My First Grow Box! Looking for feedback

rwbrock said:

Looks like you still have some time on those. Hairs will start to recede and bud will begin to amber. It is the hardest part of the grow as you have waited so long. My last grow went two additional weeks from when I thought they would be done. I know everyone throws out the two week thing. Can you get some light in there maybe even some cfl until you get a new ballast? You are close, 60x will help you get a better idea of where your at. Some prefer 50/50 amber cloudy some pull first site of amber just make sure there is not lots of clear still.

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Thanks for the info! I put 3 x 55 watt and 2 x 26 watt CFLs in there for now. The ballast still shows no sign of working at any point soon. I may have to finish this with CFLS... lol. Disappointing.

No prob, keep them close to the plants....I would assume you plan on growing again and going to replace the ballast? If that is the case then try to get a new one ASAP. Sounds like your close but a lot of strains bulk up the last couple weeks and CFL may reduce that and cause the buds to not tighten up and be more airy. Good luck! Personally I would drive to the local hydro shop (today) if you have one around. Mine often has plenty of used ballasts as well if money is an issue.

A replacement ballast will arrive in 11 days (aug 23rd). For now, I'm stuck using cfls. I have kept their feeding schedule the same, but was wondering about using molasses.

Does anyone else use molasses in their grow? I've heard good things about it.

Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do....as far as feeding and watering goes you may find you water less with CFL is the temps are lower. Prob won't throw off your schedule to much. Yes I use molasses towards the end of my grow (last 3-4 weeks), if it helps me it is debatable. You want to find black strap molasses (unsulphured). It is not really a food, it is good for the roots...happy roots happy plant. The issue is it helps organic soils with established bacteria more. If your using FFOF and feeding regular ferts (not organic) if it helps it is debatable. So will argue it doesn't help and actually depletes N in the soil and can through stuff off. I guess like everything give it a go, try it with and without....see if it makes a difference to you.

Good luck.

Received the replacement ballast without issue and have been running it full power since I got it. I was thinking of chopping them on Saturday (the 31st). How do they look?

Finished trimming today. They are on the drying on the rack now in the box at 61-65% humidity, 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the dark.

The best way to dry the trim and nuggets too small to hang up is to air dry them on a tray for a few days, then put into jars, right?

personal prefference. ive had good smoke done the way you are mentioning, although i hang the whole plant minus a few water leaves for a few weeks. looking good.