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Week 1: Seedling Stage
Day 4 - Vegetation Begins
The seedlings have emerged from the coco substrate, showing their first set of cotyledon leaves. The environment has been carefully controlled to promote optimal growth during these early days.
Grow Conditions:
Light Schedule: 20 hours on / 4 hours off, ensuring the seedlings receive plenty of light for photosynthesis and growth without overwhelming them.
Substrate Temperature: 21°C, maintained consistently to keep the root zone comfortable.
Day Air Temperature: 24°C, an ideal range to encourage early growth.
Night Air Temperature: 22°C, slightly cooler to mimic natural conditions and prevent any shock.
Air Humidity: 70%, keeping the air moist to assist with seedling transpiration and prevent drying out.
Lamp Distance: 25 cm from the plant canopy, ensuring the seedlings receive ample light without the risk of heat stress or light burn.
pH Level: Maintained at 5.8, optimal for nutrient uptake in coco coir.
Watering:
Watering Volume: 0.2 liters per plant every 24 hours, ensuring the coco stays moist but not waterlogged, promoting strong root development.
Nutrients:
Nutrients are currently at 40% of the recommended amount, including Cal-Mag for calcium and magnesium supplementation. The diluted mix provides a balanced introduction of essential nutrients (Athena Stack and silica), supporting the seedlings without overwhelming them.
In the next 1 to 2 weeks, the nutrient concentration will be gradually increased to 60-70% based on the plants’ response, ensuring they receive the right amount to continue thriving without any nutrient burn.
Observations: The seedlings look healthy, with a vibrant green color indicating good health. The cotyledons are fully open, and the first true leaves are beginning to form, showing signs of robust development. The coco substrate is well-aerated, and no signs of overwatering or nutrient deficiency are present.
Notes:
Adjustments in light height may be needed as the seedlings grow. The goal is to keep the light close enough for strong growth without causing stress.
Monitoring air humidity is crucial during this stage; the goal is to keep it around 65-70% to support the delicate seedling leaves.
A pH meter is used to verify that nutrient uptake remains optimal.
Looking forward to seeing these seedlings establish stronger root systems as we progress into week 2.
Week 2: Early Veg Stage
Overview:
Starting Week 2 with some adjustments to the feeding regimen to promote steady growth and ensure the plants develop strong, resilient structures. This week, I’ve fine-tuned the nutrient and additive levels to match their current needs.
Feeding Details:
Silica: Added at half strength (around 3.2 ml for 5 liters) to support cell wall strengthening and improve the plants' stress tolerance. By adding silica early, I aim to help the plants develop stronger stems, which will be essential as they grow larger.
Athena Nutrients: Following the feed chart but at 70% strength for this week, mixing:
Pro Grow: 31.5 ml per 5 liters, focusing on robust vegetative growth to build a strong foundation.
Pro Core: 18.9 ml per 5 liters, ensuring a balanced nutrient profile for overall plant health.
Observations:
The plants are responding well so far. I’m noticing improved leaf turgor and a deeper green color, which indicates that the nutrient levels are well-balanced. Growth seems more vigorous compared to last week, and I can see new nodes forming consistently.
Environmental Adjustments:
Keeping the environment steady with temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) and humidity at about 60%, aiming to maintain an ideal VPD for vegetative growth. I’ve adjusted the lights to a slightly higher intensity to keep up with their growing needs.
Goals for Week 2:
Observe any signs of nutrient deficiency or excess, especially with the added silica.
Continue monitoring growth rates and adjust the feeding schedule if necessary.
Maintain optimal environmental conditions to avoid any stress during this crucial growth phase.
Overall, Week 2 is off to a solid start. The plants are showing early signs of resilience, and the adjusted feeding plan seems to be hitting the sweet spot. Looking forward to seeing how they progress by the end of the week!
Week 3 Grow Diary
Humidity: Reduced to 68% to support root health and prevent excess moisture that could lead to mold or mildew issues.
Light Intensity: Increased to 480 PPFD, promoting robust vegetative growth, including stronger leaf and root development.
Nutrients: Increased to full strength to support accelerated growth with higher light intensity. Monitor plants for signs of nutrient uptake and adjust if any nutrient burn or deficiency signs appear.
Temperature: Keep daytime temperatures around 24-26°C and nighttime temperatures between 18-20°C for optimal growth.
Watering: Check medium moisture levels and adjust watering frequency as needed, especially with full-strength nutrients now in use.
Growth Observations: Look for rapid growth, increased leaf size, and healthy root expansion as plants adapt to the full-strength nutrient solution and increased light intensity.
This setup will encourage your plants to grow vigorously in the third week. Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to focus on!
Week 4 Cannabis Growth Report
Date Range: November 10th - November 16th
Plant Age: 23-29 days (starting the 4th week)
Environmental Adjustments:
Humidity: Lowered to 60% to help balance moisture levels, especially after the recent flush, and to support the transition to the pre-flowering stage.
Light Height: Adjusted to maintain a distance of 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) above the canopy, targeting optimal light intensity without stressing the plants.
Nutrient and Watering Changes:
Flush: Performed a thorough flush to remove any potential nutrient buildup in the medium, aiming for a balanced root environment and optimal nutrient uptake.
Nutrient Strength: Reduced nutrient solution to 60% of full strength, with a target EC of 1.8 to accommodate the plants’ needs as they enter the later vegetative stage and prepare for flowering.
Watering: Allowed the medium to dry more efficiently after the flush by maintaining airflow and monitoring moisture levels.
Observations:
Plant Structure: Both plants are healthy, though one is slightly larger than the other, likely due to minor genetic variation. The leaves are vibrant green with slight drooping, which is expected post-flush and should resolve as the medium dries.
Growth Rate: The plants are progressing well with visible new growth, and adjustments in nutrient strength and environmental conditions are supporting steady development.
Next Steps:
Monitor EC Levels: Continue to check medium EC to prevent any new buildup.
Further Humidity Reduction: Prepare to lower humidity gradually as the plants approach the flowering stage in the coming weeks.
Overview:
Week 5 marks a pivotal transition as the plants move further into their flowering phase. Adjustments were made to optimize environmental conditions and nutrient profiles, ensuring the plants thrive as they build toward maximum yield and quality.
Environmental Conditions:
Light Intensity: Maintained at 540 PPFD at the canopy level, ensuring optimal energy for photosynthesis and flower development.
Temperature: Steady at 24°C, providing a stable and stress-free environment.
Humidity: Lowered to 55% to create conditions more suited to flowering and reduce the risk of mold or mildew.
VPD: Precisely maintained at 1.40, aligning with ideal parameters for this growth stage.
Key Adjustments:
Nutrients:
Transitioned from Athena Grow to Athena Bloom nutrients to cater to the plants' changing nutritional demands during flowering.
Balanced nutrient feed to ensure a seamless shift and minimize stress.
pH Optimization:
Adjusted pH from 5.9 to 6.0, promoting better uptake of essential nutrients, particularly calcium and magnesium, as the plants enter the blooming phase.
Humidity Management:
Lowered to 55% to encourage flowering hormone production and reduce moisture-related risks.
Plant Health:
Plants are visibly responding well to the adjustments:
Improved leaf color: The foliage appears healthier and a richer green, a sign of better nutrient absorption.
Vigorous growth: Bud sites are developing steadily, indicating the transition is on track.
Action Plan:
Closely monitor nutrient uptake, pH, and EC to fine-tune the feeding regimen.
Continue observing plant response to the environmental changes.
Consider a slight increase in light intensity if plants show no signs of light stress.
Prepare for potential defoliation to enhance airflow and light penetration as buds grow denser.
Summary: Week 5 has been about refining conditions and ensuring a smooth transition into the flowering stage. With adjustments to nutrients, pH, and humidity, the plants are showing clear signs of progress. The focus remains on sustaining optimal growth and addressing any needs as they arise. 🌱✨
Week 6 Cannabis Cultivation Diary Entry
Growth Stage:
Week 6 of Flowering (Autoflowers).
Plants are progressing into mid-to-late flowering, focusing on bud bulking and resin production.
Environmental Conditions:
Temperature:
Maintained at 24°C consistently.
Humidity:
Lowered to 55% to prevent mold and improve resin production.
VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit):
Optimized at 1.40, promoting efficient nutrient uptake and transpiration.
Light Intensity:
Increased to 720 PPFD at the canopy. This adjustment aims to maximize bud development and resin production during this critical flowering stage.
Feeding Details:
EC Input:
Nutrient strength maintained at 2.4 EC with a plan to monitor and potentially increase if plants continue to uptake aggressively.
Athena Nutrients Used:
Athena Core: 62 ml per 10 liters.
Athena Bloom: 88 ml per 10 liters.
PK Booster: 25 ml per 10 liters to enhance flowering nutrients.
Athena Stack (Silica): 15 ml per 10 liters for plant structure and stress resistance.
Cal-Mag: 55 ml per 10 liters to prevent deficiencies in coco.
Athena Cleanse: 30 ml per 10 liters for root zone health and to reduce salt buildup.
pH: Adjusted to 6.1 to optimize phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) uptake during this stage.
Watering Schedule:
Watering 5 liters per 5-gallon fabric pot, ensuring full saturation but observing no runoff initially. Adjustments made:
Additional watering to achieve 10–15% runoff for salt management.
Monitoring coco moisture levels with the Blue Lab Pulse Meter, ensuring it stays above 50–60%.
Moisture Levels:
Pre-watering moisture: 40%, indicating the need to adjust watering frequency and ensure coco doesn’t dry out excessively.
Plant Observations:
Bud Development:
Buds are visibly bulking, with improved density and trichome production.
Plants are responding well to the nutrient regimen, showing no signs of stress or deficiencies.
Leaf Health:
Lower fan leaves are naturally fading, signaling proper nutrient uptake and utilization.
No tip burn or discoloration, confirming the EC levels are well-balanced.
Adjustments Made:
Light Intensity Increased:
Lights are now set to 720 PPFD, optimizing the energy available to plants for enhanced bud bulking and resin production.
Monitoring plants for signs of light stress or burn.
Runoff Management:
Increased watering volume to achieve proper runoff, maintaining root zone balance.
Monitoring and Testing:
Consistently checking runoff EC and pH to prevent salt buildup and nutrient lockout:
Runoff EC target: 2.2–2.6 EC.
Runoff pH target: 5.8–6.2.
Measured coco EC directly with the Blue Lab Pulse Meter to ensure sufficient nutrient levels throughout the day.
Next Steps for Week 7:
Gradually Increase Light Intensity:
If plants respond well, consider increasing light to 750–800 PPFD to further enhance bud development.
Evaluate Nutrient Uptake:
If coco EC drops significantly below 1.5 EC by the end of the day, consider increasing input EC slightly to 2.5–2.6.
Continue with Athena Cleanse:
Use at every watering to maintain a clean root zone and prevent salt accumulation.
Prepare for Late Flowering:
Monitor trichome development closely to plan the flush schedule.
Summary of Week 6:
Focus: Bud bulking, resin production, and maintaining optimal conditions.
Successes: Plants are thriving with healthy foliage, stable nutrient uptake, and excellent bud development.
Adjustments: Light intensity increased to 720 PPFD, ensured proper runoff, optimized moisture levels, and pH adjusted to suit mid-to-late flowering nutrient needs.
Week 6: Late Flowering Development
Overview
Stage: Late flowering
Focus: Bud bulking, resin, and terpene production
Environmental Conditions:
Temperature: 24°C (day), 20°C (night)
Humidity: 50–55%
VPD: 1.4 kPa (stable, controlled by AI AC system)
Light Intensity: 720 PPFD
Nutrients:
Feeding at 2.2–2.5 EC with Athena Pro Line nutrients:
Pro Core: 36 mL/10 L
Pro Bloom: 60 mL/10 L
Cal-Mag: 40 mL/10 L
Silica (Athena Stack): 15 mL/10 L
Cleanse: 30 mL/10 L
Adjusted pH to 6.1 to optimize nutrient uptake.
Watering:
8 liters per plant, twice daily (morning and evening), with 10–15% runoff.
Plant Observations:
Buds are visibly swelling and firming up.
Trichomes are increasing, giving a frosty appearance.
Leaves showed slight discoloration earlier in the week due to nutrient adjustments but improved after balancing EC and pH.
Runoff EC dropped to 1.8 EC, indicating strong nutrient uptake.
Adjusted light height and intensity to avoid light stress.
Actions Taken:
Increased PK nutrients to enhance bud development.
Gradually lowered humidity from 55% to 50% to avoid mold in dense buds.
Light defoliation was performed to improve light penetration and airflow.
Start of Week 7: Preparing for Peak Bud Bulking
Overview
Stage: Transitioning to ripening phase
Focus: Maximizing bud density and resin production
Environmental Conditions:
Temperature: 23–24°C (day), 20°C (night)
Humidity: Reduced to 45–50%
VPD: Maintained at 1.4 kPa
Light Intensity: Increased slightly to 750–780 PPFD
Nutrients:
Continued feeding at 2.2 EC:
Pro Core: 36 mL/10 L
Pro Bloom: 60 mL/10 L
Cal-Mag: 40 mL/10 L
Silica (Athena Stack): 15 mL/10 L
Cleanse: 30 mL/10 L
Preparing for potential EC increase to 2.4 if nutrient uptake remains high.
pH raised to 6.2 to aid phosphorus and potassium uptake.
Plant Observations:
Pistils are 60–70% white, with some beginning to darken and curl inward.
Trichome production is high, with a mix of clear and cloudy trichomes.
Buds are becoming noticeably denser, with increased terpene aromas.
Runoff EC stabilized at 2.0 EC, indicating balanced nutrient uptake.
Actions Planned:
Continue maintaining VPD at 1.4 kPa through the AI AC system.
Gradual adjustments to lower humidity to 45% toward the end of the week.
Monitor trichomes closely for ripening progress.
Monitor runoff EC daily and adjust nutrient levels as needed to avoid deficiencies.
Key Notes
Plants are progressing well, with no major signs of stress.
Anticipate a potential increase in water demand and nutrient uptake as bud bulking peaks.
Maintain focus on preventing mold through airflow management and controlled humidity.
uring week 7, your cannabis plants experienced the following:
Light Intensity: Increased to 720 PPFD at the top of the canopy to optimize photosynthesis during the peak flowering stage.
Humidity Adjustment: Lowered to 55% RH to prevent mold and improve bud development.
Nutrient Change: Continued with Athena Bloom nutrients to support flowering.
pH Stabilization: Maintained a pH of 6.0 in coco coir, resulting in healthier-looking plants with improved coloration.
Environmental Stability: Temperature held steady at 24°C with a VPD of 1.40, ideal for flowering.
These changes contributed to better bud density, healthier plants, and optimal growth conditions.
As you enter Week 9 of your cannabis grow, this is typically the ripening phase for many autoflowers or photoperiod strains with shorter flowering periods. Here’s how to manage your plants effectively and integrate the use of Athena Fade if applicable:
Key Focus Areas
Trichome Inspection
Monitor trichome development to determine harvest readiness. Look for milky trichomes transitioning to amber, which indicates peak THC potency.
Use a jeweler's loupe or digital microscope for accuracy.
Nutrient Adjustments
If using Athena Fade, introduce it into your feeding schedule. This product helps to reduce nitrogen, enhance terpene profiles, and improve the quality of the final yield.
Gradually decrease other nutrients to encourage the plant to use its stored resources, leading to a smoother smoke.
Watering
Reduce watering slightly to avoid excessive moisture in the root zone, which can lead to root rot during this critical stage.
Ensure runoff is minimal to maintain optimal coco EC levels.
Environmental Controls
Temperature: Maintain around 24°C during the day and allow slight nighttime drops to mimic natural autumn conditions.
Humidity: Lower to 50-45% to reduce the risk of mold and improve resin production.
Lighting: Keep lights at a high PPFD (700–900), but ensure proper distance to avoid bleaching or heat stress.
Support for Heavy Buds
Use stakes, ties, or netting to support colas as they bulk up during these final weeks.
Using Athena Fade
Athena Fade is designed to optimize flavor, aroma, and overall quality. Here’s how to integrate it:
Timing: Start using Fade in the nutrient solution at the beginning of Week 9 (or when 10–14 days from harvest).
Dosage: Follow the recommended guidelines from Athena for your setup. Typically, this involves adding Fade to your water or nutrient solution at full strength.
Goal: It helps to clear out excess nutrients (especially nitrogen) and enhances senescence, where plants naturally fade in color.
Observations to Record
Color Changes: Leaves may start yellowing naturally as nutrients are depleted.
Trichome Status: Log daily observations of trichome colors.
Aroma and Resin: Note any increase in terpene intensity and resin stickiness.