Hydro vs Organic

SmokeyMacPot

New Member
I have to respectfully disagree that hydroponics will yield higher than organics. There is a difference between growth rate and the yield. Because something grows faster does not mean it yields more in the same space. If you factor in time for veg growth, hydroponics will have the edge in yield. If you have a separate veg area, that timing issue is irrelevant.

Having greater aromatics is a matter of opinion and relative to growing skill and methods. When done correctly, organics (organic nutrients, soilless mixes) produce buds that smell just as strong as those grown hydroponically. I will concede that hydro-grown plants do have a slightly faster growth rate, but to solidly state that they yield more overall, I believe is misleading.

The reason that I switched to organics was because I didn't see enough difference in either growth or anything else to warrant the need for so much monitoring and expensive meters and nutrients. I think that the only provable plus to hydroponics is growth rate.Whereas the cons are chemical aftertaste in the flavour of buds, extreme susceptibility to over/under fertilization, very high initial investment, many things to break and clog, etc.

If grown in a nice airy organic soil mix and watered with good organic amendments, growth enhancers and beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae), you will easily compete with that of a hydroponic system. Your end result will be full flavored, non-chemical tasting buds. They can be arguably, slightly more potent due to the fact that, as of now, science cannot compete with Mother Nature and naturally occurring elements.

Bottom line - unless you are obsessed with fittings, toys and technology (and many are) organics can grow nearly as fast, just as big (if not bigger), better tasting and IMHO more potent buds. And they do this with very little initial investment, and are very forgiving of newbie mistakes.

Author: glass joe
 
I'd like to add that hydro has a way faster turn around time. And also requires a quite a bit less work with gardens that house anything over 15 plants.
a 99 plant grow takes a tremendous amount of soil preparation, potting, and disposal.
None of which are required with hydro. I've seen Hydro gardens get clipped and put back in motion within 12 hours. Time is money.
 
I'd like to add that hydro has a way faster turn around time. And also requires a quite a bit less work with gardens that house anything over 15 plants.
a 99 plant grow takes a tremendous amount of soil preparation, potting, and disposal.
None of which are required with hydro. I've seen Hydro gardens get clipped and put back in motion within 12 hours. Time is money.

agreed. soil seems way labor intensive. I like my hydro and don't think i would ever go to soil . just put everthing on a timer, flush every now and then and your set. AT least in hydro when you have a problem you can flush instantly, and isololate any problems.
 
according to ADVANCE NUTRIENTS, one can now get the yield and organic potentcy of organic soil by using : ORGANIC ADVANCE NUTRIENTS IGUANA LINE UP. THey also have a calculator to personalize for your very own "ORGANIC HYDRO GROW".. they swear that you'll get "SOIL" derivatives from this organic lineup.. just throwing that in the fire.
 
i think you made my mind up for me,hydro. looks like way too much going on,too many bells and whistles not to mention the price,also i like the more natural approach.plus i always wondered what happens if you have to shut down your op.really quick. thanks
 
if you are going soil less (compost) please remember that it may not have any nutes at all to speak of. after germination and before seedling you may want to consider a nute recipe of 20% of the specified recipe and then move up to 50% next week or so...then 100% of the manufacturer's recipe.
i did not realize that in my first soil less grow and my plants begged for nitrogen
 
hydro is my thing, I have grown in both,but that is where my comfort level is, I think its a preference on what you like.also how much money you would like to spend.But i am sure of this i will just about double a plant the same age in hydro then soil in veg.I grow big plants so hydro is my choice i can also ajust my nutes instantly to fix any problems.keep all my levels a constant.
 
I tried growing pure organic some years ago. I have also tried many types of hydro systems. Here is what I think:



Soil: I grown soil with organic neuts from Canna that are made for cannabis cultivators and is one of the best brands out there ( atleast for us in Europe, im not sure if it can be bought in US ). I have also used hydroponic neuts in a soil run, works perfect ( not organic ) but there is no different between those neuts.


But


Hydroponic: It is not always the neuts that gives the yield boost it is the method used. Ebb and flood with net pots are the best hydro setup iv used.


pluss:

1. Ebb and flood table has best aircirculation if grown in net pots, much higher air circulation then you can get from any soil grow.

2. You can not overwater your plants as they dry out pretty fast ( usually wilts after 10 hours ), so you give them water at 7h for 15 min 3 times a day.

3. Flushing is SUPER EASY, I can just take my garden hose inside and spray them a while, the water runs into my resovoir.

4. Larger buds, faster growth overall more buds in faster time ( This is proof, Ebb and Flood gives A lot more yield then any other soil grow. My plants LOVES the hydro, I usually have no yellowing leaves any time.

5. You dont need to water them all the time, I usually check the resovoir every week, but I always check out the plants for any pests and such. none so far.

6. Easyer clean up, The garbage is pretty easy to get ridd of between the grows, 16 plants go into 2 small plastic bags ( After buds trimmed off ).

7. You dont waste any neuts as the rest of the neuts are drained back into the resovoir, you only use what the plant drinks, and nothing evaporates into the air. This saves you a lot of money and you can now buy some expensive neuts because of this.




Minus:

1. The biggest problem is the timer, but there are always some timers that are very good and it must be with a battery backup, very important. I always buy a new timer every 3rd month to be sure, then closely watch the first 3 days using this timer before relaxing.

2. Chemicals in the neuts is the issue that scares some growers from using this method. I do understand that some smokers/growers prefer natural weed, but Im not one of them. But I flush my plants for 2 -3 weeks every time to keep it as clean as possible. It takes 2 weeks atleast for the plants to use up the rest of the neuts stored in the stem and leaves.
It is as good as organic allmost ( Atleast the taste is a like ).



I think that sums up my point of view.



I would not go back to soil unless im making seeds ( Im making seeds now )



Baron
 
I have to check on those organic nuets from Canna. But I'm sure I can find a replacement if there not over here. Far as chemicals and taste thats not a problem. They look for smell, high, sight over here.
 
I appreciate your info,Smokey. As a newbie myself with limited knowledge as well as budget I believe organic will be the way for me to go. Or grow. Lol.
 
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