Intermediate Gardening Questions... ANSWERED! (Q&A #05)

In this video I answer intermediate gardening questions that were asked in my YouTube video comments. If you enjoyed this video ...

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "Intermediate Gardening Questions... ANSWERED! (Q&A #05)" by Blossom Flower Delivery

Key insights about video Intermediate Gardening Questions... ANSWERED! (Q&A #05)

🎬 Chris, also known as Mr. Grow It, is creating an intermediate level Q&A video series, complemented by beginner and advanced ones.

🔦 Mars Hydro sponsors the episode, highlighting their FC-4800 LED grow light with its features like high efficiency, dimmability, and daisy-chaining capability.

🌑 The technique of a 48-72 hour blackout before harvesting is debated, with some growers believing it increases resin or trichome production, but scientific evidence is lacking.

🌱 Chris suggests following tried and tested soil mix recipes from reputable sources like BuildASoil when using individual soil amendments as opposed to pre-made blends.

🥛 Cal-Mag supplements are frequently recommended to prevent calcium deficiencies in plants, and maintaining a pH above 6.2 assists in better calcium uptake.

♻️ While it is possible to reuse soil that's been flushed of bottled nutrients, Chris does not prefer it, claiming the nutrient balance might be off and could cause excesses or deficiencies.

💡 Any photo-period plant can potentially become a mother plant if it exhibits desirable characteristics such as frost production and colors, and if the grower wishes to perpetuate the strain.

🌿 Earth Dust organic amendments may require tweaking for optimal use, and additional products like Recharge, Mammoth P, or molasses, might be added to enhance the soil.

📚 Chris has authored a beginner's growing guide, useful for those new to gardening, and is working on a new book expected to release in the near future.

🏆 A giveaway is mentioned towards the end of the video, likely as a method to engage and reward the viewing community.

Timestamped Summary

00:42 Introduction to the Q&A video format for intermediate questions with a shoutout to Mars Hydro for sponsoring the episode.

02:08 Discussion on whether a 48-hour blackout before harvest improves results or is just a myth, with reference to trichome production during lights-off periods.

03:16 Advice on choosing organic amendment fertilizers and the option of using individual amendments like bone meal or fish meal over premixed versions.

04:33 Tips for addressing common calcium deficiencies during transition and flower, including the use of CalMag and pH adjustments.

05:49 Confirmation that soil previously used with bottled nutrients can be reused after flushing out the excess nutrients, but the process might cause issues with nutrient ratios.

07:10 Evaluation of a cannabis strain's suitability to become a mother plant based on its characteristics and the option to clone during flowering through monster cropping.

08:18 Experience with Earth Dust products and recommended additional inputs like microbial inoculants, teas, and molasses.

09:33 Recommendation against using flavored Epsom salts due to potential additives that may not be beneficial for the garden.

09:55 Risks of growing cannabis at low humidity (20 to 30 RH) during the flowering stage, including impacts on VPD and potential toxicity issues.

11:20 Suggested 'cooking' time for re-amended soil, recommending at least two weeks but possibly longer depending on pile size.

11:40 Overview of cannabis cultivation books owned by Mr. Grow It, including his own beginner's guide and upcoming project.

14:53 Announcement of a giveaway including rope ratchet hangers, protective glasses, a digital hygrometer, and an aluminum clamp lamp. The video concludes with a prompt to enter the giveaway through a link and final remarks.

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Q&A

What are some possible benefits of performing a 48-hour blackout before harvest?

Some growers believe that a 48-hour blackout period before harvesting can increase secondary metabolite production, such as extra resin or trichome production, although there's no conclusive scientific evidence to support this practice. Some individual growers' experiments suggest there could be slight benefits, but more research is needed.

Is it better to use individual organic amendments or premixed versions?

Both individual amendments and premixed versions of organic fertilizers can be effective. Using individual amendments allows more control over nutrient ratios but requires a good understanding of soil science to avoid imbalances. Websites like BuildASoil offer recommendations and soil recipes that might simplify the process.

How can you address calcium deficiencies in plants during transition and flower?

Calcium deficiencies are common, and growers often combat these by adding a CalMag supplement to their nutrients routine. It's recommended to add CalMag with each watering, using full recommended doses, and maintaining a pH above 6.2 to improve calcium uptake.

Is it possible to reuse soil that has been used with bottled nutrients?

Yes, soil used with bottled nutrients can be flushed of excess nutrients and reused. However, there is a risk of nutrient imbalances leading to plant deficiencies or toxicities. Some growers prefer starting with fresh soil each grow cycle to avoid complications.

How do you determine if your plant is a good candidate for a mother plant?

The suitability of a strain to serve as a mother plant comes down to personal preference. If you appreciate specific characteristics like frost production or colors during flowering, you can clone the plant at this stage (monster cropping) or propagate it during the vegetative stage to maintain those traits.

What additional supplements can be added when using Earth Dust?

When using Earth Dust, growers may add supplements like Recharge, Mammoth P, Root Magic, nutrient teas, worm castings, and molasses to enhance the soil's nutrient profile and support plant health.

Can you use flavored Epsom salt instead of plain for your plants?

It's best to use pure Epsom salt without any additional ingredients or scent for gardening purposes, as additives may be harmful to your plants. Always check for 100% magnesium sulfate on the label.

Does maintaining low humidity (20-30% RH) during the flowering stage increase bud density?

Low humidity levels during the flowering stage are not ideal and could lead to more stress on plants, potentially resulting in airier buds. Proper humidity levels, in line with vapor pressure deficit (VPD) guidelines, tend to produce better results in terms of bud structure.