7/1: This plant has been extremely fun to watch do its thing over the last few weeks. Those little mistakes I made or neglected in my first grow have significantly helped me get off on the right foot this time around. Not to mention, I feel that the plant/genetics is fairly low maintenance.
As I mentioned at the end of last week's entry, I started a little LST on the lower most node. Today, I have added landscaping staples to the second lowest node to allow it to stretch out and get more light from under the quickly growing top canopy.
In addition to starting LST on the second lowest node, I did bring the light down to 16 inches above canopy at 60% power. This gives me a PPFD reading of roughly 750, which could be inaccurate due to using the phone app, but it still gives me a good idea of how much I should bump light power up each time.
7/3: Today was a big day for the Mrs. Gorilla Cookie. I decided it was time to add in a bit more soil as well as some amendments. I added 3tbsp of Gaia Green Power Bloom 2-8-4 and 1tbsp Gaia Green All Purpose 4-4-4. I then reapplied the landscaping staples to continue LST.
The plants seem to be responding well to the light increase that I applied on 7/1. At the time, I was worried it would be too much, but the plant is really soaking it up and praying toward the light. I may increase the light a bit more at the end of the week.
In addition, I plan to try out a self watering base toward the end of the week. I will going out of town soon for the remainder of July and need to test the base before I leave. I do have buddies that will help, but I would like things to be as easy as possible for them. I also hear great things on these self watering bases and if it works out will, I will definitely incorporate them into future grows.
7/6: The end of week 4 has come and this plant is really starting to kick into high gear. I do think adding in the bloom amendments really helped. Great, speedy growth, and looking green and healthy. Pistils have started to form and she's definitely starting to get a little stank. The lights are still at 60% but due to the constant growth the canopy raised causing the light to be 12 inches close and PPFD up to 950. I did notice a tiny bit of tacoing so I lifted the light a couple inches. I am now trying to keep them at a constant 14 inches above the canopy with a PPFD of around 850. I will likely hold off on adjusting the brightness for another few days, as I am liking the results I'm seeing.
I started the plant on her self-watering base yesterday when I would have usually given it a feeding. Its only been a day, so its too soon to tell just how well its working, but the soil seems to be at a perfect moisture at all times. I did feed a little from the top today to help some of the nutrients that may still be at the top work its way into the pot.
Overall, solid week. This grow is already shaping up to exceed my expectations and I feel pretty good about making it through the Veg stage in one piece. On to the flowering stage!
WEEK 4 AVG TEMP: 72.9F
WEEK 4 AVG HUMIDITY: 64.1%