First Time Growing White Widow Auto:
A grow journal is very much like an online diary. However, instead of keeping it a secret, growers share the journey of cultivating marijuana with other like-minded people. Apart from sharing experiences, it is also a means to seek guidance. Such was the case with ReMoLu when he grew White Widow Autos for the first time.
As is the case with any adventure, first-timers often feel apprehensive and uncertain. ReMoLu indeed is no exception. Fortunately, not only was the ILGM community of home growers and experts supportive but they also provided invaluable tips that led to a successful grow.
ReMoLu’s White Widow Grow
White Widow has been in the Dutch marijuana scene for almost three decades. It is, in fact, one of the most recognized strains worldwide. Its popularity is due primarily to the energizing high it delivers before complementing it with full-bodied relaxation. Not only is it an excellent choice for recreational use, but it also brings a plethora of medical benefits as well.
For his first grow, ReMoLu could not have picked a better choice. White Widow itself is a sturdy and resilient plant by nature. Furthermore, in deciding to go with auto-flowering seeds, it should not take long from germination until it is ready for harvest.
Grower: ReMoLu
Location: United States
Strain: White Widow Auto
Yield: 1,200 grams of dried buds
Germination
2018-01-25
ReMoLu took the first steps toward what he hoped would be a successful grow. A day earlier, he soaked 5 seeds in water. Today, he placed these seeds in paper towels.
2018-01-26
Germination went without a hitch as all the seeds sprouted. He prepared dixie cups filled with FFHF soil and used 6.2 pH water to moisten. After planting the sprouts, he placed these cups in a grow tent under vegetative LED.
2018-01-29
It appears that at least four of the seeds popped and broke through the soil. Both temperature (77°F) and humidity (RH 61%) levels are slightly higher than the previous day. At the moment, he runs a 600w LED 24/7.
2018-01-31
All five plants have grown to about 2 inches above the soil. A day before, it was 1 inch. The temperature is at temperature is at 75°F while humidity is hovering around 50%.
ReMoLu also installed a fan inside to help with the ventilation.
Vegetative Stage
2018-02-03
A few days after sprouting the seeds, he moved the plants to 3-gallon fabric pots. Also, he set the light cycle to 20/4.
The move prompted more discussion among the members of the ILGM community.
“Actually, you should not start autos in solo cups,” Familyman420 commented. “Since an auto flower has a predetermined lifespan, stress that slows growth at an early stage is taking a chance at reduced yield and smaller or stunted plants.”
“We can’t predict when a plant’s genetics will trigger it into flowering,” Usmcjojo chimed in. “So, if you let the plant reach 4-6 inches before transplanting, then you run the risk of stressing it and accelerating the cycle.”
2018-02-04
It is not that ReMoLu has no clue on what he is doing. For sure, he has done plenty of research on his own. However, there is a community of people ready and willing to help.
Among the things he wanted an affirmation was the amount of water that he should be using. In the meantime, he has FoxFarm Big Bloom, Grow Big and Tiger Bloom.
2018-02-05
The first sign of trouble became evident when spots started showing up. ReMoLu is still using FoxFarm Happy Frog potting mix in 30-gallon fabric pots. pH level seems fine at 6.3. Nothing has changed with the lighting schedule too.
2018-02-07
Still trying to find the cause of the spotting, someone suggested it may be due to nutrient burn. However, the grower has yet to feed the plants. It also does not appear to be a problem caused by improper pH level as he had been diligent in ensuring it is in the optimal range. Also, he felt that the growth rate slowed.
“It looks like a nutrient burn but not with Happy Frog,” Myfriendis410 commented. “Maybe windburn? Getting water on them under lights can burn them too.”
As it turns out, ReMoLu did spray the plants under the 600w LED. At this time though, it would be difficult to determine if it was the cause.
2018-02-09
The White Widow Autos have recovered and appear to be doing good. ReMoLu did feel that some seem to be doing better than the others. Just a day before, he fed them with 1/3 strength nutrients and they seem to respond well.
2018-02-11
Like many beginners, at some point during the grow, it is inevitable for many to purchase a new set of grow light system. Because the actual wattage of the LED he was using is 150w, he decided to order a larger one on the advice of many people in the ILGM community.
It has been 12 days since he germinated the seeds too. After preparing a mixture of 4 tsp each of FoxFarm Big Bloom and Grow Big in a gallon of pH 6.2 water, he fed each plant with about 2 cups.
2018-02-12
Mistakes are bound to happen especially with a first-time grower. ReMoLu realized he was using the wrong mixture of nutrients. Instead of having 4 tsp of each, he should be using 2 tsp for one. To rectify, he fed 2 cups of water to each plant in the hope of flushing or diluting the stronger mix.
2018-02-13
Fortunately, the wrong nutrient mix did not cause any trouble at all. Quick thinking and flushing with water seem to have done the trick. All the five White Widow autos also have 3 nodes.
Although he feels that the plants appears to like the nutrients, another member of the community threw caution to the wind. “You don’t need or want to feed your plants at this point,” Myfriendis410 said. “They are too young and the reason you planted in HF was to reduce the nutrient load on the seedlings. Wait another month.”
2018-02-15
The new Viparspectra 700 arrived. Instead of dumping the old one, he thought of using both at the same time. Its use though is a little bit different so he would want to know what other people think.
It has been a little past two weeks, and the plants seem to be having a blast racing to maturity. ReMoLu did notice some yellowish color in #5.
“The lighter color is because its new growth,” ILGM Mentor Countryboyjvd1971 replied. “From what I am seeing, everything is healthy. They will get darker after they are out in the air for a few days.”
2018-02-16
From three, there are now four nodes. With a more powerful light than before, the soil feels dryer. He gave each plant some 2-1/2 cups of pH 6.4 water.
The new PAR 700 is between 24 inches above the plants. Compared to the old one, it has more white and blue light, ReMoLu observes. It also has variable controls. The temperature remains stable at 72°F in the last days.
With the new light, the temperature had risen to 82°F. RH level is a little low at 41%. It could be getting too warm, so he adjusted the height to 30 inches above the White Widow Autos.
2018-02-17
The temperature had risen to 90°F. Already, some leaves have shown signs of curling. ReMoLu placed a fan inside the grow tent hoping to bring it down.
2018-02-18
The grower never disclosed his exact location. However, it is a fair assumption that he lives in a warm place. In fact, he seemed resigned to the fact that there were circumstances that are beyond his control.
Already, he has a plan in mind. Install an aircon next to his grow tent. Then, he could build a box and connect it to the shelter using ducting. It would allow cold air to come in and lower the interior temperature.
Meanwhile, most of the White Widow Autos have been growing remarkably well. In particular, an extra node seems to be popping out of #3. It also appears the flowering is imminent. Unfortunately, one has remained a runt, and now it has some spotting. Puzzled, some of the things that crossed his mind are light or nutrient burn.
As per schedule, he is also supposed to water the plants. However, moisture in the soil seems to be good still. Perhaps by midday, he could do so.
“If the soil is still wet, do not water or feed,” Countryboyjvd1971 advised. “Hold off until it is dry. I never use a schedule as far as how many days and instead go by soil moisture levels.”
Interestingly, another member has a possible theory on the cause of the problem of that one runt.
“Based on the photo and comparing to the symptom checker,” merlin44 offered. “It could be a phosphorous deficiency. But it seems weird that the others are not showing the same symptoms.”
2018-02-19
In the course of discussing his White Widow Auto grow, other members of the ILGM community were also asking some questions.
“Usmcjojo. is it necessary to transplant?” ExcitedMuch asked. “Can’t you plant seed straight into a big pot/bin?”
Of course, merlin44 was only too happy to oblige with these four tips:
1. For auto’s, you should plant them in their final home. Auto’s are particularly sensitive to shock that can cause the plant to have difficulties.
2. For photo’s, planting in a smaller container and working your way up to larger ones gives you better control over how much water the plant is getting. In larger pots, many folks have a tendency to over water the young plants.
3. If you plant directly into large pots, be very careful not to knock the new plant/seedling down with a torrent of water.
4. Large pots require a proportionally larger amount of water (and nutrients) than small pots to get and keep the soil moist. But, too much moisture will drown your seedlings and can cause difficulties with larger plants. Be careful not to over water.
2018-02-21
Everything is running smoothly for ReMoLu. One of the things he may have done in the last days was overwatering. Thanks to helpful people, there was plenty of advice.
Looking at the plants, he could not be any more pleased. The fifth one h
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