W7.D1(46)
๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ Greetings to all our blog readers in the 7th week ๐ฑ๐! We are inching closer to the flowering stage ๐ธ, yet we're not quite ready to bloom just yet ๐. The 3DScrog structure is finally taking on its designed appearance ๐, a milestone that suggests most of the forthcoming adjustments can be efficiently managed from within ๐.
๐ผ๐ฅ๐๐ ๏ธ๐ง The appearance of yellow burns on a number of the top buds is a tale of inexperience and carelessness ๐๐ฅ - a consequence of not washing away the small "puddles" that formed and dried out after treating them with neem oil mixed with an emulsifier ๐ ๏ธ๐ง. I suspect it's the toxic effect of the emulsifier at play ๐ผ. I've since rinsed the leaves with clean water a couple of times to mitigate the damage ๐ง.
๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ช๐ฟ๐บ As we proceed, our plant begins to demand more water ๐ฆ, showing signs of a robust thirst that's growing just as she is ๐ช๐ฟ. This increasing need for hydration is yet another step in her journey towards full bloom ๐ฟ๐บ.
W7.D2(47)
๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ Here we are at the dawn of ๐ฑ๐ the second day of the seventh week! I've managed to perform a modest ๐ defoliation of the largest fan leaves to clear the way for the sunlight to reach a multitude of ๐ฑ sprouts breaking through from below.
๐ค๐ก๐ฟ๐ While they continue to grow, I'm contemplating the ๐ค optimization of the internal space and have temporarily removed 4 skewers, concluding that it's possible to proceed without them. ๐ก This exercise in minimalism not only simplifies our setup but also aligns with the philosophy of making more out of less.
W7.D3(48)
๐ฑ๐๐ง๐๐ On the third day of the seventh week, in the space that had been ๐ฑ๐ previously cleared, a structure for training was set up, and the sprouts embarked on their journey ๐ฑ๐ง towards their designated sections. Not all sections are ๐ fully occupied at this moment.
๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ However, I believe that by the time we reach the ๐ top of the cage, we'll have the opportunity to see ๐๐๐ฟ every cell brimming with life. ๐
W7.D4(49)
๐๐ฟ๐๐๐ก Today marks a new day in our journey, where I gently ๐ guide the leaves downwards, ๐ unveiling the blossoms to a greater abundance of sunlight. While ๐ฟ lollipopping is a common practice at this stage, my stance against extensive ๐ defoliation is firm - only minimal removal is permissible, and here's why I believe so: ATP in the plant is produced through ๐ฟ cellular respiration and ๐ photosynthesis, with glucose for respiration being synthesized solely through photosynthesis. Discovering that the plant and all its energy come directly from the air was a revelation to me (a heartfelt thank you to Mark Rober for his enlightening videos).
๐ก๐๐๐ฌ๐ฟ To put it succinctly, the transformation of carbon dioxide into ATP and NADPH occurs through photosynthesis during the light phase, and then, these ATP and NADPH are utilized to convert CO2 into glucose, nourishing the entire plant! So, when you consider removing chloroplasts in its leaves, always remember, you're cutting off its primary source of life force.
W7.D5(50)
๐๐ผ๐๐ง๐ก More and more blossoms are eager to witness the magic of the bulbs ๐), and I'm thrilled to assist them in this endeavor - today, I've incorporated additional components to expand the number of sections, making it easier to tuck away the growing foliage.
๐ฑ๐๐โ
I hope this time I've meticulously planned the ventilation correctly.. ๐ฑ๐๐โ
W7.D6(51)
๐ฟ๐๐ฑ๐๐ Today, I embarked on a journey ๐ฟ through an activity I don't usually relish ๐ - defoliation ๐ฑ. This task, while not my favorite, is infused with the purpose ๐ of achieving greater control over the nurturing ๐ of individual stems into their dedicated spaces.
๐ฑ๐งโค๏ธ๐๐ Yes, it's a necessity โค๏ธ for me to fine-tune ๐ง the placement of each stem ๐ฑ into its own cell, ensuring a symphony of growth ๐ that harmonizes with my gardening ambitions ๐.
๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ My aspiration ๐ is to guide ๐ฟ a single stem into each cell, while the larger squares ๐ฒ at the corners remain untouched, a testament to potential space expansion ๐ in this ever-evolving garden cosmos ๐.
W7.D7(52)
๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ก๐ง๐
Today marks the final day of the week, and it's time to reflect on our accomplishments. ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ก๐ง๐
Here they are:
๐ฟ๐ง๐๐๐ We've successfully devised and implemented the ultimate arrangement for individual colas, aiming for no less than 48 in total. ๐ฟ๐ง๐ in our arrangement, we've implemented ๐ adjustments to ensure the ๐ growth potential is maximized.
๐โ๏ธ๐ฑ๐๐ช Alligator clips have found yet another useful application - they can stretch or support individual branches. I've utilized this method to support the growth direction of colas in two distinct "squares." ๐ clips not only ๐ adjust but also โ๏ธ carefully shape the ๐ฑ plant, providing the necessary ๐ช support.
๐ธ๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ก Next week presents an opportunity to transition to flowering, yet due to my impending journey, which will leave her utterly alone, I've decided to wait. ๐ธ Transitioning to ๐ would be ideal, but ๐ซ due to my ๐ซ absence, it's best she's not left ๐ก alone during such a crucial phase. Waiting for my return seems like the most compassionate choice, ensuring she doesn't bloom in solitude.
๐๐๐ฑ๐ก๐ Upon my return, we'll embark on the next phase of our journey with renewed zeal, ensuring our champion plant thrives, surrounded by care and attention. ๐ Awaiting this moment fills me with ๐ anticipation, as I know upon ๐ return, our ๐ฑ project will bloom into its fullest potential, right here in our ๐ก home.