GrowDiary Finale: The Epic Chapter 8 – The Final Countdown Before Harvest 🚀🌿
Welcome to the final official update of this run before the big C-Day! 🗓️
Here we stand—after weeks of measuring, regulating, training, and hoping—at 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. ✨🌱
1. Setup & Tech: The Unsung Heroes
A great grow is no accident; it is the synergy of sharp observation and well-tuned technology: 🛠️🔬
Strains in the Tent (High Society & Zupernova):
Both Compound Genetics strains are displaying their top-tier lineage in this late-game phase: 🏆
High Society: Impresses with dense, heavily trichome-frosted nugs and a complex gassy/bakery terpene profile. ⛽🍰
Zupernova: Steals the show with striking purple fades and a sharp, sweet-and-sour terpene punch. 💜🍋
Personal Highlight – High Society’s Redemption:
In my previous run, I really struggled with High Society. She couldn't handle the heavy feeding schedule that Zupernova tolerated so easily—two 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. 🤩🌟
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 40–45%. 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!" 🌬️💧
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. 📏💡
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 green—the plant is depleting its final reserves, ensuring an extremely smooth and flavor-rich vape/smoke. 🍂🌈
2. Trichome Check: The Microscope View
A look through the macro lens confirms: We are at the sweet spot! 🔬✅
* Gland Structure: The glandular trichomes are fully turgid. The heads are massive, packed with terpenes and cannabinoids. 💧🌿
* Color Spectrum: On the headbuds, we see the magic ratio of roughly 80% milky to 15% amber—exactly the mix that yields a powerful, multi-layered high without instantly locking you to the couch. 🛋️
3. The Roadmap to Harvest Day
The switch will be flipped this coming weekend. Until then, we stick to the protocol: 🗓️🌿
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. 💧🚫
* Final Dark Phase ( 24–48h): Lights go completely off before chopping to promote the breakdown of residual starches and protect terpenes from light degradation. 💡🌑
Drying Room Setup: Target climate for the drying area is set to 18 °C and 55–60% RH with constant, indirect airflow. 🌬️🌡️
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! 👏🌊
Next stop: Harvest, Dry Trimming, and Curing! ✂️❄️🌿