I was wondering what the difference between checking the PH level in the water vs checking the PH in the soil is. I’m new to all of this and just trying to understand why you’d want to check and adjust the water before it hits the soil if the make up of the soil could change the ph of the water.
It’s only relavant if you feed synthetic nutes. But cannabis plants absorb nutrients best at something like 6.0 to 6.5 for soil or coco. I have heard of hydro going as low as 5.8. Organic it doest matter my water pH is roughly 8.7 to 9.0 and I pour it right in the soil. The roots have the ability to change the pH in the root zone for what they need to uptake. With synthetic the nutes are bonded with the water molecules so as it drinks it’s being force fed. So if the pH isn’t right it will slowly starve the plant as it can’t process the nutrients.
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That is probably the best explanation I have seen for that one. I can’t check run off with the way I grow now but i used to try and keep it close to what’s going in if possible. Sometimes weird shit happens though and getting the two balanced can be a rabbit hole of frustration.
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Thank you. I actually understood that the way you explained it.
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Another thought since you’re newer would be just focus on the ph going in on this grow and see how it does. If you start running into problems, then start learning about the runoff on your next grow. I’ve learned to keep it as simple as possible and then adjust and add new things every grow as you learn!
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Thank you for another great recommendation. That’s exactly what I’ll do.
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I’m closer to your expertise than I am to these super knowledgeable guys here so just relaying how I started. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to improve on your first couple of grows. I just focus on improving a couple of things each grow and it helps. It also helps spread out the cost of the supplies! Realistically you’ll get bottom to mid shelf buds on your first grow but will still be super happy and then your harvests will get better and better over time after adding new techniques. Don’t stress, it’s a fun learning experience!
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Iv only bin growing for 2 years now, when i started i got into abit of a panic about ph levels as i didnt really have any experience growing. I used soil straight out of the garden added some sand/grit to help drainage watered with filtered rainwater and hoped for the best. Im still amazed to this day at the quality of bud from 10 min DIY growbox made from old wardrobe and i haven’t really had any issues with plants at all.
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You’re awesome to have on this forum. I appreciate you chumming in and sharing your experience and knowledge with me and everyone else.
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Dang and I was afraid to use straight soil from Home Depot. I didn’t panic about the ph much because by the time I heard about it my plants were looking the best they have so I figured it could be better but it could also be much worse. Then these guys told me to not worry and just try what works for me and not try to find the perfect answer.
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I was pretty much in the same boat. My plants were looking so healthy just in pot of soil. My panic came when researching into more advanced technical stuff witch made me think my plants wouldnt come to much and i would need to invest more on better equipment. Im glad i didnt and still now i dont have any worries on changing anything. Best part is people are always so amazed at the set up.
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Pretty cool setup sir.
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Cheers dude. My little man cave 