The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
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@Dendegrow
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Week 2 of the flowering phase flew by 🌱💨. Unfortunately, I may have overdone it with potassium or kept the water level too high – the classic signs of clawing leaves were evident. Thankfully, they seem to be recovering now and are back under control 💪🍃. My IR night experiment is showing clear results 🌌: The plants exposed to infrared radiation at night stretched significantly more. This might be especially beneficial for this indica-dominant strain as it leads to better canopy distribution, improved airflow, and reduced risks of mold and disease. Plus, the light distribution is much more efficient now, which I’m excited to see pay off. On the downside, my Orange Sherbert turned hermaphroditic 😔. It’s hard to pinpoint the cause – overfertilization seems unlikely since I’m using only organic nutrients. I suspect it might be linked to an E-field experiment I’ve been running. To confirm this theory, I’ll conduct a new grow with a similar strain next year to see if the electric field negatively impacts cannabis development. Stay tuned for updates! Drop a like and follow along for more grow insights 🌿✨. See you next week! Woche 2 der Blütephase ist wie im Flug vergangen 🌱💨. Leider habe ich wohl etwas zu viel Kalium gegeben oder den Wasserstand zu hoch gehalten – die typischen Anzeichen von Adlerkrallen waren sichtbar. Zum Glück scheinen sich diese jetzt zurückzubilden und sind wieder unter Kontrolle 💪🍃. Mein IR-Nachtexperiment zeigt bereits deutliche Ergebnisse 🌌: Die Pflanzen, die nachts mit Infrarotstrahlung bestrahlt wurden, haben deutlich stärker gestretcht. Das ist besonders bei dieser indica-dominanten Sorte wahrscheinlich von Vorteil, da es zu einer besseren Verteilung des Blätterdachs führt. Dadurch verbessert sich die Luftzirkulation, das Risiko von Schimmel und Krankheiten wird minimiert, und die Lichtverteilung wird effizienter. Ich bin gespannt, wie sich das weiter auswirkt! Leider hat meine Orange Sherbert gezwittert 😔. Woran das genau liegt, kann ich schwer sagen. Eine Überdüngung halte ich für unwahrscheinlich, da ich nur biologischen Dünger verwendet habe. Ich vermute, dass mein E-Feld-Experiment eine Rolle spielt. Um das zu bestätigen, werde ich nächstes Jahr einen neuen Durchlauf mit einer ähnlichen Sorte machen und prüfen, ob das elektrische Feld tatsächlich eine ungünstige Rückentwicklung der Pflanze verursacht. Bleibt dran, lasst ein Like da und folgt mir für weitere Updates 🌿✨. Bis nächste Woche!
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@Roberts
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The time has come for cbd crack 1:1. Going into darkness tomorrow, will update harvest video in a few days. It has fox tailed pretty badly, but that is ok. Thanks again fast buds🌱 Update- harvested and video uploaded Time to dry. Thank you grow diaries community for the follows, likes, plus the subscriptions on my YouTube channel. I greatly appreciate the support. Happy growing 🌱🌱🌱 If anyone needs to purchase fastbuds here is a link for my affiliate program, thanks 🌱 https://myfastbuds.com/?a_aid=60910eaff2419
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The sweet smell and her swelling of the buds is very evident mid flower glory. I gave her a mid flower flush of 2 gallons of water yesterday. From now on it’s just molasses and maybe some liquid budswell for the terps.
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Day 28 I was away for 5 days and wow the growth... I'm sold on the auto-pots 😂 Shes a nice in-between of bushy/stretchy structure. No signs of preflowers yet.
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@gr3g4l
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Esto sigue creciendo aunque algo menos y floreciendo a buen ritmo. Crecimiento nº1 171 ctms y la nº4 147 ctms Una semana bastante pasada por agua y un final de semana también fresquita.
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@cadur
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Plant is still tiny, grew 5cm / 2". It looks like it's slowly dying. The original leaves at the bottom went brown so I removed them. Some of the upper ones don't look great either. It's not a calcium deficiency. The bottom of the pot was very dry so I rinsed the soil with plain water. The dryness is the result of: A) me having to add a heater B) the blumat auto watererers focussing the wanter in specific areas. The roots clump around the waterers thus everything else drys up. I need to water directly from now on and look to fix this problem going forward.
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@Saihtan
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Plant is looking great so far just adjusted the light to It's full capacity. Day 23 first day of Diary.
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Welcome to Flower Week 3of Sweet Seeds Sweet Mandarine Skittlez F1 I'm excited to share my grow journey with you from my Sweet Seeds Project . It's going to be an incredible ride, full of learning, growing, and connecting with fellow growers from all around the world! For this Project , I’ve chosen the Feminized Photo strain Sweet Mandarine Skittlez F1 : Here’s what I’m working with: • 🌱 Tent: 120x60x80 • 🧑‍🌾 Breeder Company: Sweet Seeds • 💧 Humidity Range: 50 • ⏳ Flowering Time: 7weeks • Strain Info: 19-24%THC • 🌡️ Temperature: 26 • 🍵 Pot Size: 16 • Nutrient Brand: Narcos • ⚡ Lights : 600W x 2 A huge thank you to Sweet Seeds for allowing me to try my Best with this amazing collection from Photo Strains they managed to Sponsore . Big thanks for supporting the grower community worldwide! Your genetics and passion speak for themselves! I would truly appreciate every bit of feedback, help, questions, or discussions – and of course, your likes and interactions mean the world to me as I try to stand out in this exciting competition! Let’s grow together – and don’t forget to stop by again to see the latest updates! Happy growing! Stay lifted and stay curious! Peace & Buds!
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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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Growing well so far. This week I added some LST to encourage outward growth. Things started to get a little wonky towards the end of the week bit once she starts to stretch out i think she will look a little neater.
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Flipped a week ago. They are stretching nicely. I have a couple feet left in the tent. Should be good right? 🤔
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Week 6 and these girls got a scrog net added. As the plants are getting extremely heavy. Started to unfold an open up eagle spread style. So had to lend a helping hand. They got a scrog net added an the untrained plant got tied up from tents upper support bars an lower branches got some support also from the net. So far everything is going smoothly. The e680s light is putting in that work work
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@Fre_84
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The three plants are doing well. Fat Banana with topping has recovered strongly and continues to grow. Fat Banana without topping is unstoppable. A little defoliation applied. Northern Light is now a bonsai! :D Northern Light - Bloom status - 24/25 cm 08/17 * 08/21 30 cm * 08/24 36,5 cm * 08/27 40 cm Fat Banana with Topping - Bloom status: 15 cm 08/17 * 08/21 - 22 cm * 08/24 27,5 cm * 08/27 32 cm Fat Banana no topping Bloom status: 20 cm 08/17 * 08/21 - 30 cm * 08/24 - 35,5 cm (small defoliation) * 08/27 40,5 cm
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hey friends 👋 today is the start of the 5th week. in a few days she will be 1 month old and i couldn't be happier 😄 she performs well, showing her rapid growth. she stretched for 25 cm only for 1 week i couldn't imagine her full potent, lucky for me the grow tent is big enough 😄 😄 started to add bio bloom and top max along with bio grow - she eats everything u give. alongside this nutrients also add some Calmag forgot to say some words about smell - it's becoming intense and start to hesitate me, so i'm planning to buy carbon filter soon. everything good. wish everyone a good week, and will be glad to see you 👍 and comments here 😊
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Aparecieron unas pequeñas manchitas en las hojas más viejas, se realizó el trasplante a maceta de 5 lts y se regaron foliarmente con Knactive por estas hojas amarillas que comenzaron a salir y para que tomaran de buena manera el trasplante. Seguimos ... Pronto se viene la floración
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19-11-2021: Still 4 weeks left... Buds are starting to swell, I think I have to harvest the Runtz a week earlier. Lowered CO2 to 800PPM. Lowered EC to 1.8. Will replace the water by end of the week. 21-11-2021: Some people suggesting I should use PK13/14... But they are not telling why.. Honestly... I have no clue what it could do for me. Already using Green Sensation from Plagron with clearly says..."When you use Green Sensation you don't need a PK fertilizer, enhancer, booster or enzymes!". So I am just continuing as I do. @Hazeydays... Was just rereading your comment but cannot find any grow diary from you :(. Why do you think I should add PK13/14?You said (3 weeks ago) your ladies are in week 7 and 3 times as big as mine. What do you mean by that? Because I think it is quite normal that plants in week 7 flower are bigger then plants I week 1 flower. Do you have a link to your diary? Thanks in advance 23-11-2021: As you can see some buds seem already to be ready for harvest. Very strange, only 56 days of 12/12 now. (I started counting flower on day 27 of 12/12 so only 29 days of real flower. I was told this might be due to adding Green Sensation too early but I would expect all the ladies would suffer from it then. It is just one. Even the lady which is in the same bin doesn't show any signs of amber trichomes. Very Very strange. 24-11-2021: Buds seem to swell very fast now overnight. Looking and smelling great. Today my fans will arrive so from tonight on they will have some windy conditions I hope.
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It's a quite jungle, but I like it wild. New tent is postponed to next week, I really need it though, those plants would appreciate getting their artificial sun dose, instead tryingto push through the roof. Tried another way to take photos, but until we get more room, they're gonna be whatever.. Light schedule is still 13 hours, I should probably change it to 12 soon, though target is still one month and then reduction to 12 h. Nothing got topped this time, maybe I should've, but the new tent will bring some workaround room. I'm still trying to understand the plant behavior and their limits.