PH adjustment

[RandyJ]

OK folks--here we go-- I mixed scotts pro gro and a ratio of 1/3 perculite and 1/3 verculite. Added full cup bone and blood meal. next time i will go 1/2 cup i guess. Been using 20-20-20 incorrectly. I had it at 1/2 strength, but i watered with it every 3rd time-not every 3rd week. DUHHHH
My soil ph is 7.0=neutral- and my current 20/20/20/ mix is
5.5 to 6.0- being colored blind doesnt help but i am fairly sure it about right-damn color charts http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif but i read so many figures about PH levels- some say 5.5 to 7-so i will take 6.0-6.5. But how do i get there from here-flushing won't help due to the mix i dont believe-and i had to transplant already once due to blood meal over dose- i caught it early and saved the plant. Don't want to transplant again unless i have to-plants are 5 weeks and over 5 in tall. epsom salt good epsom salt bad-to many conflicts of opinion. I can't find lyme in this area- and most all threads talk about hydro fixing. SO how screwed am I

[rastadub]

Test the PH of your water then if it is around nuetral 7.0 give your pots a flush. It should raise the PH up a few points. Anywhere from 6.2-6.8 should be fine although ive read that 6.4-6.8 is optimal.

Many people tht mix in organic ingredients into thier mix end up having problems. I dont do this and fert with organic liquids. I find it easier this way due to the fact that all plants are different and require different doses.

I wouldnt say that your fucked but if you cannot get your PH back to normal your going to have nutrient lockout problems.

[RandyJ]

so then i take it the bone/blood meal aint the problem--its the overuse of the 20/20/20

[rastadub]

id say that its The combination of all of them. Too much ferts. If you wouldnt of added any 20-20-20 then the soil mix wouldve probably been fine. Enough nutrient to keep your plant healthy for a month or two without adding extra fert.

(Edited by rastadub at 12:15 am on Nov. 20, 2002)

[RandyJ]

(Edited by RandyJ at 3:54 am on Dec. 21, 2002)

[Clueless wanderer]

Calcium is a ph up.

Crack two eggs per plant, wash out the shell and microwave them untill hot (only a few seconds); This will dry them out. Put them in a blender, and you now have powdered calcium.
Sprinkle the calcium over the soil and flush your plants 3 times and check the PH in the morning. The calcium will have brought it up.
Everytime you pour water over the shells, some of the calcium is taken down into the soil. You need to leave them about 12 hrs to get a true ph reading.
Repeat the technique untill the ph is as you want. I personally would aim for a 6.4.

[Clueless wanderer]

Oh yeah, when the ph is ideal, remove the calcium and sling it in the bin.

[rastadub]

Nice post CW I knew there was some easy PH adjuster but i just diidnt know what. Couldnt you just use calcium pills in water then just check the PH of the water before flushing?

[RandyJ]

(Edited by RandyJ at 3:55 am on Dec. 21, 2002)

[rastadub]

Ha i just notice CW posted a PH recipe lol. Use the superthrive in the flush it will help relieve stress on the roots.

Randy i thought you said the PH of your mix was 5.5-6.0 Now iam confused :eyes:

[RandyJ]

yes to 20 20 20 mix- one gallon of water. It is right on the mark. its the organic mix thats 7 silly rabbit. Trix is for kids J/K

[Administrator]

Rasta I believe his soil is at 7.0, and his fert mixture is 5.5-6.0....First Randy the info Rasta and CW have given you is right on the money. I am seeing a common problem here. it is my understanding that when you mix a soil with all the goodies that you DON'T need to add extra ferts with the waterings. That is the whole reason for adding nutes to the soil. Do one or the other. Personally I have been down the road of despair when it comes to soil and ferts. If you want an easy grow then go with a good base potting soil mixed with perlite. Then get some good organic ferts and use them with each watering. I use Metanaturals myself because it contains Mg., but others have used different organics with similar results. I fought with my grow up until the day I made the change. Now I have no worries. No soil to try and get right, no wondering if I forgot to fert this week, and sweet tasting buds. My advice for any freshman is to wait until you gain experience before you tackle soil mixes. I don't have that experience myself just yet so I make do with what is easy.

[RandyJ]

well the reason why i am having trouble-to many different stories. *One person said use 20/20/20 every three days, then i get every third watering, ever three weeks. But i got a handle on it now. I think i am pretty close. Now i am going to flush,get the ph down a step and 1/2. use plainwater and superthirve when needed. And maybe every 3 weeks, once with 20/20/20 if people say thats good. *Thanks all for your help. *Keep my crutches handy http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

(Edited by RandyJ at 12:33 am on Nov. 20, 2002)

[Administrator]

If you are going with the 20-20-20 then you want to use it every third watering. That is the rule of thumb. Also let the pots dry out well between waterings. That will make a huge difference in your plant's health. They like drier soil over moist soil. I promise you that.

[rastadub]

Sorry Herb but i have to disagree with you for once http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif. 20-20-20 is stong stuff and it should be used only once every three weeks. Since randy has a very light and airy soil he may water every three days. Using 20-20-20 every third watering would be every 9 days. That would be tragic for sure

[Administrator]

I won't argue that. That's what I get for trying to give advice on Chems....;) I was relaying what I have heard time and again from others. The one question I do have though. If the plant is recieving three waterings regardless of time in between. What is the difference? The way it was explained to me by a gentleman at my local horticulture shop is that with a high ratio fert you give the plant one large dose that is leached out with the next two waterings. The more times you water between doses will dilute the ferts further and may deprive them of needed nutes. This is why I went organic. To much crap to fool with in my book. They get fed a low dose everytime I water and they love it....:biggrin:

(Edited by Herbsparky at 1:48 am on Nov. 20, 2002)

[rastadub]

Yes i do agree with you on tha Herb Organics just about every watering is easier http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I do think that if 20-20-20 was applied every third watering the 2 watering in between would take out some of the ferts but the rest that was left would eventually build up. Either way since Randy already added bone meals every three weeks would be the better choice i think.

[Administrator]

True that...;)

[RandyJ]

well that make sense. Since the 202020 solution was less than 1/2 strength, I think thats why the level is only 7.If it had been full strength, i bet the level would had been off the scale. But i am learning and thats good. http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[greenthumb420]

Randy there's nothing wrong with a PH of 7,that means the soil is neutral.lower than 7 is acidic and higher than 7 is alkaline.Usually your soil will become acidic as you add ferts....not right off the bat but usually over time that's when you use lime or calcium to bring it back up to a respectable level.Personally i add 1/2 cup of dolomite lime when i mix my soil and don't have to worry about it after that.Are your plants showing trouble?

[RandyJ]

plants look fine-only 5 weeks old- over 5 inches tall. I read about the lime before, but i can't find it. What about that eggshells idea. I read n read, i think i want a PH level of 6.5. SInce i am close, i dont really want to mess thing up now. http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[DazedNConfused]

Hey RandyJ,
Do a search under 'Dolmite Lime' lime works nicly . It should be added to soil before trasplanting but I have spread it on top soil too. It just takes a little while to get in there and do its job ;)
Good luck to your grow.....;) .......l8r

....stay cool & keep :animbong: DNC

[Clueless wanderer]

In soil; As long as the ph was between 6 and 7 i would be happy.

[chopstick]

I also use Organic ferts with every watering, it's easier than fucking with chem ferts. I blew my PH way off using chem ferts and didn't realize until I got a PH meter. By that time things were looking pretty bad, good thing soil grows can bounce back with some TLC hey...
I only use Organic ferts now and I love it, the pot tastes much better and I can realy taste the bud.

[CLOSETGROWTH]

Greenthumb your absolutely correct buddy!:wink:..The Dolomite Lime will stabilize the Ph levels.I use it with every grow... No fuss, no muss...Some of the hardest Questions, are answered so easily..Keep it simple..Remember, its just a "weed":wink: CG http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[glassbender]

Hey, I would like to get a consentience on the Peters 20-20-20 watering. Is it every 3rd watering or every 3rd week? What do others think. I used it for the first time and would like a clear answer, too before I water with it again. Also should Superthrive be used every watering or what? Thanks.

gb

[CLOSETGROWTH]

Hi Glassbender, If your using small pots, then i would say every three weeks.. I use large 7 gallon Pots,and i fertilize every third watering which is also every third week.. I have seen alot of people fertilize there plants every third watering..And there growing in 1-3 gallon containers..Thats a big No No!! Them ferts will burn up there Efforts in no time with that schedule..OUCH!! Easy on the ferts.. A little goes a long way in the cannabis world.And Superthrive should be used at every watering/fert.. I use a full capload each time..Good luck buddy..CG http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[glassbender]

CG, thanks. My pots are 8 inch but I only water about every 5 days, which is less than 3 weeks. The package says every 1-2 weeks to use it, but does not mention how many waterings. Basically, I'm watering right now every 3rd at about 2 weeks.

So I probably go like every 4th watering with ferts, which would make it about 3 weeks? I think every 3 months is wrong, hell they will be out of veggin about then. I think they need ferts more often than twice during veg stage.

My babies are not showing any signs of any burn, so I must be doing something right. But then again, I have only fert twice so far anyway.
I did not know that superthrive every water, I was using it with the ferts only. Ok, I 'll bump the ST up.

[Administrator]

I am with Chop....I went organic and no longer have to think so hard about schedules and if I missed one or not. Just water with the nutes everytime. I do give mine a little break from the ferts halfway thru 12/12 with a shot of pure H2o then finish out with the regular feedings until flush time. I must say I like the taste of my buds much more now too. Everyone that tries my herb comments on the great taste now. Like sweet candy....:biggrin:

[CLOSETGROWTH]

Iam gonna grow 4 of my plants in Organic next time.. Sounds like a winner!! Iam gonna give it a whirl!! CG. :biggrin:

[RandyJ]

ok--its been awhile since i started this. everything is just fine now. PH is 6.8 on everything. All is good. My problem began with 20/20/20. Used it to early, and to often. Now its once every 3 weeks, and I found the tap H20 was also making it go up, and buying distilled water is to muck money. Now I am experimenting (in small drinking cups) to see how to drop levels if they get high again. With PH down for pools, coffee grounds. But i found dried ground eggshells, natural wood ash, and lime will make ph go up. I let ya know how to PH down test go. Test results soon...

[THCdude]

Try to find some nitric acid, as well as making the ph drop, it breaks down to nitrogen (N).

[Clueless wanderer]

I use Sulphate of Iron as ph down. Its cheap, drops the ph like a brick and the plants like the extra iron.

[THCdude]

During the bloom phase, use Phospohoric acid as it breaks down into Phosphorus (P). As with the Nitric acid, use just a few drops per gallon

[RandyJ]

actually i am looking for common, easy to find substances. ALthough i don't need it, this is for others. And I hope that most people don't need a major drop, just a little fine tuning, like maybe a point or so at a time. The PH drop for pools works fine for tap water that is over 7.0. But it takes so long to work on soil. ALso coffee grounds works, but very slowly. More research to follow..

[THCdude]

Actually, both of those acids are available at most hydroponics retailers as well as scientific supplies.

[RandyJ]

hummm closet hydro store is in another state ROFL

[THCdude]

That sucks. Try ecogrow.com or hydro-techn.com, good peeps.

[RandyJ]

Actually--my state five years ago was number 2 in MJ production. And We are number one in stiffest penalties. Being in the middle of the southern baptist belt sucks. And ordering online can get very expensive..As i found out.

[THCdude]

Relocate!

[RandyJ]

oh *so your offering room and board LOL Oh and back to the original subject. I have found 1/4 cup white vinegar mixed with one cup of h20 will drop the ph but then it needs a heavy dose of h20 a few days later cause vinegar will dry up the plant--well at least thats what i read on the net.

(Edited by RandyJ at 9:06 pm on Dec. 13, 2002)

[Clueless wanderer]

I picked up the sulphate of iron in the local, small time garden centre.

[agrowguy]

Ok,

I had the same exact problem using the exact same ingredients Randy. I had the EXACT same problem. I planted my seedlings Northern Lights Nirvana F2's in 1/2 cup bone meal, Perlite, Vermiculite, and Pro-Mix. I didnt get anywhere cause they died like kaboom. Now im on the right track with less bone meal in the soil. I need to actually replace it later on because my plants are major Nitrogen hogs. ;) Peace bro

agrowguy

[RandyJ]

don't ya mean blood--its the nitro one---my prob was using 20/20/20 to early--when it wasnt needed anyways--but ya learn as ya grow

[hellostupid]

From personal experience:
1)Vinegar kills...don't use even a little.
2)Aquarium ph down- buy the one that says it's safe for plants&fish!!! *It is usually phosphoric acid.
3)Nitric Acid-otherz say to use durin' veggy instead of Phosphoric Acid. *I don't agree. *Since cannabis use more N durin' veggy...these cannabis plants will indirectly deplete your nitric acid more rapidly(I'm not sure exactly how so don't ask:angry:)!!!! Use nitric acid durin' flowerin' instead! *Blasphemy you're probably thinkin' i know...tha world is not flat folkz...c'mon...
4)Phosphoric Acid-the greatest PH buffer. *It naturally keeps PH consistantly at PH of 7.2 or lower!!! *Use durin' the veggy stage...other'z will say it'z better used durin' flowerin'....but I disagree!!!! *I actually believe nitric acid is best durin' flowerin...not durin' veggy!!!

:alien:Conclusion-i believe Phosphoric acid is perfect for both veggy&flowerin stage. *Phosphoric acid is a natural buffer that never allows your PH level to go higher than 7.2!!!! *Walmart sells aquarium ph down(phoshoric acid)called "Aquarium PH decreaser" made by Jungle for $2 thatz safe for both plantz&fish!!!! *U only need to use 1/2 teaspoon per 10 gallonz for a 1/2 point drop in PH!!!
I've successfully sustained a 5.8ph level with this product for over 6 dayz now without the need to add anymore Aquarium pH decreaser!!!! Not bad for a $2 dollar product!!!

(Edited by ismoke2much at 3:36 am on Jan. 21, 2003)

[THCdude]

Ismoke, the plant won't uptake your nitric acid, it will only pull the byproduct (reagent) after the acid breaks down, having down its ph down thang. Most, if not all, hydro stores recommend the opposite of what you have- I'm all up for experimentation, but I disagree with your conclusions.