nugs

Hello,

This is (D.F) a new writer for “Nugs” and recently I was fortunate enough to be invited into the (Grow Room) of a long time mentor and friend, whom we will call Buddy! He allowed me to bring my camera along to take a few pictures and pick his brain in order to help the readers of (nugs.com) see how other growers out there are making their medicine and hopefully answer a few questions they may have. So why did I decide to interview buddy? Well, I’ve known buddy to be one of the biggest commercial growers in the area and I plan to follow this interview up with content and Q&A from his other grow rooms but for this meeting he is inviting me in to his home to discuss his small hobby grow. An 8 lighter located near the cold but beautiful wharf in Sant Cruz CA.  Enjoy!

D.F. - How long have you been growing?  And how long did it take for you become successful at it?

Bd. - I have been growing for around 41 years now, and have been successful for maybe 37. It took me about 4 yrs. to get a handle on the in’s and out’s of the plant. You know, what it like’s and doesn’t like. Back when I started there wasn’t all this Internet communication to help each other pick up on tips and tricks, and needless to say it was slow going.

D.F. - Any words of advice for a beginning grower?

Bd. - You know im always asked that, and I never know what to say? I guess be patient don’t lose confidence and remember that the plant is at its most fundamental level, “Just a weed”. So the knowledge is harder to find because it doesn’t use the same nutrient levels as grapes or cabbage, a weed use to sustaining life with run off elements and water. Because it’s a weed there isn’t a whole lot knowledge on the subject, but be thankful cause if there was all these botanist and chemist would put us all out of a job. Thankfully it’s an art form born out of love for the plant not a class at a fancy college or a weekend program. To get great at it, you must
Be patient, practical, and hard working. Remember at the end of the day it’s just a weed.

D.F. - So, the million dollars question. outdoors or indoors?

Bd. - Oh that old one, Well they both have their place in the world and the disagreement about which is better will likely continue on for some time to come.  In my opinion the purpose for the crop is important to consider, some are done more for necessity and others more for quality. But overall Ima have to say outdoor, it’s more sustainable for our surroundings but I feel like a two face saying that since I do so much indoors. Damn it don’t ask me that! Next question!

D.F. - Ha. Ha. Ok so lets get into it! Can you tell me a bit about your room?

Bd. - Sure, it’s an eight light room with around 75 plants. Under six 1000watt H.P.S. bulbs and two 1000watt M.H. bulbs. They are attached on a p.v.c. Frame that I made myself and mounted it to a light mover. Underneath, the plants are on a flood and drain table and are in 2 and a half-gallon pots. Also im trying out a new nutrient method called the  “Lucas method” in order to see if I can save my self some time and money on changing the reservoirs. Supposedly its less labor intensive and cost efficient.  And so far it seems to be working out well.

D.F. - I noticed you don’t have any hood reflectors. Why is that?

Bd. - Well glad you asked! I’m trying out a method that doesn’t utilize hoods, in order to get maximum lumen out put from my lights. The theory is that the light reflects off the top of the hood and then is directed down ward toward your canopy and in that process there is at least a 10% loss in lumens, and more lumens means more yield. Surprisingly enough I like it! But not just for that reason. The light dispersion is sporadic and well rounded which allows my plants to grow freely with out dark areas in the canopy, which is real nice.

D.F. - What stain is it? And how many weeks form veg to flower do you do?

Bd.  - Well the strain is my own; it’s a cross between “Widow/ SR1”
I call it “outer limits” mainly cause I like the show. It flowers in about 8 weeks and likes a high pk boost at the end. The veg time is right around 3 weeks with supplemental co2. 

D.F. - And what week of flowering are your plants in?

B.d. - I’m beginning week 7, and had only 2 weeks of veg, for this batch.

D.F. - What medium are you currently using?

Bd. - I use coco with a bit of Sunshine Mix, around 3 parts coco to 2 parts mix. I like the way that coco holds moisture and the way that sunshine mix drains. It’s a good balance for me, I use Rock Wool with my other grows and at this point in my life im getting old and this side grow is just a hobby for me. So I don’t have the time or the strength needed to dedicate to Rock Wool.

D.F. - Earlier you commented on the Lucas method…is there anything else you can tell me, as to why you are using it in your room?

Bd. - It’s a different way of delivering nutrient to my plants, Instead of changing out my water every 7 days I can roll with the same water for weeks. (I do add a few things to the water here and there) I have no doubt that this method is saving me time and money. You should do some research on it and see if it’s a good fit for your grow.

D.F. - What is your favorite strain to grow indoor? 

Bd. - I have to say, I really like growing Blue Dot. The strain has an aromatic uniqueness that is reminiscent of walking through a citrus field. Good head high, decent yield, rare, and it smoke’s greeeaaat to.

D.F. - What nutrient line do you use?

Bd. - I don’t really want to get into that in this interview, cause it’s a long one! I think that what I use will just complicate the beginner. But I will recommend that the beginning grower use something like the GH 3 part VEG-MICRO-&BLOOM. With some Diamond Black and Carbs as well as look into p.k. Boosters. That should help the beginning growers establish a good base. There is just so much stuff out there. Some are cheap, some are costly, and some work well, and others work like shit. Not all recipes are the same, so starts with an easy regiment then move forward from there.

D.F. - How do you defend against pests?

Bd. - Alright, Well… I use a little mixture of my own. A bit of neem oil, a bit of Azamax, and some soap. I spray the canopy to get about 95% coverage on the canopy. And I do this about every 5 days. 

D.F. - Well I know you have a lot to do. So I wont take up more of your time. I want to thank you, on behalf of myself and on behalf of the readers at (nugs.com).

Bd. - Well thanks to you D.F. and to all the other growers out there, I just want to leave you with a quote I heard, before I go. Bare in mind I don’t remember who said it, but it goes like this “There are no secrets to growing, only opportunity’s for good sound hydroponic practices”. Just remember I didn’t say that, I don’t want to look like a plagiarist, I just smoke too much to remember who said it.

D.F.- I hope you enjoyed it! On behalf of the team at (Nugs.com) and (D.F.LABS) we want to thank you for reading. Feel free to send me an email at (DF@nugs.com) regarding any grow questions you may have. And give me some ideas on questions you would want to hear in future interviews. Have a happy and healthy grow.

Cheers!

(D.F.)

Check out Interview With a Grower 2