I am growing Alaskan Purple photos.
They are 23 days from seed - in 3 gallon fabric pots
FFOF soil
Water ph goes in at 6.5
Soil alkalinity comes in at 7 and 7.5 (depending on the plant) and I don’t know how to fix it - fml.
Starting to get some yellowing on the bottom leaves -
I have read all kinds of things to help me fix it but I don’t know what things to specifically buy to do what everyone says. I’m still only a baby in this - any help is appreciated.
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Hey @Mdowdy70 It sounds like you’re doing a great job so far! Here are some steps to help you address the soil alkalinity and yellowing leaves:
Lowering Soil Alkalinity
- Test Soil pH: Use a soil pH test kit to confirm the pH levels.
- Add Sulfur: Sulfur is a natural way to lower soil pH. You can add 1 to 3 ounces of ground rock sulfur per square yard of soil⁵.
- Mix Well: If your soil is sandy or has a lot of clay, use less sulfur and mix it in very well⁵.
- Monitor pH: Test the pH of your soil again after a few weeks to see if the sulfur has worked¹.
Addressing Yellowing Leaves
- Check Nutrient Levels: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Consider using a balanced fertilizer.
- Watering: Ensure you are not overwatering or underwatering your plants. Consistent watering helps maintain nutrient uptake.
- Light: Make sure your plants are getting adequate light.
Products to Consider
- pH Soil Test Kit: To monitor soil pH levels.
- Garden Sulfur: To lower soil pH.
- Balanced Fertilizer: To address potential nutrient deficiencies.
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Can you post some pics so we can see. It will help
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Thank you for being specific @LateNightGardner
I have the test kit for the soul as well as the meter for the water so I am good there.
I use Fox Farm Ocean Forest soul and it has always held me for the first months before nutes are needed but as this is my first grow on Alaskan Purple photo - maybe it’s a heavier feeding plant. I can do a small dose of nutes and see how they respond I suppose. Meanwhile I will figure out what ground rock surfer is….
Too be honest I have to guess at the lighting cause it is all Greek to me. I spent a ton on the one I have but don’t really understand the dynamics of it all. lol. I have been a lucky player thus far.
I have the IONFRAME EVO10, Samsung LM301H EVO Commercial LED Grow Light, 1000W, 5x5 ft.
It has 10 light levels but I have no clue what each level of light offers and the book says nothing about that. Since they are young and just out of seedling stage I have them 14” away at level 3. (My light meter reads 1800-2000 depending on where I hold it at each plant Typically once they hit pre flower they are at a level 8 which is almost full power and then in flower I move to a 9 or 10 depending on how the plants are doing. I usually do autos so it’s so fast but these are photos so it’s a new guessing game. lol.
Here is how they look right now. (I will water before I go to bed)
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Hey @T-ray T-Ray - I added the pics in my response above. The single plant shown is the one with the leaf issue I am seeing.
Wow @Mdowdy70 thats a very nice fixture. You have some options to automate your grow with an option to control your system. I included a link about the specs.
I think you’re a wee bit too close to your young plants. I’d back off to 18” your really pushing too much on them at this point.
That’s a very nice light. I have the 280w version from the same product line.
I need to get a good PAR meter. I try to balance distance from the plants with output and heat in the tent, but I’m just using a guesstimate process. I place the back of my hand under the light to gauge heat and adjust accordingly.
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@Mdowdy70 Have you tried to flush to 6.5? I know I use FF soil and it can be hot for some plants. And excess salts.
Just 2 weeks ago i had to run FF Sledgehammer and then 45 gallons flush through 4 plants 
their ph was 7.5
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