Dozjia tips, tricks and grower hacks #2 - How to keep out most bugs and infections indoors
Dozjia tips, tricks and grower hacks #2 - How to keep out most bugs and infections indoors
Cannabis plant outside with a daddy long leg protecting it
A quick story
I was consulting A friend and newer grower who had dedicated an entire room for a grow cycle. One sunny weekend, I went over to check on things and hangout. As normal, I used the back door to enter the spot, tripping over their cat as it raced me to the back door through the tall grass to get in. My friend and the room mate we're super happy that harvest was only 2 weeks away and he said the ladies looked great! The lights had turned on right before I got there, so we went right into the grow space to see if it was time to start flushing the plants before harvest. At first glance somewhat blind from the bright orange lights, everything looked awesome! Giant plants with huge flowers and the smell was fantastic. Even the cat jumped up on the table to get a closer look and went into the plant jungle. I moved in closer and that's when I saw them. Spider mites were all over the plants spinning webs on what seemed like every single flower. With no predators, the spider mites had free range and were everywhere!
...and that's when I saw them.
How could this infestation happen?
This was the worst case of spider mites I had ever seen! It took a little while to take it all in, especially my buddy. They wanted to use pesticides but I told them that it was way to late in the flower cycle. (besides, I don't like to use pesticides at all anyways) I gently explained to them that the crop was essentially ruined. I don't know if you have ever had cannabis with spider webs and spider mites all over them, but I wasn't about to try it. After asking a few questions about the cat, if it went outside and did it come into the grow space, (just as it did so freely when we walked in) It was easy to see that the cat was bringing in all the BUGS from outside directly to the plants inside. (I also found thrips on the lower parts of the plants)
Tips tricks and grower hacks
Once you get an infestation or see one with your own eyes, it's easy to understand why this is important. Without using harsh chemicals and techniques, Spidermites, Thrips, Root Aphids WHATEVER, are almost impossible to get rid of. So if you want to let your pets into your grow space and bring in all kinds of bugs, go right ahead. If your grow space does get infected, the best thing I recommend to do is to bleach the entire grow space and start over from seeds. But not only do I not allow pets into the grow space. If I am in some other garden, working outside in the brush or anything else like that, I take a shower and wash my hair, change my clothes and wear different shoes before going anywhere near or into my grow space.
Cleanliness and starting from seed
My grower mentor first taught me long ago that cleanliness in your grow space is very important. A clean space with brand new or bleached gear if it's been reused. Keep inventory of what goes into the grow space and make notes on your calendar. The hood glass gets cleaned,bulbs replaced, the walls and everything else gets wiped down and disinfected. Now Starting from seeds in a clean space and you're miles ahead. You know what has been brought into the grow space and can manage it from there. This simple formula has proven over and over that as long as I did my job and practiced good habits, the results would be outstanding.
Don't make the same mistake I did
Powdery mildew is terrible and once it gets into your grow space, it spreads and spreads like crazy. How did I allow it to get in? I discovered that the culprit was a tiny little infected clone that appeared to be clean and healthy. Which brings me to another BONUS tip! Only bring in clones from highly reputable growers (you personally know is the best), who take care of their plants like a child. Otherwise my suggestion is to start from seeds. (once you have a clean slate) Yeah, it might take a little longer from seeds, but that's better than getting half way finished only find out you have to kill your crop and start all over. I have found throughout the years that starting from seed along with being a clean freak has given me great results and infection free happy plants. ☺
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