TessaMaria
Well-Known Member
So pretty 
FFOF ( Fox Farms Ocean Forest ) made Simple - Autoflower
olegren
Well-Known Member
@Budzbuddha - Following your guide this round, as my last did not go so well. Unfortunately, I lost two seeds to watering screwups. I didn't anticipate how quickly the medium was going to dry out. I had planted directly to the final pots (3gal with 75% HF/25% perilite) with the lower third in 75% FFOF + 25% perilite.
I had done Mephisto's dvd case trick to get the seeds cracked, then dropped them into moistened (misted) holes, lightly covered, and left. Checked about 3 days later to find neither really progressed beyond the initial crack. I assume this was due to the medium being allowed to dry out. I just didn't expect the soil to go dry so quickly.
I have two questions:
1. Do you see any harm in reusing the 3gal pots with soil mixes already? While I did water both a little, I never took either to runoff; and neither seed did much. This seems obvious, but I'd rather ask an expert than make assumptions at this point in my incredibly humbling horticultural career.
2. Can you speak to how you water your autos in a medium like this -- when going seed directly to soil? I'm doing a second round in solo cups (75%HF/25% perilite) and took care to water the mix to slight runoff before dropping seeds (wholly ungerminated) directly into medium and covering lightly. I was astonished to see that even this is drying pretty quick. 24 hours later and the upper inch of soil was dry, so I have again misted to the very beginnings of runoff. I will try and get these going; then transplant -- but I'd love to learn how you handle this matter when planting the seed directly in a final pot.
Thank you for such a thorough and thoughtful guide -- and for your guidance!
I had done Mephisto's dvd case trick to get the seeds cracked, then dropped them into moistened (misted) holes, lightly covered, and left. Checked about 3 days later to find neither really progressed beyond the initial crack. I assume this was due to the medium being allowed to dry out. I just didn't expect the soil to go dry so quickly.
I have two questions:
1. Do you see any harm in reusing the 3gal pots with soil mixes already? While I did water both a little, I never took either to runoff; and neither seed did much. This seems obvious, but I'd rather ask an expert than make assumptions at this point in my incredibly humbling horticultural career.
2. Can you speak to how you water your autos in a medium like this -- when going seed directly to soil? I'm doing a second round in solo cups (75%HF/25% perilite) and took care to water the mix to slight runoff before dropping seeds (wholly ungerminated) directly into medium and covering lightly. I was astonished to see that even this is drying pretty quick. 24 hours later and the upper inch of soil was dry, so I have again misted to the very beginnings of runoff. I will try and get these going; then transplant -- but I'd love to learn how you handle this matter when planting the seed directly in a final pot.
Thank you for such a thorough and thoughtful guide -- and for your guidance!
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
That’s the beauty of keeping mixes simple, reuse with minor recharging.
Depending if I notice cool night temps I pop in solo first . ( sometimes I even throw them in a tray over a warming pad ) to aid in germ. Seedlings need some warm to activate . In summer I can go in pot. When I layer the mix in the container I plan to use I just mist water between to “ dampen “ it. It helps get the soil started. But I don’t saturate to runoff , as that is too much so early in the game.
I never heard of dvd trick. But a zip bag with a damp paper towel resting on some warm dies the trick too. Another way is with same zip bag method , just a pinch of myco ( very little ) on to damp seed ( s ) helps push them forward.
Direct solo grow , I use those ketchup cups ( snagged from fast food places ) to keep a humid area for seed and just misting the area under cap. The warm areas will make condensation within cap.
OR directly in cup dusted with myco or root powder , misted heavily , then capped.
Zip bag paper towel on warm surface ... seedlings will pop fast.
1000 ways to skin a cat ... lol.
You have to remember TOO MUCH moisture will kill a seedling ( damp off condition )
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
Slight update - These are Regs ( Gotham limited ) on the same mix except with a EWC bump ( 15% of container ) .
They also are only on water ( 6.5 - 6.7 ) . Forgot how many weeks so far but still pushing along. Began some Defol ( normally I dont ) and LST. I think they will branch better without heavy fans blocking . I will add a teaspoon of myco scratched into surface on next watering to keep the activity high. Sometimes you can see plant really perk up within 24 hours.
I only add myco during veg to get the root ball as loaded as possible and stop after stretch. Once a week .
KKP was started in solo using same mix then transplanted when ready.
They also are only on water ( 6.5 - 6.7 ) . Forgot how many weeks so far but still pushing along. Began some Defol ( normally I dont ) and LST. I think they will branch better without heavy fans blocking . I will add a teaspoon of myco scratched into surface on next watering to keep the activity high. Sometimes you can see plant really perk up within 24 hours.
I only add myco during veg to get the root ball as loaded as possible and stop after stretch. Once a week .
KKP was started in solo using same mix then transplanted when ready.
olegren
Well-Known Member
@Budzbuddha - Super helpful. Thanks! I did my solo cups misted to slightest runoff (Stopped right after they started) but am going to implement your recommendation of a cover to hopefully hold some of that moisture in. I had my oscillator going and think that assisted in drying them out so quickly. I think I see one about to pop already (23 hours right now), so might not be a big deal.
The DVD trick is really just the paper towel thing -- 4 squares of TP folded over a couple times. Seeds on top, fold again, mist with water and then stick in a DVD case someplace warm for 24-36 hours. I stuck mine on a heat mat with temp controller set to 80. Nothing fancy, but I had better luck in my first round with going straight to solo cups. Think I just botched something else that time around. Trial and error.
Thanks again. Your crop looks phenomenal!
The DVD trick is really just the paper towel thing -- 4 squares of TP folded over a couple times. Seeds on top, fold again, mist with water and then stick in a DVD case someplace warm for 24-36 hours. I stuck mine on a heat mat with temp controller set to 80. Nothing fancy, but I had better luck in my first round with going straight to solo cups. Think I just botched something else that time around. Trial and error.
Thanks again. Your crop looks phenomenal!
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
When I run Samsung boards / QB , I have noticed a calmag component while growing autos , easy corrected during veg stage , led grows do not let plants transpire as well as other heat making / IR lamps like HID. You will also find bumping tent temps up ( 80° plus ) will make them happier. Soil isn’t colder than ambient temp and therefore can keep roots from slowing oxygen exchange ( purple stems are noticeable when calmag is needed ).
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
Update time ..... sorry been busy hiding under a rock , washing hands 100 times a day and gargling bleach ... Fuck you covid 19 !
Well these KKP SI plants are thriving way better since I changed layered with a minor EWC bump. They drink about every 3 days and just continue watering. They were flipped last wed ( they already sexed ) and are already throwing early buds. I did a final minor defol on them except the front plant ( that was just flipped without a lengthy veg ) a couple of weeks only. I flipped it just to finish grows ( as I plan to shut down after these are harvested ) ..... once the world stops burning ( hopefully ).
I plan another TOP DRESS later this week for the coming stretch period and flower.
KKP S1 ( FROM THAT SEED RUN I JUST DID ).
I still am surprised on how many new posts pop up about this soil and the growers having “ trouble “ with it.
Keep shit simple.
I will keep this thread going to show flower and the little things I do for it. Stay safe , stay green.
Well these KKP SI plants are thriving way better since I changed layered with a minor EWC bump. They drink about every 3 days and just continue watering. They were flipped last wed ( they already sexed ) and are already throwing early buds. I did a final minor defol on them except the front plant ( that was just flipped without a lengthy veg ) a couple of weeks only. I flipped it just to finish grows ( as I plan to shut down after these are harvested ) ..... once the world stops burning ( hopefully ).
I plan another TOP DRESS later this week for the coming stretch period and flower.
KKP S1 ( FROM THAT SEED RUN I JUST DID ).
I still am surprised on how many new posts pop up about this soil and the growers having “ trouble “ with it.
Keep shit simple.
I will keep this thread going to show flower and the little things I do for it. Stay safe , stay green.
TessaMaria
Well-Known Member
Your simple method is awesome! Your plants look so healthy and happy!!! I hope shutting down doesn’t keep you from sharing your knowledge on this site We need smart people with great advice and grows to back it up!!! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing
We need smart people with great advice and grows to back it up!!! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
No .... only because I have enough “ doomsday reserves “ to keep my head high for awhile ... lol.Your simple method is awesome! Your plants look so healthy and happy!!! I hope shutting down doesn’t keep you from sharing your knowledge on this site
Just need to pump brakes a bit .... but I will keep thread open and stay involved in case somebody wants a tip or two.
Feel free to add things in the thread.
Be Safe.
MATTYMATT726
Well-Known Member
This post deserves to be stickied. Would save all those that post new threads the time if they just saw this and read it.
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
Little update from the quarantine house ... lol.
GOTHAM LIMITED
Added a Top dress of FFOF today and a little kelp to keep flowers on track. Plants are doing very well and can see how green the stems , branches and stalk look. I did not add any myco this time , just a bump of kelp for flowers ... stacking is also looking pretty good.
Taking things day by day . Their drinking about every 3 to 4 days ( lifting pot ) and bumped ph around 6.7/6.8.
Same ol tap water nothing special. Containers are dense with roots so I have to water slower to ensure full saturation.
GOTHAM LIMITED
Added a Top dress of FFOF today and a little kelp to keep flowers on track. Plants are doing very well and can see how green the stems , branches and stalk look. I did not add any myco this time , just a bump of kelp for flowers ... stacking is also looking pretty good.
Taking things day by day . Their drinking about every 3 to 4 days ( lifting pot ) and bumped ph around 6.7/6.8.
Same ol tap water nothing special. Containers are dense with roots so I have to water slower to ensure full saturation.
JoeRogan420
Well-Known Member
these are awesome <3
Moabfighter
Well-Known Member
Cool info thanks
UptownGirl202
Active Member
Im so happy I stumbled upon yet another EXCELLENT post from you. Thank you so much for sharing. Im gearing up for round two and I DEFINITELY remember your advice on keeping things simple. In reguards to top dressing...once my container is full to the half way mark would i add the dry amendments and fill the rest of the way OR fill to the top and THEN add dry amendments?? Also....how many times should i add dry amendments during the grow??
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
I fill containers within 2” of rim usually for lateral branching. Since FFOF / Layer mix is pretty bulletproof for the next few weeks , monitor “ your strains “ because some are feed pigs , then you may either top dress or add a teaspoon of dry spread over top soil then watered in.
But after say 5 weeks ... autos begin to transition ( sex / preflower ) usually around day 35 - 40 ish ( average ) , although some can be bred for even faster time ... had on go at day 22 from germ ( not a monster but good bud ). A top dress here around week 6 - 7 , I do here. It keeps the medium charged for the stretch stage and bud set. After stretch has slowed or stopped , THEN can decide to go one of 2 ways.
Example :
Germ to sex / preflower stage .... 0 to day 35 ( ish ) Water only 6.5
Tranistion to preflower / stretch/ final budset ..... Day 40 ( ish ) to day 49 ( + or - )
FEED / Water in at 6.5
Day 50 - 64 water with KELP 6.5 ( Most so called 8 week strains often mature better at 9 weeks / 10 weeks ! )
Here if strain is finishing .... water normally AS NEEDED til chop day.
Note : If strain looks like it needs a couple more weeks ..... feed or topdress one more time then water Til end.
Simple even a caveman could do it.
But after say 5 weeks ... autos begin to transition ( sex / preflower ) usually around day 35 - 40 ish ( average ) , although some can be bred for even faster time ... had on go at day 22 from germ ( not a monster but good bud ). A top dress here around week 6 - 7 , I do here. It keeps the medium charged for the stretch stage and bud set. After stretch has slowed or stopped , THEN can decide to go one of 2 ways.
Example :
Germ to sex / preflower stage .... 0 to day 35 ( ish ) Water only 6.5
Tranistion to preflower / stretch/ final budset ..... Day 40 ( ish ) to day 49 ( + or - )
FEED / Water in at 6.5
Day 50 - 64 water with KELP 6.5 ( Most so called 8 week strains often mature better at 9 weeks / 10 weeks ! )
Here if strain is finishing .... water normally AS NEEDED til chop day.
Note : If strain looks like it needs a couple more weeks ..... feed or topdress one more time then water Til end.
Simple even a caveman could do it.
UptownGirl202
Active Member
Lol that picture took me clean out!!! I just want to say im always greatful for your responses. You dont have to take the time out to reply yet you always do and i apreciate that.
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
I dont mind ... my method isn’t necessarily the “ golden rule “ just a good jumping off point . You can change , experiment with blends . Just mostly trying to jeep those growers from being frustrated with FFOF .... its simple to use and ready for use without dumping money into expensive nute lines that just want your money.
Reach out any time. GL
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
Use your judgement on your plants ... i usually hit them again when shes moving into preflower / stretch ( For more nitro needed for branching and setup ) its about the time that host medium has started to exhaust a bit. Week 5 ish or 6 from germ.
Thank you so much for posting this simple, yet clear breakdown!!
I'm just starting my first grow, waiting on seeds (autos) to arrive, but have been over-researching and reading so many conflicting viewpoints and complications with FFOF + nutes etc. I have the FF Trio nutes on the way but I think it was probably better if I spent the $ CalMag and a much better pH pen instead of worrying about liquid nutes. I missed the MegaCrop buy before it sold out!
Do you think it's ok to water using my tap water (ppm 280) and pH around 6-6.5 instead of using my RO system (7 PPM)?