Growing in The Danger Zone

Holla. I am trying to grow outdoors this year for the first time in about 5 years. The last time I did it I was in high school and it didn't turn out all that great. I have started some Juicy Fruit seeds indoors. I think I'm going to grow them for the entire month of May indoors and plop them outside at the start of June. I plan on moving across the country at the end of July. I'll be able to care for the plants a little bit up until about mid July and then their on their own.

Will they be alright if I leave them and don't check up on them for that long? Since I'll be on the other side of the country I am only going to be making one trip back for this guys. I think I will plan the trip back to be around the time the light cycle is 12/12, but this is what has been troubling me most. I live around Northern West Virgina. If anyone has grown outdoors in or around this area I would love to know what time you harvested in years past. I understand that it won't be the same because of all the variables, but it will give me a general time, which would help me out A LOT.

And lastly I forgot to mention that I have access to about 6 streams. I plan on irrigating the streams to my plants. I have spent a lot of time thinking on the best way to do this and have come up with a few ideas that I will share in hopes that I will get some good advice.
1. Use small rubber tubing to direct a small about of water to the plant.
2. Dig a ditch that leads the water to the plant, but stop the ditch about 3 feet away uphill so that the water doesn't flood the plant but keeps the area moist.
3. Don't irrigate at all and just plant the plant within 3 ft. of the stream and allow the roots to grow down to the water table

I also plan on doing this on land right next to the highway. I have heard that helicopters can't fly very low in areas along the highway. I don't know if this is true or not, but I'm not to worried because I plan to have the plants spaced out around 40 or so acres.

Thanks guys... I know you'll be a lot of help.

The question about finish time does not have an answer becauese as you said there are way to many variables.

As far as the water goes:

"1. Use small rubber tubing to direct a small about of water to the plant."
- do you mean just by gravity it's going to flow? does not seem like it's goin to work to well.

2. Dig a ditch that leads the water to the plant, but stop the ditch about 3 feet away uphill so that the water doesn't flood the plant but keeps the area moist.
- Again, not to trash your idea, but I do not think it will work well not to mention the enourmous effort involved in trying.

3. Don't irrigate at all and just plant the plant within 3 ft. of the stream and allow the roots to grow down to the water table. -
- Dont plant 3 ft away from the water because of flooding, foot traffic and high risk of mold. Dig up the area and turn the soil thouroughly down to at least 12 ". Add lots of compost, water crystals and mulch on top.

ALSO - Carry extra water during dry periods if you can. If there is a water source fairly close get a 12 V rechargable battery, a marine bilge pump and some plastic marine hose all available at any boat / marine type place. Hide them in the area and use it like a garden hose when you visit. A 500 GPH bilge can be had for about $25 and will put out the pressure of like 1/2 the average outdoor hose. A single charge on a small car battery will usually last all or most of the season and you may have to recharge 1 or 2 times if you really use it a lot.

if you are using tube irrigation outdoors you are going to be messing around with filters.

lol every time I see the thread title I think of Top Gun!

Well I'm not going to be able to tend to my plants after mid July. They will be on their own until harvest. This is why I was considering have a water source that will allow me to not be present. I do like the idea of the pump and sprinkler, but I would think it'd be much easier and far less expensive to carry any container out to the site and water them by hand.

I have an IMPORTANT question that I'd like to hear some feedback on. What is the likely hood that my plants will stay alive by themselves for roughly 2 months. I predict that my plants will be around 2-3 feet by the time I'll be leaving them. I understand that this is determined by many things but I'm wondering if all I really have to be concerned about is the risk of a real long dry spell or if there is anything else that I have to take into account because of my absence. I would like to know now if you guys don't think the plants will have a good chance so I can save a lot of time and energy.

On another note I was thinking about using a mixture of 1/2 potting soil, 1/4 cow manure, 1/8 clay, 1/8 soil that is found at the site. I'm looking for something that can hold water fairly well, I'm sure some of you guys have way better soil formulas and I'd like to hear them if your willing. Thank you.

Ditch the clay.
Yes, in a lawn for example it's a water holder... for cannabis, it's not your best bet... try the polymer 'crystals' that hold water.
Also mulch heavily around the base of your plant, using leaves, which will conserve water and discourage weeds.
Things to worry about:
drought
not noticing diseases or nutrient problems because you're not there
weeds

Thanks for the advice Stinky. I've seen a lot of people talking about polymer crystals on this site and it sounds like a good idea. do you happen to know if i can get those at a place like Lowe's and how much $ am i going to spend?

Are you even aboriginal, THAT is the question?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stinkyattic

if you are using tube irrigation outdoors you are going to be messing around with filters.

lol every time I see the thread title I think of Top Gun!

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:beatdeadhorse:
"Headin' into twilight
Spreadin' out her wings tonight
She got you jumpin' off the track
And shovin' into overdrive
Highway to the Danger Zone"

I started humming that damn song once I clicked the thread......

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 4x5

I started humming that damn song once I clicked the thread......

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... And it has been stuck in my head ever since....

OUT DAMN YOU!!!! THERE WILL BE NO CHEEZY 80'S MUSIC TODAY!!!!

I must go dig up my 'Cocktail' soundtrack as antidote. =p