Outdoor Grow - Tropical

[Chantra]

First time grow, will probably need some help along the way.

Location is 10° N, so a 12/12 light cycle.

Using seeds liberated from some Laos brick. Not expecting a first-class product; I'm using this to get experience. Will probably make BHO as that's what I did with the brick.

The starter pot is about 4 litres, with a mix of broken pottery and coconut husks at the bottom. Using a mix of potting soil and worm compost. Ph is around 7.

The first seed split its shell during the initial 24 hour immersion; the tap root grew to 2cm (nearly an inch) during the next 24 hours on soaked tissue paper. In the three days since planting (five days since initial immersion), it has grown to 5.5cm. With such vigorous growth, I suspect it may be male, but this grow is as I said for experience.

Will post photos when I get over this paranoia.

Comments appreciated. Cheers.

[Chantra]

Paranoia over.


The colour looks a little washed out in the photo. It's a healthier-looking green in the 'flesh'.

[Chantra]

Day 8

[Uncle Ron]

Hey Chantra,
Do you know what to expect from a Laotian strain? It will probably be somewhere in the 12-14 week flowering period, if growing indoor.
If outdoor, dunno since my experience is mostly with indoor growing.

You stated the pH was around 7? What did you use to measure?
A pH of 7 might be a bit high. Cannabis thrives when the pH is between 5.8 and 6.4.

Good luck...
Happy farming...

[Chantra]

Hi Uncle Ron. I have no idea what to expect from the Laotian strain. The weed itself is poor quality, with many twigs and seeds, an OK taste but little effect. I'm just hoping that better care will result in a better product. It's impossible to get any decent seeds where I live, so I'm using this as growing experience for when I get seeds on my next visit to Amsterdam (buying mail order seeds is too risky).

As per the topic title, it's an outdoor grow.

You stated the pH was around 7? What did you use to measure?

Dunno why I mentioned the pH as I only measured the water (using a water filter testing kit). I assume the potting soil and worm compost will bring the pH down to a more appropriate level.

Thanks for looking in.

[Uncle Ron]

Hi Uncle Ron. I have no idea what to expect from the Laotian strain. The weed itself is poor quality, with many twigs and seeds, an OK taste but little effect. I'm just hoping that better care will result in a better product. It's impossible to get any decent seeds where I live, so I'm using this as growing experience for when I get seeds on my next visit to Amsterdam (buying mail order seeds is too risky).
As per the topic title, it's an outdoor grow.

You stated the pH was around 7? What did you use to measure?

Dunno why I mentioned the pH as I only measured the water (using a water filter testing kit). I assume the potting soil and worm compost will bring the pH down to a more appropriate level.
Thanks for looking in.

Hi ya,
Many twigs and seeds doesn't mean the gear is of poor or low quality, all things considered.
I spaced the subject line about outdoor grow...
From research, Laotian is similar to Thai, which means a long flowering Sativa, which means you should plan on a 6-8 month grow.
One thing you might consider if you want to decrease the flowering period is to veg indoors under 18hr light (some would recommend 24hr) for 2-3 weeks, total darkness for 24-72hrs, then bring them outside to flower.
About the pH, never mind because the question was based on an indoor grow. Although, there's nothing wrong with monitoring the pH and EC.

Happy farming...

[redeyezman]

Well if your doing outdoor in the tropics, do you know what kinda of insects or molds to be concerned about? Maybe there are some things you can do to prevent this? Not a grower myself, but I have some general knowledge.

I would post lots of updates/pics because that's worth 1,000 words. You will find much help with this because everyone likes to see a grow turn out well.

Good luck, it looks okay so far!

[Uncle Ron]

Well if your doing outdoor in the tropics, do you know what kinda of insects or molds to be concerned about? Maybe there are some things you can do to prevent this? Not a grower myself, but I have some general knowledge.
I would post lots of updates/pics because that's worth 1,000 words. You will find much help with this because everyone likes to see a grow turn out well.
Good luck, it looks okay so far!

Didn't even think of this, good one r.e.m.
Also animals (they get high, maybe?)... Bambi wandering the forest primeval while stoned...
Pics definitely help...

Chantra, do you plan on covering the plant at all or simply leave it out in the open and let mother nature do her thing?
What I'm thinking of is a small, one plant greenhouse. Plenty of examples on the internet using simple materials (plastic foil, pvc tubing, wood, etc...).
This would also be extremely beneficial during the rainy season, because mold would defo become an issue.
Happy farming...

[redeyezman]

Knowing us stoners there might be some misunderstanding as to what greenhouse structures do for us in regards to our cannabis.
I submit this for reading:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse ... reenhouses

A greenhouse works primarily by preventing absorbed heat from leaving the structure through convection, i.e. sensible heat transport.
......***to what extent you can prevent heat from escaping depends larger on the structure a grower has access too***......
As a n00b my first questions would be...

1. Since its going to always be warmer, does it need to be watered more?
2. Will my plants burn? With the light source so far away, can't i just keep them properly watered?
3. How can I tell if theres enough water?
4. Can I have my plant in shade the entire time the sun is out? Maybe somewhere safe, but breezy, and likely still catching plenty of rays in the sun? Or does it like direct sunlight.


I think you need to post close up pictures soon to determine sex?? That's one thing I've never gotten how to do properly.

[treetop]

n/t

[redeyezman]

Finlly just some moquito mesh (metal) curled up around and over the plant should do the trick and not lead to any heat issues.

Question for you treetop, why metal instead of just a traditional cloth white mesh mosquito net? This is meant to keep bugs and critters out correct? Metal keeps more out?

[Chantra]

Chantra, do you plan on covering the plant at all or simply leave it out in the open and let mother nature do her thing?
What I'm thinking of is a small, one plant greenhouse. Plenty of examples on the internet using simple materials (plastic foil, pvc tubing, wood, etc...).
This would also be extremely beneficial during the rainy season, because mold would defo become an issue.
Happy farming...

Hi Uncle Ron...I still haven't decided what to do. I'm getting a bit antsy about having it in the garden, in full view of the gardeners we have here. Might transfer the plant to some suitable unoccupied land nearby for a guerrilla grow.

Well if your doing outdoor in the tropics, do you know what kinda of insects or molds to be concerned about? Maybe there are some things you can do to prevent this? Not a grower myself, but I have some general knowledge.

Thanks for the input, redeyezman. I have lettuces and papayas growing for the past two months with no signs of any pests. The wife is a keen gardener and she scours the garden for any sign of pests every day.

Here's how she (I hope) looks after day 12:

[treetop]

Finlly just some moquito mesh (metal) curled up around and over the plant should do the trick and not lead to any heat issues.

Question for you treetop, why metal instead of just a traditional cloth white mesh mosquito net? This is meant to keep bugs and critters out correct? Metal keeps more out?

From a practical point of view it is easier to circle the plant then shove the mesh into the ground
Maybe build the roof out of the traditional netting to help keep the direct sun off. It must get pretty strong if you are so close to the equator.

[redeyezman]

I'm getting a bit antsy about having it in the garden, in full view of the gardeners we have here. Might transfer the plant to some suitable unoccupied land nearby for a guerrilla grow.

So your doing this in a community garden of some sort, and not your own private land? Guerrilla grow has drawbacks too, but very possible. I believe one good tip to keep it out of sight, is to tie it down so it grows more like a 45 degree angle. Don't worry it will keep reaching for the sun! Just grows out-then-up-tie-down-repeat!

From a practical point of view it is easier to circle the plant then shove the mesh into the ground
Maybe build the roof out of the traditional netting to help keep the direct sun off. It must get pretty strong if you are so close to the equator.

Wow! Sound advice! Metal-plant guards are quite common and should keep otherwise determined critters out. Throwing a net over it to keep shade up, and bugs out seems logical. Maybe if you go with guerrilla grow bugs could become issue? ....since it wont be in your direct access garden? ....I'm sure you know plenty to get started, and it looks like its off to great start!!

Need someone with experience to give timeline when sex shows for outdoor plant (because it always gets 12/12 correct?) but here is good video on determining:

[Chantra]

Day 16. I'm a little concerned with the white speckling on the upper leaves. Is it anything to worry about?



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