Help how to get ppm

so i either have a nutrient deficiency or lockout, i found a tds meter so what is the correct way to find what my issue may be

Ppms should be between 750 and 1500. If ppms are on the lower side they are hungry over 1500 means they are not eating. Are you also checking to make sure you ph is in range as well?

yes i am, but like what i mean is how much runoff should i have before i check it

The rule of thumb is about 20% runoff

What makes you think you have a problem? Last picture was 10 days ago and they looked ok. What has changed? Can you post a picture in natural light or flash(as long as it is not under a blue light).

I found this article to be informative and useful

The first step is collecting the runoff. This is what made it much easier for me. Pots are on a elevated rack (2x4 on edge) and saucers underneath to catch the runoff. not the best photo

Depending on the issue you are having, you either need to feed, knowing PPM going in, or plain water enough to get 20% drip out the bottom and check levels as @MadamCalamity said.

Thanks for that link @beardless . I am going to check that out myself. :+1: Always looking to develop a new wrinkle in the ol’ grey matter.

by plain water- is that like distilled water or tap…also if my ppm suggest s they are hungry- do i feed immediately after checking

This is where a good clear picture of the whole plant would help to determine which course to take.

ok gimme a sec, im out in the cold with my bratty dogs lol…btw their names are sativa and hayz😉

Mine is scratching at the door like I would let her in or something. Her name is Goldie as in Ms. Hawn.


Looks to me like only older fans are affected. My guess is she is hungry and needs a bloom booster. As they get deeper in flower, they will strip what they need from older leaves. I think I would mix up a feeding, note the PPM going in then check runoff and compare.
Get a couple more sets of eyes for better advice maybe.
@PurpNGold74 @MattyBear @Covertgrower @dbrn32

no its actually the whole plant, the healthier looking leaves you are seeing is part of another that is just hanging over

even if its as simple as having to up her feeding-i still say itd be a good opportunity to start learning how to check the runoff n all tht, im new to all of this

hey um quick question that may hold the answer…should i check ppm of my water before watering, if so what should ppm be if im feeding…maybe 4 weeks in flower, in soil

This is pretty standard.

Yes, whether feed or just water. Then if runoff is much higher than feed = possible salt build up.
lower = hungry and took some up.
For water only if runoff is very high you need to flush with excessive water if very low feed well.

like before going in though

ok so its def underfed, when i first started i took some advice(not from on here) and was told to only use 1/4 of what the ff nute feed schedule was, if going by that the ppm of water before watering is around 450-550…
is it safe to say this is the problem