My last few runs really exposed some issues with my choices, specifically with medium choice and over fertilization. I ran some tests towards the end of my last grow, and the PPM was 2k+, sometimes greater. Obviously way too high!
My plants survived, but were definitely not optimal, and I stopped using nutes all together. I know Autos need under 1k PPM (400 to 700). when I ran a soil test, my soil was way hot (3k ppm). It simply won’t due if I want to use Ventana Plant Science. My main soil was Black Gold Organic with additional perlite.
I am ready for my next run, and my next experiment! But I have some questions for you all and could use some guidance!
Autos definitely don’t need any nutrients with the soil as, could/should I try to amend the soil with something (peat, coir, more perlite) and run soil tests until I reach something more in the 500 PPM at the onset of planting?
If I really want to do a full run just focused on using nutrients, should I run a coir/perlite medium and have these nutrients be the only source of fertilization? I’ve never done a run like that before, but I feel like it could be a fun experiment! If this is the best recommendation, any tips/tricks/insights you could share?
Any other ideas about a good growing medium to use with VPS?
I’m an indoor AC infinity grower. I can give a good amount of attention to the plants on a daily basis as I work from home.
Have you tried asking/emailing the company that makes the nutrient line?
From my experience, which isn’t a lot, 60/40 coco/perlite works well and provides a good amount of drainage, so when frequent feeding to a good amount of runoff, buildup in the medium is minimal.
I don’t know that there is any factual basis to support the following statements.
But if you want to use an inert media and supply all fertilizers it’s plenty acceptable to do so. Coco and coco/perlite blend are probably most common but peat, hydroton, or even a bucket of rocks would allow you to do this. Just understand each method usually has some very specific guidelines to be successful.
Growing it Coco/Perlite is as easy as it gets in my opinion. Again, it’s another question for you nutrient company if they have a feeding schedule for Coco. I feed mature plants 3 times a day to runoff. 850ppm in is the goal. Most nutrient lines will require additional CalMag in your feedings. I use Advanced nutrients for Coco so I don’t supplement with anything and I don’t PH. But I think your PH IN goal is around 5.8-6.0.
The feeding 3 times a day is easier than it sounds by hooking up an inexpensive drip system on a timer. Just shop vac the runoff every morning.
Look on the “coco for cannabis” site. He gives a really good run down on DIY irrigation systems. I’m using both emitter systems and Halo rings, and I prefer the emitters. The emitters give a slower watering time of about 3-4 minutes where the Halos run about 30-45 seconds. I feel like the slower emitters probably saturate the coco better but I really don’t know. both seem to be getting the job done.
You can also use one of the little pumps as a stirring pump. Plug it into the second side of the timer and have it come on for about 45 seconds every 3 hours to keep the feed reservoir stirred up and fresh. Amazon.com
Autos not really any different than photoperiod plants in terms of needs. You may find some that are light feeders, but this happens with photoperiod plants too. For mature plants 800-1000 ppm is a pretty good baseline.