Harvest question. Newbie here - GreenPassion.org - Dedicated to Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Education

PacificaGal · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 01:48 PM

Hi GP gang. Hope everyone is doing well.

First time outdoor grow, legal Cali garden. I could use some advise on my upcoming harvest.
Plants are in week 17 (went into the ground 2nd week of June) and started showing signs of flowering in earnest about two weeks ago.

So, my questions are. 1) Where am I in the scheme of harvesting. Since we just started flowering about 2 weeks ago, what kind of time frame should I be expecting for harvest once flowering began. (Temps are in the high 80's/lo 90's with overnight lows in the 60's)

The pistils are mostly white, so do I watch for a color change there as well as the trich color changes?

Photos 1-4 are of my mutant duck foot 'Pineapple' (some may recall this thread http://greenpassion.org/showthread.php?t=13328 ) which seems to be the earliest of the group and the furthest along in the flowering process.

Photo 5 is 'Purple Ice' - Photo 6 is 'Blue Dream'

I was assuming that I have several weeks more but would love to know what to expect. I also just switched to a 0-10-10 fert.

2) I'm also getting a significant amount of yellow lower leaves (last photo) on some plants. I thought I might be over-watering but also read that the older leaves just turn yellow with age. Thoughts?

and 3) the 2nd to last photo shows the average size of the cola on the Blue Dream. Will these get bigger and more dense? Or are these tiny buds what I can come to expect. (these are very leggy plants to begin with - all of my research on this 60/40 sativa/ind strain say that she stretches. My tallest plant is 73 inches but very open and airy. Not at all dense like a Grape Ape I have growing)
Peace and blessings to all, and thank you for the help/advise.
PG

jangel · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 02:35 PM

Okay, first off, you can take all those yellowing leaves off the plant. It will allow for better air circulation, and the plant is done with them. Dry them, and save them as by the time you are done, you will have enough to make some good bubble hash out of. Lots of tutorials on that on the site.

Next, since your plants only really started flowering a couple of weeks ago I would say you have at least 6 weeks yet to go. The buds will fill in significantly and you will most likely get 10 times the size of buds, by the time they are ready.

I would advise you to get a small hand miroscope from Radio Shack. You need 30X magnification in order to see the trichomes. The hand held mircroscope is maybe 12 bucks. But it works brilliantly at enlarging the trichs. The best way to do this is to cut off a small leaf in the bud (sugar leaf) and take it to a stable surface, like a table, and then try to see the trichs. Once you get good at it, and if you have a steady hand, you can use it to view them on the plant. Wait for the trichs to cloud up at least. Decide what you want as far as your harvested weed. Couchlock is mostly amber, rest cloudy. Somewhat active, not couchlock, half amber, rest cloudy. More cerebral, not couchlock, all cloudy, some amber.

Check out the forum on Harvest, hash, kief and see what you find in there. This also depends a huge amount on the genetics of the plant, the window for picking the buds. If it is predominently indica, then usually 8 weeks in flower till ready. If sativa, it can take from 10 to even 15 weeks to finish. This is why being able to see the trichomes is so important.

You can also harvest the buds in stages. Say the top of the plants buds are ready, where you like it, and the rest is not there yet. Just pick the top buds that you like the trichs of, and leave the rest. The rest of the buds will mature in time, and continue to grow. You do not have to harvest the whole plant at once. I do this all the time and it increases your yield by at least double, if not more.

Good luck!

PacificaGal · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 08:25 PM

THANK YOU so much for the concise answers!
Glad to know those buds are going to get larger. I was worried!

Thanks again for the great reply!
Blessings,
PG

Deb-HAS-grn · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 08:37 PM

Hi PacificaGal, got to tell you,, your buds are looking great,,, Great information Jangel gives too...

CAMSTER626 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 08:44 PM

Hatch · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 09:43 PM

Ya Let Them Go, Then Take Them Right Before The First Freeze..

BTW, This Is Sexy!!!EH!!!

ileso · #7 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 03:18 AM

theres a while to go yet..

PacificaGal · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 02:23 PM

Well shoot, I wrote a reply but when I hit 'post' I had been logged out and lost the whole post.
I'll try to recreate it here.

Thanks everyone for the replies!!

Jangel, thanks so much for the tip on Radio Shack. I picked up one of those hand-held microscopes and it works great! Wish I could get that close up with my camera!

Deb-Has-grn, thanks!! I'm really hoping for a large enough harvest to make the oil to treat my DH with leukemia! It just takes so much raw material!

Hatch, thanks!! I really love the pin-up gals from that era. The Sexy gardener is by Alberto Vargas.

Thanks to all who responded. I'll keep monitoring the progress and will report back as things move forward.
blessings to all,
PG

jangel · #9 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 04:18 PM

And Blessings right back at you Pacifica. We all will be sending good vibes to you.

If you have not already done so take a look through the Medical Gardens forum and see what we have on Hemp Oil. In most posts there are links pages that will lead you to other posts on the site on the same subject. I just updated all the links in all the threads on hemp oil so they will all work. I am sure you will find much of use to you.

P.S. I like Vargas too. He is highly sought after by collectors.

Peace

PacificaGal · #10 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jangel

Okay, first off, you can take all those yellowing leaves off the plant. It will allow for better air circulation, and the plant is done with them. Dry them, and save them as by the time you are done, you will have enough to make some good bubble hash out of. Lots of tutorials on that on the site.

jangel, can you clarify that the yellow leaves are normal. I have a lot and I mean lots of them. All lower leaves (older) but seems like the lower 1/3 of the plant is yellowing. I have plenty of gardening experience with other plants, and yellowing lower leaves generally indicates over watering - I just don't know what to expect with cannabis. These girls get a deep soak twice a week. They were getting watered 3 times a week (keep in mind that Cali is very hot and dry/low humidity) but I cut back a few weeks ago. Our fall weather is definitely setting in and even though our days are high 80's to 90's, our overnight temps are getting downright chilly. Sweater weather! Just want to make sure I'm not killing these girls with too much water. The soil is getting just dry before I water again. Thanks for any light you can shed on this.
Peace and Blessings to all!

PacificaGal · #11 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 12:40 PM

Just bumping this jangel in case you didn't see it. I know you all have been pretty busy with the server changes and repairs (BIG thanks for all you guys do to provide this site FREE to all of us!)

So I trimmed off all of the yellowing leaves, bagged them to dry and I think I'm going to try my hand at a salve for my aches. I ended up with quite a bit, one whole paper shopping bag full. This makes me worry - like maybe it's excessive?

I'd also happily take advise from anyone! Thanks gang.
Peace!

jangel · #12 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 09:55 PM

I am sorry sweetie. I have been away with my sweetie today and head up where the sun don't shine the rest of the time. Don't be shy, pm me if you want my attention.

Okay. If they are in the ground, to check to see if they NEED watering, take your finger, poke it in the soil. Then quickly touch your cheek. If it feels cool then there is still moisture in the soil. Don't water them. Can you take a jug of nutes out to them? Or is that a hassle? Let me know what you have and you can give them a boast next time they need a drink. That yellowing makes me think they might need something to eat. can you take another picture? you see, I have no idea about cali weather. Here it is cool at night and there is so much dew the dogs come in like they had been swimming. So the plants get that as well as what they get from their deep roots. A pic would help hon.

Peace

PacificaGal · #13 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jangel

I am sorry sweetie. I have been away with my sweetie today and head up where the sun don't shine the rest of the time. Don't be shy, pm me if you want my attention.

Okay. If they are in the ground, to check to see if they NEED watering, take your finger, poke it in the soil. Then quickly touch your cheek. If it feels cool then there is still moisture in the soil. Don't water them. Can you take a jug of nutes out to them? Or is that a hassle? Let me know what you have and you can give them a boast next time they need a drink. That yellowing makes me think they might need something to eat. can you take another picture? you see, I have no idea about cali weather. Here it is cool at night and there is so much dew the dogs come in like they had been swimming. So the plants get that as well as what they get from their deep roots. A pic would help hon.

Peace

Not to worry, I figured you have your hands full with the site updates.
1. I've checked the soil, they feel moist, but not overly so (not soggy) They are on a drip system that waters twice a week for a few hours (a couple of gallons per plant at each watering)
2. they have a fertilizer injector on the drip system so they get diluted nutes with each watering. I switched to bloom just a few weeks ago.

This photo from the first post shows the yellowing (i've removed most of the yellow leaves now so a new photo won't show the problem) http://greenpassion.org/attachment.p...2&d=1251996407

If this were any other plant from my garden I'd say it's just the end of the season yellowing, as if fall is setting in. No chlorosis or nute deficiencies that I can tell. I just want to make sure I'm not blowing it!
I'll be checking the trich progress later today. I found this image somewhere on the internet a while ago (not sure if it's cool to post it without credit to the owner - so let me know if I need to delete it)

thanks again! Peace & Blessings to all.

p.s. I see now that the 'Original artwork by Phix' verbiage is located on the lower left of the attached image.

jangel · #14 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 09:45 PM

Okay, well, I would say they look short on nitrogen. What is your soil there? It could also be the soil is the wrong PH, too acidic. This will cause a nute lock out. What types of nutes are you using? Do you have any bone meal? Try just taking about a quarter cup and spreading it around the the root zone. It won't hurt and it could help. Are they dry when your auto water system comes on? They must be dry before you water them. if they are never drying it could be the roots are too wet. I would say you are over watering. Some people even let them wilt before watering. If you know your system is going to turn on to water them, check them right before and make sure they need the water. If they are still wet, turn it off. at least give it a whirl it might be what the prob is.

You sound such a good garderner. You will get it sweetie. Here are a few links for you to check out and see what you can find.

Nutrient Profiles and Deficiencies by Mr. HIGHway
Nutrient Disorder Problem Solver by Jackersparckle
Plant Abuse Chart and Photos by Nietzsche
Plant moisture stress - symptoms and solutions

Nutrient Problems with Pictures .: Cannaversity

Grow Marijuana FAQ, Cannabis cultivation - marijuana growing tips & photos

http://dweb.biz.ly/14nutrients%20problem%20solver.html

Chart showing symptoms of various nutrient deficiencies .: Cannaversity

The Complete guide to Sick Plants,pH, and Pest troubles! - International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums

jangel · #15 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 09:47 PM

Good luck sweetie! And next time, don't be shy, just pm me and point me to your thread and I will help ya!

Just rattle my cage my dear!

Lumix · #16 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacificaGal

Hi GP gang. Hope everyone is doing well.

First time outdoor grow, legal Cali garden. I could use some advise on my upcoming harvest.
Plants are in week 17 (went into the ground 2nd week of June) and started showing signs of flowering in earnest about two weeks ago.

So, my questions are. 1) Where am I in the scheme of harvesting. Since we just started flowering about 2 weeks ago, what kind of time frame should I be expecting for harvest once flowering began. (Temps are in the high 80's/lo 90's with overnight lows in the 60's)

The pistils are mostly white, so do I watch for a color change there as well as the trich color changes?

Photos 1-4 are of my mutant duck foot 'Pineapple' (some may recall this thread http://greenpassion.org/showthread.php?t=13328 ) which seems to be the earliest of the group and the furthest along in the flowering process.

Photo 5 is 'Purple Ice' - Photo 6 is 'Blue Dream'

I was assuming that I have several weeks more but would love to know what to expect. I also just switched to a 0-10-10 fert.

2) I'm also getting a significant amount of yellow lower leaves (last photo) on some plants. I thought I might be over-watering but also read that the older leaves just turn yellow with age. Thoughts?

and 3) the 2nd to last photo shows the average size of the cola on the Blue Dream. Will these get bigger and more dense? Or are these tiny buds what I can come to expect. (these are very leggy plants to begin with - all of my research on this 60/40 sativa/ind strain say that she stretches. My tallest plant is 73 inches but very open and airy. Not at all dense like a Grape Ape I have growing)
Peace and blessings to all, and thank you for the help/advise.
PG

That Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 your using takes great pictures!

PacificaGal · #17 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 11:54 AM

Thanks Lumix, it's a dinosaur compared to the digital cameras that are out now, but it works great and I've always had good luck with it.

Wowza jangel, thanks sooo much for taking time to copy/paste those links for me. I'll try to read them later today.

I have to be honest, I only checked the ph of the soil when I dug the holes and the first month or so and haven't checked since (bad gardener!) It very well could be too much water. Sings of over-watering (on most other plants) are older leaves turn yellow and drop off!

What do you think my 'prognosis' is given that it's this late in the game? I can easily cut back on the water and check ph, but since we're nearly week 5 in the flowering stage, can anything be done to help them or should I just let them do their thing. The flowers are coming along nicely, small, but dense.

Again, appreciate your time in 'holding my hand' in the garden! And thanks again for the links.
Peace! Blessings to all.
PG

PacificaGal · #18 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 12:25 PM

Here are the trich shots from a few days ago. I still see mostly clear, some cloudy and the pistils are just starting to brown up. I need some practice with the microscope - I'm seeing just a bit of amber when using it. But only a few (like 5%)
Blessings. Peace to all.

Michael · #19 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 02:05 PM

Leaves turn yellow and fall away as the plant uses the nitrogen stored in them.

It starts with the oldest leaves at the bottom of the plant and works its way up.

This is normal as the plant flowers. But, it might have started early, in your case. A shot of nitrogen will do the trick. You can even foliar feed each plant, individually.

jangel · #20 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 02:14 PM

I would avoid the nitrogen so far into flower. You don't want buds tasting like hay.

I think it is the water babes.

And you still have time. Keep going, it is always better to finish the race than to start over again!

Peace