nugs

When starting a private grow-op or any grow-op for that matter, most growers miss one very BIG important make you or break you issue: cleanliness. For some odd reason, this is the one thing that rarely crosses a grower's mind. But, if/ when it does it is, more often then not the side effect of some spillage or a minor catastrophe. Unfortunately, by this point your work has multiplied and become a much bigger issue. Imagine for a moment all those little places you ignore or just blatantly choose not to clean because it is to far out of reach or you have to move a few plants to get to it. Or even worse you see it, you know it's there and yet you stubbornly feel it will not affect the garden one bit, so you don't make any effort. Well, I have some news for you folks out in "I don't need to clean my grow, it cleans itself" world. This is a situation that leads to outdoor type of growing. So, what are we doing here, indoor or outdoor? If you choose indoor, pay attention. Bugs, critters, germs, dust, pollen, mildew and loads of other junk is in your grow at all times and it is up to you to keep it at a manageable, non-threatening level. The funny thing about growing indoors; the plants hate being grown like they are outdoors; dead serious. You need to explain why they hate it. So, to make sure your grow-op is happy and responds like an indoor grow-op follow these basic steps. First and foremost have a plan of action every day, week & month for feeding, watering, lights, checking for issues and more. Next execute those plans. They need to be ones that will make you sweat when done properly. Why? Because staying OCD clean is a full time job. Now I'm sure some of you are saying "Whatever Mr. Skunk" "I have cobwebs and the ground is a little dusty no biggie, and my stuff is fine". Really? Wait a little while and write me again. When you think about it, these things are wanting to destroy your plant and it is your job to make sure that never happens. Another thing to ponder is this, cannabis consumers and growers are not recluse for the most part. So what does that mean? It means you get out of your house enough that you bring these pests back into the garden no matter what. It is inevitable. And they compound and become even worse so that you have the potential to deal with multiple issues like powdery mildew, gnats, and mites.

And it is even worse when someone else brings the So, what steps can you take to protect your grow-op and to help keep a decent grow-op a functioning one? First and foremost remember you're a grower. This means be cautious as to were you go prior to entering your garden. And if you're like me and you have a small grow-op in your home, you will always need to be on alert when leaving and entering your grow room. When you near other plants that might carry an invasive bug, move away fast.  Plus be very strict as to whom you let into your grow-op. You're not the only socialite in town. Remember this. Like with humans and sex, we can carry diseases and pests to our plant,, unknowingly. And it is even worse when someone else brings the problems in. Here are a few things to keep handy in your arsenal against foliage destruction.

1. Neem Oil- Almost every critter your garden may encounter, hates this stuff. Mix well and use sparingly as it can be pricey.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide-This is only oxygen and water but the way it is combined helps defend against mildews and some pests. It can also be applied after harvest or during harvest with no adverse effects.

3. Sulfur- This is good as a powder sprinkle around the edges of pots for crawling critters. Plants don't mind it either.

4. Two Gallon Sprayer with wand- This type of sprayer does an all around better job. Allows the grower to get in tight places that a normal spray bottle will not.

5. Tabasco Sauce as a Spray- The vinegar and peppers mix really puts a smack down on the bugs. Dilute to a 1/8 ratio. Can also be combined with the other items listed here for a powerful Multicide Spray. I call it Leafwerx™.

6. Scissors- For trimming unwanted, dead or diseased plant matter.

7. Growing Equipment Stored Correctly- Keep all pots, tubes, tubs, amendments, wires, plugs, fans, ducting, scissors, nutrients, soil etc in a neat & tidy location even if it is all spread out in different areas. KEEP IT ORGANIZED & CLEAN!

8. Broom- Keep a broom in your grow-op at all times, you will find that you will be using it more than you think. Do not use a broom from outside your grow-op. Keep a separate one exclusively for your grow-op.

9. Alcohol 70% -  99%- This can be used to clean any and all things not plastic. And for sterilizing equipment. DO NOT PUT ALCOHOL ON OR IN YOUR PLANTS IN ANYWAY!

10. Keep as much "porous" material out and away from the grow-op. Meaning if you combined your grow-op with a bedroom, ditch the clothes hampers and remove as much clothing in general that hangs up. Store clothing in a dresser. These are breeding grounds for pests.

Here's a good list to get you started on your unique check list. Until you have established a good daily habit, print out your checklist and keep it in the grow room to insure you don't miss any important steps.

*Daily Check List*

1. Check plants to see if they need water. If using an auto feed check pumps and tubing and lids for dirt and grime and so on. These systems should be cleaned every harvest or every couple months whether you like it or not. Algae can accumulate and become a nightmare.

2. Make sure pots are clean around the outside. Wipe down with a clean cloth with a safe cleaning, non-toxic solution.

3. Make sure all floors are free of any debris and any spills are cleaned asap. If running on carpet, vacuum every other day.

4. Check any counters and corners for bugs and or spider webs.

5. Check nutrient solution. Fix if needed.

6. Trim any and all dead leaf matter from all plants.

7. Make sure air source is running at optimum capacity. Air movement is very important.

8. Check clones. Clip any dead leaves. Make sure they are watered.

9. Check moisture levels. Below 50% is ideal.

10. Check temps. Usually you want to keep it between 70 and 83 degrees.