Durban Poison CO grow 2026

bkickstand Week 2 - The girls are coming up strong. Reaching for the lamps and filling out its true leaves. Cotylenas are still present, so no nutrients yet. 50mL water each day (its dry here in CO). I still have them under a grow lamp 18 hours a day, mimicking the sun the best I can. The ph was testing at 6.8 through runoff. So I mixed some new water and lemon juice. Tested the water before watering at 5.8. I might consider adjusting water to 60mL this week for 1, 4 and 5. DP6 I will keep at 50mL for this week. Let's hope for some better growth in DP6. I have also started some merigold seeds. They are supposed to keep pests and bugs away. A fun little side journey; I am testing the genetics of these seeds. Some seeds were harvested from a yellow marigold, and some were harvested from a orange marigold. Will the genes pass down? Check back in to find out!

bkickstand Week 3: Growing, growing, growing! The girls are getting big and strong. DP1 is at 76mm. Their cotylena's are yellowing and shriveled up. Time to start nutrients! I used Foop organic biosciences nutrients. Week 3 I used 20mL/gal of veg 1 and 2. 5 mL/gal of sweetener. Plus 5 mL/gal of seakelp for root growth. Looking good so far. I will be getting a moisture meter this week to keep an eye on moisture levels. Also this coming week, I will pop my Northern Lights autoflower. Then the journal entries will get fun. I decided to pull hooks from DP1 and 4. I will start their LST when they get transplanted into 10 gal potting bags. Watch for some serious growth in week 4! Marigold update: I planted more seeds in cups to start a few more marigolds. Both "orange" and "yellow" have sprouted and are coming up strong. They recieved a dose of nutrients today (4/3) and seakelp regularly.

bkickstand Week 4: still doing well. All but 1 plant lost its cotylenas. But I may have started to much to fast as far as nutrients. If you look closely, a couple leaf tips are yellowing and "burning". Eeks, not good. I found out that Durban Poispn likes an easy start to the nutrientrients. But just wait for it. Because of its tendency to grow quickly and stretch, it will become certainly more hungry throughout its Veg cycle. With that being said, topping and LST will be really important. All the girls (except DP6, or Runt, have about 3 nodes. Once I get to 5 nodes, I will be topping for the first time. I measures the girth of the stock. They read as follows: DP1 girth at 2.02mm DP4 girth at 1.4mm DP5 girth at 1.6mm Wattering amount increased slighly: DP1 80mL DP4 60mL DP5 60mL Nutrients went up a bit, but I will back my days of feeding to just 1 day per week (Friday, or "diary day" as it's been come be known Veg 1: 30mL/gal Veg 2: 30mL/gal Sweetener: 10mL/gal Seakelp: 5mL/gal And now, look for my CO Northern Lights Auto outdoor grow 2026 disry. See ya over there! -Keep growing and stay mindful. ✌️ Marigold update: the flower were transplanted outside. They are looking really good, and are now getting their leaf definition. Not too long until the girls transplant outside. Still almost too cold here at night.

bkickstand Week 5: The little ladies have moved into new digs (except the runt. She still resides in her little red solo. Her next home will be the 10 gallon potting bags. DP1,4 and 5 have all been moved to 6 inch potting containers with new potting mix. I know Miracle Grow potting mix isn't great. But it's what is available in the sticks. I started seeing some yellowing in the leaves of 1 and 4. I decided they were nutrient hungry because the cotykedons had shriveled and fallen off. The DP's forever home will eventually be a 25 gal potting bag. Plenty of room for those roots to stretch! Im expecting a good size plant. I'm not going for height. But with the growth capability, topping and training should be fruitful. If you look at the photo, you can see the progression of size the plants will go through, ending in the 25 gal bags. With the new containers and dirt, watering had increased to about 260mL per pot. Runt is still getting 60mL. I will be trying something. 4 plants = 2 trellis and 2 tie down methods. All 4 will get topped. Lets see what happens! Marigolds update: they went through a touch of shock moving to their forever homes. But I think they are coming back around. Keep close to find out what color they come up! -Keep growing and stay mindful. ✌️

bkickstand Grow Diary: Durban Poison Girls (Week 6) Dates: April 17 – April 23, 2026 Status: Vegetative Stage Overview The girls (DP1, DP4, DP5, and DP6) are looking robust and vibrant as they hit their stride in Week 6. The foliage is a healthy, deep green, and the stem strength has significantly improved this week. We are maintaining a strong indoor environment while watching the Easter Colorado weather closely to time their move to the deck. Weekly Environmental Log The weather was a bit of a rollercoaster this week. While indoor temps remained stable, the external conditions impacted humidity and light intensity coming through the windows. • Temp/Humidity: Consistent indoor temps at 22°C–24°C. Humidity was slightly lower this week due to the breezy outdoor conditions, requiring a bit more frequent misting to keep the "Sweetener" uptake optimal. • Weather Highlight: April 17 was quite chilly (5.5°C), but by the 20th, we saw a beautiful spike to 26°C. The girls enjoyed the extra natural light boost from the back porch windows during those sunny afternoons. Feeding & Maintenance We stayed the course with the organic regimen this week to ensure no nutrient lockout before the big transplant. • Nutrients: Half strength FOOP Veg and Sweetener administered on Tuesday (April 21). • Watering: Soil was drying out faster this week as the root systems expanded. Switched to a slightly heavier watering volume to ensure the 50/50 soil blend stayed moist but well-aerated. Plant Observations • DP1 & DP5: Showing the most vertical growth. Might need a final top above the fourth node if they continue to stretch toward the light panel before Mother's Day. • DP4: Very bushy! The LST is creating a nice wide structure that will fill out the 25-gallon fabric bag perfectly. • Pest Control: The African marigold seedlings are coming along nicely—no signs of fungus gnats or mites on the Durban girls. Upcoming for Week 7 • Prepare the 25-gallon fabric bags with the 50/50 Miracle-Gro mix. • Monitor overnight lows; we are still about three weeks out from the safe "after Mother's Day" transplant date. • Begin checking the "Garden" calendar for hardening-off windows.

bkickstand Grow Diary: Durban Poison (Week 7 – Early Veg The Overview It has been a busy 7 days for the Durban Poison. As we move deeper into the veg stage, this Sativa heritage is really starting to show its personality. Daily Breakdown Day | Observations & Actions | Day 29 | DP1's first top, i noticed a significant vertical jump. Tucked the tallest fan leaves to ensure light reaches the lower bud sites. Day 30 Feeding Day. Stayed with a light veg nutrient profile. Day 31 | Light LST training. Used some sheethed solid wire to help hold out and dowm. Day 32 | The "stretch" continues. Adjusted the LED panel up. Day 33 | The plant is looking exceptionally healthy with a vibrant, lime-green hue. Day 34 | Plain pH-balanced water (6.3 pH}) to prevent salt buildup from the previous nutrient feed. | Day 35 | Checking runoff. pH levels are stable. The canopy is level and the stacking of the nodes looks tight and promising. Key Metrics Temperature: 24°C (Day) / 19°C (Night) Humidity (RH): 45% – 50% Light Cycle: 18/6 Height Gain: 30 mm this week Grower’s Notes The Durban is definitely a thirsty girl right now. I’m noticing she drinks her pot dry about 24 hours faster than the other DPC girls. I’ll need to keep a close eye on the soil moisture over the next week to avoid any drooping. No signs of pests or deficiencies—just pure, vigorous Sativa growth." Next Week’s Plan Monitor for any light burn as they harden off outdoors prepping for the Big Mother's Day transplant to the spacious 25-gallon bags

bkickstand Grow Diary: Week 8 – Training and Sunlight Transitions The Durban Poison quartet is hitting its stride this week. Looking at the latest photos and video, it’s clear that the training regimen is paying off. The focus of Week 8 has been "Low Stress, High Reward" as the plants prepare for their final move. Plant Progress: Structural Integrity The visual profile of DP1, DP4, DP5, and DP6 is looking fantastic. The foliage is a thick, vibrant green, and the node spacing is tight, indicating they are getting optimal light levels. Training Technique: The colored LST stakes (red, yellow, and green) are doing a great job of pulling the main stems and secondary branches down. This is creating a level canopy, ensuring that no single "top" is hogging all the sun. Leaf Profile:You can really see those classic Sativa fan leaves coming in—long, slender fingers that are starting to overlap. Root Health:** The main stalks are thickening up nicely, showing good woody strength that will be necessary once they are in the larger 25-gallon bags. The "Defensive Perimeter" Status** The video and photos show the African Marigolds are making great progress in their Solo cups. Current State: They are showing multiple sets of true leaves and look ready for their supporting role. Placement: Having them staged right next to the DP plants on the deck ensures they are already familiarizing themselves with the local environment before the big transplant. The Indoor/Outdoor Rotation The photos highlight the flexibility of the current setup. Sun Chasing: The plants were captured both under the supplemental indoor lighting and out on the deck. This "hardening off" process is crucial for preventing leaf scorch when they eventually move outside full-time. Mobility: The use of the various pots and the proximity to the garden furniture shows how easy it is to shuffle these girls around to catch the best rays or find shelter from the wind. Observations & Nutrition The soil looks well-aerated with a healthy amount of wood-based organic matter. The plants aren't showing any signs of "clawing" or nutrient burn, which means the current organic feeding schedule is hitting the "sweet spot." Next Steps: 1. The Big Move: All eyes are on the upcoming transplant. The plants are definitely reaching the limit of their current containers. 2. Monitoring: Keep an eye on the LST stakes; as the stems thicken, we’ll want to ensure the wire isn't cutting into the "skin" of the stalks. 3. Hydration: With the plants getting larger and the Colorado air staying dry, we'll be watching the soil moisture closely to ensure the microbes stay happy. -Keep growing and stay mindful ✌️

bkickstand Week 9: Transitioning and Training The Durban Poison photoperiods are officially settling into their long-term homes and showing some impressive vigor. After the successful transplant into the 25-gallon fabric pots, the root systems are clearly enjoying the extra breathing room. This week is all about managing that explosive growth and setting a solid foundation for the structure of the plants. #Environmental Conditions Location: Outdoor Deck Climate: High plains (Variable temperatures and shifting winds) Sunlight: Full sun (approx. 14+ hours of daylight) Garden Updates & Maintenance The focus this week has shifted from recovery to Low Stress Training (LST). Given how tall this Sativa-dominant landrace can get, keeping the canopy managed is a priority.Train: Implementing a DIY bamboo trellis system. I’m gently pulling the main branches outward to encourage lateral growth and ensure better airflow through the center of the plant. Irrigation: The dual-timer manifold is up and running. The custom-drilled hoses are delivering a consistent soak, which is crucial as the Colorado sun starts to intensify. Nutrients:Sticking with the **FOOP Organic** regimen. The leaves are a deep, healthy green with no signs of transplant shock or nutrient burn. Pest Management: The **African Marigolds** are positioned as sentinels around the fabric bags. So far, the companion planting is doing its job—no signs of mites or aphids. Observations The nodal spacing is starting to stretch slightly, which is expected for Durban Poison. The stalks are thickening up nicely, becoming sturdy enough to handle the afternoon gusts. Plans for Week 10 * Continue adjusting the ties on the LST setup. * Monitor for any early signs of "the stretch."

bkickstand Week 10: Post-Transplant Recovery, Storm Shielding & DP6 Explodes! Growth Stage: Vegetative Strains: Durban Poison (DP1 DP4 DP5 DP6) ​🌿 Week Recap & Overview ​What a massive and busy week for the Durban crew. We kicked things off with a major milestone over Mother's Day weekend, executing the big transplant project to move the main Durban Poison quartet into their massive, permanent 25-gallon containers. It required mixing up a mountain of soil and some serious muscle to get all that custom 50/50 potting and organic garden soil blend ready, but the squad knocked it out perfectly. ​ Just as the girls were settling into their new shoes, the High Plains threw a classic wrench in the gears with a heavy May storm. We immediately pivoted into full frost-protection protocol. Thanks to the custom DIY furniture dollies, we were able to keep those heavy 25-gallon stations mobile. We bundled them down with sheets, lined them with hot water bottles for ambient heat, and shielded them securely from the elements. ​The strategy paid off beautifully. The plants survived the storm completely unscathed, showing incredible resilience. ​📐 Growth & Development ​The Comeback Queen (DP6): The absolute highlight of the week. DP6 has officially shed the "runt" title and undergone a massive growth spurt. She has charged right up to the front line and is now running as one of the true leaders of the pack! ​DP5: Sitting strong and vibrant at 11 inches tall. Her canopy is lush, tight, and pushing out healthy, wide fan leaves with great node spacing. ​The 25-Gallon Quartet (DP1 DP4 DP5 and DP6): Recovering beautifully from the transplant and weather stress. The root systems are already exploring their massive new footprint, and the main stalks are thickening up nicely. ​🛠️ Garden Upgrades & Routine ​Irrigation: The DIY dual-timer irrigation manifold is fully built and ready to rock. The custom-drilled hose rings are set up for individual zones, which is going to make dialing in moisture levels for those massive 25-gallon pots an absolute breeze. ​Nutrients & IPM: Sticking to the organic regimen, utilizing FOOP organic nutrients, Veg/Sweetener formulas, and sea kelp tonics to help them bounce back from transplant shock and the cold snap. The African Marigold "security team" is strategically placed and on high alert to keep whiteflies and aphids away from the fresh new growth. Update: every place of serenity needs a name. Welcome to "The Oasis Project"

bkickstand The Oasis Project | Week 11: Veg Strain: Durban Poison Quartet (DP1, DP4, DP5, and DP6) Container: 25-Gallon Fabric Bags (Elevated on wheeled dollies) Method: Organic Soil / DIY Automated Halo Irrigation Overview & Environment We have officially crossed into Week 11 of vegetative growth, and the backyard deck is officially looking like a botanical engineering lab. The High Plains weather is starting to test the environment, but the quartet is locked in, vibrant green, and praying hard to the Colorado sun. Key Milestones This Week 1. The Automated Manifold is Live 🛠️ The biggest victory of the week was getting the DIY irrigation manifold completely hooked up, pressure-balanced, and dialed in. The Setup: Custom green hose "halos" are wrapped around the base of each individual plant inside the rims of the 25-gallon fabric bags. The Run: Clocked our first official initial run this week. The manifold pushed an excellent, steady volume of water, completely saturating all four massive containers in just **15 minutes**. The Baseline: This uniform edge-to-edge moisture spread is exactly what we need to ensure the organic soil mix stays perfectly charged without leaving dry pockets. No more manual water lugging for my back! 2. Air Gaps & Root Pruning 💨 With the 25-gallon bags lifted entirely up off the deck floor on mobile furniture dollies, we have a perfect air gap underneath. The Impact: Thanks to the low humidity and steady wind on the Eastern Plains, these elevated pots are acting as massive evaporative cooling systems. The 360-degree airflow is drying the bags out from the outside-in and bottom-up. The Strategy: This is triggers natural air-pruning at the bottom, forcing the plants to stop circling their roots and instead blast out a massive web of lateral feeder roots higher up in the rich organic mix. We're keeping a close eye on the bag weights over the next 48 to 72 hours to map out our new watering frequency. 3. Plant Training & Structural Breakdown (Featuring DP5) 📏 The quartet is responding beautifully to the first topping session and ongoing structural training. Current Height: Took the tape measure out to the deck today—**DP5** is sitting stout and muscular right at the 12.5 to 13-inch mark. Canopy Architecture: By pulling the lower branches outward with precise tie-downs secured to the bag rims and supporting them with bamboo stakes, the core of the plants is completely open. Sun & Wind Defense: Node spacing is incredibly tight, building thick, rugged main stalks that split beautifully at the topping nodes. This low, wide profile is exactly what we want to withstand the heavy plains winds. Every single lower growth tip now has direct access to high-altitude UV light, transforming them into future dominant vertical colas. Next Steps The bamboo frameworks are built, and the trellis netting is already waiting in the wings directly behind the deck setup. We’re letting the quartet digest their big drink from the manifold for the next 2 to 3 days to see how they explode horizontally. Once they stack a few more inches and fill out the width of the bags, we'll start weaving them into the screen! -Keep growing and stay mindful! ✌️ Update 5.26.26: The quartet recieved their first full strength nutrients since making the move to the 25 gallon bags. 3 gallons per plant with full nutrients is a hell of a task, but the girls will be happy. PH corrected level of 6.0. 1215 PPM

bkickstand Week 12 Update: The Oasis Project Deck Cultivation Garden Overview & Environmental Notes: We are officially cruising through late May on the Eastern Plains, and the deck setup is performing beautifully. The intense high-altitude sun is fueling some fantastic vegetative development. The custom dual-timer irrigation manifold and hand-drilled halo rings are dialed in perfectly, keeping the media consistently moist without oversaturating. The atmospheric action has been classic Colorado—watching some spectacular afternoon storm build-ups, localized rain shafts, and distant lightning patterns out across the plains while the garden stays secure. Plant Metrics & Development: The Durban Poison Quartet is absolutely thriving in their massive 25-gallon homes after their Mother's Day transplant. They are focusing heavily on structural branching and filling out their footprints. Low Stress Training (LST) and SCROG preparation are underway to keep the canopy flat, wide, and optimized for maximum light penetration. For a quick snapshot on DP 5, she is displaying strong, tight internodal spacing. The main canopy top is steadily established right at 17 inches, with the outermost fan leaves reaching eagerly up toward the 18-inch mark. Feeding & Maintenance: We are remaining strictly organic, running the FOOP nutrient line—including the Veg, Bloom, and Sweetener components—to feed the active microbes and keep the root zones robust. For training, we are continuing to adjust the bamboo stakes and tie-downs to spread the canopy. The goal is to maximize the horizontal surface area before they really explode later this summer. Looking Ahead: For now, the focus is keeping this Durban Poison quartet broad, healthy, and perfectly trained. -Keep growing and stay mindful! ✌️ Update 6.3.26: Worm castings top dressed into the DP quartet and saturated. DP5 and DP6 were pulled and trained. Looking solid!

bkickstand 📋 Grow Diaries: Week 12 Log – The Organic Pivot The Durban Poison crew DP1, DP4, DP5, and DP6 is officially off the bottle. Running short on liquid vegetative nutrients forced a shift in the garden strategy, and the decision was made to ditch the synthetic/liquid lines completely in favor of a 100% organic, microbe-rich regimen. The immediate explosion of new vegetative tops proving that these pure sativa genetics thrive when fed naturally on the deck. The Feeding Regimen: Castings & Kelp The Top-Dress:** Two days ago, the entire quartet received a heavy top-dressing of pure worm castings across their 25-gallon root zones, providing a slow-release blanket of nitrogen, micronutrients, and humic acids. Today's Feeding: Followed up today with a rich sea kelp drench. The liquid kelp acts as a perfect complement to the castings, packing the soil with natural cytokinins and auxins to stimulate lateral branching and provide environmental stress protection against the intense high-plains UV and wind. The Reaction: The response was instantaneous. New tops are aggressively forming across all four canopies, pushing vibrant, healthy green growth from the inner nodes outward. 🌿 Individual Plant Progress & Observations DP1 (The Lattice Frontier) Satus: The central shoots have officially reached the lower edge of the bamboo-mounted elastic lattice. She isn't quite tall enough to begin tucking horizontally yet, so the plan is to let her poke through by 2–3 inches before naturally guiding her growth outward to open up the canopy space. DP4 (The Main-Line Grid) Status: Symmetrical tops are reaching straight for the sky next to the railing irrigation hub. The kelp feeding today is providing excellent structural flexibility to the main stems, preparing them beautifully to expand into the lower grid squares. DP6 (The Low-Stress Explosion) Status:Displaying phenomenal reaction to the new organic diet. Tied down aggressively with twine to the fabric pot handles, the flattened canopy has allowed the worm castings and kelp to force hidden lower nodes straight to the surface, creating an incredibly bushy profile loaded with fresh tops. DP5 (The Canopy Leader) Status: Massive, dense, and wide. DP5 is completely capitalizing on the 25-gallon container volume, showing thick stalks and wide fan leaves that are taking full advantage of today's microbial wash. ⚙️ Deck Infrastructure & Logistics Status:*The entire layout is locked in. The automated watering lines are perfectly dialed to wash the top-dressed nutrients down into the pots, the wheeled dollies are making plant rotation effortless, and the companion marigolds are holding down pest security on the perimeter. The large white mixing bucket is staying active at the ready for the organic tea brews. Grower's Note: Moving away from liquid nutrients was a forced play, but the sheer speed at which these plants are forming new tops demonstrates that living soil biology is exactly what this Durban Poison lineage wanted. Canopy training will continue as they naturally expand into their spaces next week. Update 6.6.2026: Recieved a camera to keep a close eye on the girls. 😳💪

bkickstand The Oasis Project Durban Poison Quartet: Week 13 Grow Diary Report The Durban Poison quartet is showing great vitality this week, basking in full outdoor sunlight on the deck. All four plants are fully in their vegetative stage, pushing out healthy fan leaves and developing unique physical profiles across their individual fabric pots. Individual Plant Breakdown DP1: This plant features a very distinct, open growth structure compared to its siblings. The branches are long, reaching outward and upward with plenty of space between the nodes. It is highly scannable, making it easy to see through to the inner stems. It looks vigorous and is taking full advantage of the ambient light. DP5: Showing off a much bushier, dense canopy than Plant #1. The leaves are clustered tightly together, creating a thick dome of foliage. The rich green coloring looks strong, though there are a few minor leaf imperfections typical of outdoor grows, likely from wind or light exposure. DP6: This is the absolute powerhouse of the group. Plant #6 has exploded into a massive, lush bush with dark green fan leaves. It has overtaken its pot size with heavy branching and dense growth, indicating a highly active root system and excellent nutrient uptake. DP4: Exhibiting a medium-bushy profile, sitting right between the open structure of #1 and the density of #5 and #6. Plant #4 shows some noticeable light-colored spotting and mild chlorosis (yellowing) on a few of its mid-to-lower fan leaves. Garden Notes & Observations Observation: Current Status Growth Stage: Late Vegetative Environment: Outdoor, full sun exposure Containers: Large black smart/fabric pots (including a 25-gallon container for Plant #4) Support Systems: Wooden bamboo stakes utilized across the pots to stabilize early branching Next Steps: Nutrient Check: Keep a close eye on Plant #4. The mild leaf spotting and fading could point to the beginning of a minor nutrient deficiency (possibly nitrogen or magnesium) or slight watering stress. A gentle, balanced feeding might be needed to green it back up. Canopy Management: With Plant #6 getting so incredibly dense, it might benefit from some light defoliation of the inner/lower leaves in the coming weeks to improve airflow and prevent moisture traps. Overall, the quartet is looking fantastic, strong, and well-positioned as they continue their outdoor vegetative cycle. Say hello to the new member of the Oasis Project, Pablo the Prickly Pear. Native to the high plains of Colorado. Look quick, she about to bloom and it only lasts for a day!

bkickstand Week 15: The Oasis Project – Durban Poison Update Welcome to Week 15! The photoperiod Durban Poison plants are absolutely crushing their vegetative stage out here on the deck. The canopy is spreading beautifully, the custom irrigation system is keeping everyone perfectly hydrated, and our integrated pest management (IPM) crew is working overtime. Here is how the four DP ladies are looking this week: 🌿 The Durban Poison Ladies DP1: Showing excellent fan leaf development and node spacing. The custom green hose irrigation ring is delivering perfectly even moisture across the entire 25-gallon fabric container. DP4: Developing a fantastic, open bush structure. The low-stress training is paying off, forcing those lower nodes to step up and catch the intense Colorado sun. DP5: Pushing up aggressive vertical growth and loading up on vibrant green foliage. She's sitting proud next to her designated marigold protector. DP6: Looking beautifully wide and low-profile. The training wires (visible in pink and green) are doing exactly what they're supposed to do—spreading the branches wide to maximize light penetration across the canopy. 🍅 The Security Team & Garden CompanionsThe companion planting strategy is firing on all cylinders to keep our environment healthy and pest-free: African Marigold: Our primary insect deterrents are exploding with vibrant orange and yellow blooms across their various pots and tubs. They are providing an excellent natural barrier for the deck. Strawberries: The strawberry patch is officially producing! We've got our first bright red, ripe berry along with plenty of new green fruit on the way. Deck Bonus: Not an official IPM member, but the resident potted prickly pear cactus is celebrating the heat wave with a spectacular, bright yellow bloom today. Weekly Outlook: The plants are showing zero signs of stress or nutrient deficiencies. We'll continue managing the canopy spread, keeping the dual-timer irrigation dialed in, and letting the Eastern Plains sun do the heavy lifting. Stay tuned for next week's progress!

bkickstand Grow Diary: Week 14 Update — Canopy & Understory Management The Durban Poison girls are officially fourteen weeks along from sprouting, and things are looking beautifully dialed in as we head into the peak of summer. Since they are photoperiod plants that won't trigger flowering until mid-to-late August, we are taking full advantage of this long vegetative window to focus on structural training. Here is the breakdown of the major garden updates on the deck: 1. Canopy Height Check The plants are stretching up uniformly across the main deck layout. Taking a tape measure to the top of the growth shows that our primary canopy line is currently sitting solid right at the **27-inch mark**. The vertical growth is steady, and the main shoots are catching the full force of the sun across the horizon. 2. Understory Management: Lollipopping & Airflow Our big focus for Week 14 was getting under the skirts of these massive bushes to clear away weak growth, ensure strong airflow, and prevent any pocketed humidity. Clean Main Stalks: Looking across the other containers, the lollipopping process has stripped the lowest few inches of the main stalks completely clean. This configuration keeps the foliage off the soil, making it way easier for the automated irrigation manifold loops to do their job without splashing the lower leaves. Individual Plant Profiles DP1: Continues to be a portrait of health, filling out its side of the deck with thick fan leaves and a lush, flat canopy layout. DP4: Exhibiting magnificent node spacing and reaching outward with strong, structurally balanced lateral branches. DP5: Growing incredibly wide and bushy. The combination of the marigold pot in front and the wide canopy is turning this girl into an absolute unit. DP6: Looking absolutely massive from the side profile. There is zero indication that this plant started the season behind the others; she has completely colonized her airspace. 4. Environmental Outlook The plants are thriving in the intensive sunlight out here. The long days are culminating in some spectacular sights over the open plains. With the root systems fully established in their organic amendments and the automated watering loops keeping moisture consistent, the girls are primed to maximize the remaining vegetative weeks of July.

bkickstand Week seventeen of The Oasis Project brings the Durban Poison quartet to a point of impressive maturity and structure. The plants continue to thrive under the intense Colorado high-plains sun, responding beautifully to the ongoing commitment to Low Stress Training (LST) rather than traditional netting. * Canopy Development: Each plant in the quartet is displaying a robust, open canopy that allows for excellent airflow and light penetration. * Maintenance: Manual watering remains the primary method for these plants, which has proven essential for the mobility required to position them strategically on the deck throughout the day. * Integrated Pest Management: The "security team" of African marigolds continues to accompany the quartet, providing a vital organic defense as we move closer to the flowering stages. The quartet is looking exceptionally healthy and balanced, preparing for their final stretch before the anticipated harvest window in early to mid-October. Update 7.9.26: recieved the ScroG netting for the big girls! Getting it setup so the buds can be supported from day 1 of flowering.

bkickstand Week 18: Oasis Project Update Everything is moving along steadily with the Durban Poison quartet. The canopy management continues to be a priority, and the plants are responding well to the trellis setup, staying lush and vibrant as they continue their vegetative growth. The deck infrastructure is fully optimized. The sprinkler manifold and timer are installed and have been put through a successful test run, ensuring the garden remains consistently hydrated. Along with the photoperiods, the new relay batch of autoflowers, the marigolds, and the strawberry "security team" are all thriving under the current care routine. The garden is looking strong, and I feel confident about the current setup for the coming days.

bkickstand The Durban Poison crew is looking robust as we hit week 19 of the grow! The plants continue to thrive in their vegetative stage, filling out their space under the netting with healthy, vibrant growth. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Consistent IPM remains a priority to keep the garden healthy. By utilizing companion plants like African marigolds and strawberries strategically placed around the grow bags, we are successfully deterring pests naturally. The Marigolds: This year, the yellow marigold has truly stood out, growing even taller than the surrounding orange varieties, making it the tallest in the collection. The Plants: The crew is holding steady. Plant 1 and Plant 6 are showing great development, benefiting from the ongoing low-stress training and the support of the custom netting setup. It has been a productive season so far, and I’m looking forward to the next phase of development as we continue to nurture these plants to their full potential.

bkickstand Week 20 Journal Update: Durban Poison Crew * Current Stage & Vigor: The four photoperiod Durban Poison plants continue to thrive in their vegetative stage on the deck, displaying lush canopy growth supported by the custom bamboo trellis and lattice net system. * Setup & Mobility: Housed in 25-gallon fabric bags positioned on wheeled moving dollies, the crew maintains optimal mobility on the deck layout. * Hydration & Maintenance: The automated irrigation manifold continues to supply well water smoothly via hand-drilled halo rings, keeping the soil consistently hydrated alongside the mobile perimeter of African marigolds. * Outlook: The plants are showing robust health and structure as they prepare for upcoming soil top-dressing with organic worm castings and high-phosphorus guano heading into August.

bkickstand Durban Poison Quartet: Week 21 Grow Diary Update The Durban Poison photoperiod crew is looking magnificent out on the deck, soaking up the late-summer sun as they power through their vigorous development. Key Updates & Nutrient Regimen * Seabird Guano Top Dress: Following the schedule, the squad received their first dry top-dressing of high-phosphorus seabird guano into the 25-gallon fabric bags on August 2nd, paired with a deep 3-gallon watering session before sunrise to lock in the nutrients. * Routine Management: Subsequent top-dressings are locked in for the first of each month leading up to the target harvest window in mid-October. * Deck Stability: Resting comfortably on their heavy-duty furniture dollies, the quartet makes smooth work of mobility, supported by custom training and perimeter companion defenses.

bkickstand Grow Diaries: Week 22 Journal Entry – The Durban Poison Quartet * Date: August 14, 2026 * Location: Eastern High Plains, CO * Stage: Photoperiod Vegetative / Early Transition We are officially hitting week 22 with the Durban Poison quartet sitting in their 25-gallon bags on furniture dollies out on the deck. The growth and vigor across all four plants continue to impress, filling out their canopy space with deep green, healthy foliage. Sunlight Optimization & Layout Adjustments With the sun tracking differently as we push deeper into August, maximizing every hour of direct light is critical. Today, the entire quartet was carefully rearranged on the deck. Shifting the positions of the 25-gallon containers ensures that the peripheral branches and lower growth get their fair share of unfiltered exposure, keeping the canopy uniform and preventing any shaded bottlenecks. Feeding & Nutrition: Sea Kelp Tonic Today marks an important milestone in the weekly feeding schedule: it is sea kelp tonic day. Applying this organic tonic provides a rich array of natural micronutrients, trace minerals, and beneficial growth hormones to support root vigor, enhance stress resistance, and fuel sustained vegetative health as the plants continue their upward push. Phenotype Notes & Observations * DP4 Progression: A special callout for DP4 this week—she is really starting to step up her game, showing fantastic structure and officially beginning to build out her colas. The low-stress training (LST) and welded stakes are doing their job, opening up the inner sites to catch maximum light. * The Quartet: DP1, DP5, and DP6 are keeping pace right alongside her, showing dense foliage and strong branching throughout the 25-gallon setups. Update 8.15.26 Durban Poison Update: Transition to Flower! The Durban Poison crew is officially making the shift! After a solid vegetative phase since sprouting back in mid-March, the girls are starting to show their first exciting signs of flower. * Early Pistils & Cluster Development: Tight cluster formations and fresh white pistils are popping up at the top sites, confirming that the photoperiod crew is transitioning right on schedule. * Nutrition & Care: Following recent top dressings like the seabird guano applied earlier in August, the plants are looking robust, healthy, and ready to pack on weight as bloom sets in. * Training & Setup: Sitting comfortably in their 25-gallon bags on furniture dollies, all four plants have responded exceptionally well to low-stress training (LST). Things are really starting to ramp up for the outdoor setup. Stay tuned for more updates as these flowers start stacking!

bkickstand Durban Poison Grow Journal: Week 23 Update We are officially in bloom! * Canopy & Vigor: The Durban Poison photoperiod crew is looking exceptionally strong, maintaining impressive lateral spread and building a lush canopy out on the deck. * Flowering Transition: The girls are powering through the bloom cycle, showing fantastic vertical structure, strong stacking along the main colas, and steady development at every node. * Nutrient Management: With the shift into the new month, the setup is primed for a fresh round of top-dressing with nutrient-rich amendments to sustain heavy flowering demands. * Environment & Health: Sitting comfortably in their 25-gallon fabric bags on dollies, the plants are soaking up the high-desert sunshine, while the companion marigolds continue to thrive right alongside the root zones. Update 8.23.26: Before the sunrise this morning, I got up and applied a top dressing of kelp meal to the plants to help with the flowering stage. It should help with Bud density. turpenes and tricombe development. Because I ran ran out of my liquid nutrients, I'm going with worm casting for nitrogen, Seabird guano for the phosphorus and kelp meal for the potassium.

bkickstand Week 24: Flowering Week 2 We are officially sitting at Day 169 for the Durban Poison crew. Transitioning deeper into flower has brought on a couple of minor hurdles, specifically some early chlorosis showing up on the lower fan leaves. To tackle that deficiency head-on, I started a calcium-magnesium supplement this morning and plan to mix it into every other watering moving forward to help them green back up and power through the The canopy is stretching nicely and responding to the ongoing low-stress training. The recent top-dressing is settling in well, and even with the slight magnesium fade we caught early, the bud sites are multiplying and stacking up nicely against the stakes. The furniture dollies are still making it easy to rotate the 25-gallon fabric bags around the deck to catch the best angle of the afternoon sun, keeping airflow steady between the heavy branches.

bkickstand Week 25 is rolling along on the deck, and the Durban Poison photoperiod crew is putting on an absolute masterclass in outdoor structure and flower development. Sitting comfortably in their large fabric bags on furniture dollies, these sativa powerhouses have built an incredible network of robust colas that are packing on serious weight and density as the late-season bloom cycle intensifies. Managing this stage successfully comes down to dialing in the right balance of organic amendments, micronutrients, and water chemistry to keep the root zone happy without causing nutrient burn or pH lockouts. Nutrient Management & Feeding Routine * Seabird Guano (0-11-0): Playing a starring role in the heavy bloom phase, the high-phosphorus seabird guano provides the essential P needed to drive massive flower set and resin production. Following top-dressing routines like the recent application on August 2nd, this amendment fuels the explosive bud development visible across the upper canopy. * Kelp Meal: Espoma Organic Kelp Meal works in tandem with the soil to supply essential natural trace elements, potassium, and growth hormones that boost plant stress resilience against shifting late-season outdoor temperatures and wind. * Cal-Mag: Essential for preventing secondary nutrient deficiencies, calcium and magnesium keep the cell walls strong and support the heavy metabolic demands of these sprawling sativa colas. * pH Down & Water Balance: Balancing out the hard tap water requires careful monitoring. While source water sits around a 7.5, keeping a close eye on the General Hydroponics pH Down ensures the root zone stays optimized for maximum nutrient uptake without inducing sudden pH crashes. The canopy is looking exceptionally vibrant, vigorous, and primed for a heavy, aromatic finish as harvest window approaches. The aroma on the deck is now really intensifying. I'm going to enjoy watching the colas form over the next month, month and a 1/2.

bkickstand Week 26 Grow Diary: Durban Poison Quartet Lifecycle Status * Day: 182 (Sprouted March 13) * Stage: Week 4 of flowering Environment & Nutrition * Sunlight: Natural outdoor exposure has decreased to approximately 13 to 13.5 hours daily, driving steady, deep floral progression across the quartet. * Watering & pH: Maintaining a consistent root zone environment with irrigation water balanced precisely to a pH of 6.2. * Feed Routine: Supplementing with CalMg to support heavy metabolic demands, structural integrity, and secondary metabolite production during peak bud set. Canopy Management & Structural Support * Custom Cages: To accommodate the accelerating weight and stretch of the expanding colas, I built and installed custom support cages constructed from heavy-duty bamboo stakes and twine. * Training & Airflow: The tiered twine rings help distribute the load evenly across branches, keeping the canopy open for maximum light penetration and excellent airflow between the developing flowering sites. Observations The quartet is stacking up nicely as week 4 of flower rolls forward. Calyxes are swelling, trichome production is ramping up on the upper sugar leaves, and the plants are drinking consistently. The new bamboo and twine supports are doing their job keeping the heavier limbs upright against any late-season winds on the deck. On the radar: Keep a pH balance of 6.2 and monitor runoff pH. Feed CalMg every 2nd watering. Top dress with kelp meal on the 15th. Continue to monitor bud health and growth. Keep growing my friends! 🤘🙏❤️

bkickstand Journal update week 27, day 190. The girls are well into flowering and the smell on the Oasis project is amazing! This week the quartet were top dressed with Kelp Meal. They may get one more treatment. They have been getting a balanced pH watering treatments after realizing my pH meter was not calibrated. I believe I was dealing with lockout and that the reason for my pale green foliage. Along with pH down, they were also getting a CalMg feeding every other watering. The green is slowly returning. I'm afraid normal watering won't clear it, so I'm thinking a flush or 2. My runoff pH is still testing at 8 or above. Being on well water, we deal with high alkalinity. But I'm happy with the progress. The buds should be starting to swell. Looking at about another month or so until harvest. I'm thinking DP4 will come down first. IPM: The marigolds seem to be doing their job keeping pests away. (Knock on wood!)

bkickstand Week 28: Final Stretch on the Deck We have officially hit Week 28, and the Durban Poison quartet is putting on a masterclass in late-flower transformation out on the deck. The high-plains air is crisp, and the garden is moving rapidly toward the finish line. * Aroma & Terpenes: The scent pouring off the deck right now is intense, filling the yard with a sharp, sweet-pine and licorice punch that lets everyone know harvest season is nearly here. * Leaf Transition: You can see clear signs of the natural fade setting in as the cooler weather arrives, with fan leaves shifting into vibrant shades of yellow, amber, and bronze. * Cola Development: The colas are stacking heavily, swelling up into dense, frosty structures that are testing out the bamboo stakes and twine support cages. * Trichome Maturation: Taking a closer look under magnification reveals a sea of cloudy, milky trichomes mixed with a growing number of amber heads and rich, dark pistils, signaling peak potency is approaching fast. Looking Ahead: Because these four aren't all maturing at the exact same speed, I'll be running a staggered harvest this season. DP4 is looking the most advanced and is leading the way, so she'll likely get the chop and go into the drying chamber in about a week.

bkickstand Week 29 The Final Countdown Garden Status & Aromatics We have officially crossed into Day 203(!) of the life cycle since sprouting back on March 13th, 2026. Out on the Oasis Project, the atmosphere has completely shifted. The scent profile rolling off the Durban Poison quartet has kicked up in a massive way—a rich, complex wave of sweet anise, pine, and earthy spice that greets anyone stepping out onto the deck. I’m starting to see a lot of fantastic transference throughout the plants, with uniform vigor and deep resin production echoing across the entire canopy. The cold autumn air swings on the high plains are doing wonders for color expression and trichome density as these classic landrace genetics finish up their outdoor run. Trichome Development & The First Chop Taking a close loupe look at DP4, the trichome production has officially transitioned from a sea of milky white to a gorgeous spread of somewhat amber heads, signaling her absolute peak ripeness. Because she’s ready to cross the finish line, DP4 will be harvested tomorrow morning, October 2nd! She’s stacked incredible weight, boasting heavy resin coating on every sugar leaf and calyx, and she will head straight into her designated cardboard drying box tomorrow morning to begin the slow dry. Staggered Harvest Schedule With DP4 leading the charge, the remaining three plants—DP1, DP5, and DP6—will be handled via a staggered timeline. (Note: With DP4 coming down first, the sequential lineup will see the next members of the quartet rolling off the deck roughly once a week over the coming weeks until all four have been successfully brought down.) It’s going to be a busy stretch managing the individual drying chambers and trim sessions, but seeing these frost-laden colas finish out strong after more than 200 days makes every minute of the journey worth it. Stay tuned as we bring them home one by one! 🌿✂️