The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
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She’s still being babysat by a friend and so far she’s growing strong. Have a good stretch so the light was moved up a bit as well, also implemented some LST. Can’t wait to see her again.
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They are growing coots fast! I moved the smaller non-viable plants outside since it’s warm, but they haven’t done much. Think it’s time to say goodbye to those :( I’m just happy with the 5 plants I have now. I’m sure they will all yield nicely!
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Herercane is doing well and putting on some stretch. I can see the sativa traits coming out in the leaves pretty dominate. I have them on half bloom and half grow now. Will probably cut out the maxigro in about a week and start them in a pinch if flower boosters. Other than that everything is running smooth.
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@CalGonJim
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1/12/26 4:18AM MONDAY.....💪💪💪💪👌 1/12 CANNAKAN DAY MEDICINAL 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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@Gromatic
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The stretch is complete, finally starting to see the blooms fatten up some. Still struggling with nute because of miracle gro soil. Making the best of it. Four of the seven plants are getting full nutes with very little signs of trouble. The remaining three I am supplying with half the nutes every other watering, the soil has affected those the most. I am looking forward to how much the plants flowers mature this week.
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@CaliGrown
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Day 70- On Flush, buds getting HUGE. And some hints of purpling from the top. So much frost on this girl it’s so damn sticky. There was a gnat stuck to the wall of the tent bc she is so sticky... 🔥😎 The Christmas Video was so much fun to shoot. Got the wifey into too, was really a great family affair. The basil and jalapeño are from my outdoor garden. Can you spot the jalapeño?? Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!
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@No_Clout
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Everything is going to plan so far, at the end of week 4 I will be flipping the lights to 12/12 because the gelatos will be ready for it, but the Og is a little bit behind but I’m sure it will catch up with them in the stretch. Day 26 - just switched the lights this morning 12/12 as it’s about time imo as the gelatos are getting big I don’t have the time or space to let them veg on so the Og could catch up, so I’m gonna hope that during the stretch it does.
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@Kushcoma
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27/10/25: Gave her 2.5L of pH-balanced water.
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@Pennuts
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Harvest time has come. It was an excellent cycle without any problems, in fact the plants were doing great and produced some beautiful buds. Now I will dry for 2 weeks plus cure for 1 month.
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Welcome back 🤗 Another week has passed and I’ve started adding a small amount of Grow nutrients to the mix🌱 Cranking up the light a bit again this week trying to maintain about 400PPFD. See you next week 😎🤙🏻💚 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Light source: Medicgrow SpectrumX 880W LED Build in PPFD 4 controllable spectrums V1, F1, VS, FS Visit https://medicgrow.com/ for more informaton. Light measurement: Apogee MQ-610 & Apogee DLI-600. Fertiliser: Organics Nutrients https://www.organicsnutrients.com/en/ Green Buzz Nutrients Discount Code: GD42025 Grants 25% with a minimum Order value at 75 Euro. https://greenbuzzliquids.com/en/shop/
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@Hawkbo
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Day late on the update, pics/vids were taken on time tho just been a crazy week of harvests and trimming and keeping up with these. I linked up with Rain Science Grow Bags on Instagram and got them to offer all my followers and friends a discount of 10% off entire order from their site with the code ' bangdang ' so if anyone is in the market for a pot upgrade use that code. I got them in the mail 3 days after I ordered. Reason I went with Rain Science is because they offer identical air flow for rapid growth as the radicle bags, just using a different material and a tighter knit so water doesnt flood out the sides during feeds and when you pick these up when the coco is dry, it wont fly all over the tent like with the radicles. They're the optimal bag for autoflowers especially. I figured out why the one stayed so short compared to the others, the base of the stem did a 360 so it's like a loop then it grew vertical.
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As always it's just a pleasure to grow this sativa dominant strain which definitely reminds me of a great indica with her extremely fruity and tropical sweet terpenes, very happy to have her in my garden and to be able to smoke such a high quality strain once again, hope you guys have enjoyed as much as me!
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this lady from the off set was the fastest growing and largest plant from the off set growing bushy with lots of leaves needing the biggest defoliation's too get that important light down too the many branches below, she is drinking about 8 pints of feed a week and loving life , and her bud production is also coming along nicely too , i cant wait too try this one ,
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as you can see the girls are growing despite having had and I think deficiencies from the beginning of flowering but I have increased the dose of nutrient and the first results are starting to show. they started forming flowers so i still think 3-4 weeks to cut we will see next week if we start flush and hope for a decent harvest 🌱
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@MistaOC
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************** 25.03. Day 58 Flower Day 18 ************** Got some issues with thrips and one plant have some Problems with Calcium deficit. she now gets 0.5 more calmag than before. And all ladies get some neem oil. // RO Water // TEMP 20C // PH 6,4 // CalMag 2ml // 0,1ml Regulator // 0,6 ph- // ************** 28.03. Day 61 Flower Day 21 ************** // RO Water // TEMP 20C // PH 6,4 // CalMag 2ml // 0,1ml Regulator // 0,6 ph- // Neem Oil
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@Max1973
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Day 35 - few pics and vids..... everything going along nicely 👍 This is a pretty big update, so i'll add to it over the next few days, as i finish building it all.... i'm building these 2 x SS haze, the full tent, just finishing up the setup..... trimming them, changing solutions to 12/12 and flower..... changed the exhaust fan and filter setup to the better outside the tent method.... and installed 12v CPU computer fan, lol ("alta9" fits in 4in ducting perfectly), drops wattage on extractor fan.... 10w tops... got a few kg of active carbon and making/replacing the carbon filter .... i'll add afew vids of the new setup in afew days... Day 36 - few pics/vid of new tent setup...... "alta 9" fan :) post tomorrow after i finish trimmin and settin up night mode etc...... and into tomorrow we go, lol ... Day 37.... slowly getting there..... little bit more to go... this should make things abit more interesting..... right tank (short babie) has : 19 lts of tap water @18oC + 150 ml -dutch master one gold FLOWER.... 6.4 PH - 1400 PPM left tank has : 19 lts of tap water @18oC + 50 ml of elements a and 50ml of b and 10 ml of nitro and 20ml of Crystalic (molasses/pot) .... 6.5 PH - 1200 PPM more pics / vids of the finished tent setup.... roots, transfer, etc... Day 37 is alot of vids of the clean and change to flower..... edit - day after build noticed left tank (nutrifield) not enough bubbles..... pulled out the 4 air pump and swapped to the 2 x original oxipumps... much better, also to fix the problem with ph goin high, and bubbles not stirin the mix, was to add another 10ml of crystallic and another 5ml of nitro... then pumped both tanks with ph down and set em to 5.8-6.2 - both plants have fully recovered from the big trim, and bounced back within 12-24hrs, post pics/vid in abit..... Day 39 - made a freaky video... was curious about what the plants would see looking up at the lights... the lights and buzzing of air compressors and bubbling tank water, and dazzling lights turned out pretty cool in vid editor, was in selfie mode.... and final vid of the bounceback from trim :) 👍😎