First hydro grow 3 weeks into flower

Toking off and on for over 20 years, I was pretty laid back about my first grow: I was going to do it outdoors, in the backyard. However, all sorts of cool and discretion did not seem to matter: It did not take long before the small (!) grow became subject to a wide variety of interest and concerning behavior from neighbors (those bastards!) Without going into details, one week into flowering I had no choice but to cut it down.

Six months later, I am comfortably sitting next to my indoor garden inside the house. It is my second grow ever, and my first hydro grow. Collecting all the materials and installing the equipment took quite some time and more money than I anticipated. The diaphragm pump (aeroponics) caused me the most headache: Little did I know the sound level of an operating 12V water pump is similar to that of a Boeing 747 - just horrendous! Some research and tweaks has lowered the noise considerably, but I still have some work ahead to achieve a comfortable sound level.

I ordered my seeds from Nirvana Seeds: AK-48, White Widow, and got Jock Horror as a gift. No complaints! The water reservoir has six net cups, and I successfully germinated two of each strain. In hindsight, three plants would probably be better, and of one strain only. The plants grow at different speed. Particularly the AK-48 and the Jock Horror dominates the grow box, leaving less light for the White Widows. Low stress plant training helps some.

Two - three weeks into flowering, everything seems ok. Before I received my PH down-product, I was struggling and messing about replacing the nutrients too often. It has probably slowed down growth slightly, and I had signs of some phosphorus deficiency, but a stricter pH-regiment appears to help. New leafs are dark green and the largest buds about 3-4 centimeters long (White Widow much larger, as it started flowering one week prior to the others).

I am not particularly proud, more on the concerned side of the emotional spectrum. How does it look, fellow growers?

Any feedback much appreciated.

I built the grow box from a standard metal cabinet. Not optimal, but the best option available to me currently.


The Jock Horror grew fast, but has the longest flowering time. Buds are forming nicely, but slowly.


White Widows have a tremendous resin buildup and stink to high heaven.

 

Thank you very much! Confidence is not and should not be overwhelming with the first grow. Although the numbers on the DTS meter are right and the plants look ok, it is very assuring to have your confirmation on top of it all. When these girls ripens it will be more than six months since I smoked and close to X-mas. Can't wait!

 

Thank you. Interesting. Looking at your fat girls, it is tempting to jump into action following your suggestion, but one question first: How do you know it is overfeeding? I have rigorously been following the mixing instructions from the supplier, but pH has been unstable up until one week back, when I received my pH down-product. Additionally, I am awaiting a shipment for ppm calibration - I expect it to be out of whack. pH diode is calibrated properly.

 

The jumping Guru convinced me (hilarious!), and besides - what harm can 7 days of pH'd water do. Thank you O' Grand Master!

 

Reading up on the subject, I come across that a lot. Sad, really, that manufacturers base product information on profit rather than science. Thank you very much for the comment.

 

Having three strains growing in a six net-cup reservoir proved to have its challenges. The shortest plant is now completely obsucured by the largest. Not much else pruning to do, but the mini-White Widow is maturing ahead of the others. Brown pistils, but thricomes still clear and transparent.

 

Starting this hobby, I never thought otherwise (manufacturers testing done scientifically), but many forums and general cannabis information online repeat the same message - and I paraphrase: «The recommended amount of nutrient solution is always higher than necessary». However, the reasons for the recommended dosage being higher, can have a different explanation than my rookie assumption. I did not have a clue - thank you for sharing your knowledge!

By the way - I have four days left to go on your recommended ph'd water-regime. The top fan leafs are starting to brighten up, and the smell increasing. I am not 100 % sure about the second part, but the leafs are definitely brightening up. Would you still recommend going for a full week?

Thank you very much for all your feedback. Without your intervention, I would risk having things going south fast!

 

Muchas gracias! The picture is five minutes fresh. LEDs off - flash on.

 

Following the intervention from the jumping guru it is four days since last feeding (nutrients in reservoir). In other words, I only fed ph'd water for four days. About your nutrient-recommendations: I am sure they are splendid, but I am located in a country with import restrictions on such chemicals. I only used standard A + B hydroponics nutrient branded «Hydrohobby». In addition, after much hassle, I managed getting my hands on a local CalMag product, which I haven't even opened yet. The plant has grown on the Hydrohobby brand ONLY from germination to date. Translating the product information to English, the manufacturer suggests the product is an all-in-one solution that can be used from germination to harvest - resulting in improved yields. Again, had I been located closer to civilization, I would already have had the products you mention on hand, but in this godforsaken place I have no choice but to keep things simple...