The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
Likes
Comments
Share
Haven't uploaded week 8 so here's a few words about then. I couldn't do much else since I was waiting for some supplies before transplanting them. Overall, it was interesting to learn more about watering. I was definitely underwatering them and I think that contributed for them looking "sad" on week 7. After increasing the amount of water, they started looking better and growing more too. I also sprayed them with bauv. for IPM. About week 9: Supplies arrived so I mixed some Bokashi in the soil mix, filled some 7L vases (made some extra holes on sides, lesson learned from the first weeks hahaha) and transplanted the plants. After that, I watered them some Shrimp FPE to increase microbial life, phosphorus and chitin content in the soil. 2 days later and two of them are looking really happy ( plant 1 and 3)
Likes
9
Share
@Kushizlez
Follow
Blackberry Breath #1 Yield: 57.5 Smell: 9/10 - sweet, grape, berry, gassy, earthy, hashy Bag appeal: 8.5/10 - dense, sparkly buds Crystal coverage: 9/10 - super impressed Ash: 5/10 - flaky, mostly grey/blackish Fire holding: 4/10 - stays lit for 10-30 seconds Smoke: 5/10 - tastes like chalky shit High: 6/10 - indica dom Comment: looks amazing, smells amazing, tastes like shit, burns like shit. 46.5/70 = 66% 👎🗑️ Blackberry Breath #2 Yield: 76.1g Smell: 6/10 - musky, tea, berry, herbal Bag appeal: 8/10 - slightly leafy/stemy Crystal coverage: 7.5/10 - very impressed Ash: 5/10 - flaky, mostly grey/black Fire holding: 4/10 - stays lit for 10-30 seconds Smoke: 5/10 - taste is shit High: 6/10 - indica dom Comment: looks nice, smells shitty, tastes shitty, burns like shit. 41.5/70 = 59% 👎🗑️
Likes
6
Share
@CalGonJim
Follow
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! 🌱💪😂
Likes
3
Share
This is the week right before the 24 hour dark period and switch to 12-12 looking very healthy
Likes
6
Share
Likes
5
Share
Week 1 of flower and she started her stretch. Using General Hydroponics Trio for feed along with TPS Signal and Recharge for soil. I'm considering adding a 2nd trellis, but it depends on how the next week or two goes. Did some light and final defoliating. Could have went more but I didn't want to risk overdoing, not until I'm more experienced anyway. Plus I recommend having a plant to experiment on and take some high-reward risks concurrent with your main grow.
Likes
10
Share
Day 64 my baby is going really well by now, she s been running fast until now and I think that’s enough with fertiliser. From today o start my flush, I will give today my last dose of regulator and from next irrigation just on controlled water until the end of maturation, I want this baby to eat everything . day 65 started flushing. ph controlled water at 6.0 i think 20 more days at max before m Day 68 First check with micro today. The baby looks already milky and amber on the top buds but the rest of the plant is still transparent. I’ll wait at least until this weekend for a re check maybe I’ll cut her in two rounds. As I be been watching a lot with micro I noticed so many dust and other stuff on the buds so I think I’ll wash her in water. Today watered ph 6. Let’s see! 🌱🔥🌱🔥🌱🔥🔥
Likes
9
Share
Hey everyone, I meant to post this update yesterday, but I was really busy. Anyway, here she is! She's doing great, although still a bit darker than I'd like, which might just be her genetics. Overall, I'm really happy with how things are going for my first grow. There are definitely some things I could have done to improve this run. The top buds aren't as fat as I hoped, probably because there are so many tops and bud sites under the canopy that aren't getting enough PPFD. This seems to be causing the plant to direct quite a lot of energy to the lower buds, leaving the top colas not getting 100% of the energy they need. But hey, we learn as we go, and this first run has taught me a lot. I'm aiming for at least 4 ounces, but honestly, she doesn't look like she's producing that much weight at the moment. Fingers crossed these buds juice up and double in size within these last two weeks! Thanks for following along and for all the support! 🌱✨
Likes
8
Share
Start of week 6. Week 5 went really well for GG4. She's bulking up, buds are getting really big and dense, weight is starting to pack on. She's showing some discoloration in some leaves, purple, orange and pink tones, small signs of deficiency.
Likes
27
Share
Likes
139
Share
@yan402
Follow
🌸🍊✨🍭🌸🍊✨🍭🌸🍊✨🍭🌸 Back at it with Kannabia — huge thanks for the NEW EXCLUSIVE Upcoming Kannabia's seed Launch 🙏🍨🍊 Grateful for the trust and for everyone following along, I’ll run her clean and showcase what she can do. Dessert-party goals: berry–citrus sherbet terps, creamy finish, tight stacks, easy trim, zero drama. Veg 24/0, clean manifold + LST, flip on a happy, even canopy. Coco’s fresh, seed goes in now. 🚀 Added on 12.10.2025 🌞 Light conditions: Limited direct light for the first 4 weeks — ~4 h/day on weekdays and ~10–11 h on weekends due to tent sharing and work schedule. 🌸🍊✨🍭🌸🍊✨🍭🌸🍊✨🍭🌸 💭❗💭❗💭❗💭❗💭❗💭❗💭 ❗Events & thoughts worth noting❗ 💭❗💭❗💭❗💭❗💭❗💭❗💭 10.08.25 GW1 Sowed seed, soaked starter pot with #1 12.08.25 GW1 Seed popped hip hip hurray 28.08.25 VW2 Stopped using GreenBuzzBloom, took it out of the schedule. 01.09.25 VW3 TriPartMicro 10→30ml, TriPart bloom 10→30ml 12.09.25 VW4 Applied nemadodes against thrips and fungus gnats. 20.09.25 VW6 topped and trained for first time, decided against a full manifold as I lost a few weeks already. 26.09.25 VW7 Topped her one more time for 8 mains 27.09.25 VW7 Topped up the pot with perlite instead of clay pebbles this time, just trying things out, TriPartMicro 30→40ml , TriPartBloom 30→20ml 10.10.25 VW9 have her a haircut, umm be trimming the side shoots tomorrow, rest in the video 📹 12.10.25 VW9 done some extra trimming to clean up a bit and chose two extra side shoots to nurture info mains, so kept the 8 original mains plus 2 rest in the video 📹 17.10.25 VW9 FfJ/fpj fish mix 30 → 60 ml 20.10.25 VW10 Feed tweak: added 3 g Calcium Nitrate/ 30 L (≈ 15 ppm N + 10 ppm Ca) 24.10.25 VW11 did a defoliation and trimming session 📹 27.10.25 VW11 Epsom Salt 0 → 2.5, Calcium Nitrate 3 → 9 g 🌱💦🌱💦🌱💦🌱💦🌱💦🌱 🌿 Day to day tasks & actions 🌿 🌱💦🌱💦🌱💦🌱💦🌱💦🌱 31.10.25 VW11 -- no feed no water (*RUNOFF reused for tomato plants) 💧💦💧💦💧💦💧💦💧 💧 Nutrients in 30 L #1 (updated) 💧 💧💦💧💦💧💦💧💦💧 💧 TriPart Micro: 10 → 30 → 40 ml = 0.33 → 1.00 → 1.33 ml/L 💧 TriPart Grow: 0 ml = 0.00 ml/L 💧 TriPart Bloom: 10 → 30 → 20 ml = 0.33 → 1.00 → 0.67 ml/L 💧 Cal-Mag: 60 ml = 2.00 ml/L 💧 Home-made FFJ/FPJ (new batch): 30 → 60 ml = 1.00 → 2.00 ml/L 💧 Calcium Nitrate (Calcinit): 3 → 9 g (≈ 15 → ppm N + 10 → 30 ppm Ca) ⬆️ 💧 Magnesium (Epsom Salt / MgSO₄·7H₂O): 0 → 2.5 g (≈ 0 → 10–12 ppm Mg) ⬆️ 💧 pH Down: Citric acid (BuxXtrade) — adjust to ~pH 5.8 – 6.0 📦 TOTAL: ≈ 160 → 170 ml liquids + 3 → 11.5 g solids per 30 L ≈ 5.9 → 6.4 ml/g active mix per L 💧💦💧💦💧💦💧💦💧 ⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️ ✂️ Tools & equipment ✂️ ⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️ ✂️ 2× MarsHydro SP3000 ⚙️ MarsHydro 150mm ACF Ventilator ✂️ Trotec dehumidifier (big unit) ⚙️ Mini no-name dehumidifier ✂️ Kebab skewers (LST – stainless) ⚙️ Wire + roast skewers (LST assist) ✂️ Scissors (HST) ⚙️ Vacuum (for spills & cleanup) ✂️⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️✂️⚙️ --- 🍊🍧🌬️🍬🍊🍧🌬️🍬🍊🍧🌬️🍬 Mystery seed (Kannabia Seeds) — NEW EXCLUSIVE 🍊🍧🌬️🍬🍊🍧🌬️🍬🍊🍧🌬️🍬 Species: Hybrid (GF / swift-flowering line) Genetics: TBA (breeder sheet pending) THC: TBA Effect: Euphoric, relaxed, creative (target profile) Flavor: Berry–citrus sherbet, sweet candy, creamy finish Flowering (indoors): ~6–7 weeks target (GF) Resistance: High (aim: no drama) Indoor yield: TBA Outdoor yield: TBA Structure: TBA Notes: Brand-new exclusive from Kannabia’s GF line — I’ll update specs when the breeder card drops. Goal is rich sherbet terps (berry–citrus + cream), low leaf-to-calyx, easy trim. Stage harvest stays on the table if tops finish early. YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/-m8h?si=A7x4Zlr2kj-_ga31
Likes
2
Share
Strain: Chill Out OG F4 Day 14 of Flower Day: 63 from sprout Medium: Fox Farm Ocean Forest Light: Vivosun VS2000 at 75% VPD: 1.3 kPa Light Distance: 8 inches Watering: By hand, ~16 oz daily Nutrients: pH Perfect Advanced Nutrition Grow, Bloom, Micro 2 ml / L, 1 ml / L big bud Automatic watering ready to go!
Processing
Likes
3
Share
Likes
5
Share
They both had a three day germination period. This is the first time I’ve ordered seeds online. I was so impressed with the service that I received. The seeds germinated in a plastic container with paper towels in it, three days later I have seedlings. The Northern Lights are not as big as the Cookies at this stage but it still looks pretty good; I’m going to keep an eye on it since it’s still in the fragile stage of development.
Likes
37
Share
@Stork
Follow
Time for drying. Btw drying them like this was a bad idea buds are pressed from one side may be conceded to move them, well I still prefer hanging drying 🤪
Likes
87
Share
Description With up to 27% THC, Strawberry Banana Auto is one of the most THC-rich strains to hit the market lately, this colossal autoflower grows up to 150cm and produces massive yields of up to 600gr/m2. An excellent strain for those looking for potent autoflowers that deliver both in quality and quantity. Expect an extremely sweet and fruity terpene profile with an obvious Strawberry and Banana aroma that comes hand-in-hand with a strong body high mixed with a cerebral high that boosts creativity; a strain that will surprise you with powerful yet well-balanced Indica and Sativa effects. Bud description The buds grow thick and slightly elongated with a light-green color and thin bright yellowish-orange hairs and dark-green leaves coming out of them; Expect super swollen calyxes that give the buds a distinct spiky look. Thanks to the outrageous trichome production the buds end up looking like it’s been snowing in the grow tent for days, and upon harvest they’ll reek of a delicious mix of freshly harvested strawberries with a background of ripe bananas, making it a marvelous choice for extractors and hash makers who need a trichome powerhouse to take their products to the next level.Smoke report Due to the high THC level, this strain offers a strong hybrid effect; Upon smoking, you will feel a mild head buzz that gradually turns into a strong euphoric and uplifted cerebral high that leaves you focused and alert. The Sativa effect comes along with a warming corporal buzz that slowly sedates your whole body and can leave you couch-locked with strong munchies if smoked in excess. This strain is seriously recommended for those with a high tolerance and medicinal patients looking for an alternative to alleviate chronic pain, appetite loss, or severe anxiety.Plant appearance This strain grows vigorously and will clearly show its mixed heritage; The main cola grows tall, reaching up to 150cm followed by several side branches that stay short when compared to the main cola, but still grow quite long and develop multiple flowering sites that get completely covered in greasy buds from top to bottom. This variety remains compact and, despite its height, will maintain that typical Indica structure until harvest, where it will end up looking like a beautiful and atypically huge Indica. Grow tips Make sure you have enough vertical space in your grow tent, this strain can grow up to 150cm so it’s recommended your tent is at least 200cm tall to avoid having problems in the last weeks of your grow cycle. Once the buds start fattening up they will get quite heavy so pay close attention to the branches and if you feel like they won’t be able to withstand the weight, use plant yo-yo’s or bamboo stakes to provide support and prevent them from snapping. The strong strawberry banana terps are clearly apparent but remember to flush thoroughly to enhance the potent fruity terps even more.Flavor This variety offers an unforgettable taste of sweet tropical strawberries with a faint bubblegum background on the inhale and a more apparent ripe banana with a strong earthy background on the exhale. The perfect potency and terpene profile for hash makers and extractors looking for the most powerful strains with the strongest terpene profiles.