MASSIVE OUTDOOR GROW

[Julian]

Well, as above...many methods, for many people, in many situations....My situation a little different, not really allowing the above.....(wild areas, forest, any supports at all extremely undesirable), and, height issues much different than most face....(unfortunately).....Was actually out quite recently and spent a lot of time and effort taking care of things, so.....hopefully, everything fine now......we'll see next week or so I guess ...(we did on site, some 2 x 4's, and also some pipes.......all down at least 2-3ft into ground....)

 

[pakalolo420]

I don't want to be hauling large heavy supplies into my spots or building elaborate support structures onsite, it runs counter to my whole philosophy of hands-off, "it's a ****ing weed, let it grow". I guess I'll keep doing it my way, it's quick and dirty and very inconspicuous.

J, I think you're right about topping. I traditionally haven't, I like seeing how the plants want to naturally grow. I haven't seen the yield increase claimed when I've tried but I think it can definitely reduce tipping, stem splitting and branches breaking off issues, and if done well, mold as well.

 

[NPK]

OK, I'm definitely gonna do this. I've gone on a few hikes, looking for likely spots, and even though I live in a densely populated region, I've found several spots where I can put a few gals in the ground. In this case, a few multiplied by several probably means about 50 plants. Massive? Nah...but will it make a difference in my life? Oh HELL yes. (Say, are we still allowed to say the H word around here? ) I think that's about what I can handle by myself, too. Now I'm just sorry I didn't put clones in those spots a month ago...it's probably too late in the season to be starting new plants.

This year, I actually pulled my first outdoor harvest in early May. We had an unseasonably mild winter hereabouts (West Coast), so on a whim I put a few plants out in the yard in early March. The weather was mostly excellent, and the days were still short enough to trigger flowering--those eight plants gave me an extra pound or so to play with come early spring. So, if we're lucky enough to have another mild late winter like last one, I'm going to do an early spring mini in '08. I'm leaning toward not putting anything in the ground immediately after that, not until mid- or late July, because any plants that vegged throughout the late spring and into summer would be much bigger and much more likely to be discovered. I am very attracted to the idea of early spring and late summer minis. The summer isn't even over and here I am, already looking forward to next spring.

Julian--I have to tip my hat to you for the inspiration and excellent ideas you've shared here. I am most appreciative.

 

[Guest]

Interesting...

Interesting...

I've read this thread start to finish, and I thank everyone who has contributed to it. I have a couple questions for Julian that have already been answered to some degree, but I continue to be confused by nonetheless. The first being dry yield per plant. Assume a planting time (from clone) of around mid may(location near northeast) or early June, and a low maintence schedule, what would the dry yield per plant average? Assuming planting was done in the forest miles from humans, houses, trails etc allowing plants to gain some height. A fine line between size,risk and yield if you will. The point behind this question is to calculate how many plants one would need to provide a stepping stone to legit business in a reasonable time frame.

The second question being related to unloading pounds of weed in as secure a fashion as possible and what you actually do with the money that comes directly from the buyers. I realize you posted ALOT of info but there is actually so much of it I am extremely confused as to the basic answers of that question. You unload 10lbs, you come away with 30k(random number). What is the next step? What do you do with amounts even larger? Taking into account this would be done from an upstart, not a season pro(Julian =p).

 

[Julian]

I don't want to be hauling large heavy supplies into my spots or building elaborate support structures onsite,

Hey my friend....

Well, no one does actually No one does....You do what you gotta do though, you know...(and, as always.."what you can, when you can, where you can, how you can".......)

it runs counter to my whole philosophy of hands-off, "it's a ****ing weed, let it grow". I guess I'll keep doing it my way, it's quick and dirty and very inconspicuous.

Well, surely you know....In general, I'm in complete agreement across the board, but, when you come upon patches where they'll all virtually laying on the ground.....well, something has to be done......(although, who knows....if I would not have come at that point, they may very well be standing and fine next week.......I don't have to tell any seasoned outdoor veteran how disturbing a sight that is

J, I think you're right about topping. I traditionally haven't, I like seeing how the plants want to naturally grow. I haven't seen the yield increase claimed when I've tried but I think it can definitely reduce tipping, stem splitting and branches breaking off issues, and if done well, mold as well.

Well, yeah, and, as above....that was always my point behind it more than yield......(tipping, mold)......yield seems to be the case as one is of course increasing the number of "tops" effectively......lot of people who do the large bushes doing multi pound per plant yields, so......sure it is the case, but, that is secondary...(not to mention it controls/alters the profiles of it..ie: large christmas trees to round bushes...etc...I prefer topped.....absolutely...... Never had such issues with topping...(occasionally....but, limited due to when I didn't, couldn't, they weren't....etc.....)

 

[Julian]

OK, I'm definitely gonna do this. I've gone on a few hikes, looking for likely spots, and even though I live in a densely populated region, I've found several spots where I can put a few gals in the ground. In this case, a few multiplied by several probably means about 50 plants. Massive? Nah...but will it make a difference in my life? Oh HELL yes. (Say, are we still allowed to say the H word around here? ) I think that's about what I can handle by myself, too. Now I'm just sorry I didn't put clones in those spots a month ago...it's probably too late in the season to be starting new plants.

Just missed the window for the most part, but, eh, growing long term objective, so, sure, season wrapping up, but, 40 more where that one came from ...

Frankly, I think your statement sums it up for everyone.......(ie: "Will it make a difference in your life".......bottom line....what it's all about.........from the smallest on up.......PS growers?....Well, they can point the finger at others about "money", but, all I see is someone whose saving 20k a year ......(and, of course, better quality while they are at it....)

I've known plenty of people 10k would save their life....

Sounds about the right course........ie: Travels......observe.....think....vision.....Numbers not the issue though....I think people pay far too much attention......Even your own statement....50 3 footers?....a single person could almost tie them and carry under one arm ......Not about numbers.....not about yield......all about what can the spots handle safely...at any size or time or season....

This year, I actually pulled my first outdoor harvest in early May. We had an unseasonably mild winter hereabouts (West Coast), so on a whim I put a few plants out in the yard in early March. The weather was mostly excellent, and the days were still short enough to trigger flowering--those eight plants gave me an extra pound or so to play with come early spring.

p is a p any way you slice it .......sure, nothing to tip a truck sideways, but, nevertheless ....Plus, early and staggered harvests are always nice...(while i bitch and moan......I was really getting into cutting in early August ....)

Thank god for whims, eh? .....

So, if we're lucky enough to have another mild late winter like last one, I'm going to do an early spring mini in '08. I'm leaning toward not putting anything in the ground immediately after that, not until mid- or late July, because any plants that vegged throughout the late spring and into summer would be much bigger and much more likely to be discovered. I am very attracted to the idea of early spring and late summer minis. The summer isn't even over and here I am, already looking forward to next spring.

And that's how it works man I'm on the nest season usually late May already .....but, I think, if you ask me, that's where a large amount of success comes into play...(always looking ahead, always thinking, planning, etc.........ie: You will already have 6 months planning into your nest one even before begun and of course more knowledge and experience building on each one ....I like the smallest ones best....for all reasons and more....truly, and, as above/elsewhere.....really starting to think about just sticking with those and spending all the time on other things..(more enjoyable ....)

Plus extra planning secures the project itself.....I can't even count the number of things that have gotten messed up due to last minute hustling and hitting problem areas.......(stock, suplies, spots, etc)....

Julian--I have to tip my hat to you for the inspiration and excellent ideas you've shared here. I am most appreciative.

My pleasure to have been of assistance....glad I could provide something of use........really only objective...lot of ideas, lot of methods....lot of views......Dare I even say I have done nothing other than make one aware of things they already knew by presenting it all in a slightly different way......ie: Making one aware of a greater number of possibilities and how one can utilize them to their own situation and advantage...

I think the biggest thing, and, what I always try to emphasize is viewing the season in a different manner.....ie: One can take advantage of many areas, at many different times, in many different ways...

 

[Julian]

I've read this thread start to finish,

Well, that already puts you above many in itself A patient man (person) you obviously are....

The first being dry yield per plant. Assume a planting time (from clone) of around mid may(location near northeast) or early June, and a low maintence schedule, what would the dry yield per plant average? Assuming planting was done in the forest miles from humans, houses, trails etc allowing plants to gain some height. A fine line between size,risk and yield if you will. The point behind this question is to calculate how many plants one would need to provide a stepping stone to legit business in a reasonable time frame.

Well, the yield question..........my favorite response and analogy is it is akin to a 5 year old asking how tall will they be and how much will they weigh when they are 40 (Not meant to offend, of , insinuate you are.....just my favorite analogy which I think most applicable....) Mid May and early June are fairly different in themselves..(2-3 weeks veg...) How big were they put out, what kind of prep, if any, what strain, what kind of plant (topped, untouched), etc, high yielder, low yielder, etc....and, of course, I always make it a point to, and, always advise others to use their low ends in estimates...

Numbers?......Well, that's because I might use 2-4 oz's a plant when a realistic expectation is 1lb a plant...(the 3 footer above I made a point of checking, and, came out to 1.25 z, bone dry....

You have losses (plants, theft, animals, runts, discovery), you have mold......you have things in areas that might not be idea (less water, less light, etc..........) ie: Even the same clones, planted the same size, same time, in different spots may perform dramatically different (say, 3 oz on one, 10 oz on other.....through any number of reasons...)

My larger/earlier ones? Anyones guess.....2-3lb's plus per?.....I still count those as 4 z's roughly (I tend to estimate all earlier at 4z's, and, all later at 1z......) Will most be more? Of course.....but, what's to say that some might not be ready "next week", and, 10 days from now I come to find them laying on the ground, virtually garbage, ya know?.....(stranger things have happened..... or even gone..., or, as happened previous.....the spot cracked....(and would take this time to point out that spot was up to 700 plants alone.....) ie: I use 500-700 because really have no clue at all...know was over 500.......but, probably not over 700.....was a lot though there....)

Those would also be included in my original estimates.....so.....700......1 z each?....well, maybe I will make that up on 500 others where I estimated 4 z's and they come out to 8 z's or more each Get it?

(If it had happened earlier, I just would have run 700 more somewhere else to make up for it and take their places, but, that was around beginning of August, and, was busy with other things, so........what can ya do.....

In short: You estimate very low, and, proceed accordingly.......(plus, my end figures are based on completely dried and cured and trimmed "shelf ready" product.....so.....I can usually take someone's p and turn it into 10 z's fairly easy ........so, another reason why I go low......)

That way?

Every season is a great one .....

I realize you posted ALOT of info but there is actually so much of it I am extremely confused as to the basic answers of that question.

That's because there isn't one ....

You determine the answer to that.......by who, and what you are, what you desire, what you want, and your own vision of the future......

(Why I attempt to span many areas of interest.......50 people?, 50 approaches and paths taken.......common denominator being all using it to benefit ones self, future, etc....)

You unload 10lbs, you come away with 30k(random number). What is the next step? What do you do with amounts even larger? Taking into account this would be done from an upstart, not a season pro(Julian =p).

Well, I'm flattered.......

One would obviously over time, while building experience, develop their sources...."develop their sources" used for a reason.....All takes time......one would not want to meet someone tomorrow and make a deal to drop 20......(I wouldn't.......at all....) Time, comfort, patterns, trust, etc........all works itself out......(ie: I would say if one was to meet someone , show them a sample and have them say they will take 20 tomorrow, for what you ask, cash, to hope that they do not know your name or anything about you and never talk to them again....)

A person who takes 20's wouldn't do that ....

It's all above.....(also maybe a little in sister thread...)

All depends on you....I can't dictate ones direction (especially whom I do not know, nor have ever met....) I can merely provide examples which one can apply toward any direction and interest they like.....

(Here's one I picked completely out of the air......)
Let's say your interest is in woodworking (not that I find that funny, just a funny example...to me....at this moment....) Well, one might use the money to purchase equipment....take classes..(do woodworkers take classes? ), advertise......(watch the path of the money for deductions )....for any number of things.......for postage, for shipping, for gifts, to expand workshop, products, etc......I could list things all day....doesn't mean any one would interest all, or any....

You apply the basics to who and what you are right now in relation to who and where you wish to be tomorrow.........

 

[NPK]

p is a p any way you slice it .......sure, nothing to tip a truck sideways, but, nevertheless ....Plus, early and staggered harvests are always nice...

Yeah, the p was what you'd call a "nice thing." (In my case, it turned into a very nice new kitchen stove when my old one unexpectedly bit the dust. ) Even more important, though, was the realization that it's possible to pull more than just one outdoor grow. And then I got to thinking about ways to pull out even more harvests, which led to the productive little light dep structure in my backyard. Now I know you can stagger four harvests in one eight-month season, weather permitting. Big improvement over the single twenty-plant harvest I did last year!

And with this thread comes the realization that not only can you repeat two "natural" (i.e., not photoperiod-manipulated) outdoor crops, you can do it in a whole lot more places than just your backyard. It's been a huge eye-opener. The possibilities have multiplied like rabbits.

I think the biggest thing, and, what I always try to emphasize is viewing the season in a different manner.....ie: One can take advantage of many areas, at many different times, in many different ways...

AbsoLUTELY. It adds up to a whole lotta rabbits. Can't wait to apply these ideas on a bigger scale than my yard next year.

 

[Julian]

Yeah, the p was what you'd call a "nice thing." (In my case, it turned into a very nice new kitchen stove when my old one unexpectedly bit the dust. )

If that's what it turned into, must be a fairly nice one indeed! (j/k ) Been there brother.......been there ....(knock on wood ...)

Even more important, though, was the realization that it's possible to pull more than just one outdoor grow. And then I got to thinking about ways to pull out even more harvests, which led to the productive little light dep structure in my backyard.

I've never run any light dep. ops......due to numbers I have always run.....in my case, always felt would just draw attention, hence the interest in the AF's for earlier/all season rounds, and really sticking to season (late planted...)

Now I know you can stagger four harvests in one eight-month season, weather permitting. Big improvement over the single twenty-plant harvest I did last year!

Well, actually, depending on what and where you stagger, (what has been holding my attention about the AF's for quite a while), one could actually just basically be planting and cutting the entire season constantly if they ran enough, in enough spots....(See....I even draw a lot from thread myself....think about different things, different things occur to me, etc....)

And with this thread comes the realization that not only can you repeat two "natural" (i.e., not photoperiod-manipulated) outdoor crops,

I thought 3? in a lot of those areas...(Never have, don't know, but, thought I heard 3....)

you can do it in a whole lot more places than just your backyard. It's been a huge eye-opener. The possibilities have multiplied like rabbits.

When you can, where you can, how you can .....legs and gas the only restriction ....

AbsoLUTELY. It adds up to a whole lotta rabbits. Can't wait to apply these ideas on a bigger scale than my yard next year.

Thank God for Rabbits



Endless possibilities across the board.....truly.....I sincerely have always said,(many times, many places, many names...)...Growing is truly miraculous.....truly.....possibilities endless......virtually no limit to the rewards one can reap...(product and spiritual ....)...

I've been gravitating towards the AF's and some experiments myself for a while.....(lost train of thought......have been working a fairly large chunk of finger/scissor hash.....and, just noticed, it's gone , I think I absentmindedly swept it into the trim bin ...........

Yeah.......really what you can do all depends on what you want to do....

 

[Julian]

Okay......has been retrieved/located.. I feel better now

Yeah......size issues completely change virtually all aspects for the better....smaller, quicker, opens up the selection of spots one thinks they have...time of year affects it....one is really only limited by their own efforts on what they can do and the above only increases safety/reduces risk.....I'm sure many have forgotten already but couple pages back was a nice video of a field with smaller things, which produces yet another overview......an open field can be utilized.....even early.....or late....or af's.....so many options .........

Assuming one has adequate skill....kind of changes everything from "What can I do" to " What do I want to do"....

As above......growing........miraculous.....the ability to run a batch however large you wish basically at will more or less...(ie: Create however much money one desires at will, almost anywhere, anytime........)

Quite a gift.........

Quite a gift..........

 

[Guest]

When someone says the money you get unloading p's of weed is "dirty", what is exactly meant by this expression? When I heard it, I came away with the thought of money that couldn't be spent prior to ALL of it being exhanged with legit money. Example: I go to the store, buy a pair of pants and deposit $1,000 of this "dirty money" and the next day I am in jail. Is this what we are talking about or is it just meant that, while the money itself won't get you busted, spending $50,000 of it in a few months when you work at Mcdonald's part time(no disrespect to Mcdonald's employees, it just isn't realisitc) will set off a red flag. I myself am not hinting that I would do the above, just on a quest for knowledge about the subject.

 

[blackone]

Spending it on jeans is ok Buying a car, house etc. is not. Flashing a lot of large dollar bills in public - especially if people know who you are and what your job is - is probably also not advisable.

A lot of people spend more than they should based on their current income and finance it with credit cards. If people see you with a new pair of jeans they will just think that's exactly what you're doing.

So yes, a lot of the money can just be spend to make your life a little bit sweeter. To the tax authorities you will just look like a person who's acting responsibly and saving money from your salary for pension, children's education etc. while in reality you're living a sweet life with nice food on the plate every day and wearing nice clothes.

 

[NPK]

I thought 3? in a lot of those areas...(Never have, don't know, but, thought I heard 3....)

Yep yep, three might be possible without a light dep structure. I'll be able to do four harvests this year only with the help of my "blackhouse." One harvest in early May (still-short spring days), the second in mid-July (blackhouse), the third will be in about two weeks (blackhouse), and the fourth sometime in October (end of outdoor growing season).

I've never run any light dep. ops......due to numbers I have always run.....in my case, always felt would just draw attention, hence the interest in the AF's for earlier/all season rounds, and really sticking to season (late planted...)

For sure, my structure would draw the wrong attention if it were visible from the street. My yard can't be seen from outside, though--it's well fenced in from all sides and very private.

The blackhouse has been a huge help to me this year. It funded a new redwood deck for my house and will also help pay for my wedding ten weeks hence. It's pretty stuffed right now:

The down side is that I haven't been able to get away at all this summer, and it's hard on my 40-something back schlepping the plants in every evening and out every morning because the entry is only four feet high. I'll build a more ergonomic blackhouse next year.

 

[Julian]

Yep yep, three might be possible without a light dep structure. I'll be able to do four harvests this year only with the help of my "blackhouse." One harvest in early May (still-short spring days), the second in mid-July (blackhouse), the third will be in about two weeks (blackhouse), and the fourth sometime in October (end of outdoor growing season).

I thought a January or so one was possible also for climates and regions that allow it...(Not as well versed....I don't do it....)

Sounds like a busy year for you .......Good!

For sure, my structure would draw the wrong attention if it were visible from the street. My yard can't be seen from outside, though--it's well fenced in from all sides and very private.

I've heard about pools, and, was mentioned earlier in thread and got me thinking again....(I looked at something recently with Olympic size that was badly damaged (empty, really bad....) and recommended it be filled.......wondering if one could get in a quick one before doing so ....Still wonder about heat issues depending on time of year....

The blackhouse has been a huge help to me this year. It funded a new redwood deck for my house and will also help pay for my wedding ten weeks hence. It's pretty stuffed right now:

Your getting a lot of stuff done for the house .....

Yeah, you know.....the one thing that is very attractive to me about such things is keeping elements away from the product.....(ie: Outdoor, lot of rain, lot of pollution, etc.......outdoor always a little "dirty"......can always see it in the bubble......assume always because of the elements, rain and such...pollution, etc.....) I've looked at blackout greenhouses here and there occasionally, but, most not too large, and, one too large, well, they're too large .....Might be wrong but, for me, my situation, my areas, set ups, etc....I always felt greenhouse might draw attention, but, always have it in back of my mind.....

Looks good though.........glad everything working out .....

The down side is that I haven't been able to get away at all this summer, and it's hard on my 40-something back schlepping the plants in every evening and out every morning because the entry is only four feet high. I'll build a more ergonomic blackhouse next year.

Ergonomic Believe me..........I hear ya.....I'm not 18 myself ya know (I forget quite often, but, am well aware )

Hmmm....this has got me thinkin ......

 

[Julian]

Reminder for all with a lot to do......
Summer holiday weekends best used to relax......we all have a lot of work to do...maybe even some cutting, (I have to finish cutting quite a bit of early things...) but, not only is it, and will be it extremely hot on the roads, but, tickets not the only thing to worry about....Many places (State, County, City) will have random road blocks......

Just not worth the risk......(But, no reason not to go and get a lot of work done ...just make sure empty when on the road ...)

One of hottest holidays of the year....(Labor, Memorial, 4th and New Years)

 

[Guest]

Hmmm....this has got me thinkin ......

everything gets you to thinkin Julian,lol.......what it do? hope all is well.......

 

[Julian]

everything gets you to thinkin Julian,lol

It's a curse.....only thing I can do is try and use it to my benefit

.......what it do? hope all is well.......

Same here brother........hope all is well in your corner with you and yours .....

What a ****in year....I'll tell ya ....

 

[New Grower]

The blackhouse has been a huge help to me this year.

Excellent work NPK!

What is this nice strain?

Best Regards, NG

 

[NPK]

Excellent work NPK! What is this nice strain?

Thanks man. It's actually a Mr Nice strain: Shit, to be exact. It's the biggest yielder I've ever grown. I grew it outside in 3-gallon pots of coco coir. It responds very well to topping--when you do that, each branch is capped with a big fat cola. Very pleasing to grow. At first I was kinda "meh" about the flavor and the high, but it improves with a little time in glass. I still have a bunch of beans and am already planning to use 'em outside next year.

Speaking of outside next year--guys, I can't seem to stop scoping for spots! Got to thinking that 50 plants won't be enough when you take probable losses (animals, rippers, etc.) into account. So now, I'm not even thinking about specific numbers so much as the concept of as many as possible. To that end, I've found three or four more possibly excellent spots. Can't wait to try a late-winter-early-spring mini!

 

[Kaneh-Bosm]

I am looking for some specific information. I have a 400w MH. How many mothers and what size pots, etc do I need and what size do my cutting need to be, what size cups when they are hardened off/put outside? I am also trying to figure out how to carry a couple hundred cutting at once? I have several acre's of area I am going to plant in. I want to get out optimum plants. I have growing experience but never this volume of starting seeds or cuttings. I have a doz assorted seeds now. I am going to order 2-3 dozen more to start from. I will grow and sex them, then use the chicas to get the cutting assembly line gowing. Should I keep several smaller mothers or just a few bigger ones? Also how large shoud the cutting be. I figure 14 days rooting time them I will harden them off. I am hoping to have 21 days from the time they get to they are in the ground. When should I get this all started? I cant find the details. what to I do to prep the sites this year? also what exactly do I do when transplanting just dig the holes and bury? I read alot of people ammend the soil for personal plant. I cant see digging a five gallon hole for a couple hundred plants. I have never turnded over so many cutting so I dont know how big my mother should be? as well I dont know exactly what size container they are in before getting put out doors. Thank you for the information.