Adding Sugar to Grow Process

I heard the winning grower of the cannibas cup (banana kush) say they used lots of sugar in the grow process to sweeten the taste. does anyone know anything about this, the safe amount to use and if it works with soil. also i was wondering about molassas and if it works the same

Sugar and molasses (carbs) are used to stimulate the microlife in the soil. If you do not understand what that means, then you should make an effort to learn about the soil food web.

unsulphured black strap molasses, 1 tablespoon per gal of water. And it will not make them sweeter , only feeds the soil.

wiseguy316 said:

unsulphured black strap molasses, 1 tablespoon per gal of water. And it will not make them sweeter , only feeds the soil.

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^ = win, especially for autos.

However, it does colour the water, so if you use a liquid-based pH testing kit, make sure to test the water beforehand. You must also be aware that black strap molasses lowers pH by about 2-3pts per tbsp/gal, depending on your base pH. Again, testing is necessary.

Don't let this fact deter you, because it really is a great additive. Experiment a little to start, and when you have it, you have it.

Note that molasses is best for soil-grows, and not hydro. Hydro systems have their own sugar-based additives you can buy. (Unsulphured BSM can be purchased in your local bulk foods store for about a buck or two.)

Hope that helps!

GaiaGuy - I would really love to hear about your setup that gave you the 2.18oz dry Lowryder!

Heisenberg said:

Sugar and molasses (carbs) are used to stimulate the microlife in the soil. If you do not understand what that means, then you should make an effort to learn about the soil food web.

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I went around and around on this a couple of times, and after stating that it somehow helped, I ended up with my foot in my mouth.

Heisneberg has it right the ONLY thing that sugar does is to help feed the microbes in the soil.

Now with that said, microbes break down organic material to usable nitrogen, so you can get a slight boost from nitrogen, and the health of the soil is also helped.

I talked to extension agents and a great deal of people including a renowned grower for this information.

wiseguy316 said:

unsulphured black strap molasses, 1 tablespoon per gal of water. And it will not make them sweeter , only feeds the soil.

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ty man I didnt mean to sound stupid but I heard a professional grower on t.v. say "there banana kush is sweeter cause they use lots of sugar in the grow process" it was on g4 2011 cannibas cup

i cant find much info on ph, what were to happen to my plants if the ph dropped or increased (Soil) all of the soil growers here pay no attention to ph

cary schellie said:

i cant find much info on ph, what were to happen to my plants if the ph dropped or increased (Soil) all of the soil growers here pay no attention to ph

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The pH I am talking about is water pH. The soil I used was already pH balanced within the range we want.

Too much acidity can damage roots and stunt growth, even kill the plant in extreme cases. Too much base can have likewise adverse effects, such as by restricting the plants ability to absorb nutrients.

For best results, try and maintain a pH of 5.8-6.2 for most strains of marijuana.

Nikolaj06 said:

GaiaGuy - I would really love to hear about your setup that gave you the 2.18oz dry Lowryder!

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I am compiling my experience with the Lowryder 2 grow into a fully illustrated PDF document. The entire setup cost $200, including everything, and I reused it once after and only had to purchase another seed. I ran out of soil, but for another $10 bag and another seed I'd be back in business.

When the PDF is complete I'll update the link in my signature. Thank you for your interest!

Heisenberg said:

Sugar and molasses (carbs) are used to stimulate the microlife in the soil.

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By "Microlife" Heisenberg is referring to mycorrhizae & ectomycorrhizae. These are fungi that in the wild will form a symbiotic relationship with your plants. In this case the fungi will get sugars from the plant and the plant will get more nutrients (usually phosphorus) from the fungi. But what happens if the nutrients are not in any deficiency in the soil?

In other words, what if you as the gardener are capable of constantly providing enough nutrients to the soil so that the plant is never really lacking? In this scenario, a plant that has a mutualistic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus is now sacrificing sugar that could be used to make new plant parts to the fungus for no added benefit. This is generally the case for plants grown in pots. Mycorrhizal fungi will give the greatest benefit to plants living in the ground and not in pots.

Hope this helps!

- Vin

Heisenberg you rock man......I got to get at you when i start making my compost tea this year for my veggies