Week 4: Growth Spurts and New Challenges Continued Growth and Health As we move into the fourth week, the plants are showing impressive growth. Their leaves are a lush, vibrant green, and the stems are becoming stronger. The transition to the larger 11-liter fabric pots has clearly paid off, providing the roots with ample space and better aeration. Adjusting Nutrient Levels Given their positive response to the nutrients, I decided to continue with 2/3 of Terra Aquatica Tripart feeding schedule, adjusting slightly to meet their increasing demands. Here's the updated feeding plan for this week: CalMag: 2.5 ml/l (Starting EC before adding nutrients: 0.50 mS/cm) Grow: 1.5 ml/l Bloom: 1.0 ml/l Micro: 0.5 ml/l EC: 1.2 mS/cm (600 ppm PPM-500/TDS) pH: 6.0 Each plant is watered with approximately 20% runoff to ensure there's no nutrient buildup in the coco mix. I will maintain this nutrient level until the pre-flowering stage to avoid the risk of nutrient burn due to over-fertilization. Weather Improvements and Adjustments The weather has been steadily improving, with temperatures expected to rise to around 25°C starting Wednesday, accompanied by abundant sunshine. This upcoming forecast is excellent news for my plants, as I anticipate a final growth spurt before flowering begins. Every centimeter of growth counts at this stage, and I'm optimistic about maximizing their potential under these favorable conditions. Strengthening with Wind Exposure On days with good weather, I move the plants out of the greenhouse to expose them to natural wind. This practice helps strengthen their stems, improving overall stability. Additionally, the wind creates a more challenging environment for pests, helping to keep them at bay. Smart Watering Strategy I only water the plants when the pots feel noticeably lighter. This encourages the roots to search for water, promoting the development of a stronger and more extensive root system. This method helps ensure the plants remain healthy and resilient. Pest Management: Observations and Actions At the beginning of the third week, I noticed dark discolorations on the undersides of some leaves. A few days later, these spots turned into yellow patches. I am still unsure about the cause of these spots. To prevent a potential insect infestation, I sprayed all the leaf surfaces, both top and bottom, with a mildly dosed neem oil mixture. Since then, the spots have not spread further. Because these discolorations are only affecting the lower leaves, they are not causing me significant concern at the moment. Regular inspections and preventive measures are crucial to maintaining the health of the plants and ensuring that any issues are caught early. Decision Against LST At first I have decided against using LST. But some of your comments made me try some LST on two of my plants. I choose Tangie and Gorilla cookies to try out and learn some stuff. Blue dream and Banana purple punch stay without any training. Thanks guys for your advice 👍 Monitoring and Care My daily routine involves checking the plants every morning and evening. This includes: Monitoring the moisture level of the coco mix. Inspecting the plants for any signs of pests or nutrient deficiencies. Growth Observations The plants are responding well to the controlled environment and balanced nutrition. They are growing rapidly, with new leaves appearing almost daily. The stems are thickening, and the overall structure of the plants is robust and healthy. Looking Ahead As we head into week 4, I am optimistic about the continued growth and health of my plants. The combination of a stable environment, appropriate nutrient levels, and diligent care is proving successful. I’m excited to see how they progress and adapt as they move closer to the flowering stage. Seeking Feedback and Tips Your feedback and tips are valuable to me! If you have any suggestions on how I can improve my growing techniques or insights based on your own experiences, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Let's grow together!