw cloak acts as a protective barrier, shielding the young plant from extreme conditions and conserving vital moisture. Complementing this, a cover crop stands guard, further enriching the soil by fixing nitrogen and preventing erosion. And let’s not forget our battalion of 100 worms per bin, tirelessly working beneath, enhancing soil structure and nutrient availability.
In our controlled chamber, where every element can be fine-tuned, the marijuana plant stands as a testament to harmonious collaboration—between human ingenuity, microorganisms, worms, mulch, and cover crops. In this green race, every detail counts, and we're pulling out all the stops! 🌱🚀
Always remember, when growing organically with super soil, the goal is to keep the soil robust and alive. It becomes a question of what is the soil lacking and how can we keep this soil alive through the entire cycle.
Next week, we will detail the importance of the atmosphere and what we can do to get best VPD practices. This is a synergistic dance between the soil and atmosphere. Both need to be in check for profound results.
The intricacies of plant growth extend beyond the mere act of planting a seed and watching it grow. Central to the success of any horticultural endeavor is the careful regulation of the grow environment. Dive deeper, and one finds a rich tapestry of interactions among temperature, humidity, light, soil, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), all of which collectively dictate the well-being of plants. It’s now the end of week 2!
At the heart of this environmental symphony is the importance of maintaining a consistent and favorable grow setting. A plant's environment plays an instrumental role in its health, growth, and eventual yield. By meticulously controlling variables like temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration, cultivators not only recreate a plant's natural habitat but can often enhance it, optimizing conditions for growth. It's a fine line to tread: veer off course, and one might encounter problems ranging from stunted growth to increased vulnerability to diseases. Furthermore, plants, like any living organism, undergo different life stages, from germination to flowering. Each of these stages can have distinct environmental needs, and catering to these requirements can spell the difference between a flourishing crop and a mediocre one.
But the environmental balance is more than just the air around the plants; it's deeply intertwined with the very ground they root in. Soil is not a passive, inert medium; it's a dynamic ecosystem pulsating with life—microbes, fungi, and a plethora of nutrients. The overarching grow environment profoundly influences this subterranean world. For instance, the soil's moisture balance, a direct consequence of the ambient temperature and humidity, can dictate the rate of organic matter decomposition and the subsequent release of essential nutrients. An overly moist environment might drown the roots, causing rot, while an arid one can hinder the soil from delivering nutrients, causing undue stress to the plants.
This delicate dance between plants and their environment finds its pinnacle in the concept of Vapor Pressure Deficit or VPD. A metric that captures the difference between the actual and potential moisture in the air, VPD is, in essence, the driving force behind the vital process of plant transpiration. It's this process that regulates nutrient uptake, fuels photosynthesis, and overall, keeps the plant healthy. A balanced VPD ensures that plants transpire at an optimal rate. However, deviations from the ideal can either make conditions too humid, stifling effective transpiration and making plants susceptible to mold, or too dry, causing them to shut their stomata and reduce photosynthesis.
Come back next week and we will be discussing the importance of HST/topping at the 5th node 🤗
Marijuana cultivation, like any agricultural endeavor, involves various techniques to optimize growth, yield, and potency of the plant. This is the week to make it happen! One such advanced technique is High-Stress Training (HST). HST is employed to control the growth pattern of the marijuana plant, making it more bushy rather than tall. This is beneficial for indoor growers with limited vertical space. Moreover, HST exposes more of the plant's foliage to light, which can lead to enhanced photosynthesis. This results in a plant that can produce more buds, which are denser and more potent. Given that light is a primary energy source for plants, maximizing light exposure can drastically improve the overall quality and quantity of the harvest.
Topping is a specific form of HST that involves cutting off the main stem's topmost growth. This method forces the plant to divert its energy and nutrients to the lower branches, promoting the development of multiple main colas instead of a single dominant one. By encouraging a more even canopy, topping ensures that light is distributed more uniformly across the plant. This reduces the chances of having underdeveloped buds at the lower sections of the plant due to light deprivation. Topping also curtails the plant's height, making it more manageable, especially for indoor growers with limited space.
HST and topping are integral for modern marijuana growers seeking to enhance their yields. These techniques address the spatial constraints faced by many growers and ensure that the marijuana plant receives optimal light exposure. The end goal of these methodologies is to increase yield and potency, and when done correctly, they can transform a mediocre harvest into a bountiful one. Cultivators who invest time in understanding and implementing these techniques stand to benefit significantly from their marijuana crops.
As we mark the culmination of week 4, we stand on the brink of a significant transition for our plants. This period, characterized by attentive care and meticulous cultivation, has seen our plants flourish in their vegetative stage. They have developed robust root systems and lush green foliage, which are evidence of their vitality and resilience. But in the world of plant growth, time is always of the essence. It is imperative to recognize when to shift gears and usher in the next phase. With that realization, we are poised to send these plants into their flowering stage in just a few days.
The preparations for this pivotal moment have been both detailed and extensive. Understanding the significance of this transition, we have preemptively amended the soil. Soil amendment is a cornerstone of ensuring that our plants have access to all the essential nutrients they require during the flowering stage. This period demands a different nutrient profile, with an emphasis on phosphorus and potassium, which are vital for bud development and overall flower health. Our amendments ensure that the plants won't be lacking in any crucial elements, thus setting the stage for optimal flower production.
Beyond the soil, the atmosphere in which our plants reside is equally critical. It plays a central role in determining how efficiently the plants can carry out their metabolic processes, particularly photosynthesis. Therefore, we've made the necessary adjustments to create an environment primed for 'blastoff'. By meticulously controlling factors such as temperature, humidity, and light duration, we've fostered a setting that is conducive to the onset and thriving of the flowering stage. In essence, every decision made has been in pursuit of one objective: to offer these plants the best possible conditions to blossom into their full potential. As we look forward to the weeks ahead, we anticipate a rewarding flowering phase, a testament to our diligence and the intrinsic vigor of the plants themselves.
As we venture into week one of the flowering stage, the living soil within our garden beds has already been enriched with carefully selected amendments, laying a robust foundation for our plants to thrive. Living soil is not a static entity; it's a dynamic, breathing ecosystem that needs as much care and attention as the plants it supports. At this crucial juncture, our primary responsibility is to maintain the delicate balance of this ecosystem. Watering practices continue to play a pivotal role—moisture levels are kept at an optimal level, allowing the soil to dry between watering sessions, thereby preventing saturation and promoting oxygen uptake to the roots. Such measures are not merely about quenching the plants' thirst but also about preserving the intricate web of life that exists within every handful of soil.
This web of life has indeed become more intricate with a massive explosion of predator mites that have become an integral part of our soil's community. These tiny but formidable allies are voracious predators of various pests that can threaten our plants. Their increased activity is not just a sign of a healthy ecosystem but also a natural form of pest management that reduces the need for chemical interventions. These mites, along with a host of other microorganisms, play a critical role in nutrient cycling and disease suppression, further enhancing the resilience of the plants during their flowering phase. The very life of the soil is now visibly bustling, indicating a thriving micro-ecosystem that contributes to the health of our plants.
Above and beyond these microscopic interactions, the larger creatures in our ecosystem—the worms—have begun their vital work. The 'chop and drop' cover crops and clover that were introduced earlier have now become fodder for these earthworkers. As they consume this organic matter, they are not just feeding themselves but are also processing it into rich castings, a natural fertilizer full of available nutrients for the plants. This activity does not just nourish; it aerates the soil, creating spaces for roots to expand and for air to circulate. The sight of such activity is evidence of a living soil that is not just a growing medium but a thriving ecosystem in its own right. The soil, with all its biodiversity, is an orchestra where every organism, from the tiniest mite to the diligent earthworm, plays a critical part in the symphony of growth that supports our flowering plants. As each day passes, this ecosystem draws closer to perfect harmony, bolstering the plants in their quest to bloom with vitality.
During the second week of the flowering stage in marijuana plants, significant developmental changes occur. This phase marks the transition from vegetative growth to the flowering stage, where the main focus of the plant shifts towards reproduction. The plant begins to form buds, which are the reproductive organs. These buds will eventually develop into the flowers that contain the cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, for which the plant is cultivated. The plant's energy is now primarily directed towards bud formation, with a decrease in the growth of new leaves or height.
The plant also undergoes hormonal changes during this week. There's an increase in the production of ethylene, a hormone that promotes flowering. Photoperiod-sensitive strains respond to the reduced daylight hours (or artificial light hours in indoor growing), which triggers the flowering process. Additionally, the plant's nutrient requirements change; it requires more phosphorus and potassium to support bud development, and less nitrogen than in the vegetative stage. The plant's overall metabolism increases to support these developmental changes, necessitating careful attention to watering and feeding schedules by the grower.
As we navigate through the third week of the flowering stage, our garden is on the cusp of transitioning into the pivotal end of week four. This period is characterized by significant developmental changes in the plants, where they start to exhibit the full prowess of their flowering potential. The journey so far has been marked by vigilant care and adaptation to the evolving needs of our plants. Now, as they delve deeper into the flowering phase, it is essential to reassess and recalibrate our approach to nurture them through this critical phase. Our primary focus during this time is to ensure that the plants have all they need to flourish, not just survive, as they approach the zenith of their flowering cycle.
The imminent plan includes a thorough top dressing and amending of the soil, a step crucial for bolstering the plants for peak flower production. This intervention is not just a routine addition of nutrients; it is a strategic enhancement of the soil ecosystem, tailored to meet the heightened demands of the plants during the later stages of flowering. As the plants intensify their energy towards flower development, their nutritional needs shift, necessitating a higher availability of phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements that are critical for bud formation and maturation. The top dressing will be a carefully balanced mix, designed to release these nutrients slowly and steadily, thus avoiding any shock to the plants while ensuring a consistent supply of essential resources.
This phase is also a time for a meticulous review of environmental factors such as lighting, humidity, and temperature. The conditions that were ideal during the early flowering stage might need adjustments to align with the changing needs of the plants. Ensuring the right photoperiod and light intensity is crucial as it directly influences the plants' growth patterns and flower development. Similarly, maintaining optimal humidity and temperature is vital for preventing stress and disease, which can be detrimental at this stage. The overarching goal is to create an environment that not only supports but enhances the flowering process, paving the way for the plants to reach their fullest potential.
In conclusion, as we edge towards the end of week four, our commitment to the plants intensifies. The impending soil amendment and top dressing are more than just routine care; they are a testament to our dedication to see these plants not just grow, but thrive in their flowering glory. With each passing day, we are reminded that the art of plant cultivation is a delicate balance of science and intuition, where every decision we make is a step towards realizing the full potential of these remarkable living beings.
Averynate
