GrowDiary Finale: The Epic Chapter 8 โ The Final Countdown Before Harvest ๐๐ฟ
Welcome to the final official update of this run before the big C-Day! ๐๏ธ
Here we standโafter weeks of measuring, regulating, training, and hopingโat the absolute peak of this grow featuring High Society and Zupernova (Compound Genetics). While a carpet of aroma lies over the tent that could practically deserve its own zip code, we look back on a journey full of precision, tech upgrades, and plant magic. โจ๐ฑ
1. Setup & Tech: The Unsung Heroes
A great grow is no accident; it is the synergy of sharp observation and well-tuned technology: ๐ ๏ธ๐ฌ
Strains in the Tent (High Society & Zupernova):
Both Compound Genetics strains are displaying their top-tier lineage in this late-game phase: ๐
High Society: Impresses with dense, heavily trichome-frosted nugs and a complex gassy/bakery terpene profile. โฝ๐ฐ
Zupernova: Steals the show with striking purple fades and a sharp, sweet-and-sour terpene punch. ๐๐
Personal Highlight โ High Societyโs Redemption:
In my previous run, I really struggled with High Society. She couldn't handle the heavy feeding schedule that Zupernova tolerated so easilyโtwo plants didn't survive, and I ended up scrapping the harvest. This time around, I fine-tuned the nutrients, and the transformation is mind-blowing! While Zupernova delivered her signature top-tier performance once again, High Society finally showed her true elite potential with unreal trichome coverage and incredible terps. ๐คฉ๐
Climate Upgrades & VPD Control (GGS Controller & AC-10):
We refined our environmental setup even further by adding a GGS controller to the loop. Working alongside the Spider Farmer AC-10 controller, we kept absolute command over airflow, circulation, and VPD. During this final stretch (Week 8), RH was strictly pushed below 40โ45%. This doesn't just protect against dreaded bud rot (Botrytis); it also signals to the plants: "It's getting dry, pour out more resin for protection!" ๐ฌ๏ธ๐ง
Canopy & Height Differential (115 cm vs. 150 cm ):
The main colas reached up to 150 cm, while the middle canopy settled at 115 cm. Due to light intensity drop-off (Inverse-Square Law), the upper buds ripen about 5 to 7 days faster under direct photon exposure (higher PPFD). While the tops at 150 cm are already showing a beautiful amber touch, the 115 cm layer is right in the sweet spot of roughly 70% milky and 30% clear. ๐๐ก
1. Soil & Nutrient Strategy (Hesi & Biobizz):
Phasing out the feeding schedule in Week 7 and running pure water (flush) in Week 8 paid off completely. The foliage has faded into a spectacular array of autumn yellow, deep purple, and lime greenโthe plant is depleting its final reserves, ensuring an extremely smooth and flavor-rich vape/smoke. ๐๐
2. Trichome Check: The Microscope View
A look through the macro lens confirms: We are at the sweet spot! ๐ฌโ
* Gland Structure: The glandular trichomes are fully turgid. The heads are massive, packed with terpenes and cannabinoids. ๐ง๐ฟ
* Color Spectrum: On the headbuds, we see the magic ratio of roughly 80% milky to 15% amberโexactly the mix that yields a powerful, multi-layered high without instantly locking you to the couch. ๐๏ธ
3. The Roadmap to Harvest Day
The switch will be flipped this coming weekend. Until then, we stick to the protocol: ๐๏ธ๐ฟ
Drying out the substrate: The pots will receive no more water starting mid-week. Slightly dry soil speeds up the drying process after cutting and prevents stagnant humidity in the tent. ๐ง๐ซ
* Final Dark Phase ( 24โ48h): Lights go completely off before chopping to promote the breakdown of residual starches and protect terpenes from light degradation. ๐ก๐
Drying Room Setup: Target climate for the drying area is set to 18 ยฐC and 55โ60% RH with constant, indirect airflow. ๐ฌ๏ธ๐ก๏ธ
Conclusion & Outlook
This run has been a masterclass in plant training, environmental control, and patience. A huge thank you to the community for following along, commenting, and riding this wave! ๐๐
Next stop: Harvest, Dry Trimming, and Curing! โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐ฟ