The Old school Caligreen Soil Mix
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This is my first locked down recipe. Its a solid mix that still holds its own against any. The basic Idea was to double or even triple the amount of Fox farm ocean Forrest soil while also adding in sources of organic matter for water retention, and nutrients, while maintaining FFOF soil texture. This mix can be used from seed to harvest, but you will need to amend in the flowering stage.
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Basic Compost Tea - Solid!
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This classic compost tea recipe is versatile. I can be used through out the plants entire life. The purpose of compost tea is increase the soils microbial activity. It also has the extra benefits of adding some available nutrients. Compost should not be treated as it is a fertilizer and used in place of proper organic nutrient sources.
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Caligreen Juice
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The Caligreen juice is a natural amendment I used to to boost microbial activity and organic matter in the soil. The idea behind this was, "If I Juice the plant material it makes it easier for microbes to break down and absorb". Its important you use this in moderation and with caution, as excessive amounts can influence the natural microbial balance in the soil. Occasional use can help improve soil health and microbial activity. Don't over do it.
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Tips , Tricks & Advice
My Motto
Plants have grown for millions of years and will continue to do so after I am gone. They will grow with or with out me. All I am doing is providing an environment where the microbes in the soil can thrive and the internal plant processes to happen. I am nothing more than a custodian/caretaker.
Plants have grown for millions of years and will continue to do so after I am gone. They will grow with or with out me. All I am doing is providing an environment where the microbes in the soil can thrive and the internal plant processes to happen. I am nothing more than a custodian/caretaker.
When to first top
I like to top when I notice the plant has developed small lower lateral branches or lower Apicals. I know that topping at this time will relocate the hormones to those lower branches or Apicals and allow them to grow faster. Tim is never a good way of determining when to top. This is because some plants develop faster or slower than others, and some plants are not healthy enough. Topping should only be done on healthy fast growing plants.
I like to top when I notice the plant has developed small lower lateral branches or lower Apicals. I know that topping at this time will relocate the hormones to those lower branches or Apicals and allow them to grow faster. Tim is never a good way of determining when to top. This is because some plants develop faster or slower than others, and some plants are not healthy enough. Topping should only be done on healthy fast growing plants.
When to water
Moisture is very important. watering too much can lead to root rot and slow growth, too little you plant dries out. Its very difficult to tell when a plant need watering but eventually this is something you just know. The plant and soil gives you clues and when you've worked with it long enough, its almost like its talking to you. This is not what new growers Want to hear. don't worry, I have a few tips that can help you out.
Moisture is very important. watering too much can lead to root rot and slow growth, too little you plant dries out. Its very difficult to tell when a plant need watering but eventually this is something you just know. The plant and soil gives you clues and when you've worked with it long enough, its almost like its talking to you. This is not what new growers Want to hear. don't worry, I have a few tips that can help you out.
- stick your finger in the soil up to your knuckle. Is it wet or dry?
- Lift the plant immediately after you water. Lift it again a week later. how does the weight feel?
- use a moisture meter
Pest & IPM
Its important to know that the best IPM is correct environment and plant health. Improper environment (temp/humidity) attracts pest to your garden. Avoid big fluctuations in temp. & humidity or maintaining the environment in extreme ranges. You should try to keep your room consistently between 73°F-80°F and humidity between 40% - 60%. I personally do not allow much fluctuation at night either. Soil moisture level also plays a big role in attracting or deterring insects. Too wet, you could attract slugs,snails,root maggots. Too dry , you can attract Spider Mites and Thrips. Finally , sick plants attract pest so try and keep your plant healthy. There are organic pesticide sprays on the market you can use as well. I Use Neem oil and insecticidal soap.
Its important to know that the best IPM is correct environment and plant health. Improper environment (temp/humidity) attracts pest to your garden. Avoid big fluctuations in temp. & humidity or maintaining the environment in extreme ranges. You should try to keep your room consistently between 73°F-80°F and humidity between 40% - 60%. I personally do not allow much fluctuation at night either. Soil moisture level also plays a big role in attracting or deterring insects. Too wet, you could attract slugs,snails,root maggots. Too dry , you can attract Spider Mites and Thrips. Finally , sick plants attract pest so try and keep your plant healthy. There are organic pesticide sprays on the market you can use as well. I Use Neem oil and insecticidal soap.
Diagnosing Plant issues
the first place to start is with Nutrient mobility, Mobil & immobile. The plant has the ability to move Mobil nutrients to areas within its self that need or lack them. Immobile nutrients cannot be moved around. Knowing this is Key to diagnosing nutrient health issues. When the plant is lacking a Mobil nutrients, it will take from older leaves to give to the new growth. This is why you see yellowing lower leaves in nitrogen deficiency, they're older leaves. on the other hand, immobile nutrients cant move so if the plant is lacking it will only affect new growth because the older leaves already have it.
the first place to start is with Nutrient mobility, Mobil & immobile. The plant has the ability to move Mobil nutrients to areas within its self that need or lack them. Immobile nutrients cannot be moved around. Knowing this is Key to diagnosing nutrient health issues. When the plant is lacking a Mobil nutrients, it will take from older leaves to give to the new growth. This is why you see yellowing lower leaves in nitrogen deficiency, they're older leaves. on the other hand, immobile nutrients cant move so if the plant is lacking it will only affect new growth because the older leaves already have it.
- Google a list of Mobil & Immobile nutrients
- Now that you've narrowed your list , look up how specific deficiencies affect leaves and compare
