Noob wanting to go organic

[Herb Man]

View attachment 3180725

Peace!
P-

How long did you veg those babies.

 

[Pattahabi]

How long did you veg those babies.

Hi Herb, I'd have to dig up the dates, but somewhere around 12 weeks. I generally take cuttings a week or two before plants go into flower. If they are from seed I try to give them an extra week or two.

 

[Herb Man]

Hi Herb, I'd have to dig up the dates, but somewhere around 12 weeks. I generally take cuttings a week or two before plants go into flower. If they are from seed I try to give them an extra week or two.

I should be more patient, lol.

 

[Pattahabi]

I should be more patient, lol.

It's all about plant count in CO. I like to grow em big!

Honestly, I find the payoff for a little longer veg time is well worth the wait. I understand if you don't have the veg space, you have to do what you have to do.

P-

 

[earthling420]

Would any compost work? Home depot has a brand called eco scraps, they have 2 types. One said on the bag not for potted plants. Could I stilluse either to top dress?

 

[Pattahabi]

Would any compost work? Home depot has a brand called eco scraps, they have 2 types. One said on the bag not for potted plants. Could I stilluse either to top dress?

No, any compost will not work. You want the best possible compost/humus source available. I don't have any experience with that brand so I can't comment, but I would look other places. I might be able to help if you have a hard time finding something. It can be challenging at first, but imo it's worth the extra time and effort to get a high quality humus source.

Transformation of organic matter into humus
The process of "humification" can occur naturally in soil, or in the production of compost. The importance of chemically stable humus is thought by some to be the fertility it provides to soils in both a physical and chemical sense,[7][8][9] though some agricultural experts put a greater focus on other features of it, such as its ability to suppress disease.[10] It helps the soil retain moisture[11] by increasing microporosity,[12] and encourages the formation of good soil structure.[13][14] The incorporation of oxygen into large organic molecular assemblages generates many active, negatively charged sites that bind to positively charged ions (cations) of plant nutrients, making them more available to the plant by way of ion exchange.[15] Humus allows soil organisms to feed and reproduce, and is often described as the "life-force" of the soil.[16][17]

It is difficult to define humus precisely; it is a highly complex substance, which is still not fully understood. Humus should be differentiated from decomposing organic matter. The latter is rough-looking material[8][9] and remains of the original plant are still visible. Fully humified organic matter, on the other hand, has a uniform dark, spongy, jelly-like appearance, and is amorphous. It may remain like this for millennia or more.[18] It has no determinate shape, structure or character. However, humified organic matter, when examined under the microscope may reveal tiny plant, animal or microbial remains that have been mechanically, but not chemically, degraded.[19] This suggests a fuzzy boundary between humus and organic matter. In most literature, humus is considered an integral part of soil organic matter.[20]

Plant remains (including those that passed through an animal gut and were excreted as feces) contain organic compounds: sugars, starches, proteins, carbohydrates, lignins, waxes, resins, and organic acids. The process of organic matter decay in the soil begins with the decomposition of sugars and starches from carbohydrates, which break down easily as detritivores initially invade the dead plant organs, while the remaining cellulose and lignin break down more slowly.[21] Simple proteins, organic acids, starches and sugars break down rapidly, while crude proteins, fats, waxes and resins remain relatively unchanged for longer periods of time. Lignin, which is quickly transformed by white-rot fungi,[22] is one of the main precursors of humus,[23] together with by-products of microbial[24] and animal[25] activity. The end-product of this process, the humus, is thus a mixture of compounds and complex life chemicals of plant, animal, or microbial origin that has many functions and benefits in the soil. Earthworm humus (vermicompost) is considered by some to be the best organic manure there is.[26]

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Gotta run, more later...
P-

 

[earthling420]

No, any compost will not work. You want the best possible compost/humus source available. I don't have any experience with that brand so I can't comment, but I would look other places. I might be able to help if you have a hard time finding something. It can be challenging at first, but imo it's worth the extra time and effort to get a high quality humus source.



Full Text

Gotta run, more later...
P-

damn haha i had a feeling.
I didn't know humus would work as well thanks
damn, lots of good info in that! Thanks P!

 

[SpaaaceCowboy]

So ive read avout enzymes with the sprouts and coconut water. My question is what coconut water will work? and which is the most beneficial of th two? How often do I use them?

Also, Im not making my own soil yet, but if I was to use AN organic, would ph regulation be necessary? Thanks for all the help

Greetings Earthling.....

I hope you have a wonderful organic journey !

SpaaaceCowboy