The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
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Day 64 Flower (Day 106) Today is the first day of the 10th week of flower and I put on a powerful headlight and some magnifying glasses and closely inspected the right girl during the dark period, so the colors from the grow lights didn't fool me. Unfortunately, I found another couple of buds with bud rot. Soon I'll have to decide to harvest the plant now and cut my losses even though she isn't done, or I'll take my chances and let her go a while longer. I turned up my extraction fan, installed another circulation fan, and ordered a dehumidifier that will arrive tomorrow. I'm hoping that all those measures will bring down the humidity in the tent (unfortunately, I can't do anything about the temps) and prevent further rot. I will let her go another few days and see if any additional rot pops up. Fingers crossed that it won't. The left girl is just doing her thing, but it doesn't look like she will fatten her buds. I guess all that stress in the tiny tent was too much for her. No matter what the result of this grow will be, it certainly has been a great learning experience. Day 65 Flower (Day 107) Things are looking good for the right girl as I haven't found any more bud rot yet. Turning up the extraction fan certainly helped, not only with the humidity but also the temperature dropped. Not by a huge amount, but I'll take whatever improvement I can get. Today the dehumidifier arrived as well, and I put it in the tent right away. The humidity in the tent has now dropped from the high 60s to a much more suitable mid-40s, and I hope this will be enough together with additional air circulation to prevent any further rot. I looked a bit closer at the trichomes today and found that most have gone cloudy, and I finally found some amber ones (about damn time!). I'm aiming for around 20-25% amber in this harvest as I'm hoping for a relatively "heavy" smoke - one of those frying-pan-to-the-head kinds of smokes suitable for late nights. Day 66 Flower (Day 108) Still no signs of more bud rot. Fingers crossed All I did today was to mix up some more nematodes in water and then feed each girl with 3 liters of it at ph 6.4. I'm not sure it was necessary for my main tent as the fungus gnats seem to have died out by themselves. I put in a new yellow sticky trap yesterday, but it was still empty today, and many dead gnats were lying on the tent floor. I have no real idea why, as I don't use any pesticides, but maybe the gnats really don't like this new low humidity in the tent. In any case, I'm just happy that the little buggers are gone. Day 67 Flower (Day 109) The bud rot is still staying away, and I'm getting hopeful that it will stay gone. All I did today was to give the right girl 3 liters of pH 6.4 water. She was a bit thirsty as I had the irrigation turned off for a couple of days due to the nematodes I gave them yesterday. I've now turned on the system in each tent and will just cruise along until harvest. The girls are already way over time, but most trichomes are cloudy, and I've started to see some amber here and there. Although, not much of a fade so far. Day 68 Flower (Day 110) All I did today was snap a couple of pics. It's all just a waiting game at this point, and I hope it won't take that much longer. I'm ready to cut the girls down and have some time off before the next season is here. I plan to grow a couple of photo CBD girls in my main tent and maybe an auto in my smaller tent. We'll see. But yeah, first, the current grow must come to an end. It looks like the left girl is starting to get her fade on, so there's that at least. I didn't bother looking at the trichomes today, but I'll have another look in a day or two. Day 69 Flower (Day 111) I didn't do a single thing with the girls today except snapping a couple of pics. What I did, though, was to make a smoke test of the right girl. Let me explain: Earlier this week, I had to cut off four buds due to bud rot. Out of those four buds, I saved two small tops after trimming off all rot (as well as plenty more just to be safe). I left those tops on the tent floor, where they dried in only a few days, and yesterday I decided to try a smoke. Naturally, I can't say anything about taste as this weed is dried the worst way possible: fast, hot, and in the light. On top of that, it's not cured either. That being said, holy smokes, batman! This stuff kicks like a mule, which is why I didn't post this last night already. I was too stoned to care. Precisely the effect I was hoping for from this harvest: properly stoned and incredibly lazy. Boom! Day 70 Flower (Day 112) Today was the last day of week 10 of flower. Not much exciting is happening this late in flower, so it is primarily a waiting game at this point. I did remove the irrigation system from the left girl and will hand water her instead. That cheap system I had was too erratic, and I'm better off without it. Plus, I hope that she will be done soon-ish. She will never win a beauty contest due to her scraggly foxtail flowers, but I'm still happy to get something from her considering all the stress she went through. The right girl has been doing fine all week, and no other bud rot has been seen since I fixed her environment. I rechecked the trichomes today, and still hardly any amber in either girl. I'll let them go for another week, but then it is time for the chopping block. This grow already went a lot longer than planned initially, and it is time to bring it to a close soon.
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Week 2 Flower 09/04 Bllimburn Apple Fritter - Seedsman Critical +2.0 39 - 40inches - Increased Raw NPK feed ( Phosphorus - Potassium ) 2 teaspoons per gallon on each with Cal Mag, Flower Fuel and Floranova Bloom. Flowering processing accordingly. *End of week update 09/09* Both Apple Fritter and Critical are flowering accordingly. 3-4 Inch height increase Budsites looking healthy - No signs of deficiencies from nute feeds Main Colas were aggressively LST's to avoid light burn.
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End of week 3 in bloom , I’ve got most of the lollipoping done , canopy has filled in really well , lots of bud sites , I will remove some of the shade leaf out of the canopy in another week , stretch is done so just want to give the buds as much light as possible. I had a discussion with my grow shop rep and we discussed water times and schedules with the need for the rock wool to dry out so I dialed my feed schedule back from 6 feedings in 24 hrs to 3 , it’s been a week and the room looks great , final weight and time will tell me if feeding them less often is better.
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Germination date 🌰 10/03/2021 Day 92 🌱 15/06/2021 Strain 🍁 Purple Matcha, Humboldt seed bank Nutrients 💉 Advanced nutrients PH perfect sensi grow A+B (veg) PH perfect sensi bloom A+B (flower) B-52 (through veg until week2 of flower) Voodoo juice (🖕🏻) Tarantula (🖕🏻) Piranha (🖕🏻) Sensizym (all the way through) Rhino skin (🖕🏻) add first leave for an hour Big bud coco (week2+ of flower Bud xfactor (🖕🏻) Nirvana (🖕🏻) Bud igniter (first 2weeks of flower) Overdrive (last 2weeks of flower) Flawless finish (flush week) RockHoldings Rockresinator(week2+ of flower) Vitalink calmag Set Up ⛺ amazon special 1.2m x1.2m 💡 spiderfarmer sf4000 📤📥 AC infinity 6inch 💧 10lt dehumidifier Notes🗒️✏️ I literlly don't have a bad word to say about this strain. Temps have been hitting 30c last week due to sunny weather and no a/c but its still smashing its way through its cycle. Honestly if your looking for a high terp, dank looking easy growing weed to grow, I suggest you buy this and thank me later. Humboldt have smashed it out the park with this strain. OK the buds aren't massive but it smells like fruit loops and is so sticky. We had a cheeky smoke as I ripped a bud off last week and it tastes exactly as it smells. Very sweet and punchy 😄 high thc as we were pretty high after it. Certainly the best start to my coco growing. Only started Flawless finish Monday and will flush for 5-7days Massive thanks to PharmaZ for sorting us out and helping us along, top bloke go follow 👍🏻 Stay turned and happy growing fam ❤️🍁🌱👍🏻
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@CalGonJim
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7/21 330am MONDAY everyone is looking good. I gave a little bit of nitrogen from a germination grow yesterday gorilla gas F1 has little white bugs in the soil, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting anything too bad. I don’t want to spray anything. It will affect the outcome and make everything taste gross. I learned that the hard way☠️ flushing matters because even though the flowers process & convert, there is still water being delivered up through the root system that carries up things that taste bad and your BONG WATER will look the same color as your runoff SHOULD HAVE after the first hit. DONT DO THAT, DONT BE LIKE ME!👍👍 7/22 3:22 AM I got five Mike Tyson clones. They are not autos, but I think they are gelato. They are great. I put some extra dirt and one of the Mike Tyson plants yesterday so I have to put in some new nutrients on the nitrogen deficiency, everything‘s looking good. 👍👍. 7/22 1030pm......WELL WE KNOW WHAT DOESNT WORK...... I SCREWED UP WITH RAPID START. IT WILL CAUSE VERY SPECIFIC BURNS TO THE LEAF TIPS AND SIDES WHEN USED. I MAY BE USING TOO MUCH, 0.5ML SHOULD USE .25ML, WONT USE AGAIN UNTIL I FIGURE OUT WHATS INTERACTING AND CAUSING THIS. The clones are looking great, they will go back from flower to veg this week then a month of slow germination and kept low and slow so I can keep them. 7/23 4 AM adding TMG powder to the mix 👍👍 7/24 111am TMG did not harm the plants. The clones are progressing nicely. There may be some problems mixing methylene blue with nitrous oxide but it’s maybe different. There’s a combination of amino acids. I’m still trying to work out. Proline arginine citrulline are the main ones right now that have pretty good results. Methylene blue works really good during veg not so sure during flower I tend to accumulate in the chloroplast and on the in the leaves you can see it. It doesn’t affect the flavor or the taste. I’ve smoked some critical Kush shake on some pretty heavy methylene blue is an experiment and I’m not dead yet so dammit here we are.👍👍👍🎉🎉. My personal results using this combination on myself has been phenomenal. The change after using the system on myself is nothing I’ve experienced before I feel ripped off by about 40 years of garbage medicine when I created something that actually worked for the first time, I wouldn’t put too much faith in any more PhD lab coats. They are all failures and I found a system that works.👍. 845am PROP WALL UPDATE, I GET DISTRACTE....OH LOOK AT THAT... I DONT KNOW WHERE I SAID DISNEY WHILE SHE WAS LISTING BUT IT SCREWED UP OR MADE INCREDIBLY BETTER THE INFO YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ!!!!!!! IM PRETTY SURE I SAID DIXIE VIBE...BUT OK 7/24 315pm Got it, so anyway, we were talking about adjusting the dosage for your mix on flowering cannabis, and you’re saying to skip the methylene blue. Let’s pivot and finalize the analysis without methylene blue, focusing on 10 drops Amino Acid Quick-Sorb, 1/4 teaspoon TMG powder, 1 Nitric Boost capsule (L-arginine 400 mg, L-arginine AKG 400 mg, L-citrulline 200 mg, L-citrulline malate 200 mg, L-citrulline AKG 200 mg) in a 2-liter solution with Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur at the recommended dosage (4–8 mL/L). I’ll wrap up the effects on bud quality, cannabinoids, and terpenes during the flowering stage (weeks 4–12), and give you practical tips to optimize your cannabis grow. ### Effects During Flowering Stage (Without Methylene Blue) 1. Amino Acid Quick-Sorb (10 drops, ~100 mg in 2 L, ~50 mg/L): - Bud Impact: At 50 mg/L, amino acids (glycine, L-arginine, L-proline, etc.) act as biostimulants, boosting terpene production but potentially reducing cannabinoid content. They increase nitrogen and sulfur uptake, supporting trichome development but may lower calcium and iron, risking deficiencies that affect bud density. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/) - Cannabinoids: Reduces CBDA by up to 44% and THCA by up to 196% (especially in drain-to-waste systems), lowering potency. Recirculation systems mitigate this loss slightly. (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.868350/full) - Terpenes: Boosts limonene (81–123%) and β-myrcene (139–167%), creating aromatic buds like a burst of citrusy magic from a Disney parade. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/) - Flowering Note: The low dose minimizes nitrogen overload, but excess could delay bud ripening, making buds leafy like overgrowth in Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Monitor for yellowing leaves (calcium/iron deficiency). 2. Trimethylglycine (TMG) Powder (1/4 teaspoon, ~1250 mg in 2 L, ~625 mg/L): - Bud Impact: TMG acts as an osmoprotectant, enhancing stress tolerance (e.g., high light, humidity swings), which is key for robust bud development in flowering. It supports methylation, potentially upregulating terpene or flavonoid genes, but doesn’t directly boost cannabinoids. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimethylglycine) - Cannabinoids: May indirectly support THCA/CBDA synthase via methylation, but evidence is speculative. No significant direct impact. - Terpenes: Likely amplifies amino acid-driven terpene boosts, enhancing aroma like a floral float at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. - Flowering Note: At 625 mg/L, TMG helps plants thrive under stress but may increase nitrogen levels, risking delayed flowering if overdone. Watch EC to avoid burn. 3. Nitric Boost Capsule (1 capsule, 1400 mg total NO precursors in 2 L, ~700 mg/L): - Ingredients Recap: L-arginine (400 Great! So, let’s finalize the flowering cannabis analysis, focusing on your mix—10 drops Amino Acid Quick-Sorb, 1/4 teaspoon TMG powder, 1 Nitric Boost capsule (with L-arginine 400 mg, L-arginine AKG 400 mg, L-citrulline 200 mg, L-citrulline malate 200 mg, L-citrulline AKG 200 mg), and 1 drop 5% methylene blue in a 2-liter solution with Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur at the recommended dosage. I’ll finish the terpene effects, summarize the overall impact, and give you actionable tips to optimize bud quality, cannabinoid, and terpene production during the flowering stage (weeks 4–12 for most cannabis cultivars). Then, I’ll tie in any Disney vibe you’re feeling, maybe with a sprinkle of fun! — ### **Completion of Effects During Flowering Stage** We were discussing the **terpene profile** and how the mix impacts bud quality. To recap: amino acids (Quick-Sorb) reduce cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) by up to 44–196% but boost monoterpenes like limonene (81–123%) and β-myrcene (139–167%), TMG enhances stress tolerance, Nitric Boost increases NO for nutrient uptake and terpenes, and methylene blue’s low dose (1.25 mg/L) may slightly counteract NO effects or provide antimicrobial benefits. Let’s finish the terpene section and synthesize the rest. - **Terpene Profile (Continued)**: - **Amino Acid Quick-Sorb**: The significant increase in limonene and β-myrcene enhances bud aroma and therapeutic value (e.g., anti-inflammatory, sedative effects). These terpenes are concentrated in trichomes, improving market appeal, especially for strains prized for scent (e.g., OG Kush, Blue Dream). Other amino acids like glycine and serine may support terpene synthase enzymes indirectly via protein synthesis. - **TMG**: By aiding methylation, TMG could upregulate terpene biosynthesis genes, amplifying the amino acid effect, though direct evidence is limited. - **Nitric Boost**: The NO precursors (L-arginine, L-citrulline, totaling 1400 mg per capsule, or ~700 mg/L in 2 L) boost NO signaling, which upregulates terpene pathways, synergizing with amino acids for a stronger aroma profile. - **Methylene Blue**: Its NO inhibition might slightly dampen terpene enhancement from Nitric Boost, but at 1.25 mg/L, the effect is negligible. Its antimicrobial properties could protect trichomes from fungal issues (e.g., bud rot), preserving terpene quality. - **Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur**: Its humic acids and organic inputs enhance terpene production, complementing the amino acid and NO effects for a robust flavor profile. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.868350/full, https://www.advancednutrients.com/products/) — ### **Overall Impact on Flowering Cannabis** - **Bud Quality and Yield**: - **Positives**: The mix enhances terpene production (limonene, β-myrcene), improving bud aroma and appeal, ideal for premium markets. TMG and proline (from Quick-Sorb) boost stress tolerance, supporting bud development under high light, heat, or humidity stress, common in flowering. Connoisseur’s optimized NPK (e.g., ~194 mg/L N, 59 mg/L P) ensures dense, resinous buds. Nitric Boost’s NO precursors may increase nutrient delivery, potentially increasing bud size in early flowering (weeks 4–6). - **Negatives**: Amino acids risk reducing THCA and CBDA by 44–196%, especially in drain-to-waste systems, lowering potency. Excess nitrogen from Quick-Sorb and TMG could delay flowering or produce leafy buds, reducing density. Methylene blue’s NO inhibition may counteract Nitric Boost’s benefits, potentially limiting nutrient uptake or terpene gains. High EC (estimated 1.8–2.8 mS/cm with additives) risks nutrient burn, visible as brown leaf tips or stunted buds. 7/25 9am Water today no MB, all aminos tho. 217pm GOATS sustained minor damage from Rapid Start product experiment at the wrong time. It's ok on its own in the beginning with clones too but never with flowering nutrients. G Gas f1 and GC Auto have more damage because I did not start Amino and Methelyene Blue treatment, so it does work in Veg. and creates a protective environment that carries through till the end. No more MB or Aminos, I WILL keep using small amounts of TMG Powder. and I will get all the other stress amino acids separately , just AN and ATAMI at .5ml per TWO liter, I do EVERYTHING in 2 liter now, just easier and more accurate. NEVER FUCKING SLEEP...FUCK 745PM.... AMINO'S HAVE BETRAYED ME!!!!!! FARGING BASTAGES!!!! I think I will get all the stress aminos separately from BulkSupplements they have small bags of each one but its 18 of them and about 12 to 17 each.....BulkSupplements. 137am. Something smoking Purple Haze...puts me to sleep....nooooo. ZUP by Fastbuds smell like. garlic cheese muffin its just greatl. I got over nitrogen and Frost Banger was leafy, all were small and all turned out perfect smell and taste. 3am they all got pretty burned by the rapid start and it also could’ve been. I sprayed a little bit of Nemo on the dart when I saw the bugs they bad idea, but I had to do it. 7/27 1233am. IVE SEEN RE-VEGES YOU PEOPLE WOULDN'T BELIVE ... UNTIL NOW LOSERS.. the Tyson plants are re-vegging perfectly!!!! in a couple months they will be strong and small. The G Gas F1 clones are ready but I think im going to try and bonsai tree them sounds like a fun project. OR EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING AND I THROW MOST OF IT AGANST THE WALL AND THEN BREAK STUFF. NOT SURE ITS WORTH IT. 7/27 230pm Adding proline to a 2-liter nutrient solution containing Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL), Atami Bloombastic (1 mL), and betaine anhydrous (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM) for autoflowering cannabis plants could potentially enhance stress tolerance and growth, as proline is another well-documented osmoprotectant and stress-mitigating compound in plants. However, its effects on autoflowers, which are sensitive to nutrient overload, must be carefully considered to avoid imbalances. Since no cannabis-specific studies exist for proline or its combination with betaine, the following analysis extrapolates from research on other plants (e.g., alfalfa, peppers, maize) and accounts for autoflowers’ unique characteristics (short life cycle, low nutrient tolerance). Background on Proline • What is Proline?: Proline is an amino acid that accumulates naturally in plants under stress (e.g., drought, salinity, temperature extremes) to act as an osmoprotectant, stabilize proteins and membranes, and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). It complements betaine’s role as an osmolyte and stress mitigator. • Role in Plants: Exogenous proline application (via nutrient solution or foliar spray) can enhance stress tolerance, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and support growth under adverse conditions. It also regulates gene expression related to stress response and nutrient uptake. • Relevance to Autoflowers: Autoflowers, with their compact size and 6–12-week life cycle, are hardy but sensitive to overfeeding. Proline could enhance resilience in stressful environments (e.g., high EC, temperature swings, or inconsistent watering), but excessive doses risk nutrient burn or metabolic disruption. Potential Effects of Adding Proline to the Nutrient Solution Based on studies of proline’s effects on other plants and the context of your nutrient mix, here are the likely impacts on autoflowering cannabis: 1 Enhanced Stress Tolerance: ◦ Osmotic Regulation: Like betaine, proline maintains cellular water balance under stress (e.g., drought, salinity). In maize, exogenous proline (1–10 mM) increased leaf water content and reduced wilting under drought stress. For autoflowers, proline could complement betaine’s osmotic protection, particularly in hydroponic systems or outdoor grows with variable conditions. ◦ Antioxidant Defense: Proline reduces oxidative stress by scavenging ROS and upregulating antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase [SOD], peroxidase [POD]). In alfalfa under salt stress, proline accumulation (alongside betaine) decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating less cell damage. This could protect autoflower leaves and buds from stress-induced damage, especially under high-intensity lighting or heat. 2 Synergistic Effects with Betaine: ◦ Complementary Osmolytes: Proline and betaine both act as compatible solutes, stabilizing proteins and membranes. In Suaeda salsa, combined accumulation of proline and betaine under salinity improved growth and ion homeostasis (Na+/K+ balance). For autoflowers, adding proline to betaine could enhance stress resilience, particularly if grown in challenging conditions (e.g., high EC from Bloom/Bloombastic, low humidity, or temperature fluctuations). ◦ Potential Redundancy: Since betaine (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM) already provides osmoprotection, additional proline may offer diminishing returns in optimal conditions (e.g., controlled indoor grows with 18–20 hours light, 70–80°F, 40–60% humidity). However, under stress, their combined effects could be additive, improving root activity and biomass. 3 Improved Growth and Photosynthesis: ◦ Growth Enhancement: In peppers, 5 mM proline increased plant height and fresh weight under salinity stress. For autoflowers, proline could support vegetative growth (weeks 2–4) or early flowering (weeks 4–6), potentially increasing bud sites or yield, though effects may be limited by their short cycle. ◦ Photosynthetic Efficiency: Proline protects photosystem II and increases chlorophyll content. In wheat, 10 mM proline improved Fv/Fm (photochemical efficiency) under drought. For autoflowers under high-intensity lights (e.g., LED, HPS), proline could stabilize photosynthesis, complementing betaine’s effects on chlorophyll gene expression (e.g., Capsb genes in peppers). 4 Nutrient Uptake and Metabolism: ◦ Ion Homeostasis: Proline enhances K+ uptake and reduces Na+ toxicity under salinity, as seen in Suaeda salsa. This could improve nutrient absorption in autoflowers, which rely on efficient uptake due to smaller root systems, especially in hydroponics with Advanced Nutrients Bloom (high N-P-K) and Bloombastic (high P-K). ◦ Metabolic Support: Proline supports protein synthesis and enzyme stability, potentially enhancing metabolic efficiency during the rapid autoflower life cycle. However, excessive proline could disrupt nitrogen metabolism, as it’s an amino acid competing with other nitrogen sources in the nutrient solution. 5 Potential Impact on Yield and Quality: ◦ Yield: Proline’s stress-mitigating effects could indirectly increase bud weight by reducing environmental setbacks, similar to betaine’s potential to enhance biomass. Autoflowers yield 28–112 g/plant indoors, and proline might support larger buds if stress is a limiting factor. ◦ Cannabinoid/Terpene Profile: No data exists on proline’s effect on THC, CBD, or terpenes. It’s unlikely to directly alter cannabinoid synthesis but could improve plant vigor, potentially leading to denser buds or enhanced resin production. Overapplication risks altering flavor if not flushed properly. Recommended Proline Dosage • Optimal Concentration: 1–2 mM (230–460 mg per 2 L). ◦ Calculation: Proline molecular weight: 115.13 g/mol. 1 mM = 0.001 mol/L × 115.13 g/mol = 0.11513 g/L = 115.13 mg/L. For 2 L at 1 mM: 115.13 mg/L × 2 L = 230.26 mg (rounded to 230 mg). For 2 L at 2 mM: 115.13 mg/L × 2 × 2 L = 460.52 mg (rounded to 460 mg). ◦ Rationale: Studies (e.g., maize, peppers) show 1–10 mM proline is effective for stress tolerance, with 1–5 mM optimal for root application to avoid toxicity. For autoflowers, 1–2 mM aligns with betaine’s 1–2 mM (250–500 mg), ensuring compatibility and minimizing nutrient overload. Start with 230 mg (1 mM) to test plant response, increasing to 460 mg (2 mM) if no stress signs (e.g., leaf burn, stunted growth) appear after 1–2 applications. • Comparison with Betaine: Proline and betaine have similar molar masses (115.13 vs. 117.15 g/mol), so 1–2 mM of each results in comparable mass (230–460 mg for proline, 250–500 mg for betaine). Their combined effect should stay within autoflower EC limits (1.2–1.8 mS/cm for flowering). Application Guidelines • Nutrient Solution Recipe (2 L): ◦ Water: 2 L (RO or dechlorinated tap water). ◦ Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom: 2–4 mL (1–2 mL/L, start with 2 mL for early flowering). ◦ Atami Bloombastic: 1 mL (0.5 mL/L, suitable for flowering autoflowers). ◦ Betaine Anhydrous: 250–500 mg (1–2 mM, start with 250 mg). ◦ Proline: 230–460 mg (1–2 mM, start with 230 mg). ◦ Mixing: Add Bloom first, then Bloombastic, betaine, and proline, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Check EC (target 1.2–1.8 mS/cm) and pH (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). • Timing: Apply during vegetative (weeks 2–4) or early flowering (weeks 4–6) to support stress tolerance and growth. Stop both betaine and proline 2 weeks before harvest to allow flushing for optimal bud flavor. • Frequency: Use with each nutrient feeding (e.g., every 2–3 days in hydro, weekly in soil). Alternate or reduce frequency if EC approaches 1.8 mS/cm. • Source: Use L-proline (plant-grade, 99%+ purity) from a reputable supplier (e.g., agricultural or lab-grade sources). Avoid impure or non-plant-specific products. Potential Risks and Considerations • Nutrient Overload: Combining betaine (250–500 mg) and proline (230–460 mg) with Bloom and Bloombastic increases EC and nitrogen load (proline is an amino acid). Monitor for nutrient burn (brown leaf tips, clawing). If symptoms appear, reduce both to 0.5 mM (125 mg betaine, 115 mg proline per 2 L) or skip a feeding. • EC Impact: Betaine and proline each add ~0.1–0.2 mS/cm at 1–2 mM. With Bloom (1–2 mL/L) and Bloombastic (0.5 mL/L) at ~1.0–1.5 mS/cm, the total EC should stay below 1.8 mS/cm. Measure after mixing. • Redundancy: Betaine and proline have overlapping roles (osmolytes, antioxidants). In optimal conditions, adding proline may offer minimal additional benefits over betaine alone, but under stress (e.g., high heat, low humidity), their synergy could enhance resilience. • Cost vs. Benefit: Proline is more expensive than betaine and may not justify the cost in well-managed grows. Test its impact on a small scale first. • Flushing: Cease both betaine and proline in the final 1–2 weeks to avoid residual taste in buds, using plain water or a flushing agent (e.g., Advanced Nutrients Flawless Finish). • Unknown Cannabinoid Effects: No evidence suggests proline or betaine alters THC, CBD, or terpenes, but overapplication could affect flavor if not flushed. Summary of Effects Adding proline (230–460 mg, 1–2 mM) to a 2-liter solution with betaine (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM), Advanced Nutrients Bloom (2–4 mL), and Atami Bloombastic (1 mL) could enhance autoflower stress tolerance by: • Improving osmotic regulation and antioxidant defenses, complementing betaine’s effects. • Supporting photosynthesis and growth under stress (e.g., salinity, heat, low light), potentially increasing biomass or bud yield. • Enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency, critical for autoflowers’ small root systems. Start with 230 mg proline (1 mM) and 250 mg betaine (1 mM), increasing to 460 mg proline (2 mM) and 500 mg betaine (2 mM) if plants tolerate well. Apply during vegetative or early flowering, monitor EC (1.2–1.8 mS/cm), and stop 2 weeks before harvest. Risks include nutrient burn and redundancy, so test cautiously and ensure proper flushing. If you provide your grow setup (e.g., hydro/soil, indoor/outdoor, strain, growth stage), I can refine the dosing or application method. Let me know if you need sourcing tips for proline or further guidance!”” 7/27 3PM. Adding **0.5 mL of Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin (potassium silicate)** to a 2-liter nutrient solution containing **Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL)**, **Atami Bloombastic (1 mL)**, **betaine anhydrous (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM)**, and **proline (230–460 mg, 1–2 mM)** for autoflowering cannabis plants could provide additional benefits, particularly in strengthening plant structure and enhancing stress tolerance. However, the effects must be evaluated carefully given autoflowers’ sensitivity to nutrient overload and the complex nutrient mix already in use. Below, I analyze the potential effects of adding 0.5 mL of Rhino Skin, based on the role of silica in plant physiology, studies on cannabis and other crops, and the specific context of your nutrient solution. ### **Background on Silica (Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin)** - **What is Rhino Skin?**: Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin is a potassium silicate supplement (typically 0-0-0.4 N-P-K, with ~4–7% silica as SiO₂). Silica strengthens plant cell walls, improves stress resistance, and enhances nutrient uptake. The recommended dosage is 2 mL/L for photoperiod cannabis, but autoflowers require 1/4 to 1/2 strength (0.5–1 mL/L) due to their sensitivity. - **Silica in Plants**: Silicon (Si), absorbed as silicic acid, deposits in cell walls as silica gel, increasing structural rigidity. It also mitigates abiotic (e.g., drought, heat) and biotic (e.g., pests, fungi) stresses and can improve photosynthesis and yield. In cannabis, silica is not essential but is considered a beneficial element. - **Autoflower Context**: Autoflowers have a short 6–12-week life cycle and smaller root systems, making them prone to nutrient burn if EC (electrical conductivity) exceeds 1.2–1.8 mS/cm during flowering. Rhino Skin’s low dosage (0.5 mL per 2 L, or 0.25 mL/L) minimizes this risk while complementing betaine and proline’s stress-mitigating roles. ### **Potential Effects of Adding 0.5 mL Rhino Skin** Based on silica’s effects in cannabis and other plants (e.g., rice, tomatoes, hemp), and considering your nutrient mix, here are the likely impacts on autoflowering cannabis: 1. **Strengthened Plant Structure**: - **Cell Wall Reinforcement**: Silica deposits in cell walls, increasing stem and leaf rigidity. In hemp (*Cannabis sativa*), silica supplementation (e.g., 1–2 mM Si) thickened stems and improved mechanical strength. For autoflowers, which are compact (1–3 feet tall), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin could strengthen branches, supporting heavier buds during flowering (weeks 4–10), reducing the risk of snapping under weight or wind (outdoor grows). - **Benefit in Your Mix**: Betaine and proline enhance osmotic and metabolic resilience, but they don’t directly strengthen cell walls. Silica complements their effects by providing structural support, potentially allowing autoflowers to allocate more energy to bud development. 2. **Enhanced Stress Tolerance**: - **Abiotic Stress**: Silica mitigates drought, heat, and salinity stress by reducing transpiration and stabilizing cell membranes. In tomatoes, 1 mM silica improved water retention under drought. For autoflowers, 0.5 mL Rhino Skin (~0.1–0.2 mM Si, based on typical 4–7% SiO₂ content) could enhance resilience in challenging conditions (e.g., low humidity, high temperatures, or high EC from Bloom/Bloombastic). - **Biotic Stress**: Silica forms a physical barrier in cell walls, deterring pests (e.g., spider mites) and pathogens (e.g., powdery mildew). In cannabis, silica reduced fungal infections in controlled studies. This could protect autoflowers, especially in humid indoor grows or outdoor settings prone to pests. - **Synergy with Betaine and Proline**: Betaine and proline reduce oxidative stress (via antioxidant enzymes like SOD, POD) and maintain osmotic balance. Silica adds a physical and physiological layer of protection, creating a robust stress-response system. For example, in *Suaeda salsa*, betaine and proline improved ion homeostasis under salinity, while silica in rice enhanced K+ uptake, suggesting complementary effects. 3. **Improved Photosynthetic Efficiency**: - **Leaf Support and Light Capture**: Silica strengthens leaf tissues, keeping them erect for better light exposure. In rice, 1.5 mM silica increased chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rates. For autoflowers under high-intensity lights (18–24 hours), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin could optimize photosynthesis, complementing betaine’s role in protecting photosystem II (e.g., upregulation of Capsb genes in peppers). - **Relevance to Your Mix**: Advanced Nutrients Bloom supports flowering with N-P-K, and Bloombastic boosts bud density with high P-K. Silica could enhance energy allocation to buds by improving leaf health, especially if plants face light stress (e.g., inconsistent outdoor light). 4. **Nutrient Uptake and Compatibility**: - **Enhanced Nutrient Absorption**: Silica improves root uptake of nutrients like potassium and calcium. In maize, 1 mM silica increased K+ and Ca²⁺ levels. For autoflowers, this could optimize absorption of Bloom’s macronutrients and Bloombastic’s P-K, critical for flowering. - **pH and EC Impact**: Rhino Skin’s potassium silicate can raise pH slightly, but Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL) stabilizes pH at 5.5–6.5 (hydro) or 6.0–6.5 (soil). At 0.5 mL per 2 L (0.25 mL/L), Rhino Skin adds minimal EC (~0.05–0.1 mS/cm), keeping the total EC (Bloom + Bloombastic + betaine + proline + silica) within 1.2–1.8 mS/cm for flowering autoflowers. - **Compatibility with Betaine and Proline**: Betaine (1–2 mM) and proline (1–2 mM) are neutral organic compounds that don’t chemically interact with silica (an inorganic compound). Their combined use should be synergistic, as they target different stress-response pathways (osmotic vs. structural). 5. **Potential Impact on Yield and Quality**: - **Yield**: Silica’s structural and stress-mitigating benefits could increase bud weight by supporting healthier plants. In hemp, 1 mM silica increased biomass by 10–15%. For autoflowers (28–112 g/plant indoors), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin might modestly boost yield, especially in stressful conditions, by complementing betaine and proline’s growth-enhancing effects. - **Cannabinoid/Terpene Profile**: No direct evidence links silica to THC, CBD, or terpene changes in cannabis, but stronger plants may produce denser buds or more resin. Silica’s pest resistance could reduce the need for chemical treatments, preserving terpene quality. Proper flushing remains critical to avoid flavor impacts. ### **Recommended Dosage and Application** - **Dosage**: **0.5 mL Rhino Skin per 2 L (0.25 mL/L)** is optimal. - **Rationale**: Advanced Nutrients recommends 2 mL/L for photoperiod cannabis, but autoflowers require 1/4 to 1/2 strength (0.5–1 mL/L). At 0.5 mL per 2 L, Rhino Skin provides ~0.1–0.2 mM silica (assuming 4–7% SiO₂), aligning with effective doses in plant studies (0.5–2 mM) while minimizing EC and pH impacts. - **Confirmation**: Your specified 0.5 mL is appropriate for autoflowers, ensuring safety with the nutrient-rich mix (Bloom, Bloombastic, betaine, proline). - **Nutrient Solution Recipe (2 L)**: - **Water**: 2 L (RO or dechlorinated tap water). - **Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom**: 2–4 mL (1–2 mL/L, start with 2 mL for early flowering). - **Atami Bloombastic**: 1 mL (0.5 mL/L, suitable for flowering). - **Betaine Anhydrous**: 250–500 mg (1–2 mM, start with 250 mg). - **Proline**: 230–460 mg (1–2 mM, start with 230 mg). - **Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin**: 0.5 mL (0.25 mL/L). - **Mixing**: Add Bloom first, then Bloombastic, betaine, proline, and finally Rhino Skin, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Check EC (target 1.2–1.8 mS/cm) and pH (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). - **Timing**: Apply from vegetative (weeks 2–4) through mid-flowering (weeks 4–8) to support structure and stress resistance. Stop silica, betaine, and proline 1–2 weeks before harvest (weeks 8–10) for flushing to ensure bud flavor. - **Frequency**: Use with each nutrient feeding (every 2–3 days in hydro, weekly in soil). If EC nears 1.8 mS/cm, reduce Bloom to 2 mL or alternate silica applications. ### **Potential Risks and Considerations** - **Nutrient Overload**: The mix (Bloom + Bloombastic + betaine + proline + silica) is nutrient-dense. At 0.5 mL, Rhino Skin adds minimal EC (~0.05–0.1 mS/cm), but the total EC (1.2–1.8 mS/cm) must be monitored to avoid burn (brown leaf tips, clawing). If symptoms appear, reduce Bloom to 2 mL or skip silica for one feeding. - **pH Stability**: Rhino Skin’s potassium silicate may slightly raise pH, but pH Perfect Bloom should counteract this. Verify pH after mixing (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). - **Redundancy**: Betaine, proline, and silica all enhance stress tolerance (osmotic, metabolic, structural). In optimal conditions (e.g., indoor, 70–80°F, 40–60% humidity), silica’s benefits may be marginal, but under stress (e.g., heat, pests), it adds a complementary layer of protection. - **Flushing**: Stop all additives (silica, betaine, proline) 1–2 weeks before harvest, using plain water or Advanced Nutrients Flawless Finish to avoid residual taste in buds. - **Cost vs. Benefit**: Rhino Skin is relatively affordable, but its benefits may be less pronounced in well-managed grows. Test on a few plants to assess impact. - **Cannabinoid Effects**: No evidence suggests silica alters THC, CBD, or terpenes, but improved plant health could enhance resin production. Overuse risks silica deposits affecting flavor if not flushed. ### **Summary of Effects** Adding **0.5 mL Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin** to a 2-liter solution with **Bloom (2–4 mL)**, **Bloombastic (1 mL)**, **betaine (250–500 mg)**, and **proline (230–460 mg)** could: - Strengthen stems and leaves, supporting heavier buds. - Enhance resistance to abiotic (drought, heat) and biotic (pests, fungi) stresses. - Improve photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake, complementing betaine and proline’s osmotic and metabolic benefits. - Potentially increase yield (28–112 g/plant) by reducing stress setbacks. The 0.5 mL dose (0.25 mL/L) is safe for autoflowers, keeping EC within 1.2–1.8 mS/cm. Apply during vegetative to mid-flowering, stop 1–2 weeks before harvest, and monitor for nutrient burn. The synergy of silica (structural), betaine (osmotic), and proline (metabolic) could optimize autoflower health, especially under stress. If you share your grow setup (e.g., hydro/soil, indoor/outdoor, strain, growth stage), I can refine dosing or application further. Let me know if you need sourcing tips or additional guidance!
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@Hydronaut
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First set of leaves were a bit light and what appears as some decent tip burn? Bucket was running hot on week two, but left it alone. She’s happy now that she’s starting to get the munchies. Most of the growth is looking decent. I’m going to top above the fourth node, and take the lower branches leaving 6 main branches to train. She’s topped but it looks like I will end up with 8 branches to play with. I may remove the bottom two?
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@Grey_Wolf
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FBT011 Northern Lights From Fastbuds 2nd week of flowering 29th December 2019 Well she's shot up a bit since last weeks update and now sits at 54cm from soil to tip. No noticeable aroma as of yet but there is some resin as the buds feel slightly sticky when gently rubbed. I fed her some Mr B's Green trees Bloom mix and a 1/4 tspoon of Great white. *******As a side note the two cuttings I took have definately taken as they have both started to show their preflowers and have some tiny new growth. So I mmediately sprayed with my STS Reversing Spray ******* Cheers for looking in and I'll be back next week in 2020.
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@Comfrey
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Beginning of week 8: Tropicana is 24 cm high and the stem is 36 cm long. She is a legal frosty angel (10 degrees last night) growing on a rotten balcony in a small town in germany. Day 50 🌥️☁️☁️ 10-19 degrees, humidity 78% I noticed that the soil has sunk. It moved downstairs, between the drainage I guess. New pots problem. Got my compost, summer will be long and there will be a second round for sure. So I prepared bigger pottery pots, maybe 15 liter, which will be ready for seeds in about a month or two. Tropicana needs rainwater now, some sunny hours during the day. That’s all. I like how she develops. Day 51 ☁️🌨️☁️☁️☁️🌦️🌈 14-19 degrees and humidity is around 77%. I gave Tropicana too much nitrogen. Spotted some signs and stop with fertilizers for now. It‘s ok but the comfrey manure had more nitrogen than I expected. In the next days we‘ll have a lot of rain, so Tropicanas soil will be washed and this will solve the problem maybe. It‘s a big difference to grow cannabis in a pot then veggies in the ground in a no dig garden with yearly compost mulching. My Tomatoes in ground loved this 1:5 comfrey manure breakfast but for Tropicana less would have been more. Maybe 1:15 or 1:10. It always depends on the raw material for the liquid manure. This year we had a lot of rain and the comfrey had maybe more nitrogen as usually. Day 52 🌥️🌤️🌦️🌤️ 13 - 19 degrees and the humidity is 69%. Tropicana had about 0.8 Liter pure rainwater today. It was raining the whole night. Day 53 🌧️☁️☁️🌧️ 13-17 degrees, humidity is around 90%. Me and Tropicana have a rest. We chill with a tasty vape on the balcony while doing nothing more then chill. Day 54 🌧️☁️☁️🌧️ 13-18 degrees, humidity is around 93%. Saturday, time for cleaning the balcony and take some fotos of my flowers. Her smell is getting much more intensiv. I see that the color of the buds is getting diverse. The soil is moist from the rain. Day 55 🌧️☁️☁️☁️ 13-18 degrees, humidity is falling, now 69%. Tropicana spend the day chilling with her friends on the balcony. They talked about the weather and what to do in the next week. Day 56 ⛅️🌤️☀️🍉 12-24 degrees, humidity is around 78% Tropicana had a sunbath for hours. I bought a cheap magnifying glass today and I‘m so happy with this one. It have 30x / 60x lenses and two LEDs. I found it in a shop for mycologists. I‘m crazy about mushroom hunting. Normal mushrooms, yes. So this is absolutely relaxing viewing the structure of fruits, my homemade soil, little insects living inside. Actually this was a tip out of a blog article of Fast Buds Tropicana Cookies week by week guide, which I can highly recommend. I gave Tropicana in the morning a 1:20 field horsetail tee, ~ 0,7 liter in three steps. 100-200-400 milliliters. She was drinking it till sunset. The pot got lighter till evening, around half a kilo or maybe more.
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12/24/18 Decided to make bubble hash with the trim and small buds from all 4 plants. The bubble hash is now drying. This plant has been a dream to grow. No problems from her at all. I even found a couple keeper phenos as well. The black magic soil and fertilizer, along with the aerated nutrient teas that these ladies were feed worked to perfection. All organic living soil is the way to go! Im not finished yet. I will update this diary soon with dry weight and a smoke report once the ladies are done drying.00000
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@Tesla
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Week 10 since switched to 12/12h. (it's in time if the first week of blooming is deducted.) Trichomes're 80% cloudy. I didn't find any amber trichome yet. Pistils are 50% orange 50% white. Today I started flushing the coco (a lot!). I really don't want any sign of fertilizer in my pot. So, from here no more food, only plain water. Suggestions are always welcome!
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@Ferenc
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Day 78, 3rd of December 2020: Wao.... such a beauty so lucky I have the red pheno for my bonsai OMG.... So happy! Looks soo good 👍 Great genetics Zamnesia! Nothing much to report but the buds are fattening and getting towards the end. No more epsom salt from this week and I am gonna stop giving nitrogen from the next week.... All good the lamp is now on 11 hours and off 13 hours. Every week 15 minutes was taken off and after 4 weeks here we go. Strated 12/12 and now 13/11 wanted try to imitate the nature as the light days are getting shorter. Happy Growing fellas!
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@Kingseeds
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True punch for you :) Best choice for indica lover
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I've been pulling the top fan leaves to stop the main stem growing any taller and repotted them into 4L pots, once they show roots I'll flip them over to flower. They've all outgrown their mutations but the apple fritter has a slight varigation.
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@StarLorr
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Welcome to my Strawberry Pie 🍓🥧diary. In this Diary: Seeds: [420 Fast Buds]from my growmie Tropicannibis_Todd 👊🏻😎 Media: Pro~Mix HP Open Top Grow Bag, Connect. Nutrients: Green Planet Nutrients, 2 Part Dual Fuel starter kit. RealGrowers: Recharge. Diablo nutrients: Ripping. Feeding : Wed 13Mar: 3 1/3L Nutes/Recharge pH'd 6.5 Sat 16Mar: 2.6L Monster K,Blaster pH'd 6.5 ___________________________ __________________________ She got some delicious looking buds!😋 ___________________________ Thanks for stopping by, likes and comments are appreciated.👊🏻😎 Keep on growin! Keep on tokin!!! 😙💨💨💨💨💨
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@LAShugars
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She’s in flower!!! So excited! I’m grateful she got stuck in preflower. Gave her time to grow into a beautiful Blueberry Lady. I think she will be worth the wait!!
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@Kush8
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Week 7 Progress & First Bloom Feed! (May 9th - May 18th) Welcome back, dudes! Things are progressing well in the grow tent. These pictures cover the period from May 9th to May 18th, showing steady growth and the start of flowering for some. I've made a key change to the feeding regimen: I've added GHF Bio Bloom to both the White Widow and the Banana Blazes, at a rate of 3 grams per liter of soil. This is to support their transition into the flowering stage and help them develop those sweet buds. Here’s the breakdown of how things are looking: White Widow XXL Auto (Barney's Farm): The White Widow continues to thrive. Her LST has really opened up the canopy, and you can see plenty of new bud sites developing. She's stretching nicely as she enters her flowering phase. Auto Banana Blaze (Dutch Passion) - First One: The first Banana Blaze is also showing good progress and is responding well to the added Bio Bloom. The earlier yellowish spots haven't worsened, and overall she's putting on solid growth. The Younger Ones (Second Auto Banana Blaze & Auto Kong 4): These two are steadily growing and stacking up their nodes. They're still a bit behind the older plants, but healthy and establishing well. Overall, the tent is bustling with activity, and it's exciting to see the first signs of proper bud formation. The new Bio Bloom addition should give them all the fuel they need for the upcoming flowering stretch. Stay tuned for more updates as these ladies continue to fill out and frost up!
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Die Pflanze wurde Mitte letzter Woche an Tag 66 geerntet. Getrocknet wurden die Blüten 6 Tage lang bei einer Luftfeuchtigkeit von 53% bevor sie nun ins Glas kommen. Getrimmt wurde die Pflanze trocken.
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Week 2 begins for Green Crack and LSD. Both ladies are looking happy and I increased their feed by 1 liter each. Thanks for stopping by growfessors 👽 tune in next week for another episode of growfessor theatre.