Usul's Grow 2.1: Red Cherry Berry, Indoor 250W MH/HPS, 2'x2' ScrOG in soil

[ultrasonic]

Do you really start flushing at week 7? The last couple of weeks is when the colas really fatten up and they need food for that. IMHO there is no way that the plant can supply enough food and nutrients for maximum bud growth the last weeks. Plus a lot of nutrients are immobile and can't move to the buds and in hydro the deficiencies would be immediate. I would feed right up to the time I figured they had a week to go to chop, then flush. Then again, I don't flush at all so I'm probably just blowing smoke up your kilt.

Actually, no, sorry: those are as per AN's feeding schedule, IIRC. 6 weeks food, 2 week flush. However, I believe that's more for soil, a medium which holds more nutrients... I also won't flush, I will just be reducing ppms to half by draining out 1/2 my res and replacing it with RO water. But hey, I've also read alot pointing to the fact that plants aren't using many nutrients at all in their last week or two: nothing compared to what they consume during veg and flowering stretch, which is why feeding schedules tend to peak at early flowering, then get slowly reduced.

I was surprised just how much will to survive a marijuana plant has... they store up plenty of food to get job done, they're not stupid... flowering is all about reproduction... and they fight for it. I had a vegging plant that I fed only water for a month... hell, I didn't even check the ph, and that sucker was STILL growing: barely nitrogen deficient, no dead growth.

IIRC, plants use the most nutrients at week 3-4 of flower, during the stretch/bud formation stage? That's when I'm really interested in adding some sort of flowering enhancer.

 

[kailpot]

Hey Ursul, you ladie are plumping up nicely! I'm the same as you...in that I don't know any good dealers either. I know the money I pay for the pretty crap weed I get goes straight into some biker grunts pocket!...not cool. So I'll be delighted to when I'm smoking my own product
Just on the flushing thing I've was planning to flush with about 7 days to go...people do more, some do less, I reckon 7 days is in the middle somewhere. I'd hate to smoke the bud I sweated over only to find it had a nasty chemical taste...but maybe curing would sort that out regardless? Anyway good luck!

 

[usul]

Just on the flushing thing I've was planning to flush with about 7 days to go...people do more, some do less, I reckon 7 days is in the middle somewhere. I'd hate to smoke the bud I sweated over only to find it had a nasty chemical taste...but maybe curing would sort that out regardless? Anyway good luck!

Thanks for the flushing info kalipot, lab rat and ultrasonic, I love all the data!
I haven't flushed yet - in fact the girls are now getting a good heavy dose of nutes. More below in the...

Weekend Update!

Here's where we're at: the buds are plumping up nicely and daily growth is noticable if not dramatic. I'm still running the humidifiers but am increasing the difference between daytime and nightime temps to about 15F. I'll cut off the humidifiers about a week before I expect to take in the early harvest.

The plants are drying at different rates now, and all are taking longer to dry - 8 or 9 days as opposed to 5 or 6 during stretch. After flushing at the last watering I am now using full strength nutes, but without the Hygrozyme and CalMag+. And I've added an extra 5ml/gal of blooming nutes to bring TDS up to 1150ppm. Considering the added dry time this will likely be their last feeding. Time will tell.

And now I'm thinking of harvesting strategies. I think I will harvest each plant as it's ready and when it reaches the stage I'm looking for. Plan du jour is that I'll harvest Betty first, in about 10 days, for early harvest (50% milky trichomes) then Pebbles a few days later - also an early harvest (she's developing a little more slowly). Then I'll let Wilma, who has the most buds and is slowest to mature, go to the very end until she gets about 50% amber. I'm planning to really tweak her at the end with low humidity, 10 hour days for the last few, then no water and 48 hours of dark before harvest. Should be interesting...

Here are pics of the girls at 93 days old, day 46 flower:

Here's a shot of a group of five buds from Betty. Looking like these will be the first for harvest:

And a close-up of the best bud. Pistils are turning red, no doubt where this strain gets it's name:

Here's a shot showing the tip burn I mentioned in a previous post. Nothing to worry about - the plants are looking very healthy.

As I'm preparing for harvest I'm thinking about the next grow and the temptation to upgrade is unavoidable. I've been working on a few new devices and additions I'll unveil in the next journal.

p.s. Isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) is a great thinner for epoxy.

 

[Tiger Balm]

Healthy! They are looking fantastic! I crisped quite a few leaves i think from not pHing and the water was rather base. 7.5 i'm ashamed to say.

 

[HazeSeeker]

Looks yummy ... Cant wait to se that girl all trimed up !!

 

[OldMedUser]

Some very pretty girls there Usul!

Come on over to my house for trimming practice. At the rate I'm going I'll be harvesting my next grow before these are done!

I think I get all my joy from the growing. It's way easier than harvesting.

C'ya

 

[DEAN420]

What an amazing achievement you've made so far on this grow brother congrats + rep

I'll diffnightly will be sticking around for the remainder of this journal

TBD

 

[Setting Sun]

Looking real good usul!

what are you using to check your trichs?

 

[Tunes420]

 

[usul]

Thank you Tunes, SS, TBD, Lab Rat, Haze Seeker and Tiger! Getting support from such distinguished veterans is truly heartwarming and makes me feel like I've finally arrived. Thanks again.

SS, regarding your question about what I'm using to check the trichs - I have one of those 30x - 60x pocket microscopes from Radio Shack ($10). The price was right and when I get the trichs in focus I get a great view. But it's very touchy and difficult to use. I'd love to hear what you all like best for getting an up close view of the trichomes - what should I be using instead??

The lights are off right now but I poked my nose in the tent to get a whiff and whooooo-weeeee - skunky! It really does have that skunk smell, but in a good way. Just looked at the strain description from Barney's Farm and, yes indeed, Red Cherry Berry is a mix of their Skunk plants. Happy to know my nose still works.

Finally, I've been snipping as we go and the taste of the buds has changed dramatically. The strong pine flavor is all but gone, the smoke is becoming sweeter and more complex and the effect is stronger and longer lasting. Everything headed in the right direction! The date for early harvest might get pushed out a bit based on how soon the plants dry out and when I can apply the final clear water flush. More about that later... and I'm hoping I'll get lots of feedback from you all regarding when to go for the Big Snip.

 

[Setting Sun]

SS, regarding your question about what I'm using to check the trichs - I have one of those 30x - 60x pocket microscopes from Radio Shack ($10). The price was right and when I get the trichs in focus I get a great view. But it's very touchy and difficult to use. I'd love to hear what you all like best for getting an up close view of the trichomes - what should I be using instead??

Whatever works for you is fine, I was just curious. That pocket scope didn't work for me too well for the reasons you mention.

I just bought one of these, but it hasn't arrived yet. It costs more, but to put it in perspective, only about what I used to pay for an 1/8th at the dispensary:

Veho VMS-004 Discovery Series 400x USB Microscope in Digital Microscopes at JR.com

Can't wait to get it and I'll put up some pics no matter what color the trichs are at, lol

That USB scope has excellent reviews and takes really nice pics. I don't think the cost is out of line considering how important trich checks are, IMO.

The lights are off right now but I poked my nose in the tent to get a whiff and whooooo-weeeee - skunky! It really does have that skunk smell, but in a good way. Just looked at the strain description from Barney's Farm and, yes indeed, Red Cherry Berry is a mix of their Skunk plants. Happy to know my nose still works.

In contrast, my Barney's Farm Violator Kush don't smell skunky at all. But they do stink!

They smell really earthy and musty, with a hint of BO on a hot summer day, lol

Taking the plants out of the tents produces a massive stink-fest in the entire garage, but not a hint of skunkiness to them, just a strong earthiness.

What a wonderful range of aroma with all these different strains!

 

[OldMedUser]

Usul, I have a 30X scope from Radio Shack with an 8X pop-up magnifying glass that is quite adequate for me to see the trichs clearly. With the 8X glass I mean. Mostly I just use an old 55mm lens from my dead 35mm SLR in front of my digi-cam lens to get close-ups then play with them on the computer to get a real good look at the trichs. A new USB scope would be nice if I had a lap-top or a 100' USB extension cord! lol

With my reading glasses on I can tell if they're getting cloudy or not. The scope is best when you can take a piece of leaf and put it on a flat surface. Great for identifying bugs and their eggs or various molds and fungi!

Know your enemy before you launch an assault to assure victory!

 

[Tiger Balm]

i have a hard time with the radio shack gizmo too, and recently got an Eyeclops off ebay - unfortunately the cheapy version that doesn't have the USB thumbdrive - that one costs $75. the version i have plugs in to the TV. Well, i have an abandoned TV in the basement i could dedicate to trich viewing, now that i think of it.

 

[DEAN420]

Usul, I have a 30X scope from Radio Shack with an 8X pop-up magnifying glass that is quite adequate for me to see the trichs clearly. With the 8X glass I mean.
The scope is best when you can take a piece of leaf and put it on a flat surface. Great for identifying bugs and their eggs or various molds and fungi!

Know your enemy before you launch an assault to assure victory!

Without spending a lot of £££ this is the best way too see them

 

[usul]

What a wonderful range of aroma with all these different strains!

It really is great isn't it! I listen to National Public Radio (in the US) full time when I'm working and smoking in my studio and hear a good long story about cannabis use, cultivation and legalization three or four times a week. One of the stories was all about how much what we're doing is like the wine industry. It's a perfect comparison and some day canna-culture will be equally evolved. Just hope I'll live long enough to see it.

Your scope reference is the best. I'm a sucker for expensive high tech gadgets and am sure one of these is in my future. Can't wait to see your pics!

One of my favorite web sites is francogrow.com (Franco is a lead grower at Greenhouse - one of our sponsors) and he has a page showing images of trichs at 1200x - simply amazing. You can see it > here. < I love Franco's site and would encourage everyone to check it out - loads of good info, pics, commentary and videos there.

The scope is best when you can take a piece of leaf and put it on a flat surface. Great for identifying bugs and their eggs or various molds and fungi!

Know your enemy before you launch an assault to assure victory!

Thank you Lab Rat - I hadn't even thought about the utility of a scope in diagnosing pest problems. Great thinking!

i have a hard time with the radio shack gizmo too, and recently got an Eyeclops off ebay - unfortunately the cheapy version that doesn't have the USB thumbdrive - that one costs $75. the version i have plugs in to the TV. Well, i have an abandoned TV in the basement i could dedicate to trich viewing, now that i think of it.

More great thinking! I'm picturing grow rooms of the future... the best will all have computers connected to scopes and multiple hi-def monitors. Again, I hope I live long enough to see it happen. We older growers might not (I'm 52) but you young folks will be able to tell stories about the good old days when we were all out here hacking things together as best we could.

Finally, I hope some have seen the plea for support from our 420 Magazine hosts (server and programming upgrades, etc.). The ability to log on here, share what I'm doing and learn so much from everyone else is priceless. Making a donation to 420 Magazine is an investment in our future. I'm in for $100 - a small fraction of the upgrades I'm working on. Please consider contributing whatever you can to help keep 420 Magazine, and this fabulous forum, online and thriving. If everyone here contributed just one dollar the benefits would be huge. Let's all be on the right side of history...

 

[Tiger Balm]

It really is great isn't it! I listen to National Public Radio (in the US) full time when I'm working and smoking in my studio and hear a good long story about cannabis use, cultivation and legalization three or four times a week. One of the stories was all about how much what we're doing is like the wine industry. It's a perfect comparison and some day canna-culture will be equally evolved. Just hope I'll live long enough to see it.

I emailed my State Rep this very idea re the different cultivars of wine and cheese and the industries that have grown up around them. Growers, retailers, tasters, etc. Also, included email the notion of medical research - the holistic kind, not the Pharma kind, as Mass would be a natural for that, now that Calif doesn't have the resources - they dropped their research program.

More great thinking! I'm picturing grow rooms of the future... the best will all have computers connected to scopes and multiple hi-def monitors. Again, I hope I live long enough to see it happen. We older growers might not (I'm 52) but you young folks will be able to tell stories about the good old days when we were all out here hacking things together as best we could.

A dashboard of all the guages (pH, humidity, co2 levels), video screens, calendars (nutes, growth) Yeah, i'm thinking along these lines - getting someone in to reconfigure electric lines.

Thanks for neat link and will budget a 420 contribution, too.

 

[usul]

Hi folks, here's a mid week update... I'm getting kind of antsy - early harvest is coming up soon, like in a week or so. The plants are looking great and it appears growth has all but stopped and whatever energy is left is going in to plumping up the buds. That action is hardly noticable on most buds but on one of 'em it is having a dramatic effect. More on that in a bit.

First, here's a shot of the canopy at 97 days old, day 50 flower:

Here's a shot of Betty's Buds with the Proto Pipe in there for scale:

And a bit of bud porn:

Now, here's a shot of the one bud that is doing something crazy. What the heck are those things in the circle??

At first, it looked like the plant was going hermie - especially because this is the plant that was showinging hermie tendencies earilier. But watching this plant I've learned that - so far - all those things that look like male parts eventually explode with pistils, so who knows. The plant these are on is Wilma and while not the largest plant she has been the fastest to mature at every stage. Interesting to see what she's up to - and it'll go on for a while... Wilma is the plant I've selected to go for late harvest so she has another two or three weeks to go.

And speaking of harvest, I'm trying to pick a date for early harvest and need some input from you all. Betty will be the first and her trichs are currently about 25% milky. I'd like to give her a clear water flush 4 or 5 days before harvest but she is drying out so slowly I think she'll be past the point where I want to harvest her before she's dried enough for another watering. Here's what I'm wondering. Should I:

1. Forget the flush and harvest when the trichs say she's ready. That's be in about 5 days and, I must say, the bud is tasting mighty fine so if this was my choice I'd be happy.

or...

2. Flush now, even though she's not ready for another watering, and harvest when the trichs are ready - in about 5 days.

or...

3. Wait until she's dry (about 4 days from now) then flush and wait another 5 days or so regardless of what the trichs say.

I know which way I'm leaning but would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Setting Sun]

Looks like a little foxtailing, which usually happens at the top, but plants do weird things.

At first glance, they sure look a lot like balls, but if pistils sprout from them, they're calyxes.

That's my 2c, anyway.

Even though the bud tastes good now, I'd go with option #2.

#1 is OK too, but you've got nothing to lose by going with #2, and you might improve the taste even more.

Nice buds and nice pics!

 

[Tiger Balm]

That's not a banana at 11:00 o'clock (from your circle), is it?

 

[Green Utopia]

The pics are really juicy. I love the color of those buds, and the tris are everywhere.

I like option 2 as well, for all the reasons listed.