Let's bust some Marijuana Myths and do some justice for the marijuana growing community! I will start with my top Myths that I perceive to be effecting the weed growing 'pop culture' we have all over the net. Never when I was young did I see a single 'Hydro Grow Shop'. What is driving all these pop up grow shops and Marijuana Specific hand books? Why /how have back yard gardeners been growing for so long with no Hydro Grow Nutrients or PH balancing? And never in my life have I seen so many specific little tricks that seem to only effect Marijuana Plants. These are the Myths that put a puzzled look on the faces of real life horticulturist and agriculture growers alike. These are the myths that will stir up passionate debates and anger in 'Marijuana Growers'. But these are the Myths that must be busted for a grower to have a successful indoor or outdoor garden.
Thread Disclaimer: I realize this thread will really upset a lot of people. It is a very controversial topic to most. The reason it will strike to the core of many marijuana growers hearts is because most growers have been and continue to be ripped off and conned out of lots of money. Money is a very sensitive thing to everyone, especially in this horrible economy. So, when someone suggests to someone "You have been wasting your time and money" It will incite anger in many. Please read objectively and do research before responding harshly to the Marijuana Myth Busters. I did not take the time to search for all the links to disprove. Maybe if there is a fellow Myth Buster, he/she can help post some links to bust. Most of this Myth busting is me parroting UncleBen and some of his friends. This thread is going to get smashed anyways, but maybe I will get one experienced grower with lots of links to help me out. In no particular order here are a few myths off the top of my head. I will add more...when I think of them.
Myth 1. Leaves should turn yellow before harvest because the plant is devouring nutrients for bud production.
Myth 2. Nitrogen should be cut off during flowering. Nitrogen effects taste.
Myth 3. Extra/increased Potash stimulates flowering, produces flowers faster, or helps flowering. Or, triggers a plant to flower. Or potash will ripen buds, thicken buds.
BUSTED:All Three Myths http://www.adonline.id.au/flowers/the-potassium-myth/
Myth 4. Stressing plants into more THC, Trichome production before harvest. Driving a nail through the stalk, a darkness period before harvest, dehydrating etc.....
BUSTED: Happy plants produce happy and healthy buds
Myth 5. CO2 injection is WORTH the cost because of increase in yield.
BUSTED: A small tent grow can consume 400-600$ worth of CO2 injection via tank and or propane generator. As long as air is being exchanged a healthy plant will produce dense huge cola's without added CO2 and as long as there is healthy amount of CO2 at a average ppm of 350-450. Plants will consume only the CO2 it needs. CO2 is not a steroid and it is NOT the magical answer for large healthy buds. That can be achieved through genetics and TLC. The 10 re-fills of C02 tanks on even a small grow is not worth your time, gas, or cash.
Myth 6: Always PH your water and soups for optimal growth.
BUSTED: Marijuana is a PH tolerant plant. It can experience a wide fluctuation of PH without showing any signs of stress. PH in soil can change over time and it is OUT of anyones control. One of the only horticulture or agriculture industry that 'PHing' is so widely used and so not needed is in the Marijuana industry. It is a gimic to sell nutrients and chemicals used by grow shops and parroted in 'Marijuana Grow Books'. As long as your PH is not off the charts, which ironically usually only PH Up and Down chemicals can achieve your plants will be fine. Don't feed your weed battery acid. Any water you would not drink or give your pets, don't give your plants is the best rule of thumb as far as 'PH' goes.
Myth 6. Flushing your plants will improve taste and clean out unwanted salts.
BUSTED. Marijuana plants are not like your toilet. Neither are any other plants for that matter. Flushing is the most parroted and least truthful of all the Myths.
Myth 7. Marijuana thrives in a constant room temperature anywhere from 72-79 degrees.
Marijuana is a Thermoperiodic plant. For fat, healthy buds and healthy growth make sure you have a 10-20 degree drop in your night temperature. Thermoperiodism also keeps your flowering time on track.