Au naturale on the outer rim

RickOShea A little backfilling today to support the thin stems. Some got leggy when the seed cover was stuck. One GDP has misshapen leaves, probably water or humidity stress. I didn't leave much room to backfill one of the WW.

RickOShea The highs and lows of this GDP. I'm not worried about the little one yet, probably just a little humidity stress.

RickOShea First exposure to real sun, if only through glass. One GDP, to the left, is getting ahead with a pair of nodes starting. Next watering will be the first nutes, very dilute Neptune's Harvest.

RickOShea Just checking in

RickOShea The girls got their first direct sun today. I transplanted the leggy ones to an intermediate size pot. These ones, two WW and two GDP, are on the way to the ground. The runty GDP seems to have turned a corner.

RickOShea So I'll be following these two girls until harvest, some other plants might photobomb occasionally. I've amended the pro-mix/sheep manure medium with a dash of glacial rock dust, diatomaceous earth and bone meal. Although it's cool today, they're getting a couple hours in the sun. Hopefully the nodes will benefit from the nutrition of the soil.

RickOShea It's been cold, so the plants have been indoors for the last week. I suppose they got a good soaking on that last sunny day on the deck, I haven't watered since. Good news, if you look close at the GDP you see a fifth node. I'll be topping both plants as soon as I can leave a little stem.

RickOShea Topping finally done this morning. They got a few hours of direct sunlight this week and finally got watered again. I had to cut it short before the leaves burned. They're still young, I suppose.

RickOShea Finally back outside, the nighttime low might be high enough to leave them out for a few days. Another watering of about a litre each. Three pairs of nodes are developing well on both plants. The GDP is taking on a deep green hue. I'm looking forward to some rich colours on this one.

RickOShea Now this is what I've been waiting for. Nodes are developing well in natural sun. There's been gusting wind working the stems. The water intake reached 1.5l per watering and one day needed seconds. Overcast days like today might not let the soil dry back enough. I'm still considering a second topping for nodes 2&3. I need to decide by tomorrow, so stay tuned.

RickOShea So I'm not attempting a second topping. I'm sticking to some lst, just a gentle leaf tuck. I did, however, pull the inward facing leaves that were shading the first pair on the top nodes. I want that pair to get sun. This week we finally achieved some dry back. As you can tell, they love the long days. There's been no further discolouration from direct sunlight. Just an observation, the bottom growth on the WW and GDP is different. There's more balance top to bottom with even 1st nodes showing viability. GDPs first and second nodes are not developing well but the top tier is ace.

RickOShea This weeks pictures show progressive growth, the GDP even hides the stick with her initials. Both plants spent a few days with their top nodes tethered, but I just removed them to take it easy. They also had a little trim down below in the shade.

RickOShea I went on a trip this week and came back to 10 cm of growth in 72 hours. I've been using twine to hold branches back and have removed a bit more bottom growth. The GDP has a much more robust stem structure, just look at the symmetry.

RickOShea After rain and more coming, I'm sure they're getting more water from me next week sometime. Both have fully transitioned to alternating nodes. I don't plan on pruning anymore unless to trim larf. I'll retain leaves until they senesce or otherwise become a problem. All tethers are removed. Bring on the solstice, these girls are set!

RickOShea The solstice was good to me, both plants are transitioning to flower. Although it's hard to see in the pictures, pistils are starting to form as of the 20th. There was much rejoicing. I'm continuing to dry back as much as I can between waterings. Still no sign of deficiency yet, N,Ca Mg.

RickOShea Summer is here and so is the heat. Multiple days above 40° and two thunderstorms were visited upon the plants and they're needing more. GDP is continuing to develop pistils while the WW has paused. Not sure if it's just genetic or due to the lunar cycle. All plants are consistently flowering by strain but the moon was high in clear skies for a few nights. Scroll to the last pic. The top node of the WW has split right half in two. No fan leaf on either side, between nodes, almost equal.

RickOShea July is here and so is the humidity. I've done foliar applications of a dilute neem oil after rainfall for prevention and a little remediation. Per my previous experience, the plants are not experiencing any discernable stress. It will be at least less stressful than a fungal infestation later on. I am still unaware what could have resulted in the split on the WW. I just feel lucky for a bonus top tier cola. Intriguing that they are growing symmetrical and equally. I am now watering daily as they are aspirating like a big plant should. GDP should be near full size soon, but she's keeping up with the WW. The WW continues to pause pistil development, but is still progressing overall. A little fall weather will be good for her.

RickOShea The rain today is a refreshing change from wildfire smoke. They don't seem stressed, but they have been getting longer wavelength light this week. They officially want all the water, please send what you can.