Ethos 5x5

This week was all about trying to recover the Purple Sunset that is reacting poorly to the bacterial inoculation that occurred with the beneficial nematode addition. These plants have all been given only RO water @ pH between 6.5-6.9. No other nutrients have been provided so it must be the nitrogen fixating bacterium that is causing the issue. The bacterium was introduced into an environment with only one root system. The bacteria must be spread out between multiple root systems to draw nitrogen more evenly into the system. I planted a bunch of red clover and around 4 fava beans. This will create many more root systems for the bacteria to interact with and thus spread the nitrogen between the other plants. Since this is my first time growing I was very slow in recognizing the symptoms so I compensated by also adding a Ruby Jeweled Coleus plant to the pot. These plants have a very fine root system that expands rapidly when placed in well drained soil. I transplanted the Coleus into the troubled container and watered heavily around the plant and in a direct line away from the Purple Sunset. Bacteria travel via water so creating a very moist highway between the two plants will help spread the bacterial population. Hopefully by next weeks update the purple sunset will be on its way to recovery. The two Cherry Garcia and the Crescendo are all growing very well with tight internodal spacing. By rubbing the first true leaves I can get a sense of the smells. The Cherry is sweet with hints of cotton candy, cherry, apricot and caramel. The Crescendo is spicy with a minty gas aroma. The purple sunset is citrusy and diesel. Fungus gnat population seems to be completely eradicated however I will be giving the plants another dose of beneficial nematodes once the lights shut off tonight.