quick beginner grower questions

[gelatoo41]

hey, I’m starting a new grow (GG#4) & (PURE KUSH) and really i just wanted to see if you had any tips for me a little guidance never hurt anyone. If i used (build a soil) will i still need to add nutrients to the soil? cause i read it comes packed with the good stuff that would keep my plants healthy and if so what nutrients do you recommend me? what lightings do you recommend i was looking to use the NAILGIRLS LED Grow Light 600W is it any good or trash?? Thats it really. If you have any other ideas or suggestions please feel free help is needed. BLESSINGS TO ALL.

[Grow420]

Hey there! Congrats on starting your new grow with GG#4 and Pure Kush! Those are solid strains, and it’s great that you’re putting some thought into your setup. Here’s some guidance for you:

1. Using BuildASoil
BuildASoil is a fantastic choice! Their products are typically rich in organic nutrients and microbial life, so they can support your plants through most of their growth cycle without needing additional amendments. However, here’s what you need to know:

Veg Phase: The soil should have enough nutrients to sustain your plants during the vegetative stage. Keep an eye on their growth—if they show signs of deficiencies (yellowing leaves, stunted growth), consider adding a gentle organic fertilizer like compost tea, worm castings, or an all-purpose dry amendment (e.g., a 4-4-4 blend).
Flowering Phase: As your plants transition into flowering, they may benefit from a bloom booster. Look for something organic with higher phosphorus and potassium levels, such as a 1-4-5 or 0-10-10 blend. Products like Gaia Green, Down To Earth’s Flower Mix, or BuildASoil’s Craft Blend can work well.
Watering: Don’t overdo it with nutrients! Many growers make the mistake of “overfeeding.” Always test runoff pH and ensure you’re watering appropriately to avoid salt buildup.

2. Lighting
The NAILGIRLS LED Grow Light 600W might not be the best choice, depending on your goals. While it’s marketed as a 600W light, it’s often the case that budget LEDs like this draw significantly less actual wattage from the wall (e.g., 100-200W). Here’s what you should consider:

Alternative Options: If you can, invest in a reputable LED grow light from brands like Spider Farmer, Mars Hydro, or AC Infinity. These brands offer full-spectrum lights with great efficiency and light output.
Coverage: For a 2×4 tent, you’ll need around 200-300 true watts of LED lighting. For a 4×4 tent, aim for 400-600 watts. Make sure the light you choose provides even coverage and adequate PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation).

3. General Suggestions
Environment: Make sure your grow space is dialed in—temperature (70-85°F), humidity (50-70% during veg, 40-50% in flower), and air circulation are crucial for healthy plants.
Training: Consider using techniques like LST (Low-Stress Training) or SCROG (Screen of Green) to maximize yields, especially with GG#4, which is known for its stretch in flower.
Monitoring: Get yourself a reliable pH pen and EC meter to monitor your water and nutrient solutions. Cannabis thrives in a pH range of 6.0-6.8 in soil.
Pest Prevention: Start clean and stay clean. Use sticky traps and consider introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or nematodes if you notice pests.

Blessings to you as well! If you have any follow-up questions or run into challenges, feel free to ask.

[gelatoo41]

hey quick questions about nutrient feeding etc..

1. speaking in general if i seen deficiencies how much(Amount) of compost tea, or worm castings or dry amendment (whichever) do i use during veg?? and how would i apply it inside the pot?

2. During flowering stage how much BuildASoil Craft blend should i use ? i seen your video where you mixed it in with your soil but you used a different soil is it ok to blend it with 3.0 BuildASoil Soil?

3. With the nutrient mix you used a jug of water and the Bloom brand nutrients but on another video you used Fox brand nutrients which ones do you recommend? and what are the correct amounts do you use EACH feeding ?

4. during harvest i was looking for a more couch lock high so is it the more amber the trichomes the more potent ? when should i harvest to get that effect? Lol i work 12 hr shifts i need all the relaxation i can get.

 

Thanks again Mr. GrowIt

[gelatoo41]

and do i need to use reverse osmosis water or can i use regular water?

[Grow420]

I’m not Mr. Grow It, just a guy who like to help out others from time to time.

You have some excellent questions. For compost tea, use every 1-2 weeks. Apply it by watering the soil evenly around the base of the plant. For worm castings, mix 1-2 cups of worm castings into the top 1-2 inches of soil in each pot. You can also sprinkle it around the base and water it in. For the dry amendments, apply 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of soil for all-purpose veg amendments (e.g., 4-4-4 blends). Lightly work the amendments into the topsoil and water them in. Reapply every 3-4 weeks.

For top dressing BuildASoil Craft Blend during the flowering stage, use about ½ cup to 1 cup per 7-gallon pot. If you’re using larger pots, scale it up proportionally.
Blending with BuildASoil 3.0 Soil: Yes, it’s perfectly fine to mix Craft Blend into BuildASoil 3.0. This soil is already nutrient-rich, but Craft Blend will enhance the diversity of nutrients and microbes. If mixing, use about 1/2 cup per cubic foot of soil to ensure a balanced blend.

Both of those bloom nutrients are good options, but it depends on your goals. Bloom Brand Nutrients: These are often organic and promote healthier soil life, making them great for no-till or organic systems. FoxFarm Nutrients: These are popular and effective but tend to be salt-based, which can disrupt microbial life in organic soil systems. Recommendation: If you’re using BuildASoil products and want to maintain a living soil system, stick with Bloom or other organic nutrients to avoid disrupting your soil microbiome. For liquid nutrients, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for feeding schedules. Example: Use 1-2 teaspoons per gallon of water for most nutrient solutions during feeding, adjusting based on plant needs. Always start with a lower dose and increase gradually to avoid nutrient burn.

For your trichomes question, to achieve a relaxing, couch-lock high, wait until about 30-50% of the trichomes turn amber. Amber trichomes indicate higher levels of CBN, which promotes a sedative effect. Use a jeweler’s loupe (30x or higher) or a digital microscope to check trichome color on the buds (not the sugar leaves).
Harvest too late, and the potency can decrease, so aim for a balance between cloudy (milky) and amber trichomes.

RO water is best for growers in areas with hard water, high chlorine, or high mineral content. It allows precise control over nutrient solutions since it has little to no dissolved solids, but it does require adding calcium and magnesium (e.g., Cal-Mag) to avoid deficiencies. If your tap water has a PPM below 200 and a neutral pH (6.5-7.5), it’s fine for cannabis. Let it sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate. If your water has chloramine (common in municipal water supplies), consider using an additive like ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to neutralize it.

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