Outdoor Photo verses Auto

[stonemaster]

For one thing, in the drought the plants were so big only an animal the size of a pig could dig them up and two, I make it a point to water slowly at the stem so the water goes as deep as possable. I want the roots to go down not out. I remove the mulch first then put it back. so there is no wet ground. As to insects, a healthy plant can take care of it's self. To me insect damage tells me there is another problem that once fixed so is the insect problem. A good way to find a mirco-climate is to go out after a snowfall and see where the snow melts first. This will always be on the south side of something. For example, in ky. there are stonewalls along the road. If they run north to south, there is no differents. But if they run east to west, one side is on the north where in the winter the snow will drift here and pile up, After the sun returns it is shaded by the stone wall and so is the last of the snow to melt. On the other side, facing south, there maynot even be any snow being protected from the north wind by the wall as it is. If there is snow it will be the first to melt, receiving full sun and the stone wall now storing heat also. That is a mirco-climate. 2 foot away is like a different climate zone. This is a simple example of how your choice of site is the first step in succeding outside. A compass helps and is a must have peice of equipment in searching for that sweet spot.

 

[Koose]

Thanks. Two great answers.

 

[stonemaster]

Also, remember the thermocline. The last place you want to be is the bottom of this. You hear weather reports where they say frost warning in low lying areas. You do NOT want to be there! The highest places have no windbreak to the north, so it may be the top of the thermocline, but is also at the mercy of the north winds. I think about 1/3 of the way down from the top is perfect. Also, go to the local university and buy quad maps for your area. They show all elevations and the roads, ponds, streams and a host of information. You can find sweet spots sitting at home in front of the fire this winter. Warning. It is a mile walk one way for me and it seems uphill both ways some days. The sucurity of growing where no one thinks it is even possable is worth the walk. Most days.

 

[Truu]

I think you can finish man. If your saying that stone wall is holding in heat and melting snow, it may very well be possible. You seem to have great knowledge of your grow environment. With tlc it'll work great. Looking forward to your progress.

:smokebuds:

 

[Koose]

I have the quad maps. I used to plant on motorcycle trails that were numerous where I used to live. It saved the walk and gave an obvious reason for being where ever I was. I liked the small quiet four cycles rather than the dirt bikes. I preferred to slowly stroll rather than race. Since bodies of water also moderate the temps some, a boat ride looking for a south facing cliff might work.

 

[Purple Rain]

I like your way of using micro climate to extend the growing period. I'm creating similar warm spot with a large compost around and under my rised bed. alot of work but its worth it here N62.

 

[stonemaster]

That is a great idea purple rain! Doesn't compost give off co2 as a byproduct?

 

[stonemaster]

Day 51. Pic 1. The photo bed behind a tahoe o.g. I left to see what it would do. Pic 2 and 3. As you can see the photos are blooming hard. Most have 6 to 8 limbs 16 inches long. They got their first dose of flowering ferts. Pollenation continues with many small seeds visable. The big suprise is the volintere white widow auto in this bed.Not only did she start herself , then compete with photos for her spot, broken over and just stood back up and leaned agains the wall, sprayed with tirsaias mist on the third node only, is making flowers with seeds already in the top, but is now forming pollen sacs where I sprayed her! She is one tough bitch and will be both the mother and father to a new generation,to some the mother and to some the father.

 

[stonemaster]

Day 51. The auto bed. Here is where the autos are pulling ahead of the photos. While the side branches are smaller and did not fill in the open area in between each other, they are further along in flowering. Many chyrstels are forming and the smell is begining to get strong. The best one is pic two, maybe an oz..

 

[stonemaster]

Looking down for my spot. How about that for sucurity. I am the only fool to think you can grow here!