FFOF and adding nutes (also ff)

Hey grow masters…quick question. It might have been answered but I can’t find it…

I have 7 babies. They are 4.5 and 3.5 weeks old (from germination) 2 weeks and 1 weeks in veg respectively. They are in 2gal pots with FFOF. They look pretty good now. all of the older ones (4.5 week olds) have lost their feeder leaves. The others (3.5 weeks) the feeder leaves are beginning to yellow. the older group has 7-8 nodes the younger group is working on their 5th and 6th nodes.

When would you start nutrients? I have the Fox Farm trio. They look healthy and happy at the moment.

And just for info:

We have them under 400watt MH. carbon filter and exhaust fan and 1 small fan for circulation. they are in a grow cabinet at the moment approx. 2ftX3ft X 4ft tall. Once they outgrow this cab they will be split up and 3 will stay in this cab and the other 4 will go into a grow closet. They are on 18/6 light schedule. Water is ph’d to 6.5. Watering every 2-3 days now.

TIA :slight_smile:

Rodri

5 Likes

Did you get pH and TDS meter @ Rodri? I would think, and I didn’t have the meters at the time I started feeding mine, that if you have low TDS with watering to slight runoff that you could start feeding them maybe at 1/4 strength, at least the ones that are 4 1/2 weeks old. I started feeding mine when the green in their leaves started looking a little less brilliant and they had 5 nodes. That’s just me though and as you know I am new to this too. That’s just what I did.

2 Likes

Thanks @FreakyDeekie. I have a ph meter but no TDS meter. I was hoping not to spend any more money on this endeavor lol. (Hubby is side-eyeing me :credit_card:)

Do you think a TDS meter is a good thing to have?

3 Likes

I guess it is. I got one and have used it a few times and it seems a bit helpful but I am more going with what my plants are looking like. It did help me realize that I might have had the beginnings of some nutrient lockout one time with high runoff readings after pHed watering on 2 of the 6 plants. Maybe warned me before it got to be a problem that I could see and I was able to make some adjustments based on that and the issue or upcoming issue cleared up with my slight adjustments. Gotta hate the hubby side-eye. Mine didn’t realize I had all that pH and TDS stuff until I accidentally forgot to put it away after watering one day, ARGHHHH, I think it was more the “evil eye” that I got instead of the usual side-eye

4 Likes

If the feeder leaves are dying. t’s time for nutes. I would start off at half the dose and add gradually. I Also use FF nutes.

3 Likes

Thanks @bruinsfan33! I think we are going to start them this Friday!

3 Likes

@rodri59

I would suggest you get a TDS meter before starting nutes. especially since your in FFOF. The PPM levels stay high with FFOF for quite a while.
When you do start you don’t have to worry as much using Big Bloom as you do Grow Big. Grow Big will make the PPM levels shoot up high when using even a small amount. Its strong stuff!

3 Likes

I stopped using the Grow Big. FFOF soil + that = immediate nute burn. Mucho success with the Big Bloom and Tiger Bloom!!

12 Likes

Awfully pretty plant you got there @GetbackJoJo :heart:

1 Like

I start feeding once feeders fall off @rodri59

2 Likes

Thanks @Countryboyjvd1971! do you have a TDS meter?

1 Like

I do lol @rodri59
I’ll get a pic for you later
You have another question about them ?

1 Like

Just wondering if they are a good investment (feel like I am bleeding money when it comes to growing lol) and how do they work exactly? Do they measure the run off or the actual soil itself and what does it tell you. I know NOTHING about TDS meters and how to use them so any info you can give me would be soooo appreciated.

Update: I ordered one will be here on Saturday…still not sure what to do with it lol.

You’re ahead of me, I haven’t ordered one yet. I haven’t ordered any of their nutes yet, but they come highly recommended here on this site. I intend to order some here shortly. Are you concerned with the low NPK numbers?

Good question CG…actually I think I am more worried about OVER nutrienting them (is that a word). I grow in FFOF and I know that is pretty hot, so unsure about when to start nutrients with them and then if it is going to be too much for them…

@rodri59 @Covertgrower
Yes you will both need one and yes they are a important tool in arsenal
It will tell you to amount of nutrients in soil
And yes it will read runnoff ppm
Whatvthis tells you is if there enough nutrients in soil or if you need to feed
I’ll look for a few links I think you can get them in the Iglm store as well if not mistaken
Guys
Tag me if you need me to get further into it but yes digital yes and ph meters needed :+1:

3 Likes

@rodri59 I agree with @Countryboyjvd1971. TDS meter is very handy and is pretty inexpensive as far as tools of the trade go. It can be a life saver knowing how much nutrient build up you have in your soil. You can also use it to see how rich your nutrient solution is before you water. It is very easy to use once you get the hang of it and only takes a minute to test but can save you money in the long run by avoiding nutrient deficiencies or over feeding which could delay your grow or reduce the harvest you get.
Over feeding or under feeding can add weeks of grow time which amounts to extra electricity being used and time spent on your grow which ultimately Costs more money. :+1:

3 Likes

Well said @Jmesser80 :+1:

1 Like

Very good point @Jmesser80…I think I need you to plead my case with hubby :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

Well its been ordered, nothing fancy, but good reviews. So I think I am going to hold off with nutes until I have it in hand.

You guys are the best, thanks!

2 Likes

@rodri59 I’m always happy to help when I have the time. Tag me if you have any questions.
Happy growing brotha✌️

1 Like