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Tribulations of an Absentee Gardener
- Thread starter Boocoodinkydow
- Start date
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
Joining late as always.
Thanx, CannaRed, for joining in. It’s an honor to have you here!
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
Thanx for stopping by, PCBuds. Appreciate the compliment. I stop in on your grow often and watched your experimentation with the lighting. Very innovative!
There’s a lot of successful grow mediums and watering systems in play. Everyone has their favorite and can offer legitimate evidence supporting their choices. I’ve never used anything but coco/perlite and have no basis for comparison with others. But I can’t imagine anything working into my scheme of things any better than this. I’ve found it to be very forgiving of my many mistakes and abuse. I don’t see anything coming down the pike that would coax me to abandon this medium. Im probably a fan for life.
The Swick system is relatively new, only about a year. After working the bugs out, I’ve been impressed with the performance. The Swick offers phenomenal growth potential in spite of all the abuse, neglect and modest equipment I’ve used.
As far as cabinet size, the 6’ tall is a necessity for me. I’m not much of a scrogger, topper, pruner or LST’er. Too lazy I think. This is my first attempt at vertical gardening but I think it’s something that’s going to fly well for me. How it’ll work with indicas is still a question mark but I plan to launch one as soon as I get back after the holidays.
If you plan on giving any of this a whirl, be more than happy to assist anyway I can!
BCDD
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
And now LET THERE BE LIGHT.....
Nothing is quite as polarizing among gardeners as lighting. Everyone has their fave and many can justify their choices with a long list of technical data. There’s a vast array of choices out there. My best advice is to determine your goals, the size of your garden and where your budget lies. Do the research, find what suits your criteria and go for it. You’ll find happy gardeners using everything from simple CFL’s to $1k LED panels. No wrong choices, just different strokes for different folks!
Now, where am I and where have I been? First, trophy plants have never been my goal. Massive yields aren’t what I hope to achieve. I’m a micro-doser and grow far more than I use. I’m simply looking for a modest amount of decent quality weed to sate my needs. Therefore, high powered, expensive lights aren’t necessary to obtain my goals.
For my first garden, I used a handful of CFL’s over 3 plants. In spite of trying to love my plants to death, they survived, thrived and yielded a moderate amount of some of the most potent pot I’ve grown since.
Take 2 was still with CFL’s but I got a little fancier with the reflector.
I had 3 different grows with decent results using CFL’s. In spite of that, I now consider CFL’s antiquated and wouldn’t consider them at this day in time.
I then graduated to a 150w HPS at a cost of about $75. I liked the results from this little light albeit a little hot and not as efficient as other choices. I felt it appropriate for only a single plant, however.
Next, I popped for a 600w HPS and a 600w MH. I used this setup only once. Just too much fire power for my needs and it was rather costly to operate. At that time I was running autos and the lights were on 18 hrs a day.
This is about the point that I stumbled on Blynx SIL thread and was infatuated! This fit into my “mostest for the leastest” philosophy to a TEE. These guys are getting some amazing yields with these cheap lights. If you haven’t visited that thread, you owe it to yourself to drop by. You’ll probably be surprised.
With a little savvy shopping and a coupon, I snagged 2 dozen 10.5w SIL’s for a buck apiece. With the 7 socket splitter pictured below, I had a total investment of less than $15. That’s an initial expenditure of less than a quarter per watt!
In my opinion, these lights are excellent choices if you can keep an even canopy. Unfortunately, scrogging is beyond my level of expertise! My first two attempts under these SIL’s prompted the plants to grow to heights of over 4’. In hindsight, thinking these lamps were going to be adequate to properly flower the plant over the entirety of its 4’ structure was comparable to believing in Santa Claus! I had some nice colas on the top of the plant but the buds on the lower 2/3 of the plant were obviously lacking.
Time to flip the lights, literally. With this grow headed in the same direction as the first 2, I decided to make a radical change. Let’s grow vertical!
I found 20) 4’ 18w LED tubes and tombstone sockets on amazon for $115. At $.32 per watt, that’s still not a bad initial investment. I built 3 simple wooden frames that hold 7 bulbs each. Initially, I was a bit concerned over the rather anemic light saturation of only 30w per square foot but so far the plants don’t seem to be suffering!
To be continued.....
Nothing is quite as polarizing among gardeners as lighting. Everyone has their fave and many can justify their choices with a long list of technical data. There’s a vast array of choices out there. My best advice is to determine your goals, the size of your garden and where your budget lies. Do the research, find what suits your criteria and go for it. You’ll find happy gardeners using everything from simple CFL’s to $1k LED panels. No wrong choices, just different strokes for different folks!
Now, where am I and where have I been? First, trophy plants have never been my goal. Massive yields aren’t what I hope to achieve. I’m a micro-doser and grow far more than I use. I’m simply looking for a modest amount of decent quality weed to sate my needs. Therefore, high powered, expensive lights aren’t necessary to obtain my goals.
For my first garden, I used a handful of CFL’s over 3 plants. In spite of trying to love my plants to death, they survived, thrived and yielded a moderate amount of some of the most potent pot I’ve grown since.
Take 2 was still with CFL’s but I got a little fancier with the reflector.
I had 3 different grows with decent results using CFL’s. In spite of that, I now consider CFL’s antiquated and wouldn’t consider them at this day in time.
I then graduated to a 150w HPS at a cost of about $75. I liked the results from this little light albeit a little hot and not as efficient as other choices. I felt it appropriate for only a single plant, however.
Next, I popped for a 600w HPS and a 600w MH. I used this setup only once. Just too much fire power for my needs and it was rather costly to operate. At that time I was running autos and the lights were on 18 hrs a day.
This is about the point that I stumbled on Blynx SIL thread and was infatuated! This fit into my “mostest for the leastest” philosophy to a TEE. These guys are getting some amazing yields with these cheap lights. If you haven’t visited that thread, you owe it to yourself to drop by. You’ll probably be surprised.
With a little savvy shopping and a coupon, I snagged 2 dozen 10.5w SIL’s for a buck apiece. With the 7 socket splitter pictured below, I had a total investment of less than $15. That’s an initial expenditure of less than a quarter per watt!
In my opinion, these lights are excellent choices if you can keep an even canopy. Unfortunately, scrogging is beyond my level of expertise! My first two attempts under these SIL’s prompted the plants to grow to heights of over 4’. In hindsight, thinking these lamps were going to be adequate to properly flower the plant over the entirety of its 4’ structure was comparable to believing in Santa Claus! I had some nice colas on the top of the plant but the buds on the lower 2/3 of the plant were obviously lacking.
Time to flip the lights, literally. With this grow headed in the same direction as the first 2, I decided to make a radical change. Let’s grow vertical!
I found 20) 4’ 18w LED tubes and tombstone sockets on amazon for $115. At $.32 per watt, that’s still not a bad initial investment. I built 3 simple wooden frames that hold 7 bulbs each. Initially, I was a bit concerned over the rather anemic light saturation of only 30w per square foot but so far the plants don’t seem to be suffering!
To be continued.....
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
These are single ended ballast bypass, meaning they do operate from simple 120vac and wiring is only required in one tombstone socket. The tubes are glass (just broke one before I left). For those shopping around, make sure you get the clear glass tubes. Some have translucent diffuser tubes that markedly decrease lux performance.
Hold water?? I’ll have to get back to you on that one! LOL!
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
A COUPLE OF FOOTNOTES ON LIGHTING....
Reading back over my lighting post, I can see where some could perceive I’m kicking the SIL’s to the curb. Definitely not the case. They will continue to be an integral part of my game plan. I’ll be using the 7 bulb pod for the first 6 weeks or until they start showing flower stage, at which time I’ll transition to the vertical tubes.
I feel the vertical tubes are only going to be proficient IF the plant approaches a height of about 4’. Thus far, this hasn’t been problematic but I’ve only grown pure sativas or sativa dominant strains. I’m anxious to try an indica but I have my doubts it’s going to be as cooperative in this aspect. Bare in mind, my use of constant 12/12 light schedule negates my ability to control veg time, and therefore, growth structure. I may have to alter my lighting plans for the indica. Time will tell.
To be continued.....
Reading back over my lighting post, I can see where some could perceive I’m kicking the SIL’s to the curb. Definitely not the case. They will continue to be an integral part of my game plan. I’ll be using the 7 bulb pod for the first 6 weeks or until they start showing flower stage, at which time I’ll transition to the vertical tubes.
I feel the vertical tubes are only going to be proficient IF the plant approaches a height of about 4’. Thus far, this hasn’t been problematic but I’ve only grown pure sativas or sativa dominant strains. I’m anxious to try an indica but I have my doubts it’s going to be as cooperative in this aspect. Bare in mind, my use of constant 12/12 light schedule negates my ability to control veg time, and therefore, growth structure. I may have to alter my lighting plans for the indica. Time will tell.
To be continued.....
MountainBudz
⛽🦨 Kinebud and Heirloom Preservationist! 🦨 ⛽
Sweet setup you got here brother ... Just stopped in and took a look. I must say, that you have a beautiful view from your vacation "resort" as well... To be honest with you, looks like my backyard, feels a lot like home... 
... Just stopped in and took a look. I must say, that you have a beautiful view from your vacation "resort" as well... To be honest with you, looks like my backyard, feels a lot like home... Boocoodinkydow
Active member
Sweet setup you got here brother
Thanx, Mountain Budz.
I’m envious of you folks fortunate enough to be full time residents in a serene mountain setting. We love it up here but just don’t get to visit as much as we’d like.
Appreciate you stopping in.
BCDD
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
AND NOW A WORD ON NUTRIENTS.....
And a short word it’ll be because.....
This is all there is! The cal-mag is from when I first started gardening in 2016 and is probably no longer viable. I used to use it occasionally but I’ve never seen evidence of deficiencies so it’s just been collecting dust for a while now. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!!
I’ve never used anything other than the FloraNova series so I have no basis for comparison to other nutes. It’s always done well enough for my needs so I’ve stuck with it. Initially, I was also using FloraNova Grow also but I ran out one day. Without quick access for it, I just loaded the rez up with the Bloom during veg and all looked good so what the hell, let’s just K.I.S.S.!!
I always mix nutes at full stength. I’m not sure if the mixed nutes form a solution or suspension. If it is a simple suspension, periodic agitation is required to safeguard against separation and subsequent settlement. Problem
retty damn tough to stir the contents of a 20 gallon drum through a bung hole! Solution: drill a hole in the upside of the drum, insert a 3/8” plumbing service line long enough to reach the bottom, hook it to a length of air hose with a quick disconnect and connect it to a compressor. Blowing bubbles through it for a couple of minutes will do the job pretty well.
GH recommends changing the reservoir every 7 to 14 days but I haven’t found that necessary. In fact, far from it. I think I mentioned earlier I’ve only drained and cleaned the rez and basin once and that was after about 6 months use. I found no slime, odor, sludge or discoloration. Everything looked perfect (to borrow President Don John Drumph’s description of a certain phone call recently!). I had planned on changing it again after the first of the year but I’m now considering pushing the envelope even further. It’s been about 7 months now since the cleaning. I love finding the point of failure. As I mentioned earlier, you can only establish parameters of success by first finding the points of failure. So let’s run the rez and basin until we see signs of problems!
I’m planning on hatching a new seed after the holidays and I’ll share the procedure for introducing a tender seedling to full strength nutes without nute burn.
To be continued.....
And a short word it’ll be because.....
This is all there is! The cal-mag is from when I first started gardening in 2016 and is probably no longer viable. I used to use it occasionally but I’ve never seen evidence of deficiencies so it’s just been collecting dust for a while now. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!!
I’ve never used anything other than the FloraNova series so I have no basis for comparison to other nutes. It’s always done well enough for my needs so I’ve stuck with it. Initially, I was also using FloraNova Grow also but I ran out one day. Without quick access for it, I just loaded the rez up with the Bloom during veg and all looked good so what the hell, let’s just K.I.S.S.!!
I always mix nutes at full stength. I’m not sure if the mixed nutes form a solution or suspension. If it is a simple suspension, periodic agitation is required to safeguard against separation and subsequent settlement. Problem
retty damn tough to stir the contents of a 20 gallon drum through a bung hole! Solution: drill a hole in the upside of the drum, insert a 3/8” plumbing service line long enough to reach the bottom, hook it to a length of air hose with a quick disconnect and connect it to a compressor. Blowing bubbles through it for a couple of minutes will do the job pretty well. GH recommends changing the reservoir every 7 to 14 days but I haven’t found that necessary. In fact, far from it. I think I mentioned earlier I’ve only drained and cleaned the rez and basin once and that was after about 6 months use. I found no slime, odor, sludge or discoloration. Everything looked perfect (to borrow President Don John Drumph’s description of a certain phone call recently!). I had planned on changing it again after the first of the year but I’m now considering pushing the envelope even further. It’s been about 7 months now since the cleaning. I love finding the point of failure. As I mentioned earlier, you can only establish parameters of success by first finding the points of failure. So let’s run the rez and basin until we see signs of problems!
I’m planning on hatching a new seed after the holidays and I’ll share the procedure for introducing a tender seedling to full strength nutes without nute burn.
To be continued.....
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That's really good stuff Mr Boocooo.
I'm really surprised you are not getting any salt build up from the flora in the wick system.
I have a long time ago used Hesi nutrients straight through Blumats and always got some funny deposits at the bottom of the reservoir, but can't complain really as it was never causing any harm...
I like how the absentee grower's mindset can change over the years. In the beginning, a loaded res and HID lights on timers would give me anxiety everytime i left the house.
Now on LEDs, Blumats, organic soil and water only until harvest, I sometimes forget about how I am growing all year round with the system mostly on autopilot.
Recent grow saw me return home only once 3 weeks into flower, gave an in-between watering with BioBizz nutes, filling up the res, some heavy defoliation and off again. Won't be back before harvest
Here's to easiest, mostest for leastest hahaha
Continued good luck with your grow and keep it up!!!
CC
I'm really surprised you are not getting any salt build up from the flora in the wick system.
I have a long time ago used Hesi nutrients straight through Blumats and always got some funny deposits at the bottom of the reservoir, but can't complain really as it was never causing any harm...
I like how the absentee grower's mindset can change over the years. In the beginning, a loaded res and HID lights on timers would give me anxiety everytime i left the house.
Now on LEDs, Blumats, organic soil and water only until harvest, I sometimes forget about how I am growing all year round with the system mostly on autopilot.
Recent grow saw me return home only once 3 weeks into flower, gave an in-between watering with BioBizz nutes, filling up the res, some heavy defoliation and off again. Won't be back before harvest
Here's to easiest, mostest for leastest hahaha
Continued good luck with your grow and keep it up!!!
CC
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
That's really good stuff Mr Boocooo.
I'm really surprised you are not getting any salt build up from the flora in the wick system.
I have a long time ago used Hesi nutrients straight through Blumats and always got some funny deposits at the bottom of the reservoir, but can't complain really as it was never causing any harm...
I like how the absentee grower's mindset can change over the years. In the beginning, a loaded res and HID lights on timers would give me anxiety everytime i left the house.
Now on LEDs, Blumats, organic soil and water only until harvest, I sometimes forget about how I am growing all year round with the system mostly on autopilot.
Recent grow saw me return home only once 3 weeks into flower, gave an in-between watering with BioBizz nutes, filling up the res, some heavy defoliation and off again. Won't be back before harvest
Here's to easiest, mostest for leastest hahaha
Continued good luck with your grow and keep it up!!!
CC
Thanx, Chevy. I can definitely relate to the anxiety during away times, especially prior to adopting the Swick system. I used to top water through emitters and pond pumps with a timer. Constantly problematic! I always placed 3 emitters in each bag and almost always returned to find 1-2 clogged. Had 2 pond pumps crap out. Once the contacts on my timer stuck closed and emptied my rez while I was gone. Bad times.
I was amazed at the lack of yuckies in my rez and basin when I cleaned it, also. When I was top watering, I had slime build up in the rez in short order. Just grasping for rational, but I think the clean state may be has something to do with me being quite anal about avoiding light infiltration at all points.
Dunhavinfun summized that my system never allows for anything to dry out, even briefly, and the absence of contact with air doesn’t give the salts an opportunity to crystallize. Did I relate that properly, DHF?
Thanx for the input, Chevy. We fellow absentee gardeners do face additional challenges!!
BCDD
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Guaranteed if coco dries out , EC climbs and PH drops with lockouts and imbalances right behind , but with "reflectix rings" on top of your container preventing excess evaporation while sittin it`s ass on a float valve driven constant juice supply from underneath seems to be a viable new setup that I`m sure enough of to kill some plants in the search for K.I.S.S. dialage where I can watch my plants grow instead of bitch and complain about all the bullshit....but then there`s the trimming....sheesh......LOL....anyways.....
Enjoy your vacation and holidays Bro.....Merry Xmas and Happy New Yr with hopes your plant does well and the runt just adds free somethin to the mix..... and.........
Peace.....DHF.....
…….Boocoodinkydow
Active member
Guaranteed if coco dries out , EC climbs and PH drops with lockouts and imbalances right behind , but with "reflectix rings" on top of your container preventing excess evaporation while sittin it`s ass on a float valve driven constant juice supply from underneath seems to be a viable new setup that I`m sure enough of to kill some plants in the search for K.I.S.S. dialage where I can watch my plants grow instead of bitch and complain about all the bullshit....but then there`s the trimming....sheesh......LOL....anyways.....
Enjoy your vacation and holidays Bro.....Merry Xmas and Happy New Yr with hopes your plant does well and the runt just adds free somethin to the mix..... and.........
Peace.....DHF.....
Thanx, man, and happy holidays to you!,
MountainBudz
⛽🦨 Kinebud and Heirloom Preservationist! 🦨 ⛽
Yessir, you're welcome.
I have been here in the mountains the majority of my life, the Appalachians. It's something people take for granted around here. I have been to other places, cities, beaches, deserts. Although I found great interest in those lands, the mountains were always calling me back home.
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
Thanx, CannaRed.
Yeah, and I think I remember seeing that LED’s are notorious for leaching cal-mag as well. So I’m probably facing a double whammy in this respect. When I first transitioned to these SIL’s I was a little concerned about this factor. And, admittedly, for the first time ever I did notice a couple of leaves about midway up the plant that exhibited what I summized May have been minor cal-mag deficiency but never advanced. I’ve never been one to be alarmed over a few distressed leaves, especially if it’s some older growth. This is another one I’m just going to watch for the point of failure and learn from it!
BCDD
Boocoodinkydow
Active member
YO’ GARDEN’S GONNA STANK, BRO!!...
This is for the benefit of prospective gardeners because if you’ve got even a single grow under your belt, you know what I’m talking about!
Don’t get caught unprepared and have to destroy your crop during flower stage because you failed to take proper precautions. Prior to completion, the smell from even a single plant can become overwhelming. I’ve grown more than 20 varieties and have yet to find any that don’t “stank”!
For the first rodeo, probably the most overlooked segment of gardening is the filtration system. I was guilty!
I live in a very remote rural area. I’m 1/3 of a mile off the road with no neighbor in sight or earshot. I was growing in a closed cabinet inside a 1200 sqft building with 25’ ceilings, a lot of airspace for odor to disperse, right? Who the hell needs a filter?!?
During flower stage, I was visited by my neighbor farmer that tends one of my hay fields. We were over 100’ from my shop and he averred he smelled a skunk. He voiced astonishment since skunks had disappeared from our area over a half century ago. I simply feigned astonishment, also, and let it pass.
A neighbor at my vacation home was growing a single plant in the basement of his 3 story home. In spite of the fact it’s in an enclosed cabinet WITH a charcoal filter system, his wife swears she can smell it on the top floor. Of course, she’s got a nose like a bloodhound (other similar facial features, too, now that I think about it!).
Unless you’re in a very unique situation, your gonna need a filter. Do yourself a favor and make plans ahead of time. This is a pretty decent combo available from amazon:
It’s of mediocre quality. I bought one of their fans over 4 years ago and it ran almost constantly. I just replaced it because there was a little bearing noise when I changed the orientation from horizontal to vertical.
The speed controller isn’t an absolute must but I wouldn’t be without one. I seldom run mine at more than half speed.
Look for a cfm rating that’s capable of changing the volume of your cabinet or closet twice per minute.
If stealth isn’t a consideration, this will save a few bux:
But be forewarned, it’s pretty loud over half speed.
Still trying to save a $, google “DIY carbon filter” and you should be able find a plan that suits you if you’re a bit of a crafty guy.
To be continued.....
This is for the benefit of prospective gardeners because if you’ve got even a single grow under your belt, you know what I’m talking about!
Don’t get caught unprepared and have to destroy your crop during flower stage because you failed to take proper precautions. Prior to completion, the smell from even a single plant can become overwhelming. I’ve grown more than 20 varieties and have yet to find any that don’t “stank”!
For the first rodeo, probably the most overlooked segment of gardening is the filtration system. I was guilty!
I live in a very remote rural area. I’m 1/3 of a mile off the road with no neighbor in sight or earshot. I was growing in a closed cabinet inside a 1200 sqft building with 25’ ceilings, a lot of airspace for odor to disperse, right? Who the hell needs a filter?!?
During flower stage, I was visited by my neighbor farmer that tends one of my hay fields. We were over 100’ from my shop and he averred he smelled a skunk. He voiced astonishment since skunks had disappeared from our area over a half century ago. I simply feigned astonishment, also, and let it pass.
A neighbor at my vacation home was growing a single plant in the basement of his 3 story home. In spite of the fact it’s in an enclosed cabinet WITH a charcoal filter system, his wife swears she can smell it on the top floor. Of course, she’s got a nose like a bloodhound (other similar facial features, too, now that I think about it!).
Unless you’re in a very unique situation, your gonna need a filter. Do yourself a favor and make plans ahead of time. This is a pretty decent combo available from amazon:
It’s of mediocre quality. I bought one of their fans over 4 years ago and it ran almost constantly. I just replaced it because there was a little bearing noise when I changed the orientation from horizontal to vertical.
The speed controller isn’t an absolute must but I wouldn’t be without one. I seldom run mine at more than half speed.
Look for a cfm rating that’s capable of changing the volume of your cabinet or closet twice per minute.
If stealth isn’t a consideration, this will save a few bux:
But be forewarned, it’s pretty loud over half speed.
Still trying to save a $, google “DIY carbon filter” and you should be able find a plan that suits you if you’re a bit of a crafty guy.
To be continued.....
PCBuds
Well-known member
I'm in the unique situation in Canada where it's legal and I don't have to worry about whether I stink or not !!
I can smell like a skunk, or Parmesan cheese or hopefully a candy cane shortly after I get and grow something new. Lol
I just have a fan. You guys need a blower.
