Botanicare Feeding Schedules?

[fresheadies]

Hey everyone
I know Pure Blend Pro Grow/Bloom are well-respected ferts so I picked some up (along with some Cal-Mag). I have to yet start using them, and in the meantime I'd like to find out what you all use for feeding schedules with these little guys. They'll be under 400w HPS in soil. I'm aware of the necessity to dilute the ferts, but by how much and at how many weeks/months in do you change it up? Thanks everyone.

[rhizome]

Umm, have you read the bottles?
Agritech's website?
Or WeedHound's Nute Schedule for Hydro/Botanicare (http://boards.cannabis.com/hydroponics/147458-weedhound-s-nute-schedule-hydro-botanicare.html) ?


Cuz ya really should.


Not difficult info to find- ya just have to look for it.

[JeffersonBud]

Also depends on the size of the plant and the genetics. I use the whole line of Botanicares products but my plants like medium ferts so I am running 650 ppms on the 3rd week of flowering. Mine are also in hydro and not in soil. There are lots of variables to consider but I like WH schedule. I just have to use less due to my plants genetics. Start low maybe 1/4 to 1/5 what the bottle says and go up by no more then 30% at a time. Just look for burn and how the leaves react. That line is some great stuff though.

Cheers!

[stinkyattic]

I agree it's just a rock solid product. I haven't tried the Tri-Flex though. All the other ferts and supps work awesome.

JB is also right that it's a good idea to start with a basic understanding of the plant so you can effectively gauge its response to the general schedule- there are so many variables. Watch your pH and calcium availability, then watch for deficiencies and burn. Learn to spot them early and know what to adjust, and how.

[allrollsin21]

Stinky can you do us a favor and explain what you mean by "watch your Calcium Availability"? and why calcium?

Gracias

[JeffersonBud]

I have a pack of the triflex as well but I love the pro grow so much. I am not sure if I will use it or not but you will be the first to know Stinky if I do and what the results are

[allrollsin21]

fresheadies it is a good question. I have done all the research suggested by others and still have managed to burn the ladies in the past!
What is a challenge is trying to keep the ppms at a reasonable amount when adding, ProBloom, Sweet, Calmag, Karma, and hydroplex. My suggestion would be to definitely start at 1/4 strength, and VERY slowly increase. Definitely report back on your experiences.
may the force be with you:thumbsup:

[fresheadies]

Well How many weeks/months (from seed) would you all consider "Mid-Size" and "Mature" vegetation? I know it depends on how long you plan on going, strain, etc. but throw out some tidbits if you can, you'd be helping out alot. Thanks.

[rhizome]

Seedlings- don't feed fer 1 week post emergance. Use seedling ratio days 7-14

Mid veg- days 14-? (two weeks before yer gonna flip)

Mature veg- the 14 days before flip ( building N levels to sustain stretch growth w/o early yellowing)

Transition- day of flip thru point where pistillate development achieves dime/ small cottonball size, stretch growth slows. Can be anywhere from 10 to 28 days.

Mature flowering- end of transition thru flush.

These are ABSOLUTE, STUPID, AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OVERGENERALIZATIONS- you'll be making these calls based on yer plants, not my schedule.

You'll see exactly what they mean if you watch the plants, and why putting calendar dates on it just doesn't work.

[stinkyattic]

That is a good question, allrollsin.
Depending on your water source, you may or may not have enough Ca to fill your plants' needs, in which case you will have to add a Ca supplement. This isn't always listed in feeding schedules, especially for soil grows.
So keep an eye out for yellowing low leaves with irregular tan blotches on them.

[allrollsin21]

is it possible that a water source provides plenty of Calcium in the veg state, but that a supplement needs to be added in flower? Simply put, do plants use more Calcium in flower?

[stinkyattic]

Good question and I don't know the answer. But plants that have been in the same soil for long enough that the lime is used up WILL need a supplement. That's why re-potting is important, and if you have a problem with low pH in a peaty soil, a calmag supplement might just be in order while you go run out and find a larger pot!

[allrollsin21]

somehow you answered my question without knowing the answer. Sweet!
I need to keep a closer eye on my soil PH at about week 3-4 in bloom. That is when i notice trouble.

[fresheadies]

Thanks for throwing out the ideas everyone. Much appreciated, take care.