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The marijuana growers handbook
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Cannabis probably evolved in the Himalayan foothills, but its origins are
clouded by the plant's early symbiotic relationship with humans. It has
been grown for three products - the seeds, which are used as a grainlike
food and animal feed and for oil; its fiber, which is used for cloth and
rope; and its resin, which is used medically and recreationally since it
contains the group of psychoactive substances collectively known as
Tetra-hydrocannibinol, usually referred to as THC. Plants grown for seed
or fiber are usually referred to as hemp and contain small amounts of THC.
Plants grown for THC and for the resin are referred to as marijuana.
Use of cannabis and its products spread quickly throughout the world.
Marijuana is now cultivated in climates ranging from the Arctic to the
equator. Cannabis has been evolving for hundreds of thousands of
generations on its own and through informal breeding programs by farmers. A
diverse group of varieties has evolved or been developed as a result of
breeders' attempts to create a plant that is efficient at producing the
desired product, which flourishes under particular environmental conditions.
Cannabis easily escapes from cultivation and goes "wild." For instance,
in the American midwest, stands of hemp "weed" remain from the 1940's
plantings. These plants adapt on a population level to the particular
environmental conditions that the plants face; the stand's genetic pool, and
thus the plants' characteristics, evolve over a number of generations.
Varieties differ in growth characteristics such as height, width,
branching traits, leaf size, leaf shape, flowering time, yield, potency,
taste, type of hig, and aroma. For the most part, potency is a factor of
genetics. Some plants have the genetic potential of producing high grade
marijuana and others do not. The goal of the cultivator is to allow the
high THC plants to reach their full potential.
Marijuana is a fast growing annual plant, although some varieties in some
warm areas overwinter. It does best in a well-drained medium, high in
fertility. It requires long periods of unobstructed bright light daily.
Marijuana is usually dioecious; plants are either male or female, although
some varieties are monoecious - they have male and female flowers on the
same plant.
Marijuana's annual cycle begins with germination in the early spring.
The plant grows vigorously for several months. The plant begins to flower
in the late summer or early fall and sets seed by late fall. The seeds drop
as the plant dies as a result of changes in the weather.
Indoors, the grower has complete control of the environment. The
cultivator determines when the plants are to be started, when they will
flower, whether they are to produce seed and even if they are to bear a
second harvest.
Gardeners can grow a garden with only one or two varieties or a
potpourri. Each has its advantages. Commercial growers usually prefer
homogenous gardens because the plants tatse the same and mature at the same
time. These growers usually choose fast maturing plants so that there is a
quick turnaround. Commercial growers often use clones or cuttings from one
plant so that the garden is genetically idential; the clones have exactly
the same growth habits and potency.
Homegrowers are usually more concerned with quality than with fast
maturity. Most often, they grow mixed groups of plants so they have a
selection of potency, quality of the high, and taste. Heterogeneous gardens
take longer to mature and have a lower yield than homogenous gardens. They
take more care, too, because the plants grow at different rates, have
different shapes and require varying amounts of space. The plants require
individual care.
Marijuana grown in the United States is usually one of two main types:
inidica or sativa. Indica plants originated in the Hindu-Kush valleys in
central Asia, which is located between the 25-35 latitudes. The weather
there is changeable. One year there may be drought, the next it might be
cloudy, wet, rainy or sunny. For the population to survive, the plant group
needs to have individuals which survive and thrive under different
conditions. Thus, in any season, no matter what the weather, some plants
will do well and some will do poorly.
Indica was probably developed by hash users for resin content, not for
flower smoking. The resin was removed from the plant. An indication of
indica's development is the seeds, which remain enclosed and stick to the
resin. Since they are very hard to disconnect from the plant, they require
human help. Wild plants readily drop seeds once they mature.
Plants from the same line from equatorial areas are usually fairly
uniform. These include Colombians and central Africans. Plants from higher
latitudes of the same line sometimes have very different characteristics.
These include Southern Africans, Northern Mexicans, and indicas. The plants
look different from each other and have different maturities and potency.
The ratio of THC (the ingredient which is psychoactive) to CBD (its
precursor, which often leaves the smoker feeling disoriented, sleepy,
drugged or confused) also varies.
High latitude sativas have the same general characteristics: they tend to
mature early, have compact short branches and wide, short leaves which are
dark green, sometimes tinged purple.
Indica buds are usually tight, heavy, wide and thick rather than long.
They smell "stinky", "skunky", or "pungent" and their smoke is thick - a
small toke can induce coughing. The best indicas have a relaxing "social
high" which allow one to sense and feel the environment but do not lead to
thinking about or analyzing the experience.
Cannabis sativa plants are found throughout the world. Potent varieties
such as Colombian, Panamanian, Mexican, Nigerian, Congolese, Indian and Thai
are found in equatorial zones. These plants require a long time to mature
and ordinarily grow in areas where they have a long season. They are
usually very potent, containing large quanities of THC and virtually no CBD.
They have long, medium-thick buds when they are grown in full equatorial
sun, but under artificial light or even under the temperate sun, the buds
tend to run (not fill out completely). The buds usually smell sweet or
tangy and the smoke is smooth, sometimes deceptively so.
The THC to CBD ratio of sativa plants gets lower as the plants are found
further from the equator. Jamaican and Central Mexican varieties are found
at the 15-20th latitudes. At the 30th latitude, varieties such as Southern
African and Northern Mexican are variable and may contain equal amounts of
THC and CBD, giving the smoker and buzzy, confusing high. These plants are
used mostly for hybridizing. Plants found above the 30th latitude usually
have low levels of THC, with high levels of CBD and are considered hemp.
If indica and sativa varieties are considered opposite ends of a
spectrum, most plants fall in between the spectrum. Because of marijuana
and hemp's long symbiotic relationship with humans, seeds are constantly
procured or traded so that virtually all populations have been mixed with
foreign plants at one time or another.
Even in traditional marijuana-growing countries, the marijuana is often
the result of several cross lines. Jamaican ganja, for example, is probably
the result of crosses between hemp, which the English cultivated for rope,
and Indian ganja, which arrived with the Indian immigrants who came to the
country. The term for marijuana in Jamaic in ganja, the same as in India.
The traditional Jamaican term for the best weed is Kali, named for the
Indian killer goddess.
The cannabis plant regulates its growth and flowering stages by measuring
the changes in the number of hours of uniterrupted darkness to determine
when to flower. The plant produces a hormone (phytochrome) begining at
germination. When this chemical builds up to a critical level, the plant
changes its mode from vegetative growth to flowering. This chemical is
destroyed in the presence of even a few moments of light. During the late
spring and early summer there are many more hours of light than darkness and
the hormone does not build up to a critical level. However, as the days
grow shorter and there are longer periods of uniterrupted darkness, the
hormone builds up to a critical level.
Flowering occurs at different times with different varieties as a result
of the adaptation of the varieties to the environment. Varieties from the
30th latitude grow in an area with a temperate climate and fairly early
fall. These plants usually trigger in July or August and are ready to
harvest in September or October. Southern African varieties often flower
with as little as 8 or 9 hours of darkness/15 to 16 hours of light. Other
30th latitude varieties including most indicas flower when the darkness
cycle lasts a minimum of 9 to 10 hours. Jamaican and some Southeast Asian
varieties will trigger at 11 hours of darkness and ripen during September or
October.
Equatorial varieties trigger at 12 hours or more of darkness. This means
that they will not start flowering before late September or early October
and will not mature until late November or early December.
Of course, indoors the plants' growth stage can be regulated with the
flick of a switch. Nevertheless, the plants respond to the artificial light
cycle in the same way that they do to the natural seasonal cycles.
The potency of the plant is related to its maturity rather than
chronological age. Genetically identical 3 month and 6 month-old plants
which have mature flowers have the same potency. Starting from seed, a six
month old plant flowers slightly faster and fills out more than a 3 month
old plant.
Almost any area can be converted to a growing space. Attics, basements,
spare rooms, alcoves and even shelves can be used. Metal shacks, garages
and greenhouses are ideal areas. All spaces must be located in an area
inaccessible to visitors and invisible from the street.
The ideal area is at least 6 feet high, with a minimum of 50 square feet,
an area about 7 feet by 7 feet. A single 1,000 watt metal halide or sodium
vapor lamp, the most efficient means of illuminating a garden, covers an
area this size.
Gardeners who have smaller spaces, at least one foot wide and several
feet long, can use fluorescent tubes, 400 watt metal halides, or sodium
vapor lamps.
Gardeners who do not have a space even this large to spare can use
smaller areas (See part 17 - "Novel Gardens").
Usually, large gardens are more efficient than small ones.
The space does not require windows or outside ventilation, but it is
easier to set up a space if it has one or the other.
Larger growing areas need adequate ventilation so that heat, oxygen, and
moisture levels can be controlled. Greenhouses usually have vents and fans
built in. Provisions for ventilation must be made for lamp-lit enclosed
areas. Heat and moisture buildup can be extraordinary. During the winter
in most areas, the heat is easily dissipated; however, the heat buildup is
harder to deal with in hot weather. Adequate ventilation or air coolers are
the answer.
The space is the future home and environment of the plants. It should be
cleaned of any residue or debris which might house insects, parasites or
diseases. If it has been contaminated with plant pests it can be sprayed or
wiped down with a 5% bleach solution which kills most organisms. The room
must be well-venitalted when this operation is going on. The room will be
subject to high humidity so any materials such as clothing which might be
damaged by moisture are removed.
Since the plants will be watered, and water may be spilled, the floors
and any other areas that may be water damaged should be covered with
linoleum or plastic. High grade 6 or 8 mil polyethylene drop cloths or
vinyl tarps protect a floor well. The plastic should be sealed with tape so
that no water seeps to the floor.
The amount of light delivered to the plant rises dramatically when the
space is enclosed by reflective material. Some good reflective materials
are flat white paint, aluminum foil (the dull side so that the light is
diffused), white cardboard, plywood painted white, white polyethylene,
silvered mylar, gift wrap, white cloth, or silvered plastic such as
Astrolon. Materials can be taped or tacked onto the walls, or hung as
curtains. All areas of the space should be covered with reflective
material. The walls, ceiling and floors are all capable of reflecting light
and should be covered with reflective material such as aluminum foil. It is
easiest to run the material vertically rather than horizontally.
Experienced growers find it convenient to use the wide, heavy-duty
aluminum foil or insulating foil (sold in wide rolls) in areas which will
not be disturbed and plastic or cloth curtains where the material will be
moved.
Windows can be covered with opaque material if a bright light emanating
from the window would draw suspicion. If the window does not draw suspicion
and allows bright light into the room, it should be covered with a
translucent material such as rice paper, lace curtains, or aquarium crystal
paint.
Garages, metal buildings, or attics can be converted to lighthouses by
replacing the roof with fiberglass greenhouse material such as Filon. These
translucent panels permit almost all the light to pass through but diffuse
it so that there is no visible image passing out while there is an even
distribution of light coming in. A space with a translucent roof needs no
artificial lighting in the summer and only supplemental lighting during the
other seasons. Overhead light entering from askylight or large window is
very helpful. Light is utilized best if it is diffused.
Concrete and other cold floors should be covered with insulating material
such as foam carpet lining, styrofoam sheeting, wood planks or wooden
palettes so that the plant containers and the roots are kept from getting
cold.
Marijuana varieties differ not only in their growth rate, but also in
their potential size. The grower also plays a role in determining the size
of the plants because the plants can be induced to flower at any age or size
just by regulating the number of hours of uninterrupted darkness that the
plants receive.
Growers have different ideas about how much space each plant needs. The
closer the plants are spaced, the less room the individual plant has to
grow. Some growers use only a few plants in a space, and they grow the
plants in large containers. Other growers prefer to fill the space with
smaller plants. Either method works, but a garden with smaller plants which
fills the space mroe completely probably yields more in less time. The total
vegetative growth in a room containing many small sized plants is greater
than a room containing only a few plants. Since each plant is smaller, it
needs less time to grow to its desired size. Remember that the gardener is
interested in a crop of beautiful buds, not beautiful plants.
The amount of space a plant requires depends on the height the plants are
to grow. A plant growing 10 feet high is going to be wider than a 4 foot
plant. The width of the plant also depends on cultivation practices.
Plants which are pruned grow wider than unpruned plants. The different
growth characteristics of the plants also affect the space required by each
plant. In 1- or 2-light gardens, where the plants are to grow no higher
than 6 feet, plants are given between 1 and 9 square feet of space. In a
high greenhouse lit by natural light, where the plants grow 10-12 feet high,
the plants may be given as much as 80 to 100 square feet.
---
One of the first books written on indoor growing suggested that the
entire floor of a grow room be filled with soil. This method is effective
but unfeasible for most cultivators. Still, the growers have a wide choice
of growing mediums and techniques; they may choose between growing in soil
or using a hydroponic method.
Most growers prefer to cultivate their plants in containers filled with
soil, commercial mixes, or their own recipe of soil, fertilizers, and soil
conditioners. These mixes vary quite a bit in their content, nutrient
values, texture, pH, and water-holding capacity.
Potting soil is composed of topsoil, which is a natural outdoor composite
high in nutrients. It is the top layer of soil, containing large amounts of
organic material such as humus and compost as well as minerals and clays.
Topsoil is usually lightened up so that it does not pack. This is done by
using sand, vermiculite, perlite, peat moss and/or gravel.
Potting soil tends to be very heavy, smell earthy and have a rich dark
color. It can supply most of the nutrients that a plant needs for the first
couple of months.
Commercial potting mixes are composites manufactured from ingredients
such as bark or wood fiber, composts, or soil conditioners such as
vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss. They are designed to support growth of
houseplants by holding adequate amounts of water and nutrients and releasing
them slowly. Potting mixes tend to be low in nutrients and often require
fertilization from the outset. Many of them may be considered hydroponic
mixes because the nutrients are supplied by the gardener in a water solution
on a regular basis.
Texture of the potting mix is the most important consideration for
containerized plants. The mixture should drain well and allow air to enter
empty spaces so that the roots can breathe oxygen. Mixes which are too fine
may become soggy or stick together, preventing the roots from obtaining the
required oxygen. A soggy condition also promotes the growth of anaerobic
bacteria which release acids that eventually harm the roots.
A moist potting mix with good texture should form a clump if it is
squeezed in a fist; then with a slight poke the clod should break up. If
the clod stays together, soil conditioners are required to loosen it up.
Vermiculite, perlite or pea-sized styrofoam chips will serve the purpose.
Some growers prefer to make their own mixes. These can be made from soil,
soil conditioners, and fertilizers.
Plants grown in soil do not grow as quickly as those in hydroponic mixes.
However, many growers prefer soil for aesthetic reasons. Good potting mixes
can be made from topsoil fairly easy.
Usually it is easier to buy topsoil than to use unpasteurized topsoil
which contains weed seeds, insects and disease organisms. Outdoors, these
organisms are kept in check, for the most part, by the forces of nature.
Bringing them indoors, however, is like bringing them into an incubator,
where many of their natural enemies are not around to take care of them.
Soil can be sterilized using a 5% bleach solution poured through the medium
or by being steamed for 20 minutes. Probably the easiest way to sterilize
soil is to use a microwave. It is heated until it is steaming, about 5
minutes for a gallon or more.
Potting soils and potting mixes vary tremendously in composition, pH and
fertility. Most mixes contain only small amounts of soil. If a package is
marked "potting soil", it is usually made mostly from topsoil.
If the soil clumps up it should be loosened using sand, perlite or
styrofoam. One part amendment is used to 2-3 parts soil. Additives listen
in Chart 7-2 may also be added. Here is a partial list of soil
conditioners:
Foam
Foam rubber can be used in place of styrofoam. Although it holds water
trapped between its open cells it also holds air. About 1.5 parts of foam
rubber for every part of styrofoam is used. Pea-size pieces or smaller
should be used.
Gravel
Gravel is often used as a sole medium in hydroponic systems because it is
easy to clean, never wears out, does not "lock up" nutrients, and is
inexpensive. It is also a good mix ingredient because it creates large
spaces for airpockets and gives the mix weight. Some gravel contains
limestone (see "Sand"). This material should not be used.
Lava
Lava is a preferred medium on its own or as a part of a mix. It is
porous and holds water both on its surface and in the irregular spaces along
its irregular shape. Lava is an ideal medium by itself but is sometimes
considered a little too dry. To give it moremoisture-holding ability, about
one part of wet vermiculite ismixed with 3 to 6 parts lava. The vermiculite
will break up and coat the lava, creating a mdeium with excellent
water-holding abilities and plenty of air spaces. If the mix is watered
from the top, the vermiculite will wash down eventually, but if it is
watered from the bottom it will remain.
Perlite
Perlite is an expanded (puffed) volcanic glass. It is lightweight with
many peaks and valleys on its surface, where it traps particles of water.
However, it does not absorb water into its structure. It does not break
down easily and is hard to the touch. Perlite comes in several grades with
the coarser grade being better for larger containers. perlite is very dusty
when dry. To eliminate dust, the material is watered to saturation with a
watering can or hose before it is removed from the bag. Use of masks and
respirators is important.
Rockwool
Rockwool is made from stone which has been heated then extruded into
think strands which are something like glass wool. It absorbs water like a
wick. It usually comes in blocks or rolls. It can be used in all systems
but is usually used in conjunction with drop emitters. Growers report
phenomenal growth rates using rockwool. It is also very convenient to use.
The blocks are placed in position or it is rolled out. Then seeds or
transplants are placed on the material.
Sand
Sand is a heavy material which is often added to a mixture to increase
its weight so that the plant is held more firmly. It promotes drainage and
keeps the mix from caking. Sand comes in several grades too, but all of
them seem to work well. The best sand to use is composed of quartz. Sand
is often composed of limestone; the limestone/sand raised pH, causing
micronutrients to precipitate, making them unavailable to the plants. It is
best not to use it.
Limestone-containing sand can be "cured" by soaking in a solution of
water and superphosphate fertilizer which binds with the surface of the lime
molecule in the sand, making the molecule temporarily inert. One pound of
superphosphate is used to 5 gallons of water. It dissolves best in hot
water. The sand should sit in this for 6-12 hours and then be rinsed.
Superphosphate can be purchased at most nurseries.
Horticultural sand is composed of inert materials and needs no curing.
Sand must be made free of salt if it came from a salt-water area.
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum or peat moss is gathered from bogs in the midwest. It absorbs
many times its own weight in water and acts as a buffer for nutrients.
Buffers absorb the nutrients and hold large amounts in their chemical
structure. The moss releases them gradually as they are used by the plant.
If too much nutrient is supplied, the moss will act on it and hold it,
preventing toxic buildups in the water solution. Moss tends to be acidic so
no more than 20% of the planting mix should be composed of it.
Styrofoam Pellets
Styrofoam is a hydrophobic material (it repels water) and is an excellent
soil mix ingredient. It allows air spaces to form in the mix and keeps the
materials from clumping, since it does not bond with other materials or with
itself. One problem is that it is lighter than water and tends to migrate
to the top of the mix. Styrofoam is easily used to adjust the water-holding
capacity of a mix. Mixes which are soggy or which hold too much water can
be "dried" with the addition of styrofoam. Styrofoam balls or chips no
larger than a pea should be used in fine-textured mixtures. Larger
styrofoam pieces can be used in coarse mixes.
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is porcessed puffed mica. It is very lightweight but holds
large quantities of water in its structure. Vermiculite is available in
several size pieces. The large size seems to permit more aeration.
Vermiculite breaks down into smaller particles over a period of time.
Vermiculite is sold in several grades based on the size of the particles.
The fine grades are best suited to small containers. In large containers,
fine particles tend to pack too tightly, not leaving enough space for air.
Coarser grades should be used in larger containers. Vermiculite is dusty
when dry, so it should be wet down before it is used.
Mediums used in smaller containers should be able to absorb more water
than mediums in larger containers. For instance, seedlings started in 1 to
2 inch containers can be planted in plain vermiculite or soil. Containers
up to about one gallon can be filled with a vermiculite-perlite or
soil-perlite mix. Containers larger than that need a mix modified so that
it does not hold as much water and does not become soggy. The addition of
sand, gravel, or styrofoam accomplishes this very easily.
Here are lists of different mediums suitable for planting: Below is a
list of the moist mixtures, suitable for the wick system, the reservoir
system and drop emitters which are covered in part 9.
Chart 7-1-A: Moist Planting Mixes
1) 4 parts topsoil, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part perlite. Moist, contains
medium-high amounts of nutrients. Best for wick and hand-watering.
2) 3 parts topsoil, 1 part peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part perlite,
1 part styrofoam. Moist but airy. Medium nutrients. Best for wick
and hand-watering.
3) 3 parts vermiculite, 3 parts perlite, 1 part sand, 2 parts pea-sized
gravel. Moist and airy but has some weight. Good for all systems,
drains well.
4) 5 parts vermiculite, 5 parts perlite. Standard mix, moist. Excellent
for wick and drop emitters systems though it works well for all
systems.
5) 3 parts vermiculite, 1 part perlite, 1 part styrofoam. Medium dry
mix, excellent for all systems.
6) 2 parts vermiculite, 1 part perlite, 1 part styrofoam, 1 part peat
moss. Moist mix.
7) 2 parts vermiculite, 2 parts perlite, 3 parts styrofoam, 1 part
sphagnum moss, 1 part compost. Medium moisture, small amounts of slow
releasing nutrients, good for all systems.
8) 2 parts topsoil, 2 parts compost, 1 part sand, 1 part perlite.
Medium-moist, high in slow-release of organic nutrients, good for wick
and drip systems, as well as hand watering.
9) 2 parts compost, 1 part perlite, 1 part sand, 1 part lava. Drier mix,
high in slow-release of nutrients, drains well, good for all systems.
10) 1 part topsoil, 1 part compost, 2 parts sand, 1 part lava. Dry mix,
high in nutrients, good for all systems.
11) 3 parts compost, 3 parts sand, 2 parts perlite, 1 part peat moss, 2
parts vermiculite. Moist, mid-range nutrients, good for wick systems.
12) 2 parts compost, 2 parts sand, 1 part styrofoam. Drier, high
nutrients, good for all systems.
13) 5 parts lava, 1 part vermiculite. Drier, airy, good for all systems.
Here are some drier mediums suitable for flood systems as well as drip
emitters (hydroponic systems covered in part 9).
Chart 7-1-B: Flood System/Drip Emitter Mixes
1) Lava
2) Pea sized gravel
3) Sand
4) Mixes of any or all of the above.
Manure and other slow-releasing natural fertilizers are often added to
the planting mix. With these additives, the grower needs to use ferilizers
only supplementally. Some of the organic amendments are listed in the
following chart. Organic amendments can be mixed but should not be used in
amounts larger than those recommended because too much nutrient can cause
toxicity.
Some growers add time-release fertilizers to the mix. These are
formulated to release nutrients over a specified period of time, usually 3,
4, 6 or 8 months. The actual rate of release is regulated in part by
temperature, and since house temperatures are usually higher than outdoor
soil temperatures, the fertilizers used indoors release over a shorter
period of time than is noted on the label.
Gardeners find that they must supplement the time-release fertilizer
formulas with soluble fertilizers during the growing season. Growers can
circumvent this problem by using time-release fertilizer suggested for a
longer period of time than the plant cycle. For instance, a 9 month
time-release fertilizer can be used in a 6 month garden. Remember that more
fertilizer is releasing faster, so that a larger amount of nutrients will be
available than was intended. These mixes are used sparingly.
About one tablespoon of dolomite limestone should be added for each
gallon of planting mix, or a half cup per cubic foot of mix. This supplies
the calcium along with mangesium, both of which the plants require. If
dolomite is unavailable, then hydrated lime or any agricultural lime can be
used.
Chart 7-2: Organic Amendments
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Amendment | N | P | K | 1 Part : X Parts Mix |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Cow Manure | 1.5 | .85 | 1.75 | Excellent condition, breaks down |
| | | | | over the growing season. 1:10 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Chicken Manure | 3 | 1.5 | .85 | Fast acting. 1:20 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Blood Meal | 15 | 1.3 | .7 | N quickly available. 1:100 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Dried Blood | 13 | 3 | 0 | Very soluble. 1:100 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Worm Castings | 3 | 1 | .5 | Releases N gradually. 1:15 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Guano | 2-8 | 2-5 | .5-3 | Varies alot, moderately soluble. |
| | | | | For guano containing 2% nitrogen, |
| | | | | 1:15. For 8% nitrogen, 1:40 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Cottonseed Meal | 6 | 2.5 | 1.5 | Releases N gradually. 1:30. |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Greensand | 0 | 1.5 | 5 | High in micronutrients. Nutrients |
| | | | | available over the season. 1:30 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Feathers | 15 | ? | ? | Breaks down slowly. 1:75 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
| Hair | 17 | ? | ? | Breaks down slowly. 1:75 |
+-----------------+-----+-----+------+-------------------------------------+
N = Nitrogen * P = Phosphorous * K = Potassium
Plants growing in the wild outdoors obtain their nutrients from the
breakdown of complex organic chemicals into simpler water-soluble forms.
The roots catch the chemicals using a combination of electrical charges and
chemical manipulation. The ecosystem is generally self-supporting. For
instance, in some tropical areas most of the nutrients are actually held by
living plants. As soon as the vegetation dies, bacteria and other microlife
feast and render the nutrients water-soluble. They are absorbed into the
soil and are almost immediately taken up by higher living plants.
Farmers remove some of the nutrients from the soil when they harvest
their crops. In order to replace those nutrients they add fertilizers and
other soil additives. [pH : perhaps shake would be good fertilizer for
one's next crop]
Gardeners growing plants in containers have a closed ecology system.
Once the plants use the nutrients in the medium, their growth and health is
curtailed until more nutrients become available to them. It is up to the
grower to supply the nutrients required by the plants. The addition of
organic matter such as compost or manure to the medium allows the plant to
obtain nutrients for a while without the use of water-soluble fertilizers.
However, once these nutrients are used up, growers usually add water-soluble
nutrients when they water. Without realizing it, they are gardening
hydroponically. Hydroponics is the art of growing plants, usually without
soil, using water-soluble fertilizers as the main or sole source of
nutrients. The plants are grown in a non-nutritive medium such as gravel or
sand or in lightweight materials such as perlite, vermiculite or styrofoam.
The advantages of a hydroponic system over conventional horticultural
methods are numerous: dry dpots, root drowning and soggy conditions do not
occur. Nutrient and pH problems are largely eliminated since the grower
maintains tight control over their concentration; there is little chance of
"lockup" which occurs when the nutrients are fixed in the soil and
unavailable to the plant; plants can be grown more conveniently in small
containers; and owing to the fact that there is no messing around with soil,
the whole operation is easier, cleaner, and much less bothersome than when
using conventional growing techniques.
Most hydroponic systems fall into one of two broad categories: passive or
active. Passive systems such as reservoir or wick setups depend on the
molecular action inherent in the wick or medium to make water available to
the plant. Active systems which include the flood, recirculating drop and
aerated water systems, use a pump to send nourishment to the plants.
Most commercially made "hobby" hydroponic systems designed for general
use are shallow and wide, so that an intensive garden with a variety of
plants can be grown. But most marijuana growers prefer to grow each plant
in an individual container.
PASSIVE HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS
The Wick System
The wick system is inexpensive, easy to set up and easy to maintain. The
principle behind this type of passive system is that a length of 3/8 to 5/8
inch thick braided nylon rope, used as a wick, will draw water up to the
medium and keep it moist. The container, which can be an ordinary nursery
pot, holds a rooting medium and has wicks runing along the bottom, drooping
through the holes at the bottom, reaching down into a reservoir. Keeping
the holes in the container small makes it difficult for roots to pentrate to
the reservoir. The amount of water delivered to the medium can be increased
by increasing the number, length, or diameter of the wicks in contact with
the medium.
A 1 gallon container needs only a single wick, a three gallon container
should have two wicks, a five gallon container, three wicks. The wick
system is self regulating; the amount of water delivered depnds on the
amount lost through evaporation or transpiration.
Each medium has a maximum saturation level. Beyond that point, an
increase in the number of wicks will not increase the moisture level. A
1-1-1 combination of vermiculite, perlite, and styrofoam is a convenient
medium because the components are lightweight and readily available. Some
commercial units are supplied with coarse vermiculite. To increase weight
so that the plant will not tip the container over when it gets large, some
of the perlite in the recipe can be replaced with sand. The bottom inch or
two of the container should be filled only with vermiculite, which is very
absorbent, so that the wicks have a good medium for moisture transfer.
Wick systems are easy to construct. The wick should extend 5 inches or
more down from the container. Two bricks, blocks of wood, or styrofoam are
placed on the bottom of a deep tray (a plastic tray or oil drip pan will do
fine.) Then the container is placed on the blocks so that the wicks are
touching the bottom of the tray. The tray is filled with a nutrient/water
solution. Water is replaced in the tray as it evaporates or is absorbed by
the medium through the wick.
A variation of this system can be constructed using an additional outer
container rather than a tray. With this method less water is lost due to
evaporation.
To make sure that the containers git together and come apart easily,
bricks or wood blocks are placed in the bottom of the outer container. The
container is filled with the nutrient/water solution until the water comes
to just below the bottom of the inner container.
Automating this system is simple to do. Each of the tray or bottom
containers is connected by tubing to a bucket containing a float valve such
as found in toilets. The valve is adjusted so that it shuts off when the
water reaches a height about 1/2 inch below the bottom of the growing
containers. The bucket with the float valve is connected to a large
reservoir such as a plastic garbage can or 55 gallon drum. Holes can be
drilled in the containers to accomodate the tubing required, or the tubes
can be inserted from the top of the containers or trays. The tubes should
be secured or weighted down so that they do not slip out and cause floods.
The automated wick system works as a siphon. To get it started, the
valve container is primed and raised above the level of the individual
trays. Water flows from the valve to the plant trays as a result of
gravity. Once the containers have filled and displaced air from the tubes,
the water is automatically siphoned and the valve container can be lowers.
Each container receives water as it needs it.
A simpler system can be devised by using a plastic kiddie pool and some
4x4's or a woodem pallet. Wood is placed in the pool so that the pots sit
firmly on the board; the pool is then filled with water up to the bottom of
the pots. The wicks move the water to the pots.
Wick systems and automated wick systems are available from several
manufacturers. Because they require no moving parts, they are generally
reliable although much more expensive than homemande ones, which are very
simple to make.
Wick system units can be filled with any of the mixes found in Chart
7-1-A.
The Reservoir System
The reservoir system is even less complex than the wick system. For this
setup all a grower needs to do is fill the bottom 2 or 3 inches of a 12 inch
deep container with a coarse, porous, inert medium such as lava, ceramic
beads or chopped unglazed pottery. The remaining portion is filled with one
of the mixes containing styrofoam. The container is placed in a tray, and
sits directly in a nutrient-water solution 2-3 inches deep. The system is
automated by placing the containers in a trough or large tray. Kiddie pools
can also be used. The water is not replaced until the holding tray dies.
Passive systems should be watered from the top down once a month so that
any buildup of nutrient salts caused by evaporation gets washed back to the
bottom.
ACTIVE HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS
Active systems move the water using mechanical devices in order to
deliver it to the plants. There are many variations on active systems but
most of them fall into one of three categories: flood systems, drip
systems, or nutrient film systems.
The Flood System
The flood system is the type of unit that most people think of when
hydroponics is mentioned. The system usually has a reservoir which
periodically empties to flood the container or tub holding the medium. The
medium holds enough moisture between irrigations to meet the needs of the
plant. Older commercial greenhouses using this method often held long
troughs or beds of gravel. Today, flood systems are designed using
individual containers. Each container is attached to the reservoir using
tubing.
A simple flood system can be constructed using a container with a tube
attached at the bottom of a plastic container [pH: that which the plant
is placed in] and a jug. The tube should reach down to the jug, which
should be placed below the bottom of the growing container. To water, the
tube is held above the container so that it doesn't drop. The water is
poured from the jug into the container. Next, the tube is placed in the jug
and put back into position, below the growing container. The water will
drain back into the jug. Of course, not as much will drain back in as was
poured out. Some of the water was retained in the growing unit.
Automating this unit is not difficult. A two-holed stopper is placed in
the jug. A tube from the growing unit should reach the bottom of the
reservoir container. Another tube should be attached to the other stopper
hole and then to a small aquarium-type air pump which is regulated by a
timer. When the pump turns on, it pushes air into the jug, forcing the
water into the container. When the pump goes off, the water is forced back
into the jug by gravity. Several growing units can be hooked up to a large
central reservoir and pump to make a large system. The water loss can
automatically be replaced using a float valve, similar to the ones used to
regulate water in a toilet. Some growers place a second tube near the top
of the container which they use as an overflow drain.
Another system uses a reservoir above the growing container level. A
water timing valve or solenoid valve keeps the water in the reservoir most
of the time. When the valve opens, the water fills the growing containers
as well as a central chamber which are both at the same height. The growing
chambers and the central chamber are attached to each other. The water
level is regulated by a float valve and a sump pump. When the water level
reaches a certain height, near the top of the pots, the sump pump
automatically turns on and the water is pumped back up to the reservoir.
One grower used a kiddie pool, timer valve, flower pots, a raised
reservoir and a sump pump. He placed the containers in the kiddie pool
along with the sump pump and a float valve. When the timer valve opened,
the water rushed from the tank to the kiddie pool, flooding the containers.
The pump turned on when the water was two inches from the top of the
containers and emptied the pool. Only when the valve reopened did the
plants receive more water.
With this system, growers have a choice of mediums, including sand,
gravel, lava, foam or chopped-up rubber. Vermiculite, perlite, and
styrofoam are too light to use. The styrofoam and perlite float, and the
vermiculite becomes too soggy.
The plants' water needs to increase during the lighted part of the daily
cycle, so the best time to water is as the light cycle begins. If the
medium does not hold enough moisture between waterings, the frequency of
waterings is increased.
There are a number of companies which manufacture flood systems. Most of
the commercially made ones work well, but they tend to be on the expensive
side. They are convenient, though.
The Drip System
Years ago, the most sophisticated commercial greenhouses used drip
emitter systems which were considered exotic and sophisticated engineering
feats. These days, gardeners can go to any well-equipped nursery and find
all of the materials necessary to design and build the most sophisticated
drop systems. These units consist of tubing and emitters which regulate the
amount of water delivered to each individual container. Several types of
systems can be designed using these devices.
The easiest system to make is a non-return drain unit. The plants are
watered periodically using a diluted nutrient solution. Excess water drains
from the containers and out of the system. This system is only practical
when there is a drain in the growing area. If each container has a growing
tray to catch excess water and the water control valve is adjusted closely,
any excess water can be held in the tray and eventually used by the plant or
evaporated. Once a gardener gets the hang of it, matching the amount of
water delivered to the amount needed is easy to do.
One grower developed a drip emitter system which re-uses water by
building a wooden frame using 2x4's and covering it with corrugated plastic
sheeting. She designed it so that there was a slight slope. The containers
were placed on the corrugated plastic, so the water drained along the
corrugations into a rain drainage trough, which drained into a 2 or 3 gallon
holding tank. The water was pumped from the holding taink back to the
reservoir. The water was released from the reservoir using a timer valve.
Aerated Water
The aerated water system is probably the most complex of the hydroponic
systems because it allows for the least margin of error. It should only be
used by growers with previous hydroponic experience. The idea of the system
is that the plant can grow in water as long as the roots receive adequate
amounts of oxygen. To provide the oxygen, an air pump is used to oxygenate
the water through bubbling and also by increasing the circulation of the
water so that there is more contact with air. The plants can be grown in
individual containers, each with its own bubbler or in a single flooded unit
in which containers are placed. One grower used a vinyl covered tank he
constructed. He placed individual containers that he made into the tank.
His containers were made of heavy-duty nylon mesh used by beermakers for
soaking hops. This did not prevent water from circulating around the roots.
Aerated water systems are easy to build. A small aquarium air pump
supplies all the water that is required. An aerator should be connected to
the end and a clear channel made in the container for the air. The air
channel allows the air to circulate and not disturb the roots. Gravel,
lava, or ceramic is used.
Nutrient Film Technique
The nutrient film technique is so named because the system creates a film
of water that is constantly moving around the roots. This technique is used
in many commercial greenhouses to cultivate fast growing vegetables such as
lettuce without any medium. The plants are supported by collars which hold
them in place. This method is unfeasible for marijuana growers. However,
it can be modified a bit to create an easy-to-care-for garden. Nursery
suppliers sell water mats, which disperse water from a soaker hose to a
nylon mat. The plants grow in the bottomless containers which sit on the
mat. The medium absorbs water directly from the mat. In order to hold the
medium in place, it is placed in a nylon net bag in the container.
Some growers have the opportunity to grow plants directly in the ground.
Many greenhouses are built directly over the earth. Growing directly in the
soil has many advantages over container growing. A considerable amount of
labor may be eliminated because there is no need to prepare labor-intensive
containers with expensive medium. Another advantage is that the plants'
needs are met more easily.
Before using any greenhouse soil, it is necessary to test it. The pH and
fertility of soils vary so much that there are few generalizations that can
be made about them.
The most important quality of any soil is its texture. Soils which drain
well usually are composed of particles of varying size. This creates paths
for water to flow and also allows airs pockets to remain even when the soil
is saturated.
Soils composed of very fine particles, such as mucks and clay, do not
drain well. Few air particles are trapped in these soils when they are
saturated. When this happens, the roots are unable to obtain oxygen and
they weaken when they are attacked by anaerobic bacteria. These soils
should be adjusted with sand and organic matter which help give the medium
some porosity. Materials suitable for this include sand, compost, composted
manure, as well as perlite, lava, gravel, sphagnum moss, styrofoam particles
and foam particles.
Low lying areas may have a very high water table so that the soils remain
saturated most of the time. One way to deal with this problem is to create
a series of mounds or raised beds so that the roots are in ground at higher
level than the floor level.
Once soil nutrient values are determined, adjustments can be made in the
soil's fertility. For marijuana, the soil should test high in total
Nitrogen, and the medium should test high in Phosphorous and Potassium.
This is covered in subsequent files.
Growers use several methods to prepare the soil. Some prefer to till the
whole area using either a fork, a roto-tiller or a small tractor and plow.
The marijuana plant grows both vertical and horizontal roots. The
horizontal roots grow from the surface to a depth of 9-18 inches depending
on the soil's moisture. They grow closer to the surface of moist soils.
The vertical root can stretch down several feet in search of water. In
moist soils, the vertical roots may be short, even stunted.
Soil with loose texture, sandy soils, and soils high in organic matter
may have adequate aeration, porosity, and space for roots and may not have
to be tilled at all. Most soils should be dug to a depth of 6-9 inches.
The tighter the soil's texture, the deeper it should be filled.
If the soil is compacted, it is dug to a depth of two feet. This can be
done by plowing and moving the soil in alternate rows and then plowing the
newly uncovered soil. Soil texture adjustors such as gypsum are added to
the bottom layer of the soil as well as the top layer, but soil amendments
such as fertilizers or compst are added only to the top layer, where most of
the plant's roots are. Then the soil is moved back into the troughs and the
alternate rows are prepared the same way.
A variation of this technique is the raised bed. First, the whole area
is turned, and then aisles are constructed by digging out the pathways and
adding the material to the beds. With the addition of organic soil
amendments, the total depth of prepared soil may stretch down 18 inches.
Some growers use planting holes rather than tilling the soil. A hole
ranging between 1 and 3 feet wide and 1.5 and 3 feet deep is dug at each
space where there is to be a plant. The digging can be facilitated using a
post hole digger, electric shovel, or even a small backhoe or power hole
digger. Once the hole is dug the soil is adjusted with amendments or even
replaced with a mix.
No matter how the soil is prepared, the groundwater level and the
permeability of the lower layers is of utmost importance. Areas with high
water tables, or underlying clay or hardpan will not drain well. In either
case the harden should be grown in raised beds which allow drainage through
the aisles and out of the growing area, rather than relying on downward
movement through soil layers.
Soils in used greenhouses may be quite imbalanced even if the plants were
growing in containers. The soil may have a buildup of mutrient salts,
either from runoff or direct application, and pesticides and herbicides may
be present. In soils with high water tables, the nutrients and chemicals
have nowhere to go, so they dissolve and spread out horizontally as well as
vertically, contaminating the soil in surrounding areas.
Excess salts can be flushed from the soil by flooding the area with water
and letting it drain to the water table. In areas with high water tables,
flushing is much more difficult. Trenches are dug around the perimeter of
the garden which is then flooded with nutrient-free water. As the water
drains into the trenches, it is removed with a pump and transported to
another location.
Pesticides and herbicides may be much mroe difficult to remove. Soils
contaminated with significant amounts of residues may be unsuitable for use
with material to be ingested or inhaled. Instead, the garden should be
grown in containers using nonindigenous materials.
Usually plants are sexed before they are planted into the ground. If the
soil showed adequate nutrient values no fertilizer or side dressing will be
required for several months.
Several growers have used ingenious techniqures to provide their gardens
with earthy environments. One grower in Oregon chopped through the concrete
floor of his garage to make planting holes. The concrete had been poured
over sub-soil so he dug out the holes and replaced the sub-soil with a
mixture of composted manure, vermiculite, perlite, worm castings, and other
organic ingredients. He has been using the holes for several years. After
several crops, he redigs the holes and adds new ingredients to the mix.
A grower in Philadelphia lived in a house with a backyard which was
cemented over. He constructed a raised bed over the concrete using railroad
ties and filled it with a rich topsoil and composted manure mixture, then
built his greenhouse over that. The growing bed is about 15 inches deep and
the grower reports incredible growth rates.
Green plants use light for several purposes. The most amazing thing that
they can do with it is to use the energy contained in light to make sugar
from water and carbon dioxide. This process is called photosynthesis and it
provides the basic building block for most life on Earth. Plants convert
the sugars they make into starches and then into complex molecules composed
of starches, such as cellulose. Amino acids, the building blocks of all
proteins, are formed with the addition of nitrogen atoms.
Plants also use ligh to regulate their other life processes. As we
mentioned earlier, marijuana regulates its flowering based on the number of
hours of uniterrupted darkness. (See part 25, Flowering)
Sunlight is seen as white light, but is composed of a broadf band of
colors which cover the optic spectrum. Plants use red and blue light most
efficiently for photosynthesis and to regulate other processes. However,
they do use other light colors as well for photosynthesis. In fact, they
use every color except green, which they reflect back. (That is why plants
appear green; they absorb all the other spectrums except green.) In
controlled experiements, plants respond more to the toal amount of light
received than to the spectrums in which it was delivered.
The best source of light is the sun. It requires no expense, no
electricity, and does not draw suspicion. It is brighter than artifical
light and is self regulating. Gardeners can use the sun as a primary source
of light if they have a large window, skylight, translucent roof, enclosed
patio, roof garden, or greenhouse. These gardens may require some
supplemental lightning, especially if the light enters from a small area
such as a skylight, in order to fill a large area.
It is hard to say just how much supplemental light a garden needs.
Bright spaces which are lit from unobstructed overhead light such as a
greenhouse or a large southern window need no light during the summer but
may need artificial light during the winter to supplement the weak sunlight
or overcast conditions. Spaces receiving indirect sunlight during the
summer may need some supplemental lighting.
Light requirements vary by variety. During the growth cycle, most
varieties will do well with 1000-1500 lumens per square foot although the
plants can usemore lumens, up to 3000, efficiently. Equatorial varieties
may develop long internodes (spaces on the stem between the leaves) when
grown under less that bright conditions. During flowering, indica varieties
can mature well on 2000 lumens. Equatorial varieties require 2500-5000
lumens. Indica-sativa F1 (first generation) hybrids usually do well on
2500-3000 lumens.
Some light meters have a foot-candle readout. Thirty-five millimeter
cameras that have built-in light meters can also be used. In either case, a
sheet of white paper is placed at the point to be measured so it reflects
the light most brilliantly. Then the meter is focused entirely on the
paper.
The camera is set for ASA 100 film and the shutter is set for 1/60
second. A 50 mm or "normal" lens is used. Using the manual mode, the
camera is adjusted to the correct f-stop. The conversion chart, 10-1, shows
the amount of light hitting the paper.
Most growers, for one reason or another, are not able to use natural
light to grow marijuana. Instead, they use artificial lights to provide the
light energy which plants require to photosynthesize, regulate their
metabolism, and ultimately to grow. There are a number of sources of
artificial lighting. Cultivators rarely use incandescent or quartz halogen
lights. They convert only about 10% of the energy they use to light and are
considered inefficient.
Chart 10-1: Footcandles
+----------------------+----------------------+
| 1/60 Second, ASA 100 | 1/125 Second ASA 100 |
+--------+-------------+--------+-------------+
| F-Stop | Footcandles | F-Stop | Footcandles |
+--------+-------------+--------+-------------+
| f.4 | 64 | f.4 | 128 |
+--------+-------------+--------+-------------+
| f.5.6 | 125 | f.5.6 | 250 |
+--------+-------------+--------+-------------+
| f.8 | 250 | f.8 | 500 |
+--------+-------------+--------+-------------+
| f.11 | 500 | f.11 | 1000 |
+--------+-------------+--------+-------------+
| f.16 | 1000 | f.16 | 2000 |
+--------+-------------+--------+-------------+
| f.22 | 2000 | f.22 | 4000 |
+--------+-------------+--------+-------------+
On some cameras it is easier to adjust the shutter speed, keeping the f.stop
set at f.4 (at ASA 100):
+----------------+-------------+
| Shutter Speed | Footcandles |
+----------------+-------------+
| 1/60 | 64 |
+----------------+-------------+
| 1/125 | 125 |
+----------------+-------------+
| 1/250 | 250 |
+----------------+-------------+
| 1/500 | 500 |
+----------------+-------------+
| 1/1000 | 1000 |
+----------------+-------------+
| 1/2000 | 2000 |
+----------------+-------------+
FLUORESCENT TUBES
Growers have used flurorescent tubes to provide light for many years.
They are inexpensive, are easy to set up, and are very effective. Plants
grow and bud well under them. They are two to three times as efficient as
incandescents. Until recently, fluorescents came mostly in straight lengths
of 2, 4, 6, or 8 feet, which were placed in standard reflectors. Now there
are many more options for the fluorescent user. One of the most convenient
fixtures to use is the screw-in converter for use in incandescent sockets,
which come with 8 or 12 inch diameter circular fluorescent tubes. A
U-shaped 9 inch screw-in fluorecent is also available. Another convenient
fixture is the "light wand", which is a 4 foot, very portable tube. It is
not saddled with a cumbersome reflector.
Fluorescents come in various spectrums as determined by the type of
phosphor with which the surface of the tube is coated. Each phosphor emits
a different set of colors. Each tube has a spectrum identification such as
"warm white", "cool white", "daylight", or "deluxe cool white" to name a
few. This signifies the kind of light the tube produces. For best results,
growers use a mixture of tubes which have various shades of white light.
Once company manufactures a fluorescent tube which is supposed to reproduce
the sun's spectrum. It is called the Vita-Lite and works well. it comes in
a more efficient version, the "Power Twist", which uses the same amount of
electricity but emits more light because it has a larger surface area.
"Gro-Tubes" do not work as well as regular fluorescents even though they
produce light mainly in the red and blue spectrums. They produce a lot less
light than the other tubes.
To maintain a fast growing garden, a minimum of 20 watts of fluorescent
light per square foot is required. As long as the plants' other needs are
met, the more light that the plants receive, the faster and bushier they
will grow. The plants' buds will also be heavier and more developed.
Standard straight-tubed fluorescent lamps use 8-10 watts per linear foot.
To light a garden, 2 tubes are required for each foot of width. The 8 inch
diameter circular tubes use 22 watts, the 12 inch diameter use 32 watts.
Using straight tubes, it is possible to fit no more than 4 tubes in each
foot of width because of the size of the tubes. A unit using a combination
of 8 and 12 inch circular tubes has an input of 54 watts per square foot.
Some companies manufacture energy-saving electronic ballasts designed for
use with special fluorescent tubes. These units use 39% less electricity
and emit 91% of the light of standard tubes. For instance, an Optimizer
warm light white 4 foot tube uses 28 watts and emits 2475 lumens.
Both standard and VHO ballasts manufactured before 1980 are not
recommended. They were insulated using carcinogenic PCB's and they are a
danger to your health should they leak.
The shape of the fluorescent reflector used determines, to a great
extent, how much light the plants receive. Fluorescent tubes emit light
from their entire surface so that some of the light is directed at the
reflector surfaces. Many fixtures place the tubes very close to each other
so that only about 40% of the light is actually transmitted out of the unit.
The rest of it is trapped between the tubes or between the tubes and the
reflector. This light may as well not be emitted since it is doing no good.
A better reflector can be constructed using a wooden frame. Place the
tube holders at equal distances from each other at least 4 inches apart.
This leaves enough space to construct small mini-reflectors which are angled
to reflect the light downward and to seperate the light from the different
tubes so that it is not lost in crosscurrents. These mini-reflectors can be
made from cardboard or plywood painted white. The units should be no longer
than 2.5 feet wide so that they can be manipulated easily. Larger units are
hard to move up and down and they make access to the garden difficult,
especially when the plants are small, and there is not much vertical space.
The frame of the reflector should be covered with reflective material such
as aluminum foil so that all of the light is directed to the garden.
Fluorescent lights should be placed about 2-4 inches from the tops of the
plants.
[pH:in Ed's diagram, the reflectors between the lights have a shape
similar to this:
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
**
Sort of a curving V, if you see what I mean.]
Growers sometimes use fluorescent lights in innovative ways to supplement
the main source of the light. Lights are sometimes placed along the sides
of the garden or in the midst of it. One grower used light wands which he
hung vertically in the midst of the garden. This unit provided light to the
lower parts of the plant which are often shaded. Another grower hung a tube
horizontally at plant level between each row. He used no reflector because
the tube shined on the plants from ever angle. Lights can be hung at
diagonal angles to match the different plants' heights.
VERY HIGH OUTPUT (VHO) FLUORESCENTS
Standard fluorescents use about 10 watts per linear foot - a 4 foot
fluorescent uses 40 watts, an 8 footer 72 watts. VHO tubes use about three
times the electricity that standard tubes use, or about 215 watts for an 8
foot tube, and they emit about 2.5 times the light. While they are not
quite as efficient as a standard tube, they are often more convenient to
use. Two tubes per foot produce the equivalent electricity of 5 standard
tubes. [pH:That's what he says. Why one would want the tubes to produce
electricity instead of light I will never know.] Only one tube per foot is
needed and two tubes emit a very bright light. The banks of tubes are
eliminated.
VHO tubes come in the same spectrums as standards. They require
different ballasts than standards and are available at commercial lighting
companies.
METAL HALIDE LAMPS
Metal halide lamps are probably the most popular lamp used for growing.
These are the same type of lamp that are used outdoors as streetlamps or to
illuminate sports events. They emit a white light. Metal halide lamps are
very convenient to use. They come ready to plug in. The complete unit
consists of a lamp (bulb), fixture (reflector) and long cord which plungs
into a remote ballast. The fixture and lamp are lightweight and are easy to
hang. Only one chain or rope is needed to suspend the fixture, which take
up little space, making it easy to gain access to the garden.
In an unpublished, controlled experiment, it was observed that marijuana
plants responded better to light if the light came from a single point
source such as a metal halide, rather than from emissions from a broad area
as with fluorescents. Plants growing under metal halides develop quickly
into strong plants. Flowering is profuse, with heavier budding than under
fluroescents. Lower leaf development was better too, because the light
penetrated the top leaves more.
Metal halide lamps are hung in two configurations: veritcal and
horizontal. The horizontal lamp focuses a higher percent of light on the
garden, but it emits 10% less light. Most manufacturers and distributors
sell verically hanging metal halides. However, it is worth the effort to
find a horizontal unit.
In order for a vertical hanging metal halide lamp to deliver light to the
garden efficiently, the horizontal light that is emitting must be directed
downward or the halide must be placed in the midst of the garden. It only
becomes practical to remove the reflector and let the horizontally directed
light radiate when the plants have grown a minimum of six feet tall.
Reflectors for vertical lamps should be at least as long as the lamp. If a
reflector does not cover the lamp completely, some of the light will be lost
horizontally. Many firms sell kits with reflectors which do not cover the
whole lamp.
Reflectors can be modified using thin guage wire such as poultry wire and
aluminum foil. A hole is cut out in the middle of the chicken wire frame so
that it fits over the wide end of the reflector. Then it is shaped so that
it will distribute the light as evenly as possible. Aluminum foil is placed
over the poultry wire. (One grower made an outer frame of 1 x 2's which
held the poultry wire, metal halide, and foil).
Metal halide lamps come in 400, 1000, and 1500 watt sizes. The 1500 watt
lamps are not recommended because they have a much shorter life than the
other lamps. The 400 watt lamps can easily illuminate a small garden 5 x 5
feet or smaller. These are ideal lights for a small garden. They are also
good to brighten up dark spots in the garden.
In European nurseries, 400 watt horizontal units are standard. They are
attached to the ceiling and placed at even 5 foot intervals so that light
from several lamps hits each plant. Each lamp beam diffuses as the vertical
distance from the plants may be 6-8 feet, but no light is lost. The beams
overlap. No shuttle type device is required. The same method can be used
with horizontal 1000 watt lamps and 8 foot intervals. Vertical space should
be at least 12 feet.
HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM VAPOR LAMPS
Sodium vapor lamps emit an orange or amber-looking light. They are the
steet lamps that are commonly used these days. These lights look peculiar
because they emit a spectrum that is heavily concentrated in the yellow,
orange, and red spectrums with only a small amount of blue. They produce
about 15% more light than metal halides. They use the same configuration as
metal halides: lamp, reflector, and remote ballast.
Growers originally used single sodium vapor lamps primarily for flowering
because they thought that if the extra yellow and orange light was closer to
the sun's spectrum in the fall, when the amount of blue light reaching Earth
was limited, the red light would increase flowering or resin production. In
another unpublished controlled experiment, a metal halide lamp and a sodium
vapor lamp were used as the only sources of light in 2 different systems.
The garden under the metal halide matured about a week faster than the
garden under the sodium vapors. Resin content seemed about the same. Other
growers have reported different results. They claim that the sodium vapor
does increase THC and resin production. Plants can be grown under sodium
vapor lights as the sole source of illumination.
Many growers use sodium vapor lamps in conjunction with metal halides; a
typical ratio is 2 halides to 1 sodium. Some growers use metal halides
during the growth stages but change to sodium vapor lamps during the harvest
cycle. This is not hard to do since both lamps fit in the same reflector.
The lamps use different ballasts.
High pressure sodium vapor lamps come in 400 and 100 watt configurations
with remote ballasts designed specifically for cultivation. Smaller
wattages designed for outdoor illumination are available from hardware
stores. The small wattage lamps can be used for brightening dark areas of
the garden or for hanging between the rows of plants in order to provide
bright light below the tops.
ACCESSORIES
One of the most innovative accessories for lighting is the "Solar
Shuttle" and its copies. This device moves a metal halide or sodium vapor
lamp across a track 6 feet or longer. Because the lamp is moving, each
plant comes directly under its field several times during the growing
period. Instead of plants in the center receiving more light than those on
the edge, the light is more equally distributed. This type of unit
increases the total efficiency of the garden. Garden space can be increased
by 15-20% or the lamp can be used to give the existing garden more light.
Other units move the lamps over an arc path. The units take various
amounts of time to complete a journey - from 40 seconds upward.
ELECTRICITY AND LIGHTING
At 110-120 volts, a 1000 watt lamp uses about 8.7 amps (watts divided by
volts equals amps). Including a 15% margin for safety it can be figured as
10 amps. Many household circuits are rated for 20 or 30 amps. Running 2
lights on a twenty amp circuit taxes it to capacity and is dangerous. If
more electricity is required than can be safely supplied on a circuit, new
wiring can be installed from the fusebox.
All electrical equipment should be grounded.
Some growers report that the electrical company's interest was aroused,
sometimes innocently, when their electric bill began to spurt. After all,
each hour a lamp is on it uses about 1 kilowatt hour.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas which comprises about .03% (or 300 parts
per million, "PPM") of the atmosphere. It is not dangerous. it is one of
the basic raw materials (water is the other) required for photosynthesis.
The plant makes a sugar molecule using light for energy, CO2 which is pulled
out of the air, and water, which is pulled up from its roots.
Scientists belive that early in the Earth's history the atmosphere
contained many times the amount of CO2 it does today. Plants have never
lost their ability to process gas at these high rates. In fact, with the
Earth's present atmosphere, plant growth is limited.
When plants are growing in an enclosed area, there is a limited amount of
CO2 for them to use. When the CO2 is used up, the plant's photosynthesis
stops. Only as more CO2 is provided can the plant use light to continue the
process. Adequate amounts of CO2 may be easily replaced in well-ventilated
areas, but increasing the amount of CO2 to .2% (2000 PPM) or 6 times the
amount usually found in the atmosphere, can increase growth rate by up to 5
times. For this reason, many commercial nurseries provide a CO2 enriched
area for their plants.
Luckily, CO2 can be supplied cheaply. At the most organic level, there
are many metabolic processes that create CO2. For example, organic gardeners
sometimes make compost in the greenhouse. About 1/6 to 1/4 of the pile's
starting wet weight is converted to CO2 so that a 200 pound pile contributes
33-50 pounds of carbon to the gas. Carbon makes up about 27% of the weight
and volume of the gas and oxygen makes up 73%, so that the total amount of
CO2 created is 122 to 185 pounds produced over a 30 day period.
Brewers and vintners would do well to ferment their beverages in the
greenhouse. Yeast eat the sugars contained in the fermentation mix,
released CO2 anf alcohol. The yeast produce quite a bit of CO2, when they
are active.
One grower living in a rural area has some rabbit hutches in his
greenhouse. The rabbits use the oxygen produced by the plants, and in
return, release CO2 by breathing. Another grower told me that he is
supplying his plants with CO2 by spraying them periodically with seltzer
(salt-free soda water), which is water with CO2 dissolved. He claims to
double the plants' growth rate. This method is a bit expensive when the
plants are large, but economical when they are small.
A correspondent used the exhausts from his gas-fired water heater and
clothes dryer. To make the area safe of toxic fumes that might be in the
exhaust, he built a manually operated shut-off valve so that the spent air
could be directed into the growing chamber or up a flue. Before he entered
the room he sent any exhausts up the flue and turned on a ventilating fan
which drew air out of the room.
Growers do not have to become brewers, rabbit farmers, or spray their
plants with Canada Dry. There are several economical and convenient ways to
give the plants adequate amounts of CO2: using a CO2 generator, which burns
natural gas or kerosene, using a CO2 tank with regulator, or by evaporating
dry ice.
To find out how much CO2 is needed to bring the growing area to the ideal
2000 PPM, multiply the cubic area of the growing room (length x width x
height) by .002. The total represents the number of square feet of gas
required to reach optimum CO2 range. For instance, a room 13' x 18' x 12'
contains 2808 cubic feet: 2808 x .002 equals 5.6 cubic feet of CO2 required.
The easiest way to supply the gas is to use a CO2 tank. All the equipment
can be built from parts available at a welding suspply store or purchased
totally assembled from many growing supply companies. Usually tanks come in
20 and 50 pound sizes, and can be bought or rented. A tank which holds 50
pounds has a gross weight of 170 pounds when filled.
A grow room of 500 cubic feet requires 1 cubic foot of CO2
A grow room of 1000 cubic feet requires 2 cubic feet of CO2
A grow room of 5000 cubic feet requires 10 cubic feet of CO2
A grow room of 10,000 cubic feet requires 20 cubic feet of CO2
To regulate dispersal of the gas, a combination flow meter/regulator is
required. Together they regulate the flow between 10 and 50 cubic feet per
hour. The regulator standardizes the pressure and regulates the number of
cubic feet released per hour. A solenoid valve shuts the flow meter on and
off as regulated by a multicycle timer, so the valve can be turned on and
off several times each day. If the growing room is small, a short-range
timer is needed. Most timers are calibrated in 1/2 hour increments, but a
short-range timer keeps the valve open only a few minutes.
To find out how long the valve should remain open, the numberof cubic
feet of gas required (in our example 5.6 feet) is divided by the flow rate.
For instance, if the flow rate is 10 cubic feet per hour, 5.6 divided by 10
= .56 hours or 3 minutes (.56 X 60 minutes = 33 minutes). At 30 cubic feet
per hour, the number of minutes would be .56 divided by 30 X 60 minutes =
11.2 minutes. [pH:Oh me oh my, there's another mistake! The ".56" in the
latter equation should be 5.6, guess the people who did the book didn't
bother to check his math!]
The gas should be replenished ever two hours in a warm, well-lit room
when the plants are over 3 feet high if there is no outside ventilation.
When the plants are smaller or in a moderately lit room, they do not use the
CO2 as fast. With ventilation the gas should be replenished once an hour or
more frequently. Some growers have a ventilation fan on a timer in
conjunction with the gas. The fan goes off when the gas is injected into
the room. A few minutes before the gas is injected into the room, the fan
starts and removes the old air. The gas should be released above the plants
since the gas is heavier than air and sinks. A good way to disperse the gas
is by using inexpensive "soaker hoses", sold in plant nurseries. These
soaker hoses have tiny holes in them to let out the CO2.
The CO2 tank is placed where it can be removed easily. A hose is run
from the regulator unit (where the gas comes out) to the top of the garden.
CO2 is cooler and heavier than air and will flow downward, reaching the top
of the plants first.
Dry ice is CO2 which has been cooled to -109 degrees, at which
temperature it becomes a solid. It costs about the same as the gas in
tanks. It usually comes in 30 pound blocks which evaporate at the rate of
about 7% a day when kept in a freezer. At room temperatures, the gas
evaporates considerably faster, probably supplying much more CO2 than is
needed by the plants. One grower worked at a packing plant where dry ice
was used. Each day he took home a couple of pounds, which fit into his
lunch pail. When he came home he put the dry ice in the grow room, where it
evaporated over the course of the day.
Gas and kerosene generators work by burning hydrocarbons which release
heat and create CO2 and water. Each pound of fuel burned produces about 3
pounds of CO2, 1.5 pounds of water and about 21,800 BTU's (British Thermal
Units) of heat. Some gases and other fuels may have less energy (BTU's) per
pound. The fuel's BTU rating is checked before making calculations.
Nursery supply houses sell CO2 generators especially designed for
greenhouses, but household style kerosene or gas heaters are also suitable.
They need no vent. The CO2 goes directly into the room's atmosphere. Good
heaters burn cleanly and completely, leaving no residues, creating no carbon
monoxide (a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas). Even so, it is a good idea
to shut the heater off and vent the room before entering the space.
If a heater is not working correctly, most likely it burns the fuel
incompletely, creating an odor. More expensive units have pilots and
timers; less expensive models must be adjusted manually. Heaters with
polits can be modified to use a solenoid valve and timer.
At room temperature, one pound of CO2 equals 8.7 cubic feet. It takes
only 1/3 of a pound of kerosene (5.3 ounces) to make a pound of CO2. To
calculate the amount of fuel required, the number of cubic feet of gas
desired is divided by 8.7 and multiplied by .33. In our case, 5.6 cubic
feet divided by 8.7 times .33 equals .21 pounds of fuel. To find out how
many ounces this is, multiple .21 times 16 (the number of ounces in a pound)
to arrive at a total of 3.3 ounces, a little less than half a cup (4
ounces).
3/5ths ounce provides 1 cubic foot of CO2
1.2 ounces produce 2 cubic feet of CO2
3 ounces produce 5 cubic feet of CO2
6 ounces produce 10 cubic feet of CO2
To find out fuel usage, divide the number of BTU's produced by 21,800.
If a generator produces 12,000 BTU's an hour, it is using 12,000 divided by
21,800 or about .55 pounds of fuel per hour. However only .21 pounds are
needed. To calculate the number of minutes the generator should be on, the
amount of fuel needed is divided by the flow rate and multiplied by 60. In
our case, .21 (amount of fuel needed) divided by .55 (flow rate) multiplied
by 60 equals 22.9 minutes.
The CO2 required for at least one grow room was supplied using gas lamps.
The grower said that she thought it was a shame that the fuel was used only
for the CO2 and thought her plants would benefit from the additional light.
She originally had white gas lamps spaced evenly throughout the garden. She
replaced them after the first crop with gas lamps all hooked up to a central
LP gas tank. She only had to turn the unit on and light the lamps each day.
It shut itself off. She claims the system worked very well.
CO2 should be replenished every 3 hours during the light cycle, since it
is used up by the plants and leaks from the room into the general
atmosphere. Well-ventilated rooms should be replenished more often. It is
probably more effective to have a generator or tank releasing CO2 for longer
periods at slower rates than for shorter periods of time at higher rates.
Marijuana plants are very hardy and survive over a wide range of
temperatures. They can withstand extremely hot weather, up to 120 degrees,
as long as they have adequate supplies of water. Cannabis seedlings
regularly survive light frost at the beginning of the season.
Both high and low temperatures slow marijuana's rate of metabolism and
growth. The plants function best in moderate temperatures - between 60 and
85 degrees. As more light is available, the ideal temperature for normal
plant growth increases. If plants are given high temperatures and only
moderate light, the stems elongate. Conversely, strong light and low
temperatures decrease stem elongation. During periods of low light, strong
elongation is decreased by lowering the temperature. Night temperatures
should be 10-15 degrees lower than daytime temperatures.
Temperatures below 50 degrees slow growth of most varieties. When the
temperature goes below 40 degrees, the plants may experience some damage and
require about 24 hours to resume growth. Low nighttime temperatures may
delay or prevent bud maturation. Some equatorial varieties stop growth after
a few 40 degree nights.
A sunny room or one illuminated by high wattage lamps heats up rapdily.
During the winter the heat produced may keep the room comfortable. However
the room may get too warm during the summer. Heat rises, so that the
temperature is best measured at the plants' height. A room with a 10 foot
ceiling may feel uncomfortably warm at head level but be fine for plants 2
feet tall.
If the room has a vent or window, an exhaust fan can be used to cool it.
Totally enclosed spaces can be cooled using a water conditioner which cools
the air by evaporating water. If the room is lit entirely by lamps, the
day/night cycle can be reversed so that the heat is generated at night, when
it is cooler out.
Marijuana is a low-temperature tolerant. Outdoors, seedlings sometimes
pierce snow cover, and older plants can withstand short, light frosts.
Statistically, more males develop in cold temperatures. However, low
temperatures slow down the rate of plant metabolism. Cold floors lower the
temperature in containers and medium, slowing germination and growth.
Ideally, the medium temperature should be 70 degrees. There are several
ways to warm the medium. The floor can be insulated using a thin sheet of
styrofoam, foam rubber, wood or newspaper. The best way to insulate a
container from a cold floor is to raise the container so that there is an
air space between it and the floor.
Overhead fans, which circulate the warm air downward from the top of the
room also warm the medium.
When the plants' roots are kept warm, the rest of the plant can be kept
cooler with no damage. Heat cables or heat mats, which use small amounts of
electricity, can be used to heat the root area. These are available at
nursery supply houses.
When watering, tepid water should be used. Cultivators using systems
that recirculate water can heat the water with a fish tank heater and
thermostat. If the air is cool, 45-60 degrees, the water can be heated to
90 degres. If the air is warm, over 60 degrees, 70 degrees for the water is
sufficient. The pipes and medium absorb the water down a bit before it
reaches the roots.
Gardens using artificial lighting can generate high air temperatures.
Each 100 watt metal halide and ballast emits just a little less energy can a
10 amp heater. Several lights can raise the temperature to an intolerable
level. In this case a heat exchanger is required. A venting fan or misters
can be used to lower temperatures. Misters are not recommended for use
around lights.
Greenhouses can also get very hot during the summer. If the sun is very
bright, opaquing paint may lower the amount of light and heat entering the
greenhouse. Fans and cooling mats also help. Cooling mats are fibrous
plastic mats which hold moisture. Fans blow air through the mats which
lowers the greenhouse temperature. They are most effective in hot dry
areas. They are available througn nursery supply houses.
The pH is the measure of acid-alkalinity balance of a solution. It is
measured on a scale of 0-14, with 0 being the most acid, 7 being neutral,
and 14 being most alkaline. [pH:In case you're wondering, I'm a total 0!]
Most nutrients the plants use are soluble only in a limited range of acidity,
between about 6 to about 7.5, neutral. Should the water become too acidic or
alkaline, the nutrients dissolved in the water become too acidic or alkaline,
the nutrients dissolved in the water precipitate and become unavailable to the
plants. When the nutrients are locked up, plant growth is slowed. Typically,
a plant growing in an environment with a low pH will be very small, often
growing only a few inches in several months. Plants growing in a high pH
environment will look pale and sickly and also have stunted growth.
All water has a pH which can be measured using aquarium or garden pH
chemical reagent test kits or a pH meter. All of these items are available
at local stores and are easy to use. Water is pH-adjusted after nutrients
are added, since nutrients affect the pH.
Once the water is tested it should be adjusted if it does not fall within
the pH range of 6 to 7. Ideally the range should be about 6.2-6.8.
Hydroponic supply companies sell measured adjusters which are very
convenient and highly recommended. The water-nutrient solution can be
adjusted using common household chemicals. Water which is too acidic can be
neutralized using bicarbonate of soda, wood ash, or by using a solution of
lime in the medium.
Water which is too alkaline can be adjusted using nitric acid, sulfuric
acid, citric acid (Vitamin C) or vinegar. The water is adjusted using small
increments of chemicals. Once a standard measure of how much chemical is
needed to adjust the water, the process becomes fast and easy to do.
Plants affect the pH of the water solution as they remove various
nutrients which they use. Microbes growing in the medium also change the
pH. For this reason growers check and adjust the pH periodically, about
once every two weeks.
The pH of water out of the tap may change with the season so it is a good
idea to test it periodically.
Some gardeners let tap water sit for a day so that the chlorine
evaporates. They believe that chlorine is harmful to plants.
The pH of the planting medium affects the pH of the liquid in solution.
Medium should be adjusted so that it tests between 6.2-6.8. This is done
before the containers are filled so that the medium could be adjusted in
bulk. Approximately 1-2 lbs. of dolomitic limestone raises the pH of 100
gallons (4.5-9 grams per gallon) of soil 1 point. Gypsum can be used to
lower the pH of soil or medium. Both limestone and gypmsum have limited
solubility.
There are many forms of limestone which have various effectiveness
depending on their chemistry. Each has a rating on the package.
Besides temperatures and CO2 content, air has other qualities including
dust content, electrical charge and humidity.
Dust
"Dust" is actually composed of many different-sized solid and liquid
particles which float in the gaseous soup. The particles include organic
fibers, hair, other animal and vegetable particles, bacteria, viruses, smoke
and odoriferous liquid particles such as essential oils, and water-soluble
condensates. Virtually all of the particles have a positive electrical
charge, which means that they are missing an electron, and they float (due
to electrical charge) through various passing gases.
The dust content of the air affects the efficiency of the plant's ability
to photosynthesize. Although floating dust may block a small amount of
light, dust which has precipitated on leaves may block large amounts.
Furthermore, the dust clogs the pores through which plants transpire. Dust
can easily be washedoff leaves using a fine mist spray. Water must be
prevented from touching and shattering the hot glass of the lights.
Negative Ions
in unindustrialized verdant areas and near large bodies of water, the air
is negatively charged, that is, there are electrons floating in the air
unattached to atoms or molecules. In industrialized areas or very dry
regions, the air is positively charged; there are atoms and molecules
missing electrons.
Some researchers claim that the air's electrical charge affects plant
growth (and also animal behavior). They claim that plants in a positively
charged environment grow slower than those in a negatively charged area.
Regardless of the controversy regarding growth and the air's electrical
charge, the presence of negative ions creates some readily observable
effects. Odors are characteristic of positively charged particles floating
in the air. A surplus of negative ions causes the particles to precipitate
so that there are no odors. With enough negative ions, a room filled with
pungent, flowering sinsemilla is odorless.
Spaces with a "surplus" negative ion charge have clean, fresh smelling
air. Falling water, which generates negative ions, characteristically
creates refreshing air. Dust particles are precipitated so that there are
fewer bacteria and fungus spores floating in the air, as well as much less
dust in general. This lowers the chance of infection.
Many firms manufacture "Negative Ion Generators", "Ionizers", and "Ion
Fountains", which disperse large quantities of negative ions into the
atmosphere. These units are inexpensive, safe and recommended for all
growing areas. Ion generators precipitate particles floating in the air.
With most generators, the precipitating particles land within a radius of
two feet of the point of dispersal, collecting quickly and developing into a
thick film of grime. Newspaper is placed around the unit so that the space
does not get soiled. Some newer units have a precipitator which collects
dust on a charged plate instead of the other surrounding surfaces. This
plate can be rougly simulated by grounding a sheet a aluminum foil. To
ground foil, either attach it directly to a metal plumbing line or grounding
box; for convenience, the foil can be held with an alligator clip attacked
to the electrical wire, which is attached to the grounding source. As the
foil gets soiled, it is replaced.
Humidity
Cannabis grows best in a mildly humid environment: a relative humidy of
40-60 percent. Plants growing in drier areas may experience chronic wilt
and necrosis of the leaf tips. Plants growing in a wetter environment
usually experience fewer problms; however, the buds are more susceptible to
molds which can attack a garden overnight and ruin a crop.
Growers are rarely faced with too dry a growing area. Since the space is
enclosed, water which is evaporated or transpired by the plants increases
the humidity considerably. If there is no ventilation, a large space may
reach saturation level within a few days. Smaller spaces usually do not
have this buildup because there is usually enough air movement to dissipate
the humdity. The solution may be as easy as opening a window. A small
ventilation fan can move quite a bit of air out of a space and may be a
convenient way of solving the problem. Humidity may be removed using a
dehumidifier in gardens without access to convenient ventilation.
Dehumidifiers work the same way a refrigerator does except that instead
of cooling a space, a series of tubes is cooled causing atmospheric water to
condense. The smallest dehumidifiers (which can dry out a large space) use
about 15 amps. Usually the dehumidifier needs to run only a few hours a
day. If the plant regimen includes a dark cycle, then the dehumidifier can
be run when the lights are off, to ease the electrical load.
Air Circulation
A close inspection of a marijuana leaf reveals many tiny hairs and a
rough surface. Combined, these trap air and create a micro-environment
around the plant. The trapped air contains more humidity and oxygen and is
warmer, which differs significantly in the composition and temperature from
the surrounding atmosphere. The plant uses CO2 so there is less left in the
air surrounding the leaf. Marijuana depends on air currents to move this
air and renew the micro-environment. If the air is not moved vigorously,
the growth rate slows, since the micro-environment becomes CO2 depleted.
Plants develop firm, sturdy stems as the result of environmental
stresses. Outdoors, the plants sway with the wind, causing tiny breaks in
the stem. These are quickly repaired bythe plant's reinforcing the original
area and leaving it stronger than it was originally. Indoors, plants don't
usually need to cope with these stresses so their stems grow weak unless the
plants receive a breeze or are shaken by the stems daily.
A steady air flow form the outdoor ventilation may be enough to keep the
air moving. If this is not available, a revolving fan placed several feet
from the nearest plant or a slow-moving overhead fan can solve the problem.
Screen all air intake fans to prevent pests.
Marijuana requires a total of 14 nutrients which it obtains through its
roots. Nitrogen (N), Phosophorous (P), and Potassium (K) are called the
macro-nutrients because they are used in large quantities by the plant. The
percentages of N, P, and K are always listed in the same order on fertilizer
packages.
Calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and magnesium (Mg) are also required by the
plants in fairly large quantities. These are often called the secondary
nutrients.
Smaller amounts of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), boron (B),
cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl) are also needed.
These are called micro-nutrients.
[pH:And you thought chemistry wasn't good for anything!]
Marijuana requires more N before flowering than later in its cycle. When
it begins to flowe, marijuana's use of P increases. Potassium requirements
increase after plants are fertilized as a result of seed production.
Plants which are being grown in soil mixes or mixes with nutrients added
such as compost, manure or time-releasing fertilizers may need no additional
fertilizing or only supplemental amounts of the plants begin to show
deficiencies.
The two easiest and most reliable ways to meet the plant's needs are to
use a prepared hydroponic fertilizer or an organic water-soluble fertilizer.
Hydroponic fertilizers are blended as complete balanced formulas. Most
non-hydroponic fertilizers usually contain only the macronutrients (N, P,
and K). Organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion and other blends contain
trace elements which are found in the organic matter from which they are
derived.
Most indoor plant fertilizers are water-soluble. A few of them are
time-release formulas which are mixed into the medium as it is being
prepared. Plants grown in soil mixes can usually get along using regular
fertilizers but plants grown in prepared soilless mixes definitely require
micronutrients.
As the seeds germinate they are given a nutrient solution high in N such
as a 20-10-10 or 17-10-12. These are just two possible formulas; any with a
high proportion of N will do.
Formulas which are not especially high in N can be used and supplemented
with a high N ferilizer such as fish emulsion (which may create an odor) or
the Sudbury X component fertilizer which is listed 44-0-0. Urine is also
very high in N and is easily absorbed by the plants. It should be diluted
to one cup urine per gallon of water.
The plants should be kept on a high N fertilizer regimen until they are
put into the flowering regimen.
During the flowering cycle, the plants do best with a formula lower in N
and higher in P, which promotes bloom. A fertilizer such as 5-20-10 or
10-19-12 will do. (Once again, these are typical formulas, similar ones
will do).
Growers who make their own nutrient mixes based on parts per million of
nutrient generally use the following formulas.
Chart 15-1: Nutrient/Water Solution In Parts Per Million (PPM)
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| | N | P | K |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Germination - 15 to 20 days | 110-150 | 70-100 | 50-75 |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Fast Growth | 200-250 | 60-80 | 150-200 |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Pre-Flowering | 70-100 | 100-150 | 75-100 |
| 2 weeks before turning light down | | | |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Flowering | 0-50 | 100-150 | 50-75 |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Seeding - fertilized flowers | 100-200 | 70-100 | 100-150 |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
Plants can be grown using a nutrient solution containing no N for the
last 10 days. Many of the larger leaves yellow and wither as the N migrates
from the old to the new growth. The buds are less green and have less of a
minty (chlorophyll) taste.
Many cultivators use several brands and formulas of fertilizer. They
either mix them together in solution or switch brands each feeding.
Plant N requirements vary by weather as well as growth cycle. Plants
growing under hot conditions are given 10-20% less N or else they tend to
elongate and to grow thinner, weaker stalks. Plants in a cool or cold
regimen may be given 10-20% more N. More N is given under high light
conditions, less is used under low light conditions.
Organic growers can make "teas" from organic nutrients by soaking them in
water. Organic nutrients usually contain micronutrients as well as the
primary ones. Manures and blood meal are among the most popular organic
teas, but other organic sources of nutrients include urine, which may be the
best source for N, as well as blood meal and tankage. Organic fertilizers
vary in their formulas. The exact formula is usually listed on the label.
Here is a list of common organic fertilizers which can be used to make
teas:
Chart 15-2: Organic Fertilizers
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Fertilizer | N | P | K | Remarks |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Bloodmeal | 15 | 1.3 | .7 | Releases nutrients easily |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Cow manure | 1.5 | .85 | 1.75 | The classic tea. Well- |
| (dried) | | | | balanced formula. Medium |
| | | | | availability. |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Dried blood | 13 | 3 | 0 | Nutrients dissolve easier |
| | | | | than bloodmeal |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Chicken manure | 3.5 | 1.5 | .85 | Excellent nutrients |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Wood ashes | 0 | 1.5 | 7 | Water-soluble. Very alkaline |
| | | | | except with acid wood such |
| | | | | as walnut |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Granite dust | 0 | 0 | 5 | Dissolves slowly |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Rock phosphate | 0 | 35 | 0 | Dissolves gradually |
| (phosphorous) | | | | |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Urine (human, | .5 | .003 | .003 | N immediately available |
| fresh) | | | | |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
Commercial water-soluble fertilizers are available. Fish emulsion
fertilizer comes in 5-1-1 and 5-2-2 formulas and has been used by satisfied
growers for years.
A grower cannot go wrong changing hydroponic water/nutrient solutions at
least once a month. Once every two weeks is even better. The old solution
could be measured, reformulated, supplemented and re-used; unless large
amounts of fertilizer are used, such as in a large commercial greenhouse, it
is not worth the effort. The old solution may have many nutrients left, but
it may be unbalanced since the plants have drawn specific chemicals. The
water can be used to water houseplants or an outdoor garden, or to enrich a
compost pile.
Experienced growers fertilize by eyeing the plants and trying to
determine their needs when minor symptoms of deficiencies become apparent.
If the nutrient added cures the deficiency, the plant usually responds in
apparent ways within one or two days. First the spread of the symptom
stops. With some minerals, plant parts that were not too badly damaged
begin to repair themselves. Plant parts which were slightly discolored may
return to normal. Plant parts which were severely damaged or suffered from
necrosis do not recover. The most dramatic changes usually appear in new
growth. These parts grow normally. A grower can tell just by plant parts
which part grew before deficiencies were corrected. [pH:What's in yer
nuggets? Parts. Plant parts. Processed plant parts. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA]
Fertilizers should be applied on the low side of recommended rates.
Overdoses quickly (within hours) result in wilting and then death. The
symptoms are a sudden wilt with leaves curled under. To save plants
suffering from toxic overdoses of nutrients, plain water is run through
systems to wash out the medium.
Gardens with drainage can be cared for using a method commercial
nurseries employ. The plants are watered each time with a dilute
nutrient/water solution, usually 20-25% of full strength. Excess water runs
off. While this method uses more water and nutrients than other techniques,
it is easy to set up and maintain.
When nutrient deficiencies occur, especially multiple or micronutrient
deficiencies, there is a good chance that the minerals are locked up
(precipitated) because of pH. [pH:That's not very fair, I wasn't even
there!] Rather than just adding more nutrients, the pH must be checked
first. If needed, the pH must be changed by adjusting the water.
If the pH is too high, the water is made a lower pH than it would
ordinarily be; if too low the water is made a higher pH. To get nutrients
to the plant parts immediately, a dilute foliar spray is used. If the plant
does not respond to the foliar spray, it is being treated with the wrong
nutrient.
NUTRIENTS
Nitrogen (N)
Marijuana uses more N than any other nutrient. It is used in the
manufacture of chlorophyll. N migrates from old growth to new, so that a
shortage is likely to cause first pale green leaves and then the yellowing
and withering of the lowers leaves as the nitrogen travels to new buds.
Other deficiency symptoms include smaller leaves, slow growth and a sparse
rather than bushy profile.
N-deficient plants respond quickly to fertilization. Within a day or
two, pale leaves become greener and the rate and size of new growth
increases. Good water-soluble sources of nitrogen include most indoor and
hydroponic fertizliers, fish emulsion, and urine, along with teas made from
manures, dried blood or bloodmeal. There are many organic additives which
release N over a period of time that can be added to the medium at the time
of planting. These include manures, blood, cottonseed meal, hair, fur, or
tankage.
Phosphorous (P)
P is used by plants in the transfer of light energy to chemical
compounds. It is also used in large quantities for root growth and
flowering. Marijuana uses P mostly during early growth and flowering.
Fertilizers and nutrient mixes usually supply adequate amounts of P
during growth stages so plants usually do not experience a deficiency. Rock
phosphate and bone meal are the organic fertilizers usually recommended for
P deficiency. However they release the mineral slowly, and are more suited
to outdoor gardening than indoors. They can be added to medium to
supplement soluble fertilizers.
P-devicient plants have small dark green leaves, with red stems and red
veins. The tips of lower leaves sometimes die. Eventually the entire lower
leaves yellow and die. Fertilization affects only new growth.
Marijuana uses large quantities of P during flowering. Many fertilizer
manufacturers sell mixes high in P specifically for blooming plants.
Potassium (K)
K is used by plants to regulate carbohydrate metabolism, chlorophyll
synthesis, and protein synthesis as well as to provide resistance to
disease. Adequate amounts of K result in strong, sturdy stems while
slightly deficient plants often grow taller, thinner stems. Plants
producing seed use large amounts of K. Breeding plants can be given K
supplements to assure well-developed seed.
Symptoms of greater deficiencies are more apparent on the sun leaves (the
large lower leaves). Necrotic patches are found on the leaf tips and then
in patches throughout the leaf. The leaves also look pale green.
Stems and flowers on some plants turn deep red or purple as a result of K
deficiencies. However, red stems are a genetic characteristic of some
plants so this symptom is not foolproof. Outdoors, a cold spell can
precipitate K and make it unavailable to the plants, so that almost
overnight the flowers and stems turn purple.
K deficiency can be treated with any high-K fertilizer. Old growth does
not absorb the nutrient and will not be affected. However, the new growth
will show no signs of deficiency within 2 weeks. For faster results the
fetilizer can be used as a foliar spray. K deficiency does not seem to be a
crucial problem. Except for the few symptoms, plants do not seem to be
affected by it.
Calcium (Ca)
Ca is used during cell splitting, and to build the cell membranes.
Marijuana also stores "excess" Ca for reasons unknown. I have never seen a
case of Ca deficiency in cannabis. Soils and fertilizers usually contain
adequate amounts. It should be added to planting mixes when they are being
formulated at the rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon or 1/2 cup per cubic foot
of medium.
Sulfur (S)
S is used by the plant to help regulate metabolism, and as a constituent
of some vitamins, amino acids and proteins. It is plentiful in soil and
hydroponic mixes.
S deficiencies are rare. First, new growth yellows and the entire plant
pales.
s deficiencies are easily solved using Epsom salts at the rate of 1
tablespoon per gallon of water.
Magnesium (Mg)
Mg is the central atom in chlorophyll and is also used in production of
carbohydrates. (Chlorophyll looks just like hemoglobin in blood, but has a
Mg atom. Hemoglobin has an Fe atom). In potted plants, Mg deficiency is
fairly common, since many otherwise well-balanced fertilizers do not contain
it.
Deficiency symptoms start on the lower leaves which turn yellow, leaving
only the veins green. The leaves curl up and die along the tips and edges.
Growing shoots are pale green and, as the condition continues, turn almost
white.
Mg deficiency is easily treated using Epsom salts (MgSO4) at the rate of
1 tablespoon per gallon of water. For faster results, a foliar spray is
used. Once Mg deficiency occurs, Epsom salts should be added to the
solution each time it is changed. Dolomitic limestone contains large
amounts of Mg.
Iron (Fe)
Fe deficiency is not uncommon. The growing shoots are pale or white,
leaving only dark green veins. The symptoms appear similar to Mg
deficiencies but Fe deficiencies do not affect the lower leaves. Fe
deficiencies are often the result of acid-alkalinity imbalances.
Fe deficiencies sometimes occur together with zinc (Zn) and manganese
(Mn) deficiencies so that several symptoms appear simultaneously.
Deficiencies can be corrected by adjusting the pH, adding rusty water to
the medium, or using a commercial supplement. Fe supplements are sold alone
or in a mix combined with Zn and Mn. To prevent deficiencies, some growers
add a few rusting nails to each container. One grower using a reservoir
system added a pound of nails to the holding tank. The nails added Fe to
the nutrient solution as they rusted. Dilute foliar sprays can be used to
treat deficiencies.
Manganese (Mn)
Symptoms of Mn deficiency include yellowing and dying of tissue between
veins, first appearing on new growth and then throughout the plant.
Deficiencies are solved using an Fe-Zn-Mn supplement.
Zinc (Zn)
Zn deficiency is noted first as yellowing and necrosis of older leaf
margins and tips and then as twisted, curled new growth. Treatment with a
Fe-Zn-Mn supplement quickly relieves symptoms. A foliar spray speeds the
nutrients to the leaf tissue.
Boron (B)
B deficiency is uncommon and does not usually occur indoors.
Symptoms of B deficiency start at the growing tips, which turn grey or
brown and then die. This spreads to the lateral shoots.
A B deficiency (pH:A, B, deficient C!) is treated by using 1/2 teaspoon
boric acid, available in pharmacies, added to a gallon of water. One
treatment is usually sufficient.
Molybdenum (Mo)
Mo is used by plants in the conversion of N to forms that the plant can
use. It is also a consituent of some enzymes. Deficiency is unusual
indoors.
Symptoms start with paleness, then yellowing of middle leaves which
progress to the new shoots and growing tips, which grow twisted. The early
symptoms almost mimic N deficiency. Treatment with N may temporarily
relieve the symptoms but they return within a few weeks.
Mo is included in hydroponic fertilizers and in some trace element mixes.
It can be used as a foliar spray.
Copper (Cu)
Cu is used by plants in the transfer of electrical charges which are
manipulated by the plant to absorb nutrients and water. It is also used in
the regulation of water content and is a constituent of some enzymes.
Cu deficiencies are rare and mimic symptoms of overfertilization. The
leaves are limp and turn under at the edges. Tips and edges of the leaves
may die and whole plant looks wilted.
A fungicide, copper sulfate, (CuSO$) can be used as a foliar spray to
relieve the deficiency.
NUTRIENT ADDITIVES
Various additives are often suggested to boost the nutrient value of the
water/nutrient solution. Here are some of them:
WETTING AGENTS. Water holds together through surface tension, preventing
it from dispersing easily over dry surfaces. Wetting agents decrease the
surface tension and allow the water to easily penetrate evenly throughout
the medium preventing dry spots. Wetting agents are helpful when they are
used with fresh medium and as an occasional additive. Wetting agents should
not be used on a regular basis. They may interfere with plants' ability to
grow root hairs, which are ordinarily found on the roots. They are
available at most plant nurseries.
SEAWEED. Washed, ground seaweed contains many trace elements and
minerals used by plants. It may also contain some hormones or organic
nutrients not yet identified.
KELP. Kelp seems to be similar to seaweed in nutrient value. Proponents
claim that it has other, as yet undefined organic chemicals that boost plant
growth.
SEA WATER. Salt water contains many trace elements and organic
compounds. Some hydroponists claim that adding 5-10% sea water to the
nutrient solution prevents trace element problems. It may be risky.
DEFICIENCIES OF NUTRIENT ELEMENTS IN MARIJUANA
Suspected Element
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Symptoms | N | P | K | Mg | Fe | Cu | Zn | B | Mo | Mn| Over |
| | | | | | | | | | | |Fertil|
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Yellowing of: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Younger leaves | | | | | X | | | | | X | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Middle leaves | | | | | | | | | X | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Older leaves | X | | X | X | | | X | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Between veins( | | | | X | | | | | | X | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Old leaves drop | X | | | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Leaf Curl Over | | | | X | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Leaf Curl Under | | | X | | | X | | | | | X |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Leaf tips burn | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Younger leaves | | | | | | | | X | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Older leaves | X | | | | | | X | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Young leaves wrinkle | | | | | | | | | | | |
| and curl | | | X | | | | X | X | X | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Necrosis | | | X | X | X | | X | | | X | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Leaf growth stunted | X | X | | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Dark green/purplish | | | | | | | | | | | |
| leaves and stems | | X | | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Pale green leaf color| X | | | | | | | | X | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Mottling | | | | | | | X | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Spindly | X | | | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Soft stems | X | | X | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Hard/brittle stems | | X | X | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Growing tips die | | | X | | | | | X | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Stunted root growth | | X | | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Wilting | | | | | | X | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
Many people who would like to grow their own think that they don't have
the space. There are novel techniques that people can use to grow grass
anywhere. Even people with only a closet, crawl space or just a shelf can
grow their own.
The smallest space that can be used is a shelf 15-24 inches high. First,
the space should be prepared as any other garden by making it reflective,
using flat white paint, the dull side of aluminum foil, or white plastic.
Fluorescents are the easiest and best way to illuminate the space. About
twenty watts per square foot are used, or two tubes per foot of width. VHO
fluorescents can be used to deliver more light to the system.
Plants can be started in 6 ounce cups or 8 to 16 ounce milk cartons
placed in trays for easier handling.
With a shelf of 3 feet or higher, plants can be grown in larger
containers such as 4 to 6 inch pots, half gallon milk containers trimmed to
hold only a quart.
The plants can be grown vertically only, as they normally grow, or moved
to a horizontal position so that the main stem runs parallel to the light
tubes. The plants' new growth will immediately face upwards towards the
light. One gardener used an attic space only 4 feet tall. She let the
plants grow until they reached 3 feet and then turned them on their side.
They used more floor space so she opened up a second bank of lights. At
maturity, the plants were 3.5 feet long and 2.5 feet tall.
Another grower turned his basement with an 8 foot ceiling into a duplex
growing chamber. Each unit had 3 foot tall plants.
If the plants are to be turned horizontally, then they are best grown in
plastic bags or styrofoam cups so that they can be watered easily in their
new positions. After being turned on the side, a hole is cut in the new top
so the plants can be watered easily.
Some growers have wall space without much depth. This space can be
converted to a growing area very easily. The space is painted white and a
curtain is made so that the space is seperated from the surrounding
environment; this will keep light in and offers protection from nosey
guests.
The fluorescents should be placed so that they form a bank facing the
plants. Although the plants naturally spread out, their depth or width can
be controlled by training them using stakes or chicken wire placed on a
frame. Wire or plastic netting is attached to the walls so that there is at
least a 1 inch space between the wire and the wall. Some people build a
frame out of 2x4's. Twist ties are used to hold the branches to the frame.
Additional light can be supplied by placing a fluorescent unit on either end
of the garden or along its length.
Growers who have a little more space for their garden, with a minimum
width of 1 or 2 feet, can grow plants without training them. Fluorescent
lights can be used to light the garden by hanging the light fixture from the
top. All sides should be covered with reflective material. A metal halide
lamp mounted on a movable apparatus will help the plants grow even faster so
that the entire garden is illuminated several times during each light cycle.
Some people can spare only a small closet. Closets usually are designed
in one of two shapes: square or long and rectangular. In any closet up to
six feet long the simplest way to grow is by painting the inside of the
closet white and hanging a metal halide light from the ceiling. Closets
with dimensions of 5x5 or less need only a 400 watt metal halide although
they can accomodate 1000 watt lamps. Larger areas need at least two 400
watt halide lamps.
Thin, rectangular closets are served best by a metal halide unit mounted
on a solar shuttle type device. A fluorescent light unit hung from above
the garden also works well. Additional fluorescent tubes can be used to
supplement the top lights. It is convenient to mount them on either end of
the hanging fixture if the closet is long enough so that they do not use
potential growing space. A closet 2 feet by 7 feet might be illuminated by
a 400 watt metal halide on a track, two 6 foot long VHOs or 4 regular
fluorescent tubes hung from the ceiling. A grower might also use 14
screw-in 8 inch circular reflectors mounted on two 2x4s and hung above the
garden. About 8 combination 8 and 12 inch circular fixtures will also light
the area.
As the plants grow taller, fluorescent lit gardens will respond to
fluorescent tubes placed on the sides of the garden below the tops of the
plants. This light wll help lower buds develop.
One of the main problems inherent in the nature of small gardens is the
lack of ventilation and CO2. For good growth rates the air should be
enriched with CO2 or provided with a fan for ventilation.
To save space, plants can be germinated in small containers and
transplanted to progressively larger ones.
Seeds can be germinated in 2 x 1 inch trays or in peat pellets and remain
in these containers for about one week.
Four inch diameter containers can hold the plants for 2 to 3 weeks
without inhibiting growth.
Styrofoam cups weighted at the bottom with sand or gravel so they don't
tip over are convenient germinating containers. If plants are to be
germinated at one location and then moved to another location, styrofoam and
other lightweight plastic cups are ideal containers.
Six ounce cups hold plants for about 7-10 days after germination.
Sixteen ounce cups hold plants 10-20 days, as long as the plants receive
frequent water replenishments.
Half gallon containers can support plants for 25-40 days.
Plants probably grow a bit faster without being transplanted. However,
the saving in space for a multi-crop system or even a multi-light system
more than compensates for the loss in growth rate. Figure that each
transplanting costs the plants 3-4 days of growth. Growers using a 2 light
system need to use only one lamp for the first 4-6 weeks the plants are
growing. Multi-crop gardens need to use only a fraction of the space for
the first 3 to 8 weeks after germination.
Some growers sex the plants before either the first or second
transplanting. They find it easier to control the light-darkness cycle in a
small space. Another crop's flowering cycle may coincide with the
seedlings. To sex the small plants, only a small area is required in the
grow room.
A good rule of thumb is that for each two feet of growth, a half gallon
of growing medium is required in a garden in which fertilizers are supplied
throughout the growing period. A 2 foot plant requires a 1/2 gallon
container, a 5 foot plant uses a 2.5 gallon container and a 10 foot plant
requires a 5 gallon unit. Of course, plants' width or depth varies too, so
these are approximations. Certainly there is no harm done in growing a
plant in a container larger than is required. However, growing plants in
containers which are too small delays growth or may even stunt the plants.
Plants growing in soil or compost-based mediums do better in slightly
larger containers. A rule of thumb for them is a 3/4 gallon medium for each
foot of growth. A 5 foot plant requires a 3 and 3/4 gallon container.
One grower wrote "I never use more than 4 gallon containers and have
grown plants to 12 feet high with no signs of deficiencies. I was able to
water at 2-3 day intervals. My 3 month old plants under light were in 1/2
gallon containers with and without wicks." This grower always uses small
(1/2 gallon) containers for his spring greenhouse crop.
A plant growing in an organic-based medium such as soil-compost-manure
and additives needs no fertilization if it is given a large enough
container. For a five month growing season, plants in a rich mixture
require 1 to 1.5 gallons medium per foot. A 5 foot plant requires a
container holding 5-7.5 gallons.
Containers should have a slight graduation so that plants and medium can
slide out easily.
Plastic containers or pots are the most convenient to use. They are
lightweight, do not break and are inert. Metal containers react with the
nutrients in the solution. Plastic bags are convenient containers. Grow
bags have a square bottom so that they balance easily. However growers use
all kinds of plastic bags for cultivation. Fiber containers are also
popular. They are inexpensive, last several growing seasons and are easy to
dispose of.
Marijuana growers using only artificial light can start at any time since
the grower determines the plant's environment and stimulates seasonal
variations by adjusting the light/darkness periods.
Gardeners using natural light either as a primary or secondary source
must take the seasons into account. They plant in the spring - from April
through June. These plants will be harvested between September and November
and no artificial light may be needed as long as there is plenty of direct
sunshine. Supplemental artificial light may help the plants to maturity in
the fall, when the sun's intensity declines and there are overcast days.
The angle of the sun's path changes over the season too. Areas may receive
indirect sun during part of the growing season. In overcast areas, and even
sunny places receiving direct sunlight, 4-6 hours of supplemental metal
halide light during the brightest part of the day is all that is needed
during September/October to help the buds mature. One lamp will cover about
100 square feet or an area 10 by 10 feet.
Growers using natural light are not restricted to one season. It is
feasible to grow 3 or 4 crops a year using supplemental light. In early
October, before the plants are harvested, seeds are started in a seperate
area. Since little room is needed for the first few weeks, they can be
germinated on a shelf. In addition to natural light, the plants should get
a minimum of 6 hours of artificial light per day at the rate of about 10
watts per square foot.
For fastest growth, the plants should receive 24 hours of light a day.
Seedlings may receive light only during normal day light hours except that
they require an interruption of the night cycle so they do not go into the
flowering stage prematurely. If metal halide lamps are being used, a
seperate light system should be installed with incandescent or fluorescent
lights on a timer so that the seedlings do not have a long period of
uninterrupted darkness. One 60 watt incandescent bulb or one 22 watt
fluorescent tube is used per square yard (3 by 3 feet). The bulbs can be
flashed on for a few minutes using a multi-cycle timer during the middle of
the dark period. Gardeners with large spaces sometimes stagger the timing
of the night lights.
Incandescent bulbs are not very effecient, but they provide enough light
to prevent flowering, they are easy and inexpensive to set up and maintain,
and they light up almost immediately. In addition, they emit a high
percentage of red light, which is part of the spectrum used by plants to
regulate photoperiod responses.. Metal halides require about 10 minutes to
attain full brightness. Metal halide ballasts wear out faster when they are
turned on and off a lot, so it is cheaper to flash incandescents.
In late December, the incandescents are turned off so that they no longer
interrupt the night cycle. Within a week or two the plants will begin to
flower. They will be ready to harvest in 6 or 8 weeks.
At the same time that the incandescents are turned off the winter crop,
seeds are started for the spring crop. They are kept on the interrupted
night regimen until late winter, around March 1-10. The plants will begin
to flower and be ready in late May and early June. The spring crop should
be planted with short season plants so that they do not revert back to
vegetative growth as the days get longer. Long season varieties are more
likely to revert.
After the flowers are formed, the spring crop plants will revert back to
vegetative growth. New leaves will appear and the plant will show renewed
vigor. The plant can be harvested again in the fall, or new seds can be
germinated for the fall crop.
One grower reported that he makes full use of his greenhouse. He starts
his plants indoors in late November and starts the flowering cycle in the
beginning of Februaru. The plants are ripe by the end of April, then he
lets the plants go back into vegetative growth for a month and a half. Then
he starts to shade them again and harvests in late August. Next he puts out
new, month-old, foot-high plants. He lets them grow under natural light,
but breaks the darkness cycle using incandescent lights. In mid-September
he shuts the lights off, and the plants mature in early November.
Growers usually figure that 1/4 - 1/3 of the seeds they plant reach
maturity. Usually 40-50% of the plants are male. The best females are
chosen for continued growth during early growth but after the plants have
indicated.
Most fresh seeds have a very high germination rate, usually about 95%.
However, older seeds (more than 2 or 3 years old) or seeds imported from
foreign countries where they undergo stress during curing, may not fare so
well. They have a higher percentage of weak plants and they are subject to
disease. Sometimes virtually all of the seeds from a batch of imported
marijuana are dead.
Intact seeds which are dark brown or grey have the best chance of
germinating. Seeds which are whitish, light tan or cracked are probably not
viable. Most guide books suggest that growers plant the largest seeds in a
batch, but the size of the seed is genetically as well as environmentally
determined and does not necessarily relate to its germination potential.
If the seeds are fresh, they can be planted one per container. They may
be planted in the container in which they are to grow to maturity or in a
smaller vessel. Some growers find it more convenient to plant the seeds in
small containers to save space during early growth.
Seeds with a dubious chance of germination are best started in tissue and
then placed in pots as they show signs of life. The wet tissue, napkin or
sponge is placed in a container or on a plate, and is covered with plastic
wrap. The seeds are check every 12 hours for germination. As soon as the
root cracks the skin, the seedling is planted with the emerging point down.
Seeds can also be started in tray pots so that large numbers can be tried
without using much space.
Seedlings and cuttings can be placed in the refrigerator - not the
freezer - to slow down their growth if it is inconvenient to plant at the
moment. They can be stored in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator for
a week or more, in a moistoned plastic bag. The temperature should be kept
above 40 degrees to prevent cell damage. This does not adversely affect the
plant's later growth, and, in fact, is an easy way to harden the plants up
that are placed outdoors later. [pH:I have wondered if the plants were
grown in the refrigerator all the way through picking, and its offspring
(from seed) were also grown in such cold temperatures, if future generations
of the plant would be able to grow, outside, through winter, by itself.]
Seeds should be sown 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep, covered, and then the medium
should be patted down. Seeds sown in light soil or planting mixes can be
sown one inch deep. Some growers treat the seeds with B1 or the rooting
hormone, indolebutyric acid, which is sold as an ingredient in many rooting
solutions. Seeds germinated in covered trays or mini-greenhouses grow long,
splindly stems unless the top is removed as the first seedlings pop the
soil. The medium must be kept moist.
One way to make sure that the medium remains moist is to plant the seeds
in containers or nursery trays which have been modified to use the wick
system. To modify a tray, nylon cord is run horizontally through holes in
each of the small growing spaces. The cord should extend downward into a
leakproof holder. (Trays come with 2 kinds of holders. Some have drainage
holes and some are solid.) The tray is raised from the holder using a
couple of pieces of 2x4's running lengthwise which keep tray holders filled
with water. The tray will remain moist as long as there is water in the
bottom. If the tray is to be moved, it is placed in cardboard box or over a
piece of plywood before being filled with water.
The light is kept on continuously until the seeds germinate. Most seeds
germinate in 3-14 days. Usually fresh seeds germinate faster than old ones.
Once the seeds germinate, the light is kept on for 18-24 hours a day.
Some growers think that there is no significant difference in growth rates
between plants growing under 24 hours of light a day (continuous lighting)
and those growing under an 18 hour regimen. In controlled experiments there
was a significant difference: the plants get off to a faster start given
continuous lighting. Some growers cut the light schedule down to conserve
electricity.
Plants grown under continuous light which are moved outdoors occasionally
experience shock. This may be caused by the intense light they receive from
the sun combined with the shortened day length.
Another popular lighting regimen starts with continuous light. A week
after germination the light is cut back one hour so that the regimen
consists of 23 hours on and one hour off. The following week the lights are
cut back again, to 22 hours of light and 2 of darkness. Each week
thereafter, the lights are cut back another hour until the light is on only
12 hours a day.
Whenever a light is to be turned on and off periodically, it is best to
use a timer to regulate it. The timer is never late, always remembers, and
never goes on vacation. [pH:and never goes to jail!]
Plants are at their most vulnerable stage immediately after they
germinate. They are susceptible to stem rot, which is usually a fungal
infection and occurs frequently when the medium is too moist and the roots
do not have access to oxygen. On the other hand, if the medium dries out,
the plant may be damaged from dehydration.
Mice, pet birds, dogs and cats have all been noted to have a fondness for
marijuana sprouts and the young plants. [pH:everything must get stoned!]
Seedlings given too little light or too warm an environment stretch their
stems. The long slender shoot subsequently has problems staying upright -
it becomes top-heavy. These plants should be supported using cotton swabs,
toothpicks or thin bamboo stakes.
Most seedlings survive the pitfalls and within a matter of weeks develop
from seedlings into vigorous young plants. During marijuana's early growth,
the plant needs little special care. It will have adjusted to its
environment and grow at the fastest pace the limiting factors allow.
If the plants are in a soilless mix without additives they should be
fertilized as soon as they germinate. Plants grown in large containers with
soil or a mix with nutrients can usually go for several weeks to a month
with no supplements.
Within a few weeks the plants grow quite a bit and gardeners thin the
plants. If possible, this is not done until the plants indicate sex, so
that the grower has a better idea of how many plants to eliminate. The most
vigorous, healthy plants are chosen.
Growers using passive hydroponic systems only have to water by adding it
to the reservoirs, to replenish water lost to evaporation and transpiration.
Growers using active hydroponic systems, including drop emitters, adjust
the watering cycle so that the medium never loses its moisture. Mediums for
active systems are drained well so that the roots come into contact with
air. Each medium retains a different volume of water. The plant's size and
growth stage, the temperature, and the humidity also affect the amount of
water used. Cycles might start at once every six hours of light during the
early stages and increase as the plants need it.
Plants growing in soil or soiless mixes should be watered before the soil
dries out but only after the top layer has lost a bit of its moisture. If
the mixture is not soggt and drains well, overwatering is not a problem.
Excess moisture drains.
Plants have problems with some soils not because they are too wet, but
because the soils have too find a texture and do not hold air in pockets
between the particles. As long as a medium allows both air and water to
penetrate, the roots will remain healthy. If the roots do not have access
to air, they grow weak and are attacked by bacteria.
Plant leaves catch dust so it is a good idea to spray the plants every
2-4 weeks with a fine spray, letting the water drop off the leaves. Do this
before the beginning of the light cycle so the leaves dry off completely,
and the glass of the lights is not hot in case water touches it.
Some growers spray the leaves weekly with a dilute fertilizer solution.
The leaf has pores through which the nutrients can be absorbed and utilized.
They claim that the growth rate is increased. In various tests with legal
plants, researches have affirmed that plants which are foliar-fed do grow
faster.
Once the flowers start forming, the plants should not be sprayed because
the flowers are susceptible to mold and infections which are promoted by
excess humidity.
There are probably as many theories about pruning and its effect on crop
yield as there are cultivators. Pruning theories are complicated by the
many varieties of marijuana, which have different branching patterns and
growing habits.
Indicas tend to grow naturally with little branching. Most of their
energy is used for the central main bud which may develop to a diameter of 3
to 4 inches. Branches are short and compact.
Mexicans, Colombians, and Africans usually grow in a conical pattern
often likened to a Christmas tree. They develop a large central bud. The
peripheral buds and branches can also grow quite large.
Plants regulate their growth patterns using auxins, which are hormones.
One auxin is produced by the tallest growing tip of the plant. This
inhibitsother branches from growing as fast. If the top bud is removed, the
two branches below will grow larger, in effect becoming the main stem. They
produce the growth-inhibiting auxin; however, they have less of an
inhibitory effect on the lower branches. [pH:and they could be removed too]
Growers are often obsessed with yield per plant. This outlook developed
because of the surreptitious nature of marijuana cultivation. Farmers and
gardeners can grow only a few plants so they want to get the best possible
yield from them. Traditional farmers are more concerned with the yield per
unit of space. Since indoor gardeners have limited space, total yield of
high quality marijuana should be of more concern than the yield per plant.
Growers have done experiments showing that some pruning techniques
effectively increase the yield of some plants. However, the pruned plants
usually occupy more space than plants which are left unpruned, so that there
may be no increase in yield per unit of space.
To make a plant bushy it is pinched (the growing shoot is removed) at the
second or third set of leaves and again at the sixth, seventh or eigth
internode. Sometimes the plants are pinched once or twice more. This
encourages the plants to spread out rather than to grow vertically.
Plant branching can be controlled by bending instead of cutting. If the
top branch is bent so that it is lower than the side branches, the side
shoots will start to grow as if the top branch was cut because the branch
highest from the ground produces the growth auxin. If the top branch is
released so that it can grow upward again it starts to dominate again, but
the side branches still have more growth than they ordinarily would have
had. Top branches can also be "trained" to grow horizontally so that the
primary bud is exposed to more light. The bud will grow larger than normal.
Bamboo stakes, twist-ties and wire can be used for training.
One grower trained his plants using a technique ordinarily used by grape
growers. He built a frame made of a single vertical 2x3 and nailed 4 foot
long 2x1's every 9 inches along its length so that the horizontal boards
stretched two feet in either direction. Then he trained the branches to the
frame. Each branch was stretched horizontally and the plant had virtually
no depth. This increased the number of plants he could grow since each
plant took less space.
On the next crop he used the same system with most of his plants but set
up a chickenwire fence on a frame about 6 inches from one wall. As the
plants grew he trained them to the fence.
A grower in Mendocino pinches the plants at the fourth node and then
allows only four brances to develop. She removes all side shoots. Each
plant grows four giant buds and takes relatively little space.
Plants which are only a foot or two tall when they were put into the
flowering cycle may not have developed extensive branching. They may grow
into plants with only one bud; the main stem becomes swollen with flowers
but there is little branching. These plants require only about a square
foot of floor space. Although their individual yields are low, the plants
have a good yield-per-space unit. A gardener with larger plants modified
this technique by trimming off all side shoots and spacing the one-buds
close together to maximize yield.
A greenhouse grower grew plants to about three feet and then clipped the
tops. Each plant developed four stems in a couple of weeks. Then he turned
the light cycle down to induce flowering.
A garden in the midwest featured plants which were trained to 5 foot
tomato trellises (the metal cones). The grower trained the branches around
the cone and tied them to the support using twist-ties.
Plants which are several feet tall can also be turned on their sides as
was discussed in the chapter on Novel Gardens. The plant immediately
switches its growth pattern so that the stems grow vertically, against the
gravity and towards the light. [pH:But, in a 0-g space, with equal light
coming from all sides, which way would the plant grow?]
Most growers agree that plants should not be clipped once they are in a
pre-flowering stage. By experience they know that this may seriously
decrease yield.
Plants may grow at an uneven pace in the garden. There are several
reasons for this. The plants may differ genetically and be inclined to grow
at different rates, or there may be an uneven distribution of light in the
garden so that some plants receive more energy to fuel their growth. Plants
in single containers can be moved around the garden to even out the amount
of light they get and to deal with the problem of height. When the taller
plants are placed at the periphery of the garden, light is not blocked from
the shorter ones. Taller plants need not be clipped. Instead, their tops
can be bent and snapped so that the stem is horizontal near the top. This
technique is used as far as 2 feet below the top of the stem. The bent tops
usually need to be supported. It is not hard to tie one end of a bamboo
stake to the main stem and the other end to the top, so that a triangle is
formed.
Contrary to myth, sun leaves should not be removed from the plant except
late in life when they often yellow. These leaves are little sugar
factories which turn the light energy into chemical energy which is stored
and used later. When the leaf is removed, the plant loses a source of
energy and its rate of growth slows. If you don't believe this, try an
experiment. Find any type of plant which has two sun leaves opposite each
other with a small branch growing from either side. Remove one of the
leaves and see which side branch develops faster.
Viewed from Centre of Eternity 615.552.5747
-+- The Merry Pranksters from Menlo Park -+-
10.1990.01.01.24
Marijuana Grower's Handbook - part 24 of 33
by pH Imbalance
"Pests"
from
Marijuana Grower's Handbook
[Indoor/Greenhouse Edition]
Ed Rosenthal
When plants are grown outdoors, pests and insects are ever-present but
most of the time they are kept in check by the forces of nature. The wind,
rain, changes in temperature, predators and diseases work as a system of
checks and balances to keep the populations down despite a phenomenally high
theoretical reproductive capacity.
Indoors, invading plant pests discover an ideal environment, with few of
the hazards they would find outdoors and with an abundance of food. Within
a few weeks of invasion the implications of the pests' theoretical
multiplication rate are evident and the plants may suffer the ravages of the
attack. For this reason, any pest invasion is treated very seriously and
quickly.
Every insect invasion to the garden has a cause. Most of the time, the
pests were carried into the garden by the gardener. Less frequently, pests
enter through the windows, cracks, or through the ventilation system.
Cautious growers never go into the indoor garden after working outdoors or
being in an outdoor garden. They never work on healthy plants after being
around or working on infected ones. In some commercial greenhouses, workers
change clothing in a dressing room before entering from outside.
One grower keeps a plastic dishpan filled with salt water at the entrance
to his grow room. As he enters the room he dips the soles of each shoe in
the water. This kills any pests which might be riding on the undersides of
his shoes.
To get a close look at insects, it is a good idea to get a photographer's
loop magnifying glass or a portable low-power microscope. Even the most
inexpensive ones are adequate.
There are six pests that are most likely to attack marijuana indoors:
aphids, mealybugs, mites, whiteflies, scale, and caterpillars. A few others
sometimes invade greenhouses. These include caterpillars, cutworms,
grasshoppers and leafhoppers.
APHIDS
Aphids are usually found on the undersides of leaves and on stems, though
they are sometimes found on the leaf tops. The adults are about 1/32 to
1/16 of an inch long and are oval, almost egg shaped. They have two
protrusions from their rear which look like pipes and may or may not have
wings. They are usually found in dense colonies with an adult surrounded by
a cluster of young. They are usually pale green or yellow, but sometimes
are brown, black or red. They molt leaving a white shell. They secrete
"honeydew" which is shiny and sticky and is found on infested foliage.
Honeydew isa concentrate of the sugars the animal has sucked out of the
plant and discarded in its search for protein. Aphids are frequently found
together with ants which farm them for their honeydew by carrying them from
plant to plant.
Infested plants weaken from the insects' constant sucking of sap which
they eat by penetrating the deep tissue. Older leaves curl and younger ones
grow deformed. Mold sometimes forms on the honeydew. Within weeks the
plant may wither. Aphids are carriers of molds and viruses.
Indoors, aphids reproduce parthenogenetically; that is, all the insects
are females and they can reproduce without being fertilized. They bear live
young, which may actually carry embryos of their own before they are born.
They can reproduce when they are 6 days old.
Luckily, aphids are not difficult to control. Action is taken at the
first sign of infection. First, the garden is checked for ants. Any
colonies are eliminated using ant bait, ant stakes or boric acid.
Then all visible aphids are wiped off the plants using a sponge and soapy
water, a soapy water spray or insecticide. A soapy water spray is made by
mixing 1.5 tablespoons Ivory Snow Flakes or any other soap without detergent
in a gallon of water. Some growers reported success using Dr. Bronner's
Eucalyptus or Mint liquid soaps (these are often found in health food
stores) at the rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon. This will eliminate most of
the pests so that the grower has some breathing space. However, even the
most thorough spraying or sponging does not eliminate all of the pests, and
since they reproduce parthenogenetically, even one remaining insect can
restart the colony.
If the plants are not flowering, then spray can be used every 2 or 3 days
for several weeks. Thorough sprayings may eventually destroy the colony.
They certainly keep it in check.
Another convenient spray is available commercially. Pyrethrum is a
natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum-family plants. It has not been
found harmful to warm-blooded animals but is toxic to aphids, among other
insects. Pyrethrum may be purchased as a powder, a liquid concentrate, in a
pump or aerosal spray. Usually growers with small gardens choose the
aerosols for convenience, while those with large gardens find the
concentrates or powders much less expensive. [pH:I wonder what, if
anything, adding this to the water for the plant would do to the aphids? If
it kills them, this would be a good way to kill them if the plants are
flowering.]
Some benign insects like to eat aphids and are convenient to use in a
greenhouse or grow-room situation. Ladybugs and green lacewings are
predators which eat aphids. They can be purchased commercially from
insectiaries. These insects also go through a rapid lifecycle and may eat
hundreds of aphids as they grow to adults. The insects come with
instructions for their use.
People are sometimes a little queasy about bringing beneficial insects
indoors because they are afraid they will escape into unwanted areas.
However, for the most part these insects stay where they belong as long as
there is food for them to eat. Adult beneficials sometimes fly directly
into metal halide lamps and die instantly. One grower placed a glass
reflector around his lamps. The trick is to get the adult beneficials to
lay eggs because the predators are most voracious during their immature
stages. Given enough food (aphids) this presents no problem. Once the
predators become established they keep the pest population at a negligible
level, but never eliminate their source of food.
MEALYBUGS
Mealybugs are light-colored insects which exude a white, waxy
cotton-looking substance in which they nestle or which covers their body.
They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves and in the joints
between the leaves and stems. The adults are from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.
They suck juices from the plant and exude honeydew. Their breeding rate is
much slower than many other pests; a generation takes a month or more.
A small mealybug infection may be eliminated by using a sponge to wipe
the creatures off the plants. They can also be destroyed using a cotton
swab dabbed in alcohol, which kills them instantly. More serious
infestations may be controlled using a soapy water solution or pyrethrum.
As well as eating aphids, green lacewings also eat mealybugs.
MITES
Mites are the most dangerous pest that can enter a garden. They are not
insects, but an arachnid, which is the class of animals that include
spiders. Mites are tiny and may not be noticed until they have developed
into a serious infestation. There are many species of mites. However the
one most likely to attack the garden is the 2 spotted mite, which has two
spots on its back which can be seen under a magnifying glass.
The first indication that a grower may have mites is seeing pinpoint
yellow spots on fan leaves. These spots are located above the points where
the mites have pierced the tissue to suck out the plant juices. Mites are
very small, measuring only 3-6 thousandths of an inch. They look like small
dots colored black, red or brown. Mites' maturity and reproductive rates
are affected by temperature. A female lays about 100 eggs during her
lifetime, but at 60 degrees she produces 20 offspring, at 70 degrees she and
her offspring number 13,000 and at 80 degrees she represents a potential
13,000,000 individuals over a single month. Under ideal conditions mites
reproduce a week after hatching. [pH:I have friends who have lost entire
plants to these things.]
Earlier in this series (Part 3), we described how marijuana determines
when it should flower. It senses the onset of "Fall" by measuring the
number of hours of uninterrupted darkness. When the plant senses a period
of uninterrupted darkness long enough each evening, it triggers into
flowering.
The period of darkness required varies by variety. Equatorial varieties
need a longer period of darkness than indica or Southern African varieties
because the equatorial growing season is longer and equatorial plants have
shorter days. Equatorial sativas flower when the dark cycle increases to 12
hours or more. Most indicas flower at between 12 to 16 hours of light, 8 to
12 hours of uninterrupted darkness.
Male marijuana plants flower before the females and are only partially
light-sensitive. In some varieties the males seem to flower after a few
months of growth, regardless of lighting conditions.
Since female marijuana flowering is regulated by light, a cultivator
growing under lights can put the garden into flowering with the flick of the
timer. Once the plants start to bloom, they will grow another foot or two
in height. The plants should be set into flowering before they get too
tall.
Growers use several lighting regimens to start the plants flowering.
Growers using continuous light or another long day cycle can cut the light
back to flowering cycle with no intermediate steps. The plants do not
suffer from shock or exhibit unusual growth. Some growers do introduce the
cycle more gently, cutting the light back to flowering cycle over several
weeks.
After 4 to 5 weeks of heavy flowering, some growers set the light back
another hour to simulate the shortening season. Growers cut the light back
another hour after another month. This may be especially helpful in
finishing some tropical varieties, which do not reach maturity in their
native lands until the middle of the short day season (there is no winter in
the tropics).
The word "sinsemilla" is derived from the two Spanish words "sin" and
"semilla" meaning respectively "without" and "seed". Connoisseurs prize
sinsemilla partly because the marijuana has a greater potency and a more
intense aroma than seeded marijuana, and partly because of its enhanced
appearance.
In order for the flowers to ripen unseeded, they must remain unpollinated
(unfertilized). Male and female flowers usually appear on seperate plants.
The males are removed from the space as soon as they are recognized. This
should be done early in the male plants' development, before any large
flower clusters appear. Even a single open flower cluster can release enough
pollen to fertilize thousands of female flowers.
Males can be detected early by carefully examining the space where the
leaf joins the stem (internode). Before the plant begins to develop flower
clusters, a single male or female flower will sometimes grow in the
internode. A male flower will have what looks like a bulb growing from a
thin stem, and at the bulb's end there will be a curved protrusion that
looks something like a little bent finger. A female flower will usually
have two antennae-like protrusions jutting out. [pH:They look kinda like
slugs or snails] Sometimes a sexually indistinguishable flower appears.
The females' leaves begin to grow closer together, forming a strong stem
which will hold the clusters of flowers and later the ripening seed.
Any plants which have not indicated are watched closely, and the females
are watched for any signs of hermaphrodites. These plants are primarily
female but they produce some fertile male flowers. This may consist of
only a few clusters, an entire branch, or, occasionally, males throughout
the plant. These plants are dangerous in any sinsemilla garden. Even a
small cluster of flowers can ruin entire colas of buds. Either the male
flowers should be removed and the plant checked daily, or the plant should
be removed from the garden, which is the safest course of action. [pH:Use
it for seed.]
There are several methods used to sex plants early. Since marijuana
flowering is regulated by the number of hours of uninterrupted darkness, it
is easy to manipulate the plant's flowering cycle. Young plants can be
forced to indicate by putting them under a long night regimen. The plants
will begin to indicate within a few days and after 10 days, fast growing
plants should have clearly defined flowers. Once the plants indicate, the
males can be seperated from the females, and the garden can be returned to
the vegetative growth cycle simply by changing the light regimen back to the
long day/short night.
Putting the plants through an abbreviated flowering cycle sets them back
several weeks. First, their growth is stopped and then it takes them some
time to start growing again. Some growers feel that the plants lose a bit
of vigor in the process. To eliminate stresses in the garden, a clone can
be taken of each plant.
The clones should be tagged to denote plant of origin and then placed in
water or rooting medium under a long night/short day environment. The
clones will have the same sex as its clone parent, so the clone parent's sex
is determined before the plant is out of the vegetative stage. The female
clones can be continued under the flowering regimen and will provide a taste
of the clone-parent's future buds. [pH:Flowering clones being an excellent
way to keep a small stash while the plants are growing]
Within a few days of the change in the light regimen to a long night, the
plants begin to show changes in their growth patterns. First, their rate of
growth, which might be as much as 2 inches a day during the previous cycle,
slows and stops. Next the plants begin to differentiate. The males
elongate upon ripening so that their flower sacks, which contain copious
amounts of pollen, tower above the females. Marijuana is normally
wind-pollinated.
The females start to grow stocky stems with shorter nodes between the
leaves. The number of fingers on the leaves decreases and the plant may
revert from opposite leaves to a pattern of leaves alternating on the stem.
Within a few weeks, large numbers of pistils (the white antennae) will
form along the stem and on the tops of the branches. If the flowers are
fertilized, the pistils will start to dry up, beginning at the tips. Each
fertilized flower produces a seed. Such formation, which commences upon
fertilization, is apparent by the third day. The ovary at the base of the
pistil swells as the new seed grows inside of it.
As long as most flowers remain unfertilized, the plant continues to
produce new flowers. The clusters get thick with the unfertilized flowers
over a period of several weeks. Then the flowering pattern begins to
change. The pistils begin to wither, similar to the way pistils of
fertilized flowers do and they begin to dry while at the same time changing
color. Next, the calyx (ovary) begins to swell. There is no seed
developing inside the calyx; it is a sort of false pregnancy. When the
calyx has swelled, the cluster or cola is ripe and ready to be picked.
The pistil's color is a factor of genetics and temperature. Some plants,
including many indicas, naturally develop a purplish color. Many indicas
and most sativas develop a red color. However, the color may change to
purple or become more pronounced if the roots are subjected to a cool
environment, below 55 degrees.
The growing flowers develop glands over their outer surfaces. Glands
also develop along the small leaf parts surrounding the flower. These are
unlike the glands found on the immature plant, the sun leaves, and the stem.
The earlier glands were either connected directly to the plant, usually
along the stem or had a small one-celled stalk connected to the head which
filled with cannabinoids. The new glands have a longer stem which supports
a larger head. The head is a membrane that fills with cannabinoids. The
analogs of THC produced in the different types of glands may vary.
When the gland first appears the head is small but it begins to swell and
looks like it might burst. Given any stress it will. Usually the head is
filled as the plants go into the last stage of flowering, as the ovaries
begin to swell. This is usually when experienced growers pick the buds.
Researchers, scientists, and gardeners have debated the purpose that THC
serves to the plant. THC and the water-soluble compounds which impart the
taste and aroma to the flowers act as an anti-bacterial agent, and repel
some insects. They also repel most other animals including mammals and
birds. (Remember, we are talking about a mature plant, heavy with resin.)
This is not uncommon in plants. To assure that the seed is viable and not
destroyed to thwart predators. Once the seed matures, it is palatable to
these creatures. This is one of the ways that the plant spreads its
populations without human help. Animals and birds eat the seeds, an
occasional seed passes out the animal's system unharmed, allowing the
species to colonize a new location.
Once the calyx swells, the glands begin to change color. The THC in the
head was previously a clear liquid. When the calyx is getting a little
overripe, the gland head tints an amber shade. This indicates that the THC
is beginning to degrade into two other cannabinoids, CBL or CBN, which are
not nearly as powerful as THC.
[pH:This chapter has 21 pages of charts and diagrams that I did not enter,
that are very informative and highly useful. If you want them, buy the
book.]
In Part 25 (Flowering), marijuana's photoperiod response was described.
Most varieties of cannabis flower in response to changes in the light cycle.
This is a foolproof method for a plant to determine when to flower when it
is adapted to a particular location. Every year the ratio of dark to light
remains the same at a particular date. Scientists think that plants measure
the number of hours of darkness by producing a hormone, tentatively named
florigen. This hormone has not actually been discovered. The theory is
that when the level of this hormone reaches a critical level, the plant goes
into its reproductive mode.
Through simple experimentation, we know some interesting things about
this plant response. It is a localized response by the plant. This was
discovered by shading one branch of a plant but leaving the rest of it
without a daily dark period. Only the branch that was shaded flowered.
(This is a viable technique to use to sex plants).
Researchers think thatthe hormone is produced by the plant continuously.
However, it is destroyed or metabolized by an enzyme or hormone which is
produced only in the presence of light. Under natural conditions, the
critical level builds up only with the onset of long nights in the autumn.
When the dark cycle is interrupted by light, even for a few minutes or less,
the florigen is destroyed by the plant and the plant starts the buildup to
the critical level over again.
The response to different light cycles is a graduated one. Plants that
initiate flowering at one light/darkness routine flower more heavily when
the amount of darkness is increased. This response is more pronounced on
plants originating from a higher latitude where the light cycle changes
more.
Chrysanthemums are also long night-flowering plants, and their growth
patterns have been studied extensively for use by the greenhouse industry.
Researchers found that the largest flowers with the highest total weight
were grown when the dark cycle routine was provided each night. When the
plants were shaded 6 nights a week, there was a slight diminution of flower
size and total weight. With each additional unshaded night, flower size and
weight dropped. [pH:Now, you are probably thinking "That doesn't make one
damned bit of sense!" and you are correct. I don't know what Ed was
thinking in this instance, so I won't bother to correct THIS error, but if
one reads it, if the plants are shaded for 6 nights a week, they get
smaller. If you "unshade" them, they also get smaller. You're screwed
either way, apparently.]
Cannabis is one of the most widespread plants. It is naturalized
everywhere from the equator to the arctic. (Private cannabis gardens have
also been documented as being grown by scientists stationed at outposts in
the Antarctic - it's not illegal there since no country has sovreignty).
The plant has developed many variations on the photoperiod response to
adjust to different climactic and latitudinal conditions.
Female plants from equatorial or sub-equatorial zones such as Colombia,
southern Mexico, central Africa, and south India are absolute
photo-determinate (APD). These plants are acclimated to latitudes in which
there is little variation in the light cycle throughout the year. As long
as the dark period falls below a minimum trigger period, the plant remains
in the vegetative growth cycle. This can go on for years under continuous
light conditions. When the dark period lengthens to a trigger point, the
plant changes its growth pattern to sexual development. If the dark period
falls below the trigger level when the plants are flowering, the plants
easily revert back to vegetative growth.
APD plants are good candidates to flower and regenerate. Since they
respond to the light cycle in a relatively simple way, irregular or
interrupted cycles alter growth significantly. Buds are smaller, leafier,
fluffier, looser, and may run. They look a bit like low-light flowers.
Flower size can be increased by allowing the plants to ripen fully, then
placing them in a continuous light regimen for a few days. Flowering is
triggers again and the plants produce new clusters of flowers. [pH:Perhaps
Ed didn't write this chapter, because it is repeating too much stuff he's
already said, and besides: That isn't going to increase the flower SIZE, it
will increase the amount harvested.]
Some cannabis varieties are "relative photoperiod determinate" (RPD).
These plants have a trigger that they respond to under normal growing
conditions, but when they receive an unusual light regimen, they respond to
the change in the light conditions in unusual ways. For example, an early
flowering indica normally triggers at 10 hours of darkness, but if it is
grown under continuous light and then the darkness cycle is increased to 8
hours, the plant triggers. Once these plants are triggered, the light cycle
has less affect upon them than upon the APDs. The developing flowers are
not as sensitive to occasional interruption of the darkness cycle.
RPD varieties include the mid- and high-range latitude-adapted plants
including Moroccans and southern Africans, early indicas, commercial hemp
and hybrids developed for early harvest (September or earlier).
RPD varieties are harder to manipulate using the light cycle. Plants
placed into flowering do not revert to vegetative growth as easily as APD
varieties. [pH:Perhaps I'm in a bad mood, but does he have to keep fucking
repeating himself? This is annoying as HELL!] The plants are harder to
regenerate. Light stress promotes hermaphroditism in these varieties. They
are harder to clone; they take longer and have a lower success rate.
Most males and some extreme northern varieties including the ruderalis
strains fall into a third category which is not photosensitive at all. Both
age and development seem to play a role in determining when these plants
flower. For example, a Hungarian ruderalis developed flowers under
continuous light after 8 weeks. Most varieties of males indicate under
continuous light after 3-9 months. Thais and some equatorial sativa males
are exceptions and will not flower until the dark period is increased.
Under 18 hours of light, males indicate sooner than under continuous light.
Cold may hasten sexual expression but not flower development of some
northern varieties.
Some varieties, especially indicas, respond to unnatural light cycles by
showing photo-period response disorder. Genetic females turn hermaphroditic
when exposed to long dark periods during early growth.
After the marijuana plant has ripened and the flowers havr reached full
maturity, it still responds to changes in its environment. Plants can be
regenerated and can yield a second, third and possibly even more harvests.
In its natural environment, marijuana flowers in the fall, and then dies
as the environment becomes inhospitable and the number of daylight hours
decrease. However, if the daylength increases, the plants soon begin to
revert from flowering to vegetative growth. At first, the plant produces
single-fingered leaves, then 3 and 5 fingered leaves. Within a few weeks
the plants grow at the rapid vegetative rate.
There are several advantages to regenerating marijuana plants rather than
starting from seed. The plant has been harvested and its qualities and
potency are known. The plant has already built its infrastructure. Its
root system and main stem are already grown so that it takes less energy and
time for the plant to produce new vegetative growth. A regenerated plant
produces the same amount of ve etatipe rowth in 45 days that takes a plant
started from seed 75 days.
To regenerate a plant, some leaves and bud material are left on the stem
as the plant is harvested. The stem may be le t at nearly its full length,
or cut back to only a few inches above the ground. The more stem with leaf
material left on the plant, the faster it regenerates, as new growth
develops at the sites of the remaining leaf material.
The plant started flowering in response to a change in the light cycle.
To stop the flowering process, the light cycle is turned back to a long day
period. The plant reacts as if it had lived through the winter and renews
growth as i it were spring. Within 7-10 days new non-flowering growth is
apparent.
Marijuana seems to react fastest to the change in light cycle when the
light is kept on continually during the changeoper period. A ter it has
indicated new 'rowth, the li ht cycle may be adjusted to the normal garden
lighting cycle.
Clones are a fancy name for cuttings. Almost everyone has taken a piece
of a plant and placed it in water until it grew roots. As it developed, the
leaves, flowers, fruit and other characteristics of the plant were exactly
the same as the donor plant from which it was taken. That cutting was an
exact genetic reproduction of a donor plant.
Many growers prefer to start their garden from clones. There are several
reasons for this.
Growers must start only a few more plants than needed because all the
clones, being the same genetic make-up, are the same sex as the donor,
presumably, female.
Clone gardens are usually derived from donors which were exceptional
plants. The new plants are every bit as exceptional as the donor.
The plants have the same growth and flowering patterns, maturation time,
nutrient requirements, taste and high. The garden has a uniformity that
allows the grower to use the space most efficiently.
Unique plants with rare genetic characteristics can be saved genetically
intact. For example, a grower had an infertile female. Even though the
plant was in the midst of a mixed field, it produced no seed. At the end of
the season the plant was harvested and that rate quality died with the
plant. Had the grower made cuttings, that plant's traits would have been
preserved.
Clone gardens have disadpantages, too. If a disease attacks a garden,
all of the plants have the same susceptibility because they all have the
same qualities of resistance. The home gardener may get tired of smoking
the same stuff all of the time. In terms of genetics, the garden is
stagnant; there is no sexual reproduction taking place.
Cuttings root easiest when they are made while the plant is still in its
vegetative growth stage. However, they can be taken even as the plant is
being harvested. Some growers think that cuttings from the bottom of the
plant, which gets less light, are better clone material, but cuttings from
all parts of the plant can root.
Cuttings are likely to have a high dropoff rate if they are not given a
moist, warm environment. They often succumb to stem rot or dehydration.
Stem rot is usually caused by a lack of oxygen. Dehydration results from
improper irrigation techniques, letting the medium dry, or from overtaxing
the new plants. Cuttings do not have the root system required to transpire
large amounts of water needed under bright light conditions. Instead, they
are placed in a moderately lit area where their resources are not stressed
to the limit.
Growers who are making only 1 or 2 cuttings usually take the new growth
at the ends of the branches. These starts are 4-6 inches long. All of the
large leaves are removed and vegetative growth is removed except for an inch
of leaves and shoots at the end tip. If large numbers of cuttings are being
taken, a system using less donor-plant material is preferred. Starts can be
made from many of the internodes along the branch which have vegetative
growth. These starts are at least an inch long and each one has some leaf
material.
If the cuttings are not started immediately, air may get trapped at the
cut end, preventing the cutting from obtaining water. To prevent this, 1/8
inch is sliced off the end of the stem immediately before planting or
setting to root.
All cuts should be made with a sterile knife, scissors, or razor blade.
Utensils can be sterilized using bleach, fire, or alcohol. Some
horticulturists claim that scissors squeeze and injure remaining tissue, but
this does not seem to affect surpival rates.
It usually takes between 10 and 20 days for cuttings to root. They root
fastest and with least dropoff when the medium us kept at about 65 degrees.
Small cuttings can be rooted in water by floating them. The "Klone Kit",
which is no longer ap ilable, used small styrofoam chips, which are sold as
packing material, to hold the cuttings. Holes were placed in the chips with
a pencil or other sharp instrument, and then the stem slipped through. The
unit easily floats in the water. The kit also included rooting solution,
100 milliliter plastic cups (3 ounces), and coarse permiculite. The cups
were hal filled with vermiculite and then the water-rooting solution was
poured to the top of the cups. As the water lepel lowered, the cuttin's
rooted in the permiculite.
Styrofoam chips can be floated in the water without solid medium. When
the cuttings begin to root, they are moved to permiculite. One grower
adapted this t buds, packed them in food sealers, and then microwaved
them to kill the mold. A bud should be left undisturbed until it is to be
smoked. Every time it is moved, unpacked, or handled, some of the resin
glands fall off. The glands can be seen cascading through the air whenever a
is handled roughly.
Sun leaves are unsuitable for smoking except through a waterpipe. The
leaves can be prepared for smoking by soaking them in water for several
hours and then rinsing the leaves. The water dissolves many of the pigments
and resins including much of the chlorophyll, but the THC remains on the
leaves. The water is dumped and then the leaves are dried. They smoke much
smoother than they did originally. They can also be used in cooking, in
brewing or the THC they hold canbe removed and concentrated.
The smaller leaves which were trimmed from the buds, including single
finger leaves and trimming, are quite potent but they do not smoke that
smoothly. Trim can also be smoked in a waterpipe or soaked in water.
The buds are usually saved for smoking. The quality of the bud improves
for several weeks after it has dried. The THC acid loses its water molecule
and becomes psychoactive. Once the bud is fairly dry, the evaporation can
be speeded up by keeping the bud in a warm place for a few hours or by using
a microwave oven.
Horticulturists have reported a number of methods for increasing plant
yields which are still in the experimental stage. These include stimulating
growth using an electrical current, the use of estrogen and progestin, and
the use of strobe lighting.
ELECTRICITY
Experiments at the University of Maryland indicate that a very weak
electrical current running through the soil increases the growth rates of
plants. This stimulation seems to be most effective when the plants are not
receiving a lower than optimum level of light. Some researchers speculate
that the current increases the roots' efficiency in obtaining nutrients by
affecting the chemical-electrical charges of the nutrient dissolved in the
water. One company manufactures a photovoltaic device specifically to
charge the soil. The magazine Mother Earth News reported in the March 1984
issue that plant growth can be doubled using these devices.
"Sun Stiks" are available from Silicon Sensors, Highway 18 East,
Dodgeville, Wisconsin 53533.
FEMALE HORMONES - BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
Over the years there have been a lot of anecdotal reports indicating that
birth control pills stimulate plant growth. In 1983, a farmer in Texas
reported that his tomato plants grew many more tomatoes after they received
two treatments of estrogen-based pills.
There may be a problem of safety regarding the use of these hormones.
There have been no studies on what happens to the hormone once it is taken
up by the plant. When estrogen is given to farm animals, it increases their
growth rate, but the meat contains traces of the substance, which sometimes
affects people who eat it.
STROBE LIGHTS
Some botanists have speculated that the pigments which are used in
photosynthesis respond to energy peaks in the light wave. These scientists
believe that much of the light is wasted by the plant because it isn't
"peak". They speculate that much energy could be saved by supplying the
plant only with light "peaks". One way to do this is by using a strobe unit
in place of conventional lighting. The strobe flashes a high intensity of
light, but it is on for only fractions of a second. The result is that the
plants receive many light peaks in between periods of darkness.
There has been little research on this theory, but one grower claimed to
get satisfactory results.
One way to use a strobe without too much risk might be to use it to
supplement more conventional lighting. If a higher growth rate is noticed,
the strobes could be tried alone. Should this system worm, electrical costs
could be lowered by as much as 75%.
[pH:And Thus Ends "Marijuana Growers Handbook"]
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