Check the winners The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
Likes
6
Share
@CalGonJim
Follow
1/12/26 4:18AM MONDAY.....💪💪💪💪👌 1/12 CANNAKAN DAY EDICINAL SLAVERY WOULD MAKE HARVEST A BREEZE!! ABOUT THE LEDS Yes, the **Samsung LM301H EVO diodes** in your Mars Hydro lights (likely an FC-E series like FC-E3000, FC-E4000, or similar) are among the most efficient horticultural LEDs available right now—individual diodes hit **3.14 μmol/J** efficacy, pushing the whole fixture to around **2.85–2.9 μmol/J** PPE (photosynthetic photon efficacy) in manufacturer specs and independent tests. That's top-tier for full-spectrum grow lights, meaning they convert more electrical power into usable plant photons than older diodes or cheaper LEDs. If they "seem more efficient than the PPFD meter says" (your plants thriving at lower wattage/height adjustments), that's actually common and not a contradiction—it's often the **real-world efficiency** shining through once nutes/stress are fixed. Here's why this happens and what your recent wattage drop (a few more watts lower) likely means: ### Why Samsung LM301H EVO Can "Seem" More Efficient Than Raw PPFD Readings Suggest - **High PPE + Uniform Distribution**: These diodes excel at producing photons in the PAR range (400–700nm) with minimal waste (heat/loss). Mars Hydro FC-EVOs achieve strong average PPFD (e.g., 750–1000+ μmol/m²/s in tests at recommended heights/power) with even spread—no hot spots wasting energy. When your nutes were suboptimal (Advanced Nutrients issues), plants couldn't fully use the light (wasted photons → stress, stretch, lower efficiency). Now dialed in (GH powder + aminos + mycos), they convert more of that PPFD into growth—making the light "feel" stronger/more efficient even if meter numbers stay the same or drop slightly. - **Meter Limitations & Calibration**: - Handheld PAR meters (especially cheap/older ones) can under-read full-spectrum LEDs like LM301H EVO (strong white + red enhancement). They often have poor spectral response to the exact mix, reading 10–30% low compared to pro tools (Apogee SQ-500) or calibrated apps. - If you're using an app like Photone (mentioned in your diary), it's generally more accurate for Samsung full-spectrum lights (especially on iPhone; Android varies but often close with diffuser/paper). Many growers report Photone matching or exceeding cheap handhelds on LM301H setups—sometimes showing higher effective PPFD than a basic meter implies. - Bottom line: Your plants are the ultimate meter. Thriving (miraculous growth, no burn/stress) at lower wattage means the effective usable PPFD is higher than a potentially under-reading meter suggests—efficiency win. ### Your Wattage Drop & What It Means Lowering by a few more watts (on top of the earlier ~10% drop) is smart and aligns with the efficiency gains: - Dimming on Mars Hydro FC series is **very linear**—tests show PPFD percentage tracks close to (or slightly above) the dimmer % because diodes run more efficiently at lower currents (less heat/loss). - Example: Dropping from 100% to 90% might only reduce PPFD by ~8–10%, not full 10%, due to that efficiency curve. - Your plants handling it (still "miraculously better") without stretch or pale leaves confirms the sweet spot: likely 450–650 μmol/m²/s veg/late veg range now, with room to push if pistils emerge. - Solar bonus: Every watt saved = less battery drain on cloudy days, cooler tent (less fan/AC draw), and more headroom for extra plants without spiking consumption. **Practical next steps**: - Recheck PPFD (if using Photone/handheld): Average multiple canopy spots at current height/power—aim 450–600 for late veg autos, 600–800 early flower. - Watch response: If nodes stay tight/dark green/no cupping, you can drop another 5% or lower height slightly for denser canopy. - Log kWh if your inverter shows it—track the drop to celebrate the savings. - If meter still "under-says" vs. plant performance, trust the plants more—Samsung EVOs are proven beasts when the rest of the grow is dialed. This is textbook optimization: nute fix → better photon use → lower power for same/better results → solar efficiency skyrockets. You're building a truly lean system. How low are you at now (e.g., 70–75W total?)? Any pistils or new growth explosions today? Keep the momentum—it's paying off big. 🥊🍌👨‍🔬🚨🌞💪💪💪💪💪 1/15/26 12:36AM L-Phenylalanine: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-Phenylalanine#section=Crystal-Structures That’s your Mars Hydro bar-style LED grow light setup in a compact grow tent (looks like a 2x2 or similar Spider Farmer tent branding on the mylar walls), running super efficiently right now! Breaking down what I see from the photos: • The light is a multi-bar LED fixture (probably from Mars Hydro’s FC series, like FC3000, FC4000, or a smaller EVO variant) with Samsung LM301H (or similar LM301B/H EVO) diodes—these are high-end, efficient chips known for uniform distribution, low heat, and great full-spectrum output (warm white + red/IR boosts for veg/flower). • It’s hung at 19 inches (measured from the light bars to the canopy or sensor plane, with that white dotted line marker). The tent shows a hygrometer/thermometer combo reading 76°F / 53% RH (nice stable veg conditions—cooler side helps prevent stretch). • Your PAR meter app is showing 327 μmol/m²/s PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) at that spot/height—solid reading for where you’re at. • Plants look like young cannabis in veg stage: multiple small pots (fabric or repurposed buckets like Krøger cottage cheese tubs—classic budget move!), healthy green canopy with some colorful accents (maybe early purpling or strain traits), topped or in early training, sitting in coco coir or similar media. • Power draw: ~50W current (from the energy usage screenshot), averaging super low over time (0.48–0.76 kWh daily average). That’s impressively efficient—likely dimmed way down or a lower-wattage model (e.g., 150–300W rated, but running at partial power). Total consumption over 30 days at ~14.5 kWh is pennies on the electric bill. This aligns perfectly with your earlier plan to target ~500 PPFD but getting great results at lower wattage/intensity. Right now at 19” and 327 PPFD: • That’s in the sweet spot for early-mid vegetative stage cannabis (typical recs: 300–600 μmol/m²/s for veg, starting lower ~300–400 for young plants to avoid stress, ramping up as they bush out). • Bar-style lights like this excel at even spread (no hot center like older quantum boards), so your canopy is getting consistent light without bleaching or stretch in spots. • Low power (49.6W) means minimal heat buildup—fans and passive cooling handle it easily, keeping temps/RH dialed (76°F/53% is golden for veg; prevents mold and encourages compact growth). Why it feels “great results at lower than recommended”: • Samsung diodes are top-tier efficient (often 2.8–3.1 μmol/J), so you hit usable PPFD without cranking full power. • Many Mars Hydro FC models recommend 18–24” for veg at 50–75% dim (your 19” fits right in). • Your plants are responding well—lush, no obvious deficiencies/stress, and you’re feeling physically ready to top/fill pots after the delay. To push toward your 500 PPFD goal without overdoing it: • Lower the light a few inches (try 16–18”) incrementally—PPFD scales roughly with the inverse square law, so dropping height boosts intensity noticeably (could jump 20–50% depending on spread). • Or bump dimmer % if it’s not maxed (your 50W draw suggests plenty of headroom). • Retest PPFD at multiple canopy spots for average (center often higher, edges lower in bars). • Watch for tacoing/upward leaf curl (too much light) or stretch (too little). This setup is dialed for low-energy, healthy veg growth—perfect for your “lower wattage wins” approach. Plants are happy, tent’s stable, and you’re crushing it efficiency-wise. If you drop the height or dim up, snap another meter reading/pic—I can help fine-tune further. How old are these ladies (weeks from seed/clone)? Any specific strain notes, or planning to flip to flower soon? Keep the momentum—today’s a win! 🌱💪😂
Likes
13
Share
@Aedaone
Follow
The temperatures, humidity, and watering volume(if measured) in grow conditions are all averaged for the week. The pH is soil pH. Any watering done by me is well water which is 7.6 pH and 50° F. Listed nutrients are ml/gallon of well water. Day 1 we had high temperature of 81°F skies were cloudy to partly cloudy. We had some intermittent heavy rain so everyone was watered by nature today. Day 2 we had high temperature of 85 with sunny skies. I watered .5-1 gallon of water from the hose. Day 3 we had high temperature of 87°F with partly cloudy to cloudy skies. I watered .5-.75 gallons from the hose. Day 6 we had a high temperature of 73°F and all day rain. The rain was what remained of hurricane Beryl. There was a lot of wind up to 20 miles per hour. I brought this one inside. She was just too far into flower to expose to all day rain and wind. Day 7 we had clear sunny skies and a high temperature of 85°F. I watered .7-1.25 gallons from the water hose. This week was a success we had a little powdery mildew but it's very minimal and on the bottom leaves. This girl is finishing fine and I'm waiting on her last swell and day now.
Processing
Likes
66
Share
@Fergie
Follow
So it has been an eventful week noticed some fungus gnats begin week so has been all out war against them . Foilier spray with been oil also added 1tsp to there feeding on Tue and continued with folier spray every 48hrs thankfully I think I have manage to get on top of them but my girls took a beating . On wards and upwards first girl is in full flower mode 😀second is slagging behind a little but has got awesome bud sights form all over had to bend back main cola as was getting far to close to light but that has total benifit all other but sights now and is looking healthy as 😀
Likes
26
Share
Notfallprotokolle treten in Kraft. Grund? Gelato 41fast UNKONTROLLIERTE GEWALT. Obwohl ich sie einige male sehr zärtlich dazu überredet habe (ok, es knackte einige male) in andere wuchs richtung zu wachsen, nimmt sie ¾ des grow room an platz ein. Und, das ist keine Beschwerde. Sieht von oben fast aus wie ein sea of green (zufall). Und überall, diese watte Bällchen. Ich bin entzückt! Update. Es wird wasser mit Wasser gegossen, welches ich aus einiger Entfernung per Hand aus einem wasserlauf hole.. 😛 Die Phylaxien der Gelato 41 fast sind anders. Heftig. Sind superdick lang und schnell wieder braun. Bud Körper bilden sich und sind hart. Und das überall. Ok tiefer gleich kleiner. Am 001.009.021 wird sie 71 tage alt. 35 in Blüte. And, what the phylaxien! I mean they re unnormal. Never seen phylaxien growing so massive (i mean pls look at one phylaxie., i think theyre big,) and then as FAST they go brown. Boah difficult to explain. I checked the soil. Wet enough. Looking my Gelato 41 FAST. She is everywhere healthy. I read this is a monster genetic But to see, how it grows! This strain is (so far) different from all the others i made with before. First its a photo. (accidently because I'm a idiot) Than 2 weeks untrained growing. Than not vey lovefull i showed her her new grow direction. And the smell. Of Gelato 41 fast is.. The smell of Gelato, 41 fast. Heavy smell on your fingers from everywhere. Steam, sheet,,, buds are becoming sticky. I mean i smell vanilla schololade. My Next noise means she smells like an gelateria. And YES! SHE IS! FAST! GREAT! WORK(till now).👍🏻 👊 I tried to make some defoliation... You wont see on the photos. Just 3 leaves and 8 little buds somewhere i found. O8. Oo9. I cut off 2 side branches. I knewed it before that they will take only energy from the GELATO 41 FAST. But holy mother earth, she got enough of this.POWER! And its me a little ankward, because im the only one till now, who got an growdiary of this FABULOS HEAVY SWEET SMELLING STRAIN! And., the BREEDER SEEDSTOCKER, himself is watching this GROWDIARIE!!! And holy mother earth... Im so a noob. First I thought it was business, advertising. The contact, i mean. Than, after i joined the original website of SEEDSTOCKERS, and i read what i really bought! THE PENNY FALLS.. Its the FLAGSHIP.! ( . So im the advertising? Oh je oh je. I do my best, but remember, please, (and because of some little mistakes i did) . . . OK OK ok ok, big mistakes! It is not the yield another grower can go for it, what i expect i will harvest. But HiGHEST Quality! This is what i expect. And dont get me wrong, I build an joint of some fast dried micro buds. Brought to a friend. After the third time Jonny goes out(because after one or two breathes he forgotten jolly Rogers). He Realized it. "Hey i hold the joint now all the time (15 min). Why don't you say a word?" "I knewed it. But i just smiled. Looking about how long it takes till you notice it!" He thought a few seconds "Longer"… Both began to laugh. So the quality i try will be heaven! DID YOU REMEMBER THE SEED WHEN I FELL IN LOVE? SMARAGDGREEN. 10.09 Everday you can see the buds go with more flesh. And sticky as nothing i had before. Smelly? Yes. It is! It seems that i had an Sativa dominant phenotype Like the leaves form. (and from some fresh harvested i smoked, with 75 % milky trychomes, and the rest clear... 😛 Heavy uplifting, motivated you start to do something! As you start to moving you discover that you re really stoned). And my 0.36 m² tent is from the GELATO 41 FASTer as i never seen any Cannabis so quick blooming, sticky everywhere. ABNORMAL! in a great way. And i think, soo small arent they. Or?
Likes
Comments
Share
Siccome ho usato i feeding greenhouse su questa auto a quanto pare troppo concentrati per le autofiorenti ,ho sfiorato una over Fert quindi adesso sto facendo un flush per vedere se riesco a migliorare la situazione dei sali in eccesso
Likes
14
Share
Vegetationswoche 6 Tag 50: Heute wurden unten die ersten Triebe rausgenommen , welche es nicht über die Lichtgrenze kommen und insgesamt eine etwas größere Entlaubung, um noch mal schön Licht an die kleineren Triebe zu lassen. Dann noch je 2l ph 6.1 Wasser in die Bewässerungsbasen pro Pflanze. Tag 51: heute in Vorbereitung auf einen Kurzurlaub je 3l Wasser mit ph 6.2 ins Reservoir 😊 Tag 52: Urlaub Tag 53: Urlaub Tag 54 Rückkehr vom Urlaub,Ladys extrem gewachsen(65cm) Alle 3l Wasser mit ph 6.3 und 0,5ml/l Calmag gegossen und Wechsel in die Blüte 😊 Ende der Vegetation
Likes
52
Share
At the end of Week 1 of Flower and this is how things are looking for the King's Juice , not much to update on really, I have uploaded a video for a better look at the ladies 👍🏾🌱💚 HAPPY GROWING GUYS
Likes
4
Share
@Kinghaze
Follow
Week 2 of flower Bud structure is good visible now. I increased the ec to 1.6 just to give them a boost, i will lower it a little next time. In a few days when they stop stretching i will do a big defoliation. I have a little issue with trips, i see the marks on the leave but not a big investation YET. I will spray them down with canna cure.
Likes
14
Share
Likes
19
Share
the girls are now in my backyard, they are in a 1.5 x 1.2m terrace completely amended by @elcaudilloorganicproducts Pheno B Is still veg
Likes
7
Share
F1 Did some topping this last week. In a couple of days will turn them to flowering, would like to keep it between 3-4 weeks of veg at most with the Autopits or they grow way too big. Next week will be putting more nutes on the reservoir, by now that are drinking quite slowly but already using the Autopots
Likes
76
Share
@Natrona
Follow
First attempt LST tie down stems on Gelato 41. I decided to try lst on Gelato 41 since she charged out of the gate full force and was taller than the other sprouts. From the side view, the node structure is very close. I thought since she was shooting up so quickly, there would be more space between them. Week4 I was using thin wire pins for the last. I had to switch to 1/2 garden pins to hold down the stems. As you can see she is very short and bushy. The tight node Structive is indicative of indica dominance. Lots of leaves. Looks like an afro hair do. Pic 5/24, 5/27, 6/2. Put mirrors under the canopy to add more light 6/5. Start week 5 water feed. Check pins as her stems are strong and push the pins up. 6/7 water & feed 6/9 water & feed 6/11 water & feed 6/13 water & feed light deformation 6/16 1 gal flush Gelato 41 She's the last gal in the tent to start flower. Nothing yet. 6/25 pics 6/26 took her out of the tent today and put her outside. She is one of my Afro girls. I See flowers today. 2 months after the seed popped the soil. I thought she was an auto but maybe fast photo. I will say that she is very bushy. Because of the LST, she has an even canopy with at least 20 or more tops. 7/9 pics. She has acclimated to outside very well. It's hot and humid and we have had lots of rain. Her colas have shot up in bud formation. This plant has thin leaves.much different from most other strains I've grown 7/12 more pics showing LST tie down and bud development 7/22 more pics 7/30 outside girls.
Likes
15
Share
Can't wait for this one to be harvested back to the future 2 auto by tastebudz yeah more to come enjoy please follow any help and advice is always greatly appreciated she be going greenhouse direct to a 25l pot after germination 4 more seeds due for delivery Mimosa auto jack herera auto sweet coffee Ryder and mac1 fem 😛
Likes
49
Share
Lookin' like a chef (Chef) Oregano in my right, 30 on my left (Yeah)♪♪ Feeding 💧 Always foilage with T-rex Shield, MegaKelp+Recharge 25/5 Water 8L+Si 2ml+BioGrow 8ml+TrexGrow 8ml+Calmag 4ml+Whiteroot 4ml ppm530 ph6 27/5 Flush ph6.3 ppm27 29/5 Water 8.5L+BioGrow 8ml+ TrexGrow 8ml+ Calmag 8ml+Si 8ml ppm600 ph6.05
Likes
49
Share
Hey guys :-) . This week I will use LST again, and everything radically shorten 🙈. Not because I want to, but because I still have to save some time and height because there is still no space in the bloom chamber for 35 days 😂. It grows great so far, and as with the last grows it is beautiful with it 😍👍. I wish everyone a nice week 🍀🌱. Type: Sour Diesel ( Zamnesia ) ☝️🏼 Genetics: Diesel x Northern Lights 👍 Vega lamp: 2 x Todogrow Led Quantum Board 100 W 💡 Flower Lamp : 2 x Todogrow Led Cxb 3590 COB 3500 K 220 W 💡💡☝️🏼 Earth: Canna Terra Professional + ☝️🏼 Fertilizer: Canna Terra Vega , Canna Terra Flores , Rizotonic , Cannazym , CANNA Boost , Pk 13 / 14 , Canna Cal / Mag , Canna Ph - Grow , Canna Ph - Flores ☝️🏼🌱 Water: Osmosis water mixed with normal water (24 hours stale that the chlorine evaporates) to 0.2 EC. Add Cal / Mag to 0.4 Ec Ph with Organic Ph - to 6.0 💦💧