Yahooka GrowFAQ

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.: YAHOOKA GROW FAQ :.
[Version 1.1 - Updated 08/05/04]

First and foremost let us as the Growing The Good Herb team say welcome to the Yahooka Grow FAQ.

If you spend anytime amongst Cannabis smokers as a Cannabis grower you will note the amazing amount of misinformation there is amongst non growers regarding the cultivation of our favourite 'erb.

This is the first version of a thread that we hope will be useful to the new grower and advanced grower alike. Hopefully it will answer those questions that get asked and answered again and again thus putting much of the aforementioned misinformation to bed.

It's been a long time coming and it is far from complete, we will continue to improve and update the Grow FAQ as time progresses. Remember, this is your forum, so all contributions will be welcomed (see the Grow FAQ Issues, Updates and Contributions thread).

Onward into the FAQ.

Please allow linked pages to load fully as in some cases the links are to parts of pages and this jump is the last that is taken after the page loads.

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.: PART I - LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS :.

This section looks at the legal aspects you should consider before planning/starting a grow.

o Where can I get information concerning the law on Cannabis and how can I protect myself?

The issue/situation is constantly changing around the world so it is best to remain informed of the currentl laws surrounding our herb of choice in a general sense:

- Common Sense For Drug Policy - Campaigners to increase awareness and availability of correct information.
- The Media Awareness Project - Latest news regarding Cannabis
- Drug Policy Alliance - News concerning drugs policy
- Your (US) Constitutional Rights - A walk through some of your basic rights
- WOD Clock - how much has been spent on WOD this year?

More specifically:

- NORML - Find A Lawyer - US based resource list to help you find a pot friendly legal representative, listed by state
- Flex Your Rights - Protect your civil rights (US) in the event of being searched by the police
- State By State Laws - State by state legal round up by NORML
- European Law - Legal round up by NORML
  The NORML site is sometimes not updated so:
- Find A State Law - US State Law Search
- Canadian Legal Issues 1 - BC Marijuana Party round up
- Canadian Legal Issues 2 - Lothar does his thing
- Busted? (UK) - This page gives information that will be useful for anyone who is busted in the UK
- UK420 Legal Advice - UK specific legal advice regarding all aspects of Cannabis use
- Seeds In The Mail - The legality of receiving seeds in the mail and what will happen if they are stopped

Computer Related:

- Windows Security - Your computer is watching you!
- Proxy Site List - A list of sites supplying lists of proxy servers
- Proxy List - Proxies listed by speed and type
- Digital Imagery - Can it be used against me?

Staying Safe:

- The Basics Of Keeping A Low Profile - Some general information on keeping your grow stealthy
- The Golden Rule - Loose Lips Sink Ships

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.: PART II - GROW ROOM DESIGN AND SETUP :.

This section looks at the issues you should think about once you have decided to grow but BEFORE building a grow.

Choosing Your Space

o How should I select my grow space?
- Grow Space Selection - Some pointers as to what to look for in a grow space

o Can I keep my grow stealthy? Do you have any examples?
- Example Stealth Grows - Obviously with our choice of herbs current legal status stealth is a bonus

Electrical Issues

o How dangerous is wiring and all that stuff? How can I minimise the chance of frying?
- Basic Electrical Safety - A look at precautions to take when working with electricity, READ THIS OR WE'LL BREAK YOUR KNEES
- What electricity CAN do to you - A little look at how electricity effects the body

o How do I wire a ballast?
- Wiring a ballast - How to wire a ballast from scratch
- Also see how to convert a security light in the lighting section below

Lighting Issues

o How much light do I need?
- By Lumens/Watts - How much light should you be using to adequately feed your plants
- By Space - Lighting Primer, what area will my light cover

o What light should I use?
- Indoor Lighting Guide - This thread covers the theory behind choosing a light

o What do all these words like Lumen mean?
- A Few Lighting Terms - Lighting related terms and explanations

o Can I grow with blacklights?
- Blacklight Information - Brief explanation of why you CAN'T use black lights to grow

o Can I grow with Halogen lights?
- Blacklight Information - Brief explanation of why you CAN'T use Halogen ligths for your grow

o Can I grow with Fluorescent lighting?
- Fluorescent Lights - Information regarding Fluorescent Lights

o What's HID lighting?
- HID Definition - A simple Definition of the term
- HPS Lights - Information regarding HPS Lights
- MH Lights - Information regarding MH Lights

o HID or Fluro?
- HID Vs Flo - Pros and cons for both types of lighting

o Which is better MH or HPS?
- HPS Vs MH - General comparison

o Where can I get a light from?
- Acquiring a Light Source - A few ideas of where to acquire your lighting

o Can I convert a security light into a grow light?
- Security Light Conversion - Convert a security light into a remote ballast growlight

o Is there a guide with most of this in it?
- Indoor Lighting - Indoor lighting 101

o Should I add side lighting?
- Side Lighting - Providing additional lighting to your lower buds will improve them though of course this depends on grow style

o What is a flip flop relay?
- Flip Flop Relay - Two lights on one ballast!

o How can I make best use of my light? What is a good reflector for the walls of my grow room?
- Mirrors - Can I use mirrors for reflectivity?
- Mylar - Mylar FAQ
- Cheap Mylar and Alternatives - A little bit of discussion regarding the different ways to add reflectivity
- Tin Foil - Can I use tin foil


o Can I make my own light reflector?
- CF Reflector - Homebuilt CF reflector
- $15 Reflector - Tick bends a cheap reflector
- Mailbox Reflector - Make your hood from a standard mailbox
- Octagonal Hood Plans - The Dutch swear by them
- Wood Built Hood - Covered obviously


o Should I use a dimpled or polished reflector?
- Dimpled V Polished - Self explanatory

Ventilation and Odor

o What is CFM and how does it help me work out how much ventilation I need?
- CFM Definition - CFM definition with a worked example

o How much ventilation do I need?
- Amount of Ventilation - A simple FAQ with suggestions how to work out how much ventilation you need

o How do I add ventilation?
- Adding Ventilation - A simple FAQ concerning ways in which to ventilate your grow space

o Should I heat my grow room?
- Heaters - Can I use a heater?

o How the hell do I stop these ladies stinking up my neighbourhood?
- Overgrow Odor FAQ - Everything you need to know about grow room odor control
- DIY Odor Neutraliser 1 - Simple to make from cheap materials
- DIY Odor Neutraliser 2 - Simple to make from cheap materials

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.: PART II - GROW ROOM DESIGN AND SETUP CONTINUED:.

Hydro and Dirt

o What mediums can I use?
- Soil & Soiless - Soil and Soiless mediums
- Hydroponic - Hydroponic grow mediums

o Which is better?
- Hydro - Some say hydro
- Dirt - Some say dirt
- Speed - Hydro can be quick
- Organic Hydro - Not always easy but steers clear of the nasty chemical fertilisers

o What kind of simple Hydroponics setups are there?
- Simple Hydro Systems - A few simple hydro systems to get you thinking

o Ebb & Flow Vs Drip Hydro?
- E&F Vs Drip - Which system should you choose

General Grow Room Setup

o Where can I buy grow supplies?
- Grow Suppliers - A list of worldwide grow suppliers
- UK Grow Resources - A list of UK based grow suppliers

o How can I measure my gardens efficiency?
- Garden Efficiency - Grams per watt and all that jazz

o Any examples of complete garden setup?
- Example 1 - Example Complete Garden Setup Advice #1
- Example 2 - Example Complete Garden Setup Advice #2
- Example 3 - Example Complete Garden Setup Advice #3

o Any more?
- Cabinet Grow #1 - self sufficiency in a cab
- Cabinet Grow #2 - self sufficiency in a cab
- Cabinet Grow #3 - self sufficiency in a cab
- Cabinet Grow #4 - self sufficiency in a cab
- Twin CO2 Transfer Grow Room - Inventive
- The Monolith - The pinnacle of showboat cab design maybe
- Stealthy Dresser #1 - Stealthy dresser grow
- Stealthy Dresser #2 - Another stealthy dresser grow
- Fridge Grow - See you can do it anywhere
- Cubist - Cultivate in cubes

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.: PART III - GENERAL PLANT CARE :.

This section looks at some general issues relating to plant care and the conditions your Canna will need to thrive.

o Do you have a simple step by step idiots guide to dirt growing?
- Dirt Step By Step - A simple guide on looking after your Cannaflora

o Do you have any general growing tips or advice?
- General Advice - Some general tips

o What is Photosynthesis?
- Photosynthesis - A brief explanation of the basics of Photosynthesis

o What factors affect the rate at which my plant can process energy?
- Factors of Photosynthesis - Explains what variables affect the rate at which plants can process energy and hence grow

o What factors affect the respiration (breathing) of my plants?
- Factors of Respiration - A short text explaining what affects the rate plants breath

o What temperature and humidity is best for my Grow?
- Temperature and Humidity - OG faq of all tings hot and moist

o What light spectrum is best for my plants?
- Light Spectrum - Diagrams and descriptions realting to the optimum light spectrums for growing

o What is Ph?
- Ph - A brief explanation of Ph, no, it's not Phosperous

o How can I manage Ph?
- Ph - Ph advice
- Nutrient Affect On Ph - How does the addition of nutes affect Ph

o What size pot should I use for my plants?
- Pot Size #1 - A general discussion of pot size
- Pot Size #2 - More about pot size
- Hydro Nets - Hydro net size

o What is "photoperiod"?
- Photoperiod - What does the term photoperiod mean

o How often should I water my plants?
- Watering - A discussion on plant watering, how often and how much

o Can I automatically water my plants?
- Autowatering - Watering your plants automatically in dirt

o Do you know where I can find some general information about fertilising and nutrient additives?
- Nutrient Discussion - A general discussion about nutrient additives

o I want to grow in dirt, what mixes are there?
- Soil Mixes - Technically we don't grow in soil but we'll call it that for now, now which mixes are there
- Sags Organic Mix - Sag Man talks about a good organic mix
- Organic Mix - By Tick

o Why go organic?
- Organic - Why do people preach organic growing

o What organic fertilisers can I use?
- Organic - Organic material choices

o How can I make my own organic compost?
- Compost - Organic compost

o What the hell are people talking about when they say they water with Tea?
- Tea - Not a nice cup of Rosie, but if you're making one, one sugar
- Brewing/Making Tea - Still not a nice cup of Rosie

o What is the Lucas formula?
- Lucas Formula - This formula is desined to help you balance your nutrients to the stage of growth the plant is at

o What are worm castings and how are they used?
- Worm Castings - OG thread regarding worm castings and their uses

o I've heard wood ash is good for plants, true?
- Wood Ash - It contains some nutrients

o I've been using Miracle grow but everyone says I shouldn't, what's up with that?
- Miracle Grow - (PLEASE NOTE THIS LINK IS SOMEWHAT SENSATIONALIST BUT THE PREVIOUS LINK WAS REMOVED) So you like it?

At this point it is perhaps worth while thinking about the Cannabis Lifecycle:

1) GERMINATION - Yahooka GrowFAQ Section          2) SEEDLING GROWTH - Yahooka GrowFAQ Section     3) VEGETATIVE GROWTH - Yahooka GrowFAQ Section    4) FLOWERING GROWTH - Yahooka GrowFAQ Section

o Do you know of an overview of the Cannabis lifecycle mentioned above?
- Cannabis Lifecycle - A short overview of the Cannabis lifecycle

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.: PART IV - SEEDS, GERMINATION AND THE SEEDLING GROWTH STAGE :.

This section looks at the issues surrounding seeds, germination and seedling growth.

o Where can I get seeds?
- Seedbank List - This site holds a list of seedbanks and experiences of them

o Can I grow seeds from my bought weed?
- Bag Seeds - A little bag seed discussion

o My buddy gave me some seeds but I can't grow right now, how long will they last and how is best to store them?
- Storing Seeds - OT1 from OG/UK420 does his thing

o How do I germinate my seeds?
- Germination Methods - Paper Towel Vs Straight to Medium
- Cheese Cloth Method - Pictorial Germination

o What temperature should I germinate my seeds at?
- Germination Temperature - Warm but not too hot

o Where can I get a heating mat?
- Heating Mat - Keep them seedlings warm

o Which way round should I plant my paper towel germinated seedling?
- Initial root Growth - Geotropism makes this answer easy

o How much lighting does my seedling need?
- Seedling Lighting - Don't let me be born into a cold dark world

o My seedlings have s t r e t c h e d, HELP?
- Seedling S t r e t c h - Resolving seedling s t r e t c h

o When should I pot up my seedlings?
- When - Gotta let those roots grow strong

o How do I pot them up?
- Potting Up - How to transplant indoors
- Transplanting - How to transplant outdoors

o Should I fertilise my seedlings?
- Seedling Fert - Fertlising Young Plants

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.: PART V - VEGETATIVE GROWTH STAGE :.

This section looks at the issues surrounding vegetative growth and growing those plants big and strong.

o What is vegetative growth?
- Veg Growth - OG FAQ entry explaining what the vegetative growth part of the Cannabis life cycle is

o What light cycle should I use for vegetative growth?
- Veg Lighting - OG FAQ entry regarding veg lighting

Growth Styles

o What is ScrOG?
- ScrOG - Some ScrOG links

o What is a good ScrOG strain?
- ScrOG Strain - Well...

o What is SOG?
- SOG - A SOG definition

o Any SOG examples?
- SOG #1 - A So Quick Production
- SOG #1 - Dual 600s

o Any pictrures to compare the two[ScrOG & SOG]?
- ScrOG and SOG - A short pictorial comparison of the two techniques

o What is Low Stress Training?
- LST - A short pictorial showing a method of training your plants

o What is topping or pruning?
- Topping - Where should I cut?

o Why do people pinch stems?
- Stem Pinching - Some light stem abuse

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.: PART VI - FLOWERING GROWTH STAGE :.

This section looks at the issues surrounding flowering and producing those nice sensi buds we like so much.

o What photperiod should I use for flowering?
- Photoperiod - OG bloom photoperiod definition

o How can I tell the sex of my plants?
- Sexing - Cannabis plant sex examples

o Should I remove fan leaves during flowering?
- Fan Leaves - To cut or not to cut
- Fan Leaf Removal Discussion - To cut or not to cut

o Can I control flowering stretch?
- Fertiliser - Using your feeding schedule to help control stretch

o Should I fertiliser my plants right through to harvest?
- Flushing #1 - You don't want all those nasty chemical ferts in your smoke
- Flushing #2 - Nope, still don't

o How dark does the dark period of my flowering schedule need to be?
- Darkness - As dark as a full moonlit night

o What sort of yield can I expect from my space?
- Yield and Space - A hard things to guess at but VERY commonly asked

o My female plant is growing balls, what's going on?
- Hermaphrodite - How to recognise a plant that is going hermi

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.: PART VII - HARVESTING AND CURING :.

This section looks at harvesting and curing, make your bud taste GOOOOD.

o When should I harvest?
- Harvest Timing - When to harvest for best effect and yield

o How do I harvest and cure?
- Harvest Method #1 - An example of a method harvesting method
- Harvest Method #2 - An example of a method harvesting method
- Harvest Method #3 - An example of a method harvesting method
- Harvesting Pics - Two stage trim

o I thought manicuring was for beauty parlours, what's it got to do with weed?
- Manicuring - How to trim your bud nic

o How can I store my bud?
- Storing Bud - Don't want it moulding and going to waste do we

o What's a trichome?
- Trichome 101 - Detailed OG contribution, great high strength photography

o What gets me high in Cannabis and can my harvest/cure effect this?
- THC and CBDs - Information regarding the active ingredients in Cannabis

o How much dry bud will I get from this wet harvest?
- Wet to Dry - As your bud dries it loses moisture... and weight.

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.: PART VIII - CONTINUING YOUR CROP, BREEDING AND PROPAGATION :.

This section looks at continuing your crop through cloning, breeding or grafting.

o How do I select and care for a mother plant?
- Mother Plants - Selection and care

o How can I control the size of my mother plant, do I have to trim roots?
- Mother Plants - Controlling size

o How do I clone (posh word for take a cutting)?
- General Cloning (and mums) - General cloning and mother advice
- General Cloning Advice - How to clone
- Cloning Pictorial - In depth UK420 thread
- Soil Cloning - Some soil cloning advice
- Oasis Cloning - How to clone in Oasis
- Air-Layering - A technique that allows you to clone ON the mother plant to ensure healthy rooting

o How do I start to breed a strain?
- Breeding - An OG breeding discussion

o What are Filial Groups (F1, F2 etc)?
- Filial Groups - Damn these breeders are confusing, this sounds like maths ta me

o How can I pollenate a small section of my plant?
- How #1 - A few pictures
- How #2 - Some explanation

o What is Grafting?
- Grafting #1 - Grafting information
- Grafting #2 - Grafting information

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.: PART IX - PROBLEM SOLVING :.

This section covers some plant and grow common problems

o I think my plant my have a nutrient disorder, how do I know what it is and what to do?
- Nutrient Disorder Solver - Simple guide to what is wrong with your plants
- Nutrient Disorder Solver - Illustrated guide to what is wrong with your plants

o My plants look pretty tatty, what could be wrong with them?
- Plant Abuse Chart - They might be a weed but they can only take so much!

o My plant has gone hermi, what can I do?
- Hermi Advice - What to do if your femme grows balls

o Spidermites are ravaging my plants,help?
- Spidermites - Detailed post regarding these little critters
- Spidermites - Some general discussion

o Ew, I have this gray stuff growing on my plants?
- Gray Mould - The cold and damp encourages mould

o Ew, why is my soil going green?
- Algae - Can be a problem when the soil is too moist

o I've been using Miracle grow but everyone says I shouldn't, what's up with that?
- Miracle Grow - So you like it?

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.: PART X - FINE TUNING :.

This section covers the extra bits and piece you can do to your grow to really dial it in.

o Does additional CO2 benefit a grow?
- CO2 - It does but it has to be thought about as more than an addition, other factors need to be right to make it efficient

o Is UV a good or bad thing for my grow?
- UV - Some UV discussion

o Is there any science to back up the UV theory that it promotes resin content?
- UV and Resin - Sticky icky

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.: PART XI - EXTRAS :.

A few extra considerations

Outdoor Growing

o I hear you can get an extra outdoor harvests using light intensity, true?
- Trick Flowering - Getting your plants to bloom even though the photoperiod may not be quite right.

o Do any other plants look like pot?
- Look Alikes - Quite a few in fact

o Temperatures at night are getting quite cold, any ideas?
- Outdoor Temperature - The cold may not be an instant killer but it will really slow growth in most cases

Hemp

o So where does Hemp stand in all this Cannabis malarky?
- Hemp - The Demonized Seed

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.: APPENDICES :.

Appendix A - Bulb Specifications

Click here for a fairly comprehensive guide to bulb specifications from 250 to 1000 W MH & HPS.