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In this grow I'll challenge a GPT that's a specialized horticulturist. Each of us gets a clone of the same strain and we foster them with our own care plans. I will provide daily image updates to the model so it can improve on it's plan on the way. I will add water and nutrients, top/prune as the model says. At the end we will compare the yield - which will decide who wins the challenge.
We will do the same with two Blueberry clones.
I also happen to have a slightly older Tropicanna Banana which we will foster together. This should do for a good first study.
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These are the overview information about Gelato#1 for the first week:
4. Gelato #1
Condition: Smaller, indicating a need for more focused care.
Advice:
- Watering: Ensure consistent moisture and avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Nutrients: Start with a balanced nutrient mix, monitoring for any signs of stress. Gradually increase nutrient concentration as it grows.
- Support: Use stakes or a small cage to support the plant as it grows taller.
- Training: Use LST to encourage even growth and better light distribution.
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Here are the first instructions for Gelato#1 the AI wants me to follow:
Gelato #1
Current Condition
Smaller, indicating a need for more focused care.
Detailed Care Plan
Weeks 1-4 (Vegetative Stage):
LST:
Start: Begin LST around the 3rd week. Gently bend the main stem.
Tying Down: Spread out side branches as they grow.
Pruning:
Lower Branches: Remove any shaded lower branches.
Topping: Top after 4-6 sets of leaves to promote bushier growth.
Nutrients:
Mix: Use NPK 5-2-5 at 2 ml per liter of water.
Frequency: Every 3 days.
Weeks 5-6 (Transition Stage):
LST: Maintain an even canopy by tying down new growth.
Pruning: Remove large leaves that block light to lower buds.
Nutrients:
Mix: Combine NPK 5-2-5 and NPK 2-5-8 in a 1:1 ratio.
Dosage: 2 ml per liter of water.
Frequency: Every 3 days.
Weeks 7-12+ (Flowering Stage):
LST: Adjust ties to ensure all buds receive light.
Pruning: Defoliate larger leaves that shade buds.
Nutrients:
Mix: Use NPK 2-5-8 at 2 ml per liter of water.
Frequency: Every 3 days.
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And these are the specific instructions for the first week:
Day | Task | Details
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1 | Watering | Water with NPK 5-2-5 nutrient mix (2 ml/L). Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged.
2 | Monitoring | Check soil moisture. Adjust watering if necessary.
3 | LST Preparation | Identify the main stem and gently start bending it. Secure with soft string or pipe cleaner.
4 | Watering | Water with plain water if soil is dry.
5 | Pruning | Remove any lower leaves that are touching the soil.
6 | Monitoring | Check for signs of stress or pests. Adjust LST ties if needed.
7 | Watering | Water with NPK 5-2-5 nutrient mix (2 ml/L).
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In this week the challenge between me and the AI ended unfortunately. Gelato#1 died due to unforseen weather events. We tried to help it but the main stem broke (even with supports) and bringing it inside was already too late.
I will continue the diary anyway but without the challenge. I will foster the remaining Gelato#2 with the help of the AI. I already ordered new plants to start a new challenge in time - they should arrive within the next week. I will start a new diary for the Gorilla Skittlez challenge and the Blueberry Challenge is still going.
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This week is a little different, because after accessing the new images I made of Gelato#1 it said the following:
This plant is Gelato #1.
Condition Assessment
Visual Observations:
Leaves:
The leaves appear to be significantly curled and wilted.
There is noticeable damage to the leaves, including some discoloration.
Stem:
The stem looks weak and is not standing upright, indicating severe stress or damage.
Potential Issues and Recommendations
Environmental Stress:
Observation: The plant appears to be under severe stress, possibly due to high temperatures, strong sunlight, or wind exposure.
Action: Provide immediate shade to protect the plant from direct sunlight. If possible, move it to a less exposed area temporarily.
Watering:
Observation: The soil looks moist, which is good, but overwatering combined with high temperatures can lead to root issues.
Action: Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid watering for a day to see if the plant recovers.
Nutrient Burn:
Observation: The damage to the leaves could also be indicative of nutrient burn from too strong a nutrient solution.
Action: Flush the soil with plain water to help dilute any excess nutrients. This can help prevent further nutrient burn.
General Health:
Observation: The overall condition of the plant is poor, and it may be struggling to recover from transplant shock or environmental stress.
Action: Provide gentle care, monitor closely, and avoid any additional stressors like LST until the plant shows signs of recovery.
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After this it gave me a detailed instruction:
Day | Task | Details
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3 (Saturday) | Provide Shade | Move the plant to a shaded area or provide a shade cloth to protect from direct sunlight.
3 (Saturday) | Watering | Avoid watering today to prevent further stress.
4 (Sunday) | Monitoring | Check the soil moisture. If dry, water lightly with plain water.
5 (Monday) | Flush Soil | If the plant is not recovering, flush the soil with plain water to dilute excess nutrients.
6 (Tuesday) | Monitoring | Check for signs of recovery. Avoid any additional stressors.
7 (Wednesday) | Gentle Care | Continue to provide shade and monitor soil moisture. Water lightly if needed.
8 (Thursday) | Nutrient Solution | If the plant shows signs of recovery, resume a light nutrient mix (NPK 2-5-8, 1 ml/L).
9 (Friday) | Monitoring | Continue monitoring and adjust care as needed based on the plant's response.
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A day later I updated it with more pictures (Day 09) and it's response was:
It looks like Gelato #1 is in severe distress. The plant is significantly wilted and appears to have suffered from both heat and possibly dehydration. However, there's still a chance to save it with some careful attention and care. Here's a step-by-step recovery plan:
Immediate Actions for Recovery
1. Move Indoors:
- Given the plant's condition, it is critical to move it indoors immediately to a more controlled environment.
- Place it in a location with indirect light and good air circulation.
2. Watering:
- Hydrate Gently: If the soil is dry, water the plant gently with plain water to moisten the soil. Do not saturate it; the goal is to rehydrate the plant gradually.
- Mist the Leaves: Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves lightly. This can help reduce transpiration stress and provide some immediate moisture.
3. Environmental Control:
- Humidity: Increase humidity around the plant by placing a clear plastic bag or a dome over it to create a mini greenhouse effect. Make sure to leave some gaps for air circulation to prevent mold.
- Temperature: Keep the temperature stable and avoid exposing the plant to drafts or sudden temperature changes.
4. Reduce Light Intensity:
- Place the plant in a spot where it will receive indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight until the plant shows signs of recovery.
Additional Tips
- Handling: Handle the plant very gently to avoid further stress or damage.
- Light: Ensure the plant receives some light indoors, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent shock.
- Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity indoors to prevent the plant from drying out.
Long-Term Considerations
- Soil Health: Ensure the soil remains well-draining and not compacted. Lightly aerate the soil if necessary to improve root oxygenation.
- Root Health: If the plant doesn't show signs of recovery, consider carefully checking the root system for rot or other issues.
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After placing it indoors and building the greenhouse the AI suggested, I posted images to which the AI responded (I left the first sentence to amphesize on how good the image recognition works):
Great job setting up a controlled environment for Gelato #1! This mini greenhouse effect with the plastic bag should help maintain humidity and reduce stress on the plant.
Monitoring and Adjustments
- Ventilation: Ensure there are small openings in the plastic bag for air circulation to prevent mold. You can adjust the size of the openings if needed.
- Temperature: Keep the plant in a stable temperature environment, avoiding drafts or direct heat sources.
- Humidity: Maintain a humid environment inside the plastic bag but watch for any signs of mold or mildew. Mist the leaves lightly if needed to keep them hydrated.
- Support: Check the stake and ties regularly to ensure the plant is supported but not constricted.
- Soil Moisture:Water lightly as needed based on the soil moisture level. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Signs of Improvement to Look For
- Leaf Turgor: Leaves starting to firm up and hold their shape.
- New Growth: Any new leaves or stems emerging.
- Overall Stability: The plant standing more upright without much assistance.
Long-Term Considerations
- Root Health: If the plant starts to recover, consider checking the root system in a week or two to ensure there are no signs of rot or damage.
- Gradual Reintroduction: Once the plant shows signs of recovery, gradually reintroduce it to its outdoor environment, starting with shaded areas and increasing light exposure slowly.
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Gelato#2 is adapting to the LST, the nutrients and the weather. Not much to tell here. The nutrition values remain unchanged. AI wants to experiment with mixing nutrients. Maybe I will post an update by the end of this week again.
These are the overview information about Gelato#2 for this week from the AI
Gelato #2 Plant Update
Observation:
- Health: Gelato #2 appears healthy with vibrant green leaves.
- Growth: The plant is showing good structure and healthy leaf development.
Care Plan for Gelato #2
LST (Low-Stress Training):
- Continue LST: Maintain the current LST setup to promote even light exposure and horizontal growth.
- Adjustments: Regularly check and adjust the ties to prevent them from cutting into the plant. Spread the branches out further to encourage bushier growth and more bud sites.
Nutrient Schedule:
Nutrients: Continue with the current regimen of NPK 5-2-5 for vegetative growth.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: NPK 5-2-5 at 1 ml/L
- Friday: NPK 2-5-8 at 0.5 ml/L
- Sunday: Water with plain water to flush excess salts
Watering:
- Frequency: Water the plant when the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry. This usually means every 2-3 days in warm weather.
- Amount: Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Monitoring:
- Leaf Health: Continue monitoring for any signs of nutrient burn or deficiencies.
- Pest Control: Regularly inspect for pests and treat if necessary.
- Growth Tracking: Measure and record the plant’s growth weekly to adjust care as needed.
Summary of Next Steps:
- Continue LST: Adjust ties weekly to maintain a horizontal growth pattern.
- Follow Nutrient Schedule: Alternate between the two nutrient solutions and flush with plain water.
- Regular Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture.
- Monitor Plant Health: Check for signs of stress or nutrient issues and adjust care as needed.
Specific Instructions for Gelato #2:
Light Exposure:
- Duration: Ensure Gelato #2 receives at least 18 hours of light daily. Given its location on the balcony, ensure it gets the maximum possible sunlight.
Nutrient Balance:
Why it’s Important:
- NPK 5-2-5: This formulation is balanced for vegetative growth, providing ample nitrogen for leaf and stem development.
- NPK 2-5-8: This formulation supports root development and prepares the plant for the transition to flowering.
LST Techniques:
- Method: Use soft ties to gently pull branches horizontally.
- Goal: Create an even canopy to maximize light penetration and air circulation.
Environmental Conditions Check:
- Weather Forecast: [myLocation] weather for the upcoming week is critical. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or strong winds. Use a parasol or temporary cover if needed.
- Temperature: Ideal daytime temperatures for cannabis during the vegetative stage are between 20-30°C.
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And these are the specific instructions for this week (somehow the AI changed the format a little...):
Day | Action
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Monday | Adjust LST ties
Tuesday | NPK 5-2-5 at 1 ml/L
Wednesday | Monitor for pests and nutrient deficiencies
Thursday | Adjust LST ties
Friday | NPK 2-5-8 at 0.5 ml/L
Saturday | Water with plain water
Sunday | Monitor plant growth and overall health
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I switched from BioTabs to GreenHouse Mineral Grow and got some new equipment to measure water pH / EC and soil pH. This helped me to identify some deficiencies that I could manage over time. I will put exact values in my descriptions. I may add a graph or something at the end of the grow to visualize all values over time per plant.
Nothing much to tell here except everything is growing well since I started using mineral fertilizer. The leaves are getting darker and bigger and I can see more progress per day.
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Identification
This plant is Gelato #2.
Assessment
Condition: The plant appears healthy with vibrant green leaves. There are no visible signs of nutrient deficiency or pest damage.
Growth Stage: The plant is in the early vegetative stage, showing good initial growth and development.
Planting Timeline
Initial Planting: Planted within the last few weeks.
Time Since Planting: Approximately 3-4 weeks in the ground.
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These are the detailed information based on the pictures:
Condition Assessment
Visual Observations
Leaves:
- The leaves are broad and green, indicating good health.
- No signs of nutrient deficiency or pest damage.
Growth:
- The plant is developing well, with a strong central stem and new growth emerging.
Potential Issues and Recommendations
Watering:
- Observation: Consistent watering with pH-adjusted water (recently used pH 6.2 and 6.4).
- Action: Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Nutrients:
- Observation: Fertilized with mineral nutrients and molasses.
- Action: Maintain the current nutrient schedule. Monitor for any signs of nutrient burn or deficiency and adjust the dosage accordingly. The addition of molasses should help with nutrient uptake and microbial activity in the soil.
Plant Training:
- Observation: Gelato #2 has undergone some LST (Low-Stress Training).
- Action: Continue adjusting LST ties to ensure even canopy development. Ensure the main stem and branches are well supported to prevent breakage.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Observation: No visible signs of pests or diseases.
- Action: Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pests or diseases. Use preventative measures such as neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
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And these are the specific instructions for this week:
Day | Task | Details
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1 | Watering | Water with pH 6.3 water with nutrients (4g of Grow additives per 7L water).
2 | Monitoring | Check soil moisture. Adjust watering if necessary.
3 | LST Adjustment | Adjust LST ties to ensure even canopy development.
4 | Watering | Water with pH 6.3 water with nutrients (4g of Grow additives per 7L water).
5 | Pruning | Remove any lower leaves that are touching the soil.
6 | Monitoring | Check for signs of stress or pests. Adjust LST ties if needed.
7 | Watering | Water with pH 6.3 water with nutrients (4g of Grow additives per 7L water).
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CleverGrows
