Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow.NO MISTAKES!

[grandpastoner]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

pH is the measure of how basic or acidic a solution is. The pH of a substance is measured in a numerical fashion using a scale of 1 through 14. A solution with a pH higher than 7.0 is considered to be basic and is called a base (or alkaline). A solution with a pH less than 7.0 is considered to be acidic and is called an acid. The strength of an acid or base can be either weak or strong. The stronger an acid or base, the closer the solution is to its respective number on the pH scale (basic being 15 and acid being 1). The weaker a solution or base, the closer its pH value is to a neutral rating (neutral being 7). Every full point change in pH signifies a 10 fold increase or decrease in acidity or alkalinity. For example, water with a pH of 6.0 is 10 times more acidic than water with a pH of 7.0, while water with a pH of 5.0 is 100 times more acidic than water with a pH of 7.0.

Here are some examples of acids and bases and their respective pH ratings.
-.2 Battery Acid
1.2 Gastric fluid
2.2 Lemon juice
3.6 Orange juice
4.4 Beer
5.6 Pure Rain
6.6 Milk
7.0 Distilled water (H2O)
8.0 Seawater
9.2 Baking soda (NaHCO3)
10.6 Milk of Magnesia (Mg(OH)2)
11.4 Household ammonia (NH3)
12.8 Household bleach (NaClO)
13.6 Household lye (NaOH)



pH is defined in chemistry in several ways. An acid is sometimes defined as a solution with the potential to donate a Hydrogen ion (H+, also called a proton), or to accept a Hydroxide Ion (OH-) from a base. A base on the other hand is sometimes defined as a solution with ability to donate a Hydroxide Ion, or... you've guessed it, accept a Hydrogen ion. Low pH corresponds to a high hydrogen ion concentration and vice versa, while a high pH corresponds to a high Hydroxide ion concentration and vice versa.

Why is pH important when growing a plant?

Any substance that is going to be used to support any form of life has to fall within a certain range on the pH scale. The range may vary from organism to organism. marijuana is no different. The soil, nutrient solutions and water all need to be monitored and adjusted to stay within a specific range, depending on your method of growing. When growing marijuana in soil, the soil and water supply should stay within the range of 6.5 to 7.0, while in hydroponics the nutrient solution should stay within the range of 5.5 and 6.0.
When a plant's soil or nutrient solution becomes too basic the nutrients become unavailable to be absorbed by the roots. When the soil or nutrient solution becomes too acidic the acid salts will chemically bind together the available nutrients and they will be nonabsorbent by the roots. When this happens the plant will show tell-tale signs of stress. Some novice growers and even a few seasoned growers will falsely think they need to add more nutes or fert, which only compounds the problem by usually causing toxic salt build-up. Toxic salt build-up stops the roots from absorbing water. So remember as a rule of thumb to always test the pH before reducing or increasing a fert or nute dosage!
The pH of your soil or hydroponics setup can be measured with a simple 20$ or 30$ pH Tester, or small one time paper tests. These are highly recommended when growing any plant.

Some things to remember when using an electronic pH tester

1. Clean the probes of the meter after each test and wipe away any corrosion.
2. Pack the soil tightly around the probes.
3. Water soil with distilled or neutral pH water (7.0) before testing.
4. The meters measure the electrical current between two probes and are
designed to work in moist soil. If the soil is dry, the probes do not give
an accurate reading

What causes fluctuations in pH?

When growing in soil any fertilizer you use can cause an excess build up of salts when it decomposes in the soil. This almost always results in a more acidic soil which stunts the plant's growth and causes brown foliage. When using a Hydroponics set-up the nutrient solution can very easily cause a fluctuation in the growing reservoir. Other common reasons as to why soil may become too acidic when doing outdoor grows are rainfall, leaching, organic matter decay and a previous harvest of a high yeild crop in the same soil. In dry climates, such as the desert Southwest US, Spain, Australia, etc., irrigation water is often alkaline with a pH above 7. The water in rainy climates, such as the Pacific Northwest of North America, the UK, Netherlands and Northern Europe, is often acidic with a pH below 6. Lightly sandy soils with little clay and organic matter are quicker too become more acidic. Another common mistake is that a grower will mix his soil unevenly, leading to "hot spots" in the growing medium, so mix all ratios as well as you can.

How do I raise/lower my pH?

A great way to regulate the pH of your soil is to use Dolomite Lime(calcium-magnesium carbonate). While growing Cannabis plants in containers, mix one cup of fine dolomite lime for each cubic foot of soil, then lightly water it. After watering, mix it once more and wait a day or two before checking the pH. While growing in an outdoor garden, follow the dolomite lime manufacturers instructions. Dolomite Lime works well because it has a neutral pH rating of 7.0 and tends to keep the soil a constant pH throughout the entire life cycle of the plant. This is a highly recommended method of regulating your soil pH.
If you find the pH of your soil or Hydroponic reservoir to be too acidic or basic you could add either pH up or pH down. These are chemicals sold at places like Home Depot or any Gardening store. They usually come in one liter bottles and are to be diluted in the water used to water the soil growing plants or the Hydroponic reservoir according to directions on the packaging.

Some examples of Home remedies to raise/lower pH are as follows:
1.Lemon juice. 1/4 tbsp can bring a gallon of tap-water from 7.4 to 6.3.
2.Phosphoric acid. lowers pH and provides Phosphor too!
3.Nitric acid. lowers pH.
4.Hydrochloric acid. strongest way to lower pH
5.Hydrated lime. flush soil with a teaspoon per gallon of water to raise pH.
6.Baking Soda. eats acids to raise pH.
7.Calcium carbonate. raises pH (very strong)
8.Potassium silicate. raises pH.

What are signs of a PH fluctuation in my Cannabis plant?

A Cannabis plant can show signs of a pH flux in several ways. The leaves may begin to turn yellow or brown, dry up and/or shrivel on the sides into a straw like shape. Keep in mind however that other deficiencies and disorders may show the same signs of damage, so don't jump to conclusions until you do some testing and adjusting to your plants and their growing medium.

Some things to remember

1.Always test the pH of raw water and drainage water with a pH meter.
2.Raw water pH above 6.0 helps keep fertilizer mixes from becoming too acidic.
3.The pH level is much more important in organic soil gardens than in chemical
hydroponic gardens. The pH dictates the environment of bacteria necessary to the
uptake of organic nutrients.

An extremely enlightening answer. I am very delighted that you took so much time and put so much effort into giving me an such an answer. It's been a while since gramps was in a chem class...and that last one took place at a party in NorCal, and I don't really remember much of it. But seriously dude Thanxxx so much ! It is all a huge help man.

By the way...I just went and checked on my ladies and I swear I see a decent amount of growth since last night. Maybe this shit I put together really works !

I have one more question...I am putting the perlite and FF together tonight an transplanting the ladies. Should I completely water the soil prior to putting the jiffy cups into it ? Or put them into the soil first, and then water the hell out of it ?

Thanxxx again l8tnightskunk ! Rep to you dude.

 

[Ms.Fox]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. There's no need to water too much when you transplant. You can water normally. They don't need that much at this stage. Let us know how it went. Transplant then water just a bit.

 

[grandpastoner]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. There's no need to water too much when you transplant. You can water normally. They don't need that much at this stage. Let us know how it went. Transplant then water just a bit.

Thanxxx Ms.Fox Here's what I did 2 nights ago. I put 3 cups of FF Oceans Forest to 1 cup MG to 1 cup Perlite and mixed it all up really good. I then put the Jiffy Pots into the larger pots and watered around the smaller JP's being careful to only water the new soil (since the soil in the JP's was still a bit moist) until I saw it drain out the bottom. And I got very close to the edges of the JP's in hopes of helping the natural breakdown process of the cups. I won't water again until sometime this weekend...maybe even Monday. I then placed the larger pots back into the cabs...agitated the co2 bottle...and closed the door. That was 2 days ago, and this is what I found about an hour ago.

Lady "A" with new true leaves forming and she is looking healthy.

Another shot showing Lady "A"'s profile.

Lady "B" from the top...more new true leaves...

And her pretty little profile...

I am in pretty high spirits right now and I feel that everything went damn well. They look healthy and I have to admit, that co2 idea seems to be making a difference. It is day 3 of the co2 introduction.

 

[pan4gold49]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Hey Looking good Grandpa.
Nice baby

Pan4

 

[grandpastoner]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Hey Looking good Grandpa.
Nice baby

Pan4

Thanxxx Pan4...I'm hoping for the best. I am planning on getting a WaterFarm hydro unit in the next few weeks...and I am gonna clone off one of these. The co2 seems to be making a difference.

Stay baked dude...

 

[Ms.Fox]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

I put 3 cups of FF Oceans Forest to 1 cup MG to 1 cup Perlite and mixed it all up really good.

Are you still using Miracle Grow? Your plants look great! Very good job. Looks like the perfect amount of perlite.

 

[grandpastoner]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Are you still using Miracle Grow? Your plants look great! Very good job. Looks like the perfect amount of perlite.

Thanxxx Ms.Fox, I really appreciate your kind words. Yea, I'm using the MG...it's a budget thing. I know the ladies need nutes, and my experience is that the MG time relased nutes were too harsh. And knowing that I can't afford the FF Grow Big for at least 2 to 3 weeks, I added the MG mixing it with the perlite and FF (1 - 1 - 3) so as to weaken it...but still have some nutes in the soil. It was just an idea. But out of neccesity sometimes comes a decent idea. Hope mine turns out that way.

 

[pan4gold49]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Grandpa everything will be fine. Your going to have some great grows with the waterfarm.
your doing great.


Pan4

 

[Retired One]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Very nice looking start Grandpa...the co2 idea is a keeper. When I start the soil/hydro side by side, I'm going to rig up a few of those homemade jobs as you have demonstrated.

 

[grandpastoner]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Grandpa everything will be fine. Your going to have some great grows with the waterfarm.
your doing great.


Pan4

Thanxxx brother...you're words of encouragement mean a lot.

Very nice looking start Grandpa...the co2 idea is a keeper. When I start the soil/hydro side by side, I'm going to rig up a few of those homade jobs as you have demonstrated.

Yea dude...it seems to be not only working but making a difference. I am seeing growth daily.

 

[Ms.Fox]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Thanxxx Ms.Fox, I really appreciate your kind words. Yea, I'm using the MG...it's a budget thing. I know the ladies need nutes, and my experience is that the MG time relased nutes were too harsh. And knowing that I can't afford the FF Grow Big for at least 2 to 3 weeks, I added the MG mixing it with the perlite and FF (1 - 1 - 3) so as to weaken it...but still have some nutes in the soil. It was just an idea. But out of neccesity sometimes comes a decent idea. Hope mine turns out that way.

Sounds like a plan. I'm glad the Co2 idea is working well for you! Did you smell the mixture? It smells like bread at first, huh? ;-)

 

[grandpastoner]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Sounds like a plan. I'm glad the Co2 idea is working well for you! Did you smell the mixture? It smells like bread at first, huh? ;-)

It smelled like something alright...don't know if I'd call it bread though. The word nasty came to mind when the smell first hit me. But it's cool. I'm not sleeping in the basement. So only the ladies have to breathe it. And they seem to love it !

 

[Retired One]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Very nice looking start Grandpa...the co2 idea is a keeper. When I start the soil/hydro side by side, I'm going to rig up a few of those homemade jobs as you have demonstrated.

Just wanted to let you know so you may feel suitably honored...that post was number 420!

 

[SouthernOnt]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

looking good you listened to all of our advice and prospered
+rep

 

[grandpastoner]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Just wanted to let you know so you may feel suitably honored...that post was number 420!

I just love that number. It and the number 69 are my favorites !

looking good you listened to all of our advice and prospered
+rep

A wise man knows when to listen to those who know more than himself. Thanxxx yall !!!!

 

[grandpastoner]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Well...it's day 17 and hardly any growth as faras height goes. And why is that one may ask ? Because my dumb ass has the wrong light bulbs for growing ! I didn't know there was a difference in cfl's. So I have been wasting time and energy and they haven't been getting any real light. No wonder they look and grow like shit ! I have some REAL grow lights arriving this week...I just hope I can still pull this one out. The nutes are still a week away from being ordered, and they are begining to yellow.

And the stems are small and weak...even with the fan blowing them.

I know...wrong f*cking lights.


17 days and this is al they have done...

I may have screwed this one up too. So much for no mistakes...my ignorance truly knows no limits.

Damn it !

 

[Retired One]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Hang in there brother, they'll recover. Almost sounds like the title of a song...lol!

 

[LiveTour]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

High Grandpa,
Looking good, and on a positive track to good health. Thats one thing I haven't learned from floro's yet and thats the blue/red spectrum and how it affects MJ. Doood don't wory, they'll for sure recover. I think if anything they aren't lacking nutes but still getting burned by them, still to young to be requiring additional nutes IMO.

Keep on Truckin!!!

 

[pan4gold49]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

Don't worry to much Grandpa they will recover.
Hope you get them some food soon and we get them back to being green.
Good luck and keep you chin up lots of help PM me if needed.

Pan4

 

[Smokeyjoe]

Re: Grandpa's White Widow - 2nd Grow...NO MISTAKES!

They will survive, keep your head up!