Better Buds with Mr. Bill: Several Weeks Into Flower, What Should I Do?

Mr. Bill checks in on an outdoor pot plant that is several weeks into the flowering phase

Mr. Bill is ready to assist you by drawing upon over twenty-eight years of active grow shop experience - including answering growers' questions about the hydroponic industry. Before Mr. Bill opened his first store he worked in the agricultural industry for five years, growing tobacco.

Dear Mr. Bill,

How do you think my plant looks? Is there anything you can see that I need to do to it? I think it's been flowing for about three weeks. And can I use Epsom salts in my water?

Boo Maple

Dear Boo,

Nice little plant you have there! It does appear, though, that you have some water and/or sun damage on the foliage. You can prevent that by gently shaking the water off of your plants after a rain storm. Also, be sure to water/feed only the roots of the plant, because sometimes the excess liquid can splash onto the foliage and flowers, leading to light burns or even mold or mildew.

Regarding nutrients, you should be using a balanced N-P-K formula, typically sold as a two-part system. The nitrogen makes them grow (vegetate) and stay healthy and green, while the phosphorous and potassium aids in flower production. A good product line is from the Biobizz label, which also sells micro-nutrient products that can be added along with the traditional veg/bloom formulas. Easy-to-follow dosing instructions are usually included on each bottle and should be followed carefully, as different brands can provide varying levels of each element.

A wide range of nutrient supplements and additives are available in grow shops and garden centers. With a little research (click through Soft Secrets archives for some great tips on plant food) organic teas and other products can also be made at home for those on a budget - or growers concerned about controlling all ingredients in their nutrient regimens.

The most basic way to describe the nutrient needs of Cannabis is that they are similar to those of organic tomatoes. Avoid Miracle Gro and any other chemical products, as they contain high levels of radioactivity and will certainly affect the flavor and effect of the strain.

Try to maintain better spacing between the weed and those other nearby plants, as you could get mildew/mold on the side of the weed plant that is near to the surrounding underbrush. Also, as the lower leaves yellow and wither, cut them off with a clean, sharp blade and then gently pinch the stem wound closed, or wash your hands thoroughly and pinch off dead leaves with your thumbnail. This redirects the plant's energy towards the healthy foliage and prevents disease and infestation.

Regarding the Epsom salts, an excellent nutrient supplement for providing plants with magnesium, here is a link to a previous SSUSA article about that very subject.