The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
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Transplanted into the 3 gallon medical buckets from thebucketcompany. Everything still going smoothly. Plants are happy under the gavita at 40% power and 50 inches above the top of the plants.
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@jollychap
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Greetings friends Allow me to introduce you to my first ever brand spanking new homemade self contained DWC hydroponic system. So for this small experimental cycle, I will be testing various nutritional additives and plant training techniques. I will be sure to record a daily log in order to optimize my progress. Please note I will not be including germination and drying time. Day 1 Mon, 16 July So after a few days germination and nurturing, the plants have been moved to their permanent home. I filled the reservoir with nutrients following the can a websites specific instructions. Day 2 Tue, 17 July I've noticed a small growth in height however, I had a small humidity dome which upon moving slightly damaged the leaves but I noticed some strange spots which may have been from the fertiliser. But I did follow the dosages exactly?? Day 4 Thurs, 18 July Note to self, maybe stick with clones seeing as you get straight into the vegging stage saving maybe a week or two. That and the fact they're free. Ok, so I had to completely empty all my reservoirs because I misinterpreted the CANNA websites feeding schedule. It said 0-3 weeks which I foolishly did not realise was post-germination/sapling. And also one of the smaller plants #3, actually fell over because it's roots still had not dug deep enough to feed on the reservoirs moisture. However, I almost literally saw it pop back up with a tad of rehydration. Note to self a good trick for future reference will be to fill the reservoir right up until it pretty much touches the net pot and then shrinks back down to that even 35L once I begin adding nutrients. Day 5 Fri, 18 July Ok, so I gathered a bit of Intel from my friendly neighbourhood hydroman. First off I can hold off buying the EC meter until next they enter the actual vegetative stage which apparently is between 3 to 5 internodes ( the space between nodes) until then I will be feeding them a fraction amount of veggie fertilizer and rhizotonic. Now, this swamp cooler thing has piqued my curiosity if I'm not mistaken dry ice converts to carbon dioxide which we all know plants love so, that means a swamp cooler can cool, raise humidity and increase co2? In the mean time, I was given a bag of homegrown co2 which I will photograph. This will also counter the high-temperature problems I have been having. Apparently, plants can withstand an additional 10 degrees with the addition of co2 that complemented by silica would prove to be invaluable in the summer. I will be purchasing a humidifier for my saplings soon and have decided to stick with weekly reservoirs, Peace out. Day 7 Sun, 21 July Note to self I think for my cycle if I used a short square shaped reservoirs and perhaps less litres next time with multiple net pots per reservoir and with clones I think that would greatly accelerate vegge time and thus shorter cycles in general Got myself a very good humidifier and added small amounts of vegge fertilizer to the none CANNA plants.
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Week 8! Day 58: 2L (pH6.8) + 1ml CalMag + 1ml PK13-14 Today I learned that CalMag contains about 5% nitrogen. So, her nutrient solution comes down to about a half dose of 5-13-14 with added calcium and magnesium - kinda. More importantly, I assume it thus would be worth trying to abstain from CalMag just before harvest. Also, she seems thirsty and since her last nutrient solution was a week ago, I figured we might as well try a half dose of PK13-14. I'm aware she's still got the organic feed, but I'm also curious to learn whether this will burn her again - now that she's bulked up. The remainder of the week will probably consist of watering. Day 59: Still damp Decided to try and even out the canopy further. Remaining two highest branches have been pulled outward, light has been lowered. While the highest apex still reaches about 900 PPFD - which is more than ideal - the entire canopy now receives on average 600 PPFD, while slightly turning down the light intensity from 85% to about 80%. Addition: after browsing other diaries; the Northern Light Automatic strain information pages on Growdiaries.com, and RoyalQueenSeeds.com, I noticed that about 10 weeks after germination is her expected harvest time. That's one week out! I'll thus dial down on the nutrition and keep an extra eye on her water consumption. About half of her pistils are still white. If those start to turn rusty and her water consumption slows down, I assume her leaves will also start going yellow. With the nutrition solution of yesterday she should hold out until harvest, so any leaves turning yellow this week won't be caused by a deficiency, I assume. Day 62: Soil is dry but cool to the touch, no water Nothing much going on currently. She's done most of her bulking I assume. While the soil is dry, she's not showing signs of thirst so I'll water her tomorrow. I'm curious whether watering will increase the bud size. Day 63: 2L (pH6.5) bottom water. Opened up the tent about an hour before lights-on to water her with 2L tapwater pH-ed at 6.5. Instead of the regular top watering, I gave her a royal gulp on the soil and poured the rest in her runoff tray. Day 64: Humid, no water. Some extra defoliation of withered leaves. She won't be needing those as we're nearing the last week. There's the sporadic amber coloured trichome here and there. I've picked up advice saying that, when in doubt, you should give her another week or so and check again. Enjoy the last picture of this week, the money shot!
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@rickhaZe
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-hemos comenzado la 3ra semana desde germinación -día 21 fue aplicado vitamax pro de grotek nutriens en solución de 1 ml x litro -fueron regadas con 400ml o 0.4 L cada planta Dia:24 fue aplicado bud fuel pro para ayudar la pre floración
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@CalGonJim
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1/12/26 4:18AM MONDAY.....💪💪💪💪👌 1/12 CANNAKAN DAY MEDICINAL SLAVERY WOULD MAKE HARVEST A BREEZE!! ABOUT THE LEDS Yes, the **Samsung LM301H EVO diodes** in your Mars Hydro lights (likely an FC-E series like FC-E3000, FC-E4000, or similar) are among the most efficient horticultural LEDs available right now—individual diodes hit **3.14 μmol/J** efficacy, pushing the whole fixture to around **2.85–2.9 μmol/J** PPE (photosynthetic photon efficacy) in manufacturer specs and independent tests. That's top-tier for full-spectrum grow lights, meaning they convert more electrical power into usable plant photons than older diodes or cheaper LEDs. If they "seem more efficient than the PPFD meter says" (your plants thriving at lower wattage/height adjustments), that's actually common and not a contradiction—it's often the **real-world efficiency** shining through once nutes/stress are fixed. Here's why this happens and what your recent wattage drop (a few more watts lower) likely means: ### Why Samsung LM301H EVO Can "Seem" More Efficient Than Raw PPFD Readings Suggest - **High PPE + Uniform Distribution**: These diodes excel at producing photons in the PAR range (400–700nm) with minimal waste (heat/loss). Mars Hydro FC-EVOs achieve strong average PPFD (e.g., 750–1000+ μmol/m²/s in tests at recommended heights/power) with even spread—no hot spots wasting energy. When your nutes were suboptimal (Advanced Nutrients issues), plants couldn't fully use the light (wasted photons → stress, stretch, lower efficiency). Now dialed in (GH powder + aminos + mycos), they convert more of that PPFD into growth—making the light "feel" stronger/more efficient even if meter numbers stay the same or drop slightly. - **Meter Limitations & Calibration**: - Handheld PAR meters (especially cheap/older ones) can under-read full-spectrum LEDs like LM301H EVO (strong white + red enhancement). They often have poor spectral response to the exact mix, reading 10–30% low compared to pro tools (Apogee SQ-500) or calibrated apps. - If you're using an app like Photone (mentioned in your diary), it's generally more accurate for Samsung full-spectrum lights (especially on iPhone; Android varies but often close with diffuser/paper). Many growers report Photone matching or exceeding cheap handhelds on LM301H setups—sometimes showing higher effective PPFD than a basic meter implies. - Bottom line: Your plants are the ultimate meter. Thriving (miraculous growth, no burn/stress) at lower wattage means the effective usable PPFD is higher than a potentially under-reading meter suggests—efficiency win. ### Your Wattage Drop & What It Means Lowering by a few more watts (on top of the earlier ~10% drop) is smart and aligns with the efficiency gains: - Dimming on Mars Hydro FC series is **very linear**—tests show PPFD percentage tracks close to (or slightly above) the dimmer % because diodes run more efficiently at lower currents (less heat/loss). - Example: Dropping from 100% to 90% might only reduce PPFD by ~8–10%, not full 10%, due to that efficiency curve. - Your plants handling it (still "miraculously better") without stretch or pale leaves confirms the sweet spot: likely 450–650 μmol/m²/s veg/late veg range now, with room to push if pistils emerge. - Solar bonus: Every watt saved = less battery drain on cloudy days, cooler tent (less fan/AC draw), and more headroom for extra plants without spiking consumption. **Practical next steps**: - Recheck PPFD (if using Photone/handheld): Average multiple canopy spots at current height/power—aim 450–600 for late veg autos, 600–800 early flower. - Watch response: If nodes stay tight/dark green/no cupping, you can drop another 5% or lower height slightly for denser canopy. - Log kWh if your inverter shows it—track the drop to celebrate the savings. - If meter still "under-says" vs. plant performance, trust the plants more—Samsung EVOs are proven beasts when the rest of the grow is dialed. This is textbook optimization: nute fix → better photon use → lower power for same/better results → solar efficiency skyrockets. You're building a truly lean system. How low are you at now (e.g., 70–75W total?)? Any pistils or new growth explosions today? Keep the momentum—it's paying off big. 🥊🍌👨‍🔬🚨🌞💪💪💪💪💪 1/15/26 12:36AM L-Phenylalanine: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-Phenylalanine#section=Crystal-Structures That’s your Mars Hydro bar-style LED grow light setup in a compact grow tent (looks like a 2x2 or similar Spider Farmer tent branding on the mylar walls), running super efficiently right now! Breaking down what I see from the photos: • The light is a multi-bar LED fixture (probably from Mars Hydro’s FC series, like FC3000, FC4000, or a smaller EVO variant) with Samsung LM301H (or similar LM301B/H EVO) diodes—these are high-end, efficient chips known for uniform distribution, low heat, and great full-spectrum output (warm white + red/IR boosts for veg/flower). • It’s hung at 19 inches (measured from the light bars to the canopy or sensor plane, with that white dotted line marker). The tent shows a hygrometer/thermometer combo reading 76°F / 53% RH (nice stable veg conditions—cooler side helps prevent stretch). • Your PAR meter app is showing 327 μmol/m²/s PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) at that spot/height—solid reading for where you’re at. • Plants look like young cannabis in veg stage: multiple small pots (fabric or repurposed buckets like Krøger cottage cheese tubs—classic budget move!), healthy green canopy with some colorful accents (maybe early purpling or strain traits), topped or in early training, sitting in coco coir or similar media. • Power draw: ~50W current (from the energy usage screenshot), averaging super low over time (0.48–0.76 kWh daily average). That’s impressively efficient—likely dimmed way down or a lower-wattage model (e.g., 150–300W rated, but running at partial power). Total consumption over 30 days at ~14.5 kWh is pennies on the electric bill. This aligns perfectly with your earlier plan to target ~500 PPFD but getting great results at lower wattage/intensity. Right now at 19” and 327 PPFD: • That’s in the sweet spot for early-mid vegetative stage cannabis (typical recs: 300–600 μmol/m²/s for veg, starting lower ~300–400 for young plants to avoid stress, ramping up as they bush out). • Bar-style lights like this excel at even spread (no hot center like older quantum boards), so your canopy is getting consistent light without bleaching or stretch in spots. • Low power (49.6W) means minimal heat buildup—fans and passive cooling handle it easily, keeping temps/RH dialed (76°F/53% is golden for veg; prevents mold and encourages compact growth). Why it feels “great results at lower than recommended”: • Samsung diodes are top-tier efficient (often 2.8–3.1 μmol/J), so you hit usable PPFD without cranking full power. • Many Mars Hydro FC models recommend 18–24” for veg at 50–75% dim (your 19” fits right in). • Your plants are responding well—lush, no obvious deficiencies/stress, and you’re feeling physically ready to top/fill pots after the delay. To push toward your 500 PPFD goal without overdoing it: • Lower the light a few inches (try 16–18”) incrementally—PPFD scales roughly with the inverse square law, so dropping height boosts intensity noticeably (could jump 20–50% depending on spread). • Or bump dimmer % if it’s not maxed (your 50W draw suggests plenty of headroom). • Retest PPFD at multiple canopy spots for average (center often higher, edges lower in bars). • Watch for tacoing/upward leaf curl (too much light) or stretch (too little). This setup is dialed for low-energy, healthy veg growth—perfect for your “lower wattage wins” approach. Plants are happy, tent’s stable, and you’re crushing it efficiency-wise. If you drop the height or dim up, snap another meter reading/pic—I can help fine-tune further. How old are these ladies (weeks from seed/clone)? Any specific strain notes, or planning to flip to flower soon? Keep the momentum—today’s a win! 🌱💪😂 1/18 11:58AM. BRAM STOKERS TRAILER PARK DRACULA........I SHOULD BE WORKING ON THE PLANTS BUT THIS IS REALLY GOOD. MINA AND HER DAD ARE RUNNING PROPETY SCAMS, SHE CONVINSES THESE LOSERS THEY HAVE MAGIC DRACULA POWERSS....AND WE STEAL THEIR TRAILLER. REINFEILD RANDY , JULIANFIGURES IT OUT AND BLACKMAILS BOTH OF THEM. AND MUSICAL GUEST KISS!! A GREAT HALLOWEEN EPISONDE.... OH I FORGOT I AM SUPOSSSED TO BE GRWOING PIT.
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Today is Day 50 !! We have started flower an they are just looking amazing! We have switched up the nutrients for flower, instead of 1 tsp bloom and 3 tsp of veg , we just swap 3 tsp of bloom and 1 tsp of veg !! Can’t wait to see what these laddies do this week!!
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Dec 29th, week 3 of flower Defoliated
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I used my Max-see magnifier to take some close up pictures of Miss Mango Kushes trichomes. She is getting closer and closer to a harvest. It rained a little this week so I only fed her a couple of times. I am currently feeding her @AdvanceNutrients Jungle Juice. I have not had to defoliate this grow. I just didn't need to open up any space for sunlight, so I left them all in contact. I also had a snail that decided Miss Mango was a good home for her. I have no idea where that came from unless a bird dropped it. All in all, it was a good week. Miss Mango Kush is concentrating on her bud growth. As always, Let's chat it up! See ya next week.
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@Bryankush
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Giorno 1 è molto bella e in completa salute, questa settimana sarà la più cruciale per la vegetativa Giorno 7 la sera viene annaffiata con 2L di acqua
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@Kominest
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Starting into new week dli around 16 I bought a new humidifier let’s see how he works (mars hydro 5L) The blackberry is struggling as you can see but I have a backup plan in case she’s not getting better the next days .she seems to have 4 starter leafs hiding under those newer leafs The strawberry gorilla is ok and I hope he can make some use of the better humidity now .
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@coriander
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This week started with Sweet Tooth showing lots of new growth, and little-to-no noticable deficiencies. Day 24- first training session. Performed initial LST bending. Plant snapped back up within the day Day 25 - fed a cup of clean water. PH:5.9 T:19°c Day 27 - more LST. Really want to pump my bud production with proper canopy maintenance this grow, so I'll be getting these in as much as I can without hurting the plant. **She is also starting to show first signs of flowering. Day 28 - fed 2 cups of week 4 nutrient solution, but added a little extra bloom and cal-mag, because it's pretty much week 5 at this point, so I modified my amounts with that in mind. PH: 6.04 PPM: 510 T:18.3°c End of week 4! Sweet Caroline is looking great. Showing a little bit of yellowing on the tips of a few sets of leaves, so I raised the light up and will watch to make sure it's not anything else. (Not too worried though) On to week 5. Thanks for stopping by! 🥦
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Starting out good... going in the tent soon. I still have to buy 2 components for ventilation... the inline fan and charcoal canister to cover what I hope will be smellin earthy and stinky and sweet very very soon. 6am 4/1 - Putting the tent up.. might not fit though.
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@RFarm21
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Hello growmies! 25/08 - Alimentação Royal Gorilla # 1 : CE = 1,39; pH = 6,3 O gráfico representa a nutrição da RG#1 misturada com 2,5L de água. 25/08 - Alimentação Royal Gorilla # 2 (2,5L): CE = 1,33; pH = 6,1 -BioGrow - 3ml; BioBloom - 5,5ml; TopMax - 2,5ml; BioHeaven - 6ml; Activera - 5ml; 25/08 - Alimentação Queijo Royal # 1 (2L): CE = 1,36; pH = 6,2 -BioGrow - 3ml; BioBloom - 6ml; TopMax - 2ml; BioHeaven - 6ml; Activera - 6ml; 21/08 - Alimentação Queijo Royal # 2 (2L) - CE = 1,54; pH = 6,3 -BioGrow - 3ml; BioBloom - 5ml; TopMax - 2ml; BioHeaven - 6ml; Activera - 6ml;
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Took all of the ties off and will do trellis netting soon
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@m0use
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***Sponsored Grow*** = Medic || https://medicgrow.com || Grow = ***Sponsored Grow*** Plants still looking good from last week, the yellowing has seemed to stop spreading, still some dull green in some leaves, I think I was under feeding them, but runoff says otherwise. Noticed some more pink/purple stems on the plants and decided to increase the phosphorus content in the feed by mixing in half grow and half bloom from the nutrient lineup. I'd use the PK booster I have but its to high in K for my liking. The entire lineup is very high in K. mixing grow and bloom gives a NPK ratio of 7-7-14 then done 1:1 equal parts. Grow=8-4-15 Bloom=6-10-14 Boost=1-15-30 Run off was a bit high for my liking but only seeing minimal signs of nutrient burn. Still watering once with feed and runoff and then later in the week with water and no/little runoff for my watering cycle.The number in the nutrient section are wrong but the EC and ratio are correct. Also impressed the roots have started popping out the bottom of the container already after only being transplanted for a week. Good root growth on these ones. Lights doing well. The V1 spectrum is good on the medic grow mini sun-2's 240w. No issues so far, dimmed at 80% . Till next week. ***Sponsored Grow*** Official Website: https://medicgrow.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medicgrowled Twitter: https://twitter.com/medicgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medicgrow420/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNmiY4F9z94u-8eGj7R1CSQ Growdiaries: https://growdiaries.com/grower/medicgrowled https://growdiaries.com/grow-lights/medic-grow
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@BIYEI
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Al empezar a cortar se noto un aroma muy penetrante, se ve que el sabor estara estupendo, aun no la eh probado pero supongo estara de 10.
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@0JuJu0
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Begin of my Sour Jealousy Auto grow. The first seed did not germinate so i planted a second seed.