ScissorsGrinderJoe
Member
After some intensive research, I've come to the conclusion that the science of growing has so many variables that there is no one right way. With that being said, I'd like to get some feedback on a grow that will be starting soon. =)
The plan is for 15-20 plants from a strain of feminized big bud seeds, grown in 3-4 plots of 5, depending on how many seeds successfully germinate, with no more than 5 plants in any one plot.
The area they'll be grown in has advantages and disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is the fairly close proximity of a bike path to the grow areas, creating a security risk. However, that being said, the grow areas are up a hill and in a restricted area from the path, easily out of site. The plots also benefit from plenty of natural cover provided in the immediate growing area, which is covered in vines, thorny plants and tall weeds, and surrounded by tall trees. I'll also be planting stinging nettles around the outer edges of the plots. Stinging nettles grow up to five feet tall, providing additional concealment, and are a natural deterent from would-be discoverers of the plots because of the rash they cause.
Another disadvantage is the wildlife in the area, a problem for any guerrilla operation. The area has plenty of deer, as well as other potential pests. I'm planning on actively trying to deter deer from the get go by using different forms of repellent, such as human hair (not my own), blood, soap and commercial repellents, switching between what I use now and then to keep things fresh and hopefully keep them out. I really don't want to build a fence or use wire of any kind because I feel like if the plants were stumbled upon, depending on which stage of development they're in, the chance that someone would recognize them as bud is, in reality, quite slim, but a fence or wire would raise eyebrows.
Now, about the plans for the soil. The soil in this area is incredibly dense clay, so I really see no benefit to mixing any of this "native soil" in with my mix. I would like to dig out roughly 10 sq. ft. x 8 in. deep plots and mix my soil right in the holes. My soil mix as of now is as follows, but is more than open to criticisms:
Per 8-10 40 lb. bags of locally produced topsoil/cow manure compost:
- (1) 5 lb. bag of bone meal and blood meal each, for N and P slow-releasing nutes.
- (1) 40 lb. bag of peat moss, for water retention (plenty hot here).
- (x) bags of perlite (unsure on amount to use), for adequate drainage. Possibly a small layer of rocks below the soil as well.
- 3/4 cup Azomite, for trace nutrients.
- 1-2 cups lime, for pH.
- 1 cup epsom salt, for Mag/Cal nutes.
I cannot find worm castings or guano locally, so it is out of the question. I'm also unable to locate any Fox Farms soils, which I understand is a favorite for many growers. I figured the next best thing would be local organic topsoils/composts, but if someone feels Scotts would provide a better product, please share.
For the record, I would like this grow to be organic as possible for a few reasons, other than how I feel about inorganic substances. The main reason is, from what I gather, organic nutrients are "slow-release" for the most part, making it easier to avoid plant burn. Chemical ferts tend to give plants large and quick "shots" of nutes, and I will keep some on hand as a backup in case I notice any deficiencies.
I feel like I'm lacking a good K supplement, and I know this is important to provide plenty of during both growing stages, so any suggestions would be highly appreciated.
From what I've read, the veg stage is the time to provide plenty of nitrogen, so I'm planning on providing a dose of blood meal or another organically acceptable N fert every few days or so, depending, while still keeping some P available in the soil. I will reverse this during the flowering stage, using bone meal or another substitute for high P content while keeping some N in.
Here is the breakdown for actual operations. I will be working almost exclusively at night, travelling to the sites by different methods, vehicles, paths, and under different guises. I will likely visit every other day, depending on conditions. More than likely, I'll be watering every visit, as it gets very hot during the day, and this should keep the plants on a wet/dry cycle, but of course I'll adjust if conditions dictate otherwise. I'll feed required nutes in small to progressively larger amounts 1-2 a week, again depending on what the plants dictate. I will be using gloves at all times to avoid fingerprints.
I'll have to pack everything in, but this should not be a problem. If I happen to be seen in the area and/or questioned, I actually have plenty of reason to be where I'll be, and because of the nature of what I do, it's all very believable. It should be very easy to pass off innocence or ignorance, whichever need be.
I plan to not only camoflage the plants with fake flora/fauna matching the surrounding area, but also plan to tie down the plants once they reach a height too conspicuous. This should make them blend in perfectly with the enviroment, because as I said, the plots are literally surrounded by tons of low-growing vines. I also don't plan to leave the growing plots themselves bare after they're freshly created. I will throw down plenty of fresh green cover over them, to avoid sticking out like a garden to the possible passerby.
I will deal with plant pests (hopefully) quickly and efficiently should I get them. I will be keeping a hawk's eye on the plants each visit looking for signs.
That pretty much covers everything. I'm really interested in feedback and criticism. This is about success, and my plan is not perfect.
Peace
The plan is for 15-20 plants from a strain of feminized big bud seeds, grown in 3-4 plots of 5, depending on how many seeds successfully germinate, with no more than 5 plants in any one plot.
The area they'll be grown in has advantages and disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is the fairly close proximity of a bike path to the grow areas, creating a security risk. However, that being said, the grow areas are up a hill and in a restricted area from the path, easily out of site. The plots also benefit from plenty of natural cover provided in the immediate growing area, which is covered in vines, thorny plants and tall weeds, and surrounded by tall trees. I'll also be planting stinging nettles around the outer edges of the plots. Stinging nettles grow up to five feet tall, providing additional concealment, and are a natural deterent from would-be discoverers of the plots because of the rash they cause.
Another disadvantage is the wildlife in the area, a problem for any guerrilla operation. The area has plenty of deer, as well as other potential pests. I'm planning on actively trying to deter deer from the get go by using different forms of repellent, such as human hair (not my own), blood, soap and commercial repellents, switching between what I use now and then to keep things fresh and hopefully keep them out. I really don't want to build a fence or use wire of any kind because I feel like if the plants were stumbled upon, depending on which stage of development they're in, the chance that someone would recognize them as bud is, in reality, quite slim, but a fence or wire would raise eyebrows.
Now, about the plans for the soil. The soil in this area is incredibly dense clay, so I really see no benefit to mixing any of this "native soil" in with my mix. I would like to dig out roughly 10 sq. ft. x 8 in. deep plots and mix my soil right in the holes. My soil mix as of now is as follows, but is more than open to criticisms:
Per 8-10 40 lb. bags of locally produced topsoil/cow manure compost:
- (1) 5 lb. bag of bone meal and blood meal each, for N and P slow-releasing nutes.
- (1) 40 lb. bag of peat moss, for water retention (plenty hot here).
- (x) bags of perlite (unsure on amount to use), for adequate drainage. Possibly a small layer of rocks below the soil as well.
- 3/4 cup Azomite, for trace nutrients.
- 1-2 cups lime, for pH.
- 1 cup epsom salt, for Mag/Cal nutes.
I cannot find worm castings or guano locally, so it is out of the question. I'm also unable to locate any Fox Farms soils, which I understand is a favorite for many growers. I figured the next best thing would be local organic topsoils/composts, but if someone feels Scotts would provide a better product, please share.
For the record, I would like this grow to be organic as possible for a few reasons, other than how I feel about inorganic substances. The main reason is, from what I gather, organic nutrients are "slow-release" for the most part, making it easier to avoid plant burn. Chemical ferts tend to give plants large and quick "shots" of nutes, and I will keep some on hand as a backup in case I notice any deficiencies.
I feel like I'm lacking a good K supplement, and I know this is important to provide plenty of during both growing stages, so any suggestions would be highly appreciated.
From what I've read, the veg stage is the time to provide plenty of nitrogen, so I'm planning on providing a dose of blood meal or another organically acceptable N fert every few days or so, depending, while still keeping some P available in the soil. I will reverse this during the flowering stage, using bone meal or another substitute for high P content while keeping some N in.
Here is the breakdown for actual operations. I will be working almost exclusively at night, travelling to the sites by different methods, vehicles, paths, and under different guises. I will likely visit every other day, depending on conditions. More than likely, I'll be watering every visit, as it gets very hot during the day, and this should keep the plants on a wet/dry cycle, but of course I'll adjust if conditions dictate otherwise. I'll feed required nutes in small to progressively larger amounts 1-2 a week, again depending on what the plants dictate. I will be using gloves at all times to avoid fingerprints.
I'll have to pack everything in, but this should not be a problem. If I happen to be seen in the area and/or questioned, I actually have plenty of reason to be where I'll be, and because of the nature of what I do, it's all very believable. It should be very easy to pass off innocence or ignorance, whichever need be.
I plan to not only camoflage the plants with fake flora/fauna matching the surrounding area, but also plan to tie down the plants once they reach a height too conspicuous. This should make them blend in perfectly with the enviroment, because as I said, the plots are literally surrounded by tons of low-growing vines. I also don't plan to leave the growing plots themselves bare after they're freshly created. I will throw down plenty of fresh green cover over them, to avoid sticking out like a garden to the possible passerby.
I will deal with plant pests (hopefully) quickly and efficiently should I get them. I will be keeping a hawk's eye on the plants each visit looking for signs.
That pretty much covers everything. I'm really interested in feedback and criticism. This is about success, and my plan is not perfect.
Peace
