Getting ready to quit for good!

[GanjaDude]

Before I rip down my grow room and throw out all my gear I figured I'd check with the experts here and see if they have any advice. I've been growing using hydro for nearly a year. I just harvested my last batch 1 week ago. My first 2 grows using Foxfarm gave me great yields, about 7 oz from 3 plants on each grow.My 1st batch were Mandela Hasberry beans and the 2nd Joey weed AK47xCinderella99. This last grow was Dutch Passion Blueberry. My problem is all the herb taste like crap. I flush the system on every other nutrient change and stop feeding 10 days before harvest. On this last grow I switched nutrients and started using Pro Blend Pro Grow and Bloom (I noticed with the Foxfarm there was quite a build-up of nutrient salt). I use tap water which is at 110ppm (didn't feel that I needed an RO system). I just tried smoking a tiny bud from my latest batch and that crappy taste is STILL THERE! I know about drying properly and curing. I'm sorry if I sound pissed, but I've wasted a year and a ton of money and all I end up with is junk that I throw out. Does anyone have any ideas?

[Lit Up]

You just harvested a week ago. The drying and curing process can take over a month. Take what you know about drying and curing and use it. I almost guarantee that they will start to taste better.

[GanjaDude]

Thanks for the advice Lit Up. I just figured smoking a small bud even after only a week of drying would give me a good idea if I had finally succeeded and had something that didn't taste so bad. My last batch I cured for 2 months and tasted so bad I used like 5 oz to make a little bubblehash, which was pretty good. As you can see I never post online (paranoid), but I've been reading up for a least 2 years. I get the impression I'm missing something somewhere. I guess I'll cure for a month or two and hope. I currently have 5 plants going in the veg room, but I think I may just kill them and start ripping down the rooms.

[Lit Up]

Gotta follow your heart....

[JohnnyWisdom]

Before I rip down my grow room and throw out all my gear I figured I'd check with the experts here and see if they have any advice. I've been growing using hydro for nearly a year. I just harvested my last batch 1 week ago. My first 2 grows using Foxfarm gave me great yields, about 7 oz from 3 plants on each grow.My 1st batch were Mandela Hasberry beans and the 2nd Joey weed AK47xCinderella99. This last grow was Dutch Passion Blueberry. My problem is all the herb taste like crap. I flush the system on every other nutrient change and stop feeding 10 days before harvest. On this last grow I switched nutrients and started using Pro Blend Pro Grow and Bloom (I noticed with the Foxfarm there was quite a build-up of nutrient salt). I use tap water which is at 110ppm (didn't feel that I needed an RO system). I just tried smoking a tiny bud from my latest batch and that crappy taste is STILL THERE! I know about drying properly and curing. I'm sorry if I sound pissed, but I've wasted a year and a ton of money and all I end up with is junk that I throw out. Does anyone have any ideas?

How do the plants look after 10 days no nutes? How are you flushing?

[Revanche21]

exactly why im so worried right now

my last batch did not smell nice or taste great

hopefully this time around it will :/

[KingSloth]

OK, so it tastes like crap, but what kind of effect does it produce?:stoned:or:wtf:

[Revanche21]

OK, so it tastes like crap, but what kind of effect does it produce?:stoned:or:wtf:

good effect but a pain to ingest

[GanjaDude]

The plants looks fine after 10 days with no nutes, very little yellowing of the leaves, which seems weird to me. I'm using Clearex when I flush. I always use much less nutes than the feeding schedule says to, usually a little more than 1/2 strength.
It does get me high alright, but it taste so bad it makes me not want to smoke at all. If I wanted crappy tasting weed than I would just keep buying the same stuff I've been getting for the last 20 years (that was my original reason for growing my own).

[LOC NAR on probation]

10 days of flushing should make for some real smooth smoke. Maybe try a flush product. I have tried not flushing and it was real stong and everyone who tried it loved it. Same strain same buzz and a good 10 day flush and the smoke is almost neutral and everyone wants to know where that good strong stuff is.
You should have some great smoke. you only need to flush at the end.

What all are you putting in your hydro ? List everything no matter how small. This should not be a problem for you.

[Mississippi Steve]

Couple of things... first, while flowering use some blackstrap molasses in your nute mix, second as was suggested dry and cure properly..that will help, third, you don't say how your smoking it....what are you using?? joints?? bowl?? what?? I have found that a waterpipe can make even the nastiest weed palletable. and finally, its a lot easier to grow dirty...its a lot less expensive, and you get great results.

BTW... you don't say what the weed tastes like.... is it real heavy on chlorophyl?? or heavy nute taste?? or??

[cannakeeper]

Dude, don't give up-you know you'll regret it. Pissing away 4 mos I know really sucks. I know it is some simple shit your missing. Very unlikely all three strains were just dogshit genetics. Fill us in on your entire process/methods and supplies. Are there any signs of any stressors in the cycle? Are they very healthy throughout? Are the buds that taste like ass thick nugs or kinda small and wispy? I see you mentioned the different strains you tried, you know the same process may not be as effective on one breed as another and the run times are diff as well. Also as I just learned from switching to a diff nute, they are rarely the same blend or strenth. 1/2 strenth on one nute may starve a plant and another may be toxic depending on a whole slew of variables. (PH, lamp watts, veg time, temp, feed schedule, water quality, substrate) Tap or well water also changes a process depending on the type of TDS in it. Most wells contain more iron and sulfur than municipal scources. Some city water contains an ass-load of calcium that can work into a lockout situation if nutes contain high levels designed for RO water and your not careful with the Ph down.(this was my prob) Bad thing is...these girls sometimes don't tell the truth about what's wrong so avoiding pissing her off like any woman is best advised. I am 3 wks from starting another run in which I will be trying the formula top the hydro page that is a tried and true process. Give it a try before you give up, worst can happen is you learn the gro show is not for you or you find that little fuck-up and the next run blows your mind with the ickiest of the sticky.:stoned:

[Booyagrandma]

Does the crap taste mean it taste like grass or hay? I need more description on the taste

What is your hydro setup?
Where are the pics?

Do you check them under a scope to see when they are ready to rock?

They should be yellowing hardcore by the time you chop, maybe try a second flush on day 5 of flushing?

And if your willing to give up after a year.....?

my .02
Booya

[GanjaDude]

Guys,
Thanks very much for the reply's and the great ideas. All I'm using in my hydro set-up is the Pure Blend Pro grow and when flowering the Pure Blend Pro Bloom, nothing else. The taste is a chemical harsh taste which I thought indicated I wasn't getting the nutes out of the plants. All 3 harvests were large, full, thick buds that look killer. I don't have a camera so I can't post any pics. I'm vegging for about 5 weeks in a separate grow room using CFL's. Then switching to a 400 Watt HPS in the Grow room. Both systems use drip emitters and I do have PH and TDS meters. Like I stated previously I use tap water that has a TDS of 110. I know I'm being a pussy, I don't want to quit, I love herb. It's just i so disappointed 11 or so months with all that work and money and nothing to show for it. This last harvest I flushed every other nute change which is around 2 weeks. I stopped feeding the girls with 10 days left till harvest and flushed, then fed them only water, changing the res every other day for the 10 days. the strange thing is the plants were still nice and green when I finally harvested. That tells me something is wrong.

[GanjaDude]

i just took all the buds hanging, that have been drying for the last 5 days and put them in brown paper bags to finish the dry, before moving them into my curing jars. I noticed that everyone of the stems was hollow is that normal? Also on my previous harvest using Foxfarm nutes I noticed that the hydroton had the white nutrient salt all over them, where on the harvest all the Hydroton looks clean. Maybe with a month of curing the buds won't be so bad. Thanks again for all the advice.

[Weedhound]

A harsh metallic taste and super quick burn? Like overdry weed just fries right up? Then you haven't gotten your nutes out.

I use Pro Blend and as long as I flush no problems. But hydroton is notorious for "hanging on" to excess salts and ferts with all it's cute litte airy holes and can cause overfert/salt build up issues. It's one of the reasons I don't use hydroton.

I say change your medium, use a good flushing product and RO water (and Cannazym) for at least a week to flush and you should be good.

[Weedhound]

then, if you're still not happy......grow in soil.

[GanjaDude]

WeedHound,
I'm using a 3ftx3ft tray with 4" Grodan cubes, what other medium could I use to cover the Grodan cubes? Sorry if I sound dense, I just don't know what else I could use.

[GanjaDude]

WeedHound forget my last post. I just checked out the different mediums. Something like a Bud Blanket would probably do the trick. All I need to do is make sure the roots growing out from the cubes are covered. Thanks very much for the guidance that's what I'll try.

[tinytoon]

Just a quick thought, you say you flush for 10 days and change water every other day during this process but when you go to cut them down they are still basically green? My thought might also be that the plant (for some reason) hasnt finished using up all of its own stored energy. Maybe extend flush time a touch also? Good luck man I'm with ya, just coming up on the 1 year mark and it's been a bumpy ride.

[GanjaDude]

That's a good idea Tinytoon. I think I'll give them 14 days of just water and instead of 10 and take WeedHounds advice and replace the Hydroton with something else like maybe a Bud Blanket. I think I'll give it a try one more time with the 5 plants currently vegging.

[cannakeeper]

Sounds like ur right, too many minerals and prob alot of chlorophyl too. Was the bud n leaf really dark when harvested? Does it make some snap crackel when it burns? That together with the shit taste usually tells all. With good green veg I think 14-16 days maybe a little more of flush would be more beneficial. This usually brings mine to a pale green by finish which really makes for tastier goods. I have also found using a really weak nutient solution for flush one time at veg to bloom nutrient change washes away salts and what not better than that high dollar flush shit. I also think it may not be benefiting you to change tank every other day and have to try and get it ph stable before the next day. Try giving it at least 5 days in between dumping the tank and alow the tank and run-off water time to balance. The black strap is a good idea but I use it as a foliar spray a few times in the 3-4wk of bloom stage. It does have some nutrient values so be really easy on it.(lots of info on here and web) misting with RO water as soon as the light comes on will also help wash out chloro/nutes. Also, have you checked accuracy of tds meter, 110ppm sounds low for tap. But with a good formula the meter isn't a must. BTW I did dirt grows for years but after trying hydro for the first time I think it is much easier. Ha Ha... Ileft this response sit unfinished for too long and others pretty much said the same thing. LOL

[stupids]

A couple harvests ago I had some horrible tasting stuff...unsmokable in a joint...I had to use a bong...it smelled nothing like bud

[Weedhound]

Now my hydro guy told me he didn't think it was wise to go longer than 2 weeks on straight water or it can create other problems in the plant. I would cut your nutes in half for the last week BEFORE you flush, then do your flushing routine for up to 14 days.

[Weedhound]

And damn dude.......if you're going to throw it out send it to me cause I'll sure find SOMETHING to do with it. :D

[cannakeeper]

Now my hydro guy told me he didn't think it was wise to go longer than 2 weeks on straight water or it can create other problems in the plant. I would cut your nutes in half for the last week BEFORE you flush, then do your flushing routine for up to 14 days.
I agree with the flush, as I stated above, I do this only if solid green vegetation. If the plant is already a more pale lush green, i've found 2wk flush comes out perfect for me. I lean mine out more than most though, kinda like the color of this little guy:smokin:sometimes even lighter. The fan leaves end up light yellow by finish to achieve this. Ultimately it depends on the strain and how it was grown as well as many environmental variables(temp, humidity, or even type of nutes and run time. Women are different from one to the next and respond differently to what you do to them:lol5:, these girls are no exception. Just my opinion

[GanjaDude]

Cannakeeper I think I may try your idea of using the weak nutrient solution as a flush between the veg and bloom change. The plants are dark green when I harvest so I think your on to something. The reason I was changing the plain water every other day on the last 10 days was because I thought since the drip system I use recirculates the water I would be adding the removed salts right back into the plants if I didn't change the res so often. I calibrate both the TDS and PH meters I have so I think the PPM of the water is fairly accurate. I would have went out and purchased a RO system, but I rent the house and didn't want to put a hole in my landlords pipes, plus I figured I didn't need RO water if my PPM was so low.

Weedhound-Last night I ordered a Bud Blanket online. I'm going to get away from Hydroton and see if that helps. I read somewhere that you should cut the nutes back before you get to the flush, so I think I'll try that. Thanks to everyone for the replies, you have given me a bunch of great ideas. I think I was premature on quitting I'm going to keep trying.

[cannakeeper]

I think this whole thread has been enlightening, I too after only one time using clay peb product, don't care for it either. It may have had alot to do with the type of nutes I used, also the first time. I should have known better than to use crystaline nutes on the stuff. I had always used rockwool with hydrofarm crystal. I may have better luck not leaving salt crust on it on the next run since i'm switching to the GH-3 part but still not sure if I want to risk it again. I'm gonna look into this "bud blanket"..never heard of it since I had never swayed from the wool. Is that the same as cocconut mat? I'm steady trying to decide on a better combo to my drip system so I can start my next run.

[GanjaDude]

CannaKeeper sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, work and X-mas shopping. I was researching an alternative medium for my drip system and read a couple of things about this new Bud Blanket. I figure all the Hydroton is doing is covering the roots from the light and providing some kind of base for the rockwool cubes, so the plant doesn't tip over when it gets large. Here is the product description:
The Bud Blanket is used in hydroponic systems that utilize a tray (flood & drain, drip, etc.). It works especially well when growing in rockwool blocks, but can also be used with net pots and other types of containers. Follow these simple directions:

1. Roll the pre-cut Bud Blanket out onto the surface of your tray.
2. Place rooted plants in rockwool cubes, etc. directly on the Bud Blanket.
3. Watch in amazement as the plants root system develops in the high humidity layer that the Bud Blanket creates!
4. Clean up is a snap! Simply roll the Bud Blanket up with roots and all and you're ready to grow again.

I figured there's not much to lose since it only cost $15 for a 48"x48" mat. I should be setting it up this coming weekend.

[cannakeeper]

Cool bro, sounds like the coconut mat i've seen. I am soo undecided and stressed about it. I have read ass-loads of info on the DWC buckets and the convience and simplicity of them so I may lean that way and take my first step away from the drippy way. I have used the 20 gal tank and slab trays style forever and i'm bout over it. Buckets seem to work pretty champ for ALOT of others. I think I will gather some more log formulas/combos info from some of the pros and make a decision by this wkend as well.

[tinytoon]

Good luck Ganja and if ya want start up a log so we can follow ya :jointsmile:

[Booyagrandma]

Are you lowering the nutes towards the 2nd to last week in flowering?

[GanjaDude]

Someone else had mentioned that earlier. I wasn't doing that and that may be one of my problems. I am definitely going to cut down on the nutes towards the end of flowering. Concerning the Bud Blanket I just received, it looks more like a fiberglass than a coconut mat. I'll give it a try and see what happens.

[LOC NAR on probation]

Dude if it doesn't work for you this time I think it is your water. Even at 110 PPM's if it's tap water from city could be a good amount of solid chlorine, bad for taste. If it's well water could be minerals that you don't want because of taste. I have not seen anyone who uses R/O or distilled have this problem and flush so much. Get clean water and some cal-mag plus and flush the last week you won't have the problem any more.

I know some peeps that like that crappy stong taste. The last I did I flushed for 2 weeks and no one thought it was the same. To bad I loved it, all for me. LOL

Just saw some white widow that smelled like stank dog crap. The guy loved it but you could smell it from down the street like a steaming pile (Still Smokin)

[Weedhound]

Dude if it doesn't work for you this time I think it is your water. Even at 110 PPM's if it's tap water from city could be a good amount of solid chlorine, bad for taste. If it's well water could be minerals that you don't want because of taste. I have not seen anyone who uses R/O or distilled have this problem and flush so much. Get clean water and some cal-mag plus and flush the last week you won't have the problem any more.

I know some peeps that like that crappy stong taste. The last I did I flushed for 2 weeks and no one thought it was the same. To bad I loved it, all for me. LOL

Just saw some white widow that smelled like stank dog crap. The guy loved it but you could smell it from down the street like a steaming pile (Still Smokin)


Loc Nar makes a very good point about your water and the possibility that it may be your issue. If there are nasty chemicals in your tap water, they can transfer to your weed. That's why I suggested flushing strictly with RO water and a root product such as Cannazym.

[GanjaDude]

That's some good advice guys. i had previously looked into getting an RO system, but it seemed just about all of them involved putting a hole in the faucet pipe. That's something I didn't won't to do being that I rent the house I live in. I'll see if I can find a system that I can hook directly to the faucet without damaging the pipes. I had assumed with the water that what I really needed to worry about was how high the PPM was, I never thought about all the crap that might be in it-live and learn. I already have some Cal Mag plus, so I'll pick up some Cannazym and get an RO system. I'm switching my ladies over to flowering today, hopefully in a couple of months I'll be indulging in some sweet tasting herb. Thanks guys

[Weedhound]

They come ready to screw on your faucet or in our case....the garden hose. You'll need a container to store your RO water in and a 2 stage should do you fine for hydro purposes. We can unscrew ours and put it quietly away within a few minutes.

[GanjaDude]

Well guys I know I haven't been around for a while but just wanted to give you an update on what's been going on. Since my post in Dec. about my hydro weed tasting like crap, I've had 2 more grows and both have ended the same way. The herb looks amazing, but taste like crap! Two entire years, a couple thousand dollars and more hours hauling water up and down stairs than I care to remember and I'm still smoking s**t. I tried the good advice from the generous members here and changed from Hydroton media and got myself an RO system. I thought after my last grow that my problem was that when I was flushing I was using plain RO water and that I should have flushed with water that was PH adjusted, but that didn't solve the problem.
About my only option now is to try a soil grow or just quit altogether. Because of where I live there is no option to just buy the dank stuff, it's always below average stuff that cost from $300 to $400 an OZ. The last time I smoked really good stuff was 25 years ago in college. I thought growing my own would finally fix this problem, but I'm an idiot! Thanks for letting me vent I feel better.:mad:

[FoothillsFarmer]

how long are you drying the buds before you put them into jars? what are your temps and RH in your drying area? If you're using clearex during your flush, you shouldn't be having any issues with salts lingering... I would look at your drying process as the possible culprit. overdried buds can at times have the harsh metalic taste you described...

[crabbyback]

I certainly can understand your frustration and anger. But I hope you stick with it and figure this out. It seems like you are sooo close. I have a few ideas for you.

I agree with above poster, maybe the drying process isn't working for you. Drying is more complicated than one would think. I found that no matter how careful I was, if I tried to dry when my RH was very low, I ended up with yucky tasting weed. My best drying attempt I was able to keep RH around 50% and temps at 65~70F. The longer you can make the drying process last, the better everything tastes. My best attempt occurred during a cool, moist spring. The plants hung for a couple of weeks and the buds were not "crunchy" even then, but dried to perfection.

So, even though I may know the right way, I'm not able to recreate the best conditions at other times of the year. I need to invest in a humidifier, I guess, just for drying. I'm lucky in that I haven't run across any mold at all, at any time. Kinda counterintuitive, as I live in the hot, steamy south.

Are you cutting the buds from the stems when you harvest or do you leave the plant intact while drying? I leave all buds on the stems. I don't even cut the stems off the main trunk until everything is dry and ready to be jarred. I don't do paper bags or such, just hanging, then to the jars. The stems and stalks help to pull the bad tastes and moisture out.

What to do with your not so good tasting (but potent) weed? You could try to water cure a batch to see if you like that. I understand it removes pretty much all taste from the weed, so not optimal, but workable. You could also make canna caps or canna butter with it. I find that the canna caps work extremely well for me, so much so that I'm not smoking nearly as much dried and cured bud. I generally make them with fresh trim and popcorn buds, but have used nasty tasting, cured bud with the same results.

You might try a vaporizer. I don't like them at all, but some swear by them. To me, they totally remove or change the taste of weed, which for your purposes, may work. You could also try putting a bit of orange peel or apple in the curing jars with your nasty weed. I've done this with crappy street stuff when desperate. As you stated, you could make hash, but I'm way too lazy for that involved process.:smokin:

I hope some of these suggestions work for you. I hate to see a fellow grower throw in the towel without attaining success. Please post back and let us know how you get on.

[GanjaDude]

Guys thanks for the great advice. I feel like I'm missing some small step that's screwing things up, but I just can't for the life of me figure it out. The herb allows looks fantastic, but the taste leaves a lot to be desired. I was using Clearex for multiple grows but I stopped using it and switched to plain water thinking maybe that was causing the bad taste (I was basically trying to change everything from the water to the grow media to the nutes, assuming one was the culprit). I knew from all the reading I've done that the drying process is the one of the most difficult aspects of the grow, but I thought I had a good handle on it. When I dry I was cutting the buds from the plant and hanging them from string that I had set-up in a large box. After 6-7 days when they were fairly dry on the outside I would put them into plain brown shopping bags until the stems would snap, then into the mason jars. I was always trying to keep the RH between 55-65% and the temps between 65-75. I do have a couple of humidifiers that I use in the winter. Crabbyback I think I will try your way of hanging the whole plant, you may be on to something. I also have bubblebags that I use to make hash, but that also taste crappy. I really don't want to switch to soil, maybe I'll try one more grow in fall and hope for the best. Crabbyback and Foothillsfarmer thanks for taking the time to try and help I appreciate it.

[crabbyback]

I hope you try one more time. I made the very same damn mistake on my first grow! Some of that grow is still sitting in my stash cab. Nobody here likes it. Its destined to become canna caps.

After depressing results, I searched for all drying info I could find. Books, net, etc. I found somewhere (:stoned:) a logical explanation for what was occurring. The stems and trunk act to slow down drying of the buds. Fast drying just pulls the moisture in your buds out but traps clorophyll and other yuck in the buds. Slow drying pulls moisture and bad juju out of your buds in stages. Anyway, I wish I could remember where I read that but, the light went on for me. Next grow, I did 4 WW. The drying took weeks at 50% RH, at around 65F, in the dark, with minimal air flow and the plant intact. I didn't even remove the big fan leaves (made for terrible trouble manicuring :(). After sufficient cure for WW (2 months in my book) it is some of the most awesome tasting pot I've had. :woohoo: Unfortunately, I haven't had quite as good a luck on subsequent drying attempts, but practice makes perfect in this game.

I just know this will work for you.
:Crabby goes off crossing fingers, chanting encantations, etc:

[crabbyback]

I just bought some myself, just haven't used it yet. I was going to try to cut down the amount of time that I starve them in trying to flush the nutes. The way I understand the chemistry of Clearex, I can't see it adding to the bad taste at all.

If you will research drying and curing here at cancom and using other resources, you will find not everyone is agreed on the principle of flushing or how to do it perfectly at end. I thought I'd experiment a bit with one plant each grow.

Do it, dude!

[LOC NAR on probation]

Well guys I know I haven't been around for a while but just wanted to give you an update on what's been going on. Since my post in Dec. about my hydro weed tasting like crap, I've had 2 more grows and both have ended the same way. The herb looks amazing, but taste like crap! Two entire years, a couple thousand dollars and more hours hauling water up and down stairs than I care to remember and I'm still smoking s**t. I tried the good advice from the generous members here and changed from Hydroton media and got myself an RO system. I thought after my last grow that my problem was that when I was flushing I was using plain RO water and that I should have flushed with water that was PH adjusted, but that didn't solve the problem.
About my only option now is to try a soil grow or just quit altogether. Because of where I live there is no option to just buy the dank stuff, it's always below average stuff that cost from $300 to $400 an OZ. The last time I smoked really good stuff was 25 years ago in college. I thought growing my own would finally fix this problem, but I'm an idiot! Thanks for letting me vent I feel better.:mad:

What strain or strains are you growing ?
After reading all this again haevest is not a problem. Sounds like a strain related thing. You are curing right and flushing and it is not your plants dying.
Have you tried a strain that is more neutral in smell, like big bud ?

[GanjaDude]

Loc Nar in the last couple of years I've tried
Joey Weeds Ak47xC99
Serious Seeds Bubblegum
TGA's Pandoras Box
Dutch Passions Master Kush, White Widow and Blueberry.
Crabby, the one thing that makes me think it might not be the way I'm drying is that every time I've made bubblehash it also tasted crappy and that's made right after harvest.

[crabbyback]

I do recall reading that you should also cure your hash for taste and smoothness after pressing but before smoking. I don't know if that is true, or if it includes bubble hash :jointsmile: and I can't site a source because I've got short term memory problems :D.

You seem to have come to your own conclusions regarding the problem, so I'm not sure what else I can offer other than "good luck".

[GanjaDude]

Crabbyback I really haven't come to any conclusion, in fact after reading your advice I figure it can't hurt to try one more time. I'm going to try harvesting the way you do, but I'm wondering if maybe I should do this last grow in soil. Also I think I'll try Loc Nars advice and try growing Big Bud. The more advice I try, the better chance I have for fixing the problem. I don't grow in the summer, it's too hot so my next try will start at the end of Sept. I'll post again and let you know how I make out. Thank you again for the advice.:)

[LOC NAR on probation]

Loc Nar in the last couple of years I've tried
Joey Weeds Ak47xC99
Serious Seeds Bubblegum
TGA's Pandoras Box
Dutch Passions Master Kush, White Widow and Blueberry.
Crabby, the one thing that makes me think it might not be the way I'm drying is that every time I've made bubblehash it also tasted crappy and that's made right after harvest.

Wow, you should of gotten some real tasties from that bunch. haven't had the blueberry or bubblegum but working my way there. The widow should of been stank for sure. Just had some that was good and stinky and then some not so good from same grower.

Going to have to read back through now. This should not be happening.

[LOC NAR on probation]

I don't mean to be personal but.

Are you taking any meds that might effect the taste of things ?
Or does other weed you have gotten taste OK ?

We are getting older.

[phatsesh101]

start a grow log, youve come this far. let us help you on ur last run side by side monoymono :hippy:

maybe it grows to long or not long enough

or maybe its real good like everybody loves my stuff but to me its just homegrown man

[GanjaDude]

Loc Nar I'm not an any medication, I've given the herb to others who like the high but agree that the taste leaves a lot to be desired. Where I live it near impossible to find the great dank stuff, so the only choice is average at best and that doesn't have the crappy taste like my weed. One thing I have noticed is that before I harvest if I touch the buds or even some of the leaves, the smell on my fingers is sweet like I remember great herb is supposed to smell. That's why it's so disappointing waiting the 3 months then drying and curing for at least another 3 or 4 weeks only to get the same crap smell and taste. And this has gone on for 5 or 6 grows! What sucks even more is every grow I end up with 6 or 7 oz of stuff I really don't want to smoke.
I think I will try Crabbybacks method of drying the whole plant, but what I'm on the fence about is should I try soil this last time. Phatsesh I'll see if I can get a camera and maybe do a grow log on the next grow. As always every ones advice is appreciated.

[LOC NAR on probation]

I would do a soil grow to compare. At this point you have nothing to lose. And you know how to finish.

If the buds smell good fresh when touched then they should end up that way. Wish I could say what it is. You sounds like you got your shit together. It just ain't happening in the end product.

Sorry just thought of a friend on Key-lation to remove crap from his blood and clean it. He said everything tasted like metal. He lost a good bit of weight.

Very strange this problem is.

[martyrprojekt]

Dude,

This is due to the water you are using. TOO much chlorine and hard metals in your water. Switch to distilled water, and then use cal mag (yes, everyone who is posting on here...I am saying to use cal mag).

And you need to be flushing with this water too. I had this problem once when I lived near the California Delta. The local water came from our delta tributary that has had chemicals and electrical plant wastes dumped into it over that last 600 years.

Do remember in school they used to tell us, "You are what you eat." Virtually the same thing. This is just my 2 cents on this!

-----------------------------------

Happy Growing :hippy:

-Martyr Projekt

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[GanjaDude]

That definitely could have been the problem my first year because I used tap water that had a TDS of 110-120, but for the 2nd year I purchased a RO system which I've used for the last 12-15 months. Also I'm adding CalMag with the RO water. I keep the PH between 5.8-6.3 and change the 12 gallon res every 10 days. I feed the plants just ph adjusted water for the last 10 days and change that plain water every 2 days. Thanks for the input.

[martyrprojekt]

Your last post threw up a whole lot of red flags to me. You said your lst 10 days is PH adjusted water...and you are using a reverse osmosis filtration system.

Glad to see you are using cal mag, that helps. But, this is my concern. It sounds to me like "YOU" are adjusting the Ph of your water. Instead of using water that is PH neutral like distilled water. The point of the 10 day flush is to use ZERO chemicals. If you are using ph up or down at all...it defeats the purpose. And, this would account for your plants not totally flushing the nutes out of your system.

I would also clean my res...before flushing. I actually have a res for flush that I will use at the end. Keeps the added chemicals from building up in your res floor. Just a thought!

I would even change the water 3-4 times over the 10 days of flush. I would buy distilled water instead of "treating and adjusting" your water. It will make a difference.

Unless, I am totally baked and misunderstood you. LMAO! :D

Don't give up broseph, it is time to hunker down and not end up like all those tools on craigslist selling their gear. There is always answers to every problem. And, if you're in Cali...I can give you my information, and I am always glad to give advice. Although I am growing for the first time indoors, sometimes there is a mistake being made somewhere that two stoned minds can figure out better than one! :jointsmile:

peace brotha...and good luck on this next one. You will for sure be an expert once you get yourself dialed in!

-------------------------------------

Happy Growing

-Martyr Projekt

------------------------------------

[GanjaDude]

martyr a couple of grows ago I was just flushing with the RO water and nothing else but I had read somewhere that you should flush with PH adjusted water. It kinda made sense to me because I know that the plant can't take in nutrients if the PH is too high or low, so I thought maybe if the plain water was PH adjusted it would flush better.

I am going to try just distilled for the last 10 days now thanks for the idea. I scrub my res after every change, but to be safe it couldn't hurt to use a clean new for the final flush. Dude, you live in heaven on earth being in Cali. I'm stuck living in great state of Mass. which feels like East Germany from the 60's. Think of us trapped behind the iron curtain next time you smoke a fatty.:(

[GanjaDude]

One thing I just struck me after reading a post from Tinytoon on a different thread was that I have been using 1" Rockwool cubes that I then transfer to 4" ones. I have been rinsing them out and then using them and not soaking in PH adjust water, could that cause the crappy smell and taste?

[LOC NAR on probation]

One thing I just struck me after reading a post from Tinytoon on a different thread was that I have been using 1" Rockwool cubes that I then transfer to 4" ones. I have been rinsing them out and then using them and not soaking in PH adjust water, could that cause the crappy smell and taste?

I don't think so. That would just make for unhealthy plants early on because you might be chasing your PH up or down. We saok them to get them adjusted to our PH liking. You would have known if that was your problem and only till they got adjusted.

[phatsesh101]

how long do you flower for, each strain? 10 % amber may be to much if your shooting for that

what dont you like about the flavor of each, is it the same? is it metalic, dry,
grassy?

I think you should give up and give me your stuff :thumbsup:

[GanjaDude]

I usually flower for 8-9 weeks on average. All my seeds tend to be indica dominant. I'm having a tough time trying to describe the smell and taste. What ever I'm doing wrong effects every harvest, it all reminds me of a grassy hay smell. Believe me if I could find a safe way to do it I'd send you a big bag! Hell I don't want it.:)

[phatsesh101]

i dont want the weed man i want the gear when u quit :cool:

what were your avg. temps?

[GanjaDude]

Phatsesh the temps range from the low 70's to mid 80's. I only grow from Sept. to May.

[LOC NAR on probation]

To bad, I would like to try it. It would be the only way to compare to anything else. Or some one could send you a bud to compare with but then you would be really pissed if it was good.

It just sounds really dry to be smoking like that.

[phatsesh101]

when my temps rise above 80 to much it seems to take longer to mature

do you or did you have bugs?

all sorts of stuff can cause probs, i grew outside most of my life until i moved into an apartment and then learned indoors. it took me almost 2 years to work out the kinks and get what i wanted, with help from other growers and now that i got it, eengh its whatever, kinda time consuming id quit but the dispensary cant dupe my quality

excellent flavor is a technique that alot of growers cant accomplish, i go to alot of different dispensaries here in cali and some of the buds are good but even fewwer are excellent, and most taste the same, either smooth and plain or flavor masked by nutes.

I have yet to grow hydro but have always heard that it lacks the flavors of soil

[martyrprojekt]

ganja,

I hear you on living behind the iron curtain. I have not always lived in Cali. Try to flush next with just distilled water...this way it is nuetral water, not requiring ph to be adjusted. I am wondering about your reverse osmosis system, why would it need to be ph adjusted, when the point of those systems is to create neutral filtered water.

it sounds to me like the water you are using is filled with chemicals and chlorine. Not to mention thousands of other harmful things. There was an story in US today saying that when tests of local water supplies were done that high levels of anti-depressants, estrogen, and a multitude of other harmful chemicals were found in the tested water supplies.

Based upon that...the only true way to insure pure water is...distillation, if living in those areas.

Just a thought,

Martyr Projekt

[LOC NAR on probation]

when my temps rise above 80 to much it seems to take longer to mature

do you or did you have bugs?

all sorts of stuff can cause probs, i grew outside most of my life until i moved into an apartment and then learned indoors. it took me almost 2 years to work out the kinks and get what i wanted, with help from other growers and now that i got it, eengh its whatever, kinda time consuming id quit but the dispensary cant dupe my quality

excellent flavor is a technique that alot of growers cant accomplish, i go to alot of different dispensaries here in cali and some of the buds are good but even fewwer are excellent, and most taste the same, either smooth and plain or flavor masked by nutes.

I have yet to grow hydro but have always heard that it lacks the flavors of soil

I would bet most of what you see in the dispensaries is hydro but grown for the quick cash crop it is for meds. The medicine isn't about taste or flavor so no one worries about it.

On the other hand our grow that is very simple with few additives. The last bach smoked like someone smashed your brains out with a ripe Papaya. I can smell it down the block. LOL We have hawaiianxskunkxbigbud and redbud and nothernlights. All have there own smell.

It's always better when you grow it.

If you can taste nutes it was not flushed right.

[GanjaDude]

Martyr you make a very good point about my water. I thought it was fairly good because the TDS was only 110ppm. Then when I could not figure out my problem I purchased the RO System. I thought an RO system just removed as many contanimants as possible, I didn't know that the water was also PH neutral.

I just tested my RO water and it had a PH of 3.7 maybe the water is my issue.

Phat I have never had an bug problems. I was under the impression that everyone one this site and dozens of others were growing fantastic bud easily, but after reading you last post maybe it's not as easy as I thought.

My next grow will be soil and I'll flush with distilled water. If I try enough of the sound advice I received here one of them is bound to fix the problem. I would like to thank everyone who attempted to help me with my problem. I wish I could have you all over for a smokefest--when I fix the problem of course.

[crabbyback]

But the rewards are worth the effort.

[LOC NAR on probation]

I just tested my RO water and it had a PH of 3.7 maybe the water is my issue.

Neutral should be 7.0 ph. Both my distilled water and R/O are about 7.0.

[martyrprojekt]

Neutral should be 7.0 ph. Both my distilled water and R/O are about 7.0.

I agree with loc nar here. Your PH is whacked. I think we have identified this as your problem, without even seeing pictures. Get distilled water asap, and add cal-mag to it. You will love the results with the grow, and also with your flush when doing strait distilled water that has no Ph up or down added.

3.7 is like acid water. Your poor babies. Get them fed properly. I wish you would've posted on here prior to struggling for over a year. These guys talk me through everything, even my paranoia! :stoned:

My advice is this. Document your next grow with a forum log. We will walk you through it all, and help you get the best buds possible. Even when I grew outdoor, this forum was always there to help with anything that came up along the way. All of these guys here have great advice and have mountains of experience with indoor hydro and soil.

Start from the beginning with every little detail for your rig, soil, ph levels, runoff ph, light schedules, etc. We will have suggestions and walk you through it! Just remember that even the most experienced and tenured horticulturists fuck up. So, be prepared to make mistakes!

Oh yeah, invest in a camera, this will help us all in diagnosing issues, and getting you on your way!

---------------------------------

Happy Growing :hippy:

-Martyr Projekt

--------------------------------

[crabbyback]

:postgood: martyr

Ganjadude, I hope you will keep us updated on your trials and results, whatever they are. I would be interested in the outcome. Again, best of luck.

[crabbyback]

While researching the flushing, drying, curing subjects, I found a few posts (Stinky's was one) that mentioned you should stop all N two weeks before flush. So you stop N 4 weeks before harvest but continue to feed everything else until the 2 week flush time.

Stinky says excess N during bloom causes harshness, which is mostly what I'm experiencing.

Thought I'd let you know in case you hadn't run across that tidbit of info.

[GanjaDude]

Crabbyback I did not know that about cutting out the N 4 weeks before harvest. I did cutback on the nutes for the last couple of weeks before the flush.

I use Pure Blend Pro Bloom for the veg which has 2.5% N. I guess the only way I could make sure that the N is totally stopped 4 weeks before harvest is to switch to a 3 part nutrient regiment like GH.

I've never used another nute besides Pure Blend, I guess my question is how would I control N? Also since I will be trying soil on my next grow do you have any suggestions or recommendations for nutrients? I was planning on getting some of the Foxfarm soil, I hear that's good.
:thumbsup:

[crabbyback]

I didn't know about stopping N 4 weeks before harvest either, so I'm excited to try this my next grow. I have some residual harshness that I would love to get rid of.

Now I'm excited that you didn't know this either. Are you growing right now? Can you test this soon? :D

GDude, you need to turn on your reputation so people can rep you. Its under the User CP tab up top. :stoned:

[crabbyback]

I didn't even think about you using a one part feed. I don't know how you'd do it with that product.

Recently, I'm using a 3-part from Humboldt Nutrients but I'm still evaluating them. I have used Advanced Nutrients in the past and really liked them. Everyone says they are overpriced. I don't know the PureBlend line. Have you been to their website to see if they make a 3 part or a complementary product to what you are using with bloom nutes only? If you like the brand, I'd try that.

Fox Farms is supposed to be the bomb. Just be really careful with the FF Ocean Forest soil. Lots of folks burn their plants with it.

[GanjaDude]

Now that I will be growing with soil I think I'll find a new nutrient solution, with a 3 part solution so I can control the amount of NPK applied. Crabbyback because I live in the Northeast I suspend growing in the summer (don't want to leave A/C's running while I'm at work). My next grow will start at the end of Sept. FYI all the crappy tasting weed I have is now in it's 5th day of water curing. I hope that may make the herb a little more palatable for me. I'll let you know how the water cure turns out.:cool:

[Joefarmer]

Hi, sorry you're having taste problems. For what it's worth, I keep my drying room temp as close to 50 degrees as possible and let em hang for about 2 weeks. Then I cure them in plastic shopping bags which are put inside brown paper bags rolled halfway down. I open em up once a day to let the gasses and any excess moisture escape. It's always been bagseeds so nothing super tasty but still nice and earthy(outdoor organic). If I can wrangle up enough glass jars this year I'll eliminate the bag curing method since I seem to be the only one using it. Read it in HT about 10 yrs ago. Glass is just so much nicer.

Good luck dude!

[washburn]

I just thought I'd throw out I celebrated 420! I trust there were others out there enjoying the sunshine as much as I was ;) It feels good to know people across the globe are feeling good right meow.

Happy 420!

[martyrprojekt]

ummmm...:wtf:4/20...In September?:wtf:

Did I miss the memo? :stoned:

[420barista]

I just thought I'd throw out I celebrated 420! I trust there were others out there enjoying the sunshine as much as I was ;) It feels good to know people across the globe are feeling good right meow.

Happy 420!

Me thinks Ya need to fix your Calendar your like 4 and 1/2 months to late dude. ahhh nevermind But then Heck Everyday should be 4/20 day

[LOC NAR on probation]

even a broken watch is right twice a day.