Auto Outdoor - Summer Sativa Grow

2nd season, 3rd plant. Exclusively used Growers Choice Seeds, have no complaints as of yet, strong genetics. The plant pictured is 1 of 2 Haze XL automatics that are growing strong, with the one not pictured a few days behind this one. Haze XL #1 (pictured) was germinated via 10 hour soak in purified water, 12 hour moist-paper-towel, then to soil. Haze XL #2 was 10 hour soak, then straight to soil. #1 germinated very strong and robust, #2 struggled slightly but pulled through and is right behind. Only given them purified water so far. I went with Haze because of its reputation to tolerate hot, potentially humid climates. Week 1 (6/6-6/12) was very ideal, temps averaging in the high 80s with breezy evenings and occasional cool fronts. Week 2/3 will be the real test, with triple-digit weather coming in. On days above 100 they will be moved to a partial shade area during the hottest hours of the day.

Week 2 (6/13-6/19) will be the first taste of very hot weather. Nothing other than water and sunlight for this week.

Week 3 is the first time this strain will get tested for heat-resistance, as every day (6/20-6/26) will be 100+. So far, growth has been steady and healthy, and the third set of leaves are starting to develop. There are a few things I will be modifying this week: 1. 'Tilling' the soil on the outer boundary of the container with a toothpick. This allows more air to reach the roots and prevents soil compaction. 2. Adding a light sprinkling of chicken manure-compost blend to the top layer of soil, to throw in some trace nutrients. 3. Covering the soil with about 1/4 inch of fine chipped bark. Mulching is critical in the summer, as it helps retain moisture and to prevent the roots from boiling. I am anticipating this week will see good growth. (Side Note: about this time is when I start researching seeds/strains for the fall crop which will be planted in late Aug/early Sept. I look for a moderately fast, indica dominant auto that will handle warm days and humidity.)

Despite the high temperatures, the Haze XL autos are doing well! They are in the middle of producing their fourth set of leaves. I'm also starting to notice the pistillate hairs that indicate a female plant, so here in a few weeks will we have some bud development. They are starting to produce a bit of smell, just the typical: spicy, herb-y, but the smell is still very mild.

During Week 4 the plants grew well, but experienced some issues with yellowing of the older leaves. I finally sprang for a pH tester, and found that my soil was a bit salty, around the 7.5-7.8 range. This easily could have caused the yellowing, but then again, maybe not. To help rectify the pH (and to add a bit of nitrogen), I worked in some fresh used coffee grounds to the top layer of soil, then gave them a good water. Dropped the pH to the high 6's. I will test the soil again in a few days when its dry to see if there is a huge difference. Other than a bit of yellowing, these plants are doing pretty well in the hot weather. They started some leaf production at the base of the leaf stems. I expect in Week 5 to see the pre-flowers and some lateral growth. I've been brewing up a nutrient tea (compost, blood meal, honey, veggie scraps, and some fine wood chips) that I will add to their last watering of the week.