The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
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July 20: smoke arrived this morning to go with our heat wave. Awesome. Extra watering, misting air, and wetting the sides of the grow bags with hose water to keep things cooler and hydrated. So far so good in the heat. Did foliar spray of Extreme Blend and potassium silicate. Also note that for all my grows I use apple cider vinegar for pH adjustment and a Dr Bronners liquid soap as a wetting agent (surfactant). Euphoria is doing great, but to ensure that it finishes early enough for this latitude (53N) where the UV light gets very weak after mid-August, I’m starting the force flowering tonight. Already starting to flower but I want a strong flower set and as much flower growth under strong sunlight as possible. Force flowering schedule is 2-3 weeks of in dark garage at 9 pm followed by 730 nm far red light and then back out at 7 am. The light initiates dark mode 2 h faster so it’s like having a 26 h day. Good trick use as a bloom booster, also moves up the finish 2-4 weeks. So, 10+2 is 12 h dark and 14 h daylight. Might sound bogus but it works. July 21: first night of force flowering caused a big stretch. Notably stretched after darkness in hot garage overnight. Hot outside overnight too but was much hotter inside garage and recorded here as 24 C. Seems okay and high overnight temperature might be ideal at this early flowering stage. Warm overnight temperatures continue for a few more days. July 22: record hot overnight low forecast for tonight of 24 C and feels like 27 C with humidity. Wow, that is really incredible for here and 13 C above historic average. July 26: six days into flowering and she is doing fine. 👍👍
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@Thigh
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Paar Tage schönes Wetter 🙂 Paar Tage schlechtes Wetter 🙃 Willkommen in Deutschland 👨🏽‍🌾 Bis jetzt läuft alles 😜
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Rainbow melon what can I say? This plant is absolutely one of my favorite so far out of the fast buds genetics. I’ve grown a couple other genetics before and I have to say fast buds definitely checks all the boxes almost makes it too easy. The plant literally grows itself like it has a mind of its own handling low stress training absolutely amazing. Seems like it wants to have a perfect canopy. Very little TLC and the plant absolutely is thriving. 🌿🔥
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@CalGonJim
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1/12/26 4:18AM MONDAY.....💪💪💪💪👌 1/12 CANNAKAN DAY EDICINAL 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! 🌱💪😂
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Nugs not swelling up like I would like. But I’m really liking the purple I’m seeing on the one plant. Didn’t do much with the plants this week accept sit and watch them grow.
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@GroLife
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I made too many mistake to comment light was to high early in the grow I forgot to transplant, I fed it veg nutrients for 2 weeks into flowering and RH went down to 25% at the end and stayed at 25% through trying to dry
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The girls are fully in flower this week which of course is a GREAT sight to see when opening the tent. The smell in the tent is so sweet and fruity it's already making your mouth water!! So this week I feed the girls with a little of the living soil veg so they are still getting a helping hand. They were also given the living soil bloom and some barley which I will admit is the first time using it but so far me plus the girls are very much enjoying!! I have done the necessary light de-foliating on all 4 girls over the past 2 weeks and more LST. Happy toking guys and girls!! Will keep you all posted with more videos through the week so please keep checking back 🙂
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@ORION1_1
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Still happy and doing well. Maybe a little slow since I was getting the living soil watering differences figured out. Water only living soil for now ph at 6.3-6.6
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Tag 21- Beginn der 4 Woche. Die ersten einzelnen Stigmen sind sichtbar, die Vorblüte erscheint. Im laufe dieser Woche werde ich den Dünger auf Blüte umstellen. An Tag 16 der letzten Woche wurde die Pflanze gedüngt. Der Basis Dünger Sensi Grow von Advanced Nutriens wurde dabei um 0,5ml erhöht. Nährstofflösung: 1 ml/l - B-52 Advanced Nutrients. 1 ml/l - Voodoo Juice Advanced Nutrients. 1 ml/l - pH Perfect Sensi Grow Part A 1 ml/l - pH Perfect Sensi Grow Part B
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Haven't updated my grow diary for a little more than two weeks due to a severe back flare up. Yup, bad back strain, which has made it hard to sit, lay, stand for any duration of time. Suffice to say, much has happened since last update. Bucket change and upping nutrient (ppm) levels as I transitioned her to flower. And in that time, she received one defoliation in veg and a recent (and last) defoliation in flower. At this point, I just need to maintain healthy roots, consistent environment, and proper water levels with feedings. She's due another bucket change soon as ppm levels dropping and ph is adjusting upwards every reading. This is good sign from my understanding as a first time DWC grower. As far as feeding, lowered grow big (veg) and upped both tiger bloom and beastie blooms along with a splash of big bloom and cal/mag. Topping off buckets with about 1100+ ppm, which helps maintain ph in bucket at roughly 700-800 ppm. But it's getting harder to maintain those levels in flower, so that's why I believe a bucket change is in order. Here are photos spanning the entire 2-3 week period since last update.
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We've made it to week 3! (10/12/20) I'm very happy with how the girls are going, they have definitely put in a HUGE amount of work over the past 7 days. Plants 3 & 8 are very similar(extremely fat leaves & extra bushy) Plants 1 & 5 are similar (smaller phenos reacting to nutes slightly differently) & Plants 2, 4, 6 & 7 seem to be a cross between the previously mentioned phenos(not too small and not too big/bushy & reacting to nutes fine) Feel free to compare Week 1, 2 & 3 to see the differences. Nutes are staying the same this week, although I will be spacing feedings out a little bit further(18 hours-ish), as well as feeding straight PH'd water once a fortnight. I am contemplating hooking my simple drip-to-waste irrigation system up, although the girls are pretty close to the medium still and the halos sit 5-10cm above the medium, meaning fan leaves would be drooping onto the wet halos, so I'll give it another week and see how they're doing :) Update 11/12/20 - day 22 The girls have beefed up quite a bit over the last 24 hours, I'm really looking forward to seeing a stretch soon :) No feeding today & will water plain ph'd water tomorrow. Update 12/12/20 - day 23 Gave the girls straight ph'd water today with little run off. Veg growth is really starting to boom now, looking forward to seeing where this grow goes! I'm gladly accepting any tips or tricks, as I'm still only a beginner to indoors. Update 13/12/20 - day 24 Girls are looking great today, not much to report. They didn't get a feed or watering today as the medium was still wet after a pure watering yesterday. Update 14/12/20 - day 25 There's been a big increase in growth over the past 24 hours. All the girls besides the 2 smaller phenos look 100% happy, the smaller ones have looked a little weird since day 1(Weird as in colour of the fan leaves look deficient of something, but I'm not sure what. The girls will be getting a full feeding today. There's still no signs of sex but they are feminised seeds. Update 15/12/20 - day 26 Girls are looking happy today. Temps are back to normal after a heat wave in my city(its only going to get hotter from here on out). No feeding/watering today, pots are heavy/wet enough. Started using iphone for photos now, my only lens for my DSLR is useless for most grow related photos. I will upgrade my lens before next grow. I received my new silenced fan today! I couldnt be any happier :) It is a silenced Sigilventus SE-A150J, which I have set-up with a brand new Can-lite carbon filter. I went from a rocket loud eBay fan to a completely silent inline EC fan :D I hope the girls like the silence! Update 16/12/20 - day 27 The girls are continuing to boom! and I'm over the moon about it :D I gave them a full feeding today. I have seen white pistils coming out of calyx's on most of the girls, so i'm hoping they start to flower soon. I'm having weird issues with my humidity, it seems to be fine at 40-50% for 70% of the day, but the remaing 30% of the day it goes up to 60-65%. Temps stay the same in the 5x5 tent, I have ducted air-con in the house which is on most of the day. Thanks for viewing! :)
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La gorilla Zkittlez a commencer ca croissance en box 400W pendant 3 semaine, j'ai demander à un ami de commencer la croissance dans sa box pour voir la différence avec mes autres fem que j'ai commencer en intérieur. La différence est vraiment incroyable je pense que la variété est pour quelques chose mais débuter la.croissance en box et finir en extérieur est vraiment très bénéfique pour le rendement et n'afflue en rien négativement sur la qualité au contraire
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Weather was great this week, warm and sunny. One plant was ready and got the chop and is hanging now. The other three are probally a month behind. Kinda funny they are finishing so far apart. The only difference l can see is a bit of shade. Would never have thought. That partridge was back, must be my Cannabis guard bird haha. I uploaded a video of it, kinda funny. The weather is turning, next week is cooler and rain almost every day. I hope the last three make it to the end. Cheers
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Bloom week 2 is going exactly as planned. The SCROG is now fully filled with a very flat and even canopy, covering the entire 4×4 grid. I finished the last structural work by lollipopping the plant completely from below and stopped all training. From this point on she can stretch freely and focus all her energy on flower development. Bud sites are well defined across the whole canopy and the plant looks healthy and balanced. Feeding is dialed in with stable pH and moderate EC, no signs of over- or underfeeding. Light intensity was increased gradually and the plant is responding very well. Overall a very clean transition from stretch into early flower, setting the stage for dense buds in the coming weeks.
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Wednesday 20/03 - heavy defoliation, removed all large fan leaves 🍁 - last few days now, few trichomes turning amber, don’t want too many to go amber as I want the maximum THC available haha, pushing for that 30%! - smells abso-fucking-lutely beautiful, sweet candy notes with strong diesel and pine coming through! ⛽️🍭🌲😫
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@NSABND
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Day 50 and a new week... the summer comes back to germany and "Hilde 2.0" goes well 🙏😀 Day 51 ... the summer is back in germany ... sun and heat 😎👍... good for the Buds 😉🙏 Day 52 summer sun and warm weather....😎🙌🙏👍
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@Ts1Ko
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She looks like i took her out of the freezer 😁 sparkling trichomes all over her 🤩 short but beautiful 💚
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11/03/24 FD23 the buds are frosty and the nodes are spaced pretty tightly. the buds look as if theyll fill out fairly large. 11/05/24 FD25 everytime i open the tent, the buds just yell at me. citrus and fruit smell come through 11/07/24 fed today. cut the nitrogen/ grow forumula out.
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Well it got really cold this week, from 23°c down to 11°c, it was the perfect conditions to get my plants acclimated on the windowsill for the great outdoors 😊 i apologise i seem to be missing some photos but the girls were all topped at the 5th node to give them a stronger structure for the battling winds to come later in the year. When i got to site i mixed my own super soil, compost, coco & perlite with some additives, lime, potash, blood, bone & fish mix, keeping things 100% organic for the best flavours 👌 the girls are now out into their new homes for the next 6 months 😊 i hope you enjoy the tour of the garden 💚
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@Sadhus
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Très belle croissance belle couleur, propre , vod parfait avec trolmaster , et strain de folies chez kannabia 💪👌