New Grower First Auto Grow Journey!

[Killijin]

I didn't know hydrated lime could harm the roots.. what would cause that? Also remember, DO NOT perform changes in PH more than once every 4 hours. Plants do not like fluctuating PH and if you are constantly messing with it, it will cause your plants to feel bad. Do a solid adjustment, then check again in 4 hours, or even the next day.

 

[Muddy]

It can be too hot if a lot is applied and can burn the roots, killing them. I've never had an issue but have also never gone above 1 tablespoon per gallon of feed.

 

[pher]

You don't say what your pH going in was, only what the run off is. I imagine it was somewhere around 6.5 - 7? So if it's coming out at 5.5 that would indicate it's even lower. If it's that low, just feeding at 7 won't be enough, you need to add some lime to your mix. You'll want to get your pH up as quickly as possible. Dolomite lime is safer but slower acting. Hydrated lime will bring it up faster, just be cautious as too much can harm the roots. Dolomite is mixed into the soil but hydrated is a fine powder and can be mixed with water. In cases like this I use hydrated at the rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon with no ill effects.

Muddy you are absolutely correct. When i posted about the runoff being 5.5, i had watered with 7.0. I had a smokers moment when responding to Noods when i said i will hit them with 7.0 tomorrow. Thankfully, i came to before i actually watered again and i raised the waters ph to 8.0. It seemed to do the trick for now, as the runoff was between 6-6.7 for each plant. i use baking soda for ph up. If i water in the hydrated lime, will that keep working in the soil for a while? thanks Muddy!

 

[The Squid]

Yes, that lime will continue to buffer your soil's ph. I would do that for sure, the watering will only keep it there for so long if your mix isn't buffered with something, then you will have wild ph swings which is no good. Although apple cider vinegar and baking soda works or ph down and up, I suggest getting some ph up and down. Earth Juice makes some in dry crystal form that is good for use with organics and General Hydroponics makes some good stuff too, but it's used with chemical ferts.

 

[pher]

Thanks Squid! Why is ph up/down better than baking soda/vinegar?

 

[The Squid]

It's more stable. The bs/v tends to drift after time as opposed to the other stuff made for that. I am sure there are growers here that use it all the time though, so they may beg to differ. But the products aren't too pricey and just one less thing to worry about.

 

[pher]

They are looking much better today. keeping my eye on them closely. :thumbs:

can you water in dolomite lime? i know its usually pelleted but i have crushed it up in the past and put it in soil directly?

 

[Muddy]

Dolomite is usually mixed into the soil. It's a lot slower acting than hydrated. Mix it into the top layer of soil and then water/feed as usual.

 

[pher]

Thanks again Muddy!

Does anyone have experience with Oregon's Only Organic's Nectar for the Gods, Demeters Destiny Liquid Calcium? It was recommended to me at the hydro store. It contains no nitrogen at all. Not sure if it contains Mg or not. dont think it does.

 

[pher]

i'm trying to upload some more pics and its not working. just shows the file that i was trying to upload and then nothing when i click upload? worked fine for me the last time.